>>2476131
>>You’re ready to go.
Yeah, if this is about beating the alien down, it's only going to respect personal strength. Asserting Dozer as Alpha, or some such.

>>2476131
>>You’re ready to go.
It won't respect us if we have to gang up on it.

>>2476131
>>You’re ready to go.
Aw yeah!

File: VR MASH.jpg (140 KB, 1000x1807)

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>>2476131
>>You’re ready to go.

What if XCOM found a new way to fight the Codex, namely VR TROOPERS with incredibly dated understandings of how virtual reality actually works?

>>2476131
>Can I at least get a baton?

>>2476131
>>You’re ready to go.

>>2476196
>XCOM VR troopers infiltrating Alien Databases
https://youtu.be/SUqA2SZeALQ?t=25

>>2476131
>You’re ready to go.

File: It really doesn't like you.png (1.44 MB, 1364x768)

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You give a thumbs up to Dr. Vahlen and a reassuring look to the security chief. You don’t blame the guy, but you can see what Dr. Vahlen is likely angling towards with sending only you. It’s not going to take you seriously at all if you don’t go in there alone and Dr. Vahlen of all people wants the thing to effectively submit and cooperate with the science team. While you generally prefer to kill aliens, you’re not against getting them to know their place.

The security chief can only grit his teeth with a growing dread as he orders his team of Blueshirts to partly stand down. He still keeps his team ready to respond. A few of them are pretty damn intimidated still. Hopefully they can keep their cool and get the first alien jitters out of their system.

You approach the airlock to the chamber within, the beast staring at you each step of the way. All the activity and noise in alien containment is all but forgotten as you glare back at the beast. You note with a bit of satisfaction that it’s face it’s still somewhat bruised from when you knocked the shit out of it back in Gangplank, and it seems to note that, seething at you for that and the myriad of other things you did at it.

Stepping into the airlock and waiting for the other door to open, Dr. Vahlen briefs you again from an in built PA system.

“The Arc Thrower in your hands should be more than enough of a tool to pacify Subject-001, however it is most effective when it’s target is either injured or exhausted. It has been some time now since Subject-001 has been incapacitated which has led to it deteriorating in strength, but I do not mind if you wish to be… sure… of it’s pacification.” Vahlen says to you.

“You giving me the green light then to beat the crap out of it?” You verify.

“If need be.” Vahlen says without even a second thought. Damn.

The light in the airlock turns red like the Skyranger’s ready light. Sure enough, the airlock door hisses open and you step into alien containment proper.

The first thing you notice is how… pressurized the interior is. It’s almost as if you’ve stepped into one of those sensory deprivation chambers as every noise and sound has been amplified with how isolated and secure the the alien containment chamber is. Which means you can practically feel the intensity coming from the Muton within. It’s breath is steady as puffs of yellow gas exhales out from it’s rebreather. You are unintimidated by it as you stare it back down, Arc Thrower at your side and at the ready.

You stare each other down for some time, waiting to see who is going to make the first move. In the corner of your eye, you can see Dr, Vahlen, watching with a keen interest. If you could see it’s mouth, you’re pretty sure the thing is smirking at you. It starts to move it’s right arm ever so slightly to the back.

>Wait and let it make the first move.
>Close in before it can react.
>Blast it with the Arc Thrower immediately.
>Other

>>2476449
>>Close in before it can react.
We do best when we have the initiative.

>>2476449
>>Close in before it can react.

Is anyone watching us taking bets like a wrestling match?

>>2476449
>Close in before it can react.

>>2476449
>Close in before it can react.

>>2476449
>Close in before it can react.

>>2476449
>>Close in before it can react.

>>2476449
>>Close in before it can react.

>>2476449
>>Close in before it can react.
Judo toss the Muton.

Calling it here!

>>2476475
>Is anyone watching us taking bets like a wrestling match?
Not where dr Vahlen can hear it.

>>2476449
>Wait and let it make the first move.
Then judo toss it.

We should lick the muton's eyeballs. I'm sure we won't catch alien flu from that.

File: INTIMIDATE.jpg (59 KB, 1200x675)

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(Right-o, apologies for the lack of updates. A rare opportunity presented itself to me that ate up my weekend!)

You advance forward aggressively, attempting to close the gap in the chamber. It should only be a few steps or so and you’ll be right in the Muton's personal space. There’s no time for hesitation or doubt as you do not want to give the thing the initiative. As soon as you start to make your approach, it reacts in unison, puffing its chest out and letting loose a deafening battle cry as it thumps it’s chest repeatedly. The deafening part can’t be understated as you are nearly dazed by it.

The isolated chamber only amplifies the roar from the Muton. The closest resemblance of it’s shout is a mix of a lions roar and the sound of guttural machinery from it’s rebreather. It’s intimidating enough but within the chamber it’s even worse! However, your ears have rung repeatedly from flashbangs before it’s all about keeping your instincts in check and not falling into panic!

>Roll 1d20+1

Rolled 20 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2480068

Rolled 19 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2480068

Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2480068

>>2480073
Preemptive
>Save the crit.

File: That's XCOM Baby.png (308 KB, 558x649)

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>>2480073
Dozer's been on a lucky streak lately! Do you guys want to keep that? You have 2 banked and this will top you off!

>Y/N

>>2480080
>Y
Why not

>>2480080
>N

RIP anyone that decided to bet against us for this match.

>>2480080
>N
Normally I'd say yes, but I want this interrogation to be very successful, since we're going up against a Muton directly. Also, we rolled a 20 when we first did stuff for engineering, and I'd like keep the trend of being special when doing R&D going. I also hope it gives us some kind of special strong Willpower or anti-alien mental resistance vs fear and panic,

>>2480080
>N

>>2480080
>Y
We passed well and no we can avoid a critical fail

>>2480080
>N

I want to show this muton who is the fucking BOSS.

>>2480080
>N

Time to SLAP his SHIT

>>2480080
>N

>>2480080
Yes.
Why was a 19, its an un-natural 20.

>>2480110
The first thing we rolled was a 20 anon.

>>2480110
waste*

but we can put it in the bank and use the second roll. So why not?

>>2480114
Because not everything is about game mechanics anon, 'good success' is not the same as CRITICAL SUCCESS.

>>2480117
And this is worth suffering losses of team mates and waifus?

>>2480118
It's worth the chance of recruiting a Muton.

Squaddie Stompy Facecrusher, becomes ambassador to the ayy's after the war is over

>>2480118
yes

>>2480080
>y

>>2480080
>N

>>2480080
>Y

>>2480123
>He is also one to ponder about the nature of the universe, and is always eager to get into intellectual debates about science, math, and philosophy.

>>2480134
>He was a changed man after being dommed by Dozer.

>>2480123
I prefer recruiting Greys. Not sectoids.

