>>1717227
>>Let Rachel try it, this is practically her childhood dream after all.

>>1717227
>>Let Rachel try it, this is practically her childhood dream after all.

>>1717227
>Let Rachel try it, this is practically her childhood dream after all.

We'll let Harita take a crack at the Laser Shotgun when we get to that.

>>1717227
>>Have Harita test it, she’s helped you a lot in becoming a proper Assault, this would return the favor a bit.

>>1717227
>Let Rachel try it, this is practically her childhood dream after all.

>>1717227
>>Test it yourself, Shen did entrust you with this opportunity after all.

>>1717227
>>Test it yourself, Shen did entrust you with this opportunity after all.

>>1717227
>Let Rachel try it, this is practically her childhood dream after all.
We're almost certainly going to end up using the laser variant so this doesn't do much for us, and she wants it more.

>>1717227
>Let Rachel try it, this is practically her childhood dream after all.

>>1717227
>>Let Rachel try it, this is practically her childhood dream after all.

Time to make a pal's dream come true, writing!

>>1717288
RIP Shen route

>>1717298
Don't lose hope yet, we haven't even tested the plasma weaponry.

>>1717298
Hey we got to impress with the laser rifle he won't mind us handing it over to a friend so they can test it out.

File: Maser Weapons.png (1.44 MB, 1920x1080)

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“Shen, I appreciate being given the opportunity to test the weapons and all, but I think having a second opinion would help.” You explain. Shen gives you a curious look but you continue. “I think Rachel should try it, I’m sure she’s already given you some good input with the alloy shield.”

Rachel’s eyes light up at that, practically glowing. You try to ignore that blinding glow coming from the edge of your peripheral vision and focus on Shen who considers your suggestion.

“Hm, I suppose so... very well.” Shen says after some time, motioning his hand in acceptance. Rachel whoops, pumping a fast into the air and walking over to high five you. Harita looks a bit disappointed not being given the opportunity but it’s only a minor flash of emotion as she is swept up a bit by Rachel’s enthusiasm.

“Thanks, bro!” Rachel grins, giving you a high five. You hand her the weapon which she hefts in her hands with glee before taking a moment to compose herself. You step aside as she walks over and gets into position. Once given proper space, Rachel steadies her weapon.

“Firing!” Rachel calls out as she squeezes the trigger. A bright red beam shoots out from the lens with an extremely satisfying sound. Instead of a projectile blast like the laser beam, it is in fact a literal beam as you see it cut across the distance and hit the sectoid target straight in the chest. Rachel holds the beam in place at the target as the burnt hole is made with the weapon.

Your friend isn’t done however as after taking a moment to grin like mad she aims the weapon again, this time however firing the beam aside in a horizontal cutting motion at the chest of the target. It slices through the wooden target like a hot knife through butter, the target falling onto the floor.

“You’re… you’re a miracle worker, Shen. This is fucking awesome.” Rachel says with bliss, lost to everyone but herself. You cough loudly, getting her attention and snapping her out of her reverie. “Oh right, sorry. Uh, it’s got a bit of a kick but it’s definitely worth it. What I reckon is perhaps having an option to change beam intensity? It might burn out a battery pack quicker but it’d give us a few more options. Plus, this thing could easily give us some options as well, dynamic entry anyone?”

Shen nods in understanding, feeling a bit better about the input. Harita considers the weapon as well.

“The masers weapons would be perfect for flushing out enemies, force them out right into killzones and overwatch as well.” Harita adds. Good point, it would open up a lot more tactics and opportunities in comparison to the laser rifle’s straight up killing potential.

“Whatever the case may be, we have enough battery charge on the remaining prototypes here to fire and test them.... seeing as he raises a fair point in getting more opinions, you are all more than welcome to try.” Shen says, motioning for all three of you this time to try the remainder of the arsenal he is showcasing...

>Roll 1d20+2

Rolled 18 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1717419

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1717419

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1717419

Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1717419

>>1717422
XCOM Weapons Tester Quest when

>>1717422
Smooth.
>>1717433
>Implying we aren't there already

>>1717433
Now, apparently.

>>1717433
>>1717455
We go Naked Snake-tier analysis everytime we hit a 20

>>1717492
Will Shen dress up like Eva for us if we keep it up?

>>1717502
Someone is

>>1717433
We're already Shen's go-to helper for testing. I hope this expert feedback has positive effects on our equipment down the line.

>>1717511
Yeah, like getting more experimental tech to try out in combat or something.

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More targets are set up and the three of you are given free reign in this private firing range to test out the latest in XCOM weaponry. Working down the list of the other weapons. Trying both the laser and maser variants this time around clearly show their strengths to you. While the masers require a bit more set up, the versatility and utility it presents itself can give you a lot of options in the battlefield. Meanwhile the lasers are simple and to the point, but the point they make is not to be understated. Your companions are quite pleased to try out what they can as well, getting a taste of what’s to come to bring to bear against the alien menace.

Once again you’re keen eye for weaponry you give solid input on the beam weapons which Shen takes graciously. The girls throw in their bit as well, though admittedly Rachel is having too much fun. Harita thankfully shores up for your friend’s giddiness with more collected thoughts though it is not as concise as yours. You finish turning the last sectoid cardboard target into a headless target as you lower the maser pistol you had chose to fire, nodding approvingly.

