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| Desert Duel on Serene Sands | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 4 2010, 03:01 PM (55 Views) | |
| Mr.Bushido | Nov 4 2010, 03:01 PM Post #1 |
Samurai Retainer
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In the outskirts of the once dwelling city of Tucson, Akira Renjiro woke up to a morning breeze that blew across his face. The young samurai had decided that he needed something more than picking on small fry bandits. Akira had heard of a job out East for all would be rangers and it paid better than what he had been getting for apprehending the lowest levels of scum that he was accustomed to in the last few weeks. He had some trouble getting through the California border and was almost spotted by the Barcalow Knights, so Akira decided to lay low and spend the night in Arizona. He took refuge not too far from town, out in the mountains, where he fell asleep with his power armor worn, except for the helmet. Akira was always cautious wherever he spent the night, as he learned from his rookie days as a ranger. Akira made his way to town, getting passed several highwaymen without really breaking a sweat. That was the other reason he left California; there weren’t any real challenges as it was Barcalow Knights territory. They had really cleared the place out compared to the last time Akira was in the area. He could remember it like it was just yesterday. Three years ago, the West coast was filled with Yakuza gangs that served their higher ups who remained in Japan. There was constant battle between themselves and counter gangs from other countries, such as the Triads, Mafia, and KGB remnants for turf. Civilian casualties were at an all time high, and those who dared to stand up against the gangs were punished. Rangers were so rare in number; some would have to affiliate with counter gangs. Akira was so inexperienced at the time; the only thing he had going for him was his training. All the mistakes he made left a mark on his body as scars. Finally arriving into town, Akira made his way into a local Ranger’s guild after changing out of his suit. He was hungry but first wanted to gather intel on current events and whether any notorious bounties existed in the area. Akira had grown in experience these last three years, but he still had his faults. He had yet to learn to cook for himself and mostly lived off ramen and the basics. He also felt lonesome these last few months, but that’s what the job entailed. He had gotten acquainted to a pretty officer named Sakura about a year back, but she was supposedly killed in a shoot out. In this type of occupation, finding a significant other was tough. He figured if he at least found others who shared his diligence to the cause, not only would he be less lonely, but their combined efforts would result in change to the way things were. Someday he hoped to be strong enough to return to Japan and take on his father. Akira walked to the boards where bounties and missions for mercenaries were often posted. There was not much going on in the area that really caught his attention, just the usual “escort merchants” and “protect the highways” sort of jobs that would take too much time and would require almost no effort. Something to the corner caught his eye. It was a bounty by the USMP that seemed to have been posted years ago, which was evident as Akira wiped the dust off. He ripped off the post and walked towards a counter to get more information, but the representative was a newbie who knew nothing of the job posting. Akira took the job and then searched for somewhere he could satisfy his hunger, which was a noodle stand he found a few blocks down. The attendant was an older Japanese man who stood up at an angle and had a long white beard. His name was Yamamori, as his name tag displayed. “What can I get for ya?” asked Yamamori. “Yamamori-san, Noodles and a Jar of Sake please.” Akira replied in Japanese. “Nice to see another of our kind in these parts.” Replied Yamamori. After general small talk, Akira brought up the job post as Yamamori prepared the noodles. Yamamori knew only rumors of the “Desert Wolf”, and couldn’t help much. He however directed Yamamori to a retired USMP officer named Slade, who knew quite a bit on the subject. Akira tipped Yamamori, enjoyed his meal, and drank a couple cups of sake, which was about the amount he could handle without alcohol affecting his performance in the slightest. Akira met up with the officer and learned all about the legendary “Desert Wolf”. “Rumors state his sync rate is easily around 90%, maybe more, which would not surprise me, knowing the pilot’s background. He was the user of a prototype Gundam named Sandrock, and escaped the USMP Salem base a few years back. The USMP tried desperately to get the power armor back but failed at every turn. If I remember correctly his name was Saladin. He was a Middle Eastern fellow named after the respected Saracen commander during the crusades. He is very talented and experienced with a good reputation. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Sandrock was upgraded further. If you have any interest in fighting him, it is suicide. He may spare you; I would not take the risk, as he has several people who joined him due to his notoriety. They joined in all sorts of Maganac power armors. Do what you want, but don’t tell me I didn’t warn you, if you survive.” Akira thanked the man for his information and prepared for his duel. Despite Slade’s warnings, Akira only felt more compelled to fight with this desert legend. It wasn’t for the money, but something more, improvement and to grasp exactly where he stood in terms of experience. Akira rested briefly while his food digested, and then set out to find the “Desert Wolf”. He knew he was close when he came across a Maganac scout after hours of searching. Akira quickly overpowered the lone power armor and swiftly disabled its beam rifle. After doing so, Akira surrendered, and asked the user to take him to see his leader, an act unforeseen by the other pilot. Akira was imprisoned until night fall, and then suddenly brought out for questioning by Saladin himself, who was disguised as another henchman. “You don’t seem like a USMP dog. Why did you come out here then?” Saladin asked. “I’m not here on behalf of anyone but myself. I have come here to challenge your leader, and have no desire for his head.” Replied Akira. Saladin was impressed by Akira’s respect for a mere henchman, and for the fact that he surrendered without a single drop of blood being shed. Saladin suspected if Akira knew that he was questioning him. Saladin eventually humored Akira's request and set up the duel. As a full moon glistened in the night sky, two warriors faced each other. The entire maganac corps watched in excitement and waited for the fight to start, around a camp fire. They shared drinks and took bets, but a few remained ready to jump in and intervene if Akira was to go against the duel’s code of honor. |
