>>4219396
> Fluid and heating. Most likely boilers, natural gas, water and waste. There's probably things feeding off of it all now.

>>4219396
>Extensive maintenance. The stuff they can't fix in the apartments, they likely bring down here to a workshop.
>>4219405
Why go through the trouble of fighting things?

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4219405
>>4219518

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4219405
>>4219518
Taking a quick pick of a room, you signal your allies forward . Disassembled dishwashers, broken furniture, and occasional personal computers litter every inch of the room. A quick glance would tell you that these things would be quickly replaced anywhere else. In Black Mesa, these things need to be used as long as possible. Simple orders in mass like consumer appliances brings questions when the destination doesn't exist, so they must only be done when necessary because the large amount of coordination to keep a paper trail off of these simple actions is a considerable drain on funding.

As you start to step in, Guttman is fiddling with his goggles. He flicks them on, then shows a surprised face. He taps you on the shoulder, mouthing the word "people" while swirling his finger in the air.

There are people all around you. You try to ask "Who?" with hand signals, and Guttman just shrugs. If these are survivors, you look a lot like military. If these are military, then you look a lot like an interloper.

>Call out to them, tell them you won't attack. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 16. Critfail on an 11.)
>Try just not disturbing them, have the three of you walk calmly to the other side of the room.
>It might be an ambush, try attacking first.

>>4219579
>sneak up on them
Wait so these are the military down here?

>>4219594
You don’t know. All Guttman saw was blurry infrared outlines of people hiding.

>>4219579
>"I'm a figment of your imagination, ohhhh!"
>Turn on cloak

>>4219605
This

>>4219605
+1

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4219605
>>4219620
>>4219625
(You currently have 85/100 health, and 50/50 armor power, and 41/50 cloak power)
You activate your suit's cloaking system once again, a fizzling noise surrounding you as you seem to fade out of reality. Just quietly enough so that not even Marietta or Guttman can hear you, you mutter "I'm a figment of your imagination, oooooohhh...."

Wait, is it hallucinations that go "ooohhh," or ghosts?

When you fully fade away, and the fizzling stops you hear someone ever so quietly mutter, "What the hell..."

You can sneak through the shadows to scout out the room, but you won't be able to get Guttman through, or open the door at the other end, if they really are surrounding the room from all directions. Dr. Guttman points a few of them out to you, and you start slithering through the shadows of the room to see where they are.

Even while cloaked you still need to take care. The technology fails while in motion, so you need to plan every change of position. This comes with some issues as you move.

Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 12.

Rolled 5, 6, 6 + 2 = 19 (3d6 + 2)

>>4219655
>"What the hell..."
I'm sorry guys, but I dont think I can continue. The doctors said theres something wrong with my side. I think I'm dying.

Rolled 5, 1, 5 + 2 = 13 (3d6 + 2)

>>4219655

Rolled 3, 1, 5 + 2 = 11 (3d6 + 2)

>>4219655
Rollan
You’re welcome for the image. I was actually wondering if I should make a better one that suits the quest more, maybe with a black background and Oppenheimer on it. Would you like that?
>>4219661
Beastly roll.
You, uh, ARE referring to the quest with that whole side thing, aren’t you, anon?

>>4219670
The ghost joke really got me in the keks

>Left a shitpost before a Walmart run
>People actually went with it

I need to be more careful.

>>4219661
>>4219664
>>4219670
I would absolutely love that. Don't tell the others Lore-Dump Anon, but you're my favorite player.

You quietly stalk through the repair room. Your motions are small, reserved, and calculated, making no noise whatsoever. The dim lighting of the maintenance room benefits you, letting you click your optics to night-vision.

As you move closer to a hollowed out washing machine with tool cabinets surrounding it, you can hear people whispering.

"Was that human?" One voice asks.

"I thought it was but... it disappeared?" Another responds. They're clearly trying to keep as quiet as possible.

"Yeah but the aliens don't have... ya know..." You slowly manages to creep around the set of cabinets, you see two marines, one of them cupping his hands on the upper area of his chest.

The aliens don't have breasts, therefore you can't be an alien.

"Well, we've seen all sorts a crazy shit." the other one whispers. "Why can't the aliens have breasts?"

"That's just not right." The marine responds.

There are two of them, and if the people in the laundry room hear screaming and shooting, they might come down to investigate. As well, there's likely more of them.

>You've heard enough of this, roll a grenade under their feet. (Both marines will have to roll to avoid. Will make a LOT of noise.)
>Load an AP mag into your pistol, and line up a silenced shot. (Roll 3d6+2, kill on a 12 while stealthed, wound on a 7. -1/12 AP rounds. Both will have to roll suprise checks.)
>There are two of them, try and signal Marietta over without them noticing. (Roll 3d6, pass on a 13, critfail below a 10.)
>Sneak in closer, and try to stealthily incapacitate both of them in quick succession. (Roll 3d6+2, kill one on a 12, kill both on a 15, do it quietly on a 17.)

>>4219730
>There are two of them, try and signal Marietta over without them noticing. (Roll 3d6, pass on a 13, critfail below a 10.)
>Load an AP mag into your pistol, and line up a silenced shot. (Roll 3d6+2, kill on a 12 while stealthed, wound on a 7. -1/12 AP rounds. Both will have to roll suprise checks.)
Have a bead on one of them. If Maria tips them off then we're kill one.

>>4219730
"I'd figured you'd be staring at my ass."
"Well now that you mention it, that thing was pretty thic_ wait wha-"
*Shank*

>>4219807
this

>>4219730
>Load an AP mag into your pistol, and line up a silenced shot. (Roll 3d6+2, kill on a 12 while stealthed, wound on a 7. -1/12 AP rounds. Both will have to roll suprise checks.)
>>4219807
>>4219813
Memes are fun, but let’s not be suicidal.

>>4219828
fine

>>4219783
changing back to this

Rolled 3, 1 = 4 (2d3)

>>4219783
>>4219807
>>4219828
You pull out your pistol. From your unseen position you have more time to line up a kill shot on the marines, and the armor penetrating rounds vastly increase the effective area you have to hit.

One of the marines whispers "Well... haven't you ever seen Star Trek?"

As he says that, you quickly throw up a hand signal to Marietta telling her to make her approach, asking her to approach.

You squeeze the trigger, muttering, "I knew the marines were looking at my ass."

Roll 3d6+2, and another 3d6+2 for Marietta's stealth roll.

Rolled 2, 3, 1 + 2 = 8 (3d6 + 2)

>>4219922

Rolled 2, 2, 1 + 2 = 7 (3d6 + 2)

>>4219922

>>4219925
>>4219931
Oooh. Just to be clear this is a best of 3 roll.

Rolled 4, 4, 4 + 2 = 14 (3d6 + 2)

>>4219922

>>4219964
well thank god

File: Spoiler Image (64 KB, 797x631)

64 KB JPG

Rolled 2, 5, 5 + 2 = 14 (3d6 + 2)

>>4219922
Rolling to see what could have been, also >>4219967 nice save.
Here’s an example of what the thread image might look like, OP. It’s still pretty messy and I’ll need to fix the letter spacing and lighting, but I thought I’d show you what I’ve got in mind and see if you wanted anything changing before I continue. I’d like to incorporate the word “quest” into it but I ran out of room with the current layout. I wasn’t sure about putting “Black Mesa” because I’d have to use the lambda twice and that wouldn’t be as impactful.
Ideally it would’ve been like the other Half Life 1 images with the top half of the protagonist at the right, the lambda at the left and the words over the top, but I needed a high quality close up of the assassin from Black Mesa 2019 and I couldn’t find one.
Thoughts?

Rolled 5, 4, 6 + 2 = 17 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220002
Oops, forgot the second roll.

>>4219925
>>4219931
>>4219967
>>4220002
>>4220024

In the future I'm gonna start asking people to specify who they're rolling for.

I like the image so far, but it might be better to make the text a bit smaller, one line. Maybe make the text and lamda a red color to fit with the goggle eyes of the assassin, or maybe green to fit with the equipment. Thank you so much though.

Your pistol softly bursts, instantly sending a round cracking into the marines skull. The expertly designed round easily tears through the helmet. The shot lodges in the brain stem of the marine, causing him to go limp. The soldiers next to him gasps, seeing his buddy suddenly drop dead. Focused on his friend, he doesn't see where the shot came from.

He's still following the order to stay quiet, but you can tell that once rationality catches up with him, he's gonna shout to the other members of this ambush.

Marietta makes use of the distraction, sliding in beside you. You don't even notice her coming up.

>Both take shots. (Roll two 3d6+2, either kill on a 12 -1/11 AP for Gabby, -1/12 AP for Marietta.)
>Just one of you take a shot.(Roll 3d6+2, kill on a 12 while stealthed. -1/11 AP.)
>Slide in and stab him while he's still distressed. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 12. He will definitely see you if you fail.)
>Sneak in and choke him out while he's still distressed. (Roll 3d6+2, knock out on a 12, do it silently on a 14. He will definitely see you if you fail.)

>>4220048
>Both take shots. (Roll two 3d6+2, either kill on a 12 -1/11 AP for Gabby, -1/12 AP for Marietta.)
We can swap Dr. Guttman set of Black Mesa Security Guard armor for the PCV + gas mask and helmet set. We'll also get 1 additional set and a few guns.

>>4220048
>Both take shots. (Roll two 3d6+2, either kill on a 12 -1/11 AP for Gabby, -1/12 AP for Marietta.)
Destroy this man.

File: opblackmesa.jpg (74 KB, 1280x720)

74 KB JPG

>>4220065
>>4220191

Deciding not to take the risks involved with being merciful, or saving ammunition, the two of you nod to each other, then fire of a consecutive pair of silenced shots. Your gun burst, and just as your spent casing hits the ground, Marietta's gun follows.

Roll two 3d6+2, one for you, and one for Marietta, specify who you're rolling for.

Rolled 3, 2, 1 + 2 = 8 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220199
Gabby

>>4220199
Maria.
Should we really be killing them at this point? Are there any scientists or security guards still alive i wonder?

File: 1587932205187.jpg (40 KB, 351x527)

40 KB JPG

Rolled 2, 5, 1 + 2 = 10 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220199
ok I fucked up that last roll. there has to be someone still alive, but probably not. this is, I think day 3 now?

Rolled 1, 3, 1 + 2 = 7 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220199
Gabby

Rolled 2, 4, 3 + 2 = 11 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220199
Marietta

>>4219396
Just realized: There's a nuclear bomb shelter here... that's useful.

