Anime Let's play SMA!

[WhiskeyWolf]

The Alliance can be trusted as long as they send you regularly bitches. Else no asses, no trust.

 

[Nevill]

So, the bad guy is a slim and shorty fag wearing a mask with pointy ears? Kinda underwhelming

Slim. Short. Wears a mask. Refused to bed wed Asaga in favor of a Muahaha-speech.

It is totally another girl with a Dark and Troubled Past (TM). Just look at that haircut!

Probably romanceable, too.

 

[Shadenuat]

Oh right, no fanservice yet.
But best ryder incoming.

 

[abnaxus]

Tasteful rape?

 

[Azira]

We already had that when Claudio came on board.

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

(So good to be back... I never thought I could escape that marriage...if it wasn't for-)

(So much stuff's happened but the only thing I can think about is the Captain...) C'mon... pull yourself together! Huuu.... this sucks. I'm so hot down there just thinking about it.
Brb, grabbing a beer.

Hurry up in there! What's taking forever!

Uwah! H-hang on!

Oh girls, why don't we all just shower together if you're gonna be so impatient~

S-shut up! L-like I would ever want to see y-your... check rockets!

Okay, okay! I'm done!

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

No! No! This isn't the time for that! You've got a fight to win, Asaga! Come on! You are the hero of justice! For freedom and equality! J-just like the-

I didn't come for you, I came for Justice!

Uuuuuu.... it's not working.

You are... the Queen.

... How long have you been there?

The stars give me peace.

You know... you don't have to call me queen. Just Asaga is fine.

I am Sola.

So, what are you doing here?

Reflecting. Far Port was a mighty trade world during my time. Merchants from across the Empire gathered here to engage in commerce and exchange ideas. It was the gateway to the core worlds, where Ryuvian splendor met the exotic cultures of outsiders. And it was the place where I was born. Yet now... it is merely an abandoned world, where civilization has been overtaken by the wilderness.

Don't despair! One day, this place will be a bustling port again. Trust me, once we send PACT back to New Eden, Ryuvia will grow again.

Our Empire has become weak. Our enemies have stolen our technologies. Our culture has been forgotten.

That's why we gotta change. It was our own arrogance which led to our decline. The nobility became too selfish. Sons killed their fathers and brothers betrayed brothers, all for a piece of the Ryuvian dream. In the end, in our fight to own the Empire, we destroyed the very thing we wanted. Once this is all over, we'll make a new Ryuvia, where the leaders act for the good of the people.

... The talbur was right to illuminate only for you. I hear you and your musings.

You desire the captain to lead by your side?

Your face... it is red. Are you unwell?

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

Hm. All right. Let's have a look at this beaut.

Please mind your protocols, Captain.

Morning, boy.

Ugh. At ease, Lt. I am First Officer Ava Crescentia and this man here is Captain Steve. Welcome abaord the Sunrider.

My pleasure, sir! I have been ordered by Admiral Grey himself to serve as the Alliance liaison officer on board the Sunrider. I look forward to working with you, Captain.

(Sheesh, what a downer. She's so... boran.) Tell me about yourself, Lt.

Rank: Lt. First Class. Twenty two years of age. Previous service: Commander of Air Group onboard the Alliance carrier-

(Yada yada yada yada) That's nice, boy.

You were an Alliance CAG? Then what are you doing here on the Sunrider?

I go wherever my duties require me to, ma'am.

So you pilot a ryder?

Yes, Captain. I've already arranged to have the Paladin transferred to the Sunrider. You'll find it a fine complement to your current Ryder wing, I am sure.

Glad to hear. Make yourself at home, Lt.

Thank you, sir!

Ava will help you move in. Won't you, Ava?

I've already taken the liberty of converting the male quarters to accommodate the growing size of our female crew.

Sigh. And that's why I'm happy to be the Captain of this ship.

Whatever you say, Captain.

Dismissed, you two. (Hmm. Won't hurt to move about, her Ryder's callled Paladin, huh? Maybe she's one of those armored types...)

(Dafug happened here?)

Ms. Isisolde, your ryder is in violation of at least 14 different Alliance safety regulations. In its current condition, I cannot allow it to fly with the rest of the squad!

Hey, you two. What's going on...(So tired of this shit.)

Captain Shields, I was informing Ms. Isisolde that her ryder is a potential safety hazard to both herself and the crew.

What's wrong with it? (Aside from the lack of other secondary weapons...)

Absolutely nothing, Captain. She just has issues with me cutting through the Alliance red tape. So what if I used lighter materials?

