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File 142159827812.png - (172.53KB , 700x500 , Butt 1.png )
620903 No. 620903 ID: 189a54

"Private Anus, it is good to see you. Congratulations on surviving Operation Demon Star."

"Yes, congratulations on hiding in the skyranger until everyone was dead--"

"We've called you here for a reason, private. Unfortunately, due to the huge losses sustained in the battle, there cannot be any medical leave for you. You're to be promoted to sergeant immediately, Anus. Secretary, bring in the new recruits, please."

Expand all images
>>
No. 620904 ID: ca146f

>>620903
>Private Anus, it is good to see you
Why is the dude's name Anus?
>>
No. 620905 ID: 189a54
File 142159879475.png - (161.00KB , 700x500 , Butt 2.png )
620905

"They're, ah.....they're not the best, I'll admit. They were the only other recruits we could find around the base. We're still about a week out from getting a full force of fourteen again, so in the meantime they're all we have...."

"Oh god, we're going to lose before January's over--"

"Ahem! Following the tradition of your old team's late Sergeant Sexgod, if you wish you may pick out new names for the troops under your command."

"Just get it over with quickly, they're all gonna die anyway...."

>>
No. 620909 ID: 8bd2b1

The rooks' names are:

"Excitable Boy,"
"The Simurgh," and
"Deadeye."
>>
No. 620924 ID: 189a54
File 142160810214.png - (50.89KB , 700x500 , Butt 3.png )
620924

"Excitable Boy."

"Wonderful...."

"The Simurgh."


"The what?"

"Deadeye."

"Ayyyyy!"

"You're a kinder namer than Sexgod, I'll give you that much...."

"That will be all for now, sergeant. Feel free to use the base facilities and get aquainted with your new squad until we have more for you. Maybe if we're lucky we'll not have another contact until our reinforcements get here..."

"We lost thirteen men to one of them, we have no luck--"

"Secretary, reactivate the global clock."

>>
No. 620932 ID: 189a54
File 142161018575.png - (114.92KB , 700x500 , Butt 4.png )
620932

8 JANUARY, 1999
0812

Anus leads his group out of the council's office and into the communication room. The pencil pushers ignore the newcomers, absorbed in writing out letters of apology to thirteen different countries....

The Simurgh shifts awkwardly. "Soooooo, do we have to use the new names, or--"


"Yes," Anus grunts.

Deadeye grins. "Personally I'm fine with mine."

The sergeant tunes out his new subordinates as he wonders what to do first.

These rooks will need to be outfitted with actual equipment--as comfortably knitted as the X-Com issue sweaters are, they won't do much to stop...whatever it is those things were firing.

The throbbing in his side reminds Anus that he'll want to head to the infirmary soon to get himself fixed up. This "no medical leave" bullshit means there won't be much they can do, but at the very least they'll have some painkillers.

Then there's these two invitations.... Soon after landing, Anus was called by both the manufacturing and research department heads. He'll need to report to them at some time or another.

"Boss?" Deadeye calls. "You there, sir?"

"Hmm...."
>>
No. 620941 ID: 687279

>>620932
Just give all the rooks the same equipment as usual. Armor, rifle, grenade.

Head to medbay, then manufacturing.
>>
No. 620942 ID: a19cd5

>>620932
Next mission top priority is capturing some alium weapons.
>>
No. 621073 ID: 3ed831

so which rookie is which? after the painkillers you should go to the research place first. new equipment is always nice.
>>
No. 621082 ID: 350a50

Tell the rooks to head to the shooting range and get some practice in to figure out what guns they're good at. They'll need it.

Then head to the Research Labs. Tell them to get on designing you some armor that doesn't melt instantly on contact with alien weapon fire.
>>
No. 621137 ID: 8bd2b1

I listed the names I gave them in order from left to right, so Excitable Boy is the black guy, The Simurgh is the lady, and Deadeye is the other dude.
>>
No. 621162 ID: 189a54
File 142170165767.png - (120.08KB , 700x500 , Butt 5.png )
621162

0813

"You guys head to the practice room," Anus commands. "Get some rounds in the sim, see what weapon you like."

The three recruits disappear down one of the hallways, chatting with each other. The sergeant travels down toward the infirmary.
>>
No. 621167 ID: 189a54
File 142170379058.png - (172.15KB , 700x500 , Butt 6.png )
621167

0823

Sergeant Anus enters the infirmary. The facility is cleared of its normal staff. A scientist and an engineer are arguing in the center.

"You just don't get it!" the researcher yells. "He's never going to accept your idea when he hears how much better mine is!"

"Fuck off, nerd," the engineer spits. "Just keep in mind how long your 'better' shit'll take compared to mine, alright? Time matters, he'll approve me first!"

"Approve you first? He won't even be able to read your chicken-scratch--oh, Sergeant! Hello, come in!"
>>
No. 621170 ID: 189a54
File 142170481440.png - (148.68KB , 700x500 , Butt 7.png )
621170

Anus cautiously approaches....

"Wow, fancy running into you here!" the scientist laughs awkwardly. "I'm the head of research, you can just call me Matt. This little piece of work is the engineer boss, Laurel."


Laurel nods and glances at the floor.

"Er...hello," Anus says. The way these two are looking at him makes him nervous....

"I, ah, I trust you got my summons for you to come down to the lab?" Matt asks.

"Yes--"

"And you were going to come to me first, yes? You were going to head to the lab before you visited the workshops, yes?! Say it, sir, no need to be shy!"

"Sh-shotgun!" Laurel blurts out. She blanches and shuffles back a step.

Anus is very confused....
>>
No. 621191 ID: 687279

>>621170
Ignore the research/engineering conflict and ask where the hell the medics are. You're covered in blood.
(it does look like it was 2 to 1 in favor of research, though)
>>
No. 621213 ID: 89b2a2

>>621170
"now i'm not inclined to visit either of your facilities, you're both freaking me out."

"i need a bandaid and some painkillers"
>>
No. 621259 ID: 350a50

"that depends, which of you can get me armor that doesn't suck ass?"
>>
No. 621848 ID: 189a54
File 142206588083.png - (62.71KB , 700x500 , Butt 8.png )
621848

"Now I'm not inclined to visit either of your facilities," Anus grumbles, "you're both freaking me out. Where the hell are the medics?"

The head scientist stares blankly. "Medics. And what are they for.....?'

"I'm covered in blood!"

"Oh. Oh yes, of course. John! Steven! Get back in here!"

Two medics enter nervously, carrying bandages and a syringe.
>>
No. 621849 ID: 189a54
File 142206634377.png - (123.24KB , 700x500 , Butt 9.png )
621849

Matt coughs as he watches the medics get to work. "My bad, just a little brain fart there. It's fine though, especially since I know you're going to be coming to me first--"

"That depends," Anus corrects. "Which of you can get me armor that doesn't suck ass?"

"Uh...... Wellll, we, ah...... Well we sort of need some alien equipment before we can do that, actually. But! As soon as we have some, the lab will design some of the best--"

"Mark I...." Laurel murmurs.

"What?"

The engineer boss returns to studying the floor."We...w-we just thought...w-we've made some armor, with what we could--"

"No! No, it's a mess, just like their weapon plan! Garbage, is all!" Matt's expression is getting unsettling.

"Look, you're not considering her ideas at all, right? Command left the first research and development decision up to you since you've just come from the field, and you know best what our ground troops need. Not to mention, the department head you give the O.K. to gets a quite substantial raise, you get me? Now I know it will be a bit of a wait, but just trust me! What do you want sir, a suit of trash and a glorified shotgun or the weapons of the future?!" The man looks fit to explode.

>>
No. 621859 ID: fef726

Shotguns do lots of damage and don't require you to aim if you are close enough.

Plus armor.

Go with the lady who has a crush on you.
>>
No. 621861 ID: 350a50

"My name isn't Mark, it's Anus."
>>
No. 621919 ID: 89b2a2

>>621849
"Wait so we're fighting a threat to the ENTIRETY OF HUMANITY who continually kidnap people for god knows what and you two are bickering over pay raises?"

"Do you two REALLY have to worry about that in a secure base we're literally not allowed to leave. And, seriously, you're going to both be working together anyway to discover the alien's weird technology which if you're smart about publishing will make you excessively famous-and rich-if you set it up carefully."

"I'm sure you have a fancy doctorate which is amazing since I get to take a moment to call you retarded."

"Everyone in my squad died. I need armor and weapons now. Arguably, what I need most is a way to detect aliens in the dark and through walls, but I'll take what I can get."
>>
No. 622014 ID: d958ad

>>621849
Ask Matt to clearly state what his idea is before you agree to anything. The engineer wants to make a shotgun and maybe slightly improved armor, what is he making? Laser pistol maybe?
>>
No. 622120 ID: 189a54
File 142220278558.png - (111.37KB , 700x500 , Butt 10.png )
622120

The sergeant stares at the two in disbelief. "Firstly, my name's not Mark, it's Anus," he says. "And it's pretty amazing knowing that you have some fancy doctorate since I get to take a sec and call you retarded.
>>
No. 622122 ID: 189a54
File 142220309825.png - (118.24KB , 700x500 , Butt 11.png )
622122

"Are you fucking serious right now? My whole team's dead, we're at war with a threat to fucking humanity itself and you're arguing about pay raises?! Is that really what you should be worried about right now?"

Laurel flinches at the words. "I-it's not like that," she stammers. "We need it, r-really! I.... M-my pay, I...I give it to my workshop, to the men.... A-and then we can make things...."

Matt scoffs. "Can't say the same, X-Com actually cares about my wing enough to pay them. I just really want something extra in my account for when this mess is over with."

"You realize you're going to be working together figuring out the alien technology," Anus says. "If you're smart about publishing your finds, you'll be plenty rich!"

"Maybe," Matt admits. "If the UN allows us to breathe a word about what we make down here after this mess is over. In case they don't, though...."

"Look, I just need weapons and armor, fast," Anus says, exasperated. "And I could really use something that could detect aliens through walls or in the dark...shit, I'll take anything really. Matt, before I make any decisions what exactly are you thinking? I know what Laurel's got, what about you?"
>>
No. 622123 ID: 189a54
File 142220331229.png - (182.04KB , 700x500 , Butt 12.png )
622123

"Glad you asked!" the scientist exclaims, beaming. He pulls a small projector out of his lab coat and aims it at a wall. "My people and I are planning a way to implement laser technology on the battlefield. When completed, our laser rifles will be faster, stronger and more accurate than X-Com's ballistic ones, and will need no ammo! It will be the perfect weapon! We don't really have much besides some theories at the moment but trust me! When the design is complete it will be worth it!"

