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>>32376085
You enter the chamber where Duva is waiting for you. As soon as you pass the doorway, you hear locks snapping into place the moment the door shuts. You look Duva in the eyes. The eye contact is oppressive. She seems to have been waiting for this.

You didn't think this through very well, did you? No, can't get nervous now. Gotta get your mind off of your fuck-up.

You look about you. Plain white walls, only the wall behind the test subject is tiled. Some of those tiles flip to reveal machinery, hold out equipment, let minor automatons through. The wall behind you has only a large door in the center and two massive windows to the sides. Bulletproof, naturally. You paid top unit for that.

But no matter how you might try to distract yourself, your mind wanders back to the Filipino girl - a clone "of sorts." She gives you a warm smile and approaches you confidently. Your body freezes on reflex. It's odd, because you're usually the type to spring to action. Will you browbeat your body into action or follow your instinct?

Time refuses to stop while you contemplate. Duva approaches with measured steps, with a threatening swagger. You look Duva in the eyes. You don't like the hunter's spark in them.

>[] Stay still.
>[] Custom..?

>>32376106
Time to start grinning and checking her body out. She's swaggering for a reason. Might not be something we will like, but we should enjoy it while it lasts.

>>32376244
Gotcha. Writing, unless somebody else shows up.

>>32376259
>were gonna fuck our clone while huxley watches

>>32376282
B-but then it'd be a smut quest!

>>32376294
Come on baby, you know you want it

>>32376259
Uhh. That's not our clone though.

>>32376327
Oh shit, your right, its the dirty brown girl I'm still okay with fucking her

>>32376306
No! That's lewd! But maybe I like lewd things. Like hand holding.

>>32376244
>>32376282
http://www39.zippyshare.com/v/78780934/file.html

You decide that the best way to proceed is to enjoy yourself. You have good hard look at Duva's well-proportioned body. Your eyes travel up and down her figure. Dressed in little more than a white, slightly sheer sundress, she steadily draws closer.

Dainty feet clad in white loafers pull her body forward one step at a time. Toned, slightly round calves end at the knees and give way to plump, luscious thighs. Her feminine, childbearing hips swing to and fro with every step, emphasized by her slim waist. A smooth burrow runs up from her bellybutton and to her chest, right between visible (if only slightly) abdomenal muscles. Duva's chest is alluring, her bosom quite obviously more than a handful, and you can't help imagining giving her a squeeze, listening close for the moan, the "Ah!" as you do.

A smile extends across your face and your tense shoulders relax. You continue roaming the girl's body.

Past her breasts, you can see fine collarbones protruding slightly, directing your gaze to Duva's slender, girlish arms. Her wrists are thin and look frail; her fingers are long and appear fragile. But you press onward, upward. Duva's neck is exquisite. The skin looks smooth and the entire length of it, from the base to her ears, begs to be caressed. A soft jawline, a small nose. You brush past her cheekbones and note her eyes. Those large, almost amber eyes. They almost glow. And of course, her ponytail. Wavy, dark hair hangs reaches slightly below her brows, dangling gently. But her ponytail completes the image, you decide. It bobs as she walks towards you.

It's a shame, really, that she walks around you rather than into you, in a small arc, and approaches the door. You hear a number of locks slamming shut, further reinforcing the cage.

Well, shit.
[1/2]

>>32376837
You are now in the center of the room. The reinforced-alloy door is directly in front of you, but Duva is in the way. She smiles playfully. You squint and take a step back. She takes a step forward.

You quickly try to assess the danger you may or may not be in right now. Huxley used his tumors to modify her genome, and that's great. However, he has a "save-state" of all of your tissues on hand. Duva is likely as fit as you are.

Your back is against the wall.

>[] Romance.
>[] Violence.
>[] Diplomance.

Roll "dice+4d6+-4" and include a phrase to summarize your vote.

>>32376899
>[x] Violence.

Bad end ho(?), ya hos.

Rolled 5, 5, 4, 5 - 4 = 15

>>32376978
Fudged the roll hard.

>>32377007
Wow, that's a nice roll.

>>32377007
Damn it If you why'd you have to roll so good? I wanted to sex her up

>>32377053
Hey, vote majority decides. There aren't many players, so just one like-minded sexer-uppers like you could tip the scales!

The DC is hidden, but it's for a good cause.

Rolled 5, 1, 3, 4 - 4 = 9

>>32376899
>>[x] Diplomance.
"Soooo. What now?"

Rolled 3, 5, 5, 2 - 4 = 11

>[] Diplomacy through rape.

Rolled 6, 4, 2, 5 - 4 = 13

>>32376899
>[] Romance..
Hey baby, how YOU doin

>>32377071
That's, uh...

All three?

Rolled 5, 1, 1, 3 - 4 = 6

>>32377062
>[x] Violence.

No smut now, okay?

selfcest is superior

>>32377092
Think about the harem, think about the harem

Rolled 5, 3, 2, 2 - 4 = 8

>>32377092
Seconding murder.

>>32377102
anon pls

If I wanted a harem I'd go follow Fuck Quest.

>>32377118
But we shall lead the army of waifus to fight god himself

Rolled 5, 4, 5, 6 - 4 = 16

>>32376899
>[] Diplomance.
"pls no kil"
Yeah she is literally a fucking monster, we can't kill her

>>32377129
...which is what is in essence happening in FQ, except sans operatan and more cyborg.

captcha: ipausav purification

>>32377162
Holy shit, that roll.

3 for >Violence.
2 for >Diplomance.
1 for >Romance.

>>32377163
Well we already told our uncle that we would fuck bitches and lead armies, and we told the Gypsy bitch that we would fuck god in the ass if he tried to fuck us over, so...

>>32377194
2

>>32377194
1
If we can subjugate her to the might of our loins, we can subjugate all. The Harem is the ultimate goal!

>>32376978
>>32377069
>>32377071
>>32377088
>>32377092
>>32377114
>>32377162
Locking the votes in after 10 minutes.

>>32377217
>>32377242
Sorry, I should've clarified: that's the tally.

Shit I just got here Violence better be just a show of dominance or some shit.

Rolled 1, 2, 2, 5 - 4 = 6

>>32377266
>Violence

>>32376978
>>32377069
>>32377071
>>32377088
>>32377092
>>32377114
>>32377162
[15/20: Fearsome display of strength!]

http://kinghenryla.bandcamp.com/track/reeds-and-percussion


There's no way out of this. If your suspicions are correct, you're going to have to apply force. Liberally.

You start out by strafing Duva. She picks up on what you're doing and follows suit. Once you're both an equal distance from the door, she stops. You dart your eyes at the door, look back at Duva and jump at the nearby window. You place one foot on it and push off, flying at your opponent. Duva sidesteps, you miss. You place one hand on the nearby wall to break your flight and not smash your nose.

Time seems to slow down. Duva moves behind you as you face the wall, but you drop to the floor and she grasps at air in her failed grapple. You push off the wall and jump backwards. Duva turns to look at you. Now she's got her back to the wall.

Her grapple didn't seem very nuanced. It felt like she was just going to grab you by the shoulders.

You reach out for her wrist, but she brings it up to her neck in a flash. You reach out for her neck instead. It works. You pin her against the wall, her hands clamp on your wrists, you bring your face up to hers. She winces.

"Let's not do this," you say. "I don't want to hurt you."

"Mmh..." Is all she replies. You loosen your already weak grip on her neck. Holding the neck is more of a psychological attack, anyway.

But the moment you let go, she grasps your own. Rather forcefully. She drops you to the floor the way only a rookie could. You land with a "oomph!" flat on your back. Duva straddles your torso.

Hey, white panties. Looks like she's wearing matching everything. Duva holds your wrists to the floor. She leans down.

Will you say something?
>[] "I know when I've been bested." Look at the ceiling as you wait.
>[] Say nothing. She can do what she likes.
>[] Custom.

>>32377728
>[] Say nothing. She can do what she likes.
We get fuck?

>>32377770
Nop.

>>32377808
:^(

>>32377728
Well, that complement on my roll feels wasted now.

>[x] Say nothing. She can do what she likes.

Bad end ho indeed.

>>32377728
>[x]Custom

Plant your feet on the ground a wee bit sideways, thrust your hips up (in a martial and chaste way) and reverse the pin. No operator allows cannibal girls to best him.

>>32377728
>>[x] Custom.
"While I don't mind being pinned by beautiful women, I'd rather do so in bed."
Throw her off.

>>32377728
>>32377852
This but mention White panties first.

>>32377852
Seconding this; we aren't bested yet. And if we fuck up anything bad that'll happen to us might be more painful, but whatever.

>>32377852
This

>>32377770
>>32377839
>>32377852
>>32377887
>>32377888
>>32377892
>>32377957
Alright, gents. Writing.