What she fails to point out is that Heratium shatters into a thousand razor sharp fragments when it explodes. Captain, you cannot allow such a danger to exist on your hangar bar. The safety of your pilots is at stake here, all for the ego of one merc. Furthermore, Alliance regulations state that-

I used Heratium all my life and I never had problems with it! The Solar Congress should have some backbone and let their own people decide what to buy instead of getting bullied by cartel interests!

(Man.. what is this shit? I don't think there should be any issue since Icari loves going at it alone.)

Uh, boy. Your concerns have been noted. But this is my ship - and we don't follow Alliance protocols here. Icari's freelance and free to do any mods she wishes on her Phoenix. Within reasons, of course.

Understood, sir. But you will excuse me if I steer clear of the Phoenix while it is doing its burn tests on the hangar floor.

Tsk... don't come back to me begging me for the mods when the Phoenix leaves your Paladin in the dust during the battle.

Hmph. Well then, I do believe I have more work to do. May I be dismissed, Captain?

You're dismissed, boy.

Sir.

Man, give her a break, Icari. She's still new to this team. You've seen her Ryder yet?

Yeah, so what if it's armored and equipped with anti-cap ship railguns? It's too slow to get close enough for an accurate shot.

Hm. That might be true, I'm gonna have to work on Chigara to get around that. See you around, Icari - and try not to blow the ship.

Seeya, turbodweeb.

 

[WhiskeyWolf]

I didn't come for you, I came for Justice!

Also, your auto-correct fucked you over - downfall, not download.

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

All done. By the way, I think you should take a look at this.

What's this? The Alliance boy? Yawn.

I took the liberty of looking a bit deeper into our lieutenant's service records on the Alliance.

You're always so cautious. And?

Well, I found a slight discrepancy. Her records indicate that she served on the Montesquieu two days before it was officially commissioned. It could have been nothing, but after what happened to Claude, I got Chigara to take another look at it.

'After what happened with Claude?' Ava, I didn't know you cared. ^_^

Focus for a minute. Chigara found that Lt. Kryska's record had been wiped clean and then rewritten with new data. As far as she can tell, she doesn't even think the Montesquieu is a real ship.

So what are you saying?

Captain, this is an ace pilot with a fake profile, serving onboard a ship that doesn't exist. That sounds like somrthing only Alliance Spec Ops would do.

Kinda expected. Probably a spy planted by the Admiral to keep tabs on us. Doesn't look like the Alliance trusts us yet.

Want me to keep an eye on her?

Yeah, might as well do it. If she does anything suspicious, inform me immediately.

Understood, Captain. If she as much as sneezes suspiciously, I'll make a log of it.

I can always count on you. I'll be in my office. Cya.

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

Good evening, Captain.

Hey kids. How are you two doing?

Don't you worry about a thing, Captain! Chigara and I will do our best in battle!

What about you, Chigara? Everything all right?

Umm... it's a little hard digesting because I'm so nervous, but I think I'll be okay.

No, no, Chigara! You gotta eat before a fight or else you're gonna run outta energy! Isn't that right, Captain?

Well... it's not just that. If you don't eat proper meals, you might end up with gastric pains and stuff. You should eat up.

I'm sorry Captain. I haven't been sleeping well lately, ever since we left Ryuvia.

Why?

It was very frightening to meet Arcadius in person... I can still hear his voice ringing in my head when I sleep.

Bah! Don't be scared, Chigara! We'll take down that stupid masked tyrant together! I wonder who he is underneath that mask though?

You mean Arcadius is just an alias?

He was the former slave who led the PACT revolt against the New Empire, right? According to my fathers' advisors, the man who claims to be Arcadius now might actually be a different person though.

That might explain why he looks so young for a leader of a rebellion.

Captain, why do you suppose he always wears that mask?

That's obvious. Hiding his appearance might make it easier for someone else to take up the mantle if he ever falls.

Hmmm... an immortal leader, huh? I remember the ancient Ryuvian kings poured billions into researching immortality.

Obviously they didn't succeed. What became of it?

Well... the research did lead to some crazy breakthroughs for anti-aging facial creams.

That explains why you look like a kid, eh?

Uuuu... Captain!

Haha. I kid. No pun intended. You wouldn't happen to have some now, would you? Ava might be interested.

Tsk, the last of it were depleted decades ago. Can we talk about something else already?

Yeah, okay. Hopefully one day we'll tear that mask off that tyrant and find out who's underneath that mask.

Yeah! I want to be the one to do that!

One day, Asaga. One day.

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

Hey, what are you doing in the hangar? Still calibrating the Liberty for the big day?

