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Sorry for the delay, I got caught up in town buying caffeine, food, and sugar.

Prior Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/24880951/
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Maverick%20Hunter%20Quest
The IRC: suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com, #MHQ
The Twitter: https://twitter.com/HunterCommand

You are Anode, temporarily off duty for damage, both psychiatric and physical, and you are currently sitting crosslegged on the floor of your quarters with a bowl of minestrone soup.
>>
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In the doorway is India, she of wings and flings, and she just observed, helpfully, that you're "cracking up."

"Yeah," you reply up at her dourly, "I noticed. Who told you?"

"No one in particular, just basewide scuttlebutt. So... what?" She shrugs.

[ ] No. Really. Who told you?
[ ] Tell her everything, honest-like.
[ ] Explain the stress, keep the traitor fears quiet.
[ ] Shut down. Say nothing.
[ ] Other?
>>
Rolled 96

>>25435131
Execute the traitorous soup. And let India in on the 'joke'.
>>
Rolled 39

>>25435150
>>25435163
Herpherp. I should learn to wait a few moments before posting.

[] Explain stress, keep the traitor fears quiet.
>>
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So hey, it turns out a friend of mine was inspired to run an MMX tabletop game, partly by MHQ, and I get to play. I figured we could mix things up a little bit, if you're game. I'll let you guys come up with my character concept. We're starting in the low levels, you guys game? Anything goes--humanoid, animal, production model. I could dredge up the chargen from thread 1 for a basic template, if'n you wanted.
>>
>>25435131
>[x] Tell her everything, honest-like.
Even the traitor bit. No sense holding shit back, hell, we are movie savvy, whats the first thing every person who gets betrayed does. Suspects everyone and keeps it to himself.
>>
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>>25435150
>[X] Tell her everything, honest-like.
Gotta get shit off our chest sooner or later.

>>25435174
This marks the, what, third or fourth-inspired campaign?
Anyway, for your character, you should make Reploid Dhalsim. Stretchable limbs, a teleport/quickstep, and some pyrokinetics.
>>
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>>25435245
That particular choice of inspiration is hilarious to me for reasons I shouldn't get into on 4chan.
>>
>>25435150
[x] Tell her everything, honest-like.
We should probably get Emerald in here as well, briefing those two on our suspicions in relative privacy would be ideal. I mean hell, he was fighting alongside us when we found out about the leak. That and we can start the wonderful game of I know you know I know you know I know.
>>
What a wonderful thread to wake up to.

[x] Tell her everything, honest-like.
>>
>>25435320
>>25435302
>>25435245
>>25435177
Okay, that's enough to start on. Before I do:
>Shanghai Emerald into this discussion? Y/N
>>
>>25435349
If he's around, yeah.
>>
>>25435349
We did sort of brush him off when he asked so why not.
>>
>>25435150
>[X] Tell her everything, honest-like.

No good comes from hiding doubts. Better to get slapped for it and get it out of your system than keep it hidden and let it grow into a flower of paranoia and betrayal.
>>
>>25435349
Yeah, if he's nearby.
>>
>>25435392
It doesn't matter because Anode is already a Maverick
>>
>>25435427
There are cases of people fighting it from the inside, if that TVtropes thing is to be believed.
>>
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>>25435320
>>25435302
>>25435245
>>25435177
>>25435392
You look up at her appraisingly before sighing and downing the rest of your bowl in one almighty gulp. Suffer the fate of the traitor, Italian vegetable medley.

"Okay, it's like th--Hang on." Wiping your chin with the back of your hand, you stand up, cross the room in three steps, and reach past India out into the hall, snagging a familiar, diminutive figure by the neck as he walks past. "HEY EM MOVIE NIGHT," you announce.

"Wait I actually have stuff to oh okay I guess," he manages as you reel him in by the arm. India helpfully swings in from the doorway, shutting it behind you and leaving relative solitude.

"Okay," you begin again, looking between Indy and Em, "It's like this. I think someone in the Fourth is a traitor."

India raises an eyebrow, but says nothing. Em leans forward. "What, really?"

"If not a traitor, there's SOME kind of leak or--something. Hell, both of you were there. The lack of intel about the missile on Bloodhound. Terapin said someone tipped him off."

"He said he knew we were coming," Em says, rubbing his neck reflexively at the memory of being held aloft by it. "It's not the same, but..."

"Better question," India adds. "Why are you telling us?"

"Well, like I said, you were both involved," you say. "And--well, I'm trusting the two of you with this. Em, I know you best out of anyone here, and Indy--well, I don't think you give enough of a fuck to sell us out."

She smirks at that as Em practically (ugh) beams. "I was hoping you were going to say 'if you really were the traitor nothing could stop you anyway,' but I'll take it."
>>
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>>25435671
"So, this is what you were talking about with Schwarz?" Em asks.

"Yeah--he's going to do some digging. Plus, there was Wallaby, this bullshit with Wolfspider and getting groundside support..."

Em nods. "I'll keep my eyes open."

India shrugs. "Schwarz will have all the proper channels taken care of better than I could, but I'll poke my nose in a few places it doesn't belong, break a few regulations, and so on."

"Anyway, that's one thing. The other is..." you sigh. "Frog just had to ask me, very nicely, if I'd gone maverick."

Even India looks curious at that. "Hello," she says, leaning in.

"I tried to take Wolfie alive. He killed himself on my coils. He also had a deadman switch wired into himself. That avalanche, in Alaska?"

"Oh, Jesus," Em offers, patting you on the back.

"Yeah. The timing was... let's call it 'suspect.' I get to add to my rosey human-killer reputation, and I get to deal with suspicion at home. Frog has me going to the counselors, at some point."

India taps her chin. "Normally I'm content to leave it lie, leave it unless people ask, but if you're talking about this...here's some unsolicited advice."

"All ears," you mutter.

"Find something to do with yourself. I mean--movies are good and all. Well, movies ARE, anyway--but if all you do is work and hunt you're going to go soundly off the deep end."

"So, what? I should take up knitting or something?"

Indy shrugs. "That's up to you, not me. But, say, you could build homerotic weapons--"

"Fuck you," Em grumbles.

"--Or paint, or draw, or write, or play games--"

"--Or strut around like a jumped-up fighter jock and womanize?" You ask. She chuckles.

"Something like that. Otherwise all you're doing is just... going through motions, without ever putting down the job. I've seen people crack that way. Or go all Rambo like Tanker."
>>
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>>25435683
You're interrupted by a knock on the door. "Er," Overclock says from outside, "It's me and Dodo. You were going to show us that mutant dinosaur movie, right?"

[ ] Sure, sure, in you get. It's MOVIE time!
[ ] Change of plans. Please take some of the enormous stockpile of booze Schwarz bought as consolation.
>>
Rolled 76

>>25435698
MOVIE time!
>>
>>25435698
>Movie time
>>
>>25435698
>[X] Sure, sure, in you get. It's MOVIE time!