Duva almost looks like she wants to say something as she leans in close. Real close. Her eyes don't break contact with yours for even a second.

You blow air on her face. The minor gust causes her to close her eyes. You take this chance. You plant your feet slightly sideways while Duva's disoriented, and by the time she realizes you're shifting your weight, it's too late. You push your hips up and use the momentum of your body to reverse the pin.

"Oh!" Comes Duva's surprised yelp.

Your athletic body looms over Duva's own.Your movement isn't much restricted by your cargo shorts and wifebeater. Your clothing hangs off of you. Your hands are firmly on the girl's elbows. She laughs to herself.

"Haha, you're really something. Nobody ever did that where I come from," she says, amused.

"I'm not like most people," you say, flashing her a grin. "And while I don't mind being pinned by beautiful women, I'd rather do so in bed."

To your surprise, Duva doesn't find your words distasteful. She laughs a bit more.

"You live alone, don't you?"

"What are you tryi-"

"And don't have a girlfriend, either."

"Hey, that's not nice," you warn her. "What makes you think that, anyway?"

She doesn't move her head, but her eyes move away.

"I just think you shouldn't 'blow off steam' quite so often." This little gem actually gets you flustered. You recover swiftly.

"I just took a shower this morning. Sure you aren't imagining things?" You grin. "They say people in the desert see what they want to. They call that a mirage."

"My brother had a habit like you," Duva says. "Is all I'm saying."

"And here I was, wondering how you could have such a nose for that."

Duva blushes. You continue.

"I do like how you coordinate your colors, though. Maybe I could see you in red, next time?" You let go of her elbows and sit up. "All red."

You get off. Duva sits up then stands. You head for the door.

"Hey," she calls out to you. "I'd like to see you again. Maybe you could come by tomorrow?"
[1/2]

>>32378408
For all this scrimmaging, it looks like she's actually a bit lonely. You hear hope in her voice.

"I'll stop by every day," you tell her. "So why don't you wait for me?"

That cheers her up.

"Alright!" She smiles at you, hands behind her back. "Don't be late!"

"Sure thing." The locks tying the door down to the wall unfasten and you leave.

"Convinced?" Huxley asks you.

He must mean whether or not you consider Duva stable. You completely forgot about that. Getting caught up like that, you're pretty shameless, huh? Before you can muster a response, a harried assistant runs up to Huxley and starts going on about something urgent. He's needed elsewhere, it seems.

Say something?
>[] "How's Darida doing?"
>[] "I'll have a look myself."
>[] Custom.
Remember what I told you about custom options. Think. Maybe the assistant is the key?

So I still don't understand why can't we just take her? Is it Huxley stopping us or is it just because they have scanners in city and would find her?

For the former why does he care? We own the place and hes doing "evil" research here anyways why does he care? For the latter, can't we get forgeries on her biometrics or something?

>>32378507
Tell him he can go do his important science bullshit, you know your way around here, if he doesn't trust you he can leave the pretty little assistant with you

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>>32378599
I was going to delve into this more subtly, but I don't want you guys confused.

Huxley had a rough life. He used to do less clandestine research, elsewhere, but a certain colleague had a hand in ousting the good Professor from his position.

Now his work is much more shady, even if the scope is much more broad and unrestrained. He can't tell the Imperials he works at SUPER SEKRIT LAHB, so maybe he has a day job? Maybe he's technically unemployed? Unwanted snooping around his home would tell investigators a lot he wouldn't want them to know. Huxley is indebted to us no more than he is to Orlov, these three came together under peculiar circumstances. Each of them is interested in this research being done and none of them want to risk it being compromised. Their livelihoods will go to hell soon after the scene is shut down.

So it stands to reason, if all three are so invested in this undertaking, that Huxley and Orlov might cooperate to undermine your efforts, should they suspect you of putting the project at risk because you're thinking with the wrong head.

They're all shady gangsters in spirit, guys. Huxley is a Walter White waiting to happen. Orlov is a gun runner waiting to start double-dealing the Confederacy and the Empire. Darius is... I'll let you think about that.

>>32378841
Darius is the indo-aryan anti-christ!

>>32378616
Secondan

>>32378616
>>32378880
>take the assistant with you
Bingo. I'll take it.

"You can go ahead and do what you need to," you say. When Huxley gives you a questioning look, you reassure him. "I'll take your assistant with me. She knows what you've been up to, right?"

"Yeah," he answers, hesitating. "She's been helping out a while."

"Great. That's that, then."

You look at the assistant before you both head down the hallway, the opposite direction of Huxley. The next time you look at her, she gives you a nod and a knowing look. You frown.

If she's figured out what you're up to, then has the Prof, also..?

Moving in silence, you make it to the other chamber of interest. The assistant speaks up.

"The Professor won't be back for at least twenty minutes."

You nod and head inside. Darida looks pensive.

"Hey," you say. No response. "How're things?"

"I'm fine," is all the answer you get. Sheesh, what's gotten into her?

"How's life around the lab?" You try again.

"Same as always," Darida says, then adds: "He's been running those tests nonstop since you last came."

"Ah, that," you gesticulate enthusedly to make yourself seem more sincere. "Huxley can get pretty caught up in matters, yeah."

Silence. Your conversation partner is cold like the winter wind. You walk up to her, not stopping until you're right in front of her. When she backs away into the wall, you keep advancing. Your body presses up against hers and you whisper in her ear.

"I'm getting you out of here."

"H-how?" Comes the disbelieving reply.

It's a good question. How do you plan on getting her out of here?

>[] I'll arm her and Duva next time I come here. I can get access to all the facilities myself.
>[] I'll walk them out of here and that'll be that. I own the place.
>[] Custom?

>>32379262
>[] By any means necessary

>>32379262
How long will they be safe there? We could keep them there until we get an opportune moment to take them.

>>32379482
Darida has until one week after our first encounter with her. That's... five days, if memory serves right.

>>32379262
Have the assistant escort us out, tell her if anyone asks we are doing extended observation, keeping her in the lab was the control and taking her out and introducing her to new stimuli is the test.

>>32379541
We can't extend the deadline?

>>32379576
It'll arouse suspicion. Your pals aren't against tipping the Imps off to send a message your way. A investigator shows up on your doorstep next morning and what do you do if there's a cohabitant you didn't register?

>>32379617
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcW7ttZfZ8c

>>32379262
>>[x] Custom?
>Get them weapons, turn off the lights and unlock the doors. The rest is on them. If they manage to get outside we'll pick them up and hide them in the abandoned house we sometimes meet a friend of ours.

>>32379262
>[x]Custom

Mix of
>[] I'll walk them out of here and that'll be that. I own the place.

And setting up an ambush to our friends. Nothing too mortal. Just so they get the point about the dangers of double-crossing us.

Why was Huxley going to kill her again?

So we have to betray our "friends" to take a girl they were going to toss away like trash? This seems really complex and too much trouble for something people wanted to do for fun.

Of course I was just interested in the tournament so what do I know. Off to lunch.

>>32379853
>Why was Huxley going to kill her again?
Well now, that's quite the question. Stick around and you'll learn why.

It's less betraying and more trying to do something behind their backs. Once it's out of their hands, they won't throw a fit.

>>32379447
>>32379573
>>32379700
>>32379772
Alright, writing. Sorry for taking a while, it's almost 3 AM.

We can only assume Duva got out of her cell and ate OP like an albino hare.

>>32379447
>>32379573
>>32379700
>>32379772
You look Darida straight in her emerald eyes.

"By any means necessary," you tell her. She goes quiet, but relaxes once you grab her by the shoulders.

You've got a veritable wealth of plans in mind. You could have the assistant outside escort you both out. Not right now, unfortunately, but soon. You could definitely give these two some PDWs and send a message of your own, pre-emptively. You could sabotage part of the facilities, like smoking the lights and unlocking the doors. All that's needed...

"All I need to do, all I need you to know is..." You trail off. After a small pause, you finally say: "If something unusual happens, I need you to play along. Alright?"

"Mm." Darida nods. You smile at her. It's incredible how much a smile can do for one's mental well-being.

"Hang in there," you say. At the door, you turn around to give your clone one last look before you depart. Outside, you take the redhead assistant aside for a few words. With a little verbal magic, you eventually convince her that her job security is guaranteed by you, personally, and that she should cooperate with you. She seems intent to do so anyway, on principle.

"Thanks, really," you say.

"It's quite nothing. I believe your plans will be able to see us through," she replies coolly before you set off. In minutes, you find yourself outside.

The sun is merciless. The air shivers and shakes with heat. For fuck's sake, it's only May and it's already hell. You rush back home - well, as much as the terrible heat will allow you to "rush." But even at your sluggish pace, you feel like you just tried to sprint a marathon once you get home. You collapse on the living room couch, about ready to fall asleep.

