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>>21979683
"Really? We're doing this. This is a thing. This is actually transpiring." you ask, unable to believe it.

"Look, man," Em says, shrugging with his working arm, "I can't get it back in Geneva."

"This is stupid. You're stupid. We are all dumber for having experienced this."

"Um," says the girl behind the counter--who can't be a day over 16--"Welcome to the NCC. What can I get you?"

You groan aloud, burying your face in your palms as she looks between the two of you--beaten, battered, and broken--two heavily armed war machines standing in line for coffee at the Northeast Coffee Connection.

"Yeah," Em says, "Can I get a large coffee, cream only, and--you want anything?"

You turn to look at him blankly, trying to ignore the stares of the customers and employees. "...Sure, why not."

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>>21979695
You walk out of Nicci's and back out onto the streets of Delaware, a little ways off the highway. After assessing the damage, Navigation dispatched a few Lifesavers out for field repair, saying it would be a moment before they deem you fit enough to return home. Autorepair's done its job so far, most notably fixing your stupid broken ear.

You side-eye your partner, waiting until he takes a pull of his coffee. "So," you say conversationally, "'Little Man,' huh?" Em chokes on his drink.

"Fuck you, dude," he sputters, wiping his bloodied face with his mangled arm. "And besides, I already knew about that one."

"Yeah?"

"Me and Frog used to run a lot of missions together. They gave him Old Man, so..."

"Gotcha. And Double-A for me, huh?"

He shrugs again. "If the battery fits..."

Reports continue coming in as you wait. Terapin was annoyingly well-prepared--most of the vehicles you worked so hard to capture were destroyed as he blew the charges set in them. Most, but not all, and a few are salvageable. The damage to the road and rail infrastructure was severe but localized, and you're relieved to hear that once they begin piecing together what the maverick plan was.

Realizing they couldn't use the same trick twice, they fully planned to offload all their cargo and sacrifice most of the convoy and the train. They would pull quietly(-ish) into their destination in Wilmington, load their supplies into a ship, and then set off the explosives. As it stands, their cargo boat had to make a getaway, with the 6th Marine deploying rapidly and in force to push their shit in.

>>21979683
This early?

Fuck yes! Double fuck yes!

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>>21979705
The biggest question of the day is how they cleared I-95--that particular stretch was closed for construction, but whether they orchestrated that or simply timed their operation for it is unclear. The former is more likely, but suggests maverick elements in government positions. The latter is troublesome, too--if they waited for an opening, could they have bases and sleeper cells everywhere? To say nothing of Terapin knowing the hunters were on to him.

Most of this is above your pay grade. You're just glad you, somehow, minimized the damage, and even managed a bit of salvage out of the ordeal. And with one last notification, you learn you're Z50,000 richer for it.

Now, if only you hadn't wrecked the 4th Overland's resident psychopath's ride chasers in the effort...

>This is going to suck. Get repaired, get home, and get it over with.
>Maaaaybe we should lie low. Hey Em, want to do anything that isn't go home and face the music?
>Other

>>21979717
>>This is going to suck. Get repaired, get home, and get it over with.

We try to stall, it will give her time to steam and plot. Let's get it over with. It'll be like pulling off a bandage.

>Maaaaybe we should lie low. Hey Em, want to do anything that isn't go home and face the music?

Avoiding responsibility in the face of danger is a wonderful idea.

>>21979717
>>This is going to suck. Get repaired, get home, and get it over with.

If we wait, it will just give India more time to plan our punishment.

If we are in Delaware, lets head to Philadelphia and see if we can't visit our designers.

Isn't Em an MIT baby? so we could visit there as well.

>>21979838
This would actually be interesting. I'd be cool to see the kind of mind that comes up with Anode and his sister.

Plus, she's not going to tear our plug off just as we come back from seeing our folks. Right?

>>21979717
>This is going to suck. Get repaired, get home, and get it over with.
But not before >>21979838.
We could do with a detour while we're in the neighborhood. Perhaps the folks at Liberty Labs would like to see one-half of their star Hunters fresh from a job. Maybe they can run diagnostics, see what we've got, give 'em stuff to work with.

>>21980130
Get their opinion on our upgrade path?

>>21980331
More or less, yeah.

File: 1355169243007.gif-(1.01 MB, 400x296, Wheel Gator defects.gif)

Gonna go ahead and call this for "delay the inevitable," going off spirit of votes.
>>21979758
>>21979838
>>21980041
>>21980130
"So Em, your need for comfort beverages aside, you realize we're kind of fucked, right?"

"The rides, right? Yes. Really fucking fucked."

"So here's what I'm thinking. Crankshaft takes the rest of the equipment back home and talks to her first, softens the blow a bit. He's used to dealing with her, right?"

"More like he's the only one she can't put a scare into," Em muses, "but yeah, same difference."

"We stick it out here a while, maybe drop in on some family."

"They won't want us back for a few hours, at least," he agrees. "Yeah, all right. Let's do it. ...might not get another chance otherwise," he mutters to himself. You're inclined to agree.

Pilots, man.

Where do you want to go?
>Liberty Labs, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
>Kinetic Experimental Robotics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts

>>21980366
Whichever is closer. In that case,
>Liberty Labs, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

>>21980366
>>Liberty Labs, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Let's visit Ma and Pa. Or, y'know, the equivalent.

>>21980427
>I have four mommies and three daddies.

>Liberty Labs, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lets visit the folks.

>>21980366
>Liberty Labs

>>21980395
>>21980427
>>21980440
>>21980441
>>21980448
"We're closer to Phillie, right?"

Em folds his arms. "Yeah, by--wait, GPS in brain. Yes, yes we are. ... By like five hours. Damn, dude."

You shrug. "Maybe I just suck at maps."

"I don't think there's any 'maybe' to be had there."

"Just shut up and grab a ride chaser. And--"

"And don't wreck any more of 'em," he finishes for you. "Right."

----

Crankshaft agrees to try to smooth things over for you (noting that he's beaten the odds this long, he may as well keep going), taking off with your Beret force--they, at least, are unharmed. With salvage and recovery teams being dispatched in angry swarms to collect wreckage or captured equipment, you can leave most of your ride chasers and drop off the last two later.

The trip doesn't take long--traffic parts like the Red Sea to make way for two heavily-damaged maverick hunters on chasers. Soon enough you start recognizing some of the landmarks. In spite of weariness, damage, and pain, you can't help but grin as you come home. You pass an old-style wooden sign adorned with a cracked bell--WELCOME TO LIBERTY LABS painted across in bright colors.

The ground is damp with the thin remains of a week-old snow as you and Em dismount at the place you were born.

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>>21980570
You point out two figures in the distance, one of whom throws a wave.

"We heard you coming in," one of your 'dads' calls, "You should have called, we would've--" his expression falls as he draws close. "Good grief, Anode! You're trashed!"

"You should see the other guy," you offer, pulling Doctor White into a bear hug. He looks just like you did when you left--stocky, broad-shouldered, his beard just starting to gray. "Good to see you, Dad 3."

"Number one in your heart, boy," he replies, pulling back and patting you on the arm. "I see you brought company. Fred White, nice to meet you."

"Emerald," he replies, giving a sharp salute with his good arm and then accepting a hearty handshake. "We just got in from mission."

"I can see that," Mom 2 interjects, before introducing herself in kind. "Sofia Scholten. Now both of you get inside and on the tables."

"We're fine," you reassure her. "Honest, we've had a good couple hours for auto-repair, the Lifesavers did triage, and..." and nothing, says the look in her eyes as she purses her lips. "...Yes'm."

"Scoot."

You don't need telling twice, hustling in. Grinning, Em follows after as you're herded inside.

>>21980730
Awww, she's that kind of mom.

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>>21980730
Conveniently enough, two tables for two reploids. Things are still set up just like they were the day you were switched on. Em kips up onto yours, leaving you to take the one normally reserved for your sister.

"So, skeleton crew tonight?" you ask as two of your parents set up.

"Something like that," White replies. "Lawrence and Allie are at a play--acting and watching, respectively--Boyd is getting us takeout. Avis is on vacation, Ted's housesitting, Neil and Jean are around here somewhere. Lauren is still on maternity leave."

