>>2354224
>Try to evade them.

>>2354224
>Try to evade them.

>>2354224
>Try to evade them.

>>2354224
>Try to evade them.

>>2354224
>Try to evade them.

The evasion may show us who's helping them, or who doesn't like them

>>2354224
>Try to evade them.

>>2354224
>Try to evade them.

>>2354224
>>Try to evade them.
TIME FOR DECULTURE!

>>2354224
>Try to evade them.

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>>2354224
You nod to Lara and start picking up your pace to catch up to her.

"Numbers?" She whispers.

"Not sure. Four, at least." You grunt.

"Huh? You two say something?" Amy perks up.

"Nah, just making some observations." You say, trying not to alarm her and turn back to Lara. "I think we need to disengage."

"Lots of ways to do that." Lara points out.

>Try to do it calmly and slowly. You don't want them to know you're on to them.
>Make a break for it.
>Other

>>2354321
>>Try to do it calmly and slowly. You don't want them to know you're on to them.

>>2354321
>Try to do it calmly and slowly. You don't want them to know you're on to them.

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>>2354321
>>Try to do it calmly and slowly. You don't want them to know you're on to them.

>>2354321
>Try to do it calmly and slowly. You don't want them to know you're on to them.

>>2354321
>Try to do it calmly and slowly. You don't want them to know you're on to them.

>>2354321
>Try to do it calmly and slowly. You don't want them to know you're on to them.

Then we can counter-ambush

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Rolled 2, 9 = 11 (2d20)

>>2354321
"We'll try to do it calmly and slowly." You instruct Lara. "Lose them in the crowd."

"Gotcha." Lara nods and takes Amy by the hand. "Come on! Looks like there's not really much to see here!"

"Yeah, I guess." Amy nods as she lets herself get pulled along. Lara makes a beeline for a particularly thick crowd of refugees. You meanwhile hang back a bit to keep an eye on your tails...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2354371

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>2354371

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2354371

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>>2354371
Unfortunately, something seems to tip off or spook your pursuers, as they suddenly start pushing forward through the crowd at a quickened pace, eliciting shouts, yelps, and expletives from the rest of the crowd, making it rather quite obvious they were after you, now.

Lara and Amy were already at the exit back to the central hub of the colony, and it was only a short dash back to the spaceport from there. The way up to the exit was relatively narrow and crowded. You could stop your pursuers in their tracks right here if you wanted to...

>Stand your ground and buy some time.
>You can't afford to get bogged down in unfamiliar territory. Start running.
>Other

>>2354392
>You can't afford to get bogged down in unfamiliar territory. Start running.

Potentially could be us running into a trap.

>>2354392
>You can't afford to get bogged down in unfamiliar territory. Start running.

>>2354392
>You can't afford to get bogged down in unfamiliar territory. Start running.

>>2354392
>You can't afford to get bogged down in unfamiliar territory. Start running.

>>2354392
>You can't afford to get bogged down in unfamiliar territory. Start running.

And then kick their asses at the spaceport

>>2354392
>You can't afford to get bogged down in unfamiliar territory. Start running.

>>2354392
Can we call Dorothea and ask for Air Support?

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>>2354411
Could work if she sends us a power armour, though she may send an extraction team of redheads, a helicopter, or KARLA.

>>2354426
I just want her to send in a full squad of Valkyries to deal with four generic street thugs.

>>2354426
Why not both?

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Rolled 4, 17 = 21 (2d20)

>>2354392
While you were tempted to show off some machismo and vent a bit of pent up frustration on these scumbags, you knew it was more dangerous to stand your ground in unfamiliar territory. Who knew if they didn't have some kind of trap or had more of their number hidden in this crowd. You push your way through the crowd to catch up to Lara and Amy.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>2354436

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2354436

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2354436

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>>2354436
Trying to push your way through the tightly packed refugees is tough, and for a moment there, you swear you can feel fingers grasping at the back of your shirt collar. Thankfully, the sensation quickly disappears and you plunge yourself through the exit door and into the passage leading back to the central hub.

Lara and Amy are out here waiting for you. You turn your attention back to the door just as it slides closed and stays that way. Looks like those thugs weren't willing to pursue you any farther. Good.

You breath a sigh of relief just as Amy raises an eyebrow.

"Uh, is everything okay?"

>She doesn't need to know.
>Might as well tell her what happened.
>Other

>>2354473
>Might as well tell her what happened.
Looks like we'll need to work on her situational awareness.