Also, regarding G-man, the only real way to do that in quest-like would probably be options that are possible via the description of the situation but not listed and must be written in.

And coming up with those would probably be annoying as hell.

>>4220218
>>4220220
>>4220228
>>4220250
>>4220253
I typed a response, and was working on the options when firefox decided to go to the previous page. Kill me.

Your shot flicks past the marines head, just barely grazing enough to crack his cheekbone. Not lethal, but incredibly painful. The marine yelps out in pain. He is only able to yell "Shi-" before Marietta's shot plunges into his chest, just barely missing vital organs. The pain of both impacts combined causes his brain to flick off, and he falls to the ground bleeding profusely.

"Shit!" Someone yells with a more gruff voice from the other side of the room. "Mackey? Private Mackey respond!" He pauses a moment waiting for a response from private Mackey or his friend. "Shit. Alright, scrap the ambush, Culkin, you check 'em out, see if they need aid. We'll keep a bead."

"Yes sir!" Another marine shouts. A medic starts jogging towards the corpses.

Two marines pop up as the sergeant begins to jog over to the location of the two dead soldiers. They keep their guns trained on the area where you and the two late marines are. One of the marines is carrying a shotgun, with tools designed for breaching through doors.
(cont.)

>>4220383
(cont.)
(Gabby.)

>Fire at the approaching medic with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware but uncertain enemies on a 13. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)
>Stab the medic as he approaches. (Roll 3d6+2, kill on a 12.)

>Fire at the sergeant with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware but uncertain enemies on a 13. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)
>Fire at the Breacher with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware but uncertain enemies on a 13. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)

>Load a mag of conventional rounds. More common, but less effective, especially against unaware enemies.

(Changing weapons can be done any turn, and while performing any action that does not require both hands.)
>Glock. (Small, weak, but good for saving a bit of ammo.)
>SMG. (All around multitool, chews through ammo, includes a small grenade launcher that you currently lack ammo for.)
>Revolver. (High wound threshold, low kill threshold.)
>Hivehand. (Generally low stopping power, but low wound threshold, and
>Usp. (Stopping power lower than the revolver, but also makes no noise.)

(Marietta)

>Fire at the approaching medic with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware but uncertain enemies on a 13. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)
>Stab the medic as he approaches. (Roll 3d6+2, kill on a 12.)

>Fire at the sergeant with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware but uncertain enemies on a 13. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)
>Fire at the Breacher with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware but uncertain enemies on a 13. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)

>Load a mag of conventional rounds. More common, but less effective, especially against unaware enemies.

(Changing weapons can be done any turn, and while performing any action that does not require both hands.)
>Revolver. (High wound threshold, low kill threshold.)
>Shotgun(Reliable close range.)
>Grenade launcher. (Loud, and deadly towards armored targets.)

>>4220293
It's also very difficult to truly match Gman's method of speech, unless if you already happen to be Mike Shapiro.
>>4220228
There are still scientists and security. It's also only day two.

>>4220386
(Gabby.)
>Fire at the sergeant with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware but uncertain enemies on a 13. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)

(Marietta)
>Fire at the Breacher with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware but uncertain enemies on a 13. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)

The medic sounds like he's the least armed person here.

>>4220398
Support.
Don’t so hastily disregard the mighty battle medic. In OpFor they carry desert eagles, making them pretty damn deadly. He could lay some real hurt on us.

>>4220386
Gabby
>Stab the medic as he approaches. (Roll 3d6+2, kill on a 12.)
Mari
>Fire at the Breacher with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware but uncertain enemies on a 13. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)

>>4220398
>>4220421
>>4220442
You both take aim on separate targets. The marines see you as you stand, shouting "Target!" The medic suddenly stops in place and moves for cover. Before the two, soldiers at the other end of the room can react, the two of you take your respective shots as the targets.

Roll two 3d6+2, one for Gabby and one for Marietta, specify who you're rolling for.

Rolled 4, 2, 3 + 2 = 11 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220455
Gabby
Please die quietly

Rolled 5, 6, 3 + 2 = 16 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220455
Mari
I wonder how the remaining one will react.

Rolled 4, 3, 6 + 2 = 15 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220455
Gabby shoots!

Rolled 4, 6, 1 + 2 = 13 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220455
Marietta opens fire!

Rolled 4, 6, 2 + 2 = 14 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220465
>>4220474
people dyin yo

>>4220455
Gabby

Rolled 2, 5, 5 = 12 (3d6)

>>4220460
>>4220465
>>4220474
>>4220476
Marietta's shot is quick and concise, the advanced bullet boring straight into the Breacher's head and helmet. In the same second your shot tears into the sergeants chest, hitting hard and cutting deep. He swears, falling to the ground with a load moan before the pain of torn internal organs knocks him out.

The medic pulls his dessert eagle, taking a shot towards you. He hits on a 12.

>Throw a frag grenade at the medic.
>Throw a concussion grenade at the medic.
>Fire at the approaching medic with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware enemies on a 14. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/9+1 mag ammo.)

>Convince the medic to stand down. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 12.)

>Load a mag of conventional rounds. More common, but less effective, especially against unaware enemies.

(Changing weapons can be done any turn, and while performing any action that does not require both hands.)
>Glock. (Small, weak, but good for saving a bit of ammo.)
>SMG. (All around multitool, chews through ammo, includes a small grenade launcher that you currently lack ammo for.)
>Revolver. (High wound threshold, low kill threshold.)
>Hivehand. (Generally low stopping power, but low wound threshold, and
>Usp. (Stopping power lower than the revolver, but also makes no noise.)

(Marietta)


>Throw a frag grenade at the medic.
>Throw a concussion grenade at the medic.
>Fire at the approaching medic with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware enemies on a 14. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)

>Load a mag of conventional rounds. More common, but less effective, especially against unaware enemies.

>Convince the medic to stand down. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 12.)

(Changing weapons can be done any turn, and while performing any action that does not require both hands.)
>Revolver. (High wound threshold, low kill threshold.)
>Shotgun(Reliable close range.)
>Grenade launcher. (Loud, and deadly towards armored targets.)

>>4220506
>12
ouch. right on the money.
>Convince the medic to stand down. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 12.)
Time to grill him for info.

File: Spoiler Image (1.9 MB, 4272x2848)

1.9 MB JPG

>>4220506
Gabby
>Fire at the approaching medic with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware enemies on a 14. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/9+1 mag ammo.)
Mari
>Fire at the approaching medic with the USP. (Roll 3d6+2, kill aware enemies on a 14. Every point above a 7 wounds. -1/10+1 mag ammo.)
>dessert eagle

>>4220506
>Convince the medic to stand down. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 12.)

>>4220512
>>4220520
>>4220527
(You currently have 75/100 health, and 40/50 armor power, and 44/50 cloak power)
A three fifty seven round punches you in the chest, cutting partially through your PCV and into your belly. This round doesn't pepper you like the 9x19s, it makes you audibly grunt in pain as it hits.

After getting hit by the heavy shot, you aim your gun at the medic alongside Marietta, and shout "Drop your weapon! I already dropped all of your squad-mates!"

Roll 3d6+2.

Rolled 4, 5, 3 + 2 = 14 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220550

Rolled 1, 5, 3 + 2 = 11 (3d6 + 2)

>>4220550
Listen to the nice lady that tanked the desert eagle shot
>prepare to shoot him if he resists

>>4220551
>>4220555
"Yeah, and you're just gonna shoot me too!" The medic responds.

"Why the hell would I do that?" You respond. "You have information."

The medic considers it for a second, then responds, looking towards the soldiers "Let me tend to them. Then you can grill me as much a you want." His gun falls.

>Nah. You've gotta move. Shoot him while he's exposed.
>Yeah, let him tend to his squadmates, then interrogate him.
>Let him tend to his squadmates, and leave before he is finished.

>>4220572
>Yeah, let him tend to his squadmates, then interrogate him.
Just make sure he doesn’t pull any funny business like activating a radio or something.

>>4220572
>Yeah, let him tend to his squadmates, then interrogate him.

>>4220572
>Yeah, let him tend to his squadmates, then interrogate him.

>>4220578
>>4220581
>>4220582
Final update of the night, see you guys tomorrow.
I know I'm being schizophrenic over the dice, but I might consider modifying rolls slightly. I still want their to be some moment to moment stakes.

You look at Marietta, muttering quietly to her, "Get Dr. Guttman."

She nods, then heads off to the door, where Guttman was waiting with a shotgun.

"Alright, I'm gonna let you heal your friends. But I'm gonna have a doctor watch you to make sure you aren't trying to pull anything." You say.

As Guttman approaches, you explain to him, "Guttman, Keep your distance, but make sure this marine is only doing what would be medically necessary."

"Yeah, sounds fine." He responds. He would know best what is and isn't a medical practice.

"Okay. Hurry up." You say to the marine. "I wanna keep moving."

Both you and Marietta play your own part in watching the marine. As he works, Guttman mutters to you and Marietta, "I already know more than I should as a civilian, so can you just be honest and tell me if you're gonna torture this guy if he doesn't talk? I'll leave the room and come back in a few minutes."

>No. Interrogation's not like in the movies.
>If I told you, I'd have to kill you.
>Yes.
>Yes, (but just to scare Guttman.)
>No. That's my superiors.

>>4220634
It's a BIG maybe depending on the medic's willingness to talk. I really hope he's smart enough to talk because I really don't want to get messy. If he doesn't want talk, then some nail pulling and finger chopping will be involved.

>>4220634
I still think the idea of changing the +1 in a stat to instead increase the number of rolls accepted is the best option. More interesting than doing only Bo1 or Bo3, more reliable in some ways, and it encourages folks to spread stats out more evenly because otherwise you run into diminishing returns.
Anyways
>No. That's my superiors.

>>4220634
>No. Interrogation's not like in the movies.
Torture is practically useless as a means of gathering reliable Intel. Either the person will say anything to avoid the torture, or they'll never say anything, regardless of what you do.

>>4220293
>There's a nuclear bomb shelter here... that's useful.
Very useful since there is a nuclear bomb right under it as well. I think they should cancel each other out.

>>4220634
>No. Interrogation's not like in the movies.

>>4220634
>>No. Interrogation's not like in the movies.

>>4220742
Basically this.It only works when you already know the answers and are baisically just ego killing the man in question.