"Thanks for the advice. I'll keep it in mind."
>>
Rolled 83

>>25435698
Movies shall be visually processed.
>>
>>25435698
>[X] Sure, sure, in you get. It's MOVIE time!
Thinking on it, we probably do need a proper hobby beyond nerding out about movies and media.
>>
For our hobby lets make a movie.
>>
>>25435781
"Node and Indy Make a Porno"
"Farenheit 21XX"
"A Few Good Mavs"
"The Lion King" (will require finding a lion reploid)
>>
>Implying fraternization with the rank and file and becoming alcoholism man isn't a hobby.
>>
>>25435806
>No "Mad Axe Max"

It's pretty clear that you no run barter town.
>>
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>>25435781
>>25435806
>>25435814
>>25435820
I love you guys.
>>
>>25435814
That's a hobby to supplement another hobby.
>>
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>>25435744
>>25435736
>>25435723
>>25435716
>>25435772
You're about to answer the door when you pause and grin. If they're going to call you crazy, crazy is what they'll get.

"Sure," you reply with glee, upturned soup bowl worn atop your helmet, throwing open the door and greeting Conda nose-to-nose with a manic grin. He promptly backpedals, almost tripping over Dodo, except for the fact that in snake mode he doesn't have any legs to slip out from under him. Laughing, Dodo steps past him and into the room as the snake reploid hisses irritably, muttering "wanker" under his breath.

"And," you add, "he's not a mutant dinosaur, he's Godzilla."

"Yeah, yeah. So..." Conda looks between you, Em, and India. "What were you doing?"

"Just hammering out details on my little project," the pilot replies smoothly--which is good, you suck at lying. "Em wanted to add an underslung beam bayonet so we could joust in the air."

"You're so full of shit," he replies with a growl. "What I wanted were disposable beam saber -missiles.-"
>>
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>>25436119
That gets a snicker out of Conda. India mans the refreshment table and starts passing out booze--interestingly, Conda declines adding nanites to his drink--and takes a seat near the back. He's tall--and even coiled, he's got a lot of mass to wind up. He's probably used to being in the way, so he moves himself out of it. Nice, that. Dodo plunks down beside him--apparently they're friends.

Whatever Em had to do, he apparently dropped, opting to raid the booze himself--whether it wasn't that important or he decided he'd rather hang out with you, you don't know. India leans against the wall, idly inspecting your small collection of souvenirs from the museum. You leave the door open for any comers, and get your movie playing.

...And, unfortunately, despite yourself, you can't get into it. You've become everything you've ever hated.

But you just have too much on your mind. Adding an allegory about the danger of old nuclear weapons is just...not helping.

The others, at least, seem to enjoy the movie as it plays on, but all you can do is sit and think. And drink.

>Get liquored up. Fuck all of this.
>Try to get some work done while they watch.
>Other?
>>
>>25436132
>Try to get some work done while they watch.
Too much on our mind to get liquored up, plus it would hardly do well to have conda and dodo talk about it. Its not a coping situation either like that killteam. May as well keep ourselves busy, but quietly as to not to disturb them.
>>
>>25436132
>Other?
Get outside and go for a walkabout on base. Get some fresh air. We should try and avoid work for now. Like India just said, if we don't do anything else, we really WILL crack. Distracting ourselves with booze will only go so far.
>>
>>25436197
We can do that after the movie. Get a nice midnight jog or something after they are good and liqoured up. No sense leaving Lt. Metool alone with a bunch of rowdy moviegoers.
>>
>Try to get some work done while they watch.
What kind of work can you do while you're here? Do you have forms to fill out or something?
>>
>>25436132
plot out in our head what kind of cash we'd need to actually make our own movie. I mean, why the fuck not, even if it was something like a documentary?
>>
>>25436360
I say we do this.
>>
>>25436360
>Generation Kill with reploids.
>>
>>25436132
>DISREGARD SANITY, ACQUIRE BOOZE
>>
>>25436132
>[X]Get liquored up. Fuck all of this

ALCOHOLISM
>>
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>other
DISREGARD BITCHES
ACQUIRE HATS
>>
>Try to get some work done while they watch.

Since you brought up character creation, I'll give it a go.

Chassis: Anthromorph/Grouper
Element: Gravity
Onboard Weaponry: Wrist mounted Miniaturized Rapid Plasma Casters, Palm Mounted Gravity Inducers.
Combat Class: B
Name/Designation: Gravity Grouper
>>
>>25436132
>Get liquored up. Fuck all of this.

Anode doesn't want to deal with this shit anymore
>>
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>>25436178
>>25436197
>>25436233
>>25436360
>>25436461
>>25436486
>>25436590
>>25436631
It's tempting to just dive into the cart and make a booze angel, but you know at the end of the day you'll just regret it. Plus, like Schwarz said--you should watch your back. If you're right--if there is a traitor...

Well. Maybe one drink won't hurt. You could use it.

...Maybe two. Or three.

Still, you drink slow (even if you overload it with the nanites), nursing and slowly taking the edge off. Slowly and carefully, you work your way across the room and check your door terminal. There's a message from Mike, the Steel Beret attached to Grach, asking you to see him (marked low priority, and the message itself says no rush), and another about noncombat duties you could (and will eventually have to) perform.

Em, meanwhile, notices you and sneaks over. "Not feeling it, huh?" He whispers.

"Not so much," you admit, taking another sip from your drink.

"I was gonna go wrap up that thing for your sister," he says. "That utility belt? Wanna come along?" Shit, that's right--your shared birthday is coming up pretty damn soon now.

>Sure, sounds fun. Maybe we can work out what to do with Wolfspider's data, too.
>Better not. Look into these noncombat duties.
>I was gonna go check on Mike, see what he had for me.
>Other?
>>
>>25436676
>Sure, sounds fun. Maybe we can work out what to do with Wolfspider's data, too.
>>
>>25436698
Seconding.
>>
>>25436676
>Obtain a copy of Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels; it'll be a nice mood-brightener, and you can slip it into movie night after the allegorical kaiju is done with.

India was right. Our mental health is NOT getting any better from focusing on work all the damn time.
>>
>>25436698
Why not, lets go with this. Shame I'm interested in the 'no rush' now.
>>
>>25436676
>Sure, sounds fun. Maybe we can work out what to do with Wolfspider's data, too.
Busy hands, etc etc.
>>
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>>25436698
>>25436755
>>25437489
>>25437596
Despite the fact that it's the old, familiar routine, you nod. "Yeah, let's go. Indy, you're in charge of Fullmetool. Hands up above the waist, LT, she's only a pilot."

"Only a--" India's outraged protest is cut off as you close the door behind you while Em giggles maniacally.

"She's gonna get you for that, you realize."

