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| Details |
| Author: | Alli |
| Summary: | Finnegan, Jocoza, Oranna and Tadget attend the recruitment and training for the Gnomeregan battle! ~7300 words. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
The team meets up in Tinker Town.
[Jocoza]: Oranna! How've you been keeping?
[Oranna]: Keepin' well. It's…a little strange being so warm again. Practically sweatin'. You?
Oranna waves at Tadget cheerily. "Lord Springblade!"
Oranna still calls her that.
[Tadget]: What's this, some kind of Hair Competition?
Oranna laughs at Tadget.
[Tadget]: Sup.
[Jocoza]: Oh you know, I've been in and out of Ironforge, but… Hair Competition?
Tadget gestures between the two smol Rapunzels.
[Tadget]: You know, you both let your hair down and see who has the most dramatic flowing tresses or whatever.
Oranna pulls her braid forward. It's done neatly, and as long as always. "I suppose I could enter one, if it was jus' length. An' by body ratio."
[Tadget]: And thickness. Thickness also matters.
[Jocoza]: Well, yours is lovely too, Tadget. It doesn't have to be long to be lovely.
[Tadget]: Oh, you.
[Tadget]: You're so… you.
[Oranna]: If we're judging by quality, it'll be a tough one.
Jocoza pats her hair bun and giggles.
[Tadget]: If we're judging by practicality, I win hands down.
Befound rumbles. She would win.
[Oranna]: My ma would agree with ye.
[Oranna]: "Shorn locks, no headlocks." Tha' was her policy.
[Tadget]: But in all seriousness… I guess you heard about the big Operation going down, huh.
Jocoza nods seriously. "I wanted Cobalt Company in on this. I mean, we're kind of a gnome-run Company? Partially, anyway."
Oranna nods at Tadget. "I heard about it, e'en up in Stormpeaks. Northrend, I mean. I'm glad ta lend a hand."
[Oranna]: Cobalt's always stood fer th' gnomes, an' what we can do for Gnomeregan.
[Jocoza]: I'd expect Black Company will be involved as well.
Tadget stands proudly and very tall. For her. Which isn't very.
Jocoza nods at Oranna.
[Tadget]: Oh yes, Inkie's definitely gonna get their grubby little paws all over this.
[Oranna]: Oh, ah. Is tha'…an animal companion of yers?
[Tadget]: Sort of.
Tadget giggles.
[Tadget]: My childhood bestie. Now runs the second best mercenary company in Azeroth.
[Oranna]: Oh, tha's…tha's verrah advanced fer an animal.
Befound is getting ideas, Tadget.
[Jocoza]: They're a professional acquaintance. *Jo smiles** Inkie Kettleblack.
[Tadget]: If you've read the Cobalt Company Code of Conduct, which I know you have, you're familiar with their work. They're uh, also a lawyer.
[Oranna]: Oh! That's incredible.
[Tadget]: They're a gnome, by the way. "Grubby little paws" was just me insulting them.
[Tadget]: As I do, with my friends.
[Oranna]: Ohhhh. Ach.
[Jocoza]: Alright, it's probably time to talk to the High Tinker. *Jo pats her hair buns again, making sure all is in place*
Tadget giggles.
[Oranna]: I was startin' ta picture one of those apes from Stranglethorn. They're verrah clever.
Tadget giggles.
[Tadget]: Cleverer than most lawyers.
[Oranna]: I gave them goggles at least.
Jo salutes High Tinker Mekkatorque with respect.
Tadget salutes High Tinker Mekkatorque with respect.
Oranna waves at the High Tinker. Hullo, again.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: You must be the volunteers from Cobalt Company! I'm proud such a noble establishment has taken an interest in our efforts here.
[Tadget]: A gnome-led company, so of course.
[Tadget]: Sir.
[Oranna]: Oh, aye. Cobalt Company always stands with our gnome allies.
[Jocoza]: Captain Jocoza Sparkwire here, at your service, sir. *Jo beams*
[Jocoza]: And these are our members Oranna Stormbreaker, Tadget Sharpgear, and Can't Be Found.
Befound purrs loudly, brushing up against Jo.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: Delightful! I've been working on recruitment, so maybe you can lend a hand.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: Our engineers have been working on getting our battle machines ready for our assault on Gnomeregan, but we're out of pilots!
[Tadget]: Well, Jo's good at recruitment, for sure.
[Tadget]: I should probably just keep my trap shut.
[Oranna]: Oh! Pilots…I've flown in some things, but half of them have exploded. No'….tha' ye needed ta know that.
[Jocoza]: And I know a… um, someone who works on airplanes. *Jo nods. She smiles at Tadget* You've as much right to speak here as I have.
[Oranna]: I didn't explode them!
[Oranna]: Tha' was…a…feature. I think.
Jocoza giggles at Oranna.
[Tadget]: I think maybe Oranna and I should both just let Jo do the talking.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: Yes, well, I do hope we won't be exploding the planes.
Tadget giggles at High Tinker Mekkatorque.
Oranna bites her bottom lip, in an attempt to shut the trap. Her face still says she is also hoping she doesn't explode the planes.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: I think the issue is helping people find the right motivation. We've developed a device called the Motivate-a-Tron, which prevents distraction from other sources and gives the gnome the courage to enlist.
Oranna looks uneasy. That sounds a lot like mind control.
[Tadget]: Oh nice! So I won't have to talk anyone into anything at all. That's much better.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: Exactly! Why rely on charm when engineering is so reliable?
Tadget catches Oranna's look. "Don't worry, we'll only be using it on gnomes; they're used to that sort of thing."
[Oranna]: Is it like…a trainin' clicker or…uh. *She trails off, looking at Tadget.*
[Tadget]: We'd never use mind-altering tech on non-consenting species.
