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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 (embed)
Reader Made To Do List: https://xcom864106258.wordpress.com/

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>>3036757
>>Leave the group and see who else is around.

>>3036757
>Remain a spectator and keep chatting with them.

>>3036757
>>Leave the group and see who else is around.

>>3036757
>Leave the group and see who else is around.
"Please try not to kill each other, the paperwork would be a nightmare."

>>3036757
>Other
Ask if anyone wants to play Catan after this.

>>3036757
>>Other
>Check in at sickbay or they'll be pestering Rachel where you are. Try to get released earlier seeing how goog you're doing now.

And doesn't the base have a intercom system ?(Like Star Trek)

>>3036757
>Remain a spectator and keep chatting with them.

Calling the vote here, writing!

Just a heads up I just found out I might leave have to leave early with little warning to deal with some life stuff but I'll try and throw as many updates as I can before then.

File: XCOM Barracks 1.jpg (38 KB, 519x259)

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“You know what, I think I’ll leave you all to it...” You start to say but trail off as you realize they probably didn’t hear you.,

“I am going to make you bleed and plant my flag on Australian soil or die trying.” Naru growls at Burnout, gripping the edge of the desk tightly.

Burnout just looks back at her passively, idly organizing his non-deployed pieces into neat rows.

“You will remove your men off of Iceland or you will regret crossing me.” Loki mutters to Zhang.

“I would like to see you try, Engineer.” Zhang counters, calmly and coldly.

...OK you might be a bit more worried as the four them settle in for a long and bloody night of board games. You have no idea how Risk is considered a family game, honestly. Buut you’ll just trust your teammates that they’ll not start throwing punches.

“I’ll just… go….” You say awkwardly as you step away from the intense group.
Looking about the barracks you scan the area to see if you can find some of your other teammates. The first teammate you see is Sweet, which is a pleasant surprise. It seems like he’s taken the same deal you and Peppermint have and appears to be in a great mood, did he speak to his family?

You think he’s the only other squadmate in the barracks besides the feuding board game warlords until you just manage to spot Peppermint. Oddly, she appears to be sitting on a couch facing towards Billy the Goat. Said couch is part of the perimeter of the goat’s DMZ. What’s she doing over there?

You have no eyes on anybody else. Where do you go?

>Check up on Sweet.
>Find out what Peppermint is doing.
>Look for others elsewhere.
>Other

>>3036923
>>Find out what Peppermint is doing.

>>3036923
>>Find out what Peppermint is doing.

>>3036923
>Check up on Sweet.

>>3036923
>Check up on Sweet.
I wonder if he got that call

>>3036923
>>Check up on Sweet.
I think peppermint is best waifu, but we got to check on sweet!

>>3036923
>Find out what Peppermint is doing

>>3036923
>>Check up on Sweet.

>>3036923
>>Check up on Sweet.

>>3036923
>Check up on Sweet.

Calling the vote here, writing!

File: Sweet Fatigues.png (52 KB, 985x1366)

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You decide to head over to the currently jovial Sweet whose infectious enthusiasm is already cheering up the folks near him. You raise a hand up to greet the Medic as you approach. The moment he spots you, he’s already beside you and giving you a hearty and tight gripped handshake.

“Dozer! Good to see you up and about!” Sweet grins.

“Woah, same to you.” You say surprised, smirking. “Medical must be getting pretty annoyed that the both of us plus Peppermint over there are just wandering around huh?”

“Hah, they’re fine with me. Dunno about you two.” He chuckles. “I know my own limits and I help ‘em out. But enough about that, I was heading over to the bar so how about I get you a drink as well.”

“Oh, uh, sure why not.” You blink. “...Wait is that really alright when we’re still recovering?”

“As long as it’s just ONE, it’ll slide. Besides I need to celebrate a bit.” Sweet holds a finger up in insistence before heading over to the bar.

“It sounds like that little favor went through, huh?” You smile.

Sweet just nods. His ecstatic mood was more than enough of a tipping point, but it’s nice to get a confirmation. Your own mood perked up at how happy he is, you follow him over to the bar to get served some literal medicinal whiskey from your squad’s Medic.

“I really don’t even know where to start with thanking you, you know. I may not be as good of a bartender as Babbler was, may rest in peace, but I know my way around a bottle enough.” Sweet says as he heads behind the counter and you take a seat.

>Sweet doesn’t have to do anything. He’s earned it.
>You’d like to know how it went, if he’s willing to chat about it.
>Maybe Sweet could allow you to have one more drink…?
>Other

>>3037041
>You’d like to know how it went, if he’s willing to chat about it.

>>3037041
>You’d like to know how it went, if he’s willing to chat about it.

>>3037041
>Sweet doesn’t have to do anything. He’s earned it.
>You’d like to know how it went, if he’s willing to chat about it.

>>3037041
>You’d like to know how it went, if he’s willing to chat about it.

>>3037041
>>You’d like to know how it went, if he’s willing to chat about it.

Calling the vote here, writing!

“Well, I’d like to know how it all went with the call, if you’re alright with talking about it.” You say.

“Where do I even begin…” Sweet shakes his head, considering the events with a smile on his face as he pours you and himself drinks.

“It sounds like it went well for starters.” You point out as you gratefully take the drink and do a simple toast as you begin to slowly nurse and savor your drink. You quietly chuckle a bit at the usage or nurse and it’s irony.

“That it did!” Sweet grins. “I will say there was a lot of crying, and I’m quite alright in admitting that, even if my boy did a tough guy act for a little while. And let me tell you my wife was not too pleased that I had a few scratches on me, but… well, we didn’t waste any time in just the three of us letting each other know we’re alright. What else can I say besides it being great?”

“I’m happy to hear that.” You answer, raising your glass again to him before taking another precious precious sip of alcohol.