>>2480080
>N

>>2480083
>>2480090
>>2480094
>>2480100
>>2480101
>>2480104
>>2480130
>>2480148
A very very close vote, but I think I'll call it here, writing!

>>2480123
>Suffering the ayy to live.

File: Perspective.jpg (20 KB, 480x360)

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You are nearly thrown off by the dizzying roar stumbling back before the Muton can take advantage of your disarray and grapple you. The fumes from the Muton’s rebreather is muggy and just as disorientating. The seemingly complete isolation of the alien containment cell gives you no easy way out without presenting your back to the alien. It’s imposing, towering at least two heads taller than you like a wall of green armor and muscle. Most folks would crumble or retreat at the sight.

But you? What do you do when faced against a wall?

The answer is simple to you, it’s what you’ve always been doing. You bust through that damn wall like the wrecking ball you are.

You let out a fiery war cry back in reply and charge it with an air of ferocity that you’ve been starting to pent up since Vegas and Gangplank. It hadn’t gotten bad yet, but you could feel it churning in your gut. This Muton is the perfect avenue to vent some aggression. Again.

The alien’s actually seems surprised as you redouble your charge back at it. It’s little battle cry and intimidation was what it was hoping to use as an advantage, it did not expect that you’d flip that tables and use it’s own trick against it. With a repeat of last time, you lunge forward and land a solid haymaker in its face. Causing it to spin and drop to its knees as you grab it’s shoulders and elbow it’s face. The Phalanx Armored leg protection impacts the thing hard, causing a burst of pained yellow gas to exhale as it wheezes in pain.

In a daze, the Muton attempts to lash out at you, swinging it’s massive arms back at you to try and throw you off, but with the help of your armor it takes the brunt of each strike. At worst only jostling you slightly. The deterioration from captivity having taken its toll. The Muton you realized was attempting to use as much posturing as possible to shore up for it’s fatigue. It was pretty clever actually, but that’s not going to stop you. You strike back, this time using the fancy Arc Thrower Dr. Vahlen provided you.

You immediately see why Bradford kept one for himself as the thing lets out a pained muffled cry as you tase the everloving shit out of it. It spasms and slumps onto the ground howling in pain. You step over and loom over the Muton your shadow casting over it, ignoring the stunned looks among the staff and base security outside. You do however note a very pleased look from Vahlen, clearly approving of this path as she smoothly taps away on her tablet, recording data and field notes all the while. There’s a sense of pure satisfaction as you know it is once again at your mercy. A thought occurs to you, how do you put it in its place?

>Honor. You want to let it know that as a fellow warrior to another you aren't going to make it beg for mercy.
>Might. You want to let it know humanity won’t go quietly into the night.

>>2480206
>>>Honor. You want to let it know that as a fellow warrior to another you aren't going to make it beg for mercy.

>>2480206
>Honor and Glory
We will win because we're better than you ayy, we do not attack targets that cannot defend themselves. But make no mistake, humanity CAN defend itself.

>>2480206
>>Honor. You want to let it know that as a fellow warrior to another you aren't going to make it beg for mercy.
I haven't seen XCOM interact with the aliens before.

>>2480206
Both!

>>2480206
>>Honor. You want to let it know that as a fellow warrior to another you aren't going to make it beg for mercy.

>>2480206
>>Honor. You want to let it know that as a fellow warrior to another you aren't going to make it beg for mercy.

>>2480206
>>Might. You want to let it know humanity won’t go quietly into the night.
The thing is simple, so use what it understands the most, pure strength and might.

>>2480206
>Honor. You want to let it know that as a fellow warrior to another you aren't going to make it beg for mercy.

>>2480206
>Honor. You want to let it know that as a fellow warrior to another you aren't going to make it beg for mercy.

Calling it here!

>>2480206
>Might. You want to let it know humanity won’t go quietly into the night.
They probably don't even know what honor is after generations in slavery.

>>2480263
Doesn't mean it cant appreciate it on a primal level

>>2480266
Honor is a social construct. It doesn't exist on the primal level.

>>2480270
>It doesn't exist on the primal level.
Then why do dogs keep watch at the corpse of their owner for a long time sometimes ? Instinct ? Pack mentality.

Why do some dogs attack larger enemies to protect humans ? stupidity ?

>>2480331
I'm all aboard the honor train, but those examples aren't very great.

>>2480263
They might know honor, as the way to keep them enslaved.
Like those slave warriors from Deep Space 9. the whole "I cannot defeat this Klingon, only kill him"

>>2480206
>>Might. You want to let it know humanity won’t go quietly into the night.

>>2480337
Then name me some better ones. The other anon assumption that things like honor dont exist on the primal level doesnt ring true.

In the end, its all about if the Muton understands honor, and how you find out if it does or not.

>>2480556
Dude, both your examples are explained by pack mentality.
On the primal level, something that reduces your probability of survival, like honor, doesn't roll, unless it increases the fitness of your close kin, which honor doesn't.

File: Muton 2.png (728 KB, 717x413)

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You consider showing the Muton its place, but you decide to quell your wrath. The last thing Dr. Vahlen her team needs is a critically injured Muton, as tempting as it is. Besides, maybe you can show it a thing or two that humanity can respect their enemies if they deserve it. They’re above the cruel ruthlessness of the aliens if need be. The Muton expects latter, wheezing and coughing gas as it places it looks back at you from the ground waiting for another jolt from the arc thrower or another savage beating.

Instead, you merely take a step back and give it a bit of breathing room. It looks at you unsure of what to make of your action. It assumes you’re winding up for a running strike but instead you merely keep your arc thrower but still at the ready.

For a few tense moments the Muton regards your actions. You glance over to Vahlen and the rest of the staff watching as everyone except Vahlen is equally perplexed by the turn of events. It’s when Vahlen smirks that your turn back to the Muton as you see it attempting to bring itself up onto a knee. You tense of slightly but keep yourself at ease as it slowly rises. You’re not sure how but you feel as if the Muton seems to, in some instinctive level understand. It’s nearly intangible to it, but it seems to recall the rather concept of honor, something almost completely forgotten or perhaps... smothered?

At least, that’s the hunch you have. You're not sure.

Standing up once again, back hunched ever so slightly from the pain it raises it’s arm up again and thumps on it’s armor very slowly and deliberately. Once. Twice. You see it twitch a bit as it does it, as if the act is a challenge and something is causing resistance. But whatever is causing it trouble it pushes through it and finishes the act. You blink as it waits for you to do something. After a moment and without thinking much of it yourself, you copy it, thumping your own Phalanx Armor twice in the same manner. That seems to placate it as you see it steady and relax somewhat. It’s still understandably wary of you but not as much.

Did you just…?

“Lead Subject-001 to the secondary airlock, my team will take it from here.” Dr. Vahlen’s voice speaks up from the PA system. The Muton pauses looking over around it from the nice, attempting to discern it’s intent before glancing over to Dr. Vahlen and then back to you as the the secondary airlock opens and the rest of the team prepares to get the Muton into the procedure. It’s waiting for some form of confirmation from you, wincing slightly partly from your beatdown and... something else, it clutches at it's head but otherwise does nothing.

