“The Krieger Corp is the life for me,
A gun, a bed and a grave for free.
That’s my lot in the Black Company.”
It took the Earth 10 long years to die. Like every planet afflicted by the pervasive sentient plague that swept the galaxy at the turn of the 23rd century, aptly named The Rot, Earth’s demise was slow and agonising at first then violent and sudden by the end. The seas boiled and the air turned to ash in the wake of the continent-shattering orbital bombardments that cleansed her and a hundred other worlds.
20 years later, the dust of the Purification Wars has settled and the surviving xenos empires have finished carving up the remaining colonies of those less fortunate races between them, including those few left from Earth’s initial phase of expansion. Just rewards for the victorious alien’s part in saving the galaxy. The surviving human population, once many billions, now numbers in the mere millions. An entire race of refugees, vagrants and backwater outcasts begging, stealing and labouring as second-class citizens, servants or slaves under uncaring alien masters.
A lifetime of backbreaking work for stale recycled oxygen units and a handful of credits is the best fate most humans can hope for. Little wonder then that the violent but lucrative life of a mercenary holds such appeal. As the novelty of peace wears off and the rival alien nations rattle their sabres once more, human mercenaries are in high demand for their crude effectiveness and affordable prices.
And of all the human mercenary firms, there are none so infamous and so highly sought after as the services of the Black Company…
=============================================
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackCompany666
/qst/ Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=2230AD
2230AD Annal Entries: https://pastebin.com/zBic3fPQ [Updated!]
Recorded Xenos Species: https://pastebin.com/vdG01RzG
The Last Human Colonies: https://pastebin.com/VA3nHbTm
Advanced Firefight Rules: https://pastebin.com/NATmyFSw
THE STORY THUS FAR
Sergeant ‘Snake Eyes’ Natalya is a survivor. From the tender age of too-young-to-remember she has fought, clawed and killed her way to the top of a very nasty food chain. Lucky enough to escape the dying gasps of Earth, but unlucky enough to find themselves stranded on the moon that is the deadly jungle world called Clayton’s Cradle, she was the only member of her family to last more than a few months in the merciless Green.
Clayton’s Cradle gives no second chances to the unwary and no leeway to the hesitant. Be it deadly predators large or small, plantlife toxic or carnivorous, diseases wasting or virulent, its small population are each hardened through experience and boosted with vital genemods stretching the limit of what a biological human can achieve (or indeed what constitutes a biological human).
Joining the Black Company was a way off that deadly rock, a well paying one that at least saw Snake Eyes serving alongside fellow humans instead of being drafted into the alien armies of the Savis Legions and their Cradler Auxiliaries. Achieving the rank of Sergeant in the 77th Krieger Platoon wasn’t easy, it took some gusty moves and daring choices on her part to make it. That and supressing her crippling gambling addiction long enough to afford the basic gear.
Now she’s the primary babysitter, feared leader and beloved chef (in her own eyes at least) of one of the most lethally eclectic band of misfits the universe has ever seen. Ex-gang members,ex-human Republic army regulars/deserters, ex-Alien Fed enforcers, ex-bartender/part-time-model, ex-miners, ex-slaves, ex-pirates, current convicts, current killer-bots animated by highly illegal AI, current alien musical cabbages good with surgery tools. If you name it, then 'it' is probably in Snake Eyes squad (or her sister squads) and there's good odds that 'it' has an outstanding warrant out for its arrest somewhere in the galaxy. And all of them, every man and woman and genderless being among them, each one of them was dumb enough to gamble on getting shot out of a ship in high orbit into a hostile warzone and surviving long enough to collect their paycheque for the trouble.
[1/2]
>>6218321 (OP)Anchor post here. LETS FUCKING GO!
[2/2] (of the recap)
For the past EIGHT MONTHS Snake Eyes and her squad have been operating on the dusty mining world of Dis, a resource rich world located within the Savis Empire, now currently in the grips of a well-armed and well-organised slave uprising thanks to yours truly. Although Black Company Command won’t tell the grunts who hired them for this little start-up insurgency, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the likely backers are probably either the Federation or the Mandate by virtue of these other two alien empires being the only real players in this part of the galaxy that could afford the Black Company for this kind of work. And that’s probably the reason why Command, and Snake Eyes’ immediate superior Lieutenant ‘Boy’ Blue, has been so explicit that any evidence of the slave insurgency having outside help is to be kept to an absolute minimum. Which, with a few skeletons ruthlessly shoved into closets by Snake Eyes, has been mostly successful.
The Black Company has achieved its primary objectives. The insurgency is now at the stage where there has been significant disruption to the planet’s productivity and the initial Imperial military response has had it’s nose bloodied in an embarrassing fashion. A substantial portion of the Savis Empire’s forces is now preoccupied and distracted with stomping out the flames of what would without Snake Eyes have been just another routine crushed slave uprising. Great job, pats on the back all around and beers back at Snake Eyes place after dinner.
But, oh the big 'but', there is a catch and it's the reason why Snake Eyes isn’t breaking out the poker chips just yet. Snake Eyes and her Krieger buddies are still here. Still on Dis, trapped with the doomed rebels in dwindling territory as the full might of the Royal Savis Legions is being brought to bear and Snake Eyes own fellow Cradlers in the Legion’s Auxiliaries hunt them in the equatorial jungles.
It’s all coming to a head, and the Big One will be any day now…
+++XENO QUOTE OF THE DAY+++
>SELECTED PECT’MAX
“Any ship on an intercept course presenting Imperial ID should further be confirmed, by direct hails or onboard scanners, as being either Savis or Pect’Max in design. The latter is notorious for disregarding international law and using the initial presentation of neutral Imperial ID to close with unsuspecting ships as part of their piratical attacks (which the former denies permitting, of course). If so confirmed, maintain course and power up all shipboard weapons. The Pect’Max won’t take offence, and it might just encourage them to try their luck elsewhere.”
-The Federation Captain’s Practical Primer (unofficial publication)
20th Cycle November 2230AD (6 months ago) Imperial Savis Space – Pect’Max Vessel ‘Pect’Krix’Kannar’
Slice-While-Blinded had many titles and honorifics; Pectash-Kereer of the 116th Savis Legion, Archon of the First Rimward Murder and Favoured Slaughterer of Pect’Kish-Roost-of-All-Pect’Max to name but a few. His favourite title was that of his current post as commander of his spaceborne vessel. He even liked how the title sounded in the tongues of some of the slave species, ‘Cap-tan’. Short, blunt, dual-syllabic and to the point. As any Pect’Max should be.
The name of the ship, Pect’Krix’Kannar, loosely translated into the lesser species tongue as Arrogance Unsightly Unsurpassed. It was a good name. The captain surveyed the bridge from his throne on the command ridge, master and tyrant of all those below him and within the bowels of the ship behind him. Slice-While-Blinded loved his ship, his deadly beauty gliding through the silent dark like a knife hidden in a wingful of feathers. He would, without hesitation, gouge out the eyes of any creature that looked at his ship askew with his own talons. Slice-While-Blinded loved his crew, fearless and honourable murderers and slavetakers to a talon each. He would, without compunction, tear out the tongue of any fool who offered insult to his flock with his own beak. That any male or female among his crew would likewise strike Slice-While-Blinded down without warning or remorse should he show weakness or frailty only made him love them more. Such was the Pect’Max way.
“Honoured Archon.” Slice-While-Blinded glanced to the side, the speaker was his second-in-command Strike-From-Above waiting a respectful distance from the command throne. “My blade is sheathed.”
“I see it sheathed.” Slice-While-Blinded gave the traditional reply even though he never took his eye off of his trusted officer, or the energy blade at his side, for even a moment. Such was the Pect’Max way. “Approach and offer terms.”
“The Imperial Grantees have requested ships to assist in the blockade in the Dis system.”
[1/3]
Slice-While-Blinded waved his permission for Strike-From-Above to scan through the relevant data to his throne array. His second was a competent officer and would not have bothered his captain with this information if the Savis had not bothered to place a bounty worthy of his attention. Such dredgework in enforcing a blockade without a promised reward was beneath the Pect’Krix’Kannar.
Slice-While-Blinded flicked through the report, the name of the planet was familiar to him. He and his Murder had offloaded many slave species to that dusty world for respectable reward. And now the very fools that Slice-While-Blinded had sold their honourably seized stock to seemed to have gone and lost it. The veteran Archon was halfway amusing himself with the irony of re-selling it to the same Savis flesh-peddlers all over again for another profit when he noticed something unusual.
“No slave price?” Slice-While-Blinded remarked referring to the lack of an agreed ransom for any recaptured slaves his attention never entirely off his officer standing within striking distance.
There was no price for individual slaves recaptured and resold, only for ships destroyed attempting to escape the system. The Imperial decree was quite clear, the Savis were not interested in prisoners.
In the eyes of the Savis Empire, the relationship between the Savis and their Pect’Max vassals was an eminently simple one. The Savis were in charge and, while the Pect’Max had autonomy, they had better do what they were told. The Pect’Max perspective of their relationship was somewhat more… complicated. The Pect’Max language of ‘Imperial Grantees’ was because the Savis Empire granted safe harbour, the benefits of which for their privateers and lucrative employment opportunities under the umbrella of the Savis Empire was considered worth the indulgence of letting the Savis publicly assert both to the Pect’Max and to the other nations that they were the overlord and master. It was a beneficial patronage that suited the Pect’Max to go along with, and each Murder Flock, Archon and individual Pect’Max was free to take advantage of it or not. . There was no dishonour in lying directly to the Savis about the terms of this ‘vassalage’ they perceived, the only dishonour to the Pect’Max would be if they actually acted like slavish vassals. Action begat honour, not words. How could it be any other way?
[2/3]
[3/3]
It would be a shame then that when they did cripple a ship trying to smuggle slaves offworld the ordinarily respectable value of a cargo hold full of able-bodied slave species would be wasted, but the offered bounty of the destroyed ships alone in this decree was well worth the journey and months of silent patrolling. Of course, if the Pect’Krix’Kannar did sieze a ship intact… Well, who is to say whether the slave stock within was uselessly slain or died of asphyxiation in the holds from breaches into vacuum as opposed to being subtly transferred to his own ship and perhaps less wastefully sold elsewhere? Yes, this was wise. Slice-While-Blinded would consign to bloody death or cold vacuum any slave species scurrying away as was decreed, but not until after he had packed the holds of his ship to the brim with slave stock that would be sold for a tidy side profit after their hunt.
“I deem it worthy. Send the coordinates to the navigatrix and see that it is done.” Slice-While-Blinded regarded his second-in-command again in full, taking his measure. “Do you draw and challenge, or sheathe and obey?”
“I sheathe and obey, Honoured Archon.” Strike-From-Above retreated, causing his captain’s crest-feathers to ruffle slightly in pleasure.
Yes, today at least. Slice-While-Blinded thought to himself. But for how long?
Strike-From-Above truly was an invaluable officer, one of the best that Slice-While-Blinded had ever had in his service. Strong, ruthless and cunning, with an eye for opportunity and profitable murder that would see him go far in the territories hierarchy. Slice-While-Blinded would have to slay him soon, before he himself was slain for a lapse in vigilance. That, or grant him his own command with a ship in the Rimward Murder Flock. Such was the Pect’Max way.
==========================================
Xeno Quote of the Day (select one for the next thread)
For any newbies, this is also your verification vote. Link back in later votes if your ID changes, it does help me account for samefags.
>Asandi
>Auxl
>Belcossan
>Chorkrum
>Coryx
>Drax
>Faenwedhe
>Kroll
>Pect’Max
>Quexi
>Savis
>Yibrak
>Vesh
> League of Dis - Rebels
>>6218328Lets go with...
>VeshGreat to see you back Forgotten, I've missed these threads.
>>6218328>YibrakOh boy, I'm going to have to re-read the whole thing again.
>>6218328>VeshWE ARE SO FUCKING BACK, also didn't we pick Vesh last time or did you use your QM authority to give us some Pact'Max action before the big one? Anyways, I'll pick them again. Also,
>Grenade gets thrown at Vinehound squad>"TRP GOLDIE, THROW IT BACK!">Trooper Goldie:
Yes.
md5: 432852de73727a3dbb1ec679a35ca6c5
🔍
>>6218328my body is read my-my body is ready
Welcome back forgotten
By the by what's up with this new 900 second long captcha?
Xeno Quote of the Day (select one for the next thread):
>Yibrak
Hell yeah boys. Anchor post
Also why do we need to wait 15 minutes to post now
IMG_1221
md5: d08b0f8718aa0e7e3ee51c23c7630d8a
🔍
>>6218328Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssss it worked.
Great to see the Pect'max agenda excerbating the Dis problem in the name of profit.
Orphan Jihadi squad when?
>Faenwedhe >>6218334Spam filter basically, effectiveness is arguable.
Good to see you back lads, this verification vote will remain up for the next 24 hours. I'll aim to keep my updates steady, daily if possible but if I miss it I'll let you know. It will generally be around this time one way or another.
>>6218332I did go back and count Pect'Max taking it last time. Wouldn't be the first time I was wrong though.
>>6218334>captchaYeah no shit I ended up getting a pass in the end. The low traffic complained about on the board is hardly a mystery now.
>>6218328>FaenwedheCan I just get a trip? Going back to link to the verification post gets inconvenient as the thread grows
>>6218335>>6218334If you're reading from a PC, don't read in incognito mode, don't block or clear 4chan cookies. Then you only have to suffer the timer once.
>>6218338We've been pretty anti-tripfag since the inception, or at least the players have been. If it's a hassle to link back for every vote just link back if your ID changes.
I know its a pain, but fuck samefags.
>>6218328> League of Dis - Rebelsit's our babies!
>>6218328>Yibrakfeels good being back
>>6218328>FaenwedheIt seems that we are so fucking back
>>6218328> League of Dis - Rebels
>>6218328>VeshWelcome back Forgotten! We'll be back to to our old shenanigans in no time.
>>6218328>League of Dis - RebelsHello hello
>>6218321 (OP)>>6218328> League of Dis - RebelsWelcome back best QM. Good to be back on this ship.
>>6218328>CoryxWELCOME BACK I only read bcq and 2230 not STV
>Faenwedhe
It has been so long I have forgotten which aliens are which.
>>6218328>>BelcossanIt's been so long, I missed you my glorious king.
THEE OX
md5: f96f131f9b11e1eb576f4dd4e140f05a
🔍
>>6218328>FaenwedheI'm not saying "I won't see more Forgotten quests" is the ONLY reason, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't *a* reason why I could never kill myself.
It's good to be back, baby.
>>6218328Never voted in a Black Company quest before. Neat!
> League of Dis - RebelsThese guys seem neat.
>>6218328>SavisLet's goooooo
>>6218328> League of Dis - Rebels
>>6218328>VeshHope you've been well, Forgotten. Happy to see you writing once more!
Rolled 1 (1d14)
1.Asandi
2.Auxl
3.Belcossan
4.Chorkrum
5.Coryx
6.Drax
7.Faenwedhe
8.Kroll
9.Pect’Max
10.Quexi
11.Savis
12.Yibrak
13.Vesh
14.League of Dis - Rebels
>>6218328>>6218430>AsandiThere we go.
I'll probably lurk more than I vote but I'll stake my claim regardless.
>>6218328>> League of Dis - Rebelsfirst time even trying to post since they've implemented the 1000 second captcha
>>6218328>AsandiI see dead quests.
>>6218328Welcome back Forgotten.
Glory to the first Krieger to die!
> Yibrak
9f1
md5: ed731c11cbd4b03b3850fd1d2e9c9889
🔍
>>6218328> League of Dis - RebelsLFG
>>6218328> League of Dis - RebelsI have no idea what any of this is, but this seems fun enough to participate in.
>>6218328>VeshLet's fucking goooo! It's good to be back in the saddle again. Rolling Thunder.
>>6218328>League of Dis - RebelsWhew! It returns, and I caught it on time!
>>6218328> League of Dis - Rebels
>>6218328>SavisWhew not too late for the anchor post. Nice to see you back Forgotten
>>6218328Follower of the Storm Saint reporting in
> League of Dis - Rebels
>>6218328 #
>Auxl Supposedly these fuckers are the finest warriors in known space. And I'm not sure there's gonna be a League of Dis after this thread.
>>6218328> League of Dis - RebelsMy god hes alive!
>>6218328>>FaenwedheI'M FROM BUENOS AIRES AND I SAY KILL EM ALL
>>6218328>DraxWell well what a surprise
There will be an update tonight, I'm just running a little late.
>SELECTED – League of Dis
21st Cycle April 2231AD (1 month ago) – Silver City, Perspira – Federation Space
Harman liked this café. They made good coffee here. Synth-caff sure, but close enough to the real thing for him not to mind. Not many legitimate businesses on Perspira employed human staff, let alone was owned and run by a human.
Harman didn’t even mind that the place was most likely a front for one of the Federation’s clandestine agencies. Every staff member, and probably every patron too, was an agent or informer for the Federation’s deep-state. Or maybe he was just paranoid, this line of work could have that affect on you. Perhaps his contact chose this location because it would put him at ease, which was a nice gesture even if it was done with ulterior motives. After all Perspira used to be a human colony of the now extinct Earth Republics, and look how far the Fed smiles and kind gestures had got them there. Now you’d be hard pressed to find a human face in the nice parts of town.
“Heated beverages.” Jask’O’Irim shook his head as he took a nearby seat, a decidedly human affectation for the eight-foot Drax. “Your hops-based inebriations I understand. Them at least are served cold, but this? Korfee? Ugh.”
“It’s an acquired taste, even for humans.” Harman didn’t see the need to point out to his contact that humans weren’t the only race to heat some of their drinks, although he hadn’t met a xenos that had taken to coffee yet. “Not using the translator-device again today?”
“Oh, you noticed? I have been practicing my English.” Jask’O’Irim elocuted with smug self-satisfaction, indicating the Quexi-design tradespeak device at his throat was turned off. “I am have been even reading some human works. ‘Cry havoc, letting slip the dogs to war’.”
“Very good.” It took some effort on Harman’s part to keep the smile on his face calculated rather than genuine. Jask’O’Irim sometimes behaved more like a Quexi scholar than a Drax ex-military agent.
The congenial nature of the Drax contact and his flattering efforts to adopt human mannerisms, language and culture was all entirely targeted of course. Designed to lull their mark into giving away some possible leverage to be stored and used down the line. Harman could not allow himself to forget that. As a semi-retired Pathfinder himself, Harman was the Black Company’s official unofficial contact with their employer, the General, and her official unofficial representative from the Federation deep-state through Jask’O’Irim. Harman and Jask could be friendly, but never friends.
[1/3]
“I’m not surprised that quote appealed to your Drax military heritage.”
“If you put your lowbrow human bigotry aside for one nanosecond, you may remember that I told you I never made the cut for the Republican Guard.” Jask replied primly, tapping the left side of his chest to emphasise his point. “Chronic condition with the lung, remember?”
Harman stared pointedly at the scars that marked the chitin alongside Jask’s next and some of his reptilian crest, which looked remarkedly like very faded shrapnel scarring.
“Of course, how silly of me.” Harman liked Jask, he had to admit. But Harman had to keep his guard up. “Is our account closed?”
“Hmph, business already then is it?” Jask warbled in faux-melancholy, a distinctly un-Drax-like effort for the typically no-nonsense species. “My company is very pleased with your subcontracted work, the new project was completed within the desired ambits and has been well received by the market. The balance of your outlay shall be paid out in the next instalment through the usual channels.”
“And the non-competition bonus?” Harman asked cautiously. “That remains outstanding."
“Peace my friend, I come bearing good news not excuses.” Jask leaned back under Harman’s raised eyebrow. “Your subcontractors work has been very well received by the market, and I do mean very well received.”
Harman only grunted, suggesting Jask get to the point. It wouldn’t be the first time that an employer had stiffed the Black Company on payment, but usually that was well before they had paid most of the contract out.
“In short, the board is so impressed with your subcontractor work that we are interested in monopolising this particular niche of the market.”
“An exclusivity clause, for the entire subcontractor firm?” This time Harman’s raised eyebrow conveyed an entirely different meaning. “For how long?”
Jask stared at Harman unblinking. “Indefinitely.”
“That would be… expensive.” Harman breathed out slowly, figures of fleets and re-assigned platoons not to mention SECOM affiliates. And that was just money. “Prohibitively expensive.”
Jask again gave a very human nod, seemingly unsurprised. “The board suspected as much, our offer is far more realistic. At a reduced rate we are content to let your firm continue to operate in the market independently, provided certain contracts with specific competitors, or directly targeted at friendly markets, are declined going forward. Call it a continuation of the non-competition clause, if you will.”
“There would have to be some quid-pro-quo for our firm’s loss of opportunity.”
“I’m sorry, quid-?”
[2/3]
[3/3]
“Give and take. Benefits to the contract outside an account balance sheet.”
“Ah, of course. You have a secure link?” When Harman nodded Jask tapped his datapad. “There, you’ll have the details with you now.”
“And the non-competitor bonus is conditional on this agreement?” Harman asked as he flicked through the sensitive datascript, referring to the promised additional payment should the Federation’s active involvement in the Empire’s current unrest on Dis remain unrevealed.
"It is."
"...I'll need some time..."
"Yes, of course." Jask nodded again, his reptilian expression a great deal more hawkish than when he first entered. "But your people will seriously consider it?"
"...we will." Harman looked back down at the datascript carefully.
“Human. One more thing.” Jask’O’Irim looked pointedly at his undercover counterpart as he stood up, now looking every inch an intimidating eight-foot Drax ex-soldier and nothing at like a harmless Quexi xenophile. “This is an invitation to negotiate. We would require a meeting between the heads of our office before anything more formal is agreed to. Face-to-face.”
The Federation agent was gone before Harman could reply, still scrolling through the proffered terms. This is something that needed to go straight to the top. To the Captain.
==
This is exactly what the Black Company needs. Steady work, guaranteed safe harbour and even an air of legitimacy, almost like the Black Company’s glory days during their employ as the long-arm of the Republic of Earth. The Federation isn’t even asking that the Company to go exclusive with them, just that they turn away those contracts that are contrary to Fed interests. Sure it will cost the Company work in both Mandate and Imperial space, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. And all the Feds want in return is that the Company not play their hand with any direct intervention in the shitshow that is going on in Dis right now. The Kriegers left there are smart, they’ll find a way out if the Company’s future depends on this. The Captain will meet with their Employer, the Drax General. [Federation Affiliation]
The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]
Fuck this is a tough decision, I'll need to think and see discussion. Great writing and again, great to have you back boss. I love these games
>>6218812>Xeno's hate coffeeOf course they do, fucking Xeno's.
>>6218816The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]
>The PrinceWHAT DOES IT MEAN?!
>>6218336
>>6218817Personally I think it's a little early to jump into bed with the Fed's, I haven't exactly gotten the feeling the company is hurting for work at this point and I have a feeling affiliation may be the first step on the road to clamping down on the Companys asset's and independence.
>>6218819That's a pretty good point. The Company has lasted thing long, they've always found work and getting into bed long term with a single employer does have major risks for sure.
>>6218816>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]Better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
>>6218355Me
>>6218816>>6218354>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence] The Black Company is defined by its independence. We work for anyone at any time. We hold up our end of the deal to the end, but to the letter if necessary. We can certainly cultivate a good relationship, but don't fuck us and we won't fuck you.
>>6218816The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]
I've been convinced, we are the Black Company, we stand alone, independent, strong
>>6218323Verification
>>6218816>This is exactly what the Black Company needs. Steady work, guaranteed safe harbour and even an air of legitimacy, almost like the Black Company’s glory days during their employ as the long-arm of the Republic of Earth. The Federation isn’t even asking that the Company to go exclusive with them, just that they turn away those contracts that are contrary to Fed interests. Sure it will cost the Company work in both Mandate and Imperial space, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. And all the Feds want in return is that the Company not play their hand with any direct intervention in the shitshow that is going on in Dis right now. The Kriegers left there are smart, they’ll find a way out if the Company’s future depends on this. The Captain will meet with their Employer, the Drax General. [Federation Affiliation]I have to be the dissenting voice, long term contracts are not unprecedented for the company. As the agent said this is an invitation to negotiate, an exit clause can be arrange if needed.
>>6218331
>>6218816>This is exactly what the Black Company needs. Steady work, guaranteed safe harbour and even an air of legitimacy, almost like the Black Company’s glory days during their employ as the long-arm of the Republic of Earth. The Federation isn’t even asking that the Company to go exclusive with them, just that they turn away those contracts that are contrary to Fed interests. Sure it will cost the Company work in both Mandate and Imperial space, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. And all the Feds want in return is that the Company not play their hand with any direct intervention in the shitshow that is going on in Dis right now. The Kriegers left there are smart, they’ll find a way out if the Company’s future depends on this. The Captain will meet with their Employer, the Drax General. [Federation Affiliation]
>>6218328>Pect’MaxStaking my claim
The quest LIVES! Thought you were dead mate
>>6218816>This is exactly what the Black Company needs. Steady work, guaranteed safe harbour and even an air of legitimacy, almost like the Black Company’s glory days during their employ as the long-arm of the Republic of Earth. The Federation isn’t even asking that the Company to go exclusive with them, just that they turn away those contracts that are contrary to Fed interests. Sure it will cost the Company work in both Mandate and Imperial space, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. And all the Feds want in return is that the Company not play their hand with any direct intervention in the shitshow that is going on in Dis right now. The Kriegers left there are smart, they’ll find a way out if the Company’s future depends on this. The Captain will meet with their Employer, the Drax General. [Federation Affiliation]
>>6218816>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]
>>6218816This is exactly what the Black Company needs. Steady work, guaranteed safe harbour and even an air of legitimacy, almost like the Black Company’s glory days during their employ as the long-arm of the Republic of Earth. The Federation isn’t even asking that the Company to go exclusive with them, just that they turn away those contracts that are contrary to Fed interests. Sure it will cost the Company work in both Mandate and Imperial space, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. And all the Feds want in return is that the Company not play their hand with any direct intervention in the shitshow that is going on in Dis right now. The Kriegers left there are smart, they’ll find a way out if the Company’s future depends on this. The Captain will meet with their Employer, the Drax General. [Federation Affiliation]
To be clear, I don't trust any of our employers to keep their word with us. However, this is only an invitation to negotiate. We should at least attempt to negotiate and if the terms are still unacceptable, decline the offer
>>6218400Me.
>>6218328> League of Dis - RebelsToo late for my vote to matter, too late to get a signature post?
>>6218816>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]We can't just marry the first thing to move after one date
>>6218341dats me
>>6218816>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence] It's very tempting, but we should cherish our independence while we can. Even though, affiliating with the Feds could probably make it easier to evacuate Three Pines to Fed space, especially Perspira. But I doubt the Fed deep-state would approve of that.
>>6218332Me
>>6218816>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]I remember the last time BC signed a long-term contract. Fuck that, we Mercing.
>>6218441
>>6218816>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]I'd go for it if it wasn't materially increasing Snake Eyes' chances of death.
Verification:
>>6218665
>>6218816>>This is exactly what the Black Company needs. Steady work, guaranteed safe harbour and even an air of legitimacy, almost like the Black Company’s glory days during their employ as the long-arm of the Republic of Earth. The Federation isn’t even asking that the Company to go exclusive with them, just that they turn away those contracts that are contrary to Fed interests. Sure it will cost the Company work in both Mandate and Imperial space, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. And all the Feds want in return is that the Company not play their hand with any direct intervention in the shitshow that is going on in Dis right now. The Kriegers left there are smart, they’ll find a way out if the Company’s future depends on this. The Captain will meet with their Employer, the Drax General. [Federation Affiliation]
>>6218816>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]
>>6218816>This is exactly what the Black Company needs. Steady work, guaranteed safe harbour and even an air of legitimacy, almost like the Black Company’s glory days during their employ as the long-arm of the Republic of Earth. The Federation isn’t even asking that the Company to go exclusive with them, just that they turn away those contracts that are contrary to Fed interests. Sure it will cost the Company work in both Mandate and Imperial space, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. And all the Feds want in return is that the Company not play their hand with any direct intervention in the shitshow that is going on in Dis right now. The Kriegers left there are smart, they’ll find a way out if the Company’s future depends on this. The Captain will meet with their Employer, the Drax General. [Federation Affiliation]
>>6218328Oh demm I fucking missed the log in day?
There is only sadness
But if I had a choice I would have voted for
The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]
Now il shut up.
I also can't vote, but fuck the Feddies and fuck their occupation of rightful human clay. The only good alien is a dead one (barring the Belcossans) and the only acceptable alien boss is a temporary one.
>>6218816> This is exactly what the Black Company needs. Steady work, guaranteed safe harbour and even an air of legitimacy, almost like the Black Company’s glory days during their employ as the long-arm of the Republic of Earth. The Federation isn’t even asking that the Company to go exclusive with them, just that they turn away those contracts that are contrary to Fed interests. Sure it will cost the Company work in both Mandate and Imperial space, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. And all the Feds want in return is that the Company not play their hand with any direct intervention in the shitshow that is going on in Dis right now. The Kriegers left there are smart, they’ll find a way out if the Company’s future depends on this. The Captain will meet with their Employer, the Drax General. [Federation Affiliation]Hopefully this will allow us to ask the Fed to gib clay in the future.
>We feds now boys, time to outshine all the other glowies.>>6218624It's me
>>6218816>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]There's always comes a price. We're mercenaries, which means we are opportunistic creatures by nature. We are on paper allowed to exist because we're not a great threat and we lack political implication. If we're seen in person talking to that Xeno, that will be already too much of a proof if one day someone starts pointing fingers.
>>6218816>[Black Company Independence]
>>6219041sORRY aLMOST FORGOT.
>>6218427That's me
>>6218847Just realized I also forgot to link back, whoops
>>6218583
>>6218816Yeah nah man. I don't want the company to become just another wetwork team for the federation.
I want the company to become a wetwork team for the highest bidder
The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]
>>6218334Verification
>>6218816I have a feeling Independence is going to win, but I still want to make a case for becoming Federation Affiliated. The Black Company is a powerful mercenary unit, but ultimately we are still a *very* small fish in the pond right now. The Black Company is effective and historied, and yet we still get paid a fraction of what alien mercs get. 1.3% of the remaining human population wears The Black. If humanity as a group ever has a chance at becoming a significant force in the galaxy again, the chances of us doing so without some kind of help or support from one of the main power players is slim, and even if we do, us getting bigger means becoming a threat worth taking seriously. Without some muscle behind us, we'd be subject to significant risk, but having a serious backer like the Feds would provide a lot more safety.
I'm not going to undersell the downsides of this though. A dog that gets adopted and sheltered gets collared and chained, and the Federation is very good at collaring those it shelters. The meeting between agents took place on Perspira for a reason. The Feds were nice enough to not be as brutally direct as the Yibrak or Savis when they took over, but they still stole Perspira all the same. The Federation is offering this to us because it wants an attack dog, not a partner. The closer we get to them, the more control they'll have over us, and that's something to take seriously.
I still think the positives outweigh the potential negatives here, though. This is a hard choice full of compromise, but if there's one thing the Black Company do, it's make hard choices. We have a responsibility to humanity to do what we can to ensure the best possible future. Right now, we need to survive, and saying yes to this offer makes that a lot more likely. We're not clapping our hands in chains yet, and we'll still have plenty of room to make our own decisions. Plus, who knows? Even domesticated dogs can slip their collars when they need to.
>This is exactly what the Black Company needs. Steady work, guaranteed safe harbour and even an air of legitimacy, almost like the Black Company’s glory days during their employ as the long-arm of the Republic of Earth. The Federation isn’t even asking that the Company to go exclusive with them, just that they turn away those contracts that are contrary to Fed interests. Sure it will cost the Company work in both Mandate and Imperial space, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. And all the Feds want in return is that the Company not play their hand with any direct intervention in the shitshow that is going on in Dis right now. The Kriegers left there are smart, they’ll find a way out if the Company’s future depends on this. The Captain will meet with their Employer, the Drax General. [Federation Affiliation]
>>6218816>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]Link
>>6218590
>>6218816The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]
verify
>>6218345
Ah RIP.
Dammit, here too late.
Ive vote for a closer ties with the federation right now. Some additional steady contracts will help and they can push additional aid to the human enclave as well.
>>6218871>>6218833>>6219014>>6219028I won’t include it for the current vote but going forward I’ll accept your votes.
>>6218816>The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]We are but another mercenary band. Feel free to ignore us :)
>>6218636Me
>>6218816[Black Company Independence]
If the the Drax General pulls an Oliver North, Black Company will be viewed unfavorably by the Federation. This is a poisoned chalice.
It’s another late night for me gents, I plan to still crack out an update for you but it won’t be at a godly hour.
Good discussion thus far.
>>6219217>> but it won’t be at a godly hour.Well it's a good thing this is Black Company Quest and not Sworn To Valour then isn't it??
>>6219219>Implying the Forgottenverse isn't a thingI swear to Cain if the Dreadlords popped up in another Forgotten quest I wouldn't be surprised, hell I was half convinced the Black sails were a black company reference until we found the prison.
Inb4 they are the rot
>>6219227>>hell I was half convinced the Black sails were a black company reference Haha, so was I. I thought that if we tried raiding their ships and somehow win we might find the sarcophagus of Prince himself
>SELECTED: The Black Company’s greatest strength and refuge has always been its own independence. Tying themselves too closely to any one of the great alien powers comes with risk of its own, and getting closer to a particular long-term employer doesn’t make the human mercenaries any less expendable to those aliens writing the cheques. Besides, the Company still has people left behind on Dis. It may take the direct intervention of the fleet to break the Savis blockade and get them out. If the Company has to forgo a bonus and the promise of a steady future to get their people out the hard way it will. The Captain will politely decline a meeting with their Employer, the Drax General. [Black Company Independence]
21st Cycle May 2231AD (present day) – Dis Equatorial Region – Imperial Savis Space
Sweat trickles down your back in the sweltering jungle heat as you slice skin from bone. These last few months hadn’t been easy.
Your squad had personally seen to the successful capture of the Daskar Regional Governor, with other soft targets similarly eliminated or sabotaged by elements of the Black Company operating elsewhere across the planet. While not the Planetary Governor of Dis itself, the Regional Governor had been a critical part of the leadership of the on-hand management of the planet’s security and production. Their death would have been a debacle for the local Savis authorities by itself, but their capture and later live execution at the hands of the rebels was both an igniting spark for the oppressed slaves across the planet as well as an unprecedented humiliation for the Savis Empire.
As you tear off another flank of flesh from your prey, one of the smaller indigenous mammals native to this part of the planet, you wonder just how many prestigious Savis nobles had their careers, privileges and even very lives wrecked in the way of your little uprising. This was of course only compounded by the repeated military embarrassments that the initial Savis military intervention had encountered. Yes, the Savis Legions had retaken the majority of the planet’s population centres and most profitable mining zones in the arids regions to the north and south of Dis’ hemispheres in a series of brutal and one-sided reprisals. This was however mostly by virtue of the vast majority of the malcontent rebels and escaped slaves escaping the yoke of their masters and retreating to the dense jungle regions at the equator. Many of those slaves were no fighters, and perhaps not true believers of the cause, but were at least smart enough not to wait around for the cumbersome fist of the Imperial Legions to come crashing down.
[1/4]
You give a slight grunt as you toss the offal to the side, sparse tribute for any scavengers once you’re done here. Personally, your eyes tended to glaze over during the Lieutenant’s briefings on the impact this had all had on the Imperial economy. House such and such disgraced, the skyrocket in prices for both raw resources and unskilled free labour, untold factories and merchants beggared or impoverished and so on. At least your trusted Corporal Crane had paid attention and was able to explain to you, without too many big words, just how much the creation of this ‘League of Dis’ had tugged the Savis’ tail. Even with the mines retaken, back then production had plummeted to a halt. It was only now, the better part of a year later, that suitably compliant slaves from other worlds had been transferred or purchased that Dis’ mineral exports had returned to a fraction of their original output. Still, the Savis Empire was a big beast and while no one was using the word ‘hiccup’ to describe this strain on their economy you also don’t think it’s anywhere near breaking their back and will eventually smooth itself out.
You lean back, wiping your brow to remove the sheen of sweat and only managing to make your forehead as bloody as your hands. Frankly you don’t know the first thing about the worth of a credit beyond what odds it’ll buy you, never mind ‘macroeconomics’ or whatever it was Crane was calling it. The same cannot be said, however, for the Savis military. Those part of the briefings you most definitely stayed awake for and it was certainly mixed news on that front. Over the past six or seven months following the Legion’s first bloody noses being wiped after their initial attempts to swiftly crush the rebels dug into the jungle regions, a substantial and still growing portion of the mighty Imperial armed forces have found themselves quagmire in a gruelling campaign of guerrilla warfare against the rebel forces entrenched in the dense tropical zones around the planet’s equator. The League of Dis has some plucky fighters amongst them you’ll admit, but their surprising success against the conventional Savis forces would never have been possible if not for your training and dissemination through their ranks imparting upon an impressive aptitude for jungle warfare.
You allow yourself a smug grin as you lay the strips of good meat out, wrapped and ready to later dry out for bush tack. According to what little leaked Savis intelligence you’ve garnered from your briefings with Lieutenant Boy, one running theory among Imperial High Command is that many of the ringleaders of this rebellion may in fact be disgraced ex-Legionnaires from the Cradler Auxiliaries. This is all well and good for you, because if that remained as their adopted explanation for the rebel’s achievements then your pay bonus for not leaking evidence of outside involvement by your employer (whoever it may be) is all but guaranteed.
[2/4]
Your grin slides away as you wipe your bloody hands on the undergrowth. With appalling losses to Savis patrols and a lack of any notable gains from the expenditure of considerable resources against a militarily inferior foe, the continued absence of a significant blow in favour of the Savis Empire since their retaking of the Dis cities and major settlements half a galactic year ago was now by all accounts a grand military embarrassment. One that the reinforcing Legions were doggedly keen to blot out. It wasn’t all fun and games for the League of Dis however, disease and malnourishment continued to nip at the heels of the various rebel encampments. And, aside from your main base of operations positioned at the old smuggling hideout, most of these ‘encampments’ blurred the line between military outposts and disorganised refugee camps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozpJJQ0J28U&list=RDozpJJQ0J28U&start_radio=1&ab_channel=EnnioMorricone-Topic – The Hunter and the Hunted
Your eyes flick up to the dense foliage as you sling your satchel, heavy from the successful hunt, around your shoulder. Despite their adeptness in guerilla warfare thanks to yours truly, the jungle was far from friendly territory. The League of Dis, and even the Black Company, had suffered their own defeats out here sure enough. Far from the glory-seeking eyes of Savis officers and hardly the stuff fit for propaganda touting podiums, sure, but painful losses all the same. Out here, in the dark of night and in the shadows of the jungle canopy by day, an entirely different war was being fought. Fought not with artillery but with knives, not with airstrikes but with tripwire and pitfalls, a war in which your peers were outclassed in everything but numbers.
Your ears prick up, checking for whether the jungle is too noisy somewhere… or too quiet. The Cradler Auxiliaries, the long genemodded arm of the Savis Legions, reigned supreme out here. Your people were good, you’d trained them well. But they could spend ten years out here and not hold a taclight to one of your fellow humans from the tribes of Clayton’s Cradle. There weren’t many of them, at least there hadn’t been at first, but these veteran jungle deathworlders hunted rebel and mercenary alike with ruthless predation. Sentries would go missing, uncovered later spiked through or dangling somewhere. Comms would be lost with remote outposts, those sent to investigate bringing back tales of empty camps or never returning at all. You were used to being hunted, your whole voiddamn life you’ve been hunted and by far worse than your fellow man. But even you don’t like this feeling of the noose being drawing ever tighter around your collective neck.
[3/4]
[4/4]
Your heart pumps hard, gene-amped adrenaline flooding to your muscles while your yellow eyes flick from left to right as you come to an abrupt stop in the middle of a clearing. Stupid, stupid, stupid. You were dumb to keep coming out here, a few hours walk from the main base. Alone. You haven’t moved a muscle, tracking a bird-like cry from behind you. You recognise it, one of the native species. Nothing out of place, except you’d use something like that yourself to signal to a fellow hunter. Why did you come out here alone? Because you wanted something special for your pot dinner? Fucking idiot. Nothing is out of place, nothing is out of the ordinary, it’s just another successful hunt at the end of a sweltering hot day. Except you’ve got that feeling.
You…
==============================
>Breathe in deep and calm the fuck down. There’s nothing there. You trust your instincts, to a point, but if you jump at every imagined shadow you’re going to be a useless nervous wreck before long. [Daredevil]
>RUN. Dropping the satchel you dive across the end of the clearing, drawing your magpistol and pointing it in the direction where you can sense danger. [Firebrand]
>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]
>>6219286>>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]Fucking love it. So tense. Great music choice also
>>6218323Verification
>>6219287Lets not get Jurassic World Raptor'd out here. We don't need no good girls drawing our attention in one direction whilst someone comes at us from behind or off to the side. Quiet, slow, intentional. Lets be cautious and see what happens
>>6219286>>6218354>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]We flip the script, if they're really there. We are the ones who hunt these jungles, not them.
