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Rain is pelting the shelter hard. Lightning strikes, snapping you awake from your blind slumber. Night’s probably already fallen today. And the two of you are still not back at base. To elaborate, Burke is still lying down, shivering a little, holding her wounded thigh in quiet pain. You meanwhile rub at your cheek. The wound stings quite badly. Not to mention there’s quite possibly a bullet in your shoulder. The two of you ran into a Steno that managed to even the odds quite well. And unfortunately, you must have underestimated how good he is. Thankfully, it seems in that time between him shooting at you and now, he didn’t come to check to confirm his kills. Seems he’s a cautious fellow.

But that’s your loss regardless. Because right now the two of you were suffering under a freak rainstorm. You swear it looked so sunny when the two of you were out on some kind of hunting trip. Now it’s dark, misty, and it’s as if the oceans themselves were falling down on you all. The ground was starting to get damp from the intense rain. And that meant even in this shelter, with part of the flooring being root and wood, the water was starting to seep in. You lean back, sighing deeply as you wait.

But so far, all this is doing is make you impatient. Where are the others? Surely they would’ve realized you were missing by now. Surely they would’ve sent a search party. Hell, Tierney would’ve been chafing at the opportunity to save you and Burke. You’d love to see the look on Burke’s face when she realizes she’s been saved by whom she perceives to be the most useless part of the crew.

Would be worth getting shot really.

Burke takes a breath, her hand twitching as she turns over on her back. “How does my leg look?”

You take a look at her wounded thigh. With gauze and medigel already on it, it should be healing. But probably slowly. She might need to see an AutoDoc too about removing that bullet. Thankfully it didn’’t go straight through otherwise she’d likely have bled out. “You look fine,” you say.

Burke huffs, folding her arms. She rubs at her face before curling herself up further in a fetal position. “You think they’re looking for us?” she asks.

“Of course they are,” you say. “We aren’t even that far from camp I don’t think.”

“We’re the only two idiots here who probably know how to track. Wexley might know maybe,” she mutters.

“We’ll be fine.” You pat her arm, trying to comfort her. “Don’t worry.” She remains silent, grumbling quietly to herself.

Truth be told, you’re not sure yourself either. Maybe you need to take action.

> No. Just stay where you are and wait. Worst thing you can do when lost is keep getting yourself lost.
> Grab your Carbine and get looking. Burke can handle herself for now.
> Other
>>
Welcome back to No One Gets Left Behind.

On the last thread, you talked with the Steno a little about who they are (and even named him Delta), explored some downstairs in the ship and found some nasty Drones, had some chitchat with some of your crewmembers, and then you went out hunting with Burke and ran into a very competent Steno sniper.

The archive is here: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=No+One+Gets+Left+Behind

Go ahead and leave votes in overnight and I shall return at 6PM EST to begin the run.
>>
>>3168999
>> No. Just stay where you are and wait. Worst thing you can do when lost is keep getting yourself lost.
Wait for early morning, when the sun just begins cresting and the rain has hopefully stopped. Really don't want to risk Burke right now.
>>
>>3168999
>> No. Just stay where you are and wait. Worst thing you can do when lost is keep getting yourself lost.
Lost is our middle name, but maybe the storm will hide our movement and sounds, so we can scope the area out
>>
>>3169119
>> Grab your Carbine and get looking. Burke can handle herself for now.
Shit, meant to say this. Maybe it's fate though, huh?
>>
>>3168999
> Grab your Carbine and get looking. Burke can handle herself for now.
Don't stray too far though.
>>
>>3169006
> Grab your Carbine and get looking. Burke can handle herself for now.

I feel real fucking bad about this but we need to kill this son of a reptilian.
>>
> Grab your Carbine and get looking. Burke can handle herself for now.

You grab the Carbine then check it. Fully charged and ready to go. Burke looks at you, her eyes squinted and her face pale. “You’re not seriously going out there, are you?”

“I just want to make it safe,” you say. “I’m gonna scope the place out a little, I won’t stray too far.” You grab her DMR then place it in her hands. She grips it tight, shivering a little. “Remember, if it hisses or growls, shoot it.” She nods. She knows the deal. Still, she doesn’t seem to appreciate you leaving her in her state. You’re only doing it in the name of making sure nothing is sneaking up on you. You’ll make a quick sweep of the area then you’ll be back safe and sound.

As soon as you head out, you’re pelted by rainwater. You pull the hood up on your poncho over your helmet then wipe your eyes free of the water. You start trudging to the south, across the way from where Burke was shot. Judging by the fact that you weren’t shot standing out, it seems your sniping Steno friend has moved. You’re not sure if that’s good or bad. If he’s moved, then curses. You didn’t get your chance to repay him in kind. God knows, Burke got lucky. Any higher or lower, she likely would’ve bled to death. But you suppose that was a deliberate effort on his part. Any good sniper knows how to draw out the rest.

You can’t see past a couple of meters in front of you. All that’s ahead is vegetation and trees getting completely drowned in the deluge of rain. A flash of light briefly illuminates the area. Lightning strikes, close enough to make you flinch. Sounds like artillery. You take a breath. It’s just lightning. You’ll go maybe a few dozen meters this way, then you loop back around. Maybe you might even catch something skulking around.

You hear loud booms and rapid cracks in the distance, along with flashes to the east. That’s not lightning. That’s gunfire. Maybe the Deinos and the Lizards are at it again. You take a breath, sighing heavily. So far, this idea that the Swamp is providing cover against the Lizards is proving bunk. If anything, this has only gotten people killed as opposed to getting everyone to safety. Hill 47? Filled with monsters and now a fortified position. Lizards hesitate to go into the swamp? They’re besieging it and rushing the natives out because you’re here. And now they’ve deployed an ace sniper against you all. Hopefully he hasn’t figured out the location of the camp otherwise things might get real nasty.
>>
A click. You stop in your tracks, the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. Then you hear a hissing. You raise your carbine up and look around. You pull down your Infrared. Several meters away is a pride of Deinos. You quickly duck down and hide amongst the roots of a tree and the moss growing on it. The pride marches along through the brush, carrying spears, slings, and rocks judging by their white signature amongst the grey backdrop of the Infrared. They don’t seem to have noticed you however. They continue on, moving east.

Alright. You steady your breathing. That was close. Then you hear something else behind you. You look westward and see another group of Deinos coming your way. Judging by their walk speed, they don’t know you’re ahead of them. Shit, shit.

> Hide amongst the roots of that tree again.
> Climb for your life. Bark might be a little slippery though.
> Run back to Burke.
> Other
>>
>>3170690
>> Run back to Burke.
>>
>>3170740
Sure
>>
>>3170690
>> Run back to Burke.
We're apparently in the middle of a fucking war zone, definitely not the time to be out and about. Especially if a group stumbles upon our shelter and we're not there, Burke is fucking dead if that happens.
>>
>>3170690
>> Run back to Burke.
>>
> Run back to Burke.

You decide to cut your losses and get back to Burke. You’re not going to deal with Deinos, not while she’s at risk. You hurry and run back, managing to avoid the detection of those Deinos coming in. Not like you went too far anyway. In a minute or two, you’re back only to find several Compsognathuses chirping and skittering around the shelter. Damn scavvers! “Shoo, shoo!” you yell quietly. They quickly scatter away. They probably smelt Burke’s blood.

You look inside and see Burke smash the head of a Compy with a rock, gritting her teeth. “Bastards tried to pounce on me while I was in here!” You sigh, thank God. She looks at you. “You know, remind me not to get shot next time I go out with you.”

“Fair enough,” you say. “It’s a warzone out there. The Deinos and Lizards are at it again out east.”

“More of this shit,” Burke mutters. “How long until they-“ The two of you pause when you hear plasma fire to the west. What the hell? You poke your head out of the shelter again and see bright flashes of plasma. “Someone’s coming to help us.”

“And clearly they got caught,” you say.

> “We better get to them. I’ll carry you, find a place for you, you can cover me.”
> “Stay here, I’ll be right back.” Yeah, kind of rude to leave her –again-. But you have to see.
> “Let’s stay here and see if they make it.”
> Other
>>
>>3170979
>> “We better get to them. I’ll carry you, find a place for you, you can cover me.”
We're a big nigga, I think we can carry a petite piece of ass on our back
>>
>>3170979
>> “We better get to them. I’ll carry you, find a place for you, you can cover me.”
>>
>>3170979
> “We better get to them. I’ll carry you, find a place for you, you can cover me.”
We can do this!
>>
>>3170979
>> “We better get to them. I’ll carry you, find a place for you, you can cover me.”
Come on Burke, over the shoulder you go.
>>
> “We better get to them. I’ll carry you, find a place for you, you can cover me.”

“Alright, come on. We better get back to them.” You grab Burke’s hand, then wrap your other arm beneath her butt and pull her up. She yelps a bit in pain as her wounded thigh brushes up against your brush. “I’ll carry you, find a place for you, you can cover me. Sound good?”

“Fine!” she says. “Just go easy on me! I’m delicate, you frak!” Delicate in more ways than one. You start carrying her back towards the sound of plasma fire. Hopefully it’s not too late. God, if it turns out someone had died because of something you did, you wouldn’t be able to forgive yourself. You make sure to hurry. But not too fast. There are still Deinos about. You hear the whistles of rockets and mortars exploding out in the east. Those Lizards are really giving it to the Deinos. You can’t know for sure how well they’re doing.

But if history has taught you anything, the savages always lose.

You move through the brush, the sound of plasma fire getting louder and louder until it suddenly just ceases. All that remains is the sound of Deino hissing and screeching and the sound of screaming and whimpering. Wait. No. It couldn’t be. “Is that Tierney?” asks Burke, dumbstruck.

She screams out in the distance.

Oh shit. It’s Tierney.

You quickly start sprint forward until you find a nice bush to hide in. In a clearing now was Tierney. She jumps out of the woods, holding her rifle and a machete in the other hand. She looks back to see a Deino pounce out of the vegetation behind her. Another comes up behind it, howling at Tierney. Then a third behind that one, coming up the other side. They quickly start to surround her as Tierney tries to squeeze a shot off, to no avail, her powerpack is used up. She drops the rifle, holding the machete up. “G-… Get back!” Tierney whimpers, shaking with immense fear. The Deinos sense this, clicking their teeth and slowly taking their time to surround her. Tierney tries to keep all of them in her peripheral vision. Lightning strikes once more, making her flinch.

Another Deino comes out. This time you know him for sure. You know that facepaint anywhere. It’s Toothy. He’s flanked by two more Deinos. They all surround Tierney as she tries to stand her ground. Tierney can’t keep her legs and arms from shaking as she looks at them all. Toothy barks, then gives off a loud, hungry hiss as he advances on Tierney.

“There’s six of them and one of her,” Burke whispers. “Let’s get out of here.”

“What!?” you whisper back.

“She dug her own grave,” Burke says back, more firmly. Maybe. But she still tried to come after you when you didn’t come back from what was supposed to be a simple hunting trip. You can’t just…

> Leave her. Get around the Deinos and head back to camp while they’re distracted.
> You are –not- letting her die. She came back for you, you’ll come back for her.
> Other
>>
>>3171419
>> You are –not- letting her die. She came back for you, you’ll come back for her.
Seriously who let Tierney go off on her own?
>>
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>>3171419
>> You are –not- letting her die. She came back for you, you’ll come back for her.
NO NOT BEST GIRL
GOD DAMN IT TIERNEY

We need to activate rage mode or retard strength
>>
>>3171433
Supporting
It's time to go full retard
>>
>>3171419
>> Leave her. Get around the Deinos and head back to camp while they’re distracted.
get rid of the useless mouth in an effective manner
>>
>>3171419
>> You are –not- letting her die. She came back for you, you’ll come back for her.
Shoot that cunt Toothy. Blow his fucking head apart.
>>
I mean, if we jump in the middle of the field screaming with our knife, that might scare them off, or intimidate them greatly
>>
> You are –not- letting her die. She came back for you, you’ll come back for her.

“I’m –not- letting Tierney die,” you say. She came back for you. You’ll be here for her. That’s fair. It’s not just fair. It’s the –right- thing to do. Nevermind Burke’s desire for survival. You’d rather die than let someone’s death be on your hands.

Burke rolls her eyes. “Alright, frakface. How the hell are we supposed to save her then?”

Well. A couple of options. You have to think quickly.

One, you could just rush in there with knife and machete in hand, screaming like a fury. It might actually scare the hell out of them.

Two, you could sit back, snipe them leisurely since they haven’t noticed you. But that might mean they’ll just attack Tierney while that happens.

Or three. Just shout that you’re here and get their attention. They know you after all. They probably won’t pass up a chance to kill you.

Which one should you do?

> Draw knife and machete and rush them.
> Shoot them from afar, put Burke down here then take up another firing position and hit them hard.
> Yell at them and try and draw them off.
> Other
>>
>>3171528
> Shoot them from afar, put Burke down here then take up another firing position and hit them hard.
For some reason I don't think getting into close combat with raptors with razor sharp claws will be very good for our health.
>>
>>3171528
>> Shoot them from afar, put Burke down here then take up another firing position and hit them hard
Shoot Toothy first. Maybe it'll he dies first his underlings will scram instead.
>>
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>>3171528
>> Draw knife and machete and rush them.
WILDCARD
>>
>>3171528
>> Shoot them from afar, put Burke down here then take up another firing position and hit them hard.
>>
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>>3171528
>> Other
Strut on in there like a fucking boss and blithely shoot Toothy right in the face. Let the rest of his troop know we're not fucking around anymore.
>>
Unfortunately, I gotta hit the sack for now. Go ahead and leave your votes in, and tomorrow morning we shall start with a dice roll. Hope you're enjoying it.
>>
>>3171552
Aww man.
>>
I have to run out today and get something done this morning so go ahead and give me 3 1d10s. We're going with:

>> Shoot them from afar, put Burke down here then take up another firing position and hit them hard.

Your DC is 15.
>>
Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>3172265
As in the DC will be all 3 1d10s added up?
>>
Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>3172265
Rolling
>>
>>3172336
>>3172339
I mean three 3d10s but I’m not gonna invalidate your rolls. Just roll an additional 1d10 then two 3d10s.

Sorry for the confusion, didn’t catch that
>>
>>3172341
It’s me btw, on my phone
>>
Rolled 8, 8, 5 = 21 (3d10)

>>3172341
>>
>>3172343
>>3172341
>>3172347
I guess this is good enough?
>>
Rolled 6, 9, 1 = 16 (3d10)

>>3172341
>>
Right, We'll just go with this, update coming.
>>
> Shoot them from afar, put Burke down here then take up another firing position and hit them hard.

You place Burke down with her DMR, then hurry to get yourself into position. You quickly charge your rifle and take aim. Toothy advances on Tierney. She continues to hold her ground, shakily holding her machete, either ready to strike or ready to simply die. Not today though, Tierney. You fire. The shot zooms past Toothy and hits one of his pridemembers. It falls over dead, the plasma smoking from the headshot. They all look at you. And another falls dead from Burke’s follow up shot. You start firing away, rapidly squeezing the trigger, heedless of ammo conservation.

The Deinos scream and shriek as they try to rush at you. But in several short seconds they all fall down in short order. Tierney stands there, shaking under the rain, dumbstruck at what just happened. Truth be told, you had half a mind to rush in there and attack with knife and machete. But reason prevailed you suppose.

You think you even got Toothy with a headshot somehow. You’re not sure. It’s tough to tell in this darkness. You whistle to Burke. She whistles back, A-OK. Alright. You sling your Carbine then hurry over to Tierney. “Tierney!”

“I- I…” You grab her arms, holding her. You can her face is wet, not just from rain, but from tears of fear too. Her eyes are filled with horror too. “I was- I was only trying to-“

“What are you doing out here!?” you hiss. “You almost died!”

“S-… Sergeant Cope and Lieutenant Harrell wanted to wait until morning but- but- but the Deinos, they were rushing past our position! They told us all to stay inside!” she says quickly. She takes a couple of deep breaths, panting as she stands limp in your arms. “You were still out there and I- I didn’t- I just- I didn’t know what had happened to you, nobody did!” she cries. “I was just- I just trying to help!”

“Wait.” You squint. “You’re alone?” She nods. “You went out here alone to find us?”

“Y-… yes.” Tierney sniffles. “I’m sorry. I-… I was only trying to help.”

> “Never do this again, you could’ve gotten killed. You almost –were- killed.”
> “Thank you. For what it’s worth.”
> “That takes guts. I’m more sorry we made you all worry.”
> Other
>>
>>3172618
> “Never do this again, you could’ve gotten killed. You almost –were- killed.”
> “Thank you.
>>
>>3172668
Supporting
>>
>>3172668
Give that bitch a headpat, bitches love headpats.
>>
> “Never do this again, you could’ve gotten killed. You almost –were- killed.”
> Other

“Never do this again, Tierney. You could’ve gotten killed. You almost –were- killed.” Or worse. Tierney stands there, silent. She knows she did something wrong. But at the same time, were it her out here and you in her position, you’d do the exact same thing. Though, granted, it’s almost as if she didn’t have faith in you returning on your own. Still. Credit where it’s due. “Thank you.”

