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>>40711412
The laugh lines crinkle on Ken's face as he continues his intro. "For those of you just joining us, we're live here with the star of the hit streaming serial Outlaw, a man who needs no introduction. How are you doing today?"

"Can't complain, can't complain," you reply. "Happy to be here. Happier we got greenlit for a second season!"

Ken laughs and launches into his practiced interview spiel. "As if that was ever in doubt, I mean, really. We've all seen the ads and promos plastered all over. Tell us--are those stunts as rough as they look? Were you built to take that kind of hit?"

You chuckle. "Well, Kenny, I'll tell you, most days it's just another bit of dust to brush off between takes. But every now and then... well, you look at the script, back up at the director--who's all smiles, of course--and you wonder if you'll be taking a trip to repairs when it's all said and done. I mean--for me it's fine, but we've got a lot of humans among my co-stars. You know how it is. You sort of--" To illustrate your point, you reach out and wrap your fingers around Ken's head. He smiles quizzically, and you squeeze for emphasis. "--Like that, and then it's a big mess. Shuts the whole thing down. So we use special effects for a lot of their stunts, or bring in some stand-ins who can take the risk."

You look up, suddenly aware of the abrupt silence. Downplaying your nervousness, you wipe the reddish slurry off your hand on the arm of your chair, shaking a few stray bits of gunk off.

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>>40711421
And then they all start screaming, practically tripping over themselves to scramble out of the recording studio.

"Something I said?" you ask, trying to hide your bewilderment with a good-natured grin at the camera.

You look away from the blinking "LIVE" sign and find yourself staring down the barrel of a buster pistol. A very real one, you realize with a start--this is no prop.

"Maverick? Put your hands up and get down," the security guard all but whispers, voice strained, weapon shaking in his grip. "Please, sir."

You look back at Kenny, body slack in his chair, his perfectly-coiffed hair matted down with pulped flesh and blood around a shattered skull.

>They're attacking me. I have to defend myself!
>There has to be a reasonable explanation for all this, right?

-----

Welcome back, everyone.

Tonight, we have two threads for you, running back to back, before the launch of the next season proper. For these threads, there's a few things to understand--

1: You're taking a trip back in time. Hands and feet inside the vehicle, and try to avoid write-ins.
2: The best choice is not always the right choice, and vice versa. How it comes down depends on the situation, and we'll have answers for each. As for exactly what it comes down to... you'll see in a week.

>>40711412
YES!

So fucking glad to see you back, Hunter Command.

>>40711428
>There has to be a reasonable explanation for all this, right?

I WANTED TO SLEEP YOU FUCKER

AAAAAA

>>40711428
>There has to be a reasonable explanation for all this, right?
Best quest!

>>40711440
Thanks so much. I'm really sorry for the delays, even more than normal. A whole lot of job happened all at once.

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>>40711428
>There has to be a reasonable explanation for all this, right?

MAN BREAK

WHY HE BREAK

>>40711428
>There has to be a reasonable explanation for all this, right?

>>40711428
>There has to be a reasonable explanation for all this, right?

Hey. I'd actually missed the last thread of MHQ, when you did the polls, by just hours. Always wanted to say that I thought "do more mission styles other than just the standard 8" was something I really thought would be cool.

>>40711428
That is one badass security guard. Especially if he's human.

>>40711428
...wait a minute...

>"Maverick? Put your hands up and get down," the security guard all but whispers, voice strained, weapon shaking in his grip. "Please, sir."

We're playing as the First Maverick, aren't we?

>>40711428
>There has to be a reasonable explanation for all this, right?

>>40711490
For some reploids, the moment they go Mav is as natural as a blink. They don't realize it happened. Besides, the first Mav was Zero.

>>40711512
I think anon means the first regular, non-Hunter reploid to get infected. Noticeably, at least.

>>40711525
Depends on who's definition of "noticeably." He didn't notice he just PULPED A HUMAN'S HEAD LIVE ON TV. Besides, the security guard called him a Maverick specifically, so the term has already been established, meaning he can't be the first.

>>40711512
Look at the way that Maverick is said. That's a name.

And there were mavericks running around before Zero. He just carried the virus.

>>40711539
>Besides, the security guard called him a Maverick
>a Maverick
>a

Niggah how do you think Mavericks got the NAME

use your HEA- er, too soon?

>>40711539
He didn't call him A Maverick, but llet's just wait for HC to do the next post.

So, anyone planning storytime after this or next thread?

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>>40711447
>>40711450
>>40711458
>>40711460
>>40711463
>>40711512
You look back up at the guard--uniform wrinkled, hat askance, name badge backwards on his pocket. Something about him isn't right. It's--it's the desperation, you realize. This isn't some elaborate prank. Something is very clearly wrong.

You look back at Kenny slowly slipping off the chair, the guard flinching as he rolls off and sprawls across the studio floor. "Please," he mouths again.

Just as slowly, just as haltingly as Ken fell, you raise your hands.

It took three hours and six or seven tries for the police to explain to you exactly what happened, and even then it didn't really sink in. You were examined. Tested. "Treated." Went on trial. Experts testified for and against you. Rocks and slurs were thrown on your way in and out of the courthouse. Your name was already a watchword for renegade, but not like this. Not for real. The strange dissonance with life that made this happen--that eroded the bonds of cause and effect in your head--stretched now to your own name. "Maverick" was not really who you were any more. Now it was what you were. Talking heads bounced it back and forth, talking about the latest incidents of others "going" the way you did.

You are Maverick, and you were the first Reploid to ever murder a human being.

You would not be the last.

(+0 points)

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>>40711629
You are Thomas Wong, newly-appointed Commander of the Maverick Hunters, filling the position for the exeunt Imanga Valdivieso. Things were already off to a bad start, and they're already getting worse. The first thing in your inbox this morning was a notice.

It read, quite simply, "Los Mortales resign."

They reported promptly to your summons, the eight of them, now staring you down from across your desk in cold silence. Eight of the best maverick hunters the organization has ever seen, all quitting, all at once.

"I was hoping I might get an understanding for your reasons here," you begin with a warm smile that does nothing to liven up the frigid office. "And maybe persuade you to reconsider--"

"We will not reconsider," barks Rezador, making you jump. You try to ignore the smirks on their faces as he steps forward out of line. "It has been two weeks since Commander Valdivieso's resignation. It took you two weeks and no longer to demonstrate you are as ill-suited a candidate for command as could possibly have been chosen."

"I'm... sorry you feel that way, but surely you understand the need for hunters will remain, even without you."

"We will see to that," he states coolly, stepping back among his fellows. "We will do what you and your ilk are unable--unwilling--to do. What is necessary."

You look from face to face, looking for any sign of dissent, any hint of approachability, and find nothing but steely resolve and blatant, unmasked disdain.

> ... Then I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
>Might I remind you that you have commissions? Duties?

>>40711629
>(+0 points)
wut

>>40711637
> ... Then I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

>>40711647
The right choice isn't always the best choice.

>>40711637
>... Then I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
When commisioned hunters stop giving a shit for protocol, things are going bad. Nothing we say will make them happy.

>>40711651
What do we need the points for? Did I miss something or is everyone else as confused as I am?

>>40711637
> ... Then I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

>>40711637
>Might I remind you that you have commissions? Duties?

>>40711674
I think we're all confused, but presumably the higher score we get, the better off our situation will be in the future. Perhaps more deaths by Maverick would have resulted in a more immediate and destructive policy regarding Mavericks, for better long-term consequences, or the Hunters wouldn't have quit.

>>40711637
>>Might I remind you that you have commissions? Duties?

>>40711637
>Might I remind you that you have commissions? Duties?
nice isn't working, switching tatics

>>40711428
wasnt he a little too nonchalant about that? he should know that people die when they're killed, so to speak. I'd think even early stage reploids should have enough brains to distinguish the mortality of a human being, and that its considered good social conduct to, well, not kill them.

>>40711637
>>Might I remind you that you have commissions? Duties?

... Hmm... WHY are they quitting? I don't like/trust this.

>>40711817
Do you not grasp the 'maverick' part?

>>40711817
He didn't realize he killed him.

>>40711823
They just outlined it: the new Hunter Commander has apparently been so much of a fuck-up for the past two weeks he's been in office that 8 of the best Hunters would rather walk out than keep dealing with this.

>>40711695
I reckon the higher the score, the more likely it is we get Anode as an interlude

>>40711838
The higher the score, the more likely Cain Labs is hiding under your bed tonight.

>>40711838
What if the number indicates how likely it is Anode turns mav?

