Clubber "3 Fingers" Langston had been enjoying his route back to Paradise City. He had been quite sure he and his cargo were safe once he was within hailing distance of the neutral city. He had been sitting in the command chair of the Hover Cargo Heartshot Kid Disaster, feet up on the console with a beer in hand, whistling along to his favourite tune on the radio.

Then the drum beats he was nodding his head in time to were replaced by a trio of shuddering blasts that trembled throughout Heartshot.

"What in the blue blazes!" he nearly fell backwards out of his chair, hurriedly tapping the appropriate console sequence to bring up the scanners. There were several contacts on his radar, coming fast from the Cargo's six o'clock.

He recognized the markings and configuration of the Zoids on the long range scope.

The Jersey City Devils? They followed me all the way here, eh?

Heartshot shuddered under another long range salvo. They were getting closer.

Clubber dialed up the long range radio, broadcasting on an open channel in the direction of Paradise City.

"This is Hover Cargo Heartshot Kid Disaster, currently dealin' with a dust Devil problem of the Jersey City variety."

A few explosions could be heard over the static of the open band radio.

"I'm about five kilometers out from Paradise, don't 'spose there's a decent soul fixin' to help me out around there, is there?"

His radar blipped ominously with two red blobs to the south of the Hover Cargo, a pair of hostile Jersey City Devils who were 600m away and closing.

[Dunwair D'adamas and James Plansinis you have received the call and whatever your motives may be, are charging out from Paradise City to assist. You are 700m from the Hover Cargo Heartshot Kid Disaster approaching its 12 o'clock. Please post your intro moves as well as your pilot information and mission inventory in brackets above your initial post]

[[Dunwair d'Adamas, Unknown, Captain of the Soldiers of Fortune, piloting Parmenion the rental Deadly Kong. Parmenion has the following modifications equipped: CP-11 Maneuver Thruster Pack, WF-11 Medium Gatling Cannons, HM-04 Hulkbuster, NF-25 Riot Shields. The Close Combat Weapons that Parmenion is carrying are the Javelin and the Battle Axe.

I believe designating a transport is not necessary, but if I am mistaken then I would be using my team's Hover Cargo, Royale.

Dunwair's equipment setup can be found here. Of note is that since Dunwair is in the cockpit, his shotgun is not buckled to his tactical vest, but instead resting in the cockpit out of the way, next to his backpack; this is to avoid those items being in the way.]]

_________________


Dunwair was fiddling with his newest Zoid partner. He had ventured a little ways outside the city limits in order to test out the Zoid's capabilities. He was checking out the features, flexing the Zoid's powerful arms. Oh yeah, the Hulkbuster modification had been a good upgrade. The Deadly Kong seemed aptly named, in Dunwair's opinion. The Zoid seemed shy, though. It had yet to communicate in any way with Dunwair. Perhaps it too was getting a feel for its new partner.

Dun's investigation of the Zoid's armaments was interrupted by his comm unit. The blinking light of an incoming transmission spilled discordantly across the console. It's insistent flash seemed foreboding, and Dunwair realized it was coming in on an emergency frequency.

Dunwair immediately opened the channel.

Dunwair scanned the horizon quickly. He had heard explosions in the background of that message. He could see a cloud of dust being kicked up not far away, the telltale sputter of tracer rounds, and the puffs of explosions muted by distance. He swung the Deadly Kong towards the commotion.

His fingers flew across the console, bringing his weapons online. The Maneuver Thruster Pack flared to life as well, boosting the Deadly Kong's speed. Dunwair opened a return comm channel, broadcasting to the distressed Hover Cargo.

"I hear you, Heartshot Kid. Moving to intercept." Dunwair spoke clearly and calmly. He knew that in times of duress people could lose their cool, and he was as reassuring as he could be over the comm.

"Recommend you continue to proceed away from the bandits. They're closer to you than I am, but hold tight." Dunwair's eyes were bright with the thrill of combat. This was different than a regular match. No protective rules, no points or prize money on the line. This fight wasn't about reputation, or rank. It was about saving a man in danger, from thugs looking to poach on the front lawn of Dunwair's new home.

Didn't they know there were powerful players in Paradise who didn't look too kindly on out-of-towners messing with the local rhythm? He took off at top speed towards the closest of the thugs, allowing the Maneuver Thruster Pack and Hulkbuster enhanced arms to facilitate the Zoid's top speed.

"I'll be right there."

((James Plansinis, Unknown Captain of The Embryonic Team, piloting a Gamma Saurer. Training and equipment thread Here))

---

James had been intending to get in another few battles in the newest addition to his roster for a while. Of course, he'd do no good with incorrect sights, so he had come a few kilometers out from Paradise City to make sure they were accurate.

He adjusted another degree and fired, sending a burst of shells from the assault cannons towards his intended target. This time, they hit the boulder dead on, blasting a hole into its surface.

James was just about to turn around and head for home when the comm unit on the console in front of him burst into sound.

James noted the explosions in the background of the message, then quickly activated the boosters, coming to a one meter hover and moving towards the direction of the call, checking his other weapons were ready as well.

It occurred to him he should probably comm back.

"I'm coming to assist."

Two Gamma-class Zoids, painted over as if rust were a camouflage scheme, or perhaps they were just that junky (it was difficult to tell at long range) were barreling after the Hover Cargo, Heartshot Kid Disaster. Both fired off volleys from their guns now and then, peppering the rear of the Hover Cargo fleeing from their blows.

They came in at roughly the same speed, and as Dunwair sent his speedy Deadly Kong into motion, and James completed his weapons training and moved the Beryl Geno towards the fray, they could start to discern just what Zoids were chasing the Hover Cargo.

Slightly in the lead, a modified Strike Crusher that had two long protrustions jutting from its back, and slightly back a modified Zaber Fang, something seemingly odd and non-standard about its cannon array.

A small explosion issued forth halfway up the snail-shell spine of the Heartshot and it gave a wheezing shudder, belching black smoke. Its speed seemed to slow, but it was still chugging along.

Inside the cockpit of the Strike Crusher Aries, Cole Danton grinned, the flash given off by the constant gunfire gleaming off his dull, metal dentures.

"Don't think you can get away with raidin' the Jersey City Devils and get away with it boy!" he cackled over the comm unit, depressing the trigger again. "That's our junk."

Dunwair reached the Hover Cargo first, weaving past it and continuing on towards the bandits.

Further back, James' slower Beryl Geno was approaching the Hover Cargo's 12 o'clock.

[The Hover Cargo is moving at half its top speed at the moment. The Beryl Geno is 90m away from the Hover Cargo. Dunwair is to the Cargo's six, 60m past it. Ahead of Dunwair, the Jersey City Devils, incoming at 410m away.

Damages:

None to any pilot or NPC Zoids.

Heartshot Kid Disaster - The rear of the transport is peppered all over with blast craters, smoke issues forth from partway up the rear portion of the tower, and it appears to be moving at half speed.

Posting order is: Rook [NPC Zaber Fang], Dunwair, Kegger [NPC Strike Crusher], James. Hover Cargo will continue to run as best it can.

Scotty Shrike saw the Kong come around the side of the Disaster, and sputtered in fury. "I dunno who you think you are, but if you don't clear out, you'll find out why we're the Jersey City Devils!"

Of course, Scotty wasn't idle while he talked - running his mouth was just something that came naturally to the man, and didn't distract him anymore than breathing. The back cannons kept up their fire on the Disaster; now that the Hover Cargo had slowed, his fire was focused on that rear door.

Once it was loose, Denton had something special.

The Shock Cannons and Repeater fired on the Kong, just to discourage the wannabe hero. "Ha, you think you got what it takes? You ain't nothin' but a sad 'scuse for a pilot, runnin' around in that thing. It's got no soul!"

Once the Kong got within 100 meters, Scotty fired off his missiles, but kept his back guns firing on that door until it was open. He veered away from the Deadly Kong, making sure he kept pace with his boss.

Once that door fell open, Scotty crowed with delight. "Whoo-hoo! Here we go, all aboard!" The Zaber leapt into the Disaster, intent on reclaiming what was theirs.

Plansinis again, huh? Dunwair had run into the pilot a number of times. Luckily, he was generally a level headed fellow. A fairly dependable pilot to have at your back. He had been one of the few pilots to make Dunwair really work for a win in his short career thus far.

Dunwair grinned.

