>>3016070
>>3016070
[2/3]

“I- I can make it work,” he says. “I got it sorted. I can- I can get off planet. And I can get my sister off too. We can settle down some place remote. Hell, if you want, I can take you with me. Wouldn’t you-“

“I signed up for this,” you say. He pauses, as if not comprehending why anyone would do that. “You can’t bribe me. And I sure as hell won’t be intimidated either by a man that doesn’t have a gun. So either you get back inside and get under your bunk and wash this out of your brain…” You raise your rifle at him, square at his head. “Or I spill your brain all over the grass.”

Atten freezes, shaking a little in his knees and in his hands. “I didn’t sign up for anything. The Dominion told me to go, or they’d jail me. I did everything in my power to get out of getting drafted. Please.”

“Hey!” You hear the Sergeant on watch coming up from behind you. “What’s going on over there!?” Atten looks at you, pleading with his eyes to let him go. You exhale, lowering your rifle slightly. “Private, what in the hell’s going on!?” Once he sees your rifle go down, he immediately turns and bolts.

You raise your rifle and-

…

…

Ah shit. You fell asleep.

Wait. You fell asleep. You blink your eyes open and see the faint rays of morning light in the leaves above. Graves sleeps peacefully, her head on your muddy chest and her hands around you while you keep your carbine close. Well. Seems that Baryonyx didn’t come to kill you in the night then. That’s good. Perfectly good. You look around and see the roots. Tiny little insects march around in the moss, skittering about.

Then they scatter as someone pokes their head in. Tierney. “I found them!” she says. She looks back. “Hey, I found them!” She looks back inside and grins. “You two are alive, thank heavens!”

Graves opens her eyes, smacking her lips of drool. Wait. You look down. Augh, she drooled on you. She tips her helmet up and yawns. “Oh. Frak. We’re still down here?” Yes. Unfortunately. She raises her arms, stretching herself and hearing some bones pop in place. “Agh! I had the loveliest dream, you know?”

Burke steps up into view, her hands on her DMR. “Did it involve getting gangraped by Lizards?” She offers her hand. Graves rolls her eyes, then takes Burke’s hand. Burke pulls her out of the roots, then she offers the same to you. You take it and get up, feeling your stiff body start loosening up from the motion. Burke looks at you, squinting. “Just so you know. I only came back for you. I was really hoping Graves here would live up to her name if you catch my meaning, boo.”

“Oh, ha, ha.” Graves places her hands on her hips, looking around. You see Nielson and Godwin checking out the Land Rover. “What, did you drag Tierney and these two along too?”

Burke nods to Tierney. “Her idea.” You look at Tierney.

>>3016073
[3/3]

“I-…” Tierney shrugs, swaying a little as she stands nervously. “You were gone for a while. And we knew where you were so…” A light blush hangs on her cheeks as she smiles. “I didn’t think it was right to leave you out there. You know what they say. No one gets left behind, right?”

You smile back. It actually takes some balls to go back for someone presumed missing way past their due date. “Thanks.” Tierney beams, gripping her rifle tightly as she bounces on her feet. You can’t linger on Tierney though. Right now, you have to assess the situation. “So, what’s the plan? Is Lieutenant Harrell back at camp?”

Burke nods. “He wants to move out. But he’s not going to move out without us.”

“There was a Baryonyx here,” says Graves. “Last night.” Burke tilts her head, quizzical. “You guys didn’t run into it, did you?”

“No. And even if we did, Baryonyx doesn’t mean us any harm. They’re fish-eaters, like bears,” Burke explains. “If you don’t pay it any mind and give it some space, they’ll ignore you. You know. Like –actual wildlife is supposed to do-.”

Graves snorts. “Well, excuse me for not being completely up to date on my xenobiology lessons, Squanto.”

> Pick up what equipment you’ve recovered and head back to camp.
> Assess the Land Rover. Ask Nielson if anything can be salvaged.
> “While you’re here, Burke. We should probably talk.”
> Other

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The next update shall come tomorrow when I get home from work around 6PM EST. Go ahead and leave your votes in.

For those of you joining us, welcome to No One Gets Left Behind. The story so far is that the MC and company are now in a swamp full of man eating dinosaurs and they must survive until help arrives. The main objective so far for the crew at large is to get to Hill 47 and rally with Sergeant Cope.

You can find the archives here: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=No+One+Gets+Left+Behind

>>3016079
>> Assess the Land Rover. Ask Nielson if anything can be salvaged.

>>3016079
>Assess the Land Rover. Ask Nielson if anything can be salvaged

>>3016079
> Assess the Land Rover. Ask Nielson if anything can be salvaged.

>>3016079
> Assess the Land Rover. Ask Nielson if anything can be salvaged.

>>3016079
>> “While you’re here, Burke. We should probably talk.”

Update coming now. Stand by.

> Assess the Land Rover. Ask Nielson if anything can be salvaged.

You walk up to Nielson and Godwin. Nielson scratches at his head, clearly not happy with the loss of the front tire, not to mention the other damage as well. “You know.” Godwin rests his hand on the nozzle of the V-CAW, smiling at you. “This reminds me of that one time in basic, we were learning how to drive Land Rovers. Some jackass drove his Land Rover straight into a tree. Look almost exactly like this in fact. Except it was more crumpled, like a piece of paper.” What you were looking at was the Land Rover still on its side, with mud caked around the side dug into the ground. Nielson comes around and tries to turn on the engine from the inside. You hear a loud coughing and sputtering from the engine block, then a low hum.

“Can it run?” you ask.

Nielson steps back as the humming stops. “Nah. Engine’s too wet. Not to mention the beating it took from that Spino as well. Not to mention we lost a tire too. Not to mention the structural damage. Not to mention…” He sighs, rubbing at his nose. “This thing’s busted. I mean, I could probably try and grab what’s useful from the Land Rover. But…” He places his hands on his belt, looking at you. “Not much useful stuff left I’m afraid. And we don’t have the parts or the time to get this thing back in working order.”

“Say you wanted to get it back into working order,” you say. He looks at you, as if asking if you’re actually serious in wanting that done. “How long?”

“A couple of days,” he says. “With no parts.” Damn. Well, that’s understandable you suppose.

“Well, what can be salvaged?” you asked.

Nielson points to the bed in the back. “First off, we can grab those plates. Make a stretcher for Morrison.” That’s a nice idea, actually. You were wondering if you were going to use leaves and sticks instead but that’s a much more sound idea too. “The cable winch still works too. And we can carry it on our backs if need be. It’ll be like hauling telecomms wires except a little heavier. And the foglights too, we can grab those and use independently of the Land Rover. The Land Rover’s tool kit as well too that can be saved.”

Godwin snorts, grinning. “You wanna build a frakking wagon out of the remaining tires too, boy?”

Nielson pauses, almost offended, then he glances to the side and looks at you. Godwin stops grinning, then looks at you.

> “We’re not building a wagon. Go ahead and save what you can.”
> “… can we? If we can, I mean…”
> “That’s a lot of stuff to haul. Better to travel light, just scrap what you can and let’s go.”
> Other

>>3017847
> “… can we? If we can, I mean…”
We will regroup with the main squad bearing gifts.
Gifts of War.

>>3017847
>> “… can we? If we can, I mean…”
I mean if time is permitting It'll make our journey easier than it is now.

>>3017847
>“That’s a lot of stuff to haul. Better to travel light, just scrap what you can and let’s go.”

>>3017847
> “That’s a lot of stuff to haul. Better to travel light, just scrap what you can and let’s go.”
it's not like a winch would be useful without something to anchor it on anyway.

>>3017847
>> “We’re not building a wagon. Go ahead and save what you can.”
I don't see how we would move the wagon in a swamp. Winch can be used for traps, but toolkit is likely the most valuable.

>>3017847
>> “We’re not building a wagon. Go ahead and save what you can.”

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> A three-way tie.

I'll give it fifteen minutes for a tiebreaker. If we're still tied, I'll roll.

>>3018048
I change my vote to no wagon
In hindsight it's dumb :(

>>3018052
So sorry, anon. I know you also wanted to tame a cute little Saltasaurus to use as a beast of burden to pull a wagon.

> “We’re not building a wagon. Go ahead and save what you can.”

As tempting as the prospect is of building a wagon to carry your stuff and maybe even Morrison, it’s not incredibly practical here in the swamp where there’s lots of soft ground and plenty of obstacles. “Sorry, Nielson. No wagons today. Go ahead and save what you can.”

Godwin breathes a sigh of relief. “Phew. Thought you guys woulda had me pulling the girls around on a wagon like I’m a horse or something.”

“You thought right,” says Nielson. Godwin snickers at that, finding it funny enough. Nielson hands you the AMP rifle case, then hands the DAB off to Tierney. He picks up the cable winch and grabs Joffrey’s toolkit and starts cutting out some of the panels from the back of the Land Rover. Godwin meanwhile takes the foglights and the Land Rover’s toolkit. Everything else is rationed between everyone. Once Nielson takes the extra ten minutes to grab the plates, he declares, “Ready to go!”

“Alright. Let’s get rolling,” you say. You rub some sleep out of your eyes. Thank God, you’re finally moving again. Burke takes point once more, stepping past you while Tierney and Graves fall in behind. Not too far of a walk to the camp. Should be a dawdle.

…

…

You find Lieutenant Harrell and Joffrey discussing something over the map as you arrive. Stoakes sits next to Tombs as he wipes Morrison’s face of sweat. “So uh… Tombs.” Tombs grunts, acknowledging her but not taking his eyes off of Morrison. Stoakes bushes the ground with her finger, smiling at him. “What made you want to become a medic?”

Tombs says, “My Dad’s a doctor.”

“Oh, cool! So you’re- you’re like uh…” Stoakes snaps her fingers. “You’re going to inherit the family business then?”

“No.”

Stoakes stares at him, smile dropping somewhat. “Ah. Um.”

Graves steps past Stoakes then lays down the makeshift stretcher next to Morrison. She nods to Tombs then looks at Stoakes sternly. “Forget it, baby. Tombs has seen some shit. Not the time to flirt.”

“I- I wasn’t-“ Stoakes stops herself, before scooting away. “Sorry, I didn’t mean any offense.” Tombs and Graves help Morrison onto the stretcher, then again take his temperature and check his pulse while Stoakes watches.

You and Burke step up to Lieutenant Harrell. “We’ve salvaged what we can from the wreck,” you explain. “Unfortunately, the Land Rover is a total loss. As are most of our supplies. We managed to recover the DAB and Burke’s AMP Rifle though. So we at least have some form of defense against larger creatures if need be.”

[1/2]

>>3018093
[2/2]

“That’s good, that’s good.” Lieutenant Harrell holds the map out to you. “Now listen, Private. We get moving now, we can be at the Hill in no time. But, I have checked over the map. And done some scouting of my own.” He points to the Hill, and notes the small river directly below the Hill south of it. “There’s a river here. And down river here.” His finger unfortunately goes nearly a kilometer downwards to the west. “A smoke stack and some disturbed wildlife. We think there may be a crash site here. Could mean supplies.”

Burke blinks, apparently impressed. “How close did you get?” she asks.

“Not very. It was just me and Joffrey. And unfortunately there is a catch,” says Lieutenant Harrell. “We noticed some Raptors running around. Primitive ones.”

“The Deinonychus.” You sigh. Great. “Well… what are your orders?”

Lieutenant Harrell blinks, then grabs your shoulder. “Let’s talk for a second.” You walk with Lieutenant Harrell away from the group. Burke and Joffrey watch intently while Godwin and Nielson take inventory of the rest of the stuff. Horner and Bakker meanwhile play wrestle with each other, apparently trying to keep each other active. “Private. Um. I’ve had some time to think.”

“Oh?”

Lieutenant Harrell struggles, biting at his lip, but looking you dead in the eye. “I realize I’ve-… I’ve made some big mistakes. And the stress of command is quite harrowing. Your competence and your ability to work with these people has not gone unnoticed by me.” He then says something that really gets your attention. “I need a -Corporal.-” Your ears perk up at that. A promotion? “Someone I feel can lead. Corporal Joffrey is still technically my acting XO but you’d be in charge of whoever you need to be in charge of.”

“Well, sir I-“

He holds up a hand, firmly, stopping you. “On the condition that you understand who’s in charge.” He points to himself. “Understood?”

> “Respectfully, sir. I refuse.”
> “I accept.”
> Other

>>3018094
>> “I accept.”
I mean unless he kicks the bucket or we leave him to die we might as well.

>>3018094
> “Respectfully, sir. I refuse.”
>"I'd rather be an adviser instead"
I'm not too familiar with military jargon, but I think if we were given the power to voice our opinions without shaming Harrell, it would be a win win for everyone.

Also, let's have that talk with Joffrey.

>>3018094
> “I accept.”

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24 KB JPG

>>3018094
> “I accept.”

> “I accept.”

“I accept.” You’re not sure if you’re actually particularly worth of the rank, but you do have to admit this one fact: people do look up to you. They take your advice and suggestions. And most of all, they respect you. Unfortunately, Harrell doesn’t have any of that at the moment. But the fact that he’s willing to turn things around at least shows there may be helping him some. “But listen, sir. If I want to voice my opinions, I shall. Alright?”

“Alright.” He nods, folding his arms. “Just as long as you understand the chain of command.” Chain of command… Part of you doesn’t see a reason for it down here and part of you also feels the need to respect it. Lieutenant Harrell is still your superior, but he is not your equal. So far, he’s done nothing to actually earn your respect or your loyalty or done anything that shows he’s a particularly brilliant commander of men. But he is the ranking Officer so far.

And from the perspective of Corporal, you can at least make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid. You nod to him. Then he calls out to everyone. “Alright, men, gather around!” Everyone stops what they’re doing, then forms a school circle around you and Lieutenant Harrell. He places a hand on your shoulder. “Our new friend here is now a Corporal. You’ll be taking orders from him now when practicable.” Tierney and Nielson smile, looking to you. Burke doesn’t look particularly happy however, neither does Graves. Regardless, people say their congratulations quietly to you. Godwin, Stoakes, Horner, Bakker, and Joffrey, those five you’ll have to win over for now you suppose. “Now. We’re going to start our march to Hill 47. First thing’s first though. We have good intel that there may be a crash site due west down the river from Hill 47. Now, I want to investigate. But I don’t want to split us up or delay our advance. I will leave things in your hands, Corporal.”

Wait. He what. You look at him, then look at everyone else. They all look to you, expectant.

Uh.

Goddamn it, Lieutenant. He’s put you on the spot.

> “I believe you should direct us here, Lieutenant. Doesn’t matter to me what the plan is.”
> “We’ll head to the hill first and foremost.”
> “Let’s investigate the crash site. A kilometer’s journey won’t delay us too badly.”
> “We’ll split up, one team goes to the hill, one to the crash site.” (Elaborate who goes where and who goes with who.)
> Other

Go ahead and make your plans because I gotta sleep. Leave your votes in overnight and I shall be back again same time, around 6PM EST god willing. Hope you're enjoying yourselves and feel free to ask any questions and I will try to get to them when I can.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbI0cMyyw_M

>>3018333
> “Let’s investigate the crash site. A kilometer’s journey won’t delay us too badly.”
We need weapons and supplies. If anything, we can SCOUT it out and meet back with the main group at the hill.
What do you guys think?