“Aw man, that’s it?” Rachel sighs, looking down at the laser shatterarray, hoping her pleading gaze is enough to recharge the battery pack. Sadly it does not.

“The weapons are excellent, Dr. Shen. We are in good hands with your expertise.” Harita smiles, giving her thanks to Shen

“Anything to prevent the losses of any more good soldiers is worth it.” Shen answers back, walking over to double check the weapons. “The last thing left on the list before we can get them ready for the troops is… time really, producing a weapons lines is time consuming. There has been consideration for producing one of the weapon lines first, though that would of course delay the other.”

Shen pauses for a moment and then turns to you after making sure the last of the beam weapons are safely secured in their racks. “The Commander thinks it would be best to take the extra time needed to get both beam variants ready for use, it would pack the most punch. However, since you’ve properly been given the chance to try out both of their capabilities, do you think we should prioritize one over the other first?”

“Are you sure you should be asking me that…?” You say unsure, the image of the Commander being sad makes you uneasy. She did give you and Rachel this opportunity to fight after all.

“While the final call is on the Commander, I don’t think she would be against ‘my’ suggestion.” Shen says with a sly wink. “So do what do you think?”

>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.
>The Maser Weapons, while taking a bit of time to set up, pack one hell of a punch and it's tactical utility can't be understated.
>Waiting for both is the best call. It will give everyone the most options for battle even if it means sticking with ballistics for longer.

>>1717544
>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.
I mean, Isn't it obvious? Masers are cool and all but they really can't match up to lasers in terms of all-around utility.

>>1717544
>>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.

>>1717544
>>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.

>>1717544
>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.
The maser would probably good for sniper rifles though.

>>1717544
>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.

>>1717544
>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.
Simple and effective. In whatever way you can call a laser weapon simple, anyways.

>>1717544
>>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.

>>1717544
>>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.
This much quick firepower should increase our survivability more than masers would, since you can deal with ambushes far better than with lasers -- and that survivability is reason enough to put out lasers first.

>>1717544
>>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.

I like the Masers. No, I love them. But What X-COM needs right now is a good laser weapon that every class can immediately transition into using. Survival goes up when killing ability goes up, and Lasers both improve accuracy and firepower at the same time. It's simply too good to not have ASAP for all troops.

>>1717544
>>Laser Weapons are reliable and deadly out of the box. With the mobility benefits and killing potential it would even the odds substantially.

Unanimous vote for the classic laser weapons it is then, writing!

The hive agrees lasers are best

>>1717599
Honestly it's not a hard choice to make. lasers are pretty much a straight upgrade whereas masers have more tradeoffs.

>>1717602
>Xcom quest meets Hive Queen quest
They're in completely separate timeframes, but that doesn't stop me from wanting it.

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>>1717544
>Shen thinks highly enough of us to convince the commander which tech to focus on just based off our thoughts

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Your answer is quite simple when given the option.

“The masers are excellent weapons like Harita said, and the opportunities they could give us in a fight could really give us an edge… but the laser weapons would give us an immediate advantage. I would suggest lasers first.” You explain. When you put it like that, Shen merely nods.

“Noted, I will bring it up to the Commander… I take it you would appreciate it if I keep it our secret that it was your suggestion then?” Shen smirks, to which you can only sheepishly agree. You really don’t know how you’d feel if you were to impose on the Commander’s orders. While she’s very friendly, you’re still just a grunt.

“As much as I would like to share anything further, that is it for now. Do keep what you learned as a secret for now for security purposes. Until next time.” Shen finalizes much to your collective disappointment, the elderly man turns to Rachel as you all begin to make your exit.

The three of you make your leave from the secluded section of Engineering and bid your farewells to the Chief Engineer. There’s some murmurings from the engineering staff as the three of you walk past. Harita merely smiles at them, which is enough to cause the engineers to shut up with whatever they’re saying to each other. For the remainder of gossipy staff, Shen himself is the one who reigns in his team to get back to work. You wonder what the big deal is but Harita merely shakes her head.

“It’s probably nothing.” She adds.

“Well,” Rachel rolls her shoulders. “I think it’s time we celebrate both this idiot being fine again and getting to try out some new toys!”

“A drink would be nice, though did Sweet clear you for drinking?” Harita says somewhat worried for you.

“It’ll be fine, Harita!” Rachel shakes her hand dismissively. “We’ll just make sure he doesn’t drink too much, easy! ‘Sides, after what happened with ‘that’ earlier, I freaking need one..."

(Part 1 / 2)

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You raise an eyebrow again, more and more of ‘that’. It’s getting a bit more tempting for you to find out after hearing about it all day so far. You cave in and turn to the pair.

“What’s ‘that’?” You ask them. There’s a pause.

“Shit, you didn’t know yet?” Rachel pauses before frowning. “Well uh… the news broke today. The big news. The world knows about the aliens now, and it was America that unveiled the news.”

You stop walking at that bombshell… well fuck.

