>>32268769
"The question is, will the pilots be able to handle live combat?" Elaine asks.

The two of you turn to Mary.

"They'll do fine," she says. "They were chosen specifically because they have the necessary competencies for this assignment, including live combat against the BETA. You're not the only pilot who's good with machines, Julian."

"That's good, because if they lose their nerve in the middle of the fight, things will go very poorly for us," you say.

"Group captain Hall is starting the strategy session in an hour," Elaine says. "Marshal Blackwood and Air commodore Pentecost will both be there, and Vivian says we're all invited."

"Ah, a family reunion," you say. "It has been a while. Are there any rumours about the plan?"

"Nothing yet," Mary says. "All I know is that the European Union is activating all the resources it can get its hands on. And we have a day off tomorrow to 'sort out our affairs.'"

>"Finally, I can take the time to update my will."
>"I suppose it's long past time we sorted things out between us."

>>32268793
>"I suppose it's long past time we sorted things out between us."

remind me. Death flags this session or next?

>>32269024
Next. This session is strategic planning.

>>32268793
>>"I suppose it's long past time we sorted things out between us."

May as well.

>>32268793
>>"Finally, I can take the time to update my will."

Though I doubt vivian's harem will really need the cash.

>>32268793
"I suppose it's long past time we sorted things out between us," you say.

"Oh, I'm quite satisfied with our arrangement," Elaine says.

"As am I," Mary says. "And since you agreed, you're not exactly in a position to complain."

"One does not care to acknowledge the mistakes of one's youth." You put aside your paperwork and stand up. "In any case, let's get going. I don't want to make Pentecost wait."

The three of you go to the base's main building, where the strategy session is taking place. Along the way there, you cross paths with a constant stream of cars and large delivery trucks ferrying supplies to the base. You even spot a few helicopters hovering about. They're most likely here to transport personnel.

"Looks like this is really happening," you mumble to no one in particular.

>(cont.)

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>>32269361
The main building is under extra guard and there's another pair of guards standing right outside the meeting room, but they wave you through as soon as they see your identification.

You enter the briefing room with a quick salute and sit down on Vivian's side of the round meeting table. At least the room is aptly decorated. Mary and Elaine both sit near you, but you all maintain a professional distance from each other. This is strictly business and you all know it.

Group captain Hall loads strategic presentation as the room fills up with yet more military personnel, some of whom you recognize, but others are complete strangers. At last, the room is full and Hall steps aside so Blackwood can take over.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Royal Air Force," he says in his deep rumbling tone, "the time has come for us to assault the Lyon Hive. In preparation for this assault, we have produced a squadron of K-21 Sangreals to provide support for TSFs in the field. Flight lieutenant Reber, if you would be so kind as to give us an overview of the Sangreal's capabilities?"

>I like to keep the paranoia up, so I don't talk about mechanics very often. However, I need to make an exception this time because of the variables involve.

>The Sangreal's modules provide the following benefits:
>Ammo Modules: Negate one critical failure on a Gunnery roll.
>Fuel Modules: Negate one critical failure on a TSF piloting roll.
>Armour Modules: Negate five BETA non-critical successes each. (The K-21 always has at least one of these included for free.)
>Specialized Parts Modules: Negate one BETA critical success each.

>You currently have a total of 12 Sangreals, with 4 module slots each, for a total of 48 spare modules.
>Please vote for which and how many modules you would like to install. I'll probably just take the average, if there's no consensus. The exact composition might also change a bit depending on your later choices.

>>32269388
can we just install all of them to improve survival?

>>32269388

Load an even spread. Without knowing what we'll need, and since we're half testing this gear, this seems most ideal.

>>32269446
You have 48 slots to spend however you want. You can split them evenly between the four modules, put in less Armour Module because you already get one of those for free, put in only Armour Modules because you feel like betting that there won't be any crits, etc.

>>32269388
The two crits that are really painful seem to be TSF piloting failure and BETA critical success. TSF gunnery just seems to make the fight drag on longer.

As such, I'd recommend a split of

8 Gunnery
16 Fuel Module
8 Armor
16 Specialized part

That gives us enough armor to negate 40 beta successes, along with the crit negators.

>>32269570
agreed

>>32269570
Yes, I was typing something up just like that. I fear RC's rolls more then our own. Its still a good idea to have some Fuel just to be on the safe side too.

Calling it for 8 Ammo and Armour, and 16 Fuel and Specialized Parts.

