Sigma

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

New Hollywood
Neo London
"Come on! This way!" A male Urkani cried out as he pulled the hand of a much younger Urkani girl, the pair racing through the neon-lite alleyways of Neo London as a mob of looters came charging towards them. Despite the efforts of the Matuvistans and Protectors to bring order to the city, many citizens saw the end was nigh, and had resorted to looting and general lawless behavior, many more xenophobic elements of the population taking advantage of the chaos by assaulting or outright killing offworlders. The mob kept up their pursuit. "Get those fucking toads!" One of them shouted out.

The pair pressed on, the older Urkani frantically eyeing for a new escape route or hell, even a hiding spot, still by the grace of the Jarash, he found a large enough dumpster to hid the both of them. "Kiaal..I'm tired..." the younger girl whined, on the verge of tears from both exhaustion and the fear of the mob. "It's ok, Avita, I found a safe place." Kiel said as he lifted his sister up as he plopped on the ground. "It's smells..." She complained.

"It's just for a sec, ok?" Kiel reassured his sister as he frantically jumped in, the voices growing louder. The two huddled together as the voices drew closer and closer, holding on to each other tightly, Avita whimpering as the shouting is practically hovering over them, followed by objects being thrashed around as they behind searching....Kiaal letting out a small prayer to Jarash for the evil to overlook them. For a good minute, they remained...and when hope seemed to dawn, it was dashed away as one of the men lifted up the cap, discovering the two.

"I've found them!" The man shouted out to his peers, all of them converging on the dumpster, first pulling away a crying Avita, followed by Kiaal, one of thme pulling out a knife right to her throat. "Let my sister go you shtako!” Kiaal cried out, the sight of his crying sister, being held at knife point filling him with rage, right before one of the men smacked kiaal right in the face, a small trial of blue blood dripping from his lips.

Before making his kill, the seeming leader of the mob drew his eyes towards Kiaal with disgust in his eyes. “You xenos have tainted this world.” The leader of the mob said, pulling the knife away from Avita as he strolled towards Kiaal, bringing the knife to his throat instead. “New Hollywood was prosperous! We could ask for little, then the gates opened, then you people started showing up, than all this happens. It all connects…”

“I don’t give a damn! Let my sister go!” KIaal protested. The man was quiet for a moment, the only sounds filling the air was the rain drops, and Avita’s whimpering. The man simply staring at Kiaal with enraged eyes, than grinned as he let out a downright chilling chuckle. “Oh, you should know by now, neither of you little shits are walking out of here alive…” The man said as he was ready to slit Kiaal’s throat, Avita struggling as she cried out for her brother, tears and snot dripping down, one of the men gripping on her tightly. Before he had down the deed, the leader stopped himself as he and the rest of his peers heard a loud humming quickly approached, without warning a VTOL aircraft hovered overhead, bright search lights beaming down on them, it was a Columbian Glade Glider.

Before the assailants could react, a few warning shots were let loose, startling the mob as many had immediately ran off. “Get back here!” He shouted, still resilient in his stance. “Step away from the Urkani!” A voice cracked through a megaphone. “FUCK OFF TOADLOVERS!” He shouted in defiance, right before a well-placed shot left a gapping hole in his forehead, collapsing on his own blood. The realization set in as a now freed Avita ran into her brother’s arms, both gripping onto each other tightly.

Within moments, a pair of marines lowered themselves from the Glade Glider via cables, securing the area before one of them said. “All Clear, I repeat, all clear, civvies are secure.” One of them, a woman, approached and crouched down to the two. “It’s ok kids, we got you.” She said to especially reassure Avita, who was still visible terrified. “We’re the good guys, we’re getting you home.” She said once more, reaching out her hand to Avita, still uncertain as she looked to her brother, Kiaal nodding in approval.

Without hesitation, she leapt to the marine’s arms, another one reaching out his hand to help the boy up. “Hold on tight kids, it’s gonna be a ride.” The other marine warned as he pulled down the cable all of them jolted up as they leapt into the Glider, the doors sliding closed as within moments the craft jetted out towards the Matuvistan base. A sense of relief overcoming the children as they immediately collapsed onto one of the passenger seats, Kiaal letting out a huge sigh. The two marines sat opposite of them, both removing their helmets, one of them revealing themselves to be Omar. “What’s your name, kid?” Omar asked.

