I started Long War (yeah, screw you!) and there seem to be
conflicts every 2 seconds. Combine that with battle fatigue and
I barely get to use the same soldiers more than once. How
large should my barracks be?
Well the key is to have several fire teams prepared, and to resarch things that gives you an advantage in the early game so that you can build a wide pool of experienced troops. I have somewhewre around 50 or so troops ready for action at most times. But less when I end up with severely wounded troops. As I did in my last engangement with the E.T.
Also make sure to get a SHIV or two
Sgt_Scruffy wrote: OPERATION BRUTAL SERPENT: 21 June 2015, Central African Republic
"Look, I like StreamDragon. I think the guy is a solid squad leader, but he seemed way too confident for this mission. Maybe that's his job and maybe that's why he's a squad leader and I'm not. I pulled him aside you know. Told him to take it slow. I know third squad has always been a little more cautious than some of the other squads like first squad and those psychos over in 2nd platoon, but I meant it. I told the legionnaires to pack for a long operation. We weren't getting off that ship for a while."
--Bullockist
Slow, steady, professional. Same as we always do it.
Before boarding the Skyranger, Stream made sure to stop by the Commander's office. "Commander, before we go I have a request. There is a rat in my bunk, Avalon. I think she escaped from Vahlen's lab somehow. If I don't make it back, under no circumstances is she to be returned to Vahlen. I don't know what the doctor did to her, but that little rat freed herself and she deserves to stay that way." It was an odd request, especially one to make of the XCom Commander, but who else had a say. He didn't know if the Commander agreed or not, just kept staring at him unblinking until Stream nodded, saluted, and walked away to the Skyranger's boarding ramp. Time to get your head in the right place...
Frankenberry watched the Ranger dash off into the distance, silently wishing he could be on board, but with required downtime after each mission, he wouldn't see combat for awhile yet.
He walked back towards the range, continuing the practice of venting whatever blackness or hate he could on the dummies there, and ran into the legion trooper he'd threatened earlier.
The man averted his gaze and started to walk around Frankenberry when he spoke. "Trooper. Before, with the food, I'm sorry."
The man turned, eyes wide and a stunned expression on his face. "This fight isn't worth doing if we go right back to killing each other." Frankenberry said quietly.
They stood for a moment in silence before Frankenberry nodded and went off to the range, the legion trooper standing there dumbfounded by the psychopath's rather poignant remark.
"God, that guy freaks me the feth out. I almost feel sorry for those aliens."
"The Muton was falling back and StreamDragon kept telling us to hold our fire. He wanted that plasma rifle and those alien grenades. We had plenty of other issues to take care of anyway. 2 Seekers and 3 drones were charging into our guns across the no-man's land. The squad held fire until Carlos initiated the fusillade, as usual." --Talizvar
.3rd Squad takes cover at the main entrance to the terror ship.
"The aliens suffered horribly for it. If Talizvar hadn't thrown that battle scanner earlier that kept the seekers from cloaking it may have been more of fight, but as it stood the seeker and the most of the drones were disassembled quickly. The Muton was still retreating and by this time was out of sight. Did the robots sacrifice themselves so that the muton could escape?" --Streamdragon
A common tactic in the early war period, CPL Talizvar uncovers enemy position with the hand thrown micro-uav known as the battle-scanner. This intelligence is fed directly to Carlos13th's sniper rifle giving him updated wind information, elevation, and range.
Talizvar exposes the remaining enemy troops Carlos takes advantage of the now exposed enemy
"Sir, third squad reports that they have secured the entrance. Resistance is still light. Currently engaged with one floater. They are requesting permission to capture the floater for extraction. May I give them permission?" Major Illifan seemed quite pleased. Brutal Serpent was going swimmingly.
"Permission granted Major. I want them to save a charge for that wounded Muton though. Eventually we will need to take him down."
"Understood, Sir. Lt. Morton, please relay the commander's instructions."
The Legionnaire takes great pains in only wounding the stranded floater.
"Stream Dragon cleared the corner even as the Floater raised it's weapon, arc thrower already aimed. Blue electricity enveloped the floater and the hapless alien writhed on the ground. We had him, I was sure... but the charge ended and the alien slowly started to get up. Damn, didn't work. I ordered the squad to shot him then at point blank range. Win some you lose some, I suppose. At least we were in [the terror ship] now."
--StreamDragon
The squad secures the first chamber. Streamdragon decides that it will be best to seek out and eliminate or capture the Muton before delving deeper into the ship. Skyranger has reported some Meld canisters, but they are very far away and StreamDragon has already written them off. Gold phase of Brutal Serpent is complete. Sword phase is now beginning.
"Dr. Vahlen had showed us how to shut down alien power sources for transport back to base. Since this was a landed UFO and we were no where near the bridge, we were shutting them down just to insure they didn't take off with us."
--Bullockist
The squad searches for the muton.
Eventually, the search was called off. The Muton had clearly kept running and probably sought to lead us into a trap. StreamDragon sought to take Legion 9 up on the roof to ambush any aliens waiting in the next part of the ship. Meanwhile, Bullockist would lead the rest of the squad into firing positions in the doorways.
"That fething Muton came back for more. Jumped the gak out of Talizvar, Comata, and I. Commata bless him, put so many holes in that already dead muton he had to reload afterwards."
--Bullockist
The Muton charges through the door way 3rd squad was preparing to breach. The capture is ruined.
"Slow and steady wins the race. We were well established in good firing positions when the Seekers appeared. I don't know if they knew we were there of if they were investigating the fire that killed the Mutons. Still, I was uneasy because all of this was too easy."
--Bullockist
Three seekers and a drone are caught in an ambush by third squad Legion 9 takes down the drone Legion 11 also takes down a seeker
Bullockist finishe off another seeker while Carlos and Stream Dragon take down the third seeker.The ambush is perfect and the alien machines never even get a chance to fire.
"We were orbiting overhead. Apparently, third squad had taken out power to the primary weapon's array because no plasma fire was incoming. We could see the firefights (at least the ones that were happening outside). So far everything looked good, but there was a lot of alien ship left to secure and we could see the contrails of floaters as they darted in and out of various chambers on the ship. Third still had it's work cut out for it."
--Jihadin
Image captured from Skyranger as they orbited, waiting for the call to extract. The ship parts to the left of the image have been secured. The northern 2/3 of the ship have yet to be explored.
"Sword phase was characterized by repeated alien assaults on our positions. Third squad has always been a very good defensive squad. We put out a lot of firepower and our legion support for this mission just enhanced it. Stream Dragon was content to let the aliens charge us at our position at the head of what we now call the warehouse on terror ships (long corridor 6 rooms that appear to carry supplies.)" Floater packs were trying to come at us from the roof, but we held our ground."
--Bullockist
Alien reinforcements inbound
Carlos13th once again initiates the firefight with a devastating head-shot.
Talizvar and Legion 11 take the western roof of the warehouse (from here on known as roof 1) and engage the floaters.
Carlos13th continues to rack up kills from his sniper perch at the head of the warehouse.
"Steam Dragon took Legion 9 and Commata up on the eastern roof (here on known as roof 2). I think the plan was to advance down both roofs and clear out each storage area in turn. As it turned out, that plan went all to hell."
--Bullockist
Half of third squad takes roof 2. Third squad would strive to (and largely fail) to maintain a height advantage throughout Omaha phase.
"We almost had no warning. The floaters were right on top of us before we heard them and the firefight erupted at point blank range. I think we had the smallest element of surprise. Maybe we just have quicker reflexes than they do. Anyway, we managed to strike first. Probably saved some lives. Definitely saved mine."
--Bullockist
"Many of us had been caught out of position. As it stood, we managed to get into what little cover there was and a few of us managed to get some overwatch laid down. I think that spooked the floaters. Instead of opening fire, most of them tried to find cover. In essence, we got lucky."
--Bullockist
A floater dashes for cover in the face of XCOM overwatch Carlos, Bullockist, Legion 11, and Talizvar find themselves in close combat with 4 floaters. Bullockist takes a punishing leg wound. He is still in the fight though.
"SON OF A B#*^$#! I'll kill you for that! I'll KILL YOU ALL!" Bullockist snapped up rifle and laid down a fusillade of fire - each shot puncturing a vital organ in the floaters surrounding him. One floater crashed to the floor with several laser burns while another barely clung to life - his hover jets keeping an otherwise lifeless body afloat.
Bullockist takes his revenge
Galia Comata destroys a floater
Talizvar sees his chance and charges the barely conscious Floater while bringing his arc thrower to bear. He'd hoped to snag a muton, but a floater would do.
"Yeah, it hurt. Plasma burns eat through armor and skin with firghtening ease. Luckily it wasn't so deep that I was crippled. Carlos was already next to me bandaging me up. That guy doesn't talk much, and I don't trust a guy who spends as little time with squad as he does, but at that moment he was the most welcome sight in the world."
--Bullockist
Carlos 13th bandages Bullockist's wounds.
"We stopped and re-assessed the situation. Stream Dragon knew there was another floater out there that they hadn't managed to kill near roof 2. There was a strange sound coming from the other side of what we called the warehouse. It sounded like a rhythmic thumping sound. We dug in and trained our weapons as the sound got louder. We thought we were prepared. We weren't even close to being ready."
--Bullockist
Stay tuned for the third and final installment of Brutal Serpent later today!
Don't forget Carlos to bend the needle over after you stick him with the antropine sets. Three sets max. Breast pocket flap. If Bullickist starts doing the kicking chicken just stand him up and point him in the direction of the aliens
Scary as heck running on ahead.
Made me feel good thinking Mutons are stupid till I got that one tagged: he withdrew, not ran off, not staggered, just bided his time.
Feels like Carlos is perched over my shoulder half the time "You see him? Zaap! Yep, he saw him.".
Stream doing all the right stuff, I almost had a heart attack when the Floater would not drop: the lethal alternative could not have happened fast enough.
Gotta watch the fething Mutons, they sure like their surprise visits, worse than a bloody PT-61 pop-up with the smell as a bonus.
Warming up to the new troopers, steadily taking out the enemy, making the environment all the more comfy.
Really not liking the combination of a roof and floaters, felt like I was in a shallow fox-hole in no-man's-land with what little cover there was when they sprang up.
Bullockist took a heck of a hit, could have been any one of us, guess he got picked for being at the end, got angry and gave more than he got.
Galia opened up on them, cluing me in on zapping the flying corpse I almost tripped over.
After I was done breathing the o-zone, noticing heavy thumping through ship plates didn't mean anything good... at least it found us rather than me finding it.
Been out of it for a few days, moving and the interent wasn't up until yesterday. Glad to see Dakka Corps is doing well... of course, we haven't seen how this mission ends yet.
squidhills wrote: I feel a new type of alien is about to make an entrance...
Fer Gawdsake if it jumps out say "NUTS" and empty the MAG. If the toe twitches afterwards empty another MAG into it.
Ensure you leave a Death card on the steaming warm puddle.
Tallizer....always remember....better yet....don't forget to breath.
Bullock running on pure "piss off." All that antropine that Carlos stuck in his left butt cheek got him moving......well....Carlos Blessed him in the typical High Speed Low Drag way....
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX1. "YOU!" Points at Bullock XXXXXXXXXXXXX
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3. "Check your weapon" OOOOOOOOO4. "Move the Hell Out to over there"
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XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX2. "Pick up your gear"XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Man up and get back in the fight Bullockist. Walk it off." Carlos finished patching him up and then turned and looked down the scope of his rifle towards the aliens,
"If you feel the desire to thank me you can do so in whiskey later. " he said without looking back.
carlos13th wrote: "Man up and get back in the fight Bullockist. Walk it off." Carlos finished patching him up and then turned and looked down the scope of his rifle towards the aliens,
"If you feel the desire to thank me you can do so in whiskey later. " he said without looking back.
Did not see this big guy coming, that is my job, hope no-one pays for it.
"The primary responsibility of the tactical component is to defend itself during the course of the observations so that crucial intelligence is retained thoroughly and can be deciphered in its entirety.
Tactical movement is critical as it returns intelligence, and shows the range of mobility and likely résistance, as well as probing potential weaknesses of defenses, detection systems, but most importantly it represents the ability to take the strategic initiative into new areas of operation."
Now the battle comes to us...
Gotta remember the main tenants of APA where you are forced into confrontation:
1) "If safe passage is denied and to hold is untenable": We are exposed and too many possible vectors of threat.
2) "In order to avoid over-whelming counter-force": This guy looks loaded for bear, we got to take him out before more "help" arrives.
3) "When the need to rescue or extract outweighs the danger in doing so": Bullockist looks fine but we have no time to be sure.
Looks like things are going to get interesting... I got one more charge on the zapper...
“Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading,” — Thomas Jefferson
"Incoming!" Legion 11 screamed as the monstrous alien thing stomped into view. A seemingly infinite tide of sectoids followed in its wake. Already, plasma bolts and laser blasts flickered back and forth across the alien cargo bay. The mechanized sectoid - a vile fusion of metal and alien flesh took several hits, but didn't even slow. Perhaps emboldened by the appearance of so many reinforements, the lone surviving floater made for first squad's right flank and set up an overwatch position.
"Fall back, fall back. Base of fire on the roof. I need all fire directed at the enemy mech. Comata, kill that floater before he kills us all! Explosives are authorized! MOVE! --StreamDragon
With so much overwatch pinning 3rd squad in place, Talizvar is once again given the unenviable job of drawing fire. This new threat is heavily armed and seems to be particularly good at overwatch (he has opportunist). Talizvar will have to thread the needle...
"I tried to flashbang the giant ... whatever we're calling it [mechtoid - ed.], but it didn't have any affect. Luckily, I managed to blind just about every sectoid in the area."
--Talizvar
"We had to get off the eastern roof. It was exposed, and we had no lines of fire to the sectoids or the robot they brought along with them. I ordered the squad back to the southern end of the cargo bay where we had engaged the seekers. This was all contingent on getting rid of that god-$#@! floater. The thing was quite far off and tough to hit. Carlos13th wounded it, but Comata missed and no one else really had a shot."
--StreamDragon
"We'd already hit the robot a couple of times and it was barely scratched. I think it was Bullockist who made the call to take out the sectoids first to reduce the amount of incoming fire we had to worry about. It was a confused situation. The mechtoid was jamming our squad frequency so everything was scrambled. I'm not sure Legion 9 got the order to withdraw to the south end of the cargo bay. Still, we laid into the sectoids and two went down quickly along with the wounded floater."
