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Twitter: https://twitter.com/BurningGray
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=XCOM%20Trooper%20Quest
Squad Info: https://pastebin.com/4KJN5HKK
Reader Made To Do List: https://xcom864106258.wordpress.com/

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>>3020169
>>Head to the Barracks.

>>3020169
>>>Head to the Barracks.

>>3020169
>>Go to the Firing Range.

>>3020169
>Head to the Barracks.

>>3020169
>Head to Research to read those papers on Psionics from France.

>>3020169
>Head to the Barracks.
SO HOW BOUT DAT DIABLO MOBILE
please kill me

>>3020169
>>Make your way to a one of the main departments. Research Labs

Given the difficulties the scientists are experiencing over the Outsider in the captured UFO, and what the Commander told us in the previous update, Dozer would help Vahlen greatly by directly working with her to explain and understand how to work with the crystal-drone thing that is the Outsider to gain more access to alien technology. That and get rid some of the fear the techies have towards the thing.

>>3020169
>Go to the Firing Range.

>>3020169
>>3020219
changing to >>3020218
Because I forgot about the Outsider.

>>3020169
>Go to the Firing Range.

Shooting can be relaxing as well

>>3020169
>>Head to the Barracks.
Let's do some catching up with our squad. How is everyone doing? Are Peppermint and Sweet already out of medical?

So any ideas on a Squad Emblem for Strike-1?

I remember one idea was for it to be a flaming Goat Skull with some sort of motto.

>>3020237
Flaming Goat Skull with "Audacia Maximus" as motto. (If the Latin grammar isn't correct, please correct me)

>>3020169
Fraid we need our psionic juice back to reallly do stuff with the Outsider. I also worry our arms are still a bit spaghetti. As such:
>Head to Research to read those papers on Psionics from France.

>>3020169
>Make your way to a one of the main departments.
Let's pay a visit to the good Dr. Vahlen.

>>3020169
>>Go to the Firing Range.

>>3020169
>Head to the Barracks.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Calling the vote here! Looks like it's a tie between Barracks and RnD, going to do a tiebreaker roll off and then write!

1: Barracks
2: RnD

>>3020297
>RnD

>>3020297
Barracks

>>3020297
>RnD

>>3020331
>>3020348
>>3020369
It's already been decided, guys.

File: Research Labs.png (1.62 MB, 1595x639)

1.62 MB PNG

You consider between kicking back in the barracks or heading to the RnD to see if you can help out with things with Dr. Vahlen and decide on heading to the labs. It’s been some time since you had helped out over there, and while you can’t do any psionics for the foreseeable future you never did get around to thoroughly reading those psionic research documents found in France.

A decision made, you begin the annoyingly slow trudge to RnD. The only real upside is you don’t need to use a cane or wheelchair, that would really would have not been enjoyable. Eventually you complete the journey, entering into the cold and sterile department.

An attempt is made to get into contact with Dr. Vahlen, but it seems she’s currently in the middle of an alien autopsy, specifically the Mectoid from the last operation. In fact, apparently she’s handling the procedure personally and has donned a hazmat suit and equipped an industrial saw. Terrifying stuff really.

Thankfully, it’s not difficult to get access to those psionic documents due to some prior planning, a quick explanation to one of her main subordinates who is also in the know and you are given directions to a particular side room. That’s where the psionic research files are located, thankfully fully translated too. You’ve been meaning to properly go to reading the stuff, maybe you can even learn about that other person you had psionically felt.

That test subject, whoever they were.

A copy of the files in hand, you close the door to the room for some privacy and settle down on a nearby desk. There’s a small sigh of relief when you sit down, you’re still in a semi-constant state of exhaustion.

Spreading out the files on hand, you begin to get to reading. And there’s a lot of data and information to sift through. Unfortunately, it’s not been really completely organized yet. Time consuming, but at least you can read it.

Skimming through to get an idea you realize It’s going to take a long while to fully read through everything so you need to prioritize what you want to learn. It’s a bit of a shame Dr. Vahlen didn’t have an intern sort this out, but the ‘Psionics Division’ is still only a one man department, so you don’t really blame here.

A few topics look interesting, but where to start?

>Collected data from psionic tests. Raw data you could probably interpret better with your own experience.
>Learning about something the ‘Templar Project’. It’s talked about repeatedly in the documents.
>Information on the test subject specifically. She’s apparently the center of the collected research.

>>3020374
>>Learning about something the ‘Templar Project’. It’s talked about repeatedly in the documents.

>>3020374
>>Learning about something the ‘Templar Project’. It’s talked about repeatedly in the documents.

>>3020374
>Learning about something the ‘Templar Project’. It’s talked about repeatedly in the documents.

>>3020372
Whoops, I skimmed the post and just assumed it was a vote

>>3020374
>>Collected data from psionic tests. Raw data you could probably interpret better with your own experience.

>>3020374
>>Information on the test subject specifically. She’s apparently the center of the collected research.

>>3020374
>Learning about something the ‘Templar Project’. It’s talked about repeatedly in the documents.
>Information on the test subject specifically. She’s apparently the center of the collected research.