"Oh yeah," you reply. "Worth it."

You think about her words as you head down toward the lab again--some people build stuff. Others, like her, put on this weird persona--in a way, you guess, you do too. You're not crazy. You think. But it's sure fun to pretend.

"By the way," Em says as you make it to your destination. "Thanks."

"For what?"

"For trusting me. Feels good, man."

"No problem. Just don't be the murderer or whatever, my little heart couldn't take it."

Em pats you on the shoulder. "You got it. Okay, before this gets all mushy, let's look over this data."

----
>>
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>>25437760
Per the conversation two threads ago, the upgrade choices most commonly voted on were:

>Flash Fog: Underslung nozzles mounted on your busters will allow limited-release of LN capsules, launching a freezing spray in a short range in front of you. This could technically do damage if you catch an enemy very, very close, but the primary benefit is a rather instantaneous fog wall. It doesn't run on VWES, which adds to your versatility but limits its offensive power. This could be overcome with future upgrades, and perhaps you could even contrive your own LN Injector system, similar to Wolfspider's.

>Flash Freeze: By priming your targets with a quick blast of LN, you could improve your misericorde's damage and penetration even beyond that of a hi-beam weapon. Due to the C. Capacitor channels built into your primary weapon, this is unavailable to your Ascent Lance.

>Buster Supercoolant: By incorporating the LN into coolant lines in the inner workings of your busters, you could temporarily boost your heat mitigation capacity and fire your busters for long, continous bursts without risk of overheating, damage, or melting. This would give you a brief burst of damage output--the file projects that you could match even Guns Wallaby's volume of fire for a few seconds.

The other options are still on the table, available here. http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/24622755/#p24628864

----

>Select option?
>>
>>25437768
I'm a fan of the flash fog.
>>
>>25437768
Would the fog deal damage if a target moves through it similar to the blackout?

Because more area denial is always a good thing.
>>
>>25437768
>>25437768
>Make a beer cooler
NON-COMBAT UUUUUSSEEEE
Later add it to your VWES and fire Ice cold beers out of your busters.
>>
>>25437855
Yeah, the future upgrade potential is especially intriguing. We'll be the scariest Maverick ever.
>>
>>25437889
Not so much--the fog would be unpleasantly cold, of course, but unless you catch them at absolute point-blank with it as you fire the damage would be minimal, if anything.

It's very much a long-run kind of upgrade--it will pay great dividends, if you put enough dosh into it.
>>
>>25436982
Aww, man, I just rewatched that one last night. Love that movie.
I hope Guy Ritchie wraps up those awful Sherlock Holmes movies and starts working on the RocknRolla sequel soon.
>>
>>25437922
I say go with Flash Fog then.
>>
>>25437768
Supercooler! So we may also survive the next time we plug into an orbital supercannon.
>>
>>25437768
[X] Buster Supercoolant:
More dakka.
>>
If only to stir the pot a little more, I'll also remind you Schwarz suggested it would help your generalist combat style (and thus your long-term survival) if you went with the misericorde upgrade. Em, of course, is always eager to do science to sabers.
>>
>>25437768
Each time this comes up I always say Flash Freeze for the misericorde. We go close combat so often but haven't really upgraded those capabilities.
>>
>>25438067
... good point.

>>25438056
change to [X] Flash freeze
>>
>>25438067
>>25438103
I'll follow suit.

Change >>25438008
to Flash Freeze
>>
Rolled 27

>>25437768
Flash Freeze.
>>
A vote for SUPERCOOLANT is a vote for MORE DAKKA.
>>
Okay, calling it for Flash Freeze. Also, feel free to come up with a snappy name for your icy-hot misericorde. ...Snap Freeze? Eh, whatever.

Also updating to let you know Team Jerkass is ambushing me sometime tonight (preferably later) to see the new Superman. This frees up tomorrow for me to continue writing, at least. Just wanted to let you know in advance.
>>
>>25438379
>>25438376
Whoops, spoke juuuust a hair too soon there. That ties Flash Freeze and Supercoolant votes up.
>>
>>25438395

Flash-Freeze. There ya go.
>>
>>25438395
I always gotta come in to ruin a vote.

>>25438412
Damn. Oh well.
>>
I vote for Flash Freeze.
>>
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Just for shits and grins, I vote we start drawing up designs for some crazy form of ride armor at some point...
>>
>>25438461
Well, at some point I'll get you a drawing of the Crossmore...

Still open to character ideas for my character in that maverick hunter game, by the way.
>>
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>>25438461
Man, you just HAD to bring up Molly. I'm still pissed she didn't get to be in the game. Her alt colors alone would have been totally worth it.
>>
>>25438576
Start with a TF2 class. Proceed with animal themes.
>>
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>>25438576
PAC-MAN X
>>
>>25438576
Where is that Metal Gear Solid codename generator when you need it.
>>
Rolled 1

>>25438661
...I can't find any problem with this idea whatsoever.
>>
>>25438776
>Rolled 1
...
Well now.
>>
Gonna go ahead and vote for Flash Freeze. Also, adding that we should totally ask Em if we can change the angle of the emitters, just so we can make that old ice sickle/icicle joke.

Also, for your character, why not use one of your own, as-yet unused characters?
>>
>>25438661
Man, I can see it now. His special ability wouldn't be some form of RPS mechanic, but comes in the form of power pills he can ingest to gain a sudden boost to all of his RAPETRAIN stats.
>>
>>25438912
I figured it would be a bit fun to mix things up, let you guys run me, so to speak.
>>
>>25438776
Doc, this isn't Akuma Quest. Take your dice off.
>>
>>25438918
You know, I posted as a joke, but I can actually see this working. Perhaps as a quirk of his specially formulated stomach, he has to eat at least 3 times as much as a regular reploid.
>>
>>25438934
Oh. In that case, play a heavily modified steel beret with a tank barrel or rail cannon as a shoulder-mounted weapon. Go for heavily armored long range fire support. Have a chargeable buster rifle as a side weapon.
>>
>>25438934
Play a Spec-Ops reploid who's special ability is laser eyes. That way if you'retied up you don't need your limbs to do damage or free yourself.
>>
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>>25437768
Considering you got advice from one of the oldest and most formidable hunters you'll likely ever meet, it's not hard to pin down your decision. You produce the misericorde Em helped you build with a flourish and toss it to him.

He catches it without looking up, opening a drawer and pulling out what can only be described as the goddamn Batman's utility belt.

"I didn't put in any weapons data," he says. "It'd cost a ton, and I figured that even incorporating the coils would be..."

You wince, remembering what happened last time you tried to use them. "Yyyyeah. Good call."

"That said, I'm pretty proud of my work here. Solid construction, called a few people I know for help with parts of it."

"Parts of it?" you ask. He lays the belt out on the countertop and begins pulling the cylindrical canisters out, one by one.