Just need one vote, here.
>[] Have bout with heatstroke, fight drowsiness to get water.
>[] Resign yourself to exhaustion, go sleep.

>>32381334
>[] Have bout with heatstroke, fight drowsiness to get water

>>32381334
>>[x] Have bout with heatstroke, fight drowsiness to get water.

>>32381452
>>32381546

Your eyes flutter at first, then your eyelids simply fill with lead. You try to swing your feet and get up with the momentum, you even succeed at this, but the moment you're up it all goes to hell. Your back aches, your legs are weak, your head won't work. You slowly, agoniously crawl to the kitchen and empty the two liters of cold, refreshing water in your fridge. You had it saved for just such an occasion. You almost feel better.

Just as you set the canister down, the doorbell rings. If you were a bit more lucid, you'd be wary. You didn't plan on having guests at this point. Or on this day. Or in this lifetime.

You stumble out of the kitchen, down through the hallway and towards the door. You half-lean, half-fall on it as you approach. You look in the peephole. Some woman. Christ, you're tired.

You pry yourself off the door. You slide back the, uh, slide. You open the door... You...

Bam.

The impact of your head and body against the hard floor serves to jolt you awake for a brief moment, but the cool surface beneath your face beckons you to rest.

Time passes.
[1/2]

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>>32381452
>>32381546
You sleep peacefully.

Eventually, the back of your head begins to ache and you turn to the side. It's still uncomfortable. You turn to the other side and are greeted with the same result. 'Time to get up,' you conclude. Your body, however, has some different ideas on the matter. You strain your neck and your abdomen, but you can't lift your head. You settle for opening your eyes.

You are in the lap of a woman. You furrow your brow at this development. She's no one you know.

"Get off... my..." You hardly manage three words before being forced to bring your hand up, even if slowly, to your mouth as dry coughs ravage your lungs.

"Your property, yes?" The voice you hear is gentle.

"Yeah. That's..." You cough once more. "Right."

"You sure are lucky. We got an anonymous call from somebody to investigate your home, but looks like it was just a ploy to get you medical help."

"You... medical help?"

"I took some liberty around your home. Don't worry, I don't have reason to suspect you of anything. I didn't rummage through your things."

You suddenly become aware of a wet towel on your forehead. As far as you can see, the woman whose lap you are enjoying at the moment is sitting on your couch. The same one you were going to pass out on. You try to get up and off, but a surprisingly strong hand pushes you back down. Looking straight up, you see the woman smile at you.

"Where are you going? You're in no condition to move around."

You appreciate her to-the-point manner of speech.

"Who are you?" You finally ask the one question you should've asked before saying anything else.

"Major Arraki. Sari Arraki."

They sent a Major? Just what the hell kind of tip did they get on you?

"I'm-" But you don't get to finish that sentence. Certainly not with your drawn-out, heatstroked enunciation.

"Darius Daravir Duravi. I know. A lot of people know, really."

What does she want with you? What did the tip entail? What do you ask or say?
>[] Custom.

>>32381972
Is it normal for us to have these heatstrokes?

>>32382069
Nope. The heat is just really abnormal. Darius also didn't take care to stay in the shade on the way home, since it was too hot to for him to think straight so he couldn't think of getting into the shade which kept him from thinking straight which meant he couldn't think straight...

>>32381972
"What you were investigating for before you found me?"

>>32381972
>"What branch do you serve in?"

>>32382140
This.

>>32382140
>>32382220
>>32382402
Accepted. I need a little break for now. Please bump if it starts sliding, but I'm sure I won't be that long.

>>32382524
Bump

So next thread is combat right?

>>32384527
Time to write! Yes, next thread is all about the operating.

Rolled 8

>>32385140
Double yay!

>>32382140
>>32382220
>>32382402
You try to brainstorm what you might want to ask the Major. Exactly two questions spring to mind: what the hell was the supposed to investigate and which branch, exactly, got the tip? You decide to open with the former.

"What were you investigating before you found me?" You query.

"Ah, well," Arraki puts a finger to her chin and looks into the distance. "It was something about hiding runaways. Unregistered persons living in your household or some nonsense to that effect."

"Hehe," you laugh nervously. "That sure is nonsensical." Shit. Who was it? Huxley couldn't have had the necessary suspicion and that assistant agreed to work with you. Unless that was a cover-up to collect information from you, there's just one person who could've seen everything and done this. Orlov. The guy has gotten you good.

"You should take better care of yourself, champion. 'Babylonian kid wins 3 IRO tournaments and dies of heatstroke' doesn't sound very impressive, does it?"

You give some thought to the question. "No, I guess that's pretty lame. But it's not like I got heatstroke on purpose."

"Are you feeling better now?"

"Much better. Might be just my pillow, though."

Major Arraki laughs softly at this. Finally, you gather the strength to get back up.

"By the way," you begin to ask. "What branch are you from?"

"The General Branch." Your guest replies simply. You get a sinking feeling in your stomach. There's no branch like that. That's just what the Black Wing special corps tells people who ask for their specifications. The Ministry of Internal Affairs gives virtually unlimited authority to their Black Wing. It's the NKVD of the new age.

"I notice you called me 'kid,'" you say, trying to divert your attention from the fact that this woman could get permission for your immediate execution on a hunch. "How old does that make you, Major?"

"What?" She suddenly grows uneasy. It's almost as if she's embarassed. "Th-that's not important."
[1/2]

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>>32385517
"And isn't it rude to ask a woman that kind of question?" Major Sari Arraki continues. "I think you should show more respect-"

"For the..?" You offer, teasing.

"Anyway!" The Major turns to you. "You should go get yourself some water already." You notice with pleasure how red in the face she's gotten. Must be one of those career women.

You go to the kitchen and pour yourself a few glasses of cold water. After dropping them all back, you pour two more and carry them to the living room. Offering one to Arraki, you notice that it's gotten late. The sun has already set behind the high-rises in the distance.

"Do you often get heatstrokes like that?"

"I'm flattered you're so worried about me, Major, but I'm really alright."

She takes a few gulps.

You begin to gather your things to head outside. You notice the envelope you had prepared earlier lies untouched on the counter nearby your door. You stuff it in your pocket.

"I'm going to head outside for a bit. You won't mind locking the door once you're done here, right?"

"Oh!" Arraki suddenly notices that you're just about ready to leave. "I don't think you should be going outside just yet..."

"Then not escort me where I'm going?" You offer.

"Very well." The Major smiles a faint smile.

You both leave your apartment. You lock the door as you leave and down the stairs you go.

"Um," the Major tries to stop you. "Why don't we take the elevator?"

"Oh, er, no thanks. This is how I train myself, you see."

Major Arraki smiles a wry smile at this.

"Then I'll meet you on the first floor," she says.

"What, not feeling up to it?" You taunt her, jogging in place. "Could it be the..?"

That gets her going. You descend briskly all the way down, together. Once outside, you make small talk as you lead the way. Once it becomes clear your destination is an abandoned home of sorts, Major Arraki questions you worryingly.

>[] "I'll be in and out in a jiffy."
>[] "I've got a friend there, you see."

>>32385889
>>[] "I've got a friend there, you see."
as perfect as the state is, not all are so lucky

>>32385889
>[] "I've got a friend there, you see."
Other option is clearly inferior.

>>32386060
>>32386123
Consent reached! Writing.

>>32386060
>>32386123
You deflect her inquiries one by one as if they were nothing. When she finally asks "what sort of business could you have there?" you reply plainly.

"I've got a friend there, you see."

"Friends like that aren't very good to have," Arraki chides you.

"I'll be the judge of that," you parry. "Anyway, I'll be able to handle myself from here on out. Thanks for all the help. And," you pause briefly. "Thanks for the medical attention, too." You give the Major a grateful expression.

The two of you stop as you come up to an abandoned warehouse.

"Don't get into more trouble, alright?" Sari says. "Maybe we'll meet again." She turns to leave.

"Not on business, I should hope," you tell her. She stops for a second, but resumes walking shortly.

You head inside.

4chan just ate the second half, FUCK. Sorry this is taking so long.

>>32387528
Stepping through the rubble and rusted metal sheets, you make your way along white brick walls. The entire two-story building is a massive, sprawling structure occupying a considerable area in the middle of an otherwise successful industrial district. The architecture is a love letter to olden times - times when industry was the apex of economy. Even the windows, with their dust-coated glass and wooden frames, seem like an echo from an ancient epoch.

You head upstairs. Eventually, you find a room that has a can-fire in the center. Some men are huddled around it. There's some murmurs as your presence is acknowledged, but these aren't the people you came here to see.

Next to one of the walls sits a man that looks slightly different from everyone else. He's dressed more tastefully - a coat, some leather shoes, etc. - and all his clothing is normal, practical, if a bit too well-worn. This is Alexander Gradskiy. There's a long story leading up to his current curcumstances, but you know him to be leagues above the rest that are gathered here. He was a soldier, once. He was loyal to the state, once. He was a happy man, once.

