FalloutJack

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard [Pt. 2 - Open] ~

They stood at the ready now, the sky hanging over them in perpetual overcast.

To be fair, the weather being 'against them' wasn't all bad. This dingy, dirty, wet and soggy day with no sunlight to speak of would do nothing to illuminate them. They would not be loud, and what little noise they might make would not carry. Furthermore, they looked about as uninteresting and uncatching of the eye for the most part that the enemy would have to have a pretty good and far from miserable eye to spot anything. So, on those grounds, this job had its merits. It was not suicide, out of hand. It was only suicidal in the general sense, because of how immediately life-threatening any gunfire would be, whether it was shot out at random to spook people or done with purpose, once they were spotted. You never can tell where things are going to go. Isaac personally hoped that the Imps were just as low in moral as their enemy, and that that would allow for this other part of the plan to take place. He didn't so much as want Middleton's plan to succeed, you understand. Just for people to not DIE in the process.

Speaking of Captain Grumpus, he was now addressing them as the fog began to thicken heavily. When he got to the part about not waiting for the trench raiders, Britta gave Isaac a knowing look and he nodded. They were probably going to ignore the order, not the team. If they saw people trying to pull themselves out of the fire, there was going to be some damn cover from the other side! And frankly, no one was going to believe the faux concern Middleton spouted on the same breath as 'ignore the other team', so he could stuff it. The only person Middleton really cared for was Middleton. Anything else was pure speculation and coincidental self-service. People wanted out of this war. Isaac never wanted to be in. They'd made this thing a part of his life, and he hated it. It was stuck to him, like glue, and he wanted nothing more than to go home and wash it off. The only good thing to come out of this were the people that he hoped would survive to carry on their lives.

But let us not dwell now on the state of things and the what-might-bes, for now. Time once again to stand aggressively in the present, to see nothing but what is in front and be in the now. Their focus was needed to keep the squad safe, as Jean addressed him and Britta both. They knew what they were doing, but they followed Jean's words with the respect he badly deserved. They knew what was at stake, and would keep their shots to a minimum, where possible. Their real commanding officer also instructed them all to take a small log out with them for the posts of the wire fence. They'd need that, and the Gunners had no issue with the added baggage. Ever since the change-up of the machine guns, the packs were a little lighter and less cumbersome, and with these, they barely noticed at all. Also, when Jean mentioned the need to keep low in case they could be spotted from the sudden unrest of the trench raid, Isaac chimed in, as well.

"And be just as careful yourselves so that our presence doesn't cause them to spot the raiding team ahead of time. They need the quiet and everything as much as we do."

"We are good to go, though, Jean."

They ascended, assisted by Jean with logs somewhere on their person. Lucia was the one with the wiring, someone not on Gunnery duty would help her set. With that in mind, he and Britta both spread out. The classic pattern for the two of them was for a Gunner to be at either side of the group - rather than taking point and taking rear - with these positions giving them a wide area of fire without being bunched together. The rest of the team would spread out anyway to prevent everyone getting shot up or blown to pieces, anyway. However, it should be noted that this setup was rather common, and in anticipation of the idea that the Imperials would start thinking to aim for certain people right off to be sure, Britta had elected to use her lighter equipment to the fullest. Namely, she could get around the battlefield more.

Once she was a further onto the right, she was down even lower than all of them, with the RAR dangling under her. Moving around the low cover with little concern of potentially getting bogged down by weight - because she wouldn't be - Britta was be just a little ahead AND off to the side to perk her ears up and keep her eyes pealed for the enemy. Isaac was the main protection, while she was the anticipation and the unexpected strike from an angle you weren't a keeping watch on. It took them time, but they were all soon in position, at this...the shambled remains of a barb wire fence, the likes of which would probably be eliminated tomorrow. Nevertheless, the two Gunners watched the area with intent, that intent being to kill if anything Imperial showed themselves. Britta was positioned to get the first shot while away from the group, while Isaac was the overall protection. Should her position need to be given away, she wasn't near the group and she could reposition to prevent any personal injury.

