Evening at the restaurant

[hakootoko]

After long days of serious training and another new recruit, Amuthini suggests they spend an evening out to relax and get to know each other better. She tells them to dress casual.

 

The restaurant she takes them to turns out to be Korean, or at least pseudo-Korean, given that Korea has been cut off from NATO for over a decade. Inside they get seated at a round table which is a gas grill with a strip of table around the edge. After asking if any of them hasn't been here before, the waiter gives the introduction. "We bring out whatever you ask for on the menu raw but spiced, and you all cook it on the table in front of you. Over there is the salad, rice, kimchi, and dipping sauces bar. And you're in luck! Tonight is karaoke contest night! Everyone gets the chance to try to sing in Korean, and we have prizes for the most entertaining performance and the singing that most sounds like Korean. Good luck!"

 

Amuthini laughs "I wasn't expecting that last part! They never did that when I was here before." She orders several portions of meat and vegetables off the menu to start, and the waiter asks for drinks. Amuthini has iced tea. Then she leads whoever follows over to the salad bar to load up a plate of things to go with her BBQ.

 

 

 

 

[Oldedog]

Grant had changed over to jeans and t-shirt again, this time the shirt had a knight's helmet facing a kaiju head, the word Sentinels written above them. The bottom of a tattoo again sticking out from under the edge of the sleeve.

 

"This is why I love having a local on the team, don't have to hunt for most of the good spots. Haven't had Korean BBQ since...damn, must have been back when I enlisted and they sent me to Seattle." He order water from the waiter.

 

"One thing, I am not singing. You want me on that stage, you'll have to drag me up there." He joked before pointing a finger at Luc. "Don't get cocky because of this morning."

[hakootoko]

"No way. If you don't sing, then you have to pick up the check," and she holds up a glass to clink with the group as a contract.

[Oldedog]

"Deal." Grant clinked his glass against Amuthini's.

 

"Now that that's settled, I know we haven't had a lot of free time with all the getting the unit and everything set up, but has anyone got any hidden gems around here they feel like sharing?" He set a few pieces of meat on the grill and grabbing on of the small containers of ssamjang. "I'll start us off. Went back to that theater near the bar LT took us to after our first training exercise, turns out they show old movies on Monday nights, if anyone's a movie fan."

Edited October 17, 2022 by Oldedog (see edit history)

[vicky_molokh]

Remy Concorde

Aspects: Lab-Grown Ace, "That's the World's First Clone Citizen!", Surprisingly Savvy Bookworm, Friendly Rivalry Motivates Self-Improvement.

Skills: 

+4: Mecha Piloting.
+3: Rapport, Lore.
+2: Empathy, Athletics, Shoot.
+1: Engineering, Will, Resources, Computers.

Stunts: Mecha Gunner, Advanced ACM Mastery, I've Read About That.

Pools:

Stress: Physical [ ] [ ], Mental [ ] [ ] [ ].

Consequences: [ ] [ ] [ ]

FP: 3/3.

[Background track]

 

Remy Concorde

"Well, if you don't sing," she nodded at Grant, then at Vicel, "and surely Luc doesn't sing, I'm sure we can find a different method to make each other blush in the spotlight."

 

Remy then gestured with a hand towards Amuthini. "And since the official purpose of this gathering was to get to know each other better, I say now might be a good time repeat my suggestion from the day we met: arrange a variation of Truth Or Dare.

 

Or just the Truth, really. Get the petty errands out of the way, and just focus on making sure everyone asks everyone at least one prying question of everyone, and gets an answer, and repeat that for a few rounds."

 

She took a broad look around all the present teammates. "Is all of our team both gutsy and inquisitive enough to go for that?" asked Remy, trying to entice everyone into accepting, and eventually settled her gaze on the recruit. "Oh, and since you're the newest around, it makes sense that you might have the most questions and it's probably best to let you go first asking them."

 

Edited October 17, 2022 by vicky_molokh (see edit history)

[Lcythas]

 .

 

Character Stats

No.17 AkA Vicel Luc:
Aspects: Deniable Operative, Living Weapon, [Redacted] Training.
Skills: Mecha Weaponry +4, Mecha Pilot/Stealth +3, Investigation/Athleics/Burglary +2, Resources/Contacts/Will+1,
⌬STRESS⌬
Physical Stress: OOO
Mental Stress: OOO
⌬STUNTS⌬ X3
Blade Dervish:
If you share a sector with more than one enemy, No. 17 gains a +2 to mecha weaponry attacks.
Wraith of the Battlefield:
You get a free additional invocation on successful stealth checks. 
Blitzkrieg:
Subject able to move, attack, and then abandon his current opponent to intercept another.

