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These long-ass delays are the worst. Sorry, things keep happening, let's get down to it.

Prior Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/28303430/
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Maverick%20Hunter%20Quest
The IRC: suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com, #MHQ
The Twitter: https://twitter.com/HunterCommand

You are maverick hunter Anode, and you are alive.
>>
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>>28694590
You've been through the wringer, yet again, dying, reviving, dying again, and getting temporarily suspended (then un-suspended) for your trouble. You're hobbling around on a slightly mis-sized leg, with a chunk of your side hastily filled in, matching your mis-matching arm. You need repairs, walking around with hastily-patched damage that most Reploids would cease to function under. Your parts were so thoroughly destroyed that they had to order full replacements from your creators, Liberty Labs. You need to make a call to home and get set up.

And as soon as you finish with that, you need to go thank a handful of Steel Berets for helping to save your life.

You just wrapped a call with Cathode, so you make another to the rest of your family, back in the states.

"Liberty Labs," says Dad 2--Singh. "This is Doctor Jean-Rob--holy shit! Anode!"

"Hey, dad," you grin wearily. You're still feeling a bit hung over. "How are you?"

"Better, now that I've seen you. We've all been worried."

"Yeah, I'm sorry."

"Oh god, please don't apologize," he insists. "If anything--well, we'll talk later."

"All right," you nod. "I'm just calling ahead before I head in."

"We're just about ready for you," Singh replies. "We got the order to machine new parts early yesterday. A bit scary, but since they were replacements, we knew you were all right. ...I think. Are you all right?"

"I'm holding up," you say. "For now. Like you said, we can talk later."

"Right, right," he says, grabbing a notepad (and, you notice, almost upending a cup of noodles he hastily pushed out of view when he picked up the call). "When's good for you?"
>>
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>>28694611
"Soon. But first, I need to take care of a few things on my end. Maybe plan out some ideas for upgrades, see if you can get them done while I'm under the knife."

Singh jots down the note hastily. "Anything else?"

"That'll do, for now. Don't wanna keep you."

"All right, we'll get the table prepped and ready. Take care of yourself, Anode, and we'll see you in an hour or two."

"Right. See you soon, dad."

You break the call, sitting back with a sigh. Well, home knows you're alive, if not exactly well. You're not sure how they're going to react after getting massacred, but you expect some form of Talk or another. Hopefully it's not like the time Dad 5 decided to explain Reploid reproduction to you and Cathode.

There were diagrams.

With that done, you stand up and wince at your side protesting. You've been abusing yourself a bit much lately, machine or no.

>Berets first. They've waited long enough to have your gratitude.
>Start figuring out what you can do to upgrade your current equipment first. Better to be ready.
>Other?
>>
Berets.
>>
>>28694630

Them Berets.
>>
>>28694630
>>Berets first. They've waited long enough to have your gratitude.
>>
Let's ask Susan and Flak, our SB hater/buddy for tactical appraisal from their view.
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>>28694794
>>28694829
>>28695051
>>28695254
You decide to put the upgrade-planning off a little longer. Right now you'll just be happy to see Flak, Susan, and some more-or-less friendly faces. Plus, you'd like to hear about the battle from their perspective.

Just like always, the Berets are busy with the small day-to-day operations that make the Hunters tick. On putting out a comm call, you ask to meet up with any Berets available who served on the Himalayas op with you, requesting they assemble at the range. You get four affirmations--and one fifth who apologizes, but claims he's too busy--and head off to see them.

Flak gives a big, cheery wave the instant he sees you come in. Susan, arms folded, doesn't move, but you notice a bit of a smile on his face. Along with them are two others you haven't been properly introduced to.

"Good to see you all again," you greet.

"You too, sir," Susan offers. "You look awful."

"These days, I take that as a compliment. And at ease. How are you all holding up?"

"We made it through with no, or minimal damage," Flak adds. "In no small part because of your command."

"I don't know about that," you shrug. "But either way, the way I hear it, I have the Beret complement to thank for helping me survive."

"Just following orders, sir."

"Still, I'm grateful. You were with Strikeforce Siskin, right? I wanted to hear about things from your end."

"There wasn't much to be done," Susan shrugs. "It was mostly clear, just a small picket that we gunned down on our way back to the tunnel. Lieutenant Siskin had us re-task that artillery shell charge Captain Kit rigged up."

"Retask it again," you note.

"Yessir. Other than that it was just trying to finish the mavericks' tunnel job as fast as possible. Apparently, it worked."

"That was a big help. Once you blew the charge, the base team set up lights to help me see Saetos's invisible lasers coming. With his flight capabilities diminished..."
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>>28695870
"Glad it helped turn the tide," Susan says. "I may not always see eye to eye with you, but I'm happy you're alive."

"Aw, shucks," you reply with a grin. "I want to pass on my thanks to the rest of the force--Lanceteamers and all--but with the tunnel op in your hands, I wanted to go to you first. That was a hairy mission."

"Yes sir, it was," adds one of the other Berets, who so far hasn't spoken. "If I may, it did a lot to help your reputation among the enlisted."

Wait--shit, that's right. And that gives you a nasty hunch. "That reminds me. I had a bit of an unpleasant deal with Command earlier--has there been anything about that on your internal memos?"

"Checking," Flak says, "And...yes. Yes there is. Something about you being suspended?"

"Damn it, I was afraid of that. Yeah, that's true, though they've lifted the suspension since. I might need to get ahold of Mike again, and..."

"With respect, sir," Susan says, "I've got this. Let me head this one off. "

"Thank you," you nod. "Do whatever, I trust you."

"Have to admit, sir, that's starting to go both ways. And...huh."

"Huh?"

"A few more Berets are going to bat for you," Flak explains, checking his own datapad. "Including one or two requests to serve with you personally. More are calling out the poster, calling him a troublemaker."

"That's... unexpected and reassuring."

That's when you remember your stray thoughts of getting together a fireteam to call your own--upgrading their weapons and armor to match their more hazardous duties. Now might be a good time to mention it. Especially if you're finally starting to win their approval.

>"So, I had a proposition I wanted to run by you..."
>Eh, save it for another time.
>Other?
>>
>>28695886
>>"So, I had a proposition I wanted to run by you..."
If we are bringing these guys for our ops might as well upgrade them as well.(of course this would just make the maverick paranoia high on us again.)
>>
>>28695886
>"So, I had a proposition I wanted to run by you..."
>>28696041
In all honestly i keep finding it funny, i don't know what will crack first us or our bosses.
>>
>>28695886
>>"So, I had a proposition I wanted to run by you..."
>>
>>28696041
>>28696057
>>28696304
Putting money back into so they upgrade individually- good.
Some kind of communal upgrade database- bad (huge infection vector).

Equipment: Grenades, Pistol, Smoke Bombs, etc. Do it Batman or SplinterCell Style. Maybe create a form of Teleporting ODST
>>
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>>28696304
>>28696057
>>28696041
"Actually, now seems like a decently topical time," you say. "I was thinking, if I'm going to be bringing a Beret detachment with me..."

"Oh boy, here we go," Susan mutters, not looking up as he types up a reply to something-or-other.

"...I wanted to suggest paying to upgrade the team."

Flak looks up at you brightly. "Goooo ooooooon."

"Well," you shrug. "Just an idea, I'd need to hash out costs, but--like, four to six berets, well-armed and up-armored, so you could tag along with me and be...I dunno, a command squad, that sort of thing."

"It could work." Susan offers, surprisingly. "You'd have to front the costs--and find volunteers."

"Yeah, I wouldn't order anyone to do it," you agree. "Let you all decide if you wanted to try it or not."

"Better gear, higher pay, and bragging rights?" Flak grins. "Sold."

"Of course you are," grumbles Susan. "And remember the higher pay is danger pay."

"We threw down with an S-class, and we lived," Flak shoots back.

"Some of us," his friend retorts.

"Guys, guys," you hold up your hands. "It's still just an idea. We'd need to figure out what you even wanted for your kit."

"Well," Susan relents, rubbing his chin. "The armor's the important part--anywhere you go, a wrecking's gonna follow. No offense."

"None taken, it's true," you admit.

"Right. So--well, we could commission some modular armor. Ablative, too, probably. Designed to be replaced rather than repaired. It'd be easier to integrate with our chassis. Much less expensive, though you'd need to set up a fund for equipment and replacements over time."

"Okay, what about weapons?"

He shrugs. "Depends on our combat role. If we didn't have one, probably just a general loadout instead of something situational."

"I was thinking maybe an improved melee setup. And possibly some VWES-locked weapons."
>>
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>>28696903
"Those could get pricey, and unless you felt like buying an entire WEAPON cell--you don't want that," he adds, "They'd still have a pretty limited ammo counter. We'd still need our regular buster rifles...or maybe an integrated arm cannon."

"Could make us irregulars," Flak adds. "Let us choose our own loadouts. Based on the mission, and up to a minimum standard, of course."

"Not a bad idea," Susan nods. "Personally I'd just as soon stick to my buster rifle. Generally it's easier to make external weapons, and we could share them among the group as needed. Either way, though, if you wanted us to help you make takedowns on primary targets, we'd need high firepower."

"I don't know," you admit. "Honestly, just having a sub-team to coordinate might be enough. I wouldn't want to throw anyone into the meat grinder. So, what do you think?"

Susan shrugs. "Where Flak goes, I go. It's not the worst idea I've ever heard. If you paid the overhead, I'd be game."

"Well, you're my harshest critic. Aside from that jerkass on your boards," you add. "If it works for you, it works." He grins at that.

"Now, the real question is--what's our team name?" Flak asks eagerly, clearly as enthusiastic about this scheme as everything else.

"The Blue Berets!" suggests one of the quiet ones.

That--wait. That's it. "THE HUCKLE BERETS." You grin manically.

Susan looks up at you for a moment before scoffing and looking back down at his datapad. "How about the Bravely Broken?"

>The Huckle Berets. Also, there's now a mandatory movie to join.
>The Bravely Broken. I like that. Sums it up, doesn't it?
>Why not both? Informal and formal names.
>...I got nothing. Why don't we see if we get volunteers, and then see what they think?
>Other/suggest more names.
>>
>>28696918
>Why not both? Informal and formal names.
Foolish QM, thinking you can't just offer an idiort option and not have it chosen in the future that is bandwagon.
>>
>>28696918
>>The Bravely Broken. I like that. Sums it up, doesn't it?
I usually choose idort, but i'm not a fan of the huckle barrets.
>>
>>28696918
>The Bravely Broken. I like that. Sums it up, doesn't it?
Guess they'll have to be as brave as they're broken if they willingly follow Anode into combat.
>>
Anodes Assaulters, or Anodes Artillery
(Double-A, get it?)
>>
>>28697252
Seems a bit too self-centered
>>
>The Bravely Broken. I like that. Sums it up, doesn't it?
I like the idea of giving these guys some armor, a good beam rifle, a missile launcher of some kind, maybe with our chaff rockets and a beam saber. They would make some great backup.
>>
>>28696918

>>28697029
>>28697090
Two for Bravely Broken

>>28696967
One for Both

>>28697252
One other

I'll throw in my lot with Bravely Broken even though I feel the name could be taken wrong in a military setting that includes virus crazy
>>
>>28696918

>>28697029
>>28697090
>>28697534
Plus my vote
Total: 4 votes for Bravely Broken
>>
>>28696918
>The Beret Berets.
>What no, of course I'm not serious. Why don't we see if we get volunteers, and then see what they think?
>>
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Not gonna lie, my initial plan was Bravely Broken, but last thread's talk of Green Beret Steel Berets becoming Blue Berets gave me the Huckle idea and it was so Anode-worthy in its awfulness that I had to suggest it. I regret nothing.
>>28697029
>>28697090
>>28697534
>>28697584
"I like that, actually. Any objections?"

"None from me." Flak beams. Heh, flak beams.

"None yet, anyway," Susan adds, always so positive. "We'll put it to whoever else you drag into this idea. If we're doing this, let's do it right. Let me pull up a requisition form."

The two of you end up spearheading the project--you get the feeling Susan's going to be your indispensable man in the squad, getting things done and handling the day-to-day. He's definitely got a level head, and does a decent amount of figuring.

For starters, he points out that Berets are new enough that there are no existing designs for the armor--it's looking like Z5,000 to establish the external plating, though once it's been designed it'll be cheaper to requisition replacements. Upgrading their buster rifles to a higher grade (about on par with a B-rank weapon, though Susan warns you not to expect officer-grade results from a team of grunts--his words, there) costs about Z10,000. Expanding their arsenal with a general loadout from there is another Z7,000--that's enough to give each a good, high-quality lobeam saber. On top of that, Susan requisitions one heavy weapon, a rocket launcher, slaved to fire your modified Blackout Flares. That's Z3,000, but it would have enough energy for four shots before recharge--which is comparable to similar manportable weapons anyway.

Alternatively, for the same cost, he suggests a utility loadout that has been tried and tested through several generations of hunter enlisted--a lobeam knife instead of a saber, grenades, a buster pistol sidearm (more easily customizable to the individual user), and an array of tools, from lockpicks to ziplines.
>>
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>>28698095
25,000 zenny to outfit four Steel Berets, and you'll officially have your team.

Make the purchase?
>Buy tactical loadout.
>Buy utility loadout.
>Decline for now.

