>Salvage one on the way out
only if all other objectives complete.

>>903322
>>Salvage them [One, or both. You carry it, or have someone else carry it - will need a flat Athletics check if you do].

>>903322
>Salvage them [One, or both. You carry it, or have someone else carry it - will need a flat Athletics check if you do].
Just one on the way out. Also
>903322
Would that be double dubs or quads?

>>903465
Double dubs

>>903455
This they will prove useful. If worse comes to worse we can drop it off somewhere on the way and pick it up on the way back to the ship. We can do that right?

Assuming we take the same route anyway. Otherwise leaving them would be quite the waste.

"Salvage one." You order. "Hong, grab whichever one looks the most intact. Eagle, find the primary terminal and purge the air tanks."

The two nod. The former moving outside and attempting the wrench one of the Stalkers from the bulwark while the latter finds the primary terminal for the air tanks.

>Hong Athletics check - 20: Passed!
>Eagle's Tech check - Nat 1: Critical Failure!

The moment the you hear Hong wrench one of the stalkers from the ground, does a frustrated "FUCK!" come from across the room.

"They locked me out!" Eagle slams her fist against the terminal. "They know we're here, and they know what we were trying to do. The only way we can purge the air now is through the command terminal at the bridge of the ship."

With a sigh you nod. "No point in helping it. Hong, drop or drag?"

"I'm perfectly fine with dragging it, sir." Hong shouts from outside before coming in, his hand gripped under its clavicle as he drags it with him. "Though... I think I'll be a bit slow..."

[As long as Hong is dragging the Stalker, he is exempt from using his Pilot skills.]

>Critical Failure 'bonus'

"Contacts incoming!" Eagle suddenly shouts, a ping going through the air. "Sonar knife picking up movement from beyond the corridor. Seven grunts, and four spectres. They're going to try and retake the room."

Action?
>Grenades. [This will be your last grenade, and Hong's. Eagle has two Arc Grenades.].
>Wait for them to pile in the hallway, then open fire.
>Hide in the room and set an ambush.
>Write in.

>>903696
>>Hide in the room and set an ambush.

>Hide in the room and set an ambush.

>>903696
>Hide in the room and set an ambush.
Have Hong drag the Stalker somewhere where it'll be noticed when they enter. It'll draw their attention since it's supposed to be outside.

>>903738
I think you're on to something

>>903696
"Drag the stalker somewhere in the open, Hong. We'll use it as bait. Then find someplace to hide. You're in the back, Eagle, I know you aren't the best at stealth." Eagle opens her mouth to protest, synthetic finger raised, but then she lowers it. She'll let you have that one.

Admittedly you aren't good at stealth either, which is why you're hoping that the reinforcements will take the Stalker-bait.

>I need a 1d20+5 [+2 from Subtrefuge, +3 from Stalker-bait clever trick].

>Eagle has rolled a 15, and passes, barely.
>Hong has rolled a 25 and scores.

Rolled 14 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>903798

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>903798
inb4 crit

Rolled 16 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>903798
Everyone finds their own spot to hide, each giving a clear sight line of the door for when the reinforcements come through. The Stalker lays face-first on the ground a few meters from the door and a little bit to the side. Hong is hiding right next to it, cloak going active the moment the men walk in.

You hear chatter from just beyond the open door.

"Command we have reached the emergency room. No ma'am. No. Stalkers taken out, looks like the floor got blown out beneath them and then executed from range. One's missing. Yes ma'am, no contact with the enemy. All is quiet. Yes, entering now."

"BREACH!"

A flashbang is thrown in, and you quickly hide behind your piece of cover as it goes off. Soon there's the charge of footsteps as the men breach the room and create a hemisphere of readied rifles.

>>903857
>21 - Stealth check Passed!

"Clear!" A man shouts.

"All clear!" Another confirms, the poor sod just a few meters from Hong.

A man enters, his armor being bulkier than the rest, and he's even carrying a portable shield that covers the front of body. Particle Shield grunts, those guys are a damn pain to deal with.

"Command we've breached the room. No sight of them. I think they left and- there's the other Stalker... Mccreedy check it- Shit!"

Well... he catches on fast.

You raise your DMR, and aim for the lead grunt's head.

>1d20+10 [+7 from Accuracy, +2 from specialization, +1 for Stalker distraction]

Rolled 15 + 10 (1d20 + 10)

>>904033
Boom, headshot.

Rolled 4 + 10 (1d20 + 10)

Rolled 15 + 10 (1d20 + 10)

>>904033
At least I remembered the bonus this time.

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>>904033
>>904044
>>904103
I can't hold all these dubs.

>>904033
>25 - Passed!

Hong:
>19 - Passed!

Eagle:
>15 - Passed, barely.

You pull the trigger and the solid thump hit your shoulder. The round sails true and slams into the helmet of the shield grunt just as he was about to scream, "Ambush!"

He crumples to the ground just as the rest of the men turn and scream for their commander.

Hong responds next, the barrel of his R97 meeting the back of the head of a grunt. He fires and he goes down. The rest panic and turn to Hong just as he hoses down several more with bullets.

Eagle strikes next, placing several good shots into the heads and bodies of the surviving grunts and spectres. Sadly her aim isn't as true as she likes, and one man stumbles out of the room with a bullet in his gut, gasping in his receiver for reinforcements.

The rest go down soon after. The grunts now matched for a skilled fireteam that specializes in such missions.

"Sonar knife's picking up more reinforcements." You hear Eagle grouse. Obviously knowing why they're coming due to her poor shot. "Another dozen- make that fourteen men strong and I'm detecting another two Stalkers. Orders?"

