>>1764544
>Other
"So what got you the nickname 'Loki'"?

>>1764544
>Check up on Rook, maybe he’s a bit shaken from being mind controlled?

>>1764544
>>You’ve never seen Sweet so tense, was it treating all those wounded?
If the medic is having problems, it's in our best interest to make sure they get resolved.

>>1764544
>>You’ve never seen Sweet so tense, was it treating all those wounded?

Has he seen the Men in Black before?

>>1764544
>You’ve never seen Sweet so tense, was it treating all those wounded?

>>1764544
>You’ve never seen Sweet so tense, was it treating all those wounded?

>>1764544
Time for more XCom!
>You’ve never seen Sweet so tense, was it treating all those wounded?

>>1764576
>>1764585
>>1764609
>>1764617
>>1764656
Seeing what's up with Sweet it is, writing!

>>1764544
>>They’re probably just tired, no need to bother them.

File: Sweet.png (80 KB, 942x1269)

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You’ve never really seen Sweet not emotionally in control of the situation. Even when he was patching you up over that abduction he’s always had some quip to throw at you. Not wanting to have your squad’s medic lose it you decide to chat with him. Perhaps he’s mentally exhausted from the mission?

While the others are busy chatting about what they are looking forward to once they arrive at XCOM HQ any second now, you get Sweet’s attention. The large man looking up to you after spending most of the trip staring up at the ceiling of the Skyranger’s hold. You catch him as he idly turns a ring around his hand. You had noticed his wedding ring before but it didn’t really register to you until now.

“How are you doing?” You ask him.

“Hm? Oh yeah, I’m good.” Sweet looks over to you and blinks, it takes him a moment to compose himself before giving you a smirk and waving his hand dismissively. “In fact, I should be asking you how you’re doing since you got smoked out. Need another air can?”

“No thanks.” You shake your head as Sweet holds up another spare rebreather, shaking it in the air. “Just asking since you look pretty out of it. I owe you after all, it’s the least I can do.”

Sweet chuckles at that, shaking his head. “Nah, the only thing you owe me is to not get shot all the time… but that isn’t going to be happening anytime soon now is it?”

You glance down at the plasma burn on your armor’s chest, burnt through. The alloy plating underneath taking a solid hit for you but once again having to be sent to the repair bay to fix it back up. You sheepishly shrug.

“Trying.” You say half-heartedly, which get’s Sweet to laugh again. Admittedly you don’t buy that he’s completely fine, but at the very least he appreciates you striking up a conversation. Maybe he’ll tell you later over a few drinks if he’s still up to it.

You feel the Skyranger lurch and slow down as it begins touchdown on the landing pad at XCOM HQ. Your trip back to base complete. You and the others stand up and stretch ready to deposit your gear at the Armory and unwind… except for Rook and Sweet, who look like they’d rather want to stay in the Skyranger for as long as possible. Sweet’s mood dropping back down to unease even after your conversation with him.

“Whew, can’t to kick back!” Rachel stretches, her ponytail bobbing as she does so. She pauses however when she sees Rook and Sweet not opting to stand up. “Hey, you guys alright back there? Air sick or something?”
The others glance over as well and Rook groans, pinching his nose. Whatever it is it seems like he’s surprised the others didn’t realize sooner. Sweet sighs and stands up, helping Rook rise as well, careful around Rook’s Medikit treated plasma wound as he does so.

“...Oh dear.” Loki says, seemingly realizing what’s going on. Peppermint blanching as well.

“What? What now?” Rachel looks about at the squad and all you can do is shrug unsure as well.

And then, the Skyranger's ramp begins to lower.

(Part 1 / 2)

File: Spoiler Image (92 KB, 1023x688)

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You look over and expect to see the usual stream of staff pouring out from the woodwork to tend and refuel the Skyranger, instead you note the Hanger is surprisingly clear and empty except for a crowd of men and women waiting for you as your reception of sorts. Rachel gasps and takes a wary step back.

The crowd waiting for your squad all appear to be donning Hazmat suits, real heavy duty stuff. Their faces completely obscured by the suit’s visors with only the audible breaths from the built in breathers through built in microphones. Several of them are holding complex looking equipment and a pair are holding a rather intimidating high power hose. The hazmat crew remain silent as if expectant of something. A few moments pass until you hear a familiar voice make it’s way through the crowd.

“Excuse me! Pardon me!” The voice answers and the hazmat crew quickly replies, parting way quickly as you see someone approach you all. Your squad not wishing to disembark. It takes you only a moment to register who it is, and it doesn’t take the tray of steaming hot cookies in her hand…. That appear to be bagged up in plastic bags.

“Welcome back, Strike One!” The Commander says, her voice sounding different as it’s transmitted through the hazmat suit’s mic. “I hope you all are ready for some decon!”

Dec-- oh. Decontamination. ‘Oh.’ You’ve heard the horror stories with how thorough XCOM is with making sure their operation is ‘clean’ and now you’re staring down the literal barrel of it. They’re ‘very’ thorough. You now understand why Rook and Sweet were feeling.

>Try and find a way out of it, you’re fine really. Your entire squad is. It's probably a vain attempt but worth a shot.
>Own up and accept your fate, no way out especially with the Commander waiting. This is going to suck.
>OK… you need to ask, why did she bag the cookies?
>Other.

>>1764854
>OK… you need to ask, why did she bag the cookies?

>>1764854
>>OK… you need to ask, why did she bag the cookies?

>>1764854
>>Own up and accept your fate, no way out especially with the Commander waiting. This is going to suck.
WELP

no point in delaying it I guess.

>>1764854
>Complement her on the forethought of bagging the cookies.

>>1764854
>Own up and accept your fate, no way out especially with the Commander waiting. This is going to suck.
>OK… you need to ask, why did she bag the cookies?
On another note, we've done a lot of ballsy shit lately, not to mention being an overall determinator sorta type. I think we even managed to repel an ethereal mind probe. Are we psionic, or just the will of steel kinda guy?

>>1764854
>OK… you need to ask, why did she bag the cookies?

>Other.
Take a cookie, Thank the commander, Follow the Hazmat people for Decon

>>1764854
>>OK… you need to ask, why did she bag the cookies?

>OK… you need to ask, why did she bag the cookies?

>>1764854
>Other.
Take a cookie, Thank the commander, Follow the Hazmat people for Decon

>>1764854
>>OK… you need to ask, why did she bag the cookies?

>>1764857
>>1764869
>>1764888
>>1764894
>>1764903
>>1764917
>>1764927
Desire to know more it is, writing!

