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>>22319889
For his part, Schwarzhund, your mentor for this impending asskicking, is about as unreadable as always--halfway between a Clint Eastwood glower and a Clint Eastwood squint, with very little way to tell the difference.

And he probably doesn't even know who Clint Eastwood is. That's a tragedy.

Your party has made your way to the training grounds--usually pretty quiet at this time of day, with only one or two enlisted on the range. Seven was here last you saw, but he puttered off some time after your little escape from India's wrath. Probably for the better, that.

Speaking of the pilot, she's in the seats, leaning forward, munching on popcorn she produced somewhere and somehow. Also in your audience are the saber-slinger Em, the wrongly-you-think-accused maverick Chernyee Grach, and the Steel Beret minder who's been attached to him while he's on the premises.

Schwarz motions you over to the circle. "Ready?"

>I guess.
>Wait, one thing... (specify?)
>Other?

>>22319909
Yay, lets get our ass kick for the third time today!

>>22319909
I guess

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>>22319955
>>22320065
"Yeah, all right" you decide. "Hit me."

Bad choice of words, in retrospect.

Schwarz rolls his shoulders and adopts a loose stance, raising his fists.

"...Seriously?"

"Good practice. Can't learn anything in the morgue."

Trying to ignore the fact that your first fistfight of the day involved a giant pugilistic murder-turtle, you follow suit, putting up a cautious guard. Schwarz hops back and forth lightly, slowly circling his way in.

He's undoubtedly more agile, you've seen that for yourself. He's not small by any means, but you've got a little height and a lot of weight on him. You might be stronger, but spars with Looey and Em have told you that counts for beans against experience. At least you'll have him in reach.

>Stay well back, hit at the outside of your range, he'll try to get inside your guard.
>You can tank a few hits to return a few of your own. Get in close, he won't expect it.
>Go for pure aggression.
>Go for pure defense.
>Other fisticuffs strategies?

>Stay well back, hit at the outside of your range, he'll try to get inside your guard.

>>22320200
>Stay well back, hit at the outside of your range, he'll try to get inside your guard.

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>>22320278
>>22320281
No sense making this easy for him. You backstep and then come in with a long jab. He brushes it aside, moving to step in, but you're already circling away, turning your shoulder to avoid a counter-punch. You use the motion to wind up and throw a cross. He simply weaves back, pushing your arm further past him and spinning you around. He clocks you in the head with his elbow, ringing your ears with the first of what promises to be many hits.

"Telegraphing," Schwarz says, "too much windup."

"Right," you grumble, shaking your head.

"Again."

He comes in fast this time--rather than back away, you move to meet him, then feint past. He pivots and throws a snap knee, which you block with your own, only to feel a hand take purchase on your back and shove you ass over kettle. He hops back, waiting for you to get up.

"What'd I do wrong that time?" you mutter thickly, wiping your chin.

"Overcommit." He hops from leg to leg adroitly while you haul yourself upright.

"Aren't you drunk?"

He grins wryly. "Aren't you new?" Ouch.

"Schwarz's been at it since before either of us were alive, man," Em calls from the stands. "No shame in that."

"We'll talk while we go. Ask anything."

>Ask about PERSON?
>Ask about SCHWARZHUND?
>Ask about HUNTING?
>Ask about OTHER?

>>22320498
Hunting

Do we want to go for a lowblow and try and phase him psychologically? Ask about KOTSCHEI. But that might be kind of a dick move. Keep it in mind for later on, maybe.

But for now, ask about hunting in general.

DO NOT try for psychological warfare on him, hes trying to teach us, we don't want to hit him with a low blow while hes trying to help us!

>>22320498
>Ask about HUNTING?
Considering we nearly died, again, we should be learning some necessary tricks to surviving out in the field.
>Ask about SCHWARZHUND?
To that end, ask him what the hell he's done?

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>>22320560
>>22320598
"Let's start practical," you say. "Tell me what I need to know to hunt."

"You know how to hunt. You need to know how to survive."

You grimace, remembering that cold, awful realization that you were about to die, your skull caving in under Terapin's fist. "Yeah. That."

"First," Schwarz says, putting his fists up again, "learn to ignore the threat levels."

"Really?"

"Really. They get into your head, make you underestimate or overestimate. But don't go above your grade unless you're ready."

"Didn't you put an S on my hit list?" you ask as you fish for openings with a few jabs. He grunts in acknowledgment.

"I did. Resources are sparse, and it's a bad matchup for me."

You balk at that (narrowly avoiding catching a fist in your jaw for your trouble). "You have bad matchups?"

"We all do. That's what matters, Anode. Not B, or A, or S. We know Saetos flies. Picture Em going up against him. Or Tanker." His expression darkens just a bit at that. "Unless he fights over an aquarium, you're our best bet. And you'll have help. But your first line of defense is yourself. Preparation. Planning."

You think on that. Lockon was "only" a B, and he came about as close to any of them have to ending your life.

"Chatty today," Em catcalls to Schwarz. You look up at the stands--Grach had formerly been looking in, interested, but he was off to the side now, looking over a tablet with his minder. The two of them were muttering something, but it turns out that it's pretty hard to eavesdrop bowled over with your ears boxed, yet again. Ow.

"Focus," Schwarz chides. "Em! What's your favorite rule?"

He stands up and grins. "You can't build an S!"

"Right. You can make an A, you can make a G--at that point you're more gun than person. But an S is made, not built. Which means learning how to fight and how to live."

>You weren't always an S? Guess I shouldn't be surprised.
>Just trying that 'observation' thing. I caught that facepull at Tanker, incidentally.
>Other?

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>>22320884
Oh fuck yes, there's a built-in character counter that warns you when your posts are too long now.

THANK YOU BASED MOOT

>>22320884
>You weren't always an S? Guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Also, in hindsight, we should've guessed at
>"Really. They get into your head, make you underestimate or overestimate."
Han Solo himself said to never tell him the odds. Then again, we just thought that was a neat line.

>>22320884
why am I going against the flier, you actually have a grappling hook, and you took a jump off of a building avoiding missiles, all I have is glorified murder rope!

>>22321175
We have electricity, which I'm fairly certain has a wider and longer range than murder rope. Plus, knowing flyers, we'll be out in the open air.

>>22320884
also, on a totallynot game breaking side note, HC could we buy weapon data off of other hunters, and not have R&D or whoever run us off another copy of weapon data?

>>22321247
aside from our macro cannon incident, we have never used it as a ranged weapon have we? its mostly been stab a fool and dump capacitors even in the non boss fights hasn't it?

>>22321267
Proooobably not. You can get away with a little, like giving India a copy of Lockon's data for her plane project and whatnot, but there's still regs in place to prevent any operative from getting too powerful in the event of going mav. Unless I'm misunderstanding your question.

>>22321329
hmmm probably not, I was trying to keep command from costing us a huge sum to run off other copy of the launch octopus data by seeing if we could buy X's old data off of him. or to see if we could do that with any other hunter, with any old stock weapon data the they have in storage that they may never use again.