Writing.

>>32269361
>"I suppose it's long past time we sorted things out between us," you say.
>"Oh, I'm quite satisfied with our arrangement," Elaine says.
>"As am I," Mary says. "And since you agreed, you're not exactly in a position to complain."

Ahaha, yup.

Why even bother.

>>32269570
ehh, maybe convert 4 specialized parts modules into fuel modules, the beta are going to be getting allot more success than critical successes

>>32269686
At least Julian can take solace in the fact that he seems to be a great matchmaker.

>>32269753
In short, I am starting to thinking that too. Hive infiltration, lot of betas, lot of hits.

>>32269388
"The K-21 Sangreal is capable of performing limited repairs during combat," you say. "While it has not been tested in live combat yet, we can confirm that it functions as intended. The rest will depend on the competence of the pilots and the situation in the field."

"And what about the distribution of modules?" Pentecost asks.

"We believe the optimal configuration is eight each of armour and ammunition modules, along with sixteen each of fuel containers and specialized parts, spread across the available squadron," you say. "Given the situation, we believe it is necessary to prioritize survivability."

"Good call," Pentecost says. "Dead men can't pull triggers."

The other guests whisper to each other until Blackwood resumes the strategy session.

"The European Union's current plan is to coordinate between its various armed forces," he says. "Our goal here to day is to clarify Camelot group's role as the spearhead of Operation Red Dragon and distribute the other European forces accordingly. Group captain Hall, if you would continue?"

"Arthur, Lancelot and Gawain squadrons are at full strength and ready for combat," Hall says. "Tristan and Galahad will have to remain at Calais to defend our forward operating base, however. Furthermore, we have been unable to reactivate Bedivere squadron."

"That is within our expectations," Blackwood says. "We currently have a minimum of 250 TSFs committed to this operation, and we expect to have more than 300 available before the operation begins. We would have liked a larger force, but given the... constraints we must operate under, it will have to do."

>Say nothing.
>"Marshal Blackwood, given our failed attempt to retake Lyon in the past, perhaps it would be best to try and different approach and send a smaller force instead of a large-scale invasion?"

>>32269916
>>Say nothing.

I don't see how a smaller force would be more effective in this situation.

>>32269916
>>"Marshal Blackwood, given our failed attempt to retake Lyon in the past, perhaps it would be best to try and different approach and send a smaller force instead of a large-scale invasion?"

>>32269954
Though I do wonder if we can do some recon flights beforehand with that BETA comms device to maybe weaken the swarm a bit before we hit.

>>32269916
I'm not even sure how much bigger this hive is compared to the first one. Sounds like more TSFs the better.

>Say nothing.

quick setting question, after our last hive infiltration we left by going out the roof of the central chamber, why not go in that way instead of fighting though the tunnels?

>>32270173
lasers

>>32270173
The central chamber is filled with Laser-class who will melt anything that tries to fly down the shaft. It needs to be cleared of BETA before it can be used as an entrance or an exit.

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>>32269916
>Say nothing.
Also needs more A10 TSFs.

>>32270205
would't there be the same issue if we entered though the tunnels? as for making it to the ground, don't the orbital divers have drop pods that can survive laser fire?

>>32270305
BETA cannot do friendly fire. So if you go at ground level the lasers can't shoot at you through the rest of the swarm.

>>32269916
You say nothing and let Blackwood continue. While sending a small team in for a surgical strike directly against the reactor is a tempting idea, the only thing worse than a glory hound is a suicidal glory hound. The truth is, you're going to need to throw all the bodies you can spare at the Hive.

"The next order of business is the actual infiltration," Blackwood says. "Once we've decided on an approach, we can think of the best plan to clear the surface of BETA."

"We have two available options," Vivian says. "We can keep Arthur, Lancelot and Gawain squadrons together and force our way through the tunnels by force, or we can split our squadrons into three groups and have them follow different paths to the reactor."

"What are the odds of success for either plan?" Blackwood asks.

"Impossible to determine," Vivian says. "If the squadrons stick together, they will have better chances of surviving heavy opposition, but the mission will fail if the BETA forces are truly overwhelming. If the squadrons separate, they will be less likely to survive, but one of them might get lucky and make it through to the reactor."

"So our success depends on luck," Blackwood says flatly. "Any thoughts?"