Mecha Stats

Lie Vante(Hassassin Series Mk II)

⌬STRESS⌬
Physical Stress: OOO
Mental Stress: OOO

⌬Systems⌬ (5 CP Worth)
Camouflage:
Able to use Stealth to hide.
Flight:
Able to fly. 
Greytalon D.I.R.K.:
Charger(+2 WV after moving)
Penetrating(Conditional Free Invoke)
Weapon Aspect: Gaebulg(Free Invoke)

Action Mechanics

Totally normal here.

No.17

 

The agent in question shot Remy the closest approximation to a death glare he could, which, bound by both his orders and the unsteady familiarity of the individual in question, was more akin to a glance that threatened consequences of ambiguous scale and form. He had managed to secure himself a seat closest to one of the exits, and occasionally cast the doorway a wistful look, especially when the horrifying notion of Korean Karaoke had been broached by, in his opinion, all too happy eagerness on the part of their new engineer. 

No.17 had let out an absent hum that could be interpreted in almost any way when Grant had told him not to get too cocky, clearly more preoccupied with wondering how he might be able to stay out of unfamiliar social territory. 

"I do indeed not sing, as you put it, Ms Concorde. I was never trained in that particular......undercover specialization. Unfortunately, it would be a waste of time for me to suggest that I would be incapable of telling truth or accomplishing simple actions. However, I would be more than amenable to additional financial compensation on the part of the meal expenses if that would exempt me...."

No.17 said with the tiny beginnings of a wry smile,

"But I'm also more or less sure that such an offer would be promptly rejected. Therefore, in the interest of maintaining relations, I would be obliged to accept. I'm not in disfavor of the newest among us to be able to ask the first questions, or give the first requests, either." So saying, his gaze also turned to their newest member. 

 

 

[Ryku]

Amelia had a rather cheerful smile as she walked up towards the group and grabbed a seat. Behind her followed another women. 

" Hey guys sorry I'm a little late.. LT, tasked me with bringing our newest member to the dinner tonight. Oh also he said that he wouldn't be making as he had a meeting to go to in regards to our deployment. But anyways, this place looks really nice..." 

 

Amelia's face would go alittle red as she normally wouldn't put herself in the position to speak. 

 

Edited October 18, 2022 by Ryku (see edit history)

[Brian Skies]

Following close behind Amelia was a woman with slightly unkempt hair, most likely a result of the brown cowboy hat she held in her left hand. Taking the other woman's lead, she takes an open seat next to Amelia and introduces herself. "Hello, everyone. I'm Neli, and I've been assigned to this unit as of this morning. I look forward to working with you all." In contrast to the shy woman who had introduced her, Neli seemed relaxed, with the slight droop of her shoulders showing her comfort.

[hakootoko]

"I guess we shouldn't put our new teammate on the spot like that as soon as she walks in the door. I'm Amuthini. Welcome to the team, Neli!" she says with a smile.

 

"Since Hudson decided not to join us, I guess this is safe to ask everyone: What do you hate most about life in the military?"

 

While waiting for an answer, she flips over the slab of spicy pork belly on the grill in front of her, making sure it's well blackened on both sides and then reaches for the scissors.

 

 

 

[vicky_molokh]

Remy Concorde

Aspects: Lab-Grown Ace, "That's the World's First Clone Citizen!", Surprisingly Savvy Bookworm, Friendly Rivalry Motivates Self-Improvement.

Skills: 

+4: Mecha Piloting.
+3: Rapport, Lore.
+2: Empathy, Athletics, Shoot.
+1: Engineering, Will, Resources, Computers.

Stunts: Mecha Gunner, Advanced ACM Mastery, I've Read About That.

Pools:

Stress: Physical [ ] [ ], Mental [ ] [ ] [ ].

Consequences: [ ] [ ] [ ]

FP: 3/3.

[Background track]

 

Remy Concorde

"Hello. I'm Remy," she waves casually at the newcomer. "Welcome to Omdest. Take a seat, join the circle. You're right on time - we're about to learn about each other's cupboard skeletons."

 

Remy then turned to Amuthini, puzzled, and thought for a couple of seconds.

 

"Or not, or at least not yet, as this seems like a softball opener question that everyone would answer with zero hesitation. My answer: the military seems more interested in micromanaging formalities than getting stuff done.

 

Many of the regulations are petty and seem to be written in a way to prevent issues that no good-faith actor would cause, but that are too minor to be of use to a malicious saboteur either. Meanwhile stuff that needs to be performed in an orderly manner isn't, and the responsible are often not taught what they do wrong and what to improve. Standardised rank progression and specialisation tracks seem to hold priority over putting the most suitable specialist into the most well-fitting niche. Discipline seems deeply misunderstood by those enforcing it. That kind of stuff.

 

In light of all that, I suppose it makes sense that Omdest decided to borrow so many pilots from alternative organisations, ones that seem to be known more for getting stuff done than for following the letter of regulations for the sake of regulations. Hopefully such no-nonsense and practical internal culture can be retained within Omdest, maybe even gradually spread to the rest of the military."