>>22321319
We've used our electricity as a beam a few times. The waves of mavericks in Chaff Weasel's power plant come to mind.

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>>22320919
>>22321175
"Okay, I'm flattered, but...you really think I'm the best stack-up against this guy? What about you?"

"I'm good up close. Medium range, tops. My best tricks work when I can get around someone."

"But...me? Really?"

"You're fast. You can probably keep up with him on the move, and flight is too risky. Good armor." Good armor for when you're inevitably hit, he means. Ergh. "those busters of yours would be good AA."

"And, he zaps," India calls.

"And you zap," Schwarz agrees. "Which reminds me. Question. Do you think you can take me?"

You gesture vaguely down at the dust and scrapes on your armor from the repeated journeys to the floor. "What do you think?"

His expression is completely serious as he replies. "Then why are you fighting fair?"

"This is just training, isn't it?"

"Training to put into practice." He's got a point there. Plus, Grach said something like this, didn't he? Whatever works. "Another reason you're a good choice for Saetos. You're a generalist."

"That's a good thing?"

"Means you're better for more situations. It's why they keep me around."

You snort at that. "Not your good looks or people skills?"

"Like India's boundless modesty," he replies smoothly. She casually gives him the finger with one hand while inspecting her glove on the other. Grach, meanwhile, is sitting hunched forward, fingers steepled at his chin, looking straight ahead. Em's moved over to sit next to him and the Beret.

This is the chattiest you've ever seen Schwarz. He's said about as much in the last five minutes as you've heard put together before now. Maybe it's the alcohol. Maybe he's just a good teacher.

>Get Schwarz's perspective someone from the 4th. Maybe a few someones (input).
>Ask Schwarz about himself.
>Grach's being pretty quiet up there.

>>22321383
hmm, Oh, I thought that the plasma shots from our buster were a different system than the electrical discharge, never mind then.

>>22321501
They are. You've got the busters for rapid-fire plasma spray, and you've got your C. Capacitor charge.

>>22321470
we should make some sore of snide comment about how we thought to use philological warfare but realized that that might cut our training short and hurt us in the long run. But if Swartz wants salt in his old wounds we can oblige. then while he is distracted just a little we hit him with the t coil.

>>22321383

I'm looking though the first thread, its all plasma shots, except for tasing chaff after we skewer..well he skewers himself on our lance.

>>22321559
We'll leave the snide dickery up to seven if its just the same you. Torn between asking more about schwarz and checking on whats happening up in the observation booth.

us fighting dirty includes ALOT of property damage, which we aren't going to do in HQ.

>>22321559
No shooting the murder rope around in the office!

>>22321470
..wait, are we the only ones with integrated busters in the room?

>>22321683
Nope, but yours is primed for rapid fire, and you have two of them.

India never had one (but she might now), Em's is next to useless, Schwarz has a good one, and Grach is SHOTGUN HANDS. Berets use buster rifles.

>>22321470
>Ask Schwarz about himself.
Ever go visit your family back home? Christmas cards?

>>22321823
Get well soon cards after a major rebuild?

>>22321470
>>Ask Schwarz about himself.

If he's feeling talkative, this might be our chance to learn something about him. Besides, Em's eavesdropping on the Russian for us.

>>22321470
>Ask Schwarz about himself.
It'd help to understand the authority before relying on his authority.

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>>22321823
>>22321860
>>22322130
"Okay, professor, what about you?"

"What about me?" he asks.

"Anyone back home? Family, relatives?"

He shakes his head. "Had a brother. Had."

Grach looks up at him. Em whispers something to him.

"Weisshund. Went maverick. Dead now."

You briefly imagine life without Cathode--or worse, Cathode after going mav. "Damn, dude..."

He's gone back to those terse, clipped phrases, but even you can tell the difference in tone. "Is what it is. He'd do the same for me. Hunters are my family now. Trained kids in every fighting unit. You and Em to keep me busy over here."

"Well shit, man," you manage.

"Yeah."

"Okay, change of topic. What about your career?"

He shrugs. "Started an A. Made Special and held it since."

"Why the Fourth?"

"Miscellaneous bin. Almost went to First, Second, Ninth. One offer from Zero, lots from X. Besides, why not Fourth?"

"With how much you do and how long you've been here, why aren't you running the place?"

"Too much work in the field. Frog's asked me before, but he agrees. I'm wasted on admin."

"Excuse me," Grach says, hopping down. "Mike found something you need to see."

"Internal memo," the Beret--Mike, apparently--says. "We use it to keep tabs on each other." You take a quick look at his datapad. You're still a bit rattled from the spars, but you make out "Anode" and "human-killer" on the page. "Pretty much all the enlisted follow this or know someone who does."

"Terrific," you mutter as Em hops down to join your flock.

>So our op got leaked? Was that what was wrong, Grach?
>Terrific. What do I do with this?
>Forget it. Let's just get back to the lesson.
>Other?

>>22322136
>>So our op got leaked? Was that what was wrong, Grach?
>>Terrific. What do I do with this?

Christ on a crutch, what can we do about this? I don't want our boy blacklisted or anything.

>>22322136
>Other?

What exactly does it say? Read the whole thing, it might not be as bad as we think.

>>22322136
>Terrific. What do I do with this?
we get stuck cleaning political dirty laundry, then get shit on, wonderful. well can we at least claim salvage on the time dilation gun?
>back to training

>>22322171
seconded

>>22322136
>So our op got leaked? Was that what was wrong, Grach?
>Terrific. What do I do with this?
Never mind what we had to do on the job, but that was probably our most sensitive op to date, not to mention it's why the Russians just withdrew support for the Maverick Hunters. Someone's got some 'splainin to do.

>>22322136

>How did the info get out? Press release or leak?

>>22322136
>>Other?
Schwarz, are we fucked?

>>22322136
Sonsabitches.

Read it a little more in-depth. See if it's an inquisitive, or stating it as a fact.

After that, we need to, probably, talk to someone about this bullshit.

>Forget it. Let's just get back to the lesson.
Ask Schwarzhund what he'd do if it was him instead of us.

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>>alladosereplies
You take a look through--details are sparse, but it's about what it looked like. Someone (anonymous, of course) posted 15 minutes ago, mentioning your op to collect Grach and the human casualties there that you inflicted. Of course, they left out the "Russian killteam sent to silence you" bit.

"No lynch mobs or anything," Mike says, "but it's sort of like a 'be advised.' Most of the enlisted are going to be a little leery. You're going to get a bit of a cold reception for a while."

"Was this what you meant by 'looks in the hallways,' Schwarz?" you ask. He nods grimly.

"Damn, man..." Em says, as if reappraising you.

"It's not like I had a lot of say in the matter," you spit bitterly. This bullshit is exactly what you needed.

"No, it's just--I don't think I could do it." Schwarz grunts at that as you turn to Grach.

"Was this what was wrong?"

His face falls a bit. "No, that was--something else. Now is not the time. I'll tell you later."

"...All right. So what do I do with this?"

"Ignore it," Schwarz says. "It's what I did."

"I'm more worried that it got leaked at all," Mike says. "They don't exactly tell us most things that aren't need-to-know. You were alone on that op, right?"