>"Keep the squadrons together. If BETA opposition truly is overwhelming, we'll need all the concentrated firepower we can get."
>"Split the squadrons. The BETA will either split their forces to intercept us, or converge on one squadron and let another squadron through. Either way, they won't be able to overwhelm us."

>>32270413
>>"Split the squadrons. The BETA will either split their forces to intercept us, or converge on one squadron and let another squadron through. Either way, they won't be able to overwhelm us."

Logic is a cold, cruel mistress.

>>32270413
>>"Keep the squadrons together. If BETA opposition truly is overwhelming, we'll need all the concentrated firepower we can get."

Also seems the best way to make use of the sangreals.

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>>32270413
>"Keep the squadrons together. If BETA opposition truly is overwhelming, we'll need all the concentrated firepower we can get."

>>32270413
>>"Keep the squadrons together. If BETA opposition truly is overwhelming, we'll need all the concentrated firepower we can get."

>>32270413
Are we going to be fitted with those c3 missiles we made for italy?

>>32270413
>>"Keep the squadrons together. If BETA opposition truly is overwhelming, we'll need all the concentrated firepower we can get."

this is more all or nothing than the other plan, but humanity is losing this ware right now, and you don't catch up by playing it safe

>>32270413
>>"Keep the squadrons together. If BETA opposition truly is overwhelming, we'll need all the concentrated firepower we can get."

>>32270413
"Keep the squadrons together," you say. "If BETA opposition truly is overwhelming, we'll need all the concentrated firepower we can get."

"I agree," Group captain Hall says. "While I understand losses are inevitable in this situation, I would prefer not to bet against my pilots. Besides, it will be harder to overwhelm a full 42 TSFs over 14 and we'll be able to make better use of the Sangreal."

"All right, we'll go with concentrated firepower," Pentecost says. "That brings us to the general assault."

"Our main problem is that most plans will lead to significant losses," Vivian says. "While the destruction of the Lyon Hive is necessary, it is important to keep in mind that it is only the first step. If we commit too few forces, the operation might fail. If we commit too many, our absolute losses might prove problematic during future operations."

"In other words, we can proceed with extreme caution or extreme speed," Pentecost says. "I believe we can spend a week on the ground assault in order to clear out the BETA and facilitate the Hive infiltration. We'll be able to proceed carefully and minimize our losses, but the delay would be... problematic in other arenas."

In other words, the Americans will catch word of the infiltration and the CIA will most likely act to support Alternative V in some way.

"Our other option is to hit the BETA as hard as possible, as fast as possible," Pentecost continues. "We unleash Hell upon that Hive and send the infiltration team immediately. After that, we can slowly pull back our forces and hopefully distract the BETA away from the Hive in the process."

"And both plans can easily backfire," Vivian says. "A prolonged engagement creates more opportunities for pilots to make mistakes. An aggressive engagement will mean contact against large number of BETA opponents."

>"Caution should be our priority. We'll plan a prolonged assault."
>"We need to get this done quickly. An aggressive approach is best."

>>32270868
>>"Caution should be our priority. We'll plan a prolonged assault."

>>32270868
>>"We need to get this done quickly. An aggressive approach is best."

Again, this seems to play to the sangreals strengths. We'll be able to absorb a high intensity battle better than a prolonged battle.

>>32270868
>>32270898
>>32270907

Fair enough, switching to Aggressive

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>>32270868
>"We need to get this done quickly. An aggressive approach is best."

>>32270868
>"We need to get this done quickly. An aggressive approach is best."

Woo, I get in a relevant vote for my once-a-week live vote!

>>32270868

>In other words, the Americans will catch word of the infiltration and the CIA will most likely act to support Alternative V in some way.

I don't like the sound of that.
>Aggressive approach

>>32271054
Yeah, getting g-bombed doesn't sound like fun.

Is there any sort of plan to limit US fuckery in the future?

>>32270868
>"We need to get this done quickly. An aggressive approach is best."

>>32271081
Taking out the Lyon hive should set back any 'murrican intervention for the foreseeable future.

That's if we can take out the hive, anyway.

>>32271198
Would the CIA be able to recognize the signature of the nuke they tried to use against us if we detonated it in the hive?

If so, I want to do that just to give them a giant mushroom cloud middle finger

>>32270868
"We need to get this done quickly," you say. "An aggressive approach is best."

"We can make a direct assault work," Pentecost says. "This might even give us a considerable advantage. If we can get missiles on-site, we might be able to fire them low enough that Lasers won't be able to interdict them, but I don't think it would be worth the effort if we thinned out the Hive first."