“How?” You ask, your mind already running with questions and possibilities of how it happened and the consequences of the news. XCOM has worked hard, real hard, to keep the news in check for as long as they could. Sure, it was inevitable but still its a bit hard of a pill swallow given what that means. And it’s America of all places that breaks the news as well... you kind’ve hoped it wouldn’t be from your country.

“The grey bastards hit some suburbs near Boston, there was a locals news team recording some bit on crime or something like that and caught the whole thing live… before they got got by the green fog. Not only that, some folks managed to upload some of the footage online and it spread like wildfire…” Rachel grimaces, gritting her teeth as she recalls it.

“Your government attempted to censor everything but really, it was futile.” Harita adds, shaking her head. “The reaction has been all over the place, we do not know the full extent of the damage but there is clear panic and unease…”

You feel…

>Frustrated. People are afraid and it’s going to lead to riots or worse, some might even consider trying to befriend the aliens without realizing the consequences. A lot people are stupid like that.
>Regret. You had hoped that somehow XCOM could be more prepared to deal with the news breaking. XCOM is the best hope they have and you can’t deny you’re all still playing catching. People are going to die.
>Like you need a drink. Your jobs just got way more difficult now than they already were, you feel like taking that offer for a drink. Sweet would probably understand.
>Other.

>>1717819
>>Frustrated. People are afraid and it’s going to lead to riots or worse, some might even consider trying to befriend the aliens without realizing the consequences. A lot people are stupid like that.
>Like you need a drink. Your jobs just got way more difficult now than they already were, you feel like taking that offer for a drink. Sweet would probably understand.

>>1717819
>Regret. You had hoped that somehow XCOM could be more prepared to deal with the news breaking. XCOM is the best hope they have and you can’t deny you’re all still playing catching. People are going to die.

>>1717819
>>Frustrated. People are afraid and it’s going to lead to riots or worse, some might even consider trying to befriend the aliens without realizing the consequences. A lot people are stupid like that.
>Like you need a drink. Your jobs just got way more difficult now than they already were, you feel like taking that offer for a drink. Sweet would probably understand.

>>1717819
>>Frustrated. People are afraid and it’s going to lead to riots or worse, some might even consider trying to befriend the aliens without realizing the consequences. A lot people are stupid like that

>>1717819
>Regret. You had hoped that somehow XCOM could be more prepared to deal with the news breaking. XCOM is the best hope they have and you can’t deny you’re all still playing catching. People are going to die.

>>1717819
>>Like you need a drink. Your jobs just got way more difficult now than they already were, you feel like taking that offer for a drink. Sweet would probably understand.
WELP

Time to down a few cause this is gonna get ugly.

>>1717819
>>Frustrated. People are afraid and it’s going to lead to riots or worse, some might even consider trying to befriend the aliens without realizing the consequences. A lot people are stupid like that.

>>1717819
>Other
Frustration and regret. Humanity has never been predictable, volatile and compulsive. There will be violence, there will be those that riot and destroy, there will be those that fatally attempt to side with the invaders. Xcom tried it's best, but this was inevitable. As much as it pains you to admit, you are but one man in this operation. After a single fuck-up you were out of commission for a good few weeks, you can't save everyone, but you will do your best one alien at a time.

>>1717819
>Frustrated. People are afraid and it’s going to lead to riots or worse, some might even consider trying to befriend the aliens without realizing the consequences. A lot people are stupid like that.

>>1717819
>Frustrated. People are afraid and it’s going to lead to riots or worse, some might even consider trying to befriend the aliens without realizing the consequences. A lot people are stupid like that.

>>1717819
>Frustrated. People are afraid and it’s going to lead to riots or worse, some might even consider trying to befriend the aliens without realizing the consequences. A lot people are stupid like that.

Neither are good, but hopefully we can channel this frustration into Killing All the Ayys.

>>1717819
>frustration
>regret

>>1717819
>>>Frustrated. People are afraid and it’s going to lead to riots or worse, some might even consider trying to befriend the aliens without realizing the consequences. A lot people are stupid like that.
>>Like you need a drink. Your jobs just got way more difficult now than they already were, you feel like taking that offer for a drink. Sweet would probably understand.

Frustration with a strong desire for a drink it is, writing!

>>1717873
>Frustration with a strong desire for a drink it is

>2MeIRL4Me

>>1717819
>Frustrated. People are afraid and it’s going to lead to riots or worse, some might even consider trying to befriend the aliens without realizing the consequences. A lot people are stupid like that.

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You really hoped that you wouldn’t have to deal with this so soon, but it seems that with the cat out the bag it’s only going to be a clusterfuck on the horizon. Having previous experience being support for riots and the like in the past in the FBI you know full well just how stupid and suicidal people can be when thrust with danger. Coupled with the aliens already having taken down over half of your old team and putting you in medbay for who knows how long, a frustration and anger begins to boil from within you.

“Dammit.” You grunt, managing to compose yourself enough not to explode or make a scene, the girls can only nod in understanding. You need to vent, perhaps through taking it all out on a poor and defenseless punching bag in the gym, but you simply can’t given your injuries. If it wasn’t for the time spent in Engineering you probably would’ve been much more dour at the news.

