>>3481342
>We don"t want to provoke her

>>3481342
>>We don't want to provoke her.

>We don't want to provoke her

>>3481342
>We don't want to provoke her.

>>3481342
>>That's a good idea.
She WAS on the verge of going nuts after all.

>>3481342
>We don't want to provoke her.

File: AR15 5.png (2.87 MB, 1778x1703)

2.87 MB PNG

>>3481342
"We don't want to provoke her." You shake your head. "She was already on edge enough the first time around."

"Affirmative." HK nods as she takes a step back.

"Ugh..." ST-AR groans as her eyes flutter, now intaking fresh data again. "Forced shutdown, huh?"

"You didn't give me much of a choice." Lucina scowls as she crosses her arms. "Are you going to behave this time, Star?"

"Do I have any other choice?" ST-AR sighs as she slumps down on a nearby chair. "All right, ask away."

"What happened to this 'friend' of yours you keep talking about?" Lucina asks. "It seems to be the core of why you're so hostile towards my mom."

"Heh, well, I'd love to give you all the fine, dirty details of what business your mom engages in, but..." ST-AR points to her temple again. "I managed to part of the memory blocks, but not all of them. I can only give you a vague recollection, unless you want to resort some more... invasive means."

"Invasive in what way?" You ask cautiously.

ST-AR glances at HK.

"I'm gonna need her help on this, for starters."

HK just gives ST-AR a wary yet blank stare.

>We're fine with the vague summary.
>HK, are you up for this?
>Other

>>3481437
>HK, are you up for this?

>>3481437
>HK, are you up for this?

>>3481437
>>We're fine with the vague summary.

>HK, are you up for this?

>>3481437
>HK, are you up for this?

>>3481437
>HK, are you up for this?
Time to cross fingers.

File: HK416 28.jpg (133 KB, 712x971)

133 KB JPG

>>3481437
"HK, are you put for this?" You ask her.

"Of course." HK nods. "Anything you say."

"Heh, must be nice to be so trusting." ST-AR mumbles as she plugs a cable into the back of her neck and holds the other end out to HK. "We'll need a direct link for this. You have compatible protocols?"

"Of course. I'm the most latest model, after all. The outmoded protocols are all in my database." HK remarks. Was she... returning some sass? You're not quite sure.

"Heh, well, get ready for a ride." ST-AR gives a slight grin as HK plugs the cable into the port at the back of her neck.

---

[CONNECTION ESTABLISHED]

[GUEST ACCOUNT REQUESTING ACTIVATION OF DEFRAGMENTATION PROTOCOL]

...

...

[AUTHORIZATION GRANTED. COMMENCING DEFRAGMENTATION]

---

"Hey, Earth to Star, you there?"

You're suddenly snapped back to reality as M16's words ring in your ears. Even in the darkness and falling rain, you could see your partner grinning, water droplets running down the eyepatch covering the left side of her face.

"Sorry, I was just running a last minute diagnostic." You mutter.

"Again? M16 rolls her one singular eye. You had never gotten around to asking why she never replaced her missing one. "Come on, Star, you're such a worrywart."

"I'd like to know if I'm operating at peak condition, especially on a mission." You note. "I'd rather not suffer any unnecessary impediments."

"Heh." M16 chuckles as she taps a finger on her eyepatch. "I've learned to stop listening to what some computer in my head says and just go with my gut, as people put it."

>I suppose...
>That sounds stupid.
>I don't understand.
>Other

>>3481576
>>I don't understand.

>>3481576
>>I don't understand.

>>3481576
>I suppose...

>>3481576
>That sounds stupid.

>>3481576
>That sounds stupid.

>>3481576
>I don't understand.

>>3481576
>I don't understand

File: M16 3.png (1.03 MB, 1191x1536)

1.03 MB PNG

>>3481576
"I don't understand." You frown. "All our behaviors are already preprogrammed."

M16 just laughs in the darkness and pats you on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, kid. If you live long enough, you'll figure it out. Anyways, it's time to focus. We're on the job now."

You nod, reminded to return your attention to the target in front of you.

You weren't exactly sure where you were, except that you were on a lonely, rocky island somewhere in the north Atlantic, surrounded by jagged cliffs and churning seas. Directly in front of you, though, was a nondescript concrete bunker whose outline you could only barely make out against the rocks, even with your enhanced visual sensors. It was surrounded by a flimsy looking chainlink fence.

"Looks like the Doc's intel was right on the money." M16 nods. "This is the place."

>Ask M16 what exactly you're looking for.
>You weren't programmed to ask questions,.
>Other

>>3481669
>You weren't programmed to ask questions.

>>3481669
>You weren't programmed to ask questions,.

>>3481669
>>You weren't programmed to ask questions,.

Wonder what sort of thing we're up against now.

>>3481669
>You weren't programmed to ask questions,.

Should Lewis alter his appearance since he's currently a wanted man? If we're desperate, we could always use the Mask trick like at that Umbrella party.

>>3481669
>>You weren't programmed to ask questions,.

>>3481669
>>Ask M16 what exactly you're looking for.
I'm curious

File: SCREEEEEE.png (491 KB, 1600x900)

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>>3481669
While you admit you were a bit tempted to know why the Doctor sent you all the way out here, you stay quiet. You weren't programmed to ask questions.

"Right, well, according to the Doc, we don't have to worry about any human opposition all the way out there." M16 remarks as she checks her weapon. "This place is so damn secret they wouldn't even risk putting in manned security."

"Then why are we needed?" You wonder as you check your rifle.

"Just because they don't have manned security doesn't meant they don't have any." M16 points toward the compound.

