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>>1807540

“I’m more concerned on why we’re being kept on reserve.” You state, wishing to switch the subject.

“Good question! Blasting targets with the Autolaser… it satisfies but is not enough.” Babbler says, feigning disappointment.

The first line of Laser weaponry has finally been deployed and have been in use by the other squads, a proper godsend and turn around for XCOM’s favor against the aliens. A good time at that, with Thin Men and Floaters plaguing more and more missions, the edge was needed. More advanced variants of Laser weaponry and Maser tech is still being considered next from what you heard through the grapevine. Not that your squad has much experience with the weapons outside of the range though.

You and the rest of your squad finishes your meal and begins to head their separate ways, leaving you with some time to consider what to do next. There should be another Tactical meeting with the Commander in Mission Control on ongoing operations, maybe you could ask the Commander afterwards what the big deal is. You also know for a fact that Naru as well is still spending a lot of her time in Engineering, working on something she refuses to ‘spoil’ with Shen just yet. Along with that, there’s some kind of happening going on in RnD and a new call for volunteers has been issued across the base… it hasn’t really gotten many takers yet. Finally of course there is just kicking back in the Barracks and maybe talking to the other members in the squad and clear the air with the whole Peppermint fiasco.

The question remains, where to go?

>Mission Control. You’ll get to know the big picture on the war and perhaps get the opportunity to speak with the Commander.
>Engineering. Maybe you can find out what Naru and Shen have been up to.
>Research. Last time went fine, what could go wrong volunteering again for Dr. Vahlen?
>Barracks. Kicking back with your squad is not a bad idea.
>Other

>>1807540
>Engineering. Maybe you can find out what Naru and Shen have been up to.
It feels wrong not to check out Engineering.

>>1807542
>>Mission Control. You’ll get to know the big picture on the war and perhaps get the opportunity to speak with the Commander.

>>1807542
>Mission Control. You’ll get to know the big picture on the war and perhaps get the opportunity to speak with the Commander.

>>1807542
>>Engineering. Maybe you can find out what Naru and Shen have been up to.

We were invited the last time but got sick while shooting in the range.

>>1807542
>Barracks. Kicking back with your squad is not a bad idea.
>Other
lets try and get pepper out of her room

>>1807542
>Research. Last time went fine, what could go wrong volunteering again for Dr. Vahlen?

>>1807542
>Engineering. Maybe you can find out what Naru and Shen have been up to.

>>1807542
>>Engineering. Maybe you can find out what Naru and Shen have been up to.

>>1807542
>Mission Control. You’ll get to know the big picture on the war and perhaps get the opportunity to speak with the Commander.

Let's get some more info on the war than that of an average grunt

>>1807542
>>Engineering. Maybe you can find out what Naru and Shen have been up to.

>>1807551
>>1807556
>>1807563
>>1807589
>>1807596
Engineering it is, writing!

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Given that you were asked prior to head to Engineering and would have gone if you didn’t have to detox yourself in Med Bay, heading over to have another visit with Shen and company doesn’t sound like a bad thing to you. Decided, you start to make your way over to Engineering only to find that you’re not the only one making their way there, as it seems Burnout is heading there as well.

“How convenient.” The scout comments, giving you a friendly nod as the both of you make your way together to your shared destination. Reaching the main elevators, you both wait within to arrive at the proper floor, joining other XCOM staff already waiting about within.

“So, why are you going?” You ask him, as the elevator slowly makes its descent down.

“I need a light.” Burnout comments, an amused glint in his eye. Raising an eyebrow, you shrug and leave it at that, you reckon he’s not going to explain any further.

The rest of the walk over doesn’t have much to take notice about as you arrive at Engineering, upon entering the collection of workshops and high tech machinery, you immediately sense the room is much warmer than you recall last time. Normally you would not notice something like this but given the climate controlled interiors and your suspicions on what’s been going on last time it’s only raised your curiosity.

Burnout seems to know where to go so you allow him to take the lead. Heading to the testing area in Engineering, you see your answer to what’s been going on. It’s almost impossible to miss actually with how bright and intense it is, let alone the small crowd of Engineers, including Shen himself, overseeing the activity.

Within the safety of the testing chamber is Naru, your squad’s Rocketeer, laying waste to a set of target dummies with what appears to be a wrist mounted flamethrower. Decked head to toe in her full kit, she makes decisive work of the dummies with literal flaming fury, the targets turning into flame and ashes.

However, she’s not done yet as further targets begin to appear as the Japanese woman continues to move about, dousing other targets in flame like a proper pyromaniac. It’s a sight to say the least. Burnout seems unphased by this and begins to make his way over to the entrance of the testing chamber, waiting patiently for the test to end as he fishes out another fresh smoke from his pack. Shen nods in greeting to both Burnout and yourself.

>Damn, you can’t help but wonder when that’s going to be available. Just what else is Shen capable of making? You want to know more from him.
>Burnout seems to know the score, maybe he can tell you how everything led to this.
>This is what Naru’s been up to? OK, you really want to know how she’s testing this out. You don’t know that much about her anyways besides that rocket launcher of hers.
>Other

>>1807692
>Burnout seems to know the score, maybe he can tell you how everything led to this.

>>1807692
>>Burnout seems to know the score, maybe he can tell you how everything led to this.

>>1807692
>>Damn, you can’t help but wonder when that’s going to be available. Just what else is Shen capable of making? You want to know more from him.

>>1807692
>Damn, you can’t help but wonder when that’s going to be available. Just what else is Shen capable of making? You want to know more from him.
But also comment half-cheekily,
>I'm sure you considered this, but wouldn't more specialized safety equipment be a necessity for testing flamethrowers? The normal kit's solid and all, but I don't think it's necessarily fireproof.

>>1807692
>>Burnout seems to know the score, maybe he can tell you how everything led to this.

>>1807692
>>Burnout seems to know the score, maybe he can tell you how everything led to this.

>>1807692
>>This is what Naru’s been up to? OK, you really want to know how she’s testing this out. You don’t know that much about her anyways besides that rocket launcher of hers.

