Mech RP [Ch. 1] The Hand of the Empire

""It won't reveal all of them, but discovering even one is a victory."" Juno repeated, the corner of her mouth twitching. "Listening is a key skill in life."

Atu clacked his tongue. "So ya should be shore to practice it a bit more, mon. Me point was dat we don't know if da story about da microphone be true. Only ya word."

Atu stood up from his seat.

"If ya wanna keep bein' all suspicious and paranoid, like. Why not jus' do a full body x-ray, mon. Why stop at dental records." He questioned King. "But I and I is sure ya men won't mind dat tere su-periors ain't be trusting them, like."

"Stories are all we have to go on." Juno shot back, "If you'd prefer, we could wait until one of them gives us concrete evidence that they're a spy, but chances are, we'll all be dead or in an Imperial prison by then."

King looks to Atu and shakes his head, "The dental check is just one step. The other step is having the defectors stay with you, Atu, for your period of time. These are all steps that must be taken. Now, let us begin the process. Report to the medical bays. Dismissed."

Atu clacked again and looked at King. He shrugged, placed his hand in his pockets and strolled off, smoking on the item in his mouth and humming along to an old Earth song.

"Don't worry about a thing...."

Sigrid laughed. "What? Seriously? Why would you want to wear a bikini for?" She shook her head. "Tank top and shorts is better and then you don't need a beach." She smiled. "Yeah you might want to do that or talk to Nathan." Who was like her prospective boyfriend or something, Sigrid did not know nor did she really wish to know as it had nothing to do with her.

[Four Hours Pass]

The process did not go without some skepticism, however, once it began there weren't many hiccups. The defectors would go first, some spies were found and were dealt with accordingly. The second group were his own and unfortunately, there were some spies that were found among the soldiers. The initial shock at what happened to them refused to leave as it brought about a sullen air. The fear of another gunshot going off and killing one of their own was present all throughout. They realized if they refused, they would be assumed a traitor and would be shot on sight. King's check went smoothly and he would continue to oversee the process as it would draw to a close. Any Imperial spies that were killed were sent to the incinerators after being patted down for equipment. King feels as though it was a success, but only god knows what his subordinates think. He would retire to the main office and address his family once more.

"This is Colonel King. Once again, I apologize for the inconvenience. I hope you understand the actions I had to take to unsure our safety. The salvage run will begin within the hour. I thank you for your cooperation on this matter."

Juno stood in front of the defectors, the four who had been found with microphones chained in front of them. The resistance guards were stood on either side of the room, most of them keeping their eyes averted from her. She'd protested against putting the spies in front of a firing squad; if you were going to end a life, you should be the one to do it.
"As you can see, these four men were found guilty of espionage," She said to the group, "What is the penalty for betrayal?" She asked, and they replied in unison.
"Death." They chanted back. They may have not serve the Empire anymore, but they were still raised Imperial. Juno pointed her pistol at the first prisoner's head, and pulled the trigger.
"Imperial Intelligence believes that it's invincible," Juno continued, "They think that by sending their spies with us, they can beat us. Are they right?"
"No, ma'am." The soldiers replied, again in unison. Juno pulled the trigger against the next prisoner's head. One of the men tried to escape, tripping over his bound feet. Two of the 'loyal' defectors dragged him back up to the front, one of them kicking him in the gut for his cowardice. Juno executed him without a word.

Juno brought her pistol to the final man's head.
"Long live the Empire! Long live Ares!" He shouted, before Juno pulled the trigger.

King sits back in his chair. "Cleaning detail will have a long night ahead of them." He sighs, He knew they wouldn't escape bloodshed, but with his suspicions confirmed, he can rest a bit easier knowing the ones who had sabotaged Opportunity had been brought to justice. Outside of the office, people scramble in madness while transporting corpses and materials to take on the salvage run. Though most of the materials had already been set up in the hours prior, they can add a bit more with the drop in personnel.

An hour had passed, which was an hour of Nathan being stuck inside his Frame. Well, half an hour of being stuck inside it, another half hour of hi joining Tasha and Sigrid just to stave off getting stir crazy. They passed the time with work and conversation.....at least until they had to do the dental work. It was a small reassurance at least, when no one came back as a spy. And when the all clear was given for the salvage run to actually commence, he hopped back into the frame and left Tasha with Sigrid.

Which left Tasha standing on the back off the rig, all her gear triple checked and stowed. She cast a glance at Sigrid, curious as to how she felt over the dental stuff. "So," she said, "were you worried?"