Being deprived of it for so long it’s just as refreshing as you missed.

“It gave me perspective y’know. About why I’m fighting. I’m fighting aliens for them. I mean I already knew that of course, but… reaffirming that really picked up the soul more than even the best Medikit.” Sweet smiles softly, leaning against the counter and swirling his glass around.

You nod at that, the both of you becoming quiet for a moment. It’s a companionable silence of course, and it’s a lot better than how intense and louder the other’s Risk game is going on the other side of the barracks.

“Say Dozer, now I’m getting curious about you a bit.” Sweet starts after a moment. “What’s your reason that you keep on fighting anyways?”

You pause, the ice in your glass clinking against the glass.

>For your own family and friends back home.
>To look out for the others in the squad.
>Aliens make you really angry.
>Other

---

Well hell, just what I feared has come to pass. I'm going to have to step away for a while for at least probably an hour or longer and I don't know when I'll be back. I'll try and throw up more updates when I return if it's not too late.

Sorry guys!

>>3037194
>Aliens make you really angry.
>Too look out for Rachel and you other friends in the FBi who are left, and to avenge those who were lost.

>>3037194
>>To look out for the others in the squad.

>>3037194
>>For your own family and friends back home.

>>3037194
>>To look out for the others in the squad.
To prevent people we know such as Rachel from getting killed by the aliens in the same way my old squad almost did.

>>3037194
>For your own family and friends back home.

>>3037194
>>To look out for the others in the squad.

>>3037194
>other
"I know it's cliche but I do it so others don't have to... plus I'm seriously pissed at the aliens"

>>3037194
>>>For your own family and friends back home.

>>3037194
>To look out for the others in the squad.
>Aliens make you really angry.
Revenge for the old FBI squad, really.

>>3037194
>To look out for the others in the squad.
>Aliens make you really angry.

I'm back! Gonna try and write one or two updates!

“I’m fighting to look out for everyone else in the squad, just as they’re doing the same thing for me. Course I’m also doing it for friends, old comrades, and family back home but… y’know, we’re all stuck in the shit together. I wouldn’t want anyone else.” You say, taking another small sip from your glass.

“Hah, that makes sense. Strike-1’s definitely got something. Dunno what yet, but we got something.” Sweet agrees. “Be it skill, synergy, team composition, or--”

“AHA! TAKE THAT YOU… YOU… LUCKSACK!” Naru shouts triumphantly at Burnout.

You look over and see the Rocketeer nearly hopping up onto her chair for emphasis at the victorious battle. Burnout takes the shouting with an air of measured calm that only he is capable of while Zhang winces from the shouting and Loki appears to want to just shrink underneath the table out of sheer embarrassment.

“...Or luck?” Sweet raises an eyebrow, before chuckling quietly at the sight.

“Luck helps, but it’s just a factor, even if some of us think otherwise.” You muse, shaking your head and turning away. “But yeah, charging all that plasma isn’t so bad.”

“For you maybe, I gotta pick your ass up every time.”

“Hey, I’m making you earn your pay.”

“Thanks.” Sweet rolls his eyes, amused. “While I was chatting with my family, I asked what the situation was like in America given we don’t really get to see much.”

“Oh?” You lean forward at that. “What did you find out?”

“Curfews are in effect now and the National Guard’s been mobilized in all the major cities and towns, but folks are mostly just… worried. Ever since Vegas the country’s been pretty shaken up. The aliens picked a good place to terrorize. But that’s it.” Sweet frowns.

“...What the hell, that’s it? How has that not kickstarted some major action? There’s already been multiple alien activity sightings in the US already -- fuck-- me and Rachel were a part of one! What the hell is our government doing!?” You exclaim, finding the sheer indifference of the your country hard to believe.

“Apparently there’s all those preppers and survivalists who are having a field day sure, but besides increased National Guard presence and military forces pulling back to defend home, that’s it. People are scared.” Sweet mutters, his cheery mood flagging.

“I can’t believe that. That’s absurd. The government should be…” You trail off.

“Should be what?” Sweet prompts you further.

>Helping out other countries! The aliens might be not focusing on America, but it’s only a matter of time.
>Mobilizing! America should be pumping out weapons and equipment to prepare for when the aliens really attack.
>Calming down the civilians! It's only a matter of time before riots and civil unrest starts.
>You really don’t know but definitely not that.
>Other

>>3037662
>Mobilizing! America should be pumping out weapons and equipment to prepare for when the aliens really attack.
>Calming down the civilians! It's only a matter of time before riots and civil unrest starts.

We both know that while not ideal modern fire arms in enough numbers can ruin most of the alien’s days easily. Not ideal given the tech disparity but better to be ready than not. Also why getting people to accept ETs are buckets of dicks and that shit is coming is a good idea. We already had a Pearl Harbor at Vegas for fuck’s sales.

>>3037662
>>You really don’t know but definitely not that.
We're a soldier, not a politician.

>>3037662
>Mobilizing! America should be pumping out weapons and equipment to prepare for when the aliens really attack.
Become the Aresenal of Democracy once more.

>>3037662
>>Mobilizing! America should be pumping out weapons and equipment to prepare for when the aliens really attack.

Why isn't America doing the typical America thing when attacked and shifting to war economy already?

>>3037662
>>Mobilizing! America should be pumping out weapons and equipment to prepare for when the aliens really attack.

>>3037662
>>Mobilizing! America should be pumping out weapons and equipment to prepare for when the aliens really attack.

Calling the vote here, writing!

“Why isn’t America mobilizing already? This reaction is… limp!” You throw your hands up at that. “We’ve kicked the war economy into gear for less, what’s stopping them? Vegas was bad and you seriously can’t go any more easier in having an easy enemy than literal alien invaders.”

“You got me, Dozer. I was just as confused about it when I heard about it from them. It’s just not...” Sweet can’t find the right for it, but you already know.