No need to worry about covering his flanks, then. A skilled comrade in a maneuverable, hovering gunboat would be all the covering fire he’d need. Dunwair made the split-second decision to target the Strike Crusher, primarily leaving the Zaber Fang for his partner. Dun didn’t like the look of what could be lances or pilebunkers on the Strike Crusher’s back; it was already a formidable melee opponent and who knew what kind of illegal aftermarket modifications had been made. But there was a true melee monster on the field. Parmenion was ready for battle.

The Strike Crusher was his.

Keying the comm channel to a full broadcast, Dunwair hailed the assailants, who had been identified as members of a gang operating out of Jersey City. “You boys might want to rethink what you’re getting yourselves into. You’re a long way from home, now.”


--Start Move--

Dunwair lined up the crosshairs for his Twin Self Guided Mini-Rocket Launchers on the Zaber Fang and fired the full salvo, all ten mini rockets streaking in, aimed at the front leg closer to the Strike Crusher. After that initial salvo, the Zaber Fang was deprioritized in Dunwair’s brain. James would handle it.

Dunwair charged at the Strike Crusher, again using his hulkbuster enhanced arms and Maneuver Thruster Pack to assist his speed. He dodged a little bit, looking to avoid letting any enemy fire accumulate too much on one spot. He opened fire with the Dual AZ15mm machineguns, aiming to soften up the Strike Crusher before melee was reached, aiming in general for the front shoulder closer to the Zaber Fang, but just as happy with the upper leg or chest on that side. He also fired with the wrist-mounted Dual 40mm guns, timing them to fire as the rolling gait of the Kong made it possible to hit the incoming enemy. He was a little more careful with the wrist mounted guns, aiming specifically in the upper leg/shoulder area on that same leg (the front leg closest to the Zaber Fang).

He was not worried about his dodging slowing him down; in fact he wanted it to slow him down just a little. He knew that the combined speeds of these two melee demons would bring them screaming together, and he wanted his mini-rockets to be reloaded before they met.

He took care with his approach to melee. At 150m apart, Dunwair lined up and fired the Iron Spike, aiming to hit the front shoulder of the Strike Crusher, that same area he’d been shooting at with the 40mm guns. That ought to slow down the sucker, and could provide amusing complications to any Power Ram shenanigans. Dunwair had looked extensively at the Strike Crusher before ultimately deciding to rent the Deadly Kong; he knew it’s capabilities and he was about to show it why he picked the Kong. As the mini-rockets reloaded and became available, Dunwair fired them at what would probably be nearly point blank into the Strike Crusher, aiming for that front leg he had been firing on with the 40mm guns.

He feathered the Maneuver Thruster Pack boosters to keep his balance through the next technique. Drawing the Battle Axe as the distance closed Dunwair gripped it with both of the Kong’s hands. He had specifically attempted to come in so he’d be just offset of directly in front of the Strike Crusher, on its inside (relative to the Zaber Fang, so that Dunwair was more on the side of the leg he’s been aiming at, and so that he is on the side of the Strike Crusher closer to the Zaber Fang).

He lead in with a mighty swing, unknowingly mimicking a sport from a long ago age. Aiming in particular for that front leg, in the damaged shoulder area, aiming for all of their combined force to meet along the edge of that axe as it sheared into the Strike Crusher. He had one more trick, though; as the swing unloaded, Dunwair keyed in the Riot Shield on that front hand. Not showing that he had the modification equipped until that instant made it another trump card, as the unexpected shield energy would force the horns (and those lances or pilebunkers or whatever they might be) up and past Dunwair in a surprise deflection.

He did make sure to activate it early enough so that it wouldn’t try to form with any Strike Crusher bits inside the matrix, though. Deflection is difficult when penetration has already happened, and he didn't need any of those crazy backlash shenanigans either.

Dunwair was aiming to shear through that front leg, but wasn’t interested in trying some kind of fancy Blade Liger-esque cut-all-the-way-down-the-enemy type maneuver. Dun had an axe. That’s not how you use axes. After that initial chop, in fact, Dunwair resorted to the more traditional axe usage.

He started hacking away. Brutual two-handed hacks and bashes, constantly harassing the enemy Zoid, particularly the rear leg on that same side, trying to disable it as quickly as possible. He stayed to the side and behind the Strike Crusher, using his superior speed and now much superior agility to stay right in there, feathering his boosters to aid in balance as he just went apeshit on the Strike Crusher. And no, I couldn’t resist that pun.

--End Move--

“You picked the wrong town to chase your problems to.”

Cole's metal dentures played explosions in mirror form along their polished surface, a lip splitting grin twisting his features into a look of pleasure.

Altruistic types are my favourite to break, he licked his lips.

Up ahead the Hover Cargo was slowing down, and he and Shrike would see it halted for good. If these pilots wished to butt in where they were unwanted, then so be it. The Strike Crusher made directly for the Deadly Kong, forward firing guns blaring the whole time. The modified Pile Bunkers on his Zoid's back elevated upwards slightly, adjusting their firing angle as he came in, uncaring of the Kong's incoming fire as he focused on one thing and one thing only.

"Pay attention Mr. Hero!" he crowed, setting the spool for the internal chain before launching an AZ spear of his own as he came in at the Kong, aiming for one of its shoulders or limbs. The Impact Cannons thundered and the Strike Crusher kept the Kong lined up.

He slapped the Power Ram button fifty meters from the Deadly Kong, the Strike Crusher accelerating into the Kong's chest, head and horns down and braced. Cole bowled the simian Zoid over and kept running past it towards his target.

"Ready for the pain train boy? That's our junk, and if you get in the way we'll take your junk too!"

The outward appearance of this situation was that some banditry was afoot. Then again, appearances could be deceiving, and James really had no idea what was going on. He would, of course, err on the side of the relatively defenseless transport, at least until the attacking Zoids were disabled.

After that, there would be some questions.

---

James continued forward, skirting around the Hovercargo and closing on the Zaber Fang. His guns (Excluding his assault cannons) fired on his opponent, shutting off while his ally's rockets were in the air then opening up again once the rockets were gone. His missiles and Assault Cannons were held for a while, though the missiles started locking onto the Zaber straight away.

Just before Dunwair reached the Strike Crusher, James fired his Assault Cannons at the Crusher (Avoiding hitting his ally), hoping to throw it off slightly and give Dunwair an advantage in whatever melee assault he had no doubt planned.

James waited until he was about fifty meters from the Zaber before he stopped firing his guns and unloaded his missiles at it, locked or not. Just before contact between the Zoids was made, he cut his boosters, so as to prevent any frictionless effects from reducing the impact, and kicked out at one of the Fang's front legs, preferably whichever was more damaged from the gunfire/missile barrage. He used the height from his hovering to get a good angle on the Fang's leg (Probably the lower half), positioning himself such that the full weight of his Zoid came down on it.

James then jumped backwards (All guns firing again), activating his boosters and trying to strafe around to the side of the Fang (Same side as the leg he had just wrecked). Once there, he would cut the boosters and use his grappler claws (No shocking yet) to grab onto his opponent, one on the front leg and one on the back leg on his side, and reel it into him.

James didn't expect the Fang to get past him, but he was ready should it do so. He would turn and fire his grappler claws while chasing after it, cutting his boosters once he had a good grip and dragging his opponent towards him for some point blank gunfire.

---

"Don't ignore me."

[ BGM: Egypt Central - Kick Ass ]

Clubber gulped as another shudder played throughout the Heartshot's hull, and the lights in the Command Module dimmed.

That didn't sound good.

Dunwair's Deadly Kong lumbered across the plain towards the incoming bandit duo, the pods to his Self Guided Rocket pods sliding open and taking aim on the Zaber Fang. A full salvo of rockets stream out and pepper Scotty's Zoid along his left shoulder and flank. The curious cannons on the back of his Zoid turret and keep track of the Heartshot. The shells erupting from its barrels detonate just behind the tower portion of the Hover Cargo, the massive airbust flaying armour from the structure of the transport.

Now and then the Zaber snapped off shots from its own Shock Cannons and 20mm guns, tagging the Kong now and then but with all the running its wildly inaccurate, and Scotty's plan is somewhere else for the moment. His missiles do lock in the meantime.

Cole was dead set on one thing right now, the Strike Crusher dialed in on the Deadly Kong even before Dunwair had began firing on the Zaber Fang.

As this is going down, the Gamma Saurer and James are just swinging around the Hover Cargo. Pulling by the transport beset by fire James is afforded a rather good view of the damage up close.

The rear section of the transport has nearly been blown clean through, threatening to expose the loading bay of the snail shelled Hover Cargo.

Setting his gaze upon his enemy, and feeling slighted for being ignored, James dials in the firepower, assaulting the Zaber Fang with fire, catching Scotty unawares with his sudden presence.