"Yeah, no enlisted or anything. God damn."

"I'm going to take this to Commander Frog, sir." Mike says.

"Yeah. Yeah. Thanks. Good to know I'll have one friend in the Berets."

"It's not that bad," he offers consolingly. "I'll talk to 'em, grunt to grunt. I'm sure you've made a good impression on a few of us. You know every time we go out with you, we all go home. That's worth a few points."

"Every time so far," you observe. "It's early, yet."

"Yeah, but that's just being realistic. We're soldiers, Lieutenant. The fact that you try at all matters to us. It'll clear up, I promise." It's funny, the mass-produced infantryman giving the custom-built officer a bracing pat on the arm, but you appreciate the gesture.

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>>22322449
Schwarz looks up at you, a little sadly. He looks like he could use a drink, and you're pretty sure you could, too. But on the other hand, what better time to learn to take care of yourself than when things are turning sour? Em still looks a bit perturbed, but he's still there. Grach is about to follow after Mike when you remember that as officers, any of the three of you could vouch for him.
>Stick around, Grach, we'll cover you.
>Let him go with Mike to see Frog.

>Resume lesson?
>Get miserydrunk?
>Ask Grach about that "something else."
>Other?

>>22322449
>It's funny, the mass-produced infantryman giving the custom-built officer a bracing pat on the arm, but you appreciate the gesture.

Daaw

>>22322449
Cool guy. I hope his helicopter doesn't get shot down.

>>22322449
I like this guy.

>>22322495
>Let him go with Mike to see Frog.
>Get miserydrunk?
Just a couple drinks. I'm sure we'll put our nose to the grindstone again very soon, but at least we've gotten the basics (I think).

>>22322495
>If Grach wants to stay that's fine. But he might want to talk with frog about the leak. His call.

Ask him if the "something else" is an important thing that can't wait either way.

Now, lets keep getting our ass beat. No time like the present.

>>22322495
>Let him go with Mike to see Frog.
We could vouch for him, but he could also vouch for us. That will prove invaluable.

>Resume lesson?
Rage is not something to keep bottled up. Don't fight fair against Schwarzhund, this time, because it seemed to upset him when we did.

>>22322495
>>Resume lesson.
>>Stick around, Grach, we'll cover you.
>>Ask Grach about that "something else." if its alright.
We still need to ask him about that setup he had with the cops anyway. Might get our minds off things. Maybe get drunk later.

>>22322569
Changing votes to these, in retrospect. We need to keep working, maybe vent some emotions, as well as figure out what Grach's so worried about.

>>22322495
Let Grach go, cause hes a bro. Also, bitch slap Schwarz. He asked why we weren't fighting dirty so get dirty. Not immediately, hold back for a moment then get going to catch him off guard.

>>22322495
>Stick around, Grach, we'll cover you.
&
>Resume lesson

>>22322495
see
>>22322555

Couldn't put it better myself.

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>>22322555
>>22322609
>>22322581
>>22322569
>>22322738
"You can stick around, Grach. I'll cover him."

"Appreciate that, sir," Mike says with a quick salute. "I'll take him off your hands soon."

Grach smirks at that. "Love you too, Mikey."

The Beret waves over his shoulder as he jogs out. Well, at least they get along.

"Right, back to it. Actually--Grach, if you don't mind, what was that?"

He frowns deeply. "Before we saw that, I was looking at Russian newspapers."

"And?" you ask.

"And Whydah--one of my last living siblings, sorry--is dead. They're saying she went maverick. She was going after our former handlers in the NCU."

"Jesus, I'm sorry," Em says, and, after a moment's hesitation, pats the ex-maverick on the back. "Shitty night all around."

"Yeah, no kidding. Me too, man." Schwarz nods as well. Grach returns the gesture, expression a practiced neutral.

"Well, fuck it, back to work."

Schwarz nods, considerably sobered. "Where were we? Specialists?"

"Them too, but we were talking about--" Abruptly, you backhand your teacher, sending him tumbling backwards--he wasn't completely blindsided, as midway through the fall he rolls backwards and kips up at the ready.

"--Playing dirty," he finishes with a grin. "Good. Good!"

Em and Grach back out of the circle as you square off again.

>What do this round? It's still a fistfight.

>>22322902
Stick with the same as before, but if we can, try and implement some of the shit Grach showed us when he was advising the berets. Look for openings but don't commit too much just in case they are feints.

>>22322902
Fight like a smartass.

Not just a smartass, but a blue and grey electrically themed one.

>>22322902
Learn to not overcommit. We have strong, straightforward shots, but we have to learn to get tricky. Throw a fake jab before pulling a double-leg takedown, things like that. Try grappling him. I wanna see how slippery Schwarz is.

>>22322902
So, what are the chances of Whydah actually being maverick?

>>22322902
All that getting hit and rolling around on the ground probably built us up a nice charge. And it can stay a fistfight, if we only use our charge to get out of the way of hits.

>>22322902
He likes it when we play dirty, huh?

Try and covertly single Em to take him from behind.

>>22323218
Considering Grach's circumstances and Russian opinions of Grach and the Hunters, sadly slim.

>>22322902
Engage Dempsy Roll

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>>22322902
So you're not taking a round from Schwarz, you know that.

But that doesn't mean you can't make yourself a complete pain in the ass.

You go for a kidney punch, which he jumps back from, pushing your leg aside--you promptly flashdump a bit of electricity through it and boost yourself well and far out of range. You leave the circle--but you're not exactly having a nice clean match to three, are you?

Behind Schwarz, you see Em and Grach apparently squaring off much the same way. You almost want to watch, having seen what the Russian's brutal martial artistry is like.

Back to the matter at hand, though, you surge back in with a running punch, only to dig in your heels, hop back, and shove Schwarz off-balance when he goes to reprise. He recovers, landing on all fours and sweeping your legs out. You roll away as his knee comes down for the pin, using the movement to wind up for a massive kick. He jumps clear over your leg and hits you square in the chest with both of his, dropkicking you clear across the circle.

"Better," he offers. "So, what do you want to ask about?"

Hell of a fighter, to win with a handicap and still offer smalltalk.

>

>>22323668
>"So I'm just supposed to get my ass kicked until I'm suddenly I'm Spider-Dog like you?"
Alternately,
>"So what do we do, now that Russia hates us? I'm not sure how to feel about being responsible for having an entire country pull support for the Hunters."

>>22323668
Ask him if he knows any moves that would be suited our size and speed that wouldnt leave us totaly open to everything ever

>>22323668
Where do you buy your coats?

>>22323786
This. We need a leather jacket so we can do the whole Benjamin Franklin skullncrossbones across the back.

>>22323851
They don't make jackets in Big McLargehuge size.

>>22323851
>>22323786
Thirding

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>>22323668

Ask about Tanker. The guy likes to fight a little too much. whats to stop him from turning just so he can fight more?