--Talizvar
"The fight against the mechtoid was the toughest fight I've ever witnessed. The thing is a tank, and third squad had no way of penetrating its armored core. Instead, they were forced to aim for weak points in the bio-mechanical interface. It was like shooting spit-balls at a tiger tank. Legion 9 is a fine soldier. I think we all knew what kind of fight we were in for when the Mechtoid truly opened fire."
--Lt. Morton in Central Command
"Shrapnel and chaos is how I would describe the fight at the carge bays. Other people can probably give a more coherent story - I was riding high on a combination of pain-killers, atropine, and blood coagulants. I was moving (slowly) towards what we've since called the Alamo. Streamdragon had designated the rally point when we exited the alien assault bay. I heard the explosions behind me and knew legion had taken a hit. I also vaguely knew that Galia Comata was the only one on the ship with an unspent med-kit. Things couldn't get much worse - well... that's what I thought."
--Bullockist
StreamDragon dashes to the rear to lead Comata and Legion 3 from the eastern roof to the western roof. They have only minutes before Legion 9 bleeds out.
"Talizvar," Carlos13th was probably the only one not in a direct line of fire, but he still had a good visual on the mechtoid. "The machine is moving, he's broken line of sight with Legion 9. There's some sort of energy field surrounding it, I think the sectoid supplying it is on the north western side of the cargo bay. You're in range. Can you confirm?"
"Roger, moving. Cover me." Talizvar sprinted A tank is only invulnerable as long as it has infantry support. Remove the infantry and we may be able to close on this monster.
Talizvar destroys the mechtoids psychic support.
The mechtoid reverses course after it senses the loss of its support
"Commander, we need to evacuate the squad. Resistance is too heavy. Skyranger 1 reports heavy alien reinforcements inbound on 3rd squad's position. I'm ordering the evac..."
"Belay that, Bradford. Third squad is not evacuating. They will complete their mission." The Commander's tone brooked now arugment.
"But, Ma'am! You can't sit by and watch them die!"
"Lieutenant Colonel Bradford, you are dismissed. Go to bed. You need the rest." The Commander's eyes never left the live feed.
"Ma'am! You can't let them die!!" Bradford wasn't going anywhere.
"Sgt_Scruffy, please remove the colonel and see that Dr. Vahlen provides him with a sedative. Colonel, one more word out of you and I will relieve you."
Bradford looked stunned as Sgt_Scruffy gently led him out of the room. Major Illifan had a hard time covering his smirk, but he almost succeeded.
Galia Comata gets to Legion 9 in time to stabilize her. It will be to no avail though if the squad is wiped out. Carlos13th has fallne back to the Alamo in the lower right corner of the picture while third squad desperately tries to find a way to destroy this murderous new alien.
"Dammit, how do we kill this thing?" Legion 3 tossed another grenade over the edge of the roof that had become third squad's redoubt. The satisfying *whump* of the grenade explosion was quickly replaced with the whirring mechanical sound of a fully functional mechtoid. "CPL Dragon, I'm running out of grenades. This thing doesn't want to die. Legion 9 did manage to hit it fairly good before she got fragged. We're going to have to shoot this thing."
"I know, It's too accurate though. Anyone caught in the cross fire will be killed. Our only hope is to lure it into an ambush and shoot the hell out of it before it can react. Talizvar, you get to play bait. Everyone else, prepare for an ambush on the northwest corner. Execute..."
--Legion 3 and StreamDragon
Carlos disables the gun
SteamDragon pours on the fire as the mechtoid's weapons are temporarily off-line.
"StreamDragon, you've got heavy alien reinforcements inbound. Multple drones and unknown designation. You've got to kill that robot quickly." The Commander for once, sounded worried.
Oh for feth's sake.
"The aliens are almost impossible to read but they sure do behave different when I pop-out and get in their face.
I had seen that weird link the sectoids do with each other but with the big guy is was impressive and looked like it needed to stop.
Glad I was able to neutralize the help, it was bad enough before where it looked like we were only scratching the paint job.
Heard Legion 9 got hit, glad I was not able to see it: those guns look like they would leave a really big hole.
Never thought I would like my sniper to spend his time messing up an enemy's aim rather than the business of killing, but I think that is why less of us are on the ground.
Just as it looks like the big fella is showing some holes, then a giant metal Frisbee shows up... I will play catch with him later if big bro is kind enough to drop.
I am thinking three clips for this one...
From the scuttlebutt passing between the techs, 3rd were getting a hammering from some kind of battle-mech. Silver remembered watching hulking automata smashing and shooting the hell out of each other on the Saturday morning cartoons and from what was being reported what 3rd was facing something that could go toe to toe with the best of them.
Sweat dripped from her nose as she heaved on the torque wrench, powering the thick bolt into the overlapping armour plates. She hoped the dense weave would fit her frame a little better with the adjustments she and the techs had made to her combat gear.
Despite her relative good luck so far in the war, she knew it was only a matter of time; she had a feeling that she was going to need all the protection she could get.
Trondheim watched the unfolding mayhem on one of the screens, his hearth was thumping wildly as he watched the streams of plasma fire and return fire flicker back and fourth. The thing was like a walking nigthmare, armed with powerful dual linked weaponry and backed up by scores of those grey devils.
As he thougth it had gotten as bad as it could something else came drifing into view as the circeling skyhawk caugth a glimp of a new mechanical nigthmare about to join the fray.
"By Odins beard, we definitly need bigger guns!" he mutterd as he continued to watch, unable to tear himself away from the live feed.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Jihadin wrote: *mental note to self: get a .50 cal bolted on the drop door of the Sky Ranger. Just like them Hookers have.*
*throws a Mountain Dew can at the Aliens in fustration*
Feth Id say we need a 40mm rapid firing cannon and a hellfire missile
OEPRATION BRUTAL SERPENT PART 4: The Last Stand of Third Squad?
"Yes, the situation was bad. The alien robot later designated the "mechtoid" had already seriously wounded Legion 9. This new designation of alien was fast approaching, but not yet decisively engaged. I trust StreamDragon, otherwise I wouldn't have made him third's squad leader, but for a moment, I considered ordering the withdrawal." --The Commander
The wounded mechtoid opens fire on StreamDragon - luckily missing.
"Okay boys and girls. We've got exactly one shot at taking down this monster. Command says we've got more Allen (slang for alien) in bound. I haven't fought through all these ugly feths just to turn around and run now. Legion 9 needs evac, but we can't carry her. Carlos, get off your ass and shoot that robot. Comata, we've got one shot. We'll distract while you flank right. Go!"
Comata lands the final blow on the mechtoid
"I swear on my mom's grave that a cheer went up in central command when the mechtoid finally went down. Even Illifan seemed happy I've never seen that guy smile!"
--Lt. Morton
A resounding "feth yeah" might have gone up when I finally killed it.
"Unfortunately, there was no way we hadn't drawn the ire of the ... whatever the hell it was. Legion 3 immediately engaged the drones and managed to shoot one down actually. I was still coming out of my drug haze and could only watch what happened."
--Bullockist
The full fury of the Cyberdisk is revealed. Legion 3 is torn to shreds in the first volley.
"Elation turns to utter despair in the span of hear beats in battle. At least, that's what it felt like in the command room. I'm the administrative officer for the Legion and it tore my heart out to see one of our best and brightest go down. The watch rotation had long since passed, but everyone was glued to their stations. We felt like we were witnessing the end... or maybe our greatest triumph yet."
--Lt. Morton.
"Fall back! Fall back! Rally point Alamo. NOW!"
--StreamDragon
"I knew what he was up to. We had to lure the enemy away from each other so we could engage with overwhelming force. At this point, we didn't know if the disc thing could be killed. It made sense, but we were all low on everything except enemy - I'd say we were in a fight."
--Bullockist.
The squad falls back across hard won ground as the new alien threat advances.
"Even Major Illifan looked concerned and that guy cares about his soldiers like Dr. Vahlen cares about medical ethics."
--Lt. Morton.
As third squad advances, the cyberdisc and remaining drones advance into the kill zone.
"GRENADE!!" Comata cowered under cover as plasma infused shrapnel sprayed his armor. The world went black... and snapped back into view as Galia found himself on his back. He felt his body for injuries. Arms? check. Legs? check. Groin? Please God, let the groin be okay... check. The entire blast had been absorbed by his armor.
"Sir, they are dying out there and the mission is going to fail. I suggest we evacuate the squad as best we can." Even Major Illifan doubted third squad by now.
"Major, have faith." That was all the Commander said. The Major, having witnessed Bradford being removed, fell silent and watched - helpless like the rest of them.
Carlos13th, now in his 8th straight hour of combat, misses a rare opportunity to disable the Cyberdisc's weapons. The stress is beginning to show.
He quickly redeems himself as the cyberdisc attempts to take cover from the fusillade of fire. Apparently there is a threat from the laser fire.[i]
"Look, I could tell you the story of our battle with the cyberdisc, but it basically amounts to the same as our fight against the mechtoid. We ran and hid until we could ambush it and then run and hide some more. It was dirty fighting and it took forever. The drones... they can repair those discs. It's sickening. I'll spare you the gory details, but let's talk about the 'highlights' shall we?"
--Bullockist
[i]Galia Comata supressed the mechanical monstrosity as 3rd squad manuevers
Bullockist whittles down the drown swarm.
"That seeker came out of nowhere. No one had spotted it although it was captured on camera right before the disc engaged. Regardless, it ambushed Carlos and we were in a world of hurt."
-Bullockist
Galia_Comata and Bullockist manage to shoot the seeker off Carlos with minimal difficulty. This gives the Cyberdisc the freedom to reposition.
:Even as we had been pouring fire onto the drones and the disc, the drones persisted in repairing the damned machine. We were going to run out of ammo. The last drone would not die. I think at that point everyone's adrenaline had worn out. We were all fighitng on empty."
-Bullockist
Seriously, I missed three 65% shots in a row trying to kill that god-forsaken drone that was repair the disc. Luckily, carlos was able to disable the disc's weapons so we could close and finish off those drones.
The fight against the drone rages back and forth across the cargo bay for another hour. Eventually, third squad manages to partially surround it. There Galia Comata continually suppresses it while Carlos, Stream Dragon, Talizvar, and Bullockist pour on the fire.
Stream Dragon dashes in attempt to flank to finally bring down the alien monster More fire from Talizvar as the Disc will simply not die. The disc, perhaps sensing it's imminent destruction, opens up with everything it has on Bullockist. Luckily, he barely manges to duck out of the way. Several torrents of fire later, Bullockist finally finds a weak spot in the armor and the disc explodes
"We were spent. We knew the cargo bay like the back of our hand now. We'd fought over it for almost 6 hours. Already we were low on ammo packs, we were completely out of medical supplies, and almost out of grenades of any kind. two-thirds of the ship was ours. Hopefully the last third wouldn't break our backs."
-Bullockist
Next time on the Adventures of Third Squad: How Many Outsiders?
Nothing like the first volley of an enemy making a smear out of someone to enhance focus, or at least speed of response.
When that armadillo opened up, man it is ugly, even worse all the guns that get pointed around.
When I saw a drone stitch-up holes in the disk I found my #1 target priority.
The hours of playing whack the undead Frisbee is a lesson in frustration.
So after a merry go shooting the dodgy guys we hear a gurgle over the com... I hate seekers.
Hate it even more when they grab my cover-guy... you do not get to touch my sniper without me going after you, mind: the guys took care of it.
Drone and Disk were an army all their own.. just couldn't touch the one or kill the other.
Bullockist has become my new favorite in the group: he gets angry he just kills better: mental note to review what combo of drugs he got, I may want some of that.
After all that "fun" I am concerned what the aliens will do for an encore.
Two of Legion down, one permanently... not even close to a fair exchange, this ship is going to get emptied.
I better get on point: lesson learned that it is better finding them than them finding you.
Frankenberry watched from a vantage point near one of the exits into the command room. Watched as third squad did their deadly work.
Eight hours. From the moment of the drop until now, third had been stuck in, knee deep, for eight fething hours.
And they weren't all dead.
They weren't second squad, that was for sure, no karma around to feth things up - but third certainly had their share of interesting luck this go round. Frankenberry was impressed they had held as long as they had - it was a truly terrible fight.
He saw the feed and heard the screams of the legion trooper and he closed his eyes, shaking his head in disgust. One more name to add to the list, how many more needed to die before XCOM truly took the fight back to the E.T.?
Bravo Third Squad, keep it up, you got this! Cant wait to see Part 5.
Talizvar wrote: Oddly, living up to my country flag: I prefer the "Tanto".
I have enjoyed Kendo for many years so kiai/strike and zanshin just feels right, so I can appreciate but not envy the axe (looks like it throws nice though unless the handle is too light).
This has been an all-time favorite: don't leave the Skyranger without it:
Magnum Tanto XII
Spoiler:
Full guard, 1' blade X .2" thick, 5 5/8" handle CPM 3-V High-Carbon steel, only about 58-60 HrC but we don't want to be too brittle.
You have to get this stuff from outside because they figure if you get that close you should be using the zapper.
Kendo isnt very useful for learning to actually use a blade... actually its effectively useless (by design) for learning how to actually use a blade.
chaos0xomega wrote: Kendo isnt very useful for learning to actually use a blade... actually its effectively useless (by design) for learning how to actually use a blade.
Huh? To what experience has this been determined? By design? Other than not actually using a sharp blade?
At the absolute minimum it instills not using a blade like an axe in a chopping motion: it is a great way to break a blade or get it stuck.
It is rather long the explanation hence the spoiler but it highly useful for the actual use of that type of blade a fencing foil or European sword I would agree would need different techniques.
Spoiler:
It is "the way of the sword" derived from kenjutsu.
If there is a main limitation, is that it revolves around the downward vertical cut (mind you, one of the main strikes is a disemboweling one).
You accurately strike the location (not full force chop!) you aim for (using body memory from long practices the speed developed is noticeable) and you follow through with the slice.
The shinai is marked out with the "ideal" strike zone about 1/4 from tip, and a chord running the back of the spine to remind you the non-pointy side is facing the right way.
How to hold a sword, how to keep it between you and your enemy, how to read them and strike immediately to be decisive.
I agree the pumping footwork motion tends to be overlooked in a more tournament / combat situation and having the opportunity to use the two weapon style (nitōjutsu), it is awesome.