>>3018343
Yeah this seems reasonable.

>>3018333
> “Let’s investigate the crash site. A kilometer’s journey won’t delay us too badly.”

>>3018333
> “Let’s investigate the crash site. A kilometer’s journey won’t delay us too badly.”
Don't split the party

>>3018333
> “Let’s investigate the crash site. A kilometer’s journey won’t delay us too badly.”

>>3018333
>> “Let’s investigate the crash site. A kilometer’s journey won’t delay us too badly.”

>Inb4 Morrison dies of his wounds cause we didn't get him to the hill in time

>>3018333
> “Let’s investigate the crash site. A kilometer’s journey won’t delay us too badly.”

>>3019339
Good point, we should use the medicine we found on him

Update coming. Stand by.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec0XKhAHR5I

> “Let’s investigate the crash site. A kilometer’s journey won’t delay us too badly.”

You sigh, then explain the plan. “We’ll investigate the crash site first. We’ll head up to that river then hook west towards it. A kilometer’s walk won’t delay us too badly. Just means a few more blisters I suppose.” You point to Burke. “Burke, you’ll take point. I’ll meander in between the column. We take Morrison with us on the stretcher, stick him in the center and keep him guarded. Everyone got that?” Everyone nods, agreeing. Joffrey does not look particularly happy, but he doesn’t voice it. Neither does Burke.

“Hey, Lieutenant!” Bakker grins. “Just so you know, there better be new Plasma Cannons for me and Horny here.”

“Yeah, otherwise we’ll have to charge ya,” Horner states with a smirk. “And seeing how y’ain’t got any cash on you right now.” She rubs her index finger and thumb together. “Better be thinking about how you gonna repay me for having me lose old Greta back there.”

“Horner, Bakker, please. Let’s not joke around,” Lieutenant Harrell says. The two of them snicker quietly to each other. “Right then. Let’s grab our things and get walking. I don’t want anything left behind, you hear?” Everyone disperses, moving to grab all useful items off of the ground to haul. The DAB is passed onto Joffrey while Burke hands her AMP Rifle case to Nielson. The C-Rations go in your satchel. You’ll pass them out as necessary. And as for the meds, Graves immediately administers Anti-Tox to Morrison.

“He doing alright?” you ask.

Tombs hefts up one end of the stretcher, Graves the other. Graves says, “For now, yes. Anti-Tox will take the edge off. But he’ll need bed rest, shade, and plenty of hydration to kick the infection.” Morrison groans, sweating profusely as the two medics carry him out. Your heart sinks on seeing him. You just have to try and push down the thought that it was your fault he’s wounded. Was it really? You don’t know. And you’d rather not have to ask that question again.

For now, it was time to get moving.

…

…

“You went to prison?”

Nielson walks with Godwin, in awe at him. Godwin smiles, one hand on his V-CAW, the other holding onto the strap holding the tank on his back. “Did two years. Would’ve been a life sentence but the Dominion said I could do ten years being conscripted or life. I chose conscription.” He whistles a little. “Bad idea in hindsight. At least in prison they give you three square meals a day, the occasional conjugal visit if you have a gal waiting for you, and free beds.” He shrugs. “Here. Eh. Not ideal.”

Tierney steps up, curious. “What were you in for?”

“Smuggling,” he says. “And murder.” Tierney blinks, scooting away slightly. “Relax. The guy deserved it. The other two guys, uh… Well, there’s a reason it was a life sentence so. You know. I guess you can judge me just a little bit.”

[1/2]

>>3019841
[2/2]

The column walks through the marshy grounds of the swamp. The presence and numerical size of your group should ward off more opportunistic predators. And hopefully the Deinonychus are keeping their distance too. You hope at least. You check the map. Shouldn’t be too long for the river now. Only about a couple of hours of walking at best really. “Nielson, you said you liked tractors?” asks Godwin.

“Tractors, yeah. But I’m a bit of a car guy in general,” Nielson states.

Godwin squints, then points to him. “What kind of cars, gimme the nitty gritty.”

“Well, we’re talking Yatsuhashi four wheel drive sport, that’s my dream car,” Nielson says quietly. “I mean-“

“Ooohhh!” Godwin grins, then slaps the kid on the shoulder. Nielson laughs a little, while Tierney continues keeping her distance from Godwin. “Finally, someone with some taste. Hey, Joff!” Joffrey looks back, walking next to Harrell. “Kid’s got good taste here! He actually likes cars that –touch the ground-!” Joffrey goes back to looking forward, clearly not intending to join in on the conversation. “Ah, he’s in a bad mood. Don’t worry about him.”

“I mean.” Stoakes steps up. “I’d be in a bad mood too if I had to work with Burke. You guys heard what happened last night, right?”

Tierney frowns. “I don’t think she actually-…” Tierney pauses, glancing away. “I mean, she doesn’t seem the type in my opinion at least.”

> Jog up to Burke. She’s ranging ahead a little bit.
> Walk next to Graves and Tombs as they carry Morrison. Check to make sure he’s okay.
> Get in back with Nielson, Godwin, Tierney, and Stoakes.
> Move in the front with Lieutenant Harrell, Joffrey, Horner, and Bakker.
> Other

>>3019846
>> Walk next to Graves and Tombs as they carry Morrison. Check to make sure he’s okay.

>>3019846
>> Walk next to Graves and Tombs as they carry Morrison. Check to make sure he’s okay.

>>3019846
>> Walk next to Graves and Tombs as they carry Morrison. Check to make sure he’s okay.

>>3019846
>Jog up to Burke. She’s ranging ahead a little bit.
Morrison will keep, he’s got two medics with him after all.

Seems like Burke is losing it a bit though, we need to straighten her out

>>3019959
Supporting.

>>3019846
>>3019959
I'll switch to this.

My previous vote
>>3019934

> Walk next to Graves and Tombs as they carry Morrison. Check to make sure he’s okay.
> Jog up to Burke. She’s ranging ahead a little bit.

You step up next to Graves and Tombs as they carry Morrison. Graves takes the lead while Tombs walks behind, the both of them holding the stretcher poles improvised from some sticks roped to a metal plate from the Land Rover. For a bit of comfort, leaves were placed underneath Morrison’s body to make sure the plate doesn’t cook him. “How is he?” you ask.

“Recovering,” Graves says, sweat beading down her face. The weight of a man who can’t move himself is not to be underestimated. “If we had more meds, it’ll help him recover faster.”

“How long do you think he’ll be before he can even say anything?” you ask.

“How the frak should I know?” asks Graves. Well. She is the medic. She should actually know. “Look, Corporal. Morrison’s going to be fine. But we have to make sure he’s kept safe and comfortable too. That means we can’t let him get stressed or let him overexert himself, otherwise his immune system is going to collapse like a house of cards in an earthquake.” That’s fair. She blinks, then tilts her head. “What. You think it’s your fault or something?”

“What?” You look at her, confused.

Graves quirks her brow, giving you a very concerned look. “You think it’s your fault that Morrison is like this. Right?” You remain silent. You’re still debating that internally yourself. “Look. I’m not like Burke, but she’s right. People do die for really stupid reasons. And people get injured for reasons we can’t fathom either. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to do something about it. We’re not savages, Corporal.”

“Right, right,” you say. “Look. If we find more meds at the crash site, make Morrison your top priority.”

“We’ll make sure not to OD him either,” says Graves. “Don’t tell me how to do my job, Corporal.”

…

You squint at her. “You’ve been calling me Corporal a lot. Is that-“

“What, would you prefer Daddy?” she asks, sneering at you. She wiggles her head at you, puckering her lips. “Sowwy, Daddy. I was being a bad girl by actually referring to you by your frakking rank.” Burke whistles to you, getting your attention. Seems she wants to show you something. You snort, brushing past her.

You move to the front of the column and walk with Burke. “What is it?” you ask.

>>3020084
[2/2]

She points ahead, a grim look on her face. “I smell water. But I also smell something weird.” You take a sniff and recoil a little. What the hell? She takes another sniff, then brushes at her nose. “That doesn’t smell like a corpse for sure. Maybe the Natives have some kind of territorial thing going on here.” It’s a reasonable assumption. The Lizards here seem to track and hunt differently than you do.

See, humans don’t have the sensitive noses that the Lizards seem to have. Rexes can hunt you for miles. Raptors can pick up scent trails similarly to dogs too. They’re almost like bloodhounds. Marking territory by scent actually makes perfect sense. Humans have to mark territory visually, smells don’t get across the same way they do with Lizards. With Lizards, they don’t have to mark territory visually, they can just shit somewhere and that gets the message across quite brilliantly. Burke grunts. “We should be careful up here. I got a bad feeling about this.”

You nod. Noted. Though. You do have to talk to her about something. “Listen, Burke. About last night.”

“Is that relevant to what we’re doing now?” she asks, clearly not interested in talking about it.

> “As your superior, yes.”
> “Burke, I want to make sure you’re 100% with the team, that’s all.”
> “Nevermind then.”
> Other

>>3020087
Also I'm dumb, apparently pure water doesn't actually smell like anything. That'll learn me to do the research first and the post second.

>>3020087
>> “Burke, I want to make sure you’re 100% with the team, that’s all.”

>>3020087
> “Burke, I want to make sure you’re 100% with the team, that’s all.”
Teammates usually don't leave each other for dead just because they have scraped up hands.

> “Burke, I want to make sure you’re 100% with the team, that’s all.”

“Burke, I just want to make sure you’re 100% with the team, that’s all.” Burke glances at you, then keeps looking forward. “You know, when I asked that you stop being so negative and help train Tierney, you agreed to that.”

Burke says, “Because it was a reasonable request.”

“And this isn’t?” you ask.

“I try to do my best to work with people, boo.” Burke crosses her arms, resting them on her DMR. “But, let’s just say I have a problem with authority. And for people who try to enforce said authority on me when they clearly have no idea how to use it.” Ah. You see what this is about.

You look back. Joffrey and Lieutenant Harrell are looking around the jungle, about a few meters back. You look back to Burke. “Joffrey’s just doing his job. We all are,” you say. “He’s a Corporal. He has to defend Lieutenant Harrell.”

“Does he?” asks Burke. She jabs your arm with her finger, a very stern glare on her face. “I know you’re competent.” She jabs you again. “I know you actually can deal with things down here. But Joffrey and Harrell back there are not like us. The only reason we made it out of there was pure dumb luck. If the Deinos hadn’t been distracted and just left, we would’ve been stuck in those trees until daylight. What then?” You remain silent. Burke does have quite the problem with authority it seems.

“Look.” You ignore that topic for now. It’s not relevant. What’s relevant is whether or not she leaves people behind to die. “All I ask is that if someone needs help. You help.” You point back. “They’ll be willing to help you. They expect you to help them when it comes down to it. Agreed?” Burke squints a little, hesitating. “Burke. It’s the decent thing to do.”

“… agreed,” she mutters. Well, best you’ll get probably. For now at least.

“I’m not asking you to agree as a Corporal,” you say. “But as a friend, as a fellow soldier.”

“I just told you, agreed,” she says, much more firmly and much more venomously. “Now can we please get a move on.” She starts stepping forward, much more faster. You sigh. Well, that’s probably the best you can do for now. Shame that such a competent and actually somewhat attractive woman has such baggage. This is partially why you didn’t want to accept this position. Now you’re responsible for her baggage, like some bellboy in a cheap hotel. No monetary tips here, just the comfort knowing that you’ll have to act as their personal therapist.

Great.

[1/2]

>>3020419
[2/2]

…

…

The smell that Burke picked up got stronger and stronger until you hit the river bank. The river wasn’t too deep nor was it too wide. Despite being in the middle of a swamp, this river didn’t look too shabby. The water was clear enough that you could barely see to the bottom, which meant the water barely reached above your waist at best. And the current didn’t seem too powerful either. All along the river is tall grass, with some reeds edging along the banks. Up river to the east you could see a Baryonyx wading into the water, swiping at some fish swimming up river while further up you could see a herd of Parasaurolophus drinking from the river.

Further into the trees, you could see the high necks of sauropods you can’t readily identify. The swamp shakes a little as they move about their day, feeding off of leaves in the high branches. And yet, they seem guarded, closed up together. In fact, so too did the Parasaurolophus. They weren’t marked with purple marks like the big Shantungosaurus. But there was something about their closed up formation that made you think.

At least until Burke pointed something out. Across the river were large stakes of wood, driven into the ground across the bank. Strips of grey leather were hung from these stakes, with yellow and brownish circles with X marks in the center splattered on them. And behind those stakes was a rise in the trees, and the bump in the terrain that was Hill 47.

What was most telling was that you didn’t see any wildlife on –that- side of the river.

Burke says, “I don’t think crossing this river is such a good idea. Do you?”

> Let curiosity get the better of you here. Scout out ahead across the river and see what the fuss is about.
> You’re here for the crash site for now. Best to leave this alone.
> Stay put and try and find out what those markings mean.
> Other

Taking a break to sleep for now. Will update in the morning, so go ahead and leave your votes in and decide if you want to brave the mysteries here or go down to the crash site. Either or. Or you could split up, gang.

Up to you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR8LFNUr3vw

> You’re here for the crash site for now. Best to leave this alone.
Let's not. These things clearly don't want us there, so we won't go there.

>>3020425
>> You’re here for the crash site for now. Best to leave this alone.

>>3020425
>> You’re here for the crash site for now. Best to leave this alone.

>>3020425
> You’re here for the crash site for now. Best to leave this alone.

>>3020425
>> You’re here for the crash site for now. Best to leave this alone.
it's like gang wars, but with dinosaurs

> You’re here for the crash site for now. Best to leave this alone.

“We’re here for the crash site. Not for whatever this is.” You have to admit though, Hill 47 is honestly your first and only plan for any kind of permanent base of operations here on the planet. If it turns out that Hill 47 is actually occupied by something so bad that even the Natives won’t deal with it, you’re pretty much up shit creek without a paddle. You can’t think about that now though. For all you know, maybe it’s to pen in some herbivores or sauropods or whatever.

Horner snorts, waving her hand in front of her face. “Smells horrific.”

“If we can smell it, just imagine what the Deinos smell,” says Burke. “Come on, I’ll take point.” The group all look at the stakes as Burke walks down river. A bit of unease starts falling down on everyone. Tierney especially. She looks down, chewing on the insides of her mouth nervously. Graves and Tombs start following Burke with Morrison on the stretcher. Slowly, the group starts moving to follow Burke.

You hope Sergeant Cope has a plan B.

…

…

You all look up at it.

…

“Well how the frak are we supposed to get up there!?” yells Godwin.

Nestled among the high trees was another Retrieval Boat, one that had a massive hole in the cockpit. At least that precludes survivors in there. But what was most striking was that the entangling branches and sturdy wood was actually keeping that thing aloft. And unfortunately, it was quite high off the ground. If you were just walking, you probably wouldn’t have noticed it in the trees. Only thing that could conceivably reach it with no trouble are either birds or those massive sauropods.