(also posting pic i had ready for Hammer's interview, even though i missed it)

>>22323851
>Benjamin Franklin skullncossbones

I sincerely hope that this involves the skull having an olde schoole wig, and the "crossbones" being the struts of a kite. I also hoipe this is not going to be a Thing We Take On Missions, because it basically gives away our best gimmick to any Mav who didn't already know about it.

>>22323851
Plus, I think it was mentioned that his coat is armored.

Also, I don't believe for a second that he hasn't used it as an improvised weapon a few times. Even as just a tool to help with misdirection.

>>22323926
Thats precisely what I mean.

>>22323668
What was that "kill everything" attack he did on the news.

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>>22323739
>>22323783
>>22323786
>>22323913
>>22323962
"Buncha stuff," you reply, circling around before the next exchange. "For starters, what exactly do you want me to do here? Keep getting my ass beat until I'm spider-dog?"

"Lose here," Schwarz answers. "Win there. Lose -well- here," he adds. "Don't make it easy on me."

"Okay, okay, I get it. What about Russia? I'm not sure if I like being responsible for ... whatever the hell they're doing now. They were talking about blocking hunter access to the country."

Schwarz smirks. "Anyone who put their name to that may as well just put a gun to their head. Hunters are a counterforce. We don't barge in where we're not wanted. I don't think anything's coming of that."

"So, it was an empty threat?" He nods. "Well, that's a relief, I guess."

"Okay, next question. Any moves for a guy like me?"

He shrugs. "You're humanoid, just like me or Em. Smaller than Tanker. Should be able to make due with about anything. You'd be a nightmare in a brawl, you just need time."

"Yeah, but am I gonna last long enough to get it?"

He grins again. "That's what we're working on now. Next?"

"Next..." You dive in for another flurry of strikes, this time managing to disengage voluntarily. Hey, it's an improvement. "Where do you get your coats?"

"Custom order. Light armoring." In response, he ducks your next charge and throws it over your eyes, shoving you off balance while you're blinded. "Nice in the cold. I'll get you one for Christmas."

"Gee, thanks," you mutter, pulling it off your head and yourself off the floor.

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>>22324209
"They also give 'em out to S-ranks!" Em calls. "I think Schwarz started that tradiWHOA FUCK--" Em is interrupted by a crash that sounds like Grach just suplexed him through the bleachers.

Schwarz shrugs. "Call it Dusters and Busters. I didn't name it."

"So speaking of S-ranks, what about Tanker?"

Schwarz frowns. "Tanker's an idiot."

"Well maybe, but..."

"He has the highest combat specs of anyone in the unit. Tried to give him help. Took it as a challenge."

"Is that why you don't spar him any more?"

"He gets angry. Won't listen. Neither of us learn anything. Nothing to be gained."

"He kinda spooks me. He's just a bit...TOO into it, you know?"

"Been here for years. Think he's in it for the challenge. Money doesn't mean much to him."

"You know he's still mad about missing that call out to Vienna?" Em yells again.

"No shit!" You call back, before turning back to Schwarz. "Em doesn't spar him anymore either, right?"

Schwarz shakes his head, frowning again. "Just doesn't have the durability. Gives him a good run, though."

"What about you? What was that trick I saw you pull on TV?"

"Pounce buster. ...didn't name that, either. Multiple shots converge on a single target."

"Macross missile--no, nevermind, references are wasted on you people."

"More of a Battletech kind of guy," Schwarz replies wryly. "Anything else you want to know about the 4th?"

>>22324386
You said it was duty keeping you in the 4th. Is that just loyalty to where you were placed, or is it more personal than that?

>>22324386
Clan?

>>22324465
Was that just in his interview? Anode wasn't exactly privy to that.

>>22324470
>Clan or Inner Sphere?

FTFY

>>22324470
Anode doesn't know Battletech, but Coyote.

>>22324525
Oh right. I thought it came up in the bar. Disregard that.

>>22324386
I think that's all for today, Big Dog Boss.

>>22324538
Well then:

>Was that a game reference? Because it went over my head.

>>22324648
Backing this, in the hopes that he makes Anode play Battletech, the same way Anode made them watch movies.

>>22324386
Why don't you run this place? This place being the training range.

So now our overarching goal is achieving S rank so we can get a jacket?

>>22324897
No, our goal is finding who leaked secret mission data and register a complaint.

>>22324944
Preferably with handcuffs.

>>22324679
I suddenly imagine em finding out about the 40k chainswords, or a mav hunter based on a necron or space marine...I blame /tg/ for this

File: 1357000424216.png-(155 KB, 509x535, megamarine.png)

>>22325060

>>22325060
I just bet Em would nerdgasm at the thought of a powersword. Think about it: a combination solid-state blade and energy blade. Combine the thought of how awesome that is with his near-Freudian fixation on swords and all of a sudden his tiny little head explodes at the very thought of it.

>>22325114
I was drinking when I read that.

Also, I already came up with an X-era weapon idea that combined beam, solid, and gundam-style heat blades.

>>22324684
Because that's OUR job. We volunteered to be drill instructor, so technically, the training grounds are ours.

>>22325144
Apologies, my good man.

>>22324386
"I think Cath likes Battletech. Never got into it, myself. I'd introduce the two of you, but..." You jerk a thumb up towards the bleachers, where India is currently making an incredibly elaborate paper airplane.

"Enough said," Schwarz says with a nod.

"So why don't you run this place? Too busy?"

"Yeah. Can take time here and there, but nothing regular."

"Speaking of irregular, hey Grach?" you call. He looks up from having Em in a headlock. "What was the deal with you and the police, back in Michigan?"

He grins, dropping your buddy unceremoniously. "Arrangement. I kept files on all the 'problem' gun buyers in town. Sold to every side and started a cold war between the gangs. The most violent guys would 'get sloppy' and the police would pick them up. They always had plenty of evidence. The rest just kept stockpiling arms. Since there were no civs and the police knew when to lay low, the only violence was crime-on-crime. Hell, I gave the chief's kid lessons."

"That's... interesting," you decide.

"If it's crazy, and it works, it's not crazy."

Em pops upright, crosslegged. "I like that. You bring home interesting dudes, Anode."

India snorts from the seats. Smart-ass.

...And then, you get a message. Your hand goes to your ear just as Em's goes to his. Unfortunately, all you get is static--apparently you've got ears prone to damage after getting thrown around a bit.

Em, though, his eyes widen.

And then he grins.

And grins.

And grins.

"We have to go," he says. "-Now.-"

>Uh... all right?
>Nnnno thanks.

>>22325258
Autobots, roll out!

File: 1357001368747.jpg-(179 KB, 1051x807, an ex-berry.jpg)

>>22324944
Sorry, the only thing I can see in my head when I read that sentence is this.

>>22325258
Interrogate him as to where we're going and why, exactly.

>>22325258
Well, that seems reasonable.

>>22325258
Sounds good.

File: 1357001510645.jpg-(45 KB, 565x450, Protoamused.jpg)

>>22325402

>>22325454
I got the feeling you would like that one.

File: 1357001631905.jpg-(189 KB, 395x597, super-mario-rpg-exor-bows(...).jpg)

>>22325258
What can only imagine what has his so riled up....

