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Prior Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2431270/
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Maverick%20Hunter%20Quest
The IRC: suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com, #MHQ
The Twitter: https://twitter.com/HunterCommand
The Recap (thanks to Scarab): http://pastebin.com/wMtuXJM2
Character sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18-L31ukeOd_0XvfqErwY7GogqiwMU8zyIYfXxjTUb-c/

You are Maverick Hunter Anode, prowling your new base.
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>>2617744
You caught Spider, a mercenary, as he came back from some kind of questioning, struck up a chat, and invited him along to the bar.

“Can’t stay long,” you tell him. “I’ve got to run to the range after this.”

“Long enough for a drink, I hope,” he replies smoothly. “Would be a bit of a wasted trip otherwise.”

“I think I’ve got time for that,” you nod. Though, your real purpose was to check in with Max.

It takes a little longer than you’d hope to get to the Dodo--Spider just seems to be perpetually unhurried, moving at a casual stroll and taking in the sights. You don’t miss the poise under the lackadaisical exterior--he’s like a gunslinger, ready to draw at any time.

At least it makes for decent conversation time. The merc is politely affable, easy to talk to, and just chatty enough to keep it interesting without ever venturing all that much about himself or his business. You can see why Command might be a little leery--especially since they’ve never hired mercenaries to help with the hunt.

Spider kicks back in a chair, resting his boots on the rim of the table--tossing you a few actual, physical credit chits for the both of you. Max nods as you approach, seeing you from halfway over. This time of day, most of the officers are out and the enlisted assigned to base duty are still doing their day jobs.

>Talk to Max about Schwarzhund. He knew him as well as anyone.
>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider.
>>
>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider.
I'd like to talk about Schwarz, but we can do that any time. Spider, on the other hand, isn't necessarily a character we'll get to interact with much and I'm interested to learn more about him.
>>
>>2617745
>>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider.

I wonder if we can save Spider before he gets yoinked by that admiral. Or do I have it backwards?

Plus I'm interested in seeing him fleshed out more too.
>>
>>2617744
>Chat with Spider

That thread title...
>>
>>2617745
>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider.
Max seeing us okay will do more for him than us poking about schwarz so soon after the news.

>>2617754
That is SO far in the future that there's not much we can do for him. By Command Mission, tech will be unrecognizable, any upgrades we point him towards would be useless. Beyond generally being a nice dude and connecting him with people who are not Redips, the only concrete action is to break military protocol and mention the highly classified Yeoujiu. And that is very likely to fuck him over in many ways for only the slightest possibility that the info will come in handy for him when he gets ambushed.
>>
>>2617745
>Talk to Max.

Spider's fun, but he likely won't divulge more than he has.
>>
>>2617745
>Talk to Max about Schwarzhund. He knew him as well as anyone.
SIDE QUEST SIDE QUEST SIDE QUEST SIDE QUEST SIDE QUEST
>>
>>2617785
Heh, I was actually angling toward just being his friend so that in his time of need he might have some chance of someone being in his corner to help him. Or at least get to know him well enough to be tipped off if he gets body snatched.
>>
>>2617745
>>Talk to Max about Schwarzhund. He knew him as well as anyone.
We skip this now, it'll be a while before we get the chance again.
>>
>>2617745
>>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider.
May as well learn more about him.
>>
>>2617745
>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider
>>
>>2617745
>Talk to Max
Our drink with the 15th will hardly be the time.
>>
>>2617745
>Talk to Max about Schwarzhund. He knew him as well as anyone.
>>
>>2617745
>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider.

Broaden our horizons a bit, I say. Talk to someone new once in a while.
>>
>>2617745
>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider.
>>
>>2617744
>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider.
>>
Time for another sanity break. I just spent four hours getting a giant-ass desk into the right room. I had to dismount a door to get the damned thing in there. Fucker's staying put when I move out, I can tell you that much.

Will try to get a post out tonight, but no promises.
>>
>>2618502
Rest well, boss
>>
>>2618502
I know your pain, When I moved into my apartment I had to get a 8 foot couch around a tight L bend. Thank god the legs could come off but the only way that thing is getting back out is with a hammer and in pieces.
>>
>>2617745
>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider.

Mention to Max in passing that if he happens to acquire something unusually nice suitable for a first date, to hang onto it.
>>
Oh right, I forgot to greet you all. Consider yourselves greeted.
>>
>>2619578
>Arc has a page now
her wikipage will soon be filled with a log of all of her dates with Anode
>>
>>2619600
>Howard G005E is now on the wiki
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q81ptFSA4mk
>>
>>2619600
She does indeed, per request.

>>2619644
I mean, I had to.
>>
>>2617745
>Save that conversation for later. Try to chat a bit more with Spider.

I'd like to get to know a bit more about the guy honestly. He seems like quite a character and we could use some time not thinking about the recent past, to be honest.
>>
>>2619722
PREDICTABO
>>
>>2619644
>>2620692

TUU EEZEE.
>>
Did the the mhq wiki get vandalized with a African musicians bio?
>>
>>2621022
No. If you read the whole entry, it's in-universe worldbuilding.
>>
>>2621039
Ah, just kinda jarring considering how terse the rest of the wiki is.
>>
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>>2617752
>>2617754
>>2617784
>>2617785
>>2617843
>>2617865
>>2618077
>>2618135
>>2618267
>>2618771
>>2619737
You frown, mulling it over.

...No, not yet. You give Max a nod, feeling a little more solemn for it. He looks much the same, as far as you can read his emotionless faceplate. Still, he offers up your order, same as ever.

Spider lounges like he rests upon a throne when you get back, in his element. Kicked back in his chair, feet up and arms spread over the back of the chair, he reclines with practiced poise that nonetheless simply radiates laziness.

“Cheers,” you offer, setting his glass down in front of him. He simply lifts his ankles and lets his weight slooowly tilt him back forward. He raises his drink in salute and takes a sip.

“Didn’t take you for a julep man,” you note, sipping your own pilsner.

“Reminds me of home.”

“Racetrack?”

“Casino.”

You blink. “You were a civilian model?”

He smirks. “No, I was a runaway. Found someplace I blended in and got blending. Literally, for a while, did a stretch as a bartender there. Then I got into gambling. Liked dealing more than playing. You win more that way.”

“How’d you get from there to here?” You ask.

“Frequent customer. Only very, very boring, or very, very exciting jobs lend themselves to that kind of life,” Spider replies, tipping back the brim of his hat to better look you in the eye. “And that fella wasn’t the paper-pushing variety, if you follow me.”

“What’d he do?”

Spider chuckles. “He made me an offer. Turns out he was a bounty hunter himself. He was hired to take me back to the ranch. Someone wanted their investment back.”

You’re briefly entertained by the mental image of a cinematic rolling battle through the floor of a casino, chip stacks exploding and roulette wheels tumbling as they dash from table to table. “No shit.”
>>
>>2621258
“No, sir. See, he didn’t go in blind, looked me up first. So he knew what I could do to him, if I had a notion. He told me we could have it out, and if he won, he’d maybe get half of what he lost paying for damages and repairs. Or, I could come with him, and we could go into business together.”

“No shit,” you repeat. That’s even better.

“Hell of a guy, that Aile,” he says, tracing the rim of his glass with one finger carefully.

“So what, you work for him?”

“More of a partnership--notwithstanding that I bought off my bounty first thing,” Spider chuckles. “I gotta tell you, I don’t trust easy, but I’ll go back-to-back with him in any gunfight. Boy’s got his head on straight, and he’s got a nose for the business. Knows when the quick money just ain’t worth it. He’s the one who vouched for me to pick this job up.”

Huh. “So what’s he up to?”

“Keeping the doors open,” Spider replies lazily. “Though he picks up an odd job for the hunters, here and there. We’re a good pair, I tag along when he goes.”

>So how does bounty hunting stack up to maverick hunting?
>You’ve gotta have a few good stories for me.
>Sounds like you don’t deal well with a boss. Why take this gig?
>Other?
>>
>>2621262
>So how bounty hunting stack up to maverick hunting?
>>
>>2621262
>You’ve gotta have a few good stories for me.
>>
>>2621262

>So how does bounty hunting stack up to maverick hunting?
>You’ve gotta have a few good stories for me.
STORYTIME
>>
>>2621262
>>So how does bounty hunting stack up to maverick hunting?
Seems like there'd be a lot of overlap. We are, technically, bounty hunters ourselves.
>>
>>2621262
>So how does bounty hunting stack up to maverick hunting?
>>
>>2621262
>So how does bounty hunting stack up to maverick hunting?
>>
>>2621262
>So how bounty hunting stack up to maverick hunting?
>>
>>2621262
>Sounds like you don’t deal well with a boss. Why take this gig?
This job is lousy with bosses. Seems like every time we deal with them there are at least eight more.
>>
>>2621262
>Sounds like you don’t deal well with a boss. Why take this gig?
>>
>>2621262
>So how does bounty hunting stack up to maverick hunting?
>You’ve gotta have a few good stories for me.

Nice to get some more backstory for Aile too so let's keep it going.
>>
>>2621514
Wrong Aile, I'd think. ZX character is a girl. Also, Zero series has to happen. Could be a common name or ancestor somehow, but I'd doubt the latter this far back in time.

>>2621262
>Sounds like you don't do to well with a boss...
>How does bounty hunting compare to maverick hunting?
>>
>>2621572
Zero series is at least half a century off as of yet, ZX even further
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>>2621262
>So how does bounty hunting stack up to maverick hunting?
>Did you ever meet the Los Mortales before they came back in?

>>2621572
We have very little info on Command Mission Aile, so HC has quite a lot of freedom in fleshing out the character.
>>
>>2621022
You know in a strange way this made it all worth writing out.
>>
>>2621572
Aile is a minor character in Command Mission and his sacrifice supposedly the main reason Spider joins X's party.

The Aile that appears in command Mission is likely another of Redips' disguises.
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>>2621682
yo. what.

....SHIT. No wonder Spider lost, taking Aile's form during that ambush would fuck him sideways.
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>>2621262
>Sounds like you don’t deal well with a boss. Why take this gig?
>>
>Bombing of Bilma
holy shit the balls on that dude.
>>
I hope everyone is enjoying the wiki-worldbuilding.
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>>2622217
A fucking hero, him.
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>>2622362
Can I get a link?
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>>2622387
mhq.wikidot.com
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>>2622217
Jesus. Did he manage to eject? Not that it would've likely mattered, being that close to the warhead.
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>>2622396
Thank you
>>
>>2622402
Dont forget, nuclear bombs produce a huge EMP as well, so even if your reploid brain survived the explosion you're still fucked.
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>>2621682
Oh shit I forgot. And OH SHIT to that spoiler.
>>
>>2622402
>>2622659
About the only ways I think anyone could survive that are

>Fling the missile Atlatl style and pray it doesn't explode in the process
>Drag the whole thing straight up until it runs out of fuel, risking the missile exploding up in the air and spreading the fallout over a much larger area.
>Bring the missile into a cyberspace zone, jump into cyberspace instead of ejecting, and get the automatic drop coordinates to be as far away as possible
>>
No post tonight again. Will be late getting home tomorrow but should be able to do something.
>>
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“So how would you compare maverick hunting to regular bounties?” you ask.

