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“Well, I suppose I can tell you if it’s bothering you that much, Rachel!” The happy voice of the Commander suddenly says over the comms. This causes Rachel to freeze and blush in embarrassment. Loki places a hand over her mouth, masking her own reaction. Sweet chuckles at the reaction.

“A-apologies, Commander! I didn’t mean too--” Rachel stammers a reply but the Commander merely giggles. There’s a warm inflection to it and it’s enough to help make Rachel calm down.

“As Rook had said, it is indeed a high priority mission and XCOM Asia is... specialized to handle other operations. You’re enroute to China for a target extraction.” The Commander says.

That causes a murmur in the Skyranger that neither you or Rachel understand until Peppermint speaks up, her first words real words in the mission. “This is a… Council Mission then?”

“Correct!” The Commander answers, pleased before sensing both your own confusion and Rachel’s. “Ah, sorry this would be your first Council mission then, no? The Council funds our little operation and occasionally... ‘requests’ specific missions like this one.”

You pause, noting the Commander’s pleasant and reassuring mood going stilted at the very end. A touchy subject? You are about to ask but Rook catches this and holds a hand up, insisting to not bring it up. Curious, perhaps you could ask the Commander or someone some other time then.

“Don’t worry, everyone! I’m sure you all will succeed. Anyways, Central will take over the briefing from here, but I’ll be watching and cheering you all on!” The Commander finalizes her motivating pep talk and that seems to put the squad at ease. During the pause, Rachel gives Rook an apologetic look which he replies with a sigh. After a moment, the voice of Central Officer Bradford steps into the conversation, which causes Rook’s disposition to drop. Your squad leader keeps himself cool as Bradford starts the briefing properly for you all.

“UN general Peter Van Doorn and his entourage were caught in the middle of an alien attack in China enroute to Shanghai for a military briefing on the recently revealed alien invasion. They were ambushed crossing the Xiangshangang Bridge earlier this evening and have been trapped since. Council Agents are already on scene to help with local authorities in securing the area but have been tasked to not conduct rescue operations. That’s where you all come in. General Van Doorn has been made aware extraction is coming before communication with his convoy was lost. We need you all to confirm Mr. Van Doorn is still alive, and bring him back safe before the place is completely overrun.” Bradford briefs.

“THE General?” You can’t help but add in. Everyone’s heard of the man's exploits. Some calling him The General while others nicknamed him as ‘Doom’, Van Doorn’s leadership has been decisive in recent conflicts across the globe. A part of you before thought that he’d already be in XCOM.

“The very same.” Bradford answers grimly.

(Part 2 / 3)

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“This is Big Sky, we’ll be arriving in the AO shortly.” Your Skyranger pilot for the operation speaks up from the cockpit. The rest of Strike One begins last minute preparations as you do yourself. As much as you had hoped that the laser weapons being cooked up in Engineering by Shen would be ready for deployment, it is sadly not the case. You double check if your kit and loadout is ready to go for the last time you are…

>Using your standard loadout. (Shotgun, Pistol, Alloy Plating, Flashbangs)
>Switching it up a bit. (Decide what to switch out for what.)

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Yes, XCOM time

>>1741382
>Using your standard loadout. (Shotgun, Pistol, Alloy Plating, Flashbangs)
VAN DOORN TIME FUCK YES

>>1741382
>>Using your standard loadout. (Shotgun, Pistol, Alloy Plating, Flashbangs)

>>1741382
>>Using your standard loadout. (Shotgun, Pistol, Alloy Plating, Flashbangs)

>China
Is this that mission where Zhang gets extracted?

>>1741382
>Using your standard loadout. (Shotgun, Pistol, Alloy Plating, Flashbangs)
Nice trip.

>>1741382
>Using your standard loadout. (Shotgun, Pistol, Alloy Plating, Flashbangs)

>>1741382
>Using your standard loadout. (Shotgun, Pistol, Alloy Plating, Flashbangs)

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>>1741434
Curses, didn't even notice!

Also, standard loadout it is, writing!

>>1741382
>Using your standard loadout. (Shotgun, Pistol, Alloy Plating, Flashbangs)
I can't be the only one thinking that our combat style is completely at odds with Rook's careful and methodical strategy.

>>1741485
Assaults gonna Assault. I don't know what else we could have done.

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Even with your tactical tumble from last time, your loadout and kit is no fluke. You stick to what you know works best, especially the Alloy Plating. You’ll be sure to not have Shen manufacture a new one for a replacement given the bone he threw you in testing out those beam weapons.

With your weapons good to go it’s only a matter of time before deploying in the mission, you can already feel the Skyranger slowing down. Big Sky is likely scanning the AO for a proper landing site.

You glance about the Skyranger and gauge the disposition of the squad. On one side of the Skyranger you note there’s still a clear distaste from Rachel to Loki with the latter being still a complete enigma on the subject, hopefully they won’t butt heads during the operation but you always knew Rachel to be the type to stick by her guns, or well her shield you guess. Peppermint still remains completely difficult to communicate with, sure you’re aware she’s quite the eagle eyed shot in a fight, the lack of cohesion with the squad could possibly complicate things during a critical moment.

Looking back over to the side you’re sitting on, you’re at the very least don’t sense anything the matter with Sweet, the big guy is still as positive as ever. For his sake it’s probably best to not get critically injured to not try his good nature attitude. That leaves Rook who you are still… rather uneasy with. Sure things have cooled off since last time, but if your own emotions are anything, he might still be keeping an eye on you and that might distract both of you in the upcoming op.

You and the rest of Strike One have a bit of time left. Maybe smoothing things over with some of your squad could help with the mission? It wouldn’t hurt... or would it?

>Address the disagreement between Rachel and Loki. There’s nothing wrong with rivalry so long as it doesn’t come between the mission.
>Say… something to Peppermint. Really, she can’t be all be that rigid of a Sniper if last time counts right?
>Talk to Rook. Reassure him you’re not going to complicate things for him.
>Leave it be, things are fine enough.
>Other

>>1741605
>Say… something to Peppermint. Really, she can’t be all be that rigid of a Sniper if last time counts right?
we need that 3 mile shot

>>1741605
>>Talk to Rook. Reassure him you’re not going to complicate things for him.

Can't have the squad leader nervous about his men ignoring orders.

>>1741605
>Address the disagreement between Rachel and Loki. There’s nothing wrong with rivalry so long as it doesn’t come between the mission.
This is what I think is going to have the most relevance to the mission. Rook's had his chat with us, and Peppermint seems to get by fine on her own.

>>1741605
>Leave it be, things are fine enough.

>>1741605
>>Address the disagreement between Rachel and Loki. There’s nothing wrong with rivalry so long as it doesn’t come between the mission.

>>1741605
>Address the disagreement between Rachel and Loki. There’s nothing wrong with rivalry so long as it doesn’t come between the mission.

>>1741605
>Address the disagreement between Rachel and Loki. There’s nothing wrong with rivalry so long as it doesn’t come between the mission.
People who let little shit get in the way of serious business royally piss me off, so let's just nip this in the bud

>>1741605
>>Address the disagreement between Rachel and Loki. There’s nothing wrong with rivalry so long as it doesn’t come between the mission.

>>1741625
>>1741639
>>1741643
>>1741647

Talking to the girls it is then, writing!

>>1741382
>Using your standard loadout. (Shotgun, Pistol, Alloy Plating, Flashbangs)

DOORN WHEN? DOORN NOW

>>1741724
Clearly a thin mint.

