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Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"

Sgt Vasile Petrescu
Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
Harm: 0.00

I'm not in the greatest mood right now. I had some food vanish. Not the first time, not the last. loving Been probably has some wastrel get his little gathering of pimps, pushers and prostitutes some food. Now, I don't like losing food. I run a tight ship, and this stuff takes a lot of effort to make. But it doesn't piss me off quite as much thinking of that smirking cancerous little spot in my beautiful army shoveling it in his wordhole. I'd rather feed it to the bugs before I'd give it to him. The fact that Jimmy isn't here doesn't make it better. He's not a 'sleeping in' kind. If he'd be attacked by a bug in the camp, there'd be a lot more commotion, so it's not that. But I'm thinking he might be sick. Really bad time and place to catch a fever.

Or he could come in and... what the hell?

I look as Jimmy comes in, doing his best to act like nothing is happening. I give his grin my dryest look. I gotta bite my tongue not to go aggro a bit on him. He's an artistic type. Should probably not have been in the army, though respect to him to stand up and be counted either way.

"Fitzergald. Mind telling me what's going on?" He doesn't look beaten up, so it's not like a bunch of Been's assholes ambushed him. So what the hell is happening?



quote:

Name: Sgt. Petrescu, Maestro D'
Look: Man, neat uniform, weathered face

Stats:
Cool+0
Hard +1
Hot+2
Sharp+1
Weird=-1

Moves:
Everybody eats, even that guy: Everybody eats, even that guy: when you want to know something about someone
important (your call), roll+hot. On a hit, you can ask the MC questions. On a 10+, ask 3.
On a 7-9, ask 1:
• How are they doing? what’s up with them? • What or who do they love best?
• Who do they know, like and/or trust? • When next should I expect to see them?
• How could I get to them, physically or emotionally?
On a miss, ask 1 anyway, but they hear about your interest in them.

Fingers in Every Pie: Fingers in every pie: put out the word that you want a thing—could be a person,
could be somethin somethin, could even be just a thing—and roll+hot. On a 10+, it shows
up in your establishment for you, like magic. On a 7-9, well, your people make an effort
and everybody wants to please you and close is close, right? On a miss, it shows up in
your establishment for you with strings wicked attached.

Establishment:
The Mess Hall


Main Act: Easy Food
Side: Coffee, Art (propaganda posters, old and newly made, pin-ups)
Atmosphere: Restraint, nostalgia, forgetting
Best Regular: Lance Corporal Toyota: Old, tough as nails veteran. She's already ready to regale us some tales from previous wars she's in.
Worst Regular: Private Lits: Look, if he broke rules, he wouldn't be a regular, but that boy almost gets off on trying to explain to people how doomed we are.
Who wants in on it?: Private Rolfball I know he's hoping to be part of this, partly because we work here, and don't do patrols often, and he really likes it here. But he's a good soldier, and while he works hard, I don't need an extra hand as much as the other guys need a gun outthere.
Who do you owe for it? Specialist Gams Look, we work hard in the garden, but growing things on this soil is not something we could do on our own Specialist Camo was with the eggheads. Not much of a fighter, but I'm glad they lived, because what little we've managed to grow is mostly thanks to their assistance. Figure they were supposed to help make this place ready for human habitation after our victory. Well, they might still get their chance.
Who wants it gone? Been. Deserter, profiteering piece of scum. Used to be a captain, but you won't see me salute him. He pretty much runs a tiny business 'helping' people. He has a black market going, and he likes get people into debt. Has people making drugs for him, which he sells, and those who can no longer affords his drug, he has them sell themselves for 'comfort' to others. Tried to convince me to 'work together' I told him I was waiting for command to return, and I'd have a full report for his court martial then.

