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>>40726576
"Where's your driver?" Alex asks, finally speaking since the end of the hostilities. Rock's commander certainly was a quiet one.

"Alfie? She's tidying up our VT. She prefers to stay in there, anyways." Axel shrugs. "Especially with all these people around."

"Ah, so that's where you all are!" Parker says cheerfully as she walks up, adjusting her beret. "I actually need a few favors to be done!"

"Nope. NOOOOPE. I'm on break!" Axel groans.

"Just tell us what you need." Rock chuckles. "But I do think the newbies could use the rest."

"I'll keep that in mind." Parker nods. "I want someone to go give R&D a visit. They've been going over those undead soldiers we've collected, and I want to see if they found out anything new."

"And where are you going?" Alex asks.

"Sawyer's calling a big briefing. Me and Bannon pretty much have to go." Parker smiles when she glances at you, Tarin, and Axel. "You're free to tag along if you want. You'll get a better idea of how things are run."

>Get some rest.
>Go to the briefing.
>Pay a visit to R&D.
>Other

>>40726584
>Pay a visit to R&D.
We may get info or NEW TOYS!

>>40726584
>>Go to the briefing.

>>40726584
>Pay a visit to R&D.

These zombies might be nothing more than shock troops who happen to have severe skin problems, but still. They might need our input on something.

>>40726584
>>Pay a visit to R&D.
Also make sure our VT is at least doing well.

>>40726584
>Go to the briefing.

>>40726584
>>Pay a visit to R&D.

>>40726584
>Go to the briefing.
With luck, we'll catch the rest of our unit there.

>>40726584
>Pay a visit to R&D

The enemy have the LIVING DEAD on their side. Now's the time to ask questions and get answers about that. I really hope that this is a new development, because if zombie soldiers are common in this world... uh... um... uh-oh!

(On the upside, if zombie soldiers are common, our infantry kills are gonna go through the roof!)

>>40726584
>>Pay a visit to R&D.

>>40726584
>Pay a visit to R&D.

Anyone thought up of things to write on our VT?

I was thinking of something like Wrex for a pun, or a classic "Get some". Hell, maybe a pin-up model on the front....

>>40726584
>Pay a visit to R&D.

>>40726713
BIG SHOT
THE PENETRATOR
Cat hunter

>>40726584
>Pay a visit to R&D.
SCIENCE!

>>40726584
>Go to the briefing.

>>40726584
>Other

Arrange to get our tank fixed if we haven't already. It got lit up pretty good.

>>40726713

Considering that we've been sniping VTs and jammer towers, plus stomping, burning, or .50-hosing zombies... hmm.

Maybe we need a bit more salt and experience before we can really put a proper callsign on our VT.

>>40726664
That brings up a question.

Are the corpses used to make those zombies from Reikland or Tilea? Both propositions are equally terrifying.

Question, what exactly does a tank on legs do better than a tank on treads?

>>40726855
Look Cooler?

>>40726855
Scaling terrain too difficult for tracked vehicles at the cost of a smaller ground pressure, I guess.

>>40726903
>Terrain too difficult for a tracked vehicle
Like what? Not trying to derail the tread, just really curious.

>>40726935
Really difficult mountains.

>>40726961
But wouldn't being on legs make it really, really top heavy?

>>40726903
>smaller
Higher.
>>40726935
Rough forests, mountains.

>>40726961
I feel like being able to scale one type of terrain better, while having none of the simplicity of a tread is a huge negative tradeoff.

>>40726974
Correct. One could feasibly manage it.

>>40726984
But isn't a walker system like, stupidly hard to make and maintain, because of things like a gyroscope, and wouldn't the legs look like two massive targets?

>>40727026
The Sherman had no problems with its gyroscope. Course, it wasn't nearly as used or as needed as this would be.

The legs would be massive targets. Perhaps even anti-tank rifles could mess it up. Depends on how much armor you put on it. But as you put on more armor, you weigh down the design, increasing ground pressure even more. Ground pressure is one of the most important factors for maneuverability.

In short, are mechs viable for actual front line use? Not really. Does it matter for this? Not at all.

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>>40726713
This would be our pinup model. VT-TAN!

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>>40726584
"Sure, I guess I can pay a visit to R&D." You say, getting up and yawning. "Tarin, you wanna come with?"

"Sure." Tarin nods as she gets to her feet.

"Thanks a lot, you two!" Parker grins and pops off a quick salute. "Anyways, I gotta go before Bannon finds a way to piss off Sawyer again! Stay out of trouble!"

With that, Parker jogs off. Rock then turns to you with a smile, letting out a puff of smoke from his lungs.

"Oh right, this will be your first time meeting Professor Egan, right? She's pretty damn smart, if not a little eccentric. Try not to take everything she says too seriously."

"Thanks, I think?" You blink. "Anyways, you guys hold down the fort here, yeah?"

"Don't have to tell me twice." Axel says as he closes eyes to nap.

You and Tarin walk out of the square, past where your VTs were parked. Already, you could see repair crews hastily repairing the damage your vehicles suffered in yesterday's fighting. Mostly it was quick field fixes like welding armor plates over areas where shells had hit. In your VT's, case, the repair crews were completely replacing the leg to restore mobility.

"She's been through a lot." Tarin notes as she glances at your VT.

"Yeah, she has." You nod. "Took hits and kept on going, through. Can't ask for a finer VT."

"Yeah." Tarin nods as you continue on your way. It only takes a few more minutes until you reach a small cluster of tents at the rear of the town, where you could see the white-coated scientists of the R&D Division running to and fro, attempting to analyze all of the recovered Reikland equipment. At one end, you could see soldiers piling up all of the "corpses", while at the other, you could see a line of burnt out husks of Lynxes.

>Examine the corpses.
>Examine the Lynxes.
>Other

>>40727129
>>Examine the Lynxes.