>>1807692
>This is what Naru’s been up to? OK, you really want to know how she’s testing this out. You don’t know that much about her anyways besides that rocket launcher of hers.

>>1807707
>>1807712
>>1807731
>>1807741
Chatting up with Burnout it is, writing!

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Clearly Burnout seems to know more than enough to go by, judging by his collected attitude. After a quick greeting to Shen, you walk back over to him as he finishes his current cigarette, flicking the smoke aside into a bin while holding a new one in his fingers.

“It was her idea.” Burnout starts, answering for you. “Don’t know why, but I believe her reasoning was that ‘Aliens are not part of the Geneva Conventions’.”

“That’s fair…?” You say a bit dubiously, glancing back over inside the chamber. Naru appears to be working her way through it, the interior a small inferno within. She doesn’t appear to be worried at all by it as she finishes spraying down a last batch of targets within the chamber. She’s really into it for sure.

“So I guess she brought up with Shen and he helped design a prototype then.” You answer, filling in the blanks yourself, from your input on his Shotguns, the Laser weapons, and Rachel’s Alloy Shield, it’s quite a relief knowing that Shen is taking time out of his likely busy schedule to try out new weapons to help even the odds. A few extra Alloy Shields are even in production right now, glancing over at some of the other workbenches on the factory line, likely to supplement other squads defensive capabilities.

“It was mostly her own prototype, with a few adjustments from Dr. Shen.” Burnout explains, idly glancing over to the Engineers and back to you. That’s news to you. You never really saw Naru as much of a tinkerer. You suppose you just don’t know your squad well enough yet.

Burnout continues to watch and eye the Engineers as they chat among themselves. He nods to himself and promptly opens the door into the chamber, strolling inside without a care in the world. Immediately the other Engineers and Shen notice this and begin to somewhat freak out.

“What is he-- stop him before he gets injured!” Shen exclaims pointing to a fire extinguisher just in case beside you, caught off guard by this turn of events. Naru herself doesn’t seem to notice just yet as she fiddles with the wrist flamethrower in her hands, explaining over a mic particulars on the current design as Burnout approaches her with nothing but his fatigues.

>Does he have a deathwish? Pulling him back out of the burning chamber sounds like a good idea.
>He doesn’t seem to be phased by the situation, you think he’ll be fine. Reassure Shen but be ready to help just in case.
>Hell, if he’s doing it you might as well follow him. To keep an eye on him of course.

>>1807909
>Hell, if he’s doing it you might as well follow him. To keep an eye on him of course.

>>1807909
>>Does he have a deathwish? Pulling him back out of the burning chamber sounds like a good idea.

>>1807909
>>Does he have a deathwish? Pulling him back out of the burning chamber sounds like a good idea.

>>1807909
>Hell, if he’s doing it you might as well follow him. To keep an eye on him of course.

>>1807909
>>Does he have a deathwish? Pulling him back out of the burning chamber sounds like a good idea.

>>1807909
>Hell, if he’s doing it you might as well follow him. To keep an eye on him of course.
THIS CAN ONLY GO WELL

>>1807909
>>Does he have a deathwish? Pulling him back out of the burning chamber sounds like a good idea.

>>1807909
>>Hell, if he’s doing it you might as well follow him. To keep an eye on him of course.

>>1807909
>Hell, if he’s doing it you might as well follow him. To keep an eye on him of course.
He's probably just gonna light a cig on the pilot flame

>>1807909
>>Does he have a deathwish? Pulling him back out of the burning chamber sounds like a good idea.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Looks like we have a tie right before I called it, so we'll do a tie breaker!

>1: Pulling him back.
>2: Going with him.

>>1808028
>2

>>1808028
>2

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>>1808039
>>1808058

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You’re all for trying going the extra mile in dangerous situations as much as the next guy but usually there’s a good intention for it, like saving someone’s life or killing an alien or two. Burnout is also one of the same type of people to run enemy fire and push ahead to gather valuable intel and you respect the man for that. Though you really don’t see the point of walking in just his fatigues besides bravado or whatever he has in mind.

Agreeing with Shen, you move to grab the fire extinguisher and enter the chamber to grab Burnout before he accidentally becomes his namesake. He’s already crossing his way through burnt targets as whatever is in the ignition substance lingers much longer than you’d expect, the remnants of what were once the targets burning away fierily.

Even just walking through the flames keeps you a bit on edge as the heat hits you like a wall, you wouldn’t be surprised if the recipient of this would panic like a madman if being on the receiving end of these flames. You begin to make your way through the flames, trying to grab the Scout...

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 6 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1808107

Rolled 8 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1808107

Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1808107

>>1808131
Nice save.

Evening all, don't want to be too much of a problem. But I need two people to roll in JoJo quest

>>1808207
Oy m80 fuk off with your quest-sniping.

>>1808207
That is how you don't get people to roll and have everyone tell you to fuck off for the nerve of requesting another audience for your quest. Go ask the /qtg/ thread.

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Not wasting any time, you push aside your instinctive fear of the flames and move forward, grabbing Burnout by the shoulders and quickly dragging him out before even he now Naru can realize. Burnout attempts to shoot his hand out toward the flames but you are quick to deny him that. You dart out of the burning chamber just as quickly and the Engineering team outside let out a collective sigh of relief.

“What were you thinking!?” You say to him, setting down the fire extinguisher and letting out a breath of relief as you escape that little inferno within.

“Needed a light.” Burnout says raising a slight eyebrow at you, motioning to the unlit cigarette in his hand. He doesn’t seem bothered at all by it, as per usual.

“Yeah... no.” You say shaking your head, finding it hard to believe. “At least wear some sort of protection.”

“Doesn’t stop you.” He says without missing a heartbeat, giving you an understanding nod that he won’t just dive back in. You try to say something but can’t. Burnout shrugs indifferently.

Naru meanwhile exits the chamber, looking quite pleased with the still smoking gauntlet on her arm. Much like you had seen her prior in Medbay, she and the rest her kit is somewhat blackened by smoke and soot, but she herself doesn’t seem phased by it.