For security:
Everyone is packing, cast and crew counts as a gang (2 harm, small 0 armor)
Convenient Shotgun: (Close, reload, messy, 3 harm)

Gear:
Model 500 (3-harm ap close reload loud) [handgun, ap ammo, big]
Assault rifle (2-harm close/far loud) [rifle, semiautomatic, hi-powered]
Sturm suit (2-armor)
Oddments worth 4-barter

Crew:
Private Jimmy Fitzergald: Poor Jimmy lost his foot to some monster, but hey, he lives. Poor boy was always pretty soft, not really cut out for a war, but drat, the kid can draw. He's the one that draws most of the art. I mostly focus on putting inspiring and memorizing things on the wall. And sometimes when a soldier asks he'll draw some scantly dressed babe or hunk for someone. He'll do it discreetly and I pretend I don't see it.
Corporal: Maurice Katembo The other cook besides me. Tends to cook a whole lot spicier, and is always trying to try 'fancy new recipes' Flirts with everyone. Can't say I approve, but the situation is what it is, and the rules against fraternizing are pressing, so as long as he keeps the results of it outside of this mess hall.
Private Rachel al'Kurashi: We all do our shifts in the garden, but she's the one who knows most about it, good friends with Private Lits. Pretty quiet. Lost a lot of friends here, and rumours goes it wasn't to the aliens.
Private Derek Michaelson: One of the most dilligent, disciplined soldiers there is. Keeps things clean, does all the poo poo jobs without complaining, makes the least offensive coffee among all of us, and through out it all, keeps his uniform so pristine this old sgt. now and then has a tear coming to his eye. Serious six days a week. Seventh day he has managed to somehow convince me to let him serve the food while dressed in drag, to the amusement of everyone. Look, I know, regulations, but morale needs a booster. I don't know what he sees in it, he's cis, he's straight, but he just loves walking around in high heels getting hooted at by grunts. Still has a mean punch for those getting handsy though.
Private Günther Dean: Big, heavily scarred guy, seen some poo poo, outright refuses to go out in the woods if you put a gun against his head. But does work, knows a little bit about technology to make sure to keep the kitchen and the coffee machine running. Not an engineer, just handy with technology.

Gear
Kitchen Knife (2 harm, hand)
2 barter of odds and ends
Military outfit with apron over it? Might very well count as armor, he's a soldier too after all

HX:
Zee (Quiggy) Hx+1
Willie 'Sideways' Thompson (PoultryGeist) - Hx +1
Lance Corporal Aboah (Error 404) - Hx +3
Reine (Tricky) - Hx+2
Major Roosevelt Profit (Commrade Gorbash) - Hx +2
Lt. Casey 'Casino' Duff (Platonicsolid) +1

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Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"

Sgt Vasile Petrescu
Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 1

I sigh. "Sit your rear end down, private. Lemme get you some coffee." I start making some of the black gold for him. It's black, because hell if I know where I'd get milk and sugar here, and put it in front of him. Gives me time to think.

Thing is, he's not really wrong. Jen's been going pretty much feral, and if she wasn't one of the Major's own, she might have gotten her head blown off for that stunt she pulled with Satrio. But she was one of the people who were fighting the war seriously in this place. And the Shrikes did get results. Keeping one of them flying could be doing more good for the victory than Private Fitzergald, who still could do a lot of work with... well, bit less.

But drat it, this didn't feel right to have a boy just cripple himself like that. And of course, there was a question burning hotter than the coffee. So as Vasile put it down, he looked him in the eyes. "It's your call to do that? Because Shrike or not, I'm not having some undisciplined howling berserker go roughshod over my folks. If it was your choice, well, gently caress it, once we get off this planet I'll be writing requests like like gently caress to get you a new one with all the bells and whistles, to go with your medals, but if soldiers are getting robbed out of their legs, I need to know that."

Gonna read a Person, but not sure if I roll in channel or orokos?

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+1 = (4+4)+1 = 9: hold one. Likely going to see if Fitzergald is lying to me.

Shogeton fucked around with this message at 00:30 on Dec 14, 2017

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"

Sgt Vasile Petrescu
Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 1

"Mutual? What does that mean? Fitzergald, I know you don't want trouble. That's why I'm asking you to be straight with me here. Why did you give her your leg?"

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"

Sgt Vasile Petrescu
Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 1

I give him a long look. Jen and her friends... last night. Sure they'd explained it. It hurt that Fitzergald was keeping quiet about it. But on the other hand. It's one of the Major's people. And she one of the highest ranking people here. I'm trying to keep disciline here, keep us acting like a goddamn military as much as possible, but I'm not blind. Between Been, that cult and general disobedience, the major was drat necessary as one of the forces keeping some military order. Even if she didn't always keep her own in check.

