>>1433020
>>second lieutenant
We will lead the defense of Earth.

I say private. We're a grunt that's gonna be the very fucking best one day.

>>1433020
>private
The only thing worse than a enlistee trying to show off to his peers is an officer trying to show off to his peers.

>private.

You spare a quick glance around the massive hall, but don't recognize any of the twenty or so others herded in with you. They've clearly all gone through the EDF's basic training as well; in decent shape, uniforms neat and boots polished as only a screaming drill sergeant can encourage.

That's another rule of the EDF; don't get too attached to your comrades, because you never know when you're going to be split up.

You stand at attention with the others, lined up as directed, while an officer in his mid-twenties - a captain, judging by the stripes - slouches his way in front of you, oozing a distinct lack of professionalism, and yawns heavily. The lieutenant standing off to the side looks almost physically pained as the captain finally speaks.

"Awwwwright, you all here? Yeah? Sweet, at ease, kiddos, we got shit to do."

>Oh man, you're gonna have a great time at this place if THIS is how it's run!
>Really? You're kind of disgusted. Still, promotion should be easy, with this kind of trash above you.
>write in for something else

>>1433109
>Work is work. You gotta do what you gotta do - and hopefully come back alive at the end of it.

>>1433109
>>Really? You're kind of disgusted. Still, promotion should be easy, with this kind of trash above you.
Lets move up that ladder bois

>>1433109
>Reserve judgement for now. If he gets away with slacking like this there's probably a reason.

>>1433153
Seconded.

>general withholding of judgement... FOR NOW

A few of the others around you can't quite hold as blank a facial expression as you - you spot a couple of twitches and a slightly dropped jaw before they rein in their reactions, all of you lapsing almost uncertainly out of parade rest.

"My name," the officer announces, waving a hand breezily in the air, "is Captain Ross. I'm in charge of this charming little circle of Hell, because hey, apparently it'd be a waste of time to put anyone higher-ranking here. Or maybe they're just all intimidated by me. Whatever!"

Ignoring the quiet sigh from his Lt., Captain Ross gives a sloppy grin at the assembled infantry, shoving his hands in his pockets. His boots, you notice, wouldn't pass inspection by a blind man.

"Now, you're all replacing the poor fuckers who shipped out the other day to back up a specialist team. They won't be coming back 'cause they're D. E. A. D, so enjoy your new digs! Take the day to settle in, find your way around, talk to some of the remaining guys and gals here, and remember - your work starts tomorrow at 7. Probably. I dunno, I'm sleeping then."

Over to the side, you see the Lt. making gentle strangling motions, straight-faced.

"When you leave, grab your assignments from my henchman here, Lackey B-"

"Still Lieutenant, sir."

"Sorry, Lieutenant Barley. He's a Brit, so go easy on 'im. Aside from that, any questions?"

>Speak up?

>>1433209
What are we fighting anyway, and how well are we equipped? Rifles? LMGs?

>>1433209
>They won't be coming back 'cause they're D. E. A. D, so enjoy your new digs!
Do we know what killed the last team?

>>1433229
That wasn't our question, i hope.

>>1433229
(The EDF was founded six years ago to deal with the Outsiders, strange beings that enter into our reality through portals. They come in a variety of forms; some sneak through and try to blend in with humanity, others appear as monsters of various guises. Whether manipulative or violent, cunning or dumb as a sack of bricks, all are hostile to humanity. While some are capable of intelligent communication, none have explained why they're coming through, or how.

From the Outsiders, humanity is slowly wrangling an understanding of magic, which is often far more effective at fighting them than standard weaponry; but this is still at a novice understanding, so don't expect infantry to be flinging fireballs around any time soon.

The EDF is world-wide and well-funded, so expect GOOD weaponry - but you're infantry, so don't expect GREAT weaponry.

You'll get to choose a specialisation when Lackey hands out assignments.)

>>1433209
>Speak up?
No, just keep our head down for now.

Barley frankly seems like he might have more answers than Ross anyway, for the things we need to know just now.

>>1433209
"Where are our quarters and is there a map of this base?"

>>1433257
In advance, let's go Heavy. LMG, biatch.

If you don't want to ask anything, please vote to remain silent, or you'll be asking about what killed the last team and about a map of base! Will start writing in a few minutes otherwise.

>>1433294
I'm thinking explosives specialist? LMG and C4

>>1433319
Yee. Or maybe, later, sufficiently analyzed magic explosive. OP, are we going with the Sufficiently analyzed magic is indistinguishable from science version of magic?

>dead guys, maps (in next post)

Screw it. A quick look to either side tells you that your new buddies are either looking far too awkward, scared or bored to ask anything, and you've got a couple of questions burning to be asked.

"Sir," you call, voice shockingly loud against the previous silence, "how did the guys we're replacing die?"

While most of the infantry turns to look at you with surprise - you keep up a confident expression you're not entirely sure you feel - Captain Ross directs a wide grin your way, obviously entertained. "Painfully! Although if you're asking for details, that's waaaaay above your paygrade, Private, uh..."

>Name? Male or female is fine.

>>1433340
We're going with the 'magic is weird and makes no sense, but sometimes, if we're really lucky, we can sort of hammer it into doing what we want it to and it won't blow our brains up as a side-effect' magic. But there's certainly some kind of underlying logic to it.

Somewhere. Maybe.

>>1433341
Private James Ryder, Sir

Everyone confirmed for James Ryder?

>>1433341
Private Alexander Steele.

(If we are gonna be denfind mankind we might as well have a name that reflects on that fact. Or not.)

>>1433341
Nick Shepard or just Shepard

>>1433378
James Steele?

>>1433378
>Alexander Steele
on second tought, i like this one

Rolled 4 (1d4)

4 names, so I'm rolling.

>FUCK IT, 2 VOTES FOR ALEXANDER STEELE

"Private Steele, sir."

"Private Thief, got it. Anyhoo, you're gonna have'ta be higher-ranked before you get an answer to that one, but lemme tell you - blood everywhere. Eeeeeverywhere."

The Lieutenant speaks up. "Sir, you weren't there and you don't know that."

