Okay, we are back!
>>5752273“Let’s wait until my group’s finished up before making any decisions just yet.” you tell everyone, “Though while a combined assault sounds like a good plan, maybe we can try something different with that?”
“Oh? And what do you propose?” Rabaht asks.
“Tranquil as the sky, yet quicker than lightning.” you begin with a grin. “Hitting not just as, but like lightning, striking down from high above, while there’s an infiltration team sneaking in. Like an orbital attack. Would she have any defenses for such a thing? Barriers, sensors, Metal Beasts acting as shields?”
“All of the above and then some. An orbital strike is usually among the easiest to detect and prepare for.” Tverdokhvat responds. “That said, I’ve seen how fast you organics can be at this point. If one of you can get high enough, you might just be able to hit before any reasonable countermeasures can be prepared.” His tone actually seems rather impressed with the idea.
“Nice! I’ll bring it up with my team.” you tell them, sensing the remaining Metal Beast numbers dwindle. “We also need a cool code name for this.”
“Oooh, ooh! I’ve got a few ideas!” Pantea says excitedly. “How about… Aim For the Top?”
“It is rather blunt.” 19 says neutrally.
“Then how about… Stargazer?” she suggests next.
“I do like that one.” a new voice adds in, one that you recognize and immediately puts you on guard. “Perhaps my assistance could add a bit to make that all the more fitting.”
“Mugen…” you breathe out, your team heading over to you, Eagalia and Zubastik confused by the new presence.
“Hello again, Son Peppa. I was rather curious what you and your allies would be doing with the information you were given. Needless to say, you’ve exceeded my expectations!”
“Who is this?” Eagalia questions.
“Ah, where are my manners? I am Mugen, a member of the M1 Machine Mutants, but also a… collector of sorts.” he introduces, a hologram appearing near you all showing him in his metallic and robed and- …why does he have sunglasses? “I believe your new allies mentioned me to you all at some point, no?”
You notice Eagalia’s about as on-guard as you are. “What exactly are you doing here?”
“Monitoring progress, mostly. I am technically going to be part of whatever peace deal Son Peppa proposes to… well, what’s left of the leadership by the time they’ve sorted things out. Even though I’ve no real taste for politics, if I’m being quite honest.” The hologram looks towards Eagalia. “More to the point, I’d like to offer my services in your next operation… if you’ll hear out my request.”
>A. Honestly I think we’re good, but you’re more than welcome to get out the robo-popcorn and watch>B. You’re going to ask it anyway, so let’s hear it>C. How long have you actually been watching us, Mugen?>D. Something else? 