I was just finishing up.

So how are things? Still having trouble sleeping?

I'm sorry. I hope I won't be a burden during the battle.

That's why I said you should go get some rest, Chigara.

I'm trying to, Captain. But the Veniczar's voice... I feel like it's ringing in my head. It calls out to me, like a siren's song.

(?!) Oi. Relax. You've been under a lot of stress lately. It's not right for a sixteen-year old girl like you to be burdened with all this crazy stuff.

A-ah, Captain? I-I'm actually nine-

Gah! I'm sorry for putting so much on you. *puts hands on Chigara's shoulders* You helped us so much, I can't possibly thank you enough.

Ah, uhh... I'm sorry, Captain. I-must sound crazy. Please forget what I just said.

... I won't. Just tell me what's wrong.

... I've been... thinking of what happened on Diode lately.

Your homeworld?

Yes...

Let's talk about it. My office?

Umm... if it's not too much trouble. I was just finishing up over here.

Yeah, come. I'll walk you to my office.

T-thank you, Captain. *takes a seat at the sofa*

Make yourself at home, Chigara. It's kinda cozy in here. Shouldn't take long for you to relax. I guess the Sunrider's pretty cutting edge in more ways than one.

Eh-heh...

Here's your tea.

Ah, Captain. You're not having any?

...Um. No. I don't like tea very much. *cracks a can of beer* anyways, I heard from the reports that nobody made it out of the Diode catastrophe alive. Apparently, they missed out you in the details.

Yes...

Tell me more about your homeworld.

My father was the lead scientist on the Paradox Project. I was actually born on the science station on Diode.

The Paradox Project huh? Did they work on many DLCs? Sorry, that was just an inside joke. Go on.

We were seeking the holy grail of scientific technology: the power to control time.

Time, huh? *sips can of beer* How?

Imagine a device which lets you return to the past and redo your life. Or which allowed you to restore yourself after you were killed. Or which even allowed you to remove your enemies before they were even born. Not even the ancient Ryuvians discovered that power, or else they'd still be alive today.

Chigara...

Yes, Captain?

A tech like that sounds dangerous, Chigara.

But Captain, technology is only as good as the person wielding it. In the right hands, a tech like that could save billions of lives.

I don't want to step on your optimism. But - let's put it this way: Suppose such a thing is even possible - how far back are you allowed to go?

Captain - with such technology, wars, famine and even human conflict would be rendered meaningless. It could mark a new phase in our existence as species, where we manipulate not three dimensions, but four.

Mmmm. I'm afraid your appraisal of humanity is far too optimistic, Chigara. So, what happened then?

Something went wrong. We accidentally opened a black hole in orbit around the planet, destroying our research station and most of Diode in the process. Luckily, I managed to get away on an escape pod. But the rest of the team weren't so lucky. Both of my parents died in the accident. As far as I know, I was the only survivor.

I'm sorry to hear that. Did they investigate what went wrong?

None... We had so many safeguards. Something like that was simply theoretically impossible. I-I've rerun computerized tests of what we did thousand of times. Every time, everything worked exactly as it was supposed to. I... I don't have a scentific explanation as to why something so horrible happened... I.. I..

It wasn't your fault.

I know. But there's only one possible cause left: sabotage. Someone on our team must have betrayed us.

Thrashing the entire station seems a bit extreme. What would they stand to gain out of it?

I- I don't know, Captain. I just wish- they, I've thought about what happened so many times... Our calculations.. they were so perfect, there's no way we...

I can see you're still haunted by it. I can't ask you to forget about it completely, you may pursue any leads you wish but don't let it take over your life. It'd be such a waste of your talents. You can do so much good with them.

Yes Captain... I never want to see the people around me die again. I'll do my best to protect this ship.

And I will do my best to make sure that promise is never broken. Trust me.

Yes, Captain. I'm counting on you.

And who knows, once the war is over you can start opening that dream bakery you always wanted, right?

...

She fell asleep? *lowers beer can* Oh well. Problem solved, I guess. *pulls off Miami Heat shirt to cover Chigara* Good night, Chigara. Sweet dreams.

Thank you... Captain.

Computer, dial Mining Union. Sophita Brooks.

Oh, hello Captain. I hear you're at Far Port, big battle coming up?

Sophie, I need something big. Can you have it delivered tomorrow?

I'm sure we can come to an agreement Captain with the right price...

 

[abnaxus]

http://sunrider-vn.com/2014/10/20/announcement-sunrider-academy/

 

[RK47]

http://sunrider-vn.com/2014/10/20/announcement-sunrider-academy/

Say good bye to Tactical Combat

 

[abnaxus]

Ava will be mine. Again.