Spider rubs his chin. “You know, that’s a good question. I’ve been tossing it back and forth for a while. I’d say it’s easier on the front-end, harder on the back.”

“Yeah?”

He sets down his julep and slides it aside, resting a forearm on the table. “For starters, hunters have more resources than the best bounty hunter on his best day. Intel, backup, recon, field support… truth be told, it’s a little overwhelming. Makes you wonder how there’s any fuss at all.”

You snort. “And then you actually get to the fighting, right?”

He fingerguns at you. “Bingo. I’ve tangled with some woolly characters in my time, but never so many in a row.”

“Fun job, isn’t it?”

“Busting up a gang, going through thugs with jumped up Prossers to get their boss, that comes easy. But the mavs Gopher’s setting me on, they’re organized, supplied.”

“Sounds like a bad matchup.”

“Well, sure,” Spider replies coolly, confidence plain. “If I play it their way. First rule of the business is don’t do that. Doesn’t matter how many guards you have if I come in from behind and flatten you before they even know I’m there.”

You blink. “You pull that trick often, then?”

“Often enough. One benefit of the support I mentioned? Nice, easy distractions. One guy takes the front, I go around the back, and we let problems solve themselves.”

You nod. “Straightforward enough.”

Hooking his drink with the inside of his sleeve-cuff rig, he slides it back and forth across the table, alternating arms at the edge. “Reminds me of how Aile and I work. He flies interference and lets me do the heavy lifting. Suits me fine, he’s the one getting shot at.”

>Speaking of, you want to come along on one of my ops? I could use backup on a few of my roster.
>So level with me, how much are you getting for this?
>Other?
>>
>>2624976
>Other?
All this Yosemite Sam rassa-frassin' about authority a common thing for you? Why subject yourself to the chain of command of a crazy joint like this?
>>
>>2624976
>Sounds like you don’t deal well with a boss. Why take this gig?
>Offer to play distraction if he needs one, bring up possibility of his being backup on yours
Did we ever get that Maverick series for him? Might not be the best time for it after an interrogation, but still.
>>
>>2624976
>Ahh, getting shot at. I like that job.
>Okay, not really, but I'm very, VERY good at it.
>Offer to play distraction if he needs one, bring up possibility of his being backup on yours
I don't think he'd be good with yamatoad, but Moloch and Gibbon might be nice options.
>>
>>2624983
I can now see Grach and Spider buddying it up on the Moloch mission, and it's somewhat terrifying.
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>>2624995
And then, mid-mission, Spider receives an offer of a disgusting amount of money from Russia for the 'accidental' death of Grach.

>>2624976
>Speaking of, you want to come along on one of my ops? I could use backup on a few of my roster.

Gibbon in particular might be hard to draw out into an honest fight.
>>
>>2625161
In which case we kill Spider, completely messing up Command Mission for everyone! Yay?
>>
>>2624976
>Speaking of, you want to come along on one of my ops? I could use backup on a few of my roster.

Now there's a thought. I assume he'd be useful anywhere, but the Atlantica mission would go a lot more smoothly if he could get in the back and rescue the kidnapped scientist, just in case she decided to kill her hostage out of spite.

And Anode would go in the front door doing... distracting Anode things. Catching fire and yelling a lot?
>>
>>2624976
>>So level with me, how much are you getting for this?
>>
>>2624976
>So level with me, how much are you getting for this?
>>
>>2624976
>Speaking of, you want to come along on one of my ops? I could use backup on a few of my roster.
>>
>How precisely his file ended up moving to the 4th is a mystery
Seveeeeeen, you motherfuckeeeeeer
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>>2626266
Schwarzhund was the one who assembled that roster for us
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>>2624976
>Speaking of, you want to come along on one of my ops? I could use backup on a few of my roster.

"Nobody's died when they're with me so far!"
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>>2624977
>>2624978
>>2624983
>>2625161
>>2625237
>>2625463
You fold your arms and lean back--not quite Spider levels of slack, but you make do. “I’m pretty good at the getting shot biz, myself.”

Spider raises an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? That the top line on your resume, chief?”

“Close,” you nod, deflecting the jest. “Sister’s built to dole out punishment, I’m supposed to take it for her.”

“Ain’t that always the way with family,” he remarks.

“Either way, you might have the right brand of ruckus for a team-up sometime.”

“Maybe,” Spider hedges. “Not exactly opposed. And Gopher did say we can buddy up.”

“I assume you’re not one for cracking open maverick bases.” Yamatoad, you suspect, would not go well with him.

“You assume right. But anything delicate, subtle, or complicated? I’m your man.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll give you a ring?”

He nods. “Beggin’ your pardon, but I’ll want to plan things out with you. I’m in this for money, not love.”

“Fair enough. I wouldn’t ask you along to crack that particular nut, but I can think of one or two places where you could come in handy.”

“Well, I appreciate that.” He leans back again, crossing his legs over each other to recline further.

“That said, I am curious,” you admit. “Why sign on to follow orders when you clearly don’t get on with them so hot?”

He chuckles. “The price is right. That’s all there is to it. I let them know my terms, they agree, hands shake, papers are signed, and we’re off to the races.”

You squint. “I don’t buy it.”

“Then you’re smarter than you look. Good money for crap work leads to better money for better work. And there’s not much on this turnin’ Earth that pays better than hunter contracts.”

You nod again, more appreciatively. “Good plan. Your idea?”

“Aile’s. Though, poor sap, I think he’s smoking his own brand.” Spider smiles lazily, despite that. “He’s got a soft spot a mile wide. Probably why he took a chance on a good-fer-nothin’ like me.”

“Either way, it’s probably gonna bear out. I doubt you’d have found your way here without him setting things up for years.”

“You’re probably right. See, this is why I leave the numbers to him. I’ll take cards, dice, and guns any day.”

>It’s a date, then. ‘Til then, Spider.
>Sit and chat a while longer--you’ve pried more out of him than you’d hope.
>Other?
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>>2626427
>It’s a date, then. ‘Til then, Spider.
>>
>>2626427
>It’s a date, then. ‘Til then, Spider.
>>
>>2626427
>It’s a date, then. ‘Til then, Spider.
>>
>>2626427
>>It’s a date, then. ‘Til then, Spider.
>>
If there are any more article requests, let me know so I can put them into the request list.
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>>2626822
I know it's already been covered in threads in the past, but the events of X1 and X2 would be nice to have in a centralized place.
>>
>>2626822
Is there one on Flares? If so, maybe some extraneous bug loids, or Hammer Frog since he has been a major player for the Fourth.
>>
>>2627256
X1 we have, it's in the Maverick War article. I suppose it's not a direct summation of X's specific activity at that time as much as it is a broader overview, though.

>>2627276
4th Overland personnel have not been covered yet. I'll add them to the to-do list.
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>>2627286
We got any articles on Blizzard Wolfang?
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>>2626427
>It’s a date, then. ‘Til then, Spider.

'You're smarter than you look'. Confirmation that we look like a dumbass.
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>>2627399
Not yet, though it has been requested and is on the Page Requests list.
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>>2626427
>It’s a date, then. ‘Til then, Spider.

I think it's time to check out the barracks, see how Fullmetool is settling in as the big met on campus, and evaluate the place for movie readiness.
>>
>>2627457
Maybe some random "famous" Mavs? That is to say, the kinds of guys that didn't need to be the tier of the Philosophers, or even Saetos or Wren, to be feared worldwide.
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>>2626822
We need an article on Guns and Roses
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>>2626427
>It’s a date, then. ‘Til then, Spider.
>>
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>>2626442
>>2626455
>>2626784
>>2626806
>>2627434
>>2627470
>>2627821
“Sounds like a plan, Spider,” you say, leaning forward to offer your hand.

He takes it, letting his grip slip to lock his palm to yours. “See you around, pardner. I’ll be here, gettin’ acquainted with the locals.”

You push away as you rise to your feet, draining the last of your drink. You tip him a silent wave with the glass as you depart, depositing it gently on the tray by the door.

The new 4th Overland range is now a long yard, ancillary to your ancillary ring. It looms empty like a warehouse, with a long expanse for the actual target placement, and most of the furnishings frontloaded to the entryway. Reinforced overhead lights beneath hardened domes cast it all in a dull white glow, the domes occasionally reflecting a plasma charge sizzling past far below.

The sim chambers are adjacent now, you note as you walk in--that makes sense. You count a number of pods, all new fixtures, and a rather larger computer they’re hooked to. IN USE: F. FIREFLY blinks on the door on one of several terminal plates, the rest vacant. You don’t miss the roster detail beside it--or the doors marked “3” and “7” on either side of the facility. You might be sharing personal space more than you expected.

The place is bustling--you have a feeling coming right off a crisis, the enlisted have recent reminder they need to push themselves harder. You can’t help but feel a little proud to see your own squad of Berets right there with them, drilling.

“Easy, easy, okay, try going from me to Derby,” Flak says coachingly.

“All right, okay,” Marx mutters. “All right, I’m engaging on three. One--two--thwhoafu--

He stumbles at the end of a sudden burst of movement--he must have that EAS installed, you realize--legs flailing once, twice, and finally finding his feet just before Derby’s hands catch his shoulders, steadying his fellow.

“That was better, stayed on your feet this time!” Flak says brightly.

“Yeah...yeah, I think I figured it out. You kind of have to lean into it, see--oh, Commander!” Marx pops up and salutes, the others doing the same.

You return the gesture. “At ease. How’s it going, gang?”

“Pretty good!” Flak says, chipper as ever.

“Where’s Susan?” you ask, looking around.

“He’s here--he was looking for you, actually. Something about your chat with him in the bar?”

Oh, jeez. “Yeah, I’ll take care of it.”

“If it helps, he seemed fine,” Flak replies earnestly. “...For Susan, anyway.”

You nod. “How about the rest of you? Everything good?”
>>
>>2630125
Derby looks up from measuring a blastmark over Marx’s starting line. “Just getting acquainted with this new dash thing.”

“After you faceplant a few times, it’s pretty fun,” Marx says--and sure enough, you notice his face is scuffed in a few places. “Hardest part is getting your feet back under you.”

“You get a feel for it pretty quick,” you reassure him. “Just make sure you don’t overheat the things.”

“Got ‘em locked and regulated, sir,” he replies with a nod. “I owe the squad in a big way for letting me try these first. I’m not gonna let it go to waste.”

You’re about to reply, when you hear a chorus of cheers from the other end.

The officer who enters is definitely not Deploy or Air Cavalry.

Rose-and-pink armor gilt with white and gold shines on a surprisingly compact frame, the woman’s long hair done up in a blonde ponytail. Her legplates look the most thoroughly developed, giving her a stolid and sturdy posture. Not far behind is her buster arm, a custom-made monstrosity that is no doubt brimming with murder.

“Right,” Karin, new S-rank darling of the 17th Elite Unit calls. “Who’s ready for some drills?”