Lasers? The concept sounds powerful...but also costly, and like it would take some time. The sergeant thinks about which to choose....
>>
No. 622124 ID: a19cd5

Lasers. ALWAYS lasers. But make sure engineering gets their time too later.
>>
No. 622156 ID: fef726

Engineers has some body armor and a weapon right now. Lasers will take time. Theories mean they don't even have a prototype yet.

Go with the Engineers for now.
>>
No. 622161 ID: d958ad

>>622123
Well... objectively, we'd like both of them to work on their ideas. Engineering NEEDS the money to do things, while Research does not. Therefore, give money to Engineering, and tell this guy you really like his idea but you're looking at the big picture here. You'll pick him next time there's a pay raise opportunity or something.
>>
No. 622241 ID: 350a50

>>622156
Yeah, plus Matt is a dickhole.
>>
No. 622310 ID: 189a54
File 142230477126.png - (64.37KB , 700x500 , Butt 13.png )
622310

"Honestly I want both of you to work on your ideas," Anus muses, "but Engineering actually needs the cash.... Matt, still you do what you can but I'm giving the official O.K. to them."

Laurel looks up, surprised. "For real?" she gasps. "Th-thank--"
>>
No. 622311 ID: 189a54
File 142230498751.png - (115.86KB , 700x500 , Butt 14.png )
622311

A klaxon blares twice. The base PA system crackles to life.

"Attention to all troops assigned to Skyranger-001, "The Friend-Ship." UFO-002 has been dropped in Africa. Report to the council office for briefing immediately."

Laurel glances at the door. "S-sir, the gear, it's with my men," she says. "I...I could get it for you, i-if you need to go fast!"

"Geeze, two in one day," Matt groans. "Best get going, sergeant. Don't you still have some new guys to equip? Or will you just head for the office and meet them there?"
>>
No. 622312 ID: fef726

Tell Laurel that would be great. Since yeah, we need to go fast.

Head for the new guys and equip them up with new gear.

Everyone gets 1 grenade and the new body armor.

Lets see, Shotgun for you and Excitable Boy. Deadeye gets an Assualt Rifle. The Simiurgh gets telekinesis.

Wait, wrong Simiurgh. Give her a rocket launcher instead. Or a sniper rifle if you don't have any rocket launchers.
>>
No. 622353 ID: 3031be

>>622311
Keep a mental note to talk to your bosses about getting more than 4 random rookies and a crack team of incompitent retards who are more concerned about getting in your pants and getting a pay raise more than saving the world. And then get your shit and fly to your new squad's graveyard.
>>
No. 622403 ID: d958ad

Just do things by the book. Whoever's supposed to arm the newbies should arm them, whoever's supposed to move shit around should do that.
>>
No. 622408 ID: 350a50

>>622311
Tell Laurel to get body armor for you and the rookies, and a shotgun for yourself.

Grab the rookies and have them get their preferred stock weapons from the armory along with one grenade each.

Head to the council chamber.
>>
No. 624433 ID: 189a54
File 142357214873.png - (87.85KB , 700x500 , Butt 15.png )
624433

Anus throws on his gear and hurries out of the infirmary. "That'd be great, Laurel," he calls back to the engineer. "I'll see you at the council chamber."

"S-sure!" The engineer takes off down the hall.
>>
No. 624434 ID: 189a54
File 142357233420.png - (110.12KB , 700x500 , Butt 16.png )
624434

Anus finds his group outside the council chamber. It looks like they've gotten outfitted by the quartermaster already, each wearing standard X-Com operational suits and packs.

"Hey boss, I scored a 73 on the marksmanship test!" Deadeye calls as the sergeant approaches. "They stuck this sniper rifle in my hands so fast, it was great!"

"I wanted a rocket launcher or something cool but apparently I'm too little," The Simurgh fumes. "All I got was a boring regular rifle...."

"Neat," Anus says. "Everyone's got a grenade?"

"Yeah, we each got one and Boy's got like a billion. He scored higher at throwing than shooting, who even does that?"

"Whatever, man," Excitable Boy grumbles. "Don't the council guys want to see you, sergeant?"

Anus nods and hurries into the office.
>>
No. 624435 ID: 189a54
File 142357257974.png - (81.59KB , 700x500 , Butt 17.png )
624435

"Ah, there you are. Sorry to send you out this early, but we have to. You'll be undermanned by a large number, but we have faith in you."

"Faith that you'll die--"

"Ahem!"

"Sir, we'll really need some more men and better staff for--"


"And we'll get them...most likely. Probably. Maybe....."

"U-um, sergeant? Uh...w-we only have two shotguns ready, and two sets of armor.... W-we'll have more for everybody soon, I promise! B-but for this, you'll have to just...sorta choose one trooper, to get the other set...."
>>
No. 624456 ID: 350a50

Give Boy the other set, since he can't aim for shit. At least he can hit things reliably up close if he runs out of 'nades. And possibly not die while doing so.

Simurgh and Deadeye should stay out of the heat. Deadeye can pick off X-Rays from a distance and Simurgh can lay down some suppression.
>>
No. 624463 ID: d958ad

>>624456
I agree.
>>
No. 625081 ID: 189a54
File 142394853578.png - (32.67KB , 700x500 , Butt 18.png )
625081

"I'll give the other gear to Boy. We're heading out--"

"Sergeant."

"Sir?"

"If Demon Star's any indication, there's a good chance that most of you are going to die on this mission. Just.... No matter what happens, make sure the job gets done. You understand?

"Operation First Law will begin, now. Get to it, sergeant."
>>
No. 625082 ID: 189a54
File 142394931548.png - (160.19KB , 700x500 , Butt 19.png )
625082

0905

The Friend-Ship takes off with the troops on board.

The skyranger pilot's jaw drops as he notices Anus sitting with the recruits. "Hey, you're that kid Anus!" he yells over the engines' din. "I saw you get off like an hour ago, you were fucked up! What're you doing back on the coffin this early?"

"That's X-Com, baby," the sergeant grunts.

"Man, that sucks. Here's hoping you keep safe or die fast, little dude."

>>
No. 625083 ID: 189a54
File 142394973587.png - (99.06KB , 700x500 , Butt 20.png )
625083

1023

"We're getting close to the operation zone," the pilot calls. "Say your prayers and write your wills, kids. And don't worry, I'll fly your bodies back nice and smooth. Just ask Anus, I got mad respect for the dead."

The cabin is dead silent save for the constant noise of the engines. The three rookies stare at Anus with wide eyes.

"Uh.... Boss...?" Deadeye says quietly.


They seem to be expecting something out of him...
>>
No. 625085 ID: fef726

Give a speech about how it doesn't matter the odds, it doesn't matter how often this mission has failed. You are going to kill those x-rays and you are all going to get home ALIVE! Every last one of you.

hoo-rah.
>>
No. 625090 ID: 5869f6

>>625083
They're convinced we're going to die. So let's prove HOW FUCKING WRONG they'll be when we KILL EVERY FUCKING XENO AND COME HOME ALIVE!
All of us.
>>
No. 625093 ID: 350a50

Stay in cover at all times. Never move beyond line of sight of the rest of the squad. Never cross open ground without visibility.
>>
No. 625096 ID: b5b419

>>625083
You know if missions didn't start like this rookies would probably panic less often. THIS EXPLAINS A LOT.

Don't drop your gun. Don't fumble your gun. Don't shoot blindly. Practice trigger discipline. Warn your teammates if you pick up an enemy gun and use it, because you may get blind-shot at. Our best chance is to stay focused, calm, and work together. NOW LET'S GET OUT THERE AND KICK THE ALIEN'S TEETH IN FOR HUMANITY.

Maybe nightvision goggles should be considered for future missions...
>>
No. 625102 ID: 189a54
File 142396835021.png - (85.53KB , 700x500 , Butt 21.png )
625102

The sergeant stands and faces his troops. "They all think we're gonna die," he says. "I don't like that. We're gonna find whatever's still alive down there and fill it with holes. Then we're gonna head out and get some time off for our troubles. All of us."

Deadeye still seems shaken. "You sure it'll go like that, boss?" he asks.

"Look, we don't have much time but I'm gonna give you the talk. My sergeant gave it to me and I've turned out okay." Anus glides over the fact that Sergeant Sexgod gave this speech to the other twelve men on the team as well. "Listen good and you'll do fine."

Anus goes over the rules of combat that his sergeant drilled into him and his group, everything from handling one's gun to moving as a team. The three novices seem to soak it up pretty well, and they look less nervous now, thank god. Worrying about a panic spiral would be instant death with a troop count this small....
>>
No. 625103 ID: 189a54
File 142396912738.png - (300.67KB , 700x500 , Butt 22.png )
625103

1033

Before long the skyranger touches down. The exit ramp lowers and Anus's heart skips a beat.

They've parked right next to the downed UFO.

"Sorry that there ain't much wiggle room," the pilot calls back at the four soldiers. "Command wanted us to land close to the ship this time, cut out some time spent on open ground."

Fucking Command! The aliens aren't all sitting in the ship still, Anus knows. The squad will have to search the operation area for survivors as well, and starting from the center that job may be difficult....

"The thing's awful close," Boy breathes nervously, looking at the silver ship ahead of them. "Uh.... You know best, sir, you can get off first and lead where you want, I'll be fine with it...."
>>
No. 625105 ID: b5b419

>>625103
tempting to order excitable boy out first

Nah, you have armor and a helmet, there's no readily apparent cover. Stride out into the breach!

Try to capture the UFO first then use the cover. They're going to want to come back to it EVENTUALLY. Wonder aloud why the skyranger doesn't have/doesn't use guns
>>
No. 625106 ID: d958ad

Oh god it's a desert, there's no cover? You're fucked.

Standard procedure is to have the unskilled exit the craft first to soak up fire coming from a potential ambush. If nothing happens everyone should head for the nearest dune that will at least limit incoming fire from one direction. Then circle around the craft, to eliminate any xrays that are lurking about outside it.
>>
No. 625120 ID: 350a50

Tell the pilot to hover over you while you advance so that the dust cloud gives you all cover until you can get inside where there will be real cover.
>>
No. 625471 ID: 189a54
File 142423762040.png - (255.68KB , 700x500 , Butt 23.png )
625471

"Pilot, hover a little," Anus calls. "Try to kick up some cover for us!"

The skyranger lifts slightly and a cloud of sand is blown into the air. As soon as it's stable enough, the sergeant begins striding down the exit ramp.

"We're gonna clear this ship," he declares, "and then we're headed for the nearest dune, and from there--"

"What the hell're you talkin' about, Anus?! C'mon boy, move!"
>>
No. 625474 ID: 189a54
File 142423847034.png - (300.08KB , 700x500 , Butt 24.png )
625474

Private Anus freezes on the ramp. There's no real point to him getting off now, is there? The screams on the right are getting louder now, the gunfire less frequent--

"C'mon, boy!" Sergeant Sexgod clutches his chest tighter. "Smoke's clearin' soon, dammit, get here an' get low!"