>>40711847
We must bump those numbers higher!

Had the response typed up just in time to refresh and catch them tie, and then the other option take the lead. Going to wait a few more minutes before I scrap this and type the other outcome.

>>40711412
WHY DO YOU HATE ME SLEEPING

WHY

>>40711858
Will you post it at the end of the thread as a 'could have been'?

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>>40711865
Sleep and I have always been strange bedfellows.

No but seriously, I woke up at goddamn 1 in the morning for no discernible reason.

>>40711686
>>40711771
>>40711805
>>40711823
I don't think pulling a "YOU WORK FOR ME, DAMMIT" works in our favor on this one.

>>40711882
Probably not the whole thing in longform, but I can break down what each option led to and why.

>>40711899
Sounds good. I also thought you had a trip, but apparently not.

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>>40711909
I haven't needed one--yet. There was one guy who did a joking post in my name, but there was no malice to it. If I ever need to pick one up I can, but hey, we've made it this far.

>>40711891
I'm not sure I like the thought of 8 Maverick Hunters leaving the Maverick Hunters **and still continuing to hunt Mavericks.**

Because it sounds like they're not just quitting, but that they'll keep fighting.

... Not sure if it might be better for the Commander to play dumb and let them go rather than push the issue, or for him to push the issue and have them flip out here and now. Because at least if they do the latter, it's only an incompetent Commander that gets killed, and people catch on to Rogue Maverick Hunters right off the bat rather than after these guys have laid low and prepared.

Yes, one thing I'm worried about is these guys preparing to go Maverick. The first Maverick Hunters to go Maverick.

It could be that they're quitting because they object to the way the Maverick issue is handled (due to the first Maverick being horribly confused rather than immediately violent) -- but these guys gave me more of a "hard men" vibe.

hey hunter command, just throwing this out there but you might want to archive this a bit early. Some guy has been going around mis-archiving quest lately

>>40711942
Done and done. Thanks for the heads-up.

Also, every time I'm about to post "Closed votes, writing" one of you chuckleheads posts some really invested discussion. Closing votes in 15 minutes one way or the other.

I can't recall the timelines... When does Sigma take command? Wong won't be replaced with him, right?

Thread title: The Doppler Effect
Archive summary: In which we see where we came from.

Now, does this mean our choices will have an effect on the general situation, or on Anode himself?

>>40711991
Why not both?

>>40712008
I'm trying to peer into the warped minds of Hunter Command and Cain Labs, here. If I try to focus on all possible answers, my brain will explode.

>>40712034
will maybe not hunter command but Cain labs, I feel if anyone caught a glimpse into his mind they'd either go insane from all the cruelty he's built up or even possibly be warped into some eldritch abomination.

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>>40711686
>>40711771
>>40711805
>>40711823
You take a deep breath, and exhale through your nose.

Rezador. Euler. Tanuki. Chevalski. Wreck King. Cormorant. Rabbit. Skunk.

The best of the best--Los Mortales. The Deadly Ones. Finest of a generation. Handpicked goons of a racist old woman who never met a crackdown she didn't like. You force down your nervous discomfort in the presence of eight very powerful Reploids, none of whom have any patience for bullshit. Rather than back down, you decide to double up.

"Do I need to remind you," you say with as much harshness as you can, "that you are a considerable portion of our top-end fighting strength?"

"Maybe you didn't hear Rey," Wreck King replies. "I believe what he said was 'we resign immediately.'"

"You weak fuck," adds Cormorant, earning a chorus of snickers.

You bristle, standing up. "That's enough of that. Insult me all you want, but you will not insult this office or this organization. Have some responsibility. Lives depend on you."

"Our job is not to save lives," Rezador says coldly. "Our job is to terminate Reploid threats. And we will fulfill it. Without you."

You force yourself not to wither under their glares, feeling your collar warm and the sweat bead on your forehead. "You've been plain with me, so I will be plain with you. You leave at your own peril."

There's a long silence.

And then they laugh.

And then they leave. One by one, filing out of your office. No salutes, no goodbyes.

"Cheers, Wong," Chevalski says, last out the door. "Good luck with what's left."

Attempting to bring them in was yet another black mark on your tenure. True to your word, you made every attempt you could to enforce their officer's duties, charging them publicly (and accurately) as AWOL. But every hunter who ever made the attempt received nothing for their troubles but a sound and humiliating drubbing.

(-1 points)

>>40712154
You are CLNJI-001-G, and today is your big day.

You keep your arm held out obligingly as the man (he introduced himself to your creators, but you didn't quite catch his name) turns your wrist over, inspecting your hand.

"Impressive work, this," he notes. "But I imagine this isn't standard."

"No, no," your builder says. "But we needed a demonstrable prototype, and we thought we would use him as a showcase, of sorts. His shielding and weapons are per spec, of course. We just gave him some additional flair."

"So I see. Hands this small are tricky business. Any other surprises?"

Eston nods with a youthful grin, pulling your helmet off. "Not removable on the standard model. Here, take a look."

The man turns it over in his hands. "Interesting design. Solid, I don't see a connector port--no third optic?"

"Another bit of glitz," Eston explains. "With the removable helmet, we opted to deal with balance and locomotive camera functions with secondary optics on either side. Compound eyes, as it were."

"Interesting, interesting. And the neck guard is to..."

"Protect the additional cerebro-spinal brain. You've seen our reports on the subsystem?"

"Yes, integrated directly into the cranium. I see--to keep the neural component up to snuff, you just gave him a brainstem."

You tune out the conversation, letting them talk with the funding council inspector. In an hour, you'll be running a test course. You've run sims to hell and back. You're ready for this, but... but you can't help but feel nerves gnawing at the edge of your mind. Not because you're afraid you'll fail. No, you're afraid you'll pass.

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>>40712161
“Reploids are Dangerous.” That line is burned into your memory, staring at the news feed that the Doctor didn’t switch off in time. You still stay awake in the charger sometimes, thinking about the protests, rereading the signs. Mass Shutdown Now. Back in the Bottle. Never Another Sigma. And it didn’t help that the night before, you caught Eston sharing a joke with one of your builders about the scrap-to-soul exchange rate. He tried to reassure you, but you couldn’t help but notice that he seems to keep you at arm’s length. You’re starting to think that maybe he’s right to.

And now here you are, a buster in your arm and a pair of sabers on your back, prodded and poked by someone who's going to decide if you're lethal enough to make more of.

You check the urge to shake your head, trying to will the doubts away. You want to do well, make them proud. Maybe all it’ll take is proving yourself to… yourself, really. Just excel, let yourself do what you were built to. It’s not that you don’t want to. It’s not that you can’t. Maybe you just need to stop overthinking it, and start doing, and the worries will fade away.

Maybe.

“Well, I think I’m satisfied with this. If the simulation is ready, let’s see him in action.”

You look up at that, as Eston turns to you, all smiles.“Are you ready, Emerald?”

>Ace their test.
>Throw the test.

>>40712169
I think we all need to discuss this one.

>>40712169
>Ace their test.

>>40712169
>Throw the test.

HC, didn't you say a while back that all the coding names for weaponry had stories behind them? Can we get the reasoning behind Anode's one day?

>>40712187
right, so, thoughts?

Want to say ace simply because I feel like it could help the hunters but at the same time we do know that EM is a glass cannon... leaning towards acing the test but still on the fence

>>40712187
Foresight from the future already tells us that despite the initial showing (strong or otherwise), Emerald's project never took off, and his design never went into mass production, though he did get a pair of siblings out of it.

In a perfect world, Emerald will ace the test because it's in his nature, that he's designed to beast physical exams like this. Something will happen, though, that will shelve the project. This question basically asks: how does Emerald's project fail? Did Em willingly throw the test, or did something happen down the road after the successful strong showing?

>>40712203
Shit, I already throw, but now you say that.... If their funding gets cut, that means less family approval, less to spend on Emerald and Sapphire that they might need to survive.

HC, changing vote to
>Ace it

>>40712213
Keep in mind that Emerald does become a ranking officer, so he can't be shown to be initially terrible in his first live test.

I'm leaning towards throwing the test.

>>40712169
>Ace their test.

>>40712213
Maybe he aces the test but his siblings fail?

>>40712224
Actually. Change this to acing it, too.

>>40712223
He starts off as a C, though, as an individual prototype he'll have to be an officer rather than infantry.

>>40712169
>Ace their test.

>>40712235
No, it was something Em did. That's why they didn't commission an infantry model of him.