"She gonna name this one Diode?" you ask.

"Nice try, comedian. And speaking of, what's tonight's feature presentation?"

You look over at Em. "This guy needs an education. He loved Casablanca."

"Did he now?" Scholten asks. He shrugs lopsidedly, shoulder whining in response.

"I don't see a lot of movies," Em shrugs. "I guess you guys are where Anode gets it from?"

"Something like that," White says again. "Though you can thank Singh for he and his sister's smart mouth. How's she doing?"

"Very well, last I heard. She keeps bolting guns to herself."

Both laugh. "Sounds like her. All right, your buddy's clueless, guess you get to pick the movie." Em looks at you quizzically.

"Fun little tradition--when we were being calibrated, Dad 3 had the brilliant idea to put some movies on an overhead screen. It kind of stuck with us."

"I noticed," he notes wryly.

So what film has Em lived too long without seeing?
>write-in

>>21980859
Seven Samurai. Our melee specialist ought to be able to appreciate the Kurosawa flick.

>>21980859
I'm thinking Em would dig samurai movies. Something Kurasawa.

>>21980900
>>21980905
>Kurosawamind

>>21980859
Rob Roy.

Alternatively, and in light of our recent victory, Gamera. Joel and the bots optional.

>>21980900
Let's go with this.

>>21980900
That is 3 and a half hours long.

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>>21980900
>>21980905
"Em here is something of a saber specialist."

"I noticed that, too," Mom 2 replies.

"I think he'd appreciate Seven Samurai."

You guessed right. The repairs are done two-thirds through the movie, and he doesn't move an inch. You're not even sure he blinked the entire time, transfixed by the classic.

"'We've survived again,' huh? Damn," he mutters. You have to admit, you can appreciate it a bit more--last time you saw this, you'd never won a battle by the skin of your teeth, or seen someone die. It's something you're probably getting a little too used to, now.

You make quiet smalltalk here and there, talking about your life in the hunters, and the upgrades you've gone in for. You try not to get into the gory details--apparently worrying about their kids transcends species lines. Dad 4--Boyd--comes in early in the movie, gives you a quick, careful hug, and doles out Chinese food to the gang. After an argument, you manage to secure an egg roll on the condition that you don't put it anywhere near your exposed innards.

You look over at the plaque on the wall, your own face brightly grinning back at you next to your sister's. Around you, ten faces, and ten names.

LIBERTY LABS - PROJECT DIODE
Lawrence Robledo
Jean-Robert Singh
Fred White
Lauren MacLean
Boyd Blatz
Sofia Scholten
Allie Harewood
Avis Mestayer
Ted Mccaskey
Neil Glatz
Anode
Cathode

Good times.

"So Em," you call, stretching your arm. "How was--"

"THAT WAS AWESOME."

"...So, you liked it?"

"AWESOME."

"Repairs are on us," Scholten says, amused. "But maybe ask the hunters not to work you so hard next time, hm?"

>You guys know Cath as well as anybody, what do you guys think she'd like for her birthday?
>So as long as we're here, maybe we could bounce some upgrade ideas off of you?
>Other?

>So as long as we're here, maybe we could bounce some upgrade ideas off of you?

"Hey Mom, Dad, Dad, Dad and Mom, I really want this super cool thing, can I, can I?"

>>21981305
>You guys know Cath as well as anybody, what do you guys think she'd like for her birthday?
>So as long as we're here, maybe we could bounce some upgrade ideas off of you?
The folks probably have something stockpiled here we can give Cath as a gift. As for upgrades, it may not be Hunter HQ in Geneva, but it's still home. Odds are good the folks know something the Hunters don't and can fix us up.

File: 1355175502713.jpg-(37 KB, 500x375, double meat on that footlong.jpg)

So this is completely unrelated to anything, but my Fangamer kickstarter swag just came in and the new Epic Rap Battle has fucking Snoop in it. My face right now.

>>21981354
Yeah!

All respect to HQ, but they aren't the people that MADE us. These guys are going to have special insight.

>>21981354
We should also mention the K.Coils that EM came up with.

>>21981618
They're most likely going to get a good look at everything in us. I'm sure they'll notice giant piezoelectric generators in our limbs.

>>21981658
Let me rephrase that: Lets tell them that Em came up with the K.Coils.

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>>21981354
>>21981394
>>21981520
"So like I was saying, part of the job is getting weapons data and salvage, and whatnot..."

"I saw," Doctor Blatz says, stroking his goatee. "You've been busy these last few weeks."

"You've got enough metal in your legs to start an armory. Those coils were fascinating," White adds.

"His idea," you reply as you point at Em, who grins sheepishly.

"I think we could improve on them, actually. Integrate them directly into your leg bones, they'd be at least a quarter more efficient that way--"

Doc Scholten cuts him off. "What if he didn't want to build charge, though? Unless he wants to stop and ground himself out every few hours..."

"You could put spacer-clamps between them, have those lock them in place," Em contributes.

"Hey, yeah. Of course, we're talking about a major job, redundant components so they function when damaged--keeping the structural integrity..."

Tech people. Sheesh.

Boyd grins at you. "It'll be a while before we could hash this out, but it's something to consider. For now, you just got in from work?" You explain the basics while your partner chats with Mom 2 and Dad 3, and briefly touch on Tumult's considerable arsenal. He nods. "With the two of you here, we should be able to get access to the weapon data through the hunters--we're still technically contracting with them, so we have access--why don't we see what we can do with that?"

It takes a few minutes, but they get clearance, and before long you're all crowding around a computer screen, looking over the data.

"I know what I'm gonna do," Em says brightly.

You take the time to look over your options.

File: 1355177334651.png-(53 KB, 250x219, HmmUpgrades.png)

>>21981803
Stock options: Unlike most mavericks, Tumult's hardpoint array was integrated into a very elaborate WEAPON system, giving him--and you--a wide array of options in applying his data.
Hammer Missiles: Short-range and concussive, these missiles are powerful and disruptive.
Tumult Shell: A projectile, haptic energy shield--by itself the damage potential is low, but it has the added benefit of deflecting attacks in its path.
Tumult Grenade: A short-to-mid-range explosive packed with ceratanium shrapnel, capable of tearing through even reploids with ease. Can be launched by buster or thrown by hand.

Improvements:
Shielded Haft: The weapon data could be applied to Anode's lance, producing a shielded head that would provide increased defense in close combat. Think Steel Massimo's polearms for this.
AP missiles: By reinforcing the casings with Tumult's data, the Blackout Flare missiles could be given armor-piercing capabilities, punching through hardened targets and unleashing the payload in the electronics and systems beneath.
T. Coil: Due to the nature of manipulating weapon data, only one of these upgrades will be possible.
-Energized Coil: By the addition of energy shielding, greatly improve the T. Coil's defensive capabilities, allowing it to deflect or ablate energy weapons without damaging the coil.
-Reinforced Coil: By applying metallurgic reinforcement to the Coils, greatly improve their offensive potential with stronger, more durable, and armor-penetrating damage.

Special:
RIOT Shoulder Battery - a massive shoulder-mount hardpoint that decreases speed and agility but provides sufficient capacity to hook up a heavy weapon. It requires connection to the VWES system and a fleet of techs to mount or dismount properly, and is a massive drain on system power. Equipping the hardpoint system must be done before or after a mission. Removal in the field will probably require your lance and some awkward questions.

Currently, you have one free slot in your VWES for a special weapon.
You have 54088 zenny, and as always, you're free to try to come up with your own implementations of the data.

And no, you can't get Tumult's stupidly durable armoring.

>>21981828
>>21981870
>Tumult Shell: A projectile, haptic energy shield--by itself the damage potential is low, but it has the added benefit of deflecting attacks in its path.
I'm liking this right now. A meatier defensive option is always nice, especially considering how often we get peppered and how often we get stuck in.

>>21981900
And if it's not infringing on anything, those AP missiles are mighty tempting.

>>21981900
I think the Tumult Shell is a winner, especially if it's slow enough for us to use as a screen to charge in behind.

>>21981828
>RIOT Shoulder Battery
This sounds perfect for Cathode.

>>21981995
Probably. It's too meaty for us, and we're not exactly known as a weapons platform.