>Maybe you should ask the Doc to go easy on the Muton.
>It’s not your problem anymore. Vahlen can have it.
>Other

>>2481198
>Maybe you should ask the Doc to go easy on the Muton.
She might have an outlier when it comes alien psychology here. It would be a shame to waste that.

>>2481198
>>Maybe you should ask the Doc to go easy on the Muton

>>2481198
>>>Maybe you should ask the Doc to go easy on the Muton.

>>2481198
>It’s not your problem anymore. Vahlen can have it.

>>2481198
>Maybe you should ask the Doc to go easy on the Muton.

>>2481198
>>Maybe you should ask the Doc to go easy on the Muton.

>>2481198
>>Maybe you should ask the Doc to go easy on the Muton.

>>2481198
>>Maybe you should ask the Doc to go easy on the Muton.

There's potential here

Calling it here!

>>2481198
That went awesome

File: XCOM Alien Containment.png (208 KB, 954x537)

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Begrudgingly, the Muton seems to understand where the wind is blowing and slowly tromps over to the secondary airlock. With your own job done, you exit back out the way you came in. As you watch the Muton be processed to the airlock and be led by a very jumpy and anxious crew of Scientists and weapon ready Blueshirts you can’t help but feel that this is quite an opportunity here if, dare you consider it, be lenient with this Muton. For it’s credit, the Muton gives completely zero shits to the Blueshirts or the Science staff as it’s led to where it needs to go.

“Well then, it seems Dr. Shen was correct. You are quite a useful assistant.” Vahlen muses as you head over to her.

“Just doing my job ma’am.” You say simply.

“Keep doing it then.” Vahlen nods. “These findings seem to be painting quite the interesting picture about the Muton species. Once we determine the effect of removing the chip in Subject-001’s brain, it might give us the answer.”

“Yeah, definately doc.” You nod, pausing. Despite knowing that XCOM’s Chief Scientist is a lot more affable then the base realize is one thing, but the reputation still proceeds her. “Well… uh…”

“Hm? Do you have something to add?” Vahlen looks up from her tablet.

“Do you think… you can go a little easy on the Muton?” You finally say, watching as the Muton is led out of the room. The others staying behind in alien containment breath a collective sigh of relief but remain on high alert. “There’s a bit of potential if we… could work with it.”

“Strange, I first pegged you as the type of person to look at the aliens in one way. Much like Central.” Vahlen muses.

“Don’t get me wrong, I hate the aliens as much as the next guy. But that Muton is…” You pause, trying to find the right word for it. A terrifying thought occurs to you, are you starting to sympathize with it a bit?

“Hm.” Vahlen considers this. “I will have to speak with the Commander with the possibility. Technically, we do have enough materiels recovered from the alien battleship, including a slurry substance that we assume is the alien’s food, to keep Subject-001 alive for an extended period of time. But I make no promises. My team’s safety supersedes Subject-001.”

“That’s fair, though I think it’ll cooperate if you let it.” You say with a shrug.

“Possibly.” Vahlen hums. “You have my thanks, Squad Leader Dozer. You have done exemplary work in assisting the research team. I won’t mind if you wish for another favor from myself or my team in the future, I can have it arranged. You are dismissed.”

“Ma’am.” You salute and take your leave. Pausing one last time to look back to where the Muton was before shaking your head and going forward. Best not to overthink things.

(Part 1 / 2)

File: Loki Fatigues.png (42 KB, 511x1117)

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As you leave the science labs and make your way back to the barracks, you notice someone is waiting for you just outside of the labs. Loki. The red-headed Engineer approaches you with a brisk pace. As she approaches, perhaps because of being so perceptive after the Muton interrogation, you notice several pairs of eyes of various random staff glancing over to Loki, looking her over.

“By the satisfied look on your face, I’d wager your second outing with Dr. Vahlen went rather well?” Loki says.

“You could say that.” You agree before pausing, unsure. “I think I might’ve made a… friend?”

“Well congratulations.” Loki says wryly. “I came over to let you know that the Commander is having the troops and most of the staff assemble at the hanger for something. A meeting of some kind.”

You nod, before taking glance over at the various bystanders, who are still eying Loki. Loki herself you can’t tell if she’s aware or indifferent on the matter. She’s as unreadable as ever.

>Don’t say anything and ignore it.
>Point out to Loki that she’s drawing some unwanted observers.
>You should tell those guys (and that one girl) to fuck off.
>Other

>>2482330
>Point it out

>>2482330
>>Point out to Loki that she’s drawing some unwanted observers.

>>2482330
>Point out to Loki that she’s drawing some unwanted observers.

>>2482330
>Point out to Loki that she’s drawing some unwanted observers.

>>2482330
>>Point out to Loki that she’s drawing some unwanted observers.

>>2482330
>Don’t say anything and ignore it.
Loki is sharp guys. She knows.

>>2482330
>Don’t say anything and ignore it.

>>2482330
>Don’t say anything and ignore it.

>>2482330
>>Don’t say anything and ignore it.
We got better things to point out than just that. Unless her fly is open then we're contractually obligated to point that out.
Bro Code and all that snazz.

>>2482330
>>Don’t say anything and ignore it.

>>2482330
>>Don’t say anything and ignore it.

>>2482330
>Point out to Loki that she’s drawing some unwanted observers.

>>2482330
>>Don’t say anything and ignore it.

>>2482330
Point out to ask her if she knows why

>>2482330
>> Don’t say anything and ignore it.

>>2482330
>Don’t say anything and ignore it.
Doesn't make sense for what we've seen of Loki for her to be oblivious to the effect she has on people.

>>2482744
True but we dont know why and I wanna know why!

>>2482330
>>Don’t say anything and ignore it.

>>2482330
>>You should tell those guys (and that one girl) to fuck off.
Nobody harasses your 2nd on your watch.

>>2483357
She's not as shy as Harita though so if it's obvious enough for her to notice I'm sure she would tell them off if it bothered her.

Calling it here!

File: XCOM Hanger.jpg (47 KB, 924x546)

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You consider pointing out to Loki about the gawkers but decide to hold your tongue, taking your leave with your second in command by your side. Loki is likely perceptive and sharp enough to know about attention she gets. As you make your way to the hanger with her, Loki begins to chuckle idly to herself.

“Something funny?” You ask.

“Pleasing.” Loki answers.

“I take it I’m not going to learn what it is?”

“Well, given you are the subject that wouldn’t be fair.” Loki says smoothly with that smile of hers.

“And what did I do?” You stop.

“Show tact.” Loki chuckles. “It’s appreciated, I expected that your American instincts would kick in and sour things.”

“I don’t like it.” You shake your head and admit. “I don’t want that to fly anymore going forward.”