Accuracy, speed and deadly intent while wearing armor.
This system was completely designed to train Samurai so they could swordfight with no holding back without slicing off body parts by accident.
The ability to practice with a live opponent at full power and speed without one of you dying translates well to applicable conditions.
I had been lucky to have instructors that insisted on the kenjutsu training as well for the various katas using real sword strikes, I agree pairing the two rounds it out better.
The added fun is you learn to get into your enemies face as hard, fast and decisively as possible: with sword strikes winning or dead can hinge on one hit.
Oddly enough, my role of squad point-man or "bullet-sponge" is to behave exactly as kendo teaches: to unsettle your opponent by overwhelming force by motion and intent. With gun-fights, cover is a greater consideration but if you get in close, over-the-top aggression is your friend. The bug zapper is rather anticlimactic (if it works...).
OPERATION BRUTAL SERPENT PART Whatever: "Let's Kill these mofos and go home" --Bullockist.
Prior to opening the door, the remains of third squad surround the bridge.
"There's an art to breaching a room when the aliens know you're coming. It really helps if you have multiple enterances. The best way is to breach a door on the opposite side of where you really want to breach in most cases. This will cause the aliens to take cover towards their engaged side... that's when you roll in with your heavy hitters and kill them. Talizvar, bless him, makes a lot of noise and draws fire. He started the fake breach."
--StreamDragon
"There were so many targets in there you couldn't miss. It was a complete shooting gallery."
Talizvar and Comata finish off one of the junior outsiders
Carlos13th executes another wounded outsider.
Bullockist, after having wounded an outsider, uses his last flashbang to disorient two of the remaing four outsiders
BOOM! StreamDragon one-shots yet another Outsider
"The thing about the aliens is they've never shown the least amount of self-preservation when their backs are even slightly against the wall. We use it to our advantage every day, but we pay for it in blood and tears."
-- Lt. Morton
Talizvar and Comata combine once again to down an alien. This time Talizvar claims the kill.
Bullockist downs the last remaining regular outsider. only the large, super outsider remains.
"StreamDragon was hit, but he seemed to be okay. Shoulder shot from what I could tell, but his throwing arm worked fine. He used the last flashbang in the entire inventory to blind the outsider one more time. The mission was so close to done third squad could taste it.
"We were all just about out of ammo. I was down to using my pistol, but I kept firing anyway. This outsider was HUGE! I felt like I was shooting spitballs at it."
-Talizvar
"I was down to my last charge... gotta make this count."
-Comata
"My heart sank when StreamDragon's shotgun blast didn't finish off the alien. Surely this one, wounded alien would now retaliate and kill one of us. I cursed loudly and steadied my now reloaded weapon in the hopes of getting a shot. Just one shot is all I need.... Then I remembered that StreamDragon loves a brawl and I felt better."
-Carlos
StreamDragon's fast reflexes save the day as the outsider charges the third squad.
"Central, this is third squad. Terror ship secure. Prepare the medbay, we've got wounded inbound. Alert alien containment we have a floater captive for immediate processing and detainment. Break. Skyranger 1, This is Striker 3-4 (Gallia's official call sign - ed.) requesting immediate medevac. 9-line to follow."
"Striker 3-4, this is Skyranger, ready to copy. Send it"
"Roger, line 1 19T EZ 4582 9023
line 2 Striker 3-4 on frequency [redacted]
line 3 A-2, B-1, C-1
line 4 B
line 5 A -1, C- 3
Break."
Galia Comata looked around. He was the only one still on his feet. Bullockist was slumped against the alien power cell in the middle of the bridge - his energy utterly spent. StreamDragon was right next to him, still covering the door in case there were more aliens. Even Carlos looked like he was having a hard time focusing. The bruises on his neck were an angry purple color. Only Talizvar and himself were still up and around, and Talizvar looked like he'd run a marathon. Galia got back to calling in the nine-line
"line 6 -Bravo
line 7 - X-ray
line 8 - X-ray
line 9 - northern end of the UFO, SKED retrieval of Legion 9..."
-Galia Comata
"I remember it was like someone opened a relief valve and all the pent up pressure and anxiety in Central just bled away. There were a few back slaps, but mostly there was rubbing of necks and some half-hearted grins. The price had been high. Only the Commander seemed to be extremely happy. Captain Wu looked pretty pissed off about the big grin the Commander had on his face as he consulted with Illifan, but then Captain Wu was CO of the Legion so I could understand. The Commander was already calculating the strategic effects of capturing an alien capital ship, I'm sure."
--Lt,. Morton
The true cost of Brutal Serpent is finally known. 1 Legionnaire dead, 1 Legionnaire out for a month, and two members of third squad out for three weeks.
"The scientists and engineers spent weeks on site at the terror ship and I think they could have spent years. We stripped that thing of anything and everyhting of value. The skyranger was busy, so XCOM drafted in a whole company of CH-47 Chinooks. They hauled stuff day and night."
-Jihadin
Third Squad's exploits give XCOM a majjor economic shot in the arm
StreamDragon gains the close encounters perk.
Bullockist can now suppress aliens with his assault rifle
Carlos, ever brutal, is now particularly good at picking off the weak and wounded
Galia_Comata, through hard earned experience, is an expert at fighting robotic foes
"Ladies. Gentlemen. I know it has been a tough road these last couple of days. Third squad went to hell and back. Then they went to a different hell. and back," The Commander's mouth twitched upward in a smile, "but know that through your efforts we have prevailed. We have downed one of their major captial ships, and we have struck directly at their ability to wage war on this planet. You should all be proud. I believe third squad has turned the course of the war. Let Brutal Serpent be recorded as the turning point. We now hunt them, they do not hunt us. They can no longer cower in their ships thinking themselves invincible. No matter how diligently they fortify, we will dig them out of their holes. We will break them and their ships." The Commander got a thoughtful look on her face for a moment. "In fact, Third Squad has earned an official name. Let third squad now be known as "The Shipbreakers."
Brutal Serpent is finally over. This mission took me about 5 times as long to play as a normal mission, and it took me forever to do the write up. I really do think this could be the turning point of the war. The alloy, the elerium, and all the intact computers and power sources make for an incredible haul of material that will finance XCOM for possibly months to come. Third Squad did an outstanding job - even if it almost killed them all. I'm psyched.
Sgt_Scruffy wrote: "My heart sank when StreamDragon's shotgun blast didn't finish off the alien. Surely this one, wounded alien would now retaliate and kill one of us. I cursed loudly and steadied my now reloaded weapon in the hopes of getting a shot. Just one shot is all I need.... Then I remembered that StreamDragon loves a brawl and I felt better."
-Carlos
StreamDragon's fast reflexes save the day as the outsider charges the third squad.
I'd like to think I yelled something appropriately bad-ass as he came at me.
Grats on clearing this mission! With any luck you can start churning out more weapons and armor with that haul of materiel you captured. And if I'n not mistaken, you should have 3 plasma weapons at this point. You'll have to research them before you can use them, but I'm sure they'll help partially offset any supply problems you have.
squidhills wrote: Grats on clearing this mission! With any luck you can start churning out more weapons and armor with that haul of materiel you captured. And if I'n not mistaken, you should have 3 plasma weapons at this point. You'll have to research them before you can use them, but I'm sure they'll help partially offset any supply problems you have.
We're a long way from being able to use plasma weapons. I've still got to research guass weapons and pulse lasers...
chaos0xomega wrote: Kendo isnt very useful for learning to actually use a blade... actually its effectively useless (by design) for learning how to actually use a blade.
Huh? To what experience has this been determined? By design? Other than not actually using a sharp blade?
At the absolute minimum it instills not using a blade like an axe in a chopping motion: it is a great way to break a blade or get it stuck.
It is rather long the explanation hence the spoiler but it highly useful for the actual use of that type of blade a fencing foil or European sword I would agree would need different techniques.
Spoiler:
It is "the way of the sword" derived from kenjutsu.
If there is a main limitation, is that it revolves around the downward vertical cut (mind you, one of the main strikes is a disemboweling one).
You accurately strike the location (not full force chop!) you aim for (using body memory from long practices the speed developed is noticeable) and you follow through with the slice.
The shinai is marked out with the "ideal" strike zone about 1/4 from tip, and a chord running the back of the spine to remind you the non-pointy side is facing the right way.
How to hold a sword, how to keep it between you and your enemy, how to read them and strike immediately to be decisive.
I agree the pumping footwork motion tends to be overlooked in a more tournament / combat situation and having the opportunity to use the two weapon style (nitōjutsu), it is awesome.
Accuracy, speed and deadly intent while wearing armor.
This system was completely designed to train Samurai so they could swordfight with no holding back without slicing off body parts by accident.
The ability to practice with a live opponent at full power and speed without one of you dying translates well to applicable conditions.
I had been lucky to have instructors that insisted on the kenjutsu training as well for the various katas using real sword strikes, I agree pairing the two rounds it out better.
The added fun is you learn to get into your enemies face as hard, fast and decisively as possible: with sword strikes winning or dead can hinge on one hit.
Oddly enough, my role of squad point-man or "bullet-sponge" is to behave exactly as kendo teaches: to unsettle your opponent by overwhelming force by motion and intent. With gun-fights, cover is a greater consideration but if you get in close, over-the-top aggression is your friend. The bug zapper is rather anticlimactic (if it works...).
Kendo was effectively invented in the late 19th century as a sport -not a martial art- in order to get all those grouchy old samurai off the streets and give them something to do to keep em busy so as to prevent (another) rebellion. The strikes in Kendo arent actually ones you would want to make with a real sword, by intent, because part of the point of Kendo was to limit the spread of proper swordfighting technique in order to help modernize Japanese society and its military system.
Kendo doesnt actually teach proper follow through with a bladed weapon, thats even evident by the use of the term "strike" whereas in actual swordfighting, practitioners "slice". Theres no concept of blade angle, which is extremely important in swordfighting (no havkng an indicator to mark which direction the blade ianfacing is not at all what I mean). Also worth noting is that the Kendo strikes are all aimed at striking what were traditionally the most heavily protected (armored) locations on a samurai (again by design, it makes it less lethal). Not an issue if your opponent is unarmored, but youre not going to disembowl much of anything if youre hitting someone who has armor designed specifically to prevent you from disembowling him.
Kendo is very similar to fencing in that way, its nice and flashy and teaches discipline and promotes fitness... but not at all what a real swordfight looks like. You'll often find practitioners of western and european martial arts scoff at those who practice fencing, similarly those who practice say koryu (or better yet, Toyama Ryu) feel the same towards those who practice kendo. I wont say practicing Kendo doesnt give you a basis for learning proper swordsmanship, but I know from experience that Kendo doesnt properly prepare one to actually use a blade in a more "real life" situation, and just as true I know others who went to a more "practical" art after studying Kendo and still had to spend a considerable amount of time practicing to be anything close to competent, but they picked it up much faster than those who hadnt already studied kendo or similar.
chaos0xomega wrote: Nice job third squad, great haul... but next time it wouldnt hurt to bring us back a couple more alien friends to put in the fish tank.
I tired man, I did catch one. The other one failed to stun. In Long War you only get one charge on your arc thrower unless you have the repair skill through the engineer tree. Since you're an engineer, you'll be toting around an arc thrower for a long time as soon as you get your Sergeant rank.
He sat in the now silent and quiet messhall and ponderd the stunning yet very costly victory secured by 3rd. He had never doubted that motteld band of assorted charcthers, but this. This was far beyound he had expeceted to ever see. But it made him feel secure that there was still hope, and where there was hope there was the will to figth on.
But yet even now one brave warrior made way into the golden halls of Vallhalla, having fallen to the foul enemies of mankind.
" Another brother in arms to avenge, another saga to tell when this is all over."
Carlos drops his weapons off at the armoury before making a beeline for the squad bar. Saying nothing despite the protests from the staff he walks behind the bar and picks up a bottle of whiskey and a glass from the shelf before heading to his bunk.
carlos13th wrote: Carlos drops his weapons off at the armoury before making a beeline for the squad bar. Saying nothing despite the protests from the staff he walks behind the bar and picks up a bottle of whiskey and a glass from the shelf before heading to his bunk.
General Order #1
No Drinking
No Sex (Suspended)
No Porn (Suspended unless we go into a Muslim Country)
R&R Leave is now Non-Chargable. Only 10% of the unit can be on Leave. Mission Dictates though
*Somehow a mysteries poster appears on the Commander Bulletin Board
KamikazeCanuck wrote: Question: Is it normal to be fighting Cyberdiscs in Long War before assaulting the Alien Base? Or has something gone awry?
Well, large alien ships tend to be packed to the gills with terrifying stuff - so that's normal in long war. I've encountered cyberdiscs in July before in Long War so I assume it's normal. The Mechtoid was a first for me this early though. I'd say we're doing pretty good at this point. Third squad's capture of the terror ship catapulted us from "slightly behind" to "slightly ahead."
KamikazeCanuck wrote: Question: Is it normal to be fighting Cyberdiscs in Long War before assaulting the Alien Base? Or has something gone awry?
Well, large alien ships tend to be packed to the gills with terrifying stuff - so that's normal in long war. I've encountered cyberdiscs in July before in Long War so I assume it's normal. The Mechtoid was a first for me this early though. I'd say we're doing pretty good at this point. Third squad's capture of the terror ship catapulted us from "slightly behind" to "slightly ahead."
Always something going to happen down the road to change the dynamic's on the battlefield. Do not be complacent!!!
carlos13th wrote: Carlos drops his weapons off at the armoury before making a beeline for the squad bar. Saying nothing despite the protests from the staff he walks behind the bar and picks up a bottle of whiskey and a glass from the shelf before heading to his bunk.
General Order #1
No Drinking
No Sex (Suspended)
No Porn (Suspended unless we go into a Muslim Country)
chaos0xomega wrote: Kendo is very similar to fencing in that way, its nice and flashy and teaches discipline and promotes fitness... but not at all what a real swordfight looks like. You'll often find practitioners of western and european martial arts scoff at those who practice fencing, similarly those who practice say koryu (or better yet, Toyama Ryu) feel the same towards those who practice kendo. I wont say practicing Kendo doesnt give you a basis for learning proper swordsmanship, but I know from experience that Kendo doesnt properly prepare one to actually use a blade in a more "real life" situation, and just as true I know others who went to a more "practical" art after studying Kendo and still had to spend a considerable amount of time practicing to be anything close to competent, but they picked it up much faster than those who hadnt already studied kendo or similar.