File: Hazmat.jpg (49 KB, 1280x720)

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You and the rest the squad stand there for a moment before Rook orders you all with a grunt to disembark. Slowly and warily you and the rest of the squad does so. Standing at the bottom of the ramp. One of the Hazmat staff begins to motion to his(?) compatriots. Several of them comply, making their way inside the Skyranger past your squad as they begin to examine the Skyranger interior closely with handheld equipment. He(?) continues to motion further orders silently with hand gestures to you and the rest of the squad before the Commander clears her throat, causing him(?) to pause.

“One moment, Izzy.” The Commander says, walking forward and presenting the tray to each of your squad, who each take one. She ends with you last as you take the remaining cookie in hand. The plastic bag is steaming hot and you can feel the warmth even underneath your gloves as you hold the bagged baked good.

Maybe it’s the sheer awkwardness of the situation, which seems to only be offset by the pleasant mood of the Commander but you can’t help but speak.

“Ma’am… why… why did you bag the cookies?” You say somewhat tentatively, looking bag down at the admittedly delicious looking sweet. It reminds you of baggied evidence you’d find in crime scenes.

“Oh, so they don’t get soggy of course!” The Commander says sweetly, before nodding to ‘Izzy’.

With a smooth motion, Izzy continues to order his(?) team. The remaining hazmat crew walks over and begins to lead your squad aside. Placing hands on the shoulders for more complacent members of the squad like Rook or more forcefully by grabbing the arms of more resistant teammates, like Peppermint. She’s now openly cursing them in Russian. Only you and Loki are not touched as the rest of your squad is moved aside a bit.

“Soggy…?” You blink as you watch your squad with Loki with rising concern. You quickly shake your head and try and gain some composure in the situation. “Er, well thank you Commander. We’ll be going to the decontamination room now…”

The Commander giggles at that, which is both simultaneously reassuring and nerve wracking. “Decontamination Room? That’s later!”

The pair of hazmat crew holding the heavy duty hoses walk over to your remaining four team members and with simple nod of Izzy, starts the hose. They promptly spray your four squadmates with clearly icy cold blasts of water.

“Augh! What the fuck!?” Rachel exclaims trying to raise her hands to block the stream of water ineffectually. The remaining three members of your squad take it as best as they can.

(Part 1 / 2)

“Given how we don’t know how… contaminating new alien contact is the hazmat crew starts the decon process right here.” Loki says plainly, the only person in your group able to keep ‘neutral’ of the whole thing. She’s damned good at that.

“The hanger bay can also be retrofitted as one giant airlock, did you know?” The Commander happily adds, watching the sight of your crew as they’re washed down with a literal fire hose. The Commander turns to encourage your squad, waving to them.“You can do it, Strike One!”

“...What about us?” You say to the Commander, realizing you aren’t being hosed down. You eye Izzy suspiciously. You’re not sure if he or she is staring back at you his face completely obscured by his or her visor unlike the Commander’s.

“Well two you don’t have to worry about that, because Moira will be seeing to you both personally!” The Commander smiles.

For the first time, you see Loki visibly freeze up. A flash of horror written briefly (very briefly) on her face. Moira? You recalled hearing that name from the Commander before but never got around to asking her. You are about to ask who Moira is before Loki speaks up suddenly.

“I volunteer in his stead.” Loki says to the Commander, causing the both of you to look back at Loki.

“Hm?” The Commander isn’t upset or surprised but more curious of what Loki said. Whatever this is Loki is clear she’s not backing down in stepping in for you.

>You may not know who this Moira is, but you aren’t going to let Loki volunteer for you. You’ll do it with her... Whatever it is.
>Loki appears to be sacrificing herself for you, you don’t know why but there’s probably a good reason to. Let her and thank her later.
>Oh no, if anyone is going to volunteering in someone’s stead it’s you. This is a big deal apparently, and you’re not going to let Loki endure whatever is going to happen.
>Other.

>>1765082
>>You may not know who this Moira is, but you aren’t going to let Loki volunteer for you. You’ll do it with her... Whatever it is.
I mean, the commander probably isn't gonna let us off so easily anyway so may as well.

>>1765082
>Oh no, if anyone is going to volunteering in someone’s stead it’s you. This is a big deal apparently, and you’re not going to let Loki endure whatever is going to happen.

>>1765082
>Oh no, if anyone is going to volunteering in someone’s stead it’s you. This is a big deal apparently, and you’re not going to let Loki endure whatever is going to happen.

>>1765082
>>You may not know who this Moira is, but you aren’t going to let Loki volunteer for you. You’ll do it with her... Whatever it is.

It will be good team building. Right?

>>1765082
>>Oh no, if anyone is going to volunteering in someone’s stead it’s you. This is a big deal apparently, and you’re not going to let Loki endure whatever is going to happen.

>>1765082
>Oh no, if anyone is going to volunteering in someone’s stead it’s you. This is a big deal apparently, and you’re not going to let Loki endure whatever is going to happen.

>Oh no, if anyone is going to volunteering in someone’s stead it’s you. This is a big deal apparently, and you’re not going to let Loki endure whatever is going to happen.

>>1765082
>>Oh no, if anyone is going to volunteering in someone’s stead it’s you. This is a big deal apparently, and you’re not going to let Loki endure whatever is going to happen.

>>1765082
>>Loki appears to be sacrificing herself for you, you don’t know why but there’s probably a good reason to. Let her and thank her later.

>>1765093
>>1765096
>>1765108
>>1765109
>>1765114
>>1765123
Trying to be the sacrificial lamb instead of Loki it is, writing!

>>1765082
>Oh no, if anyone is going to volunteering in someone’s stead it’s you. This is a big deal apparently, and you’re not going to let Loki endure whatever is going to happen.
I don't really care about Loki, I just want to see what will happen.

>>1765133

She won't have snake venom dripped into her eyes, be bound to a rock and have her lips sown shut.

Before you ask "What the fuck are you talking about Chaos?" it's what happened to the actual Norse god Loki

File: Loki.png (52 KB, 535x1147)

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“It’s appreciated, really. But I volunteer instead.” You say to Loki. You do mean it but if anyone’s going to be go in someone’s stead it’s going to be you. You’re not even really sure what will happen but damn it all you’re going to do it instead.

“And I am appreciative that you are appreciative, but I insist I go instead.” Loki says back a hint more sternly. Oh no, no way you’re going to back down that easily.

“I can handle myself, you look exhausted. It’s really no big deal.” You counter back. Even she clearly can’t hide that with the way her shoulders are sagging ever so slightly under the weight of her kit. The green fog’s innate exhaustion settling in onto her.

“You, frankly, look much worse.” Loki says back without a moment’s hesitation, not backing down either. “Especially after rushing those new aliens at the end as you did and taking a hit. Besides you should celebrate acquiring your new Callsign with the others after this.”

