Bar time!

Head to building A and train in mech melee combat.

Silence 2023/10/10(Tue)12:55 No. 1074445 ID: ed041d
File 169696773981.png - (26.29KB , 338x278 , Mech39.png )

You step into the bar, and find what appears to be a reptillian of some sorts behind the bar, polishing an old glass with a prosthetic hand.

He's staring at you, wondering what you're up to.

What do you say?

“Gimme a drink, bartender.”

"It's been a long day, I could use a drink"

>>1074445
Sit down, when he asks what you want to drink, tell him to surprise you.

Silence 2023/10/12(Thu)07:01 No. 1074565 ID: ed041d
File 169711929360.png - (45.74KB , 357x236 , Mech40.png )

>>1074449
You step up to the bar.

Welcome to Union-U, the one stop bar and grill for Mech Pilots. You're a new face... ironic because you're actually showing your face, some pilots around here got this weird "Faceless" complex.

I NEED ANOTHER DRINK!

See what I mean? What can I get you? We got beer on tap, a few select whiskeys popular among mercs, we've got some Vodka imported recently through ITA lines... or do you just want some water?

"I want fruit juice made from planet-side farms."
Loaded question; you want to know if there's any indication that this planet will be habitable once the fight is over.

Get me some coffee with whiskey.
Got any rumors, bartender?

whos that guy asking for another drink? sounds like he had a bad day

>>1074565
So, like, the joint only serves pilots? What about logistics personnel? Crewmen? Can the janitorial staff not come in here?

Does this mean he is also a pilot?

Also, that is a pretty snazzy outfit since most bartenders would probably just wear a t-shirt and apron.

Anyway, tell him to surprise you.

Silence 2023/10/16(Mon)07:55 No. 1074846 ID: ed041d
File 169746811119.png - (26.90KB , 258x267 , Mech41.png )

>>1074566
Do you know if the planet will be habitable after all of this?

Was it ever? This place was a dump even in the early days, terraforming never held right. It's only been recently the Monarchy got busy, they got their hands on some fancy super tech and now everyone wants it.

>>1074574
Who is that guy complaining? Sounds like he had a bad day.

It's about to get a lot worse since I had to cut him off.

>>1074577
So does this bar only serve pilots?

No we serve everyone, it's just that all ITA related mercenaries come through here since the campus is here. Hence why we became a Pilot's bar. Now are you going to order anything?

Surprise Me.

Here, have a 250mm shot.

The bartender sets down a small shot glass of an odd bubbling liquid, it seems to fizz heavily. Do you drink it?

Of course, beggars can’t be choosers.

>>1074846
Drink it, he is kinda cute...

Lap it at first to taste if there's some kind of poison.

Knock it back, then flip the glass and slap it down on the bar like a cool and tough merc would.

SCHLORP SCHLORP SCHLORP

>>1074846
Obviously drink it.

Also could we get a sprite with the helmet removed when we have the helmet off? That would be awesome.

Silence 2023/10/18(Wed)08:01 No. 1074974 ID: ed041d
File 169764129020.png - (21.27KB , 166x198 , Mech42.png )

You decide to try the 250mm, quite the name on it.

It's a singular shot so you lift it up and down it.

Silence 2023/10/18(Wed)08:02 No. 1074975 ID: ed041d
File 169764134521.png - (21.35KB , 166x198 , Mech43.png )

HOLY SHIT THIS THING HAS SOME KICK! If you still had your tail you swear it'd be standing up on end completely fluffed.

Want another?

take another, irresponsible drinking is COOL

>>1074975
Smack the glass on the counter. Say something like "damn that shit's good!" and then decline another. You should stay (mostly) sober for now.

So, do you have any friends or anything? If not, who else is in the bar? Maybe also ask the bartender about the local happenings (outside of company military shit. you already know that stuff)

Let me enjoy this one first, compadre.
See if anybody at this doesn't look like a pilot.

kind of an unrelated note, but i wonder what we call the type of mechs we use? strike armors? assault suits? modular weapons? something like those

"Did my bust go up a cup?!"
Ask about other mercenaries. Since you might be on opposing sides, is there a special incentive for sparing an opposing merc's life?

>>1074975
>no tail
Aw shit, that sucks. What happened? How did you lose it?