Dunwair's fire, now upon the Strike Crusher, has the same accuracy issues as any Zoid whilst running with fixed guns, and his problem is made doubly so by the fact that his main guns are mounted to his arm, whilst the rest provide a very wide spread of fire.

The Strike Crusher continues to trample towards the Kong, weathering the hail of incoming fire peppering its front end. Dunwair preps his next move as Cole reaches the 150m mark from the Kong, leveling his Iron Spike as his boosters shut off so as not to over balance his Zoid.

There's a hiss and twhump as the Deadly Kong unleashes its Iron Spike, a smirk graces Dunwair's features.

Almost a fourth of a second later the Strike Crusher, Aries, unleashes one of its modified AZ Javelins, a sound similar to the one issuing forth from Dunwair's Zoid accompanying it.

The Iron Spike hits first, the five meter spike plowing into the Strike Crusher's right side between the shoulder and chest, just inside the collarbone.

A much longer, barbed ten meter AZ Spear lances through the Deadly Kong's left rear leg, slamming down into its shin at an angle and embedding itself in the dirt.

With a cry of glee, Cole sets the Strike Crusher into a lunge, coming in hard as the Kong its suddenly halted by the tug of the spear embedded in the ground through its shin.

A blast of Assault Cannon rounds slam into the Strike Crusher's right flank, courtesy of the Beryl Geno, but at this range its only somewhat accurate.

Dunwair draws the Battle Axe with resolve, not enough time to figure out the problem with his Zoid's leg, as there was a bandit to deal with. His Kong reared back with the Axe, gripping it in both hands.

The Strike Crusher lunged suddenly on Power Ram, and Dunwair swung mightily with the Axe in a horizontal blow. The timing is such that he can't get his Riot Shields in, but his blow rings true.

The Axe hits the right shoulder hard, cleaving into it deep before the Axe is torn clean from the Kong's hands, embedded in the Strike Crusher's shoulder as it plows into the Kong's left side and abdomen, left open from its wide horizontal swing. The power of the impact sends the Kong spinning wildly to the side and outwards, the Strike Crusher into a hard crash and skid, the axe tearing free of its shoulder wound.

The forged alloy chain link chattered out behind it and it eventually came to a shuddering stop, staggering to its feet, sparks issuing from the massive gaping wound in its shoulder.

Dunwair's Zoid began to rise, sporting some heavy denting across its left side, and is suddenly hammered by a trio of missiles courtesy of Scotty's passing Zaber Fang, staggering his Zoid back again some.

Cole took the momentary lapse to recover himself and resume racing towards the Cargo, as Dunwair's Kong struggled to rise but was having issues with the massive javelin embedding its leg to the ground.

If only he still had his axe, which had tumbled some ways away during the collision.

James continued to pepper the Zaber with fire, upping the damage along his opponent's front more and more the closer he came to his opponent. He was so focused on peppering the Cargo with artillery fire that he barely registered James coming in hard for a melee strike, even as Scotty crowed in triumph, his Zoid was rocked by the Gamma Saurer missile broadside and then it slamming into it, sending his Zoid for a mighty tumble.

James sent his Gamma Saurer boosting back whilst firing and then forward again, prepping his Zoid's claws. Scotty kept the Zaber moving, but one of the claws managed to latch onto the rear right hip of the Fang, the Geno swinging into position behind the Zaber.

110m away, the Cargo has suddenly shuddered to a halt, the massive armour damage to its back revealing the cavernous loading bay beyond, and access to its internal compartments. Smoke belched forth from places inside where fires more than probably burned.

The Heartshot Kid Disaster was dead in the water and could move no longer.

"Uhh...little help?" Clubber's deadpan was less than appropriate, and somehow perfectly so just the same.

Positions:

Zaber is 20m ahead of the Beryl Geno swinging into action after it. The Zaber is 110m from the Hover Cargo.

The Strike Crusher is 170m from the Hover Cargo. The Deadly Kong is 30m behind it. Its Battle Axe is between the two.

Damages:

Gamma Saurer: Scattered light impact damage to right leg from delivering a booster assisted kick at speed. Not much else. Missiles expended. Right claw attached to right hip of the Zaber.

Deadly Kong: Local heavy-severe damage where a 10m modified AZ Spear/Javelin lances through your left rear shin and into the ground at an angle. It makes moving quite awkward at the moment. Moderate armour crumpling across the left chest and abdomen from taking a hard ram. Light-heavy armour crumpling to the back and right side from the hard spinning tumble. Missile damage along the left side for moderate-light impacts around. Self Guided Rockets reloaded.

Zaber Fang: Blasts of moderate-light extend from left chest across the left shoulder from the rockets. Blasts from the Gamma Saurer's missiles hit the chest and right shoulders area and took the general grade of the shoulders to moderate ablating to moderate-light to the flank and across the chest. Scattered light-heavy armour damage up and down the front limbs. Local moderate-heavy dent to the front right-shin with flowing armour cracking. Missiles expended.

Strike Crusher: General light-heavy to the entire front end from inaccurate spray fire, local heavy-severe hole in the right collar where the rear tip of the Iron spike is just poking out, a meter or so. A massive gash exists on the right shoulder, armour split and hefty structure cleaved a big chunk, but holding at moderate-heavy to the structure underneath the cut. Impacts of moderate-light to the right side from Assault Cannon fire. One Javelin expended.

[Order is reversed, continue! Sorry for the long delay! Questions to my PM]

James grabbed on with his other claw, trying to position it so his opponent couldn't turn to face him. He continued firing everything he had at it, aiming at the damaged leg as best he could, or any other damaged spot he could see.

Once both claws were firmly attached, he shocked the Zaber and maneuvered around to it's side, using his Zoid's strong grappler cables to wrench it around towards him. He repeated this as long as he could, using his weight to pull the hopefully-under-100-ton Zoid towards him, trying to put it between himself and the strike Crusher.

Hopefully this would also stop it from shooting any more at the Hovercargo, though it may put his ally into the line of fire.

He made sure to use the Zaber as a shield should the Strike Crusher come for him, though if he was on the receiving end of a Power (or normal) ram, he would engage his boosters and try to make the contact point the large claws on his feet, making his opponent hurt while taking away some of the impact damage through the frictionless nature of his hovering.

Cole crowed with the rush of battle, Aries continuing to rumble towards Heartshot Kid Disaster without signs of stopping, despite the sparks issuing forth from the Iron Spike embedded in his Strike Crusher's collar.

The meager frontal guns on the Strike Crusher begin to fire upon the Gamma Saurer, Denton lining up the second modified AZ Spear, targetting the Gamma Saurer's biggest mass, its lower body.

"Time for a lil' rodeo, Jersey style!"

The spear launches and the Strike Crusher lets the chain unspool with it, enough to cover the distance between the two, and after hitting he sets the chain to halt, anchoring the Gamma Saurer down from getting any further. The Strike Crusher reeled in his chain as he charged, letting out slack on the other should the Deadly Kong try to act like a funky monkey.

"Go get 'em Shrike! Nobody messes with the Devils!"

Then Aries slammed into the Gamma Saurer.

Parmenion rumbled. He did not like being stapled to the ground. To be quite honest, neither did Dun. He was more at home in nimble Zoids, and being stuck in one place made the hairs on the back of his neck stand straight up. That needed to be fixed immediately.

--Start Move--

Dunwair immediately drew the Scimitar in his left hand. He held the modified pile bunker spear steady with his right hand for leverage, since it was anchored into the ground, and sliced off the end embedded to the ground. He was aiming to strike at the spear where it stuck out the back of his left leg, before it entered the ground. He was hoping that the heavy, sharp edge of the Scimitar would be able to slice through the relatively thin spear cleanly, especially with the Hulkbuster enhanced strength of the Deadly Kong. It was a sort of awkward strike, but with the Kong bracing as best he could and holding the spear steady, hopefully it would be a clean cut. Dunwair would use more strikes as necessary to sever the spear, though.

Once the spear was cut it would be the work of a moment to draw the rest of the haft out of his leg, as it was just a straight pole at that point with a probably sharp point. Dunwair put away the scimitar quickly, but kept the haft of the AZ spear in his right hand. It was still trailing that chain (which he made sure to stay aware of and not get himself tangled in) which might come in handy. He held it so that the chain would trail out to the side and not foul his legs.

