=Applogizes for not posting on Friday. I had some affairs that took place in the middle of the day. You get a Saturday Caturday Today.=
May 16th, 2604
FiredayI sit before a council of my peers.
No one here is on trial- It is a review of the last combat reports. Or rather, a lack thereof. It should have been expected really, but it is a reminder that I cannot be goaded into such foolish action again. Usually, when a party declares war so openly- they are on the attack. They are aiming to strike and overwhelm you. To gain the decisive advantage in the conflict to come. In a way, they did achieve such- but only in the way that sneaky bastards could."Dancer, how many interceptions did your wings manage?"
My tone is weary. I know the answer to come. But I must ask for throughness in the report."Few. None of them aligned towards the Ninjas. They co-opted to bounce signals off of Trader Guild vessels. Every shot down craft was under their IFF, or a Civilian-Vessel flying through the skies. Thankfully, we have avoided breaking out commitments and there was no Non-Com Kills."
The last of her words is almost prideful. As if there was a professionalism to go with her report. Such is the pride of the Wing Commanders. I nod with a solemn nod- before turning my head to my Hunters. Two of them of my original crew- I swear that Zephyr and Fleur are sisters with the fact they're both limeys. The last is an addition through merit- Viola. Fine archers they are, and fine trackers they must be."Huntresses, how was your tracking and investigation of the enemy fortifications?"
"Terrible. Its too cold up there. You'll freeze your tail off first before you get close. Even using some of those Elerium powered furs that local use, its unbearably cold."
Fleur scoffs as she folds her arms. Her sister in Lime immediately responds as well. "Worse, they've studied our tactics. Heavy fortification guns and AA to prevent our approach. Heavy Plastacrete fortifications will make leveraging our tank slow without blasting the studs out."
Which meant Solmine Geo Charges, slowing us down and allowing them a better response time. And its likely that they had plenty of these strategic options throughout their facility."Captain, if I may-"
The third of their number speaks. "Perhaps we could just fly over them? I-i know we have jetbikes and that they would be too light for this, but what if we used the tanks we took from the Mercenaries? Wouldn't that be a good way to draw fire from their AA and be reasonably protected?"
"Ah, Mon Cher- Your thinking is sound, but the theory does not meet reality."
The FBB Interjects at this point, as she places down a Datapad with as much care as you would expect an Uber-strain to do. At least the Data-Pads are made for their needs: They weren't breaking that brick. "The Capitaine and her kind are too big to pilot a Hovertank. Even as small as you can be- you are not the size of a black box." Viola blinks absent mindedly- her tail flicking quietly. "Its Automated?"
"Indeed it is. Even in all my experience, the biggest cockpit I can put into it, is one sized for a Lokknar."
So, it was impossible then. We would have to make do. I look to the FBB before grumbling quietly- and motion to her. "I presume you've put your mind to more 'Pragmatic' solutions? Ones that would be realistic for our use?"
The FBB Lights up with delight again. The common mistake I make, but whom am I to deny her the passions? This time though, she has pragmatic examples, as she clomps several guns onto the table. X-COM Weaponry. Well, that didn't take her long to reverse engineer and prototype, did it? Several of my sisters look with awe as they pick up the weapons."Why is there a charging handle on the side of the Laser Rifle?" "Because it looks cool, and its more familiar to the hands- coming from using the Omega Rifles."
Well. Cant fault that at all. "As you have requested Cap'n, These are the first generation of Nuclear lasers. So very intricate in their design, but so... Simple, in practice. I am already devising the second generation. The battery is a bit... Heavy for Mrrshan. But we do have those synthsuits for a reason, do we not?"
She's not kidding. Even picking up a basic Lasgun, this thing is a solid brick. Its like swinging my Zweihander in rifle form. The sisters will have to get used to it. A sharp exhale- the FBB looks to me, and clicks her tongue."Ah, no no no Ma'Capitaine. That one is
Not for you. That is too light weight. You need something more impressive then that. Shall I show you to the Prototype of the second generation?"
All eyes fall on her, as she pulls out what is very clearly a 'Big ass Rifle'. More sized for a Lion instead of our frames. More clearly sized for an *Uber*, and even she's struggling to carry it. I stare at her blankly, unable to resist snarking as I do so."I thought this was meant to be
More Portable. Not less."
"Bah... I am working that out!"
Theres a loud, clanging echo as she placed the weapon on the table. "Someone, bring down the blast shield! The Capitaine needs to try out our new test weapon!"
For my part, I pick up the weapon. Holy Shite its heavy. This is a lot, even for me. But, I'm able to carry this thing. Flicking the switch, it spools up like a goddamn powerplant in my hand. Like conjuring lighting in my hand. I can Feel this thing vibrating as it hums to life, and it commands a deadly respect. I know my FBB was reticent to give us some Uber Inspired designs because we couldn't carry it... But hells. Maybe she had some good ideas. It takes my entire body to lift and use this thing comfortably, but I'm able to flick my aim pretty comfortably. Maybe I'll see if the FBB cant stick a bayonet on this thing. The trigger pull is firm and sastifying, and the blast of the weapon is sharp and quick.I put a hole into the blast wall with but a single pull. It doesnt withstand continuous assault. A rapturous applause is had- because if we can print one? We can print many. And everyone is excited for the new gun."Introducing the Battle Laser. For your heavy Troopers- Ma' Capitaine. Otherwise, I offer you Scorchy, Snuffy, Fatty and Stingy. Specialized weapons for all your needs- and no ammo concerns to be worried about. The perfect weapons."
Unless we're fighting the church. Setting the weapon down with a audioable clunk, I take a deep breath, before looking to the FBB, motioning to her."Lasers are good. I applaud your work... but I want something more personal."
A heresy leaves my lips. "I want an upgrade to our Pulse Guns. You've seen them work. You know how they operate. The Neko-Runts have been long practiced in maintaining our equipment, but I don't just want to maintain. I want a true improvement. Mrrshan fight with Ballistics. Make me a better gun." My voice is challenging. Authoritative. The FBB is taken aback, but... scratches her chin. Then she curls her lips.
"...I believe I have an idea. Allow me to speak to the engineers you brought in during the last month. I need some... External expertise on this. But between the files and your pulse guns..."
She ruminates. Thinks. If she was possessed of our feline features, she would undoubtedly be far more animated. But she instead is possessed of a cool, calculated mind. Then she snaps her fingers."And it wont even delay the Lascannon either. Yes Capitaine- Your will be done."
Lascannon?"Ah. Do not worry about it. All things in due time."
Stream is Over!Oh boldly hunting we go...