>Throw in with the Bravely Broken. You don’t get a chance like this often.
>Look for Susan--better to square your guys away first.
>Other?
>>
>>2630130
>Throw in with the Bravely Broken. You don’t get a chance like this often.

Opportunities! Their last S didn't go well at all.
>>
>>2630130
>Look for Susan--better to square your guys away first.
The longer we put this off, the worse things will get with him, even if I wanna see what this gal's capable of.
>>
>>2630130
>>Throw in with the Bravely Broken. You don’t get a chance like this often.
>>
>>2630130
>Throw in with the Bravely Broken. You don’t get a chance like this often.
>>
>>2630130
>Throw in with the Bravely Broken. You don’t get a chance like this often.

How many units share this range now?
>>
>>2630130
>Throw in with the Bravely Broken. You don’t get a chance like this often.
We're going up against moloch, we need all the coordination we can get.
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>>2630130
>Throw in with the Bravely Broken. You don’t get a chance like this often.

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT
>>
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>>2630130
>Throw in with the Bravely Broken. You don't get a chance like this often.
>>
>>2630130
>Volunteer the Bravely Broken
But specify you have to grab one of your squad. Then
>check on Susan and square your shit away
>>
>>2630130
>Look for Susan--better to square your guys away first.
Can't fight as a team if you don't have your team
>>
>>2630130
>Look for Susan--better to square your guys away first.
Let's find him quick then see if we can still catch a match with Karin.
>>
>>2630130
Wait, what does Throw in with the Bravely Broken actually mean
>>
>>2630130
>Throw in the Bravely Broken
>Summon Susan to drill via message
>>
>>2630561
4-on-1 hot sim battle action with Karin
>>
>>2630572
I'm gonna change my vote then, I think.

>Look for Susan--better to square your guys away first.
>>
Wait. If this is just the 4th's new range, why's she here, anyway?
>>
>>2630607
Maybe X sent her because reasons?
>>
>>2630607
17th does what it wants.
>>
>>2630130
>Look for Susan
>>
>>2630130
>Look for Susan--better to square your guys away first.
>>
>>2630130
>Look for Susan--better to square your guys away first.
>>
>>2630130
>Look for Susan--better to square your guys away first.
Bros with hoes' names before hoes
>>
>>2630607
Shared range space.
>>
>>2630607
We're all rubbing shoulders with the other units now, share and share alike, range included.
>>
>>2630130
>Throw in with the Bravely Broken. You don't get a chance like this often
Gotta give a go of it
>>
>>2631113
Naturally this puts us at a tie of 8 to 8 (counting the vote change from >>2630379
to >>2630576)

If it's that fiercely contested, I might try a half-and-half where Anode rounds up Susan but doesn't personally contribute to the spar. Any objections, let me hear 'em now.
>>
>>2631214
In the interests of a faster update, I'm happy to change to finding Susan.
>>
>>2631221
I need to run to the gym anyway, so I'll put that one in the bank and see what I come back home to.
>>
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>>2631241
TWIST AND TUCK BITCH
>>
>>2630130
>>Look for Susan--better to square your guys away first.
Needs to get in on this anyways.
>>
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Okay, Susan it is.

Give me a little while, I overdid it. You know it's bad when your abs start hurting before you even make it to your car.
>>
>>2630130
>>2631214
>>2631367
You frown, thinking. This could be a good…

...Nah, not yet. Besides, she’s already ringed with cheering Berets, eager to join the lesson.

Across the way, though, she glances up at you--easy to do, as you’re a good head taller than your enlisted. She taps her ear, and you hear her voice in yours.

“You are the Rangemaster here, Captain?” She asks.

You comm back. “That’s me, ma’am. Anode.”

“Nice to meet you. I hope you do not mind me putting your infantry through their paces.”

Her formal, polite tone contrasts the turn of phrase nicely. “If it’s fine by them, it’s fine by me,” you reply. “Go ahead and take ‘em for a spin. Though you may want to watch out for Looey.”

She nods across the distance. “I will bear it in mind, thank you. We will speak later, Captain.”

You blink at that--something about the way she phrased that sounded significant.

You shrug it off, for now. “So where’d you see him last?” You ask Flak, watching Karin depart with a gaggle of Berets on her trail.

“Checking out those sims,” Flak replies, gesturing back at the door.

Sure enough, he’s inside, watching over the readings on whatever Flares is up to in there. Polishing that Lockon Rifle, he looks up and nods at you. “Captain.”

“Hangover any?”

He shakes his head. “No, sir. Though, ah, I may need to apologize. I don’t really… do drinking like that, very often.”

“Nothing to worry about. Can’t say I blame you for being a little sour.” You pause. “Do you remember that?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I remember.” He pauses again, and then hops off the corner of his chair. “I remember I told you I’d explain the name, too.”

“If and when you want to when you’re sober,” you add.

“Well, I’m sober. And I appreciate that you did that.” He shrugs. “Honestly, it’s really not that much of a big deal. It’s kinda stupid, honestly. You still wanna know?”

“If you’re telling,” you reply.

“All right, so,” Susan begins, taking a breath. “When you make a masspro line, you develop them all off the same template. That includes the neural makeup. They introduce some randomization in the strings to get divergent personality traits--kinda like encrypting, in a way. You follow me?”

“So far,” you nod.

He leans back into his chair in more of a controlled fall. “You randomize those sequences long enough, you start to get an eye for what the outcomes are, especially since everyone being based on the same stock makes you all pretty similar to begin with. This one’s boisterous, this one’s jovial, this one’s lazy.”

“Lazy?” You pause, blinking. “...You?”

“First thing I hear when they’re inspecting me for defects. Wasn’t meant to, some idiot kept a door open. And all I can think is that I haven’t been alive for six days, and they’re already telling me I’m lazy.

“That...could stay with a person.”
>>
>>2632282
He snorts, embers of distant indignance giving heat to his voice. “Just a bit. So while they’re doing their behaviorals, I get on a chair like this, and I start…”

He swings his legs, and describes a neat little 360, turning around, and around. “Spinning.”

You blink. He keeps going, letting his boots drag him to a stop just to wind up and start again. “Spinning, and spinning, and spinning. Until finally, they ask me, what are you doing? And I tell them. I’m being a lazy susan.”

You blink. “That’s… Okay that is not what I was expecting.”

He laughs. “No one does. They didn’t say anything, but the next time I walked by, that Sequencing room door had a new lock on it.” He looks up at you. “Told you it was stupid.”

“Brother, I do stupid for a living. I named our squad for my brand of stupid. You’re in good company.”

He cracks a thin smile at that. “Suppose so. Either way, it gave me some motivation, and a reminder to me that I’m who and what I say I am, nobody else.”

You nod. “‘Lazy’ is definitely not a word I’d use to describe you.”

“It’s hard. Really hard. They were right, I hate doing much of anything if I can help it. But spite gets me out of bed in the morning. And now I’ve got Flak to look after. It’s always easier, taking care of somebody else.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” you mutter.

You’re silent for a moment, the dynamic between you having shifted somewhat with the candid backstory tell-all. Finally, he speaks up. “But really, it is pretty stupid though, right? Be honest.”

>I mean, yeah, kinda.
>It’s my exact brand of stupid.
>>
>>2632287
That you're going against your code and being a better person? Nah.
That you brought the name upon yourself? A little. No one ever gets the callsign they want. Just ask all the pilots who want to be called "Maverick." It beats being called Mr. Pink, trust me.
>>
>>2632316
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W5KhfJHF_4
>>
>>2632287
>It’s my exact brand of stupid.
>>
>>2632287
>It’s my exact brand of stupid
>>
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>>2632287
Okay, I had a giggle at that.
But like >>2632316 says, there's a lot stupider out there.
>>
>>2632287
>It’s my exact brand of stupid.
>>
>>2632287
>It's my exact brand of stupid.
>>
>>2632287
>It’s my exact brand of stupid.
"Remind me later to get you this prank I pulled my first week in Geneva."
>>
>>2632287
>It’s my exact brand of stupid.

>>2632428
>"Remind me later to get you this prank I pulled my first week in Geneva."

Agreed here.
>>
>>2632287
>"Remind me later to get you this prank I pulled my first week in Geneva."
Hehe
>>
>>2632287
>It’s my exact brand of stupid.
>>2632428
Supporting this, too.
>>
>>2632287
>It's my exact brand of stupid.

Bit of an interesting look into reploid... Socialization? Would you call it?

And maybe don't say it, but laziness is really just an unflattering term for being prone to conserve energy and loathe to spend it. One man's laziness is another man's efficiency and discretion.
>>
>>2632287
>It’s my exact brand of stupid.
>>
>>2632287
>It’s my exact brand of stupid.
If it reminds you of why you get up in the morning and do the work that saves lives, it might actually be.....NOT stupid.

It's got complications, but those are expected with any method that relies on spite to keep you going. It could be worse.
>>
>>2632287
>>It’s my exact brand of stupid.
We have Em and India. If we ever become a veteran we will probably be team dad.
>>
>>2633752
If things go long enough Anode will likely end up Commander of the 4th and hopefully well liked by the other Units.
>>
>>2633794
>If things go on long enough
Based on thread rates and presuming no hiatus, Anode should be a Commander in about 2080!
>>
>>2633794
>>2634242
I dunno. He's an HK, remember? Schwarz said that kind of thing had a stigma.
>>
>>2634782
He also has a rep for sacrificing expensive equipment to save lives and is liked by a lot of people.

The if it comes to it the will likely be a lot of debate about the situation considering the humans killed were a Russian wetworks team trying to kill someone who surrendered to the MH.
>>
>>2632287
>It’s my exact brand of stupid.
The sane and straightforward don't survive this job, my friend.
>>
>>2634242
Based on casualty rates he'll be the commander by default within three threads.

So yeah 208x
>>
>>2636038
NO

FUCKING

BULLY
>>
I haven't thought this through all the way yet, but I want to get it out here before I forget bits of it or start second-guessing myself.

A couple threads back, after the talk with Crucifer, we were pondering what to do with the reserved Himalayas Memorial money (currently 21,000z). General consensus seemed to be that, yeah, a memorial is kind of tacky in the middle of a war; but we didn't get any kind of common idea as to what to actually use the cash for. Just that it's better put to practical use than something symbolic.

Donating it to the Lifesavers has been a popular idea from the start, but after seeing Marx testing out his dash and talking to Susan, I had this thought: why don't we turn it into an upgrade fund for Berets?

The Bravely Broken are kind of our prototype squad for seeing how well Berets adjust to new upgrades, and how effectively they can use them. (Results so far: massive enthusiasm, armor is popular, other practical benefits still pending.) They could continue in that vein, being personally funded by Anode and their own earnings from missions; this particular fund would be for the rest of them, the ones that don't really have a patron or a way to distinguish themselves.

No one's would be getting a dash system for 50,000z, but there's a lot of cheap but effective stuff out there. Maybe someone wants a nice beam saber because they keep getting jumped on by mechaniloids. Maybe someone is skittish after losing use of an arm on a mission, and would like extra upper-body armor. Maybe someone wants one of those disposable scrambler flares we got, for desperate situations where everyone being blind is better than everyone being dead.

