Kevin was walking about the halls of the base. The Skyranger had returned from the last mission about an hour ago, and fatigue was catching up to him after the events of the last few hours. There wasn't much to celebrate. But he knew that they had to be strong.
He walked into his assigned living quarters. Most everyone in the base was in the radar rooms or the command center, all anxious about the events of the past few days. Though some were returning to their quarters, especially those from the last mission, as Kevin entered he saw that his quarters were empty. Except for Tyson, who was over in the corner, with a portable screen he was tinkering with.
Kevin walked over, and sat down by him, and though Tyson didn't react Kevin felt that he had already been welcomed. He glanced at the screen. It was a detailed report of the last mission, showing the maneuvers of the team as they attempted to advance through the UFO. There was little to be said about how poorly the mission had went.
"How's it going?" he had had the bravery to ask.
"Ahhh. Not the best." It wasn't much of a response, but it sufficed. Kevin decided to wait, watching as Tyson analyzed the images. After a few minutes Tyson spoke.
"Well, I'm the Commander now..." he seemed to trail off. "Yeah. That's a lot to deal with."
"You see right here?" Tyson was pointing at the screen, a small yellow dot. "Why were we lined up like this? We don't have any cover! Ahh, if only we had turned...I think we can fix it though. If we just move carefully..." He had slightly changed the subject. "I don't know. We were so...excited, nervous. It just didn't work well."
"Have you figured out our mistakes?" Kevin didn't want to touch on losses yet, though he could feel it coming.
"There's much we can do. And we will. We'll be ready when we have to take on that base." Tyson sounded confident. And he probably knew what he was talking about. They sat for a few more minutes, listening. Odd, how quiet the room was compared to the excitement outside.
"You know.....I....well..." Tyson had started, but stopped. Kevin had been thinking the same thing. He carried on where Tyson had left off, "We lost some good guys. Jesse.....I've known him for quite a while. Never really thought he'd be gone. But, I don't know. There's just this feeling that even though it would be better if he were here, he's fine where he is. We've got to carry on though."
"I know. I think that it's going to shake up the others. It probably has. But we can make it. I'm sure that we can."
"Yeah. You know you're stuff. We're standing behind you."
"Thanks. I'll do my best."
"We know you will. We trust you."
"Thanks. I know you all mean it. Despite the circumstances." Kevin just smiled. Tyson closed the computer. Noticing that Kevin looked exhausted, he turned to leave. "Hey Kev. Thanks for keeping you're cool out there. I was scared....I just didn't know what to think. You pulled me through. It should be you as commander, not me."
"Nah man, we're all part of the team. You'll do well." Tyson nodded, then turned to leave. Kevin settled down, sleep rushing over him.
This whole report/ blog has taken on a bit of a serious nature. Not quite as....enthusiastic as it might have been. I like it, though. Matches in a way. Maybe I'll try another style, if I started another game, but I doubt that will happen. Something like RvB, but clean and such.
6 plasma clips from the last mission. At least I got something out of it. First things first: Grenades all around. After selling some junk I have close to 5 million again. I'm wondering where the monies went. Life insurance suits, most likely.
Hmm, not enough store space. I set up another general stores in the base, and a second alien containment. I'm still researching stun bombs, and I'll get to small launchers after that. Hopefully that will allow the capture of an alien commander. Meanwhile, the Skyranger refuels, and the soldiers get ready to head out for the small UFO in Germany.
The Skyranger takes its time filling up, and I send it out as soon as it's done. The UFO is also done, and it takes off. I-2 is flying guard though, and lines up his sights, to realize that he only has 1(!) small missile left. He moves in close for the best shot...and hits but doesn't kill. I send him back to base, seeing how he is literally out of everything. The Skyranger bravely follows in pursuit, and after a tour of Europe the UFO lands in Spain. This time the Skyranger is ready, and I set down awaiting the mission.
I load everyone up with extra junk, trying to up their strength for their future grenade porting job.
I drive down the loading ramp, contemplating how it is always night around here. I spot the UFO, and then absent mindedly drive the tank in the opposite direction. *whack* My brain's common sense section smacks me on the back of my head, and brings instant disgrace as well as a slight stinging. Devyn sets up for a far reaction shot towards the UFO door, but I can't get an electro flare toss in there. Hopefully next turn, if necessary.
Oh, and a word on my maps. Just trying to spice them up a bit. If something happened last turn that I mentioned, I'll try to show it on the map. Also what I plan to do or have done, relating to maneuvers and shooting and whatever. Yeah, this is the real deal.
There is some fire, but I can't find it as I explore. The UFO gets a healthy dose of electro flare, but the next toss goes awry, for some reason leaving the ground dark. Though I guess I can't actually see there. The Tank drives about, but reveals nothing, and I assume that the whole "Aliens see better than humans" thing is true. Another victory for E.T. I send out a group to spot to the west. Melissa isn't quite strong enough to chuck the electro flare into the darkness...pushups!
Everyone finally hops off the ship, and I realize the perfectly spaced-yet-not-enough positioning. I guess we'll have to deal.
The tank takes a beating--two health left. I search for the attacker and---whoa, what the heck is that?!