"Can't, sir," Anus whimpers. "My legs're--"


"Your legs're bullshit, private, don't you remember? The talk, you little shit, say it with me! 'When I think I'm done'--no fuckin' tears, you know the lines! 'When I think I'm done...!'"
>>
No. 625475 ID: 350a50

"When I think I'm done... I need to realize what it takes. Never dwell in the dark 'cause the sun always rises, just gotta make it to the next day.

It's that feeling that you get in your lungs when you run and you're running out of air, but your breath won't come. And you're wheezing, gotta keep it moving, find that extra *umph* and push your way through it!"

>>
No. 625476 ID: d958ad

>>625474
When I think I'm done... I'm only getting started.
>>
No. 628086 ID: 189a54
File 142577913298.png - (195.79KB , 700x500 , Butt 25.png )
628086

Sergeant Sexgod's recited it so many times that the private can hardly forget the speech, especially not its closing line. "When I think I'm done," he says shakily, "I'm.... I'm just getting started...!"

Private Brazil pats Anus on the back. "That's the spirit, amigo!" he says with a grin. "Let's--"

Brazil's head explodes in a burst of red and green.

"Shit! Tink, more smoke!" Sexgod bellows. "Get down here already, Anus!"

>>
No. 628093 ID: 189a54
File 142578139995.png - (424.53KB , 700x500 , Butt 26.png )
628093

Anus flings himself off the ramp and into the grass. Scrambling under the cover from Tink's newly-thrown smoke grenade, he makes it over to his sergeant.

From this close, Anus can see just how bad his sergeant's wounds are. The grazing shot he took seared through his vest and took a chunk out of his torso. His internal organs would be bare to the world if not for his arms. The fact that the man is still not only talking but yelling is ridiculous.

"I'd slap you if I wasn't busy keepin' my guts in," Sexgod growls. "The hell was that, boy?!"

"Sorry sir, I--"

"No fuckin' time to be sorry. No fuckin' time...." Sexgod's expression grows distant for a long moment. When he finally refocuses, he gives his subordinate a bloody grin. "Eheh, sucks to be you, huh? You and Tink gotta wipe all our asses now, and don't even think about running or.... Shit I dunno, I'm gonna fuckin' haunt you or something!"


"Y-yes, sir!!" Anus yelps. If there was anyone who could actually do that, it'd be Sergeant Sexgod....

"Now listen up and listen good! You can hear from the shots, somebody's still fightin' over on the right. Up ahead from here's that house where Dog Shit's squad got torn up, I dunno if that sniper's moved on or not. To the left's the target, Boobs's squad was supposed to have taken it by now but I dunno what the fuck's goin' on. Those're all the messes you gotta clean up, and fast, got it?"

"Yes sir, but...what about you?"

Sexgod leans his head back on the stone wall, smirk returning to his face. "I've been yelling my ass off with a hole the size of your mom's vagina in me and I'm still okay," he chuckles. "I'll never die, dumbass. Now get moving!"

The private's mind races, thinking of what objective needs to be done first.
>>
No. 628095 ID: 350a50

Fighting means people are still alive there. Go towards the fighting.

Gotta stick together to survive.
>>
No. 628151 ID: d958ad

>>628093
Head to the right. If you aid those in combat, you may be able to reduce casualties. Stick to cover whenever possible, and flank the enemy when you can.
>>
No. 628178 ID: 189a54
File 142582035503.png - (395.41KB , 700x500 , Butt 27.png )
628178

"Tink," Anus calls. "We're gonna go toward the fighting, alright?"

The other private double-checks his heavy cannon and nods. "Let's hit it, man!"

The two keep low and start moving into the smoke cloud.

"You motherfuckers stay safe!" Sexgod yells from behind them. "You two were my always favorite little shits! You hear me?! You're not allowed to die if I like you!"
>>
No. 628179 ID: 189a54
File 142582073046.png - (305.03KB , 700x500 , Butt 28.png )
628179

The two privates move quickly through the smoke cover.

"Fuck I'm angry, dude," Tink grates as they reach the other side. "They killed the sergeant, man. That's--look out!"

A gray is waiting on the other side of the smoke. It aims its gun at Anus as he comes into view!
>>
No. 628200 ID: 350a50

Don't give him a straight line to aim for. Dodge around and lay down the lead pain once he empties his weapon.
>>
No. 628208 ID: 6e79d4

Fall prone and fire.
>>
No. 628211 ID: bd8b82

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE
>>
No. 628223 ID: 189a54
File 142584280075.png - (216.41KB , 700x500 , Butt 29.png )
628223

Anus's reflexes kick in and he dives to one side, firing a burst into the alien before it has a chance to shoot. His comrade continues sprinting forward, moving to take cover by a nearby fence.

From a ways up ahead, a sudden burst of fire can be seen. In between deadly green bolts fly the yellow tracer rounds of an X-Com assault rifle.

"Anus, look!" Tink calls. "You see that, someone's still fighting! Looks like two grays pinning him man, what do we do?"
>>
No. 628228 ID: bd8b82

flanking maneuver. alien bastards wont see us coming.
>>
No. 628347 ID: 350a50

Hit them from the side! Once they're startled and their covering fire is broken our man out there can get some clean shots as well.
>>
No. 628348 ID: d958ad

>>628223
Flank that shit.
>>
No. 628354 ID: b5b419

>>628223
I wonder if this is all PTSD and we're actually shooting our allies in panic.
>>
No. 628356 ID: d958ad

>>628354
I think it's more likely we just shot at nothing.
>>
No. 628418 ID: 189a54
File 142593730354.png - (91.02KB , 700x500 , Butt 30.png )
628418

"Hit them from the side!" Anus yells, scrambling to his feet.

Tink fires at the two grays while Anus turns to take--wait.

That wasn't there before.

A blast of heat hits Anus's face.
>>
No. 628422 ID: 189a54
File 142593804718.png - (409.46KB , 700x500 , Butt 31.png )
628422

Sergeant Anus wakes up in the sand, hands bound. He tries weakly to shift into a more comfortable position; his side is throbbing like mad.

Deadeye freezes when he notices his squad leader moving. "Uh-oh. Boss?" he calls, slowly reaching for the stun rod sitting beside him. "How, uh...how you feeling, sir...?"
>>
No. 628425 ID: 350a50

Like a big wet pile of dog shit.

What happened?
>>
No. 628426 ID: bd8b82

"god damn ethereals"
>>
No. 628438 ID: d958ad

Ask him to please tell you that you didn't start shooting your allies.
>>
No. 628904 ID: 189a54
File 142623640648.png - (290.75KB , 700x500 , Butt 32.png )
628904

"Like a big wet pile of dog shit," Anus mumbles. "Goddamn...goddamn...." A word flits through the sergeant's mind, but it's gone before he can say it.

Deadeye breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank god. You really scared us, man! You sorta flipped for a second."

"Oh, god. Please don't tell me I didn't start shooting at you guys."


"Of course you didn't!" Deadeye laughs as he undoes the ties on his sergeant's wrists. "....We got your gun away from you before you could pull the trigger."

"Geeze.... What happened?"

"You stepped off the ramp and just started spazzing out! You almost dropped The Simurgh but Boy trucked you and got that rifle out of your hands. You kept flailing so we had to stun you, too.... Then we called command but they were just like 'continue the mission,' so they tied you up and left you with me on this dune while they went to clear the ship.

"But.... That was thirty minutes ago. How long's it supposed to take to clear one of these things, Boss...?"

>>
No. 628915 ID: bd8b82

"looks too small to take this long. once you open the door it's a short deadly firefight."
>>
No. 628938 ID: d958ad

>>628904
Not long. They're probably dead, let's go see if we can clear out the other aliens. Probably won't have another flashback.
>>
No. 628943 ID: 350a50

"Can you see anything through your scope?"
>>
No. 629092 ID: 189a54
File 142636378205.png - (380.12KB , 700x500 , Butt 33.png )
629092

"Too small to take that long," Anus muses. "Once you open the door the fight's short and deadly."

"So you think they're...?"

"Dunno," the sergeant says. "Can you see anything through your scope?"

Deadeye looks into his scope, swiveling the gun left and right slightly. After few moments, he utters an annoyed tsk. "Nothing," he reports. "So what's our move, Boss?"
>>
No. 629098 ID: d958ad

>>629092
Grey spotted, coming over the dune! Ice it before it ices Deadeye.
>>
No. 629103 ID: bd8b82

leap over dead eye, draw stun rod. ZAP MOTHERFUCKER!
>>
No. 629138 ID: 350a50

Apply ample voltage.
>>
No. 629829 ID: 4e2c42

>>629103
There's no way there's time for the stun rod, it's in the backpack! Just pick the gun off the ground and fire away.
>>
No. 632061 ID: 189a54
File 142785623208.png - (382.28KB , 700x500 , Butt 34.png )
632061

Anus thinks for a splitsecond to stun it, but there's no time to prepare his stun rod! The sergeant snaps his rifle up and fires a burst. The shots are wide, flying centimeters from Deadeye's head to strike the tip of the dune. Suppressed, the gray ducks back.

"Shit, I missed," Anus spits.


Deadeye starts to shake. "What? What?" he quavers. His eyes dart between his stun rod and Anus as he starts breathing more and more rapidly. "What the fuck, dude. What the fuck, dude?!"
>>
No. 632088 ID: 350a50

"I'm sane. Grey flanking. Watch my back."
>>
No. 632161 ID: bd8b82

"i wasn't trying to hit you, got greys on the dune. were probably looking for us since the skyranger hasn't left."
>>
No. 632917 ID: 1d1817
File 142817809370.png - (393.98KB , 700x500 , Butt 35.png )
632917

"I'm sane," Anus says quickly, rushing past Deadeye to the edge of the dune. Taking aim, he pops the gray's head with one shot. "Wasn't aiming at you, there's grays out here."

The sniper lets out a relieved breath. "Thank god dude, you just scared me to death! Warn me next time, okay?"

Anus nods curtly, scanning the horizon for movement. "Watch my back," he says. "They're probably looking for us since the skyranger hasn't left yet--"

"Shit, they're coming!"

Three more grays emerge from the sand cloud and take aim at Deadeye's head.
>>
No. 632918 ID: fef726

Get behind the hill, we need cover if we're gonna survive this.