You don't believe the same trick will work twice.
>Hold this position.
>Meet them halfway.
>Make a break for it. You can only hold this position for so long before you're overwhelmed, not to mention you're bleeding precious time.
>Write in:

>>904213
>Write in
Check bodies for grenades, make an explosive break for it. Attempt to overwhelm reinforcements through sheer number of grenades. Take the fight to them before they're ready.

>>904213
>Write in:
Would they get to us before we could get out of the hallway leading to the room we're in? If not, we use the exact same trick with the Stalker except it's with the guys we just killed. They move to see help the guys we killed in the hallway and Hong and Morgan toss frags in on them then we mop up the survivors. We know where they're coming from thanks to Eagle's sonar knife, so we'll be able to duck into a hallway they won't see down. Someone'll have to watch behind to make sure nobody walks up behind us. Morgan can do that until the grunts are in position for an ambush.

Otherwise:
>Make a break for it. You can only hold this position for so long before you're overwhelmed, not to mention you're bleeding precious time.

>>904247
This they should be packing grenades considering they were planning on retaking this position and we are gonna need them.

Also anyway we can request for grunt reinforcements from our side to grab the loot and stalkers? Not to mention for flanking purposes...

>>904294
I like you.

>>904294
Technically this is a clandestine mission, so you just have your fireteam. In OTHER missions (Like the Militia/IMC one) you will indeed have grunts and other people to help salvage things you can't pick up during combat.

>>904247
>>904258
>>904294
All right so I'm seeing a consensus on leaving the room and using unlimited grenade works on the reinforcements. Yes?

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>>904354
>unlimited grenade works
These grunts don't know how fucked they are.

>>904354
>Unlimited
Oh fuck yes. Time to god damned rock!

>>904213
"Scavenge their grenades." You order, pointing to the dead grunts. "We're meeting them halfway, and then we're giving them everything they got."

Indeed. Every grunt always has a standard issue frag, some even have firestars, but that's when things get expensive. Regardless you, Hong, and Eagle each refill their grenade bandoliers and then grab a spare grenade for each hand. Eagle's sonar knife pings again to notify you all of the closeness of your enemies. Everyone exchanges a nod a charges out of the room, grenades primed for when they come around the corner.

>Autopass because there's a snowball's chance in hell freaking grunts (even Stalkers) can survive this many grenades.

The grunts were smart, you give them that. They let the Stalkers be the vanguard, the large and ponderous machines marching forward in their typical, inexorable gait.

Sadly you had grenades. A fucking lot of them.

The poor bastards first see one, and quickly duck behind the uncaring Stalkers so that they can soak the blast. No one is harmed, but then another grenade comes.

And another.

And another.

And another.

By the end of it there are nothing but scorch marks marring the hallway and few bloodied limbs. They never stood a chance.

"Out of grenades." Hong states with a particularly sad air.

"So am I?" Eagle affirms. "You?"

You look down at your empty bandolier. "Same. But let's keep moving. We need to get to the bridge and deal with the captain, and get that damn Blackbox. Then we'll be in the clear."

Everyone nods, eager to get paid.

"Right." You nod. "We're burning time. Which way to the bridge, Eagle?"

"Follow me." She nods back, bringing up her rifle and taking point.

~

"Door's locked." Eagle states, looking at the pair of double doors and the blinking red keypad. "Tight security."

"It's never easy." You sigh, looking at the door. Maybe you could doubleback to armory and pick up a satchel or five to blow the door and-

There's a burst of static from somewhere and then you hear a strained and tired voice. The voice coughs several times as if it's suffering from bad smoke inhalation. But when it speaks, it's voice is distinctly feminine.

"I surrender." She states, coughing again before you hear the sound of a gun being shot. "Do you accept?"

>"Who is this?"
>Don't answer, grab the satchels.

>>904615

>>904615
>"Who is this?"

>>904615
>"Who is this?"
Might as well. Also fits with our merc band not committing war crimes. Or was it just not killing civilians?

>>904615
>Who is this?
What glorious fireworks!

>>904648
Either or?

>>904648
No killing non-coms. That's about it.

>>904615
Your team looks at you, expecting you to answer. So you do.

"Who is this?" You demand, looking around for the source of the noise.

"Eva Braum." She answers from everywhere. "Remnant Fleet. Ex-loyalist, mercenary."

"Is the 'ex' part recent?"

"You decide." Another gunshot. "I'll be curt. The captain is dead, I killed her. She wanted to set off the self-destruct and kill everyone aboard. Those men you decimated? Simply sent to buy time so that you wouldn't escape."

"...Why did you help us?"

"Simple." There's a click, some swearing is heard in the background, and then another gunshot. "Because I'm changing sides. Your merc, yes?"

"Yes." You admit.

"Then let me join you. I may not be a pilot, but I know how to pilot Titans and experienced with..." there's a pregnant pause, "getting information from you. I also know a thing or two about infiltration and information gathering."

"That's my shtick." Hong whispers.

"I heard that."

"...Shit."

You pause for a moment, thinking.
>Get the satchels.
>Who're you executing?
>What makes you think you won't try to betray me? Double-crossers don't stay around for long.
>Write in:

>>904730
>Who're you executing?
>What makes you think you won't try to betray me? Double-crossers don't stay around for long.

>>904730
>Who're you executing?
>What makes you think you won't try to betray me? Double-crossers don't stay around for long.
>Especially the ones that kill the people they worked with without a second thought.

>>904730
>Write in
We'll take you for now and reserve the right to space you if you even look around funny. Skills are skills and we could use more of them. We'll vet you and decide whether or not to keep you for good. Open the door.

>>904730
It would be in very poor taste to refuse a surrender.

If people know we accept surrenders it will make it more likely they'll do so and thereby making our lives much easier. Not to mention saving lives. Seriously though who you think they are gonna fight harder against someone they know who doesn't take surrenders or someone who does?

We gotta think about our reputation here.