[Oranna]: Shore.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: Oh, it's not mind control. The very idea! It's just to spark a little courage in the gnomish heart.
[Oranna]: Like…a firework or…?
[Tadget]: Think of it as activating a dormant courage unit.
[Oranna]: Do ye…ha' dormant….courage units??
Oranna has never heard of dormant courage units.
[Tadget]: Yep. Well mine isn't dormant.
[Oranna]: Oh, ah…well. If…yer sure.
[Tadget]: Completely.
[Jocoza]: I think mine was dormant for a while, but it hasn't been for years now. *Jo nods, this all seems ordinary*
Oranna does not look sure or convinced, but here she is. Ready to help with dormant courage units, she guesses.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: Anyway, I've got the devices here, so I'd recommend you give it a try and then take your newly-motivated would-be pilots down to Captain Tread Sparknozzle out at Steelgrill's Depot, just south of Ironforge.
[Oranna]: Oh, Sparknozzle. Tha's…are they…is tha' an offshoot, or just a coincidence?
Jocoza picks up the motivate-a-tron and then looks up at Oranna with a hmmm? "You mean because Spark?"
[Tadget]: That's like a dwarf having "Stone" in their name.
[Tadget]: or "Hammer."
Oranna nods. "Aye, jus' curious."
[Oranna]: An a lot of dwarven clans like tha' are related, far enough back.
[Jocoza]: Yeah, it's pretty common. Sparknozzle's a good name though.
[Jocoza]: Gnomes usually take names for their accomplishments, so it doesn't usually stretch very far back.
[Oranna]: Oh, aye. "Spark" tha'd be…electric things?
[Jocoza]: Yes, exactly! It was my mother's specialty.
Oranna nods. "Shore."
[Jocoza]: And now, I suppose, I'm pretty good at it myself, so I've not seen any need to change.
[Tadget]: I have no idea where Finn got Sharpgear from. But it's his own, I just wear it so people know I'm his.
[Oranna]: I'd say ye'd earned it as well.
[Tadget]: His brother is Skygear, for example.
[Tadget]: Was.
Jocoza smiles at both of them. "Oh? Then I can imagine why Sharp, for Finn."
[Oranna]: Oh, Sharp…an' Sky.
[Tadget]: He's super dead now.
[Tadget]: Sterco, I mean, not Finn. Anyway.
[Oranna]: I wonder if they're from another —gear type o' family..
[Jocoza]: Oh, that's sad. *Jo's smile falters.* But well, it's the state of things for so many of us these days.
[Tadget]: I can't remember what his parents' names are. I'll ask him sometime.
[Oranna]: Is tha' gear like, one o' the cogs of it, or gear like…stuff.
[Tadget]: Sometimes our names have double meanings. Slipshank had at least two.
Oranna looks over curiously at the Motivation Device.
[Oranna]: Is tha'…does that seem safe ta ye?
[Oranna]: In yer professional opinion.
[Jocoza]: Well, I'm going to give it a try. Ready… set…
[Jocoza]: Works just fine!
Jo uses it on a citizen.
Motivated Citizen says: I'd love to help!
Motivated Citizen says: Can I bring my wrench?
Oranna startles when it works instantly. "Oh, ah."
Tadget uses it on a citizen.
Motivated Citizen says: Sign me up!
Oranna uses it on a citizen.
Motivated Citizen says: Anything for King Mekkatorque!
[Jocoza]: See, totally safe! And now we've got a nice team of proto-pilots!
[Tadget]: This thing really works!
[Jocoza]: Let's head down to the depot!
[Tadget]: Okay everyone! Mount up!
Oranna looks around at the weirdly and suddenly motivated gnomes. This is…normal, right?
Tadget cheers!
Oranna isn't sure this is normal.
Jo cheers!
Tadget starts to charge.
The team heads to Kharanos, new recruits behind them.
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: I am going to teach you all what it takes to be a proper soldier!
Motivated Citizen says: My wrench of vengance awaits!
Motivated Citizen says: This is going to be fascinating!
Motivated Citizen says: How soon until the victory party starts? I'm ready to dance!
[Oranna]: Is this…oh, I see. Tha' a lot of recruits.
[Tadget]: It's a massive operation!
Tadget salutes Captain Tread Sparknozzle with respect.
[Tadget]: Reporting for duty SIR!
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: This is the best group of potential pilots you could find?
[Oranna]: Oh, ah. I mean…we didn't….check their credentials.
[Oranna]: They're verrah motivated though?
Tadget points at Oranna.
[Tadget]: They're very motivated!
[Oranna]: If tha'….helps….at all.
[Jocoza]: I thought they all looked pretty good… *Jo frowns nervously*
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: It's fine. I'll see what I can do. I've been known to turn even the biggest pile of gnarled gears into a smooth-runnin' fightin' machine and I expect no less with this lot. And they do look motivated…
[Oranna]: Damn straight!
Tadget nods at Oranna.
Befound stretches. Ah, comfy natural habitat. She looks less motivated and more like she could easily curl up for a nap in the snow.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Now, it's time to get to work!
[Jocoza]: Yes, sir!
Tadget cheers at Captain Tread Sparknozzle!
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: I'll handle training the pilots, but you three should go through basic training as well.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: And I should tell you, Gnome training is brutal and rigorous, so I hope you're ready.
[Tadget]: I'm 7th Legion, sir. I've killed a god. I'll be fine.
[Oranna]: Oh, ah. I've no'…killed a god. Wha' sort of trainin'?
[Jocoza]: And I was GDF reserve forces, activated in the last days of Gnomeregan. And I run a mercenary company. I'll be fine.
[Tadget]: I'm sure it'll be fine, don't worry, Oranna.
[Tadget]: If not I'm sure you can gnome up.