“American?” You finish. He nods.

You drum your fingers on the bartop counter, a bit of that anger stirring for a moment, only to be replaced by perplexion than anything else. That just sounds utterly surreal to you and you really can’t quite place why. Could something else be going on behind the scenes? Council related bullshit? But that wouldn’t make any sense, as why would America’s Council member or whatever they’re called just allow that to happen?

Sure there’s a huge tech disparity, but all you need is enough guns or the right opportunity to make a proper dent.

You wonder if there’s any other oddities going on with some of the other countries out in the world? The last thing you’re aware of is France’s bullshit. If there’s anyone aware of the global stage it would be the Commander or Bradford. Central is more likely to be in the know, given that’s his job…

Being basically out of the loop of the outside world even it’s for XCOM’s protection kinda sucks. But maybe that’s a bad thing?

“Well, it just sounds people need a proper wake up call. Something that can really rally behind.” You comment idly.

“Like what?”

“What about XCOM itself? If it wasn’t for the fact we gotta be so secretive, I think a multinational alien fighting force would really help get people fired up. Let the world know someone’s fighting back and not getting bogged down by bullshit…well mostly.” You shrug.

“That would be something.” Sweet smirks, thumping his empty glass on the counter. “Would be nice to be recognized for all out hard work.”

“What? Half the squad would probably be dead if you weren’t around! Besides, It’s just a random thought. It honestly would likely cause more trouble than good but… yeah.” You set your own empty glass back on the counter as well. “It would be nice.”

The conversation dies down again, leaving you to think for a moment. For some reason, you suddenly imagine yourself in some action movie, but don’t dwell on it further. With your glass finished, what do you do now? You still got some time left before the orderlies start searching for your sorry ass, but do you really want to call it now?

>Ask Sweet about something else (Specify)
>Check up on what Peppermint’s doing
>Make sure the board game players aren’t going to kill each other.
>Just head back to Medical before you cause trouble.
>Head somewhere else. (Specify)
>Other

>>3037751
>Check up on what Peppermint’s doing

>>3037751
>>Check up on what Peppermint’s doing

>>3037751
>Make sure the board game players aren’t going to kill each other.

>>3037751
>Check up on what Peppermint’s doing
> other (ask sweets to check in on the board game)

Calling the vote here, this'll be the last post for tonight!

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“Well, I’m going to see what Peppermint’s doing over there by Billy. Could you make sure the guys playing Risk don’t murder each other?” You decide, standing up and placing the used glass into the bar’s sink. Last you recall it’s Strike-2’s turn for barrack cleaning duty.

“Yeah sure. They are getting pretty loud and are getting some spectators.” Sweet laughs. “I’ll see you around Dozer. Make sure you keep resting up.”

“Same with you.” You nod.

You begin to walk over to Peppermint, your squad’s sniper is still sitting by herself on that couch, facing the goat. She’s facing away from you, the back of her head moving up and down towards Billy and towards her lap. You only manage to walk over halfway before Peppermint pauses.

“Go away.” She mutters, that usual icy tone to her voice. She doesn’t look back.

“Woah now, just wanted to say hi.” You reply back, hamming it up a tad in a friendly tone.

Peppermint looks back. Instead of insisting for you to fuck off she just gives you slight look before turning back to what she’s doing. “Oh. Fine. But you must approach slowly.”

“Er, okay?” You raise an eyebrow but listen to Peppermint’s request, slowing your approach to the Russian woman. “I have to say, you have some good awareness for being able to-”

“Keep your voice down.” Peppermint interrupts with that usual bluntness to her. However she quietly sighs and catches herself. “...But, er, yes, I do. It pays for a sniper to be aware if somebody is sneaking up them.”

“Good skill to have.” You concur, lowering your voice down a bit so it’s only loud enough for her to hear at her second request. You’ve almost reached Peppermint “You mind if I ask why you’re over here?”

“I do mind a bit.” Peppermint mutters. “But it is because you might spook the animal.”

“Spook? Wait are you talking about B-”

“Yes.”

Ok now you really want to know what Peppermint has been up to. Is she some kinda goat whisperer or something? You turn to look at Billy the Goat, who continues to lounge luxuriously in his laundry throne, chewing away on a sock.

Slowly, you walk around the couch to see Peppermint has… a pencil and a journal on her lap?

(Part 1 / 2)

File: Sketchbook pages.png (114 KB, 926x551)

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When you look a bit closer, journal is the wrong term for it. It’s actually surprisingly a small sketchbook of all things. You know this because you see a… remarkably good sketch of the XCOM soldier’s resident mascot. Not only that, but a sketch of a part of the barracks as well.

“Woah, I never knew you were an artist. Those drawings look pretty good!” You compliment. Impressed by the skill from the reserved and prickly Sniper.

Instead of acting immediately defensive at you looking at the sketchbook as some other artists you’ve interacted over the years, Peppermint just shrugs. Seemingly indifferent.

“I am no artist. It is just a something I had picked up during my earlier years in training. It was to help improve my observational skills.” Peppermint says matter of factly.

“Everything with you always leads back to sniping, huh?”

“Is that a problem?” Peppermint looks over to you and starts to frown.

“No!” You shake your head quickly, before wincing as Billy bleats. You quickly lower your voice. “No. It’s great actually, I’ve always wanted to learn how to draw.”

There’s an odd pause as Peppermint considers this and looks back down at her sketchbook. She starts drawing again. You note she’s a lefty.

“...It’s not difficult, it merely takes practice like everything else.” Peppermint murmurs after a moment. Shrugging slightly.

When she says it like that, it makes it sound like drawing is just like a walk in the park. Best you can do is stick figures and that stupid S everyone drew in high school. You’re slowly realizing you really don’t know much at all about Peppermint and this has piqued your interest. She’s clearly focused on finishing that sketch of Billy so this is a good opportunity as any to get to know her better.