“Yeah, preaching to the choir. It’s going to be just like the riot in Tuscon all over again.” Rachel says, noticing your disposition. She shudders at the memory. It wasn’t humanity's finest hour.

“We must fight harder.” Harita says, echoing your frustration and directing it to something more beneficial. “Make the aliens further for every life they take away.”

“We… should go to the bar.” You answer. Clearly with your lives going forward being much more difficult and your current state, a drink sounds extremely desirable right now. Neither of them disagree at that. Decided, you and your companions set a new destination for the bar, there’s drinks with your name on it...

(Part 1 / 2)

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“I’m telling ya dammit! S’all a big conspiracy! They all came from Mars and there’s freaking a freaking Illuminati cult making things worse and working with the aliens I tell you! Illuminati!” Rachel bellows, slamming her drink down on the counter with gusto, her cheeks flushed red. Harita hastily has to pull her down back onto her seat, lest Rachel attempt to hop on the bar top or something again.

You take another swig of your own drink, tuning out the constant and worried chatter of the news on one of the TV’s in the room. A few of the soldiers watching with disdain as the world tries to fathom the truth. There’s chatter among the metaphorical water cooler about which countries are going to deny it and who is going to come clean about their own alien incursions as the world begins to quickly piece together the events. Frankly you don’t want to hear any more of the news and would rather shut off the TV, though given you’re still just a new guy you’ll just irritate the other troops.

“I’m fine! Totally sober!” Rachel snaps at Harita who gives you a helpless look, to which you have to relent and help. It seems the tables have turned and Rachel is the one who needs babysitting this time arou--
“Psh! Fine! I can stop drinking and go to sleep whenever, and I DON’T need anyone to hold my hand like a kid thank you very much!” Rachel snaps as she downs her last drink in one exaggerated swig, standing up shakily. Both you and Harita attempt to lead her upstairs to her bunk but she shoos you away, making the journey herself so help her. Before you know it she’s already walking up the stairs gripping onto the handle somewhat precariously with the both of you by the bottom of the stairs. Thankfully she is successful in making the journey to the top, nearly smacking one of the troopers from Strike Three in the face for trying to be a good samaritan. You and Harita are quick to apologize for her sake.

“She’s quite the handful.” Harita muses watching with relief as Rachel makes her way to her room. “But… her enthusiam is unmatched.”

“You get used to it.” You say with an equally amused shrug. “Rachel was always was the most boisterous of our old outfit.”

“I can tell.” Harita chuckles as you both make your way back to the bar. Harita however doesn’t sit down and walks over to the other side, offering to pour the next round this time around. You thank her as she gets to it.

“You are very welcome.” Harita says with a kindly smile as she fills your glass. She finishes her own and takes a seat beside you. You still never got a chance to get to know her or thank her really for her help so far, come to think of it. This is a prime chance to get to know her better.

>Ask her why she helped you both out so readily since the beginning. She didn't have to.
>Even now you don’t really know much about her past, you’d like to know further.
>You waited long enough, you need to know the deal about her sword.
>Other

>>1718067
>>Ask her why she helped you both out so readily since the beginning. She didn't have to.
>You waited long enough, you need to know the deal about her sword.

>>1718067
>Ask her why she helped you both out so readily since the beginning. She didn't have to.

let's make a new friend (waifu)

>>1718067
>>Ask her why she helped you both out so readily since the beginning. She didn't have to.

>>1718067
>Ask her why she helped you both out so readily since the beginning. She didn't have to.
Drunk time is deep personal questions time

>>1718067
>>Ask her why she helped you both out so readily since the beginning. She didn't have to.

>>1718067
>>Even now you don’t really know much about her past, you’d like to know further.

>>1718067
>Ask her why she helped you both out so readily since the beginning. She didn't have to.
>You waited long enough, you need to know the deal about her sword.

>>1718067
>Ask her why she helped you both out so readily since the beginning. She didn't have to.

>>1718067
>Ask her why she helped you both out so readily since the beginning. She didn't have to.
>You waited long enough, you need to know the deal about her sword.

Time to find out why Harita's been a chum, writing!

I have a strange feeling we're about to get brother-zoned before we even start.

>>1718130
I think dead-comrade zoned is more likely

>>1718154
Why not both?

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>>1718130
At least we'll get a Gurkha imouto then

>>1718170
The real deal here is to have Rachel and Harita hook up in their shared grief over the tragic death of their mutual not-sibling.

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You swirl the drink in your hand as the both of you sit in companionable silence for some time. You can’t help but frown as you catch tidbits of the news, concern and confusion spreading across the globe like wildfire. Trying to ignore the TV, your thoughts linger to the effort that Harita has given for both yourself and Rachel. There was a certain point that her friendliness would’ve been understandable, given you are properly part of Strike One, but now after some time…? You take a sip of your drink and decide it’s time to find out, it’ll help you ignore the TV anyways.

“Say, why were you so ready to help us out since the start?” You turn over to Harita to ask her. She blinks at that surprised, though this doesn’t make you hesitate as you continue. “Once we got up on our feet in XCOM you would done more than enough, but you stuck around. Kept Rachel in check when I wasn’t around, helped me settle into my role as an Assault. You didn’t have to.”

