Do you have what it takes? [OPEN]

[fieldpromoted]

PT finished at 0700, and the pilots and new recruits got a half hour to cool off before they got into the cockpits of their assorted craft. In the two hours since 0500 they ran several miles, did push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups, and then a hundred jumping jacks to get the blood pumping. "You don't even want to think about how much force you put on your body when you're piloting," Trudy said at the start of the exercises. "Pilots need to be in peak condition to handle it."

Those who were used to doing the training five days out of the week would be out of breath but not exhausted. Anyone new, however, might have a little trouble getting their wind back.

"All right everyone, gather around. We have a few new recruits today, so we're not going to be running the Zokez scenario. I know you're all heartbroken." She kept a straight face, but that was a definite joke. She was sick of running the Zokez scenario. "We'll be doing some standard training exercises - maneuverability and gunning practice."

The track and exercise equipment melted away, and in its place the hangar of the Macross Quarter materialized with all its fighters and mobile suits. "Outside is a standard sim course. I'm going to have the recruits run it first to see how they handle and then the squadrons will go out as a unit. Recruits, let's put you in birds."

((OOC: This log is for anyone who signed up to fly a mobile suit, a VF or an X-wing and is not already in Starfighter Command. The flight sim is like something you'd see out of the training missions on Star Fox - fly through the rings, shoot the enemies, avoid the obstacles it throws at you like sheets of scrap and asteroids. EDIT: Subthreads for the squadrons are now up!))

Comments

[fieldpromoted]

"It's a high-speed snubfighter with the capability to transform between different combat modes," Trudy said. "There's the fighter mode that you see, a Battdroid mode for close-quarters combat - smaller turn radius makes for higher maneuverability. Then there's GERWALK, and intermediate mode used for combat close to a horizontal plane."

She walked closer to the fighter to point out its weaponry. "Standard armament is four beam cannons, two micro-missile launchers and a gun pod that's used in GERWALK and Battdroid mode. There are six additional points under the wings to mount more payload, which we might end up scavenging from the extra VFs and putting on our craft. It also comes equipped with a shielding system that can stand up to a few barrages before it's overwhelmed."

[death_adept]

A transforming fighter? Now that was different, but could prove quite useful in particular situations he mused. Nodding briefly at Trudy's explanation, he would see just what it could do soon enough.

Walking over to the craft with her, the Vindicare observed the armaments with some scrutiny, noting each of the vast array of weapons the VF appeared to be carrying. "Are there any long-range precision weapon's available for the craft?" He asked as he looked over where the gun-pod was stored before turning his head slightly back towards her, "Such weapons are my specialty," He added simply as way of explanation.

[fieldpromoted]

"You'd have to talk to Captain Blanc about that - he's the one in charge of the VFs and their equipment." She smiled a little. "He's a sniper too, and a damn good one. I'm sure he'll be happy to know there's another one in his ranks."

Michael's fighter was modified with a long-range beam rifle, so Jalith would be able to see how it performed during the group exercises.

[death_adept]

"I shall be sure to, General," Jalith gave the slightest nod at that, another sniper and an experienced one it sounded. He would have to see about observing the Captain's skill as a sniper for himself.

With a last look over the underside of the craft Jalith climbed the ladder to the open cockpit. His gaze sweeping over the numerous controls, noting similarities between previously used craft as well as those parts that seemed quite different to those he had used before. The whole assembly a good deal more refined and sleek than the usual layout of imperial technology.

[fieldpromoted]

"Think you can handle it?" Trudy asked. She was trying to get a feel for him - he seemed like he was similar to Zouichi; kind of stone faced but probably a good pilot. "The controls are fairly intuitive. The main difference between these babies and a standard snubfighter is this right here." She pointed out the control sequence for shifting between modes. It wasn't hard, mostly converting energy output from the engines to the transformation.

[death_adept]

The gaze of his bionic eyes lingered over the controls a moment longer before nodding as he looked back to Trudy, "It should not prove too difficult," he commented as he took the moment to slide into the cockpit, noting the control sequence, a sidelong glance given up to Trudy with but the hint of a smirk in the quirk of his lips "One way to find out, shall we?" Strapping himself in as he familiarizes himself with the controls before hitting button to close the canopy as he powered up the engines.

[fieldpromoted]

That was the sign of a good pilot - willing to jump feet first into an unknown craft and determined to learn it. They'd lucked out during this podpop and Trudy's spirits were lifting.

The training exercise was the same progression of difficulty that the others ran, scaling up from maneuverability exercises with no enemy craft to an overwhelming amount of Shrikes that would blast anyone out of the sky - eventually.

[death_adept]

Not long from the start Jalith had a reasonable feel for the crafts mobility, easily guiding the craft through each and every ring. Switching between modes on occasion to get a feel for both primary modes of the craft. His enhanced and honed reflexes giving him the ability to easily dodge all of the obstacles thrown his way.

Even as shrike after shrike was thrown at him the Vindicare weaved and dodged with the aid of his training along with his greatly enhanced reactions, weaving through veritable webs of shrike lance fire as he was forced to the defensive. In the end though of course, the lack of full familiarity of the craft and sheer number of attacks won out.

[fieldpromoted]

"Nice flying," Trudy said when he was teleported back to the hangar. "You have good reflexes - I'm glad to have you aboard. Welcome to Command, Ensign. You'll report to Captain Blanc in Skull Squadron from now on."

Skull was filling out, and Trudy was glad for it. More pilots in the VFs meant they could take better advantage of their unique capabilities.