Customize Beret appearance? Default is Blue berets and matching external armor.
>Input customization scheme
>>
>>28698125
Zenny in the Bank?
>>
>>28698151
After the Saetos op, you have 230,008 zenny, with an extra, Z21000 set aside for a Himalayas memorial and a donation to Lifesaver central.
>>
>>28698125
>>28698195
Can we by both load outs and have our berets choose what they want?
>>
>Buy tactical loadout
both would be cool, get a mix of tactical and utility but if we cant do that going all tactical works for me
>>
>>28698125
>Buy utility loadout.
I would go with both, in my opinion, but if it was a hard choice utility trumps tactical for me.
Also quick quest can we add later upgrades to these guys based on past maverick data we have?
>>
>>28698125
Buy Tactical loadout. We'll discuss sniper rifles, shotguns, and improved rifles later. Also throw around the idea of mobility and stealth systems. Most Spec Ops are fast and stealthy. Just look at our commander
>>
>>28698299
Actually hold my vote. What is the price of both load-outs combined. When can we start training exercises
>>
>>28698235
You could opt to get a combination of tactical and utility loadouts, or if you really wanted, you could buy both for Z50k. A lot of it would sit unused at base, at least until you expand the squad.
>>
>>28698273
You could, though using maverick data is generally very expensive.
>>
how much money do we have and how much does everyone want to spend on upgrading ourselves at the labs? I'm in favor of buying both kits for our new commando team.
>>
>>28698324
Whoops, rushed it and cannot into math. Z45,000 for the combined package.

>>28698318
Also, you could set up a training routine now and join in once you were properly repaired. You could also always ask Grach or Em if you wanted their help with the CQC half. Since that's on the list already anyway, you might also wait until you're fixed to do that since you were planning to get some.
>>
>>28698572
Combined load out then.
After we get our upgrades and the donation lets see if we can buy some specialty weapons for these barets.
>>
>>28698095

How much would it cost to add just the pack of tools? Tactical is winning it for me so far
>>
>>28698095
What are those tools? Omni-tool. Tricorder and Phaser, Holo-Comp, Neural net, repair nannites, a multi-tool, a swiss army knife, duct tape, string, rope, lock picking tools, binoculars, repair kit, amped up radio kit/ beacon, etc.
>>
>>28698631
And CL of course had to step out right when I ask...

Let's put it at Z10,000 for the toolkits, my estimates have matched his so far, let's see if that continues. Worst case I'll retcon it or something.

Tactical loadout with tools would be Z35,000 zenny, one or the other loadout would be Z25,000, and both would be Z45,000.
>>
>>28698125
>Remove saber and one buster rifle from tac loadout, add utility loadout with one pistol for heavy weapons guy.
>>
>>28698757
And Tactical wins! Better armor for survivability, better weapons to take down mavericks, tools for some utility.
>>
>>28698757
I vote tactical with the tools then
>>
>>28698757
Tac + tools
>>
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Going with tac+tools, you can always order more stuff later. As for the toolkit, stand by, I'll get the full list.
>>28698796
>>28698800
>>28698863
You decide to order toolkits--enough for four--and the tactical loadout besides. Flak eagerly volunteers to take the launcher ("this job, it was made for me") on his kit, while Susan (who you designate BB-1 for your records) projects that replacing a set of the modular armor will run 500 zenny. He also offhandedly mentions that later in the run of Berets, they might develop a heavily-armored chassis variant that they could upgrade to--likely to be superior, but more expensive. He promises to keep you posted on it. And speaking of postings, now's a good time to recruit volunteers. You're pleased to find slot 3 is immediately filled out by one of your supporters, who goes by the name of Marx. Several others apparently take time to consider your offer, and Flak says it's likely you'll get your fourth before the day's out.

All told, 35,000 zenny, and you're ready to equip four Berets to wade into the thick of it alongside you. The in-house manufacturers estimate 24 hours to process, make, and complete the order, ready to deliver it to the range. You mention you'll be looking to do some melee training yourself, and suggest the squad meet up there.

And, just like that, it's done. You're now Lieutenant Anode, head of a customized Steel Beret fireteam. For just a tiny moment, you feel like getting slaughtered over and over out in the field is starting to pay off. You're starting to feel kind of legit.

Feels weird, man.

With that out of the way, you're free to tackle the second thing on your to-do list before you go home for repairs--considering upgrades for your existing systems.
>Review what you've already got.
>Scare up Em. See if he can give you some input.
>Other?
>>
>>28699384

>Scare up Em. See if he can give you some input.

We're kind of lacking in melee combat ability, so we should probably focus fixing that.
>>
>>28699384
>Scare up Em. See if he can give you some input.
Literally or not.
>>
Pretty quiet today--my own fault for waiting so long to run, but still. I think I'm gonna pause the thread early tonight, since a friend of mine is available and I haven't seen him since before his son was born(!). I'll be back to give it a lifebump later tonight, or maybe even continue if I'm feeling awake enough, but no promises.

In the meantime, feel free to ask any questions (waiting on CL before I post what I have on the toolkit) or share stories like the olden days. Apologies and thanks for reading as always, and I'll be back soon.
>>
This Marx guy? The mavs call themselves a revolutionary army. He's suspicious as fuck.
>>
>>28699966
Oh dear god. I come home from the hospital after an emergency appendectomy, spot Maverick Hunter Quest and, of course, I've missed it.
>>
>>28699966
Aw, I was hoping to get to participate in bouncing upgrade ideas around for once.
>>
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>>28699966
Well, question for when you get back.

Who's all around right now? I mean from our main crew of people we've interacted.

Also, are we back on active duty? I'm just wondering because we had a rather traumatic event here, and Command pulled us for psych eval for less than this.
>>
Back. My friend has forged an adorable, terrifying baby.
>>28704361
Currently on-base:
Frog is unloading and cataloging a shipment of supplies with Emerald.
Tigershark is, as always, out on mission.
Dodo is on site and likely double-timing his catchup on paperwork.
Crankshaft's over at MHHQ Japan on a consult, though he's expected back within a couple days. Less, if Gopher can get him off his hands quicker.
Seven is on-base, skulking about somewhere.
Glacier Gibbon is Sir Not Appearing in this Quest, still managing the operation of the 4th's Polar outpost.
India is on-base, and presumably sleeping off her hangover. She's still wearing Em's helmet.
Conda is out on duty in Vienna.
Schwarzhund is still out, either on this long mission or meeting that "old flame" Max mentioned.
Lieutenant Fullmetool is standing vigil over your room, a tireless sentinel we should all aspire to be like.

And Anode is back on duty. Frog's decision to order counseling was based on multiple missions and the accumulated stress. That said, you could always call up the mental health department for a session.
>>
>>28705757
That'll be quite the session. Walk in as-is.
>What seems to be the proholy shit wow.
>What do you THINK is the problem?
>>
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>>28705757
I'd actualy like to sugest using Saetos's DNA to completely overhall our lance. Not only make it more potent, but to overcharge it when needed.

Basically an anti 'plink' weapon
>>
>>28705898
And then the healing can begin.

I don't think I'm gonna update tonight, but I know where I'm going. Tomorrow I'll make sure Anode's equipment sheet is up to scratch and then present some of the existing upgrade possibilities, maybe improv a few more.

'Til then!
>>
>>28705963
Thanks for running
>>
>>28706065
Didn't do a whole lot of running today, but thank you nonetheless. Hopefully we go all day tomorrow and autosage the thread.

Thread's archived just in case /tg/ kicks into hyperdrive overnight, but I'm not terribly worried.
>>
>>28705930
Yeah, I was in support of the Saetos Spear idea as well, but I think there were some technical issues with the thing.
>>
>>28706196
Thanks for running. I dunno how late I'll stay up, but I'll keep an eye on it.
>>
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>>28706336
Which is why I suggest overhauling it, rather than just slapping something onto it.

Basically give our parents the data and let them take it from there. The power output would be limited for safety reasons, but it could give an overall improvement.

Alternatively, we could make our electric capaciter and just channel more powerful energy into the lance.

Perhaps overhauling both is what needs to be done. I dunno, we need Cain labs o filter what would work and what won't.
>>
>>28706457
Yeah. The sheer amount of material the data provides could bolster the lance to crazy heights. That or a companion spear.

Still, I actually have some ideas for our berets; namely, using the shield data to give our men some riot shields and the wire for tactical movement. Upgrade those zaku 2s to goufs properly.
>>
>>28706457
>>28707366
Didnt we already have this conversation, Twice, and how it's a bad idea, for several reasons, one of which being the infeasibility due to the heat and energy draw?
>>
>>28708397
Yeah I think the point made was that a new weapon would be better than trying to upgrade our existing one.
>>
Headed to bed Bump.
>>
>>28708700
what I remember was that making any kind of Saber out of it wouldnt work, or would be so ludicrously expensive that there would be no point.
Also, that we have enough Melee weapons, and carrying around a more isnt in our best interest
>>
>>28709638

We have enough melee weapons? Compared to our fucktons of ranged weapons? We need melee options, not more dakka. Being cripplingly overspecialized is a good way to get ripped apart.
>>
>>28709704
We've had THIS Conversation before too. Your side lost.
>>
>>28709638
The materials to make it would cost a lot, but not to the extent that it would be pointless.

>>28709804
Are you sure that it wasn't your side that "lost"? Last thread was pretty heavy towards the sword.
>>
>>28709638
The saber would be fuckhuge, but it would work.

Personally, I feel that while the lance is excellent for speedy targets and deflection of dakka, a Saetos greatsword of some kind would be excellent for use as a tin-opener. And it wouldn't be that cumbersome, because it's a plasma sword. You only carry the hilt.

Speaking of which, here's an idea: The power requirements of the containment field renders such a weapon nearly impossible to create, so what if we used our internal power from the coils to make up whatever is lacking? This would make the idea much more viable, perhaps?
>>
>>28709869
if by "heavily in favor of" you mean that several people continued talking about it even after HC himself explained to them specifically why their ideas would not in fact work, and would actually kill us, then yes, your side won in that case
>>
>>28710328
The thread is archived and I can not see anywhere in it where HC says that the sword would kill us. What he said was that the sword would wreck anyone without high level electromagnetic shielding (i.e.not us).

If he says it anywhere please quote it.
>>
>>28710328
Actually, Anode has pretty strong EM shielding because of his electrical affinity.

I recall Em said that it would wreck anything *except* Anode just from the amount of radiation it emits by being turned on.
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>>28710597
That was the one I was really referring to, as I remember our shielding being said to be better then average, but not good enough to handle serious electromagnetic, such as a miniature sun blade might produce, since we brought magnetic powers before.
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>>28710769
I could totally go for that. A weapon so powerful that mooks literally die from it's presence.

But I'm also tempted to go for a ranged option

Decisions decisions.
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>>28711191
We were talking about giving the sword the ability to disengage containment and release a "Prominence Wave" as a range attack.
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>>28711280
Potential of collateral damage is a tad high, don't you think? It would essentially be a 180 degree spread.

A nice trump card for those situations wherein everything in front of you needs to be dead twenty seconds ago, but it's situationally useful at best.
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>>28710327
The thing is, we already have a huge greatsword. It's what we used against Saetos to damage his armor.

Actually, if we are going to basically make a weapon using 100% complete saetoes bits.. why not make a weapon that uses all the parts of the bird? Saetoes' armor makes a sturdy metal body. Strong enough to handle the toughest attacks and with heat tech, we could make it produce a sort sun blade at the tip for added power. Perhaps with a bit of work, we can fire that off as a desperate range attack?

Then there's the thrusters and his magnetic claws. If we can make it a spear, we can use the thrusters to increase the impact power of our spear for extra penetration or even to throw it for extra range. Then we can use our coil to connect to the magnetic tip to reel it back.

So there you go. A short range weapon that can be used, mid range and long range that uses every part of the bird to give us either an upgrade or a buddy for our main lance.
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>>28711292
like when Saetos or Guns was beating the ever loving shit out of us?

Given our track record, that doesnt really sound so situational
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>>28711325
Like a great ax?
I can dig it
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>>28711325
So basically, instead of sunsword, we get a sunspear as an upgrade to our tesla spear?

Or hell, dual wield the damn things.
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>>2871132
>The thing is, we already have a huge greatsword. It's what we used against Saetos to damage his armor.

Uhh... Are you talking about misericorde? Because that isn't a greatsword by any means. Its a long knife.
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>>28711349
I could get behind a solar axe.

But I'd prefer a greatsword or a lance.
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>>28711437
Should be replying to >>28711325
Not sure what happened there.
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>>28711371
>>28711349
Gentlemen, gentlemen.. if we are smart enough, we could make this a sun spear which when we make it go full out can be a sun HALBERD. Also, while we may not be able to use full tesla like the original, perhaps we can incorporate some of the tech so we can charge it up with our own charge? Our original design was to be the battery for the damage dealer, and since our sis is always away from us, we can use this as a means to use up all that charge.
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>>28711325
...Solar Surf Board?
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>>28711522
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Use the battery to support a weapon which is so powerful that it just wouldn't be reasonable on any other hunter.
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>>28711562
Bingo. Not only that, but it suddenly cuts out a lot of problems other ideas had. When we use the big attacks up, we would still have the lance as oppose to just having it be simple weapon data. It would also mean we don't need to sacrifice a slot on our VWES. Likewise, it's a melee weapon that can be used for more than melee. It's not really gimicky, but it can be used with our abilities and the tools we constantly utilize.

But in the end, all we can do is go to Emerald, tell him this and just patiently look at the cookie jar and be extra special good maverick hunters to get our treat.
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>>28711562
Same thing could apply on a gun though.

It probably wouldn't be VWES compatible though, so I guess it would be more effective on a melee weapon.
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>>28711562
I actually really like that idea. It leaves our lance for deflecting dakka and gives us a trump card 'Fuck You' button for dealing with extremely heavy armour.