She looks dumbstruck that you said that. But she nods, starting to regain some of her composure. Alright. Okay, now that that’s out of the way. You have to get back to the ship. You’ll go pick up Burke and “Boo!” You turn back and see Toothy rising up, a hole near his eye, plasma smoking coming from the wound. Wait. –He’s not dead!?- He charges at you two, knocking Tierney down and you to the floor. You try to stay down and let Burke get a shot off. Burke fires her DMR, shooting him square in the head. Toothy falls down, screaming and crowing. His legs kick and spasm, trying to keep him standing up.

“Son of a bitch!” yells Burke. You make a reach for your pistol instead, but Toothy stops that by slamming his foot down on your arm. He grabs onto you with his arms, squeezing his claws into your skin. You scream as he picks you up and tosses you to the ground beneath him.

“Burke!” you shout. Toothy howls into your face. Your ears ring violently as rainwater and shouting is drowned out. Toothy aims to bite down on your head, but another plasma shot shoots straight through his snout, making him again collapse on top of you. Toothy writhes and struggles before again getting back up. He’s a ferocious bastard, you’ll give him that. You look over to see Burke scooting away, trying to displace but unable to get her leg going. Toothy hisses, trying to crawl over to Burke.

Oh no, he doesn’t! You jump up and draw your machete, then slam it down on his head. Toothy howls, painfully, furiously. You slam it down again, and again, until he finally stops moving. His head is naught but a mangled mess at this point. But he’s dead. At least, he’s stopped moving. You take a deep breath, panting. Tierney groans, holding her face. Is she okay? Shit, you better-

More plasma fire erupts. From the east side. You stop, looking over. That is definitely plasma, not gunfire. You look at Tierney. She looks at you, just as confused. “I thought you said you were alone.”

“I am,” she says, looking at the plasma fire too.

> “Get Burke back to camp. I’ll go see what it is.”
> “We can’t afford to investigate now. We gotta get back.”
> “Come on. Let’s go see what it is.”
> Other
>>
>>3173008
>“Get Burke back to camp. I’ll go see what it is.”
>>
>>3173008
>> “Get Burke back to camp. I’ll go see what it is.”
That cunt Toothy is finally dead.
>>
>>3173008
>> “Get Burke back to camp. I’ll go see what it is.”
>>
>>3173008
>“Get Burke back to camp. I’ll go see what it is.”
>>
>>3173008
>> “Get Burke back to camp. I’ll go see what it is.”
>>
> “Get Burke back to camp. I’ll go see what it is.”

“Get Burke back to camp. I’ll go see what it is,” you say. Burke groans, rolling her eyes. “Don’t give me that, Burke. She’s going to take you back. Tierney, please.” Tierney nods, not even hesitating. “Be careful with her, her thigh’s busted.”

Tierney slings her rifle then grabs Burke in a very lopsided and disproportionate princess carry. “I got you!” Tierney proclaims. Burke does not look very happy, but she doesn’t appear to be arguing either. “Please, meet us back at the ship. And don’t dawdle! If you run into trouble, just run!” she says, pleading.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” you say. Tierney nods, hesitant to leave. “Just go!” Tierney takes off back to the ship, with Burke in tow. You sigh, holding your knees for a second as you catch your breath. Truth be told, the fact that Tierney had the balls to try and come out here alone to rescue you and Burke is astounding. You’re impressed. But you don’t want to encourage her to do that. It’s clearly out of her mindset to do something like this. And yet, you’re grateful that she did.

And as for Toothy here? You give him one kick to the snout for good measure. He’s dead. Good riddance.

You grab your rifle and start heading east to the sound of gunfire and explosions.





You carefully stalk through the tall reeds and grass. It’s taken you about a hundred meters eastwards from where you last started. Truth be told, the map in your head was getting fuzzier and fuzzier with the exact location of where anything was now. But right now what was important was figuring out what the hell that plasma fire was. Was it more people like you? You both hope and dread it. You’ve had it with people like Sergeant Cope and Godwin. But at the same time, you can’t turn down manpower either.

You get your answer in the form of a shout. “Lizards on the left!” You duck down then poke your head up. Taking cover behind an overturned log were five soldiers like you. One of them held a Carbine, yelling to the others.

It’s other soldiers! Oh God! You thought you were the last ones here! “Bryce, what we do we got!?”

“Motion trackers going off! I think they’re trying to flank us!” yells a woman, one of the soldiers holding a motion detector in one hand and a carbine in the other. A shot pings against the log, along with more. They flinch, ducking down.

“Shit!” yells the man. He turns around, then quickly points his rifle to you. “Whoa, whoa, you!” You stand up, holding your hand up. “Friend or foe!?” They all turn around to look at you, confused.

> “Do I look like a Lizard to you!?”
> “Friend. Who are you guys!?”
> Is he seriously asking if you’re friend or foe?
> Other
>>
>>3173296
>“Friend. Who are you guys!?”
>>
>>3173296
>> “Do I look like a Lizard to you!?”
>>
>>3173296
>“Friend. Who are you guys!?
Not the time to get sassy.
>>
>>3173296
>> “Do I look like a Lizard to you!?”
We need to get them to our hideout ASAP before they cause even more of a ruckus.
>>
>>3173296
>> “Do I look like a Lizard to you!?”
>> “Friend. Who are you guys!?”
We're going to have to kill their pursuers before we lead them back to the ship.
>>
>>3173296
>> “Friend. Who are you guys!?”
> “Do I look like a Lizard to you!?”
>>
> “Do I look like a Lizard to you!?”
> “Friend. Who are you guys!?”

“Do I look like a Lizard to you!?” you whisper-shout to them. They stare at you, immediately agreeing that you’re probably friend silently. “Now, I’m a friend. And I’d like to know who the hell you guys are.” You quickly crouch run up to them and get behind the log.

“Rutledge,” says their leader, a man with the makings of a black beard on his face and some dark brown eyes beneath the shade of his helmet. “These two on your left are Smitty and Levy.” The two men nod to you, one holding a rifle, the other holding a carbine and a Type 54 Grenade Launcher (A single barrel break action, simple yet effective) on his back. The two on my right are Banner and Bryce.” Banner nods, holding his own rifle while Bryce smiles at you at you too, with a carbine of her own. You look on his sleeve and see the pips of a Corporal. Huh, same rank as you it seems. “Good to meet you. You alone?”

“Larger group,” you say. “We got a basecamp set up just west of here a ways.” All of the group look at you, hope in their eyes. “How did you get out here? We thought we were the last ones.”

Rutledge rubs his face, grimacing before quickly telling everyone, “Watch the sides, people!” They go back to taking security. “We heard Cope’s message but I decided it was a better idea to try and head south and maybe make for the coast and hope for sure that maybe we could like steal a boat or something and head out into open water.”

“Didn’t work?” you say.

“Didn’t work.” He sighs. “Lost two guys.” He shakes his head, sniffing a bit before continuing. “Lizards forced us out of the south, sent us packing up here. We had to sneak our way through the lines here into this Swamp. But they caught up with us and now we’ve been blown. So if you truly do have a good camp for us to stay, we’d really enjoy that. Bryce. Can you feel him in?”

Bryce brushes hair out of her eyes before kneeling down next to you. “We skirmished with a Rex packing dual Rail-Gats, had one eye, looked like someone took a DAB to him. But we managed to lose him earlier. He sent a squadron of Stenos, maybe five or six of them after us? We think they got our 10-20 though since-“ Another shot pings off the log, making everyone duck. “That, yeah.”

Rutledge says, “Assumedly, we want to shake them before we head out with you.”

> “It’s just west, it’s under a thicket of trees. Go ahead, I’ll see about distracting these guys.”
> “Let’s fight these bastards off first. We get them to retreat, we make a break for it.”
> Other
>>
>>3173582
>> “Let’s fight these bastards off first. We get them to retreat, we make a break for it.”
>>
>>3173582
>> “Let’s fight these bastards off first. We get them to retreat, we make a break for it.”
Do NOT lead them back to the ship. And is that rex still fucking after us? Must have one hell of a grudge against us.
>>
>>3173582
>“Let’s fight these bastards off first. We get them to retreat, we make a break for it.”
>>
>>3173582
> “Let’s fight these bastards off first. We get them to retreat, we make a break for it.
What's to say they won't fake a retreat and have a scout follow us?
>>
>>3173693
Well, best to murder every last one of them then.
>>
>> “Let’s fight these bastards off first. We get them to retreat, we make a break for it.”

“Let’s fight these bastards off first. We get them to retreat, we make a break for it,” you say. “I can lead you back once we’re clear.”

“Alright!” Rutledge whistles. “Smitty, Levy!”

“Yo!” Levy comes up, ready.

“Get ready to suppress on the left. Rest of us will take center.” He looks back. “Bryce, cover our six! We’re on our last powerpacks so everyone make your shots count! Ready?” Everyone nods. “Alright, fire!” Everyone comes up over the top of the log and starts firing. Streaks of plasma shoot through the rain to hit trees and Stenos among them. Some gun shots fly back, bursting wood and shrapnel all over the place as you all resist the urge to duck and give in to the urge to kill them.

“One on the right!” yells Banner. You turn to the right and see the silhouette of a Steno running between tree to tree. You fire. It collapses, tumbling like a sack of sponges. “Good shot!”

“Over there!” yells Smitty. He fires a burst into the trees, another Steno down. One shot flies past him. “Whoa, shit!”

“Keep it up, people!” yells Rutledge. Then you feel a tremor. Uh oh.

Coming up out of the woods now is a throaty shrill roar. That’s no Rex. Definitely bigger than a Raptor. The woods and trees crack and snap as it rushes forward. A spray of flames spurt out in two different directions. “Ceratosaur!” yells Rutledge. No farther than twenty meters away right in front of you. An armored metal mask and a front chest plate hangs over its front, deflecting and absorbing plasma fire easily as you all shoot at it. Though you can probably get a shot off on that tank…

> Shoot the tank, see if you can set it off.
> “Focus your fire, hit the legs!”
> Scatter!”
> Other
>>
>>3174237
>> Shoot the tank, see if you can set it off.
>>
>>3174237
>Shoot the tank, see if you can set it off.
>>
>>3174237
>> Shoot the tank, see if you can set it off.
>>
Sharpshooting time. Roll me three 3d10s. DC is 20.
>>
Rolled 3, 9, 3 = 15 (3d10)

>>3174349
>>
Rolled 4, 10, 4 = 18 (3d10)

>>3174349
>>
Rolled 9, 9, 6 = 24 (3d10)

>>3174349
Oh boy
>>
>>3174473
Aww yeah
>>
>>3174473
Nice one
>>
Rolled 2, 5, 7 = 14 (3d10)

>>3174349
howdy
>>
> Shoot the tank, see if you can set it off.

You steady the carbine on the log, taking sight through the scope. You take a breath, then squeeze the trigger smooth. The plasma streaks through the air and nicks the tank. The tank ignites. Though it doesn’t explode, a cloud of flame starts pouring out of the tank’s hole. The Ceratosaurus starts roaring, panicking as it starts turning around to try and get the flamethrower tank off of its back. Stenos quickly scatter out of the trees, fleeing from the errant flames. “Whoo!” yells Rutledge. Nice one!

Not really. You were hoping it’d explode. A little closer to the center and you might’ve gotten it. Still, they’re scattering. “Come on!” yells Smitty. “We gotta go, we gotta go!”

“Right, there’s our distraction! Come on!” Rutledge pats your shoulder, urging you up. Everyone starts following him westbound. You quickly pack up and hurry behind them. You can still hear the roars and screams of the Ceratosaur in the woods behind you. It’s certainly not dead. And those Stenos are probably still about. But they’re probably more concerned about trying to get the flames to not kill them as opposed to pursuing you. Hopefully that’ll buy you some time. Rutledge looks at you as all of you start jogging through the woods. “So where’d you say you were from again!?”

“We’ve got a hideout in an old starship!” you say. “It’s just west of us, not too far of a walk!”

“Good, good!” says Rutledge. “It’ll be great to get the hell out of this rain!”

Levy nudges you. “You don’t happen to have any food do you!?”

“We got plenty, don’t worry!”

“Thank God!” Bryce whines. “We ran out of C-Rations a week ago! We had to start scavving for scraps!” You admit, your spirits are starting to soar now. You’ve turned this little mistake of a hunting trip into a rescue mission. Rutledge and company seem fairly competent too.

Then you hear the roar. The roar of a Rex. All of you stop in your tracks, looking back. The ear-splitting roar is loud enough to echo across the trees and make them shake. Not even the lightning drowns him out. Oh shit. Rutledge nudges you. “Come on. He’s just mad. We lost him a whiles back. He ain’t coming for us.”

> “You go on ahead. I got to finish him off.”
> “Alright, come on. I’ll lead you back to camp.”
> “No. We gotta stay. He’ll be back.”
> Other
>>
Sorry for the extremely late update. Had some things that needed doing unfortunately. I gotta hit the sack and we shall be back in the morning for more. Hope you enjoyed.

Go ahead and discuss things if you want to, I live and thrive on watching you shadowrun a.
>>
>>3175003
>> “You go on ahead. I got to finish him off.”
I'm gonna be honest, I just want to see the looks on their faces.
But maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to do some scouting of our own, we really need to start looking out for targets of opportunity.

>>3175007
Thanks for running, man.
>>
>>3175003
>“You go on ahead. I got to finish him off.”

I hope it remembers us
>>
>>3175003
>“You go on ahead. I got to finish him off.”
"When you reach the ship, tell them I sent you."
Then don't tell them our name and just head off
>>
>>3175003
>Alright, come on. I’ll lead you back to camp.”

We’re still injured remember... and we need to make sure Burke made it back

The Rex will keep, for now
>>
>>3175003
> “Alright, come on. I’ll lead you back to camp.”
we're injured, we should get fixed up first.
>>
>>3175003
> “You go on ahead. I got to finish him off.”
Not finishing it now is just asking for it to come back for a vengeance.
>>
> “Alright, come on. I’ll lead you back to camp.”

To everyone voting to finish the rex off, just what do you think we have on us that can swing that? We dont have a DAB, or a rocket launcher, or anything larger than maybe a grenade. At best we could requisition that grenade launcher from Smith/Levy, and that still isnt going to do shit to a Rex.
>>
>>3175003
> “Alright, come on. I’ll lead you back to camp.”
>>
>>3175398
see
>>3175046
>>
>>3175003
>> “Alright, come on. I’ll lead you back to camp.”
>>
>>3175003
>> “Alright, come on. I’ll lead you back to camp.”
Get the big guns at camp, then set an ambush for the rex.
>>
>>3175003
>> “Alright, come on. I’ll lead you back to camp.”
this wasn't even supposed to be more than a hunting trip
>>
> “Alright, come on. I’ll lead you back to camp.”

Something primal stirs in you. The chance to kill a Rex for good is very tempting. Very tempting indeed. Rutledge shakes your shoulder, getting your attention. “Hey, you gonna lead us back?” You’re silent for a minute or two. That one-eyed bastard is out there, waiting for you. You could have him right now. “Come on. Let’s go.”

You nod, relenting. You’ll be back for him. And you’ll be more prepared. “Alright. Alright, let’s go. I’ll lead you back.” Rutledge motions you to take the lead. You sling your Carbine and start the long walk back. Rutledge, Smitty, Levy, Bryce, and Banner come up behind you, pulling security and watching the trees as you start walking. No one particularly seems in the mood to talk. That’s fine. You’re not either.

You hear another roar from that Rex as you leave the area. It makes you shudder from anticipation. Not today, old friend. You’ll be back.





The rain continues to pelt the lot of you as you walk. But then you hear someone shout, “There he is!” Coming up is the dark silhouette of the starship buried under the trees. And in front of it was Morrison and Nielson. “Holy shit, Boss!” yells Morrison. He walks up to you, a poncho over his armor and clothes as he walks up to you. He squints, looking at Rutledge and the others. “Who are these guys!?”

“New friends,” you say.

Rutledge offers his hand, smiling. “Rutledge. This is Smitty, Levy, Bryce, and Banner.”

“Shit, come on in! We got room to spare!” Everyone excitedly hurries into the starship. Once everyone is inside, Nielson shuts the door. Nielson looks at you, surprised. “Jesus Christ, come out with two people, come back with six. You a wizard or something?”

“Maybe,” you say. Nielson snickers, nudging you with his fist. “Where’s Tierney and Burke?”

“In the medbay getting checked over,” says Nielson. “You need some rest, man?”