[Jocoza]: You've got this, Oranna. *Jo smiles up at her.*
Oranna is worrying. "Righ'. I'm sure…I can do somethin'."
[Tadget]: Don't worry, Oranna. I'm sure they'll see you're not a gnome and go easy on you.
[Tadget]: It's so nice of the less- uh the other peoples to help us.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Once you're prepared, head over to Drill Sergeant Steamcrank and he'll walk you through what you need to know.
Oranna nods uneasily. "It's a long held debt o' mine. Gnomes helped me out when I was at my own lowest. I'm…ready ta do wha' I can."
[Tadget]: Oh yeah? How'd we help you?
Befound idly swats at a bunny that gets too close.
Jocoza looks at Oranna curiously.
Tadget moves a little farther away from the giant swatting paw.
[Oranna]: Second War. I didna ha' a place in Ironforge. We werena in the City. But, a gnome did. She opened her house ta me an' my cousin.
[Tadget]: Wow!
[Jocoza]: Oh, that's so kind. *Jo smiles*
[Tadget]: I guess we're pretty used to sharing space.
[Oranna]: We'd ne'er met her afore. She jus' offered.
Jocoza nods. "Very gnomish of her. We have a sense of community."
[Tadget]: I suppose that's one of the strengths of our people. On the whole we're very sociable. I mean, I'm not. But gnomes in general.
[Oranna]: An' it was a kindness tha' I've always been happy ta repay, ta remember it.
[Oranna]: There were….a lot o' people in the house. But…it was a siege, so.
[Tadget]: Gnomes are great allies to have. You've all chosen wisely in supporting us.
[Oranna]: We were all crammed in, gnomes an' dwarves both.
[Jocoza]: It was such a rough time. I was in Gnomeregan then, myself.
Oranna nods. "Oh, aye. Tha's when ye met Elo, wasn't it?"
[Oranna]: The squirrel story.
[Jocoza]: But I can only imagine all the people in Dun Morogh packed into Ironforge and… yes! The squirrel. *Jo grins in fond memory*
[Tadget]: I always forget how long you've known that cheesebag.
[Jocoza]: I was a younger woman then. Of course, I'm still quite young.
Tadget 's gaze goes over Oranna's shoulder, and her eyes turn into green STARS.
Oranna nods. "Oh aye, shore. Ye canna be more than, wha'. 100? 150?"
Oranna looks over her shoulder.
[Oranna]: Oh! Finnegan J Sharpgear!
Jocoza laughs. "I'm not quite 100 yet, Oranna. Still young and… Finn!"
Oranna waves at Finnegan.
[Tadget]: Hey there, hot stuff.
[Finnegan]: Greetings! I hope I'm not terribly late.
Finnegan removes his mask, and tugs down his hood.
[Tadget]: Making a grand entrance as usual.
Tadget blows Finnegan a kiss.
Finnegan slides off his mechanostrider and smirks. "You make war look lovely."
Tadget hugs Finnegan.
[Jocoza]: Are you here to join preparations for the retaking of Gnomeregan?
[Oranna]: Finnegan J Sharpgear. It's been a little bit since I've seen ye. Ye look well.
Oranna smiles warmly.
[Tadget]: Ow ow ow those pauldrons. *keeps hugging*
[Finnegan]: Ah, as do you, dearest Oranna. And I am! There's no time like the present to retake the homeland!
Finnegan slides his hands around Tadget's waist and pulls in her for a kiss before he adjusts his goggles.
[Finnegan]: Now. Where were we? *Finnegan asks the group.*
[Tadget]: WAR.
[Oranna]: Ye did say once tha' ye thought it would be possible someday.
[Tadget]: Check in with Captain Sparknozzle over there.
[Finnegan]: It appears that someday has become *to*day!
Finnegan giggles at Oranna.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: *The captain clears his throat* I suppose there's no problem adding more to your team. The more recruits, the better chance we have!
[Oranna]: We've been told ta report ta a trainer.
[Oranna]: Fer…a brutal trainin'.
Finnegan salutes Captain Tread Sparknozzle with respect.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Indeed. And make sure you follow his orders when he gives them. I'm warning you though, it's tough over there. Come back to see me, if you make it.
Oranna looks nervous about this training. But she's still here.
[Tadget]: Pffft, he doesn't know who he's talking to here.
[Finnegan]: Ah, but of course, good Captain!
Finnegan smirks slyly at Captain Tread Sparknozzle.
Tadget gently pats Oranna.
[Jocoza]: I thiiink we'll be fine. I mean, I was there for the fall the retaking should be more cheerful.
[Oranna]: Oh, ah. Righ'. Cheerful…
[Finnegan]: One would hope. You look Captainly has ever, Jocoza.
[Jocoza]: Why thank you, and you're just as sharp!
Finnegan smirks slyly at you.
Oranna laughs.
Jocoza giggles back at Finn.
[Oranna]: We were talkin' about ye earlier, yer name.
[Oranna]: Is it 'gear' like a cog, gear, or gear like ah, stuff?
Finnegan says sidelong to Oranna with a savage grin. "A bit of both, perhaps some of neither."
Tadget beckons everyone over.
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: All right, you twisted mess of broken gears, let's get to work!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: I am going to teach you all what it takes to be a proper soldier!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: The first thing you need to learn is proper discipline.
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Show me that discipline with a proper salute when I say so!
[Tadget]: SIR YES SIR!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Okay, recruits, salute!
Tadget salutes Drill Sergeant Steamcrank with respect.
Jo salutes Drill Sergeant Steamcrank with respect.
Finnegan salutes Drill Sergeant Steamcrank with respect.
Oranna salutes Drill Sergeant Steamcrank with respect.