Then deadeye can pick them off while Anus covers him.
>>
No. 632920 ID: bd8b82

anyone have a grenade? a cluster of enemies is EXACTLY what it's good for.
>>
No. 632927 ID: 350a50

Huck a 'nade.
>>
No. 632947 ID: 1d1817
File 142820509967.png - (267.27KB , 700x500 , Butt 36.png )
632947

"Behind the hill, now!" Anus barks.

The two fling themselves over the lip of the sand mound as the grays open fire. With a nervous yelp, Deadeye hunkers down and fires several wild shots back.

"Tighten your aim!" Anus commands. He fishes the grenade from his pack and sets the timer to 0. "Grenade going out!"


"Fuck em up!"
>>
No. 632948 ID: 1d1817
File 142820533564.png - (392.25KB , 700x500 , Butt 37.png )
632948

Anus lobs the grenade and ducks. The blast obliterates two of the grays as two well-placed shots from Deadeye tear apart the third.

"Nice throw, Boss!" the sniper cheers.

>>
No. 632952 ID: 1d1817
File 142820601702.png - (242.31KB , 700x500 , Butt 38.png )
632952

"Holy shit, that worked! We're both okay!"

Anus simply nods, trying to hide the fact that he's just as surprised as his squad-mate that nothing went wrong with the engagement. Four of these things had taken out thirteen much better men, before....

"No more are coming through the sand," Deadeye points out as he snaps in another magazine. "Hey, did.... Did we win?"
>>
No. 632954 ID: 296917

The battle isn't over until the objective is secured. Advance to the target. Deadeye can be on overwatch, maybe we can use the dropship as cover.
>>
No. 632963 ID: bd8b82

sneak around to the UFO, deadeye provides overwatch.
>>
No. 632968 ID: 350a50

>>632954
Second. Use the Skyranger as cover for your approach. Remind Deadeye to check his flanks frequently.
>>
No. 632995 ID: d48d62

Wait by the UFO's door with your stun rod at the ready.
>>
No. 633010 ID: 1d1817
File 142823534942.png - (354.77KB , 700x500 , Butt 39.png )
633010

Anus shakes his head grimly. "Battle's not over 'till the objective's secured," he says. "I'm going down there."

The sergeant takes out his stun rod and the parts for Laurel's shotgun from his pack. He assembles the weapon quickly and loads two shells. Strapping the extra ones across his chest, he starts moving down toward the sand cloud.

"H-hey, you're not going alone, are you?" Deadeye calls. He glances around worriedly. "Uh, maybe we should stick together, huh?"

"I'll be okay," Anus replies. "You keep here as overwatch. And keep an eye on your flanks."


"Alright.... Be careful sir, I don't wanna be alone out here...."
>>
No. 633013 ID: 1d1817
File 142823642248.png - (437.79KB , 700x500 , Butt 40.png )
633013

Anus's pulse quickens as he moves through the cloud being thrown up by the skyranger's engines. He's close to snapping, he can feel it; it's getting harder and harder to keep moving forward as he approaches the UFO.

He tries to clear his mind by reviewing what he knows of these ships. Simple design, compact. Only one floor, only one room. Door's only big enough for one person at a time. Fucking nasty bottleneck to go through if there's grays inside, during Demon Star a whole squad was shredded.

A whole squad couldn't take it. And he's only one guy....

"Christ," Anus spits. He realizes that he'd stopped moving. Gritting his teeth, he forces himself forward.

>>
No. 633014 ID: 1d1817
File 142823663962.png - (303.58KB , 700x500 , Butt 41.png )
633014

The sergeant finally reaches the entrance. There's no sound to be heard except the skyranger's engines. The feeling of dread that's been building in his stomach doesn't leave.
>>
No. 633015 ID: bd8b82

stand to the side, knock on the door hard with your weapon so it makes a nice loud clang. then back up. stay close enough that you can jump forward and stun rod anything that walks out but be out of sight of anything that opens the door.
>>
No. 633016 ID: fef726

Stay by the side and open the door, don't put yourself as a silhouette target. If deadeye can see the interior of the ship all the better. Are comms up? It is a good idea to warn him you are opening the door.
>>
No. 633045 ID: 1d1817
File 142825844408.png - (334.56KB , 700x500 , Butt 42.png )
633045

Anus grimaces as he realizes Deadeye probably has terrible sight through the makeshift smokescreen, and they don't have radios to communicate with.... He makes an exaggerated wave and hopes the sniper can see that he's about to make a move.

Keeping to one side, Anus moves to bang on the door. To his surprise, an instant before contact it slides up with a hiss.

A burst of shot nearly swiss-cheeses Anus's hand! He snaps it back with a curse.

"C'mon in, you fucks! C'mon back, Lavell's got more for you! Grenade out!"

Shit.
>>
No. 633046 ID: 296917

Dodge around the side of the UFO! Then yell to hold his fire, it's you.
>>
No. 633053 ID: b9cef6

Dodge to the side!
Damn, we should've opened with Shave And A Haircut, thats universal "we're friendly" knocking.
>>
No. 633056 ID: fef726

Huh, shotgun means Excitable Boy is a alive. I hope Simiurgh is too. They must have managed to somehow chase the greys out of the ship.

Move off to the side of the ship. Sprint like the dickens. It is most likely on 0 count.

Then announce that is you, you are sane and you managed to kill 4 greys with Deadeye. Get a sitrep. Injuries\Casualties. Does he have a count of how many greys they encountered. We need to know if there are more then 4 around. That sorta thing.
>>
No. 633058 ID: bd8b82

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE

then wave your stun rod in front of the door.
>>
No. 633059 ID: 1d1817
File 142827252925.png - (520.11KB , 700x500 , Butt 43.png )
633059

Anus ducks around the side of the ship, covering his ears fast. "Cool it!" he yells, "It's m--"

His ears are blasted with sound as the grenade goes off around the corner. He screws his eyes shut as a wave of pain fills his head.

Everything seems to dim in an instant. Barely audible is a dull, rhythmic clanging. It takes the sergeant a moment to realize that this is probably Boy running out to pop the skull of whoever's around this corner.

"It's me, wait!" he shouts. At least, he thinks he shouts it. His voice reaches his ears as a watery mess. "Boy, it's Anus! Stop, dammit!"
>>
No. 633062 ID: 1d1817
File 142827603325.png - (241.04KB , 700x500 , Butt 44.png )
633062

Excitable Boy stumbles around the corner, covered head to toe in gore. None of it looks like it's his.

"It's me!" Anus yells again.

At the sight of his sergeant, Boy's face brightens with relief."You!" he cries, "I thought you were dead!" From the tone it's obvious that the private is yelling to be heard, but it's only barely audible. "What happened to you? Where's Deadeye?"

"I'm sane, Deadeye's alive," Anus calls back. "Killed four grays on the dune. I need a sitrep, casualties, how many grays did you--Boy?"

The private's eyes have glassed over with tears. He takes a deep, shuddering breath. "Casualties?" he repeats slowly. "We.... The Simurgh, she...she died. And then I...." His voice drops too low to be discerned.

"What?"

"I fuckin' killed them, man!" Boy looks down at his ruined uniform, horrified. "Oh god, I fuckin' killed them. Nine of them, dropped five and the other four ran out. You got those, I think. But those five.... Oh christ, what have I done?"

"You did great," Anus says, as reassuringly as he can be while shouting. "I think that should be all of them. We won, bud. I'll pick up Simurgh, and then we can get out of here--"

"No!" The private flinches and goes back to studying his bloodied gear. "Uh, I mean.... I can go get her, you should go tell Deadeye we're done, right? And the pilot?"

>>
No. 633063 ID: d3be40

Something's wrong. Excitable Boy is worried about something that happened. Have him take point and do one last sweep of the UFO. Find out what happened, it might be intel that's too traumatic for Excitable Boy to spit out.
>>
No. 633071 ID: fef726

As much as I'd like to indulge Excitable Boy I think we should see what happened. As a superior officer you need to know. My guess is he panicked, and shot everything in a berserk state.
>>
No. 633073 ID: bd8b82

"private, calm down, that's an order. now, no matter what happened ,i understand, deadeye told me how i went nuts and almost killed people. quick wok with a stun rod was the only thing that stopped me. do you understand?"
>>
No. 633082 ID: b9cef6

Boy may have shot her in his panic/xeno-killing bloodlust. Tell him that it's okay, and that while regretable, these kinds of things happen.
Sweep the UFO.
>>
No. 633086 ID: 350a50

I think you mighta shot her, Sgt.
He might not want you to see the bullet holes.
>>
No. 633148 ID: 1d1817
File 142834723198.png - (250.31KB , 700x500 , Butt 45.png )
633148

"I wanna indulge you, but I need to see what happened," Anus says, moving toward the door. "Superior officer has to know, you know."

"Wait!" Boy rushes past and blocks the entrance. "H-hang on a minute," he begs. "Let me just--"

"Boy."

"Huh?"

"Did...did I kill her?"

"No sir, just--"

"Did you?"

The large man says something too softly for Anus to hear.

"Look, whatever happened I understand. Deadeye told me I snapped and almost killed one of you. Would have, if you guys hadn't been quick with a stun rod. Understand?"

Boy nods stiffly.

"This sort of shit happens out here, fucked up but it does. But I gotta see what happened if we're gonna know what to do about it. Okay?"

Another nod.

"Alright. Let's do one sweep of the UFO together, alright?"
>>
No. 633149 ID: 1d1817
File 142834736707.png - (212.12KB , 700x500 , Butt 46.png )
633149

Anus enters the--oh, christ.

"I can explain!" Boy stammers from the door. "I can--oh, god...!"
>>
No. 633150 ID: 8bd2b1

What are we looking at here?
>>
No. 633151 ID: bd8b82

i think i got it. mental attack made him think she was an alien. so he attacked, she probably screamed and it snapped him out of it, but too late. seeing what he did he want absolutely ballistic and somehow killed them all.
>>
No. 633162 ID: 296917

>>633149
Which person freaked out, is what I want to know. Did Boy kill her unprovoked, or did she go nuts first? Or did the grays try some sort of experiment on the two soldiers which backfired?

Tell him to hand over his weapon, and tell you what happened. Go examine the scene. How much force is required to impale someone with a stun rod, anyway? They shouldn't be that sharp. How did all the grays die? Try to recreate the battle in your head, see if it matches with his story. Keep an eye on Boy, be ready to stun his ass if he looks like he's going to attack you.
>>
No. 633206 ID: f0a5e4

Immediately check her vitals. I know it's a long shot, but if that spear isn't going through the neck like it looks like it is, she could be saved.
Otherwise, clarify events. Was she taken or was he, because if she was controlled and he defended himself with the stun rod because he was trying not to kill her, he did all he could.
His...method, of dealing with the grays, is what I believe is weighing on him most heavily right now. He's a big guy, and he has a lot of strength. He just hurt someone he cared about with it, and did some horrible things.
Fuck military glassy-eyed repression, give him a hug. But AFTER we've found that last Gray. This is the hidden movement phase.
>>
No. 633229 ID: 8c4f1c

>>633162
Most important things first, however: Is the UFO power source OK?
>>
No. 633285 ID: bd8b82

>>633229
those things VIOLENTLY explode if containment is lost.
>>
No. 633295 ID: 350a50

>>633285
Yeah, whatever you do don't remove that stun rod.
>>
No. 636596 ID: 023086
File 143011187924.png - (228.68KB , 700x500 , Butt 47.png )
636596

"Boy," Anus says, fighting down some bile. "Gun. And an explanation."