"Backup external commlink, grapple gun--that works, by the way, rated for about a thousand pounds, same kind Schwarz uses--triage kit with stuff for humans and reploids, lockpicks, mini-light, a bola--it'll work but probably not more'n once--some handcuffs--bought some surplus from the 10th, not like they're using 'em--aaaand..." Em produces a matte-black, familiar metallic shape.

"You actually--"

He grins. "Ceratanium. Same stuff that will block a shot or a beam. Made it myself out of some leftovers from an older project. Just the one, though."
>>
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>>25439212
God damn. He really went whole hog on this one. "She's going to love this. Thanks, Em."

"No problem. So...what do you want?"

"What?"

"For your birthday."

"Pfft, I dunno. One thing at a time, think you can help me make that an ice-sickle?" Then again, maybe if he could get you more of those cuffs, you could stop relying on bladed wire for nonlethal takedowns... Then again again, it's not like you're properly equipped for them in the first place. It could be a good way to get yourself killed.

Your little green bro groans. "Fortunately for me, no, you can't really bend a beam that way. Though this one-two punch idea's solid enough. If you amp the coolant up enough, you could even trigger it without engaging the beam. Freeze 'em solid, or stun 'em, or just slow 'em down."

"Handy," you say.

"Yeah, I've got a shocky-saber kicking around somewhere that does about the same thing."

>See if Em can help fix your broke-ass armor, while you're at it. Too soon to get upgrades, but maybe you could plan some out...
>Ask for something for your birthday.
>Drag Em out for a bro night. He earned it. Or at least figure out some way to get him back for his work on the utility belt.
>Go see Mike/go look into your other duties.
>Maybe see about that counseling appointment.
>Other?
>>
>>25439218
>Return to your room. By now India has most likely redecorated it and/or taken the Lt hostage.
>>
>>25439294
Good call. We can bro around with Em later on, anyway. Perhaps after we get the armor back, but we definitely owe him some bro time.
>>
>See if Em can help you fix your broke-ass armor, while you're at it. Too soon to get upgrades, but maybe you could plan some out...

>Ask Em when his birthday is and what he wants. Joke about him wanting swords/phallic imagery.

Then do >>25439294
>>
Goddamnit, me. Wrong thread. Let's try this again with less idiocy and shame.

Aaaand it looks like Team Jerkass opted for the earlier of the two viewing times, to account for a friend who works early in the morning. So, off I go, and back tonight (though maybe not for long), then more tomorrow.
>>
>>25439649
CURSE YOU TEAM JERKASS
>>
>>25439218
>>See if Em can help fix your broke-ass armor, while you're at it. Too soon to get upgrades, but maybe you could plan some out...
>>
>>25438744
>Metal Gear Solid codename generator
http://archive.foolz.us/tg/thread/23584449
>>
HC here, bumpin' from Team Jerkass's evil lair.

Spoilers for the movie: Superman is Clark Kent. Who knew?
>>
Wait, how could no one have suggested this?
Metal Corgi. Invest in defenses enough to be harder to kill than Terapin, but without the weapon systems he had to back it. Also, fond of tumbling down stairs to attack people.

Mind if I ask what system you're going to use?
>>
>>25441522

That is the link, but the full image seems to have been lost.
>>
Try this.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/25410667/images/1371116806371.png
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Rolled 99, 58 = 157

>>25442735

Manage to find the original creation thread and 2nd thread for it. Lets see what we get.
>>
>>25443092

Shaman Moose
>>
>>25443105
Sounds mystical and Canadian.
>>
Rolled 1, 28 = 29

>>25443092
>>
>>25443237
Revolver Swan
>>
>>25443275
28 is Barracuda.

I'm imagining a lean sea based reploid armed with six shoot torpedo tubes.
>>
Home! And drop dead tired again! I should probably look into that.

Gonna go pass out again, will resume tomorrow. As always, thread is open to questions, comments, stories, or the war to make HC's character.

Speaking of: >>25442314
Legend, using some other bits like generalized races. Level 3 starting out, probably going to be a lot of upward mobility.
>>
>>25443307
>Legend
Sir. I like your choice, and hope to see the custom bits at some point.
>>
This should probably be archived
>>
>>25444327
Command is out, probably should just try to keep the thread alive until he wakes up again.
>>
>>25444509
That's the plan, but I figure archiving it would be a smart thing to do as well.
>>
>>25444526
We're only a little over 100 posts in a thread that only autosages at 300. Plus, MHQ threads have a reputation of spanning multiple days.
>>
>>25444652
True, but the last few times they died prematurely.
>>
Rolled 52, 30 = 82

>>25443092
Another maverick for the grinder!
>>
Rolled 75, 34 = 109

>>25445082
Raging Flamingo! The angriest of all flamingos!
I can see him being some kind of fast attack reploid.
>>
Rolled 18, 33 = 51

>>25445300
And here's Crying Leopard! The saddest of all leopards! I don't know what he does but he probably needs therapy for it.
>>
>>25445340
Not every Reploid needs to be military.Maybe he is is a Reploid psychologist?
>>
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Rolled 81, 65 = 146

>>25442735
Posting this image inline, for convenience.

>>25443092
I mostly prefer the attached chart's left column -- there's a wider variety of 'elements', although some of them are questionable...

>>25445082
... as exemplified by this roll. And after you're done laughing, reverse the order of the numbers and check again.
>>
>>25447621
Loli Predator and Moon Princess?
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>>25447621
... so I have my choice of Aerial Stallion (>>>/mlp/) or Giant Flea (pic related?) Oh well. We can't all be winners.

>>25447746
It's not just me imagining a Predator Chibi-Usa, right?
>>
>>25447784
I don't know what to say to that.
>>
Tally-ho, chaps. I'll grab some coffee and get underway, though as always, second days are slow going, particularly early on.
>>
>>25449604
Woohoo!

I can't believe nobody asked how the LN would function underwater when one of our targets is underwater.
>>
>>25449604
Reporting in.
>>
>>25449667
Probably cause a small cavitation. And by small, I mean "be lucky you're not a human hunter trying this."
>>
>>25449734
>Anode has learned Mantis Shrimp Style
>>
>>25449734
Probably should test that before going after that water guy.

Also, if we go after the sun guy... do it at night please.
>>
Planning another hunt now is getting a bit ahead of ourselves. Anode doesn't even have armor now, and still needs to hit the shrink after all.
>>
>>25449922
You are right. I think we are looking at a good 2 or 3 weeks convalescence.
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>>25439294
>>25439314
>>25439324
>>25440372
Em puts a few finishing touches on the utility belt before handing it over and putting your misericorde on the table. "You want to give it a try?"

"Egh, better not," you say. "I doubled up on nanites back there and I don't really know what the hell I'm doing."

"Fair enough. I'll save the game plan on this for when your head stops buzzing. Got to do a bit of metalwork to set it up anyway."