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Nice job!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: When you go into combat, it is important that you know how to intimidate the enemy with a deafening battle roar!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: When I give the signal, let loose your greatest roar!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Let me hear that battle roar!
Jo roars with bestial vigor at Drill Sergeant Steamcran. So fierce!
Tadget roars with bestial vigor at Drill Sergeant Steamcrank. So fierce!
Finnegan roars with bestial vigor at Drill Sergeant Steamcrank. So fierce!
Finnegan goes all out with the roaring.
[Oranna]: I — wha'.
Oranna attempts to roar on command.
Befound roars.
Oranna roars with bestial vigor at Drill Sergeant Steamcrank. So fierce!
[Tadget]: The cat excels at roaring.
Befound preens.
[Tadget]: Your roar needs a bit of work, I think, Oranna.
Oranna blushes, and draws a little circle in the snow with a foot. "I'm no'…really a roar-er. Roarer. Rorerere. Er."
Tadget giggles.
Oranna could probably roar better just trying to say Roarer.
Finnegan giggles at Oranna.
[Finnegan]: Oh, but you did your part! For Gnomeregan.
[Tadget]: Well your salute wasn't bad.
[Oranna]: I've seen it done a lot more. In Cobalt. Dane and Ben salute like tha'.
[Jocoza]: Can Befound do the roaring for you?
Finnegan peers at Befound searchingly.
[Finnegan]: What say you?
[Tadget]: Yeah, with Befound at your side I don't think you need to worry about intimidating the enemy.
Tadget smiles at Finnegan.
Finnegan smirks slyly at Tadget.
Befound lets out a roar of [Call of the Wild.] It's loud and oddly inspiring.
[Finnegan]: Oh my, how savage.
Finnegan grins wickedly at Befound.
Jo cheers at Befound.
Tadget jostles so the very tall Oranna doesn't block her view.
Oranna is jostled out of the way. Her height makes her look weirdly out of place around so many gnomes.
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Wow, nice and scary!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Remember though, a key factor in winning any battle is positive reinforcement.
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Reward your fellow soldiers in battle with a resounding cheer. Now, cheer at me when I tell you to!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Everyone, cheer!
Jo cheers at Drill Sergeant Steamcrank!
Tadget cheers at Drill Sergeant Steamcrank!
Finnegan cheers at Drill Sergeant Steamcrank!
Oranna at Drill Sergeant Steamcrank!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Fantastic!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: However, the most important part of battle is how you celebrate a good hard earned victory!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Show me your best victory dance when I give the signal!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Now, dance!
Tadget dances with Drill Sergeant Steamcrank.
Finnegan dances with Drill Sergeant Steamcrank.
Jo dances with Drill Sergeant Steamcrank.
Oranna dances with Drill Sergeant Steamcrank.
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: Superb!
Drill Sergeant Steamcrank says: You might be the best set of recruits I've ever seen!
[Jocoza]: I suppose that's the basic training.
They report back to the captain.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: You made it through in one piece? You have more gears than I thought!
[Jocoza]: Well, more Sharpgears than expected, for one thing!
Tadget giggles.
[Tadget]: There's three more where these came from.
[Finnegan]: Yes, we've accumulated a trio of spares.
[Oranna]: Tha' was…well, it was jus'…followin' orders.
[Oranna]: Was tha'…is tha' gnomish brutality?
[Finnegan]: I found it quite engaging.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Indeed, and that is quite a challenge! It is so easy to be distracted by the next interesting thing.
[Tadget]: It's more of practice in quick responses and stuff. Gnomes can be… distractible.
[Tadget]: Being tough comes naturally to us. Focus not so much.
Oranna nods. "Oh…shore."
[Oranna]: I'm good at focusin' on a thing a' time.
[Finnegan]: I'll have you know focus is one of my strong suits. Now, what were we talking about again?
Finnegan jokes dryly, mustache wiggling mischievously.
Tadget giggles at Finnegan.
You giggle at Finnegan.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Now I think you're ready to help out in earnest! We've gotta get these new mechano-tanks ready for the assault. You ready to help test these bad boys out?! Of course you are!
[Finnegan]: Ah, but of course, good Captain.
[Oranna]: Ah, they're no' gonna…is explodin' a feature?
[Tadget]: Define 'exploding.'
[Oranna]: Er. Boom?
[Jocoza]: Mechano-tanks? That sounds fascinating. May we take them apart?
[Tadget]: In theory, anything with a motor is undergoing a series of controlled explosions.
[Finnegan]: Don't talk dirty to me in public, Tadget.
Tadget giggles at Finnegan.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Um, no. To both questions. Explosion with the pilot inside would be a failure state.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: As would disassembly.
[Oranna]: Shore, but explodin' where we'd be, ah, ejected and or blown up. Without…ah, it being on purpose or well labeled?
Finnegan looks back to Captain Tread, curling his mustache.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Ejecting, that’s the idea! First, we need to make sure that once you're in, you can get out. In battle, if you think your tank is going to explode, get out!
Oranna nods. "Ah, good. Gnomish tech is always a lot easier ta predict. Especially when it's labeled."
Oranna looks over at the tanks. She's already wondering if it's going to explode. This is fine.
Finnegan looks over as well, humming to himself.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: I've seen many a good gnome stay in 'til the bitter end… then the tank blows up, and them along with it. You're wise to avoid explosions, my tall friend.
[Oranna]: Well I dinna mind them when I'm a safe distance away, I jus'…I like my eyebrows.
[Tadget]: Is it easy to get out?
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: It should be easy to get out now. I've upgraded this tank with an ejection seat. Try it out for me, will ya?
[Tadget]: Oh, that sounds fun.
[Oranna]: Oh, an ejection seat, aye.
[Finnegan]: Certainly!