>>21981828
I like the Tumult Shell. It's a way to block hits we can't outright avoid and that's always handy to have as backup.

Those three upgrades to our current arsenal are damn tempting though. If we can get all three of:

>Shielded Haft: The weapon data could be applied to Anode's lance, producing a shielded head that would provide increased defense in close combat. Think Steel Massimo's polearms for this.
>AP missiles: By reinforcing the casings with Tumult's data, the Blackout Flare missiles could be given armor-piercing capabilities, punching through hardened targets and unleashing the payload in the electronics and systems beneath.
>-Reinforced Coil: By applying metallurgic reinforcement to the Coils, greatly improve their offensive potential with stronger, more durable, and armor-penetrating damage.

I would be a happy camper.

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>>21982040
'fraid not, but we seem to have consensus on the Tumult Shell.

>>21981828
>A.P. Missiles
Fuck yeah, rocket-propelled injection

Hm... Lets see if we cant use our newly earned money to get some other upgrades.

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>>21982487
What do you have in mind?

>>21982568
There was a list of upgrades some threads back, i think we had an argument about this one and didnt buy it at that time... Or did we?

-Wire Spool: Add retraction functionality to the Tension Coil. Allow ziplining! Slightly bulky apparatus. Future upgrades could allow you to retract the coil directly, regaining 1/2 the weapon energy spent. Z30,000

I'd also like a set of heavier or just simply better armor if there is one in the market, we are always getting fucked up, we need it.

>>21982661
We've already got top-of-the-line internalized armor as it is. We're still standing and walking around even after fighting a Grappler-equivalent, aren't we? And I still don't think the Wire Spool is a necessary upgrade right now, not when we can get a new shield and are already working on improving our K. Coil.

>>21982681
Yeah, but it doesnt need no weapon data and its pretty cheap, so we might as well get it (if we still have money after the other upgrades)

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>>21982661
The only past option you'd have access to here would be the spools. If we can get, oh, three total people asking for it, it can go on the pile.

As for armor, Anode is actually well above average durability. For example, if Emerald had been hit by Terapin's Tumult specialty, he'd probably be dead.

>>21982726
Seconding wire spool

>>21982726
Well, i know that hes pretty durable. But we aren't quite tanky enough for my taste. I'd actually be fine with sacrificing some speed for more protection. Its so rare that we actually get into close combat (everyone seems to see our lance and go OH SHIT KITE HIM).

Can't really think of other upgrade options at the moment.... Hm.

>>21982726
I don't think we need the Wire Spool. It even mentions the bulky apparatus, and we're pretty sleek and streamlined right now. Anything that throws off our balance or could get caught on any obstacles could hamstring us. Plus, it's not like ziplining will come up all that much. It's excess energy that could be spent moving around more directly. We have the super-dash, remember? I vote nay on the Wire Spool.

>>21982791
Unfortunately short of full-body endoconstruction rehauls and huge, huge sums of money, you've got the best you can get. Same with your VWES. There's better models out there, but if you started saving now you might be able to get one by X6.

>>21982809
It's worth mentioning that the Spool upgrade could lead to a future refinement of the entire assembly, acting as a pre-requisite to being able to retract and reclaim expended coil shots and ziplining. Think of it as a step along the path if you want to continue improving the coil system.

>>21982809
Well, i dont think the aperatus will be visible unless we are using the T. Coil. As far as i know its part of our VWES system, so it shouldnt be out when we are using normal boosters or our hands.

>>21982871
In that case, I'm all for the spool. One Level one spool, please.

>>21982871
Hm, we could think about getting some kind of ablative armor in the future, sort of like the Gundam Full Armor. Just a exoskeleton on top of our armor, can be exploded of in the nick of a moment if we need speed. Would be pretty expensive and almost surely one use only.

Though if you said its impossible i'll shut my mouth, dont want to delay the thread.

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>>21981900
>>21981983
>>21982040
"Gotta stick with the basics here," you conclude. "I'll take the Tumult Shell."

"It'll definitely help you even up disparate firepower," Boyd agrees. "Though I notice you've done plenty of that yourself."

"Trust me, with the things I've seen, a little active defense will come in handy."

"That's... worrying. So, young man, what did you have in mind?" Mom 2 turns to Em.

"Gauntlet," he practically trills.

"...Gauntlet?"

"Gauntlet. Blade gauntlet." Em taps something on the screen. "Take the same shield generator tech and emit a field in the palm and along the fingers. It'd be slippery, but you could catch a beam blade."

"No shit!" you exclaim, before clapping your hands over your mouth. Eheh. Whoops.

"You and Singh," grumbles Scholten.

"Yes, well, all that aside," Dad 3 comes to the rescue, "we have the materials to get started right away, if you'd like." Em claps his hands and scampers (yes, scampers) to a workbench.

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>>21982969
Boyd grins again. "Quite the engineer, isn't he? I'm surprised you haven't gone to R&D."

"Just a dabbler," Em says, rubbing the back of his helmet. "Mostly in saber tech. I guess I get that from home."

"Crystal Labs, right? I think we've competed on a few contracts, once or twice."

"Speaking of, he's gonna help me make Cathode's birthday present. I'm thinking a Batman utility belt."

"Hah! She'll like that. Functional, of course."

"Of course," you and Em agree at the same time.

The small talk continues as you download the new weapon data--giving you 8 Blackout Missiles, 32 Tension Coils, 16 Lockon Hunter, 16 Tumult Shells, and one very full VWES. Boyd orders more Chinese food for the two of you--and then calls Doctors Singh and Glatz to let them know you're here.

"Working on a government contract," is all he'll say. "Can't divulge it outside faculty. They'll be up in a few minutes."

"You know, we also had an idea for a spool system, for the coils?"

White nods. "I see what you're driving at. Bracer-brackets, right? I think we can whip something up."

"Will it be too obtrusive?" you ask. "That was my biggest worry."

"Shouldn't be, at least until a coil is wound around."

Anything you'd like to talk about while you get down to business?
>

>>21982977
"So, how are you doing here? Any new, important contracts? Am i getting a little brother?"

>>21982977
What do they think of the Maverick Virus Theory being confirmed? I mean, I know that might be a touchy subject for them, especially coming from Anode, but I'd like to know what the scientific community thinks and especially the people who actually build Reps.

>>21982977
Get an ETA on those refined K. Coils. I imagine they have to be sketched up and machined, but it'd be nice to have something to look forward to. Also, if there's any messages for Cath, now's the time to get them.
>>21983053
I imagine it'd feel a little weird knowing that their Aonde was the one who effectively blew virus theory wide open, and on his first job, no less.

ask about electromagnetism and wether or not you can make use of it

>>21983460
This. Gravity Beetle, here we come

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>>21983049
>>21983053
>>21983176
"So how's the lab been?" you ask, as you help warm up the fabricator. "Anything you can tell me about? Any new 'roids I can look forward to dispensing noogies to?"

"Nothing we can really talk about," Dad 4 says. "You won't have any new siblings to torment, but suffice to say we're doing well for ourselves. Making a hunter officer is worth a lot of brownie points with the men upstairs."

"In a roundabout way that reminds me. This whole Virus thing... what do you think?"

Scholten purses her lips again. "It must be worrying. I know it's kept me up a night or two. Especially since it was your name on the headlines that day."

You wince. "Should've known you'd heard about that. And yeah, a little," you admit. "I've--well, I can't talk about my job either, but I've run into some bad customers."

"The debate's gone from whether the virus exists to what form it takes," White says. "All reploids have a suite of defenses that should make that kind of interference impossible. On the one hand, it sharply limits exactly what can be exploited. On the other, it's terrifying that it can happen at all. Personally, I think it's something that makes the reploid not a reploid at all."

"What d'you mean?" Em asks, looking up from his work.

"What distinguishes reploids from the robots of the past is their brains. They aren't programmed--you can't -make- them think anything, not any more than you can a human. If something CAN do that...well. It's taking away the distinction of higher thought. Making them..."

"Machines," you offer.

"Something like that," he nods grimly.

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>>21983829
You're all quiet, only the ticcing of an arc welder in Em's hand breaking the silence. After an uncomfortable moment, he speaks up again. "So what about these improved K-Coils? How soon do you think we could get those working?"