“This build’s looking much better, Doc. Just need to adju-- Oh hey.” Naru greets you both, adjusting her rocket launcher on her side. She however pauses and glances at you, Burnout, and the fire extinguisher on the floor. “...Don’t tell me.”

“I got him before anything happened.” You say and Naru looks relieved. Burnout however walks over to her and holds up his unlit cigarette in front of her. Naru stares at him. Getting the hint, Burnout shrugs and takes a step back, pulling out a lighter and taking care of it himself.

“...Well, anyways hey again.” Naru says to you after a moment, nodding to several engineers who begin to go in with extinguishers to douse the chamber down, quelling the flames. “You’re just the person I was looking for since last time. From what I saw and heard from Shen, you’re like a good luck charm in trying out some new stuff.”

“Something like that.” Shen says amusingly, joining your group. “If it wasn’t for Dozer’s suggestion here, the first suite of Laser Weapons would still be under production.”

“Right exactly, you’re a good luck charm with a bit of gun nut know how to boot. Perfect.” Naru nods, as she begins to remove the flamethrower device from her wrist. She holds it up to you. “Want to give the Gauntlet a try? She still needs a bit more testing before I'll consider going on a mission with it.”

>Of course, definitely not going to say no to that. You do enjoy trying out new things.
>Slow down there, you’d like to know a bit more about what gave her the idea of a flamethrower of all things. It would help to give you some perspective.
>No thanks, you don’t want to push your luck after last time. Besides, she seems to have it under control.
>Other

>>1808244
>No thanks, you don’t want to push your luck after last time. Besides, she seems to have it under control.

>>1808244
>>No thanks, you don’t want to push your luck after last time. Besides, she seems to have it under control.
Let's at least attempt to relegate our suicide attempts to when we're on actual missions.

>>1808244
>No thanks, you don’t want to push your luck after last time. Besides, she seems to have it under control.
Guns and armor only

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>>1808244
>>Slow down there, you’d like to know a bit more about what gave her the idea of a flamethrower of all things. It would help to give you some perspective.

>>1808244
>Of course, definitely not going to say no to that. You do enjoy trying out new things.

>>1808244
>>No thanks, you don’t want to push your luck after last time. Besides, she seems to have it under control.

>>1808244
>>Of course, definitely not going to say no to that. You do enjoy trying out new things.

>>1808250
>>1808255
>>1808257
>>1808265
A no go it is, writing!

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Maybe it was maneuvering past the flames itself or your go with the Thin Man acid with Peppermint last time, but you are not feeling like a fire starter at the moment. You raise your hand and shake your head.

“No thanks.” You say, causing Naru to raise an eyebrow but nod understandingly. “I’m more of a practical kind’ve Assault. Guns and armor work fine for me.”

“Hey no sweat, I got you.” Naru nods, waving her hand dismissively before slipping the flamethrower Gauntlet back on her wrist “What are your thoughts on the Gauntlet, at least? I’m trying maximize her range and firepower alongside making sure there’s enough fuel in the tank to last for a few sprays.”

“It’s intimidating to say the least. Wouldn’t want to get got by that.” You say honestly.. “...What gave you the idea anyways?”

“Hm.” Naru considers for a moment, tapping her finger on her chin. “Well, partly so I can be a bit more useful once I use up my rockets and well… I think it’s practical.”

“Practical is one way to look at it.” Burnout comments, sharing a look with Shen.

“But it’s true! It’s area denial, perfect for room clearing, and like Dozer said; it’s intimidating! And don’t even start acting cute when you attempted to risk getting into Medbay” Naru counters shooting an annoyed look at Burnout who shrugs. “I’d personally think we should just level the AO with explosives each time and not even risk getting shot at with plasma, but I think Dr. Vahlen and Rook would take turns trying to kill me. It’s just practical is all.”

“I can see why you’re the Rocketeer then.” You smirk.

“I don’t.” Naru says honestly, which you find a bit odd. You’re fairly certain that for a person who always carries around a Rocket Launcher, that would explain itself. Shen clears his throat, jumping to the conversation. Turning to you.

“Well in any case, the Gauntlet should be combat ready in no time. Speaking of which, while you’re here Dozer if you are not free would you like to--” Shen however is interrupted as he pauses, placing a hand to his earpiece. You watch him, your still temporarily genetically modified eyes catching sight of well hidden surprise and concern written on the elderly Engineer’s face. “--Actually, something has just come up. If you would excuse me the Commander needs me.”

Your two squad members don’t catch the concern as well as you can, and continue on with their conversation. You however can’t help but be a bit worried as besides Shen’s understandable surprise from Burnout waltzing it, you have yet to see Shen suddenly be so rattled all of the sudden. Did something happen?

>Whatever that was it’s either probably nothing or not in your purview, you should let the Chief Engineer be. You should focus on getting to know your squadmates better.
>You can’t help but be a bit concerned, call it a hunch. You want to find out what’s going on.
>Other

>>1808384
>>You can’t help but be a bit concerned, call it a hunch. You want to find out what’s going on.

>>1808384
>>You can’t help but be a bit concerned, call it a hunch. You want to find out what’s going on.
It's a mystery to be solved.

>>1808384
>>You can’t help but be a bit concerned, call it a hunch. You want to find out what’s going on.

>>1808384
>You can’t help but be a bit concerned, call it a hunch. You want to find out what’s going on.

>>1808384
>You can’t help but be a bit concerned, call it a hunch. You want to find out what’s going on.
CLOSE RANGE?

>>1808384
>>You can’t help but be a bit concerned, call it a hunch. You want to find out what’s going on.

>>1808389
>>1808395
>>1808396
>>1808407
>>1808408
>>1808424
Seems like a pretty unanimous call for investigation, writing!

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Taken a bit back by how seemingly immediately shaken Shen was, both your curiosity and concern is enough to make you take action. You turn back to Burnout and Naru while the pair chat.

“Something’s up.” You explain, which is quick to get their attentions. You furrow your brow and frown towards Shen, who is making a rather brisk exit from Engineering.

