After her work in the CIC, her shopping trip and her soak, Aksa makes her way into 'male territory' Aksa walks down the corridor until she hears Ambrose, as his accent is easiest to pick out. She waits for a break in whatever conversation they might be having so as not to interrupt, and then knocks on the door (or door jam if the door is open).

"Gentlemen? Sorry to intrude." She says by way of greeting.

"Lieutenant O'Neil; would you be able to take Lieutenant Ambrose and myself to supply. We're going to need space-capable flight suits fitted before we head out for the Recovery operation." She says.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Thu 23 Aug 2018.

"Of course ma'm" Jack reply swiftly and place the last stuff away. "Sorry if I would be somewhat rusty of the layout. This way please" he continue and leads the way towards the supply area.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Thu 23 Aug 2018.

"Thank you." She says as they leave the squadron bay.

"Once we get our suit situation settled, I recommend as much sleep as you can manage before we set out. Once we begin, the tempo will be high." She says softly, but still clear enough to be heard as she pulls up the rear behind the two male pilots.
[Language unknown:
"Ugh evur ar eraie es ieac...foildi korch, loanin ticstrnce ie antectkor noekpo..."] She says very softly, thinking aloud in a self to self conversation.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:12, Fri 24 Aug 2018.

Led by Lt. O'Neil, the three pilot make their way through the SDF-1 to supply. Once there they find that they are not the only pilots trying to draw equipment for exo-atmospheric operations.

The pilots in line appear to be from the squadrons that were based on Macross Island.

Aksa is greeted by a male pilot from her squadron. The man is at first surprised to see Aksa and then hugs her. After the embrace the man speaks to her in their native language.  [Language unknown: "Nc oretraall! Hisredher ul t m ugh...te...ta larreding ho nc. A thoessenc wer ofilelat atpa un."

"M terortons......Me ulinis il enil ndei andpo som acnti. Pa ekwhreat iewh astanyrom nde n ck ortsheratman p din titaee....Ev houessect lo mopori ons lo tioherare."]

[Private to Aksa Tikkanen: OOC: You can make up whatever name you want for this guy. But his wing man, Hannu was the squadron CO.]

"Aarne?" She says slowly, in an almost confused manner.

"AARNE!!" She exclaims in joy and returns the brief embrace.

[Language unknown: "We e Lier! Ate p iveni il nte ll!"] She says at first, happiness and relief in her eyes and voice, then gasps and takes a step backwards as her hands come to her mouth, her eyes pained an full of anguish. [Language unknown: "Of...il iv."] She trembles.

As Aarne continues Aksa's eyes begin to water and her bottom lip quavers slightly.

[Language unknown: "Wer beaino. El, Sa eraet icouac an reais omeounnte, Un elurhebe loev saai. K, U an menul hi eklo menderugh pe e, thube. U ho...aiei A erutel caatad aveomestitic ngver...N..Ni fo..."] She manages amidst sobs as she backs into a wall, using it as a brace as she clutches her chest with one hand, her other at her side balled into a fist.

She holds out her hand to ward off anyone trying to approach her in such a state and after several minutes she grits her teeth and thru them emits a guttural howl of pain. After a series of deep breathes thru her nose the trembling slowly stops and she begins to wipe the tears from her eyes.

Pushing herself back up she stands unassisted with her head up, her eyes wet but resolute. She sniffs and wipes her nose.

[Language unknown: "Onsineard mossas, thi houticear, ieof in standeave aiante ithineeau. At, Iosti hiaipa was mineit-adal."] She says hoarsely. [Language unknown: "P, commanill a ncinnt mo res ta ere Ainibe utndse. A cktepo uslar ncnool evear ntieic ceeema."] She adds, motioning towards Lt. Ambrose.

She clasps his shoulder and holds her hand there for a few seconds. [Language unknown: "Mi verwhiive p undsa wit tha t."] She says. "Sisu Perkele."

"Lieutenant Ambrose, Lieutenant O'Neil..." She indicates each in turn. "First Lieutenant Aarne Kotila, part of my squadron." She says, introducing her compatriot.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:45, Sat 25 Aug 2018.

Feeling somewhat in the way Jack steps back and look between the Captain and the new pilot.

"Of course it's finish" Jack grumble to himself and cover his face with his hands. "I tell you man, whereever you go finish will always sound strange..." he continue and turns to Ethan only to stop once the sob is heard, feeling ashamed he looks anywhere except the two pilots.

Understanding what Aksa is going through, Ethan remains quiet an lets his new found squadron mate resolve her feelings.  Knowing what this pain is like with all the death in his family, and from today's losses, he knows there will be a lot of this in the coming days.

As Ethan sees Aksa move to her feet, he steps closer to assist if necessary.  Seeing Aksa's resolve, he remains quiet.  Hearing Aksa's introduction, Ethan puts his hand out and responds "Pleasure to meet you mate."

