>>2412305
>>You’ll ‘borrow’ some disguises and walk right in! You’re totally sober unlike and also a silvertongue. You’re practically a ‘faceless’ doppelganger!

>>2412305
>You’ll ‘borrow’ some disguises and walk right in! You’re totally sober unlike and also a silvertongue. You’re practically a ‘faceless’ doppelganger!

>>2412305
>You’ll ‘borrow’ some disguises and walk right in! You’re totally sober unlike and also a silvertongue. You’re practically a ‘faceless’ doppelganger!

>>2412305
>You’ll hide in a box and be carried in! The Recovery teams have probably come back with a bunch of new alien crap from the Battleship. You’ll just hide in the cargo and be brought right into RnD!

>>2412305
>>You’ll hide in a box and be carried in! The Recovery teams have probably come back with a bunch of new alien crap from the Battleship. You’ll just hide in the cargo and be brought right into RnD!

>>2412320
>>2412323
>>2412342
Disguise it is, writing!

“Easy, we’ll just borrow some disguises and waltz our way in!” You say to Naru. The plan formed in your head is completely foolproof. You take another swig from your bottle in satisfaction of your decision.

“Uh huh...” Naru looks unconvinced but you’re already making your way to the general personnel barracks. Naru and the others have no choice but to follow you.

After a short walk, you and the others reach your destination. Acting as inconspicuous as a bunch of soldiers with booze you slip in, fortunate that most of the festivities in the soldier’s barracks has cleared out the area. The peanut gallery opts to stay back and watch while you begin to look about, searching for the perfect disguise. Naru follows you, being surprisingly silent given the rocket launcher on her back.

“...There!” You whisper. You point to a game of cards being played between an Engineer, a Mission Control specialist, and a Scientist. The three men seem focused on the game as you and Naru sneak closer to eavesdrop into the conversation.

“You’re full of shit Black.” The engineer narrows his eyes, glaring at the Scientist who has gone all the way and is wearing sunglasses to play. Clearly he’s an asshole by that alone.

“Oh please Lazlow, you can keep calling me out again and again and maybe you’ll be correct.” The Scientist chuckles, pushing his shades back up the bridge of his nose wrly. Yeah, definitely an asshole.

“Can you idiots both shut up for a second so we can finish this game here? I don’t got all evening here and we’re almost done. Central is going to be on my ass if I’m on break for too long.” Mission Control grumbles. The scientist and engineer chuckle.

“One these three will be perfect for my plan.” You whisper to Naru, nodding in approval. “We’ll wait for them to finish, and I’ll handle the rest.”

“This isn’t going to work.” Naru shakes her head.
“Just watch me.”

“Don’t worry, I’m keeping my eye on you. My one good one that is.”

Hrm… which to pick…?

>The Scientist. Pretty straightforward, you’ll blend right in so long as you aren’t stopped to actually talk scientist babble.
>The Engineer. The eggheads won’t know you at a glance and you can probably bullshit a reason why you’re there, hopefully the rivalry between Research and Engineering isn’t as bad as some people make it out to be..
>The Mission Control Specialist. A disguise that’s inconspicuous by how conspicuous it is, you won’t have to worry about trying to act smart, you’ll just have to a work a bit harder to get into the secured areas.
>On second thought, maybe you should try something else.

>>2412476
>The Engineer. The eggheads won’t know you at a glance and you can probably bullshit a reason why you’re there, hopefully the rivalry between Research and Engineering isn’t as bad as some people make it out to be..

File: jojos-bizarre-adventure-1(...).jpg (120 KB, 1280x720)

120 KB JPG

The guards on duty will be stunned by our disguise.

>>2412476
>On second thought, maybe you should try something else.

Pic related

>>2412476
>The Engineer

dozer is already kind of an engineer...

>>2412476
>>The Engineer. The eggheads won’t know you at a glance and you can probably bullshit a reason why you’re there, hopefully the rivalry between Research and Engineering isn’t as bad as some people make it out to be..

>>2412476
>>The Engineer. The eggheads won’t know you at a glance and you can probably bullshit a reason why you’re there, hopefully the rivalry between Research and Engineering isn’t as bad as some people make it out to be..

>>2412476
>>The Engineer. The eggheads won’t know you at a glance and you can probably bullshit a reason why you’re there, hopefully the rivalry between Research and Engineering isn’t as bad as some people make it out to be..
we got experience working with them, so our geekier side can help here,

>>2412487
>>2412493
>>2412496
>>2412503
>>2412506
Engineer it is, writing!

File: XCOM Stealth.png (87 KB, 500x438)

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“He’ll do…” You murmur, looking at the Engineer. It’s a good thing you’re a bit of a gun nut, you can probably convince the scientists you mean business. With that decided, you and Naru hunker down for a bit, waiting for the card game to end.

As you’d hope, the both of you don’t have to wait long as the Mission Control specialist doubles down and manages to clean the table of the other two. Either through sheer luck, skill, brute force, or more likely wanting to get back to work. The Scientist is clearly frustrated and stomps off while the Engineer is a bit more laid back. Well, much as one can be losing to a game of cards.

The three put the cards table away and begin to part ways. As soon as they do, your opportunity presents itself. With a nod to your companion you begin to slink after him, poised and ready to knock him out and secure your ticket into RnD. You approach him, nice and easy making sure not to clink any of the bottles on your person. You don’t actually want to hurt the guy and want to take him out with a nice and easy sleeper hold. The one they taught you at the academy.

You sneak up right behind him, and lunge!

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>2412558

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>2412558

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2412558

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2412558

Dozer is too drunk to remember the basics of CQC...

File: 1434723533999.jpg (60 KB, 509x720)

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>>2412558
hah, gottem

>>2412558
This is going to go great! We clearly have an invisible +10 modifier due to the alcohol boosting our charisma and strength.

At this point I think the three ways of getting in are ways out hostiles can get in during a base invasion as well. Lol a bit too late to say choose wisely as the one we chose basically blocked off one infiltration route to the baddies.

File: Just missing an eyepatch....png (57 KB, 400x444)

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You lunge forward, expecting to latch onto the guy but instead grab air. You flail about for a moment in surprise and then land flat on you stomach in a large thud. You land on one of the bottles. It doesn’t shatter which is the up side of things but it hurts like hell otherwise, you curse rolling onto the side and clutching at your stomach. What the hell!? How did you miss that guy? What happened? That Engineer is clearly some sort of mma fighter or martial artist or something!

“Pfftahahahaha! What the fuck was that, dude!? The 1st Airborne Brigade taught us better than that, and even I’ll admit we’re not that good!” Naru begins to double over, laughing and pointing at you.

“Huh?” The Engineer turns around, confused at the sight of you rolling on the ground and Naru taking joy at your misfortune.

“Oh shit! Uh-- it’s… er…” Naru stammers in surprise before pulling the oldest trick in the book and pointing down ahead. “What’s that over there?”

The Engineer turns around, falling for it much to your surprise. You’re about to wonder how the hell that’s even possible before you see Naru spring into action, diving forward and swinging her rocket launcher.

“Hyagh!” She exclaims, clonking the Engineer in the back of the head. Just like that he drops to the ground, out like a light.

“Why the hell did you do that!?” You say, shocked.

“It’s fine it’s fine! I did this all the time before XCOM and barely got into trouble! Just-- just get your ass off the ground and help me carry him on to a bunk!” Naru says quickly, already moving to grab the guy’s legs. You grunt and stand up, following after her. Well, that wasn’t exactly your greatest moment, but you’ll toss it up as a simple fluke. Happens to the best, such as yourself.

After depositing the Engineer to the side, you shoo Naru out of view and get to changing. You pause to look over yourself. With the hardhat on, green jacket, and shirt and tie (which you had a fair bit of trouble putting on) you don’t look half bad if you say so yourself. Nodding in approval you step out. You’ll thank the Engineer later for the clothes.

“Well, what do you think?” You say, knocking on your hard hat.

“Eh… it’ll do.” Naru shrugs. “So, what about me?”

“Huh?”

“I’m coming also remember? Gotta make sure you don’t pussy out!” Naru crosses her arms.

“Uhhh… well…” You scratch your chin, idly taking a sip from the bottle you landed on.

>She’s fine as is. She’s helping you as an assistant.
>You can look for another disguise for her. Shouldn’t be too much of a hassle
>Do you even really need to come? She’ll just slow you down!
>Other.