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>First Council mission we roll is the fucking Van Doorn rescue op

THE MAN
THE MYTH
THE LEGEND
PETER
VAN
DOOOOOOOOOOORN

For those who need a crash course:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3iig9HXaC0

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Ok, you’re more than well aware with how little spats can get out of hand quickly, so for the sake of your own sanity and for the upcoming mission you decide to address the two strong personalities in the Skyranger head on.

“Hey.” You say, getting both of their attention. “Are you guys are good?”

There’s a moment of silence as Rachel and Loki look at each other and then back to you. Rachel gives you a big reassuring grin and Loki merely smiles slightly.

“Of course we’re fine, never better!” Rachel says boisterously.

“Mm, yes indeed.” Loki answers as well, her more eloquent nature contrasting with Rachel’s.

This however doesn’t convince you one bit as you shoulder your shotgun on your shoulder, your armor’s recoil brace softening the hefty weapon. Rachel can be quite headstrong and equally stubborn and Loki, while never being overtly hostile, hasn’t exactly given an inch herself.

“Seriously, your rivalry or whatever it is isn’t going to get into the mission… right?” You press, not taking a casual dismissal as enough. This enough for the pair to actually give you something of their issue.

“As long as she doesn’t doubt my specialty we’ll be just fine.” Rachel says, knocking on her Alloy shield for emphasis. This makes Loki quirk the side of her lips ever so slightly, her eyes narrowing at the shield.

“I do not doubt her specialty, so long as she remembers what her specialization is.” Loki adds, a slight undercurrent of doubt in her voice. You can’t help but shake your head at this, was that it? Probably not but it might be a hint of what it’ll be. Whatever it is... It’ll do, you can work with it.

“Great. You both are square then. Both of you guys knows what to look out for and we’ll get this operation done.” You say, nodding to them and definitively leaving it at that. Rachel grumbles an affirmative and Loki merely looks at you with those eyes of hers but complies in agreement as well.

Sweet elbows you again, and annoyed you turn to let him know that you’d appreciate to keep the next quip held back, but instead he merely gives you an approving look. He doesn’t shoot you a thumbs up or anything like that that would make the girls notice but a mere quiet exchange of approval. Rook and Peppermint seem relieved as well, not having to worry about that coming up during the operation.

Your thoughts are put on hold as you feel the Skyranger touch down on the ground with Big Sky confirming it over comms. You’re all already standing up with your respective weapons at the ready as the ramp begins to lower. You get a view of the burning carnage ahead of you and you can’t help but shudder at the destruction. The ramp completely lowers and wordlessly you all deploy, streaming out of the Skyranger, gauging the situation and scanning the LZ for any hostiles.

(Part 1 / 2)

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The bridge is in ruins, a practical warzone of burnt and gutted cars from a combination of weapons fire from the aliens and the General’s escort. Burning husks of vehicles burn, belching smoke into the night sky. Other vehicles crashed or lodged inbetween each other perhaps from the initial confusion. Worse yet are the bodies of perished civilians strewn about in and outside of the vehicles as they had attempted to flee from the confusion with UN soldiers intermixed in between.

This isn’t a alien abduction mission and it looks like the aliens aren’t trying to play coy with their intentions anymore. If the death is enough to go by, the aliens have no good intentions. Up ahead you can see a bit of the bridge has somewhat collapsed. In fact, most of the bridge is in ruins and is only barely keeping itself upright. Hopefully the bridge won’t fall on all of you.

“Fuck…” Rachel mutters under her breath, shaking her head at the sight before steeling herself, positioning her shield at the ready with a autopistol on the other. Rook motions for you all to take cover and you all spread out, ducking behind several destroyed cars as you gauge the situation. Peppermint stays back as she begins to look for a good vantage point in the area while Sweet, Rook, and Loki set up for overwatch.

Rook then motions for both you and Rachel to advance and scout out the area. Rachel looks over to you and nods a grin on her face. How do you advance?

>Stick close to Rachel, shield facing front shotgun in the back. You’re both are quite effective at this.
>Spread out a bit. Rachel will advance forward while you keep the flanks secured.
>Other

>>1741867
>Stick close to Rachel, shield facing front shotgun in the back. You’re both are quite effective at this.

>>1741867
>>Stick close to Rachel, shield facing front shotgun in the back. You’re both are quite effective at this.

>>1741867
>>>Stick close to Rachel, shield facing front shotgun in the back. You’re both are quite effective at this.

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>>1741867
>>Spread out a bit. Rachel will advance forward while you keep the flanks secured.

Watch for Private Friendly! He should be directly ahead of our LZ and should give us the spiel about the General.

>>1741867
>Stick close to Rachel, shield facing front shotgun in the back. You’re both are quite effective at this.

Keep it compact, minimize the chance we have another car incident.

>>1741867
>Stick close to Rachel, shield facing front shotgun in the back. You’re both are quite effective at this.

Never leave without your Battle Buddy.

>>1741867
>Stick close to Rachel, shield facing front shotgun in the back. You’re both are quite effective at this.
Play to our old strengths.

>>1741867
>Stick close to Rachel, shield facing front shotgun in the back. You’re both are quite effective at this.

>>1741867
>>Stick close to Rachel, shield facing front shotgun in the back. You’re both are quite effective at this.

Familiar, and we can be the sword to her shield.

>>1741867
>>Stick close to Rachel, shield facing front shotgun in the back. You’re both are quite effective at this.
I mean, that's basically what this combo is made for.

Also - BATTLE BUDDY

>>1741867
>>Spread out a bit. Rachel will advance forward while you keep the flanks secured.

>>1741875
>>1741876
>>1741879
>>1741893
>>1741894
>>1741899
>>1741901
>>1741906
Battle buddies it is, writing!

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You return her nod and share a smirk, just like old times. With practiced precision you both advance through the remnant vehicles, scanning around for any movement. The one thing that strikes you odd is how unnaturally quiet it is. The attack has been going on for some time, but at the very least you expected some form of activity off the gate. The Skyranger can make enough of an entrance at times. Up ahead in the distance across the bridge is the city lights of Shanghai, clouds covering the skyline. So close to safety and civilization yet so far as you are all stuck in the middle of the bridge.

A thought occurs that it might already be too late, but you quell that for now. You’d rather not think you’re just going to be finding bodies. There are much more important things to worry about like the possibility that any aliens might be waiting for you all in concealment waiting to ambush you…

>Roll 1d20+3

Rolled 11 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1741950

Rolled 13 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1741950

And here we go.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>1741950

RNGsus pls

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Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1741953
I'll take this with the +3 since even I get confused with the dice rolling system, just double check for next time!

>>1741950
...

>>1741960

Oh
Oh no

Someone's getting critted by a Thin Man, aren't they?

>>1741960
it was a good run

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>>1741960
welp

RIP private friendly. Your exposition will be missed. Along with the top half of your skull.

>>1741962
>>1741976
>>1741977
This is what those banked crits are for boys.

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Rolled 1 (1d20)

You advance forward and Rachel is the first to spot movement. Up ahead by a destroyed flipped over truck on it’s side is a UN soldier, attempting to scrounge for something off one of the other dead UN soldiers. You note he’s carrying a duffel bag filled with guns and is trying to quickly empty out his dead comrade’s pockets and kit.

“Survivor up ahead, it’s one of the soldiers.” You whisper into the comms, the both of you taking cover for a moment to see if there’s any aliens in the area.

“Copy, make contact with him.” Rook answers back.

You both advance both cautiously to not spook the UN soldier as well as to not spook the man.