Silence 2023/10/20(Fri)06:47 No. 1075131 ID: ed041d
File 169780964276.png - (59.11KB , 594x205 , Mech44.png )

>>1074980
You set the shot glass down and opt to stay mostly sober for now. As for friends, you don't have any, least you don't remember any. You ask if there are any other mercs in right now, the Bartender points out 3 at another table talking. You might want to consider talking to them.

>>1075001
They're just called Mechs, nobody ever came up with any fancy names.

>>1075013
Same way you lost your right eye and got scarred. A job gone wrong.

>>1075131
Can you not get a cyber tail?

Also wtf have you done between missions up to this point?

>>1075012
>bust
Tbh it needs all the help it can get.

Consider sticking a neural port on your butt. Tail attachment optional.
And yeah, why not install a camera eye or something in the hole.

Sit and talk about your wacky prosthetic ideas.

Silence 2023/10/23(Mon)10:11 No. 1075367 ID: ed041d
File 169808106074.png - (37.78KB , 341x196 , Mech45.png )

>>1075132
Replacing parts isn't so easy, you haven't really had time and you just recently underwent some more modification after your lost job cost you that tail.

And what you've done isn't much, you just got onto the planet and opted to establish yourself for the ITA.

>>1075135
Because your brain isn't wired to deal with senses like that, it's like having an extra set of arms, you can't just shoot more guns any more efficiently because your senses only go so far. A replacement tail would be more practical.

You should ask Hannibal about that.

>>1075145
You walk over to the other table.

Hello

Hello there, you're new. What is your name?

637 Fox

Bit of a mouthful, what brings you over?

Silence 2023/10/26(Thu)06:58 No. 1075654 ID: ed041d
File 169832873775.png - (40.09KB , 471x183 , Mech46.png )

Not much of a talker huh? Well, my name is Leonardo... yeah I get the joke. These two with me are Lupin.

Hm.

And Tien.

Don't talk to me.

We're with the Junk Division under Wilson Scrap. You're with Hannibal right? Kowalski Wayne Mercantile, not a bad company to work under if not a bit... deadly.

You can tell that Leonardo has a basic false eye, and that Lupin is clearly boosted in some way. Tien however has no modifications whatsoever at all.

So, why are you working with Hannibal? What are you getting out of this?

That's a good question, you never thought about it and you don't really remember why you joined in the first place... but answering that may make you look like a mindless tool. Do you want to be honest? Or do you want to come up with a reason of some sort? If you do, what is your answer?

>>1075654
>>1071908
Now, if I recall, you said the company owns you and you need to fight to earn your freedom back. You are likely a debt slave. Idk how you forgot this...

Anyway, for now just say you have your reasons.

I mean if it wasn't normal to say you don't remember anything before you started working for Kowalski-Wayne, I'm sure you would remember that.

If nothing else, your company has a good work-to-own program. You did say that if you work with Hannibal, you'll have your own life again in no time. Certainly better than just being owned by someone else indefinitely.

Talk about your plans for after you get out of debt. How you're going to retire, start a business, and get the coolest tail money can buy.

From the mortality risk and the frequency of the missions we've done so far it seems we are pretty much in a meat grinder. Which would be quite traumatic for the area's workers to witness. At least from the comment about not wearing our helmet it seems that most pilots take to dissociating from society. Pilots who want to make friends and the most of their short lives or worse think they are 'different' and won't die, probably happen and cause worse trauma. So people might be a bit guarded about you being friends with them.

We should get this conversation back on track while showing we have a mature awareness of our situation and respect their boundaries. By being a weirdo and giving a stilted monolog made up of the answers to every one of their questions in sequential order. Just be honest that we're a bit blank, they've probably already noticed anyway. In general a polished public image shouldn't be our concern, everyone is probably used to pilots being a bit rattled. Just live it.

"My corporate name may be a bit much but it's less cruel to people that way if you get what I mean. You are always free to call me something cuter~. I prefer to get to know those who I am around, wherever I may be. Thank you for the introductions.

I talk off and on, more often on the less side. Under Hannibal, that is correct. Can't say why because I don't remember but the missions I have been getting are my preferred balanced of risk and challenge, so I would judge it as a good choice."

Silence 2023/10/30(Mon)07:48 No. 1075952 ID: ed041d
File 169867729798.png - (27.36KB , 199x204 , Mech47.png )

>>1075691
You know that part, but you don't recall how it happened or why you agreed to it. Though Hannibal did say you could work off your debt here, maybe with all the ruins being found?

>>1075694
You don't recall much because the augments you underwent involved some brain surgery, apparently its not impossible to forget stuff from that.