"We'd need to assign artillery support an escort though," Vivian says. "Otherwise, they'll be too vulnerable."

"Not a problem." Pentecost shrugs. "We can assign the escort to long-range strikes with 120mm explosive rounds, or we can ask them to deal with the Forts if any are in range."

"Once the artillery support runs out, they can pull back and their TSF escorts can move into the battle proper," Blackwood says. "Just to be safe, I'll have helicopters on standby to evacuate the infantry. We can just leave the equipment behind and recover it later, if possible."

Group captain Hall nods slowly, as does the rest of the audience. If you're going to end this quickly, it's best to put as much firepower into it as possible. Missile batteries wouldn't do you much good against a charging horde - the concentration of BETA would be too thin - but in a direct assault against a Hive, they should be more effective.

>(cont.)

>>32271363
"That leaves only one matter," Blackwood says. "How do we deal with the BETA reactor?"

"All TSFs will carry S-11 charges," Vivian says. "Whoever makes it to the reactor should be able to destroy it."

"It could also be a considerable resource to Europe, if we can take it intact," Mary says.

That's a mighty big "if." You might be able to take it momentarily, but there's no guarantee that you'll be able to hold it in the long-term. Besides, you have other options.

You already intercepted transmissions from a BETA reactor once. You might be able to do it again, especially with the Excalibur. Who knows what kind of information you might be able to extract from the reactor, if you can hack it? Once you're done, you could just blow it up.

Or you can just wait and see how the operation goes before committing to anything.

>"Let's just destroy it."
>"Let's keep it intact."
>"It might be possible to extract data from the reactor before we destroy it."
>"Let's just wait and see how things go. We can decide once we're at the reactor."

>>32271372
>"It might be possible to extract data from the reactor before we destroy it."
>"Let's just wait and see how things go. We can decide once we're at the reactor."

>>32271372
>>"Let's just wait and see how things go. We can decide once we're at the reactor."

Bring enough charges to blow the thing, but if the assault is going well then lets definitely hack and loot it.

>>32271372
>>"Let's just wait and see how things go. We can decide once we're at the reactor."

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>>32271372
>"Let's just wait and see how things go. We can decide once we're at the reactor."

>>32271372
>"Let's just wait and see how things go. We can decide once we're at the reactor."

>>32271428
Of course. If we don't hack and loot, we might not be able to continue this constant rate of taking down hives.

>>32271565
War is an iterative process. Even if we have to just blow lyon, we can learn lessons from the encounter that may make looting another hive down the road possible.

But speaking of looting, could Mary take charge of a reactor salvage operation while we did our hacking thing? I mean, she's been working on the thing more than we have.

>>32271372
>Let's just destroy it

>>32271372
Destroying the reactor would be a waste, keeping it would be difficult at best, and while hacking it is theoretically feasible, you're not sure you can deliver on that promise. So you decide to improvise.

"Let's just wait and see how things go," you say. "We can decide once we're at the reactor."

"That will make planning the attack more difficult," Blackwood says. "Our extraction plan will be very different depending on whether we want to keep the reactor or destroy it, and we can't guarantee contact with infiltration team once they enter the Hive."

"Camelot Group will take full responsibility for the reactor, including the extraction, if necessary," Group captain Hall. "Besides, we shouldn't form a plan based on an unknown quantity."

"And no plan survives contact with the enemy," Pentecost says. "I suppose this is the wisest course of action."

"We'll see if we can find a way to maintain contact with the infiltration team," Blackwood says. "However, I can't make any promises. We may need to abandon you in there."

"That was always a risk," Hall says, shrugging.

With that, the meeting is put on hold for a short recess. It will be reconvened shortly to figure out the exact details and troop deployment of the infiltration, but that's not your problem. There is work that must be done and that only you can do.

Vivian, Mary and Elaine follow you out, chatting among themselves about the upcoming operation, and then about tomorrow's day off.

>Ask the ladies what they're doing tomorrow and make some plans.
>Women have waited this long, they can wait longer. You need to make sure the Excalibur is actually capable of hacking a BETA reactor.

>>32271372

>>"Let's just wait and see how things go. We can decide once we're at the reactor."

"if the assault goes well we could try and hold the main shaft, but there are too many unknowns to make plans right now"

>>32271875
>>Women have waited this long, they can wait longer. You need to make sure the Excalibur is actually capable of hacking a BETA reactor.