LOOT!

>>40727129
>>Examine the corpses.
Time to see what the fuck they are.

>>40727129
>>Examine the Lynxes.
The part that is more important to us.

>>40727129
>>Examine the Lynxes.

>>40727129
>Examine the corpses.

>>40727129
>>Examine the Lynxes.

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>>40727126
Meh, I guess it just triggers my autism. Oh well, thanks for the answers anon, enjoy your quest.

>>40727129
>>Examine the corpses.

>>40727129
>>Examine the Lynxes.

>>40727129
>Examine the Lynxes

>>40727129
>Examine the Lynxes.

>>40727129
>>Examine the corpses.
Egan is going to have so much fun dissecting theme a la Valen from X-COM/CIMQ.

>>40727129
>>Examine the Lynxes.
Loot over zombies

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>>40727129
>Examine the Lynxes.

Got a hackjob coloring done of the lynx.

>>40727129
>Examine the Lynxes.

Look for weak points we can snipe next time!

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>>40727129
You find yourself wandering towards the the rows and rows of knocked out Lynxes, some of which you had personally destroyed yourself. All of the Lynxes, without exception, seen to have been destroyed the same way: massive secondary explosions and fires. That was a little odd, considering many VT kills were achieved by knocking out critical systems, not necessarily blowing the whole damn thing up.

"They must not have built them very well." You note as you look at a burned out Lynx, it's armor and paint singed black.

"It looks like it." Tarin nods. "I'd hate to be sitting in something that can ignite so easily."

"And that is where you're mistaken." You hear a third, new voice. You and Tarin look up to see the head of a dark haired girl poking her head out of one of the Lynx's burned out hatch. "These fires were deliberately set."

"What?" You blink. "I presume you're Professor Egan?"

"Correct." The young scientist pulls herself out of the dead Lynx and drops down to the grass in front of you, straightening out her coat as she stands up. "Can I help you two?"

"Well, uh, we were here to see if you found out anything from the stuff you salvaged." You say. "

"Parker sent us." Tarin adds.

"Ah, 7th Platoon." Egan nods. "I suppose Bannon would get replacements eventually. What do you need to know?"

"Well, more about these Lynxes, at least." You say, pointing to the dead VTs.

(cont)

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>>40727606
"Ah, well, we used to always assume Reikland VT development would be similar to ours." Egan shrugs. "But what always interested us was how efficient their crews were. We've calculated that if a Tilean crew were to take the first hit in a battle, their combat effectiveness drops by almost 70%. However, a Reikland crew in a similar situation would only suffer a 20% drop in effectiveness. We used to always assume that Reikland has some sort of special training or armor that would somehow prevent loss of crew effectiveness."

"But that's not what you found?" Tarin guesses.

"Correct. We found that mechanically, Lynxes are not very different from our own VTs, and their armor is in fact slightly inferior, though this seems to be by design rather than lack of capability. They were meant to be more disposable. Another anomaly we noticed is that every Lynx we have examined has been scuttled, with no evidence of any crew present."

"That's impossible!" You gasp. "Not a single body?"

"None." Egan shakes her head. "It's rather baffling. We don't have an adequate explanation for it yet."

>Surely you have some kind of theory.
>Okay, what about the undead guys?
>Other

>>40727627
>>Okay, what about the undead guys?

>>40727627
>>Surely you have some kind of theory.
ROBOTS
GHOST CONTROLLED ROBOTS

>>40727627
>>Surely you have some kind of theory.

>>40727627
>>Okay, what about the undead guys?


>Maybe it's an AI or they used the undead?

>>40727627
>>Okay, what about the undead guys?
spooky

>>40727627
>>Surely you have some kind of theory.

>>40727627
>Surely you have some kind of theory.
Does it have something to do with zombies?

>>40727627
>>Surely you have some kind of theory.

>>40727627
>Okay, what about the undead guys?

>>40727627
>>Surely you have some kind of theory.

>>40727627
>>Okay, what about the undead guys?

>>40727627
>Okay, what about the undead guys?

>>40727627
So Reikland has autonomous VTs and zombies. This is some Wolfenstein shit we've gotten ourselves into.

>Surely you have some kind of theory.

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>>40727627
"Surely you have some kind of theory." You say.

"Well, I do." Egan nods. "We've always suspected that Reikland has been pursuing 'alternative' lines of research. I have no evidence, but I think that their Lynxes aren't human controlled."

"What?" You gasp. "Then what?"

"Perhaps some kind of analytical computer. Something far beyond our current capability to develop or understand." Egan shrugs. "But again, the fact that the interiors are completely burned out thanks to their scuttling measures makes this impossible to determine. However, there is a favor I'd like to ask of you."

"What would that be?" You raise an eyebrow.

"I've been developing a special kind of cannon round." Egan explains. "Instead of exploding or piercing armor, it releases a massive, stored electrical charge .Guaranteed to knock out a crew or short out electrical systems without destroying them."

"I suspect there's a catch to this." Tarin frowns.

"Well, more like a design flaw I haven't been able to correct yet." Egan continues flatly. "The shell is extremely delicate, so it will only be guaranteed to work at close range. Probably within 100 meters or less."

"Wait, you want us to capture a Lynx by shooting it at CLOSE RANGE?" You exclaim.

"I never said it was an ideal situation." Egan says bluntly.

>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.
>Maybe you should work on those shells a bit more...
>Other

>>40728096
>>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.
Just in case. Don't force it if we can't use it, but if we can, all the better.

>>40728096
>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.

>>40728096
>>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.
No promises

>>40728096
>>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.

>>40728096
>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.

>>40728096
>>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.
Maybe we can find an alternative usage for those shells....Any ideas?

>>40728096
Hey Merc, could you sum up Axel and Alfies's personalities in a few words each? I need them for reasons.