But the important part is that it looked pretty much intact. And if its intact, that means whatever is in the hold must have survived. Hopefully it won’t be like the other boats you’ve ran into. Maybe there’s even a survivor holed up in there too. However, you’re not particularly confident as to how you’re going to get anything down out of it.

Burke slings her DMR behind her shoulder, then says, “Looks we gotta climb.”

“Climb that?” you say. You point upwards, a little skeptical. “What happens if you fall out?”

“Well, if I fall out, hopefully I land on my head and it kills me,” she states quite bluntly.

Godwin gives his opinion. “You know, the fact that dying instantly of a fall is the most desirable thing right now kind of says something about our situation.”

[1/2]

>>3021209
[2/2]

Lieutenant Harrell rubs his forehead, grimacing. “Uh. Perhaps we could bring it down to us instead?” Burke looks back at him, not particularly believing he just said that. “We have the cable winch. We anchor it down here. And we just bring it down. How about that? That way no one has to climb.” Everyone except Joffrey visibly recoil at that idea. Nielson plants his face into his palm, shaking his head at it for sure while Burke simply stares at him as if he had just stepped on a baby’s face.

“I don’t think you realize how loud that’s going to be,” says Burke. Harrell frowns, clearly not amused by Burke’s skepticism. “If we take that thing to the ground, everything for kilometers is going to hear it.”

“Heh. It is at perfect biting height for those long necked ones,” says Bakker.

Burke snorts, ignoring everyone as she starts her climb. “Hey!” Lieutenant Harrell shouts to her. “Hey, get back here!” Too late, she’s beginning her climb, clearly not interested in talking.

> Burke has the right idea anyway. Better to climb up and scout it out first.
> “Nielson, hook and cable. I’ll go attach it to bring it down.”
> “Burke. Hold up. Let’s think about this first.”
> Other

I have a doctor's appointment in a little bit so I'll be gone for a couple of hours. Go ahead and leave votes in and I shall update once I get back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQDH_2IKaE4

Go ahead and discuss your plans for getting the supplies out of a tall tree, and who has the best butt or something.

>>3021211

> Burke has the right idea anyway. Better to climb up and scout it out first.

Yell back to the LT that we need to check for survivors before anything else. If no one is in there/we get whoever is in there out and there's heavy equipment that can't be easily carried down, then we can think about using the cable to bring them down.

>>3021219
sure, if there's anything that needs to be removed by force we bring em down and have

also Graves probably has best butt

>>3021211
>> Burke has the right idea anyway. Better to climb up and scout it out first.

Back. Writing update now.

>>3021211
> Burke has the right idea anyway. Better to climb up and scout it out first.

>>3021227
Best boobs, burke has best butt.

> Burke has the right idea anyway. Better to climb up and scout it out first.

“Sir. We need to check for survivors before anything else. There could be someone stuck up there.” Lieutenant Harrell doesn’t quite agree, but he’s not protesting either.

Harrell grunts, folding his arms. “Tombs, go up with them. If there are any survivors.” Much as you loathe the extra bodies on something so precariously perched on a tree, having a medic to assess people’s condition will be useful. You grab onto the bark and start pulling yourself up. Have to stay calm. And don’t look down. You don’t have a fear of heights but you do know that falling from great heights can and –will- hurt. A bit of phantom fear is going to scratch at you as you get higher. So just don’t look down.

If anything, just look up. You do so. And see nothing but Burke’s legs and ass as she climbs the tree.

Okay. Maybe just look straight at the tree.

Tombs climbs up behind you. After some exertion and what feels like a half hour of careful climbing, Burke makes it up first. She finds that the cargo ramp is opened up enough to allow one person to squeeze through at a time. Opening it farther might disturb the branches, so best not to tamper with that for now. “You see anything up there?” as you step onto a branch and hold onto the bark.

“It’s filled with bodies!” says Burke. Damn it. Alright then. You climb up, then squeeze through the cargo ramp.

Even though this is a retrieval boat and it can hold at least a couple of squads, there were only maybe eight people in here. Seems it must have fled early to get out before the AA got thick. And it didn’t get lucky. Burke pokes her head in from the hatch. “Pilots are dead too.” She drops down just as Tombs comes in. The only light coming into this boat is from the crack of the open cargo ramp and the hole from the cockpit.

But that was irrelevant. What was relevant were the bodies. They weren’t in their crash seats. Eight of them regular soldiers, two slumped against the wall, the rest on the floor. Next to them were their rifles and around them blood dripping from holes in their heads. Two girls, six guys, regular soldiers. What the hell happened? Burke steps over to you, careful not to slip on the blood. Tombs stares, clearly uncomfortable. He steps back, gnashing his teeth.

[1/2]

>>3021381
[2/2]

Burke says, “Suicide looks like. Seems they couldn’t get down or something trapped them from below. And they realized they couldn’t stay up here forever and couldn’t call for help.”

Your gut turns at the thought of it. You turn to Tombs. “C-… How recently?”

Tombs blinks, then shakily says, “J-… Judging by the blood and the look of the cauterization around the wounds from the plasma burns.” He points to them, his eyes refusing to look at any of them. “I’d say yesterday.”

Yesterday.

God damn it.

> Take their dogtags and hoist the bodies down. You can’t just leave them here.
> Loot the supplies and get to sending them down. You’ll have to leave the bodies here.
> “Well. Guess we can go with Lieutenant Harrell’s plan then.”
> Other

>>3021372
You may be on ton something. Runners do have the best asses

>>3021383
> Take their dogtags and hoist the bodies down. You can’t just leave them here.

>>3021381
>> Take their dogtags and hoist the bodies down. You can’t just leave them here.

>>3021383
>> Loot the supplies and get to sending them down. You’ll have to leave the bodies here.
Bodies might attract scavengers unless we bury all of them

>>3021383
> Loot the supplies and get to sending them down. You’ll have to leave the bodies here.
We don't have time to mess with the bodies.

>>3021383

> Take their dogtags, Loot the supplies and get to sending them down

Have to go again, be back in an hour or so.

>>3021383
>Loot the supplies and get to sending them down. You’ll have to leave the bodies here.
>take the dog tags, leave the bodies

>>3021383
>Take their dogtags and hoist the bodies down. You can’t just leave them here.
>> Loot the supplies and get to sending them down. You’ll have to leave the bodies here.

Back, gonna write update.

> Take their dogtags and hoist the bodies down. You can’t just leave them here.
> Loot the supplies and get to sending them down. You’ll have to leave the bodies here.

“Take the dogtags and hoist the bodies down. We’re not just going to leave them here.”

“And the supplies too?” asks Burke.

You nod. “Yeah.” Burke doesn’t seem too happy with that. “Burke, we can’t just leave these people here. Besides, we can use their armor. Most of us had to dump it in that swamp.” Burke shrugs, moving to go and loot the place. You sigh. Burke is testing your nerves but she does have a point. Leaving the bodies up here would save you a lot of time and energy. But part of you really can’t do it. Tombs moves to set the bodies up by the ramp, dragging them over.

One by one, you grab their dogtags.

> PFC. J. USTINOV – 215.837.12JU
> PFC. A. MATTHEWSON – 120.267.62AM
> PFC. Y. LEE – 633.311.32YL
> PFC. T. PULLER – 251.552.91TP
> PFC. E.WATERS – 206.122.11EW
> CPL. K. CARMACK – 124.632.21KC
> CPL. T. RAYMOND – 532.239.62TR
> SGT. P. TRIMBLE – 422.526.12PT

Burke takes an assessment of the supplies. After ten minutes of careful searching, here’s what you’ve found:

- 12 Type 40 Plasma Rifles in the 40 Watt Range
- 2 Type 40c Plasma carbines in the 40 Watt Range
- 16 Frag Grenades
- 2 Incendiary Grenades
- 4 C-Rations (the group must’ve blew through their C-Rations, probably further inspiring some hopelessness)
- 20 Power Packs
- 8 Sets of Type 3 Personal Body Armor
- 4 Bricks of plastic explosives
- 4 Entrenching tools
- 8 IFAKs containing 1 jar of Medigel, 2 shots of InstAid, 2 shots of Anti-Tox, 1 shot of Adren-O-Line, and rolls of gauze and 1 tourniquet each.
- 2 cans of liquid rope dispenser capable of dispensing 40 feet of rope.

All in all. Not a bad haul actually. The big problem is getting it all down. Burke fires off the liquid rope and starts tying out a makeshift bindle that can carry most of the stuff down. The IFAKs will be top priority, the weapons and the ammo can fit in if possible too. Tombs waves at everyone from inside the boat, signaling that you’ve found items. The bodies will come second to all the supplies you’ve found.

As Burke readies the first load, she looks at you. “You know. This isn’t a bad haul. Not bad at all.” She pauses as she pushes up to the ramp. Tombs forces the ramp down slightly to allow the bindle to go through. “But I am concerned about Hill 47. You saw those signs out front. Not exactly welcoming.”

> “One problem at a time, Burke. Let’s get this stuff down first.”
> “I am too. Let’s hope Sergeant Cope made it and let’s hope those signs just mean herbivores out to pasture.”
> “It’s probably nothing we can’t handle.”
> Other

>>3021772
>“It’s probably nothing we can’t handle.”

>>3021772
>> “One problem at a time, Burke. Let’s get this stuff down first.”

>>3021772
> “One problem at a time, Burke. Let’s get this stuff down first.”
Don't think about it don't think about it

>>3021772
> Other
Privately bring this up with the LT. so he doesn't order us into a death trap. Try and figure out where That SGT fella would a gone if he couldn't get to the hill 47 Hill 46 or 48?

>>3021772
>> “I am too. Let’s hope Sergeant Cope made it and let’s hope those signs just mean herbivores out to pasture.”

One way or another we need that orbital transmitter.

> “One problem at a time, Burke. Let’s get this stuff down first.”

“One problem at a time, Burke. Let’s get this stuff down first.” Way you see it, those stakes could be there for two reasons. One, it’s a private reserve for something. Or it’s signs that something dangerous lives there and to keep out. If something scares the Deinonychus or even the Lizards enough that they have to put up signs warning people to keep out, that can’t be good. At the same time though, where else are you going to go? Hill 47 is the only strategic location you know of for kilometers. Otherwise you’ll have to stay either on the river in the open next to a frequently used water source or in the woods where there’s lots of cover and lots of animals that know how to use it and most of your crew barely knows how.

Not a very win win situation.

Tombs says, “We should keep working. Then we can think about it.” Thank God he’s here. You would’ve started having a panic attack about it.

You grab the rope with Tombs. Burke gently guides the rope with her gloved hands as she lowers the bindle down. “Slowly now,” she says. The bindle carries the twelve Plasma Rifles, the powerpacks, the grenades, and the meds. That’s most of the heavy stuff. The next bindle will contain the C-Rations, the armor pieces, the explosives, and the entrenching tools. Then finally you’ll start working the bodies down one by one.

After a while, you see a tug on the rope. They’ve got the equipment. Burke starts pulling the bindle back up.

Then you feel something. A tremor? Another one. Burke looks back, feeling it too.

Feels way too fast to be a Rex. A Sauropod?

You look down and see the group waving their arms up to you. “Big long necked thing coming!” screams Tierney. Oh. Oh shit. “It’s almost here!”

Part of you just realized that those sauropods like to eat leaves from near exactly this height.

> Alright, you’ve overstayed your welcome. Get the hell out of the tree.
> Stay put and keep dropping equipment. Otherwise you might have to waste time climbing back up if it walks past.
> Other

>>3022098
> Alright, you’ve overstayed your welcome. Get the hell out of the tree.
If the thing falls because of the footsteps, we're done for.
Let's take our haul and move the fuck out.

>>3022098
>> Alright, you’ve overstayed your welcome. Get the hell out of the tree.
If the next bundle can survive being dropped just throw them off and get out. Leave the bodies behind.

>>3022130
Supporting
Let's just chuck everything else down. Seems like they're safe to drop.
Except for explosives.

>>3022098
> Alright, you’ve overstayed your welcome. Get the hell out of the tree.

>>3022098
Supporting this >>3022130
And take the dog tags as well.
The armor, rations, and E-tools should (hopefully) handle a drop just fine. The explosives too, if they're stable ones along the lines of stuff like C-4.

> Alright, you’ve overstayed your welcome. Get the hell out of the tree.

“Alright, get the last bit of stuff out, quick!” You, Burke, and Tombs quickly bundle the last bit of equipment into the bindle then wrap it all up. No time to send it down by rope. C-Rations, armor, explosives, and the entrenching tools. The bodies… You sigh. You’re going to have to leave the bodies. You got the dogtags at least. Burke quickly throws the bindle out.

“Watch out!” yells Godwin. You hear a loud thunk from the equipment landing on the ground. “Hey, watch it! Nobody ever tell you not to litter!?” Goddamn it, Godwin. You pull your gloves on, then look at Tombs. Tombs hesitates, looking at the bodies.

“Tombs,” you say. “We gotta go. Now!” Tombs looks at you, then back at the bodies. Please, Tombs. Don’t do this now. “Tombs!” you shout. He looks at you again, then ties the rope off on a crash seat. He grabs it with his gloved hands too. Thank God. You’ll have to apologize to Tombs later for this. And to the people you’re leaving behind. Burke steps out and lets go, abseiling down with only hands and the bark to slow the descent. You follow next, keeping your boots to the bark as you hop and skip down. Tombs follows behind, carefully, looking down to make sure he’s not crowding your space. The tree isn’t too high, but every second counts.

“Come on, come on!” Horner, Bakker, Nielson, Tierney, Graves, Joffrey, and Lieutenant Harrell move to grab what equipment is available while Godwin and Stoakes move Morrison out of the way. Judging from the shaking, it’s not just one. It’s several of those beasts coming. You look down and see Burke plant her feet on the ground. You let go and land on your feet and hands. Tierney helps you up then hurries you out of the way. Tombs lands next and goes to a dead sprint.

[1/2]

>>3022388
“Get out of the way!” screams Lieutenant Harrell. Bursting from the trees at a slow march were the massive sauropods. Their long necks let them brush up against the trees, leaves basically falling straight into their mouths as they crush and stomp everything in their paths. You barely came up to one of their legs. And unfortunately at this distance, they’ve trapped you. They’re not even stampeding and they’ve already closed in around you. There’s at least a dozen, maybe more in this group. One of them slams into the tree holding the Retrieval Boat up.

The Retrieval Boat falls out of the branches, splitting wood and timber as it falls to the ground. It stabs right into the terrain before crumpling from the impact. A Sauropod stomps straight over it, crushing it under its weight and its feet.

“Look out, look out!” Stoakes and Godwin dive to the side, carrying Morrison with them. Morrison shouts as he’s let down into the bush. Stoakes and Godwin drag him away out of the path.

Graves screams at everyone as the sauropods stomp all around you. “Watch out!” Their feet slam into the ground, shaking your vision and your world as you run along their legs. Tierney keeps close, holding onto your belt as she shuts her eyes while running. Goddamn it, where’s Harrell!? Where’s Joffrey!?

Burke shouts at you from behind. “Run to the side, you idiot!” She dives to the side and into a bush, out of the path of the sauropods.