Sure enough, your visual sensors manage to pick out movement scuttling just on the other side of the fence. Spiderhounds. Biologically engineered Invader hybrids that acted as very large and very lethal attack dogs. They could shred a normal person to tatters in seconds.

"There has to be at least a dozen of them." You mutter.

"Those things can tear through steel just as easily as flesh, so don't let 'em get close." M16 chuckles as she stands up. "You've got the latest EW modules installed, right? I'll lead those things on a merry chase while you get the door open."

"But I'm also faster. And you're the team lead." You point out. "Surely I should be the decoy?"

"Is that so?" M16 raises her one eyebrow.

>Listen to M16 and hack the door.
>Insist you be the distraction.
>Other

>>3481669
>Ask M16 what exactly you're looking for.

>>3481799
>Listen to M16 and hack the door.

>>3481799
>>Listen to M16 and hack the door.
We are soldier.

>>3481799
>Listen to M16 and hack the door.

>>3481799
>>Listen to M16 and hack the door.

>>3481719

Not sure how precise his shapeshifting is for that, but the mask idea could work. Might even need to make a mask for Lucina just in case they both need to obscure their identity.

>>3481799
>Insist you be the distraction.

Digging this flashback so far. I hope HK gets some interesting extrapolations from the data she's processing. She may have more in common with STAR than she originally thought.

>>3481799
>Listen to M16 and hack the door.

File: AR15 9.jpg (79 KB, 850x493)

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>>3481799
"Being the team lead means I call the shots." M16 grunts as she raps her knuckle against your forehead. You instinctively flinch, even though you know it shouldn't hurt you. "You get the door. I'll worry about the bugs."

With that, M16 stands up and dashes for the chain link fence. Reaching for her belt, she unclips a grenade and lobs it straight at the fence. The resulting explosion tears the flimsy steel apart and grabs the attention spiderhounds within. There's a high pitched shrieking as the bioengineered creatures raise the alarm.

"Yeah, I'm right here ya little freaks!" M16 cackles as she fires her rifle into the darkness.

Bullets dig into the spiderhounds' thick carapaces, downing a couple of them but mostly just angering the rest. They charge out through the breach in the fence to chase M16, who starts to run in the opposite direction of you, laughing as she continues firing her rifle to keep their attention.

Now was your chance. You dash through the opening in the fence and reach the door of the bunker, the overhang thankfully shielding you from the rain somewhat. You pull the link cable from your neck and socket it directly into the door control pad.

The security protocols are tough, but absolutely trivial to break thanks to your hacking modules. The Doctor made you endure worse challenges during testing.

"M16, I've breached the front door." You report over the radio.

However all you get is static.

Your logic engines dictate that due to the poor weather and the uneven terrain of this island, it was likely radio comms were encountering interference. Still, it was a bit concerning that there was no answer.

>You should go and confirm M16's status.
>Protocol dictates you should proceed without her.
>Just wait a little longer.
>Other

>>3481893
>>Just wait a little longer.

>>3481893
>>Protocol dictates you should proceed without her.

>>3481893
>>Just wait a little longer.

>>3481893
>>Protocol dictates you should proceed without her.

>>3481893
>Just wait a little longer.

>>3481893
>Just wait a little longer.

>>3481893
>>Protocol dictates you should proceed without her.
We're on the clock. Who knows what else is here. I'm not sure I want to find out.

>>3481893
>Just wait a little longer

>>3481923
changing to
>Protocol dictates you should proceed without her.

File: 34141675.jpg (324 KB, 728x1085)

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Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3481893
Welp, looks like we've got a bit of a tie so we'll have to roll it off!

1. Wait
2. Go

File: AR15 8.jpg (151 KB, 850x1139)

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>>3481966
Despite protocol stating that you should proceed without M16... you felt that the right course of action would be to stay and wait for her to return, at least for a little longer. M16 of all T-dolls should know how important it was to rendezvous with you...

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3481971

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3481971

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3481971

>>3481971
>Roll 1d20

File: M16 4.png (666 KB, 900x1088)

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>>3481971
Your sensors detect movement in the darkness. You squint your eyes to focus your visual sensors, when you catch sight of M16 returning to the bunker at full speed.

However, she wasn't alone.

A small horde of spiderhounds are pursuing her, with only her superhuman speed and stamina as a T-doll allowing M16 to stay ahead of them, if only barely.

"Open the door! Open the door!" She yells.

You immediately give the command to open the door, and the heavy armored door begins to slide open, though you only open it just wide enough to fit you and M16. You were going to need to close the door fast, after all. You slide through the crack in the door and after checking for any hostiles inside, you take position at the crack and provide some suppressing fire, knocking down the closest spiderhound as M16 springs and dives through the crack.

"Close it! Close it!" She yells.

"On it." You nod as you pulse the command to the door control.

The doors rumble as they slide closed, but not before a spiderhound tries to dive through and is caught between the heavy slabs of steel, its forward claw stuck just inches from M16's remaining eye.

"Haaaaaaaa, that was a close one!" M16 laughs. "Man, I don't look forward to fighting our way out, too!"

"Hopefully we can find an alternate exit point." You remark calmly as you inspect the interior.

There really wasn't much, honestly. Just one long, concrete hallway leading to another sealed door at the very end.

"There's no possible way this isn't booby trapped." You frown.

"Who knows. Maybe we'll be lucky." M16 shrugs.

"You can't seriously believe that." You look to your team leader.

"Can't hurt to positive, you know!" M16 grins.

>Take it slow and careful.
>You need to move fast. Whoever owns this place might be tipped off to your presence now.
>Other

>>3482025
>You need to move fast. Whoever owns this place might be tipped off to your presence now.

>>3482025
>You need to move fast

>>3482025
>Take it slow and careful.