"Let's get what we need here, then Jack, if you don't mind, can you take me to the exchange so I can get some personals?  I have a feeling we will be out here for awhile."

The three pilots wait in line. When their turn is up it's pretty easy to get Sub Lieutenant Ambrose a face mask and life support pack. Captain Tikkanen on the other hand, lacking a helmet has to wait a few minutes until records can be pulled up with her helmet size. Then its a few more minutes until a spare helmet in her size is found. The helmet provided fits but is painted bright day glo orange, normally issued to a trainee.

Lieutenant J.G O'Neil then shows the three where the PX is so if either Ambrose or  Tikkanen need 'stuff' they can get it.

[Private to Aksa Tikkanen:
Yeah its gonna be weird with the pilot in charge wearing a day glow orange helmet.]

[Private to Jack O'Neil:
You realize that you don't need any exo-atmospheric flight gear since you were issued such items and they are in your locker along with your spare flight suit.]

OOC: You guys can RP some more, but I'd like to get you into your 'sleep cycle' so I can get Meiko linked up with you guys.

Having helped his new friends around and get them their new equipment Jack is really starting to feel the sleepiness come upon him.

"Ma'm, Lt. I'm sorry but I feel really tired from...everything have happened over the past day and the bed is calling on me. Do you need help to find anything else?"

Aksa takes the helmet without a fuss.

Since Aksa had already picked up stuff from the BX earlier she doesn't get much else.

As they shop Aksa makes small talk with Aarne in their native tongue. Her tone is reserved and it doesn't seem like she says all that much. She eventually switches to English.

"Lieutenant Kotila, you'll come back to where we're billeted. I'll speak with the squadron commander and see about getting you 'adopted'." She says.

"Also, get some sleep when we get back, we have a task to do in a few hours." She adds.

---

To O'Neil she shakes her head. "Thank you. No, I think we have everything. Lets head back, we will all need to rest." She says evenly.

---

Once they get back she walks with Aarne to Commander Fokker's room (or to where ever he is (unless it's the shower, in which case she'll wait) and knocks.

"Commander Fokker. I found one of my squadron. Do you have room for him?" She asks and motions to Lt. Kotila, her orange trainee helmet in her other hand. She then, in a no-nonsense no frills manner, informs the Commander that the plan for the recovery has been agreed upon, as well as when it's slated to kick-off. She provides the basic details of the plan then stands by to answer any specific questions he might have.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:17, Sun 26 Aug 2018.

"I got a spare bunk in my quarters." Roy probably didn't have to mention that squadron CO's and XO's got their own staterooms and thus didn't mention it. "Lt. Kotila can room with me until we get everything figured out."

After hearing about the recovery plan Roy nods, he'd already been informed about some aspects of it, and alluded to this fact at the end of their conversation. "I heard they are putting you in charge of Team 2."

[Private to Aksa Tikkanen:
You already know that your in charge of team 2. Its quite clear that Roy probably knows quite few people in high places within the vessels command staff.]

"I appreciate it." She says.



"Yes sir. I will most likely peg Ambrose and O'Neil, as well as Kotila. I've worked with them before. There is another but as far as I know she is still aboard the ARMD. A Lieutenant Levina. That leaves me with two or three ferry pilot slots to fill. If you can recommend two others I'd appreciate it. I haven't had the time to learn who does, and does not, have a combat capable Valkyrie." She replies.  'And volun-telling any of your pilots, even if they had bent birds, would be the height of impropriety.' She muses to herself. "I was going to comm the ARMD to see about getting Lt Levina moved to the SDF. May I have permission to use your squadrons telephone?*"

[Private to GM: *OOC or switchboard or what have they, in any case, not polite to be a guest and then use their phone and start making long distance calls...]
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:56, Mon 27 Aug 2018.

As Jack departs, Ethan begins to feel the wear of the day fall upon him.  Looking around the exchange, he finds the stuff he needs to survive until things are figured out in the next couple days.  Ethan purchases toiletries, sleeping attire, workout clothing, two uniforms to be tailored, and a new data pad until hopefully his stuff can be found.

Now that Ethan, is able to get out of his flight suit he quickly makes his way back to his room. Once there he can shower and relax after his eventful day, and his first trip to the outer reaches of the solar system.  Showered and his gear stowed, Ethan takes a moment to himself before finally resting his head on his new bed.  Before he falls fast asleep, he ponders to himself, "What will tomorrow bring?"

After getting Lt. Kotila settled Aksa attends to her flight suit, doing what she can to make it ready for the upcoming op.* After another shower she returns to her temporary bunk, sets her alarm for 1.5 hours before briefing time, then sacks out, asleep before her head even hits the pillow.

[Private to GM: * I'll leave it at that. Not going to go into detail, that's way to far into the weeds.]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:08, Mon 27 Aug 2018.