>>4220634
We can probably go with the "they're killing innocents when the extraction of many is important to the shitshow that's about to happen" excuse

>>4220634
So just to make sure, we are going to knock them out, take all their stuff, tie them up and shove them in a closet?

>>4221033
After they stabilize their teammates. Primary internal goal is to extract as many scientists as possible related to the collapse. Our secondary internal goal is minimal bloodshed caused by military. That appears to also include military themselves, as they've been commanded to shoot anything that moves, making a problem for literally everyone else.

Our CIA goal is fuck if I know. Can Marietta call CIA base for updated orders?

>>4221071
The vorts fried our radios to prevent those orders from going through. I get the feeling we'll have to make our own judgement calls in regards to that, from now on.
Personally, I think the list posted last thread is a good one to follow to minimize damage and potentially help to stop this shit, while placating the CIA with valuable data.
>Check on the Infirmary, extract Dr. Klein if necessary
>Interrogate Dr. Breen
>Locate Dr. Breen's office and upload the contents of his harddrive to the CIA
>Upload data from the Anti-Mass Spectrometer's remaining systems to the CIA

>>4221088
Did they really fry the radio? I thought it was something more temporary considering last we saw the radio I believe it was glowing green with green lightning?
>Your gear is on the floor, the radio has been removed, and is emanating a subtle green static.
See? This requires more investigating and talking with the Vorts as to what the did to it.

>>4220647
>>4220654
>>4220742
>>4220963
>>4220976
"No." You respond. "Interrogations not like the movies. If you hurt someone, they'll just do what it takes to stop, and if they genuinely don't know anything, they'll admit to things they don't know. You don't know if you're getting actual information."

"So the CIA doesn't torture anyone?" Guttman responds.

"It gets more sadistic the further you go up the chain of command." You respond. "More secretive too, so they don't worry about the Geneva Convention at the top. I like avoiding unnecessary cruelty and war-crimes."

"Makes sense." Guttman responds. He watches the actions of the medic as the marine applies morphine to his fellow soldiers, pulls out bullets, cuts away fatigues to apply bandages. The man seems to grow more and more worn down by the errand. A good portion of his squadmates are beyond helping. By the time he's finished, you can tell he won't even need to be interrogated, he's too depressed to withhold information. Of course, he's only a rank and file medic, so he won't know much.

>What's up ahead?
>Why were you trying to ambush us?
>How much have you learned about the aliens so far?
>The marines were talking about a man named Freeman, how much have you heard about him?
>Write in a question.

>>4221312
>>What's up ahead?
>>Why were you trying to ambush us?

>>4221312
>When are you supposed to be extracted? Do the marines here have a deadline?
>Do you have any objectives to fulfill other than eliminating the xenos and civilians?
>How do you operate the Powered Combat Vest?
>Are you expecting any airdrops for your squad later?
>Are you willing to serve your country above and beyond what the military demands?

>>4221312
All of the above
Also why the fuck they're killing civilians, children are in the line of fire.

PCV use
And if he's willing to help with creating an alien insurrection.

>>4221312
>What's up ahead?
>Why were you trying to ambush us?
>How much have you learned about the aliens so far?
>The marines were talking about a man named Freeman, how much have you heard about him?
>Write in a question.
What's your opinion on this whole mess?

File: FORGETABOUTFREEMAN.png (1.94 MB, 1264x722)

1.94 MB PNG

>>4221394
>>4221526
>>4221563
>>4221653

You know how to operate a combat vest, you're even wearing a lighter variant of one, you just don't know how it works in the sense of the technology it uses. You wouldn't know how to modify it for instance.

"Do you know what's ahead?" You ask.

"Tunnels and aliens." The bitter marines responds. "I think one of the scouts mentioned Dr. Freeman, but we've just decided to avoid the guy unless we can trap him in somewhere, bastard's moving too quickly. We're the farthest ones out not counting the scouts, and we haven't talked to them since midnight."

It's about 6:30 in the morning.

"Why were you trying to ambush us?"

"We were just trying to get anyone running out of the dorms. We can't watch every possible hallway, so the Captain had us back into here because it was the only room not full of zombies or aliens, then wait for people to come running through," He explains. He quickly glances you up and down, then continues, "We were a bit dumbfounded when we saw someone in full black with glowing goggles, but shut up and waited. Then you fucking turned invisible."

"When are you supposed to be extracted?" You ask, continuing, "Are there any deadlines?"

"Nothing set, but I don't think this is gonna last. At first it was a baby-sitting job, then they changed it to "shoot on sight." Now command doesn't know what the fuck, so I don't think it's gonna be long until they pull the rank and file away and start raining down bunker busters until the base is gone."

"Do you have any objectives other than purging the facility?" You ask.

He shrugs, then continues, "I haven't heard anything totally secondary, but command is treating this like an invasion, so mostly holding positions, finding important transit centers, setting up outposts. Of course, it hasn't done shit since the aliens can teleport. A few scientists are on a list for questioning if possible, mostly the ones from ground zero."

"Is your squad expecting any airdrops in the near future?"

"I wish. Command doesn't know what the hell they're doing right now, so the only drops have been more boys to throw at this mess and hoping they fix it for them. There's no intel coming in from other companies, we've all had to organize our own scout parties, we've had at least three instances of our own men getting bombed by friendly air. All of this has happened with minimal communication because command wants to limit "Downward Leaks." He says, adding air quotes to the end for emphasis. "It's a fucking mess. All the code is so vague and secretive that no one knows what the fuck is going on."
(cont.)

>>4221727
(cont.)
He went a bit further than the bounds of the question, but you learned something; the DoD is in a state of frenzy. You can use that to your advantage. You give him one final question, "Are you willing to go above and beyond what the military demands of you, to operate under authority unknown to even the president, all in order to truly serve your country?"

"Is this a fucking joke?" The marine responds, leaningclose enough to make you and Marietta twitch. "So what, you're CIA here to put LSD in the water and make everyone think this was all a fever dream? No, I'm not ready to "Go above and beyond what the military demands," I didn't sign up for the bullshit they make me do now! Fuck that, unless you have a jet heading back home to Seattle, I'd quicker swallow one of your cyanide pills." He takes a step back, leans his hand against a wall, and looks at his buddies laid out on the ground. "But I'll take some fucking LSD if you have some. Good god."

In the span of a few seconds, he's realized a hatred of most American authorities that's been building in him since he landed at Black Mesa and was told to shoot at civilians. He hates the DoD, but certainly doesn't trust the lead of a CIA agent.

>Try to convince him to become a mole for you, if only to fuck over his superiors. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 15.)
>Give him enough Tramadol to get high, and then try to convince him to go AWOL. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 17.)
>Give him enough Tramadol to get high, the guy deserves some comfort.
>Just leave him alone. This guy's not telling anyone in charge anything.
>Knock him out and leave. The DoD won't believe someone turned invisible if head trauma is involved.

>>4221729
>Try to convince him to become a mole for you, if only to fuck over his superiors. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 15.)

>>4221729
>Try to convince him to become a mole for you, if only to fuck over his superiors. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 15.)
It's worth a shot. Did he know these men?

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>>4221752
>>4221757
"You don't have to come with me, or slip LSD into the water." You pause for a moment, turning to Dr. Guttman. "Can I borrow your notepad?"

"Yeah sure." Guttman responds.

You quickly scribble down an unused enryption key, and radio frequency. "You just need to tell me anything you might learn."

Roll 3d6+2

Rolled 4, 2, 6 + 2 = 14 (3d6 + 2)

>>4221948
You can do it, medic-chan

Rolled 3, 5, 6 + 2 = 16 (3d6 + 2)

>>4221948
Was making brunch

Rolled 2, 5, 1 + 2 = 10 (3d6 + 2)

>>4221948

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>>4221951
>>4221996
>>4222024
"You're not following anyone. You'll be choosing what to send off, and won't be told to search anything out." You explain. "It'll be a great way to screw over command. Get some payback for all this mess."

The medic sighs, then responds, "Fuck it. All right." He takes the slip of paper. "I don't think this'll get worse unless I die, and that's probably gonna happen anyway." He continues as he stuffs the paper into his pocket. "You leave. I'll tell them they got away, and point some other directions."

You nod your head, and get a move on. It probably wouldn't be a good idea to loot the corpses of the guy you just made a deal with. It's not just that he might call off the deal, he might instead choose to give you bad information for disrespecting his dead squadmates. That could get a person, namely you and your allies, killed.

As you walk down series of steps, descending down into the lower areas of the facility where you can hear distant machinery pumping, Marietta asks you a question; "The whole of the DoD seems afraid of this Dr. Freeman character. They said they saw him down here. What's the protocol if we meet him? We're not discernible from military to a civilian, he might just shoot first."

>Try and convince him to calm down and come with the CIA for questioning.
>The DoD is inept. We kick his ass. If we can, get him onto a helicopter for questioning.
>Let him go on his merry way. It's clear he has something he wants to do, we don't need to get involved.
>I'm not sure if he's just a physicist. He might be already working for the CIA. That or he's a body-snatcher.
>Write in a response.

>>4222148
>Let him go on his merry way. It's clear he has something he wants to do, we don't need to get involved
Let’s not get deleted by Freeman.
Also, I’d prefer to not see Gordon speaking. If we do meet him then it’s no big deal and I’d rather he did speak in such circumstances, but I’ll try and avoid that happening in the first place so as to preserve the silent protagonist thing.

>>4222148
Damn. Where did you find that? That's a great high resolution Freeman.

>Write in a response.
Get on our knees and pray he doesn't turn us into paint. From what I heard he's a genius that had some basic firearms training, but he turned that into him being a walking death machine. He's cleared through aliens and marines just by his lonesome. Maybe if we don't die first, we can work something out and figure out just what the hell is happening.

>>4222160
Now I really want to hear him speak. Could you image what he'd sound like?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBec9vGdjEU

There was also that mential message we encountered.
>Another creatures voice plays in your own head. "The radio is returned, as The Freeman's work is finished. The collision of The Freeman and The Oppenheimer must be prevented."

>>4222148
do the suppressed pistols have burst fire modes?

>>4222148
>Let him go on his merry way. It's clear he has something he wants to do, we don't need to get involved.

>>4222148
>Let him go on his merry way. It's clear he has something he wants to do, we don't need to get involved.

>4222182
When it comes to Gordon's voice my mind always defaults to Morgan Freeman

>>4222148
>If we can't get out of his way, give him aid or whatever we need to avoid getting killed. Dude IS ground zero and he's a one man army with a mission. I don't know what the hell he's doing but do you really think he's on the invaders side?