His own feelings about her were... complicated. She was a soldier through and through. She went at the bugs hard and without mercy. She'd be the one standing first in line for the medals if there was any justice, that's for sure. If everyone had her amount of spine, this war would be done. But when it came to things besides killing bugs. (like shooting Been in the head) she was letting things go. And she was a major. One of the highest ranking persons, if not THE highest ranking person on the planet. He couldn't just force it back. But then, it wasn't sure this was done with her permission.

He'd fine out he supposed. For now, best not to make Fitzergald more uncomfortable than needed.

"Alright then. Let' me see what I can do for you. Hey, folks!" I call out, getting the attention of the few people who are around. "I know we're all lacking everything here. But we're all soldiers here, and we gotta help eachother out. So since Fitzergald here seems to be a bit uneven right now, I'd like people to see what people can do for him. The more he can help the Mess Hall Out, the more time we can spend growing and cooking food for the bunch of you. So I'd be really loving pleased if someone could bring me a something decent for our chivalrous private here. A soldier maimed in the line of duty doesn't just hop around like that. I think it'd be a loving disgrace to the lot of us. So... enjoy your coffee, You've earned it. But keep your ear out."

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+2 finger in every pie = (1+1)+2 = 4 Well, at least I got to roll hot, but that means, it shows up, now or later, but strings wicked attached

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"

Sgt Vasile Petrescu
Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

Alright. Let's see if we can talk to the major after lunch. Figure this out. For all I know she's all about making an example of those two for robbing their fellow soldiers. Maybe this'll all get cleared up quickly.

I'm getting in the usual habit of getting lunch ready, when private Roflbal shows up. loving hell. I can't blame the kid. Getting perimeter duty is scary poo poo, and we lose folks to it. And there's nothing abnormal about privates trying to get into cushy duties to avoid dangerous or unpleasant one. Proud, military tradition as old as time. And I'm sure he'd work hard if I took him, but everyone of the folks I got working here brings poo poo to the table someone else couldn't do. And I'm not taking someone away from the perimeter unless I really need him. Fitzergald losing his leg is bad, but he can still draw like hell. We should still be able to manage.

But I'm not gonna just tell him 'never happening' partly because this place is dangerous. Any of us could bite it, and cold as it sounds, then people need replacing. gently caress, I'm pretty sure Corporal Katembo would step in if I go down, but he'd have to get someone else too. But I can't have him get Fitzergald further down then he already is. But I figure I've got some idea. I try to find our green thumbs. "Hey, al'Kurashi. You think you'd have some time to see if Roflbar there has a green thumb? In his spare time of course."

I look to the side and see a welcome face there. "Ah, Lance Corporal Jake. Good to see you in time for lunch." I then recall his weird 'don't eat anything from the planet' order he's got. Wierd, but on the other hand, hopeful. Unless command is just randomly sending highly equipped troops down to starve to death, it means they expect to end this quickly, right? "Well, good company is part of a good lunch too, right?"

Shogeton fucked around with this message at 02:30 on Dec 15, 2017

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"

Sgt Vasile Petrescu
Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

"Could be better, could be better. Because of circumstances, Fitzergald here lost his leg, the prosthetic one, not his other good one, fortunately. Asked some people to keep an eye out for a replacement. Perhaps some poor unlucky sod who doesn't need it anymore. Even a decent fitting peg leg would be an upgrade from having the guy have to hop like that. You find something, you let me know, alright? So how are you. Anything up?"

I know he can't tell me much. But the fact that it's all so secret makes me so very hopeful command is getting ready to do something big. Of course they'd keep it a secret. Opsec and all that.

I look at Fitzergald. "Fitzergald, you sit down for a bit, buddy. Don't you worry. I'll work you harder to make up for it once we get you a new leg." Don't want the guy to think I'm ditching him.

Shogeton fucked around with this message at 03:15 on Dec 15, 2017

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"

Sgt Vasile Petrescu
Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

"You make sure you're attentive on that poo poo, Roflball. That garden is goddamn important. And if you were working in the mess, that hug would earn you toilet cleaning duty for a week!" I say, but I don't put too much brimstone in it. Just a reminder that if he ends up working here, it means I'm gonna ride his rear end harder about being a proper soldier.