Mary doesn't want to find out, and punishes the beasty with plasma. It lets out a horrible screech as the plasma cooks it to a pulpy, snakish delicacy. The rest of the map is cleared, and so it's on to the UFO. The 4-person team keeps it's distance, I plan on advancing in a second... The usual game of sardines starts up with the rest of the troops, and I wonder how we can all be so casual. Ah well
Son of a monkey! Something fried the wall behind Carly, but I can't see anything. Invisibility cloak? You're sneaky, Mr. Potter! But not as sneaky as suppressive fire. Jacque supplies some, revealing another snake man, and Carly teaches him some manners for the attempted shot in the back.
I advance for the UFO, and Kamille wins the 'Worst reactions in history' award, so we're waiting for another turn again.
However, I realize that both Bree and Devyn have the reactions of a hippo as well. Humpf. I decide Kamille will be the brave soul, as she is in front.
Oh. Crap. That is not what I was expecting. Three dubies-with Kamille in perfect position to be cooked, deepfried, and broiled within 1.37 seconds. I aim for the commander-and the other two reaction all over Kamille. But she's buff--and lives. For now, but she's gotta move so Bree can finish them. No pressure.
Kamille's out of the way--But Bree missed! Oh sheesh, what is the deal? Oh, no more TUs, even for a snapshot. We are fried-I can't even get a grenade in there- Bree ducks out, and Kamille---well, she's dead. And that's that.
And yes, on the next turn, Kamille is...well, yeah.
Maria peeks in and throws a grenade-but then the aliens chop her down too. Well, at least they'll both be dead. I try the empty clip thing, just to see if it works.
That mission wasn't good. Not like the others. I--well, there wasn't much I could do, Kamille was in a bad spot, and someone had to run through the door to finish them. Not many goodies, either. And the attempted pics of plasma and explosives didn't come out of developing....so you get to see the dead bodies of the angry aliens. Yay!
That grenade throw vaporized all the dead bodies in the UFO-The commander, Maria and Kamille. Along with their stuff. That commander had something nice, curse my vaporizing habits. And what's up with no Elerium? X-COM already swiped the 150 Elerium from the supply mission...I guess it could have been the grenade throws.
Though, thinking of it, perhaps I could have not shot the commander, hoped he had a small launcher, and then with luck he would have stun grenaded everyone in the ship. Ala no casualties and 3 aliens. Though that is just speculation. Another possible tactic, I suppose.
A few days later ten soldiers arrive, unaware of the mission that awaits them. I get on Facebook, and check for any that should be....special.
Stats:
Hannah Banana C,G:50,60,38,50,39,58,75,22-Higher accuracy, reactions and strength both low.
BriAnne D. C,R:53,43,27,50,54,46,62,40-Reactions are great, bravery is up there.
Reggillious C-,R:56,64,36,60,54,40,76,34-Big reactions, but that accuracy...
Brianna B. C-,S:57,40,37,10,35,61,56,23-I like the accuracy, but otherwise....
Jill S. B+,S:57,62,37,40,59,63,78,26-Super accuracy and reactions. Now this is a trooper.
Kaden Downs C,S:51,47,40,50,37,69,52,25-I like high accuracy. Neh on others.
Vladimir P. D+,MS:55,43,31,10,51,46,53,38-Reactions are good, he's not a bad soldier.
Zach S. B-,S:55,49,26,60,41,63,66,22-Accuracy with low-average reactions.
Mahmoud A. D,MS:56,52,33,10,38,52,55,22-he deserves the ranking.
Marie G. C-,G;58,68,33,30,30,56,78,23-Reactions are low, elsewise average.
Katrina S. C,G:58,63,33,30,35,57,55,38-Basically average.
So, those are the new troops. Low grades, but they are rookies and being compared to experienced soldiers.(well, mostly) All the other grades are basically the same. Also, after studying how X-COM ups stats....well, it's an entire science, let me just say.
Now, I'm waiting. Waiting for research to finish, and for another run on a supply ship. And for cake.
After a few days, 5 more rookies arrive at X-COM USA, just for guard purposes.
Patrick M. C,S:58,46,27,50,35,66,54,20-Super accuracy, but slightly under on others.
Lace P. C+,G:59,67,26,20,53,56,54,24-Higher reactions, but average elsewhere. Good mix.
Hmm, facebook is having troubles providing me with friends... So I will chose some.
Amber C. C+,S:56,50,27,50,3,69,70,30-Accuracy of a champion reactions of a snail. But who needs those anyway?
Ivan W. D+,G:59,44,39,10,32,54,33-Well, low stats, but fine.
Jacki B+,R:56,56,29,50,59,60,62,37-Very nice, reactions and accuracy. Good on others too.
Well, that's everyone. Maybe if I get an extra Skyranger I'll send it over, so they can fight with the hordes. Back to the old waiting game.
Stun bombs are done, so now its waiting for the small launcher. I send Interceptor-1 out to peek at the aliens, but no detections. I also check the graphs, hopefully there is only one alien base on the planet. And it looks like it. I've got 5 power suits ready now...though I'm not sure what to do with them. I figure I'll build some flying suits to match. Research isn't going as fast as I would hope....those lazy scientists, just like the engineers at work.
The general stores is complete, and I purchase tons of grenades. And a high explosive. For Mahmoud. The grenades arrive, and I shove them into the Skyranger. 3 Flying suits are done, and still I'm waiting. Not that I haven't been the whole game...but now I have something to do once I'm done!