>>3020374
>Learning about something the ‘Templar Project’. It’s talked about repeatedly in the documents.
This sounds interesting.

>>3020374
>Learning about something the ‘Templar Project’. It’s talked about repeatedly in the documents.

Calling the vote here! Next update is going to take a bit as I am cooking dinner at the moment!

OK! Sorry for the delay, I'm writing now! Will try and stay up longer tonight to compensate.

This ‘Templar Project’ seems to stick out in particular to you during your initial skim of the files. It’s mysterious and enticing, and you are quickly drawn into looking for that information specifically. By the very general understanding you’ve gotten, it seems to be the main objective for France’s little Psionic secret project.

Well, if there’s anywhere worth starting, learning about this is better than nothing.

So, you begin to get to work. And it’s work, there’s no ways around it. You have an objective, but now you have to piece together a shuffled collection of files and data. There’s a lot of intel to sift through. You and Zhang were as thorough as you could given in gathering intel at the tim,, but there’s still likely going to be gaps in the information. It’s proper investigating and desk jockey work through and through.

...You can help but laugh at the irony of it.

You were always trying to avoid this crap in the past. You had dreaded the necessary grunt work as a starting field agent during training in the FBI before you could even be considered to test for SWAT or HRT but had gotten lucky. Here you are now, working intel. Thankfully your FBI training had given you the basics in this stuff, but it was never your forte.

If it wasn’t for how extremely interesting the subject matter was, you’d be bored out of your goddamn mind.

Now, what’s so special about these so called Templars…?

>Roll 1d100

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>3020719

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>3020719
Time to redeem myself!

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>3020719

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>3020719

File: Not for another twenty years..jpg (623 KB, 1920x1080)

623 KB JPG

Time flies rather quickly as you read and sort through all of the information. France seems to be extremely ambitious with what they had in store for their Templars. A psionic military force styled after knights with psionically powered blades and armor. A group of heroes who could turn the tide and fight the aliens with the power of their mind, a more fantastical MK Ultra.

...If you weren’t already Gifted yourself, you’d find all of this ludicrous. There’s basic sketches and designs for, specialized psionic ‘gauntlets’ used to channel a psion’s Focus into a honed form and a unique set of armor that would naturally build and store an extra reserve for the psion to draw upon. This… is all really incredible stuff if you had your hands on it, as you are currently fully experiencing the consequences of the lack of Focus.

Psionic blades are cool and all, but that extra Focus accumulation and reserve would be a game changer. That, and while you’re all for CQC, you’d prefer keeping aliens just out of distance with a blast from your shotgun. They would be a force to be reckoned with, you’ll admit.

But from what you’re reading, there seems to already be a general foundation for this organization. Unfortunately, it’s just that, a mere foundation. A lot of it is up in the air with every bit of new recorded psionic data changing things around, further extending the project’s development. It’s members in the project seem to be painfully aware of their minute resources and how herculean an effort it will be to get this off the ground.

It’s projected it would likely be decades before something substantial could be made in the project, and with the alien invasion going strong… it might as well be impossible. But that’s only if they worked on this alone.

XCOM alone with enough resources and psions could probably get something like this off the ground, and if the entirety of the Council actually backed it up it could be something you could use against the aliens in months. Yet France would rather keep this secret from everyone else, and go through terrible experimentation to speed up the process.

No wonder Burnout isn’t losing a wink of sleep essentially revoking his French citizenship, you’d be disgusted if America had done this and likely followed in his footsteps.

Pricks.

(Part 1 / 2)

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

55 KB PNG

Still, there’s something that could be salvaged here. Very basic and rudimentary sketches on a possible ‘Psi Amp’. While not producing or storing raw Focus, this Amp would allow a Psion to quickly harness their Focus and cast easily. It would allow for finer finesse for more and save precious time.

Catch is you’re no scientist and you’d need to ask for Vahlen and Shen to divert their own manpower and expertise to craft a basic prototype. And you’ll obviously need resources and funding to be OK'd from the Commander. But… you ARE the Psionic Division Lead, once Psionics get off the ground you can probably ask for a team too--

You notice the door start to open. Shit, didn’t you lock it? You begin to hastily start piling the files together before some non-informed Scientist accidentally is pulled into the know but stop. To your surprise it’s Rook who's opened the door.

You just stare at Rook, and he stares back.

“...Dozer?” Rook blinks.

“...Rook?” You answer back.

There’s an awkward silence for a moment. The both of you sigh.

“What are you doing here?” You ask him after a moment, initiating the conversation. You begin to sprawl the notes back out.

“I’d ask you the same thing, sir...” Rook answers back. You initially prick up when he mentions sir, fully expecting some bite to it, but there isn’t.

You really haven’t spoken to Rook both prior to Gangplank and afterwards when you became the squad leader. So…

>Ask again what Rook is doing here. He didn’t actually answer.
>Get Rook to leave. This is just really suspicious.
>...Have Rook help you in re-sorting the files. He’s here and he might as well help.
>Other

>>3020802
>>...Have Rook help you in re-sorting the files. He’s here and he might as well help.