>>32271875
>>Ask the ladies what they're doing tomorrow and let them make some plans.
>You need to make sure the Excalibur is actually capable of hacking a BETA reactor.

>>32271875

>>Women have waited this long, they can wait longer. You need to make sure the Excalibur is actually capable of hacking a BETA reactor.

we can grind social links after we make sure we can hack into an alien supercomputer to look for species saving intel.

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>>32271875
>Ask the ladies what they're doing tomorrow and make some plans.

>>32271875
>>Women have waited this long, they can wait longer. You need to make sure the Excalibur is actually capable of hacking a BETA reactor.

I think if we keep blueballing julian he'll develop superpowers.

>>32271054
>will most likely act to support Alternative V in some way

Nothing liek the sound of F-22's beating up sabotaged Excaliburs and Sangreals, rite? Serves your fanmade marysue robutts.

>>32271875
you know what?

just do both

>>32271996
>I'm angry. Angry about TSF's.

CIA go home, you're drunk.

>>32271875
>Women have waited this long, they can wait longer. You need to make sure the Excalibur is actually capable of hacking a BETA reactor.

>>32271962
Like I said, being blueball will have consenquences on the relationship dynamic between him and the other girls.

They said they only fuck him if he solo a hive...which means never.

>>32272061
You know Wrenloft, if you continue to act like a little shit like this I'll just ignore your suggestions in other quests.

>>32272325
and this is a problem how?

>>32271875
"I'm going to get some work done on the Excalibur," you say. "I have a few ideas, and I want to make sure they'll actually work. You three can join me if you'd like."

"I can't very well leave you alone in my hangar, can I?" Mary asks.

"I don't have anything better to do," Elaine says.

"Sorry, but I need to hang around for the rest of the strategy meeting," Vivian says. "I'll see you three later tonight."

You wave Vivian goodbye and go back to the Excalibur. Elaine sits on a crate and watches you and Elaine work.

"I'm going to try to hack into the BETA reactor using the Excalibur," you say. "I'm going to need a copy of the data from our previous experiments."

"An interesting proposal," Mary says. "And also extremely dangerous. Are you certain Merlin can handle it?"

"I have no idea," you say. "Right now, it's just an above-average firewall with a cyberwarfare suite that won't work on any TSF that's been patched in the last decade. In terms of processing power, it obviously can't stand up against whatever the BETA reactors are using. However, we do have one significant advantage."

"And what would that be?" Mary arches an eyebrow.

"We know we can intercept BETA transmissions, and we have what is, at the very least, a partial cipher for their transmissions. The BETA don't have anything on us. Even if they're intelligent and they're able to access Merlin, they won't be able to understand it."

"And if you're wrong the BETA will download all the data from your TSF," Mary says.

"So they'll get my flight records and my cholesterol levels," you say. "So what?"

"All right, I'll help you with this," Mary says. "But once we're at the reactor, don't take any unnecessary risks and don't do anything stupid.

>(roll 2d20)

Rolled 20, 8 = 28

>>32272454

Rolled 14, 2 = 16

>>32272454

Rolled 14, 14 = 28

>>32272454
If 20's Julian finally gets laid

Rolled 20, 19 = 39

>>32272454
rolling

>>32272501
thus guaranteeing you won't get 20's

Rolled 6, 18 = 24

>>32272504
Oh goddamnit.

>>32272504
Dammit I was too late. What a waste of crit

>>32272504
Welp. At least we got an natural 20 from Wrenloft.

>>32272560
There's a phrase I never expected to read.

Dice gods have a sense of humor, I see.

>>32272573
Not really. The more shit you talk about Wrenloft, the stronger his 20's become.

He gives out shit roll except in key moments.

But his 1 fuck up everything, small or story important, there death everywhere.

I remember the fight against Carnage. all 1 except for a 2 on his last roll

>>32272454
Mary returns with all the data and schematics from your previous experiments with BETA reactor signals and you start looking for ways to integrate the results into the Excalibur's operating system. It looks like a daunting task at first, but it becomes a trivial matter.

You designed the cyberwarfare suite to be extremely flexible so it could break into operating systems in any language. You wouldn't exactly call the BETA transmissions a language, but the basic principle is the same. All you need to do is upload the cipher into the language library and modify some of the functions. You can't exactly test it right now, but you'll certain it'll work. In fact, it should make things much easier for you if you do decide to try and hack the BETA reactor.