Harita considers this for a few moments, looking down at her own drink and then smiling… though the smile doesn’t fully reach to a complete one. “...It’s partly an apology..” She explains.

It’s your turn to blink in surprise as she pauses, giving you an apologetic look. “I, ah, mean that in that… we were not fast enough to respond to help your team during our first meeting. The mission in Arizona. Perhaps there was nothing I or any of the rest of the squad could have done in that situation… but a part of me feels accountable for their deaths.”

You soften a bit at that, the growing frustration from your own self-injuries, the shit Rook gave you for your own bravado, and the news of your country making things worse for everyone is forgotten as Harita speaks with you. Speaking with a lot more honesty and surprising regret than you had expected. You become more worried than anything at her worrying herself over something she really had no chance of preventing but she catches what you are about to say and merely smiles, waving her hand dismissively.

“Yes, It is a rather futile thought and a wholly unnecessary one, but it is always a shame to see good men and women die and when there was a chance I could do something. I wanted to help as best as I could for you both and well... there is that and another thing I suppose...” Harita trails off and looks away a bit embarrassed.

“Oh really? What’s that?” You ask her, trying to prod out her answer, your curiosity rising.

“It’s.. rather childish really, it is nothing!” Harita says a bit too quickly, clearly wishing to change the subject.

Hm…

>Press her, you are both squad mates now. Surely it can’t be that embarrassing for her.
>Leave it be. There’s no rush, you’re sure she’ll bring it up whenever she’s ready.
>Other.

>>1718203
>>Leave it be. There’s no rush, you’re sure she’ll bring it up whenever she’s ready.

>>1718203
>Leave it be. There’s no rush, you’re sure she’ll bring it up whenever she’s ready.

>>1718203
>Press her, you are both squad mates now. Surely it can’t be that embarrassing for her.
She might be dead after the next mission

>>1718203
>Press her, you are both squad mates now. Surely it can’t be that embarrassing for her.

>>1718203
>>Press her, you are both squad mates now. Surely it can’t be that embarrassing for her.

>>1718203
>Press her, you are both squad mates now. Surely it can’t be that embarrassing for her.
The only thing that awaits us in the future is death

>>1718203
>>Leave it be. There’s no rush, you’re sure she’ll bring it up whenever she’s ready.

>>1718203
>Leave it be. There’s no rush, you’re sure she’ll bring it up whenever she’s ready.

>>1718203
>Leave it be. There’s no rush, you’re sure she’ll bring it up whenever she’s ready.

>>1718203
>Press her, you are both squad mates now. Surely it can’t be that embarrassing for her.

It probably isn't THAT bad if she brought it up herself. And if it is, we can blame the alcohol.

>Press her, you are both squad mates now. Surely it can’t be that embarrassing for her.

>>1718249
>Press her, you are both squad mates now. Surely it can’t be that embarrassing for her.

we might be dead tomorrow and secrets are better shared when your drinking

>>1718203
>Leave it be. There’s no rush, you’re sure she’ll bring it up whenever she’s ready.

>>1718217
>>1718218
>>1718220
>>1718223
>>1718249
>>1718250

OK calling it here, it's a really really close vote but it looks like a friendly and slightly buzzed interrogation won by just barely, writing!

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No way you are going to leave it at that, especially with the reaction Harita is giving you right now. You find it extremely doubtful it is anything serious and frankly your desire to know more intensifies. Besides, you never know when any of your luck will run out. You shudder at the thought of the whole car alarm deal, if that damn thing didn’t blow up and you weren’t injured you’d have blew it up yourself after that fight.

"You can tell me, we're squad mates." You explain, but Harita will not have it.

"It is really nothing, truly!" Harita stammers.

It seems like you'll need to work for the truth. A little friendly grilling should be the case. You focus your attention to Harita as you try and figure out what she’s so skittish about in as friendly of a manner as possible...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>1718271

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>1718271
Nat 20

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>1718271

>>1718271
Yeah, from how she's reacting it's pretty clearly not a huge deal
>>1718273
And we got it

>>1718273
Decently ok role anon

What kind of Fed are we if we can't get information out of someone?

>>1718297
So how do you think we started off our career as a SWAT?

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You are nothing if not insistent as you press her for information. To her credit, Harita presents a strong defense to your interrogation but with a bit of effort finally manage to make her crack. That or maybe it was the extra refill or two of her drink you managed to slip in during your friendly but determined conversation. While you were more of a boots on the ground type before as a Fed, you still learned a thing or two from getting people to talk.

“Alright alright, I’ll tell you just… just don’t tell anyone it is embarrassing.” Harita says defeated. You smile satisfied, taking a victorious sip of your drink. You motion for her to continue, though in a gentle and patient manner. She takes a breath and another gulp of her on drink, glancing about.

“I… I want to be more like an American.” Harita whispers, cheeks red.

There’s a pause before you promptly burst into laughter, you think your drink is kicking in now for you but all that build up? Worth it.