>>22325258
"ooookay, can't be worse than getting socked him the head over and over again, no offence meant scharz."

>>22325258
Did my parents finish my new legs?

>>22325258
Whats so funny? I'm getting only static. I hate to be left out of a joke.

>>22325258
"Em, my ears are still kinda iffy, what's going on?"

File: 1357002680259.png-(308 KB, 429x479, picture this but Xified.png)

>>22325310
>>22325411
>>22325417
>>22325446
>>22325538
>>22325580
>>22325623
"Em..." you say hesitantly, "Where are we going?"

"C'mon. C'mon c'mon c'mon c'mon." he grin, hustling out. Shrugging to you, Grach follows after.

----

"Oh, what the hell is that?" Grach asks.

"That," Em says, "is one of the things that survived Terapin blowing up his convoy.

India leans against the massive frame, thumbing through a transporation docket. "Says here this thing is called the Crossmore Variable Weapons Platform."

"Variable Weapons Platform, my ass," you breathe. "That is a fucking ride armor."

The Crossmore stands like a massive, silent sentinel, with shining white plating over smooth, freshly oiled mechanical parts and a powerplant that looks like it could run a battleship.

India calmly reads from the tech specs. "Has all the makings for two loadouts, the -B and -P configurations. Blade and Power, apparently. Get this, it has an internal battery and a VWES bank. That left arm, you can load it up with anything in your database and fire them. The other arm is the modular bit. 'Power' is apparently a fuckoff plasma cannon. Blade is..."

"Blaaaaaaade," Em drools.

"Now, now, Em, dear." Indy gently chides.

"You're pretty calm, yourself. I thought you'd be pretty hyped about this," you observe.

"Oh, don't misunderstand me," she says lightly. "I am going to have sex with this thing."

"And this thing is ours. All ours. Part of our captures. Command will want it for the Eighth, but until they're ready..."

You feel the manic grin infecting you, as well. "Our ride armor."

>Feels?

>>22325772
Arousal. Immense arousal.

Call dibs on deciding on the paintjob!

>>22325772
All the feels.

"Hey, India, can we take this to the firing range to test out the VWES bank? See if it increases the power output of the weapons? After you're done of course, but can we, please?"

>>22325772
Em, this is beautiful. You are beautiful.

>>22325772
>Disassemble Reassemble lets make sure this thing isn't a Trojan Horse.

File: 1357003075822.png-(73 KB, 700x992, 1.png)

>>22325772
Hell yeah, Motherfucker.

>>22325772
"No words to describe it. Poetry! They should've sent a poet. So beautiful. So beautiful... I had no idea.

I want to test it out, now."

>>22325772
Well, thank you for the gun Mr.Chekhov.

Thank you for alllllllllllllll this fucking gun.

>>22325772
"Hey, so, India, what are the chances that we'll be able to pay the price tag on this thing before the Eighth asks for it? Think about it; if they get it, it'll be scrap in a matter of a few weeks, at best."

>>22325929
Worse, they'll mothball until they're ready to reinstate the Eighth.

>>22325952
They basically gave it to you until the Eighth is ready for it.

>>22325952
Oh, christ, mention this piece of art being mothballed, and India will flip her shit.

And then, of course, draft us, Em, and anyone else that she knows into the, "Don't Mothball My Ride Armor," fund.

>>22325772
Rub face against it for maximum satisfaction

>>22325971
I don't think that space station can handle a third time.

>>22325987
I think she would figure out a way to flip Command upside down.

>>22325987
How much do you want to bet that we can get that station spinning like a rim on a low rider with the right faked message?

>>22325772
Just snuggle it for a few minutes. Cling to its leg like a young child to its mommy.

And then realize there's only one of it, and it has to be specifically requisitioned.

File: 1357004270898.png-(214 KB, 427x605, India rough.png)

>alladoseposts pt. 2
"This is... beautiful. I can't even," you murmur, cuddling up to it like a cat to body heat.

Schwarzhund and Grach share a bemused expression from well back as India circles around it, eyes darting between the pamphlet and the machine. Em is rooting through the crate looking for the second arm.

"This is the first finished prototype," India explains. "It went missing in transit, presumed lost."

"And now it's ours. Ouuuuuurs," you purr.

Em bursts out of a mound of packing foam, a massive blade held overhead like a Tusken Raider. "WHOOPS, EVERYBODY DIES," he crows.

India pulls her glove off with her teeth, running a bare hand across the plating, and--

Wait, what?

Since when did she have...?

>Buh?
>Guh?
>Whuh?
>Other...bluh?

>>22326158
Her hand is irrelevant compared to the beauty that is the Ride Armor.

>>22326158
>Buh?
>Guh?
>Whuh?
>Other...bluh?

India, you've become a real boy!

>>22326158
> India... Your hand?

File: 1357004467961.jpg-(16 KB, 500x645, 1215384835492.jpg)

>>22326158
I personally prefer "Huhbuhwhaa?" myself.
Lemme guess: another thing from her Vienna windfall.

>>22326158
All of the above, in varying order and number of repetition. Is it a blaster, or a utility hand?

>>22326206
This! Most definantly this!

File: 1357004558367.jpg-(30 KB, 367x362, 1342838893698.jpg)

>>22326158
Buh?

>>22326158
>Em bursts out of a mound of packing foam, a massive blade held overhead like a Tusken Raider. "WHOOPS, EVERYBODY DIES," he crows.

I'm kinda afraid he's going to hurt himself.

>>22326206
>Start singing "When you Wish Upon a Star."

>>22326229
She got endo done. For all intents and purposes, she's now mostly indistinguishible from a human.

>>22326272
Wow, she was serious about fucking this thing.

Then again, so would most of us.

>>22326312
Keep in mind: we've got the prototype. Which means the blueprints aren't far behind.
We could have more of these built in the future.
We'd each have one of our own. Which is good, thinking about it, because Fourth Overland could use some armor to do their job. Throwing dudes at a problem is all well and good, but this is muscle.

>>22326346
But we are Fourth Overland, not the Armoured Division. They will get to call dibs on these ride armors. I doubt we will see one of those again for a long time after giving away the prototype.

>>22326437
....Do we have the means to build a second one?

>>22326437
Eight Armored is currently nonexistant, remember? Wiped out to a man during the rebellions. We've been doing all we can on our past few ops to salvage as much as we can to get Armored back on its feet. Until they get new operatives and enough of a stockpile of vehicles and armor, they're letting us hold onto it, since we and Em were the ones who salvaged it.

In other words, until Eighth Armored is ready to ask for it, finders keepers.

File: 1357005716267.jpg-(79 KB, 428x600, Xdockworker.jpg)

>>22326158
"India!" you declare, shocked. "You're a real boy!"

"Iiiin a manner of speaking, yes," she says, smirking. "Last of my endo is done. I might have better armor than you do now, actually."

Em slings that massive blade over one shoulder (staggering slightly) and grabs India's wrist, inspecting it interestedly. "Does look pretty human, doesn't it?"

"Aren't you supposed to be katanasexual or something, Em?" she asks, bemused, letting him turn her hand over.