>>3020802
>Ask again what Rook is doing here. He didn’t actually answer.
>Let him know we’ve not forgotten our promise, just we’re kinda tapped out on psi stuff for the moment.
>...Have Rook help you in re-sorting the files. He’s here and he might as well help.

>>3020802
>>...Have Rook help you in re-sorting the files. He’s here and he might as well help.

>>3020802
backing >>3020809

>>3020802
>>...Have Rook help you in re-sorting the files. He’s here and he might as well help.

>>3020802
>Have Rook help you in re-sorting the files. He’s here and he might as well help.

>>3020802
>...Have Rook help you in re-sorting the files. He’s here and he might as well help.

>>3020802
>>3020809
+1

Calling the vote here, writing!

“...Well since you’re already here, could you help me out in sorting all of this?” You say, motioning to the mess of papers on the desk.

A moment passes.

“Yeah, sure.” He replies back, walking over to the desk.

You give him a short explanation of how you had the files sorted out. He listens and then begins to go through the small and messy stack of papers. You follow suit. And that’s what you both do for the news few minutes, placing things into piles.

It’s quiet work from the both of you as you rearrange the documents. Rook doesn’t know what to say, and neither do you. You never really got to know Rook much and… well… he’s practically a stranger after what happened with Gangplank. Besides Rook clearing his throat, he doesn’t say anything else, gaze focused on the work. You do note however that he’s better at organizing all the papers about.

...

This is… yeah. You need to fill the air with something, anything.

“So, uh, you never did answer what you’re doing here, Rook.” You say.

“...Right.” Rook coughs. “Er, I was going to continue reading through the documents.”

“Continue?” You stop. “How long have you been reading through all of this?”

“For a while now, off and on.” He says, shrugging slightly. “I had it organized based on what seemed important.”

“Oh.” You totally didn’t notice at first and pretty much immediately ruined whatever organization Rook had had.

The conversation dies rather quickly at that, leaving both you and Rook once again in that awkward silence. All of that previous history between you two just kinda… there. Neither you nor Rook are hostile about it thankfully enough, but it’s still there.

Just.. lingering.

...Well, it’s clear even more now if that Rook remains the most eager over Psionics. He had brought it up more than once prior and his interest in sifting through these files just add onto it. There’s several reasons that could be the answer to Rook’s interest but you honestly just don’t know him enough to make a decent educated guess, besides obviously becoming more powerful. You remember he was particularly interested in being one of the first to be tested if he had the Gift from your team.

“Hey.” You get his attention. “I haven’t forgotten about my promise I made to you in the others. On testing you all. I just can’t right now, I kinda tapped myself out on psi stuff for a little while.”

“Fair enough.” Rook says nodding slightly, though he is a bit disappointed.

“Rook. I know that--”

“It’s fine, sir. I get it.” He interrupts, straightening one of the piles of paper as he continues.“No offense, but you’re just as bad at this as I am right now.”

Yeah, that part’s obvious.

“Look, I'll answer whatever questions you want if you want.” He just says.

You do, but…

>You’d like to know more about what was going on with him during Gangplank and with Babbler.
>It would be nice to hear his why he's so interested in Psionics directly.
>Rook doesn’t have to say anything if he doesn’t want to.
>Other.

>>3020932
>>It would be nice to hear his why he's so interested in Psionics directly.

>>3020932
>It would be nice to hear his why he's so interested in Psionics directly.

>>3020932
>You’d like to know more about what was going on with him during Gangplank and with Babbler.

>>3020932
>It would be nice to hear his why he's so interested in Psionics directly.

>>3020932
>>It would be nice to hear his why he's so interested in Psionics directly.
I got no objections to him getting it if it's possible, but what's his reason for wanting it this much?

Calling the vote here, writing!

“I’d like to know why you’re so gung ho over Psionics.” You say. “I’m all for it of course, but it would be nice to hear it from you yourself.”

Rook, is quiet once again, but this time he’s thinking how to answer. He opens his mouth to say something, stops, frowns, and then decides to go for the immediate gut answer.

“I want more control.” He says.

“...That is something you can get with Psionics, yeah.” You agree.

Be it from the options you have at your disposal or literally assuming direct control of enemies. The Gift has that possibility. Honestly, that’s a pretty fair reason from his part. But that almost obsession he’s had… there’s clearly more to it that’s going on. And once again, despite having a baseline you still have no idea what’s going on underneath.

You’re about to say further, but it’s clear that he knows what you’re basically thinking right now. He sighs once again and closes his eyes, and there is more reluctance this time.

“...I did not have control of myself in the time I had needed it the most, on that cursed battleship. That could have been disastrous. The ‘Gift’ could help keep myself in check in future operations. Prevent that from happening again. It has helped you tremendously, after all.”

That does make a lot more sense now. Though…

“The Gift is pretty great and all but it has a cost like anything else, I mean just look at me.” You say, motioning to your rather sorry state. You hope that would improve the mood a bit.

