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>>1605745

While Captain Nguyen and Charlie are tended too, you wonder of the state of Jillian, Jenkins, and your team member, are they OK? Things got pretty hectic after you all separated. Finally, you glance back over at the XCOM squad leader, from Argentina, who is quietly chatting over comms. It seems their high-end gear is unaffected by whatever Jamming equipment the aliens used….

>Check to see if the Captain and Charlie are alright with Rachel and Nepal, you hope whatever these… aliens did to them isn’t permanent.
>Link back up with the rest of the squad, you should get them on the same page before Jenkins starts shooting at the currently friendly XCOM soldiers.
>Argentina knows the most out of anyone here why your team fought aliens in a drug bust. You want answers.
>Other.

>>1605750
>>Link back up with the rest of the squad, you should get them on the same page before Jenkins starts shooting at the currently friendly XCOM soldiers.

>>1605750
>>Link back up with the rest of the squad, you should get them on the same page before Jenkins starts shooting at the currently friendly XCOM soldiers.

>>1605750
>Link back up with the rest of the squad, you should get them on the same page before Jenkins starts shooting at the currently friendly XCOM soldiers

>>1605750
>>Other.
Sit tight and catch your breath, the adrenaline crash is gonna be a rough one.

>>1605750
>>Link back up with the rest of the squad, you should get them on the same page before Jenkins starts shooting at the currently friendly XCOM soldiers.
Status report.

Oh and Fuck Yeah for more X-COM!

>>1605750
>>Link back up with the rest of the squad, you should get them on the same page before Jenkins starts shooting at the currently friendly XCOM soldiers.


I think our callsign should be "Demon"

>>1605807
How about Dredd (or Dread)?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63O7X2jeWFM

>>1605750
>>Link back up with the rest of the squad, you should get them on the same page before Jenkins starts shooting at the currently friendly XCOM soldiers.

>>1605750
>>Link back up with the rest of the squad, you should get them on the same page before Jenkins starts shooting at the currently friendly XCOM soldiers.

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>>1605807
Nah it should be "Doom"

A bit edgy, but we killed a bunch of aliens in close combat, it seems entirely fitting

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Getting everyone on the same page is the best bet, things are going to be confusing no matter what you’ll do but mitigating it will help.. With Rachel handling things and not having any reason to interrupt Argentina, you decide to make your way to where the rest of your squad is. Keeping your empty shotgun in hand, you pass by the carnage you reaped to the carnage below… and it’s not a pretty sight.

The rest of the Captain and Charlie’s team lay dead, strewn about haphazardly amidst the destroyed first floor of the abandoned school. They weren’t as lucky as your squad was. Some of them seem to have been killed by the aliens themselves, their Kevlar doing nothing to protect them from the alien’s weaponry. More disturbing than that, however, is the clear signs of self-inflicted gunshot wounds and friendly fire. It seems the Greys controlled some of them like they did with your teammates upstairs. Damn...

You step out of the building and are greeted by quite the impressive sight. Parked at the center of the courtyard is a massive VTOL aircraft of some kind, it’s wings retracted like a bird at rest, it’s impressive engines spooling at the ready. You recall the sound of a loud aircraft landing during the final fight but was simply too distracted to really pay it much attention. Was this what XCOM arrived at the scene in? Whoever they are, they’re well funded that’s for sure.

You spot your teammates, but your heart sinks as you only see two remaining squad members left, instead of three. The small group of sectoids killed nearby answers your question. It looks like it’s only Jillian and Jenkins left. They’re sitting over to the side, the latter more rattled than the former. A cloth over one of the corpses finds you your last member.

From over a dozen highly trained operatives to only a small handful left, it’s still hard to believe yourself as you approach them.

“Damn… are the others alright?” Jillian asks with a grunt looking up and down at your bloodied form, you note some sort of medicine has been applied on her shoulder and she’s a lot more coherent instead of wracked in pain, was that caused by the medical spray Nepal was planning to use? Jenkins remains defeated, hunched over with his hands over his head.

You quickly summarize the situation.

“Fuck. Bastards pounced us while we were waiting for evac. We’d have gotten overwhelmed if it wasn’t for those guys arriving in the nick of time.” Jillian grits her teeth, jerking her thumb at the landed VTOL.. Jenkins is merely mumbling to himself. “They wiped out those bug-eyed things and one of them treated me before moving towards your building…”

“...What do we do?” Jillian asks you simply, looking over at her administered shoulder and then back at the VTOL unsure.

>They don’t seem dangerous, we’d be dead if they wanted us dead. We should play ball for now.
>They’re friendly… for now. Keep on your guard and be ready for anything.
>Other

>>1605894
>>They don’t seem dangerous, we’d be dead if they wanted us dead. We should play ball for now.

>>1605894
>>They don’t seem dangerous, we’d be dead if they wanted us dead. We should play ball for now.

>>1605894
>They don’t seem dangerous, we’d be dead if they wanted us dead. We should play ball for now.

>>1605894
>>They don’t seem dangerous, we’d be dead if they wanted us dead. We should play ball for now.

>>1605894
>They don’t seem dangerous, we’d be dead if they wanted us dead. We should play ball for now.

>>1605894
>>They don’t seem dangerous, we’d be dead if they wanted us dead. We should play ball for now.

>>1605894
>>They don’t seem dangerous, we’d be dead if they wanted us dead. We should play ball for now.

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“We’ll play nice.” You explain, “We’re in no state to deal with anything else right now..”

“They treated my arm so they’re alright in my book, whoever they are.” Jillian nods in agreement, rolling her treated shoulder a bit. The medicine is only a temporary fix you guess, but it looks like she can fight another day after some recuperation. Jenkins however is a bit… shaken to say the least, jerking his head up with wide eyes in realization in some major epiphany.