“Oh no, see! I told you it was--” Harita looks heartbroken but you are quick to stop her, the last thing you need is for her to actually be upset. Though you really want to know why. She fidgets a bit and continues. “--I’m… I am not as, ah, well spoken as some of the others in the squad. Everyone else presents themselves so sure, I am… admittedly, not as good at that. I was hoping to learn from you both.”

You frankly find it hard to believe at first, but then again after some thought you recall she really doesn’t make her presence known as much at times. As if she was an expert in concealment both in combat and out of it, for better or worse. Although an oddity in her reasoning presents itself to you.

“What about Sweet? He’s American.” You say, pointing out the personable medic who you really owe a drink sometime.

“Oh no, he is already far to busy as the squad’s medic alongside volunteering his, ah, free time to help in Medical!” Harita explains quickly, embarrassed. Her cheeks growing redder from the alcohol and her stumbling words. “I do not mean to impose anything, I would merely just learn ah… what is the word…”

“Learning through observation?” You finish for her, which she nods vigorously. You grin at that, that seems like a completely fair trade and something you would gladly help. As you begin to explain that you would as thanks however, you are both interrupted by a large thump as something heavy plops itself on the bar counter. Harita yelps in surprise.

(Part 1 / 2)

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“Uuuuuu... I need a drink!” You are surprised as Naru appears to your side, having plopped her rocket launcher she is never seen without on the bar without a second thought like a mere cell phone. She lets out a groan and plops her head onto the countertop as well, exhausted. You and Harita both aren’t really sure how to react before you are further greeted by two more of your squadmates in tow. It’s Loki and Babbler.

“Well maybe you shouldn’t carry that boomer around like your new born babe, Tanuki!” Babbler chuckles, giving her a reassuring pat on the back and walking over to the other side of the bar. “Your good chum Babbler here, will get you right back in top top shape, don’t you worry!”

Naru answers with another groan.

“Good evening you two. Congratulations on being up and about so quickly.” Loki says smoothly to you both, taking a seat with a dignified air. You note Harita is quick to compose herself as your fellow squad mates get situated, though she’s still a bit red on her cheeks. Sensing Harita is still a bit out of it, you decide to speak for you both. Babbler whistles a jaunty tune as begins to refill drinks, giving you a friendly wink in greetings. Babbler seems a lot more happier this time around than usual, which you find hard to believe.

“Sweet gave me the good news that I’ll live, so here I am. No extraneous activity for me anytime soon, though.” You add, Loki frowns a bit glancing at you up and down with a sly smile but wholly unreadable look on her face.

“Mm… shame.” She says somewhat suspiciously. She might know a bit more of… something that she’s letting on. You’re about to ask her what that may be but Naru holds her hand up to Babbler, expecting something.

“Drink. Now.” Naru mutters to which Babbler gladly serves, placing it in her hand. Much to your surprise Naru shotguns the stiff drink down like a champion, her small stature once again throwing you off. She lets out a sigh of relief at that, propping her head on her rocket launcher like a pillow. “Man, I needed that.”

Harita is a bit out of her element from before so you decide to continue taking the lead, opting to jump into the conversation for her. You guess you’ll start teaching her how to be more social on the spot it seems.

>Find out why Naru’s so out of it, it looks like she wants upend a whole bottle if she could.
>Babbler seems a bit ecstatic to the point it’s an anomaly, press for information from your Scottish squad mate.
>Loki’s hiding something and you can’t figure out what it is, you should find out what cards she’s hiding close to your chest.
>Other

(Screw captchas I got like six in a row)

>>1718344
>Loki’s hiding something and you can’t figure out what it is, you should find out what cards she’s hiding close to your chest.

>>1718344
>Loki’s hiding something and you can’t figure out what it is, you should find out what cards she’s hiding close to your chest.
I have a feeling we're going to get outmaneuvered here but it'll probably be fun regardless so let's give it a shot

>>1718344
>>Find out why Naru’s so out of it, it looks like she wants upend a whole bottle if she could.

>>1718344
Loki’s hiding something and you can’t figure out what it is, you should find out what cards she’s hiding close to your chest.

fuck, was loki the red ice queen, i'm already forgetting characters as i prepare for their inevitable death.

>>1718344
>Loki’s hiding something and you can’t figure out what it is, you should find out what cards she’s hiding close to your chest.

>>1718362
No, that's Peppermint. The Russian Sniper.

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>>1718362
Loki is your squad's British Engineer. Smug is a good start of her personality from what you guys have gathered of her so far.

>>1718347
>>1718355
>>1718362
>>1718363

What's Loki on about? Let's find out, writing!

>>1717227
>crossing any maser beams
I like the reference, keep ém coming.

>>1718344
You should go into the little settings popup button on the bottom right, open the quotes and replies tab or whatever at the top, and tick the Legacy Captchas box.

So much easier.

>>1718344
>>Loki’s hiding something and you can’t figure out what it is, you should find out what cards she’s hiding close to your chest.
she wants the D,let's give it freely

>>1718384
Anon, have you never heard the proverb "never stick your dick in crazy"?

>>1718344
>>Find out why Naru’s so out of it, it looks like she wants upend a whole bottle if she could.
We're not getting anything out of Loki.

>>1718426
Naru's just bummed about burnout
>>1718403
Why would we want to do that when we have best girl Bandit?

