>>2632591
>Help Burnout yank Naru off of the crate. This is silly.

>>2632591
>Help Burnout yank Naru off of the crate. This is silly.

I'll take it to the commander or bradford. I won't name names.

>>2632591
>>>Help Burnout yank Naru off of the crate. This is silly.

>>2632591
>>You understand Naru’s predicament. You’re not happy she did it of course but you sympathize.
I gotchu senpai. If it were me I would've done the same thing.

>>2632591
>You understand Naru’s predicament. You’re not happy she did it of course but you sympathize.

>>2632591
>>Help Burnout yank Naru off of the crate. This is silly.
>I'll take it back to Bradford. Stop being a baby.

>>2632591
>You understand Naru’s predicament. You’re not happy she did it of course but you sympathize.

>>2632591
>>>Help Burnout yank Naru off of the crate. This is silly.
Naru stop being a dumb. I'm personally taking responsibility for the Sweater.

>>2632591
>>This is completely absurd. You expected better from her as she has just made this whole thing worse for both herself and possibly the squad.
I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed
I'm kinda mad, though

Do you think meditation or something can help out with Dozer's Psionic abilities?

>>2632770
At this point we are spitballing and seeing what sticks.

So yes that might work or it might not. Can't tell until we try

>>2632604
>>2632616
>>2632624
>>2632639
>>2632678
Pulling her off it is, writing!

>>2632770
I vote we try cuddling with rachel.

>>2632770
>>2632775
>inb4 we do weird Cold War tier experiments such as seeing if we can talk to dolphins while on drugs, or staring at Billy.

>>2632786
I'd vote for it.


>Instead of a psionic lance Dozer makes a wall of force that pushes over everything in it's path.

>>2632788
>stare at Billy trying to expand our mind
>The most evil voice in existence enters our mind
>"GREETINGS ENTITY THAT IS KNOWN AS DOZER. I HAVE AWAITED YOUR ATTEMPT AT COMMUNION FOR SOME TIME."
>Turns out it's Billy that's making that disturbing voice with his mind.

File: Box.jpg (97 KB, 1280x720)

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Alright this is too silly for you. Trying to get a straight answer out of her right now probably isn’t going to really stick, so first order of business is getting the Rocketeer off of the crate. As you approach, Naru’s eye widens and she and she squeezes her eye shot as sholds on as if dear life.

“Don’t… don’t, don’t! Hold on a sec!” Naru stammers as you walk over beside Burnout.

He nods to you as he offers you the shovel, which you take. As Naru mumbles anything off of the top of her head to prevent you from what you’re doing you carefully slide the shovel in position right under her stomach. You don’t actually want to hurt her in the process. It’s a bit of effort to get the shovel in a good position to be used as lever but you do so.

With a nod from Burnout, the both of you move. With Burnout attempting to loosen her grip on her hands and you attempting to pry her off.

“Ack!” Naru yelps and tightens her vice-like grip on the crate.

>Roll 1d20+4

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2632883
What the fuck is her deal?

Rolled 11 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>2632883

Rolled 2 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>2632883

>>2632883

>>2632891
BDS

Bradford Derangement Syndrome.

>>2633027
she wants to be bradford? Was she wearing it after missions mumbling central to herself?

>>2633029
No it's when soldiers are overly reactive to Bradford. Usually irrational fear.

File: Naru v2.5.png (96 KB, 530x1045)

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You push down on the shovel and manage to raise her up a few inches before she falls back down onto the crate. You frown, and then realize why it’s been rather difficult. Her rocket launcher. You’re so used to seeing her with the explosive weapon on her person at all times even you had forgotten it was there. The added weight of the thing has made getting her out much more difficult.

Setting the shovel aside you move to remove the strap from the rocket launcher. Which immediately gets Naru to react.

“No!” Naru spins around and frantically tries to stop you from removing the rocket launcher, which gives Burnout the opportunity to pull her off. She steps back, spinning around and hugging the Rocket Launcher tightly, desperately. She looks like a cornered animal which makes you and Burnout stop in your tracks.

You had the problem solved with getting Naru off of the crate and it’s raised even more problems. You have a very strong feeling there’s more going on than just Bradford’s sweater, but it’s definitely not helping.

“Are you alright?” You ask with concern.

“Peachy. Just real fucking peachy...” Naru slumps her shoulders.

“You’re paranoid.” Burnout states.

“Why wouldn’t I be!?” Naru snaps before quickly wincing looking apologetic. “Sorry! Sorry! Fuck… I’ve just been so twitchy about things! I keep thinking everyone’s staring at me my goddamn missing eye all the time and I know it’s irrational as hell but I can’t help it! Then I just keep thinking of other shit like how I got into XCOM in the first place, my reassessment I’ve been working my ass on, and Vahlen’s… plans for me! The sweater isn’t helping either!”

You blink in surprise as Naru hangs her head. You seemed to have

“Slow down, take a breath.” Burnout says calmly, walking over to place a hand on the Rocketeer’s shoulder.

“Fuck me, it’s just like I’m in high school all over again… whining like a bitch.” Naru groans, laughing self-deprecatingly to herself. She holds the rocket launcher tighter.

>Burnout’s right. Naru needs to relax, you are not trying to get on her case.
>Naru needs to explain further. You need to understand better to help.
>She needs to get her shit together. Naru’s right about herself, she's whining too much. She’s an XCOM soldier and she’s better than that.
>Other

>>2633065
>Burnout’s right. Naru needs to relax, you are not trying to get on her case.
>Naru needs to explain further. You need to understand better to help.
>At least she didn't wake up in an alien capture cage today.

>>2633065
>Other
Childe, that is *not* a dildo.

>>2633065
>>Naru needs to explain further. You need to understand better to help.

>>2633065
>Burnout’s right. Naru needs to relax, you are not trying to get on her case.
>Naru needs to explain further. You need to understand better to help.
>Let me take care of the sweater. That's one less thing right?

>>2633065
>>Burnout’s right. Naru needs to relax, you are not trying to get on her case.

>>2633065
>Burnout’s right. Naru needs to relax, you are not trying to get on her case.
Do we need to go kidnap another goat? Does she need a back rub?

>>2633065
>Burnout’s right. Naru needs to relax, you are not trying to get on her case.

>>2633065
>>2633089
I like this, since we were going to take care of the sweater most likely anyway.

>>2633071
>>2633089
>>2633102
>>2633128
>>2633164
>>2633170
Getting her to relax and explain it is, writing!

File: Naru Mission 2.jpg (260 KB, 540x1000)

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“You need to relax, like Burnout said.” You say, motioning for Naru to sit, ironically, on the crate. It’s not like there was anything else to sit on besides the rocky floor.

Reluctantly, Naru does take a seat. Idly tugging at her hair and grumbling to herself. Burnout, in typical Burnout fashion, offers her a cigarette. She reaches her hand out but instead of grabbing the smoke instead just grabs Burnout’s lighter. The scout shrugs and produces another lighter, since of course he has a spare.

You give Naru a few minutes to compose herself as she fidgets with the lighter. She spins the small object on her palm a few times before repeatedly snapping the lighter open and close. Burnout stands beside her and leans against the rock wall, smoking away without a word. With nothing to say yourself until Naru’s good, you lean against the wall as well.

It might be an odd sight if someone were to walk in on the three of you. Three soldiers hanging about an excavated room. Well, at least it beats waking up in alien containment.

“Sorry.” Naru says after a while. “I got nervous when you both wandered in. Totally expected Bradford was right on your heels and the jig was up for me.”

“He wasn’t.” Burnout says.

“No, he wasn’t.” Naru nods slowly, still flicking the lighter open and closed. “I was being dumb.”

“You need to tell us more.” You say, which causes Naru to groan again. “How else are we supposed to understand what’s going on with you if you’ve practically disappeared?”

Besides possibly being able to read her mind down the line. The thought is jarring, but it’s true, you could probably do that with The Gift… but that’s kinda fucked up.