>>6219286>>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]A good old stand off.
>>6218400Me
>>6219286>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]
>>6219286>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]I have been known to run on a simple but strong platform in the past, but we need to kill everything
>>6219286>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]God I want Snake eyes to become the boogey woman of the company, inhumanely quite and unnerving enough to make predator species sweat.
>>6218336
>>6219286>you cry out "well?, I've already caught the meat. Are you going to let me carry this all by myself? (Perhaps you can convince whoever is there (if they are in fact there that you're part of their camp))[Subterfuge]
Verification
>>6218334
>>6219286>>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]
>>6219286>>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]>>6218583
>>6219286>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]>>6218535
>>6219286>>Breathe in deep and calm the fuck down. There’s nothing there. You trust your instincts, to a point, but if you jump at every imagined shadow you’re going to be a useless nervous wreck before long. [Daredevil]
>>6219121>>6219014My late ass v vote
>>6219286>>6219286>RUN. Dropping the satchel you dive across the end of the clearing, drawing your magpistol and pointing it in the direction where you can sense danger. [Firebrand]
>>6219286>>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]>>6218427Verif thy post
>>6219285This is a strange situation. It makes sense for a guerilla force to hit and run. But the Cradle Auxiliaries are a counter-insurgency force, not guerillas. After they kidnap a sentry, they should by all rights not kill them and kidnap another, but torture the location of the main base out of them and report it for orbital bombardment.
>>6219286>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]
>>6219455Cradlers arent specialised anti-insurgency they are, just like us Cradle raised and are freakishly well suited to the guerilla war we picked out as a result.
>After they kidnap a sentry, they should by all rights not kill them and kidnap another, but torture the location of the main base out of themFog of war is probably hazy enough even with verified Intel from interrogations to pin down the base of operations let alone most of the holes the league have been digging. As for why things haven't been nuked from orbit it's probably a matter of saving face internally and externally in the political front.
>>6219467>Cradlers arent specialised anti-insurgencyWhat I meant is they are doing anti-insurgency. You don't have to be a specialist in it.
>Fog of war is probably hazy enough even with verified Intel from interrogations to pin down the base of operationsIf the sentries are capable of finding their own camp, their captors should be as well
>>6219286>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]verify
>>6218345
>>6219286>>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]>>6218331
>>6219286>Breathe in deep and calm the fuck down. There’s nothing there. You trust your instincts, to a point, but if you jump at every imagined shadow you’re going to be a useless nervous wreck before long. [Daredevil]>>6218406Linkey
>>6219286>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]
>>6219286>Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]Better paranoid than dead or worse.
>>6218451Anchor post
>SELECTED: Crouch down, very slowly. Hugging the jungle floor, you place your hand on your magpistol and you wait. And wait. And wait. [Xenophobe]
You didn’t survive your homeworld by turning a deaf ear to your gut, even when your gut wasn’t always right. When the available options are either waiting it out and feeling a little foolish at your own jumpiness or possibly getting your head bitten off by a lurking Carnotaur, that choice kinds of picks itself. Probably there was something you should be reflecting on about how this didn’t seem to trickle down to being smart about your gambling when it came to creds, or even your own life in a firefight. But you’ve never really been one for self-reflection, and certainly right now your only focus is on your surroundings for the slightest sign that your instincts were right. So you wait.
It seems like hours pass as you huddle there, every sense on red alert. A squawk to your right, belonging to a small native avian that you recognise from your time out here. Or maybe an answering call to the warble you heard just before from a flanking attacker. The magpistol slowly leaves its holster, thumb flicking the safety as your crouched legs remain tightly coiled and ready to spring into action. Your heightened senses filter out the ambient sounds of the jungle, a subconscious trait perked with genemods and exercised over constant years of near-constant danger. The sway of a branch overhead, gleaned from the gust of strong wind that sometimes follows in a recent dust storm. The buzz of a flight of Savis bombers, trailing away to the north-west after another indiscriminate firebombing. The thud of Savis artillery, fragging big guns from the sounds of it, and no whistle or screech to signal their payloads landing anywhere near you. The flutter of a rainbow scale-wing, tiny and mindless. Back on Clayton’s Cradle anything that brightly coloured would carry enough venom to wipe out a platoon. But in this jungle it’s harmless, just a dazzling display designed to intimidate predators rather than lure in prey. It’s no threat to you. And neither is anything else that you can tell. Nothing you can see, or hear, or smell or taste in the air. But still you wait, long enough for your legs to begin to ache, long enough for the sweat to run down your arm and make the tight grip on your magpistol slippery.
[1/3]
When the change in wind direction still brings no unfamiliar scent you decide to give it a few more minutes, long enough that a snuffling mammal identical to the one you just hunted and skinned trundles through the clearing. It trundles right past your stone form, close enough that you could have reached out and grabbed it. As it exits into the foliage you finally sigh and stand up, wincing at your stiff muscles and awkwardly scratching the back of your neck like you do when Crane is giving you one of his sober lectures. Nothing, after all. Just nerves.
Instinct gives way to reason, and you try to reassure yourself with the blanket over logic even as you keep one eye cast over your shoulder the rest of the way back. The Cradler Auxiliaries may be out there alright, but there was still a lot of jungle to cover out there. If they had been hunting here that would mean the Cradlers were already right on top of the rebel’s main encampment, the Savis bombers and artillery you can still detect in the background would have been falling a lot closer to home rather than their usual indiscriminate barrage.
Still, that had it’s own issues. The initial advantage of longwave comms had been turned from an advantage into a weakness once the Savis grew wise enough to set up their intercept points, but it not biting your people in the arse due to an earlier discovery was yet another saving grace that Lieutenant Blue had you to thank for. Since then the rebels had to rely solely on shortwave, with each outpost and hidden camp serving as a link in the network of slave resistance out here. But it left them terribly isolated, not to mention slower to coordinate responses between bases than it had been in the early days of the fighting. Only a handful of the inner circle, yourself among them, knew the location and trails for each individual rebel site. But, as you had warned the Lieutenant repeatedly, it was only a matter of time before the Cradler Auxiliaries bagged the right body and then this knifes-edge you had been balancing on thus far was going to tip very decisively in the wrong way. Your people had to get out of here before that happened, and thus far the briefings on when exactly getting out of here was on the itinerary had remained worryingly vague.
[2/3]
[3/3]
You pause as the hills sheltering the main rebel base comes into sight, shifting the weight of satchel slung over your shoulder. Still miles out, your enhanced Cradler eyes are able to discern the vague smoke from pair of cookfires, the faint smell of the collective sweat of a dozen different species and the muffled noise of scores of voices raised in song, laughter or argument. Yeah, it’s only a matter of time before your kin in the Cradler Auxiliaries find this place. And then, sooner or later, when the Company starts bugging out en masse and the rebels realise they’ve been played, it’s going to be ‘us’ or it’s going to be ‘them’. And that’s when shit will really hit the fan.
Your people had to get out of here alright. But as to what ‘your people’ has come to mean…
========================================
>Eight months of training together, fighting together, eating together, sleeping together, laughing together. You’re not made of stone. Them watching your back and you watching theirs, standing together against what feels like the whole damn Savis Empire. You haven’t begun to believe in the rebel cause or anything as stupidly naïve as that, not really. But for the first time you’ve found yourself wondering what fighting for -a- cause would feel like. Something to believe in beyond the next cred after a firefight. [Firebrand]
>It’s a bloody short bloody list, starting first and foremost with your Vinehound squad and the rest of the 77th Platoon. You don’t care for the vast majority of the rebels, and even less for their cause. But there are a few, a very few, that you have come to both trust and like. It’s not to now essentially consider them ‘your people’. When the time comes, you’ll try to do right by them. Or at least not stab them in the back on your way out. You owe them that much. [Daredevil]
> You knew exactly what this was when your people started this little operation, how it was ultimately going to end. You murdered a rebel in cold blood on the Lieutenant’s orders at the start of this. Little has changed since. ‘Your people’ means Company people and not a soul more. You may have trained these rebels, fought alongside them, but they aren’t ‘your people’. Despite the shared hardships you’ve kept a wall up. You owe them nothing, you never did. You will drop them like warm scud when the moment comes. [Xenophobic]
>>6219731>It’s a bloody short bloody list, starting first and foremost with your Vinehound squad and the rest of the 77th Platoon. You don’t care for the vast majority of the rebels, and even less for their cause. But there are a few, a very few, that you have come to both trust and like. It’s not to now essentially consider them ‘your people’. When the time comes, you’ll try to do right by them. Or at least not stab them in the back on your way out. You owe them that much. [Daredevil]>>6218535
>>6219731>*daredevil - "it's hard not to essentially consider them 'your people"
>>6219731> You knew exactly what this was when your people started this little operation, how it was ultimately going to end. You murdered a rebel in cold blood on the Lieutenant’s orders at the start of this. Little has changed since. ‘Your people’ means Company people and not a soul more. You may have trained these rebels, fought alongside them, but they aren’t ‘your people’. Despite the shared hardships you’ve kept a wall up. You owe them nothing, you never did. You will drop them like warm scud when the moment comes. [Xenophobic]As much as she might like these people, Nat is Black Company first and foremost. She would know not to form too deep a tie with any random she's working with. Sorry League of Dis but you aren't Black Company in the end
>>6218323Verification
>>6219731> You knew exactly what this was when your people started this little operation, how it was ultimately going to end. You murdered a rebel in cold blood on the Lieutenant’s orders at the start of this. Little has changed since. ‘Your people’ means Company people and not a soul more. You may have trained these rebels, fought alongside them, but they aren’t ‘your people’. Despite the shared hardships you’ve kept a wall up. You owe them nothing, you never did. You will drop them like warm scud when the moment comes. [Xenophobic]It may seem cruel and crass, but lets not kid ourselves, we know why we came here. Hell, we even warned Terrier way back about getting too close to them. Hell, of all these people, we probably like Hail the most, but lets be honest, he sure as fuck isn't jumping ship. If anything, he might put a bullet in the back of our heads if he judges it as the correct thing to do.
>>6218332Me
>>6219731> You knew exactly what this was when your people started this little operation, how it was ultimately going to end. You murdered a rebel in cold blood on the Lieutenant’s orders at the start of this. Little has changed since. ‘Your people’ means Company people and not a soul more. You may have trained these rebels, fought alongside them, but they aren’t ‘your people’. Despite the shared hardships you’ve kept a wall up. You owe them nothing, you never did. You will drop them like warm scud when the moment comes. [Xenophobic]We knew what this was.
>>6219731>Eight months of training together, fighting together, eating together, sleeping together, laughing together. You’re not made of stone. Them watching your back and you watching theirs, standing together against what feels like the whole damn Savis Empire. You haven’t begun to believe in the rebel cause or anything as stupidly naïve as that, not really. But for the first time you’ve found yourself wondering what fighting for -a- cause would feel like. Something to believe in beyond the next cred after a firefight. [Firebrand]We'll never free humanity from under the xenos yoke if we're incapable of caring about anyone but ourselves
>>6219731>You knew exactly what this was when your people started this little operation, how it was ultimately going to end. You murdered a rebel in cold blood on the Lieutenant’s orders at the start of this. Little has changed since. ‘Your people’ means Company people and not a soul more. You may have trained these rebels, fought alongside them, but they aren’t ‘your people’. Despite the shared hardships you’ve kept a wall up. You owe them nothing, you never did. You will drop them like warm scud when the moment comes. [Xenophobic]
>>6219731> You knew exactly what this was when your people started this little operation, how it was ultimately going to end. You murdered a rebel in cold blood on the Lieutenant’s orders at the start of this. Little has changed since. ‘Your people’ means Company people and not a soul more. You may have trained these rebels, fought alongside them, but they aren’t ‘your people’. Despite the shared hardships you’ve kept a wall up. You owe them nothing, you never did. You will drop them like warm scud when the moment comes. [Xenophobic]Sorry Reb, the Company comes first.
verify
>>6218345
>>6219731>>6218354>It’s a bloody short bloody list, starting first and foremost with your Vinehound squad and the rest of the 77th Platoon. You don’t care for the vast majority of the rebels, and even less for their cause. But there are a few, a very few, that you have come to both trust and like. It’s not to now essentially consider them ‘your people’. When the time comes, you’ll try to do right by them. Or at least not stab them in the back on your way out. You owe them that much. [Daredevil]It's not impossible that we connect with a select few of the rebels. I wouldn't say we care about them, but would be dissapointed if they die. They should be allowed a fair shake of it against the overwhelming odds and we should leave as neutrally as possible.
>>6219731>It’s a bloody short bloody list, starting first and foremost with your Vinehound squad and the rest of the 77th Platoon. You don’t care for the vast majority of the rebels, and even less for their cause. But there are a few, a very few, that you have come to both trust and like. It’s not to now essentially consider them ‘your people’. When the time comes, you’ll try to do right by them. Or at least not stab them in the back on your way out. You owe them that much. [Daredevil]>>6218451Me
>>6219731>> You knew exactly what this was when your people started this little operation, how it was ultimately going to end. You murdered a rebel in cold blood on the Lieutenant’s orders at the start of this. Little has changed since. ‘Your people’ means Company people and not a soul more. You may have trained these rebels, fought alongside them, but they aren’t ‘your people’. Despite the shared hardships you’ve kept a wall up. You owe them nothing, you never did. You will drop them like warm scud when the moment comes. [Xenophobic]It sucks to say but we don't have the luxury of having a bleeding heart. This is just business.
>>6218400Me
>>6219731>It’s a bloody short bloody list, starting first and foremost with your Vinehound squad and the rest of the 77th Platoon. You don’t care for the vast majority of the rebels, and even less for their cause. But there are a few, a very few, that you have come to both trust and like. It’s not to now essentially consider them ‘your people’. When the time comes, you’ll try to do right by them. Or at least not stab them in the back on your way out. You owe them that much. [Daredevil]>>6218331
>>6219731There is an opportunity here, but I'm not certain what personality traits it would fall under.
>The Company comes first, but a few of these rebels have shown the attitude and aptitude needed to join the ranks of the Black Company. Take the willing and the worthy, but leave the rest.[Xenophobe+Daredevil?]>>6218624Dis me
>>6219731>>>It’s a bloody short bloody list, starting first and foremost with your Vinehound squad and the rest of the 77th Platoon. You don’t care for the vast majority of the rebels, and even less for their cause. But there are a few, a very few, that you have come to both trust and like. It’s not to now essentially consider them ‘your people’. When the time comes, you’ll try to do right by them. Or at least not stab them in the back on your way out. You owe them that much. [Daredevil]
> You knew exactly what this was when your people started this little operation, how it was ultimately going to end. You murdered a rebel in cold blood on the Lieutenant’s orders at the start of this. Little has changed since. ‘Your people’ means Company people and not a soul more. You may have trained these rebels, fought alongside them, but they aren’t ‘your people’. Despite the shared hardships you’ve kept a wall up. You owe them nothing, you never did. You will drop them like warm scud when the moment comes. [Xenophobic]>>6218398Here I am!
>>6219731>>It’s a bloody short bloody list, starting first and foremost with your Vinehound squad and the rest of the 77th Platoon. You don’t care for the vast majority of the rebels, and even less for their cause. But there are a few, a very few, that you have come to both trust and like. It’s not to now essentially consider them ‘your people’. When the time comes, you’ll try to do right by them. Or at least not stab them in the back on your way out. You owe them that much. [Daredevil]>>6218441
>>6219731>>It’s a bloody short bloody list, starting first and foremost with your Vinehound squad and the rest of the 77th Platoon. You don’t care for the vast majority of the rebels, and even less for their cause. But there are a few, a very few, that you have come to both trust and like. It’s not to now essentially consider them ‘your people’. When the time comes, you’ll try to do right by them. Or at least not stab them in the back on your way out. You owe them that much. [Daredevil>>6219446Linking back. V day
>>6219731> You knew exactly what this was when your people started this little operation, how it was ultimately going to end. You murdered a rebel in cold blood on the Lieutenant’s orders at the start of this. Little has changed since. ‘Your people’ means Company people and not a soul more. You may have trained these rebels, fought alongside them, but they aren’t ‘your people’. Despite the shared hardships you’ve kept a wall up. You owe them nothing, you never did. You will drop them like warm scud when the moment comes. [Xenophobic]Company comes first - the moment we lose sight of that, is when we lose one of our squaddies
>>6218833V card
>>6219731>> You knew exactly what this was when your people started this little operation, how it was ultimately going to end. You murdered a rebel in cold blood on the Lieutenant’s orders at the start of this. Little has changed since. ‘Your people’ means Company people and not a soul more. You may have trained these rebels, fought alongside them, but they aren’t ‘your people’. Despite the shared hardships you’ve kept a wall up. You owe them nothing, you never did. You will drop them like warm scud when the moment comes. [Xenophobic]They knew we were gonna fuck off when things get too brought.
Also, still wondering about that old death vision we had. Would our rebel trainee be the one who'd try to off us? He'd seem like he'd fit the bill.
>>6218427Me post
>>6219731>It’s a bloody short bloody list, starting first and foremost with your Vinehound squad and the rest of the 77th Platoon. You don’t care for the vast majority of the rebels, and even less for their cause. But there are a few, a very few, that you have come to both trust and like. It’s not to now essentially consider them ‘your people’. When the time comes, you’ll try to do right by them. Or at least not stab them in the back on your way out. You owe them that much. [Daredevil]As another anon said, humanity will never recover if Nat is Black Company first, Black Company only- the Company has already sold out mankind before. At the same time, I don't give a rat's ass about most of these alien pawns.
>>6219028Moi (still fuck the Feddies)
>>6219731> [Daredevil]Pick off the cream of the crop as potential new recruits for the Company
>>6220251>Company has already sold out mankind before.We don't know that yet.
There's more weight to the Xenos kicking humanity while it was bleeding put on the floor thanks to space cancer.
But sure dream big and maybe just maybe a PMC grunt can save the whole frackin species like some kinda hero.
>Daredevil and Xenophobe are perfectly tied.
Suits me just fine, this definitely won't come up ever again. Update soon.
>>6219731>It’s a bloody short bloody list, starting first and foremost with your Vinehound squad and the rest of the 77th Platoon. You don’t care for the vast majority of the rebels, and even less for their cause. But there are a few, a very few, that you have come to both trust and like. It’s not to now essentially consider them ‘your people’. When the time comes, you’ll try to do right by them. Or at least not stab them in the back on your way out. You owe them that much. [Daredevil]>>6218406Big Links
>>6220289She's no Emile, but we haven't yet committed her to being a Prince...
>>6220284Had I but the chance I would unleash The Rot 2.0 just to make these xenos suffer. I believe that Snake Eyes should live for something more than the Company.
>SELECTED [Daredevil/Xenophobe split] I note the late votes tipping it in direction of the Daredevil choice, but given how close it is I will write this as Snake Eyes telling herself she’s a Company-only gal and holding some deep-set denial. As some anons have suggested, she might in the back of her mind be trying to figure out if there’s a way to get them in as new Company recruits. Can’t wait to see where the chips ultimately fall.
You used to be able to cross the dirt paths and humble tents that made up the main rebel base with your eyes closed. But lately it’s been growing faster and faster as every week new refugees trickle in sporadically or are rolled in from one of the outposts too near the front as part of the League of Dis’ inevitable gradual retreat. You don’t like it, not least because it means more mouths to feed. But sooner or later one of these wide-eyed idealists will be hiding the face of a slave that wises up and tries to cut a deal. The gallows to the south of the camp already presents it’s grim evidence of the fate a few would-be turncoats, as well as a harsh step for some of the more mundane betrayals of the rebel cause. You don’t have a lot of deserters, at least not those you hear from again, few other than the fighters you’ve directly or indirectly trained would survive long in the jungle alone. But someone will get a message in sooner or later. Or, worse still, the Cradler Auxiliaries will successfully track a group back here and then it’s all over. It’s why you or one of the other Cradlers in the Company are always sent out to make sure that doesn’t happen and cover your track, but everyone makes mistakes. It’s only a matter of time.
The rebel base is an exercise in incongruity. Kids in rags kick a muddy ball past line of scarred adults loading weaponry and counting ammunition. An old woman cackles as two aliens you don’t recognise claw and swipe at each other. There are a lot of humans sure. Slavers did very well in the years following the fall of Earth when it’s surrounding space was filled with undefended convoys, the vast majority of them defenceless cargo haulers packed to the brim with desperate refugees. Earth wasn’t the only homeworld wiped out by the Rot, or with a species that fell prey to slaver attacks, so even if humans are the single largest group in the camp they don’t form the majority. Dozens of species rub shoulders together and sweat or excrete something or other to deal with the heat, brothers and sisters in arms in the fight for freedom. Everywhere you go there is someone reading aloud the ‘Tenets of Freedom’ or laughing at a joke in the Pigdin Imperial you are now virtually fluent in. Not to mention the singing, something that is also out of place given the faint air of desperation and some of the rarer species not even having vocal chords.
[1/3]
You don’t know why you paused to watch this particular group by a campfire, a collection of humans and aliens both scaled and furred. You don’t know a single one of them, they must have just made it in from the front. You wouldn’t consider them a military unit, despite the firearms laying on laps or propped up against crates by their side. Only a handful of them are of fighting age, maybe half if you stretch that definition beyond what galactic law would stomach. The rest are grandparents, grandchildren, mates or kin either by blood or by hardship. Not fighters by any means, not by even the wildest stretch. But they can sing in their shared Imperial pidgin dialect, some holding hands as they do.
"Walasa-Dis-Am
This freedom for-ever.
Walasa-Dis-Am
This freedom for-ever.
Tears and death you gave,
My mothers and fath-ers.
Now we face you down,
My sisters and broth-ers.
We will strike at you,
No Gods, No Mast-ers.
We live free for them,
Our sons and daught-ers.
Walasa-Dis-Am
This freedom for-ever.
Walasa-Dis-Am
This freedom for-ever."
You jerk your head back when one of the little girls stares at you from under her mother’s arm, hero-worship in her eyes. You duck your head down and press on before anyone notices. They’re all going to die here. Not your people. Not your problem.
You at least have your priorities straight, you always knew how this was going to go. How was it supposed to end any other way? You’re ready to make those hard choices, but your squaddies might prove to be a mixed bag on that front. Trooper ‘Terrier’ Garcia may be the member of your squad that hangs out the most with Alexander Hail and his die-hard Red Hand veterans, but you know she’s a stone cold pragmatist that will do whatever she must to make it. Trooper Bones is probably right on the other end of that spectrum. His momma raised him right, too right it seems, and you know he’s popular and friends with many of the rebels on a personal, especially in the Libertan camp.
They’re your boys and girls, you’re damn proud of them. How many humans can say they spat in the eye of the Empire and bloodied their nose when payback came knocking? Not many, that’s for sure. But will they follow you? Feet first into hell, you know it. Against the Savis at least. But will they turn on the rebels when the time comes if it means getting of this rock? Gunning down their friends and comrades if you give the word? Sure. Probably. If you give the order that is. You hope.
[2/3]
>>6220325*Second verse should read [u]Dis[/u] freedom forever.
[3/3]
You have some time before this evening’s briefing, you should probably check up on some of your people.
==========================
(1) Destination.
>The observation position at the highest hill overlooking the jungle. You could hear the Imperial artillery shells and bomber flights during your hunt. The front lines are getting closer every day, and there’s something else you heard over the background din that definitely wasn’t native to this planet. Gunner Nines is your usual man, or machine, stationed there. He came with built-in magnoculars after all. [Observation Post]
> You should drop off this satchel with your fresh catch in the larders, everyone’s been feeling the pinch since the Company off-world shipments of rations dried up months ago. A little more meat to flavour the broth will go down well with everyone. Doubtless you’ll find Medico Petal hard at work next door, working tirelessly as always on wounds benign or bloody. [Kitchens and Medbay]
> While the Savis installations set up planetside several months ago may have made utilising the long-range comms array in the smuggling den a now unacceptable risk, just listening hasn’t gotten anymore dangerous. You’re still picking up plenty of Savis chatter, it’s the only way anyone has managed to even stand a chance of running the blockade. Signaller Night Night will probably be translating in there, or up to her elbows in wires. [Comms Tower]
> Before you left there was talk about a Company sister platoon of Kriegers coming in. Apparently, they crash landed on a supply run months ago and have only just now been picked up by one of your long-range patrols. Goods news, all told. The ratio of Krieger to Rebel is already sobering. Corporal Crane will be there to greet them. [Camp Outskirts]
_
(2) Additional squaddies. SELECT TWO. According to the working roster, an increasingly ad-hoc set of designated duties even by your own admission, two other members of Vinehound Squad should be stationed at your chosen destination.
> Sapper ‘Convict’
> Trooper ‘Bones’ Armstrong
> Trooper ‘Husk’ Charov
> Trooper ‘Terri’ Garcia
> Trooper ‘Sev’ Cerny
>>6220328(1) Destination.
> Before you left there was talk about a Company sister platoon of Kriegers coming in. Apparently, they crash landed on a supply run months ago and have only just now been picked up by one of your long-range patrols. Goods news, all told. The ratio of Krieger to Rebel is already sobering. Corporal Crane will be there to greet them. [Camp Outskirts](2) Additional squaddies. SELECT TWO. According to the working roster, an increasingly ad-hoc set of designated duties even by your own admission, two other members of Vinehound Squad should be stationed at your chosen destination.
> Sapper ‘Convict’> Trooper ‘Husk’ Charov>>6218323Verification
>>6220341Supporting this
>>6218833v card
>>6220328>[Kitchens and Medbay]> Sapper ‘Convict’> Trooper ‘Husk’ CharovBy the way, do the Savis have thermal imagers? That campfire could give away the position.
>>6220341I'll support this one too. God, do I love some internal turmoil and split loyalties.
>>6218332Me
>>6220328> Before you left there was talk about a Company sister platoon of Kriegers coming in. Apparently, they crash landed on a supply run months ago and have only just now been picked up by one of your long-range patrols. Goods news, all told. The ratio of Krieger to Rebel is already sobering. Corporal Crane will be there to greet them. [Camp Outskirts]> Sapper ‘Convict’> Trooper ‘Husk’ Charovverify
>>6218345
>>6220328>>6218354> Before you left there was talk about a Company sister platoon of Kriegers coming in. Apparently, they crash landed on a supply run months ago and have only just now been picked up by one of your long-range patrols. Goods news, all told. The ratio of Krieger to Rebel is already sobering. Corporal Crane will be there to greet them. [Camp Outskirts]> Sapper ‘Convict’> Trooper ‘Husk’ CharovIt's always good to see to the state of our reinforcements.
>>6220328>The observation position at the highest hill overlooking the jungle. You could hear the Imperial artillery shells and bomber flights during your hunt. The front lines are getting closer every day, and there’s something else you heard over the background din that definitely wasn’t native to this planet. Gunner Nines is your usual man, or machine, stationed there. He came with built-in magnoculars after all. [Observation Post]> Trooper ‘Husk’ Charov> Trooper ‘Terri’ GarciaI like to think the Paranoia about Cradlers is getting to us.
>>6218336
>>6220328I will go with this
>>6220341 as well
>>6218624me
To add to my previous vote about taking some rebels with us. First seats off planet definitely go to those who are fighting fit and who those in our squad are attached to. We took casualties here and some of the rebels can fill those gaps in the roster and if we take a few squad favorites with us it will ease some of the more conscientious squadmates minds
>>6220328>> Before you left there was talk about a Company sister platoon of Kriegers coming in. Apparently, they crash landed on a supply run months ago and have only just now been picked up by one of your long-range patrols. Goods news, all told. The ratio of Krieger to Rebel is already sobering. Corporal Crane will be there to greet them. [Camp Outskirts]> Trooper ‘Bones’ Armstrong> Trooper ‘Sev’ CernyOur people, first and always.
>>6218400Me!
>>6220328> Before you left there was talk about a Company sister platoon of Kriegers coming in. Apparently, they crash landed on a supply run months ago and have only just now been picked up by one of your long-range patrols. Goods news, all told. The ratio of Krieger to Rebel is already sobering. Corporal Crane will be there to greet them. [Camp Outskirts]>Sapper ‘Convict’>Trooper ‘Bones’ Armstrong
>>62203281. > Before you left there was talk about a Company sister platoon of Kriegers coming in. Apparently, they crash landed on a supply run months ago and have only just now been picked up by one of your long-range patrols. Goods news, all told. The ratio of Krieger to Rebel is already sobering. Corporal Crane will be there to greet them. [Camp Outskirts]
2. > Trooper ‘Husk’ Charov
> Trooper ‘Sev’ Cerny
>>6218341dats me
>>6220328>[Camp Outskirts]>>6218611> Trooper ‘Bones’ Armstrong> Trooper ‘Husk’ Charov
>>6220378>By the way, do the Savis have thermal imagers? That campfire could give away the position.That's actually a fair point.
There are techniques from islanders and such IRL that are tried and tested with cooking food underground, but how would one conceal small campfires from flybuy detection?
>>6220998You can’t really even nowadays drones are getting so good that they can spot fires from tens of kilometres away to be honest your best defence if you have an open campfire is to just hope they don’t go over your area of jungle.
Everything else is just an exercise in risk mitigation. Such as using a Dakota fire hole or using dry wood for doing smaller fires, et cetera.
>>6221015Well I certainly hope we have sufficient AA/ECM to keep them off the main camp.
>>6221025A patch of AA or ECM in the middle of the jungle would be way more obvious than a campfire - unless we put up decoys everywhere and I doubt we have the resources for that
>>6221015Going beyond drones, they have a huge fleet in orbit with I’m sure great imagery suites. I’m shocked that they haven’t pictured every inch of the jungle these past months to find the upturned soil of our FOB
>>6221028Re: upturned soil, maybe some sort of optical camouflage, a la Ghost in the Shell? This is sci-fi, after all,
>SELECTED: Before you left there was talk about a Company sister platoon of Kriegers coming in. Apparently, they crash landed on a supply run months ago and have only just now been picked up by one of your long-range patrols. Goods news, all told. The ratio of Krieger to Rebel is already sobering. Corporal Crane will be there to greet them. [Camp Outskirts]
>SELECTED: Sapper ‘Convict’ & Trooper ‘Husk’ Charov
“Snake Eyes-Sama.” Corporal ‘Crane’ Shizuka turns just as you arrive at the edge of the camp’s outskirts.
A lifetime of sneaking up on all manner of creatures undetected and you can still only count the times you got the drop on your trusted second. Although he’s never actually admitted to being a former member of the Yakuza gangs that had set up shop in the human slums on Perspira, even your less than astounding powers of deduction have come to that conclusion. That or the man just really likes tattoos and happens to know a whole lot about how criminal enterprises are run from reading raunchy true-crime novellas.
“Crane my guy.” You beam at him, countering his lack of emotion with your own exuberance. “Aren’t you going ask me how my day has been?”
“ 私はもう「一人で出かけるなよ、バカ」なんて言うつもりはない。”
“What was that?”
“Your hunt was successful, I take it?”
Crane has always been cool head of your duo, and it’s become a game to you in seeing if you can even get the slightest rise out of him or translate his dispassionate responses into some kind of emotion. The two of you went through a bit of a rough patch after your cold-blooded actions in murdering a rebel ally to cover the Company’s tracks, and that this was done on the LT’s orders didn’t do much to justify it in the eyes of the reformed gang member. But after you saved his life during a Savis air raid the man has only redoubled his devotion to you, and you don’t even need to flash the extensive mottled burn scars all across your back to remind him.
He still preaches caution to some of your more reckless inclinations, and chides you incessantly when you’ve missed something in your briefings because you were half-asleep or just not paying attention. Not to mention his ire when you leave him to do the paperwork that your role requires of you. But you need all that, you wouldn’t have wanted your old comrade by your side unless he was willing to pull you up on things like this. Void knows what you’d get up to if he there steer you away from the odd cliff’s edge. Or occasionally lend you money.
[1/4]
“Boss.” Sapper Convict nods as you reach them, offering you a seat on jutting root. Although normally gruff, he sure hasn’t forgotten that he owes you his life from your first mission together.
“What’s been happening, boys?” You grin at Convict and Trooper Husk, the latter still scanning the edge of the treeline through his magnoculars.
“Hssk. You missed it. Hssk. The Legions surrendered.Hssk. Big heroes we are. Hssk. Now we all go home. Hssk.”
“Morale is high, I see.” You raise an eyebrow at your subordinate, or rather at his chemask tucked under the magnoculars. “And how did we achieve this stunning victory?”
“Hssk. I offer them Hssk your cooking. Hssk.”
“…”
“…”
“…You fucker.” Convict snorts at your sullen riposte.
Crane whistles, signalling you all to pay attention. “Eyes up.”
You all settle down as the all clear on the new arrivals is given and the long-range patrol emerges from the undergrowth into the camp proper. Your nose twitches, picking up a strange new scent that is elusive at first but then becomes overpowering enough that you think even an ordinary human could smell it. Is that fucking cologne?
“You’ve got to be Hssk fucking kidding me.” Trooper Husk shakes his head.
“Not this fucking guy…” Your demolition expert grimaces, although to be fair even his smiles could be classed as a grimace.
You recognise that self-satisfied bravado walk long before you turn and see the Krieger helm on one of the incoming arrival removed to reveal the golden locks of one of your former subordinates.
“Hey hey, ladies. Did ya miss me?”
[2/4]
The man looks like he’s come straight out of a calendar they give away to tourists at some tropical paradise, one with a great deal less insects and artillery and a great deal more mimosas and beachfronts. You don’t know how he’s managed to keep his luxurious golden mane pristine in the jungle undergrowth, or how the applied camo paint seems to accentuate his chiselled features rather than muddy him. Fucker doesn’t even have helmet hair.
“Goldie? What in Clayton’s Crotch are you doing out here??” You don’t even try to keep the surprise out of your voice.
“Hssk. How is leg? Hssk.” Husk rasps, referring to Goldie’s injury during your raid of the Yibrak research station.
“Yeah, last we saw your prettyboy face you were lying on your front eating ice cream.” Convict smirks, which again is more of a grimace-variant. He holds his fingers up in air quotations. “ ‘Doctor’s Orders’, was it?”
“Good as new, real glad ya’ll talked the LT into forking out for a proper regrowth rather than slapping on a rickety old cyborg implant.” Trooper Goldie pats his left leg with an odd degree of abashment, given that under the Krieger fatigues looks identical to his right. “I’m just uh, keeping the ol’ moneymaker out of sight until the tan lines even out, knowhatimsaying?”
“You vain prick.” Convict chuckles “Who’re you rolling with anyways?”
“Some of the boys from the 63rd .” Goldie jerks a thumb behind him where the rest of the column is filing through, escorted by some of your hand-picked jungle trained rebels on either side. “What’s left of ‘em anyways. It was a bumpy ride on the way down I tell you what.”
“Tell us more, the 63rd was due three months ago.” Your Second asks in his typical tone, direct as always.
“Yeah and we were here three months ago. Had a whole bag of tricks for you and everything.” Goldie’s blasé shrug brushes off months of no logistics on your end. “We came in with the Savis fleet ramping up the blockade, but still a few gaps for us to make the run. We didn’t get the memo about the Peckies lying low in those gaps though, took out some our shuttles before we made it planetside and lost ‘em in one of the dust storms. Man are -those- nasty, none of our rides were in shape after that.”
You count two-squads worth of Kriegers, and Crane must have noticed the same. There’s also the usual complement of random rebels they must have picked up trekking here, as well as three fairly lost looking Company pilots.
[3/4]
[4/4]
“Supplies?” You roll your eye at Crane’s matter-of-fact questioning, can’t the guy get out a ‘hello’ or something evening vaguely cordial?
“Don’t have much in way of original cargo left. But we hauled some AT gear all the way out here, just for you.” Goldie gifts your group with his signature wink, doom of single ladies on Void knows how many shore-leave suitable worlds.
“Anti-tank?” Convict sits up, eyes glinting. “Any tread-fraggers in there? Or seekers? Void what I’d do to shove a seeker up the tailwing of one of those flying fraggers.”
“I just carried the crates, not my lane to look inside. That’s your department, amigo.”
============================================
> “Anti-Tank? So you -do- know what the ladies like. Now where are these crates exactly?” If Vinehound squad gets first pick of the last haul of proper off-world gear that you can expect for the foreseeable future, well that’s better than it being stowed and distributed among the Kriegers and rebels in a more equitable but less helpful (to you) way. [Daredevil]
> “Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You treat Goldie’s return to the Vinehounds as a done thing, the LT owes you and this extra squaddie won’t be a big favour to ask. Crane can sort out the paperwork. [Firebrand]
> “And there was much rejoicing. Who’s running the 63rd and friends? I’ll get them up to date before the briefing. And Trooper… lose the cologne, will you? Fuckin’ princess.” The LT will appreciate you making nice with the new kid NCOs and saving him some time, plus you might just persuade him to put a substantial portion of the reinforcements under your sub-command group. [Xenophobe]
>>6221040> “Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You treat Goldie’s return to the Vinehounds as a done thing, the LT owes you and this extra squaddie won’t be a big favour to ask. Crane can sort out the paperwork. [Firebrand]Another genuine Krieger under our command is worth so much.
Ah fucking Goldie, funny as always the smug bastard
>>6218323Verification
>Had to reset my modem>New 15 minute timer>REEEEEEEEE
>>6221040> “Anti-Tank? So you -do- know what the ladies like. Now where are these crates exactly?” If Vinehound squad gets first pick of the last haul of proper off-world gear that you can expect for the foreseeable future, well that’s better than it being stowed and distributed among the Kriegers and rebels in a more equitable but less helpful (to you) way. [Daredevil]It's a rough life, Golden has to absolutely lose the cologne.
you won't though, you beautiful golden bastard.
>>6218336
>>6221040> “Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You treat Goldie’s return to the Vinehounds as a done thing, the LT owes you and this extra squaddie won’t be a big favour to ask. Crane can sort out the paperwork. [Firebrand]Goldie my beloved, welcome back!
>>6219028Reporting
>>6220328> Before you left there was talk about a Company sister platoon of Kriegers coming in. Apparently, they crash landed on a supply run months ago and have only just now been picked up by one of your long-range patrols. Goods news, all told. The ratio of Krieger to Rebel is already sobering. Corporal Crane will be there to greet them. [Camp Outskirts]> Trooper ‘Bones’ Armstrong> Trooper ‘Husk’ Charov
>>6221071Ohh shit, I'm late
RIP
>>6221040> “And there was much rejoicing. Who’s running the 63rd and friends? I’ll get them up to date before the briefing. And Trooper… lose the cologne, will you? Fuckin’ princess.” The LT will appreciate you making nice with the new kid NCOs and saving him some time, plus you might just persuade him to put a substantial portion of the reinforcements under your sub-command group. [Xenophobe]Hopefully I'm not abysmally late again
>>6221040> “Anti-Tank? So you -do- know what the ladies like. Now where are these crates exactly?” If Vinehound squad gets first pick of the last haul of proper off-world gear that you can expect for the foreseeable future, well that’s better than it being stowed and distributed among the Kriegers and rebels in a more equitable but less helpful (to you) way. [Daredevil]As much as Goldie is an endless source of memes the shinies call to me. Besides, getting better equip can literally save our asses.
>>6218451V check
>>6221040>> “Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You treat Goldie’s return to the Vinehounds as a done thing, the LT owes you and this extra squaddie won’t be a big favour to ask. Crane can sort out the paperwork. [Firebrand]Ooooooooo shiny. Yoink, mine now.
>>6218400Me.
>>6221073Fuck, didn't realize I needed to link
Sorry, first time on this quest.
>>6221071There
>>6221040>“Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You treat Goldie’s return to the Vinehounds as a done thing, the LT owes you and this extra squaddie won’t be a big favour to ask. Crane can sort out the paperwork. [Firebrand]
>>6221040>“And there was much rejoicing. Who’s running the 63rd and friends? I’ll get them up to date before the briefing. And Trooper… lose the cologne, will you? Fuckin’ princess.” The LT will appreciate you making nice with the new kid NCOs and saving him some time, plus you might just persuade him to put a substantial portion of the reinforcements under your sub-command group. [Xenophobe]
>>6221040> “Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You treat Goldie’s return to the Vinehounds as a done thing, the LT owes you and this extra squaddie won’t be a big favour to ask. Crane can sort out the paperwork. [Firebrand]The stray has come home
>>6218833V card
>>6221040> “And there was much rejoicing. Who’s running the 63rd and friends? I’ll get them up to date before the briefing. And Trooper… lose the cologne, will you? Fuckin’ princess.” The LT will appreciate you making nice with the new kid NCOs and saving him some time, plus you might just persuade him to put a substantial portion of the reinforcements under your sub-command group. [Xenophobe]MY BOYS. It's so good to see them again. And the banter was great this post. The reason why I'm picking this one is to see what they know about the situation above our heads. They probably posses the "freshest" info and the LT is being tight-lipped about the whole getting out side of things. Besides, if we get them under our sub-command, we'll get Goldie. Or we can just ignore commanding them all and still get Goldie, no? Really, all of these options seem good.