> “Yeah, some rest would be good.”
> “Nah, I gotta get these wounds checked out.”
> “Let me get Harrell and Cope first, we gotta introduce Rutledge and company.”
> Other
>>
>>3175746
>> “Nah, I gotta get these wounds checked out.”
>>
>>3175746
>> “Let me get Harrell and Cope first, we gotta introduce Rutledge and company.”
> “Nah, I gotta get these wounds checked out.”
Dont want Cope getting on our ass that we let strangers in the ship
>>
>>3175751
This.
>>
>>3175751
ditto
>>
>>3175751
Support
>>
> “Nah, I gotta get these wounds checked out.”
> “Let me get Harrell and Cope first, we gotta introduce Rutledge and company.”

“I have to get these wounds checked out. But first, Rutledge. Can you and your girls follow me? We gotta introduce you to Harrell and Cope, they’re the ones in charge.”

“In charge?” asks Rutledge. “Like a CO?” You nod. “Ah. Alright. Show us the way then.”

“I’ll go get them,” says Nielson. He heads off down the hall towards the common room.

“Come on, this way,” says Morrison. He leads you all down the other way. He looks back and says, “Gotta say, it’s nice seeing some fresh faces. We thought we were the last survivors out here.”

“Same,” says Rutledge. “Once we lost comms with the Navy, we figured we just got left to die.”

“Ah, you know that-“

Rutledge nods, hand on his carbine as it hangs under his arm. “Yep. We figured since they hadn’t come get us or deployed any drones in the past week or two, they must have just up and left. Reasonable assumption to make. But… you guys got a good setup here from what I see.”

“You ain’t seen it all,” Morrison explains. “We got ourselves a medbay, the common room, a barracks, an armory. Then there’s the Lab with Delta.”

“Delta?” asks Bryce.

“Our little pet Steno,” Morrison says with a smirk. Rutledge looks at you, confused.

“Long story,” you say. You’ll have to fill him in later.

Morrison opens the medbay, revealing Tierney and Burke being tended to by Tombs and Graves. “Look who’s back!” he calls out. Graves looks over, hands on her hips as she glares at you. She doesn’t even seem to acknowledge the new faces. You step inside, smiling at her as you point to your shoulder.

“Yeah, I got shot-“ Graves whacks your helmet, silencing you.

“Damn fool,” Graves says. “Burke told me everything!”

Burke lays on the table, having the bullet be pulled out by the AutoDoc as she lies awake, apparently under the effects of some Pain-Stop. “For what it’s worth, we didn’t die so it was a good day all around,” she slurs.

Graves folds her arms as well. “Almost got Tierney killed too, Daddy! You need to learn when to leave things be, I swear!” You roll your eyes. She’s emasculating you in front of the newcomers, you seriously hate that. “Come on, sit down. Let me see how you are.” Tierney waves at you, her left cheek having a fresh pad of gauze on it. You’ll talk with her later about this. You sit down on a table and let Graves take a look at your shoulder with a scanner and penlight. “Alright, bullet’s still in there. And look at that! It didn’t hit anything important! Lucky you!”

Rutledge steps up next to you, a very knowing and sly grin on his face. “Yeah.” He looks at Burke, Tierney, then Graves. “Lucky you.” You roll your eyes again. He looks at Graves. “You got food, Doc?”
>>
“Yeah. Morrison, can you?” asks Graves. Morrison nods, leaving out. “Rest of you, just take a seat on that table. I’ll check over all of you in a second.” Graves also checks your cheek too. “Jesus Christ, that sniper did a number on you.”

Nielson steps in. “Hey, Boss.” You almost look over by Graves grabs your chin and forces you to look at her as she checks on your cheek. She starts cleaning the blood off your neck and chin while Harrell and Cope step into your view. They both look curious.

“So. Who are your new friends?” asks Sergeant Cope.

Rutledge smiles. “Rutledge. These are my people, Bryce, Banner, Smitty, and Levy. You must be Sergeant Cope, we got your message.”

“Took you a while to meet us,” Cope says, folding his arms.

“How did you get here?” asks Lieutenant Harrell. Rutledge proceeds to explain the circumstances in detail.

Instead of going to meet with Cope at Hill 47, he instead took his team down to the southern coast to try and nab a boat so they could head for open ocean. As he explains it, “Lizards do have a navy, but they don’t have the air force or the space force to supplement it. If we found an island even off the coast that’s reasonably fertile, we could live for years on this planet if need be. But the Lizards beat us to the coast. Lost Harvey and Dane. We decided maybe there was some hope up here in the Swamp. We had to stealth our way past the Lizard lines to get here.”

“You tried to make for the coast?” asks Harrell. “That’s bold of you.” He shrugs, smirking. “Well, you’re welcome here. We got our plan ourselves. We try to get this ship back into orbit if at all possible. Or if not that, then we try and find some way to call for help. From what we understand, Whitney has told us that the Navy is standing by on the outer edges of the system. We could probably find some way to send a message out to them that way.” Rutledge’s smirk drops a little.

Rutledge shrugs. “Truth be told, um. I don’t believe in a plan like that. I mean, this ship is buried in the ground. Who knows how big it is,” he says. “Not to mention that-… I mean, the Dominion left us here. So. I don’t know if any of what you just said is valid.”

“You’re saying we shouldn’t be trying to escape,” Cope says. You look at Rutledge.
>>
Rutledge folds his arms, silent for a few seconds. “I’m just saying, the Dominion left us to our own devices. Trying to find a way off this planet is fruitless in comparison to trying to figure out a stable way to survive on this planet. And, truth be told, this little Swamp we’re in isn’t exactly Elysium so.” Sergeant Cope steps up, glaring intensely at Rutledge. Rutledge looks back at Sergeant Cope. “You got a problem with that?”

“Corporal, speak to the Lieutenant and I with proper respect, we’re the ones in charge here,” Cope says. Rutledge quirks his brow, clearly confused. He looks at you. Graves looks at you too as well. Not to mention Nielson, Harrell, Tierney, Tombs… And Rutledge’s people.

> “They are in charge, Rutledge.”
> “We coordinate together.”
> Remain silent.
> “I’ll be honest with you, sirs. Authority is a fickle thing.”
> Other
>>
>>3176019
>> “They are in charge, Rutledge.”
Officially.
>>
>>3176019
>“They are in charge, Rutledge.”
Don't split the party.
>>
>>3176019
>> Other
Harrell has the Authority, Cope has the experience, and I have the ability. It's a little bit of a mess, but we make it work.
>>
For the record, it seems wrong to flat out say they're in charge, because we certainly don't think so, or act so
>>
>>3176019
>“We coordinate together.”
>>
>>3176019
>“They are in charge, Rutledge.”
>>
>>3176019
Haha, fuck. Everyone looks to us as de-facto leader, even with Cope and Harrell still giving out orders.
That's not good.
>>
As long as those two sit on their asses and do nothing can we build our rep and solidify ourselves as the unspoken head honcho. It's when these guys give a stupid or unreasonable order do we openly challenge their authority. Right now, trying to survive takes precedent.
>>
Also given how the Lizards seem to want to hunt us down no matter where we go, if they'd had a navy being stuck on an island would be suicide.
>>
>>3176073
Absolutely, but isn't now the time to set precedent? Or atleast not tell them they're fully in charge
>>
>>3176037
I could support this
>>
Or if you want a very technical answer they're the highest ranking people in this group yes.
>>
>>3176146
None of them has tried anything suicidal so,..
>>
>>3176415
Except when we lost 2 guys and another one got mutilated
>>
>>3176493
M8. Don't be ridiculous. Those orders weren't anything unreasonable. So what if they've made bad judgement calls? Have we not done the same? My point is is that neither of them have done anything that warrants a power grab. When that comes, that comes. But to split the party in such critical moments is just asking for death. We assert our authority through our actions first.
>>
> “They are in charge, Rutledge.”

“They’re in charge, Rutledge,” you say. You shrug, leaning back a little. You wince a little as Graves takes tools and starts fishing out the bullet in your shoulder. “They’re our superior officers after all. We have to respect that.” Graves looks at you, clearly not believing what you just said right there. It is true. They give the orders after all. Tierney tilts her head, clearly confused by what you just said. Nielson as well, he awkwardly shifts on his feet. And as for Rutledge’s people, they look at him, then start whispering among each other.

Rutledge stands there, and then he says, “Alright. Sirs.” He bows a little, motioning to them. “My apologies if I seem a little crass. It’s been a long while since we’ve been attached to the chain of command. Me and my people are at your disposal but please be sympathetic. We ran out of food some days ago. And we’ve been on the run for quite a bit. It’s been harsh for us.”

Lieutenant Harrell says, “We have C-Rations and some leftover meat and fruit from the hunts. We’ll let your people rest before we start working with them.”

“Wonderful!” Rutledge smiles. He stands stiff, looking at you for a second. And for that brief second, you can clearly see fury in his eyes, unstated as it is. He shakes his head before saying, “I’ll be here in the medbay. We should get ourselves checked out.”

“Right.” Lieutenant Harrell looks to you. “Corporal. Get some rest. Get healed up. And please, don’t let what happened today with Burke and yourself happen again. I mean, we should be lucky it led to Rutledge’s rescue but I’d rather we not take the risk.”
>>
Sergeant Cope says, “We did some exploring downstairs. If you want to talk about it, come find me. We can organize another expedition.” With that, he leaves first. Lieutenant Harrell nods to you, patting your arm before taking his leave as well. Once the door shuts, Rutledge starts laughing.

He walks up to you. “You still take orders?” He points to the door. “From those fools?”

“We have to,” you say. “It’s the chain of command.”

Graves nods, looking at Rutledge. “Unless you talk of desertion.” Rutledge gives a very sharp stare at Graves. And to which Graves glares back, a hand on her pistol with the other holding the bullet she just fished out of your shoulder. “We’re in this together, Rutledge. And I am the type of person who will drag you kicking and screaming to the rescue boat even if you do not want to be rescued. Just ask Burke.”

Burke leans her head back, looking at you three. “She shot me in the frakking foot.”

Rutledge snorts. “Alright.” He smiles, placing his hands on his hips. “I can respect that, Doc. And I can respect you.” He points to you quickly, smiling at you. “I won’t allow myself to be made a degenerate by people who still believe the Dominion cares for us. But I respect a person who so clearly commands authority.” He steps past, then goes to sit with his people.

“Tombs.” Graves calls out to Tombs as he oversees the AutoDoc. “Can you go check on them?” He nods, walking over to you. Graves sighs, rubbing her forehead. “You’re done, Daddy. Just need to rest up a little. That cheek’s going to scar though.” She rubs at her eyes, grimacing a little.

“Tired?” you ask.

“I’ve been up waaaay too long,” she mutters. “Would you mind tucking me into bed, Daddy?” Tierney leans over, clearly displeased. Graves looks over at Tierney. “-Platonically-, Tierney. Jesus. We’re not gonna frak. Unless Daddy is into having sex with people while they sleep.”

> “I’ll walk you to the barracks. Come on.”
> Talk with Tierney a little. Make sure she’s okay.
> Try and get to know Rutledge and his people. Best to see who you’re dealing with.
> Other
>>
>>3176568
>“I’ll walk you to the barracks. Come on.”
>>
>>3176568
>> “I’ll walk you to the barracks. Come on.”
> Talk with Tierney a little. Make sure she’s okay.
We'll need to actually have a talk with her about what she did out there, and how proud/angry we are
>>
>>3176568
>> “I’ll walk you to the barracks. Come on.”
>> Talk with Tierney a little. Make sure she’s okay.
>> Try and get to know Rutledge and his people. Best to see who you’re dealing with.
Bloody hell, we have to do all of these.
>>
>>3176576
>>3176608
>>3176632
All of these. We're always so busy, you'd think we were the one in charge around here. Might as well be.

Then we need to get some sleep.
>>
>>3176568
>Talk with Tierney a little. Make sure she’s okay.
> Try and get to know Rutledge and his people. Best to see who you’re dealing with.

I get people hate the chain of command, and we’re not a Dominion fan boy - but without a clear and respected chain, we’d likely kill ourselves before the lizards get to.

More people need to get this
>>
>>3176756
I understand the chain of command, and I admit I was being a little overzealous, but the fact of the matter is that I dont trust Cope or Harrell to get us outta here. Cope seems ready to kill the MC, and Harrell needs to confer with us before doing anything.

But I agree, we shouldn't take command until everyone is on board.
>>
>>3176568
>> “I’ll walk you to the barracks. Come on.”
>>
> FUCK IT I GUESS WE DO EVERYTHING

You walk on over to Rutledge and his crew. “So what unit were you guys with?” you ask.

Rutledge says, “101st Division, same as you probably. 2nd with the 60th. We were part of a rifle company, our objective was trying to rush some bumfrak position somewhere, can’t remember at this point.”

Bryce takes her helmet off, wiping her face of sweat and rain. “Lizards really gave us the business. Can’t understand how.”

“They’re smart,” you say. “Way smarter than unfortunately we gave them credit for. Hell, I was almost killed by a Steno, same with Burke back there. Not to mention that Rex.”

Banner leans back, scratching at his cheek. “Lucky for us at least, seems you got a big crew here.” He smiles, leaning over to look at Graves as she sits in a chair, trying not to doze off on a short break. “And some nice medics.” She looks at Banner with a very vicious glare. “… nevermind. Uh. But, really, we’re glad that you took us in. I mean, after losing Harvey, we seriously thought we were done for.”

“Yeah, Harvey was a real fighter,” says Rutledge. “Helped keep us together. But after he and Dane bit it, we got chased all the way up here. That Rex picked us up a while ago. Chased us all the way out here. That one eyed bastard.” You resist the urge to boast about the fact that you destroyed that eye. You’ll leave it for another time, when things are a little quieter. “Look, much as we love being here though, we gotta come to an understanding. I don’t like the chain of command. It’s the CoC that got us in this mess in the first place.”

“I know,” you say. “But we have to deal with it. So far, Harrell and Cope haven’t thrown us into the meatgrinder.”

“Yet,” Rutledge says. “But trust me, they will, to save their own skins I bet.” You don’t doubt that.

Smitty sighs, leaning forward as Tombs checks his eyes with a penlight. “So when do we eat?”

“After we check you five out,” Tombs says. “Can’t have any diseases going about the ship. Nor spies. We had that happen with Joffrey. Lizards put a tracker in his stomach. We had to cut it out of him with the AutoDoc.”

“Christ.” Levy looks horrified by that. “They do that shit?”

“Worse.” You shake your head. “You should’ve seen what they did to Horner and Bakker.” They’re silent at that, clearly not desiring to know. “Anyway. If you fellas need anything, don’t hesitate to get me. Once you guys are fed and cleared to work, we need help. And trust me, five guys is going to make a world of difference.”

Rutledge nods. “We’ll do our best.” He winks, toothily smirking. “Boss.” They all snicker at the appellation. “I’ll be honest though, we’re all just regular riflemen. I mean, I used to study botany back at the trade school and Bryce here has a degree in chemistry. Other than that, Levy, Smitty, and Banner here are worthless. Use them for bait.” Banner smacks Rutledge on the helmet, to which the two start laughing.
>>
“I’ll keep that in mind,” you say. “Maybe we might need to grow some food later or something.” Rutledge nods. Fair. With that though, there’s not much else to say to them right now. You walk on over to Graves, then nudge her shoulder. She flinches, waking with a start. “Come on, I’ll walk you to the barracks. Tierney, you wanna come?”

“Sure.” Tierney steps off. And thus the three of you get out into the hallway. Graves yawns loudly, groaning a little as she scratches at her hip. “Are you tired, Graves?”

“Not in a good way,” Graves says. “It sucks being the only other medic. Everyone’s scared that Tombs is going to OD them on Pain-Stop despite all evidence to the contrary.” That’s a shame. Tombs is a very reliable person. Probably one of the few reliable people here you can really trust. “Well, except for Stoakes. But Stoakes is, you know, giving him blowjobs in the supply closet.” Tierney blushes a little at that mention, looking away. Now, you know that’s not true. Or is it? You’re not sure. You end up at the barracks, sighing. “You know, Daddy. My bunk is open if you want to cuddle.”

“I’ll think about it,” you say. Tierney frowns at that statement. Graves winks, then gently slaps your cheek.

“Keep watch on this, if it starts bleeding let me know,” she says. “I’ll kiss it better.” She steps into the barracks, yawning as she shuts the door behind her.

“Now.” You place your hands on your hips, then look at Tierney. “About you.” She glances down at the floor, not wanting to look you in the eye. “You go out alone, into enemy territory, with only a rifle, intending to possibly drag back two full grown adults. Hell, that’s funny especially considering the size of me, I’m a head taller than you are,” you say. She shrugs, agreeing. “And you were almost killed. What do you have to say for yourself?”

