Miriana nodded in response.

- "Yes, the irony was intentional. I was not yet born at the time, but according to logs most of the strategists on board were busy trying to determine the tactical value of broadcasting a song to the enemy, or trying to find any reason whatsoever for the Micronians to choose to spend resources on this, then redoubling their efforts when they found none. The concept of culture was so alien to them that, for all intents and purposes, it would be as if an enemy that was giving the fleet trouble had suddenly become irrevocably insane. Reviewing today, i can understand why."

She tilted her head slightly, considering something Cer5ise had said.

- "Fighting is in itself an instinctual thing however, as one would live or die based on the speed of their reactions. But i will concede the point given that i still cannot see the purpose of learning the preferences that you have because it provides knowledge unrelated to battle. One does not become better at cards by going bowling."

[Language unknown: "K ca ei ac o...] relationships[Language unknown: ac wamimi u ng tretan, a u niive evbe intearomeectame ur toismowi riin ckher lemiasbepa ic usolerhi t ur undmi omurlenimi foha moinilic."]

She had actually switched out of Zentraedi for the one word, having been unable to find anything in the Zenraedi language that could adequately describe it.

  Michelle holds onto Karma for several long moments. "I missed you, I know Kaarle needs a few minutes of your time. I have to return to my quarters so Kaarle does not get into trouble. But once i am allowed I promise to hang out." She looks a little ashamed as she says the next part. "Because of the last mission, I have been reassigned to Kaarle's wing." her voice is just barely above a whisper now. "I'm sorry I did not do better." with that she turns to hide his eyes before standing straight. "Sir, I will report to quarters now so that you can have a few minutes with RoughRider." She smiles at Karma before she exist the room. "I'll see you on the flight deck in the morning."

  making her exit she runs to her quarter.

In reply to Michelle Grey (msg # 224):
@ Karma -
Kaarle makes it a point to follow her to thier quarters making sure the guard is there before returning to speak with karma.

Once there he smiled to her before speaking... "tell me are you ready to get back to work? I know they cleared you but I want to make sure that your feeling up to the task before just sitting your ass in a cockpit and calling it good"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:06, Wed 08 Feb 2017.

@Miriana
Cerise considered what you had said for a moment, before replying; "In most species the will to fight is instinctual, but the technique, the ability, is not. Instinct only guides most of us to do something, not exactly what; our individual personalities decide that.

As for building relationships, yes, that is exactly what we were doing. Not, as you imply, only mating pair type relationships, but real, individual-to-individual connections that will guide those reactions, at least amongst the species where relationships are important, to put unexpected effort; effort that they didn't even know they could tap into, into helping each other to survive and thrive.

Did you know that Miriya Sterling's already stellar fighting efficiency went through the roof after she defected to join the Earth forces? That is the power of relationships."

Miriana frowned for a moment in thought, trying to place the new information.

- "But it does not guarantee it. It were those same relationships that caused Wraith to disobey orders and rescue Michelle. While keeping a pilot alive is a good thing, Command was not particularly charmed dealing with the aftermath. The results of these relationships are wildly unpredictable and they cannot be expected to have beneficial results, correct? Mrs. Sterling's skill was of such high level that she could make these calls without jeopardizing her mission objectives and Command's orders, but not everyone shares her ability."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Wed 08 Feb 2017.

"It is true that such relationships are not always going to have a beneficial effect on the specific military objectives of any given mission, though I would argue that it is at least as common to be beneficial as it is to be harmful. However for the survivability of the people who make up our unit, I would argue that it is extremely beneficial. For evidence of these claims, I would put forth units in the old Earth government of The United States of America. Within individual units it was quite common for the individuals to form a strong, emotional, brotherly bond; that bond strengthened them much more than it weakened them. The structure is very different, but the same principle held true amongst the Sentinels during their fight against the Regent; emotional bonds formed within small units provide a sort of motivation that simply cannot be acquired within most species in any other way.
If you prefer,or if it would make it more palatable or accessible, you could simply view this sort of exercise as one more mission that you must fulfill, because your CO deems it strategically necessary. It isn't entirely necessary that you understand, or even accept, the psychology of the various races in our unit, as long as you don't actively undermine the effort. The other members of the unit will, eventually, tend to bond to you, even if you do not form such bonds with them; and that will gain most of the benefit anyway.
If you'd like to discuss the intricacies of the psychological ramifications of these sorts of relationships, including how they impacted the career and individual mission completion of Miriya Sterling as an example, I would be happy to, though." Cerise remembers something; "So long as you have the time, of course."