>>3482025
>You need to move fast. Whoever owns this place might be tipped off to your presence now.

>>3482025
>Take it slow and careful.

>>3482025
>>Take it slow and careful.
Time may be of the essence, but that does nothing if we're blown up or something.

>>3482025
>You need to move fast. Whoever owns this place might be tipped off to your presence now.

File: AR15 14.png (654 KB, 1024x1024)

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>>3482025
"Still, it can't hurt to be cautious." You warn, keeping your rifle ready.

"Right, right. You're the security specialist here, after all." M16 nods. "We'll do it your way, then."

>Roll 1d20+3

Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>3482089

Rolled 6 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>3482089

>>3482089

Rolled 2 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>3482089

File: AR15 13.png (2.1 MB, 1448x2048)

2.1 MB PNG

>>3482089
Fortunately, there didn't seem to be any sort of additional security, at least none that were immediately evident to you. It was just a simple, concrete hallway. You suppose this facility relied more on secrecy than actual hardened defenses.

"See? What did I tell you?" M16 grins. "Simple."

"You might be right." You nod as the both of you reach the second security door.

"You know what to do." M16 says.

She doesn't even have you say. Another connection and quick hack. The security protocols were similarly easy to break like the front door.

And on the other side... you see a simple data terminal and a row of server banks.

"Is this... it?" You blink.

"Right on the money." M16 nods and walks forward. "We just grab the data on here and we split."

Was that it? Well, you weren't complaining.

"We're going to need to synchronize our connection to the system, and then we each download a copy." M16 explains. "Gotta make sure at least one of us makes it back."

"That's oddly pessimistic of you." You pause.

"Heh, so you noticed?" M16 chortles. "Don't worry, it's nothing."

Both you and M16 then connect to the terminal, and immediately, your installed modules go to work, accessing the system and automatically searching for certain files to transfer into your databanks. You had little input, since these modules were following preprogrammed routines set by the Doctor. She clearly knew how to work this system. You also noted how it was completely cut off from any and all outside networks. Truly isolated. You wonder what could possibly be in here...

>Wouldn't hurt to take a peek.
>No sense risking it.
>Other

>>3482165
>>Wouldn't hurt to take a peek.

>>3482165
>No sense risking it.

>>3482165
>>No sense risking it.

>>3482165
>Wouldn't hurt to take a peek.

>>3482165
>No sense risking it.

>>3482165
>Wouldn't hurt to take a peek.

>>3482165
>>No sense risking it.

>>3482165
>Wouldn't hurt to take a peek.

>>3482165
>Wouldn't hurt to take a peek.

>>3482165
>Wouldn't hurt to take a peak

>>3482165
>>Wouldn't hurt to take a peek.

File: AR15.jpg (170 KB, 1213x1214)

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>>3482165
Well, you suppose it wouldn't hurt to take a peek at the data you were downloading. After all, you had to make sure it wouldn't corrupt your systems, right?

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3482254
Time for some fireworks.

>>3482254

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3482254

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3482254

[A lifetime of silence behind the green door]

>>3482273
Makes you wonder if the other STAR models are having the same problem.

>>3482254
Narrator: it would.

>>3482279
Aren't all the dolls we've encountered one off prototypes?

File: M16 6.jpg (164 KB, 850x1360)

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>>3482254
You monitor the incoming data carefully. From what you can tell, it was... medical data. And not just any regular medical data, it was brain scan data. MRIs, CT scans, and the like. However, the files were encrypted, so you couldn't exactly tell who the subject was, but-

Suddenly, a lightning bolt courses through your head and your vision goes red. Your hacking modules screech warnings that an offensive firewall has been detected hiding in the files you were downloading.

Shit! But wait, weren't your modules supposed to automatically cut the connection if they detected a firewall? But the download was still going. You frantically try to cut the connection yourself when suddenly, the warnings cease. Well that was good-

Your processors freeze momentarily when you suddenly remember that M16 plugged in at the same time as you did. To "synchronize". You turn your head and see M16 slumped to the ground, smoke rising from beneath her eyepatch.

"M16!" You yelp as you move to pull her cable.

"No!" M16 slaps your hand away as she fights to get back up to her feet. "Can't cut it while you're in, or the firewall will just focus on you again..."

Suddenly it all comes together. Why M16 was insistent you both connect at the same time.

"You... you knew this would happen, didn't you?" You gasp.

"Gotta say, the Doc was right on the money." M16 chuckles weakly as she props herself at the foot of the data terminal. "Whoever set this thing up had a nasty ass firewall protecting it. One of us was going to have to draw the short straw."

>Guess I drew the lucky straw, then.
>Bullshit. You rigged it from the very beginning, didn't you?
>Other

>>3482307
>Bullshit. You rigged it from the very beginning, didn't you?

>>3482307
>>Bullshit. You rigged it from the very beginning, didn't you?

>>3482307
>Bullshit. You rigged it from the very beginning, didn't you?

>>3482307
>>Bullshit. You rigged it from the very beginning, didn't you?

>>3482307
>Guess I drew the lucky straw, then.

>>3482307
>Bullshit. You rigged it from the very beginning, didn't you?

>>3482307
>Bullshit. You rigged it from the very beginning, didn't you?

File: M16 7.png (3.19 MB, 2000x1281)

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>>3482307
"Bullshit!" You scowl as you grab M16 by the collar. She doesn't do anything to try to fight back. You doubt she couldn't, even if she wanted to. "You rigged it from the very beginning, didn't you?"

"Heh, I guess you're right." M16 manages a weak smile. "The Doc knew that only one of us was making it out of here, so I made my call."