You have a right to your opinion.
It is that similar discussion of Karate and Judo of legitimacy and applicability.
Yes, having some rules to lean toward a sport also allows for a more competitive and interactive experience.
I had seen Toyama Ryu and it seemed a bit more gimmicky going with a larger sword/handle.
Anyway, to each their own.
All I know is in real life I got the drop on many people due to the practice.
Applied here however: cutting up aliens is not an option so is a rather useless discussion in this thread.
The initial discussion of the toys we carry around was for flavor.
If it seemed to break the suspension of disbelief... how about we agree to disagree and move-on.
We emptied the ship.
Took down every single one of them and bagged a live one.
I never thought I would see the last of them, kept feeling like I would run into another one when I turned a corner.
"Shipwreckers" I like the name.
Certainly says something about taking the battle to the enemy.
More training needed <sigh> I feel like I had not got any better after that, looking at our new mechanical friends I have to get better.
Hope all the new tech will find an oversized laser can-opener.
Time to see a companion into medical for a long stay, another into the ground and for our new "friend" to learn about hell on earth.
Having just faced of some ten Mutons and a beserker Il take Cyberdisks any day of the week really. They at least dont go about howling like the hounds of hell
Trondheim wrote: Having just faced of some ten Mutons and a beserker Il take Cyberdisks any day of the week really. They at least dont go about howling like the hounds of hell
Docta ran to the landing bay as the Skyranger landed, grabbing her emergency kit, she ran to help the medi-bay boys evacuate the wounded off the skyranger. One of the legionaires was lying still, and she shut his eyes, and left a gold coin in his pocket.
The others she fussed with, trying to make them as comfortable as possible. She knew they weren't second squad, but she knew that X-com was family.
Trondheim wrote: Having just faced of some ten Mutons and a beserker Il take Cyberdisks any day of the week really. They at least dont go about howling like the hounds of hell
yeah, but you're further along aren't you?
No not really, I downloaded the last version of the mod. And lord almigthy......Its not really fun when ou pass month three
Watching the mission playback, then reading up on the AAR afterward, Eddie Azrael made copious notes - as 1st Squad Rocket Gunner these big mechs had jumped to the front of his target priority queue...maybe the techs could see about finding a way so he could carry more than one round....
Elemental wrote: What's the current status of everyone in sickbay? I'm eager to know when I can be back into the thick of things.
There are ALOT of people in sickbay (including you), I plan an end of June wrap up but I've got more missions to cover as yet. My posting will slow down a little as my college work has picked up.
As for officers, I have no real preferences as I choose from the needs of the day. MEC troops are a absolute must for the later stages, same goes for Gene mods and Psi troopers to counter the hardest foes such as Muton beserkers, and the likes
What are your preferences for Officers, MEC troopers and PSI?
well, seeing as this is as far as I've gotten in Long War, I don't know! It's a journey of discovery. Officer's a vital though as they buff the entire squad. I take one on every mission if possible.
The three lieutenants you start with aren't enough to keep up
with the missions. I'm saving up to blow 200 dollars on getting
2 captains and 2 more lieutenants.
The three lieutenants you start with aren't enough to keep up
with the missions. I'm saving up to blow 200 dollars on getting
2 captains and 2 more lieutenants.
Yeah, prioritize having more soldiers in Long War over having particularly awesome soldiers (you'll want awesome soldiers too, but you need bodies). My 'red line' for know I don't have enough soldiers if it ever drops below 40. Even then, I would much rather have closer to 50. When your genetics lab, mech lab, and psi lab come online, you'll be losing soldiers to that - In the Dakka Diaries, I'm losing soldiers quickly enough that I'm struggling to get 2nd platoon off the ground. I had planned to have 2nd platoon have at least another full squad by now. At the end of the day, you want more laser rilfes/missiles/grenade/whatever on the field because there are so many enemies. The nice to have stuff is just that, nice to have. Don't worry, there's plenty of time in long war to slowly build up to all the cool stuff.
INTERLUDE: XCOM HQ: Gashaka Gumpti National Park, Nigeria
SPC Legion 17 nervously walked down the corridors of the unfamiliar central command wing. She didn't often venture into what was often referred to as officer country. Most of the squaddies stayed out of officer country and none of the Legion ventured there unless summoned by Captain Wu or Lt. Morton. Maybe she would be promoted to the Dakka Corps - that's where the real opportunities (and dangers) were. To tell the truth, Legion 17 was convinced that staying in the Legion was tantamount to a death wish. The Commander sent them on dangerous missions with the Dakka Corps, but they all had little doubt that they were expendable. "Prove yourself in the Legion, and you'll be granted access to the elite of the elite," they said. Once you were in, you got access to all the best training and all the best gear. Legion 17 hated being a second stringer.
She arrived at the command wing and presented her pass to the stone-faced guards. She was here to see Bradford and she was expected. They took no chances - even with someone in an XCOM uniform. Fingerprints, retinal scans, x-ray, and bull body scans were mandatory for anyone - even the commander it was claimed. The rumors of human traitors had everyone on edge in addition to the scary thought that shape-shifting aliens may well exist. After the extensive screening she entered the wing - which looked suspiciously like any other tactical or joint operations center she had seen if it weren't for the giant holographic display which dominated the room. The Corporal manning the desk quickly pointed her to the large office at top of the sloping amphitheater-like situation room. Bradford had impressive digs.
As she approached, a strange sense of foreboding came over her. Legion 17 sensed her life was going to change.. perhaps for the worse. She'd had these feelings ever since she was young, and had learned to trust them. As she was admitted into the room, her intuition was proven correct as she was greeted by the sight of the Commander herself. Legion 17 swallowed the lump in her throat and reported.
"Ma'am, Legion 17 reporting as ordered." It felt odd not to salute, but XCOM really didn't go in for the formalities - much.
"At ease, Squidhills. Do you mind if I use your name?"
"Uh.. no, ma'am. You may use my name ma'am."
"Good. Because you are fired from the Legion and the Dakka Corps. Turn in your official uniform, turn in your rank, and your military ID card." The commander's face was unreadable even as squidhills' spirits sank.
"Ma'am, permission to speak freely? Squidhills didn't even wait. "What did I do, my scores are good, I don't have a ton of experience but my combat record is good. I'm not Silver Mk2 yet but I kno....."
"I'm reassigning you to our special civilian consulting team. You'll be working for Dr. Vahlen in the Strategic Studies Research Division. You'll be a junior researcher."
"Ma'am, I'm flattered, really, but I'm a soldier and I have no scientific background. I would prefer to stay with the Legion."
"Noted, you will report to senior research consultant Kamikaze Canuck for orientation. Here is your packet with your orders and your travel arrangements have already been made. Dismissed."
Squidhills left the command wing in a daze. All she'd ever wanted to be was a soldier - the best of the best and now that was over. She said goodbye to her legion buddies in a daze and paid her respects in the memorial chapel and in sick bay. It was almost 2 hours before she opened her packet and got her true orders.
Specialist Squidhills,
Welcome to the Dakka Corps. Specifically, welcome to 2nd platoon. I'm sorry for the cloak and dagger secrecy but we have reason to suspect that Exalt has infiltrated XCOM HQ and possible the Council. I know you have no idea what Exalt is, but all will be explained. At least, all that you need to know will be explained. You are to report as ordered to Kamikaze Canuck and Dr. Vahlen. Assume that no one outside your squad, the doctor, Colonel Bradford, and myself is to be trusted.Things are more complicated than they seem. For now, continue with your cover as a recently fired XCOM operative. Good luck on your new assignment and follow those instincts of yours.
Sincerely,
The Commander
"That's funny," thought Squihills. "I've never told anyone about my hunches."
I'm truly sorry that things have slowed down a little bit, but I want to assure everyone that I am still very much committed to this AAR. Things have been busy lately on the home front, but I feel like this recent flurry of activity will slow down soon and I can get back to a more regular posting schedule.
OPERATION FIRST SWORD: 24 June, Western Sahara*, Africa
The below report was set to appear in the The Long War Project: An Official History of the First Alien War, but never made it into print. There are several stories behind why this chapter was cut, but it is presented to you members o fhte Council in it's entirety along with Mr. Spender's speculations.
*Author Note: It is clear that operation First Sword did not take place in the Western Sahara as noted in official XCOM mission logs. The mission still photos and images indexed under "First Sword" do indeed show XCOM members of the unit known as the Legion fighting various alien threats, but most of those pictures have since been proven to be pulled from smaller, less well publicized operations deemed inconsequential to the outcome of the war. Speculation abounds that First Sword instead took place somehwere in the Northern Hemisphere and may have taken place in Canada as several members of the mysterious Strategic Studies Initiative (also known as the Strategic Research Division) are known to have participated. Extensive data trawling through XCOM's labyrinthine servers has uncovered several images data tagged First Sword that do not appear in the official First Sword Archives. Whether this is the result of clerical error or intentional cover up is not known at this time. Research into the discrepancies is still on going.
--C.G.B. Spender, Editor
Official radar data intercepts show a Raider-class UFO landed in the Western Sahara
Cross-referenced logs from the officer of the day notes that the Foundry comes online just as the UFO is detected.
Interestingly, the official photo of the members of First Sword shows a unit comprised almost entirely of Legionnaires - a here-to-for unheard of deviation from policy. I forgot to take a photo of 2nd platoon on missoin . What is clear from what is believed to be the real photos of the mission is that un-wounded members of third squad, first platoon were brought along on the mission. CPL Talizvar, and Carlos13th were OPCONed to the Strategic Studies Initiative for the assault. Speculation among XCOM historians points to 3rd squad being taken out of rotation in the wake of Brutal Serpent until convalescent leave could be completed. Additionally, several XCOM operatives appear to take part in the mission, but do not appear anywhere in XCOM's personnel archives. This discrepancy will appear several times throughout XCOM's official mission logs and is sometimes blamed on the alien attacks on XCOM throughout the war.
Three unknown operatives equipped to XCOM standards storm down the skyranger it's Hordini, Canuck, and Squidhills!
At this point, XCOM tactical operations officers had speculated that the aptly named "Mechtoid" was some sort of bio-mechanical defense unit assigned to guard especially sensitive ships and facilities. This was immediately proved a lie as mechtoids would become a frequent sight in missions throughout the war. The soldiers would quickly grow to hate the sectoid-tanks and a variety of creative kill methods were devised.
"We were lucky this time in a way. The mechtoid showed up immediately. We were fresh, and the unit was in a good position. The firefight was no less intense, but it was over mercifully quickly."
--CPL Talizvar in a redacted interview
Author's Note* There are many images tagged as First Sword images and sorting through the data stacks has become a full time job. Below is a snipped of the fight between the mechtoid and his confederates and the unknown XCOM squad sent to neutralize the aliens.
CPL Talizvar engages the mechtoid
Unknown operative (Kamikaze Canuck - Commander) deals devastating damage to the mechtoid as the alien behemoth charges the assembled operatives.
"Look, we all knew who these guys and girls were. No, I won't tell you who they were - I'm not stupid. I know it was a long time ago, but old grudges die hard and those men and women had to do some horrible things. Let's drop it shall we?"
-Talizvar, upon questioning about the identities of the mysterious XCOM operatives
Operative [Hordini- Cmdr] is heavily wounded by the suicidal charge of the mechtoid.
Operative [Bromsy] and [Canuck] destroy the rampaging mechtoid.
Bereft of their mechtoid and drone support, the sectoids are easy meat for quick incapacitation.
"No comment."
--Carlos13th on being interview about the events of First Sword.
Kamikaze Canuck dumped her carry-on suitcase on the floor and flopped onto the bed. Her civilian clothes were still in the closet and the maid had thankfully not entered the room - as per her request. Although Bradford had asssured her that the staff of the Novotel, Budapest were especially discreet regarding Council matters, she had developed a keen sense of paranoia. It was a bad enough that she had to do this cloak and dagger stuff, but they kept getting orders to handle white missions as well. Hopefully, the staff hadn't noticed the sweat and grime under her business wear. Wow, she could use a shower, but she was so tired. God, she could sleep for a month, but she had the luncheon with the Budapest Chamber of Commerce tomorrow and Istvan Nagy was going to be there. It was vital she make contact. Canuck was asleep before her head hit the pillow - all thoughts of a shower forgotten. Her dreams were marred by visions of plasma fire and roaring monstrosities from the nightmares of mad men and visionaries.
Operative Kamikaze Canuck engages thin men as the squad makes for the Meld canister
Kamikaze Canuck woke with a stiffled scream, her hands flying to her face - half expecting to feel the skin on her face dissolving. A dream... just a dream. Of all the aliens she had faced, the thin men always frightened her the most. The acid cloud and the eerily human proportions were the stuff, quite literally in her case, of nightmares. She looked at the clock face. 3am. Damn. Sleep would not come again - she knew from long experience. Kamikaze shuffled to the shower and washed First Sword away - at least physically.
Thin men acid clouds poison Squidhills and Canuck
Author Note* This is the first recorded instance of the so-called "meld market crash" as members of the XCOM Dakka Corps would come to coin it. Analysts at XCOM HQ had determined that the amount of meld found in canisters could be directly correlated to how the alien's war effort was proceeding. The loss of a terror ship had apparently set them back substantially as the meld hauls mission throughout the rest of June were fairly light. It's unknown if this is the first instance of this phenomena coming to light, but it is known that several XCOM junior officers began an unofficial "alien market report" as a joke in their off-time.
CPL Talizvar retrieves meld
Unknown operative wounds the last remaining thin man
CPL Talizvar standing over a recently stunned thin man. Speculation that this takes place during First Sword is officially denied by XCOM HQ, but the image found is data-tagged First Sword
Kamikaze Canuck pounded down the stair of the Novotel lobby and out the door. She was aware of the half-asleep concierge's eyes on her as she started her pre-dawn jog, but paid them no attention. XCOM had already confirmed that he had no Exalt connection. Her muscles ached, but running had always cleared her mind and focused her on the task ahead. Focus was important. She needed to be clear-headed and focused for the day ahead. All the physical pieces were in place, she just needed to prepare her mind. Preparation was vital...