You sit down on the floor next to him. There's a few moments of silence before the others go back to their meaningless chatter.

"Yer back," he says.

"I sure am."

"Got any news?"

You think for a second.

"There was a blackwing around here a while ago. Might wanna relocate."

"Pfft," he scoffs. You can get where he's coming from - it's cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Why would any hobo leave this haven?

"How's the job search going?" You ask. He just gives you an amused glance.

"Fuckin' fantastic," he finally says.

"Life must be getting pretty rough. Prices going up, I guess money's tight these days."

"Tight like stretched latex. No, wait: tight like a ten year old. That's how tight it is."

"Pretty tight," you conclude.

"Pretty tight," he agrees.
[Choices in the very next post.]

>>32388023
>[] "So, what's the word on the streets about my lab?"
>[] "Had any guests come by lately?"
>[] "Any new arms dealers come around?"

>>32388047
>[] "So, what's the word on the streets about my lab?"
>[] "Had any guests come by lately?"
>[] "Any new arms dealers come around?"
cause they are all good and worthy questions

>>32388120
You got it.

Rolled 13

>>32388354
>>32388120
I'm here too, just lurking, just so you guys don't feel so alone

>>32388384
Why not v-vote, then?

>>32388384
do please vote anon

Rolled 12

>>32388393
>>32388395
Weeeeeell, I should really be going to bed, I should have been asleep an hour an a half ago, but fuck it, I guess I can stay up a little bit longer

bump

>>32388023
> ALL THE QUESTIONS

Sorry I got here so late.

>>32388120
>>32389810
You guys, I love you. I had to go to the clinic and give everyone what for, but now that we're all together, let us quest.

>>32388120
>>32389810
"So," you say, deciding to be the first to initiate meaningful conversation, "what's the word on the street about my lab?"

"Nobody's saying much yet. Most are just afraid of getting their file pulled. Whenever they're confident nobody's watching, it's all they talk about. 'I got my teeth fixed' this and 'I grew my arm back' that. Seriously, that Huxley of yours is a real charity worker."

"Don't be so sure. Do the poor saps know what else they grew or what else he attached?"

"...Now there's an interesting thought. What did he shove in there?"

"Trackers, probably. Biosensors or some shit. Heart rate, blood pressure, some neural parameters. Maybe even breath rate. You know."

"That sounds a bit too innocent to be Mephisto's price for reattaching arms."

"Ain't that some shit," you say, chuckling. "Has anybody come by these past couple of days?"

"Not that I can really describe."

"What do you mean?"

Alex runs a hand through his hair, combing it back.

"Some sort of inspectors keep snooping around the place. They tried to set up patrols here, put up some guards."

"I can guess how that worked out."

"Yeah. The companies are still licking their wounds."

"You know this place isn't going to stay up for much longer, right? They're gonna demolish it soon. Hell, I bet they could even raze it just to be rid of it. Imps won't be bothered by the collateral."

"Yeah, I know. I'm looking into some other options."

"And where are those?"

"Under a bridge by the river. Abandoned utility closets that open into the street. A few rooftops."

"Damn, that's some nice real estate," you say.

"Future's so bright, I gotta wear shades." Gradskiy actually takes out a pair of shades and puts them on. You do your best to stifle a chuckle, but fail. He takes them off again.

"Also, have you seen any new dealers around? You know the kind."

"Those, huh. Yeah, there's been this one kid lately. Started showing up almost a month ago, just after your last visit."
[1/2]

>>32390124
You look Alexander right in his baggy eyes.

"What's he like?"

"Kinda short, dark skinned. Arab. Short hair, lots of shine. Jewels, gold, whatever. Thinks he's hot shit. Talks a lot of it, too."

"Bodyguards?"

"Haven't seen 'em yet, but I guess he keeps them in his car. Black, shiny thing, that. Steps outside with a santa bag full of guns, peddles his wares for a while and leaves."

Suddenly, you hear a lot of noise from downstairs. The door hitting a wall, some metal getting kicked around.

"That should be him."

"Ain't that lucky."

You descend the stairs, only to meet this "dealer" on your way down. He looks up at you. He's got part of his left brow shaved off and the other is shaved in a curvy pattern. The chain on his neck spells out "Alessandro." He really does have a santa bag. There's protrusions all over the place, vaguely reminiscent of gun barrels, stocks and mags.

"Hey!" He yelps at you. "The fuck are you, fag?"

Uh.
>[] Custom. If violence, roll "dice+4d6+-4".

>>32390209
Let's tell him we're willing to buy from him. Let Alex introduce us.

>>32390209
seconding >>32390240

also, I caught the thread about half way through and couldn't make sense of our plan to free Darida, what exactly is it? and what/why are we buying from this guy?

>>32390276
We're going to wing it for now. We have some rough drafts of how to proceed, but they all either giving the two of them guns we don't have or rolling a nat 20 on our Diplomacy, Charisma and Bluff.

As for what we're buying and why, that's not a question I can answer.

>>32390209
"You must have a lot of customers" in a completely deadpan tone

>>32388393
Travisplo isn't exactly the type of namefag you want to beg to stay in your quest.

>>32390323
Why post in a quest thread and not vote?

Duly noted, however.

>>32390305
I say we get the assistant loyal to us and remove any trackers Hux put in our girl and in Duva, she should be able to provide a good distraction during the breakout if anything, if he did.

though I'm thinking Orlov is the trouble maker we need to deal with in our 'plan', Huxley we can deal with, he wants to keep doing his work, we want him to keep doing it, but if he gets in the way of us, he might end up in considerably worse circumstances than our friend Alex here.

this Orlov though we haven't met him and we need to make sure he can't screw us or our plans over

>>32390209
I am Nou Bohdee. Just passing through.

>>32390413
Then we stab him in the eye and gloat while running off.

>>32390528
how about we don't be retarded and derail things

>>32390551
It's like you haven't read the Odyssey, anon.

>>32390240
>>32390276
>>32390318
>>32390413
You raise an eyebrow at this guy's statement.

"You must have a lot of customers," you say in a flat voice. "But let's see what you've got in that bag o' tricks."

"And how do I know you ain't wit' the imps?"

Now this, this actually gets your blood boiling a bit. You take a step forward, confident in your ability to throw a few punches at this kid with a heavy-ass bag slung over his shoulder. In the space of a second, you place on foot forward by two steps, dropping in altitude slightly, and bring your arm back. Alex's voice stops you.

"Simmer down, kids. You want to fight, take it outside." That old military mentality beams through again. Alex looks at "Alessandro." "You can trust this guy. Darius, this is Rahm Raheem. Rahm, this is Darius Duravi."

"Ehh." Rahm vocalizes.

"Fuck you," is your curt reply.

His face goes slightly slack in facetious apathy. Your eyes undertake the grueling task of drilling holes through the fucker's skull.

"Looks like you two will get along alright," Alex says.

After a little shuffling and commotion, Rahm unloads his wares on a table you pushed into the center of the room, right between the can-fire and the wall. In the barely-lit room, this positioning proves useful in providing enough light to actually inspect the gunrunner's arsenal. His stuff is mostly lacking in quality, most of it being cheap pistols, knock-off rifles and unseemly SMGs, but there's three pieces that catch your attention.
[1/2]

>>32390763
Good to see you still up, but man, you've been running for almost 16 hours now.

>>32390763
What are gun laws like in the empire?

>>32390763
One is a classic AK. Well, classic in a pretty loose sense of the word. The AK-42, recently developed and slated for military use later this year. It fires a moderately powerful cartridge, which can puncture most bulletproof vests and paramilitary uniforms. Great weapon in general, continues the "works even if broken" legacy. They say old AKs could get run over by a tank and still fire straight. So they say, anyway. Great power, reliable, passably accurate. All for a modest price!

Another is a Calico-type machinepistol. The helical mag is on top and boasts impressive ammo capacity. Any mode of fire you could want. The Hexer, an iconic firearm symbolizing assassination and subterfuge, has great above-average accuracy but somewhat lackluster stopping power. It fires jacketed hollow points. Absolutely wrecks any kind of infantry within 50m. At greater ranges, which it was developed for, the lack of power begins to beam through. It found better use on the streets. Stops like a shotgun, fires like a machinegun, costs like a rocket. Why is it even here?

Lastly, a Bizon-esque SMG. It was developed by a pre-Imperial nation a century and a half ago and looks much the same as it did back then. Fires fast, fires accurate. Low recoil, acceptable stopping power. Use this in camped spaces, use this in open fields, use it like a monk uses prayer to smite heathens - liberally and constantly. Mag size is likewise great. The price is average. It won't puncture protected infantry, but counter-insurgency was the name of the game back in the day.