>>2354473
>Might as well tell her what happened.

>>2354473
>>Might as well tell her what happened.

>>2354473
>>Might as well tell her what happened.

>>2354473
>Might as well tell her what happened.

We should only keep secrets from her that would get her in trouble if she knew. Like stuff from our past missions.

>>2354473
>>Might as well tell her what happened.

>>2354473
>Might as well tell her what happened.

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>>2354473
Well, you might as well tell her what happened. No sense keeping her in the dark here.

"We were being tailed by muggers." You explain. "Probably thought we were carrying valuables or something."

"Holy shit, really?" Amy gasps, her eyes widening in shock. "I... I didn't notice anything?"

"Well, the wouldn't be good thieves otherwise, right?" Lara winks. "Don't worry, though, you've got me and the Cap to watch out for ya!"

"Still..." Amy glances back at the door to the hab block as you and Lara quickly herd her away from it. "You think.... think they're like this because of the Zentradi?"

>Probably, yeah.
>I can't pretend to know.
>Crime's an everyday part of life.
>Other

>>2354545
>>I can't pretend to know.

>>2354545
>>I can't pretend to know.

Could be a little bit of both, or the former causing the latter to be bolder.

>>2354545
>I can't pretend to know.

>>2354545
>>I can't pretend to know.

>>2354545
>>I can't pretend to know.

>>2354545
>>I can't pretend to know.
>>Crime's an everyday part of life.
>>Other
But when things get harsh, there will always be those who prey on the weak and displaced for their own gain.

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>>2354545
"I can't pretend to know." You shrug. "But it's just something that happens."

"...hmm." Amy nods wordlessly. "You know, maybe that concert won't be a bad idea after all. If I can improve the mood of even one person here... I think that'll make it worth it."

Heh, guess she really was starting to grow up.

>That's the right attitude to have.
>[Hair ruffle]
>Other

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Would something like this emblem be a good way to subtly paint the Admiral on our plane?

>>2354583
>>[Hair ruffle]

>>2354583
>[Hair ruffle]

>>2354583
>That's the right attitude to have.

>>2354583
>>[Hair ruffle]

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>>2354583
>That's the right attitude to have.

>>2354589
Better than painting a pinup of her on the side of the plane, or the ordinance.

>>2354583
>That's the right attitude to have.

>>2354589
I aprove!

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Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2354583
...

>>2354619
Karla on the plane, and Admiral on the emblem

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>>2354631
You just chuckle and ruffle Amy's hair.

"H-hey not in public!" Amy whines, but otherwise doesn't do anything to stop you.

"Cute." Lara grins.

"Shut it." Amy glares at her, eliciting another chuckle from you.

However, the moment is interrupted when both yours and Lara's phones start ringing simultaneously. Both you and Lara look at each other, your gazes indicating you both knew what this meant.

"Really? Now?" Amy groans.

You take out your phone and see you've received a message directly from the Admiral, instructing you to meet her in the briefing room back on the Pacifica as soon as possible. You look over to Lara and she shows the same message.

Well, nothing about the message made it out to be a life or death situation, but the Admiral did seem to want your presence for something. Too bad there didn't seem to be any other details.

"And I wanted to check out the outside, too..." Amy sighs.

>Hang out with Amy just a little longer.
>You're going to have to answer the call.
>Other

>>2354637
That would be an acceptable compromise.

>>2354640
>Hang out with Amy just a little longer

>>2354640
>>You're going to have to answer the call.

>>2354640

>You're going to have to answer the call.

I don't think Amy's gonna be putting up much of a fuss after almost being mugged.

>>2354640
>You're going to have to answer the call.

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>>2354619
>>2354637

Maybe have Dorothea with her hair down to further obscure her identity on the emblem as well.

>>2354640
>You're going to have to answer the call.
>Other:"Next time okay kiddo?"

>>2354640
>>You're going to have to answer the call.

>>2354640
>>You're going to have to answer the call.

>>2354664
Then that is not much of a compromise then.

>>2354640
>>You're going to have to answer the call.

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>>2354640
"Sorry Kid, maybe next time." You pat Amy on the shoulder in sympathy. "Can't ignore a call like this."

"Hmmmmmm." Amy narrows her eyes suspiciously. "Fiiiiiiiine. Let's go, then."

You and Lara lead Amy back to the spaceport without incident, and soon enough the three of you back aboard the Pacifica, which was still hovering over Gateway in a defensive position. Amy heads off to go figure out a routine for the concert while you and Lara head for the briefing room as ordered.

