[OOC] Flight of the Faceless (Flying Mecha and Fighter Jets)

[Rhona W]

Hey all, just dropping by from the interest check to say hi and make myself known. I'll get to work on my character as soon as I can, getting ideas together right now. Looking forward to joining in properly soon.

[Rhona W]

I had a question about the Faceless and how they are recruited. How do their parents or families figure into things, or are they all orphans? Or does it depend on where they're from and the countries' individual policies etc. Is it more like the SPARTAN program from Halo, where it's all very mysterious and secretive, and they're 'abducted' under false pretenses and then their deaths are faked, after meeting certain testing criteria. Or is it some other way I haven't thought of - just wondering, so I can work it out for my character background.
Also, I shall send a PM regarding some questions I have that I'd like to keep more secretive too, and so that they don't end up filling up the OOC.

[Shin]

@Smiter19, glad to see we're all clear on everything, I look forward to seeing your character back up.

@Silverwind Blade, to answer your questions, I should have mentioned this (and I will be working on the OP this afternoon, I'm taking notes on what to add), but it's a lot like the SPARTAN program from Halo. The Faceless are totally abducted, deaths faked, etc, to the point of it probably being very much illegal in the country's domestic laws and most definitely in international law. No one but the Faceless really know of this though the MOD is very careful about things like that getting out. The thing is, while the Principality makes the Federation out to be the source of all the world's evils, their record isn't exactly clean either. Children are abducted based on meeting certain criteria though.

Any questions you have are my pleasure to answer!

[Smiter19]

@Shin I'm going to remake him.

[Orion]

@Shin

Sorry for the delay.

Unfortunately I am going to have to bow out.

All the best with the story.

[Ringrose]

Gene

Five (5) Digit MOD Identification Number: 2002

Name: Gene

Callsign: Wolf

Age: 17

Country of Origin: United States of New Norn

Appearance:

Hider

Faceless Type: Type A

Bio: Gene has shown no instances of disobedience or questions about his past life since becoming a Faceless Pilot. Gene is a capable mech pilot and is one-track minded in fulfilling his duty. However, Gene is not socially awkward or particularly distant, just very focused on what it is he wants to do at the present moment.

Gene is a dedicated soldier and spends time exercising when not immediately on duty. Gene's sole life motivation seems to be a soldier's life and cannot currently see any life beyond it, considering his lack of past memories. Despite his lack of social awkwardness Gene lacks other hobbies to talk about with other as he focuses on combat related subjects, and thus is unable to make a meaningful connection with others who do have other interests during non-combat time.

Specialization: Mecha

Name of Machine: M-09 Axe

Profile: The mech is a standard issue M-09 that was obtained shortly after training was complete as a Faceless pilot. The mech has has barely seen any wear as Gene's FTMAP started when he was 16 and finished only this year, which is the exact amount of time a FTMAP takes.

Modifications: A slight improvement to unit maneuverability while sacrificing as little as it's original performance as possible.

Personal Color Scheme: Red

Preferred Loadout (for airborne mecha):

x1 36mm assault cannon
x2 Combat Blade

OATH: I, A FACELESS PILOT, SWEAR UNDYING LOYALTY TO THE PRINCIPALITY OF REMONI, I DECLARE THAT I WILL ALWAYS FIGHT FOR HER, HER PEOPLE, HER GOALS, I AM ENSURED CERTAIN RIGHTS AND DUTIES AS A FACELESS PILOT AND I WILL ALWAYS ACCOMPLISH THESE DUTIES WITHOUT QUESTION AND WILL NEVER BREAK MY LOYALTY TO THE PRINCIPALITY. IF I DO BREAK THIS OATH, MAY IT MEAN MY DEATH. MAY THE PRINCIPALITY AND HIS MAJESTY BE BLESSED.

[Shin]

@Shin I'm going to remake him.

@Smiter19

That's perfectly alright, if you need anything, send me a message. I'm really open to any kind of help I can give as the GM here and it's great to see so many interesting characters already.

@Shin

Sorry for the delay.

Unfortunately I am going to have to bow out.

All the best with the story.

@Orion

Hey, is there anything that is bugging you in the RP? I'd love for you to join us, really, so if you need to talk about anything, send me a message. I'm more than willing to accommodate for you to be able to join.

