Session date: 2025-06-08
January 5, 3025
Max awakens in the early morning to the sound of mechanical tools being used in the hallway just outside his door. He creeps to the door and throws it open. The lights are out in the hall, and the dim illumination from his room traces a looming figure.
Max tackles forward, collides with a metal structure, and starts scuffling with the man outside. The man starts yelling, “DEST! DEST!” The other mechwarriors begin to awaken and pile into the hallway.
Max’s opponent tries to escape down the hallway, but Max tackles him to the ground. With electric torches, the others examine the scene. A ladder and toolbox are in the hall, and a ceiling access panel removed. Power to both lights and intercoms is nonfunctional in the hallway. The man is a technician, Brandon Jones, wearing a night vision visor.
Nathaniel summons the MPs, who verify Brandon’s identity. He also confirms the work order with Brandon’s commander, directs Joanna to write up an incident report, informs Captain MacCathasaigh, and sends an apology to Brandon.
The Second decides to pause their investigation and see if the MPs can solve the case with the additional evidence they have gathered, or wait until more evidence turns up.
The Second spends the day in the simulators again. Max scans the simulator area for bugs or sabotage, and finds nothing. Joanna orders her mech’s head-mounted missiles replaced with anti-infantry fragmentation missiles.
The Second takes dinner in the officers’ mess. Nathaniel talks with Leftenant Acharekar, and they decide to set up joint exercises. Joanna speaks with Leftenant JG Scott. Scott was installed in his position by a chemical magnate who wants a family member among the AFFS officers. She asks him about Major Lawson, and Scott says that Lawson is changeable, based on his moods. The rest of the lance tries again to get on good terms with Quartermaster Correra.
Major Lawson arrives in a foul mood. The conversation dies down, and Max slips out to reward Phillip with the promised night on the town. Jamero accompanies them.
At the strip club, Max splits from the other two. He is approached by a woman in a bright red dress. She flirts with Max, but at first he only cares about business. She introduces herself as Monica, and she works in design and manufacturing. She takes Max home to show him her portfolio of sport groundcar designs, and he agrees to invest in her factory. He spends the night with her.