“They’re… they’re the men in black at the offices! The spooks sneaking about with their expensive suits and high clearance! It’s… t-they’re part of the Illuminati or something and they’re going to dispose of us in a unmark ditch in desert and and--!” Jenkins spews out harried nonsense, before Jillian throws an empty magazine at him. He yelps in pain shaking his head and hunching back over again defeated.

Even if Jenkins is a bit high strung in previous missions he’s never been this bad and had always been reliable. Your teammate losing it would not be the best right now...

“Shut up, you’re making us look bad.” Jillian shakes her head.

As you try and assess how to parley with an enigmatic anti-alien special forces unit, the fatigue hits you like a truck. Maybe the adrenaline has finally worn and it’s maybe your body catching up with you from your killing spree, but you drop to your knee dizzily.

>You need a quick breather, just a few minutes to get your head back in the game otherwise you're no help to anyone.
>Staying awake just a bit longer to get things sorted with XCOM is a necessity, you can relax later.

>>1606035
>>Staying awake just a bit longer to get things sorted with XCOM is a necessity, you can relax later.

>>1606035
>>You need a quick breather, just a few minutes to get your head back in the game otherwise you're no help to anyone.

>>1606035
>>You need a quick breather, just a few minutes to get your head back in the game otherwise you're no help to anyone.
>Also check yourself for any injuries, things got a bit hazy back there and it would suck to keel over because you were too hyper to notice getting shot

>>1606035
>>Staying awake just a bit longer to get things sorted with XCOM is a necessity, you can relax later.

>>1606035
>>You need a quick breather, just a few minutes to get your head back in the game otherwise you're no help to anyone.

>>1606035
>Staying awake just a bit longer to get things sorted with XCOM is a necessity, you can relax later.

>>1606035
>Staying awake just a bit longer to get things sorted with XCOM is a necessity, you can relax later.

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>>1606035
>>Staying awake just a bit longer to get things sorted with XCOM is a necessity, you can relax later.

>>1606035
>>Staying awake just a bit longer to get things sorted with XCOM is a necessity, you can relax later.

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You need to focus and get control of yourself. You're still in the mission and it isn't over until you know the rest of your team will be alright. There might be a few aliens left skulking about that XCOM hasn't spotted yet as well.

Sleep is for the weak.

You look up for a moment to see Argentina making his way over to you. It looks like he has his orders now with what they'll be doing with your team. Hopefully you can keep yourself lucid enough to not pass out right in front of him...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>1606170

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>1606170

>>1606170

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>1606170

>>1606170

>>1606170
>tfw IDK how to roll

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>>1606170
nap time

While we're waiting:
Favourite class?

>>1606221
SHIV

>>1606221
sniper from enemy unknown

>>1606221
Sniper for XCOM: EU/EW, Sharpshooter for XCOM 2.

Second would be Heavy/Grenadier.

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>>1606221
Long war Goliath

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>>1606221

EU/EW's Heavy, Long War's Rocketeer, and 2's Grenadier.

>>1606221
>having classes
We going full oldschool, boy

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>>1606221
MEC Trooper

SPARKs were a mistake

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You compose yourself and carefully stand up to greet the XCOM soldier, much to the surprise of your teammates and Argentina. Barely managing to keep yourself from passing out as you do so. You use your shotgun as a sort’ve crutch to prevent from falling on your knees as you walk over to meet him.

“You certainly don’t know when to quit do you.” Argentina says with a raised eyebrow and small nod. “The first time most people experience the Green Fog, they collapse as soon as the mission ends.”

“...Green Fog?” You question, suddenly aware of the green mist lazily lingering in the air around you. Large concentrations of the stuff emanating from sources of the strange pods dotted around the compound. Alarm bells ring in your head, having completely forgotten about the canisters in the battle before Argentina holds up a hand to stop you.

“Don’t worry, the Green Fog is a type of sedative used by the aliens to help with their abductions. Our organization’s scientists have confirmed it is non-lethal.” Argentina explains. Several more questions pop into your mind but you remain silent as he continues. “Now, I know you have many questions but we also have just as many. We’ve never dealt with survivors from an alien abduction before and what you’ve witnessed could be extremely useful in combating the thread. We are all ‘playing by ear’ in this situation.”

That only discourages you.

“Command has told me that we are to assist your team and answer some questions if need be, though there will need to be some precautions given the possibility you might be… well.” He shakes his head. “For now you can ah… call me by my callsign, Rook.” Argentina-- Rook says after a moment of thought. Other XCOM troopers finish securing the area and are starting to make their way back to the VTOL. You note several of them keep their distances from you and your team while others are extremely curious.

Several questions spring to mind. You’re getting drowsy again, the ‘Green Fog’’s effects continuing to take it’s hold on you, but you still feel cognizant enough to want to know some answers.

>What’s going to happen to my team? Some are injured, and you’d like to know if the Captain and Charlie will be alright.
>XCOM, what does it mean and what is your organization? Anything more than just a name would be nice.
>Where do I sign up?
>Other.

>>1606315
>>Where do I sign up?

Vigilo Confido

>>1606315
>>What’s going to happen to my team? Some are injured, and you’d like to know if the Captain and Charlie will be alright.
>>XCOM, what does it mean and what is your organization? Anything more than just a name would be nice.

>>1606315
>>What’s going to happen to my team? Some are injured, and you’d like to know if the Captain and Charlie will be alright.