Alright, so today will be quite the day of me writing for this. I'll be creating the character sheet for the squadron's commander, who will not be actually flying with the rest of the time, as he's been grounded for... reasons.... as well as my own character, along with adding to information in the OP -- as I promised to do yesterday but I got very distracted, my deepest apologies to you all -- and, finally, preparing our first mission, which, if everyone is ready and all goes well, should begin before September. Thank you all for your continued interest in my RP, even if things are a bit slow, I'll do anything I can for it to, excuse the pun, take off!

[Shin]

Character Sheet

@Gohan

Gene is accepted! Please put him in the character tab, it'll be interesting having someone so focused on their duties.

[Shin]

My own personal character is now in the character tab, next character we'll be introduced to is the squadron's commander on the ground, a Faceless himself with a cloudy history.

EDIT: Charles Seves, 10001, has been added as well. Data on him is sparse, but our characters shall discover much more as time goes on.

[KoL]

Good thing, I was starting to worry that 00017 would be the sole girl of the whole squadron.

Edit: However, I noticed that she's the only B type pilot around. That seems curious, to say the least.

[Shin]

Good thing, I was starting to worry that 00017 would be the sole girl of the whole squadron.

Edit: However, I noticed that she's the only B type pilot around. That seems curious, to say the least.

@KoL

I wasn't gonna leave poor 00017 getting all lonely, ha!
Quite curious indeed, though I do believe we have some Type B's incoming.

[Shin]

An article has been added into the OP, this one is important for mecha pilots, as it teaches how airborne mecha (and CAU's as well) are operated.

[Rhona W]

Good thing, I was starting to worry that 00017 would be the sole girl of the whole squadron.

@KoL

One of my characters will be female too, so you won't be on your own.

[Cojemo]

Yay, I got my character done! Here she is, hopefully I'm not forgetting anything.

61854

PRINCIPALITY OF REMONI - MINISTRY OF DEFENSE
CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT

Five (5) Digit MOD Identification Number: 61854

Name: Audrey Burkins

Callsign: Phoenix

Age: 17

Country of Origin: Principality of Remoni

Appearance:

Official Photo

Faceless Type: B

Bio:

-Prior to Service with the Principality of Remoni
61854 was raised in a military environment due to her father being one of the most notorious mecha pilots to ever serve under the Remoni name, Mitch Burkins. Her father served her country with honor and valor, defending not only his borders but the entire world from those who threatened to take away its freedom. 61854 spent any hours with her father when he was off duty, and when he was away her mother would regale her with stories of his achievements, fueling their daughters admiration for both him and the military he served under. Due to his status and name, 61854 and her mother were given special privilege to visit her father at the base near the Satean border where she'd fawn over the weapon her father piloted and mingle with the many other heroes that resided.

It was misfortune that 61854 was present on the base during an attack by Satean forces in a sneak attack meant to weaken Remoni border defenses. While she and her mother took cover in a bunker meant for such occasions, Mitch Burkins and his fellow pilots fought to defend their country from the invading forces. While damages high, the Satean troops were successfully repelled, though among the casualties was Mitch Burkins who placed his mecha in the line of enemy fire to protect the bunker. It was a few years after the aforementioned incident that 61854 at the age of 13 happily accepted her call to duty, presumably to take up her fathers mantle and fight for her country.

-Service History with the Principality of Remoni
61854 was handpicked specifically to pilot the newly acquired CAU Mk X "Risen Sparrow" and has undergone countless field tests and simulations with the mecha. Once tweaking and modification of the mecha was completed, 61854 was cleared for combat against enemy forces and has since completed a handful of successful missions. Against both Satean forces and extraterrestrials 61854 has shown a skill level comparable to that of her late father, with her mecha receiving minimal damage throughout he service. She has shown an affinity for the combat shield, preferring to protect the lightly armored part of her mecha while wielding her weapon with the bulkier arm of the M-13 "Diamond", swapping between rushing down ranged opponents with her halberd and circling melee opponents while raining down gunfire upon them.