"I had a girlfriend," you know, he grumbles.

"Had. And if I didn't know better I'd think you were scheming to raise Freud from the dead with the sheer number of phallic objects you strap to your body."

"Big talk coming from the woman who just--"

Schwarz clears his throat. "If I might, Anode," he says, "Observation. Her hands are smaller than they were, for one thing." And of course he picked that out long before she pulled her ha--gloves off.

"Right, right," you say. "Lesson learned. Probably. Maybe."

Schwarz facepalms silently while Grach pats him on the back.

"So how long can we keep this thing?" you ask.

"Until they take it, I guess."

"Think we could pay it off?"

"Probably not. These things aren't cheap, and this one's sort of unique, at least for now. At least we have it."

>TEST?
>OTHER?

>>22326512
TEST! MAX POWER LOCKON LASER

>>22326512
>Test! We got any spare weapon data laying around.

>>22326481
I am aware. But even if there are built more of them in the future we (as in, 4th) wouldn't get any of them. You were implying that each of us could have their own and i don't think so. That would make 8th useless.


Also:

>Test!

>>22326512
>OTHER?
See if there aren't any blueprints lying around that aren't already in the database. I'd hate to trash this bad boy without knowing for sure it can be recreated later.

>>22326512
Em gets Sword Arm, we'll get Power Arm!

Also, Em had a girlfriend?

>>22326512
>TEST!

>>22326512
>TEST!
Let's try out our new weapon system, first on our own, then set a baseline with our others, and THEN test all of them while using the armor!

>>22326559
>Em gets Sword Arm, we'll get Power Arm!

MECHA SHIVA!

>>22326559
He mentioned it in passing in his interview. Someone with the 5th.

>>22326559
....
We must get two of these things and then combine into a super ride armor together with Em.

>>22326512
Crawl inside of it and claim firsties for testing it

File: 1357006441012.jpg-(1 MB, 1828x2466, gurren_verka_15.jpg)

>>22326592
...?

>>22326642
OUR ELECTRIC SWORD CANNON SHALL PIERCE THE HEAVENS/MAVERICKS!

>>22326642
Where can we find shades big enough?

>>22326679
Are you implying that we can't commission giant durable weaponized glasses for the purposes of slapping them onto a Ride Armor and then subsequently using them as a boomerang?

>>22326512
>Cast in the name of God.... Ye Not Guilty.

File: 1357007609845.jpg-(7 KB, 426x356, Thanks.jpg)

>>22326532
>>22326541
>>22326545
>>22326569
>>22326572
Even the techs spittake and look twice when you roll back into the range tromping along with several tons of ride armor beneath you, Em and India riding on opposite shoulders. Eager to play with the new toy, they all help plug the VWES bank into one of the terminals and quickly load it up with copies of your weapons.

The bad news is that the shots are no different than had you fired them yourself.

The good news is that the VWES battery is powered by the core of the Crossmore itself. Your ammunition is unlimited.

You'd like to test the Crossmore-P configuration's heavy plasma cannon, but the techs forbid you. That's sort of promising in its own way. All in all, it's an exciting tool to have. You trade off, letting them clear the battery while Em starts removing the cannon to try the Crossmore-B. India helps, and even you give them a hand, suddenly very interested in the idea of being able to build another one day.

----

And with that, we're done with MHQ for tonight. The main story, at least.

Given that it's New Years, I'm going to let you guys take the reins.

The floor is open. Do you want to have base shenanigans? An interview? A side story? I've got a few ideas myself, so if you can't come up with any, you can vote for...

>A brighter past
>A darker future

>>22326773
Nope. I'm asking for the name and number of such a place.

File: 1357007788626.gif-(437 KB, 800x800, pimpinstation.gif)

>>22326047

>>22326853
>A brighter past
>A darker future
>Interview leading into base shenanigans devolving into a side story.
>[x] All of the things

>>22326853
>A brighter past

File: 1357007865975.jpg-(56 KB, 640x480, He stopped at ten inches.jpg)

>>22326889
I love you guys.

>>22326892
Even you, but in that fatherly disappointed "but..." way.

>>22326901
I have gimp and booze, what else am I gunna do on MHQ night?

Besides, Im not going to let the drawfags have ALL the image making fun.

>>22326901
B-But Dad...
>A darker future
It sounds more ominous and plays into current events. I love shit like that.

(Also Happy New Year's, everyone.)

>>22326853
>A Darker Future
Sounds like fun.

It's always
>A darker future

Why can't we have
>A more METAL future

>>22326956
You certainly could if everyone wanted it. Seriously, I like the idea I have for the darker future story, but I can always run it later or not at all. You guys have the wheel right now, I'm just along for the ride.

File: 1357008303689.jpg-(287 KB, 830x1281, PreModification.jpg)

I've had this image since before the last thread. Made me think of Em.

>>22326941
Screw that grim stuff, I want to here Lieutenant Fullmetools Best Day Ever.

>>22326956
Actually
>A more METAL future
Sounds absolutely awesome.
Can it be Em and Anode discovering WH40K?

>>22326990
I actually read that manga. It's pretty silly for a hentai.

File: 1357008506428.jpg-(7 KB, 141x205, masturbating.jpg)

>>22327009
....Please, continue.

File: 1357008514588.jpg-(96 KB, 640x480, idontlikewhatisee.jpg)

>>22327009

>>22326956
Speaking of metal, what kind of music does Anode listen to? Have we ever really considered that?

Oh and a more METAL future sounds amusing. I can take dark, if it goes that way though.

>>22327028
>>22327029
The doctor character in charge of the protagonist there says he has reached the peak of his capabilities as a combat machine and needs to make modifications to the system. He proceeds to change "him" into "her" and then goes on to test her.

>>22326853
Aside to all the Mav's we've beaten in the the Robot Afterlife.

>A brighter past

Let's look at that thing we ruined.

>>22326853
I, personally, want a base-shenanigans short story of someone on-base ghost riding the Crossmore, only to meet India on the way back to the hangar.

>>22327101
Only if we take Lieutenant Fullmetool along with us.

>>22327130
Mental image of Fullmetool sitting on the controls of the Crossmore while we walk alongside it, holding a conversation with him.

It is, indeed, an awesome mental image.

So... man, we got some ideas here.

Should I try to narrow them down here?

>>22327247
Might help.

>>22327247
Go ahead.

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>>22327159
God dammit.

Well goodnight folks, gunna have a good time.

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>>22327307

>>22327247
Add one more while you're at it.

>Cathode: Welcome to the 1st

>>22327405
Now there's a story.

>>22327405
I vote for this!

File: 1357010499380.jpg-(45 KB, 270x475, Androidtears.jpg)

>>22327405
>>22327425
>>22327529
Y'all are making me work tonight. Okay, got the options drafted, vaguely. Sort of. Maybe.

File: 1357010543443.jpg-(825 KB, 1469x1422, dueling hunters.jpg)

You are...