“Yes, but it is better than the cost of becoming a MEC pilot or Gene Modded.” Rook says bluntly. There’s no malice to the words, nor does he sound like he’s putting down Naru, Rachel, or the others from the MELD division. He’s just stating the facts. Or more specifically, what he thinks the facts are.

You frown.

>Psionics has its own dangers. Like the Intruder.
>It’s still too early to know if what you have is a blessing or a curse.
>Zhang has a very different opinion on your abilities.
>He may not have all the facts, but he does make a fair point.
>Other.

>>3021038
>Psionics has its own dangers. Like the Intruder.

>>3021038
>>Zhang has a very different opinion on your abilities.
and
>>He may not have all the facts, but he does make a fair point.

>>3021038
>Psionics has its own dangers. Like the Intruder.
>It’s still too early to know if what you have is a blessing or a curse.

>>3021038
>>He may not have all the facts, but he does make a fair point.
Solace IS a fairly easy to maintain Psi-skill if only used on one person, so he's perfectly right in that sense. Whether or not he's Psi-capable is another matter though.

>>3021038
>>He may not have all the facts, but he does make a fair point.

Maybe we should write some kind of psionic handbook where we compile all the things we've learned. Everything from abilities to risks such as our current condition. It will be very incomplete at this point and based purely on our perspective, but it's a start. Then once we have that big psionic reveal; like the one with MECs and gene-mods, we can hand out a printed copy to everyone who's interested to get the basic idea. That would reduce the amount of explaining Dozer will have to do in a long run.

>>3021068
This is a good idea.

Calling the vote here! This will probably be the last one for the evening!

ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL

>>3021068
Psionics for Dummies ?

>>3021125
Yeah, something like that

File: 1000 yards.png (115 KB, 326x226)

115 KB PNG

“Fair point.” You answer, nodding to him. “Mental stress is a very real threat, and a skill like Solace is not that difficult. Having several Psions deployed on a mission would be a huge force multiplier.”

“...Huh.”

“What? It’s true, though I may obviously be a bit biased.”

“I honestly expected you would say something otherwise.” Rook mutters.

“Why would I? Obviously you don’t really have all the facts and there’s more going on with psionics, but I haven’t written much down yet. It’s a decent assessment” You explain, looking down and noting that the papers have all been finally sorted.
“I was expected to be proven wrong in some way.” Rook shrugs. “This is a welcome surprise.”

“Just be prepared at possibly not being Gifted is all I can really say.” You caution. “I don’t even know what the odds are yet myself, really if it wasn’t for the fact about that France’s test subject, I was kinda worried I might’ve been the only one.”

“The chance remains, however slim it may be.” Rook says, sounding hopeful. “It would give me more control, more worth. It’s hard not to want it.”

“Worth?” You raise an eyebrow. “You’re a solid Infantry and were Strike-1’s first squad leader. Before Babbler you kept everyone alive. That’s worth something.”

It’s then Rook starts to laugh. That worries you.

“You don’t understand my position at all.” Rook shakes his head, after he manages to calm down from his uneasy laughter. He looks at you directly, and you see something you haven’t seen since after his episode of Gangplank, shame. “The only reason I’m still allowed to keep fighting is because I am another gunman. Another body in the roster. That’s it.”

You… don’t know what to say to that right away. Rook just laughs, and the laughter reminds you of how freely he had let Loco’s pheromones have it’s way with him. He bangs the table with his hand for a moment, jostling the paper stacks slightly.

“I am never going to be allowed in a leadership position ever again, either. My words are not self-deprecation, I was told this directly in the face by the Commander herself. She would have been rid of me in any other situation. I have lost control of my situation!” He says, basically just throwing it all out there at this point to you.

...What do you even say here?

>He shouldn’t bank everything on just psionics. It might screw him over worse.
>Point out that if you can earn your worth after Vegas he can as well.
>Just say nothing. Whatever you say would just be lip service.
>Other

>...And with that uncomfortable discussion I'm going to call it here for the evening. Probably for the best as I suggest you guys consider what you say. Rook's not in a great place. So until next time...

Thanks for playing!

>>3021133
>Other
"I won't claim i know your perspective. But one thing i do know is that XCOM troopers don't abandon their brothers-in-arms. If there is any way i can help you in the future, i'll sure as hell try to back you up."

I'm trying to word it in the way that he doesn't take it the wrong way. He still might.

Thanks for running!

>>3021133
>Other
>"You're a GUNMAN in X-com's A-team. And don't tell me you miss the paperwork ?"

>>3021133
After my fuck up at Vegas I never thought I was going to command again either, hell I did not want too. It still happened. The Commander might say such things, but no man or woman no matter how intelligent knows the future.


We could get attacked by aliens tomorrow, half the team could bite it in a well laid trap and everyone has to rebuild, I could have an Elder try to pop open my dome from the inside out via psionic intrusion. Shit happens, getting down about it, worrying about it? That's only going to make you lose your hair.

You're still a damn good soldier Rook. I am happy to have you on my team, The team that the Aliens deliberately lay traps for because they are getting that damn annoyed with our bullshit. The team you built.