“I mean, what’s there to say? Besides me being more paranoid as hell ever since I lost an eye. Y’know, at first I was pretty cool with the whole losing an eye thing. It could have been way worst. I thought, hey, I could be like Snake Plissken or something. And then the whole lack of depth perception kicked in, haah.” Naru scratches at her eyepatch at that. “Depth perception is kinda a big deal for a Rocketeer.”

You frown at that, recalling your order got her to this position. Before you can really stew at that Naru interrupts your thoughts.

“Woah there, Dozer. I ain’t blaming you for this.” Naru points at her bandaged eye. “Shit happens.”

That it does.

“Shit just kinda piled up from there. Little things nagging in the back of your skull.” Naru shakes her head, as she lights the lighter, staring at the flickering flame. “...I could give you the cliff notes if you care about anything, but really there’s not much else to say.”

Well, since she asked...

>What was she saying about Vahlen? What plans?
>How has she been doing with her training for her reassessment?
>What was her plan with the sweater? Did she even have one besides hiding it?
>Don’t press her. You don’t want to stress her out further.
>Other.

>>2633382
>>What was she saying about Vahlen? What plans?

>>2633382
>What was she saying about Vahlen? What plans?
>How has she been doing with her training for her reassessment?
>"I'll take care of the sweater. I won't mention names."

>>2633382

>What was she saying about Vahlen? What plans?
>How has she been doing with her training for her reassessment?
>"I'll take care of the sweater. I won't mention names."

>>2633382
>What was she saying about Vahlen? What plans?
>How has she been doing with her training for her reassessment?
>"I'll take care of the sweater. I won't mention names."


All the things qm. All the things.

>>2633382
>>What was she saying about Vahlen? What plans?

>>2633407
>>2633428
>>2633449
All the things it is, writing!

We should really tell Burnout our real name sometime in return. Even if we don't know what it is, ha ha ha.

So I've been rereading this quest as a refresher up to where Rachel becomes a MEC and at least to me it feels like Pixel has lowkey been focusing heavily on the what the difference is between a good leader and a great one.
Is that just me seeing things that aren't there or am I onto something.

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“Well, what did Vahlen have in mind for you?” You ask her first, deciding to learn as much as you can.

“You probably already know, but uh… technically I’m not supposed to let anyone else know?” Naru glances over to Burnout.

He glances over to you.

“He’s fine.” You motion for her to continue.

“Right. Well, Vahlen’s got this thing cooking up in her evil science lair of hers. Gene mods. She says she can offer replacement eyes, which at first I was all 100% for until I found out whose eyes they are.” Naru pauses. “Thin Man eyes.”

“Wait, Dr. Vahlen wants to give you what?” Burnout for once is is surprised by this, finding that impossible to believe.

“The Command staff did give all the squad leaders did tell us ahead of time on their MELD programs, MECs were one department, and the other’s Gene Mods.” You explain to Burnout. Sure, you were aware that Vahlen wanted to do something involving alien genetics but the summaries of the various ‘mods’ didn’t sound that extensive…

“It’s not going to be the literal snake eyes and she showed me her research on it, they’re damn good eyes that anyone would benefit, especially Rocketeers and Snipers but...” Naru shudders. “...I’ll look different and I’ll be part alien.”

“How different?” Burnout asks.
“I’ll have to wear these stud things on my arms, Vahlen called them ‘genetic stabilizers’ or something like that, all the Gene Modded troopers will have to use ‘em until the scientists figure out a way to permanently stabilize our new bodies. It’s supposed to keep my body from freaking out from the gene mods. Oh, and my eyes will be yellow too, like the aliens. That’s… yeah.” Naru trails off about that.

You thought the Gene Modded troopers would get an easier break than a MEC pilot, it seems each side has it’s cost. You push the thought aside and focus on asking Naru further questions.

(Part 1 / 2)

File: Genetic Division Logo.jpg (120 KB, 792x1224)

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“How have you been doing with your training for your assessment?” You ask.

“Until recently? I was training pretty much every day. Giving me this dummy launcher really saved my ass once I was done with physical rehab. I managed to get my aim percentage up from a fucked 40% to an almost mediocre 70%,.That sounds great on paper sure, but I don’t want to risk blowing up the squad 30% of the time.” Naru sighs. “If I got those alien eyes, I’ll be set, but that’d basically make all my training be an utter waste of time. I dunno.”

“Well if it helps, you won’t have to worry about one thing. I’ll take care of the sweater. I won’t mention names.” You say. Naru looks up at you in disbelief and is about to speak back when you hold your hand up to quiet her. “I owe you for letting me use the Gauntlet, it was a damn good force equalizer in Gangplank.”

“Hey-- I read the report, it just pissed off that Muton Elite.” Naru says.

“It kept the other aliens pinned down.” You shrug.

“Well, that’s good…” Naru admits. “I… thanks, Dozer. I owe you big time three times over. Really.”

“No problem.”

The three of you are quiet for some time, before Naru speaks once again. Still staring at the flickering flame of the lighter. The fire reflecting off of her eyes.

“I really don’t know. Should I take those alien eyes? Gene Mod myself up? I really want to fight with the squad again. What do you think… I mean, I technically need your OK anyways to volunteer for it anyways. Heh.” Naru looks to you.

>She should undergo the procedure.
>Naru shouldn’t take the procedure.
>Other

(I’ll wait a bit longer for this vote!)

>>2633686
>She should do it
It won't make her any less Naru.

>>2633686
>She should undergo the procedure.

>>2633686
>>She should undergo the procedure.
Honestly? We need to take whatever advantage we can get to win this war. As it is Naru is lucky that her eye problem can be solved and even improved at all. As new tech comes into play, things like this will become more commonplace anyways.

Besides, she could always just wear shades or darkened goggles to hide the eye color.

>>2633686
>Naru shouldn’t take the procedure.
And what happens after the war is won? She's going to need that shit for the rest of her life. I wouldn't force that on anyone.

>>2633686
>>She should undergo the procedure.
If weird eyes is the largest of her problems she's lucky. Rachel can star in nugget porn

>>2633707
Need what? She just said Vahlen's team are figuring out a way to stabilize the mod troopers without needing the implants and injections.

>>2633686
>She should undergo the procedure.

>>2633686
>She should undergo the procedure.
She'll have some fancy new eyes, but she'll still be the same short, /fit/ woman that loves fire.

Calling it here, writing!

>>2633686
>She should undergo the procedure.

>>2633686
>>She should undergo the procedure.

>>2633686
>>Other: She should undergo the procedure. Youll still look at her the same way with new eyes. She can wear sunglasses the first days if she needs a little time.

>>2633707
Colored contacts or by that time hopefully Vahlen will have figured out how to reverse the procedure.

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“I think you should do it.” You say. “We need every advantage we can take, and Strike-1 needs their Rocketeer back in action. Besides, you can always wear sunglasses while you’re adjusting at first, I’m sure none of the squad will mind.”

“I wouldn't.” Burnout adds.

“Yeah… yeah! You’re right!” Naru says, nodding with noticeable vigor. She perks up at that, particularly the sunglasses bit. “I can be like Neo or something. That’d be pretty cool.”

Naru seems pretty set on your call and you feel both glad for enthusiasm. Hopefully, it’s the right choice. It’s out of your hands now, barring giving the OK to Vahlen. As you come to accept things something sticks out to you about the Rocketeer.

“You really action movies, don’t you.” You note to Naru.

“Action movies are my entire life. Honestly, I was a bit of a weirdo, instead of going out with friends and doing girly crap I was instead at home watching Predator, Die Hard, and Rambo. There was this video store near the military base in Okinawa where I grew up which collection was was basically just all dumb testosterone hot blooded American filled action flicks… it basically influenced me to join the JSDF to blow shit up.” Naru says sheepishly, chuckling a bit in embarrassment. “I really the aliens didn’t blow that place up. My parents hated that place.”