Dunwair tried to accomplish that all quickly, and then he took off after the Strike Crusher. He set the reticule for the Twin Self Guided Mini-Rocket Launchers on that back right hip/leg area of the Strike Crusher (compensating more towards the hips, so that none of the rockets would fly wide of the enemy Zoid) and fired off all ten. He was looking to slow the enemy Zoid down and help rack up damage on that wounded right side.

He charged off after that Strike Crusher again using his hulkbuster enhanced arms and Maneuver Thruster Pack to assist his speed. Dun could see it was heading for the Gamma Saurer and Zaber Fang. Dun fired with the Dual AZ15mm machineguns, and also fired with the wrist-mounted Dual 40mm guns, timing them to fire as the rolling gait of the Kong made it possible to hit the incoming enemy. He was aiming specifically for the right rear leg of the Strike Crusher.

When he caught up with the Strike Crusher he came in behind it and smashed down into it's wounded rear right leg, right in the damaged hip area. He was going to knock it off balance and daze it a bit, so that this next maneuver was easier. He tugged on the haft of the spear he was still dragging to pool some extra length of chain, and quickly looped it around that rear right leg, passing the spear underneath the Zoid to his other hand and then sliding the chain up to the beat-up hip area. Then he pulled it tight and side stepped over to behind the left rear leg, switching the haft back to his right hand as he did so.

He was going to jam that shaft up into the inside of the upper thigh where it met the hip. He grabbed on to the Strike Crusher's back left leg with his left hand, low enough so he wouldn't risk stabbing himself, so that he could hold it steady and push it onto the broken spear at the same time, hoping to punch the spear straight through. He was stabbing up into inside of the left rear leg where it met the hip, seeking to imbed the haft into that spot, making it exceedingly difficult to move that right rear leg without causing further damage to the rear left leg and just generally tangling everything up back there. He tried to explosively stab/jam it up right into and through the inside of the joint area. He wasn't going to spend a lot of time back there, even if it couldn't punch all the way through it'd still encumber the Strike Crusher horribly. But should he get it through he'd grab the part sticking out of the other side of the leg and bend it, so it would stay good and jammed in there.

Then he jumped up (maneuver pack assisted) and slammed down on the back hips again, letting the full weight of his Zoid come down behind all the strength he could muster, seeking to break up those hips and stagger the enemy again. He drew out the Scimitar, moved over to the Strike Crusher's right side, and started hacking and slamming into that damaged front right shoulder, focusing on where the axe wound and javelin wound had already made a big weak spot, seeking to open it up further and break stuff apart in there, killing the leg and tearing out internals.

He avoided the Zaber Fang in his approach, shoulder tackling it out of the way should it try to come in for melee. Parmenion was pissed, and the Strike Crusher was going to be on the sorry end of a beating before he felt any better.

--End Move--


"Nobody messes with the Devils? Ha. We're gonna send you sorry little punks back to hell."

[Posting NPC move, letting it sit a day or so and will judge]

Scotty Shrike gulped.

The Gamma Saurer had almost gotten ahold of his modified Zaber, only half a grip but it would soon turn to try for a better hold. His console pinged, the sensors notifying him that he had made his breach in the hull of the Heartshot.

Right, gotta get on board and get back whats ours...or else we're sunk with the boss!

He pushed the Zaber's controls, still making for the Hover Cargo and dragging the Gamma Saurer with him if he had to. The back mounted cannons rotated to the rear, joining the linear cannon mounted to the tail in a withering hail on the Saurer.

Then he did something odd. He was sure he could get to within 50m of the Cargo, and it had since stopped moving. Right at the moment his Zaber could move no longer he moved into action.

Slapping the auto-hatch release, he let the Zaber duck low and swung out of his cockpit restraints, grabbing his personal grappling gun, more looking like a crude harpoon affixed to a rifle.

Then he leapt free, leaving the Zaber as bait for the Gamma pilot, with a demented "Wheee" and then "Ohhfff" as he hit ground, still moving at a decent clip due to physics. He managed to tuck and roll some and come up in a dash for the Cargo, leveling his launcher and letting fly.

He clambered up the line, into the gaping wound of the Cargo's shell.

"Haha, fooled ya once!" He crowed, leaping into the transport.

Dunwair curses at his Deadly Kong's predicament and draws the Scimitar, adjusting his awkward position so he could get a better swing at the chain attached to the AZ Javelin piercing his Kong's lower limb.

The Zoid that fired said spear, Aries the Strike Crusher, continued rumbling onwards towards the other two in the day, leveling its remaining AZ Javelin.

James tracked Scotty Shrike's Zaber and its brazen charge past, greeted by a pivoting of artillery and linear cannons as he moved to guide his Gamma Saurer into pursuit, pulling up the selector for the next grappling claw launch.

The grappler fires off as the AZ Spear slams into the armour just above the Gamma Saurer's hip and the spooled chain tightens, jerking the Saurer as it fires. The Claw's trajectory is such at it deflects off the armour of the Zaber rather than snagging hold, and Shrike's Zaber continues to pull at the line as suddenly and momentarily the four Zoids are connected by lines of all sorts.

The Deadly Kong to the Strike Crusher, unspooling chain from that particular line as it tramples towards the Gamma Saurer, jerking the slack occasionally to unbalance the Saurer, who was connected to the Zaber via a claw, its other free claw beginning to reel back in.

There's a clang of metal on metal as Dunwair's Kong swings its Scimitar down against the weapon holding him down. Though the chain may have been the weaker point, he manages to find a stable point to swing from, and it takes three hurried chops but he manages to sever his bonds. With a groan of metal the Kong stumbles forward and upward again, drawing the javelin out from his wound and hefting it in his palm, turning to take off after the Strike Crusher with vengeance on his mind.

Meanwhile, James continues to concentrate on Shrike's Zaber, blasting away and resetting for another launch of his free claw. His Zoid is groaning from the stress of being pulled in two directions, from the Strike Crusher tugging on its chain to holding on the Zaber as it strained and pulled against the single claw grip the Saurer had achieved. The left claw being stuck into the Zaber's left hip meant his body had to cross somewhat with his boosters off, and it was producing an awkward stumble in the Gamma Saurer even as it pulled against its own lines, trying to slow up the Zaber.

Fire is hitting him from the Strike Crusher and Zaber and suddenly he finds the Zaber Fang rapidly deccelerating towards him. Dunwair depresses the triggers and sends Self Guided rockets and other gunfire the Strike Crusher's way, hammering its aft end. James barely has the time to adjust and register what had just happened before he's trying to avoid the Zaber now skidding into his path.

Shrike's form tumbled free of the stalling Zaber's cockpit, the pull of three Zoids connected via the lines eventually halting the forward momentum of the lead of the group, allowing him a somewhat sane speed to jump from. He tumbled some, tucking his form in as he rolled but somehow came up running and unhurt for the most of it, save a few cuts, bruises and rips in his clothing. And he was sprinting fast.

He leveled the grappling gun he had taken from his cockpit and beyond him the Gamma, moving without its boosters active moves into driving a booster assisted kick into it as he fires, nailing the Zoid's aft hip hard and latching on the other claw.

It's then that he catches a glimpse of the running Shrike making for the Hover Cargo on foot, and before he can do anything about it, the Strike Crusher slams into the pile, its rear end a ruin from the firing it was receiving from the Deadly Kong charging after it. Dunwair's Zoid was limping slightly but still bringing the hurt.

James used the Zaber's lifeless form as somewhat of a shield, its body taking the brunt of the massive ram delivered by the Strike Crusher. Shrike's grappler finds purchase on board the Cargo and he snaps the line to his belt, rapidly zipping up and aboard Heartshot.

Scotty turns to wave at the mess down below and winces as he sees Dunwair slamming the appropriated AZ Javelin into the Crusher's rear hip hard, the Gamma Saurer now firing from overtop the downed Zaber at the Crusher.

"Hey guys? Did one of them just get on board?" a worried voice, Clubber's called. He looked around the cockpit for the "anti-intruder" system, finding the crowbar nestled underneath a console.

Positions:

Shrike has just boarded Heartshot Kid Disaster, via the loading bay. Clubber is in the Command level.

63m from the Heartshot, the Gamma Saurer holds the inert Zaber between it and the Strike Crusher, whose horns/head are still down lowered into the Zaber's side. Behind him, the Deadly Kong has just executed its strike with the javelin and is drawing his Scimitar.

Damages:

Gamma Saurer: Scattered light impact damage to right leg from delivering a booster assisted kick at speed. Scattered moderate-light damages from incoming Strike Crusher fire to the right side of the torso and hip. Moderate-light armour stripping to the chest from brief Zaber fire. Local heavy-severe hole above the left hip, AZ Javelin stuck in a meter and sticking out almost vertically, still attached via slack chain. Moderate-light structural stress from being pulled in two directions so awkwardly. Missiles expended. Claws attached to right hip and side of the Zaber.