>>2412639
>>She’s fine as is. She’s helping you as an assistant.

>>2412639
>>She’s fine as is. She’s helping you as an assistant.

>>2412639
>She’s fine as is. She’s helping you as an assistant.

>>2412639
>She’s fine as is. She’s helping you as an assistant.

>>2412639
>>She’s fine as is. She’s helping you as an assistant.

>>2412643
>>2412662
>>2412670
>>2412677
>>2412699
Pretty unanimous, writing!

File: XCOM Hallway.jpg (141 KB, 1024x509)

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“Oh you’re not a problem.” You say to the Rocketeer, waving your hand dismissively. “You’re my assistant.”

She blinks.

“What? You spend a lot of your free time in Engineering already. It makes sense.” You say, before coughing and adopting the New Yorker accent you can pull off. “‘Sides, youse kept hogging my workstation enough as is tinkering with that gauntlet of yours! Had to keep the boss off my back somehow!”

“Fair I suppose...Wait what kind’ve accent is that?” Naru says, cocking her head in confusion.

“Fuhgetta-”

“On second thought, I don’t want to know any more.” Naru shudders. “Let’s just go.”

With your way in sorted, the both of you take your leave. Next stop, RnD. The peanut gallery follows for a while longer, finding it hard to believe you actually managed to change disguises. You happily soak up the praise until you’re elbowed by Naru. You begrudgingly admit she did help out. As you get closer to RnD and you finish the last of the booze, your spectators begin to flake. You and Naru scoff at them, clearly they’re not as determined and are a bunch of cowards. Approaching the main airlock into RnD, it’s time for the real test.

“Look alive, assistant.” You say, straightening your loosely made tie. “We’re approachin’ enemy territory.”

Naru rolls her eye, tugging at her rocket launcher strap.

There’s pair of Blueshirts stationed on guard at the entrance. Recently assigned since that containment breach. They stand at attention and regard you both as you both approach. You realize that one of them is a guy you know. That could come in handy.

“State your business.” One of the Blueshirts says. You glance over at Naru and she gives you a look that affectionately says ‘Don’t look at me I’m the assistant here.’ Right, you clear your throat. Time to persuade the crap out of these two.

>Reason. You’re here on official XCOM business, orders straight from Dr. Shen. You may not have proof but you can totally bullshit one up.
>Demand Entry. How dare these two get in the way of important science stuff! Act the flustered intellectual and hope you’ll annoy them enough to let you pass.
>Ask a favor. You’ve done good with the Blueshirts, letting them in on your shenanigans will totally not blow back in your face or.
>Other.

>>2412752
>>Demand Entry. How dare these two get in the way of important science stuff! Act the flustered intellectual and hope you’ll annoy them enough to let you pass.

File: __original_drawn_by_dread(...).png (1.15 MB, 812x1200)

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>>2412752
>>Demand Entry. How dare these two get in the way of important science stuff! Act the flustered intellectual and hope you’ll annoy them enough to let you pass.

Important science stuff is important

>>2412752
>>Demand Entry. How dare these two get in the way of important science stuff! Act the flustered intellectual and hope you’ll annoy them enough to let you pass.

>>2412752
>>Reason. You’re here on official XCOM business, orders straight from Dr. Shen. You may not have proof but you can totally bullshit one up.
Something something important prototype something something unstable.

>>2412752
>>Demand Entry. How dare these two get in the way of important science stuff! Act the flustered intellectual and hope you’ll annoy them enough to let you pass.

>>2412752
>>Reason. You’re here on official XCOM business, orders straight from Dr. Shen. You may not have proof but you can totally bullshit one up.
Be reasonable! We're not like those stuck-up scientist know-it-alls!

>>2412752
>Reason. You’re here on official XCOM business, orders straight from Dr. Shen. You may not have proof but you can totally bullshit one up

>>2412756
>>2412774
>>2412776
>>2412782
Demanding Entry it is, writing!

File: computer games.png (106 KB, 353x387)

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Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

“State me business…? State my business!? My word! What is this tomfoolerancy!?” You huff, crossing your arms and fuming in abject disapproval at the two Blueshirts.

Naru is speechless. You don’t blame her! This rude insult is too much even for even your assistant! Where do you even begin? Where do you even start? You’d start angrily stroking your intellectual mustache if you totally had one as you struggle to comprehend this… this… poppycock!

“Sir, if you weren’t aware there has been recent changes to--” The Blueshirt doesn’t get to finish as your off on him again.

“I don’t need to be made aware of both of your presumptiounessity! Presumpter--nation? Presum…nevermind, you know what I mean! Don’t look at me like that! I was sent by Dr. Shen personally. Which I’ll have you know is both of our superiors! You are impeding on official XCOM business!”

“Wha--” The Blueshirts look at each other, unsure of what to make of the scene. This only annoys you further. You’ve worked very hard to get to where you are you’re not going to be stood up by these two yahoos.

“Can you believe this, dear assistant?” You scoff, shaking your head to Naru. “To have to deal with such simpletons is beyond me!”

You tap your foot impatiently, ready to make an even larger scene if need be.

>Roll 1d20+1

Rolled 18 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2412878
SCIENCE!

Rolled 11 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2412878

Rolled 6 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2412878

>>2412886
We are a silver tongued devil.

>>2412911
SCIENCE!

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“U-uh. Apologies sir, but we’re going to need a bit more than that before we--” One of the Blueshirts take a step back, suddenly concerned.

“Excuse me? You want more than that? Do you want my theoretical phd while you’re at it? In fact if you’re so inquisitive why don’t we trade places! I’ll take your blue hat and you can have my hard hat since you seem to know what you’re talking about!” You say in an angered fluster. You’d throw your hard hat on the ground but work safety is an important aspect you were thought in your education.

“No sir! That’s not what he mean--” The Blueshirt stammers.

“I see how it is! Your mindless questions are more important than the fate of humanity! Alright, let’s answer some of your questions then, hm? Dr. Shen and the rest of XCOM can wait!” You say, completely at your wits end and feeling your face turn red. You then begin to go off in as much angry technobabble as you can bullshit, quickly cracking their resolve as their heads begin to spin as if a Sectoid mind frayed them.

“No, not at all sir! We’re just trying to-- l-look how about we just let you through. Our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.” The Blueshirts say, hastily letting you through intermixed with a jumble of hasty and worried apologies.

“Good! That’s what I hoped to hear!” You harumph, and motion to push your glasses up. You don’t actually have glasses and just kinda fumble your hands with your face. They’re to busy looking down to notice. “You’re lucky I’m in a calm mood tonight, soldier. Because otherwise I would’ve wanted to see your superior officer to discuss your terrible conduct!”

“Yes sir, sorry sir.” They say humbly. You and Naru make your way, the door closing as the decontamination process begins. As soon as the door closes Naru bursts out laughing.

“Nice one, Dozer! I have no idea what the hell you said but it worked.” Naru giggles, shooting you a thumbs up.

“Me neither!” You say, before coughing slipping back into your.. Whatever accent you have right now, you forget. “I mean, ahem, don’t worry about the finer details dear assistant. Science is a lot to take in.”

The decon process completes and the both of you step into the main labs proper. Entering a room filled with sterile white walls, expensive equipment, and men and women doing all sorts of sciency things. You frown and seeth, you’re an engineer. You solve practical problems! You shake your head and begin to stroke your chin, looking for where the most interesting place to wander around is. For important science business of course.

>There’s some fancy sounding new section in the labs for 'Genetics'. Clearly there must be something worthwhile to poke around inside these
Gene labs'!
>Animal containment? Why the hell is there a petting zoo in the research labs? That demands investigation for such an absurd waste of XCOM’s budget!
>Screw it, you’re going to head straight into the mad scientist’s lair herself. Her office!

>>2412994
>Screw it, you’re going to head straight into the mad scientist’s lair herself. Her office!

>>2412994
>>Animal containment? Why the hell is there a petting zoo in the research labs? That demands investigation for such an absurd waste of XCOM’s budget!
Time to rescue our Goat!

>>2412994
>>Screw it, you’re going to head straight into the mad scientist’s lair herself. Her office!
I hope it's not valen fucking the muton.

>>2412994
>Screw it, you’re going to head straight into the mad scientist’s lair herself. Her office!