"Honestly, we could have a working draft in 24 hours, and a finished project in 48. The problem is installing them. The way they are now, they're mostly mechanical. They don't need a lot of integration with Anode's body. The proposed changes would require a full connection to his power plant and standard system regulation. And on top of that, we'd need to completely remove his legs."

"Um," you offer. Em grins at you and theatrically draws a beam saber. ... only to wilt under Mom 2's withering glare as she puts a hand on the weapon and pushes it back down.

"In all seriousness, the biggest obstacle is time," White continues. "As a hunter on duty, you'd need permission to take the required day or two off."

"And business lately has been busy," Em notes. "Really busy."

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>>21983858
"Anything I should pass on to Cath, speaking of?"

"Have her call us and give her address so we can send her a birthday dinner. You, too," Dad 2--Doctor Singh--adds as he briskly walks through the door. He hugs you, quickly joined by Doctor Glatz--Dad 6. You quickly make introductions and before long the pair of them, both tall and gangly, are looking over Em's shoulders and providing suggestions.

"Okay, here's one. Electromagnetism."

"You technically have that."

"Well, the shielding helps--the other week I got tagged with magnetic fletchettes, didn't slow me down too bad--but--come on, Magneto. I wanna be Magneto."

"I was expecting something like that," Glatz replies, "From Cathode."

"Still too heavy a process. The only non-G magnetic type on file is Masserdriver, and most of his body is dedicated to shielding himself from his own coilguns. Maybe someday. If you're good."

"Aw, shucks."

Unfortunately, time goes on, and even with a call to HQ confirming your repairs and upgrades, you need to get going.

Anything else before you leave home (again?)

>>21983876
I can't think of anything.

Sappy group hug bye, I love you, shit like that.

We are, after all, walking to our deaths.

>>21984131
Do we have a picture? Like a big group shot with Anode and all his parents?

Because, if we got one and just, like, held it up in front of us as we walk through the front door it might give India enough pause to let us get away.

>>21984174
Added insurance against the inevitable beatdown? Smart.

>>21984174
Hold her for a moment in sticky sap?

File: 1355190449780.jpg-(82 KB, 800x444, Familypicture.jpg)

>>21984131
>>21984174
>>21984196
>>21984322
"All right, guys," you say, "I guess we need to get back to Geneva. Can I get a photo, before we go? I know the gang's not all here, but..."

"But it might be the last photo you ever take," Em says gravely. Your parents exchange quizzical looks, and you quickly explain the ride chaser situation.

"Oh. Oh, dear." Yes, that seems to be the consensus among them. At least Doctor MacLean isn't here--she rides herself, with that antique 21st-century Harley. She'd probably skin you alive.

They quickly get together, flanking you on either side--you have almost a full head on the tallest of them, being built sturdy, as a little assistant mechaniloid aims the camera in its utility arm.

Em stands well out of frame, off to the side.

>Get in here, you.
>Liberty Labs only this time.

>>21984900
>Get in here, you.

Grab him, drag him in the frame and put him in a headlock and give him a noogie for the picture.

>>21984900
>Get in here, you.
He'll be honorary Liberty, just for today. He did get fixed up here.

>Get in here, you.

You can't escape Em.

>>21984900
>Get in here, you.
Make sure he's bunny-earing someone.

File: 1355191235060.png-(186 KB, 290x353, HE KNOWS.png)

And quick break because I got volunteered to go to the store, because I'm still wearing pants.

Accursed pants. You've betrayed me for the last time.

>>21985101
Fucking Pants

>>21985101

This is why you always wear shorts. Or nothing.

File: 1355195255459.gif-(333 KB, 278x200, India and Crankshaft at l(...).gif)

>>21984983
>>21985039
>>21985069
>>21985085
"Hey Em, get over here."

He raises his hands. "What? It's your lab, man--"

"And it could be your funeral, too. Don't make me T. Coil your ass over here." Mom 2 clears her throat softly. "...Please."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_x-aigpziA

Em looks from face to face, before taking a few steps forward. As soon as he's within reach you lash out like a cobra and haul him in with an arm around his neck. "ARKGKJFLF--" he sputters as you crush him into a headlock. He recovers just in time for the camera flash, and somehow against all odds you wind up with a halfway-respectable picture.

They run off two copies and, after a moment's consideration, huddle around and sign Em's copy, presenting it to him with the offer to let him come by at any time. With enough warm fuzzies to slay a stable of rainbow kittens, the two of you head back out, full of lo mein and just the barest hint of dread.

The nearest public-access teleport pad isn't terribly far. You leave your ride chasers with a local maverick hunter outpost crewed by a very bored-looking rooster, and return to Geneva.

Leaning against the wall of the Command room is India, idly twirling a headset on her finger. Was... was she waiting the whole time? You breathe a sigh of relief when Crankshaft clears his throat and steps in from behind you.

"India's...agreed...to hear you out and be -civil- about this," he says, carefully enunciating the words, looking pointedly at her.

"Make it good," she replies softly, not looking up at either of you.

>Well...?

>>21986068
>Would you happen to know where we can get white Kimono?

>>21986068
>Explain that if you didn't do it you would literally be dead, and Tumult wouldn't be

>>21986068
I jousted 1on 5 and won. Also their boss had a super tank and localized teleport, oh and they set everything to explode, so we only risked one and not all the ones the SB's were riding.

>>21986068
"India, Em had a decision to make, he could either leave me to die, let Tumult finish his mission, and not do his duty as a Maverick Hunter, or he could utilize your bike in a destructive manner.

If you want to be mad at someone, be mad at me, not Em, I owe him much more than just this, I'll take any penance you choose to dole out, but leave him out of it. I put myself at your mercy, just don't punish my bro."

File: 1355197021973.png-(214 KB, 427x605, India rough.png)

>>21986157
>>21986197
>>21986203
>>21986282
You and Em share a glance.

And then the spaghetti begins to spill. Desperate excuses, piling up, one on top of the other.

"If we hadn't, I'd be dead. I mean not that I'm dead anyway, but--"

"--the rest of the Berets and their bikes got back safe and sound because we were up front--"

"Necessary risk, Tumult was prepared and knew we were coming--"

"--just please, not the face, I just had it fixed..."

"--explosion was totally frickin' sweet, you should have seen it--"

The two of you fall silent as India looms, swift as death, silent as a thief in the night--you close your eyes, waiting for the end to crash down--

--And India pulls you both into a bear hug, one under each arm.

"Of COURSE I forgive you."

...buh?

You and Em share a look across her back.

"I mean, my two GOOD FRIENDS definitely wouldn't duck me for six bleeding hours..."

Her grip tightens.

"Not after hurting my precious, precious babies, no..."

And tightens.

"One dead and gone, the other maimed and crippled, after hundreds of hours of cleaning and fixing and streamlining and optimizing and tuning and customizing..."

And just like that, she lets go, smiles sweetly, spins on her heel, and marches crisply out.

"...Huh," Em says, rubbing his neck. "That was...something."

"Yeah," you agree, turning back. "Hey, Crankshaft, do you think we should be worried?"

Crankshaft is already running.

>>21986423
>HEY, CAMBRIDGE IS GREAT THIS TIME OF YEAR, DON'T YOU THINK, EM?!

>>21986423
"I DIDN'T DUCK YOU! I DECIDED TO VISIT MY PARENTS AND EM HADN'T EVER SEEN SEVEN SAMURAI!"

And run, run like hell.

File: 1355197310948.jpg-(120 KB, 640x480, now that's a solid state drive.jpg)

And I think I'll cut it here for tonight, so you can properly count your sins and figure out how the hell you're going to survive the wrath of the Brit.

Have fun, guys~

>>21986491
COMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND

>>21986457
>SECONDING NOW.
also that hard point you mentioned earlier, is that like the micro missile launcher that Lockon had?

>>21986491
Should we try and keep the thread alive?

>>21986423
youshouldberunning.jpg

>>21986524
A hardpoint system would allow you to mount a diverse array of weapons--massive lightning guns, heavy plasma cannons, a big fuckoff vulcan like Vile's...Anything you have access to, and you could make more.