And now...we wait with bated breath for the outcome under the rain.

War Never Changes III: Annals of the East

@Andreyich Those were certainly some words, right there.

*Shrugs*

War Never Changes III: Annals of the East

@ClocktowerEchos

Okay, the way you describe these guys, it sounds alot more like Maxson in Fallout 4 in the Brotherhood, which is not good. Current Enclave (as in, mine), though, does not cling heavily to the past. Learn from it, yes, but the lesson is that the old ways - including previous Enclave stubborn-ness - are not the right ways. Number One would be quick to remind any of these folks that treating government as religion led to such failures as the Legion, out west. So, maybe they wouldn't get along, but it's for different reasons. Namely, "What in god's name - and I mean that in every way possible - is wrong with these people?".

War Never Changes III: Annals of the East

@Andreyich@ClocktowerEchos Not the way I run 'em.

War Never Changes III: Annals of the East

Officially throwing my interest into this! Thinking of doing something with Philadelphia and being aggressively American.

@ClocktowerEchos

Bloodlines: Last Hope

Ryoko Yumekishi

It was a lovely day, wasn't it? And so, while many were in the library, there was one who was actually outside, right now. Well, for given measures of 'out'. Not too far from the library proper, parked up against the curb, was a black-and-red Ford Mustang, license plate 'HAMRHED'. The young lady inside sat in the passenger seat, one leg up with her foot against dashboard and keeping a book in place while she read. Ryoko had already been and gone from the bookshelves and studious campus-goers, having borrowed her lot for her work. She was taking in a book on Carl Jung while simultaneously shutting out the world, and yet inviting it into her senses passively.

Windows were down, and her music list had changed to a song that was just asking for trouble, but she liked it along with the show and game she'd heard it from, so it stayed as she pressed on. Ryoko's study in psychology was not just a simple reading and repetition of facts on paper. When she was not trying to figure out people, she was absorbing atmosphere both inside and out, to gain a feel for where people's reactions would lie in certain conditions. It was right alongside with the whole nature-versus-nurture argument of what marks you more in development. Personally, and perhaps the point of the argument was always to encourage this, Ryoko found that there was no way it couldn't be a matter of equal-footing in the normal development of a personality.

Take her, for instance. Traditional upbringings, respect for her parents, and a certain pressure in the back of her mind to succeed so that the rest of the world looked favorably on her family...AND YET, here she was in Philadelphia in the United States, leaning back in her American car with her jeans and her music playing and so on. Who really ruled in this dichotomy? Her parents had helped her establish this on the promise that they would hear good things, and she was personally very motivated to pursue Psych because of the events in her life.

Of course, I'm gonna have to take a break at some point. When was that event about the fossil suppose to be again?

Major-wise, archaeology had little to do with her field, but history had a place in understanding where people came from mentally as much as physically, so it was kind of a 'Why not?' sort of thing. Besides, it could be interesting.

Dragon Ball: Universe Zero

@Darkmoon Angel Hey, I took time off, too. No worries.

Innocence Lost - A Science Fantasy RP [v.03]

NERO KAYAKOS

What was the age-old saying, still relevent to this day? 'The enlisted men always run the war because their CO is talking out of their brass'? Well, this wasn't war, and Joey wasn't really a CO, but it amounted to the same, especially since the guy had the delusion of being in command. Nero didn't even respect the people that actually had the authority, so what chance did a Joey-Come-Lately have? Take, for instance, the moment where the guy thanked him for providing information the clueless bastard didn't have. That resulted in Nero flipping him the bird and saying "Oh, anytime, dunce cap.". He was running on piss AND vinegar, when it came to that guy.

However, after that...Nero actually leaned back and seemed to relax as there was a discussion of some sort outside the room. So, true to Nero form, he just seemed to be deriving pleasure from busting that guy's chops in general. It'd make the horrible food taste better later, if he ever got around to eating it. Thus far, no. But anyway...as everybody was made privy to a meeting by hologram...apparently, Moonstrike was calling them? Well, we'd like to say it was unexpected, but...eh, it was only a matter of time. The odd part was that it was Moonstrike Two, who was presumably someone they'd never actually spoken to before. It was here that Natasha began to lay out for the M2 that they had some problems, to which Nero was just idly paying attention to until he heard the part about parents.