This might deal with his self-esteem or family relationship along the line (who seem to be assholes), or with how Sapphire and Diamond are then built.

>>40712169
>>Throw the test.

>>40712262
It helps to remember that, in Em's own words, he was essentially a walking talking graduate's thesis.

this is getting to the point where I just want to say fuck it and just pick answers at random to see what happens

But before I jump out of the moving car I ask a question to all of you
WHAT do you THINK will happen if we pass and the same question but if we fail?

Pass) we move on to more testing just to see how far Em can be pushed before he brakes seeing as he's a prototype, some of his "family" [the ones who built him] respect him a bit more but also fear him a bit more as well, and the hunters will take certain designs out of his blue print for future reploids which could help in the long run
FAIL) Get thrown out of the hunter only to try again later, "family" get's pissed or upset or both, "family" get's pressured to get it right the next time around forcing Em's siblings to either be better and stronger since Em's family is trying to save face or they make mistakes trying to make them perfect making them weaker. Oh and since Em was built as a college project I'm guessing "dad" doesn't get as good of a job.

how bout you folks what do you think?

>>40712262
>No, it was something Em did. That's why they didn't commission an infantry model of him.
I can't say that's a guarantee. It could be external politics that killed the project, or anything else. Emerald may very well be blameless in what's to come.

>>40712262
He only names Eston as a builder (not a parent), and only calls another a builder. Doesn't even name them.

>>40712281
Yeah, I'm thinking that if we both survive, we have Em over for Thanksgiving. Doubt he's getting so much as a phone all from home.

>>40712221
Just delete the old post

>>40712289
I don't think this is a test to join the Hunters but to see if his builders get more funding or get okay end for an infantry roll-out.

>>40712301
I'm on a mobile device that won't let me delete posts. Might be able to get on a laptop in the next hour, to prevent future occurrences.

>>40712169
>Throw the test.

keep in mind we know what issues em ends up with, and we know how this ends.

if he aces the test he will get rejected because they are afraid of him, and that will feed his issues with being nervous about going rouge.

Well shit that backfired.

>>40712169

Could throwing the test might mean that Emerald was under-rated? And thus has higher depths?

Although... This looks to be more a choice that affects what mentality Emerald has rather than level of hidden depths.

We know that Emerald refused to upgrade himself and to cover his weaknesses, for the sake of his family. But apparently Emerald was also just afraid of what Reploids - and he himself - might be capable of...

>>40712344
And if he throws, his family disowns him. Your presumption is as good as mine.

fuck it I'm going to just vote acing it just for Em's sake. I mean if Indy ever found out he failed this thing she'd never let him live it down

>>40712352

Huh. And having read the other posts, it looks like I seem to be the only one to have thought of it along the lines of "what does it mean for Em/for his mentality and confidence?" rather than 'how successful is the project'?

I really don't think that the success level of the project actually determines much for us in the future guys.

We KNOW that only Em and his siblings were built. We know that whatever else happens, they don't make Em a stock model.

So whatever we are hoping to benefit and turn for the better here... I'm thinking it has everything to do with Emerald himself -- his own doubts and fears and how he first approached them -- and now with how much funding the project got.

>>40712169
You know.. part of me wants to pass, but not ace. That or voice your concerns to the Doctor. Damn.. this is really a hard call. I mean, it makes sense to be worried, to screw up when pressure is o you, especially when you are worried to be considered a weapon.

After all, Em isn't just a weapon after all.. so I say throw it just enough to pass.

>>40712169
>Ace the test with Slide levels of finesse
We had to earn our A, gents.

>>40712382
Em was messing at the end of the last thread right? think this mentality we're putting on him is going to effect whether or not he goes Maverick? Then again depend if he holds back or not could also mean whether or not he has the mentality to survive whatever horrible things Cain and Command threw at him.

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Acing the test wins handily. Stand by, writing.

>>40712446
We're so fucked.
>Final thread score: -15,000

>>40712446
if we fuck this one up as well I'm just going to start flipping a coin and let lady luck decide

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>40712458
Chances of us fucking everything up beyond redemption.

>>40712505

Damn, man. We're fucked.

>>40712505
so was that roll meant for US fucking everything up or the DICE fucking everything up?

>>40712518
Yes.

>>40712505
so with this little tidbit of information we just got I say we start rolling up a new character now to save time later.

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>>40712505

>>40712446
Damn, this thing is going to be helluva hard. Nothing wrong with that, but I don't want to fuck up Emerald just by this alone because we don't know jack.

If Anode somehow survives in the future, who's up for building a Mett?

>>40712538
I've been designing and redesigning the Solstrike shield for months. I went from kite/heater to round shield with a heat edge and just having the entire thing rotate to form a sort of heat circular saw.

>>40712538
depends, what company are you planning on putting him in?

>>40712550
I'll vote for that, if we combine our forces into met-building as well. I'd love to start building mechaniloids, and maybe another Reploid way down the line.

>>40712554
Company?

>>40712565
you know, like the 4th overland that Anode is in now

>>40712575
It will be Anode. Anode will live. Non-Maverick, and only the normal level of crazy.

>>40712558
so you want to be in the 3rd or the 8th?
those were the mechoniloid and R&D teams right? I can never remember what number meant what

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>>40712188
>>40712221
>>40712228
>>40712240
>>40712250
>>40712360
>>40712394
...No. You were built to do this, and damn it, you're gonna do it.

The test goes by the numbers--it better, given how long you practiced, getting in the extra hours when you couldn't sleep. Doing things has always helped you calm your nerves, rather than just sitting around rusting. You jump, you dash, tuck, roll, prioritize your targets, advance while firing ahead, counter melee threats fast and furious. You even admit you sort of like the feeling of that buster in your arm--decent heft to it, and that charge shot knocks things silly. You keep your spacing and manage distance carefully, size things up quickly and accurately. You're grinning a little by the end--you can feel that you nailed it. You look up at the viewing window and give a wave as the last drone falls. The hunter contractor applauds politely, while Eston gives you a nod.

The hunters must not have seen it that way, though. You didn't find out until a week later--Crystal Labs didn't land the contract. Eston was actually sympathetic, and explained it to you.

Your performance impressed the tester, but in his analysis, he said he suspected that your non-standard build "flourishes" gave you a disproportionate advantage over the stock models they were slated to commission. Even if not, however, they had no way of knowing unless they reran the test again with a stock model. And unfortunately, Crystal Labs couldn’t produce another prototype (or downgrade you to spec) before the deadline for the contract. And so they lost their bid. It wasn't all bad, though--Eston smiled as he told you they had placed a new order--for two more like you, built to higher standards, the air and sea variants. And, there was more--you were rated at a combat grade of C, and the hunters had tendered an officer's commission.

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>>40712598
But in the back of your mind, you couldn't help but feel like you failed, just the same. Maybe there was something you could have done to win that contract.

And, worse than that, you never could shake the feeling that you let your own pride overtake your sense of responsibility.

(+0 points)

>>40712586
No, no. I just want Anode to build a Mett. Not a combat one, just as a hobby that might lead into some kind of weaponry design, engineering, robotics, whatever.

maybe we're looking at this wrong and we can't improve our position. maybe this is just damage control?

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He's gone.

Your big brother--the one who taught you everything you know--is gone, leaving you here, staring at a simple text-only display at four in the morning, eyes bleary and batteries low.

>where are you? come back

You reread the line you typed in desperation for the thousandth time, wishing he'd respond, that he'd come in the door, that he'd anything. But you know he won't.

Weisshund left with Sigma.

Your eyes widen as your line jumps up the page.

>You should shut this line down, Schwarz.

You practically jump up to respond.

>come back

>I can't do that.

>why

>You know why. You can't keep talking to me. We're enemies now.

>says who

>Says the hunters. I'm sorry, Schwarz, I had to go.

>no you didn't

>I did. You saw what they did to my knights.

>that doesn't justify this

>He's right, Schwarz. Can't you see that?

>if i could i'd be there

>It's not too late. You could join us.
>Schwarz? Are you still there?

>yes
>why did you go?

>Because he asked me.

>why didn't he ask me?

>Would you have come, if he had?

You close your eyes, leaning back, and reconsider the question you've asked yourself a dozen times. This time, you have an answer.

>no

>That's why he didn't ask.

>i guess so

>Are you going to be all right?

>you don't care

>Of course I do.

>no

>No, you're not all right, or no, I don't care?

>both
>does it matter?

>I guess not. You should close this line.

>probably

>Are you going to?

>i don't know
>no one knows about it but us

>We're opposing combatants, Schwarz. If you leave it open...