File: 1355197619275.jpg-(154 KB, 420x543, ART.jpg)

>>21986530
If you wouldn't mind. Unfortunately, tomorrow my posting is going to be incredibly intermittent. We've got a beer to bottle that's way, way overdue if we want to be drinking it on Christmas.

>>21986535
ok, so could we make a smaller hardpoint, I was thinking small predator style shoulder laser that acts as a separate VWES system. Key term here is smaller, not the giant huge energey draining thing, but a smaller more energy conservative hardpoint
>tl;dr hunter command can we have a separate VWES system and shoulder mount it, or have it dedicated to something that doesn't CHUG POWER

File: 1355197994213.jpg-(67 KB, 600x445, predator with shoulder cannon.jpg)

>>21986607
whoops forgot my pic

File: 1355198210852.jpg-(169 KB, 424x600, okay everyone be cool.jpg)

>>21986607
Honestly, this was my initial idea, or very similar to it. After discussing it with Cain Labs, we agreed it was a bit much. If you want to do something like that your best bet is to pick a weapon you want to specialize in and sink tons of upgrades into it.
>>21986639
Also, nice pic of India.

>>21986683
Oh god we are all going to die. also e-mail hammer and apologize in advanced for what is about to rain down on us

>>21986423
Fuck it, find some manuals online and start trying to fix the maimed one, we have the internet to our heads, future youtube should have fucking how to videos on these things.

>>21986423
We need to stand our ground, explain ourself, and help her fix up what can be fixed up in the bikes.

If we run she'll chase us and it makes us look guilty as hell, we didn't do anything wrong, if we run she'll catch us, if we stand still she won't just hit us, she'll have to talk with us first. Hopefully.

Page 8 bump.

>>21986795
>Touching her babies at all after this.
>PeterLudlowBreakingTheT-Rex'sLeg.jpg

I think we need to get with Em and get India 2 brand new Ride Chasers (preferably higher end than the Cheval) and a copy of the Tumults data with a note that says Hard-Point data for your jet.

>>21990308
Fucking seconded. She'll probably still murder us, but if we do this, she may just wait till we're in sleep mode to do it.

>>21986457
Thirded.

File: 1355225000365.jpg-(22 KB, 250x164, indiaclonesherself.jpg)

>>21990308
I think priority is to get to a place where she can't get to us first.

>>21991345
There is nowhere to really run to. We have to come back to base at some point or another and she will get us then. Running only delays the inevitable we have to sate the beast one way or another.

OHSHITBUMP

>>21991483
Yes, buying a ride chaser is all well and good if we have the dosh for it.

>>21991986
If not we should at least offer to help her with repairing the other chasers.

File: 1355243063930.png-(223 KB, 685x774, Axl frags his commanding (...).png)

I am awake!

...And my buddy is here. Please stand by for intermittent survival horror shenanigans.

File: 1355245614129.jpg-(126 KB, 700x522, ohfuck.jpg)

>>21986423
You and Em share one more long, concerned look, the dread mounting until it's oppressive and overpowering, a whirlwind of terror that crashes upon you both like a hurricane tossing helpless ships aside with casual, thoughtless brutality.

And the both of you run. Em clamps his helmet down onto his head with one hand as he goes as fast as his little legs will carry him while you briefly curse the lack of electricity build up for electro-dashing. "CAMBRIDGE IS PRETTY NICE THIS TIME OF YEAR, RIGHT EM?!" you scream.

"TOO FUCKING RIGHT LET'S GO--"

"Your attention, please," comes up a polite, mellow voice from the basewide PA. "Barring an emergency, teleportation is now barred. Thank you, and have a wonderful evening."

"...FUUUUUUUUUUCK," you agree in unison.

>She won't think to look in the motor pool!
>That will just make her angrier. Cafeteria!
>Maybe we can hide in our quarters?
>Other

>>21993849
Quarters are no good: she's probably got them rigged somehow. The motor pool is her domain, and that's just asking for trouble.

Here's an idea: let's make a field trip to one of the other divisions! Maybe the remnants of Armored are having a look over the trucks we salvaged.

>>21993849
>Acquire industrial lube
I'm sure she'll appreciate the irony.

Rolled 74

>>21993885
Could be good. Oh, maybe hide in the bar?

>>21993911
NO India already wants us dead or beaten, we DON'T want to Max to be pissed at us for dragging in an angry India near his oak bar top.

go find Yukuzi( shit I hope that's how you spell her name) and ask her if the one ride chaser is salvageable

>>21993986
derp that ought to say if she can help us rebuild it

>>21993849
Go find Seven, he can hide us! He's logistics officer, isn't he? There is no way this will backfire horribly, isn't it? My plan is completely foolproof!

>>21993986
>>21994278
Less people we pull into this spiral of doom the better.

>>21993885
I like this idea.

>>21994393
Wrong, the more people we pull between us and India's wrath the longer we survive!

>>21994447
Lets not start with folks we will have to work with later then, where's that Russian at?

>>21993849
GRATCH TEACH US TO STEALTH!!!!

>>21994459
>>21994495
Well, we last left him at the training rooms right? We could start there, with any luck with more eyes on us we won't get hit as bad.

File: 1355250365218.jpg-(Spoiler Image, 58 KB, 640x480)

So I'm basically ready to start writing, kitchen cleanup emergencies notwithstanding. What's your final gameplan here?

You think I'd just let you safely scamper to another Unit? No. No, you live with it.

>>21994569
fuck it, grab a 6 pack and Em and see if we do anything to fix the not wrecked bike call yukuzi in for a consult on it

>>21994588
>Drunk working on the bike
indie pls
indie stahp

>>21994588
Safest option. Fix the bike ourselves.

>>21994588
Let's go with this.

>>21994569
Pray.

File: 1355250783169.jpg-(184 KB, 900x582, ProperIndiaDefense.jpg)

>>21994569

File: 1355251997589.gif-(149 KB, 460x650, ohgod.gif)

>>21994588
>>21994613
>>21994614
You hastily try to work out a plan of escape as you beat feet, running through the hallways past infantry and crew.

"Our rooms?"

"Probably bombed."

"The Pond?"

"You want India AND Max out for our blood?"

You shudder. "Point."

"What about Seven?"

"...What, really? Who was it who chased him through HQ with two mechaniloids and a tank full of industrial grease?"

"Right. Dammit."

"Wait. Wait, what if we--yeah, yeah! What if we go visit another unit?"

Em brightens for a moment before all hope dies. "Hey, that could--shit. No."

Your face falls. "What? Why not?"

"We'd have to get a vehicle."

"Shit. On foot?"

"I'm not crossing open fucking ground around India!"

"Shh! Shut up! Don't say her name! She'll know, man, she'll know!"

"...Yuzuki. Yuzuki can help us."

"You want the death of a kid on your hands?"

"No, man, she's--she's too cute. She has an out."

"I dunno, man," you say warily.

"India likes her. Besides, you have a better plan?"

"Not really, no," you admit. "All right, we'll have to risk it."

The two of you tear down the line, howling desperately. "YUZUKIIIIIIIII!"

File: 1355252027949.png-(1.43 MB, 640x1443, no no no no no no.png)

>>21994829
The young human technician sits back in her chair, arms folded. "So, let me get this straight. You rented out her bikes."

"Yup."

"Smashed one into a train and a truck. Repeatedly."

"Uh-huh."

"And then rammed one into the lead vehicle going in the opposite direction at full speed?"

"Sure did."

"Wow," she says. "I think I want to kill you, too."

You look up at her morosely. Em makes some kind of pitched whining noise from the back of his throat.

"Oh, don't give me that. All right, I'll help you." You sigh in relief. "But there's only one problem."

Em blinks. "What's that?"

The barest hint of amusement crosses Yuzuki's features. "India is already in the room."

>!?

>>21994833
>*defeated sigh*Where can we get a white Kimonos?

>>21994833
Why's she so mad if people are going to use her bikes for (mostly) their intended effect? Maybe if we hold one of her other bikes hostage, she'll back off.
Wait, what am I saying? Just get out of there first.