Personality Traits
She has shown herself as a confident and loyal combatant, opting to prioritize the safety of her team over her own. On top of that, 61854 is willing to do nearly whatever it takes to complete the mission, sometimes going rogue to do what she feels is best. However, she tries to minimize collateral damage as much as possible as to protect civilian life. Being specially selected seems to have made her slightly arrogant and cocky, seeing herself as the next Mitch Burkins. She can be stubborn when taking orders and is extremely hard to budge from her beliefs, though her focus on the cause and serving her country is enough to overlook this issue. While her attitude has been known to get on the nerves of whatever team she has been assigned to, 61854 generally bubbly and caring nature tends to either mend or further burn any bridges her arrogance would destroy. 61854 has been extremely friendly to most she comes across, though has shown to become easily annoyed with those who question her skills or are flippant when approached.

Specialization: Airborne Mecha

Name of Machine: CAU Mk X "Risen Sparrow"

Profile:
One of the only functional CAU Mk X "Sparrow"s recovered from the Principality, it has only been modified as necessary as to remain as close as possible to the mecha's original capabilities. As such, its right arm has been refitted with that of a M-13 "Diamond" due to the original being destroyed in the recovery process. The CAU MK X "Risen Sparrow" has only seen a handful of deployments due to considerable time being spent on studying and repairing the foreign weapon. However, 61854 has been trained extensively in its use both in and out of combat.

Modifications:
The right arm of a standard issue M-13 "Diamond", while hampering the mechs usual speed with the added weight, this gives the added appendage the extra armor of its competition while still maintaining a considerable maneuverability advantage.

Personal Color Scheme:
CAU Mk X "Sparrow" parts: Gold
M-13 "Diamond" parts: Red

Preferred Loadout (for airborne mecha):

• One (1) 36 millimeter assault cannon
• One (1) combat halberd
• One (1) combat shield

OATH: I, A FACELESS PILOT, SWEAR UNDYING LOYALTY TO THE PRINCIPALITY OF REMONI, I DECLARE THAT I WILL ALWAYS FIGHT FOR HER, HER PEOPLE, HER GOALS, I AM ENSURED CERTAIN RIGHTS AND DUTIES AS A FACELESS PILOT AND I WILL ALWAYS ACCOMPLISH THESE DUTIES WITHOUT QUESTION AND WILL NEVER BREAK MY LOYALTY TO THE PRINCIPALITY. IF I DO BREAK THIS OATH, MAY IT MEAN MY DEATH. MAY THE PRINCIPALITY AND HIS MAJESTY BE BLESSED.

[Rhona W]

Not to be left out, here are my pilot and co-pilot duo!

Amita Lakshmani

PRINCIPALITY OF REMONI - MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT

Five (5) Digit MOD Identification Number: 95097

Name: Amita Lakshmani

Callsign: Radiance

Age: 17

Country of Origin: Frusa

Appearance:

File Photo

Faceless Type: A

Bio:
- Service History to date
Subject Amita underwent her FTMAP approximately two years ago. She has exhibited occasional physical and mental issues after the procedures' completion, but still falls within acceptable parameters as set by [redacted].

Following completion of the procedure and her training period, she was assigned to the Frusan Air Force, where she was part of the ongoing operations to put down rebellious Royalist elements within the country seeking to overthrow the democratic government. She showed great competency and precision in her perfomance in both counter-air and air-to-ground operations, frequently flying in dangerous situations or terrain to perform interdiction and deep-strike operations against key installations or targets belonging to the Royalist insurgent forces.

After several successful tours and operations, she was rotated back to Air Forces research command where she was part of ongoing efforts to develop and research more effective aircraft and weapon systems, and participate in further exercises revolving around effective employment of Faceless pilots alongside conventional forces. During this time she was introduced to her co-pilot Ajay, and the two have worked together since.

After a further tour of duty which involved repelling a massed assault on the capital by Royalist forces and fierce aerial engagements that has seemed to stem the ongoing insurgency for the meantime, Amita and Ajay have been assigned to Faceless Squadron 7 as part of an exchange and training program to improve and better their skills, and as a contribution from our government to the brewing war.