"EEEEEEVERYWHERE."

Barley grimances. "Right. Fine. Any other questions?"

"Is there a map of the base, sir?" Might as well get something useful out of this.

"They'll be handed out with your assignments, Private. Landsdown is only a small base, so I doubt you'll get lost." He scans the assembled throng, most of the infantry studiously blank, and nods. "All right. You're all dismissed, pass by me to get your papers."

"Lackey, you can't just dismiss them without my-"

"Shut up, sir."

"Eeeeh, sure."

You managed to squeeze in near the front of the crowd to get your assignment from the thin folders Barley is handing out; they're based on various factors, such as personal preference, talent in basic training, and whether you pissed anyone important off.

As for you, aside from general infantry duties, you're to receive further training in

>technology
>intelligence
>blowing shit up real good (explosives)
>light weaponry (guns)
>light weaponry (melee, often good against Outsiders)
>heavy weaponry
>comms
>other? (subject to QM approval)

>>1433457
>engineering
Dont judge, I have a fortifications boner.

>>1433457
A combination of:
>light weaponry (melee)
>stealth and infiltration

>>1433489
>>1433493
Engineering and stealth/infiltration are both fine if anyone else wants these.

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>>1433489
>>engineering

Use. More. Gun

>>1433510
Alternative meme title: We're gonna build a wall and make the outsiders pay for it.

>>1433496
Spec ops sounds good.
Demo/engi on the side mabye?
Ill vote for the infiltrator either way

So we're looking at two for spec ops/stealth, two for military engineering (and some general demo interest all around). Will wait for more votes while I read through the wiki page for military engineering just in case.

>>1433535
Engineering

>>1433457
>Private Thief
i smirked hard

>>1433457
Engineering, nut only if that means we're a sapper too

>>1433535
4th for military engineering BUT i'd like to also add
minor occult/magic training

>>1433535
>>1433572
as an altarnative to the alternativo to getting occult/magic training i suggest Stelee to befriend the first occult/magic trainee

This page MIGHT be of some use for examples.

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheEngineer

Oooor it might just be a huge waste of time, who knows.

>>1433559
>not Private Rob or Private Nick
Slightly disappointed myself.

>>1433535
military engineering with a hint of Occult or magic pamplets so if we gotta cut a magic bomb, we know how to

>>1433535
Engineering technically includes demo work as well so fuck it if we can only pic one might as well pick the interesting one.

>>1433535
engineering

>>1433588
>>1433587
>you cast outsider bane on mounted gun
>mounted gun deals 2d6 vs outsiders
The silvery flames approve of your actions

To be fair, military engineering (such as fortifications) isn't going to be often used in general, but becoming specialized in that could lead you to be being moved around more often as and where needed, so I can definitely move the plot in that direction.

As for magic use, that isn't offered to everyone right off the bat. There are two routes (magic and a classified one) that you can take later, but you'll only be offered those when your superiors are sure you won't won't blow your own/allies' heads off.

I'll specifically include demolition in engineering, because everyone loves blowing shit up.

Writing for engineering/demo work, and if everyone's okay with it, Alex has a desire to get involved with the magic-y side of things.

>>1433583
Depends how much realism we want. Modern combat engineers generally deal with construction (for instance, building bridges to permit troop movement) and demolitions (including removal of minefields), and are generally separate from mechanics that maintain vehicles.

Automated turrets aren't really a thing yet as far as I know - I imagine differentiating between foe from friend or civilian would be difficult - but in the future I suppose anything is possible.

>>1433620
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg8wePgXDIY

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>>1433620
I approve of everything said and implied in this post due to the possibilities of things gettin gud
Keep the good work up anon

>>1433620
So a sapper then, eh? Works for me and trust me no one knows how to properly set up a perimeter then an engineer who knows his shit, machine gun nests and tripwires ahoy!

Besides having good technical knowledge (and access to said tech) could save our bacon

>engineering/demo

Your training in engineering begins tomorrow. There's a flash of disappointment at that, stupid as it is; it's mostly only officers who get trained in magecraft, and they wouldn't teach it to someone fresh out of basic anyway.

Still engineering is a solid, useful skill, and one that can take you to any base or theatre of operations - and maybe even out of combat, if you want to sit on the sidelines and out of danger. Plus, explosives! Always fun.

There's some other papers in with the folder, including a map, which you look over; Landsdown Base really is small, and the personnel list is limited to just several officers (Captain Ross being top dog) and fifty infantry including this new twenty. Plus a few civilian staff, of course, for smooth running.

It's 4pm, on March 2nd, 2031, and you have the rest of the day to kill.

>Head to barracks, along with most of the other guys.
>Wander the base and explore.
>Looks like there's an off-duty room for enlisted; check it out.
>Call your parents, let them know how you are.
>Other?

>>1433629
Yes, Outsider incursions are generally small, sudden things (if often highly violent), requiring rapid response, so there's little building/digging to be done. Demolitions will probably be a major part of it, and once your skills are trained up, you'll have a greater chance of being deployed to places that specifically need an engineer rather than just another infantry soldier.

>>1433620
I want to fuck with landmines and machineguns.

>>1433689
I'm glad you put a 'with' in there.

Landmines and machineguns will eventually be provided, both for and against you. Enjoy!

>>1433686

>Head to barracks, along with most of the other guys.

>>1433686
>Head to barracks, along with most of the other guys
let's get some comraderie going and then have training tomorrow!

On an unrelated note, am i the only one getting the non secret SCP vibe from this setting? ( in a good way )

>>1433686
>>Head to barracks, along with most of the other guys.

>>1433692
And i don't mean those pussy assault rifles: first chance we get, we're going for the heavy fucking guns.

>>1433746
Can't go wrong with an M60

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>>1433769
Amen

Bumpan for interest. OP better not be a faggot and bail cuz this has potential

>barracks

You clip a brisk pace towards the men's barracks, along with quite a number of the others; no-one seems to know anyone else, though many are giving each other quick nods of greeting, eyeing each other up as everyone tries to get a handle on the people they'll (hopefully) be spending a long time around.