>>1606315

>What’s going to happen to my team? Some are injured, and you’d like to know if the Captain and Charlie will be alright.
>XCOM, what does it mean and what is your organization? Anything more than just a name would be nice.

>>1606315
>What’s going to happen to my team? Some are injured, and you’d like to know if the Captain and Charlie will be alright.

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>>1606315
>>XCOM, what does it mean and what is your organization? Anything more than just a name would be nice.
>>Where do I sign up?

Time to slay the ayy away!

>>1606315
>What’s going to happen to my team? Some are injured, and you’d like to know if the Captain and Charlie will be alright.

Remove AYY

>>1606315
>>What’s going to happen to my team? Some are injured, and you’d like to know if the Captain and Charlie will be alright.

>>1606315
>What’s going to happen to my team? Some are injured, and you’d like to know if the Captain and Charlie will be alright.

>>1606315
>Who do the Falklands belong to?

>>1606315
>What is the smallest even natural number that cannot be expressed as the sum of two primes?

>>1606372

>not calling them Las Malvinas

Are you trying to trigger this fool into going Pinochet on our asses and shoving us from the Skyranger sans parachute?

>>1606315
>What’s going to happen to my team? Some are injured, and you’d like to know if the Captain and Charlie will be alright.

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As interesting as some of the questions you have, you ask the most important thing that matters.

“How is the rest of my team and what’s going to happen to us?” You cut straight to the point.

“From what I’ve been told, we’ll be taking you with us aboard the Skyranger to our base to get you all treated for your injuries and to help with processing you. We are the best equipped to treat you all, especially for the two of your own that were controlled by the Sectoids… hopefully those two will be fine” Rook explains as you take note of the name of the actual name of these aliens. While you do not know much of the man at all, he seems to be one that keeps his word and sympathizes with you and what happened. Particularly with the state of Charlie and the Captain.

Did he experience something similar to his own?

In return to this relieving information, you explain to the best of your ability what happened in this long evening. The initial opportunity to hunt down Cortez and the clusterfuck that followed. Rook pauses your explanation for a moment to get one of his soldiers to check on the Cartel member you subdued. After a moment passes one of the soldiers, Scotland, hauls the criminal out, still alive and unconscious. Jackpot.

As you continue to summarize the situation, nothing Rook is clearly being impressed by your ‘episode’, it is only a matter of time before the fatigue sets in and Rook stops the impromptu interview. You are given some time to relax as you are ferried alongside the rest of your team to the ‘Skyranger’ as Rook calls it. Rachel looking both relieved and concerned for your two teammates while just as exhausted as you are. As you settle down within the confines of the Skyranger, you don’t even register it take off as you start to fall asleep…

>Roll 1d20...

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>1606444

dose trips

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>1606444

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>1606444

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>1606444

Rolled 1 (1d20)

Paranoia ho

All I can say is the Colonel Sniper had better be a Canadian.

We just set the world record for longest-range kill (...again) at 3.5 kilometres. Give us our rightful representation.

>>1606492
Well, thank goodness we're only going by the first three rolls

>>1606517
To be fair it was because the taliban fighter in question had said Starbucks was better than Tim Hortons

>>1606532
The fact that he could make the shot whilst undoubtedly quaking with rage at the blasphemy only speaks more to his supremacy.

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As you drift in unconsciousness, you feel… something strange come over you. An intruder of some kind entering into your mind. You do not know what it is and how you know this. But this 'intruder' is wrong. There’s distinctly... ‘alien’ about it, as it's presence approaches you with a slow and unhurried nature. It seems to want to know more about you.. Flashes of the battle prior with the Sectoids appear in your mind, particularly that of the controlled Charlie, his face sunken as if it been sucked of bleed and his eyes a stark white. The purple aura distinct in your mind. You’re not sure if it’s the Intruder causing these memories to return to you or if it is simply your own addled mind recounting it, creating this boogeyman in your mind.

Whatever the case, you are quick to stop this strange Intruder from trying to reach into your mind. Rallying that sense of fury and anger from the loss of your troops. The intruder recoils back in slight surprise, slinking away from your fortified mind with the same cold and indifferent aura. The strange sensation fading away as you return back to a blissful unconsciousness…

(Part 1 / 2)

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You wake up with a start, the soft beeping of medical machines stirring you awake as you regain your senses. You slowly sit up a bit and glance about, glancing over for a moment at the IV on your arm before becoming fully aware of your surroundings.

It’s like you’ve woken up on a spaceship. This gives you a bout of alarm for a moment, your dream coming back to you before you notice Jillian and Jenkins sleep in other hospital-like beds in the room. You don’t see the others in the room. Hopefully they’re being treated elsewhere? From the sterile white metal walls to high tech medical machinery, whatever this place is, it’s distinctly that of a hospital and not… a UFO abduction table or some such. You put two and two together, this is clearly part of XCOM’s base.

You check yourself over. You do feel better admittedly, but you’re still out of it. It feels as if you ran a marathon without even realizing it. The medical area seems relatively clear, with only a few medical staff on the other end of the room, distracted with medical such and such…

>Just wait, you reckon they’ll check up on you in a moment when the medical staff see you awake.
>Try and move up and about, this place is clearly impressive and you want to know more about it.
>Wake up your teammates, they’re a few bunks away. Jenkins might freak out.
>Other.

>>1606606
>>Just wait, you reckon they’ll check up on you in a moment when the medical staff see you awake.

>>1606597
Wow we just beat an etherial's mind probe

>>1606606
>Wake up your teammates, they’re a few bunks away. Jenkins might freak out.

>>1606597
Oh dear
>>1606606
>>Wake up your teammates, they’re a few bunks away. Jenkins might freak out.