Money could be added to it... whenever we can spare it, or maybe regularly by deducting a percentage off our mission pay. Haven't thought it through that far. But the central point is that they'd be able to get an upgrade or piece of gear they've got eyes on, bigger than their own pay would normally allow for, without needing a superior to hand it down to them (Susan seemed pretty torn between gratitude and resentment for everything Anode's done so far... but mostly gratitude).

I don't know how it would be decided who gets what, and in what order, but the Berets seem pretty good at organizing themselves. They could probably hash that out on their own with the bare minimum of secretive fistfighting tournaments, and someone official would just need to sign off on it.

And... it would still work as a memorial fund of sorts. I have a hunch that Diamond, in particular, would have been 110% in favor of a way for mass-produced reploids to personalize themselves and be more than generic cannon fodder.
>>
>>2636174
If we're talking about upgrades that are cheap enough to be mass-produced, but too expensive to already be in their kit, I'd have to say it would either be lo-beams or Tumult Shields. Ablative armor will soon be redundant once the heavier Beret chasis comes along, and the cost of these two things might have gone down with the march of technology.

All told, I think giving everyone a shield that can handle a couple lemons goes a long way for them.
>>
>>2636174
Reminds me of something I tried in the game I ran until it collapsed. Basically, I had Addax have a "gambling habit" he used to foot upgrades for the rank and file without it feeling like handouts. Story timed a bit of it here at least, it was under Charge Tortoise.
>>
Since piratepad has not stopped fucking around, I have tentatively moved and updated the upgrades list here, including the Candemir Catalog pending corrections on the final price of their goods.

https://cryptpad.fr/pad/#/2/pad/edit/n2bmir70zlEGNXhoq7Oa76im/

I'm also going to see if I can find a way to collapse these entries for more readability.
>>
>>2638101
update: I have found a way to collapse entries. Downside, it's a pain in the ass to format everything we already have.
>>
>>2632287
You snort. “Buddy, if you’re looking for common sense, you picked the wrong boss.”

He looks up at you from his seat. “True.”


“No, I’m serious. We get shot at for a living. We all have to be a little crazy to do this and stay sane.” You pause. “You know what I mean.”

He gives you another wry smirk. “It must be true, because I actually do.”

“There you go, see? You and your stupid idiot name for jerks fit right in.”

That actually gets a full-on laugh out of him. “Get the hell out of here, sir.”

“Going, going. Hey, if you want to get the band together, Karin with the 17th is training squads.”

“Worth a try,” Susan nods. “She might have some perspective on our nonstandard gear, too.”

Right--most Berets aren’t toting around launchers, beam rifles, and ablative armor. “Good point.”

It sounds like Karin’s pretty popular, by the time you’re back out there. Looey is brandishing a clipboard, knee-deep in the enlisted, taking down fireteams by lots for the next appointment with the 17th Major.

What surprises you, though, is seeing the first team she trained with helping set up the next. A few minutes of coaching, and the teams are helping themselves, organizing and setting up and repeating lessons down the line. Three-point firing positions take up spaces in the firing lanes and attack as a squad, laying down a rolling barrage. Others practice evasion--side hops and quick-turns past their partners advancing with a shove.

You’ll have to take some notes.

“So I was talking to the Commander,” you mention to Susan, watching Flak practice quick-upping his rifle and discarding the launcher. “I’m going to be putting in for higher-level ops training.”

“Command yourself, huh?” he asks. “Makes sense. A squad can usually get by alone.”

“It’s not either-or,” you point out. “Besides, you guys are gonna be the testbed for what I can do.”

“Oh joy, I get to be a guinea pig,” he replies dully.

“Yeah? It gets better. You guys learn from me, and you might wind up leading squads of your own.”

Susan slowly swivels to look at you, completely silent. Unblinking, he simply makes the sign of the cross, then lowers his beret as if in mourning.

“Oh, ha, ha,” you reply. “You can get an early jump on practicing, once your turn comes up with Karin.” Sass or not, things seem to have gone pretty well--Susan feels a lot more approachable and open, now.

>Head for the barracks. Get acquainted with “home.”
>It’s been long enough. Select your next target.
>Other?
>>
>>2638423
>Text 'Thank you, Ma'am' to Karin
>Head for the barracks. Get acquainted with “home.”
>>
>>2638423
If we want our team on the next mission, it's kind of stupid to go on it now, when they've just started training. So either
>Stick around and learn what we can
Or
>If there's nothing useful, head to barracks
>>
>>2638423
>Head for the barracks. Get acquainted with “home.”
Is Fullmetool a Captain yet? We need to check in with him. He's probably got all this 'new base' shit on lockdown already.
>>
>>2638423
>Stick around and learn
We should really be getting back to business soon
>>
>>2638423
>Head for the barracks. Get acquainted with “home.”
>>
>>2638423
>Head for the barracks. Get acquainted with “home.”
>>
>>2638423
>>Head for the barracks. Get acquainted with “home.”
We should get back on the job after this, though.
>>
>>2638423
>Barracks
>>
>>2638423
>Stick around, learn what we can.
>>
>>2638423
>It’s been long enough. Select your next target.
>>
>>2638423
>>Head for the barracks. Get acquainted with “home.”
>>
>>2638423
>Head for the Barracks
>>
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No post again tonight, had to adult for a while.

Suppose while it's quiet I'll ask; how's everyone liking thread?
>>
>>2643146
Feeling like a calm between the storms.
>>
>>2643146
>>2643220
Amen, but it's nice to catch up to stuff when there have been so many changes on the homefront.
>>
>>2643146
It's been a minute since we were able to meet new people (who weren't mission-critical like sabomole) so this is nice.
>>
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>>2643146
Liking how calm and chatty this thread's been. It's been a while since we got to talk with most of the base like this, and it's appreciated.
>>
>>2643146
We get to talk to people, learn things, and in general help bring some good to the mood.
>>
Still taking article requests, as per usual.
>>
>>2643327
Garm?
>>
>>2643327
Something on Liberty Labs, if it hasn't been done yet?
>>
>>2643333
Ah, this is a good point.
>>
>>2643327
A pair of mavericks themed after peanut butter and jelly
>>
>>2643327
The full catalog of the MetMet gachapon line.

The leading brands in antivirus software
>>
>>2643327
Massedriver?
>>
>>2643370
Captain FullMetool's illustrious career with the Maverick Hunters and his trusty aide Anode?
>>
>>2644041
Seconding this, we need his tragic backstory and rise to glory, with everything from a full list of notable accomplishments to favorite ice cream flavors.
>>
>>2643370
The last two members of the Tenth.
>>
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>>2638423
>Head for the barracks. Get acquainted with “home.”

This is probably enough, for now. You should probably get home.

...Such as it is, anyway. You knew you’d be sharing communal spaces, but the long gridlike layouts along massive double-hallways, divided by as-yet unfilled planters? You weren’t expecting this.

And you definitely weren’t expecting officers’ quarters to be long rows, laid out in blocks and cells. New, drab-toned paint lines (backed by reflective strips and digital feeds directly to you) indicate units by color, with arrows to follow for rapid mobilization orders.

Above, high dome-lights and windows. The angular architecture gives you a vaguely beehive-ish feeling, though it’s more lattices than hexes. You pass listings for officers you don’t recognize before you finally reach your subdivision.

From here, there’s a common area--once again, intersected to be shared with others, another block crisscrossing from one end to the other perpendicular to your own.

At least one familiar thing is here, though--

“Templar!” You call. He turns to examine you over one shoulder, something small cradled in his arms.

“Ah, Captain,” he greets. “Good to see you out among the living.”

“What, was that in question?” You ask, trotting across the way lightly.

“Always,” Templar replies good-naturedly. “Though I refer to Istanbul.”

You nod. “Had a hell of a night. Did well enough, I guess.”

“Returned alive. Somewhat important, that.”

You snort. “So they say. Whatcha got there, Templar?”

“I thought I might attempt a cultivar,” he explains, showing you a tiny pot with a tinier nub of a stem growing within.

“A bonsai?” You ask.

“Precisely that. They need time. And patience.”

“Good fit,” you agree. “You settled in yet?”

“Settling, though perhaps like falling rock.” He rolls one massive pauldron towards an open door.

“I’ll let you get back to it. I better see what I’ve got in store.”

“A time for taking stock, indeed. Farewell.”
>>
>>2645375
Your own quarters are… well, not quite spartan, but devoid of decorations, they’re fairly humble. Your belongings have been boxed (you hope Fullmettool has been given ample breathing room), resting neatly beside a new triple-row of shelves on the back wall. A charger bed--brand new, by the look and feel of it--rests along the innermost corner. Your terminal screen was set up, at least, and looks to be powered on and connected. Below it and extending to part of the wall are some empty cabinets.

You take a few minutes to set things up--not that you have all that much. Though, maybe you could evaluate one of those cabinets for room for a mini-fridge…

One thing at a time. Setting fullmettool down (and straightening his officers’ pins--still a LT for now), you brush your fingers across Cloud Man to spin him on his magnetic base and turn on your wall panel.

...Interesting. They integrated base operations more fully; looks like the screen will work for both business and pleasure.

>Choose your next maverick.
>Do something else (Specify).
>>
>>2645384
>Choose your next maverick.
Moloch.
>>
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>>2645384
>Choose your next Maverick.

Graverend Moloch.
>>
>>2645384
>>Choose your next maverick.
>>
>>2645384
>Choose your next maverick.
>>
>>2645375
>listings for officers you don’t recognize
Foreshadowing?

>>2645384
>Choose your next maverick.
Agreeing with the moloch voters
>>
I gave you a Garm, by the way.
>>
>>2645384
>choose next Mav
Graverend Moloch has downed enough Hunters. We can't afford more long term.
>>
>>2645384
>Choose your next maverick.
The Lizard needs to go
>>
>>2645453
>Apophism
JAGWIRE
>>
>>2645453
I don't know why, but from his description I imagine Garm was akin to a monstrous looking Optimus Prime both visually and vocally
>>
>>2645530
I was imagining some kind of voltron-but-a-dog-lookin fucker
>>
>>2645384
>>Choose your next maverick.
Got to go Moloch.
>>
>>2645384
>Choose your next maverick.
Moloch time
>>
>>2645453
.....wait. So there is possibly a giant, stealthy tank of a reploid who could be anywhere, anytime.

We have our own Collide on the Hunter side?
>>
>>2645625
He's MIA, unfortunately. And where do you see "stealthy?"
>>
>>2645632
Ooh, ooh, is this a riddle? I know the answer!

> You DON'T see stealthy!
>>
>>2645632
nobody knows where he is, and considering his size, that's "stealthy" enough for me.

>>2645640
I wasn't there for that vote, but you really like reminding everyone of the Commander Wong vote, don't you?
>>
>>2645689
It's worldbuilding. And it's neither good nor bad. It just is what it is.
>>
>>2645689
I think I remember HC mentioning the deal with garm in IRC, but I don't want to give it away here, especially without Hc/Cl permission.
>>
>>2645375
>From here, there’s a common area--once again, intersected to be shared with others, another block crisscrossing from one end to the other perpendicular to your own.