You get ready to reply back before you both stop as you hear the Commander cough. Oh right, she’s still right in front of you both. Loki quickly stiffens up and is quick to apologize, a faint shade of red on her cheeks. You add your own apologies as well, that was pretty embarrassing after all. The Commander however shakes her head, seemingly…. Pleased more than anything else at the little exchange.

“I am so glad we have TWO volunteers!” The Commander says happily. “Everyone is always so hard on Moira, but it’s clear you two are quite empathetic to her! She’ll be glad to have two volunteers that aren’t her usual ones. Come, let’s not keep her waiting.”

With that, The Commander begins to walk away, heading towards one of the service elevators, Izzy motions for you both to follow her. It seems he or she will be following behind you as well, it looks like the Hazmat team leader is making sure you don’t try and make an escape or have any second thoughts.

“You are as stubborn as ever, but somehow I am not surprised.” Loki sighs and shakes her head, though you can see she’s smiling slightly at that. “Let us head to our fate, shall we?”

You take one last glance at the rest of your squad before you leave, noting the hosing is done, your sodden and freezing team mates being led out of the hanger as hose is turned on the Skyranger itself, washing it down thoroughly. You’re not really sure if whatever is in store for you is worse than what your defeated and soaking wet teammates endured. But this IS XCOM…
Resigned to your fate both you and Loki begin to follow the Commander while the enigmatic Izzy shadows you both from behind.

(Part 1 / 2)

File: Dr_Vahlen.jpg (305 KB, 1272x715)

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The Commander casually tosses her baking tray in a biohazard bin and the four of you make your way down into the lower levels of the XCOM base. Izzy and Loki remain silent as only the Commander herself appears to be ending the silence with some humming to herself. When you arrive at your designated floor the four of you make your way through a small gauntlet of airlocked and security gated rooms. You note how much more sanitized these rooms are, which is saying something given how well maintained the rest of the base.

Finally, the four of you arrive in an observation room of sorts. On the other side is easily the most high tech section of XCOM HQ you’ve seen yet, barring the mesmerizing Hologlobe in Mission Control and the familiar confines of Engineering. The men and women darting about in lab coats manning computers and terminals make it easy for you to discern that this is XCOM’s Science Labs, the other half of the coin to Shen and his team in Engineering.

Someone approaches the glass and you feel a shiver go down your spine as a woman sizes both you and Loki, her cold and calculating eyes speaking volumes of her character. You don’t know why but you really don’t like being on this side of the glass. Glancing over at Loki you see her muster one of her best stoic faces yet returning the gaze to the woman.

The scientist continues her gaze over at your two other companions nodding to Izzy before stopping and taking a step back, her eyes widening upon seeing the Commander.

“Commander… w-what you doing in there?” The scientist asks her in a germanic accent you can’t quite place where. “Mr. Clarke and his team are supposed to be the ones to handle Asset Recovery and initial contact with new xeno--”

“It’s fine, Moira! You worry too much.” The Commander shakes her head disarmingly. “I chose to do it myself, besides, these two have yet to have any adverse reactions from the new alien species so I just wanted to keep them at ease.”

You glance over to Loki who answers your thoughts quietly. “That is Dr. Moira Vahlen, Head of Research and Development.”

Ah…

>Keep quiet and not interrupt your two superiors. Look professional.
>Try and look about and figure out what’s going to happen, it’ll help prepare you for what’s ahead.
>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character.
>Other

>>1765323
>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character.

>>1765323
>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character.

>>1765323
>Try and look about and figure out what’s going to happen, it’ll help prepare you for what’s ahead.

>>1765323
>>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character.

>>1765323
>>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character.

File: LFk1N[1].jpg (135 KB, 2000x2000)

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>Other
>Leg it.

>>1765323
>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character

Crit impressing her like Shen

>>1765323
>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character.

>>1765323
>>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character.

File: t w o d a m a g e.png (194 KB, 1278x925)

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Something came up lads, sorry be back in a bit!

>>1765323
>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character.

>>1765323
>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character.
>Realize with horror what a bad idea this was

>>1765323
>>Study Dr. Vahlen, try and appraise her character.
then panic and drop a grenade

>>1765341
>Dying tired.

File: Vahlen 2.png (145 KB, 257x350)

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As Moira-- er-- Dr. Vahlen continues to chat with the Commander you take the time to try and study the Head Scientist. Just on a quick examination it seems that Vahlen is completely different in disposition than her counterpart, Dr. Shen. You also can understand at a glance why everyone was so wary of Moi-- Vahlen beforehand. She’s certainly not as approachable as the elderly Chief Engineer. Really the only thing you've heard that Shen doesn't like is his distaste of slacking off and playing particular games, which you can't really blame. Of course these thoughts are only a gut reaction to Vahlen. You scrutinize her further trying to try and get a better bearing of the woman. She can’t be that bad can she?

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>1765464

>>1765464

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>1765464
Can't be that bad at all.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1765464

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>1765464

>>1765471
Nice

>>1765471
Today we learn things about Dr. Vahlen we wish we could forget.

>>1765494
She's a nice lady and super kinky in bed.

>>1765505
>wish we could forget
>super kinky in bed

"Oh God... the rubber Sectoid suits... oh god..."

>>1765517
Did you play the xcom 2 dlc? She has a thing for sneks.

>>1765524
She was the one who created the Viper King just to see what would happen, right?

>>1765517
>>1765524
Out of the corner of our eye we see her lick her lips when she see's are scared body, she slinks over carefully observing all the old war would "mmnn resilient, quick thinking...a tad feral...you'll do nicely"

>>1765529

I'm all for becoming a genetically modified psionic ubermench. Wait, CAN we gain psionics?

>>1765546
We'll likely have to roll quite well for it IF it comes up

File: Unrelated.jpg (18 KB, 594x334)

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Unrelated to what's going on right now, I found this image again and I'm laughing so hard I'm having trouble writing the update. God dammit!

>>1765546
Becoming Vahlens Genemod pet when?

>>1765548

Oh Jesus, say Pixel is psionics something we can end up getting?

>>1765549

I'm all for it

File: 1499708731201.png (39 KB, 446x443)

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>>1765552

File: 200.gif (37 KB, 200x200)

37 KB GIF

>>1765559

>>1765559

Is that a yes? A no?

>>1765563
By why be psionic, when we can be MEC? That's where the fun guns are.

>>1765567
MEC is shit man. Who on earth would choose to have their limbs lopped off just to play with a big gun?

>>1765567
>>1765571
Yeah, MECs do seem to be lategame kinda trash. I'd rather be psionic.

I can see Van Dorn Being a mech but not any of the other characters honestly

>>1765567
>>1765571

I say we should only become a MEC if we have to. Like, in the event that we become a cripple or something.