[A Brighter Past] >Colonel Schwarzhund, SA-rank maverick hunter.
[A Brighter Past] >Lieutenant India, ex-pilot.
[A Darker Future] >Maverick Hunter Emerald, 4th Overland Quartermaster.
[A METAL Future] >on contract for Castle, Inc.
[A METOOL Present] >Lieutenant Fullmetool.
[A Me Too Present] >Maverick Hunter Cathode, 1st Advance unit.
[Dead Mav's Round] >dead.
[Writein] >OTHER

[x] Cathode.

>>22327561
A Me Too Present. I want to see some more Cath, getting the other side of the siblings would be interesting.

It'll be a fun day when Cath and Node end up fighting something together.

>>22327561
>[A Brighter Past] Lieutenant India, ex-pilot.
or
>[Dead Mav's Round] dead.

>>22327561
ffff..... uhm......so hard

[x][A Me Too Present] >Maverick Hunter Cathode, 1st Advance unit

>>22327561
I'm torn.

I want to see Schwarz all rookie-ish.

But I think I'm gonna have to go with Cathode ans see her coworkers.

>>22327561
>[Dead Mav's Round] > Guns Wallaby

>>22327591
Didn't spot Cathode in there. Adding
>[A Me Too Present] Maverick Hunter Cathode, 1st Advance unit.

>>22327561
>[A METAL Future] >on contract for Castle, Inc.
I have no idea what this is but I like the sound of it.

>>22327646
I vote for this.

File: 1357011923120.png-(167 KB, 263x602, Cathode rough.png)

You are Lieutenant Cathode, A-rank, newest addition to the First Advance Unit. You are a fan of comics and animation of all stripes. You're fond of movies, but nothing like your brother in the Fourth.

And right now, you're watching a ping-pong match to end the world.

>>22328007
Who's winning?

File: 1357012200453.png-(337 KB, 721x667, Screen shot 2012-05-22 at(...).png)

>>22328007
Your boss--G-rank legend of the Hunters, Striker Cobra--squares off with Breakliner Ox--another famous veteran, one of the oldest remaining in service.

Each has a paddle in each hand, Breakliner hunched low over the rec room table. With each successive hit, Cobra has to dash further and further back to return the ball, but the little white projectile crosses the room in an eyeblink. It's the ultimate competition of strength versus speed.

Delphi sidles up to you. "So who's your money on?" she asks.

>100 zenny on the boss.
>Gotta give this to Ox.

>100 zenny on the boss.

>>22328078
100 zenny on the bossman. You know he's just waiting for an opportunity to school Ox.

>>22328078
Considering Anode's the quick one between the siblings:

>Gotta give this to Ox.

>>22328078
Patience may win out, but Cobra is likely G-rank for a reason.
>100 zenny on the boss.

Rolled 43

Gotta give it to the Ox. Good money says he pulls that little trick, 'oh? You're twenty feet from the table? Ah, but the ball, it just barely even made it over the net!'

File: 1357013603752.gif-(1.71 MB, 330x242, served.gif)

>>22328102
>>22328110
>>22328142
"A hundred says the boss takes it."

Delphi grins. "You're on." Folding her arms, the two of you watch as Striker bounds across the room and back in an eyeblink. Neither of you talk much--you'd hate to interrupt this clash of the titans and cause an undue end.

Finally, though, Breakliner winds up for a titanic swing--

And then gently teases the ball over the net with the other paddle.

To his credit, Striker even manages to sail back across the room to catch the ball, but his return goes wide, bouncing off the ceiling and rolling to your feet.

"Damn," you and Striker grumble as one. Delphi chuckles.

"It was this or Street Fighter again," Ox rumbles, "and the challenger jar is full again. Good game, sir."

You scoop up the ball, tossing it up and down lightly as they shake hands.

"Cath," Striker greets you with a nod. "I hear you owe Delphi some money."

"You've failed me for the last time. Sir." You pantomime shooting him with a finger-and-thumb pistol.

He does that little hiss-chuckle. "Well when you're finished executing me, go get Blitz and Bullet out of the bay."

>Acquire unit-mates?
>Slack a little?

>>22328426
>>Acquire unit-mates

Take Delphi with you, swing by your room on the way to get her her winnings.

>>22328426
"Oh no sir, you will die by pieces at my hand when the time comes. Watch your back, you lost me 100 zenny, and I do not forgive."

Then go acquire unit-mates.

>>22328426
>Acquire unit-mates?
Why those scrubs would miss a match like that, I don't know.

File: 1357014153780.png-(3 KB, 160x279, scree.png)

>>22328461
>>22328467
>>22328474
"You'll pay for this in time," you promise your boss. He rolls his eyes and waves you off with another snickerhiss.

If there's one thing Cobra is, it's impatient. You motion for Delphi to come with you as you head down to the mechaniloid bay.

Blitz is easy enough to find--Blitz Chiroptera, carefully reattaching a wheel to a plain old cart. You raise an eyebrow, but say nothing.

"Hey Cath," he greets. "Delph'. What's the word?"

"Bossman called for you," Delphi says. "Didn't mention what for."

"Have you seen Bullet anywhere?"

For just the briefest of instants a smirk crosses the bat's face. "Heh. Not for a little while, but last I saw he was just hanging out down by the laundromat."

>What did you do.
>Guess that's where I'm headed, then.

>>22328592
>What did you do.

>Acquire unit-mates

>>22328592

>What did you do

>>22328592
>>What did you do.
>>Guess that's where I'm headed, then.

>>22328592
>What are you doing?

>>22328592
>What did you do.

>>22328592
>Add Blitz Chiroptera to Party.

Rolled 3, 2 = 5

>>22328426
>>22328188
Hah! Called it.

>What did you do?

>>22328913
I actually rolled for it.

(Writing now. Sorry for unanticipated slowness.)

File: 1357015817141.png-(3 KB, 160x279, SCREE!.png)

>>22328606
>>22328610
>>22328635
>>22328702
>>22328722
>>22328769
>>22328834
>>22328913
Delphi nudges the wayward wheel with her boot--which promptly falls off again with a clatter. "So, uh. What's with the cart?"

"It's a long story involving rogue mechaniloids, a stubborn moose, and things that should not be. I guess I'll just go find the boss now."

"Oh no you don't," you chime in, snagging him by an ear. "You're coming to find Bullet with me."

"He, uh, may be a bit cross with me," Blitz says.

"Blitz, dearest of all my friends...What did you do?"

"I'm not telling until the statute of limitations has passed," he says blithely. You grumble and let him go.

"Fine, but you're still tagging along."

He throws up his arms (clocking Delphi with his wingsail in the process). "Fine, fine."

The three of you set off towards the laundromat.

Most of the time it's just humans and the occasional enlisted who pulls duty. You move past a trio of Lanceteamer Bingos and...

And is that groaning and clanking?

>LAUNDRY GHOST! PANIC!
>Investigate!

>>22329045
INVESTIGATE!!

>>22329045
>>LAUNDRY GHOST! PANIC!

You know you've seen a movie on how to handle this sort of situation.

>>22329045
>Investigate!
We will Scooby-Doo the shit out of this. Also,
>Blitz, dearest of all my friends
DEEEEEEEEEEEAREST OF ALL MY FRIENDS

File: 1357016039996.jpg-(146 KB, 1280x720, 1351838628070.jpg)

>>22329045

>LAUNDRY GHOST! PANIC!