“Don’t worry so much about it, I’m used to it. Mostly because none of them would even consider attempting to approach me. If they’re not going to try, I’m not going to give them my time of day. Let’s not worry about that anymore.” Loki gives you that amused look again as she shrugs, idly tapping her chin with her finger. You catch a bit of annoyance in her voice even through her cool facade. It seems that even while in control like she usually is, even Loki is susceptible to losing a bit of control.

“If you say so.” You say. You know you’re not going to get much from her any further but, you’re making progress in figuring her out. Loki hums idly, satisfied with the subject dropping. Well, at the very least she’s warming up to you, so that’s something.

The two of you carry on, coming up to the hanger, where you see various XCOM personnel. A little stage area has been set up in the main landing pad. Most of the those assembled personnel present are fellow soldiers. You spot the Council’s representative agent (a very unpopular individual) off to side, attempting to grill a clearly annoyed Bradford for info. You feel bad for Bradford having to deal with that yahoo.

“There’s the rest of the squad.” Loki points out. Sure enough, Strike-1 is all there, sans Rachel and Rook. You and Loki head over and approach your team. The squad salutes you in various levels of professionalism. Burnout and Zhang nodding to you in greeting.They look like they're wondering what the hell is going on.

“Ah, there you are boss. We were wondering what the hell was going on.” Naru greets you.

“Yeah, Command Staff’s been making a huge deal about it but are keeping quiet.” Sweet adds, scratching his chin ponderously.

“I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.” Harita adds helpfully. Several of the others nod in agreement. Harita’s forwardness in helping the others has boosted morale in the team.

“I’d rather be at the shooting range instead of listening to speeches.” Peppermint grumbles.

“We’ll just have to wait and see, like Harita said.” You say, walking over to take your spot in the line as you do however, a familiar face walks over causing you and several others of the squad to immediately stiffen.

(Part 1 / 2)

File: Rook Fatigues.png (55 KB, 875x1235)

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“Rook…?” Harita says aloud.

You look to see Strike-1’s former Squad Leader, Rook walk over to you and the others. You immediately stiffen at the sight of him. The first thing you note from your former team leader is how… tired he looks. That strong air of leadership that he had prior to Gangplank is all but gone now, completely snuffed out in the recent days. The bags under his eyes and slight unkemptness are all various warning signs that Rook did not take Gangplank well, at all.

He pauses as he locks eyes with you, his lips twitching slightly as he quietly stops before you. You glance over at the others, who share mixed reactions over the Infantryman. You… you don’t know where to begin yourself with the man. He lost it in that Battleship and had withheld information from you about Rachel. You don’t blame

“Permission to line up… sir.” Rook says with difficulty, standing at attention.

“Wow, this is pretty awkward...” Naru mutters to the side. Burnout elbows her.

>Granted. You’re going try to keep this civil. Try.
>Where has he been? He has some explaining to do.
>He should salute his superior officer first. You want to make the chain of command /very/ clear going forward.
>Other

>>2485337
>Granted
Let's just leave it be, God knows trying to force an explanation out of him will just make it worse.

>>2485337
>>Granted. You’re going try to keep this civil. Try.

Let's try to make this as painless as possible for now.

>>2485337
>Granted. You’re going try to keep this civil. Try.

>>2485337
>>Granted. You’re going try to keep this civil. Try.

>>2485337
>>>Granted. You’re going try to keep this civil. Try.

>>2485337
>>Granted. You’re going try to keep this civil. Try.

File: Things will be alright.png (316 KB, 640x360)

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Cool. You have to keep it cool. Not only are you in a public space with the other teams, but the squad is present as well. You want to, no, need to just make this a painless process and leave it be. God knows trying to force an explanation out of him will only make things worse and while it would be oh so satisfying to put Rook in your place… that’s wrong. You’re a leader now, and you can’t set a bad example for the troops. That’s your rational and logical part of your head.

However, you feel it again. That frustration and anger. You let out some of that fury on the Muton but you had restrained yourself again, seeing Rook however has sparked an ember that could very well go wild if left unchecked. You want to give him a piece of your goddamn mind. Even when you’re trying to force yourself not to.

The worst part his you and Rook both know it. As you look at each other, there's a sort've twisted understanding. He doesn't try to stop you or reason with you, which in a way makes it worse.

You have to try to keep yourself in control dammit.

>Roll 1d20.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2485412

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2485412

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>2485412

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2485412

>>2485413
15 it is. Going to update next when I wake up!

>>2485412
Putting him in Strike-1 instead of Jimmy's squad seems like a pretty syupid decision from the Commander.

File: Big Sky.jpg (19 KB, 480x360)

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Large update soon, stand by for deployment

File: The Commander v2.png (98 KB, 583x1252)

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“Granted.” You say, able to keep yourself in check. This is not the time nor the place to deal with Rook as you quell that frustration aside. A part of you wonders if you could move him out of the team, perhaps even to Jimmy’s Squad, but you honestly can’t tell if that’s you being rational about the situation or more of a knee jerk reaction. With a quiet nod, Rook walks over to the others in line. You grit your teeth and keep calm. There’s quiet murmurs among the squad and Harita opts to speak with Rook.

The next few minutes are not completely unbearable so long as you don’t think much about the former Squad Lead. You instead focus on keeping yourself with as much decorum as possible. Finally, you see the Commander make her entrance alongside Dr. Shen. The entire hangerbay reacts accordingly. Squad Leaders including yourself shout out commands to salute the Commander, giving her the proper respect and formality that this whole meeting seems to be. The Commander smiles, pleased by the cohesion of her unit as you and the others snap a salute.

You note to the side the discomfort from the Council rep. The guy’s interestingly rather concerned with how well XCOM has been. You’d think the Council would be pretty happy that a multinational force is actually playing nice but apparently not judging by the rep.

“At ease everyone.” The Commander speaks up, her voice carrying rather well in the large echo of the hanger. Without the constant chatter and buzz of the flight crews the place can be rather quiet. You and the other personnel comply. The Commander seems relatively relaxed, for whatever is being discussed. “I’d like to keep this brief, as most of what I am going to say isn’t going to matter as much as what you’re going to see.”

“As some of you may already know if you have been keeping track of things outside of XCOM HQ, the aliens have not taken our seizure of their Battleship lightly and alien activity has increased accordingly.” The Commander starts. “And, as you all already know, XCOM has been unable to effectively respond given the need to reorganize after the battle. Panic is rising and there have been further confirmations of new alien species being deployed onto the field.”

The Commander pauses as an air of displeasure begins shifting about in the room. It’s less frustration about the bad news and more that XCOM as a whole has been put on a the backfoot and the troops are raring to take the fight back to the aliens again. You share the same sentiments, you’ve prepared your squad as best as you could and want to get down there. The Commander seems to let this stew for a moment before continuing, noting that her people are paying attention. The room quiets down as she speaks once again.