Deadly Kong: Local heavy-severe damage where a 10m modified AZ Spear/Javelin had pierced through your left rear shin. 5% hit to mobility. Moderate armour crumpling across the left chest and abdomen from taking a hard ram. Light-heavy armour crumpling to the back and right side from the hard spinning tumble. Missile damage along the left side for moderate-light impacts around. Self Guided Rockets expended.

Zaber Fang: Blasts of moderate-light extend from left chest across the left shoulder from the rockets. Blasts from the Gamma Saurer's missiles hit the chest and right shoulders area and took the general grade of the shoulders to moderate ablating to moderate-light to the flank and across the chest. Moderate armour damage up and down the front limbs. Local moderate-heavy dent to the front right-shin with flowing armour cracking. Heavy-light armour denting from taking an unprotected Ram attack, Missiles expended. Inert.

Strike Crusher: General moderate-light to the entire front end, local heavy-severe hole in the right collar where the rear tip of the Iron spike is just poking out, a meter or so. A massive gash exists on the right shoulder, armour split and hefty structure cleaved a big chunk, but holding at moderate-heavy to the structure underneath the cut. Impacts of moderate to the right-front side from Assault Cannon fire. Rear end has armour damages at moderate-heavy in general grade all over, and an AZ Javelin stuck in the right hip through the stabilizer cap, about a meter or so deep, local heavy-severe and 15% mobility damage. Javelins expended.

Order is reversed, questions to my PM! Continue and remember to have fun!

Scotty was so pleased his plan had worked that when he had finally gotten on board the Hover Cargo he had to take the time to remember what he could of the layout. He had only ever ridden on a Hover Cargo once, and it had been ages ago. He had spent the majority of the trip clamped to the transport's outer hull in his Zoid whilst his gang mates halted it in its tracks and raided it.

Now it was his chance to get some fun and glory for himself. Maybe then he wouldn't be considered such a peon in the Jersey City Devils.

"Now what did Cole say it was? Some computer box or some such?" He moved cautiously down the corridor and deeper into the Hover Cargo.

He knew that the Cargo's pilot would be in there somewhere as well. When that revelation hit he drew the blade he kept in his boot cautiously, treading into the dimly lit corridor, emergency illumination strips the only source of light on the damaged Hover Cargo.

What the f...?

Dunwair saw the Zaber pilot tumble out of his Zoid and hurry to the Hover Cargo.

What are these guys after, that they are willing to take such drastic measures? Dunwair wondered to himself, his hands still flying across the controls, fighting the Kong.

I guess I'll have plenty of questions once we've got them trussed up.

"Be advised, Heartshot Kid. You have been boarded by one of the assailants, who is out of his Zoid. He didn't appear armed, but be careful." Dunwair kept his voice calm.

--Start Move--

Dunwair finished violently jamming the rest of the broken AZ Spear into the Strike Crusher's leg through that stabilizer cap. Feathering the Maneuver Thruster Pack, Dunwair leapt up as high as he could into the air while blasting with those boosters for extra height. He clasped his hands together around the the hilt of the scimitar for a massive double hammerfist right into that hip. He came down with all of his weight right onto that compromised rear leg, smashing down with all his strength and added momentum from the fall, looking to in essence finish off that rear leg by blowing it out, now that it was so structurally compromised.

Then he moved quickly to the Strike Crusher's side, and began slamming and hacking with the scimitar and his free fist, smashing that front right shoulder where he had inflicted the huge gash earlier in the match. He was looking to finish cleaving off that front limb, and put the Strike Crusher into Command System Freeze. As soon as it slumped into CSF, Dunwair opened a comm link to James.

"You think you can watch this guy while I go figure out where the other one went?" As Dunwair spoke, he walked over to the Zaber Fang. He reversed the grip on his scimitar, lifted the scimitar high, and then planted it into the open cockpit of the Zaber Fang, destroying the cockpit controls and rendering it inoperable until it got to a repair bay. With both enemy Zoids out of action, James should be able to keep things under control out here with no problem. All he was waiting on was James' reply.

--End Move--

Cole found himself in the unenviable position of having Dunwair's Deadly Kong savaging his Zoid's rear drive train.

There was little he could do but stay latched to the Gamma Saurer, delaying it any longer as he strained to tear free of the Deadly Kong and ram the Saurer.

"Go get 'em Scotty! Or else the boss' kill us both!" he called, fingers depressed on the triggers of the Strike Ram's meager frontal guns, trying in vain to tag to the Saurer, delivering a kick rearward with his good rear leg now and then.

"And get off my back!" he screamed at Dunwair, trying to dislodge the monkey and kick it in the gut.

James quickly released his hold on the unmoving Zaber Fang, reeling in the grapplers before firing them again, latching onto the front of the Strike Crusher, away from the heavily damaged areas, and pulling it tight, keeping it's horns pushed into the Fang and the Fang between them. All his available guns fired into the right shoulder, though he was careful not to let any spray past the Crusher into Dunwair's Zoid.

James made sure to move out of the way (cables included) of any of Dunwair's attacks, and once the Strike Crusher's Command System froze, he released it and moved back a few meters, keeping an eye on the Crusher's pilot and checking to make sure he didn't try to sneak out behind the two piled up Zoids, or try anything else. He also did his best to remove the javelin in his side.

"Go ahead, I've got it covered."

While he was waiting, James checked his medical supplies. He hoped he wouldn't need them, but with things the way they were, he wanted to be prepared.

With Shrike disappearing into the Hover Cargo, intent and target unknown, Dunwair and James proceed to double team the remaining opponent, Cole and his Strike Crusher. The resulting display of ass beating makes it out to be more like a sacrificial lamb, in this case, as though Cole delayed the two pilots long enough for Scotty to advance onboard the Heartshot, he now found himself pinned rather soundly.

A mighty crunch of armour and shrieking structure issued forth from the Crusher's rear end as Dunwair finished slamming his appropriated spear home with a mighty downward thrust. The javelin absolutely wrecked structure and vital drive components on its way down through the hip, and from across the Zaber's body James used the Gamma Saurer's claws to grapple across and anchor the Crusher in place.

A Scimitar rends through the beleaguered rear armour of Cole's Zoid and the leg goes offline, most of its connections severed, stabilizer caps nonfunctioning where they did remain. With a whirl, Dunwair swings the mighty Scimitar again, chopping back into that deep cleave he had left earlier in the match with the Battle Axe.

"You bastards!" Cole roars as his front end erupts in explosions, James carefully placing his shots away from Dunwair's butchery of the stuck Zoid. Armour flies in chunks from its front end under the careful barrage, and then suddenly with a schink! of metal, the Strike Crusher bays and falls to its side abruptly as Dunwair nearly snaps his Scimitar chopping through the rest of that tough Strike Crusher structure.

Cole's console reads CSF as Dunwair quickly slams the Scimitar down through the vacant Zaber Fang's cockpit. The blade actually does snap now, plowing downwards still through the cockpit at an odd angle before breaking off when it hit ground.

James gives the okay that he has things covered whilst Cole eyes the two active Zoids warily. He knows he's in a very, very bad spot now.

Dunwair proceeds to make for the Hover Cargo.

Positions:

James is guarding Cole's disabled Zoid and the vacant disabled Zaber, 60m behind the Heartshot. Dunwair has reached the base of the Cargo.

Damages:

Strike Crusher: CSF, heavy

Zaber: CSF, moderate


Gamma Saurer: Scattered light impact damage to right leg from delivering a booster assisted kick at speed. Moderate damages from incoming Strike Crusher fire to the right side of the torso and hip. Moderate-light armour stripping to the chest from brief Zaber fire. Local heavy-severe hole above the left hip, AZ Javelin stuck in a meter and sticking out almost vertically, still attached via slack chain. Moderate-light structural stress from being pulled in two directions so awkwardly. Missiles expended.

Deadly Kong: Local heavy-severe damage where a 10m modified AZ Spear/Javelin had pierced through your left rear shin. 5% hit to mobility. Moderate armour crumpling across the left chest and abdomen from taking a hard ram. Light-heavy armour crumpling to the back and right side from the hard spinning tumble. Missile damage along the left side for moderate-light impacts around. Self Guided Rockets expended.

Order is reversed, continue! Questions to my PM.

