You decided to call the elevator and take that down to the ground floor, using the lack of security as a chance to explore a little. The ride down was rather peaceful after the frantic climb up the stairwell and subsequent showdown. After seeing all the traps in their offline state, you consider the Eye Cannon hell you went through to be a blessing. Still, you probably could have made it undamaged, if just more tired and frustrated.

The elevator comes to a stop on the ground floor. You completely bypassed this one earlier, but it won’t hurt to go through it now. Though, you do make a point to keep moving. The gash in your back needs to be taken care of soon, not to mention you hurt all over.

Thinking back on it, you don’t even know what division Pteradon was supposed to be a part of. If you had to guess, it would be the Strong Air Battalion. Had you been fighting him in an open space, you likely would have had a much harder time. The ceiling kept his mobility down and within range for sure. His shield was strong but also seemed to slow him down, which if he could have flown around likely wouldn’t have been an issue.

The first floor is surprisingly clean and well put together compared to the second floor. Much more livable and inviting. Ironic to think that when there are obvious panels for Floor Cannons, deactivated Eye Cannons, and a couple Pantheons in stasis. But the potted plants, large couches, vending machines, and board games give this place a “hospital waiting room” vibe that is almost relaxing.

Your radio crackles to life after a long silence, at first you assume it to be Lorelei, but are quickly proved wrong by a familiar male voice. “Cell, this is Captain Kirkwall. I received news of your victory over Phalanx Pteradon. We have medical staff at the ready. What is your location?”

“On route, just exiting the main structure now.”

“Good, when you return get fixed up and meet me in the command room for debriefing.”

“Most people have to buy me a drink first,” you joke.

“I’ll consider myself lucky then,” the captain quips back before cutting the line.

You continue the rest of the way in silence, glancing over your shoulder for one last look before you enter the warehouse the Trans-Server is housed. The coordinates of the base aren’t saved in the server, but you punch them in easily enough. At first it rejects them, but quickly gets overridden and you feel yourself being warped out.

Back at base you are greeted by a small squadron of soldiers who are likely the retrieval team, Doctor Michelle, and Lorelei. “Welcome back,” Lorelei says warmly. “Unless you can’t walk any further, please follow Michelle to the med-bay for repairs.”

You nod and Michelle picks up a rather large bag of first aid supplies and leads you out of the room as the soldiers file into the trans-server one by one. On the elevator ride down she tells you, “By the way, Mole and Fimbulvter made it back to base. You’ll probably want to talk to Mole after your meeting with the Captain. He handles weapons research and requisitions, as well as upgrading our outposts defenses.”

“I’m going to assume nothing fancy though?”

“I don’t really know what he does. He doesn’t like me looking over his shoulder while he works.”

It doesn’t take long for repairs to be complete, Michelle works efficiently, but demands silence while she does so. “I don’t want to cut a wire I wasn’t supposed to.” You know it’s a joke, but if she’s cutting a wire, she’s probably not doing something right…

“All done!” She announces with a slap to your back. The pain is all gone and your back mended. Shields back up to full, and all that’s left is to recharge your Railgun ammo. “Best go see the Captain now.”

“Right, see you later.” You wave as you walk out the door. You’ve got to admit, she does good work.

You ride the elevator back up to the command center and see Kirkwall watching the monitors. “Sir, I’m ready to give you my report.”

“Understood,” he turns to you, “you may begin.”

>Brag a little
>Just the facts
>Undersell yourself
>Other

>>40758792
>>Brag a little
Pepper in those innuendos!

>>40758792
>Brag a little

It's in our personality to brag a bit, but we're also an ex soldier. Tell no lies and embellish nothing important. Only upsell our truthfully awesome work.

>>40758792
>Brag a little.

We did pretty well. I wonder how future enemies will fare.

>>40758792
>Just the facts

“I beamed in and made sure I had a secure link back here. After that I infiltrated the stronghold from a second story window. Second floor was mostly deserted, layers of dust everywhere and everything was falling apart. Near the center though, you see a rather surprising change. The rooms were clean, organized, and well maintained. Also patrolled by Pantheons. I was able to slip by them pretty easily.”

“But one of them saw you?” The captain interrupts.

“Might have seen me, yes, but they did not pursue.” You correct. “I actually expected more enemies, but I suppose that’s why it’s a hidden facility. Still it felt a little easy.”

Once again the captain interrupts, “Until the Eye Cannons.”