>>2412994
>>Animal containment? Why the hell is there a petting zoo in the research labs? That demands investigation for such an absurd waste of XCOM’s budget!
Imagine trying to sneak a goat out of here

>>2413023
Goat? What Goat? I'm going to have to ask you to stop harassing my associate Dr. Billy Kid

>>2412994
>>Animal containment? Why the hell is there a petting zoo in the research labs? That demands investigation for such an absurd waste of XCOM’s budget!

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Looks like a tie, going to roll this off!

>1: Vahlen's Office
>2: Animal Containment

>>2413057
Save Billy the Kid, Strike 1 needs a mascot!

>>2413057
All hail our new Capra overlord!

File: You have no fucking idea.jpg (43 KB, 670x377)

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“Huh?” You are confused as you read the sign once. Twice. Animal containment? Even though you are in character even you can’t help but be a bit confused that there’s a zoo in XCOM’s labs. Why would XCOM even need animals on the base? Barring a good police dog, you can’t fathom what’s going on there.

You tap Naru’s shoulder and point out the area. The face she makes is enough confirmation that you both have to check what the hell is going on over there. Decided, you make your way in. The scientists stop and watch the both of you but besides noting the slight oddity leave it at that. Good. You keep looking important with your assistant, making your way over to Animal Containment with purpose and intent.

Entering the room, the first thing that hits you is the smell. You’re instantly brought back to your childhood as you find yourself in the most technologically advanced looking room filled with animals you’ve ever seen. There’s small cages and containers ranging from spiders, to snakes, and even a crocodile. You think it’s a joke at first, maybe it must be some sort’ve morale booster for the scientists?

But the diagnostic equipment and consoles beside each of the animals shows that the scientists have some use for it. You scratch your head, utterly confused at the sight.

“So, what do you make of this place? ...Naru?” You turn to face her when she doesn’t reply after a few tries. You look to see the squad’s pyromaniac explosive’s expert… staring at a goat. She’s got her hands on the glass and looking mesmerized as she stares intently at the animal, who is currently disinterestedly chewing on some apples.

“Uh… are you alright?” You ask your companion.

“...We need to free him.” Naru whispers.

“What?” You blink.

“We need to free this goat!” Naru says, her eyes lit with righteous fury. “Look at how scared he is, all trapped in his cell!”

You glance at the goat who seems more bored than anything, he continues to chew on his apple, looking at you blankly.

“Are you in or out Dozer?” Naru asks you very seriously.

…

>Fuck it. You’re in.
>No?
>Other.

>>2413171
>The goat isn't like mind controlling you right?

>>2413171
This
>>2413172

>>2413171
Going with: >>2413172

>>2413172
support.

>>2413171
>The goat isn't like mind controlling you right?

Like an ass-backwards version of the Men Who Stare at Goats?

>>2413172
>>2413175
>>2413179
>>2413185
>>2413186
Goat mind control it is, writing!

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“Hey… uh are you OK?” You ask the Rocketeer with concern, looking at the animal suspiciously. “The goat isn’t mind controlling you or something right?”

“Huh? What? I’m perfectly fine!” Naru raises an eyebrow. “So, are you helping me with getting this goat out or what?”

“Woah woah, slow down. You’re acting a bit off here” You say carefully and, fearing the worst from this dreaded animal attempt to move your companion away from the cell. Ok, maybe Vahlen IS cooking up something crazy in this room. Naru’s acting strange and you’re maybe starting to have a moment of clarity that maybe this is going a bit too far--

“Hey! Quit it! We’re freeing the cute fluffy goat because it’s cute and fluffy!” Naru snaps with a tipsy and determined conviction.

She begins to flail her arms about to emphasize her point. It doesn’t last long as she then loses balance thanks to both her rocket launcher and the booze. She yelps something in Japanese as she You quickly grab her from falling on her ass but you’re not fast enough fast enough from stopping the rocket launcher as it smacks against the console, flipping and pushing random switches and buttons at once.

There’s a series of chimes, clanking machinery, and the sound of air escaping into the room as every single cell and cage in the room begins to open.

“Oh fuck!” Naru exclaims. “I only wanted the goat out not literally everything else! Oh crap, ohhhh crap we’re so in trouble! It’s like the Officer’s Banquet all over again!”

Oh yeah, this isn’t good! The both of you rush to the console and frantically look for a way to stop what’s happening. The menagerie of monitors, buttons, touch screens, and all sorts of other shit is utterly confusing. The labels don’t make things any better, what the hell is a phase array and what does that have to do with animals!?

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2413239

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2413239
Just grab the goat and run!

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2413239

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2413239

File: [XCOM ACTIVITY].png (328 KB, 1456x2059)

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Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2413251
...

>>2413261
U-uh

>>2413264
Mexican Standoff?

>>2413264
Tie goes to the runner? (We are the runner)

>>2413261
Time to fight a crocodile?

File: The Great Escape.png (241 KB, 269x539)

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You and Naru frantically begin to press buttons wildly in the console, trying to hope that you get lucky. Buttons and screens flash erratically and while it’s probably a cool light show in retrospect it’s not exactly fun for you. All the while the goat watches, no, judges both of you impassively at the sight. Chewing occasionally of the last of the apple in it’s tray.
“Come on! Come-- on!” You curse and kick at the console hard. You wince in pain and begin to hop about on one foot, clutching your boot. However the act seems to have done something as you hear another more pleasant chime on the room’s PA as the cells begin to, finally close.

Looking about the room, you can see none of the animals have stepped out of containment. You and share Naru share a look of utter relief, having evaded disaster.

“Whew! That was a close call!” You grins. You think the coast is clear… until you hear a loud bleat beside you. The both of you look over and see the goat has stepped out of containment.
The goat bleats again.

“Yesssssss!” Naru says, her eye lighting up with pure and utter joy. She slowly reaches out to pet the goat’s fur.

Before she can however, a scientist steps into the room. The man looks distracted, looking down at a tablet in his hands. Naru gasps and immediately ducks behind cover. You’re not fast enough however.

“Hey. We, uh, got a warning in the system that the main failsafe override for containment chambers in the room was activated. Was that-- uh…” The man says says before pausing and noticing you and then the goat clearly out of cell beside you.

You can see it flash before your eyes, you and Naru getting chewed the hell out of. You consider your options frantically in the split second until you look down and realize the outfit you’re wearing. You grin.

You’re not Dozer, you’re from Engineering.

Without a second thought you immediately grab the goat, who bleats at you in surprise, bucking about in your grasp and then begin to dash out the room. Leaving Naru behind

“H-Hey! What the hell!?” The scientist yells but you’ve already pushed him out of the way, dashing out the room.

Startling several other scientists and technicians as you do so. Sprinting right out of RnD. The last thing you hear over your own laughter is a shout from of one of the scientists you pass by, the asshole with the sunglasses specifically;

“ENGINEERING!” He yells angrily, catching the glimpse of the scientist shaking your fist angrily at you as you make your exit from the lab.

Goat fucking acquired!

(Part 1 / 2)

File: Naru right now.jpg (119 KB, 500x500)

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You want to hide. You really should’ve just hid under the Commander’s sheets as you feel your soul compound into itself from the pure cringe of the tale. The smell of the lilacs in the Commander’s bed was infinitely better than getting up and having to deal with everything this morning. Naru shares the same sentiment, looking away and feeling just as guilty and embarrassed as you are at this revelation, her cheeks are completely red.

“Uuuuuu...” Naru groans, covering her face with her hands.

There’s a second that passes as your squad contemplates what the hell they just heard.

Sweet bursts into uproarious laughter, leaning back into his seat and clutching his chest as tears forms in his eyes. Harita is embarrassed vicariously through the whole story. Zhang scratches his chin blankly, considering the ramifications of the tale. Loki just sighs, shaking her head.

You risk a glance at the goat, staring at it once again as it settles down onto one of the mattresses. One of the soldiers tosses it a bagel which it begins to eat. It seems that despite it clearly being aggressive to anyone that steps into it’s turf the other soldiers are getting rather fond of it.

This morning really sucks...

File: It was a goat not a chicken.jpg (38 KB, 1280x532)

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>...And with that we’re calling it here! Not really much to say but congratulations on being the goat whisperer I guess! I’ll be out of town on Saturday but hopefully I can post on the road, so until next update…

Thanks for playing!

>>2413322
See you next time, boss!

>>2413318
I just thought of how great it would be if in the game you had random events like this.
>Commander it seems some of the soldiers have "liberated" one of reasearch's lab animals and adopted it as a sort of mascot.
>let them keep it: Small moral boost next few missions Small penality to current research.
>make them return the animal: neutral effect.