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| Mr.Bushido | Nov 10 2010, 06:44 PM Post #2 |
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Samurai Retainer
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Akira woke up in tent made of cow skin, covered in sweat. Outside he could hear Saladin's men hard at work, yet still discussing the moonlit duel from last night. Akira rose up to check his armor, but then noticed the date. At the rate he was going, he would miss the opportunity to cooperate with the other rangers in the Louisiana Divide. It could not be helped, and besides, Saladin's words replayed in the back of his head. The man had treated Akira, a complete stranger, with respect, and had allowed him to stay in his camp. and during the duel, hinted at further training in store for Akira. Besides, it would be considered rude to both cultures if Akira refused. Akira pushed himself up with his prosthetic, and made his way to his things. He put on a shirt and exited his tent, making his way to Saladin's. On the way, Akira pondered about how he would improve his performance and stand a better chance at taking down the Sandrock. The Gundam was a fearsome machine, even more so in the hands of such a skilled opponent. Akira's repeated training routines in kendo did not stand a chance against Saladin's sheer experience. Akira also thought of ways to improve the Masurao's performance. As he approached Saladin's tent, guards moved out of the way to let Akira in as their leader was apparently expecting his arrival. Akira bowed as he took off his shoes and entered the tent. Saladin was seated behind a desk, surrounded by several antiques such as old maps, a globe, and library of leather bound books on shelves of cedar. Akira was offered black tea with cardamon and crushed mint leaves mixed into the brew, which he accepted happily. It wasn't green tea, but any tea would do as it had been so long since Akira enjoyed the drink. The spices were also a good addition, strengthening its taste. "Salam, Akira. How did you enjoy your rest?" Saladin asked. "Most relaxing I've had in quite some time. I greatly appreciate your hospitality, Mr...I'm afraid I don't know your last name." replied Akira. "I do not have one. I allow people to just call me by my first, so do not hesitate to do so." Saladin informed. "Thank you, Saladin. I would like show you my gratitude in anyway I can." said Akira. "You do not have to, but if you truly insist, your aid would be beneficial to my group, but first I would like to inquire about your unique power armor. It is unlike anything I have ever seen, but resembles the GN-X mass produced models from overseas in terms of armoring and reactors. Would I be wrong in assuming it is superior and that you have constructed it yourself?" Asked Saladin. "That is correct. The Masurao is my own creation. I have a vast knowledge on the subject of GN particles." responded Akira, blowing on his tea to cool it down. "I propose a barter. I will continue to train to the level where I think you may be on equal footing with me and let you stay at my camp, and in exchange all I ask for is for you to share me your knowledge. I do not wish for you to reproduce the technology, just teach me how it works. Are you in agreement?" proposed Saladin. "Sounds reasonable. I accept." replied Akira, as he sipped his tea. "Very well then. You are free to use my armory if you need to work on your armor, and my men to aid you." concluded Saladin. Akira bowed and once again thanked Saladin for his help. On the way back to his tent, Akira pondered on his decision to share knowledge of GN technology. Akira refused to in the past as he worried it would fall into the hands of rogues or mercenaries, but Saladin was different. He also didn't think it was that bad of a deal, as GN Tau drives were so mass produced in this day and age. Finally, Akira didn't know how much of a choice he really had, considering he was still in Saladin's camp, although Akira doubted that a man of such wisdom would do such a thing. Akira picked up the large metal container he stored his armor in, and continued to the armory. It was a unique device that could also be equipped on the forearm of a power armor where it would function as a shield when not being used as a container. After entering the armory, Akira could see all the spare parts from mostly Maganac units. Akira made small talk with the smith in charge, and began hammering away at his own power armor to fix the dents. As he did so, he reminisced about the first Masuaro prototype he built. The unit was composed of a Titanium alloy base, with composite layers of steel and iron plates, and was powered by a sole GN Tau drive. It was unnecessarily heavy and based off original Samurai armor. The sole GN Tau drive also did not provide enough power to thrust, making it far less agile than the current variation. Akira learned from his previous mistakes and made the current Masurao version much lighter and less machine than armor. He did this by using e carbon, a variation of the carbon material that had been used to replace steel in cars. E carbon on its own was extremely light, but also very weak. However, when partnered with a GN or GN tau drive, the armor is strengthened against ballistics by the GN particles spreading throughout the armor, and creating a GN field that covered the body. This phenomenon was known as GN Composite Armor, and it made heavier alloys unneeded. The Masurao MK II as he called it, was such an improvement from the first Masurao, that it threw off