Finnegan bows before Captain Tread Sparknozzle.
[Jocoza]: Oh, yes, let's give it a try!
[Tadget]: Okay, here we go.
Oranna pats herself down, checking for loose things.
[Tadget]: Ready?
[Finnegan]: Ladies first.
Tadget giggles hysterically.
The four of us try out the ejection seats.
[Finnegan]: Hmm. Looks to be in tip-top shape to me.
Oranna makes an ooooof sound as she lands in the snow.
[Jocoza]: Worked like a charm! Not too much force at all, and the angle was appropriate to get a nice parabolic trajectory.
[Finnegan]: I found it rather fun.
Oranna stands up, brushing snow off her armor. "Righ' well. Tha' was pretty…I think I'm heavier than it was expectin'."
[Tadget]: Good data.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: It's true, we did calibrate for gnomes, but… look on the bright side! You weren't blown to bits!
[Tadget]: Might want to test those on some draenei before you send them into battle.
Befound yawns at the tank. She is not getting ejected, sorry, gnomes.
[Oranna]: Can they e'en fit in those?
[Finnegan]: I would be surprised, I must say.
[Tadget]: Good point.
Oranna looks at the tank warily. "Those shoulders…wha' if they got caught in it?"
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: I am… not certain. I will check the logs to see how many draenei have signed up as recruits. We may need to custom-make their tanks.
[Finnegan]: Or the hooves. Or the horns!
[Finnegan]: … The tails.
Oranna nods. "Aye tha'…it's a whole thing."
[Tadget]: Finn.
[Tadget]: Focus.
Finnegan smirks impishly.
Oranna laughs.
Tadget giggles at Finnegan.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Well, my lovely dwarf friend, you can provide some breadth testing as we move forward with the unit.
[Oranna]: Shore!
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: My three gnome compatriots, let's consider you the depth testing.
Jocoza nods agreeably.
[Tadget]: Whatever you say, sir.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: With the ejection system working, I think we're ready to test out movement. This tank has an extra special feature: Automatic Evasive Maneuvers!
[Tadget]: Oh, you got AEMs working, nice.
[Finnegan]: Hmmm…?
[Oranna]: Oh, like…Aim. Tha's a nice one.
Finnegan looks at the rumbling tank.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Yes! You're familiar? We've had it in development for some time!
Tadget peers at it also.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: I want you to check out the servos on the left leg, the right leg and the Automatic Evasive Maneuver system. This is easy stuff, so it shouldn't take too long.
[Finnegan]: How terribly charming.
[Tadget]: Left, Right, AEM. Got it.
[Oranna]: Left. Righ'. An'…Aim.
[Finnegan]: Simple enough!
Finnegan clasps his hands together.
They try out the AEMs. Both controls move the right leg.
[Tadget]: Uhhh I detect a problem here.
[Finnegan]: I — believe — I see what you mean.
[Tadget]: About that left leg…
[Jocoza]: I think there's a few kinks to work out, sir, from the depth testing.
[Oranna]: Tha' was definitely no' a left leg movin'.
[Finnegan]: Unfortunately, I experienced much of the same.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: No? Left is… *Sparknozzle holds up both hands and extends his thumb and forefinger, staring at them quizzically* Oh.
[Oranna]: It was a bit like a joke o' pullin' someone's leg. But it was jus' the same leg.
[Tadget]: And I assure you we are not pulling YOUR leg, sir.
[Oranna]: No' unless ye've only got two righ' legs.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Right. I mean, left. I mean, correct. Hmm… so the left leg servo was activating the right leg? But I thought I saw the left leg moving… *he looks at his hands again*
[Tadget]: Were you looking in a mirror by any chance?
[Oranna]: Or, uh. I mean, if ye do ha' two…righ' legs…*Now Oranna is looking at his legs.*
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Eh, details. I'll get to that later, but two out of three things worked: That isn't half bad!
[Oranna]: Ah…are we…is this by rock-paper-scissors rules? Two out of three works?
[Tadget]: It's a pretty good grade in most human schools.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Alright, moving on! Safety systems, online! Motor functions, mostly functioning! Now all we need is to make sure that the guns will fire.
[Oranna]: I — ah. Shore. If tha's…yer process.
Oranna eyes the gun on the tank skeptically.
[Tadget]: Woo! Guns!
[Finnegan]: I defer to you, Captain Sparknozzle.
Finnegan smirks at something.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: You shouldn't need the left leg for this test, so it'll be fine.
Tadget points at Shooting Mechano-Tank.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: The mechano-tank on the hill behind us has been loaded with harmless pellets. Just fire off a couple rounds at the nearby targets and report back to me.
[Oranna]: I know how ta fire guns, but I dinna know how ta troubleshoot a mechanical one like this.
[Tadget]: Broaden your horizons!
[Oranna]: I can at least tell ye if the aiming system's off.
[Jocoza]: Well, we can give it a try and report back if it doesn't work?
[Tadget]: This is all new to me too. Love it.
[Jocoza]: You know what they say, hell is debugging other people's inventions.
Tadget laughs at you.
[Jocoza]: But we can get data!
Jocoza grins at Tadget.
They fire the guns. The bullets are a pretty wide spread.
[Tadget]: These guns are not big on precision.
[Finnegan]: Their hearts are in the right place, but not the correct servos.
[Jocoza]: They do have a good spread, though, so that might be useful for troggs.
Jocoza giggles at Finnegan.
[Oranna]: No precision, no easy sightin'…
[Finnegan]: Indeed, especially with the creatures bunched up.
[Tadget]: Yeah I guess with troggs and the way they kinda… mass together…
[Oranna]: Tha's gonna be a recipe fer a lot o' mistargetin' an' wasted ammo.
[Tadget]: So, yeah, sir, they are not super precise.