>>1718432
Anon... I am as much of a Rachelfag as anyone else, but Rachel is probably just a littttle bit crazy.

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If there’s anybody you have yet to get a real bearing on of any top in the squad, it would clearly be Loki. She’s collected, reserved, and an extremely enigmatic woman. You decide to ease your questions into the conversation, not wanting to jump straight to the point. You’re going to try and play her game to the best of your ability. You nod in agreement to Loki’s cryptic reply to your well being while Naru is gladly drinks another shot, Babbler already quick to pour another. Harita opts to sip at her drink, listening to your conversation with Loki.

“Yeah, I was a bit out of the loop with being injured and all.” You start casually.

“Mm, quite.” Loki answers back with a small friendly smile, she takes a sip of her own drink.

“You clearly in the loop, more than me. Perhaps you can help a fellow squad mate out?.” You continue, matching her tempo as best as you can.

“Maybe... I know people here and there as much as the next person. I wouldn’t call myself in the loop, just informed.” Loki smiles, it seems she’s catching on but intends to keep the conversation light, she waits for your reply. It’s clear she’s letting you dictate this exchange.

You drum your fingers on the countertop for a moment, trying to figure out how to say what you want to say indirectly, the clear losing condition of your little game with Loki… but you find yourself distracted once again by the TV. You frown a bit and take a sip of your drink, you really wish you could turn that damn thing off. You notice Harita looking a bit concerned but isn’t sure how to join in. Loki smiles at you it’s a friendly one though and not one… overtly smug.

“Well seeing there’s not a point to dawdle. Babbler, Tanuki, and myself had the privilege of participating with the upcoming strategy meeting conducted by the Commander with Rook, it was quite illuminating really.” Loki explains. Naru groans again at that.

“That meeting went on forever… and you know.” Naru shakes her head, downing another shot.

“You have to look at the bright side of things!” Babbler explains, trying to cheer up Naru. “Like shots!”

Naru will take another shot, it seems. Loki however continues, gently patting your Japanese squad mate on the back giving you another friendly look. “We were there to support our intrepid squad leader, dear. Rook was clearly out of it over something earlier and needed someone to take notes for him with how distracted he was." Loki explains.

You hesitate at that... Does she know what happened earlier with you and Rook then? You can’t tell but she seems reasonable and not overtly snide. She’s not exactly calling you out on it so perhaps she’s trying to not embarrass you. Or, should could actually be messing with you for her amusement.

...Damn she's good, you can't gleam anything from her.

>Just call her out on it, you’d rather get to her point.
>Be indirect about it, maybe she’s throwing you a bone.
>Forget it, you can’t make heads or tails of this Engineer.
>Other

>>1718445
In a place like XCOM, these things are relative Anon.
>>1718447
>Forget it, you can’t make heads or tails of this Engineer.
I'm PRETTY sure she already knows what happened and is just trolling. Not sure there's anything to be gained by engaging with here

>>1718447
>>Be indirect about it, maybe she’s throwing you a bone.

>>1718447
>Be indirect about it, maybe she’s throwing you a bone.
No one ever got anywhere by flipping the table; gotta play the game

>>1718447
>>Be indirect about it, maybe she’s throwing you a bone.

>>1718447
>>Forget it, you can’t make heads or tails of this Engineer.

>>1718447
>Be indirect about it, maybe she’s throwing you a bone
If she knows as much as pressing her would actually be worth, then she isn't airing it out to everyone, which is doing us a pretty decent favor. So we shouldn't be assholes.

>>1718447
>>Forget it, you can’t make heads or tails of this Engineer.
Even if she does what about it. Rook will get over it he's a good commander.

>>1718447
>>Be indirect about it, maybe she’s throwing you a bone.

>>1718455
>>1718456
>>1718457
>>1718461
>>1718465
Seems we'll be continuing the little dance with Loki, writing!

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You decide to be indirect about it, she may know something or she may not, but whatever case may be you can’t just be direct about it or you’ll just air your own mess in front of the squad and you frankly also can’t ignore the fact that she might know. Best to clear it up without tipping off your other squad members.

“How’s Rook doing?” You say carefully to Loki, trying to not make yourself sound too suspicious. “You said he was out of it? Is he alright?”

“Yes, he’s fine.” Loki answers without missing a beat. “He just needed some time to cool off, he can get all riled up over things but he tries not to show it. Doesn’t wish to blow up over things that irritate him in front of others and cause a scene, he very much prefers to not rock the boat.”

“That makes sense.” You say, nothing wrong with that. While things may be a bit uneasy, you figure that you are both professional enough to leave it as water under the bridge. Still given that you’re already conversing with Loki, perhaps you can gleam off any extra information. Even if she may or may not know, she’s being helpful so far.

“Anything to look out for with Rook so I don’t push his buttons?” You ask Loki, to which she languishes back in her seat for a moment in thought, perhaps in exaggeration.

“Besides following orders… try and keep yourself alive. Rook is quite determined to not put any of our names on his wall.” Loki explains, giving you a friendly wink before looking over to lightly badger Babbler for a refill on her own. You’re a bit thrown off at the last bit, before glancing over at the memorial wall on the other side of the barracks. The impromptu but sombre shrine being a reminder for everyone of the sacrifices made for the war. You don’t exactly follow what Loki means by Rook owning his wall for a moment, until it clicks.