“Shit... then you must like Judge Dredd, right?” You say hopefully, finding a fellow movie aficionado from Naru.

“Pfft. That movie sucked! Robocop’s way better!” Naru laughs before freezing when she sees your look of disappointment “N-not that Judge Dredd was bad by itself uh-- it had it’s niche!”

“Yeah yeah…” You sigh shaking your head. Nobody will ever appreciate that cinematic masterpiece. It’s a shame. You are punched on the shoulder by Naru, which stings a bit.

“Hey uh, thanks again for listening to my bullshit. Both of you.” Naru says appreciatively. “Maybe having aliens snake eyes isn’t as bad as it sounds. Genetically modified supersoldiers are pretty cool. Though, I still would’ve looked badass with an eyepatch, right guys?”

“It would be interesting.” Burnout says, puffing a cigarette. Naru promptly throws a handful of gravel at him.

“Stop smoking!” Naru snaps, getting annoyed at Burnout.

“Most western action movie heroes loved to smoke.” Burnout calmly points out, this annoys Naru further.

“Don't bring them into this!”

Naru stands up to try and smack it out of Burnout’s mouth and the pair have a ‘scuffle’ of sorts. You sigh in relief, seeing that Naru is back to her old self. Problem solved. You take the opportunity to open the chest. The sweater is still there. Out of curiosity you reach down to touch it and note… how itchy it feels. Why the hell does Bradford love it so much?

“Say… how the hell are you going to give the sweater back anyways?” Naru asks.

>You’ll just give it back to Bradford directly. You’ll deal with the brunt of it.
>You’ll have the Commander know first. She’ll help smooth things out.
>Other.

>>2633860
>You’ll just give it back to Bradford directly. You’ll deal with the brunt of it.
Dancing around the problem isn't gonna help in the long run

>>2633860
>You’ll have the Commander know first. She’ll help smooth things out.

>>2633860
>>You’ll have the Commander know first. She’ll help smooth things out.
don't be afraid to ask for help. The entire point of having superiors is to get their advice. Hell, if she says giving it to him directly by ourselves is best, then sure, but at least check first. After all she knows him far better than we do. Don't do the stupid thing and just ignore all social options with more tact. Direct upfront approach is not always the best answer. The point is to help people cooperate and play nice, not just to take the blame and think mission is accomplished.

>>2633860
>Other.
Hang it someplace where it will be easily found without being found yourself, such as the messhall.

>>2633860
>You’ll have the Commander know first. She’ll help smooth things out.

>>2633860
>You’ll just give it back to Bradford directly. You’ll deal with the brunt of it.

>>2633860
>You’ll have the Commander know first. She’ll help smooth things out.

Calling it here, but just to give you a head's up I'll be busy for a bit before I can write. However, it will be the last post for the evening so if you guys want to call it in since if it's late you're more than welcome. Thanks for playing ahead of time!

>>2633860
>You’ll have the Commander know first. She’ll help smooth things out.

>>2633916
She gonna look cool as frick with modded eyes

how dead will dozer be if he now decides to wear the sweater instead of bringing it back

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“I’ll let the Commander know ahead of time. Make sure everything’s nice and smoothed out.” You explain to Naru.

“And the Commander’s going to be cool with everything?” Naru says with doubt.

“Hopefully.” You shrug.

“You are one brave motherfucker, that’s for sure.” Naru smirks. “Well, if you don’t see me anytime soon going forward it’s because I’ll be in a freaking tube. Fingers crossed I don’t come out as a literal snake or something.”

“That would not be good.” Burnout adds.

“Nope!”

With things settled, the three of you make your way back. For the moment you’ll leave the sweater here as you close the chest. You’ll have a word with the Commander and work things out from there. You idly also wonder if you’ll be making any other major life changing decisions for the rest of the squad. You doubt Naru and Rachel will be the only MELD modified soldiers in the squad. Hell, you might even be next the next person to be injected with the orange stuff. And that’s not even counting the possibilities of others having the Gift. The tide of the war is shifting, and it feels like you’re right in the center of it all.

No pressure, right?

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

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>...And with that I'm calling it here. More RnD based stuff will be going on when we pick things back up, so until next update...

Thanks for playing!

>>2633961
Thanks for running!

>>2633961
See you next time, Boss!

Can't wait until we start having to rescue Psi-Recruits.

Will there be a cute pair of Psionically Attuned Twins?

>>2633967
They'll be psionically attuned to a cute and evil pair of sectoid twins rather than to each other

>>2633961
thanks qm!

>>2633860
Damn, missed it. I was going to vote
>Other: Come to terms with the fact that the Karl Urban Dredd was a better adaption than Stallone's.

>>2634235
>Karl Urban Dredd
Im so going to watch that.

>>2634284
You should, it's great.

yeah, the 2012 dredd movie is awesome!

>>2633967
I’m praying for the Deluge missions.
Megaera, Alecto, Tisiphone, and Annette Durand.

>>2634655
What we'll get instead though will be Newfoundland.

>>2634868
What if Pixel combines them and we find 4 psionically gifted chryssalids when we go to Newfoundland?

>>2634978
Four cute, psionically attuned Chryssalid waifus, two of which are twins.

>>2634987
Perfect. Now I want to go to Newfoundland.

>>2634987
And thus X-Com was brought low not by plasma or psionics, but by monstergirl waifus.

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>>2635016
As was foretold.

>>2633961
I want to request materials for basic tests with psionic attunement. Yes, I am hoping to accidentally a templar blade, psionic focus, or singularity grenade. IC he's just seeing if he can make stuff do things, and going from there.

>>2641459
Since we forego Psionics for now ifo Gauss, that may have o wait a bit. Nothing stops us from testing our powers in a safe environment however. Can we try to read the Muton's mind or communicate with him telepathically ?

>>2641599
I meant for us to practice on scraps, fragments, and dust, waste products and small portions that won't be missed. Knowing what we can work with and on more easily would help, and the information gathered could be invaluable once the scientists start on psionics later, and also when we try to use it in combat. We could always ask to borrow the recycling bins or equivalent. The reason I think this isn't unreasonable is because in a machining shop there are SO many metal shavings, even n advanced one will likely have a few bits and bobs laying around that are waiting for reprocessing.

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You managed to speak to the Commander when she had a moment afterwards, informing her about the sweater situation. As you had promised, Naru’s name was not mentioned at all. The Commander was amused by this but and had chided you but she said she’ll take care of things herself with Bradford. It didn’t come without a cost as you now owe the Commander one whole ‘point’, which she expects to be paid sometime soon through ‘good behavior’. She’s taken to the point thing with a bit of noticeable enthusiasm, you have a feeling you may have wrought a major change in XCOM’s command structure now. Oops.

Well, with that issue dealt with and out of the way, you still have a variety of things you can and should do. The question is what to prioritize? There’s only so much time in the day after all! Loki’s handling squad relating things for the day, freeing you up to focus on other things. Four activities stick to mind.

Dr. Vahlen and her team have made noticeable progress on interrogating the Muton captive. She’s inviting squad leaders to observe it and the interrogation for their thoughts. Having a better understanding of the Mutons and their tactics would give you an edge with the aliens… and you did have something between that Muton. An understanding maybe? You’re not sure, but it could help. Not only that, you can use the opportunity to speak with Dr. Vahlen over Naru and the Gene Modding program as a whole, who knows maybe it might interest you enough into taking the plunge as well.

Meanwhile, Dr. Shen has reached out to you for assistance in testing XCOM’s next weapons tech. The Gauss weapons. That’s going to be productive and totally not a lot of fun as well. You’ve also heard from scuttlebutt around the base that Shen’s been struck with inspiration and progress on other XCOM Engineering projects has accelerated. You might be able to get an even further sneak peek into next line of weapons gear, it’s pretty exciting. It helps that you and Shen seem to get along pretty well too.