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>>4222163
Someone in the community made it, it’s not official. You can tell by the weird tacticool grooves and indents.
Someone made an edit without them, which I prefer.

>>4222182
>do the suppressed pistols have burst fire modes?
Sadly no, the USP45 is semi-auto only.

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>>4222160
>>4222163
>>4222185
No, semi-auto only. They're closer to the pistol from HL2 than the glock from Half Life 1. For a real life frame of reference, let's call it a .45 USP Tactical.
>>4222199

"I'd rather not interrupt the man on a war path. We're well capable of staying away from him." You say. "He has something he needs to do, we don't need to get involved. Besides, if he is as scary as the marines think he is, I'd rather not be pulped."

"I kinda doubt that Dr. Freeman really is as scary as he says." Marietta responds. "You know how war stories are."

She's right. In an undercover assignment, a middle eastern governor constantly tried to impress you by telling you how his soldiers hunted "Russian Beast Troopers with hearts as black as Mecca."

Although, on the other hand you're decently sure he was telling you that because he thought it would make you want to date him. You had an order to slip a small packet of fissile material into his coffee.

"Well, he was the Ground Zero of this whole situation. Even if the stories are embellished, there is no way he got out of the..." You struggle for a second to recollect the name. It's blurred slightly behind yesterday's concussion. "Anti-Mass-Spectrometer without some impressive survival skills. I say we have to face him, we make it clear we're friendly, even spare a few bullets if we really need to appease the guy."

"One man army or not," Dr. Guttman interrupts, "The guys in one of the HEV suits. I've seen the kind of shit they put those things through. We're not putting a dent in him, and anyway, the man's a scientist. Unless he's really the Thing, he's on our side."

"Alright, fair points all around." Marietta says. "Don't engage the guy in the orange suit."

As you move through the facility, you start to notice puddles, the puddles are slowly turning into flooding.

Then, the only way forward is a spiraling staircase, descending straight into the murky water.

"Oh," Marietta exclaims as she sees it, "Jesus Christ."

>"What the hell, how is their flooding in the middle of a dessert?"
>Feel the water, hope it's at least not cold.
>"My one hope in getting a desert assignment was to not have to swim."
>Screw it, dive right in.
>"I love swimming in confined spaces. Wreck diving is good fun."

>>4222148
>>Let him go on his merry way. It's clear he has something he wants to do, we don't need to get involved.
if he dosent get to lambda and kill the big baby, hen this will never end. not that that will prevent the combine invasion, anyone have a plan for that by the way?

>>4222343
>>"What the hell, how is their flooding in the middle of a dessert?"
>>Feel the water, hope it's at least not cold.
>>"I love swimming in confined spaces. Wreck diving is good fun."
all three, besides if Freeman can do it, then so can we

>>4222343
>"You two stay put. I'll see what the situation is like down there, make sure we have a clear path to the next pocket of air and a way to actually go further. If I'm not back in ten minutes, find a different way."

>>4222343
>"When I was posted here they said I’d have to get my feet wet, but this is ridiculous!”
We’ll probably be fine if we encounter some leeches, but let’s stay out of deep water. I’d rather not fight an ichthyosaur.
Also we should equip the glock, it’s the one gun we have that can fire underwater.

>>4222343
Check the water for an aliens. Consider tossing a grenade in the water if there is an alien in there. Ask Dr. Guttern if he sees anything? Make sure to keep his eyes and ears out for any survivors?

>>4222350
>anyone have a plan for that by the way?
Find either Kleiner or Eli and stay with them in the hopes that being in their vicinity carries us straight to HL2.
Of course, that assumes GMan won’t just toss us in stasis at his convenience. He does take an interest in those that survive against all odds, and we’ve definitely caught his attention with that migraine stunt we pulled in Azian’s room.
It would be kind of nice to go into HL2 times without having to age 20 entire years, though.

>>4222343
>"I love swimming in confined spaces. Wreck diving is good fun."

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>>4222383
>>4214367
>how long after the black mesa incident did the combine invade?
It’s uncertain, but probably not long after if not during.
>what would be a good place to hide during the 7 hours war?
The Arctic, apparently.

>>4214367
Borealis went undiscovered by the Combine for 20 years, Judith had to find it for them.
In reality there’s probably very few places safe from the Combine. Maybe the vorts could cook something up.

There's also the CIA submarine and trying to find some deep bunker facility. Perhaps we could strike out and go for an Aperture Science research facility?

>>4222398
Ey, my posts.
I’m not sure Aperture is such a good idea, we’d probably be turned into living experiments by GLaDOS.
Does anyone else dislike the fact that Portal and Half Life share a universe? The goofy history of Aperture and the style of Portal’s humour are great, but Half Life has a much more serious atmosphere that doesn’t mesh well at all. I would have preferred them kept separate. Aperture under GLaDOS being crazy I could have accepted since her AI went insane and would have made crazy decisions, but stuff like the actual US government commissioning Aperture for portal-based shower curtains?
It’s a shame, it was impossible to predict the silly feel of Portal 2 back in 2007 when they initially made the decision.

>>4222357
>>4222359
>>4222363
>>4222381
>>4222383
>>4222384
>>4222398
"How are we flooded in the middle of the desert." You mutter, more as a protest to your situation than a real question. You dip your toe in the water, feeling that it's kept roughly the same temperature as the room. The stairs descend down past the edge of the waters murkiness, like fading into a fog. You don't see anything moving down below.

"When I was posted here, they told me I'd have to get my feet wet," you say as you turn towards them, with a little goofy smile you too late fail to realize is not visible under the mask, and throw in an added flair with a poor attempt at imitating Rodney Dangerfield, "but this is ridiculous!"

Guttman isn't too impressed. Marietta chuckles, not loudly, but you have good ears.

She gets it.

"Anyway," You say with a residual smile left under your mask. "If you two stay put, I'll scout ahead. When I was in high-school, one of my foster dads would take me Diving in old wrecked ships. I've got experience swimming in confined spaces. You're usually not supposed to go without a partner, but we can't afford all three of us dying down there."

"Are you sure about that Gabby?" Guttman responds. "Life loves water, and if alien wildlife is coming through, they'll be doing it in force through there. Also, the biggest rule of wreck diving is to not do it alone."

"Yes." You say. "If I'm not back in ten minutes, don't bother with the water. Find another path around."

You approach where the water reaches your waste, wading through the brown, discolored water, you take a last quick look at your allies, then climb over the railing, going headfirst down towards the bottom, Glock in one hand.

As you approach the bottom, a single door opens towards you. The water is rushing below the gap beneath, the water pressure making it almost impossible to open. The glass could be shot out, but it would be loud, and you have no idea what might be swimming down here. Alternately, a vent nearby could be unscrewed, but it would leave you swimming in a small dark space where you can't turn around.

>Unscrew the vent, swim through it.
>Shoot out the glass, then swim through the door.

>>4222430
The trick is to find an Aperture, preferably one without a GLaDOS. if the only one we do come across is the one controlled by GLaDOS then we pray to god and hope it's after the time she's disabled so we can make the place habitable and disconnect her for good.

Beyond that and the suggestions from the last thread the only places I could image being safe enough might be an underground bunker for a couple of years. Perhaps Breen might know a thing or two that could help with that. In regards to survival that is.

We could also try living in an abandon subway system and siphon water from a part of the city.

>>4222473
>Shoot out the glass, then swim through the door.
If anything tries to fight we always got the knife and revolver.
Use the glock to shoot the glass, then switch to the revolver and knife.

>>4222473
>Shoot out the glass, then swim through the door.

>>4222473
>Shoot out the glass, then swim through the door.
We’re not drowning or getting trapped with Xen life, fuck that.

>>4222488
>>4222491
>>4222515
You look into the dark confined space of the air vent, and memory pops into your head.

(You have three more actions left before you start to take effects from oxygen deprivation. From there, you have three actions until you start drowning.)

CIA endurance training. What at first you thought would be a marathon turned out to be two straight minutes of experiencing what less civilized countries will do to their prisoners of war. You remember water-boarding test, shudder a little, and decide that there's no way you're going in there. You place the barrel of your glock against the glass and squeeze the trigger until it pops, leaving a trail of gas bubbles in its wake. The shattered glass is pulled away by the movement of the water. As the glass skids along the floor, something distant roars in anger.

It appears that the water came in here fast. There is a van with two drowned security guards inside of it, keys in the ignition and in the off position.

The shattered glass is being pulled under a broken garage door. There, the water moves quickly, and you know you could squeeze under it, but you have no idea how fast it might move on the other side. The door is labeled, "Level 3 Parking." You already know the parking garage is too tall to flood all the way in the dessert, and the rushing water supports that theory, the water hasn't filled the garage, and therefore is moving to fill the lower levels still.

On the left hand side of the room, a broken elevator door splits in half, one door open, the other closed. The elevator is smashed at the botttom, and a peak reveals two things, air all the way at the top along with an open exit you could swim through, and the angered creature swimming in circles. The large alien fish is far too big to fit through the half shut elevator door, but if you wanted to go up there you'd most certainly have to fight it.

On the right is a door labeled "Emergency Exit, keep unlocked."

Of course, someone decided to lock it, despite the doors mandate. Most likely to keep some sort of alien abomination out before the flooding.

>Check the security guard's body for a possible key. (Roll 3d6, above a twelve is one action, below a twelve is two actions, any natural 3 will override all other rolls, and leave you unable to find a key.)
>Lock pick the door. Being underwater will make it difficult to feel the pins correctly. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 15.)
>Slide under the garage door, risk being swept away.
>Fight the space shark, swim up through the elevator shaft. (Keep in mind, your glock is your only gun that works underwater.)

>>4222595
>Check the security guard's body for a possible key. (Roll 3d6, above a twelve is one action, below a twelve is two actions, any natural 3 will override all other rolls, and leave you unable to find a key.)

>>4222595
>Check the security guard's body for a possible key. (Roll 3d6, above a twelve is one action, below a twelve is two actions, any natural 3 will override all other rolls, and leave you unable to find a key.)
Does it look like the water levels are doing down or will drain the area anytime soon?

>>4222595
>Check the security guard's body for a possible key. (Roll 3d6, above a twelve is one action, below a twelve is two actions, any natural 3 will override all other rolls, and leave you unable to find a key.)

>>4222600
>>4222608
>>4222620
It's a large mass of water, clearly pouring in through from somewhere else. Because of the bottleneck the garage door has provided, it's flooded up into the stairs.