Even if you never lead again, you can and if I know you, will, serve with distinction. Even without psionics, Gene augments, MEC or anything else.

>>3021133
>Point out that if you can earn your worth after Vegas he can as well.

>>3021133
>Point out that if you can earn your worth after Vegas he can as well.

>>3021133
Supporting >>3021174

>>3021133
>>Point out that if you can earn your worth after Vegas he can as well.

>>3021133
>>Point out that if you can earn your worth after Vegas he can as well.

>>3021133
>>Point out that if you can earn your worth after Vegas he can as well.

>>3021133
>Point out that if you can earn your worth after Vegas he can as well.

>>3021174
This actually sounds like more solid writeup than mine. Let's roll with it.

>>3021133
lets go with >>3021174

>>3021133
Supporting >>3021174

>>3021174
This is pretty good.

>>3021174
Backing this anon up

Calling the vote here!

Where do you start? Well, you’re no orator so you’ll just speak directly and hope it goes well. You take a moment to consider the gist of where you’re aiming for and stat speaking to the bemused Rook.

“Look… after my own fuck up in Vegas I didn’t think I was going to get to command again either, hell I didn’t even want to. The Commander may have said that to you, but nobody knows the future. If Gangplank didn’t happen, I’d probably still just be just another member of the team.”

“But Gangplank did happen.” Rook frowns.

“Yeah, it did. A lot of things can happen. We could get attacked by aliens, half the team could die in some well laid alien trap, I could have an Elder try and pop open my dome like inside out with psionic intrusion. Shit happens, and worrying about it? That’s only going to make you lose your hair.” You say.

“...Elder?” Rook looks like he was a bit thrown off at that part of your explanation. Oh right, he wouldn’t know about the Elders yet.

“The Elders are the alien leadership, and very likely one of them was the Intruder that had poked through my head a few times…” You can’t help but frown at the unpleasant memory, a bit of your subdued but still present anger heating up for a moment.

God, you can’t wait to paste one of those things with your shotgun.

Rook nods slowly at that, but he still doesn’t seem one hundred percent convinced. You stand up to look at him eye to eye.

“You’re still a damn good soldier, Rook. And I’m happy to have you on my team. The team that the aliens deliberately lay traps for because they are getting sick and tired of our bullshit…” A pause. “The very same team that you built.”

Rook doesn’t reply at that. You walk over, and place a hand on the man’s shoulder. A small voice in your head points out this is probably the first real friendly gesture between the both of you that wasn’t terse or professional.

“Even if you never lead again, you can and if I know you, will, serve with distinction. Even without psionics, Gene mods, MEC augs, or anything else.” You say resolutely.

He looks at you, blinks, and then starts to laugh again. You let go off his shoulder and wince, did you lay it on too strong? Rook sees you’re doubt and he laughs a bit more, though not as intense.

“Did… you just have all of that prepared beforehand?” Rook asks. “That speech of yours.”

“No? It, uh, just kinda came out naturally.” You say sheepishly. “Was it bad?”

“It was rather persuasive.” He begrudgingly admits, though you’re pleased to note he’s smirking ever so slightly. “Though, you should stop doubting yourself. You are usually so brazen in a firefight.”

“Yeah well I’m usually pissed off at the aliens.”

“I see…” He’s a bit confused. “I do mean what I said. You shouldn’t doubt yourself, doubt will cripple you.”

He’s clearly speaking from experience. You nod in understanding.

“I’ll work on it.”

“Good.”

(Part 1 / 2)

The both of you stand there for a moment, though the awkwardness isn’t as bad this time around. You’re about to speak up again until Rook takes the initiative this time.

“How much have you read on the documents?” Rook motions to the now neatly but individually shuffled stacks of paper.

“Not much, mostly on the ‘Templars’.” You answer.

“I’ve already read most of it. Most of the details I do not fully grasp, nor do I have the experience in the power like you do, but I can prepare a condensed report.”

“You really don’t have to-”

“It’s fine. It can be enjoyable at times.”

“...You’re kidding me. You actually enjoy all of the paperwork?” You gape a bit.

Rook shrugs. “I find it fulfilling and It helps keep myself from being distracted from unnecessary thoughts. You don’t enjoy it?”

“God no!”

Rook shakes his head. He’s one of those type of people then. You really wouldn’t have guessed. It fits the man, the more you think about it though. You’ll never understand how anyone can enjoy the drudgery, but hey, more power to him.

“So, what’s your assessment on France’s under the table research?” You question.

“It is not good. Effective given what they had, yes, but I think very low of the country’s government now.” Rook mutters. “I could explain further but… how much time do you have walking around?”

You look at the clock in the room. “A while longer until orderlies try to hunt me down. I’m 90% sure they enjoy the thrill of the hunt”

“I can explain further, but perhaps you should spend the rest of your free time doing something else? I can get a general report for you soon.” Rook suggests.

That’s… tempting…

>You can go somewhere else, having fun sounds fun. You don’t get to do much in bed.
>You’re interested in learning what Rook’s learned.
>Other

>>3028259
>Stay with Rook
Rook route: activate

>>3028259
>Other
Checking the rest of the squad, i'm sure they heard by now you're awake

>>3028259
>You can go somewhere else, having fun sounds fun. You don’t get to do much in bed.

