DarkRecon

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Seven
Location: Somewhere at the "party"
_______

"...assignment received...executing..."

Those were the only words Jake muttered under his breath as he blended in wearing the "suit" he had on hand for stealth missions on foot...or for related assignments such as this.



Being roughly 6'2", his average size plus his suit with a prepared "fake ID" would help him blend in as if he truly was apart of the staff on the ship and not a framewerk pilot. For Jake, this was just a "training assignment" of sorts since he'd been on more dangerous assignments but it also had it's consequences.

From what happened before...he was sure this "punishment" was to make him realize that the rules here were different from his service with The Numbers...Ritsu especially made it clear on that note.

He merely stood in the corner but did note the other pilots sharing a table together it seemed. Considering he had been wearing his pilot suit and even the helmet before, he was sure most of them wouldn't recognize him. Though he imagined those that were on "Team Apple" during the VR test could since he had removed his helmet more than once.

But then there was Cadet Lucius...something told Jake that he'd spot him easily. He seemed to have a level of "self-awareness" that possibly matched his...maybe even greater but Jake lacked "data" at the moment. He never had the time to look at said data since he was preparing himself for this "party".

Deciding to blend in more, he took a circular metal plate and perfectly balancing some drinks on it and then proceeded to walk around making offers when necessary or when called upon.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Seven
_______

Jake just sat quietly while everything was happening...but truth be told, his "stealth" really allowed him to go unnoticed for the most part or up until Lorenzo gave his evaluation on everyone's performance during the VR simulation which included himself. And he was right...while he did perform well, he "awareness" wasn't as sharp where he made rookie mistakes.

Still...dead is dead...if that were real...

Then there was the decision for who the squad leaders were named...and one of them was his main concern. Even if Bugatti was second in command squad leader...

No. Don't question it...not now anywa-

Then his outburst when he heard him say that he was going to buy drinks for everyone.

THAT'S when Jake felt it was just time to make himself disappear back to the hangar bay...hopefully without anyone noticing. He felt that right now is a bad idea to socialize with this many people.

...

...

...that and he didn't drink.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Seven
@Ariamis
_______

Jake was waiting for anyone to respond to him when he noted the technicians rushing about...they noted the simulation when he noted the Logic Diver...wait...

Seeing the technicians and "generally" what happened on the screen showing the VR battle, Jake remembered something from his earlier days of study to the time spent with The Numbers...could Cadet Elora have...or...?

He also made his way to Elora's VR pod just as other individuals did so...and handed Elora his towel and bottle of water he got from Cadet Stella just before.

Still...despite what Cadet Bug's and the new pilot who he now knows and Lucius words ringing true, he didn't quite trust Cadet Bug's mental stability. Based on "data", the pilot probably also saw Elora's "potential" himself but probably want to utilize it for his own ends...but again, "data" can be faulty. Personally, Bug seemed "normal" enough right now with handling his "loss" properly it seemed.

"...take it from an information pilot ma'am. You did well", Jake then said to Elora.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Seven
_______

After some stretching, Jake took note of the group gathering near him along with Lieutenant Ritsu stopping by.

Truth be told, he didn't want to interact but it was a necessity in squads...something he was also taught to do more of during his time in The Numbers division.

More important...some of them were on the opposing team or that new cadet from team banana who perhaps weren't aware of his I.D.

Still feeling the sync feedback pain...he none the less walked up to the group and decided to do the usual introductions.

"...Greeting. Cadet Jake Twilight. Callsign Seven of the Angel Zero...that was a good simulati-...I think the "slang" would be uh G.G?"

Jake tried a "friendly" approach there with his wording but...perhaps his stiff attitude and monotone voice makes it feel less "friendly" or "funny" but it was an attempt none the less.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Seven
_______

The pain...the absolute physical pain. That's something no soldier, pilot or anyone involved in war will never forget.

But if there's anything Jake did learn...it was the mental...the emotional pain...to him, that hit way harder than any physical pain. And it didn't take him very long to know that even very early of his life. One of the reasons why he turned out the way he did.