>>21994833
>(take the adult option this time)
*turn around* Indy we're sorry for killing a maverick with the bike, and making Cranky the bearer of bad news about the damage, so if we get the one fixed can we call this almost even?

>>21994995
>add replace the casualty with a newer higher end and give her a copy of Tumults hard point data.

>>21994995
escape is impossible this is our only hope.

Find something to use as a white flag and unconditionally surrender.

>>21994995
Go with this

File: 1355257710538.jpg-(28 KB, 500x377, Hunter Command gets back (...).jpg)

Done bottling, stand by while I try to force my damn eyes open.

>>21995903

'sok, we can wait. not long, but we can wait. Glad to see you back!

>>21995948
Hey dude, you too. Your writing's really come along since you started. You spend all your time in #SWQ, right? I might need to start doing that.

File: 1355258347042.jpg-(156 KB, 911x900, FUUUUUCK.jpg)

>>21994866
>>21994904
>>21994995
>>21995060
>>21995119
>>21995151
>>21995608
You throw up your hands in defeat. "Just make it painless."

"Nope~" trills something from the other side of the room. Em unceremoniously grabs you by the scruff and throws you out into the hall. You hear gunfire chase him out as he sprawls over on top of you, then sudden silence and a gasp.

"Oh my god! Yuzuki!"

Your eyes widen and you hurry back to the door. "Did you hit her?!"

And promptly, a gloved hand snakes out, closing around your neck and hauling you aloft. "Nope."

"Hi, India," you manage, not really having a windpipe to have squeezed shut.

"Hullo," she says with brightness and a grin that doesn't touch her eyes.

She knocks your head against Em's currently being unsuccessfully throttled in her other hand. "Bury me in drag!" He says.

THAT gets her attention, letting him break her grip, grab you, and once again throw you out the door. "RUN YOU STUPID ELECTRIFIED SONOFABITCH, RUN!"

And so you do, Em hot on your heels, and behind the both of you a frothing mad British woman, firing her pistol into the air screaming about colonials.

"I'll just, er, get started on that chaser," Yuzuki calls after you, somewhere between bewildered and amused.

"TERRIFIC THANKS," Em calls back over a shoulder, running at full NOPE.

>..."Bury me in drag?" Really?
>Never mind, not the time. Grach halp
>Try being reasonable. Shouted at her as you keep running.

>>21996057
>..."Bury me in drag?" Really?
>Grach halp
We have a plan, we can chat while we engage in the time honored military tactic, the frantic withdrawal.

>>21996101
THIS!

>>21996101
>Grach help

But with kid gloves. we dont actualy want her murdered, despite what she currently wants to do to us

>>21996057
"I'd have preferred 'bury me with my money,' but hey."
>Never mind, not the time. Grach halp

>>21996057

I choose option four, the least likely choice:

>Stop running and take your beating like a man, reasons being:
>1. You deserve it
>2. She deserves to do it to you
>3. Despite being a Reploid, she's a woman, and a pissed-off one at that, so she's going to maim you and dismantle you ANYWAY
>4. ????
>5. PROFIT in day off due to being rebuilt.

>>21996313
But we aren't a man, we are a robot, and we are escaping a far more insane one. Which is saying something.

>>21996057
If we run we just keep on giving her reason to keep on chasing, it won't fix anything.

Tell Em to run and we'll handle this, at the very least we can save our bro.

Then stop in plain view and talk with India, take the wind out of her sails. If we stand our ground and ask "Be reasonable India. Which would you rather have happened? Us coming back safe and sound with wrecked bikes, or your bikes being just fine and us coming home in a bodybag? Because that's what our options were."

>>21996600
I second. If we have the steel balls to pull this off, do it.

>>21996600
Yes. Let us do so.

>>21996600
>Appealing to reason without a wall between us or armed guard.
Nope.
>>21996645
I don't think we bought endo yet.

>>21996660
well, we are known for taking beatings, and we just got fully repaired, so maybe we'll survive.
I'll second the take it like a man choice

>>21996600
I like it. Add in something like

"There were thousands of people that were in danger because of Tumult Terapin. If we didn't take necessary action, they would've been killed. What would you rather have on your conscience: a few trashed bikes that can be repaired, or thousands of civilians lost forever? I know my priorities."

And we'll be golden.

>>21996699
more likely is we'll be monologing everything while she's in the process of hurting us. grit our teeth and bear it

>>21996691
We've only survived necessary beatings. Willingly walking into one is damn foolhardy. Sure we won't win, but we can put off losing until it doesn't hurt that badly.

>>21996660
She isn't going to do anything too permanent. She's raging mad, but she's not completely fucking insane, just somewhat crazy, and we can negotiate with crazy.

We just got repaired and we've already taken a beating today, what's another one?

Also this gets our bro Em out of the firing line, and considering he saved our life earlier he deserves it.

>>21996699
That's good to add on. We could end it with

"I take full responsibility for the crashed bike, leave Em out of it, he doesn't deserve to be punished for saving my life.

While I still believe it was necessary, I am sorry that this happened and I promise to make it up to you."

>>21996763
>We can negotiate with crazy
>LaughingMavericks

>>21996782
Pretty much every single Mav Hunter is crazy in one way or another, it might be a job requirement.

The difference is to what degree and how much it impacts your life and your work. India is just temporarily above her normal crazy level.

>>21996101
>>21996220
>>21996240
>>21996271
"...'bury me in drag,' Em? Seriously?"

"You don't get to give me shit for that one. It fucking worked."

"Not 'bury me with my money?'"

"'Oh, you have money, then? Guess you can pay things that aren't beer or sabers.'"

"We probably should, you know."

He snorts. "I'm fuckin' broke. And today's pay isn't gonna replace a ride chaser."

"Dicks. What if we pay for it over time?"

"The chasers are hunter property, she's not going to have to spring for it."

"Oh god dammit," you curse, "is this one of those 'principle of the thing' deals?"

"Afraid so."

"Hate those. IT WAS HIM OR US, INDIA," you yell behind you.

"DIE IN EVERY FIRE," she yells back. Welp.

Em frowns. "...Do I hear tires?"

Ah, fuck. "Let's split up."

"Aren't you the movie buff? Does splitting up ever go well in a horror movie?!"

"She can't rip your skull out if she's feeding me mine!"

"Better not be quitter talk up there," she taunts, "At least run and make an interesting epitaph!"

"Oh, fuck all this shit," Em grumbles bitterly, seizing a post and hooking to the right, vanishing out of sight. Hopefully he doubles back to Yuzuki and starts fixing that bike.

Just you and the pilot, now.

The deranged, violent pilot.

For the second time in 24 hours, you ask yourself: how did it come to this?

File: 1355262246010.gif-(27 KB, 184x144, FUCK.gif)

>>21996929
Forgot my pic, and need to go do some dishes.

File: 1355263600635.jpg-(45 KB, 401x424, grach.jpg)

>>21996929
"Does 'sorry' help?" you try.

"Sure, it bumps you up from 'shallow grave' to 'closed-casket funeral!'"

"Terrific," you reply dryly. "Does it help that we saved a few thousand people in the process?"

"Vienna."

"Oh fuck Vienna and fuck you! It doesn't work that way!"

"Know what else doesn't work?" A mechaniloid slams into your side in a T-bone collision, sending you bouncing through the hall, her words ringing behind you. "MY FUCKING BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!"

You crumple to a halt against a pair of boots in the middle of the range facilities, neatly in the sparring circle. Of course. Great. Terrific.

Above you, Chernyee Grach looks down, a look of poorly constrained amusement on his face. He helps pull you upright as footfalls announce that your antagonist has caught up with you. India targets you from across the room, fists clenching as she marches forward with murder in her heart and fire in her eyes.

...And then she stops, looking quizzically past you.

>>21997229
>Turn around slowly.

>>21997229
It's a trap, don't look!

>>21997310
nah, Hammer or Swharz is probably there. likely turned on the switch for her best behavior

File: 1355264217638.gif-(2.78 MB, 250x155, goddamnitIndia.gif)

>>21997229
http://youtu.be/amw8uUzYuKA

Grach returns her look, unflinching as she stares him down. She circles around him like a wolf, you and your asskicking forgotten.

"Um," you interject.

"Shush, Anode. Adults are talking."

