Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Paradigm: Guardian
Specialty: Gunslinger
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
|
Post by James Ennis on Oct 19, 2014 22:29:54 GMT
"Jaburo. Looks like we're going home. And now nukes are in the mix. A minor detail about which nobody saw fit to tell me about until after the bloody point of no return," Ennis privately fumed, although his face remained a mask. He listened to the remarks of his pilots and Lynch's speech, although a bit of a scowl directed Lynch's way slipped through during that bit, vanishing back beneath the mask after a moment. Finally he chose a moment to speak up.
"Rest assured, Lieutenant, that if we're not getting properly supplied then I'll be personally breaking legs in Logistics. Legitimate threat or not, and they certainly are, the AEUG's not a nation. If they can outstrip us materially and technologically then someone needs a lot of painful motivation," he said in answer to Victoria's question before finally planting his feet, standing, and turning to face his pilots. "I have a good feeling that I beat the idea of having an easy lifestyle in my unit out of everyone already, so frankly this should change little. We have a job to do. We're going to do it, and because we're the best there is we're going to do it in God-damned style."
Ennis put his hands behind his back and paced back and forth, eyes wandering from pilot to pilot.
"We were screwed by Intel. We were outnumbered and outgunned by the enemy mobile suits. And during Connecting Talons we were overextended, still without a proper carrier support while we rushed into what we must now consider enemy territory. I recognized some of their pilots, and they weren't militiamen. They were Aces and veterans of the War. And we slaughtered the bastards," he said, stopping suddenly and facing them, feet planted firmly. "Two ships wiped out with all hands, a carrier mauled, and what the footage tells us was the pilot who landed on the Metulah blown to smithereens for his troubles. They lost scores if not a couple hundred of their personnel. By any measure this squadron has already performed admirably. And that's in some of the screwiest tactical situations I've seen. We meet them on even footing? We're going to show them what Titans can really do. Clear?"
|
|
Paradigm: Lone Wolf
Specialty: Razor
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
|
Post by Katharyn Holcroft on Oct 20, 2014 3:29:50 GMT
Lieutenant Sinclair’s question piqued Katharyn’s interest especially, because she picked up on the senior officer’s unasked question: Will we be getting new models to give us an edge next time we go up against the enemy? A good question to ask. Every advantage they could get was that much better. Katharyn almost wished she'd thought of it.
‘Of course,’ she thought with only a slight bitterness, ‘Even if we do, it’ll be the squad leaders who get ‘em.’ She was used to her GM QUEL, so she’d keep using it as long as she had it. But something a little better would be nice… She dismissed those thoughts, waiting for Lynch to answer.
To her surprise, it was not he, but Commander Ennis who spoke next. She listened, and despite herself the façade cracked, her full lips curling in a slight grin, a gleam in her eyes that meant bad news. For someone. ‘Now that I can get behind.’ She thought as Ennis continued to address his team. He was right - the REMFs had screwed them over, and even so they’d done pretty well. And she was determined to do even better. She was not going to let him down.
|
|
Paradigm: Steamroller
Specialty: Brawler
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
|
Post by Julian Miller on Oct 20, 2014 4:05:55 GMT
While understandable, Julian couldn't help but feel that the small pep-talks by the Captain and Lieutenant Commander that followed Jamitov's address were somewhat unnecessary. He had long understood that the AEUG were a serious threat, much more than the remnants of Zeon. Did his fellow pilots, his new team, underestimate them in such a way? Perhaps. It would explain how they had failed to beat them in all their battles so far. Regardless of how Ennis tried to spin it with the amount of casualties the team had inflicted that fact remained that their enemies had won the "war" instead of the "battle".
That would all change now, however. While Julian wasn't nearly such an egotist that he believed his presence alone would change matters, the fact that they would be fighting down on Earth and that the Titans as a whole were organizing to deal with the AEUG meant that the situation was escalating. There would be no more kid gloves. No more holding back. They would unleash their full fury on those who threatened the peace of the Earth-sphere and wipe them out once and for all.