Huh? Who the fuck is worried about- Ohhh...

See, he was under the impression that most anybody here was on pretty bad terms with their parents, given that they were all draft picks for the Ascendancy's dirty little project. Nero hated his and didn't even give a rat's ass what they were doing in life or if they were even dead. He kinda' wanted 'em to be dead, and he kinda' wanted to kill them. And of course, we all know Narvia's not on good terms, either. The list goes on, but he remembered as he was sitting back that Avelyn had gone to talk with Natasha, so it might've been her folks. To which, Nero was like 'Yeah, fine, whatever. Just don't do mine any favors.', because the hell with them.

Anyway, he listend on, and the M2 seemed to indicate that the pirates had their own agenda, because they were basically jailbreaking rebels. Recruitment drive to the yar-yar bunch? Might be, or they might be calling in for favors from Moonstrike itself. Hell, even the Joester might be right, for once, and that it was more frame-up work. Nero listened on, actually keeping his own yap shut for a bit. Because as the information unfolded, it seemed very much...like the pirates were acting...kinda' like himself. Think about it. There were people who actually thought of Nero as 'the silent assassin', but what does he do? He talks shit at people and pisses them off. He's baiting, he's goading, and sometimes...he's a real asshole. More to the point, the list of people that Nero actually gives a damn about is on a short list. Perhaps only the people in this room, minus at least a couple of them. You probably already know who. Still, the point was this: The pirates were trolling Moonstrike, and then lying back and enjoying it like Nero would.

The conversation continued to indicate that because Moonstrike was far too busy putting out literal and metaphorical fires, thanks to the pirates, they were kind of on their own to pursue the pirates themselves, which they would've planned. However, there was a supposed information source that indicated that there was a victim of the pirates joining the crew, and that they had a dangerously-violent Star Marine to gain in all of this, as well. Nero found this to be suspect, through and through, so he'd be keeping an eye on stuff with that. And the price? Some Moonstrike members being turned over to the rebels the pirates just screwed over, which the M2 indicated would be used to go on a mole hunt. Good plan! If they pick the right ones, the rebels get to tear ass on the ones that REALLY caused this mess. Now, that's planning.

What everything boiled down to was this: They had a series of objectives - info gaining, mending fences, handling the pirates, etc. - and these would not be all in one location. So, against all logic of Dwellings & Deathtraps - the weird tabletop game made by the Rau've when their Star Marine guests started asking for something fun to play - they were splitting the party. And while the potentially-dangerous Marine made him curious, you all know what Nero's into.

"Well, I'd personally like to kick some pirate ass and make them walk the plank. And by that, I mean shove 'em out an airlock. Let's do this thing."

Dragon Ball: Universe Zero

They landed on the ground, and Wu-Han said that someone would notice what they just did, so they should leave. Yeah...those kids lookin' right at them would probably know a thing or two. They were in the city proper, which meant that folks just were living here and working, all employees of the MMC and their families. Niko wondered briefly if any of these people really knew how bad their company was...when Han noticed a figure on a roof. Wait, had they been spotted already?! Well...kinda'. There was an assassin, much like the ones they encountered in China, but he didn't attack, he...threw a cellphone at Wu, which then proceeded to ring!

"Okay, that has to be the weirdest thing I've seen today."

Who reaches out like this?! Well...apparently Wu's order does. Not the owners of this town. At a guess, they send men with guns. Turns out, the caller was Goda. They were going to meet? Good. With all the trouble he'd caused them on Earth, Niko actually felt the need for a little payback. It may've been a more personal thing for Wu-Han to face this man, but once the Wuyeying had attacked the people in his life, it was just as much a stake for him, as well. Once the call was over, Han asked him his own opinion on the matter: Go right for him, or let him wait?