>>22329045
Investigate the possibility of a laundry ghost infestation as cheerfully as possible. Attempt to not panic as hard as you can.

Happy New Year Maverick Hunter Quest!

File: 1357016465600.png-(161 KB, 450x260, everlastingpeace.png)

Happy 2013 from HCland, kids.

Still going strong here, we'll see how long we can keep at it.

File: 1357016917708.gif-(55 KB, 800x1001, beartato-popcorn.gif)

>>22329060
>>22329073
>>22329096
>>22329099
>>22329126
You freeze. Delphi bumps into you from behind.

"Ow, what th--" You hold up a hand for silence.

There it is again.

"Mother of Jinkies," you murmur in a hushed tone, before rounding on your team, expression as serious as a heart attack.

"Lady, gentleman, I don't want to alarm you but I feel I would be remiss if I did not inform you that we may be dealing with a laundry ghost."

Delphi stares at you blankly. Blitz doubles over laughing.

"We need more evidence to determine whether this is a dangerous poltergeist or merely some sort of playful restless spirit."

"Cath? Cath, you're doing that thing again. Where you go off and I have no idea what the hell--"

You point dramatically to the closet. "FORWARD!"

>CHARGE!
>Lead from behind! (And push Delphi in)

>>22329303
>Lead from behind! (And push Delphi in)

Make someone else deal with the Laundry Ghost, their sacrifice will enlighten us.

>>22329303
>Lead from behind! (And push Delphi in)

>>22329303
>Lead from behind! (And push Delphi in)

>>22329303
>Lead from behind! (And push Delphi in)

Go get her, Delphi!

File: 1357017535834.png-(325 KB, 1000x600, heyfuckyou.png)

>>22329315
>>22329323
>>22329334
You stop, mulling it over. "Hey, Delph..."

"What? You can't just yell 'forward' and then stop like that--"

"Soviet conscript says what?"

"WhAUGH" she flails as you shove the Greek lady into the closet, which Blitz helpfully holds open for her to careen through, making a grand sweeping gesture as if opening the door for aristocracy.

There's a reason you get on so well with him, after all.

You hear a distant crash and muffled yelling--from two voices.

"This is where you stashed Bullet, isn't it."

"I can neither confirm or deny that in the presence of a Soviet commissar, ma'am." Blitz says brightly.

You both head in to find a tangle of bedsheets and a moose.

"Bullet Gantlergun!" you exclaim. "Sakes alive, what have you been up to?"

He shoots you the dirtiest look you've ever seen before answering in a deep, low monotone. "Blitz disabled my arms and legs and put me in this linen closet for three hours."

You pluck the boxer shorts off his antler-barrels. "Oh my, that wasn't very nice."

Gantlergun continues, completely unamused. "When I am restored control of my extremities, I am going to force-feed him a ride armor."

>Try to talk him down first.
>Sorry, Blitz, I'm in it for the hilarity. You get five seconds' head start.

>>22329458
Can't right now, Cobra's calling.

We'll hold him for you later, to make up for it.

>>22329458
>>Sorry, Blitz, I'm in it for the hilarity. You get five seconds' head start.

This may just be my melatonin kicking in, but, I CAN ONLY SEE GOOD AND FUN TIMES COMING FROM THIS COURSE OF ACTION!

>>22329458
>Try to talk him down first.

"Look, I'll help you force-feed him ride armor later, bossman wanted me to acquire you guys for stuff."

>>22329494
^supporting this

>>22329458
>Try to talk him down first.
"Duty calls. I'll hold him for you later."

File: 1357018518080.jpg-(149 KB, 582x668, assume the position.jpg)

>>22329494
>>22329511
>>22329531
>>22329607
"I'd love to see that, but we just don't have the time. Striker's calling, and I'm not gonna be the one to make him wait."

Bullet grumbles, but relents, and you quickly re-enable the moose's limbs. He stretches and flexes his arms menacingly, causing Blitz to back away, hands up. Fortunately, he keeps to his word.

"So," you ask conversationally, "Rabbit?"

"Yes. The spikes will go down harder."

"Speaking of spikes, where's Centaurius at?"

"Haven't seen him, he might be out on call."

"Maybe bossman found him already," Blitz offers.

The four of you--American, Greek, Chilean, and Canuck--head back to the lounge. You manage to avoid any G-Gundam references. This time. You find Striker using the main widescreen, just finishing up a comms call with...

"Was that Commander Frog?"

"Yeah," Striker says, turning back to you all. "Just finishing up a little--Gantler, why is there a bathing suit on your hoof?"

Blitz collapses laughing again. Bullet's rumble is like murder by soundwave.

>Cover?
>Sell him out?
>Specifics?

>>22329690
Cover. The Canadians revenge will be greater than any reprimand the commander can dish out.

>>22329690
>Cover?
This is mild joking around, we'll help Bullet get Blitz back later, no need to involve the bossman.

"Wardrobe malfunction. He wanted to go swimming and forgot some important parts, and he also forgot to take it all off. Long story."

Then get mission details.

>>22329690
>Cover.
Blitz will get his, don't worry.

>>22329690
>You manage to avoid any G-Gundam references.

How I ask?

This one has the restraint of a saint.

>>22329690
Cover

>>22329690
>Cover.
>Then ask what Anode did this time...

File: 1357019772017.jpg-(97 KB, 730x548, oh god noooooo.jpg)

>>22329727
>>22329744
>>22329764
>>22329801
>>22329850
"Just a wardrobe malfunction, sir."

"As in, a malfunction in a wardrobe," Delphi mutters. You elbow her. Striker raises an eyebrow, looking at Blitz studiously as he recollects himself.

"Right." He turns to Gantlergun. "Am I going to be missing a ride armor in a few hours?"

"Sir," he replies, "Yes sir."

"Right," Cobra repeats, "thought so."

"Moving on, sir," you interrupt, "what did my brother do this time?"

"Nothing a fleet of Lifesavers won't fix, no doubt. Unrelated, actually, just getting Hammer up to speed. Now it's your turn. I'm going to be going in for some modernization again--keep pace with the times, you know? About that time for you too, Bullet."

"Scheduled for next month, sir," the patient, saintly moose says.

"Good timing, that. Anyway, I know a few of you are new to the unit so you don't know how this works. I'll be out for a few days while they upgrade what they can and replace what they can't. Not going full-body, I took care of that last year, thank heaven..."

Blitz's eyes brighten and his long ears perk up. You can practically SEE the word "PARTY" flashing across his optics.

"...and while I'm out, Bullet has command of the Unit."

And instantly, Blitz's expression reverses course and runs for the hills.

Slowly, deliberately, Gantlergun turns to him, and the saintly old hunter smiles with the Devil's teeth. Blitz cringes in abject horror.

>Add anything to this?

>>22329981
"How often does this process come up?"
"Anything we'll be doing in the meantime?"

>>22329981
Brought it on yourself, Camazotz.