I keep up the usual patrols, though I haven't seen any alien supply ships recently. I do want to sack one, but if they don't arrive, I basically can't. Also, I am wondering what plan I should take when I do attack the base---
Doh! Game crashed. Well, I'm going to leave all this here, and I'll change the stats as necessary. Only the new soldiers have arrived since the last save. Too bad it doesn't auto-save....
But the stats are the same, so I finish everything I've done and then save. I still can't find any alien UFOs, so I figure it's time for a raid. I do a fake test, just to see if tanks enter bases, and I guess they do. Jacque did an amazing reaction shot into the darkness after getting hit by behind....but I guess that didn't really happen. You just dreamed it.
Kevin was heading for the empty hangar that had previously been occupied by Interceptor-2. There was a special meeting, and anyone involved with the base assault needed to be there. When he arrived, he saw more than just the crew that would likely be selected to engage the alien base; nearly everyone, not just soldiers but generals, scientists, everyone; was there on the hangar floor. Tyson was near the center. obviously is the position to be speaking. General Grey was standing by him, along with a few other VIPs. Kevin made his way to the front, where the soldiers were clustered. There was a large projection screen in front of them in a circular object, much like on Starwars. Only the current data stream was on the screen at the moment: images of the alien base, views of earth, radar scans, weather, and of course, tomorrow's dinner menu. These views could be found on any telescreens in the base, and they were in most commons areas.
"When are they starting this?" Kevin asked Reggie. Reggie had just arrived a few days ago, but he had got the hang of the base quickly. He was one of the guys that both he and Tyson knew well. Some of the others Kevin had never met.
"I don't know. They said in a couple minutes after everyone get's here. You're going on this mission, right?"
"Yeah. I've been here since the start."
"I'm not sure about all this. I've never had any combat experience."
"I know. Nobody has. But we do with what we've got. You should be fine."
"I sure hope so." Reggie seemed somewhat anxious, but Tyson started calling the meeting to order.
"Alright, I think everyone is here. Listen up! As you all know, this past month has been filled with more action than all the others combined. We've located an alien base, and we can't allow it to remain here. For the past month we've been waiting for the technology to adequately attack the base. Philmore here will tell you more."
A scientist, dressed in the ever popular white lab coat, stepped up to the front. "Hello, everyone. Our primary goal is to discover the alien purpose here on Earth. We've been capturing alien technology and reverse engineering it, but we need to capture the aliens to actually discover more about their reasons here. Recently we've brought in an alien stunning weapon, and it has proven capable at disabling alien species as well. The device works like a grenade launcher, and it stuns those in the explosion radius."
The General cut in, "When we attack the alien base, it is likely there will be very important aliens there. We need to capture a commander, and this is the best way to do it."
There was a pause, then Phil continued. "Yes, the device will be used to capture high ranking commanders so we can interrogate them. We believe the information could prove priceless." Phil glanced around, and Tyson stepped back up.
"Thankyou. Ok, we have to discuss the overall strategy of the base assault. While I know that many of you will not be attacking the base, you should listen also, to know what we are doing. We hope to have your full support as we depart on the mission. Feel free to ask any questions as I go on."
"We will enter the base through the primary access. Like this base, it is underground. The aliens bring supplies in through a shaft from the surface, that is where we will be entering."
"Any idea of the structure inside? Will we be split up?" Kevin was unsure who had voiced this.
"We have no idea what the inner base will look like. If it is like ours, it should be on a type of grid. It may be like an anthill though, meaning awkward hallways and such. Then upper entrance is large enough for our HWP to fit through, so we will have that support." That was a relief. At least they'd have a scout.
The General began to explain. "Our objective is to capture aliens in the command center, and then detonate the center as well. With any luck, we will be able to capture a commander. However, we only have two stun launchers, and 5 stun bombs. So, we need to conserve ammo. The actual weapons will have to be carried in a pack, then pulled out when the time is right. We can't bring home more than 12 aliens, once the new facilities are done, and we need one for the commander." Tyson continued,
"Right. Those able will carry the stun launchers along with a laser rifle. Once we enter the base, we need to group up into a size we can allow. Corners are likely to be tight, much like a UFO. We will need to cover each other, and stay in cover as we search for the command center."
"What sort of resistance will we be up against?" It was Courtney F. who asked this time. The General took this one.
"The best of the best, most likely. That means, terror units, advanced weapons, and psionic attacks."
Tyson continued, "So, we will need to keep moving. From previous observations, only commanders launch Psy attacks, so once we find the command center and capture the commander, we can attempt to hold out or move back. The stun may wear off, so we will have to be careful about timing. If we pay attention everything should work out fine."
Tyson glanced over at the General, checking if they had forgotten anything. The General made one final mention, "I will be in constant contact. The new suits have linked video, so you can see what each of you sees. We hope this will allow better combat functionality. Everyone here at the base is supporting you."
Kevin had one final question: "When are we going?" He caught a faint glint in Tyson's eye, along with a slight grin. "As soon as alien containment is done."
The conversation then switched to tactics, advancing and attacking, staying in groups, and covering fire. Technical stuff. Also, the high usage of grenades seemed to be in order for the next mission. Proximity grenades, at least. Sounded good to Kevin. They had been waiting too long. Time to do this.