> Run to the side, you idiot.
> Keep running with the sauropods. They’re probably heading for the river.
> Find a good place to stop and let the herd go around you.
> Other

>>3022394
>> Run to the side, you idiot.

>>3022394
> Run to the side, you idiot.

>>3022394
> Run to the side, you idiot.

Locked in. Roll 3d10s. Success is minimum 15. Give me three of them.

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>3022515

Rolled 4, 5, 4 = 13 (3d10)

>>3022515

File: 1401650764822.gif (387 KB, 463x332)

387 KB GIF

>>3022518
Uh. I mean 3d10, not 1d10. But I guess I'll count that THIRD CRIT IN A FUCKING ROW AS ANOTHER SUCCESS.

Rolled 4, 8, 10 = 22 (3d10)

>>3022515

>>3022527
We gonna ride a long neck now?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KiEILpcq80

>>3022527
Oops,my bad.

>>3022542
I just don't understand how any other dice roll outside of the 3d10s end up critting.

Also, one more 3d10

Rolled 4, 4, 4 = 12 (3d10)

>>3022527

>>3022549
Checked

> Run to the side, you idiot.

You grab Tierney’s arm and pull her to the side. A sauropod foot almost stomps you into paste. The trampling of their thundering feet almost crushes the two of you before you grab her narrowly pull her into a bush. The Sauropods continue past, storming through the woods as if you weren’t even there. You lie there, panting heavily. Tierney lies beneath you, her eyes shut and breathing and whimpering with fear. That was close. You sit up and look behind you. The herd’s already gone past. “Burke!”

Burke raises her DMR in the air, signaling she’s okay. Okay, good. She jogs on over to you then points ahead. “They’re headed northeast, towards the river.” That’s what you thought, good, good. You look back and see Stoakes and Godwin checking in on Morrison. He’s good. Great. Graves and Tombs come out as well. Then Lieutenant Harrell, Nielson, and Joffrey.

All that’s left is Horner and Bakker…

They pop out of the woods too, covered in gunk and mud, wet as can be. Horner grins. “We dived into a puddle! That was some fun, haha!” Great. Everyone’s okay.

“Any equipment get lost!?” Harrell calls out.

“No, no, we got it all,” says Stoakes. She grins, panting a little. “Nice to have some frakking food for once though, I’m starving.”

“We don’t have time for that,” says Joffrey. “We gotta get to Hill 47.”

“Joffrey, I’m not sure if you noticed those signs,” says Burke. Joffrey glares at her. He does not appreciate the backtalk it seems. “Something’s there.”

Lieutenant Harrell sighs, then points to you and Burke. “Well, you two are scouts. Go scout then. We’ll stay here by the river and wait for a report. Alright?”

> “Yes, sir.”
> “Sir, I’d advise a bit of caution. Maybe we should go as one group instead.”
> Other

>>3022742
>> “Yes, sir.”
That's our job

>>3022742
>> “Yes, sir.”
Going as one group would be a bad idea anyway.

>>3022742
> “Yes, sir.”
Its getting smarter, The Butter Bar may evolve into a candy bar!

>>3022742
>>“Yes, sir.”

> “Yes, sir.”

You sigh. “Yes, sir.” You nod to Burke. She whistles, and Nielson brings her the AMP rifle case. Burke nudges you, then allows you to take point. Benefits of being a Corporal.

“Right. Joffrey, distribute the rifles,” says Lieutenant Harrell. Joffrey pulls the rifles and starts handing them out to everyone. “I want even distribution of the ammo and grenades too.” You pick up two frag grenades and place them on your belt. You never know if you’ll need them. You start following the deep footsteps of the sauropods and head on out with Burke.

Once out of earshot, Burke huffs. “You’re scouts, so scout.”

“It is our job,” you say.

“Hmph.” Burke squints a little, grimacing. Probably the smell now. It’s not a long walk. And you encounter the big beasts once more. They’re craning their necks down to drink from the river, their long tongues scooping up water into their mouths. It’s almost like moving down a city block with these things along the river bank. Best not to panic them as you move. They might not even know you’re down here.

You move around then start wading through the water. Unlike the water further back in the swamp, this water is moving quite reasonably, the water here is fairly pure in fact. Could be good for drinking and washing. Hopefully if you can make a base out of Hill 47, a nice hot shower will be in order. You keep on moving through until you make it to the other river bank and past the stakes. Burke walks behind you, glancing around. The hill is a gentle rise up, unlike Devil’s Den. And it’s a fairly large hill as well too. You can see only one dead tree with no leaves up top as you walk up.

Part of you starts hesitating as you step. Hopefully there’s nothing there and this is simply to mark the end of territory for the Deinonychus.

The two of get low then go prone as you approach the edge of the hill. You make it up then take a look.

There are bones everywhere, and the ground appears to be well-worn and well-traveled with no grass. But what’s more important are the residents. Nestled among some large eggshells are four huge bird looking Lizards. Their heads seem oversized for their little bodies. But their long beaks seem suited to stabbing that small sauropod carcass they’re eating. They walk along the wings, and their feathery crests mark them out even more.

> QUETZALCOATLUS
> A massive Lizard bird native to Acheron. The Quetzalcoatlus is a rarely seen sight on Acheron, but the few that are around can control massive swathes of territory due to their high altitude flight ability and their high endurance. They prey primarily on dwarf sauropods and small Lizards.

> Because of their rarity, the Lizards seem to regard them as some kind of ill omen.

A Quetzalcoatlus nest on Hill 47. This just got worse somehow.

“Those are just the chicks,” she remarks. “I’d hate to see the parents.”

Okay, it’s not worse yet but…

> Go back and report.
> Clear out the chicks. They’re just animals.
> Other

>>3022742
> “Yes, sir.”

>>3022868
>> Go back and report.

>>3022868
>> Go back and report.
This stinks more and more of a trap.

>>3022868
>> Go back and report.

>>3022868
>> Go back and report.

> Go back and report.

“We better get back and report.” You slap Burke’s back. “Come on.” She nods, standing up with you. The two of you hurry to make your return across the river.

…

…

“A nest?” asks Lieutenant Harrell. “You’re sure?”

You nod. You’ve explained everything to him. It’s a nest of five chicks. And the parents nowhere in sight. The chicks themselves are the size of a person. You can’t imagine what the parents are like. Lieutenant Harrell sighs, rubbing his chin. “Well. We still have to take that hill.”

“Sir, what about the parents?” asks Burke.

“What about them?” he asks.

Joffrey says, “It’s them or us, Private. Hill 47 is our objective. Sergeant Cope is going to rally with us there and we’ll be alright.”

“How do we know Sergeant Cope is even coming?” asks Burke. “For all we know he probably ran into those giant birds and got shredded.” Lieutenant Harrell and Joffrey look at her with a very visible amount of contempt. “We kill the chicks, fine. But the parents are not going to like that when we come back. They’re going to wreak some havoc before we kill them. And that still doesn’t mention the natives either.”

“Look. I know there’s a lot of ‘ifs’ here. But the Hill is a strategic location. We need it more than some birds,” says Lieutenant Harrell. “We have the firepower. We have the numbers. We can take down a couple of oversized ducks. Now, Corporal.” He points to you. “Take a team. Clear the hill. I’ll stay here with Morrison, Joffrey, and Tombs.”

> “Sir. I’m not sure taking that hill is such a good idea at this time.”
> “Yes sir.” (Godwin, Nielson, Stoakes, Tierney, Burke, Horner, Bakker, and Graves are available.)
> Other

>>3023321

Exactly how large is Hill 47? Couldn't we just find a place nearby to entrench and keep a watch to see if/when we can spot Sergeant Cope arrives?

>>3023392
Hill 47 is about 500 meters across and is a pretty gentle rise with very few trees on it and tall grass all around it. That's an option if you'd like to make that your plan.

>>3023321
> Other
Sir, perhaps we should try and find Sergent Cope first, or storm the Hill with the full team.

>>3023321
>Other
Sir, if what you're implying is true you're sending us on a suicide mission. To send us on a death mission without you, our commanding officer to lead us will be a big drop in morale. Leave Joffrey and Tombs here with Morrison and come with us.

>>3023416
Are there even any defensible areas on it?

>>3023578
The very top of the hill is very slightly sunken in, where if you were to go prone you'd be invisible to anyone just below the crest of the hill. And aside from the tall grass around it, there aren't many natural defensive spots.

Seems the only thing defensive about is the fact that apparently Lizards who are not Quetzalcoatlus don't go near it.


Also, I'm going to take a break to sleep for the night. Go ahead and formulate your plans and I shall return in the morning. Hope you're enjoying yourselves and thanks for reading.

>>3023431
We need to find a way to contact him, something only a human would think of

>>3023609
Well we have little radios in our helmets. Or circle around.

>>3023609
Do we have flares? Maybe shoot a flare and leave a message than book it.

>>3023634
See if we can get him on the radio, and if we can't, then we circle the hill, if we dont see him, then we look for him and that fucking beacon

Would it be impractical to attach a scope to our carbine instead of a plasma rifle? What's the differences between Plasma Carbines, Rifles and DMRs here cause I kinda really want to keep this carbine it's been with us for a while and I've grown attached.

> Other

“Sir. Maybe it’s a good idea to wait for Sergeant Cope. Find a way to contact him first. For all we know, he could be running headlong into a nest of Quetzalcoatlus and we might not even know it.”

“He could also be dead,” Burke remarked.

“That too,” you say. “But I’d rather we have our loose ends be tied up. If we can try him on our short ranges.” You point to Nielson. “Nielson can fix them if any of them are broken, then we can call him out before he runs straight into the nest. And from there, we take things smoothly and try and figure out what we’re going to do.”

Lieutenant Harrell folds his arms, glancing at you and Burke. He then looks back at the group. Everyone is still muddy, dirty, sweaty, and most of all –tired-. Continuing a search for another location would likely kill someone from exhaustion, not to mention Morrison may not survive unless he’s allowed to rest somewhere for an extended period of time. “I want that hill taken, Corporal,” he says, looking to you. “But. You do raise a good point.” Burke rolls her eyes. “Fine, take Burke and uh…” He points to Nielson and Tierney. “Nielson and Tierney, those two. You take them and cover the east side. “Joffrey, take Stoakes, Horner, and Bakker. You’ll go around and cover the north end. Rest of us will stay here in cover and wait for the word to move in.”

You nod. “Sir.”

Harrell motions to Graves and Tombs. “Alright, you two. Get this man into some bushes or something! Godwin, come on.” Godwin hefts his V-CAW, following behind Harrell.

Joffrey whistles, motioning Stoakes, Horner, and Bakker to come around. He glares at you and Burke for a few seconds before moving across the river. Burke folds her arms, glaring back at Harrell. “You’d think given that it’s his plan, he’d actually come with us.”

“Or let us have a medic,” says Nielson.

“Relax,” you say. “Let’s just get moving. Nielson, you have an entrenching tool?”

He nods. “Sure do.”

“Alright,” you say. Truth be told, you have to wonder where he is. You may have outpaced him in the Land Rover but he should’ve been here by now by foot march. Hopefully nothing bad has happened to him. Nielson, Tierney, and Burke start following you across the river. “If we can’t get him on the radio, we’ll circle the hill. If we don’t see him, we may have to range out and look for him.”

“And if we don’t find him?” asks Burke.

“We’ll find him,” you say. “Either alive or in a giant pile of some Lizard’s shit probably. But we’ll find him.”


[1/2]

>>3024418
[2/2]

…

…

It had been a couple of hours waiting in a makeshift foxhole at the base of the hill due east that Tierney and Nielson dug. Some driftwood and foliage was put around it to camouflage it against unwitting eyes. Burke sat back, her arms around her DMR while Nielson fiddled with the radio in his helmet. Tierney sat next to you, crossing her legs, her arms folded as she too waited. Considering you haven’t heard any plasma fire or the sounds of screaming Lizards, Joffrey is likely in the same boat you are.

Tierney frowns a bit, looking at Nielson. He brushes back his messy brown hair as he tries to pulse out a short range message to anyone on the frequency. The idea is that you send out a well-timed chunk of static or something that can catch the ear of anyone nearby who has the radio. Anyone listening in who isn’t supposed to might think it’s interference instead. Considering the Lizard ECM, it could work. All it relies on is that Sergeant Cope has a working radio.

You hear a whistle behind you to the south. You poke your head up and see Graves crouch running towards you all. She hops in and tosses a C-Ration to Tierney. “Eat up. Keep your energy going.” Tierney quickly rips open the C-Ration. “Any of you guys see Cope yet?”

“Not yet,” Nielson mutters. “Even if we did, what do we do about those birds?”

“I’m sure our illustrious Corporal has a plan,” Graves says as she settles into the foxhole with you all. She takes out a cigarette from the C-Ration pack then crushes it up to chew on the tobacco.

You squint. “You know, Graves. I actually do have a plan. But, can I ask you something?” She tilts her head. “You’ve stopped calling me Daddy. Why?”

She leans back, her eyes widened as if disgusted. “You –want- to be called Daddy?” Tierney and Nielson snicker a little, quietly.

> “My name would suffice.”
> “Uh. No. Corporal’s fine. Sorry.”
> “I mean. It was charming, I guess?”
> Other

>>3024421

Deadpan, "Yes" Wait a moment, "No, it's because there was actually some camaraderie with it and 'Corporal' doesn't roll off your tongue the same way."

>>3024445
This. Be blunt.

>>3024445
sure

but daddy is a kickass nickname tho

>>3024421
>“I mean. It was charming, I guess?”

> Other

“Yeah.” She stares at you, her mouth slightly agape, glancing away for a second before looking at you once more. “No. It’s because there was actual camaraderie with it. And besides, Corporal doesn’t quite roll off your tongue the same way.”

“Wow. I didn’t think you were so perverted, Daddy,” says Graves. You roll your eyes. “Watch out, children.” She points to you, squinting at them. “Stay away from this man. He’s one incident away from being on a list.” Well. At least she’s calling you Daddy you suppose. You shake your head, sighing. “Seriously though, are you kids just going to stay in this foxhole until Sergeant Cope turns up?”

“If we have to,” says Tierney. “You think he’ll make it?”

Graves beams a bit, kneeling down next to Tierney. “Yes, honestly. He’s a good man. He knows how to lead. It’s a shame that this stuff happened but he was trying to get us through it. If we add Sergeant Cope to our roster, we’ll be on top of the world. Trust me.” Tierney smiles, comforted. Nielson pops open a cold can of breakfast while Tierney takes up the lunch portion. She holds it out to you to share. Mac and cheese, huh. You stick your fingers in and grab some then spoon it into your mouth. Tierney starts eating the cold lunch too.

Burke looks over at Nielson. “You got anything yet?”

“Nothing so far,” says Nielson. You hear some loud chirping cries from the hill. Probably the chicks. Everyone is quiet at that. “Can I just say, I don’t really agree with the idea of forcing those chicks out of their nest.”

“It’s them or us,” says Graves.

“Yeah but… they were here first. We’re just-“ A burst of static comes from Nielson’s helmet. Everyone looks at it in surprise.

Nielson quickly sends a timed beep through the radio. Wait.