 

[RK47]

The next day...

Spoiler

Ummm... I'm not sure if we're allowed to be here, Asaga...

This is for the sake of this ship, Chigara!

Hey, you two. What are you doing on the bridge?

E-eah! Captain!

Oi! Don't break our cover, Captain! We're keeping our eyes on zee spy!

Are you talking about Lt. Kryska?

Who else?!

Sigh... please don't do anything rash, kiddo.

Me? Ohohoho. Nope, nope. Not at all! I might have warned some of the crew who were eating with me in the lounge about the Admiral's mole, but nothing more! Just doing my duty to the ship, Cap'n!

(Oh man...)

Uuu... I'm sorry, Captain. I accidentally let slip to Asaga about the possibly forged service records...

You two should cut it out. This hiding in plain sight? Not working out, look, Ava is glaring at you from across the bridge, Asaga.

Ugh... I'll be in the hangar. Tune up my ryder...

Yeah, better get going.

See you!

I'm sorry about this, Captain...

Eh. That's all right. By the way, how's sleep?

A-ah. It was great, Captain! Thanks! I- I think I'll be going now!

Glad to hear. Wait, before you go. There's a shipment form the Mining Union coming in later today. Can you please receive the package and install it into the Sunrider before the next battle?

I'll do my best, Captain.

Good. I'm counting on you. (Guess it's time for a briefing.)

Sir. As you know, we have five PACT fleets approaching Far Port. Our mission objective is to hold this planet until our reinforcements arrive.

ETA?

The First Fleet is approximately two days out. The Third, Fourth and Sixth will not arrive for another three days.

With PACT liable to strike at any time, we'll be heavily outgunned. It's a battle we can win head on. What are our options?

Far Port may be a tactically pivotal world, but it is largely uninhabited. We could try scattering the Alliance fleet around the planet and pick off the PACT Fleet with hit and run tactics. With minimal risk of civilian casualties, we could draw the battle out until the rest of our ships arrive.

With all due respect Commander, such a plan involves the risk of the PACT Fleet bypassing us all and warping deeper into populated Alliance space. Alliance command has ordered us all to keep PACT contained at Far Port at all costs.

PACT won't be able to warp out an armada of that size easily. And facing a PACT fleet that large with our current forces would be suicide.

Hm. Looks like we're quite in a bind...Ava, can you come to my office for a minute?

Very well, Captain.

How are you feeling?

Hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned? Facing a far superior force with minimal backup and no hope of reinforcements arriving on time, all for a naive schoolboy cause?

Harsh as always.

Feels like one of our old summer vacations all over again.

...? I thought you had forgotten everything about those days.

Not all of it.

Why didn't you ever respond to my messages after you left?

I was busy.

Huh... I figured as much.

Yeah.

C'mon. (Throw me a bone here.)

I moved on. I went to space and you stayed home. It's not like it could have lasted forever.

Tsk...Senpai. We're in the same ship now. Will you notice me now?

...

Nothing's set in stone... unless you let it stay that way, Ava.

Captain.

Yes? (Here we go.)

I'm still waiting for you to complete that stack of paperwork on your desk.

Oh. (I missed. Again.)

Reviewing your camera footage again?

U-uhh...

The Captain shows up at about the 61 minute mark! Oo-oh! Right there! There's our man!

...

Heh. I don't know what you see in that loser, Chigara. He's just a little schoolboy.

The Captain's always doing what is best for the crew. But... there's something lonely about him. He must miss his home.

Aaah... Maiden's love!

Hmph! You're not gonna attract him with that kind of innocent charm, girl! We've gotta hook you up with a wild night at the Stardust to turn you into a real woman! Some hard drinks and pumping bass should blow away all that innocence from your head!

S-stop it. The Captain's not into that kind of things.

Heh... you're hopeless.

You better make your move fast, Chigara. Or else I'm gonna snatch him away before you...

Uuuuuu.....

What the- Hey! What's that Alliance girl doing in the recording?

Eh? I don't remember seeing this part.

Wait a minute, isn't that-

Elsewhere...

Oh. Look. Darth Roxor is starting a new Blood Bowl Codex Tournament. How nice of him. Guess I'll trim my old team to get that 1400 TV requirement down... Hmm... STR6 Ogre has gotta go... then Whitewolf.....oh.. well. Bye, stabby. And.... done.

Well. Back to work I go. Here...lemme see...oh, the Invoice from Mining Union has arrived - hopefully Chigara has handled it-

Captain, we need you in the hangar!