“Until them,” you admit. “They were a massive pain, but I managed to climb the shaft and come out on top.” You grin a little before continuing. “I confronted Phalanx Pteradon in the enclosed control room where he raised a Hard-Light Shield that seemed to be a good counter against my Railguns. Had I less ammo, I likely would have had a much more difficult time. My first fully charged shot blasted him clear out of the room, but did little more than make him mad and remove a chunk of armor on his shield arm. At this point we began a game of cat and mouse where he would try to strike me with his sword, and I would dodge around him as I charged up my guns.

We repeated the process one more time, and he came back even more pissed. I was hesitant to use another Railgun shot due to the damage I had already done to the room, and I wound up in melee with him. He was using a spear when his shield was up. But, well, he may have had reach, but I had flexibility. And the extensive damage to his arm from having to bear the force of my shots caused his shield to fall, leaving him open for one last attack.”

“Phalanx sounds like the type of foe you were meant to fight.” The captain notes. “A strong defense ultimately falls to a strong attack. Which brings me to what I wanted to talk to you about next.”

“What is it?”

“For defeating Phalanx Pteradon, you have first rights to his equipment. Lynx and Fimbulvter both get first rights on any foes they defeat as well. While we won’t stop you from effectively stripping them of their weapons and adding them to your arsenal, we would like to remind you that we don’t have much in the way of supplies or weapons ourselves. If you find that you won’t use what you are given, please leave them with Genius Mole. He will find some way to integrate them into our bases defenses.”

“I suppose it depends on what he can do with them, and what I can do with them too.”

“Exactly. In exceptionally rare cases, he’s been able to give both Lynx a weapon and upgrade our base. But that was a special case, in that Lynx had only done the bare minimum damage to the reploid.”

“Might be hard given my current loadout.” You say with a smile.

“I understand. Just don’t take any unnecessary risks out there.”

“Understood.”

He turns back to the monitors and says, “Good, then you are dismissed. If you want to see Mole, he is down where you got your brand removed and your armor painted. You can always go to the barracks and relax too. As for your room, it will be ready by the evening.” He pauses for a moment as if to recall something. “Ah, one last thing. We have a policy here where you are barred from accepting new missions for at least a day, more if the mission was especially taxing or exhausting.”

“Understood. I’ll get some rest for today then.”

>Free time, what do you do?

File: Phalanx Pteradon.png (37 KB, 3292x2128)

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>>40759690
Let's go check out new equipment options.

Also, I managed to get a few more sprites finished.

File: Cell Iko.png (15 KB, 1284x1564)

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>>40759709
Didn't quite get the backpack look for the railguns, sadly.

File: Lightning Lynx.png (25 KB, 740x576)

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>>40759723
I also wasn't quite certain how to set up Lynx's claws, so hopefully this works.

>>40759690
Seconding equipment!

>>40759690
Let's see this Mole guy, maybe talk upgrades.

“Time to get some new toys,” you think to yourself. You see yourself out of the room and head down to the lowest floor. Back in the small shack-like room is a short, hunched over, labcoat wearing Mutos Reploid. Brown and tan and mole-like all over. Definitely a Civilian Mutos. As uncommon as they are, you aren’t all that surprised. “Genius Mole, I presume?”

“Ah, you must be the new boy, er, girl? I’m sorry, hard to tell based on your voice.” He turns to face you, revealing that Pteradon’s body has already been transported and is being disassembled. “Eh? Never mind. What’s your name?”

“Cell, Cell Iko.” You smirk a little at his confusion over your gender. You’ve gotten that reaction more than once. It never gets old.

“Even that doesn’t help…” he mumbles to himself. “Anyway, I’m assuming you’re here for some weapons?”

“Of course! Can’t go around blowing holes in everything. Sometimes, a lighter touch is necessary.”

Mole gestures over to Pteradon’s body and you walk up next to him. “You’re very right. The right tool for the job, as some might say. If only Lynx and Fimbulvter saw it that way. Lynx only takes what keeps him moving, and Fimbulvter only takes weapons.” He holds up one of Pteradon’s arms, the one housing the Hard-Light Shield. “Now then, I’m sure you know exactly what this is.” You nod. “Good, this Hard-Light Shield is powerful, but requires a large power source to be used for any length of time. As such, this one was designed to redirect the flow of power from everywhere except his head, wings and thrusters, and his left arm which incidentally carries the shield. The lower power supply for the rest of his body slows him down to a crawl when on the ground, and limits his ability to use his sword. Likely why when you fought him, he only used the spear when the shield was active.”

“So, if I took his shield, I would need to have something similar set up?”

He sets the arm back down and starts examining the sword and spear. “Yes, and no.” He says after a glance at you. “I could do that, or I could sync it up with your Railguns. Have it pull from whatever charge you built up until that point. The turnover here is that you lose the ability to fire them while it’s active, the upside is that you don’t lose mobility. Another option is to scrap it entirely and use the base components to upgrade your existing shields. It would likely just add another level to it.”