But I like axes better than swords. Do beam axes exist?
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>>28711734
Beam Halberds exist in Command Mission.
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>>28711715
>>28711562
I think all this stuff could be better utilized if we just worked it into our Busters instead. Then we could Just spray thermonuclear blasts or or streams of electromagnetic plasma at anything, at all ranges instead being hampered by a really huge and likely heavy sword. I mean, if you guys want a Sword, Which i really dont get, cuz thats Ems thing, fine but, It seems like Saetos' data is really better suited for other things. And if we're going to outfit the Berets, I really think we could make the zenny stretch further too with something else.
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>>28712464
Many of us prefer a spear than the sword actually. We already have one even if it is a long knife. However, you keep forgetting that the idea we are having is one that can be used for multiple scenarios and can be recharged.

You also seem to forget the issue that a VWES weapon comes with. 1: we already have 4 very useful weapons. To plug it in means to remove one of them. 2: Their ammo can not be recharged while on mission.

Not only that, but having it ONLY be a nuke is a horrible idea. We are not the artillery, we are the ground. Our missions have been mostly protection, rescuing, and if areas where allies are in the mix. It would also likely be very limited. Maybe 2 shots. Even then, that doesn't mean it will hit. The spear idea discussed before could fire a blast from it and then be recharged while still being used as a weapon.

Besidees, if you are talking about the blue barets, wouldn't having an attack that is indiscriminate to friend or foe be a very bad idea? It's a waste of the potential we are given with the idea just to make a big bang. Use the whole chicken, not just the drum stick.
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>>28712762
...Youre making alot youre own Counter arguments there buddy.
First of all, I wasnt suggesting a Nuke, OR a VWES weapon, I specifically said Buster. and neither of the things that I put forth, admittedly, merely off the top of my head, were nukes.
Second, no, We DONT have 4 Very Useful Weapons, assuming youre talking about VWES Weapons. We have TWO weapons, The Lockon Hunter, And the Blackout Rockets, and so far, the Rockets so far havent proved very capable as an offensive option. You could maybe make the argument for the wire being a weapon, but lets be honest, thats a utility tool, our enemies arent going to shred intentionally themselves on it like Wolfspider did.
Third, theres more ways to use the data beyond a superfluous sword and VWES switchout, stop trying to be reductive.
Fourth, "Were not the Artillery, were the ground"? Where the hell do you think the artillery is placed? Our role as being among the first feet on the ground makes us MORE in need of a heavy firepower option, Not LESS. And that makes it even more likely that we'd need to have a weapon capable of laying down wide areas of fire, seeing as how were always goign to be met with Higher percentages of enemies at once. I agree having something thats going to indiscriminately kill everyone around us is a bad idea, but again, thats not the only option between that and sword, and Speaking of the sword, among the options for THAT being put forth there a more then a few that are JUST as guilty of that as a nuke! What do you think would happen if you broke the saber field on such a weapon? It's like youre forgeting that its not just electromagnetic waves this thing is going to be putting out its THERMONUCLEAR ENERGY AND HEAT, Even if were shield from the first, We'd oprobably melt our hands off doing that, along with the saber itself and anyone standing within a wide radius of us, And THOSE gusy wont be shielded from the EM.->
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>>28713129
>Second, no, We DONT have 4 Very Useful Weapons, assuming youre talking about VWES Weapons. We have TWO weapons, The Lockon Hunter, And the Blackout Rockets, and so far, the Rockets so far havent proved very capable as an offensive option. You could maybe make the argument for the wire being a weapon, but lets be honest, thats a utility tool, our enemies arent going to shred intentionally themselves on it like Wolfspider did.

You forgot Tumult and all 4 have been useful. They may not have been boss killers but they have definitely been put to good use getting us to them.
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>>28713129
-> If the thing would kill anyone not shielded just from turning the thing on and holding it, what do you think is going to happen to anyone on our team or civilians in the area when we do that? And thats if it's properly made, without the saber blast shit.

FIFTH point, What makes you think this Saber would be able to be recharged while a Nuke Couldnt? A normal Saber battery sure as hell wont be able to power the thing at all, even assuming the unproven coil linking option, which still will end up draining our own personal batteries, which we rely on for our mobility, in which case, this Thing would actually make us even SLOWER in the long run. Not to mention the coils requires charging as well, and I doubt will be able to power it by themselves.

And Sixth, Youve brought up the berets safety, while trying to cleverly sidestep the issue of your own suggestion endangering them, but You also completely didnt provide an answer to the cost issue I brought up, which is still a factor. this thing will Cost a lot of money and R&D, which would be better put towards the project we're already working on.
And this Is just the things wrong with what YOU brought up, theres also the issue of the fact we alredy have two GREAT melee weapons, at the moment, THREE since we're borrowing another, one of which fills the range issue, and already has a lot more support built into our body, the second of which fills the power issue, and the third falling in between. The fact is, making another Spear or Sword weapon is Supplying something to a niche that we are already filling THREE TIMES OVER, and doing nothing to fill the weakness we have against opponents that outgun us. AND We'll have to up our power draw with it, AND carry around another heavy duty piece of equipment, AND do at least some prep work on our own body just so we can USE the damn thing!
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>>28713200
You are Still not addressing the things I said! The Tumult Shell isnt a Weapon! Its a slow-moving floating shield for Christs sake! And the usefulness of any of them was never in question EXCEPT as to their use as WEAPONS. Which you still arent providing a counter to.
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Morning, guys.

Ascent Lance (Custom Beam Lance): Lo-phase, effectively an upsized saber. From "Anodos," the Greek for "Ascend."
-Arrest Buster: Anode's lance can slot into his buster and provide a stable, couched platform. Combined with a dash-charge, this can prove devastating.
-Phase: Incorporating a powerful experimental plasma technology, the lance blade produces a field of EM-distortion in its wake. Any plasma shots traveling through it are destablized, most weaker projectiles dissipating without a containing envelope.
Anode Cyclers (Dual RF Busters): These busters are optimized for rapid-fire plasma, excellent for deterring enemies. They have been upgraded with charge capacity, allowing bursts of mid-charged shots, rather than single, large blasts.
Conduit Capacitor: If Anode has a 'special weapon,' it is this. A bank of high-capacity resevoirs to absorb electrical energy, to redirect into an increasingly powerful attack, through either his hands or lance, both close and at range.
-Raikousen: A powerful, electrified dash-charge that uses the C. Capacitor's reserves to augment Anode's EAS.
Misericorde Beam Knife: A hibeam weapon, this short blade is compact and precise. The powerful blade output is taxing, requiring frequent recharge and making it a poor choice for protracted dueling. Still, it pierces armor with great ease, and even has capacity for further improvements.
-Flash Freeze: By priming your targets with a quick blast of LN, you could improve your misericorde's damage and penetration even beyond that of a hi-beam weapon. The weapon is somewhat cumbersome due to the difficulties involved in synergizing cryo tech on a high-temperature weapon, and operates off a slowly-recharging liquid nitrogen reservoir.
-Beam Flambard: Borrowed from Em, this powerful hi-beam twohander produces a bright, fiery blade. Despite matching your lance in length and reach, it's far more powerful, made with the best materials Emerald could buy.
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>>28713307
Kinetic Coil: An upgrade received that allows otherwise wasted kinetic impact to be absorbed, winding coils mounted in Anode's arms and legs. When sufficiently turned, they will unwind, charging Anode's capacitors without a source of electricity.
Improved Emergency Acceleration System: With upgraded emitters, reservoir, and auxiliary charge/discharge systems provide a fast, efficient dash. Distance covered is up and recharge time is down.
VWES: Anode's stock VWES-2 has been improved to a VWES-4. Further upgrades will be all but impossible, as this reserve is on the bleeding edge of available manportable technology.
-Blackout Rocket/Chaff Missile/Rockout: 8 shots. Modified, high-yield explosive rockets that release a cloud of sensor-killing razor sharp flak at range. Currently dumbfire, may be improved with future upgrades.
-Tension Coil: 32 shots. As the name would suggest, a high-tension cable launched from the buster. A twist reveals sharp monofilament edges in the braid. High utility, though further upgrades would unlock its full potential.
--Wire Spool: Small mounted brackets above Anode's wrists allow (limited) ziplining by rewinding attached coils, and could eventually be developed into a proper system.
-Lockon Hunter: 16 shots. A variable-penetration precision laser weapon. Shot power can be dialed back to reduce overpenetration, or doubled for vastly increased damage and antimateriel qualities, doubling the cost of a shot.
-Tumult Shell: 16 shots. A haptic projectile shield that makes for a strong ranged defense. Most energy attacks will be dissipated entirely, and solid-projectiles will be destroyed on impact, taking the shield with it. The shields fly along in slow, gentle lines until they strike a solid surface and dissipate.
CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE: 195008 zenny, Z21000 sequestered for Himalayas memorial.

I think that's everything you've got, but let me know if I forgot something.
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I mean, Fuck, im not even entirely adverse to making a melee weapon of some kind here if we cant get anything else out of it! If anything im really just waiting till Hunter Command lays out our real options before putting any real thought into it. And you know what, some kind of Solar Javelin would actually be pretty cool, if of questionable use. But not ONE person has put forth anything that sounds like a reasonable, Cost effective, safe, or Original idea as to a Sword we could make with this, hardly any spear suggestions at all, And Not one word of why A melee weapon of any kind is will be better , or more useful or fill some gap in our aresenal, better then any other option.
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>>28699384
Upgrades. Upgrades, upgrades, upgrades.

Em's busy, but you go track him down to see how long he's gonna be. Him and Frog (who looks up at you, but says nothing) are unloading a shipment of supplies, just like they were a month ago, on your first day. Em sits on top of a pile of boxes stacked high over your head, ticking things off a list on a pad.

"Hey Em, got a few minutes after this?" you ask.

"Sure," he replies, not looking up. "What's up?"

"I figured as long as I'm getting a big repair at home, I may as well see if I can upgrade any of my existing kit. If that's not a problem, sir?" You ask Frog--without sarcasm, this time. He went toe to toe with Rhodes on your behalf, that's worth at least a little decorum.

"Shouldn't be," he replies after a moment. "Just make sure whatever you do is put by Command and approved, same as always."

"Right. Meet you in the labs, Em?"

He laughs. "I have one and a half brains, dude. I can multitask. If you want to throw ideas around, now's good."

Well, that'd work. Plus, Frog's there. You could either run ideas by him, or hell, maybe he has a few ideas of his own. You know barely anything about the guy other than that he's overworked.

>I had this idea... (?)
>Here's what I have, you got any suggestions?
>Other?
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>>28713129
>>28713218
1: You do realize to make a custom designed buster that can handle saetos' power output while also not causing any issues with the rest of our body would require an entire arm over haul?
2: A weapon does not need to kill to be a weapon. Wires can be used to trip up foes to make openings or allow us the openings to make kills. We used shields to push back enemies so they can wiped out. They did not kill themselves, but they allowed for more options in our killing.
3: I never said I wanted a sword. I gave you an option that uses short range, mid range, and long range options and you chose to ignore it.
4:Except you seem to forget that we are usually right in the middle of combat with our allies. You keep saying sword too when I say 'spear' a weapon designed for stabbing with options for other things. A spear can be solid with just the tip being energy. Heat energy even so even if the enemy has high heat tolerance and energy shields, the very sturdy metal would pierce through. You also keeping acting like the blast would be a burst on the spear when I suggested firing it like a buster for that. A precision burst to be precise.
5. By using the shock and not having it act like a full beam saber? I keep saying spear but you don't seem to listen. Maybe if I say lance? Either way, it's the tip that will be a focal point unlike just going full light saber so there is less power. Where will the energy for the buster come from?
Sixth. You do realize we would have to get a fully custom made arm for this buster right? Heat shielding, a proper power plant, all sorts of very expensive things that could over haul major parts of our body and could cost far more than what we have simply to have it work with our body. Also, once we get the saetos data we ARE giving back EM's blade, and the idea was have this be an upgrade of our lance. That takes out two of your three.The suggestion I made would also have long and mid range implications as well which you ignored.
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>>28713459
>Here's what I have, you got any suggestions?
>Other: Ask him what he thinks we need most in our arsenal, as we are now. He's seen us work.That might help if we decide to cook up our own off the wall plan
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>>28713323
>>28713459
See my idea from waaay up here
>>28711325
Uses all the parts of the bird, keeps all the VWES clean, doesn't require heavy buster mods, improves our lance, ect.
I also suggest tumault shield improved riot shield for our blue berries and grappling wire as well for mobility, tactical stuff.
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>>28713459
Can a spear or shoulder cannon have its own WEPS system. If so what would the power be on that.

Can a saber be outfitted with the same properties as my launcher.

Can one of the WEPS data be used to modify a rifle.

Should I start looking into grenades. Cryo grenades. Sticky grenades. Timed grenades. Emp grenades. Chaff grenades. Flash/Bang Grenades, Some combinations.

You have one and a half brains. Sounds useful. How does that work. Should I start looking into that.

Can I get an armed mounted computer that boosts communication and helps with hacking. I don't know if there's enough space in my head for more RAM but I'll see what's on the market.

Is there any way to improve my movement system. I can pull off that samurai dash and slash but I'm going for Speedster.

I'm trying to upgrade some Steel Berets. Something closer to human special forces of the past trying to get them up a grade increase proficiency and life expectancy. Got any ideas.

Got any ideas of your own.
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>>28713307
>>28713316
Morning, HuntCom.