Another beep. Someone is responding. “Is that…?” Tierney leans in closer, hopeful.

“I think it is,” says Nielson. He grins. “Hold on, I can send out a message to him and tell him where we are.” He starts transmitting a coded message through morse code on the radio. You kneel down, watching. Could it really be Sergeant Cope? You hope so. And hopefully he’s brought reinforcements and materials. Maybe even heavy weapons too. Your heart starts pounding, waiting for the response.

A response comes through on the radio.

> RECEIVED MSG
> INBOUND TO HILL 47 ETA 3 M FROM EST
> AM 6 STRONG
> HAVE 2 VEHICLE
> 1 CRIT INJRY ND MEDIC

Alright. What do you do with this then?

> Three minutes isn’t too far. Go and meet them.
> Wait for them to come here. No need to expose yourself.
> Other

>>3024536

> Three minutes isn’t too far. Go and meet them.

Take Graves with us to go meet them. Everyone else stays here and have Nielson radio it in to the LT and other team.

>>3024536
>> Three minutes isn’t too far. Go and meet them.
We gotta tell them about the chickies

>>3024536
>Three minutes isn’t too far. Go and meet them.

>>3024536
>> Three minutes isn’t too far. Go and meet them.
Are these the same chicks from Darby?

>>3024536
>> Three minutes isn’t too far. Go and meet them.

>>3024536
>> Three minutes isn’t too far. Go and meet them.
Inform the rest though

> Three minutes isn’t too far. Go and meet them.

“Nielson, radio it in. Graves, come on. Let’s go.” She nods and moves out of the foxhole with you. The two of you keep low to the grass and start moving out. You’ll meet up with them. If they do have a critical injury, best to get to it now. Graves adjusts the strap on her newly acquired IFAK and medical equipment. You keep your ears open as you start trudging through small puddles and pushing through bushes and reeds. Back into the swamp you go.

Your ears perk up at the sound of engines however. They’re close.

The two of you slowly crouch into the bushes, then take a look ahead of you.

At a little muddy stream were two vehicles. The vehicle up front was a Land Rover just like yours armed with a Plasma Cannon in back. It was towing a much larger 6x6 4.5k-kg truck behind it. Three men were getting splattered with mud as the Land Rover tried to pull the stricken vehicle out. The 6x6 was a hulking cargo truck with an armored cab, six wheels, and the expansible rear. It looks to have taken a few hits from Lizard guns, but so far they seem to function. “Come on! Put your backs into it!” yells someone. “We gotta go, we gotta go!”

You look to Graves. She nods. She knows Cope. She’ll take the lead. She whistles, everyone freezes, grabbing their weapons. They drop to a crouch and look around. She holds her hand up. “Friendly!” She stands up, as do you.

One of them, a large man with a bushy black beard holding a carbine in his hands steps up. He tips his helmet up, looking at Graves. “Oh my God. Graves!” He jogs up, letting his carbine fall to his side on the sling. Graves walks over, grinning, beaming even. The man hugs her. “Aw, god, Graves! I thought you were dead!” He holds her arms, getting a good look at her. “And you’re a medic too, you’re genuinely the best thing I’ve seen all day! Where have you been!?”

“I got lost,” she says. “Picked up Morrison and ran into this guy’s crew.” She motions her head to you. “Daddy, this is Staff Sergeant Cope.”

He offers his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.” You shake it firmly, he returns it vigorously. “Goddamn. We haven’t seen any friendlies in days since that ambush. Not to mention we lost a few people back there but my God. How many strong are you?”

“Myself, Graves, and about eleven others, including Lieutenant Harrell,” you explain.

“Good, good. That’s wonderful!” Sergeant Cope grins, beaming as he scratches at his beard. The other men group up, standing easy now that they know they’re in the presence of friendlies. His grin drops, then he immediately points to the back of the truck. “We need your help, Graves. We got an injury, he’s real bad.” Graves nods, her grin also dropping as Cope leads you to the back of the truck. “So tell me. You a Corporal or something?”

You nod. “How’d you guess?”

[1/3]

>>3024762
[2/2]

“Eh, just a hunch,” says Sergeant Cope. “We commandeered this here Command Truck out of the wreckage of a heavy lift skiff. Pilot made it too, we’ve enlisted her services as its driver.” Cope opens the back and reveals a man lying on a map table in the center of the van. On the walls were several communications consoles, none of them apparently activated or working. The man lies with a massive metal spike square in his shoulder, blood seeping out.

“Oh shit.” Graves steps in, moving to quickly administer aid.

Sergeant Cope turns to you. “I can make full introductions later. Right now, let me just tell you something. None of the comms consoles work. We ran into a pride of Raptors, they shot the truck to shit.” You look around and see lots of holes in the walls. Several of the consoles appear smashed as well too. “The GOR on the truck too got crushed in the crash but thankfully the truck itself survived. But we can’t call for help from here.”

“Alright, alright,” you say. “But what about your Orbital transmitter? Graves said you had someone that was carrying one.”

Staff Sergeant Cope sighs, his hands on his belt. Oh God. Please. “We lost Petty Officer Lyndon two days ago. She had the Orbital Transmitter and we had to… we had to go without her.”

“You left the transmitter?” you say, trying to hide your incredulity. They left something absolutely instrumental to getting off this planet behind!?

“It was either leave her and the transmitter or risk going back into enemy territory and all of us dying,” he says. “I don’t know what you’ve ran into, but we’ve had hell to pay. Our asses were being pursued by a Raptor Champion and a Rex with one eye. Apparently some guy got a lucky shot on it with a DAB.” Wait. A Rex with one eye? “Right now, my priority is getting everyone to Hill 47 and getting our bearings. Then we can talk about recovering that transmitter.”

“Alright,” you say. Right then. Well, first impressions, he doesn’t seem like Lieutenant Harrell at least. “Well. Hill 47 happens to be occupied by a nest of Quetzalcoatlus. There are some chicks there. We don’t know where the parents are.”

“… I was afraid of that,” he mutters. “There’s no better position for a base camp anywhere else nearby. Hill 47 happens to be the high ground here in the Swamp. All around us are trees and marshy ground that the Lizards are going to struggle in, especially with the Natives. You probably already ran into them. And.” He takes a breath. “Hill 47 happens to be flat and clear enough that once we call for help, they can just drop right in. No need to clear an LZ. What do you think?”

> “Let’s get everyone together first then we can talk about potential base camp sites.”
> “I’d say clear out Hill 47, then move in.”
> “It’s up to you, Sergeant.”
> Other

>>3024765
>> “Let’s get everyone together first then we can talk about potential base camp sites.”
In my opinion we shouldn't touch the nest until we're absolutely sure that we're going to extract.

>>3024765
> “Let’s get everyone together first then we can talk about potential base camp sites.”

>>3024765
>> “Let’s get everyone together first then we can talk about potential base camp sites.”

>>3024765
>> “Let’s get everyone together first then we can talk about potential base camp sites.”

>>3024775
Support, no need to make the extra enemy till we need to.

Give him a heads up on the butter bar back home.

>>3024775 >>3024926
+1

> “Let’s get everyone together first then we can talk about potential base camp sites.”

“Let’s get everyone together first then we can talk about potential base camp sites,” you say. “I don’t suppose this truck has any-“

“No it’s not armed,” he says. “It does expand. And it has a shower.” Oh thank God. “But not now. We gotta find some place good to rest ourselves.”

“Down by the river,” you say. “That’s where we’re holed up. We can gather everyone up and we can talk this out with the Lieutenant.” Sergeant Cope frowns a little at that. “Yes, Lieutenant Harrell? You happen to know him?” He shakes his head. “Well. He’s an interesting guy. You might like him. But can I just say, in my opinion, I don’t think we can touch that hill until we’re sure we’re going to extract. Clearing the chicks is one thing but the parents are not going to like it. And probably not the Natives either.”

“Fair,” he says. “We can talk it out with Lieutenant Harrell.” The two of you walk up to Graves as she administers a shot of Pain-Stop to the critically injured man. She then starts carefully cutting the spike down to size with a bonesaw. “How is he, Graves?”

“He’ll live,” says Graves. “I’m not sure if he’ll have use of that arm though. The spike’s torn some nerves.”

“Stenos,” says Sergeant Cope. “They’re a bunch of fraks that like to shoot spikes into people.” He turns to you. “Right, we better get this truck moving first.” The two of you go back and drop down out of the truck then move to the front cab where the other two men talk with the driver. “Gentlemen! And lady. Can we move the truck out?”

One of them, a particularly chubby looking guy, nods. “Yeah. We just need one good push.” He offers his hand to you. “Connell. Good to meet you.” You shake it.

You shake the hand of the other guy as well. “Hood.” He points up to the cab to a very grim looking woman wearing a pilot’s helmet. She adjusts her visor, revealing her eyes to you. “That’s Early.” And he points to the man driving the Land Rover. “And that’s Grimshaw.”

>>3024996
[2/2]

“And the guy in back is Wexley,” says Sergeant Cope. “We’ll have time for better introductions later. Let’s get this truck out of the mud. One good push, people!” Early turns his visor down and waits for the wood to accelerate. “Early! Put her into first, let’s go!” The four of you get to the back, then grab onto the bumper and start pushing. “Go!” The wheels start spinning. Mud flies past you as you all put your hearts into getting the truck out of the mire. Grimshaw drives the Land Rover forward until the cable winch goes taut, dragging the truck forward.

All of this effort results in the truck pulling out and steaming forward. “Yeah!” Connell pumps his fist, then slaps your back. “That’s what I’m talking about!”

“Alright, mount up, let’s go! Grimshaw! Change of plans! Start moving south down to the river!” Cope and Connell move to the Land Rover while you ride with Hood on the back of the truck, holding onto handles by the door. Your feet find grip on the bumper as the truck and the Land Rover start forward.

Hood looks at you, brushing at his face. “So, you guys really survived out there, huh?” You nod. “Thank God. We thought we were gonna be the only ones left out here.”

“Hopefully we aren’t and there’s still more,” you say.

Hood grins. “Well I reckon-“ Blood suddenly erupts from his arm. “Ah!” He falls off, holding his arm. A shot! That was a sniper! More shots fly against the truck, ripping through the metal cover and almost striking you. You hunch over, grabbing your carbine. “Ah! I’m hit!” The convoy suddenly stops.

“Stenos!” Sergeant Cope yells. You look back and see faint silhouettes of Stenonychosaurus flitting and leaping through the bushes, aiming for the best sniper position. Can’t tell how many of them there are. Sergeant Cope detaches the cable from the truck then motions for Grimshaw to bring the Land Rover around. Connell takes the Plasma Cannon and starts lighting the trees up. “Someone get Hood!”

> Drop down and provide accurate fire. Wait for good shots.
> Get Hood and bring him into safety.
> Run to get the others. You might need help for this.
> Other

>>3025020
>> Get Hood and bring him into safety.
The Plasma Cannon should be able to suppress them.

>>3025020
>> Get Hood and bring him into safety.

>>3025020
> Drop down and provide accurate fire. Wait for good shots.

>>3025020
>> Get Hood and bring him into safety.

>>3025020
> Get Hood and bring him into safety.
We got this

> Get Hood and bring him into safety.

“Hood!” You drop down then run over. He holds out his hand to you. You shout out to him. “Go slack, go slack!” He looks at you, confused. “Slack, lay slack, damn it!” He drops down, completely slack on his back. You grab onto his leg, then roll across his body, dragging him over onto your back.

“Agh, frak!” he yells. You probably just accidentally busted his gut with that. But now he’s on your back. “Thanks for the assist! Ah!” His arm starts bleeding down on you as you carry him into the truck. Graves leans over and helps take him off your back. “Thanks!” he says again.

“Ah, this shit again!” Graves yells. You step up onto the bumper and get inside. You hold your carbine up, waiting for a shot at any of them.

Then a rocket flies out and past and slams into a tree, splattering wood and tinder all over the truck and Land Rover. Okay! Maybe not a good idea to stay in here! You drop down and instead post up beside the truck instead. Right. Natural selection. The dumb ones die first, the next group brings frakking –rocket launchers- into battle. Something everyone’s familiar with. Though you have to wonder why they didn’t lead with that. The Land Rover keeps shredding the landscape with hot plasma.

You slam on the cab’s side. “Go, go!” Early pushes the truck into second gear, forcing it through into the woods. The Land Rover moves in behind the truck. You run with them and grab onto the bumper and climb up inside the bed of the Land Rover. The fire keeps coming at you, but dies down once you get into the trees.

Cope looks back, sitting in the passenger seat. “I thought we shook them off once we entered the swamp!”

“Must just be scouts,” you say.

Connell looks down briefly before taking security once more on the gun. “Sergeant! I think this Hill plan is blown! We might need another place to set up and quick!”

Sergeant Cope looks back at you. “Corporal! I don’t suppose you happen to know any places that we couldn’t find on the map, would you?”

> “We can discuss that with Lieutenant Harrell!”
> “I honestly don’t know. Might need to do some scouting.”
> “The river will have to do for now I guess.”
> Other

>>3025257
>> “I honestly don’t know. Might need to do some scouting.”

>>3025257
> Other
Not anywhere nearby worth a damn!

>>3025257
>> “I honestly don’t know. Might need to do some scouting.”

>>3025257

> “I honestly don’t know. Might need to do some scouting.”

> “I honestly don’t know. Might need to do some scouting.”

“I honestly don’t know. Might need to do some scouting,” you say. “This swamp’s big. There’s gotta be some places we can hide.”

“You better hope so!” says Sergeant Cope. You lean back in the bed. Any bit of confidence you had seeing Sergeant Cope is now gone. If both Lieutenant Harrell and Sergeant Cope agree that Hill 47 is no longer viable, what then? Are you just going to be forced into a traveling circus show? This truck is big, but eventually people are going to get stir crazy. You hope that if they do send you to scout, you’ll find some good location. Otherwise, there will be hell to pay.

The shooting stops after a while. The Stenos apparently have given up the chase the closer to the hill you’ve gotten.

…

…

“Staff Sergeant Cope.” Staff Sergeant Cope nods to Lieutenant Harrell. “I have here Privates Grimshaw, Hood, Wexley, Connell, and Flight Sergeant Early.” Joffrey and his team come across the river, looking in awe at the 6x6 and the new Land Rover. “Glad to see there’s a bigger group here. Shame to say I lost a few good people coming here but I think given our size, we might now stand a decent chance against most threats. We’re all armed, and we have some supplies, sir.”

“Good, good,” says Lieutenant Harrell. He looks to you. “Well. Nice to see that we’ve finally rallied with Sergeant Cope. I assume the Corporal has-“

“He’s told me,” says Sergeant Cope. “Personally while I wouldn’t let some overgrown Lizard birds get in my way, I can see there’s a point in hesitating to take the hill. It’s a pretty visible sight. Not to mention that if we do take it, no telling when the parents would come back. And no telling how the Natives would react either.”

“We killed a Spinosaurus some time back,” you explain. “The Deinonychus were not very happy.”