(Huh... that was Icari from over the radio.) Icari? What's the matter?

The Alliance mole's been tampering with our systems! You have to arrest her!

Shit. Don't do anything rash, I'll be right down!

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

Mind telling me what's going on?

I caught this Alliance mole snooping on the Sunrider's warp core controls. No doubt trying to copy our core schematics into that little data drive she's hiding...

An unfortunate misunderstanding, Captain. I was merely running a diagnostic on the ship's performance specs so I could formulate our tactical plan for the coming battle.

Even if that is the case, why didn't you inform us? Chigara, did you see anything?

T-the Lieutenant attached some kind of data copier to the console.... I think it might be a hacking attempt into our secure data.

See, she's a spy!

Sigh...

I know it must be hard on you all to trust one another at the start, but we're all on the same side here. While this breach is a cause for alarm, we've still got a bigger threat lurking out there. The PACT Fleet will be here any minute. So please, try to get along. We'll deal with this once the battle is over.

But Captain! She's Alliance Black Ops! For all we know, she might slit our throats while we're sleeping!

For the record, the Alliance does not have a Black Ops.

Bullshit. What kind of self-respecting military does NOT have a Black Ops!?

Hey, chill. Weren't you the one who was always saying we needed the Alliance on our side if we're going to win the war?

I-I... Arrghhhh!

A klaxon suddenly sounds throughout the ship.

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

Chigara, is the Warp 2.0 still operable?

Yes, Captain. I'm ready with my trajectory calculations. Just say the word.

Ava. Threat assessment.

A screen of seven ryders, four Cruisers and two PACT Carriers. Amongst the Ryders are three Bomber-class. Alliance Cruiser, Arcanum and Torment are backing us up. Recommend we deal with the Carriers quickly before they deploy more Ryders, sir.

Ava, is the QT-package installed?

Quantum Torpedoes are armed and loaded.

Time to take this to the next level. Sunrider, prepare for Short-Range Warp.

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

Shall we assist?

Yes, Fontana. We shall.

What's the status of the enemy command fleet?

We've taken down most of the command ships, but Cullen's flagship still remains!

Damn, we're out of Quantum Torpedoes! Can we do a quick warp and end it all with a Vanguard Cannon?

It's possible, but- w-wait! Energy spike detected! It's the Legion!

Evasive maneuvers!

Shit!

Casualty report!

Hercules Squad has been annihilated! Taylor Squad is down to three cruisers! Two of PACT's own vessels were caught in the blast and vaporized as well!

Arcadius... you insane son of a bitch. Fine! Let's double down! Merge Taylor squad with Arturia squad! Instruct the fleet to move closer to the PACT vessels! No more free kills for the Legion! We'll make them take down twice of its own when they fire on us!

Sir!

Cease your struggling, whelps!

What's wrong, Cullen? Surprised that you're the only big ship left at the front? Guess what? I'm gonna park my ship right on your face and call Arcadius to blast us both out of the skies!

Let's do this!

Prepare to fire the quantum torpedo! Target: Sunrider!

Captain! A warhead at that distance-

Heh! What do you expect to do with those tiny lasers, girl?

Asaga! Don't do anything rash! Get out of the way before the Legion fires again!

The Black Jack has undone its safety limiters!

Asaga!!

Don't...mess...

!? (Those eyes! Just like Sola's!)

This is for Ryuvia!!!

Confirmed hit! The enemy's flagship is down!

Outstanding! Report on the enemy fleet movements!

The enemy is still attacking! Our fleet has taken severe casualties and is down to 33%!

We've done all we could! Ava, order the fleet to scatter!

Aye, Captain!

Didn't think I'd ever end up like this, fighting some stupid war alongside the likes of you!

Multiple warp signatures, coming from Alliance territories!

I commend you for holding out this long, Captain.

Tsk. It was nothing, Grey. We saved some for you.

Hahah, now, behold the power of the Emerald Fleet!

Show these reds what happens when you cross the Alliance!

The First Fleet has arrived with 200 fresh ships. Our spies indicate that more reinforcements are en route. Shall I commit the Legion to the battle?

No. The battle no longer favors us. Order our forces to fall back.

Understood, my dear leader.

... This loss... is irrelevant.

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

Nice work, kid! That better not be just a one-off powers!

Good work, Sola. you too, Chigara.

That was too close, Captain. I thought the Sunrider's Hull almost gave way back then.

Seriously, it was only the first battle... it's too soon to celebrate yet.

Kind of hard to take that seriously when you're grinning from ear to ear, eh, Ava?