Most of them are around your age, about 18, though there's some that look older - likely not everyone is American, but this is an English-language designated base, so they should all speak it fluently enough.

The barracks themselves are a short walk away; a squat, utilitarian building, breezeblock coated in wood and peeling paint. Men's and women's buildings are separate; the women peel off in the latter direction, while you and eleven men head for the former. There's no sign of any of the original infantry yet; probably all out on drills or jobs.

>Just focus on getting your gear unpacked, and settle in
>Strike up a conversation with one of the more confident looking guys your age
>Strike up a conversation with one of the more nervous looking guys your age
>Strike up a conversation with one of the older men
>Other?

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>>1433786
>>Strike up a conversation with one of the older men
I'm guessing they have some experience. Ask if this is their first tour

>>1433786
>Strike up a conversation with one of the older men

Always be friends with the old guy, He'll die and but save your life. First rule of horrible wars.

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>>1433780
Lol that's cute

>Now THIS is a GUN

>>1433794
Are we going to be in a mech suit?

>>1433786
>Talk to an older dude. Preferably one who looks friendly but has obviously seen some action

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>>1433798
>Erection intensifies

.....Hopefully

>oldbro confrimed

>>1433786
>Other?
>Strike up a conversation with the guy in the bunk above (or below) yours

>>1433798
Remember I said there was magic or a classified route...

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>>1433807

>>1433807
Classified route was the Pilot Mechs route? I thought for sure it was going to be the Defect to Outsider Faction route.

>>1433823
That would be completely impossible for reasons you'll see at end of thread. Sorry, but there's no way to do that. Also, writing for oldbro.

>>1433823
>wanting to cooperate with xeno scum

>old fogey

Approaching the barracks, you slip past a couple of guys and step in place next to one of the older couple of men.

He's somewhere between thirty and thirty-five, hair only just starting to gray, in better shape than most of the younger ones; seeing you keep pace, the guy looks mildly bemused. "Problem?"

>"Not at all, you just look a little out of place with us kiddies."
>"Just wondering how long you've been doing this."
>"What's a guy like you doing in a place like this?"
>"You're my bunkmate now. I call [top/bottom]."
>Other?

>>1433859
>>"Not at all, you just look a little out of place with us kids."

>>1433823
Co....cooperation? With Xenos scum?


...... HERETIC.

>BLAM

>>1433865
+1

>>1433865
>Dis

>>1433807
>or a classified route
You ever heard of battletech?

>>1433859

>"Not at all, you just look a little out of place with us kiddies."

>>1433807
Awwwww yisssss muthafuckin mech suits.

>>1433896
Hopefully power armor or Battletech styled mechs.

As an engineer/Demo specialist, our loadout could POSSIBLY consist of say.... A Shotgun? A grenade launcher? Possibly a Portable turret? Single shot rocket launcher?

>This pleases my cock

>>1433908
Dude. Future m60. And a spay can with napalm. [TSHHHH] BAD XENO. BAD.

>>1433908
I was thinking an LMG, some explosive kind, claymores, and a GL maybe

>>1433913
AA-12 with explosive rounds.

Erection has never been harder

>>1433918
GL?

>>1433925
M60 with incendiary rounds
>>1433926
Grenade Launcher

>>1433925
LMG with incendiary rounds.
\

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we need napalm and white phosphorous and pic related

>ew, you're old and gross

"Not at all," you say, shrugging. "You just look a little out of place with us kiddies."

The man snorts. "I am a little older than most of you, I must confess." Yeah, definitely French, though his English is excellent. "Still, I have just come from basic myself, yes? So don't expect anything too, ah, impressive of me. A decade as a pâtissier does not a marksman make."

Patissier? That's pastry-making, right? Okay, you're... definitely not going to find a voice of military experience here, just general life experience. Still, that's kind of a massive career change.

"You... baked? And now you're going to kill Outsiders?" You can't help sounding a tad disbelieving.

"I know! It sounds so ridiculous," the man commiserates as you step indoors. "American cooking is more suited to killing things, is it not?" He grins to show the joke. "But really - my old bakery is no more. Along with my staff. And most of the street. So really, what else is there?" The pair of you step aside to let someone swing their backpack down onto their bunk; everyone seems to be claiming one.

"Lucas Bernard, by the way," he adds, holding a calloused hand out; you shake, a little unsettled by the implication of his history.

"Alexander Steele."

"I know. The one who questioned the Captain." Oh, right. Yeah, you probably stood out a little. "And - it seems we should have claimed our beds."

There's only one bunk left, right by the door - hopefully there isn't a draft. Looks like you and Lucas Bernard are going to be bunkmates.

>Claim the top bunk.
>Claim the bottom bunk.
>Let Bernard decide.
>Other?
>(Also write in anything you want to ask/say to him while you unpack.)

>>1433967
>>Claim the bottom bunk.
So Bernard, why are you in such good shape for a pastry maker?

>>1433887
Heard of it, never played.

>>1433902
I'll leave this as a 'wait and see'.

>>1433967
Let him decide. Also, ask about cooking with outsider meat. We will become brothers in knives and forks.

>>1433967
>Let Bernard decide.
Doesnt matter
I cant really think if anything else to do besides look at everyone else's stuff.

>>1433967
>Claim the bottom bunk.

>>1433794
To need so many barrels you have to have a rate of fire that magazine can't support. 2 barrels are more than enough.

>>1433967
why is the bunk placement important? anyhow topbunk

>>1434026
>Only 2 barrels

This fucking guy. We need at least 8, maybe 12 barrels. Firing shotgun shells. That explode. Into white phosphorus and flechettes.

>>1434048
So we want a phemtosecond of sustainable fire?

>>1434055
That's all we need

>>1434055
Replace all the air around our enemies with bullets for like 2 seconds. Chunky salsa can't shoot back

>>1434067
Nah, nah. 20 minutes of sustained, one per 1/5 of a second rate of fire. RATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATAHAHHHHHhhhhh

>>1434082
A VERY slowly rotating shotgun/ minigun. The world ender. The slayer of armies.

it's almost unsettling how anons are more focused on a minigun rather then the story itself ot the possible implication that one of our comrades could be an outsiders him/herself

>>1434097
>shotgun

>let Bernard decide, various chatting

Your eyes meet Bernard's, and an epic, bloody battle of wills ensue, a tale for the ages; no quarter is given, no chance unmissed. The pair of you gaze at each other for long, agonizing milliseconds, before Bernard says, "I'll have top bunk?"