"Done so soon?" Elaine asks. "That barely took you an hour."

"Sometimes, things just work out," you say.

"And sometimes we get reamed sideways during a routine patrol," Elaine says. "I guess it's all part of the job's charm."

"Should we go out for dinner then?" Mary asks. "Vivian should be done with her work."

>"Dinner sounds like a good idea."
>"No, we're dragging Vivian back here. The bar is still around, right? I want to wake up with a hangover tomorrow."

>>32272797
>>"Dinner sounds like a good idea."

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>>32272797
>"Dinner sounds like a good idea."

>>32272797
>>"No, we're dragging Vivian back here. The bar is still around, right? I want to wake up with a hangover tomorrow."

And we can watch vivian's harem have a drunken orgy while we're not invited. Maximum blueball.

so where there 2 things we needed to do? or is it one task where we need to get as many success as possible? and how high does a die have to be to count as a success?

>>32272797
>>"No, we're dragging Vivian back here. The bar is still around, right? I want to wake up with a hangover tomorrow."

>>32272797
>"Dinner sounds like a good idea."

>>32272797
>>"Dinner sounds like a good idea."

>>32272797
>"No, we're dragging Vivian back here. The bar is still around, right? I want to wake up with a hangover tomorrow."

>>32272797
>>"Dinner sounds like a good idea."

I really don't get the stubborn insistence on ACTIVELY trying to pursue choices that torpedo Julian's interpersonal relationships. It's only really amusing when it's happening incidentally.

>>32272850
>and how high does a die have to be to count as a success?
There are probably DCs assigned behind the scenes.

>>32272987
Why would either choice hurt his relations? One just has more obvious blueball material.

And torturing julian with that has become amusing for me.

>>32272797
"Dinner sounds like a good idea," you say. "Do you think they'll have real food in the mess tomorrow? What with it probably being our last day alive and all."

"I wouldn't get my hopes up," Mary says. "Not unless someone is seriously defrauding the base's budget."

"For some real food? It would be worth the jail time," Elaine says.

"In this context, I think it might count as treason against humanity," you say. "That would be an execution."

There's an obvious response about being eaten by the BETA versus death by firing squad, but you bite your tongue before letting it out. There's black humour and then there's poor taste. You're going into the Lyon Hive to win, and you don't want to imply otherwise.

The mess is more packed than usual, what with all the visitors, but it looks like you came in well after the rush. The three of you pick up your trays - synthetic fish, real chips, possibly real water - and sit down next to Vivian, who's waiting for you.

"How did the rest of the meeting go," you ask.

"Just the usual," Vivian says. "Strangely enough, everyone seems to be after the most dangerous engagements. I thought it'd be the opposite."

"Not for something this important," Elaine says. "In this situation, glory and prestige more important than survival."

"I'd rather have the money, thank you," you say, taking a bite out of your fish.

"Still, this is going to be a milestone," Mary says. There's not a trace of doubt in her voice.

"I doubt it," Vivian says. "The Yokohama Hive was taken and that didn't change much."

"That's because Japan and the U.N. didn't know how to capitalize on it," Mary says. "Besides, they don't have what it takes to destroy a Hive, not really. Europe does."

>"I doubt this will change much."
>"We can start taking down Hives one by one after this."
>"If this works, the whole world will be at our backs. We'll just crush the BETA in one go."

>>32273290
>>"We can start taking down Hives one by one after this."

Slow and steady

>>32273290
>>"We can start taking down Hives one by one after this."

>>32273290
>>"We can start taking down Hives one by one after this."
It's not a superweapon that'll single-handedly turn the tide, but it's a start.

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>>32273290
>"If this works, the whole world will be at our backs. We'll just crush the BETA in one go."

>>32273290
>"We can start taking down Hives one by one after this."

Does destroying this hive count for the deal?

>>32273290
>"If this works, the whole world will be at our backs. We'll just crush the BETA in one go."
Dat optimism.

>>32273290
>"We can start taking down Hives one by one after this."

>>32273290

>>"We can start taking down Hives one by one after this."

"the BETA don't advance like we do, if we can take out a hive with our current gear there is no reason we should be able to take out the next with what we learn from this one."

>>32273290
"We can start taking Hives down one by one after this," you say. "Once we prove conventional warfare works against the BETA, everyone in the world will be begging us to tell them how we pulled it off."