>>6218332Me, it seems I summoned him
>>6221040>>6218354> “Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You treat Goldie’s return to the Vinehounds as a done thing, the LT owes you and this extra squaddie won’t be a big favour to ask. Crane can sort out the paperwork. [Firebrand]Give us our poster boy back!
>>6221040> “Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You treat Goldie’s return to the Vinehounds as a done thing, the LT owes you and this extra squaddie won’t be a big favour to ask. Crane can sort out the paperwork. [Firebrand]>>6219014My v day
> “Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You treat Goldie’s return to the Vinehounds as a done thing, the LT owes you and this extra squaddie won’t be a big favour to ask. Crane can sort out the paperwork. [Firebrand]I have a bad feeling as to what might happen to Goldie if he was left with some jobber outfit during the pending(?) evacuation of Dis. Otherwise, I would be all for claiming the heavier ordinance.
>>6218398Here.
>>6221040> “And there was much rejoicing. Who’s running the 63rd and friends? I’ll get them up to date before the briefing. And Trooper… lose the cologne, will you? Fuckin’ princess.” The LT will appreciate you making nice with the new kid NCOs and saving him some time, plus you might just persuade him to put a substantial portion of the reinforcements under your sub-command group. [Xenophobe]>>6218636Me
>>6221040> “Anti-Tank? So you -do- know what the ladies like. Now where are these crates exactly?” If Vinehound squad gets first pick of the last haul of proper off-world gear that you can expect for the foreseeable future, well that’s better than it being stowed and distributed among the Kriegers and rebels in a more equitable but less helpful (to you) way. [Daredevil]verify
>>6218345
Alright now that we're back I'm posting to fuck that timer off again. Have another reaction shot
>>6221040>[Xenophobe]>>6218611April fools crap seems to be gone
I didn't even bother trying to post, what was the April Fools shit going on?
>>6221472Just some absolute smooth brained shit from 4chan acting like the US DOGE and pretending to close the board for the sake of "efficiency" for the whole day
IMG_7625
md5: 3235da20988152e22b33d47b23fe6c6f
🔍
>>6221473It did get me good, /qst/ has been slow enough that it being culled isn’t unthinkable…
I will post when I get back home tonight.
>>6221491Yeah me too, my first thought was "fuck, where will the game go now!?" lol
>SELECTED: “Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You treat Goldie’s return to the Vinehounds as a done thing, the LT owes you and this extra squaddie won’t be a big favour to ask. Crane can sort out the paperwork. [Firebrand]
>Trooper Goldie will also ease up on the position-revealing cologne. He’ll have to satisfy himself with a less effusive roll-on deodorant. Kudos to that one anon with the write-in. "5DC"
“Alright, alright, good to see you on your own two feet Goldie. You can say goodbye to the 63rd, you’ll be riding with us now. “
Trooper Goldie beams at his matter-of-course conscription back into the 77th, paying the faux-protests of Convict and Husk no mind. You can’t actually tell whether Convict’s grimace is genuine, but you will say Husk’s snarky comments are somewhat undermined by the high-five that follows.
“Yeah yeah, big sloppy kisses all around. Go on now, Husk will show you where to stow your scud.” You jerk your thumb back over your shoulder before wrinkling your nose “And lose the cologne will you? I can bloody taste it, like an Asandi theatre queen farted in my mouth.”
“…” The mental imagery does give Crane a moment's air of dumbfoundedness, which you count as a score. “Yes... It could compromise our position in the field with the Auxiliaries. Consider it an order.”
“Damn…” Goldie’s elation is exchanged for dramatic dejection as he departs with the others. “ I just got here man and already… Hey, is the cute one from Banshee squad still around?”
You roll your eyes at your newest squaddies relentless houndogging and turn to your second. “Briefing?”
Crane checks his chrono and gives you a non-committal look. “We have some time yet, Snake Eyes-sama. Unless you wished to head there early.”
There’s the general war council with the prominent rebels and Company senior ranks, and then there is the more important pre-council briefing with the Lieutenant.
[1/2]
[2/2]
Back when you started this little insurgency essentially all decisions were first made by prior agreement hashed out between the LT and his NCOs and then the rebel council was informed or rubber-stamped said decisions with the League of Dis seal of approval. These days though less and less of the decisions made in the Company briefing translates into consensus in the war council. The senior Company officers are being treated more as advisors than decision makers and while the mutual interests generally align in terms of successfully prosecuting the war against the Imps, sometimes there are significant divergences.
Not murdering the actual Voidborn smugglers you took prisoner several months ago is one such decision. Breaker, the giant white-maned Auxl who serves as the overall leader of the organised rebel resistance, overruled the Liuetenant’s objections of maintaining camp security and instead, at the behest of many of the less vengefully-inclined rebel spokepeople, entered into direct negotiations with the smuggler bands and all kinds of handshake deals and payments of Void knows what to smuggle non-combatants out and, at a premium, anything that goes boom in. One which hasn’t been doing too well lately with the ironclad blockade. Another divergence is that many of the more clued-on rebel leaders aren’t missing how ultimately dire the League of Dis’ strategic position is… and that their ‘advisors’ are the typical sort that one would think are keen on going out in a blaze of glory with the liberated masses.
As more and more of the leftover Company platoons from outlying camps are rolled into this central location, your pre-council briefing has become more involved and incorporates officers and NCOs from those other platoons. Contingencies are now being discussed openly, rather than alluded to. While ostensibly the same rank at Lieutenant ‘Boy’ Blue, the hierarchy with him in overall command remains clear. Command identified him early as the pre-eminent officer with the most successful rebel cell and ear of the rebel leadership. And even you speak up at these briefings far more than you feel comfortable around that many officers, despite your NCO rank as the leading Company expert in jungle warfare your input is always sought after.
These days though, the question on everyone’s lips from Corporal to Liuetenant is “When are we getting off this Voiddamn rock?”
=================
(1) Destination
>“We’ve got time. Let’s make one more stop.” [Write-in Observation/Comms/Medbay from previous selection]
> “Punctuality. Aren’t you always on my case about that? Besides I bet Prophet and Banshee are also early.” [Company Briefing]
_
(2) On the way to your chosen destination you run into one of the senior rebel veterans, personally trained by you in jungle warfare.
>Haask, the pragmatic Zaan survivalist.
>Alexander Hail, the vengeful human soldier.
>Kerim’O’Kas, the inspiring Drax idealist.
>>6221550(1) Destination
> “Punctuality. Aren’t you always on my case about that? Besides I bet Prophet and Banshee are also early.” [Company Briefing]Lets get there early so we can get a read on the vibe of everyone present before official discussion starts
(2) On the way to your chosen destination you run into one of the senior rebel veterans, personally trained by you in jungle warfare.
>Haask, the pragmatic Zaan survivalist. >>6218323Verification
>>6221550(1)
> “Punctuality. Aren’t you always on my case about that? Besides I bet Prophet and Banshee are also early.” [Company Briefing]Early bird gets the worm.
(2)
>Haask, the pragmatic Zaan survivalist. I bet she has a nose for upcoming trouble. She will probably try to get a deal to get off this forsaken planet.
>>6221550[Company Briefing]
>Alexander HailHe would probably be willing to lead a stay-behind effort
>>6221550>>6218354> “Punctuality. Aren’t you always on my case about that? Besides I bet Prophet and Banshee are also early.” [Company Briefing]>Kerim’O’Kas, the inspiring Drax idealist.I want to see some turmoil in Snake Eyes, if she can really be as heartless as she thinks she is.
>>6221550> “Punctuality. Aren’t you always on my case about that? Besides I bet Prophet and Banshee are also early.” [Company Briefing]>Alexander Hail, the vengeful human soldier.>>6218535
>>6221550>> “Punctuality. Aren’t you always on my case about that? Besides I bet Prophet and Banshee are also early.” [Company Briefing]>Alexander Hail, the vengeful human soldier.>>6218400Me!
>>6221550>“Punctuality. Aren’t you always on my case about that? Besides I bet Prophet and Banshee are also early.” [Company Briefing]>Alexander Hail, the vengeful human soldier.Love this guy, even if Boot is playing him
>>6221550> “Punctuality. Aren’t you always on my case about that? Besides I bet Prophet and Banshee are also early.” [Company Briefing]>Kerim’O’Kas, the inspiring Drax idealist.>>6221071Verification
>>6221550(1) Destination
>“We’ve got time. Let’s make one more stop.” >The observation position at the highest hill overlooking the jungle. You could hear the Imperial artillery shells and bomber flights during your hunt. The front lines are getting closer every day, and there’s something else you heard over the background din that definitely wasn’t native to this planet. Gunner Nines is your usual man, or machine, stationed there. He came with built-in magnoculars after all. [Observation Post](2) On the way to your chosen destination you run into one of the senior rebel veterans, personally trained by you in jungle warfare.
>Haask, the pragmatic Zaan survivalist.I will be the lone dissenting opinion, purely to be contrarian if nothing else. It'd be good to know if Nines is picking up on anything fishy, since *something* felt wrong earlier, and I'll choose to trust our gut.
Also, I just miss our pet Murderbot.
>>6221550>“We’ve got time. Let’s make one more stop.” [Observation]Kinda want to check the shop but we were low before this job from memory.
>Alexander Hail, the vengeful human soldier.
>>6221550>[Observation Post]>Haask, the pragmatic Zaan survivalist.>>6218611
>>6221550> “Punctuality. Aren’t you always on my case about that? Besides I bet Prophet and Banshee are also early.” [Company Briefing]>Haask, the pragmatic Zaan survivalist>>6218590
>>6221473the color teams was nicer.
>SELECTED: “Punctuality. Aren’t you always on my case about that? Besides I bet Prophet and Banshee are also early.” [Company Briefing]
>SELECTED: Alexander Hail, the vengeful human soldier.
As you make your way back through the rebel camp, determined to for once have your timeliness at these briefings noted with approval, raised voices in the Imperial pidgin that serves as the common language between the escaped slaves catches your attention.
“Please, please have mercy! He’s just a child!” A weeping alien, one of the mammalian Obdine, is clutching at an imposing rebel soldier that is pulling aside a younger looking male of the same species. “His thorax hasn’t even elevated yet!”
The target of the older Obdinian’s wails is a hulking Boscht, you recognise him as the ugly scudheel that Hail recruited months ago. An ex-gladiator by the name of ‘Karash’ or ‘Karax’ or something, he was a bastard of an alien that just seems to enjoy violence for the sake of it.
“Please, he’s all that I have left!” The female Obdinian continues to beg, eyes moist and muted coughs that you recognise to be the sound the species makes when in severe distress.
Karaxshc seems just about ready to swat the motherly old Obdinian aside, his other hand tugging the females son. But he turns at your approach, snarl ready in his many-toothed mouth at the interference, then pauses upon recognising you. Instead of his typical belligerence the Boscht and thumbs his claw against the red mark on his vest.
His guttural, gushing voice sounds like someone flushed a set of loose cutlery down a lead pipe, but the tone itself is respectful. “Mama Snake.”
[1/4]
You’re still not sure whether to wince or smirk at the honorific 'Mama Snake', which still doesn’t translate correctly in your head. The veteran rebels have been addressing you by it, a mixture of your name and a bastardised familial title, for months now. You understand now that it doesn’t literally mean ‘Mama’ or ‘Mother’, at least not in the traditional human sense. Night Night once mentioned off-the-cuff that there is a vaguely matriarchal tone to it that, carrying an aura of authority but not actual command. Corpo, the Savis Signaller from Banshee Squad, added that it is reminiscent of the influence that den-mothers could hold over the extended House without themselves having a particular rank or title.
The informal appellation and deference absent authority is the stellar opposite of the Company’s crystalline hierarchy structure. Your Lieutenant in the past encouraged you to take advantage of it, but began to lose interest when it didn’t clearly carry a position of actual enforceable authority that could explicitly exert authority over the rebels that you were training. And the respect that Karaxshc shows you is hardly universal either, and will again vary rebel to rebel. He is a member of Alexander Hail’s ‘Red Hand’ faction, a sect of the rebel cause that makes up a large portion of the elite seasoned corp of jungle fighters that the League of Dis can call upon. Like their founder, your guerilla protégé with a whole armoury of axes to grind with slavers and their ilk, the Red Hand is the most persistent voice for aggressive military action against the Savis Legions.
Many of them just want to kill as many of their former masters as possible, and those that aren’t willing to fight can get the Void out of their way as far as they’re concerned. None more so than their de-facto leader, Alexander Hail.
[2/4]
The man himself steps forward, having been watching with other armed rebels while the drama unfolded. He doesn’t address you or the Boscht, or the awkward standoff between the two of you. The old solider is a man who has hunted down slavers relentlessly since the day his wife and daughters were taken from him. His time in the gladiatorial pits has only made him more merciless, his appetite for dead Imps even more unsatiated. He takes a knee in front of the smaller Obdinian.
“Tell me your name, young one.”
…Frohl.” The Obdinian youth mumbles.
“Frohl. That’s a good name. A strong name. Can you be strong, Frohl?”
The young alien nods, not cough in distress like his mother. Sometimes when you look at Hail, look at the hard years and bloody hands writ in his dark expression, you forget that he was once a father himself. You don’t know how Obdinian age works, whether this adolescent is 5 or 15 in human years, but he does seem noticeably younger than a mature age of his species. Hail nods, his hand on the young aliens shoulder.
“I need you to listen to me, Frohl. Your clan-father and your clan-sister are not coming back. They killed your clan-father. They killed your clan-sister. And even then, before that, they took your future and killed it. You were not yet born and yet they took everything from you.” The Company supplies of superior quality weaponry has been thin on the ground since the blockade cut your off. Hail presses a shoddy-looking rifle into the young alien’s hands, not ungently. “This is your chance to take theirs. Even one of theirs. Just one. And then one more.”
[3/4]
[4/4]
The young Obdinian looks scared, glancing between you, the Red Hand rebels and his distressed coughing clan-mother. But he also looks angry, angry at the whole world. His paws begin to close around the proffered rifle.
====================================
> “Everyone fights. No one quits. Keep up, kill slavers and carry on.” You were younger than this alien when you made your first kill back on Clayton’s Cradle, in human years at least. The rebels aren’t exactly in a position to be turning down anyone, even if they’re a few years short of ‘legal’ fighting age. [Daredevil]
>“Conscription, Hail? Really? I thought you guys were fighting against this exact kind of thing.” You didn’t have a choice when you got thrown in the killer kindergarten of the Cradle, but that doesn’t mean you’ll let others be forced to do the same. Or have their hands on a weapon in your general vicinity for that matter. [Firebrand]
> “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]
I've got a few IRL plans over this weekend, so I'll be taking a break from updating until the Monday 7th April. I'll aim for 10pm AEST.
Enjoy your weekend, anons! Real glad to see faces old and new in the anon squad.
>>6222281>>[Write In]>"Each man or... whatever this thing is fights for themselves first. You push a rifle in his hand, take away his mother and fill him with hate and you'll just find a bullet in your back. It's his choice Hail" >Kid, what he said is true, they did kill your family and they're coming back to kill you and your mother too. It's better to train now, learn to fight back and have a chance but... it IS your choice, you don't have to fight yetMaybe a surprise soft side to Nat or just pragmatism knowing that radicalising this kid could end up with him or his mother doing something stupid. Also... she knows that they're leaving and these people are all dead within weeks... if this kid can get a couple more days with his mother, is that so bad? His chances of survival are for shit anyway
>>6218323Verification
>>6222283Enjoy the weekend boss, we'll see you on Monday
>>6222278>We basically got called Boss SnakeWe metal gear now, hell We even have our own snake ass looking protégé.
>>6222279> “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]They are doing precisely what we were hired to make happen, radicalising and making this fight bitter as hell.
>>6222283Enjoy the weekend big boss.
>>6222281>>“Conscription, Hail? Really? I thought you guys were fighting against this exact kind of thing.” You didn’t have a choice when you got thrown in the killer kindergarten of the Cradle, but that doesn’t mean you’ll let others be forced to do the same. Or have their hands on a weapon in your general vicinity for that matter. [Firebrand]Just because he lost his family doesn't give him the right to take away someone else's. Also this isn't a choice when you're essentially pressuring an impressionable youth to join. Ultimately the kid should make the choice but he doesn't really have any agency to make a choice like this.
>>6222302>>6218336One of these days I'll hopefully remember to link the damn post Id
>>6222304>>6222281Also I forgot to say this is me.
>>6218400
>>6222281>> “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]Can't talk about not quitting when we're just itching to get off-world
>>6219028Veri
>>6222286Personally I'd reserve the softness for the company/family, Nat herself didn't exactly have much of a carefree childhood in the Cradle.
>>6222304Honestly what other choice is there? the Savis are going to be here sooner or later and at best the kid is going back into chains as a prisoner, the best and admittedly Cynical thing to do is radicalise him so that IF he is taken prisoner the ideology of the League doesn't die here and can forment revolt down the line.
If he does die here then he dies taking as many of the rats down before the end.
>>6222281> “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]We need our quota of dead adolescents or this can't be called a proper Black Company Quest.
>>6218451Check
>>6222281> “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]>>6218535
>>6222281Can't verify at the moment because I'm posting from work, but I want to get my thoughts down.
>[Write In]>"Let me see that gun. Have you ever used one of these before kid?" Walk the kid through on how to operate the weapon and give him a few tips on fighting, but reinforce that it's always better to live to fight another day than to kill one more slaver. "Everyday you live is another slap in the face to the slavers, and another opportunity to make them pay."The boy needs to learn how to fight if he's going to live, but Hail and his people can martyr themselves charging a Savis firing line for all I care. I'd rather some of these people survive, go to ground and continue to be a thorn in the side of the Savis, thus better fulfilling our side of the contract. but we've basically already completed the contract and just need to get off world. Any more fighting is just useless bloodletting that will weaken the Company if we throw too many of our guys into it and strengthen Savis control over this place once this base is taken.
>>6222281>Write-in: "No Gods, No Master, kid. On one side your mother's warm hug, on the other the chance for bloody retribution. Make your choice and live with it. Or die with it. Makes no difference to me, but makes all to you." Isn't this how it has been since this uprising started? Desperate people fighting a desperate fight, to have a lick of freedom, even if it meant death? You didn't say anything when Terrier mowed down the Savis pups because it was her choice to make. Neither will you rob this Obdine of his choice, be it the false safety of his mother's arms or a cruel death in the jungles. There is no luxury of indifference here.[Firebrand]+[Xenophobe]I think this the rhetoric we were spitting out from the beginning and it's the one that kinda keeps a laissez-faire opinion of this whole thing. Nat would definitely take a gun in the Obdine's situation. Should he? Probably not. But she also be in chains? Also not. All must forge their own way.
>>6218332Me
>>6222281> “Everyone fights. No one quits. Keep up, kill slavers and carry on.” You were younger than this alien when you made your first kill back on Clayton’s Cradle, in human years at least. The rebels aren’t exactly in a position to be turning down anyone, even if they’re a few years short of ‘legal’ fighting age. [Daredevil]Onyly good imp is a dead one.
>>6219014My late v
>>6222436Supporting this, and if the boy chooses to fight, then
>>6222388 as well.
>>6221071Verification
>>6222281> “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]This stopped being our war a while ago - time to get the hell outa dodge while the rebels go down swinging
>>6218833V card
Finally home
>>6222281This was me
>>6222388>>6218624Proof of purchase
> “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]With the Savis not particularly keen on recapturing escaped slaves, I honestly think he has better odds for survival as a combatant. Both outlooks are terrible, to be sure, but at least he will be with fighters, hopefully mobile and able to evade patrols and raids. A better prognosis than a probably unarmed noncombatant stuck in the camp when the noose finally slips tight.
And of course, this was always in the cards.
>>6218398Verification.
>>6222281>[Xenophobe]We don't want to be late, just get moving. The kid is going to die regardless. We just need to get ourselves and the company offworld
>>6218611
>>6222281> “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]Likely better to die fighting than be re captured by the Savis.
>>6218733this is me
>>6222281>> “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]>>6218347Me
>>6222281> “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]verify
>>6218345
>SELECTED: “…” You share a glance with Crane, and then with Hail. You say nothing. You and your jungle-fighter protégé have worked on your boundaries in the past month. You don’t overstep your bounds in how things are run, and he won’t overstep his. [Xenophobe]
Part of you feels the need to say something, to give the alien kid a better chance or some more agency in the choice that’s now being thrust upon him. But you picked the wrong gig for taking strays in under your wing, let alone alien ones. Not your fight, not your problem. So you don’t say anything when Hail presses the gun into the kids hands, or when his mother continues to wail as her baby ‘Frohl’ is taken away for a crash course in rebel warfare. Anything for the cause, even if his cause is a lot more bloody and a lot less idealistic than many of those he fights alongside.
“It is what it is.” Hail nods at you, making no apology for the hard steps he’s taking as leader of the veteran rebels. “Better a day as a lion…”
“Than a standard gestation-maturation-childhood phase as a sheep?” This time you don’t hide the roll of the eyes.
You and Hail both know the real reason he’s pressing guns into hands too small to hold them has nothing to do with Libertan-style philosophies.
“Fine. Leave the high-brow slogans to the freedom-thumpers.” Hail frowns, but you get the impression the frown is directed at the world in general rather than just you. “You and I have been out there every day. We know how bad it is, how bad it’s getting. Our success comes with a price. You know it, and I know it. The Savis intend on making an example of us. All of us.”
“The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” Crane opines absently from the side.
“Ain’t that the fucking truth.” You grunt, though that resonates with you more personally in speaking out-of-turn in front of superior officers and getting slapped down with it.
Hail stares out past the mass tents, towards the thunder of distant guns. “It won’t be long now.”
“Long until what?” You think you know.
Hail’s frown remains steady. “Until the end.”
[1/4]
At least Hail doesn’t make some hand-wringing gesture or barefaced lie about keeping an eye out for the new recruit or steer them away from the worst of the fighting. You know your guerilla protégé well enough after these long months fighting together, Hail has never been one for lies or hand-wringing. You’re not the only one that sees it either. Hail’s Red Hand faction is indispensable, but other voices in the war council have spoken out against some of his more extreme measures often and loudly. Even your Lieutenant has advised against one or two particularly drastic proposals, and that’s saying something. Hail has even less patience for half-measures than he does for hand-wringing, not for the first time you wonder if the man who lost everything to slavers would press a rifle into the hands of every grandpa and babe in the refugee camps and point them in the direction of the nearest legion if it meant just one more dead master.
“At least that Obdie-kid’ll get a good feed out of it.” Your poor joke is only half that, the supply situation is leaving everyone lean and the unarmed non-coms are getting the worst of it.
“Not a recruitment point I’ve been pushing lately, given your cooking.” Hail shrugs at your sharp look. “I like it. But you have to admit it’s an acquired taste.”
Voiddamnit, is -everyone- you run into today going to have a dig at your culinary trailblazes? If they can’t handle a little non-lethal venom to spice up the sauce then what are they even living for? These unappreciative jackasses have no idea how hard it is to make tropical venison taste like something other than Voiddamn trail jerky! You’re just about to educate Hail on the benefits of blowfrog extract, from the less-poisonous side obviously, when it comes to expanding one’s palate but Hail changes the subject.
“I’ve something to run by you, after the council meet this eve’.” Hail speaks with a lowered voice, plenty of bustling bodies brush this area in the camp although it’s just you, him and Crane in the immediate vicinity. “Could be a game changer.”
[2/5]
“Something for our Savis friends?” You grin, intrigued at Hail’s unusually coy turn of the conversation. “What’s this new game that I’m guessing they won’t enjoy very much?”
“It will level the playing field, to be sure. But not here.” Hail gives you his smile, the one that looks like a skull warmed up and usually spells a lot of dead slavers in the making. “You’ll like it. Trust me.”
Hail gives you a friendly slap on the shoulder as he departs, disturbingly jovial for a man who has just been recruiting child soldiers. ‘Trust me.’ Loaded words, and you don’t like your immediate gut reaction to do exactly that for the man that’s been kicking slaver ass and taking Imp names by your side for the past half-year. You don’t doubt that whatever Alexander Hail has got cooking up will inevitably mean a world of pain for the Imps. But a world of pain hasn’t stopped the stubborn furry little bastards thus far. And there must be a reason why it’s not coming up at tonight’s war council.
[3/5]
You made it to the briefing with minutes to spare, which is a vast improvement on the ‘nick-of-time’ or ‘slightly-late-sorry-sir’ that has been a little bit too regular lately. You’re not the first though, the other ranking Sergeants of the 77th are here even earlier and judging from the sounds picked up by your enhanced hearing as you approach the tent they are having one of their usual tiffs.
“Have faith, my sister of the black.” That’s the deep voice of Prophet Squad’s resident madman, Sergeant ‘Heavenly’ Hutu. “We are doing God’s work here.”
“Don’t you fucking ‘sister’ me, I swear to the voiddamn voidmother that you are one ‘calm down’ away from a shiv to the neck.” And those icy tones would be Banshee Squad’s frosty witchqueen, Sergeant ‘Casket’ Irons.
“And perhaps that is God’s work too. We will not know until you try.” You wince, ‘descalation’ has never been part of Heavenly’s vocabulary. Neither has fear for that matter, and damn near everyone you know is scared of Casket.
“Alright, so explain to me how dying here on the sticky arse end of Planet-Fucking-Nowhere is ‘God’s work’?”
“It is God’s work for a long as He says it is God’s work, and not a fraction of a moment longer.”
[4/5]
[5/5]
“ ‘God’ hasn’t been saying shit to us for months now.” It’s not hard to imagine there was little evidence of ‘God’ out in the drifting Voidborn fleets where Casket was raised. And from what little you know of the macabre Voidmother ‘religion’, She isn’t the sort of deity to hand out any kind of favours an atheist in a foxhole would be asking for.
“God is always speaking to us, even now. If you have ears to listen.” That does sound like something a religious fanatic of backwater New Antioch would say, but you can never really tell if Heavenly is quoting religious texts or coming up with this shit himself.
“…”
“…”
“…”
“His disciples in Company Command however…”
“See?! That's what I fucking mean you- you- *sigh*” There’s another long stretch of silence, you had slowed your approach down quite a bit for some harmless eavesdropping. “We need a way off this fragging rock and we needed it yesterday.”
“If God wills it. Until then, we have His work cut out for us here.”
“You’re insane. Or religious. Whatever. Fine.” Casket continues to grumble as you just about decide to throw in your two cents. “Our fucking Jungle Jane on the other hand…”
=========================================
> “And lo’ Jungle Jane and her faithful asskickers did smite unbeliever slaver butt, and there was much rejoicing. LT has a plan, Casket. Until then we should sit tight, ain’t that so my brother in black?” Side with SGT ‘Heavenly’ Hutu, both here and with the LT as an agenda. You’re done when the job is done, not when you think the job is done. [Daredevil]
> “Jungle Jane, huh? That’s a new one. Schoolyard nicknames aside, I tend to agree with you. We did what we came here to do.” Side with SGT ‘Casket’ Irons, both here and with the LT as an agenda for the briefing. The job is done, now you need to get out of here alive to enjoy your paycheque. [Firebrand]
> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]
>>6224794> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]This one is really tough, I can see reasons for both options. On the one hand, we'd back our LT, chain of command, respect, all that good stuff, plus we trust him right? And the banter on that option is great.
On the other hand... I mean fuck, it's time to go. Leave the cattle for the slaughter and get out of this killzone. We're mercs not martyrs .
So... fuck it, lets go with the gossip option and see what they think of us
>>6218323Verification
>>6224794> “Jungle Jane, huh? That’s a new one. Schoolyard nicknames aside, I tend to agree with you. We did what we came here to do.” Side with SGT ‘Casket’ Irons, both here and with the LT as an agenda for the briefing. The job is done, now you need to get out of here alive to enjoy your paycheque. [Firebrand]While I'm kinda interested in what she has to say, I think it's time to really make it clear that we should get out of here. Altough, I'm interested to hear what Hail has planned. If it's a good plan, maybe it will pay out to stay a bit longer.
>>6218332Me
>>6224794> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]>>6218583
>>6224794> “Jungle Jane, huh? That’s a new one. Schoolyard nicknames aside, I tend to agree with you. We did what we came here to do.” Side with SGT ‘Casket’ Irons, both here and with the LT as an agenda for the briefing. The job is done, now you need to get out of here alive to enjoy your paycheque. [Firebrand]And to Hutu.
>"God helps those who help themselves."And
>"You will not know the hour of the Lord's arrival." But I void damned want to be ready when he does show up.>>6218624Me
>>6224794> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]I think it will be interesting to see what they think of us.
>>6218733this is me
>>6224794> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]Prehaps the LT has pieces on the board that are classified? While I want to agree openly with Casket my curiosity is winning out here. Shit is fucked and there are only a handful of reasons why command hasn't started extraction efforts by now.
>>6218336
>>6224794All of this silence and staying out of shit inspired me to make this meme. It's the best I could do on my phone from work, please enjoy.
>>6224864Nice work anon, love a fresh meme
>>6224794>> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]Talking shit? Talking shit.
>>6218400It's a me, Mario.
>>6224794> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]>>6218590
>>6224794>> “Jungle Jane, huh? That’s a new one. Schoolyard nicknames aside, I tend to agree with you. We did what we came here to do.” Side with SGT ‘Casket’ Irons, both here and with the LT as an agenda for the briefing. The job is done, now you need to get out of here alive to enjoy your paycheque. [Firebrand]
> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]Snoopin'.
>>6218398
>>6224794>>6218354> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]I want to hear what they won't say to our face. We're no shrieking violet, we're a man-eating Snapper Vine. If they don't think we're on the level we need to prove them wrong.
>>6224794> “Jungle Jane, huh? That’s a new one. Schoolyard nicknames aside, I tend to agree with you. We did what we came here to do.” Side with SGT ‘Casket’ Irons, both here and with the LT as an agenda for the briefing. The job is done, now you need to get out of here alive to enjoy your paycheque. [Firebrand]>>6219014My v day
>>6224794Since there seems to be a lot of both
> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]And
> “Jungle Jane, huh? That’s a new one. Schoolyard nicknames aside, I tend to agree with you. We did what we came here to do.” Side with SGT ‘Casket’ Irons, both here and with the LT as an agenda for the briefing. The job is done, now you need to get out of here alive to enjoy your paycheque. [Firebrand]Can we do both Forgotten? Listen in for juicy gossip and then side with Casket during the meeting in favor of GTFOing.
>Gave up the personal strengh of the Black company to keep the human colony going for just a little longer
>But no fed alignment
Guys, what the fuck are we doing. Are we [Saviour of Humanity] or [Company is Eternal]?
>>6224794> “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]>>6218355
>>6225323Fuck the feds, they screwed over earth.
>>6225323We are Prince reborn
I kid, I kid
It was a late finish for me tonight, I'll be calling rolls soon but I don't have that dawg in me for a content update to follow.
>>6224864>>6225159Artists and gentlemen, the both of you.
>>6225208Not a single vote to side with Heavenly, but I don't think Firebrand carried it to the point Snake Eyes is going to openly back Casket's misgivings right now. Definitely leaning her way though.
>SELECTED: “…” You hand pauses on the lip of the tent flap. Now that -is- interesting. Are they about to start talking about you in particular? [Xenophobe]
New ID rolls that don’t link back to an earlier verified vote will -not- be counted.
================================
Wetwork Test: Eavesdropping
> 60DC
> Cradleborn: Jungle Environment +21DC, +1 Wetwork Re-Roll
> Close-quarters Encampement -10DC
> The Woman, The Myth, The Legend +5DC, +1 Wetwork Re-Roll
> CPL Crane: Ex-Yakuza +10DC, +1 Wetwork Re-Roll
> Ghosthelms +0 Re-Roll Not currently applicable, reasons to follow
>SGT Casket: Lucky Streak (Any double fail grants an adverse re-roll)
>SGT Casket: Fated Not being used here
> 86DC
Double Fail = Sergeant resentment.
0 = Some stealth operator you are. Tripping face-first into the tent is one painfully obvious way of letting your colleagues know you were trying to listen in.
1 = Your superior officer comes up behind unannounced you before your fellow sergeants get to the good stuff. But at least -they- didn’t realise you were eavesdropping. Great lookout work Crane.
2 = You hear a little of what your colleagues really think of you, but you are forced to cough and announce your entry into the tent when you spot the LT approaching for the briefing.
3 = When you do finally speak up, from your relaxed lounge against a crate in the corner of the tent, your fellow NCOs have no earthly idea how long you’ve just been chilling there. And that scares the scud out of them.
Double Pass = Sergeant admiration.
3 rolls of 1d100. You have THREE re-rolls remaining. There are ZERO adverse re-rolls.
Talk shit? Get hit.
Rolled 27 (1d100)
>>6225372For the Company!
>>6218323Verification
Rolled 24 (1d100)
>>6225372Shh
>>6218624Verily
Rolled 55 (1d100)
>>6225372Rollin
>>6218332Me
>>6225375>>6225374>>6225373Fuck yes, 3 passes with a DOUBLE PASS. Man this will be fun.
Snake Eyes you sneaky little bitch
>>6225373>>6225374>>6225375Very nice, this will be a fun little write-up.
>>6225373>>6225374>>6225375Can't hide anything from Mama Snake
>>6225379>"I ain't exactly sneaking, but I ain't exactly not sneaking >:)"
>>6225523>"Not my fault you dumbass urban-dwellers couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant."
>>6225530>You'd be surprised what the clucking of a bunch of hens can conceal
>3 SUCCESS: When you do finally speak up, from your relaxed lounge against a crate in the corner of the tent, your fellow NCOs have no earthly idea how long you’ve just been chilling there. And that scares the scud out of them.
>55 DOUBLE PASS: Sergeant admiration.
Never one to pass up having a sticky-beak, especially when you’re the subject at hand, you decline to announce your entry in the pedestrian manner. Getting into the command tent through less orthodox means is child’s play, you were crawling through boroughs and scraping along crevices long before you were the meanest predator around. You’ve snuck into tighter caves and emerged both uneaten and with a Carnotuar egg or somesuch to boot, this is nothing. So it’s not long before you’re perched above your two fellow Sergeant’s, legs dangling just above eyeshot as they spill the tea.
“We are blessed to have her here with us.” Heavenly intones, he too is lounging back watching Casket pace back and forth. “You and I have both heard the stories of her homeworld. I imagine that this oppressive rainforest is precisely her element.”
“You think jungle-fighting is hard? Try it in the void, see how long Little-Miss-Muscles lasts on those boarding actions.”
“I was there with you, remember? Retaking the Whale of Atlanta was no picnic.” You can’t tell if Heavenly is taking your side because he actually likes you, or if he just enjoys winding Casket up. You suspect it’s the latter. “Snake Eyes may not follow the Good Word, but she did well enough on our last holy mission at the research station. But for her, we would likely not have been paid for our troubles there.”
“Yeah well, we had gravity the whole time anyway. It’s not the same.” Casket sniffs, ever the recalcitrant when praise was on offer. “The rebs sure like her.”
“Victory after victory will tend do that, for those that need evidence rather than faith.” You can’t see Heavenly face from this angle, but you hear the frown in his voice. “You have a point though. Their heathen xeno leader, Breaker, heeds her word more than our own anointed Lieutenant.”
“That I don’t mind, we can use that. And we know the girl has that cutthroat streak when the LT asks.”
“I have seen some of the rebels carving effigies of her, or some other snake totem. Sacrilege.” Heavenly chuckles at the casual blasphemy as he leans back, his head mere centimetres from the bottom of your boot. “Is envy your issue with our resident Mama Snake?”
“Honestly? I’m just not used to no longer being the Krieger with the softest footfall in our platoon. I don’t like being snuck up on, and I’ve no idea how a slippery serpent of a woman that size keeps getting the drop on me.”
You reckon now is the optimal time to weigh in.
"You'd be surprised what the clucking of a bunch of hens can conceal.”
[1/3]
“FUCK!” Casket jolts on the spot like a sprung Boxcat, although kudos to her you didn’t even see the hidden knife flash into her hand.
“The Devil’s Schemes!” Heavenly curses somewhat more eloquently in his native Antiochan dialect, nearly headbutting your left boot as he leads up with his pistol halfway out the holster.
“Hey now…” You admonish from your perch, unable to keep the smugness dripping from dripping out. "Not my fault you dumbass urban-dwellers couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant."
Heavenly shakes his head, momentary shock forgotten. “I take it all back. The woman is clearly possessed by some evil spirit.”
“How in the shit did you get in here? -That- is the only door into this voiddamn tent.” SGT Casket points in the direction of the tent entrance with her shiv, which just happens to be the very moment that your superior officer Lieutenant ‘Boy’ Blue enters with Crane hovering behind him. You wonder if your Second stalled him at all so you could have your fun. Doesn’t sound like him.
The LT stops abruptly, staring at the blade in Caskets hand about a metre from his face with something resembling unruffled disapproval. Your laughter as the ice-queen of Banshee sheepishly sheathes her weapon does seem to belay any suggestion of a half-hearted mutiny, but the LT looks pointedly at Casket, then you and finally Heavenly just as he holsters his sidearm.
“Am I interrupting something?”
[2/3]
[3/3]
Despite looking like a cadet fresh out of some Fed-Academy, the LT is year-for-year older than anyone else in this room and carries himself with more gravitas than even your average grizzled greybeard mercenary. Word is he was one of the first-gen ‘officer breeds’ the Earth Republic had been just getting of the ground before its collapse, conceived in a petri dish and given the Art of War as bedtime reading while the military they were being raised in the outside world fell apart. You rarely see him smile, you can’t even recall if you’ve seen him laugh.
“No, sir.” Casket’s eyebrows narrow, already recovering her frosty composure as she glares at you. “Let’s just say I’m voiddamn glad this sly bitch is on our fucking side.”
Even the typically severe LT smirks momentarily. “Snake Eyes got the drop on you two again did she?”
“The Lord chooses his instruments well.” Heavenly casts his eyes skyward, as if personally giving the big G his own nod of approval.
“Hm.” You suspect the LT is more of the ‘God helps those who help themselves’ strain of faith, he’s never spoken about his personal beliefs or personal anything really.
“How’s it hanging, skipper?” You realise the LT is staring at you, which you suppose is your cue to jump down from your vantage point.
“You can drop the voidborn raider act in here, Sergeant. This time at least.” No evidence of that smile now, like a ghost. But the LT is warming to you, you know it. “It seems your popularity with the rebels goes further than we first realised. After this briefing Breaker wants you at the War Council tonight.”
=====================================================
> “I have heard that the rebels in one of outlying encampments have carved an image me, an effigy of mud and clay. I am planning to make a pilgrimage there to stand in my own shadow.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. You can wedge that gap into a proper smile, you know it. Besides you actually did here this effigy rumour yesterday. [Daredevil]
> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]
> “Yes sir.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. Don’t ruin it by opening your mouth more than you need to. [Xenophobe]
>>6225948> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]We've had our fun, down to business. There is a war on
Fucking hilarious scene sneaking in the tent boss, love it
>>6218323Verification
>>6225948> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]>>6218341me
>>6225946>>6225947>he actually included the jokes This is why you're great Forgotten.
>>6225948> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]Is Hail going to reveal his plan to us on this War Council? The way he worded it seemed like he was going to keep it between us.
>>6218332Me
>>6225948> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]His genetics would make one hell of a kid. A Kid snake if you would.
>>6218336
>>6225948>> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]The fun and games is over for now, let's talk business.
>>6218400Me
>>6225948>>6218354> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]Baby steps with getting Boy Blue to drop his guard. We don't want to look like we're trying too hard. We should bring up that Hail has a plan he wants to commit to and see if he brings it up at the meeting.
After finally rereading all of threads, we need to keep an eye on LT. That Restricted Archive file brought up some questions about LT having a hidden agenda.
Also, what happened to the spacers we found that had information about who killed Jorus, Son of Fisk? That never got resolved.
>>6225962>Also, what happened to the spacers we found that had information about who killed Jorus, Son of Fisk? That never got resolved.It was mentioned in the first post that Breaker used his influence to "pardon" the Spacers and strike a deal with them to get the non-coms of the planet and to smuggle in weapons, if possible. So they are most likely still around.
>>6225956And I just did a double check, Hail mentioned bringing up the plan after the Council. My opinion is to keep the info to us and -maybe- run it by the Ltn. if it's plausible.
>>6225963Huh I must have skimmed over that. Thanks.
Hail not being forthright with his plan means there is something he wants to hide from Breaker, at least. Dissent in their ranks is an issue for us and we should be keeping command in the know.
>>6225948>> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]>>6225946>You’ve snuck into tighter cavesLEWD
>>6225948> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]Also, if anyone else is into the idea, we should definitely talk to Casket about zero-g combat lessons once **If** we make it back, since that's definitely an area she has more experience in than us. It'd be a good way to make some kind of bond, and also a way of smoothing out any jealousy over us being sneakier than her.
Yes, I am mainly suggesting this because I think Casket is cool as hell and want her to have more screentime.
>>6218406Link
>>6225948>> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]verify
>>6218345
>>6225948> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]>>6225962>We should bring up that Hail has a plan he wants to commit to and see if he brings it up at the meeting.+1 makes sense to mention it in the same breath as us having a good relationship with the Red Hand (kind of backs up that we do know what they're up to).
