#NervSiberia
Episode 02


<@Night10194> The Pilots were introduced (briefly) to one another and toured (some of) S. I. Golovko base!
<@Night10194> They are currently ensconced in giant, horrifying cybernetic war-machines, soaking in oxygenated liquid that resembles tang, wondering how their life took these turns.
<@Night10194> Your SRs seem to all be at least nominal, whatever that means, and your keepers seem pretty pleased...Captain Duround has been called away in the midst of the testing, much to his apparent annoyance. Apparently, there's another UN arrival on their way.
<@Night10194> Gorky: "How are you feeling in there, pilots?"
<ElsaFaustus> "Well, I'm not nearly as dead as I expected, so pretty good all things considered."
<TanyaIvanova> "All seems to be in order, Major."
<Dostov> "No complaints."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "I apologize. We thought you'd been briefed on the LCL."
<Griet> "No one said you were going to try to drown us!"
* Dostov settles back, eyes closed. He could almost go to sleep in here.
<@Night10194> Gorky: "Of course, it takes more than just a Synchronization Ratio to pilot an EVA."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "We have some less drowning-intensive simulator programs we'll be trying to get you up to speed with."
<Dostov> "You want me to participate in them as well, Major?"
<ElsaFaustus> "Understood, Frau Major."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "Very much so, Lt. Not only will it help you get used to your squadron, it will also give them a good example of a well-trained pilot. You and Lt. Pavlichenko both."
<TanyaIvanova> "I look forward to it, Major."
<ElsaFaustus> "Is there anything more I should be doing in here?  Can you tell me about the controls, frau Major?  Like to get started as soon as possible."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "Are you familiar with your own body, Pilot?"
<ElsaFaustus> "Like the back of my hand, frau major."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "If you just relax and focus, the EVA will respond like your own body. The hand controls are used for finer manipulation; they primarily control the unit's trigger fingers."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "Don't try to move."
<ElsaFaustus> "Weapons are seperate pieces?  Like weapons a person would us?"
<Dostov> "Weapons are individual components, yes. Unless you have teeth, or claws."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "For interchangeability, yes. Also, since the EVA itself is essentially controlled like your own body, human-like weaponry was judged much more natural and easily used. Of course, humans don't have inbuilt targeting assistance, range-finders, lead indicators..." :P
<Dostov> "Pick them up, set them down, throw them at the enemy if they jam..." He trails off to let the Major continue.
<@Night10194> Gorky: "Anyway, it's time to eject the plugs. This is going to feel very strange; the weakness and disorientation will pass in a few moments."
<@Night10194> Griet, you and Tanya especially feel like you're being ripped out of your own body for a few moments; the feeling is similarly disorienting, but weaker, for the lower-Synched pilots. You feel tiny and insignificant, and surprisingly cold, as the LCL drains...the feeling fades quickly, but it's still quite unpleasant.
<ElsaFaustus> I'm probably more distracted by hacking up LCL as I get back to breathing air.
<@Night10194> Gorky: "So, pilots...How do you feel?"
<ElsaFaustus> "Cold, small...  Like drowned rat."
* Griet curses as the world spins briefly, then starts coughing. After a moment or two she composes herself.
<Dostov> "No complaints." Oh, he said that already.
<Griet> "I've had better days."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "I'm sorry, Pilot...you'll get used to it with time." She smiles a bit.
<TanyaIvanova> "As I did the previous times."
* Griet reaches her hand out to touch the side of the cockpit wall. "Does it hurt them too?"
<@Night10194> Gorky: "Hmm?"
<@Night10194> Gorky: "There's no mind in there, Pilot. They're essentially just machines with biological components."
* Griet pulls her hand back. "Well, that's something then, I suppose."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "You are, essentially, its brain."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "Do you have any other questions, Pilots?"
<TanyaIvanova> "Nyet."
<Dostov> "Nyet."
<ElsaFaustus> "Where's the shower?  This LCL gets uncofmortably sticky..."