>>2413316
>Goat fucking
What ?

File: Umm... phrasing.jpg (34 KB, 500x375)

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>>2413653
>>2413316
>Goat fucking acquired!

File: 1497631408604.png (52 KB, 188x162)

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>>2413653
>>2414294
Ok fair enough I should've probably rephrased that a bit!

Just a heads up, an update is probably not happening this weekend but I'll try and squeeze one or two in when I can.

>>2415170
Eh, we're drunk. It's totally acceptable to think and say that sorta stuff.

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You decided to stop listening to storytime after the goat. You’ve more than had your fill of your drunken antics. Your excuse about leaving to go to medical was enough to get your squad off of your back. It was in the waiting for too long anyways.

The medical staff were very unimpressed with your physical state to say the least. A lot of people are recovering in medical not only from combat but from the party. You really shouldn’t have gotten as crazy as you did last night. It was sheer luck you didn't make your condition much worse. You’ll be stuck in medical for a little while.

Oops.

The upside of being stuck in medical again to recover was that you have Burnout for company, also recovering from the battle. He was completely fine with you taking the helm as team leader as he is with most things. It was clear however was that the Scout needed some time before you could press him on what you saw that night. Burnout got banged up pretty bad and you wanted to let him focus on healing up.

You spent most of the the first day recovering reading the document command gave you. The information in that folder was eye opening.

As soon as the information sunk in,it was difficult to keep yourself from blurting it out to Burnout. It quickly made you forget about your awful hangover and the dull pains aching all over your body. What was explained inside was game changing.

The document focused entirely on the importance and upcoming applications of a very particular alien substance. One you and the rest of the troops have risked their lives repeatedly for. MELD.

Officially classified as Codename: Purity, it’s XCOM’s next step in combating the alien threat. Thanks to securing the large cache of MELD found aboard the alien battleship the surplus of MELD needed to start two new divisions will soon be operational.

Genetic Modification and Mechanical Augmentation, spearheaded by Dr. Vahlen and Dr. Shen respectively. Sure, you were a temporary guinea pig for Dr. Vahlen and Dr. Shen there were rumors circulating in Engineering but this is unprecedented.

Gene mods that let you leap up buildings in a single bound? Giant mechanical suits? All possible and just around the corner.

However there was one part of the document nearly makes you fall out of your bed and makes you want to bust out of medical. Strike Team squad leaders had been given the responsibility of both vetting their teams for the eventual volunteering process and… overseeing the initial volunteers for some time. Which led to you to learn about a big revelation.

Rachel is one of the first volunteers for augmentation, and that Rook had known about this for almost two weeks.

You’re stunned.

“What’s wrong, Dozer?” Burnout has propped himself up, looking at you with concern. You don't answer, rereading the info several times. It’s real.

How do you react?

>What the fuck?! Why didn’t Rook tell you!?
>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!

>>2420063
>>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!

>>2420063
>What the fuck?! Why didn’t Rook tell you!?

>>2420063
>What the fuck?! Why didn’t Rook tell you!?
I’d worry about her wellbeing, but C’MON; ROBOT ARMS. And legs. Maybe even eyes...

>>2420063
>>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!
YES! WOOOOOOOOOO!!!

>>2420063
>>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!
Just guessing, but she probably couldn't say anything as it was way,way too far in the pipeline until we captured that UFO.

>>2420063
>>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!
Seems like a secret "need to know" thing we didn't need to know. Rook was probably in the right not to tell us.

>>2420063
>>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!

>>2420063
>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!

>>2420078
Which she lose all of if we win. So assuming she survives the war she’s a quad amputee

>>2420063
>What the fuck?! Why didn’t Rook tell you!?

>>2420063
>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!

>>2420215
>Which she lose all of if we win
Really? What gives?

>>2420215
>>2420238
The reason X-Com gives Mec troopers robo limbs instead of just making them quad amps with plug sockets where their arms and legs should be is explicitly so they can have something approaching a normal life after the war, the only thing she won't keep is the power loader.
>>2420063
>Is Rachel gonna be alright?

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>>2420215
>>2420238
>>2420284
Robo limbs plus any number of possible internal organ removals and replacements (perhaps even some brain mods)

I just hope the standard non-combat limbs will be swapped out later for improved or modified versions.

>>2420063
>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!

>>2420063
>>What the fuck?! Why didn’t Rook tell you!?
>>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!
Honestly both of these seem quite appropriate

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>>2420063
>Holy shit, is Rachel going to be alright?!


>>2420311
Who knows. Maybe Shen'll debelop more efficient and smaller (or homebrewed) MEC limbs and suits so she can be a huge tank, or a cyborg assassin?

Calling it here!

>>2420596
Damn, missed this by a couple of minutes.

>>2420594
>Rachel ends up as a brain in a A2-esque body

>>2420594
I don't see cyber limbs that size being viable until we researched power armour at least.

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“Holy shit!” You exclaim.

“What is the matter?” Burnout asks, you ignore him.

It’s hard trying to wrap your head around what you’re reading roght mpw. Sure, you can see the huge benefits to these so called MECs in battle. You’d have to be an idiot to ignore the usefulness of such a weapons platform in battle but the procedure needed to pilot these MECs is shocking. The amputation and removal of all of your limbs to use the suits? The prosthetic limbs given to MEC pilots for non-combat seem more like a consolation prize than anything else.

“You do not seem well.”

Rachel’s going to go through that? You are immediately worried for what’s going to happen to her. The entire question regarding Rook is the last thing on your mind as you can only imagine how your buddy is doing. It’s not that you don’t trust Shen into making the procedure safe it’s… the cost that worries you. How is Rachel going to live a normal life after the war?

“Dozer.”

Hah, what are you even saying? Ever since Vegas it’s not like Rachel’s going to have a normal life at all after all this. The both of you danced around the topic after the battle but you can’t play ignorant after recent events. If those goddamn aliens are going to be sending battleships and launching terror missions and whatever the hell, XCOM needs these MECs and Gene Modded soldiers to combat them. You seethe, it’s all the motherfucking aliens fault. What you wouldn’t give to paste the walls with their yellow blood with your scatterlaser. You're more than a little angry again.

“...”

You’re taken out of your thoughts as you see Burnout holding a cigarette and lighter out to you, reaching from the bed beside you. You blink and close the folder as the frenchman waves the items about a bit for emphasis, presenting it to you. Your anger fizzles out a bit but lingers as you look at the smokes being offered by your squad's Scout.

“You look like you need it more than I do. It will help you relax.” Burnout says.

“How did you sneak that into medical?” You ask, before another thought occurs to you. “Even better question, how did Naru not get rid of that?”

“I have my ways.”

It’s a very Burnout answer, you don't know what you were expecting. He’s still holding up the cigarette and lighter to you.

>Screw it, take one. You really don’t care about what medical thinks after what you read.
>Turn down the offer. Thanks, it’s tempting but you’ve ticked off medical enough.
>Other

>>2420855
>>Turn down the offer. Thanks, it’s tempting but you’ve ticked off medical enough.
Need the lung capacity. Assaults do a lot of running

>>2420855
>>Turn down the offer. Thanks, it’s tempting but you’ve ticked off medical enough.
unlike alcohol, we need our lungs more than our liver as a sprinter/assault.

>>2420855
>>Turn down the offer. Thanks, it’s tempting but you’ve ticked off medical enough.
"Your secret's safe with me"

>>2420855
>>Other
We shoud just go and find Rachel.
How long has been that we talked to her?

>>2420876
Supporting, also bring best baguette.

>>2420855
>Cool kids don't smoke
We should really track down Rachel for a chat about how baller she'll look as a Mec trooper

>>2420855
>Turn down the offer. Thanks, it’s tempting but you’ve ticked off medical enough.

>>2420876
Too long, I wouldn't be surprised if she is rsther cold to us for a bit. Worst thing I can see is for her to become a part of a rival XCOM team.

>>2420903
If she's the first MEC, it's only natural she be with Strike 1.

>>2420855
>>Turn down the offer. Thanks, it’s tempting but you’ve ticked off medical enough.
I appreciate it, but I need my lungs for bellowing orders and running. It's not extraneous like my liver.


>>2420876
also this

>>2420855
>Screw it, take one. You really don’t care about what medical thinks after what you read.

>>2420855
>Turn down the offer. Thanks, it’s tempting but you’ve ticked off medical enough.