...Kamikaze Canuck assembles her squad for a breach of the UFO raider. The breach is anti-climactic. There is no one in the "foyer" area of the ship
Kamikaze fairly flew down the streets as she made her way through the largely sleeping city in the pre-dawn light. Her feet pounded pavement in a soothing rhythm reminiscent of the pulsing of an alien power source. She turned on to the Margit hid - Margaret Bridge and crossed halfway before turning north again and running onto Margaret Island. Focus. Patience. Decisiveness. Ruthlessness. The concept pounded into her head with the same relentless rhythm as her feet hit the pavement.
"CONTACT RIGHT!" Canuck screamed as Floaters and Mutons crashed headlong into the her squad. Instantly the narrow halls were filled with the dueling red and green of laser and plasma fire. Visions of disaster briefly flickered through her head she envisioned the death of the squad in a close-ambush, but everyone responded with commendable skill. Even as peole scattered for cover, a ruby red spear of light flicked between them and speared a floater as it sought cover. The fight was just beginning, but XCOM already had the advantage. Canuck grinned savagely, these aliens were fethed. "Bounding overwatch on my mark..... MARK!" Canuck sprang from her cover and advanced on the doomed aliens.
Carlos once again initiates the battle
Inneffectual fire meets the squad's advance
Fire pours in on the muton and his floater allies
*Crump!* The sound snapped Kamikaze out of her reverie and almost made her dive for cover, but it was only the sound of garbage truck emptying a dumpster in the early light of the morning. Her stride carried her out onto Arpad Hid, named for the Grand Prince Arpad, hero of Hungarians. She had already gone a few miles, but she was just getting started. However, it would not do to draw too much attention to herself. Already she could feel herself slipping into her role as representative for a New York hedge fund. The cover identity suited her. Focused,determined, and ruthless. Kamikaze was all of these.
Bromsy shreds the Muton And Hordini finishes him off.
She would have to be prepared. Istvan Nagy was thought to be a major arms dealer for Exalt - as well as several Council security forces. Every contingency would be covered. She hoped so at least, there was no telling what a wily enemy would throw at you.
4 Mutons await 2nd platoon as they breach the alien inner sanctum
flashbangs disorient 2 of the brutes
Kamikaze Canuck flahbangs another muton.
Squidhills severely wounds a muton
The alien mutons forget to account for Hordini's quick trigger finger.
"Feth." Someone had been in her room while she went for a run. Certain minute alterations in the arrangement of her things tipped her off and Kamikaze Canuck made a conscious effort to keep her normal routine. They would not have found anything - she wasn't stupid enough to keep her gear or information in her room. Maybe Nagy was just covering his bases - checking up on anyone he didn't know at the luncheon. Perhaps her cover was blown. Only time would tell. With an effort of will, Kamikaze slowed her racing heart and resumed Helen Fairchild's normal morning activities.
Heavy muton fire critically wounds Bromsy. 2nd platoon is out of medkits. We have 3 turns to finish this mission or Bromsy dies.
"All thoughts of finesse left us after Bromsy went down. We were not losing another soldier so quickly. If we were going in, we were going in full throttle."
--Squidhills
Talizvar downs a muton
"The mutons were down and we had a couple of minutes to deal with the outsiders or Bromsy was going to bleed out on the way back to HQ. We popped the door and immediately were greeted with two of those crystal entitiies. Luckily, they ran right into our guns."
-Squidhills
"Bromsy, stay with me... you'll make it. Skyranger is inbound. MEDIC!"
-Kamikaze Canuck
[i]Bromsy is saved as 2nd platoon completes the mission in time for evac.
Carlos and Talizvar are over-fatigued and join the rest of 3rd squad on convalescent leave
Squidhills becomes a sapper
Sergeant Talizvar is now particularly quick
The unknown operatives bring in a particularly good haul.
Author Note* Several unexplained skyranger flights are recorded in the logs of 24 June, 2015. Although logged as training flights, they are of unusual duration and specificity. One flight has skyranger 1 on a full stealth super-cruise to Budapest, Hungary. Another sees a traning recon flight to the Canadian border. Whether this has anything to do with the events that would transpire over the next few weeks is unknown.
Okay, kind of a departure for me story-telling wise. 2nd platoon has an interesting narrative hook, but I still need to obey the mechanics of the game and give them experience. I've brought in the redacted missions and flashbacks (flashforwards?) as a way to recount the stories of 2nd platoon's missions while also making it clear they are primarily engaged in various cloak and dagger operations against Exalt operatives. You'll notice I skipped over 4th squad and went right for 2nd platoon. There are a few reasons for this, but don't worry 4th squad. You will have your moment in the sun in the near future. To make it clear, the rest of the Dakka Corps is aware of Exalt, but they are not aware of the full extent of the threat - yet. Only 2nd platoon, Vahlen, Bradford, and the Commander suspect someone in XCOM is a traitor.
Bromsy lays out on the medcart, significant portions of his/her pelvis sublimated during the mission, and could only think - is there a more unlucky handle than "Sunny"?
Bromsy wrote: Bromsy lays out on the medcart, significant portions of his/her pelvis sublimated during the mission, and could only think - is there a more unlucky handle than "Sunny"?
"It could be worse soldier", Silver quipped as Bromsy was wheeled to the hospital wing "you could have got 'bono' instead!".
That is one of the few things that breaks the immersion of the game for me, everywhere looks pretty much the same. Dropzone in Egypt, North American woodland. Dropzone in Russia, North American town. Dropzone in the north of Scotland, North American City.
Its a shame as just having a couple of extra landscapes would have made this game a 10/10 for me.
Great write up BTW, but I dont think Ill be indulging in Long War any time soon, i struggle with the game as it is.
Bromsy wrote: Bromsy lays out on the medcart, significant portions of his/her pelvis sublimated during the mission, and could only think - is there a more unlucky handle than "Sunny"?
I know you want it changed. I have to catch up to the point where I can change it. Soon.
Thanks for including me, Boss! I haven't played Long War, so I don't know what a sapper does/is for (vanilla XCOM only had snipers, assaults, and heavy gunners) but I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of it... whatever it is, now that I'm in the super secret black ops division!
Also, a bit surprised to see that I'm A) a woman, and B) a Brit. I think I'll be able to make the best of it, though. I should have a in-character reaction blurb typed up a bit later today.
squidhills wrote: Thanks for including me, Boss! I haven't played Long War, so I don't know what a sapper does/is for (vanilla XCOM only had snipers, assaults, and heavy gunners) but I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of it... whatever it is, now that I'm in the super secret black ops division!
Also, a bit surprised to see that I'm A) a woman, and B) a Brit. I think I'll be able to make the best of it, though. I should have a in-character reaction blurb typed up a bit later today.
Yeah, gender and nationality are the two things you have no control over in XCOM. I have long since run out of American men.
So you skipped 4th? Hmmm not pleased, but we will await our time to strike at the foes of man.
Lovely AAR by the way, loving this cloak and dagger stuff
squidhills wrote: Thanks for including me, Boss! I haven't played Long War, so I don't know what a sapper does/is for (vanilla XCOM only had snipers, assaults, and heavy gunners) but I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of it... whatever it is, now that I'm in the super secret black ops division!
Also, a bit surprised to see that I'm A) a woman, and B) a Brit. I think I'll be able to make the best of it, though. I should have a in-character reaction blurb typed up a bit later today.
Yeah, gender and nationality are the two things you have no control over in XCOM. I have long since run out of American men.
That's why I use facebook to name my soldiers. Whoever is online at any given moment is fair game.
Trondheim wrote: So you skipped 4th? Hmmm not pleased, but we will await our time to strike at the foes of man.
Lovely AAR by the way, loving this cloak and dagger stuff
4th is currently undermanned, and I 2nd platoon has been skipped before. I needed them to catch up. Don't worry, you'll be fighting in no time.
Trondheim wrote: So you skipped 4th? Hmmm not pleased, but we will await our time to strike at the foes of man.
Lovely AAR by the way, loving this cloak and dagger stuff
4th is currently undermanned, and I 2nd platoon has been skipped before. I needed them to catch up. Don't worry, you'll be fighting in no time.
Oh i dont worry, seeing how capabal you are in leading Xcom, I fear not. And good to hear
Bromsy wrote: Bromsy lays out on the medcart, significant portions of his/her pelvis sublimated during the mission, and could only think - is there a more unlucky handle than "Sunny"?
"Drink water
Also here's two Motrin's. Make sure you drink water. Think they might give you Tylenol later at the TMC. "
For those who do not know TMC its Troop Medical Center
Otherwise known as Tylenols, Motrins, and Crutches
Bromsy wrote: Bromsy lays out on the medcart, significant portions of his/her pelvis sublimated during the mission, and could only think - is there a more unlucky handle than "Sunny"?
"Drink water
Also here's two Motrin's. Make sure you drink water. Think they might give you Tylenol later at the TMC. "
For those who do not know TMC its Troop Medical Center
Otherwise known as Tylenols, Motrins, and Crutches
I can not agree enough with this, lots of water. But make sure to get something that also provides you with enough karbohydates too. Helps your body
OK, here we go: my attempt to write a thing. First part is pre-operation, and second part is post operation.... enjoy, and use responsibly.
Squidhills shuffled nervously at the supply quartermaster’s desk. Six hours ago she had been another faceless, nameless member of the Legion and now she was a member of X-COM’s top-secret counter-infiltration team. That was exciting and worrying in equal measure. Exciting, because now she had the opportunity to take a far more active role in the battle to defend Earth, but worrying in that she hadn’t earned the transfer due to exemplary action on the battlefield. In fact, she’d only been on two missions prior to the transfer. That hinted at the Commander’s inability to trust more established team members, or the far more likely murderous losses that such a unit was suffering. Given the kind of luck X-COM was having, Squidhills figured the murderous losses thing was the reason for her transfer.
“Better to feed the meat grinder someone that won’t be missed…” she grumbled to herself, in an accent far more posh than would be expected of a stereotypical squaddie.
“Did you say something?” the quartermaster asked as he staggered up to the desk and dumped a load of equipment onto it. Squidhills’ eyebrow cocked at an angle in disbelief. The Quartermaster, a man with the curious nickname of “Crapgame” anticipated her question and laughed. “New kit for you. You’re out of the Legion and get to play with the cool toys.” He shoved a stack of papers at her, along with a pen. “Sign for these,” he ordered.
Squidhills insisted on reading everything before signing; she’d dealt with her share of dodgy supply clerks before. Most of the equipment was standard fare; uniform, boots, webbing, multitool, and so on… the new armor was reassuring, though. She’d heard how effective it was against the lower-end alien small arms. Anything that could turn a fatal wound into a mere crippling injury was a plus in her book. She was especially thrilled to see a laser rifle on the list of allowed weaponry.
“I can’t wait to get qualified on that,” she said cheerfully. Maybe being fed into a meat grinder wasn’t going to be so bad, after all…
* * * *
Squidhills slouched down the Skyranger ‘s ramp; she clutched her laser rifle by the sling. The weapon itself dangled scant inches from the deck. Her armor was discolored by the acid cloud she’d run through after that Thin Man had been flatlined. The paint was bubbled and peeling, and the exposed metal had been stained a rainbow’s worth of colors. Her exposed skin was bright pink, both from the reaction to the airborn acids and to the salves the medic had slathered onto her. Her hair was noticeably unkempt, which was something of a feat considering how little of it there was. She looked bone-tired and she felt bone-tired. A corpsman met her at the bottom of the ramp and hit her with a volley of questions about how she was feeling and was she in any pain and how many fingers was he holding up. Squidhills answered with as few syllables as possible. A tech came by and secured her laser rifle, and another took her armor in for repairs. She paid them as little notice as possible.
“You’re okay,” the corpsman announced. Squidhills turned her head to look at him.
“Are you sure? I’m bloody exhausted,” she asked. “I mean really, very, well and truly, bloody exhausted.” She’d been on two missions prior to this one and they hadn’t left her in this state. The corpsman shuffled a bit before replying.
“That’s a… err” he swallowed before continuing, “…mild allergic reaction to the medicines in the medkit. Totally not life-threatening or anything, but you’re excused duty for the rest of the week.”
“I’m allergic to the bloody medkits?” she asked incredulously. The corpsman nodded sheepishly. “Well,” Squidhills laughed, “I guess I better not get shot, then.” The corpsman laughed weakly and then hurriedly moved to examine the rest of the squad. Having been released from duty, Squidhills trudged through the base to her quarters. She fell onto her bunk and managed to roll onto her back, without too much difficulty.
Her first mission as a ghost within X-COM had been a great deal more lively than her last two, more conventional, missions had been. The plan was to hit the aliens on the ground as they met with human collaborators, but it had all gone pear-shaped when the human traitors hadn’t bothered to show. She’d run headlong into an operation with XTs she hadn’t been properly briefed on, with a weapon she’d barely had time to qualify on, gotten a face full of acid, and Bromsy had gotten himself badly shot up. Still, Bromsy was alive, as was the rest of the squad, a second UFO had been captured on the ground, and a sectoid had been brought in alive. All in all, she had to admit, it had been a good day.
Bromsy wrote: Bromsy lays out on the medcart, significant portions of his/her pelvis sublimated during the mission, and could only think - is there a more unlucky handle than "Sunny"?
"It could be worse soldier", Silver quipped as Bromsy was wheeled to the hospital wing "you could have got 'bono' instead!".
"Or it could be a joke" laughs Talizvar pushing the cart, "I got Stalker for running right at the enemy and getting noticed by every alien on the field, what can I say: I like attention." ...
Bromsy sure set a "deadline" for wrapping up the mission.
If it needed to be a run-by shooting to get it done: Bromsy deserved no less.
Pulled a double shift... exhilarated and crashing all at the same time.
That's what I get for not getting shot... under the watchful eye of Carlos it makes it easy not to be.
I think the guy has my dodging figured out: he keeps shooting the enemy closer to me when I am almost sure I am blocking a shot.
2nd squad ARE a lightening strike kind of group, they actually keep up.
Managed to see a few cool clearing procedures: I think I could do all this even faster.
Poor Bromsey, and looks like Hordini got it pretty bad too.
I think this was the best write up yet Scruffy. Not just an AAR, we're getting into some actual fiction being written here. This is what I do on my lunch break now. It's like an ongoing book! Also, appreciate you've found a way for 2nd to keep spilling alien blood. Was worried we fall far behind otherwise. It's hard to do more than one Exalt mission a month.
I think this was the best write up yet Scruffy. Not just an AAR, we're getting into some actual fiction being written here. This is what I do on my lunch break now. It's like an ongoing book! Also, appreciate you've found a way for 2nd to keep spilling alien blood. Was worried we fall far behind otherwise. It's hard to do more than one Exalt mission a month.