“Huh, what?” Naru blinks in confusion and Burnout raises an eyebrow. “What’s happening?”

There’s not enough time to explain as Shen’s already almost out the door, you have to go. The intention seems clear that you and the others are politely out of their league for whatever’s happening being just mere troopers, but that has yet to stop you. You’re part of XCOM now after all.

“Don’t know, but we’re going to find out. Come on.” You state, already moving to follow Shen. This throws Naru a bit off at the insistence of it, but you glance over to see Burnout already following you.

“Well-- shit alright, wait up!” Naru says quickly, as she has to hurry after you both. It’s a bit more difficult for her to keep up with her kit in comparison to both yourself and Burnout in just your fatigues. Now to make sure to not have Shen notice you just yet...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>1808463

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>1808463

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>1808463
>
I got this?

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>1808463

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You and your squadmates have a bit of difficulty to both keep up with Shen and also remain inconspicuous. Easier said than done with Naru in her full kit. Still, with a bit of maneuvering alongside a fair amount of luck you manage you and your two companions manage to not catch Shen’s attention as he makes his way to the Situation Room. Having only been there once, you are aware that much like the Mission Control it is the very heart of XCOM’s operations, and the Commander’s personal big picture on the world.

Staying back, the three of you peer in to see several others are already present besides Shen; Dr. Vahlen, Central Officer Bradford, and the Commander herself. All four of them are looking up intently at the Situation Room monitor, the original view of the earth replaced with a live news feeds. What you see makes your stomach drop, your eyes widening in surprise and shock.

On the screen is the constant barrage of utter carnage and slaughter. The video feed flips from channel to channel as all across the globe, the Aliens make their intention known to world as UFOs mercilessly bomb major cities across the globe. Civilians running for dear life as armed response attempts to defend the city… in futility. You can see Shen and Bradford speak to each other while Dr. Vahlen and the Commander watch in silence. The Commander in particular staring up at the screen as still as a statue, with her back to you you cannot make out what she’s feeling on the matter, but you can guess.

Naru gasps in horror and you spot in the corner of your eye Burnout’s cigarette fall onto the ground. Bradford, pauses and notices the commotion you and your squad members are making and turns to you all in surprise and then frustration at your eavesdropping. Shen and Dr. Vahlen turn back in surprise when they see you three.

Oh. Fuck.

(Part 1 / 2)

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>>1808562

“What the hell are you three doing in here, troopers? Get out of the Situation Room or else you’ll be court mar--!” Bradford snaps at your group understandably, the man’s by the book attitude frayed by the carnage that you all had just seen. However, the Commander stops him.

“It’s fine.” She murmurs quietly. She turns to you and your companions, the warmth and joy you are accustomed to from her replaced instead with a deathly serious look in her. You don’t need your enhanced eyes to feel yourself shrink back a bit at her cold gaze. This… this is completely unlike the Commander before… she takes a breath however and that cold fury is smothered.

“The situation has changed, troopers.” The Commander says, not looking back as the footage on the Situation Room monitor continues on. “The aliens have finally acted and shown the world their intentions. Gear up and and be ready to be on deck in twenty with the rest of Strike-1... Bradford?”

“Yes, Commander.” Bradford salutes, making his leave.

As he does, the Central Officer looks at the three of you as he passes and subtly narrows his eyes, clearly displeased by your breach of protocol, you once again only catch this thanks to Dr. Vahlen’s handiwork, the good Doctor herself more focused on the screen, as if she had spotted something in the footage. Shen meanwhile looks away, not wishing to see the carnage, taking his leave as well. His good mood gone and replaced with an extremely troubled look on his face as murmurs someone's name under his breath.

Already you hear an alarm go off, notifying the rest of the base of a new development. Naru and Burnout make a quick exit, but you however pause, looking back towards the Commander who has turned back to stare up Situation Room monitor feed with Dr. Vahlen, lost in thought.

>Best to gear up and get ready on the double, this situation is bad, real bad.
>...Is the Commander alright? That moment of coldness she exuded had completely thrown you and the others off. That isn’t like her.
>Other

>>1808565
>>Best to gear up and get ready on the double, this situation is bad, real bad.
On the one hand, I really want to ask the Commander about what's she thinking. But on the other hand, I REALLY don't want to piss off Bradford anymore than we already did. Besides, we could just ask after come back.

Oh and, FUCK!!!!! OUR FIRST TERROR MISSION!!! God I hated seeing civilians die before I could even see them! This is EXACTLY the kind of mission the Assault class is most suited for! Sprint Hard! Kill Harder!!!

>>1808565
>Best to gear up and get ready on the double, this situation is bad, real bad.

>>1808565
>Best to gear up and get ready on the double, this situation is bad, real bad.

>>1808565
>Best to gear up and get ready on the double, this situation is bad, real bad.

>>1808565
>Best to gear up and get ready on the double, this situation is bad, real bad.

We can always ask the commander later.
Now is the time for action.

>>1808565
>>Best to gear up and get ready on the double, this situation is bad, real bad.

Seems like a universal call to ready up, writing!

>>1808565
>>Best to gear up and get ready on the double, this situation is bad, real bad.

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Just a heads up, this is going to be a bit of a long post. Mission briefing and all that. It shall be worth the wait!

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As much as you like to check up on the Commander, you know there is a time and there is a place for things like that. With civilians dying left and right across the globe thanks to the aliens, you know where you’re needed. You make your way out of the Situation Room without a moment to waste to the armory to lock and load.

Time passes in a blur afterwards, as the entirety of XCOM HQ scrambles into action. It was only a matter of time until open attacks by the aliens were to be enacted, and XCOM has prepared for the situation. As you gear up with the rest of the assembled squad of Strike-1, all pretense or drama from before among you all has been snuffed out with Alien terror looming. You also realize you aren’t the only squad gearing up as two other strike teams are on deck as well, Strike-2 and Strike-4. Just how big is this operation going to be? There’s never been more than one squad sent to a mission.