I just realized that the alien medic research caused the game to crash. Darn. As I look through the alternate options, I realize I dragged in two snakemen, one a navigator. Perhaps I should have paid attention to that post mission screen...I was just so shocked at the loss.....
Huh. Well, even though that is...odd, with the navigator researched I can research Hyperwave Decoders, which I hear are totally awesome.
With that I stuff my supplies on the Skyranger, and decide who is going on the base mission. I'm choosing the best we've got, so those with the higher grades by their names. Or primarily captains and colonels. And meatshields. Could be a morale hurricane if too many die....but that's not likely:
Tyson A.; Natalie C.; Kevin D.; Tanner; Zen Halen; Courtney J.; Melisa W.; Jill S.; Vladimir P.; Mahmoud A.
I'm hoping it works out. Tanner has left the MS class, as he is a Captian and has sway on morale. His grade is still C-.
A UFO flies by, but I don't engage. Then another very small one, it crashes in Brazil, and I figure I might as well. Very small ones only have one alien, as far as I know. I've got everyone on with power or flying armor, so I'm ready...it would suck to lose someone though.
I unload the tank, and wait for the alien to show. Rule is, you only get to fire if you have a laser rifle. Only Natalie and Tanner get out. I find a lone snakeman, and Tanner extracts vengeance. With that, my well equipped squad heads back to base. As soon as the alien containment is done, that alien base is going down. And I decide to switch Jacque A. for Tanner. He's done enough. Or something.
Everything is ready. Finally, it's time to attack the alien base. Everyone on the Skyranger has advanced armor, except Vlad and Mahm. With the best of equipment too. Let's hope it all goes well...
The Skyranger was on it's way down to South Africa. They were finally attacking the alien base. Everything was ready. They had constant communication with the general and the others at the base, and they were all wearing advanced armor. Well, most of them. The armor had shared views, at any time, Kevin could see what anyone else was seeing through the view piece, like sharing eyes.(this isn't actually true, but it should be)It would help them see what problems the others were facing. Also with a built in gas mask, to filter smoke and such. The suits were very nice, Elerium powered. They should offer enhanced protection. Tyson stood up, as they were only about 2o minutes out now.
"Ok, guys. We're going in to what will likely be the toughest battle we've faced. Same aliens, but on their home court. It's going to be small and cramped. We've gotta follow our tactics, because the whole place is going to be filled with corners. But you know all of this already. You're chosen for this mission because you're the best out there. Because you know what you're doing. We have great chances of completing this mission unscathed. While it might not be the best place, I just want to thank you all for standing by me through all of this." Tyson had decided to tell everyone about how it was his fault that they were there. It had been accepted well, as he really hadn't planned it.
"You're the man, Tyson, we're with ya till the end!" Kevin agreed with Zen's statement. "Yeah, you're a great leader" There were a couple more "Huzzah's" thrown out. Then Tyson rose his hands to quiet them. "Alright, alright. Thanks, guys. Well, you sound ready, and we've only got a couple minutes to touchdown. We've got a direct link with the general, hang on."
The General's voice came over the comm. "Men, women, I'd like to tell you that you're the best that we've got. We're all routing for you back here at base, and we know you can do it. You'll be able to take out that alein base. The fate of X-COM, the fate of the planet lies in your hands. Good luck!"
"Thankyou, General." Tyson said. The General and the entire base were linked to the soldiers. If anyone said anything, they could hear it. Kevin didn't know about the General. Though he believed his good intentions, he wasn't quite sure on his allegiance. He couldn't be sure, but he figured that there might be more going on between the General and 'The Contributors.' And even if not, General Grey would likely tell them, much more so than any of the others. Though so far, only he and Tyson knew about 'The Contributors,' they didn't tell anyone else.
"We're ten minutes out!" the pilot called back. "Ok, as soon as we hit ground we're heading for the access lift. I'm not sure if we should expect any resistance there or not. Kevin and Courtney, you two will have the stun launchers in your packs. We'll each grab one of the other three so as to space out the load for you. You'll pull it out when we find the command center. We've got to capture an alien commander and find out what it knows. Commanders are the one's with the psionic powers, we might be able to learn a defense against them." Alright, everyone ready? Zen, you're taking the rocket." The Skyranger was setting down. "Ok, let's go."
Like always the tank was off first. But there was nothing detected, and the access lifts were only a short distance away. As they moved to the lifts, Kevin was thinking about The Contributors. He needed to tell Tyson, but he didn't want to be overheard. And with the shifty nature of these unknown commanders, who knows what cameras could be all over the base.
"Hey, we've found another lift, there's two!" In a clearing both lifts were visible. "Ok, Jacque, Jill and Natalie....and Mahmoud.....you go down that one. Stay in contact." They started descending the lifts. There was the possibility that communication would be lost, especially with the surface, if they descended too far, or there was any type of jamming device. Kevin tested a call to base. "General, do you copy....over." No reply. "Well, that's nice," Tyson muttered, and for Kevin it actually was.
"Tyson, you know The Contributors, whoever they are? I'm just wondering, but I think they have more to do with this than just X-COM. I think the might have started the whole invasion."