You pull a face. "Ngh, speaking of metalwork, that reminds me. Do you think you can do anything for my chestplate?"

"Ennnh...probably not, sorry. Not by myself, anyway. Armor is tricky, and definitely not my specialty. Plus--"

"Plus what?"

"Plus, if I messed something up, I wouldn't want you to get your ass killed because of my fuckup," he says. "I don't know how you do it."

"Do what? Fuck up?"

"No, no, I mean like... you just dive headlong into things. The stuff with the range, and..." He pauses, fishing out some cutting tool or another, and continues hesitantly. "...And that shit with Grach."

"What shit? There was a lot of it."

"I mean that team you told us about. With the humans."

"Oh. Yeah. Yeah, and look where that got me," you reply bitterly.

"No, man, I'm serious. You made a call that I--not just wouldn't, but couldn't." He looks up at you, work momentarily abandoned. "Listen, I picked quartermaster because it's putting shit in boxes and checking off lists. Worst case scenario there is that someone misses a crate and someone doesn't get their crossword puzzles for a week. I don't go in with Beret detachments because I'm afraid I'll fuck something up, get someone killed. But you--you're fearless, man. And I respect that."

He coughs. "Right, enough of that. I can't fix your armor alone, but I can be on deck when R&D shows up, and come up with ideas. You liked that modular armor idea, right? Any ideas on that front?"

>Suggest something.
>...Nope, I got nothin'.
>More/other?
>>
>>25450174
Not quite that long. I want you to experience downtime, not just timeskip it, but I won't drag it out past its due.

Also, heading out for coffee and breakfast, just FYI.
>>
>>25450239
>...Nope, I got nothin'.
Speaking of we should look into what that note was about, it may have been low priority but given how sloshed we are, its better we handle that than say, show up to the shrink.
>>
>>25450239
I see 3 modules off the top of my head:

Heavy Assault Mode - Heavy Armor and Shield. Backpack with a built in generator to charge the capacitors.

Medium Combat Mode - Enhanced Standard.

Light Infiltrator Mode
>>
>>25450239
we could do some bull shit with the couching point on our armor maybe make it hook up to our main power and give the lance more omph.
>>
>>25450382
The lance already connects to our main power. Only real way to make it more electrical is by having more electricity.
>>
If we can ever afford epidermal, we can go modular. Until then, it's skin. However, hard points for adding new bits, possibly similar to armored armadillo's armor, or magnetic enough to cover with extra plating for worse missions...hm. Sit on it for now, talk crazy with R&D specialist?
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I drew a not funny comic strip, enjoy
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>>25450370
>>25450503
"Well," you decide, "Let's start with the obvious. Light, medium, heavy armor?"

"Tricky, but technically doable," Em says. "The problem there is that you either need to have three sets of armor built for you--not happening unless you go bag a few G-ranks or something--or you need to make mounting hardpoints to stack all three layers. Also doable, but hardpoints have their own vulnerabilities. They're structural weakpoints. Take one out, and you lose whatever's mounted. Also why you don't want to put armor hardpoints on yourself. Weapons are a little better."

"Could actually be useful if you designed a breakaway system, like rocket stages."

"I've known a few hunters who do that, yeah. Generally they have more specialized jobs, though."
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>>25451010
"How about a magnetic system? Powered armor, active defense, that sort of thing?"

"Well, you can do it, but you'll probably want more system hardening. And like I said, keep that shit away from me. Magnetics and gravitics fuck me right up. Your best bet would be a lightweight magnetic buffer system. There's some human ace who plays around with them all the time, uses them offensively."

"So do I just strap it to my chassis and wade in or something?"

Em shrugs. "Dunno. That's strictly human op stuff, for most of us it's like rolling around in radiation. I don't know how you'd mount it--can't be too hard if they're regulation standard-issue for humans--and I dunno how you'd weaponize it, I just know you can."

"Well, it's one more for the idea stack."

"They do tend to pile up, don't they?" Em grins. "I had this idea once to gut my buster, replace it with a mini-fabricator tied to a WEAPON generator and make saber hull templates. I'd get like five shots with it, but hey. Disposable quick-use sabers, balanced for throwing."

Despite yourself, you start laughing. "I'm not sure if that's stupid or brilliant."

"Hey, if it's stupid and it works... So hey, want to get R&D on the horn?"

>Two slightly inebriated reploids making science in a lab? They'll love it!
>Better not. Maybe I'll go see what Mike wanted.
>Other?
>>
>>25451015
Lets go see Mike.
>>
>>25451015
>>Better not. Maybe I'll go see what Mike wanted.
No sense doing it without a clear head. May as well get whatever this is out of the way so we can distract without alcohol later.
>>
>>25451015
>Better not. Maybe I'll go see what Mike wanted.
Plus, I've a mind of checking in with Liberty Labs, see if they had any offloaded ideas for what to do with our armor at some point.
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>>25451049
>>25451055
>>25451181
You shake your head. "Nah, not just yet. I wanted to call my folks, see what they wanted to do about my armor."

"Well, whatever you end up doing, you'll need to have your current set restored. It'll take a while to draft up new stuff."

"Stupid inexorable march of time."

"I know, right?"

"Anyway, I'm gonna go see what Mike wanted."

"Sure thing," Em nods. "I'll finish up the work on the knife. Also, think about what you want for your birthday."

"Tell you what," you say, "You tell me when yours is and I'll trade you."

"May 4th," he says, "and I dunno."

That gives you a moment of pause. "Wait, your birthday is 5/4?"

He looks at you quizzically. "Yeah..."

"And you use sabers?"

"...Yeaaaah...?"

You start giggling maniacally. "Okay, I'm out of here. May the Fourth be with you, Em."

You pop back into your room--the party's hummed along without you, and you're a bit gratified to see that someone has popped in another movie in your absence. India is leaning against your recharger pod, arms folded, Fullmetool carefully balanced on her head. He always was a charmer, that one. Dodo and Conda are chatting quietly, both still paying attention to what looks like The Great Escape.

Excellent. With a grin you send a quick message to Mike, who tells you to meet him outside the main headquarters building. You're a bit too soused to ride, so you hoof it. You wanted to take a brisk walk anyway. It does help clear your head, you admit, watching the lights fly by, and it gives you a little time to think.

>Try to sort out how you feel. Not having time to process is probably half your problem.
>Double time it. Don't make Mike wait.
>>
>>25451688
>Try to sort out how you feel. Not having time to process is probably half your problem.
No one's going anywhere, and the time spent can be justified as just getting there on foot. We're not on a strict timer, so we can afford to navel-gaze.
>>
>>25451688
>>Try to sort out how you feel. Not having time to process is probably half your problem.
This seems prudent. I'm sure he'd understand.
>>
>>25451688
>>Try to sort out how you feel. Not having time to process is probably half your problem.