James kept his cockpit canopy down, wary of any handheld weapons the bandit may have. He pulled his bow out from where it was stashed in case the bandit tried to run for it. Most may question why he would bring his bow with him for [Zoid] target practice, but James had always had a healthy dose of paranoia, and it appeared his concern was not entirely misplaced.

He broadcast toward the Strike Crusher.

"I don't really want to shoot you, because then I would feel obliged to waste medical supplies on the wound. So I would ask that you exit your Zoid, without any personal weapons on you."

James didn't expect for a second that his request would be heeded, but it was always good to try. After all, no-one could blame him for putting an arrow through the guy if he had warned him.

Especially when he would do his best to apply first aid to the wound.

Probably.

Cole glared up at the Gamma Saurer, futilely working the controls of his Strike Crusher.

"Come on you piece of shit, move!"

It was to no avail, however. James and Dunwair's earlier assault had done a number on the Crusher and it was currently offline.

Cole hated to admit it, but he knew his opponent had the upper hand...for now. He sat there fuming, but his anger was clouding his ability to think of anything other than holding his hands up in surrender.

"No shit, well I don't feel like getting shot either," he sneered upwards at the Saurer through the Strike Crusher's armoured cockpit canopy.

"Who the hell are you guys anyways, don't you know this guy stole from us? Why are you shooting us down?!"

Dunwair immediately moved to put his Deadly Kong’s arm, palm facing upwards, into the best position so that he could easily scramble along the arm from the cockpit into the hole in the Hover Cargo. That would significantly reduce the amount of time it would take him to pursue the bandit, since he would not need to completely disembark and then climb up the outer face of the Hover Cargo, given that he didn’t have a fancy grappling gun. He attempted to put the Deadly Kong’s arm so that it would be a relatively smooth path, but he was willing to trust his balance and physical abilities and training to get him into the Hover Cargo. As he put his arm in that position, he snapped off a last second comm.

“Alright, I’m going in after the other one James.” Dun figured that if worst came to worst, James could always just step on the Strike Crusher’s head. Without being able to open the cockpit, that bandit wouldn’t be able to go anywhere.

Switching to broadcast to the Hover Cargo, Dunwair snapped a quick message to Clubber. “Please tell me you don’t have any Zoids on board?” Dunwair only waited a few moments for an answer. He was really hoping he wasn’t about to walk into a Zoid fight with only a gun. But he was also cognizant of the fact that Clubber might have left the bridge to attempt to fight off the boarder, so Dun didn’t wait more than a few moments, using the time to settle the Kong’s arm as comfortably as possible. He hoped the pilot had enough sense to stay put in the bridge, or Dun had a feeling that he was going to have to rescue him from a hostage situation as well.

Dun patted Parmenion’s cockpit as he scrambled out of it onto the Zoid’s shoulder. “I’ll take it from here, soldier,” he murmured to the Zoid, and almost thought he felt a rumble of assent from deep within the Zoid. Shutting the cockpit after he exited so that should the bandit get free he wouldn’t be able to jack his Zoid, Dunwair then scrambled along the Deadly Kong’s arm and into the Hover Cargo.

He left his shotgun in the Deadly Kong on purpose. Not only would it be unwieldy in the Hover Cargo, he didn’t want to spook the bandit by being any more commando-looking than he already was, and a tactical assault shotgun wasn’t likely to reduce the impression. Upon entering the Hover Cargo, Dunwair drew his handheld flashlight from his utility belt with his left hand and his pistol with his right. Bracing his right hand on his left wrist, he aligned the business end of his gun with the beam from the flashlight, and began to move his way into the Hover Cargo.

He knew the bandits were after some kind of cargo. As long as that cargo wasn’t a stolen Zoid, Dunwair figured he could handle whatever situation presented itself. And even then... well, he did have a few grenades on him. As soon as he encountered someone, he shined his flashlight in their eyes, and loudly warned them to surrender or risk bodily harm.

Scotty knew that the Cargo's pilot probably was aware that he had boarded by now, and he made his way further into the transport steadily, the dim emergency lightning strips guiding his way.

He passed through a large lounge area, intent on the door beyond, when he heard the hissing sound of the door's hydraulics preparing to open.

The darkened silhouette of Clubber graced the doorway and Scotty whirled and ducked behind a couch quickly, holding his breathing in check.

He was quiet.

The booted steps of the transport pilot's cautious gait into the lounge were the only sound, and came deliriously close to where Scotty crouched in silence.

Clubber had a crowbar in one hand, a small pistol in the other, and he walked right past the couch where Scotty crouched, not seeing that the door beyond had already been opened.

With his back to Shrike, the Jersey Devil leapt, and a loud yell sounded up and down the corridors of the Hover Cargo, surely heard by Dunwair as he slowly moved inward.

[Posting Order: James, Dunwair]

James considered a moment.

"At this point in time, that is irrelevant. I received a distress call from a transport under attack from two Zoids, and responded in a way which I deemed appropriate. The said transport and your Zoids are disabled for now, so no-one is going anywhere until Dunwair and myself can determine just what is going on here. Then we'll sort things out."

He paused a moment.

"Perhaps chasing him down and forcibly taking the object of your concern back was not the best course of action, yes? Unless that was your only option... because it isn't something you'd want the authorities to know about?"

Dunwair heard a yell from further in the Hover Cargo. He moved swiftly towards the noise. He wasn't a stealth specialist, though he had been meaning to learn how to do those types of things; he was more a kick the door down and break through any resistance type.

Really ought to broaden my horizons, there. Thank the powers that be I've got body armor. Dunwair thought to himself with a grimace, his eyes never stopping scanning his surroundings as he hurried towards the source of the noise.

He had been all over his own Team's Hover Cargo, and knew the layout of the Zoid very well. He proceeded with some care but mostly speed, covering the distance quickly. He had his gun and flashlight out in the same orientation as before, at the ready.

He didn't want to go for any kind of kill shot, but he wasn't willing to risk his own safety and returned fire if fired upon. He only went so far out of the goodness of his own heart, after all. Upon encountering anyone, he treated them as a potential foe. He stuck to cover, and demanded they identify themselves and surrender any weapons. This whole thing had gone sideways as soon as that guy had jumped out of his Zoid in the middle of combat.

He was going to get to the bottom of this.

Cole spat at James' response.

"Who're you to assume it's even something the authorities have any comprehension about, much less authority over." He scowled at the useless controls of his Zoid. The types of pilots that had taken him down, the gung-ho fight for right types, they pissed him off the most.

"Like I said, we're taking back what's ours, the only way we know how."

----------------------------

Inside the Hover Cargo, Dunwair proceeded cautiously, that was until he heard the loud sound of a struggle from further inside the transport. There was a loud clang, and another shout.

In the lounge, Scotty had gotten the drop on Clubber, but in his haste to surprise his target he failed to notice the ottoman placed alongside the couch he hid behind. As he rose to tackle the man from behind his left shin caught the corner of the blue upholstered piece, sending him into somewhat of a half-tumble into the man.

The jolt still sent Clubber sprawling forward onto the ground, with Scotty draped across the back of his legs. The impact with the floor sent the crowbar clattering away from his reach.

Both men's eyes seemed to fall to the small snub nosed pistol that Clubber held in his other hand and as if on cue both men began to struggle, Clubber attempting to roll over and get Scotty off his back while Shrike attempted to keep that gun arm from coming around.

Picking up the pace after detecting the source of the clamor, Dunwair finally made his way to the corridor connecting the lounge to the main passage of the Cargo. Beyond he could see that the door was ajar, the room lit. The sounds of struggle issued forth from within the room.

Holding his gun and light steady, Dunwair stuck to the wall, edging up to the only cover available, the side of the door unit. His eyes narrowed. Somehow between making it from the hall to the door the sounds of struggle had silenced.

"Identify yourself and surrender your weapons," Dunwair called firmly from cover just beyond the door.

Shrike looked up from where he had Clubber pinned, the man's snub-nosed pistol was still in his hand, but Shrike had the arm pinned for now, elbow pushing at the base of the man's skull to hold him down alongside his own bodyweight.

"You know who were are!" Scotty yelled back, "The Devils! And I ain't surrenderin' nuthin' when this guy's packin' more than I got with me! He's going to give us back what he stole!"

If I let him go now he'll shoot me.

Clubber grit out a curse, "Get offa me ya bastard," he winced as the edge of the man's elbow pressed into his neck. "I don't know what you're talkin' about, I ain't got nothin' of yours!"

[Continue, free form order]

No struggling indicates an impasse. Probably now or never, then.

"I am coming in." Dunwair said as he stepped slowly into the room. He quickly moved out of the line of fire any weapons.