“Hey--” Rachel starts, but it seems the man’s acting on instinct more than anything else as he quickly raises his weapon and fires a burst with his rifle. You both duck behind Rachel’s shield from the startled soldier. There’s a quick series of barks from the rest of the squad as they prepare to respond but you quickly hold your hand up to them, telling them to hold on.

“Shit! Hey dumbass, friendlies over here! We’re friendlies dammit!” Rachel calls out, and by the third burst of fire, the soldier relents but he still keeps his weapon trained on you.

“Prove it! Prove you’re not one of them!” The soldier challenges back, not lowering his weapon.

What the hell?

Rachel doesn’t budge as she lays steady with her rifle. You’re going to need to convince the trooper somehow. Maybe he’s shellshocked from the aliens? Worse yet, could he be mind controlled?

“We don’t have time for this, everyone on the bridge just heard that.” Loki comms.

"Get him to calm down, whatever it takes." Rook answers as well, clearly not pleased with the new complication. "We'll cover you."

>Do we look like we’re little grey aliens? Attempt to persuade him while staying safe behind the shield.
>You’re going to have to show the soldier you mean no harm, peek your head out and show you are no alien.
>You don’t have time for this, just quickly subdue him with a flashbang before green on blue happens.
>Other.

Also this next update will take a bit longer as I'm tasked to cook dinner, be back shortly!

>>1741995
UM.

I tentatively want to try and talk him down (anything else is to dangerous) but I REALLY want to know what that 1 is for before I make a decision.

>>1741995
>Do we look like we’re little grey aliens? Attempt to persuade him while staying safe behind the shield.
Peeking our head out won't prove shit because there are thin men who look human, and I'd prefer not to risk starting shit with the UN troops, though it's still an option.

>>1741995
>>Do we look like we’re little grey aliens? Attempt to persuade him while staying safe behind the shield.

>>1741995
>>You’re going to have to show the soldier you mean no harm, peek your head out and show you are no alien.

>>1741995
>>Do we look like we’re little grey aliens? Attempt to persuade him while staying safe behind the shield.

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>>1741995
>>You’re going to have to show the soldier you mean no harm, peek your head out and show you are no alien.

Jeezus, Friendly, I know the rest of your squad got fucking owned by those freaks, but that doesn't mean you gotta be so damn twitchy.

>>1741995
>>You’re going to have to show the soldier you mean no harm, peek your head out and show you are no alien.

>>1741995
>You’re going to have to show the soldier you mean no harm, peek your head out and show you are no alien.

>>1741995
>Do we look like we’re little grey aliens? Attempt to persuade him while staying safe behind the shield.

Namedropping Van Doorn probably won't convince him that we're Humans.

>>1741995
>>Do we look like we’re little grey aliens? Attempt to persuade him while staying safe behind the shield.

>>1741995
>>You’re going to have to show the soldier you mean no harm, peek your head out and show you are no alien.

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Wait, I just had a thought: since we're going off Long War, if we win this op, do we get Van Doorn and Friendly as troops in the barracks?

More importantly, is Van Doorn's evil brother Iago going to be a villain character we'll encounter if we ever get around to doing the Exalt HQ Assault?

>>1742075
I have no idea as to what you're talking about.

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>>1742081

Long War has it that you get Van Doorn and that twitchy motherfucker who's shooting as us as new soldiers when you complete this op in-game. As to the second part, there's a special officer character with that name when you do the EXALT base assault--he's been likened to be some sort of evil twin character to the normal Van Doorn.

>>1742097
I don't know what long war is, I'm just here because the art is neat.

>>1741995
>>You’re going to have to show the soldier you mean no harm, peek your head out and show you are no alien.

Put your hands up but watch him very carefully and be ready to jink your head aside.

>>1741995
>>You’re going to have to show the soldier you mean no harm, peek your head out and show you are no alien.

>>1742101
It's a mod for the videogame series XCOM (the modern remakes, not the originals)

I have returned, and it looks like showing you're not one of the aliens it is, writing!

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rip pixel

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This standoff needs to be cut off as soon as possible, and one of the first things you learned when dealing with hostage situations is having a good negotiator. Given that there’s nobody else you opt to do it yourself, lowering your weapon and letting it hang off you with the straps and sticking your hands out.

“The hell are you doing?!” Rachel hisses in surprise. “Stay down before the idiot--”

“I got it, besides XCOM’s kevlar and the alloy plate has me covered.” You reassure her as you promptly stand up and peek your head out from the shield, hands up, stating your intentions. Rachel groans loudly at your showing. “We’re the team to get Van Doorn!”

The soldier raises his weapon again at you, and for a few seconds you expect him to squeeze the trigger again but you make sure to lock eyes with him. You show him you mean no harm and… after a few tense moments the soldier relaxes-- only for one of the doors of one of the destroyed cars just ahead to the side falls off, emitting a surprised and loud screech of pain from Sectoid. You look over to see the car door has landed on the sectoid’s foot.

The soldier hastily falls back, raising his weapon towards the source-- but the crack of Peppermint’s sniper rifle turns the source of the noise into a splatter of gray matter and yellow giblets. The corpse of the sectoid sprawls itself on the car door. A group of sectoids scampers out from hiding, clearly waiting to have ambush the UN operative but your team is quick to react from behind, expertly taking down the entire pod. The soldier looks surprised at the sight but you and Rachel take that as the opening to approach, moving to cover beside him with Rachel planting her shield between you two on your flank

“That enough to convince you?” You say extending a hand out to help the dazed trooper up, who finally relents and takes to sit himself back up. The rest of your squad advances and secures the area, Sweet sliding into cover with you all the check the dazed trooper.

“Stay still buddy, gotta make sure you’re alright. I don’t bite.” Sweet explains as he confirms he’s fine.

“What’s the situation...” You ask the trooper, glancing at the little ID on his person “...Private Friendly?”

“Excuse me?” Rachel looks back confused at the coincidence at the name.

(Part 1 / 2)

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“Well if you’re the guys who are going to rescue Van Doorn… he’s still alive and we’ve set up a perimeter up ahead to protect the surviving civvies. We were running low on ammo so I was sent over to scavenge for supplies and thought you were one of those freaks that hit the bridge. The freaks having been picking us off all night but stopped… guess they were waiting to strike.” Private Friendly explains, glancing over at the dead grouping of Sectoids in frustration.

“How many of you all are left?” Rachel asked surprised.

“A handful of our unit remains, Van Doorn managed to rally everyone he could but it’s been a mess...” Friendly grimaces, shaking his head as he glances over the remnants of one of his dead squad mates, her chest caved in and burnt from a plasma shot.

Hearing that, you motion to call in the VIP is still secure before you hear the distinct eruption of battle up ahead. Tracer rounds shooting into the sky interspersed with flashes of deadly green plasma.

“Shit they’re attacking!” Friendly exclaims and he’s already trying to shoulder over the duffelbag and run back before Sweet holds him down. It’s clear Sweet doesn’t want another lightly armored soldier go down, and having known what it was like back in Arizona you don’t blame his hesitance.

“The VIP is under attack, team move up and engage! Bounding overwatch!” Rook calls out and you see him, Loki, and Peppermint advance, moving in tandem.

“We gotta go!” Sweet answers, already getting ready to follow.

“What about him?” Rachel adds jerking a thumb at Friendly.

“Let me fight, we might not be as in well shape as you guys are but you’ll need all the help you can get with those freaks...” Friendly growls clearly wanting revenge. You also know that feeling as well…

>Let him come, Rook didn’t say he couldn’t and another gun would make the difference. You’ve been in his shoes after all.
>Tell him to stay put, XCOM can handle it from here. You’ve been in his shoes after all.
>Other

Sorry for the wait!