You pull the handle to the car door, thankful that the windows were already open, otherwise the pressure would make it impossible without another shot. Your hair floats around your head as you float, moving checking the discolored bodies for anything useful. If you're lucky, you might be able to find a key on the first guard you searched.

Roll 3d6, best of three, unless a natural 3 is rolled.

Rolled 1, 5, 3 = 9 (3d6)

>>4222646
Witness me.

Rolled 6, 1, 6 = 13 (3d6)

>>4222646
any additional glocks, guns and ammo? if the glock is the only functional weapon in water then why not dual akimbo?

>>4222657
Leaving a hand free for instant action (opening doors, etc) could be the difference between getting a breath of air and drowning.

>>4222667
Or it could help kill the giant space shark faster. After he search the bodies we can go back up for air, then go back down to engage the shark. We'd have several rounds until we start struggling, but that should be enough.

Rolled 3, 3, 5 = 11 (3d6)

>>4222646

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>>4222708
Now that was close

>>4222712
Why was it close? I rolled up a 13. are we going back to Average of 3 again?

>>4222721
No, I’m just stupid and misinterpreted the boundary. Please ignore me.

>>4222654
>>4222657
>>4222708
(You have two more actions left before you start to take effects from oxygen deprivation. From there, you have three actions until you start drowning. The first turn of oxygen deprivation will apply -1 to all rolls, the second a -3, the third will have you fall unconscious if you don't have an immediate oxygen source.)

You quickly slip your hands in and out of every pocket, only taking a second to palm each. For a solid eight seconds, you only find a packet of throat lozenges and a wallet that is pitifully thin. You're just about to move to the other guard when you remember that the uniform includes a shirt pocket underneath the vest. You slip your hands beneath the vest, finding a small metal key. In the hopes that it's the right one, you quickly kick off the car, propelling yourself to the door. You quickly slot the key in and turn the handle. The flow of the water pulls the door open with you, and you have to swim against the current as you travel up.

As you move up the emergency staircase, you feel something prick into the your stealth fatigues, where the PCV fails to cover it. A quick glance reveals small white worms have latched into your legs, gladly sucking from the arteries beneath.

>Risk slowing down to push the alien leeches off, (Swimming up the staircase takes two actions.)
>Ignore them. (Every action will drain 6 health, ignoring armor until you swipe them off. Swimming up the staircase takes only one action.)

>>4222763
>Risk slowing down to push the alien leeches off, (Swimming up the staircase takes two actions.)
REEEEEEEEEEE

>>4222763
>Risk slowing down to push the alien leeches off, (Swimming up the staircase takes two actions.)
Blood loss isn't good for retaining oxygen.

>>4222763
>Risk slowing down to push the alien leeches off, (Swimming up the staircase takes two actions.)
You’re stressing me out OP

>>4222763
>Risk slowing down to push the alien leeches off, (Swimming up the staircase takes two actions.)

>>4222763
Can/should we take one with us to see what the hell it is?

>>4222779
>>4222794
>>4222814
>>4222837

It won't be a game over if you go unconscious. I put too much effort into this quest to do that.
You could take one, but when you have a source of oxygen. You're running on a time limit right now.

(Oxygen deprivation will start taking effect during this action. The first turn of oxygen deprivation will apply -1 to all rolls, the second a -3, the third will have you fall unconscious if you don't have an immediate oxygen source.)

You have to stop as you move against the tide, kicking your legs against each-other to push or kill the leeches. The creatures let out a shrill little sound, signaling their friends, "She's not worth it!" as they die.

As you reach the top of the stairs, the water doesn't break. Your lungs are begging for air, and you know in a few seconds you'll start to really feel the effects.

You approach the highest door, a glance into its key hole reveals a set of emergency generators alongside... a pocket of sweet... sweet oxygen. Of course, you'd have to push the door against the current, and even with the ability to prop yourself against the rail, it'll be difficult. You could always leave a grenade at the door. The force could blow it off its hinges, but water isn't very compressible like air. It'd be a struggle avoiding it yourself. You can see a vent in their, and a vent in the stairwell, you could always hope that it leads into there.

>Push the door open, all that swimming has led to a strong american lass, oxygen or not. (Roll 3d6+1, pass on a 14.)
>Drop a grenade at the door, and swim away. (Roll 3d6+1, avoid all damage above a 15. The door will be opened regardless of roll, and you will be given a source of oxygen.)
>Go for the vent. It's dark, you won't be able to turn around, but it might just lead to air. You think you hear something through it, but can't at all tell what it is through the water.

>>4222857
>Push the door open, all that swimming has led to a strong american lass, oxygen or not. (Roll 3d6+1, pass on a 14.)
Legs don't fail me now.

>>4222857
>Drop a grenade at the door, and swim away. (Roll 3d6+1, avoid all damage above a 15. The door will be opened regardless of roll, and you will be given a source of oxygen.)
This is by far the safest option. Worst comes to pass, we can tank a grenade and deal with the consequences later.
Also, are there degrees of damage here? Or is it just a case of we either evade or take the full force?

>>4222857
>>Push the door open, all that swimming has led to a strong american lass, oxygen or not. (Roll 3d6+1, pass on a 14.)

These thighs saves lives.

>>4222857
>Head back to the others for an oxygen break. You can definitely get back to this doorway quicker than before, since you won't have to search for anything or unlock any doors. You can even cover up the exposed parts that the leeches snuck into.

>>4222888
You're already suffering from oxygen deprivation, you'd pass out on the way back.

>>4222893
What? How? Going back wouldn't require the same amount of actions that it took to get here.

>4222857
>>Push the door open, all that swimming has led to a strong american lass, oxygen or not. (Roll 3d6+1, pass on a 14.)

>>4222893
If we fail this we're gonna have to go with the grenade. If we do, will the concussive blast kill all the leaches.

>>4222871
>>4222872
There are degrees of damage involved.
>>4222874
>>4222896
A large part of every action has been simply swimming to a location. An action to reach the bottom of the stairs, an action to swim across the room with the van, where you pass out at the door to the entrance stairwell.
>>4222900

You position yourself between the metal railing of the stair well, and the door, turning the handle and pushing as hard as you physically can manage, using your own body like a piston to move the weight. Slowly, the door pushes open, allowing water through and taking pressure off, but you're running out of energy fast.

Roll 3d6+2.

Rolled 5, 6, 5 + 2 = 18 (3d6 + 2)

here goes nothing

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>>4222916
THICC THINGS-

>>4222916
Jesus christ anon, that's equivalent to a perfect roll without a modifier! Gabby wants her fucking air.

Rolled 2, 6, 1 + 1 = 10 (3d6 + 1)

>>4222913
Do I still have time to nat1,1,1?

Rolled 1, 3, 6 + 1 = 11 (3d6 + 1)

>>4222913
>>4222949
pathetic, watch THIS failure!

>>4222916
>>4222949
>>4222959

I'm retarded, I was supposed to write +1, still amazing roll.

As the door pushes open, you feel a burst of energy as adrenaline kicks in. Your lungs are empty, and your body kicks into a fight or flight response. Your legs push hard against the railings, which moan against the combined weight of you, the door, and the water. As more and more of the water flows past instead of into the door, it grows significantly lighter, until the door starts moving inward, falling back to the wall. The second you feel the door lose all closing force, you kick yourself towards the machines.

You surface your head into the air pocket, where a ventilation shaft provides you with all the air you need. You gasp, sucking in gallons of sweet, cold air into your lungs while you rest against the machine. The flowing water laps against you. It's a surprisingly relaxing feeling, given how close it brought you to death.

The voice you heard earlier, just before you finished inspecting your radio. "The radio is returned, as The Freeman's work is finished. The collision of The Freeman and The Oppenheimer must be prevented."

>Look around, is there someone nearby?
>Check on your radio. See if you can call Marietta from here.
>Just catch your breath for a few minutes, enjoy the oxygen. It can all wait.

>>4222980
>>Look around, is there someone nearby?

Honestly, having Gordon run into us would be a fun change of pace.

>>4222980
>Look around, is there someone nearby?

>>4222980
>Look around, is there someone nearby?

>>4222988
>>4223003
>>4223017
If the quality is low for this update, I apologize, I’m forced to phone post due to unforeseen consequences.
The voice you heard is gone... and as you look around the air pocket, you start to question whether or not was just in your head. There’s no one in here but you. Then you hear warbled voices from the vents. At first it was covered by the sound of flowing water, but the voices grow louder. Unlike the strange, elderly voice you heard before, these voices sound young, and muffled as though they were wearing a gas mask.

“So where we takin’ this freeman guy?”

“Topside for questioning.”

“What for? We got ‘em. Let’s kill him now.”

“And if they find the body?”

“What body?”

The marines simply chuckle as their voice grows distant. Poking your head into the air vent reveals that the sound is coming from an upward shoot, where the duct goes up. You wouldn’t be able to climb up there, and take off the grate.

>Call Marietta, try and have her bring Guttman forward, then search the air vent for another passage.
>If you’re radio is working, then you’re obliged to call your handler for an update, call him ASAP.
>Move into the vents, continue scouting, then return or call when you’re really on dry land.
>Go back, that way you can guide Marietta and Guttman to this air pocket before scouting the vents.

>>4223056
>If you’re radio is working, then you’re obliged to call your handler for an update, call him ASAP.
an update and goal would be nice

>>4223056
>Move into the vents, continue scouting, then return or call when you’re really on dry land.

>>4223056
>Call Marietta, try and have her bring Guttman forward. Call your handler for an update while you wait for them to arrive.

>>4223056
>>Call Marietta, try and have her bring Guttman forward, then search the air vent for another passage
what will happen if we get captred by the combine?
the combine assassin wont be "cut-content" any more [/Spoiler]

>>4223432
I don’t think that would happen. As a protagonist we are entitled to at least one (1) bailout, courtesy of g-man.
And we probably earned a few bailouts from the vorts.

>>4223432
Probably torture, maybe death or being converted into a Combine Assassin. I kind of hope that less invasive cybernetics become available so we can jump and kick good. Failing that I want to put up a co-vert raid on an Aperture facility so we can make use of their jump + fall damage resistance legs. If we got those then we wouldn't need super legs to survive insane heights and have the capacity to jump farther.

>>4223441
We might need to save a couple more Vortigaunts before we can cash in that card. Here's hoping we meet more of them soon. Maybe we should try communicating with the Vortigaunts to see if there's a way to find Vorts easier, through their weird space magic?