You can buy two. You have your own gun back home, stashed away securely. Which will you buy?
>[] Choose.

>>32390788
I am stronk like AK. I am indestructible Work even when run over by tank.

>>32390842
Talk shit, get hit. Pretty strict across the Empire, but New Babylon is frontier town, so it gets all the tech and all the petty crime. I'll show you how bad it gets later.

>>32390858
AK for general work
Cal for backup

>>32390858
Calico
Hexer

Does he have any pocket pistols?

>>32390858
>The Hexer
Not sure if...

>>32390901
The Calico-type gun is the "Hexer."

He does, but they're all shit. No gun afficionado like yourself would bother.

>>32390910
Ah, okay. From the description it sounded like a rifle.

I guess the AK.

>>32390858
AK-42
Hexer

>>32390946 here again

>>32390858
>You have your own gun back home
what do we have at home?

>>32390969
We'll Schrodinger that when we get to it.

>>32390880
>>32390901
>>32390929
>>32390946

You peruse the selection for a while before finally settling on the AK-42 "Huntsman" and the "Hexer." You cough up the cash and briefly become the most envied man in the room. Just as you settle your deal with Rahm and take to the window for a little target practice at some far-off junk, you hear Alex and Rahm bitching about something.

"What the fuck is this thing?! Did you even look at where the barrel is?" Comes Alexander's voice. He seems to be agitated over something.

"I sure as hell did, old coot! Don't like it, don't buy it!" Comes Rahm's shrill counterpoint.

You look back at the scene unfurling. Alex is holding a gun that- Oh god. Pfffthahaha! It's got a backwards-pointing barrel! You wipe a tear from your eye at the... The gun. Wait, holy shit. That's a working gun. This asshole was selling suicide guns. You eye your AK very carefully. Then your Hexer. You spend a good ten minutes poring over every little detail to make sure you weren't about to let off a round into your own head.

In spite of the dangers inherent in doing so, you hold your Huntsman and then your Cal sideways and let off a few rounds with each.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

'Shit, should've started with the Cal,' you think to yourself. Your wrist is hurting slightly, but it's nothing major. The guns you got are "safe." But in all that time that's passed the argument between Rahm and Alex has only gotten more heated. Insults are flying every which way.

"Everybody here is DILDOS!"

Rahm's anguished yet angry cry sends the whole building into an awkward, almost poetic silence. After a dozen or so seconds, you start hearing chatter in the background.

"Hey, what the hell is a 'dildos'?"

"I think I heard about that, it's one of those Spanish monsters, like 'diablos' or 'el chupacabra'."

"No shit, really?" A third voice springs up.

"Yeah, totally! I heard about those 'dildos,' too!" And a fourth. Your cringe reaches into the very depths of your soul.
[1/2]

>>32390858
Hmmn.
>AK and Hexer.

What was our weapon at home again?

>>32391121
Guess I should've updated before voting.

>>32391105
Have you been reading MGNQ lately?

>>32391147
get 4 Chan X or the inline extension and use autoupdate anon

>>32391105
The argument between the two flares up again and you hear more obvious threats being thrown around.

"Look, kid, if you step up you WILL get beat down."

"I don't wanna hear that from you, you fucking mutt."

Shit escalates. You make like a wise man and start getting your shit together. By the time you're going down the stairs, you can hear promises of arsony and unholy retribution.

"I'll burn this whole goddamn dumpster to the ground and piss on it!"

"What did you just fucking say about me, you little bitch? I'll have you know I graduated top of my..."

You leave to a crescendo of "you're fucking dead, kiddo" and "your whore mother is my bag of holding" as well as other assorted shit being flung.

Time passes.

You stash your two new toys in the same revolving-bookshelf gun rack where you keep your...
>[] Explosive-round machine gun. It looks like a DP-28 to the untrained eye.
>[] Top-of-the-line SMG. It's got a fairly long barrel reminiscent of a PPSh-41, but the rest is more or less like an MP5.
>[] Grenade launcher. Eight-shot drum, complete with customized ammo.
>[] Custom.

>>32391163
No, it's too long for me and not even noir.

Where did you see a similarity/callback?

>>32391210
LE MAYMAYS
I'm disappointed. Disgusting. Fucking dropped.

>>32391239
Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

>>32391239
It's a homeless war vet and a swaggot arms dealer being autistic about a joke gun. I'm sorry you took this so seriously.

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>>32391210
>[x] Custom
Two M6-series magnums.

>>32391210
Seconding >>32391270

fuck yeah magnums, make them M6D or M6G's

>>32391210
>[x]Custom
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzerb%C3%BCchse only modern

>>32391313
I myself am partial to the M6D. Larger magazine size, higher rate of fire, more compact.

>>32391210
>>[] Explosive-round machine gun. It looks like a DP-28 to the untrained eye.

>>32391217
>Dildos!

Not that it's an uncommon term. I'm sure there are other stories/games/etc that use 'Dildos' like that, but MGNQ was what first came to mind.

>>32391210
>[] Top-of-the-line SMG. It's got a fairly long barrel reminiscent of a PPSh-41, but the rest is more or less like an MP5.

>>32391524
>Not that it's an uncommon term. I'm sure there are other stories/games/etc that use 'Dildos' like that, but MGNQ was what first came to mind.
Metalocalypse uses it

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>>32391270
>>32391313
>>32391317
>>32391348
>>32391524
Kind of too bad about the anti-tank rifle not pulling through, now that I look back on it. Voting closes in ten minutes. Writing in the meanwhile.

>>32391532
You are my niggest.

>>32391551
This excessive focus on infantry will be the death of us

>>32391524
MGNQs use of it is a Metalocalypse reference.
Same with the Murderface nickname.

>>32391565
anon, if they bring something armored against us in meat-space, we're dead

though we could buy both the anti-tonk rifle and the M6D's

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>>32391565
Oh shit, it's a Jigabachi! Everybody, man the RPG-7s! We're going balls de-

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT

>>32391576
With an adequate weapon, death is a possibility. Without one, it's a certainty.

>>32391589
man fuck that thing looked stoopid flying around, thoug hI love how Saito just blew the pilots brains out clean

>>32391565
well we could get something like a heavy AR with a underbarrel grenade/rocket launcher

>>32391569
AH! *snaps fingers* I knew it was something like that.

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>>32391656 here again

how about something like the Ohio Ordnance HCAR with AP/API rounds? pic related, its essentially a completely rebuild BAR for the modern age

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>>32391685
for some anti-armor work we could have something like pic related, the Sage Ordnance 37mm Semi-Auto grenade launcher

>>32391551
M6Ds plz, Ruskie

>>32391685
>>32391713

Just woke up was reading through the thread and thought I missed the gun vote. I like both of these but I definitely think we need an anti-armor option so I vote for the Sage Ordnance as my first choice.

>>32391210
>>32392604

Or rather
>Grenade launcher. Eight-shot drum, complete with customized ammo

For purposes of a quest these are the same thing. I just supported the Ordnance because nobody else had voted for the nade launcher.

>>32391270
>>32391313
>>32391317
>>32391348
>>32391524
You hang the Huntsman and Hexer in the free space left over after your two M6D pistols. They're nice and accurate, compact, decent mag size. Hell, they even fire on full auto! They thirst for blood. You'd make a note to check in with your previous dealer and order some anti-armor options, but unfortunately, he's no longer available. Ever.

Maybe you'll have better luck with the new kid on the block.

The night is difficult to sleep through. You wake up in the dead of night. You are short of air. You are sweating profusely. The bed sheets cling to your skin. You get up and head towards the massive windows in the living room. You open them, but are greeted with some sort of smoke instead.

Ain't that a bitch. Stay cooped up in your home or air the humidity out and get smoke instead?

You choose to open all the windows and let the breeze cool your body off. Why is it so hot, anyway? Did go up in flames? There aren't any forests or swamps nearby.

The first thing you do when you wake up is take a shower. It's time for the second Asad Babil match. Once you step outside, the weather puts a damper in your step. The morning is... smoky. You're outside nice and early at 6:20 AM, but the sky is a gun smoke gray. It's disquieting. You walk through the suspiciously empty streets, acutely aware of how silent the late spring air is. It's no longer humid, but dry. You don't sweat at all as you move through the streets.

An unpleasant thought visits you.
>[] Check out the warehouse. You have a bit of time.
>[] Keep going. If the warehouse is burnt down, taking a look at it now won't change anything.

>>32392658
>[x] Check out the warehouse. You have a bit of time.
Bring along some of those sweet guns of ours in case we need to do some dirty work.

>>32392658
>>[] Check out the warehouse. You have a bit of time.
we got the time

>>32392658
>>[] Keep going. If the warehouse is burnt down, taking a look at it now won't change anything.