>i'll keep watching it
>it's secured anyway, remember?
>no access, just two-way

>I guess. I need to go.

>bye

>I love you, little brother.

You erase your response repeatedly, going through six variations on "fuck you."

...

>i love you too.

>I hope we never see each other again.

>>40712608
Responsibility? To what?

>>40712608
I'm starting to wonder if we actually can gain points? I mean so far we either don't get anything or only lose points so maybe we're just trying to minimize the damage? If not and we're just sucking then I'm grabbing that coin

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>>40712625
You watch the screen for who knows how long, entry-line blinking through the dark of your room. Closing your eyes, you resign yourself to your new best-case scenario--never meeting your big brother again. Not having to fight him. Not having to kill, or die to him.

...

You raise a finger to hit the terminal disconnect switch.
>Shut down the line.
>Leave it open.

>>40712630
Okay, so - what effect might this have on the mission Schwartz is currently on? Which will make him more likely to survive?

>>40712630
>>Shut down the line.

>>40712641
well leaving it open runs the risk that hunter command might find out and reprimand him someway or trackdown his brother
closing it might mean he misses out on information and he might run into his brother.

>>40712630
>>Leave it open.

>>40712630
>Shut down the line

>>40712630
>Shut down the line.

>>40712627
I think the number in the parentheses is the total number of points, but I'm not sure about that.

>>40712630
>Shut down the line.

>>40712654
But Weisshund is dead now. 1st's Commander killed him, I think.

>>40712630
>Shut down the line.

>>40712630
>Leave it open.

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Ahh, it's so good to be back. Hello everyone.

>>40712630
>Leave it open.

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>>40712630
>shut it down

He's gone, leaving it open just reminds us of the loss, to say nothing of the potential security issues.

>>40712693
Hi, CL. Did you come up with all this mind-twisting trauma, or did you collaborate?

>>40712693
Welcome back, Cain.

>>40712630
>Leave it open.

>>40712693
you're late

>>40712702
Technically Maverick was head-twisting trauma.

>>40712709
Thank you! It's great to see such a turnout for the return.

>>40712693
Hello CL. I actually missed your special brand of sadism over the break. Same with HC. Hell, really everything about this quest.

>>40712725
I meant the entire thread. Pretty sure we've all got a case of shadowruns right now.

>>40712736
Personally, I'm just wondering how all these events tie together and how soon they'll come back to bite us in the ass. Because they will.

>>40712750
As long as Anode, Cath, Em (and now Schwartz) are okay, I'm good.

>>40712763
I feel sorry for you now

>>40712763
Anode is the one most likely to be not okay at all. I hope we follow him further it would really suck to have died so soon after the wheels came off.

>>40712763
Well, uh, I can see Cathode surviving. Probably. She has the highest chances, I'd say.

>>40712771
I'm living purely off hope right now.

It'll be crushed, but let me linger until then.

>>40712289
>>40712458
>>40712624
>>40712627
Let me make it clear: positive outcomes are available for most events - normally the split is +1/+0, with some +1/-1 scattered about. A few nonstandard ones also exist. You can accrue a total positive score - in fact, we're expecting that to happen. The only question is, how high will you manage to score?

This is not a question of luck. While it's by no means easy - we deliberately wanted to show hard choices and outcomes that could influence the future - the right choice can be worked out. We intended to provoke some thought and discussion, getting into the headspace of different perspectives in times where the best choice is not always the right choice. Above all, we wanted to let you participate in some defining moments - and wherever the final score takes us, the decisions being made will still contribute to character development and in-setting events. I know it's been a rough start, but I encourage you to stick it out and put some thought into making the best decisions for each event.

>>40712783
We didn't get a chance to dodge or defend, I don't think we'd be railroaded like that. If anyone's okay, it'll be Anode. The rest are probably fucked.

>>40712808
So we've screwed up both times so far. Shit.

>>40712815
Maybe three times, depending on whether the point notes are the full tally or just that part.

>>40712827
Yeah, I meant all times, forgot the Wong one. Double shit.

>>40712815
You have a LOT of opportunity to make up this lost ground.

>>40712808
so with that last one was the +0 meaning that we got a point and our overall score reset to 0 or that we got 0 points?

>>40712841
Are the scores at the end a running tally, or for that part?

Rolled 50 (1d100)

Trying to negate the fuck-ups, chances that everything will turn out at least slightly positive...

>>40712841
Watch, we'll end up with -20XX points and somehow bring about the apocalypse before Anode was even a concept.

>>40712865
50/50 eh? sounds about right.

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>>40712808
>You can accrue a total positive score - in fact, we're expecting that to happen.

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>>40712648
>>40712661
>>40712665
>>40712673
>>40712684
>>40712697
You're not sure how long you hover there, grappling with indecision. The wall terminal display brightens with simulated day and your alarm beep, beep, beeps, each second ticking by while you reread your brother's last words to you.

Closing your eyes, you hit the switch.

Goodbye, Weisshund.

The first work call comes early, as you knew it would. Stock has to be taken of what--and who--is left, targets to prioritize, plans to discuss, damage to control. You're now the most senior member of the Fourth Overland, the highest-ranking and the longest-serving.

Duty calls.

(A future outcome has been seeded)

>>40712853
>>40712855
Score for the event. Your overall score is -1.

>>40712870
>Congratulations! You've negated your own existence!
Or we'll make ourselves a retroactive deep-cover Maverick.

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>>40712876
You are Captain--no, Colonel Hammer Frog, new leader of the Fourth Overland unit, by dint of having caved in your predecessor's chest with a sledgehammer three weeks ago.

The first thing you did was rally what was left of 4th Geneva and counterattack Sigma's new forces. The second thing you did was plead with Zero--himself the new commander of the Maverick Hunters as a whole--to give your job to someone else. He'd turned you down flat. "This is a time of war," he said. "And you're what we need right now."

You jump at a sudden presence behind you, almost two-handing your hammer backwards before you catch yourself--it's safe. The attack is over.

"Schwarz," you sigh. "Almost hit you, sorry."

"Don't worry. Would've missed," he replies, and you're instantly reminded that you have no right to be miserable with your lot while he's dealing with his.

Since the attack--since his brother turned--Schwarz has disappeared into himself, the formerly outgoing nightfighter going quiet, and somber. He hasn't said so much as a word to you since the two of you met, meted out your duties as the new top men of the unit. "What's going on?" you ask.

He falls into step beside you, voice lower than usual. "We're not secure," he says.

"We're as secure as we can get," you say. You don’t like where he’s going with this already.

"You know Sigma." You thought you did, he means. "He'd leave someone here. Maybe more than one."

"You're worried there could be a second attack?" you ask.

"Need to make sure that won't happen. Clean house."

"Command's already on that," you note. "They'll take care of it."

"Not as well as I would."

>>40712841
you don't honestly believe that do you? No one here actually BELIEVES we're going to be pulling out ahead when all is said and done. I mean there are going to be some people that HOPE we're going to be ok but no one actually BELIEVES it will be so.

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>>40712885
You stop in your tracks, turning back to look at him ."Schwarz, you practically built this unit. You trained most of us yourself. You know everyone personally, down to the Lanceteamers."

He meets your gaze in silence, before turning away, eyes elsewhere. "Yeah."

You see it now. No one else knows them better. Damn it, Schwarz. "You don't have to do this. Do you want to?"

"No," he says instantly, always honest with you. “But…”

...But he wouldn’t have offered if he didn’t think he had to. You knew command was more responsibility than you wanted, but shit like this... any maverick he roots out and puts down is someone he knew. Taught. A friend. You might as well square up and kick him right in the soul, if you let him do this.

>...Approved. Clean house, Major. And you're sorry.
>...You can't do that to him. Not after Weisshund.

>>40712889
This guy says what we're all thinking.

>>40712892
>...Approved. Clean house, Major. And you're sorry.
everythingisshit.life

>>40712889
>>40712894
Well I did say "opportunity."

>>40712906
you also said you where expecting us to get a positive score.

>>40712892
>...Approved. Clean house, Major. And you're sorry.
Desperate times calls for desperate measures.

>>40712892
>...You can't do that to him. Not after Weisshund.
your the boss now deal with it

>>40712892
>...Approved. Clean house, Major. And you're sorry.

What must be done, must be done.

Besides, I have a feeling he'd do it anyway.

>>40712892
>...Approved. Clean house, Major. And you're sorry.
i would realy rather not but right now it's the best choice.

>>40712906
Wait, did we get a score for shutting down the comms to Weiss? Or did the seeded event count as a plus?

