April 2nd to May 3rd - Downtime Update

[GM Yuusha]

Soon after consolidating their position around Ninovo Supply Depot, the Obsidian Angels found themselves idle as both main forces in the conflict on Csesztreg declared a one month long ceasefire. Since it applied to Akos, both the mercenaries and the local militia pulled back to strategize anew. There was an exchange of Militia prisoners in return for C-Bills, but otherwise both forces kept their distance from one another. Ob both halves of the island continent things became calmer for the civilians if not for the soldiers. After a tense week the Angels are surprised to discover their opponents once again pulling back, this time to Northern Akos. There the Militia fortify their Main Barracks and Naval facility. The continental capital was left with only a token garrison, but it would be a hard nut to crack while flanked by major military facilities. Fortunately, the Angels stick to the ceasefire terms and make no attempt to gather intelligence first hand or otherwise get close. Not while there was an airbase to pick over. Salvage was minimal, but the site was ideal as a command location. It was even designed for dropships. A week and a half into the ceasefire and the Angels moved their operations there, which meant a few days of packing up, transport, unpacking and so on. Even with a ceasefire there were busy moments. From that point on, with neither side attempting to underhandedly break the agreement, soldiers were granted leave and a true temporary peace reigned.

Elsewhere on Akos the infamous Jericho Prison had been largely abandoned. Pleased by this, the AFFC swooped in to liberate the political prisoners held there. Other prisoners kept there were nearly all released, with only a few kept under lock and key based on intelligence from local spies and informants. These were nearly all prolific or extremely dangerous criminals. Members of the Angels warmly reported seeing family reunions across southern Akos and Torutovy becoming a much happier, if overall quieter, town. In the southeast the port town of Pryvidok picked up the slack as the weather improved and the temperature became reliably warmer. Visitors flocked there. Some even flocked to the Angels' new headquarters, keen on trade, information or to offer their services. It was obvious to many residents who was winning the war. On the other hand, the exact number of mercenaries and AFFC allies on the continent appeared to remain a mystery to the Militia so some attempts were made to hide the actual size of their forces. That meant some visible mech patrols, maintaining a fallback position at the original dropsite and setting up a few checkpoints on the highway. However, even with a certain wariness of the danger of infiltrators, there were too many opportunities and prospects for the Angels to ignore. So far the operation had been much more immediately profitable than any had anticipated. Furthermore, there were some championing the cause of expanding their forces, training up new recruits or putting to work new specialists while there was time, and generally strengthening the outfit.

In particular, and much to her father's dismay, Lia Guttenburg is persuaded to sign on as a mechwarrior trainee for two years. There are some private and heated conversations about the matter, but after assurances from Eric and Klaus, Kurt accepts it. Yet to many she is just one recruit among dozens. Tanaki, Ezmeralda and Alex join recruitment efforts started by Yoko and Tessa, each addressing different needs of the Angels. Tanaki recruits technical and administrative staff to the Angels from Pryvidok after some advertising and careful assessment of applicants. In this the local sheriff proves a useful contact when he passes over data on a few applicants with criminal backgrounds, ensuring risks are known. These new members who pass scrutiny are immediately put to use by the weary technical teams, especially with the Chief Mechtech Kenna completely absorbed in his pet project, and admin tasks growing by the day. Ezmeralda assists in general, including in Lia's training and finding a few other mechwarrior trainees. Alex also contributes in a similar manner in between furthering his mech technical knowledge. Meanwhile, Yoko persuades the CO to give her a try as his personal assistant, thereby freeing up more of his time. As part of this she also receives the all clear to hire some additional crew, both to assist the Chief Administrator since Yoko would now be working elsewhere, as well as building a niche directly for herself. The Obsidian Angels Promotional Team starts modestly yet full of promise.

The time isn't spent solely recruiting of course. Lakshmi and Captain Ricci encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to keep training. In particular, Catherine, Gianna and Richard up their lance mate's time in simulators and volunteer for more patrols. Each spends some one on one time with the most promising or deserving of their lance to build up their ability. Surprisingly, Steffen steps back from training to enjoy some leave, as do Sosanna and Hank. The allure of the beach or mountain hiking was too much to resist. However, for some the time is well spent, with Jamarco managing to avoid getting lost on a patrol and Usov celebrating a trainee aerospace pilot's 'graduation' to full pilot. Further excitement is afoot in the hangars as Hrafnhildur leads on a project at Yori's request to convert the captured Marauder to a lostech 2R variant - a devastating upgrade. This effort along with Kenna's Wolverine refit generate a lot of attention among mech enthusiasts in the Angels and even among their AFFC allies. The Marauder is completed with a few days to spare before the ceasefire ends, much to Yori's delight, but the Wolverine proves more troublesome. While other technicians and mechtechs with nothing better to do are given lesser tasks as part of the project, the lack of quick interstellar communications makes things incredibly difficult for the Chief Mechtech. He had hoped to secure a private production run of Endo Steel from Lyran space using his connections and some generous company contributions (bribery). However, with all messages having to be practically hand delivered, he is forced to bring in the AFFC to ensure the project's completion...