So even though it was a simulation, being torn up by Mother Goose was a fate he accepted quietly...

...

...

...

...and then the simulation helmet came off of Jake's head.

He merely opened his eyes and despite the "pain" feedback, took a quick look around...in his nearby proximity, he noted both the pilots of the Mother Goose and Sleeping Thunder plus another he didn't recognize...possibly the last minute "Team Banana" pilot.

But seeing Cadet Aurora meant that he failed to protect Sleeping Thunder even though Cadet Stella...Jake knew going one-on-one with Mother Goose was a bad strategy but he knew he had to at least stall time for Aurora to get a shot off...which she most likely did. But he also remembered the "data" on her. Despite the lack of personal history, it was made clear she knew who "friend from foe" was but tended to "drop the hammer" way too hard with her weapon customization.

And now that Jake thought about it, he wondered what exactly did Cadet Aurora did just after his virtual death.

Again, despite the feedback of the physical pain he felt due to sync, Jake stood up and even picked up his pilot helmet which was still nearby on the ground. Putting in on, he started doing some basic stretching to try to lessen the pain he was feeling...

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Seven
_______

It's not often that Jake had to "motivate" someone to make a decision...but in war, hesitation can lead to disaster.

Don't hesitate. Act then accept the consequence...one of his earliest lessons he had learned.

Reactivation the "Visual Cloak" of the "Cloaking Wings MK.2", Jake "Dashed" alongside the framewerks Electric Dragonfly and Sleeping Thunder as one of them fired an attack at the framewerk Atty. He waited for the attack to pass by before cutting in front of them.

Then, he noted the framewerk Shiva committing to what looked like a desperate attack on the Atty.

"Dragonfly. Thunder. Shiva. Moving to zone U15. Mind your fire", Jake droned on the com link.

Jake couldn't attack due to dashing into his position plus, due to perhaps Cadet Griff's attack, Jake couldn't risk friendly fire. Jake had to wait and see if the Shiva could take on the framewerk Atty.

But Jake knew the spec's of the framewerks in this division. He was studying it during his transfer to Lorenzo's division since he needed to know about the team he was being assigned to thanks to Admiral Cain. During the flight, he had looked the data over.

And he knew that the "Phase Shift", while experimental, could allow it to phase through Griff's attack if Atty was paying attention...so it'd be up to Jake to respond if that were the case...

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Seven

_______

Jake heard Aurora's order and, at the moment, was the most reasonable one though he had no intention to abandon Sleeping Thunder to possible flankers. He'd stay somewhere close at the very least since a unit with Sleeping Thunder's arsenal was going to be needed for a push into enemy territory as well as matching other enemy units with similar arsenals.

Then, Cadet Horst comments brought up the approach of Framewerk Squid. Even more so, one of the Apple squad members had Marked it since even Jake saw it clear as day.

"...Angel Zero to Aurora and Horst. Engaging Squid then moving to cover Y18. Be advised: Visual Cloak will be down temporary."

Arming the Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot of the Heavy Assault Gun, Jake fired then, regardless if the attack hit or missed, moved to his reported position behind the nearby building. Of course, the Visual Cloak was temporary disabled but the building should provide enough cover for him to re-activate that part of the Cloaking Wings Mk.2 system but for now, framewerk Squid had his attention since it posed a threat to both Horst and Aurora.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Seven
"...mission...accepted..."
_______

Jake took stock on what was happening...while he didn't get a straight reply from the "unknown" in the middle, the pilots response to the other pilots suggested that, much like him, he was also a "last minute" addition to the team.

He thought about that actually. There were those that, despite their service records, were wary of any of "The Number" pilots. Probably because they felt that Professor Cauldron may have given any of them some sort of "rebellion" order as a last order. But that wasn't the case. Even Seven knew that while Cauldron was right about some things...he was also wrong about some things too.

And perhaps this unknown was placed in this squad due to his presence here...even in war, we humans fight each other it seems. But perhaps that wasn't the case. With no "data" to work with, it was mere assumptions.