>>1075695
A tail would be good yes.

>>1075707
This isn't entirely a bad idea either.

I'm in debt to Kowalski Wayne Mercantile.

Ah, the trading company.

You that you signaled the logo wrong. Too late now, continue.

Yes, I have been promised that my work here will get me my life back.

There may be an opportunity there.

Finally speaking up then Lupin?

Come on! Fox just got here, are we really going to induct them into this?

We could use an extra gun on hand...

I’m willing to look into subcontracting, but I do need to know the pay.

Are they looking for help? Because we could definitely use more work.

>>1076046
Do we? Afaik we are taking a quick rest between sorties. Idk that we really have the time for more work. Plus it could be a breach of contract for us to take it.

Silence 2023/11/01(Wed)07:13 No. 1076097 ID: ed041d
File 169884802168.png - (28.45KB , 192x188 , Mech48.png )

Leo's eye starts to glow as he projects an image.

>>1075953
Payment is access to a new Dunaris mech, using technology nobody recognizes.

>>1076064
I'm in between sorties, I don't really have time. Plus this may be a breach of contract.

No major breach, we just have access to upcoming jobs. At most you're just being informed ahead of time what our next big job is, we can put it on the board. No trade tokens for this, however a whole mech isn't a bad deal is it?

You're not sure they get it but Clark IV is a dangerous place these days. If their missions ever conflict with the interests of Kowalski-Wayne, they are going to have to do it without any supporting fire. You cannot risk giving the company more leverage over you for a couple of guys you met at a bar. You'll agree to it but only if they have a backup plan should everything go sour and you have to turn them down at the worst possible time. Do they have another mech pilot? You won't feel slighted if they do, you just don't want to get them killed over some false hopes, because you're on a very tight leash right now.

It can go unspoken that if they turn out to be some sort of ragtag band of misfits valiantly fighting evil with giant robots, then you might be willing to risk more as you get to know them better.

I'm sure they can't give details, but what sort of tech is this mech sporting? Would it mesh well with our combat style?

>>1076097
Patch in Hannibal and let him get the detes.

Silence 2023/11/03(Fri)06:57 No. 1076330 ID: ed041d
File 169901987993.png - (46.15KB , 279x271 , Mech49.png )

>>1076099
You point out that this may conflict with KW's interests.

Not a big deal, the corps do have some united interests but if you can't make it the job will probably be taken by somebody else.

>>1076102
We don't know.

Hence the mission to go get it tomorrow.

>>1076122
You patch in Hannibal.

What is it 637?

You inform him of the details.

Ah, a job. You may get these on occasion, the corps have competing interests yes but the ITA is here to make sure we all play nice. Is this job going to appear on the board tomorrow? If so, not a big deal, KW approves all jobs on our board. We're not the only KW mercs on planet.

Shouldn't be too much trouble then, will you take the job tomorrow?

>>1076330
May as well.

Yeah, let's take the mission as soon as it's approved.

Thank them for offering. You'll be looking forward to seeing what their tricked out mech is capable of.

Hang on, we forgot to ask what the job actually entails.

Silence 2023/11/06(Mon)06:50 No. 1076611 ID: ed041d
File 169928221142.png - (15.66KB , 366x107 , Mech50.png )

>>1076331
>>1076339
>>1076362

You thank them for the job, you'll keep it in mind for tomorrow. However...

>>1076377
You want more information.

It'll be transported via a secure rail line, we'll be hitting it, we don't know what car it'll be in. When we do find it, one of us will have to get out and pilot it out. It'll be me.

It's first there, Tien, don't forget that.

Silence 2023/11/10(Fri)06:14 No. 1076953 ID: ed041d
File 169962564355.png - (59.54KB , 477x345 , Mech38.png )

If that's all, my fellows and I need to head off.

You're left by yourself in the bar, do you want to continue to stay in there? Go to the range? Or do you want to call it for the evening?

Range sounds good.

Go for the new mech grabbing! New toys are always fun.

Range, how are our hit and run tactics?

>>1076953
Check out your social media.

Silence 2023/11/13(Mon)06:41 No. 1077186 ID: ed041d
File 169988647840.png - (29.71KB , 290x220 , Mech51.png )

You opt to go to the Mech Range, you enter an observation post and see one of the Mechs speeding about holding a shield.

Hey welcome to the range. Do you want to use a practice mech or do you wanna use your own mech? Just looking to test out your skills?

