01: To Grow and Learn, As a Bondsman Becomes a Brigadier

[gurrenbrigbonded]

[1]

Matthew should be happy. He has risen from the status of bondsman to become a Mechwarrior again, proven himself to his new clan in combat twice, and acquired many potent (well, zany) comrades and allies. His star is truly on the rise, even more so because the Gurren Brigade is a small group.

And yet, he finds himself troubled: by moral quandaries, elaborate philosophical dilemmas, the conflict between the traditions he came from and the urgings of his heart.

More immediately, though, he is troubled by his Nova, which is...wrecked. An arm blasted off, the armor is pitted and cored, and the gyro system half near pretty much melted.

He notices certain techs in the hangar bay glaring at him.

"Ah..."

[2]

Matthew has organized a discussion group in one of the lounges, for a very specific group of people: former Jade Falcon Clansmen taken as bondsmen. The topics on discussion are varied: how people are settling in, what interesting things have happened, gossip about the more infamous members of the Chalice...and culture shock, of course. The massive culture shock. And the shouting of attack names: what's with that?

There are refreshments of course. And booze. And cookies.

Matthew chats with a few fellow former Falconers. He really perks up, however, when Trothkin from his former Star show up.

[I figured this would be a good way to develop plot related to all the Clanner shenanigans, as well as explore characters both pc and npc. Anyone who has/is connected somehow to a bondsman, feel free to come over. And everyone else, too. There are cookies.]

[3]

Matthew walks down the hallway, whistling a merry tune.

Then he stumbles midstep, his eyes widening as he realizes the awful truth.

"I...I uttered a contraction in the midst of battle!" He cries out.

Comments

[gurrenbrigbonded]

Oh Gender Neutral Dog in a Hormonally Perturbed State, you did not just say that. Have all the glares.

"You have obviously not been listening. I assumed that the breeding programs of Clan Wolf produced a higher level of baseline cognition than this. To clarify, the phrase 'brotherhood of manly souls' was completely of Demon Leader Kamina's invention."

His face loses it's anger, and gains some frustration.

"I have a feeling he does not understand the implications of some of his speech patterns. I shall have to explain this to him. Along with the concept of Zelbrigen."

He sighs and focuses on the next question.

"Let us perform a cutdown on this antagonism of ours, Star Captain Resnick. Cease to impugn my honor and dedication to the traditions of Kerensky, and I shall take you to see the Glorious Combination known as Gurren-Lagann in person. Does this satisfy you?"

[hominilupusinexilio]

"I shall temporarily cease poking holes in your Falcon...ex-Falcon pretension to see it, but if it is not impressive they will be redoubled." What a hypocrite. It wasn't for no reason that people had whispered that he'd be happier as a Falcon behind his back, for his inflexibility and preening.

"Perhaps you could engage Laura Ericks' services? She helped us adapt upon arrival." And poor Laura while they were at it. No good deed went unpunished.

[gurrenbrigbonded]

"An cordial response for once, and a helpful suggestion!"

Tech-pilot Ericks was very nice to Matthew upon arrival. She also introduced him to the concept of Magical Girls.

"Truly I have witnessed a second miracle this day!" He says. He crooks his finger at Resnick.

"Now come...let me show you the other miracle."

He strides down the hall, chin held high. He beckons you into the hanger bay, and spreads his arms wide.

"Behold!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xozBWZr_68

"The Incarnation of the inexhaustible fires of courage! The combination of true camaraderie!

Gurren-Lagann!"

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/8234/1295770658194.jpg

No, no just kidding. Here is is.

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091220124612/gurennlagann/images/f/f3/Gurrenlagann.gif

how big is it?

[hominilupusinexilio]

One could be forgiven for thinking that was what the Ursus was, with the grinning death's head seemingly incorporated into the the torso.

"An intriguing design. Still, one cannot evaluate a mech until one sees it used in battle. I will refrain from mocking you until then, unless you do something requiring it. What are its capabilities, then?"

Actually, he wanted to climb up there and give it a spin, see how it compared to his own Timber Wolf, but damned if he'd admit it.

[gurrenbrigbonded]

[Probably 20 Kaminas or so in height. Broad and thick and firetruck red.]

"Potent strength and speed, certainly. The ability to project a spiral green energy barrier, and melee weapon drills that deploy from the wrist ports. Potent physical jumping distance. The ability to combine and separate, of course."

[hominilupusinexilio]

"Hm. That is an impressive list. As I said, I will wait until seeing it in battle to decide whether to continue to mock you."

He really didn't want to give that up, as it was very satisfying. But honor might demand it.

"Physical jumping distance? You mean jump jets, quiaff?"

[gurrenbrigbonded]

Matthew grins. "No jumpjet features have been discovered yet."

Does he mean...?

[hominilupusinexilio]

"You mean the mech physically jumps?"

In other words: Mario mech time?

[gurrenbrigbonded]

"To quite respectable heights." Matthew replies smugly.

"This is the strength of Gurren Lagann." He frowns. "Though I doubt this Mech could pull off quite as many feats without the strength of it's pilot...Simon the Digger."

[hominilupusinexilio]

There are so many ellipses.

"That is another thing I will believe when I see myself. Who is this Simon-The-Digger?"

He cracks his knuckles, anticipating a challenge.

[gurrenbrigbonded]

[You know...that it...is dramatic!]

Matthew holds up a hand.

"He is rather young. And I would advise against trying to pull off your games of dominance with him."

[hominilupusinexilio]

He grinned wolfishly, natch.

"Dominance games are what we do." He would have added 'if you have not forgotten' if he hadn't just promised not to mock him. "But I do not fight sibbies. I merely wish to see the machine in action, for which you cannot find me at fault since you showed it to me in the first place."

[gurrenbrigbonded]

Matthew looks thoughtful.

"You may be right. Some toughening up and challenge may be just what he needs. And regardless, some proper training exercises might be just what is needed to get the Gurren Brigade properly into shape. I shall see what I can do."

He pauses.

"Not for your sake, of course." He adds haughtily.

[hominilupusinexilio]

"Newly abtakha and already you are looking to get them 'properly into shape'...Although I will admit some Clan discipline would do them good."

Not that he was ever likely to live down having blown up that acid pit himself.

[gurrenbrigbonded]

"And a proper grounding in tactics. The Demon Leader Kamina...certainly does not hesitate in any action."

[hominilupusinexilio]

He nodded, finding the first thing they agree on yet.

"Would they listen if we tried to teach them?"

[gurrenbrigbonded]

"They probably would not show to any lesson willingly..."

Matthew suddenly gets a scheming look on his face.

"But if we used guile, combined with copious amounts of food–"

[hominilupusinexilio]

"I hope you are not suggesting we lie, quineg? We must also set them a good example." Unity between Clans trumped rivalry between them in this case.

[gurrenbrigbonded]

"Neg. We would not need to use deception."

Technically.

"But merely the offer of good food will provide a strong incentive to the two of them, and gain their attention while there."

He pulls out a tablet and jots down some e-notes.

"We shall need meat." He murmurs to himself.

[hominilupusinexilio]

"This had best be a very good idea if I am to give up any of my meat." At least he hadn't asked him to give up any of his Terran junk food. He thought of the truffles Adette had given him...neg, that would be too much to ask.

[gurrenbrigbonded]

[Fresh Meat!!!!!]

Matthew stiffens his chest, eyes blazing.

"Neg. I shall not require your meat. A Ex-Jade Falcon turned member of the valiant Gurren Brigade should be able to find or kill meat on his own! What kind of warrior would I be if I could not do so?"