Recovering some of his composure from his more aggressive outburst, Julian crossed his arms back of her chest. Giving Ennis his attention as the team leader finished his speech, he simply gave his new commanding officer a nod of the head in acknowledgement. Julian was an outsider here and most of Ennis' words were meant for the older members of the team. He would just have to prove himself during the upcoming operation. He wouldn't allow himself to be shown up.
|
|
Paradigm: CO
Specialty: Ship Tactics
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
|
Post by Henry Lynch on Oct 21, 2014 6:17:59 GMT
Lynch listened as Ennis spoke to the assemlage of pilots. As much as he wanted to speak up, he knew one thing - he was a shipdriver, not a pilot. And these words are something they should hear from their CO, not their CO's boss. Glad to see Ennis is as good as they say, if a bit prone to the dramatic. We had them 4 to 3 in hulls, and more than double their tonnage, if you don't count that outmoded deathtrap of a carrier. Fish in the barrel, especially since they deliberately sacrificed two of the 'cans instead of staying concentrated he thought, not wanting to bring that up. Let them have this one. Next time, though, if those numbers hold up, it'll be a lot nastier if we run into one of those cruisers.
He saw Ennis wrapping up, and made another note to be damned sure they got some of the new birds that Om had been allocated. Holcroft seemed to take his looks in stride, thankfully, and Sinclair's question was intelligent and thoughtful, encouraging Lynch that unlike the last group of yahoos Bask Om had stuck on him, Jamitov had given him a decent crop this time. He gave them a simple "We'll be making low orbit over Jaburo before the week's out, people. Review ground combat procedures in case Commodore Om wants you commited dirtside. Dismissed" he said, nodding curtly before he departed.
|
|
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Paradigm: Guardian
Specialty: Gunslinger
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
|
Post by James Ennis on Oct 21, 2014 17:34:17 GMT
"Miller, we'll have you integrated into a new roster before the day is out. You all know the pre-deployment drill. Get to it," he said to his pilots before turning to follow Lynch right out the door. He walked after the senior officer, hands behind his back, until he knew they were out of earshot of the debriefing room and that nobody was coming up the corridor.
"Sir, could I have a quick moment of your time?" he asked, voice carefully neutral.
|
|
Paradigm: Lone Wolf
Specialty: Razor
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
|
Post by Katharyn Holcroft on Oct 21, 2014 19:01:40 GMT
"Yes, sir." Katharyn said firmly, directed towards both senior officers, before standing. She hung back a half-second, waiting for both men to leave, before she too turned and left the briefing room. They headed in one direction, she in another, as she headed out towards the hangar to prepare for deployment. She would also take the time, as Lynch had "suggested", to re-familiarize herself with orbital drop and ground combat procedures before they went, just in case.
All the same, Ensign Katharyn Holcroft was nervous. She had fought and operated exclusively in space for her entire military career so far, short as it was; first, as a rookie recruit in the Earth Federation Space Forces. Then, as a member of the Titans with DEVRON 17, and now with Ennis's unit. She had of course had cursory training in ground combat, but had never actually fought in such a theater.
"Going to need to be extra-cautious and extra-prepared this time, Katie," she muttered to herself as she headed out towards the hangar first, to ensure that her GM QUEL would be ready...after which she would take steps to ensure that she too would be ready as well. She made a mental note to stop by the armory and pick up her sidearm before deployment as well - just in case. But she would be ready. And she would give it her all, as she had always done.
|
|
Paradigm: Steamroller
Specialty: Brawler
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
|
Post by Julian Miller on Oct 21, 2014 19:54:53 GMT
With the permission to leave the briefing room finally given, Julian was only too happy to oblige. Sitting around in any one place for too long made him antsy, especially when he considered the fact that there was a war to fight and win. Every wasted moment here was time for the AEUG to plan and strengthen themselves. If the One Year War had taught him anything it was that the momentum of one's side was vitally important if there as any hope for survival. Still, he acknowledged Ennis' words with a nod and a quick, "Sir," before departing. So here was the verbal confirmation of Julian's assignment to the 'Magi'. Honestly Julian didn't know if he should be excited or concerned. In a way it was refreshing to be under someone's direct command for a change rather than leading a team of his own. Personally Julian wasn't quite sure that he was ready for such a role again yet. He still didn't trust himself. That being said he wasn't quite sure he could truly trust Ennis' command either. While he seemed capable and the fact that his team had taken no casualties after the past several missions served as proof of his skills, Julian still couldn't ignore that the newly christened 'Magi' and previously tasted only defeat. He also wondered who, out of those he had met so far, would be his wingmen. While he supposed that Katharyn, Victoria and Lieutenant Commander Ennis seemed decent enough he had little to no opinion of Daniel and doubted he'd get along very well with Jamie. Not that Julian would allow his personal feelings to get in the way of his duties. Regardless of whether or not he liked them out of combat he would do whatever he could to ensure that they all made it back home alive. That's just who he was. Following Katharyn silently into the hangar, he pushed off of the gantry floor as they entered the massive room and floated up and past his fellow pilot. His attention was centered solely on the imposing figure of his GM Quel, the same machine that he'd been flying since joining the Titans in 0083. He and the Mobile Suit had been through a lot together and while there was a gradual transition to newer machines like the Hi-Zack or Galbaldy Beta he was in no rush. He wasn't sure how he felt about the concept of flying in a mono-eye suit anyway. While his Quel was rather plain in its appearance, featuring the dark colors and emblem of the Titans as well the numbers '03' freshly painted in white, there was something that made it stand out from the rest. Located on the face of its shield and one of its shoulders was a symbol unique to Julian alone, a set of medieval heraldry featuring a red gryphon rearing back on its hind legs in preparation to strike. Reaching out with a hand, Julian stopped himself in mid-air by pressing his palm against the mythological beast as he stared into its black eyes contemplatingly. "Riding into battle once more, we knights in shining armor...Let thine will steel thine resolve and justice be done..."