Well at least this individual is friendly. What do you want to do here at the range? You can:
- Run through some trials
- Face a sim opponent
- Practice some basic skills

And you can use your own mech or one of the supplied practice mechs.

Targets on a train will probably be armed with ranged weapons. We should practice dodging fire, blocking with the shield, and rapidly closing distance for sword strikes.

>>1077186
Chat this guy up. What's their name? How long have they been here? What sort of mech do they tend to favorite? How much action have they seen?

Silence 2023/11/16(Thu)06:33 No. 1077431 ID: ed041d
File 170014518064.png - (33.32KB , 283x252 , Mech52.png )

You decide to opt for a high speed sim, it'll take a bit to load in.

You decide to talk to this grunt while waiting.

>>1077294
These are good enough questions.

Whoa! A lot of questions, enh judging by your state you've got some more intensive head augmentations, not unusual for this kinda deal. My Name? Call me Johnson for now. The Clarke Conflict has only been going on 2 years but I've been with the ITA for about 10 years now, pay and health plan is pretty good. I prefer heavy builds myself, forget speed when you can just destroy everything in your path with WMDs. As for action, I served 5 years and fought a bunch of border wars on the edge of colonized space, so depending on whether or not you balance conflict per war fought... 3... Smaller battles are way more. Now I'm working in support maintaining ITA facilities.

You think that's enough questions, maybe. Do you have more or do you want to get onto the range?

Mech time

>>1077431
Seems like a neat guy. Are the facilities equipped for sparring? If so, see if he wants to do that.

Range up!

Silence 2023/11/20(Mon)08:19 No. 1077697 ID: ed041d
File 170049716875.png - (45.02KB , 248x331 , Mech53.png )

You ask to get the range ready for hit and run tactics.

Okay no problem, got a speedy job tomorrow huh? Light builds work well for this, but a decent medium build isn't a problem.

You offer to spar with him some time.

Nah, I'm good, I'm done my piloting days.

Silence 2023/11/20(Mon)08:20 No. 1077698 ID: ed041d
File 170049720335.png - (57.55KB , 829x455 , Mech Build Trainer.png )

You look over the Trainer build, this will do for now, it's pretty much even more middling than your August build.

Silence 2023/11/20(Mon)08:20 No. 1077699 ID: ed041d
File 170049724759.png - (27.03KB , 267x244 , Mech54.png )

The sim loads up, and a train starts to speed across, various cars having turrets on top.

What is your first move?

Come in low, then boost up to land on top of a turret.

Yeah, those turrets seem only to have a barrel slot for angling upward.

Stop trying to game the simulation. The real thing's going to have more complex turrets.

Test out your evasion and see how long it takes to get a new paint job all over your chest.

>>1077699
Turret on the left can likely move and shoot very fast. It probably will be used to intercept any projectiles we fire at it.

Silence 2023/11/23(Thu)08:21 No. 1077879 ID: ed041d
File 170075649866.png - (43.54KB , 439x336 , Mech55.png )

>>1077721
>>1077741
You boost low and avoid active angles, the Training mech has decent speed.

You boost upwards.

Silence 2023/11/23(Thu)08:21 No. 1077880 ID: ed041d
File 170075651539.png - (48.04KB , 262x333 , Mech56.png )

And land on top of the gatling turret, what do you do now?

Crush its skull with your steel-plated thighs.

Point the turret at the other turret?

Depending on how sophisticated this simulation is, all you might be able to do is shoot the other turret, while keeping the one unable to aim at you.

If you can't disable the other turret before it turns towards you, rip out the turret you're sitting on and dodge out of the way of the other one.

Beam blade to the barrel below you, disabling the gatling turret. Then charge and slash the other turret before it can turn to you.

Silence 2023/11/27(Mon)07:45 No. 1078124 ID: ed041d
File 170109990363.png - (57.96KB , 377x346 , Mech57.png )

>>1077938
You charge forward, making use of your mounted beam weapon, slicing through the turrets.

You've handled this, however turrets aren't the only problem a high speed train might have.

Silence 2023/11/27(Mon)07:45 No. 1078125 ID: ed041d
File 170109995804.png - (54.13KB , 335x331 , Mech58.png )

The Sim loads in a heavy mech build, the train will be guarded after all.

What is your first move?

Start with suppressive fire! Can't let the enemy shoot first when there's no cover.