<@Night10194> Gorky: "Back in the changing rooms. I'm afraid they're group showers, though."
<@Night10194> Any other questions? Or do you gals (and guy) want to get cleaned up and move on?
<ElsaFaustus> Go clean up and move on.  The showers are are at least segregated by gender, right?
<@Night10194> Yes, just like the changing rooms.
<@Night10194> Alright...by this time, I'm afraid the General is busy, and doesn't have time to meet the Pilots personally...Back to your quarters with you.
* Griet somewhat shakily climbs down and heads for the changing room
* ElsaFaustus awkwardly tumbles out of her plug and goes to clean off and change.
<TanyaIvanova> *follows suit, trying not to be awkward about it with limited success*
<@Night10194> So, once you all have gotten cleaned up and returned to your (somewhat sparse) quarters...what now?
<ElsaFaustus> Don't know.  Unpack?  Get something to eat?
* Dostov is rummaging through the fridge in their small kitchenette, a small piece of paper clutched in his hand.
<ElsaFaustus> "Shopping list?"
<TanyaIvanova> Tanya heads into the room she and Griet wound up in earlier, starts unpacking, and in so doing, allows her belongings to end up wherever they land without regard for how another person is going to be in this room.
<Dostov> "Recipe. I went shopping yesterday."
<ElsaFaustus> "What are you cooking?"
* Griet stands just inside the doorway to her room, peering out at Elsa and Dostov
<Dostov> He looks up from the fridge. "That's a surprise."
<ElsaFaustus> "What?  Something go bad in the fridge already?"
<Dostov> "A chef never lets food go bad in under his watch...unless it's supposed to." Back to rummaging, comparing items inside to his list.
<ElsaFaustus> "What?  Like cheese?"
<Dostov> "Or aged meat."
<ElsaFaustus> "Anyway, what's the surprise?"
<Dostov> "It's dinner, but what I'm making is the surprise. You know...wait and see. Ta-da."
<TanyaIvanova> Tanya sticks her head out of the room. "And you find this fun?" to Griet. "Same question to you, as well."
* Griet smiles half-heartedly  "It's food....i don't really mind what format it comes in."
<@Night10194> You can still feel the wet sausages in your pocket.
* Dostov tucks the note in his back pocket and stands up, a wrapped package of meat in one hand.
<TanyaIvanova> "I mean… you." She points to Dostov. "'Surprising' us with dinner. And you." Griet. "Standing there and doing nothing."
<TanyaIvanova> "I ask again: these things are fun for you?"
<Dostov> "...da."
<ElsaFaustus> "Thought you two knew each other already?"
<Griet> "It seemed safer back here...."
<ElsaFaustus> "What?  Being between a German and a Russian doesn't make you Polish."
<TanyaIvanova> "…You're very strange. And no, we didn't. Not all Russians know each other, schnitzel."
<ElsaFaustus> "Just thought you two already trained together or something."
<Dostov> With a sigh Dostov puts on his apron, washes his hands and clears off the counter. He unwraps the meat, pork tenderloinds, and starts to trim off the fat.
<TanyaIvanova> Back to Griet. "Seriously. What is your malfunction? Safe does not always mean good."
<Griet> "I could ask you the same, you seem to think all of this is....fun"
<TanyaIvanova> "This is fun. EVA units are magnificent things. You'll understand after you've really trained with one."
<ElsaFaustus> "Who can say no to saving the world together?"
<Griet> "I can, fairly easily."
<ElsaFaustus> "Great to be a part of this.  Still can't believe I'm going to help Nerv save mankind."  I grin, then get to rummaging around the kitchen, seeing what's around just in case.
<Dostov> He stops and watches Elsa a moment. Someone else in the kitchen... ... ... "Looking for something to eat?"
<TanyaIvanova> "Are you really so self-obsessed that you'd rather run and let the world burn?" (to Griet)
<ElsaFaustus> "Just seeing what's here.  Maybe find a snack."
<Dostov> "Do you like brushetta?"