[Tadget]: Kind of like a spit take, but with bullets.
[Jocoza]: Sir, there's an issue with the sights. In that, there aren't any.
Finnegan cackles maniacally at you.
Oranna laughs at you.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Hmm… so you're saying the bullets had quite a bit of spread?
[Jocoza]: Yes, sir, that's what we're saying.
[Oranna]: Aye, exactly. No way ta see what yer aimin' at, and no way ta control the spread.
[Oranna]: It's worse than a shotgun.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: To some people that may be a problem… me, though. I see it as a blessing in disguise! Our enemies will be running all over the place, so with a bit of spread, the tank drivers won't need to lead the target!
[Tadget]: …Huh.
[Jocoza]: I… suppose. But… friendly fire?
[Tadget]: Everyone's in tanks.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Exactly! We'll all be in tanks.
Oranna makes an uneasy sound. "Friendly fire if people need ta get out of an explodin' tank. An' a lot of wasted resources."
[Finnegan]: I confess, I find that tactic intriguing.
[Finnegan]: Though historically I *do* favor more of a precise approach.
[Tadget]: Yes, you're very precise. Terrifyingly precise.
Finnegan smirks slyly at Tadget.
Finnegan lifts his goggles and side-eyes Tadget.
Tadget bats her lashes at him.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: Well, you might confer with the planners of this expedition, if you have thoughts on strategy!
[Oranna]: Somethin' ta worry about, if the tanks are takin' constant damage from other tanks as well…
Oranna glances back over at the tanks.
Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: In any case, that's it for the tanks. If you're still here to help, I'd recommend you speak to Pilot Muzzlesprock, just over there.
[Oranna]: Oh, aye, shore.
Oranna is still here to help.
Tadget greets Pilot Muzzlesprock with a hearty hello!
Oranna waves at Pilot Muzzlesprock.
[Oranna]: Hullo. We're here ta help.
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: You're here to help? And you've been through basic training, I take it.
[Tadget]: Hey, Muzzlesprock, do you know my husband? From the war?
Tadget points at Finnegan.
[Finnegan]: Muzzlesprock and I have an equal amount of blackmail against one another…
Finnegan grins wickedly at Pilot Muzzlesprock.
Tadget cackles maniacally at Finnegan.
[Tadget]: So, besties. Got it.
[Finnegan]: Though I'm still owed a favor from that red drake over the Badlands! Don't act like you don't remember, you knave!
Finnegan points at Pilot Muzzlesproct.
[Oranna]: Oh, ah. *Oranna glances between the two.* Is tha'..a good thing.
Finnegan cackles maniacally at Pilot Muzzlesprock.
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: Finnegan J. Sharpgear? I was not expecting to see you today! And don't you worry, I keep the evidence where I always do - somewhere you don't know. *He winks*
[Finnegan]: How charming.
[Tadget]: He's probably already moved it.
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: And the Badlands… I would've had that drake in another minute, my friend! The gullet was just a setback!
[Oranna]: Eh… tha's a pretty big setback.
Finnegan grins deviously at 'gullet' and slowly strokes his goatee.
Tadget rolls her eyes at the old war stories.
[Tadget]: Anyway, today we're here to help!
[Finnegan]: Yes!
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: Anyway! I suppose that answers my question as to your training.
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: You might ask why we're acting now, after so long. For Gnomeregan, I mean. We thought we could wait for the radiation to subside around Gnomeregan, but it doesn't appear to be getting any better.
Oranna nods, looking grim.
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: We can't afford to wait any longer! But if we want to take back our city, we need to make sure it's safe for our troops to enter.
[Oranna]: Tha' makes sense, aye.
[Finnegan]: Certainly.
[Tadget]: I'd prefer not to be excessively irradiated.
[Oranna]: Jus' medium well irradiated.
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: Take these Radiageigatrons, hop in 'Thunderflash' here, and toss them at the ventilation shafts outside of Gnomeregan. I'm sure you can all handle a plane.
[Finnegan]: There's a healthy amount of irradiation.
[Tadget]: Uhhhh radiawhat? Sorry, not an engineer, here.
[Oranna]: I…can handle a plane?
[Tadget]: These types of planes basically fly themselves.
Finnegan sighs wistfully.
Oranna looks over at the plane. "Like a lawyer plane."
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: You're with Finnegan J. Sharpgear! I bet you've picked it up along the way, my lady. Anyway, you don't need to understand how they work. They'll report the radiation levels directly to me.
[Finnegan]: Flying machines… Now these bring me back.
[Tadget]: Okay.
[Tadget]: Well, here goes nothin'.
They all fly a plane and drop detectors on radiation vents. There is some shouted conversation.
[Finnegan]: Off and away!
Flight carries on peacefully for a brief time, and then…
[Oranna]: DO THESE EXPLODE WITH A BUTTON OR WITH A BEEPING WARNING??
[Jocoza]: It's just like mine! It'll be fine!
[Oranna]: I DON'T SEE AN EJECTION BUTTON!
[Oranna]: I WOULD REALLY LOVE AN EJECTION BUTTON.
[Finnegan]: RI-HIIIIIDE THE LIGHTNING!
[Oranna]: I DON'T SEE A LIGHTNING BUTTON!
[Jocoza]: It'll be FINE, ORANNA! Mine hasn't exploded in MONTHS!
Then they all land more-or-less safely!
Tadget cheers at Pilot Muzzlesprock!
[Tadget]: We did it!
[Tadget]: I didn't crash or anything.
The pilot is hopping on the balls of his feet as they land.
Oranna stumbles awkwardly out of her plane, face planting in the snow as a boot gets caught.
[Oranna]: Oof.
[Finnegan]: Oh dear.
Tadget laughs and forgets to help Oranna up.