Yeah, I don't lose too many soldiers (I think I'm doing okay in that regard), but man, do I get them shot up. Thanks for the encouragement!
I think this was the best write up yet Scruffy. Not just an AAR, we're getting into some actual fiction being written here. This is what I do on my lunch break now. It's like an ongoing book! Also, appreciate you've found a way for 2nd to keep spilling alien blood. Was worried we fall far behind otherwise. It's hard to do more than one Exalt mission a month.
+1 I now find myself awating each update with a mixture of dread and anticipation.
Continued on through medical.
Glad to see Hordini was ok, I KNEW the hit he took would have dropped me.
Tough guy, can't get enough of the new armor out there.
I hope I get to see these guys again, maybe not without lucky Carlos...
OPERATION SOARING FATHER: 25 June 2015, 19 kilometers northwest of Mwanza, Democratic Republic of Congo (Nigerian Theater of Operations)
The Commander slowly got out of bed. She could feel the concern forming in Central. Aliens. More worryingly still, she could feel the fatigue overpowering the concern as over-worked staff officers wearily called up tracking data and alerted support staff. Another landing in Africa - what were they doing? As she shuffled to the head,she activated the comm. "Bradford, please." The young corporal who responded, startled that his charge was up at this hour fumbled a "yes, ma'am." and put her through. Not even the mental image she saw of the young man scrambling to attention at a comm message could shake her from the utter fatigue. Bradford sounded better (and was thinking better, she was relieved to find) than any of them. Two days of enforced bed rest had done him wonders.
"Yes, Ma'am. I was going to let you sleep." Bradford no longer was surprised that the commander could anticipate trouble.
"What do we have, Colonel?"
"Looks like a landed UFO in the Congo. Purpose unknown."
"What class? Please not another Terror ship."
"Uh... Scout, Ma'am"
"Good. I don't think we're in shape for another pitched battle. Send all of the first squad that's able to go. OPCON SHIVs as necessary.
"Yes, Ma'am. Uh, we're struggling to fill out the squad."
"I know. Send them short-handed."
"... Yes, Ma'am."
"Bradford."
"Ma'am?"
"Cut the staff to minimum levels. If they aren't absolutely essential, send them to bed."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Lieutenant Silver Mk2 strode down the silent barrack's wing. Gently, she woke Esubius Walrus, Cthulu Spy, and Eddie Azrael. Legion 7 was already at the skyranger. The barracks were a sad place now. Empty bunks were everywhere as half of the platoon languished in sick bay. The other half of the beds were filled with sleeping troopers -many of them too weary to change out of their duty uniforms. "The aliens will just wear us out and kill us once the last of us drops from exhaustion." Silver had always had a slightly pessimistic outlook - she liked to think it had kept her squad in fighting shape. Even as she stopped at The Vulture's bunk a whisper greeted her.
"Mission, LT?"
"Yes. Vulture." She still hadn't managed to catch the sniper unaware.
"Be ready in 5." The small figure swung out of her bunk already dressed in a fresh set of combat fatigues.
Cthulu Spy slept like the dead. Silver has long since resorted to simply kicking the gunner in the leg to stir the hard-sleeping French Woman. The commotion woke Eddie across the way as Cthulu cursed out the LT in English and French.
"Wake up, we've got company."
"Feth you. I'll be ready in 5."
Silver walked back towards the hangar. She understood why the Commander was allowing the QRF to sleep once readiness posture level 1 was assumed, but she knew it was dangerous. The QRF was also the primary defense force for XCOM HQ. If Silver was a betting woman, she'd bet a paycheck that the aliens were looking for them - for XCOM. It was only a matter of time...
First squad, numbering only 5 + 1 SHIV, before Soaring Father
"What do we know so far about all our alien UFO assaults? The question was retorical, but LT. Morton answered anyway. "Ma'am, we know that as soon as the outsider is engaged, the other aliens will quickly collapse back to the UFO and attack our team!"
"Indeed," The Commander suppressed a smile, "What would that suggest to you, Lt. Morton?"
"Either the Outsider has a psychic connection to the other aliens and calls for reinforcements as soon as he is engaged..."
"Or?" The Commander prodded.
"Or the other aliens can't fly the ship without the outsider?"
"Correct. Observe how Lt. Silver and her squad will drop right on top of the UFO in order to take out the Outsider and pin the aliens in place. Also, Captain Wu, please inform the Lieutenant I want that Outsider alive."
"Yes, Sir."
The Vulture draws first blood as the outsider is wounded
"Feth, Walrus, the Commander wants it alive. Shoot to wound. I know what your'e going to say. I know. Just do it"
-Lt. Silver
Chtulu Spy flashbangs the Outsider.
"What's that?" Eddie commed in as Leigon 7, Silver and the SHIV closed on the blinded Outsider. The rhythmic sound of alien servos could barely be heard over the snap of plasma fire and hiss of the returning laser blasts. Mechtoids. Feth.
"Many people think that 1st squad has had an easy war because they get easy assignments - the loss of legion 19 not-withstanding." The Commander sometimes rambled when she was tired. "The fact of the matter is, they make their jobs look easy. The staff was looking at the commnader like she'd lost her mind. 1st squad was heavily engaged and a mechtoid was closing. Sensing their unease, the Commander smiled. "Watch and learn." She turned back to the screen.
The alien outsider attempts to blindly shoot Legion 7
"GO, GO, GO!" Silver and Legion bolted around the corner as the outsider's plasma blasts missed completely. A laser blast singed the outsider again as Walrus did her best to keep the crystalline alien alive. The arc thrower connected and yet the Outsider still stood.
Silver decides that 48% is too long odds to attempt another capture
"Here's why Silver is considered the most successful squad leader in XCOM." The Commander was leaning over the screen showing the UAV screen as Wu, Morton, and the rest looked on. "She has another arc thrower charge, but she knows she's also the only one with a decent shot at the taking out the outsider. She'll ignore my order to take the outsider alive to ensure her squad survives the encounter unscathed. She has the strategic insight to know that XCOM soldiers are in short supply." The Commander smiled. "She does not know that Cthulu Spy is about to make a hell of a shot."
The floaters attempt an ambush. Of course, they expose themselves to The Vulture.
"Sir, if SHIVS are so good, why don't we use them more often?" Captain Wu had a heavy background in armored warfare and had quickly co-opted the SHIVS for perimeter patrol.
"Because Captain, our greatest asset is the human mind. Our soldier's ability to learn and pass down the knowledge of how to beat our evolutionarily superior adversaries will prove to be our one true weapon in this war. Make no mistake, the XCOM soldier is our most technologically advanced, most valuable, and least replaceable weapon in this war. The SHIV is static - only as good as we can make it. Our operatives improve with every mission - and may yet improve the human race itself."
A SHIV takes down a floater LT. SIlver Mk2 downs another floater
The mechtoid stomped into view, only to find 1st squad waiting for it. The Floaters were flaming wrecks as 1st squad stood their ground. Where a wounded and exhausted third squad had struggled, and a young and inexperienced 2nd platoon had quickly, but messily prevailed; 1st squad proved once again that they had earned the appellation "Glory Squad." Chtulu Spy finishes off the alien tank as it tries vainly to gain a firing solution on the entrenched first squad.
The view as Esubius Walrus takes down the sectoid that had accompanied the mechtoid.
The Commander turned to Bradord. "Take over, Colonel. I'm going back to bed."
"Ma'am, the operation isn't over yet."
"Yes it is, the aliens just don't know it yet."
Eddie Azrael scores the last kill as the aliens fruitlessly charge 1st squad
The SHIV takes minor damage, but 1st squad emerges from Soaring Father unscathed.
Eddie Azrael becomes adept as firing his rockets on the move.
another significant haul of alien aritfacts has the research division swimming in advanced tech.
Excellent work 1st squad. A shame we could not take a few more legion troops along for the experience they sorely need, but even the legion must be stretched thin these days. Maybe next time we have a slightly wounded capture target one of the capture team can pistol whip it a bit before the other arc throws it?
"Good work all round, Glory; now catch some sleep on the flight home. I'll make a start on theafter action paperwork!." -Silver as the skyranger dusts off for home base
Docta watched the live feed link from her bunkroom, one of the engineers had patched in a portable TV unit to the command channel. The Commander would give her a right telling off if they knew. Glory squad was doing the typical thing, second got all the guts and blood and none of the thanks. she scowled at herself at that thought, slightly ashamed.
"I'll serve them something a bit more exotic...some curries." She hurried off to the kitchen as the ETA of the skyranger hit the top, Spices needed to be ground and toasted, potatoes cut and the meat she had purloined from last recreation break was going to be tasty.
Trondheim lay with his gloved hands gripping his weapon, as he took aim and riddeld the target downrange in a hail of shots. Yet again command has used the meager excuse of 4th being "understrentg" and had sent its pet squad to do he job he knew his own fire team could have done.
"Give me additional Legion and a shiv, and I will drown the world in alien blood" he mutterd as he reloaded and took aim.
But as he was about to let another salvo rip appart his target he paused.
Getting up he walked over to the range controls and sent the paper target as far down range as he could .
He needed to rise above petty feelings of ambition and wishes for setteling personal scores. It was not what she would have wished to see in him, and nor did it do his fellow men at arms any honour either.
As he setteled down and peerd down the scope of his weapon a single tear found its way down his chin as he thougth of the one he had lost, so long ago.
Talizvar turned away from the screen shaking his head.
That is the risk of trying a capture, always have the take-down backup plan.
Glad 1st squad could hear the big stomper: it makes such a difference dealing with those mechtoids when they don't wander into the middle of a firefight.
Good cover and a stand-off distance appears to be the way to go as well, at least this guy was a bit light on support for shielding (I hate it when they do that).
Need a little more shut-eye then back to the obstacle course though my shooting has been sucking lately, so range time as wel.... zzz.
The smell of curry wafted through the air of the armoury as Silver and the rest of first squad struggled out of their gear. Silver smilled as a ragged cheer went up as Docta wheeled through streaming bowls of curry, rice and bread. First squad crowded around, alternatively grabbing mouthfulls of curry, slapping docta on the back, calling out their thanks to the master chef, and trying to either hold on or get rid of their half removed gear and clothing.
Silver laughes at the sight and circled the melee, snagging some bread and heaping it with curry and rice before making way for her squad.
Docta stood back as first squad got down to the serious business of consuming curry and watched as Lt Silver approached. Silver smiled and reached out a hand to clasp Doctas shoulder, smiling in a lopsided but sincere grin. "Thanks Docta - it means a lot to know that you'll be here to look after us when we get back! I'd offer to cook you something but my skills in the kitchen are sadly lacking... though the prospect of facing my food when you get back from a fight might make the alien threat seem like nothing!"
Eddie grinned at the sight of the steaming bowls - Lamb Rogan Josh - definitely coming back for seconds there! The cute flight tech had smiled warmly at him when he winked at her after disembarking from the skyranger, and to top it off was the warm glow of satisfaction at the way his study of the enemy 'battle droid' had paid off with a direct hit from his rocket strike....Yup, the days just didn't get any better...
"Shoot to wound" they'd said. "We know it's silly, just do it" they'd said.
So he had. A beautiful shot, punched clean through the Outsider and left sparks jumping from a hole the size of his fist in what looked like the weird alien's torso.
"Stun failed!" Silver's voice carried over the comms. What followed was a sound that cannot be accurately described, but similar to the sound of a thousand nails against blackboards followed by the thump of a car door, only magnified ten or twenty times.
Even as he saw the shards that used to be the Outsider scatter across the battlefield, Walrus once again heard Silver's voice carry over the comms: "Outsider down".
Frustrated, Walrus systemmatically set about annihilating anything that moved in his line of sight.
___
By the time the mission was completed, and the Skyranger was headed home, Walrus's mood had improved significantly. He finally had a title for that book he'd always wanted to write. Upon consulting his squadmates to a subtitle, he settled on "Shoot to Wound: The dumbest orders of all time".
What do you mean, 'he's in Canada'?" Bradford hissed over the comm to Dr. Vahlen. "His emergency extraction transponder has been activated in Edmonton. That's all I said. We do not know that he himself is there - just his transponder." "Impossible, the controls to it I'll grant you, but the transponder is grafted under his skin.... oh." Bradfrod finally understood the full gruesome implication of Vahlen's theory. Dr. Vahlen continued. "It is too dangerous to send anyone right now. XCOM is fragile and this could be a trap. They will have very little support. I recommend that we leave the operative to his own devices. It was his choice to cross the border..."
"We're not leaving anyone out there to fend for themselves." The Commander's tone brooked no argument.
"Well, in that case we'll have to strip down the skyranger again. Edmonton is a long way, and flying that far behind enemy lines will require maximum maneuverability. The pilot's are telling me we can only take 4 soldiers."
Now it was Bradford's turn to balk. "4 soldiers? That's not enough. Every time we've gone against Exalt we've faced cells of 15-20 men. Being outnumbered 5-1 isn't my idea of an extraction."
"Nevertheless, it's what we'll have to do."[/i]
"Lt. Trondehim. You and three of your men are embarking on a recon assignment. You will infiltrate the Canadian defense grd in the vicinity of Edmonton, Canada and make contact with what we believe to be a Canadian resistance movement centered out of the midwest. You will extract this individual and return him to our representatives in Philadelphia. Expect resistance, although I can not say how strong it will be. Your primary objective is the extraction, not killing enemies. Questions?" Even the Commander looked somewhat chagrined at feeding her men a bunch of crap. " You expect me to believe any of this?" Trondheim put it bluntly.
Bradford looked at the Commander for confirmation before continuing. "No, I don't expect you to believe it., but I need you to sell it. The people we usually have do this are otherwise engaged. Your squad - through circumstance or careful investigation, has proven to be trustworthy. The same can not be said for everyone at XCOM. You will extract the high value individual, and get him back to Philadelphia. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. I want you to keep silent about this until you are on the ground. Don't discuss it with your squad until you are OFF the skyranger in Canada."
" No one will hear a word about it Commander,we will be likle the ghosts of Hell herself." Lt Trondheim said to the commander, whom he sometimes had mixed feelings for.
But he had always respected the woman whom gave him orders, and he would rather die than to let her down, and beside being considerd this trustworhy made any man deemned trustworthy considerd himself honoured to be so.
"The operative will be in safe hands miss!" he said and took his leave of the meeting with a sharp salute.