<Griet> "Not self obsessed, but I've seen enough of mankind to wonder if it's worth saving"
<Dostov> "Mankind is always worth saving." He chimes in.
<ElsaFaustus> "Bruschetta?  Yes, I do."
<Dostov> He smiles at Elsa, putting down the knife and cleaning his hands on the apron. He starts moving around the small kitchen with a purpose.
* Griet gives Dostov a searching look "Not always. Sometimes, but not always"
<Dostov> "Who would you not save?" He asks over his shoulder.
<TanyaIvanova> "Why wouldn't mankind be worth saving? Pretend that the untoward elements don't exist. Handle them once the rest aren't in danger of horrifying death."
<Griet> "Live in the refugee camps for a few years, see how much you think of mankind then."
<Griet> "There is no 'for the greater good'. There is only surviving another day."
<Dostov> "People do horrible things." He starts toasting some bread. "But they can change."
<Dostov> Bread toasted. Now to rub on some garlic...top with some bruschetta he had in the fridge...
<TanyaIvanova> "Grow up, tovarisch. There are more important things than your survival. Any of ours." (to Griet)
<Dostov> "Settle down, lets all just get along, da?" He smiles, setting a plate of bruschetta out for everyone.
<TanyaIvanova> A shrug. "Who's not getting along? I'm being honest."
<@Night10194> Miko, since arriving, you were greeted, briefly, by your commanding officer, Captain Nathaniel Duround, and then a volunteer was found to lead you down to the pilot country and meet your comrades.
* Griet loses the half smile, but moves out into the main room, unable to resist the temptation of food.
* MikoNakamura is all smiles and thanks.
<@Night10194> A young girl, a bit on the portly side, with auburn-blond hair and a very honest face. A soldier's daughter. "I'm allowed inside because my big brother's one of the pilots. How was your trip?" She leads you through the, mercifully well heated, concrete and tile hallways of the base towards the barracks.
<Griet> "As was I. There's a phrase i once heard, Gey Gezunterheyt....i think it applies"
<MikoNakamura> "It was very fine, thank you.  Although the cold will take some getting used to, I am very pleased to serve here."
<@Night10194> Pilots, the door opens, revealing the aforementioned girl, who Dostov immediately will recognize as lil' Natasha, and also...(Describe self, Miko!)
* MikoNakamura is a small, spindly young woman in very traditional Japanese garb with a mop of shoulder-length black hair.  She mostly looks at the floor but smiles frequently.
<Dostov> "Natasha!" The boy brightens seeing his little sister. "Oh, and you brought a friend."
<MikoNakamura> "Miko Nakamura, reporting for duty."
<@Night10194> Natasha eyes the plate of tasty bread-based bread-snack, lingering at the doorway for a few moments, before being drawn towards it like a goddamn magnet on a nail. "Privet, moya brat. Already fattening up the new girls?" She giggles, stealing a piece.
<Dostov> "Stratstoicha." He smiles to Miko and approaches.
* TanyaIvanova arches an eyebrow at Natasha. "He'd best not be trying that."
<ElsaFaustus> "Well, better than eating food from the mess, I am sure."
<ElsaFaustus> "And hello, Miko.  What brings you here?  You don't look like a Pilot..."
* MikoNakamura blushes.
<MikoNakamura> "I am, miss.  I am to help you repel the dark spirits from our world as best I can."
<@Night10194> Natasha: "I don't think the Vragi count as dark spirits, from what brother has told me about the simulations." (Vragi: Russian for Enemy. The name for Angels in this campaign).
* Dostov smiles down at Miko once he's close enough. Something about this Griet might find familiar.
* MikoNakamura blinks...
<@Night10194> (Vrag is the singular).
* Dostov grabs up Miko in a hug, all warm and friendly...though he's likely lifted her off her feet if she's short enough.
<@Night10194> Natasha giggles. "Don't worry, he's just friendly."
* Griet eyes the newcomer curiously and continues to nibble on her Bruschetta.