W-wha? I-I'm not...

Hmph...well, I guess you're not that bad of a shot! Just call me Icari from now, alright? I don't like ranks or titles in front of my name.

Of course.

Nice to see you two get along for a change.

Captain, I apologize for my actions, sir. I expect to be escorted by Commander Crescentia to the brig now that the crisis has passed.

About that... Here's the data you were trying to access. We're going to be a team from now on, so we're going to have to learn to trust each other. Next time you need info, why don't you just ask?

Sir?

We're allies. If we're going to get anything done, it's best to be open with each other.

Understood sir. I will inform you personally if my superiors wish information in the future.

Hmph. Well, this doesn't mean we'll be friends or anything! But I guess we can work together. Just for now!

Ufufufu~ looks like someone's blushing...

S-shut up! This is only so we can beat PACT!

My, my! Isn't this ship turning into a little love nest!

SHUT UP! EAAAAHHH!

...

Captain? Something wrong?

Well, you did say you'd gather allies from across the galaxy.

Yeah, I did. I just didn't expect them to be all girls.

Ufufu~ you're saying it like that's a bad thing.

Haha! Yeah, I'm happy. I really am.

Hmph. I'm still waiting for that paperwork to be completed, though.

Jeez. Fine, I'll get right on it.

 

[abnaxus]

Arcadius won't fool anyone even with mask.

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

Day by day, the crew's discipline begins to decay. I feel the chains of command dissolving with each day. I can see it in the eyes of the crew. The chances of a rescue are remote. Some of the rowdiest of our crew have even suggested starting a settlement! Here! So far away from the raiment of civilization! I fear it is only a matter of time until we lose all control over the crew and have a mutiny on our hands...

Until then... I, First Officer Ava Crescentia, will do my best to maintain order! Even if...

Gurk..

Eh-heh... it's still Commander Crescentia, Asaga...

Eh? But the Captain said no ranks while we're on vacation!

No... no...

Oh my... it seems like they've gotten bigger again!

Eeeeehhhh...

Uuuughh! Put those away!

Oh my, Are you scared of my... rockets?

Tsch! What did you say?! I'm sorry, I wouldn't want to make myself so huge that I'm mistakenly mated by a space whale! And I haven't even begun to talk about that monstrosity of a ryder you have!

How dare you mock the Paladin! Permission to engage, Commander?

Eh... ehhhhhhh?

Come on! Get some!

Mercenary scum! Eaaaaah!

Ha! Too slow! As usual!

Oh my, Chigara... you've still got much catching on to do until you can compete with me.

Uuu... the Captain's not interested in those things!

...Errrghhh...

Hey Ava! So is it true that you made out with the Captain while you were in junior high?

W-what?????

SPEED!

ARMOR!

...

A few hours earlier...

Your protest is noted, but ultimately rejected.

Captain! Our victory at Far Port was only made possible through constant vigilance! We cannot afford to let our guard down merely because we have won the first battle of the war. PACT's fleets are still vast and mighty. Cullen was a mere fool. Arcadius isn't. PACT will return!

Ava... out of all the people on board this ship, you need a break the most. When was the last time you did something fun?

F-fun?

Yeah. You know... carefree... irresponsible fun?

U-uh... but the paperwork...

It can wait lah. Buy yourself a swimsuit (Fu-fu-fu...slurp), get some drinks, make some mistakes. That's an order.

... Absolutely unbelievable.

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

Eh, what do you mean?

In the Alliance, regulations prohibit both sexes to serve in the same vessel. So I came from a ship where my subordinates and superior officers were all female.

Ehhh... I never knew the Alliance did things that way.

Such measures were adopted to enforce discipline.

Does it work?

Heh. Somewhat.

Anyways, I can't believe this resort station! It's so awesome!

The Lydia's one of the biggest resort space stations in Alliance space. With over 100 acres of beach and forest, it's the ideal place for a vacation! Just another one of the Alliance's cutting edge technologies!

Hey, the Commander's been gone for a long time. You don't suppose she finally cracked? Maybe she's hiding inside a cove somewhere, pretending to give orders to a bunch of hermit crabs...

Hi girls, we're back with the BBQ Grill :3

W-wow.

W-who's that babe with you Captain?!

Uuuu.... I just can't win them.

Ah, just someone I know in high school. Pretty isn't she?

Attention all hands. It has come to my attention that the Captain wishes to see us rested up for the battles to come. While it is my desire to run a tight ship... sometimes exceptions must be made for the good of the crew.

Uwah... it's really her.

Lighten up a bit, would ya?