Boy passes his weapon to the sergeant. "Yeah," he says nervously. "Uh.... Yeah."

Anus moves through the carnage while Boy stays by the doorway. He glances over the cylinder that Simurgh is propped against. It looks to be the power source of the craft. The tip of the stun rod has bitten into the casing some, but the cylinder's containment hasn't been breached.

The sergeant drops Boy's gun and examines the corpse. The stun rod has punched through the side of her neck, tearing open internal and external jugular alike. She was probably dead in minutes.

"We went in and there was a shit-ton of them," Boy calls from the door haltingly. "We ducked back outside when they fired, and I told her to cover me.... God...!"

"And then?"

"She just went nuts, dude!" Boy screws his eyes shut, struggling to continue. "She was gonna shoot me, so I went to stun her like we practice, you know going for the neck, but...."

Anus winces. Stun rods are meant to be blunt weapons, electric tools. The amount of force needed to penetrate with that dull point can't be small. Still.... The sergeant cocks his head. "That doesn't add up," he says."If...that...happened out there, then why's she here?"

"She didn't stay down!" the private sobs. "It was like I didn't hit her, she got up and started walking, walked right in. She got shot to pieces. And then I went in, and...." He falls silent.

>>
No. 636597 ID: 023086
File 143011222690.png - (106.30KB , 700x500 , Butt 48.png )
636597

Anus walks back and awkwardly wraps his arms around the large soldier's armor. It's probably breaching some protocol or another but it feels right. "You did what you could," he says. "She got controlled, you defended yourself."

Boy shakes his head mournfully. "I'm fucked, aren't I," he moans.
>>
No. 636599 ID: 023086
File 143011282195.png - (289.62KB , 700x500 , Butt 49.png )
636599

Something slams into Boy's back with enough force to stagger both soldiers back a step. Dazed, he tries to regain his balance and nearly drops like a sack. Only a quick heave from Anus keeps the two on their feet.

Leaning heavily on his sergeant, Boy starts to shake. "Oh fuck," he whispers hoarsely. "Oh fuck, they shot me."
>>
No. 636600 ID: 350a50

Take cover, set him against the wall. The grey is wide open, try not to give it time to change that before you fill it with lead.
>>
No. 636601 ID: bd8b82

kill it then check the wound. see how well the armor worked.
>>
No. 636602 ID: e114bc

He's armored, he might survive, so push him off behind cover and get to cover yourself. Then return fire.
>>
No. 636603 ID: d3be40

Take the rogue down! Shoot off his limbs and beat him unconscious!

Try to keep the rogue alive - they're likely the sole survivor of their entire squad, possibly broken or determined to survive.
>>
No. 636623 ID: bd8b82

>>636603
shooting something's limbs off from this range without killing them is literally impossible, and we will die if we try.
>>
No. 762516 ID: a05333
File 148048282915.png - (124.45KB , 700x500 , Butt 50.png )
762516

Anus utters a curse and shoves Boy into cover. Two rapid shotgun blasts catch the gray in the head before it can fire again.
>>
No. 762519 ID: d79f26

get the door closed, lay boy down and check him out. keep one hand on your gun so you can shoot if there is still ANOTHER one.
>>
No. 762524 ID: a05333
File 148048395742.png - (135.27KB , 700x500 , Butt 51.png )
762524

That has to be the last one, if Demon Star was any indication of a ship like this one's crew size. The sergeant drops the shotgun and turns back to his subordinate.

>"Boy! Are you alright?"

>To the sergeant's surprise, Boy manages to struggle back to his feet. "I don't wanna look," he grunts. "It hurts a lot...."

Anus moves to check the damage. The armor is completely eaten up in the back, but it seems to have blocked almost all of what should have been a fatal shot. Boy's back is burned and bleeding, but very much intact.

>"I can't believe I'm saying this, but you're actually gonna survive that, bud."

>"Really? Doesn't feel like it...."

The sergeant looks around at the carnage he's surrounded by. Somehow four recruits have managed to clear the ship and surrounding area, with minimal casualties. Unless there's something in the ship to examine, Anus is ready call the situation in and get the hell out of here.
>>
No. 762525 ID: ec4348

>>762524
I don't remember if we have medi-kits, but I guess not yet.

Check that there isn't an alien in the blind spot behind that power source, then call for the salvage teams.

Oh, and maybe you should still guard the door: Maybe an alien was only knocked out, and may wake up anytime...
>>
No. 762584 ID: d79f26

yeah it looks like shit, livable, but shit.

don't think we got anything we need to check up on. everything that should be dead is dead. boy will probably need to see the shrink, will get plenty of time with them while that back heals.
>>
No. 762589 ID: 398fe1

Look at the consoles and shit.
>>
No. 762627 ID: 61c7b9

>>762519
Check the buttons and stuff. Also, make sure that Boy isn't bleeding. And dammit, Anus, you've earned yourself a promotion. CAPTAIN Anus now, I should think.
>>
No. 762836 ID: a1bbe2
File 148057023366.png - (130.97KB , 700x500 , Butt 52.png )
762836

>"Let me check that console and then we're done," Anus says. "Keep an eye on the door for me, alright?"

>"Yes, sir...!"

The sergeant goes further into the UFO carefully, making sure to check the blind spot behind the power source before moving toward the console.
>>
No. 762837 ID: a1bbe2
File 148057046394.png - (93.12KB , 700x500 , Butt 53.png )
762837

Anus approaches the large computer. He looks it over as thoroughly as he can, although he doesn't really know what he's looking at.

Suddenly, a small screen on the console comes to life. A comms channel? It looks like
>>
No. 762842 ID: a1bbe2
File 148057147960.png - (65.19KB , 700x500 , Butt 54.png )
762842

8 JANUARY, 1999
1206


>"Huh?"

>Deadeye looks uneasy. "I said, they might promote you again. You sure you're feeling alright, Boss? You're really...distant."

>"I'm fine, alright? My head just feels a bit stuffy."

>"We're about an hour out," Boy sighs. "Better start thinking, huh...."

>"Oh yeah, you didn't answer me earlier about that either!" Deadeye scoots closer to the sergeant and lowers his voice. "What're we gonna do, Boss?"

>"What're we gonna...?"

>"About Boy, sir! We're not just gonna let him get court martialed, are we? From the story it sounds like he wasn't himself, I don't think it'd be right...."
>>
No. 762844 ID: 398fe1

Tell him you think you know what happened. The aliens have mind control. You just got hit with it yourself, because you don't remember anything that happened between investigating the console in the UFO and now.
>>
No. 763009 ID: d79f26

aliens got mind powers. what he needs is some some rest and time with the shrink. and we need to find some way to counteract it. looked at the console and saw... something wasn't the kind of critter we were killing, and then i woke up here. whatever it was did it over distance but the fact it didn't do it until it saw me means it needs to see the target. gonna suggest a lot of people carry stunners to prevent friendly fire.
other good news is despite me blacking out and possibly being under control i didn't try to murder anyone so ether it wanted to try and use me to spy and i shook it off or it can't do complex commands from range and "leave" was the most it could get me with. ether way we need to get some kind of defense... tinfoil hats?
>>
No. 763096 ID: 61c7b9

>>762842
You've been mind controlled. Stay calm, do not fire!
>>
No. 764142 ID: 79cb76
File 148108843987.png - (134.17KB , 700x500 , Butt 55.png )
764142

>"Boy will be fine," Anus says. "Call me nuts but I think I know what's going on here."

>"Huh?"

>"First I flip out stepping off the Skyranger. Then Simurgh goes off the deep end, then Boy. And now I can't remember anything between searching the UFO and now. The aliens might have some form of mind control."

>"Mind control?! Are you serious, Boss?"

>The sergeant nods. "I don't see why it's not possible, it's the best explanation I can think of. And if the brass agree it lets Boy off the hook for his actions, maybe."
>>
No. 764144 ID: 79cb76
File 148108859516.png - (15.43KB , 700x500 , Butt 56.png )
764144

The pilot signals that the ship will be landing shortly. They've reached the base.

>"Just let me explain it to them," Anus assures the two. "This'll go just fine."
>>
No. 764152 ID: 79cb76
File 148108999919.png - (37.14KB , 700x500 , Butt 57.png )
764152

12 JANUARY, 1999
0800

Things went a bit too well.

A freshly promoted Captain Anus sits brooding in his new office. Only two of his three new sergeants stand behind him--Boy is still out on medical leave for his injuries.

The brass had showered the squad with praise for their accomplishment. Promotions were dished out for the survivors and then they were more or less told to fuck off as the research and development branches started fighting over who got what loot. There was hardly any mention of what had actually happened down there, and no talk at all of discipline for Boy.

Today the officer is stuck behind a desk, mulling over the records for eleven new soldiers. As the highest ranking soldier he's in charge of them all now, which means....

>"Christ, how am I going to handle naming all of these fuckers?"

>"Naming, sir? I don't understand."

>"You've been stuck on this for like an hour now, Boss! Look, how about you brainstorm just a few, like one for this guy and a couple others? Me and Boy could handle naming our own squads, honest!"
>>
No. 764154 ID: de5f02

"for fuck's sake"
"for the love of god"
"somebody"
"one of you knuckleheads"

I can hear it now- "FOR FUCKS SAKE, SOMEBODY, ADVANCE! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, ONE OF YOU KNUCKLEHEADS- GIVE COVERING FIRE!"
>>
No. 764156 ID: 398fe1

>>764154
This is a brilliant idea but the names need to be short so they can be used quickly.

How about Scratch, Sniff, and Wart?
>>
No. 764162 ID: 61c7b9

>>764152
Fatality
Casualty
Collateral
Write Off
...


Okay those were all jokes, in actuality, have a better list:

Roger Young

Space Cadet

Looney

Madman

Mr T

Stormtrooper

Our Best Dude (Note: Apply this to worst dude)

Decoy (Apply this to best dude)

The UN Cut Our Name Budget
>>
No. 764183 ID: bfdaf0

Have we tried the Seven Dwarves yet? We go through recruits so fast I forget... And then we should pick names from the Magnificent Seven.
>>
No. 764188 ID: 8111b6

Need names to get 'em ready for the meat grinder. Mental fortitude or something.
Prolapse?
Abscess.
Dainty Nancy.
Blister.
Vegan Hamburger.
God's Little Slut.
Thick and Chunky.
...and so on and so on.