<MikoNakamura> "*eep*"
<TanyaIvanova> "Huh. All we need is an Italian to bunk down with her and Schnitzel." Tanya says this as if she's commenting on the weather, very easily.
<@Night10194> Natasha looks at you, eyebrow raised, Tanya.
<MikoNakamura> After a moment, she'd blush profusely and close her eyes, smiling and bury herself into his (relatively) great chest.
<Dostov> "Welcome to S.I. Golovko." He beams.
<TanyaIvanova> "…what? I'm bunking with the refugee camp girl, that means Miho or whoever she is is bunking with Schnitzel." She tilts her head at Elsa.
<ElsaFaustus> "I think she likes it, Dostov.  Looks like Griet can relax now that you found someone to hug."  I chuckle, finally deciding to try some of the food.
<Griet> "Hah hah..."
<@Night10194> It's actually really good. He certainly knows what he's doing in the kitchen, which is a nice plus.
<@Night10194> Never trust a skinny chef.
<TanyaIvanova> "So now we need an Italian. How does that not make sense?"
* Dostov eventually puts you down Miko, smoothing out any wrinkles in your sleeves after.
<@Night10194> Natasha: "Really, did they actually *need* the Italians at all?"
* MikoNakamura nods to Dostov. "Thank you, Onii-chan."
<TanyaIvanova> "No, no one ever does. But the joke wouldn't be complete without some useless pasta urchin."
<ElsaFaustus> "So NERV brought you here, Miko?"
<TanyaIvanova> "…maybe we ask for an Italian housekeeper?"
<MikoNakamura> "Yes, I was transferred when Commander Icari said...er..." She looks uncomfortable for a moment, "I would serve Japan better...elsewhere."
<Griet> "Given the sparse accommodations, somehow i don't think they're likely to have any extras lying around."
<TanyaIvanova> "Can you do an Italian accent, then? Considering you've no interest in fighting."
* Griet frowns and her own South African accent becomes even stronger "I'll put it on my to-do list".
<Dostov> "Natasha, does father know you came here?" He smiles to Miko before going over to his sister, wondering if he needed to make something else to eat now.
<ElsaFaustus> "Leave her be, Tanya.  She'll do fine, I am sure."
<TanyaIvanova> Tanya smiles and pats Griet on the back. "See that you do." and then she decides to come try the bruschetta.
<@Night10194> Natasha: "Yes. I just came down to show the new pilot the quarters."
* Griet turns away from Tanya to smile at Miko. "Welcome to the mad house, my name is Griet."
<ElsaFaustus> "Guess you'll be bunking with me, Miko.  Thought I'd have the room to myself.  Ah well."  I chuckle, then go in search of something to drink.
<@Night10194> OH GOD IT'S GOOD. Especially after a life-time of canned food, potato soup, and other rationy-stuff. There's plenty of tang...
<@Night10194> One of the requisition guys has a sick sense of humor, stocking your kitchen with tons of the stuff.
<Dostov> "Staying for dinner too?" He ruffles her hair affectionately.
<ElsaFaustus> I decide to try some, mixing up a pitcher of Tang.
<TanyaIvanova> Tanya comes up behind Dostov and pats him on the back without warning. "Retract former statement. You're allowed to surprise us." and then she happily noms more bruschetta.
<MikoNakamura> To Elsa: "Um, I did not get your name, fellow pilot?"
<Dostov> "I'm glad you like it." He smiles at Tanya, looking like a very happy bear.
<ElsaFaustus> "Ah, I am Elsa.  Elsa Faustus.  Another Pilot in the service of NERV."
<MikoNakamura> "It is an honor, Elsa-chan.  You all seem much more friendly than my last team."
<ElsaFaustus> "What was your last team like?"
<TanyaIvanova> "Possibly best thing I've ever eaten. Potato soup gets tiresome eventually." She pauses and considers his face for a moment. "Has anyone ever told you that you have a very large smile?" is said not quite as an insult, more as an observation.