>>4223056
>Call Marietta, try and have her bring Guttman forward, then search the air vent for another passage.

>>4223456
Maybe let's not meet GLaDOS. From what I've heard tests are bad for your health, but that may be just Black Mesa propaganda.

>>4223432
>trained agent
>apparent psychic abilities
The Combine turns us into a cross between a Combine Assassin and a Ghost from Starcraft.

>>4223066
>>4223069
>>4223073
>>4223432
>>4223636
You pull your radio from the water-tight bag built into your stealth suit. The green static that arced around it and disabled your communications is gone. You fiddle with it for a moment, swapping between frequencies and encryption keys until you confirm that the tampering is done with. Satisfied, you reset the encryption, and find Mariettas frequency.

“Marietta?” You say. “It’s Gabby. Marietta can you hear me?”

For a whole minute the radio is silent before you hear someone pulling the receiver out of a bag. “Gabby.” Marietta says. “How are you, did you find anything?”

“I’m alright. I found an air pocket, as well as a ventilation shaft that I wanna scout out.” You respond. “You should bring Dr. Guttman up here while I check it out. Swim down until you reach a room with a van in it, then go through the emergency exit, and go all the way to the top until you reach an open door. Be careful, there’s leeches, and you’ll be swimming upstream.”

“Leeches?” Marietta asks. “We’re in a desert. Do you think they’re alien?”


“Probably yeah.” You respond. “Bastards grabbed my legs.”

“Be careful with parasites Gabby.” You hear Guttman chime. “You have no idea what it might put in you.”

“I’ve read War of the Worlds Guttman.” You respond.

“That book was all over the place with science.” He says. “I’m not worried about the alien flu. We know how biological the aliens' technology is. If you have no idea if that’s just a space leech, or a vessel for a biological weapon.”

“Alright. I’ll tell you if I experience any strange symptoms.” You say, shutting down the radio. The last few days have been nothing but mysterious symptoms. If these leeches are alien smallpox blankets, your immune system will have to wait.
(cont.)

>>4223958
(cont.)
You climb up into the dark air vent, flashlight in one hand, knife in the other. Your path illuminated within a small circle of light, you slither your way through without any sound. Thankfully, the path fails to diverge, or host cranial parasites. Eventually, you slip out on the other side. The room you enter is filled with a set of massive computer banks that have been hit with electrical shocks and buckshot. It’s safe to say that the data in them is lost. Littering the floor are dead vortigaunts interlaced with headcrabs and spent shotgun casings. You navigate around the set of large computer banks, seeing a scientist in a metal corridor behind a glass pane and a sliding door. He cowers away, but doesn’t run out the door behind them.

“Please!” He shouts, seeing you in what appears to be military grade gear. “I don’t know anything, I’m just a laboratory technician.”

A quick knock on the glass brings a muffled sound. Far less rigid polycarbonate absorbs the energy, releasing a more dull sound. The glass is bulletproof. The electric, sliding door doesn’t have a working panel on this end. You’ll need him to open it if you want to go through.

>Explain to him that you’re a spy working undercover for the CIA, and not working with the military.
>Tell him you won’t hurt him if he just opens the door and tells you what he knows. You’re more sensible than the meat-headed grunts.
>No no no, you got it all wrong! I stole this suit off of dead military to help survive. I”m really a security guard, I even have my old ID.

File: apprehensionfreezer.png (1 MB, 813x593)

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>>4223958
>>4223962
Forgot the image.

>>4223962
>Explain to him that you’re a spy working undercover for the CIA, and not working with the military.
Show him your face and your old Black Mesa security guard badge, and your CIA badge.

>>4223962
>No no no, you got it all wrong! I stole this suit off of dead military to help survive. I”m really a security guard, I even have my old ID.

>>4224010
but what do we tell him when Guttman and Marietta get here? Guttman already knows that Gabby is a CIA agent, so why lie? Is it to get him out first so he's less skittish, then reveal who we are?

>>4224071
Pretty much. Guttman and Marietta know the deal, so they probably EXPECT to see gabby lying every now and then.
The goal is to get access, allow him to realize that we TRULY don't mean him any harm, and from there on we're good. Mari would likely appreciate knowing that we're not telling every average joe that we're CIA, too.
Also this dude probably wouldn't trust CIA.

>>4224091
what if we wait for Guttman?

>>4224094
Ehhh, not necessary and wastes time.

>>4223962
>Explain to him that you’re a spy working undercover for the CIA, and not working with the military.
The truth at this point is just so much simpler, and there's not really any reason to lie.

>>4223962
>No no no, you got it all wrong! I stole this suit off of dead military to help survive. I”m really a security guard, I even have my old ID.
Take off our mask to prove it to him that we’re the same person as the ID shows.

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Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4223973
>>4224010
>>4224184
>>4224188
Tied votes make me sad. 1 for explaining everything, 2 for telling him you're a security guard.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4223973
>>4224010
>>4224184
>>4224188
>>4224215
“Don’t worry.” You explain, pulling off your balaclava. “I’m not military. I’m with the central intelligence agency, acting under different orders. I have no intention to hurt you.” You pull out a badge, and a small black mesa identification card. “I was working undercover when the incident happened. I’ve been trying to avoid the military, and protect some scientists.”

“I…” He responds, kind of confused. “I don’t understand.”

“The Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense are at odds with each other at the moment. All I’m trying to do is collect information and hopefully find a way to fix this mess.” You explain, making non threatening movements, and trying to sound as calm and approachable as you can. “Trust me, I don’t want to hurt you, you’re a citizen of the country I’m trying to protect, and I can’t gather information if I do hurt the scientists. I even have a neurologist from the main infirmary travelling with me.”

“Oh…” He says, still sounding rather nervous. “I think I understand. What exactly would you like to know? I can assure you, I would never lie to authority as high as you.”

You doubt that. He sounds nervous, and you don’t blame him. He’s a frail old scientist and you’re currently armed to the teeth, and from his perspective, possibly plotting to kill him. Still, whether the fear is justified or not, it means he might not give you the full story.

>Have you seen any military up ahead?
>What do you know about the Lambda complex?
>What is your position here?
>Who killed all of these aliens?
>Has the military passed through here recently?
>Have any other scientists passed through recently?
>Could you please open the door? I won’t hurt you. (Roll 3d6+2 Pass on a 13.)
>Write in a question.

>>4224255
>What do you know about the Lambda complex?
>What is your position here?
>Who killed all of these aliens?

>>4224263
this but also this
>Have any other scientists passed through recently?
Because we gotta get everyone.

>>4224263
>>4224267
“I’ve been hearing some things about the Lambda complex.” You say. “How much have you heard about them? I know how high their clearance is.”

“Well, very little I suppose. They are very secretive in their experiments. However I will say… You see…” He takes a minute to gather his thoughts. “I handle microbial colonies for biological studies, and I’ve noticed more and more that those from the Lambda Labs have outright fantastical storage specifications. They call them extremophiles, but the conditions they ask me to generate seem downright extraterrestrial.”

“Okay, so just to be clear, you’re a biologist, and you store samples of bacteria.” You ask.

“Yes.” He responds. “That covers the gist of it.”

You look around at the room. This scientist doesn’t have a shotgun on him, nor would he be able to use it to kill multiple extraterrestrial creatures. “Who killed these aliens?” You ask.

“Ehrm…” He twitches with a bit of nerve. “They had been killed when I got here.”

“How long ago had you arrived?” You ask.

“About… ehrm… midnight, I believe.” He responds.

“And have any other scientists passed through here?” You continue.

“No. No one else.” He says. He’s hiding something important.

>He’s hiding something from you, get it out of him. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 12. Any roll lower than a 14 will make him less likely to trust you.)
>Could you please open the door? I won’t hurt you. (Roll 3d6+2 Pass on a 13.)
>Call Marietta and Guttman, tell them it’s safe to move forward.
>Write in any additional questions.

>>4224483
>Could you please open the door? I won’t hurt you. (Roll 3d6+2 Pass on a 13.)
>I need to inspect the xenos, that's all.

>>4224483
>”Can you wait just a second?”
>Call Marietta and Guttman, tell them it’s safe to move forward.
>Go back to the flooded stairwell and listen in case they need help
We should be as close to them as possible in case the ichthyosaur/ichthyosaurs down there see them.

>>4224508
The aliens are on the outside of his door, in the same room as us. This is the part in HL1 where you save a scientist, the one we’re currently talking to, from a bunch of vorts and headcrabs before you enter the freezer.

>>4224518
whoops, i had the wrong mental image

>>4224483
Gonna bet it was Freeman.
>Could you please open the door? I won’t hurt you. (Roll 3d6+2 Pass on a 13.)
>I need to inspect the xenos, that's all.

>>4224540
Anon, the aliens ARE on our side. There’s no reason for him to open the door to check the xenos because they’re already in the same room as us.

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>>4224540
Just to be clear, the aliens are on your side of the door. >>4224548 is right.

>>4224483
>Could you please open the door? I won’t hurt you. (Roll 3d6+2 Pass on a 13.)

>>4224508
>>4224514
>>4224540
>>4224561
"I see." You say. "I'd imagine most scientists are content to shelter in place. What was your name again?”

“Dr. Wythoff.” He says.

“Nice to meet you, it’s a shame it has to be in this situation. Could you open this door for me Dr. Wythoff?” You say. “I can assure you, you’re safe. You can seal it off as soon as I’m gone.”

Roll 3d6+2.

Rolled 5, 2, 6 + 2 = 15 (3d6 + 2)

>>4224592
Cmon dice, let’s not spook the man.

Rolled 3, 3, 5 + 2 = 13 (3d6 + 2)

>>4224592

Rolled 3, 2, 1 + 2 = 8 (3d6 + 2)

>>4224592

>>4224601
>>4224609
>>4224616

The scientist looks you up and down one last time, before he sighs and says, "I suppose... you do seem to be rather earnest. Just know that I don't have any information beyond what I've already told you."

He clicks a few buttons on a nearby panel. Unfortunately, it's at an angle where you can't see the code he's typing.

"Thank you Dr. Wythoff." You respond with a smile.

>So now that you're in here, you're free to press him for the information he's hiding from you. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 12.)
>Just call Marietta and Guttman to move forward.
>Ask the scientist what's up ahead, past the metal bulkhead half of the airlock.

>>4224653
>Just call Marietta and Guttman to move forward.
>Ask the scientist what's up ahead, past the metal bulkhead half of the airlock.
Does he know how to use a gun? How would he feel about using a gun that shoots angry bees?