... Maybe bone the engineer sometime. After all, you don't have time for the whole relationship thing, considering you could die on any mission. So, at least something to remember you by.
>>
No. 764235 ID: 35830c

>>764152
Hang on, we have three sergeants? Boy, Deadeye, and who? Simurgh died, yeah?
>>
No. 764236 ID: 35830c

>>764162
I like this guy's serious names. Second.
>>
No. 764368 ID: 59ec50
File 148115651274.png - (39.60KB , 700x500 , Butt 58.png )
764368

>"No, I can handle it," Anus grumbles. "Let's see here...."

After a few more minutes of brainstorming, the captain takes out a pencil and scrawls a name by each of the recruits' pictures.

>"Solid set of names," Deadeye comments. "This what you're going with officially?"

>The captain nods. "Decoy, take this stuff up to command so they can file it and whatnot."

>The third sergeant looks confused. "Who, sir?"

>"You, Decoy! Get a move on, I got shit to do."
>>
No. 764372 ID: 59ec50
File 148115754744.png - (33.72KB , 700x500 , Butt 59.png )
764372

0840

Decoy leaves for the command center. Anus and Deadeye step out into the hallway soon after.

>"What a headache," Anus gripes. "I don't know how my sergeant could come up with names so fast."

>"We have anything else to do today, Boss?"

>"Way too much, bud."

The captain lists off the to-do list that came with his new rank. As the highest ranking infantry officer at the base, the brass expects Anus to be the liaison between his men, the research team and the engineers. He'll have to check in on both of the departments sometime today. He should probably also find time to address the new recruits, and maybe check in on how Boy's doing. On top of all that, it wouldn't be official business but he was considering checking in on that engineering head, too....

>"Damn, really? Might as well get started then.... Where to first?"
>>
No. 764393 ID: 35830c

>>764368
Check in with engineering first. That's two things on our list.

Also, The UN Cut our Name Budget can be "The UN" for short.
>>
No. 764396 ID: d79f26

yeah, get new stuff before thinking about newer stuff.
>>
No. 765638 ID: e6c26b
File 148167820494.png - (30.41KB , 700x500 , Butt 60.png )
765638

0910

The two soldiers navigate the base to reach the workshops.

The entrance to the engineers' workspaces is at the far corner of the base, a long ways from any of the other core facilities. The halls leading up to it are surprisingly run-down for such a freshly built base.

>"They really keep the gearheads in quarantine, huh," Deadeye murmurs.

An engineer stumbles out to greet the two as they approach.

>"I'm Caroline," she coughs. "You didn't see that, did you?"

>"See what--?"

>Caroline lets out a hacking laugh and shakes her head. "Nevermind, nevermind. You're that one from earlier, yeah? What you here for, X-COM business or the boss?"
>>
No. 765640 ID: 35830c

>>765638
Yes.
>>
No. 765643 ID: d79f26

"both, i got a promotion."

also be sure to talk about how that armor did it's job. got excitable boy sent to the med bay instead of the morgue.
>>
No. 765893 ID: 61c7b9

>>765638
Here on business. REALLY need some new armor and guns.
>>
No. 766577 ID: 6c9de1
File 148203570273.png - (157.55KB , 700x500 , Butt 61.png )
766577

>"Both," Anus replies. "I got a promotion, so..."

>"Ohhhhh, gotcha. You have to check in on us now, right?"

>"Yeah, and request some more gear, if I can. That armor Laurel gave us kept one of my men out of a bodybag."

>Caroline's grin falters a bit. "Uh-huh.... Well I'll be honest, sir, it might take a while. We're working hard back here, but there's been a couple...setbacks. There's only so much ten chicks can do with no support from the higher-ups, you know?"

>"I'll see if I can't get your department some more hands or funding. Could we see what you've got so far, at least?"

>The engineer ponders for a moment before shaking her head and shrugging. "Yeahhhh," she wheezes,"it's probably best if you do. Follow me, sir."

The blast door slides open and a thick cloud of smoke starts spilling into the hallway.
>>
No. 766579 ID: 35830c

>>766577
"I think I can taste that setback."
>>
No. 766580 ID: 32b3ca

smells like progress.
>>
No. 766581 ID: 6c9de1
File 148203662735.png - (227.81KB , 700x500 , Butt 62.png )
766581

The main room of the workshops looks like it's been bombed out. Smoke has nearly filled the area, with more filtering out from cracks in the floor. There's a heavy scent of oil in the air. Several engineers are working near the center of the room, hammering out dents in a heavy blast shield.

>"So this is our workshop," Caroline says, scratching her head awkwardly. "Below that big blast shield is the Fabricator, our main machine for putting together designs. It's having a couple technical problems at the moment."

>"Technical problems?"

>"Yes sir, it's just, uh.... Well, it exploded a few minutes before you showed up."

One of the service hatches near the shield starts to rattle.
>>
No. 766587 ID: 6c9de1
File 148203712781.png - (203.65KB , 700x500 , Butt 63.png )
766587

The hatch door bursts open and Laurel scrambles into view, covered in machine fluid.

>"Caroline!" she snaps. "Where the fuck is the toolbox--"

>The engineer boss notices the soldiers next to her subordinate and gasps. "O-oh, no. Ohhhhhh no no no no no...!!"
>>
No. 766597 ID: 398fe1

>>766587
Hey. Got anything left over? Armor worked great, by the way.
>>
No. 766602 ID: 35830c

>>766587
So, erm, what do you think you guys need most out of manpower, cash, and alien whatsits? I'm guessing cash to buy a replacement fabricator.
>>
No. 766632 ID: d79f26

"tell me what you need to get this thing working as soon as possible"
>>
No. 766643 ID: 61c7b9

>>766587
Uhm. Tell them to fix it and make more of that armor?
>>
No. 766700 ID: 6c9de1
File 148209289258.png - (204.11KB , 700x500 , Butt 64.png )
766700

>The captain takes a knee by the hatch. "Hey."

>"S-s-sergeant!! I am so sorry, I--!"

>"Just tell me what you need to get this thing working as soon as possible," Anus interrupts.

>Laurel looks close to tears. "I.... I-I don't know! We never thought it would...!"

>"You've gotta have an idea, right? Manpower, cash for a new one?"

>"A new one would cost over a million. Th-they'd never spend that much on us.... We can fix it, but it could take all month....."

>"Would some more engineers speed the process up any, at least?"

>"I don't know, I don't know...."

>Anus grimaces. This isn't sounding like it will be a quick solve. "Do you have anything left over, at least?" he asks. "That armor of yours worked great, out there."

>The engineer wipes at her eyes with a grimy hand. "It's...it's all gone," she snivels. "W-we had five more sets, all gone cause of me...! I'm so sorry, I ruined the whole--"

>A loud crackle is heard from inside the hatch. "Boss!" a voice calls, "The wires near the fifth leak are sparking again! We're gonna roast, at this rate!"

>"Fuck," Laurel hisses. "I have to go...! Caroline, follow me down!"
>>
No. 766703 ID: 6c9de1
File 148209334663.png - (214.71KB , 700x500 , Butt 65.png )
766703

Laurel and Caroline disappear down the hatch, leaving the soldiers unattended.

>"Uhhh, maybe we should leave them to their work," Deadeye says nervously. "This area might be a little hazardous to our health...."

>Anus winces at the sound of power tools powering up below the floor plates. "Yeah, that may be best."

>"What do we do though, go straight to Command with this? Or hit the researchers and then go up there with a full report?"
>>
No. 766726 ID: 9dc26d

Might as well hit up the researchers, see what they got.
>>
No. 766752 ID: 398fe1

Hit the researchers first.

I guess we made the wrong decision on who to fund...
>>
No. 766774 ID: 35830c

>>766752
That's ....

You know the rest of the meme.
>>
No. 766783 ID: 6c9de1
File 148212081768.png - (90.52KB , 700x500 , Butt 66.png )
766783

>"Let's head to the scientists," Anus decides. "I hate to say it, but maybe I made a mistake on who to back...."

1010

The soldiers beat a hasty retreat from the engineering department and navigate the halls back toward the main section of the base. Once they reach the main corridor, it's only a few turns before they're standing in the lobby of the research department. It's in much better shape than the workshops, and it looks like every scientist is busy in their personal lab.

>Matt the research head comes out to greet them. "I've been expecting you sirs," he says. "Anus, right? Congratulations on your promotion."

>"Please give me some good news," Anus sighs.

>The scientist scoffs. "You already visited the shitshow in the workshops, huh? To think they're supposed to be the UN's 'finest' engineers. Give it a month or two and they'll manage to blow the whole base, somehow."

>"I'm sure they'll figure things out soon."

>"Hopefully before you're all dead, captain, that's all I'll say about that.

>"You will be happy to know that at least one department down here is making progress, though!" Matt nods to the window behind him with a smile. "My staff have outdone themselves, sir. I'll try not to bog you down with specifics, but long story short, among the spoils from the UFO we found the parts we needed to start putting our laser theories into practice. We're currently working on a prototype for the world's first laser pistol!"

>Anus nods approvingly. "So we'll have our hands on something soon?"

>Matt hesitates. "Wellllll..... 'Soon' is a very fast, reckless word, sir, don't you think?"

>The captain's heart sinks. "When."

>"Now don't get all sulky on me sir, it'll only take about till the end of the month and then our studies will be complete!!"

Christ, once again nothing Anus and his men can use now. At least they're actually working on producing something, the officer supposes...

>"Please bear with us, time is the price we have to pay for innovation! My people and I are doing good work though, and fast work considering what we're dealing with! Which means......"

>"...Which means?"

>The researcher fiddles with his glasses a bit. "Which means perhaps we'll be getting a good report to Command, today? And perhaps *someone* could file a request to change who gets that pay raise...??"
>>
No. 766785 ID: 350a50

"Depends who gets me something usable first."
>>
No. 766794 ID: 398fe1

Wait, both departments will take a month to get anything done? At least the engineers had something made before they blew it up. Unless they blew something up to cover for not having anything ready either.

Tell him you're relieved to see both departments are working at about the same speed. Armor is still the first priority, however.
>>
No. 766804 ID: d79f26

get one of the alien guns and ask them to figure out how to make it do it's zappy thing. if it's even half as effective on them as it is on us then it will be great.
>>
No. 767198 ID: 6c9de1
File 148227603981.png - (22.46KB , 700x500 , Butt 67.png )
767198

>"That depends on who gets me something usable first," Anus replies.