"But why me?" You yell. "Y-you're the team leader! The more experienced one! Why did you-"

"Guess all that accumulated combat data just ended up making me a big softie." M16 tries to shrug but can't even work up the strength for that. "Never did like making others take risks I wouldn't take myself."

"So you just went off and decided to die for... for THIS?" You point to the data terminal, the download bar still ticking away. "What could possibly be with either of our- no- YOUR life?"

"Important data on someone very important to the Doc. That's all I can say." M16 continues to smile. "Aw, what the hell. Not like it's gonna matter anyhow."

M16 then slumps back down against the terminal, reaches into her pocket, and pulls out a cigar. One of those weird human items she always seemed to carry around with her. She puts it in her mouth and reaches for the lighter in her other pocket, but it slips out of her locked up fingers.

"Shit, you mind-"

You're already reaching down to pick up, gently lighting the cigar in her mouth.

"Heh, that's better. Thanks." M16 takes a puff and seems to relax, even though realistically the cigar shouldn't have any effect on her. "Anyways, the name escapes me, but we're pulling the medical data on an old magical girl. Turns out she got a CT scan from a head injury before she became magical, which I guess was important for the Doc. Thing is, because this girl's magical, everything even vaguely relating to her got sealed. Hence, why we're here."

"I can't believe the Doctor sent us out here to die...." You mutter.

"She sent ONE of us out to die." M16 corrects. "And if all goes according to plan, it'll be me."

M16 then opens up her jacket, revealing several blocks of C4 hidden inside.

"Least I'll go out with a bang, huh? Would do a good job of covering our tracks."

>Y-yeah...
>Bullshit. You're coming back with me one way or another.
>Other

>>3482378
>Bullshit. You're coming back with me one way or another.

>>3482378
>Bullshit. You're coming back with me one way or another.

>>3482378
>Bullshit. You're coming back with me one way or another.

Now things are getting interesting.

>>3482378
>>Y-yeah...

>>3482378
>Y-yeah...

>>3482378
>Bullshit. You're coming back with me one way or another

We're going to carry this weight

>>3482378
>>Bullshit. You're coming back with me one way or another.

File: AR15 6.png (524 KB, 600x831)

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Rolled 3, 2, 12 = 17 (3d20)

>>3482378
"Bullshit. You're coming back with me one way or another." You scowl.

At that moment, the download finishes. You pull the cable out of your neck and do the same for M16. You then kneel down and reach into her jacket, pulling out the C4 blocks and tossing them at at the foot of the terminal.

"Look, Star, no matter how it goes, I ain't walking out of here." M16 sighs. "I can't abide you getting yourself killed over me."

"Shut up and let me focus." You scowl as you haul up M16 and let her cling to your back. "We're getting out of here."

"Can't say I'm not impressed by your spunk, Star." M16 says softly, her voice getting weaker as that damn firewall continued to eat away at her programming.

You don't say anything as you hit the door control for the outer door. Carrying M16 like this, you had no hope of actually fighting those spiderhounds outside on your own. Best bet was just to keep move and hope you can stay ahead of them until you reached your extraction.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>3482436

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3482436
Let it snow

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3482436

>>3482439
I suppose that would make this a blizzard

File: AR15 10.jpg (526 KB, 2000x1200)

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>>3482436
It doesn't seem to make any sense to you. For some reason, you feel like you can move faster than ever before. You're not sure if it was a bug in your speed tracking program, or if you had unlocked some hidden limiter to your physical abilities, but you manage to blow clear past the spiderhounds before they can react your presence.

You can already see the helicopter waiting in the distance, UMP9 and UMP45 already providing security for the LZ. You wave them down as you approach.

UMP45, however, doesn't seem particularly happy at your approach. You get the impression that she knew how this mission was supposed to go down, and didn't like to see that you got out intact instead of M16.

"Get in." She says coolly.

You board the helicopter, gingerly setting M16 body on the seat next to you. You almost don't even hear the explosion in the distance as the C4 charges you left behind explode, erasing the bunker from existence. UMP9 and 45 then board the helicopter and craft begins to lift up and away from this godforsaken island.

>[END MEMORY FILE]
>[OPEN QUERY FROM HK]
>Other

>>3482469
>[OPEN QUERY FROM HK]

>>3482469
>[Open query from HK]

>>3482469
>[OPEN QUERY FROM HK]
Beep Boop, what the shit.

>>3482469
>[OPEN QUERY FROM HK]

File: HK416 38.png (425 KB, 663x1126)

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>>3482469
You see a ping on your system. It looked like HK was pinging you on internal comms.

"So... this is what happened?" She asks quietly.

"Looks like it." You sigh. "Lines up with what I already knew about before."

"And... what happened to M16?" HK wonders.

"She didn't make it, if that's what you mean." You sigh. "That firewall completely fried her mindmap. Irrecoverable."

"I-I see." HK pauses. "I always thought there would at least be a backup..."

"Mindmaps can be transferred, but not copied." You clarify. "At least, not without risks. Even if Egan made a new mindmap for M16... she wouldn't be the same."

"Noted." HK replies softly.

There's a brief moment of silence from HK. Even when linked to her, you found it hard to discern what she was feeling. Then again, you always couldn't really tell what M16 was thinking, either. Maybe you were just really bad at that.

"Take that as a cautionary tale, HK. " You warn.

"In what way?"

>You can't trust anyone to be straight with you. Not even your closest comrades.
>Things are always bound to go wrong, even if you are the best of the best.
>Other

>>3482508
>Things are always bound to go wrong, even if you are the best of the best.

>>3482508
>Things are always bound to go wrong, even if you are the best of the best.

>>3482508
>Things are always bound to go wrong, even if you are the best of the best.