Whatever the case may be, you finish gearing up and prepare for action. Before you know it, your team and the two other squads are being briefed by Bradford joined by several Skyranger pilots add Interceptor pilots. Just by whose present, it’s clearly going to be the biggest operation yet.

“Alright everyone settle down. As you already saw, the aliens have made their play and major cities around the globe are being subject to these ‘Terror Missions’. We have identified a strong alien presence in and around the city of Las Vegas in the United States. You are all going to respond there.” Bradford explains to the group seriously, whatever beef he has with Naru, Burnout, and yourself put aside. He taps on the console of the holographic table in front of him in the briefing room as it springs to life, revealing a map of Sin City as well as live footage on the side. It’s a slaughter as The Strip burns.

“The aliens had picked a perfect target for a Terror Site with Las Vegas. Not only is the city itself isolated in the Mojave desert, the several military bases in the immediate area that have already been decimated during the initial attack, crippling the United States military response in the area. That’s not counting the cultural significance of the city as well.” Bradford says, motioning to the intel on the holo desk. “We have already confirmed aliens ground elements on the Strip and alongside the rest of the city itself being continually bombed thanks to the aliens UFOs. It’s a shit show.

“Strike-1 and Strike-2 will be deployed for the operation with Strike-4 on reserve. Alongside the ground element, Orpheus and Wild Card Squadrons will provide air support and focus on taking back Air Superiority for the city.”

(Part 1 / 3)

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“The main alien force has fortified Caesar's Palace Casino and are using it as a staging ground for further assaults. We have confirmations of Thin Man sniper elements on the higher level floors of the Casino with Floater packs wreaking havoc encircling the exterior, effectively denying local authorities any effective response. There is a high likelihood that support pods of Sectoids are in play as well, likely focusing on using psionics to crack any hard targets that are proving difficult for the Aliens to respond to. It’s a literal alien fortress.” Bradford explains further grimly, as the holo desk zooms in on around the particular casino itself.

Several blinking alien element symbols blink at particular points of interest and hard targets on the large casino, the aliens had picked their particular staging area quite well, much to your dismay.

“Given that it’s only a matter of time before they finish reorganizing and push out, the Strike Teams will need to land at different points of the casino to secure clear out the alien forces within. We have identified three optimum LZ’s around the Casino. Strike-2 will secure one landing spot while Strike-1 will split into two separate squads to handle the other two LZs. These locations are the front door which has access to the casino floor, the parking garage which has the quickest access to the upper levels, and the entrance to the ‘Forum Shoppes’ shopping center that’s part of the Casino.”

Bradford motions to the landing zones, marked A B and C respectively.

“Strike-1 will be supported by two SHIVs to shore up your division of your squad.” Bradford finalizes his brief for your team and then turns his attention to briefing the air elements for the operation.

“We’re splitting up? What the hell?” Rachel exclaims, looking confused. “Why can’t Strike-4 take another LZ?”

“...It’s because we’re the only fully fresh squad in the roster.” Rook comments grimly, laser rifle resting on his lap. Rachel blinks in surprise and looks at the other Squads, and sure enough, those squads are indeed not in full strength. It seems you now know why Strike-1 was kept in reserves after all.

“Fuck…” Rachel says to that, Harita places a hand on her shoulder reassuringly.

“So… since you can’t be in one place Boss, who's going to lead the second squad?” Babbler asks Rook.

“Loki will.” Rook answers. Everyone seems to be fine with that… however Loki says something that catches everyone by surprise, particularly Rachel.

“I believe Dozer would be a better Squad Leader than myself.” Loki speaks up, causing Rook to blink in surprise at Loki’s immediate denial of it.

What.

(Part 2 / 3)

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“...Me?” You say incredulously, finding it hard to believe you heard that. Rachel shares the sentiment, trying to figure out just what angle Loki is trying to play at, if any.

“Yes, you have already proven you have a strong presence of command when you had ordered those NATO Peacekeepers during the Target Extract and the others, including myself, are either incapable or unfit to lead. I stand by my decision, sir.” Loki explains to both yourself and then to Rook.

“Damn straight! I have my vote for Dozer as well!” Rachel says immediately, nodding to you. You are continued to be surprise as others in the squad add their affirmations as well. This was not what you were expecting act all.

Rook considers this for what seems like a long time and then he turns to you.

“...Do you want command of part of Strike-1, Dozer?” Rook asks you seriously, staring at you intently to see what you really feel of this new development. “I… Don’t mind, and neither does the rest of the squad. However, I won’t force you.”

The rest of the squad waits expectantly for you, your other nine squad members watching with bated breath.

...Well?

>Yes. You will answer the call and lead.
>No. You don’t think you’re ready and that Loki is a better Squad Leader.

(Given how important this is, I’m going to wait longer than usual for this vote!)

>>1808725
>Yes. You will answer the call and lead.

>>1808725
>>Yes. You will answer the call and lead.
Can't always be the guy to rush in, and get shot.

>>1808725
>>Yes. You will answer the call and lead.

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>>1808725
>>No. You don’t think you’re ready and that Loki is a better Squad Leader.

Ohoho, first Terror Mission? And our AO is fucking Caesar's Palace? This should be a good one.

But seriously this is, what, our third op with this unit? And every time we go out there we get nearly killed? I think Loki might fare better on this one.

>>1808725
>>Yes. You will answer the call and lead.
Damn, I sure hope we don't fuck up and get everyone killed.

>>1808725
>Yes. You will answer the call and lead

>>1808725
>>Yes. You will answer the call and lead.

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>>1808722

Okay, so a little bit of info about our drop zones. Drop Zone A puts us right in front of the casino proper and a buffet, I think. Heavy civilian presence on the casino floor to be expected, so watch your fire in there.

Drop Zone B puts us on the roof of a parking structure that can get us into the Colosseum to its direct south, a gigantic ampitheater. Might be hectic combat in there, and a lot of concert-goers might just be in there if the ayys attacked at an inopportune time.

Drop Zone C puts us at the foot of the Forums, a huge-ass shopping mall. Like DZ A, expect a large civilian presence.