>Matt's jaw drops. "Seriously?! It's obvious we'll be done with this first, their whole department is poised to implode! They can't even work right now sir, so--"

>"The way it looks now, you both are gonna take the rest of this month or more to actually put shit out. I'm relieved to see you're working at a similar pace, but in the grand scheme of things I still want that armor more."

>"Moving at the same pace as--!" The scientist is lost for words. He takes a moment to calm himself before continuing. "I can understand that, captain. We'll see if the situation changes by the end of the month."

>"Also, about the alien weapons. Do you think you can figure out at least how to fire them?"

>"Oh, of course!" Matt brightens considerably at the mention of the alien tech. "I actually took the liberty of securing one for the lab to work on, already. It will be quite some time before we understand how it functions, but we hope to at least have a safe method of usage by troops worked out by next week."

>"Just leave it to us captain, you'll see results sooner than you think. With a little luck, we'll have you wielding those weapons before you have to sortie again."
>>
No. 767199 ID: 6c9de1
File 148227632532.png - (21.41KB , 700x500 , Butt 68.png )
767199

"Attention, all troops assigned to Skyranger-001, "The Friend-Ship." Suspicious activity reported in France. Report to the council office for briefing immediately."

Goddammit.
>>
No. 767202 ID: 6c9de1
File 148227668637.png - (42.72KB , 700x500 , Butt 69.png )
767202

Anus and Deadeye hastily exit the research department and take off toward the council office. Their route takes them past the infirmary--

>Excitable Boy pokes his head out of the door. He waves as the two come closer. "Captain what's going on, another mission? Take me with you, I can fight!"
>>
No. 767208 ID: d79f26

"i know you want to get back at the fuckers, but you need to be in top shape otherwise you could make a mistake that costs someone. the mission after the docs say you are good, you will be on it."
>>
No. 767218 ID: 398fe1

>>767202
Only if the medic's cleared you.
>>
No. 768176 ID: 6c9de1
File 148270357747.png - (33.08KB , 700x500 , Butt 70.png )
768176

>"Have the medics cleared you yet?"

>"Well no, but--"

>"Then you're not going," Anus snaps, hardly slowing as he passes by. "I know you want to get back at them, but not till you've recovered."

>"Don't worry," Deadeye calls back, "I'll pop an extra head or two for you!"

>"Dammit...! Good luck, you guys!"
>>
No. 768178 ID: 6c9de1
File 148270501476.png - (45.27KB , 700x500 , Butt 71.png )
768178

The two soldiers burst into the council office.

>"Captain Anus. Sorry you didn't get more time to rest before your next sortie."

>"It's fine sirs, really. What's going on?"

>"UN intelligence has intercepted what they've described to us as 'mysterious communications,' originating from some point within a small town called Crainte. Whatever they've picked up, it's important enough to send us to investigate. We have no readings of UFO activity in the area, so chances of contact with the enemy is low.

>"At this time X-COM is still very much a black ops project, so steps will have to be taken to keep our operations in the town a secret. The skyranger will fly out tonight, and your men will approach and search for the source of the communication signal under cover of darkness."

The captain winces a bit. The importance of avoiding night missions made up an entire subsection of Sergeant Sexgod's speech.

>"This mission has the potential to be much messier than a UFO assault, albeit in different ways. Make the wrong moves among the citizens of one of our funding countries, and many, many heads will roll. Starting with yours. Any questions?"
>>
No. 768199 ID: d79f26

how many flares can fit in the skyranger?

any particular way we should handle civilians if we do make enemy contact? such as, have them huddle under the skyranger while we kill the hostile contacts.
>>
No. 768420 ID: 35830c

>>768199
Dead men don't tell tales.
>>
No. 768421 ID: 398fe1

>>768178
Might I suggest wearing civilian clothing during the operation? Plausible deniability there, so long as nobody sees the skyranger.
>>
No. 768424 ID: d79f26

>>768420
killing civvies is a bad idea.
>>768421
civilian clothes prevent armor. we will also be running around with guns.
>>
No. 768426 ID: 6c9de1
File 148282311370.png - (49.61KB , 700x500 , Butt 72.png )
768426

>"How many flares can we fit in the skyranger?"

>"There should be enough for each soldier to carry two."

>Anus nods. "Also, if we make contact with the enemy, what do we do with the civilians?"

>"You try your damnedest to make sure none get caught in the crossfire, but otherwise avoid them. If you have to interact with them, claim you're part of the police force and get them running in some direction away from the skyranger. We can't have anyone getting too close to that ship."

>"Got it, sir. We'll head out tonight."

>"Operation Hot Shroud will begin at 2200. Good luck, captain."

>"I've got a bad feeling about this...."

Anus leaves to gather his men, with Deadeye close behind.
>>
No. 768428 ID: 6c9de1
File 148282381312.png - (75.41KB , 700x500 , Butt 73.png )
768428

2100

Hangar-001 is full of activity. Eleven recruits mill about, double-checking their equipment and arguing over spots aboard the skyranger. Captain Anus and his sergeants stand over a map of the operation area, discussing the mission.

>"Command's given us three comms radios to work with," Decoy explains. "We'll be able to talk to each other with them, but they also double as scanners for that frequency we're trying to find. I'm thinking each of us should hold onto one."

>"Agreed," Anus says. "Now, about the actual plan of attack...."
>>
No. 768429 ID: 6c9de1
File 148282460206.png - (70.77KB , 700x500 , Butt 74.png )
768429

>"Right. So, this map shows the operation area. This is the part of town the UN's guys are certain the signal came from. A couple houses on the outskirts, a chunk of the rich end of the neighborhood and the mayor's house.

>"Command's ordered the pilot to drop here, in the fields outside of the town. We'll move in from there to, uh... Well, that's what we're figuring out now."

>"You have a full force of fourteen at your disposal, counting yourself, captain. If we're doing this by the book, that means we have two squads of five and one squad of four to think about when you're planning this."
>>
No. 768433 ID: 398fe1

>>768429
Squad of four can move to check the isolated houses. Two squads of five will move to the urban area and commence full urban tactics. Take over a building (start with the building closest to the isolated houses) and one team can use it as advantageous terrain to cover the other team as they check/secure more houses. Keep leapfrogging like this to eliminate any hostiles in the houses. The 4-squad will move in to support the others once the isolated houses are secure.

Once the streets are secure we can move to check the mayor's house. One team can set up in the house nearest the mayor's house to cover the entry team. I'm thinking 4-squad. The ten men in the mayor's house will do a full sweep and eliminate any resistance. If we've lost men by the time we get to the mayor's house(and hoo boy will we ever), just split the team proportionally so SOMEONE is watching the outside.
>>
No. 768537 ID: d79f26
File 148289438023.png - (50.03KB , 700x500 , route.png )
768537

something like this. sweep north then south. split up into two squads at the north end.
>>
No. 768571 ID: 6c9de1
File 148290566250.png - (24.58KB , 700x500 , Butt 75.png )
768571

>"We'll sweep north, then south," Anus decides. My four-man squad'll handle the outlying houses, while you two lead your teams to make sure the streets are clear and try to find the source of that signal."

>"Wait, shit," Deadeye mutters. "I dunno if it makes much of a difference but Decoy miscounted a bit, no Boy remember? We're rolling with thirteen, not fourteen."

>"No big deal, you'll just be in charge of another four-man squad instead of a five-man," Anus says.

>"Think urban tactics for this, move from house to house, but nobody busts into a home unless they're absolutely certain the communications are coming from it. We're not gonna break our cover kicking down doors until we're sure. Let's load up."

The sergeants set about ushering their soldiers onto the skyranger. Anus is about to follow suit when the door to the base slides open.

>"Captain, wait!!"
>>
No. 768574 ID: 6c9de1
File 148290696789.png - (47.69KB , 700x500 , Butt 76.png )
768574

Laurel stumbles toward the officer, still covered from head to toe in dirt and oil. She struggles to keep a solid hold on the large chest in her arms.

>"Laurel?"

>"I...I couldn't let you leave without anything," she grunts as she comes closer. "It's not much, but--shit, shit, shit!!"

>Anus hurries to grab an end of the chest before it can slip out of the engineer's grasp. "Christ, this thing's heavy! What is this?"

>"The last of the UN-issue armor we had in storage, and some scraps from Demon Star. There should be enough for everyone to get something," Laurel explains. "I-I know it doesn't work that well, but...!"

>"We'll take it."

>"Th-thank you.... Stay safe, okay? I've made such a mess of things, it would be a bad note to leave on...."
>>
No. 768578 ID: 6c9de1
File 148290838008.png - (47.22KB , 700x500 , Butt 77.png )
768578

2215

The skyranger has a much different air than it did the previous mission. With almost a full platoon's worth of soldiers in it, it's like it was before, overly crowded and much too loud. Anus half expects to hear some familiar voices in the mix of the soldiers' banter, but now the only one he can readily recognize is Deadeye's.

Anus gently touches the rim of his new headgear. Sexgod's old bucket had been in that box of UN gear, and before he'd known it he had snatched it up. The officer prays that his sergeant's threat of haunting him had just been a joke....

>"That's retarded," Prolapse scoffs.

>"Fuck off cunt, it's possible!" Looney moves to take a step toward his squadmate, but the skyranger's turbulence makes him reconsider. "I'll bet you anything, it's gonna be just like that comic."

>"Captain, Austin's being stupid again."

>"Who?" Anus asks coldly.

>"O-oh! Sorry, Looney's being stupid."

>"Am not! Captain, don't you think this could end up being like in Return of the Xenos: Betrayal? You know, that part with some of the humans trying to get with aliens or something?"

>"It's a retarded idea from a retarded comic book," Prolapse asserts. "Captain, you agree, right?"
>>
No. 768584 ID: 398fe1

>>768578
It's more likely to be a trap. A beacon in the middle of an ambush. However, I wouldn't put it past humanity. Ideals can differ greatly from place to place, and if the aliens can lie well enough, they could convince some people that surrender is the right option.
>>
No. 768595 ID: d79f26

>>768578
there is a chance mind control is being employed by the aliens. meaning some civilians could be on the alien side, but against their will. any civilian that is out on the streets at this hour gets one chance to listen to our orders before they get knocked out by a stun rod.
>>
No. 768649 ID: c1ba17

>>768578
>>768595

Speaking of, we may want to commander zip tie cuffs from the police station if there's one in the area

Stunning is good. Restraining after is even better.
>>
No. 769247 ID: 6c9de1
File 148315924628.png - (73.11KB , 700x500 , Butt 78.png )
769247

>"There's a chance," Anus muses. "They've got mind control, so civilians could possibly be being forced to do shit for them. If we see anyone out at this hour and they don't respond right away, they're getting stunned and tied."