"Who isn't?" Sigrid replied casually. "Don't like going over the dental stuff but it must be done unfortunately." She added the last part quietly. "You?"

"Kinda," Tasha said, sitting down next to Sigrid. "If only because I was worried someone I knew would turn out to be a spy. You, Nathan.....friends, in general."

"What is there to spy on exactly?" Sigrid shook her head slowly. The rebels were a rag tag force, the few that managed to escape with their lives during the retreat were fortunate. Surely they could not bounce back from that terrible defeat? Sigrid possessed little stomach for a one sided fight with the Imperials.

The soldiers and any Frames they are taking with them form up on the Shatterdome's giant steel door. Once given the all clear, red lights and alarms begin to sound as the overwhelming opening slowly parts itself, a dimmed light breaks through the crack and slowly grows wider as the time passes. Soon, the site of their home greets them and simultaneously bids them farewell as they all begin the march out. A city that has been all alone these many many years, having all of the amenities they would need, however, with their resources draining, this salvage run would be a mission they must succeed in. If it is, it would lead to a better chance for them to take another city so a trade network can be established so their resources would level out and the destitute state of Sojourner would lead to a more stable way of living. This was their hope when they gained Opportunity, but two years does not make much of a change. These thoughts and more ravage King's thoughts as he leaves his Queen behind and takes a spot in the Infantry.

"May god smile brightly upon us on this mission and lead us safe passage to and from our destination. I have the utmost respect for each and everyone of you. For the good of Mars, this is why we fight. Our home will be retaken. Death to Ares!" He shouts through open comms.

As the salvage team began to move out, Tasha mused on the question Sigrid asked. "I guess," she said, "it's because we pose a real threat. A rebellion, however small, can always snowball into something greater than it was. Fallen heroes become martyrs, martyrs become symbols......and symbols become rallying points. If the Empire doesn't eradicate us, then we could build up forces to rival them, beat them even." Grinning a little, she gave Sigrid a small smile as she said "Maybe we should be flattered. That they see us as that big a threat."

Sigrid shook her head she did not want to be flattered. "I pray that you are right." She muttered retreating into her mind, keeping her dark thoughts to herself. Better to brood silently than to depressed her friends and allies. Besides she wanted to spend some time alone in private thought.

While everyone else got to ride in the fairly cushy rigs, Nathan had no such luck. Sitting in the cockpit of the frame was uncomfortable enough as it was, but with it walking every bump was felt on his ass. Official military frames had the gel seating of course, but since this was a patchwork construction frame, such luxuries were out of the question. And it was gonna be a fairly long trek. "'Take the frame' they said. 'We could use the firepower' they said......next time I'll go with the option where I can still feel my ass...."

The time taken between Sojourner and Sierra Quatra could have lasted an eternity if there had been any Imperials. They had been lucky and managed to make it there with little resistance. There had been many Frames left behind and they would all help in their effort. The parts taken from the already destroyed Frames on the stretch come in handy in repairing the only partially destroyed hulking masses of metal.

However, a tinge of fright runs down King's spine as he and a small group had taken watch. Just over a ridge, he sees a glint of metal as the sun reflects. His eyes widen in fear and he opens comms to all.

"Everyone to combat positions! Possible sightings of Imperial Frames at 9 o'clock."

Sigrid froze with horror at the shout before diving for cover. She flicked the safety off of her rifle, uncertain as to what good it might do against a frame. Perhaps if their pilots were forced to abandon their frame she might be able to take them down.
Her main focus however would be helping their own wounded and well trying not to be blown up by the Imperial frames. Sigrid rather hoped to out live the war and dying would ruin that plan.

Tasha dived right along with Sigrid, unwilling to put herself in harms way. Reaching for her comm, she hailed Nathan and said "Nate, you got that?"

Already marching his frame into position, Nathan hunkered the bulky machine down, aiming the weapons where King had indicated. "Got it and aimed it. .....I think."

As the Rebel forces rallied and moved into their positions, the Imperials kept marching and as they kept coming forward, more and more of them appeared. Frames and Infantry alike come toward them like a wave from an ocean. King's breath tightens and his teeth clench and unclench. "Targets confirmed Imperial. I don't want to lose this position." He hails on comms. "We are not broken." He continues as the Imperials continue to come closer. "Hunters, Scouts and Infantry we meet them halfway. Brawlers, medics and mechanics. You are our fallback. I don't want them in this perimeter. Understood? Move out!" As he says this, their own wave is set in motion. The metallic beasts under Rebel command move forward and the insect like humans run under them.