Seeing the men tangled on the the floor, he looked to see if he could identify the man that had jumped from the Zaber Fang. Failing that, he would simply ask who was who. Hopefully from their voices, if not their responses, he would be able to determine who was the bandit and who was the pilot of the Hover Cargo.

"The way I see it, you guys have something personal between the two of you. If you can both behave like gentlemen, then I think we can figure this out without anyone getting hurt." Dunwair didn't really like playing moderator, but being the captain of a ZBC team did come with a certain amount of responsibility, and he had learned how to do it.

The fundamental falsehood that these two had heretofore assumed, however, was that Dunwair was on either one of their sides. He had responded to the distress call because he figured there might a reward, whether in monetary value or goods or simply connections. That didn't mean that he was contractually obligated, though, and his services were always up for the highest bidder when he wasn't under contract. Part of being a Soldier of Fortune.

"First things first, hold nice and still while I divest you two of that revolver before someone gets hurt. I'm gonna move nice and slow, and you're both gonna be calm about it and relax. No funny business. One of you shoots the other one, I'll truss you up and leave you for the authorities to deal with." Keeping his gun trained on the guy in the dominant position in the grapple, Dunwair moved slowly forward. He stayed out of the line of fire and did his best to stay out of easy reach from either combatant, taking their grappled position into consideration. He also turned his flashlight off and put it away. With his now free hand, he slowly but firmly took the small pistol, flicking on the safety and turning it away from himself as he pulled it from the man holding it. No sudden movements, but plenty of force if necessary. He was ready for any mischief on the part of either of the two, and not afraid to smack one of them if they tried anything. He didn't want to use lethal force, though, just reinforce the fact that they were not going to be able to come anywhere close to overpowering him. He had trained too long and hard for a couple of lowlifes to get the better of him.

Once he had both guns, he straightened up and backed up. Leaning against the wall, he motioned for each of them to take a seat. Being ambidextrous had its perks; he could shoot equally well with either hand, and he kept a gun trained on each man. After quickly checking to make sure each gun had a round chambered, he clicked the safeties back off.

He hoped they would sit down. This was likely to take a little while.

"Now. Let's hear the story, one at a time. Preferably I'd like to hear it from the bandit's perspective first." He looked each of them straight in the eye before continuing. "I want you two to each take a deep breath, and then I want to hear the truth. I don't know either of you. So if I feel like you're just stringing me along, I'll cuff you to each other and leave you for what passes as law enforcement in Harbor to take care of you."

Dunwair smiled, a decidedly wicked grin. "Neither of you have promised me anything, and I don't owe either of you. If I don't get answers, I can always recoup my losses by selling your Zoids and cargo."

The only way they know how... Doesn't say much for their intelligence. James thought absently.

"Comprehension, huh? How about you tell me what this object is and why it's so important? We're likely to be here a while anyway, but maybe you can expedite the process."

He paused a moment. This was a rather [extremely] long conversation for him, and all this talking was beginning to irk him.

"I have no reason to turn you over to the authorities as of right now, but I'll tire of this eventually, and I'm not leaving you out here to fight it out among yourselves; I'll not be part of that. I'm sure you'd rather deal with me than them.. or Dunwair."

The last addition was really an idle threat: James didn't actually know Dunwair well enough to comment on that particular area of 'interest', but he was willing to make an assumption under the circumstances. James himself was certainly not inclined towards any form of serious interrogation.

"Feh," Cole crossed his arms. He was done talking to that block head. If they were going to stick their noses in other people's business as if they were had the right to police the world, then let them.

He didn't have to reveal anything he didn't want to.

---------------------------------

Both men ceased their struggles and stared slack-jawed as Dunwair leveled his pistol at them and made his demands.

Shrike had already raised his hands and was beginning to back away. Clubber looked just about as irritated and confused as one could get, but slid the small hold out across the floor before rolling away from the rising Shrike with a scowl.

What is this?! he seethed inwardly. Save the transport then rob it yourself!?

Scotty backed away a step or two.

"Easy now," he gulped. He let the knife he carried fall to the floor as well. "What's the deal anyways?" He spoke somewhat hastily. "We're just gettin' back what he stole from us."

Clubber rolled his eyes, rubbing his sore shoulder as he moved to put distance between both himself, Dunwar and Shrike. He sat in a chair and huffed.

"I can't see how I stole what I paid for from a junkyard," he said through grit teeth. "If you Devils weren't so double-dealing," he narrowed his eyes, "Or maybe if you all actually paid attention to your inventory," he looked to Dunwair, "You'd know I already worked out the deal for the salvage."

Scotty Shrike wasn't the smartest individual. He wasn't very high ranking with the Devils and only worked muscle and protection when they needed it. His lack of intelligence, though leading him to perform stupid stunts, often did lead him to get the facts wrong.

Still...Cole was really worried.

"Well Cole says you stole it, so we gotta take it back. That's the long and short o' the matter, mister mercenary, sir," Shrike threw a lazy, sarcastic salute at Dunwair. "I dunno what it is, but orders is orders."

"I bought it fair and square. He stole it from us." Dunwair repeated as much to himself as to the other men in the room, verging on disgust at this little display. Dunwair was getting a little tired of the posturing. It did seem as though the bandit didn't have much of a case, but Dunwair was curious enough to follow the trail and see where it lead.

"What is it? What did you buy?" he gestured at Clubber. "And don't tell me 'salvage', either. What was it that you bought that they want back so badly. If you've got a log of what you're hauling, that would be a quicker way to get to the bottom of things. We can see exactly what items are being contested that way."

Turning to Shrike, he asked for roughly the same information. "What did he steal from you? Why did you and your partner try to gun him down instead of trying to get it back by bringing attention to his crime?"

Dunwair had one other question, though he listened to the answers first. He kept a sharp eye on both of the men, and didn't relax his posture at all. He was fine with them giving him answers, but he was perpetuating a slight air of urgency. He didn't want them to think he was not paying attention and try to make a break for it. He didn't really feel like chasing people down through the Hover Cargo, and he'd likely end up getting rough with them if they dragged this out by doing something so foolish as that.

"Do you have any kind of receipt or contract for what you bought?" He spoke to Clubber again. As much as Dun would love to be unbiased, he found it distasteful to deal with unintelligent people. It was his natural inclination to avoid such people, and he wanted answers. Thought out answers.

James smirked.

"Ignoring me won't aid you. In fact, I believe it will prove to do the opposite. We're staying here as looong as it takes."

James had no more to say to convince him to talk; communication was somewhat of a weak spot for him and he really had no idea how to resolve this situation other than to call in someone. He wasn't going to do that without at least talking to Dunwair first, and he was actually quite curious about the situation he found himself in.

It also occurred to him that he didn't have a way to contact Dunwair inside the Hover Cargo, and he wouldn't know what happened in there until someone came out, be it Dunwair, the bandit, or even the pilot. He opened a radio channel to the Hover Cargo again, making sure the bandit in the Strike Crusher wouldn't hear him.

"Is anyone there? What's the situation inside?"

Not really expecting a response, he turned and moved his Zoid to the side a little so he would be able to watch the entrance to the Hover Cargo and the Strike Crusher at the same time.

What is this thing, that they're being so secretive about it?

Clubber sighed.

"I don't believe this man, attacked then held hostage by another dude buttin' in but seriously," he said, "It's part of a Zoid control interface, yanno, the stuff that goes into the cockpit to let you make a Zoid move better in combat. What you pilots use to drive those things, instead of lettin' em go wild."

Shrike seemed to be leaning in to listen, as if he had no idea what he had been chasing after and merely operating on orders.

When asked the similar question by Dunwair, he answered honestly.

"Didn't know what I was chasin' to get back, didn't care, just knew Cole said it was stolen and we had to get it back." He said succinctly. "Orders."

At the mention of a receipt Clubber couldn't help but snicker derisively, and even Shrike seemed amused.

"What kind of cash deal for used is likely to have a receipt," he spread his palms outward, "Very few used classifieds come with receipts, my friend."

Dunwair sighed inwardly, though he gave no outward sign. Of course they don't have any kind of record. It's a gang of bandits and a junk trader. Didn't hurt to ask, though. His eyes did narrow slightly at the snicker.

"Hey. I'm mediating. If I wanted to rob you, it would have already happened. And since you have yet to mention how you're going to compensate me and my friend out there for saving your ass from the Jersey boys, I don't see as how I owe you anything. In fact, I think a fair case could be made for you owing me." Dunwair was a patient man, and to be honest he found the whole situation to be a tad comical. He was in no particular hurry to finish things up, and would not allow carelessness to make him less than thorough. "Add to that the fact that there seems to be some grounds for dispute as to who is in the right here... It bears investigation." Dunwair didn't bother trying to sound righteous or anything. He was investigating how the cards were stacked as much to make sure he was betting on the right side as on the side of Right.