<MikoNakamura> "Um...I...do not like speaking ill of others.  Let us say they were different."
<Dostov> "Sometimes." The smiles fades a bit, looking happy without grinning so much now.
<ElsaFaustus> I grin and pour her a glass of Tang.  "All you can say is ill, hmm?  I will have to pry further in the future.  Ve haff vays to make you talk."
* Griet pushes the plate of the remaining bruschetta in Miko's general direction "Here, have some"
<TanyaIvanova> "It's different than what I'm used to." More bruschetta noms. "Natasha, does he hug everyone?"
<@Night10194> Natasha: "Like I said, he's friendly. Like a big, sleepy circus bear." She chuckles and gives her big brother a hug. "Dad said I should come right back...so...I'll be seeing you all later. Have fun!"
<MikoNakamura> "Thank you, fellow pilot.  It has been some time since I ate last." Bows and accepts. "What are you called?"
<Dostov> Natasha gets a big ol' hug with a bit of swinging, not enough to hit anyone, he knows how to be careful sometimes.
<Dostov> He looks ready to hug someone else...Tanya? ...better not. "Behave Natasha, I'll make tarts."
<@Night10194> She nods and scampers off.
<MikoNakamura> "Ooo, tarts!"
* NathanielDurond Opens the door to the room raps his knuckles against the frame while looks at Dostov expectantly. "If you would Lt.?"
<Dostov> He claps his hands together twice, taking on a more authoritative demeanor. "At attention, comrades."
<ElsaFaustus> I put my glass down quickly and stand at attention as the officer appears.
<TanyaIvanova> Tanya puts down her bruschetta plate and stands at attention
* Griet mimics Tanya's movements carefully
* MikoNakamura stands as the others do, not sure what will happen.
<NathanielDurond> "Pilots, you are to assemble at the simulators where you will undergo combat training after a short briefing. I expect you to pay attention, and work together as a unit. You will not be very good working together at first, but you will get better. Pay attention to my commands as well each other." (Long pause) "You may take five minutes to finish eating. Dismissed."
<TanyaIvanova> Tanya finishes her bruschetta and sets the plate in the sink, then waits by the door for the others.
* Dostov relaxes, taking off his apron. Back to easy-going mode.
<ElsaFaustus> "Yes, captain!"  I finish off my piece of food and head to the door.
* MikoNakamura shovels down the food, and stands by the woman at the door.
<MikoNakamura> To Tanya, "Hello."
<Dostov> He joins them at the door after putting away the pork he'd been trimming. "I wonder how many simulation battles this is for me."
* Griet brushes the crumbs off her hands and joins the group at the door.
<TanyaIvanova> "Konichiwa." horribly mispronounced, granted, but she's trying. Gesturing at Miko's garb, "…what kind of dress is this."
<MikoNakamura> "Oh, in my homeland, I served as a maiden at my Grandfather's shrine.  I am studying to be a Shinto priestess."  Big smiles, and she actually meets your eyes for a moment.
<TanyaIvanova> "Oh. …I have no idea what that means."
<ElsaFaustus> "So you're kind of like a nun?"
<MikoNakamura> "Not really, but I do pray and bring fortune to those who purify themselves in our falls."

<@Night10194> The pods are like smaller, tighter Entry Plugs...they'll be using your last-recorded-SR for your combat capabilities, as well as uploaded info on your EVAs.
<@Night10194> Once you get in...Everything goes dark for a second, before the training sim starts up, and you can each see an EVA's eye view of the base and surrounding wasteland. Each EVA is already hooked up to an Umbilical post. To your south, about a kilometer and a half away, is the huge power substation for the base; don't lose that.
<@Night10194> To the north is a secondary line of two Umbilical posts, used as an advance spotting and guard position. It's about 50dm (.5 km) away from your team. MIko, describe your EVA unit, briefly, as they'll be seeing it for the first time. The sensation of being the EVA is much duller, merely simulated, a far cry from what you felt earlier today.