You nod. "Sure, sounds good."

The battle is over.

The pair of you start unpacking; much like everyone else that you sneak peeks at, they're mainly assigned kit, plus some personal belongings - hygiene supplies, some personal entertainment devices, books, photos and the like. Most people, you included, have a change of civilian clothes as well, if you go off-base in your down-time.

While the pair of you stuff your lockers, you figure you might as well dig a little deeper. "Is there a reason you're in such good shape? Apart from basic training, I mean?"

"I was training up for a while before I put my application in," he answers, neatly folding a pair of socks. Who folds socks? Weird. "After all, I knew I would be one of the oldest - thought I would need an edge. Always liked swimming, so that helped."

Looking at him, he does have more of a swimmer's or athlete's build, though the uniform doesn't show off the details; for your own part, you always preferred

>running; you were on the school track team.
>swimming as well.
>lifting weights.
>rock climbing.
>chess.
>sleeping.

"You ever do cooking as well as baking?"

"Some cooking, not much. For my business, a few meat pies - not really my, ah, specialty. Mostly specialty fare, as well; rabbit, pigeon, wild boar and the like."

You grin. "Not Outsider pies?"

"Ha! And be shut down for poisoning my clientele? As much as I would adore to chop an Outsider to pieces, it is not even as though they have meat, no? Just turn to -" He pulls a face, obviously searching for the right word. "Sludge? When they die - or most, at least."

>Talk to someone else.
>Go to off-duty room (invite Bernard along?)
>Call parents.
>Wander base (invite Bernard?)
>Other?

>>1434036
Because it might cause issues later if you decide to go sneaking out at night, among other things.

I hate to say this, but it's 12.30am here in Brit-bong Land, and I need sleep. I'll hang around a little longer, and update thread tomorrow. Really glad this got more attention than I expected, so thanks for playing!

>>1434106
>lifting weights.
>Bed time

>>1434106
see ya tomorrow op! don't let us hanging

>>1434106
>>lifting weights.
WE GOT SWOLE

>Call parents.

>>1434102
>Not getting hung up on awesome weapons we wont get.

>Heretic confirmed.

>>1434103
The demon lovechild of BOTH

>>1434106
>Weight lifting. We /Fit/ and /K/ nao

>>1434106
DON'T YOU DARE BAIL ON THIS NEATO QUEST YOU BRIT-BIGGER


sleep tight :)

>>1434158
Fucking auto correct.... BRIT-Nigger

Biking and weightlifting.

Retrieve harmonica and play an age-old song: piano man. It's classical at this point, right?

>>1434106
>Wander base (invite Bernard?)

Awe yisss! Eng/Demo combo!

>>1434106
goood morning everyanon!
we wait for Op's return, in the meanwhile we covet the possibility of tailing Lt. Ross

Is OP kill?

>>1434211
I also wouldnt mind this.

>>1436269
Was on a botanical walk actually, will be updating soon.

>weightlifting
>absolutely no agreement on what to do except for playing a harmonica, so fuck it, that's what you'll do

+(Weightlifting: bonus to strength rolls)

While some of the others head out to look around their shiny new home, you finish your own unpacking, pulling out a harmonica case from your backpack and flicking it open.

It contains, shockingly enough, a harmonica.

Catching Bernard's curiosity, you decide on a whim to take it out, positioning it with practiced ease and starting to play... yeah, Piano Man will do.

>Roll 1d20, best of 3, crits override

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>1436310
nat 1 incoming

>>1436301
Did you enjoy a nice cuppa to round off your exceedingly British morning?

>>1436314
It's just past 5pm, and the walk started at 2pm, so hardly morning... but yes, I was about to stick the kettle on and break out the custard creams.

Hopefully, there won't be idiots voting to betray humanity and the American way for Outsider poontang. Heck, I'd be down for shooting the first one that tries to seduce us with their lies or their meh-tier tits.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1436310

welp, at least we can play a harmonica.

>>1436322
What if, conversely, you met an Outsider that apparently wanted to defect to humanity's side and spill all its race's secrets?

Naturally, the correct answer is that it's a trap, and you would kill it immediately.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>1436310

>>1436329
That's good, but an inquisitor-tier response would be to interrogate THEN kill it.

>19
>QM has now learned a worrying amount about harmonicas. You now have a Hohner Super 64x chromatic harmonica. Enjoy.

+(Harmonica: +2 to playing the harmonica.)

The notes of Piano Man are easily recognized; the others look over as soon as you begin, relaxing a little once it's obvious that you actually know how to play, and won't be screeching and caterwauling all over the barracks- a couple of them even hum along, no-one going so far as to sing.

"Not bad," allows one of the guys, looking reluctantly impressed. "I mean, you could have learned something decent like the guitar, but that wasn't too awful."

His bunkmate rolls his eyes, going back to neatening his bedsheets in case of inspection. "Ignore Jake, he wouldn't know decent music if it ripped his ears off and shoved itself down the holes. You gonna be practicing often?"

No-one looks too angry at the possibility. "As long as people're okay with it. We'll be busy training anyway, so not regularly."

You've been playing for years anyway, it's not like you'll be that worse off if you lay off the practice for a while. It certainly seems to have done its part, though; your new comrades seem a little more easy-going now, nodding to you as they leave for whatever destination, and Bernard claps your shoulder - though whether that's because the harmonica is a French instrument or just because he likes Piano Man is up in the air.

It's now 4.20pm.

>Off-duty room! With/out Bernard?
>Explore the base. With/out Bernard?
>Call parents.
>Other?

>>1436344
Uh. Shit. Attend classes? PT? I think we should PT.

>>1436351
Can we start our training now for engineering QM?