“Or,” you say, voicing another option, “I could forego it and leave you to come up with something for the base?”

“I already have a few ideas regarding that. Have emitters on all the doors so we can initiate a lockdown where our people are protected, but trapped until the lockdown is lifted. Or just have it on the key entrances and locations. That would greatly improve their strength and leave us free to maneuver around the base and make preparations. And the last option is to give it to Lynx or Fimbulvter and hope they can use it.”

>What do you do?

***NOTE***
Hooking it up to your Railgun Charge will be about 5% per second.
Adding it to your current Shield Level will effectively Double your Health. (Equivalent to getting a second health bar)

>>40759723
>>40759739
Looks pretty cool! Those are kinda how I pictured Lynx's claws too.

>>40760444
>>40760462
Oh, if you have any other ideas, please feel free to voice them! You might come up with something amazing that I never thought of!

>>40760462
>Let him have it for the base

>>40760462
>“Let him have it for the base
>Take and modify the spear or sword instead for some close-range possibilities. Hidden pilebunker perhaps.

>>40760462
>Let him have it for the base

Improving our emergency doors seems like a good call.

And I'm glad you liked the sprites. I was worried they'd be a bit off.

First I miss the MHQ double thread, now I have this to molest my free time. Well, looks like its time to rev up that gimp in a bit.

>>40760830
+1 point.

“I think you should keep it for the base. I try to stay out of situations where I would need it. But just in case, tell me about the sword and spear.” You point at the weapons resting on the table as Mole slides the shield arm to the end of the table.

“What you’ve got here,” he says, picking up the sword, “is a fairly standard high-beam saber. It’s modeled after a Grecian gladius, so it’s short, but strong. But because it’s a high-beam, you can’t over use it without shorting it out. The trick is to light it up when you’re attacking, but you should avoid using it to block for any extended period of time. A few blocks here and there, but don’t keep it running.” He sets the sword down and replaces it with the spear. “This is a special case. It’s a low-beam spear meant to keep enemies at a distance. Doesn’t sound like much, right? Well, that’s where it gets you. It has a special link attached to it, and Pteradon’s wrist. The link is a special magnet that will only pull the spear to the receiver, allowing you to throw it and retrieve it. I can’t think of anything to use this around the base for, so it’s yours. As is the gladius.”

“Thanks Mole!”

“Alright, now if you don’t mind, I have to attach the receiver and give you a few additional parts to hold your new weapons. While I do this, do you have anything you want to do with your current weapons? Charge on your busters, tweak your Railguns, add an element to your new gladius or spear?”

>What do?
Feel free to ask questions if you are curious! I’ll be sure to answer them all before we make any decisions!

>>40761200
I'd like to know if we could modify the sword. Like, ramp the power so we can use it more as a close range "shot" instead of leaving it as a blade. We aren't build for sustained close-range combat. If something gets up on us, we're going to want it dead fast.

>>40761200
Mm, that spear.

Are you going to make a pastebin with our build and such? And what sort of thing could we get done to the gladius?

File: whosesaberisitanyways.jpg (265 KB, 768x576)

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>>40761200
So when exactly is this? I suspect its some time during Zero 2.

Old MHQ edit since I don't have much to work with for NAC yet.

>>40761200
Hrm. What's the most common element for Reploids, if there is one? Or is it just nonelemental? I was thinking give our spear or sword (probably spear) something that'd be good for mook cleanup.

>>40761200
>Could you take a look at my busters?

>>40761309
It's a high-beam saber, it's probably at maximum safe output. If we need to swing it more than three times at something in close range, we've got bigger problems.

>>40761519
>Give spear Thunder element
>Become Anode 2.0
>Ruin everything

>>40761699
Hey, I didn't say anything about adjusting it needing to be -safe-. Just something to end what would otherwise be a prolonged melee confrontation. Something we aren't designed to deal with.

>>40761200
Could we use the spear to make some sort of beam tether or harpoon for extra mobility?

>>40762343
Or put a chain connecting the saber and spear, and create really weird nunchucks.

File: 1379273221984.gif (470 KB, 500x500)

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>>40761309
The best you could do is a weaker, shotgun-like blast, that is more crowd control than it is "Get out of my face".

>>40761331
Yeah, I'll start doing that and posting it in the beginning of each thread. As for the Gladius, you could drop it to Low-Beam. It would weaken it, but allow for prolonged use. Adding an element is always an option. But removing or changing an element on your weapons will take time and resources. You could also add a "Charge" function to it where you use the charge from the Railguns to give it a little more OOMPH. There's more that I can think of, but I don't want to hamper creativity by giving you too many options at one time.