Next, there’s learning more about psionics and the gift. Just because it's been put on the backburner doesn't mean you can't try and move things along a bit. You’ve been at best lightly examining it in the evenings and have only just started asking around about other possible latent psions in the base. You haven’t made proper progress yet, but it continues to be in the back of your head. Or, always in your head? Terminology is still iffy for you. Details to fine tune later.

Finally, you can always spend more time with your squad. XCOM is a team effort after all, and while you do act like an idiot at times going gung-hu you’d be nothing without your team. Naru and Burnout have been seen to, but the others are still doing their own things and it doesn’t hurt to keep tabs on them.

What to do?

>Head to the Science Labs.
>Go to Engineering.
>Work on Psionics.
>Spend time with a Squadmate (Specify).
>Other

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>>2641823
>Work on Psionics.
This can only go well

>>2641823
>Head to the Science Labs.
The muton might be more forthcoming with us around. Also, check for psionics in the research division while we're there.

>>2641823
>>Go to Engineering.

>>2641823
>Work on Psionics.
We promised.

>>2641823
>Work on Psionics.
I really want to go to the Engineering too though. I hope we'll have time to do it later on.

>>2641823
>>Head to the Science Labs.

>>2641823
>Head to the Science Labs.

>>2641823
>Go to Engineering.

>>2641838
Unfortunately Xcom has no "Perils of the Warp" system.

>>2641823
>Go to the science labs.

>>2641823
>>Go to Engineering.

>>2641823
>Go to Engineering.

>>2641823
>It didn’t come without a cost as you now owe the Commander one whole ‘point’, which she expects to be paid sometime soon through ‘good behavior’
How hard can it be to earn "good behavior points"?
>>2641841
+1. Maybe we can use psionics to research that food problem?

>>2641823
>Work on Psionics.

>>2641823
>>Go to Engineering.
Vahlen asked for squad leaders, so we're not specifically needed. Shen however has asked for us personally. Psionics is unique to us for now, but we should help finish testing the Gauss weapon so we can carry through the suggestion we made, which was to focus on finishing Gauss before shifting attention to psionics.

>>2641823
>>Work on Psionics.

>>2641823
>Head to the Science Labs.

>>2641823
>Work on Psionics.

>>2641823
>Go to Engineering.

>>2641823
>Go to Engineering.

>>2641985
The muton thing will probably go far better with us there, it seems to respect us.
>Head to the Science Labs.

>>2642100
While it's a new gimmick, it's not as practical and crucial as getting the weapons done. Even psionics would be more useful since we're the only one that has it.

Honestly, while I voted for keeping the crit for the muton thing, the result was not what I wanted. Instead of a cool intimidation bonus vs all aliens, or some new research bonus, all that happened was some kind of 'muh honor' thing that didn't change the quality of the research results. I'm far more interested in killing aliens better, not getting along with them. Us testing weapons will accelerate that process and help everyone survive and win better by having properly tested new weapons to use.

In all seriousness, I think that Dozer trying to figure out a whole new branch of study by himself is going to be one of the best things to ever happen if we plan on doing Cold War tier Psychic Experiments.

>>2641823
>>Work on Psionics.

>>2642113
And if those chips are slave ships and we can figure out a way to shut them off in the field? Freeing a huge part of their armed forces seems likely to mess up their day, but for that we must also understand them. Lofty goals, but the muton could have more useful information as well for armour.

>>2642383
All we needed to do was to help her by calming it down to let her remove the chip. That was already done, and any further research on what to do with those chips is out of our expertise. Currently the subject is already ready to be interrogated by anyone, and we don't need to be there to offer any special help others can't. Instead our expert advice on weapons is something we're good at, and continuing to help Shen would help finish up the research so they can move on to psionics, something much more worthy of our time.

In the end we're not specifically needed nor asked for the interrogation, but we are specifically asked for weapon development, thus I'd rather choose the option we're more uniquely suited for than one than can be filled out by anyone, and that goes double if we choose to figure out psionics.

Calling it here!

>>2642482
psionics 7
science 6
engineering 7
I'm willing to change from science to engineering if you need a tie-breaker.

>>2642113
>and help everyone survive and win better
We succeeded gloriously last mission with the weapons we had. I do agree we should have more close range firepower next mission. and not take a very situationally useful sniper.

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Wait wow, I just recounted and it's a perfect tie of 7 votes with each of the three main choices if you count the +1 from >>2641927

With how close it is, I think I'll extend the vote by another hour or two, so if you guys want to switch votes or didn't get a chance to vote you are more than welcome! If you are switching votes please quote your old vote to make recounting easier on my end. Thanks!

>>2642566
Thanks for your initiative!

>>2641823
>Head to the Science Labs.

>>2641880
Changing my vote from Science Labs to:
>>Go to Engineering.

>>2641823
>Go to Engineering.

Calling it here, looks like we're going to Engineering!

>>2643037
I pray the boom stick is the good kind.

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You are conflicted, but eventually determine your time is best suited to helping out Engineering. On arrival, you can immediately tell the atmosphere within the department is charged up. You have no real idea what’s going on, but it looks like efficiency has increased and everyone’s working pretty hard since the last time you were here. That’s a good sign.

Since you’ve already been asked for by the Chief Engineer it doesn’t take long for to be redirected where Shen is. Arriving at a testing chamber you are given a pair of dark goggles and instructed to place them on before entering. You do so and step into the room to see Shen and some other engineers doing some sort of test involving that large military grade laser of theirs. It’s been upgraded this time with XCOM Beam Tech to pack a stronger punch as a continuous and familiar stream of red beam fire is used on… a vest of some kind. Interesting.

The beam is blinding without your goggles. It’s probably on it’s maximum setting as it impacts the vest but it does not pierce through to the ballistic gel on the other side. This continues for a few more moments before the test is successful and the giant laser is powered down, revealing a heavily scorched but still intact vest. You can’t help but let out a low whistle of appreciation, attracting the attention of the room.

“Ah, hello Dozer.” Shen greets, removing his goggles.

“Guess those rumors were right, you have been pretty inspired.” You say, removing your own goggles.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” Shen says humbly. “It was a team effort.”

The other engineers shake their heads in disagreement when Shen’s not looking. You suppress a chuckle.

“Whatever that is, that was way better than a ceramic plate.” You add, watching as technicians start setting up for another test.

“We’ve managed to get a breakthrough in Alien Alloy metallurgy, allowing us the ability to use the material further in more nuanced and complex ways. We’ve completed the Phalanx Armor project and it has given us the idea for the Nano-fiber Vest, which is what we just tested. A direct upgrade from Ceramic Plating.” Shen explains. “It’s lighter and will provide increased damage absorption and resistance.”

“Nice.” You say.

“Barring a few more tests, the ‘nanovest’ should be ready for production and a set of Phalanx Armor is already in construction and should be ready for use soon.” Shen says with satisfaction. “Since you’re here however, you’re probably more interested in testing Gauss Weapons. In fact, we’re setting up the test chamber for some test firings.”

You nod in agreement before pausing and looking back to the nanovest still in the process of being put away. Maybe you also could help in testing that? It wouldn’t be what Shen had in mind for you, but you consider yourself an expert in getting shot.

>Stay on course. You want test Gauss Weapons.
>Take a detour. Volunteer to test Nanovests.
>Other.

Sorry for the late post, E3 was distracting!

>>2643723
>>Stay on course. You want test Gauss Weapons.

>>2643723
>>Stay on course. You want test Gauss Weapons.

>>2643723
>>Take a detour. Volunteer to test Nanovests.

> Maybe you also could help in testing that?
wait, so can we do two testing today? one for armor, then one for gun? if we only have time to test one then gun obviously, but if opportunity allows it I want the armor to get test too if we can do both today.

>>2643723
>Take a detour. Volunteer to test Nanovests.

>>2643723
>Stay on course. You want test Gauss Weapons.

>>2643723
>Stay on course. You want test Gauss Weapons.
understandable

>>2643723
>>Take a detour. Volunteer to test Nanovests.