“Kiaal.” He replied. “This is my sister, Avita.” Avita sheepishly looked at the marines, giving a small wave.

“Avita, such a cute name.” The female marine commented.

“Name’s Omar.” Omar presented himself, before looking to his squad mate. “And this here pretty angel is Alice.” Omar announced, shooting her a flirtatious look. “Oh stop it.” She said playfully, turning her attention to the children once more. “Where are your parents? We can start searching for them now if you like?”

Kiaal grew silent from Alice’s inquiry, looking away. “They’re dead. Those men killed them...”

Both Alice and Omar were thrown off guard with this revelation. “Oh my Gods…I’m so sorry…” Alice apologized sorrowfully. “Is there…anything we can do?”

“It’s ok…I just want off this planet..”

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

Collab between @Sigma and @Liotrent
Earth
The Meeting Place
The New Haven shuttle was drawing close to the hanger bay, the Acting ambassador swallowing a lump in her throat. The nerves still leaving her a bit stiffened as the shuttle craft made landing. Despite their unorthodox means of greetings to the Meeting Place, Janna hopes that this meeting will be a career maker for her, being known as the woman woh established relations with noble men of science, science that could further bring mankind and all other peoples to a brighter future. "It won't be so bad.." Janna thought to herself.

The shuttle craft slowly made its way into the hangar and beggan its landing sequence. The craft itself looked to be as if it was a smaller version of the NHS Hopeful. The craft touched down and opened its doors to allow Hubert and Dick's android surrogates off. They were holographically disguised, however, any complex motions would instantly reveal their illusion.

"Greetings! Lead Director Hubert Seymour at your service!" Hubert exclaimed as he made a dynamic entrance.

Dick however was less enthusiastic, "Po-Political science director, Dick Wazzinski."

Hubert turned to Dick and glared, "DICK! THAT WASN'T WHAT WE DISCUSSED WE'D DO!"

"I already told you I'm not going to play along with that introduction!"

"You are such a party pooper Dick."

Dick cleared his throat and turned his attention back towards the URC representative, "Ahem, I'm so sorry for the entrance, Lead Director Seymour is excited to make first contact with other remnant colonies of Earth."

Janna was left a bit stunned, first of all, she couldn’t tell if they were actual people or if they’re robots posing as people? Not really her fault considering the Zetans are thing. For a moment, her mind tried to process the robots, only for to lose focus from the sheer goofiness these two displayed, she couldn’t help but let out a hearty laugh, the guards quickly following. Janna had to stop herself as she blushed from embarrassment.

“Oh my Gods…please strike me down...” She thought to herself, really? Laughing at your first foreign delegation? That’s gonna one for the history books, and her record. “Oh…forgive my rudeness, sirs.” She said, her head slightly bowed, quickly changing the conversation. “I’m Janna Ranford, our ambassador is unfortunately, not available, so I will be acting in his place, and to welcome you two, to the Meeting Place.”

Hubert then put both hands at his hips and puffed his chest out and smiled wide as he said, "A pleasure to meet your acquaintance miss Janna!" he then turnned to Dick, "See I told you they'd love it the introduction."

Dick of course just put a palm to his face and shook his head, "Yes, yes, you've made your point Lead Director Hubert. Can we please continue?"

“Uh, yes, of course.” Janna said, still a little bewildered that this would be her first experience first contact, diplomacy and whatnot. “If you’ll please follow me, gentlemen.” Janna, along with her guards trailed off from the hanger bay as the tour begun. “As said before, welcome to the Meeting place. An international space station built by the efforts of Earth’s lost colonies, each module built by a colony.” She paused as they entered the Columbian sector proper.

A please of elegant, yet practical design, planets and vegetation growing over brutalist surfaces, in all corners, hologram projectors would play various media and footage unique to Columbia, from catchy tunes to historic military footage, to footage of regular life and so forth.

"It seems that y'all have done great for yourselves!" Hubert looked around with curiosity and amazement in his eyes. He took the time to examine each projection and attempt to learn from them. "You have such a rich history. If you don't mind, could you tell us more about your world and the technologies you've cultivated? We'd love to exchange our ideas."

