Final Briefing (Pregame 2 LM Briefing Room)

[Gianna Rains]

Gianna, who can be forgettable even when she's not trying, had been sitting amid the rest of the team and doing everything as expected. She gave a little extra attention to Yori and Alex, making sure they looked comfortable with things, but otherwise just listening attentively.

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

Mei raised a hand.

"Regarding our arrival, has the local informant provided us a suggested LZ (landing zone) and will this be a day or night landing?"

[GM Yuusha]

The Chief Intelligence Officer hesitantly stepped forward. "Vilmos is sparsely settled so any reinforcements from there would be limited. I-it would also require naval transport, but we will have air superiority. Erm, th-the bridge that you mention." She pulled out a long ruler to use it as a pointy stick. "It's underground. It is built under the ocean. So, a tunnel. Both ends are near population centres. I believe they're likely well guarded. The southern end, on Akos, is also near the continental capital. They'll have their water fleet there, so likely a lot of anti-air coverage. They'll be prevented from leaving the area safely, but they can turtle up."

Eric gave an appreciative nod.

"That's enough on that. The bridge, I mean, the tunnel - it's not a target for us to begin with. The AFFC want to capture this planet, which means they want as much as possible of the infrastructure intact. Any other questions?"

"Good questions. We expect to receive some communications when in orbit. We'll use that and planetary scans to determine a good initial landing zone. We can always move if there is a need. That's another benefit of the dropships. We don't yet know much about the local informant. Only that there is one on Akos."

He turned to study the map and to do some mental calculations.

"There are pros and cons to the landing time. However, it'll probably be a night landing. We'll begin unloading the mechs and securing a perimeter at first light."

[John Slaktare]

"Any planet specific environmental concerns?" Butcher asked.

[Eric Voelker]

"There are infrequent minor magnetic storms, but we'll be able to detect them well in advance." He covered his mic to check with Iria. "Right?"

She nods.

Eric spoke into the mic again. "So, not really. The environment should be optimal for us. Grasslands, trees, streams, hills... no jungles, swamps or lava."

[Richard Winter]

"Infrequent minor magnetic storms?" he asked a bit worried. "Some folks here have a bit of metal attached to them, 'tis could affect our effectivity" It was less of a question and more of a stated fact.

[Alex Kovac]

Alex just nodded and kept typing all the new info into the noteputer.

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

Mei shuddered at the though of her leg suddenly spasming out of control but it made her wonder.

"In regard to LT. Winter's comments if it ISN'T something we need to be concerned about is it something we can exploit?"

[Eric Voelker]

"Noted. If there's a problem down the line we'll deal with it."

That gave Eric pause. He checked with Iria and she looked clueless too. He cleared his throat. "No idea. Maybe. We'll look into it."

[John Slaktare]

"Any specific target individuals to keep an eye out for? Any warriors or planetary leaders of note?" Butcher says, bringing up his next curiosity.

[Eric Voelker]

"Not a bad question. If we can capture any of the leaders of the Akos Militia it'll likely give us a leg up in any negotiations we make with them. Our informant should have some information on that. Planetary leader..."

"A transition government. The planet has a democratic council made up of parties representing different areas and interest groups. The largest lost an election but a coalition government wasn't agreed, so new elections are due." Iria helpfully explained. "There is a planetary lord, but its a title only. T-they don't visit the planet."

"Well, that's enlightening. Right. So, any notable warriors?" Eric asks the intelligence officer.

"Erm, likely there will be in the KungsArmé, but we don't know enough about the Militia yet. Sorry."

"There you have it Sergeant. If that changes I'll let everyone know. Any other questions?"

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

Catherine raises her own hand. "Be on the lookout for secure transport routes in case of salvage?"

Get new toys. Don't lose new toys.

[Eric Voelker]

"Always. For those who are new - our salvage vehicles are restricted to open terrain. Ideally, roads. They need escort."

Cat gets a discreet thumbs up from Eric for the question.

[Yori Hakamada]

Yori sticks her arm straight up and begins to stare intently at Eric

[Eric Voelker]

"Permission to speak Second Lieutenant." Eric responds, staring back at her without any fuss.

[Yori Hakamada]

"Permission to speak Second Lieutenant." Eric responds, staring back at her without any fuss.

"Thank you Major Voelker. What are our terms of engagement? Are we taking prisoners and if so where should they be transported after battle?"

[Eric Voelker]

Eric raised an eyebrow, but he tried to answer factually rather than assume it was obvious. Clearly it was not obvious. "The enemy already likely knows we're here and so conflict is inevitable. Any Militia forces are enemies and can be attacked. However, should they surrender then yes, take them prisoner and ensure they're transported back to wherever our headquarters or dropsite is. Prisoners can be ransomed or traded for any of our own who end up captured. The civilian population should be left alone unless they actively attack us. I expect they'll stay out of our way. As for the rest, well, it's going to be guerrilla operation. The enemy outnumbers us, but they're stuck on defence. We can hit targets with our full force and take them apart piecemeal. It'll be a defeat in detail strategy until and unless the situation changes."

He paused a moment.

"Does that answer your question?"

[Yori Hakamada]

Eric raised an eyebrow, but he tried to answer factually rather than assume it was obvious. Clearly it was not obvious. "The enemy already likely knows we're here and so conflict is inevitable. Any Militia forces are enemies and can be attacked. However, should they surrender then yes, take them prisoner and ensure they're transported back to wherever our headquarters or dropsite is. Prisoners can be ransomed or traded for any of our own who end up captured. The civilian population should be left alone unless they actively attack us. I expect they'll stay out of our way. As for the rest, well, it's going to be guerrilla operation. The enemy outnumbers us, but they're stuck on defence. We can hit targets with our full force and take them apart piecemeal. It'll be a defeat in detail strategy until and unless the situation changes."

He paused a moment.

"Does that answer your question?"

"That does answer my question."
Yori pulls out a huge notepad and scribbles something.

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

"Sir? While not directly related to the mission, since salvage has been brought up how is the distribution of salvage handled within the Obsidian Angels, is it finders keepers or merit based or what? Forgive me if this has been addressed before."

Please not finders keepers.

[Eric Voelker]

"By need. It's by need. We consider it based on merit, advantage to the unit as a whole and who found it. First, put in a request with the rationale. There's a form for it or you can speak to me. Those who are primarily responsible for the salvage will have an advantage, but there's no guarantee. If you take down an assault mech you probably won't be keeping it as a scout, but if you want to switch duties and you think you'd pilot it particularly well, then we'll discuss it. Ideally we'd like to increase the tonnage and capabilities of each lance. If a lance has benefitted from a new mech, whether through salvage or a new purchase, then it goes to the back of the line. So, for example, my own lance and our Staff Sergeant's will be last to receive anything."

There were a few groans from a handful of mechwarriors in the audience, including Jamarco.

"Suck it up. It may not be soon, but it isn't never. Besides, you all have some of the unit's most destructive machines already."

Eric shook his head.

"Be persuasive. If we take down something like a Jenner and that would increase your lance's firepower without slowing it down, then let's talk Sergeant."

(OOC: We'll have a thread for it. People can discuss their needs, make requests and hopefully we'll reach a consensus. If not, I'll assign based on what makes the most sense.)