So accept the surrender but make it clear if there are any fighters or tricks they die.

>What makes you think you won't try to betray me? Double-crossers don't stay around for long.

Ask her this and try to rattle her. Truth is mercs aren't exactly the most...loyal of people. Still traitors are a pain to deal with so we gotta give her some shit.

This is to be expected but hopefully we can find some things out if we do it well.

>>904786 here. I find
>>904806 to be equally acceptable

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http://pastebin.com/pF5S6GzF
Mercenary Company Paste. Will add it to next session post.

>>904730
"Who're executing?"

"Non-conformists." You hear begging in the background, and it's cut short by another shot. Then you hear something being tossed, clattering away from the mic. "That was the last one."

You frown. "What makes you think you won't try to betray me? Double-crossers don't stay around for long."

You question is answered with a long silence, then Eva coughs. "I... can see where you're going with this. I'll be frank: you honestly have very, very little reason to trust me, and because of what I did - *if* this ever gets out, no one ever will. However, I can tell that you're a dangerous and experience man, mercenary, and from the looks of it; you could do terrible, terrible things to me if you could."

She isn't right. Your work with Vinson Dynamics was a dark and rarely spoken path. You've dealt with traitors, and have seen what was dealt to them. It's not pretty, and you know things that you honestly wish you never knew about.

Eagle and Hong watch you with pensive interest as you begin to think. You share a glance with each of them, neither of them like it, and you don't either, but... a job's a job, and this is technically the easiest way to get things down.

"Fine..." You force the word out. "I'll 'hire' you, Eva. But!" You raise your voice, halting whatever praise Eva was going to say. "No tricks, no funny business, and don't expect personal privacy for a long, long time. If I even here a whisper, you're spaced. Got it?"

"...Crystal."

"Good." You nod, satisfied that your threat got through. "Now open the fucking door."

In a moment the keypad goes green and the doors slide open. A woman, pale skin, red eyes, grey hair, maybe around her mid-twenties - smartly dressed in a black tuxedo and wearing matching fingerless gloves. However, the most glaring feature is the large burn scar that climbs the side of her face, just behind her left cheek.

Void-born.

Eva smiles, holding a small box in her hand. "A pleasure working with you, Mercenary."

"Call me Shrike on the field; Morgan when you're off." You give a curt grunt. "Do you have a void suit?"

"Yes." Her smile faltered a bit from your curtness, but you're not here for niceties. "In the armory. I have the key and everything."

You nod, turning to Eagle. "Eyes, is that the black box she's holding?"

"Yes." Eagle grabs the box from Eva's palm and examines it closely. "Yes it is."

"Good. Monk, watch her."

"Yes sir." Hong salutes.

"Now that everything's in order..." You clap your hands, a thin smile on your lips. "I think we're all ready to leave this damned ship."

>MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
>Money Earned: 6000$ [5500$ from job, 500$ from Stalker salvage].
>Gained new crew member: Eva Braum [Traitor]

Now let me do some housework before continuing.

>>904979
Alright housework is done. Eva is now on the companions paste for review.

And on another note I'm heading off to bed. I'll post in the morning, head off to work, and then post in the afternoon.

Sa'll good?

>>905042
Sounds good to me. Thanks for running.

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>>904979
You remember boarding your goblin with your team, the blackbox, and your new crew member. Shortly after giving your contractors the signals of a job well done, you received congratulations and the location of a dead drop not too far away from the dying brick ship.

A short jump later the pilot found the dead drop and with your grappling hook you jumped out to grab the buoy and the money it held. Then you had to go to *another* dead drop further away to deliver the black box. Once that was completed you received a curt thank you and the promise of more jobs from them in the future.

>+1 Reputation gained with the White Market!
>No reputation loss from the Remnant Fleet on account of no survivors. Or recordings. You can thank Eva for that.

With that said and done, you came back to the Goblin and the pilot flew it back to the Star Burner. The Falling Stars had completed their first clandestine mission and now it was time to get a drink.

~

"I don't like her." Hong states his disapproval for Eva while you're sitting at the bar, downing a shot of rum.

"I don't either, Hong." You can't help but to agree with your friend. "But a lot of things could have gone wrong during that mission. And... honestly... Eva rectified a lot of them for us. Her skills will be useful, she better be damn sure of it."

Hong is quiet. He looks down at the shot glass before him before he slides it over to you. "Can't drink, sir. No face."

You grab the shot glass. "Don't they have tubes for that?" And then you down it.

"I uh..." He pauses, scratching his smooth chin. "Do they? Huh... I think I'll need to talk to Eagle about that."

"You do that." You sigh contently, slamming the glass down and signaling the barkeep that you're done. "Well I'm off, you?"

"So am I, I guess." Your partner says with some nonchalance. "I think I'll attempt to train some of grunts..."

You chuckle, patting him on the shoulder. "Keep the broken bones to a minimum, alright?"

"No promises."

If Hong was anything but a simulacrum, you'd swear he'd be smiling right about now.

You share a curt laugh with him before going your separate ways. What do you do now?
>Check the Frontier News Network (FNN). See what's up.
>Check up on Eva, see how she's settling in.
>Go get another contract from Damien.
>Hire some more mercenaries.
>See if you can get into contact with the Black Market. Get better equipment.
>Write in:

>>905674
>Check up on Eva, see how she's settling in.
>Check the Frontier News Network (FNN). See what's up.

>>905674
>Check the FNN while looking for Eva

>>905698
>>905704
Second

>>905674
>Check up on Eva, see how she's settling in.

>>905674
>See if you can get into contact with the Black Market. Get better equipment
We did promise the Captain after all.
Also don't know if I'll have the same ID, I'm >>905047

>>905704
Agreed.

>>905674
>Check the FNN while looking for Eva

Second step is
>>905823 , if we can consider the amount of currency we have adequate.