>>3028259
>>You’re interested in learning what Rook’s learned

>>3028259
>>You can go somewhere else, having fun sounds fun. You don’t get to do much in bed.

Did the commander finally install that special R&R room with the indoor simulated beach?

>>3028259
>You can go somewhere else, having fun sounds fun. You don’t get to do much in bed.

>>3028259
>You’re interested in learning what Rook’s learned.

>>3028259
Check in with the rest of the squad

>>3028259
>>You’re interested in learning what Rook’s learned.
This is the first time in the entire quest we've talked to Rook casually out-of-mission, might as well stay for a while since we're already here.

>>3028259
>>You’re interested in learning what Rook’s learned.

>>3028259
>>You’re interested in learning what Rook’s learned.

>>3028259
>You’re interested in learning what Rook’s learned.

>>3028259
>You can go somewhere else, having fun sounds fun. You don’t get to do much in bed.

>>3028259
>You’re interested in learning what Rook’s learned.

>>3028259
>>You’re interested in learning what Rook’s learned, and this doesnt count as strenuous activity.... Does it ?

>>3028282 Hmmm how far is Xcom's holodeck technology ? Shen and Lily have a lot of alien stuff to reverse engineer now.

>>3028259
>You’re interested in learning what Rook’s learned.
Stay a while and listen

>>3028259
>>You can go somewhere else, having fun sounds fun. You don’t get to do much in bed.

>>3028259
>>You can go somewhere else, having fun sounds fun. You don’t get to do much in bed.

>>3028259
>>You can go somewhere else, having fun sounds fun. You don’t get to do much in bed.

>Thank rook

>>3028259
>You can go somewhere else, having fun sounds fun. You don’t get to do much in bed.
Go find someone else from the squad.

>>3028259
>>>You can go somewhere else, having fun sounds fun. You don’t get to do much in bed.

Calling the vote here!

“You know, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea, Rook.” You say. “I don’t really get to do much for fun being stuck in a hospital bed.”

“Alright. I can handle sorting out all of this information here.” Rook replies, walking over to grab a stack of papers.

“Do you want to tag along? I’m gonna try and find some of the others to let them know I’m up and about.”

“I’m fine.” Rook shakes his head, taking a sitting down on a chair.

You’re about to insist to Rook on joining you. Ever since after being allowed to work with the squad again the guy’s been rather seclusive. Then again, so is Peppermint. The man wants some space and after chatting with him a bit, you’re going to have to take things similar to Peppermint. Measured.

“Alright then, cya around.” You nod to Rook, turning to leave.

“Sir.” He responds and then dutifully goes to do… paperwork.

Now that’s something you’ll never understand.

Taking your leave from the labs, it’s time to decide where to go. There’s really only three places where you’d generally find your team. The barracks, the firing range, and the gym. The barracks won’t be an issue for you though perhaps the folks at the range might give you an odd look at the worst. Of course you could always wander elsewhere.

Where do you go?

>Barracks
>Firing Range
>Other

---

[spoilers] Sorry for the delay on this update, been distracted with how fun Cowboy Game 2 is plus anxiously waiting for a game changing package to arrive![/spoilers]

wow i fucked up those spoiler tags somehow, go me

>>3031660
>Barracks

>>3031660
>>Barracks

It's all right. We've got the plan. All we need is the plan, and we'll be in Tahiti growing mangoes.

>>3031660
>>Barracks

>>3031660
>Barracks

>>3031665
Have faith!

If Dozer starts acting like a cowboy I apologize ahead of time.

>>3031660
>Barracks
>>3031663
it's not [spoilers]
You're pretty damn far from the only person who makes that mistake

>>3031671
Well then
I deserved that
spoiler, not spoilers

>>3031660
>Barracks

>>3031660
>>Barracks
This lost on a tiebreaker last time, and it's about time to catch up with the squad.

>>3031660
>Firing Range

>>3031663
>>3031671
Highlight the text you want to put into the spoiler tags and press ctrl+s on your keyboard. That way you don't need to write the tags. Phoneposters are cancer so they deserve being forced to write the tags

>>3031660
>Barracks

>>3031705
>Phoneposters are cancer
Don't use that terrible disease so lightly. If you want to pose as edgy fuck off to /b or cut yourself.

>>3031660
>>Firing Range

>>3031771
Ok cancerman

>>3031771
Someone has cancer today it seems.

>>3031771
phoneposters deserve the bullet

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>>3031771

[cancerposting intensifies]

>>3031771
Are you the 'greentexting is sociopathic' guy?

You gotta chill man

>>3031920
>>3031924
>>3031947
>>3031957
>1 post by this ID.

>>3032028
Caaaanceeeer

>>3032028
reason I've only commented once is because of my timezone, although if you want to imply all of us are samefagging then I can admit we all think you're a faggot

>>3032028
Just got the thread, and saw the cancer.