Either way, situation doesn't look good. I'd advise going in through the Forums, sweeping the shops, then pushing into the ampitheater and casino proper.

>>1808725
>>Yes. You will answer the call and lead.
>>1808733
>>1808735
Maybe having to lead will rein our aggressive tendencies in.

>>1808743
Thanks for the info anon, I'll definitely be keeping this in mind.

>>1808743
But Zone C is far away from A and B, thereby making a linkup with the other Strike-1 team more difficult. Also, Strike-2 is depleted, so they should take the easiest entry point.

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>>1808748

Linkup will be difficult, but I'm not having anyone land on top of that parking structure--the ayys have got bodies in that resort directly to the northeast in that pic. If they're in the higher-up hotel rooms, they'll have a perfect vantage point to rain hell on top of our heads and on the Skyranger.

How big our each of the teams going to be? I'm thinking we send our full-strength team right down on LZ A to hit the ayys head-on. Our second team will be the one to hit the shops. We can link up somewhere on the casino floor and cut northeast to the Garden of the Gods--that pool area to the direct east of the ayy marker in the resort tower--and the rest of the resort proper.

>>1808725
>>No. You don’t think you’re ready and that Loki is a better Squad Leader.

>>1808730
>>1808731
>>1808732
>>1808735
>>1808736
>>1808738
>>1808746
Votes called, writing!

>>1808752
To answer your question you'll be split into two squads of five, since there are ten members total of Strike-1 with a SHIV for each team to round it out to six. The remaining zone will be handled by Strike-2. Skyrangers are still currently only able to seat 6 right now for my own sanity.

>>1808752
We should consider not just the bayonet strength of the teams. but their moral condition as well. Is Strike-2 rattled from recent engagements? Will they crack in a fluid combat situation?

Damn, the grays really did develop a liking for coke.
Is it time for the music to save the world?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwvNbAqcSpk

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While not much time has really passed during that fateful drug raid in Arizona to now, it feels like it’s been weeks longer than it actually is. Your time in XCOM has been a wild one and while a part of you considers that you are not ready and simply cannot understand why Loki would vouch for you so soon… you’re not going to say no to this.

“Yes.” You nod simply, which elicits a whoop from Rachel and an encouraging smile from Harita.

“Moving up in the world, eh?” Babbler throws an arm around you, a cheeky look on his face.

“That he has.” Burnout murmurs, nodding simply.

“As long as he doesn’t get shot again doing something stupid it’s fine by me.” Sweet comments.

“Same.” Naru adds, loaded to the brim with her kit. She shoots a thumbs up with you and you notice she has her Gauntlet ready to go. Could be useful. Peppermint mutters something and looks away after a moment, blushing a bit as you met her eyes. The whole thing earlier still fresh in her mind somewhat. Loki merely nods, that sly and smug face written all over her.

Rook is silent in this whole thing, and merely nods. Words unspoken between you both. It’s quite clear what the intention is. Don’t get them killed.

The question remains now how to pick as you and Rook divvy out the squad and what LZ to pick. You will need to consider that the squad members you don’t pick will be led by Rook and vice versa, so the question on how to balance two effective squads is going to be a challenge. Whatever the case may be, it’s going to be one tough battle… and Strike-1 is ready for action.

>And with that we’re going to call it here! But we’re not done yet. As throughout the rest of the week up until the 31st, the day before next thread, I’m going to be checking on this thread for both what squad you guys want to pick and what LZ you’ll be landing in. We’ll be handling your personal kit during before the Terror Mission itself don't worry. You guys are more than welcome to plan prior in this thread and ask questions. I’ll be listening! The pastebin below should give you some extra info you need. So until next time…

Thanks for playing!

Squad Info: https://pastebin.com/4KJN5HKK

>>1808774
Thanks for running!

>>1808774
cheers for the thread OP!

this is going to end in tears and rips of huge guts and with a shitstorm of blame and depression, isn't it
because no matter how hard you try,
you won't be able to save all

>>1808774
It'll be interesting to see how the SHIVs play out... which leads to the question: how do SHIVs work in your story, Pixel?

Will one of the squad members be giving them rudimentary commands, or will it be remotely steered by someone back at XCOM?

Questions that can be answered another time, of course. In any case, great quest so far.

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>>1808774
To emphasize again as reading back I might've been bad at making it clear. I would appreciate and like if you guys decided your four Squad members and LZ in THIS thread. Thanks!

>>1808781
Going after Shen's Last Gift in X2, I like the idea of AI and will have the SHIV's have basic AI and follow commands. Be it from yourself or the squad.

>>1808783
Sure, I can get behind AI. Hopefully not too cumbersome to use, 'cos I'm looking forward to having a mobile turret overwatch-shredding any nasty Ayys trying to flank Riot & her Alloy Shield.

Speaking of which:

I'll pass on LZ Bravo; no way am I starting in that parking structure, especially when most (if not all) of the cover available contains flammable gasoline. Burnout & Dozer should know all too well.

Think I'll take Charlie (the Forums); it'll be [s]fun[/s] interesting to take the fight to the mezzanines once indoors. I can imagine our squad risking incoming fire from the opposite balconies, using the pillars & flimsy railing as cover.
Something tells me it'll be slightly more openly-spaced than Alpha, and while I like close quarters as much as the next crazy fool, I think we could use the breathing room on this Terror Mission.

Squad Picks:

Riot - Alloy Shield for when we risk getting flanked via the balconies while dealing with Ayys on our own mezzanine.
Naru - Blow up the floor under THEIR mezzanine, or cackle as you bring the floor above them crashing down on them.
Burnout - Marksman's Rifle should fit in here.
Peppermeint - Probably better sniping here, than banging your barrel against slot machines in Alpha.

Have Dozer stick with the Alloy Plating & Flashbangs (as an aside, looks like Rook's squad won't have any flashbangs).

Sounds like the Laser Shotgun's still on the drawing board in Shen's workshop, so either a Laser Rifle or the good 'ole [s]12[/s] 8 gauge?

>>1808801

> no flashbangs

oh shit son


also, i love this thread so much.