V>
>>6218611
>>6225948> “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]>>6218733this is me
>>6225948> “I have heard that the rebels in one of outlying encampments have carved an image me, an effigy of mud and clay. I am planning to make a pilgrimage there to stand in my own shadow.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. You can wedge that gap into a proper smile, you know it. Besides you actually did here this effigy rumour yesterday. [Daredevil]>>6219014My v day
Evening gents, it’s been a pretty late finish for me at the office tonight so I won’t be cracking out an update when I get back sorry.
It's okay, just know that whilst we're not mad, we are disappointed.
Nah all good
> SELECTED: “I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” That was an honest to God smirk from the LT at your antics. But now it’s all business. [Firebrand]
“I’ve some sway with the hardliners sir, mostly the Red Hand and some of the other veterans. Breaker may know my name, but I didn’t realise he was giving us another seat at the table.” You shirk away from the temptation to chip further away at the LT’s cold exterior, he’s the sort that prefers competence over comedy.
“He’s not.” Lieutenant ‘Boy’ Blue looks at you pointedly. “The rebel leadership has politely requested you take my stead tonight. Ostensibly there is some recognition in order for your contributions to the cause, but I suspect they may want a second opinion from their off-worlder advisors.”
You’re not a political aficionado by anyone’s reckoning, least of all yours, but even you can pick up on the implied snub.
“Just me?” You try not to gulp at the prospect of representing the Company interests, even just for the one war council sitting.
“Wasp will be there as well.” Again something in the LT’s tone, and the way he glanced at the tent entrance, gives you’re the impression you won’t exactly have anyone holding your hand at the council meet.
Wasp is a Pathfinder, one of the long-term operatives that the Company has dotted all over the ‘verse to keep their finger in whatever pies are to be had or, more literally, early recon and networking in the pre-operation phase for whatever theatre is getting an imminent delivery of far-less-subtle mercenary sorts. He was contact with the local rebels when this all began, isolated and poorly organised as they were, and has been with them through thick and thin. Your forces may have been here for months on end, but he’s been here even longer than that. Just how long, you aren’t sure. Long enough to go native maybe, a concern that both you and the LT have been harbouring between the two of you for a while now.
Hardly the juncture to voice those misgivings now though, given said Pathfinder and a host of other subordinate Lieutenant’s and their Corporals are now filing through as the Company briefing is set to commence. Probably time to change the subject.
[1/3]
“Alexander Hail is cooking something up, and for some reason he didn’t want it on tonight’s agenda.” You figure it can’t hurt to flex on the extent of your influence with the militant rebels with the LT. But no point counting your chickfleas before they hatch. “I don’t have the details just yet, sir.”
“This plan of his." The LT doesn't quite purse his lips as he speaks. "It is at all likely to singlehandedly change the course of the war, decimate the Savis legions and break the orbital blockade?”
“…Probably not.”
To his credit the Lieutenant doesn’t give the impression that he had gotten his hopes up enough to be disappointed with the answer, the man has never been one to let the barest fraction or uncertainty and shaken confidence slip through to anyone from the lowliest boot to senior command. The man doesn’t shrug your update off, but dip of his head dismisses you back to the rear of the tent as he acknowledges his fellow officers. Some of them are identical to him in rank, the respective LT’s of their own Kreiger Platoons, but operationally subordinate to him for the duration of this campaign. Still not people he can afford to snub for a lowly NCO like yourself, Mama Snake or no.
[2/3]
[3/3]
Corporal ‘Sharky’ Van der Meer is among the number of NCOs entering in the wake of the officers, the scarred ex-Auxiliary gives you a wink as the command tent grows more crowded. These briefings were already a full house as the LT consolidated the planetside Company forces into the main encampment, and now with the senior strays from the 63rd joining you the throng of officers and NCOs is positively stifling.
Sharky is a native of Clayton’s Cradle like yourself, and he looks every inch of it. The impressive physique gleaned from a lifetime of hardship and genemods, the natural adeptness that rivals your own affinity for jungle warfare, and the scars that crisscross his entire body as proof of successful hunts or battles survived. And you do mean his entire body.
As a veteran of the very same Imperial Auxiliaries that are the one of the gravest threats you’re faced with here, the man’s insight into their tactics and behaviours has been invaluable. That’s probably how the interaction between the two of you started, at least at first. He’s not the only other Company Cradler here, Trooper ‘Mafia’ Alessandro for example in just your own platoon. But he is the only one you have happened to sleep with. Sure the beefcake has got a years on you, a little bit of silver in that dark mane of his, but you make no apologies. A Cradler girl’s gotta do who a Cradler girl’s gotta do.
As the briefing begins with more mundane items on the Company agenda as well as some classic hobknobbing between the commissioned officers, you sidle up to Sharky while no one is looking and sneak in…
============================
>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]
>An affectionate peck on the cheek. Is it love? Frag if you know. But you like him. Void, you may end up -really- liking him at this rate. It’s weird, you wouldn’t have figured. You’ve never had a relationship that went much further than a casual fling. But the two of you have been going steady for a while now, stealing what moments together you can between camp duties and the firefights on the front. [Firebrand]
>A friendly punch on the shoulder. The two of you may have had something physical in the early months of the campaign, but it fizzled out after a while for any number of reasons. Maybe it’s the age difference, or that fraternisation in the platoon isn’t the wisest career move, or you’re just terrified of anything more serious developing, but the two of you have been perfectly amicable since then. [Xenophobe]
>>6226432I am saving each of these, of course.
>>6227243>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]I like Sharky, he can warm our bed for this Op. When it's all done and dusted though, he's just a memory... a fond one and a compatriot but still
>>6218323Verification
>>6227244Hahaha I have so many Forgotten, so many. Here is one to honour Sharky, I like Sharky
This one is my favourite though because it's fucking stupid. Do we actually have art of Petal? I can't remember, it's been so long and my main source of meme art was this silly pot plant image I found.
I had a boring afternoon and a few beers a while back so I have "Live Reaction"s of the whole squad lol
>>6227243>>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]There's nothing more important than booty.
>>6218331
>>6227250>There's nothing more important than booty.Haha no doubt, physical stress relief in a time of high pressure is a godsend and I see Nat as a very pragmatic person
PLEASE FORGOTTEN PLEASE I NEED 5 DC
I will do anything
>>6227264Would you sacrifice a child?
>>6227243>>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]This is our bakery.
>>6218400Me
>>6227243>>6218354(Might be a new ID)
>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]I'd like to keep him around. It's hard to find good cooking equipment out in the jungle and if we play nice he'll let us grind meat on his abs.
>>6227243>A friendly punch on the shoulder. The two of you may have had something physical in the early months of the campaign, but it fizzled out after a while for any number of reasons. Maybe it’s the age difference, or that fraternisation in the platoon isn’t the wisest career move, or you’re just terrified of anything more serious developing, but the two of you have been perfectly amicable since then. [Xenophobe]
>>6227243>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]Nat is tense because of the whole Cradler Auxiliary situation. Might as well melt some of the tension by riding another Cradler into the dirt.
>>6218332Me
>>6227245>>6227246I think the Crane and Boy ones are my favourite, mostly because their deadpan personalities fit them the most. And yes, we did have a pic for Petal, you can find it in the earlier threads. Forgotten uses the Stellaris species portraits as inspirations for the xenos.
>>6227332>And yes, we did have a pic for Petal, you can find it in the earlier threads. Forgotten uses the Stellaris species portraits as inspirations for the xenos.You're right, I found it. I'm aware of where he gets his images but it had been so long I couldn't remember if he actually made one for Petal after I started using the pot plant.
If you like deadpan expressions you're going to love Nines live reaction!
>>6227243>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]Work hard, play hard, fuck hard.
>>6218624Me
>>6227243>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]verify
>>6218345
>>6227243>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]>>6218733this is me
Granted
md5: 87ba7825110e03fe2b44a5e436dae03a
🔍
>>6227243>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]>>6218636Me
>>6218398>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]Grabbin'
>>6227243>>6227243>A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]>>6219014My late v day.
>>6227243>>A friendly punch on the shoulder. The two of you may have had something physical in the early months of the campaign, but it fizzled out after a while for any number of reasons. Maybe it’s the age difference, or that fraternisation in the platoon isn’t the wisest career move, or you’re just terrified of anything more serious developing, but the two of you have been perfectly amicable since then. [Xenophobe]Every friggin vote has been a landslide.
>>6218336
>>6227243>>A friendly punch on the shoulder. The two of you may have had something physical in the early months of the campaign, but it fizzled out after a while for any number of reasons. Maybe it’s the age difference, or that fraternisation in the platoon isn’t the wisest career move, or you’re just terrified of anything more serious developing, but the two of you have been perfectly amicable since then. [Xenophobe]
>SELECTED: A possessive grab of the buttocks. The past eight months of this dirtball has been made a bit more bearable with a bedwarmer of his calibre. You’re still a Cradler girl at heart, and although Sharky has a few years on you he is just the sort of scarred muscular beefcake that the girls back home all go for. The arrangement between you two is strictly physical, but that seems to be just fine for all parties concerned. [Daredevil]
Sharky jolts at the sudden grip on his rear, but he flashes you a sly grin to show he doesn’t mind. He knows he’s got a good thing going, he’s a Cradler boy at heart after all. Tall, muscly and battle-scarred is also his type, which pretty much describes you to a tee.
“Hunt went well, I take it?” Sharky whispers from a little closer than strictly necessary, his warm breath sparking a rush of blood to your ears.
“You know me, I always get my guy.” Which isn’t just a brag now that you think about it, both for Savis officers and trail meat. The jungles of Dis are a playground compared to your homeworld, only the pervasive stalking of hostile Cradlers and the cloudy-with-a-chance-of-artillery weather brings any real risk into it. “Didn’t think you’d be back from the south-western patrol just yet.”
“Got back this morning, must’ve been just after you left.” Sharky adopts a less playful expression. “I know what you’re thinking, how’d we manage to cover that much ground that quickly? Truth be told, we’re running out of ground to cover. Have you been up to the OP since you got back?”
“Haven’t had the chance, why?” Sharky’s right, you are wondering how your southern flank has shrunk so much. The Savis firebombing and artillery are clearing your jungle cover alright but not -that- fast.
“I’d go up there before last light if you can.” Sharky puffs out his cheeks, eyes turning back to the mess of officers at the front. “You should see it for yourself, trust me.”
‘Trust me’, there’s those damn words again. Except Sharky is Company, so you have no reservations about trusting him. It’s only the thought that it’s the very ones you do actually trust that have the chance to blindside you that gives you some pause. You realise with a start that the topic of the briefing has strayed on to a topic where you have to speak up.
[1/2]
[2/2]
Logistics, the bane of action. Crane digs this scud, it’s why you keep finding excuses to foist the busywork of this gig off to him whenever you get half the chance. But even you like knowing where your next meal is coming from, or seeing your ammo counter remain above the single digits when you’ve got more fight ahead of you. This wasn’t a worry at first, the Company was handing out toys and toolboxes to the burgeoning League of Dis insurgency like free candy in the early months. But now you’ve been on a ration footing since the blockade fully locked the system down and it’s starting to affect the Company’s combat capabilities at some of the more fundamental levels.
You know that everyone needs something, and there’s a lot less to go around of even basic necessities let alone the good stuff. You may be indispensable in the frontline and maintaining this quasi-stalemate in the jungle, but you know asking for everything and the airlock turnkeys won’t work as well as zeroing in on a specific request. Crane coached you, even rehearing how to ask. Come on girl, you can do this.
“Alright, now as to the 77th supplies…” Sub-Lieutenant Jonas of the 42nd intones as your own LT indicates for him to flick onto the next spreadsheet. -Your- spreadsheet that you wish was looking a little less spread over too little sheet. Speak now or forever curse your teeth.
=============================
>“Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]
>“Guns and ammo, sir. Our reliable Company rifles, carbines and shotguns have been feeling the wear and tear. We’re pretty much all down to using an eclectic brace of whatever we can loot of the dead these days. One of the rebs on my fireteam two days ago was using a bolt-action rifle, hand-to-void.” That and the bullets to fire from them are getting on the low side too, leaving you watching your ammo counter at the end, middle -and- start of every firefight. [Hostiles do not enjoy a chance ‘Gun Jam’ AV re-roll, Ammo factors in less early in firefights]
> “Meat for the grinder, sir. We need to ramp up our training of the rebel recruits in the guerilla warfare crash-course we have set up and get more bodies out there into the fight.” The fraction of the Company here can’t extend itself to carry a fight like this and was never meant to. Most platoons are already operating in tandem with several ad-hoc rebel squads, but it’s not nearly enough. [Squad strength and casualty rolls have x2 additional rebels than they otherwise would have]
I'm out for the next couple of days my kriggers. See you on the 15th April 10pm AEST for a few more updates before the Easter break.
I hope you anons appreciate me searching for an appropriately chisseled set of buns to attribute to Sharky in this update. And I will say that the thought of Crane rehearsing Snake Eyes in how to make the request subject of this vote is a very entertaining mental image.
>>6227800>“Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]Keeping the ghosthelms intact is best I think.
>>6218733this is me
>>6227800>>6218354>“Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]Ghost helms are a unique edge that we are able to leverage for info gathering and wet-work pre-firefight setup. It'll let us use all our resources more effectively.
If it comes down to it, we can scavenge ammo and weapons after a battle to fill the gaps. Rebel meat shield tactics also aren't our M.O. and runs counter to our sneaky style.
>>6227801Have fun!
>>6227800>“Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]Ghosthelms specifically buff wetworks which is our strongest tactical approach, also dear god I want to try Cracker-jacker next chance we get we get an entire perk tree as long as we've it.
I really REALLY want to see what it does if we unlock all the genemods and take it.
>>6218336
>>6227800>>“Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]Between this and weapon maintenance we're in a tough spot. But we haven't been in combat for a while and frankly we should be avoiding it as much as possible anyway given the current state of affairs.
>>6218400Me
>>6227800>“Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]>>6221071Me
>>6227800>“Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]Some good arguments there for this being our priority. Synergy with our main style of attack is always good and honestly... we've completed our objectives, it doesn't matter if we train more rebels. It's is going to be a slaughter house here soon, we just needs to prioritize getting off-world without being shot in the back by the rebels or caught in the blockade
>>6218323Verification
>>6227800Meat for the grinder, sir. We need to ramp up our training of the rebel recruits in the guerilla warfare crash-course we have set up and get more bodies out there into the fight.” The fraction of the Company here can’t extend itself to carry a fight like this and was never meant to. Most platoons are already operating in tandem with several ad-hoc rebel squads, but it’s not nearly enough. [Squad strength and casualty rolls have x2 additional rebels than they otherwise would have]
Need those meat shields as shit is always going to hit the fan.
>>6219014My late v day.
>>6227800>>“Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]We play to our strengths, best keep the advantage they give.
>>6218331
>>6227800>“Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]verify
>>6218345
We're BACK, BITCHES!
Now let us never do this again.
>>6227800>“Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]We are fucking back baby, might as well vote.
>>6218332Me
Wha- what is this? Where am I? Oh shit, we're back!
>SELECTED: “Ghosthelms are in a bad way, sir. One for one the Auxiliaries could wipe the floor with the rebs and most of our guys too, no offence. Keeping these in working order is our best bet at leveling the playing field.” At least a little. There’s not a lot of high-tech spare parts to be had, you’ll need to leverage both the Company and League of Dis resources to keep your handful of Ghosthelms in reliable shape. [Ghosthelm capabilities are not subject to chance failures]
>PERSUASION AUTO-PASS
Ammo would be great, an extra body between you and the next bullet sent your way would be even better. But if you’re going to go toe-to-toe with the Auxiliaries, and something in your gut tells you that showdown is all but inevitable, you want at least one thing in your arsenal that they are sorely lacking. And a lot of those crucial Ghosthelms have parts that are being held together with duct-tape and, last you checked Night Night’s, literal chewing gum.
The Auxiliaries may be grizzled survivors of all the tender attentions that an upbringing on Clayton’s Cradle comes with, like yourself, and likewise battle hardened from years of service on the Imperial Legion’s many fronts, but you may just have an edge on the equipment front. From what Sharky tells you the Auxiliaries are way down low on the list of Savis Command priorities, even in a theatre of war so adeptly suited to them such as this one. The Auxiliaries don’t get the nice toys, aside from maybe a Hunter Killer drone or somesuch to bolster their independent outfits, and are even low priorities for area support compared to regular Legionary patrols. The Cradler Auxiliaries almost certainly won’t be sporting top-of-the-line Ghosthelms like the ones your forked out for during your last redeployment, that’s the kind of high-tech gear that is expensive enough that a Savis officer isn’t going to go looking for in their shopping list. In the dark, in the shadows of the jungles undergrowth where the hunter becomes the hunted in the span of a breath, the last thing you want is for your tech-edge to fail at the critical moment.
You don’t even get halfway through the pitch that you and Crane practiced before Lieutenant ‘Boy’ Blue nods at his colleague and the requisition request is highlighted in green. After a few more words and a nod from the Sub-Liuetenant Kaiser of the 63rd, another flick of the hand sees Trooper Goldie reassigned back to the 77th’s own Vinehound Squad.
“It’s a fairly specific item. What we don’t have won’t be hard to source from the League in exchange for more basic supplies.” The LT’s glance at the spreadsheet shows a lot of red, almost all of it relating to basic provisions and ammunition. He doesn’t even remark on Goldie’s transfer, he’s got bigger issues at hand than standard squad size according to Company regs.
[1/4]
You doubt a request for guns and ammo would have gone without a hitch, and you don’t press your luck now. A shot from a looted carbine will kill just a surely as one from a standard issue Company rifle, provided the wear and tear on either doesn’t cause it to jam at the last second. You slink back to rear of as the chorus of other requisition requests, or demands as some of the less cool-headed officers or NCOs have their turn, continue to fill up the room.
“Very good, Snake Eyes-sama.”
“Thank you, Crane.”
“You did not even have to look down at your prompts.”
You scrunch the small piece of paper with the words GHOSTHEM FIX NOW scrawled over it into the small of your pants pocket. It’s a to-do list, not a prompt.
“Shut up, Crane.”
“Very good, Snake Eyes-gunso.
With that smidge of insubordination from your trusted Second and best friend moderately curbed, for the next five minutes at least, you turn your attention back to the LT’s briefing.
“As most of us know the enemy has escalated their cleanse-and-contain strategy with the full-time deployment of their Titans. Two are confirmed to be operating in the immediate vicinity, we have reports of a third, or possibly a pair, also working their way in from the opposite sectors.”
Grim silence from the room. That is a lot of firepower heading in one direction. Your direction. The LT continues, as if reporting on the movement of an enemy column of infantry not proverbial machine gods of war.
“We knew this was coming, especially when the Savis refrained from risking orbital bombardment. But it does advance our schedule. Our latest estimate gives us four to five weeks on the outside before the main rebel base is compromised, either through direct discovery or by process of elimination. Less if the Imperial recon elements uncover our position beforehand.”
Disconcerted murmurs shuffle universally across the briefing room regardless of rank or experience. It’s one thing to know that the hostiles are closing in, another to have a cold hard figure in front of you setting a deadline before the noose is tightened.
There’s a few mutterings in the upper ranks apprehensive of that estimate, but you simply cross your arms and lean back as they voice their second guesses. It’s all in your report after repeated engagements on several fronts this month. It’s not exactly just your report either, each Cradler vet and other experienced guerillas in the Company gave their input just to make sure you weren’t lowballing or highballing the countdown. Crane even corrected all the spelling errors.
[2/4]
“Sir. A deployment of a Titan is big news, but three or four? That’s nearly a quarter of the standing Imperial Titans.” The speaker is a young man wearing officer epaulets, and you mean young in the traditional sense as opposed to the faux-youth appearance of your own LT. This officer still seems nervous to have all eyes in the room on him when speaking. “That’s got to be enough to be considered a completion of our main objective. I mean, that’s why we’re here in the first place.”
“Is there a question, Ensign?” Your LT has never been one to help people along when it came to public speaking, and even less so for a junior officer.
“What I’m asking is- Well, sir, what I’m saying is-”
“What he’s saying…” The growl comes from Sub-Liuetenant Hawthorne of the 38th Krieger Platoon. “Is when in the void does Command plan on getting us off this scudding rock?”
You don’t miss the ‘I told you so’ glance Casket gives you and Heavenly. Looks like she isn’t the only one at the end of her tether. But the LT doesn’t seem fazed just yet.
“Communication with Command remains-“ Another chorus erupts, much louder and much more aggrieved than the bickering over slim requisitions, but the LT lets it wash over him until it simmers down to the point he can talk again.
“Communication with Command remains a negative. We know we had the Prince of Megiddo and several of her sister cruiser-classes in nearby systems a few months ago.” Your Lieutenant pauses, emphasising this reminder with nerves of steel in front of a crowd of humanity’s finest example of shoot-first-figure-a-way-out-later. “But we have no confirmation that they intend to intervene, and no way to co-ordinate our extraction with them if they do. We have transmitted what reports we have of the blockade’s strength, which includes a battleship of its own, but we can’t be sure what reached them.”
“So that’s it? We’re on our own?” More growling, and not just from the ill-tempered officer of the 38th Platoon. “Motherfuckers.”
“For now.” Despite the volatile mood, you have to admit that the Lieutenant’s solid stoicism in the face of criticism is having a calming effect on the room. “Which brings us to the next briefing section. Contingencies.”
[3/4]
[4/4]
The corporal from Banshee squad, ‘Mac’ Mackenzie, leans over to you and the other cluster of corporal’s from the 77th. He mutters somewhat more quietly and less mutinously than a few of the other voices present, but his tone is no less bleak.
“You think that’s it then? Command has cut us loose?” CPL Mac is a veteran of the Old Earth armed forces, and he’s more familiar than most of who gets left in the scud when the best laid plans blow up in the faces of the higher ups.
“We’re mercs, Mac. What did you expect?” CPL Sharky adopts a fierce grin, he’s only a decade younger than Mac but his time as a human auxiliary for the Savis legions probably taught him a thing or two about his own expendability. “Command got what they wanted, and they don’t have to pay us if we’re dead. It’s up to us to wriggle our way out to collect that paycheque in one piece.”
“Technically they do still pay us post-mortem, Sharky-dōryō. Or at least our dependants, or to an account of our choosing.” You raise an eyebrow at CPL Crane, obviously the dead can’t demand that payment as insistently as the living could. And Crane doesn’t have any dependants, not that you know of anyway. “And we may be mercenaries, but we have a code. Not leaving your fellow men behind is part of that code. At least, that was how it was marketed to me as part of the recruitment.”
Crane jerks a thumb at you as he speaks, so much for those five minutes, leaving all three NCOs of the 77th looking at you to weigh in on your current strategic predicament.
====================================
> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]
> “With half the Savis fleet parked out front? And then the Titans? They couldn’t help us if they wanted to.” Sure, fair bet that Command didn’t plan to leave you here to rot from the start. Sure, the Captain is probably anguishing from the viewport of his bridge. But that doesn’t change a thing for you. You have to be realistic about these things. You have faith, but in the LT rather than Command’s grand plan or Heavenly’s own brand of piety. [Firebrand]
> “You’re surprised that a mercenary outfit that prides itself on ‘Black Hearts’ is leaving us to die?” You never really expected Command to come rescue your lot when the going got tough, which is why you were suggesting bugging out months ago, before the blockade got reinforced. You have your own pack right here, the Vinehounds and a handful of others. Command-Schammand, you’ve got something of a contingency for your own people in the works already. [Xenophobe]
>>6230299> “With half the Savis fleet parked out front? And then the Titans? They couldn’t help us if they wanted to.” Sure, fair bet that Command didn’t plan to leave you here to rot from the start. Sure, the Captain is probably anguishing from the viewport of his bridge. But that doesn’t change a thing for you. You have to be realistic about these things. You have faith, but in the LT rather than Command’s grand plan or Heavenly’s own brand of piety. [Firebrand]>>6218323Verification
I love Crane, the sarcastic bastard
>>6230299> “With half the Savis fleet parked out front? And then the Titans? They couldn’t help us if they wanted to.” Sure, fair bet that Command didn’t plan to leave you here to rot from the start. Sure, the Captain is probably anguishing from the viewport of his bridge. But that doesn’t change a thing for you. You have to be realistic about these things. You have faith, but in the LT rather than Command’s grand plan or Heavenly’s own brand of piety. [Firebrand]>>6218355
>>6230299>write in"No idea why you all are complaining, I just heard that there is big game finally worth hunting." you didn't mean to be wringing your hands as you said it, but by the void. If you could bag even one (1!) titan kill, well, Crane'd never be able to live it down! [Daredevil]
>>6218341that's me
>>6230299> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]In the mean time let's hunt some titans
>>6219014My late as v day
>>6230299> “With half the Savis fleet parked out front? And then the Titans? They couldn’t help us if they wanted to.” Sure, fair bet that Command didn’t plan to leave you here to rot from the start. Sure, the Captain is probably anguishing from the viewport of his bridge. But that doesn’t change a thing for you. You have to be realistic about these things. You have faith, but in the LT rather than Command’s grand plan or Heavenly’s own brand of piety. [Firebrand]Sounds like we'll have to sabotage one or two Titans if we want to exfiltrate.
>>6218451Pass
>>6230381>>Sounds like we'll have to sabotage one or two Titans if we want to exfiltrate.Honestly if we pull this off we'll be fucking legends
>>6230299> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]surely we can take down at least 1 and a half titan before we go.
>>6218733this is me
>>6230299> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]I wouldn't say this is blind trust but we pulled a quarter of the titans the savis have to this shithole and if there's one thing that would get us an out its exemplary results.
>>6218336
>>6230299> “With half the Savis fleet parked out front? And then the Titans? They couldn’t help us if they wanted to.” Sure, fair bet that Command didn’t plan to leave you here to rot from the start. Sure, the Captain is probably anguishing from the viewport of his bridge. But that doesn’t change a thing for you. You have to be realistic about these things. You have faith, but in the LT rather than Command’s grand plan or Heavenly’s own brand of piety. [Firebrand]>>6218338This is still me
>>6230299>> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]Wholesome.
>>6218379me
>>6230299> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]The Company doesn’t abandon its own
>>6218833V card
>>6230299>>6218354> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]It doesn't matter what's going on with the Captain and the main fleet. They will get to us, but its up to us to survive till then, just like we always have.
>>6230299> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]>>6218398Me
>>6230299> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]And then for some flavor
>"Besides the Company’s got too much money and experienced troopers planetside to just let us go. Plus think of the PR nightmare for the Company if the Savis discovered and eliminated this many of us. It would void the whole "don't get spotted" part of this contract. It wouldn't hurt if we knocked out a few Titans though and reduced the risk of them coming for us.">>6218624We're so back
>>6230299> “With half the Savis fleet parked out front? And then the Titans? They couldn’t help us if they wanted to.” Sure, fair bet that Command didn’t plan to leave you here to rot from the start. Sure, the Captain is probably anguishing from the viewport of his bridge. But that doesn’t change a thing for you. You have to be realistic about these things. You have faith, but in the LT rather than Command’s grand plan or Heavenly’s own brand of piety. [Firebrand]>>6218332Me
Semi kinda related but have you considered contingencies for if the site explodes again? I was feverishly checking your tweeter while we were gone
GlassYou
md5: 856d75a27eb4ff1fd9875a88ffd2f4f6
🔍
>>6230299Back again, testing my ID.
verify
>>6218345
>>6230612I've got to be honest, if 4chan explodes forever the only other place I can think of that the quest might benefit going would be Sufficient Velocity. Forgotten would have to assess it himself, but I don't think Akun is it.
>>6230299> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]Got to keep moral high.
>>6218331
>>6230299> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]verify
>>6218345
> SELECTED: “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. Now you’ve found your pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]
Leadership Test: 77th Krieger NCOs
>60DC
>Badass Bandanna +5DC
>Tranquil Gaze +5DC, +1 Re-Roll
>Transhuman +2DC
>Practical outlook write-in +5DC
>77DC How fortuitous
Double Fail = Muddled words. The LT notices your uncertain example.
0 = Let’s face it, you don’t even convince yourself. You hope someone here knows what they’re doing.
1 = Your words don’t come off as trite, but you can see you haven’t exactly convinced anyone.
2 = Doubters reassured. Nerves are steadied by your confidence, although when the time comes each will look to their own immediate superior to see where the wind is blowing.
3 = Bastion of confidence. In addition to reassuring the NCOs of the 77th, when push comes to shove and scud hits the fan they will all look to you.
Double Pass = Aspiring leadership. The LT notices your steadying hand.
3 rolls of 1d100. You have ONE re-roll. Please link back to a verified post when rolling, or else it might not count.
The Company looks out for it’s own. Right?
Rolled 89 (1d100)
>>6231084Rollin'
>>6218323Verification
Rolled 91 (1d100)
>>62310841 post ID, no link, no nothing, just rolling because I love gambling
>>6231088Your a man after my own heart, but I sadly can't count this roll (which I doubt anons will complain about given the result).
Kill
md5: 7ef4707316ee2b0449488da5a23d3d6c
🔍
>>6231089Run down of the imperial titans again, boss?
Rolled 28 (1d100)
>>6231084I AM ALL IN!
>>6218733this is me
Rolled 19 (1d100)
>>6231084Rollan
>>6218336
Rolled 68 (1d100)
>>6231084>>6231086Re-rolling this failure
In the Company We Trust.
>>6218323Verification
>>6231086>>6231098>>6231092>>6231097>3 SUCCESS>Bastion of confidence. In addition to reassuring the NCOs of the 77th, when push comes to shove and scud hits the fan they will all look to you. Applies regardless of Phase/Fireteam selection“No one offworld wants us dead, or worse captured, least of all Command.” You shake your head, speaking firmly. “Besides, the Company’s got too much money and experienced troopers planetside to just let us go.”
“Did you hear that, ladies? Sergeant called -me- experienced.” Corporal Sharky wraps his musclebound arm around Corporal Mac’s shoulders. “Scud, don’t you sweat a thing. Mama Snake has got your back.”
“She’s calling you old, dumb fucks.”
Sergeant Casket sneers at the display of high morale. “And as for you Sharky, you were already old when Snake Eyes was still a snakelet.”
Sharky scrunches his face as he does the maths. “Ew.”
Crane raises his other eyebrow but says nothing, you haven’t exactly advertised your arrangement with Corporal Sharky to the world but your Second probably hasn’t missed your little rendezvouses.
You brush all that off. Scud-talk aside, there is a time for laughs to take the edge of and a time to get real. You can see in Mac’s face this has to be one of those latter times. It’s at times like this that a member of the pack needs to be reminded that they are not alone, far from it. Whether hunter or hunted, the pack faces the threats and opportunities together. You wave Sharky off and plant a hand on the old-Earth veteran’s shoulder. He looks up at you, meeting your eyes with a kind of tired cynicism that gives way to rapt attention under your gaze. You had to make sure his ears were open when you said this.
“Cold Steel, old timer.” Something in the tone of your voice stiffens more than just one spine in the huddle around you. “They’ll come.”
Mac stands tall, Heavenly makes a sign of the cross, Sharky gives a grunt of affirmation and Crane nods sagely. And sure, Casket may have given you a doubtful sneer but you’re getting pretty good at reading her these days. That was definitely a “I’m too much of a bad bitch to publicly agree with you” sneer rather than a “fuck you and your bullshit” sneer. Your can tell your more practical line about the Company’s self interest struck a chord with her.
No one says anything as you lean back in your spot, but you can tell the affect it’s had on your immediate group. Sometimes people see you as a big lumbering brute of a woman good for cracking skulls and slitting throats. That’s all true, but you damn well earnt your Sergeant’s stripes because when the going got tough you voiddamn well lead the way. After nearly a year of service with the 77th , your fellow NCOs are starting work that out for themselves.
[1/3]
The general air of panic in the room has at least abated long enough for a respectful question when Lieutenant Boy brings up a large holomap, granular markings indicating significant changes in elevation and several indicated markers for further points of interest.
“What are we looking at here, sir?”
“The Salayun Depression.”
You recognise the name from the briefings, actually from a briefing back on board the Prince of Megiddo well before you deployed. It was a canvassed insertion site based a few hundred clicks south of your current position. Well past the Savis encirclement, and further out past where the tropical regions of Dis’ equator gives way to arid shrublands and craggy rock formations of the south.
The southern continent was originally one of the most heavily mined regions of the planet, and indeed there are still a number of very large mine sites and moderately sized population centres out that way. But many of those have been seen diminishing returns after exhaustive strip-mining, with downsizing or abandonment of some sites in favour of the more fruitful veins to the north and to the east. You can see why the Lieutenant Boy has picked this as the ideal spot for the Company presence to lie low when scud hits the air vent. Natural canyon formations riddled with cave systems and void knows how many abandoned mine shafts, you could cram a few hundred insurgents in there and place good odds on the Savis never finding you even if they sent the Legions in with fancy gear and a fine-comb brush.
But fat chance of hiding tens of thousands of refugees in there, even if the LT’s plan didn’t count on them serving as a distraction while the Company makes its escape and even if you didn't have to then somehow feed them.
Huddled down for weeks on end, or months, while the Savis finish mopping up the League of Dis that you’ll be leaving behind you to the north. It’d be a tight fit, both in living space and resources, but coming from the LT it sounds anything but a desperate long shot. When the Sais are done with the quelling the slave uprising, a choice of words which doesn’t quite capture the full extent of the horrific massacre that will no doubt take place over the course of several months, the Imperials will inevitably have to wind down their military and naval presence on this dry arsehole of a world in favour of other, more vital, lines of defence and trouble spots. The grumblings of the officers and NCOs at their apparent abandonment dies down significantly as the feasibility of the LT’s contingency measure holds up under scrutiny.
[2/3]
[3/3]
The plan hinges on three parts. The LT calls them ‘phases’ but you can already see that they’d need to happen simultaneously or near enough as to make no difference.
As the overall strategy is winnowed down into precise plans of action you can see that your Vinehound squad from the 77th has, for now, been assigned to…
=============================================
(1) Assigned Mission
>Phase One, ensuring your breakaway unit has everything it needs to hold out in hiding. That means food, that means medical supplies, that means a whole bunch of things that are already in short supply within the rebel camp. Any team not assigned to Phase Two or Three will be doing this as a priority, subtly at first and then far less subtly when the time comes. Skimming and stealing in the lead up will help, but at the end of the day you’re going to have to take just what you need. And that will likely mean at gunpoint, and that’s a best case scenario.
>Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan.
>Phase Three, breaking out through a weak point in the Savis encirclement. That means dodging or brute-forcing past the Auxiliary patrols and then dashing across the crater-pocked no-man’s land left by Savis artillery and airstrikes. It’s going to be an ugly event indeed unless some lucky team is tasked with clearing the way ahead and neutralising a well-defended firebase to secure the corridor of the Company’s escape.
_
(2) Fireteam
For now the works for this operation is being kept strictly in house. It will be up to you to decide whether to eventually persuade the LT into roping in some, or any, of the rebels you trust have earnt a spot but that will be a very short list. Right now your assigned phase comprises of…
> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.
> A mixture of two rolled in squads from other Krieger Platoons, chosen for their speciality in your assigned phase. You haven’t worked with them before, but this is a good opportunity to broaden your Company horizons a bit. Officers are short on the ground here, so you might even have a shot at overall command…
>>6231122(1) Assigned Mission
>Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan. I think that above and beyond anything, we're a stealth asset. We're a sneaky, stealthy murderess snake in the grass so this is probably the best bet
(2) Fireteam
> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.This is a high pressure, make-no-mistakes operation, lets not go changing things up now and introduce the possibility of mistakes due to unfamiliarity with the other squads tactics and habits.
>>6218323Verification
>>6231122>Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan.> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.sneaky beaky time
>>6218733this is me
>>6231122(1)
>Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan.Anyone know how to hotwire a Titan?
(2)
> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.Now is not the time for Snake-Eyes to do her officer training.
>>6218624It's me
>>6231122>>6218354(1) Assigned Mission
>Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan. (2) Fireteam
> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.If we do what we're good at, we'll make it out of here.
I want to participate but I forgot my anchor post, watdo?
>>6231122>Phase Three, breaking out through a weak point in the Savis encirclement. That means dodging or brute-forcing past the Auxiliary patrols and then dashing across the crater-pocked no-man’s land left by Savis artillery and airstrikes. It’s going to be an ugly event indeed unless some lucky team is tasked with clearing the way ahead and neutralising a well-defended firebase to secure the corridor of the Company’s escape. Volunteering to be "some lucky team"
> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.This is important shit and not the right moment to play around with new people.
>>6218441
>>6231122(1)
>Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan. (2)
> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.It simply the best idea to keep cohesion. I'm a bit tempted to have some units to command, but the risk is too great.
>>6231155As the they say, tough shit anon. Did you forget which of the anchor posts was yours or did you forget to make one?
>>6218332Me
>>6231122>Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan.As one anon said, we're a stealth operator
> A mixture of two rolled in squads from other Krieger Platoons, chosen for their speciality in your assigned phase. You haven’t worked with them before, but this is a good opportunity to broaden your Company horizons a bit. Officers are short on the ground here, so you might even have a shot at overall command…And we need other stealth operators
>>6230299>> “Cold Steel, old timer. They’ll come.” For your entire adolescent life you were alone, a solo act in a hostile world. That changed for the first time when you joined the Black Company, a new family. You're no lone hunter anymore, you're part of a pack, as extended and as hierarchal as it may be, but still your pack. Your family. Your pack wouldn’t leave you behind. [Daredevil]They'll come through, they always do.
>>6218400Me!
>>6231122>>Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan.I honestly feel we're probably the most appropriate team suited to this task.
> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.We got Lt. Blues ear, now let's start earning his trust.
>>6218400Me!
>>6231122>Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan.> A mixture of two rolled in squads from other Krieger Platoons, chosen for their speciality in your assigned phase. You haven’t worked with them before, but this is a good opportunity to broaden your Company horizons a bit. Officers are short on the ground here, so you might even have a shot at overall command…>>6218535
>>6231122>Phase One, ensuring your breakaway unit has everything it needs to hold out in hiding. That means food, that means medical supplies, that means a whole bunch of things that are already in short supply within the rebel camp. Any team not assigned to Phase Two or Three will be doing this as a priority, subtly at first and then far less subtly when the time comes. Skimming and stealing in the lead up will help, but at the end of the day you’re going to have to take just what you need. And that will likely mean at gunpoint, and that’s a best case scenario.> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.We might get lucky and steal something like a medical supply ship and kill two birds with one stone. That should impress even the LT.
>>6218331
>>6231173Can do. Thanks Forgotten
>>6231122>Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.>>6218336
>>6231122>Phase Three, breaking out through a weak point in the Savis encirclement. That means dodging or brute-forcing past the Auxiliary patrols and then dashing across the crater-pocked no-man’s land left by Savis artillery and airstrikes. It’s going to be an ugly event indeed unless some lucky team is tasked with clearing the way ahead and neutralising a well-defended firebase to secure the corridor of the Company’s escape.What about rearguard options?
>>6221071Verification here, ID changed since 4chan went kaput
>>6231122>Phase Three, breaking out through a weak point in the Savis encirclement. That means dodging or brute-forcing past the Auxiliary patrols and then dashing across the crater-pocked no-man’s land left by Savis artillery and airstrikes. It’s going to be an ugly event indeed unless some lucky team is tasked with clearing the way ahead and neutralising a well-defended firebase to secure the corridor of the Company’s escape.> A mixture of two rolled in squads from other Krieger Platoons, chosen for their speciality in your assigned phase. You haven’t worked with them before, but this is a good opportunity to broaden your Company horizons a bit. Officers are short on the ground here, so you might even have a shot at overall command…>>6219014My late v day
>>6231122>>6218794>Phase Two> The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy.Funny how nobody is voting for Phase One.
Sorry lads, no update tonight. I’ll have one for you tomorrow.
Oh and I’ll reply to titan anon as soon as I find my early post about their use by the major powers.
>>6231779Actually Forgotten, I got a question. I was reading through the old threads, I've finally gotten to Thread 8 of 2230 and I saw that one recording of the Rot on Earth, the one where they escaped from the Rot in Istanbul.
Do you think you'll ever do a quest/quest series set in that timeperiod? I REALLY love the feelings and horror from that snapshot.
>>6232017Anon, you think we won't get a Rot outbreak in this quest?
>>6232031I'm just saying Anon, Rot on Earth would be a SPECIAL kind of horror wouldn't mind seeing a rot outbreak in this quest though.
>>6232053I agree, but I guess we will only get insight on what happened on Earth through the forbidden information scattered around. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a Rot Outbreak mission. That, or dealing with the remnants of the Kroll or a new Faenwedhe incursion.
>SELECTED: Phase Two, securing transport for the breakout by either air or land. Once you’re in the Depression there is less than of slim chance of any Savs finding you, and cornering a smaller group in that region to wipe them out would be all but impossible, but just hoofing it there a hundred or so clicks on foot would be suicide. There’s not a whole lot of in the way of vehicles to be had here in the rebel camp either, which likely means raiding a Sav depot behind enemy lines for it and doing so quietly enough that your looted vehicles are blown to scud by a redirected airstrike or lumbering titan.