Dick was surprised at how quickly Hubert's demeanor changes. Dick was classmates with Hubert once, it always surprises him how idiotic Hubert may seem at times, but he can't admit that he could afford to be idiotic because of his intelligence. Dick then added onto Hubert's statement, "Actually, if you have any questions of your own, we'd gladly answer them."

Janna was once again, caught off guard with this Hubert, the man sure can change his tune at will, a good advantage to confuse your political enemies for sure. “You’re our guests, I’m more than happy to share a bi about ourselves.”

Janna would go on a small speech of sorts explaining the rather turbulent history of Columbia, from the rather rough frontier age and the battles with the natives to follow, from the Unification War which led to the founding of the URC, and lastly and most recently, the Yulzan War, which footage of it tuned in a timely fashion, the footage showing the Siege of Taurus, a fierce and bloody battle that last for three months as Columbians forces fought tooth and nail to reclaim the city from the Yulzan, it was also the first battle in which the Guardian Frames were deployed, used to counter the Yulzan’s various war machines.

“It was a near death struggle, but we managed to overcome the odds and beat back the Yulzan after almost two decades of fighting.” Janna paused as she realized she went on a bit of a tangent, once more, resulting in blushed cheeks. “Oof, forgive me, history has always been my favorite subject. Uuh, enough about us, tell me about your world?”

Dick hesitated for a bit, History was his weakpoint, he tried to recall as much as he could but was eventually saved by Hubert.

"Well, there's plenty to know. The first colonists found our verdant and rich world and called it a miracle. After Earth's demise, it was fitting to call this new world New Haven. We lived in peace for a time, but we struggled with diseases for many years. This led to our own technological development going down robotics and medicinal technology. However, instability would begin to plague our nation after conquering disease. We fought with eachother in what would come to be known as the Robotics Proxy War. It was a near bloodless conflict, the real casualties started to mount when certain factions couldn't produce robotics to fight anymore. Before any more blood could be spilled, a peace treaty was negotiated and our political structure was reformed into what you see today as the New Haven Directorate."

Hubert paused for a moment with a hand to his chin, thinking about whether there was anything he missed, then he turned to Janna, "... This is a very brief summary of our world's history, I could send you a file if our operating systems are compatable, if not I'll send a physical book along with any technological information you may want from us. In exchange..." Hubert pointed towards the Guardian Frames in the projections, "... Could you help us build one of those?" Hubert grinned like a child who wanted a new toy.

Dick then thought to himself, "And there's his idiotic personality again... The man's an enigma."

Jana couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight, the guards in the backround letting out small giggles, while he is a goofball, he’s entertaining to be around with. “First of all, I’d love a file on your history, It’ll be a good pass time.” She then turned facing at the holo model of the Guardian Frame. “That sadly, is beyond what I can do, but my boss, the actual Ambassador, he might be able to…arrange some meetings between Columbia and New Haven Officials.”

"YOU HEAR THAT DICK! WE CAN GET GIANT KILLER ROBOTS OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION!" Hubert hugged Dick's android and started hopping around. This did not translate well with the holograms so it looked like a mess.

"But sir, don't we technically have that capability?"

"We did in theory, but not in practice, it'd be nice to have a little helping hand in the design and construction of such a thing. Oh... And I want one for myself."

Dick could only blink at the Lead Director's statement. It was practical, but also childish. "You know what- I'm not going to argue about that anymore."

Hubert’s excited outburst had startled everyone present in the central hall, staff, guards and visitors all turning their eyes towards. Janna herself jumping at the sight of the android puppet, falling on her bottom, Captain Samuels quick to help her up. She fixes her dress up as turns her attention back to Hubert and Dick. “I gotta say, if the rest of New Haven is as lively as you, I see our people getting along well.” Janna says with a smile.

Into the Rifts(Interdimensional Nation/Character RP)

@AceSorou I'm sorry to say that the rp had shut down months ago. Real sorry about that.

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

Collab between @Irredeemable and @Sigma

Isabella lead the Columbian contingent through to the bridge of her vessel, trailing cigarillo smoke the whole way. She arrived to a bark of ‘COMMANDANTA ON DECK’ and a series of snappy salutes from the bridge staff, before guiding her guests to the central projector. “Can I get you anything? Rum? Tobacco? Water?” A glass of the latter was handed to her, the projector coming alive with the strategic map of the planet below them.