AHEM. LET'S CRACK OPEN THIS BOTTLE ALREADY AND GET THIS OVER WITH!

Ooooahhh!!

Eh.. I should chat up with Ava. Maybe she's loosened up a bit...

I see you've brought some booze. How's it taste?

The crew's been calling these Vanguard Shots. 'Melts through the armor of any Cruiser' they say. Want some?

Uhh... Sure. *takes a swig*

As powerful as advertised?

Normally, I'd say it tastes like the Sunrider's coolant. But being on the beach with pretty girls in swimsuits makes everything better.

Hmph. We shouldn't be here...

Not again, senpai... Look, our crew isn't exactly military material. A reckless freelancer, two kids, and a nympho disqualified medical professional... Only you and that boy is actually fit for military service. So I gotta play it loose a bit.

You have a point. You know, you've grown since those days. You're becoming quite a leader.

Well, I learned from the best.

No. I'm afraid I was never cut out to be a Captain. I haven't changed as much as you have. You remember those days? All the members of the student council left me, one by one. On day one, we had over a dozen members. But week after week, people disappeared - people who were enthusiastic and had ideas when they first joined. I think I never had much capacity to inspire others, I'm afraid.

Well, you still had me. I stayed till you graduated. (For entirely different reasons, of course.)

Yes. Yes you did.

(Come on, Senpai~) I really liked working under you, you know...

Ava poured another shot and swigged it down.

(She's a tough woman...) Sigh.

Who's that girl you used to have a crush on back in those days?

Eh?

She was the only thing you talked about during our second year.

I... uh, I have no idea whom you could be referring to.

Alice was she? Or Hana? The one with golden hair.

O-oh! Right. Hana. (Haha, another one of those made up stories I gave her)

How'd that end up after I left?

... ... I uh.. I don't want to talk about it.

Ha hah. What's the matter? She broke your heart?

(More like didn't exist...)

Funny, you blew past those two PACT Carriers like they weren't even there - now you're all flustered and tight-lipped over an adolescent romance. I'm almost ashamed to look at you.

(Uuugh..) Senpai, you're drunk...

I know you, Steve. You always did have a weak spot for cute little things...

Hnnnghhh...w-what the fuck, Ava?

And I'm not just referring to the anime you have set as your desktop background.

Oh for fuck's sake, Ava. That's kid stuff...

Hmph. Well, go chat with the rest of the girls. I'm off to the bathroom.

(Goddamit, that went totally the wrong direction! DAMN!) Hey, Icari! Boy! What's up?

What are you two arguing about here?

Oh nothing, the soldier boy and I were just comparing our kill counts from the last battle. Turns out she only took down a measly six kills! Hah!

Except three of those ships were carriers containing over a hundred ryders! So if you count all the ryders which were destroyed inside the ships, I got over 300!

Heh, so now you've taken up wrecking poor defenseless ryders sleeping inside their motherships, huh?

Ladies... c'mon now. You both did very well during the battle. There's no need to fight. But really, you saw what the Sunrider did, right? *makes hand motions* Whoosh! Short Range Warp! Quantum Torpedoes, point blank! Two down! Warp again! Zooom! Vanguard Cannon! Blammmo! Three dead ryders and three badly damaged Cruisers. Now wasn't that awesome or what?

This is a comparison between two ryders' performance, Captain. Putting the Sunrider on equal footing with a ryder's battlefield contribution? How unfair!

Yeah. Buzz off, turbodweeb. We're having a good discussion here till you stepped in.

Uhhhh, okay. (...so much hate.) Maybe I should approach the lonely ones...

Wow. I never knew you had such talent, Sola.

... Captain. You give too much credit. My hands are merely steadier than most.

So...what are you making?

The imperial palace at Far Port.

(Whee.) Nice.

During my time, Far Port was a bustling trade world. It was where I was born.

Oh? You weren't born on Ryuvia Prime?

No. I... rarely spent time at the Palace, but I still remember it vividly. I remember being swept away with wonder upon seeing the palace for the first time. It was a feeling which I will remember for the rest of my life.

(For the first time??? Hey wait a second...) Sola, you're not actually a princes of Ryuvia, are you?

Ah?

As I recall, when we first met, the talbur did not glow for you - but Asaga.

... It is as you say.

(!!!) Then who are you really?

Ahaha.

(I didn't expect her to laugh it off.)

You ask such silly questions, Captain. I am Sola.

(Ehhhhh... it was a serious question.) I won't ask if you won't answer.

...Captain, the galaxy of mine was a different place. A sad place.

(Tsk. I'm not trying to depress you...) Hey. Try this.

