Ultra Investigations 2: Shadowed Gold

Sep 10, 2018
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#1
It had been little after the battle with the bug-like machines, the team was still recovering from the damage they took during that battle, but it was especially important for the pilot of the Virgola unit, who seemed to stumble upon disaster after disaster since the lab accident. JR himself had yet to see the video, but he had more important matters at hand.

The pilots who he had rescued had recently joined, and were resting even though the sound that the welding torches made as they were patching the big hole that was on the Taura due to a poorly timed attack, but he won't admit that. They were en route to JR's nearest hangar, crossing the snowy russian land and escorted by the same 5 ships that accompanied the golden ox as he arrived on scene to save these young people from the danger they faced.

The atmosphere on the ship was comfy, the engineers, repairmen and Mr. Vile were already keen on integrating them on the ship. They had already showed them the ship (except for the engine room) and there was something unusual about it, there were no other personnel to man the weapons of the ship, only those who are in charge of emergency repairs and in charge of defending the ship in case someone would want to board it.

Even then, there was still the pending question of who where those wasp units and what did they want from his new employees...
 
Nov 12, 2018
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#2
It was a bit uneasy at first, with Millicent disappearing into a conference room with several large pads of legal pads to plan out their possible upcoming contracts. It truthfully left Indigo with plenty of time to take in the ship, definitely taken in by the ships curious design. It felt vaguely familiar, if not by the layout, then the energy she could feel whenever she rested her hand on a panel. Could it be some Circle tech? Maybe it's some kind of Extra Over Tech... Has been a couple decades since I was there.

Regardless, she dipped off from the tour as they entered the hangar, grabbing a tablet from the Taus and starting to do a search. *Sighting, EOT, Russia, Wasp, Wasp Robot*, whatever made sense. Scattered reports. Nothing concrete, besides a couple blurry photos taken from the Middle East, one or two news sites vaguely acknowledging it... Curious.
 
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Nov 12, 2018
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#3
Hard to believe he came out of that alive.

Alive...

Hard to believe his machine survived, too.

Kenneth jolted his mind back to the tour. Out of all the ways that adventure had ended-he turned his immediate thoughts to what he had seen so far. This vessel was clearly quite different from the battleships utilized by the major players. How did such a ship end up in the hands of a...private company?

Either way, said private company had offered them a job offer that could not be refused for various immediate reasons. Kenneth doubted he wanted to stay here for the rest of his foreseeable future-there was more than a little that currently nagged at his mind.

What if the Directory attempted to recover him and his unit? They knew of its existence-they would know that the base had been destroyed. And surely, surely they could trace him here. He desperately hoped not.

His mind wandered to their more recent pursuers. He knew next to nothing about those, but there had to have been a reason that his little group was targeted.

JR would be asking that question, too. And he had given him access to the Virgola for repair purposes. No doubt he would be taking a look at it now.

Kenneth abruptly realized he was sweating, his pulse beginning to pound in his ears.
 

MKR

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Aug 19, 2018
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#4
The reflections of those aboard the Pleiades Taura would be sorely interrupted by figures on the horizon, standing between them and their goal stood seven units, lined up in a pyramid esque formation, with the point away from the ships. Four units, MP Gespenst MK-II Kai, stood as the front lines behind them two black units with twin cannons reminiscent of a Schutzwalt stood at the ready.

Finally, towering over both lines in front of it, stood a green and white mech, resembling a Huckebein in face only while its shoulders and chest were adorned with rectangular objects. Two claws jutted out of both the underarms while its regular hands remained clenched in a fist. Its gaze fixated on the Pleiades Taura and its fellow ships as it approached. The Duraxyll stood at the apex of the pyramid.

In one of the Nimbus units a scan concluded. A female voice, well into her forties at least, speaking up upon seeing the results on her screen.
"Trace residue of negative energy confirmed, same composition as the data sent in by Agent Nephele."

From the other Nimbus a younger male voice spoke up.
"I'm getting weird readings from the ship itself, its not negative energy but something entirely different seems to be powering that thing."

Inside the Duraxyll Prometheus had his arms crossed, two things were peculiar about this, the possibility of simply discussing it with the oncoming fleet was there, but he wasn't relying on it, they had traces of negative energy on them, be it from cooperation or combat. That would need to be the first order of business. Regardless, there was one notable disadvantage.

"Have command center stand at the ready, position H3. In case this turns grim do not hesitate to force that ship to the ground. Continue the scans on that power source, identify it if possible otherwise continue to track its output."
With that the stage was set, all that needed to be done was wait for the players to enter the field.
 
Sep 10, 2018
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#5
The shadow was cast upon them on the worst time possible, JR saw the units appear in front of his fleet imposingly, by the looks of it, they could very well be properly organized. But what had he? A team of interns, they were still quite green in battle terms, and a quick blitz would not work on a squadron like the one that was in front of him. Multiple holographic panels were appearing all over JR's body, he was already zooming on the units themselves to see what they were.