>>1742295
>Tell him to stay put, XCOM can handle it from here. You’ve been in his shoes after all.
He's not on squad coms, he's not thinking straight, he's a liability to everyone else involved.

>>1742295
>Tell him to stay put, XCOM can handle it from here. You’ve been in his shoes after all.

Dude's already frazzled, might want to ask him why he didn't trust obvious humans initially though.

>>1742295
>Tell him to stay put, XCOM can handle it from here. You’ve been in his shoes after all.
He should take a 20 minute smoke break, and maybe a 5 minute nap to chill out. Cause lord knows the last thing we need is a third party going beyond rookie-tier panics.

>>1742295
>Let him come, Rook didn’t say he couldn’t and another gun would make the difference. You’ve been in his shoes after all.
Frankly, he's going to get killed by ayys if we leave him behind.

Also, the cokeayys make a return.

>>1742305
Paranoia? Maybe he also saw some mind control.

>>1742295
>>Let him come, Rook didn’t say he couldn’t and another gun would make the difference. You’ve been in his shoes after all.

>>1742305
If you don't know why you clearly don't play X-com enough.

>>1742300
>>Tell him to stay put and that you will be very angry at him if he dies.

>>1742295
>>Tell him to stay put, XCOM can handle it from here. You’ve been in his shoes after all.

>>1742324
You missed friend.

>>1742295

>>1742305
>Dude's already frazzled, might want to ask him why he didn't trust obvious humans initially though.

Thin men from a distance look like malnourished Beatles cosplayers.

>>1742328
I think the implication was always that they convincingly resemble humans except for their eyes.

>>1742300
>>1742305
>>1742306
>>1742324
>>1742325
Telling Friendly to stay back it is, writing!

>>1742295
>Tell him to stay put, XCOM can handle it from here. You’ve been in his shoes after all.

>>1742326
>>1742295

I did, can you count this one Gray ?

RIP Friendly.

>>1742295
>>1742337
>>1742300
>>1742306
Support. Dude needs to chill out before he can even think of helping us out.

>>1742340
If we dont have radio silence we can tell HQ Skyranger his location. The Ayyys don't listen on our frequency, or do they ?

>>1742348
Dunno. Probably.

I'm more worried he's going to get ambushed by the thin mints staying in one spot by himself.

>>1742332
Let's be real, if you stood next to a thin man he would look fucking weird. Their build is something that is incredibly unusual in a normal human bean. And their skin is kind of blotchy on close ups. So they could pass as someone who has vitamin deficiencies and needs to eat a sandwich. I mean, they are called -thin- men. I mean, sure they look like people, but they look weird enough to cause alarm.

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Rolled 16, 12, 8 = 36 (3d20)

You know that fury and anger very well, given you were in his shoes before. But, now that you’re on the opposite side you realize how suicidal it actually is, the… moment you had at the end of your first contact with the aliens notwithstanding. No risks, especially after having nearly biting the bullet last operation. Even with the best of XCOM’s tech the alien’s plasma guns reign supreme.

“You don’t have our comms and you’re not thinking straight. You’ll be a liability to everyone if we you tag along. You’re staying put, Private.” You order him. Friendly grunts in frustration at that but quickly relents, looking away with surprise. Admittedly, even you are equally surprised at how convincing you are. You were fully expecting to have to force him with how angry he is.

There’s no time to consider it as Sweet and Rachel are already moving up and linking up with the rest of your squad and you move to join them, taking one last look at the clearly pissed off private. At the very least he’s taking a defensive position and is setting up overwatch for himself. If he’s truly that angry, he’ll channel that fury into ripping and tearing the aliens. Up ahead the battle has begun in earnest as surviving UN peacekeepers tangle with aliens and another larger pod of Sectoids has intercepted your group. It seems the aliens had managed to quietly encircle the survivors during the confusion. You promptly join the battle as well.

>Roll 1d20+3

Rolled 9 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1742377

Rolled 6 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1742377
Pls

Rolled 9 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1742377
POWER OF DAMNIT COMPELS US!

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>1742377
FOR THE LADS

>>1742379
>>1742387
>>1742389
No bueno

File: sad drink man.png (39 KB, 310x208)

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>>1742390

>>1742390
Why weren't you a few moments sooner!

File: [ALIEN ACTIVITY].png (94 KB, 699x104)

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Rolled 9, 18 = 27 (2d20)

>>1742377
...

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30 KB JPG

>>1742389
>>1742387
>>1742379
>>1742392
>>1742390
>>1742404
Bad Times ahead boyos.

don't we have a d20 saved up

>>1742413
We may want to save that for a situation that's gone critical. And or we may only be offered the chance to use them when shit's gone critical.

>>1742413
we should have let friendly come, he coulda taken a hit for us.

>>1742413
>>1742426
I think we have 2 saved up, maybe 3?

>>1742428
While this is tactically true I dont like that kind of thinking.

>>1742428
And he could dick something up and get someone shot, shoot someone, or someone could try to save his ass and get hit.

>>1742439
>not bringing a unarmed weaponless squaddie with low psi so the ayys mind them instead of someone with a weapon.

Its like you don't XCOM.

>>1742413
>>1742426
>>1742431
Saving crits is not to use them at a later date it makes Nat 1's not as bad for us

>>1742457
I know, I know

(Bringing someone who might go Berserk again is just asking for bad times. Only our torso seems to be properly armored.)

File: Psionic Bullshit Intensifies.jpg (199 KB, 1600x900)

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You advance forward, rushing to the nearest bit of hardcover and exchanging fire with the sectoids. You manage to take down one of them with a satisfying blast with your shotgun as it attempted to peek over and blast you. Rachel already moved forward, as several sectoids attempt to blast her, but her shield holds as it tanks the plasma with ease. As she crosses the distance, Loki uses the opportunity to lob a grenade. You hear the beautiful sound of the whump of the launcher as the explosive sails across the battlefield and lands right on the group of aliens you are fighting. They are blown to smithereens as they let out their death screeches, one of them sent sailing into the air. Only a few left now.

However, the remaining sectoids have managed to properly get into position engage you all and now have enough time to start using their terrifying psionics at your squad. There’s a howl of pain as you see the purple energy from one of the little grey bastards streak across the open battle field and come into contact with Rook. He let’s out a pained scream and drops to his knees, the alien’s control exacted on him.

“Get… it… out of my head!” Rook screams out, as he struggles against the Sectoid’s grasp, he raises his weapon at Peppermint who dives for cover as his battle rifle tears through the car. Sweet curses and has move cover himself between both Rook and the Sectoids as Rook turns his gun on him next. Your squad leader’s deadly accuracy used against you all. He begins to fire bursts at your squad while the remaining sectoids move forward, using your squad leader as a distraction.

“I can cross the distance and take that them out! Just cover me!” Rachel calls out, pulling out an AP grenade after laying down a quick burst of fire from her autopistol to make the aliens duck down. She gets ready to advance forward, shield at the ready.

“Stay put before you get yourself killed!” Loki barks a mix of frustration and… legitimate concern in her voice. Her enigmatic mask dropped temporarily. “Keep them busy so I can flashbang the fiends to free Rook!”

You look at the two of them and at the remaining Sectoids… you could probably cross the distance yourself with some running and gunning so neither of them risk their lives…

>Cover Rachel, you need that thing dead fast and her shield’s been holding. If that thing’s dead, it can’t control Rook.
>Run distraction, give Loki the time she needs to aim her flashbang. The disorientation will snap Rook out of control.
>Run and Gun, you don’t want to risk your squadmates getting in the line of fire, you’re the Assault after all!
>Other

>>1742480
>>Run distraction, give Loki the time she needs to aim her flashbang. The disorientation will snap Rook out of control.