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: Indeed not! Fantastic work! The data I received shows the radiation levels are fully within the safety range of our suits. That is excellent news!
Finnegan waddles over to offer Oranna a hand, and a handkerchief.
[Tadget]: Nice!
[Oranna]: Well, I didna crash the plane at least. *She clambers up to her feet with the help of Finn.* Thank ye.
[Finnegan]: Excellent indeed, Sprockie.
[Tadget]: So we just suit up and go in then! Once the strategy is in place and whatnot.
Finnegan offers to wipe snow off of Oranna's face with the hankie.
Oranna holds still for face wiping. She has a red nose now.
Finnegan boops Oranna's noise and cackles madly.
Finnegan cackles maniacally at Oranna.
Oranna laughs at Finnegan.
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: Exactly! The last step is to perfect our rousing speech!
[Tadget]: Oh uh, I'm no good with speeches.
Finnegan peers at Pilot Muzzlesprock searchingly.
[Finnegan]: Oh, I've always enjoyed platitudes. Please, let's continue!
[Oranna]: Oh — we — we have ta give a speech??
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: Toby over there's been working on it, but he's running a little close to the deadline.
[Oranna]: Can I….can I go back in the no ejection plane instead?
[Tadget]: Don't worry, I think he just wants help writing it.
[Finnegan]: Ah, but the sense of adventure, and uncertainty!
Pilot Muzzlesprock says: Oh, it'll be fine! Just confer with Toby, maybe he's got a draft already.
Finnegan swings a fist through the air.
[Tadget]: I'm sure Finn and Jo can help.
[Oranna]: I'd rather throw bombs from th' plane.
[Jocoza]: I'd recommend finding a barrel to stand on…
[Oranna]: I'm no' the best with words. In writin' or sayin'.
[Finnegan]: The pen is mightier than the sword, but nowhere near the might of a radiation bomb.
[Tadget]: I'm good with words if what you want is to offend people.
[Oranna]: Do…do we want to offend people?
[Tadget]: We do not.
[Finnegan]: Toby Zeigear? I've followed your work closely…
[Oranna]: Is tha' a…motivation activation?
Toby Zeigear says: High Tinker Mekkatorque asked me to write a speech that he could give before the battle starts, but I just can't tell which draft is good and which ones just stink.
[Oranna]: Oh, another —gear.
Toby Zeigear says: This is really important, and I don't want to flub it!
[Finnegan]: Well, you have a quadruplet of literary critiques ready and able, standing before you!
Finnegan bows before Toby Zeigear.
[Tadget]: Uh, yeah, what he said. I guess.
Finnegan cackles maniacally at Tadget.
Toby looks at Finnegan in sudden hope. "You've read my work?"
[Finnegan]: Or perhaps listened to it come from the lips of the beloved High Tinker.
Oranna smiles awkwardly at Toby. She's uh, a quadruplet of literary critiques, shore.
[Finnegan]: Come now, good man, no need for shyness, you're amongst kind hearts.
Toby Zeigear says: Oh my goodness! Then you'll know my style, and how to polish it! Perfect!
Finnegan waddles over to pat Toby on the back and nods.
Toby Zeigear says: Could you try some of my drafts out on the local gnome residents? This device creates an image of Mekkatorque saying a few lines from each of my speech drafts.
[Tadget]: Ooooh.
[Jocoza]: Ah, so we won't have to deliver the speech ourselves.
[Oranna]: Oh, tha's…are ye sure tha' won't be jus'…one person's opinion?
Toby Zeigear says: Part of it's Mekkatorque's charisma, of course, so it's not an accurate test if it doesn't include that.
Oranna does not have Mekkatorque's charisma, it's true.
Tadget gets a little dreamy-eyed at the talk of Mekkatorque's charisma.
[Oranna]: I'm no' sure I have e'en Oranna's Charisma, so tha's gonna be a whole part o' it.
[Finnegan]: Oh, that sentence was riddled with Oranna's Charisma.
Toby Zeigear says: Go find Ozzie, Milli and Tog. They always give it to me straight. And listen to them yourself, as well.
[Finnegan]: Come! Let's test these speeches.
Tadget giggles at Finnegan.
Oranna laughs.
Milli says: Hello! How can I help you?
[Finnegan]: We would like to use you for research.
Finnegan smirks slyly at Milli Featherwhistle.
[Oranna]: Oh are ye — can ye jus' say tha' an' –
Milli says: Oh, certainly!
Tadget cackles maniacally at the situation.
[Oranna]: Apparently yes.
[Jocoza]: We want you to listen to a speech draft, let us know what you think.
Milli says: I'd be delighted to be useful!
Jocoza deploys her speecher.
Oranna startles at the speecher.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: They may take our lives, but they'll never take…
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: …our INNOVATION!
Milli Featherwhistle says: What? I don't even know what you're talking about! That's terrible!
[Finnegan]: Well, now, Toby's in earshot. A kind word turneth away wrath, Milli Vanilli…
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: …our INNOVATION!
[Oranna]: Well, how about…ah….*Oranna spins the metaphorical wheel on her speecher.*
The same speech rolls up. Milli has similar opinions.
[Tadget]: To Kharanos then.
[Oranna]: Oh! Ozzie and Razzle!
[Oranna]: Yer still here an' workin' on things.
[Jocoza]: We'd like you to listen to Toby's speech drafts!
[Tadget]: Sup.
[Tadget]: Show 'em the thing.
Ozzie says: Hello there, Oranna! And sure, we'll listen!
[Oranna]: It's good ta see ye again an' yer…hair. Is uh.
[Oranna]: Still no'…here.
Tadget tells Oranna to be quiet. Shhh!
[Finnegan]: I like it.