--------------------
The Lt enterd the baracks and let his eyes wander across the men and women there, for all he knew there was one or more traitors lurking here, but he could not worry about that now. Instead he focused on what the Commander had given him instrcutions about, so therefor he did not call out loud to his choosen men.
Those would be Motyak, Malfred and Demented Wombat, he would bring his most trusted and seasoned troopers to this mess.
Well, I think it's 2nd platoon going to Canada. Ironically the real KamaikazeCanuck is leaving the real Canada for a week and won't have internet. Hopefully I'll still be alive when I get back. Good luck out there all virtual Alien Hunters!
KamikazeCanuck wrote: Well, I think it's 2nd platoon going to Canada. Ironically the real KamaikazeCanuck is leaving the real Canada for a week and won't have internet. Hopefully I'll still be alive when I get back. Good luck out there all virtual Alien Hunters!
Second platoon has other concerns right now... 4th squad is being asked to fill in. Killionaire will be there though as he's our secret agent man.
Trondheim wrote: So when will we see this AAR? Curious to see how it all went. And why I get a strange feeling tingeling in me
I need to finish up some homework, then I will start working on the AAR. I have started twice already, but the narrative didn't make much sense. Expect it by the end of the weekend at the latest.
Bring me back a Nail Yakupov autographed Oilers jersey. I'll add it to my collection of famous Russians. I must preserve everything I can of my peoples history and culture.
Trondheim wrote: So when will we see this AAR? Curious to see how it all went. And why I get a strange feeling tingeling in me
I need to finish up some homework, then I will start working on the AAR. I have started twice already, but the narrative didn't make much sense. Expect it by the end of the weekend at the latest.
looking forwards to it, and do take your time. no need to rush it
When I think of the betrayal of humanity that Exalt represents, I get angry. When I consider the path XCOM now treads, I am scared. Will XCOM become Exalt in time? Will they lay down their awesome power after the hard fought victory is won? The Commander is ambitious and relentless in her prosecution of the alien campaign. Our agents suspect that she is now operating outside her purview and has started hunting down Exalt cells. The Argentinians are furious and have already threatened to leave the Council, but she cut the cancer out and ultimately Kirchner will calm down. Does she help us or is she removing the only real opposition? I don't know and it keeps me up at night.
~Manohar Parikar, Personal Journal.
Killionaire finished his sandwich and walked out of the greasy diner and into the warm Edmonton night. By now, he barely noticed the scent of fertilizer drifting into the city from the plains. Instead his attention was focused on a well dressed man who appeared to be following him. The Canadian government had surrendered to the aliens, and as a result, Exalt was overtly operating. They brazenly kidnapped people for their experiments and seemed to have at least some sort of non-aggression pact with the aliens. Exalt had been particularly active in destroying the nascent Canadian resistance movement which had initially brought Killionaire to Edmonton.
Now he was on the run. He'd crossed the Canadian border 6 days ago near Vancouver and worked his way east as he met with Canadian partisans who insisted something sinister was happening up North. They'd never gotten there though. Exalt had hounded them every step of the way and now Killionaire's contacts were dead and he was on the run. Everywhere he went, he ran into Exalt waiting for him. Someone is selling us down the river. He reached into his pocket and activated the emergency transponder and hurried off into the night even as he noted a second tail get up from a park bench and begin to follow him.
Orlanth, Wombat, and Motyak fast rope into enemy territory as dawn breaks and Killionaire is on the verge of being cornered.
"I think in those days, we were still unsure just of what XCOM was capable. Everyone knew they took the best special operators of all the world's best militaries, but we assumed they were simply a better SAS or Delta Force. Of course, now we know we were wrong on that front. More importantly, the Canadian experience with Exalt gave us a good idea of what Exalt could do on the tactical level. Make no mistake, Exalt's aggressive genetic engineering projects made Exalt operatives quite dangerous. What they lacked in tactical experience they made up for in superior DNA."
~Manohar Parikar, Council Member (Indian Defense Minister)
Killionaire takes cover in a book store as Exalt closes in
Just as Killionaire is cornered, the small strike force engages Exalt on their flank
"When the general Council finally found out about the wider details of the Exalt missions late in the war, we were scared. XCOM had outgrown us and worse yet, acted behind our back. As Devil's Hero was one of the first operations of which we got any solid intel on, we were shocked at the efficacy of XCOM tactics. Carrying out offensive operations against a force that outnumbered you 5-1 and is expecting a fight is generally seen as suicide. There were calls to relieve the Commander once we found out, but there was a very real fear that direct confrontation with XCOM would simply turn them on us. Already we'd seen several Council representatives mysteriously disappear. We thought Exalt was responsible, but now we had our doubts..."
~Joachim Mueller, German Intelligence Attache to the Council
4th Squad engages in close combat with two squads of Exalt. Demented Wombat deploys his grenades dangerously close to friendlies
All attention is diverted from Killionaire as 4th squad's sudden assault decimates the Exalt force
"It's known as the trashcan fight among the analysts that have seen the footage. It's probably one of the most analyzed pieces of footage we have once we realized that we really didn't know what was happening under that national park out in Nigeria. We were interested because it indicated what XCOM would and could do against Council militaries. A single soldier plows through squads of enemy without sustaining a scratch. When viewed at full speed it takes a few seconds, but when you slow it down - the decision making process is uncanny."
~Frank Verlander, CIA analyst and Council Attache
Motyak shoots an operative even as he engages in close combat with multiple Exalt
The jamming of Exalt comms slows the enemy down and Motyak will suffer no injury despite being surrounded
More danger close grenades as Wombat clears the way for Motyak
Motyak and Killionaire clear the roof overlooking the last Exalt communication's relay.
"I swear, they slow down after they hit that last transponder and start hunting. There's a slow deliberate way they ensure they corner every last Exalt agent they find as you watch the footage. It's.... well, I didn't sleep very well after I saw it."
~Frank Verlander
Motyak continues his rampage
Trondheim finishes off another Exalt operative as Killionaire hacks the last Exalt comm relay.
Demented Wombat frags two more Exalt
Killionaire and Motyak prepare to extract. Note the 6 dead Exalt visible. Canadian local would strip them of weapons in the minutes before further Exalt forces arrived
To: Akio Toyoda
Subject: Our deepest fears
Akio, old friend;
I think it has happened. XCOM has slipped its bonds and we are no longer in control. The Commander has her own private force now, and Fulbright has disappeared. I think she did it. Everyone suspects Fulbright was in talks with Exalt, and she's gone. Putting the Commander in charge was a mistake and I should have listened. It has become clear to me that we are now mere spectators in the three-way chess game being played for our planet. Let's hope the queen doesn't turn on her now superfluous king.
Respectfully,
Jacob Zuma
~ Email intercepted by XCOM electronic drag net
Orlanth and Trondheim hunt down straggling Exalt forces
Motyak confronts another squad of Exalt.
Killionaire kills another Exalt as he nonchalantly extracts via Skyranger
Motyak blows away the last Exalt member of the platoon sent to apprehend Killionaire
"I think at the end of the day, the scariest thing isn't that they defeated a force 5 times their number. It isn't even that they crossed the most heavily fortified border in the planet's history to root out an organization that they felt had betrayed them and they did it while in alien occupied territory. No, it's the fact that they took their time to make sure they killed every one of those mother#*$^@#s and only then did they extract. I don't think it was intended as a message, but I think the message was received none the less. I'd like to note that NSA asserts to this day that the Canadian resistance didn't really get off the ground until XCOM hit Edmonton. Three weeks later we see reports of collaborationist military units being ambushed with Exalt weaponry."
~Frank Verlander
4th Squad suffers no injuries
Captured intel eliminates the UK from the list of possible Exalt locatons
To: Bradford, Terry H. LTC, XCOM G-3.
From: [redacted]
Subject: Through a glass, darkly
Terry,
Tell 4th squad they did well. Also make sure they don't talk. Ms. Fulbright has proven most cooperative and we have much to discuss with Dr. Vahlen. I'm quite sure we can no longer afford not to go ahead with the New Man project as Dr. Vahlen proposes. I only need Mr. Nagy's cooperation and we can proceed. See that Kamikaze gets it.
Terry, are we doing the right thing?
Respectfully,
C.
Next time, 2nd Squad secures additional expertise for the New Man Project.
Trondheim stood in the corps strewn street and looked around him as they where about to exfil from Edmonton. It felt good to have shed blood and lots of it, and there was something deeply satisfying with having slain these vile traitors to mankind.
A sinister smile formed on his lips as he stepped on the Skyranger and watched the ligths of the city fade below them as they headed for home.
------
Now that was a good AAR! Really loving these cloack and dagger missions, gives it all a real sense of reality(to a certain degree)
Thanks guys. I've got drill this weekend so the updates will be sparse. Two more missions left in June (It's been an insanely busy month). After that, we'll get into a round up of XCOM as it currently stand before diving into July.
My sky game capabilities are not up to snuff. A third of my roster
is fatigued or injured. I should really start making body armor
or something.
There's just always something to do.
I can not stress the importance of upgrading your body armour, and making sure your officers have the perk that decreases recover time from wounds/ fautige. That and laser weapons
Aye Gaus weaponry is just a god send when you get it, combine it with a veteran strike team with a good mix of gene mods and a mec trooper or two and just watch the carnage unfold.
My last figth with exalt ended very fast as my four man team hacked appart their very numerous forces. Two mecs made all the difference
Late June is being incredibly brutal. You'll notice that most of these missions have happened within the last week in game time. If I use my most experienced (fatigued) soldiers, I'll put them in the sick bay, but if I rely on my fit soldiers, I'll rapidly have to start trading combat effectiveness.
2nd squad's exploits will be up tomorrow. After that, well, Malfred will experience a taste of squad command.
Yep. Combat fatigue is huge in Long War. Injury and combat
fatigue keeps a full third of my 60 some odd soldiers out of commission.
I try to rotate groups so that I don't have "squads" . There's always
a scrub or two trying to leach off veterans.I'm thinking I might
push my Barracks to 70 or even 80.
malfred wrote:Yep. Combat fatigue is huge in Long War. Injury and combat
fatigue keeps a full third of my 60 some odd soldiers out of commission.
I try to rotate groups so that I don't have "squads" . There's always
a scrub or two trying to leach off veterans.I'm thinking I might
push my Barracks to 70 or even 80.
However, that's after I get off my Diablo kick.
Agreed, fatugie and general injury keeps the player general floating much in the way of troops as the game progress. I have 70 now, but that is only due to hiring a lot of new blood.
I'm sorry guys, I am really enjoying this AAR. However, I lost my job today and I really don't know what I'm going to do about it. I need to take a break from this for the foreseeable future while I focus on figuring out what I'm going to be doing with my life.
I hope to pick this up again soon, and I sincerely appreciate all the support.
Sorry to hear that, but as others have said. Real life takes precidence over gaming sometimes.
Best of luck and dont hestitate to shout if you ever find yourself in Norway and in dire need of either food or a place to crash
Stuff that helped me the times I was looking for work:
1) Do all you can for your resume, there are many good ways to make them compelling.
2) Think about cover letters, they are your chance to customize and make a strong impact on your target business.
3) Do not be afraid to contact headhunter agencies, many businesses only hire through them.
4) Get the linked-in account going, contact friends / prior co-workers you liked: networking can get you that job, get your Facebook friends to help out.
5) Set up the search engines for "Monster", "Workopolis"... they give good leads on figuring out what is out in your area.
6) Look at what businesses are in your area and do a few google searches about them: you may find they are looking or at least you can add them to the list of places you may like to work.
7) Keep the house / apartment / room clean and laundry up, you may spend some time around home no sense depressing yourself.
8) Job hunting IS work, reward yourself by keeping up with this thread... <ahem> or go out for walks, the weather is good, keep up some kind of contacts with people, it can get lonely during the day.
I have been lucky, each time a job needed to end, the next seemed that much better: I hope for you this turns into an opportunity.
Stuff that helped me the times I was looking for work:
1) Do all you can for your resume, there are many good ways to make them compelling.
2) Think about cover letters, they are your chance to customize and make a strong impact on your target business.
3) Do not be afraid to contact headhunter agencies, many businesses only hire through them.
4) Get the linked-in account going, contact friends / prior co-workers you liked: networking can get you that job, get your Facebook friends to help out.
5) Set up the search engines for "Monster", "Workopolis"... they give good leads on figuring out what is out in your area.
6) Look at what businesses are in your area and do a few google searches about them: you may find they are looking or at least you can add them to the list of places you may like to work.
7) Keep the house / apartment / room clean and laundry up, you may spend some time around home no sense depressing yourself.
8) Job hunting IS work, reward yourself by keeping up with this thread... <ahem> or go out for walks, the weather is good, keep up some kind of contacts with people, it can get lonely during the day.
I have been lucky, each time a job needed to end, the next seemed that much better: I hope for you this turns into an opportunity.
Thanks for the tips. I haven't had to hunt for a job in a long time so I appreciate the advice. I will be coming back to this thread for sure, but I need a few days to figure out how I'm going to move forward.
Well, Had a good long talk with the wife - after the hangover wore off - and well, she really is the best. We have a plan of action and this may be an opportunity. I have two potential new positions already so I've decided to continue with the AAR.
Sorry for the scare guys, it's amazing what 24 hours can do. I'm not out of the woods as far as income goes, but my wife convinced me that just losing a job isn't the end of the world and I don't need to become some sort of job-hunting robot.
So, in short, my wife has convinced me to continue the AAR. 2nd Squad's exploits will be up tonight.
WooooooohooooO! All hail Miss Scruffy I dare say, behind every great commander there is always a good woman!
But in a more serious tone, glad to hear that you and your miss had a talk and what not, and well. Getting drunk on Tuesday is highly underated!
Sgt_Scruffy wrote: Well, Had a good long talk with the wife - after the hangover wore off - and well, she really is the best. We have a plan of action and this may be an opportunity. I have two potential new positions already so I've decided to continue with the AAR.
Nothing quite like the other half as the support group.
I had discussed this kind of thing with my wife; we both realize either of us could find ourselves in this position so understanding comes pretty easy.
Sorry for the scare guys, it's amazing what 24 hours can do. I'm not out of the woods as far as income goes, but my wife convinced me that just losing a job isn't the end of the world and I don't need to become some sort of job-hunting robot.
You have to feed your soul while on the job hunt, happiness is noticed in an interview so think of this as marketable upkeep!