This all sounds institutionally sterile to an almost painful degree, and whoever was responsible for installing the hazard warning signs has clearly been slacking off.

We're going to have to put one up ourselves when we have some spare time.

>"Mettool Patrol Area
>WATCH YOUR STEP"
>>
>>2645384
>Choose your next maverick.
Easily Moloch.
>>
>>2645384
>Choose your next maverick.
Skin the lizard.
>>
>>2645384
>Moloch
>>
>>2645384
We're going Moloch Hunting
>>
>>2645384
Get the Grach, we're going to lizardtown.
>>
So it looks like Moloch is a Mo-lock.

I was honestly expecting more debate/discussion thereof; that was going to be tonight's vote, since I have work and I can't get you set up to start tactical plannerating tonight.

In lieu of that, tonight I'm just going to ask for a simple yes/no and I'll take the majority: SHOULD we have a proper vote, or do the Molochs have it? I'll do a proper vote cycle if it's called for, but it looks like a fairly easy clinch.
>>
>>2647075
I think it looks pretty decided, barring new information or input.
>>
>>2647075
Seems like Moloch's locked down, and we're set on taking Grach with us.
>>
>>2647075
A vote would probably be redundant, yeah.

I'm fine with that. Aussie Lizard Terrorist sounds like he could use a good thumping, of the "set him on fire and kick him in the balls" variety.
>>
>>2647075
Moloch's seem to have it.

We have pretty much been talking/thinking about the next mission all through this and the last thread. That tactical analysis with Gopher was pretty good for letting us figure out the next mission we want/need to do.

May I suggest that in the future that the between mission arcs follow a rough outline like this:

>Debrief w/ suggested upgrades
>couple hang out scenes
>Upgrade selection
>Tactical analysis
>Another hangout scene set
>Mission selection

This would let us have serious discussions on upgrades and mission selection without freezing the thread while we argue over things.
>>
>>2647075
Lets go Moloch hunting
>>
>>2647075
Moloch is fine.
>>
>>2647075
Moloch is a go

>>2647193
seems like a nice enough idea to try
>>
>>2647193
That's a pretty close outline of what we already do. It just gets bent into a lot of different shapes to accommodate the narrative stuff going on as well.

Like, tracking down Em after getting back from Istanbul? We could have gone for a debrief immediately, but went after him instead. Which turned out to be a really, really good idea given the state he was in... and led to an interesting talk with Crucifer as well, and now unleashing Cheerful Anode on an unsuspecting HQ.

This entire period after Istanbul actually fits your outline near-perfectly, with some minor fudging.

I have always found the seething chaos of our Upgrade Threads to be delightfully fun.
>>
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>>2647075
I think Moeloch is a date!
>>
>>2647075
We should sort out what if any forces we should bring with us besides Grach. Maybe we take a ride armor, inevitably get it wrecked, and use what's left to repair the Crossmore?
>>
>>2647467
>This entire period after Istanbul actually fits your outline near-perfectly, with some minor fudging.
Pretty much why I am suggesting that HC continue to use that rough outline going forward.
>>
>>2647075
It's simple. We kill the lizardman.
>>
>>2647156
Agreed. Though, part of me wants to bring the Berets as well. Assuming Moloch has already went loud with his gang, having them provide counter fire and support for civvies is important. After all, Moloch's modus opperendi is 'do a lot of damage' alongside hunting hunters.
As for weapons.. Wires are needed for mobility, but the other three I am iffy on. Shell Driver is a nice long range weapon or close range 'get out of here' option, but it could do some infrastructure damage. Wrenades are good clean AOEs, but also suffer from friendly fire, Tumults are great if the enemy has a lot of buster fire and to protect civvies/allies, and the Lock on hunter is a is good for precision shooting. Moloch is probably close to mid range with AP abilities, so staying away is a good idea.
>>
Bad news: Cain Labs is out 'til late and we need to put our heads together to proceed.

Good news: I've got tomorrow off.

Any questions or discussion to be had in the meanwhile?
>>
>>2649720
Well, one idea I was thinking of was using one of our mav kills that have heavier armor to help lower the cost for an armor upgrade. Also, aside from cost, what is the difference between the differently priced Mounts? Less obstructive, more versatile?
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>>2649720
Did that human guy we rescued who signed up to be a Hunter survive?
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>>2649898
I think that guy is still in recovery. It has only been a few months at most since Anode started as a Hunter.
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>>2649911
Last we saw of him, he was walking through the grounds and had been fitted with prosthetics. I guess it comes down to whether the Mavericks preferred to throw all their forces at the main buildings or use some on the weaker but less important trainees.
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>>2649720

I'd be up for Anode being the +1 on a friend's mission some time, instead of always being the one having a helper. Any chance of that happening this season?
>>
actually come to think of it doing a ridealong with that cyborg on his first hunt would be pretty cool
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>>2650029
Got a feeling that Yamatoad is going to be just that. With Tanker and that other S there, it certainly feels like a big enough mission to involve everyone. Curious if Tanker would drop data as well.
>>
I have a lore question. What is the furthest people have gone to combining humans and machines? How much of a human body can be replaced with mechanical parts? Are brains-in-Reploid-bodies a thing? Can people upload their consciousness into data? Is any of this even being tested?
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>>2650187
If we're following canon as close as we can, then we're a ways off from that, given that the most notable case of this occurring was with Weil during the Elf Wars.

Then an indeterminate amount of time after the Zero series, Reploids and humans become functionally indistinguishable, with the only identifying marker for the former is a red triangle tattooed on their forehead, to show that they are in fact a reploid.

By the time Legends rolls around, the distinction between the two is gone entirely, and humanity has been supplanted with Carbons who genetically are identical to humans, and as such are able to grow old and die, but are capable of freely swapping out their limbs and other body parts for more mechanical appendages or weaponry.
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>>2650187
>Megaman era
Robot prosthetics

>X era
As, if not more, dextrous than human limbs

>elf wars
Simpler tech but bigger boom. Also, brains in jars.

>zero era
A reploid could pass off as a human as long as you replace parts to simulate aging

>zx
Red triangles are the only difference
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>>2650465
>>Legends era
Humans/Reploids dead, replaced by Carbon successor race. Basically Humanity/Reploids 2.0, harder/better/faster/stronger, can replace any part with mechanical equipment with 0 issues.
>>
>>2650465
Brazilian Era: Some robots are actually human brains in a robot body, and it's impossible to tell.
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>>2649843
Generally just taking heavy armor off a guy won't work, for a few reasons, not the least of which being "they immediately thereafter go up in a controlled nuclear explosion." However, if you encounter a maverick with an endoconstructed outer armor layer, you may be able to get it refitted for cost-reduction.

As for "Mounts," do you mean hardpoint weapon mounts? Yes, the higher quality, more expensive ones are less obtrusive, better engineered, and will function more reliably.

In both of the above cases, Anode's design lends very well to these kinds of modifications.

>>2649898
You haven't heard from him, but more people survived than didn't from a numbers standpoint. The maverick attack's goal was knocking out heavy hitters and targets of opportunity, not just running up a high score.

>>2650029
We have some ideas for this, particularly moving forward.

>>2650187
This question goes into a bit more specific lorebuilding; when CL and I have the time we'll circle back and give you the full answer. Heck, it'll probably wind up on the wiki.

In the meantime, I've got the info I need, now I just need to replace my blood with coffee to get writing.

I've also got some news coming up, though it will probably wait until the end of the Moloch op to come to light.
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>I've also got some news coming up, though it will probably wait until the end of the Moloch op to come to light.
[WORRY]
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>>2645384
...It’s time.

You double-tap your earpiece and send Gopher word: “I’m going after Moloch.”

His response is brisk. “Copy. I’m on my way, meet me in the Command room.”

You double back the way you came, back through the new cellblock barracks, and into the 4th-only compartment. Gopher’s already there, queuing up a map of the North American west coast.

“This one’s going to be a shit-show,” he tells you bluntly. “Any time the mavs go for an information blackout, it always is.”

You nod. “Part of why I want to get in there. Whatever they’re up to, it’s gonna kill more hunters.“

“Make sure you’re not on that tally. Let’s get started.”

Moloch is operating somewhere in the Vancounver Megacity, having slipped away from a law enforcement cordon after his latest strike. He has not had time to disappear entirely, and we believe he is still within the area.

Commander Gopher has approved deployment of PSC Spider, alongside Chernyee Grach, citing experience in urban operations.

In order to engage, Command strategists have posited three possible approaches:
Open:
The most transparent option, you could opt to make your search conventionally. You would be tasked with reviewing witness testimony, surveying attack sites, speaking with profilers, and questioning suspected confederates who have been incarcerated. Initial support is Canadian RCMP personnel, already available for support. Additional hunter assets may be scrambled for priority response once battle is joined. While evasive, Moloch has not elected to avoid engagement, so we do not believe he will be deterred by reports of open pursuit. It may force his hand early, pushing him to engage you.

Clandestine:
You may elect to attempt a feint, pursuing Doppler-affiliated activity in the area that are not associated with Moloch or his gang. Kicking over the Vancouver maverick underworld may turn up information on Moloch’s operations and safe zones, while Moloch himself will not know he is the primary quarry. Though not yet fully reinvested, trainees from 10th Civic in coordination with 1st Advance will be available for this approach. Chernyee Grach will be accompanying you on this mission, and testifies to the capabilities of his cadets despite their inexperience.

Covert:
The third and final prospective approach is to avoid making your presence known at all, pursuing leads through the criminal underworld and less scrupulous Moloch affiliates. While this telegraphs the least and maximizes our chance of surprise, we will be unable to stage a full-size operation, relying on a smaller strike force comprised of 1st and 2nd unit personnel. The personal risk for this approach is commensurately higher, but PSC Spider attests to experience in these scenarios.
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>>2650917
Be aware these are broad strategic lanes, not hard and fast paths; events unfolding on the ground may change your disposition and force a change of plans on the fly.

And as a reminder, here is your dossier for your target.

Graverend Moloch (A-class)
Known weaponry: Earthrend Spike. Designed to shift earth and rock, this weapon is capable of both punching through heavy armor and causing grievous injury to the systems beneath.
A new maverick, seemingly purpose-built, has begun a campaign of terror along the Pacific coast of North America. Associated with attacks on civilians and targeting of Hunters, he has evaded capture in the wake of repeated activity. Support hunters are already deploying to aid in the civilian evacuation, while local law enforcement are seeking help tracking the maverick down before he slips away once more.
Moloch is a relative unknown, only becoming active approximately one month ago, and only beginning his attacks in earnest in time with the raid on MHHQ. Survivor accounts have described him as brutal and erratic, seeking carnage and destruction for its own sake.
Available support: 3rd Deploy, 1st Advance
UPDATE: Moloch has been confirmed to be operating in the Vancouver area, at the head of a small but violent gang of likeminded mavericks. Satellite outages over the region have prevented us from tracking his progress, but Recon confirms recent visual contact and he has not yet gone to ground. Similar attacks from California, Oregon, and Washington states suggest a wide area of operations, appearing and disappearing at random within them. He does not seem to be moving North as much as striking where there is damage to be done. Moloch and his gang have been implicated in the deaths of several maverick hunters, and forcible reappropriation of their combat assets. Proceed with caution.
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>>2650917
Hoo boy, it's happening. The Clandestine approach has the potential to hit all the Maverick forces around there, but the part about support from 10th trainees sounds like a wild card to me. They could do their job perfectly, or get themselves all killed.
Overall, Open and Clandestine sound like better options since a Covert op would leave a lot of Moloch's gang active and still dangerous.
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>>2650917
>Clandestine
As destruction-crazy as Moloch is, if he was stupid he'd have been caught by now. This gives us decent support without being overt about why we're there.