"I wish I could believe that," Mary says, sighing. "I really do."

"Well, we have our hands full with Europe right now, so the rest of the world can wait," Elaine says. "And the rest of Europe can wait until after tomorrow. Have you all got anything planned?"

"I think I'll call my parents in the morning," you say. "It's been a while since I talked to them."

"I suppose I should call my mother. And my sister." Elaine looks visibly displeased at the thought, although she does seem to cheer up when she mentions her sister.

"I'll probably spend some time going over the general strategy," Vivian says. "It won't help much, but it'll keep me busy for a bit."

"I might take the Sangreal out one more time," Mary says. "I have the least flight experience out of the Sangreal pilots, and I don't want to be a burden."

"It's a day off, Mary," Elaine says. "You should have fun."

"Fortified suits are fun," Mary says. "Who knows? If Julian's lucky, he might find out exactly how fun they can be."

"Been there, done that, justifying the replacement is just embarrassing for everyone involved," you say.

On the other hand, you can't help but hope that Mary's come up with an interesting twist on it.

>>32273715
that should read

"the BETA don't advance like we do, if we can take out a hive with our current gear there is no reason we can't to take out the next with what we learn from this one."

Isn't military strategy something like they know the BETA adapt after 19 days? One by one seems to have a time limit

>>32273743
MISSION REPORT:
- Richard Hall survived. (1XP)
- Selected YK-21 Sangreal module configuration. (1XP)
- Planned full-scale invasion of the Lyon Hive. (1XP)
- Planned a concentrated infiltration into the Lyon Hive. (1XP)
- Planned an aggressive assault on the Hive. (1XP)
- Took a wait and see approach on the reactor. (1XP)
- Developed anti-BETA cyberwarfare suite. (1XP)
- Total: 7XP

NOTES:
- The overall aggressive approach taken against the Hive will likely hasten Operation Red Dragon, but will also likely cause significant casualties. However, casualties are expected to fall within acceptable limits.

CHARACTER STATUS:
Julian Reber (Main Character)
Level 8 (47/80XP)
Skills: TSF Piloting, Gunnery, Melee, Engineering, Computers
Resources: Budget 2, Connections 7 (Cerberus Battalion, Swiss Government, RAF, Crusaders, MI5, British nobility, Cherno battalion), Gear 5, Personnel 1, Rank 2

What is Operation Red Dragon?

>>32273778
And that's it for today. Next thread will be Sunday at 7PM EST. We'll be collecting death flags ahead of the Lyon Hive infiltration.

>>32273819
delicious, delicious death flags.

Thanks for running

>>32273819
Will these death flags go against us I rolls?

>>32273819
That's great to hear. See you then RC.

>>32273801
Codename for our Hive infiltration.

Like operation desert storm.

File: Next Level Motivational T(...).png (794 KB, 1180x1459)

794 KB PNG

>>32273819
Thanks for running.

Next time, on MLRQ...

>>32273819
as someone who's never played any of the source materials games, can you explain what death flags are in this context, what they do and why we must obtain them?

to me, from my limited knowledge of them, they seem like the opposite of good storytelling...

>>32274316
The context is no different; it's a joke about how we're about to head off on a big, important, potentially lethal mission, so obviously next time is going to be about getting the pre-mission character development stuff squared away.

It's the same reason we get bonus XP for keeping Group Captain Hall alive each thread. He's being represented by a guy who (at least memetically) dies in everything, so keeping him alive in particular must be noteworthy and thus is worth extra.

>>32274615
so are they a good thing, a bad thing, a joke, a bonus or negative DC modifier? what are they physically? because everything I hear about them is negative

>>32274660
I don't know if RC plans on making them have any sort of mechanical relevance. Probably won't, but if anything, it'd probably be very minor penalties in exchange for bonuses for overcoming them.

I suspect it's mostly a meta joke. Nobody actually treats 'death flags' in-character as being an actual thing, let alone a bad one unless it's a matter of breaking the fourth wall. The reason these things are death flags are because they're typically used to strengthen a reader's emotional attachment to or sympathy for a character before putting them in a dangerous situation so that you're likely to care more about or sympathize with what happens to them.

Being X days to retirement, having a wife back home who's about to bear their first child, promising to do X as soon as this war is over, reminiscing about lost comrades and how they'd be proud of you, etc. These don't really have anything inherently negative about them, they're just commonly associated with adding cheap last-minute drama to imperiling a character during a dangerous mission.