Whenever we get to it, should we wear the heaviest armour available, or go for Psi armour?

>>2643723
>Stay on course. You want test Gauss Weapons.

>>2643795

Psi. There's no question that wearing psi-armour + mind-shield is the way to go for the prime psi-specialist, which I think we are since we unlocked rift of all things, something that only The Volunteer should get. By having the highest Willpower possible, we would be nearly immune to enemy psionics, something to be weary of in end-game missions, and even more so now that we've accelerated the escalation schedule. Combined with potential support psionic abilities to protect allies against enemy psionics, psi-armour would be crucial for any potential psi-operative by directly improve those rare abilities.

>>2643723
>>Stay on course. You want test Gauss Weapons.

>>2642606
Every class is situational though... imo sniper is one of the best classes. But each to his own i guess

Gauss

>>2643903
You could go for the much stronger Psi-troopers from Xcom 2. Solace makes the mind-shield mostly obselete, plus mind control, null lance and void rift. Just need to learn how to build the amps.

>>2644013
Then there's the potential for stuff that wasn't in the games like a fuckhuge Psi-Amp that's mounted to the shoulder of a MEC.

>>2643998
>But each to his own i guess

Not in any way a matter of personal opinion. We saw both in Vegas and in the last mission that Peppermint was relegated to only her pistol indoors. And we are indoors A LOT. And then there's the fact that she needs to be stationary to use her sniper rifle well.

And even outdooors she needs perfect LOS and eyes on the target or she's useless.

C'mon, this is basic stuff.

>>2643723
>Stay on course. You want test Gauss Weapons.

>>2633065
>She needs to get her shit together. Naru’s right about herself, she's whining too much. She’s an XCOM soldier and she’s better than that.

>>2643723
>>Stay on course. You want test Gauss Weapons.
>>Take a detour. Volunteer to test Nanovests.
I want both

>>2644185
Little late there buddy

>>2644185
A- anon I think you missed the response window.

>>2643723
>Stay on course. You want test Gauss Weapons.
With the vest we would just roll triple-1s and spend the following year in medbay or one of Vahlen's tubes.

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>they voted engineering

>>2644413
While I would have liked to see if there was a viable way to free Ayys from being mind controlled so we could recruit them, time helping Papa Shen is always time well spent

>>2644413
We're just testing the guns a little, I'm sure it won't take the entire day.

>>2644427
Watch as it takes an entire day because there was an unfortunate side effect of the weapons causing a mindcontrol effect on the wielder because they are so fun to fire.

>>2644426
That sounds like something that Bradford would kill us for suggesting.

>>2644413
Psionics never ever. We are the only ones that can progress it yet we are going to help out Shen do what he was already doing.

>>2644580
Bradford can suck it
I hope his sweater got dirty.

Calling it here!

Testing the gauss weapons helps everyone.

Training psi stuff helps ourself and by extension the team.

Psi stuff is definitely on the table, but there’s more impactful things we can do to help com as a whole.

>>2644622
Psi isn't just for ourselves though. By figuring out Psi we accelerate development of psionics for humanity by finding out how to unlock psi in others, effectively fight back and protect the team vs enemy psionics, and even help figure out the overall strategic situation by gaining info from high-level psionic enemies for clues on why they're invading.

XCOM as a whole would benefit from figuring out this new perspective of life as we know it.

>>2644413
/qst/ - Quests
1.This board is for author-driven collaborative storytelling (i.e. "quests"). All threads posted here should be part of a new or ongoing quest.
2.The author controls the story of the quest. They can take suggestions from other posters, or not, at their sole discretion. If things don't go your way >don't complain!

>>2644647
I'll complain all I want.

>>2644669
I would've voted for Psionics if Shen hadn't asked for us to come and see him.

>>2644610
>Naru is found in bed the next morning, sans head.

>>2644835
>Dozer wakes up with a Chryssalid head next to him in his bunk.

>>2644647
You sound like an unbearable faggot.

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“Lead the way.” You say, nodding to Shen to get you where you need to be to test the Gauss Weapons.

You follow Shen as he enters the testing chamber that’s been reset. On the end where the Nanovest was placed is a pair of targets, a block of strange looking ballistic gel and interestingly… a cyberdisc wreckage, you bristle with wariness but can see it’s clearly destroyed and Shen doesn’t seem to be worried much about it of it coming to life. A pair of technicians carry out two weapons cases and set them out on a table. Shen opens both cases, revealing two different variants of an Assault Rifle. One variant looks more like a traditional rifle, with a tan paint job and a built red dot sight. The second variant looks more experimental in design with a white frame. Both look extremely deadly.

“This is a Magnetic and Mass Acceleration Assault Rifle, or MAG and MAC respectively.” Shen explains as you walk over to inspect the closest weapon, the tan MAC Rifle. “While each of the gauss weapon variants are distinct and favorable different situations, they are each a direct upgrade from our current beam weapon tech.”

“So… the Gauss weapons work by using magnets to propel projectiles?” You ask as you work the MAC rifle thoroughly through the motions with an expert eye. While high tech the weapon’s handling and ergonomics feel extremely solid and more importantly extremely intuitive to use. It’s a very pick up and shoot weapon. It’s heavier too, more so than beam or traditional ballistic weapons.

“That is essentially is correct.” Shen nods. “The MAC Gauss variant fire specialized flechette based rounds that work similar to shredder ammunition. These ‘Reaper Rounds’ as they’re called are exclusive to MAC weapons and are designed for use on organic targets. That ballistic gel we’ve set up has similar properties to Muton flesh, if you’d like to give it a try.”

You certainly want to and you walk over to give this gun a proper test. Hefting the weapon up you aim down the red dot sight and fire. There’s a loud and satisfying staccato as yellow tracers streak out and impact the ballistic gel, turning the ‘innards’ of the block into mulch. You we’re expecting bad recoil and in comparison to the near non-existent recoil of beam weapons it’s got a fair kick to it, but it’s not as bad as you had expected. It’s still going to take time to compensate however. A very solid weapon through and through, you wouldn’t want to get shot by it.

“You’ve outdone yourself, Shen.” You compliment.

“I appreciate it.” Shen says, pleased. “But my team has worked very hard on the MAG variant as well.”

You’ve already set down the MAC rifle and have switched to examining the white MAG rifle thoroughly.

(Part 1 / 2)

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“MAG weapons are essentially designed like a miniature railgun, using magnets as you said to propel an alloy round as as fast as possible to the target. Our current prototype of the MAG rifle is capable of firing rounds at around 5000 m/s average in a simulated environment. MAG weapons are the best at armor piercing and are extremely effective against robotic aliens such as the cyberdisc.” Shen explains, motioning to the wreckage.

This particular Gauss variant you note is much more… compact and much lighter than it’s MAC cousin. It’s not as light as a beam weapon, and it’s certainly much more complex in design but it’s not going to tire you out running around with it. It looks extremely different than a MAC rifle and not just with it’s white design.It looks very experimental and clearly cutting edge stuff. Taking a few shots at the cyberdisc wreck nets extremely satisfying results as it does penetrate the alien’s armor after a on target burst of red magnetic gauss rounds. Drones would likely melt under sustained fire by a MAG weapon as well if it can do this to a cyberdisc chassis. Less recoil too in comparison to the MAC AR.

“What do you think, Dozer?” Shen asks you. “As you could probably guess, my team has been divided on of both types of Gauss weaponry. Some are vouching to push for MAC weapons to be into production first, while others reason for MAG. We could release both at once for maximum flexibility, but it would of course take time. As a soldier, what do you think would be best in the battlefield?”

It’s a good question and it’s a lot more of an even choice than between laser and phaser. MAC’s shred organics and MAG is armor piercing essentially. What’s bigger threat to counter?

>MAC Weapons. Taking out the organic aliens is important.
>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.
>Take time to finish both variants. The flexibility will be invaluable even if it will take time.
>Other

>>2645287
>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.