"I think-"

Suddenly, every single electronic sign in the city changed to their faces, and an announcement with a heavy reward posted was made about them! Niko was shocked by the sheer scale of it. The entire city would be up in arms! This is precisely the sort of thing that made him want to go to stealth, but how? Their faces were everywhere! Staring at it, he muttered...

"I think we just became the most wanted men in the world..."

Then, a little more collected, he looked Han's way and said "Let's move!", before leaping into action himself. The two of them were fast? Well, good, because they'd need it! For now, though, Niko was looking for the darkest alley available so that they were out of sight for just a minute or two. While he was doing this, he spoke allowed to his partner in this mess.

"We don't exactly know where his office is. I've studied the basic map available for this place, but they wouldn't just print where the assassins live. We need some information, or a means of tracking. Here, this alley."

He slipped into one of those mid-block intersectional alleyways you find in cities, where the backs of buildings usually face, currently lamenting the lack of a disguise kit or even a decent hat. And still no sidearm or any firearm at all. Totally out of his comfort zone here.

"If you have any ideas, speak them now. We have maybe a minute or less before someone spots us here. Personally, I think a bit of hiding out somewhere is best."

Bloodlines: Last Hope

Ryoko Yumekishi

"Okay... I've become an anime protagonist. Discuss!"

Name: Ryoko Yumekishi

Gender: Female

Age: 21

Nationality: Japanese

Appearance: With a picture to start out with...

Ryoko stands a fairly-average 5'10", and a reasonable athlete. She is not a track star runner, just physically fit, having grown up in the standard lifestyle of Japan...and then living an American one. Not a traditionalist, she often wears jeans, t-shirt, and jacket and never anything formal. The rugged comfort of a motorbiker's clothes or something similarly tough that doesn't look bad even with wear-and-tear has always appealed to her more than style. Certainly, this has nothing to do with the presenters of a popular car show who eventually left that show to start ANOTHER car show that was very popular. The look that she went for was essentially the smooth and calm exterior crossed with the rough sort of coating that says she isn't afraid to get her hands dirty.

She doesn't have any scars or unusual markings. She looks good and looks the way she likes. As for the odd color in her eyes... Well, they are officially classified as 'maroon', which people can get for an eye color. Whether that's actually what happened there is anybody's guess. She never thought anything of it, herself.

Personality: No picture here, of course.

Part of the reason Ryoko is the way she is has to do with her growing up wondering how people will react to a sudden change. Now, she didn't do anything TOO outlandish, but usually defying convention just a little in Japan is enough. You see, Japan is very often a stressful society to live in. People are pressured to succeed for the honor of their family and to themselves. This sort of thing has had a profound effect on Ryoko, because she had been in classes where a student committed suicide before a critical examn. It really happens, and it's always terrible when it does. And it's things like that that make you ask 'Why?'. Why do these things happen? What possible influences make a person one way or another, and how can the more harmful aspects be stopped?

Because of all that, Ryoko is studying psychology, and is a noted observer of behaviors, emotional reactions, and various influences on the human psyche. She lives a life that is different from the norm because {A} she likes it and {B} she believes it to be more healthy. The words 'Let's not get bogged down' from her favorite show have real meaning in the psychological department. If you let yourself get hampered to the point of mental paralysis over a problem, terrible things may befall you before you cross the bridge you were worrying about. Ryoko is, therefore, a young lady looking to fix problems - fix people - before they break completely. She examines the world by being disarming and unexpected in her manner, then offering a helping hand once you remove your jaw from the floor.

Soul Powers: So, apart from the Soul Sight, the Soul Awareness, and the Exorcism abilities...

Interpretation - Otherwise known as Soul Reading. For those who can perceive the state of the soul, there is more to learn than just the surface. Their intentions, state of mind, and even capabilities can also be gleaned from whatever being Ryoko happens to be scanning. Basically, her Sight learns more. She can see the way you shape your abilities, when the power is charging for an attack, and whether you're truly worthy of a butt-kicking. (It is possible for her to pick up on subtle vibes that indicate a person feels trapped or has no choice but to act the way they do, or other things like that.) This is a tactical ability to know thy enemy. Know thy friends too, really. Same drawbacks as Soul Sight. It's a little obvious when she's used it.