"It had to be today, out of all times. Well, couldn't say I expected some trouble." Said JR without opening the communications channel yet. He knew very well that if they were to fight, this team would undoubtedly aim for the bridges, but there was still a shadow of doubt over his head... what would the green giant do to them? It looked as if its partners were enough to kill them. The best thing he could do was to give some time to his new employees to prepare for the worst. At that moment, he made appear a holographic command board in front of him, and started to press buttons, activating the emergency protocols in the different parts of the ship. The repairmen outside were already alerted by this mysterious arrival, entering the ship hastily.

"ATTENTION ALL HANDS! ATTENTION ALL HANDS! GO TO YOUR RESPECTIVE POSTS AND BE READY TO SORTIE AT COMMAND. I REPEAT, BE READY TO SORTIE AT COMMAND."

The battle formation of the ships shifted to an arrowed one, with two Aldebals at each side and one behind the Taura, standing in the center, in front of the recent arrival. At that moment, he opened a communication channel on the ship, projecting his voice through the speakers of the unit, allowing the mysterious arrival to hear his voice.

"I am JR, of JR Incorporated. What brings you here? Business? Whatever it is, I'm ready to talk." He said with a confident voice, even though there were taints of fear in it.
 
Nov 12, 2018
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#6
The command to sortie came suddenly and abruptly, jerking Indigo away from her pad and out the hangar bay. The interns seemed to scramble confusedly out of the hangar to their positions while she shot a glance to those working on the Virgola. “Looks like I’m up then.” The metallic figure sighed, walking towards the opening and looking toward the mechanics again. “Mind opening it up?”
The door opened ever so slightly, enough for her to stick her head out and try to take in the situation. Maybe six Gespent looking weapons and then… A very large one. “Please don’t piss them off.”

Meanwhile, Millicent stumbled her way onto the bridge, looking out at the assortment of admittedly awesome looking mecha before her. “Are they pirates? The don’t look like pirates. Shit. Did we piss off the Russians?” She stammered for words for a moment before finally shutting up and shuffling to the side. “Hope it’s not the Moon Scouts. I stole a box of thin mints when I was one.”
 
Nov 12, 2018
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#7
The fucking timing.

Directory? Someone else? Could it be the attackers from earlier? Kenneth ran through the list of possibilities as he entered the hangar, fully aware that his machine, even with repairs, would be relegated to a damaged turret.

Not exactly the most optimistic outlook. But it was what he would probably have to work with, should their interceptors prove hostile...

"Just my luck." he sighed, breaking into a light job towards the Virgola.
 

MKR

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Aug 19, 2018
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#8
"I want all available intel on that company ready before my announcement is done." Prometheus ordered the two Nimbuses before opening his own external speakers, a gruff voice was broadcast from the green unit. Its red eyes affixed upon the Taura as the voice spoke without hesitation.

"I am Colonel Sunderland of the Directory. We are here to investigate unusual activity and our equipment has shown not only the hallmarks of a armed conflict but also of an illegal energy source. Initial scans showcase the clear signs that weapons powered by this source were at the very least used against you."

Over his internal speakers the female began speaking, her boss taking in and using the information as it was supplied.
"Jonathan Regal Marquiss, known publicly as JR. Hot dog salesman turned CEO of information broker company 'J.R. Incorporated', sold his own company mere weeks after acquiring his main competitor in the region. Known public eccentric and known for his hoarding tendency. No previous interaction with Agents in both personal and contractual methods. As observed here the owner of a small fleet of unknown ships."

"While it is normally demanded of me to give you a formal hail with a routine check. Given your status as a businessman and the quality of your business I am however willing to make this a formal exchange. As such I suggest the following: A truthful relay of the events leading up and directly after the conflict you were in, this will be in exchange for your usual fees."

With that the speakers went silent, the older man within the giant machine awaiting the answer from their possible adversary. Preparing for any return questions or inquiries. As he thought slight tremors shook the ground as his male subordinate spoke up.

"Command center in location sir."
 
Nov 12, 2018
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#9
“Hey, JR? Yeah, Indigo here. Haven’t really had the chance to actually introduce myself yet, since the whole attack, but I really have to tell you that I’m... Basically an alien. Literally an alien from outer space, and I think I might be the source.”

Of course it had to be the Directory. Always poking their noses where they didn’t have too... And now she was putting the exact two people she decided to protect were in trouble.

“So... yeah do with that what you will.”
 
Sep 10, 2018
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#10
Noticing a call from Indigo popping up in a holographic screen in front of him, J.R. prepared to answer it, hopefully that would give him a little more time to think about how and what he is going to answer to the imposing Colonel that was standing in front of him with his forces.