>>1606606
>>Just wait, you reckon they’ll check up on you in a moment when the medical staff see you awake.

>>1606606
>>Wake up your teammates, they’re a few bunks away. Jenkins might freak out.

Might as well give ourselves a tour with the boys

>>1606606
>>Just wait, you reckon they’ll check up on you in a moment when the medical staff see you awake.

we just got through an alien attack. better to let the doc give you the full treatment and answer some questions.

>>1606606
>Just wait, you reckon they’ll check up on you in a moment when the medical staff see you awake.
Don't wake up Jenkins yet since the poor bastard will just lose it. Might want to tell the staff about it to head off trouble, on the off chance they don't know.

>>1606624
Yeah best tell the staff before they wake him up.

>>1606606
>Just wait, you reckon they’ll check up on you in a moment when the medical staff see you awake.

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You decide it’s best to let the experts handle this. You’d probably spook Jenkins worse if you woke him up yourself. Besides, they’re probably just as tired as you are feeling right now. You relax for a bit, opting to just take in your surroundings. XCOM certainly are well equipped to deal with the alien threat.

You idly wonder what Rachel would think of this, practically being in a science-fiction now. Hopefully she’s fine alongside the other two remaining members of your team. Especially Charlie…

One of the medical staff spots you awake, walking over to appraise you and check up on you. Basic but important information is given with the staff member you and the rest of your team present is recovering, Jillian will need more time to heal her injuries, and Rachel and the others are being treated in another part of the Medbay.

Naturally you try and pry more information but the staff member basically has his hands tied and to wait for some fellow named ‘Central’ to debrief you. You are quick to add to the staff member to be careful with Jenkins, his will shaken from the battle. The staff member notes this thankfully before going about his own thing. Using a wall-mounted device with what you assume is some types communications alert Central you’re awake. Whoever that person is.

Your wait is eventually rewarded when you see two people enter the room, the spaceship-like automatic door opening for them to enter. One of them you note is Rook, who seems to be closely following behind a woman who you can only assume is Central. The staff in the room stop as it seems Central appears to command a huge presence, though from what you can tell of her she seems more like… a very friendly and inviting person that some leader of a paramilitary force.

She’s also carrying a plate of cookies as she approaches you, Rook close behind her.

“Are you Central?” You ask her as you smell the aroma of the cookies. It smells pretty good.

“Oh no!” The woman says with a cheerful smile and a dismissive hand. “Central is my second in command of sorts, I wanted to see you personally. I am the Commander of XCOM, would you like a cookie?”

Uh…

>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)
>You find this hard to believe, is this a test? (Politely Refuse Cookie)
>Other

>>1606761
>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)

>tfw the Commander herself is a waifu

I can get behind this.

>>1606761
But if this is a test, is the test one of paranoia or one of trust?

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>>1606761

>Commander is a woman
>Not Beagle-senpai

WHAT IS THIS HERESY

>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)

>>1606761
>>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)

>>1606761
>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)
down the rabbit hole boys

>>1606761
>>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)
Wut. So this is the Player for this campaign...

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>>1606761
>>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)
Does she have a twin sister in EXALT?

>>1606761
>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)
I imagine that she turns into a hyperadept badass when overseeing operations.

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>>1606761
>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am?

Lets trust the nice lady offering us cookies. What could go wrong?

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>>1606761
>>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)

>>1606761
>Accept cookie

>>1606807
Wow my old art! For that, I'm gonna give a +1 to the next roll as I'm surprised people have that since forever ago.

I am going to step away from my computer a bit to take care of something, so next update will be a bit later than usual, sorry!

>>1606809
Naw. I'm sure the commander of an organization of hyper badasses is just a nice quiet lady who makes cookies.

>>1606861
HE DIDN'T DENY IT.
Exalt a best

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>>1606890
>Working with traitors.

>>1606761
>>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)

>>1606761
>>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)
Ill be surprised if this doesn't have something laced in it. Granted I could just be paranoid.

>>1606761
>>...It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am? (Accept the Cookie)

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Frankly, not accepting the cookie is probably not a show of goodwill. You take the cookie gratefully, you are a bit hungry after all. Probably because of that Green Fog stuff? It’s pretty good actually as you taste the cookie. It has a distinct homemade quality unlike store bought brands.

You spot Rook let out a quiet sigh of relief which the Commander doesn’t notice. You guess you picked the right choice?

“Thank you, it’s a pleasure to meet you Commander…?” You fumble your speech but she merely smiles.

“Just Commander is fine! My title is the only thing that matters really.” The Commander says pleasantly, makes sense, it’s on a need to know basis much like how how Rook is keeping his name as only that.

“Anyways, before we continue, you have my sincerest condolences to what happened if we knew sooner there already was a response to an alien abduction site beforehand....” The Commander sighs. “Frankly, it was quite the surprise for my Strike Team to arrive in the middle of an ongoing battle. Even with how quickly we respond… we’re not fast enough to stop abductions.”

Worrying, but at least somebody is responding to it.

“Not only that, imagine to our surprise that your team had not only cleared the abduction yourselves singlehandedly you also found a survivor! Fortunate series of events, wouldn’t you agree?” The Commander points out. You nod as you take another bite of the cookie.

“And to top it all off I had gotten a chance to look at your bodycam footage. You made quite the an impression.” The woman smiles again, except this time around you can see a flash of something else in her eyes...

“What would you say to the possibly joining my outfit?” She asks you.

You blink.

“Uh…” You are at a loss for words, The Commander blinks and then places a hand to her mouth in light surprise, before becoming apologetic.