Ozzie says: Sadly, no. I will hope for tomorrow
Finnegan waddles forward and attempts to rub Ozzie's head.
Ozzie chuckles and ducks away from the hand.
Finnegan backs away and bites back a grin with feigned embarrassment.
Oranna winces. "Sorry, I mean. It's nice! I dinna think ye need…hair….HERE A DISTRACTION!"
Oranna tosses the speecher.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: What I want out of each and every one of you is a hard-target search of every refuelling station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse and doghouse in this area.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: Your fugitive's name is Mekgineer Thermaplugg.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: Go get him.
Ozzie Togglevolt says: Hmm, I suppose it could work. But it could really use a little more umph!
[Jocoza]: Alright, we'll report that back.
They head out to Tog.
[Tadget]: Sup.
[Jocoza]: Tog! Mind listening to a speech draft?
Oranna eyes the pile of skulls.
[Tadget]: Let us know if it inspires you.
Tog says: Not at all! Toby's work?
[Jocoza]: You got it!
[Oranna]: Are we…uh.
[Finnegan]: Toby's work.
Finnegan nods.
Jocoza tosses out her speecher.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight!
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate…
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: …our Autonomy Day!
Tog Rustsprocket says: Horrible! Well, all right, maybe it just needs a little cleaning up?
[Oranna]: Maybe more…references ta skulls?
[Jocoza]: Hmm, very harsh critics indeed. But this is what Toby wanted.
They head back to Toby.
[Jocoza]: None of them won acclaim, I'm sad to say. They need more umph, clarity, and general cleaning up.
[Tadget]: I wish I could say it went over great. Um, baldy liked it anyway.
[Finnegan]: Baldy…
Finnegan holds a hand to his mouth to stifle his giggles like a schoolboy.
Oranna fumbles her speecher. "I'm no' sure…yer critics were pretty unconvinced by jus' the platitudes maybe? No' enough lead up an'…maybe no' enough skulls."
[Tadget]: Yeah, skulls would definitely have gone over well with the last guy.
[Finnegan]: *Tadget*…
Tadget grins at Finn.
Toby says: Oh my. Really? Not completely what I was expecting, but I think I have a speech that will do.
Finnegan clears his throat. "Indeed. I believe a healthy amount of revision is in order."
Toby says: I'll get to it right away.
[Jocoza]: Well, you know what they say, next try's the charm.
[Oranna]: Next try's the charm? Is it no'…numbers?
[Finnegan]: You're a good man, Toby…
Toby says: And…. here it is! *He wrote very fast*
[Finnegan]: You wrote that very fast.
[Oranna]: Tha's impressive.
[Tadget]: Extremely efficient.
Toby says: Well, now I know what we need! It has everything to be a great battle starter: It's inspirational, has eloquent language and speaks directly to gnomes. Never has a finer speech been written!
[Oranna]: Possibly. Unless it's bad. I'm no' sayin' it is bad! I'm sure it's good.
[Jocoza]: Um, well, you've got confidence!
Tadget giggles.
Toby says: Turn this in to Captain Tread Sparknozzle and see if there's anything else he needs of you.
[Oranna]: Shore.
[Tadget]: We got you a speech! Which is… probably fine.
[Finnegan]: Toby is confident.
[Oranna]: It might or might no' be the best e'er written. One o' those.
Finnegan shoots Tadget another fond, mischievous look.
[Oranna]: Sort o' the only options of those two.
[Finnegan]: I believe you just may self-detonate with inspiration.
Oranna takes a reflexive cautious step back.
Oranna is ready for self-detonation.
Captain Sparknozzle says: This is the speech from Toby? Fantastic!
Captain Sparknozzle says: Recruit, you've done all we could possibly ask for and the Gnomeregan Army thanks you!
Captain Sparknozzle says: We've got a strike team heading to Gnomeregan soon and that wouldn't have been possible without your assistance.
Captain Sparknozzle says: For all of your help, we'd like you to join the Gnomeregan Reserves!
Finnegan perks up.
Captain Sparknozzle says: It doesn't pay very well, but you do get this snazzy helmet. Hang on to that, you might need it someday!
Tadget cheers at Captain Tread Sparknozzle!
[Finnegan]: Oh, how delightful.
Finnegan doubletakes Tadget and touches his lips.
[Finnegan]: … What a fetching regalia…
Finnegan whispers.
Tadget flirts with Finnegan.
[Oranna]: Oh! *Oranna accepts her helmet with as much graciousness as she can.* Tha's…it's very…lookin'.
Oranna does not specify what kind of looking.
[Jocoza]: Oh, this reminds me of old times.
[Finnegan]: Mmmmm…
[Jocoza]: I hope yours fits you, Oranna!
[Tadget]: This'll protect from radiation nicely.
Finnegan turns away from Tadget and shakes the daze away.
[Finnegan]: I believe so.
[Tadget]: I'm sure they can make alterations for various other Alliance… shapes.
Oranna puts the helm on. It is both too small and too large at the same time, but it does fit over her.
Finnegan giggles at Tadget.
[Jocoza]: You look great, Oranna!
[Finnegan]: How does it feel?
[Oranna]: It feels…like a feelin'.
Oranna doesn't specify the feeling.
[Finnegan]: That's progress!
Finnegan peers at Befound searchingly.
[Finnegan]: What do *you* think?
Befound growls. She is READY.
[Jocoza]: I think that's it for our work today, but the mission into Gnomeregan will be soon!
[Tadget]: Welp, this has been fun, but… Finn and I have… stuff. To do.
Finnegan grins like the devil himself.
[Finnegan]: Indeed.
[Jocoza]: Enjoy your stuff! Or, um, each other's stuff.
[Finnegan]: We shall certainly try.
Tadget giggles.
Jo waves goodbye to everyone. Farewell!