>>40712906
>opportunity
you misspelled false hope

>>40712912
Despair always tastes better when recently converted from hope.

>>40712892
>...You can't do that to him. Not after Weisshund.

>>40712935
Seeded event doesn't count as anything... yet. Your later performance will determine what you score for the seeded event.

>>40712988
We're fucked beyond infinity. Good to know.

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>>40712885
>the formerly outgoing nightfighter going quiet

Just checked; thread 22 confirms Weisshund is now dead, as far as Schwartz is aware, probably by Striker Cobra.

>>40712892
>...Approved. Clean house, Major. And you're sorry.
So far, all the positive-scoring events have had to do with nonconflict resolution. ...But fuck that, he's right and he knows it.

>>40713096
well the first one wasn't if we had chosen the other the very first maverik would have gone down fighting instead of plain surrendering.

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>>40712903
>>40712922
>>40712926
>>40712929
>>40713096
You close your eyes for what must be a full minute, trying to bring yourself to say what you so desperately want to. No, Schwarz, you don't have to do this. You deserve better than playing Inquisition. Just take care of yourself for a little while, you've held us all together this long.

"Frog," he says softly.

"Do it," you finally say. "And thank you."

"Don't need thanks," he replies, turning to go. You grab him by the shoulder.

"Yes," you insist. "You do."

Schwarzhund is as efficient and pragmatic as ever. One officer, six enlisted, quickly and quietly sniffed out and put down. No trials--not in those days. You didn't have the time or the staff. But Schwarz went the extra mile--you trusted him implicitly, but he still went out of his way delivering the evidence to you, for each and every one. In the process, he also found a sabotaged vehicle rigged to be detonated remotely, two small comm relays and signal-scrubbers, and even a teleport jammer built under the main pad--something they could activate when you were needed somewhere fast, or if you were ever forced to evacuate the base.

The cost is there, though. You'll never really forgive yourself, even though your decision was vindicated time and again. Schwarz, bless him, never blamed you. You realized, years later, that each of you thought the other had received the worse part of the deal when you meted out your duties as the new top men of the Fourth. Two old friends, taking turns inflicting cruelty on one another.

(+1 points)

>>40712889
You are a whiny little shit and I hope you kill yourself after we lose too many points.

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>>40713209
You are Aegis Garm, and today is Doomsday. Zero hour. The worst possible outcome, the one no one expected to come to pass.

And you're standing opposite him, your massive frame the only thing between him and the low-rank hunters he was reaving through before you arrived.

"Garm," Sigma greets, with… a grin. This from the man whose half-smile of approval would have legions jumping to fight and die for.

"...Sir," you respond, at a complete loss.

“I am only going to say this once. Don’t be on the wrong side of history.“ He lets his weapon fall to one side, a heavy, crimson cape settling around his shoulders casting him as even more immaculate and untouchable than ever. He beckons with his free hand expectantly.

"Begging your pardon, sir," you reply, eyeing that blazing green blade, still ignited, in his hand. "But I can’t do that."

Sigma’s eyes, a cold and solid cobalt blue, flit once. His wicked grin doesn’t so much as slip. “Truly? I will not tolerate insubordination, Garm.”

You reply by way of silence, simply hunching your shoulders and awaiting the coming storm.

He's on you in less than an eyeblink, faster than anyone his size should possibly be able to move. You raise your arm, but it's too late--that blade shrieks as it carves through your midsection, metal parting under beam even through the immense strength of your shields.

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>>40713229
You answer his attack with your own, shouldering against him and feeling like nothing so much as headbutting a bridge. With his off hand, he pushes back, locking you in place as you strain against him.

“All that power, all that armor,” he says calmly, no trace of exertion in his perpetually level voice. “And for what? You cannot stop what’s coming, Garm.”

"No, sir, I can't," you grunt, straining against him in futility. "But I can slow you down."

"Not long," he responds, cool and collected, taking control of the grapple and attempting to physically drag you out of the cramped corridor you fill from floor to ceiling. Attempting and succeeding, fast. He's right--you can't slow him down long. Not nearly long enough.

His blade flashes again, and another chunk of your right side is hewn from you, metal sizzling at your feet. “Such endurance, Aegis! You truly are a testament to Reploid strength.”

You don’t respond, lest your voice betray your fear. He’s … toying with you. In his genius, it’s surely part of a plan. It’s always part of a plan. Does he mean to weaken your resolve? Cow you into falling in line? Stepping aside? Does he simply see a weakness in you that you’re blind to?

You don’t dare try to think about why any further. You force the thoughts down, focusing on the pain, on that unstoppable saber beam, on the terrifying grin on your former leader’s face, anything else. Think, Garm. You can’t win this, that much is true. This is Sigma's base, and now he's declared a change in business. No one is going to pry him out of here unless he chooses to go.

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>>40713243
Fortunately for you, then, that you've got the keys to the superweapon. Your last op had the Enigma cannon on standby, and in this chaos, no one took away the authorization. If anything can disincline Sigma to stay parked in Geneva, it's long-range bombardment on the order of terawatts.

>Fire the Enigma cannon on your position and make sure he's there when it hits. Less will die.
>Only sacrifice yourself when there's something valuable to die protecting. Fire the cannon and fall back.

>>40713257
>Fire the Enigma cannon on your position and make sure he's there when it hits. Less will die.

>>40713257
Oh shit

>>40713257
>Fire the Enigma cannon on your position and make sure he's there when it hits. Less will die.

We are the shield that guards the realm of men.

>>40713257
>Fire the Enigma cannon on your position and make sure he's there when it hits. Less will die.

>>40713257
>Fire the Enigma cannon on your position and make sure he's there when it hits. Less will die.

In the moment, this makes the most sense, especially if we're remarkably durable. We might be the only reploid that could actually do something like this combo, so let's take advantage of the moment! also let's cause a time paradox

>>40713257
>>Fire the Enigma cannon on your position and make sure he's there when it hits. Less will die.
Thisisspiralenergy.exe

>>40713257
>Fire the Enigma cannon on your position and make sure he's there when it hits. Less will die
one last stand it might not kill the son of a bitch but it will slow him down it will destroy his base and ruin everything for him.

>>40713257
>Only sacrifice yourself when there's something valuable to die protecting. Fire the cannon and fall back.

The hero option is a trap, its just what CL wants us to do. this one says we cover something more valuable.

>>40713257
>Only sacrifice yourself when there's something valuable to die protecting. Fire the cannon and fall back.

>>40713257
>Fire the Enigma cannon on your position and make sure he's there when it hits. Less will die

This is the same guy who was pushing 18th Volunteer Hell Unit

>>40713257
>Only sacrifice yourself when there's something valuable to die protecting. Fire the cannon and fall back.
He wants us to fire

>>40713338
>>40713353
Yeah, but we're Garm. Even if it's not the right choice, it's what Garm would do. He takes the hits for others. We run and other people would die.

If CL wants us to do shit out of character to reward us, that's a mark against him.

>>40713257
> Fire and fall back

>>40713257
Wait, HC. If we fall back are we explicitly letting the people behind us die?

>>40713384
He shouldn't tell us a goddamn thing.

>>40713391
But it's IC knowledge, we should be able to figure out if they're running and will be able to escape, or if they're going to get killed.

>>40713401
Yeah, we can't be expected to discern everything Garm knows about the situation from like fifteen lines.

>>40713257
>Fire the Enigma cannon on your position and make sure he's there when it hits. Less will die.
Screw it.

>>40713401
No, it isn't. Garm has absolutely NO GUARANTEE that his decisions will save or cost lives. At best, it's an IC guess. You just want it to be IC knowledge because you don't want to have to deal with the consequences if we don't win a fucking point.

God, you are insufferable.

Wait. If Sigma's only just done all this, he probably knows we have access to it. Might even have 'neglected' to remove our access himself. Is this part of the plan?

>>40713353
What if Sigma also has the authorization, and is planning to fire it on the city, blaming it on Garm? I'm sure there's evidence that could be found or made to release to the public showing that Garm had authorization.

>>40713429
Look, we're not saying will people die if we go back, we're asking if falling back means we are knowingly abandoning the people behind us.

>>40713429
Jesus, I'm not even the one who requested the clarification, don't bitch at me. I figure Aegis, as an experienced Hunter, can pretty easily figure out whether it's likely they'll survive or not, barring unexpected events like Sigma pulling an ace out of nowhere.

I don't know know why you're being so pissed off about things, but this quest generally has one of the most amiable player-bases. Please don't put an end to that.