- Personality traits
Amita has shown particular skill and expertise in mastering the art of air-to-ground warfare, particular in the area of low-level bombing and strike. Her understanding of flight dynamics and the requirements of battlefield control and theatre-level strategy applied to airpower are impressive for an individual of her age.

On a personal level, Amita exhibits a vibrant and lively personality, albeit one with a tendency to swing into moments of sullenness, as with any teenager.

Her intelligence and physical aptitude are high, and she shows a keen interest and curiosity about the world, and while shy, enjoys meeting new people. This must be watched carefully, should she inadvertently risk any information regarding the program itself, or put herself or any other vital assets in a position to be exploited or at risk.
However, she is motivated by positive reward and praise, and seeks to please others around her, and to gain their approval. She has a high level of empathy for others and a strong desire to protect and nurture those who cannot help themselves; likely a residual trait of personality from [REDACTED].

She shows a strong bond of friendship with her co-pilot Ajay Chandrasekhar, though they often act much like teenagers and fall out, have fights and annoy each other for no reason. Nonetheless, they are more than capable of overcoming their personal differences to work together when need be.

Aside from socializing and making new friends, Amita seems to enjoy swimming and water-related activities a great deal which is encouraging for her physical fitness levels. She also has some level of inherent artistic talent, and seems to like sketching scenes of everyday life when otherwise not preoccupied wih study towards her duties and schooling. She also has a strong fondness for animals, and has frequently asked if she may have a pet of some kind. It is recommended this perhaps be used as a motivational factor for her continued loyalty and obedience.

Specialization: Aircraft

Name of Machine: FB-18U Ultra Hornet

Profile:

File Photos

The FB-18U 'Ultra Hornet' is a domestically produced variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet. It fulfils the role of long-range heavy strike, anti-shipping and long-range reconnaissance in the Frusan Air Force, or will do so once it reaches full production. Currently, the aircraft is in limited operational usage and testing. It is the most advanced aircraft produced by the Frusan Aerospace Industry to date, and still relies on significant international co-operation (in fact, the continued security of this co-operation was one of the key things that lead to the deployment of personnel to Faceless Squadron 7).

The FB-18U remodels the Super Hornet into an aircraft more akin to the RA-5 Vigilante carrier-based bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, or the land-based (and originally planned to be carrier-based) F-111, a dual role aircraft capable of sustained high speed at low altitude, and carrying a heavy payload of weaponry, or alternatively a large suite of reconnaissance equipment.
The concept is modernised by including current and advanced materials, electronics, design theory and sensors, and starting from a proven airframe. Using an existing aircraft instead of a clean-sheet design has kept lead-times and development costs down, and allows minimal re-training, and the use of F/A-18's as conversion trainers. Similarly, parts commonality is high, reducing stress on existing logistics and supply infrastructure and further reducing the need for training of new personnel completely.

The FB-18U is fully compatible with all existing Frusan and allied weapon systems currently in use, and has room in its' software architecture and physical design to accomodate future expansion and the inclusion of new equipment as needed.

Like the Super Hornet it is derived from, the Ultra Hornet incorporates features to reduce its radar signature, but is not a 'stealth' aircraft overall. These features do significantly reduce it's overall signature, and combined with ECM and skilful flying and use of terrain features can massively reduce chances of detection by hostile forces. Research is underway to develop stealthy weapons pods and fuel tanks to increase the useable weapons load on operations oriented towards stealth.

The primary changes to the aircraft, aside from the obvious physical changes in dimensions and overall appearance are the inclusion of more powerful F-135 engines for increased thrust and sustained speed, and an overall upgrade of sensor systems, including the addition of an onboard electro-optical sensor and guidance system, as well as an AESA radar and helmet-mounted sight-and-cueing systems for both crewmembers. Future additions may include vectored-thrust engines, among other potential expansions and upgrades.

Modifications:
Experimental Plasma Stealth system; uses a high-energy thermal plasma to absorb incoming radar waves. However, the heating effect of the plasma means the system is limited to short amounts of use, and activation of the system creates a brief radar blooming effect. Additionally, while in use, the aircraft has a greatly increased thermal signature, and is unable to use external weapon systems, as they interfere with the plasma sheath. Nonetheless, being completely invisible to radar for short periods of time has its' uses.