“Oh, I’m sorry! This is a bit sudden and all! How about we chat for a bit and see where that leads us? Rook dear, could you make sure to serve some of these to the others?” The strangely friendly woman takes a step back to hand an emptier plate of cookies back to Rook… were you eating several this whole time? Rook merely nods dutifully and walks over to Jenkins and Jillian the pair slowly starting to wake up as orderlies stand at the ready to make sure Jenkins doesn’t start screaming.

“Let’s start from the top.” The Commander says, holding up a manila folder in hand, It looks like it was hidden under the plate. “I took the liberty of accessing your file to find out more about you, and I’ve found you were… overqualified for your position in the FBI’s SWAT division. You could’ve easily enlisted into much more exceptional outfits, yet you remained with the FBI, why is that?”

>For your team of course. You trained with Rachel and the others and they’re your buddies.
>Your sense of justice, easily. You always hated criminals trying to exert power on the weak, you prided yourself in putting them in your place.
>Other.

>>1607037
>For your team of course. You trained with Rachel and the others and they’re your buddies.

>>1607037
>For your team of course. You trained with Rachel and the others and they’re your buddies.

>>1607037
>>For your team of course. You trained with Rachel and the others and they’re your buddies.

>>1607037
>>For your team of course. You trained with Rachel and the others and they’re your buddies.

Team comes first--we're like family

>>1607037
>For your team of course. You trained with Rachel and the others and they’re your buddies.

>>1607050
Anon our family now is going to be XCOM rookies.

This shit is going to be nothing but ROOKIE HAD PANICKED every time we lose somebody if we get too invested.

>>1607037
>>For your team of course. You trained with Rachel and the others and they’re your buddies.

>>1607037
>>For your team of course. You trained with Rachel and the others and they’re your buddies.

>>Breeding with Rachel.

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>>1607062
>implying half the fun of XCOM isn't the organic storytelling
>implying half the fun of XCOM isn't weighing the moral implications of gunning down a zombified soldier/deciding who to give that last Healthpack to
>implying half the fun of XCOM isn't seeing the empty seats on the Skyranger flights back home
>implying half the fun of XCOM isn't going over to the bar and seeing all the names on The Wall

Fun times--don't worry guys: soon as we start making vets from these green as gooseshit rookies we'll half fun base hijinks episodes inbetween bouts of war trauma in no time!

>>1607037
>For your team of course. You trained with Rachel and the others and they’re your buddies.

>>1607037
>>For your team of course. You trained with Rachel and the others and they’re your buddies.

>>1607081
>tfw you completed dozens of missions without a single casualty in XCOM: Apocalypse back in the day

Never again would I know such glory.

>>1607081
That's XCOM, baby!

>>1607037
>Your sense of justice, easily. You always hated criminals trying to exert power on the weak, you prided yourself in putting them in your place.

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“My team. They’re my buddies and that’s was that.” You simply say.. Both you and the Commander pause for a second to look over to Jenkins as he’s being held in place by the orderlies as Jillian merely groans in the site, munching on one of the Commander’s cookie’s too exhausted really to say anything else herself.. Rook is a bit unsure of how to react to this, it’s certainly not his element.

“Ah I see, that’s a commendable mindset.” The Commander approves.. “You and Miss Coda in particular were quite the adept duo reacting quickly to the new situation. It’s impressive really. XCOM’s soldiers are recruited specifically from the best of the best from around the world and even then first contact is...” She trails off shaking her head quietly.

Jenkins is placated with a cookie and promptly is given a sedative.

“Speaking of my team…” You start, but it seems the the Commander is already ahead of you.

“Your squad leader, Captain Nguyen is recovering and from what I gathered is conscious now. Mr. Nichols however…” She pauses. “Has had a severe reaction to the Sectoid’s mind control. From what we’ve gathered from the bodycam footage he was the most coerced under their control... He has stabilized for now but is currently in a coma. Miss Coda was cleared by medical staff to move about and has been checking on both of them.”

You are already getting up yourself until the Commander herself places a hand on your shoulder, keeping you in place. “You would be hurting yourself if you started moving about right now, besides Miss Ingram and her plasma wound, you are the most fatigued out of your team. At least not just yet”

With a bit of frustration you settle back down. The image of Charlie being ‘mind controlled’ coming back distinctly to your mind again, you grit your teeth, thinking of the buddies you lost.

“Sign me up.” You answer suddenly, causing the Commander to raise an eyebrow for a moment before nodding with a warm smile.

“Done. While my ah… ‘employers’ might not be happy with it, it is my choice in the end. I will gladly have you in the team.” The Commander nods. “Now, I have already exchanged my offer of recruitment to Miss Coda as well, and apparently she would only accept if you did, so thanks again for solving that bit as well!” The Commander giggles at that.

“...What about the rest of my team?” You ask.

“Well… while the rest of your team is capable in comparison to many people, they did not take first contact well. Like I said before, the best of the best is entry line for XCOM. I don't think they to fight again, sorry.” The Commander is apologetic, but it’s clear that even though she is an extremely amicable person, even she has her limits…

>It’s probably for the best they don’t, you don’t know how you’d feel if you lost any more of your team to those things.
>You refuse to join unless your team is given the same chance for avenge for their lost comrades like you and Rachel will.
>Other.

>>1607220
>>It’s probably for the best they don’t, you don’t know how you’d feel if you lost any more of your team to those things.
It's fine. they'll be safer compared to us.

>>1607220
>>You refuse to join unless your team is given the same chance for avenge for their lost comrades like you and Rachel will.

Gotta pull for the team here

>>1607220
>>It’s probably for the best they don’t, you don’t know how you’d feel if you lost any more of your team to those things.