Also I think we should look into "upgrading" Lt. Full Mettool
>>
>>25451795
What I mean is that we should get an actual Metool as a pet.
>>
>>25451804
Pets do help with stress...
>>
>>25451804
I like this idea.
>>
>>25451804
>>25451949
>>25452058
Suppose we would have to talk with Tugg in R&D about it then since he's got one.
>>
>>25452092
Oh yeah. That guy did have one.
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>>25451711
>>25451718
>>25451795
I'm not sure if I used this before, but I can't not do it again here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_WurTZJrpE

Thinking back, it's a wonder you didn't go nuts sooner. You're a maverick hunter. Almost every day of your life has had you risking it. And so far, just about every time, you've nearly died. Day in, day out. It's like being in a war zone.

Not that they like that kind of talk, of course--every government is quick to say that the hunters are not a military organization. Or at least, not a wartime one. If there can be wars on drugs and terror, why not on mavericks? Maybe because it implies a level of legitimacy to the maverick threat, maybe because the idea of an army that answers to no nation worries them.

And then there's this traitor business. Is this what they meant? Back on your first day, Frog told you that the Fourth felt typical snafus much more keenly than most other units due to its diverse operating conditions. Is that your mandate? Risk your ass and almost die because someone in the back can't do paperwork for shit? Is that why Em is so afraid of taking on those duties he talked about? Christ, this isn't even touching on the nagging suspicion that somebody wants you dead.

...Dead. There it is. Not "retired," to hell with that fluff. Dead is dead, reploid or otherwise. They're sending you out there to kill, and to die. And it's been a narrow thing, sometimes. And the more you think about it, the more you realize.

Hunting is going to get you killed.

You understand Schwarz, now, why he was so adamant. Generalizing means nothing can catch you where you're vulnerable, nothing can put you off-guard. Just a few hours ago, Schwarz was drinking himself blind, something he told you to be careful about, and told you he knew exactly how you, he, and Em were going to die. And if you keep hunting until the day you fail, you will.
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>>25452624
But at the same time, he had a lot of faith in you, didn't he? Told you he sees potential in you, which is something coming from a ten year veteran. You've been at this for around a month, and you aren't sure you'll be alive in a year. More than that, the old dog seems to like you. Unless it's an act, of course, and he's the traitor, which is a terrifying, terrifying thought.

And when you're not terrified, you're angry. All this death and pain, and what happens? When they need a media darling, they leak your name as the one who found the maverick virus, as if that was anything other than blind chance. You've killed--reploids and humans alike. You feel worse about the humans, which disgusts you in its own way--why care more for one than the other? The hunters sure as hell do. You risk your life and tie yourself up in knots over the blood on your hands, and they promptly accuse you of being the same kind of monster they send you out to kill. But hey, at least the pay is good, right?

But... hey. For all the cynicism, the need is there. Look at Jagwire--no politics there. He had to die. He was a monster, and you put him down. None of the targets they've sent you against (barring Grach--you think--) has been anything less than a killer. Every time you go out, you're saving lives. Even this Wolfspider business--the avalanche was horrible, but there's no way you could have known, and whatever the hunters think about your reasons, you tried your damndest to take him in alive. And if you hadn't killed him there, he would have gone on to attack people again. At the end of the day, you do take some pride in your work. It has to be done, and by blind chance, you were born--built--into the world as a hunter officer.

There it is again. Blind chance. You're not sure you believe in luck, but yours is either very, very good or very, very bad. Is what you go through any better or worse than what any other soldier goes through?

Now if only you could figure out which.
>>
>This self reflection
This can only end well
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>>25452661
Your feet have carried you on autopilot, the main HQ building going from a distant spire to a looming one. Mike's waiting for you (a bit hard to tell him apart at a glance, so he said he'd be on the front steps), and waves you over.

"So what brings you here?" you ask by way of greeting.

"Grach's in for another round of questioning," he replies, jerking a thumb behind him at the facility. "I'm stuck here until he's out."

"Ouch. Been waiting long?"

"I read everything there was to be read in one of the public lounges. Did you know they have something like eight million kinds of tea?"

You snort. "Give or take. So what did you want to talk about?"

He pulls a small datapad out. "Well, I think I mentioned that the Berets have an internal communication forum between us, right?"

"I think so, yeah..."

"Been keeping tabs on it. Here. You've got a bit of a following."

"My name in lights, just like I always wanted," you remark dryly, expecting more of the worst.

In part, you're right--you can't make out everything, the production models seem to have a shorthand jargon they use in their communiques--but it's not hard to guess what the [HK] designator next to your name means. In light of the accusations and rumors of you going crazy, a few more truckloads of fuel have been added to the fire.
>>
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>>25452945
On the other hand, though, expanding a thread of conversation, you're surprised to see a handful of Berets and Lanceteamers taking your corner and attesting to your performance in combat. One even has a side-discussion talking about how insane you and Em are--poor guy must have been dragged along on the Terapin mission.

"See? It's not all bad," Mike says. "And I'd had an idea to run by you."

"Yeah?"

"I could set you up a limited-access account--I mean, technically, all of our internal correspondence is monitored, so you could read it all anyway, but that would just come across as throwing your weight around."

"So what, I could get an up-to-the-minute feed of what the enlisted think of me?"

"Not just that. I was thinking you could open up a Q&A with them. Take their questions point-blank. Not everyone would go for it, but you could try and set the record straight. What do you think?"

"Wouldn't that be intrusive? I mean, it's your private space."

"That's why I'd limit it--restrict it to stuff about yourself. What do you think?"

>It's worth a shot. Set it up.
>It could backfire. I wouldn't.
>>
>>25452950
It _could_ backfire.

But do it anyway. Could prove to be enlightening and could get more people on the range.
>>
>>25452950
Worth a shot, we may not be the most eloquent of folks but it'd be good to stretch that diplomacy muscle.
>>
>>25452950
>Take the shot.
>>
>>25452950
>It's worth a shot. Set it up.
"I'm Anode, A-rank Lieutenant of the Fourth Overland. Ask me anything."
An AMA starring us would be pretty cool.
>>
>>25453244
>"I'm Anode, A-rank Lieutenant of the Fourth Overland. Ask me anything."
>Meanwhile on /k/
But yeah, lets go with it.
>>
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>>25453269
>Meanwhile on /k/
Nuggets.
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>>25453269
>>25453335
>>
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>>25453005
>>25453031
>>25453055
>>25453244
"It's worth a try," you admit. "Thanks. Worst case, they hate me more than they already do, right?"

Mike chuckles. "Grach would probably have a thing or two to say about that."

"What's he up to, anyway? Aside from being aggressively debriefed, I mean."

The Beret shrugs. "Not much he can do with his security clearance, though he's been hinting that he's up to something. The good kind of something," he adds.