I was hoping to talk more to Aboah, but Lt. Casino just entered. Indoors, no hat, so no salute, but she's still an officer, so she gets my immediate attention. "Lieutenant." I say. "What can I help you with?"

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

I stiffen slightly as I get the arm around my shoulder. In usual circumstances, an officer trying to be so friendly can mean trouble, but then, discipline is kind of slipping so...

Oh, no,she's definitely trying to get something done.

"We keep pretty close track of our coffee supply, Lieutenant." I say, casually putting in her title. "Can't say we lost any to find. Can't really trust this soil to properly keep growing it, so we're keeping the vaccuum packed stuff for when we get a poo poo harvest. I can definitely get you a cup of coffee though."

Just going to no-sell that attempt at bribery there. Every soldier is entitled to his cup of Joe as long as we can manage.

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

"As far I'm concerned, we'll save our celebratory drink until we're out of a war zone, lieutenant. This place doesn't offer booze, and it's not gonna start." As she leans in, he scowls. "I know who makes booze in this place, Lieutenant. If he threatens you, you have my gun backing you. But that man and his creatures is as much an enemy to this army as the bugs out there, and I ain't giving them coffee either."

Refusing, I think normally you'd have to declare first whether you're promising xp if I agree or threaten to take a highlight if I refuse, but this was gonna be a refusal anyway.

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

Didn't take me up on it. I guess I can see why. Getting into fighting with Been in earnest would leave a lot of us dead. But leaving him alive is just watching that poison run through my corps. Part of me is hoping he'll just run out of drugs at some point, and his whole, rotten edifice will come tumbling down, and the rest of us can try to build something. Still, he's likely to try to drag the rest of us down with him.

I sigh, when Specialist Reine comes in. There's a sigh for sore eyes. I quietly chide myself for that kind of thinking. She's a good worker, and our fridges wouldn't be working half as good without her. "Specialist. First advice is to eat more, because you don't wanna get sick in this place, but I imagine that's not what you're talking about."

You get that sometimes. When supplies are tight, people that get really self-conscious about using them up. Trying to compensate for others. Commendable spirit, but you end up loving yourself up.

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"



Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

"Right, lunch is getting made, so you just sit tight." He pondered her words. "Oh, the Intelligence fucks' little special project? loving hell, ain't that just Intel, the one time you'd like them to manage to survive and not get killed so they can keep their eh... special asset on a leash, they get themselves killed. Would feel a lot better having some of those around to keep an eye on that one. Be glad to return that one to some handlers. Hm, you ain't wrong. I dind't talk to her myself lately. Don't like her much, but she's not with Been, so she is allowed to eat here, even if she ain't a proper soldier. Might be someone knows something. Gimme a sec."

He went into the kitchen, where Muarice was busy cooking up something. "Hey Maurice, you got something about what Z-78b-X is doing these days?"

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+2 everyone eats even that guy = (2+2)+2 = 6 I get 1 question, but Zee will hear of it. I'll go for How are they Doing? What's up with them?

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

I'd been actually helping with getting everything ready for the lunch when the news enters. "The hell? Some loving lab-project civvie intel brought in thinks she's gonna actually lead soldiers? What the hell are those people thinking!" I put the spoon down. Today really is a loving mess isn't it? Alright, I take off the apron. "Corporal Katembo. Take care of lunch, try to get everyone eating quick, we might need to go establish some goddamn discipline in just a bit. I'm gonna talk to the LT. Specialist, you're with me."

Reason? With Been clearly aiming at my coffee, I'm not planning on stepping out on my own today. Not watching to see if she follows, I make my way to where Lt. Mattu is busy taking reports from all the patrols. I run over there and salute. "Lieutenant Mattu, sir." I say. "We've got reports that Z-78b-X is riling up soldiers for a renegade op towards central command, sir. Permission to take available soldiers and halt this unauthorized attack."