Rook was the one who created the memorial wall. He was basically the very first boots on the ground against the aliens and experienced the first losses. Things make more sense now, given how pissed he was. He wouldn’t want to add another name on the list, after all.

As the others continue to unwind you decide to place that realization aside and turn back to your drinks. It’s a simple plan really, follow orders and don’t die. If you can do that, things will smooth out. With the new beam weapons around the corner and squad mates such as Harita, you think you and the rest of Strike One can handle themselves. With that, you decide to order another drink and continue to get to know your squad, it’s better than grumbling about the news.

>We’re going to call it here for tonight, pretty late and all! Thread was a bit slow I’ll admit, but it was some much needed squad time. Rest assured we’ll be having combat next session and I hope it will be fun. It wouldn’t be fair otherwise! I’d like to know what you guys think is a good ratio of downtime to combat as well. So until next time…

Thanks for playing!

>>1718507
thanks for running, night

>>1718507
Thanks for the thread, Pixel! A nice 'calm before the storm' session.

Also, does helping Shen with testing weapon/armor prototypes have any long-term effects? Or is it more along the lines of allowing new weapons/armors to have its kinks ironed out and be pushed out faster with out expert feedback?

>>1718507
Thank Mr. Pixel

>>1718521
our* expert feedback

Damn it.

>>1718521
You would get to become more proficient with the weapons faster for starters, given how well you've been rolling you already have a +2 modifier to using laser weapons thanks to those Crits you guys never stop rolling to further ingratiating yourself with Papa Shen.

Along with that you also get what you had stated, QA testing the gear so it doesn't explode in your hands or your teammate's during a mission or anything like that, that would suck!

>>1718526
Huh. So us testing weapons not only give us more proficiency, but it also makes new tech safer to use for everyone else. That means we seriously should do this whenever we can in order to improve safety for all.

>>1718526
im actually kinda exited because if we loose a limb and we include "Enemy within" in all this we might get a robotic replacement if Shen likes us enough

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>>1718533

It's not a bad idea, though other options yield benefits as well! It's not any complete game changing stuff strategically, that's the Commander's job, but you guys can definitely get stuff done during your down time to help in the long/short term. Be it getting to know your teammates, trying gear out at Engineering, or hanging out with the Commander and learning/helping with the big picture!

And that's not even bringing up stuff you can do with Vahlen in RnD yet...

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>>1718545
>Valhen
>not sure if turned on or scare boner

>>1718553
I already know. I want to do dirty science with Vahlen.

>>1718553
Great now I have to look her up on the usual boorus and places. Thanks.

>>1718545
I feel like right now two threads of downtime to one thread of combat is a good flow. As the ayy invasions get harder down the road, a switch to 1 thread downtime 1 thread combat would appropriately up the time-management stakes further.

>>1718507
>I’d like to know what you guys think is a good ratio of downtime to combat as well
The current routine is fine, You do combat and social situations equally well. Of course, the commander and her aide are the best part.

>>1718890
And ofcourse I overlooked that we haven't done any gory autopsies or Starship Trooper like tests with Dr Vahlen. Looking forward to that.

>>1718632
But will she want to do dirty science with you?

Everyone knows she likes it Exotic.

>>1718946
What if he has three dicks and four balls?

>>1718946
Genemods. We will become Vahlen's custom husbando.

>>1719305
We get upset at the lack of a 4th dick.

>>1719365
So I guess we have four routes, the squaddie love route with someone special who is going to die, the mec boytoy with Shen, the gene tailored husbando with Vahlen, and the meatshield expendable route with the commander.

>>1719465
We can become a MEC and have a romance with a squadie. Maybe we both survive and they can help us through the angst of being an unnatural mix of man and machine, made to be a superior killing machine, in a post war world.

>>1719472
>post war world
There's no such thing.

>>1719465
You forgot the best route, the eggsalt waifu route.

>>1720299
Would be covered under the squaddie route clause.

I wonder how close we are to earning a nickname. Anyone any ideas on what peppermint is thinking of us?

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>>1722531

>>1723115
wow, that came out of nowhere

>>1723115
>random tripfag telling someone to kill themselves
ayylmao

You should kill yourself first, newfag.

Why doesn't the MC have a name? It's one step removed from calling him Anon-kun.

>>1728683
That's a good point, we ought to have a callsign.

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>>1728683
Don't worry, Callsign soon!

>>1730010
>inb4 his callsign is Anon
>Or his name is Alex Nonkun.

>>1730010
Hammer and Anvil!

>>1730010
Reaver
Demon
Mad Dog
Blitz
Risk
Bolt

>>1730769
Mongochan.

>>1730562
THIS DAMMIT IM SO GLAD SOMEONE LIKED WHAT I SUGGESTED

>>1730562
>Hammer and Anvil!
Rachel's shield is the anvil, very fitting.

>>1746390
And she's gonna get smashed by us if we both survive the inevitable hordes of Thin Men, Chryssalids, etc. :^)