>>40713444
As opposed to firing the Enigma Cannon on our position and DEFINITELY killing anyone unlucky enough to not be able to escape in time?

I don't see why you need to request clarification in hopes of winning a point, anon.

There are Hunter personnel at Garm's back, retreating from Sigma.

>>40713465
You realize that either option has us nuking geneva, right? It's just a choice between trying to make sure Sigma is here when the shot lands or attempting self preservation.

>>40713491
not just self-preservation, we'd be falling back from what's basically a military line to cover other parts of Geneva, which would prolly include civilians. Either way we blow up his base, question is more if we want to take ourselves out of the fight to try and get him out too, or if we want to fall back to where we might really be needed later.

it's fun watching the world burn down in flames, I'm really enjoying this thread

>>40713491
Yeah, I realized that after I hit submit.

rescinding my vote change anyway. From now on I'm going to stop voting early and wait for the discussions.

>>40713508
We know we're going to take two more hits from Sigma, it's been referenced in a previous thread. We'll certainly survive to continue fighting.

>>40713512
Yeah, we've even had our first 'kill yourself' further up the thread. Don't know what's going on today.

If I recall, Garm has been considered MIA for a while back in the present. I guess we either pull back and probably live or try to atomize ourselves and Sigma right here.

We barely know Garm beyond that he's a badass, but I'd rather he survive here. We also can't really expect to kill Sigma in any lasting sense because he's a cheating faggot.

>>40713603
We know we survive, we only go missing 'recently' in terms of our normal timeline. A month after Anode joined or so?

I doubt we can cause a paradox here, we're just fuelling CL's sadistic joy.

>>40713603

Garm went MIA recently-ish though. Like within a month or two of the present, I think.

>>40713629
>>40713630
When is this Garm segment in the timeline? I'm terrible with time even normally, so all this jumping has me confused. The only thing I feel sure of is that all these segments are linear in the timeline.

>>40713675
I am pretty sure this stuff isn't linear, unless Emerald is hella old. Current segment is when Sigma goes mav, along with a solid chunk of the hunters.

>>40713675
This is when Sigma first goes 'S'up, y'all, I'm Mav, join me or die'. Back when the Maverick virus wasn't known about, and large numbers of Hunters followed him.

Anode-time, we're X3.

>>40713675
Looking at the thread so far, we'd be:

• Maverick's POV
• Wong's POV
• Garm's POV
• Schwarz's POV
• Frog's POV
• Emerald's POV

>>40713689
>>40713697
Oh. I'm wrong about everything then. Crap.

>>40713718
Thank you for clearing that up. A timeline is really helpful.

>>40713718
This is accurate. Well done.

>>40713753
Cl, in the Schwartz part
>You're now the most senior member of the Fourth Overland, the highest-ranking and the longest-serving.
Was that while Frog was getting patched up or something?

The trap is playing by Sigma's rules. This is a street fight, so let's play street fighter
>Go for the Suplex

>>40713802
Quick, roll a d20!

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>40713810
Let's see if I'm still lucky...

>>40713828
Well, can't argue with that.

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Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>40713810

>>40713854
You fail, Geneva gets wiped out, Cain Labs laughs forever, the end.

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>>40713279
>>40713285
>>40713286
>>40713289
>>40713303
>>40713308
>>40713352
>>40713423
You make your decision, queuing up the fire command.

"Aegis, I am receiving a request to activate the Enigma Cannon," Metis chimes in, her voice as distantly unconcerned as ever. "On your position, within Geneva. Is this correct?"

By way of response, grappling with Sigma, you simply send her what you're seeing, down to that horrible, unceasing grin.

"Copy," she responds. "I have evaluated the loss of you and myself and deemed it an acceptable cost. Stand by." Oh, good, glad she agrees. That leaves you to the task at hand--surviving long enough to make sure Sigma doesn't.

He's stronger, but you're heavier--you simply let your legs drop, hunkering and dragging him back in your tug of war. This leaves him free to carve another chunk out of you with a broad, almost lazy slash. But then, you were expecting that--you roll to one knee, still taller crouching than he stands, and use the stable platform to shove into him again, this time engaging your mass thrusters. Your massive red and blue jaws close around his chest, trying to limit his range of motion as the two of you rocket out of the hallway you were shielding.

"Cannon primed and firing. Battery impact in thirty seconds."

They are the longest thirty seconds of your life. The only reason it works at all is Sigma toying with you. His head-mounted buster sends shots digging into your forehead, impossible to miss at this distance, but you barely feel them as you slam into the opposite wall... before, with an almost casual half-swat, he backhands you clear off of him and across the room. You bring your fist down, anticipating his charge, and instead he catches it on his palm, inside your guard and exacting another painful slash with his great blade.

And then, the sky turns white. Static floods your senses as Sigma looks up, as if at feeling a patter of drizzle.

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>>40713890
"...Well fought, Aegis Garm," is the last you hear as your senses fail utterly, plating boiling away under a curtain of hungry light.

...You survived. Barely. And badly. Metis did not, and her replacement, Rho, was activated and in place before you were conscious again.

As for Sigma... he fell back from the single greatest hit he had ever endured in his life--but like you, he endured. Still, you succeeded. You stood before the unceasing tide and you weathered it, as long as you could. Many hunters owed you their lives, and their gratitude helped liven up a great many days of recuperation and reconstruction.

But you were left crippled for too long. During the Maverick War, you were incapacitated and out of the fight. But thinking back to the dozens he slaughtered in only minutes, you still think you made a good trade, and you always will.

(+0 points)

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>>40713905
You are Warrant Officer Crankshaft, and this is, quite possibly, the stupidest thing you've ever done.

Also the most fun. Funny how that works.

When you were picked to join the strike team boarding Sigma's flying fortress, you nearly argued. You have a ten-year-old girl to take care of, damn it. Sigma was the one who argued for letting you adopt her in the first place, you don't want a suicide mission going after him to unmake that decision. But when Zero laid out his plan (with himself as bait, distraction, and primary strike force all at once--heh, typical--)you relented. Sigma's been making war machines in Satan's Workshop, it's only reasonable to try and capture some of them.

And capture, you did. Some of the other 'meisters made off with an armor, or a chaser, or maybe a few mass-produced 'loids.

You, on the other hand? You hit the jackpot, finding an inactive but battle-ready mechaniloid, warmed up and left in standby mode. Whoever was asleep (or more likely dead) at the switch left him open to reprogramming, and now....

Well, now you're riding a hovertank shaped like the head of a tyrannosaurus rex, tearing a bloody swath through the frontline maverick garrison.

"I'M THE KING OF EVERYTHING," you whoop triumphantly, debris and mavericks scattering before you atop your mighty steed.

You rocket through the launch bays, entire aircraft crunching under your unyielding dinosaur rampage. You whoop and cackle as the gigantic mechaniloid spiders--dozens of them--fall off into the distance, unable to keep pace.

You ramp out of the hangar into open air, your body lurching as your ride nosedives, plummeting down towards the endless ocean below.

"Overboost those thrusters, Mister!" you holler over the wind rushing past, and the thing's giant, beady eye blinks once.

"ACKNOWLEDGED," it intones. "COMPENSATING FOR FALL."

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>>40713914
With a whoomph of thrust it stabilizes its freefall, descent slowing as you pull up (for whatever good it does), the tank guiding itself handily towards the rocky outcroppings on the very edge of the mainland.

"Friendly, coming in hot!" You comm, well in advance of the forward hunter position. "Hey boys, look what I found!"

Your comm-line crackles as you clear the jamming around Sigma's fancy, floating palace. "Cranky, what the hell...? You're turning that in, right?"

>The hell I am. This one's going under a tarp for a rainy day!
>Yeah, I've had my fun. Damn shame, though. Damn shame.

>The hell I am. This one's going under a tarp for a rainy day!

>>40713926
>The hell I am. This one's going under a tarp for a rainy day!

Yet again, the wrong decision.

>>40713926
>The hell I am. This one's going under a tarp for a rainy day!

Never give up. Never surrender highly illegal Maverick technology.

>>40713926
>>Yeah, I've had my fun. Damn shame, though. Damn shame.

Let's not be selfish about this.

Apart from (possibly) closing the Weiss comms, I don't think we've made a single correct decision yet. Great.

>>40713926
That thing will most likely be sent off to the 8th, which we know will end up getting completely destroyed.

>The hell I am. This one's going under a tarp for a rainy day!

>>40713780
Schwarz was the longest-serving Hunter in the 4th at the time, and before Frog was promoted to fill the spot voided by Potamus, was highest-ranking in the unit.