>>40761360
This is just before MMZ2. Zero hasn't quite made it back to the resistance yet.

>>40761519
I wouldn't really say that there's a "common" element. NonElemental is generally what most Mooks are, but you'll find some every-so-often that have a certain element.

>>40761699
Your busters can be given a Level 1 charge at the expense of firing speed. Think of it like this, you are currently firing a SMG, but if you give yourself a Charge, you'll be firing an Assault Rifle. (Sorry if those don't actually make sense, I tend to think SMG's are faster firerate than Assault Rifles) You could also set your busters pull from your Railgun charge to increase their firepower.

Also, Saber is definitely at it's maximum safe output.

>>40761736
>Anode 2.0
We'd probably wind up more like Cathode 2.0 with Anode's lance. Also
>Ruin Everything
Except G-Ranks

>>40762343
You could do that, adding a Magnet Chain similar to the Chain Rod from MMZ2 would be interesting.

>>40762413
Sword-Chucks. You're liable to lose a limb like that, but damned if it isn't cool!

>>40762488
>You could also add a "Charge" function to it
I do like that idea, sounds handy. Count this as a vote for it.

Goddamn, I want sword-chucks now. Who needs all their limbs?

>>40762488
We should see about making the spear and sword Fire, to try and take care of our weakness to Ice. After that, I think a Magnet Chain would be a good idea on the spear as well... What would we need to upgrade our busters?

>>40762603
Adding a charge is free, for the first level of charge, and so is linking it up to your Railguns charge. Messing with what's already there won't generally be an issue. Though, you did bring in some undamaged Pantheons that were put into stasis when you deactivated the sensors, so you may have more options later.

>>40762488
Also, I'm just curious, but what would be the likely hood that we could get the saber implanted onto us, like how Harpua has his? I think it'd be a great surprise, especially at close range.

>>40762488
So there's no way to just, set the sword to be a powerful, momentary surge instead of a limited-time saber? Would the weaker "Shotgun" be better crowd control than our busters?

>>40762657
Harpuia doesn't actually have his blades implanted, but that doesn't mean you couldn't do it. It may hamper its' uses though. Still, it'd be a nice surprise if you get caught with your busters cooling and Railguns empty.

>>40762700
It's already something that will cut through most enemies like butter with a solid hit. Upping the output any more will just cause it to need constant repairs and be rendered unusable after a period time. The "Shotgun" would be better for scattering small enemies, but likely won't deter any Bosses or large foes. Humanoid enemies like the Pantheons would also be deterred, but you would take them down faster with your busters.

>>40762808
Alright, so I think what we should do is:

Attune the spear and the saber to be Fire-element. This will be helpful when we face Ice enemies.

Upgrade our buster with Charge Level 1, and have Mole see what he can do with the Pantheons he brought back.

And then just leave the spear alone, save for the elemental attunement. Sound good?

>>40762870
I say we should make the saber fire, but leave the spear be for now. Otherwise, I agree.

>>40762905
Alright, so I think we're going to leave the Spear unattuned for now.

>>40762870
Leave the spear alone for now, otherwise good.

>>40762870
>>40762905
>>40762931
Alright, Spear stays as is, Saber to Fire, Buster Charge Level 1, and Mole will get back to you on the Pantheons after he has time to examine them. (Preferably under guard and outside the base)

I'll start writing this up in a moment!

Feel free to ask questions if you are curious! I’ll be sure to answer them all before we make any decisions!

“Hmm, I think I’ll keep the spear as it is right now. I’ll get back to you on that some other time. As for the gladius, could you add a Fire element to it for me? I want to try and cut back on my elemental weakness a little.” You feel a slight singe as he begins welding a couple holsters to you for your new weapons. “And do you think you could give me a slight charge on my busters?”

“I’ll have to slow down your firerate, but it will increase your base damage a little too.” He says, attaching the receiver for the spear to your wrist. “I’m sure you’re fine with that though?”

“Yeah, it’ll be fine.”

“Alright then, I’ll get started on your busters first.”

While he’s doing that you take the opportunity to ask, “Besides weapons, what else do you do here?”

“I work out in the desert. I was designed for finding ancient ruins and excavating them. I found some rather interesting sites out there, but with Neo Arcadia patrolling the sands, I haven’t had time to dig them out. And the main base doesn’t want to spend resources for something that might not give us an advantage. However, I believe that somewhere down there is the lab that Doctor Ciel had found Zero in. It may have collapsed in on itself, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything useful down there. Who knows what survived?”

“But you’re a civilian model right? Even though Mutos are on a whole tougher than the average humanoid model, don’t you think it’s dangerous to go out there?”

