chikaidestroyer | ∞ 76: Preparations for battle [written]

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∞ 76: Preparations for battle [written]

How disappointing. One would think the Malnosso would compile their willing volunteers instead of taking risks like this.

[Directed towards the drafted residents (even if they refused to go)]

Though some of you have already said you will not participate, I am reminding you that your request has been "noted" and nothing more. It's still entirely possible the scientists will find a way to force you to go. This is said as a precaution; do not presume you will be allowed to stay, and prepare accordingly. There must be a reason they gave such a specific list instead of calling for volunteers to report in.

That said, if any of you wish to participate in planning, or feel the need to go into this battle with some ideas in mind, know that I will coordinate with you as best I can.
I expect we will have a few who will do what they wish out there alone, regardless of any tactics, but the majority will benefit from cooperative attacks.

For those who are unaware, we had previously fought against 300 individuals with a combat force of approximately 150. That battle lasted about two days, with complete elimination of the intruders. The disadvantages this time around are obvious; we will be the invading force with much smaller numbers and on unfamiliar terrain, thus leading to greater risks of fatigue and death.

[Filtered to Ted]

Ted, I would like to speak with you before this reporting date.

[Filtered to Luc and Hugo]

Luc, Hugo. If you are up to some longer-term practice, I would like to speak with you.

[Filtered to Gurren Lagann!Simon]

How have you been doing with your tunneling, Simon?

[Off-journal communication to Yuber]

I believe it is time that I add a clause to the contract.

[ooc: The "directed towards" cut is not a filter; anyone can read it. All of Albert's filters are unhackable unless otherwise noted.

Albert's also available for action tags. Just notate that it's an action tag in the subject line.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She looks up at him once he's moved close enough, giving him a slow nod.] ... How are your preparations going?

[He joins her in the yard, hands in his coat pockets.] Slowly enough. I suppose it hasn't quite sunken in that this is happening. It's an unusual way to go to battle.

It may not sink in completely until you're out there.

Have you arranged for someone to guard you?

[A shake of the head at the question, though he does look contemplative. He probably should have done that, huh?]

[She's a little surprised that he didn't think of that already. He'll get a disapproving look for that.] ... I won't be there to patch you up, you know.

[It isn't that he hasn't thought of it...] I know that. I also don't intend to get in harm's way.

I've yet to figure out my role once we are out there. It's a wide expanse to keep track of our numbers.

You may not intend to, but you can't say for certain. Whether or not things end up changing once you can see the area for yourselves, at the very least you would have some form of arrangement in place.

I will speak with someone before we leave. My concern is with the group's long-term effectiveness; we will supposedly be fighting out there for a week. Less than 30 combatants. Two hundred Third Party cultists. [He snorts in disgust; he would much more prefer a larger scale movement.]

I'll make sure that you do.

... It's a test, after all. A low number of people chosen, and part of them submitted against their will. They may not entirely have success for this in mind, even with the change in ... leadership of the organization.

[The slight disgusted look on Albert's face gives way for faint amusement.] What a cynical outlook, Professor. Setting us up for failure?

Less bodies to collect, after all. Or at least, as many as they're willing to spare while keeping the 'project' intact.

Then I suppose I should be saying 'Goodbye' instead of 'See you later.'

Don't be ridiculous. I was merely pointing out a possibility.

[He may just be dryly laughing. At that look on your face.]

[....]

Although, if it's comforting thoughts you prefer, you could always keep in mind that even with the odds stacked up against them, smaller groups - at least in this particular collection of people we have here - tend to fare better against an abundance of opponents. You may have even seen it for your own eyes as well.

So I have noticed. Still, the mechanics of such 'ragtag groups' defy realistic scenarios. If such dynamics truly worked, entire worlds would be ruled by a small handful of people -- and then again toppled by another 'ragtag group.'

It's not as far from reality as you would think. But not all groups can be cast into the same category, anyway.

[Well then. Let's not even start into the issue of worlds with only two distinct countries.] Perhaps it's a reality that makes sense to you.

The idea of it didn't sit well with me either. It's only when you've lived through such things that you can see how situations happen.

In any case, it still should be a comfort.

We will have to see. I'm sure a good number of us will not be familiar with the kind of technology that city seems to have. That may be another advantage in the cultists' favor.

It will be something for you all to discuss beforehand. Hopefully it won't be too difficult to navigate.

No, I suppose not. A handful of those drafted have the means to fly under their own power. Another handful are specifically suited for fighting airborne enemies -- archers, mages. [Perhaps the Malnosso had more reason than first believed to request for who they did.] As long as we can move quickly and disperse when the enemy coordinates, we will keep losses at a minimum.

... Indeed. They still would have the upper hand on coordinating well together, unfortunately.

Does Astrid know you'll be going, yet?

[That particularly question makes Albert look in the direction of the stable.]

...I imagine she will be very disappointed.

[She follows his gaze.] ... Mmm. I don't doubt it.

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