Tyson stared at him. "They created the aliens? Now you're just talking crazy, Kev."
"Think about it. Did you ever think that there actually were aliens? Never before. And nothing since before the last 6 months. Sure, you'll say government cover ups, but I really think that these aliens coming here and the whole forming X-COM and then choosing you weren't all coincidences. I'm betting that they're all interrelated."
Tyson just stared. Not that much else was expected.
Kevin continued, "Look, I had to tell you now. I don't trust the allegiance of anyone but us, the soldiers. I don't know, just think about it." The lift had stopped.
When equipping I accidentally hit the start button before I'm ready. So Mahm ends up without a gun on the first turn. We start things off with an odd set up, scattered about the base. Natalie spies two aliens right off.
She knocks down the Cyberdisk, and the explosion kills the Sectoid. I feel very very restricted in this base. The others take up positions along the walls, and Mahmy tosses a proxy grenade. We will have to wait until we find a spare gun around here for him.
The other group is equally cramped. Zen and Courtney are both on the first floor. Zen sees a Sectoid, and decides to rocket him down, which he does. Who cares about those exhibits anyway? I move down the lift, trying to set up a position with my limited TUs. The tanks heads off the southern passage, Zen and Tyson both have the eastward one.
An alien pops out and shoots at Jacque, but misses. Her reaction shot takes him down, and that's all I see in the turn. I start with the left group this time. It's slow moving securing the grav-lift closets, and I am worried about advancing into the larger exhibits. Melissa chucks an electro flare, because she has very low TUs with the weight. Vlad and Courtney move around the grav room, then Courtney goes inside. I advance into the exhibit, and Tyson kills a Sectoid from across the room. But I can now be attacked from all angles.
On the far side, Jill and Natalie are in the grav room, when Mahm advances forward into plasma fire. But he's brave, and continues on, though weaponless. Jacque moves in and neutralizes the Sectiod. I have very little TUs for anyone though.
They had just entered the base. The first room held a large grav lift area, and Zen and Courtney had already descended, and it looked like the other group had too. From what Kevin could tell from his sensors, the second group had actually ended up quite a ways away. Natalie and the Iranian were both on the lower floor, and suddenly a small window appereared in the top left of his screen. It was the shared view, and it automatically popped up because Natalie had pushed the call button. It was her view.
"I see two of them, right in front of me!" She whispered, "I'm aiming to take out the Cyberdisk." Kevin saw her level her plasma and open fire. The first shots hit, and the disk fell and exploded. Kevin could hear the boom from across the base. The Sectoid had been engulfed in flame, and was no more.
"Everyone head down the lifts, stay in cover for this first part. We've gotta secure the area." Tyson instructed. The HWP that was next to Kevin rolled over to the lift and dropped out of sight, followed by Melissa. "I've got one down here. Rocket clear!" Kevin heard Zen say over the comm. Almost directly below him he felt the ground shake as the rocket exploded, followed by some smaller pops. He checked that the area below was clear, then headed down the lift.
"Upper, how's it looking?" Tyson called. "Looks good." Natalie responded. We've got a proxy covering our southern side, and we're splitting on each side. Any idea where we should go?"
"Not yet, just secure the area for now."
At the bottom of the lift, Tyson and Zen had covered the eastern corridor, while Courtney and the others were heading to what looked like a single grav lift closet, or something. Kevin really had no idea. He took up positions behind Tyson and Zen, and swapped through views from the upper group, deciding on Jacque as she was peeking around a corner into the room where the Cyberdisk had just exploded. As he covered Zen he saw some movement on the upper screen. His eyes averted, just in time to see a Sectoid fire a bolt of plasma past Jacque's head. He blinked as it flew past, but Jacque already had her rifle up, and she shot the Sectoid dead on. "Take that, yeh bugger!" she called.
Courtney and Vlad were moving around the grav lift room. Melissa said something about carrying too much. She tossed down the electro flare she had brought, but everything else she had was likely necessary. Kevin looked forward again. Zen poked around the corner, but Tyson took the lead. "I see one," he mentioned. He took aim, and hit the Sectoid from across the room. They both entered the room, covering along the side walls. Kevin moved up to their previous positions, when he heard a shout. "Wha- I'm shot at, I'm shot at!" The thick accent was hard to distinguish at times, but Kevin understood this time.
"I've got him," Jacque said. She rounded the corner and shot the Sectiod. "Yep, he's down."
"Natalie, Jill, where are you?" Tyson was probably the one who called. "We're circling a grav room over here, not sure if there's any aliens inside, we're staying down."
"Roger that, keep moving."
A shot flies toward Tyson, but I have no idea from where. Another shot at the left grav lift, eats through a wall. I can't see any of the previous attackers right off. The tank enters the room from below and finds the beast, and Kevin finishes it. There's a big black room down there, I really don't know what to expect. Maybe a hive mother, or a big screen TV, or something to that effect.
Mahm moves in behind the other firing alien, finds it, calls back to Jacque, and she finishes it. Now that's teamwork. Jill moves around the other side, but still no reaction shots for her. Natalie primes a proxy for the other corridor, but I can't toss it in the turn, so I wait. I decide that grav lifts are out of style, and move Courtney and her super TU out of the room. But a miss-click and she walks all back and wastes it. Doh! Vlad is securing the upper rooms, some fan looking area. Either a cooling room or a skydiving room, I can't say. But Melissa and Courtney are both in bad positions. Zen advances down the tight corridor, brave seeing how he is only holding a rocket launcher. I believe I've got the western side of the base, still need to get over to the east, and the black room down there.