>>40728142
hello VT mine field

>>40728096
>>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.
lets XCOM this bitch right now.

>>40728096
>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.
and suggest making proximity mines

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>>40728096
Feels like we've been here before.

>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.

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>>40728148
Axel: Confident, easygoing, and highly protective of Alfie.

Alfie: Shy, introverted, very nice, and extremely talented.

>>40728096
>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.

>>40728096
>>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.

>>40728209
Thanks! I might have something whipped up in time for next weeks thread.

>>40728096
>Okay, we'll take a few of those shells.
ARC THROWER 2 CANNON BOOGALOO

>>40728254
From this point onward, I'm Roy with Bradford's voice.

>>40728306
Er, imagining, that is. Shit.

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>>40728243
cautiousoptimism.jpg

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>>40728096
"Sure, we'll take a few of those shells, then. Can't hurt to carry a couple around." You say.

"Your contributions to the field of sciences are appreciated." Egan nods. "Do try to bring an intact specimen. We will accept nothing less."

"Um, sure." You nod.

"Anyways, I have important work to do. Unless you have anything else to ask I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Egan grunts.

>We'll be on our way, then.
>Can you tell us more about those zombies?
>Other

>>40728456
>>Can you tell us more about those zombies?

>>40728456
>>Can you tell us more about those zombies?

>>40728456
>Can you tell us more about those zombies?

>>40728456
>>Can you tell us more about those zombies?

>>40728456
>>Can you tell us more about those zombies?
Are they Reikland corpses? Tilean?

>>40728456
>Can you tell us more about those zombies?

>>40728456
>>Can you tell us more about those zombies?

>>40728383
don't worry, it's porn

>>40728646
It's always porn.

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>>40728456
"What about those undead soldiers we encountered?" You ask Egan. "What the hell are up with those?"

"More evidence of Reikland's advancement along 'alternative' lines of research." Egan grumbles as she motions for you to follow her. She leads you to the other end of the camp, where the newly dead undead soldiers were being piled. A few of the more intact specimens had been put on dissection tables, where both doctors and mechanics were carefully examining the corpses and the mechanical components grafted to them. Now that you got a good look at them in daylight, they weren't actually so scary. But still, their gaunt, rotted features and fusion with machinery was still deeply unsettling, and you couldn't bear to look at them for more than a few seconds.

"So, are they..."

"They're not Tilean." Egan says quickly. "According to our dissections, these corpses seemed to all be elderly or died from illness. Our guess is Reikland is 'recycling' anybody who dies of natural or artificial causes."

"They're not... alive, are they?" Tarin asks, eying one of the corpses carefully.

"No, they're all very much biologically dead." Egan grabs one of the corpses and rolls it over onto its stomach. She then points to a small antenna planted at the back of its neck. "The body is apparently used as a frame to support the mechanical components and weapons, while the hydraulics provide actual motor function. A radio transmitter on the backpack seems to relay instructions to them. It's all rather ingenious, really."

>I have to admit, it is a bit ingenious.
>It's an abomination.
>Other

>>40728979
>>Other
>Stay silent
Words fail to express this.

>>40728979
>I have to admit, it is a bit ingenious.
Disturbing as it is, it makes for a rather efficient use of resources.

>>40728979
>>I have to admit, it is a bit ingenious.
Pretty disgusting, too.

>>40728979
>It's an abomination.

>>40728979
>>It's an abomination.

>>40728979
>Other
"It's inefficient, why bother attaching all the gear to a body when you could just assemble it on it's own."

>>40728979
>I hate to admit, it is a bit ingenious, but it's still an abomination

>>40728979
>>I have to admit, it is a bit ingenious.

>>40728979
>>It's an abomination.
it is HERISY of the HIGHEST ORDER!

>>40728979
>It's an abomination.

>>40728979
>It's an abomination

>>40728979
>I have to admit, it is a bit ingenious.

>>40728979
>>It's an abomination.

>>40728979
yo that's gross

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>>40728979
"It's an abomination." You nearly spit but manage to hold back at the last moment. "What possible use could they have for these things?"

"I imagine to act as both disposable shock troops and a psychological warfare weapon." Egan explains. "Considering how far the Reiklanders managed to advance in such a short time, I would have to conclude that they were extremely effective in that regard."

"So do they have any kind of weaknesses?" Tarin asks.

"Well, they don't possess any independent thought or initiative, and are completely reliant on an external control signal." Egan says. "The only issues I see fighting these things is requiring to hit them in the right spot, countering loss of morale, and finding a way to degrade or eliminate their command and control."

"That makes sense." Tarin nods.

"What... what are you going to do with the bodies when you're done with them?" You ask.

"Well, we can't very well leave them out here, in case the Reiklanders recover them and put them back on the battlefield." Egan sighs. "And nobody is willing to go through the time or effort to separate the corpses from their mechanical parts, so we're resorted to just burning them wholesale."

You glance over to the edge of the camp, where you can see a squad of soldiers dragging the corpse soldiers to a large pit, where another squad was dousing the bodies with gasoline to start a makeshift funeral pyre.

"I highly recommend that if you were to die, try not to leave an intact body for Reikland to recover." Egan says further.

"Noted." Both you and Tarin say.

"Anyways, I still have business to attend to. I hope you both can show yourselves out." Egan turns away and starts putting on a set of surgical gloves.

"Well, what now?" Tarin asks.

>I suppose we can help out that burial detail.
>Let's see if we can catch that briefing.
>Let's head back to the square.
>Other

>>40729536
>Let's see if we can catch that briefing.

>>40729536
>Let's head back to the square.
Time to rest

>>40729536
>>Let's see if we can catch that briefing.
Well let's see what the Brass is up to this time.

>>40729536
>Let's head back to the square.

>>40729536
>>Let's see if we can catch that briefing.