What do you say to the squad’s resident artist?

>Ask if you could see some of her other drawings.
>The squad would be impressed if she told them she can draw.
>Jokingly ask her if she could draw you after Billy.
>Other

File: Sleepy Naru.png (133 KB, 985x809)

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>...And with that I'm going to call it here for the evening. I never thought I'd sketch goats for my quest but here we are! Until next time...

Thanks for playing!

>>3037892
>The squad would be impressed if she told them she can draw.

>>3037892
>>Ask if you could see some of her other drawings.
>>Jokingly ask her if she could draw you after Billy.

>>3037892
>Ask if you could see some of her other drawings.

>>3037892
>Ask if you could see some of her other drawings.
>Jokingly ask her if she could draw you after Billy

Did anyone else just get mysteriously rangebanned? I'm trying to post on my phone now to see if it works.

>>3037961
It happened to me too.

>>3037892
>Ask if you could see some of her other drawings.
>Jokingly ask her if she could draw you after Billy.

>>3037892
>>"Draw me like one of your French girls".(ask peppermint to draw you)

>>3037961
>>3037971
What country ?

>>3037892
>The squad would be impressed if she told them she can draw.

>>3037892
>Ask if you could see some of her other drawings.
>Jokingly ask her if she could draw you after Billy.

>>3037961
Me too until just a moment ago

>>3038004
I'm from Finland but at least some Romanians, an American, a Mexican, an Ecuadorian and an Indian suffered from the same problem. At least I saw those anons from those countries complaining about being banned in a /pol/ thread about this before a mod moved it to /qa/.

>>3038021
>saw those anons
saw anons*

>>3037892
>Ask if you could see some of her other drawings.
>Jokingly ask her if she could draw you after Billy.

>>3037892
>>The squad would be impressed if she told them she can draw.

>>3037892
>>The squad would be impressed if she told them she can draw.

>>3037892
>Ask if you could see some of her other drawings.
>Jokingly ask her if she could draw you after Billy.

Calling the vote here and writing!

>>3037961
>>3038021
Also wow that seems very... much like how 4chan has been lately. Very inconvienent. Every time I find out about and deal with problems on running a quest 4chan the more I consider if I switched ships for Akun. Things seem stable over there. Seem is the keyword.

Of course, I wouldn't do it unless I got outright banned or most of the readership are OK with it though, even with how frustrating 4chan has been at times!

>>3038495
>Things seem stable over there.
Kascode breaks more often than not. Akun has it's perks but stability isn't one of them.

>>3037892
>>Ask if you could see some of her other drawings.

“Hey, would it be alright if I took a look at some of your other drawings in your sketchbook?” She gives you a look. “When you’re done with your sketch on Billy of course.”

Peppermint frowns but reluctantly agrees. “I do not understand what would be so interesting about it, but very well. Also it is not a sketchbook, it is an observational journal.”

“Great. Obs journal it is.” You grin at her, she looks back at you bemused.. “Do you mind if I watch?”

A shrug. You’ll take that as a yes. Being mindful not to have Billy bleat at you too much for trespassing it’s personal space you maneuver yourself around into take a seat on the other side of the couch. Settling in to watch Peppermint do her thing.

It’s pretty neat honestly, watching the pencil in her hand make lines and shading that form into shape and form. She spends more time looking at the goat instead of actually staring at the sketchbook. You have no idea where you’d even start with drawing the infamous Billy, let alone anything else.

She’s already working on the finer details of the animal… until it decides to stand up to wander around to some other part of his territory. Peppermint stops, makes a quiet noise of disapproval and sets her pencil aside.

“You may have irritated it’s presence.” Peppermint grumbles.

“Er, sorry.”

“So be it.” Peppermint shrugs, holding out the sketchb-- observational journal out to you.

Taking it, you begin to flip through the pages, finding more quality sketches of various things with each page flip. There’s a notable variety drawings of machinery, her rifle, and even landscape drawings of mission sites she had participated in. There is clear draftsmanship. However, you see very little drawings of people.

“Wow.” You let out a low whistle. “Were you drawing some of these during missions?”

“Of course not. But once an operation is complete I usually put something down so it can help in mentally reviewing my performance.”

“So that’s why you always take a bit longer to get down from whatever perch you’re on sometimes.” You muse.

“Apologies.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine.” You chuckle. Peppermint frowns, unsure, but doesn’t press it.

“Say, why don’t you draw people as much? If you can draw a goat that well surely a person isn’t a challenge.” You ask her, curious.

“I do not need to remember faces.” Peppermint grumbles, surprisingly defensely. Before reluctantly adding, “...And I am also weak in that aspect of drawing.”

“Well shit, why don’t you try drawing me as practice? People say I have a strong face.” You joke.

“That’s not funny.” Peppermint glowers. “It would turn disastrous.”

“I mean it! I seriously won’t mind if it turned out horribly, which I doubt.” You insist. It’s become partly out of interest of getting a drawing of you and mostly to get the Sniper out of her shell.

“I... do not know…” Peppermint looks away at that. Surprisingly hesitant.

>Gently keep insisting.
>Don’t press it.
>Other

>>3038584
>>Don’t press it.

>>3038584
>Don’t press it.

>inb4 the sketch is just the OP pic's helmet.

>>3038584
>>Don’t press it.

>>3038584
>Gently keep insisting.

>>3038584
>Gently keep insisting.
If I know anything, she wants us to compliment her drawing but is afraid it won't be up to par.

>>3038584
>Gently keep insisting.

>>3038584
>>Don’t press it.

>>3038584
>Gently keep insisting.

>>3038584
>Don't press it.

>>3038584
>>Other
>Ask if she wants to share her doubts, what is holding her back.