Believe in the power of flashbangs.

>>1742480
>>Run distraction, give Loki the time she needs to aim her flashbang. The disorientation will snap Rook out of control.

>>1742480
>>Other
Follow the highest ranking order, wich is probably Loki's, but pull Rachel fom danger.before you get into cover.

>>1742480
>Run distraction, give Loki the time she needs to aim her flashbang. The disorientation will snap Rook out of control.
Orders are orders.

>>1742480
>Run distraction, give Loki the time she needs to aim her flashbang. The disorientation will snap Rook out of control.

>>1742480
>Run distraction, give Loki the time she needs to aim her flashbang. The disorientation will snap Rook out of control.

>>1742480
>>Run and Gun, you don’t want to risk your squadmates getting in the line of fire, you’re the Assault after all!

>>1742480
>>Run distraction, give Loki the time she needs to aim her flashbang. The disorientation will snap Rook out of control.

>>1742480
>>Run distraction, give Loki the time she needs to aim her flashbang. The disorientation will snap Rook out of control.
>>1742502
This get Rachel to hold up.

>>1742522
Also try to verbally get Rook's attention, this is not against the spirit of your orders. Call him a idiot, whatever it takes.

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“Copy that, cover Loki!” You call out, which causes Rachel to look back at you. There’s only a moment where you think Rachel might shoot you a look of betrayal or frustration at picking Loki over her suggestion, but instead, she merely nods in agreement.

“Roger!” Rachel calls out to Loki, you don’t get a chance to look at Loki’s reaction as you are busy having to duck out of the way as a plasma shot sails over your head.

Perhaps your little talk prior put some sense into the two then? You quickly shake your head, no time to think it’s time to act. A combination of a spray from Rachel’s autopistol and a few blasts from your Shotgun makes the sectoids stay in place. This gives you the opportunity both act, doing as much interference as you can to give Loki the time she needs to set up. You turn to face Rook, his weapon raised at you...

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>1742533
>"I can see why they call you Rook! You shoot like a damn rookie!"

>>1742537

Rolled 1 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1742537

Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1742537

Rolled 17 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1742537

Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1742537
We need that 20 I think

>>1742539
YOU FUCKING

>>1742539
>>1742540
Rip

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>>1742539
>>1742543
FUCKING DAMNIT

>>1742537
Can we use that banked 20?

>>1742539
It's shit, but we can fix it. We don't do regular weapons testing for nothing.

If we take this, and if we survive, we can hold it over rook for a little while. Otherwise use a save'd 20.

>>1742551
I'm sorry Anon-Sempai for doing that gay as fuck roll...

>>1742539
Uh oh! Do you guys want to use one of your two saved crits?

>Y/N

Well to see if we roll with the punches, I wana know how well our armour fairs against xcom weaponry, or is it specialized to take energy weapons over ballistic ones?

>>1742554
ACTIVATE IT

>>1742554
>Y

QM could you please explain how the saved crits work as there seems to be some confusion among the ranks.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>1742554
Y

>>1742554
Answer my question first.

>>1742559
Wtf is this?

>>1742559
RIP

>>1742554
>Y
Because Death By Rookie is a terrible end to suffer. Right next to Rape By Chryssalid.

>>1742559
YOU DOUBLE NIGGER!

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>>1742559
WHAT THE FUCK WHY
YOU DOUBLE NIGGER OUR NAT 20S HAVE BEEN WASTED THIS THREAD

>>1742559
Stop wasting the 20s

>>1742554
YES! YES!

>>1742554
>>Y

>>1742565
>>1742566
>>1742564
>>1742563
I didn't waste it! QM asked if we wanted to use it so I went and got it!

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>>1742565
Apparently there's a Thin Man in the thread with us

>>1742555
XCOM Armor can take one hell of a punch and it won't kill you if you get shot with XCOM Ballistics but it's still going to suck and Rook is a damn good shot with his Battle Rifle and could be aiming for anywhere but the chest. Even if he doesn't want to!

>>1742555
If there wasn't a Nat 1 involved sure, but this is Rook we're talking about and this is X-Com so it'll more than likely end up as us splattered against the concrete with a full mag in our skull.

>>1742556
>>1742557
>>1742559
>>1742564
>>1742568
>>1742570

It looks like we're using a banked Crit then, writing!

>>1742574
The QM has all our 20s, where'd that one come from?!

>>1742674
Uhh... I got it for the QM! Who needed it.. you know.. so that's where. Wherever qm was keeping them.

>>1742680
Pretty sure that it only counts if the QM does a dice challenge.

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You turn to face Rook as Rachel focuses on pinning down the Sectoids. You look your squad leader in the eyes as you see the same purple tendrils swirling around his head like your old squadmate Charlie. You get a horrific sense of deja vu, but you don’t stand down.

“Don’t… do it…!” Rook manages to choke out as his gun shakes in his hands but doesn’t ultimately waver. However you shake your head. You’ll deal with the possible consequences later.

“Doing it!” You say and then you rush him. He lets out a burst of fire at that, but you manage to just dodge out of the stray, ducking behind a car as you cross the distance and defiantly slam the butt of your rifle on Rook’s chest, causing him to drop to his knees. You don’t hesitate and begin to pin your squad leader on the ground who thrashes against you. Thankfully you don’t have to do this for long as you hear the deafening sound of the flash going off behind you and the screech of pain from the remaining Sectoids engaging you.

Immediately Rook stops resisting as he manages to free himself from the grasp of the sectoids. Dazed and confused, the remaining aliens in the way are expertly slain by your squad as you relent your grasp on the Rook. A look of relief mixed with a wince of pain as you motion to help him up.

“Sorry, sir.” You say apologetically, fully expecting to get an earful but… Rook merely coughs and takes your hand.

“It’s fine, just finish the mission.” Rook answers and you feel relieved at that, you can see Rook is happy enough to not have killed any of his own to really muster anything else.

You and the rest of the squad don’t waste any time and approach the battle with the survivors on the bridge as you all reach the edge of where the part of the bridge has partly collapsed. Quickly assessing the situation from below and across the bridge from you all. You see a small handful of UN soldiers and your VIP himself, Van Doorn, exchanging fire against another pod of Sectoids and drones. It’s clear casualties are high but the peacekeepers refuse to give the aliens an inch, seemingly spurred on by the General himself, who has propped a heavy machine gun on the hood of car as he suppresses the aliens.

You and the rest of the squad make short work of the aliens, from pinpoint sniper shots thanks to Peppermint and a combination of destructive grenades from both Loki and Rachel, who has a pretty good throw. Van Doorn himself managing to shoot down one of the heavily armored drones right out of the sky with accurate LMG fire. The aliens engaging the UN squad are quickly defeated as Peppermint, Rook, and Loki take overwatch once again at the top of the bridge. Rachel, Sweet, and yourself quickly make your way down to link up with the survivors.

(Part 1 / 2)

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“You the ops team? Get down here!” You hear Van Doorn call out to three of you, as he keeps his LMG at the ready. Sweet doesn’t hesitate and moves to treat the surviving injured soldiers who quickly deny first aid in favor of pointing out the terrified and injured civilians cowering inside a tipped over cargo truck’s bed. You and Rachel move up to the UN General.