“Hm. Damn.” Sergeant Cope looks around at the group. Then he spots Morrison on the stretcher. He pauses for a few seconds, then looks to Lieutenant Harrell again. “Sir, it’s already past mid-day and we might only have a couple more hours before sun down. I would suggest that we find some place to make camp. And then in the morning we go look for a permanent base of operations.”

“Excuse me?” Lieutenant Harrell tilts his head. “Sergeant, wasn’t the idea of taking Hill 47 yours?”

“It is, but I believe the circumstances have changed,” he explains. “The Stenonychosaurus have followed us in here. They shot Hood. And I believe they may be the harbinger of more. Maybe even the whole Lizard army. I don’t believe Hill 47 is as viable as I may have believed a week ago.”

“Then what then?” Lieutenant Harrell slaps his thigh, clearly not pleased. “Hill 47 is a tactical viable location. All that stands between us are some birds. You want us to go back into the Swamp with the savages? You want us to go further west and put our backs to the ocean? You want us to go east where there are-“

[1/2]

>>3025468
[2/2]

“Sir. It’s worse,” you say. “Sergeant Cope’s team doesn’t have the transmitter.” Lieutenant Harrell’s eyes widen. He looks at Sergeant Cope, who looks down in a bit of admitted shame. “They lost the Navy liaison with it, sir. We can’t call for help at this time.”

“That figures,” Burke mutters.

“Shut up!” Lieutenant Harrell shouts at her. Burke glares at him. “I’m getting really sick of you, Private, so zip it.” He points to Sergeant Cope. “We better recover that transmitter then.”

“Sir, we were being pursued by Raptor Prides three times our number, we can’t just-“

“If we want –any- hope of getting out of here, we have to find that transmitter!” Lieutenant Harrell yells. “I don’t understand how someone who seems so competent can do something so dangerous as to leave it behind!”

“My men come first, sir,” Sergeant Cope states very firmly. “I will not risk any of them for some piece of metal.” Lieutenant Harrell pauses, not pleased at all. Joffrey doesn’t look too happy either. “Now, we can’t camp on this river. It’s a frequently used water source. It’s in the open. And the Deinonychus own it.” He points north. “I say we go north of Hill 47. And find ourselves a clearing to camp out in until we figure out what we want to do. –Sir-.” Sergeant Cope gnashes his teeth, clearly suppressing the urge to punch Lieutenant Harrell.

“North?” asks Joffrey.

“The Deinos are clearly not going to approach Hill 47. They must be the ones who put up those.” He points to the stakes with the smelly banners on them. “Our only worries then will be the giant birds and the Lizards. That means only two things to worry about as opposed to three.” He looks at everyone. “Does anyone want to object?”

Lieutenant Harrell steps up. “Sergeant. I believe I am the one who gives orders around here.” Sergeant Cope gives a very intense glare to Lieutenant Harrell. “Now I believe the better option is to take Hill 47.”

“You may believe that, but I don’t, Lieutenant.” Sergeant Cope places his hands on his belt, squaring up.

> Side with Sergeant Cope. Locating another permanent place for base is the better idea.
> Lieutenant Harrell is right. Better to at least clear the hill out for future operations.
> Remain silent. See who wins this fight.
> Other

>>3025474
>> Remain silent. See who wins this fight.

>>3025474
>> Side with Sergeant Cope. Locating another permanent place for base is the better idea.
If we take the hill, then what? The bloody raptors are converging on the general direction, and the Lizards aren't idiots - they will know that the Hill is a sweet place to camp out on. And if we kill the bigbirds, that'll remove one of the major reasons Lizards keep out of this place as well.

Unless we can diplomacy with the bigbirds, we need to bug out. Need we remind the Lieutenant what kind of clusterfuck occurred when he last had his bright idea and stuck to it?

>>3025474
>> Side with Sergeant Cope. Locating another permanent place for base is the better idea.
>We could clear out the hill once we're set up and done more scouting, securing it as a fall back point.

The only downside is that other groups may still be inbound so they may try for the hill.

>>3025517
this

>>3025537
I actually hadn't thought of that. What's the range on our radio again? Damnit Cope, if only you had kept your McGuffin secure...

Anons, are you betting men? If we do decide to stand our ground here for the sake of those who might be heading this way, it would be a massive gamble.

>>3025565
Do we have any proof anyone is left alive?

>>3025591
No, but it isn't like Cope had any proof we were alive either. It's highly likely that if other groups are alive in this region, they would converge here for the same reason we did. Cope can't make that wide-range broadcast again because his command vehicle is trashed, if I am understanding this correctly, so we can't update the newspost.

>>3025474
>> Side with Sergeant Cope. Locating another permanent place for base is the better idea.

>>3025618
Fuck, that means we need to do two things. Split up the group, heavy hitters clear the hill, everyone else goes and sets up camp

\first, we take a shower first

> Side with Sergeant Cope. Locating another permanent place for base is the better idea.

“Lieutenant. Sergeant Cope’s right,” you say. Lieutenant Harrell looks at you, as if betrayed. Yes, he did promote you. But you never said that you were going to blindly follow his orders either. “Now, unless the birds are willing to negotiate, we do have to clear out that hill. But we kill those Quetzalcoatlus, we remove a big thing keeping the Deinonychus out. That means a three front war, just as Sergeant Cope presents.” Sergeant Cope looks at you, approving. He nods, looking at Lieutenant Harrell grimly. “And let’s face it, Lieutenant. Everyone’s tired of marching. Like you said, we’re sweaty, we’re dirty, muddy, everything.” You nod to the truck. “Truck has a frakking shower.” Everyone immediately perks up at the mention of a shower. “I think the best thing we can do right now is at least find a clearing and then clear out the hill and do more scouting. That hill will be our fall back point if necessary.”

Sergeant Cope tilts his head, looking at Lieutenant Harrell. “We also have wounded, sir. Wexley’s in the back. He might not have use of his right arm, we don’t have an AutoDoc. Hood was also hit too just a few minutes ago. Not to mention Morrison. Now, we may be strong, but if we want to take that hill in force, we’d have to split up. And we cannot afford to split up now, that’s a big gamble in a place like this. And not to mention…” He sighs. “If we do find a new place to set up temporarily. We have to send out a new signal to anyone on Dominion frequencies that Hill 47 is not safe. And to travel to the new location.”

Burke steps to the side, looking at Cope. “The communications equipment in the truck doesn’t work?”

“Nope,” he says. “Command vehicles aren’t built to survive repeated gunshots apparently. Someone thought they don’t need to go into battle apparently.”

Everyone looks at Lieutenant Harrell. He hisses a bit, rubbing at his nose. Joffrey stands by his side. Probably the only person here who supports him right now.

[1/2]

>>3025821
>>3025821
[2/2]

“Fine,” says Lieutenant Harrell. “You win, Sergeant. Seems you have the support of everyone here. I wasn’t aware the military was a democracy. Do what you see fit.” Part of you feels sorry for Lieutenant Harrell. Having your ability to command be constantly questioned is not a great way to combat stress. And especially not when your ability to command –at all- is somewhat lacking. Hopefully Sergeant Cope won’t be too hard on him.

Sergeant Cope nods. “Thank you, Lieutenant.” Lieutenant Harrell steps back, then goes to the river to wash his face. Joffrey follows behind, glaring at everyone. “Right, people. Here’s what we need. We need a clearing that can hold both the Land Rover and the 6x6. We go north of Hill 47. Corporal. I’ll need your help for this.”

“Uh.” Nielson raises his hand. “Sergeant. I got some experience fixing these radios. I could help try and fix some of the stuff in the 6x6.”

“Good, good.” Sergeant Cope points to Nielson. “You’re with me then. Let’s help load poor Morrison into the back then you can help me broadcast a new signal.” He points to Godwin and Stoakes. “You two, I need you both to pull security on the vehicles. Horner, Bakker, you two there. Go with them. Burke, Corporal.” You two step up. “Range ahead. If you can clear the hill for us, great. But preferably, I’d love if you two would just clear the way for us. Got that?”

> Head for the hill and see about clearing the chicks off. (Take anyone else with you?)
> Go range ahead and try and find a good clearing for the new temporary base.
> Other

>>3025831
>> Go range ahead and try and find a good clearing for the new temporary base.

>>3025831
>> Go range ahead and try and find a good clearing for the new temporary base.

>>3025831
> Go range ahead and try and find a good clearing for the new temporary base.

> Go range ahead and try and find a good clearing for the new temporary base.

“Alright, Sergeant.” You nod to him. Burke nods too, understanding. “Once we clear out a place. We’ll call on the radio. Alright?”

“Got it,” he says. He slaps your arm, smirking. With that, he moves with Nielson to grab Morrison. Graves stands there, smiling. She winks at you. She knows exactly what Sergeant Cope’s presence in the group means now. Order, authority, and some actually good decisions. You’re not so sure yourself. But at least Sergeant Cope is throwing his weight around more than Harrell is so far. You nod to Burke. And the two of you start marching. Tierney watches you go, before Godwin nudges her and enlists her to pull security.

…

…

The vehicles are probably no more than about a hundred meters behind you and Burke. The two of you walk quietly. Normally the place would be alive with the sound of birds and insects. But it’s all so quiet. Seems the Quetzalcoatlus are so omnipresent that even the wildlife naturally dare not sing so as to alert them. Burke looks around, her infrared activated on her tactical monocle. You take point, cutting through the brush with your machete. “So,” you say. “Excited about Sergeant Cope?” you ask.

“I’ll be excited once I see more of him,” Burke remarks. “You remember what I said. Problem with authority and everything.” Oh right. “But at least he works. And it seems like people actually respect him.”

“That’s NCOs for you. NCOs actually work,” you say.

“I suppose,” she says. “I guess I was expecting another incompetent retard like Harrell.” That’s a little harsh but you won’t say it. “But I’m not looking forward to what’s next.”

“What do you mean?” you ask.

Burke looks at you. “Power struggle. Harrell doesn’t seem the type to just give up authority, especially to someone who tramples all over it. He might be giving it up now. But he’ll find some way to make our lives harder just because he can’t be in charge. And as for Sergeant Cope, he seems proud. If anything, it’s two sides of the same coin. And I don’t like it. I’d rather have one or the other, not both. Hell, I’d rather you be in charge. You can at least lead so far from what I’ve seen.”

> “I like Sergeant Cope. He’s taking charge. That’s a change at least. And his decisions make sense.”
> “Lieutenant Harrell’s in charge. We just have to deal with it for now at least.”
> “I’d rather not dabble in power politics. We’re trying to survive, not win a popularity contest.”
> Other

>>3025952
>> “I’d rather not dabble in power politics. We’re trying to survive, not win a popularity contest.”

>>3025952
>> “I’d rather not dabble in power politics. We’re trying to survive, not win a popularity contest.”
If push comes to shove, we'll see what happens

>>3025952
>> “I’d rather not dabble in power politics. We’re trying to survive, not win a popularity contest.”

> “I’d rather not dabble in power politics. We’re trying to survive, not win a popularity contest.”

“I’d rather not dabble in power politics, Burke. We’re trying to survive, not win popularity contests.”

“Hear hear,” she says, in agreement. “I’m just saying. There’s going to be trouble with the two of them around.” She’s not wrong. You get the feeling by the end of the week, someone’s probably going to get shot over something petty. Hopefully Cope and Harrell settle their differences quickly because you do not want to pick up all the slack of getting everyone organized and ready. God, the evac shuttles can’t come soon enough.

The one thing you have to fear for now are the Lizards and the Quetzalcoatlus. The Q-birds will at least probably run if you attack it hard enough. But the Lizards are hardy. And they’re intelligent. They aren’t running because of cowardice. They’ll run because they want to look for a different path. Same thing humans do really. As you approach what looks to be a relatively nice looking clearing, you think more on it. Hopefully the parents don’t come back. Seems to you those chicks probably rarely range outside the nest for food. Their parents probably feed them with carcasses until they’re ready to fly.

Pray that doesn’t happen in the next few weeks.

You come up to a clearing and look around. Barely big enough to fit both vehicles. But there’s running water in the form of a small stream cutting straight through from east to west. And providing cover to the east is a large fallen tree, almost the size of a building in fact. That could make a decent wall against their guns. To the north were swampy pools, probably fairly deep and murky water. And judging by how still they are, fairly uninhabited. As long as you keep watch there, no predators should sneak up at least. To the west was more treadable ground, with thick trees and tall grass.

This will have to do for now. “We found a place,” you say over the radio. “Just follow our tracks and you’ll find it.”

“Roger that,” says Sergeant Cope. “Coming onto you soon.”
[1/2]

>>3026320
[2/2]

After a few minutes of waiting, the 6x6 breaks through the bushes you just breezed through and comes into the clearing. It sets up on the west side, facing its side to the west and it’s front to the north. The Land Rover comes in from behind, setting up on the north side with the Plasma Cannon facing north. Sergeant Cope dismounts from the Land Rover, his boots hitting the soft but relatively stable ground. “This is a damn fine spot, Corporal.” He smiles, nodding to you. He points to the big fallen tree. It’s wide enough to be over twice the size of an average person. “That’ll keep us protected from any wrongdoers. I think I’ll post a couple people on top of that, we use it for cover.”

“Alright,” you say.

“We’ll set up camp here,” he says. “Early! Let’s expand the truck!” He looks at you and Burke. “Showers are open. First come, first serve. Otherwise, we could need some help setting up some tents for people. Think we’ll camp out for the night.”

Burke glances at you. Clearly she wants a shower judging by the look on her face. So do you honestly. But…

> You’ll take first watch. Let the others get the work done for now.
> He did say first come first serve. Go for a shower.
> Help set camp up. Get the tents up.
> Other

>>3026326
>> He did say first come first serve. Go for a shower.

>>3026326
>> Help set camp up. Get the tents up.

>>3026326
>> He did say first come first serve. Go for a shower.
We deserve it

>>3025952
Poor Tierney, she's been pretty left out throughout all of this.

>>3026326
>You’ll take first watch. Let the others get the work done for now.

>>3026326
>> He did say first come first serve. Go for a shower.
We've been working our asses off. A shower is well deserved, I say.

>>3026562
Maybe when we finally teach her not to be useless she can finally get some limelight

>>3026605
We need to spend some time with her to teach her not to be useless, first. So far we've been constantly leaving her back at camp as a glorified security guard.

>>3026625
We'll take her on the next little run we have to go on

>>3026326
>He did say first come first serve. Go for a shower.
We deserve it

>>3026562
She's just not as good as best girl

> He did say first come first serve. Go for a shower.

…

…

“Aw come on!” yells Godwin. “Some of us are still picking grit from that dunk we took yesterday!”

“It was first come, first serve,” says Burke.

“Well how come Corpus Colossus goes first!?” says Horner. “My tits are covered in mud!”

“Maybe you guys should’ve beat him there or something?” says Graves. “Ever think of that?”

Truth be told, their cries of not getting the first shower and thus the first bit of hot water for days almost gets to you.

Almost.

You sigh, washing your hair. The water turns brown as it hits your face and shoulders and drains down your body. You still have a mark from where that Raptor bit you on the arm, but thanks to that shoulder pad it didn’t draw blood. Doesn’t even hurt that bad thankfully. It’ll heal on its own. Still, you check yourself in the mirror helpfully provided in this shower. Might do with a shave soon. Though, part of you likes the unshaven look. Makes you feel like you’re back on Hopewell. Having a beard was always good for the winter.