>>1765574

Since we're doing long war MECs get a bunch of new shit

Xcom 2 psi ops can do a whole mission on their own. even more op than the jedi custom class

>>1765571
Because at the rate we're going we're going to take a nasty hit, and then it's quicker to MEC up rather than heal.

>>1765567
I'd rather not become a MEC unless we get crippled or something.

Which, to be fair, isn't out of the question considering our class and combat style.

>>1765587
>>1765600
>>1765602

>Wanting to become a MEC when crippled
>Not wanting to use our psionic power to just float
>Not wanting to try and explore new and exciting ways to use psionics that isn't used in game

We can try it

File: xcom_sci_lab_by_zombat-d6sed7w.jpg (48 KB, 700x338)

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You recognize that professionalism and almost obsessive practicality she has. While you never had an affinity for the sciences, you do understand that endless stubbornness to make one more step forward. Really, more than anything else you respect the good Doctor for doing whatever it is that needs to be done. It’s what you would do in her situation you feel.

Vahlen and the Commander finish their conversation, the Chief Scientist managing to convince the Commander to make her leave so as not to risk even the slimmest possibility of being contaminating and risking the center of the XCOM project. The Commander relents with Vahlen’s reasoning, albeit with a pout. It was a solid effort on her part to stick along but the ‘fate of XCOM’ is quite difficult to counter.

Vahlen glances over to you both and you notice at the corner of your eye Loki stiffen again upon her gaze. Even the imperious Loki can’t help but get a reaction from Vahlen’s gaze. On cue, Vahlen’s eyes narrow ever so slightly before continuing her gaze onto you. You lock eyes with her and much to her surprise merely nod in respect to her. Hands clasped behind your back awaiting what happens next. This seems to cause the scientist to blink in surprise at that, seemingly expecting you to react differently. You really don’t see why everyone’s so against Vahlen, honestly.

“Well, I trust you both in Moira’s hands, don’t worry she doesn’t bite. Until next time.” The Commander says, bidding you both farewell and making a prompt exit.

“Ahem, yes.” Vahlen turns back to you both, tapping away idly at the PDA in her hands. “Given your experience with the new alien species, we will be conducting an examination to determine if you both are safe to reintegrate back with the rest of the base safely and get cursory understanding of the new species sooner before Asset Recovery arrives with the corpses to examine.”

Loki shifts in place a bit at that.

“Clarke will assist the endeavor from within and I will be asking questions to you both on your experiences with the new alien species. We will begin immediately.”

What happens next you learn quickly just how extensive Vahlen is with her research, the Chief Scientist not wasting the opportunity to poke and prod at you both to gleam any and all information to combat the new alien threat. Time passes in a blur. In particular what stood out to you was…

>Vahlen’s rigorous questionings of your experience with the new alien species.
>The physical examination and health check ups under her watchful gaze.
>What happened after the testing. Vahlen was not wasteful of fresh volunteers...

>>1765624
Basically this the psi ops are even more op then the game makes them out to be we could get some god teir powers out of it

>>1765627
>What happened after the testing. Vahlen was not wasteful of fresh volunteers...
Damn mystery shots.

>>1765627
>The physical examination and health check ups under her watchful gaze.

>>1765627
>What happened after the testing. Vahlen was not wasteful of fresh volunteers...

>>1765627

>The physical examination and health check ups under her watchful gaze.

>Insert sex joke here, go on. DO IT

>>1765627
>What happened after the testing. Vahlen was not wasteful of fresh volunteers...

>>1765627
But I want them all...

>>1765627
>>The physical examination and health check ups under her watchful gaze.

>>1765627
>>What happened after the testing. Vahlen was not wasteful of fresh volunteers...

>Vahlen’s rigorous questionings of your experience with the new alien species.

>>1765650
Screw it changing my vote to sex joke

>>The physical examination and health check ups under her watchful gaze.

>>1765627
>>The physical examination and health check ups under her watchful gaze.

>>1765627
>>The physical examination and health check ups under her watchful gaze.

>>1765627
>>What happened after the testing. Vahlen was not wasteful of fresh volunteers...

>>1765627
>>What happened after the testing. Vahlen was not wasteful of fresh volunteers...

>people giving up potential psi testing for sex jokes

>>1765627
>What happened after the testing. Vahlen was not wasteful of fresh volunteers...

>>1765627
>What happened after the testing. Vahlen was not wasteful of fresh volunteers...

>>1765672

How are we supposed to know?

>>1765672
Like pixel would be that evil

>>1765633
>>1765637
>>1765641
>>1765647
>>1765665
>>1765670
>>1765675
>>1765677
Wow, that was a really close and intense vote but it looks like mystery box wins, writing!

>>1765695
The Mystery Box always wins Pixel, always

File: Research Labs.png (1.62 MB, 1595x639)

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Really, the physical testing and interrogations are what you would have expected. Extremely detailed and extensive activities to gather as much information as possible. You and Loki were testing just how capable you both were at physical activities after being subjected to the new alien’s apparent ‘acid’ as the science team was able to quickly deduce alongside giving detailed accounts of the new alien’s traits and experience in battling them. Vahlen in particular taking note of just how awful the acid clouds were.

Loki took it as well as you did, but as you figured you both were run through a grinder of sorts of activities, for science.

Even after everything it was unsurprising to you after gauging Vahlen’s character that she wasn’t done with you both yet. Opting to use the both of you as fresh volunteers for other projects. Specifically for the both of you being physically fit in comparison to her previous stock of volunteers, whoever those are. After the both of you were washed down (which was not fun) you were finally led out of the observation room and into a more secure section of the labs for further testing…

>Roll 1d20+1 Good luck!

Rolled 19 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1765729

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1765729

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>1765729

Rolled 3 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1765729

>>1765737
love u

>>1765739
Well, that can't be good.

>>1765739
U-uh. Are critfails priority?

>>1765739
...So, should we pop the other crit here or no?

Nah, We've got like three safety nets

>>1765739

There's saved crit to counteract this right?

>>1765739
Welp, prepare to bend over and kiss our butts goodbye.

>>1765753
We've got either two or three but it's still kind of unfortunate

>>1765753
Yeah, we have one left, if we want to use it.

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>>1765739
Oh my, do you guys want to use your last saved Crit?

>Y/N

>>1765760
...This is probably a bad idea, but
>Y

>>1765754
It's just allergies. To penecillin. And Alien mutagens. And dust. And alien blood.

>>1765760
>N

Save it for combat.

>>1765753
It's probably not worth using for this..

>Y

Shit really, That Last mission must have been worst than I remembered

>>1765760
>N
Let's use it on something more important. This'll be funny.

>>1765760
>Y!

>>1765760
YES

>>1765760
Y though the unnat 20 should counter it in my opinion but whatever

>>1765760
N

>>1765760
>Y

>>1765760
This is a tough one, but I'm going to go with
>N
I really want whatever bonus there might be, but I don't think this will fuck us over as much as a critfail in combat.