> SELECTED: The 77th Krieger Platoon in it’s entirety, under the direct command of Lieutenant Boy. You’ve operated alongside your sister squads Prophet and Banshee since the start and you are not about to be split up now.
You’re glad to hear that the LT has you playing to your strengths, you would much rather be slitting Sav throats in their sleep than robbing down-on-their-luck rebels at gunpoint or launching a full-scale assault on a defended position. All the rest will be for nothing if the Company doesn’t have a ride there, and it’s an important enough op that the LT is taking direct command of that phase. Suits you just fine, you know how Heavenly and Casket’s crews roll and that makes pulling this off without a hitch more likely.
You steal more than one glance at Wasp during the briefing, wondering how he’s feeling about all this. As a Black Company Pathfinder, Wasp was the Company’s man on the inside well before the wheels got rolling on the operation itself. He planetside and inserting himself into the disgruntled rebel scene back when even taking this contract was purely speculative. You actually don’t know if he’s been here even longer, you’d heard rumours that the Company keeps exactly these deep-cover sorts in all sorts of places. He may have been here for years, roughing it in the arid wastes fighting slaver patrols with rocks and an attitude before the Company started smuggling in the good toys.
But either way Wasp has been running with the rebels for a long time, long enough to go native. You know he’s been sympathetic to the rebel cause, at least insofar as actually getting the Company to deliver on most of what they had been promising the rebels. He’s not a bad soldier either, and you’ve learnt enough about him fighting in these woods that you can tell he’s got that flint edge to him. But enough of an edge to leave these people behind for the inevitable massacre? That’d take a hard man ineed.
Sooner or later you might need to lean on him, just to make sure that you’re all on the same page. The Company page.
[1/2]
[2/2]
As you depart the briefing, managing to beat the crowd through your solid choice of a rear seat near the exit, Crane dips his head in a subtle show of respect.
"The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack."
“Huh?”
“Rudyard Kipling.”
“Eh?”
“It is from a book.” Crane’s eyebrow twitches at your non-plussed look. “Not too far from what you were trying to say to the others back there.”
“Oh.” You’ve heard of wolves, an old Earth predator that hunted together. You only have the Cradle to compare it to, but from what little you know if you crossbred a wolf and a jaguar, then crammed it with spikes and juiced it to the eyeballs with slaught… then maybe you’d have something looking like a Vinehound. “The book is called Rudyard?”
“No. He is the author. The book is called ‘The Jungle Book’.”
“Jungle? No scud.” You turn to your Second, now genuinely interested. “What’s it about?”
“Hmm. Trust me…” Crane was never one for smiles, which is why you find the upward crinkle in his lip somewhat shocking. His evasive answer is somewhat less surprising, and all the more infuriating for it. “I have a feeling that you would very much relate to it.”
Dis’ sun is now well towards setting, though the world’s comparatively slower orbit makes those dusks and dawns last quite a while. Same for the day and night cycle, which has taken some adjustment of its own for everyone’s sleep schedule.
The League of Dis War Council will be on soon, and you have your marching orders from the LT as to what is expected at you for your appearance. You probably only have time for one errand or visit before it gets underway.
=====================================
> You head to the observation point uphill, to get a look at the Savis frontline closing in. Some of your squaddies should be wrapping up there with the shift change, and Sharky did recommend that you see it for yourself. Things must have changed since you last went hunting, and likely not for the better. [Observation Post]
>You follow after Wasp, looking to get his ear ahead of the War Council. He’ll likely be the only other Company face present there, it would help to present a united front. But also the man is in deep with the rebels, its part of his job, but it couldn’t hurt to check in with him after having to sit through the betrayal of his baby rebels now not just implied but being planned out. [Contact Wasp]
>You head to the League of Dis headquarters early, to meet and greet any others already there. Alexander Hail and his Red Hand militants are a known factor, but the League is a collection of dozens and scores of disparate groups and cells. The Auxl ‘Breaker’ may be the overall leader, but it will help to get fully across who is who n this zoo before the War Council gets underway. [Early War Council]
>>6232017The flashbacks to the fall of Earth have been very fun to write, though personally I had been intending to do so through tidbits rather than a quest based on it as a POV. Not a bad idea though... But I have enough on the boil between Emile and Nat's shenanigans as it is.
>>6231091Found it, but if you want more detail on the Savis Imperial titans specifically beyond them being mountainous bipedal gun platforms you'll need to actively seek that info out or get caught staring down the barrel of one
>>6232391>You head to the League of Dis headquarters early, to meet and greet any others already there. Alexander Hail and his Red Hand militants are a known factor, but the League is a collection of dozens and scores of disparate groups and cells. The Auxl ‘Breaker’ may be the overall leader, but it will help to get fully across who is who n this zoo before the War Council gets underway. [Early War Council]Gather info and be prepared, that's the best we can do. Keep an eye out on the pacifist faction and faction that might hinder our escape.
>>6218332Me
>>6232391>You follow after Wasp, looking to get his ear ahead of the War Council. He’ll likely be the only other Company face present there, it would help to present a united front. But also the man is in deep with the rebels, its part of his job, but it couldn’t hurt to check in with him after having to sit through the betrayal of his baby rebels now not just implied but being planned out. [Contact Wasp]verify
>>6218345
>>6232391>You follow after Wasp, looking to get his ear ahead of the War Council. He’ll likely be the only other Company face present there, it would help to present a united front. But also the man is in deep with the rebels, its part of his job, but it couldn’t hurt to check in with him after having to sit through the betrayal of his baby rebels now not just implied but being planned out. [Contact Wasp]I've got a bad feeling about Wasp, also goddamit the Kim kitsuragi voice is all I can imagine from him.
>>6218336
>>6232391> You head to the observation point uphill, to get a look at the Savis frontline closing in. Some of your squaddies should be wrapping up there with the shift change, and Sharky did recommend that you see it for yourself. Things must have changed since you last went hunting, and likely not for the better. [Observation Post]>>6221071Verified.
>>6232395>But I have enough on the boil between Emile and Nat's shenanigans as it is.Maybe once one of those is wrapped up?
>>6232395Ever thought about running an official setting? I know you ran a 40k quest way back before og BCQ.
>>6232391>You head to the League of Dis headquarters early, to meet and greet any others already there. Alexander Hail and his Red Hand militants are a known factor, but the League is a collection of dozens and scores of disparate groups and cells. The Auxl ‘Breaker’ may be the overall leader, but it will help to get fully across who is who n this zoo before the War Council gets underway. [Early War Council]>>6218323Verification
>>6232391>>You follow after Wasp, looking to get his ear ahead of the War Council. He’ll likely be the only other Company face present there, it would help to present a united front. But also the man is in deep with the rebels, its part of his job, but it couldn’t hurt to check in with him after having to sit through the betrayal of his baby rebels now not just implied but being planned out. [Contact Wasp]>>6218355
>>6232391>>You follow after Wasp, looking to get his ear ahead of the War Council. He’ll likely be the only other Company face present there, it would help to present a united front. But also the man is in deep with the rebels, its part of his job, but it couldn’t hurt to check in with him after having to sit through the betrayal of his baby rebels now not just implied but being planned out. [Contact Wasp]Just in case he's getting any weird ideas.
>>6218400Me.
>>6232391>You follow after Wasp, looking to get his ear ahead of the War Council. He’ll likely be the only other Company face present there, it would help to present a united front. But also the man is in deep with the rebels, its part of his job, but it couldn’t hurt to check in with him after having to sit through the betrayal of his baby rebels now not just implied but being planned out. [Contact Wasp]Checking if he's going native and maybe testing if he'd like to have some of the rebels join the Company.
>>6218451Me.
>>6232391>You follow after Wasp, looking to get his ear ahead of the War Council. He’ll likely be the only other Company face present there, it would help to present a united front. But also the man is in deep with the rebels, its part of his job, but it couldn’t hurt to check in with him after having to sit through the betrayal of his baby rebels now not just implied but being planned out. [Contact Wasp]>>6219014My late as v day
>>6218323Catching up in the archive after years away from this hellsite but consider this my verification, kriggas
>>6232893Yeah that's not how that works chief. That's my verification
>>6232895I am retarded, please forgive
>>6232391>[Early War Council]
>>6232903Genuinely just thought your anchor was the "reply to this to verify." To clarify I know I didn't make your post lmao.
Void bless, anon.
>>6232918Haha to be fair, I've got through a couple of IP addresses since posting it (and I accidentally posted it too early, cutting off Forgottens intro post) so it DOES look like a bunch of randoms using it to anchor.
But yeah nah the idea is you post when the thread starts and link back to that original post as an anti-spam/samefag measure. We need it these days after some vote manipulation shenanigans in the past. People just can't help but be cunts sometimes
Wasp 4
md5: c9dbe31864ab7853c24a06182ea46602
🔍
>SELECTED: You follow after Wasp, looking to get his ear ahead of the War Council. He’ll likely be the only other Company face present there, it would help to present a united front. But also the man is in deep with the rebels, its part of his job, but it couldn’t hurt to check in with him after having to sit through the betrayal of his baby rebels now not just implied but being planned out. [Contact Wasp]
You don’t run to close the distance with Wasp, but you do have to put a bit of a spring in your step to catch him before he’s in too far among the crowd where anyone can listen in.
“Ah Nat, good to see you. Apparently it’s just you and me at the Council meet tonight?” Wasp purses his lips when you nod. “Well, best we present a united tonight. Bad news is bad enough without the messenger getting shot, but it’ll go down better coming from you.”
You hesitate at that, your report to the LT providing a grim timeline for how the Imperials will likely winnow down the possible base location was brutally honest. The LT hasn’t told you to outright lie to the League of Dis leadership, but the implication was that glossing over the exact estimate of 4-5 weeks on the outside might be prudent. Given the panic that it sent your fellow Company officers into, you doubt such a realistic assessment will go down any better with the rebels than it did with them.
“Hey.” Wasp’s keen eye for intrigue hasn’t overlooked your own concerns. “You’re a voiddamn hero to these people, ‘Mama Snake’. Most of them know even surviving this long is in no small part to you and your crew. If you tell them we’re fragged, we’re fragged. But personally, I’d put that as gently as you can.”
“We’re fucking fragged. How’s that sound?” You grin at the Pathfinder as you say it, but he has a point. “…what if I tell them we’re not fragged? That we have a shot at holding out?”
“Maybe. If you can tell that big a lie with a straight face.” Wasp sighs, looking out at the crowd of faces. Gaunt and desperate. “People believe what they want to believe.”
[1/3]
Wasp 2
md5: 69d20c7ac92f27c47a3a33a2349770f0
🔍
“You know I never asked to be a fucking hero, right?”
“It is what it is.” Your scowl isn’t directed at Wasp, but he shrugs all the same. “I never did thank you for arguing our case with the boss by the way. I know we didn’t get much more supplies in before the blockade shut tight, but I appreciate the effort.”
“Don’t mention it.”
You know Wasp and the LT have been growing more and more at odds while you’ve been out in the field. You suspect Wasp's possible involvement in getting some actual voidborn smugglers involved a few months back was where it started, several months back when the LT wanted them gone and was overridden by Breaker. Barely a trickle of escaped slaves out compared to the stream that was still pouring in. But it wa something. Nothing ever directly linked Wasp to it, or to the death of the informant that was going to reveal that little side operation, but he wasn’t too cut up over the security risk compared to the LT.
If Wasp is really playing both sides, helping rebels on the downlow while minimising any hurt to the Company, it’s a dangerous bloody game to be doing so with the gigantic Auxl ‘Breaker’ on one side and the iron-willed Lieutenant ‘Boy’ Blue on the other. Maybe he is just a compassionate human being stuck between a rock and a hard place, trying to do what he can. But that won’t help much in the end.
Wasp shifts his weight, carefully considering his words.
“Actually, I’m glad we’ve got this chance to talk. You just might be able to help.” “Look, just hear me out okay?”
“Okay.”
“This ‘plan’, it hinges on the rebels holding out and keeping the Imps busy right?”
“Right.”
“And if the League of Dis is stocked up with the supplies everyone all so desperately needs, they’ll hold out that much longer yes?”
“Sure…” Your frown tells Wasp that you’re both aware said supplies are the subject of Phase One.
“I know, I know. But.” Wasp looks either side, making sure no one is listening in. “If we can get what we need from the Imperials, rather than our own allies, that works out better for everyone.”
“…”
“Hurt the Imps, give the League more of a chance to hold out, cover our escape.”
“You don’t hear me disagreeing.” Your folded arms add the unspoken 'yet'.
“I’ve been working an angle. If we pull it off we could have everything we need, and then some.” Wasp continues steadily, you can tell he’s trying hard not to ramble. “Ammunition, rations, medicine. Maybe even fuel and some parts to get a few of our stray gunships back in action. Sounds good, right?”
“Real good.” You mutter, eyes narrowed. “Forward Airbase Theta. You selling me this means you must have a way in. Just how long have you been sitting on this little gold mine, Wasp?”
[2/3]
[3/3]
“…”[/] The Company operative pauses, deciding whether or not to lie. Eventually he takes off his sunglasses, looking you straight in the eye. “A while. Since the blockade first tightened. It’s not without risk, obviously.”
Now your scowl is directed at him. “You’ve been sitting on this for months. Been saving it for a rainy day, have you?”
“Yeah, no scud.” Wasp doesn’t back down, in fact he leans in with a hiss. “We just plotted out how best to stab our allies in the back and rob them blind while we cut and run. I’d say the day is looking pretty fucking rainy.”
“Why don’t you take this to your rebel friends?”
The two of you glare at one another for several moments, unspoken accusations going both ways. Yeah, this could solve a lot of problems. But deciding whether or not to do the raid should have been a decision left to the LT weeks ago, if not months. Those supplies could have saved people, maybe even your people. Unlikely, but there is that possibility. Wasp eventually blinks and looks down at his feet.
“Because if -we- pull it off we’ll have everything we need. We won’t need to steal scud for this Phase One rubbish. It’s going to be bad enough when we cut and run before the Imps get here, but if we take what little they have left when doing it… These people are already desperate, Nat. I don’t think that lot back there really understand just how ugly it’s going to get.”
“If I can get you on board, we can get the LT on board. I know it, trust me. We can stop… all this.”
Wasp’s angry glare dissipated into the wind, like the man has deflated. He’s looking at you again, pleading with his eyes. ‘Trust me’. Is there anyone on the fragging planet that isn’t asking that of you these days?
“Look Nat, I’m just trying to do the right thing here. We need the supplies for this to work, I get it. But we don’t need to gut our own side to get them, I’m telling you there’s another way.”
=========================================
>“Okay… Okay, yeah it makes sense. We’ll take it to the boss. I’ll twist his arm if I have to.” Wasp will get his side mission. It will take some convincing of the LT, first to approve the raid but more importantly to call off Phase One if it’s as successful as the two of you hope. [Daredevil]
>“Like you said, Wasp. It is what is it. We need to look out for our own, not them. We knew making it out of this was never going to leave us looking pretty.” Wasp can make his case to the LT, but you’re not endorsing it. You’re in the endgame now, this isn’t the time to be running a risky side-op. [Firebrand]
> “I’ll think about it.” You have thought about it, and you know what you’re telling the LT. Wasp is a problem, and at this critical stage divided loyalties are likely to get you all killed. [Xenophobe]
[3/3]
“…”[/] The Company operative pauses, deciding whether or not to lie. Eventually he takes off his sunglasses, looking you straight in the eye. “A while. Since the blockade first tightened. It’s not without risk, obviously.”
Now your scowl is directed at him. “You’ve been sitting on this for months. Been saving it for a rainy day, have you?”
“Yeah, no scud.” Wasp doesn’t back down, in fact he leans in with a hiss. “We just plotted out how best to stab our allies in the back and rob them blind while we cut and run. I’d say the day is looking pretty fucking rainy.”
“If it's such a bloody great payday why don’t you take this to your rebel friends?”
The two of you glare at one another for several moments, unspoken accusations going both ways. Yeah, this could solve a lot of problems. But deciding whether or not to do the raid should have been a decision left to the LT weeks ago, if not months. Those supplies could have saved people, maybe even your people. Unlikely, but there is that possibility. Wasp eventually blinks and looks down at his feet.
“Because if -we- pull it off we’ll have everything we need. We won’t need to steal scud for this Phase One rubbish. It’s going to be bad enough when we cut and run, but if we take what little they have left when doing it… These people are already desperate, Nat. I don’t think that lot back there really understand just how ugly it’s going to get.”
“If I can get you on board, we can get the LT on board. I know it, trust me. We can stop… all this.”
Wasp’s angry glare dissipated into the wind, like the man has deflated. He’s looking at you again, pleading with his eyes. ‘Trust me’. Is there anyone on the fragging planet that isn’t asking that of you these days?
“Look Nat, I’m just trying to do the right thing here. We need the supplies for this to work, I get it. But we don’t need to gut our own side to get them, I’m telling you there’s another way.”
=========================================
>“Okay… Okay, yeah it makes sense. We’ll take it to the boss. I’ll twist his arm if I have to.” Wasp will get his side mission. It will take some convincing of the LT, first to approve the raid but more importantly to call off Phase One if it’s as successful as the two of you hope. [Daredevil]
>“Like you said, Wasp. It is what is it. We need to look out for our own, not them. We knew making it out of this was never going to leave us looking pretty.” Wasp can make his case to the LT, but you’re not endorsing it. You’re in the endgame now, this isn’t the time to be running a risky side-op. [Firebrand]
> “I’ll think about it.” You have thought about it, and you know what you’re telling the LT. Wasp is a problem, and at this critical stage divided loyalties are likely to get you all killed. [Xenophobe]
Voiddamn my formatting slips...
>>6232935>“Okay… Okay, yeah it makes sense. We’ll take it to the boss. I’ll twist his arm if I have to.” Wasp will get his side mission. It will take some convincing of the LT, first to approve the raid but more importantly to call off Phase One if it’s as successful as the two of you hope. [Daredevil]You know what? Firstly, fuck Wasp, the idiot BUT this could work. We could do this AND complete our objective for Phase 2 by stealing some transport from the Imps directly, further hindering their ability to track and kill us.
I was about ready to tell him to eat led (and maybe help with that) but it could be a crippling blow right before shit goes down
>>6218323Verification
>>6232937Great work with the image anon, very quick of the bat you are.
>>6232938Haha cheers boss
>>6232937Furthermore as part of Phase 2 we were considering stealing the transport from the Savs anyway so... this isn't even a pit stop. We steal the transport, load it up with whatever supplies we can gather, do some hasty demolition work maybe and get the hell out of dodge.
And along the way, if Wasp pulls some underhanded shit and puts our people at risk... well... shit happens
>>6232935Yeah I can get behind this
>>6232937 and
>>6232941kill two birds with one stone.
> Make a quick grocery run after securing your ride out. [Daredevil]But also I think we should tell the LT about Wasp. The guy isn't a full blown traitor, he's just gotten soft and forgotten his priorities. After this mission he needs a serious adjustment, or to be let go entirely.
>>6232946forgot to verify
>>6218624This is me
>>6232946Agreed, whilst I was talking a bit of shit about killing him I wouldn't want to do that unless it was actually necessary. He's in deep though, lost in the sauce and we need to be careful. We also can't give him a hard time about keeping secrets from the Company and then not tell the Lt.
>>6232935>“Okay… Okay, yeah it makes sense. We’ll take it to the boss. I’ll twist his arm if I have to.” Wasp will get his side mission. It will take some convincing of the LT, first to approve the raid but more importantly to call off Phase One if it’s as successful as the two of you hope. [Daredevil]If we can combine Phases One and Two together it's good even with the reservations about Wasp.
>>6218355
>>6232935>“I’ll think about it.” You have thought about it, and you know what you’re telling the LT. Wasp is a problem, and at this critical stage divided loyalties are likely to get you all killed. [Xenophobe]Me
>>6231155
>>6232935>>6232937Supporting this option as well, Airbase Theta is well... An Airbase. If we can a vehicle or two it'll be three birds with one stone. Cripple the D
Savis, Not screw over our allies, and secure vehicles for our escape. Though Wasp holding out on this intel for MONTHS is idiotic, what the fuck man.
>>6232935>“Okay… Okay, yeah it makes sense. We’ll take it to the boss. I’ll twist his arm if I have to.” Wasp will get his side mission. It will take some convincing of the LT, first to approve the raid but more importantly to call off Phase One if it’s as successful as the two of you hope. [Daredevil]Wasp is playing a dangerous game here, and I suspect he might try to cut the company out of the supplies we steal. But the operation makes sense, steal everything in one go. We should ask the LT permission to deal with him if it comes to that.
>>6218332
>>6233021Shit, I link back to the wrong post, mine is this one
>>6218331
>>6233011>>6218400And I forgot to link back to myself because I'm a retard. This is me.
>>6232935>>6218354I will also support
>>6232937. Wasp is too far out of line and putting the Company at risk, but this intel will help us out.
>>6232934>“Okay… Okay, yeah it makes sense. We’ll take it to the boss. I’ll twist his arm if I have to.” Wasp will get his side mission. It will take some convincing of the LT, first to approve the raid but more importantly to call off Phase One if it’s as successful as the two of you hope. [Daredevil]Endorse him on this, but also share our worries about divided loyalties with the LT
>>6218441
>>6232935Not a vote because I missed verification, but...
Guys, being a mercenary is an ugly something you do...
...but it doesn't have to stop you from being a hero.
Operation MAMA SNAKE'S ELEVEN should be a-go.
>>6232935>“Okay… Okay, yeah it makes sense. We’ll take it to the boss. I’ll twist his arm if I have to.” Wasp will get his side mission. It will take some convincing of the LT, first to approve the raid but more importantly to call off Phase One if it’s as successful as the two of you hope. [Daredevil]Mama snake
>>6219014My late as v day
I propose an addition to the heist. If we can arrange to cripple the Savis QRF, destroy the regional command post, or interrupt C3I for the theater, we can disrupt the Savis' ability to stop EVERYONE from running. At that point the rebels split up and head several directions, and hopefully one or more of the groups make it to safety.
>>6232935> [Daredevil]De Oppresso Liber
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Hey lads, I’d hoped to get another update out before this but no such luck. I’m heading away this weekend and the next week back will be unusually hectic at work.
No content updates until next weekend, but I’ll be around to answer a few of the questions already posted and I’m happy to answer anymore queries about the rules or setting that anons might have.
Always an honour questing with you Kriggas.
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>>6233664Enjoy the weekend I GUESS /s nah have a good one.
Are there any choices we've made in this campaign on Dis so far that have surprised you? Any big juicy enemies you're looking forward to introducing or NPCs you're hoping to give a little more spotlight to?
Also since we'll be fighting soon, I remember back in thread 1 I read the Xenos Species and Advanced Firefight Rules and they contain a blurb about Savis Legoniers and their tendency to fall back and use the "Hold Position" stratagem.
If we end up fighting them in an entrenched position (like if shit goes wrong during our raid), we'll need to keep this in mind. Thankfully, our old faithful of "Wetwork" has advantage against "Hold Position" however, "Shock Assault" will put us at a disadvantage.
I don't think any of that counts for the Cradler Auxiliaries, they seem a lot more like us and a lot more likely to use "Wetwork" against us.
That means if we BOTH go for "Wetwork" any casualties will be doubled. This is a situation where "Shock Assault" would actually come in handy, assuming they don't "Hold Position" like their masters
>>6233674Combat Tactics* not Stratagems, those are different
>>6232935>“Okay… Okay, yeah it makes sense. We’ll take it to the boss. I’ll twist his arm if I have to.” Wasp will get his side mission. It will take some convincing of the LT, first to approve the raid but more importantly to call off Phase One if it’s as successful as the two of you hope. [Daredevil]>>6218733this is me
>>6233664>No content updates until next weekend, but I’ll be around to answer a few of the questionsHave you had fun voting m8?
Shoulda got anons to roll for who your preferences were
Sadness
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>Update the Weekend after next
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>>6238572Yes I have somewhat fucked it this week, haven’t I?
I didn’t even respond to anon’s questions whilst I was away.
I wish I could be less of a disappointment to anons right now, but I’ve also got to look out for myself and my career.
I’m putting the next update on ice until Monday 19th May, and that will be back to the regular schedule rather than this ad-hoc bulldust.
>>6239291No worries boss, can't run a quest if you're busy sucking dick behind a bus shelter for rent money because you neglected your job
>>6239291It's alright bossman, we'll be here. We always are.
Just dropping a comment so the captcha is nice a greased up for the next update
>>6244261>CraneslanderBruh
>>6244497>CraneslanderI have no idea what this means anon.
The meme there was made ages ago, I honestly don't remember the context
>SELECTED: “Okay… Okay, yeah it makes sense. We’ll take it to the boss. I’ll twist his arm if I have to.” Wasp will get his side mission. It will take some convincing of the LT, first to approve the raid but more importantly to call off Phase One if it’s as successful as the two of you hope. [Daredevil]
>Write-in: You still intend to raise your concerns regarding Wasp’s divided loyalties with the LT, even though you support Wasp’s plan.
You can tell that Wasp is relieved that he has your support in coming to the LT with an alternative execution of Phase One. The Company punching out from the encircled League of Dis main base and abandoning the rebels to the Imps is going to be an ugly affair, but if you can pull this side-mission off perhaps it will be a whole lot less bloody than ransacking their critically needed supplies at the same time would be.
The War Council is both more and less chaotic than you expected it to be. It is nothing like the Company briefing, where the hierarchy of rank is strictly adhered to in determining who speaks next and on what subject. There is a lot more shouting here, and from any corner of the scores of self-appointed or democratically elected leaders of those rebel cells from drawn here from across the planet with a big enough following to earn them a seat at the table.
It’s not a free-for-all shouting match, as you had feared, the mere presence of the gigantic Auxl ‘Breaker’ is an unspoken deterrent to passionate speeches devolving into argumentative accusations or off-topic rants most of the time. When the rebel speaks softly in his avalanche tone everyone tempers themselves and, for the most part, speaks briefly on their own niche concern and leaves the bulk of the talking to any of the major faction leaders or conglomerates you can see forming and shifting over the course of that very night.
While there are minor factions based off anything from escaped slaves of the same species, or from the same mining pit or more obscure common interests, as far as you can tell there are four main groups and it is the leaders of these that do the bulk of the talking, or arguing. The Red Hand, the Libertans, the Jumpers and the Handouts.
Alexander Hail of the Red Hand faction you know, of course. The hardliners among the rebels that are most concerned with settling the score of their lifetime of enslavement look to him as their spokesperson, and any motion put forward to the Council likely to maximise Savis casualties will have their vote. Both the LT’s briefing and Wasp’s rundown confirm the same thing, more often than not the Red Hand and Company take the lead on the tactical level in conducting the war effort and they are typically aligned on the grander strategic front. It’s only on the details, often surrounding self-preservation priorities, that there can be some clash on the agreed course.
[1/5]
Not every militant is as bloody-minded as Hail, but perhaps they don’t know their appointed commander half as well as you do. You’ve fought back-to-back with the man for the better part of a year now, and the two of you have the measure of one another. He’s a soldier, adaptable and open to any dirty trick or level-headed wisdom that will further his aim. Watching him now, proposing measured military responses designed to draw out and bleed the Savis advance, you would never guess that the man would burn the whole world if it mean seeing a few more slaver bodies chucked on the pyre. But you know him better than that, and you can tell that whatever scheme he has cooking up it’s going to be voidjumps beyond the sensible strategic suggestions he’s making to the Council here.
The Libertans are a larger faction, but far less consistent in it’s compilation and voting on each issue. These are the true believers, the ones that genuinely believe in the glorious revolution or the righteousness of their stand against the tyranny of their oppressors. You’ve seen the pamphlets around camp, extolling the escaped slaves to never give up hope and to fight on to the end with their liberated brothers and sisters in arms. At least some of the more realistic ones admit that death is likely, but sugar it with the promise that their defiance will inspire others all across the galaxy. Last you heard from the LT, the conflict on Dis is rarely even makes the headlines in Fed space other than for some finger-pointing and hit pieces.
It’s hard to call her the main speaker for the faction, given how much it shifts on each issue, but a major spokesperson for the Libertans is one of the first rebel squad leaders you trained in jungle warfare, the Drax Kerim’O’Kas. She speaks passionately and earnestly, though not always usefully, and you can tell that she is convinced to her core that fighting on to the very end is the right thing to do here. Her sub-faction, one that advocates a bloody end and somehow buying time for the most vulnerable to escape, is one that is growing significant steam in sentiment but keeps butting headfirst into the practical impossibilities of doing so on a meaningful scale for the refugee camps.
LT’s briefings talked about them a lot, their support, or at least enough of it, is usually key in securing any major consensus. The trouble is that the idealist faction seems too malleable for the briefing to hold true from issue to issue. What might have their ardent and zealous support in one issue could just as quickly have their staunch and undying opposition on ther very next subject. Wasp points out that, in addition to formerly being your subordinate, Kerim’O’Kas and your own Trooper ‘Bones’ Armstrong have become fast friends over the course of the Dis campaign. You might be able to draw on that connection with her sub-faction for some consistency.
[2/5]
The Jumper faction is lead by a human Voidborn, Shrivya Lief Erikson, the one whose termination at the LT’s command was vetoed by Breaker. It’s hard to place a pin on who . As far as you can tell, the Jumper faction is built around a small core of Voidborn left behind when the blockade locked in and has a wide sphere of influence over every rebel present that is desperate to get a ride out of here. The LT had briefed you on this, the Jumpers had a lot of sway in the first few months after their involvement when the rebels started having outside options beyond just the Company, but that dried up since their ships started getting shot down in their attempts to slip through the iron-grip blockade that now encircles the planet.
The Voidborn themselves are very few in number, you doubt you could scrape a platoon together with those still left here. Most Voidborn were not stupid enough to get caught planetside when the blockade tightened to the point that even their discrete smuggler runs were made far too risky. The handful still down have implied, alluded to or been suggestively coy about whether they even still have a small ship or two left here. And it’s that thinnest of hopes, a spot among their tight smugger holds on a hail-mary ticket out of here, that sees so many of the other rebels present doing their damn hardest to keep them happy and maybe . You don’t doubt that the Voidborn have promised spots to 10 times the people they can actually fit, and no doubt for a fortune scraped together by the desperate. But while the Jumper faction may actually have a ship or two on Dis, or running silent nearby, it’s of little practical use as the Savis noose tightens around you all.
The LT’s briefing considered the Jumpers a security risk, but now one that could at least serve to distract the rebels with a doomed escape plan while the Company made their own escape plan. Wasp’s advice was that the Voidborn shouldn’t be so easily discounted, as far as he can tell they do have some sort of plan to make it out alive and it may not serve to burn a bridge with them if it can be helped.
[3/5]
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As for the last major faction, the one lead by that pacificist bird, Indigo Eyes, you call them the Handouts. It isn’t a name that they call themselves, or anyone else calls them really, but it’s what you’ve decided to call them just by watching them tonight. As far as you can see their policy is doing anything they can to make the plight of the average non-combatant refugee and downtrodden slave as not abjectly miserable as possible. In light of the increasingly critical supply situation and growing panic, their demands, requests and outright begging for the most basic of resources is increasingly being met with sad shrugs or irritated scowls depending on who their pleas are directed to.
You’ve been told that clipping an Asandi’s wings is one of the most awful things that can be done to that avian race, so she has her own reasons to grind an axe or too against the Savis Empire, but she has from the very start been a staunch opponent to the escalation of the slave rebellion. You hate her, how pathetic she is and the weakness she represents. At least, that’s why you tell yourself you hate her. It could also be because she confronts you with the dirty laundry of the Company’s involvement here, one that has escalated from oppression and scavenging on the fringes of the Savis Empire to the genocide and likely utter extermination of every man, woman and child here at it’s hands. It is from the Handouts you see the grim reality of the camps still remaining, the atrocities left behind in those already discovered, that your uneasy knowledge of suffering is presented in cold hard figures intermingled with pleas for help.
[4/5]
[5/5]
The discussions, debates, plans and shouting matches of the League of Dis War Council go well into the night. You stick to your Company’s position of key issues, usually of a tactical or specifically military strategic nature, but quite of lot of the matters at hand go outside of areas that would directly affect you or your people. There is some wriggle room to be had here
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>There is an advantage to be gleaned here. Siding with one sub-faction on the adoption of a core Libertan tenet, shifting search party resources from the Jumpers to the Handouts or vice versa. Over the course of several matters that don’t directly impact the Company you lend your weight to support a consistent set of interests that sees your stand in a more favourable light with one of the major factions. [Daredevil] + [Write In: Preferred Faction support] A daredevil vote will still win even if the preferred faction choice isn’t agreed on
>On matters that don’t concern the Company you vote, and sometimes speak, with your conscience. Sometimes it’s the obscure details, such as whether parentless children in the camp should be pooled into safe working groups or given a school curriculum. Sometimes it’s heady stuff, like what is the common right of all sentient beings. You speak your mind on these matters. Not always eloquently, but honestly enough. [Firebrand]
>You keep your mouth shut as much as voiddamn possible, only weighing in to advance Company interests directly. You seek guidance from Wasp on matters that might indirectly impact your operation, but for the most part if it doesn’t concern the Company it doesn’t concern you. [Xenophobe]
Aight anons, that's me for tonight but I am hoping that the regular schedule is back on track and I'll get back to answering questions previously asked tomorrow.
>>6244548>There is an advantage to be gleaned here. Siding with one sub-faction on the adoption of a core Libertan tenet, shifting search party resources from the Jumpers to the Handouts or vice versa. Over the course of several matters that don’t directly impact the Company you lend your weight to support a consistent set of interests that sees your stand in a more favourable light with one of the major factions. [Daredevil] + [Write In: Preferred Faction support] A daredevil vote will still win even if the preferred faction choice isn’t agreed on>LibertariansLets stoke their belief of the righteous fight and the need to take down as many of their oppressors as possible. Keep safely away from comments about who will make it out alive and how likely we all are to survive - we don't need to talk about specific plans for survival here, just push the zeal and stoke the fires.
I think if we do this we'll have both the Libertarians AND the Red Hand on side. The Red Hand want to rip and tear and kill as many Savs as possible, so they'll see this as a win for them and maybe even think we're subtly boosting their position.
Let the Handouts be drowned out by the discussion... after all... what have they done for the camp recently?
We give the Voidborn their space to wheel and deal and lie to take what resources the desperate will give them without actively supporting them. Is it moral? Fuck no. People are going to be left behind, but really, all the rebels are likely dead anyway (maybe a few get to come with us, we'll see).
The goal here is to incentivize as many people as possible to fight. We want them distracted and invested and fighting hard... so we can do what we need and escape this hellhole.
The Company Comes First.
>>6218323Verification
At work so my id won't match but
>There is an advantage to be gleaned here. Siding with one sub-faction on the adoption of a core Libertan tenet, shifting search party resources from the Jumpers to the Handouts or vice versa. Over the course of several matters that don’t directly impact the Company you lend your weight to support a consistent set of interests that sees your stand in a more favourable light with one of the major factions. [Daredevil] + [Write In: Preferred Faction support] A daredevil vote will still win even if the preferred faction choice isn’t agreed onWe need to play the whole field here.
I agree with
>>6244552 match the Libertans with the Red Hand stoke passion and zeal.
Match the Jumpers with the Handouts. This might require some finesse, but we can get the Handout's quitters, mopes, and useless mouths out of here by selling them on the Jumpers. The Jumpers aren't slaves themselves and likely are just here for the money and what better way to make money than to resell escaped slaves. We convince these smugglers to take the less violent of these slaves off world to get them out of our hair and maybe a few of the transports of slaves don't make it to freedom and continue on lighter of people, but heavier of credits. Hell, there are probably lots of them already planning to do just that.
>>621862This is me
>>6244591>>6218624Whoops verification got cut off
>>6244520The context was the dream Nat had during the beginning of this mission, if I remember correctly. A dream about being betrayed.
>>6244552I agree with this anon, more or less. While we have turned a blind eye to most of the things happening in the camp, we will have to play the sides long enough to get out of here safely, hopefully without damaging the slaves too much in our escape, considering what we promised to Wasp. +1 Also, I would like to point out that we should not go against the Jumpers that much, they might bust our Voidborn mask.
>>6218332Me
>>6244627>The context was the dream Nat had during the beginning of this mission, if I remember correctly. A dream about being betrayed. Ah yeah, cheers anon
>>6244548There is an advantage to be gleaned here. Siding with one sub-faction on the adoption of a core Libertan tenet, shifting search party resources from the Jumpers to the Handouts or vice versa. Over the course of several matters that don’t directly impact the Company you lend your weight to support a consistent set of interests that sees your stand in a more favourable light with one of the major factions. [Daredevil]
Support
>>6244552 getting the Red hand and the Libertarians on the same page shouldn't be too difficult. We should probably support whatever Hail is cooking and convince Drax that it is the bloody end need to buy time for other to escape.
>>6218331
>>6244548>You keep your mouth shut as much as voiddamn possible, only weighing in to advance Company interests directly. You seek guidance from Wasp on matters that might indirectly impact your operation, but for the most part if it doesn’t concern the Company it doesn’t concern you. [Xenophobe]I don't see Nat as a cold blooded political player, but also not as a doofus who speaks out of turn. This is the soldier's option which fits her best IMO.
>>6218441
>>6244760If I can try to sway you a little here (not looking to argue, it’s just fun to talk about).
Given that Nat knows the enemy is closing in and that the camp is almost certainly going to be hit soon, and given that Nat has just learned that we’re now alone here and no longer in communication with our ships, I’d argue it’s less cold blooded politics and more about doing absolutely whatever it takes to survive. We don’t have the supplies to keep everyone alive and in good fighting order. That’ll be helped if we hit the airbase successfully but even then, a bigger group is so much harder to hide and move than a smaller group and we’re incredibly loyal to our own people.
Plus our entire plan requires the rebels fights as long as possible to keep the imps distracted, as noted by Wasp and having them unite a bit more will help that greatly
>>6218794mememe
>>6244552> [Xenophobe]
>>6244552+1
My only reservation is that playing to the Red hand may not be the best long term action or with the most foresight , only the bloodiest.
>>6218336
>>6245115I don't think there are going to BE long term actions anymore anon. Also you and
>>6245098might want to link the actual vote post Forgotten put up. He might not count it otherwise
>>6245115>>6244552My bad.
>>6245117While likely true there is going to a genocidal kill count at the end of this for the combatants and know terrorists, that kill rate is not going to be 100% and any slave reintroduced to the general population or that escapes the killzone will have a chance to turn this shitshow into a longer brushfire conflict if not a intergenerational rebellion.
Calling rolls in just a tic but I do plan to crack out a content update following that, time permitting.
>SELECTED: There’s an advantage to be gleaned here. Siding with one sub-faction on the adoption of a core Libertan tenet, shifting search party resources from the Jumpers to the Handouts or vice versa. Over the course of several matters that don’t directly impact the Company you lend your weight to support a consistent set of interests that sees your stand in a more favourable light with one of the major factions. [Daredevil] + [Libertan focus] Without stepping on Jumper or Red Hand toes. Who cares about the Handouts, amiright?
Leadership Test: League of Dis Factions
>40DC
>Badass Bandanna +5DC
>Tranquil Gaze +5DC, +1 Re-Roll
>Transhuman +2DC
>Libertan balance of power write-in +5DC
> Mama Snake Reputation +10DC, +1 Re-Roll
>67DC How fortuitous
Double Fail = Two-faced. +1 Adverse Re-Roll for the next War Council roll.
0 = Nobody’s friend. You manage to alienate the League of Dis factions with your partisan tactics, including the very one you were trying to win over, as well as unintentionally straining the existing relations with the Company in the looming crisis. LT won’t be pleased.
1 = Neutral neutrality. All the major factions know that their black ops benefactors have their own goals, your efforts don’t do much to warm them one way or another. The biting remarks of the Handouts at your expense aren’t met with fierce resistance, but everyone has bigger problems on their plate right now to make any immediate trouble for the Company. LT didn’t expect much.
2 = Friends in idealist places. Your friends in the Libertans trust you by your reputation, if not the Company in general, and vote to grant you even more meaningless accolades. Some of the other factions will immediately see the real state of things when the Company gets rolling, but for now the Libertan’s at least are fired up for the fight and will be slow to obstruct any shadier Company movements. LT will be satisfied.
3 = Everybody’s friend. Depending on how events in the immediate future unfold, the Company shouldn’t have any problems with the Libertan faction when they make their move and other factions will be slow to react with hostility. LT will be pleased.
Double Pass = Trustworthy smile. +1 Re-Roll for the next War Council roll.
3 rolls of 1d100. You have TWO re-rolls.
This isn’t about politics, this is about survival. The Company’s survival.
*how fortuitous
My lazy copy paste at work again, sorry. But the DC maths should check out.
Rolled 6 (1d100)
>>6245154Roll
>>6218331
Rolled 13 (1d100)
>>6245154Rollan
>>6218336
>>6245154>[Spoiler] handoutsSurvivor of the strongest bitches
Rolled 91 (1d100)
>>6245154>>6218354Missed the vote, so I might as well roll for it. We have some solid first rolls, so do I chance a reroll if this isn't good?