So, in short, my wife has convinced me to continue the AAR. 2nd Squad's exploits will be up tonight.
Well, my selfish side is all happy that my X-com adventure series is back up and running
PS- been a while since I got drunk on a Tuesday.
With the added novelty of not having to get up in a hurry... priceless!
Hope things turn around quick for you Scruffy, I'm in the same situation right now, it sucks. Lost my job 8 months ago, been washing dishes in a restaurant for the last 2 to try to keep up with my student loan bills. Thought it would be relatively easy to get a new gig, I have about 3 years experience in project management plus an engineering degree from one of the top engineering schools in the country, but everywhere I interview is the same story, I'm interviewing against people who are more experienced and more qualified willing to work for less money. The worst was last week, I had an interview with ARDEC (US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center) that went exceptionally well. Best interview of my life. Was told by multiple people I was their first choice for the position and they thought I was a great fit, etc. my neighbor worked in the division I was interviewing with for about 30 years and was vouching for me too, etc. etc. Basically left there thinking I had the job based on the feedback and everything... well Friday morning rolled around and I got a pretty much standard boilerplate rejection email saying they offered the open positions to other individuals with the usual 'good luck, we'll keep you in mind for the future' bit, etc. Spent the entire weekend crying (and washing dishes).
Only thing I can say is that I hope that they gave the positions to vets and I didnt get bumped out by somebodies kid.
Sgt_Scruffy wrote: Well, Had a good long talk with the wife - after the hangover wore off - and well, she really is the best. We have a plan of action and this may be an opportunity. I have two potential new positions already so I've decided to continue with the AAR.
Sorry for the scare guys, it's amazing what 24 hours can do. I'm not out of the woods as far as income goes, but my wife convinced me that just losing a job isn't the end of the world and I don't need to become some sort of job-hunting robot.
So, in short, my wife has convinced me to continue the AAR. 2nd Squad's exploits will be up tonight.
PS- been a while since I got drunk on a Tuesday.
We are not that young anymore to get hammered on a Tuesday night and do PT in the morning at 0600. Since we no longer do PT at 0600 (yes I was one of those that showed up 20-30 minute prior) I say go for it but in moderation and keep the Hell away from the Kraken whiskey
OPERATION SOARING MOON: 27 June, 2015. Yokohama, Japan
Squidhills, officially Anna Strong, stretched her legs and cursed the necessities of post-alien invasion air travel. With Russian airspace closed, travel across the world involved a torturous route either across the Atlantic to the US then to Japan or through the Middle East thence to Japan. At least XCOM had enough cash to put her in first class - perks of saving the world. Still, Mr. Nagy had traveled here for a reason. Perhaps he was courting a buyer for his stolen alien junk or maybe he was setting up another arms deal. In the days she had been following the brilliant Hungarian, she had come to understand XCOM's interest in him. His genetic research was state of the art. Funded by several smaller governments and a whole lot of shady organizations, he had made remarkable strides in both weaponry and genetic research. The genetic research is probably why Exalt had been stalking him in Budapest. Kamikaze had run into them, and called her in as backup. Specifically, Kamikaze had called her in to follow Nagy while the Canadian dealt with the Exalt agents.
It was night in Yokohama as Squidhills paid the cab driver and entered her hotel. The sleepy concierge checked her in and she made her way to her room. She needed to sleep, but paranoia and training made her check the perimeter and establish escape routes. Mr. Nagy was staying in a hotel across the way and Squidhills knew where he would be in the morning so there... wait... what's that? That's an exceptionally tall man standing under that street light. An exceptionally thin man as well... Things were about to get interesting. Squidhills activated her transponder and quickly set about assembling her weapon.
"Okay second squad, You need to get our VIP - codename Sergeant Carlocke - out of Yokohama before the aliens grab him. Our sources say that multiple thin men are closing in on his position. We had planned on tailing this individual but command has decided to bring him in. You are to secure the VIP and escort him to safety. The VIP may not acquiesce to our saving his life, so don't let him wander off. Questions? Good. We load up in five."
--Dead Meat prior to Soaring Moon.
Squidhills watched from a window as the Skyranger came screaming in as the pajama-clad Istvan Nagy cowered in the street. She had sprinted right to his room after dealing with the thin man. The two guards at his door had not been an issue. Mr. Nagy, for all his intelligence and ruthlessness, was not a coordinated individual and only minimal.. persuasion convinced him to follow her. The fact that his hotel room had been thoroughly perforated by plasma fire less than a minute after they left it convinced Mr. Nagy more than any amount of strong arming could have. Squidhills faded into the shadows as 2nd squad collected up Mr. Nagy...
"gak! Incoming fire, 3 o'clock! Thin men approaching!" The skyranger shot skyward as 2nd squad scrambled for cover. Jihadin surveyed the approaching force of aliens - approximately 15 or so of the tall aliens approached 2nd squad. "Recommend you move north-east to end of the dock for dustoff. Be advised approximately 2 squads of aliens approaching from north east. Platoon sized force inbound from the west."
LEGEND:
blue box: Operation Soaring Moon AO
Blue Arrows: XCOM axis of advance
Red Arrows: Alien axis of advance
Green Circle: Evac zone
Red X: Istvan Nagy pick up point
"Get in here.... sir, and keep your head down. We've got aliens inbound." Dead Meat shoved the disheveled Hungarian into a small fish warehouse as the squad cleared the space. Even as the scientist cowered the squad took up firing positions at the windows. The aliens had lost sight of them for the moment - a perfect opportunity for a counter ambush...
The first thin man is quickly dispatched as 2nd squad regroups from the initial ambush at fights back
"Scruffys, Docta Deth, take point! Chaos, Berry and I will bring up the rear." Advance and engage that god damn Seeker!"
--DeadMeat
The squad moved swiftly through the debris of the warehouse sector as the aliens pulled back to regroup. Already they had lost one pod as XCOM operative used the momentary lull to advance on their PZ. Operation Soaring Moon would slowly develop as the squad found itself in an almost continual series of low intensity engagements that hampered progress through the level.
Ms. Scruffy and Docta Deth find themselves well in front of the rest of the squad as they seek to flank the dug in thin men
Frankenberry's torrent of fire bring down another dug in thin man.
The squad finally had decisively cleared and secured the open area they would have to cross in order to make the PZ.Several slowly dissipating clouds of poison marked the final resting places of three thin men.
"I think Scruffy finally proved herself that mission. She'd always been a good troop but had... struggled with the nature of the alien threat. Soaring Moon I think saw her put a lot of her fears behind her. That or she got lucky. Whichever it was, I'll take that shooting any day."
-Lt. Deadmeat
Sgt_Scruffy downs another alien
"Standing orders in those days were to capture any alien we could get our hands on. Dr. Vahlen's team was notoriously rough on the intergalactic visitors so we needed a fresh supply of subjects. Of course, we were starting to seriously appreciate the limitations of the arc thrower. Several of Dr. Shen's engineers were spending long nights talking about voltage, amperage, and some sort of arc rifle..."
-Col. Bradford (ret.) recounting difficulties with the early model arc throwers
"Luckily, if we couldn't stun them, we had a pissed off Russian to kill them for us!"
-Dead Meat
Legion 3 peeked her head around the shipping container and jerked it back as a hail of plasma fire came here way. "Found the bad guys," she said sheepishly as 7 thin men scattered for cover.
"If there's one thing that 2nd squad does well, it's employ explosives in the effort to make a lot of aliens into a whole ton of alien pieces. We may not bring home a lot of corpses, but then we don't particularly care."
-Lt. Dead Meat
Explosives rain in on the clustered thin men
The firefight took place at point blank range as 2nd squad followed their grenades in, guns blazing.
Frankenberry blazes away at another thin man
The decimated thin men were bleeding and stunned. Their return fire was weak and ineffectual. A half-hearted charge was mounted, but it was rapidly beaten back.
"I've never seen someone so perturbed at the thought of misssing out on slaughter, but Chaos sprinted halfway across the dock for the chance to shoot one of those thin men in the face. It was kind of heart-warming really"
-Ms. Scruffy
"Alien resistance after that just sort of collapsed. The thin men made two more attempts to halt our progress, but they never even got a shot off. It was all over in 5 more minutes. I don't know who this guy was, but he must have been important for XCOM to dispatch us like that. He didn't look particularly pleased to see us though."
-Dead Meat
Istvan Nagy is hustled back to XCOM HQ where he will have a long talk with the Commander and Dr. Vahlen about the life-extending benefits of working for XCOM.
"I know you have questions, but please know that all will be clear in time - not now though. Thank you for a mission flawlessly executed. Lieutenant Dead Meat, get your squad some rest. You've earned it."
-The Commander
Lt. Dead Meat now carries a shredder rocket at all times Corporal Scruffy now overwatches to greater effect
The Commander watched as 2nd squad shuffled off to bed. XCOM was so quiet now. Her small organization had exhausted itself. Did Earth have the resources to win this war? Would we win every battle but simply drop of exhaustion before beating the alien threat? Already her command staff was on a skeleton crew as the overworked and over-stressed officers came down with the flu or simply could not function. She had given every guard in the command the day off - only the SHIVs patrolled the perimeter. The sick bay was full of wounded and recovering soldiers. Even her ... special assets were exhausted although they remained in the field.
Dr. Vahlen approached just then indefatigable as always. "Commander, I have... convinced Dr. Nagy to stay on with our New Man Project. It was not as difficult as I thought it would be. He is quite fascinated by our progress and I believe he will be a valuable addition to the team. We will proceed on schedule."
The Commander smiled. "Good. We've bled enough for it. Don't let me down."
Now that was a stellar job by 2th, and exempelary use of ambush, and the handeling of the CQB near the containers was a joy to behold. Well done all involved
Trondheim wrote: Now that was a stellar job by 2th, and exempelary use of ambush, and the handeling of the CQB near the containers was a joy to behold. Well done all involved
Thanks. I have one more mission for June and then we'll get a graphics upgrade and we'll do a round up of everyone in XCOM. Righteous Rob, you will also make your debut!
Trondheim wrote: Now that was a stellar job by 2th, and exempelary use of ambush, and the handeling of the CQB near the containers was a joy to behold. Well done all involved
Thanks. I have one more mission for June and then we'll get a graphics upgrade and we'll do a round up of everyone in XCOM. Righteous Rob, you will also make your debut!
Np praise when praise due and all that jazz Sounds like good times comming then. Wht sort of mission?
Trondheim wrote: Now that was a stellar job by 2th, and exempelary use of ambush, and the handeling of the CQB near the containers was a joy to behold. Well done all involved
Thanks. I have one more mission for June and then we'll get a graphics upgrade and we'll do a round up of everyone in XCOM. Righteous Rob, you will also make your debut!
Np praise when praise due and all that jazz Sounds like good times comming then. Wht sort of mission?
Why, the same mission as all the missions, Trondheim. Try to SAVE THE WORLD!
Only slightly complicated by the fact that our current active roster of XCOM operatives looks like this.
That's right, three dakkanauts, three rookies, and a SHIV is the entire operational force of XCOM right now.
Trondheim wrote: Well I knew that, I was inquiering if it was a UFo assult, abduction or slaying the vile traitors known as Exaclt. Also HIRE MORE MEN!!!!!!!
I know . It's a simple abduction. More men is already in the works, but it takes time.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
streamdragon wrote:Glad to hear things are looking up Scruff! Good luck with the job hunt and the potential positions!
AdeptSister wrote:Good luck with the job hunt! And thanks for continuing to do this.
motyak wrote:Kandosii, I'm a sergeant now.
deadmeat85 wrote:RUM!? Who's got rum. I want rum. Give me some.
carlos13th wrote:Good luck with the job hunt mate. Im off work for a bit atm between jobs too but I am staying with family which is ok.
Hope it all works out mate.
chaos0xomega wrote:Hope things turn around quick for you Scruffy, I'm in the same situation right now, it sucks. Lost my job 8 months ago, been washing dishes in a restaurant for the last 2 to try to keep up with my student loan bills. Thought it would be relatively easy to get a new gig, I have about 3 years experience in project management plus an engineering degree from one of the top engineering schools in the country, but everywhere I interview is the same story, I'm interviewing against people who are more experienced and more qualified willing to work for less money. The worst was last week, I had an interview with ARDEC (US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center) that went exceptionally well. Best interview of my life. Was told by multiple people I was their first choice for the position and they thought I was a great fit, etc. my neighbor worked in the division I was interviewing with for about 30 years and was vouching for me too, etc. etc. Basically left there thinking I had the job based on the feedback and everything... well Friday morning rolled around and I got a pretty much standard boilerplate rejection email saying they offered the open positions to other individuals with the usual 'good luck, we'll keep you in mind for the future' bit, etc. Spent the entire weekend crying (and washing dishes).
Only thing I can say is that I hope that they gave the positions to vets and I didnt get bumped out by somebodies kid.
Talizvar wrote:
Sgt_Scruffy wrote: Well, Had a good long talk with the wife - after the hangover wore off - and well, she really is the best. We have a plan of action and this may be an opportunity. I have two potential new positions already so I've decided to continue with the AAR.
Nothing quite like the other half as the support group.
I had discussed this kind of thing with my wife; we both realize either of us could find ourselves in this position so understanding comes pretty easy.
Sorry for the scare guys, it's amazing what 24 hours can do. I'm not out of the woods as far as income goes, but my wife convinced me that just losing a job isn't the end of the world and I don't need to become some sort of job-hunting robot.
You have to feed your soul while on the job hunt, happiness is noticed in an interview so think of this as marketable upkeep!
So, in short, my wife has convinced me to continue the AAR. 2nd Squad's exploits will be up tonight.
Well, my selfish side is all happy that my X-com adventure series is back up and running
PS- been a while since I got drunk on a Tuesday.
With the added novelty of not having to get up in a hurry... priceless!
Thanks for all the well-wishes and advice. I really do appreciate it. This is the first time in 6 years where I haven't really had a clear idea of what I would be doing a week from now, so it's interesting. Luckily, I have a wonderful wife and some pretty sweet opportunities. I'm submitting applications to Lockheed Martin, DynaCorp, and Several AGR positions in the next few days. Look for Malfred's Malcontents tomorrow as we close out June.
Excellent work 2nd - hopefully the new egghead can be put to good use by the science staff. My vote is for a pocket vacation universe for our soldiers to recover in
. It's a simple abduction. More men is already in the works, but it takes time.