>>3038584
>>Gently keep insisting.
This will annoy her, but then again, she's always annoyed.

>>3038584
>Gently keep insisting.
It might be useful to the mission to be able to confidently draw a face.

>>3038584
>>Don’t press it.

>>3038584
>>>Gently keep insisting.

>>3038584
>>Don’t press it.

>>3038584
>Gently keep insisting.

>>3038584
>Gently keep insisting.

She should draw one of us.
It'll be nice to have something to remember him by after he's gone.

>>3038584
>Don’t press it.

>People say I have a strong face.
Because you're always wearing a helmet.

At least a dick pic shouldn't be too hard for her.

>>3039354
She'll shoot it if we pull it out

Calling the vote here!

>>3038584
>Gently keep insisting.
"If you don't train in the areas you're lacking, you won't progress.
I'm sure you already know that given how good you are at sniping.

“Come on, Peppermint. I’m sure it’ll turn out just fine.” You say, handing the observational journal back to her and trying your best to gently nudge it out of her.

“I don’t think so, American.” Peppermint shakes her head, taking it.

“It’s just a quick sketch. Doesn’t have to be a full portrait.”

“No.”

“A doodle?”

“Nyet.”

“A caricature!”

“Not happening.”

“A vague collection of shapes that barely resemble my face! Like one of those modern art pieces or something.” You exasperate, completely running out of ideas.

Your lack of subtlety is a challenge once again and your attempts are sounding more desperate. Anything to get the guarded Sniper to get out of her comfort zone barring outright ordering her. That won’t accomplish anything except putting yourself on her bad side.

You see her scrunch up however, getting irritated and you think that’s it. A solid if not sloppy effort sure, but a failure nonetheless. That is until she lets out a grunt of frustration and begins to to bat her forehead with the sketchbook.

“Fine, you win. You will regret the final product.” Peppermint grumbles, her voice a bit muffled from the journal.

...

Fucking nailed it. You’re so damn good at this talking thing. Simply the best of the best.

“Great, just tell me what I have to do to be the best life drawing model there is.” You say.

What follows is Peppermint essentially asking you to remain as completely still and relaxed as possible as she flips to an empty page on the journal to start drawing away. You do your best to stiffen up as still as a statue upon request, breathing as slowly as possible and resisting the urge to blink if need be as Peppermint does her thing. It’s a good thing you’re sitting on a couch, as holding completely still is more difficult than you expected, you have no idea how those naked art models do it.

Things are silent for a while between the both of you. It’s an interesting, really, being closely scrutinized by every contour and shape and what have you by Peppermint. She has that same mask of focus of hers, and it kinda feels like she’s looking at you through her scope and crosshairs. She’s looking at you less as a person and more just a fleshy colored shape that resembles a face. It’s a bit intimidating, really.

“...You are allowed to talk, you know.” Peppermint quietly sighs as she looks back down to jot a few more lines on the page before looking back at you.

“Oh right, cool.” You say bit relieved.

“Just don’t gesticulate wildly while you speak or what have you, you have a way of moving your arms a lot while you speak.”

“I do?” You tilt your head.

(Part 1 / 2)

“You moved.” Peppermint narrows her eyes, which you hastily correct. “But yes, you do. Not as much as Sweet does when he speaks, but up there. Your body language is very active, and when it is not it seems as if you are building up energy to make up for it. It is not as deliberate as say, Loki’s.”

“I see. That’s really perceptive of you.” You compliment.

“Reading body language is a skill you learn to identify individuals at extreme ranges.” Peppermint shrugs, moving her feet up onto the couch and crossing her legs on the cushion. “It is… perhaps the only way I can understand people.”

“You might be a lot more empathetic of people then you might realize. Have you ever considered that?”

“I’m not.” Peppermint says matter of factly.

“Why’s that? I mean, we all start somewhere with getting to know people, and you’ve already started talking to some of the others. You can’t just write away that it’s impossible for you. It’s like sniping, how else are you going to get better at if you don’t practice?” You say, trying to reason with her.

“You are so insistent of such a simple solution.” Peppermint grumbles.

“Can’t help it, I’m a simple guy.”

“I am getting acquainted with the rest of the squad simply to increase team coordination, that is it. Anything else is a waste of time for everyone involved. And I know what you’re going to say, let me finish,” Peppermint intercepts you at the pass pointing the eraser of the pencil at you.

You comply and keep your mouth shut.

“... I… I have found, that people are always going to specialized in their skills. That is the way of things. At once people will get a basic understanding of certain topics but that is simply that. I know how to handle a shotgun as you might know how to handle a sniper rifle, but if given the opportunity you will always choose your close range weapon as I would my rifle. Am I wrong?”

“No.”

“Good. It is the same with… people, and myself. Sure, I can devote precious time and effort into improving it, but it is wholly going to be unnecessary in the long run. I am better working alone, that is a simple fact. Learning to be ‘social’ is not going to win the war when I can be spending my time improving my own skills… that is just how it is.” Peppermint mutters.

She’s spending more time staring at drawing than looking at you as she draws. You’re no artist but you’re pretty sure not looking at the thing you’re drawing is likely going to cause mistakes. Like she doesn’t want to look at you as she speaks.

>It sounds like Peppermint has already given up. That’s not the Peppermint you know.
>There’s a story behind this. Ask her if she could tell you so you can understand.
>Just because some of that may be true, that doesn’t mean she still shouldn’t try.
>Drop the subject. You don’t want to strain things.
>Other

>>3044922
>>Other
Suggest that she look at the model more while she's drawing. Offer to look away if that is easier for her.

>>3044922
>>There’s a story behind this. Ask her if she could tell you so you can understand.
she probably has her own reasons for it.

>>3044922
>There’s a story behind this. Ask her if she could tell you so you can understand.

>>3044922
>There’s a story behind this. Ask her if she could tell you so you can understand.