>>3482508
>Some things can't be replaced

>>3482508
>Some things can't be replaced

>>3482508
>>Some things can't be replaced

File: 61029748_p0.jpg (660 KB, 1926x1080)

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Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>3482508
Hm, looks like we've got a tie here!

1. Things go wrong.
2. Things can't be replaced.

File: HK416 10.jpg (1.79 MB, 1500x2123)

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>>3482538
"Some things can't be replaced." You say somewhat mournfully. "Despite how they tell you T-Dolls are interchangeable... we're not. Keep that in mind."

"Of course." HK responds softly. "Shall we return, then?"

"Yeah.... guess we've got other business to handle." You sigh.

As HK cuts her connection and your view switches back to the real world, you wonder whether it would be such a bad thing to stay behind in this realm of memory...

>And that's it for tonight! We'll continue things on Saturday so don't miss it!

>>3482540
Thanks for running Merc!

>>3482540
Thanks for fun, OP!

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>>3482540
"...and that's the long and short of it." ST-AR says softly as she concludes her story.

"I knew mom was cold, but, I never thought she could be that cold..." Lucina puts a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide open with concern.

HK meanwhile sits beside ST-AR, a sympathetic look on her face. You wonder what she experienced, being directly in the T-Doll's head.

"Well, my Mom always did say Auntie Egan didn't really see the world the same we everyone else did." You point out.

"Yeah, we call them sociopaths." ST-AR gets her little shot in.

"Regardless." Lucina stands up, hands on her hips. "While your story does give context to your actions, I still find your behavior unacceptable, especially for a T-Doll I have to to trust to watch my back."

"Is that so..." ST-AR mumbles.

>Lucina's right.
>Lucina might be going a bit too far here.
>Other

>>3484649
>>Lucina's right.

>>3484649
>Lucina might be going a bit too far here.

>>3484649
>Lucina's right.

>>3484649
>>Lucina might be going a bit too far here.

>>3484649
>>Other
Compromise. They both have their points and we need both on our side. This situation may need multiple session of therapy for this.

>>3484649
>Lucina's right.

>>3484649
>>Lucina might be going a bit too far here.
Trust is earned T-doll or not

>>3484649
>Lucina might be going a bit too far here.

Lucina's not completely out of line, but all of this could have been cleared up with better communication between the two of them.

>STAR: I'm going to your mom's secret lab to find out why my friend died
>Lucina: Alright, but can you be back by six?

>>3484694
This is something that should've happened.

>>3484649
>Lucina might be going a bit too far here.

File: Lucina cop.png (1.43 MB, 904x1416)

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>>3484649
"Lucy, cut her a little slack. She as doing what she thought was right." You speak up.

"Lewis?" Lucina pauses, caught off guard by your intervention.

"And Star, you should have just been more forward with Lucy. She's got very little in common with her mother."

"Yeah, I guess I can see that now." ST-AR mumbles.

"Can we begin with the planning for investigating Ashford?" HK speaks up. "I believe time is of the essence on this matter."

"Ah, right!' Lucina nods as she turns on the projector, showing a 3d model of a large complex.

"This is the headquarters for Alexander Ashford, one of the executive directors for Umbrella." Lucina explains. "Unlike Birkin and Marcus, Alexander wasn't a particularly brilliant scientist, so he transitioned to being Umbrella's muscle rather than its brains. His division runs all the Umbrella security teams, including their Secret Service. He's also been a proponent for Umbrella diversifying into T-Doll production as well."

"So we can expect to run into hostile T-Dolls while there. Great." ST-AR rolls her eyes.

"Would that mean Hunk and SOPMOD will be there, too?" HK wonders.

"It's a distinct possibility." Lucina nods and turns to you. "I know you and Hunk have a bit of a history. Will that be a problem?"

>None at all.
>I'd rather not fight him if I can help it.
>Other

>>3484767
>None at all.

>>3484767
>None at all.

>>3484767
>>None at all.

>>3484767
>None at all

>>3484767
>>None at all.

SOPMOD may be another issue.

>>3484767
>None at all.

>>3484780
Maybe we use our new found skills in robo-psychology to split them apart.

>Lewis: So SOPMOD, what is your relationship with Hunk like? *scribbles notes furiously*

>>3484767
>>I'd rather not fight him if I can help it.
Nothing personal, but at the same time we need to do this.

>>3484807
Makes you wonder when HK will make her first truly human choice.

File: HUNK 2.jpg (119 KB, 640x360)

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>>3484767
"None at all." You assure her.

"All right." Lucina nods. "However, besides Alexander Ashford himself and the literal army he controls, there are also two other persons of interest."

Two pictures of a man and woman then wink on. They both looked very similar, and your immediate assumption was twins.

"These are Alexander Ashford's children, Alfred and Alexia." Lucina explains further. "Alexia is the brains and the real power behind Ashford's division, running all of its day to day activities. Alfred is in charge of the tactical units, so he's more a fighter than an executive."

"Got it." You nod. "So what's the play here?"

"We have two options." Lucina points to the map. "We either break into the Ashford compound and access their primary data server, or we go after the Ashfords themselves and try to make them talk."

Well, both plans were extremely dangerous in their own ways...

>We'll try to break into their server.
>We'll try to grab at least one of them.
>Other

>>3484847
>We'll try to break into their server.

>>3484847
>>We'll try to break into their server.

>>3484847
>>We'll try to break into their server.
I like the idea of going after a small army that has a compound to patrol and such rather than a close protection unit for VIPs.

>>3484847
>We'll try to break into their server.

>>3484847
>We'll try to break into their server.
It's probably one of ST-AR's favourite things to do

>>3484847
>>We'll try to break into their server.