Distortion - Now, here's a fun one. Ryoko creates audio and visual hallucination to varying degrees. At its weakest, you feel like you're drunk and you might fall down. At its worse, the effect is nausea-inducing, headache-inducing, massively-imbalancing, and you may not be able to get up for some time IF you don't black out first. It's not focused ON the mind, though she can instill it in ONE individual if she manages physical contact. Otherwise, it's projected in the real world as warping of the light to confuse your eyes and a noise that affects the eardrums to confuse your balance and coordination. It works by projecting her own energy out into the sound and light in an area, then giving it a twist to make it harmful. (If she have physical contact with someone, their soul gets this direct.) She can narrow it to a direction to minimize collateral, but if it's against a group, the field is wide and can affect EVERYONE. It's like that Batman character, Vertigo, basically.

Soul Punch - Otherwise known as the Soul Impact. This ability allows Ryoko to transfer energy into impact, to make it stronger than it normally would. Now, she is physically fit, so a kick from her probably hurts. Therefore, a Soul Impact kick would normally put someone in the hospital. It takes only a small amount of energy per hit, as she can't just super-charge One Punch beyond belief, but if she has to do a flurry of moves, they will add up. It's a simple and straightforward kind of move, but like Ryoko herself, it is the rough with the smooth. Although, as an added bonus, she CAN transfer that force to an object and throw it, thus giving the actual object the oomph instead.

Skills: Majoring in psychology, so she's excellent in observation and seeing a clear pattern of action in things. Great driver and decent at mechanical repairs, as well. Tried the parkour thing, but it wasn't really for her. Learned to fight, instead. Not an expert, but skilled enough in self-defense to feel confident. She can speak, read, and write Japanese and English.

Personal Belongings: Wallet, keys, cellphone, backpack, tablet, notepad, pens, books, etc. She keeps Hammerhead in either a garage or just around where there's a parking space.

Background: Beginning!

Born in Saitama - No, not that one. - Ryoko was born in the heart of a very ordinary childhood with few outlyers. Because life was seemingly very predictable, she became highly-observant of occurrances that were outside of the norm. And rather than disapproviing of of things that seemed outlandish like some people, she became curious and examined them, trying to find out the WHY. From there, she took more of an interest in foreign shows, including one about three idiots who would talk about cars and do crazy things in them. A certain love of cars and of foreign culture budded about then.

It was a decent life. Her parents were a little concerned by her actions, but as long as she remained a studious academic - that there was no indicator that these habits made her grades slip - they were okay with it. Actually, they were being quite reasonable, especially when Ryoko explained that the departure from the norm allowed her to unwind more. In this way, she went through her education...which was struck suddenly by the suicide of a fellow classmate prior to exams. This led her to want to know more about the WHY in life, and how to address it properly, a line of reasoning which led her to study in Psychology. She wanted to help people and prevent tragedies such as this.

This was rather heavy - and heady - work, and Ryoko felt that her sampling was a little too small in Japan. Taking a page from her favorite podcast - The Traveling Hatto-san - she decided to get out from where she lived, and not just cross-country...but out of it! She was going to study abroad, and because she needed to be able to get around, she and her parents worked to finance a car, which would be waiting for her in California to drive all the way to the Eastern side of Pennsylvania and the college awaiiting her therein. Yes, a road trip, somewhere in the neighborhood of two thousand miles...in the perfect car. Ryoko had bought a refurbished classic, the Ford Mustang Scorpion, much like the one driven in Starman by the most laid-back human alive, Jeff Bridges.

The trip allowed her to properly absorb American culture and get use to life here. She was gonna be in for a while. However, once she got to Ben Franklin University, Ryoko had NO IDEA what was going to turn up next.

Relationships:

Ryo and Kari Yumekishi - Parents, both living
Gets on with most people, but doesn't know that many people in this country.