“The current situation on the ground is as follows. Neo-Beijing and New London are in outright revolt. Neo Paris is teetering on the brink. A foreign force has landed in Neo-Beijing claiming to be supportive of the legitimate government. Intelligence suggests this to be false, so expect more trouble there. We have secured New Westminster, and it is currently the only territory in Neo London not under the effects of oligarch psychological disruption.” She paused for breath, and to take another sip of water.

“Hmm, I think we all can use a good smoke” Colonel Bisson requested, the two captains behind him nodded in agreement. Within a short while, the three Columbian officers found themselves puffing out a small cloud’s worth of smoke, the flavor and aroma simply addicting. After Isabella made her report, the Colonel set aside his cigar for the time being. He studied a map for a moment, seeing the situation on New Hollywood quickly crumbling. Although what little footage has leaked offworld and the mention of “psychological disruption”, something tells the colonel that the White Flowers aren’t entirely in the wrong here….

Colonel Bisson cleared his throat. “I’ll soon have forces stationed in New Beijing to begin airlifting our people out, If these new tangos give us any trouble, we will defend ourselves, otherwise, my men will proceed with the main objective.” The colonel paused as he allowed himself one more puff from the cigar. “And again, you have our thanks, you saved us some time in logistics, so I hope we can be out of your hair in a couple of days.”

Isabella frowned to herself, expression masked by the cloud of smoke in front of her face. Colombia was not going to be as helpful as she had hoped. Still, she played the diplomat. “I can assure you, a fellow military force can hardly be in our hair to begin with, especially when our interests are aligned. All we want is a clean end without excessive casualties, the same as you do.” She smiled.

“Yeah, I guess you can say that.” Colonel Bisson said with a hint of uncertainty in his tone, taking another puff. In a way, they both are here to save lives, granted, the Isabella’s forces trying to put down a violent revolution, whether it’s just or not is unfortunately, none of the Colonel’s business for the time being, as for Miles’ men, they’re of course, here to get people back home, people that don’t belong in a warzone on some alien world. “I may not agree 100%, but yeah, we’re both here to save lives, I can only hope that this won’t turn out any uglier than it has to be.”

“There is one thing,” Isabella concluded, taking the stub of her cigarillo and grinding it out into a waiting ashtray. “Since you’ll have boots on the ground in New Beijing, we were hoping you could provide us with some more consistent intelligence than what we’ve been gathering from the Oligarchs and our orbital contacts. We won’t force this issue, but it would be greatly appreciated.” She nodded curtly.

Miles had followed suit, grinding out his cigar. “Well, it may not be top priority at the moment, but I see no harm in such a mission, I’ll have my men provide a steady flow of updates from New Beijing.”

“Excellent. Go with the saints.” Isabella saluted.

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

@Irredeemable
New Hollywood
Marine Assault Ship Yankie
Within the command and control center of the Yankie, the designated flagship of the 401st Rapid Response Regiment, or the "Saving Graces" as they've come to be called, Colonel Miles Bisson along a dozen of his top officers gather around a table with a holograhpic image of New Hollywood in full display, countless green dots on the surface representing the confirmed citizens planetside. Having just received the message from the Matuvistan Commander, the Colonel was swift in his decision. "As you are aware, the Matuvistans have offered to work with us for the time being in evacuation efforts, and are kind enough to let our birds use their main base for our own uses. This'll save us the trouble of setting up our base of operations, and skip to the fun part."

"Just tell us where you need us, Sir." One of his captains spoke up, Colonel Bisson nodded to the man.

"I've marked your designated region in your personal datapads." The Colonel said. "Blaze and Ashen Companies are responsible for citizens trapped in the countryside, concentration there is less dense and fighting is subdued, so you'll finish up in no time. The real asskicker will be New Beijing and Neo London." He paused as holograhpic models of the two cities materialize in place of the planet. Both cities a mix of green and red. "As you very well aware, both cities are deep in heavy fighting between the White Flowers, ECU Protectors and Matshies, and our people are caught in the crossfire." Bisson paused once more as he starred at the holoprojections, he than turns to a trio of officers in one corner, two humans and an Aldzir. "Crawford, Sanders, Grrish, you're men will be tasked with Neo London. Walton, O'Brian and Lee will be tasked with New Beijing. The rest of you will remain on standby in case shit hits the fan."