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>>905674
"Barkeep!" You wave you hand to the man cleaning your glasses. "What's on the FNN?!"

The burly man grunts, wiping his hand on his shirt before grabbing the remote and turning the widescreen tv on. A young, blonde woman appears on screen, smiling beatifically and holding a stack of papers.

"Today on FNN! I'm your host: Amanda Holiday!" Her smile impossibly widens when she introduces herself. "As of a few hours ago, on the planet of Gria, tensions between the pro-IMC and Militia faction exploded in violent confrontation when the former learned of a secret base holding Militia personnel deep in their lines."

"Apex Predators were first on the scene, breaking into the Militia base and mercilessly slaughtered the personnel before the 6-4 came into the scene. Sadly the 6-4 could only rescue a few VIP's and some of the surviving, the rest were abandoned to the IMC and their mercenaries."

Amanda slides one of the papers to the side, and her eyes widen a little before she smiles. "In other news: It seems an abandoned Brick Ship under the control of the Remnant Fleet has been found adrift in a uncharted section of the Frontier. Salvagers stumbled upon it after they picked up a faint distress signal. Investigation has revealed the ship suffered catastrophic damage due to an unknown battle before recklessly jumping away. All crew has been found dead, either from execution, or from infighting. Regardless, the salavagers are planning to auction the ship off. You can find more at-"

"Turn it off." You command the barkeep, rising from your seat. "No more need for that."

The barkeep nods, turning off the TV. "Have a nice day, Captain."

You nod back. "Good day."

You have a slight buzz in the back of your head, but you're still level-headed enough to see Eva, and to see how she's settling in.

The two guards standing at her door salute you as you enter. Inside you find a sparsely decorated bedroom and adjacent bathroom. The only thing and a dart board filled with knives.

"Captain Morgan." You hear Eva call you from the other room, a knife soon sails from the door frame and slams into the board's bullseye. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon."

>"Settling in well?"
>"How're the guards?"
>"Good throw."
>Write in:

This took fucking forever my God.

>>907156
>"Good throw."
>"Settling in well?"

>>907156
>"Good throw."
>"Settling in well?"

>>907158
>>907170
Second.

>>907156
>"Settling in well?"

>>907156
>>907158
>>907170
Let's go with this.

>>907156
"Good throw." You nod at the knife. "Settling in well?"

Eva walks out from the room, she's only wearing her bra and pants, her hair being dried with a fresh towel. "Well. It's been too long since I had a proper shower, and I'm grateful for the privacy. At least there are no cameras in the shower."

You raise an eyebrow, but say nothing.

Eva sighs, sitting on the bed and crossing her legs, the towel wrapped around her shoulders. "Is there anything else you'd like to ask?"

>"How long have you served the Remnant Fleet?"
>"Why does Marder hate the Fleet?"
>"What fleet were you born in?"
>Write in:

Sorry guys, the senpai been ordering me around, so things are being terribly slow.

>>907623
>>"How long have you served the Remnant Fleet?"
>"What fleet were you born in?"

>>907623
>"How long have you served the Remnant Fleet?"

>>907623
>"Why does Marder hate the Fleet?"

>>907626
Second.

>>907623
>>907626
This. Also

>Write in:
Do the carpets match the drapes?
Don't actually have Morgan say this.

>>907682
Yes

>>907623
You lean against the wall, arms crossed. "How long have you served the Remnant Fleet?"

Eva scratches the back of her neck, not looking too happy, but sighing regardless. "Eight years. Followed Spyglass after Demeter and it decided to do his own thing and gave General Marder the proverbial middle finger. 'Course the General did not enjoy that and publicly declared us rogue." She sighs, her fingers going beneath her pillow, pulling out a light and a pack of cigarettes. "Want one?" She points the open pack to you.

"I don't smoke." You raise a hand.

"Fair enough." She shrugs, sticking a cigarette between her lips she lights it, taking in a deep breath before breathing out of her nose. "And to prematurely answer why Marder hates us it's simple: we don't follow his insane orders. Typhon was a mistake. For once, I'm glad that the Militia won."

You can't help but agree. "Typhon was... excessive."

"Damn straight." She nods back. "Outright insane, and he calls *us* the fucking crazy ones."

You try to not mention how she betrayed her entire crew and executed her captain in cold blood.

"Regardless, are we done here, or are there more things you'd like to ask?"

You raise a finger. "One last question: what fleet where you born on?"

"None of your business."

Ouch.

You sigh. "Very well then. Talk to you soon, Eva. I'll let you know when I have need of your skills."

Eva grunts, waving her hand at the door as she falls onto the bed, apparently going to sleep.

The doors close behind you, the men outside saluting you once more as you debate on what to do next.

>Mercenary Contracts.
>Hire some Mercs.
>Peruse the Black Market.
>Write in:

>>908105
Sorry for the slow posts today guys, I'm heading off to bed now. I'll post more in the morning.

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>>908105
>Yes
mfw

>Peruse the Black Market.
Suppose I'll vote for this again. Maybe we'll find a Not!Lightsaber or something after we get our grunts equipment.

>>908105
>Black Market
Also, have you considered making a discord?

Im going to shamelessly signal boost my own quest here: >>897037

>>908105
>>Peruse the Black Market.

>>908133
He does. He linked it in earlier threads.

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>>908105
>Pull Eva off a ship
>Tell her we don't trust her yet and reserve airlock usage
>"Where ya from?"
>"None of your business."
Listen HERE ya fuckin' cunt!

>Peruse the Black Market.

>>908139
link = expired

>>908105
>Peruse the Black Market.

>>908105
>>Peruse the Black Market.

>>908105
>Peruse the Black Market.

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>>908105
"What's on the Black Market, Damien?"