Looking at Anode's loadout, it might be worth it to look into upgrading Blackout Rocket further, see if Anode can get a targeting system integrated into his helmet possibly to effectively lock-on to multiple targets (maybe take a page outta Lockon Hunter's weapon for it?) and also up the capacity of how many we can fire before needing a recharge, hopefully doubling our amount at the cost of halving the projectile's effectiveness.

Another thing to look into would be upgrading the Tension Coil and Wire Spools, maybe by upgrading the strength of the wire in one of the spools and getting a piercing grappling hook installed onto the wire's end. Not quite sure how much further Tension Coil could get upgraded though, perhaps being able to fire wires laced with a mini-explosive that are activated like the mono-filament edges? Could set up some nasty trip traps with something like that in the midst of a battle.

Along with those, maybe see if the firing/overall speed of Tumult Shell can get upgraded in the likelihood Anode needs to fire one off quick to save a friend he can't immediately rush to.

Also, maybe get another beam lance made to see what else we can do with it? If I recall, I think our lance now is already pushed to its limits. Maybe one that doubles as a normally hard lance that can be quick-activated into a beam lance (maybe like the misericorde's hi-beam capability?). Possibly also make it compatible with Tension Coil so it could be slotted into our buster and fired like a harpoon?
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>>28713560
>>28713552
I like these ideas. Maybe we can look for a way to electrify the tension coils for an extra zap? Get a weighted end attachment for a ball and chain?
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>>28713590
If we're going under we could probably get all those upgrades for batmaning around on our T. Coils in one shot.
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>>28713459
Mornin'

Since We've gotten Lockon Hunter, it has (arguably) been the most useful ranged weapon we have. If there is anything we can do to further upgrade it (preferably increase # of shots), that'd be great. I'ma glance through the archives and see what I can find.
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>>28713459
>I had this idea... (?)

The Tumult shield would have come in handy in the last fight if it was upgraded more. Maybe there's a way to quick deploy it on myself. Maybe I can give a shield to someone else. Might help in squad tactics. Maybe throw it on my sword so it can block anything.

Of course I'd have to get the sword in front of the ammunition and that requires a dedicated trajectory calculator

Speaking of trajectory have you ever thought of bouncing bullets. Don't have to exit cover.

You could throw in a holographic/ flash grenade then you can really screw around.

The tension coils might need some work. Any way to make them nonlethal. Instant. Pleny of uses for rope. Code set up a rope path. hold something together. Use it as a flail. Tie prisoners.

Few things as useful as rope, like duct tape. Should I be learning how to patch things up. Maybe patch other units to help survivability. Should the Berets have Medic units. Stabilize a bot for transport.

Is it possible to outfit my busters, elbows, or knees with hidden high beam blades. end the fight quickly.

Can my spear be electrified and outfitted with its own capacitor. I could do special moves with it and use it as an additional battery. I'm sure piezo generators would word wonders.
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>>28713472
>> A weapon does not need to kill to be a weapon
This is true, while completely ignoring the point of the statement entirely. Good job.
>>I never said I wanted a sword. I gave you an option that uses short range, mid range, and long range options and you chose to ignore it.
I didnt ignore it, I pointed out how it didnt work, or was redundant further on in the post. Im not directing this solely at you, after all.
4.No, we USUALLY arent, but we HAVE been in such situations.Either way, I already pointed out that NO one is suggesting any weapon incapable of being properly directed, except perhaps the sword blast one, and thats more an unintended side effect then by design.
HOWEVER! A solid spear dealing solely in heat energy would address some of these concerns, and i would be interested in hearing more about it so as to more specifically consider it. However, as to theS pear acting as a buster, im fairly certain that the conventional technology used simply wouldnt allow it to work that way.
>>By using the shock and not having it act like a full beam saber? I keep saying spear but you don't seem to listen
Dont listen, what? are you expecting me to somehow respond to post you havent even posted yet? And I already stated, in the post you are in fact replying to, that the buster was merely a placeholder suggestion in order to give a general idea, but, if you really want me to get behind it, our busters already HAVE an energy source, and such a buster would either be rapid firing, thus staggering the energy draw, and thus using less energy all at once then the SPEAR(see, I said it), or more likely would be charged over time, like a...Charged buster shot, both would obviously be a lower power focus then a high beam saber . OR SPEEEAR. Also "By using the shock" Doesnt actually explain anything
5 yes, and I also realize while you dont that we're already going in to have most our body repaired and replaced soon anyway.
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>>28713642
Maybe get a rotating storage system in place for things to hook onto the end of one of the wire spools? Weighted ball for a bola, a hook for grappling, a blunted claw to grab things/people from afar, a hooked speartip to function as hand-to-hand lethal grapple that we could channel electricity through and a mounting piece for the misericorde/second beam lance for kusarigama/harpoon action?

Also, forgot to put it in the earlier post, but can we divert 10-30k zenny from Anode's bank to a separate account set-up for the Bravely Broken for replacement armor and other things that might come up?
Oh, our hero should probably mention forming the special team to Frog while our superior is present.
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>>28713459
Woohoo! I really hope this is actually still live. I don't know what 4chan time translates into my time. Anyway, I'll throw in with >>28713507
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>>28713459
>>28713459
>I had this idea... (?)
>What do you think of beam javelins as a go between weapon?
>Grenades. Theyre cool right?
>What do you think of guided missiles? Maybe for the Blackout rockets?
>Youre the melee guy em, What do you think about me learning a little hand to hand to use with my Raikousen? maybe I could get some minor mods to my feet and fists for it when I go in? Just like, spikes or something?
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>>28713459
You know the tumult shield could be added to the buster plasma envelop so that my shots can't be erased.

Maybe I can make on the spot plasma grenades with the shield and an upgraded magnetic manipulator. I might be able to dial the power of my shots up or down or make more complicated plasma constructs. Like a bullet instead of and elipsoid sphere. I was thinking spear of plasma but bullet would work. Pierce shots are good.

Maybe even parse the energy from my dynamo into my secondary movement system. I might even be able to hide my own emissions or boost my comm signal. There have been a couple times where that those would have been useful.

Had this idea for a movement system called Shukuchi(Reduced Earth) it involves altering my legs so that I run on the balls on my feet for general faster movement. Give the balls of my feet some bounce and/or my legs some spring and I can run faster than the wind. Seems like something you might like oh maker of Swords

Captcha: considerable
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>>28713459

That trajectory calculator is becoming more interesting the more I look at it. It would enhance dodging and deflection of bullets, use of my movement systems, would probably speed up lock-on WEPS, would greatly enhance my my buster targeting, my use of the Tension Cord would be enhanced( Spiderman anyone), I'm sure I'd find other uses for it.
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>>28713507
>>28713552
>>28713560
"Well, let's see," you start. "You've seen me in action, right? Any suggestions?"

"Yeah," Em replies, "Skill."

"Gee, thanks."

"Nah, man, I'm serious. You've got that lance, but it's a lobeam. It's a dueling weapon. You can't just let it do the heavy lifting, you have to finesse the thing."

"It's pretty big."

"Yeah, but it's good and wieldy, the haft's tall. I could probably use that thing as a halberd. You can leverage yourself with it a lot better than a saber."

"So what, two-hand the thing?"

"If it fits the situation, hell yeah. And your grip's too tight, unless you're wheeling the thing. You need a bit of flexibility to change up stance."

"So, learn to fence? Any other ideas?" You quickly detail what you've got, which piques Frog's interest.

"You've got some pretty impressive ranged defense, Anode," he notes. "Between the phase for close and the shells for area, you'd make a damn decent point defense unit."

"Plus, the chaff clouds, yeah," you agree. "I did a bit of that on the last op."

"I'm more interested in your mobility," Em adds. "You've got a good EAS, that lightning dash, the coils--actually, wait, there's an idea."

"What, the coils?"

"No, your dash. Or--the lightning thing. It's basically a giant energy reserve, right?"

"More or less, yeah," you nod.

"I mentioned Zero has a backpack-mount saber recharger. Maybe you could tap the energy you collect to quick-charge a saber battery. That'd let you use a hibeam almost as often as a lo." You probably shouldn't be surprised Em reverted back to melee weapon ideas. Go with what you know, and all.

"That could work, yeah, but there's already a lot of drains. I don't think I've ever topped the thing off, barring that one time with the space cannon."

"Just a suggestion," Em shrugs. "Just for versatility. Wouldn't take a lot to recharge a battery."

"On the subject of mobility, any ways I could improve my dash further?"
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>>28714642
"It's already pretty strong, and with the coils in your legs..."

"Wait--my parents might be done with the upgraded coils."

"Hey, yeah. That'd free up some space. Maybe you could use it, though that might just be it for leg upgrades unless you can spring for miniaturized components."

"Good luck," Frog adds. "I think the only hunter I know who uses them is Schwarz, they're so expensive."

"Just a stray thought for now, anyway. Though I'll keep in mind that I might have more legspace coming up. I remember I could opt for an air-dash, that would open up my mobility even more."

"You're gonna start giving Dodo competition," Em grins from atop his crate. "Though combining that many components on one dash system is going to cost a lot."

"Yeah. So right now, my strengths are mobility and defensive fire, right?"

"Sounds about right," Frog rumbles.

"What can I do to get more punch? Could I spring for like a shoulder cannon? Could it have its own VWES or weapon data?"

"It could, but it'd cut into that mobility," Frog explains. "I've toyed around with heavy mounts, but I'm built like a truck anyway. Losing mobility isn't as big a concern for me. It's expensive, too. If you wanted to fire a VWES entity, you'd need an external WEAPON cell, and if you wanted unlimited refire you'd need a LIFE cell. Personally, I wouldn't recommend it."

"What about melee, Em?" you ask.

"The form factor would suffer, but--well, basically if you want an element on a saber, right now you have to integrate the components. With some tech you can do that off DNA alone, but most of the time you'll need a WEAPON in the hilt. I've got some ideas on that, but right now they're just ideas. You can generally adapt VWES data to melee, but it's tricky and some things work better than others. Believe me, I spent months trying to cram this one upgrade into a hilt and it just wouldn't take."

"Could you make a VWES-rifle?"
>>
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>>28714656
"Yeah, definitely. They make externals, but if you want them to match power to a direct setup, you normally need to wire them into your own powerplant." You remember India did something like that, setting up a feed through her arm to power her buster rifle.

"What about grenades?"

"Enh," Frog shrugs. "They work, but you might as well just try to adapt a VWES into them. You can't carry that many, they could get shot off of you or blow up on your own attacks."

"Good point," you admit. Your entire body becomes a conduit when you fire off your zaps. "...Hey Em, what did you mean by one and a half brains?"

"That subprocessor thing," he explains. "Plus, I'm pretty good at coordinating a bunch of shit at once anyway. Kinda have to be."

"Any chance I could look into that?"

He laughs. "Probably not. I was built this way. Mucking around with Reploid brains is a finicky proposition."

"What about stuff to do the heavy lifting for me? Arm-mount computer or something?"

"Eh, I save that for data specialists," Em shrugs.

"Same. You might ask Seven about that sort of thing," Frog agrees.

"Okay, back to my current stuff, anything I can do with my VWES? Set up a targeting system in my helmet or tracking on my rockets?"

"Maybe," Em says. "Is accuracy a big issue for you?"

"Not so much," you admit. "But it'd help limit hostile options. Could I make an existing weapon more efficient?"

"Probably not," Frog says. "Usually, anything you do to data reduces its ammo counter, and you have to fork out tons of zenny trying to keep the number of shots up."

"Okay, how about modifying my T. Coils? I could deweaponize them, maybe--" you resist a shudder at remembering Wolfspider tearing himself to pieces on your lines-- "Or add some kind of head to the cable."
>>
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>>28714675
Frog sets down a loading crate and rubs his chin. "Might be able to do the first, but changing the head would be a piece of work. You'd need to mess around with the data and it'd be a permanent change. Probably reduce the shot counter, too."

"Could I make tumult shells fire faster?"

"You might be able to develop a charge system for them," Em suggests. "Though you usually need to invest a ton of money into it, but you'd have some more flexibility in coming up with options. Keep in mind that it also burns through VWES energy quick."

"Okay, one more angle, melee power. Do you think I should look into multiple lances?"

"You could," Em shrugs. "The longer hafts are a bit less convenient, though maybe a back mount would help. Still, I bet you could carry a few at a time."

"How about solid metal?"

"Now those are trickier, because you can't just switch the blade off and they're a damn sight heavier. Anything you'd want to take into battle would weigh a ton."

"How about a shortsword or the like? I could design the pommel to integrate with a coil and fire it like a harpoon."

"Huh. I guess you could, though you'd need to make sure the coils fire with enough velocity to make it worthwhile. Have you upgraded your busters any?"

"Yeah, midgrade charge. They're designed for rapid-fire, though."

"Could dial back the rapidity and improve your charge capacity," Em offers. "That's a tradeoff, though, and not really my specialty."

"Okay, one last thing and then I think I'm tapped out on ideas. I'm putting together a volunteer squad of Berets, paying for a few upgrades," you explain. "That's not a problem either, right boss?"

"Somehow, I doubt buying stuff to keep your troops alive is going to go over badly with Command," Frog notes wryly.

"Groovy. Any ideas for them?"
>>
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>>28714690
"They'd be tagging along with you?" Frog asks. You nod. "Maybe you could try to use that tumult shell of yours to make hardlight shields. Much less of a weight issue and you can collapse them when not in use. Hell, maybe you could even get one yourself."

"I thought of that once, someone said my armor's my best option for defense."