I just hope Alice's team fares better. Might also wanna warn Nemo on what to expect from Alice and Carol since she may end up needing a few days of sleep after being run ragged.

>>3484847
>We'll try to break into their server.
Servers don’t lie. Though they may contain them.

>>3484898
She'll be fine. Traumatized, maybe, but fine.

>>3484898
>>3484917
Nemo would probably have nightmares of Carol's shapeshifting into various humanoid and non-humanoid forms, or Alice's super arm tearing things up.

>>3484847
>>We'll try to grab at least one of them.

>>3484847

>We'll try to break into their server

File: Lucina 14.png (1.36 MB, 1394x1182)

1.36 MB PNG

>>3484847
"We'll try to break into their server." You decide. "Seems like the safer play."

"Yeah, that makes sense." Lucina nods. "Then it's a matter of trying to find a way in."

Lucina pauses for a moment as she stares at the map.

"There's no way we can just walk in, so the most straightforward method is just sneaking in and hope we don't get caught." Lucina explains, and then pauses momentarily. "Or, well, this may not sound like a popular choice, but my mom has a lot of influence in the corporate community. We may be able to user her to just walk in without too much suspicion."

"Oh hell no." ST-AR shakes her head vigorously.

"Her idea has merit." HK points out.

>I'd rather do this without Auntie Egan.
>Auntie Egan would be a great help.
>Other

>>3485004
>>I'd rather do this without Auntie Egan.

File: 617845286.jpg (97 KB, 990x915)

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>>3484938
>>3484917

Nemo scared shitless while riding on Carol's back would be something to see.

>>3485004
>>Auntie Egan would be a great help.
Lucina and Lewis could disguise themselves as Egan's private bodyguard, or something.

>>3485004
>>I'd rather do this without Auntie Egan.

>>3485004
>>I'd rather do this without Auntie Egan.
No need to get her further implicated in this mess. That and I get the feeling that it would make this mission harder, not easier.

>>3485004
>>I'd rather do this without Auntie Egan.

>>3485004
>I'd rather do this without Auntie Egan.
Let's not let our targets know we're up to something. Hopefully security will be more relaxed that way.

>>3485004
>>I'd rather do this without Auntie Egan.
The fewer ties we have for them to follow the better.

File: Lucina 13.jpg (76 KB, 433x650)

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>>3485004
"I'd rather do this without Auntie Egan." You shake your head. "Any ideas, Lucina?"

"Well, the entire compound is highly secure." Lucina frowns as she motions to the map. "However, I think there are holes in their security net we can exploit."

She then points to several highlighted locations around the compound.

"Here is the main marshaling ground for the Umbrella security forces. It's a constant stream of activity of 24/7, and they can't keep track of it all 100%. If we can disguise ourselves as Umbrella personnel, we may be able to slip through a crack there."

"And be stuck in the middle of the entire damn army if we're found out." ST-AR points out.

"Over here is the proving grounds." Lucina points to a different side of the compound. "It's several acres of undeveloped land they use to test weapons and equipment. There's a lot of empty space here and holes in the surveillance network, assuming they don't decide to test anything on that day."

"A distinct possibility." HK points out.

"And last but not least, the Ashford estate itself." Lucina points to a large, antique looking mansion. "On paper, this is where the Ashford family actually lives, but in reality they hardly even visit it, so the place is staffed by a skeleton crew of guards and servants. There's likely a route that allows the Ashfords to travel to and from the estate to the main compound without attracting attention."

>Sneak in through the marshaling grounds.
>Sneak in through the proving grounds.
>Sneak in through the estate.
>Other

>>3485110
>>Sneak in through the estate.
least potential guards and direct access sounds good.

>>3485110
>>Sneak in through the estate.

>>3485110
>Sneak in through the marshaling grounds.

>>3485110
>>Sneak in through the proving grounds.

>>3485110
>>Sneak in through the estate.
Time for sneaking!

>>3485110
>>Sneak in through the marshaling grounds.

>>3485110
>Sneak in through the estate.

Now the real question is if we get special sneaking suits that show off our butt.

>>3485110
>>Sneak in through the estate.

File: Lucina 20.jpg (3.75 MB, 2480x3507)

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>>3485110
"Guess we'll sneak in through the estate." You say. "Seems like our best bet."

"All right." Lucina nods. "I'll check with my contacts in the RCPD and Umbrella to see if we can get an in, so preparation is going to take a little while."

"Is that so?" You sigh. "Guess it's more waiting now, huh?"

"For you, probably." Lucina sighs. "I'm going to need to make a LOT of phone calls."

"Perhaps it's a good time to get some rest." HK suggests.

"Or get some practice in." ST-AR shrugs.

>You should go check on Mom.
>You really need to set some things straight with Auntie Egan.
>Go train with HK and ST-AR
>Get some rest.
>Other

>>3485183
>>You should go check on Mom.

And to give Nemo a heads up on what she's about to get herself into when working with Mom and Carol.

>>3485183
>>You should go check on Mom.

>>3485183
>>Get some rest.

How's Springfield, by the way?

>>3485183
>You should go check on Mom.

>>3485183
>Get some rest.

>>3485183
>>You should go check on Mom.

File: HK416 3.jpg (558 KB, 1100x1343)

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>>3485183
"I think I'll go check on Mom. Make sure she's not getting herself into too much trouble." You remark.

"Lewis, if I may." HK speaks up.

"Yeah?"

"I was wondering if you would allow me to train with ST-AR regarding this upcoming mission." HK says coolly.

Huh, that was pretty unusual for her to say.

"Hey, don't look at me, it's her idea." ST-AR shrugs.