>>3032035
>Being proud of having little life experience and/or being unemployed
Ayyyyy

>>3032092
How does anon saying the timezone he lives in is bad for participating in the quest mean that he is unemployed? Could it be that you're just so angry now that you're projecting your own faults onto others regardless of what their post says?

>>3032092
>Assuming/projecting faults and based little to no evidence

Oh yeah, you're definitely that guy from last thread. Actually 'That Guy™' sums you up quite well.

>>3031660
How about visiting Vahlen and the muties or Shen and the gadgets? Although we probably should stop by barracks first

>>3032102
Don't know what you're trying to achieve with fake assumptions but I'm not even that guy. This is getting pathetic. And why are you even going back to last thread ? Are you that desperate ?

>>3031660
>Firing Range

>>3031660
>>Firing Range
stay away from the rumor mill that is the barracks

>>3031660
>>Firing Range

>>3031660
>Firing range.

What >>3032394 said.

>>3031660
>>3031669
changing vote to
>Firing Range

if that's allowed.

>>3032394
>Not running toward it for maximum keks
>>3031660
>Barracks

>>3032394
Not to question your vote but the rumor mill is going to run even harder on members of the A-team.

File: Spoiler Image (2.7 MB, 4032x3024)

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Calling the vote here!

Future update progress may be slowed down a bit for the time being as I got a new drawing tablet and now have a huge burst of artistic inspiration. Expect more drawings for the quest and some of the other quests I draw for!

>>3033055
Ill keep an eye on your Twitter the, Any chance of the rest of Jimmy's squad being drawn ?

>>3033061
Got a bunch of stuff planned, but that's not outta the realm of possibility!

>>3033055
Looks awesome! And huge!

>>3033061
Caaancceeer

>>3033061
No jimmy must stay as a picture forever anyone else yes, but not jimmy it is tradition.

>>3033063
I'm excited to hear that! I wonder if Dozer is going to get art at some point? Or is his appearance going to remain mystery? Or maybe he's actually Doomguy.

File: PQ Loki and Harita.png (88 KB, 1122x876)

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So I spent all day drawing a piece for another quest and didn't actually write anything, so have some doodles of some of the squad! Who knows, I'll see if I can still write SOMETHING for tonight, but no promises! I'm creatively spent.

>>3033406
Depends if people really want it, I always did have a vision of what Dozer looked like but I've kept it intentionally vague so folks can picture him as whoever. He's TECHNICALLY the guy front in center in the OP image so there's that!

>>3033465
now for a love,marry,kill vote
which non-canon aliens will you introduce in the quest,Pixel?
the Martians from Mars Attacks?
real Grey aliens?
or something else?

>>3033465
Do you want constructive criticism ?

>>3033465
>That fucking cat
Loki u shit

>>3033465
I never realized that was one of your doodles until just now.

So, while we wait for Pixel, what do you guys think Dozer's title as Psionic division leader should be? Grandmaster? Master Psion? Maybe even some cheesy fantasy title like Archmage? I'd like to imagine Rachel would have fun bombarding Dozer with silly titles, being a sci-fi nerd and all.

>>3034020
Chief Mindfucker.

>>3034033
Seconding this

>>3034020
>>3034033
As long as Billy the Goat gets an Honorary title in XCOM just so we can tell green rookies that this goat outranks them.

>>3034033
I like this for the nickname that everybody else calls us, but dozer gets annoyed by.

>>3034020
Brain Force One
Or just go with whatever the highest psitrooper rank is in EW. Magus if I remember right.

>>3034055
Billy is actually XCOM's psionic demigod and Dozer is just the messenger who speaks his will.

>>3034020
Brain Boss

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>>3033465
Now I absolutely NEED a picture of Loki in this position.

File: XCOM Barracks.jpg (149 KB, 1586x602)

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You once again are pretty indecisive between going to the barracks or the firing range, but eventually settle on the barracks. You do have a desire to shoot things as that’s always entertaining but that can wait. You want to let the rest of the squad know you’re up and about and most of them will probably be at the barracks.

As you slowly but surely make your way over to the barracks, it seems the rumors of your escapades have really spread. You feel and catch glimpses of some of the other base staff watching you. Some talking quietly among each other as you move past. You have a sneaking suspicion that they’re talking about you.

It’s a shame really you’re not exactly the most presentable.

When you arrive at the barracks, it’s pretty easy to spot several of your squad members. Mostly by Naru’s angry yelling and furious yellow eyes being quite the neon sign. You spot the rocketeer, Zhang, Burnout, and Loki all around a table playing a board game. While you can’t get a good look at what it is specifically, you have a pretty good guess when Naru starts shouting again

“Fuck you Burnout and fuck Australia!!” Naru fumes, her yellow eyes alight with malice at a mostly indifferent Burnout.

...That sounds like Risk, and judging by the various colorful little figures on the board, and the clear distaste of a certain continent. Zhang and Loki look not too pleased with how the game has been going as well, though not as much as the Rocketeer is. Well, time to say hi and if need be prevent a possible frustration induced brawl that only the most well ‘loved’ board games can accomplish.