"Captain. Lieutenant." Dorothea nods at your entrance. "Thank you for arriving in such a timely manner."

"Well, we couldn't just ignore it." You respond, and then see someone else in the room. No wonder she was acting so formal.

The stranger was dressed in a business suit, and his hair was slicked back back and a bit shiny in the lighting. You knew a corporate officer when you saw one, and given the situation, you're pretty sure he was the head of whatever mining corporation that set up this colony.

"Phillip Torman, CEO of Torman Mining Concern." The man says, his voice unnatural smooth and charming. "Our company owns the controlling share of Gateway and its supporting facilities."

"Which essentially makes him the de facto civilian contact for this area." Dorothea concludes, aiming a chastising eye at Phillip for speaking out of turn.

"What's this all about?" Lara frowns.

"According to Mr. Torman." Dorothea sighs. "There are rumors of monsters lurking in the old mining tunnels below Gateway and he would like NUNS assistance in clearing them out."

"Monsters? Really?" Lara's eyes widen. "That's pretty cool!"

"Ah, well, it was an issue we've always been meaning to get around to..." Phillip laughs nervously.

>This sounds like this is his company's problem.
>I suppose we could check it out.
>Are we really taking this seriously?
>Other

>>2354708
>I suppose we could check it out.

>>2354708
>>I suppose we could check it out.

>>2354708
>>I suppose we could check it out.

Probably just a very very large alien animal that was mistaken as a monster.

>>2354708
>>Are we really taking this seriously?

>>2354708
>>I suppose we could check it out.
I bet it’s no monster, but just a bunch of refugees

>>2354708
>I suppose we could check it out.

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>>2354708
"I mean, I guess we could check it out." You shrug. "Not like we have much to do until the concert's ready, right?"

"Excellent! I knew I could count on you!" Phillip grins.

Dorothea closes her eyes for a second and you can tell she just wants to let out one big sigh.

"So, so, what kinda monster are we talking about here?" Lara asks, her eye sparkling with enthusiasm. "A dragon? Please tell me it's a dragon!"

"Nobody knows." Dorothea says sternly. "All we've had are unreliable eyewitness accounts. Though what makes me curious is why this 'monster' hadn't been reported earlier."

Dorothea turns her harsh gaze to Phillip.

"Ah, well." The executive sweats a bit. "You see, we sealed up the tunnels after all of the ore under Gateway had been mined out. They're essentially defunct. However, with the recent Zentradi problem, you can see that the colony's gotten a bit crowded."

"A bit of an understatement, but yeah, I've seen it." You nod.

"So we were thinking of reopening the tunnels, which would give us badly needed space to house all of the extra refugees. But..."

"But then DRAGONS, right?" Lara's head bobs.

"Well..." Philip coughs to regain his composure. "We sent workers to open them back up, they came back with all sorts of stories about monsters in the tunnels. At first, we thought it was some sort of gas leak or radiation surge, messing with their minds, so we started sending in drones to scout the tunnels out and, well... none of them came back. So, you know, we figured with some good old NUNS military muscle-"

"We currently don't have many forces to spare." Dorothea provides her input. "Most of our squadrons are out to secure the outlying area. I'm only providing our Tactical Sound Unit's services since they have no active assignment at the moment."

"I understand that." Phillip nods, put in his place by Dorothea's stern words. "Still, just two pilots...?"

>Two is more than enough.
>I agree, we might need some backup on this.
>Other

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>>2354742
>>Two is more than enough.

>>2354742
>Two is more than enough.

>>2354742
>>Two is more than enough.

>>2354742
>>I agree, we might need some backup on this.
>>Other
Thicc Meltran and quiet Meltran will do

>>2354742
>Two is more than enough.

Let's hope this isn't just some beer fueled story

>>2354742

>Two is more than enough.
>Other:We are also the two BEST pilots.

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>>2354742
"Two is more than enough." You assure him. "Me and Lara are some of the best."

"Hmmm." Phillip looks at you and Lara skeptically. "I suppose."

"You were the one coming to us asking for help." Dorothea reminds him coolly.

"Yeah, yeah, I understand." Phillip sighs as he gets up. "We'll have crews ready to move once you give the all clear. You know where to find me."

And with that Phillip takes his leave. Dorothea's eyes track him as he moves until he's safely out of the room. And the moment the door closes, she slumps back into her chair and let's out a loud sigh.