She rubs her arm, glancing away further. “I uh… I mean.” She’s normally so… averse to danger. How did she summon up that courage? “I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you. So.” Her face is an absolute glowing red, made only more obvious beneath the white gauze on her cheek. “There. Okay? It was like, my mind gave way to my heart.” Her face goes an even brighter shade of red. “… I shouldn’t have said that.”

> “Tierney, I’m proud. You should show more initiative like that.”
> “It’s best for you to stay here and find other uses.”
> “I don’t know what to say except thank you. It’s a complicated business.”
> Other
>>
>>3177113
>> “Tierney, I’m proud. You should show more initiative like that.”
You were brave. Dumb? Absolutely, but there's always a bit of stupidity when it comes to this business. Just uh, try not to run into the forest alone after me again, I can usually handle myself and this rust bucket would be a lot more lonely without you.
>>
>>3177113
>> “Tierney, I’m proud. You should show more initiative like that.”
What you did was INCREDIBLY reckless and stupid. Good job, taking after ourselves. But don't go making a habit of it and at least have backup on hand when you do it again.
>>
>>3177113
>> “Tierney, I’m proud. You should show more initiative like that.
BUT try not to make this kind of really risky thing unless you absolutely have to.
>>
>>3177113
>>3177144
Also, headpat the short woman.
>>
>>3177113
> “Tierney, I’m proud. You should show more initiative like that.”
>>
>>3177113
>> “Tierney, I’m proud. You should show more initiative like that.”
>"You have to be smart about it tho."
>>
>>3177185
Supporting this.

Reckless courage only works for us because we’re the /MC/, she’s going to get dead very quickly if she doesn’t think things through
>>
> “Tierney, I’m proud. You should show more initiative like that.”

“Tierney. I’m proud of you. You should really show more initiative like that. But listen, what you did was absolutely reckless and stupid. Sort of like the stuff that I do, I’ll admit.” She looks up at you, concerned but also probably confused. “Look.” You place your hands on your belt, sighing a little. “There’s a time and a place to be brave. But being brave also requires being smart too. Try not to do this again unless you really have to.”

“Right.” She nods. “Truth be told, I thought you were going to be a lot harsher on me given how things were…”

“It’s a process,” you say. “And, at the very least, you came back for me. But hey, I feel more offended that you thought me and Burke were going to die out there without your help.” She blinks, now suddenly put on the spot by that remark. You’re only joking. But then again, you and Burke were actually almost killed so maybe it wasn’t entirely a bad thing for her to come to your aide. “Anyway, it seems Cope and Harrell aren’t too mad.”

“I think they’ve got bigger things to handle now that Rutledge is here,” says Tierney. “I’ll be honest with you, something about Rutledge is strange.”

“Well, if they’re spies with trackers on them, we’ll know right away,” you say quietly. Tierney smiles a little, a slight giggle at her lips. You gently place your hand on her head, and she bites her lip a little as you let her pet her head. “Anyway, Tierney. Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.”

“Y-… Yeah.” Her face is still red, and she sways on her feet as you continue patting her head. You let go of her then sigh deeply. You could use some rest.

“Well, I gotta hit the bunk,” you say. “Good-“ She steps in front of you, looking up at you. “… uh.”

Tierney looks past you really quickly, then she looks back up at you. “Listen. I know things are a little awkward between you and I.” She takes a breath. Even from outside her body, you get the feeling her heart is running the legendary Marathon. “But…” She looks up at you, hissing a little. “I-…” You look down at her more. Is she going where you think she’s going?

“What is it?” you ask quietly.

Tierney sighs. “I just want a kiss. That’s all.” She shrugs, quickly averting her gaze.

> “You’ll get it when you earn it.”
> “Now’s not the time.”
> “You’ll get more than that.”
> A kiss won’t hurt. Give it to her.
> Other
>>
>>3177350
Well boys, do we do it?
Personally, I'm still gunning for Burke
>Kiss on the cheek
Thank her again and go to bed
>>
>>3177350
>>3177357
>Kiss on the cheek
Yeah not a Tierney person either.
>>
>>3177350
>> A kiss won’t hurt. Give it to her.
Alright best girl, you can get a kiss
>>
>>3177350
Adorable as fuck

>> Other
On the forehead. And a hug. How many people would've rushed out to save us with no plan and a high likelihood of death?
>>
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>>3177350
> A kiss won’t hurt. Give it to her.
What can men do against weaponized cute
>>
>>3177350
>A kiss won’t hurt. Give it to her.
>>
>>3177350
>I’ll be honest with you, something about Rutledge is strange.”
I kinda want her to expand on her thoughts...but I don’t want to ruin the mood.

>A kiss won’t hurt. Give it to her.
She’s definitely the ‘marry’ in ‘fuck, marry, kill’

Burke is cool, but more like our sister imo

Graves is 100% in the ‘fuck’ camp
>>
>>3177540
>Burke is cool, but more like our sister imo
I agree desu. I wouldn't fuck Graves, though.
>>
>>3177540
Yeah more or less if you had to categorize the three of them.
>>
It’ll be a kiss on the cheek because I don’t want you guys to feel like you’re being forced to select a waifu here.

> A kiss won’t hurt. Give it to her.
> Other

You lean down and give her a quick peck on her cheek. It’s almost as if her face radiates heat from how embarrassed and yet how pleased she looks with that. “That do it?” you ask. She nods quickly, firmly. “Alright. I gotta get some rest, Tierney.”

“Okay, I- I won’t hold you up then,” she says. She steps past, smiling at you. “I’ll be in the Common room if you need me!” She hurries away, a pep to her step, probably the happiest you’ve seen her yet. Truth be told, her enthusiasm for your affection is adorable. It’s not something you consider girlfriend material but maybe you might come around to it. If you come around to it. You open the door, sighing deeply. You see Hood, Grimshaw, Graves, and Wexley are already fast asleep. Welp. Time for you to get some shut-eye you suppose. You close the door, then pick your bedroll. You lay yourself between the two tables and then place your helmet down and start taking your armor off. Your shoulder stings a little as you jostle it trying to get your plates off.

Once you’re done, you pull the meager blanket over yourself then shut your eyes. The day’s events have taken their toll. And you drift to sleep rather quickly.





“Hey, hey!” Graves kicks your head. “Wake up, Daddy!” Aw, for frak’s sake. Why do you always get woken up in the middle of some really good dreams? You turn your head, looking up at her. She looks down at you, alarm to her face as she hands you your carbine. “Deinos are outside.”

“What?” You sit up, your body suddenly snapping back from sleep to fight. “How many?”

Graves blinks. “… all of ‘em.” She shrugs, not particularly sure how to describe it. What? You sit up, then grab your helmet and your equipment. You quickly put it all on then follow Graves out the door. She hurries to lead you out of the hallway and to the main door. What does Graves mean by all of them? Surely she can’t mean that literally all of the Deinos in the woods have actually come to the front door.

She opens the main door and lets you through. The crew has gathered outside, with guns and everything. Tierney has taken up the Plasma Cannon. Even Burke is leaning on a barricade with a wounded leg and her DMR. Nielson, Morrison, Grimshaw, Hood, and Wexley stand behind her. Godwin stands on the other barricade with his flamethrower. Standing behind him are Stoakes, Cope, Harrell, Rutledge, Banner, Bryce, Levy and Smitty. Tombs and Harrell stand back by the door, ready as well with rifles. You can see why everyone is out here though.
>>
>>3177586
This is going to be a fucking cliffhanger ain't it.
>>
Because Graves is right. In foggy mist of the morning, there were at least a hundred or more Deinos with painted black faces or darkened grey ones. Among their number were several other Prides with differently colored faces too, yellow and blue and greens. And you even see Red among them, the –specific- Red. They all quietly look at you once you step outside. Despite their number, they’re all silent. And apparently without harmful intent. This must be about Toothy.

Standing in front of them, apparently leading them, is another Deino. At its sides were leather bags holding eggs the size of large bottles of water. The Deino has a face painted black, with a white stripe down the snout from the eyes to the nostril. It looks at you intently, baring its teeth quietly.

Rutledge looks at you. “You got some ‘splaining to do, boy.”

> “We better get inside. Just everyone get inside.”
> Step forward. And see what they want.
> Other
>>
>>3177595
>> Step forward. And see what they want.
Oh boy. This could either go very good or very bad. At least Tierney got her kiss like she's been wanting since forever, before we die.
>>
>>3177595
>> Step forward. And see what they want.
Not a time to show weakness now.
>>
>>3177595
>Step forward. And see what they want.
>>
>>3177595

> Step forward. And see what they want.

Looks like I blitzed the archives in time to get murdered by Deinos.
>>
>>3177595
>Standing in front of them, apparently leading them, is another Deino. At its sides were leather bags holding eggs the size of large bottles of water. The Deino has a face painted black, with a white stripe down the snout from the eyes to the nostril. It looks at you intently, baring its teeth quietly.
Wait, Toothy's mate maybe? Wew.
>>
>>3177595
>> Step forward. And see what they want.
>>
>>3177602
Supporting.
>>
> Step forward. And see what they want.

You step forward to them. Everyone looks at you with some elements of shock, fear, and surprise. Truth be told, you’re actually shaking in your boots. One wrong move and there’s going to be a bloodbath. No one will win, everyone will lose. You step forward to the leader, holding your hands out to show that you’re not armed and you mean no threat. The leader tilts its head, curious at you. You take a breath, slowly, steadily. Calm your absolutely breakneck beating heart.

The Leader plants a foot forward, then snaps its claw down and draws a line in the muddy ground. It starts walking. It circles around you. You see all your fellow soldiers point their guns at it, ready to tear it to shreds if anything happens. But you simply stand there. It sniffs at you, nearly pressing its snout against your arms and head a few times as it circles around you. It takes a deep whiff of your hands, then starts snarling loudly. That’s probably the hand that did Toothy in, yes.

The Leader opens its mouth, showing all of its razor sharp teeth inside and it’s gaping maw of a mouth. Then it gently closes its mouth, and bows, hissing lightly. You look around, confused. Uh. What is it doing?

Godwin leans over, whispering to Cope. “You think it wants to frak him?” Cope stares at Godwin, disgusted.

You’re going to be completely honest. That’s actually not out of the question. You have no idea what the hell it’s trying to say to you.

It looks up, cocking its head. The other Deinos murmur and quietly crow to each other, looking at you. They seem to be expecting something. But what? The Leader croaks at you, trying to get you to understand. You’re sorry, but without visual aide, it’s a little difficult. You shrug, staring at it in confusion. It reaches into its bags, then it places down its eggs on the ground. Wait. What?



The Leader hisses, much louder this time. It then steps up next to the eggs and bows once more to you, its tail wagging up high above its body. The Deinos, even Red, start chirping and screeching loudly. The Leader looks up at you, giving loud screeches, before again bowing its head.

Wait.

… is it offering you things? You step back. The Leader looks up and hisses, apparently indignant. You step back, still confused. Lieutenant Harrell steps up next to you, grabbing your shoulder. “What the hell is going on here?”

“I killed one of their Pride leaders last night and…” You blink, looking at them. They all stare at you, waiting for your next move. “I-… I guess they want to see what I do.” Well. You kill it, you buy it.

There’s now this giant group of Deinos now apparently waiting on your word.
>>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk_wUT1CvWM

I'm afraid that's where we end it tonight and for this weekend. May start it up again from this thread on Wednesday or Thursday as usual. Hope you're all enjoying yourselves regardless.

Go ahead and discuss things, dump questions, speculate, plot plans, all that junk.
>>
>>3177951
WHAT A CLIFFHANGER. I guess we have a pride of deinos now.
>>
>>3177945
It's our duty to raise it.
These hatching deinos will not be raised without a father.
We are the Deino Whisper, the Emissary of Hyperborea, Dragonslayer and Savior of Mankind,
and also a virgin.
And we're going to be a father.
>>
>>3177951
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT

I hope delta can be an effective translate
>>
>>3177983
Delta is going to be confused as fuck.
>>
>>3177979
>and also a virgin.
Because we don't have a kid, we must father this pride, father this band of misfits, and father Tierney but in a sexual way thats not weird
>>
>>3177989
We are the AllFather. We must sacrifice an eye and hang upside down from The Great Tree in the swamp in order to gain wisdom beyond man.
Honestly this shit if hype as fuck, I can't wait to see what happens next.
>>
>>3177995
Yeah ngl I never thought this quest was gonna go past a few threads, or it would have ended about halfway ago. Survive has something much more sinister available for us
>>
I am torn between the urge to find a way to genocide these fucks, and making them into some kind of viet-kong.
>>
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>the ending of this thread
>>
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>>3178590
>>
“Alright, Corporal.” Lieuentenat Harrell, Sergeant Cope, and Rutledge huddle up with you by the door while everyone else waits close by at the barricades. Still waiting at your word were the hundred or so Deinonychus, including that Leader with the eggs. “Explain carefully what happened.”

You shrug. There’s not really much you can add really. “I killed a Pride leader and now I guess I’m in charge of the Pride. That must be how their societal structure works. Might makes right, the strong survive, all that stuff. But I guess that leader I killed must have been really influential.” You figured Toothy was a prime mover in their little village. You didn’t think it was this large though. Truth be told, you’re nervous. If they’re expecting you to feed them all, they’re going to be sorely disappointed. The Leader tilts its head, glaring at you in particular. You don’t know what its problem is. Maybe it’s a good friend of Toothy.

“We can’t keep these Lizards around,” says Sergeant Cope. “It’s hard enough trying to keep our location hidden with just us. If we have to have these guys living around us, that could expose our position.”

“Sergeant Cope has a point, we’re definitely within range of their artillery. It’ll only take something like the sudden arrival of a hundred or more Deinos in one single area getting their attention,” Lieutenant Harrell explains. “Corporal. You should probably tell them to leave.”

“Now, now, hold on.” Rutledge holds up a hand, stopping them. “We can’t just pass this up.”

“What do you mean?” asks Lieutenant Harrell. “We can’t speak their language. It’s likely that if the Corporal’s theory about their societal structure is correct, he’ll have to fend off attempts on his life from other Deinos trying to succeed him. Not to mention they’re primitive with spears and rocks.”
>>
“Sir. They’ve done quite a bit holding the Lizards back in the South and the East,” you explain. “The Lizards clearly respect their authority on their home turf so to speak.”

“Even so,” says Sergeant Cope. “We can’t take care of these things.”

“Sergeant, Lieutenant, we’re looking a gift horse in the mouth,” says Rutledge, more firmly. “These Lizards are putting themselves up to serve the Corporal here. We can’t just send them on their way. They’re willing to get along with us. We don’t want to make anymore enemies than we need to and right now, these little bastards are offering to be our friends.” He grabs your arm, smiling at you. “And right now, our little Corporal here may as well become their new village Chieftan.”

“Well how are we supposed to talk with them?” asks Sergeant Cope. “Through Delta?”

“Who’s Delta?” asks Rutledge.

“Our Steno,” you say. “You haven’t met him.” Rutledge nods, understanding.

“Corporal, this is a bad idea,” says Lieutenant Harrell.

"We don't have many options, Lieutenant," says Rutledge. He smiles at you. "Come on, Corporal. Maybe there's some fine Deino poontang waiting for you."

> “Let’s at least hear them out. Maybe it’s not what we think. Let’s get Delta out here.”
> “If they’re willing to help us and work with us, then let’s do it. Get Delta here.”
> “I’ll send them on their way.”
> Other
>>
As per usual, we'll leave the vote up overnight and I shall resume posting when I get back from work tomorrow. So go ahead and leave your votes in and go ahead and discuss whatever plans you may have in you.
>>
>>3185633
>> Other
I'm really hesitant to bring Delta out, the natives really don't like the lizards and vice versa. I want to try drawing out the lizard's artillery position on the hill and warn them of how dangerous it is to congregate in big numbers like this.
I don't know, draw out a bunch of lizards in a group indicating them, point to the hill, then point back to the group and stomp on it. Maybe that'll get the point across.
>>
> “I’ll send them on their way.”

The last thing we need is a whole fucking village of savages bring even more attention down on us.
We also dont need our throats slit by a lizard making a power play for ownership of the tribe or some shit.
>>
>>3185698
Supporting
>>
>3185633
> “Let’s at least hear them out. Maybe it’s not what we think. Let’s get Delta out here.”
Maybe have some one check with delta to see if the deinos are going to chimp out because we are harboring one of their enemies.
>>
>>3185633
>“Let’s at least hear them out. Maybe it’s not what we think. Let’s get Delta out here.”
>>
>>3185633
> “I’ll send them on their way.”
>>
>>3185631
>> “Let’s at least hear them out. Maybe it’s not what we think. Let’s get Delta out here.”
>>
>>3185633
Lets get delta out here. It's gonna be obvious he's a prisoner, and we'll be able to communicate better, as I assume he speaks the same language
>>
>>3186830
>It's gonna be obvious he's a prisoner
But at the same time, I really don't think this race has a concept for 'prisoner.' They usually just kill and eat each other, or use them for bait THEN kill and eat each other.
>>
>>3186913
I mean, these are tribes, and they seem to somewhat follow the patterns humans did, and also don't forget the Tech dinos use slave labor, and have a hierarchy, so I would bet money they know what slaves are, even if they dont do it
>>
>>3185633
>> “If they’re willing to help us and work with us, then let’s do it. Get Delta here.”
>>
> “Let’s at least hear them out. Maybe it’s not what we think. Let’s get Delta out here.”