"Grach," he says by way of introduction.

"India, formerly Eleventh Space Command. What'd you fly?"

"Helicopter, long time ago."

"Low and slow and out of the skies proper, then?" She folds her arms.

"Space, you said? What, was it too hard to worry about hitting things down here?" he fires back.

The staring contest continues, unflinching, unblinking, sparks crackling between the Russian deathsquad soldier and the deranged British space ace. The tension in the air is oppressive, like a heatwave beneath a punishing summer sun.

And then, they lock hands and nod, giving a firm handshake.

"...What did I just witness?" You ask numbly.

"Pilot thing," Grach replies coolly. "Don't worry about it."

>>21997360
Aw fuck, airspace pilots vs. space pilots.

>>21997360
You fool why aren't you running?

File: 1355265819616.jpg-(239 KB, 1024x768, typicaldayforIndia.jpg)

>>21997360
Well, pilot thing or no, it seems to have calmed her down. Maybe.

"Look, I really am sorry about the bike. It was my fault, not Em's."

"Yeah, yeah, Cranky told me."

"I really was gonna die, you know."

"You still might," she says threateningly, but the heat's not there. Or at least the terror you felt isn't.

"So what can I do? Do you want me to help pay for the chasers? Help fix them? Never go near them again?"

She pauses, tapping her chin. "...An alibi."

"What?"

"In the future, someplace, somewhere, you are my unquestioning alibi. You agree with anything I say."

You blink. "What are you going to do that's gonna need an alibi?"

"Probably something like that," Grach replies, pointing at an overhead screen.

-EARCH CONTINUES FOR VANDAL--the crawl reads. The picture is of a prominent satellite space station--the Eleventh's base of operations--and it is turned completely upside fucking down.

"...officials have said. The only clues to the culprit were a missing re-entry pack and vandalism on the main operations room viewport." A still frame onscreen shows something burned into the glass, reading upside-downedly as "COMMAND IS --" something. It's been blurred out by the network. Above the mosaic, you can see, written rightside up, the recent addition of the word "STILL."

"Good, they didn't hear about the pack of smokes," India says lightly, examining her fingers.

"...Son of a BITCH!" you snap, realization flashing.

>>21997722
She tipped a space station?

Crazy, beautiful woman. We would have alibied for this even if we owed her nothing.

>>21997780
We have to tell her exactly that.

>>21997722
"Where, and what were we doing when this happened?"

>>21997722
...ITS GLORIOUS!

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>>21997722
"So," she continues, just as airy and unconcerned, "those are my terms. I won't get you court martialed--probably--and this way I don't buy you endo just to tear your hypothetical future dick off. Acceptable?"

"Um," you say dazedly, as they illustrate a report of half the station's corrective boosters firing. "Yeah. So what were we doing and where?"

"This one's on me," she says smugly. "I can be sneaky when I want to be. They didn't have enough to pin it on me. Frog said he knew it was me, so I better have an airtight alibi next time. As it happens..."

You shake your head. "You're insane. That is beautiful. You are beautiful. I would have been your alibi anyway, bike or no bike."

India mock-fans herself. "Pilot. Now, shall we go collect Em and let him know he can stop trembling? You're off the hook."

Crankshaft chooses then to stand up from inside of a trash can, the lid balanced perfectly on his head as stray litter rains back down around him. "Finally."

>Hopefully he's with Yuzuki already working on the bikes.
>This being Em, he probably went to hide in the bar.
>Other?

>>21998048
>This being Em, he probably went to hide in the bar.

To the bar, if Em isn't there we can at least get drunk with India.

>>21998048
>>This being Em, he probably went to hide in the bar.

>>21998048
>Now, shall we go collect Em and let him know he can stop trembling?

Nah, lets mess with him a little.

>>21998120
...We must do this.

>>21998446
Can we safely detach our head? Cause I like the image of her throwing Nodes head at Em's feet and it just mouthing "Save yourself."

>>21998710
Pfft, I wish you did, so we could do that. Not to worry, I have an idea.

>Em is sitting under a table in the bar
>Anode throws one of his arm plates in front of the table and emits a blood curdling scream
>???
>Profit

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>>21998099
>>21998102
>>21998120
>>21998446
You look at each other. "Pond?" Indy asks.

"Pond," you agree. "C'mon, Grach."

He shrugs and looks to his handler, who shrugs back. That poor Beret.

Crankshaft shakes a paper clip out of his ear. "You kids go on ahead. I'll go give Yuzu a hand."

You file out. "So, I kind of want to fuck with Em."

India rolls her eyes. "Half the base knows that already, Anode."

"I mean pranking him, smartass."

"I know, I know--hm. Here's something." India fishes out a small device and sticks it under your chin.

"The hell is that?"

"Don't worry about it. Just leave that to me."

"You're not gonna blow my head off or anything, right?"

"I will if you keep asking questions. Just roll with it."

And so you roll. Sure enough, you see Em at the back, by the bar, talking urgently to Schwarzhund. You catch yours and Indy's names--He's being good, at least, trying to get help.

Abruptly, you're shoved from behind and stumble into the room. Em sees you, face lighting up with relief--

And then you hear India's voice.

From yourself.

"EAT ITS HEART," 'you' say. Em's eyes widen.

"WEAR ITS SKIN."

You'll never forget the look of pure horror on your friend's face. "Oh god," he whispers, "she skinned him."

"PIP PIP CHEERIOOOOOOOOOO." Em flips his shit, backing away until he tumbles backwards over the bar. Max slaps him upside the head.

Schwarzhund pinches the bridge of his nose, trying hard to suppress a wheezing laugh.

>>21999525
Oh you, thats fucking glorious. Best Quest EVER! Now to do our zombie reenactment.

>>21999525
>"PIP PIP CHEERIOOOOOOOOOO."

OH GOD MY SIDES! That one goes right next to

>MY BERRIES ARE DEEEEEEAD!

Point at him. Point at him and slowly advance.

we have to find out why India station tipped.

pretty sure it had something to do with what the Valkery sisters sent her, which we still don't know the details of

Why do all the good quests come out on tuesdays? Now i'll never going to be able to sleep...

>>21999927
Because everything that doesn't happen on a thursday happens on a tuesday. Or at least thats how it always seems.

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>>21999927
>>21999979
Hey man, I've been at it since yesterday.

Though honestly I've been tired all day. Even after finishing the bottling writing has come slow. I'll probably wrap up soon.

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>>21999525
"Kill meeeeeee..." you moan pitifully, joining in on the act. You raise your arms like a zombie, slowly lurching at him. You can't make it very far before you double over laughing. Grach slips by you and takes a seat at a table with his minder.

After clearing up that nobody is wearing anybody (Em headbutts you with surprising force for such a little bastard), you properly introduce your little friend to the killbot and (briefly) get into how you met. You all share a laugh and tell the story of today's mission over a round of beers. Em hits it off pretty well with Grach, asking him all sorts of questions while India (quietly) explains that she missed what might have been the biggest space battle in human history, and her friends in Valflight showed her their gun-cam footage.

Schwarz, though, is quiet, drinking a bit faster than you remember him doing. Finally, you ask. "Is there anything wrong, dude?"

"You almost died today."

"Yeah, I guess we did."

"I'm glad you're back safe. Both of you."

"Thanks, teach," Em replies, putting down an emptied glass.

"Teach," the old dog mutters. "Teach. Yeah."

He looks up at you. "Do you want to learn, Anode?"

You blink. "Learn? Learn what?"

"Strategy. Tactics. Stealth. Evasive combat. Defensive fighting. Asymmetrical warfare."

"Motherfuckery," Em provides helpfully.

Schwarz puts down his drink. "Anything. Everything."

"I'd take him up, dude," Em adds. "He taught me everything I know."

Grach looks intently at Schwarz, but says nothing.

"Well?"

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>>22000067
Hunter Command.
He brews beer and doesn't afraid of anything.

Incidently, are you gonna hang around the irc for a bit? I'd like to shoot the shit with you for a bit

>>22000371
I think I can swing that, though I might go back to punishing myself in Dark Souls at the same time.

>>22000355
Of course. If you are willing to teach, then I am willing to learn.