>>2420855
>Turn down the offer. Thanks, it’s tempting but you’ve ticked off medical enough.

>>2420855
>Turn down the offer. Thanks, it’s tempting but you’ve ticked off medical enough.

So do MEC troopers have the ability to outdrink everyone? I'm pretty sure that, since they're immune to poison, they can smoke a whole pack without any consequences, but I'm not sure if that carries over to drink.

>>2421191
If beer counts as poison, sure.

Calling it here!

>>2420876
I'm actually going to be disappointed if she isn't upset. We were too cautious of making random doctor number 5 mad to go see our squad-mate. We deserve some flak by this point.

>>2421191
If it wasnt a poison the liver wouldnt need to break it down.

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“Thanks, but I’m good.” You say to Burnout. “It’s tempting, but I might be number one in medical’s shit list after ruining their morning thanks to the party. That and I need my lungs to yell orders and run around.”

“Very well.” Burnout sets aside the smokes and lighter.

“Come to think of it, shouldn’t you of all people be worried about your own lungs?” You smirk.

“The concern is appreciated, but I’ll take the chance.” Burnout replies back smoothly, lighting a cigarette. “I would be worried about your liver.”

“Ha ha.” You say dryly as the Scout musingly makes exhales a puff of smoke. “You definitely enjoy taking chances.”

“About as much as you do.” He counters.

“Alright you got me there.” You say. With a sigh you look back down at the folder on your lap and at the door.

The thought of wanting to leave and check on how Rachel’s been doing lingers. But after the stims on the medikit has long since been flushed out your injuries and the night before are catching up to you. You’re hurting. You’re not incapacitated, but it definitely sucks.

With difficulty you try and relax over the next few hours. You pass the time idly chatting with Burnout, reading more of the document, and playing dumb when the rightfully suspicious nurse keeps checking for smokes on Burnout’s person. Frustratingly, you can’t push your worries over your buddy aside. When was the last time you’d seen her anyways? It feels like it’s been weeks.

“Is whatever is in that document that concerning?” Burnout asks suddenly after a long stretch of silence, frowning slightly. “You have been very anxious.”

“Yeah.” You say, shaking your head. “While I can’t say what it is, by all accounts it’s good news. Something that’ll really help us out in the fight. It’s just that there’s…”

“A catch?”

“You could say that.”

“Hm…” Burnout ponders over this for a few moments before starting again. “I could help you in having a temporary leave to do whatever you need to do.”

“You’ve done more than enough. Besides, how could you help you’re bedridden?” You shake your head, looking over at the bandages wrapped around Burnout’s chest.

“The main person who checks on us until later today is the nurse.” Burnout starts, idly flicking his lighter open and closed mostly nonplussed about his injuries. “I can distract her while you’re gone and buy you time.”

“You really don’t have to…”

“I insist. Each GIGN operator has have training in hostage negotiation… among other things.” Burnout says vaguely implying he’ll somehow convince the nurse to not lose it. “Trust me.”

You glance out at the door and then wince slightly at the pains in your chest…

>Alright. You appreciate the help and you’ll be right back.
>No. You should stay and heal up and stop causing some trouble.
>How the hell are you going to keep the nurse busy? You'd like to know before you decide
>Other

>>2422191
>Alright. You appreciate the help and you’ll be right back.

>>2422191
>>Alright. You appreciate the help and you’ll be right back.

>>2422191
>>Alright. You appreciate the help and you’ll be right back.

>>2422191
>>Alright. You appreciate the help and you’ll be right back.

>>2422191
>Alright. You appreciate the help and you’ll be right back.

>>2422191
>How the hell are you going to keep the nurse busy? You'd like to know before you decide

>>2422191
>Alright. You appreciate the help and you’ll be right back.

>>2421191
>>2421201
>>2421867

We may need to find some alternatives to alcohol so MEC troopers can get wasted instead of confronting the cold harsh reality that death may be imminent, the human race as they know it could be wiped off the face of the Earth, and that if they do make it out alive they'll have to live with cyberlimbs for the rest of their lives.

>>2422191
>Alright
>How are you gonna do it anyway?

>>2422359
Cuddle the nugget for max fluster anon

Calling it here!

>>2422359
Immunity is likely only to external poison. Their metabolism isnt changed, they still have their brain, liver, etc

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“Alright, thanks Burnout.” You say, shooting Burnout a thumbs up.

"Good luck." He answers back, placing his cigarette back to his lips.

You’re not going to say no to your squadmate’s assistance. You wonder how he’s going to go about it, given how annoyed medical has been but you’ll trust he’ll figure something out.

With a grunt, you sit up and stand up out of bed. Wincing slightly, you do a few motions to see just how capable you are. It’s uncomfortable and you won’t be wanting to do do any somersaults so you should be able to be quick enough on your feet as long as you don’t overexert yourself. You take one last look at the folder and, to be safe, you grab onto it. The last thing you need right now is breaching security.

With a nod to Burnout you make your way over to the door to take a peek outside. You don’t see anyone yet. Taking a breath, you slip out onto the hallway and close the door behind you. Time to find your buddy. First order of business is not getting dragged back into your room by orderlies and getting out of medical.

If you’re lucky, they’ll be too busy dealing with everyone else who is hung over to notice you. That, or you can act it out that you’re totally fine. You have options basically. Standing up and straight and trying your best to not look like shit, you begin to make your way through medical.

>Roll 1d20

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Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>2423952

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>2423952
rollin'

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2423952

>>2423952
>>2423960
STOP ROLLING NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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>>2423960
Nice! Do you guys want to keep that Crit? You don't have any in saved up.

>Y/N

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>>2423960
BANK IT! BANK IT!

>>2423968
>N

>>2423968
>Y
I say save it. A 15 is pretty good too.

>>2423968
>>Y

>>2423968
Y

>>2423968
>Y

>>2423968
>Y

>>2423968
Y

>>2423968
>N
bank

>>2424027
you voted the wrong way if you want to bank it

>>2423968
>Y

>>2423968
BANK IT

Calling it here! You guys now have one saved Crit!

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The pain is not so bad when you start properly moving, thankfully enough. Not only that, none of the medical staff stops to question why you’re out and about. All you have to do is look important enough to not be bothered.

Just to be safe, you were quick to take detours or shortcuts if any of the staff that were attending to you and Burnout were nearby. As you slip out of medbay and back into the base proper, you’re feeling better. In fact, you have a bit of a spring in your step.

Ow. Ok, maybe less springing about.

Now that you’re out of medical, you waste no time heading to the current lowest levels of the ant hill to find the Cybernetics Lab. From what you read, a large chunk of the excavated grounds for base expansion sequestered for the Cybernetics lab and surrounding workshops. While both the Gene Modding and MECs are clearly of equal importance, the Commander seems to have opted to focus on Cybernetics first.

Surprisingly, the Blueshirts and other staff along the way don’t ask for your clearance as you head down. It seems they’ve already been informed about your promotion as a squad leader, who have already been given clearance down here. You guess the Commander had told them ahead of time. A thought occurs to you that she might’ve known you’d be doing something like this sooner rather than later...

In any case, given the time that Council agents were skulking about the base you approve of XCOM being careful with keeping things closely guarded. Frankly, those guys haven’t given you or most of XCOM a good impression.

As you enter the labs, you can’t help but be amazed at how extensive the facility is. There’s something special about being at the forefront of Humanity’s technological advancement. The facility looks like it was recently constructed, but XCOM wasted no time getting to work.

Of course, you don’t waste too long gawking and begin to search around. The engineers and other technicians don’t pay you too much heed, either too focused on their work or used to soldiers walking about for the moment. There should be temporary living quarters for Rachel and the other very small selection of 1st generation MEC pilot candidates.

Overlooking some sort of large construction bay you see Dr. Shen overseeing the staff. You start to take a step to speak with him but pause. Would he mind you wanting to chat with Rachel? He seems pretty busy and you think you have a good idea where Rachel could be judging by the layout of the place. He’d likely help you out, but shouldn’t you be trying to remain sneaky about your checkup with your buddy?

>Speak with Shen, it’s best he knows your intentions.
>Leave him be, he’s busy and you’re trying to not make a scene.
>Other.

>>2424676
>Speak with Shenta Claus

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>>2424676
>Speak with Shen, it’s best he knows your intentions.

Now that I think of it, in theory MEC suits don't have to be humanoid in shape, though it might be more difficult to get used to non-humanoid forms.