<@Night10194> You also have a small video-feed and communications link to each of the other pilots, on your HUD.
<MikoNakamura> Kami has a generally slick design, with shiny black plating and glowing purple details and eyes.  There are great kanji symbols along its arms and legs.
<@Night10194> The thing seems almost bioluminescent.
<MikoNakamura> Oh, and I have leg pistons.
<NathanielDurond> "Pilots! An Vrag with unknown capabilities is approaching the base and will arrive in approximately two minutes. You are to defend the base, neutralize the Vrag's AT field, destroy its core, and then destroy the Vrag entirely with a minimum of damage to the surrounding area. Especially the power station. Familiarize yourself with the controls and then get into position."
<Dostov> "Direction and speed?" Mister Serious now.
<@Night10194> It may not have been generated yet.
<ElsaFaustus> I fiddle with the controls, seeing if I can move and wondering what kind of weapon I have.
<Dostov> He blinks after a moment...oh, right...simulation.
<@Night10194> Your gun...uh...appears to be a prototype. Some kind of smoothbore artillery cannon rifle. Your EVA's readout also says you have a dagger tucked in your left wing dock.
<@Night10194> Same for you, Miko.
<@Night10194> Except for Dostov, I think everyone else has a Battle Rifle.
<@Night10194> The ammo count on the Pallet Rifles only reads 6 shells, too. And you can't find any reloads. The Battle Rifles each have 18.
* Griet moves experimentally to get the feel for the EVA looking around at the various readouts
<@Night10194> You find moving is actually pretty easy. Especially you, Griet. Your EVA seems to be even faster than you, graceful and ready to run or fight.
<@Night10194> *fight
<Griet> "Okay....this might be kind of cool after all..."
<ElsaFaustus> "I think there is something wrong with my weapon..."  I work the action, hoping it functions as I trundle after the others.
<NathanielDurond> (mic off) "I hope she retains that enthusiasm after she sees the Vrag" (to no one in particular)
<@Night10194> Alright...Dostov, it's basically up to you and Tanya to get them to spread their fields before it goes down.
<Dostov> "To spread your own field...well...its like an extension of yourself. You have control over it, you just don't realize it. Willpower, anger...things like that trigger it."
<Dostov> "Like everything it takes practice."
<ElsaFaustus> "You're not quite getting through..."
<TanyaIvanova> "Some of us have more of a knack for it than others. Well. We're all here because we can do it, period. But it comes more naturally or less naturally to some of us … and focus on it. Think about nothing else but spreading your field."
<ElsaFaustus> I think spready thoughts as I fiddle with buttons.
<@Night10194> The sensation won't really come through in a simulator, but the readouts show an active AT field on Unit-43 as you do, Elsa, and you can see this odd, yellowish glow, mostly made up of hexagons, surrounding your EVA.
<Dostov> Unit 41 stretches its limbs out, AT Field spreading out, glowing hexagons visable ever so briefly.
* Griet tries to visualize a field spreading over her EVA
<@Night10194> Griet, you notice it spreads once you think of being *safe*.
* MikoNakamura closes her eyes, says a prayer and makes a quick gesture with her EVAs hand and the field springs to life.
<@Night10194> You also note the fields on Chernobog and Pizvetz, Unit-41, are blue-colored, a soft, gentle blue, rather than yellow.
<ElsaFaustus> "Field appears nominal, Lieutenant."
<@Night10194> They're also reading slightly stronger.
<@Night10194> Your EVAs sensors begin to pick up an active AT field, 1 kilometer north of you, as the Vrag materializes into the program...
<@Night10194> http://beykex.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/sachiel.jpg THIS little bastard.
<@Night10194> He's at 100dm north of the team.
<Griet> "Eughh...."
<@Night10194> He's *huge*, though...he's roughly EVA sized, but he's got a couple meters on any of you, and massive bladed claws on each hand, his emotionless mask cocking a bit to the side as he surveys your unit.
<ElsaFaustus> "Time to save the virtual world...  So, we wait for it to come here or do we go to it?"