“Thank god you’re here, we were just about to fold.” Van Doorn says, looking you both over for a moment with relief before going back to scanning the bridge. “They were just about to overrun us.”

“We’re here to get you out sir, let’s go.” Rachel answers the General, pausing for a moment to look at the slain UN peacekeepers who died valiantly to protect him and the civilians, however to your surprise Van Doorn shakes his head.

“Not yet, we need to make sure the civilians are safe first and more importantly… but I don’t think it’s over yet.” Van Doorn says, motioning to the scared civilians hidden in the truck determinedly. It looks likes things got a bit more complicated as you have more escorts to carry back. Rook’s already calling it in as your VIP continues. “You came from the south end, did you see one of my boys on the way over?”

“Yes sir, we told him to stay back.” You explain, as it’s clear he’s talking about Private Friendly. However this only makes Van Doorn look displeased. “We took out the Sectoids along the way, he’s fine.”

“Which ones?” Van Doorn asks you.

“Sir?”

“Which. Ones.” Van Doorn takes a step forward to you as realization hits him. You can’t help but take a step back from the General’s presence.

You’re not sure what he means by that when you suddenly hear gunfire and the return of plasma fire from behind. You and the rest of the squad look back, how did some of the Sectoids make it past your squad!?

“Movement up ahead!” Peppermint suddenly barks as the squad topside begins to exchange fire with something out of vision. “What are those--!?”

“New contacts! New contacts, engage!” You hear Rook bark as your team exchanges fire. You quickly turn to Van Doorn but, much to your horror, he’s moving with his LMG up to engage! Sweet remains distracted with the injured and one glance at the various plasma injuries means he’s temporarily out of the fight to save lives. Rachel glances over to you in equal shock at the General’s bravado, the rest of his remaining peacekeepers are already moving with him.

“Hey! Not fair if they have all the fun!” Van Doorn yells, his squad rallied along beside him clearly wanting to join in.

>Hold him down, he’s held his own but you can’t lose the VIP! You’ll be out of the fight but you’ll make sure you don’t fail the mission.
>Have Rachel secure the General, you’ll join the fight in her stead. She’ll have to stay put so it’s one less gun but her shield will protect him.
>Let the General and his remaining entourage join in the battle, this is bad and you might need all the help you can get and you’ll both get to assist as well.
>Other

>>1742695
>>Have Rachel secure the General, you’ll join the fight in her stead. She’ll have to stay put so it’s one less gun but her shield will protect him.

>>1742695
>>Have Rachel secure the General, you’ll join the fight in her stead. She’ll have to stay put so it’s one less gun but her shield will protect him.

Best bodyguard is one with a f-huge shield. If he wants to command his entourage, he can do it from there.

>>1742695
>>Have Rachel secure the General, you’ll join the fight in her stead. She’ll have to stay put so it’s one less gun but her shield will protect him.

>>1742695
>>Have Rachel secure the General, you’ll join the fight in her stead. She’ll have to stay put so it’s one less gun but her shield will protect him.

>>1742695
>Let the General and his remaining entourage join in the battle, this is bad and you might need all the help you can get and you’ll both get to assist as well.

Last time we ordered a UN soldier to do that he probably died......

>>1742695
>>Have Rachel secure the General, you’ll join the fight in her stead. She’ll have to stay put so it’s one less gun but her shield will protect him.

>>1742706
>>1742711
>>1742716
>>1742717
>>1742730

Rachel guarding Van Doorn it is, writing!

>>1742695
>Let the General and his remaining entourage join in the battle, this is bad and you might need all the help you can get and you’ll both get to assist as well.

>>1742695
>>Have Rachel secure the General, you’ll join the fight in her stead. She’ll have to stay put so it’s one less gun but her shield will protect him.

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Just joined in and after catching up I gotta say, just fucking save every crit we ever get for sorties, jesus fucking christ the rolls.

>>1742780
The Dice are hellbent to murder our collective asses tonight.

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No way, you can’t help but appreciate the General’s skill and presence but no way you’re going to let him risk his neck out after all you did. You glance over to Rachel who shoots a thumbs up, who quickly moves over and stands in front of the squad of UN soldiers. There’s a bit of tension with the battle raging above but Van Doorn holds a hand up relenting.

“Alright alright we get it, we’ll stay put. With gear like that you look like you can handle yourselves. Be careful out there trooper.” Van Doorn says as he turns to quickly order his remaining men to take positions while others move to follow you. Rachel moves close to the General, shield at the ready as she leads him inside the truckbed.

You quickly clamber up and move to cover as you try and get a visual on the new enemy. Whatever it is it’s fast and agile and a lot… taller than the Sectoids. They look human, dressed in smart suits but it only takes you a moment to realize they aren’t, far from it. With their long limbs and strange movement and much larger plasma weapons than the Sectoid’s wrist mounted guns they’re--

You have to duck down as you nearly get your head shot off from a blast of plasma, it hits one of the UN soldiers instead, killing him instantly. Whatever they are, they’re not giving your squad an inch as they engage several of the new hostiles ahead of you, on the other side of the lowered bridge.

“Contacts ahead and behind!” Loki explains to you as she’s busy loading reloading her grenade launcher. “Blasted things move fast.”

With an inhuman grace the new contacts continue to advance, laying down accurate fire while deftly moving from cover to cover. They’re forcing you and the rest of your squad to hunker down and stay down. You need an answer fast, and you’re team is running out of time. Not only that but more importantly you need to decide where to engage first as it seems your group is getting surrounded. For better or worse it seems that the aliens behind you are temporarily distracted with Private Friendly. You had him stay behind to fight these things alone.

“We need to help Friendly!” One of the UN soldiers explains hastily to you.

>Engage the the new hostiles up front with your squad, they’re closest to your squad and the VIP. The private will buy your team the time you need to clear out the brunt of the enemies and protect Van Doorn.
>Focus on clearing out the enemies in the rear and helping Friendly. It won’t be long before they take him out if he's alone and move to flank you all, the UN peacekeepers will assist you.

Going to wait the full twenty minutes for this vote!

>>1742784
It's the missions I tell you, the moment we're back into base we'll be critting left and right.

>>1742794
>>Focus on clearing out the enemies in the rear and helping Friendly. It won’t be long before they take him out if he's alone and move to flank you all, the UN peacekeepers will assist you.

>>1742794
THIN MEN TIME BABY!

>Focus on clearing out the enemies in the rear and helping Friendly. It won’t be long before they take him out if he's alone and move to flank you all, the UN peacekeepers will assist you.

>>1742800
I hope we'll get some tonight Anon.

>>1742794
>Focus on clearing out the enemies in the rear and helping Friendly. It won’t be long before they take him out if he's alone and move to flank you all, the UN peacekeepers will assist you.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>1742794
>>Engage the the new hostiles up front with your squad, they’re closest to your squad and the VIP. The private will buy your team the time you need to clear out the brunt of the enemies and protect Van Doorn.
Thin men always need to die first.
Let us roll to RNGeezus so that Friendly can live

>>1742794
>>Focus on clearing out the enemies in the rear and helping Friendly. It won’t be long before they take him out if he's alone and move to flank you all, the UN peacekeepers will assist you.
no flanking plz

>>1742805
but why?

File: thinmints.png (1.48 MB, 1000x1400)

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>>1742794
>Focus on clearing out the enemies in the rear and helping Friendly. It won’t be long before they take him out if he's alone and move to flank you all, the UN peacekeepers will assist you.

>>1742802
OH BOY

>>1742805
>YFW Friendly will be the Sole Survivor of this mission.