"Nothing much, Morgan." The ship captain pushes his glasses further up the bridge of his nose while examining the datapad intently. "We really don't have that much of a reputation, yet. But there are a few things that we could get..."

He passes you his datapad and you see a number of possible purchases.

[Don't worry about ammunition, that will always be taken care of behind the scene. Assume that every weapon you take to the field has two spare magazines, not including the one already in the gun.]

[Also, all guns, attachments, etc are considered to be bought in bulk unless specifically stated otherwise.]

Titan Equipment:
Plasma Railgun Schematics: 6000$
XO-16 Chaingun - Extended Magazines Schematics: 1500$
Quad Rocket Schematics: 3000$
Arc Cannon Schematics: 7000$

Pilot/Grunt Anti-Titan Weapons:
Archer Heavy Rockets: 10000$
Charge Rifles 6000$

Pilot/Grunt Ordnance:
Grenade Bandolier - Extra Capacity - Can hold one more grenade: 2500$
Frag Grenades - High Explosive [Upgrade!]: 2000$
Arc Grenades: 2000$
Satchel Charges: 8000$
Arc Mines: 4000$

>What would you like to buy?

https://discord.gg/tJPdj
Discord.

>>908482
Did somebody say Explosions!
>Grenade Bandolier - Extra Capacity - Can hold one more grenade: 2500$
And, we can mix/match our grenade picks? If so...
>Arc Grenades: 2000$
One of those + Frags per mission. If not...
Frag Grenades - High Explosive [Upgrade!]: 2000$

>>908482
Let's just get the Grenade Bandolier and Arc Grenades, and save the rest.

>>908482
>Grenade Bandolier - Extra Capacity - Can hold one more grenade: 2500$
>Frag Grenades - High Explosive [Upgrade!]: 2000$
This gelps both pilots and grunts, feels like a good deal to me.

>>908634
Arc Grenades have so much utility, though. They cripple ground troops (including spectres and stalkers), and a well-thrown arc grenade can temporarily blind and cripple a Titan.

>>908643
Which is why I suggested them if we can mix & match.

>>908501
Second

>>908482
>>908501
I'll second this. Can we give our grunts general orders to follow? If so, I'll suggest the general tactic when meeting a titan be "blind it and fucking run."

>>908988
I was thinking more sobbing and assuming the fetal position, but that works too.

>>908482
"A couple boxes of Arc Grenades and plenty of grenade bandoliers to spare." You nod, tossing the datapad back to Damien. "Give make sure to equip each grunt with an Arc so that they can actually stand a chance against Stalkers and Titans."

"I'm assuming you're going to attempt to throw out the usual tactic of sobbing and assuming the fetal position, yes?" Damien asks with a cocky grin. "Good. And here I thought you were going to treat them like fodder."

>+1 Approval from Damien!

>You have 1500$ left!

"Whatever makes them carry their own weight." You say with a shrug. "Anything else?"

"Well..." He pushes up his glasses again, adopting a thinker's pose. "I don't think you can afford to buy anything else currently so instead I'll show you what contracts are currently available."

>[Titan Job - ACE's]: The damn M-Core are too busy "fighting the good fight" to care about small settlements anymore. A small settlement on a newly discovered planet called Gria got hit hard by pirates. Save the colonists, and we'll pay you, big. Expect heavy resistance, but you can expect help from us as well.
>[Pilot and Titan Job - IMC]: Simple escort job, Mercenary. Head over to the planet Maria and patrol the streets for the convoy and make sure it gets through safe.
>[Pilot Job or Titan Job - Serenity Core]: This is a PSA to all currently available mercenaries. An S-Core team has become trapped on the jungle planet, Kryptos. We cannot assist due to IMC interference. Get the team out, alive if necessary.

>>909502
>Job - ACE's]: The damn M-Core are too busy "fighting the good fight" to care about small settlements anymore. A small settlement on a newly discovered planet called Gria got hit hard by pirates. Save the colonists, and we'll pay you, big. Expect heavy resistance, but you can expect help from us as well.

>>909502
>[Titan Job - ACE's]: The damn M-Core are too busy "fighting the good fight" to care about small settlements anymore. A small settlement on a newly discovered planet called Gria got hit hard by pirates. Save the colonists, and we'll pay you, big. Expect heavy resistance, but you can expect help from us as well.

>>909502
>[Titan Job - ACE's]: The damn M-Core are too busy "fighting the good fight" to care about small settlements anymore. A small settlement on a newly discovered planet called Gria got hit hard by pirates. Save the colonists, and we'll pay you, big. Expect heavy resistance, but you can expect help from us as well.
We get to kill pirates and it even sort of fits with our Mercenary code if you squint and jump through some hoops.

>>909522
Not much squinting required, or hoop jumping.

>>909502
>[Titan Job - ACE's]: The damn M-Core are too busy "fighting the good fight" to care about small settlements anymore. A small settlement on a newly discovered planet called Gria got hit hard by pirates. Save the colonists, and we'll pay you, big. Expect heavy resistance, but you can expect help from us as well.

>>909527
I figured not killing civilians would just be us not killing them instead of keeping everyone from killing them. If it did then we'd never work for the IMC or Militia ever.

Actually, were there civilians on Demeter? I don't think there was anything about it in Titanfall 1.

>>909502
>[Titan Job - ACE's]: The damn M-Core are too busy "fighting the good fight" to care about small settlements anymore. A small settlement on a newly discovered planet called Gria got hit hard by pirates. Save the colonists, and we'll pay you, big. Expect heavy resistance, but you can expect help from us as well.

>>909542
I mean our code is not being a dick, more or less. This isn't dickish sooo.

