Invisible AS

[prismphantom]

[She can't believe her eyes.  Coming back from the battle, used by Albhard and Elma...]

That's... that thing we found plans for!

That's right... AS-04 Soleares.  All the new features in it worked like a charm out there, and it held its own even without breaking out the Gesterben's Blade Railgun.

I didn't want to bother you about it after... what happened.  But when you're finally ready to go out in just anything.  This... it's Team Jelba's legacy, born from everyone's machines.  If it can help you... help your heart, so much the better.

Albhard, you didn't have to... we still don't even know the origin of this thing-



And we still don't know who originally had my Grungust.  But if you'd rather we keep this locked away somewhere, fortunately it has some active camo for just the occasion.



No, it's fine... it's... even more than that.  Albhard, Elma...



Gracias...

[And a short while later, Selena's just, looking up at the new machine.  There's quite the story behind it, to say the least.]

To learn the truth

[srwu_npc2]

[1]

"I promised to tell you what I discovered. This is all secret information, try not to spread it around."

Elan Cubis is safe, and now he has a few words to say to everyone.

"I'm sure you remember the derelict ship Progtech had a research station at. The thing is... I did examination of the Nine-Ball, and its subsystems are similar. Not the same obviously, one's a ship and the other is an AC. But the similarity in design is there. Who made that ship, why, how long ago? We don't know. But there's an obvious connection."

"And a lot of people who worked on solving the mystery behind that connection are now dead."

[2]
There is one other person that has things to tell you. And while Elan did not care much for official channels, this time it's a talk behind closed doors, and you were informed that what you learn is classified and you're not supposed to share it with the rest of the world.

The person you talk to is an elderly scientist - Professor Dupond, the inventor of TSEN.

"I am not the inventor of TSEN." He says.
"No, this is not fully accurate. I have copied the design, modified it so it works using Earth technology. But I did not come up with it. When we made... the discovery, it was already there. Among others."

"What is the discovery?"

"It is a facility. Or a space ship? I am not sure. I am sure it is very ancient however, even older than the Macross. I was the expedition leader and I was able to uncover one of its many mysteries, this is why you have TSEN now. But before I could unearth more marvellous technology..."

"The facility disappeared. The giant underground cave that housed it was suddenly empty one day. Our ancient treasure trove was just gone - with one of my assistants. His name is Aaron Anso Antema. Does this name sound familiar to you? Constans Ricard Antema is his nephew. The same Antema who pilots Blue Blood, the Lady's Good Men combat robot."

"I have cooperated with Elan and pooled our resources to find some answers. He hoped to find the truth behind Nine-Ball, I - to discover my find's current location. We both made good progress, and I am sure this is why we were targetted."

A speech

[abugslife]

[The following was said in real time in Alhambra's main auditorium, but it's also a network message.]

People of Unity Group. Recently, we have suffered some setbacks, and casualties appeared among our ranks. This is not the first time this happened since the forming of the organization, nor is it likely the last. This is why I would like to tell you something; not as a general, not as an ambassador. As a fellow soldier.

From all military organizations I have seen, enemy and ally alike, Unity Group is the most successful. Successful operations, prevention of friendly casualties, protecting civilians from harm - in all of those aspects, the Group has no peer. You do not win always, but an organization that always wins is not realistically possible - and after every failure, you stand up and earn ten more victories.

[Loudly, Hetepheres hits the floor with the end of her staff.]
Never forget the names and faces of our fallen friends! They have sacrificed their lives fighting for the most noble of goals! Let your good memories of time spent with them drive you forward. For every fallen comrade, a hundred enemies will fall before us! For every person we failed to protect, we shall protect ten thousand more! The title of a hero is not something you can give yourself, it has to be given to you by others. Unity Group, show the world that you deserve that title!

[A longer pause, full of noise from the audience of various UG personnel. Maybe even a pilot or a few?]

That is all. If anyone wanted to discuss something, anything, I can be found in my office. Do not hesitate to come if you have any issue you need to talk about.

The request

[srwu_mods]

[Locked, non-interactive.]

"Shit! FightSaber was already lagging behind, and now that my sword is destroyed... I can't save anyone like this! To be able to protect my friends, to do that - I'll need to work hard to get my own, up to date machine."

"Yeah! It's time to do this! I'll show you guys what I can do yet."

[The actual post you can respond to:]

Something's not right with Unity Group bases. Resources distributed towards unit maintenance and repairs trickled to bare necessities, the quality of food served in mess halls took a noticeable hit, even water in the showers is measured now! What the heck is going on? The man responsible for support has the answers.


"Gavin requested a new unit for himself and somehow, the request was approved. The thing is, we're covering expenses related to its construction, and since it's supposed to roll out fast, it's not cheap. I'm cutting costs where I can just so UG stays afloat."

Logistics Specialist Dirchs looks exasperated. Not by this question, but by the situation.

"And before you ask, no I don't like it either. Just hang in there. This is not a permanent setup. It'll pass soon... I hope."