>>1808801
This roster has a distict lack of mid-range firepower. I propose we swap Burnout for Babbler.

>>1808722
So our LZ's are
>Alpha: Front door which has access to the casino floor
>Bravo: The parking garage which has the quickest access to the upper levels
>Charlie: The entrance to the ‘Forum Shoppes’ shopping center that’s part of the Casino.”

And are teams are:
>Strike 1a, headed by Rook
>Strike 1b, headed by us
>Strike 2, who are "not so fresh"
>Strike 4, on reserve
With two air squadrons to provide air support

Now, the approach I'd recomend is having Strike 1b take Bravo and try to clear the sniper's nest it's become for thin mints, since we have the opportunity to make a squad designed around mobility. Now, depending on whether or not Strike 2 will be a full 10 man strike team (that are a bit winded) or not is rather crucial for what to decide next.

>If they do
I propose letting them take Alpha and simply try to put presure on the front, rather than try to clear. This will let us strike from behind and clear the upper levels without issue. After that, we'll allow Strike 2 to clear out the lower levels while we move on to a different target.

>If they don't
We'll have to make sure Rook get some long ranged support as he and Strike 1a will take the Alpha LZ instead. General strategy is the same, just that after clearing the upper levels we have to make a beeline towards Strike 2 to make sure they don't get overwhelmed.

>>1808774
We definitely need -Peppermint- in our squad to counter Thin man snipers and floaters. She can be porfessional and put aside what happened for the mission.

Having Sweet in our squad is advised, because we WILL have wounded...(and that's the best case scenario,)

>>1809007
Sorry
LZ:
>Charlie
Team:
>Sweet
>Peppermint
>Riot
>Naru
Collateral damage from her launcher(obuildings) is not even a issue at this point

>>1809020
The buildings might not be an issue, but the civilians sure will.

>>1809056
Any terror mission needs an AoE specialist. Because you know who we'll meet.

>>1809058
Sunshine and rainbows?

>>1809065
And cute animals.

>>1808875
>Now, depending on whether or not Strike 2 will be a full 10 man strike team (that are a bit winded) or not is rather crucial for what to decide next.
See >>1808722
The question remains how decimated they exaxtly are and what "classes" they have left.

>>1808875
>>1809120
Strike-2 is currently not at a full strength ten man squad as Strike-1 is but they have reasonable 6-man squad composition to handle the mission. They have two Gunners, one of which sports an Autolaser to flush targets while the other uses a Gatling Laser like Babbler to take out said targets when they run. Along with that they have a Medic, Scout, Engineer, and Infantry

They're squad is basically hinges on the two Gunner Fireteam with the rest of the squad supporting them. Morale wise while they have taken losses and are somewhat fatigued unlike you all, but they are still combat effective.

>>1809481
Alright. Just to get a bit more feel for the three approaches, would it be correct to assume the following?

>Alpha has a little amount of cover, but with a dead mans land before the entrance due to enemy snipers
>Bravo has a decent amount of cover in the form of cars and the like, which might explode
>Charlie is a busy shopping center with a ton of cover, but limited line of sight making it into a close combat zone

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>>1809522
Basically! The snipers should be temporarily suppressed with the help of air support to help with the initial start, hopefully. Also to add is that Charlie is likely to have the highest amount of civilians in the area while Bravo has the least with Alpha in the middle.

Something to consider when dealing with explosives and collateral damage... or not!

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Alright, then I have a suggestion for team comp!

Strike 1a will have:
>Rook
>Sweet
>Ranger (Harita)
>Burnout
>Loki
>SHIV
And go for Charlie

While Strike 1b will consist of:
>Dozer (us)
>Riot (Rachel)
>Tanuki (Naru)
>Peppermint
>Babbler
>SHIV
And go for Bravo

General strat being Strike one going for Alpha and entering a stand off with the aliens there, suppresing them with the support from the air Squadrons while Strike 1b moves in to take out the snipers. After that, Strike 2 moves in to clear the lower levels while Strike 1b moves to support Strike 1a who, until then, mainly acts to get civilians out of the area. The two will the enact a pincer manouver on the aliens near Charlie.

With the first levels of entrenchments breached, the following strategy will largely be the same with Strike 1a and Strike 2 moving like a wave through the casino with Strike 1b pendling between them to flank their enemies. During this, Orpheus and Wild Card will fokus on maintaining Air Superiority, with one of them being on standby to support the ground teams.

Should one of the teams start to face serious casualties, they should be reinforced by Strike 4.

Forgot to thank you for the run, shame that my time zone puts it in a difficult time to partake in. Also very concerned about how Vahlen seems to have "noticed" something on the recordings.

>>1809788
This is a good plan, I give it my vote.

I think I know what Dr. Vahlen noticed

>new fag
What are we?

>>1810019
We are Dozer, the man with more wounds than missions. We're a (rather new) soldier of X-com who's prefered style of combat is going berserk, and we're about to head into the first terror mission as head of one of three 6-man Strike teams. Prepare your sacrifices for next week, we're gonna need 'em.

>>1810037
Are we a rookie?

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>>1809788

This sounds like a good plan--but I still have reservations about landing on the roof of that parking structure for team Bravo. If we can, let's see if we can get some air assets to drop some ordnance on that resort to the LZ's northeast. There might be civilian casualties, but cover for our boys is priority here. Otherwise, depending on how armored the Skyranger is, we could have it tank as a distraction while the Bravo team goes to ground inside the parking structure and away from the eyes of any shooters. Even better would be if we could strap some rocket pods and maybe a rotary cannon to the Skyranger, have Big Sky go and be a bit of a gunship and go to town before dusting off.

Another thing to worry about is enemy composition. Since it's still pretty early in the game, we don't have to worry about the *really* bad shit, but we should still be ready to deal with whatever they are gonna throw at us, which might be Sectoids, Floaters, Thin Men, and probably a pod or two of Chryssalids. If we're lucky, there won't be any Queen Chryssalids on this op. Depending on how our SHIVs are kitted out, they'll be the key to successfully pulling this mission off.