"And what if the locals get..antsy?" Captain O'Brian asked hesitatingly.

"I'm glad you asked." Bisson replied. "Current orders are to avoid engagement if possible, we're not here to kill civvies, we're just trying to get our own people home, understood?"

"Sir!" The officers replied in unison.

"Good, commence with the Operation." Colonel Bisson said, most of the officers leaving the room, only a few remaining. "As for the rest of you, the Matuvistan Commander has invited me aboard her ship, you're more than welcome to join me."

---

"Chug! Chug! Chug!" A group of crew members and Marines chanted in unison, encircling a singular table were two marines sat on opposite ends. Omar Halim, a member of Raven Squad, starring down a rather imposing Dhulrak, Kezil of Hwahg, heavy weapons specialist of Raven Squad. Both men made playful grins across their faces. Below both were glasses filled with some sort of strange concoction, whatever it was....it was purple, and literally fuming, and had a very unpleasant odor to boot. "First one to toss his guts owes the other a hundred bucks.” Kezil challenged Umar.

“You’re on.” Omar accepted the challenge, being the first to gulp down the glass. The urge to gag was strong, it was unlike anything he had tasted before. The sailors and fellow marines continued their chant and wooing as Umar drunk the last drop, gasping for air, breathing rapidly. “You’re move…”

Kezil was quick to gulp down his portion, barely making any indications that it was as bad as it looked. Kezil slammed the glass on the table. Both starred at one another for a brief moment, both fighting the urge to vomit. Unfortunately for Omar, this would be fight he would lose, making a nasty mess on the floor. Kezil let out a warcry of victory as the others cheered, a short-lived victory as he vomited all over the floor. “Ah shit..”

‘We got a tie!” One of the crew members announced.

"And yet another unsatisfying entry in books for Raven Squad." Another squad member quipped. The mess hall was erupted with laughter as Captain Crawford strolled in, looking at his men with mix of amusement and at the same time, disappointment. It was by mere chance one of his men took notice of the captain, prompting him to let out a loud whistle, the mess hall fell silent.

"Captain on deck!" He announced, all present members of Zephyr Company standing at attention. Captain Crawford giving a small nod to the troops as he tours the mess hall, inspecting his men, Omar and Kezil struggled to stand, but managed to at least look presentable, although there was a very big problem on the floor, and right in the captain's path "We're fucked.." Omar muttered to himself, Kezil well within earshot range. "Just got back from briefing, we're to deploy to Neo London within the-" Captain Crawford paused as he passed Omar and Kezil, an cringe-worthy "squishing" sound made underneath his boot, the captain looking down at the nasty sight. "Oh for Gods sake..." Crawford snarled, well aware who made the mess as he turned his gaze to the accused pair, before letting out an audible sigh. "...Quite frankly, we don't have time for this shit..but your little "games" will be discussed." He said, somewhat letting this slide for now, much to the pair's relief.

Crawford cleared his through as he continued. "As I was saying, we're to deploy within a couple of hours, pack your gear and be ready by than....and clean this mess up."

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

@Jangel13 Sheet is approved!

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

@Jangel13 Do you mean like a nation with humans and xenos? Or Human/Xeno hybrids? If the second one, We don't have one, although I do recall the GM saying natural crossbreeding between humans and xenos would not be possible, sorry about that. If you want, hop in the discord chat so we can discuss it further.

Edit: After further elaboration, the Idea is good with me!

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

@Jangel13 Yup! We're always open to new players :D

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

If I remember correctly I was supposed to set that up with the URC and Xandalia. Of course, for the mechs. But I can foresee other people wanting to get in on this just because they may mistake Hubert's leniency for stupidity. Which... I can very much see happening.

@Liotrent

Right, I remember that. That'll prove to be fun subplot :D

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

@Liotrent
So far no one's using Zakus, and I mean, if they are what you like, I'd say go for it. For the URC I'm mostly using non-gundam mechs, and for the Gaians, a mix of non-gundam stuff and this.