>>2645287
>>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.

>>2645287
>>Take time to finish both variants. The flexibility will be invaluable even if it will take time.

>>2645287
>>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.
While both would be nice, the biggest threat the aliens can bring are their fliers an heavy mechs. Their organic troopers ranging from sectoids, thin man, and mutons are already countered by lasers and a good squad. But the machines? they can ambush far too easily by flight such as the cyberdiscs and seekers, and be too much of a threat when it comes to things like the Sectopods and later the bigger things. Also, eventually psionics can hard counter all organic other than the bugs, but machines are always going to be a threat. Thus it's not the direct and easy to neutralize organics that's the real threat, it's their machines that has too much mobility, stealth, and sheer firepower.

>>2645287
>>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.

>>2645287
>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.
We need better Anti-Armor weapons

>>2645287
>>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.
I'm thinking mainly of the Mutons and their damned power armor.

>>2645287
>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.
Robots and heavily armoured organics are both countered, and it seems lighter in the hands.

>>2645287
>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.
Lighter weapons are always better, and going forward heavily armored targets are going to become more and more common.

>>2645287
>Take time to finish both variants. The flexibility will be invaluable even if it will take time.

>>2644133
Buildings have openings.

>>2645287
>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.

>>2645287
>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.

>>2644133
"It seemed to be the case twice, so it must be universal"? Naw. also, her being limited to pistol wasnt a necessity, it was our choice to be safe. When i play, my snipers usually shine brightly

>>2645287
>MAG's
>>2646067
Yes, when you play. This isn't the game, it's got some more realism in it, as such the long range rifles Pepper favours are no good in close quarters. Unless we can convince her to swap to a DMR then she'll have to use her pistol indoors because, as a Squad Sight sniper, the constant re-positioning will mean she'll be useless for combat.

>>2645276
>pic
XCOM really is the most special of Earth's special forces

>>2645287
>MAG Weapons. Robotics aliens are a major threat that should be countered first.
Mutons wear armor so MAG will make it easier to harm them as well.

>>2646072
But it lends itself to the game's mechanics no? I do believe Pixel wants the sniper class to be usable in this quest as well

>>2646162
It is, how many times has Pepper been useful in a wide open area?

>>2646162
Then by all means take Peppermint on all missions but dont push the blame solely on "a bad decision" when something goes wrong bc we don't have enough firepower to avert it.

>>2646163
It is what?
I dont think it's fair to assume that a very few very closed cases determine the general state of affairs, i think snipers could be very useful, depending on how they are used..

>>2646186
Well i dont really like to blame ppl when stuff goes south, so that'll be easy.. and on the contrary i think sniper adds some of the strongest firepower, especially when coupled with a heavy for suppression

>>2646212
It is usable, in its niche. I was agreeing with you.
Its niche is very much not indoors.

>>2646163
But I will admit that distance may be s problem. In the game i can usually have an assault run and gun back to my sniper when they get sudden aggro. In the game we also have the luxury of knowing when a seeker is present, it seems that is not the case here, which makes her Lone Wolf perk very weak..

>>2646214
Ah, right

>>2646217
>In the game we also have the luxury of knowing when a seeker is present, it seems that is not the case here, which makes her Lone Wolf perk very weak..
Isn't there a gene mod that counters Seekers, Bioelectric Skin?
>>2646067
Going by your game logic, she doesn't have the snapshot perk for shooting sniper rifles while moving.

>>2646212
>especially when coupled with a heavy for suppression
I agree, Sadly we are currently lacking a heavy, unless Rachel takes the heaviest armed MEC.

>>2646339
Zhang's a heavy

>>2646355
4 you

Calling it here!

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So what are the odds of the base having a special room with a Simulated Beach for a Beach Episode?

>>2646757
50%
The other 50% says the newly excavated cave will be turned into a beach resort

>>2646761
>Commander we found another potential Geothermal site, wat do?
>Well it's not like we need more Geothermal Power-plants. Oh, I know, why don't we make an underground hotspring for off duty soldiers?
>You're the best commander ever.

>>2646767
Fund it.

>>2646761
Dozer just has to be the guy on the grill.

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“I would say to push for MAG weapons first. The real threat so far has been the mechanical aliens, and I highly doubt they’re just going to stop at just throwing Cyberdiscs at us. Taking heavily armored targets out is already a major priority and MAG weapons will help us out immensely.” You say, still holding onto the white gauss rifle, taking the extra moment to look over the weapon again. Nodding in approval one last time to the weapon, you gently set it down back into it’s weapon case.

“That makes sense.” Shen says, adjusting his glasses. “I doubt the Commander will disagree. If things work out successfully, the first batch of MAG weapons will be ready for use soon… as soon as we solve the overheating issue.”

“Oh right, I was just about to ask about that.” You say, recalling how embarrassed Vahlen was the other night. It was not the face you’d expect to have seen from her. “Could you explain further?”

“With initial testing of Gaussian tech, we were quick to come into an issue with air resistance. We could push muzzle velocity higher but with the risk of explosively igniting the air behind the projectile and destroying the weapon system at the same time… very likely killing the soldier firing the weapon. Ironically, the biggest limit to Gaussian tech is our very own atmosphere.” Shen frowns.

“That’s not good.” Not at all.

“We’ve managed to bring down the muzzle velocity of the Gauss weapons to a moderate level. There’s still the constant risk of overheating through continuous firing but it should remain manageable. We could drop the muzzle velocity further for safer handling for its user at the cost of bullet penetration and damage or conversely we could push it to the limit for high risk to the user but maximum damage.” Shen explains. “Dr. Vahlen has members on her team working on a cooling system for the weapons, but the problem isn’t going to go away any time soon. What do you think?”

Hm. You look down at the gauss rifle in your hands with more respect, imagining how unfortunate it would be if you were to just explode from shooting the weapon. However, the faster that XCOM can be up to par with plasma the better, even if it’s risky. It’s another good question.

>Safer. It would be less damage output but you’d feel better knowing your gun won’t blow up in your hands.
>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.
>Risky. Go big or go home, the faster you kill the aliens before they can react the better.
>Other.

>>2646878
>>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.

>>2646878
>>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.

>>2646878
>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.
What's the worst thing that can happen besides getting killed or MEC'd?

>>2646878
>We have a whole plasma gun frm the captured Muton. While the operatin principlegs are diferent, it might perhaps have some kind of cooling mechanism which might be what we need here.Perhaps we could reverse enginee it?

If that is impossible, I don´t believe we are going to really use full auto with the lighter models, so I would reccomend a moderate approach for them, so we can use semiauto and three round burst, while keeping it safe for high rate of fire weapons like machne guns.

>>2646878
>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.
Chemical propellant weapons sometimes have overheating issues as is. Moderate should be manageable by us.

>>2646757
>>2646761

It'd be one way to see everyone in swimsuits.
Not sure if Rachel's limbs would react well to sand though.

>>2646878
>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.

>>2646878
>>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.

>>2646878
>>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.

>>2646878
>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.

and
>>2646892
this


>>2646907
She just need t2 limbs and she's fine.

>>2646878
>>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.
reducing firepower further makes it less of an upgrade, and firing discipline should be something X-COM soldiers know by default.

>>2646878
>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.

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>>2646878
>>Other
>>Risky and change trooper field clothing to this:

>>2646878
>>2646892
odd thought, could the ammunition soak the heat with a heat sink material at the back of the projectile?

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>>2646907
>>2646915

>R&D makes even more aesthetically appealing cyberlimbs to display at the simulated beach.

>>2647016
Not really. Air friction is still going to heat the air near the path of travel.
Maybe a toggle switch for how much power to put into a shot, flip a switch and now you're sitting at 50% charge,

>>2647044
Shooting, I meant shooting.

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>>2646878
>>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.