>>6245164Absolutely re-roll homie, you have 2 of those bad boys. Use em up
>>6245165I suggest we only use one since the war council will have more rolls coming.
>>6245168Good work anon, a true daredevil you are
>>6245166I assumed this was the only roll for this war council (and that the re-rolls would regen before the next one but... assumptions I guess)
>>6245170It's all in the wrist. No luck here, just skill.
Drax
md5: 5e420dc907ab049b8f8ceb6a27cf425c
🔍
>3 SUCCESS: Everybody’s friend. Depending on how events in the immediate future unfold, the Company shouldn’t have any problems with the Libertan faction when they make their move and other factions will be slow to react with hostility. LT will be pleased.
You’re under no illusions that the game of maintaining a balancing act between the factions is something the LT has been playing for a long while now, and his consternation of leaving that to the resident musclehead (but still cunning!) NCO of his squad was obvious. You do your best not to upset that, so far as you can in the malleable torrent of agendas and arguments ranging from the critical to the frivolous as the night drags on.
Right now, keeping these rebels fired up and willing to fight is the course that maximises the Company’s own chances of making it out of this venting airlock of a mission alive. The Libertans are an easy mark for that end, many of them like Kerim’O’Kas already laud you as one of the champions of the cause. If they bestow just one more voiddamn empty laurel or honorific to your achingly long list of titles such as ‘The People’s Hero’ or ‘Saviour of the Saved’ or anymore of that space trash you’re going to puke, but you’ll suck it up if it means revving up the larger Libertan faction for the fight.
You’re not the only one unimpressed with the sickly sweet praises lauded upon you for saving the common slave, not least because the many of the common escaped slave is starving to death or being mowed down by Savis guns probably right this very moment, but unlike the Handouts issue with the hypocrisy you also personally don’t give a vacant voiddamn about the ‘common folk’ too weak to hunt the hunter themselves.
Becoming fluent in the Imperial pidgin that is the most common spoken language among the scores of different League of Dis species was essential. You didn’t have the luxury have handing out translators to the many rebels that underwent your crash course in jungle warfare, and hunting Savis patrols with a language barrier at the squad level was a recipe for disaster. Thanks to that necessity following the track of the debates and votes on the War Council’s course of action is something you can actually keep track of. Wasp may as well be a native-born speaker by this point, but you find yourself turning to him only occasionally and that’s usually to get a better grip on who is who in this zoo rather than translating the odd word or phrase you’re unfamiliar with.
So when the leader of the Handouts starts their outburst in your direction that sees several major factions responding with their own fierce defence of you and, by extension, the Company, you see it coming a voidjump away. Hot poison.
[1/4]
“How dare you!” Kerim’O’Kas and the Libertans voice their outrage before you can even open your mouth. “Were it not for Mama Snake’s tireless efforts on the front we would all be lost!”
“We are lost! Lost to your dreams!” Indigo Eyes points an accusing talon at the Libertan group to much grumbling.
“Lost to your empty promises!” Indigo Eyes flicks her wing from Shrivya and the Jumpers to Hail and the Red Hand’s direction. “Lost to your bloody-mindedness!”
Hail doesn’t even deign to give a response, continuing his muttered conversation with the young Asian human standing by his side.
The Asandi clacks her beak in your direction in frustration, clearly determined to have a go at everyone present “And lost to your greed!”
You cross your arms and return the Asandi’s glare with your own. You’ve faced down fanged terrors from the Green without flinching, some mouthy beakface with a chip on her wing doesn’t scare you one bit. To her credit, and you don’t hand that out easily to the self-proclaimed ‘prey’ that call themselves pacifists, she doesn’t blink.
“Outrageous! Vile slander against the People’s Hero!” Kerim’O’Kas warbles, affirming shouts from the other Libertans in your defence join the clamour. “You have always doubted! You have been against us from the start! Against the cause!”
As for the rest, the Jumpers and the Red Hand, they’ve got that same range of expressions varying from indifference to distaste and now a few with suspicion at the Asandi’s true loyalties. Most of the executions in the rebel base have been suspected spies and traitors, but not being enthusiastic enough for the fight has also earnt a seat in front of a firing squad. If you were a bit more learned, you might even appreciate the repetition of revolutionary history. It’s not like the Handouts were getting much help anyway, you wonder if Indigo Eye’s outburst is a typical scene at every War Council or if her anguish over the worsening plight of the refugees had led to this breaking point.
“PEACE.” But for once the rumble of the Auxl’s voice doesn’t put an end the escalating exchange of accusations.
Indigo Eyes looks last at Breaker, the sadness in her alien eyes apparent.
“You made this choice for us. Perhaps you look down on those who would have chosen a life of oppression, surviving on the outskirts of the Empire rather than going out in a blaze of glory after spitting in its eye.” The giant Auxl, Breaker of Chains, holds up a massive gnarled hand to forestall any further outcrys from the sidelines. “A pathetic choice it may be. But they will slaughter us all for this, down to the last babe. And who are you to make that choice for them? Are you the Dying Star, who has writ the fate of hatchlings on the skeins of the void between voids?”
[2/4]
Auxl
md5: 238c0fe9e67969c700496678131d54a9
🔍
Breaker of Chain’s stony gaze never leaves Indigo Eye’s face, but the seconds before the leader of the League finally speaks are long and heavy.
“YOU KNOW I AM NOT YOUR DYING STAR, ANYMORE THAN I AM KARV REBORN IN THE HIGH PLACES OR EVEN THE WHITE FLAME COME AGAIN. HERE WE ARE WITHOUT GODS AS WE ARE WITHOUT MASTERS.”
”No Gods, No Masters!” The room echoes with the resounding rallying cry of the cause.
“THIS IS THE PATH BEFORE US, AND EACH FREE SOUL OF US MUST MAKE OUR PEACE WITH WHERE IT LEADS. WORTHY AS SHE IS, I DID NOT SEEK THE MOTHER SERPENT’S COUNSEL MERELY TO LAUDE HER PERSON WITH ACCOLADES IN ONE BREATHE AND CONDEMN HER PART IN THE PATH WE HAVE CHOSEN WITH THE NEXT.” Calls of affirmation and agreement wash over the Auxl with the same stoic immobility that he faced his detractors. You get a gut-feeling that if Vinehound squad ever went toe to toe with a full Auxl Brotherhood in war gear, if they are anything like the unarmoured Breaker then your people would be in for a bad day indeed. “IF THE HOUR OF OUR RECKONING DRAWS NEAR, IN THE HIGH PLACES AS IT IS IN THE LOW, I WISH TO KNOW WHERE ON THE CHRONOMETER THAT ANNOINTED HOUR SITS.”
[3/4]
[4/4]
Breaker does not shout, he does not need to. Every word he utters carries the weight of mountains, the gravity of worlds. But this is the most that the gargantuan head of the League of Dis rebellion has said all night.
Once absolute silence is achieved in the wake of his rumbling dictation, he shifts his considerable weight and in plain English asks this of you.
“TELL US, SNAKE EYES, WHAT TIME DO WE HAVE LEFT?”
===================================================
>Give it to ‘em straight. Your report to the Company briefing provided an estimate of 4-5 weeks once the Savis got rolling with their titans in this sector, and you don’t deviate from that assessment here. They don’t need to know that the Company is planning to jump ship before that big showdown deadline, and the LT hasn’t outright ordered you to lie. Wheeling and dealing with the factions is one thing, lying to Breaker’s face is another. Warrior to warrior, telling him the truth is better than the alternative. [Honest Assessment, 4-5 weeks if that]
>Sugercoat the bad news. You know the reality is 4-5 weeks on the outside, assuming the main base isn’t discovered earlier, but it wouldn’t hurt to stretch that out to say… 2 months? The LT didn’t order you to exaggerate that 4-5 week figure, but you know the rebels working on a slightly longer deadline might give the Company an early bird advantage when the time comes to make their move. [Stretched Estimate, 2 months]
>People believe what they want to believe. If you sell it to the rebels right, they might just buy the angle that a smart play at the right time can see this brushfire war drawn out indefinitely while the Empire bleeds out. Even if some of the rebels don’t actually believe you, most will -want- to believe you and fight on all the harder and longer with that bit of hope on the line. Breaker is a warrior, sure, an -alien- warrior. You owe him nothing, honestly least of all. [Creative Estimate, 3 months or even indefinite]
>>6245204>Give it to ‘em straight. Your report to the Company briefing provided an estimate of 4-5 weeks once the Savis got rolling with their titans in this sector, and you don’t deviate from that assessment here. They don’t need to know that the Company is planning to jump ship before that big showdown deadline, and the LT hasn’t outright ordered you to lie. Wheeling and dealing with the factions is one thing, lying to Breaker’s face is another. Warrior to warrior, telling him the truth is better than the alternative. [Honest Assessment, 4-5 weeks if that]This will work in our favour both because we've helped radicalise those on the sidelines and because there are likely those who are still suspicious of us. Some here are sick of hearing how special we are, and probably think we're trying to con them. This blunt honesty will shock them out of that train of thought.
For those who already believe in us, those frothing to fight, this is just going to push them even further over the edge. The end is coming, it's coming now and it's coming for us all. They can either lay down and die like the pathetic Handouts or they can clean their guns one last time, sharpen their blades and fight to the death, taking as many Savs with them as possible.
Get their blood boiling, use our honesty to bolster the fight and deepen their trust in us
>>6218323Verification
>>6245204>Give it to ‘em straight. Your report to the Company briefing provided an estimate of 4-5 weeks once the Savis got rolling with their titans in this sector, and you don’t deviate from that assessment here. They don’t need to know that the Company is planning to jump ship before that big showdown deadline, and the LT hasn’t outright ordered you to lie. Wheeling and dealing with the factions is one thing, lying to Breaker’s face is another. Warrior to warrior, telling him the truth is better than the alternative. [Honest Assessment, 4-5 weeks if that]No need to lie here.
And to forestall any panic and add some flavor.
>"We've got 4-5 weeks so save your breath and skip the panic and accusations. Start planning now and act decisively we'll all be better for it.">>6218624Me, still phone posting from work
>>6245206>Give it to ‘em straight. Your report to the Company briefing provided an estimate of 4-5 weeks once the Savis got rolling with their titans in this sector, and you don’t deviate from that assessment here. They don’t need to know that the Company is planning to jump ship before that big showdown deadline, and the LT hasn’t outright ordered you to lie. Wheeling and dealing with the factions is one thing, lying to Breaker’s face is another. Warrior to warrior, telling him the truth is better than the alternative. [Honest Assessment, 4-5 weeks if that]Honestly will cement our position now.
>>6218331
>>6245204>Give it to ‘em straight. Your report to the Company briefing provided an estimate of 4-5 weeks once the Savis got rolling with their titans in this sector, and you don’t deviate from that assessment here. They don’t need to know that the Company is planning to jump ship before that big showdown deadline, and the LT hasn’t outright ordered you to lie. Wheeling and dealing with the factions is one thing, lying to Breaker’s face is another. Warrior to warrior, telling him the truth is better than the alternative. [Honest Assessment, 4-5 weeks if that]>>6219014My late ass v day
>>6245204>>6218354>Give it to ‘em straight. Your report to the Company briefing provided an estimate of 4-5 weeks once the Savis got rolling with their titans in this sector, and you don’t deviate from that assessment here. They don’t need to know that the Company is planning to jump ship before that big showdown deadline, and the LT hasn’t outright ordered you to lie. Wheeling and dealing with the factions is one thing, lying to Breaker’s face is another. Warrior to warrior, telling him the truth is better than the alternative. [Honest Assessment, 4-5 weeks if that]The truth serves us better here. It's not our fault if they can't apply our lessons to save themselves in the time they have.
>>6245204>>Give it to ‘em straight. Your report to the Company briefing provided an estimate of 4-5 weeks once the Savis got rolling with their titans in this sector, and you don’t deviate from that assessment here. They don’t need to know that the Company is planning to jump ship before that big showdown deadline, and the LT hasn’t outright ordered you to lie. Wheeling and dealing with the factions is one thing, lying to Breaker’s face is another. Warrior to warrior, telling him the truth is better than the alternative. [Honest Assessment, 4-5 weeks if that]I didn't even notice you were back my guy.
>>6218400This is me.
>>6245204>>Give it to ‘em straight. Your report to the Company briefing provided an estimate of 4-5 weeks once the Savis got rolling with their titans in this sector, and you don’t deviate from that assessment here. They don’t need to know that the Company is planning to jump ship before that big showdown deadline, and the LT hasn’t outright ordered you to lie. Wheeling and dealing with the factions is one thing, lying to Breaker’s face is another. Warrior to warrior, telling him the truth is better than the alternative. [Honest Assessment, 4-5 weeks if that]Shit's fucked but the choices are Fight or flight and no one in a practical sense is going to be able to run, Maybe 1 in 10 will get out but you have to choose between either dying free or being killed anywhere between today and five weeks from now.
Remember that this is what they are doing to you and its the only choice they are giving you.
>>6218336
>>6245204>Give it to ‘em straight. Your report to the Company briefing provided an estimate of 4-5 weeks once the Savis got rolling with their titans in this sector, and you don’t deviate from that assessment here. They don’t need to know that the Company is planning to jump ship before that big showdown deadline, and the LT hasn’t outright ordered you to lie. Wheeling and dealing with the factions is one thing, lying to Breaker’s face is another. Warrior to warrior, telling him the truth is better than the alternative. [Honest Assessment, 4-5 weeks if that]>>6221071First post (I think, it's been a while)
>SELECTED: Give it to ‘em straight. Your report to the Company briefing provided an estimate of 4-5 weeks once the Savis got rolling with their titans in this sector, and you don’t deviate from that assessment here. They don’t need to know that the Company is planning to jump ship before that big showdown deadline, and the LT hasn’t outright ordered you to lie. Wheeling and dealing with the factions is one thing, lying to Breaker’s face is another. Warrior to warrior, telling him the truth is better than the alternative. [Honest Assessment, 4-5 weeks if that]
>LEADERSHIP AUTO-PASS. The rebels reaction varies from dismayed to grim determination, the Company and the League of Dis will be working on the same timeline. Perhaps more importantly, Breaker appreciates your honest assessment.
4 to 5 weeks, then the gig is up. And that’s assuming the roving Auxiliary bands don’t ping an encampment of this size earlier. Your frank rundown of the likely time left before the Savis narrow down the potential camp locations and commence a major end-game offensive has a far more varied reaction than was seen in the Company Briefing. The rebels aren’t disciplined soldiers for the most part, but they also aren’t mercenaries looking to cash a paycheque at the end of all this. Breaker and several of the other leaders including Hail and Kerim’O’Kas serve as a steadying hand as your frank report is laid out in full.
You don’t miss Wasp’s muffled surprise at your honesty, he must have been expecting you to lay it on a little thick. But the reasons for you telling the truth here go beyond the merely philanthropic, you weighed up the benefits in selling the rebels on a longer timeframe against the potential risk of throwing your credit with them out the airlock if you were caught out laying it on too thick. You’re all still allies, for now. And it pays for you to all be on the same page, for now. You can’t say that will remaining the case as the hourglass trickles down, but that’s a problem for later.
[1/2]
[2/2]
As the chronometer clicks past midnight the War Council dwindles after the initial flurry of questions and adjustments to current plans to account for the foredoom schedule. There’s no dismissal or rollcall, everyone is free to leave when they need and some do to begin their assigned duties as soon as possible.
Defences must be prepared, such as they can, stockpiles provisioned to last at least that long and ammunition counts taken so that there is at least a semblance of an idea of what the League has to work with when the Savis assault begins in earnest. The main rebel base is nestled in the foothills of a respectably defensible position, hardly a stronghold but that was never the point. The League means to make a fight of it in the end, and take a damn few of their former masters down with them, but not even the most starry-eyed idealist entertains the thought that the Legions and the Titans of the Savis Empire can be held off for long.
Breaker asks to speak with you alone as the Council dwindles, but before you depart the Libertans insist on your awarded honorifics being recognised with the suitable pomp and granting of ceremonial gifts. To your shock even a few of the handouts come forward with gifts, though Kerim later explains many of these ones where family to rebels that had fought and died alongside you over the course of the
Most of these you throw away, or leave forgotten somewhere as the flames of war lick closer to home. But one of these gifts you keep. One you find yourself tucking away somewhere safe, not quite able to leave it behind when the scud hits the airvent.
====
(1)
>A personalised flag for the subsidiary rebels that may fall under your command in the field, mainly those with Red Hand loyalties. It depicts a clenched fist on a scarlet field, with a hissing viper coiled around the outstretched forearm. A simplified badge version of it is also distributed in patch form, worn as a mark of pride by both Vinehound squad in addition to the Company honours. [Red Hand Trophy]
>A printed booklet, made of actual paper. Inside the testimonies of hundreds of freed slaves are winnowed down to fine print over a hundred pages. Their entries of the individuals range from manifestos outlining the rights of all sentient species, to recollections of their life stories both in servitude and in freedom, to heartfelt handwritten letters of thanks to you. Most are strangers to you, but some of these names you know personally. [Libertan Trophy]
>A bracelet made of at least a dozen different bands of differently coloured rare fibres, each band representing one of the different species you helped free. Apparently it was handwoven by the families of those that have joined the fight. At the end of each band is a small clip of rare metal with a mark in the [Handout widow trophy]
_
(2)
>You keep more than one item. These people deserve that much. [Firebrand]
>You keep none the above. These 'people' mean nothing to you. [Xenophobe]
Maybe that should have been a single vote instead of two different votes. I'll go whichever way if anons want to clarify their position of keep two, keep one or keep none in their votes.
>>6245719(2)
>You keep more than one item. These people deserve that much. [Firebrand](1)
>A personalised flag for the subsidiary rebels that may fall under your command in the field, mainly those with Red Hand loyalties. It depicts a clenched fist on a scarlet field, with a hissing viper coiled around the outstretched forearm. A simplified badge version of it is also distributed in patch form, worn as a mark of pride by both Vinehound squad in addition to the Company honours. [Red Hand Trophy]And
>A bracelet made of at least a dozen different bands of differently coloured rare fibres, each band representing one of the different species you helped free. Apparently it was handwoven by the families of those that have joined the fight. At the end of each band is a small clip of rare metal with a mark in the [Handout widow trophy]The Red Hand flag as a badass morale boosting symbol for the men and the bracelet as a more personal memento. A reminder that we're not in this fight alone. Be it the members of Vinehound squad, other company squads, or even the support staff giving us the food and ammo we need to continue the fight. Not everything needs to rest on our shoulders. (Even if it sometimes feels that way)
>>6245721Forgot to verify
>>6218624This is me
>>6245720Looks like this option got cutoff what was the full text?
>A bracelet made of at least a dozen different bands of differently coloured rare fibres, each band representing one of the different species you helped free. Apparently it was handwoven by the families of those that have joined the fight. At the end of each band is a small clip of rare metal with a mark in the [Handout widow trophy]
>>6245723Cheers for pointing that out.
*with a mark in the native language of the species.
>>6245719(1)
>A personalised flag for the subsidiary rebels that may fall under your command in the field, mainly those with Red Hand loyalties. It depicts a clenched fist on a scarlet field, with a hissing viper coiled around the outstretched forearm. A simplified badge version of it is also distributed in patch form, worn as a mark of pride by both Vinehound squad in addition to the Company honours. [Red Hand Trophy](2)
Just keep the flag, that's a pretty cool. I don't think Nat is going to get too attached, we've always known these people are doomed. This is another grim job
>>6218323Verification
>>6245760Not an attack on you, but I hate this mindset.
>This is another grim job.I know we might have to make some terrible choices in order to survive. But if we lock into this mindset of "Its just another job." I can see it leading to some dark places. I can see this turning into the fall of Siagon at the end. Where we're going to have slaves galore clinging to our ride out and we're going have to shoot them in order to lift off
>>6245719>A personalised flag for the subsidiary rebels that may fall under your command in the field, mainly those with Red Hand loyalties. It depicts a clenched fist on a scarlet field, with a hissing viper coiled around the outstretched forearm. A simplified badge version of it is also distributed in patch form, worn as a mark of pride by both Vinehound squad in addition to the Company honours. [Red Hand Trophy]>A printed booklet, made of actual paper. Inside the testimonies of hundreds of freed slaves are winnowed down to fine print over a hundred pages. Their entries of the individuals range from manifestos outlining the rights of all sentient species, to recollections of their life stories both in servitude and in freedom, to heartfelt handwritten letters of thanks to you. Most are strangers to you, but some of these names you know personally. [Libertan Trophy]>You keep more than one item. These people deserve that much. [Firebrand]
>>6245769Shit, gotta verify
>>6221071Here
>>6245767You know what anon? You're right, I was being a bit hasty. Nat has fought and bled with these people and whilst my previous votes were intentionally accelerationist in order to achieve a goal, it's unlikely that Nat would feel nothing for any of these people. They're comrades of a sort
>>6245719Boss I'm going to change my vote here
>>6245760to be
(1)
>A personalised flag for the subsidiary rebels that may fall under your command in the field, mainly those with Red Hand loyalties. It depicts a clenched fist on a scarlet field, with a hissing viper coiled around the outstretched forearm. A simplified badge version of it is also distributed in patch form, worn as a mark of pride by both Vinehound squad in addition to the Company honours. [Red Hand Trophy]and
(2)
>You keep more than one item. These people deserve that much. [Firebrand]>A bracelet made of at least a dozen different bands of differently coloured rare fibres, each band representing one of the different species you helped free. Apparently it was handwoven by the families of those that have joined the fight. At the end of each band is a small clip of rare metal with a mark in the [Handout widow trophy]Because that bracelet option is cool, even if I don't like the Handouts themselves.
>>6218323Verification here again since my IP changed when I lost power earlier
>>6245719>You keep more than one item. These people deserve that much. [Firebrand]>A bracelet made of at least a dozen different bands of differently coloured rare fibres, each band representing one of the different species you helped free. Apparently it was handwoven by the families of those that have joined the fight. At the end of each band is a small clip of rare metal with a mark in the [Handout widow trophy]>A printed booklet, made of actual paper. Inside the testimonies of hundreds of freed slaves are winnowed down to fine print over a hundred pages. Their entries of the individuals range from manifestos outlining the rights of all sentient species, to recollections of their life stories both in servitude and in freedom, to heartfelt handwritten letters of thanks to you. Most are strangers to you, but some of these names you know personally. [Libertan Trophy]I'm voting for this one because this is these people's chance to prove they lived, to not go extinct forgotten by all in uncaring emptiness. Which is a danger they share with the remnants of humanity, though not for the same reason.
Confirmation:
>>6218338
>>6245719>A personalised flag for the subsidiary rebels that may fall under your command in the field, mainly those with Red Hand loyalties. It depicts a clenched fist on a scarlet field, with a hissing viper coiled around the outstretched forearm. A simplified badge version of it is also distributed in patch form, worn as a mark of pride by both Vinehound squad in addition to the Company honours. [Red Hand Trophy>>6219014My late ass v day
>>6245719>>A personalised flag for the subsidiary rebels that may fall under your command in the field, mainly those with Red Hand loyalties. It depicts a clenched fist on a scarlet field, with a hissing viper coiled around the outstretched forearm. A simplified badge version of it is also distributed in patch form, worn as a mark of pride by both Vinehound squad in addition to the Company honours. [Red Hand Trophy]>A bracelet made of at least a dozen different bands of differently coloured rare fibres, each band representing one of the different species you helped free. Apparently it was handwoven by the families of those that have joined the fight. At the end of each band is a small clip of rare metal with a mark in the [Handout widow trophy]>You keep more than one item. These people deserve that much. [Firebrand]We should at least keep these as mementos to prove that these people, lived and died and that their memory at the very least will not be forgotten.
>>6245719>A personalised flag for the subsidiary rebels that may fall under your command in the field, mainly those with Red Hand loyalties. It depicts a clenched fist on a scarlet field, with a hissing viper coiled around the outstretched forearm. A simplified badge version of it is also distributed in patch form, worn as a mark of pride by both Vinehound squad in addition to the Company honours. [Red Hand Trophy]Just the flag please, the other ones will hurt too much when we eventually betray these people.
>>6218441
>>6245719>>A personalised flag for the subsidiary rebels that may fall under your command in the field, mainly those with Red Hand loyalties. It depicts a clenched fist on a scarlet field, with a hissing viper coiled around the outstretched forearm. A simplified badge version of it is also distributed in patch form, worn as a mark of pride by both Vinehound squad in addition to the Company honours. [Red Hand Trophy]>You keep none the above. These 'people' mean nothing to you. [Xenophobe]Honestly I don't want Snake eyes to be a good person and remember it was Princes soft side that damned him.
>>6218336
>>6245719> [Firebrand]> [Libertan Trophy]For the Company records
> [Handout widow trophy]For us
Bury the flag and patch in a box so that something of Vinehound remains in Dis.
ID Check:
>>6218794
>>6246169On second thought, give the flag and patch to Crane. He will take good care of it.
>SELECTED: You keep more than one item. These people deserve that much. [Daredevil]
>SELECTED: A personalised flag for the subsidiary rebels that may fall under your command in the field, mainly those with Red Hand loyalties. It depicts a clenched fist on a scarlet field, with a hissing viper coiled around the outstretched forearm. A simplified badge version of it is also distributed in patch form, worn as a mark of pride by both Vinehound squad in addition to the Company honours. [Red Hand Trophy]
>SELECTED: A bracelet made of at least a dozen different bands of differently coloured rare fibres, each band representing one of the different species you helped free. Apparently it was handwoven by the families of those that have joined the fight. At the end of each band is a small clip of rare metal with a mark in the native language of each species that crafted it. [Handout widow trophy]
Something catches in your throat as you mumble out a pathetic thank you. You never asked for gratitude, not from the human slaves and certainly not from their alien comrades either. But even now, even when faced with the practical certainty of their grim end in the near future, here they are thanking you for giving them the chance of a taste of freedom. You don’t think you’ll be able to look these people in the eye when the time comes. When the Company does eventually pull up stakes and leave the League of Dis and everyone in it to their fate.
As the last of the groups leave, Breaker motions for you to stay behind. Hail gives you a nod before he exits, an unspoken agreement to meet up later. Soon it’s just you and the gigantic Auxl, his sheer presence sill filling up much of the room regardless. Long moments pass before he finally speaks, his voice firm as always but his tone sombre.
“A WARRIOR’S DEATH AWAITS THOSE WHO STAY, AND THAT IS A FATE WORTHY OF THE HIGH PLACES.” Breaker pauses, a thick gnarled thumb and finger stroking his chin in a curiously man-like gesture. “YOUR HUMAN CULTURE HAS THIS, THE VIRTUE OF AN HONOURABLE END?”
“Warrior? I don’t know about that. Soldier, maybe. But I’ve always preferred the attitude of making voiddamn sure you get the other guy before he gets you.” Martial philosophy is more Crane’s street, if Breaker is expecting peals of wisdom from you he’s likely to be disappointed. But you relent and admit his point. “But sure, if you can’t avoid getting killed then going out with a bang is the next best thing I guess.”
“ ‘A BANG’ HMMM. OUR END WILL NOT BE QUIET, OF THAT I AM SURE.” The leader of the League of Dis seems to find your answer amusing.
[1/3]
“IT MAY BE DIFFERENT FOR YOUR PEOPLE, BUT TO THE CLAN BROTHERHOODS THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR IS TO PROTECT THOSE WHO HAVE NOT THE STRENGTH TO DEFEND THEMSELVES. AS IT IS IN THE HIGH PLACES, SO IT IS IN THE LOW. WOULD YOU NOT AGREE?”
“If you say so.” You can’t say that’s been your own lived experienced in a mercenary outfit.
“IF WE DO NOT DO ALL WITHIN OUR POWER TO SAVE THOSE WHO CAN BE SAVED, WE HAVE FALLEN SHORT OF THAT CODE AND WALKED THE LOW WAYS.” Breaker regards your silence with solemn understanding for a moment, the hint of a weary smile slipping out from that cliffside of a xenos face. “YOU ARE LESS CERTAIN, I KNOW. I WISH WE HAD LONGER, THAT OUR TIME IN KAVARG'MAGA WAS NOT SO FLEETING. FOR THAT YOU HAVE MY HEARTFELT SORROW. YOU HAVE DONE MUCH FOR US ALREADY, SNAKE EYES. MUCH FOR THIS BROTHERHOOD. I WOULD ASK ONE MORE HIGH DUTY OF YOU, BEFORE YOU AND YOURS DEPART FROM US.”
You suppress a stiff knee-jerk reaction, playing it as cool as you can.
“Who said anything about us leaving?”
“NO ONE. BUT I AM NOT BLIND. I KNOW THAT YOUR BROTHERHOOD WALKS THE LOW WAYS, AND I KNOW THAT WE WOULD NEVER HAVE COME AS FAR AS WE HAVE IF THEY DID NOT. YOUR PEOPLE DO NOT INTEND TO DIE HERE, AND YOUR MASTER IS A CUNNING ONE. I AM CERTAIN HE HAS A PLAN.” Something in your face must have given away your concerns, because Breaker shifts his weight. An entirely innocent movement, but one that brings you back to full awareness of how thick his furred arms are, how easily he could snack you like a twig. “IF. IF YOUR CAPTAIN DOES HAVE A PLAN TO SURVIVE WHAT LIES AHEAD BY MY BROKEN CHAINS YOU HAVE MY WORD WE WILL DO YOU NO HARM. I ASK ONLY ONE THING OF YOU.”
[2/3]
[3/3]
“ALL THAT I ASK IS THAT WHEN YOUR BROTHERHOOD LEAVES US, YOU TAKE THE WEAKEST OF OUR STRANGE NEW CLAN WITH YOU. THE YOUNGEST, THOSE WITH THE MOST OF LIFE LEFT AHEAD OF THEM. PERHAPS NONE OF US TRULY DESERVE WHAT IS COMING, BUT THEY DESERVE THAT FATE LEAST OF ALL.”
Your eyebrow twitches as you run the numbers on Breaker’s final request. Even if you keep it to the very youngest, babes and toddlers and the like, that’s still going to perhaps double the number of transports needed get everyone out in one go, or necessitate a second and even riskier trip assuming the first run makes it through unscathed. And then the added strain that an extra hundred or so little mouths to feed will have on the supply situation. What if the LT’s estimate of waiting it out in the Salayun Depression is too optimistic? How much more risk does that add, stealing yet more supplies from your new hiding spot?
“…Blue wouldn’t-“ Even now, when it probably doesn’t matter anymore, you’re careful not to use the LT’s rank.
“I AM SPEAKING TO YOU, SNAKE EYES. NOT YOUR MASTER. NOT STRATEGIST TO TACTICIAN. THIS IS KAVARG’MAGA AT IT’S ESSENCE, A FINAL REQUEST. WARRIOR TO WARRIOR.”
===========================
> “-If- we had a plan, and that’s a big fat IF my giant friend, and -if- my boss were to agree to this then I can tell you it won’t be out of the kindness of his cold blue heart. It won’t be charity that’s for voiddamn sure, I’ll need guarantees.” You back Breaker’s plea, but the LT won’t like that you’re basically admitting the Company has something planned. You need to come with him with something solid from Breaker, a promise of non-interference with your exit strategy is a start, but with the right motivation the Auxl leader might agree to use his sparse rebel forces in costly offensives designed to cover your escape. [Daredevil]
> “Voiddamn it Breaker, I told you this girl ain’t the warrior you’re looking for. We don’t have the men, we don’t have the goods, and we don’t have a way out. We’re probably all going to die here anyway. But… fuck it, I’ll ask okay? Maybe the boss can whip out a hail voidmother when scud hits the airlock.” You relay Breaker’s final request to the LT, but you know it’s a doomed proposition. You feign ignorance of a plan already in the works, not pressing Breaker for more. [Firebrand]
>“Right now my people are as fragged as yours, Breaker. I don’t see an out here, I don’t think anyone does if we’re being honest. But if a gap does open up, if my people see a way out of it, I can’t pretend that we’re going to shave those long odds at all by saddling up with a bunch of kids.” You don’t back Breaker’s plea to take the younglings to the LT, and you also don’t acknowledge the existence of a Company plan already in the works. [Xenophobe]
>>6246197>“Right now my people are as fragged as yours, Breaker. I don’t see an out here, I don’t think anyone does if we’re being honest. But if a gap does open up, if my people see a way out of it, I can’t pretend that we’re going to shave those long odds at all by saddling up with a bunch of kids.” You don’t back Breaker’s plea to take the younglings to the LT, and you also don’t acknowledge the existence of a Company plan already in the works. [Xenophobe]We can't do it. The Company isn't going to take on a swarm of useless children. The Company isn't compassion or empathy, it's the Black Company.
Not only that but we absolutely can't go breaking OP-SEC by admitting to this shit. He's already said he won't try to stop us or harm us, we'll report that to the LT but we can't go sharing classified info with Breaker here. And fuck, what if someone decided to stick around and listen outside the tent?
This is a no-go
>>6218323Verification
>>6246198>He's already said he won't try to stop us or harm usNot trying to sway the vote at all, just pointing out my intention was that this promise was somewhat conditional. Everything is still very much up in the air as to how bad the bugout really gets if when the Imps hit full massacre-mode.
>>6246199Fair enough, good to know. My vote remains the same. If it helps, have a write in for plausible deniability to add on to my vote
>I’m just a Sergeant, Breaker, I’m not privy to that kind of information… our Company it’s… a lot more structured than this rebel outfit you know? Information is compartmentalized, need to know. If there was some escape plan it wouldn't filter down to me but as it stands right now, we're fighting to the gruesome end within the month, just like you.
>>6246197> “-If- we had a plan, and that’s a big fat IF my giant friend, and -if- my boss were to agree to this then I can tell you it won’t be out of the kindness of his cold blue heart. It won’t be charity that’s for voiddamn sure, I’ll need guarantees.” You back Breaker’s plea, but the LT won’t like that you’re basically admitting the Company has something planned. You need to come with him with something solid from Breaker, a promise of non-interference with your exit strategy is a start, but with the right motivation the Auxl leader might agree to use his sparse rebel forces in costly offensives designed to cover your escape. [Daredevil]Breaker already knows and it's probably an open secret we're leaving. Wasp probably already saw to that. Might as well see if we can get something to secure our exfil. And in time these kids could be used to fill our ranks. People with no past, raised and trained to fight for the only home they know, the Black Company.
>>6218624Phone posting from work
>>6246198>>6246200Sorry anon, but there is no OP-SEC anymore. Breaker all but knows, whether Wasp told him, or if one of the many troopers who got buddy buddy with the rebels leaked the secret. I don't think lying to him now is going to go well. If you do want to lie I don't think feigning ignorance is the best approach.
>>6246203He has his suspicions, confirming them would be a poor choice, especially if literally anyone else from his camp hears
As an aside, I'll be taking this weekend off from updates. See you gents Monday AEST for the next update.
>>6246206Got it, enjoy your weekend Forgotten. We could always do with more drunken professions of your love for us over the weekend though.
>>6246197>>6218354> “Voiddamn it Breaker, I told you this girl ain’t the warrior you’re looking for. We don’t have the men, we don’t have the goods, and we don’t have a way out. We’re probably all going to die here anyway. But… fuck it, I’ll ask okay? Maybe the boss can whip out a hail voidmother when scud hits the airlock.” You relay Breaker’s final request to the LT, but you know it’s a doomed proposition. You feign ignorance of a plan already in the works, not pressing Breaker for more. [Firebrand]I vote for the option of inner turmoil. Keeping secrets from Breaker and Boy Blue. We make no promises to Breaker but we do our damnedest to get the extra ships and supplies on our next missions so that we can have the extras, just in case of course.
"We don't care about the kids, but we have the space and food to bring them along, right? If we have the kids on board the rebels on the ground will defend us on the way out, to their deaths probably. We are going to need new blood after this shit show anyways."
>>6246197> “Voiddamn it Breaker, I told you this girl ain’t the warrior you’re looking for. We don’t have the men, we don’t have the goods, and we don’t have a way out. We’re probably all going to die here anyway. But… fuck it, I’ll ask okay? Maybe the boss can whip out a hail voidmother when scud hits the airlock.” You relay Breaker’s final request to the LT, but you know it’s a doomed proposition. You feign ignorance of a plan already in the works, not pressing Breaker for more. [Firebrand]>>6219014My late ass v day
>>6246197>> “Voiddamn it Breaker, I told you this girl ain’t the warrior you’re looking for. We don’t have the men, we don’t have the goods, and we don’t have a way out. We’re probably all going to die here anyway. But… fuck it, I’ll ask okay? Maybe the boss can whip out a hail voidmother when scud hits the airlock.” You relay Breaker’s final request to the LT, but you know it’s a doomed proposition. You feign ignorance of a plan already in the works, not pressing Breaker for more. [Firebrand]We can't afford to have a bleeding heart, this is a position of where we can't do nothing, but there's nothing we can do. So we gotta do what we can
>>6218400Me
>>6246197>> “Voiddamn it Breaker, I told you this girl ain’t the warrior you’re looking for. We don’t have the men, we don’t have the goods, and we don’t have a way out. We’re probably all going to die here anyway. But… fuck it, I’ll ask okay? Maybe the boss can whip out a hail voidmother when scud hits the airlock.” You relay Breaker’s final request to the LT, but you know it’s a doomed proposition. You feign ignorance of a plan already in the works, not pressing Breaker for more. [Firebrand]I WANT to say no BUT on the other hand Child soldiers.
>>6246197> “-If- we had a plan, and that’s a big fat IF my giant friend, and -if- my boss were to agree to this then I can tell you it won’t be out of the kindness of his cold blue heart. It won’t be charity that’s for voiddamn sure, I’ll need guarantees.” You back Breaker’s plea, but the LT won’t like that you’re basically admitting the Company has something planned. You need to come with him with something solid from Breaker, a promise of non-interference with your exit strategy is a start, but with the right motivation the Auxl leader might agree to use his sparse rebel forces in costly offensives designed to cover your escape. [Daredevil]>>6218733this is me
>>6246197> “-If- we had a plan, and that’s a big fat IF my giant friend, and -if- my boss were to agree to this then I can tell you it won’t be out of the kindness of his cold blue heart. It won’t be charity that’s for voiddamn sure, I’ll need guarantees.” You back Breaker’s plea, but the LT won’t like that you’re basically admitting the Company has something planned. You need to come with him with something solid from Breaker, a promise of non-interference with your exit strategy is a start, but with the right motivation the Auxl leader might agree to use his sparse rebel forces in costly offensives designed to cover your escape. [Daredevil]>>6218451Me.
Since there seems to be a lot of contention on this vote maybe some anons would settle for a compromise, like...
>"I can't make you a promise that I'd have no way of keeping Breaker. I can put forward your request, but no more, that kind of decision isn't up to me. What is up to me, is the composition of my squad and its logistics. I can see to it, that some of those you want to survive end up as porters and equipment haulers for my squad and that they will survive the upcoming confrontation and "beyond" [insert knowing look here] I can't promise more than that."
Basically, we can talk to the Lt. for what good it will do, but if that fails we'd be willing to personally care for some of these less fortunates.
>>6246996Nah sorry anon, I can't agree to Nat taking on responsibility for dead weight and non-combatants. Even then we're going to have almost no room for the rebels best fighters and that's IF they agree to swear their allegiance to the Company.
And on top of that, I worry that the second we utter "yes, some of the rebels can come with us" or when we actually try to extract them (during the hellish fighting) it's going to get out of hand. People will notice, things will get messy and we might have a fight on two fronts.
Ultimately, room is short and the Black Company isn't a life saving charity. We're here to start a rebellion and then leave unnoticed. We came here knowing these people were going to die. Some empathy and attachment is normal but if we give in here we're opening ourselves up to so much risk
All that being said, I won't bitch a moan if my choice doesn't get picked. If we decide to play Nat as developing some more empathy for these people then that's just who she is, we'll just play here a little more empathetic in the future. No worries
>>6247075I agree with you that the Company should take priority when it comes to room on the transports. I also agree that extraction is going to be hell, but its going to be that way almost regardless of what we choose. My hope is that by working with the rebels some on how the extraction happens, we can make it a bit more organized and a bit less deadly when we are forced to keep order.. If it comes down to it we could pay the Jumpers to take some of the slaves off world and have the slaves reimburse the Company by a stint of service or wage garnishment should they join up.
>>6247075>>6247122On second thought we could tell Breaker that the Company can't/ isn’t going anything, but we can see if the Jumpers would be willing to take people off world for a price. Then we could have the slaves do the reimbursement by service thing, for the Company paying their for their tickets off world.
>>6247123That way we could keep our hands semi-clean and let the Jumpers worry about the logistics of taking the slaves off world. It would also ease the minds some of the more attached troopers, without risking our own exfil. Blue might just agree if we can convince him the company will come out ahead on funds after the slaves stint of service.
>>6247075We should probably lean into the survival of the fittest here and just offer those who do make it a spot in the company.
>>6247122Pretty sure the company is still for life.