>>909502
>[Titan Job - ACE's]: The damn M-Core are too busy "fighting the good fight" to care about small settlements anymore. A small settlement on a newly discovered planet called Gria got hit hard by pirates. Save the colonists, and we'll pay you, big. Expect heavy resistance, but you can expect help from us as well.

>>909549
Ehh, I guess? Our code's just "Not killing noncoms" in the pastebin.

>>909582
That alone seems to give us major brownie points. Medics, civilians and those who legitimately surrender don't get a bullet from us.

>>909589
Yeah, I doubt the Apex Predators'll beat us in a popularity contest. Even before they all get killed by one guy that's technically not even a pilot.

>>909542
Technically Demeter was mostly operated by Marvins and other machines. There are a few general hubs were engineers and science teams would stay in.

Of course then Demeter was invaded by the Militia and the *organic* population went triplicate.

There is a reason why the IMC OR the Militia never released official casualty reports.

>>909610
The quest takes place after Titanfall 2. Typhon has already exploded, and the Apex Predators - barring Blisk himself - have literally all been blown the fuck out.

>>909618
Yeah, realized that right after I posted. Morgan mentioned it to Eva.

>>909502
"We'll take the job for the ACE's. Tell them we're coming to reinforce."

"Excellent." Damien spins his chair to face the bridge. "Send a notification to Barker. Tell him the Falling Stars will assist."

"Yes captain!" A woman yells back.

"It will be a few hours for us to reach Gria. It's on the other end of the Freeport Systems. I advise some rest, Captain. From what I hear, these people are not your usual pirates."

You nod. "I'll get on that. Tell me when we meet the ACE's, sounds like we'll need to set up a strategy."

And the Grunts? And Eva?
>Bring the Grunts for extra support.
>Bring the Grunts AND Eva.
>Just bring Eva, she needs to prove her worth.
>Bring neither.

>>909652
>>Bring the Grunts AND Eva.

>>909652
>Bring the Grunts AND Eva
Eva can roll with one of the Grunt squads that support our Titans Read:Pick up the salvage we leave in our wake. Maybe tell Hong to keep an eye on her if he can.

>>909652
>Bring the Grunts AND Eva.

Grunts are on Titan Annoyance Duty.

File: Gabriel.jpg (124 KB, 1200x1600)

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>>909652
"Bring both of them. Eva will support the grunts and keep them safe. Let me, Hong, and Eagle take care of the rest."

"Yes captain." Damien nods, still focused on the bridge. "I'll notify our grunts that it's time they got blooded. They'll appreciate the bandoliers and Arcs, sir."

You grunt. "God I hope so."

You have one last look at the bridge as it moves too and fro. Men and women almost jumping over one another as they get into position. Sometimes... you wonder what it'd be like at the helm, but then you remember the rush of combat, the feeling of unrestricted movement across the battlefield, and then... you don't feel as envious anymore.

You love being a Pilot.

~

"Garbiel?" You look at the giant of a man sitting across from you. Dark-skinned and wearing a flowing black trenchcoat and a matching wide brimmed hat. Wires stick out from his skull and weave down to the back of his head. Crude cybernetics.

"Yah." He speaks, voice deep and baritone. "That is me. You Shrike?"

"Yes." You nod, then you point your hand to the pilots behind you. "Eyes, Monk, and Vice. We'll be your Titan pilots."

"Good. Good..." The man rubs his smooth chin. "More than expected. Very good."

His knuckles rap the table and it lights up, and you're given a holographic display a small, almost insignificant settlement.

"Settlement Gria, of Gria." He chuckles at that. "It don't look like much, but..." He raps his knuckles again and the settlement fast forwards. When it stops it has nearly tripled in size. "The pirates came and took it. Enslaved the populace. Beaten, but not broken. Mission is simple," the hologram zooms out, pinpointing to locations at the front and back of the settlement turned pirate base. "Would you like to storm the front, or the back? Your choice, Shrike."

>Storm the Front
>Storm the Back
>Write in questions.

>>909837
Defensive strong points, how many people we'll be facing, likelihood of hostages, do they have titans and if so how many? what's our support like? Typical or notable enemy loadouts?

>>909837
>Write in questions.
What's at each base? We're probably better suited to handling the more heavily defended base. Along with any notable enemy Titans. I'm betting the pirate's leader has a tricked out Titan of his own but there might be more.

>>909850
This too.

>>909837
>Storm the Back
Always go in the back door.

>>909850
This. Intel first, decision later.

Now that I think about it, when did Eva ever say she was a Pilot?

File: Knowing.jpg (110 KB, 379x596)

110 KB JPG

>>909850
>>909868
This, pic related

>>909837
New discord link? Old one timed out.

>>910190
https://discord.gg/7saB3Dn

>>909850
>>909868
Supporting

>>909850
>>909868
This


updated my name cause none of you guessed it

>>909837
"First things first." You raise a finger. "Defensive strong points. How many people will we be facing? Likelihood of hostages. Do they have Titans and how many? What're you bring to the fight? And what are these people loaded with?"

Gabriel chuckles again, answering your questions. "Main strong points are at each gate, with one more at the center where the pirate captain is. Typical setup. As for pirate grunts and Titans: we have scans showing a large number of grunts, about... three-hundred or so and about eight titans, standard Atlas and Ogre loadouts. Though..." He scratches his chin again, "no telling how many are hiding in the buildings..."

"What about the support and the armaments of the enemy?"

"I was getting there." Gabriel clucks his tongue with mild annoyance. "I'll be down there with you with five of my best titan pilots, as well as ACE grunt support. As for enemy armaments... they have two defense towers at each gate and about five more scattered around the compound, as for equipment we spotted a few grunts in high spots sporting Archers and Krabers. Always fun to deal with."

"That's some heavy stuff." Hong pings in through the commlink. "Are you sure these guys are typical pirates?"