>>32392658
what is the warehouse again? is that where our lab is?

>>32392658
>[] Check out the warehouse. You have a bit of time.

Wouldn't have picked the Hexer if I had known we would just get two more pistols. Granted hollow point and magnum caliber are different enough to warrant owning both, still feel having 3 of our 4 guns as small arms when we could've picked anything is weird.

>>32392770
well the M6D's fire armor piercing rounds, they are very heavy hitters

>>32392756
It's the elephant graveyard where maymay haters go to announce the death of their interest in quests. Which is to say, the place where the arab weapons trader was fagging about.

>>32392770
Concealed carry. Can't walk around with an RPG-70 like it's Arab Spring all up in that bitch.

>>32392792
Not yet anyway.

>>32392781
I was joking and I made sure OOQ was aware that I was.

>>32392781
>Which is to say, the place where the arab weapons trader was fagging about.
that was an abandoned home

so whats this warehouse again?

>>32392780

Fair point. I like the M6D's better than the Hexer anyway, I think they were a good choice. It's just a weird after the fact we picked the expensive fancy pistol to purchase.

>>32392792
True, but I was thinking any situation warranting the use of the AK, something else we can't conceal, another large arm option that packs a lot more of a punch would be useful. But I'm not complaining, the quest is only beginning, there will be more guns.

>>32392834
>Fair point. I like the M6D's better than the Hexer anyway, I think they were a good choice. It's just a weird after the fact we picked the expensive fancy pistol to purchase.
well, we could give our girls one pistol each and CC the Hexer

>>32392834
You might not be using it yourself. You've got enough muscle memory to take a piece of shit like that four-barreled peashooter and make it lethal.

>>32392833
Sorry if I wasn't clear - the abandoned warehouse is where the hobos were hanging out and where Rahm was fagging it up.

>>32392792
You'd need a big jacket to CC a calico. Same goes for the M6D. They're more OC guns.

>>32392850

Makes sense, 3 pistols will definitely be easier to smuggle into the lab for the breakout than anything else.

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>>32392864
Just for reference, this is essentialy what we've got now. It's not all that big, is it?

>>32392686
>>32392690
>>32392723
>>32392770
Looks like we're checking out the warehouse. This won't be a big excursion, though.

Writing.

>>32393006
easily hideable under a loose jacket

>>32393006
It's huge for a pistol. You'd be better off CCing a deagle brand deagle.

>>32393138

In terms of hiding it, sure. Desert eagle is about half the size of that thing.

But I think it's better to rethink the nature of the concealment rather than reduce the effectiveness of the weapon you're bringing in. If you get searched, any gun other than a derringer will get discovered, and the calico will easily fit in even a small backpack or box. Finding a container which serves that purpose would be worth it.

>>32393167
The point of concealed carry is to not advertise that you're carrying. If you need to wear a parka to CC a gun, and you're not in freezing weather, you've failed to pick the right weapon.

Yes, you could carry it in a backpack, but that presents other problems, like drawing it.

>>32393212
anon, we just need to get the guns into the lab and in the right hands, we can put the Calico in a briefcase, they won't think its out of the ordinary

>>32393227
Alright, I thought we were choosing a carry weapon.

>>32393246
if we need to CC something from our collection, we can CC one of our M6D's, just get a lower back holster for it

these guns are more for a shit hitting the fan moment and breaking out our clone if we need them

>>32393072
You have a fair amount of time before the match comes anywhere even close to starting, so you decide to go and see if your suspicions are correct. You take a few alleyways and side streets, and once you turn the final corner...

You sigh in relief. The massive structure is untouched. That leaves you with bigger questions, though. What was making all that smoke in the dead of night? You decide to come back here sometime later, if it behooves you then. A routine search could turn up something useful.

You proceed towards the Dome apace. Crossing one of the streets leading to the park where you usually fish, you see a feminine figure in a yellow tracksuit jog in the distance. It looks vaguely familiar.

Once you're in the dome proper, you note the large number of people around you. You haven't seen this many people here in over a year. Some guy in a green uniform is going around, handing out arm bands. He comes up to you.

"You. Have you received your insignia yet?"

You shake your head.

"Name?"

"Darius Duravi."

The man rummages through the plethora of circular bands on one of his arms and takes out yours.

It has the silhouette of...
>[] A tarrasque.
>[] Leviathan, the sea serpent.
>[] Custom.

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>>32393373

>>32393373
>>[x] Custom.
A lion holding a high-tech assault rifle. If it worked for the people of ages past, it works for us.

>>32393440
ALL HAIL THE MURDERCUBE

>>32393373
>[] A tarrasque.
I hope there isn't some deeper meaning behind these, couldn't think of anything for a custom at this time of night, and with it being nearly 2am, I'm going to have to hit the bed, good night OP and fellow anons, don't get killed and rake in the dosh while I'm gone also kick Orlov in the nuts for me because if he thinks he can stand between us and Darida's freedom, then fuck him

>>32393373
>>[x] Leviathan, the sea serpent.

>>32393373
>[] Leviathan, the sea serpent.

Rolled 1

Well shit, it's a toss-up between the NEX ALEA
>>32393440
>>32393458
and
>>32393616
>>32393834
LEVIATHAN.

[1] Murder Cube.
[2] Leviathan.

Rolling.

>>32393448
Don't run ahead of the script. This is the Asad Babil Cup. Guess what that translates to.

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>>32394038
Lion Babel cup. Literally.

>>32394038
1
Saluto Nex Alea.

>>32394078
Babby cup?

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>>32393373
On your arm band is a simple design. You look it over, your eyes almost tearing up as you recall the day you first designed this insignia. Two sides of a cube are displayed. Above them - "SALUTO NEX ALEA." Below - "AVE NEX ALEA." Salute the Murder Cube. Hail the Murder Cube.

Long ago, there was once a monument designed to shame man's warlike nature. Its architect believed in showing how deplorable mankind's instruments of war were, so he glued them to a cube. But this became the centerpiece of a Mecca all its own. People would gather around this testament to human will to kill and sign the guest book with the two phrases depicted on your insignia.

The uninitiated are ousted by their incessant "but that's wrong!" Sure, it's wrong. The technically correct "Ave Cubum Necis" might be correct, but it isn't iconic. It signifies nothing. Unlike your motto. The human right to war is sacred. Aggression is a natural property of sapience. Where you go, you must also kill. You hoist the marking on your arm, hiking it up your sleeve, and fasten it. No sooner do you do this than somebody calls out for you.

"Hey! Death square!"

"That's death squared for you." You say, turning around.
[1/2]

>>32394982
>for you

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>>32395058
Did you think that was unintentional? It was, but it also makes sense this way.

>>32394982
God damn it. It's one of those legionnaires.

Let's clarify.

In the Empire, with its militarist culture, there are two general camps of military philosophy.

One is represented by adherents to the philosophy of the "second" worldwide conflict. It preaches victory at any cost, no matter the sacrifice. To them, war is sacred, a holy conflict. Their faithful dress in green. Dark green, forest green, dark moss green, hunter green, any somber shade. This is the Legion.

The other faction is represented by those who subscribe to an older age of warfare, one fought with cold steel. It preaches war with honor, a gentleman's war. To them, war is chivalrous, an exercise in valor. Their followers dress in silver and steel. They furnish their dress with pieces of armor. Form, not function, dictates their style. They run opposed to the Legion. They are the Order.

They're both stupid.

Amidst all this, one can't help but wonder where all the sane people go. The survivalists. The soldiers who are willing to risk their lives, but not throw them away. Well, it's simple.

They don't bother to coalesce into silly organizations. In a stroke of genius, demonstrating their confidence in the exclusive righteousness of their way in war, the survivalists don't band together (unless necessary, you suppose). Whether or not one joins them is up to choice. In the Legion's and Order's eyes, everyone not among their own ranks defaults to this. The Rest.

The girl comes up to you. She's short, but looks proud and defiant. She points a finger at your arm band as she says:

"You. I've been looking for you."

"What do you want?" You ask, exasperated at the mere thought of having to carry this conversation on any longer than is strictly needed.

"I want to know how you won," she says simply.

"Why don't you give me your name, for starters," you offer.
[2/3]

>>32395490
"My name isn't important. I don't owe my name to somebody like you, anyway."

"And why would that be?" You're downright irritated now.

"Because an idiot like you doesn't deserve respect, much less my name."

Your jaw goes slightly slack. Realization begins to dawn on you. This is the girl who...

"I'm the one who ran your little squad through on that mountain."

WHAT.

"WHAT."

>[] WHAT.

>>32395579
>[x] Get yourself together, soldier!

"And in your prescience, I still managed to win. Now give me your name, and I'll give you mine."

>>32395624
But she probably already knows ours

>>32395650
Probability =/= certainty.