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

"Of course sir. I'm doing this to try to keep 'em safe. Don't want them getting killed following some intel project into the jungle and never coming out again. But I figured they'd have an easier time ignoring one man than a larger unit." I kind of hesitate when he tells me to get Shrikes involved. But this is the LT, and he gave orders. "Sir, yes sir." I salute.

He runs in the direction of the Shrike's camp, beckoning Reine to follow. "At the Mess Hall, people are gonna be ready soon enough. Let's do a quick run by the Shrikes. And you hear the LT, whatever else she is, she's an intel asset. Best to keep her alive to hand over to the suits when all this is over, and let them figure out what to do with theirs mess. Way above a non-com's paygrade that kind of poo poo, Reine."

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

Tsh, typical. Hoity toity shits eh? Hoping their major was gonna hold them on a shorter leash soon. Still, this wasn't the moment to start poo poo about the prosthetic. I shake the sergeant's hand. Whatever feelings I have about the Shrikes, well, that guy's a sergeant, and I like to think sergeant's know what's up.

"A request for assistance. Shouldn't be bloody if things go alright, but Intel's little labrat has convinced a bunch of soldiers to go and try to recapture Central Command. Lieutenant Mattu hopes that if we intercept them with a good amount of firepower, we can convince them to be good boys and girls and return home."


@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+2 finger in every pie = (6+4)+2 = 12 They show up in my establishment, like magic.

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

It's not unreasonable, and good to see he has a respect for the chain of command, but I've got folks that are walking to their deaths here. "That's true. It's a request, not an order. If you think the Major would want you to sit tight,, that's what you should do. But I always figured the Major to be a woman of action. Someone who steps in when what needs doing is obvious. Someone who would appreciate others not wasting time with thumbs up their asses for her to give them permission to take a piss. But you know your CO best."

Heck, that's not a lie, it's why I like the woman so much. But when some soldiers are going AWOL, and we're short on manpower and discipline anyway, this poo poo is serious business, and deserves some quick action.

Huh, where is Reine? Ah well, maybe she's a bit nervous about the Shrikes. Lots of that going on. She's support after all, not really combat line stuff. Shouldn't hold it against her.

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+2 Manipulate sgt Smokes = (6+5)+2 = 13: He goes along with it

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

I smile as I see so many soldiers gathered together. We're still soldiers, we're still units, we still have discipline. Right now, I feel more certain than ever that we're gonna live through this. We're gonna beat this. We're gonna hold for reinforcements and we're gonna reclaim this loving planet and build beach resorts on these bugs' corpses. And first, we're gonna bring those people back. I quickly go inside, grab my shotgun and get out. "Alright people. We're gonna move quick here. Some friends from the Air-Cav got a pretty busy schedule today, so let's make this quick and clean. We're gonna intercept the soldiers that are following Z-78b-X into the jungle, and we're gonna convince them to do a 180 degrees. We're not there to kill folks if it can be avoided. So keep itchy fingers off triggers, alright? Maurice, where were they last? Let's go there, Shrikes, if you could do some air recon, we should be able to find these wayward souls pretty drat quick."

Shogeton fucked around with this message at 03:43 on Jan 9, 2018

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

I curse. They sure hosed the guy up bad. But at least they didn't kill him. "Check to make sure he's not in any danger, after that, we need to move. Shrikes, if you'd continue to recon for us."

Continuing pursuit.

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

"drat, drat, drat. The gently caress is going on. Fanatic, or just a puppet right now. Depends on what the intel freak has been getting up to. Alright, this mission still involves getting as many boys and girls home without getting eaten by bugs. Storming into them while they're getting their new toys is less beneficial for that then getting that one out. Maybe seeing what kind of wall of bugs they're thinking of going in will make them come to their senses. Heck, if we can convince them to take the hardware back to camp, this whole thing will have been a net bonus. For now, No Man Left Behind, or woman, because I only know one person who'd drive around in a piece of poo poo vehicle that's older than me."

I feel my shotgun, probably not gonna be that helpful at this range. "Get defensive positions, open fire on bugs that are trying to encircle her. Let's try to give her a chance to make it out of there. I'm in the habit of feeding soldiers, not bugs. Be careful not to overextend."