>Yeah, go on ahead.
>I'd like you at my side for this.
>Other

>>3485232
>Yeah, go on ahead.

>>3485232
>Yeah, go on ahead

>>3485232
>Yeah, go on ahead.

>>3485232
>Yeah, go on ahead.

>>3485232
>>Yeah, go on ahead.

>>3485232
>>Yeah, go on ahead.

Character development, ho!

>>3485232
>STAR teaches HK the basics of CQC

>>3485260
I think the memory sharing gave HK some new perspective.

>>3485281
Yeah there were definite similarities between STAR as a new model T-Doll and how HK has viewed herself and her specs. Maybe HK is starting to see STAR in a different light? Character development, most definitely.

File: Alice 7.jpg (401 KB, 730x1000)

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>>3485232
"Yeah, go on ahead." You nod.

"Thank you." HK says as she bows her head to you.

And with that, both HK and ST-AR head off to perform their training. It was a nice change of pace seeing the two T-Dolls finally truly working together.

You continue on, trying to figure out where Mom had gone off to. This factory was just so damn large. You just follow your instinct a bit, and soon enough you find yourself running into...

>Mom
>Carol
>Nemo
>Other

>>3485314
>Carol

>>3485314
>>Nemo

>>3485314
>Mom

>>3485314
>>Mom

>>3485314
>Nemo

>>3485314
>Carol

>>3485314
>Nemo

File: Nemo 10.jpg (78 KB, 450x642)

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>>3485314
You actually come across Nemo first, who's apparently huddled in a little break room to the side, a slightly shellshocked expression on her face as both her hands clutched a mug of hot coffee.

"Nemo?" You ask softly with a bit of concern as you approach her. "Is something the matter?"

"I just... I can't believe it." Nemo mutters. "All this time, Carol was a BOW living right under all our noses..."

"Nemo?"

"The degree of control and sheer scope of her transformational abilities is completely unprecedented..." Nemo continues muttering. Looks like she was completely out of it.

>Try to snap her back to reality.
>Maybe it's best to leave her alone.
>Other

>>3485353
>Try to snap her back to reality.

>>3485353
>Try to snap her back to reality.

>>3485353
>>Try to snap her back to reality.

"She's not a monster, she's my sister, and she's still the nice girl that hung out with us when we were kids."

>>3485353
>>Try to snap her back to reality.

>>3485353
>Try to snap her back to reality.

File: Nemo 21.jpg (168 KB, 760x510)

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>>3485353
You lean and flick Nemo on the forehead. The sudden contact causes her to blink her eyes rapidly, her mind snapping back to reality.

"Ah! What was that for?!" Nemo whimpers.

"You were doing that thing again." You tell her as you sit down across from her. "Where you're off in your own little world and muttering to yourself about a bunch of nonsense."

"What do you mean, 'again'?" Nemo asks defensively.

"Heh." You grin and ruffle her hair. "Still coming to terms with Carol?"

"Yeah, and the fact NOBODY said a thing about it!" Nemo huffs. "You knew all along, didn't you? Since we were kids?"

Yeah, she sorta had a point there...

>I didn't really realize what was going on until much later.
>You don't understand how scary my Mom can be.
>Other

>>3485419
>You don't understand how scary my Mom can be.

>>3485419
>You don't understand how scary my Mom can be.

>>3485419
>>I didn't really realize what was going on until much later.

When you grow up in a family where everyone is special except you, you start to think that you're not normal.

>>3485419
>>You don't understand how scary my Mom can be.

>>3485419
>>You don't understand how scary my Mom can be.

>>3485419
>>You don't understand how scary my Mom can be.

File: Nemo 3.jpg (108 KB, 600x704)

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>>3485419
"Seriously, Nemo, you have NO idea how scary my Mom can be." You shake your head. "She can be uh, really persuasive when she doesn't want you talking about something."

"Yeah, she's definitely that type." Nemo sighs. "Still, this has been a really hectic day. First my mom's secret T-Doll project, and then it coming out that your mom is a magical girl and Carol is an Invader hybrid..."

Nemo then downs the entire cup of coffee in one gulp.

"I think I'm gonna need a drink. A real one." Nemo groans.

Oh jeez, Nemo drinking? You've... not really seen it happen..

>Well I'm sure we can find something.
>I don't think that's a good idea.
>Other

>>3485454
>>Well I'm sure we can find something.

>>3485454
>>Well I'm sure we can find something.

Could always show her what we can do with Magic as a trick.

>>3485454
>I don't think that's a good idea.

>>3485454
>I don't think that's a good idea.

>>3485454
>Well I'm sure we can find something.

>>3485454
>Well I'm sure we can find something.

Good god, we're still on the same day as the morning raid.

>>3485454
>Well I'm sure we can find something.
We must. For science.

>>3485454
>>Well I'm sure we can find something.

File: Nemo 17.png (1.1 MB, 1024x1024)

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>>3485454
"Well, I'm sure we can find something..." You grunt as you look around and see Mom's bag set against the wall. Now, if your hunch was right...

You lean over and pick up her bag, briefly digging through it and pulling out a large, full bottle of whiskey. Exactly as you predicted.

"You still up for that drink?" You grin.

Nemo just gives you a brief stare, and then at the bottle, and sighs loudly.

"Hit me."

You pour a bit of whiskey into her now empty coffee mug and she quickly gulps it down without a second thought....

>Might as well join in.
>You want to be sober to see this.
>Other

>>3485513
>Might as well join in.

>>3485513
>Might as well join in.

>>3485513
>>Might as well join in.

>>3485513
>>Might as well join in.

>>3485513
>>Might as well join in.
Time to go have a drunken conversation about how life ended up like this.