>Looney shoots his friend a shit-eating grin upon getting this response. "See?"

>"What's more likely, though, is that this is a trap. A setup, in the middle of an ambush...."

An awkward silence falls over the cabin. Looks like the rest of the team has been listening in to the conversation.

>"An ambush...?"

>Deadeye shudders. "You think so, Boss?"

>"That's pretty spooky," the pilot chimes in. "A little late to change course though, we're touching down soon. Good luck with that, kids!"
>>
No. 769248 ID: 6c9de1
File 148315994520.png - (84.21KB , 700x500 , Butt 79.png )
769248

2240

The team unloads from the skyranger without a hitch. Following the plan, they move toward the town together before splitting into squads and moving off to their respective paths. Before long, Anus finds himself in charge of only Looney, Prolapse and Space Cadet.

>"Stealth or not I don't think we should be out this late," Looney mutters. "If they got mind control we're doing ROTX rules, which means they probably got some night vision shit too...."


Tonight truly is the worst possible night to be running an operation. It's a new moon, and cloudy. Visibility is complete shit, and Anus doesn't want to start throwing flares around before their target is found.
>>
No. 769252 ID: 6c9de1
File 148316127620.png - (65.39KB , 700x500 , Butt 80.png )
769252

>As the first isolated house comes into view, Anus pulls out the radio device and clicks it on. "Deadeye, Decoy, talk to me some."

>"Decoy here. We're moving through the north end of the houses now."

>"It's pretty fuckin' creepy on the south side, Boss. I'm getting a little nervous, if I'm honest."

>"Keep going, you're fine. Remember, no lights and no noise before we find that signal."

>"Don't worry man, I'll--fuck, I got something."

>"Decoy reporting, we've found the source. It's the mayor's mansion sir, signal's so strong the scanner shorted out!"

>"Are you serious? We're experiencing the same down here, we think it's coming from the gatehouse."

>"The signal's still getting stronger, I'm starting to get interference on this channel. Say that again, Deadeye?"

>"I said--"

An ungodly screech rips out of the radio's speaker. Anus fumbles to lower the volume quickly.

>"Deadeye, what the hell?"

No response from either sergeant comes through.
>>
No. 769255 ID: 6c9de1
File 148316161693.png - (79.68KB , 700x500 , Butt 81.png )
769255

The radio continues its now-subdued shrieking. As the squad gets closer to the house, it crackles and abruptly shuts off.

Fuck.
>>
No. 769259 ID: d79f26

damn, anus you got point, you may be in charge but you are also the most heavily armored. squat and moveto the side of the house and peek around the corner to see the door, if it's closed then everyone forms up on the door, if it's open then assume hostile contact is imminent. ether way prime a flare and have whoever is in the back throw it i, the sudden burst of light could disorient whatever is in there. if by some miracle it drops it's weapon to cover it's eyes then tackle it to the ground and stun the bastard, otherwise hose it down with bullets.
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No. 769268 ID: 398fe1

>>769255
Bogey spotted! Above the house! It's hiding in the darkness.
>>
No. 769287 ID: d79f26

>>769268
that's called a tv antenna
>>
No. 769291 ID: 398fe1

>>769287
Er, okay. I guess it could be that.

Clear the outside of the house first then peek in. If everything seems normal move on through the agreed upon route. We can't come to any conclusion as to what happened to the other squads, just yet. It could just be jammed comms.
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No. 770798 ID: 6c9de1
File 148367485637.png - (59.34KB , 700x500 , Butt 82.png )
770798

Without a word, Anus gets low and motions for his squad to do the same. Worrisome as it is, there's not much he can really do besides continue along his route and hope the others do the same until whatever's happening stops....

The team quietly approaches the house from the side and stacks up against the wall. Prolapse takes a peek around the back corner before giving the captain a thumbs-up. Nothing back there, at least. Anus signals for Looney to get a flare ready, then moves to check the front.
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No. 770802 ID: 6c9de1
File 148367499845.png - (84.34KB , 700x500 , Butt 83.png )
770802

There's a man standing a few feet away from the doorstep. He doesn't seem to have noticed the soldiers moving in on the house.
>>
No. 770810 ID: 398fe1

>>770802
Bah, just a civilian. Stay out of his line of sight for now and head to the next spot on the route.
>>
No. 770816 ID: 213ff6

>>770802
"hands on your head, Face down on the ground! Any other movements will be seen as hostile and be met with immediate execution"
>>
No. 770820 ID: fe7355

>>770816
Uh, very important point: We're in France. Nobody in the squad speaks French, as far as we know. Giving civvies verbal orders will not work. The sound of attempting to will also give your position away.
>>
No. 770821 ID: ce37f2

Take him out. Mind control is no joke, so get psychological. They know you're here, so use this bystander as a distraction. Shoot him in the dick, then three times in the back, throw some C4 and RUN somewhere else. Then wait for someone to show up, shoot them when they realize that you placed a block of C4 on the bleeding out civilian. They'll be quick enough to run, but stunned enough for you to get an advantage with overwatch.
>>
No. 770840 ID: 3c0022

10 bucks says he's either mind-controlled or about to burst open to reveal a chrysalid. Anyone know French? Get the squad ready for shooting, then call out to him.
>>
No. 770872 ID: d79f26

holster your gun but get everyone else ready to shoot and put a hand on your stunrod. call out to him.
>>
No. 770914 ID: 9dc26d

>>770820
France is full of people who know a lot of English.
>>
No. 771053 ID: 3b3647

>>770914
More in the cities than in backwater villages, though.
>>
No. 771098 ID: 213ff6

Sur le terrain, maintenant! (Google translate, It might be broken french, but It's probably good enough that the point could be understood.)
>>
No. 771113 ID: 61c7b9

>>770802
Take no chances. Stun him and drag him to the dropship.
>>
No. 771151 ID: 3b3647

>>771098
If you want him to drop to the ground, you should say "À terre!" instead.
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No. 772070 ID: 6c9de1
File 148427884503.png - (101.30KB , 700x500 , Butt 84.png )
772070

The captain balances the possible ways they could handle this. It's a bit early to be giving their position away, but Anus doesn't want to stun or kill the guy unless he's definitely a threat....

>Anus sets his shotgun down and slips the stun rod out from his pack. "Get ready to shoot," he whispers to his men.

>He stands, rounds the corner and squares up facing the man. "Hey!"

>The stranger turns with a confused look on his face. "Hein...?"

>Anus tries to remember some of the French he learned back in high school. "Uh, à terre! À terre!!" He tries pantomiming placing his hands on his head.

>The man gets the message, getting on his knees and raising his hands slowly. "Américain? Qu'est-ce que cela signifie?"
>>
No. 772075 ID: d79f26

okay, seems clean. don't take your eyes off him but signal your squad to come out. point to him, then the door, and cover one of your eyes. "you get in your house, and pretend you didn't see anything." is what we are going for here.
then move on to the next house, repeat procedure.
>>
No. 772089 ID: bfdaf0

Check the house first. If its clean, motion for him to get in.
>>
No. 772128 ID: bc8e48

>>772070
Well it's france. Say terrorists or something and get him indoors? Terrorism is something everyone knows americans fight.
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No. 772356 ID: 6c9de1
File 148445348160.png - (88.54KB , 700x500 , Butt 85.png )
772356

>Anus doesn't have much more French at his disposal. "Uh, terrorists. Terrorists?" he repeats, as slowly as he can. "I check house, okay? I'm going to--"

The sharp crack of a rifle firing in the distance startles soldier and civilian alike.

A red flare lights up the sky over the village. It looks to have come from somewhere in the middle of the houses. Several more gunshots follow closely after.

>"Putain...!!"
>>
No. 772358 ID: 6c9de1
File 148445378144.png - (68.96KB , 700x500 , Butt 86.png )
772358

>The French man springs to his feet, aiming a pistol at Anus's head with trembling hands. "Now you," he says nervously. "Ground, on ground maintenant!!"
>>
No. 772368 ID: 01d9f4
772368

>>772358
Yeah, there are others with rifles. If there was a time to stun its now.

There's a reason SWAT teams restrain everyone at the scene.
>>
No. 772382 ID: 398fe1

>>772358
Follow his orders and let your squadmates take him out.
>>
No. 772578 ID: 01d9f4

>>772358
>>772382
Can we bring him back to base?
I recognize it's against operation procedure, but a man in France with a gun is highly uncommon. One willing to pull a gun on a squad of soldiers has balls of steel or is pants on head retarded.

Either way is useful.
>>
No. 772593 ID: d79f26

slowly put down the stun rod, he will probably lower his gun when he thinks you are unarmed, then you rush him and knock the gun away.
>>
No. 773918 ID: 6c9de1
File 148505959275.png - (130.25KB , 700x500 , Butt 87.png )
773918

Anus moves to put down the stun rod, slowly. His eyes stay locked on the civilian, waiting for him to lower his guard--

>Looney leaps around the corner, his autocannon whirring to life."Captain, drop!!"

>"Wait--!"
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No. 773920 ID: 6c9de1
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773920

The civilian throws himself into the house less than a second before the front yard is torn apart by autocannon fire. Stray rounds kick up dirt and blast bits of wood out of the house and porch.
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No. 773927 ID: 6c9de1
File 148506070875.png - (94.90KB , 700x500 , Butt 89.png )
773927

>Looney sprays around the door frame a bit longer before finally taking his finger off the trigger. "Shit, I missed. Hang on, I'll go get him--"

>"Wait for orders," Prolapse chides. He rounds the corner with Space Cadet close behind. "Sir, what's the plan?"

>"I'd been hoping to take the guy alive," Anus grunts, glaring at Looney's still-rotating weapon. "Looney, did you prep that electroflare?"

>"Yeah, it's sitting in my pack. We gonna scare him out, or--"

>"Lemme think."

The gunshots in the village are ringing out more frequently now, and the distinctive sounds of X-Com issue weaponry can be heard answering. The captain had better handle this quick....
>>
No. 773948 ID: d79f26

just walk backwards towards the other fight, one person facing forwards. until you get out of effective range or it's too dark to see the house.
>>
No. 783795 ID: b9a39f

>>772358
Wait a minute, if it's a new moon out tonight, what the hell is that white thing up in the sky that the civvie was looking at?
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No. 783813 ID: 1226ae

>>773927
Oh god why did we bring the Autocannon along. Heavy ass piece of inaccurate, underpowered bullsh- I mean, alright, now we have a distressed Frenchman with a handgun. Hypothetically your uniforms are effective against low caliber, low velocity rounds at medium range, so you should be okay unless he shoots you in the head.
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