|
|
Paradigm: CO
Specialty: Ship Tactics
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
|
Post by Henry Lynch on Oct 21, 2014 23:42:51 GMT
Lynch nodded as the pilots all began to depart. Ennis's request for a private word elicited a raised eyebrow from the Captain, but he simply nodded and walked for his day cabin. Wonder what he's got on his mind... he thought as they reached his cabin. Lynch grabbed a seat, motioning for Ennis to do the same. "What's on your mind, James?" he asked, straightforward and to the point.
|
|
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Paradigm: Guardian
Specialty: Gunslinger
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
|
Post by James Ennis on Oct 21, 2014 23:57:43 GMT
Ennis took the offered seat with a sigh, getting right to the point.
"Nukes on a transport I'm supposed to escort, and then destroy, and nobody tells me. Know anything that, sir?"
|
|
Paradigm: CO
Specialty: Ship Tactics
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
|
Post by Henry Lynch on Oct 22, 2014 0:52:22 GMT
Lynch managed not to roll his eyes at Ennis's question, and it was a good thing he'd already vented his frustrations over that particular issue to Jamitov prior to this little meeting. Instead, he simply sighed, and offered Ennis a steaming cup of coffee. "Wasn't my idea at all, Commander" he said with sincerity. "I didn't even know they were coming until after the Rebels made off with them. And the orders I got to chase them from Commodore Om included a rather strongly-worded clause that I couldn't share it with anyone - despite how much I want to tell my people what kind of snake pit I was dropping them into" he said, genuine vitriol creeping into his tone near the end. A very level set of eyes looked back at Ennis. "I don't send people downrange blind unless I have very specific orders to do it, Commander. I'll be sure you get everything I have that isn't flagged for my eyes only" he said. As bad as it can get for the ships, mobile suits are so much more exposed; he deserves to know. "Should help keep it less interesting, with luck" he said, taking a sip of his own coffee. A troubled expression then crossed his face as he broached another topic. "Please tell me you were making a show of things when you told the team you recognized some of the enemy pilots" he said, all levity gone from his tone.
|
|
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Paradigm: Guardian
Specialty: Gunslinger
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
|
Post by James Ennis on Oct 22, 2014 16:50:00 GMT
Ennis acknowledged Lynch's statement of having been screwed over by Om with a nod and a sip of his coffee. Figures that the dumb bastard would try covering up his mistake in the first place, but damn it the battle plan would have been completely different if he'd been told what they were trying to destroy! Not for the first time Ennis fantasized about a scenario involving the 'Commodore' and an airlock, but the daydream was interrupted by Lynch's question.
"Not the sort of thing I'd make a show about, Henry," he said, holding his cup in both hands and staring at it for a moment before sighing and looking up. "Eddy LeNoire, a former Sweeper. That one I can confirm, we spoke to one another. Kid always did get in over his head. And, although he didn't acknowledge it so I can only go by the sound of his voice, I'm damn sure the pilot who bounced me off of the carrier was Jim Anderson. And he was a Titan. The rot goes deeper than we thought, if someone like Anderson went over. Seemed like he was there incognito, but still . . . "
|
|
Paradigm: Bushwhacker
Specialty: Gunslinger
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
|
Post by Yazan Gable on Oct 22, 2014 22:49:03 GMT
Jaime finished the briefing by nodding, waiting until he was out of the room before stretching. His head was a buzz of different thoughts, feelings and emotions. In the end, Jaime found himself wandering back to the hanger.