>>1765760
>Y
Don't fail the good doctor

>>1765760
>yes

>>1765760
>>Y
Come on psionic potential!

>>1765760

>Y

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Y'all are pussies. And pretty wasteful.

>>1765786
I know. We're in a med bay, so it won't be lethal. Not like failing in a combat situation.

>>1765786
>Failure of a human! Failure of a human!

>>1765786

It's XCOM nigger, anything can kill us

>>1765760
>N

Using the Crit it is then, you guys are now out of Crits, writing!

>>1765786
I'm just really betting on psionics or gene mods. This seems to be partially long war based so you can get psionics pretty early if you make some sacrifices. Or we could dare to dream and hope our unnatural 20 was the missing link for an interface between human and mech that doesn't require amputation.

>>1765760
>>Y

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>>1765795
You can't really use that excuse. If one critfail on Bo3 d20s in a safe environment killed you it would be a shitty quest.

Just wait, you're going to roll a critfail in combat on a check to save [INSERT WAIFU HERE] and you're going to wonder 'why don't we have any saved crits'?

Oh yeah, we used our last so we don't have an allergic reaction to some testing fluid that would have had the lasting consequences of some bed rest.

Christ I bet you people would have wasted a crit on the critfail where we couldn't carry that one girl's rocket launcher saying 'Oh it might have killed us with the weight!' you damn cowards.

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>>1765806

>>1765806
Umm anon allergic reactions can kill damn easily. Also if this is science-y shit Vahlen could be testing us with stuff that could literally cause our veins to ignite.

>>1765816
Umm anon did you not read?

>If one critfail on Bo3 d20s in a safe environment killed you it would be a shitty quest.

Are you calling Pixel a shitty QM?

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>>1765806

>>1765816
Yeah bullshit there's no way we'd die from testing. Worst that could happen is either Vahlen, Loki or the Commander get pissed at us for screwing something up or We get knocked out of the action because of an accident

>>1765823
>Vahlen's lab
>Safe

I can't tell if this is cowardly or inadvertently recklessly brave.

Cause we are tossing our free pass out the window for something inconsequential so that we don't have it when it matters. That's kind of hardcore even if that wasn't the reasoning behind it

>>1765862
impressing/getting waifus seems to be the goto play everywhere lately. It's good because then i stop participating in quests and just do RL-shit

>>1765857
I like how you keep avoiding the fact that you know one critfail here wouldn't kill us. Multiple of them coupled with bad decisions maybe but not just one.

But no, keep greentexting and posting reaction images against any dissent in the quest. Maybe you'll get lucky and get a new nat 20 to save right after this.

Maybe you won't.

I kinda view this as us making a good impression on her. Given what we do etc we're seriously becoming a Wardog. neve rknow that may be our name "MadDog"

>>1765867
That's bound to happen with blank slate 'Nice Guy™' MC without even a name (might as well call him Anon) gets to work with a stable of girls all with different flavors that are all sooo interested in him.

Par for the course

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>>1765872
>>1765823
>>1765806
>>1765786
>>1765857

>>1765884
>Someone goes against the popular opinion
>He must be shitposting, it's the only way!

>>1765872
In line with this, we're going to get bad rolls, and we're not always going to have the banked 20s to spare on fixing them. This was probably one of the safest times to eat a critfail, but we voted to spend the crit that might have otherwise been used to save Rook or Rachel from the disfavor of the dice gods.

>>1765884
He's not wrong. Just an asshole about it.

>>1765872
Maybe the anon who kept getting 20s will come back and get us some (seriously what was up with their luck, they got like 3 20s each time they rolled)

>>1765894
But he only gets 20s when the rolls don't count. Like 4th, or at random times.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>1765899
Let me try this

>>1765884
Do a bait picture next. That'll show me and invalidate everything I've said.

>>1765893
Thank you

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You were both led to a secure room with Vahlen and Izzy following. Even despite being completely washed clean and decon’d, Izzy didn’t appear to have any desire or interest in removing his hazmat suit. You’ve gathered so far that the silent hazmat operator is a personal aide of some kind to Vahlen, being her extension of sorts for activities that could risk the Head of RnD. You had tried striking up some conversation at one point but merely grunted at you. Nice guy.

Inside of the secure room, both you and Loki were settled down into sort’ve operating chairs and shown a special material that only a small handful are aware of. It seems Vahlen surprised herself in her admitting this and went the full way instead of keeping quiet on the matter. Some time ago, XCOM had managed to secure a landed Small UFO at heavy cost. Found within was a set of unused ‘Fog Pods’ and several canisters of an unknown substance which would later be named MELD some sort of combination of organic and biomechanical… stuff. You kind’ve glossed over halfway through on her explanations.

There had been some initial testing on the substance and the Science Team had made a few initial passes but progress was stopped until more volunteers were presented, which were the two of you. It took a moment to think but you were quick to give an OK to the good Doctor in proceeding, much to the apparent surprise of those in the room, you had already volunteered even before Vahlen had even finished, understanding the reward was worth the risk. Loki followed as well after you, seemingly drawn by your willingness.

You were both given a ‘shot’ of sorts of the substance alongside whatever chemical tampering the Science team had done before administering it. It’s effects being a temporary test of the applications of MELD. The sensation was… intense. Your senses heightened, the world around you seeming much more brighter and clearer. From the green highlights on Vahlen’s lab coat and sweater starting to dazzle to the almost overwhelming visual stimulus of merely glancing at Izzy’s bright yellow hazmat suit.

Genetic Modification Vahlen had called it, the impossible made opposite thanks to the technology of the alien invaders.

For a moment, even if it was ultimately fleeting, you felt alive under the effects of the MELD cocktail. The closest approximation being… well… that rush you felt during your first encounter with the alien invaders in Arizona. Loki’s reaction was similar but with not as much intensity as you had. Vahlen was quick to document all of this, perhaps it was something about your physical traits? Whatever it was, your efforts seemed to have more than paid for itself as the effects stilled seemed to wholly linger. For how long, it’s anybody’s guess but you can definitely tell this will help you out. Vahlen was quite pleased with the whole ordeal, but eventually had to let you go.

>You have temporarily gained Hyper Reactive Pupils for the next Mission!

(Part 1 / 2)

>>1765902
i actually agree with you, but you aint gonna convice the other guy. bogging the thread down in useless posts(like mine) detracts from the reading experience imo

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Finally being freed of your duties in the Labs, both you and Loki had unanimously decided that meeting up with the others at the bar was clearly the best choice, as tempting as it may have been to just make a beeline straight to your bunk. The festivities should still be going on with it being Callsign day after all. Hopefully.