You walk over, passing by near the Billy the Goat’s little DMZ. The mountainous animal has more clearly staked it’s boundaries in its corner of the barracks as it lounges luxuriously on a pile of chewed up clothing. It looks like none of the other troopers have drawn straws yet to see who’d be the next unlucky soul to be on goat poop cleanup duty. The deadliest and most necessary of tasks in keeping the barracks clean and making sure Bradford doesn’t just outright evict the goat.

As you approach, you begin to hear the more colorful commentary by the focused group as they seem to watching a battle with great intent.

“I swear to god Burnout I am going to wipe that stupid smug smile off of your goddamn face once I break into Indonesia!” Naru growls, standing up as she vigorously rolls three dice in her hand.

“Good luck.” Burnout says honestly though even you can hear a slight hint of amusement in his voice, which only proceeds to make Naru devolve into even more frustrated grumblings.

(Part 1 / 2)

File: RNG bullshit.png (47 KB, 908x631)

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“Look you should relax and keep your voice down, you have a numerical advantage here, Naru. It is very likely that you’ll-- oh, hello Dozer. It’s nice to see you up and about.” Loki says giving you a curt greeting.

Zhang and Burnout look over and nod to you while Naru lets out a half-focused grunt of acknowledgement as she continues to shake the dice in her hands. Willing as much luck as she can into her roll.

“Hey, I see things are a bit heated.” You greet them.“How long have you guys been at it?”

“Two hours now, with no real signs of stopping.” Loki sighs.

You smirk and look at the state of the board. It’s mostly equal footing across the map with the frontlines stabilized but there is focus on a specific part of the board. Naru has amassed a large army consisting of a cannon and two horses while Burnout’s Indonesian defense is a mere small handful of infantry.

“Come on!” Naru commands as she rolls the dice out onto the board, landing two threes and a four. She looks up and grins devilishly at Burnout, her yellow glowing eyes helping to the effect “Hah! Beat that!”

Burnout shrugs, grabs a pair of the dice, and rolls it on the board without even shaking it. A five and a six.

“What the fuck!?” Naru pull at her hair in sheer anger as Burnout casually removes the dead horse off of Naru’s force.

“Damn, I guess Burnout’s luck extends to board games.” You chuckle.

“Don’t encourage him.” Zhang says, bemused. “I am fairly sure the man has only rolled a one… twice? Three times?”

Burnout just lets out a puff of smoke towards the ceiling.

“I’m not done yet! I still have a larger army you fucker!” Naru narrows her eyes, reaching for the dice.

“...Are you sure about that? You might just lose your entire army and then he could break through and be everyone else's problem.” Loki frowns.

“Grr…” Naru grits her teeth, before looking to you eagerly. “...What do you think, Dozer? Attack or defend!?”

“Uh…” You scratch your cheek, not expecting to suddenly be a general’s adviser all of the sudden.

>Attack, of course.
>Defend, probably.
>No comment. This ain’t your war and you’re staying neutral..
>Other

>>3034536
>Other
Decide how much you need for Burnout's containment and don't lose over that amount. Attack but be prepared to stop if RNG fucks you.

>>3034536
>>Other
Examine the dice

>>3034536
>Attack, of course.
A terrible plan, but if he's holed up in Australia, it's the only thing you can do.

>>3034536
>Attack, of course.

>>3034536
>Attack, of course.

>>3034536
>>Attack, of course.

>>3034536
>>>Attack, of course.

>>3034536
>Defend, probably.
The defence dice are probably unevenly cast, the air pockets will make it more likely to roll one thing than another.

>>3034536
>Attack, of course.
Our name is Dozer. It only makes sense we'd be aggressive.

>>3034536
>No comment. This ain’t your war and you’re staying neutral..

Calling the vote here!

Hm, we seem to be in a bit of an odd place timing wise. All my drawing has really screwed with the pace and it's kinda in a weird place I wouldn't really think the next update is a good cut off. Hell that last picture I spent a chunk of the afternoon scribbling instead of posting!

Will sleep on it and decide if we'll keep using this thread still or if I start a new thread. Would like to hear what you guys think though!

File: PQ Zhang.png (38 KB, 508x828)

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Still haven't decided what to do, but here's Zhang with his MAG LMG... all I will say is curse you Greg Foertsch for making an utterly incomprehensible to draw MAG cannon!

>>3035514
One option is to do an update or two in this thread and then make a new thread when the moment is better. But it'd be pretty awkward switching threads mid-run.

>>3034020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AabN4PmzViE&t=12

>>3035718
>>3034536
I'm glad you enjoy the drawing, and I honestly think you should focus on what you want. Don't feel bad for taking time to do stuff like that. If anything, it's a luxury with you as a qm that you dedicate some of your work to this quest, not many quests have a drawfag for qm.

>>3035514
If you have to ask, a new thread would probably work fine. Nobody's gonna be out for your blood if you do that I hope

Alrighty, I'm going to be starting a new thread up for convenience sake, and due to finding out I might be leaving soon tonight we'll be starting much earlier in about an hour or so.

I'll keep you guys posted!

>>3036757

New thread is up!