"Well, yes and no. You'd want to make sure the shield wasn't overly limiting, but you might be able to combine it with your lance in melee, improve your defense. You don't have anything in the way of energy shielding, if I recall."

"Explains why you get busted up so much," Em adds helpfully.

"Gee, thanks. And it's because of my Capacitors."

"Well, I think you could make it work, but like everything else it's an investment. You have to balance your mobility and how much any piece of equipment is going to weigh you down. Berets travel more light than you do, so it might suit them better."

Frog sets down yet another box. "Anything else?"

>?
>>
>>28714702
Nothing that I can think of.

Pretty much covered everything I think.
>>
>>28714702
FISTICUFFS! Can we make it worthwhile? and if so, who would we ask about practice?
How viable are shoot and retrieve weapons in the field?
Our VWEs is full up right now. Does anyone around here have a bank? Hows it work out for them? What about getting one for me and my berets?

Okay, so you mentioned mounting weapons. As far as that goes, just spitballing, what do you think I could get away with without serious slowdown?

I was thinking of getting a seperate armor mounting at one point, for Special Occasions. Do you think that could work out? Maybe load it with some doodads? I could steal your Hardlight Shell suggestion for it and maybe fix my energy shield issue in one go?
Or on that note, just invest in a Customized personal barrier?
>>
>>28714702
I think that more or less says what we need to be looking at. Thank them for the help. We need to hash out specifics.
As long as the saber-recharge pack didn't hamper mobility, It has potential. SolStrikes stuff sounds like the upgrade we need to increase our attack power, but as we're out of VWES slots, a combo with another weapons seems most useful. I like the idea of getting the Berets a hard-light shield. With our high mobility, they'll need some way to avoid being hammered.
>>
>>28714702
No, I think we're all good.
>>
>>28714702
Setting up a regular feed should be easy. What if I set up to sip energy from my capacitor. Are there any collapsible rifles. Would help my Carrying Capacity if my weapons shrink when not in use. Now there is an idea. Can we mess with the VWES system to store weapons in energy form. A one or two shot VWES that builds me a rifle, shotgun, sniper rifle. I could even carry those WEP data grenades.
>>
Solstrike data idea.
Make a VWES-launcher (ala the shoulder launcher ideas), except it fires unprimed grenades.
Take grenades, prime when you want to chuck a FUSION GRENADE. Effectively it's a grenade recharge station you can hit up between missions/base visits. Also, makes Command happy - the Suspicious Saetos Data isn't always with Anode, it's in a locked armory room when Anode isn't refreshing grenades. Lastly - all the bang with little loss in mobility. (just dont let the grenade get shot before you chuck it.)
>>
What about melee VWES? How common is it for a guy to store some nasty melee surprise in a buster, like, say, a tomahawk weapon?
>>
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Man, upgrade talk always takes a bit.
>>28714894
>>28715149
>>28715964
"Just a bit more, then," you decide, now that you have some ideas. "Could I practice hand-to-hand? Anything I could do for that?"

"It's rare, but it's done. I could teach you the grapple techniques that accompany swordplay. That Grach dude could teach you more hand to hand. He was telling me something about krav maga when we sparred that one time."

"Weapon-wise, you'd need to either boost your strength or get...I don't know, gauntlets, claws. Something," Frog adds. "And scrapping that close is dangerous. You'd have to be good at it before you even consider making it your standby."

"Noted. Think I could contrive some sort of shoot-and-retrieve weapon, then?"

"Maybe, but they're usually inefficient, and if they get wrecked, you're up a creek," Em says. "Lost a throwing knife that way. I mean, I have more, but..."

"I'm just trying to work out ways to avoid using my VWES. We have a bank, right?"

"Yes," Frog says. "Every hunter's VWES data is stored locally and can be changed out on base."

"Okay, good, so I have that option," you nod. "What do you think I could manage for a mounted weapon without slowing down?"

Frog hefts a box that's heavier than you are without so much as a grunt. "Well, if you sprung for integration--really expensive, and probably moreso with those channels all over your body--it'd be less bulky because it could draw from your own power systems, rather than a separate battery. Still, it's a lot of weight either way, and integrating would make it semipermanent."

"So what could I use that's low-profile?"

"Not much. Maybe a low-refire plasma cannon."

Em shrugs. "I dunno, man. I'd be more concerned about your abilities close up with that. Sucks being top-heavy. Though you could fire it in a grab or something, that'd be painful."

"We spitballed the idea of armor mounting once, there anything to that?"
>>
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>>28716169
Frog rumbles again, in thought--apparently he's your armor guy, no surprise. "You'd need some endo to overhaul your armor with hardpoints to mount it on, but it'd open you up to versatility. Those channels of yours would be the real trick, I feel like overlayers would interfere with them."

"What about making some haptic armor, like you suggested?"

"The generators would be fussy, but it could work. You'd just have to anticipate the possibility of having the generators damaged during a mission."

"Okay, elephant in the room--what if I spring for a shielding system?"

"Definitely doable, but it'd be weaker than most unless you got it fully integrated--you're not built to have one. And it'd probably reduce the amount of charge you build from typical sources."

"Natch. Starting to feel like they're more of a hindrance than a help."

"I don't know, you've gotten a lot of mileage out of them already," Em points out. "And all kinds of weird utility."

"True. Speaking of, think I could set up a power tap on my capacitors for weapon energy?"

"Probably not," Frog says. "I mean, in theory, yes, but I doubt Command'd like it." Oh right. Them. "Not sure, though."

"We'll table that idea, then. Hey, Em, have you ever run into melee-VWES?"

"Really rarely," he says. "Generally, it's easier to just take a saber along. Effectively infinite 'ammo' and saves a VWES slot."

"Okay, so back on externals again, then. Collapsible buster rifle?"

"There are some collapsing ones, but that's mostly just a folding stock," Frog explains. "A-Cruise have a buster-SMG for close-quarters, in case their vehicles get wrecked. The body can be compact, but it's still a nuisance. Can't do much to collapse the energy cells in the body."

"What if THAT were a VWES entity, then?"

"That was what I was saying last night, actually," Em said. "Well, sort of."
>>
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>>28716188
"Go on." Frog looks up at him, bemusedly interested.

"Well, you know how a VWES can template a casing, right? Like--like a missile, or a torpedo, or something physical?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, the idea was to template a saber hilt. Small, lo-beam, with a disposable battery, and the hilt balanced to throw. Ideally, you could 'fire' a weapon right into your hand. They wouldn't last long, but it'd be great if you got surprised up close."

"Huh. And that'd work?"

"In theory," Em shrugs. "Haven't tried it yet, dunno if I want to throw any money at all into my crappy-ass buster."

"Just wondering if I could try to do the same with a ranged weapon."

"Kind of self-defeating. You may as well just use your buster, and anything you could template would be either weak or short-lived."

"Could try a heavy sidearm," Frog suggests. "Like India and that handcannon of hers."

"Oh right, that. I watched her blast someone's head off with it once."

"It'd have punch, but it wouldn't do your ranged game any real favors," Em adds. "The effective range would be shorter than your busters. May as well just take a hibeam instead. Hell, some can even 'throw' their blades, though it's an expensive trick."

>Anything else?
>>
>>28716215
How about the stuff mentioned for the Tension Coil/Wire Spool in these posts:
>>28713590
>>28713642
>>28713761
provided Anode invests the money to be able to have a form of heading on the wire?
>>
>>28716215
Piezo electric system in the lance,
lance capacitor,
lance electric,
lance hibead with cooling?
>>
>>28716215
I think we've covered pretty much all the bases here.

Sucks about Command taking issue with us being able to draw internal charge for an external weapon, though.
>>
>>28716337
Cancel my idea. I looked at your post and if they don't want the Rifle drawing from my capacitors(outgoing), then they probably don't me drawing power from and external weapon capacitor(incoming).

That battery backpack sounds good. Make it lightweight and sleek. We got Lance, Blade hilt, Blade hilt, anything we should fit into our kit.

Three ways of battle are strategic(supply, infrastructure), tactical(exits, high ground, position, cover, distance fighting, cliff), direct(blades, fist, claw, point blank shots)

The Berets should focus mainly on infrastructure and tactical support. Greatly helped by movement systems, invisibility, medic kits, and wrist computer.

Should expand our own utility. Talk to the Computer guys, get a few lessons from medics, shop around for invisibility WEPs integrate with our systems, play thief, Metal Gear, Deus ex, Assassin's creed, Batman.
>>
>>28716326
CL got dragged away by the distraction goblins again, but I'll start hashing out the upgrade(s) you could apply to the wires for these.
>>
>>28717327
To the tech people. We need to upgrade our internal Ram. And ask about computers and communication
>>
>>28716215
Honestly, I've been wondering if we could carry batteries around with us to build charge in an emergency.

They could also double as, say, EMPs or something? Are EMPs even legal?
>>
>>28717472
Brother, you know Anode is a walking talking computer with a heart of gold and a machine brain, right? Upping our RAM likely isn't going to make us think much faster and we already communications hard-wired into our head.
Unless...
>>28717327
Yeehaw, goblins! Also that sounds awesome, thanks.
Double-also, is it possible for Anode to get a better communications set than what he has? Maybe something to use to jack into enemy comms, jam certain frequencies and the like?
>>
>>28717472
Well, the next place you're going is Liberty Labs for repairs and potential upgrades, though you could ask them what they think.

>>28717557
Possibly, you (and I)'d have to look into it. EMPs aren't illegal, but they're somewhat frowned upon.

>>28717567
Communication set would involve an investment, but you could go into counterintelligence or information warfare stuff. You'd be starting from 0 though, so it's probably not worth it.
>>
>>28717567
I'm trying to go for some robotic Hud vision with things getting analyzed and cataloged with the barest amount of attention. Like Hollywood does when anything cybernotic or robotic walks through an area.
>>
>>28717699
Well, either way the basic idea is sound. A battery that doubles as a thrown weapon. Maybe some kind of sticky grenade which clamps onto armour and dumps electricity, frying systems from overload?
>>
>>28717759
Like a form of stun grenade for robots? Not damaging, but overloads their systems enough to temporarily disable them with the discharging electricity. Maybe we could talk Liberty into working one of Anode's busters into an elec-buster so possibly mid-charge shots could do something like that.
>>
>>28717826
Pretty much. That line about how we'd never got to max charge yet got me thinking.

Since Anode could in theory just clamp it onto himself for a charge boost, it kills two birds with one stone.
>>
>>28717872
Leg base martial arts(the missing piece),
piezo electric generators in our feet,
and electric conduits in our feet.

We electric kicking machine
>>
>>28718024
I don't think I'm entirely happy with the idea of martial arts. It'd take months, at least, to get it to the point where it would be usable in a combat situation.

I mean, maybe as a backup measure, for if we get disarmed or some such, but using it when alternatives exist would be a little bit silly.
>>
>>28718024
A kicking based martial art could be something we look into as a backup. I thought of capoeira for a moment, but I think that wouldn't do well with our rather bulky design.
>>
>>28718099
We are robots. matrix style download maybe. Time accelerated simulations. Play a fighting game simulation using or own specs? I'll think up a few more idea
>>
>>28718183
I don't think it quite works that way, brother. If it was that easy, Anode is a self-aware android and is akin to how humans work. He and all reploids have to be taught or learn it as humans do, otherwise every reploid walking would be super soldiers.
>>
>>28718183
Don't think it works that way, but we'll have to wait for CL for the last word
>>
>>28718099
We could always just see what Grach's take on it is. Or Schwarz, or hell, tanker. Though... learning from tanker...
>>
>>28718099
As a back up measure it sounds ideal. It's not like we have to use it right away, more like something to learn during downtime. Which we'll probably have a bit of.
We should Defintiely get those melee weapon grappling lessons from Em though, It sounds ideal for use with the Flash Freeze. It shouldnt take as long as the hand to hand training either.
Whats everyone leaning towards as to these options anyway?
>>
>>28718183
Some kinds of information can be processed this way--things like languages, for instance, though they can also be learned more traditionally. Something like a martial art, not so much.

And yeah, it's a bit of a difficult distinction to quantify where "purely informational" begins, since when you get right down to it, everything learned is some degree informational. Stuff like that is case-by-case.

As for learning any skill, Anode would rather quickly pick up basics, as he's very young, and starting now means mastering later. Assuming you make it that long, at any rate.
>>
>>28718380
Hm...well, since we're a lancer, what about sims learning from other lancers what their favorite moves are? Could be useful for that experience problem, and while it gets learned normally, it could be faster than learning kung fu and the like.
>>
>>28718906
That could be a pretty good idea. See if there are simulations that can teach Anode multiple ways of fighting with a pole-arm from European and Asian styles.
>>
>>28718906
I think that was what the idea behind the fencing lessons were for.
>>
>>28718997
>>28719020
So find some sims focusing on lance and close-quarters combat?
>>
>>28719189
Lance, spear, halberd, and naginata training in combination with fencing. Also find lessons on polearm-and-blade fighting, kind of like that one chick from Soul Calibur in the full plate.
>>
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>>28719305
Hildegard von Krone.
Hilde for short.
>>
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>>28716215
"I think that's everything," you say. "I've got a few more ideas, but I'll just run them by my family."

"Awesome. Tell 'em I said hi," Em hops down from the stack of crates (after Frog picks up the one he's sitting on).

"Will do. When I'm back on working limbs, you still up to teaching me some melee?"

"Hell yeah. Don't want you to get that messed up again any time soon. Without beer involved, anyway."

Frog clears his throat. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that, and I'll pretend you know how to handle your liquor."