>>22000355
Fuck yes i want to learn. Anything i can.

>>22000355
A chance to hang out with Schwarzhund and learn more badassery? Fuck Yes! We are taking him up on this offer.

>>22000355
hell yes. if we're gonna go after wolf spider, we'll need to improve our clandestine abilities

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>>22000413
>>22000423
>>22000441
>>22000601
"What, really? Yes. Hell yes. Are you telling me you think I can be stealthy?"

"With time," he replies. "Effort. Less obvious, anyway." He taps your chin, pulling away India's little voice emitter with it.

"What, are you telling me you saw that from across the room?" India asks in surprise, catching it as he flicks it back her way.

He sips his beer. "Yep."

"Damn," she admits, "not bad."

"Observation. Lessons start now."

"What, really? Aren't you drunk?"

"Not so drunk I'll teach you wrong. Lesson there--be ready at all times."

"Didn't you suggest I get hammered this one time?" you point out.

He smiles wryly. "Point. Be ready at -most- times, and get cover when you're not. ...though you did need it."

"Kinda," you admit. "And I guess I was safe here."

"Relatively. Home isn't always safe. Sigma taught us that. At any rate, listen and watch. I'll explain, we'll spar. You'll learn."

"I think I'd pay to see that," Grach adds helpfully.

----

And since it's getting a bit difficult to squeeze anything further out of my head, calling it there. Questions, comments, concerns?

>>22001475
Fuck yes, we're learning to light up the night.
First time I've participated in one of these instead of reading archives, and it's been a fuckin' ride so far, man. Could we maybe do a Q&A session with another Hunter?

>>22001475
so basically India was envious of missing out on a big dogfight, and resorted to vandalism to work out her frustration?

>>22001642
It's been her modus operandi for later. This is basically HC (again) directly acknowledging the events of Uralmash Ursa's spinoff campaign, where the Russian bear and his motley crew of Hunters went to space.

>>22001642
Technically she re-resorted to vandalism. When they transferred her to the Fourth she used an arc-welder on the main viewport to write COMMAND IS DILDOS.

When the decision she's contested ever since kept her out of a fight she knows she could have made a difference in, she expressed her displeasure in the only reasonable way.

Stowing away on a supply shuttle, firing the boosters to flip the station, and arcwelding that Command was, in fact, STILL dildos.

She also left a pack of cigarettes up there for a friend.

>>22001540
Probably. Give me a sec.

File: 1355279989580.jpg-(242 KB, 1600x1200, hammer frog wishes for a (...).jpg)

I guess I've got a few minutes.

Somebody wanted to speak to me?

>>22001906
Is running the 4th at all similar to herding cats? Because it looks like a pretty tough job that makes you want to hit anyone and everyone under your command.

What's your opinion of Anode? Is he too crazy, not crazy enough or at the just right level of insanity?

What do you do in your free time?

>>22001906
Are there any capabilities outside swinging that bigass hammer of yours?

What's your most interesting sortie before you took command of the Fourth?

After taking command?

>>22001966
>Is running the 4th at all similar to herding cats?
Yes, but cats at least you can feed. I don't write their checks.
>Because it looks like a pretty tough job that makes you want to hit anyone and everyone under your command.
Mostly I'm just tired. All the time, tired.
>What's your opinion of Anode? Is he too crazy, not crazy enough or at the just right level of insanity?
Heh. He's a character, I'll give him that. But if he tries anything like the trick he pulled on Seven again he's a dead man, and you can tell him I said so.
>What do you do in your free time?
Free time...I think I had that once. Mostly just sit and read, try to unwind. With the management of Vienna in my hands, it's been a while.
>>22002000
>Are there any capabilities outside swinging that bigass hammer of yours?
I can spit one, too. Honestly, a lot of management, leadership training, paper-pushing, all of that gets drilled into you pretty good when you land in a job like this. I could probably run anything from a restaurant to an army.
>What's your most interesting sortie before you took command of the Fourth?
I would say the defense of the HQ, after I took provisional command.
>After taking command?
Honestly, it all ran together, so I'd say the same thing. Though in the spirit of your question, mounting up for the diversionary attack on the Antarctic base so X's strike force could move in. Unit leaders don't get to sit those missions out.

>>22002291
Would you prefer to return to active duty or remain a pencil-pusher?

Anyone ever point out a connection between you and the old Robot Master Bubble Man?

>>22002397
>Would you prefer to return to active duty or remain a pencil-pusher?
No question. I'm not cut out for this. Someone higher-up disagrees, and they haven't found someone to take my place.
>Anyone ever point out a connection between you and the old Robot Master Bubble Man?
I've heard Toad Man, but that's a new one on me.

>>22002437
IF they found a new guy to replace you, what would you tell the poor bastard I mean new commander?

Where would you go?

What of the rest of the Fourth? Would you leave them behind?

>>22002437
How heavy is your hammer? Do you ever make hammer related puns?

Have you ever considered if you'll ever retire? Settle down into a civilian life? What would you do if you weren't a Mav Hunter?

>>22002586
>IF they found a new guy to replace you, what would you tell the poor bastard I mean new commander?
Cut down on frivolous decisions. Stick to what's important. Don't let the job drive you insane.
>Where would you go?
The day Sigma rebelled, my transfer to the Eighth had just been approved and gone through. I went to bed drunk from my goodbye party and woke up with the alarm going off. I'd really like to see that transfer completed someday.
>What of the rest of the Fourth? Would you leave them behind?
They're all good people, but I think they deserve better. I've not exactly had time to get chummy with most of them. Em and Schwarz know me best, and I think both would want me to go where I wanted.

>>22002696
>How heavy is your hammer?
Thirty-two pounds. Doesn't sound like much for a 'roid, but swing it fast enough and not much can stand in its way.
>Do you ever make hammer related puns?
God, no.
>Have you ever considered if you'll ever retire? Settle down into a civilian life? What would you do if you weren't a Mav Hunter?
Maybe someday. Every time I think things are settling down, something like Vienna stirs up the hornet's nest. Civ life... I could see it, but I'm not sure I'm that old yet. If I weren't a hunter, I'd probably be in construction. When all you have is a hammer-tongue...

>>22002826
You know you want to make hammer puns, you know you do. You haven't given into the temptation? Not even once?

Who in particular is the biggest headache in running the 4th?

In a melee fight between you and Em who'd win?

What's your favorite food and drink?

>>22002901
>You know you want to make hammer puns, you know you do. You haven't given into the temptation? Not even once?
I had a maverick spend an entire battle running around me making hammertime references. I brought the building down on him and crushed his head like a grape.

Not even once.

>Who in particular is the biggest headache in running the 4th?
India. The whole Earth is her cage, and she rattles the bars a lot. Guess who gets to be her warden? Don't even get me started on this last mess...

>In a melee fight between you and Em who'd win?
Em, pretty handily. About the only one who has him up close is Tanker, and he's got everyone there.

>What's your favorite food and drink?
Egg sandwiches and unflavored seltzer.

>>22003108
How long have you been a Maverick Hunter?

Where were you born/made?

Do you like old movies? If Anode started quoting old movies could you keep up?

>>22003287
>How long have you been a Maverick Hunter?
All my life. Ten years now.
>Where were you born/made?
Chicago, Illinois.
>Do you like old movies? If Anode started quoting old movies could you keep up?
Not really. I don't have the time to sit still for two hours, and even if I did, I'm so used to doing things constantly I'd feel off. As for quotes, I know a few of the classics, but nothing really more than stuff that stood out in pop culture.

Maybe it's just me, but it sounds like we're all getting a little tired. Anything else?

>>22003395
Did you get a chance to look at the debrief from the Russian screwjob? I'm kind of curious how big of a bastard this Russian is and he did say he was comprehensive.

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>>22003844
>Did you get a chance to look at the debrief from the Russian screwjob? I'm kind of curious how big of a bastard this Russian is and he did say he was comprehensive.
General Rhodes covered his interrogation personally, but I read the file. Nasty business. Of course, so was the way he was hung out to dry. I don't think he's a security risk, otherwise I would have him locked up and off my base grounds. The armed guard is more or less a formality.

If that's everything, I'll be off. Lots left to do.

I have to admit I've missed this quest.