>>1607220
>>It’s probably for the best they don’t, you don’t know how you’d feel if you lost any more of your team to those things.

>You refuse to join unless your team is given the same chance for avenge for their lost comrades like you and Rachel will.

>>1607220
>>It’s probably for the best they don’t, you don’t know how you’d feel if you lost any more of your team to those things.

>>1607220
>It’s probably for the best they don’t, the other guys are sorta scrubs

>>1607220
>You refuse to join unless your team is given the same chance for avenge for their lost comrades like you and Rachel will.

We fought together as a unit. Seems only right to give the rest a chance.

>>1607355
Even though I'd like nothing more to have our team together, one is in a coma and the other probably has to visit a psych ward for a while dunno about our captain though.

>>1607369
The choice is whether to give them a chance to join or not. They most likely wont force the choice on to them now. Dunno what they will do about the captain though

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As much as you don’t like the idea, you can’t deny the Commander’s reasoning. They’d be a liability right now...

“They are certainly a cut above for surviving, but we need more than just survivors to win this war against the aliens.” The Commander explains. “Their experience, even if they can’t reveal it yet, will be integral in preparing more conventional forces should the aliens decide to step up their attacks. I am glad you can understand that there is no hard feelings.”

Your other teammates now dealt with, Rook walks back over to the Commander and yourself. Standing by at the ready for any further orders. If Rook and the medical staff are enough to go by, there is a clear approval of the Commander and her capabilities. That’s good sign.

“Cookies delivered.” Rook says a bit uneasily, finding the words he is saying a bit hard to believe, yet he keeps himself as professional as possible. The Commander is clearly pleased by this.

“Splendid! Our friend here as well as Miss Coda will be joining you all in future operations. I hope you can handle them, Rook.” She says to the Argentinian man. Rook nods in approval at that and looks over to you.

“If the new Rookie here can prove himself, he’ll make a fine addition to the team.” Rook says. However, at the utterance of Rookie something clicks in the Commander’s mind as she turns back to you again.

“Well... the ‘Rookie’ route was decided to ‘test the mettle’ of new forces to XCOM and all, however… our friend here has already dealt quite well against the aliens. Exceedingly so. We can skip that given how unnecessary it is” The Commander muses, considering this. Rook however seems quick to reply to that thought.

“I… don’t know about that Commander. It might not go well with the rest of the soldiers if he were to jump straight specialization.” Rook coughs. “Especially since he is only SWAT. No offense.”

None taken.

“Maybe, but it would be a waste of his capabilities, as he’s more than proven himself already as in the combat footage. Besides, they’d get over it.” The Commander explains, before turning to you.

“So... what do you think?” She asks you.

>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.
>You’ve proven yourself already, you’d rather get right to specialization. Results speak for themselves.

(Given how important this particular vote is, I’ll be waiting the full 20 minutes for votes!)

>>1607437
>>You’ve proven yourself already, you’d rather get right to specialization. Results speak for themselves.

I can't see the MC as anything but an Assault

>>1607437
>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.

>>1607437
>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.

>>1607437
>>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.
We have to earn our specialization

>>1607437
>>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.
Might as well get to know them, and we still need to try out other weapons.

All we know is that we're pretty good with a shotgun.

>>1607437
>>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.

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>>1607437
>>You’ve proven yourself already, you’d rather get right to specialization. Results speak for themselves.

Heavy or Assault would be nice. Or if we're going by Long War, set us up as a Scout or a Gunner.

>>1607437

Honestly, given our performance first time out, I think we have to be one of those 'Mission Reward' Soldiers who come to you already ranked and specialized. But... at the end of the day, it's Rook's call as team leader. So.

> I think I can handle the jump to specialization. But it's your call, boss.

>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.

>>1607437
>>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.

It'll let us get used to some of the new toys a bit before diving into gear we may not be fully prepared for. Even XCOM's conventional weaponry tend to be a bit above what you commonly see around the globe.

>>1607437
>>You’ve proven yourself already, you’d rather get right to specialization. Results speak for themselves.
Gib Shotgun

>>1607437
>Have the rest of the soldiers seen my, um, 'combat footage'? That might help convince them I deserve it.

>>1607437
>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.

>>1607437
>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.
Especially if doing otherwise would be highly irregular.

>>1607437
>You’ll stick with being a Rookie like the rest of the other soldiers. Best not to rock the boat.

Everyone goes into the grinder. Everyone.

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It’s tempting to get to straight to the good stuff. You practically only glanced at some of the kit XCOM was using, and even then you couldn’t help but be impressed at how high-tech it all was. It would make the difference in how quickly you could turn the tide if you got your hands on some of that equipment. However…

“I’ll earn my specialization just like anyone else, Commander.” You say humbly. It’ll give you an idea of what you want to class yourself into down the line.

That, and you really don’t want to be that guy.

Rook nods in both agreement and with notable relief knowing you aren’t going to be causing any problems. It couldn’t have been that bad if you went straight to specialization, would it have?

“Hm, fair I suppose. A bit disappointing though, it’s several missions wasted.” The Commander shakes her head as she picks up the . “Though, I guess I can understand the reasoning. Now as much as I’d like to stay and chat, sadly there is more work to be done. Rook, I’ll leave him in your capable hands.”

Rook replies with a.. Rather odd looking salute, balling his hands up into a fist and placing it across his chest. The Commander merely nods with a warm smile before taking her leave. Rook lets out a sigh, relaxing somewhat. You didn’t even realize it until now but it seemed like he was rather tense the entire time.

“Smart choices all around Rookie. It’ll be a bit of effort, but you’ll get the opportunity to avenge your teammates.” Rook says, though you are still feeling somewhat eager. Maybe it’s whatever was in that cookie that’s gotten you more energized. Rook notes this slightly amused.