"Appreciate that, sir!" Em says cheerily and without hesitation, forcing a chuckle out of the old man.

"At any rate, you're cleared to go home, Anode," Frog adds, turning to you. "Get back soon."

"Yessir. See you around." With that, you salute clumsily and make your way back to the command room.

Liberty is about the same as ever, and it's been almost two years to the day since you were born. The beam-in pad you left home from is in a side-room near a guest entry wing, away from classified projects and the labs.

You have some ... foreboding? Dread? You get the feeling you're going to get the Talk that Dad 2 mentioned. You doubt you're going to get chewed out for almost dying on the job, but...at the same time, you don't want to see them worried about you.

>Take a deep breath and walk in.
>Head them off. Ask them not to get into it. Not now, at least.
>Other?
>>
>>28720702
>Take a deep breath and walk in.
Might as well face the music. Get it heard and over with sooner rather than later.
>>
>>28720702
>Take a deep breath and walk in.
Stopping a parent from worrying about a child is futile. Unless this is some other kind of Talk..
>>
>>28720702
>Take a deep breath and walk in.

We probably need this as much as they do, and now is the best time.
>>
>>28720702
>>Take a deep breath and walk in.
They're going to be worried. They probably have been since they sent you off even if you weren't there to see it. The only thing you can do about their fears is allay them by being the same old robot they know and love when you walk through that door.
>>
>>28720702
>>Take a deep breath and walk in.
>>
Hug them all and let them vent to get it out of their systems rather than fester longer.
>>
I still wonder why a robot had to get sex ed for.
>>
>>28721146
People will inevitably ask. In fact, that was in the very first Q&A the quest held -- "how does CLANG CLANG work?"
>>
>>28721146
So he doesn't get another robot pregnant. He's like 3 years old, you think he's old enough for the responsibility of raising a roomba?
>>
>>28721230
And now I am picturing reploid jerry springer. Then again, not sure if it would last a season when reploids going there go maverick.
>>
Brief pause while eating dinner. And also because I'm having an India moment and writing dreaded feelings is difficult right now. Will try to power through tonight, but I make no promises.
>>
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...nope, I've got nothing. Tomorrow, then.
>>
>>28722841
Okay until tomorrow
>>
Wonder what happened to the people with stories. I'd like to ask more about how they set up the varied robots-like if there was frame rating for light, medium, heavy, and vehicles are fucked, flight systems, and the like
>>
>>28721290
That's the same reason why Reploidsploitation films fell out of popularity.
>>
bump?
>>
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Captcha: light whilosti
>>
Rolled 94, 34 = 128

>>28733086
eh i still fuck it.
>>
I'm up and writing. This is looking to be longish, so bear with me.
>>
Rolled 9, 11 = 20

>>28735292
ok so in an hour?
>>
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>>28720788
>>28720813
>>28720873
>>28720948
>>28720960
You sigh. No, they have a right to worry. The fact that they care at all is--well, you somehow doubt every Steel Beret gets a Christmas card from home. Or every Lanceteamer. or LTB. Or LTA. Or...yeah.

With that in mind, you rap on the entry door with the back of your hand a moment before pushing through.

It's--well, it's not everyone, but you can tell right away everyone who could be here is. Ah, jeez. They dropped everything.

"Hey," greets Doctor Mestayer--Mom 4. Did she cut her vacation short just to come back for you? Rather than say much else, she just opens her arms, giving a weary smile under the creases and lines of age. "C'mere."

You're careful, as always, not to bowl her over with your hug (or catch her on a pointy bit, that's happened before). "Hey," you manage awkwardly, looking around at the familiar faces.

Doctor Singh, dark skin under darker hair, constantly a bit mussed from wiping the sweat from his forehead. Doctor Robledo, Dad 1--the actor, thin and expressive, his wispy blond hair cropped short. Big, Bad Boyd--Dad 4--fat and happy and always sneaking you and Cath presents, though he grimaced when you called him Santa. Doctor Scholten, Mom 2, the lecturer with the raven hair and the ability to crack words like whips, and light a fire under anyone's ass. Mom 3--Doc Harewood, whom you have to thank for your love of Westerns, dwarfed in oversized coats and hats that she wears like a second skin. Dad 5, Doctor Ted McCaskey--whenever he can get away with it, he insists you call him Ted, bald and bearded. And Doctor Glatz, Dad 6, quietly emotional (and, you wince, wiping away a tear).

The only ones missing are Mom 1--Doctor MacLean--her baby was due any time, right? And Doctor White, Dad 3, usually the most public face of Liberty Labs. "Come on, lab's prepped and waiting," Mom 4 says. "We'll talk there."

Oh boy.
>>
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>>28735725
Your table's prepped and ready--though the overhead screen isn't on, a sure sign there's no Movie Time. Oh god no. On your way over you notice Cath's table currently has a pristine, recently-fabricated set of replacements for your missing parts. It's suddenly weird and uncanny, seeing your arm, your leg, a big chunk of your torso. If not yours, they will be. You find yourself staring at the fingers, mentally clenching and unclenching them.

"Hop up," Singh says. "Holy hell, you really are fucking trashed." Three other parents clear their throats, and his face falls. "Oh, damn it."

Mom 2 folds her arms. "Pay up, Jean."

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small pad, smiling at you ruefully. "You know they've got me on a swear jar now? It's the worst."

After a moment's consideration, you decide on the best possible reply to that. "No shit!"

And just like that, everyone's laughing, and everything's okay again.

They start right away, disengaging your motor control (you know what that looks like now, after your brush with Saetos). After a moment, Boyd holds up a giant beast of a spring. "What do you think? The Kinetic Coil, mark two."

"Whoa."

"You're telling me," he says, setting it back down with a grunt. "There's one installed in your replacement leg already. This one...we're taking out your leg bone entirely and replacing it with the modified form. The coils will be completely in-line, now. Clamps here and here lock them in place when you don't want to charge them. We're looking at a good improvement to their charging efficiency, more room in your legs...and hell, you'll probably take landings a little better."

"We don't have to talk about work now," Harewood notes.

"It's okay," you say. "Anything that helps keep me alive next time."

They share a glance at that. "Anode..."

"I'm fine," you insist. "Really. I mean--" You trail off, seeing the looks on their faces.

"Actually," Dad 5 says, "We wanted to apologize to you."
>>
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>>28735733
"What? For what?"

"For sending you off to this," Scholten says quietly.

"Hey, come on. You asked, remember? You had to. I could have said no."

"But wasn't there pressure? We were commissioned to build you and your sister for a hunter contract. Billions went into it, as well as our reputations, and--well, we tried to make you comfortable, give you a home life. We really do see ourselves as your parents, not your makers, but--"

It's kind of painful, seeing her like this. Feeling guilty for--for what? Building you?

>Mom. Mom! It's okay.
>...
>Other?
>>
>>28735748
>>Mom. Mom! It's okay.
>>
>>28735748
>Mom. Mom! It's okay.

"It may be tough at times, but its good to be out there helping keep people like you safe"

Then mutter under our breath "...I just wish command would stop questioning my motives"
>>
>>28735748
>Mom. Mom! It's okay.

I have had a crazy few weeks. The bad things may be bad but I would not give up all the good things that have happened. Especially my crazy friends.
>>
>>28735748
>Mom. Mom! It's okay.
>>
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>>28735853
>>28735860
>>28735877
>>28736400
"Hey, hey," you interrupt. "Come on. It's fine. Tough, dangerous, but I'd do it again. Don't beat yourself up over it, okay?"

"We're supposed to be consoling you," Mom 3 replies with just a hint of a smile. "Not the other way around."

"Well, don't worry about silly stuff. At the end of the day, I like my job. It's just my bosses."

"Ah. Some things never change," Dad 1 notes wryly. "Anything you can tell us about?"

"Well... basically, everyone's tripping over themselves with maverick menace scares, and all. I've had--let's say bad luck. Really bad luck. So they've been super paranoid and treating me like a suspect."

Singh narrows his eyes. "Oh, those--"

"Hey, hey. It sucks, but I know I'm not mav."

"Still, that's awful." Doctor Mestayer frowns.

"It's just been a lot of really awful coincidences. Like--okay, maverick targets are public record after the op, I was on Winter Wolfspider... up near Anchorage."

"Oh, dear."

"I tried to take him alive, too. Bad timing, as it turned out."

"Oh jeez, Anode."

"I know, I know. There was another op I probably can't talk about, and then this last one...well, I'm under scrutiny, we'll leave it at that."

"You show 'em," Mom 2 says, the fire back in her voice. "You show them what you're made of."

You nod. "That's the plan. I've got nothing to hide, and a bunch of people backing me up."

"Hear, hear," Doctor McCaskey says. "Now then, are you ready to get started?"

"Patch me up, docs," you reply. "Am I staying awake for this one?"

"You can if you want."

"Well, I had some upgrade ideas I wanted to run by you."

>Ask about...?
>>
>>28736538
Shikuchi(Reduced Earth)- Put some springs, run on the balls of his feet, run fast

Lightning Feet- Upgrade the joints and uptimize the servos for martial arts... and dancing.

Capacitor Upgrade- Control electric move system, parse it in steps,

Tension Coil- De-weaponize the coil, upgrade its capacity, up the conductivity,

Shield Generator Integration- run of either the fusion or capacitor (one or the other not both, higher ups don't like that, for future upgrades)

Buster Improvement- Damage and/or charge speed

Rifle Attachment to his back

Beret Improvements

Secondary half brain for multi-tasking or hacking

What's new in the market
>>
>>28736538
Buster Rifle mounted VWES.

Point defense gun drone with phase weapon.

Rebuild of electrical wiring using Li-N2 cooled superconductors
>>
>>28736538
Maybe some better targeting systems for our rockets?
>>
>>28736538
Also ask about combo battery packs/grenades, for emergency charge building.

And maybe internal power draw to external weapons, but Frog did say that Command wouldn't like that. Might be worth asking about anyway, in case we can finagle something to get it approved.
>>
EOverload trap-cheap, easy to make batteries that can be used to store energy before an op, drained for an extra kick during one, and tossed at enemy reps to try for a nonlethal system overload to disable them.
>>
>>28736538

I'm rambling at this point. Half mods and improvements to Anode. The other commercial ideas that will bring cash to our parents.

Tension Coil- Internalizing a De-weaponized version
VWES lite- a mod system for busters, rifles, pistols, shotguns (shock, ice, fire,)

Ask about:
more powerful and more efficient fusion generators(or whatever we run off off),
improvements in capacitor technology,
improvements in ocular (infrared, UV, HD, HUD and listening (infra-sound, ultrasound technology,
improvements in motion trackers
a spectral analyzer for a nose,
improvements in RAM for our own head,
improvements in reploid computer interface programs (matrix download, simulations, auxiliary brain power, arm computers
sub-tanks and/or bandoleer of full external capacitors( we will reach max charge somehow)
overclocking processors for lightning time, cooling for processors(mineral water and liquid nitrogen)
hard-points for attachments
lightweight capacitors/lightning grenades
hiding energy emissions/ sensing energy
captcha: plenty todoer
Yes I am and there is captcha
>>
>>28736538
1.Ask about Shielding, it's sure to come up.
2.Weapon mounts, where best to put them, etc Back mounting for more sabers probably count.
3.The Haptic/other armor idea
4.Ask them how we can make our Charge capacity more efficient.
5. ...Could we link our coils to our VWES? as like an overcharge function or something?
6. Was thinking of learning some hand to hand. Could we make it work?
7.Say I wanted to upgrade my busters again...
>>
We have speed at the moment for our charge shot, so I wonder if we can upgrade each shot's overall power
>>
>>28736538
Wait our buster is it electric and connected to our power plant not our capacitor. Can we get a feedback loop. We can have electrical Scintillation and get something like a percent every five seconds.
>>
Man we get along so well when we talk about upgrades that don't involve Saetos DNA.

Maybe that was his plan all along, show us awesome toys and then force us to fight over how to use them
>>
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Stand by, setting prices and details on the upgrade ideas. I'll probably offer them in bulk, rather than written longform. In the meantime:
>>28736688
>>28737377
Not to be overly negative, but...

Anode can already sprint on the balls of his feet, and it's more efficient to use his (extensively upgraded) dash systems between sprints. He could also dance or kickbox or what have you, and even channel electricity in the process, so there's no real upgrading to be had there. Capacitor upgrades you could discuss, but that would be a massive undertaking, it's much more than a giant battery. Modifying it to heavily would basically require a full rework, and then we're not talking five or six figures of zenny, but seven. Most of your technology already uses superconductors extensively to make it work in the first place, so adding LN would do basically nothing. It would be better applied to things that draw on your LIFE cell, like buster or dash.

T. Coil modifications I'll touch on, I worked out some details with CL last night, they'll be forthcoming. Same with shields or retuning your buster.

Attaching a rifle would require a hardpoint, which will get discussed.

Beret improvements aren't really relevant to Liberty Labs and they don't really have the clearance to do anything other than give suggestions.

The big one is that you can't just make a secondary brain, or improve a Reploid's cognition by adding to it. You could get equipment and gadgets to help with that, like targeting assistance or an information warfare suite, though. Most augmentations to your senses or neurology are either unfeasible or external hardware.