>"Gabriel, I don't think these are your typical pirates."
>Say nothing.

"Now back on topic." Gabriel claps his hands together again. "Will you storm the front, or the back?"

>Storm the Front.
>Storm the Back.
>Any last questions?

>>910443
>>"Gabriel, I don't think these are your typical pirates."

>Storm the Front.
>What's the name of these pirates?

>>910443
Is it possible to drop the titans from orbit, right in the middle of their compound? Is there too much risk for collateral?

>>910443
>"Gabriel, I don't think these are your typical pirates."
>Storm the Back.

>>910443
>"Gabriel, I don't think these are your typical pirates."
>Storm the Back.
There's something he's not telling us. He'll have to tell us before we agree to actually do this.
If they're actually IMC or Militia we won't care. If they're Remnant Fleet I doubt anyone would care.

>>910443
>"Gabriel, I don't think these are your typical pirates."
>"These guys got a rep, or a name?"
Possible to orbital drop in the middle of the compound? If not, storm the front.

>>910443
>"Gabriel, they sure aren't paying like its just typical pirates, but that's just business as usual. Good business!"
>Storm the Front.

>>910468
Titanfall onto a civilian building carries major risk, not least of which include collateral damage and missing the target.

>>910509
The real question then is if we would incur any financial risk from doing so.

>>910468
>>910488
The official Titanfall term for Titan orbital drops is, well, "Titanfall."

>>910468
Dropping right on top of them would have been an ideal strategy. However there are too many factors with civilians and collateral damage that it's not just worth the risk.

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>>910527
>Mercenary causes intentional collateral damage to civilian outpost, including literal Titanfall
>Doesn't expect his pay to get docked

>>910509
>>910509
Well, no killing non-coms. Anyway, from what I can gather, titanfall is pretty accurate considering that they always seem to land where designated in the game. There's also the whole landing in unison thing from the original game in titan hunter. Never played the second game, so I don't know about that, though.

>>910541
Some of us remember Blast Corps.

>>910554
That was a completely different setup, and you know it.

>>910443
"Gabriel... I don't think these are your typical pirates."

"I have assumed as much as well." He nods solemnly. "Too good equipment for such a small group. Something is not right."

"You're thinking this is a trap?"

"I do not think, Shrike. I know." He narrows his eyes, smiling. "That is why I bought your services. We must divide and conquer. Divulge whatever secrets lay within that compound and extricate them."

"And the civies?"

"If there are any left, they will be saved. They are, after all, our priority."

Ah, now you're getting it. You're here to be paid for the civilians. Gabriel and his team: are in it for what's inside.

"Got a name for these pirates?"

"They call themselves, The Skullz. With a z at the end."

"How mature." You state dryly.

"Yes. Mature. Front, or Back?"

"Back. How long till titanfall?"

"One hour. We'll send the coordinates to the Star Burner. Be ready."

You push yourself away from the table. "I'm always ready. See you on the ground, Gabriel." And turn to leave.

"Good luck, Shrike. Let's hope the mission goes well, yes?"

You pause at the door, turning your head just enough to see the man smiling from the corner of your vision. "Yours too."

~

You climb into your Titan with the assistance of a Marvin. The machine salutes you once you step inside, it's chest plate lighting up with a happy face. Across from you sits Eagle and Z-Ro. Both Titan and pilot saluting you.

You salute back as the cockpit closes.

"Titanfall will begin in ten minutes." The drop commander announces.

You press the buttons, flick the switches, and put your hands on the joysticks. In the back of your mind you feel the neural link you share with Orphan become like fire in your spine as the machine warms. Then, you hear a familiar voice.

"Hello, Shrike. Alternative designation: Captain Morgan Isaacson." Comes the soft, feminine voice of Orphan. "How are you today?"

>"Doing well, Orphan. You?"
>"Begin standard systems check and diagnostics."
>"I do not like this, Orphan. I'm getting a bad feeling from this."
>Write in.

>>910851
>"Doing well, Orphan. You?"
>"I do not like this, Orphan. I'm getting a bad feeling from this."
>"What's the probability of this being a trap?"

>>910851
>"Doing well, Orphan. You?"

>>910851
>"Doing well, Orphan. You?"

>>910851
>>"Doing well, Orphan. You?"
>"I do not like this, Orphan. I'm getting a bad feeling from this."
>"What's the probability of this being a trap?"

>>910851
>"I do not like this, Orphan. I'm getting a bad feeling from this."

>>910851
>"Doing well Orphan. Begin systems check and diagnostics. I'm getting a bad feeling from this."

>>910851
>"Doing well, Orphan. You?"

>>910851
>"I do not like this, Orphan. I'm getting a bad feeling from this. Mind keepin' an eye on the 6?"

>>910851
"Doing well, Orphan." You begin preliminary diagnostics. All things seem to be in order. You practice with clenching your right hand. The titan follows, matching you in sync perfectly. "How are you."

"All systems are nominal." She answers factually. "I sense that you are under some duress. What is wrong?"

You sigh. Nothing gets past Orphan. "I don't like this. Review the conversation with Gabriel."

"Accessing neural link. Reviewing video. Processing. Gabriel speaks in half truths. He is here for something else, but you're here for the civilians. Recommendation: Extreme Caution."

"Yeah..." you sigh, "That's what I thought."

"All Titans prepare for Titanfall." You hear blare over the intercom.

You then speak. "All pilots and titan pilots report in."

"Monk ready."

"Eyes ready."

"...Vice is ready."

"Good." You nod, satisfied. "Attention all personnel, this is Captain Morgan. Our orders are to hit a pirate outpost from the rear gate. Expect heavy resistance in the form of well armed grunts, defense towers, and Titans. There may be more hidden within the compound so stay on your toes. Myself, Monk, and Eyes will be the vanguard. Vice will stay in the rear and support the grunt push. Are we clear?"