Incidentally, your current net score is +0

>>40713926
>The hell I am. This one's going under a tarp for a rainy day!
So he can crank it out when we need it the most

>>40713959
You made the right call as Frog. The comms are still up in the air.

>>40713926
>The hell I am. This one's going under a tarp for a rainy day!

>The hell I am. This one's going under a tarp for a rainy day!

I finally made it for a run!

>>40713926
>Yeah, I've had my fun. Damn shame, though. Damn shame.
Let's not be selfish here.

>Yeah, I've had my fun. Damn shame, though. Damn shame.

We should probably turn this in to R&D.

>>40713987
You know it's bad when even Cain Labs finds the score too pitiful to be sadistic at everyone.

>>40713987
CL, guess it's not the best time right now, but I asked earlier about getting the explanations behind Anode's weaponry registrations. Would that be possible?

>>40714061
I can dig those up in a little bit. Do you mean his VWES data?

>>40714074
That's right, couldn't remember the words. Thanks!

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>>40713931
>>40713932
>>40713938
>>40713965
>>40713994
>>40713996
"Pfft, nothing doing," you laugh. "You don't think having a super attack bot in my pocket won't come in handy?"

"That is such a terrible idea." Another Gomeister, E-Block, contributes.

"I dunno, we'll find something to do with it," a navigator (didn't catch her name) replies. "Besides, you'd totally keep it too, if you'd found it."

"Well, duh. I'm a GOMEISTER. Live fast, drive hard."

You slow to a (relatively) gentle cruise as you come into visual range of the hunter forward encampment. "You, uh, are sure that thing's safe, right?" Another navigator, male, asks.

"Son, this is a top end combat mechaniloid built by the most powerful Reploid ever created. Nothing about it is 'safe.' But if you mean, is it gonna go crazy and kill us? Naw." You kip off the thing for the last few steps, letting it roll to a halt beside you as you give the side a pat. "It's still just a mechaniloid. A really advanced one, but it'll follow the orders of anyone it tags as friendly."

(A future outcome has been seeded)

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>>40714161
You are Longshot Koala, Commander of the 2nd, and with a weary sigh, you set the last casualty report down.

Recon is not a primary fighting force. However much Command leans on you with “well you’re there already,” the men and women of your unit are simply not built like strike teams. Get the intel, get out. Take some pictures, take the tour, take your leave. It never goes that way. Never, ever.

Compounding your woes, the already-reeling 2nd was hit hard by another round of targeted assassinations. Sigma knew to cripple the eyes and ears of the hunters to prosecute his war, and his disciples kept up the pressure.

You spread the papers out across your desk again, handwritten death notices for friends and next of kin--where they had them. Alert Pandant--jungle traverse specialist, impossible to sneak up on until she met her--still unidentified--killer. Windraid Topaz, quick and quiet, one of the few flying recon units to survive as long as he did. Fadelight Peahen, night infiltration expert, with almost no room for onboard weapons with her elaborate camouflage systems. Spook--one of the few Geists that stayed loyal through Sigma’s insurrection, striving with a quiet determination to prove his worth above a generation of turncoats. Moriarty--a transfer from the 10th, who smiled with relief when he finally got approved to this “less suicidal” unit. Utah, loud, brash, rock-solid, went out fighting to buy time for his enlisted contingent to escape.

All gone, now. Just the latest round of losses from the most underappreciated unit in the world. You force yourself to pen these notices by hand, to remind you who they were. So far, you’ve begun to feel distantly it’s had the opposite effect--numbing you to the death. Hunter, maverick, human, Reploid. What does it matter? All of you, just fools for the fire.

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>>40714215
Which brings you to your next task, one you had been putting off. The newest line of Geist--the 4S Riss series--is ready to be rolled out. They await only your sign-off.

You’ve checked and double-checked their technical specifications. They have SIGINT, COMINT, and ELINT systems on par with some of your best officers, right out of the box. Their stealth abilities are thus far unrivaled. Rhodes wasn’t exaggerating when he told you that they might be the most advanced production model any unit has seen since the OS-Tyr.

The problem is, of course, the last Geist run had a 42% incidence rate of going maverick--the lowest of any run of the model ever, down from 71% in the first generation. The PR reps at Wächter Robotik AG have assured you personally that they’ve taken “drastic measures” to prevent the staggering rate of maverick incidence--an extra testing cycle, a full six months of additional ethics compliance time, and three more months of societal integration--almost on par with the standards for commissioned officers. Unfortunately, all that extra lead time means that if you want them in the field, you need to have made the decision a year ago. And this one is all on you.

>Approve the deployment.
>Deny the deployment.

>>40714231
)Models Used: Geist 4S (1st Generation), Link Rider (1st Generation), Link Rider Scout (1st Generation), Render Boy (2nd Generation), Render Boy Sat (2nd Generation), Approach Vector (3rd Generation), Geist 4S Riss (3rd Generation)
So 2nd is currently using Approach Vectors and Render Boys?

>Deny the deployment.

Nope. Just because there's a downward trend doesn't mean statistical anomalies don't exist.

>>40714285
They have had more time to check them over, though. This is really just a case of trying to work out if paranoia is justifiable.

>>40714231

>Approve the deployment.
Second needs whatever support it can get.

>>40714231

Wait are you saying these guys are *already* made and trained, and we're only choosing whether to take them on or not?

Or are we being asked "Do you want us to start building and training these guys?"

We already know they end up using these guys


>2nd Reconaissance

>Commanders: Scope Mouse (deceased), Longshot Koala

>Models Used: Geist 4S (1st Generation), Link Rider (1st Generation), Link Rider Scout (1st Generation), Render Boy (2nd Generation), Render Boy Sat (2nd Generation), Approach Vector (3rd Generation), Geist 4S Riss (3rd Generation)

>>40714231
>Approve the deployment.

>>40714284
Also whatever Geist officers are still in working order and experienced Link Rider/Scouts. They're just not making new ones.

>>40714329
Gotcha.

>>40714231
>Approve the deployment.

>>40714231
>Approve the deployment

>>40714231
>Deny the deployment.

What could possibly go wrong with having highly-advanced stealth mechaniloids with a penchant for going Maverick on base?

>>40714366
Don't make me roll another die at you.

>>40714299
The prototypes and demo production run have been. Do you want to commission a full run for active service, or no?

>>40714307
Ah, in this case you actually don't. Deny the requisition, and that entry will be wiped away. You have the power to change the outcome.

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>>40714082
So those serial numbers on VWES entries denote the origin of the data. The ones listed in the emergency repair sequence following the first battle with Saetos are as follows.

>//WCL3-CSIG-1: Sensor-disruption razor chaff "Blackout Flare"
Windy City Labs was a former criminal triad that went legitimate, or made the attempt, using their prior dealings and connections to create a specialized countersignals Reploid. He was their first production.
>-- adapted data: MH16-TC-ANODE-1-CUSTOM "Blackout Rocket"
As the first modification Anode made to a VWES entity, the custom variant was designate as such. The modification was done by a Toolcircuit with the 16th R&D unit.

>//LXR93-S-CREG-4: High-tension bladed cable "Tension Coil"
Lanix Reploid 93 (Special) CREG custom product 4. Spin Jagwire was originally a commission on behalf of the Colombian Energy Regulator, who contracted Lanix, Mexio's largest domestic producer of electronics.

>//BLC-SS-CJ: Variable-penetration directed energy weapon “Lockon Hunter"
Belgisch Landcomponent Scherpschutter Custom Jaeger. Lockon Bloodhound was a sniper/designated marksman model commissioned for the Belgian army. Custom-made and one of a kind.

>//FUSHIGI-5B(PW)-THW-32LS: Haptic projectile defense system "Tumult Shell"
Fushigi's Team 5B (Prestige Works) Tanks/Heavy Weapons model 32 Limited Special. Tumult Terapin was a heavy combat platform designed to mount a diverse array of weapon systems via his hardpoints, produced as a custom order by FUSHIGI Prestige Works. They go through a lot of high-profile jobs, and Terapin was that particular team's 32nd model.

>>40714231
>Deny the deployment.

>>40714389
These are great, thanks.

We have literally no reason to deny deployment outside of our own troubles with Anode vs Geists. Unless I'm forgetting something?

>>40714439
Also the stats they just gave us say Geists are super unstable. Why are they still sending us Geists instead of starting over with a new, less stable base model, I want to know

>Deny the deployment

>>40714439
You're forgetting that there is a strong pattern of Geist units going maverick, and that we REALLY cannot afford more mavs right now.