>>40729536
>>Let's see if we can catch that briefing.
And then on the way to the briefing, tease Tarin if she finds the skeletons creepy. If she's anything like PJW89 Tarin, she should be scared of spoopy, too.

>>40729536
>>Let's head back to the square.

>>40729536
>>Let's see if we can catch that briefing.

>>40729536
>Let's head back to the square.

>>40729536
>Let's see if we can catch that briefing.

>>40729536
>Let's see if we can catch that briefing.

>>40729536
>>Let's see if we can catch that briefing.

>>40729536
>>Let's head back to the square.

>>40729536
>>I suppose we can help out that burial detail.

>>40729536
>>Let's head back to the square.

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>>40729536
"Come on, let's see if we can catch the rest of the briefing." You say.

"Right." Tarin nods.

As you walk away from the R&D camp, you notice Tarin is walking a bit faster than normal, her longer strides having her slowly getting ahead of you.

"Did those things really make you that nervous?" You ask.

"...no." Tarin lies.

"Come on now, Tarin." You shake your head. "You know better than to try and lie to me."

"...maybe a bit." Tarin mumbles. "The dead should stay dead. That's the way it is and the way it should stay."

"Don't worry. We'll put them back in the ground where they belong." You assure her.

"I'm sure." Tarin nods, still looking troubled.

You wonder whether you should try cheering her up.

>Just stay quiet.
>Don't tell me the mighty Tarin is actually scared of something?
>Is something bothering you?
>Other

>>40730061
>>Don't tell me the mighty Tarin is actually scared of something?

>>40730061
>Is something bothering you?
She is worried for Roy-senpai

>>40730061
>>Don't tell me the mighty Tarin is actually scared of something?

>>40730061
>Don't tell me the mighty Tarin is actually scared of something?

>>40730061
>>Don't tell me the mighty Tarin is actually scared of something?
Time for some light hearted teasing.

>>40730061
>>Don't tell me the mighty Tarin is actually scared of something?

>>40730061
>>Don't tell me the mighty Tarin is actually scared of something?
Then go serious
>>Is something bothering you?

>>40730061
>>Don't tell me the mighty Tarin is actually scared of something?

>>40730061
>>Don't tell me the mighty Tarin is actually scared of something?

>>40730061
>>40730135
this.

>>40730061
>>Is something bothering you?

>>40730061
>>Don't tell me the mighty Tarin is actually scared of something?
>>Is something bothering you?
start with a joke, then get serious

>>40730096
sempai has noticed her

>>40730274
She was worried that someone might try and take senpai away from her.

Be afraid anons. For we are in too deep now.

>>40730314
>Be afraid anons. For we are in too deep now.
? Dude I am right where I want to be man, since thread 1.

>>40730314
even if she becomes a shitty yandere, Tarin will stay best girl

>>40730343
we all are its a good place.

Tarin is love
Tarin is life

>>40730314
Afraid? Hardly. Couldn't be more comfortable if I tried.

>>40730379
Oh, yes, Tarin's thighs are heavenly.

oh yeah, we're going to have to change her bandage again tonight

and then kiss the wound better

Daily reminder that Karla is bestgirl.

>>40730476
K'

>>40730476
Daily Reminder that Falynn is best girl.

>>40730476
she was a good girl, but Sam was better

but that's just my opinion, I'm just glad Jaeger got the happy end he deserved

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>>40730498

>>40730498
daily reminder that that shitstorm is what killed VMQ2

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>>40730061
"Don't tell me the mighty and invincible Tarin is actually scared of something?" You grin.

"Well, I don't pretend otherwise." Tarin sighs. "I'm just better at not showing it. Remember when you saw a spider in the toilet? Everybody thought it was Alfie that was screaming."

"H-hey. Spiders are legit scary and dangerous." You grumble.

"Or that time where you thought there was a yeti hiding under the bed?" Tarin's lips purse into a small grin.

"Hey, that's cheating. We were scared of all kinds of shit when we were kids." You narrow your eyes. "Or should I start singing that SCARY SONG?"

"Please don't." Tarin's face pales slightly. "Besides, I think we're here."

Sure enough, you seemed to have already reached the command tent.

"You lucked out this time, Tarin." You chuckle before you both quietly enter the tent. As expected, it was packed with officers and tankers. Both you and Tarin take seats at the back, not wanting to cause a scene. Up front, you could see Sawyer standing in front of a large map of Tilea's eastern border.

"This is going to be a tough fight. The Ricks need Savoy and its roads in order to keep any further pushes into Tilea supplied. You can bet that Reikland will stage another offensive to try and take the town. Now, the way I see it, we have two options. We either organize a pre-emptive strike and hit the Ricks before they can prepare their attack, or we consolidate our positions on this town and wait for them to come to us. Currently, we believe the current Rick forces we're facing are division level, just like us, but that can change if we wait. If we are to attack, it has to be now." Sawyer eyes everybody gathered with his steely gaze. "I haven't made a firm decision yet, but I want to hear it from you first. It's all of our lives on the line here, after all."

You look at Tarin, who just gives you a silent shrug.

>Suggest we attack.
>Suggest we defend.
>Stay quiet.
>Other

>>40730554
>>Stay quiet.
Chain of command.

>>40730554
I love the chemistry between these two.
>Suggest we attack.
Strike while they're licking their wounds.

>>40730554
>Suggest we attack.
We're not in a particularly defensive position, are we? We need to take the fight to them.

>>40730554
>>Suggest we attack.
lets get a little payback for the infantry!

>>40730554
>Suggest we defend.

>>40730554
>Suggest we attack.
Hit them before they can entrench themselves.

>>40730554
>>Suggest we defend

>>40730554
suggest we set up traps ahead of our defensive position, stage a false attack and rout, and lead the Reiks into the traps. ask if Egan can retrofit some of those EMP shells into mines on short notice so we can capture some Lynxes intact as well

>>40730554
>Suggest we attack.