<Dostov> "We don't want it near the base."
<Dostov> "The further out we can intercept it, the better. Be mindful your your cords though."
<@Night10194> Sachiel: "..."
<TanyaIvanova> "And don't try to attack it straight out. It has its own field – we can't touch it unless we take that out."
<@Night10194> So, what's the plan?
<Dostov> "We start by stopping it in its tracks, that's what I'm for. I keep the heat on me while you take it apart."
<Dostov> "Once we're on top of it we need to take down its field, so we can actually touch it."
<Dostov> "Griet, get to firing range and lay down some fire as the others approach. Maybe we can keep it too busy to attack right away."
<Dostov> "Tanya, find a good angle and tear it to pieces, use your best judgement."
<Griet> "Got it"
<Dostov> "Elsa, Miko...whatever it is you can do...do it, and make it hurt."
<TanyaIvanova> "Sounds good."
<ElsaFaustus> "Sounds like you've given it a lot of thought."
<Dostov> "Just keep behind me until we're there. Pizdetz Vsemu was made to take a few blows from these things."
<@Night10194> Alright...so...Dostov is Running?
<@Night10194> Towards the Vrag?
<Dostov> Hell yeah.
<@Night10194> Tanya is also running, heedless of cable, eager for murder?
<TanyaIvanova> Ha-yep.
<@Night10194> You feel the Umbilical snap off your EVA, and hear a small ringing saying you have 5 units of power remaining as a small clock in your cockpit starts to count down.
<@Night10194> You're also within 28 dm of the Vrag.
<@Night10194> Just a little closer and you can start on his shields.
<@Night10194> Griet, your action.
<Griet> "Oookay, here we go..."
<Griet> Half action to walk forward and then the other to fire.
<@Night10194> The shot hits! But pings off the blue hexagons that flare up around the thing. Your EVA's systems read, after the hit, that its field is literally impenetrable at moment.
<Dostov> Unit 41 takes off running, pistons slamming its feet into the ground for more speed, stopping just as the cable goes taut.
<@Night10194> Tells you something and only used one bullet, though.
<@Night10194> Miko, your action.
<Griet> He said to keep it busy, not to actually do any damage per se.....
* MikoNakamura quickly notices that she can't AT Pull, and goes for the distraction shot.
<@Night10194> Aim and Fire?
<MikoNakamura> Yep.
<@Night10194> Missed by a mile, but the creature does seem a bit confused by the incoming naval cannon fire.
<@Night10194> The creature turns its head quizzically, then dashes forward, leaping into the air and coming crashing towards Unit 41.
<@Night10194> Dostov, do you want to Block or Deflect an arm-ram shot to the face?
<@Night10194> I think Block actually has a better chance, with your shield.
<Dostov> I'm a tad more confident in his blocking, I dare say
<@Night10194> Failed the block by 6. Fate?
<Dostov> Fate.
<@Night10194> There we go.
<@Night10194> You manage to get the shield up, as a huge piece of bone juts through the thing's palm and slams into the shield, a mere meter from your head. That would've easily slaughtered your EVA, possibly decapitating it.
<@Night10194> Elsa, you're up! Sachiel has advanced 40 dm forward and Charged Dostov, putting him at...60dm from the gunners and 12 from AngryTanya.
<Dostov> "He's a feisty one."
<ElsaFaustus> I'll advance to nominal range, if I can.
<ElsaFaustus> Can I move that fast in one turn?
<@Night10194> Nope. You can advance...24 dm. Nearly to nominal range.
<ElsaFaustus> Do that, then.
<@Night10194> Alright! Top of the order, Dostov and Tanya. Neutralizing is a Half action, leaving you another half to act, as well.
<Dostov> Neutralize, then Halt Advance.
<@Night10194> Trying to keep it fixed in place? Are you Neutralizing fully?
<Dostov> Full Neut. And he isn't going anywhere if I can help it.