>>3044922
>There’s a story behind this. Ask her if she could tell you so you can understand.
Supporting >>3044926

>>3044922
>>Drop the subject. You don’t want to strain things.

>>3044922
>>There’s a story behind this. Ask her if she could tell you so you can understand.

>>3044922
>>It sounds like Peppermint has already given up. That’s not the Peppermint you know.
That's quitter talk

>>3044922
>>There’s a story behind this. Ask her if she could tell you so you can understand.

>>3044922
>>There’s a story behind this. Ask her if she could tell you so you can understand.

>>3044922
>There’s a story behind this. Ask her if she could tell you so you can understand

>>3044922
>>3044926
+1

She wants to be better at people, she just doesn't realize it herself yet. You can tell by how she tries to open up to dozer

>>3045387
>You can tell by how she tries to open up to dozer
Trying to stay on good terms with your CO is something different and might be drilled into her, being ex-Spetsnaz or whatever

>>3044922
>There’s a story behind this. Ask her if she could tell you so you can understand.

>>3045461
Nah i think this is different.

>>3044922
If that one write up is canon, then its understandable if she has social problems

>>3046522
Are thers no other soviets in Xcom that she can relate with? a scientist, doctor, trooper, whatever.

>>3046579
She doesn't even get along with fellow russians according to the write up. This is her own personal issue.

Calling the vote here!

>>3046627
That's sad. Where is the write-up ?

>>3047278
somewhere, yeah.

>>3047278
https://pastebin.com/Y2XcJWJf

Found it

You are quickly getting nowhere with Peppermint. This doesn’t stop you however, given you are very determined in trying to learn more about the Sniper. Lone wolf she may be, but you aren’t going to let her off the hook.

Something sticks out to you.

“...You said that things are ‘just how it is’ for you. Did something happen to you before?” You say, resisting your urge to frown given your current situation as an art subject.

“My past is irrelevant.” Peppermint tries to dismiss, quickly getting defensive. That confirms that.

“No it isn’t, and you know it. You want people to understand you, even if you don’t realize it. You don’t have to say everything, just… something.”

Peppermint stops drawing, setting the small book and pencil down on her lap. Her creative mood fizzling out at your hopefully reasonable confrontation.

“What is your game?”

“Game? I’m not playing any game here. I just want you to open up a little.”

“...Are you ordering me to do so?” Peppermint tenses up a bit.

“No.” You say, making a point of it.

“Then why do you care? What is your stake in learning this? I… I do not understand.” There’s a strong edge to the last sentence. She’s frustrated.

“It’s because…”

>You are worried about her.
>You’re concerned her issues will affect squad performance.
>She wants other people to understand her.
>Other

>>3047706
>You are worried about her

>>3047706
>>She wants other people to understand her.

>>3047706
>You are worried about her.

>>3047706
>She wants other people to understand her.

>>3047706
>No man is an island onto himself. We have squads on a mission for a reason. Likewise if you can’t be social even a little bit, you’re going to eventually crack. If it’s not me at least try to find someone you can talk too.

>>3047706
>>You are worried about her.

>>3047706
Youre worried about her

>>3047706
>>You are worried about her.

>>3047706
>>She wants other people to understand her.

>>3047706
>>You are worried about her.

>>3047706
>You are worried about her.

>>3047706
>You are worried about her.

>>3047706
>>Other
>I AM responsible for the mental health and cohesion of my squad. and you fly off the handle too easily.

>>3047706
>>You are worried about her.
And as the squad leader we have a responsibility to help our troops

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>>3047706
>You are worried about her.

Snake... Do you think love can bloom, even on a battlefield?

>>3047706
>She wants other people to understand her.

>>3047706
>You are worried about her.
The real her, not Peppermint the Sniper. Regardless of her attempts to remain cold, she's become a friend over the time they've spent together. And whether or not it affects combat performance, Dozer can't let Pepper shut herself off from the world like this.

>>3047706
>>You are worried about her.

>>3047706
>>You are worried about her.
as a squad leader and as a friend

Calling the vote here!

“I’m worried about you, Peppermint. And not just because you’re my subordinate, though that’s part of it. I’d like to think we’ve become comrades over the weeks. Right now I’m worried about the real you, not Peppermint the Sniper.” You explain, hoping some blunt honesty is enough to start to get through to her.

And it does, in it’s own little way. She mutters something to herself in Russian and looks away, digesting that. After a moment she takes her pencil and goes about drawing again.

“...You moved. Lean back and tilt your head back a little to the left -- no -- my left.” Peppermint directs.

You do so, going quiet as she draws. You star to observe her again. Her focus isn’t there, and she’s clearly distracted as she draws, her pace slowing down.

Once again, her focus is more on staring at the paper instead of at you. That’s just going to be unproductive to her in the long run. You almost let it be, but for the sake of your own drawing turning out well…

“Er, I’m not saying I know anything about the creative process, but shouldn’t look at the model a bit more?” You suggest.

“I know that.”

“I’m sure, but you really haven’t.”

“...” Peppermint sighs, closing her eyes. “Damn. You’re right, American. I have lost my focus and the drawing is not turning out well. This is unproductive. I think I shall stop drawing for now.”

You nod and immediately relax, cricking your neck and leaning back on the couch for a moment. Your body feels immediate relief. Sitting completely still is actually fairly challenging! Who would’ve thought. Though that could just be because you’re still recovering At least you weren’t standing.

“Hey it’s no big deal if you don’t get it perfect right away, there’s no way in hell you became a damn good shot day one, right?”

“That’s correct.”

“Exactly! So I’m sure the sketch is more than serviceable.” You smirk.

“Perhaps.” Peppermint frowns a bit, looking down at it.

There’s a pause. You rub your chin.

“So uh… can I see the sketch?”