The shower was part of the Command truck’s expandable features. Why a command truck needs a shower, you don’t know, but you won’t question the officers this one time. When folded in, it’s basically just a communications room with a map table in the center. Folded out, there’s the shower, and a fold out table on the wall by the shower, and six bunks on the other side (Sergeant Cope says he’ll rotate people in and out to maximize comfort). The shower was thankfully separated by a folding wall and a door so you at least had some privacy.

But regardless, the first hot shower you’ve had in days. Feels like you’ve earned it. After everything you’ve been through, managing to get everyone out of there. You sigh, smiling a little. Finally, feels like things are looking up.

You decide to end your shower at about five minutes. May as well preserve hot water for the next person. You dry yourself off with the towel then pull your clothes out of the dry compartment. You get yourself dressed then step out, feeling like the richest man in town. Meanwhile Godwin, Burke, Horner, Bakker, and Stoakes stand waiting. “Took you long enough,” says Godwin.

“All yours,” you say. Godwin moves to step in, but Burke quickly cuts him off.

“Hey!” Godwin shouts at her as she shuts the door. “Bitch!”

Burke opens the door. “Ladies first, jackass.” Burke shuts the door.

Godwin stands there, dumbstruck. He looks at you, as if not believing he just saw that shit. You shrug. On the one hand, she did cut. On the other hand, she’s right. Godwin looks back. No one really wants to argue with Burke. “Better save me some hot water in there,” Godwin mutters.

>>3026756
You walk up to Graves as she checks on Morrison. Wexley lies asleep on the map table, medigel plastered all over his wounded right shoulder. Hood sits on one of the bunk beds, holding his arm while Tombs checks the gauze wrapped around it. He nods to you as you pass by, a silent thank you. But what you were more concerned about right now was Morrison.

Morrison groans lightly as she injects some anti-tox into his arm. Graves lightly rubs his head, checking his temperature. She looks at you and nods. He’s stable for now. “… Juu’Shan. Juu’Shan, is that you?” he mutters. His eyes are shut. He’s hallucinating.

Graves nods. “Yeah, babe. It’s me.”

“Aw. Honey.” Morrison smiles, his chest swelling with joy. “I missed you so much. You don’t know how much I’ve wanted to see you again.” He holds his hands up, and Graves quickly takes it and squeezes gently. “I wish I could buy you that ring, make you feel pretty, make you feel loved. Just hold on for me, okay?” he whispers.

Graves sighs, a very forlorn look on her face. “Okay.” Morrison grins, lying his head back, breathing steadily but slowly. “I love you,” says Graves.

“I love you too,” Morrison whispers softly.

Not much you can say here. You step out of the truck, pulling your camo poncho on along with a new set of armor, freshly taken from the dead in that Retrieval Boat. You look to see Nielson outside the truck, checking the wiring beneath it while Sergeant Cope, Joffrey, and Tierney set up a tent next to the fallen tree. Connell and Grimshaw sit in the Land Rover, waiting for contact while Early kicks her feet up on the dashboard of the 6x6, napping quietly. Quiet girl, isn’t she? Lieutenant Harrell meanwhile stands atop the fallen tree, peering out into the woods with his binoculars. You walk up to him. “See anything, sir?”

“Nothing yet, Corporal,” he says, not even looking in your direction.

Tierney calls to you. “Hey!” You look over and smile at her. She takes a sniff of you. “Wow. You… you don’t smell like shit. That’s actually kind of weird to me now.”

“Uh. Thanks.” Weird thing to say to someone given the circumstances.

>>3026760
“Has the shower line died down any?” she asks. “I’m not going to bother rushing. I’ll even take cold water at this point. I just want to feel clean, but I don’t wanna fight anybody for it.” That’s a good attitude to take honestly. Fighting over a shower is petty. You shake your head simply. “Damn.”

Sergeant Cope looks to you. “Tierney was just telling me how you saved her and Nielson, along with Graves and Morrison too. Burke-“ He pauses. “Well, she also told me of how Burke came to be as well. How does someone like her accidentally shoot herself in the foot?” Ooohh… You look at Tierney. She shrugs, glancing away nervously. “Well, anyway. You got some balls, son. How’s someone like you just a Corporal?”

“Just doing my job,” you say. “Though, Tierney probably exaggerates.”

“I bet, hehe. She even tells me you killed a Rex all by yourself! Haha!” Well. She definitely exaggerated that. Sergeant Cope places his hands on his hips. “I could use fellas like you. You seem like a decent sort of guy. Real chick magnet too.”

“Aw, that’s-“ You shake your head. He flatters you. “That’s not really why I’m here.”

“I joke, don’t worry.” Sergeant Cope goes back to pitching the tent. Tierney meanwhile still holds your attention.

“Now that we’re setting up a camp.” Tierney brushes at the ground with her boot, her plasma rifle on her back. “I was wondering if maybe you and Burke could show me around a rifle more properly? That is-“ She blushes a little, rubbing at her arm. “If you two have time. I’m not in a big rush.”

> “Burke can show you, don’t worry.”
> “Sure. When we both have time.”
> “I can show you right now. Burke’s in the shower.”
> Other

>>3026766
>“I can show you right now. Burke’s in the shower.”

>>3026766
>> “I can show you right now. Burke’s in the shower.”
>I'll give you some scouting tips too if you need them. First and foremost you can hide the tracks of your feet with Gauze or Cloth.

>>3026766
>> “I can show you right now. Burke’s in the shower.”

>>3026766
>> “I can show you right now. Burke’s in the shower.”

>>3026780
This

>>3026780
Supporting

>>3026766
>> “I can show you right now. Burke’s in the shower.”

> “I can show you right now. Burke’s in the shower.”

“I can show you right now actually. Burke’s in the shower but she porbably won’t mind if we have a little one on one.”

“Oh, that- I mean, I guess we can. I just… I thought you said for Burke to train me,” she says, nervously, glancing everywhere except in your direction. “I figured you two would do it together. I didn’t think it was one or the other type of deal or anything.”

“Eh, depends,” you say. “Besides, way I see it, now’s the perfect time anyway. We’re at camp. I can even show you a couple of tricks of the trade when it comes to scouting too. Burke won’t mind anyway.” Tierney watches you as you lead her to the south end of the camp. You kneel down and point to your boots. “Now look here. In order to cover my tracks, I’ve wrapped up the heels with gauze. Makes sure I don’t leave a recognizable imprint. You’re always going to leave something behind, but at least here it won’t be too noticeable compared to other divots in the ground.”

“Right.” She looks at her own boots, curious. “And the rifle?”

“Let me see.” She hands you her rifle. One of the ones looted off the dead soldiers in the boat actually. You take a look down the sights. Zeroed nicely. You stand up and hand it back to her. “You remember the gun safety stuff in training?”

She counts it off on her fingers. “Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready, be aware of what’s in front and behind, never point it at anything you don’t want to shoot, and always treat it as if it’s loaded.”

[1/2]

>>3027087
[2/2]

“Good, good.” You fold your arms, smiling. “Let me see your stance. We’re not going to do any shooting right now, we’ll just go with the basics.” She nods, then carefully plants her feet and raises her rifle up. A little wide actually. You carefully with your foot nudge her feet a little bit closer, then place your hands on her hip and wrist so her body is a little more relaxed. Somehow she’s stiff as a board though. “There. Not too wide, but a wide stance will let you absorb recoil better. It’ll open you up to being a good target, so normally I’d recommend leading with your non-dominant side. Plasma rifles usually don’t have much felt recoil anyway compared to a slugger.”

“R- Right.” She nods.

“Then all you gotta do is squeeze the trigger smooth and you’re all set.” You step up next to her. She sticks her tongue out, putting her eyes down the sights. “And remember, whatever you’re shooting, do not blink. Do not take your eyes off of it. The instant you take your eyes off of something, your hands are not going to know what they’re doing. You ever play catch?”

She blinks. “N-… No?”

“So, when you play catch, when you’re trying to catch a ball, you gotta catch it with your hand. It’s hand-eye coordination,” you explain. “Sort of the same thing here. If you start looking at something else. Your hands are going to sort of unconsciously move towards what you’re looking at. Like driving a car, or catching a ball, stuff like that. See what I mean?” She nods. “So remember. Once you got your target. Focus on that until someone says otherwise.”

“Alright,” she says. She takes a breath, focusing in on a tree in the distance. You stand by her side and watch as she adjusts herself lightly for a bit more comfort. This sort of reminds you when your Dad first took you out shooting. He had to explain everything over and over until he was blue in the face because you didn’t like to listen. Though, one thing you’re sure of is that you’re actually glad he drilled that stuff into you. You’d never be the shot you are today without him.

Seems she’s getting the hang of it. Unlike your Dad, you consider yourself a little gentler. She smiles, holding her rifle down slack. “Seems simple.”

“Wait until you’re back in the fight,” you say. “We’ll see then.”

“Yeah.” She frowns a little at that, her smile dropping immediately. “Yeah I guess we will.”

You point ahead. “Alright, keep practicing. I’ll watch.” She nods, readying herself to quickly raise and lower her rifle until she can get it down pat without screwing up.

I'm afraid that's where we'll have to end it for the weekend. I gotta go to sleep, but thanks for playing. I should be back probably again Thursday night to drop the first update, then we go from there. Hope you're all enjoying yourselves.

And if you got any constructive critique or suggestions, feel free to drop them in. I'd love to hear what you all think.

>>3027114
Thanks for running.

>>3027114
another great thread man

I can't really wonder much except what your "end" of the quest is

>>3027114
Thanks for running dude, this is a pretty fun quest.

How much plot armor does our group have? Can anyone still die at any time if we fuck up?

>>3027114
What the dino dog rescue trapped under the rocks an event that also triggered the close call and subsequent "reciprocation" by that dino later when we hid in the leaves?

Was there ever a chance to rescue the people trapped in the lifeboat or were they "decoration" for the setting?

>>3027366
Pretty sure if we didn't hop out of the rover when Morrison got taken out by the angery birds, he woulda died.

>>3025474
>>3025537 >>3025618 >>3025652 +2

>>3027366
Anyone can die at any given moment but you're choosing to actually save people. Technically speaking, Morrison and Nielson were deadmeat but you chose to save them anyway. I'm actually quite surprised how much you're going out of your way to help people.

>>3027568
I don't answer questions like this as that's something the MC wouldn't know for himself.

>>3027359
Well, that's the fun of the Quest, let's see where this takes us.

>>3027915
>Anyone can die at any given moment but you're choosing to actually save people. Technically speaking, Morrison and Nielson were deadmeat but you chose to save them anyway. I'm actually quite surprised how much you're going out of your way to help people.
Was there a chance to find a survivor that we missed back in that crash site with the AutoDoc parts around thread 2 or 3? Or was the dead pilot we found all there was? It mentioned possibly finding a pilot in one of the options that we found in another option.

>>3027950
[s]Who knows but you didn’t find one unfortunately.[/s]

>>3027957
>[/s]
Why the sarcasm?

>>3027958
I’m just bad at mobile.

>>3028043
Any stat differences on Carbines, Rifles and DMRs or can we just strap a scope on our trusty Carbine and call it a day?

>>3028220
Carbines lose stopping power at longer ranges and are designed for rapid bursts and single shot. But yeah if you find a scope you’re golden. It’ll mean lesser minimum success for shooting rolls.

>>3028220
Forgot to mention but DMRs are specifically long range and have more power at the expense of ammo capacity and only being single shot

Update coming Thursday night.

Burke finally walked up to you two just as the sun was starting to creep down below the horizon. Godwin, Connell, Bakker, Stoakes, and Horner were done setting up the other three tents that would be shared communal between all members of the group. Sergeant Cope and Lieutenant Harrell had already told everyone that the Command truck will be left for briefings and for the wounded. There would be a man to use the Plasma Cannon on the Land Rover (currently Grimshaw) and someone to guard the fallen tree (currently Joffrey). Now the five of them were all set up in a school circle around what was going to be a stealthy fire pit. “So I whacked him square in the face,” says Godwin. “Metal rebar, hooboy. You couldn’t even recognize them. They started calling him Jigsaw because his face looked like a jigsaw puzzle piece after that.”

“Good, good.” Connell uses one of the entrenching tools to dig out the pit with Bakker. “They deserved it.”

“I know.” Godwin rips open a C-Ration to get at the instant coffee rations. “And the Dominion has the gall to tell me ‘I can’t do that’. Goddamn landowners telling me what I can and can’t do just because I happen to be on their land at the time.”

“It wouldn’t be so damn bad if they’d share the spoils when we take a planet,” says Connell. “Instead it all goes to the Officers. Us conscripts and enlistees, we gotta make do with pillaging and raping the local strange.” Stoakes looks at Connell, confused and disgusted a little. “Okay, that was the wrong word. Let’s say ‘looting’ instead.”

Bakker licks at his teeth while Horner sits in his lap, resting back. “Why would you want to stick your dick in aliens anyway? That’s a waste of time. Plus, half the xenos under Dominion rule have biology that are poisonous to the human body. You try to frak them, and there’s a good chance your dick will shrivel up at best.”

Horner looks back at Bakker, her chin up in the air and her hair falling down onto his chest. “Oh. So you frakked an alien then, is that why your dick is so small? Making excuses?” Bakker slaps her cheek gently. “Ow. I’ll report you for abuse, shitmunch.”

Burke walks past them then goes up to you and Tierney. “How is she?” she asks.

“Doing fine,” you say. “She’s got the stance down. I’m not having her fire though, don’t wanna waste the ammo and give us away.”

[1/2]

>>3034826
[2/2]

“Fair.” Burke nods slowly, her hand on her hip. You notice that Burke has left out her jacket, and has rolled up the sleeves of her undershirt over her shoulders to let her somewhat muscular yet lithe arms to sweat in the air. You also notice a set of numbers on her wrist too. She has her poncho under her arm as she examines Tierney’s posture. Tierney holds the rifle in her hands, casually, but nervously as she stands in Burke’s presence. “You know, I don’t know why you asked me to help her. She’s clearly doing well under your tutelage, boo.”

“Can’t ever have too many teachers,” you say. “Besides, you got a more interesting perspective than I do.”

“What, because I come from a penal colony?” she asks.

“Pfft.” Godwin snorts a little, rubbing at his nose. “Penal.” Wow. Very mature, Godwin.

“No, no,” you say. “You have more enlisted experience than I do. You’ve been to combat zones before.” Burke shrugs, not bothering to disagree. “Heck, you said this is your second enlistment too. Way I see it, Burke, I should be taking lessons from you too.”

“Aw. You flatter me,” she says. She looks at Tierney again. Tierney stiffens up a little, standing straight. “Relax. I’m not gonna yell at you.” She points to the rifle Tierney’s holding. “You’ve got your trigger finger off the trigger at least and you’re not pointing it at anybody. That’s more than I can say for most conscripts.” Tierney sighs quietly, smiling a little. That’s actually pretty high praise. “You’re still a frakup though.” Oh. “So keep practicing.”