>>32395705
>I'll probably die if I set myself on fire, but its not for certain

>>32395624
Gonna second this

>>32395624
>>32395727

But first, you must WHAT dice+4d6+-4.

Holy shit, WHAT.

Rolled 4, 4, 3, 3 - 4 = 10

>>32395744

Rolled 1, 2, 5, 5 - 4 = 9

>>32395744

Rolled 6, 6, 5, 4 - 4 = 17

>>32395725
Yes, exactly what I meant...

>>32395744

>>32395786
You do know you're retarded right?

>>32395797
"It's your scroll of deeds, fill it with what you wish." - Khalid bin Waleed

>>32395766
>>32395774
Everyone go home,
>>32395786
is here.
[17/20: Improbable success!]

Writing.

>>32395814
Don't quote shit at me, use your own fucking words you autistic fuck

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>>32395830

>>32395885
y-you too

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You hear a buzzing in your ear.

'Come on, get your sorry ass together!'

Holy shit, just... What.

'Quit fucking around! You're freezing up, fuckass!'

I mean, this bitch? She just completely wrecked me. How?

'Nobody cares, faggot! Move!'

This is unbelievable. Her? No way.

'Yes way, feel free to stop mouth-breathing whenever.'

You can't believe this. This is absolutely shameful. The body of your soul strains against its chains of disbelief.

They give way. You break them. You are free.

"Look," you start off, a tinge of fury in your voice. "I don't care what you did or didn't do to my squad. For all the ease you had in our run-in, I still managed to win. I did it with three functioning pieces! You had three fucking tanks and still fucked up. Now give me your name, Second Best, and I'll give you mine."

The girl in the fitted, thin, green bushlat does a double-take.

"You," she begins, her gaze focused, but her speech uncertain, as if her tongue is searching for the right words. "You damn snake. You think I'm going to be impressed by that? Tanks can't search the ground! I stood my ground for a good half-hour, taking fire from all sides and dropping at least four squads!"

"That's including mine, ain't it?" You demand an answer.

"Hah. You wish," she scoffs.

"And why couldn't you search? Maybe because you got sniped to hell?"

She clicks her tongue.

"That wasn't the case!" She insists.

"Then what was?" You beckon.

"How nice," a voice comes from the side. Shit. You know that voice. This day is just going from bad to worse. It's Helen, one of the War Palace regulars, like you. Her bombshell body and fine blond hair easily elevate her to the status of "NB City's Finest Piece of Ass," but she's fucking insane. She's unstable. Not in the hot way, either. She's honest-to-goodness deranged, a sociopath to the bone. She's got a grudge for you, though she shows it in her own way.

The argument you've just been embroiled in vacates the premises of your mind.
[1/2]

>>32396563
Flee, Darius! Flee for your sanity!

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>>32396563
You rapidly scope out the scene.

Nameless legionnaire right next to you. Her face is filled with dread, so you figure she knows Helen, too. Then again, Helen's shenanigans at each and every War Palace are a thing of much renown.

Directly in front of you, Helen. You can't take her on your own. That's fucking suicide. She'll pin you to the floor where you stand and fuck you silly as quickly as she'll pick you up and break you over her knee. Discretion is most certainly the better part of valor, here.

A bit off to the side, some Order knight. Platinum blonde, ridiculous getup, the whole shebang. You could probably drag her into this and springboard your position by playing off her momentary confusion.

Whatever you decide, you need to make sure this conversation goes places you want it to go. Who will you drag along?

>[] The legionnaire. Maybe Helen is your common enemy.
>[] The knight. She's the only one here without animosity for you.
>[] Neither. You're man, god damn i This is no time to be playing hero. I ain't going it alone!
>[] Custom.

>>32396772
>>[x] Custom.
Flee! Just NOPE your way out of here!

>>32396772
>>[x] The knight. She's the only one here without animosity for you.

We need reinforcements.. Worst comes, we can hide behind her armor.

>>32396772

Seconding this:

>>32396863

Disregard bitches and bullshit factions.

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>>32396863
>>32396902
That's not very manly, but it's plenty Operator-like!

>>32396889
You're not an average man, I see. You're a practical kind of guy. I like that.

Thus far, you have mostly opted for running away, but you are also entertaining the possibility of hiding behind a nearby and uninvolved woman.

Guys, what kind of indo-aryan anti-christ are we if we white flag to a crazy woman?

>>32396982
A smart one, blah blah woman scorned

>>32396982
The only dealing a man should have with a Yandere is putting a bullet into her head and throwing her corpse into a shallow grave.

We do not have a gun on us.

>>32397232
We uh... we have our sweet ass combatives!

Actually, did we ever take a pistol with us from earlier? Not that it's really feasible to kill'&'dump right now, but...

>>32397272
We didn't. We've got plenty on her physically, but that's like saying F/Z Rider could take BAHSAHKAH because he's huge and Berserker isn't.

It's the crazies, man.

If you suprise her, you might end up better than you would've wound up otherwise.

>[] The knight. She's the only one here without animosity for you.

USE THE FACTIONS AGAINST EACH OTHER

MANIPULATE AND LAUGH BEHIND THE SCENES AS THEY TEAR EACH OTHER TO PIECES

uhh bump?

>>32396772
>>[] Neither. You're man, god damn i This is no time to be playing hero. I ain't going it alone!
no idea what this option mean, so voting for it

also, where the fuck is OP?

>>32396772
>[X] The legionnaire. Maybe Helen is your common enemy.
hopefully she'll understand the old adage "The enemy of my enemy is my friend", of course the legionnaire might not be our friend in this case but its better than dragging in a third (fourth) party into this mess.

>>32402136
I fell asleep writing the updort. Resuming as per normafrtttttttttttttttttttttttttt

>>32397370
I dunno man. Sticking it in the crazy then beating her just sounds great to me. Win-win. I just woke up, read the updates, and I could scratch a diamond with my hardness.

>>32396772
>[] The knight. She's the only one here without animosity for you.

>>32396772
>Neither

>>32402440
Well shit I hope you had a good nappy-poo, now get back to writing snap snap. Don't make me break out the whip.
I don't mean that at all OP and I really do hope you got the rest you required, but if you're into the whip I'll oblige begrudgingly

>>32403723
I bet one of the girls to be added to our harem likes the whip

also, when the fuck are we going to start building our harem, we've operated plenty, but haven't fucked a single chick yet when its clear they all want us

>>32404171
>I bet one of the girls to be added to our harem likes the whip
I'd love for that plus bondage

BUMP

OP THA FUCK YOU AT BITCH?

OP..? Are you okay?

>>32407498
I think he feel asleep after typing in the captcha and rolled around a bit until he hit the enter button

>>32402440
>Resuming as per normafrtttttttttttttttttttttttttt

>>32407555
sounds about right

I've got to head to work now, but could you fine anons keep the thread alive in my stead?

NOW SATAN'S GONNA GET IT

>>32396863
>>32396902
>>32396889
>>32399804
>>32402136
>>32402368
>>32402964
>>32403049
Looks like the knight wins!

>>32404171
She certainly does. Guess which one.

>>32404261
D-don't do this to me! I need all the blood I can get in my hea- ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL

And we're dead again

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>>32410893
You eye the knight off to the side. If push comes to shove, you'll have to drag her into this. The time is not yet right, however.

"You two look like you're having fun," Helen says. "Can I join?"

It sounds like she's asking. She's actually inviting herself.

"Why don't you mind your own business?" The legionnaire tries to offer protest. She doesn't know Helen well enough, it seems.

"Been there, done that. Let's have a look at yours..." Helen asks with a suggestive gaze. She shifts her weight to one leg, places her hand on her hip and strikes a pose. The green-clad girl doesn't flinch, though.

"I can do just fine on my own. Don't you have business to settle with Darius, here?" The moment you hear her say this, you turn to her and run a flat palm, edge first along your neck. You hope she gets the gesture. 'Cut it out!'

But the damage has already been done. You didn't want to have to resort to this, but you've got precious few options.

"Why don't you go and shove that RECRUITMENT program elsewhere, LEGIONNAIRE?" You emphasize two words in particular, though the whole thing comes out very loud and forced. It works as intended.

"What's going on here?" Comes the knight's query as she self-righteously enters the verbal arena.

You decide this is a good time for some tactical maneuvering. You and bushlat girl here are in between two aisles of benches, reminiscent of an airport. To one side, where you're facing right now, is Helen. But coming up from behind is your savior. You turn left, towards your tank-trioteer, and take a step back. Now there's a window large enough for everyone to be equidistant from each other.

It really is an arena now.