“You’ll get another go at the X-Rays, but not until several days pass with the Green Fog’s fatigue wears off of you. It’s SOP. You’ll only injure yourself if you go into another operation too soon.” Rook explains as he tempers your attitude a bit. “I’ve spoken with the medical staff before walking back, they say you can move about much sooner than expected. We’ll discuss integrating both you and Coda into the unit later.. Until then, you should take the time to stretch your legs a bit and get accustomed to things. I’ll speak with your other team members first for you, they seem reasonable enough. And... welcome to XCOM.”

With that, you give him an affirmation as he makes his temporary leave. You sit up after another medical staff member approaches removes your IV. You’re a bit sore but you do feel better, some free time to think things through would be good… Maybe find Rachel while you’re at it. She might’ve wandered off after seeing your team is alright.

>You should check on Charlie and the Captain yourself. Partly to see the damages and for a bit of closure in a way. XCOM can wait.
>You should take a look around the base and get the lay of the land. The Captain and Charlie need their rest anyways.
>Other.

>>1607620
>>You should take a look around the base and get the lay of the land. The Captain and Charlie need their rest anyways.

>>1607620
>You should check on Charlie and the Captain yourself. Partly to see the damages and for a bit of closure in a way. XCOM can wait.

>>1607620
>>You should take a look around the base and get the lay of the land. The Captain and Charlie need their rest anyways.

>>1607620
>>You should check on Charlie and the Captain yourself. Partly to see the damages and for a bit of closure in a way. XCOM can wait.

>>1607620
>>You should check on Charlie and the Captain yourself. Partly to see the damages and for a bit of closure in a way. XCOM can wait.

>>1607620
>You should check on Charlie and the Captain yourself. Partly to see the damages and for a bit of closure in a way. XCOM can wait.

>>1607620
>>You should take a look around the base and get the lay of the land. The Captain and Charlie need their rest anyways.

>>1607620
>You should check on Charlie and the Captain yourself. Partly to see the damages and for a bit of closure in a way. XCOM can wait.

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You are given clothes from a medical staff member once you are more up and about. It’s seems to be casual fatigues for off-duty personnel within XCOM. It’s certainly better than a hospital gown. After changing you decide it’s best to convene with your original team. First, you speak a few words with Jillian and Jenkins about the situation going forward, taking things nice and easy so as you don’t fall on your ass walking about. Thankfully, they’re understanding of your choice, though Jillian is a bit bummed out she won’t get to any revenge herself. Jenkins meanwhile is utterly relieved. You can’t blame him really.

With that sorted out you are given directions to where Captain Nguyen and Charlie are in the medbay, located in a more secluded section of the area. You make your way over.

You spot the both of them pretty easily after a bit of exploring, the Captain conscious himself while Charlie is the opposite. It also looks like they’re not alone either as another familiar face has been present the entire time, chatting with Nguyen.

Rachel grins as you approach, already changed out of patient’s gown and instead wearing XCOM fatigues herself, she’s pretty upbeat albeit it’s not as lively as usual given Charlie’s state nearby. Trying to keep spirits up it seems with Nguyen..“Hey you! See what I told you,Cap? He’s already up and about like nothing even happened!”

“He’s certainly resilient.” Nguyen nods, relieved to see you’re fine. “It’s good to know not everyone was lost…” He shakes his head.

You only glance over at Charlie to confirm it. It’s hard to look at, but at least you didn’t choose to…

“So!” Rachel starts again, insisting on keeping positive. “Looking at the fatigues, I take it you said yes?”

You nod, feeling better that you aren’t thinking of what you could’ve done to Charlie anymore.

“Good! I was going to convince you to join myself if you said no. Your alien murdering would be sorely wasted if we didn’t join XCOM! Besides, it would’ve been lonely if it was just me!” Rachel chuckles initially before she steels itself. “...We gotta make ET pay after all.”

(Part 1 / 2)

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That you can agree on. You quickly explain what happened with the Commander, Rachel initially finding it hard to believe a friendly woman such as you are describing is the leader of the organization. She’s more affected by the decision of the rest of your team however and agrees it was the best call, albeit it noticeably lessens her mood.

“Are you sure you don’t want to try and join up with the group Cap? We know you, you wouldn’t sit idly if we let more of those alien freaks live.” Rachel says after a moment, turning back to Nguyen. He merely shakes his head.

“I considered it, but I think it would be better if I simply refused. Even if it will be very difficult going forward… I will make sure we will be as ready as can be for what’s coming.” Nguyen says thoughtfully, his gaze going distant. “I will do my best to prepare the others for the coming days, and be sure Charlie and the other two are situated well. It will only get worse I fear…” You think of that strange intruder from your dream earlier and can’t help but to agree.

“If there is anyone who can handle it, it’s you Captain.” You say.

“We’ll kill a buncha them for you guys.” Rachel assures, glancing over to you. “He’s a force of nature already and I’ll make sure he doesn’t get shot while he’s doing his thing.”

All this talk about what you did at the end is starting to get to you, you don’t know if it’s a good idea on wanting to see the combat footage or not. It’s going to be quite the challenge transitioning into XCOM fully, which you still find hard to believe even exists. But whatever the case may be, you’re onboard with this group if it means killing more aliens. It’s not about possibly saving the world from an alien invasion or whatever they have planned.

It’s personal for you, after all.

>And with that, that’s it for this week! A bit slower on my end this time around and I couldn’t show off some of the other XCOM squad members in the team I had drawn prior, I’ll try and pick up the pace a bit and address that for next time. In any case...