Peppermint hesitates, and the angle of the journal in her hands is tilted just enough you can start see the outli-- nope she quickly tilts away from you when she sees you looking at it. Now she’s suddenly acting skittish like most artists are with their sketchbooks.

“It’s… not really…” Peppermint trails off, her cheeks starting to tinge red with embarrassment. A very rare sight from the Sniper.

Right, looks like she needs just a tad more encouragement then. Just a gentle nudge to let her know it's really alright and build more trust.

You get her attention.

>You place your hand on her shoulder.
>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

>>3049025
Oooh, both seem like risky moves, considering it's peppermint.
>You place your hand on her shoulder.

I guess that one is the least intimate of the two. Maybe.

>>3049025
>You place your hand on her shoulder.

>>3049025
>>You place your hand on her shoulder.

>>3049025
>>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.
This might go terribly, but fuck it. I'm too curious to see her reaction.

>>3049025
>You place your hand on her shoulder.

>>3049025
>>You place your hand on her shoulder.

>>3049025
>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.
With this one we wont have to move our body as close to hers. Maybe she would actually be more okay with this than the shoulder grab.

>>3049025
>>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

>>3049025
You rest your hand on top of hers

>>3049025
>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

>>3049025
>>You place your hand on her shoulder.

>>3049025
>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

>>3049025
Put your hand on top of hers for a moment

>>3049025
>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

>>3049025
>>>You place your hand on her shoulder.

>>3049025
>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

>>3049025
>You place your hand on her shoulder

>>3049025
>>You place your hand on her shoulder.
More comradery and less intimacy sounds like the better idea with our shy sniper.

>>3049025
>>You place your hand on her shoulder.

I feel like we are in a dating sim.

>>3049025
>>You place your hand on her shoulder.

>>3049025
>Shoulder

>>3049025
>>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

>>3049025

>>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

You guys do realize this is one of those romance interest moments that Pixel had mentioned would be coming up, right?

>>3049190
I'm pretty sure this hasn't been lost on anyone.

>>3049190

>You place your hand on her shoulder.

>>3049025
>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

Yes, I am a one post ID. I stopped reading around the time of the exalt stuff for a bit and just caught back up.

>>3049190
Yes, that's why I voted shoulder

>>3049025
>>3049190
>You place your hand on her shoulder.

>>3049025
>>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

>>3049025
>>You place your hand on her shoulder.

I love the smell of waifu wars in the morning.

The aroma of desperation, the influx of voters, the armies of 1 post IDs. It's even enhanced by the tournament style Pixel implemented since you could have a pro Peppermint think it's smarter to take it slow with her, but the meta forces him to take her hand.

It's fantastic. It'll only get bloodier in the next round.

>>3049336
Blessed post. This made me die laughing man. Keep being great anon.

>>3049336
You know it's going to be between Rachel and the Commander, with Peppermint as potential third party. I'd be surprised if anyone else made it past the first "round".

>>3049336
waifu knife fights when

>>3049354
>the Commander
I can't believe that's an actual option.

>>3049354
If the criteria for entrance is around half everyone except naru will probably make it in

>>3049388
Shame best girl is taken, but Burnout is top tier as well.

>>3049394
Good point. Is burnout a waifu option?

>>3049384
It would be the most hilarious (and dangerous) route, just from the reactions alone. Imagine XCOM HQ's reaction to that one time we woke up in her room and then multiply it by hundred. If we really end up landing on the Commander, Dozer would have some serious balls dating the boss of the fighting force that is humanity's only hope.

>>3049388
You aren't supposed to vote for every girl you like, just your favorite and maybe your runner-up. Otherwise it would take forever. Point is to narrow it down as much as possible after all.

>>3049354
I'll probably be the only giving Loki a vote and you know what?

That's okay. I'm here to fight aliens with increasingly OP psionic powers.

>>3049402
My top two choices are Peppermint and Loki, because I have terrible tastes

>>3049402
Dozer is already almost team-dad. makes sense he would shack up with the resident mommy.

>>3049025
>>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

>>3049397
I second this notion

I mean, there's always the joke option for Dozer to end up with Billy the Goat or Loki's cat.

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>>3049025
>You place your hand on her shoulder.
Been barely voting at all recently but goddamn I ain't missing the waifu wars.

Mommander and Rachel are the only right choices, prove me wrong.
Pro tip: You can't.

>>3049025
>You place your hand on her shoulder

>>3049492
>Mommander is for oedipus complex fags
>Rachel is the closest this quest has to a childhood friend, and they aren't allowed to win

>>3049538
>>3049492
At least it's post MEC Rachel. Pre MEC Rachel was abysmal. You could place her into any cookie cutter childhood friend spot in a highschool anime and no one would bat an eye. As horrible as it is to say it I'm glad Vegas allowed her character to develop beyond one note.

>>3049354
>Rachel and the Commander
Thank you for mentioning the two waifus who won't make it past the first round

>>3049547
Commander is 200% making it past the first round, I wager.
Not sure about Rachel though

>>3049397
This is a judgement free quest. go for it

>>3049554
This is a 4chan quest. People are willing to waifu just about anyone short of the goat.

>>3049557
'short of' I think you mean 'especially'.

>>3049547
I wonder, does being this wrong all the time make it hard for you to function in society?

>>3049557
>Not wanting to be held in the Muton's strong arms.

>>3049492
Placing a hand on someone's shoulder can still be seen as a very bold and flirtatious gesture in some cultures.

>>3049025
>You rest your hand on top of hers for a moment.

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31 votes so far.

Think we can get it to 50 before Friday?

pic unrelated

>>3049547
>far and away the two most popular girls won't make it past the first round
I bet you like some meme waifu like Loco

>>3049784
to be fair, loco is cute in a British redhead kind of way

>>3049792
Loco is neither British nor redheaded

>>3049792
I agree that Loki is indeed cute but Loco is a different character.