"What do you want?" answered J.R., thinking it probably wanted an order to deploy.

Then, after hearing Indigo, J.R. screamed "That you are WHAT?!", briefly losing his composure while punching the controls, which casually oppened a comm channel with his corporation, and subsequently damaging his right hand. While the channel was still communicating, he saw that happy accident with the corner of his eye. He had an idea.

Since the alien probably didn't have any papers, that might be dangerous with the Colonel and might get his new interns into trouble along with his company. He thought it was okay if they would arrange the necessary things quickly.

"Hello, Mr. J.R. What do you want?" Said a female voice over the comm channel.
"Get me the necessary things and contacts to make someone a citizen of our planet Earth, please. IMMEDIATELY! Oh, and also contact the lawyers and have the IT team send me the highest quality video of that incident our blue star got caught in, too." - Asked JR to the secretary.

Then, he cut the comm channel with his company and proceeded to tell Indigo that she shouldn't worry about being an alien, he had already settled the things and the lawyers would briefly contact her.

After that, he proceeded to answer the Colonel. "For the usual fees I suggest you call the Company, they'll set the payments. As for the events leading up to this; they are mostly unknown to me. Our team received an emergency call from this area, and when we arrived, we found a ship and two units engaged into combat with three wasp-like machines. During the battle, well, my ship accidentally got into friendly fire. Shortly after that, the units disappeared and I rescued the pilots. That's all that happened before this meeting. Not much happened after the battle, we were on our way to one of my headquarters." Narrated J.R.
 
Nov 12, 2018
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#11
Oh, the Directory.

What a cruel joke. Kenneth was torn between letting out pained laughter, breaking down into a mess of tears, or punching a wall in a haze of raw, undirected fury.

So they had traced him here after all...the Directory's men must be looking for an excuse to search the ship for him and his unit. And then what? Surely nothing good, for both him and his newfound allies.

Friends? Would it be too soon to call them friends? He owed them everything at this point-if they came to harm because of him, then....

"Can my machine fight?" he asked a nearby mechanic, the pounding pulse returning to his ears as his hands curled into tightly clenched fists.
 

MKR

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Aug 19, 2018
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#12
"I see, well if you wouldn't mind. I'd like to talk with the pilots themselves." the man replied,

Over his internal comms the woman spoke up once more.
"Well boss, we're now one payment lighter. Shell company 784b has transferred the standard price to 'The Company' as he called it. I'll add him and his company to our register, and I'll be keeping track of the quality of information supplied."

The man spoke up shortly after, tapping what sounded like a pen against a paper notebook.
"The energy powering that thing seems to be a unique generator, and it seems they have several of them within the hangar. Though each one somewhat different if these readings are correct. Can't get a good read on how much output it has, but if that thing can keep such a ship afloat on its own without auxiliary power. It's not to be scoffed at."
The kind of frustration of not being able to place such an important detail was clear in his voice, though the tone was relaxed the mental work being done to place the power source in a category they knew was obviously there.

The man in charge nodded at the new supply of information, they'd need to keep an eye out for any energy fluctuations. Even if the situation was calm right now getting a read for these generator's outputs would compare it to theirs. If need be they could adjust their own tech to match these, provided they could get their hands on one.
"In the meanwhile, the payment has been transferred. As per your requested channels."
 
Nov 12, 2018
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#13
"Sorry, JR." Indigo sighed, switching herself over to speak with the opposing ship themselves. "This is Protector Indigo, one of those pilots." She was trying to put on a calm face, regretting it fairly quickly. "Any questions you have can be sent through me. So go ahead, ask your questions."

She glared at one of the mechanics on board, who just opened up the hangar just enough that she could stand on the edge, looking at the Duraxyl. "I'll be more than happy to cooperate, provided the safety of my colleagues aboard this vessel."
 
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Sep 10, 2018
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#14
As they were talking, the receipt had already reached the offices of J.R. Incorporated, where it was already going underway and waiting on approval. A small part of the IT Department (two interns) were working on finding that video on the internet. As they finished watching it, they sent the link to the video in an email. In the mail was also attached a .mp4 file of the video in case the reception back there wasn't good enough to play it through a web browser.

As JR opened the mail, he started to watch the video calmly and learning what happened in the place according to the video. It was indeed dangerous if it were ever to be brought up by Sunder. "Just reduce the quality of the video and fire up the bots. I don't want to take down the whole page, just focus on getting the good quality videos out there." Said JR over the comms to the head of the IT department. "At least this should work for the moment."

They already knew what to do, they weren't interns, but if there ever was a proof of fire for them, it was this one. "All right, guys. Fire up the bots and start fake-reporting those videos on the three most popular video platforms. I want all the other ones buried between walls of pages of useless content. Come on!" said with an energetic voice the head of the team.