“Let’s at least hear them out,” you say. “Maybe it’s not what we think. Maybe they just want to give us a few gifts and be on their way. But, we need to find someone that can translate for us. I say we get Delta out here.” Lieutenant Harrell tilts his head, skeptical. “Sir. I can’t exactly play charades with them all day. Delta’s got the best chance of understanding what they’re saying and vice versa.”

“Fine.” Lieutenant Harrell snaps his fingers. “Hood, Grimshaw.” The two leave the barricade, coming over at the ready. “Get the prisoner out here.” They nod, hurrying inside. “You better be right about this, Corporal.” You hope you are at least. Rutledge smiles, patting your arm in agreement. He’s with you at least on this.

The Deinos wait with you all the few minutes that it takes for Delta to get outside. Hood and Grimshaw lead him out on a rope. Delta hisses, snapping indignantly at Hood and Grimshaw before freezing at the sight of all the Deinos outside. Hood tries to pull him forward. But Delta refuses to budge. Short as he is, that Lizard is not coming. He’s even driven his toe claws into the ground. “Come on, you scaley frak!” yells Grimshaw. The Leader Deino snarls, glaring intensely at Delta. Delta tries to back away.

“Hold on, I got him,” you say. Hood and Grimshaw look at you, then release the rope to you. You take it, then urge Delta close. Delta walks behind you, peering his head out from around your back as you walk up to the Leader. The Leader stares intensely at Delta. The Deinos behind her start chirping and crowing at the sight of him. Hopefully they don’t all decide that he’s fresh meat. You look at Delta. He looks back up at you. “Ask them what they’re here for,” you say.

Delta tilts his head, then chirps at the Leader. The Leader recoils back, looking at Delta with some contempt. Delta again chirps, then points his snout up to you. The Leader clicks its teeth, brushing its foot against the ground as it looks at you. Delta nudges you with his snout, getting your attention. He starts drawing in the mud.

He draws a Deino with large pronounced teeth, Toothy you’d guess. He draws the pack below him, along with the white-striped Leader next to Toothy. Then he crosses Toothy out, and draws you victorious over him. Oh. So it is what you think it is. You killed Toothy, now you inherit his pack. Delta nods at you, then circles you and the Leader in the mud.

… Okay, now you’re confused.
>>
Rutledge leans over, smirking. “I think what Delta is trying to get across is that this Deino here.” He points to the Leader. “Is a girl.” Oh. Oooh. Very hard to tell the difference actually. “And she’s now your mate, buddy.” The Leader squints at you. “And now you’re in charge of his pack.”

“Okay, I get that,” you say. “But what does that have to do with us?”

Delta chirps at the Leader again. The Leader snaps at Delta, making him flinch back. Delta growls at the Leader before translating once more on the ground. He draws you once more, with the corpse of the Spinosaurus, and the corpse of Toothy, and the corpses of Lizards as well. You’re standing atop them, victorious in pose. Then he draws the rest of the pack around you.

In short, it seems the Pride is recognizing you for your exploits. Both in fighting the Lizards and defeating that Spinosaurus and in defeating one of their bigger Pride leaders. The Leader looks at you, licking at her teeth. Then Delta draws something else.

He draws the forest swamp on the ground, and draws Lizards closing in on three sounds, the north, the east, and the south. The Deinos are inside the swamp, crying out. Then he points at you once more, making a biting and slashing gesture with his hands.

“What are they saying?” asks Sergeant Cope.

Delta barks, nudging you once more with his snout. You see how it is now. The Lizards are coming to fight them and kill them. But they’ve found you. And now they’ve come to ask you to take charge and lead them in the fight. You look at Delta. He nods. That’s correct. Delta snarls at the Leader before stepping back behind you. The Leader makes a shrill crying noise at you, almost… pleading.

> Send them away. You can’t help them.
> Well, if they’re asking, you can’t just refuse them.
> Other
>>
>>3187442
> Well, if they’re asking, you can’t just refuse them.
N O O N E
>>
>>3187442
> Well, if they’re asking, you can’t just refuse them.
L E F T B E H I N D
>>
>>3187442
>> Well, if they’re asking, you can’t just refuse them.
DINO COMMANDER AND ULTIMATE BADASS MC
>>
>>3187442
>> Well, if they’re asking, you can’t just refuse them.
In this situation the any enemy of our enemy is our friend.
>>
>>3187442
>Well, if they’re asking, you can’t just refuse them.

I wonder if there's an armory on the alien ship
>>
>>3187436
I like Rutledge.
>>
> Well, if they’re asking, you can’t just refuse them.

“Well, if they’re asking for our help, we can’t we just refuse them.”

“Corporal. We don’t have the ability to help them,” Sergeant Cope says loudly. “We can’t even speak their language!”

“Enemy of our enemy is our friend, Sergeant,” Rutledge says. “Look. These Lizards want our help. We need them just as much as they need us. We gotta work together if we want to get the Lizards off our backs.” He steps in front of you, then points out to the Deinos. “Now, this may not be all the Deinos in this swamp, but a hundred or so? That’s a good start for a guerilla war I think. They were putting up a good fight before. With us, they’ll put up a better one. We even stand a good chance to throw them out.”

“For how long though?” asks Sergeant Cope. He folds his arms, glaring at you two. “Don’t just assume that if we do beat them back, they’ll just leave us alone. They play for keeps. They’ll be back. And they’ll be pissed.”

“Just driving off the Lizards alone will give us a lot of time,” Rutledge says. “Time for what, well, that’s for y’all to decide. But me, I’m willing to hear out these Lizards and see how they’re willing to help us.” He looks at the Leader. She snarls at Rutledge, clearly thinking as little of him as she would the grit between her toes. “And as for her, well. You know, she’s a real cute lady. How can we refuse?”

“That’s disgusting,” Lieutenant Harrell says.

“Well.” Tierney pipes up, getting everyone’s attention. She shrinks a little, being put on the spot. But she stands firm. “If the Corporal says it’s a good idea. And if Rutledge thinks it is too, maybe it’s worth a shot.”

“Yeah.” Nielston steps up next to her, much more firm. “I mean, if they wanted to kill us now, they would’ve. I say if they want our help, we’ll give them our help.”
>>
“If they have food, we need that,” Graves says bluntly. “And water. And materials for things like clothes. Possibly weapons. Guides through the Swamp.” The idea starts spreading. “Lieutenant, Sergeant. I just don’t see a downside aside from the odd power struggle between our Corporal and any one of those aspiring Pride leaders. But even then, our good Corporal has shown himself time and again able to prove himself worthy of the title.” Your chest swells with pride. You’re not used to being praised like that, actually. You smile, but quickly switch off when Harrell and Cope look at you. They don’t seem amused.

Sergeant Cope sighs, then looks at Lieutenant Harrell. “You can’t seriously…”

“If the team thinks so, I’m not in a position to refuse,” says Lieutenant Harrell. Sergeant Cope scoffs, turning away to walk back inside the ship. Lieutenant Harrell jabs his finger into your chest, getting your attention. “Corporal, these Lizards are your responsibility. Use them however you like. But don’t get too comfortable with them. If need be, we have to think about ourselves before them.”

“Sir.” You nod. Rutledge grins, pleased with himself. Delta looks up at you, clearly waiting to see what you do next.

> Send the Deinos back to their villages and homes. Best not to cluster them. You’ll get them when you need them.
> Have the Deinos stay here for now. You might need them soon.
> Other
>>
>>3187920
>Send the Deinos back to their villages and homes. Best not to cluster them. You’ll get them when you need them.
>>
>>3187920
>You smile, but quickly switch off when Harrell and Cope look at you. They don’t seem amused.
kek

>Send the Deinos back to their villages and homes. Best not to cluster them. You’ll get them when you need them.
Be sure to have Delta stress the importance of not making themselves obvious targets of opportunity for artillery. That hill can rain hell down on just about anywhere in the swamp if a spotter calls it in.
>>
>>3187920
> Other
>Keep a small squadron, the majority return to the camps. You may have need for a larger force, if that's the case then a fast dino can travel back to camp. It's a native and should know the way quite easily.
>>
>>3187920
>>3187930
Oh, also; have an envoy stick around to relay information back and forth, they can claim a room in the ship to stay in.
>>
>>3187920
>> Send the Deinos back to their villages and homes. Best not to cluster them. You’ll get them when you need them.
>>
>>3187936
>>3187935
>>3187930
I'll support these. I'm sure they know about the artillery, but doesnt help to reiterate
>>
> Send the Deinos back to their villages and homes. Best not to cluster them. You’ll get them when you need them.
> Other

“Delta.” He looks up at you, waiting. “Send them back to their homes, tell them not to bunch up and make themselves targets of opportunity. The Lizards can bring down the rain pretty quick if they get a spotter in. But have a few stay here as runners. We might need them.” Delta chirps, clicking his teeth at the Leader. The Leader screeches, then turns to the other Deinos. She howls at them, a shrill howl that sounds through the trees. The Deinos howl and screech and immediately scatter into the Swamp, disappearing. Three Deinos stay behind, waiting, including the Leader. Excellent. The Leader steps up and bows her head to you, chirping quietly.

Godwin smirks, nudging Tierney. “Looks like you got more competition, missy.” Tierney glares at Godwin, viciously. Godwin scoots back, whistling innocently. He looks over at Morrison. “Hey, Morrison. Maybe you can throw him some tips.”

“Shut up,” Morrison says quickly.

“We can probably give her a room or something,” you say. Harrell does not look pleased with that suggestion. “She has her eggs. We gotta put them somewhere I guess,” you say. “Same with these three runners we got.”

Nielson walks up to you, hand on his belt. “I can grab some wood, build them a shelter. Uh, Early, you wanna help me?” Early nods, walking up to him with Carbine in hand. “Any other volunteers would be good.”

“I’ll help you out, boy,” says Godwin. He places the flamethrower down on the wall. “Come on, Connell, let’s give him a hand.” Connell grunts in response, moving with Godwin. Nielson and company start to work.

Rutledge sticks his fingers between his lips and gives a sharp whistle, loud enough that even the Deinos look at him. “Right, rest of you to your positions! Nothing to see here! Uh!” He points to Bryce and Banner. “Bryce, Banner. Take watch for us please on that tower?” Bryce gives a quick mocking wave before heading up the ladder with Banner. He looks at you, then grins. “I’ll give you some quality time with the Wife.”

“Is that what we’re calling her now?” you ask.

“Well, she is your Wife now essentially, bucko,” Rutledge says. You roll your eyes. “Relax, I’m ribbing ya. Lack of better term let’s say. Anyways, I’ll be inside.” He starts towards the door, then notices Burke holding onto the barricade. Rutledge offers his hand. “May I, miss?” Burke slaps it away, before limping herself over to the door. “Okay then.” Rutledge shrugs.
>>
Graves steps next to him. “Don’t worry, she’s like that with everyone.”

“Hey, I appreciate spunk,” says Rutledge. “Just as long as it don’t get all over me.” Graves snorts, walking inside as well with Tombs and Stoakes.

Right. Well, what should you do now?

> Help build the shelter for the Deinos. Chat with Nielson and friends. Maybe get to know the Wife. Somehow.
> Sergeant Cope did say to go see him about another downstairs expedition if you wanted to.
> You need breakfast. This is all happening way too fast.
> Other
>>
>>3188129
>> You need breakfast. This is all happening way too fast.
>>
>>3188129
>You need breakfast. This is all happening way too fast.
>>
>>3188129
>> You need breakfast. This is all happening way too fast.
Lets get something for Steno too. He's been invaluable. I still can't believe he understands english, what a turn of events
>>
>>3188129
>> You need breakfast. This is all happening way too fast.
Eat first.

>>3188143
Agree with this.
Also Rutledge is a perfect match for Graves.
>>
> You need breakfast. This is all happening way too fast.

Ugh. You need breakfast. You rub your nose, stepping inside the ship again. The Deinos stay outside, watching Nielson and crew assemble their new shelter while Grimshaw takes Delta’s rope, leashing him in case they need to do some talking with the Deinos. You sigh, rubbing your temples as you walk through the hall to the Common room. First thing’s first, you need some goddamn breakfast.

You enter the common room and find Rutledge talking with Morrison and Wexley. “I heard you boys been hunting some Lizards? They good eating?”

Wexley nods. “Yeah. Try ‘em.” He offers a plate of Dimorphodon meat to Rutledge. He takes it then forks some into his mouth.

“Oh Jesus, that is good, who made this?” he asks. Wexley points to himself, smiling. “Damn, son. You made some nice shit out of this.”

“Shit ain’t the word I’d use,” Morrison says. Rutledge snickers, taking a few bites of the meal. You sit down at a table and pull up your own plate of food too, some more of that Dimorphodon meat along with slices of fruit. Seems the C-Rations are being saved for a rainy day. Probably one of the few smart decisions being made by Sergeant Cope and Lieutenant Harrell. You start eating it up then and there. Morrison looks over at you. “Hey, the lovely groom.” You give him the finger in response.

“Kettle calling the pot black,” Wexley mutters. Morrison nudges him, snorting.

“You married to an alien?” asks Rutledge. Morrison sighs, hesitating before giving a slight nod. “Oh. Huh. Weird but okay, won’t pry. Probably get more than most of us here. Especially since apparently this motherfrakker here is making a harem out of all the girls.”

“He don’t touch ‘em,” Wexley says. Rutledge looks at you, confused.

“It’s not a situation where sex is appropriate, okay?” you say. You lean on the table and watch as Stoakes and Tierney walk inside to grab their own meals. “We’re kind of fighting for our lives.”

“Fair enough, but that’d be an excuse in my mind to go for it all the same,” Rutledge says. “But I won’t judge. If you’re trying to be a saintly man maintaining his purity, you go on ahead.” You roll your eyes at him. Please, not him too. “Anyway, Morrison, was it?” Morrison nods. “Tell me about your wife. Is she hot?”

“Most beautiful woman in my life,” Morrison says. Rutledge smiles brightly, nodding.

> Talk with Rutledge, see if you can’t get to know him a little more.
> Chat with Tierney, see how she’s doing.
> Finish off your breakfast then head out to work. (Doing what?)
> Other
>>
I must head to sleep now, it's getting late for me. Go ahead and leave your votes in and we shall resume in the morning.
>>
>>3188506
>> Talk with Rutledge, see if you can’t get to know him a little more.
GET TO KNOW THE NEW GUY. I like him so far.

>>3188512
Thanks for running dude.
>>
>>3188506
> Chat with Tierney, see how she’s doing.

See you in the morning QM
>>
>>3188506
>> Chat with Tierney, see how she’s doing.
“Fair enough, but that’d be an excuse in my mind to go for it all the same,” Rutledge you glorious man you
>>
>>3188506
>> Chat with Tierney, see how she’s doing.
>>
>>3188506
>> Chat with Tierney, see how she’s doing.
>>
> Chat with Tierney, see how she’s doing.


You sit down next to Tierney and Stoakes as they eat. “Crazy stuff out there, huh?” you ask.

Stoakes nods. “Sure is. I can’t believe that you’re a bonafide Pride leader now. All because you killed the right Lizard! I wonder if I should do something like that!”

“Trust me, you probably shouldn’t,” you say. “I was almost killed after all.” Stoakes nods, agreeing on that. “Still, Tierney, thank you for backing me up on that. I think you got everyone else going too, might’ve convinced Lieutenant Harrell to let us do it.”

“Oh, yeah! I mean-…” Tierney smiles, tapping her hands on the table. “We need all the help we can get after all. And they’re willing to help. Besides, if it wasn’t me, it probably would’ve been Nielson anyway, hehe. He’s a braver guy than me so you know.” You shrug, aiming to finish off your Dimorphodon. “But think of this now, we got the numbers now. We could probably take Hill 47 if we wanted to.” Tierney brings up a good point. Taking Hill 47 with just you humans would’ve been a suicide mission. With the Deinos? It goes from suicide to merely very difficult. You can attack from multiple angles now, you can set up distractions of all kinds, you can probably hold the hill itself as well. Things could get interesting. “Heck, if we do, there’s one thing I want to do.”

“What’s that?” asks Stoakes.