I try to use a radio to hail the vehicle. "Attention vehicle, I'm guessing Sideways. This is Sgt. Petrescu. We're providing covering fire. What exactly is your plan here besides playing catch with bugs?"

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+1 Lay Down Fire on bugs = (6+6)+1 = 13
• You provide covering fire, allowing another character to move or act freely.
• You provide supporting fire, giving another PC +1choice to their own battle move.
• You provide suppressing fire, denying another character to move or act freely. (If a PC, they may still act under fire.)

Shogeton fucked around with this message at 00:29 on Jan 11, 2018

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 2

"Hah, well isn't that a sight for sore eyes. I figure somewhere some chem lab workers get to sleep good tonight, knowing their work was not done in vain."" I notice more Shrikes appear, and Sgt. Smokes moves to fall in. As you know, he loving should in this situation. In fact, he's not the only one. I'm a Sgt. who's mostly keeping a mess, she's a Major of one of the most effective battalions we've got. Ain't no question who's in command of this engagement right now. I try to get a radio to her.

"Major Profit, sir. Sgt. Petrescu reporting. I've got a platoon of infantry awaiting orders." I kind of know how she works. Explanations can come later. Right now, there is fighting to be done, and she wants the minimum amount of chatter, and the maximum amount of helping her loving bugs up.

I look at the others, talking off-mic. "Alright folks. We're gonna dance to the Aircav's tune for a bit so we don't get blue on blue outthere. So show those air-boys and girls what kind of shooting you can do when you've got your two feet on the ground."

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+2 Asssit Profit = (3+2)+2 = 7

Shogeton fucked around with this message at 00:59 on Jan 12, 2018

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 3
Hah, that's some good bug hunting that was. And as a bonus, The Intel freak's and her group seems to be heading back towards the base, which is pretty much the direction I was gonna try to get them to. I mean, a bit more with Z-78b-X in custody and a bit less firepower, but what, they're not gonna take over the camp, even with those toys. For now, best to report the sit to the highest ranking officer on the field.

I move towards Major Profit is landing and snap a salute, waiting to see if she's got something to say to me, trying to see what's on her mind right now.



@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+1 reading major profit = (1+3)+1 = 5 What does Major Profit wish Petrescu would do? Also, prepare for the worst. Also +1 xp, already noted here.

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 3

I nods "Sir, yes sir." I simply say. I can give the full report at base, with everyone there. "If someone could head back to Zee's usual digs, there's a soldier her crew beat the snot off that probably can use someone escorting back. If you don't mind I'll have some boys go and get him somewhere safe." If it was not countermanded, I order some people go back to take care of Etsy and follow along. Yep, this could turn out to be a very good day.

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 4

Huh. The hell is that blue stuff? I think of mentioning it to someone, but everyone seems to ignore it. Well, gently caress if I'm going to act like a boot and ask what this is. I don't really wanna draw attention to the fact I haven't exactly been a regular in close combat right now. So I just shut my trap and What the fu...

....

...

I wake up and feel cold mud on my face. I scramble up, feeling the comforting weight of my shotgun. But what is far less comforting is the absence of... anyone else. I quickly reach for my own helmet based radio. "This is Sgt Petrescu, I've woken up in an unknown location. Please respond." Nothing but static. I feel a tinge of fear but ignore it. I'm a soldier. I'm just calmly going through the proper frequencies, and check that no contact can be made.

Alright. I'm in the middle of some moss grown wall, unknown location. What the hell do I do now? I start looking around, looking for tracks, inspecting the weird blue moss, trying not to touch it, and trying not to make any noise. I can't be too far from Firebase Anvil.

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+1 Read a sitch = (4+2)+1 = 7: Where's my best 'escape route'?

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 4

Alright, a draft. At least I might be able to get out of this drat tunnel. What the hell is up with that blue moss. It kinda looks what got to me in the first place. Some kind of drugging. Or is Zee behind this? Is this perhaps how she does mind control? gently caress, none of this makes sense. How the hell did I get removed from all the other soldiers, and if this affected everyone, how are none of them nearby. gently caress it, all of this is clearly above my paygrade. I just gotta focus on returning to base. I start walking in the direction the draft is coming from, letting the lighter guide me. Not really stealthy, but I'm not sure I'll outstealth these bugs, and without it, I might well miss some tunnel out of here and get completely lost. I try to carve in the wall whenever I come to any kind of crossing, just so I can tell which way I've been going.