Loki had understandably been quiet for most of the testing, both of you exhausted now over the proceedings… partly. Admittedly the Gene Mod testing was like a jolt of energy as you find yourself able to sense and observe the smallest details and changes in the surroundings around you and even your squadmat-

“Like what you see?” Loki muses, which is quick to make you snap forward with slight embarrassment, causing Loki to chuckle. “I’m joking, though I must admit I am jealous to how well you had taken the testing. You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

“It definitely made being whisked away into the Labs worth it.” You say as you both pass a pair of blueshirted Base Security, you were able to read their name tags farther than you had expected.

“That it was… you certainly appeared to strike it well with Vahlen as well. I suppose my efforts in trying to save you were in vain.” Loki murmurs, idly brushing a stray lock of red hair over her ear. “You are certainly a bullheaded American through and through, I shouldn’t have expected less.”

>The concern was appreciated, you are thankful that she threw her hat in for you.
>You really can’t help it, you always were the type of guy to be ready for anything.
>It wouldn’t have sat right if you went ahead in your stead, especially if it could have been dangerous.
>Other.

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>>1765909
Dammit that's supposed to be

>It wouldn’t have sat right if SHE went ahead in your stead, especially if it could have been dangerous.

Sorry!

>>1765909
>You really can’t help it, you always were the type of guy to be ready for anything.

>>1765909
>>The concern was appreciated, you are thankful that she threw her hat in for you.

>>1765909
>The concern was appreciated, you are thankful that she threw her hat in for you.
>You really can’t help it, you always were the type of guy to be ready for anything.

>>1765909
>>The concern was appreciated, you are thankful that she threw her hat in for you.

>>1765909
>>The concern was appreciated, you are thankful that she threw her hat in for you.

>>1765909
>The concern was appreciated, you are thankful that she threw her hat in for you.
Then say "come on lets get a drink, hey what do my eyes look like now?"

>You really can’t help it, you always were the type of guy to be ready for anything.

>>1765909
>The concern was appreciated, you are thankful that she threw her hat in for you.

>>1765909
>>The concern was appreciated, you are thankful that she threw her hat in for you.

>>1765909
>You really can’t help it, you always were the type of guy to be ready for anything.
>It wouldn’t have sat right if SHE went ahead in your stead, especially if it could have been dangerous.

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>>1765929
>Special eyes

>You really can’t help it, you always were the type of guy to be ready for anything.

>>1765917
>>1765920
>>1765923
>>1765926
>>1765929
>>1765934
>>1765937
Credit where credit's due it is then, writing!

>>1765909
>You really can’t help it, you always were the type of guy to be ready for anything.

>>1765942
I hope we get to keep them eventually.

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“While I can’t deny that, it was really me returning saying thanks more than anything else.” You explain to Loki, causing her to raise an eyebrow at you.

“How so?” She inquires.

“Well, you were concerned for me. Throwing your hat in there for the testing and all that. I can see why you would looking back.” You explain. “No hesitation either, while I can’t read you half the time for shit I don’t need to be a shrink to see that, so yeah, thanks.”

“You… have an interesting way of showing thanks, you know.” Loki says after a moment of thought, that same sly look on her face, though it seems to be a bit more sincere this time around. Is it your eyes? Speaking of which…

“Say, how do my eyes look now anyways?” You ask her the both of you stopping just outside the door to the barracks. You only just now considered that you might look physically different now, even if only temporarily, thanks to the gene mod testing.

Loki stops to appraise you, looking closely and locking eyes with you. Her lips quirking up ever so slightly as she does so. The moment lasts for a bit as Loki idly taps her finger on her chin.

“..Hm…” She lets the moment drag on, studying your eyes closely before finally answering. “...Special. They look special.”

You jerk an eyebrow at that, that… was both extremely informative and once again extremely vague coming out from her. What the hell were you supposed to make of that?

“Special? I have special--” You try and reiterate it back, but Loki bursts into a giggle.

“Yes, special. At a glance they appear the same but they… very much are.” Loki says before nudging you forward with an amused tone in her voice. “We can talk about how special they are later, I would rather like a drink right now.”

You’ll never figure her out anytime soon, you realize.

(Part 1 / 3)

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>>1766026

Upon entering the barracks, finding the rest of your squad is extremely easy, given how loud and heated their discussion is. They’ve taken one of the larger tables and sitting at the center with the rest of the squad circled around her is Rachel. Their discussions are quite intense as the team argues back and forth between an extremely important topic. You can tell Rachel is grinning from ear to ear, drink in hand. The squad you left behind seem to have survived decon and look much cleaner than last time, whether they like it or not. They are joined by the latter half of your squad.

“Riot or… riot!” Naru and Babbler slam their collective drinks on the table in unison, the synchronized action making a show of it. The pair nodding to each other.

“...I really don’t see why we Bandit is not good enough.” Harita manages to say over the discussion, her voice almost drowned out as she haplessly tries to keep up and say her piece.

“Ranger’s got a point, it has a nice ring to it.” Sweet adds, running a hand through his head in agreement. Really from what you both gathered he’s the one spearheading that particular topic.

“Anvil… it makes sense.” Burnout says, somehow managing to be heard quite well besides being… well… Burnout. Good to know he’s back up and about this time. His cigarette smoke illuminated and lingering above him under the light. Rook merely nods in agreement at that surprisingly more animated than you’d expect him to be over this. This really seems to be a concerted group effort.

“You all are fools for missing the obvious…” Peppermint grumbles as she slams down a shot of vodka, this is the most you’ve heard her speak in a long time, but it seems even she will gladly participate in this battle of wits before spotting both you and Loki. “Ah, the two lambs return! Quick, Chipmunk.”

“Perfect, I cast my vote for that.” Loki says immediately striding over, taking a seat, and accepting a waiting drink from Babbler even as he and the rest of the squad audibly groan at Loki’s pick. It’s a tie now. You are given a drink from Babbler as well and Rachel grins at you, raising her drink.

“Hey dude welcome back...” Rachel waves before turning to the others. “Anyways yeah, like I’m saying they’re all great… EXCEPT for Chipmunk.”

“Hey hey quiet you! Don’t bias us!” Babbler snaps wagging his finger like a chastising… drunk teacher. Rachel opts to lightheartedly flip him off which only makes Babbler chuckle and ignore the glaring daggers from Peppermint.

Oh boy, it looks like they’ve been going at this for a while. And it only takes a moment for the rest of the squad to realize that you are the tie breaker, immediately before you can really settle in you are given the four main choices offered and the chance to throw one in yourself. Rachel looks at you expectantly. Best to chip in and say your piece, for your buddy’s sake...

(Part 2 / 3)

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Hm, decisions decisions...