You don't want to be here right now. You feel so guilty for the slander you're about to start throwing around, but if it's for the sake of saving your ass, you're willing to get your hands dirty. You sigh. You look straight up.
[1/2]

>>32412430
You see the gray sky right above you. Amidst a forest of beige-walled high-rises, the dome stands out for occupying such a large area yet not scraping the clouds. It's massive, certainly, but it doesn't dwarf one's sense of self. Four tall pillars rise to the black stone rim surrounding a round, glass window. Four glass petals descend from this rim, two of them showing the shops that line NBC's streets, two of them obscured by the Dome's functional buildings.

You drop your head back to ground zero, where the knight looks at you expectantly, the legionnaire alternates glances between you and her armor-clad ideological rival and Helen keeps staring at the girl in green.

Welp. At least you're in a position of control.

"I want nothing to do with this Legion or whatever," you tell the knight. "Can you tell this girl to leave me be?"

Silver turns to face Green. She has an agitated look about her.

"Am I getting this right? Are you harassing this gentleman with yet another recruitment drive?"

"Wha- That's a lie!" Green says, indignant. "He's just mad I crushed him under-"

"Right before I won, right? Who's supposed to be mad, again?" You ask smugly. Helen watches with interest.

"Ugh! Quit lying!" Her voice grows in pitch. You bully. "I just wanted to offer you some help!"

Huh?

"I doubt a man like Darius would need any help," Silver interjects. "Or did you not see the Dragon Wagon debacle last year?"

"Well, he wasn't doing so hot in that last match!" You can't really see it, but you get a sinking feeling in your stomach when you notice Green's eyes growing moist. "And the tide can turn in battle!"

Ugh. You made her feel cornered. Well, you can definitely try to alleviate that. But the way your conversation with her kicked off springs to mind.

What will you say?
>[] "It sure can. If you mean it, we can work together a bit." Smile at Green.
>[] "Maybe, but I'd rather have a knight of the Order by my side." Look expectantly at Silver.

>>32412711
>[] "It sure can. If you mean it, we can work together a bit." Smile at Green.

Honestly I'd rather blow them both off, but instead of wasting more time with a write in I'd rather learn some dirty tricks from a legionnaire. Though this seems way too much like an act. You should probably mention that her attitude sucks.

>>32412711
>>[] "Maybe, but I'd rather have a knight of the Order by my side." Look expectantly at Silver.
She's probably easier to backstab later on.

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>[] "Maybe, but I'd rather have a knight of the Order by my side." Look expectantly at Silver.

A gentleman's world is a better world.

>>32412779
>>32412785
>>32412877
"Maybe," you begin. "But I'd rather have a knight of the Order by my side." You look expectantly at Silver. Perplexion fills her face at first, but it soon turns to a modest smile.

"I'm flattered by the offer, but-" She puts her hands up to demonstrate a lack of ill will.

"Hey! What the hell?" Green pipes up. You ignore her.

"Who said anything about offers?" You smile a wide grin. "I intend to join. Why don't we use this match to see how good you are?"

She hesitates. "We... Aren't looking for new members." Not very verbose, that one.

"Tsk. I bet home base would be pretty mad you turned me down." You your arms and look away in disappointment.

"I suppose we could arrange a test of sorts," Silver says meekly. "And I'll put in a recommendation..."

"Great!" Your cheer is palpable. "Then we should get right to the beds. No time to lose!"

Somehow, that comes out lewder than you could expect.

"Oh, wait. I don't even know your name," you say. "Darius Duravi. You know me already, right?"

"Ah, yes," Silver replies, her voice quivering. Quivering? You suppose she's hardly used to being led, the way you're stringing her along. "Kara Hekmatyar." Then, after some deliberation: "At your service," she adds.

"Geez, Dari," Helen whines, suddenly making her presence known again. "You're such a smooth Operator."

"I can't believe you!" Green raises her voice.

"Come on, ladies, don't be mad."

The announcement system begins blaring.

"ALL OPERATORS, REPORT IN FOR MATCH START.
I REPEAT, ALL OPERATORS, REPORT IN FOR MATCH START.
MATCH BEGINS IN FIVE MINUTES."

You grab Kara by the hand and drag her away.

[+1 EXP: Stalled for time and got away from Helen!]

[Level up! You are now Lv. 1.]

>>32413481
[Please select an ability:
[1] My Fappin' Arm - Your leading arm is well-trained, granting you an advantage when throwing items or bracing your firearm. Works across the plug. Called ability, usable once per thread. +2 on all rolls to throw. +1 on aim rolls.
[2] Superior Suppression - You know where to fire to make sure the enemy doesn't raise their head. You conserve ammo, shoot straight and always lead targets. At least with a machine gun. Works across the plug. Passive. +2 on all rolls to use suppressive fire.
[3] Detect Deception - You have a good eye for abnormal facial mimicry. When somebody is lying to you, you tend to have a hunch about it. Works only in meatspace. Called ability, usable twice per thread. When used, allows you to roll at +2 to perceive lies and untruths. Does not work against people who believe their own words or successfully trick themselves. If person in question did not lie (intentionally), you automatically fail after rolling. The DC will always be hidden. This ability requires a prompt such as "did Shanoa lie to us in this conversation?" or "was Shanoa lying when said [specific phrase]?" as it returns only a yes or a no.
Make your choice.]

I'm gonna let you guys vote on this while I continue the update.

>>32413614
>[2] Superior Suppression

>>32413614
>[3] Detect Deception

>>32413614
>[2] Superior Suppression - You know where to fire to make sure the enemy doesn't raise their head. You conserve ammo, shoot straight and always lead targets. At least with a machine gun. Works across the plug. Passive. +2 on all rolls to use suppressive fire.
Passive buffs are superior.

>>32413861
This guy gets it.

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>>32413614

Thusly saved by the bell, you quickly retreat to the stairs, which are a fair ways off. The elevator already has a small line next to it and you're not alone in wanting to descend by foot. You conquer a single flight, walk some 15 meters in an dank, barely illuminated underground passage that has seen better years and take four flights up. Most people use the front doors to enter, but you're not staff. It's the quicker way to get from the Dome to one of the side structures.

By the time you make it to the fourth floor, most of the "hammocks" are already taken. Your rapid eye movements allow you to locate two empty ones next to each other. You take Kara with you, walking in brisk steps. You let go of her hand at last. She seems to have regained her composure and speaks in her normal, curt tone.

"Non-intervention," Kara says simply. "If we notice each other by our insignia," she points to her arm, "we avoid attacking. Once the coast is clear, make this gesture and throw a grenade into the air." She shows you a peculair hand sign. "Cook it if needed. That'll be our signal to fight each other. Clear?"

"Pretty damn clear, yeah."

"Then let's go."

You both settle down on your beds, plug in your NOMMI implants and close your eyes.

The mission is a siege free-for-all. A fortified area, walled off from the outside, contains the "defenders." Surrounding it are the "attackers." Both "sides" will be worn down significantly by the time the attackers get to the designated area. There should be point defenses on the defending area's perimeter, so waiting to attack is a good idea if you're on the assault. Let the defenders kill each other off. However, you'll also be in the open, which means the population density will drop very quickly. If you're defending, you're basically locked in with a lot of cutthroat competition. The inner area is inevitably a bloodbath.

The odds aren't fair. They never are.

You begin selecting your loadout.
[2/3, this last one is short]

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>>32413902
Kara's insignia is burned into the back of your head. It's a variation on the Order's usual coat of arms, the only difference being a string of words above it:

"FIDES POTESTAS EST."

Faith is power, if you recall correctly.

You wonder which side of the barricade you two will be on. If even on the same side.

Will you even bother to keep the agreement?

THREAD END.

>>32413964
Is anything unclear? Critique? Commentary? Anything you liked and want to see more of?

The more you tell me what you think, the more I can improve and entertain you guys better.

>>32413964
Thanks for running.

>>32413977
Damn good thread, can't wait to shoot our allies "accidentally" first chance we get.

>>32413964
Aww shit, I got home too late. Anyways, great thread. I'm quite impressed that you ran for so long. Looking forward to operating in the next.

>>32414058
Voting is still open on the level up, by the way. It's open for as long as the thread remains alive.

>>32413977
>Anything you liked and want to see more of?
I liked the waifus

>>32414069
I trust in our operational skill.
>Detect Deception
seems extremely useful in downtime threads.

Damnit, just got home and saw we nearly made Green cry, we are so getting her and Knight on our harem.

In case anyone here doesn't follow the twitter (and to raise public awareness, I guess)

Next OOQ airs June 1!

Most likely in the unholy hours of the night 4chan time, so stock up on coffee. This thread almost killed me.

>>32413614
>[1] My Fappin' Arm - Your leading arm is well-trained, granting you an advantage when throwing items or bracing your firearm. Works across the plug. Called ability, usable once per thread. +2 on all rolls to throw. +1 on aim rolls.
gotta go with that

>>32376085
I poop in my hands

>>32413614
>[3] Detect Deception.
shit will be useful.

>>32414324
What?