Well there's two ways you could solve this problem, I'd wager. One is improving internal heatsinks and dispersion systems in the rifle, and the other is to produce disposable heatsinks--something like the "thermal clips" introduced in Mass Effect 2. The former allows you to improve efficiency at cost of bulk, while the latter allows for sustained fire but creates a new logistics problem.

>>2647044
What if the air flow was pulled through internalized air flow tunnels to soak the heat better/spin the projectile for maximum stability and accuracy?

>>2646878
>Question. Ask Shen about a more lateral solution. If the issue is the atmosphere, what if you got rid of the atmosphere? It's just an idea, but if you don't need oxygen to propel the projectile, could you create a partial vaccum in the chamber? That would reduce the issue, right?

>More realistically though, Moderate. Don't want soldiers dying to exploding guns, but we also don't want them dying to cyberdisks.

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>>2647016
>>2647103

That's overcomplicating it. The main problem is mitigating the heat buildup within the rifle system itself. A ramjet sort of system would be interesting but is really only feasible on a large-scale system--think Interceptor size: you could create a system that would feed off the air that the interceptor is slamming through and that could keep the system fed with constant cooling.

On a smaller scale, however, it would have to be an internal system to be viable--which brings up concepts of improving efficiency or creating a disposable/reusable thermal dispersion system to be added.

>>2647119

Interesting concept, but the projectiles would still be generating heat soon as the projectile leaves the barrel and starts hitting air. Maintaining that partial vacuum under field conditions might also be a problem.

>>2647044

Toggle switch isn't a bad addition--hell, it should be standard. Two settings should be available alongside a "safe" selection: higher power single shots and lower power sustained fire.

At this point it sounds less like creating a mag rifle and trying to recreate a 40k Lasgun.

>>2646878
Changing my vote to >>2647119 or suggesting the fire selector from >>2647130

>>2647130
I don't see an actual argument that would mean ramjet wouldn't work. Complicated? So is practical laser weaponry. Mass production of ammunition won't be impossible, which is the main problem which might come to mind. There are other solutions that people have brought up though, so if we just rattle them off, Shen could try each and determine the most practical and effective of them.

As awesome as some of these ideas are, they're more just trying to get around the limitations of the game. Realistically, I figure a special ammo type that we can only carry so much of would be the best solution for game balance purposes, if we for sure want the higher setting too.

>>2647295
That seems far more realistic. Maybe some kind of projectile with a frictionless surface to further minimize heat production, but so hard and expensive to make that we can only use 1-2 magazines of it per mission.

>>2647295
We ARE trying to do that, because we're rewarded for it with bonuses and better equipment. Because this isn't a video game we have the opportunity to aim higher than the source material would, or could, let us. If Pixel decides to reward us for thinking about this and giving out some good ideas, he's allowed to, because it's his quest. Besides, this could just be "hey, what flavour do you want when failure happens?"

>>2647179

Look at it this way: you're putting a high speed air compressor in the same general vicinity as the user's hands/arms. This is a disaster waiting to happen, even if you did shroud the entire gun in hazard tape. So while it's useless on the personal scale, for aircraft weaponry it becomes more feasible.

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>>2647593
Next thing you know we'll be putting a pair on our transports for self-defence purposes, and hopefully not get into the R&D cycle of trying to develop a gunship/CAS craft.

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>>2647608

> gunship/CAS craft

Would be nice to have something like that on-hand for some of the hairier UFO or abduction ops, though (and with us playing Long War, things *will* get hairy as we eventually pile on to Plasma weaponry). Or hell, this was something that came up during our first Terror mission--something with a lot more firepower, a long loitering time, and a definite force multiplier.

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>>2647593
I think we may be miscommunicating, you used the term ramjet, but I'm not sure that's accurate to what I want. pic related. yay MS Paint.

Calling it here! I'm impressed by how extensive you guys were, will read through everything and add stuff to the post!

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>>2647628
My main concerns with a CAS craft is how the hell it's going to get to the Area of Operations, and how long it can loiter because (I'm basing the craft off of the Skyrangers we already have because we're sure as hell not developing a brand new platform with all the other research projects going on) all of that extra armor, special equipment, and weapons are going to weigh it down in exchange for the passenger cabin.

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>>2647728

What I'm thinking that we can essentially do is take a spare Skyranger frame, bolt on some drop fuel tanks to improve fuel capacity, and fill up the passenger compartment with guns and ammo while up-armoring the entire frame. Now this is where things can get interesting: we can either have everything forward firing and controlled by a secondary gunner or two, or we can do the orbiting gunship role and tear out some side panels, stick a 105mm Howitzer and some Vulcan rotary cannons in the back, and have something that can chew up cover and ayys in confunction with our boys doing the good old fire and maneuver.

>>2647728
>>2647741

Another idea we could try out is MEC trooper pilots. Have a few custom gunner or pilot seats with MEC ports so the trooper can jack-in.

>>2646220
I dont think she has snap shot, otherwise she wouldnt have needed to use pistol. She prolly has sth else instead

>>2647790
it might be possible to simply add a plug to the back of our regular pilots' heads/necks. since we don't have wing flaps on our bodies and all.
also, on the topic of mect's why don't we have them hooked into the big suits through the limbs that are normal sized + plug with shutoff. that way they can emergency eject if it's too busted to continue. maybe I'm just being too optimistic or whatever, but still.

>>2647648
Projectiles moving at supersonic speeds create a bow wave from all of the air they slam into and compress. That wave forces much of the air away from the projectile, creating a lower pressure pocket of cooler air around it. Your holes would do nothing.

>>2647870
thank you for this information, I'm not an engineer, so I don't know how to make the idea work. it's probably more practical to go with the other ideas though.

>>2647870
>friction
Heh, the holes would certainly do something. The air pathways would help it gain spin, and thus force even more surface friction than the original design. Given how a gauss rifle is meant to not spin due to high speed projectile negating the need of the spin compared to a normal rifled gun, and how minimal friction is optimal for minimal heat production, that would certainly reduce efficiency overall.

I don't get the heat sink thing either, since the projectile doesn't have problem of heat, it's the barrel that has the problem due to friction. Hell the projectile could move while slightly molten and there wouldn't be much of a problem, and adding a heatsink into the round would do little to reduce heat of the gun, and more likely reduce the speed of the projectile since it's mass has increased. The main concern is how to drain the heat from the gun faster, or better yet just reduce the source of the friction to reduce heat production to begin with.

>>2647900
the idea was to have something that liked to soak up the heat so the ammunition would carry it out with them, making the gun itself heat up less. like i said, i'm no engineer, i just thought i'd throw the idea out there.

Do ya'll think Vahlen haven't thought about your cooling ideas already? If she's still stumped, this means they didn't work.

>>2646878
>Moderate. Keeping it as is should be manageable for you and the other soldiers if a cool head is kept.

>>2647938
The different cooling stuff yeah, but it wouldn’t shock me if the idea for a power/fire selector totally slipped their minds.
That’s why Shen likes Dozer after all, he can think laterally.

>>2647938
Maybe making golden eyes and alien interrogations are more her specialty.

What if we give the MAG rifle and plenty of tools to the muton and hope it improves the design?

>>2648180
Yes, let's give a deadly weapon to a dangerous prisoner. What could go wrong?

>>2648180
>Hellboy_monkey_gun.jpg

>>2648184
Just hang the alien containment cell over a pool of acid so it can't run even if it breaks the glass.

>>2648200
>A huge open pool of acid in an underground facility.
It's like you want the base to be poisoned to hell and back.

>>2648184
Sans ammo ofc. At least suggest the idea to Vahlen.

>>2647938
no one's perfect, it's best to bring anything that comes to mind up. fresh eyes on a problem and all. hell, even my idea might have merit with someone who knows what they're doing actually designing the ammunition.

>>2647043
>>2646915

It would be nice for non-combat MEC limbs to advance as our standard tech progresses.