Maybe Clubber would simply make him a good enough offer that he would choose to end things faster, but since the man didn't seem overly keen to shell out due to gratitude... why not sweat the guy? And who knows, maybe the item really was stolen, or more evidence would turn up shedding a less pleasant light on Clubber's motivations. Unfortunately, it appeared Shrike was just a dumb grunt, which meant that the Jersey boys weren't going to have much of a speaker on their behalf, which nettled Dunwair ever so slightly. He preferred having all the information. These were a few of the thoughts that swirled through Dunwair's head, as he thought things through briefly before nodding once.

"Let's go and take a look at this item you ambiguously describe, shall we? Considering your description could cover anything from a joystick to an organoid, I'm finding myself less than adequately informed." He gestured the men towards the storage areas of the Hover Cargo. "You guys can go first, no sudden moves. Use common sense. Trying anything stupid when a competent guy has a gun on you tends to end pretty badly. And believe it or not, I don't particularly want to hurt you if I don't have to. Just trying to get to the bottom of all of this."

He let them have a few feet of separation, keeping them well within range of pinpoint accuracy but not close enough that they could attempt to catch him off guard. When they got to the storage bay, Dunwair motioned for Clubber to show him the item in contention.

Any attempt at resistance was met with a painful but not permanently debilitating show of force. Dunwair doesn't really want a bloodbath, and these men seem willing to more or less meekly go along with the situation.

James sighed inwardly at the lack of response. Nothing to do but wait, I suppose. He began looking through the damage readouts on his Zoid's console, trying to figure out a rough estimate on how much this little..intervention..was likely to cost him, and whether he would be able to somehow make up the losses from something in the situation he found himself in.

I wonder how Dunwair is getting along?

Clubber was having a hard time keeping his emotions in check at this point, his jaw clenching.

"Very well, if you really need proof," he gestured for them to go, and even Shrike seemed somewhat put of by Dunwair's behaviour at this point. The two men shared a glance that seemed to suggest they were no longer regarding each other as enemies in this situation.

The two men made their way for an intermediary storage area where Clubber had stored two crates of moderate size.

"Over there," he held his hands out and open, a show that he had no tricks up his sleeves, no weapons.

"Hey...Devil," he indicated Shrike, "Grab that other box cover will ya? And don't be stupid, don't want Mister Paranoia over here to get twitchy."

The two men moved to remove the latched covers to the storage containers, discarding the lids to the side. Inside, Dunwair could see what basically amounted to what Clubber had attested to: circuit boards, wiring, connectors, a few monitor components in the box nearest Clubber and more circuitry, additional connectors and other assorted gismos were in Shrikes.

"See?" Clubber said, "Told ya. Tell him," he nodded to Shrike.

"Ehh...yeah," he said hesitantly, "Those look kinda like the kinds of junk we got layin' around all over."

The two looked to Dunwair, as if giving him time to figure it out before both their patience wore thin.

Dunwair took in the cargo. He ignored Clubber's weak jabs, understanding that the man was in a tight spot. Letting his frustration get to him was his own fault, though; did a man in his line of work really expect a couple of strangers to stick out their necks and play white knight? Sorry, no gryphons here.

He should count himself lucky that he was still in control of his Zoid, with cargo intact. There were a lot of worse ways this could have gone for him.

"Well, Scotty... your argument doesn't seem to have much weight any more. Especially not after you've conceded that this is exactly the type of thing your crew would be liable to sell. And like I said before on the comm; you're a long way from home. This isn't Jersey City, and you're not in any kind of position of power here."

Dunwair thought for a minute, gesturing with one of the guns that the two men could pack the cargo back up.

"I guess all that's left to be settled is what we're going to do with the bandits and what you're going to pay me and my buddy out there for saving your bacon, mate." Dunwair spoke directly to Clubber, but did not ignore Shrike. Dun knew that now that Shrike had lost the pot, he was liable to lose his head too and do something stupid.

While he kept an eye on Scotty, he waited for Clubber to speak his mind. Dun went so far as to train both guns on Scotty, both to suppress any potential foolishness and to hopefully make Clubber feel a bit more comfortable. A bit more... generous, if you will. But Dun is no fool, and he stays alert to any signs of trouble from either man.

"Well..." James mused over the open channel. "If your buddy's skills on foot are anything like his in a Zoid, I imagine my buddy is about done in there, and you're about to be in a rather ...more... awkward position."

He waited to give the and a moment to consider, hoping the message would get through this time.

"I'm giving you one last chance to tell me whats going on, and save me the trouble of having to ask Dunwair. And that's not a threat: I believe there won't be time for another chance. Understand?"

James had rather exceptional patience, but he felt bad for leaving Dunwair to do all the work inside the Hover Cargo. He was, of course, likely much more suited to do so; A bow wasn't the best for close quarters in confined spaces. Nevertheless, James hoped he could be of assistance, maybe by obtaining a little information that Dunwair couldn't get from the others.

Clubber couldn't hide the small smirk of satisfaction in winning the argument, and Shrike seemed to droop some. With both guns turning to the Jersey City Devil member, it was clear who Dunwair D'adamas had sided with in this argument of ownership.

The transport pilot held his hands up again, despite the fact that guns were no longer trained on him.

"I, ah, 'spose that's not off the mark given the situation," he rubbed the back of his neck, eyes averting upwards as if pondering a number. "I got a few connecs in the city, I guess I can burn a few favours to cover some sort of reward for you and your buddy savin' my ass."

-----------------------

Inside his cockpit, Cole was growing worried that Scotty had not been successful in gaining control over the Cargo and its...well...cargo.

Maybe that guy stopped 'im...if that's the case looks like he'll side with 'im too.

"Hey...jerk," he communicated with the Zaber Fang's pilot via short-wave communicator.

"Not that it means much, but I honestly don't know what the stuff is for." He paused allowing that to sink in before elaborating more. "It was sold by accident though, like, we had to get it back...else the boss'd have our asses."

He glanced at the Cargo, then back to his control board.

"It was reserved for the 13th Flag, that's all I know."

And we are so screwed if they find out.

------------------------

Within the confines of the Heartshot, the negotiations continued, Dunwair's mediating pistols having yielded the floor to Clubber.

"How's this," he counted off on his fingers, "15,000 thousand for the two of you to split, this Cargo is insured, I can take it off that in the repair bill....and I can kick in an additional five thousand from my personal safe right now..."

He had an idea then as well, "Oh, I got an in at one of the local repair bays in town, I'm sure we could get yer Zoids fixed up nice and good to go as well."

Scotty seemed to be resigned to his fate for now, and he was smart enough to know not to make any rash moves until he knew what they had decided upon for his fate.

"Sound good?"

Dunwair pondered for a moment. He wasn't particularly trying to sweat Clubber, he was actually thinking about something completely separate from the reward amount, which seemed pretty fair.

What are we going to do with the gangsters? They may be low level thugs, but I don't have any particular desire to take on the entirety of the Jersey City Devils. Going to have to attempt to be a bit delicate with this one.

Dunwair nodded absentmindedly to Clubber, while he was thinking through potential solutions. His focus sharpened, as he responded, "Seems like a fair enough figure. You're a businessman who needs to mind his margins, and to be honest... I've had much harder fights. $10k apiece for me and my buddy out there should be agreeable to him as well. Free repairs are a much appreciated icing."

He looked meaningfully from Clubber to Scotty. "What are we going to do about these guys, though? I think that it would probably be bad for your continued ability to appear in Jersey City if we're too harsh with them, but they are the ones who started trouble."

Dunwair had a couple ideas, but he was willing to see what Clubber suggested first. Clubber obviously had experience with the Devils, while Dun had only been through Jersey City in passing, and only a few times at that. He didn't know enough about them to be able to accurately predict reactions, and at the end of the day... most of the blowback from this was likely to fall on Clubber anyway.

So... looks like a couple of grunts just made a mistake and tried to fix it themselves before their boss found out...

James heard the bandit pause and assumed he was finished, bringing a small frown of frustration to his face, before he realized there was more to come.

The 13th Flag!? So this is connected to the Septs... James paused a moment to curse that he still knew so little of them. I'll have to find more information... Maybe Dunwair knows something?

He didn't reply to the bandit immediately, instead taking some time to think the situation over.