Inchin: Endgame

[shaidar]

Frank

"Let's get going then, I'm sure we'll all be happier once we're on our way. Perhaps I should have brought a weapon." he shrugs

As they move Frank will focus his attention on looking for potential trouble.

[Leitz]

Jakob found the most senior Junge person he could. "We appreciate your help. What's your name? Who do we owe our thanks to?"

[joertexas]

Prerna keeps her eye glued to her optics as the ceasefire goes into effect and her people pull back.

"Lieutenant, keep a sharp lookout in all directions with the drones, please."

[Leitz]

OOC: After things aren't so lively, but before the Hot Wash (going over what happened). Posting now because I'm liable to forget.

Jakob sent a private comm to Prerna. "Major, when we go over the events of the day, I'm going to ask you to review Ms East's responses to me. She seemed to take the 'Swordie vs Impie' thing much more personal that most Imperials I know. How will that impact things?"

"Just wanted to give you a heads up on the question, and not put you on the spot."

[joertexas]

OOC: After things aren't so lively, but before the Hot Wash (going over what happened). Posting now because I'm liable to forget.

Jakob sent a private comm to Prerna. "Major, when we go over the events of the day, I'm going to ask you to review Ms East's responses to me. She seemed to take the 'Swordie vs Impie' thing much more personal that most Imperials I know. How will that impact things?"

"Just wanted to give you a heads up on the question, and not put you on the spot."

"Uh, yes. Sh-sure. I'll be glad to talk with you about that." Prerna unkeys to take a breath. "There's a lot of reasons for Swordies to uh, get personal with, about, Imperials."

[Tiglath]

Jackob

Strangely the only group of Junge that Jakob is able to immediately question are the medic/stretcher bearers who cheerfully supply their names: Agnetha Fältskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson, ‎Björn Ulvaeus. They differ on whom to thank confusedly offering up Chefsergeant Rolf Jørgen, Seniorsergent Einar Kjeld, “Benno” (their driver) and the All Father as candidates.

(OOC:

... and also see below which might explain why).

[Tiglath]

All

When the casualties are triaged and loaded the rescue grav vehicles immediately lift off for the mansion while the escort carrier and drones take post to cover the tank column. Frank is able to brief Sergeant Hublot that an “escorted tactical withdrawal” will take place. Clearly still rattled the acting troop commander is only too happy to comply.

The Guard then begin their retreat from Star Town led down the Processional by a buggy with a white rag tied to its antenna. Erica bids the mercs a farewell from the kerbside flanked by Rolf and Einar. Star Town is quiet but nevertheless insults are hurled from the side streets together with the odd inaccurate missile.

On the trip back a rumour that the Guard were attacked by “warbots” spreads like a contagion. An incredulous Gaughan forwards it on to Jess. The source seems to be the newly liberated prisoners who seem to see themselves as the “lucky survivors” of a doomed action.

As the Guard tanks retreat buggies shadow them in the side streets darting across the intersections. Their engines snarl from the shadows as the pack follows the wounded tank column. A moment of horrid realisation dawns as the tankers find that at “urban” ranges the traverse speed of their turrets is much slower than the ground speed of a buggy. A worse moment follows when it becomes clear that the buggy crews know this too.

Reaching the end of Town the column suddenly halts as the leading buggy slews around in front of the lead tank. As the agile racer comes to a halt the dead body of the girl still strapped into the passenger seat becomes obvious. The driver glares his hatred at the Guard and snatches off his mask to spit “This is the warning you never gave us! Come back into our town and we will end you! Reise, reise! No prisoners!” The crews of the buggies forming up behind their leader take up the cry and rev their engines while the crews defiantly brandish captured ACRs and what looks very much like LAW at the armoured column. However, having had their moment the Junge disperse in a cloud of wheel spun dust leaving the road open.

Needing no further encouragement the Guard race back to the Mansion and soon gain the safety of its defences.

(OOC: Please assume that all those who wish to can retire to the mansion without further incident).

[Leitz]

While with the Junge, Jakob will direct comm Jess. "Any message to pass on to them? Besides 'give us some space so we can fix the mess'?"

[shaidar]

Frank

On arriving back at the mansion Frank contacts the guard officers, passing on the warning that the opposition forces are deadly serious in their statement that they will no longer be taking guard prisoners and the town is now a no-go area for them. He will also make it absolutely clear that the SEMC will not be undertaking any further rescue missions of the Baronial Guard if they decide not to heed the warning.

With the immediate danger over Frank lets the delegation return to their rooms, asking Polly if he could join her for breakfast later (or another later meal, it must be getting pretty late - or early - by now)

He orders to SEMC to stand down into the normal watch rota and calls a debriefing session for the officers.

[joertexas]

All


Reaching the end of Town the column suddenly halts as the leading buggy slews around in front of the lead tank. As the agile racer comes to a halt the dead body of the girl still strapped into the passenger seat becomes obvious. The driver glares his hatred at the Guard and snatches off his mask to spit “This is the warning you never gave us! Come back into our town and we will end you! Reise, reise! No prisoners!” The crews of the buggies forming up behind their leader take up the cry and rev their engines while the crews defiantly brandish captured ACRs and what looks very much like LAW at the armoured column. However, having had their moment the Junge disperse in a cloud of wheel spun dust leaving the road open.