Specifically suggest a raid.

We don't know enough about the situation outside of our sector to go off on a serious advance and take ground, but if we can fuck up their supplies and remind them that we aren't just going to sit around and wait for them to come at us again it should help spoil their next move.

>>40730554
>>Other
"How about we recon it?"

>>40730554
>>Stay quiet.

>>40730554
>>Stay quiet.

>>40730554
>Suggest we defend.

>>40730539
more like killed VMQU as a whole.

>>40730554
>>Suggest we attack.

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>>40730554
"Um, I think we should attack, sir." You say. "After all, VTs were always designed to be an offensive weapon, right? I think our capabilities would be wasted just sitting here waiting for the enemy to come."

"I agree." Another tanker stands up, this one an officer. "We should hit them before they can mass in sufficient numbers."

"It could also force them to pull forces and ease the pressure on other areas of the line." You see Parker stand up near the front. "I think it's the wise tactical and strategic choice."

"Thank you all." Sawyer nods. "It's settled, then. Once our VTs are refueled and rearmed, we will attack right away. Everybody make sure your units are ready while I draft up a plan of attack. Dismissed."

With that, all of the gathered tankers stand up and file out. You look back at the front to see Parker, Bannon and a few other officers, including Chambers, in a deep and heated discussion. You kind of wonder what they could be saying.

"You're getting that look in your eye." Tarin glowers.

"What look?" You ask innocently.

"That look of childlike curiosity that inevitably gets us in trouble." Tarin grunts.

>Let's listen in.
>Let's head back to the square.
>Other

>>40731006
>>Let's listen in.

>>40731006
>>Let's listen in.

>>40731006
>>Let's listen in.

>>40731006
>>Let's head back to the square.

>>40731006
"and yet, you've never tried to stop me"
>Let's listen in.

>>40731006
>Let's listen in.

>>40731006
>Let's listen in.


good god we need some voice clips of these guys right about now.

>>40731006
>Let's listen in.

>>40731006
Roy and Tarin getting up to shenanigans should be it's own quest

>>40731006
>>Let's listen in.

>>40731116
What do you call this quest then?

>>40731149
Roy and Tarin occasionally putting shenanigans on hold to blow up a couple dozen VTs

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>>40726576

This is how I imagine Axel and Alfie :3

>>40731538
Twincest is wincest.

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>>40731006
"And yet you've never tried to stop me." You point out.

"I guess so." Tarin sighs. "How troublesome."

You carefully sneak forward, ducking and weaving through the chairs to slowly get closer and closer to the conversation. Fortunately for you, the officers are too busy being in the middle of your discussion to notice your presence.

"Anyways, first things first, good job with holding Savoy, Parker." Sawyer says with an approving nod. "I knew it was a good idea to assign you to 7th Platoon."

You see Bannon bristle at the words. No doubt offended at being slighted or marginalized by his commanding officer. You can tell that even Parker seems to be somewhat troubled at how Sawyer's praise was aimed at her.

"Of course, but it was Bannon's decision to stay and fight." She points out neutrally.

"Of course, of course." Sawyer nods absentmindedly. "All right, back to the matter at hand. We need to decide who will be leading the charge. I'm open to suggestions."

"8th Platoon is ready and willing." Chambers steps forward. "We haven't let you down so far!"

Bannon doesn't react, until you see Parker softly and subtly jab him in the ribs with her elbow.

"Uh, I mean, 7th Platoon is more than willing to volunteer for the assault!" Bannon says a little too loudly. "We fought and held Savoy. We can handle being the spearhead of an attack!"

"Really now?" Sawyer narrows his eyes. "Despite your.. 'earlier' performance?"

Bannon bites his lip.

Tarin then tugs at you sleeve as she glowers and points to her wrist, signifying you had little time left.

>You better get going.
>Stay a little longer.
>Back up Bannon.
>Other

>>40731668
>Back up Bannon.
this is a bad idea but fuck it CO is in trouble, give back up!

>>40731668
>You better get going.

>>40731668
>>Back up Bannon.
Dammit to hell....

>>40731668
>You better get going.
Trust the Tarin

>>40731668
>>You better get going.

>>40731668
>You better get going.

If Bannon can't man up on his own, there's no hope.

>>40731668
>>You better get going.
We should hold off for now. Give it more time to develop before we back him up. We don't know everything yet. We're still the new guy.

>>40731668
>>You better get going.

>>40731668
>>Stay a little longer.

>>40731773
>>40731772
>>40731760
>>40731756
>>40731742
>>40731703
buncha sissies is what y'all are.

>>40731668
>You better get going.

>>40731789
No, we're grunts and enlisted is what we are, not officers.

>>40731789
Think of how it would reflect on Bannon if his grunts had to push him to do something in front of his CO.

>>40731816
I would say something profound but whatever. Wonder how the ranks are listed? Is it US Army status or Marine style? I would assume army but I have no idea.

>>40731789
One does not question the shiny.

>>40731668
>You better get going.

>>40731848
I thought that we would go and back him up and kinda tell the other CO's to back the fuck off.

>>40731879
>kinda tell the other CO's to back the fuck off
Uh, did you forget that Sawyer's the Colonel in charge of the Devil Dogs? You want us to get dragged off for insubordination?

>>40731879
You're fucking stupid.

>>40731879
You're a fucking imbecile. You think you can talk back to a full bird colonel? Are you out of your fucking mind?

I can imagine being just a mindless drone of rank and file will just have NICE outcomes.

>>40731668
>>Back up Bannon.

>>40732003
>repeat voting
You don't understand. We just got here. We have nowhere near the sway to make this work. As far as they're concerned, we ARE a mindless drone. You wait until you build up enough support and reputation of usefulness before you do that sort of shit. And even if you do, expect consequences. Big ones.