Also, your busters are primarily a heat weapon. Claiming charge off every shot isn't feasible, and altering the shots to do so would reduce the damage output severely.
>>
I think shielding is a neat idea, makes us recover faster and make us more of a wall. Thanks to the shell data we can have some awesome shielding too

Hell it might be worth it to take it out of our buster and make it a collapsable hard light shield so we can put something else in there

LN2 cooling for either our buster or boosters is great

Anyway we can enhance our capacitor is great (especially if we go the shield route)

And taking away from rapid fire busters to charge so we can hurt bosses as well as mooks (black out rockets and are berets will make up for the downgrade in that regard) are all really good ideas

Just gotta hope the bank holds
>>
>>28737756
...could we put the shell on a hard point or two to have an at will 360 shield bubble?
>>
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You ask about a variety of upgrades while they get underway on your repairs. To begin with, you discuss the T. Coil, and what could be done to alter the data. They examine the VWES data and provide a few possibilities:

Charged Shot: Uses 4x ammo per shot. Fires a faster launching-and-retracting cable with an alternate head, chosen at upgrade. Z50,000.
Wire Reclaim: Regain half the weapon energy used. Does not reclaim charged shots. Z50,000.
Fast Zipline: Motorize the spools. Go full Batman. Full-speed retraction. Z35,000.
Improved Conductivity: The wires can already channel electricity, this makes them better at doing so. Z25,000.
Nonlethalized Braid: Removes the bladed braid. Can still do damage by striking with the charged variant. Z25,000.

The subject of a supplementary HUD or subcomputer comes up--they don't have anything to offer on the latter, but they could wire up a (currently unlinked) smart-aim system.

Assisted-Targeting System: Without a linked system, this will provide only minor benefits, and will require some downtime before it can be effectively used on the field. Z30,000.

Your next idea is one that's nagged you for some time--namely, improving your use of the capacitor. They mention they had tossed the ball around on ideas before, and suggest disposable, (relatively) inexpensive chargers. Unfortunately, weaponizing them will not work--almost all targets are protected against electrical stun.

Emergency Battery: Z10,000 each, one-use, charges C. Capacitor by 25%. One can be carried unimpeded, two with some mobility loss.
>>
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>>28737871
You turn to armor and modifications thereof from there--especially considering how damaged you get. They mention they believe they could integrate basic-level shielding with only some loss to your C. Cap charge rate. In addition, you discuss hardpoints, for armor or weapons.

Phaseshift Shielding: Though less effective due to Anode's Capacitor requirements, this reactive shielding protects from most successive strikes and goes a long way towards reducing attrition damage. However, with the energy going into the shields, Capacitor charge rate will be slightly reduced. Configuring a starting system with Anode's systems will cost Z80,000, and may be upgraded in the future.

Armor hardpoints: Unfortunately, it turns out that without DNA expressly dedicated to the purpose, the demands of a full hardlight armor layer are unavailable right now. They could, however, mount regular plating, likely ablative like the Berets'. While mounted, the extra armor would reduce mobility and interfere with Capacitor release to some extent. The base hardpoint assembly would be Z10,000.

Weapon hardpoint: Without any extensive internal modification, no particularly powerful weapons could be mounted, and would be bulky and cumbersome either way. Still, producing a shoulder hardpoint would be possible, and, by itself, cost anywhere from Z5,000 for a cheap and clumsy addition, to Z15-20,000, depending on specs and manufacturer, capping at around Z30,000 for the top-of-the-line models. You could contract Liberty Labs yourself to produce a well-fitted hardpoint assembly, if you wish.
>>
>>28737871
I say fast and nonlethalized braid if we do that stuff

the first because batman, the second because we hardly use it as a weapon anymore and also this is the biggest beyond the grave fuck you we can give to jagwire
>>
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>>28737884
Lastly, you turn to other, more miscellaneous ideas you've been sitting on--while you'd be unable to put the Phase on a cheap-bogstandard drone without losing it the instant it's blown up, you could pay for a more extensive drone system. You mention your low charged damage and they suggest they could use some components they have on-hand to alter your buster configuration. And the last idea is for a back-mount saber pack--much more expensive than you realized, but they think they could make it work.

Point-defense drone: As it stands, Anode's DNA doesn't support drones. Adding a drone component with market-standard autonomous systems would run Z55,000 zenny, even before the addition of Phase tech.

Buster tuning: By swapping some components within your buster you could reduce refire rate (from 3-burst to 2) in return for standard three-level charging. Your family is willing to waive the cost to do this. Unfortunately, without a completely new weapon, you would be unable to improve the base power output.

Back-mounted saber pack: These do not come cheap, usually requiring a direct tap to the LIFE cell. By setting it to only use C. Capacitor energy, rather than an elaborate recharge buffer, Anode can get it for Z50,000, a third of the regular price. This has the side benefit of allowing a brief conduction field to linger when the blade is drawn, producing electrical strikes.

And as a reminder, you currently have 195,008 zenny to spend.

>Purchase what, if anything?
>>
>>28737914
Canny we copy the WEP data before altering the copy permanently
>>
>>28737914
Could our saber backpack be further modified to fill our misericorde with more LN2 after it bursts its bubble the first time?

If so dump all money to do so
>>
>>28737914
>Back-mounted saber pack:

I don't care what else we do, we must get this so we can

HOO HAH HUH
HOO HAH
HUH
HOO
HAH HUH
HOH
HAH
HUUUUUUUUUUH

Like Zero.
>>
>>28737914
>>28737884
>>28737871

Me, personally thinks we should go for phaseshift since we're getting our springs upgraded this might cancel each other out

Backpack is also really useful and could lead to better developments down the line

Fast zipline and nonlethalize braid

I also say we tune our buster

It'd basically break the bank but they're all really useful in different ways

Also maybe we can throw an emergency battery or two in our new leg holes
>>
>>28737914
I'm not in the mood for hardpoints, as that cuts into the relatively sleek and unencumbered profile Anode has. I'm also not feeling anything that impedes our Capacitor charge, since it's not often there's a lot to go around as it is. Less charge means less damage and less mobility, and that's a very hard sell for me.
>>
>>28737956
>>28738001
>>28738003
We only have the lance and misericorde, and a saber backpack is very bulky. I want to pass on that and maintain most of what we have. I'm more focused on improving our technique and tactics right now. Most of these upgrades involve tradeoffs, and I don't like tradeoffs unless it levels us out some.
>>
>>28738045
it IS 50k and we DON'T have much use for it at the moment....

maybe skip it for now but keep in on our list for later
>>
>>28737953
No, you'd only be keeping the modified variant since you're altering the VWES data.
>>28737956
The backpack couldn't recharge the LN reservoir, no. You'd require either a hardened canister and storage parameters, or a vastly improved WEAPON system, which is its own hairball.
>>
>>28738113
Damn

maybe we should just buy backup LN Misericorde

At this rate it seems fucking cheaper
>>
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>>28738001
Until I read the bottom I thought it was pic related.

>>28737756
>Most of your technology already uses superconductors extensively to make it work in the first place, so adding LN would do basically nothing. It would be better applied to things that draw on your LIFE cell, like buster or dash.
Damn, I thought that was the first good idea I had.

In that case can we hook it up to the buster and use the heat differential for a Carnot engine to charge the Cap?

Additionally if I miss things:
Vote:
>Nonlethal braid Z25,000
Healthier for Anode's psyche.

>E Batt. x2 Z20,000 w/ contract for further production
I suspect we'll use this a lot.

>Phaseshift Shielding Z80,000
Pairs well with E Batt, and would be helpful against most things.

>Drone component upgrade Z55,000
We have two hands, it would be great to have more than two.
Though I am curious as to whether we can slave to the VWES like with the Tac loadout rocket launcher.

Query re: refire rate turning, is that three level charge in a burst or three level in single shot?
>>
>>28738197
Due to how bulky the assembly in your arms and legs is, you wouldn't really be able to make a Carnot engine via adding LN to your busters or dash.

Keep in mind the batteries are consumed on use. You'll have to pay for replacements. Anode deals with really high volumes of electricity.

You could slave the drone to VWES, but the initial plan was to just give it an ordinary high-refire buster and slap Phase on it, so you'd have to choose.

Buster retune would produce a three-level in a single shot, so it would have better results against high armor.
>>
>>28738240
So a retuned buster would cut down on supressive fire but bolster hard damage.

Ergh, that's a tough sell right now.
>>
>>28738280
Well we're getting a team of berets for support now so that disadvantage is mitigated
>>
>>28738240
A thermoelectric generator, Beta Stirling or w/e then? The general idea is to recycle the buster waste heat.

I know, hence the contract for future production.

Well, can we not just get a second drone and have that the the phase buster? Or is each drone component capable of only 1 drone each?

I can live with the retuning, I doubt suppression has much use on anything that doesn't have an ingrained self-preservation instinct (e.g. mechaniloids).

>>28738280
Can't suppress things you aren't able to actually hurt.
>>
>>28738397
>Can't suppress things you aren't able to actually hurt.
Point taken. I guess Anode will have to improve his accuracy and make his shots count instead of spray 'n' pray like he used to.
>>
drones seem like a waste to me, putting out things to get caught in a blast or hijacked by viruses seems like a crappy way to spend 55Z

saber holster thing
>>
>>28738414
Keep in mind you still have above-average burstfire, just not on a full charge.

>>28738397
Capturing waste heat's already done. Anything beyond that pushes the capabilities of the tech.

You'd need a separate configuration drone assembly for more than one, and that's both taxing on space requirements and on energy demands.
>>
>>28737914
Definitely
> Nonlethal braid Z25,000
> Improved Conductivity Z25,000
> Fast Zipline Z35,0000
> E Battery X1 Z10,000 (how big is this thing)

> Buster Tuning (How much was the nitrogen coolant upgrade from awhile back? Should even out when we get back to base.)

>Can we take another crack at the WEP ideas we didn't use?
>>
>>28738461
Oh, so it doesn't change the nature of the rapid-fire base fire, just the charged burst fire?
>>
>>28738461
Coo', how much to slave to VWES or add phase?

Or, alternately, just a drone control array and off the shelf drone config assembly backpacks or w/e we can foist off onto the berets?
>>
>>28737871
Fast Zipline seems prudent, both for utility and offense.

Maybe we could use them like whips? Would make a good mid range weapon.

The emergency battery is something we should carry, for sure.

>>28737884
Phaseshift Shielding seems like the obvious choice here. I'm not a fan of the armour/weapon hardpoints.

>>28737914
Drones don't seem in fitting with our combat style.

I'd rather keep the fast rate of buster fire to be honest, so Buster Turning is also out.

Would seriously love the back mounted sabre pack. We could do Iaijutsu!

So:
Fast Zipline 35,000
Phaseshift Shielding 80,000
Back Mounted Saber Pack 50,000
Emergency Battery 10,000

Totals up to 175,000, leaving 20,000 for whatever else we might need.
>>
>>28738543
Again, I'm not really feeling the saber pack, just because we don't have a pressing need for it right now. We need to improve our core techniques first.
>>
>>28737914
I'm stuck on mine. Electrified razor whips might work.
>>
>>28738493
Issue here is that I don't really want to spend so much money on the T. Coil. I mean, it's not our primary weapon and we're talking about spending almost half of our available funds on it when you have stuff like shielding and the saber pack up for grabs
>>
>>28737914
Question

Does the saber pack apply to our lance?
>>
>>28738569
This too. The Coil is strong utility, but it's a VWES option. You shouldn't invest so much into a SUB-WEAPON when there's core upgrades available.
>>
>>28738569
Good point.
>>
>>28738569
we use the t-coil a fair amount. just not as a weapon. its a great mobility enhancer and a good way to tie or trip someone up. I'm all for removing the sharpness, and getting the zip line for it.
>>
>>28738578
Well our lance connects right to our arm. Also the backpack is more for high beams, not low.

We only have one high beam weapon and it's only really potent when it has LN so the backpack is more or less useless to us

Right now anyway, we should totally get it down the line
>>
>>28738632
Preferably after some melee training
>>
>>28738632
We did pick up the Flamboyant Emerald a while back (No seriously, it's a giant flaming hi beam penis compensator, what else do you call it?)
>>
>>28738495
Base fire is reduced from 3 to 2. Think of it like a gun that fires in three-round bursts.

>>28738493
The batteries are large and heavy, but you can carry one without slowdown.

>>28738506
You'd have to give up a VWES weapon to integrate it to the drone's WEAPON cell, which would run about Z10K. Adding Phase is a different proposition and comes to Z22,000.

>>28738578
You could modify it to do so. That'd run its own separate cost, and you can more directly channel C. Cap energy through it anyway.
>>
>>28738661
That's a loaner until we get Saetos's data.
>>
>>28738667
Oh, so we're going from full-auto to three-round burst? I think I can live with that.
>>
>>28738701
Might go full auto if we purchase and apply the freeze WEP data
>>
>>28738686
True, but it would be amazing to use it for Iaijutsu if we got the back mounted pack.

>>28738597
Do we really even need to remove the sharpness? It seems like a large pricetag for what is basically a step sideways. We can still use it as a mobility enhancer with the sharpness present. I'm all in favour of the zipline though.

Imagine: Zipline Iaijutsu.
>>
>>28738743
Too bad we're not trained in iaijutsu. We still could go for lance training.
>>
>>28738667
>You'd have to give up a VWES weapon to integrate it to the drone's WEAPON cell, which would run about Z10K.
That's a lot less flexible than I thought it could be. Was thinking it would be able to fire any of the ones we had slotted in the VWES. As it is its an option to double refire on a sub weapon or bring a fifth VWES weapon.
>Adding Phase is a different proposition and comes to Z22,000.
Enh, not feeling it so much now, apparently we're already decent enough at anti-buster, going by what you said above. Don't suppose there's a tech that can disrupt melee in the same way as phase does with bullets?
>>
>>28738543
This is a good plan, but is the emergency battery really all that necessary? If we skipped that, we could grab the nonlethal braid while we are here.