>>2424676
>>Speak with Shen, it’s best he knows your intentions.
We're on good terms IIRC

>>2424676
>Speak with Shen, it’s best he knows your intentions.

>>2424676
>Leave him be, he’s busy and you’re trying to not make a scene.

>>2424676
>Speak with Shen, it’s best he knows your intentions.

>>2424676
>>Speak with Shen, it’s best he knows your intentions.

>>2424676
>Leave him be, he’s busy and you’re trying to not make a scene.

>>2424676
>>Leave him be, he’s busy and you’re trying to not make a scene.

>>2424689
>in theory MEC suits don't have to be humanoid in shape
For cramped conditions like spaceships and team tactics the humanoid model is better

I DO want MEC Assaults and Rocketers tho.

>>2424676
>Speak with Shen, it’s best he knows your intentions.

>>2424676
>Leave him be, he’s busy and you’re trying to not make a scene.

>>2424913
Also, the humanoid shape probably is easier for humans to use. Natural brain hardware is built for 2 arms and 2 feet.

>>2425015
That just makes dabbling in non humanoid forms even more interesting. How would a guy react mentally if he got his legs replaced with treads or even just having them have 360 degree turning radius? This is the kind of shit that makes you wonder.

>>2425038
Not even ground based MEC suits, just imagine them being hooked up to XCOM Interceptors to shoot down UFOs.

Not only would they be able to handle more G-Forces due to not having legs, but they would also be directly linked to their craft.

I just hope Shen installed Ejection seats in all the MEC suits.

>>2425069
Ejector seats in the MEC seems useless since it just ejects a human torso. The spindly home limbs are removed when putting on the MEc

Calling it here!

>>2425083
Consider the following:
"Oh god plasma grenade!"

>>2425437
Well, as a counterpoint, there is the issue of what happens to the MEC trooper after they eject since they don't have any arms or legs to use after they escape a sticky situation.

>>2425530
Speaking of MECs, how comfortable are we with MECing our wounded because they recover faster?

>>2425567
I kinda want to keep a good size of our group unMEC'd though I'm not against them being gene modded.

But personally I'd MEC someone the moment they stub their toe

>>2425618
We'll have a simple benchtest.
Will you recover in less than 3 days?
If no, top of the MEC list.

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“Dr. Shen.” You speak up, walking over to approach the elderly chief engineer. There’s no reason to hide from Shen, besides, he might be able to help you out.

“Ah, good morning Dozer.” Shen greents with a friendly nod of greeting. “Congratulations on your promotion as squad leader.”

“You know about that?” You say.

“Word gets around rather quickly in the base.” Shen muses. “That, and I was told by the Commander to expect you.”

“Oh, well that’s convenient.” Well, that answers that question. You feel a bit sheepish at that, scratching the back of your head. You were preparing to explain yourself but it seems Shen beat you to it. This is a bit awkward.

“I imagine you’re here because of Specialist Coda, correct?” Shen says, getting straight to the point.

“Yeah.” No need to dance around the subject at the very least. "I wanted to see how she's been doing and if, well, if the procedure is safe."

“She hasn’t undergone the whole augmentation procedure yet, if that’s what you are wondering first. And yes, the procedure is very safe, barring a few possible side effects. I had spoken to her her over considering the procedure, given otherwise she would have likely been dismissed from XCOM.”

“I take it she was pretty much on board with the idea the moment you told her?”

“She accepted initially, but, after some time had past for it to sink. She has become rather hesitant to the full procedure. Rachel had been for giving her a prosthetic, and we are in the process of manufacturing one of them but she remains on the fence on whether to fully commit to becoming MEC pilot.” Shen explains, walking over to show you a readout on a panel displaying a simple graphic on the limb removal process. It’s worrying.
“Is there really no other way? Do you really need pilots to remove all their limbs?” You ask, frowning at the image.

“...No. We simply do not have the time, resources, or MELD to justify larger MEC suits to remove the need for the limb removal. It simply be too costly and the suits wouldn’t be able to fit in a Skyranger. Admittedly, I worry for what this means to humanity. Would we become no different to the aliens?” Shen shakes his head with a sigh, sounding conflicted on the whole process, despite spearheading the division.

The ethical quandaries hasn’t escaped Shen’s mind. Conversely, from what you read from the document Vahlen seemed completely onboard with the idea of gene mods.The doubts have likely put the pair into disagreement. To be fair, who would’ve thought that an alien invasion would raise such questions anyways? You can only imagine what’s going on inside the Chief Engineer’s mind.

>Humanity needs this. It’s a sacrifice for the pilots, but it’s a necessary one.
>You also feel wary about all of this. Where does humanity draw the line?
>Wait, side effects? What side effects?
>Other

>>2426099
>You feel a bit sheepish at that, scratching the back of your head.
Literal anime character.

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>>2426114

>>2426099
>Wait, side effects? What side effects?

>>2426099
>You also feel wary about all of this. Where does humanity draw the line?
but
>Humanity needs this. It’s a sacrifice for the pilots, but it’s a necessary one.

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>>2426099
>>You also feel wary about all of this. Where does humanity draw the line?

We're no philosopher, but that's a good question worth trying to figure out way before fully committing.

If we slippery slope this, then it will either be brains in flawless post-human android/synthetic/genetically modified bodies, or abominations begging for death.

>>2426099
>Wait, side effects? What side effects?

Kind of curious here.

>>2426099
>>Wait, side effects? What side effects?

>>2426099
>You also feel wary about all of this. Where does humanity draw the line?

>>2426099
>>You also feel wary about all of this. Where does humanity draw the line?
It's not that I'm disagreeing, and Rachel is getting benched without this procedure, but... it really makes you wonder.

>>2426181
>>2426376
Plus there's the whole voice modulator deal.

>>2426099
>>Humanity needs this. It’s a sacrifice for the pilots, but it’s a necessary one.

>>2426099
>>You also feel wary about all of this. Where does humanity draw the line?

>>2426099
>Wait, side effects? What side effects?

>>2426099
>>Wait, side effects? What side effects?

>>2426099
>>Wait, side effects? What side effects?

Calling it here!

I mean I'm not surprised she's signing up to have all her bits cut off. Last time she tried to speak with him he just ignored her.

>>2426396
Pretty sure that's just when they're in the Power Armor, I'd assume they talk normally out of it.
Like that robot guy from Metroid Prime 3.

>>2427184
I just hope Rachel has a cool face mask or helmet to match with the suit.

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“You’re right, all of this is a lot to take in.” You frown glancing over to the manufacturing section of the Cybernetics Lab, watching as hard hat wearing engineers put together parts into what looks like a large robotic arm. “I’m no philosopher, I’m just a soldier. But, it does make me wonder how far we’ll go before the war ends. Take the Floaters for example, I take great joy in shooting those little bastards out of the sky but they still can get the drop on us pretty often. It would be useful to be able to fly around in combat but… I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.”

“Rest assured, I and the rest of the engineering team refuse to stoop to such horrific experiments.” Shen says resolutely. “Despite all my trepidation however, the MEC program is too important for the concerns of an old man or the risks of what will happen to the pilots. The war is simply escalating too quickly to allow for such concerns.”

You nod slowly. You feel much better knowing that while there’s no easy answer, that Shen is at the very least not going rampant and indifferent in his research. Knowing that Shen has a conscience means XCOM is in good hands

However, there’s something that you pick up in the conversation that worries you…

“Hold on, you said something about side effects earlier. What side effects are you talking about?” You ask with concern.

“Both my team and Dr. Vahlen’s team have worked extremely hard to understand and harness the capabilities of MELD, but we’re only barely scratching the surface. We’ve found that MELD is extremely good at what it does, but there is a risk it can be too good.” Shen starts. “The substance has given us the opportunity to create and interface mechanical structures with the human body so well that there’s the possibility that MELD could potentially ‘rewire’ the mind for maximum efficiency.”

“Are saying that MELD could change someone entirely!? Turn people into literal emotionless robots?” You take a step back. Suddenly fearing that maybe using MELD really is going to far.

“No. Not completely.” Shen says holding a hand up. “But… try as we may there is a risk of variance. It very unlikely that the procedure will turn somebody into emotionless as you say. They are not going to be ‘erased’ or anything like that. But, they will change in some form as their minds adjust to the cybernetics augmentations provided by the MELD. We’ve stressed this possible outcome repeatedly to the 1st generation pilots but nearly all of them accept the risk. Rachel is the last remaining on the fence.”