HC/Cain, what happens to these guys if we don't approve the deployment? I'm trying to figure out how to not give them motivation to flip the fuck out.

HC! Good to see you back. Started a game (a couple really) with cast in a few divisions. I have two Fifteenth (Hailstorm Snowfox, Hammer the tank/future spider), two Second (Electro Ocelot, Pandora the trickster), two Fourteenth (Dante Vonder with his incendiary arm vulcan, Aleah Prog, Supercop former Tenth Civic mass production unit), a Seventh (Zyph'r, air superiority and melee specialist), and a Sixteenth (Lambda, Gordon Freeman hopeful). Stories will come after the two squads really start. Also, found some of your notes, which really helps a lot.

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>>40714231
Approve the deployment.

> Get home from night shift, check in to see if the thread started, tfw you guys have been going since 1-2am

>>40714510
But the Mav incidence rate for Geists is going down, not up.

Damn, I'm torn. Might abstain on this one.

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>>40714515
Damn, that's a lot of mans. Sounds great, though, always glad to hear more MMX games started up.

>Allow the deployment

If they are getting deployed ANYWAY, we don't want there to be this undercurrent of 'not only is your product line untrustworthy, but the commander also doesn't trust you".

>>40714510
The first run will be offered positions suited to their talents, possibly at reduced armament levels, or permitted to enter the civilian Reploid population without native armaments but with the same civilian license to install weapons as anyone else. Unless someone else commissions a production run, the 4S Riss model will be mothballed and Wächter Robotik AG will lose out on a lot of capital invested in that production line.

>>40714556
They aren't getting deployed if we veto it.

>>40714541
A single downward step does not prove a downward trend. We don't have enough data points.

This is why I'm asking Hunter Command and Cain Labs what will happen to the Geists if we deny the deployment. In the absence of full information, I'm looking at how to give them better motivation to stay on the straight and narrow, and having them all scheduled to get shut down or something is not how you achieve that.

>>40714598
Whoah, reploids have rights, even if not at human level. No way they'd shut down a whole model based on being obsolete.

>>40714598
>>40714614
>>40714598
As Cain said in >>40714557. If you deny the deployment, you're not killing off anyone.

Unless that changes some votes, looks like greenlighting the Geists will win. I'll give it a few more minutes just in case.

>>40714598
I just told you. They don't just shut them off. Heck, some other body might even elect to buy them.

>>40714691
>>40714703
so it comes down to us betting on whether HC will let CL turn them all Mav if we take them

>>40714703
I think he was writing that while you posted.

>>40714713
Save us, HC!

>>40714703
So better to just employ them. The data is all there and last I check they have stealth tech built in. Considering reploids can go maverick several ways, just dropping the lot of them will likely not be a good thing. At least as hunters a eye can be kept on them.

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>>40714292
>>40714310
>>40714357
>>40714361
>>40714556
You turn the problem over in your mind and decide that it comes down to, at its worst, a trade. Better intel for high maverick incidence. Not the first line to be plagued by it, and not the last. At least this way, you're guaranteed superior recon, with a possible--not guaranteed--issue with individuals going rogue.

That was how you defended your answer, when asked later--and in many ways that prediction bore out. The line WAS down from 42%--down to just under one-third. Still enormous, still costly in the grand scheme of things, but when you factor in the improved information quality, you'd wager more hunters benefited in the long term than the short run. The Second certainly fared better, in the days to come, and by the time the maverick tendencies made themselves known, tech had at least progressed enough to soften the blow, providing you with an answer to the now-hostile stealth capabilities.

The problem, though, was that short-term. The timing couldn't have been worse, with the hunters at their most vulnerable. You had to kill a great many of the Geists yourself when they turned, and it took your time away from other duties and high-profile hunts. All the while, you felt yourself growing more distant and apathetic to the death. Your leadership steadily went hands-off, and eventually, you began to consider if it would be better for the unit if you were to step down for someone more invested...

(-1 points)

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>>40714983
Your mind is playing tricks on you again.

You grit your teeth, forcing down the vertigo and the buzzing by straining against the restraints--the binders spark and crackle painfully, helping you focus. That’s how you’ve made it this long.

“His chassis isn’t even done yet, and they’ve got him active. That is sick.” You… you don’t recognize this voice.

“Does it hurt?” Or that one.

“Probably not,” says the first. “I can’t imagine they’d engage his sensory systems at this--”

“Yes,” you croak. “It does.”

You feel a tingle between your eyes as you finally open them, hazy optics settling on a buster barrel leveled squarely at your forehead. This… is this another test? What is this?

Your eyes, unfamiliar to use, slide past the weapon and to the wall behind you, the only constant aside from the binders. Constant no longer--you see a body slumped against it, a blackened score splashed across the once featureless surface.

“He’s no threat. Stand down, Seven.“

“...If you say so.” The Reploid pulls his weapon away, stepping back to give you a look at his matte-black armor. These...these aren’t them.

“You--” you try to force your voicebox into line. “You’re hunters, aren’t you.”

“...Yes,” comes a reluctant response, as a pair of eyes fill your vision. “Hammer Frog, 4th Overland. What’s your name?”

“Conda,” you rasp. “Overclock Conda.”

“Sir, take a look at this.” The one called Seven gestures at the terminal beside you. “Look what they’re feeding him.”

Frog makes a low, displeased rumble as he turns away. “Lots of mav propaganda. How long have you been like this?”

“I don’t know,” you reply honestly. “They keep... “

“Inducing ‘death’ and rebooting you cold. Jesus, that’s harsh.” Frog taps the display screen. “Did they build you?”

You try to nod, earning a thrum of electricity through the band around your neck. “I think so.”

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>>40715000
Seven speaks up again. “Sir, I know what you’re thinking. It’s too risky.”

“Maybe, but I can’t just leave him here, either way. Conda, listen to me.” Once again, Frog fills your vision, bright optics coming close to your dim ones. This close, even the restraining field can’t stop your extra senses from probing, reading his system architecture, tracing back the lines to his power source. “They’ve been indoctrinating you. Do you understand that?”

“Trying to, yes,” you say with a grimace. “Haven’t… cooperated.”

“I need to ask you a question. Focus. Look me in the eyes.” You strain to do so, trying to stop your optics from sliding right off his face and fuzzing out.

“Ask,” you hiss.

“Do you hate humans?”

You close your eyes, fighting down the instant, foreign YES that drives its way through your mind. A hostile bolt of thought, outside of yourself, not your own. Even that act is met with punishment, your restraints sparking and crackling as they flair up all at once in response to your dissent. The maverick hunter doesn’t blink, even as lightning cracks and sparks inches from his eyes. You take a breath, and muster a response.

>They can’t make me hate them.
>...I don’t want to be this way. Please. Help me.

>...I don’t want to be this way. Please. Help me.

>>40715013
>...I don’t want to be this way. Please. Help me.

>>40715013
>...I don’t want to be this way. Please. Help me.

>>40715013
>They can’t make me hate them.

We are never going to get above 0 points.

>>40715013
>...I don’t want to be this way. Please. Help me.

>>40715013
>...I don’t want to be this way. Please. Help me.

>>40715013
>They can’t make me hate them.

>>40715013
>I don't want to be this way. Please. Help me.
The first step is admitting you have a problem.

>>40715013
>They can’t make me hate them.

>>40715013
>They can’t make me hate them.

>>40715013
>They can’t make me hate them.

>...I don’t want to be this way. Please. Help me.

>>40715013
>They can’t make me hate them.

don't want to sound like a trap, they might not trust us for a long time

>>40715060
"Out of a maximum of 30 points, you have ended with -10. Good work!" - The last words of Cain Labs, before he laughs himself to death

>>40715125
At that point everyone will gave become a maverick, and Anode will become part of Sigma's new body.

>>40715163
Then we play as Commander Fullmettool, given control of 4th Overland?

>>40715184
Full Mettool, the Last Maverick Hunter.

>>40715209
He's so dreamy.

And short.

>They can’t make me hate them.

>>40715013
>>They can’t make me hate them.

>>40715052 here, swapping to
> They can’t make me hate them.
to communicate better that we have brain friends

Calling it here since I was starting on the response, saw the votes change, and don't feel like scrapping and restarting twice. Blame the 70/30 coffee/blood ratio.

>>40715013
>They can't make me hate them.

>>40715013
>...I don’t want to be this way. Please. Help me.

Page 5. Let's see if we need to start a new thread for this update or next.

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What happened to Scope Mouse anyways?