- "Oh, i did see it as a CO assigned mission, if i hadn't i wouldn't even have left the Gambit."

As Cerise gave her some examples, she sighed and shrugged in response.

- "Sue, i've not once set foot on Earth. Up to a few years ago i was still serving aboard the Zentraedi cruiser of my birth, fighting the UEEF. Its history is not my history, i have never heard of these United States and the only renowned individuals i would be likely to recognize would all be Zentraedi defectors like Miriya Sterling. Who was also before my time, might i add. I have a completely different frame of reference compared to these Micronians, so discussing these details would be beneficial to my understanding of them. If you have time, of course."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:14, Wed 08 Feb 2017.

MMMM...

@Miriana
"Certainly. Please let me know, though, if there is need for a break to meet biological needs."

Cerise starts in by relating an academic historical account of the events of the first Robotech war, including a brief introduction to pre-Robotech Earth. As she relates portions wherein the cultural/psychological isolation an naivete of the Zentraedi lead to their ultimate and/or individual defeat, she delves into the differences between the psychologies and cultures of Earthlings and Zentraedi. She also points out times where exposure to Earthling culture resulted in various personalities, including Miriya and Breetai, making the "right" or "just" choice, rather than following orders. And, of course, the history of the First Robotech War ends with Dolza's fleet arriving and the final battle between Earth's arrayed forces and Dolza's force. The only date Cerise includes is the year that acts as a milestone between pre-Robotech and Robotech eras, unless you ask specifically about what date this or that occurred on; for those she can probably come up with the year, but would probably need to reference to find out specific dates.

@Michelle
Karma didn't want to let her bestie go, but she eased up so as to not suffocate her friend, looking at Michelle as she spoke she simply caressed the younger woman's hair, almost matronly.  She replied, "I miss you to girl."

As Michelle seemed to be ashamed and turn away she put her hand on her shoulder to reassure her, "You've got nothing to worry about.  Don't worry about it, we'll make it through."

As Michelle straightened up to leave, Karma just wanted to grab and hold her again, but let her go not wanting to keep her any longer and get her in trouble.  With a heavy sigh she watched Michelle leave with Kaarle.  Sitting back down on her bunk she continued going through her things as she awaited Kaarle's return.

@Kaarle

Upon Kaarle's return she snapped up from her bunk.  She managed a small smile in return to Kaarle's smile and added a nod.  Pursing her lips at his question, she seemed to think for a moment before answering, "Honestly Sir, I am not 100% yet, but I'm pretty sure I can fly again, and quite frankly there's only one real way to find out."

@ Mirage

When they get back to the Gambit from the Antonius Skyrah will consider for a moment. Finally she moves over to Mirage again after her and Thirteen separate. "Can, we talk?"

Miriana had been energetically taking notes throughout everything Cerise was telling her, giving her plenty of material to study from to determine the usefulness of this 'friendship' thing the violet Unicorn Spherian was teaching her about. She asked a number of details, though not all as that would leave no room for self study later, and when Cerise was done she would thank her for the lesson and leave to organize and examine her notes in her quarters.

Silas went to the mess hall to grab himself something to eat before he headed back to quarters.

When he got to quarters he walks in not realizing who it was that was in his and Karma's  room. Who ARE you! he says stopping in his tracks, regretting asking that question once he notices who she is.

feeling embarrassed, his face flushes, and without giving Karma a chance to reply back to him he runs to the head.

Karma somewhat distracted with putting away her few belongings glances up when the door to the quarters opens.  She only knew Silas by face, and never really interacted with him much before.  She was just as stunned, but didn't expect to be challenged.  It took her a second to comprehend what he was asking, but before she could say anything he was off.

Oddly enough she felt a bit embarrassed herself, as if she had invaded his private space and got caught, although this was supposed to be her room too.  She still couldn't get used to the co-ed arrangements, but it was a matter-of-fact in their military lives.  It was going to be touch, especially since he wasn't half-bad looking...

Silas walks back to his quarters after he composes himself.

Sorry about that, he says as he walks in, you caught me off guard I wasn't expecting you to be here already.

Please excuse my mess.He extends his hand out to her, im Silas Nightshade, but you can call me Pocket if you would like too.

Silas goes and sits on the chair closest to karmas bunk.

So your quite the stunner, what do you do on your free time? I wouldn't mind getting to know you some more.


Silas decides to get ready for the evening, he takes off his shirt, exposing  his muscular flesh, with all of its tattoos, and piercings.

I hope you don't mind ma'am,  I sleep naked. He says as he goes to take of the test of his clothes.