>>1436344
>>1436354
if possible, if not;
>Off-duty room! With Bernard.

We'll be fighting with these guys, so it would help us survive if we know some people

>>1436351
>>1436354
Official training starts tomorrow, but you can train physically or break out the reading material before then if you want to get ahead. It's 2031, everyone's got a tablet to download things to.

>>1436356
I vote to get ahead of our reading then

>>1436356
break out the reading material to get ahead

>be literate

"Not going to the break room?" Bernard hovers by the barracks door, but you shake your head, switching your tablet on.

"Nah, think I'll get ahead on my reading, never studied this before."

"Studying already?" He shrugs. "Don't forget to eat later. I'll save a space."

Right, the chow hall - well, that won't be for nearly two hours now. As he leaves, you log on to your EDF account, downloading the assigned reading material.

Military engineering doesn't involve things like fixing up transport; it's construction and demolitions, clearing routes or blocking them and the like. For the EDF, whose missions are usually quick and dirty, there isn't as much call as for a regular army, but there are times when the Outsiders do manage to gain a serious foothold.

Unfortunately for you, you start right with the very basics.

>To simplify matters, engineering (including demolitions) will be counted as one skill unless it needs to become more specific. Engineering skill checks will be 1d100 rather than 1d20, with varying DCs.

>For now, roll 3d100, best of all 3. That's THREEd100.

Rolled 27, 47, 38 = 112 (3d100)

>>1436394
LETS GO BOIS

Rolled 81, 73, 62 = 216 (3d100)

>>1436394
LITERACYYYYYY

Rolled 34, 34, 91 = 159 (3d100)

>>1436394

Rolled 53, 36, 21 = 110 (3d100)

>>1436394
I guess this means we're not black

>>1436405
Hey, that's pretty good.

We
>engineer
now lads

>216

+(Engineering: +2 bonus to 1d100 rolls.)

You read through the primer and a couple of basic chapters carefully, which mainly educates you in how damn little you know. At least you should be able to answer a couple of general questions, if they're asshole enough to spring one on you.

The bunk isn't all that comfortable - thin mattress, thin sheets, and you already have a sore back when you shift yourself upright to check the time. Dinner should be served up in a few minutes, unless you want to grab something from a vending machine later.

>Head for the chow hall, no point missing out on a free meal.
>Study some more, you can grab a drink and snack later.
>Other?

>>1436428
>Head for the chow hall, no point missing out on a free meal.
Best to meet the rest of the guys we'll be working with.

>>1436428
>Head for the chow hall, no point missing out on a free meal.

>>1436428
FOOD

>>1436428
>>Head for the chow hall, no point missing out on a free meal.

>FEED ME, BERK
>in other news, QM has found sapper training blogs, aww yeah

Shoving your tablet in your locker, you answer the siren grumble of your stomach and head in search of something edible.

The chow hall is in the main building, not too far away, and while it isn't exactly buzzing - there's less than a hundred people on base including civvies, after all - it looks like a fair few are gathered here, either waiting in line for their meal or already seated in clusters of friends.

At the moment, there doesn't seem to be much mingling between the old guard and those fresh in today - you recognize some of the guys from barracks claiming a long table for their own, a few of the new women joining them. Judging by the friendly nods from the previous guys, you figure the newbies will start mingling soon enough.

Bernard attracts your attention from where he's seated with the rest of the new lot, motioning to the empty space beside him with a careless shrug - looks like he won't be too offended if you choose to sit elsewhere.

>Sit with the new guys (and Bernard).
>Sit with the more experienced soldiers.
>Grab something portable and head back to the barracks.
>Other?

>>1436469
>>Sit with the new guys (and Bernard).
The company of zeroes

>>1436469
>>Sit with the new guys (and Bernard)

>>1436469
>Sit with the more experienced soldiers.
What happend to ht last guys wasn't that bad right?

>>1436469
>Sit with the new guys (and Bernard).
Gotta work this social links lads

>Sit with new guys

Must establish who will be our meatshield

>>1436520
>Bulked Heavy gunner/engineer/sapper who isn't a damn dimwit and may or may not be a natural leader
Dude, it's our job to job and die

>>1436538
We're our own meatshield

>Fug

>muh friendos

Surprisingly, the selection of food is decent - made even more so if you add in the purchasable items - and the quality doesn't look bad either. At the very least, you can tell what everything is, rather than bizarre slop or painted cardboard. With your tray holding a healthy mix of meat, vegetables and jello (because jello is amazing, and strawberry jello counts as fruit), you sit yourself down by Bernard.

Everyone seems to be warming up to each other - news of your harmonica has obviously spread, and there's a couple of questions about it, but the main hot topics of conversation are everyone's training specializations, what a weirdo Captain Ross is, and the standard 'why'd you sign up' stories.

For the latter, you avoid as politely as you can, giving the standard story of poor prospects after high school in

>New York
>Cleveland
>Chicago
>Other?

As dinner continues, you find yourself falling into easy conversation with some of the others; Matthew Dougherty from Ireland, full of anti-Outsider vitriol, Jake Abramowitz from Boston, signing up for a free education and to get away from his family, Raj Patel from England, because he lost a bet (really?), and Chloe Naidoo from South Africa for the sheer excitement of killing abominations.

Bernard remains quiet regarding his own history, but you know enough not to push, and by the time that sweet, sweet jello is gone, you feel that much closer to everyone here.You might not take a bullet for them, but you'd stub a toe to save them. Maybe.

(+ to buddying up with your buddies, buddy)

It's 6.45pm, and you've got until 9pm before lights out, and then a full day of physical and mental pain.

>What do????

>>1436585
>Houston

>Go for a jaunt 'round base, to pass the time and tucker ourself out

>>1436585
>>Other?

Imperial, Nebraska. One of the most bum-fuck places you could be.

>What do????
Just walk around to burn an hour

>>1436602
Top kek ill support imperial, Nebraska. sounds like a cozy shithole.

>>1436585
How bout we just read some more engi shit. Mabye do some light PT.