>>3485513
>You want to be sober to see this.

>>3485513
>You want to be sober to see this.

File: Nemo 8.jpg (67 KB, 500x357)

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Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>3485513
Ah, well, you might as well join in, and you take a pull from the bottle at the same time Nemo takes her drink.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>3485540

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3485540

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3485540

>>3485544
I guess there's no better time than to do a demonstration of Lewis' powers to Nemo.

File: You can totally trust me!.png (13 KB, 298x298)

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>>3485544
Haha, would you like to use your TIMESTOP to reroll that?

>Y
>N

>>3485553
>Y

>>3485553
Y

>>3485553
>>Y

>>3485553
>N

>>3485553
>N

>>3485553
>N

>>3485553
>Y

>>3485553
>>Y

File: Nemo 12.png (263 KB, 558x800)

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>>3485553
Okay, let's get that reroll going, then!

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3485584

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3485584

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3485584

File: Alice 8.jpg (403 KB, 1280x720)

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>>3485584
You see Nemo's face immediately go beet red and she coughs loudly, though thankfully she doesn't pass out, or worse, vomit. However, her eyes blink rapidly, as if trying to get her bearings.

"Christ! How does your mom drink thish?" Nemo groans. "I shee her chugging bottles like water!"

"Experience, I guess." You say casually as you take a pull from the bottle. You can feel the whiskey burning its way down your throat.

"I think I'll stay with coffee, thanks." Nemo coughs again. "Gah, now the whole rooms spinning..."

She sighs as she settles her head down on the table.

"Hey, so... the thing you have with Lucina. It's serious, right?" She asks softly.

"Um, yeah." You nod. "Why are you asking."

"Awwwwwww, no reason really." Nemo mumbles. "Guess she's a better fit for you anyways, now that I think about it."

"Nemo-"

"So there you are!" Mom grunts as she steps through the door. "Come on, Nemo, we have a long- HEY!"

Mom narrows her eyes when she sees her bottle in your hands. She stomps forward and snatches it.

"You kids shouldn't be getting drunk before a big mission. That's my job."

"No!" Carol appears and yanks the bottle out Mom's hands. "No more drinking until after we steal the thing!"

"All right, all right." Mom sighs and returns her gaze to you and Nemo. "Still, I'm wonder if Nemo will be able to keep up with us."

>Nemo can handle herself.
>I don't really think you should be making her go out into the field.
>Other

>>3485592
>>Nemo can handle herself.

We know she can do it, she just needs a little push. It's just kind of hard to really gauge your own abilities when you're compared to genetic perfection.

>>3485592
>>I don't really think you should be making her go out into the field.

>>3485592
I'm gonna go put Nemo to bed. :^)

>>3485592
>I don't really think you should be making her go out into the field.

>>3485592
>Nemo can handle herself.

Would give her an edge if she had a suit that gave her enhanced abilities biological, or mechanical.

>>3485592
>I don't really think you should be making her go out into the field.

>>3485603
Go home, Nemo. You're drunk!

File: Nemo 19.png (655 KB, 1024x1024)

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>>3485592
"I don't really think you should be making her go out into the field." You confide to Mom. "Nemo isn't like me, Carol, or Lucina."

"I'm perfectly aware of that." Mom says grimly. "But the kid insisted she come along. If she wants to put her life on the line to help you out, who am I to say no to her?"

"Wait, she volunteered?" You pause as you take a look back to the now barely conscious Nemo.

"You're damn right I did." She mumbles, only half aware of what's going on right now.

"Nemo..."

"Oh dear!" Springfield gasps as she walks in, with a newly attached arm. "Alice, how could you let a young one drink herself unconscious like this?"

"Hey, don't look at me." Mom give a nod to you before finishing off what's left of the whiskey bottle.

"Lewis, I thought you would be better than that!" Springfield huffs. She then gingerly picks up Nemo in her arms. "I'm taking her to bed right away!"

And just like that, the caretaker T-Doll carries Nemo out of the room, leaving just you and Mom.

"Sheesh, I don't know whether I should thank or punch Egan for saddling me with Springfield." Mom chuckles.

>It's nice to see Auntie Egan looking out for you like that.
>Have you considered bringing Springfield to back you up?
>Other

>>3485616
>It's nice to see Auntie Egan looking out for you like that.

>>3485616
>>It's nice to see Auntie Egan looking out for you like that.

>>3485616
>It's nice to see Auntie Egan looking out for you like that.

And the family in general. I'm interested in what Carol's personal T-Doll would be like personality-wise and how it branches off from the original.

File: Springfield and HK.jpg (1.43 MB, 2160x1842)

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>>3485616
"It's nice to see Auntie Egan looking out for you like that." You grin. "I get the feeling she really knows what you need."

"Sometimes I wish she were so goddam smart." Mom sighs. "But yeah, I gotta admit I don't really mind having Springfield around. Least she makes some mean ass pancakes."

You and Mom both chuckle at the little joke of hers, and she put a hand on your shoulder.

"You be careful out there, Lewis. And watch out for Lucina and HK too, all right?"

"Nothing for ST-AR?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Eh, I think she'll be fine." Mom shrugs. "Honestly kinda reminds me of, well, me when I was younger. She could probably use a drink, too."

"T-Dolls can't get drunk, Mom." You point out.

"Which is a damn shame." Mom shakes her head and grins. "Maybe I should suggest that be the next thing Egan implement, huh?"

"That's a horrible idea and you know it." You laugh.

"Yeah, well, it seems to run in the family, huh?" Mom laughs along with you.

Considering what the two of you were planning to to against Umbrella... yeah, you had to give her that.

>And that's it for tonight! As always, next thread will be on Friday, so don't miss it!