>XCOM images
pic related
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>>2650917
>Clandestine Approach
This guy is a real piece of work, and while I believe in Mounties and Spider, I want the biggest sonuvabitch possible on our side for this. Grach will have the best experience dealing with this scale and size of force.
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>>2650917
In terms of support, what are we realistically getting for each approach? Are these unique hunters in their own right, berets, other? Will they equate to teammates or will they effectively be "offscreen fighting" to keep us from having to deal with Moloch's gang?
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>>2650917
>Clandestine

Gonna have to go with this option.
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>>2650917
>Clandestine
There is always going to be a first mission for a unit just standing up and while this does give Moloch more targets to grab we are also working with specialist support. A very successful 3 unit mission should boost moral a lot.
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>>2650917
I'd have to say clandestine approach. I get the feeling that more is going on beyond just Moloch, and tunnel visioning on him is a bad idea.

I'd say there's a... More likely than not chance of a PHANTOM on the mission. Let's assume that, anyway.
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>>2650917
>Clandestine:
>You may elect to attempt a feint, pursuing Doppler-affiliated activity in the area that are not associated with Moloch or his gang. Kicking over the Vancouver maverick underworld may turn up information on Moloch’s operations and safe zones, while Moloch himself will not know he is the primary quarry. Though not yet fully reinvested, trainees from 10th Civic in coordination with 1st Advance will be available for this approach. Chernyee Grach will be accompanying you on this mission, and testifies to the capabilities of his cadets despite their inexperience.
We need to corner the lizard, and our own unit could help as well.
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Additional clarification, by the way: Both Spider and Grach are accompanying you on this. The three approaches are basically who's favored as "advisor," so to speak. The open approach has Anode in the lead, because it's the most straightforward and conventional to maverick hunting.
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>>2650917
>Clandestine
I'd pick open, but goddamn does PHANTOM like pulling weird shit on us. While not entirely unexpected, this isn't something that Anode is known for trying and that they'd predict we'd do with high precision.
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>>2650917
>Clandestine

Are our Berets coming on this one?
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>>2651339
Well Grach probably won't become one of those Repliforce asshats
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>>2650917
Clandestine. Something tells me he'll know if we try Covert, and Covert lets us option less muscle.
>>
I trust Grach's experience more than Spider's for dealing with this guy, so I'm going with
>Clandestine
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>>2650917
>Clandestine
Moloch's been blindsiding too many Hunters to rely on Covert, no offense Spider. I'd vote Open just to rely on Anode's ability to take hits to the dick, but as others have pointed out, this guy stinks of PHANTOM fuckery. Clandestine seems the best bet to track down the beast and draw out his handler.
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>>2652036
It also helps in a sort of taunting way. Moloch seems the proud sort and NOT being the center of attention would be pretty jarring. Especially if our buddies use their sneaky ways to do a bit of chip damage with traps.
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I'm honestly a bit surprised that everyone is going for the exact same option. I'm wondering how that will play out on the mission proper.
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>>2652936
it's been so long since we've been with best bud Grach
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>>2652996
Sure, but as noted above, Grach is with you on all three plans. As is Spider. You get both.
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>>2653002
but now we get primo bonding time skulking(or the closest equivalent, given our size) through alleyways....without leaving us outgunned.
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>>2652936
We usually are pretty unified on tactical and strategic choices. Upgrades are usually when we get into serious arguments.
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>>2653037
Hence why I made this image
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>>2650917
>Clandestine
I would like to request that, if a suspicious door requires kicking open, Anode be the one to do it while bellowing DIS IS DA POLICE!

Using the Shriver or Shell Driver to punch a door open is an acceptable compromise, if the door is reinforced. But only because explosions are also awesome.

>>2652936
It is a bit odd I suppose, but we did specifically request Grach for this one a couple of times. It would seem a bit odd to not rely on his expertise, if he thinks knocking over a smaller anthill to provoke a reaction would work well.

Also, I am not at all confident in our ability to be covert. At all.
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>>2652936
Anode is actually pretty good when it comes to more squad sized conflicts. His mobility is good for short bursts, his defensive options are smaller scale, but keep things off squishy targets, and his combat range allows him to fill the spots needed. He can't really bring his all in a large scale conflict without loses, and Stealth is something Anode has no training with. Grach is good with a bunch of things, and Spider is good when someone runs distraction.
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>>2653148
>>2653200
>Also, I am not at all confident in our ability to be covert. At all.
>and Stealth is something Anode has no training with.

Good practice, then!
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>>2653247
To hide a tree, use a forest.

Clearly Anode is anywhere and everywhere when you put him in a thundercloud.
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>>2653148
We did have the S1 mid-stage, but we had the master to back us up at the time.
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>>2653042
Such a classic pic.

>>2653200
The Saetos op (our first large scale) was more a mess due to Chain of Command clashes. 5+ officers and several officers in training after different primary targets make for a lot of clashes especially when the Commanding Officer is also the least experienced officer there and few far familiar with each other.

This time the CoC is preestablished, most of the Officers are all familiar with each other and the primary objectives of all forces are the same.
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>>2653317
We also tried a Covert strategy on Mortarphant, which got us a dead Compass, a traumatized Sabomole, and an ass whooping from Cain Lab's Punch Buggy.

So Anode might not be keen to try that again for a few missions.
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>>2653438
That was more a question of our strategy being anticipated and countered to an extent, rather than a lack of stealth on anyone's part. AFAIK.
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>>2653438
I'm not even sure what kind of overall strategy would be preferable to that Nightmare.
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>>2650917
>Clandestine
If Grach says he and his guys can do it, im inclined to believe it, and if theres one act i'd trust anode to pull off, its playing dumb.

Also, Im thinking we'll probably call on Spider when we go after Atlantica.
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>>2653661
Spider is still coming with us.
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>>2653462
I'm convinced the way to not get casualties on that op was to bring a 1st or 9th guy along with us instead of Compass.
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>>2653763
But a combat-based guy may not even have been able to see Collide unless they'd upgraded their sensors to high levels. Honestly, taking a combat guy AND a recon guy who could have directed the combatant may have been the best bet.
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>>2653763
Looking back, I think the best bet would have been to forget the third base entirely. Mortarphant was easy enough to deal with up close, no need to remove ALL the sat bases.

So have sabomole drop the cliff on them, with Recon watching for PHANTOM AND the BB to help clear it out nice and quick. As soon as both bases are down, we click the 15th support button and they use that window to just run the fuck away, you've done enough etc.

In that position, sabomole team would have been in a better position to escape Collide, although worst case the dashless BB would still be fucked. And if Collide just went straight for us.....Ukumari-raikousen, run the fuck away because we don't have to worry about saving sabomole anymore and mortarphant was more important. We could theoretically have done much better in that fight, but we as players just weren't up to the task.

Going for the third base with a conventional sap was the most greedy/vulnerable. But we came in expecting that there was nobody really acting as brains for Mortarphant, which was a complete mistake.
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>>2653763
We probably would've done alright with one of the Rangers instead of Recon. Rangers sound like something halfway between recon and 0th.
>>
I've added your favorite Mechaniloid to the wiki.
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>>2654232
That's strange, I don't see a 'Lt. Fullmettool, Hero of Geneva and Our Hearts' article listed.
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>>2654348
And you never will.
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>>2654355
Good work, Satan. Good work.
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>>2654359
I will continue to entertain other article requests.
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>>2654365
As an actually serious request, can we get some more infantry articles, especially Lanceteamers and Berets?
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>>2654407
Lanceteamers have an article already. If there's insufficient material there, I'm happy to flesh it out more. reploids:lanceteamer

Steel Berets could definitely use one. Any others you'd like to see sooner than not?
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>>2654463
The Beller0phons sound interesting, and the new 10th Civic infantry would be good. Not exactly infantry, but maybe a Lifesavers article? Aaaand I just remembered him, but an article on Wellington could be fun.

Thanks for Lanceteamer article, looks nice and thorough.
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>>2654365
Could we have a page on Dr. Light? Honestly I'm kind of surprised that there isn't one already.
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>>2653763
1st probably wouldn't have been able to see Collide. Honestly, the bug might have taken out Sabomole first just to ensure the operation was a failure before dealing with the hunter.


9th may or may not have been a better choice, but I think we were overly reliant on Sabomole for the mission either way. Still, didn't really see a great way to take out the third base and it's hard to predict a guy who can literally punch his way into your underground tunnel.

>>2653869
Mortarphant was easy to deal with because she wasn't constantly danger closing her own position. We survived her shelling because we were buried underground, doubt it would have gone as smoothly if we took it full force while she's trying to punch us.


Plus, without Sabomole's team as isolated as he was, Colllide's target would have likely changed. He could have gone after Ukumari, he certainly didn't flinch when she was shelling him, or waited for us at Mortarphant's location, which would've made leaving the third satellite operational a death sentence.

Hindsight is 20/20 and all. The main takeaway should be that we're not likely to out ninja a group of invisible assassains, so we should bring extra guys even if we're trying to be sneaky.
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How about an article on Seven, and the poor sap he killed and cannibalized for buster parts, Nine?
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>>2654525
You need a new conversation topic, Six. We've all heard it a hundred times.
>>
I may slightly be developing a flu. Further bulletins as events warrant.

...Also, have I been running for a goddamn month?
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>>2654492
That one's gonna take a time investment. It will happen.
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>>2654365
I was actually hoping for an article about a different bat responsible for Anode's drinking habits when I requested articles on 1st officers
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page 10 notice.
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>>2655074
Shhhhh, if we don't acknowledge it, the universe won't punish you for it
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>>2650917
>Clandestine

“I don’t trust myself to be sneaky,” you say bluntly. “But I DO trust myself to be loud and obvious in just the right way to rattle some cages.”

Gopher nods. “I wouldn’t try for a stealth approach even if I could. Vancouver’s a mess, and fixing it will take force.”

“Right. What are we looking at, on that end?”

Gopher taps a few buttons. “Just getting returns on the query now.”

The screen scrolls with new text, and another button-tap sends it directly to your eyes.

KNOWN MAVERICK ACTIVITY - VANCOUVER MEGACITY AREA
• We have received a tip that a hacker named Dalet is planning to attack the Vancouver SkyLoop, and is gathering assets in Sisiutl, a hydrocity district. Anticollateral weapons are extremely important for any staging in this zone.