>>1742805
Why are you doing this, don't show us rolls that could be but never will ;_;

>>1742794
>Focus on clearing out the enemies in the rear and helping Friendly. It won’t be long before they take him out if he's alone and move to flank you all, the UN peacekeepers will assist you.

File: RollToEvade.gif (1.75 MB, 495x320)

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>>1742805

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>>1742818

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>Thin men

So it begins... The great Rapening of our time

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>>1742828
Wait they're aliens? I thought they were your run of the mill chinese.

>>1742794
>Focus on clearing out the enemies in the rear and helping Friendly. It won’t be long before they take him out if he's alone and move to flank you all, the UN peacekeepers will assist you.

>>1742833
Nah, the different between the Thin Men and Chinese is that one deploys Lead Paint, the other actually does shit and deploys the much more effective lethal aerosol poisons when they die.

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Well I was going to wait longer but the vote seems pretty decisive, Saving Private Friendly it is, writing!

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>>1742838
I'll open fire either way.

>>1742848
Good Choice.

>No warnink of approaching hostiles.
You had one job, Bradford.

>>1742870
Can you blame him? He's gotta deal with a Commander who probably shoves cookies into his mouth against his own will.

>>1742846
>>1742818
When are we going to tell Private Friendly to earn this?

>>1742875
>Not liking cookies
>Not liking _Commander's_ cookies

>>1742879
>He's a Coffee and Donuts kind of guy that or some obscure pastry

>>1742879
He likes them, he just wants to eat at his own pace, the Commander feeds him too quickly for his liking

>>1742882
I hate it when that happens.

>>1742882
We'll need to have a stern word with the Commander.

>>1742903
A stern word where we get more cookies out of the deal

>>1742903
I think We're gonna need more than a stern word.
We're gonna need an Intervention. A major basewide intervention.

>>1742909
Do you think the Commander is secretly making cash on the side by selling her cookies?

Or are her cookies secretly bought from the store!?!?!

>3 20s that didn't matter and a 1 that we had to use a crit on
I fucking hate thinmints

>>1742913
Definitely selling cookies, how else can she already afford both laser and maser weaponry?

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>>1742914
i fukkin hate crybabies

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>1742914

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>>1742920
I hate ayylmaos

>>1742933
Talk about rubbing it in someone's face Anon.

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>>1742933

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As worrying as the situation is in front, it would not matter at all if you are all shot in the back. Besides, you have a soldier to save. You motion for the surviving peacekeepers to form up on you before turning to Rook, the UN soldiers quickly rally behind you with their morale increasing as they see you aren’t going to leave one of their own behind, even if it makes the most practical choice.

“Going to secure our flank, sir!” You explain to Rook, who takes a moment to fire at one of the new contacts, managing to wing one of them as it slinks behind cover like a snake.

Rook takes one look at you but pauses when he sees the squad of peacekeepers by your side having already fallen under your command, he nods as he turns back to the fight in front.

“Cover him!” Rook orders, which Peppermint and Loki gladly oblige. From below you see Rachel lobbing grenades at the enemy, using her Engineering kit and her throwing arm to make a difference.

You advance forward as quickly and as quietly as you can, the peacekeepers moving with you with renewed vigor back the way you came. Up ahead you can the speedy forms of the new hostiles as they maneuver their way with apparent ease. They seem to be taking their time in taking out Friendly, likely because they see he’s no risk or perhaps because the private is holding them back?

In either case your ‘squad’ of sorts turn to you, clearly thinking you are the expert in the situation given your XCOM uniform and gear. Somehow, Friendly is still holding on despite all odds but the tide can turn quickly. The peacekeepers turn to you, awaiting your orders...

>Link up with Friendly as quickly as possible while the peacekeepers give you covering fire. Any second longer could be it for Friendly.
>Get into position and strike, you feel like you’ll need combined firepower to take them out. Don’t give them a chance to fire back.
>Other.

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>>1742933

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>>1742933
I love you anon

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>>1742933
WHAT
WHY
HOW COULD YOU
THE THIN MINTS ARE GOING TO PLASMA OUR ANUS APART

>>1742939
Link up with Friendly, dice gods please have mercy.

>>1742939
>>Link up with Friendly as quickly as possible while the peacekeepers give you covering fire. Any second longer could be it for Friendly.

>>1742939
>Link up with Friendly as quickly as possible while the peacekeepers give you covering fire. Any second longer could be it for Friendly.

Think we can Run and Gun our way there?

>>1742939
>Link up with Friendly as quickly as possible while the peacekeepers give you covering fire. Any second longer could be it for Friendly.

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>>1742933
OK even I can't not say anything at that. Well... done? Well done!

>>1742939
>>Get into position and strike, you feel like you’ll need combined firepower to take them out. Don’t give them a chance to fire back.
Pls don't willingly run into a thin man flank guys

>>1742939

>>Link up with Friendly as quickly as possible while the peacekeepers give you covering fire. Any second longer could be it for Friendly.

>>1742948
Dice Gods love spite. I once rolled 3 20s in a row while making cat puns because another anon hated them.

>>1742947
Ily2 bby

>>1742960
Senpai noticed me! I love your art!

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>>1742933
>Rolled 20 (1d20)

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You take a moment to consider the options, the thought of taking setting up a proper ambush in concealment crosses your mind but that’s going to take precious time away off of Friendly’s clock. The time to act is swift and immediate.

“Open fire and give me an opening! Go!” You don’t waste any time and neither does your squad as they begin to unload everything they can at the enemies, trying to save one of their own. The new hostiles quickly spotting the new intruders, the quickly and deftly turn their weapons at you and your squad as you begin your advance. There’s a complete air of disinterest of them as they spot your group.

You’re going to need cover a lot of ground quickly while under fire, the odds are against you even with your squad at your back. You wait for your opportunity and take it. It’s time for some running and gunning...

>Roll 1d20+3

Rolled 2 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1742993

Rolled 10 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1742993

Rolled 9 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1742993
Please

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>1742993
Here's to our fully depleted luck

Rolled 19 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1742993

>>1742996
>>1743001
>>1743002
That's XCOM Baby!

>>1743003
>>1743004
...case in point.

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Rolled 14 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1743001
...

looks like anons in this thread are not used to harder difficulties

Let's play a sniper next time.
And get chocked to death by a Seeker or shot to bits by a flanking Floater.

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>>1743009

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>1742993

>>1743014
Or just randomly shot all the way across the map from a 10% shot

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To their credit your troopers give you the opening as you begin to bounce from cover to cover. Their combined fire even manages to graze one of the hostiles, though you’d rather had wished for a proper kill. You’re just one last bound towards Friendlies position and in perfect range for a kill sh-

You barely manage to register one of the new hostiles recoil back, as if preparing to let something before you are forced to stop as a black acrid cloud consumes your vision and begins to burn your lungs. You drop to your knees and only manage to scramble into cover coughing and hacking as you feel your insides literally burning up from within.

The rest of the world is drowned out and the only thing you can register is the choking and suffocating black cloud engulfed around you. Your eyes strain and water your vision bleary as you try and make sense of the new horrible situation around you. Every ounce of your body is demanding you to stay as still as possible, to breathe as little of the horrible air permeating around you. However, if you stay put a part of you realizes Friendly and those brave men and women would perish under your command. Your mind and body battle for an answer to the situation you’re in!

>Hunker down and stay put! Everything hurts and you might just lose it!
>Endure it and keep fighting! Those men and women are counting on you dammit!

>>1743023
>Endure it and keep fighting! Those men and women are counting on you dammit!