>Bandit. You really can’t see her having anything else.
>Anvil. With that shield and her previous experience she really is the anvil to the rest of the squad’s hammer.
>Riot. Ok, you are surprised you didn’t think of that yourself given her personality and her specialty.
>Write-In. You got something better in mind....

(Right so, since I wasn’t planning on letting you guys pick your nickname since that goes against ALL nickname rules, I’m letting you guys choose Rachel’s instead! I’m going to be waiting the full 25 minutes for this one, maybe even longer! Take your time!)

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>>1766034

Oh crap, forgot about one of them!

>Chipmunk. You can see the appeal of this one, especially when you see how upset Rachel gets at it.

>>1766034
>Riot

>>1766034
>Riot. Ok, you are surprised you didn’t think of that yourself given her personality and her specialty.

>>1766038
>>Chipmunk. You can see the appeal of this one, especially when you see how upset Rachel gets at it.

Unless somebody Votes for Demon in which case I'm picking that

>>1766034
>>Anvil. With that shield and her previous experience she really is the anvil to the rest of the squad’s hammer.

We're the hammer, she's the anvil.

>>1766050
Ohh Wait this is for Racheal, Changing my vote to Riot then

>>1766034
>>Bandit. You really can’t see her having anything else.

>>1766034
>Bandit. You really can’t see her having anything else.

>>1766034
>>Riot. Ok, you are surprised you didn’t think of that yourself given her personality and her specialty

>>1766034
>Bandit. You really can’t see her having anything else.

>>1765942
Alien eye transplants when ? and a set of sunglasses so we can hide our new slitted pupils.

>>1766034
>Chipmunk. You can see the appeal of this one, especially when you see how upset Rachel gets at it.

>>1766034
>Anvil. With that shield and her previous experience she really is the anvil to the rest of the squad’s hammer.

>>1766034
>>>Bandit. You really can’t see her having anything else.

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Alright, going to call it here! Gonna tally it up and continue writing the last update. Bear with me as this last post is probably going to be a bit longer than usual!

>>1766034
>Riot. Ok, you are surprised you didn’t think of that yourself given her personality and her specialty.

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Welp, after triple checking it it looks like the vote is split between Bandit and Riot from the count!

Bandit
>>1766057
>>1766064
>>1766069
>>1766110

Riot
>>1766047
>>1766049
>>1766054
>>1766065

Since I'm still working furiously on the last update going to call for a 15 minute final tiebreaker vote for either Bandit or Riot. Last call lads, cast your vote!

>Riot
>Bandit

>>1766129
>>Bandit

>>1766129
>>Riot

>>1766129
>Bandit

>>1766129
Frito Bandito :V

>>1766129
>Bandit

>>1766129
>Riot

>>1766129
>Riot

>>1766129
>Riot

>>1766129
>>Riot

>>1766129
Upon some consideration I'll change >>1766135 to riot.

>>1766129
>Riot

>>1766129
>Riot

>>1766129
Calling it, counting now! Looks decided!

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Update incoming! Stand by for deployment!

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“Hm…” You consider this for a long while, the options are all very interesting. In particular you bounce back and forth between Riot and Bandit, particularly the latter given the history you had with it and the rest of your old team. But… after some thought you realize that not only is Riot simply a perfect nickname for Rachel but it’s also a step forward past both of your old lives, further cementing yourselves into XCOM farther and ever before.

“Riot.” You state. Which elicits cheers from Naru and Babbler as you promptly break the tie and finalize the nickname. They both give you high fives at that. You look over at Rachel to gauge her reaction and instead of being bummed out from not remaining as Bandit… she embraces the new nickname immediately.

“Sounds good to me! Riot sounds badass!” Rachel says happily. There’s a collection of agreements, some less begrudging than others but it’s settled. Rachel’s new nickname is ‘Riot’. You toss the nickname around in your mind testing it to yourself, “Rachel ‘Riot’ Coda”. Yeah, that suits her just fine. Hell you still can’t believe you didn’t think of that sooner really.

With Rachel dealt with, there is finally a bit of time to unwind as the rest of your squad opts to focus on their booze. Satisfied, you reach down to take a sip of your drink once you realize you hadn’t yet before you are interrupted as Babbler looks up his eyes widened as a shocking realization is written all over his face. He nearly knocks the table over as he stands up, getting angry comments from the other squad members.

“Shite! We forgot something!” Babbler exclaims standing up and making a beeline towards you. You don’t get a chance to even sip your drink yet as he places a hand on your shoulder, causing your drink to land back on the table. “We need to give our mate here a proper nickname! No celebrating until that’s done Strike One!”

“Oh my! How could we forget!” Harita gasps, placing a hand over her mouth upon remembering. “Yes, we must decide!”

“Aye, now you. You don’t say ANYTHING. Don’t even blink, don’t even breathe. Just sit there all pretty and we’ll handle it.” Babbler says with a smirk patting you on the shoulder and then… keeps his hand there, locking your arm in place.. You struggle from his grasp but you are to drink by Babbler without him even realizing as he continues to rouse the rest of Strike One. You try and open your mouth to say something but Babbler is quick to shut you up once again, giving you one hell of a death glare. Well shit.

And with that the table explodes again back into discussions. The squad begins to chat of possible choices for nicknames and your actions as whole in earnest. You are both equally interested in what they really have to say about you and equally frustrated by Babbler to not allow you to at least drink while you wait. The squad seems quite determined to keep to traditions with nicknaming. And so, the conversation goes on for some time…

(Part 1 / 4)

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>>1766195

“Like I was saying… he’s has taken the mantle of Assault in stride.” Babbler says, motioning to you. “Practically was a perfect choice for him.”

“Well duh, he’s just as good with a shotgun as I am with my shield.” Rachel says proudly and giving you a wink. This garners several nods among the squad as you attempt to try and wriggle out of your grasp from Babbler’s ironclad grip so you can take a drink. Sadly it’s to no avail.

“He may be good with a shotgun, but let’s not forgot how ah… aggressive he is.” Rook adds giving you a look. You only just manage to suppress making a sheepish look and keep stoic, lest you get badgered on by the squad for doing well, anything really. You can’t help be a bit betrayed by how unanimous of an agreement that is among the squad over that bit.

“Oh yes, he does not stop for anything.” Loki says wryly. “Particularly if it involves diving right into the action first to play hero.

“Suicidal is more like it.” Peppermint mutters as she sips her vodka, though it doesn’t sound like she’s saying that’s a bad thing per se…

“He’s selfless.” Burnout says quietly, looking at you directly and giving you a small nod. Seems like he hasn’t forgotten what you did for him. That makes you feel better… even if your mouth still remains parched.

“He’s also on the fast track of being the most injured trooper in XCOM, he might even beat your record, Burnout.” Naru smirks before blinking and realizing something. “Hey, Babbler think you can get me a refill here?”