Akira's sync rate. Akira already had plans for a future variation named Susanowo, although he did not have enough information on the current Masurao's faults to create blueprints. He had a few ideas already though. Just before escaping Japan, Akira had managed to read files on a hypothetical function of GN Drive units which allowed the power armor to release all GN particles, supposedly boosting performance exponentially. This feature was still being researched, so the reaction of such a feature was still unknown. Akira had been attempting to unlock it himself but does not have the time to focus specifically on doing so, as he would be neglecting his duties as a ranger. An immediate improvement he decided to make, however, was an increase to the output of his Samurai style GN beam sabers. He could do this by connecting the weapons directly to the GN Tau drives that powered his armor. By doing so, maybe they could be more formidable against Saladin's heat shortels. Akira worked until nightfall, only taking a break after being directed by one of Saladin's henchmen to do so. It was time for dinner, and Akira and took part of it with the rest of the camp. The Masurao was almost completely repaired, so there was no need for a rush. Akira planned to finish repairs by the next day at noon. At the break of dawn, he would practice Kendo to prepare physically for the rematch the following day, and in the afternoon Akira was requested to aid some of Saladin's men catch dinner for the tribe. It proved to be a good experience for Akira, and definitely a lesson in survival. |
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| Mr.Bushido | Nov 28 2010, 04:39 AM Post #3 |
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Samurai Retainer
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The sun had not yet risen, but Akira was hard at work, training his body in the cold sun absent sands of the desert. His soaked hair dripped down sweat from his forehead to his cheek and then onto the dry earth he stood firmly upon. With a makeshift bokken, Akira practiced his swings without the assistance of his power armor. Perfection of the body went hand in hand with perfection of the mind, but everyone had their limits. Akira panted as he swung the bokken for the 854th time. His swings were losing momentum, but he continued pushing himself out of his sore pride. He practiced also to balance the strength his arms, as he performed other exercises to balance his leg strength. Having a prosthetic limb threw off balance, so Akira had to try extra hard to make his left arm match the strength of his prosthetic. Akira shaded his face as the sun began to rise, noticing the condition of his prosthetic. His mechanical limb was pelted with dents and scratches, and was building up some rust. It had been sometime since he had the limb implanted and its disfigured appearance made Akira consider that it was time for a new prosthetic. He longed for the day where prosthetic would be advanced enough to mimic human muscle growth. Akira had a long two days ahead of him as he had to explain the physics of GN particles to Saladin and work on the Masurao some more. The Masurao was hardly damaged after the last fight, but there were still modifications Akira was contemplating on making. One of Saladin's men then called Akira for breakfast, and following the meal, Akira would continue discussions with Saladin. "Salam, Saladin." greeted Akira as he stepped into the leader's tent. "Konichiwa, Akira-sama...your pronunciation is almost perfect. I am impressed. So, how did I fare?" asked Saladin, turning to face his visitor. "Thank you. You did good, but I am afraid I don't hold a high enough title for sama as it is meant as a respectful honorific for superiors. San would be more appropriate." replied Akira. "I see. Thank you for the lesson." replied Saladin. After the greetings, the two moved onto more pressing matters; a GN Particles 101 lecture. Saladin knew all the basics already, but not the fundamentals of how the particles worked. Akira explained in detail the differences between GN and GN Tau drives, as well as the various benefits received from the drives, such as flight, electronic interference, and armor strengthening. Akira also described the special features that appeared on specific power armors, which included GN fields, as well as the various GN weaponry, GN swords for example. The meeting concluded after a couple hours, and Akira departed Saladin's tent to work on the Masurao in the armory. With such minimal damage after the last clash of blades, Akira thought it would be a good time to test out his theories on unlocking his power armor's full potential. After hours of calculating and tinkering with the Masurao's operating system, it was time for trials. Akira powered up his power armor in anticipation, raising his welder's gloves to get a better view. From a laptop, he scanned the Masurao's drives' output, hoping for a drastic increase, which would end up in an increase in performance, or so he thought. The numbers rose, and GN particles were starting to build up, as the Masurao released an aura blast, that damaged all nearby equipment. However, the particles never stabilized and an explosion followed, issuing a failure. Akira sighed, but the mechanics that surrounded him seemed to be more upset at the damage caused to some of their equipment. Akira quickly apologized and cleaned up after himself. After also repairing whatever he could salvage, he once again started working on the Masurao. The Masurao now needed physical repairs, and if Akira wanted to have it ready for his next duel with Saladin, he would have to burn the midnight oil. He would have to pour out everything into this final duel, and he wanted the Masurao in tip top condition. He figured he could remove some weight from the frame by removing the head mounted laser machineguns and the clavicle antennae, which he managed to do. He would focus on repairs tomorrow, and hopefully he would be able to best Saladin in combat, for he spent enough time losing to him. His pride was sore with defeat, and Akira was beginning to doubt it had been making any improvement. Soon time would tell exactly how he would fare. |
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12:55 AM Aug 27