Suddenly, bursts of plasma fire could be heard. Kevin could see one. It was headed for Tyson, but hit the large tank in front of him. Kevin couldn't quite make it out, but from the south of the room the tank could. "I see a Sectoid!" Kevin's right in position, and he kills it with his plasma. "Can anyone see it? I saw it by the wall, but it moved!" Melissa was saying.
Mahmoud was running towards the room. "I see one. I see." he said. Jacque(who was still the view Kevin was looking at) poked around the corner and shot the Sectoid down. "How many is that for today?" Kevin asked. "He he, I'm gonna set a record," she responded.
Kevin looked at the tactical map view. Vladimir was moving north up the corridor, but Courtney and Melissa were standing slightly in the open. Hopefully nothing came down those grav lifts. "I'm heading north," Zen said. He was moving to a more cramped area, but he would probably be fine. Towards the top, Natalie and Jill were securing their flanks. Everything was going well so far.
I hear a door and a spell, but I don't see anything. Good riddance. Mahmy finds a heavy plasma, so now he's armed and dangerous. The north west side is cleared, however it is done by meatshields so I'm not sure how effective that was, seeing how they're out of position. I'm still wondering about those grav lifts....
Natalie walks around the corner into a Sectoid. I've got the grenade ready...and the laser rifle in the other hand. Which sounds like the better option. Natalie quick draws it out, and turns that Sectoid into pudding. Yee Haw!
I spot another sectoid in the black room, what I deem the command center. I don't know if it's the commander I seek, but Kevin's whipping out his small launcher. I need something, at least. Courtney and Zen chain toss the other one up to Tyson, so we're ready for business. Next turn, of course.
"I'm tossing a proxy up here, hopefully that will keep the aliens off our back, if there are any." Natalie was saying. Kevin swapped over to her view while he waited behind the storage tank. Natalie poked around the corner, only to come face to face with a Sectoid. Kevin's heart stuttered, but Natalie was fast. She rose her right hand and shot down the Sectoid with her rifle. Then she tossed the grenade behind it. "All clear."
"Kevin, you see that? What kind of gun did that thing have?" Tyson was asking. Kevin hadn't seen it. "Was it a commander?"
"I don't know, but it had a really big gun. Not sure what it could do. He's gotta be important, whoever he is."
"Yeah," Kevin pulled out his small launcher. He'd be able to stun it with this. "Who's got the other launcher?" he called. "I've got it over here," Courtney said. She pulled it out and tossed it up. Zen threw it to Tyson, and he grabbed it. "Kev, you ready? Let's get these things." Neither of them had put their heavy plasmas away, but they could in a second.
Kevin was waiting. He called out to Tyson as he slipped away his heavy plasma. "Tyson, are you ready? Where are you? Let's go." He couldn't find out what was wrong. He tried switching to his view. "Tyson, what's up?" he called as he did. Tyson's strangely mutated voice came over the speaker "KILL ALL HUMANS!"
Tyson's mind controlled. Oh, no. He's got two guns, one's a heavy plasma, one's a stun bomb. Who knows what he'll do...
Kevin moves out of cover, trying to line up on Tyson, and takes a hit in the back. Alien, the Mind Control one?.... Kevin's got the stun gun out, but if he shoots the Sectoid...Tyson will likely get shot or shoot someone.(Can't say I'm too happy about my options) But, for the game..... Wait, now that Kevin is shot, his TUs are shot, so he can't shoot again. Oh, curses!
I try for a smoke grenade. Only Jacque has one. I'm trying to have everyone pass it up, but Mahm uses his TUs to pick it up, so the chain is stopped. I guess I could have tossed the launcher, maybe. Kevin moves back, and Zen is going to heal him, as he has one fatal wound and 6 heath. The tank moves right in front of the alien, and I hope Tyson is as dumb as he is mentally strong. Courtney also moves into position. This is a lot of work...shoulda tossed the launcher....
Vlad runs back down as fast as his legs will carry him, and Melissa heads up the grav lift. Oh, so that's what's up there.
Tyson A. has panicked. Better than psycho, that's for sure. Also, huge explosion, over by Jacque. Not a proxy grenade, something else. The Sectoid walked back down the tunnel, no idea if he's the commander or not. The tank follows, and spies two aliens, I'm guessing the one in back is the commander(he's cooler, anyway). Tyson is frozen right down the hall....ahh, not sure what to do again. We need that commander though. Kevin hands the blaster to Courtney, but she won't be able to do the behind the wall shot yet. Kevin's only got 9 health, and he's waiting in back. The crazy tank drives right into the command center...don't know what will become of him now. But yes, that's the command center. I'm going for the alien in back, he has a devil gun. We can clear the back later. Tyson does have some cover...but enough? I don't know.
Tyson's berserk this time. But we're going to forget about him. Still no shots on the tank. It's chrome is to beautiful to scratch, I assume. Courtney is aiming at the ground near the aliens, hoping the explosion will hit them. She fires the stun bomb, and it stuns. One alien, at least. Courtney does the classic hand in the air grab(Napoleon Dynamite) "Yes!" Great shot by Courtney.