This aside, there is plenty to be happy about. Lakshmi and Tessa use the suddenly popular karaoke equipment and the excuse of welcoming new staff to put on a couple of parties. There's also more than one excursion organised by others, including Eric leading an oceanic fishing trip for one weekend with most of the unit's senior NCOs. This allows Aleksandr to negotiate directly with the CO regarding pay. In this effort he is backed up by John, Monique and Steffen. By their return there is a good mood thanks to freshly caught fish and an agreement for NCOs to be paid equivalent to junior officers with an annual performance award. Their return near the end of the ceasefire coincides with Doctor Eilonwy Ainsley's completed pet project: a five person hot tub to replace part of a storage room adjacent to the gym in the Angel's Descent. The health benefits and treatment opportunities made possible by the hot tub are the express reason for the project's approval. On the other hand, Eilonwy being the first to use it and then being a regular visitor thereafter suggest it was equally a self-serving thing. Nonetheless, the new facility is joyfully welcomed by most Angels and a booking system is rapidly made necessary, which Eilonwy of course volunteers to manage. Only the dropship's crews express some reservations due to the fact the tub would need to be drained or very securely covered over prior to any trip through space.

Another project that is completed successfully is a review of the research data from Budai. This effort is led by Charlie for his technical knowledge, his familiarity and interest in gauss weapons growing by the day, with Mary's computer expertise significantly contributing. The data pointed to Rasalhague efforts to design and build their own gauss rifles, including initial requirements for a manufacturing facility, and some interesting exploration of creating a lighter weapon in conjunction with companies in the Free Worlds League. Although the data is still in the relatively early stages, it was still valuable. Budai had other research ongoing at the site too, as well as backup from other facilities, so cataloguing it turns the data into quite the treasure chest... though sadly not a treasure trove. It would kickstart another corporation's efforts at least, eliminating a lot of time spent on planning and information gathering to construct a reliable gauss rifle. Charlie insists the data is first offered to his father, who he assures can pay, when the 'insidious' Comstar finally switch communications back online. His paranoia about their activities and the possibility of an approaching threat have, by now, frightened a minority of the mercenaries. A few have even been convinced of their merit, though most still dismiss his alien theories. He does receive a warning to avoid talking about it further due to the friction it is beginning to cause among the unit...

With only a day to go before the ceasefire ends the Angel's are encouraged to rest and prepare themselves. A surprise offense has been planned against the Militia to strike their Main Barracks and eliminate their command and control centre. With the poor morale and disorganisation of the enemy it is hoped this will lead to the surrender of the majority of their forces. Planning for the attack is made possible thanks to new intelligence delivered by Krisztofer. With the help of others tired of the fighting or sympathetic to the Lyran invaders, he had daringly entered the site disguised as a military transport driver. The new information is reviewed by Iria and Eric. Angels are warned that tomorrow would be the last day before the storm. The last day to visit Szeged, the Capital of Akos, if they hadn't already. After this, fun would be only be had once again at victory celebrations for the planet's conquest.

[GM Yuusha]

Downtime Results

Klaus: May take Lia Guttenburg as a free 1/1 Connection as she joins the unit.
Yori: Switches mech to a Marauder 2R, with her Crusader passed down to Kawabe and the Hunchback being made available to other lances.
Hrafnhildur: Gains 1.0 fame for successfully refitting a Marauder to a lostech model.
Aleksandr Korolov: The NCO pay rate is upgraded to that of Second Lieutenants. Gains 1 rank of negotiation.
John Slaktare: Assists Aleksandr. Gains 1 rank of negotiation.
Charlie: Investigates the Budai research data. Gain 1 rank of knowledge: Lostech.
Mary: Help Charlie with Budai files. Gain 1 rank of knowledge: Lostech.
Tanaki: Gain 0.5 fame.
Ezmeralda: Gain 0.5 fame.
Yoko: Gain 0.5 rank.
Richard: One lance mate may be upgraded to Capable Underling for only 2xp.
Catherine Hayes: One lance mate may be upgraded to Capable Underling for only 2xp.
Gianna: One lance mate may be upgraded to Capable Underling for only 2xp.
Ainsley: Ensures a hot tub is created - a new area will be made available. Gains 0.2 fame.
Alex Kovac: Gain 0.1 Fame. Human TRO: Mechs may be purchased for only 2xp.
Mei-Ling: Learns how to make an acceptable mozzarella cheese. Gain 1 rank of craft: cooking.