<@Night10194> Got him fixed. You set your shield and bash into him, keeping his attention and wrestling with the thing. His field seems seriously weakened, as well. Tanya, your action.
<TanyaIvanova> I'm going to charge instead of neutralizing, start going in on ripping him to pieces.
<@Night10194> Hit!
<@Night10194> Deflection roll as poor Sachiel tries to protect himself. No doin', Sachi.
<@Night10194> You feel your EVA's talons ram into his chest...And here we get another mechanic.
<@Night10194> RIGHTEOUS FURY!
<TanyaIvanova> WOOHOO
<@Night10194> KALIMAAAAA! :p
<@Night10194> Your claws go straight between the ribs on his chest, piercing deep into the organic mess underneath like ripping into uncooked chicken, drawing back fluids and organs as they wrench out of his body.
<TanyaIvanova> Tanya makes a very satisfied-sounding half-shout, half-grunt of victory. :p
<@Night10194> Miko and Griet are next, and the creature is apparently vulnerable.
* Griet sees that it appears to be a bit weaker this time and goes for a semi-automatic burst
<Dostov> "Excellent, don't give it an inch!"
<Dostov> "Shooters, if other Units are in the way, find firing solutions from different angels when possible. Friendly fire is never your friend."
<Griet> "Sorry!"
<@Night10194> Your spray of fire his the creature twice in the chest, one of the shells exploding inside of the wound left by Tanya, ripping up its intestines as some splatters of gore spill from the wound. It's Stunned for 1 turn.
<@Night10194> Miko, your action.
<MikoNakamura> Aim and fire.
<@Night10194> You miss the shot, but don't hit any allies, thankfully. Elsa, you're up.
<ElsaFaustus> I advance to optimal range and fire.
<@Night10194> Hit! No Deflect! I've since learned any enemy with a 40% deflection never fucking makes the roll.
* NathanielDurond makes a note to discuss shooting lanes and covering fire with the pilots.
<@Night10194> Your shot pings off his armor and advanced biology, however, not leaving any injury, despite exploding shack on his chest.
<@Night10194> Back around to Dostov.
<NathanielDurond> (off mic) Is that really how effective we think those rifles are?
<@Night10194> Staffer: "Those are the prototypes, sir. Most of the unit is equipped with production models...we'll be doing everything we can to replace them on the two units still using the Pallet Gun."
<Dostov> All-Out Attack.
<@Night10194> Torso hit!
<@Night10194> And it happily fails its Deflect roll.
<@Night10194> The creature's chest is rent open by a nasty slash with the vibro-blade like spear, spilling organs and gore onto the snow as Unit-41 spears it. The creature looks like it's on its last legs.
<TanyaIvanova> Neutralize (full) and attack it with the claws again.
<@Night10194> It tries to Dodge, not having a field any longer.
<@Night10194> It simply can't get away...
<@Night10194> 2 more damage to the body, as Chernobog drops its rifle and grabs both ends of the gaping wound in the thing's chest, its arms bulging with effort as it manages to rip the screaming Vrag in half, cleanly, throwing both halves to the ground as the creature thrashes for a few moments, before expiring. Vrag dead!
<@Night10194> Simulation successful!
<Dostov> Unit 41 stands up straight, shield and spear at its sides.
<ElsaFaustus> "Huh.  That was easy.  Didn't seem like I did anything."
* Griet turns slightly green at the sight, but keeps her stomach under control. A small smile flits across her face.
* TanyaIvanova is definitely enjoying the carnage a bit much.
* MikoNakamura simply prays over the thing, purifying the land of it's essence.
<ElsaFaustus> "Are... you praying over a simulated alien?"
<Dostov> "Tanya is swimming in it, to each their own."
<NathanielDurond> "Congratulations pilots. You've utterly annhilated the (simulated) Vrag."
<ElsaFaustus> "Thank you, sir."
<TanyaIvanova> "Victories ought to be celebrated, comrades. Even simulated ones. and thank you, Captain."
<@Night10194> VICTORY! Battle 1 is a success!