Natalie and Jill are heading down from the top. Tyson panics, and the tank is so fiercely shelled it blows apart. No explosion though. Suddenly, Mahmy turns to Vladimir. The dual dictators stare at each other, when Mahm gives into the will of the Sectiods and fiercely guns the communist down. What will Russia do now? No matter, Jacque isn't sad about slaying meatloaf, and she does.
Both meatshields down....and the HWP. Gotta get through this.... Zen fires a rocket down the hall, killing the other Sectoid. Now we just have to get in the CC. I have to move really slowly, and hope no more mind controls. I think that Natalie and Jill haven't been seen, so their heading to the CC from the top. With no meatshiels, who's busting in the door? I guess we'll see when the time comes. Should be Tyson, he is the commander after all.
Mahms smoke grenade goes off. Zen had no rockets, so he grabbed an alien's plasma. The trio is nearing the CC door, as long as no one blasts each other's heads off....
Jill and Natalie are nearing the CC as well, and Jacque's headed back that way. The proxys are guarding, but that's their job. Melissa is moving forward as well, but I don't know about her mental strength.
They were outside the first door of the command center now. The last couple minutes had been really hectic, and Kevin was caught up in it. He had a hard time breathing, as he had been shot in the back. The wounds weren't critical now, but he wasn't in very good shape anymore. Tyson was panicking over in the corner, and the two foreigners were both dead at the moment. Mind attacks were happening left and right. Kevin had felt some presence at one time, but he had forced it off. He was taking charge now. As they moved to the door, he called for Zen to get in front. Both he and Courtney were at the doorway now, ready to enter.
"I've only got one stun bomb," Courtney called. Kevin had given her his gun, as he wasn't in position for the long shot that had been required. Tyson had the other one with him, where ever that was. "Right, I'm running one up now," Melissa called over. Kevin felt tired, but he knew what he had to do. They were at the doors right now. He squared his shoulders and got ready to enter.
Zen moves to point, as Kevin's lost about two gallons of blood. Courtney is backing up Zen. Jill finds a window and peeks through it, and I think that we could just burst through the walls...
Perhaps, maybe into the command center itself. Open a hole, Courtney shoots through it...yeah, sounds good. We have to wait though.
Courtney reaction shots Zen's head. No stun to either of them, and I don't even know if she hit the alien. I believe Tyson is the target of countless alien mind attacks. Fine with me, but unfortunately he is also standing on a stun gun. Who gave that to him anyway? Melissa and Jacque both have the extra stun bombs, and they are moving up by Courtney now. Zen and Kevin have the halls covered. Or so I hope.
The door suddenly opened, but Courtney was faster than the alien, and her stun bomb exploded. "That was weird," Zen commented. "We're gonna need that stun bomb now," Kevin called. "Yeah, I'm almost there," was the reply. They moved into the front door, Kevin and Zen both taking up positions down either hallway. "Jacque, are you bringing up the other bomb, just in case?" "Yeah, I've got it right here."
Kevin looked at the wall. And something occurred to him. "Didn't that Sectoid shoot through the wall with a heavy plasma?" he asked Zen. "Yeah, I think so." "Maybe we can do that here..." Both Kevin and Zen stared at the wall, and put their hands on the triggers...
Melissa brings up the stun bomb...and we're ready for action ASAP. I plan on making the hole in the middle of the wall. Ohh, please no devil guns!
Ahh, I can never capture the pics I want! Courtney's panicking. Better than Kaboom, at least. We've gotta go now, now or never! Melissa grabs the gun, but she won't be able to shoot until next turn! ahh! Ok, next turn.....
Now my top two,(or at lest one) have gone crazy. I try firing but to no avail! The wall won't budge. We have to go around.
Courtney started freaking out. She threw down her guns, turned and left the room. Those mind attacks were getting worse. Kevin knew that they had to move fast to end this or else they'd all be part of an alien experiment. He started blasting away at the wall. Melissa had picked up the stun launcher, and she was ready. But the wall didn't do more than scar. Zen tried as well, hitting it with 6 shots. Nothing. "I guess we're going around."
Both Tyson and Courtney are having issues, and I'm fine with that. Kevin leads around the lower side of the CC, while Zen heads the other way. I've got a primed smoke grenade, so hopefully that helps. With cover from the windows, we should make it.
Zen secures the doors, and I have Jill toss down her heavy plasma. She has a smoke grenade, that's all she needs. Kevin's moved around the far side, and Melissa needs to get into position. And Jacque panics. So more guns on the ground.
No MC that time, but you never know. The grenade is down, and Melissa is at the door. That stun ball better work....Here we go.
Don't you love how there's about two lines of text for a picture?
Gaa! that room's empty! But Zen sees the feet of two aliens. What do I do now? Can you toss grenades up lifts? Tyson has the other smoke bomb, and stun launcher. Oh, what to do... I fire the stun grenade up the lift, and hope I hit the right one. I don't think so, and the commander fires of a blaster bomb, blowing himself to bits. Drat.