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6 Act Under Fire = (6+6) = 12

Shogeton fucked around with this message at 00:06 on Jan 20, 2018

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 4

poo poo, poo poo, poo poo. Good news, I'm back at the base. Bad news, there's a goddamn tunnel that goes straight into our garden. Which is double bad, because even fixing that is gonna wreak havoc on our food supply. And who knows whether this is the only exit? But how... who put me here? Without any kind of watch over him, pretty close to the exit? He was unsure of whether this was the action of an enemy, an ally or something else. Kidnap a soldier only to alert him to a massive security breach and let him escape? What the hell was going on? gently caress it, this is above my paygrade. I need to report this. Now.

I run towards the command bunker, where Major Profit was likely going to? If my clock is right, I shouldn't have lost too much time. poo poo, what the hell is going on there?

Arriving near the command bunker if that's possible, though I don't know how you see the timeframes?

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 4

Why the gently caress did the hole world turn upside down while I was gone? Am I having some really loving bad trip or something? One of the Shrikes murders a fellow soldier. Rest of the Old Guard is ready to fall on him, the Shrikes seem ready to defend him, but the Major is in the fire and what the gently caress is going on?

First order of business, prevent these guys from opening fire on each other. Odd as it sound, the fire right next to us might actually be helpful there. "Someone mention food supply?" I call out, a little reminder who's been keeping all of them fed these last months.

"The gently caress is going on? Stop pointing your guns at eachother. Deal with the murder later! There's a fire in our loving command post and everyone's standing around like a bunch of civvies. You're soldiers! Act like it! Get a triage ready, get people out where you can, save equipment, try to reduce the fire by the entrance. Get your loving asses in gear!"

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+2 Manipulate the Old Guard into assisting iwth evacuation = (2+1)+2 = 5

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 4

I'm thinking I got this. I'm thinking it's all going well. And then things suddenly go real fast. Crazy Ivan pulls his gun and tries to shoot at Boya, and the other soldiers follow training and shoot him and the Shrikes follow their training and shoot at them, eveyrthing explodes with fire and ashes as Cpl. Alboah bursts out and then everyone follows their training and takes cover position and opens fire at eachother.

I can't really yell about not acting like soldiers. Returning fire when being fired on is a pretty standard rule. Only person I can blame really is Crazy Ivan, current status likely deceased.

I can't just Sarge my way through this. This poo poo got drilled into them so they can do it without thinking. I'm probably a bad soldier for still having my shotgun on my back and not taking shots myself. But I guess I was a civvie for too long. Point is, no order I'm giving is really gonna get through to them now. Their attention is on the guys with guns on the other side. I need to get to something that's drilled in them just as hard for them to stop shooting.

I look at the Shrike medic, looking nervously at one of the fallen Shrikes, clearly wanting to go help them, but worried about braving the killing ground. That's when the idea strikes. Because no matter how desperate and raw we are, one thing is drilled into a soldier. It's poo poo to shoot at medics. Or unarmed people. We all make a big show of how we're big killers, but most soldiers. They see an unarmed figure, they're not gonna shoot. And so I stand, my arms wide and empty hands visible. "MEDIC COMING THROUGH, DON'T SHOOT!" It's not a sudden end to hostilities, but it is basic, vital enough that even with tunnel vision on opponents, it draws your attention. Makes people hesitate, make people pause shooting and give their brains the chance to catch up on them. And if they're not shooting at others but taking cover, than that gives some brains on the other side the time to also catch up, and maybe we'll end up with less of those brains spread all over this planet's surface.

I physically cover the medic, moving slow, deliberate, never lowering hands below my shoulders as I try to guide them through the blood soaked, dust clogged no man's land.