But back to the "test", he felt that he needed to get more "data" on this pilot. Cadet Elora would most likely need it to help formulate a stratagem or two should said pilot make decisions that could affect this fight.

Activating his "Cloaking Wings Mk.2", he decides to hold position for now. If anyone saw him suddenly disappear, it could help with mind games. Jake tried to send a private message stating he was still at his current position but with the "jamming" he heard in the vocal coms, he knew one of the other units was starting to jam communications so even he wasn't sure if Elora got his message.

But if he saw an opening, he'll head north. For now, he'll hold his position in case anyone tries any "Blitz" stratagems anywhere near his position.

Note: Activated "Cloaking Wings Mk.2". Holding current position.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Seven @Crusader Lord @Ariamis
"...Mission...Accepted..."
_______

As Jake followed in line with the rest towards the Virtual Training room area, he thought about something he did before they left their little group meeting. He had written an "electronic note" on his data pad and briefly held it in front of Elora only when no one else could see it. The note said the following:

"Don't answer. Don't acknowledge this message but keep it in mind should the situation arise. Based on "electronic data", I have concerns about the pilot you call cadet Wilhem aka "Bug". It suggests that he has possible mental issues. Perhaps I'm wrong since I only just assigned to your squad and thus have zero "personal data". Just be aware of it if it shows during this test."

Normally, such things he'd keep to himself unless ordered to so but...due to "prior experiences" perhaps...he felt that she should know about his "concern" at the very least. But even Jake knew there WAS a difference between "electronic" and "personal" data.

If you had one, you don't always know the other "half".

Then, when they arrived, Jake then sat down at his assigned Virtual Cockpit seat. Then...he briefly took off his personal helmit.

For a moment...he blue eyes scanned the whole room...as if he were memorizing positions of perhaps people and things...

Then, putting his personal helmet on the ground near him and even checking his attached combat knife and firearm were secured, he then put on the "Virtual Helmit".

"...Angel Zero. Logging in. Standing by."

As his framewerk materialized into the virtual battlefield, he merely stood there as Loerenzo's instructions to not take any specific actions till told so.

Though as he listened over the com links, there were those that...bended the rules through what perhaps would be called "psychological warfare"...though some of it sounded more like "trash talking" or "goofing around".

However...the new late addition "element" of a lone framewerk in the battlefield on a "third" team just showed Jake the "unpredictable" nature of a battlefield itself.

Several other individuals seemed interested in their own ways but Jake needed "data" on this individual. So he contacted the pilot and asked the basics.

"Pilot on third team. Name. Rank. Framewerk ID. What is your given primary objective in this battle", Jake asked in a rather emotionless voice.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Seven "Team Apple"
_______

After sending the data to those who wish to view it, it would be Elora Liu'un who would look and comment on it first. He had pinned her as the type to value "intelligence data" first and foremost similar to how he did as based on her observations, it seemed his observation was correct. Though even Seven knew that such data can be false or not reveal the "whole picture" at times.

So seeing it in person here and now was a necessity.

Then there was the..."loud" one Griffith "Griff" Burnhardt. When he spoke up, Seven expected him to say arrogant comments to put the attention on him but perhaps to his surprise...that wasn't the whole case. He even apologized at the end of his statement if he had offend anyone though mostly that apology went towards the "Tevranian" Rhylaen. He will give credit where it's due when it came to Griff. He seemed like an "uneducated idiot" but when it came to a fight, the data suggested he is no stranger to it even in real world and was good at it.

Which means that, like him, Griff had also taken lives on a battlefield...

After Griff's comment, Seven decided to speak again but with less military word and more...'normal' wordings due to the fact that he was still wearing his pilot uniform and helmet.

"...there is a problem..."terrain"...even when I requested data on this test while in route to this room, Lieutenant Ritsu Kaname claimed that she didn't know the battlefield data we will be engaging in...and observations I made on Professor Lorenzo suggested that even had I asked...he most likely wouldn't answer truthfully or not answer at all..."

Seven then crossed his arms then spoke again.

"...which means we need to be adaptable when we first deploy...the terrain in this case is also an "enemy" just as much as is our opponents."