Hm?

It's a sesame ball. A popular food on Cera.

A ball?

It's crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Also, it has red bean paste as its filling.

The merchants often carried exotic foods at the bazaar... And yet, I have never heard of this sesame ball... Perhaps I could give it a try...

Well? Is it good?

Mmm...

Come join us at the mess hall more often. Don't eat at the corner by yourself anymore. You're part of the team now, Sola. Doesn't matter who you are, or what timeline you're from.

Captain. You are... kind. But now I must go back. To my castle.

Okay. Have fun! I'll be grilling dinner soon, be sure to drop by the grill later, okay?

Mm.

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

I don't go to the beach often in Cera, but I remember when I was still young and the whole family head to the beach together.

Captain, please don't get overly sentimental. I do not wish to have to blame the onions if you are seen by the crew crying.

Uh... no, I wasn't gonna cry. Really. So, anyways, what made you change your mind?

Captain?

You know, the whole going to the beach, leaving behind your paperwork, dressing up like... *gulp* that.

I fulfill your orders to the letter.

(...the images flooding in right now...) So it would appear. But is that the only reason?

... Perhaps a little break every now and then isn't so bad. I don't remember ever going to the beach with family. I'm afraid such frivolities are lost in my family.

Not even once?

I do not recall.

But... we went together one summer when you were sixteen.

Oh please, like I had time for that when I was sixteen.

Well, you kinda did and you kinda didn't. You brought a stack of paperwork with you and tried to do it on the beach. Obviously, that didn't go so well.

You're making this up.

Nope, really. It was a student council team building trip. I remember only because I was the one who organized it. You really don't remember? There was this one chick in the team who just wouldn't shut up. She'd be texting with one hand without even looking at the screen and yapping about something totally different at the same time. I never figured out how she did that.

Reminds me of a certain someone.

Tsk. Can't be me. I'm not really into mobile stuff. Oh, did you recall this one girl who must have worn the same hair ribbon every day. I swear, couldn't she at least change the color? Every day, that same damned red ribbon. I wonder if she even washed it. I had to sit behind for a month and couldn't see anything except for the red ribbon.

Ah. That girl. One of your crushes. You must have liked staring at that ribbon all day instead of learning anything during classes.

You remember her? How she'd always start spinning her hair in her fingers whenever she was nervous?

No. Only you would remember a detail like that, Captain...sniff.

Really takes me back though... Uh... Ava, what's wrong? Yo-you're crying?

Uh... really?

Try it yourself.

Ho-holy shit! *rubs eyes* Fuck! This is why I don't cook at home!

Permission to be excused?

Yeah! Granted, and get me an ice pack too while you're at it!

 

[RK47]

Spoiler

Wow, they can even simulate the wind! Oh, look... it's the Captain!

... Steve-sense... tingling...

W-whoa!

E-eh? Claude?

Guess what?

W-what?

This is your perfect opportunity to tell the Captain how you feel!

Eeeeh! That's supposed to be a secret!

But girl, who know~ Maybe this hot weather's getting to him, and he'll want to blow off some steam with you.

N-no way! I'm not going to-

Oh, you're not? GREAT! Then I guess it's all right if I take him all for myself!

Noooo!

Mmmm, you better make your move quickly then~

It's not a big deal, Chigara. Just tell him how you feel!

B-but what if he doesn't like me?

Oh come on! It's not like it's the end of the world. There are better guys out there.

B-but I only want ..

Argh, you're so hopeless...

(Whoa, they're really talking about the Captain...I better not get involved...)

Hey, hero girl! Help me talk some sense into your friend here!

(Oh noes...) M-me?

Duh! Tell her to confess dammit, this is just stupid! You've already been through war in space, Chigara! What's there to be scared about? If you don't do it now, you might regret it someday. Are you gonna let the Captain walk out of your life without knowing how you feel?

Oi! Hero girl! C'mon show some camaraderie for fuck's sake! She's your best friend, isn't she?!

Yeah, Chigara! You can do this! I believe in you!

Aaaaaaaaaahhhh! (Oh no! I remembered!) *hyperventilates*

(What's going on?) Chigara, you turned pale!

Good going, retard! You broke her!

Chigara, hang on!

Asaga splashed some water on Chigara's head.

Uuu---

Hey, are you okay?

Yes, I.. I'm fine. I - I'll do it.

*POW*

Fuck off you slut! All right! We'll just have to lure the Commander away from him.

Uuuuughhhh...

Hey, Boob Rockets! Come with me! We need to plan for tonight!

Y-yayyy..? Isn't that great, Chigara?