“Of course it’s dangerous, that’s why I don’t go alone. I usually bring Lynx or Fimbulvter with me. As well as a squad of soldiers. Besides, Neo Arcadia is looking for something out there too. If we can find out what it is, we might finally gain an advantage over them.” He closes your arm back up and says, “Anyway, your busters are done, and I’ll get to work on your saber. I’ll leave it in your room when I’m done. I’m sure you want to go do some exploring around here now.”

“Alright then, I’ll see you later.”

CURRENT TIME: 17:36
CURFEW AT: 22:00

>Lounge
>Med-Bay
>Command Center
>Firing Range
>Your room

>>40763584
>>Med-Bay
Have we been patched up yet?

>>40763584
>Firing Range
Practice makes perfect.

>>40763584
>>Firing Range

>>40763607
We have. It was done before we even gave our report.

>>40763584
>>Firing Range

You need to test out your buster upgrades, so you follow the signs towards the Firing Range. It’s actually just down the hall from where you were, so it wasn’t hard to find. Inside you see a few members of the outpost and a rather tall red and gold Vulture-like reploid. His wings are folded, and appear locked, he has a chaingun mounted on his back that looks like it should swivel around on his hip, and razor sharp talons on his feet.

“Hey, it’s the newbie!” one of the soldiers shouts as you walk in.

“Oh wow, Lynx wasn’t kidding, he’s a combat reploid!”

“Man, look at those guns!”

The Vulture scrapes his talons along the floor loudly, getting everyone’s attention. “You should be focusing on improving your aim, not gawking at new recruits. Murphy, your grip is to lax, the gun will fly out of your hands like that. Li, you should aim for center of mass, not the head, you’ll hit more often.” The two at the end of the range, who didn’t turn to face you, do as he instructs.

“You must be Vulcan Vulture.” You say, politely.

Ne nods and responds with, “And you must be Cell Iko. I hear you took down Phalanx Pteradon. Good work.”

“Thanks,” you say, rubbing the back of your head. “I take it you’re the range master?”

“Indeed I am. We take what we can get here. And I need to make sure they can hit their targets.” He looks over at the one called Li as he says that. “Think you can show them a thing or two?”

>Sure, I think I could do that. (Busters or Resistance Rifle?)
>Maybe some other time, I need to get used to my buster upgrades first.

>>40764052
>Sure, I think I could do that. (Busters or Resistance Rifle?)
Rifle

>>40764052
>Sure, I think I could do that.
Busters

>>40764052
>Sure, I think I could do that. (Busters)

>>40764052
>Sure, I think I could do that. (Busters or Resistance Rifle?)

Busters. We did just get them adjusted.

“Sure, I’ll give it a shot.” You approach the range and go the free spot between Murphy and Li. “What kind of targets we aiming at?”

“Simple Holo-Targets that register where you hit and the amount of damage you would deal. We have them set up for Pantheons right now.” Vulcan says to you as he keys in some information.

A Translucent Pantheon appears down range. With only one buster you take aim for its chest. Your first barrage score mostly glancing blows, and you quickly adjust the parts in your buster that got loosened up when Mole was poking around. Your next wave hit dead on, with minimal adjustment for recoil. The recoil doesn’t seem to be much different than before, likely because while the fire rate is noticeably slower, the power is increased.

“Not bad, let’s see you handle moving targets.”

The pantheon begins running around erratically. You attempt to find a pattern, but no luck. Instead you simply fire where you think it will be, adjusting for the fluctuations in its speed, distance, and how it’s turned at the time. A large majority of your shots connect, or rather pass through, and you can feel the soldiers watching you.

Two more Pantheons appear. “Let’s see how you do with multiple targets. Each limb has been assigned a point value, reach a specific amount for one and it’ll fade. Eliminate all three as fast as you can. On my mark…”

>Be fair, busters only…
>Railgun one of the Pantheons right off the bat, 10% should do it.

>>40764924
>>Be fair, busters only…

>>40764924
>Be fair, busters only…

>>40764924
>Railgun one of the Pantheons right off the bat, 10% should do it.
He never said just to use busters, did he?

>>40764924
>>Railgun one of the Pantheons right off the bat, 10% should do it.
Play to our playful strengths!

>>40764924
>Be fair, busters only…

No sense bringing out the big guns just yet

You raise your second buster and keep two in your sights at all times. “Mark!” The Pantheons begin running and you start firing. It’s hard to keep track of which ones you’ve been hitting, so you simply focus on whichever is closest. You definitely hit them a bunch of times, and one finally fades away. You begin charging one of your busters to get a feel for it. It’s got a strange vibration and warmth to it. It isn’t unpleasant, but it’s definitely weird.