“O-… Of course.” Tierney nods.

Stoakes calls out to you three. “Hey, we’re about to warm up some coffee! You guys want any?” Tierney looks to you two. Burke nods over to the group, and Tierney quickly goes to get some coffee. Burke folds her arms, glancing at you, seeing what you’re going to do.

> Warm coffee sounds delightful actually. Sit down and chew the fat with the group.
> Nielson looks like he’s need some help by the Command truck. Maybe best see what he wants first.
> Sergeant Cope and Lieutenant Harrell seem to be consulting the map over by the Land Rover. See what they’re up to.
> Other

Welcome back to No One Gets Left Behind.

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=No+One+Gets+Left+Behind

We'll leave this up for tonight. Go ahead and leave your votes in and I'll update once I come back home around 6PM EST. Make your plans, ask your questions, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbI0cMyyw_M

>>3034831
>> Nielson looks like he’s need some help by the Command truck. Maybe best see what he wants first.
We'll do what we wanna do anyway if we don't like their decision, so lets go help out the grunts

>>3034831
>Nielson looks like he’s need some help by the Command truck. Maybe best see what he wants first.

>>3034831
> Nielson looks like he’s need some help by the Command truck. Maybe best see what he wants first.
Grunts gonna grunt.

>>3034831
>> Nielson looks like he’s need some help by the Command truck. Maybe best see what he wants first.

>>3034831
>> Nielson looks like he’s need some help by the Command truck. Maybe best see what he wants first.

Update coming. Stand by.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABbc-O_3_Ac

> Nielson looks like he’s need some help by the Command truck. Maybe best see what he wants first.

You’ll pass on the coffee for now. Right now, looks like Nielson is fiddling with something. “Nielson!” you call.

Nielson squeezes out from underneath the Command truck, his face and hands covered in grease and oil. “Hey, hey! What’s up?” He looks over at Burke, who apparently has decided to follow you around. “Oh, Burke. Hey.”

“Nice to see you too, boy,” Burke states.

“You look like you need some help,” you say.

“I do actually,” says Nielson. He points down to a toolbox next to him. “I was just fiddling with some of the wires underneath the Command truck.” You take up the toolbox as he stands up. “We got some holes to fill. I was deconstructing that plate we had to carry Morrison here to fill some of them up. Other holes, we might have to improvise a little bit. Maybe chop some timber if need be.”

“Fair enough,” you say. “What do you want me to do?”

“Take the plate section and just chop it up into neat little squares for me.” He taps his finger against one of the holes on the Command truck. “There are some tin snips in that toolbox you can use. Shouldn’t be too tough.” He looks at Burke. “And uh… could you-“ Burke stares at him, waiting to see what he says. “Um.” He points to her. “Does she want to help too?”

You look at her. She shrugs. “Yes,” you say.

Nielson nervously rubs his hands in a rag, looking at Burke. “Um. Burke, uh.”

“Just tell me what to do,” says Burke. Nielson flinches a little.

“Okay, uh. Just-“ He points to you. “Just help him with the plate. Hold it in place for him, I guess?” She nods. She moves on over to the improvised stretcher plate, then holds it in place for you. You take the tin snips out of the toolbox then start cutting up the plate. “You know. It’s great, I think.” He smiles a little. “We’re building up a little force here.”

[1/2]

>>3036653
“Don’t get too comfortable,” says Burke. “We’re still in enemy territory.” You cut through the metal, making sure not to get your hands caught on the edges or on the corners. Burke holds it on the sides, keeping it secure while you cut.

Nielson nods. “Yeah, yeah. I know. Um. Burke, can I ask you a question?” Burke glances over, not particularly interested but apparently too polite to just ignore him. “So. Where do you come from?”

“Wellesley,” she says.

“Isn’t that a penal colony?” asks Nielson. Burke stares at him as if to say “Yes it is.” Nielson shifts around his feet, wiping some nervous sweat and grease off of his face. “I mean, that seems pretty hardcore. You uh…”

“I was born there.” She holds up her left wrist, showing her number tag. “My Dad murdered fifteen people. My Mom decided she wanted to be his cum dumpster.” Nielson stands there, awkwardly. “Funny how women apparently love bad guys.” She points to you quickly. “Can explain why Tierney likes this idiot.”

“You what.” You blink, looking at her.

Nielson steps back. “Uh. Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend or anything.”

“It’s fine,” says Burke. “Shit happens. We can’t all be born on idyllic farm planets.” She leans on the plate a little. An awkward pause seems to grow over the three of you. Nielson shifts on his feet, not working, apparently not knowing what else to do right now. You clear your throat, then nod to him. Burke sighs. “Okay, Nielson. What about you?”

“Hopewell,” he says. “Same as him.” He points to you. You nod. “Uh…” Nielson rubs at his neck, smiling nervously at you two. “I mean, it’s not a huge thing. Hopewell was pretty boring. At least in comparison to growing up on a Penal Colony. So I wouldn’t know the first thing about what you’ve been through, Burke.”

Burke simply sighs, her shoulders slacking. “Nielson.” Nielson freezes. “Is this about me leaving Joffrey to die?” Burke looks Nielson dead in the eyes, her expression not betraying a single emotion on her face.

…

Nielson glances at you, nervously shifting around on his feet. Oh shit. It is.

> “Oh! Ouch! Cut myself on the tin snips here. Gonna need to go see Graves. Later. Bye.”
> “Burke. Word gets around quick. Reassure him.”
> “Nielson, trust me. She’s not gonna do it again.”
> Other

>>3036661
>> “Burke. Word gets around quick. Reassure him.”

>>3036661
>> “Burke. Word gets around quick. Reassure him.”

>>3036661
Burke. Word gets around quick. Reassure him.

>>3036661
>“Burke. Word gets around quick. Reassure him.”

> “Burke. Word gets around quick. Reassure him.”

“Come on, Burke. Word gets around quick. Reassure him.”

Burke looks over at Nielson, who is standing stock still, waiting. She huffs, then says, “Look, Nielson. That was a one time thing. I’m not going to do it again. You understand?” Nielson nods. “And I’m not going to kill your beat you or anyone here up either. We’re a team here. This is the Army, not High School. Got it?” He nods. “Good.” She goes back to holding the plate securely for you.

Nielson smiles. “Mhm. Great. Alright! Good talk! Uh.” He points to you. “Listen. I got you a gift by the way.” You look back at him. A gift? He reaches into his satchel and tosses you something. You catch it out of the air and take a look. “It’s a 6x scope for your Carbine. I was looking around in the Command Truck’s storage pods in the floor, found that along with some C-Rations, some grenades, the tents, pillows, some blankets, all that crap. Figured you might like it.”

> ATTACHMENT: 6x Scope
> Attach this to either a CARBINE or a RIFLE for critical strikes on rolls that roll 30.

You grin, nodding to him. “This just made my day, Nielson. Thanks.” He folds his arms, nodding. You quickly get back to work on cutting the panel up after that. Finally you have the squares you need. He takes all the little squares then fires up a welder. “So what are you doing now?”

“I’m just gonna weld these over the holes,” he says. “I’ll prioritize the ceiling first so the rain doesn’t come in.” He climbs up onto the roof of the Command truck then starts placing metal squares over each hole. “We should have enough for the roof. It’ll keep the rain out of the wounded’s eyes at least.” Good, good. Thinking ahead.

“Need anymore help?” you ask.

“Nah, I’m good,” he says. He smiles happily at you, pulling on some welding goggles from the toolkit. “Thanks for your help too, Burke.” Burke nods quietly. “Er. Yeah.” He pulls the goggles down and starts his welding. Flashes of light shoot out from the welder as he starts burning more metal onto the holes in the roof.

Burke looks at you. “He’s a cute kid.” You roll your eyes. Then hear the commotion coming from Lieutenant Harrell and Sergeant Cope.

“… that you saw fit to sacrifice our only chance of getting out here for your men!” Sergeant Cope storms away from Lieutenant Harrell. The group around the fire stop their gossiping to look. “Now, I’m not calling you a coward or anything, I’m just saying how horrific a decision that was, Sergeant! We’re stuck here with no way to call for help!”

[1/2]

>>3036967
>>3036967
“And what was I supposed to do? Sacrifice myself and my people needlessly for a –chance- at getting us all out? I didn’t know where any of you were, I didn’t even know if you were even alive!” Sergeant Cope stops in his tracks, turning around to Lieutenant Harrell and storming back up to him. “The only reason any of us are here anyway is because of my broadcast. Otherwise we’d all be running in circles. You think you know better than me?” Joffrey steps down from the fallen tree and runs over.

“There’s a reason I haven’t demoted you, Staff Sergeant! But I’m looking for one and trust me you’re giving me plenty of reason to!” Joffrey steps in between the two of them, quickly separating them. Connell stands up too and hurries to pull Sergeant Cope away. “We have to find that transmitter!”

“How? Go –back- through enemy territory? With just this lot? Or separate us into teams and make us all weaker. Not a lot of options there, Lieutenant.” Sergeant Cope aims to keep advancing but Connell quickly pushes him away.

“Sergeant, I will gladly sacrifice any of these people for a chance at escape,” Lieutenant Harrell hisses. Sergeant Cope tries to dive past Connell. But Stoakes and Godwin quickly get up and put a stop to him. Sergeant Cope however struggles, trying to get at Lieutenant Harrell. “You know as well as I do, that transmitter is worth its weight in gold! What else are we supposed to do!?”

“I’ll frakking kill you!” Cope pushes past everyone. You quickly grab your Carbine to stop them. “You Godless mother-“

Then Tombs comes in and shoves Cope to the ground. Everyone goes quiet. Where the hell did Tombs even come from? Tombs stares down at Cope, then looks at Lieutenant Harrell. Sergeant Cope looks up at Tombs, in awe at the fact that a medic just shoved down a Staff Sergeant. Tombs leans over Cope slightly, casting a shadow over him. “Staff Sergeant. Last thing we need is more wounded.” Lieutenant Harrell leans over, blinking. “Same goes for you too, Lieutenant. No fighting around here. Any more conflict, and I will break every bone in your bodies.” Lieutenant Harrell nods slowly. Tombs looks back down at Sergeant Cope. He nods too, respectful. Tombs storms away, back to the Command truck. Graves watches from inside, whistling lightly.

Stoakes exhales sharply, her hand over her chest as she watches Tombs go.

“Well.” Burke goes to the fire to grab coffee. “What a functional command structure we’re enjoying.”

> Go with Burke to get some coffee. May as well.
> Check on the wounded. See what’s what.
> Ask Lieutenant Harrell what that was all about.
> Ask Sergeant Cope what the argument was about.
> Other

>>3036977
>Ask Lieutenant Harrell what that was all about.

>>3036977
>“Sergeant, I will gladly sacrifice any of these people for a chance at escape,”
Ooh, that was not a smart thing to say at all. Especially not within hearing range of all present.

>> Go with Burke to get some coffee. May as well.
>> Check on the wounded. See what’s what.
We already know what the argument was about, nothing we can do about it now. I'm not sure what we can even do here. What, are we going to march 100 miles back to where the transmitter may or may not be, then march 100 miles back?

>>3036988
Supporting. At some point we need to end up taking control or something

>>3037014
Yeah, it's looking like we're definitely going to have to. We'll have to look for our chance in the future.

>>3036988
Supporting

> Go with Burke to get some coffee. May as well.
> Check on the wounded. See what’s what.

You grab some coffee from the tin and take a light sip. Nice hot coffee. A blessing really, you haven’t had this for quite a while. You take another light sip of it, careful to not burn your tongue or lips. Burke takes a cup as well for herself too. You direct her to the Command truck just as Godwin and Stoakes settle down. “Damn, what’s got into them?” asks Godwin.

Connell walks over as well, sitting down on a log. “You ask me, Lieutenant Harrell should not have said what he said like that. I can understand his position but goddamn, you can’t just say shit like that.” Lieutenant Harrell and Sergeant Cope have already retired to their tents for the night, meaning the soldiers can quietly talk shit about them as they usually do on other deployments. “What an idiot.”

You and Burke step into the Command truck and find Graves sitting in a chair by a comms console, her legs kicked up onto the dash as she relaxes back. Her jacket was opened up to reveal quite a substantial chest underneath. Even under that undershirt, how did you not notice that? Burke nudges you, getting your attention back. Graves looks up, brushing her blonde hair out of her eyes. “If you guys are wondering, I’d prefer if you not have sex in the shower. People have to use that you know.”

“Damn. Let’s get outta here then, boo.” Burke rolls her eyes, stepping up to Morrison. Tombs administers another anti-tox shot to his arm. “How’s he?”

Tombs says, “Needs more rest. He’s got to kick the infection first before he can recover.”

“And the others?” you ask.

Wexley lies back, sleeping soundly. “I put Wexley under with a pain-stop and a lullaby,” Graves remarks. “We had to cut the spike out of his shoulder and seal it up with medi-gel. We’re not sure he’s gonna be able to use his right arm after that. As for Hood.” Hood sits on his bed, stilling holding his right arm. “Still being a wittle babby who won’t get his frakking rest.”

“Okay, okay!” Hood holds his good arm up. “Jesus Christ, I’ll sleep. Just wanted to see if I could do anything else, bitch.”

“You get used to it,” you say. You look at Graves, then take a sip of coffee.

“Hey, not gonna share?” she asks.

“Get your own,” you say. She snorts, glaring a little at you. “What. I’m not an errand boy.”

[1/2]

>>3037089
[2/2]

“Aw, Daddy’s growing up and not letting the medics push him around anymore. Soon you might just be pushing me down on a bed and ravishing me!” Oh God you do not need this. “You see this shit, Tombs?” Graves points at you. Tombs glances over, uninterested, before going back to examining Morrison’s condition. “He sees this shit. Hood will be back tomorrow, he just needs a night’s sleep. But can I just say something to you two.” She points outside. “What we have out there with Harrell and Cope is not healthy.”

“Clearly.” Burke sits down on another chair, one of the few times she’s agreed with Graves. “Something’s gotta give.”

A hatch opens on the top, and Nielson pops his head down. “Y’all talking about what happened out there? That’s crazy, right?”

Graves sighs. “I mean, I can sorta agree with Sergeant Cope’s logic but… he shouldn’t have just abandoned the transmitter like that. He’s probably costed us a good chance at getting out with all of these people here. Now we gotta risk people’s lives to go back and get it.”

“Lieutenant Harrell didn’t make things better,” says Nielson. “I mean, I know the transmitter’s important but I don’t want to die for it.”

> “Lieutenant Harrell is right. We need that transmitter, no matter the cost.”
> “Sergeant Cope was right to leave it to save his men. Though, we’re paying for it I suppose.”
> Remain silent. Don’t get embroiled.
> Change the topic (What topic?)
> Other

>>3037091
>> Other
Lieutenant Harrell is absolutely correct in how important the transmitter is, but Cope made the right call in not throwing away the lives of all his men to retrieve it. We would've done the same.

Although in the end we may not have any other choice but to go back and find it, if it's even still in one piece. Maybe could try our luck searching other wrecks or crash sites on the way back for something that can help? If anything we could secure more vital supplies and ammunition for when we get back into enemy territory.