>>40731668
>>You better get going.

>>40732032
>We have nowhere near the sway to make this work
We have NO SWAY AT ALL

WE'RE A GRUNT, THEY'RE ALL OFFICERS INCLUDING THE COLONEL OF THE DIVISION.

The only time he would ever consider anything we have to say is when he gives us permission to speak and asks for our opinion.

>>40732053
Sometimes officers will listen to enlisted if they are worthwhile to listen to. We are not at that point yet.

>>40732032
>>40732053
You're acting like this isn't some sort of story but real life.

it's like you have no idea about Narrative casuality.

If people keep on voting in a boring manner, Merc might give up on this like he did VMQU.

>>40732053
your logic is sound but mark my words this constant bagging on bannon will come back to bite us all in the ass somehow.

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>>40732083

>>40732083
No, it's just that we aren't playing this like idiots. You seem to think "Oh the plot will work out because we're the protagonists". No, fuck that. You gotta play smart in order to make a better story.

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>>40731668
You decide to err on the side of caution and nod back at Tarin, who silently leads you out of the tent while Bannon, Sawyer, and Chambers continue to argue and bicker.

"Jeez, looks like Bannon really is saddled with a lot of baggage." You frown.

"Everybody has baggage." Tarin points out.

"That's true." You concede.

At this point, you've gotten back to the square where the rest of the platoon is waiting. Axel is fast asleep on his little makeshift sandbag bed, while Rock stands guard. Alex is nowhere to be seen.

"Oh hey, you two are back." Rock grins. "Fortunately, it doesn't appear that the Ricks have attacked just yet."

"Yeah, well, from what I got from the briefing, we're going to be doing the attacking." You explain.

"Heh, that sounds like Sawyer, all right." Rock nods. "It's gonna be rough. We'd be heading into enemy territory on this one."

"You know, part of me doesn't want to step foot in that fucking place." You grumble.

"Understandable, given what we've seen." Rock sighs.

"Maybe you should get some rest." Tarin says, putting a hand on your shoulder.

>Yeah, maybe I should.
>You first, Tarin.
>Other

>>40732123
>>You first, Tarin.

>>40732123
>>You first, Tarin.
"I'm not the one with the injury."

>>40732123
>You first, Tarin.

>>40732123
>>Yeah, maybe I should.
It's been a looooong day.

>>40732123
>>Yeah, maybe I should.

>>40732123
>>You first, Tarin.

I hope we get some field promotions soon.

>>40732083
>hurr durr if people keep acting in character for a private first class then the QM will drop it

You couldn't be more retarded

>>40732123
>You first, Tarin.

>>40732123
>>You first, Tarin.
We get to watch cute sleeping Tarin.

>>40732123
https://youtu.be/Wq7YCiaBmw8?t=4s

>>40732083
Holy shit you're fucking retarded.

>>40732123
>You first, Tarin.

>>40732086
Of course but those people want to be the nice little drone.

I'm sure they'd pass up a chance at making a good move because it's not "what a grunt does without orders"

>>40732123

>Yeah, maybe I should.

Lap pillow!

>>40732186
Seriously if you're not interested in playing the character and want to be a speshul snowflake gary stu who does nothing but act out of character, then fuck off.

>>40732186
>Waaah, drone this
>waaah, drone that
Yeah, fuck off mate. You'll notice we speak out when there's a good time to do it. That was not one of those times. Quit being butthurt.

>>40732158
But what about Roy's lap pillow?

>>40732213

Also,

>backing up Bannon

What the fuck, mang. Fucker only did one GOOD thing. Rest of the time he was being a gloryhounding coward bastard.

>>40732228
>not wanting to be the lappillow and watch Tarin's cute sleeping face

>>40732242
That's quite the convincing argument you have there.

>>40732237
Someone's projecting much.

>>40732278
Do you even know what projecting means?

>>40732277
Too bad we can't just rest our heads on each other's shoulders.

>>40732306
What a sad day.

>>40732306
I thought we did insides our VT?

>>40732278

...Bannon's from World In Conflict.

That fucker was a coward who basically let most of his men die while he fearpissed in his tank.

>>40732342
he was in combat in a lot of missions on the US side and he was a coward but didn't try to run all the time though.

>>40732361
yeah he did, the only time he didn't try to run was when he gave up and decided to be nuke bait

>>40732370
first he stayed behind to keep the Pinkos occupied and in the blast zone for the nuke to work and second yeah he would run but not at the first sign of trouble, he would stay and fight if he had to. He was much worse in Europe.

yeah he was an ass and a coward but he had (and I use this word lightly) redeeming qualities.

>>40732342
how come he's the sympathetic one? If anyone's a glory hog, it's Sawyer wanting it at the possible cost of lives (particularly Bannon's from the sounds of things)

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>>40732123
"You first, Tarin." You say. "I know how damn stressful driving can be."

"All right." Tarin nods and looks around for a second. "Actually, can I ask you something?"

"Go for it." You say, wondering what Tarin could possibly want.

"Well, er, Axel seems to be hogging all of the sandbags." Tarin's cheeks glow pink a bit. "You wouldn't mind if I use you for support?"

"Um, can you explain further?" You blink. You must be missing something, considering how loudly Rock is giggling.

"You know... like using your shoulder or lap for a pillow." Tarin mumbles nervously. "Beats putting my head against the ground or a rock."

"Aaaah...." You stammer.

>Shoulder
>Lap
>Sorry, I can't.
>Other

>>40732418
>>Shoulder

>>40732409
seems there are character differences between this one and the WIC version, besides Parker was the player character in WIC and thus much more competent than Bannon.

>>40732418
>Lap

>>40732418
>>Shoulder
>inb4 we fall asleep on her shoulder.