>>1743023
I dont wanna chose, we're gonna die ;_;

>>1743023
>>Endure it and keep fighting! Those men and women are counting on you dammit!

>>1743023

>Endure it and keep fighting! Those men and women are counting on you dammit

>>1743023
>Endure it and keep fighting! Those men and women are counting on you dammit!

>>1743026
Then we get to be Rachel! She's a sweetheart!

>Endure it and keep fighting! Those men and women are counting on you dammit!

Devil's deal. Either we drop down (and cause moral to drop as well), or we keep fighting on, the strenuous activity causing the poison to circulate throughout our bloodstream.

>>1743023
>>Endure it and keep fighting! Those men and women are counting on you dammit!

>>1743023
>>Endure it and keep fighting! Those men and women are counting on you dammit!

>>1743023

Everone in this thread is just suicidal, might as well leave. Nice writing though OP!

>>1743040
You want to hunker down is a cloud of poison?

>>1743033
I dont wanna be rachel ;_;

>>1743045
I'd prefer to be their for her. But if our ticket gets punched it's the next best thing!

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...Goddamnit.

This is the shit I come back to?

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Your head’s spinning and everything in you is screaming to huddle as still as you can to not risk breathing in another sip of the air around you. But the shouts and shrieks of terror of the peacekeepers snaps you back into reality. The pain is absolutely excruciating but the sounds of those soldiers pull you back into reality like a slap across the face. Those soldiers lives are resting upon your shoulders right now, they need you. You muster up what courage you can.

Don’t think, just go.

Don’t think. Just go!

Go god dammit! You will your body into action as attempt to sprint out of the black smoke around you and charge at the enemy, using the blasts of their plasma weapons to guide your way out of black maze around you.

>Roll 1d20. Good luck!

>>1743044
we are in this cloud because of the last couple of votes. not gonna argue anymore. i'll just read the rest of the thread when it's archived.
good luck anons

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Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>1743050
AAAAAAAAA

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>1743050
RNGesus Please

>>1743052
You did good laddie.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>1743050

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>1743050

>>1743056
Brilliant

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>>1743056

>>1743056
Why can we never roll 20s when it actually matters?

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>>1743061
Because that's XCOM Baby!

>>1743061
are you suggesting that rolling a 20 not to be pinned in a cloud of poison isn't important?

>>1743064
Isn't this system best of three?

>>1743067
ah hell I didn't see that 9.

17's not the worst though

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Your dash out of the smoke is a stumbling start but you burst through the cloud, blasting your shotgun wildly in the direction of the enemy. Your vision is all but fucked but you can’t slow down, you just have to keep moving. One step forward after the other. You manage to resist the urge to completely panic as you feel your heart practically stop as you move as if your lungs are constricting with the black smoke.

One step after another. Just one more.

It’s easier said than done as you rush forward and manage to spot the bleary form of what you can only assume is one of the surprised hostiles, not expecting you to have just rushed them. You point your shotgun in the general direction of one of them and fire. You register a screech of pain as your senses are still mush and you see the thing topple over, exploding into a cloud of more of the dark mist. The others react and you feel a shot hit your chest and send you stumbling back, but you hold fast and attempt to fire blindly at them, choking and coughing all the while.

You hear something, shouts or voices on the side and hear the almost distant thumps and pops of gunfire that makes the remaining two hostiles recoil back. You think you see one of them fall.

“F...r….ks!” You manage to parse together as your lungs and body simply cannot take it any longer as you drop to your knees. The world spinning and spinning down the drain. You’re on the ground staring at your hands the ruined road of the bridge, coughing and coughing.

…

(Part 1 / 3)

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You don’t know how long you’re there as you finally you get a precious precious breath of fresh air which your body greedily takes. You find yourself being laid down as you see the blurred form of a man looking down at you, you manage to blink into clarity. After a moment you finally manage to identify the man looming over you.

“...You really like making me spend time with you, don’t you?” Sweet says, giving you a reassuring smirk as he tosses a spent Medikit spray aside and handing you one of those emergency oxygen breathers that you recalled were in the First Aid kit in the Skyranger. You gulp in fresh air from the breather. You’re lying and being treated with another person, one of the other UN soldiers.

You attempt to say something back but only manage to sputter into coughs and wheezes. You come to your senses and see you’re much closer to the Skyranger than you were before and your squad is all alive. The fighting appears to be over as you can see the shellshocked surviving civilians are being escorting by the remaining Peacekeepers. You do a head count and see one of them didn’t make it. However, seeing you start to come to, they give you relieved and thankful looks. You can hear the distant sirens of ambulances in the distances as you imagine they have the local authorities have to carefully snake their way through the destruction.

You focus on your squad next who appear to be injured but alive. You see both Loki and Rook have both taken injuries from the human-like aliens and the only reason they aren’t saying anything else is because they’re just as out of it as you are. Loki in particular seems to be coughing herself just as dazed as you probably are. She gives you a small wave in acknowledgement in having dealt with the hell that you had before focusing back on the own breather on her person.

Peppermint is seen off to the side, this time around calling it in for your squad, given Rook has to focus on recovering himself. You’d figure that on other circumstances this would cause quite the stir in the squad, but frankly you’re just glad for the blissful oxygen flowing into your lungs once again. She glances over and gives you another nod, a look in her of… well you can’t really tell actually.

It’s around then you realize you’d taken a blast in the chest from the hostile, though once again the Alloy Plating has saved your hide, it didn’t completely get destroyed but it looks like it’s going to need some tender love and care in repair, hopefully Shen doesn’t mind. You continue to scan around and gather what information you can around you and manage to spot Rachel who appears to have been distracted talking to the still living General who appears to be congratulating her personally for something. She however then spots you’re conscious again. Your buddy quickly shakes Van Doorn’s hand and makes the distance back to you in record time, plasma burn scorched shield almost tossed aside in her haste.

(Part 2 / 3)

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“You are one crazy son of a bitch… again!” Rachel says with relief kneeling down beside you with relief on her face before a look of frustration is seen written all over her face. “Those guys over there told us the whole thing. You. Are. Insane. And suicidal! AGAIN!”

You give her a pained grin on your face and muster the best shrug you can manage, it’s a pretty awful shrug and is more of a pathetic shoulder waggle. Rachel explodes into pissed of scoldings at you and you decide breathing in the intoxicating oxygen from the breather is much more preferable. You glance over and see the remains of one of the skinny human aliens nearby, draped over with a cloth much like some of the other fallen soldiers and civvies for the sake of the surviving civilian’s sake. Even with the drape it’s obvious they’re those aliens, their anatomy is unmistakable.

You consider the ramifications of what this mean but whatever the case may be… the mission is complete. You’re content to leave it at that until you realize something is missing. Where’s Private Friendly? It takes a moment but the realization hits you that the soldier beside you is Friendly himself who appears to have also went through the dark cloud of hell that you and Loki have went through as well but with one hell of a bad plasma shot to his shoulder, which Sweet’s already treated. Despite all odds he’s still kicking like you are. The both of you look at each other and before either of you can say something you both go back into pained coughing fits.

You know what? You’re just going to take it easy for now as you lay your head back down on the ground as Rachel barks into your ear. This is fine.

>>And with that, we’re going to call it here! What a ride of a mission, but I suppose that can be expected with the introduction of the Thin Men! I’m glad to inform you guys that next thread you WILL be getting a callsign to finally escape nameless MC hell but I have to stress that like proper nickname you really don’t get any choice on the matter. Still I will gladly take any and all suggestions in this thread throughout the week into consideration so until next time…

Thanks for playing!