>>6246197> “Voiddamn it Breaker, I told you this girl ain’t the warrior you’re looking for. We don’t have the men, we don’t have the goods, and we don’t have a way out. We’re probably all going to die here anyway. But… fuck it, I’ll ask okay? Maybe the boss can whip out a hail voidmother when scud hits the airlock.” You relay Breaker’s final request to the LT, but you know it’s a doomed proposition. You feign ignorance of a plan already in the works, not pressing Breaker for more. [Firebrand]This isn’t our call to make, it’s the LT’s
Even then though, I agree with this anon
>>6247075 - realistically, this plan has zero chance getting off the ground. Once rebels know that we’re bugging out, they’ll turn on us - either desperate to be saved, or furious that we’re abandoning the fight.
>>6218833V card
>>6246197> “Voiddamn it Breaker, I told you this girl ain’t the warrior you’re looking for. We don’t have the men, we don’t have the goods, and we don’t have a way out. We’re probably all going to die here anyway. But… fuck it, I’ll ask okay? Maybe the boss can whip out a hail voidmother when scud hits the airlock.” You relay Breaker’s final request to the LT, but you know it’s a doomed proposition. You feign ignorance of a plan already in the works, not pressing Breaker for more. [Firebrand]It's a fun conundrum to think over, but I think Nat's "survival of the fittest" mentality still prevails over her empathy. But this whole thing will most likely influence her decision in the future and it's something I don't mind.
>>6248162Also, my verification
>>6218332Me
>SELECTED: “Voiddamn it Breaker, I told you this girl ain’t the warrior you’re looking for. We don’t have the men, we don’t have the goods, and we don’t have a way out. We’re probably all going to die here anyway. But… fuck it, I’ll ask okay? Maybe the boss can whip out a hail voidmother when scud hits the airlock.” You relay Breaker’s final request to the LT, but you know it’s a doomed proposition. You feign ignorance of a plan already in the works, not pressing Breaker for more. [Firebrand]
“Voiddamn it Breaker, I told you this girl ain’t the warrior you’re looking for. We don’t have the men, we don’t have the goods, and we don’t have a way out.” You don’t have the fake the hint of pain in your voice as you “We’re probably all going to die here anyway. But… fuck it, I’ll ask okay? Maybe the boss can whip out a hail voidmother when scud hits the airlock.”
Even as you say the words you know it’s most likely peddling false hope, and Breaker isn’t buying. You both have a measure of just how ruthless the LT can be when the situation demands it, and the situation is going to be voiddamn demanding pretty soon.
“I UNDERSTAND. ONE CAN ONLY ASK. LOK’SHEM BATA, ASH’KAHN.” Breaker of Chains turns his back on you, the despondence in his voice distracts you from checking whether your translator even has Auxl Clanspeak as a base setting. “IF YOU DO NOT MIND, ‘MAMA SNAKE’, IT IS LATE AND THE TEA HAS GROWN COLD.”
“Alright, maybe another time then.” You don’t mind giving these irregular Kavarg’Maga cermenonies a miss, the traditional Auxl beverage always got you looking at things a little funny even after you got used to the numb tongue.
“PERHAPS.” Breaker raises his head slightly, making peace with something. “BUT I DO NOT THINK IT LIKELY.”
[1/3]
Your mind is in a dark place as you stalk back in the direction of the Vinehound Squad bivouacs. You unconsciously play with your technicolour bracelet, or perhaps it’s the opposite and your fidgeting is all to conscious. They aren’t bad folk, these League of Dis rebels. You’re a long way from calling yourself a friend to the alien, but even the xenos types in their ranks have done nothing you know of to deserve what’s coming. These escaped slaves have just had the ‘verse deal them a shitty hand, that’s all. It’s not like you’re looking forward to making it even shittier before the end. But you’ve made your bed and your voiddamn going to lie in it, especially since that’s the bed that maybe sees you and your people get out of this mess alive.
"It ain't Goddamn right!"
A tense edge to the tone of two slightly raised forces up ahead serves as a welcome distraction to your troubles. You can see Corporal Crane and Trooper Bones facing each other by the camp showers, occasional lukewarm showers being one of the few perks of setting up shop in a pre-established smuggling den. Both men are in out of their combat gear for once, Crane in short PT shorts and a folded towel over his shoulders and Bones much the same but with an old Earth Republic army shirt on top. Bones is one of the physically fittest soldiers in your platoon, once you discount cybernetic or genemodded freaks like yourself, and you’ve always thought that Crane’s canvas of full-body ink complemented his lean physique rather well. A girl might have been minded to ogle for bit and perhaps dish out the customary crude remark or wolf whistle.
But something in the sharp tone and hard stares the two men are giving each other gives you pause, enough for you to dismiss your first instinct to engage in some squaddie banter and instead straighten up and put on your sergeant face. Although the two men are still a fair distance away when they spot you approaching, your preternaturally enhanced hearing can pick up the angry mutter of Bones as he storms off in the opposite direction.
“We’ll fragging see about that!”
Crane watches the Trooper disappear around a corner with his typical silence before turning his impassive face back to you.
[2/3]
[3/3]
“Yo.” You jerk your head over Crane’s shoulder, in the direction Bones went off in a huff. “What was that all about?”
“…” Crane’s eyes narrow as you follows your gaze over his shoulder. He’s never one to let his words get ahead of his head, but he takes a little longer than usual to answer you. “Nothing you need concern yourself with, Snake Eyes-sama. I will take care of it.”
=========================
> “Kewl. So anyway, since you’re up, wanna roll with me to this little secret meet of Hail’s? Save us both the trouble of giving you the rundown afterwards.” You don’t pay Crane’s tactfulness a second thought, if it was something you needed to know he’d let you know. You’re more interested in having him with you for the important stuff, and that includes his own take on Alexander Hail and the Red Hand. [Daredevil]
> “Alrighty number 2, your call. How’s the rest of the squad taking it?” You can guess that a compartmentalised version of the Company briefing may be the source of the strife, but if Crane says he has this Bone’s situation in hand then he has it in hand. You can at least ask about whether there’s anything going on with the others though. [Firebrand]
> “No really Crane, tell me.” If your resident good-guy Trooper Bones is letting his big heart get the better of his common sense, not to mention his place in the chain-of-command, then you want to know. And preferably before he does something stupid. [Xenophobe]
>>6248559>> “No really Crane, tell me.” If your resident good-guy Trooper Bones is letting his big heart get the better of his common sense, not to mention his place in the chain-of-command, then you want to know. And preferably before he does something stupid. [Xenophobe]Whilst I trust Crane pretty much completely, no one is immune to getting their head fucked by emotion. It's better we check in on each other every now and then rather than ignore it just because it's "fine"
>>6218323Verification
>>6248559> “Alrighty number 2, your call. How’s the rest of the squad taking it?” You can guess that a compartmentalised version of the Company briefing may be the source of the strife, but if Crane says he has this Bone’s situation in hand then he has it in hand. You can at least ask about whether there’s anything going on with the others though. [Firebrand]verify
>>6218345
>>6248559> “No really Crane, tell me.” If your resident good-guy Trooper Bones is letting his big heart get the better of his common sense, not to mention his place in the chain-of-command, then you want to know. And preferably before he does something stupid. [Xenophobe]And
> “Alrighty number 2, your call. How’s the rest of the squad taking it?” You can guess that a compartmentalised version of the Company briefing may be the source of the strife, but if Crane says he has this Bone’s situation in hand then he has it in hand. You can at least ask about whether there’s anything going on with the others though. [Firebrand]I see no reason why we can ask for both, we should get a full picture of our squad's feelings on this and possibly sit down somewhere quiet and have a "family" meeting.
>>6218624It's me
>>6248588Supporting this if possible.
We can find out what's up with Bones and if Crane says he can handle it. We'll leave it to him. We should definitely make sure Bones isn't the only one getting mixed up about what's about to go down.
>>6248655>>6218400Fuck forgot to say this is me.
>>6248559> “Alrighty number 2, your call. How’s the rest of the squad taking it?” You can guess that a compartmentalised version of the Company briefing may be the source of the strife, but if Crane says he has this Bone’s situation in hand then he has it in hand. You can at least ask about whether there’s anything going on with the others though. [Firebrand]I'm going to trust Crane on this, no need to micro-manage every drama within the squad.
>>6218451Me.
>>6248559> “No really Crane, tell me.” If your resident good-guy Trooper Bones is letting his big heart get the better of his common sense, not to mention his place in the chain-of-command, then you want to know. And preferably before he does something stupid. [Xenophobe]While I do worry what the others think, this seems like the one piece of our group that could be the most loose. Terrier comes to mind too, but we did have that talk with her way back and it confirmed that she was merely playing nice with the "assets." Night-Night seems to come to mind when I remember Thread 2 when she advised against us killing the surrendering bug, but that may just come from a need for "civility" considering she comes from a nice fancy bootlicker family. Plus, both of them are Comrades, which makes me think they will follow Nat without much hassle. The others probably don't have a qualm, maybe Blondie, but he wasn't here all this time with the Rebs, he couldn't grow attached to them that quickly.
My conclusion is that we should patch up resentment that could potentially endanger the stability of the squad and the mission.
>>6218332Me
>>6248559>> “No really Crane, tell me.” If your resident good-guy Trooper Bones is letting his big heart get the better of his common sense, not to mention his place in the chain-of-command, then you want to know. And preferably before he does something stupid. [Xenophobe]None of this is going to end well, I suspect we are going to face several possible defections. But thats what we get for letting our people fraternise.
>>6218336
> “Alrighty number 2, your call. How’s the rest of the squad taking it?” You can guess that a compartmentalised version of the Company briefing may be the source of the strife, but if Crane says he has this Bone’s situation in hand then he has it in hand. You can at least ask about whether there’s anything going on with the others though. [Firebrand]
> “No really Crane, tell me.” If your resident good-guy Trooper Bones is letting his big heart get the better of his common sense, not to mention his place in the chain-of-command, then you want to know. And preferably before he does something stupid. [Xenophobe]
These two options are evenly tied. First roll under gets their pick.
> 50DC
As an aside, do anons want Crane to tag along with you to Hail's meeting regardless or solo it?
Rolled 82 (1d100)
>>6249010> “No really Crane, tell me.” If your resident good-guy Trooper Bones is letting his big heart get the better of his common sense, not to mention his place in the chain-of-command, then you want to know. And preferably before he does something stupid. [Xenophobe]As an aside, do anons want Crane to tag along with you to Hail's meeting regardless or solo it?
>Yes
>>6249011Yes tag along, haha sorry
Rolled 43 (1d100)
>>6249010> “No really Crane, tell me.” If your resident good-guy Trooper Bones is letting his big heart get the better of his common sense, not to mention his place in the chain-of-command, then you want to know. And preferably before he does something stupid. [Xenophobe]>>6218336
> SELECTED: “No really Crane, tell me.” If your resident good-guy Trooper Bones is letting his big heart get the better of his common sense, not to mention his place in the chain-of-command, then you want to know. And preferably before he does something stupid. [Xenophobe]
>LEADERSHIP: BATTLE BROTHER AUTO-PASS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdFQfaf0yu8&ab_channel=BillKiley-Topic – Crane Ex-Yakuza theme
You give your shirtless 2IC a measured look, you trust the man with your life but you know some of your squad have formed genuine connections with the rebels here. With the bumpy road ahead, and the tough calls that are going to be made, you want to keep your hand firmly on the till of this rickety voidship.
“No really Crane, tell me.” Your tone brooks no argument.
“… くそ” Crane mutters sourly, but his frustration isn’t aimed at you. “I have relayed the need-to-know for our part from the briefing, as Blue ordered, but that is enough for them to read between the lines. There are some hard feelings towards the course upon which we are set.”
“Hmm, Wasp mentioned that Bones was in tight with the Libertans.” You’d seen the Trooper hanging around their number a fair bit in his downtime, so that itself hadn’t exactly come as a surprise. “Do you think we have a potential problem here?”
“…” Crane holds his tongue for a moment. He doesn’t answer until after a quick scan to check that no one is within earshot. “Maybe. My words are for you Natalya, not the Lieutenant. I fear for what our commander might do if he were to suspect dissension in the ranks at this critical stage. I fear what he might order you to do.”
“Clayton’s Cunt, Crane!” You’re just barely able to keep your voice to an appalled hiss. “You really think I’d do in one of our own like that?”
“…” Crane regards you silently. Both of you are thinking about the allied rebel you killed in cold blood at the regional governor’s palace. Murdered on the LT’s orders.
“Don’t, Shiz. Just… don’t.” A warning growl rises in your throat, your teeth half-bared. “That was different, and you know it. Bones is one of ours, I would never-“
“I know, Natalya. I know.” The uncharacteristic sympathy etched in Crane’s face helps deflate your sudden spike of anger. “You are as fierce as a mother bear with her cubs when it comes to the Vinehounds, it is the main reason why they love you so much. It is also why I was reluctant to speak with you about this at first, you have more than enough to concern you as it stands without having to worry about what the Lieutenant may do if this does become a problem.”
[1/3]
“…I don’t know what the LT would do.” And you honestly don’t. The LT is a Company man to the core, but he has never hid his ruthless streak. If it came between sacrificing one man, even a Company man, if that man put the others at risk… “You really think Bones would go running to his rebel friends and give them the lowdown on the Company plan?”
“I doubt that he would go that far.” Crane says with a shake of his head. “But he is going to be asked some very hard questions by his newfound friends when we start plundering critical League supplies.”
“We might have some movement on that front.” You relay Wasp’s proposal of hitting a mapped out Savis depot as an alternative to the LT’s initial plan to take supplies and transport directly from the rebels, which sounds like a good idea to Crane.
“That would go a long way towards addressing the tensions.” Crane nods, stroking his chin. “Yes. That may be enough. Convincing the Lieutenant of the merits of Pathfinder Wasp’s proposal is now doubly important, but reasons the man may not fully appreciate.”
“Might be enough?” Convincing the LT is one thing, but you want to know exactly what is required to make sure your people are 100% in line.
“Bones is a good man, a man that looks for a cause worth fighting for. The fall of the Earth Republic and it’s ideals left a hole for him, I think. I do not believe the life of the mercenary filled that hole to his satisfaction, he may have found something closer to what he was missing in this new movement of the liberated slaves. When the time comes for us to go, leaving those newfound comrades of his behind, I am not sure he will come willingly.”
You scratch your head, you hadn’t previously treated the prospect of one your own just not leaving seriously until now. “If he stays here he’s a dead man. He’s gotta know that, right?”
“I think that the fear of certain death is enough reason for you and I, and likely enough for the others.” Crane shrugs, only someone that knows him as well as you do would be able to detect his uncertainty. “As I said, Bones is a good man at heart. Good men tend to believe in causes like this one, and good men have died willingly for far less.”
[2/3]
[3/3]
Desertion. That wasn’t nearly as bad as outright betrayal, but the distinction would matter much as far as the end result was concerned.
No one leaves the Black Company once they join, not really. It was a tradition that had apparently harked back to the Company’s founding centuries ago, in the pre-gunpowder years on Fallen Earth way back when. Sure it was a little more relaxed now, in an organisation as large and widespread as the Company was in this modern age there was a retirement plan of sorts in the form of SECOM reserves for the permanently injured or old-timers that wanted a little set up somewhere planetside. Those usually came with a cushy low security posting somewhere and enough leeway to basically live out your years as a civilian. But you were still Company, you could still be called up in emergency or for major operations in your respective zones. If you listened to the rumours, there was an entire secret military division in the Company which, among other things, hunted down and retrieved or retired AWOL members. One way or another, the Company was for life.
“Okay. Let’s say that comes up, or we know it’s coming up. What’s the game plan?”
Crane crosses his arms across his bare chest deep in thought for a moment before looking back up at you.
“To be perfectly honest Snake Eyes-sama, my first thought was a shock stick to the back and some voidcracker pills to keep him quiet on the ride out.”
===================================
>“Bzzt.” You come up with a secret signal to give Crane when the time comes to definitely defuse this potential Bones situation. You’ll be the distraction, your 2IC will bring the anti-desertion stick and happy drugs. [Daredevil]
>“Not one to mince words, are you? Let’s try talking him down first, if it comes to that.” You’ll give diplomacy a shot first, if it really is looking like Trooper Bones is about to jump ship. Something more direct could burn that bridge with your soldier. [Firebrand]
> “Heh. Funny as that is, we are getting a little ahead of ourselves here. Just keep an eye on him for now, let me know which way the wind is blowing as we get closer to zero hour.” You put a pin in this for now, too much depends on other factors to be putting a contingency in place right now. [Xenophobe]
_
(2) As you make your way to the rendevouz with Hail, you enquire about the welfare of one or two other members of the squad that you’re worried may have also gotten a little to close to the rebels. (SELECT TWO)
>Sapper ‘Convict’
>Signallier ‘Night Night’
>Gunner ‘Nines’
>Medico ‘Petal’
>Trooper ‘Terri’
>Trooper ‘Rem Sev’
>Trooper ‘Husk’
>Trooper ‘Blondie’
>>6249061(1)
>“Bzzt.” You come up with a secret signal to give Crane when the time comes to definitely defuse this potential Bones situation. You’ll be the distraction, your 2IC will bring the anti-desertion stick and happy drugs. [Daredevil]Yeah nah sorry Bones, the Company is for life and this is better than shooting him in the back of the head when the time comes.
(2) As you make your way to the rendevouz with Hail, you enquire about the welfare of one or two other members of the squad that you’re worried may have also gotten a little to close to the rebels. (SELECT TWO)
>Sapper ‘Convict’>Trooper ‘Husk’I could honestly see these two sympathising pretty easily with the rebels
>>6218323Verification
>>6249061>“Bzzt.” You come up with a secret signal to give Crane when the time comes to definitely defuse this potential Bones situation. You’ll be the distraction, your 2IC will bring the anti-desertion stick and happy drugs. [Daredevil]I'd rather not hang a good solider unless we really have too, at the very least he can be rotated out at the end of this or something.
>Trooper ‘Terri’>Signallier ‘Night Night’I want to check in on our other potential risks.
>>6218336
>>6249061(1)
>“Not one to mince words, are you? Let’s try talking him down first, if it comes to that.” You’ll give diplomacy a shot first, if it really is looking like Trooper Bones is about to jump ship. Something more direct could burn that bridge with your soldier. [Firebrand](2)
>Sapper ‘Convict’>Trooper ‘Husk’We should talk to the man convince him that this fight here isn't the only one and in the grand scheme of things is small potatoes, not worth his life, but if push comes to shove I'd say we let him stand and die with the rebels if that is the end he wishes for. Knocking him out now and drugging him is just a great way to have him wake up later angry and even more insubordinate.
>>6218624me
>>6249063Supporting this
>I fear what he might order you to do.”Nat is a company gal to her core…she’d know what to do
>>6218833V card
>>6249063
>>6249061(1)
>“Bzzt.” You come up with a secret signal to give Crane when the time comes to definitely defuse this potential Bones situation. You’ll be the distraction, your 2IC will bring the anti-desertion stick and happy drugs. [Daredevil]Honestly, if Crane recommends it, I'll do it. Orders are orders and as one anon said, I'll rather shock and drug him then have Blue give an execution order. Which I would promptly ignore, ain't turning on my own pack.
(2)
>Trooper ‘Husk’>Medico ‘Petal’Husk may truck with the whole "kill the opressors" things, considering he himself enjoys smashing bugs and these rats aren't far off. I'm convince most of the others are pragmatic enough to know when to call quits on this whole things, but Petal might be the one most sympathetic, especially considering the nature of Belcossans and his empathetic nature. Plenty of Handouts to help, after all...
>>6218332Me
>>6249061Supporting all these
>>6249066Choices.
V:
>>6218441
>>6249061>>6249066Supporting this, as much as I don't want to do Bones dirty like that. At least he'll be alive to chew us out. We also need to check on the rest of the squad and keepa pulse on things.
>>6218400Me.
>SELECTED: “Bzzt.” You come up with a secret signal to give Crane when the time comes to definitely defuse this potential Bones situation. You’ll be the distraction, your 2IC will bring the anti-desertion stick and happy drugs. [Daredevil]
>SELECTED: Trooper ‘Husk’ (Night Night, Terri & Convict were tied)
It’s a quiet walk to the place where Hail said to meet up, nearly on the other side of the rebel encampment.
“Do you think that we’ll have any trouble with the others?” It pains you to talk about your precious squaddies like this, but you’re only having this discussion now for their own good. “Husk grew up in the Whitelake mines. The flavour of alien overlord might be different, but I can see him sympathising with these folks. Has he said anything?”
“Nothing beyond his usual sarcasm.” Crane answers with a shake of his head. “I imagine that he and Night Night will be quite insufferable with their commentary in the coming days, but they will fall in line.”
“What about Convict? Run in with the law, freedom after void knows how long in a cage. Could be a kindred spirit kind of deal.”
“Convict is hard to read, but I believe the man is a pragmatist at heart. He also owes you his life.”
You stifle a chuckle at the irony of Crane describing someone else as being indecipherable, but your Corporal has a point. Convict would never have made it out of that Yibrak research station alive without your help and that has served to warm the explosive’s expert up to you a great deal.
“And the new kid?”
“Rev Sev? I should hardly think so. Voidborn are-“
“Huh. I actually forgot about her. I meant Terri, though I guess she isn’t the new kid anymore.”
[1/3]
Despite her indeterminately young age, Trooper ‘Terri’ Garcia was a proper squaddie now and had been more than pulling her weight with the Vinehounds these last eight months. Still, you found it hard not to look at her like a kid. Even she didn’t know how her own age, and an upbringing in the dark horrors of a cramped Savis asteroid mine had left her with a diminutive build and constantly looking just on the right side of malnourishment regardless of how much she ate. Even now you sometimes slip her a spare ration bar or extra serving at dinner.
“You know where came up from, what she went through. Terri has the most reason out of any of us to hate the Savis Empire. But no, I worry about her least of all.” Crane seems certain, but you are not so sure. A ruthless pragmatist Terri may be, she hasn’t entirely sidelined her bloodlust. You reckon she’d willingly go out of her way to frag a few more Savs even if that isn’t what the mission strictly requires. “I am a bit more concerned that she did not get wind of whatever this is that Hail is working on. The man must be keeping this very close to his chest.”
You hadn’t hesitated to relay Trooper ‘Terri’ Garcia’s willingness to ingratiate herself with the rebels back to Crane, you both need to be on the same page when it comes to your troopers, though you had that thought your right hand man would have disapproved of the whole idea.
Instead it was the opposite. Compared to your own misgivings Crane hadn’t had any issue with it, he was even entirely nonchalant at Terri’s suggestion of sleeping with Alexander Hail as a means of furthering the Company’s intel on the day-to-day status of the Red Hand faction. He stopped short of admitting that such tactics may have been a common tool of those he worked for in his old life, but the notion of using one’s body to glean an advantage in that sense hadn’t troubled him like it had you. Sometimes you really struggle to understand Crane’s idea of honour.
[2/3]
[3/3]
Crane regards your silence watchfully.
“I know that you ordered against any attempt by her to glean further information from Hail by way of seduction, but the little she has told us thus far from her casual affiliation has been helpful in seeing where the Red Hand is leaning as the wind blows. Hail trusts you enough to let you in on this secret meeting of his, but that is our good luck. If we want word of anything less directly against our interest as zero hour draws near, we may need to revisit that decision.”
=================================
> “She did mention she has a girl-crush on the old man. I think we may be out in the cold with Breaker, we need a direct in with someone in rebel leadership before this all goes to hell. Needs must as the Voidmother drives…” You don’t like it, but Terri was willing and the stakes are high enough that this is the safest option. Feminine wiles aren’t a particularly sharp weapon in your arsenal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use that of your squad if they are on board. [Daredevil]
> “Not a green chance in hell, Crane. She’s just a kid.” Your kid. Regardless of how willing Terri may be, you don’t ask your people to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself. One-sided firefights against overwhelming odds? A-OK. Sleeping around for pillow talk that translates into intel? Hell naw. [Firebrand]
> “No. It wasn’t worth the risk then, and it isn’t worth the risk now.” Your order stands, but not out of a particularly principled reason. Hail and the Red Hand are already the faction most on your side, if not the Company’s side. Besides, you want your people distancing themselves from the rebels at this stage not cosying up to them. [Xenophobe]
>>6249464> “No. It wasn’t worth the risk then, and it isn’t worth the risk now.” Your order stands, but not out of a particularly principled reason. Hail and the Red Hand are already the faction most on your side, if not the Company’s side. Besides, you want your people distancing themselves from the rebels at this stage not cosying up to them. [Xenophobe]I have a suspicion that any attempt at this Junction will at least be seen with suspicion given how the situation is unfolding, at worst though it could be outright transparent and lay terrier out as a target for no gain.
>>6218336
>>6249464> “No. It wasn’t worth the risk then, and it isn’t worth the risk now.” Your order stands, but not out of a particularly principled reason. Hail and the Red Hand are already the faction most on your side, if not the Company’s side. Besides, you want your people distancing themselves from the rebels at this stage not cosying up to them. [Xenophobe]Tell her to pack it in. Our time on this rock is running short. And Hail might not be around much longer once his red hand suicide mission starts.
>>6218624Me phone posting
>>6249464> “No. It wasn’t worth the risk then, and it isn’t worth the risk now.” Your order stands, but not out of a particularly principled reason. Hail and the Red Hand are already the faction most on your side, if not the Company’s side. Besides, you want your people distancing themselves from the rebels at this stage not cosying up to them. [Xenophobe]Yeah nah I agree that it will come off as suspicious if she's suddenly doing stuff like that. The timing is all wrong, you can't rush an asset
>>6218323Verification
>>6249464>>6218354> “No. It wasn’t worth the risk then, and it isn’t worth the risk now.” Your order stands, but not out of a particularly principled reason. Hail and the Red Hand are already the faction most on your side, if not the Company’s side. Besides, you want your people distancing themselves from the rebels at this stage not cosying up to them. [Xenophobe]The window has passed. If the seduction gambit had proceeded before we had our time-skip when it was originally brought up it, it could have maybe worked. It's definitely too suspicious now with the Savis titans bearing down on us.
>>6249464> “No. It wasn’t worth the risk then, and it isn’t worth the risk now.” Your order stands, but not out of a particularly principled reason. Hail and the Red Hand are already the faction most on your side, if not the Company’s side. Besides, you want your people distancing themselves from the rebels at this stage not cosying up to them. [Xenophobe]It’s too late in the day - I wasn’t against it initially, but as the other anon says, it would arouse suspicion now. And the point about not forming new ties just before we bug out is valid too
>>6218833V card
>>6249464> “No. It wasn’t worth the risk then, and it isn’t worth the risk now.” Your order stands, but not out of a particularly principled reason. Hail and the Red Hand are already the faction most on your side, if not the Company’s side. Besides, you want your people distancing themselves from the rebels at this stage not cosying up to them. [Xenophobe]I agree with everything said before. It's too late now and it would be suspicious.
>>6218332Me
>>6249464> “Not a green chance in hell, Crane. She’s just a kid.” Your kid. Regardless of how willing Terri may be, you don’t ask your people to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself. One-sided firefights against overwhelming odds? A-OK. Sleeping around for pillow talk that translates into intel? Hell naw. [Firebrand]Mama Snake is not the madame of a brothel
>>6218636Me
> SELECTED: “No. It wasn’t worth the risk then, and it isn’t worth the risk now.” Your order stands, but not out of a particularly principled reason. Hail and the Red Hand are already the faction most on your side, if not the Company’s side. Besides, you want your people distancing themselves from the rebels at this stage not cosying up to them. [Xenophobe]
You’re not some New Antiochan choirgirl, your casual relationship with Sharky is testament enough to that, but you’d be lying if you said you’re not at all squeamish of the concept of sleeping with someone else just to use them. Use them as something other than passing entertainment, that is.
But your decision to let your order with Terri stand isn’t borne from your own inhibitions, the move just doesn’t make sense this late in the game. Hail and the Red Hand are going to take the course of action that sees maximum damage done to their Imperial oppressors, you hardly need a bedside informant to tell you that. Best case scenario, you get confirmation on what you can pretty much already figure for yourself. Worst case scenario, you piss the Red Hand off by spying on them and maybe put Terri in genuine danger to boot.
“No.” Your answer is definitive, you don’t plan on revisiting that decision now. “It wasn’t worth the risk then, and it isn’t worth the risk now.”
“As you say, gunso.” Crane accepts your decision matter-of-factly, considering the whole business settled. “This is the place.”
You can just barely see down the hallway from the entrance hatch, illuminated by artificial light emanating from within. A casual glance would give one the impression of a small dugout carved into the side of the hill, but your enhanced senses the acoustic echo of noises from inside that would only be possible in a larger space.
That in itself isn’t surprising, this whole base used to be a smuggling outpost before the escaped slaves came across it and outside of the main complex there are several of these hidden bunkers that served as silos for whatever illicit goods the Voidborn or whoever had been stashing here until they could source a buyer. Most were empty upon your arrival, and what little was still to be found had long been stripped bare for the League’s purposes. It served as another point of contention with the Jumpers, but you suspect the reason they hadn’t raised a real stink was either because they hadn’t anything worth mentioning stashed here or the actual stash points were still hidden well away from the main base.
Unlike most of the other similar dugouts, this one has armed guards standing watch at the entrance.
[1/4]
Both of the soldiers are Red Hand militants, one lanky human with a soulpatch and one stout Quexi with a scarred beak, each of them is already sporting the Snake-fist patch gifted to you earlier this evening. That means they must have served directly under your command on at least one ambush on the encroaching Savis patrols, and you vaguely recognise them even if you can’t recall their names. You come to realise that the patch also marks them as part of Hail’s inner circle of handpicked men, hard bastards with a real axe to grind against the Empire.
You expected some sort of challenge but both step aside, Soulpatch even throws in a respectful nod. Hail probably told them you were expected, but neither of the guards blink at Crane following in your wake so perhaps your reputation as a living legend among the rebels carries more weight than benefiting from the odd trinket and accolade.
From the outside you had no idea whether you’d be entering a cramped lean-to size shelter or walking downhill for a full minute or two, so it’s with some mild relief that you find your eyes adjusting to the larger lit space after only a few steps past the entrance.
“Nines?”
“I think we should hold off on any further discussion concerning the squad.” Your 2IC leans in and mutters a great deal more quietly. “But I very much doubt-”
“No, Crane. Nines.” You point to one corner of the room, large enough to park Savis Thunderbolt Bomber in.
“++Confirmation. This unit designated ‘Nines’ is indeed present in this facility.++” The heavy gunner for Vinehound squad is draped over something that resembles a gym chair, looking a lot like a ringside boxer getting a pre-match massage. “++Justification. This unit’s allocated sentry duties have concluded, all time spent within this facility have been outside this unit’s allotted roles with 0.01% decrease in anticipated squad efficiency.++”
Behind Gunner Nines, sparking away at some sort of ‘cage’ emeshed on the back of Nines head, you recognise another Company member wielding what looks like a cross between a welder and a sparkplug with an almost ecstatic expression on her cybernetic face. Trying to get SIG ‘Jack In’s attention is a wasted effort, your sensitive ears can tell she has the latest hit from DJ Dustoff blasting at full volume behind her noise-cancelling earphones, so you direct your bewilderment at your Gunner.
“What in the Green Hell… Nines!”
Surrounded in a confined room full of the hardest angriest rebels in the whole League, all minding their own business that involves varying degrees of metalwork or cleaning weaponry, you’re having a difficult time settling one tone between the choices of alarmed, outraged or morbidly curious.
[2/4]
“++Verification. This unit was requested by designation ‘Hail’ to refrain from divulging that information. Query. Does command designation ‘Snake Eyes’ wish to override this request?” Nines must be able to recognise abject-fucking-shock on human faces, because he follows up hurriedly at x1.5 dialogue speed. “++Assurance. The current modifications have 0.003% of adverse impact on the overall mission objectives.++”
“How about I word my override like this? ‘Nines, order reads as follows. Will you pretty please tell me what the fuck is going on here?!?’”
This time your raised voice does catch the attention of the other Red Hand rebels in the room, several heads popping up and squinting at you but absent any hostility. Crane tries not to be too obvious about it, but makes sure he has his back positioned against your and a clear line of fire on at least one side of the room. That’s sweet, but if this was an ambush you’d already be dead. After a few seconds, and one annoyed grunt from the big Boscht bugger, they get back to work.
“Glad you could join us, Snake Eyes.” You turn to see Alexander Hail walking towards you from the length of the room, decked out in a greasy singlet and brushing down his oily hands with a mechanic’s wipe. “I was wondering how long Breaker might be keeping you.”
[3/4]
[4/4]
“Hail.” You hadn’t planned on greeting the Red Hand leader with a frown, but this meeting just took a weird turn. “What in the cold dark void are your people doing to my robot?”
“Well, technically that is one of -your- people doing that to your robot.” Hail smirks, his deathly grin proving more unnerving than reassuring. “And let’s be honest. He’s not really -your bot- either, is he?”
“++Correction. This unit is a designated squad member acting in a subordinate role to Snake Eyes.++” Until now, you would have thought that Gunner Nines was literally incapable of sounding nervous. “++Advisement. We should inform designation Snake Eyes of the proposed operation. Addendum Advisement. Starting with the nominally positive projections.++”
“Designated squad member, huh? So is Crane, so is your friend Petal. But we both know that isn’t the same thing as what Mama Snake just said at all.” Hail’s expression returns to it’s default grim look, but he doesn’t seem particularly concerned at how you’re taking this little reveal. “It’s alright, scrapper. The plan was to tell her anyway.”
Perhaps most disturbingly of all, Nines didn’t answer immediately when you ordered him tell you what was going on. He seems to be waiting to see how you’ll react to Hail.
============================
>“…You know what he is don’t you. But why? How does this help you put the hurt on the Savs?” No use in pretending Hail doesn’t know what Nines is. But your AI gunner isn’t here against his will, and neither is the SIG Jack In. So you’ll hear Hail out for now, even if you don’t like him approaching your squaddies behind your back. [Daredevil]
>“That bot is our property, you can’t go mucking about with him unless I damn well say so.” You stick to the Company cover story that Nines is an advanced and possibly stolen, but definitely not sentient, warbot. Sheltering an artificial intelligence is illegal, the kind of illegal that needs a whole armed Company of mercenaries to hide behind. You’re not admitting jack scud. [Firebrand]
>“Alright, enough of this. Nines, you are coming with me. Crane, switch off Jack In’s earphones and make sure she comes with. Hail, we can resume this conversation once -my- people are out of here.” You don’t know what the frag is going on here, but until you do you’re making voiddamned sure your people aren’t involved until you give the green light. [Xenophobe]
>>6249961>“…You know what he is don’t you. But why? How does this help you put the hurt on the Savs?” No use in pretending Hail doesn’t know what Nines is. But your AI gunner isn’t here against his will, and neither is the SIG Jack In. So you’ll hear Hail out for now, even if you don’t like him approaching your squaddies behind your back. [Daredevil]I know I talked about OPSEC and stuff earlier but this isn't exactly the biggest secret and Hail is almost certainly going to take it to the grave. I trust him enough not to think we need to get out people out in a rush but I'm not happy they're modifying Nines without permission. Although... if we were to get a tattoo or an implant it's not like we'd need to ask first either
>>6218323Verification
>>6249961>"Crane would you talk to our dear bot Nines and Jack In about what are and are not acceptable amounts of "unit pride" and "gossip" Hail and I have things to discuss.[Write In]Let Crane handle the insubordination issue for now. We can deal with it more thoroughly later, after we figure out what Hail is after.
I get the feeling our suicidal cannon fodder is suddenly not feeling so suicidal.
>>6218624Me
>>6249965Supporting this
Nat rejects his situation and substitutes her own. I very much do not like our squaddies going behind our back like this - even if Hail and his guys are (on paper) our strongest allies
>>6218833V card
>>6249961>>“Alright, enough of this. Nines, you are coming with me. Crane, switch off Jack In’s earphones and make sure she comes with. Hail, we can resume this conversation once -my- people are out of here.” You don’t know what the frag is going on here, but until you do you’re making voiddamned sure your people aren’t involved until you give the green light. [Xenophobe]
>>6249965Supporting this, letting Crane deal with it as a disciplinary action while also clearing the room will also reinforce the idea that this is discussion is between Hail and us only.
>>6218400Me
>>6249965+1
The Fact they have a Black company technician doing work on OUR Murderbot in their barracks is a incredibly concerning flag of our relationship with the Red hand and we need to get on top of this before it gets time to bug out.
I mean at best we are dealing with extensive sympathies that could turn mutinous when we need to bug out and at worse the red hand is formenting desertion in our ranks, like if it wasn't going to set off a whole cascade of problems I'd be arguing to segregate the units at this point.
>>6218336
>>6249961>>6249965+1 I like this. No need to throw a fit in public (or risk being hypocritical). It helps us get control of our team quickly without needing to discuss it with Hail.
Verify>
>>6218611
>>6249965+1. But is unit pride bit of military lingo or is it acceptable? Maybe watch out for that.
>>6218332Me
Taking a break for the weekend, have a good one gents.
>>6250459See you Monday chief, have a nice weekend.
>>6250459Rest well, bossman.
>also, this image but with Bones and Blondie
Updates resuming tomorrow, though we won't have too much more to go for the thread.
>SELECTED: "Crane would you talk to our dear bot Nines and Jack In about what are and are not acceptable amounts of "unit pride" and "gossip" Hail and I have things to discuss.[Write In]
I will take the pick-up one anon had to tone down the military lingo, good catch.
You keep your gaze on Alexander Hail for several long moments. The man never seems rattled, but you’d have thought that he would at least get his back up a little with an irate Cradler taking that tone with him on his own home turf.
“Crane.” You gesture your right hand man over, lowering your voice. “Take Nines and Jack In aside for a little chat about the chain of fragging command says about “unit pride” and “gossip.”
Crane nods gravely, casting an even more than critical eye over the two Company members behind you. Forbidding your troops from spending their downtime mingling with the rebels was never feasible for the course of this campaign, but it’s clear those two are in deep with whatever the Red Hand is cooking up.
“Understood, gunso.”
“We’ll talk discipline later, if needed. For now, Hail and I have things to discuss.”
You receive another sharp nod, leaving Crane behind as he turns his full attention to the wayward Kriegers. SIG Jack In seems to finally wilt as she slowly takes her headphones off and GNR Nines is refocusing his camera lens at a rate you have begun to liken to the robotic equivalent of unease or near enough.
“Please, Snake Eyes. Step into my office.”
Hail’s ‘office’ is little more than a sideroom with a glass door, likely used for whatever smuggler to count out their creds or take inventory of their illicit goods. You recognise what the diorama on Hail’s desk represents well before you eye the labels on the hand-drawn maps on the board behind it confirm it for you. You’re not likely to forget the place you scouted out shortly before receiving those nasty burns on your back.
[1/3]
“Main Base Alpha.” You note as Hail nods, your eyes flicking back to the board.
The mud map put together by the Red Hand falls well short of the exacting detail of the holomaps used in Company briefings, but it’s a damn sight more accurate than something just scratched together in the field mid-operation. You can see it’s been expanded, revised and updated a lot more than your initial recon of the place confirmed. As the months dragged on braving the burnt out firelanes and risking Cradler patrols that far in became unacceptable, but you’re guessing Hail must have been sending out his own people to keep an eye on it on the down low since then. You pause at a particular little pennant repeated about halfway across the base.
“So that’s where the 280s got to.” You recognised the scratched in sigil from your own briefings, nestled in the long stretch between the Longwave intercept tower and the two Titan bays. “Am I really counting upwards of 70 cohorts barracks there? I thought we hit 'em a lot harder than that.”
The 280th Imperial Legion was the closest to Dis when the rebellion kicked off in earnest, most of it’s many cohorts had already been planetside on various garrison duties. That made them the first proper Imperial forces to advance into the equatorial jungles when the Savis counter-offensive came, and the first to fall afoul of their enemies newfound affinity for jungle warfare. Your people and the rebels bloodied them bad, so bad in fact that you suspect your grisly success in giving the 280s one bad day after the next was why the Cradler Auxiliaries ended up being deployed in here in force with the next back of Legion reinforcements.
“It’s closer to 100, the whole legion in full, but you’re not wrong. Word is that a new muster from Savisholme was shipped out to replenish their ranks, mostly common pups from overcrowded dens. I have it on good authority that damn near every surviving Sav that deployed here from the start has been promoted to at least squad leader.”
“When was this?”
“I can’t say exactly when the promotions went through, but they wouldn’t have waited for the recruits to disembark and that was less than a week ago.”
[2/4]
You nod, Hail’s timeline makes sense. You wouldn’t want your new recruits realising that their squad leader held the same rank as them just before you got there. Then again, the Savis were an ambitious bunch and might welcome the news of rapid career progression in the face of attrition. But either way, this was still good news. The officers and NCOs of the 280th would be grizzled veterans sure, if not a little traumatized at their horrific losses at your hands these past eight months. But a week with raw recruits was nowhere near enough to get them combat-ready, the new arrivals were probably still figuring out how to line up in the mess hall.
“Alright, so the 280th are sitting safe in the rear until they’ve got their scud together. What about this other half of the base, south and west sections?”