• The Richmond area of Vancouver Megacity is under sustained evacuation due to repeated guerilla attacks on the area, centering on Vancouver International Airport. Putting down the attackers will free up police resources. While we do not have any confirmed ties, the nature of the attack suggests higher-level coordination from a larger maverick operation, as suppressing air access to the city limits the volume of response across the entire theatre.

• A shipment of Victoroids has been delayed and there is no word from the crew of the cargo vessel that was to be bringing them in. Local authorities believe that criminal elements have brought them in on an unrelated ship and are planning to sell them to Doppler's forces. One senior Detective Sergeant and his partner have already gone missing while pursuing leads on this incident.

• City Councillor Envision is suspected by local authorities to have been involved in a night-time attack on Kitsilano by two shadowy Mavericks in order to boost his profile and gain the sympathy vote. While they will not act without evidence and Envision has enough money not to be touched, he's been taking more secret meetings late at night and ordering the building cleared. His schedule suggests another of these "meetings" is imminent; if he could be discovered in flagrante with known Mavericks, he can be detained for further questioning. If he's falsely accused by trespassers who don't find anything on him, the result would be an ugly blowback.

• A well-known local pianist has been kidnapped by a Reploid named P1C0, who is believed to have gone Maverick. The attack occurred in Gastown and the attacker is not believed to have gone far.
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>>2657824
• A handful of Mavericks are believed to be sabotaging food deliveries in Burnaby, destroying delivery Mechaniloids and in at least one case leaving behind a dead delivery operator. Food deliveries have been suspended in the area pending further study.

• Local Maverick activity seems to have spiked chatter about a "bomb" under development which is planned to be used in a major attack. A device which could be used as an accelerant component is being moved by police away from UBC and into a safe storage facility until further notice in hopes of preempting an attack on the campus to steal it. Police are expecting a Maverick attempt on the transport and will be using decoys.

“Jesus, they weren’t kidding when they said ‘maverick renaissance,’” you mutter. “This is all one city?”

“Lots to choose from,” Gopher agrees. “And most of it is below your pay grade, being blunt. You won’t have much trouble with most of these.”

“Assuming no problems,” you point out.

He chuckles. “True.”

“At least I can bring the Berets along. Order them not to engage if Moloch makes a personal showing.”

“You’ll be able to link up with 1st, 10th, and maybe get info from the Mounties. But it’s definitely too much to cover by yourself.”

>Plan your investigation.
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>>2657827
JUST after I closed the tab, huh?

We should definitely hit Richmond. For Anode at least, it'll be a good way to draw attention. But we can also leave this as the LAST thing to do, a way to set the stage, so to speak, for Moloch.

>Spitball Draft Plan
Send Grach and Spider to bust Councillor Envision. They're the stealthiest and have the option to just get evidence and leave without a fight. As an opening move, this just shows that the Hunters are interested in the area.

Anode and the BB hit up the hacker Dalet. He should have info on Moloch, or even better, call him for help.

10th or whoever can help the police with the bodyguarding, marching with the decoys until they get the call to GOFAST to wherever they need to be.

From there, we can all link up together and go to Richmond, clearing up the airspace and gearing up to strike wherever we think Moloch is. We could also look for the Victoroids before this with Grach's help, but I get the feeling Moloch will strike before then.
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>>2657844
This sounds good in general, but would a check with Grach and Spider be best? Grach knows how his infantry are best deployed and Spider might have local contacts he could hit up.
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>>2657850
I went with it because it's the only stealth I've ever been confident in in all of MHQ, and political stuff as opening moves are always fun.

I'm also unwilling to put either of them alone on something where they could get busted by PHANTOM. The pianist and delivery attacks are probably easy enough to only send the BB, but leave the actual unit dealing with them vulnerable to an ambush.

My gut tells me that the Victoroids would give good info on some maverick harbor base, though. Grach and/or Spider would really be good for clearing that up.
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>>2657850
I agree with this. I think we should make a rough plan then consult with Grach and Spider and see if they have any suggestions. They have more experience in tactics that don't involve going in guns blazing than we do.
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>>2657859
The Vancouver Airport one may also give more information, not to mention allow increased response. We might want to give greater consideration to that one, although most of them seem important (and none of them are really our job, anyway).

The only issue is making sure we're doing enough that Moloch doesn't figure out we're there for him, but not overloading ourselves enough that we're stretched too thin to chase him when he appears.

Is it actually possible to consult with our stealth buddies before we make a choice? If so, that's what I'll vote for.
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>>2657844
I'll cast my vote for this one, except 10th should handle Dalet, since they are good with the 'anti-collateral' bit.
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>>2657827
Think our best bet would be having a map of the city and a clear path of handling shit. Take out targets of interest, smack down maverick elements, then head to the Airport as the final sight.
Victoroids, the Bomb, and Dalet are all big names, and having Spider split off for a moment to monitor the Councillor can help as well. Pico and Dalet will likely require Grash's help and Anode serving as either a sniper or guard.
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>>2657859
>>2657873
Also keep in mind the urgency of the missions themselves: not completing one of the objectives means it'll probably complicate matters while we fight Moloch, to say nothing about collateral damage.
That in mind, our top concerns here should be the Victoroids and the A BOMB, JC, followed by the airport attacks. We can delegate the latter to the BB or whoever our most vulnerable ally is, since it's implied they'll have police backup if things go south.
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>>2657900
Losing the Vancouver Skyloop would also be pretty bad. Being shot at from all across the train tracks sounds very much not fun.
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>>2657824
I think I need to break this down a bit before I can even think about plans.

>• City Councillor Envision is suspected by local authorities to have been involved in a night-time attack on Kitsilano by two shadowy Mavericks in order to boost his profile and gain the sympathy vote. [...] If he's falsely accused by trespassers who don't find anything on him, the result would be an ugly blowback.
This sounds like Spider's sort of thing. If he goes alone, that's ideal for the sake of pure stealth. He doesn't even need to engage unless he wants to, as long as he can get some sort of recordings of the meeting.

That said, my gut tells me this is also the MOST likely place for a Phantom to show up, though I can't really explain why. Maybe because they seem like the types to negotiate, and then backstab you when they have the chance? Sending Spider in alone could turn out to be a horrible mistake. Well-armed backup from 1st Advance might be warranted.

>• We have received a tip that a hacker named Dalet is planning to attack the Vancouver SkyLoop, and is gathering assets in Sisiutl, a hydrocity district. Anticollateral weapons are extremely important for any staging in this zone.
>• A well-known local pianist has been kidnapped by a Reploid named P1C0, [...]
These sound like Grach and the 10th sort of thing. 10th is designed for zero collateral damage, and Grach is almost certainly intimately familiar with kidnappings. For, uh, reasons.

>• The Richmond area of Vancouver Megacity is under sustained evacuation due to repeated guerilla attacks on the area, centering on Vancouver International Airport. [...]
>• A shipment of Victoroids has been delayed and there is no word from the crew of the cargo vessel that was to be bringing them in. [...]
>• A handful of Mavericks are believed to be sabotaging food deliveries in Burnaby, destroying delivery Mechaniloids and in at least one case leaving behind a dead delivery operator. Food deliveries have been suspended in the area pending further study.
>• Local Maverick activity seems to have spiked chatter about a "bomb" under development which is planned to be used in a major attack. [...]
These all sound more flashily dangerous than the rest. That puts them in Anode territory. The Berets should also come in handy on any of these, if things get complicated and we suddenly need to tackle two or more things at once.

Depending on how long its been going on, I'd say the food one is higher-priority than the others. Food riots are nasty business, if that's what the Mavericks are aiming to cause - not quite "Istanbul"-nasty, but still bad.

The missing ship is probably the easiest. If working alone, Anode can easily board a ship via zipline/jumpjet, and we have an aquatic targeting pointer to try out.

Airport is the most strategically valuable.

Bomb parts are no threat now, but will bite us in the ass later if the Mavs get them.
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>>2657983
We don't necessarily need to be there to watch the deal. We just need a way to see the meeting. Setting up bugs, setting up decoy bugs,that sort of thing. It would likely mean doing it early, but it could also allow us to monitor them for a moment.

I would say take the ship, then use that as our entry point. The victoroids if still usable can serve to open up beach fronts for other operations. The water front should get us close to Delet, then it's a matter of handling things like the bomb and food riots, using the confusion for Grach and Spider to hit softer targets in the area.
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>>2657983
>Sending Spider in alone could turn out to be a horrible mistake.
>not wanting the opportunity to screw up the timeline even further
Besides, he's Shinobi division, if any of us could take on a PHANTOM one on one, it would be him.

Also the Victoroids probably aren't still on the ship if police have been able to investigate deep enough for Mavericks to off them. More likely they've been moved to a warehouse/safehouse in town.
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>>2658085
Wrong Spider. Web Spider, the actual physical spider, is 0 Unit. Spider the riverboat gambler dealer is the one who is mercing for the 4th.
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>>2658112
Wow somehow I forgot the conversation we had this thread and thought we were bringing Web Spider with us this mission.
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I think the Airport is a good flashy starting point for a 3 unit combined op. It gives us a good beachhead and allows us to reestablish rapid response. We can the split off from there hitting objectives.

1st is likely be good at look at the food delivery sabotage and helping with the bomb part escort.

4th troops are likely best suited for escorting the bomb component and dealing with the Victoroids.

10th should cover Skyloop and the hostage situation. We may also want to check what Foxfire knows on Dalet. Any info we can give Grach will help his people deal with Dalet.

Envision is just as likely to be a red herring as it is to be Phantom. We may end up with a tape showing Envision and someone else in in a very delicate and non-maverick situation. If we watch Spider's back along with the 1st that objective should go smoothly.
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I don't think we want to do everything simultaneously, but in terms of specialists for each one, this is the breakdown I'm thinking about.

>• We have received a tip that a hacker named Dalet is planning to attack the Vancouver SkyLoop, and is gathering assets in Sisiutl, a hydrocity district. Anticollateral weapons are extremely important for any staging in this zone.

10th is anticollateral

>• The Richmond area of Vancouver Megacity is under sustained evacuation due to repeated guerilla attacks

Anode goes in personally here, I think. OPAL + beefiness means he can likely spot guerilla setups, or survive them if he doesn't.

>• A shipment of Victoroids has been delayed and there is no word from the crew of the cargo vessel that was to be bringing them in. Local authorities believe that criminal elements have brought them in on an unrelated ship and are planning to sell them to Doppler's forces. One senior Detective Sergeant and his partner have already gone missing while pursuing leads on this incident.

Criminal underworld and black market. Sounds like a bounty hunter knows what's up - Spider.

>• City Councillor Envision is suspected by local authorities to have been involved in a night-time attack on Kitsilano by two shadowy Mavericks in order to boost his profile and gain the sympathy vote.

Politicians using deniable reploid criminals to do their dirty work? If Grach doesn't know how this game is played I'll eat my hat. Have him do the planning on this.