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+1 chaotic free for all = (5+4)+1 = 10 (except my cool is 0, so that's a nine) I will prevent harm to the lead medic (or the medics if they can count as a gathered npc) and calm the choas, meaning everyone deals and takes -1 harm

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 4 harm: 6.00


Everything feels kinda distant, dreamy. I'm guessing that watching some of the good soldiers start shooting each other, watching it all fall apart is kind of a blow. Or maybe that's just shock from the bullet having hit me. Maybe some kind of after effect of whatever knocked me out. As the guns stop, the medics don't really need my help getting to where they need to go. I'm walking wounded and they're doing triage, so I'm not top of their list. Walking kinda hurts though. What to do now? Oh yeah, report.

I stagger to where Major Profit is, managing a salute, though I think I shouldn't straighten up to full height with a bullet possibly in me. "Major Profit, urgent report. I lost consciousness near the armory because of unknown reasons. I woke up in a tunnel... which led straight into the garden near the mess."

"Also, I need to report that Crazy Ivan was acting... erratic before the firefight. He shot one of colonel Huan's aids as the... medics were helping him. And while the situation was tense... he tried to shoot PFC Boya, getting himself shot and setting off the firefight." He looked up at her. "I would consider... the possibility of mental manipulation. By someone who has interest in eroding the... chain of command. Someone who's been acting outside of it. And I'm not even talking about Been."

Shogeton fucked around with this message at 14:30 on Feb 11, 2018

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 4 harm: 3.00

"The gently caress?" Petrescu just said, blinking in confusion, then anger.

"He loving drew a bead in the middle of a standoff. Even if his accusation were true, that stuff could have waited until his CO wasn't in the middle of a fire. And that doesn't explain why he shot at someone the Shrike's own medics were trying to save. And it doesn't explain how he's still alive after all this. I was standing right in front of him, Major. I know what happened. Normally, I'd say he's a traitor. But considering the suicidal way he did this, I'm thinking he's under influence. And he's not the only one."

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 4 harm: 3.00

So my anger is just raising to hitherto unknown levels at this point. If I hadn't turned up, she'd not have any goddamn Shrikes left. "Sir, I can show you that tunnel. I just left it." I said through gritted teeth. "As to your other request," It's real tempting to point at Jen and say 'there's the one responsible' but that's not the soldier's way to handle this. You say "Sir, yes, sir." and then, I guess I'll just ignore that order.

"Sir, no sir. No problem." I say with an edge of frost in my voice.

Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 4 harm: 3.00

This is a goddamn mess. loving hell, everything is falling apart, and Been is gaining an advantage, and Intel's little project is loose, and I don't have folks to go after her this time. We've got a major who actually does things, but she's ignoring threats, and for all I know, she's compromised as well. gently caress, I've got missing time. I'm compromised for all I know. Alright. Don't lose your poo poo like a boot. Deal with one problem at a time.

And the problem that is currently the worst is that the mess. MY mess is apparently under a goddamn attack.

That is not happening. Apparently, not enough soldiers died today? Fine. I'm gonna show some people the door, and if they have to leave feet first, that's just the way it's gonna be.

"Katembo, I'm on my way. Hold out."

Going to the mess

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Shogeton
Apr 26, 2007

"Little by little the old world crumbled, and not once did the king imagine that some of the pieces might fall on him"


Cool: 0 Hard: +1 Hot: +2 Sharp: +1 Weird -1
XP: 4 harm: 3.00

Alright, no shots fired yet. I can still pull this back from the brink. See a lot of folks I told to never come to this place again, but gently caress it, if I have to deal wiht giving a few of Been's folk some chow just to prevent another massacre, I'll deal. Heck, with any luck, the major puts a bullet in his head and they won't be his people any longer Alright, think. Everybody is trying to loot because they think poo poo's fallin' apart. So best thing to do is act like nothing is wrong, and they're dumb for thinkin' it.

"Alright, the hell is goin' on here?" I say, trying to act casual. "People want food, go sit at the table, we'll get you some chow, you bloody animals. New starts, so I'm guessin' we'll hand out some second chances today. People behave right," I give Been's people a look. "and I'll look to wipe some slates clean. Now, ye're keepin' my folks from doin' their work in the kitchen. So if you'd all kindly sit your asses down and stop making a mess of this place."

Yeah, the lame joke is deliberate.

@Sgt. Vasile Petrescu (Shogeton): 2d6+2 Manipulate the crowd into sitting down and getting fed = (1+3)+2 = 6

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