>You’re surprised it’s only her. You wouldn’t want to ‘lose’ yourself as well.
>You think think it’s worth the risk. Soldiers get a second chance to fight and utterly dominate in the battlefield while doing it.
>Honestly, Gene Mods are starting to appeal to you more after learning this.
>Other

>>2427266
>Honestly, Gene Mods are starting to appeal to you more after learning this.

>>2427266
>You're surprised it's just her.

>>2427266
>You’re surprised it’s only her. You wouldn’t want to ‘lose’ yourself as well.

>>2427266
>>You’re surprised it’s only her. You wouldn’t want to ‘lose’ yourself as well.

>>2427266
>>Honestly, Gene Mods are starting to appeal to you more after learning this.

>>2427266
>You’re surprised it’s only her. You wouldn’t want to ‘lose’ yourself as well.

>>2427266
>>You’re surprised it’s only her. You wouldn’t want to ‘lose’ yourself as well.

File: 20180329_165023.png (1.18 MB, 1076x1852)

1.18 MB PNG

>>2427266
"If we're resource-limited, is it possible for Rachel to have a partial fit? She only needs the one arm anyway, and only to use as a shield so nothing needlessly complicated; is it possible to just graft her with an alloy prosthetic like pic related?"

>>2427307
Cute and cool.

>>2427307
Pretty sure Shen mentioned that just giving her one prosthetic is an option.

>>2427307
>is it possible to just graft her with an alloy prosthetic like pic related?
What prosthetic? All I see is a mass of JPG artifacts. Protip: never convert JPGs to PNG, they don't come out well. At least Danbooru has a better version of what you're asking for.

>>2427325
Stop being a douche and just post the better resolution pic, then.

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>>2427327
Next time, use the image search options.

>>2427266
>You’re surprised it’s only her. You wouldn’t want to ‘lose’ yourself as well.

>>2427266
>>Honestly, Gene Mods are starting to appeal to you more after learning this.

>>2427266
>Honestly, Gene Mods are starting to appeal to you more after learning this.

>>2427266
>>Other
Does Rachel want to see us ?

>>2427266
this >>2427424

Also, just caught up. Awesome quest so far.

>>2427266
>>2427307
This and
>>2427424

>>2427266
>You think think it’s worth the risk. Soldiers get a second chance to fight and utterly dominate in the battlefield while doing it.

>>2427307
This, You can use it as a comparison between a full overhaul and partial, see if there is an actual difference, so you can see the extent of the cybernetic's mental effects of the meld.

>>2427266
Changing >>2427396 to this>>2427307

Seems like it would be much better for breaching then in a mec

>>2427266
>>You think think it’s worth the risk. Soldiers get a second chance to fight and utterly dominate in the battlefield while doing it.

>>2427266
>You think think it’s worth the risk. Soldiers get a second chance to fight and utterly dominate in the battlefield while doing it.

So after the war is over and we get back to civilian life, how the fuck are we going to explain to our parents and friends that we did not die at that Drug Raid, why Rachel has new limbs, and what the fuck we were doing while we were 'dead'?

>>2427617
You assume that there is a return to civilian life.

>>2427617
Probably something like "Yo, guess who joined that super high tech military force that's been all over the news fighting aliens with plasma guns, jetpacks and robots."

>>2427622
Aliens arent a secret. They invaded las vegas.

>>2427626
That's what I said.
X-Com's all over the news already, I doubt there'd be any problem telling people we were a part of it when the war ends.

Calling it here!

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“It’s a bit surprising that only Rachel is so wary.” You frown.

“You have to understand where the other candidates have come from. The Commander had specifically chosen and recruited veteran soldiers who had unfortunately lost their limbs in combat. It’s not only just XCOM soldiers gravely wounded. Despite the risks, they are more than willing to undergo the operation for a chance to fight again.” Shen explains. From the sounds of it, it seems like he’s rationalizing it to himself as much as he is to you.

“That’s fair, I suppose.” You nod slowly. You’re not going to say no to help from a eight-foot tall robot. That and it never did occur to you just how XCOM recruits it’s soldiers. You had thought Rachel, Zhang, and yourself were exceptions to the rule but it seems the Commander is fairly opportunistic in soldier recruitment.

“The Commander is an interesting woman.” Shen muses, as if he read your mind. Are you that easy to read?

“Anyways.” You cough, an idea coming to mind. “Since you’re giving Rachel the option to have only a single prosthetic have you considered some sort of partial fit for her? She only needs one arm anyway, and only to use a shield so nothing needlessly complicated. Would it be possible to graft her a specialized alloy prosthetic?”

You quickly explain what you had in mind. Shen listens intently as you try your best to get your idea across to him. Thankfully, he seems to get the gist of it.

“I believe that would be possible. It would be fairly cheap to implement as well.” Shen nods, smirking a bit. “It would decrease the risk of possible mental variance for a hybrid prosthetic like that. That is some clever thinking there, Dozer.”

“Thanks. But it all depends on her choice ultimately.” You reply, idly adjusting the XCOM ballcap on your head. “Do you know if Rachel wants to see me?”

“I don’t see why she wouldn’t.” Shen says. Well, that could be taken in a variety of ways. He gives you the location of the temporary living quarters for the MEC candidates. You thank him and bid the Chief Engineer farewell, not wanting to take any more of his time.

(Part 1 / 2)

The temporary living quarters is what you’d expect. Nothing fancy but enough to keep the candidates comfortable and designed to accommodate their disabilities. There’s ramps, handholds, and some assistants on standby that you note are amusingly ignored as much as possible. You do a quick headcount, counting eight potential candidates. One for each XCOM squad, well, one extra. Strike-4’s been effectively disbanded since Gangplank and the members were spread out among other squads as temporary fill in. Each and every one of the candidates are missing at least one or more limbs. You are as tactful as you can given the circumstances but it’s still pretty hard to not stare a bit.

Actually, you’re not the only extra person here besides the future pilots and a few assistants. As you spot Strike-6’s squad leader conversing with one of the candidates. Given the fact that each Strike team will likely get their own MEC trooper Strike-6 Actual is essentially recruiting one for his own team. That’s pretty clever. Well, you already know who you’re MEC trooper is going to be if she goes through with it, it’s a bit of a no brainer.

You quickly spot where Rachel is. She’s off to the side and currently playing a game of chess with a woman with long black hair who is missing both of her arms. Rachel is effectively playing for both of them, using her hand to move her opponent’s pieces as well as her own. By the frantic look on her face, it looks like Rachel is getting destroyed in the chess game. The pair are focused in their battle of wits and don’t notice you.

>Go over and say hi. No need to waste any more time, you are technically on the clock.
>Wait a bit and see who wins the game. You don’t want to interrupt just yet and you’ll probably get a good idea on how Rachel’s been.
>Try and help Rachel win the game. It looks like she needs all the help she can get.
>Other.

>>2428588
>Wait a bit and see who wins the game. You don’t want to interrupt just yet and you’ll probably get a good idea on how Rachel’s been.
Time to check her mental condition.

>>2428588
>Go over and say hi.
She's our friend and ally, might as well go see her!

>>2428588
>>Wait a bit and see who wins the game. You don’t want to interrupt just yet and you’ll probably get a good idea on how Rachel’s been.

>>2428588
>Wait a bit and see who wins the game. You don’t want to interrupt just yet and you’ll probably get a good idea on how Rachel’s been.

>>2428588
>>Wait a bit and see who wins the game. You don’t want to interrupt just yet and you’ll probably get a good idea on how Rachel’s been.

>>2428588
>Go over and say hi. No need to waste any more time, you are technically on the clock.

>>2427617
Someone in XCOM should write a book or something about what it was like.

>>2428588
>Go over and say hi. No need to waste any more time, you are technically on the clock.

>>2428640
>book

>inb4 the book gets a movie deal, and they cast us by some big shot AAA actor that looks way better than us, or completely flanderizes our character

>>2428588
>Wait a bit and see who wins the game. You don’t want to interrupt just yet and you’ll probably get a good idea on how Rachel’s been.

>>2428661
We better be able to riff on the film's "creative liberties" if it gets released.

>>2428588
>Go over and say hi. No need to waste any more time, you are technically on the clock.

>>2428588
>Wait a bit and see who wins the game. You don’t want to interrupt just yet and you’ll probably get a good idea on how Rachel’s been.