“I want to wash myself down in that river,” says Tierney, blissfully. “I mean, here we have the shower but Harrell wants us strictly only showering for maybe three minutes at best to save the hot water for everyone. And the bath…” She motions to the now somewhat disused bathtub that Whitney set up. “Little exposed for my taste. Some running water would be great.”

“Yeah!” Stoakes sigh, resting her head in her hands, her elbows on the table. “Shame really that I didn’t bring my swimsuit.”

Tierney and you look at Stoakes. “Swimsuit?”

“Yeah.” Stoakes nods. “I mean, I’ll be honest, I was one of those people that thought we’d roll over the Lizards in like a day or two. I knew a few girls like me who were bringing swimsuits so they could sunbathe on the beach when it was all over. I didn’t, I wanted to save the space.”

“That’s smart of you,” you say.

Tierney blinks, tilting her head. “What kind of swimsuit was it?”
>>
“Oh, just a bikini, nothing too revealing. Though if we ever got time to swim around and enjoy some freshwater, I’ll be fine skinny dipping,” says Stoakes. You look over at Stoakes. Tierney looks at you, surprised. You quickly look back at your meal. Stoakes looks between you two, confused, before going on, “Though I hear people from Hopewell skinny dip too.” You almost choke on your meal. Stoakes! Come on!

That’s completely true but come on! Tierney looks at you, also surprised. She then quickly sizes you up before going back to her meal, still staring at your chest and at your face.

Rutledge walks over, slapping his hands on yours and Tierney’s shoulder. “You two seem to be having an entertaining conversation.” From the outside, yes. He looks down at Tierney. “By the way, Tierney. I hear you tried to rescue our little buddy last night from the clutches of the Lizards.” Tierney looks up at Rutledge, then glances away. “That’s mighty bold of you, you know?”

“R-… really?” Tierney looks up at Rutledge, surprised at the praise.

“Yeah!” Rutledge leans in, grinning. He looks at you. “Ain’t you proud of her?”

> “I’m proud, but I’d rather not encourage it.”
> “Of course I am. She’s got guts.”
> “Somewhat.”
> Other
>>
>>3189175
>> “I’m proud, but I’d rather not encourage it.”
Let's not pretend it could have gone really,really wrong.
>>
>>3189175
>“Of course I am. She’s got guts.”
Dont let it get to your head though, I dont want you doing that ever again.
>>
>>3189175
>> “Of course I am. She’s got guts.”
She knows where we stands on what she did.


I'm getting weird vibes from Rutledge. He seems to share many of our same viewpoints, but there's something about him that's off...
>>
>>3189175
> “Of course I am. She’s got guts.”
I'm getting the feeling that Rutledge is going to be a problem later on... He'd better not make a move on our harem.

>>3189189
>I'm getting weird vibes from Rutledge. He seems to share many of our same viewpoints, but there's something about him that's off...

Thank god it's not just me.
>>
>>3189175
>> “I’m proud, but I’d rather not encourage it.”
>>3189193
Well Tierney did say there was something off about him as well....
>>
>>3189175
>> “I’m proud, but I’d rather not encourage it.”
Maybe when Rutledge goes away we should talk with some of our guys about him.
>>
>>3189175
> “Of course I am. She’s got guts.”
Dare I say she was as suicidal with her actions as we usually are.
>>
>>3189175
>“I'm proud, but I'd rather not encourage it."

Didn't Tierney get this talk already from us?

>>3189189
>>3189193
>weird vibes from Rutledge

Agreed. Not sure if he is just trying to shake up the 'command' structure', dismantle it, or go full 'crazy god-king survivor'.

This quest was entertaining as hell to archive blitz. Glad I caught up!
>>
> “I’m proud, but I’d rather not encourage it.”
> “Of course I am. She’s got guts.”

“I’m proud. She’s got guts. And after all, she went out there alone, with only a rifle and a machete to hold her over. But at the same time, I’d rather not encourage it.” You lean back a bit, looking at him with a stern expression. “I’m not exactly the best role model, Rutledge.”

“Hmph.” Rutledge smirks, then gently pats Tierney’s head. Tierney squirms a little, looking up at him with some skepticism in her eyes. “Fair enough.” He messes her hair up into a fuzzy ball of hair on top of her head before letting go. “Anyway, buddy. I’ll be in the medbay if you need me.” He walks away, whistling to himself.

“What do you need to go into the medbay for?” asks Stoakes.

“Ah, I got a booboo that needs kissing and only that sweet sweet nurse can do it for me,” he says with a coy smile. “Course, last time I talked to her, apparently she’s been calling you Daddy, buddy.” You shrug. Yeah, you’re not going to explain that to him. “Weird one that girl. Other than that, I just wanna get to know the medics a little. One thing I’ve learned is that you never take for granted the people that can heal you. So.” He gives a quick salute. “Ta-ta.” With that, he walks out of the common room.

Tierney tilts her head, before quietly pressing her hair back together with her hands. “Does he strike as kind of funny?”

“He is pretty funny,” says Stoakes.

“Not funny funny, I’m saying –funny- funny,” Tierney replies. Stoakes nods slowly, understanding.

“How do you mean?” you ask.

Tierney shrugs, frowning a little, apparently trying to figure out the words for it in her head. “I don’t know. I mean, he’s a Corporal. But he never introduced himself to us as a Corporal. Bryce, Smitty, Levy, and Banner are more concerned about eating and getting themselves comfortable too. But I guess that’s more to do with the fact that they haven’t had food in a while and they’ve been on the run a lot longer than we have.”

“You’re suspicious.”

“A little.” Tierney bites her lip, glancing away. “That’s just me anyway. I mean, maybe I’m wrong. He’s only been here a day.”

> “I’ll go talk with him, see what he’s about.”
> “You probably are. Give him some time.”
> “Why don’t you talk with him? He seems to like you.”
> Other
>>
>>3189380
>“I’ll go talk with him, see what he’s about.”
>>
>>3189380
> “I’ll go talk with him, see what he’s about.”
and
>"Keep an eye on him just in case."

Is it possible that he's lying about his rank? What's the possibility that he's a conscript from a prison planet like Burke?
>>
>>3189380

> “I’ll go talk with him, see what he’s about.”

Beware the Living
>>
>>3189404
Super likely. I'm thinking he might try to take over this group himself and run it like some sorta raider gang, or something a little more sexual....
>>
>>3189523
My chips on him manipulating people (mainly the girls) behind our backs and appearing as a benevolent pal while we're around.
>>
>>3189380
>> “I’ll go talk with him, see what he’s about.”
Should probably talk to Graves separately as well after he leaves the medbay and see what he tried to do.
>>
> “I’ll go talk with him, see what he’s about.”

“I’ll go talk with him, see what he’s about,” you say. You finish off your breakfast then slide it forward, letting Tierney and Stoakes take it for washing. You stand up and head on over to the door and out into the hallway. Truth be told, you’re also a little suspicious of Rutledge’s intentions. He has only been here a day, but he seems quite agreeable with you. And that concerns you, even you wouldn’t be so agreeable with the things you do. Something might be up.

You head on down to the medbay and open the door to see Graves running the checklist as she transfuses blood to a sitting and very woozy looking Burke. The U-Blood bag stands on a makeshift stand, held up by some hooks hanging on the wall. Tombs meanwhile sorts through all the equipment while Joffrey lays back in his bed, apparently asleep. “So I was just saying, you know? You ever interested, you let me know.”

You walk up behind Graves. She looks at Rutledge with some tired eyes then looks at you. “Sorry, Rut. You have to be…” She raises her hand up to the top of your head. “This tall to ride-“ She points to her chest and to her crotch, “-this ride.”

“I ain’t?” he asks, snickering. You shrug, hands on your belt as you simply stand there. “Ah, whatever. You got good taste anyway, Graves.” He looks at you. “Gee whiz, buddy, if I were a woman I’d splash my panties everytime you walk in.” He makes a smooching motion at you. “Of course, I don’t discriminate.”

“Yeah, I don’t need to know that,” you say. “You got a minute to talk, Rutledge?” He nods. You lead over to the side. “Listen, Rutledge. I appreciate your support and everything. But, there are some concerns that you probably aren’t on the level.” He folds his arms, looking at you quite dumbfounded. Probably shouldn’t have said it like that but you don’t know how else to put it. “You’re a Corporal, right?”

“Sure am,” he says. “And the rest of my people are Privates. I’m just not really in the mood to really care about rank anymore.”

“Well, rank still matters here,” you say. “We’ve gotta have that chain of command if we want to survive.”
>>
“Ah, trust me, buddy.” He smiles. “We’re all survivors here. Rank doesn’t factor into that. But hey, I respect you. Everyone here seems to really like you so I won’t try and be no enemy to you for the sake of it.” He looks past you at Graves. Graves looks over, then shrugs. “You know, for a girl who says she’s really frustrated and tired, she seems fixated on you specifically.”

“That’s flattering,” you say.

“But, that’s not what I want to ask you.” He gently pokes his finger into your chest, looking at you. “Look, buddy. I want your honest opinion on something if you care to tell me.” You nod to him. “Our chances of getting off this planet. How are they?”

“Well, we have this ship. If we can get it running-“

“Nah, nah, look.” He looks back at Graves and Tombs, more seriously. He gently pulls you back towards the door when they’re not looking. “Your honest opinion. What are our chances of getting off this planet?”

> “Very little.”
> “If we don’t get off, the Dominion’s gonna come back at some point anyway.”
> “Trust me, I’ll get us off this planet. I’ve promised people that.”
> Other
>>
>>3189680
>> “Trust me, I’ll get us off this planet. I’ve promised people that.”
"I don't want to fucking live here"
>>
>>3189680
>Rut's already hit on two girls in the span of a day. Kek.
Can we call him 'Rat' instead?

His personality switches way too much between smoocher, worried corporal and girl chaser depending on who's around.

As soon as our back is turned he asks Graves for a quickie? The next thing you know he's bringing up how all the girls apparently 'flock to you'. I wouldn't trust this guy with my breakfast.
--
> “Trust me, I’ll get us off this planet. I’ve promised people that.”

And if he doubts us
> “If we don’t get off, the Dominion’s gonna come back at some point anyway.”
>>
>>3189680
>> “Trust me, I’ll get us off this planet. I’ve promised people that.”
We'll either make good on our promise or die in the process.
>>
>>3189680

"Tactically or Strategically speaking?"

"Short term, we're SOL under the hill's guns. Longer term, our chances increase. Either we secure our own tickets off, or the Dominion comes back and we're a big ticket intel asset to be secured and extracted."
>>
>>3189693
>>3189730
Supporting both of these. The Dominion may be eh but I'd rather be back on Hopewell then stuck on this damn planet as long as there's the chance of getting off.
Also Rutledge is coming off as a more competent, sneaky Godwin I guess. Our harem can take care of themselves though so not that worried.
>>
>>3189680
>> “If we don’t get off, the Dominion’s gonna come back at some point anyway.”
>> “Trust me, I’ll get us off this planet. I’ve promised people that.”
This planet is so important to the Dominion anyway I doubt they'll not come back eventually
>>
> “Trust me, I’ll get us off this planet. I’ve promised people that.”

“Trust me, I’ll get us off this planet. I’ve promised people that.”

“Oooh, tough luck,” says Rutledge. “Ain’t nobody ever tell you not to make promises you can’t keep?”

You tilt your head, stepping forward slightly. He looks up at you, standing firm. “Is that supposed to mean something?”

“I know our chances, buddy. Dominion’s not coming back for a while and if you think you’re making this ship fly even though it’s mostly buried under the ground? Well. More power to you,” he says. But he motions his hand towards you, a smile on his face. “However, we’re with you now. Can’t protest too much. And besides. We’re stronger together, ain’t we?”

“We are,” you say. “I’d rather we not focus on living here because I sure as hell do not want to frakking live here. I want to get out of here. We all do. I’m sure you do too.” He nods, agreeing. “So we’re agreed then.”

“We’re agreed,” he says.

“One more thing,” you say. “That quick to proposition Graves for sex?” you whisper.

He smirks, leaning close to you. “Aw, you fall in love with me, buddy?” What. You step back, some disgust in your throat. He flashes his teeth, then chortles quietly before pushing you away. “Relax, I ain’t interested in you. And besides, thought you said this wasn’t the time to be making love and having relations. I’m as human as you are, I got needs.”

“Well keep your needs to yourself,” you say.

“Scared I’m gonna steal your harem away?” he asks. You squint at him. “Am I pushing you, buddy?”

“A little,” you say, quietly. He pauses, silent. Then he bursts into more laughter, slapping his knee in a literal fashion before heading to the door.

“I like you, buddy. No nonsense from nobody!” He looks at Graves. “Graves, your Daddy here is a man among men!”

“If he were a man among men he’d frak me already,” she says without even looking up from her checklist. Rutledge winks at her, then snaps his finger at you before stepping out of the medbay. He shuts the door behind him. You shake your head, grimacing a little as you walk up to Graves. “For what it’s worth, I’m actually serious when I say I’d prefer you over any other guy on this ship.”

“I’m flattered,” you say, very flatly.

She pouts. “Aw. Are you jeawwous?” She puckers her lips, tilting her entire body to look at you from below your chin. “You think the big bad man is gonna steal me away from you, Daddy?” She pokes your gut, making you flinch. “As if,” she says flatly like you. She straightens out then looks at your cheek. “How’s the cheek?”

“Better,” you say.

“Shoulder too?” You nod. “Alright. Healing nicely then. Listen, do me a favor, don’t get shot anymore. It’s really annoying have to fix you up.”

> Talk with Graves a little. (About what?)
> Seek out Sergeant Cope. He did say something about a downstairs expedition.
> Check outside, see how Nielson and the Deinos are getting along. Hopefully well.
> Other
>>
>>3189978
>> Seek out Sergeant Cope. He did say something about a downstairs expedition.
It is time to play with the ship again.
>>
>>3189978
>> Talk with Graves a little. (About what?)
Better share our thoughts about Rutledge and see if she has anything suspicions of our own.Also maybe we'd better start talking with the rest of our original guys on the chain of command thing especially if Rutledge is going to start stirring shit.
>>
>>3189978
> Talk with Graves a little. (About what?)
>"But then you wouldn't have a reason to see me."
>"What's your take on the new members, I doubt any of them will join in with the power struggle between Cope and Harrell but that doesn't mean they'll obey quietly."
>>
>>3190005
Can add this on as well. Also maybe we can get one our guys to 'casually' talk to his crew, find out more about him and his personality.
>>
>>3189995
>>3190005
Supporting both of these. Also check how Burke and Jeffrey are doing I guess.
>>
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360 KB JPG
>>3190005
Supporting, something just feels off about his crew, could just be paranoia but we haven't talked properly to the other lads and Rutledge is springing up a shitload of bad flags.
>>
>>3190046
>Check on Burke
Also support. I didn't realise she was conscious.
>>
> Talk with Graves a little.
> Other

“Come on, then you wouldn’t have a reason to see me.” You and Graves start slow-walking over to Burke to check on her.

Graves looks up at you. “Unless I was really horny and decided I just had to have your cock. Like I am right now.” She what. She smacks her lips, winking at you quickly before walking up to Burke. “Alright, Burke. How do you feel?”

“Like I got hit in the frakking head,” she says, glaring at Graves. “By the way, I’d appreciate it if you two weren’t so mushy mushy in public.”

“Aw, PDAs trigger you?” asks Graves. “Maybe you should claim his cock first before I do.” Burke rolls her eyes at that, grinding her teeth. “Now do you feel any weird feelings in your veins or in your stomach or with your heart?” Burke shakes her head. “Good, means the U-Blood ain’t tainted at least. You just need a few hours to transfuse than some bedrest. And like I say to Daddy here, try not to get shot again. I hate fixing you up.”

“Well, maybe I can go outside and just let myself die, how about that?” asks Burke.

“Please do, it’d save me so much trouble and it’d make us all feel a little less inadequate now that we don’t have a flying bitch of a woman running around acting like she’s a man on a mission,” Graves says very sarcastically. “And while you’re at it, you can also make sure that if you reincarnate, please reincarnate as a man with a small dick so that if for whatever reason we cross paths again and we happen to end up in the bedroom together, I can take a look at that tiny dick of yours and just laugh at you.”

Burke grunts. “Good. I’d just rape you then.”
>>
Graves stares at Burke, then snickers a little as she quickly scans her with the scanner. You place your hands on your belt again, thinking. “Listen, Graves,” you say. She looks at you. “What’s your take on Rut and his other people? I doubt they seem the type to join in on our little power struggle but, you never know.”

“Honestly, I actually think Rutledge is on the level,” Graves explains. “At the very least, he doesn’t annoy me as much as Godwin or Harrell does. I mean, think of it like this, Daddy. What reason does he have to mess around? He just got here. He just met us. If anything, you should be glad that for once, you have someone of a similar rank supporting the stuff you do.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s just… I’m a little suspicious,” you say.