>>4224653
>So now that you're in here, you're free to press him for the information he's hiding from you. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 12.)

>>4224653
>So now that you're in here, you're free to press him for the information he's hiding from you. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 12.)
Gabby, please initiate the death glare

>>4224660
>>4224661
>>4224674
The scientist is definitely too frail to fight anything. If you knew your grandparents, you'd bet this would be his age.

"You know Dr. Wythoff," you say as you step in. "you said the aliens had been dead when you locked yourself in." You come closer, even though you're the same height as the old man, you still want to maximize your presence. "However, I looked at the aliens, and the bodies seem rather fresh. Are you sure they were dead when they came in here?"

Roll 3d6+2.

>>4224653
>Just call Marietta and Guttman to move forward.
>Ask the scientist what's up ahead, past the metal bulkhead half of the airlock.
But don’t give him any weapons. Fuck this guy, he wouldn’t move out of the way on my first playthrough and I had to noclip through.

Rolled 4, 3, 1 + 2 = 10 (3d6 + 2)

>>4224701
Ah, poor old guy. Oh well, he’s got nothing to fear from us. Not that he knows that.

Rolled 6, 4, 5 + 2 = 17 (3d6 + 2)

>>4224701

Rolled 2, 1, 3 + 2 = 8 (3d6 + 2)

>>4224701

>>4224705
>>4224711
>>4224718
As you come closer, the scientist backs off, but you keep approaching. He takes a step back, you take a step forward. Pretty soon, he's reached the metal door. He can't step away anymore, and he knows it all too well.

To the scientist, he's made the terribly poor judgement of letting a lion into the room with him, and he quickly realizes that you're not leaving without something in return.

"Alright, I admit it!" He exclaims, lowering himself a little. "Dr. Freeman came through here a while ago, gunning down the creatures that had accumulated outside. I sent him through the freezer, telling him he'd need to stick to the old, low security sections of the facility but... but... before he came through, before the aliens arrived, a group of women that looked like you came. They told me if I notified anyone of their existence they'd hunt me down!"

"Wait, slow down." You say. "You saw women that looked like me. What equipment did they have?"

"I didn't take note but... their suit looked much like yours." He stammers.

"Did they show you a badge, identification?" You ask.

"No, no, they simply threatened me, told me not to tell any person I see."

"And Dr. Freeman, did he say anything?" You ask.

"I... I guess I must have been so stressed I couldn't remember if he said anything or not." He explains. "I promise you, I don't remember."

"Well, where was he going?" You ask.

"The Lambda labs, they've been directing them their ever since their attempt to shut down the invasion through a satellite failed." He explains. "I was called up after launch, they told me he was their only hope of stopping this mess, and that the only other candidates skilled enough either left the facility or died trying to fix it."

"People left the facility? Did they survive?" You ask.

"I wouldn't know if they succeeded, but I had been told Dr. Rosenberg was using some of the old prototypes to leave. I have no idea what prototypes they're talking about."


"Alright." You say. "What's up ahead, past the metal bulkhead?"

"A freezer. Some of the microbes are stored at near arctic temperatures, and that's why we generate such frigidly cold air. I'd be careful. If that vest of yours is like the one in our hazard suits, it'll sap the power if you leave it on."

"Alright, hold on a moment..." You explain, before you pull the radio out and call up Marietta. It takes a minute, but she picks up, still gasping for air.

“What is it?” She says inbetween breaths.

“You’re good to come forward.” You explain. “Just keep moving through the vents, you shouldn’t run into any trouble. Are you and Dr. Guttman alright?”


“Alien fucking bloodsuckers!” Dr. Guttman says.

>Explain to Marietta what you learned about the other operatives moving through.
>Tell Marietta that Dr. Gordon Freeman has moved through here.
>Call up the CIA, tell them about the other agents and get a briefing.
>Write in any follow up questions for Dr. Wythoff.

>>4224762
>Explain to Marietta what you learned about the other operatives moving through.
>Call up the CIA, tell them about the other agents and get a briefing.
>Write in any follow up questions for Dr. Wythoff.
Anything he wants to do or get now that he's out of danger? We were going to regroup with the survivors. Good call by the way for not opening the door for them.

>>4224762
>Ask if he has any way of contacting the Lambda labs, or if he at least knows what frequency could be used to contact them.
>Explain to Marietta what you learned about the other operatives moving through.

>>4224766
Support, although to come with us he’d either have to go through the alien freezer or go back through the water, neither of which someone of his age and likely abysmal fitness could survive.

>>4224788
Don't the the lab coats provide a bit of protection? if not the freezer or water, then where?

>>4224795
They protect from spilled chemicals, not alien freezers and space leeches

>>4224795
You overestimate the durability of the average labcoat.

>>4224766
Supporting, but lets ask marietta's opinion beforehand.

>>4224828
and you didn't answer my question. if not the freezer or water, then where?

>>4224837
The main benefit of having a labcoat is to be able to see any possible spillage, and not have it fall directly on the skin. It's not going to protect from an industrial chemical spill, full body submersion, or subzero temperatures throughout a room. The best it'll do is prevent you from getting burned if you spill a small quantity of chemicals on you, and even then you'd want to take it off quickly and wash yourself.

>>4224766
>>4224775
>>4224788
>>4224831
“Did the aliens give you problems?” You ask.

“Yeah.” Marietta replies. “I’m gonna take a bit of a breather before we move through the vents. Those little worms wouldn’t leave us alone.”

“The conspiracy forums were right, fish people in human disguises!” Guttman yells. “Gabby’s one of them!”

“He needs a break too.” Marietta continues.

“I can hear that.” You respond. “But I need to talk to you. There’s a scientist down here, he says he saw a group of Black Ops coming through.”

“Jesus.” She exclaims. “Did he say where they were doing, or where they went?”

“Ehrm… hold on.” You pull away from the radio for a second, to ask Dr. Whytoff if he saw where they went.

“They went through the freezer, the same way as Freeman later. They didn’t tell me why.” He explains before you relay it back to Marietta.

“Then... If they’re fellow spies we should track them down.” She responds. “If not, they’ll tell us to go away.”

“Okay. I think I’m gonna call up our handler and tell him, ask for advice.” You say. “I’ll tell you what he says when you get here, sound like a good idea?”

“Yeah, that sounds fine.” She says before you click your radio off.

Before you get to work calling up your handler, you turn to Whytoff, and ask “Do you any way of contacting the lambda labs?

“Well… they give us these little devices to communicate easier but… well I just can’t wrap my head around it.” He pulls it out of his pockets with shaky hands. “It doesn’t have any buttons, you have to touch the screen I think.” The device is a small, thin, square communication device with a few basic programs, and a communication unit. “The electronics lab cooked it up you see.”

“Thank you.” You respond. “Is there anything you’d like help with now that you’re out of danger. We could bring you to the infirmary to regroup with other survivors.”

“No thank you.” He says enthusiastically. “I won’t live another few minutes out there. I’m staying behind the bulletproof glass.”

You rework the radio’s settings for a few minutes until you have the encryption and frequency of your handler, then flick it back on hoping you aren’t too far underground to send a signal.

“Agent Oppenheimer?” You hear the gruff voice of your handler explain. “Oh thank god, we have someone left. Oppenheimer, you’re in an underground, industrial area of the facility yes, likely you’ve seen some flooding.”

>Keep it professional, just say yes.
>Yes, what do you mean thank god?
>What happened?
>Yes, then take the liberty of telling him straight about the covert ops you’ve heard about.
>Don’t tell him your location.

>>4224871
If they're after freeman they're probably as good as dead.
You can't stay behind the bulletproof glass forever Dr. Whytoff. You know some of these aliens teleport everywhere, and that glass isn't teleport proof despite the low probability of anything teleporting behind you.

>Yes, what do you mean thank god?
Lemme guess. Freeman?

>What happened?

>>4224871
>What happened?
Before we leave, we should tell the scientist that he stands even less of a chance in here without a weapon or someone to watch his back, because the aliens have a habit of teleporting wherever they want. Or crawling in through the vents.

>>4224871
>”Thank god? What do you mean? What happened?”
By omitting the “yes” part we keep our location secret.
Also, how does it make sense that the Black Ops came in after Freeman? They were already waiting for him in an ambush by the time he got there, and the only path they could have taken was the one Freeman was already on. They would have seen him.
>>4224837
>if not the freezer or water, then where?
Nowhere.
He won’t make it through the freezer since it’s full of aliens.
He won’t make it back the way we came because an old guy like him would probably just drown.
He won’t make it back the way Freeman came, which needs acrobatics to traverse and is filled with alien sharks.
Our best option is to just leave the guy here. Sucks, but he’s probably not going to make it out. His best bet is through the freezer, assuming Freeman killed all the vorts in there, and even if he did make it through he’d slow us down horribly with little to no payback. Guttman has medical expertise and Mari is an assassin like us. This guy at best can open an optical scanner door for us, which assumes that A) he is authorised to open doors in this area, B) Guttman isn’t authorised to open doors in this area, and C) there even IS an optical scanner in our near future.
Besides, he doesn’t even want to go.

>>4224897
what if we just kill all the aliens in the freezer?

>>4224897
They came before Dr. Freeman.
>before he came through, before the aliens arrived, a group of women that looked like you came.

>>4224903
It’s a possibility, but it would waste valuable time that saps our vest with every second. Honestly, I was just planning on running through and flashbanging any remaining aliens if Freeman didn’t already clean house.
>>4224908
Aw fuck, guess I’m stupid.

>>4224908
Future gabby, and future marie in some quantum time paradox?

>>4224920
We should at least try, there has to be more routes out of this area than just the ones Gordon took.

>>4224920
It's okay Lore-Dump Anon, you're still my favorite.
>>4224889
>>4224895
>>4224897
"Thank god? What do you mean thank god? What happened?" You say.

Your handler pauses for a second. He notices that you haven't given away your location, but doesn't say anything. It's technically up to your own discretion to reveal information that may reveal cover, so he doesn't say anything.

"We consolidated some of the other spies, had them moving through to do classified work. An hour ago, we lost contact with every single one. If you are physically able, it is highly recommended you search for them and investigate." He says. "These were highly trained agents, be careful, if they're AWOL, they'll be incredibly dangerous. If they're dead, something very dangerous haskilled them. Check in when you find them, and take any available data. Is all the transmitting and processing equipment we sent you still intact."