>Tech Tier 1: metal limbs
>Tech Tier 2: limbs made from spare synthetic fiber muscles that is used in combat musclesuits/power armor
>Tech Tier 3: synthetic muscle fiber with protective plates

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“I would definitely say keeping the weapon set at the moderate level is best, but would there be a way to modify the weapon so we can get the best of all three worlds?” You ask.

Shen raises an eyebrow, and motions for you to continue. Which you do. What follows is you completely going into gun nut mode with gusto, spitballing a variety of ideas to help mitigate the heating issue with Shen. Some of your suggestions are initially shot down as having already been tried out, but that doesn’t stop you from throwing around idiots. After a while, two options stand out.
One of the first things wholly not considered among both Research and Engineering is a ‘select-fire’’ mode, similar to what most conventional ballistic weapons have. A way to manually change the weapon’s heat safeties for different levels of weapon muzzle velocity, allowing the soldier to decide for themselves what to best be used for the situation. From sustained fire in safer levels or highly damaging single shots against a single target. The risk factor would be kept in check by the soldier’s own conscious decision. Sure it would need to be emphasized to the rest of the troops of the inherent risks of being possibly blown up but every soldier in XCOM is a professional and should be able to handle that.

The next suggestion that you bring up that has merit is some specialized frictionless ammunition that could be used to increase penetration without overheating the weapon itself. When Shen explained that there was in fact a prototype ammunition that was discounted for its production and resource costs that would fit just the bill. You added that the troops would really love if they had even just a single magazine of the special ammo per mission. An effective ‘oh shit’ option to really ensure a high threat target is neutralized would more than make up for the costs in your opinion and likely the soldiers as well.

Both options are feasible for Shen and his team to add to the Gauss weapons before giving them out to the troops. With the fire selector being a rather straightforward addition and the latter special ammo already done. ‘Reaper Rounds’ were apparently the in-house nickname for the ammunition and if they can come close to earning that name in a proper firefight, the troops are going to love it.

(Part 1 / 2)

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Your enthusiasm at letting your inner gun nut continues rampantly as you discuss other things, such the possibility of CAS Skyranger variants to help in firefights or different prosthetics for MEC troopers. When Shen starts to chuckle, you realize you may be overstepping your boundaries. Dammit. You really get too into it sometimes. It’s just like when you get mad.

“Sorry, I don’t want to sound like I’m doing your job for you or anything like that. I’m just a big dumb soldier.” You say apologetically, however, Shen continues to be amused.

“It’s fine. Your suggestions are interesting to listen to. In fact, you were starting to remind me of my daughter at points, believe it or not.” Shen muses.

“Sir?” You pause, a bit thrown off.

“She’s a rather eager and budding Engineer herself. Once you get her started on a topic she’s extremely passionate about it and well, that’s it. The rest of the day would be spent going through things in great detail. You wouldn’t want to get her started on robotics.” Shen chuckles again. “I think you and Lily would get along rather well.”

“I’m surprised I haven’t seen Lily working in the department already.” You say, imagining what Lily Shen looks like. “She sounds like she’s just as much of a genius as her dad.”

“Oh she certainly wants too, but she needs to finish high school first.” Shen shakes his head.

Ah. Definitely still a genius then.

“But… well. With alien activity increasing and the likelihood of further Terror Missions appearing across the world… a part of me wants to bring Lily into XCOM, to keep her safe.” Shen sighs, looking wistful. The worried look of a parent reflected in his eyes. “But would XCOM HQ even be a safe place? The base looked like it was nearly assaulted during Gangplank, even if it was likely just a coincidence as the aliens still don’t seem to know where we are. All it would take is a slip in security however and…”

Shen trails off, conflicted over the safety of his daughter. You may not be the right person to give advice but, hell, you like the old man and if he’s just opened up to you a bit like this he might enjoy your company back as well. Would Lily be safe here in XCOM HQ?

>Lily should be sent to XCOM. She’d be safer and be with her father, plus, she sounds like she could give XCOM more an edge in the tech war.
>It’s better Lily isn’t here. It’s unlikely the aliens would attack wherever she lives and who knows if the aliens attack the base.
>Other.

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>>2649637
>...And with that I'm going to stop updating here. Archive on this thread will be going up and this vote is going to be carried over to the next thread for tomorrow. So make sure to vote! Until next thread...

Thanks for playing!

>>2649637
>Lily should be sent to XCOM. She’d be safer and be with her father, plus, she sounds like she could give XCOM more an edge in the tech war.

>>2649637
>>Lily should be sent to XCOM. She’d be safer and be with her father, plus, she sounds like she could give XCOM more an edge in the tech war.
On the one hand, in a typical war military bases are bigger targets and more at risk to be attacked. On the other, this is a war where the aliens don't care about where human bases are to begin with, so leaving her outside would actually be more risky since there is always the chance of a terror mission happening in civilian areas. Thus, the safest place to be is right here in X-COM, where the best defenses against the aliens are already present. The extra help to tech support/research would also be appreciated.

>>2649637
>Lily should be sent to XCOM. She’d be safer and be with her father, plus, she sounds like she could give XCOM more an edge in the tech war.

>>2649637
>Lily should be sent to XCOM. She’d be safer and be with her father, plus, she sounds like she could give XCOM more an edge in the tech war.
I'd argue that XCOM's main base is the safest place on Earth right now.

>>2649637
>>Lily should be sent to XCOM. She’d be safer and be with her father, plus, she sounds like she could give XCOM more an edge in the tech war.


>Normally I'd say not on a military base, but she's going to be a target no matter where she goes, because the aliens do not make soft or hard target distinctions.

>>2649637
>>Lily should be sent to XCOM. She’d be safer and be with her father, plus, she sounds like she could give XCOM more an edge in the tech war.
It is better to keep her close where she can be safe X-Com is no pushover the last time the aliens tried taking out one of our bases we took one of their battleships.

>>2649637
>>Other.
>>Lily should be sent to XCOM. A panic room can always be built where the civilians hide out until the aliens are mopped up.

>>2649637
>Lily should be sent to XCOM. She’d be safer and be with her father, plus, she sounds like she could give XCOM more an edge in the tech war.

>>2649637
>It’s better Lily isn’t here. It’s unlikely the aliens would attack wherever she lives and who knows if the aliens attack the base.
The Earth is huge. The probablility of any particular place being attacked, especially if it's not in a large city, is tiny. The base, however, is a priority target for the aliens for sure.

Im sorta conflicted since we dont really know to what extend civilians are in mortal danger. Are 50 % of humans dead at the end if xcom? Less than 1 %? I really have no idea.

Anyway
>send her to xcom
More characters means more possibilities. Besides, might be cool if there is a base assault mission where we can do a thing to save his daughter.

Also, he may get more motivated to be efficient with not only his life on the line, but his child's as well.

>>2649637
>>Lily should be sent to XCOM. She’d be safer and be with her father, plus, she sounds like she could give XCOM more an edge in the tech war.

Lily's probably in her mid-late twenties by the time XCOM 2 rolls around I'd wager, so she's probably really just a child here. That being said, she has quite the technical aptitude, and we could use whatever edge we can here.

We can only hope she doesn't get caught up in the Base Defense, whenever that happens

>>2650770
I mean, Shen is meant to be british in the first game, so that'd put Lily in secondary school, which means she's currently somewhere between 11 and 16 years old

>>2650853
Although that would place her at her early 30s for the second game, considering its set 20 years after the first one

>>2649637
>Lily should be here.

>>2650770
>We can only hope she doesn't get caught up in the Base Defense, whenever that happens
We can mitigate that. Build a panic room, assign Rook to her as a boduguard once he's stable again, these kind of things.

>>2650875
Remember to make a nice wide ventilation duct go to the panic room. We don't want Lily to suffocate, do we?

>>2649637
>>Lily should be sent to XCOM. She’d be safer and be with her father, plus, she sounds like she could give XCOM more an edge in the tech war.

New thread soon!

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>>2652324

New thread is up!