>>40732418
>Lap

>>40732418
>>Lap
>Pat her head

>>40732418
>Lap
Let her get comfy.

>>40732418
>Lap

>>40732418
>>Lap

>>40732418
>Rub her head when she sleeps!

>Lap Pillow!

>>40732409
>how come he's the sympathetic one
Because you haven't seen what he did yet.

>wanting it at the possible cost of lives
War is a wonderful thing, isn't it? You don't make an omelette without cracking eggs.

>>40732418
>>Lap

>>40732418
>Shoulder

Lap can be nice, but will often make your leg(s) fall asleep and can get very uncomfortable. I consider offering your shoulder the better solution.

I say this from personal experience.

>>40732473
hopefully our character doesn't start hating on bannon for no reason, other than the fuck ups he invariably makes and Parker and we have to get out off.

>>40732418

LAP OR BUST

>>40732473
I don't mean incidental lives cost, I mean intentional leaving people to the wolves, the sort of commander who gets his glory "over the bodies of his own men". And considering his grudge against Bannon, our CO, it's our concern as we might end up in an impossible mission.

>>40732418
>>Lap

>>40732509
We won't. Anons seem to be supportive of Bannon. Hell, I like the guy. It's just you have to understand what he did, and how he grew as a character.

>>40732529
That's not the character, nor how he's been portrayed at all. He may have a grudge against Bannon, but he doesn't let it get in the way.

>>40732529
That ain't Sawyer, that's how Bannon acts.

>>40732546
don't worry I have played WIC and I know how Bannon fucked up, still want to help him though.

>>40732551
this version can only really be accused of being a coward, no glory hog tendencies yet but who know.

>>40732546
What about the demand to hold the town at all costs with a fraction of the forces (due to most running way)?

>>40732551
Canon Bannon perhaps, but who to say that VTQ's is that bad? Merc doesn't copy EVERYTHING about a person he expies. That and someone quite that bad wouldn't have a dillegent 2nd in command who vouches for him.

>>40732576
>That and someone quite that bad wouldn't have a dillegent 2nd in command who vouches for him.
You've evidently never been in any form of service.

>>40732576
>What about the demand to hold the town at all costs with a fraction of the forces (due to most running way)?
That's what you call glory hounding? Bah! That's what needed to be done to stabilize the line. If we didn't hold the line, our entire side loses.

>That and someone quite that bad wouldn't have a dillegent 2nd in command who vouches for him.
He's not all bad. But he's got his issues. And yes, they most certainly can. He will probably eventually work out his issues and become great. His second can see that.

>>40732641
It sure sounded like a big task, good thing Roy and Tarin got the drop on the incoming troops.

But let's look at hte future missions and see what's actually true. I might be wrong about Saywer for all I know.

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>>40732418
"S-sure. You can use my lap." You mumble as you kneel down.

"Thanks." Tarin says as she rests her head on your lap. Almost instantly, she's asleep, snoring softly. She must have been REALLY tired.

You have to physically fight the urge to stroke her hair. Not with all these people around.

"Awwww, how cute." You hear Rock whistle as he tosses a spent cigarette butt away. "You two seem mighty close."

"Yeah, me and Tarin, we've been together since we were kids." You smile.

"Practically inseparable, it looks to be." Rock says as he squats down next to you, now chewing on a fresh but unlit cigarette in his mouth. "A bond like that has gotta have a story behind it. Mind regaling me with it?"

>Yeah, sure.
>I don't really want to talk about it right now.
>Other

>>40732705
>>Yeah, sure.

>>40732705
>Yeah, sure.

>>40732705
>>Yeah, sure.

>>40732705
>Yeah, sure.

>>40732705
>>Yeah, sure.
Maybe we can add some embellishments to a few "minor" details.

>>40732705

>Yeah, sure.

>>40732705
>>Yeah, sure.

I'm rather surprised. We usually hit the 300 mark by now.

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>>40732705
"Yeah, well, what is there to tell?" You shrug. "Like I said, me and Tarin were together since forever. Not sure what it's like down in the lowlands, but up in the northern mountains, people have to stick together to survive."

"Yeah, I heard how harsh it can be up there." Rock nods. "What got you together in the first place, anyways?"

"Well..." You bite your lip. "I first met her after her parents died."

"Oh, shit." Rock facepalms. "Sorry about that, kid."

"Don't worry, you didn't know." You sigh.

"So, how'd it happen? Just curious. You don't have to answer if you don't want to..."

>The mountains got them, of course.
>Drachman raiders.
>Nobody knows, really.
>Other

>>40732857
>>The mountains got them, of course.

>>40732857
>>Nobody knows, really.

>>40732857
>The mountains got them, of course.

Time to talk about back home... back home in the mountains, where there's all kinds of monsters lurking in the crags, the air is thinner, and maybe things like electricity and clean water aren't as easily accessible as in the cities. Good times. People looked out for each other, they had to since the land wasn't fully tamed. You learned to repair and make do with what you had, since new stuff wasn't always available.

Just two kids who grew up together, maybe climbed cliffs together or explored caves. Then we joined the Vertical Tank Corps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PInp3kAVzg

(I couldn't think of a suitable "born on the mountain" song. The one that kept coming to mind was "Man on the Silver Mountain", but that's not exactly a suitable tune. Yet.)

>>40732857
>>Nobody knows, really.

>>40732857
>Drachman raiders.

>>40732857
>>Drachman raiders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TZ6EcUKPg8

>>40732857
>Drachman raiders.

>>40732857
>>Nobody knows, really.


Will Tarin become the equivalent to Mikasa from attack on titan?

>>40732857
>>Drachman raiders.

>>40732857
>The mountains got them, of course.
>What's your story? You seem to be pretty upbeat for all the shit we've been dealing with.

>>40732857
>>Drachman raiders.