Prerna wonders distantly if the leader is fey - and can hear the bird of death about to crap on his head - as she centers her crosshairs on his back, right about where his heart would be. Fortunately, no one fires, and Prerna relaxes a little, resuming her scan as she covers the column's retreat.

[The Bindoner]

While with the Junge, Jakob will direct comm Jess. "Any message to pass on to them? Besides 'give us some space so we can fix the mess'?"

What, that I'm sorry I couldn't stop the Guard firin' on 'em sooner? That I'd rather be on their side in this? *weary sigh* Nah, just tell 'em they're better people than the blokes directin' this fight, we're not their enemy and we won't shoot at them 'less they shoot at us, and wish ''em well for me.

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya

With the withdrawal of the column, Freya will get one of the drones to climb to 5km up and will record the movements of those below as they move to their hideouts and homes.

[Leitz]

Jakob looked at the Junge medics. "Agnetha, Anni-Frid, Benny, ‎Björn, thank you. I've seen you helping the wounded before, and we're all impressed with your bravery." He relaxed, took a deep breath, and removed his helmet. He let their eyes meet his. "I am Jakob Domici. Sergeant-Major Henker is looking forward to racing your best, again. We both want to stop the senseless killing."

He put his helmet back on, and continued to breathe out while the internal atmo was filtered. He'd have to dust out the system when he got back, but it was much better to deliver a human message when you weren't sealed up in armor. When the other people could see that you were just as human as they were. He had kept his professional face on the whole time, but there was a part of him what realized no one would be too upset if the Baron fell into a crevasse or was found floating in the pool.

Well, not the pool. Jakob wanted to see Liv in that way-too-skimpy bikini a few dozen more times. Drowning the Baron in the pool was off-limits.

[Tiglath]

Jakob

Jakob’s candour seems to pay dividends. He gets a spontaneous hug from Agnetha (although the practical effect’s somewhat muted by his armour). While Benny marvels to his comrades “You see - that was the witch’s prophecy! Three would defeat many and there would be peace if we did not fight!” Benno joins the group to add self importantly “I’ve met the “Alte Junge” herself and even raced with her!”

[Leitz]

Jakob enjoyed the hug, and then released Agnetha when it was proper. He looked at Benny for a moment, and then said "I'd like to hear about this prophecy, always good to have the spirits on your side."

His tone changed as he lightly poked Benno in the chest. "And you're going to need all the providence you can get; Henker gets this crazed gleam in her eyes when she starts messing with her buggy."

[Tiglath]

Jakob

Benny indicates Erica and replies simply "It is no longer prophecy for what Mistress Huginn promised us has come to pass! The Baron's men were defeated, we did not have to fight and there is peace. The All Father is surely on our side!"

[BackworldTraveller]

Methinks they may be mistaking the battle for the war

[Leitz]

Jakob glanced back at Erica, and grinned. He turned back to Benny. "Well, let's hope the peace holds. We're doing our part, and I think Mistress Huginn will do hers."

OOC: The player sees great options for intel gathering, but is coming up short on how to stimulate the conversation any more. Since Jakob isn't a spook by nature, this probably fits. Besides, he has to get back home before Liv thinks that hug was too special.

Private channel to Prerna: "For the record, I wasn't the one that called Erica a witch. Just sayin'."

[The Bindoner]

Jess keeps Candida flying to provide overwatch for the convoy, the Colonel's parley, and the movements of the ambulance and Jakobs team.

On the trip back a rumour that the Guard were attacked by “warbots” spreads like a contagion. An incredulous Gaughan forwards it on to Jess. The source seems to be the newly liberated prisoners who seem to see themselves as the “lucky survivors” of a doomed action.

That's either hardsuits or drones, reckon, but if I were you I'd play it up. The gentlefolk believe that they'll be less likely ter send yer out again. An' yer really don't want ter be sent out again. Oppositions prepared fer yer, an' me Boss' banned any more assists.

The driver glares his hatred at the Guard and snatches off his mask to spit “This is the warning you never gave us! Come back into our town and we will end you! Reise, reise! No prisoners!” The crews of the buggies forming up behind their leader take up the cry and rev their engines while the crews defiantly brandish captured ACRs and what looks very much like LAW at the armoured column. However, having had their moment the Junge disperse in a cloud of wheel spun dust leaving the road open.

Jess tells her driver 'Arry, give 'em a salute. Low pass with a wiggle on, really swing 'er hips. Pity we ain't got wings ter waggle, eh?

[joertexas]

Jakob glanced back at Erica, and grinned. He turned back to Benny. "Well, let's hope the peace holds. We're doing our part, and I think Mistress Huginn will do hers."

OOC: The player sees great options for intel gathering, but is coming up short on how to stimulate the conversation any more. Since Jakob isn't a spook by nature, this probably fits. Besides, he has to get back home before Liv thinks that hug was too special.

Private channel to Prerna: "For the record, I wasn't the one that called Erica a witch. Just sayin'."

"Noted."