Burke says, “He’s probably a deserter.” You and Graves look at her. She shrugs. “Think about it. He doesn’t respect rank. He asked if you really thought we had a chance at getting out of here. Instead of coming to Hill 47, he tried to go another direction away from potential rescue. And so far, him supporting you.” She points at you, stern look in her eyes. “He’s undermining the command structure because he knows everyone respects you more than they do Cope or Harrell. I know I do.”

Graves sighs, leaning on the table. “She’s got a point.” Seriously? You fold your arms. “But we are not in a position to execute deserters anyway. We need all the human help we can get. Right, Tombs?” Tombs looks over, then goes back to checking off the equipment. “He agrees.” She looks at Burke. “Anyway, Burke. Go ahead and get some sleep in here. I’ll give you another checkup when you wake up.” She looks at you. “Alright, Daddy. Come on, let’s have a quickie in the closet before someone comes looking for you.”

“Graves, please,” you say. “Enough jokes.” She stares at you, as if you really believe she’s joking. “I’m serious.”

“Ha.” She points to the door. “Get outta here. If I hear anything from Rutledge, I’ll let you know.” You sigh, walking to the door, only to find Lieutenant Harrell at it.

“Corporal, you busy?” he asks.

> “Yes I am.” (With what?)
> “No. What do you need, Lieutenant?”
> Other
>>
>>3190489
>> “No. What do you need, Lieutenant?”
>>
>>3190489
>> “No. What do you need, Lieutenant?”
Well, Burke seems to have Rutledge pegged pretty well.
>>
>>3190489
>“No. What do you need, Lieutenant?”

Also, hot diggity Graves has stepped up her sex talk game all of a sudden. I don't remember her laying it on that thick before.
>>
>>3190526
Must be getting pretty pent up.
>>
>>3190489
>> “No. What do you need, Lieutenant?”
>>3190526
>>3190558
Yeah maybe we should indulge ourselves at one point but honestly we're so busy lurching from crisis to crisis to even have time for this stuff.
>>
>>3190579
According to QM we missed our chance at a threesome which makes us tonight's big loser.
>>
>>3190597
We did? Where'd he say that?
>>
>>3190602
>We did? Where'd he say that?
A few threads ago anon. When QM returns he can confirm this.
>>
>>3190609
>>3190602

I don't remember saying this. But I probably did say it in which case, I'm not sure why I said it. But I probably said it.

I dunno.
>>
>>3190489
>> “No. What do you need, Lieutenant?”

We are not going to tell the LT or Cope that we think Rutledge and his guys are deserters. If they bring it up to us as their own suspicion, we need to cover for Rutledge & Co.
>>
>>3190489
> “No. What do you need, Lieutenant?”

>>3190597
>>3190602
>>3190609

I half expect everyone in this outfit to be so mentally damaged by extraction time that they can't relate to anyone that wasn't part of the group. Damaged Harem End
>>
>>3190613
That's okay QM. I could be imagining things myself.
>>
>>3190613
Yeah I don't remember you saying that either but hey let's actually do the deed first before we start talking about threesomes.
>>3190642
I mean to me our MC is so busy running around fighting fires all the time I doubt he has the time or energy to make any serious moves.
>>
>>3190579
I mean, we still have to decide who. The camp is split between Tierney and Graves, with a dedicated Burke sect too


and those dino weirdos
>>
>>3190740
I mean with the first two a threesomeis conceivable if unlikely. With Burke no chance LOL.
>>
>>3190661
>busy fighting fires

Agreed. But that can't last forever.

>>3190740
And it all amuses me to no end.
>>
> “No. What do you need, Lieutenant?”

Oh great, another fire to potentially put out. “What do you need, Lieutenant?” He beckons you to follow him. The two of you start taking a walk down the hallway.

“Given the recent revelation of our new allies and what not, I think it may be time to make a move on Hill 47,” says Lieutenant Harrell. Is that so? Honestly, you’re not sure if you could trust them in combat. They undoubtedly can fight. But fighting alongside you all? You all just met. “The longer we wait, the more fortified that hill is gonna get. And I reckon if we make moves now, we can drive them off with minimal casualties and then hopefully use that as a springboard to push the rest of the Lizards away.”

“What about the ship below?” you ask.

“I have Cope working on that. So far he hasn’t encountered those Drones you ran into, maybe they’re hiding, maybe they’re broken, I dunno,” he says. The two of you walk up to the main door, then he opens it up. The two of you step out for some fresh air. There you see Nielson, Connell, Godwin, and Early working on the shelter was the Deinos wait and watch them. Seems to be a nice wooden extension, almost like a stable really.

“Here, like this.” Nielson shows Early how to lash a rope together to bind two sticks perpendicular to each other. Early squints, frowning as she holds her own rope. Nielson pauses, then sighs. “Alright, here. Like this.” Nielson takes Early’s hands and starts directing them. “You go up there. You go here. Right through there.” Early’s face starts turning red intensely while Nielson obliviously walks her through it. Connell and Godwin snicker as they get one of the walls in place.

“Corporal.” You look at Lieutenant Harrell. “I’m thinking first though, we need to scout it out. Now normally, I’d let you rest and maybe let Burke go. But Burke is nursing that leg of hers. You, I know you were injured as well. But you’re the only person here I can truly trust on a scouting mission.”

“Scout out the hill, locate points of advance, strongpoints, figure out their defense, then get back?” you ask.

“If you could,” he says. “Maybe tonight. I can give you use of the AMP rifle, maybe have someone or two go with you. Either way, we need to make plans to take that hill at some point. What do you think, Corporal?”

> “Sir. We should think about working with the Deinos first. We need to learn to communicate with them effectively.”
> “I’ll go tonight, sir.”
> Other
>>
>>3190740
Honestly I can't think of Ti as anything more than a child with a crush. Graves could be a fling but I think Burke is the most realistic choice for us. We also promised that she won't go back to her prison planet, one way of ensuring that is by her marrying us.
>>
>>3190765
> “I’ll go tonight, sir.”
>"Perhaps have Tierney and a few others attempt to communicate with the Dino, she seems to have got along with Delta somewhat. Some form of improvised sign language could be useful for translations."
>>
>>3190765
> “Sir. We should think about working with the Deinos first. We need to learn to communicate with them effectively.”
Besides, the scouting should be done closest to the assault, to alleviate any surprised the defense will have

>>3190767
Burke is too much of a frigid bitch, and Tierney is short, which yaknow, but each to their own. I could see why Burke could be hot, but when you got Tierney....
>>
>>3190765
>> Other
We'll go, but maybe bring one of the Deinos with us so we can learn to coordinate with them better.
Also nice to see our fellow Hopewell boi Nielson doing well even if he doesn't realize it.
>>
>>3190765
>> “Sir. We should think about working with the Deinos first. We need to learn to communicate with them effectively.”
It's too soon, we don't even know how to work together in combat. I also REALLY don't trust Cope being the one exploring the ship and messing with those drones.
>>
>>3190789
Should put both Cope and Rutledge in the same party to go downstairs. That would be hilarious.
>>3190767
>>3190785
Well realistically if we're talking about relationships both Graves and Tierney have all but jumped our bones at this point progress wise. I don't think we're even at that stage with Burke yet given her entire attitude until recently was 'It's not so bad to die out here'. Not really the kind of person at the moment for romance.
>>
>>3190765
> “Sir. We should think about working with the Deinos first. We need to learn to communicate with them effectively.”

We need to at least try to set up some sort of non-verbal communications system, unless our plan is to use them to assail the greater lizard line and have a human-only assault on the hill.

Hey, if that drone core explodes, I wonder if we or delta can turn it into a munition to clear part of the hill?

And did we ever test a sample of those drone darts to verify if they were tranquilizer darts rather than some sort of super toxin or crazy space bio-bomb substance?
>>
>>3190867
Drone darts could be anything from tranquilizer to super toxin to super aphrodisiac. You haven't tested it yet.
>>
>>3190885
>super aphrodisiac

That is going to be the most fun guerilla warfare tool ever
>>
> “Sir. We should think about working with the Deinos first. We need to learn to communicate with them effectively.”

“Sir, we should think more about working with the Deinos first. We need to learn to communicate with them. We don’t even know how to work together in combat. We don’t even know a good way to set up some kind of long range non-verbal way to say, ‘hey, attack!’. If we can’t work with them, we have no advantage.”

“I understand the concern, Corporal. But we leave the hill too long, it’ll be harder to take later,” Lieutenant Harrell claims.

“Not to mention, sir, it’s best if we do the scouting right before the assault.” He stands there, listening but clearly not liking your input. “If we scout now and then delay say a day or two, there could be more things we didn’t catch the first time around. I’m just giving my input, sir. Take it or leave it. But right now, it might not be the best option to go scouting the hill. Right now, we have to work with the Deinos and see how they get on.”

Lieutenant Harrell rubs his nose, grimacing. “Corporal, this is something I don’t agree with.”

“Well, agree to disagree, you wanted my opinion, there it is,” you say firmly. “Take it or leave it.” He’s silent for a minute or two, looking out into the woods. Truth be told, you were hankering for an opportunity to hit up the hill. But with the Deinos now here, you have to figure out how to work with them first before attacking. It only makes sense.

“Fine. Give it a day or two,” he says. He nudges your injured shoulder, making you a flinch a little bit from some leftover pain. “You rest up and let those wounds heal. I think I’d prefer to have you and Burke up and ready anyway.” He turns around and walks back inside.

Hmph. Someone’s got sand in their crotch. You shake your head.

> Check on Nielson and crew. Maybe they might need some help.
> It’s getting close to lunch, may as well get an early meal in.
> Go see Sergeant Cope about a downstairs expedition.
> Other
>>
>>3191162
>> It’s getting close to lunch, may as well get an early meal in.
As the good Lieutenant said, let's rest up for a while.
>>
>>3191162
>> It’s getting close to lunch, may as well get an early meal in.
Early meal, then get to work coordinating with the deinos. Get to know our new 'friends' a little more closely.
>>
>>3191162
> Go see Sergeant Cope about a downstairs expedition.

Didn't we just eat before talking to Rutledge?

Plus I think we need to see if we can ID the stuff in those drone darts, and this seems the logical transition.
>>
>>3191162
>> Go see Sergeant Cope about a downstairs expedition.
>>
>>3191162
>> It’s getting close to lunch, may as well get an early meal in.
>>
> It’s getting close to lunch, may as well get an early meal in.

You decide to head in too for now. You head on into the common rom then quickly grab yourself a piping fresh plate of Pachy steak with some slices of fruit on the side to eat. Maybe you’ll figure out soon how to make a stew out of stuff like this. For now, this will do. Inside the common room, Tierney, Stoakes, Tombs talk and chat with each other. Hood, Grimshaw, Smitty, and Levy wait their turn as Wexley and Morrison get to cooking the food on an improvised cooker and stovetop using wood and charcoal for fuel. Seems people are getting settled in.

“You guys ever think that if we get off this planet, the Dominion’s gonna give us a medal or something?” asks Hood.

Morrison places a plate into Hood’s hands, smiling at him. “A medal and more. We’ll be sent right back to the front.”

“Nah, nah. See, they’ll look at our story.” Levy steps forward, smiling as he takes a plate with his rifle under his other arm. “They’ll eat it up in the news reels. We get sent home for a tour or two recruiting and exaggerating our tales of our survival. We probably won’t even be deployed ever again I reckon.”

“He’s got a good point,” says Wexley. “Why kill the golden goose you know? A story like ours could mean money, women, big houses, all that jazz.” He points to Smitty. “You, write our story. We could live off the royalties.”

Smitty sneers, taking his plate indignantly. “As if I’d let you slack-jawed hicks get any proceeds. You wanna make money, write your own damn autobiographies. Me?” He plants his hand on his heart, looking at all of them. “I’m gonna be stayin’ right here. Not like the Dominion’s coming back anyway. And if they do.” He points to Morrison. “He’s right. They’re likely to just send us back into the fray anyway.”

“Now, you don’t know that,” Wexley says. Smitty shrugs, disagreeing quietly. “Morrison. Come on, you gotta be more optimistic if you’re going to get back home to your wife.”

“You got a wife?” asks Levy. Morrison sighs, nodding. “What’s she like?”

“A felisian,” Grimshaw says. “You know, one of them cat-people.” The tone of his voice really signals his disgust. Morrison leans on the table, silently staring at Grimshaw. “You know, Morrison. Does she let you pull on her tail when you two rut?” Everyone starts laughing while Morrison quietly seethes.

“Grimshaw, knock it off,” Morrison says, anger creasing his face. “She’s my babe. I ain’t going to stand for this.”

Hood places his plate down on the table, resting his hands on his lap. “Well, how could you stand, she probably scratches you to shit in bed, doesn’t she?”

“Hey, hey, guys, come on.” Smitty steps in, smiling nervously. “Let’s not rib the guy too hard. It’s nice he’s married, isn’t he?”
>>
“You know, they say the fastest way to get your marriage license approved for interspecies relations is to open yourself up to priority military conscription,” Hood says. Morrison takes a deep breath, glaring at both Hood and Grimshaw. He rests his hand on his knife in its scabbard. “I admire that, Morrison, honest. That’s dedication.”

“Personally, I wouldn’t waste my time,” Grimshaw says. He looks at Morrison, squinting his eyes. “Especially knowing the little tykes she’ll pop out are going to be ugly as shit.” The laughter stops. Tierney, Tombs, and Stoakes look over. “Just saying, Morrison.” Morrison steps off the table and starts walking up to Grimshaw. “Once you get home, you marry yourself a human woman and just forget-“

Grimshaw is promptly whacked in the face by Morrison. The two immediately grapple, falling to the ground. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” yells Levy. Tombs steps off, hurrying over. Ah, shit.

Morrison draws a knife from his belt. “I’ll kill you, you son of a bitch! You don’t talk about my wife like that!” Smitty and Hood quickly grab Morrison’s arms from behind, pulling him back. “Lemme go, you fraks!” Smitty grabs Morrison’s knife holding hand, trying to wrest the knife away. You quickly hurry on in and get in front of Morrison, pressing your hands against his chest and shoving him away while Tombs pulls Grimshaw away. Grimshaw tries to go at Morrison but Tombs grabs him from behind and lifts him up and away. You stand between them, quickly drawing your pistol.

> “It’s. A. DRAW!”
> “Enough! Morrison, get your ass out of here!”
> “Grimshaw, what the frak are you doing?!”
> Other
>>
>>3191809
>> “Grimshaw, what the frak are you doing?!”
>>
That's it for tonight. Go ahead and leave your votes in and we shall resume in the morning. Hope you all are enjoying yourselves and please do discuss things or leave comments and critique. I feed off of it.
>>
>>3191809
>> “It’s. A. DRAW!”
Shoot a round into the air for EMPHASIS
>>
>>3191809
>ENOUGH! Both of you, settle it like men
Guys get riled up. It's natural. Have them fight it out FAIRLY and consider the matter settled once the fight ends.
>>3191831
I don't think we should discharge our weapon inside a room just because a scrap broke out.
>>
>>3191838
This is more than being riled up though;those two have been trying to piss Morrison off for quite a while already. And I doubt the matter will be settled as long as they're acting like little shits.
>>
>>3191809
>“Grimshaw, what the frak are you doing?!”
>>
>>3191853
I agree, that's why I think having the two fight it out would settle the matter. No matter how much we lecture them, they aren't going to listen; they might even turn their ire towards our guy, call him gay for not fraking a girl yet even though we have 3 very promising candidates throwing themselves at us. No, instead of that, I say we let the conflict run its course and clean up the pieces instead of having to constantly do make-ups that won't last.
>>
>>3191818
Thanks for running, dude.
>>
>>3191871
I was thinking we have a couple of 'volunteers' for the next downstairs expedition....
>>
>>3191880
Speaking of, how many people and what should we bring with us?
And are we going to bring Morrison AND Grimshaw?
>>
>>3191809
>> “Grimshaw, what the frak are you doing?!
>>3191871
To be fair I think most people would be teasing/be salty about the MC about his harem
>>
>>3191809
>“Grimshaw, what the frak are you doing?!
Do we really need to leave no one behind?
>>
>>3191809
> “Grimshaw, what the frak are you doing?!
>”ENOUGH! Both of you, settle it like men
>>
> “Grimshaw, what the frak are you doing?!”

“Enough, enough!” you shout. You quickly look at Grimshaw. “What the hell are you doing, Grimshaw!?”

“What, what!?” Grimshaw throws his hand towards Morrison, who is still struggling to get out of the grasp of his fellow soldiers. “I was just giving the man some frakking advice! He shouldn’t go on marrying aliens just because he can’t get a real woman!” Morrison almost breaks free at that remark, howling madly. Son of a bitch! This isn’t some minor scrap, Morrison actually wants to kill him! “What, why you wanna try and kill me, I’m right!”