"I do not like that man." She groans.

>Let her vent.
>You should get ready to deploy.
>Other

>>2354775
>Let her vent.

>>2354775
>Let her vent.

>>2354775
>Let her vent.

>>2354775
>>Let her vent.

>>2354775
>Let her vent.

>>2354775
>>Let her vent.

>>2354775
>>Let her vent.

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>>2354775
"Something you need to get off your chest?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Just a corporate cunt who's looking to crib free military assistance off of us." Dorothea grumbles. "Because if he had to actually risk his own security forces, he'd stand to actually lose money on it."

"Yeah, sounds like a typical corporate sleazeball." You nod in agreement.

"And we're just going to go along with it?" Lara wonders. "I mean, hunting a dragon is cool and all, so I don't care too much about it."

"Well, we can't just simply refuse a civilian request for help, especially in these circumstances." Dorothea shakes her head. "And we cannot discount the possibility that these 'monsters' actually do exist. It's not the first time humans have stumbled across unknown extraterrestrial organisms."

"All the more reason to send in a couple Valkyries." You shrug. "Don't worry, me and Lara will be careful."

"I'm sure." Dorothea nods.

"Well, if it ain't a dragon, at least we'd have a trophy to bring back!" Lara nods, still stuck in her own little world.

>Tell Dorothea about what happened with Amy today.
>Proceed with the mission.
>Other

>>2354804
>Tell Dorothea about what happened with Amy today.

Also reassure her that we're always there for her if she needs to blow some steam. Though probably not the super lewd stuff like servicing her from underneath her desk.

>>2354804
>Proceed with the mission.

>>2354804
>Tell Dorothea about what happened with Amy today.

>>2354804
>Tell Dorothea about what happened with Amy today.

>>2354804
>>Proceed with the mission.

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>>2354804
>>Proceed with the mission.

>>2354807

>>2354804
>Proceed with the mission.

I worry that telling that to Dory will male her keep Amy in house arrest or something like that.

>>2354804
>>Proceed with the mission.

>>2354804
>>>Tell Dorothea about what happened with Amy today.

>>2354824
And not telling her of possible threats or issues could cause problems later on.

>>2354833
Dude it could have being just some muggers. I would say stop being paranoid but then again we are in charge of hee security so it's kinda oir job to be paranoid.

>>2354833
Issues like Torman's security isn't even keeping an eye on muggers in the hab block. Then again, with all of the refugees, they may be stretched too thin, hence why he went to NUNS.

>>2354838
>>2354837
Muggers that seemed awfully bold to go after three people dressed as NUNS pilots, not exactly easy picking tourist...

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>>2354804
"Come on, Lara, let's get this done." You say as you get up.

"Right behind ya!" Lara smiles in anticipation as she gets up as well.

"Good luck, you two." Dorothea says as she sees you both off. "Please be careful down there."

"Of course." You assure her.

"He'll be fine!" Lara winks. "He's got me to watch his back!"

"True." Dorothea smiles. "If you need any additional assistance, you know who to call."

And soon enough, you and Lara were suited up and ready to launch. Since this wasn't an immediate combat deployment, so you forgo the standard ramp launch. You and Lara exit Pacifica through the hangar doors and drift down to the asteroid surface. Down below, you could see Gateway, glowing like a jewel in all of its utilitarian glory. In the brightly lit windows, your HUD zooms in and you can see curious faces pressed against the windows looking out at you.

No doubt to these people, Valkyries, especially Excaliburs, were a rare sight.

>Proceed with the mission.
>Maybe give them a little show first.
>Other

>>2354844
>Proceed with the mission.

>>2354844
>Maybe give them a little show first.

>>2354843
Pilots aren't exactly renowned for their fighting skills outside the cockpit.

>>2354844
>Proceed with the mission.

>>2354844
>Maybe give them a little show first.

>>2354844
>>Maybe give them a little show first.

>>2354844
>>Maybe give them a little show first.

>>2354844
>>Maybe give them a little show first.

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>>2354844
"Hey Lara." You grin. "How about we give them a little show while we're here?"

"Thought you'd never ask!" Lara cackles.

Almost immediately, Lara's Valkyrie dives down at rapid speed towards Gateway in an obvious buzzing maneuver, pulling away from the colony with only a few dozens of meters to spare. You could see some of the people at the windows fleeing or diving for cover, but more were jumping and cheering at Lara's show of bravado.

"Betcha you can't cut it closer!" Lara teases as her Valkyrie waggles its wings in mocking fashion.