The FB-18U is also capable of landing and taking off from an aircraft carrier, as well as short-field takeoff and landing, however it must be lightly loaded for such operations, and is at its' best operating from land bases.

Personal Color Scheme: Ferris-style camouflage scheme in shades of dusky blue, grey, and tan.

Preferred Loadout :
1 x Internal Rotary-barrelled cannon
1 x internal weapons bay for up to 2,000lb of ordnance and two air-to-air missiles
8 x External hardpoints (2x wingtip, 3 x under each wing) for a variety of mixed air-to-air and air-to-surface ordnance or other mission systems, such as refuelling pods, additional fuel tanks, cargo pods, ECM pods and reconnaissance systems.
All standard loadouts include two MultiPods, usually of the low-observable type unless otherwise specified.

OATH: I, A FACELESS PILOT, SWEAR UNDYING LOYALTY TO THE PRINCIPALITY OF REMONI, I DECLARE THAT I WILL ALWAYS FIGHT FOR HER, HER PEOPLE, HER GOALS, I AM ENSURED CERTAIN RIGHTS AND DUTIES AS A FACELESS PILOT AND I WILL ALWAYS ACCOMPLISH THESE DUTIES WITHOUT QUESTION AND WILL NEVER BREAK MY LOYALTY TO THE PRINCIPALITY. IF I DO BREAK THIS OATH, MAY IT MEAN MY DEATH. MAY THE PRINCIPALITY AND HIS MAJESTY BE BLESSED.

Ajay Chandresekhar

PRINCIPALITY OF REMONI - MINISTRY OF DEFENSE
CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT

Five (5) Digit MOD Identification Number: 95099

Name: Ajay (pronounced Ah-jay) Chandresekhar

Callsign: Umbra

Age: 19

Country of Origin: Frusa

Appearance:

File Photo

Faceless Type: A

Bio:
- Service History to date
Subject Ajay underwent his FTMAP approximately two years ago. He has been an exemplary physical specimen since that time. He occasionally shows problems with memory recall and speaks of events that have not happened, and experiences vivid dreams and nightmares that he often cannot recall on waking. Otherwise, he meets all normal markers for an effective Faceless pilot.

Following completion of the procedure, Ajay was given a full regimen of training. An attempt was made to abduct him during this time, but he outwitted and defeated his would-be captors, and turned them over to authorities. It was during this incident he acquired the distinctive scar on his face, after being cut with a knife by one of the assailants.

His flight training was smooth, though he struggled with some of the mathematics aspects, but was able to overcome this by approaching them with unconventional thinking and learning techniques, a trait that showed through in his subsequent service.

Ajay operated alongside conventional air force units, often undertaking key missions against heavily defended or strategic targets. He showed great aptitude in air-to-air combat and in interdiction strikes and counter-insurgency aerial warfare, often putting weapons on target in situations not normally thought to be viable, with minimal collateral damage and no loss of friendly lives.
The success of his missions lead to popularity for the 'jet with no name' as a close-air support and strike asset, as scuttlebutt and rumours circulated among the troops, and Ajay was rotated out of the theater of operations to lessen the chance of the project being revealed.

After being rotated away from the front, he was involved in the same extensive testing and research project as Amita Lakshmani, who shortly became his co-pilot for the F-18U Ultra Hornet. The pair showed great promise in the testing scheme, and scored highly at all markers during the projects' test milestones.

After a further tour of duty which involved repelling a massed assault on the capital by Royalist forces and fierce aerial engagements that has seemed to stem the ongoing insurgency for the meantime, Amita and Ajay have been assigned to Faceless Squadron 7 as part of an exchange and training program to improve and better their skills, and as a contribution from our government to the brewing war.

- Personality traits
Ajay has shown great aptitude in his role as an aerial combatant. He is highly capable and adaptable to the quickly-changing environment of a battlefield, and is quick to react and think. His creativity when it comes to strategy and tactics is one of his greatest strengths, and makes him a valuable asset on any battlefield.

He seems to be driven by a will to succeed and exceed his previous limits, and is strongly dedicated to completing his goals and briefed missions. The extent of his dedication to other causes beyond the immediate moment is unknown, but he appears to at least value the idea of a greater peace and stability if not doing more than paying lip-service to it. His desire to avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage also shows he has a desire to protect non-combatants and seek not to involve them in warfare or violence if necessary.