The train itself is cover, with the caveat that you could get dragged under the wheels if you're hanging on the side. Mister Heavy won't shoot through the train they're supposed to be guarding after all. ...probably.

rip a hole in the train to get in cover

Fire at its optics and duck over the side while it can't see. Can you boost run along the side of the train to get behind it?

Silence 2023/11/29(Wed)10:12 No. 1078276 ID: ed041d
File 170128154439.png - (47.00KB , 484x195 , Mech59.png )

>>1078187
Too small a target and would require being in the line of sight, and your boost pack isn't meant for that, you'd need a flight pack or speed pack.

>>1078154
>>1078180
You rip a hole in the roof and angle the metal upwards to block the incoming fire.

It works, though the Heavy Mech still has 2 4 tube missile launchers. What is your next action?

Close in on the mech with your improvised shield. Do it fast before the missles hit, then throw the shield into the path of the missiles. Use the explosion as cover to drop some grenades at your friend's feet. Make like you're going to beam saber them, to keep their eyes off the ground, then boost back before the grenades explode.

What's inside the train? We could drop down to attack the heavy from bellow.

Silence 2023/12/01(Fri)06:23 No. 1078391 ID: ed041d
File 170144059144.png - (73.00KB , 775x376 , Mech60.png )

>>1078354
This is a sim so the train is empty, you drop down through the hole you've made, avoiding the missiles, boosting to where your radar says the heavy is.

What's your next action?

Beam uppercut!

Stab em in the foot!

Silence 2023/12/04(Mon)08:45 No. 1078638 ID: ed041d
File 170170832156.png - (23.59KB , 223x213 , Mech61.png )

You strike upwards and ignite the beam blade. Beam weapons cut through anything but have limitations such as range and speed, a good beam blade does wonders however at cutting through even the heaviest of armor.

Silence 2023/12/04(Mon)08:46 No. 1078639 ID: ed041d
File 170170836734.png - (22.96KB , 581x386 , Mech62.png )

You poke your head out as the Sim-Mech collapses into a pile of junk and flames... just as Helicopters roll in.

You are starting to ponder if tomorrow's mission will be even worse in some way.

>>1078639

Oh it'll definitely be worse. What you should be pondering is why you're going up against Dunaris, knowing they have some fancy super tech and you do not? If they have enough time to send helicopter reinforcements, you're going to find half of your mech dimensionally shifted 7 light years away before you know it.

Consider that surprise and speed is vital to this mission. You're going to need to grab that new mech and run. Can you bury your mech beside the train tracks, so they won't see you coming?

How close are we to the target? Can we stay within the train to get there or will we be forced to emerge?

Silence 2023/12/07(Thu)06:31 No. 1078885 ID: ed041d
File 170195950119.png - (33.56KB , 385x221 , Mech63.png )

>>1078640
You'll consider this tactic and suggest it to Leo.

>>1078652
You can stay within, according to your RADAR systems, the target is a few cars down, getting inside the train was a bonus.

You open the door and see a Box Walker, you remember that this Sim is meant to push you.

How do you react to the Box Walker?

>>1078885

Open the box to find the treasure inside!

Alternatively, stay against the wall of the train so it can't get a clamp around one side of your mech, and try to knock it off balance. It's probably a service mech not designed for combat, and less agile than your current speedy setup.

Since this is a sim lets try something bold.
Try using boost to run up the wall, drop down on the box and drive a beam through it.

Silence 2023/12/09(Sat)06:47 No. 1079028 ID: ed041d
File 170213322870.png - (18.17KB , 215x162 , Mech64.png )

>>1078914
You're already in the train, the next car is blocked off by this box unit.

>>1078917
You boost upwards, only to remember this cargo car isn't exactly big and clonk into the ceiling in short order.

Silence 2023/12/09(Sat)06:47 No. 1079029 ID: ed041d
File 170213324710.png - (41.85KB , 478x211 , Mech65.png )

The Box Walker takes its opportunity to fire a scatter shot from its shotgun.

Silence 2023/12/09(Sat)06:48 No. 1079030 ID: ed041d
File 170213328007.png - (37.44KB , 237x366 , Mech66.png )

Your head and left arm take damage, they're not out of the fight just yet.

How will you resolve this?

Oops. Before it fires again rush it and knock its gun to the side. Using it for cover lob a grenade or two into the next car.

Oh no, your only weakness! Gun!

>>1079050
This but use the sword. Also, set down the smg and grab the box's shotgun.