>>1810263
>That pic
>Mfw I send a bunch of low-levels on a Council mission and encounter a Greater Hive Queen

>>1810064
No, we've promoted into an Assault. The Run-and-gun shutgun class.

>>1810263
>Chryssalids
Hmm, we haven't had the Newfoundland event yet, as far as I'm aware. If anything, I'm betting on mutons.

>>1810366
Newfoundland doesn't open chryssalids

>>1810400
Doesn't it? I could've sworn it did...

>>1810403
Nope, it even has a voice clip from Bradford where he recognizes zombies.

>>1810366

First Terror Mission is always first contact with Chryssalids. Mutons come a bit later--going up against those beasties with no alloy armor isn't impossible but makes things hella difficult.

>>1810413
>>1810428
Huh, I suppose it's just the most memorable mission with them. It *has* been a few years since I last played Xcom:EU/EW

>>1810428

Pixel, I fuckin' swear m80, they better be the rapeface Chryssalids here in Vegas.

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Chryssalids? I have no idea what you guys are talking about!

Imagine Rook having a squad info thing kind of like that pastebin, and what we'd look like on it.

SPEC. "Dozer" - Assault
A hard-hitting Assault, Dozer has great utility as a front-line fighter, willing and able to scrap up front with his shotgun and capable of distracting and suppressing enemies with his flashbang and attacks. However, he has little answer to enemies at long range, and his behavior indicates that he has the self-preservation instinct of a retarded lemming.
Primary: Shotgun
Secondary: Varies?
Kit: Flashbang Grenade, Alloy Plating.

>>1809788
I don't quite agree with this. I think that Naru, Peppermint, and Babbler should go with Rook while we bring Burnout, Sweet, and Loki. In the paste, Pixel said that Dozer was more of a kick in the door assault, which is going to be a lot of moving, and the LMG gunner cannot move and shoot, the Sniper might be able to if she has snapshot, and the rockets could work, depends on how much set up time we get. If we can steady a rocket before kicking down a door, it'll be fine, but if we have to just keep moving the rockets are going to be horribly inaccurate.

If we put Rook, Naru, Babbler, Peppermint, and Harita together, the first four make a good firing line, and Harita can go for some flanks to finish off kills. If they have to push, Harita, Rook, Naru, and the Shiv can move up first to clear the ground before Babbler and Peppermint push up.

By keeping the second group as Dozer, Riot, Burnout, Sweet, and Loki, this a mobile squad that doesn't have to worry about setting up weapons, and depending on what perks Sweet has, he might even have supression.

This set up also allows both teams to have cover destruction, Team 1 from Naru's rockets, Team 2 from Loki's HE grenades, Both teams get smoke grenades, and both teams get AP grenades.

>>1810708
I can see where you're going for, but one of the main reasons I set up the teams like I did was due to civilian presence. I thought a LMG might not be fitting for a crowded shopping area, while a medic might be able to help with some of the wounded when he's not procupied shooting and being shoot at.

>>1811049
>where you're going for
*what

Also, to clarify: I wanted to minimalise the amount of collateral damage the team at Charlie would make, while trying to keep Strike 1b somewhat mobile. Babbler is real thorn in my side when it comes to this, but I thought since it's not a straight rush to the upper levels, he could still with providing covering fire as we move towards the snipers..

Btw how advanced are cybernetics/prosthetics in this world ? What if a squad member loses a limb before MEC's are researched ?

>>1811126
Well, the year is 2015, unless QM decides it ought to be at a different date. That should give you a rough feeling for the world at large.

>>1811126
>>1811157
The year is indeed 2015 and tech should be on par with 2015 tech, perhaps ahead by a couple of years at most if XCOM tech and scientists sit down and try and improve it. Meld however is definitely a deciding factor in boosting progress in cybernetics and prosthetics.

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Oh and AoE will be necessary. We MIGHT hurt or kill a civilian, but pussyfooting around on a terror mission will just get us and more civilians killed.

>>1809788
I can dig this

We should really name a second in command in our squad, especially if we are going to run headfirst into danger without warning the rest of the squad what we are going to do. (like it seems we are doing every battle)

>>1826728
This is a good idea

>>1826728
I support this idea, although we need to know who is in our squd first. Loki seems to be a ideal canidate if Rook considered her, Peppermint...not really.

well, i just assume we have to discuss that with rook, but my vote would be for either loki, or naru,
the others are either to far in the back (peppermint) or have a to distinguished role for it (like sweet) of are almost as suicidal as we are (riot)

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Hey everyone! I was going to checkup and finalize your squad picks yesterday but... War of the Chosen is one hell of a distraction. So, from what I've gathered so far...

Rachel, Naru, and Peppermint seem to be pretty popular votes for your guy's picks for squad, with a tie between Babbler and Burnout for forth pick. LZ Bravo also seems to be where you also want to go as well. So, unless there's a major shift in squad comp I'm going with the first three and would like a vote between Babbler and Burnout for the last pick, thanks!

Reply to this one hour before the usual thread time as final votes, and if not I'll just decide.

>>1829972
Blabbers a heavy right? What's burnout?

>>1829972
Babbler is a Gunner who specializes in suppression and taking out hard targets with his LMG while Burnout is a Scout who can run overwatch and draw fire and also scout obviously.

i was wondering, how does the mc's Hyper Reactive Pupils compare to battlescanners, and motion scanners?would it help us spot enemies earlier? (he was able to read nametags form much further away)

and burnout is a scout

>>1830014
It gives one better perception to pick out targets and indeed help spot enemies. An obvious benefit to aim when you aren't rushing point blank against enemies! It doesn't let you see around corners or behind walls anything like that, so scout kit is still what reigns supreme for that kind've stuff.

>>1830010
Alright, thanks.
>Burnout

>>1830010
Voting for babbler, best to not have a LMG user in a crowded area, and we need someone who can provide support for our strike team.

>>1831082

At the suggestion of someone, here's a link to the latest thread! Hope I did this right.

>>1831174
>>1831158
Yeah, you did it right, QM.