 

Edited October 18, 2022 by vicky_molokh (see edit history)

[Lcythas]

 

 .

 

Character Stats

No.17 AkA Vicel Luc:
Aspects: Deniable Operative, Living Weapon, [Redacted] Training.
Skills: Mecha Weaponry +4, Mecha Pilot/Stealth +3, Investigation/Athleics/Burglary +2, Resources/Contacts/Will+1,
⌬STRESS⌬
Physical Stress: OOO
Mental Stress: OOO
⌬STUNTS⌬ X3
Blade Dervish:
If you share a sector with more than one enemy, No. 17 gains a +2 to mecha weaponry attacks.
Wraith of the Battlefield:
You get a free additional invocation on successful stealth checks. 
Blitzkrieg:
Subject able to move, attack, and then abandon his current opponent to intercept another.

Mecha Stats

Lie Vante(Hassassin Series Mk II)

⌬STRESS⌬
Physical Stress: OOO
Mental Stress: OOO

⌬Systems⌬ (5 CP Worth)
Camouflage:
Able to use Stealth to hide.
Flight:
Able to fly. 
Greytalon D.I.R.K.:
Charger(+2 WV after moving)
Penetrating(Conditional Free Invoke)
Weapon Aspect: Gaebulg(Free Invoke)

Action Mechanics

Totally normal here.

No.17

 

No.17's eyebrow crept up ever so slightly as he espied the cowboy hat being held carefully by their latest newcomer. He'd been briefly if effectively educated on some of the most common features and......peculiarities of the US's states, some of which seemed alien enough to be considered their own country. Apparently Texas was large, had cowboy hats, tumbleweeds, and a copious amount of firearms which were now really only effective against other humans and similarly sized opponents. Well, his education had never been deep regarding Texas. 

"One might note that it would be rather unwise to reply in a direct manner to such a query while in active service. However, in the interest of not being a Spock, one supposes the minor risk of disciplinary measures is worth the benefits. I would say that the thing I hate the most about the military is, in partial agreement with Ms. Concorde, the waste. A rather significant percentile of resources and manpower are tied up in various political, social, and public gestures which could be more aptly suited to being transferred to the active theatres of conflict, where they could do much more."

"I don't quite share Ms. Concorde's optimistic estimation that the unit might be able to affect the rest of the military positively, however. After all, this is a special unit." 

 

 

 

[Oldedog]

"You'll forgive Luc for forgetting to introduce himself." He nodded in the direction of the pale-haired man. "I'm Grant, welcome to the unit."

 

He turned his attention to Amuthini, his shoulders slumped and his eyes narrowed before he shook it away.

 

"The fact that the brass never listen to the actual boots on the ground. You can have first hand experience with a situation, months or years of it in some cases, and as soon as someone with a bit of shiny on their collar shows up they think their an expert on everything going on. Not every officer I've met was like that but those that aren't are definitely in the minority. Hopefully the OMDST is different but even LT has to answer to the higher ups so it's more a matter of when, not if it happens."

[Brian Skies]

Neli quietly listens as the others speak. She is slightly surprised at their candidness to criticize the military, but understands that even the newest soldier can have their gripes. After ordering a bottle of soju, she silently ponders, smiling when she finally has something to say. "If I had to pick something, I would have to say the excessive amount of red tape regarding changing policies and procedures, especially for the better. I would say this punishes those at the ground level the most, as they are often the most affected. Even when it's known that the current operating procedures would be better replaced by an alternative, it would take an exorbitant amount of effort and time to enact the desired change. And by then, many proposed solutions fall to the wayside due to apathy or laziness."

Edited October 19, 2022 by Brian Skies (see edit history)

[Ryku]

Amelia would speak up, " Though I haven't been in the military for long, I have lived within a military funded project. Everything seems so bland and up tight compared to civilian life. There's not much I can change on that though." 

 

 

[vicky_molokh]

Remy Concorde

Aspects: Lab-Grown Ace, "That's the World's First Clone Citizen!", Surprisingly Savvy Bookworm, Friendly Rivalry Motivates Self-Improvement.

Skills: 

+4: Mecha Piloting.
+3: Rapport, Lore.
+2: Empathy, Athletics, Shoot.
+1: Engineering, Will, Resources, Computers.

Stunts: Mecha Gunner, Advanced ACM Mastery, I've Read About That.

Pools:

Stress: Physical [ ] [ ], Mental [ ] [ ] [ ].

Consequences: [ ] [ ] [ ]

FP: 3/3.

[Background track]

 

Remy Concorde

Remy listened to the last of the 'targets' finish answering. "Let's add a bit of spice this time," she said with just a hint of disappointment in her tone, glanced at the meat, then looked back at the team again. 

 

"In the timeframe since joining the team - or the last couple of weeks if the former is inapplicable - what was there that you really wanted or maybe even still want to do, but that you haven't done due to being concerned about social consequences of such an action?"