>>1436585
Lexington, Kentucky. Glorious Kentucky masterrace. Signed up to shoot shit and blow shit up. Also to drink lots of Bourbon

>>1436607
>Light
>PT

Kek. These words do not belong together

>>1436602
>look up imperial
>2,071 residents
>'city'
The fuck?

>>1436621
That's Nebraska for you

>>1436621
That's Nebraska for you

>>1436629
>>1436630
I'm now looking at the Imperial website, and their event calendar marks May 14th as National Dance Like A Chicken Day, so uh, I guess that's also Nebraska for me. Although they also have a Crazy Quilt Guild, so that's... nice?

How about we learned guitar, but realised hauling a massive instrument onto the battlefield for morale's sakes is REALLY impractical, so a few years before we joined up we got into the harmonica.

>>1436630
Beat you by 27 seconds

Hmm.
>practice with the harmonica, and maybe if the anons agree about the musical choices begin a quest for a base-only acoustic guitar

So are we confirmed for Imperial, Nebraska, and exploring base?

Your reason for signing up is already determined, by the way, but that's Plot Yet To Be Revealed.

>>1436658
PYTBR? Huh. >explore base with the gift of music and search for a guitar.
We have a harmonica-holder-thing, right?
Yknow, playing two instruments at once.

>>1436666
WE NEED TO MAKE A BAND

>>1436667
YES. HAHAHA
THE LAST THING THE OUTSIDERS WILL HEAR IS PIANO MAN AND GUNFIRE.

>>1436667
WE WILL GHETTO RIG STATIONARY INSTUMENTS INTO BEING BATTLE-MOBILE FOR THE SAKE OF DAVY, WHO'S STILL IN THE EDF, AND PROBABLY WILL BE FOR LIFE

Rolled 41, 26, 89 = 156 (3d100)

>Imperial, Nebraska
>wander base like a nomadic tribesman searching for water and possibly guitars
>inb4 loyal musician quest

We dual wielding now boys

I fully expect QM to research melodic and melancholic songs done with both instruments.

>>1436680
... Okay, you guys actually found a guitar with that 89. What the fuck?

>>1436680
We'll be the base band, ready to whoop monster ass at less than a moment's notice.>>1436684
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

>>1436680
>play some music on the acoustic guitar to fuck with that one guy

>>1436684
Sonic weapons when?

>>1436693
The moment we get speakers and a volume knob, anon. I hereby rename myself

>>1436692
Specifically this.
https://youtu.be/V_-fba2hBG4

>>1436620
Point taken

>>1436692
And maybe ask other recruits from the group about them getting into music. We're gonna be a kickass band.

>your other search rolls were crap
>but you DID find a guitar, so fuck you all

While Bernard ambles off to investigate the gym with a couple of others, you direct your attention more to the fine art of Finding Your Way Around.

With your trusty map at hand, you prowl the corridors like a dude with no idea where the hell he's going, because that's what you are.

It's... pretty damn boring, actually. Landsdown is small and likely underfunded, or maybe the officers just don't give enough of a crap to order the troops to actually spruce the place up. Considering your Captain, you can believe that. Just stark, gray corridors that you barely pay attention to, disused rooms, and the people you see are all busy on their way somewhere. The grouchy cleaning-woman (Russian?) gives you a death glare when you say hi. Charming.

It's when you open a store cupboard door and glance inside that you find it; clearly abandoned, judging by the layers of dust covering everything, there's some (out-of-date) snacks and drinks, and some well-thumbed magazines entitled 'Acoustic' and 'Total Guitar' that presumably refer to said guitar propped up against the back of the cupboard.

Huh.

Trying not to think about whatever happened to the previous owner of this secret stash, you carefully pick the guitar up, brushing some of the dust off in thick sweeps. You're more of a harmonica guy, but you're pretty sure the string you pluck is out of tune; after however many months or years in here, it's hardly surprising. Apart from that, it looks to be in pretty good shape, if a little plain - a beginner's, probably.

>Leave it here for now, no-one's going to find it.
>This is my guitar. There are many like it, but this one is mine... and it's going to the barracks.
>Look up re-tuning videos on Youtube and make an attempt.
>You're not that interested in a guitar. Move on.
>Other?

>>1436732
>Look up re-tuning videos on Youtube and make an attempt.
If nobody claims it, then its ours.

In another note, mabye we should search up some diy related shit. Mabye order a copy of the anarchists cookbook or something. Think about it, an engineer proficient in scavenging and working with scrap? We could smash together some contraband and make weapons out of landfills.

>>1436732
>This is my guitar. There are many like it, but this one is mine... and it's going to the barracks.
"Remember the pnemonic: Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie. You know E A D G B E, right? Tune that beautiful thing to within a milimeter of "Hey, that's close to correct."

>>1436732
>>Look up re-tuning videos on Youtube and make an attempt.
We should tune it and then take it back to the barracks and ask if anyone around knows how to play guitar

>>1436739
Oh fuck yeah, that's now the name of the base band. "Eddie Ate Dynamite."

>>1436732
>This is my guitar. There are many like it, but this one is mine... and it's going to the barracks.
>Look up re-tuning videos on Youtube and make an attempt.

>>1436732
>Look up re-tuning videos on Youtube and make an attempt.

>>1436742
This is actually a really good name, especially knowing our profession

You guys want to try re-tuning it here, or in barracks?

>>1436748
Thanks! I have a feeling we'll be doing many genres considering the people in our group, but fuck YES we'll be covering Jimmy Eat World.

>>1436751
The barracks

>>1436751
Barracks. Plus, we have a harmonica, which we can use for tuning.

>>1436751
There really isnt any difference. We're still using the internet and the magazines lying around for help so fuck it. Here and now baby.

>>1436751
I fucking love how we hijacked the inbase fuckery into band fun.

>you're my plinky-plonk machine now

There can only be one reaction.

SCORE!

"You're mine now," you tell the instrument with utmost seriousness, abandoning all pretense at maturity as you cradle your stolen goods, closing the door and turning to head straight back to barracks.

Whereupon Abramowitz looks up from leafing through a brochure on his bed, spots you striding towards your own bunk with a dusty guitar, and says, "What the hell? Have you got an entire orchestra hidden away?"