Thanks for playing!

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>>1607761
See you next time, Pix.

>>1607753

Thanks for the thread OP!

Is Rachel's callsign gonna be "Jinx"?

>>1607796
It all depends on what happens during the Rookie missions, though that's a pretty good callsign.

>>1607761
Damn, I missed everything.

The Commander certainly inspires loyalty. I wonder what the rest of the top staff are like.

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>>1607809
>what happens during the Rookie missions

I hope she lives long enough to get her hands on the advent shield tech, but... this IS XCOM we're talking about.

>>1607827
Cookies inspire loyalty?

>>1607761
Thanks for the run, Pix. Was nice to finally catch this Quest in action. :D

Also, what were the mechanical differences between staying a Rookie and picking a Specialization from the get-go?

>>1607838
Yes. Dark Side has nothing left going for it when the commander gives you cookies preemptively.

>>1607856
You would've gotten access to unique gear specific to the class you and depending on how well you play your class, you'd get similar perks and actions like the actual game that will give you bonuses in rolls and things like that.

As a rookie you are stuck with basic gear and have to fend for yourself and be placed more at risk before you're worthy of the real fancy stuff.

Demon sounds like an awesome callsign considering out first contact, I hope we can keep it through our rookie missions.

>>1607870
Alrighty then, Hard Modo for us it is. Thanks for the head's up.

>>1607880
so so far we have
>Demon
>Doom
for the MC... what about
>Lawman
>Sheriff
>Judge (too pretentious?)
>Bouncer (not respectable enough?)
>Terrier
>Watchman

or some slur for border guard agents if one appropriately short exists?

>>1607934
nah, all the law themed stuff is too dredd, and we ain't dredd

Demon is good.

>>1607761
Cheers boss, see you next time

>>1607935
well we are a cop, or at least used to be

>>1607934
I like Demon.

>>1607880
>>1607934
Demon's too edgy and conceited to be taken seriously, I'd go with something less overstated like Watchman.

I'm compelled to dust off my EW copy and play through a campaign.

>>1607934
>border guard agents
Now that I think about it, INS would be a wonderful callsign for an XCOM.

>>1608006
u wot m8?

it fits perfectly our actions, which is what a callsign tends to come from, a joke or actions, watchman doesn't match either for us

>>1608025
It's tryhard as fuck, like naming yourself "Reaper" or "Terminator".

>>1608027
not even close to that

>>1607870
Are you just coming up with callsigns yourself or looking into other sources too, like Ace Combat?

Why not Berzerk or hulk as our callsign?

instead of shit maximum edge Demon. Is our kit going to include a fedora and katana as well?

>>1608071
Hulk might work well, assuming that we can actually pull that shit off again. Might be interesting if that becomes a recurring theme instead of one-off badassery.

That said I'm going to throw my vote in with either INS or ICE, as a callback to our law enforcement roots.

>>1608107
>inb4 they call us Green-Card ironically

I just had an EXALT operative drop near a burning car just to die immediately when it exploded.
They really ought to spend less money on opulent secret lairs and more on training.

>>1607934
I like Lawman and Sheriff.

>>1608107
Hulk is nice, actually.

>>1608206
>the aliens are literal illegal aliens to planet Earth
top fucking kek

>>1607934
>Lawman

Has an appeal, but we'll see what happens and what name we earn.

>>1608107
among LEO's ICE get derided, much like how the main branches of the military look down on the coast guard

we really don't want to be called ICE if its just for the law enforcement reference, also the FBI has its own units for just that role, so it would be fucking stupid considering we were FBI

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>>1608256
>Right, right. Someone said "alien"; she thought they said illegal alien and signed up!

>>1608006
>>1608027
>>1608071
Keep in mind Demon is a legit Xcom Callsign. I had two carries on my first playthrough, Garrote my French sniper, and Demon my Brazilian Assault psychic. They barely ever got scratched and were on almost every mission and every mission respectively. Also had triple digit kill counts.

Keep in mind that nobody gets to pick their own nickname.

Our Riot Shield Girl should be called "Anvil"
and we should be called "Hammer"

>>1610889
This is dope as fuck.

>>1610920
I could make a joke about how we'll hammer her all night :^) if we survive to the end of this campaign together - but you already know that.

>>1611060
Oh there's gonna be hammering all right. Let's just see how long it takes. I'm already down with Rachel as being waifu. Real life shieldmaiden.

>>1611080
But the Commander is superior waifu.

>>1611494
>trying to make the commander have special feelings for one of her expendable soldiers

You really want to fuck up mission efficiency, don't you?

>>1611643
just wait until we're a colonel, then we're not expendable

>>1610889
Seconding this.

>>1611648
>thinking anyone isn't expendable

>this is why it's canon that Earth lost in the XCOM reboot

>>1611643
Not keeping your soldiers safe is how you end up on a mission with a heavy and 4 squaddie snipers, because there's no one else to send.
The mission had to be aborted with the heavy as the only survivor

>>1610889
Second

>>1610889
I'll support this.

>>1610889
that's pretty good actually.

>>1611643
>Implying the commander isn't hard enough to love us one night and then send us to die the next morning.

Just found this. Time to follow.

Rachel's cute, although she may bite it. Commander as a woman is surprising. So, is Bradford her husbando, assuming Bradford is still Central and not someone else?

Also, I laughed at the coked out Sectoids.

>>1618755
Her husbando is the base's cook. They hit it off over cookie recipes.

>>1618761
No wonder why the PA has to remind the Commander where to go.

Story so far: AYYLIUM DETECTED! PURGE PURGE PUrGE PUr-