(Part 1 / 4)

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“XCOM will be back to being in a combat ready state soon and better than ever with a new powerful asset at our side to help the troops.” The Commander says smiling warmly to you all. Your eyes widen, you think you know where this is going. “As most of you already know, I’ve been issuing a high priority in securing any MELD canisters found in the field and now you will get to see one the reward for your efforts. Raymond, if you would?”

The elderly chief engineer nods, stepping forward to you all. He has to use a mic to speak up in comparison to the Commander. Dr. Shen needs no introductions as everyone of course likes him. Shen looks about the staff assembled and clears his throat. Shen is clearly holding this particular moment with a strong regard, given the sheer weight on his shoulders if what you think is happening is really it. Placing his hands behind his back, he nods to some other engineering staff off to the side who hurry off to do something as he turns to address the crowd.

“You’ve all fought hard to get to where we are now, and if if wasn’t for the risks and trials that you have all faced we wouldn’t be here. What you are about to see is the pinnacle of what my team has made so far, whose volunteers have sacrificed much to aide you all in shouldering the responsibility you all carry.” Shen says, speaking from the heart.

As Shen continues, you all start to hear shouts and gasps of surprise from the side path that those Engineers have ran off to and the steady loud march of something approaching the hanger. The other soldiers begin to get wary and alert however, the Commander holds her hand up keeping her men and women in place.

From the doorway, out of view, you can see long casting shadows of something large and bipedal waiting on the other end. You know exactly what’s there.

“Without further ado, I present to you all the first generation of the Mechanized Exoskeletal Cybersuits and their accompanying pilots.” Shen finishes, motioning for them to approach.

And so they do.

(Part 2 / 4 )

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Three hulking and powerful suits of armor step out onto the hanger, each step a powerful stomps. The MECs stand eight to nine feet tall, easily dwarfing even Muton in size. Each of the three MECs carry a large portable minigun. The design of their gun reminding you of a portable variant of the an M242 Bushmaster, a powerful 25 mm autocannon. Only Shen and his team could make a powerful weapon like to be compact enough for the MEC’s main weapon. The suits themselves are comprised of alien alloys, much like the Phalanx Armor you had tried earlier except on a larger scale. The Phalanx Armor could take another blast of plasma or two sure, but these MEC’s could take a small barrage of plasma fire and keep on fighting, hell they’re probably nigh immune to conventional firearms.

The three MEC suits themselves, while all based on the same base chassis, all sport a different deadly loadout besides their autocannon. One, sports some sort of artillery system mounted on the suit’s back. Another, sports a built in flamethrower in it’s off hand, which you look over and see Naru is looking at with literal awe. The last one sports… well you’re not too sure yet. It some sort of large built in box, looking visibly like a sort’ve large radiator. The markings designating the module to be a… KSM-1. Whatever that is.

What does stand out however to everyone involved is that each of the pilots are indeed human, sure, they all be wearing specialized helmets and the like, but you can see each of their faces, their visors obscuring most of it. Walking alongside each of them is five more MEC pilots, in their completely augmented bodies. The men and women carry themselves rigidly, their helmets held at their sides with their robotic arms, the holes in each of the limbs providing what you only assume is maneuverability and a lightweight but is extremely unnerving to look at at first. Each pilot almost looks… completely emotionless. But you’re not sure,

The three MECs and the accompanying pilots stand attention beside Shen and the Commander to a silent and awestruck crowd, their massive weapons and the MEC suit, coupled with the complete augmentation of the pilots, and the ‘baseline’ Command staff paint a startling contrast among the three. The Commander steps forward, addressing the incredulous people assembled.

“Each Strike team will be provided with their own MEC Pilot to integrate with their squad. Squad Leaders will handle assignment individually. The three MEC suits classes; The Marauder, Goliath, and Archer are to be assigned for high for high value operations.” The Commander explains. “Shen will now run through the capabilities of each MEC.”

“Indeed.” Shen nods. “Pilots Gwan, Weber, and Coda will demonstrate the MEC-1 suits accordingly.”

And then you hear it. The one name you were trying to expect but still catches you off guard. Coda. Rachel Coda.

( Part 3 / 4 )

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The rest of the orientation of sorts goes by in a blur as you watch and confirm that Rachel is in fact piloting one of the MEC suits. The one with the Kinetic Strike Module to be specific. Sure, you see the MEC’s slice through armor with their large autocannons with ease. Sure, each of the MEC modules, particularly the KSM is quite brutal and powerful. But, all that matters to you is how your buddy is doing.

Is she…?

Eventually, the MECs and their respective Pilots are given the opportunity to mingle with the troops who all attempt to come to terms with the giant MEC suits. You recalled Naru summarizing the whole sight pretty aptly.

“Holy shit, this is literally like my mecha anime what that actual fuck.” Naru said.
As soon as the MEC suits themselves were done, you made an immediate beeline to Rachel, several of the others in the squad follow you but you don’t pay attention to who yet. You stop before Rachel as she lowers the MEC suit’s massive right arm, the KSM compacting back into it’s small boxy state as the large metal crumpled heap of the target she had punched clatters to the ground.

“Rachel…?” You say, calling up to her. She pauses to turn to you and looks down, her face obscured by her visor. You hope against hope that she’s still herself.

[Pilot Coda, awaiting orders.] Rachel speaks out, her voice modulated and electronic as she lowers her weapon and stands at the ready. Her words completely and utterly… emotionless.

Oh no.

>Fuck! Is she OK!? Is she still herself?!
>Stunned silence.
>She’s fucking with you right? ...Right?
>Other

>>2486287
>She’s fucking with you right? ...Right?

>>2486287
>>Stunned silence.

>>2486287
>>She’s fucking with you right? ...Right?

>>2486287
>>She’s fucking with you right? ...Right?

>>2486287
>>She’s fucking with you right? ...Right?

>>2486287
>She’s fucking with you right? ...Right?

>>2486287
>>She’s fucking with you right? ...Right?

>>2486287
>She’s fucking with you right? ...Right?

>>2486287
>>Stunned silence.
then
>>She’s fucking with you right? ...Right?
Why not both?

>>2486287
>Stunned silence.

>>2486287
>>She’s fucking with you right? ...Right?

Calling it here!

>>2486287
Oh my... oh my. Im honestly rather okay with this result, if this is what it is. It's rather heart wrenching, but that's got it's own appeal as well...

>>2486287
>MORALE BROKEN

>>2487285
If she turned out this badly im very interested in seeing how the rest of the team takes it. Oh the humanity.

Methinks Rachel is hoping for stunned silence rather than seeing through her antics right away
Although if the modification really messed with her...

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>>2486287

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>>2486287

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There’s stunned silence from those that opted to tag along and meet with Rachel directly, Harita, Loki, and Sweet specifically. You suppress the urge to jump to conclusions and consider Rachel could possibly be… gone. A thought occurs to you that there’s one lingering hope in this situation...