Ethan and Jack wake up and after getting ready and go back to VF-84's ready/briefing room. Once they find they are to report to room 412.

---

Aksa get up does what she needs to do in the AM. She already knows where she's headed.....

[Private to Aksa Tikkanen: hold you post for now....]

After having a somewhat pleasant sleep and having cleaned himself for the day Jack heads towards room 412, not really looking forward to the work that will be done today.

Hitting the snooze one time, Ethan awoke ready to take on the day.  Understanding he is suppose to report to Rm 412, before he leaves the ready room Ethan fixes himself a cup of hot java.  Now he is ready to see what awaits in rm 412.

Room 412 turns out to be a large briefing room with the capacity for about 50 people. The room is over half full of pilots, and EVA Specialists.

OOC/EDIT: No is is going to recognize Meiko when she shows up, but she will recognize one person.

[Private to Aksa Tikkanen: After Meiko posts, you can start your briefing. ]

[Private to Meiko Levina: You will recognize the woman who give the briefing as the pilot of Reindeer 18 who wasn't wearing a helmet, but wearing aviator sunglasses, and an aviator headset.]

OOC: Fixed the room #.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:26, Sun 02 Sept 2018.

A diminutive Asian woman in flight gear arrives, carrying gear, helmet and a small kit bag.  Her flight suit reads US Marines, with a name tag of Levina.  On her shoulder, among the patches for her ride (Valkyrie patch!) is one for VMFA-314.

She will find her way to the coffee machine, get a cup and look for other US Marine aviators.

[Private to GM: If Aksa is free, and seen, she will approach her, reading her uniform.

"Good teamwork out there One-Eight."  She will offer her a quick salute, then a hand to shake.]




But with VF1-A Valkyrie instead

This message was last edited by the GM at 08:26, Sun 02 Sept 2018.

Meiko doesn't recognize anybody in the room. Nor are there any other USMC aviators.

[Private to Meiko Levina: You won't see Aksa until she shows up to give the briefing. She isn't even in the room yet.

You'll get a chance to talk to her after the briefing.]

Meiko tries not to look at loss, then.  If she sees any Israeli pilots she will say hi to them, Japanese, and English speakers... but she is not overtly social in general.

She might get a second.. or third cup of coffee, though!

As the last of the pilots and crew slated for the operation filter into to the briefing room Aksa waits a few minutes to allow for idle chit chat among them as she sips her coffee entering the main room from the attached A/V nook.

Checking her watch she allows for another 10 - 15 seconds of social time as nearby the door, Lt. Kotila dims the lights.

"Take a seat everyone." She directs, setting her coffee thermos to the side, beginning the briefing at exactly the appointed hour.

As the shuffle subsides she begins in a clear, confidant voice that can be heard easily even in the back of the room.

"Good morning. I am Captain Aksa* Tikkanen and OIC for Team 2." She says, ontroducing herself to the gathering.

"Our upcoming job is a vital one, but it won't be pretty." She opens. "We are tasked with the recovery of the derelict VF's strewn about the remains of South Ataria Island. This means that we will also be recovering their aircrews." She says, then moves into the meat of the brief.

"We will work in a 'pack' of five craft. Two Rabbit shuttles, and three Spiderbug work pods. Manpower for the operation above and beyond the crew for the Rabbits and 'Bugs will include a Mobile Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) staff consisting of myself and Lt. Kotila, as well as 6 Ferry Pilots and two shifts of Salvage and EVA experts. Four Ferry pilots will join us initially, the other two will be on standby to either allow for crew rest or jump in when we hit a good pace."

"Our jump off and final recovery point will be Bay 4." She says.

"Craft assignments are as follows:
- Rabbit; Tail number 023, will be the MEOC craft, call-sign 'Lion'.
- Rabbit; Tail number 778, will be the Transit craft. It's call-sign will depend on whether it's heading towards the SDF, 'Charon' or back out to us, 'Coach'.
- 'Bug; Tail number 14 Papa, will hard dock to Lion, and operate as call-sign 'Anchor'"

Aksa pushes a button and the projector displays a crude graphic of how Lion and Anchor will be connected. https://cdn.discordapp.com/att...449801768/image0.jpg

"- 'Bugs; Tail numbers 14 Juliet and 15 Delta will operate as 'Recovery 1' and '2' respectively.
- Ferry Pilots, when you are in transit with a recovered VF your call-sign will be 'Usher 1' thru '6'." 

"In a nutshell; Once the five craft reach our first 'field' Anchor and Lion will dock. The Ferry pilots will transfer to Lion and will use that as your staging area while the salvage teams set up outside. Recovery 1 and 2 will then head into the field and each bring back a VF. They will hand off their VF to Anchor, then, return to the field to return with another pair of VF. Meanwhile, the salvage teams and the first two ferry pilots will assess the space worthiness of the VF's and recover the pilot.