>>2428588
>>Go over and say hi. No need to waste any more time, you are technically on the clock.

Calling it here!

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You almost just walk over to say hello but decide it’s probably best to wait a moment and get a gauge of the situation. It’s been some time since you last saw Rachel, and you’re wondering how she’s been. That, and you’re curious to see how good your buddy actually is at Chess. Leaning against a wall, you observe and listen into the game.

Watching the two play is like night and day with Rachel playing conservatively, trying her best to keep as many of her pieces alive with as strong of a defense as possible, inching forward square by square. Her opponent meanwhile is extremely aggressive, letting many of her pieces die and be sacrificed to punch holes in Rachel’s line. It’s working pretty well for her opponent’s constant wild assault and it’s clear the tide is quickly turning against Rachel but Rachel stubbornly holds the line, making each of her rival’s pushes costly.

“Rook E4.” Her opponent says, with a clear German accent.

“Psh! I got you, oh I sooo got you!” Rachel replies back immediately as she moves her rival’s piece, rallying herself together and more confidently moving a piece forward in retaliation. “Just you wait, you’re going to walk right into my trap.”

You note over time that Rachel’s been

“Pawn C3.”

“Oh yeah, I totally see what you’re going for. Trying to lock down that side of the board, eh? Well take this! Bam! Queen curbstomps that piece!” Rachel replies back, sending out her queen out in an aggressive play. It seems Rachel is starting to pick up some momentum here. Her pieces seemingly pulling the match back from the brink.

“Knight H3. Check.”

“Oh shit! You think you can just lock me down huh? Well take that!” Rachel’s queen springs into action, taking the opponent’s knight in retaliation. However, as soon as she does you catch a glint in her opponents eye as well as a small smirk tug at her lips.

“Bishop C5. Checkmate.”

“Oh dammit, you got me queen.” Rachel grumbles placing her piece on her opponent’s side. “But I’m still not out of the fight yet, my rooks are going to kick your ass and-”

“Checkmate.”

“Wait what?” Rachel blinks, only now just catching what her opponent said after the second time. Confused, Rachel leans in closely to stare at the boardstate for a few seconds before exclaim in surprise. It was in fact a checkmate with the knight sacrificing itself to position the bishop for a victory. “Oh shit! You actually got me! Damn...”

“Good game.” The opponent smiles softly. “You are quite a fun opponent, Rachel. Nobody else her plays with me anymore. This is where I’d shake your hand if I had one.”

“Hah, well played indeed.” Your buddy chuckles, giving her opponent a respectful thumbs up. “The reason nobody plays Chess with you anymore Gloria is because you've been kicking everyone’s ass!”

You smirk. Rachel seems alright all things considered, although...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2429563

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2429563

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2429563

>>2429579
>>2429580
>>2429593
wut

>>2429579
>>2429580
>>2429593
>>2429563

Uhhhh......do we get something special for that? The probability of getting 3 of the same number is 0.0125%

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>>2429579
>>2429580
>>2429593
I-I... uh... well then! I have no idea how to call this, it might take me a bit to decide how to call this!

>>2429598
Very likely!

>>2429603
>>2429579
>>2429580
>>2429593

>Rachel decides to do a super complex strategy, thinking 15 steps ahead....until it's undone in a single move

>>2429579
>>2429580
>>2429593
wut

>>2429579
>>2429580
>>2429593
Well that happened.
Whatever that roll was for is better be good.

>>2429603
>>2429607
>>2429646
>>2429767
>Rachel corners us and we go for 15 rounds

Alright, I think I have a good idea for what I want to do with that triple roll. But I'll need some time to execute it right so we'll just continue at the usual time for a Friday session later. See you all then!

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As you observe Rachel, you quickly realize that all is not well. It’s as if something clicked in your head, striking you with clarity. You clutch at your head in surprise, how did you not see the shit your friend’s been going through before now? You’re taken aback for a moment but you know what you need to do, and you’re not just going to hang back. With a sure step, you walk over to both Rachel and Gloria as Rachel is resetting the chess board. Gloria notices you first, tilting her head slightly as you approach. Noticing and sensing somebody approach, Rachel turns to face you and gapes in surprise.

“Dozer!? What the hell are you doing here?” Rachel exclaims, standing up and nearly knocking over the small table, chess board and all. It looks like your hunch was correct, she’s been out of the loop and didn’t hear about the news yet.

“I got promoted to squad leader, but don’t worry about that right now.” You say, shaking your head. You want to get to the point and you really don’t have an interest in talking about yourself right now. In fact, you could make things worse.

“Whaddayamean you got promoted to squad leader? The hell did I miss?!” Rachel cocks her head back.

“This is the Dozer you were talking about?” Gloria comments, a bit amused. “Huh.”

“That would be me.” You say. “It’s nice to meet you Gloria, but do you mind if I talk to my buddy her privately for a moment?”

“Hey both of you numbskulls better stop ignoring me!” Rachel fumes at both Gloria and yourself.

“That’s not a problem to me.” Gloria says with a nod, standing up. It seems she understands enough of the situation to tell you have some important things to talk to about with your squad mate. “I won’t keep you two long. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Dozer.”

“Grrr…” Rachel grits her teeth, placing her one arm on her hip and tapping her foot impatiently as she glares at you. You’ll be sure to apologize later, but you want to get straight to the point.

“Look, I’ll explain but let’s find somewhere else to chat.” You explain honestly. There’s a method to your madness, you’ve known Rachel enough that sometimes you gotta steer the conversation a bit.

“Fine fine, I know a quiet place in here.” Rachel grumbles, leading you to a secluded part of the temp dorms.

(Part 1 / 2)

“You have a lot to explain, dude. Just dropping in like you own the place! Squad leader? Like how the hell did you do that? What’d I miss?” Rachel starts as soon as the both of you are out of earshot of everyone else. She gets straight to the point, so you do as well.

“Gangplank happened.” You say, frowning slightly as you recall some of the events that happened before shaking your head and pushing the thought aside. Rachel first. “But that’s not what I want to talk about first. I want to talk about how you’ve been doing, Rachel.”

“Me?” Rachel raises an eyebrow. Before grinning at you. “I’m fine dude. Sure, I may not be the best person to give you a hand or anything like that but that won’t be for long!”

“You’re not fine.” You say bluntly. Wincing at the pun.

“Of course I am!” Rachel snaps back quickly, getting frustrated. She’s a terrible liar.

You sigh, this is worse than you thought… you’re stopping this shit at ahead. You’re not going to stand your friend not only lying to you, but to herself. As much as you hate to admit it, but you had also pretended everything was fine and dandy shortly after Vegas, and you’re pissed at yourself for it. You never did apologize or explain to Harita what the hell was going on in your head then. Hell, you might’ve made things worse for Rachel. But this is different now, no more ignoring the issues, your buddy deserves better than that.

“You better start talking Dozer before I knock the words right out of you. Or better yet, I kick them outta you.” Rachel says, placing her hand on her hip again. Reader her emotions is like looking at an open book laid right in front of you.

Where do you even begin?

>You are not as useless as you think you are, Rachel.
>You’d be afraid as she is at the possibility of losing ‘yourself’ when becoming a MEC. There’s no need to pretend otherwise.
>Rachel is just as much of an XCOM soldier as you are, even if she thinks you’re somehow ‘more’ of an XCOM trooper than she is.

>>2432028
>Rachel is just as much of an XCOM soldier as you are, even if she thinks you’re somehow ‘more’ of an XCOM trooper than she is.

>>2432028
>>Rachel is just as much of an XCOM soldier as you are, even if she thinks you’re somehow ‘more’ of an XCOM trooper than she is.
And let's come clean about our guilt and rage over Vegas.

>>2432028
>>Rachel is just as much of an XCOM soldier as you are, even if she thinks you’re somehow ‘more’ of an XCOM trooper than she is.

She may not be able to forgive us, but the very least we can do is forgive ourselves.

>>2432028
>Rachel is just as much of an XCOM soldier as you are, even if she thinks you’re somehow ‘more’ of an XCOM trooper than she is.

>>2432049
That's really dumb.

>>2432028
>You’d be afraid as she is at the possibility of losing ‘yourself’ when becoming a MEC. There’s no need to pretend otherwise.
Dont try to discourage her from the choice however.

Maybe point out how we feel like she aint honest with us or herself? This shit need to be dealt with, feels like something bad is building up