“You’re… you’re just fucking with me right? You’re just pretending.” You say to Rachel, craning your head up to look at her directly, trying to find some hint of emotion.. You aren’t going to crack just yet, but you’re wavering. The visor or her eyes seems to dehumanize her even more, despite the fact the helmet’s lower half is exposed. You’re glad it’s not a full face mask at least, or she and the other MECs might look completely robotic.

[Negative.] She replies back in the same robotic monotone, shaking her pivoting head once to the left and to the right. [This is my current state now. I knew the risks going into the procedure. It is not your fault.]

You’re at a loss now, and the others seem to consider the worst. Shen had fully explained to the troops the risks for each potential pilot going in, something to highly consider for any future gravely wounded volunteers until the augmentation process is refined. Sweet’s face has hardened, reminding you distinctively of when the medic had confirmed that Burnout had died. Loki holds out for a longer, sharing doubt of the situation before quietly sighing and going somber. But it’s Harita, that has the worst reaction.

“No…!” Harita whispers, devastated by this. Shaken and devastated that she might have lost a part of her friend for good. And the worst part is, this is all your fau-

(Part 1 / 2)

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As soon as Harita starts to lose control of the situation however, Rachel suddenly has a complete 180, getting frantic and desperate to calm Harita down in a sudden burst of emotion and humanity.

[Woah woah woah!] Rachel suddenly exclaims taking a step back and having her MEC’s arms out to try and stop an dismayed Harita. Her voice is still modulated but there is actual thankful variance in her emotion as she speaks [I’m kidding! It was mostly to fuck with Dozer and Loki for a few minutes alright? Maybe throw a few quotes from Terminator or something while I was at it. I’m still me Hari, just missing a limb or four!]

There’s a shot of relief that’s quickly turned into frustration from both yourself and Loki and Sweet, being Sweet, bursts into amused laughter. Harita can’t decide whether to be happy or upset, but decides on the former after the interesting nickname Rachel exclaimed, using that likely to drive home the point that she’s actually OK.

“You asshole!” You curse at her. “Not fucking cool!”

“Mm...” Loki’s murmurs in an agreeable dissatisfaction. Giving Rachel one hell of an icy glare.

[Totally worth it for your reactions. I really had you guys going there. Beep boop. Also, it was mostly Gloria’s idea. Kinda.] Rachel chuckles as she places her autocannon on a large portable rack handled by some of the engineers and then adopts a very familiar laid back posture, one hand on hip. Her helmet’s visor turns a shade transparent, revealing partly amused and partly guilty eyes. The guilt obviously mostly directed to Harita.

“You’re really still you? You truly haven’t changed?” Harita says hopefully, wishing for confirmation again from her dear friend.

[I’m good.] Rachel answers back grinning, making her MEC give Harita a thumbs up.

...You want to believe her, but you have an uneasy feeling that that’s not true. You really hope your hunch is wrong. It doesn’t help how frustrated you also are by how she played you like a damn fiddle as she gives you that cheeky grin of hers.

>Emphasize how fucked up that was. That was far from funny.
>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.
>Is she really OK? You don’t want her lying to the squad.
>Other

>>2487474
>>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.

>>2487474
>"Alright, you got me. Just don't do that shit again, I already lost you once."

>>2487474
>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.

Wow I keep getting a new ID every time I manage to vote

>>2487474
>>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.
Yup, that's our Rachel all right.

>>2487474
>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.
We Actual now, gotta keep up our MEC's morale.

>>2487474
>>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.

We really should rush Mk2 and Mk3 MEC suits soon as we can--that exposed chest piece is a goddamn bullseye. Be a whole lot better if we could just go full grimderp with it and create a fully enclosed sarcophagus, but better armor down the line soon as we can manage will have to do.

>>2487474
>"Alright, you got me. Just don't do that shit again, I already lost you once."

>>2487474
>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.

>>2487495
This. Holy fuck do I feel gullible now.

>>2487474
>"Alright, you got me. Just don't do that shit again, I already lost you once."

>>2487474
>>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.

>>2487474
>>2487495
This. Holy shit Dozer was about three seconds from going nuclear.

>>2487474
>>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.

>>2487474
>>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.
At least you're still you.

>>2487474
>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.

>>2487474
>Emphasize how fucked up that was. That was far from funny.

>>2487471
>Sweet’s face has hardened, reminding you distinctively of when the medic had confirmed that Burnout had died.
>Burnout had died
Pretty sure we kept Burnout from getting himself killed, unless he's keeled over during this demonstration.

>>2487765
Smoking is bad for one's health so he may have died from surprise lung cancer.

>>2487474
>>Begrudgingly admit she got you. You’re just glad she still has her crappy sense of humor.
So, the MEC has no chestplate. Meaning, if she wasn't wearing a shirt...

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>>2488045

Be thankful Rachel isn't wearing one of those really skintight suits, otherwise she'd be having 'boob socks'.

>>2488075
Yeah, skin tight suits are more Merc's thing

>>2488075
>
MECS dont have boobplate ?

>>2488075
>Has top-mounted magazine
>Still has the mag well
>STILL HAS THE MAG RELEASE ON THE WELL

>>2488189
Isn't that where the casings are ejected from?

>>2488189
they care more about the titties than the gun accuracy. there's a pivot pin, but the upper and lower are molded together somehow

>>2488196
Also that tiny piece of Picatinny rail in front of the magazine is just adorable in a pitiful way.

>>2488075
You can tell you’ve fallen to /K/haos when ya notice the rifle before everything else...

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Calling it here, and I'll only post this once unless you guys care for more but I'm actually surprised I made a decent looking Commander in X2 all things considered!

And yes the Commander and everyone else has an actual name. Even Dozer!

>>2488260
She looks weirdly young for such a motherly person.
And yes, I want to see the others as well!

I need to finally buy a new PC and play X2

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Now we just gotta find out how well MEC suits can handle their greatest nemesis.

A Flight of Stairs

>>2488427
They can just boost themselves up to the next story. Next 2 stories even.

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“Alright alright, you got me jeez.” You sigh, begrudgingly.. “Just don’t that shit again, seriously. I already lost you once.”

Some of he others seem to react oddly to that. Loki gives you a look at that, idly tapping her chin, Sweet gives you an amused shake of his head. Harita seems to be in agreement to that. Rachel tilts her head at as she has the MEC start to attempt to scratch the back of her head, before pausing and realizing that doesn’t really work. If anything, it’s interesting to see how synchronized the MEC suit is with the pilot to do such human actions.

[Huh? I didn’t really go anywhere dude.] Rachel answers with a smirk, chuckling and waving in greeting to some of the other Strike-1 members who opted to stay back for some reason or another.. [Well, besides being in Medical for a while. Don’t get sappy on me here! Appreciated though.]