"I should catch up sometime. Was there anything further about his... family?"

"Some," Mike nods. "None of it good. On the bright side, it's apparently corroborating some of his story to Command."

"What is that still in doubt?"

"Parts," Mike says. "I like the guy, but he's not exactly coming to us out of Sunday school, you know?"

"Yeah, I noticed. He seems decent enough for... a serial war criminal turned arms dealer," you manage.

"Did what he was built for. So do we."

"True enough. What do the Berets think of him?"

"Not a whole lot," Mike says. "Most of it's classified. A few rumblings about it around your name because of the op."

"Of course."

"Shouldn't be too much longer," Mike says. "Want to wait it out for him?"

>May as well, as long as I'm here.
>Nah, I have things to do (such as...)
>>
>>25453395
>May as well, as long as I'm here.
It'd be a long walk back to base anyway. Shooting the shit with a Beret is rather relaxing.
>>
>>25453395
>>May as well, as long as I'm here.
Why not.
>>25453335
>Nuggets are still around 100 zenny even in 21XX
>>
>>25453470
I would be completely unsurprised if a Maverick gets taken down by surprise by a human with a nugget.
>>
>>25453489
And lo Captain Sergei Mosin and Leon Nagant smiled down from the vodka drenched heavens as a round of 7.62x54mmR brought down yet another fascist invader.
>>
>>25453395
May as well wait
>>
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>>25453568
>>25453470
>>25453455
"Well, as long as I'm in the neighborhood..."

Chatting with Mike is a nice diversion. It's interesting to hear about things from the perspective of the rank and file--on the one hand, they have to march to whatever tune the officers order, and their lives are sold even more cheaply than your own--on the other, they don't have to deal with the decisions and personal scrutiny you're under. Of course, you have a fighting chance against a high-profile target if they catch you--a Beret would probably be, as Mike puts it, "proper fucked." Your pay rate's higher, though you're expected to do much, much more with all those millions that went into making you.

The two of you have some friendly back-and-forth banter about enlisted versus officers while he sets up that account for you. It actually turns out you have to do a lot of the same things (that will be waiting for you to do them at some point in your future, joy of joys): Review deployments, analyze combat data, debrief, talk about strategy, check the boards for new intel, maintain your gear, check in with R&D, get briefed on notable mavericks, review attack patterns and severity, attend meetings... lovely.

It's not long before Mike's charge shows up, flanked by two armed Lanceteamers. They remain on guard until Mike officially receives them, stowing his datapad and unslinging his own buster rifle. "Nice to see you," Grach greets. "Armor in for repairs?"

"Nah, I just figured I'd run around shirtless," you remark, falling into step beside him as you head out. "Yeah, shit's broke, Cap'n."

"I once had to walk around for three days without my scalp while they replaced the lost hair," Grach says. "Would you like to see?"

"Yeah, I'll pass."

He chuckles. "I thought so. Did Mike run his idea by you?"

You nod. "Yeah, we're gonna give it a shot."

"Good luck," the Russian ex-national offers.

"Speaking of shots," Mike adds, "Want to stop for coffee? Kind of a tradition."

>Sure.
>...Nah.
>>
>>25454068
>Sure.
Be nice to taste a drink other than beer for once.
>>
>>25454068
Be rude not to after all this.
>>
>>25454068
Cant see why not
>>
>>25454068
>Sure.
>>
>>25454068
>Sure.
>>
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>>25454110
>>25454139
>>25454354
>>25454412
>>25454558
You're mostly dried out by now, with the nanites having... died, or broken down, or whatever it is they do. You should look into that some time. Either way, you're game for coffee. "Sure."

Barnaby's is a small espresso place set up in a small little building in one of the few demilitarized parts of the base sprawl. It apparently caters to media, press, dignitaries, and, of course, hunter personnel off duty.

"I got a taste for coffee back in the NCU," Grach says. "When I saw this place I asked Mike if we could drop in, and it's something of a tradition now."

Mike, for his part, buys a ginger ale (to be had later, off-duty). "I have to admit I'll probably miss being your nanny. Easiest time I've had in the hunters since I rolled off the line."

Grach chuckles. "It's not too late to turn hostile on you," he jokes.

"You seem to be in a good mood," you observe, sipping the java you picked.

"I am. You seem to be the opposite."

"Eh, maybe. Did some hard thinking on my way over after another slug of bad news."

"About what, if you don't mind my asking?"

You pause, thinking it over. Grach almost definitely couldn't be the traitor, unless he was working against you since before you even met. Probably.
>Even if he isn't leaking intel, he's still an ex-deathsquad covert ops soldier. Keep it to yourself.
>Trust him. Open up about your problems and suspicions, get him involved. He could be helpful.
>>
>>25454688
>>Trust him. Open up about your problems and suspicions, get him involved. He could be helpful.
He's actually one with the best ability to spot the actual leak.
>>
>>25454688
>Trust him. Open up about your problems and suspicions, get him involved. He could be helpful.
Be roundabout about our questions at first. Don't just outright say "hey I think there's a mole in the Fourth" and "hey Command is starting to think I'm a Maverick." Ask questions like how you would handle a mole or something.
>>
>>25454688
>>Trust him. Open up about your problems and suspicions, get him involved. He could be helpful.

Leak started happening before Grach, didn't it? He would probably be helpful in working it out.

Also, being an ex-deathsquad covert ops soldier, he's probably seen some shit, so he knows what Anode is up against here.
>>
>>25454752
Seconding this entire method.
>>
>>25454752
third
>>
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>>25454726
>>25454752
>>25454773
>>25455045
>>25455114
"Well," you say with careful neutrality, "for starters the base thinks I'm insane."

"I'd thought you cultivated that," Grach says.

"To some extent, yeah, but there's a difference between thinking someone's a little askew and honestly wondering about their sanity."

"What brought that on?" Mike asks, eyebrow raised.

"Combat stress, mostly. I had another wonderful sojourn today, and it's getting to me. Or at least, they seem to think it is," you add. You jerk your thumb at a small screen, with a handful of human and reploid reporters clustered around it. It's, of course, the avalanche. "I keep getting on the news in the worst way."

"I see." Grach steeples his fingers and leans in. After a moment, he proceeds in a stereotypical German accent. "And how does this make you feel?"

That gets a chuckle out of you. "It ain't great, I can say that. With the leak from your op, I'm starting to wonder if someone really does have it out for me."

"Well, what makes you say that?" Mike asks.

So, you tell him. You can't really classify the base-side of the engagement, right? The "seek outpost support" thing wasn't even part of the op, technically, so it should be fair game.

"So, if I were to guess, you suspect that this accidental command mixup was neither accidental nor command's?"

"Something like that," you admit guardedly. "I'm starting to see some patterns, and either I'm as crazy as they say, or there's someone up to no good."