Dougherty peeks over from the bunk above him to see what the fuss is about. "I don't think you're gonna find a harmonica or a guitar in an orchestra any time soon, Jake, but that IS a little weird."

"Are you saying there's something wrong with guitars?" You can't help but feel a little offended, busy cleaning it off as you are.

"Guitars? No. Going for a walk on an EDF base and coming back with one? Yeah, that's a bit off." Dougherty grins anyway, before slinking back out of view, and Jake eyes your tablet with suspicion as you start searching Youtube.

"Do you even know anything about guitars?"

"No. That's why I'm looking how to re-tune them."

"The strings are probably fucked."

You mentally peg Jake as the voice of pessimism. "Well, we'll see how they play, won't we?" Ah, there's a highly-rated video - you pop your earphones in and start watching carefully, repeating it once more before you feel comfortable fiddling with your new spoils.

>Roll 1d20, best of three, crits override. Non-crits get a +1.

>>1436795
How the fuck do i roll again?

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>1436795
Letsa go

>>1436809
dice+1d20 in the options field.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>1436795

>>1436809
dice+1d20
Copy and paste that in the options part

>>1436822
Thanks!
>>1436828

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1436795

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>1436795
AWAKE MY STRING.

Also Guitars are for fags, Cello is best.

>>1436840
That's your opinion.
>>1436839
>we got a non-nat 20
FUCK YEAH!

>>1436839
19+1, unnatural 20!

Writing.

>>1436848
The stars are aligning for Eddie Ate Dynamite to happen.

>>1436839
Thank you so much, anon.

>19+1
>fuck you aaaaaalllllll, i knew i should have written Celebrity Singer/Actor Quest instead

The strings are in... amazingly good condition. With the help of that excellent video - you save the channel, this musician is clearly an expert - and a few notes on the harmonica to check yourself, you give an experimental strum and confirm that yep; every string is perfectly tuned.

It doesn't sound incredible, of course - this is a cheap beginner's guitar, not anything special, but it's more than good enough to learn on if you want to.

>Yeah, this one's yours to learn.
>Maybe someone else should learn how to play guitar?
>Other?

Aside from that, it's nearly lights out; you snag the bathroom to wash up and finish just as everyone else is arriving, the new and old troops seeming more comfortable with each other; looks like they started mingling a little while you were exploring.

There's maybe thirty guys in the barracks all told, and about twenty over in the womens, but with everyone worn out from transport and knowing it's another early start tomorrow, there's not much chatting to be done.

Muttering a goodnight to Bernard, you barely hear it returned before you're asleep; and then...

SIX O'CLOCK, WAKEY WAKEY
ONE HOUR UNTIL BASIC CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES TRAINING

>Take your tablet to breakfast, go over the reading material.
>Don't bother, you'll be taught what you need anyway.

>>1436908
>Yeah, this one's yours to learn.

>Take your tablet to breakfast, go over the reading material.

>>1436908
>"fuck you aaaaaalllllll, i knew i should have written Celebrity Singer/Actor Quest instead"
Dude, how else will we get to kill outsiders while playing music?
>mine.
>take the tablet to breakfast.
Pays to know more first, yeah?

>>1436908
>>Other?
Ask around to see if anyone knows guitar. if not, then talk to Bernard about learning it. We need another band member

>Take your tablet to breakfast, go over the reading material.

>>1436918
Actually, i take that back. How about we share it?

>>1436928
Supporting this. Though if nobody takes it we should definitely keep it

Rolled 1, 29, 38, 37 = 105 (4d100)

>>1436938
Why not share?

Rolled 9 (1d100)

Whoops, forgot one.

>various rolls for potential bandmates (all crap, especially the crit-fail)
>breakfast cram session

Washed and dressed as quickly as possible, you end up taking your tablet to breakfast, despite the entertained expressions from your group. Between speaking up to the Captain, playing the harmonica, randomly obtaining a guitar out of nowhere, and now reading ahead, you suspect you may be getting a reputation as something of an oddball. Or a complete lunatic. Whichever.

Aside from knuckling down to long diagrams and instructions over your eggs and bacon, you learn that your barracks-mates are distinctly uninterested in learning to play the guitar - especially Matthew Dougherty, who turns out to be tone-deaf, and merely humoring you regarding your harmonica. He's pretty surprised to learn you really DID play it well yesterday.

>Roll 1d100 for studying, best of 3, etc.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>1436978

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>1436978

>>1436978
First battle we have we're searching the ruins for a "Music Go Round"

>>1436978

>>1436987
What is it with you and rollbending?

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>1436978

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>1436978

>>1436958
Egh. Not much point. I guess it could be a communal guitar? I dunno.

File: Spoiler Image (376 KB, 1400x1867)

376 KB JPG

>>1436999
Well. Trips but a seven out of 100?

>>1437009
Pretty sure someone got quads earlier.

>>1437009
Never seen that pic before. Nice and saved.

>>1436666
Well then. I just witnessed myself.

>>1437023
Hell yeah you did

>>1436945

>Nat 1

Fuuuuuck.

We gettin attacked instantly by outsiders. Or we ganked the base General's guitar. Or we is colorblind and mix up red fuse and blue fuse in training. Or we forget space chainsaws use plasma. Or...

>>1437034
False alarm. Lol.

>72 (+216 = 288) Still at +2 bonus.

You think you do a decent review for the short time you're able, but while it settles some knowledge in your mind, you can't really say you learned anything new. At least you're a little more confident you won't make a complete idiot of yourself.

EDF training is somewhat different to regular military; today, you're starting the Basic Construction Techniques module, which for now is mostly theory work, but later is PT. Exercise the brain this morning, and your body later.

There's only one other person undergoing military engineering training - it's not a large part of the EDF, after all. It's one of the new women, already seated at her desk as you make your way into the overlarge room, gaze usually focused on the large screen at the front.

No sooner are you settled in than the screen flicks on, showing a bored-looking Lieutenant, doubtless stationed on some larger base. It's not like there's enough qualified people here to waste their time with training just two sappers, after all.