Karma stands, uncertain why herself, when Silas walks back in.  Again, before she can say anything he apologizes and extends a hand.  She grasps the hand, feeling the strength behind it, of course, she's no slouch either. She smiles in an attempt to minimize the awkwardness for them both, "Uh, nice to meet, uh, finally meet you Silas Nightshade, or Pocket." she says rather dryly, kicking herself mentally all the while.  She seems to remember some of her manners, "And I'm Karma Murphy, as you probably already know, but you can call me Karma, unless we're on mission, then it's Night, I mean 'Roughrider'...yeah." definitely with a hint of awkward rambling, which she continually berates herself internally for displaying.


Karma sits back down on the bunk as Silas takes a seat.  Then her eyes nearly pop out of her skull in surprise as he propositions(?) her.  She can't help but blush a little, not something that happens often with her.  She can't maintain eye contact, and turns to look down at her belongings.  An awkward smirk on her face.  She wanted to say, 'I think you're hot too.' but she couldn't bring herself out of that shy schoolgirl still sometimes inside of her.  Instead, Silas seemed to take it a step further...


She glances up just as Silas is removing his shirt, stunned for a moment and not wanting to turn away she pretty much checks him out.  She felt a lot of warmth in various parts of her body now.  When he matter-of-factly threw in that he slept naked, she couldn't help herself anymore as she burst out laughing, mostly as an excuse to look away before biology took over.

She stands up suddenly as she looks around as if looking for something.  She says as if convinced, "Alright, where are the cameras?  Who put you up to this?  Hmm?  Is this going to be on BoobTube?"

Put me up to what ma'am?  Was I being to forward? What camera's? I think there might be a camera at the door, but on the otherside. Silas thinks and listens to Karma for a few minutes.

Ma'am, would you prefer that I put my clothes back on? looking down at his own body suddenly feeling a little twinge of embarrassment.

Karma, sweetheart, we have a long day tomorrow, and the next couple weeks for that matter, let's get comfortable with being around eachother.

With that Silas gets up, walks over and climbs up onto his bunk. Forgetting that he was still naked, he unintentionally have karma an unprotected view of his entire body.

Good Night Karma, he said that night, and the following week too. He also continued to climb into his bunk naked.

GM note: you may not sleep naked on the Vulture. No its not allowed.

Honestly Karma hoped it was a practical joke, but apparently it was not.  She must've looked like a hot chili pepper by now (if she were naked too!).  She couldn't make eye contact because that meant looking directly at Silas, and the rest of him...


Karma hoped for a moment that he would get it, but when he said 'get comfortable with each other' she nearly jumped out of her skin, but managed to not show it outwardly.  'What does he mean by that??' invariably raced through her mind.  She muttered under her breath, _{"Oh sh*t."}, then looked at him to see if he heard her.  She instantly regretted it (sort of) as she got the full Morning (Nightshade?) Glory!


Karma was stuck, now that she was looking at him she couldn't stop staring as he moved so gracefully across the room and into his bunk.  It was mesmerizing in it's sensuous and seductive way, especially in it's innocence (or obliviousness) to what silly social mores Karma still clung too from her upbringing.  She slapped the bottom of her own chin as she found her mouth agape.

Oddly enough, like a piercing noise, if you are exposed to it long enough you kind of get used to it.  Or so Karma told herself she had gotten used to Silas' undraped visage, and admitted she might as well enjoy the show since it wasn't half-bad (pessimist)...

@ Skyrah

A slight smile and a nod.

"We share a room, avoiding talking would be more difficult."

@ Mirage

"I know you are upset at me because of how I changed the plan in the simulators." She said quietly. "There are....reason why I did it. I didn't like doing it though, and if Michelle was...in a better mindset I'd of not changed things." Skyrah frowned a bit, this obviously was hard for her but not for the reasons one would think. There was obviously more to it, and that more then likely is why Skyrah frowned.

Mirage shakes her head.

"We work as a team, it is what makes us strong.  We work as winged pairs because alone we are weak, but pairing gives us versatility.  Just because the doctrine is old, does not make it unsound."

Skyrah will lead Mirage off to a place that's a bit more private. Behind one of the Veritechs, into one of the parts stores, back into the Beta, whatever.


If at any point during the speel Skyrah starts feeling the intense pain again, she will bare with it until she is done. More to show Mirage just how bad off the three GenKids are, then anything else.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:32, Fri 17 Feb 2017.

Mmmmm....

Mirage will help settle Skyrah into her bunk, then play the guitar.