"You know, we had a saying in the Chessboard. 'Who says it can't be both?'"

"Sound familiar, then? Does this remind you of home?"

"Not enough shell casings in the bathrooms," Grach replies smoothly. "But I think I get the picture you're painting."

"And someone left a stray rook just beside the frame." You grin despite yourself. This is some cloak-and-dagger bullshit right here. "And maybe it could add to the complexity of the piece."
>>
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>>25455830
Grach smirks. "Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, someone with a lot of stars on his shoulders wanted some land cleared of inhabitants so a man with a lot of bills in his pockets could develop the place and make a few more. And so, I went on a sojourn to go 'deal with' some 'dissidents.'"

You frown. "Does this story have a happy ending?"

"Hear me out and see. So, the task had been left up to my own devices, and they were very specific that I was to 'make this village not exist.' They were not so specific about how best to clear this land other than suggesting I use my 'natural talents' and let things run their course."

"So what did you do?" asks Mike, intrigued.

"I haunted them."

"...Beg pardon?"

"Things would go missing, or be moved around, with no one seeing what happened. They would hear strange sounds when they tried to sleep. They would find bloodstains with no source. They would see shapes on foggy days. The rain would smell like sulfur the day after. The land was cursed, clearly, and before long this little village had packed up and moved along without a shot fired." He grins. "That was a fun op. The constraints made it more...engaging."

"Huh."

"Lateral thinking, and a vantage point from outside a situation, I find, are great assets. Assets that might be of use to a maverick hunter looking to find out if his village is haunted."

>I could use a Ghostbuster. Here's the situation.
>Sorry, Grach. I ain't afraid of no ghost.
>>
>>25455850
>I could use a Ghostbuster. Here's the situation.
>>
>>25455850
>I could use a Ghostbuster. Here's the situation.
>>
>I could use a Ghostbuster. Here's the situation
>>
>>25455830
We are going to either start the greatest shit-avalanche ever or... I don't know. Honestly, it's probably the crapslide.

One day after we have been accused of being Mav we have a bunch of friends spying around in the 4th and giving a speech to the rank and file. If I was high command I'd be so fucking paranoid right now. Especially after Sigma.

Do your magic Grach. Even if it backfires, well, Mav quest doesn't sound too bad.
>>
>>25455850
>I could use a Ghostbuster. Here's the situation.
He makes a compelling case. We haven't done too much lateral thinking ourselves (aside from throwing a Ray Bit in Wolfspider's face that one time).
>>
And I'm getting thrown to the pizzawolves, that most delicious of maulings.

Back later, but let's not lie, whenever I get dinner, the foodcoma crashes down on me like the fist of Rhodes. This thread's probably not long for this world after that.
>>
>>25456490
Archive now?
>>
>>25456520
Someone do so atleast.
>>
>>25457002
Back, and on it.
>>
It's up. ...and already downvoted once. Oh well.
>>
>>25457125
Noticed that as well. Downvote countered.

I think there are a few quest haters than downvote all new quest threads on some stupid principle.
>>
>>25457125
Quest haters. Always expect two downvotes from them.

Could be worse. Hollow quest and Fatestay/again worse.
>>
>>25455941
I doubt it would be that bad. I mean hell, we are basically doing it openly which is worth of either demotion or reprimand rather than discretely being 'dealt' with. And if I recall Schwarz is our XO so lest he is the leak thats another mark in our favor. The nice thing about transparency is that you don't have to watch your back as much as you would if you did it in secret, because now EVERYONE is waiting for you to fuck up.
Either way, I'm in on the ghostbuster move.
>>
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>>25455993
>>25455932
>>25455898
>>25455881
"Too spooky, Grach," you say, letting the infectious grin spread across your own features, "Too spooky for me. All right, here's what I know."

Mike helpfully vanishes to "order some refills" while you lean across the table and quietly fill Grach in on your suspicions. He nods and remains silent, letting you point out the recurring lapses in intel that have nearly gotten you killed.

"It's definitely possible," he says. "And coming from someone whose bosses set out to kill him..."

You nod. "Glad to have you aboard, Grach."

"It's the least I can do, for now," he replies. "I won't have access to your communications or intelligence--and I won't ask you to risk letting me--but I can at least provide some insight and a different perspective." You really do think you'll feel better, having Grach around to watch your back.

Honestly, you feel like you turned things around fairly well--India and Em are tipped off as well, you've got Mike setting you that account to try to square things away with the enlisted, you've squared away your upgrades and you'll have your armor looked at in short order. There's the outstanding matter of Frog ordering you to get counseling, but he told you there was no timeframe on that. With coffee (or soda) imbibed, you, your erstwhile companion, and his minder set off for the Fourth's HQ.

You might bounce back from this yet.
>>
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And I think that's a good place to stop the thread. Next one in two weeks, eh? You'll have one more good, solid thread of downtime (and your duties during it), and then it's back to the hunt.

And on that note, one more vote: Majority picks it, if there's a clear majority.

Hunter Command's MMX game character:
>Reploid Dhalsim (This actually works, he'd fit right into the 14th)
>Gravity Grouper (I don't even)
>Pac Man X (I am 24 and what is this)
>Gun Support Steel Beret (not gonna lie, that sounds pretty bad-ass)
>Spec Ops laser eye reploid (BEHOLD!)
>Any of the Foxhound namegen reploids (I will involve ride armors and use of/hatred of them somehow)
>Other?

And as always, thanks for reading.
>>
>>25458596
PAC MAN X. YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO POWERPILL THE FUCK UP.
>>
>>25458596
Pac Man X. Bonus points if you manage to sneak in a love of eating fruit. You win the game if your first boss encounter has incorporeal abilities.
>>
>>25458596
I thought up the REPLOID CYCLOPS idea but I've grown rather fond of TSUNAMI BUFFALO.

Half a vote for each then.
>>
>>25458596
super stealthy sniper
>>
>>25458596
In order of preference

>Gun Support Steel Beret (it is bad-ass)
>Pac Man X (Power Pellets!)
>>Spec Ops laser eye reploid (HEAT BEAM EYE BLAST!)
>>Any of the Foxhound namegen reploids (ride armors fuck yes)
>>
>>25458596
Loli Predator
No way that can go wrong.
>>
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A vote for "laser" eyes is a vote for the punch dimension!
Bonus points if you can fit a VWES into them so you can have EVERYTHING eyes
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>>25458878
>eye-mounted VWES system

And another one for the maverick idea bin...
>>
>>25458596
>Gun Support Steel Beret (not gonna lie, that sounds pretty bad-ass)
>>
Rolled 94, 25 = 119

>>25458596
Rolling (>>25447621) for my vote.
>>
>>25458596
Reiterating my interest in Dhalsim.
>>
>>25459055
Question Hawk? No: SLASH BOX.

...

... yeaaah, never mind. Let's go with Pac Man X then.



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