>>3049794
>>3049801
where am I? what quest is this?

>>3049025
>You place your hand on her shoulder.
Wouldn't Rachel route end in really kinky amputee sex? She'd have to leave all her metal bits aside.

>>3049814
Well you never know. Maybe Shen or someone will come up with much better versions of the limbs.

Either way, why not sleep while embracing her like a full body pillow?

>>3049814
Unless she gets psionic somehow. Also she'd still have her arms.

>>3049881

Which reminds me, having lewd times with Dozer must be one hell of an experience if some minor Psionic Mind Linking's involved for some Newtype sex where they're both floating naked in some weird mind dimensional thing so that the writer/animator can have them having sex without actually showing them having sex.

>>3049546
I'd argue that all of the girls suffered from this at first. Most of them have been fleshed out since however.
I still don't like Loki.

>>3049025
>You place your hand on her shoulder.

Calling the vote here! Next post will end the thread!

Going to be very thorough with checking these votes.

>>3050287
Nah they are all legit we swear!

>>3050287
If people really samefag with this I'd just chuck the romance options out, you shouldn't be forced to do this.

>>3049814
Imagine getting a handjob from her. If Dozer's dick doesn't get crushed by the grip it would be torn off at the first pull.

>>3050413
Well, i mean if XCOM's prosthetic's aren't limited to limbs he could get a replacement.

You gently place your hand right on top of hers hand. It’s only for a moment. A fleeting sensation of the warmth of her skin against yours.

Peppermint nearly jerks her hand away, as if your hand was some burning hot surface. Instead of a harsher retaliation, she’s more surprised than anything else. She looks down at your hand on top of hers and back at you. Peppermint is surprised.

“It’s alright.” You say reassuringly. “Really.”

She lets your hand linger for half a second longer than you’d expect before pulling her hand back. It’s not immediate, her hand retracting a bit, then stopping, then going again. Peppermint then begins to rub the top of that hand, looking down at it.

Then she begins to bite her bottom lip ever so slightly. That catches your attention, your eyes honing in on that sight. You see another side of her in that moment, the real Peppermint underneath that cold and harsh exterior. For a moment, she's upset at what just happened but there’s also something else. Something changed within her, slightly. You don't know what.

The moment passes. The walls come back down around her, like nothing had happened. But you know something did.

“...Fine.” Peppermint mutters and then tosses you the journal.

You promptly fumble the thing like an idiot. Your previous college football experience suddenly nonexistent. Thankfully you manage to catch it before it falls onto the floor. That earns you an unimpressed glare at that from her.

“Sorry, I was distracted.” You admit.

You open the book, eager to see your portrait. When you do you see it’s… well… it’s alright. You feel bad for immediately thinking that, but compared to her other sketches it’s a notable step down in quality. You can’t explain what's wrong with it unfortunately, as you lack an artist’s eye to interpret it.

“There’s room for improvement, but you got my likeness down pretty well. The drawing looks just like me.” You say, hoping your criticism is constructive.

“Faces are a challenge, like hands.” Peppermint grumbles.

“I still like it a lot. Thanks for drawing me.” You grin at her as you give back the journal. “Nobody’s ever drawn me before.”

Peppermint nods at that and glances at the time.

“I must head back to medical. The staff will wonder where I am.” She says, standing.

“Aw shit, same.”

Damn, time flew fast.

“Let's head back then.”

“Sure.” You stand up as well.

She nods, and without speaking you join her in leaving. You pass a bickering table getting mad at dice. The spectator making sure the group doesn’t murder each other winks at you. You're not sure what to make of that.

“So… uh. Was I a good model?” You absently ask Peppermint.

“You were acceptable.” Peppermint leaves it at that.

You'll take it.

>...And with that, I’m going to end the thread here! Peppermint is indeed in the running. Heres to hoping friendly competition! I'm hoping really hard. No Dozer sketch for now unfortunately, but who knows I might put something up. So until next time…

Thanks for playing!

Thx for running. I hope the bitter comments on samefagging and such dont get you down.

>>3050418
Robodick would go well with Dozer's balls of steel

>>3050440
Thanks for running!

>>3050443
It would be the actual samefagging that would get him down, not one or two comments supporting Pixeal against the samefaggers.
A futile attempt of yours to shoot the messenger

Dozer’s legend continues to grow.

How long until some rookie approaches him asking for advice on how to pick up chicks?

>>3050536
? Im not trying to shoot anyone, i honestly just think it's a bummer with the negativity and finger pointing.. if i were a qm i think i would dislike if people started arguing in my quest..

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>>3050540
Man it's going to be great. First the rumors of womanizing will start and then, once the majority of the girls make it past the first round since no anon wants to lose, it won't just be rumors anymore as Dozer IC flirts around because his mind is being pulled in different directions. Then it'll blow up in his and everyone's faces and he'll get nothing.

>>3050670
That’s what selfish, egocentric waifufags do. Person pointing out samefaggotry may or may not be one of them. But such is life of quests. We live in environment that relies on self restraint of everyone involved (and consequently lays bare weakness and fragility of any such arrangement)

>>3050670

>>3050670
I believe people arguing with each other is better than complete radio silence between the quest posts and votes. It shows the qm managed to make them care.

>>3050735
>Person pointing out samefaggotry may or may not be one of them
That....absolutely doesn't matter Falsehood is falsehood, cheating is cheating. If the cheating is brought to light, what does it matter how ?

>>3050712
>since no anon wants to lose
I wouldn't want to win by cheating, and see virtue in all the girls. The thought of such a narrow-minded obsession as you describe appalls me.

>>3050802
Except Loco, there is no virtue there whatsoever

New thread soon!

>>3051192
New thread is up!

>>3050782
I guess that's true.