You are relieved to see Babbler let go of you finally and you are allowed to quench your thirst, this seems acceptable enough to not warrant being berated by the squad and you see Naru shoot you a wink. Seems like she threw you a bone after the whole barstool fiasco. Seems like you’re even.

“The guy’s giving me some job security that’s for sure.” Sweet chuckles. “Just gotta point him in a direction and he’ll not stop, even when he REALLY should.”

Really? Come on now, you know when to stop. You just… go a little bit farther than most people you’d admit but you’re not that bad right? Of course you can’t bring that up but it’s still a bit of news to you for better or worse. The squad continues to chat throwing out good ideas ranging from ‘Tight Rope’ given how back and forth you’ve been in combat to ‘Hammer’ from Rachel. The former was considered for a long while but dismissed and the latter didn’t really get much traction from the rest of the squad much to Rachel’s dismay.

(Part 2 / 4)

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The only person who hasn’t really said anything yet among the squad besides murmurs of agreement is Harita who has been regarding you quietly for a long while. She clears her throat attempting to get the attention of the squad. She has some trouble before Rachel spots this and starts to tap her glass on the table.

“Everyone shut up and let Harita say something!” Rachel says, the rest of the group doing so under Riot’s eye. Harita gives an apologetic look and speaks up.

“How about… Dozer? Like a bulldozer.” Harita says, though she begins to look apologetic upon saying that. Dozer huh…? This begins to get traction from the rest of the squad, much quicker than you had expected.

“I can see it, even though he’s yet to smash through a wall if the last op was anything to go by he just doesn’t stop, just like a bulldozer.” Sweet says nodding slowly. “Works for me, I’ll cast my vote for that.”

“Mm yes, Dozer seems to fit him just perfectly. It lines up just well with how he acts. I’ll put my vote in for that as well.” Loki agrees as well.

“Yeah! I dunno why but… it just fits him. Like… why the hell didn’t we call you that back in the FBI actually?” Rachel says scratching her head before nodding and shooting a thumbs up. “Dozer… It reminds me of something and I can’t figure it out but fuck it… works for me!”

(Part 3 /4)

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>>1766198

One by one the rest of the squad throws in their agreements, even Rook who can’t help but shoot a slight smirk at that at you. You feel like he might use that back against you in some fashion but frankly you can’t tell how. After a few moments the votes are cast in with every member on the team voting for it. There’s a moment of almost reverent silence as Babbler stands up and places his hands on both your shoulder and Rachel’s. He lowers his head and closes his eyes for a moment as if in prayer, before shooting his head up.

“Oi pricks! These two are Dozer and Riot now, don’t forget it or I’ll wring you out!” Babbler barks at the rest of the room. You wince at that and glance about at the barracks, and besides Rook groaning and pinching his nose at Babbler’s conduct… the rest of the XCOM soldiers from the squad seem to roll it well, very well in fact. In moments the nicknames are spreading across the barracks like wildfire as other troops make their way into the barracks only for the other troopers to give them the heads up for you both.

Rachel shoots a glance at you and grins wildly and honestly, you can’t help but share the sentiment back as well. Dozer… Dozer works. Naru raises her stands up and motions for the rest of the squad to do the same.

“To Dozer and Riot!” Naru exclaims raising her drink up and, in unison the squad does so. As exhausted as you are from the mission and dealing with Vahlen… you feel pretty good right now.

>Wow that was a long one but with that I’m calling it here! Guess I had a lot I wanted to say for this important occasion, hopefully I didn’t scare anyone off with that giant wall of text and that it was worth the wait. My fingers hurt so I think I’m going to lie down after I put up the archive but more importantly…

Thanks for playing!

>>1766199
I read 900 page novels for fun, nothing wrong with it.

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>>1766199
Nice.

Thanks for running!

>>1766199
Thanks for the thread OP!

>these plebs don't want to go maximum science and become a psionic genemodded MEC
>they don't want to spearhead development in miniaturized MEC frames that fit through normal doors but can still flip tanks
>they don't want to psi-punch with MEC arms

How can your dreams be so small?

>>1766212
>miniaturized MEC frames
More like cutting off the legs and attaching a Goliath-like hull with treads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhK8L0PgPdA

>>1766221
Na, you're missing the technological evolution. First miniaturization then you make it feel and then there's no reason to have normal human parts. Transcend humanity. Psychic cyborgs are the future!

also because then we'd have excuses to hang out with Shen and Vahlen even more than the ones we'd normally have like weapons testing or genemod cocktail parties

Test

Poor Vahlen. Misunderstood by all. She's so shocked when a trooper is actually POLITE to her, that she feels compelled to give him super-vision.

Moira waifu train. No brakes.

>>1766562
She can't be a waifu until Grey does a drawing of her.
That's the rule.

>>1766593
IIRC he did draw Vahlen for CIMQ a while back...

>>1766701
Pic or didn't happen

File: Vahlen and Cole sisterly (...).png (83 KB, 1500x1000)

83 KB PNG

>>1766716

>>1766738
Okay, now Dr. Vahlen is officially a potential waifu.

>>1766744
Yeah, but she's part of Umbrella apparently, and that's not a good thing.

File: Vahlen.png (47 KB, 501x737)

47 KB PNG

>>1766744
And another one

>>1766786
How much do they pay her at Umbrella? XCOM can offer more.

>>1766814
>international clandestine operation that needs to sell alien corpses and technology on black market can offer more than a legit villainous supercorporation
I sincerely doubt that

>>1766912
XCOM can offer an opportunity to torture aliens.

>>1766912

It's a crime to torture and perform live experimentation on people. But xenos are free game

>>1766933
>>1766916
Doctor is not a sadist, she just doesn't allow such sensibilities to get into way of results.

Plus if that was the issue I figure Umbrella has even less restrictions than X-Com would in that regard.

>>1766935
Umbrella can't capture aliens though.

>>1766949
They capture Zombie Aliens

File: 1501789431912.jpg (29 KB, 203x428)

29 KB JPG

>>1766738
>>1766786
Wow that's nostalgic but man that is some dated art. Good finds but it hurts me emotionally for it's quality!

>>1767553
Well Vahlen is a waifu candidate now whether you like it or not, so if you don't want to look at this art you'll have to make another one!

>>1769189
Also I think it's cute.

>>1766933
>It's a crime to torture and perform live experimentation on people
Unless you have their consent.

>>1769189
She wants your DNA...but not in the way you think.

>>1769337
I was thinking she wanted it for gene-mods and her cloning project. How could I be so wrong? Skank just wants the dick. Ugh.

Is joke.

>>1767553
Why not remake it then?

>>1770561
Why would that stop people from posting the old art?

>tfw no Hammer and Anvil