>>40732857
>>The mountains got them, of course.

>>40732944
Mate, we're doing exposition on Tarin and Roy now.

>>40732857
>Other

"Your Mum."

>>40732983
I want story swapping time.

>>40732993
That'll come eventually. Not yet. It breaks up the story.

>>40732997
O-okay.

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>>40732857
"Drachman raiders." You say simply. "We were all mountain people, but Tarin's parents were some of the best. They knew every path, cave, canyon, and pass, and could live off nothing but snow and rock for months. Of course, when you get that good at navigating the mountains, you pick up a reputation. The Drachmans wanted to press them into service. They came in the night and tried to take them. Obviously, things went bad and they resisted. By the time the rest of the town got there, the damage was done." You can still vividly remember the scene. The cottage just covered with blood and bodies.

"I have a feeling the Drachmans found out they fucked with the wrong people." Rock notes.

"Yeah, between the both of them, Tarin's folks practically killed the entire raiding party, but neither of them made it." You say. Actually, suspected that Tarin herself had done in at least a couple of them as well, but you never positively sure, and you were never brave enough to ask.

"Ah, so I think I can guess the rest." Rock nods. "Your folks decide to take her in, and she pretty much becomes a sister to you."

>Yeah, that's pretty much it.
>"Sister" is probably not the most accurate way to put it...
>Other

>>40733080
>>"Sister" is probably not the most accurate way to put it...

>>40733080
>>Other
"Sure lets go with that"

>>40733080
>>"Sister" is probably not the most accurate way to put it...

Hard to explain

>>40733080
>Yeah, that's pretty much it.

>>40733080
>>"Sister" is probably not the most accurate way to put it...

>>40733080
>>"Sister" is probably not the most accurate way to put it...

>>40733080
>>"Sister" is probably not the most accurate way to put it...
while saying pretty much seems to make more sense to me.

Fuck it.
FUCK EREN.

>>40726713
How about the phrase: "Here comes The Snow!"
written on the side

So if Eren and Mikasa and Roy and Tarin meet considering the situation being so similar but different how would you think they'll react?

>>40733080
SHE'S MORE THAN A SISTER

WE WERE BETROTHED AT BIRTH.

EREN CAN GO GET BUTTFUCKED BY BERT

>>40733080
>"Sister" is probably not the most accurate way to put it...

Tarin is more like an adopted ninja than a sister.
>>40732993

Oh yeah, that'd be cool. I'd love to see what Merc can come up with for Rock's story. "Well... uh... It's kinda hazy. I went to this White Zombie concert with this hot girl I had just met... there was alcohol... I remember guns and a boat... then the next thing I knew, I was fired from my dead-end cubicle job and on a bus to VT Boot Camp. I've always just sorta gone with the flow, and at least here I can smoke while working instead of having to leave the building first!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpI1YhdxQdg

>>40733080
>>"Sister" is probably not the most accurate way to put it...

>>40733080
>"Sister" is probably not the most accurate way to put it...

"She's more than that, truth be told."

>>40733163
The anon who wrote up this iteration of Rock's backstory gave him a history as a sort of organizer/commander of mercenary companies before Lagoon Company (don't know if its the same courier service or another merc group, as anon didn't give the details) got wrecked.

I'm interested to see what Merc does with him.

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>>40733080
"Well, uh, 'sister' is probably not he most accurate way to put it." You chuckle nervously. "It's not really something I can put into words."

"Heh, got an attraction for her, eh?" Rock gives a very smug grin as he nudges his elbow against your shoulder. "Ya don't have to answer that. You probably won't give an honest answer anyways, whether you wanted to or not."

"Speaking from experience?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Something like that, yeah." Rock lights his unlit cigarette and takes a deep breath from it. "There was a girl I knew way back when. Our circumstances weren't anything like yours, but I think the relationship was similar."

"How so?" You ask.

"Well, you could say it was hard to put into words, too." Rock exhales. "I felt equal parts love, admiration, respect, and fear. Couldn't be any more different from each other, but somehow inseparable."

"I get the feeling you're not talking about Alex." You say.

"Hah! You'd be right. This was before my army time." Rock smiles nostalgically.

>Ask him for more details.
>Leave him be.
>Other

>>40733211
>Ask him for more details.

>>40733211
>>Ask him for more details.
At least the parts he's comfortable with.

>>40733211
>>Ask him for more details.

>>40733211
>Ask him for more details.

>>40733211
>Ask him for more details.

If he's in the mood to tell the story, of course.

>>40733211
>>Ask him for more details.

>Stroke Tarin's hair.

>>40733211
>Leave him be.

A good story for later. Remember, build trust before pumping for information!

>>40733211
>>Ask him for more details.
Well since we probably mention that, might as well stroke her hair.

I think we haven't ran this long since Jenner's date

Does this mean Tarin will jump Roy;s bones

>>40733317
SOON

And by soon I mean in a dozen or two threads.

>>40733338
Or Tarin moves in her sleep and we're in a precarious position

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>>40733211
"Mind sharing? Call it a trade." You say as you unconsciously begin stroking Tarin's dark hair. You hear her mumble something inaudible under her breathe as she shifts around slightly.

"Sure, I guess I owe you that much." Rock nods. "Back before I joined up, I used to do a lot of private work."

"Mercenary work." You clarify.

"If you say so." Rock laughs lightly. "At first, I just started out as a paper pusher. Just signing paperwork and writing checks. Soon enough I found myself taking on more and more responsibilities."

"Command?"

"Nah, babysitting." Rock shakes his head. "The thing about mercenaries, is that the reason they're not in the army any more is either because they're greedy as hell, or aren't quite right in the head. I was mostly dealing with the latter, wrangling them in and trying to keep them a viable fighting force."

"I take it this is where you met that girl you were talking about?" You raise an eyebrow.

(cont)