The second goes down shortly after you get a charge and you fire at the third, eliminating it in one go. You had likely hit it a few times before it faded. “Good job, that beat out Nicolai’s time by five seconds.” Vulcan congratulates you with a pat on the back. “Though, you did have the unfair advantage of two guns and a charge. Had you not charged you would have done it sooner too.”

“Just had them upgraded, kinda wanted to test it out.” You reply.

“Ah, that makes sense.” He takes a look around the room. “As for the rest of you, he only beat Nicolai’s time by FIVE seconds. That means the rest of you can do it too if you practice and remember the basics!”

“Yes sir!” The soldiers snap to attention to salute the veteran.

After a couple more rounds of test fires, you sit down next to Vulcan. “So, what division were you in?” He asks.

“Originally? Cutting Shadow Squadron. I was designed to be a long-range anti-everything sniper. When Phantom fell, I was transferred to the Scorched Earth Squadron alongside Phoenix Magnion. Didn’t see much there though, I got out as soon as I could.” You don’t particularly like talking about your time back there. Doesn’t make you feel proud of what you did.

“Good choice, getting out.” He says enviously. “I wish I got out before they deactivated my weapons. Maybe then I wouldn’t be stuck here while these kids go off on their own.”

“Hey, Pteradon was in charge of a weapons lab, maybe they’ll find something that can help?”

He chuckles, “Yeah, maybe, but even if they don’t, I’ll still do my best to train these kids.” He looks around the room proudly. “I’ve seen most of them join, and I’ve seen just as many never return. But when they do, I can’t help but feel like I had a hand in it.”

With that, the two of you fall into a peaceful silence…

>Train with the spear a little
>Lounge
>Med-Bay
>Command Center
>Your Room

>>40765711
>Train with the spear a little

Find someone to spar with and flirt/confuse.

>>40765711
>>Train with the spear a little
>>40765748
This

>>40765711
>Train with the spear a little

>>40765711
Seconding >>40765748

Is it bad I just enjoy fucking with their heads over our gender?

Train with spear and see if he knows what parts may help fix him up, or what all got shut down? Vulcan seems like he'd be a good ally and friend to have, suppressive fire for our sniping.

>>40765909
Perfectly normal. I mean, if you may or may not have it, why not flaunt it?

I'm not sure if it's the sparring or the trolling that's taking a while...

>>40766586
I'm partially distracted.... Be ready soon. Also rewrote this update like twice now. Third time's the charm!

Unfortunately, you have no one to spar with, due to most of them being civilian models, and Vulcan declined on account of not being as armored as he’d like for live fire training. So you simply opt to practice on a dummy. “Li, go get a dummy from the store room, would you?”

“Alright!” Li, a brunette with short hair and glasses, runs over to another soldier and announces, “Got one!”

“Hey! Come on, it wasn’t funny the first time, so what makes it funny the tenth time?” The “dummy” complains.


“Oh fine,” she says pouting, “I’ll go grab a real dummy. Jensen can’t be too far.” And she rushes out of the room.

“Is she always like that?” You ask to no one in particular, only to receive a chorus of affirmation. “Ah, well, she seems nice.”

You go ahead and get some practice with the spear while you wait. It’s got some heft to it, and given that you aren’t used to melee combat will take some getting used to. “You’re throwing too much of your weight into the thrust.” Vulcan offers while he’s observing your form. “If someone were to parry, you would be knocked off balance. You’ll want to use two hands as well, gives you better grip and thrusting power.”

A couple of the soldiers watch as you practice and make comments revolving around your awkwardness with a spear. “Cell probably isn’t used to handling a rod that big.” Catches your ear.

“You’d like to think that, wouldn’t you?” You quip back teasingly.

“Oh my…” One of them laughs out.

Shortly after that exchange, Li walks in with a wooden and metal dummy that has a Pantheon head on top. The number of dents, cuts, burns, scrapes, and overall use this thing has seen is impressive. Especially because it is in one pie-

*THUNK*

…

Never mind. The head just rolled off onto Li’s foot. “AH! Even in pieces these things have it out for me!”

“What’s it going to do? Bleed on you? Bite your ankles? Come on Li, get it together!” Murphy, a slightly robust reploid with blonde hair, light beard, and a red headband, laughs at her.

You just shake your head as she slides the thing into the center of the room and reattaches the head.

The practice goes smoothly with Vulcan offering advice, and some pointers on how to move. After you get comfortable with your new weapon, you decide that you’ve had enough for tonight.