“Shut up!” you shout at him. “All of you!” Everyone stops, looking at you. Morrison’s eyes go from you to Grimshaw rapidly, as if trying to size up the idea of breaking past you to kill him. You walk up to Grimshaw. “You show some goddamn respect because like it or not, Morrison is here with you. And he is going to fight with you.” Grimshaw’s face scrunches up in anger at that. “You don’t like it, you can stay here in this ship and rot. Understood?” Grimshaw glances away. You quickly shove him, getting his attention. He almost falls to the ground but Tombs quickly catches him and holds him in place. “Is that –understood-!?” you say more loudly.

“Understood,” he growls. You look at Morrison. You point to his belt, signaling to him. He sheathes the knife, relaxing a little in Smitty, Levy, and Hood’s grasp. Hood lets go, walking over to Grimshaw.

“Get some air. Sergeant Cope and Harrell will hear about this later,” you say. Hood grabs Grimshaw’s shoulder, but Grimshaw slaps Hood’s hand away, storming away towards the door. The two of them exit out, leaving the common room a mess. Goddamn it, they even dropped some of the food on the floor, those animals. Levy goes to pick up all the debris off of the floor.

Morrison adjusts his belt. “Next time he says shit like that, he better hope you’re there to bail him out, boss.”

> “Next time, I won’t.”
> “Morrison, let’s not get so violent over these things.”
> “We’ll take care of him, just relax.”
> Other
>>
>>3192834
>> “We’ll take care of him, just relax.”
>>
>>3192834
>> “We’ll take care of him, just relax.”
You can't explode like that though Morrison. I love ya man, but you gotta keep a cool head.
>>
>>3192834

"Don't do the lizards' job for them, Morrison."
>>
>>3192834
>“We’ll take care of him, just relax.”
>>
>>3192834
> “We’ll take care of him, just relax.”
>>
> “We’ll take care of him, just relax.”

“We’ll take care of him,” you say. “Just relax.” Smitty and Levy step away from Morrison, grabbing their plates to go eat quietly. Truth be told, it gets under your skin that Grimshaw would have the gall to say something like that to Morrison to his face. The two of them are working members of this crew. There’s no need for unnecessary hostility, especially with something so pointless. You admit that you also have reservations about Morrison and his wife, but that’s the most irrelevant thing to be angry about right now.

Right now, what matters is that everyone try and get along. You sigh, rubbing your nose. Stoakes tugs on Tombs’ sleeve, a light blush on her face. She stands on her tiptoes, looking up at him in awe. “That was amazing of you to help break up that fight, Tombs.”

“It was nothing,” he says. Stoakes grabs his hand then starts pulling him away. “What. What, where are we going?” Stoakes quickly tugs him out of the common room, away from the others and out of sight.

“Hey man, for what it’s worth.” Smitty walks up to Morrison. “I ain’t got a problem with you have an alien for a wife. I’m a little curious but-“ Morrison looks at Smitty with an incredibly angry look on his face. “… okay, I’ll just eat my lunch. Good shit by the way, it’s really good to eat. I’ll just eat.” Smitty walks back with Levy and the two start eating at a table as far away from him as possible.

Honestly, you’ve never seen Morrison that angry before. Aside from Grimshaw’s remarks, maybe the stress is starting to get to him. It’s probably getting to everyone really. You sit down at a table and start eating your lunch in peace.

> Chat with Tierney a while. She seemed to duck away from the fight.
> Once you’re done, go outside and check on Nielson and the Deinos. Make sure he’s not being eaten or something.
> Go find Sergeant Cope once you’re done, talk about what’s downstairs.
> Other
>>
>>3193171
>> Go find Sergeant Cope once you’re done, talk about what’s downstairs.
>>
>>3193171
>> Once you’re done, go outside and check on Nielson and the Deinos. Make sure he’s not being eaten or something.
The deinos are our direct responsibility right now. Ship exploration comes after.
>>
>>3193171
>> Go find Sergeant Cope once you’re done, talk about what’s downstairs.
>>
>>3193171
>> Once you’re done, go outside and check on Nielson and the Deinos. Make sure he’s not being eaten or something.
>>
>>3193171
>Go find Sergeant Cope once you’re done, talk about what’s downstairs
>>
>>3193171
> Go find Sergeant Cope once you’re done, talk about what’s downstairs.
>>
>>3193171
> Once you’re done, go outside and check on Nielson and the Deinos. Make sure he’s not being eaten or something.
>>
>>3193171
> Once you’re done, go outside and check on Nielson and the Deinos. Make sure he’s not being eaten or something

When Morrisons cooled off we need to have a chat definitely. He's a good lad but if we weren't there it would've gotten ugly.
>>
>>3193364
I think everyone is getting affected by the stress. Not surprised that people are starting to snap. Gives us another reason to try getting off this planet cause who wants to be stuck with people like Godwin or Grimshaw in the long run?
>>
>>3193171
Also QM if you're waiting for a tiebreaker if it takes too long you might as well roll for the vote I think.
>>
>>3193519
Sorry, I was just busy with something. I'll write the update in a little bit.
>>
>>3193500
Hopefully we'll have a successful assault on the hill, and we have a few weeks of uninterrupted work on the ship. With it being self repaired, as well as Nielson and Delta working on it, and our own head thrown in the mix, we could atleast know if the ship is attainable or not.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

I'll roll for a tiebreaker.

1. Visit the wife and have a roll in the hay with her.
2. Dead Space but the ship is underground.
>>
>>3193606
Haha, time for dino wifey.
>>
> Once you’re done, go outside and check on Nielson and the Deinos. Make sure he’s not being eaten or something.





You open the door to the outside and see Nielson wiping his brow, hammering the last stake into the ground. The shelter is little more than a boxy looking stable attached to the side of the ship. But it has a roof, it has walls, and it has stable doors for the four Deinos to sit, lie down, and stand in. Connell and Godwin rest in the shade of a tree, apparently napping while Early hands Nielson her canteen. “Oh, thanks.” You can Delta hitched next to the Deinos, his rope leash hooked up next to the Wife’s stall. The Deinos stand in the little addition, chirping and examining the structure quietly. The Wife bites down on her stable down, testing it. He looks at you, his sleeves rolled up and his face drenched in sweat. “Oh, hey, boss.”

“How’d things get on?” you ask.

“Pretty good,” he says. “Early was a lot of help. Those two.” He points to Connell and Godwin napping in the shade of the tree. “Eh. At least they helped.” You roll your eyes. “But hey, we got it set up. It’s not much given the lack of preparation and the proper tools. But it should keep them out of the rain and the Wife’s eggs protected.”

“Of course,” you say. “How many eggs did you see?”

“Four thereabouts,” he explains. The three of you walk up to the Wife’s stall. She bites down on one of the support beams. “Hey, hey, hey!” Nielson jogs up, quickly waving her away from that. “Don’t bite that, don’t bite that! That’s a support beam!” The Wife snarls at Nielson, breathing right into his face. He steps back. “Okay, you can bite that. Nevermind. Sorry.” The Wife stops snarling as soon as you approach, then bows her head. The other Deinos look over, then they too bow their heads. You’re not really sure how to respond to this, given they don’t understand English. But you do nod your head in response. The Wife barks, then motions her head around. You look inside the stall.

She’s placed her four eggs into a nest of grass and leaves. They sit there quite comfortably while she stands close to them. The Wife snorts, looking at you intently. Delta stands up, poking his head up over the stall, at least until the Wife snaps at him. He quickly shrinks back behind you.

> Take a closer look at the eggs. You suppose you’re now their surrogate father so to speak.
> Try to communicate with her. (About what?)
> “Well, you’ve certainly got an eye for building here, Nielson.”
> Other
>>
>>3193680
>> Other
Ask Delta what it is she wants.
Maybe we could work with Delta and the rest of them to work out a better form of communication instead of clunky charades and drawing stick figures in the dirt, too.
>>
>>3193680
>> Take a closer look at the eggs. You suppose you’re now their surrogate father so to speak.
>>
>>3193680
> Try to communicate with her. (About what?)

First, attempt to communicate the hill. Draw a Quetz and strike it out, then draw the mortars blowing up a human, Deino, and Delta under a roof?

Establish that mortars are going to kill us.

Then establish that together, we can destroy the mortars/hill.

From there... use Nielson to demonstrate standard Dominion non-verbal signals? See if we can get them to understand/mimic them, or even see if they can get Nielson to stop/observe/flank something?
>>
>>3193704
support
>>
>>3193704
Supporting
>>
> Try to communicate with her. (About what?)
> Other

“Delta.” Delta looks at you, sniffling. “Can you ask her what she wants? Maybe you can explain to her the mortars and all the rest.”

Delta looks at the Wife then barks to get her attention. The Wife hisses at Delta, but Delta clicks his teeth, chittering as he apparently explains everything in their language. The three Deinos look at the two, their eyes fixated on Delta specifically, probably hungrily in fact. It takes a few minutes for the entire thing to be explained to them, before the Wife responds with her own clicking of the teeth and shrill but quiet crowing. Delta looks at you, then starts drawing in the ground with his toe claw.

What he draws immediately alerts you and everyone else to what the Wife was asking for. You almost vomit at the thought of it. Dear Christ. Seriously!? Delta barks, before crossing it out. Okay, apparently he explained it and it seems the Wife is not complaining. Thank Christ. Delta motions to you again then starts drawing out more things in the ground. From what you can figure out in these charades you’re playing, the Deinos –do- know about the mortars.

In fact, mortar strikes and other artillery is well known to the Deinos pretty recently. Those rocket strikes and the mortar strikes weren’t just used against you, they were used against Deino villages scattered across the Swamp. Delta goes back and talks again with the Wife. The Wife nods, barking at Delta. Delta looks at you then draws the Hill. They know about it.

Alright then. You fold your arms. You got something going here. The Wife hisses, looking at you. You feel a little repulsed now that you know the context of your original meeting. Thank God you managed to steer clear of that.

Delta straightens his back, almost standing as tall as you before chirping at the Wife. The Wife turns around, moving to warm her eggs with her body.

Nielson looks at you. “Uh. What did the Wife want?”

“You don’t want to know,” you say.

“Corporal!” Stepping out of the ship was Sergeant Cope himself, a hand resting on a rifle hanging from its sling. “I’m assembling people to go downstairs and do a little exploring. You interested?”

> “Sure. Let’s go.”
> “Not right now. I’m busy.”
> Other
>>
>>3194152
>> “Sure. Let’s go.”
>>
>>3194152
>“Sure. Let’s go.”
>>
>>3194152
>> “Sure. Let’s go.”
Alright, drone time.
So... what was it the wife wanted?
>>
>>3194179
Mating I guess?
>>
> “Sure. Let’s go.”

“Sure, let’s go,” you say. You nod to Nielson. He nods back, smiling at you. Sergeant Cope sighs, then sees Godwin and Connell napping in the tree shade.

“Hey, assholes!” he yells. They immediately wake up. “Get over here, I got work for you!”

“Ah, come on, Sarge!” yells Godwin. “We just helped the boy build a goddamn stable!” Nielson shrugs, not agreeing nor disagreeing with that statement. Sergeant Cope waves them over, not buying it one bit. The two of them grab their rifles and follow you and the Sergeant inside. “Goddamn it.”

“Quit your moaning,” says Sergeant Cope. “Won’t take long.” He looks back at you. “We’ve done more exploring downstairs, almost the entire level. Lots of rooms and offices. The Drones you encountered down there ain’t responding except the little construction ones.” You nod, strange. “I had Graves look at those needles they were shooting at us too.”

“And?” you ask.

Sergeant Cope comes up to the stairwell, which you notice now isn’t barricaded anymore. The four of you start heading downstairs. “She discovered chemicals that were consistent in the same chemical solutions that would be found in tranquilizers. However, she also noted that the dosage appears to be inconsistent, it’s almost as if they don’t know how much they should give us. Maybe this is the first time they’ve ever encountered humans before.” That’s honestly more stranger than the Lizards outside. “There’s another problem though,” says Sergeant Cope. “I’ve been noticing rust on the walls, little faint particles of it.”

“Ooooh, rust.” Godwin rolls his eyes. Connell snickers, bringing up the rear. “Seems the Sergeant will have to do some cleaning then, are ya?”

“Shut up! The rust could mean anything, could mean there’s more hull breaches aside from the one upstairs. Could mean there’s a cave downstairs we don’t know about, the ship could even be flooded,” says Sergeant Cope. “And we don’t even know where we can find something like a generator or an engine.”

“Well, seeing as how the ship is running lights and stuff, maybe it’s running,” you say.

“Could be.” The four of you step into the now well-lit chamber downstairs with all the capsules and tanks. “The only place we haven’t searched is that bigass door down that way opposite the map room.”

> “Let’s see if we can’t go further downstairs.”
> “Let’s try searching this entire floor first, and see if we can find anything useful.”
> “That big bulkhead on the other end, let’s see if we can’t get it open.”
> Other
>>
>>3194463
>> “Let’s try searching this entire floor first, and see if we can find anything useful.”
Clear the floor first, don't want any surprises coming up behind us when we go further down.
>>
>>3194471
>Clear the floor first, don't want any surprises coming up behind us when we go further down.
Supporting
After last time, we should make sure we always have an exit ready in case of an ambush
>>
>>3194463
>> “Let’s try searching this entire floor first, and see if we can find anything useful.”
Yep make sure our exit is always secure. Don't want to be nearly cut off again like last time.
>>
>>3194463
>“Let’s try searching this entire floor first, and see if we can find anything useful.
>>
> “Let’s try searching this entire floor first, and see if we can find anything useful.”

“Let’s try searching this entire floor first,” you say. “And see if we can find anything useful. I’d rather we not get surprised either. Split into two teams of each.” You point to Connell. “Connell, you and me.” Connell nods, stepping up next to you. Truth be told, that’s a deliberate choice, a very deliberate one. Godwin isn’t too reliable in your mind. And Cope might just kill you and leave you dead if you gave him an opportunity to. “Come on, let’s go.”

Connell follows after you. Your teams split off in the map room. One going to the north end, the other to the south end. “You been down here?” you ask.

“Nah,” says Connell. He looks up and around. Several mini-Drones fly overhead, zooming to zap rust off of the walls. “Truth be told, I’m kinda spooked being down here.” You know what he means. This is a marked change from the jungle swamp. Limited avenues of escape, cold unfeeling metal walls, all that stuff. You go through the door and step in. Connell turns on a flashlight for you, letting you see ahead. The two of you start walking.

You take a sniff. There’s definitely rust in the air. But if there was dangerous levels of rust, you’d have choked to death by now. You come up to an intersection in the hall. “Where do you think?” you ask.

“Let’s go right,” he says. “If we’re lucky, we’ll just loop around and meet with Cope.” Fair enough. The two of you get moving down the hall eastbound. You keep walking down, then notice something in the hall ahead of you. You both stop. Your hair stands on end looking at it. Connell points his rifle at it.

A mini-drone flies past it, as does another one. One of them flies up and shines a faint blue light on it. It stands taller than you, almost two meters.

Connell shines his light on it.

A skeleton. But not of a man. Of some kind of alien. Its elongated head had sockets for six eyes. Its rib cage was more of a half-dome covering a very thick spine in the center. And it’s four spindly legs clattered against the metal floor. All around the musty brown bones were flowing streaks of black goo, almost liquid yet solid looking in nature. Connell shivers, looking at it. You step back too. Cope did not mention that. It had two arms in front of it, and its hands it held some kind of card. The two of you step back, keeping your rifles up. “Alright.” You take a breath. “Connell.”

“Yeah?” He looks at you, then at the skeleton.

“No sudden movements,” you say. He nods. The skull’s jaw slowly lowers down, tipping over to look straight at you two.

Then it turns and walks back down the hall, further into the darkness.



“Hell with this!” Connell turns around and starts running away.

“Connell!” you shout. “God- God damn it, get back here!” He doesn’t listen, speeding away down the way you came. Shit.

… Do you really want to go where that skeleton went? Eh.

Well, you’re already down here. May as well satisfy your curiosity.
>>
We've gotta end it here tonight unfortunately. I'm so sorry for the slowness but I've had some things to do today not to mention I was feeling a little exhausted. We'll try to make up the time in the next thread this coming weekend or so either on Thursday or Wednesday.

Hope you all enjoyed. Go ahead and drop questions if you got them or drop plans if you like to plan things or talk waifus if you like to talk waifus. We'll start a new thread for the next session.
>>
>>3195001
S P O O K
Thanks for running QM, hope you feel better
>>
>>3195001
WAT DA FUG

>>3195006
Thanks for running again, senpai.
>>
>>3195001
Spook city
>>
>>3195006
Thanks for running
>>
>>3168999
A new thread has started.

>>3202811
>>3202811
>>3202811



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