"""YES SIR!""" Is what echoes across the comms.

"Excellent." You can't help but feel a but of pride swell up in your chest. Being a commander of an elite mercenary force; it has its perks.

"All Titans, prepare for Titanfall in 3. 2. 1... Dropping."

A sense of weightlessness overcomes you. Suddenly you find yourself crashing into the planet, in the distance you see a large compound standing over the horizon, your target. Defense towers light up, flak begins to fill the air and in the distance you see six, angry red streaks scream into the ground.

You hit the earth. Hard. It crackles underneath Orphan's chassis, the dome shield circling around you, protecting you from a flurry of explosive rounds and archer rockets.

You rise. Orphan rises. The dome dissipates and another rocket streaks towards you. You, Orphan, throws down a particle wall and the rocket slams into it. A sonar pulse is launched at the presumed firing location and you spot an orange outline of a grunt hiding behind the shrubbery. You put an end to that with a well placed shot, turning him into paste for the rocky wall behind him.

"Captain Morgan this is Goblin pilot 1-1! We're taking heavy flak fire! We detect portable AA a few meters from your position! We need someone to take those damn things out, now!"

>Orders?

>>911122
>Tell them to maintain evasive manuevers while we and our titan squad clear the AA guns. Also try to contact Gabriel to co-ordinate our attacks

>>911122
Morgan will hit that AA turret, since it's the most immediate threat to assets. Hong and Eva start getting to work on the gate towers; nobody move up until those towers are rubble.

>>911122
Destroy the AA, then try and use the goblin to soften the resistance RFG style.

>>911122
We need those gun down. I'm taking point. Grunt start sweeping and clearing. Call contacts if you run into titans. Eyes, Monk take down the gate, Vice be waiting in the wings in case of trouble.

>>911122
>>911138
I'll support this. Tell our Grunts to watch the towers and any elevated position for the Kraber Grunts.

>>911138
Supporting this

>>911122
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJpUn2CrBXA

"Keep using evasive maneuvers Goblin 1-1! I'll be taking out the AA's. Monk, Eyes?!"

"Sir!" They respond.

"Take out the enemy towers! Vice! Provide covering fire for the two!"

"Y-Yes!" You hear Eva call out, clutching her chaingun close to her cockpit.

"Good!" You talons dig into the earth and you launch yourself forward. Your sonar guiding the way. "Move out! We're burning time!"

"Sir!"

"Captain Shrike, this is Gabriel, how copy?"

"We have made titan landing, but our goblins are being harried by portable AA, Gabriel. Portable. Fucking. AA. This isn't a simple pirate base."

"...Acknowledged. What are you planning?"

"I'm going to deal with the AA. Eyes, Monk, and Vice will storm the gates."

"Good." You can tell he's nodding. "My titans are pushing forward. We are facing heavier resistance than expected. Don't die. Gabriel out."

"Bastard." You say under your breath. "Isn't even fazed."

"Hostile missiles inbound."

Shit.

>1d20+8 [+3 from Titan Skill, +5 from Wits]

Rolled 3 + 8 (1d20 + 8)

>>911182

File: 1338900113316.gif (1.23 MB, 619x398)

1.23 MB GIF

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>911182

Rolled 18 + 8 (1d20 + 8)

>>911182
Rolls aren't going too well.

>>911195
OH THANK GOD

>>911195
Nevermind.

>>911195
Right so you pass, I'll post in the morning. G'night.

>>911206
The blue balls are harsh.

If you want more questing action, come visit me at >>897037 !

>>911192
Ah, cortex command. A fine producer of gifs like this

>>911310
It was a fun and pretty zany game at times.

>>911182
>Rolled 26 - Passed!

Your boosters launch you to the left, four rockets soaring past where you once where. You ping your sonar and see ten outlines in a pillbox of grunts waiting to ambush you with archers and other forms of anti-titan ordnance.

You launch a cluster missile into it and move into the canyon. Above you spot your goblins dance across the skies, deftly dodging the AA as they try to hold out for as long as possible.

>Core Charge at 22%

"How close are we, Orphan?"

"Pilot Morgan, we are forty meters away. We just need to- Hostile Titan detected. From above! Evade!"

"Wha-"

>1d20+6 [+3 from Titan Skill, +5 from Wits, -2 from Ambush].

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>911530

Rolled 16 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>911530

Rolled 7 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>911530

Rolled 4 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>911530

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290 KB PNG

>>911530
>Rolled 24 - Passed!

You launch yourself back, a second later a Titan appears before you. Smoke and debris flies everywhere, shrouding your vision.

But you see the broadsword coming. It cuts through the smoke as you duck under it, then leaping back again to avoid the jab. You fire a cluster but your opponent phases out. You fire a pulse and get his position just as he phases back in.

You score a hit on the side, but not another as it phases out once more. Retreating back into the smoke just before it clears.

"Intercepting enemy communications. Communications intercepted. Providing info."

"Command this is Kris." A man's voice is heard over the comm. "Engaging enemy Titan. Too fast to be norm, definitely a pilot."

What charges out of the smoke is a Ronin dragging its broadsword behind it. The entire blade crackling with energy.

"Engaging enemy pilot."

Annnnnnnnnnd that's where we'll leave things as is for this session, gents. Hope you all enjoyed it!

As for time I think I'll now be running on Tuesdays through Thursdays for each session. See you all then!

A little short, but it's getting good.

>>911802
Some of the characterization is a little curt. Since we're in Captain Morgan's perspective, it doesn't often come across what he's thinking or feeling, his current thought process. Everything is usually just presented as is. I would like to know a little more of what Morgan is thinking.

Reading the pastebins. I thought it was Marauder CORPS and Serenity CORPS and Native CORPS, not Core.