“The 269th.” Hail says with a little less enthusiasm. “I don’t have much on them, except that they were re-routed from Prince’s Folly on the Federation border so I doubt they lack combat experience.”
That was less welcome news, yet another combat experienced Legion being redeployed showed the Savis too felt this slow-burn campaign was coming to a hot end. Better to know it than not know it, but how did Hail know this to start with?
“Alright, I gather you’ve got people watching Main Base Alpha. Risky, especially since we’re restricted to shortwave so that means a few trips through Cradler central to report.”
Hail acknowledges your deduction with a slow nod. “I have lost good men and women because of it.”
“Despite the Council agreeing we wouldn’t do risk any of our forces doing exactly that?”
“In spite of exactly that.”
[3/4]
[4/4]
“Okay. You’ve got the capital of Imptown all mapped out here. Unit designations and outlying buildings all there.” You decide to leave the ‘why’ of it for just a bit later. “But that the fresh recruits are from Savisholme? Previous Legion deployments on the Federation border? You don’t pick that up from some good observation. Where are you getting this intel, Hail? Have you got someone on the inside?”
Hail takes a long time in answering, long enough to come up with a lie and then decide whether or not to use it. But instead the man sighs, looking his age for a moment.
“I want you to trust me on this, Nat. I really mean that. You’ll soon realise how badly we need you to be on board with this for it to work. But if I go answering questions like that, questions that might get people that I owe killed, how can you trust me going forward?”
===============================
>“Okay, I can respect that. I’m still not sold on whatever this is, but you’ve got my attention. Now what in the void does your Main Base Alpha intel have to do with messing with my bot?” Hail’s refusal to divulge his sources, even when he clearly wants you onside, is actually a point in his favour. Looks like the man has I code beyond racking up the highest possible slaver kill count. [Daredevil]
>“You’ve got to give me something, Hail. If you can’t tell me about this intel, you’ve at least got to tell me -why- you’re willing to trust it enough to plan on.” Truth is, you respect Hail’s reluctance to share anymore details concerning the origin of his intel. You want to be able to satisfy -yourself- that the intel is good, not just Hail’s trust in it. But if you can’t get that out of him it’s not necessarily enough to make you walk away from whatever this is here and now. [Firebrand]
>“What’s that Fallen Earth saying, ‘trust but verify’? This is a dealbreaker, Hail. I’m not even going to entertain whatever the rest of your spiel is until you level with me on the source of the intel.” Your people have acted on shaky or need-to-know intel many a time, but you didn’t have a choice on the Company missions. Here you do, and you’re not going any farther with this until you know all the details. And maybe it's something the LT can leverage. [Xenophobe]
>>6252256>“You’ve got to give me something, Hail. If you can’t tell me about this intel, you’ve at least got to tell me -why- you’re willing to trust it enough to plan on.” Truth is, you respect Hail’s reluctance to share anymore details concerning the origin of his intel. You want to be able to satisfy -yourself- that the intel is good, not just Hail’s trust in it. But if you can’t get that out of him it’s not necessarily enough to make you walk away from whatever this is here and now. [Firebrand]I like his code, I like that he wont spill a secret, that's good. But just because he believes something doesn't mean we should. If we at least get an understanding about WHY he trusts this intel I'd be more willing to go all in
>>6218323Verification
>>6252256>“You’ve got to give me something, Hail. If you can’t tell me about this intel, you’ve at least got to tell me -why- you’re willing to trust it enough to plan on.” Truth is, you respect Hail’s reluctance to share anymore details concerning the origin of his intel. You want to be able to satisfy -yourself- that the intel is good, not just Hail’s trust in it. But if you can’t get that out of him it’s not necessarily enough to make you walk away from whatever this is here and now. [Firebrand]Don't push too hard, he has his secrets and we certainly have ours. If we have to find out more our troopers might have heard something while lounging around here.
>>6218624Phone posting me
>>6252256>“You’ve got to give me something, Hail. If you can’t tell me about this intel, you’ve at least got to tell me -why- you’re willing to trust it enough to plan on.” Truth is, you respect Hail’s reluctance to share anymore details concerning the origin of his intel. You want to be able to satisfy -yourself- that the intel is good, not just Hail’s trust in it. But if you can’t get that out of him it’s not necessarily enough to make you walk away from whatever this is here and now. [Firebrand]In no world or planet can someone just say "trust me" and I would trust them
>>6252268 If it helps any here's a little write in support.
>"I trust you and I trust your plan Hail, but I'd hate to see you get tripped up by some faulty intel at the last minute. Are you sure you can trust your source?"
>>6252256>“You’ve got to give me something, Hail. If you can’t tell me about this intel, you’ve at least got to tell me -why- you’re willing to trust it enough to plan on.” Truth is, you respect Hail’s reluctance to share anymore details concerning the origin of his intel. You want to be able to satisfy -yourself- that the intel is good, not just Hail’s trust in it. But if you can’t get that out of him it’s not necessarily enough to make you walk away from whatever this is here and now. [Firebrand]Hmmmm, my first reaction was Wasp, but something this big would be made aware to us, even if Wasp was completely playing ball for Team Reb. So, it really is someone from the inside, my guess either a very sympathetic officer or a slave of a high-ranking officer. And Hail isn't someone who would trust this kind of person blindly. He was the one who executed an escaped slave for looking alike to the governor's house slave, after all.
I still wan't to know -something.- We are "pirates", or so the story goes, and we have show some pragmatism. We can't go fully blind in, but just the why would satisfy us, I think.
>>6252256>>“You’ve got to give me something, Hail. If you can’t tell me about this intel, you’ve at least got to tell me -why- you’re willing to trust it enough to plan on.” Truth is, you respect Hail’s reluctance to share anymore details concerning the origin of his intel. You want to be able to satisfy -yourself- that the intel is good, not just Hail’s trust in it. But if you can’t get that out of him it’s not necessarily enough to make you walk away from whatever this is here and now. [Firebrand]We can compromise on this.
>>6218400Me
>>6252256>>“What’s that Fallen Earth saying, ‘trust but verify’? This is a dealbreaker, Hail. I’m not even going to entertain whatever the rest of your spiel is until you level with me on the source of the intel.” Your people have acted on shaky or need-to-know intel many a time, but you didn’t have a choice on the Company missions. Here you do, and you’re not going any farther with this until you know all the details. And maybe it's something the LT can leverage. [Xenophobe]>>6218449here
Off-Topic Question: Can we get some more Cyganskii lore soon in the other Qst?
>>6252256>>“What’s that Fallen Earth saying, ‘trust but verify’? This is a dealbreaker, Hail. I’m not even going to entertain whatever the rest of your spiel is until you level with me on the source of the intel.” Your people have acted on shaky or need-to-know intel many a time, but you didn’t have a choice on the Company missions. Here you do, and you’re not going any farther with this until you know all the details. And maybe it's something the LT can leverage. [Xenophobe]>>6218441
>>6252256>“You’ve got to give me something, Hail. If you can’t tell me about this intel, you’ve at least got to tell me -why- you’re willing to trust it enough to plan on.” Truth is, you respect Hail’s reluctance to share anymore details concerning the origin of his intel. You want to be able to satisfy -yourself- that the intel is good, not just Hail’s trust in it. But if you can’t get that out of him it’s not necessarily enough to make you walk away from whatever this is here and now. [Firebrand]>>6218833V card
>>6252256>“You’ve got to give me something, Hail. If you can’t tell me about this intel, you’ve at least got to tell me -why- you’re willing to trust it enough to plan on.” Truth is, you respect Hail’s reluctance to share anymore details concerning the origin of his intel. You want to be able to satisfy -yourself- that the intel is good, not just Hail’s trust in it. But if you can’t get that out of him it’s not necessarily enough to make you walk away from whatever this is here and now. [Firebrand]Man every other piece of shit going on doesn't matter if we can't get our shit together for the stuff we need to do for whatever endgoal he (or we) have.
>>6251848Speaking of the end of thread whats the gameplan after this one?
>>6218336
Wetwork
md5: e00f7307832ffe46749957f90ce70311
🔍
>SELECTED: “You’ve got to give me something, Hail. If you can’t tell me about this intel, you’ve at least got to tell me -why- you’re willing to trust it enough to plan on.” Truth is, you respect Hail’s reluctance to share anymore details concerning the origin of his intel. You want to be able to satisfy -yourself- that the intel is good, not just Hail’s trust in it. But if you can’t get that out of him it’s not necessarily enough to make you walk away from whatever this is here and now. [Firebrand]
Leadership Test: Alexander Hail
>30DC
>Badass Bandanna +5DC
>Tranquil Gaze +5DC, +1 Re-Roll
>Transhuman +2DC
> Mama Snake Reputation +10DC, +1 Re-Roll
>Hail: Chivalry +1 Adverse Re-Roll Call it a warped version
>Hail: Badass Eyepatch -5DC
>47DC
Double Fail = Flawed intel. Regardless of other results, one important piece of Hail’s information turns out to be entirely inaccurate.
0 = Educated wish. Hail’s evasiveness leaves you with the impression that he finds the intel reliable mostly because he wants the intel to be reliable.
1 = Confidential sources. Hail gives you no clues as to the origin of the information, but he does at least elaborate to some extent as to why he considers it trustworthy. As far as you can tell, only some of the details gleaned from this intel have checked out while the rest is untested.
2 = Trusted sources. Hail’s logic as to why the intel should is solid seems sound enough, but most of the information that has been verified concerns the details rather than critical pieces. You still don’t know who this mysterious original source is, but you’ve have been given a big clue.
3 = Connect the dots. Hail won’t name names, but in his eagerness to persuade you he gives away enough for you to draw some conclusions of your own. Almost all of the most critical intel has, at some cost, been verified by other sources.
Double Pass = Solid intel. Regardless of other results, Hail provides some further pertinent information that is by luck independently verified.
Three rolls of 1d100, detectives. You have TWO re-rolls. There is ONE adverse re-roll.
Off the Record, On the QT, and Very Hush-Hush.
Rolled 18 (1d100)
>>6252730>>6218323Verification
Rolled 77 (1d100)
>>6252730Rolling from work
>>6218332Me
>>6252751Never rolling from work again
>>6252751You've doomed us... doomed us all! /s
That sucks though, I wonder what flavour of pain this will result in
Rolled 17 (1d100)
>>6252744Attempting to reverse this 25 success with the adverse re-roll.
>>6252751>>6252752Things have been going anon's way too much this whole thread, you have restored some of that balance.
>>6252754You win some, you lose some, but I'll rather lose now than later on, when bullets start flying.
>>6252754>>6252754Goddamit, well at least we're still on 2 successes.
Hail is going to play us like a damn fiddle with that double!
I have to step out for a few hours, that's going to leave it a little late for a content update tonight regarding the roll results.
I will leave you tonight with a little lore dump vote worked into Hail's secret mission, but the flavour is up to you.
========================
After going over his available intel Alexander Hail tells you something. It's not exactly common knowledge, althought it isn't classified information either, but it's certainly something that a Cradleborn wildling that didn't never get no proper schoolin' would likely know.
> Everyone knows that Abominable Intelligence is super illegal. Hail knows a little bit about the galactic history behind why that is, history that predates the human spaceflight. [AI History]
>Everyone knows that Abominable Intelligences will inevitably turn on and slaughter their creators. Hail happens to know one recorded instance in recent history where exactly that happened. [Recent AI Crimes]
>Everyone knows that Abominable Intelligence is most ardently hated by the Holy Chorkrum Empire, it's the one thing sure to guarentee their sudden involvement. They have a track record of targetting very specific military objectives, Hail has a theory. [AI Holy War]
>>6252759>Everyone knows that Abominable Intelligence is most ardently hated by the Holy Chorkrum Empire, it's the one thing sure to guarentee their sudden involvement. They have a track record of targetting very specific military objectives, Hail has a theory. [AI Holy War]Oh great, Cylons.
>>6252759> Everyone knows that Abominable Intelligence is super illegal. Hail knows a little bit about the galactic history behind why that is, history that predates the human spaceflight. [AI History]>>6218323Verification
>>6252759>Everyone knows that Abominable Intelligences will inevitably turn on and slaughter their creators. Hail happens to know one recorded instance in recent history where exactly that happened. [Recent AI Crimes]Nat seems like a girl focused on the now and considering we have an AI as a squaddie, maybe we should know the things it can get up to.
>>6218332Me
>>6252759> Everyone knows that Abominable Intelligence is super illegal. Hail knows a little bit about the galactic history behind why that is, history that predates the human spaceflight. [AI History]>>6218451Moi
>>6252759>>Everyone knows that Abominable Intelligence is most ardently hated by the Holy Chorkrum Empire, it's the one thing sure to guarentee their sudden involvement. They have a track record of targetting very specific military objectives, Hail has a theory. [AI Holy War]>>6218400Me!
>>6252759>Everyone knows that Abominable Intelligence is most ardently hated by the Holy Chorkrum Empire, it's the one thing sure to guarentee their sudden involvement. They have a track record of targetting very specific military objectives, Hail has a theory. [AI Holy War]lets go!
>>6218733this is me
Votes closed. The next post will be the last one of the thread, but it is coming up to be a rather chunky one and I don't have the time tonight or tomorrow to get this out and still function.
I did try to break it up with another conversation prompt or two, but it all just seemed so contrived that way. I will have to leave my draft for now and come back with the closing and final vote this weekend.
>>6253205No worries boss, see you then
IMG_7741
md5: ef1b232647ea83bc76cb9659fbb7abd6
🔍
I love you all peoples
Voidamn this captcha shit
>>6253647Gotta love the facebook screenshot post and hey, at least they removed the 900s timer
>2 SUCCESS: Trusted sources. Hail’s logic as to why the intel should is solid seems sound enough, but most of the information that has been verified concerns the details rather than critical pieces. You still don’t know who this mysterious original source is, but you’ve have been given a big clue.
>77 DOUBLE FAIL: Flawed intel. Regardless of other results, one important piece of Hail’s information turns out to be entirely inaccurate.
>SELECTED: Everyone knows that Abominable Intelligence is most ardently hated by the Holy Chorkrum Empire, it's the one thing sure to guarantee their sudden involvement. They have a track record of targeting very specific military objectives, Hail has a theory. [AI Holy War]
“You’ve got to give me something, Hail.” Rubbing your fingers against your forehead doesn’t do much to keep the exasperation out of your voice. “If you can’t tell me about this intel, you’ve at least got to tell me -why- you’re willing to trust it enough to plan on.”
Hail takes a long pause before answering.
“My daughters would be about her age now.”
“Whose?”
“Terri. The young un’ from your squad with a chip on her shoulder.”
“I think I know who Terri is, thank you Hail. Stop trying to change the subject.”
“I’m not.” Hail answers quickly. “Believe me, I’m not. I just want you to understand this, it’s important. I can’t even look at girls like Terri without seeing my own Amber and Olivia, without being reminded what the slavers and their profiteering Empire took from me.”
You nod to show that you’re listening, but you’re careful not to interrupt. Soldiers talk, but you and Hail hadn’t exactly been keen to share backstories. It had taken months of gruelling jungle warfare training and huddling in the darkness, dodging Legion and Cradler patrols, before Hail ever mentioned his family. You know they were killed in a raid on the Earth colony of Hightower but this is the first time he’s named his daughters before.
[1/6]
“I make no secret of my hate of the Savis Empire, none of us in the Red Hand do. But you are one of the few that know the why, and maybe you’ve got an inkling as to just how deep this hate of my runs.”
Your finger taps nervously on the bicep of your folded arms. “Enough to know you may just want this intel to be true.”
“You’ve hit the nail on the head there, Snake Eyes. Yeah, if it helps me kill slavers I may -want- this intel to be true. But I’ve been killing slavers for a long, long time. Void, you were probably still a child yourself when I was doing this as a free man for the Earth Republics. I didn’t stop when they put chains on me either, but I did have to get a hell of a lot smarter about it.”
Alexander Hail was a greying, or rather grey, old man. You doubt someone his age could have been indiscriminately murderising local slavemasters like a Vinehound in a kindergarten and lived long unless he played it smart. Or had help.
“Sometimes mean bastards at the top of the slaver food chain make enemies other than the ones under their whips. And sometimes those enemies wouldn’t mind handing the knife to someone like me if it meant their rival might find it in their back soon enough. As they say, ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend.’ ”
“So we’re not talking about an idealistic turncoat then.”
“I don’t like them, but I do owe them. So I won’t say more.” Hail turns back to the mud map, leaning forward with his hands on the desk. “I don’t trust the intel because I trust the source. I trust the intel because I know that their people have access to this information but, more importantly, source thinks they know what I’m planning on doing with that intel.”
“Like what?” That sounded like a slip on Hail’s part. This source didn't just have a line on some actionable intel, this source had people. Resources.
“Stretch out the conflict even further, humiliate some Legionary commander or other, embarrass those conducting the Imperial campaign even further.” Hail has that grinning skull look of his, deathly grim and not a little unnerving. “But they have no idea what they’ve given me.”
[2/6]
Chorkrum
md5: 7beb92f8e1644a5b1391a7803dd0583a
🔍
“What do you know about the Chorkrum?”
You’re taken aback by the sudden change of subject. Again.
“Uh… Holy Chorkrum Empire. Bigshots on the far side of Savis and Yibrak space, to the galactic west. Real religious types, like New Antioch kind of zealous but around only one religion. God-Emperor kind of thing. Hate robots. Don’t get out much… that about cover it?”
Hail gives you a so-so gesture, indicating you covered just about most of it. “They condemn synthetic life to be more precise, their creed censures it all right down to and including cybernetics. But it is the ‘abominable intelligence’ that they hate most of all.”
Abominable Intelligence, humans adopted the term not too long after they entered the galactic stage even though they managed to miss whatever crisis it was that saw the creation of sentient synthetic life virulently outlawed across the known galaxy. Officially, that is. You’ve also been on enough borderline-to-outright-illegal missions relating to black op research sites to know that each of the major powers in this region still dabble in the tech, even in the cases where it’s being solely done to shore up countermeasures against its use by less scrupulous threats like the Faenwedhe.
Only a handful of times has the Holy Chorkrum Empire set out from their borders, and it has almost always been related to wiping out a rogue AI or some similar threat brewed up by their neighbours. They weren’t exactly surgical about it either, it sounds like the galaxy stopped being grateful the first time the Chorkrum demonstrated their ‘orbital bombard them all and let God sort them out’ approach to keeping the galaxy safe. Humanity was thankfully never on the receiving end of the Chorkrum interventions, but maybe Nines wouldn’t even exist if they had been.
“Capital ships and Titan-class armoured vehicles. Those are always the first to go.”
You don’t see Hail’s point. “They’re both pretty obvious major military targets.”
“True. And a Chorkrum orbital bombardment is said to be even less discriminating than most. But they always direct the brunt of it to planetside Titans whenever those are present.”
“A lot of titans have weapons capable of hitting targets in orbit, and many have shielding that can take those kind of hits, maybe that’s the most credible threat?”
“Not to the point of ignoring other spaceborne planetary defences to do so, including dedicated anti-orbital systems. The after-action reports I’ve read indicate that the Chorkrum will go out of their way to obliterate a Titan even when it means ignoring targets that can actually damage their giant ships to do so.” Hai crosses his arms, giving you a telling look. “Why would a zealous alien race that views AI as irredeemably unholy go to such extreme lengths to see them destroyed?”
“…You think the Savis Titans run on AI.”
[3/6]
Hail nods.
“Some form of it. It couldn’t be full AI, or the Chorkrum would be crusading non-stop, but it would explain the vast difference in the combat capabilities of these machines that go beyond the sheer available firepower. Don’t act like you haven’t heard something similar goes up with their real big warships.”
You have, in fact, heard several rumours that the Company flagship Prince of Meggido is guided by an AI, possibly even an unshackled one leaps and bounds ahead of what Nines is. It would certainly explain how records concerning Company recruits are able to be wiped from all known systems so thoroughly.
“I know what your ‘combat droid’ really is, Nat.” Hail’s tone is serious, more serious than usual that is. “You don’t have to play dumb, what we’re doing here-“
“Vent me out the fucking airlock, Hail! Please don’t tell me you’re trying to unshackle an Abominable Intelligence here…” You rub your temples with your fingers, you’ve been caught up in plenty of illegal scud but this is the kind of thing that gets you put on the galactic’s most wanted.
“They can’t exactly execute me twice, now can they?” True.
“Besides Nines doesn’t come across as the abominable type, does he?” Also true, you yourself had come to appreciate the bucket of bolts and his value in a firefight.
But holding a heavy machine gun and shooting scud with the squaddies was one thing, unshackling is another. You don’t hold any strong opinions yourself but you’ve seen enough flicks to see where that could lead...
You know Hail well enough that he’d probably unshackle any murderbot if it hurt the Imps. Void’, he’d probably invite the Chorkrum, Faenwedhe and Kroll all over for a Rot sandwich if it meant taking out a few slavers to boot. But Hail shakes his head.
“But no, we’re not unshackling him. Not exactly anyway, we don’t have that kind of equipment. Your little hacker there has been tweaking the connection module of his. If we can plug him in, a direct link bypassing the swathe of electronic warfare firewalls the Imperials have got in place, then your ‘Nines’ can talk to the Savis Titan AI.”
[4/6]
“Fat lot of good it will do us having a chat with a Titan’s AI, assuming there is one, while the damn Imps piloting it are vaporising us from several clicks away. Plugging him in would mean…” You take another look at the mud map representing the perimeter Main Base Alpha, and after thing about it for a few seconds you throw your head back and laugh. “HahahAH! I’m flattered that you think I’m that good, Hail, but even I can’t voidwalk my way through a killzone littered with minefields, scanners, hunter-killers and bunkers packed with Savis legionnaires. I couldn’t try that on my own, much less robot in tow.”
“You’re right about that, ‘Mama Snake’. You’re good, but you’re not -that- good.” You frown at Hail’s comment.
But Crane has had to teach you what reverse psychology is and how to stop falling for it right away everytime. You won’t be killed trying to sneak in to prove a point.
“But you wouldn’t need to be going in alone. And you definitely wouldn’t need to be going in through the front. What we’d need is a ride. It would need to be airborne, from one of the outlying forward bases and preferably scheduled for the trip back to Main Base already.” You lean over Hails shoulder, following his gesture to the farmost eastern part of the map. The one surround by -a lot- of the 280th pin markins. “The secondary landing zones are here, by the primary barracks. From this point, all the way through to the Intercept Tower and Titan Bays there, that’s all garrisoned by the greenest young Legionaries on this side of the ‘verse. Most of them are still learning how to hold a weapon, nevermind identification protocols or maintaining internal base security.”
You look over your shoulder at the figures milling about in the bunker outside. “Even with that on our side, my people and your little merry of rebels are little… diverse, to pass ourselves of as auxiliaries. And they stopped bothering with prisoners months back.”
“I agree, going on foot is a dead start. But there are cargo haulers in the hanger bays, most of the strike team would be squared away in the back of one or two of those. The Indomitus and the August are currently stationed here,” Hail taps his finger on two wide rectangular buildings located almost dead centre in Imperial base. “My source tells me they’ve been recalled to Main Base Alpha to re-arm and recharge ahead of the next push in clearing the jungle foliage, after which our own doorstep here will be well and truly on fire.”
“And to get to there you need to bluff your way past voidmother knows how many checkpoints. Even green recruits can tell the difference between a Savis and a Boscht.”
“The Red Hand doesn’t have many Savis in our ranks, none that I trust, so the driving crew would need to pass themselves off as Cradler Auxiliaries.”
“Hence the need for me.”
[5/6]
[6/6]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztzq05IzYds&ab_channel=Jacaranda - Deus Machina
Hail gives you an unsettling look that is seems like an odd cross between agreement and disgruntlement.
“I need you because you’re the finest killer on this planet and I don’t like our odds of pulling this off without you. And yes, you look the Cradler Auxiliary part and that’s damn sure going to help, but mostly I need your blessing to allow Nines and Jack In to accompany us.”
“And Jack In?” You had assumed that the extent of her involvement in this misadventure was the modifications to Nines’ chassis.
“Your hacker, ‘Jack In’, she seems like she knows here stuff. Her presence during the connection would make Nines’ digital conversation with the battle AI… persuasive.” You can’t quite make out Hail’s expression in the scuddy backroom light. “Permanently persuasive.”
“You’re not planning on just sabotaging their AI systems…”
Alexander Hail raises his gaze, eyes locking with yours. He has that eerie, deathly smile of his. That grinning-skull expression that you have come to equate with having some truly diabolical calamity pointed the Savis Empire’s direction.
“No.” He speaks in Imperial pidgin, his adoption of the xenos bastard tongue a mocking, hungry rasp. “So tell me, Snake Eyes. Do you want to steal a Titan?”
========================================================
>Yes. HOT POISON YES. All or nothing. What better distraction for the LT’s escape? Crane would follow you into hell, and you’re certain to win over enough of the others to volunteer. You are voiddamn Kriegers, paid a half-decent wage to be shot out of spaceships faster than a speeding bullet. You weren’t meant to die scrapping for creds in the dust of your alien overlords, eking out some kind of merc life. Like humanity, you were meant to reach for the stars. [The Big One: Suicide Mission]
>No. VOID NO. This is a suicide mission. The LT would never approve it, and only the insane would volunteer to come with you. If you fail to pull it off, surrounded by two entire Savis legions, you are dead. If you actually do pull this off, you are very probably still dead. Dead and infamous, sure. But still dead. You need to stick together with your people, to find them a way out. This is how you survive. [The Big One: Objective – Survive]
That's my content update of the thread, but the vote will remain open and I'll be hanging around to hopefully answer questions (including the ones I missed earlier) before autosage.
No timeframe on the next thread yet, but the next few weeks are looking a little rough IRL wise.
Have a good night anons, hope you don't mind the wall-o-text.
>>6254916>No. VOID NO. This is a suicide mission. The LT would never approve it, and only the insane would volunteer to come with you. If you fail to pull it off, surrounded by two entire Savis legions, you are dead. If you actually do pull this off, you are very probably still dead. Dead and infamous, sure. But still dead. You need to stick together with your people, to find them a way out. This is how you survive. [The Big One: Objective – Survive]Minor write in
>“Fuck no, I’m not putting one of my troopers, let alone myself at direct risk of harm for your wishful fantasy, it’s not happening. We’ll help you with the raid, we’ll demo the place if need be and get your people supplies enough to put in real hurt when the final fight comes but I am not authorizing a suicide run for me and mine”This fight is over, we need to remember that. He, along with his people, are dead and he knows that. This is all just an attempt to give the Savis Empire a black eye on his way out and he’s asking us to risk -everything- to give that to him. It’s suicidal and doesn’t benefit us at all and will just get Nat, Nines and Jack In killed. Game over
>>6218323Verification
>>6254918The wall of text was fantastic, I love it when we get lore drops and deep characterization. This is insane though, like we're done already, mission complete, objectives achieved, we need to book it NOW. Fun option but man I hope anons don't choose to agree to it. Not to mention that absolute SHIT we'll be in with Boy Blue and the brass assuming we survive.
Anyway, love your work boss. I look forward to the next thread
>>6254916>No. VOID NO. This is a suicide mission. The LT would never approve it, and only the insane would volunteer to come with you. If you fail to pull it off, surrounded by two entire Savis legions, you are dead. If you actually do pull this off, you are very probably still dead. Dead and infamous, sure. But still dead. You need to stick together with your people, to find them a way out. This is how you survive. [The Big One: Objective – Survive]Extra write in flavor:
"No Hail, this plan is insane. The odds are too long and the reward of dubious use. Even if we take the Titan, we wouldn't have it for very long before every voiddamn gun the Savis have would be trained on us and would blow us off the face of the planet. You're too focused on this Hail, you're got tunnel vision and are so obsessed with making this plan work you're ignoring too many of its faults. I can't throw myself and my men away on this dream Hail. You may seek a glorious death here, but I'm not."
This part is totally optional addition, but I feel the need to write this part down:
>"Don't throw your life away here, on this plan. No damage you could do to the Savis would make a difference now. Void take it, the glactic news has already moved on past us, and the Savis will write it off anything as acceptable losses to but this rebellion down. No amount of death or destruction would bother them now that their pride and prestige are on the line. If you're going to sell your life, sell it for something that matters. Help get the non-combatants and children out of here, save them from the coming destruction. You can't do anything for your Amber and Olivia, but you can save all the little Amber's and Olivia's still in this camp, by selling your life to give them a way out."I'm reluctant to use his children against him seeing as he only just trusted us enough to tell us about them, but if we can convince him, it will help anchor the Red Hand to the defense.
>>6254938>>6218624Forgot Verification
Verification
>>6254916>Yes. HOT POISON YES. All or nothing. What better distraction for the LT’s escape? Crane would follow you into hell, and you’re certain to win over enough of the others to volunteer. You are voiddamn Kriegers, paid a half-decent wage to be shot out of spaceships faster than a speeding bullet. You weren’t meant to die scrapping for creds in the dust of your alien overlords, eking out some kind of merc life. Like humanity, you were meant to reach for the stars. [The Big One: Suicide Mission] I'm playing this quest for interesting combat missions, not misery porn
This is me:
>>6218338
>>6254916>>No. VOID NO. This is a suicide mission. The LT would never approve it, and only the insane would volunteer to come with you. If you fail to pull it off, surrounded by two entire Savis legions, you are dead. If you actually do pull this off, you are very probably still dead. Dead and infamous, sure. But still dead. You need to stick together with your people, to find them a way out. This is how you survive. [The Big One: Objective – Survive]So he wants us to get a gold medal in mental gymnastics, and jump through more hoops than a basketball in an NBA game. To maybe steal a Titan and even if we do it is more than likely going to get destroyed within the hour?
Yeah I'm not going to throw our life or our squad's into the trash so Hail can get himself off his murder boner fantasy. It's over. This entire rebellion is doomed to fail, if he wants to choose death over life and go out with a bang that's for him and his Red Hand buddies to decide.
>>6218400Me.
>>6254916>No. VOID NO. This is a suicide mission. The LT would never approve it, and only the insane would volunteer to come with you. If you fail to pull it off, surrounded by two entire Savis legions, you are dead. If you actually do pull this off, you are very probably still dead. Dead and infamous, sure. But still dead. You need to stick together with your people, to find them a way out. This is how you survive. [The Big One: Objective – Survive]A part of me wants to do it for the pure insanity of the plan, but there are simply too many things to go wrong -before- we get to the meat of the operation, let alone the stealing of the Titan itself. While I do think Snake-Eyes is pretty gung-ho and always ready to risk it, we cannot throw our own squaddies under the bus, especially when the mission parameters are met. The little deal we made with Wasp is the most we can honestly compromise on. My only fear is what will Hail do once we say no.
>>6254918Thanks for the banger post Forgotten, do keep us in the know for when the next thread is.
>>6218332Me
>>6254916>Yes. HOT POISON YES. All or nothing. What better distraction for the LT’s escape? Crane would follow you into hell, and you’re certain to win over enough of the others to volunteer. You are voiddamn Kriegers, paid a half-decent wage to be shot out of spaceships faster than a speeding bullet. You weren’t meant to die scrapping for creds in the dust of your alien overlords, eking out some kind of merc life. Like humanity, you were meant to reach for the stars. [The Big One: Suicide Mission]At last a weapon to surpass metal gear....
Real talk though, this shit is so incredibly dodgy a lot could go wrong, the pay-off though is incredible and this could turn certain defeat into a rout or something even worse for the Savs if this A.I shit can out compete with the other Savis titans.
Secondarily it could serve the cause of punching a fucking big hole in there line for us to escape through.
>>6218336
I also feel I should point out that the alternative is Survival mode but rock and a hard place is all this is now.
>>6254916>Yes. HOT POISON YES. All or nothing. What better distraction for the LT’s escape? Crane would follow you into hell, and you’re certain to win over enough of the others to volunteer. You are voiddamn Kriegers, paid a half-decent wage to be shot out of spaceships faster than a speeding bullet. You weren’t meant to die scrapping for creds in the dust of your alien overlords, eking out some kind of merc life. Like humanity, you were meant to reach for the stars. [The Big One: Suicide Mission]We could trudge through jungle warfare against Auxiliaries and hope that we can defend against the Savis waves - or we could be based and pull off the hesit of the century.
It helps that since the Company refused to upgrade the Prince and permament contracts with the Federation this would be a good reminder for those in the know: the Black Company is the top mercenary force for a reason.
>>6218451Me.
I have only just caught up, and can't vote.
But subverting a titan would probably make leaving a lot easier, and more importantly, would be really, really funny.
>>6254916>[The Big One: Suicide Mission]
Would vote the same way if I could. Even if we get out, we'll be hunted night and day by cradler aux, who knows how may we'd lose to attrition before we can escape. If we want to get out with our men breathing, we got to do this. After all, what will change if we fail? We'll be dead either way, one is just a hell of a lot slower.
>>6254916Fuuuuuuuuuck I'm so torn on this
I really love evacuation survival horror like the second one but the Suicide Mission sounds legit cool.
No way of knowing if anyone will pick us up after we're done playing with the big guns either.
No verification because I'm not voting.
>>6255283Fuck it, call me a pussy but I'm voting for
>No. VOID NO. This is a suicide mission. The LT would never approve it, and only the insane would volunteer to come with you. If you fail to pull it off, surrounded by two entire Savis legions, you are dead. If you actually do pull this off, you are very probably still dead. Dead and infamous, sure. But still dead. You need to stick together with your people, to find them a way out. This is how you survive. [The Big One: Objective – Survive]with
>>6254938's write in. One of the pieces of his info was incorrect iirc, and we do NOT want it to be that the AI can't be hacked or convinced.
>>6255290Fuck's sake I forgot
Here, verification
>>6221071
>>6254916>Yes. HOT POISON YES. All or nothing. What better distraction for the LT’s escape? Crane would follow you into hell, and you’re certain to win over enough of the others to volunteer. You are voiddamn Kriegers, paid a half-decent wage to be shot out of spaceships faster than a speeding bullet. You weren’t meant to die scrapping for creds in the dust of your alien overlords, eking out some kind of merc life. Like humanity, you were meant to reach for the stars. [The Big One: Suicide Mission]Hell yeah lets go!
>>6218733this is me
>>6255150>It helps that since the Company refused to upgrade the Prince and permament contracts with the Federation this would be a good reminder for those in the know: the Black Company is the top mercenary force for a reason.>>6255198>>Even if we get out, we'll be hunted night and day by cradler aux, who knows how may we'd lose to attrition before we can escape.Except that one of our objectives here (which we've managed up till now) is to make sure no one knows we were on this job at all. This is a grassroots rebellion as far as the wider galaxy knows
>>6254916>So tell me, Snake Eyes. Do you want to steal a Titan?I’m inclined to vote no…but I need more information.
Let’s say that we pull this off against all the odds and do steal a titan…then what?
We’ve never piloted one before, the enemy has several of their own titans in close proximity and they can use orbital weaponry on us.
I like Hail, but I don’t think he’s thought this through.
It feels like he just wants to go out in a blaze of glory.
>>6255351>This is a grassroots rebellion as far as the wider galaxy knowsThis anon raises a good point as well. Do we tip our hand here?
>>6255373>>Do we tip our hand here?If we do it'll cost us in both reputation and money since we have a bonus tied to not being discovered.
Yeah, our rep may benefit from being known as the people who stole a Titan in the sense that we'll be seen as amazing badasses but it'll also make us look less reliable. Whoever holds the contract will probably gripe about that and people in those circles talk.
And as you said, we have a Titan... now what? Stay, fight and die with Hail? Try to take it with us on our ship and forever be hunted by the Savs (which also likely means no more contracts from them) and possibly the Chorkrum if things leak further? And if we do stay and fight... that's the end of AT LEAST Nines and Jack In. It was said this can't be done without them and the Savs will just call in reinforcements. Is Nat going to stay and die with her people as well or is she going to abandon them here to the cause. A cause WE created with propaganda. We can't go drinking our own kool aid and dying in this shit hole...
>>6255351Why exactly would we be tipping our hand? as far as anyone might know Snake eyes is a rogue cradler auxiliary or a rebel with a beef.
>>6255400No one is going to believe we're a rogue auxiliary and they'll know if any of their own are missing. We can pull that to start with in order to get close maybe but once the bullets are flying they're going to know the jig is up.
As for a rebel with a beef, sure, that's possible and they've stopped taking prisoners so maybe they'll just kill us and it'll all be fine. However, taking on a Titan will change that, they'll probably want to know exactly who the fuck is messing with their best equipment. If we get captured we're screwed, if Nines gets captures the whole company is fucked. They'll definitely use Nines as evidence to get revenge by telling the whole galaxy we've been harbouring (and using) an abominable intelligence.
The more assets we commit to this plan of Hails the more we endanger the company. We've already achieved our objectives and this is just a personal thing for Hail, it's got nothing to do with Nat, the company or our objectives here. We're not freedom fighters, we're mercenaries.
Is taking on this mission a guarantee that we'll tip our hand? No, of course not. Is it further, unnecessary risk that we'll tip our hand and endanger the entire company? Absolutely, yes. And what do we get out of it? Do we really think we can extract a Titan and get it back to our ship in the middle of an all out hot war on this planet (whilst the planet is being blockaded)?
>>6255351That's exactly why I specified 'those in the know', yes. As far as most of the galaxy is concerned, this is just a rebellion. For people like the General, this would be a sterling endorsement that the Company is the best - and good business for us is good business for humanity.
Stealing a Titan doesn't even risk tipping our hand. As Hail revealed to us, there are plenty of members within Savis society who would feed a rebellion just to own their political rivals. Perfectly plausible scapegoats as far as we're concerned.
Last but not least, stealing a Titan and attracting the Chokrum's attention/letting the Titan run wild gives us a way out of the blockade as the Savis will definitely scramble to put things to rest. Otherwise we'll have to risk breaching it out - and if we're discovered, the only way out is the Prince's intervention. Which would cost is rep and money.
In the end, it's whether you want to take greater risks now or later. Personally, I prefer to take them when we have so much to gain from it.
>>6255373Having thought about it more and read anon’s points, I’m going to vote no.
The lack of a clear ‘what next’ after stealing the Titan is really what pushed me over.
Given the amount of planning Hail has done, he might have an idea. But the failure to discuss it with us so far is deeply worrying…
>No. VOID NO. This is a suicide mission. The LT would never approve it, and only the insane would volunteer to come with you. If you fail to pull it off, surrounded by two entire Savis legions, you are dead. If you actually do pull this off, you are very probably still dead. Dead and infamous, sure. But still dead. You need to stick together with your people, to find them a way out. This is how you survive. [The Big One: Objective – Survive]>>6218833V card
>>6254916>Yes. HOT POISON YES. All or nothing. What better distraction for the LT’s escape? Crane would follow you into hell, and you’re certain to win over enough of the others to volunteer. You are voiddamn Kriegers, paid a half-decent wage to be shot out of spaceships faster than a speeding bullet. You weren’t meant to die scrapping for creds in the dust of your alien overlords, eking out some kind of merc life. Like humanity, you were meant to reach for the stars. [The Big One: Suicide Mission]How can anyone in this quest say No to taking a titan for a joyride?
This is exactly the baller ass knigga stuff that I come for
Veri
>>6218334
>>6254916>Yes. HOT POISON YES. All or nothing. What better distraction for the LT’s escape? Crane would follow you into hell, and you’re certain to win over enough of the others to volunteer. You are voiddamn Kriegers, paid a half-decent wage to be shot out of spaceships faster than a speeding bullet. You weren’t meant to die scrapping for creds in the dust of your alien overlords, eking out some kind of merc life. Like humanity, you were meant to reach for the stars. [The Big One: Suicide Mission]
>>6255602Oh I forgot my v posts.
>>6219014My v day postings
>>6254916>Yes. HOT POISON YES. All or nothing. What better distraction for the LT’s escape? Crane would follow you into hell, and you’re certain to win over enough of the others to volunteer. You are voiddamn Kriegers, paid a half-decent wage to be shot out of spaceships faster than a speeding bullet. You weren’t meant to die scrapping for creds in the dust of your alien overlords, eking out some kind of merc life. Like humanity, you were meant to reach for the stars. [The Big One: Suicide Mission]When you say "the big one", you mean for this campaign right? Not the whole qst one hopes?
>>6218441
>>6255463Isn't the next step at that point at that point going t boil down to get as far away from the Titan as possible? It's going to be one hell of a distraction.
Bonus points if the Titan starts shooting at the Savis fleet and distracts the ships above and not just the troops below.
>>6254916>Yes. HOT POISON YES. All or nothing. What better distraction for the LT’s escape? Crane would follow you into hell, and you’re certain to win over enough of the others to volunteer. You are voiddamn Kriegers, paid a half-decent wage to be shot out of spaceships faster than a speeding bullet. You weren’t meant to die scrapping for creds in the dust of your alien overlords, eking out some kind of merc life. Like humanity, you were meant to reach for the stars. [The Big One: Suicide Mission]>>6218427My post
Wait, the suicide mission is winning? God damn, can't say I'm the biggest fan of gambling it all, especially when we were indicating to be leaving them the entire thread. But then again, I'm up for anything anons decide, just a surprise people decided to go with the plan.
StV when? Also, Cyganskii lore?