>• A well-known local pianist has been kidnapped by a Reploid named P1C0,
>• A handful of Mavericks are believed to be sabotaging food deliveries in Burnaby, destroying delivery Mechaniloids

Pizza deliveries and minor kidnapping? Bravely Broken.

>• Police are expecting a Maverick attempt on the transport and will be using decoys.

Assign the 1st Advance Vanguard unit to guard the van, duh.
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>>2658382
We really should not split the party for large time periods. The issue with the recon mission was 'being detected meant we had no back up' and splitting ourselves up can lead to bad scenarios.
I'd say keep them as Satalites. Have them deal with softer targets while we deal with the harder ones or being close enough to take care of approaching threats.
I still say we should start with the ship and end with the air port. If we can free up all the resources we can, the Airfield can serve as a good place to do battle. Could even have the various assets serve as fire support from secure locations.
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I think we should wait until we get Spider and Grach in on planning before we make any kind of hard commitment, but people seem to have the right ideas.
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>>2658467

Yeah we aren't going to blitzkrieg strike everything simultaneously, but we do want to make sure we have the appropriate expert for each mission.

I'd say in terms of temporal ordering, we can split off our high-tier experts for initial scouting while anode establishes himself doing a different mission.

So something like this (Not a firm plan, just a general order of what we do)

Early:
-Grach digs up dirt on politician
-Spider checks out local black market and criminal underworld, looking for leads on maverick assets changing hands - that is, victroids, bomb components, and Dalet's assets.
-Anode shows up with the BB to meet with the first unit and protect the convoy


Mid:
-10th unit and BB go after Dalet, using previous intel
-Anode and the first unit start going after guerilla activity, with Grach as advisor
-Spider rescues the Pianist, with help of police freed up by Anode's group


Late:
-Tenth Unit, BB, and Police bust the politician red-handed

-Anode goes after Moloch with First Unit, Grach, and Spider
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>>2658654
Oh yeah, definitely.
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>>2657827
>Plan preference
This one feels like a good starting strategy >>2658210 so I'll second it.

I like that it's flexible, and gets everyone where they need to go to do the most good as soon as possible. Clearing the Airport first should make everything else easier.

The only addition I'd make is that if there's anything else that's very time-sensitive (i.e. the bomb thing, or the councillor's "meeting"), we can take people off the airport hunt to handle that instead. All these little missions are below Anode's pay grade according to Gopher, so it's unlikely to be a huge risk, if we make sure everyone gets the jobs they're suited for.

Now that I think about it, the Berets would probably do a great job handling the bomb-piece escort. The fact that they look like ordinary Berets is their own kind of stealth. Any Maverick attacking the transport isn't likely to think, "Oh yeah, these guys are seasoned badasses with a bunch of nasty tricks up their sleeves." They'll just see mostly unassuming Berets. Right up until they break out the bag of tricks, like a quartet of little blue ninjas (...or green? I have no idea what color they are).
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The attacks are centered on the airport, but the guerillas aren't operating out of it.

We can't just quickly clear the airport and have a win condition for that job.
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Think I'm going to call the thread with this--not that you should stop discussing. Rest assured, you'll have a chance to chat with Spider and Grach about your approach before you commit assets.

Take this thread and the time until the next one (pre-emptive NO BULLY) to plan and make strategic considerations. I'll be around-ish until it falls off the board.
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>>2658704
>>2658656
Why do we need to escort the bomb? If we take out the ambush, the bomb is secure that way. Likewise, if we can get the victoroids, they can serve as guards and aid to further secure locations. We also don't need to make a big move on the counciler to start. We just need the data to implicit him.
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>>2658897
If we capture the mavericks working with him we can get additional intel, as well as far-more-convincing evidence to move against the councilor.
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>>2658916
Except we don't know if they are working together or if they are making use of the chaos. Likewise, our goal isn't to come to him, it's for him to come at us in a place we are comfortable in with no back up. If taking out every mav is needed to prevent them from trying shit, do so. There are way too many subjects to focus on and getting intel takes time.
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>>2658897
Good point, escorting the bomb piece isn't really essential... but ambushing the ambush would require someone who knows how to hunt down an ambush in waiting. Unless we can squeeze useful intel out of some other captured maverick.
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All right, I'm headed to bed. The thread will probably be here tomorrow morning, but just in case it isn't, thank you very much for reading, as always, and remember to vote up the threads in the archive!

And be sure to check out Shooting Star. Scarab is doing Light's work.

And on a partly-related note, here's a little teaser of some upcoming MHQ news...
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>>2658989
D'aww.

The next Shooting Star thread ought to be this Friday evening, incidentally.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Shooting+Star
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>>2658989
..Are we getting a Fairy companion? Is Emerald getting one? Is it going to act as Z targetting and keep telling him about where he should go next?
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>>2658897
The victoroids were stolen off the boat already - assuming Doppler didn't include methods to just hijack them as he pleased seeing as they are his product. They are currently either being sold, in use, or nearly reploid tier intellects being used as decoy mavs
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>>2659028
I'm pretty sure that's Scatter Seelie, HC's character from an MHQ tabletop game he's in. They've shown up in Shooting Star before.
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>>2658940
Getting intel does take some time, but fortunately we don't need to keep all our forces together in a single blob.

And as you just said in your post, we currently don't know enough about the situation, and that limits our options. Gathering more information gives us more and better options.
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>>2659096
Except we should not break up the party for longish periods. Moloch and any possible Phantom are a danger to those who are not us. We need to keep mobile and hitting spots as they come. Force them to deal with Victoroids causing trouble. Their ambush failing, the councilor finding a bug after the meeting, and other things. Make them chase us, and make it hard for them to catch up. A blitzkrieg style of sudden raids.
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One of the targets might call Moloch for support directly. Such an individual would have to be well-connected with Maverick forces, see the situation they're in and get desperate, and most of all be stupid enough to contact a guy known for killing allies for their weapon data. This goes for the PHANTOMs too, to a lesser extent.
I think Boku No Pico, the food guys, and the victoroid thieves would lack connections, Envision wouldn't want to incriminate himself, the bomb thieves are planning an ambush and wouldn't stick around long enough for backup to arrive, and Dalet would know about Moloch's teamkilling. That leaves the guerillas and Envision's contacts for people who would likely call Moloch, but knowing his own methods of attack, he could also be part of the ambush team. So if we're splitting up our forces, those are the 3 that Anode Grach and Spider should be on.

Stopping the Victoroid shipment is important, but I don't think we'd be able to have them reprogrammed and ready in time for the later stages of the mission. The real tactical value is not having them try to kill us during the boss battle/s.

>>2659136
Our group is pursuing all 7 leads at once, I think?
>>2658989
Kind of expected Skittle to have a :3 face, or at least a more obviously shiteating grin.
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I mean, you are obviously perfectly welcome to not pursue some leads.
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>>2659204
>or at least a more obviously shiteating grin.
You have no idea
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>>2659204
The food guys might be direct subordinates of Moloch though. He's running a gang, and this is the perfect job for the weaker grunts.
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>>2659204
Splitting up our forces is just going to make things harder for us. The Berets are not sturdy and neither are spider or Grach. We will be loudish in this and chances are the Mavs will come at our weaker allies. We could have them make mini incursions while we clean up the area, but keep them close so they don't get ambushed in a city full of hostiles.
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>>2659204
Overall I think we should tackle 3-4, link up for 1-2, and either keep going as 1 or split again into a different spread for the rest.

That should be enough to keep PHANTOM on their toes, the issue more is about how everything changes if any one group meets Moloch.
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We should keep in mind the other conditions imposed upon us by the enemy.

>The northwestern United States is experiencing a severe communications disruption after a major routing satellite was blasted out of its orbit by a laser pulse originating from near the Arctic Circle. Portions of Western Canada and some of the Pacific Interlink have also been impacted.

Don't know how that's going to affect us, but if we can't communicate effectively over distances, that means splitting up might be even riskier... And I doubt that the more organized Mavericks don't have something of their own in place.
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>>2659247

That's exactly why we want to gather intel first *before* we get into firefights.

Grach spent literal years on the run while being directly targeted by a nation state's black ops, and that was after a whole career of sneaky shit. I think he's experienced enough that he can gather information on some newly-formed groups of mavericks without getting pinned down.

I mean, Grach was a black market arms dealer back in Brazil, and we're looking for some wannabe black market arms dealers.

It'd be a waste to keep him cooped up at base and use him as dumb muscle instead of letting him do his sneaky spy shit independently. For instance, I'm not suggesting he should bust up the cash-for-mechanaloid transfer solo, just that he should figure out who we'll be fighting and where they'll be.
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>>2659517
Grach also wasn't with an entire group of people or leading a squad back in. Here is the thing. We are not going to be able to sneak in because the moment we walk out with the squad, stealth is a non option.
Grach is also more than just 'intel' he is our best bet in securing areas with less collateral and helping us dodge the bigger groups. Likewise, he's good at dirty fighting, which can help us turn the table if a larger gang pops up.
We are also on a time limit and trying to grab info from Mavs is risky at best. If the sats out, they are likely starting soon.

No, we do this in a way similar to how Tanker handled missions. We get in, we deal with it, we move right on to the next. Handle gangs we can, but prioritize on meaty subjects on the path and keep moving.
Throw a giant wrench in Moloch's plans. Piss him off, then line him up in a good spot. Maybe drop the bomb on him if we get it.
But trying to get intel, in a place where Moloch got another boss to knock out our intelligence satellite is bound to end badly.
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>>2659575
>No, we do this in a way similar to how Tanker handled missions. We get in, we deal with it, we move right on to the next.

That would be great... if we knew where the guys *were*. In most cases, we don't. If Anode rolls in blindly, the guerillas duck their heads down for a couple weeks, hidden in the general population, and once he leaves they go back to blowing shit up.


And think of it this way - maverick high command thought denying Hunters intelligence on this op was the most important thing they could do with the ability to blow up any satellite in a surprise attack.

If the ENEMY values denying us intelligence so highly, I think there's something important we need to know.
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>>2659649
The heck you talking about? For a few, the triggers are simple; they ambush delivery trucks or escorts. So long as the routes are examined, we will likely find them with OPAL. The Airport is there, the mechanoids are likely still on the water front, the hacker and the hostage situation are both known, and we know where the Councilor is. They likely have enough to give us a close general area.

Not only that, but asking for intel on Moloch's plans runs counter with the operation, which is acting as the meat shield for Grach and his men. We don't want him to know we are looking for him, and if the intel for us is bad in the city, their intel is likely good.

This isn't Metal Gear Solid, this is COPS and SWAT.
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>>2659676

> the mechanoids are likely still on the water front,

"We think they used to be on a ship, we don't know which one, and maybe they didn't get very far from the coast" isn't really a precise target in a coastal megacity.

We went for 'clandestine', don't act like we're allergic to basic things like 'knowing which building to demolish'.
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>>2659805
>knowing which building to demolish
Oh, oh, I know this one! It's 'all of them'.
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>>2659825
slow down there, sonic. We can't demolish ALL of them....

We need to save a few so that they collapse on Moloch and Seven when we need them.




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