Your desk already has items on it; a thick exam booklet, a ball of twine and a pocket knife, and what follows is a thirty-minute lecture from the Lt., interrupted only to clarify a couple of questions.

(+50 to Engineering; now 338. +3 bonus.)

Next up is the exam booklet, and the ball of twine to attempt different types of knots on.

>Roll 2d100, each best of 3, etc

>>1437034
Or one of the guys is tone-deaf and thus not good band material!

Rolled 90, 29 = 119 (2d100)

>>1437062

Rolled 14, 98 = 112 (2d100)

>>1437062
Equipment junkie, instrument acquisition man...

Rolled 44, 95 = 139 (2d100)

>>1437062

Rolled 10, 5 = 15 (2d100)

Ignore this.

>98, 95.

MAXIMUM KEK. WE TEACHER NOW

File: 1474257072374.jpg (11 KB, 240x229)

11 KB JPG

>>1437102

>>1437102
What
The
Fuck
>>1437112
Who what where when why

File: trusting officers with guns.jpg (112 KB, 960x640)

112 KB JPG

>>1437102
With the horrendous luck all the people around us are having right now, I'm expecting those who manage to survive the sheer misfortune of the first few days to suddenly become supremely competent, roughly around the time our good luck runs out and we unintentionally discharge into our own leg.

>what the fuck are all these 90s
>90+3 = 93, 98+3 = 101, unnatural crit)
>other trainee has crap rolls

+(Bonus to knot-tying. Will this ever be useful? WHO KNOWS.)

The exam is much easier than you expected. Sure, it's obviously directed at a layman, maybe one who's read a little, but they're clearly coming at the trainee with the assumption they're kind of an idiot. And if the written is easy, the knots are - well. You've never had any real reason to tie knots before, but the diagrams and instructions make perfect sense to you, and your fingers flow through the described methods with an almost practiced ease.

The woman at the other table... not so much. You're not sure about her written test, but she's clearly frustrated by the twine, yanking at the threads furiously as she tries to redo them; it's not like you can help, so you sit quietly and hope you don't look smug.

Your expectations are met when the time's up, and the Lt starts going through the tests, eyes alert now for any sign of cheating.

Not that you needed to, of course. "Upper 5 percentile for the opening test," the Lt muses, impressed. "Don't take that as an excuse to slack off, you've just upped my standards for you now. Private White, while this is usually more of a test to see what you don't know, you'll certainly need to read through the materials provided. Your scores are frankly abominable."

The woman - Private White - manages to push own the flicker of a scowl. "Yes, sir."

Well, that's nicer than you were expecting him to be. The training continues for another half hour, before it's lunch time once more.

(+10 to Engineering; now 348.)

>Head to the chow hall and find (who?).
>Talk to Private White.
>Grab something from the vending machines and go to barracks.
>Other?

>>1437136
>unintentionally discharge into our own leg
You mean 'deliberately discharge into your own leg so you can leave and become an international music star', right?

>>1437177
>>Talk to Private White.
"Ms White, if you need help going over the reading, I am sure we can do it together."

>>1437177
Dude, fuck that. We're shooting guns, laying landmines, and singing songs.

>>1437177
>Talk to Private White.

>>1437177
>Talk to Private White.
"If you need help. Just ask."

>Grab something from the vending machines and go to barracks.
Then:
>Other?
Tab some sources online for basic diy work and search for some scrap to play with. Cause fuck it, a scrap nut is always usefull.

>>1437177
>Talk to Private White.
"You, uh, need some help?"

Maybe she's just one of those people that learns better through listening than reading or some shit?

This quest seems pretty cool.

>>1437177
>Miss White

"If you need help, just ask. No problem."
1st lesson is free, but after that she needs to Join/Fund our band.

>>1437232
Nah. Just join.

Ignore this too. Nothing is here. The computer is your friend.

>>1437249
You're right, nothing is there.

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>1437249
Actually, ignore this instead.

>>1437251
Hush, you.

>>1437254
I dont have a proper smug anime girl reaction for this. Should probably get on top of that sooner rather than later.

>alex tutor good! much learn, wow

As the live feed turns off, you grab the remainder of the twine ( little practice never hurt), and pause as you see Private White still sitting there, re-opening her exam booklet and glaring daggers at the questions.

Screw it.

"If you need help, you can just ask." You keep your voice casual, non-judgemental, but her shoulders set anyway.

"I can manage just fine by myself."

Ooookay. She sounds stubborn. And Canadian. "Well, the offer's open. Studying together's always better than studying alone."

White still doesn't look at you, but her eyes flicker slightly, almost away from the exam booklet, and maybe her voice is a little more tired. "I'll think about it."

It looks like she's still planning on skipping lunch to go through her answers.

>Leave her be and head to lunch.
>Leave her be, grab vending machine snacks and head to barracks.
>Invite her to the chow hall.
>Other?

>>1437282
>Leave her be and head to lunch.

>>1437282
>Leave her be and head to lunch.

>>1437282
>>Leave her be and head to lunch.

>>1437282
>Leave her be and head to lunch.

>>1437282
>Leave her be and head to lunch.
Im still insitent we invest some effort into becoming a scrap wizard.

>>1437301
Musical scrap wizards.

>lack of attempted waifuing makes QM happy

You give White a shallow, polite nod, and head out to the culinary showcase of Landsdown base, aka, the chow hall.

Once more, you grab a fairly healthy mix - no point in getting into bad habits just yet, even though you see a few of the more experienced guys enjoying their burgers - and settle down with the others.

Everyone's training seems to be going decently, no real surprises, but no-one's looking forward to PT next. At least it isn't a two-mile run; just a series of push-ups, sit-ups and the like for now, followed by a delightful obstacle course.

Joy.

>Roll 2d100, best of 3, etc

>>1437309
>we start an engi band
>call it the scrap wizards
Thats just great on so many fucking levels dude.

Rolled 81, 54 = 135 (2d100)

>>1437312

Rolled 25, 84 = 109 (2d100)

>>1437312
>lack of attempted waifuing makes QM happy
That shit stays in the brig, corperal