Was she seriously trying to challenge you?

>Looks like you need to one up her.
>It's not worth the risk right now.
>Maybe try... [specify].
>Other

>>2354873
>It's not worth the risk right now.

>>2354873
>It's not worth the risk right now.

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>>2354873
>Maybe try... [specify].
Do it inverted so we can wave to the people

>>2354873
>>Maybe try... [specify].
>>2354881
This

>>2354873
this >>2354881

>>2354873
>It's not worth the risk right now.

>>2354873
Supporting >>2354881

https://youtu.be/KPxDoFbsvWA?t=1m29s

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>>2354873
All right, so just to confirm, do we want Harry to do an inverted approach?

>Y
>N

>>2354898
>>Y

>>2354898
Y

>>2354898
>Y

>>2354898
>>Y

>>2354898
>>Y

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>>2354898
Well, you weren't about to let your own wingmate on up you, right? You throttle up and dive down towards Gateway as well...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2354923

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>2354923

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>2354923

>>2354929
Well that isn't any good.

>>2354929
Unsurprising desu

>>2354929
Well, shit. This was a mistake.

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>>2354923
Unfortunately, before you can do anything else, Dorothea's stern voice buzzes on your comms.

"Don't you something better to do than showboating?" She asks with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

"S-sorry, Admiral." You immediately abort your approach. "I just thought it would improve the civilian morale-"

"You really shouldn't get baited by Lara so easily." Dorothea tuts. "And that's what Amy is for. Now get going and complete your mission."

"Yes, ma'am." You sigh in defeat.

You can hear Lara's snickers over the comms as well.

"And Lara, you should know better than to perform such dangerous stunts over populated areas." Dorothea shifts her attentions to your wingmate. "Do try to fly safer."

"Y-yes Admiral!" Lara gulps.

Put back on track, the two of you fly your Valkyries down to the base of Gateway, where you could see a large, heavy blast door slowly grinding open, beckoning you inside. Both you and Lara switch your Valkyries to battroid mode and step inside, where you see a large elevator, massive enough to fit several destroids at once, much less a pair of Valkyries.

"Hey, the boss said you two would be coming!"

Both you and Lara turn to see an elevated control room, with a single person waving from within.

"You must be here to clear the tunnels, right? Well, that there elevator is the main entrance!"

"That's great." You glance at the massive elevator. "How far down does it go?"

"Oh, pretty damn far. Probably damn near the center of this hunk of rock!" The operator chortles. "So uh, I'm not sure how you military types operate. Are you just gonna start from the top level and work your way down? Or go directly to where all the sightings were? Or maybe you just wanna skip all that and go to the deepest level? That's the one place we never fully mapped out."

>Slowly and methodically clear the tunnels.
>Investigate the area of the sightings.
>Head for the deepest level.
>Other

>>2354946
>>Slowly and methodically clear the tunnels.

>>2354946
>Slowly and methodically clear the tunnels.

>>2354946
>Slowly and methodically clear the tunnels.

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>>2354946
>>Slowly and methodically clear the tunnels.

Well, we got some time to kill. Might as well use it up.

>>2354946
>Investigate the area of the sightings.

>>2354946
>Investigate the area of the sightings.

>>2354946
>Slowly and methodically clear the tunnels.

>>2354946
>>Investigate the area of the sightings.

>>2354946
>>>Slowly and methodically clear the tunnels.

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>>2354946
"We'll take things from the top." You tell him.

"All right, gotcha!" The operator nods as he flips a switch.

Suddenly, lights shine and klaxons howl as the elevator hums to life, Safety locks disengage and vapor hisses as the old machinery rouses itself from slumber like an ancient beast.

"Just step on the pad and it'll take you down to where you need to go! No worries! It can operate everything remotely from here!"

You gives a thumbs up to the operator as both you and Lara walk your Valkryies onto the elevator. Once you're both secure, the operator hits a button and the entire pad shudders before descending.

Well, here's to hoping this little investigation wouldn't amount to anything. You'd hate to get caught up in any trouble down here.

>And I think we'll end things here for tonight! As always, next thread is next week, and don't forget Frontier Knight on Saturday!

>>2354968
See you tomorrow, boss. Thanks for the run!

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>>2354968
Thanks for the thread, Merc.

>>2354968
I wonder how the hell they have gravity inside of an asteroid.

>>2354968
Thanks for running!

SEE YOU NEXT DECULTURE!