CURRENT TIME: 19:53
CURFEW AT: 22:00

>Lounge
>Med-Bay
>Command Center
>Your Room

>>40766758
>Lounge

>>40766758
>Your Room

Two hours left, might as well check it out.

>>40766758
>>Lounge

>>40766758
>>Your Room
Acquire Gladius. Train with Gladius.

>>40766758
>Lounge

We should mingle.

>>40766917
You mean 'find out how bad our rep is'?

>>40766973
Same thing.

The lounge sound like a good idea right now. A good place to relax and meet new people. And find out what people think of you. So, like before, you follow the signs. Two floors up and to your left. The lounge is actually nicely decorated. Couches, a pool table, large poker table, a couple TVs, a bookshelf on the far wall, and a large, cobalt and white, heavily armored reploid wrestling Lynx in the center of the room.

Wait…

That last one doesn’t sound right.

“Come on Lynx! You got your cut, stop being greedy!” The large reploid howls.

Lynx, somehow not being crushed, snaps back, “He owes me from last time too! I’m just collecting!”

“You know the rules, if you don’t collect before the next mission, you lose it!” His attacker yells back.

“I didn’t have time! I was sent right back out because I wasn’t injured and I was the only one fast enough to do it!”

“Well, too bad! Rules are rules!”

“RULE!? DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY RULES WE’RE BREAKING RIGHT NOW?” Lynx screams at the top of his lungs.

“Is this a bad time?” You ask a nearby soldier.

She shrugs and says, “Eh, let’em have it out. They’ll either fuck, or wind up in the med-bay. Or both. Either way, it’ll make for an interesting show.”

“That, I can agree with.” You say, taking a good look at her. She’s an older reploid, well, older than you at least. She’s got bright red hair tied in a ponytail and is wearing a blue version of the standard fatigues. “The name’s Cell Iko.” You introduce yourself.

“Madeline,” She says with a smile. “Maddie for short. The only people who call me Madeline are the Captain, and Mole.”

“I noticed you aren’t wearing the usual green.”

“Good to know you can register colors properly.” Ooh, a bit of a sharp tongue on this one. “Yeah, I’m part of a special squad from the main base. I’m here for ‘an undetermined amount of time’. I’m supposed to be monitoring the outposts reactions to the combat reploids here and judge whether or not they can be trusted to be taken to the higher ups.”

“And what do you think?”

“I think Lynx is a spaz. Veter’s got to cool off, no pun intended. Vulcan could have been there from the beginning, but chooses to stay here. And you are too new for me to judge. Though, you seem friendly enough.”

“Thanks.” Looking back to the two combat reploids in the center of the room you ask, “The big one’s Fimbulvter, isn’t it?”

“Yup.”

“Likes to fight?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Heavy armor, slow moving, god help you if he catches you?”

“Definitely.”

“Easy to piss off?”

“Surprisingly, no. He’s actually rather chill.” She pauses for a moment. “God dammit, I did it again.”

“It’s cool,” you say with a grin. Her only reply is to lower her head into her palm and sigh.

>Break up the fight, they’re starting to get close to the pool table.
>Keep watching, it’s funny.

I'll be back in a little while, gonna head out for some food. Haven't eaten since I started earlier today.

>>40767541
>Break up the fight, they’re starting to get close to the pool table.
Guys that thing isn't easy to replace, if you wanna fight take it outside.

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Can't be arsed to colour this

>>40767568
Looks pretty good!

>>40767541
>Break up the fight, they’re starting to get close to the pool table.

>>40767568
Nice!

>>40767541
>Wolf-whistle and yell encouraging instructions at them
Valid distraction technique Y/Y.

>>40767541
>>Break up the fight, they’re starting to get close to the pool table.
Seriously! Don't break it before we even get a chance to play with it!

>>40767568
Yus, fuel for my editing fires! And I may actually color it. Its something that I need to practice now that I am not garbage.

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>>40768033

>>40768065
We don't know our eye color, do we?

>>40767541
>Keep watching, it’s funny.
FUCK, I missed the entire thread so far.

>>40768477
I'm going to bed now, so just pretend all my votes were yours. It works out!

I'm back! Food has been acquired and is being consumed. Writing will begin shortly!

>>40767568
I love it! You have no idea how happy this makes me!

>>40768115
I, uh, haven't said. Totally not because I don't know, that's not it at all. No siree.

But if you guys want to decide that's fine too...

>>40768588
Glad you liked it,I was rather worried because I never quite figured out how to draw in the RMZ style

>>40768640
They're totally green.

>>40768964
Blue-green,perhaps?

“Okay, they’re getting dangerously close to the pool table. I don’t want them breaking it before I get the chance to use it.” You say with a sigh.

“Good luck,” Maddie says half-heartedly.