“What? It’s true.” You shrug, idly adjusting your ball cap. “Someone has to deal with your crappy sense of humor around here.”

“Mm.” Loki hums neutrally.

Rachel chuckles again at that.

“So.” Sweet says, moving things along. “How’re those augments doing for you? The guys back in Medical said Engineer had something in the works, I guess we’re looking at it, huh?”

[Oh yeah, I can show you guys how it looks. I’ll be right back..] Rachel nods, stomping away in her MEC towards one of the other MEC pilots. [Hey Adam, the Goliath is all yours. I’m hopping out!]

“I’ll join you.” Harita says, following along. The pair chatting away, starting to catch up again after being seperated for some time.

[What!? We have a goat mascot now!?] You hear Rachel exclaim in surprise as she heads off.

At that, an already present team of Engineers and technicians that were part of the presentation hurry over, working in tandem to sort out Rachel’s request off to the side. It looks like it’s an organized effort to operate a MEC suit.

“Hrm…” Sweet crosses his arms, watching Rachel dismount from the MEC suit. The medic furrows his brow as he observes. You hear Loki hum in agreement.

“What is it?” You ask, turning to the both of them.

“That was a bit forced.” Loki says. “Well intentioned, but forced.”

“Yeah.” Sweet agrees, going full serious medic mode. “Permission to help sort out our squad’s new MEC pilot? I want to make sure she’s combat ready. Becoming maimed as you probably already guessed does not do great to one’s psyche. But this…? I admit I don’t know her as well as you do, Dozer, but this still raises some flags.”

“interrogating her on the subject might make things worse.”” Loki brings up, shaking her head.

“Ignoring a possible mental break it is just as bad.” Sweet counters.

“Well, it ultimately defers to Dozer's call” Loki says, the pair turning to you.

>Sweet’s right. His medical expertise would help figure this out.
>Loki’s right. This is a delicate topic and the last thing Rachel or the squad needs is an upset MEC.
>You can handle it. She’s your buddy and as team leader you’ll sort it out.
>Other

>>2488448
>>Loki’s right. This is a delicate topic and the last thing Rachel or the squad needs is an upset MEC.

>>2488448
>>Sweet’s right. His medical expertise would help figure this out.

Never hurts to get an outsider's opinion on the sitrep.

>>2488448
>Sweet’s right. His medical expertise would help figure this out.

>>2488448
>Sweet’s right. His medical expertise would help figure this out.

>>2488448
>>Sweet’s right. His medical expertise would help figure this out.

>>2488448
>>Sweet’s right. His medical expertise would help figure this out.
We would probably fuck it up.

>>2488448
>Sweet’s right. His medical expertise would help figure this out.

>>2488448
>>Sweet’s right. His medical expertise would help figure this out.
Has Sweet ever let us down before?

>>2488448
>>Loki’s right. This is a delicate topic and the last thing Rachel or the squad needs is an upset MEC.

>>2488565
He's letting Me down by not bringing people back from the dead.

>>2488604
HE IS A DOCTOR NOT A MIRACLE WORKER!

>>2488609
Where I come from the're one and the same. Now quit your bellyaching and resuscitate Dozer's Love Life.

>>2488448
>>Sweet’s right. His medical expertise would help figure this out.

>>2488619
Yeah gotta say I'm disappointed that even after we cleared it with Shen and told her she should get the arm she still just went mec without us really having any other input. I was honestly excited to see the whole singular prosthetic thing since that was something new. Just kinda feels like the choices we made in that part didn't really matter.

>>2488653
>>2488667
On one hand it shows that Rachel is still fucked in the head to where she takes advice in moderation and takes it to Iron Hands space marine levels of augmentation.
On the other hand yeah if it's not that then the QM really did pull a stupid move by giving us that scene.

Only real way out of the hole he's dug himself in is to pull a fast one on us with it turning out that the suit she's set with does allow the use of organic limbs.

>>2488674
Yeah because everybody should probably ask us if they can take a shit too since they can't make their own decisions.

The world doesn't fucking revolve around Dozer and people can decide to do what they want.

>>2488692
>The world doesn't fucking revolve around Dozer
M8 I gave two examples of how this shit may go down with a bit of elaboration on the later example. Explain in detail how this equates to the world revolving around Dozer.

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>>2488667
I'm just hoping the R&D team can ideally fit the full strength of a MEC trooper in smaller package in the future.

>>2488692
People tend to listen to the counsel of others a lot more when making huge life changing decisions. This doesn't equate to her deciding to buy some different brand at the market she is now limbless, can most likely never have children, or have a normal life after the war. I'd think that you might listen to a trusted friend in that situation. The major problem I have is that we weren't really given any indication of what choice she was going to make as well as no way to influence her further,

>>2488712
Expecting the QM to pick everything you want because of a single scene where she was clearly upset and pissed at us and then saying he was stupid sure sounds like you want everything to revolve around Dozer.

>>2488723
If we'd been buddy buddy with her more up to that point and not been integral in losing her arm then you might have a point. When we were seeing her she was upset at us and complaining about how she felt useless, including why. So clearly us telling her to get an arm to do the same thing she felt useless at is totally going to influence her to do that.

>>2488737
Alright I can see how that might sound from another angle. To explain in detail, it's not an attack on the QM but rather a observation (See the Iron Hands comparion), and from what I've gathered from the general expectations, it can go either way considering that this is a very sensitive scenario that is being played out with one wrong move on the QM's part may make everything up to this point seem rather worthless in retrospect.

>>2488667
I never understood how the singular protheic would work.
Even if it was super strong, you'd still have normal legs and a spine, so you wouldn't be able to lift anything thaaaat big. And if you were going to enhance the legs and spine, you're 3/4 of the way to a proper MEC, so might as well lop of the other arm.

>>2488766
We're in a universe that has alien-bullshit energy that can somehow give humans superpowers via mutation. You'd think we're have upgrades that could allow singular implants to be made.

>>2488737
Though we got her to admit that she wasn't useless, and on top of that she even said herself that we were reading her well and seemed open to listening to us. It just kinda feels like this was locked in from the moment the mission went fubar and that would be fine but we spent an entire thread on that if that doesn't change anything at all then what was the point of that thread? You could skip that entire thread like a filler episode.
>>2488766
It wouldn't be a mec suit prosthetic it would be a different kind that was made to be strong on its own allowing for it to lift a shield like she used to at least that was my take on it. also this >>2488780

>>2488787
So just a human capable prothesis? pretty much what she had before, but made of metal and meld?

>>2488798
From what I could tell of the conversation yep. That is why I was excited because that could have led to more augmentation stuff hell she could've eventually gotten a rocket launcher or something in her arm like the exo skeletons in xcom 2.

Don't get me wrong I love this quest, but that is why I'm raising this issue I want to keep enjoying it.

>>2488667
This is understandable and I also feel this way.