Aside from his martial prowess, Ajay is an intelligent, well-spoken and charismatic young man. He is very observant and attentive, though tends to be quiet and soft-spoken, and will often not speak unless spoken to first. He has good manners and bearing, and seems to have a introverted personality outside of combat and prefers quiet, personal pursuits such as reading. He does seem to enjoy building things and finding out how they work, and often seeks to spend time with maintenance and other support personnel to learn more about their duties and to participate if possible. He also seems to enjoy excercising his mind with construction kits and toys if given access to them, and reads a lot of technical manuals and information when he has access to it.

Despite his quiet and retiring demeanour, he will be friendly and agreeable if approached, albeit somewhat tentative in conversation and in his demeanour, unless one hits on the right subjects and information he has knowledge and passion for.

As mentioned previously, he is prone to short periods of day-dreaming or seeming to be lost in thought, and keeps journals. Examination of these reveals a 'stream of consciousness' form of writing that consists of strangely disjointed scenes of domestic life. Investigation is proceding to see if there is some significance to these episodes, and Ajay is being carefully monitored at this time for instabilities.

He gets on very well with his co-pilot, having a bond with her that borders between friends and siblings, and occasional flashes of romantic interest. This is being carefully monitored as well, should it affect their performance. However, as much as they get along, being teenagers they also fight frequently and fall out just as much; enforced close proximity frequently being a cause of this. Both have been shown to overcome their differences when needed or ordered to do so, however, and will quickly show their support for one another if either are threatened.

Specialization: Aircraft

Name of Machine: See information for Amita Lakshmani

OATH: I, A FACELESS PILOT, SWEAR UNDYING LOYALTY TO THE PRINCIPALITY OF REMONI, I DECLARE THAT I WILL ALWAYS FIGHT FOR HER, HER PEOPLE, HER GOALS, I AM ENSURED CERTAIN RIGHTS AND DUTIES AS A FACELESS PILOT AND I WILL ALWAYS ACCOMPLISH THESE DUTIES WITHOUT QUESTION AND WILL NEVER BREAK MY LOYALTY TO THE PRINCIPALITY. IF I DO BREAK THIS OATH, MAY IT MEAN MY DEATH. MAY THE PRINCIPALITY AND HIS MAJESTY BE BLESSED.

[Ringrose]

@Shin

I added an extra 0 to my characters identification number, because it was 2002 before which isn't 5 digits. So now it's 20002.

[KoL]

Cool, the squad is coming to life. I can't wait until our first sortie.

[Dolerman]

Cool, the squad is coming to life. I can't wait until our first sortie.

@KoL

[Shin]

Good evening, everyone, I had a bit of a long day, but it's time to sit back and work!

@Cojemo, no problems as I can see and I read her over a few times, so stick her in the character tab, she's approved.

@Silverwind Blade, great characters, but Frusa is a continent, you must have misunderstood my idea. It's totally minor, might I recommend Erust as a replacement? Simply change the names and we're good, confirmed and approved!

Faceless Squadron 7 will sortie for their first mission either this Sunday afternoon or Monday. Anyone who has yet to sign up or needs to finish a character, please have them ready by then, at best! If not, we won't be immediately seeing action, so I can allow your character being late to the briefing, but get ready!

If anyone would like to begin writing their opening post, all Faceless Squadron 7 pilots will be transferring to Courier Field Air Base on the border with Satea, news will be given once you get there, in the briefing room. The current date is August 19th, 2016. Don't get comfy though, they won't be there for long!

Location of Courier Field Air Base

[Rhona W]

@Silverwind Blade, great characters, but Frusa is a continent, you must have misunderstood my idea. It's totally minor, might I recommend Erust as a replacement? Simply change the names and we're good, confirmed and approved!

@Shin

Ah, many apologies. I mis-read the name from where the text was placed on the image. I've edited the text in the post that's gone up on the characters' tab so it fits in as Erust now instead. Is it okay to add titles to the country names going forward to, i.e. Democratic republic of, etc? It's okay if you have other ideas, just asking now.