You start over to the scuffling reploids. “Hey, knock it off you two! You’re setting a bad example for the kids!”

“What kids?” Lynx asks whilst in a headlock.

Fimbulvter drops his fist onto Lynx’s head as he says, “The only kid I see is you.”

“Exactly! I’m new here and you two fighting is going to give me the wrong idea. Also, you’re making a lot of noise and will likely get the captain down here and yell at us all. Lastly, you’re gonna destroy the pool table!”

They actually stop when you say the last one. “We’d have the whole outpost out for our heads if we did that.” Lynx mumbles, still trying to escape the headlock.

“I suppose we should take it outside then?” Fimbulvter asks, looking at you.

“Nah, just settle it over a game of cards or something.”

“Ah, okay,” he says as he tosses Lynx to the side. The Catloid ragdolls along the ground and manages to land in an upright position.

“Ta-da!” He cheers with his arms spread wide. Only to be beaned with a cue ball, curtesy of Fimbulveter.

“So, you want to join us for a round or two?”

>Sure why not
>Nah, gonna check what else is in here

>>40769006
>>Sure why not

>>40769006
>Sure why not

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Shiiiiieeet I have no idea what I'm doing with those claws

>>40769006
>Sure why not

>>40769468
Ahaha, that's amazing.

“Eh, sure, I’ll play.”

“Great! Pull up a seat, you too Lynx!” Fimbulvter sits down on a heavily reinforced metal chair next to the poker table, likely his own personal chair. You take a seat across from him and Lynx sits down next to you. “Anyone else?”

“I’ll join in,” Maddie says as she takes a seat next to the giant reploid. “We’re playing blackjack to start.”

“Yes ma’am.” The three of you say as a couple more people join you.

Maddie shuffles the deck and deals the cards. While she does this, you take the opportunity to ask, “So, why were you guys fighting anyway?”

“Oh, no one told you?” The blue and white reploid looks at the cat beside you who simply shrugs. “Well, whenever someone goes out on a mission, we place bets on whether they make it back or not. If they do, they get a portion of the twenty-five percent of the pot. The rest is divided amongst the winning betters. But, if they don’t claim their prize before going out on a new mission, it gets left with the two guys who run it. Sixty-Six and Monroe. When you get the chance, ask Sixty-Six about his name.” He tells you with a grin.

“Don’t do it. He’s really touchy about it.” Maddie warns.

****

“Hit me,” you growl, staring at your cards. Two Aces, a ten, and a two.

Fimbulvter, now the dealer after many wins as a player, slides you a card. Everyone else has chosen to stay, but you feel good about this one!

“King…” Lynx says as he looks at it.

“FUCK!” You scream as loud as you can.

“I have never met anyone as bad at this, or as unlucky, as you,” Maddie says, trying to hide her laughter. She’s failing by the way.

“I’m going to burn these cards. I’m going to fucking burn them.”

***Intermission***

Okay, going to call it a night here, getting kinda tired now. I'm going to try to run again sometime between Wednesday and Friday. So keep an eye on my Twitter account @NeoArcadiaQuest!

>>40769681
Thanks for running Neo!

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>>40769468
That looks pretty good! Only thing I have to say is that Lynx is more cat-like in his face.

Also if you guys have any questions I can try to answer them real quick!

>>40769681
Thank you for running! Have a good night!

>>40769732
Is bad luck in cards a quirk or will it carry our luck over all?

>>40769732
Part of me wants to fix it,but it's late here in Britbongland and sleep beckons.

>>40769732
Will it be possible for us to upgrade our energy output/battery or whatever eventually?

>>40769753
It won't affect you during missions.

>>40769762
I appreciate it all the same! You can always fix it when you are more awake/have more time.

>>40769813
You'll be able to increase the amount of shots you have with your Railguns at a later date. It'll be a little while though.

>>40769854
Oh, so is the thing going on with the saber isolated to just it? Like how we're really only supposed to turn it on when we strike or whatever.

>>40769869
Yeah, the Saber is High-Beam, any other High-beam weapons will need to be used the same way, but the spear doesn't have that stipulation.

>>40769955
So, what exactly are the differences between high-beam and low-beam?

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Fukkit,quick shitscribble before I hit the bed

>>40770019
High-Beam is high power in a short period of time and is taxing on the equipment.

Low-beam is a much lower power output, but more stable and will have less wear and tear on the device.

Generally, High beam is more powerful, but Low beam is more reliable in a long, drawn out swordfight, at least for Cell. Though, the High Beam has a good "Kill mooks quickly" ability.

>>40770184
Is there potentially a pilebunker in our future?

>>40770231
I will neither confirm, nor deny...