Looking around he shoved his hands into his pockets, leaned back and let out a sigh. He caught sight of Miller, and quickly looked away, not wanting to get involved in any more bullshit today. Jaime toyed with the idea of heading back to claim a bunk on the ship, but he was already on Ennis' shit list and there was something that Ennis had asked him to do.
"Oi!" Jaime called to the techs that were working around what was left of his Quel, as they were busily trying to get it back in working order. "Need a hand? I've been ordered to polish it until it shines, so the sooner it gets back to shape, the sooner that happens."
Jaime looked back over at Holcroft and Miller, curious to see whether or not he was getting his fair share of withering stares.
=Tag Holcroft and Miller=
|
|
Paradigm: CO
Specialty: Ship Tactics
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
|
Post by Henry Lynch on Oct 23, 2014 0:54:30 GMT
Lynch didn't take objection to Ennis using his name - they were in private, and both were CO's, albeit Ennis's status an up and coming squadron commander did't quite match up with the CO of one of the Titans most powerful combat formations. But while Bask Om would've keel-hauled him for that, I have more sense. And I damn sure agree with him on the bastard he thought, biting back a powerful desire to genuinely rip the second-ranking Titan apart. Instead, though, he listened as Ennis described the two pilots he'd recognized. LeNoire... don't know the name offhand; but he was with the Sweepers in the War, which makes him Special Ops and a dangerous man. Anderson... he thought, pondering as a face came to his mind. "Tall, well built guy? Blond hair, green eyes?" he asked, referring to Anderson. "I know the name. Met him once at the ATC. Smart and dangerous man. Proved my combined-arms theory on integrated shot cannons as an offensive area-denial system against the Remnant. You mean to tell me that that traitor is in command over there?" he asked, one brow cocked skeptically. "If you're sure, you're sure, but that rebel squadron was way too disorganized for there to have been someone good enough to get to ATC early in Command over there" he thought aloud, wondering what Ennis's thoughts on the subject were.
|
|
Paradigm: Plugger
Specialty: Razor
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
|
Post by Victoria Sinclair on Oct 23, 2014 5:03:16 GMT
Victoria nodded in agreement as Ennis emphasized with Victoria's unvoiced worries, they really couldn't afford being shown up and they really shouldn't be at this point. If they got something shiny out of strangling some techs it would be a victory finally. His little speech brought a smile to Victoria's face although she really thought style would come better if they had something to show off. Still Victoria nodded once he had asked if they'd be giving it their all. Still Lynch brought things to a close and prompted Victoria to stand up and left after the others as she tried to gather her thoughts.
Straying behind the others and the new lieutenant, Victoria ended up in the hanger as well as she absentmindedly thought about how things on Earth would be. It'd been far too long since she'd been on Earth and now with this chance even with the circumstances she was yearning for it, some air and the wind. The only thing she'd be missing were some wings but that was what happened when you were a mobile suit pilot. It didn't take long to see the pilots disperse out to their own machines and Victoria herself smirked at Jamie's problem. "No happy thoughts about getting some sun in Jaburo?" Victoria calls out to her fellow pilots, she didn't know that much about everyone, but if you worked for the Titans you had to have some connection to Earth or the government itself. "Just thoughts of polish Neston?"
|
|
Paradigm: Bushwhacker
Specialty: Gunslinger
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
|
Post by Yazan Gable on Oct 23, 2014 10:50:12 GMT
In spite of his looming punishment, Jaime couldn't help smiling a little even as he got a friendly jab from Sinclair. His words, while formal, were lighthearted. "Oh, believe me Lieutenant Victoria Sinclair, polishing duty is very much on my mind. The use of proper titles has been reintroduced to me most vigorously." Sinclair wasn't the bad sort, and had her own eccentricities, and what was more (in Jaime's mind) is that she had suffered alongside with him through James Ennis' School of Combat.
Jaime felt the mock serious look he had even attempted soften and his smile grew wider. "But seriously, you bet I've been thinking about Jaburo. I mean the Jaburo. Not to mention the fact that it's going to be first time in years that I'm going to be able to see the real sky! Breathe air that hasn't been recycled! I haven't been back since-" Jaime's breath suddenly caught in his throat, and the next words came softly. "Since Stardust."
|
|