Assuming we feel that it is necessary, of course. I'm sort of neutral on the idea but a lot of people seem to think it's a good idea?
>>
>>28738743
>Do we really even need to remove the sharpness?
If there were no sharpness to the coil, Wolfspider wouldn't have killed himself.
>>
>>28738758
Well, you could buy it a VWES system to call its own, but that's a lot of money.

And short of certain metals, no, there's no real anti-melee material conveniently available.
>>
>>28738749
That can change. Iaijutsu is a great style.

>>28738767
I guess, but that was more that we didn't know the specifics of the weapon. We had no idea that it was possible for him to cut himself to pieces just by rolling around.
>>
>>28737884
>>28737914
In order of WANT

1.Buster Tuning definitely. Very little downside, no cost, and doesnt preclude us eventually switching out for a better weapon later.
1B.Emergency Battery: get some. no good reason not to.

2.Phaseshift Shielding: Will go along with our capacitor upgrades, and honestly, with the amount we get wrecked, we cant really afford NOT to get some kind of durability upgrade. and it doesnt interfere with our mobility directly, which is a plus.
3. Fast Zipline; Even more mobility
4. Improved Conductivity: And Versatiliy
5. Back mounted Saber pack: Sounds fun, but of questionable use. We only really use the lance regularly, and I dont think were going to end up getting many standard sabers in the future, so it s probably not goign to be very cost effective.
>>
>>28738800
I'm seconding this.
>>
>>28738800
Not a fan of the improved conductivity. It was literally just stated that most enemies are immune to electricity stun damage, so I would switch Improved Conductivity with the Saber Pack.

Aside from that little niggle, I can second your list.
>>
>>28738839
Yeah, and given that they are a cutting weapon anyway, delivering an electrical shock with them is a little redundant. Maybe if they were stabbing or bludgeoning, since then there would be a significant contact time, but they aren't.
>>
>>28738800
Not sure why we're putting so much into the T Coil, but I do agree with the top three choices.

I'd say to hold off on the wire system.
>>
I feel like the drones are a good idea, but that we should wait until later, after we get some more cash, and get like, 2 really high end customized ones instead. Maybe we could eventually get one patterned on our own DNA in that case, for synergy?
>>
>>28739000
What about Cathode's DNA?
>>
>>28739037
Command would stamp down on that shit, I bet.

Actually, I have my doubts they would even let us use our own DNA. Creating backups of yourself is probably a HUGE No-no.
>>
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>>28739037
Disgusting
>>
aside from the retractable zip line and maybe the phaseshift shielding, none of these really sound worth it, and costs way to much for a bunch of maybes
>>
>>28738764
Well, since it is disposable, it's not as necessary. We may pick a few up over time in case of ops where we may need a quick boost in a hurry (you guys can't tell me there haven't been moments when a good zap would've been useful), but we could take it or leave it for right now.

While it's a bit of a trade off for the upgraded charge shot, we sometimes need that extra kick in boss fights. It could've been useful on Saetos, or completely ineffective. Not going to claim it would've made him easier to hurt. Still could've made our range game more dangerous for him.

Phaseshift shielding sounds like a good idea so long as we can turn it off at times. Won't help all the time, so when we can save our juice, we should.

The saber pack seems like a bit of a sink for something we don't have the gear to profit off of it best with.

The zipline is all sorts of useful, despite being VWES. Hell, maybe there's a way to make it more part of us than simply VWES. However, I can see the points argued with sinking all that into it, though it is our best capture tool. If we want to avoid another Wolfspider, we should take the edge off. Also, we could upgrade our VWES kit when we get some non-DNA jobs.

Drones aren't our style. We are getting a squad, we could wait a bit on that, see if any of them want some custom upgrades along those lines later.

All in all, I like buster tuning and phaseshift shielding the most. If I had to get more, fast zipline, nonlethal braid, for better aerial maneuverability and capture effectiveness while we have T. Coil equipped.
>>
>>28739113
improved conductivity with remove barbs makes it more of an electric whip also allows us to make it lethal when we want it. Add that zipline like a mofo and it's probably the best we can get out of the coil.

But those aren't things we NEED to buy right now and razor zipline works just as well for cheaper just now
>>
>>28739190
>We are getting a squad, we could wait a bit on that
Yeah i'd rather put drone money into making our squad better
>>
>>28737914
The only things I see that are worth buying are the Phaseshift Shielding and the Fast Zipline.

If Nonlethalized Braid had the option to choose between lethal or non-lethal when firing, I'd take it but I doubt that's possible. T. Coil still has value as a weapon in some cases.
>>
>>28739219
Except most reploids are immune to electricity damage so it would be perma-nonlethal.

Just get the zipline.
>>
>>28739190
>The saber pack seems like a bit of a sink for something we don't have the gear to profit off of it best with.

Actually, right now we do since Em lent us his penis extension saber.
>>
>>28739302
>Would you like to spend Z55,000 on a loaner?
>>
>>28739302
Exactly. It's not a part of our permanent arsenal, so it's not worth it right now.
>>
>>28739314
>>28739318
There has been support for getting a big sword at some point, so I am still in support of it.

Saves us coming back and getting it later.
>>
>>28739362
Still seems like a bit of a sink for something we may make lo beam to swing about more often.
>>
Tallying votes now, stand by. I have company coming over and some work to get done soon, though.
>>28739290
Most Reploids are immune to electricity stun, not so much electrical damage.

>>28739302
>>28739314
>>28739318
Well, putting aside that you can expand your melee arsenal, you could could ask him to loan you one at a time for a while, he'd do it. If you don't call them penis compensators, anyway.
>>
>>28739362
But we don't have it NOW, so we shouldn't get it NOW. Why spring for an upgrade you don't yet need?
>>
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>>28739406
Okay, going down the list, even if there's a few repeats here, this gives a decent idea of how popular the various ideas are:

Back-mounted saber pack: 7
Phaseshift shielding: 10
Fast Zipline: 12
Nonlethal braid: 5
Improved conductivity: 4
Tune buster: 7
E. Battery: 8
Drone Component: 1

Zipline and Shielding both look to be a shoe-in, as does buying at least one (you could buy a second) E. Battery. Tune buster is likely, and saber backpack is popular.

>Select purchases:
>Fast Zipline: Z35,000
>Phaseshift Shielding: Z80,000
>E. Battery: Z10,000 (1 or 2?)
>Buster-tuning: Z0 (Unless there's a huge outpouring of refusal, you'll opt for this. Speak now or forever hold your fire.)
>Back-mounted saber pack: Z55,000 (This is more arguable, since several votes were marginal or iffy. Discuss and decide,)
Total: 180,000 zenny/Z125,000 without saber pack
>>
>>28739566
Now that I think we should wait on backpack because we'll need the funds to replace our beret armor for a bit.

So fast zip, phaseshift, battery, tune.

If we get the backpack next op no big deal, but for repairs and rearming we should have a nice 60k bank on hand
>>
>>28739566
>Buster tuning
>Phaseshift Shielding
>Fast Zipline

No backpack
>>
>>28739626
We can vet the lack later
>>
>>28739566
I'd pass on the saber backpack. Personally, I would've chosen the armor hardpoints over the Phase Shift armor, but I'm alright with either. Get one E-battery for now.
>>
>>28739566
No Backpack.
So He have the hook-shot. Awesome
>>
>>28739566
>Fast Zipline: Z35,000
>Phaseshift Shielding: Z80,000

Just these two. With the battery, I foresee throwing away 10k every mission. No to buster tuning because of the 33% reduction in non-charged shots. Charging only works when you have time for it. And save buying the backpack for when (if?) we have the permanent equipment for it.
>>
>>28739566
Could you make a judgement call on whether or not the saber pack could see further upgrades later down the line, HuntCom?

And honestly, how much good is it even for a dude like Anode? We don't really use sabers aside from the Misericorde. If we negate that, we could nab both the improved conductivity and/or the non-lethalized braid. Hell, could even get the Charged Shot which'd make Anode like Scorpion from Mortal Kombat.
>>
>>28739566
Well, I'd say this:

Zipline, shielding, E. Battery ad turning for sure.

The Backpack is the big question. Do we want Anode to start having a backup weapon or two? Because this could be an investment that leads to that.

However, if we have the ability to do so, I'd rather look into the hardened canister and storage periameters for LN refills that was mentioned >>28738113
>>
>>28739566
No backpack. Otherwise, I can live with this. Start with one battery.
>>
>>28739566
I'm for:
>Fast Zipline
>Phaseshift Shielding
>Buster-Tuning
and if it's okay to cast a vote late as I wasn't around earlier, that Improved Conductivity would be possibly helpful down the line.
>>
>>28739696
Looks like no backpack for now, but if Anode got it, you would definitely have occasion to start using it.

Like everything else, what Anode uses depends on how you choose to develop him. You could start carrying several melee weapons, but if you don't plan on it, you'll not really get much use from the charger pack.

Right now, Anode is a fast-attack specialist with higher defense than offense, particularly when it comes to foiling ranged attack. It's all about applying what you've got.
>>
>>28739766
Could the Charger backpack be used/modified to connect into our LIFE cell and charge our C. Caps?
>>
>>28739766
So with these upgrades, we'll improve our punch while simultaneously being even tankier.
>>
>>28739838
You couldn't charge Capacitor off it, but if you sprung for the ordinary Z150k variant, you could connect it to LIFE.
>>
Aaaand I've got company here, so replies will be intermittent or nonexistent.

I'll try to field questions off-and-on, though.
>>
>>28739935
How much damage would the three stage charge do compared to the two stage? Better than 3 2 stage charges for the two you get in exchange, or is it less punch?
Alternately, what about expanding rapid fire?
>>
>>28739893
Ah, no. Not really. Not at all, actually.

The Saber Pack was the only direct offensive upgrade. Everything else is defensive. So yes, we're more tanky, but we haven't improved our damaging capability at all.
>>
>>28739766
>Fast attack specialist
>Higher defense than offense

Why is this a thing? Is our battlefield role supposed to be 'Decoy'?

We really need to improve our offense.
>>
>>28739991
We have a full three-stage buster charge now instead of only a one-stage charge.

>>28740014
That's what our lance training will be. Improved technique will lead to better damage.
>>
>>28740074
At the cost of rate of fire.

So it's a step sideways. Better against heavy armour, but worse against light.
>>
>>28740014
Backpack only improves our defense in certain conditions, which we have to meet first and thus far fail to do so. Our battlefield role is Last Man Standing, especially considering we rarely face a single foe instead of what would be closer to a tiny army, maybe a battalion with mech support, on a normal basis. With the normal amount of range fire we get sent our way during an op, anything that helps ensure that we keep being Last Man Standing is welcome. Currently the backpack is not it, as it is a draw on resources we cannot justify quite yet.
>>
>>28740158
Shit, I said defense. Meant offense in the first sentence.
>>
>>28740104
You don't get it.

Far as I understand it, Anode's base rate of fire is unchanged, which means it's still the full-auto cloud of fire. The difference now is that his original charge has been downsized from three shots to two, but he can now go all the way up to a level 3 charge, just like X. The equivalent of Anode's old charge was X's little green blast that, if you remember, is piddling damage.

This buster tuning, by giving Anode a full-range charge, blows the roof off his upper-limit damage.
>>
>>28740104
RoF isn't a big deal. We have a squad of berets now.
>>
>>28740777
Kind of a problem if our gimmick is last man standing. Your going to through a lot of Berets if we don't up or damage. Either that or we deploy Berets separately and have them go for strategic assets or give range support. Eventually one of them is going to get gung-ho and get killed.
>>
>>28740940
Well the idea is beret support covers are RoF vs lights and we man handle the bosses with stronger busters.

Also some of our berets are going to fucking die. It's just going to happen, all of them though isn't so likely

And if the boss is so light that our normal busters would kill them then blackout rockets
>>
>>28740940
Yeah, this is also a point. We're at cross purposes here.

Fast attack, but somehow defensive as well, and we have a support team? Any two of these would work, but having all three seems to me like we are trying to cover too many bases.
>>
>>28741642
The way I see it we move together mulching light targets until the boss shows up

Then our team does secondary objectives while we push through to solo the boss (or they provide cover fire)

If we need a fast mission, it's easy to get them some bikes.

Plus if were ever in a defensive position our abilities to redeploy, the manpower of our team and our natural hardness makes us an instant strong point in any line.

We're doing a good job getting stronger while covering our weaknesses.

Hell if we get the jagwire line good enough we can give versions of it to our squad, making them all batman.
>>
I'm voting zipline, one charge pack (there's really no point in not taking one for emergencies) and a buster retune.

The rest seem like they have a tradeoff as well as a cost and I think they are just generally not worth it.
>>
>>28739566
Fast Zipline and Phaseshift Shielding for sure, I'm conflicted about everything else.
>>
>>28739566
Fast zip line for zip line JOUSTING. Imagine the impact!
Phaseshift shielding for extra defense
Buster tuning so we do not plink
And one E battery for now
>>
>>28739566
>Nonlethal braid

I'd like to throw in a vote for this, for Anodes mental health and because fuck Jagwire and Wolfspider.
>>
>>28744334
I AGREE
>>28744416
I ALSO AGREE BUT MAYBE NOT AT THIS TIME

ALSO SOMEONE MENTIONED MAYBE MAKING THE BRAID SWITCH FROM NONLETHAL TO SPIKES, THAT'D BE THE BEST

UNTIL THEN JUST SAVE THE MONEY


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