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The choice is pretty simple. You know that while Loki can be quite the social butterfly Sweet is your squad’s Medic. He’s been recruited to XCOM for his expertise on things like this, and he has yet to let the squad down. Hell, he’s saved your ass repeatedly so you can attest to his skill. Most importantly, there’s quite the likelihood that you’d mess things up.

“Alright Sweet, you’re on deck.” You say nodding to him. “Keep me posted on how she’ll be doing going forward.”

“You got it.” Sweet says, giving you a hearty pat on the shoulder. “Admittedly I won’t be able to say much with patient doctor confidentiality and all but I’ll give you the green light if she’s good for the next mission.”

“I hope that won’t backfire.” Loki frowns. “The last thing Strike-1 needs is squad drama.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it., you should worry about taking care of your cat.” Sweet chuckles. Loki freezes in place, her lips a thin line as she slowly turns to face Sweet. That’s a first, you’ve never seen Loki get caught off guard by something.

“Cat?” You pause, your concerns put on hold. “Wait... you have a cat Loki?”

“...Yes.” Loki says with a bit of difficulty, keeping her composure in check. Keeping her gaze locked on Sweet. “I take it you’re not going to tell me how found that out?”

“Hah! Maybe if you opened up a bit instead of being all mysterious I’ll tell ya. Your feminine wiles aren’t going to work on me, sister.” Sweet chuckles again, holding up his hand, proudly displaying is wedding band.

Loki crosses her arms at that but doesn’t wittily reply back. Sweet it appears has won this little bout between your squad’s Engineer in more ways than one. You’ll need to find out more about this mysterious feline, but you have more important things to deal with as you look over and see Rachel and Harita. The pair returning back with Rachel having an arm around Harita’s shoulder.

A prosthetic arm.

(Part 1 / 2)

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Rachel has, much like the rest of the other MEC pilots, gone through the full limb removal procedure. Each limb removed and replaced with an augment instead. Unlike the other MEC pilots who are wearing a type of underlay of some kind, Rachel is instead wearing her fatigue’s shirt. The article of clothing highlighting the leg prosthetics for her legs. Not only that, instead of having her hair into a ponytail like you’ve always known from her, her hair is down.

It’s one thing seeing the other MEC pilots and their prosthetics, it’s another seeing it on Rachel. However, what stands out the most to you however is… how happy Rachel seems. She seems in good spirits, chatting away like she missed nothing with Harita who is also happy to be chatting with her again after a long time, laughing along with Rachel’s good natured banter.

For the first time in weeks, Rachel, despite her major physical change is back to how she was before Vegas. You feel like this is legitimate and the mood is genuine instead of being somewhat forced when she was in the MEC suit. You’re not sure what to make of it yet. Rachel it seems is just glad to be back in good company again.

“Yo! You guys have to tell me the whole story about Dozer’s drunken bullshittery!” Rachel says greeting the three of you again.

“They are quite the tales.” Loki comments, her actual slight flusteredness over the mysterious cat topic all but invisible now.

“They better be. Hell, you spill all the beans and if you ever need a hand I’ll be your gal.” Rachel grins as she, to your surprise, removes her arm around of Harita. Literally. She uses her other arm and detaches it and waves it toward Loki who quickly backs away, startled once again.

“She might keep doing that, as a heads up going forward.” Harita says apologetically.
“It’s fun.” Rachel grins.

“You really did go all the way...” You say, incredulous.

Rachel pauses at that looking at you, before nodding,

“That I did” Rachel says, before smirking and reaching over with her detached hand to you with her detached arm, hoving the metal hand right below your face, she nudges your face upwards. “Keep your chin up, dude. I got you and the other’s backs again.”

“Right.” You answer back, leaving it at that.

“Great! That shit’s bad for your posture anyways.” Rachel chuckles. “So! You know who's been wanting a drink for ages now? This girl right here. C’mon, the round’s on me.”

With that and the MEC demonstration essentially over, the rest of the squad begins to make their leave back to the barracks. You quietly decide on something as you move to join with the others, not wanting to be left behind.

If Rachel’s going to try and make this work, so will you.

File: Heading Out.png (1.82 MB, 1360x882)

1.82 MB PNG

>...And with that, I’ll call the thread here. Drawing a MEC suit is a lot harder than I had expected, but I think it turned out pretty well. Tomorrow will be Dozer’s first real test in leadership so until next time…

Thanks for playing!

>>2489307
So, does the lower body surgery remove everything below the waist, or does it only swap out the legs, and leave the pelvis intact?

File: MEC Pilot.jpg (31 KB, 640x742)

31 KB JPG

>>2489312

All the important stuff is still there and it's only the legs that were removed, as confirmed by our RNG Ayy Lord Jake Solomon in an interview I read from somewhere ages ago. From my best guess after looking over the a MEC trooper's augs in the pelvis area is kinda just a frame thing or something like that!

>>2489318
okay, so they can still bone. got it.

>>2488260
Yeah it looks nice

>>2488260
>I'm here to kill Ayys and kiss booboos
>And I just kissed the last booboo

>>2488667
Well she is a person herself, it makes perfect sense to listen to a friend's advice but choosing to do something different.

>>2489392
If that was true she'd be a specialist. Her gremlin would be named spot or something equally domestic. That or something like XenoSlayer XI

>>2489402
She would have named it Fluffy or something like that.

It would have a kill count higher than most Xcom squaddies and everyone else would call it XenoSlayer XI.

She still calls it Fluffy.

>>2489421
The gremlins known as XenoSlayer 1 through VIII have pictures on the wall.

>>2489400
I understand that, but it still feels like that whole thread didn't matter now just kinda feel disenfranchised now.

>>2489494
Eh, I was in favour of single prosthetic out of concern for her but if she's still Rachel deep down then we'll just have to keep being her bestie no matter how many awesome robo limbs she gets.

>>2489436
And we don't talk about XenoSlayers IX and X.

>>2489507
>keep being her bestie
Anon we need to waifu her immediately.

>>2489518
Being her bestie is a route to waifuhood after the war.
Waifuing her, or worse promising to waifu her after the war, will raise far too many death flags.

>>2489520
If we don't waifu her she will try to confess to us instead and THAT death flag is just too strong.

>>2489307
Well that was a thing. So when are we going to see the augmentation scars for Rachel?
Now that I think about it, wouldn't the mutations from the meld give side effects?

>>2489620
It'd vary from augment to augment, like bioelectric skin'd probably short out most non-military grade electronics.

>>2489318
OH FUCK
I was expecting it to look more like android arms like Bishop's in Aliens, not these skeletal limbs.

X-com truly is grimdark.

>>2489630
Higher grade MEC troopers get better looking casual prosthetics, that's just the janky Mk.1's

>>2489632
>Higher grade/Mk.1
In terms of their xp level, or tech tree reserch level ?

>>2490847
New thread is up!

>>2490435
Tech tree