“Yes.” You say.

“Stay safe Oppenheimer. We’re rooting for you.” Your handler says. “Send Poskanzer my regards as well.”

"Understood." You respond.

The frequency goes dead, and you wait a few minutes until you hear people moving through the air ducts. Soon Marietta slides out of the vents, followed by a soaked Dr. Guttman who falls out behind her.

“Are you two alright?” You ask as they collect themselves.

“Yeah.” Marietta responds. “We’ll be fine. Did you hear anything from our handler?”

“Yes. Apparently that group of spies the scientist saw didn’t make it far. Somewhere nearby, they all went dark.”

“Jesus. The whole group?” She asks.

“Yeah. The handler says we’re the last two left.” You explain.

“Oh god. Yeah, we should track them down. They’ll no doubt have some data on them, even if they’re dead.” Marietta responds.

>I think it might have been Dr. Freeman who killed them.
>I think we should stay optimistic, squads lose contact with handlers all the time.
>Dr. Guttman, your fish people theory doesn’t make any sense, aliens can’t have breasts.
>Tell Marietta and Guttman about the voice you heard when the radio turned on, the message you pulled from the migraine early.

>>4224958
>I think we should stay optimistic, squads lose contact with handlers all the time.
>Dr. Guttman, your fish people theory doesn’t make any sense, aliens can’t have breasts.

>>4224958
>I still don't want to leave the grandpa doctor alone for him to get eaten
>Tell Marietta and Guttman about the voice you heard when the radio turned on, the message you pulled from the migraine early.

>>4224958
>We should make sure to maintain stealth and avoid engaging entities wherever we can from here on out. If something did kill them, it's probably something our usual tactics wouldn't work on, so getting the data and getting out unseen will be the goal.
>Try to convince the scientist holed up here to temporarily join up, he's not nearly as safe here as he thinks he is.

>>4224974
He does know about teleporting aliens doesn't he?

>>4224958
Does anyone know if there is a charging station nearby?

>>4224958
>I think we should stay optimistic, squads lose contact with handlers all the time.
>Tell Marietta and Guttman about the voice you heard when the radio turned on, the message you pulled from the migraine early.

>>4225042
We should probably let him know. He's also valuable Intel based on his testimony of lambda. Infirmary is our destination anyway. Could get our neurologist and an old man in sneaking suits too.

>>4224958
>>I think we should stay optimistic, squads lose contact with handlers all the time.
>>Dr. Guttman, your fish people theory doesn’t make any sense, aliens can’t have breasts.
if the vortigaunts hadent sapped our radio, we would have meet with freeman too

>>4225477
But what if we're flat. Aliens can have thicc legs.

>>4224958
>If we see crowbar wounds we know who beat them down.
>Dr. Guttman, your fish people theory doesn't make any sense, THESE aliens can't have breasts. The evolutionary stresses are too random to give the stability needed for the development of a nurturing period where breasts would be useful. They probably have some level of self sufficiency almost, or actually, at birth. Bio-augmented symbionts and mind jackers on the other hand...
>Quietly become concerned at random science tirade/paranoia.

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Hey guys, I've been trying to think of a more manageable, and predictable schedule to run the quest. Looking at my schedule, I've decided that I'm gonna be taking wednesday's off regularly, it gives me time to catch up on real world responsibilities. I might add another day in the future, but for now, no updates on wednesdays. If I give you any more updates today, yell at me for procrastinating.

>>4224964
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>>4225547

"Well, let's stay optimistic here. Spies lose contact with their handlers all the time. It's just as possible they're encountering major radio interference." You say.

"Fair point, but our handler is probably not giving us the whole story." Marietta responds. "If he thinks we're the last spies he has, he probably has reason to believe it."

"I suppose, but if something did kill them, we should work to avoid it. It's clear our usual tactics won't be working on it. We're best off getting the data and leaving unseen."


Marietta nods. "Good thinking."

Setting that more serious conversation to the side for now, you turn to Dr. Guttman, who has as of a few minutes ago accused you of being a fish person. "Dr. Guttman, I don't think your theory makes much sense." You say, trying to add a sarcastic air of a nun explaining something to those "foolish juveniles." "Aliens, especially ones such as these," you point around to the dead aliens littering the computer room, "could not have breasts. The evolutionary stresses required for the development of a nurturing period rewarding the development of breast tissue simply isn't present. More likely, a degree of self sufficiency is present in their young."

"Also they don't have nipples." Guttman throws in.

"Good observation..." You say, before pausing. Where the hell did you learn all of that? You’re not a biologist.

"Well, thanks for the high school biology lesson Agent Oppenheimer," Guttman responds, "But if you can hide your gills, you can clearly deceive in other ways."

You look down at yourself, then touch your stealth suit, around your belly, carefully avoiding the wound left by a desert eagle. What if you are a body-snatcher? The muscle, scars, and occasional areas of fat all add up. You feel pretty real.

“So are we bringing the scientist over there with us?” Dr. Guttman asks, breaking you away from your own existential crisis.

“I don’t know yet.” You respond. “He didn’t want to come with us, and is kind of scared of me and probably Marietta. Still, I’d rather not leave him here. He’s not safe.”

“You’re right.” He says. “But on the other hand, will we really be able to keep him safe? It’s pretty much a given that we’re gonna run into hazards that require physical activity. Nowhere is really safe.”
(cont.)

>>4225977
(cont.)
>You’re right. We just need to get a move on.
>Gently make Dr. Wythoff faint, and carry him with you somewhere safer than here.
>Convince Dr. Wythoff to come with you. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 15. A natural 3 will scare him off, overriding all other rolls.)

>>4225978
>>Gently make Dr. Wythoff faint, and carry him with you somewhere safer than here.

>>4225978
>Convince Dr. Wythoff to come with you. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 15. A natural 3 will scare him off, overriding all other rolls.)
I’d rather not kidnap him, and if the only other option is effectively failing this roll without trying, we may as well try.

>>4225978
>Gently make Dr. Wythoff faint, and carry him with you somewhere safer than here.

>>4225978
>Gently make Dr. Wythoff faint, and carry him with you somewhere safer than here.

>>4225978
>Convince Dr. Wythoff to come with you. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 15. A natural 3 will scare him off, overriding all other rolls.)
Changing vote to this, but if we fail then I guess we spook him then.

>>4225978
>>Convince Dr. Wythoff to come with you. (Roll 3d6+2, pass on a 15. A natural 3 will scare him off, overriding all other rolls.)

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Okay I need a break from physics assignments.
Also, if you want, you could leave him one of your guns, I didn't think of that possibility when I wrote the prompts, but probably should have.

"We have to try." You explain. "The guy doesn't deserve to die down here. I bet he has grandkids."

"I understand that, but I got kids too." Guttman says. "I ain't throwing my life away for the guy, but if you wanna help him, I understand."

As you walk away to talk to Dr. Wythoff, you hear Marietta mutter to Dr. Guttman. "You have kids? Where are they?"

"Far away." Guttman responds. "Working for mad scientists makes it hard to win custody battles."

You approach Dr. Wythoff slowly, making your hands easily visible and keeping yourself low and far. "Dr. Wythoff, I really don't think you should stay here." You say. "Even if you keep the door locked, the marines have breaching charges, and I'm sure you've seen the aliens appearing out of the air at random."

Roll 3d6+2.

Rolled 6, 4, 3 + 2 = 15 (3d6 + 2)

>>4226482
PROCRASTINATOR

Rolled 6, 1, 1 + 2 = 10 (3d6 + 2)

>>4226482

Rolled 5, 2, 6 + 2 = 15 (3d6 + 2)

>>4226482
COME WITH ME IF YOU WANT TO LIVE

>>4226482
At the very least I think we should give him the basics of gun control and give him the glock to afford him a bit of safety. Then we can keep any eye out for any Security Guard armor, or PCV's if he's strong enough to wear it.

any chance we might run in to ~~commander~~ corporal sheperd? if so, what is our plan?

>>4226530
Throw dank memes to confuse his dick, then spam flashbangs until he leaves us alone. Or see if we can collaborate.
When do you think we'll start finding exectricbugs?

>>4226530
If he doesn’t see us, keep it that way. If he does see us, try to convince him we’re good people.

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>>4226522
"Well... I don't really know if there's any safer options." The scientist responds.

"Dr. Wythoff," You interrupt. "If you come with us, you'll be traveling alongside two trained agents, and a medical professional. We'll be able to keep you safe."

"Well..." He looks to the bulkhead. "It's cold in there."

"It'll be far easier to face the cold than it would be survive on your own. You can't stay here forever." You respond.

Your appeal to an undeniable logical conclusion has him stay silent, looking for some sort of counterpoint, but he can't find one. "Alright." He says. "I can't argue with you. I'll have to hedge my bets with you."

"I'm glad you made the right choice." You say. Marietta approaches, being taller than you, her presence causes the scientist to twitch slightly, then even more when he realizes she has a gun in her hand.

"Here, Dr. Withoff right." She says, holding a Glock by the barrel. "If you're gonna be traveling with us, it'll be a good idea to have at least some self defense capacity. Why don't you come with me, I'll show you how to use it."

The scientist looks at Marietta, then to the gun, then back to you. He grasps the grip, then takes it.

"Come with me, we shouldn't be shooting it in a metal corridor, it'll bounce around." She says.

As Dr. Wythoff is taught the basics of using a handgun, you assess your options. some of the panels in this small airlock show temperature readings of negative twenty degrees Celsius. It'll be cold, and if you have to stop to fight something, that might risk hypothermia, especially in someone like Dr. Wythoff who's metabolism and body is slow.

>Scout it out yourself, clear the place out then call Marietta foward with the other two.
>You and Marietta scout it out, leave behind a radio so you can call for Guttman and Wythoff when the coast is clear.
>Leave Wythoff alone with a radio while the three of you clear the freezer out.
>Bring all four of you through at once.

>>4226622
>>Scout it out yourself, clear the place out then call Marietta foward with the other two.

>>4226622
>Scout it out yourself, clear the place out then call Marietta foward with the other two.

>>4226622
>Scout it out yourself, clear the place out then call Marietta foward with the other two.
>Load rubber bullets in the submachine gun(s)

>>4226622
>Scout it out yourself, clear the place out then call Marietta foward with the other two.
GO RECON

>>4226622
>Scout it out yourself, clear the place out then call Marietta forward with the other two.

>>4226622
>Scout it out yourself, clear the place out then call Marietta foward with the other two.