After that, he heard Indigo's invitation to talk, and quickly switched himself to speak once she was finished in order to talk to Sunderland. "As you have heard, we are open to talk. But perhaps we could do it better on person over a cup of tea. That way you can speak to the pilots for yourself." said JR slightly nervous, because the slightest slip from Indigo could have doomed the collaboration between the three.
 
Nov 12, 2018
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#15
Going out into battle with a damaged machine would be suicide against a numerically superior force. Even with the ships covering his back, Kenneth couldn't possibly fare well. And it would certainly do no good to get the Virgola more damaged, especially in its current state. Ultimately, there was no chance of him engaging in combat.

So Kenneth sprinted back across the hangar, heading for the bridge of the ship. At least he still remembered where that was.

After a time delay of about thirty seconds, he bursted through the door and into his destination, heaving for breath.

"Sorry for the ungrand entrance, boss-" Wheezing slightly, he managed to force the words out. "But I get the feeling we should talk."
 

MKR

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Aug 19, 2018
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#16
The Duraxyll's pilot listened to the two talk to him, Indigo and JR clearly had different ideas on how to approach this by the tone of the latter's voice.
"Oh, this is perfectly fine. After all, there is no need to delay your course more than is necessary. Boarding your vessel, let alone preparing a beverage, would not be worth your time." It would also place him outside of the Duraxyll in case of an emergency.

"So, Indigo. Could you explain what the units you were fighting looked like? Their build, any markings indicating who made them, general description, mode of movement and of course any other peculiarities or details that stood out." 'Sunderland' replied to Indigo, "And I, of course, have no intent to harm you or anyone else aboard that vessel and I am glad the same appears to be true for you and the fellows under my command."

"I would also like to note that one of my subordinates has received peculiar energy readings from not only the ship but also several units within, and while these do not seem to be the illegal energy source mentioned prior. I would still like to inquire what the name of the engine used by your machines is, and what it uses as its energy resource."
Now that Indigo was doing the answering, it was time to drop that question to gauge both the reaction from her and JR as their energy resource was a point of interest, but did not seem related to the targets now was as good a time as any to obtain that information. And if they did not cooperate, well that in and of itself was worth noting.
 
Nov 12, 2018
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#17
"The units that assaulted us were... Weird. They looked alien for sure, large thruster bells on the bottom and they had large shield looking arms. Big wings on the back, not humanoid at all. The command unit, or at least the one I assumed was, had legs stuffed into the lower torso and arms. Kinda looked like wasps."
Indigo bit their lip, inadvertently making a rather... annoying metal on metal squeaking before she realized. "Oops. Anyways, uh... Well frankly, I can say that it might be safer to have you come on board so I can show you the energy source. I'd much rather that than waving my tits out at you from the hangar."
 
Sep 10, 2018
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#18
"If you do not wish to enter the ship, we can still send you the data on my ship's engine." JR immediately called the company in order to prepare the specifics on his ship's engine for being sent to the Directory. However, the details on the ship's engine was changed in the specifics to be a customized version of their other ships, if needed, JR would also do the same for his new comrade. "Well... any other procedure we should pass?" calmly said JR.
 

MKR

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Aug 19, 2018
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#19
"Please do send that data thank you." came the reply to JR, but Indigo's tale had the main focus of the man. Wasplike constructions, that sounded fully unfamiliar but they could be different based on where they were. Regardless it was good to know about these machines as they had seen nothing of the sorts themselves and now they knew what to look for.
"Safer?" Sunderland asked "And why would you..." Leaving the tits remark aside he spoke up once more. "I'd much prefer data thank you."
He had made note of the noise coming over the comms momentarily but it was not of import, metal on metal could mean as little as steel soles or an armored suit.

In the meanwhile however one of the men under his command had poured themselves over the document JR provided.
"Hey boss, this data doesn't match the output at all. For one the output should be easily within measuring range but it'd need auxiliary power too to stay suspended for as long as it has, energy source is also a known one. So whatever's in there ain't this."

"Ah Mr. JR, you seem to have sent the wrong dataset as this one does not match the engine you seem to be using. Might I request you please send the correct data set. While all professionals can make mistakes now seems an inopportune time to do so." He noted. "As for other procedure I think it is best we first finish this part correctly, no?"
 
Nov 12, 2018
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#20
Without disabling the connection, Indigo called up Millie, adding her to the call. "Millicent, do I have permission to do the thing?" The radio was filled with static for a moment before an annoyed sigh. "Yeah, you can... Say it... Really wanted to save it for a cool reveal buut... Fiiiiine." Indigo chuckled, turning back to the Duraxyl though the open hangar. They stood up straight, clearing their throat. "I am powered by an ancient alien artefact called the Sphere of the Standing Archer that I acquired when I tried to save my planet from the ES Wave. I don't know how to get you the data, since I am the data. Now if you'd like to come over and meet with us, or I can go walk out to meet with you."