"Recovery teams, as you do your 'pre-flight' send to Lion the following information; Type of craft, Tail Number, Squadron, Aircrew name and rank, general state of the craft, and most important, does it have unused stores, and if so, type and amount."

"The recovered pilots will be transferred to the second Rabbit, now operating as 'Charon'. Body bags won't work so they will need to be wrapped in linen sheets." She notes.

"Once two VF's are ready to return, Ushers 1 and 2 will head back to the SDF-1. Our landing site for all recovered craft will the the Macross' number two bay; it's the bottom bay on the left hand side." She says, bringing up a image of the Macross with a red circle around the proper bay.

"Usher's, you will be directed in to final by Macross' tower."

"Once the third and fourth VF are ready to head back they will escort Charon, now with four recovered pilots aboard, back to the Macross. 'Charon' will use Bay 1 " Aksa says and an orange circle appears over Bay 1.

"Mortuary services will take custody of the recovered pilots. 'Charon' will then pick up Usher's 1 thru 4 and return them to the pack under call-sign 'Coach'."

"The process of recovery and return will continue until all mecha in a field have been accounted for. Once a field has been expended we move on to the next." She says and another image displaying a circuit around the island with around 12 to 15 'fields' is shown.

"Contingencies:

  -If mecha have been recovered that are not space-worthy, to include VF's, Destroids, or air-breathing craft, they will be staged nearby. If a recovered VF can shift to Battloid, they will return to Bay 2 with it in tow. A surge 'Bug, call-sign 'Bruck', will be on stand-by to assist if we get back-logged. However, recovery priority goes to VF's. If we can move a non-VF back to the Macross great, if not, it will wait."

  -Enemy Mecha; If we locate enemy mecha, transmit that information to Lion and we will mark that for follow up recovery by EOD.

  -Enemy Action; Even though Command 'says' that all enemy craft have been eliminated, the Macross and the ARMD will have cover fighters on patrol and a sweep made by Ghost drones will precede us to flush out any enemy that might be in hiding. Needless to say, if you think you have spotted an active enemy unit, Call. It. Out."

  -Survivors: The chances are slim, but if we run into a survivor, immediately call it out. If it is a VF, or other mecha, start moving it towards the Macross, SAR will meet you on the way and take over. If the survivor is trapped or otherwise unable to be easily moved, mark it's location and remain on hand to direct SAR in."

"A few additional points; Lion and the transit Rabbit will operate depressurized. So, if you are entering or exiting, call it out, I don't want anyone bumping into one another." She says, and then pauses.

"It's rotten work we are going to be doing. If you feel like you are going to be sick, call it out and return to Lion immediately. The closest person to a 'sick call', drop what you are doing and help them back to Lion. We will re-pressurize so you can get your helmet off before you puke in it, hopefully." She says with a wry grin, a light spot of humor to hopefully take the edge off. She then continues.

"Likewise, if we run across a unit piloted by someone you knew and you do not feel able to assist in the recovery of the pilot or the bird, call it out and someone else can take your place. It sucks, but it is easier, sometimes, to do this kind of thing when it's a 'stranger'." She adds.

"Watch out for each other, if you see a buddy looking green, or otherwise out of sorts, call it out and render aid. Ego stays at home, I do not want to to hear any 'I'll be fine' only to have you pop a minute later."

She flips to the back up slides and then takes a sip of her coffee.

"If there are comments, or you feel that something has not been covered or needs to be clarified, I will address your questions now." She finishes.

---

* Pronounced aaK-SHAA
This message was last edited by the player at 16:22, Sun 02 Sept 2018.

A USAF 1st Lieutenant wearing a grey and black flight/space suit with patches identifying him as a veritech pilot with the 28th Fighter Squadron "Scorpions" raises his hand.

Once acknowledged he asked his question. "Ma'am, if we do encounter an active enemy unit are we cleared weapons free to engage after calling out the target?" It seems like a rhetorical question (and it is) but the USAF pilot has a level of seriousness in his tone of voice that would not normally be attributed to someone of his rank.

Aksa nods as she sips from her coffee.

‘Tulta munille.’“ She says, then clarifies for the non-Finn speakers. "If you see an enemy unit, you are authorized weapons free.”

“I’d still like it called out. Even if is an expanding debris field by that time.” She adds dryly.

Lt. Kotila nods in approval. He leans in towards a nearby pilot (whoever it may be) and translates the Finnish portion.

“It means ‘Fire at their balls.’”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Sun 02 Sept 2018.

Meiko chuckles, though she was still writing down notes in her pad.

"No mercy for those giants from me, one-eight."

She looks up.

"Flight assignments for veritechs posted, Ma'am?  Sorry, I just arrived from the Big E."