"Does anyone have a smoke bomb?" Kevin called out. They were moving around the CC, and Natalie and the others were outside the walls. "I've got one," Jill said. "Ok, bring it in here. And everyone, toss down your weapons if you're not in a position to use them. If anyone get's mind controlled..." They hurried around the corner. Zen had gone the other way. "Front doors are clear."
"Alright, we're waiting for smoke before we enter. Everyone get ready."
Melissa moved to the front and Jill tossed in her grenade. The smoke filled the air, and Zen pushed through the triple doors first. He moved in. "I can't see anything. Big grav lift in the middle though. Kevin and Melissa followed. The room was empty, but the commander was obviously upstairs. Zen looked up. "I think those are feet. I can see two. Two aliens, but he couldn't make them out.
If they came down, they could kill everyone, or be shot by plasma. Kevin figured the best thing to do was shoot the stun bomb up there. "Melissa, go, shoot from down here. They had another bomb, so if they missed, hopefully they could get the last one when they went up the lift.
Melissa crouched down and shot the bomb up the lift. They heard it explode, and what sounded like a thud. Then they heard some alien talk, and what sounded like a rocket. Kevin ducked, and the ground started shaking uncontrollably. "What's happening?" Melissa yelled. Kevin looked up. The whole command center was exploding. "He blew it all up. He blew everything up!" The base was destroyed, but there quest for a commander was over.
But everyone(minus meaties) lived! Well done, very lucky, I have to say. Ahh, only an engineer and a navigator. I was so close... But blaster bombs though. A good find, I believe. No unloading stuff, but I have 9 HP clips and guns, not too bad. I'm deciding on a new HWP. Hopefully the new one will be plasma. Either way, it should be nice.
Well, no commanders, despite the excellent opportunity. But great job by everyone. MVP to Jacque, for reaction shots and meatshield killing. I'll have to order some more... It's only mid-April, but we're doing well. Kevin's out for 21 days, but he did some excellent leading. And Tyson gained some courage, too bad it took him the whole mission. But very nice, I am super happy about this whole thing. So I'm leaving off here, quit while you're ahead sort of thing. And by the way, 82 pics. Just from the base thing. Yeah, hardcore. Oh, leave a comment about my italic overlays. Like, this time Kevin described the action after it happened, but just wondering if you think I should put the descriptions before. Or perhaps half and half. And that middle, I just didn't want to write all the dialogue for it. It would be nice, but this thing is beastly enough as it is.
He walked into his assigned living quarters. Most everyone in the base was in the radar rooms or the command center, all anxious about the events of the past few days. Though some were returning to their quarters, especially those from the last mission, as Kevin entered he saw that his quarters were empty. Except for Tyson, who was over in the corner, with a portable screen he was tinkering with.
Kevin walked over, and sat down by him, and though Tyson didn't react Kevin felt that he had already been welcomed. He glanced at the screen. It was a detailed report of the last mission, showing the maneuvers of the team as they attempted to advance through the UFO. There was little to be said about how poorly the mission had went.
"How's it going?" he had had the bravery to ask.
"Ahhh. Not the best." It wasn't much of a response, but it sufficed. Kevin decided to wait, watching as Tyson analyzed the images. After a few minutes Tyson spoke.
"Well, I'm the Commander now..." he seemed to trail off. "Yeah. That's a lot to deal with."
"You see right here?" Tyson was pointing at the screen, a small yellow dot. "Why were we lined up like this? We don't have any cover! Ahh, if only we had turned...I think we can fix it though. If we just move carefully..." He had slightly changed the subject. "I don't know. We were so...excited, nervous. It just didn't work well."
"Have you figured out our mistakes?" Kevin didn't want to touch on losses yet, though he could feel it coming.
"There's much we can do. And we will. We'll be ready when we have to take on that base." Tyson sounded confident. And he probably knew what he was talking about. They sat for a few more minutes, listening. Odd, how quiet the room was compared to the excitement outside.
"You know.....I....well..." Tyson had started, but stopped. Kevin had been thinking the same thing. He carried on where Tyson had left off, "We lost some good guys. Jesse.....I've known him for quite a while. Never really thought he'd be gone. But, I don't know. There's just this feeling that even though it would be better if he were here, he's fine where he is. We've got to carry on though."
"I know. I think that it's going to shake up the others. It probably has. But we can make it. I'm sure that we can."
"Yeah. You know you're stuff. We're standing behind you."
"Thanks. I'll do my best."
"We know you will. We trust you."
"Thanks. I know you all mean it. Despite the circumstances." Kevin just smiled. Tyson closed the computer. Noticing that Kevin looked exhausted, he turned to leave. "Hey Kev. Thanks for keeping you're cool out there. I was scared....I just didn't know what to think. You pulled me through. It should be you as commander, not me."
"Nah man, we're all part of the team. You'll do well." Tyson nodded, then turned to leave. Kevin settled down, sleep rushing over him.
This whole report/ blog has taken on a bit of a serious nature. Not quite as....enthusiastic as it might have been. I like it, though. Matches in a way. Maybe I'll try another style, if I started another game, but I doubt that will happen. Something like RvB, but clean and such.
6 plasma clips from the last mission. At least I got something out of it. First things first: Grenades all around. After selling some junk I have close to 5 million again. I'm wondering where the monies went. Life insurance suits, most likely.
Hmm, not enough store space. I set up another general stores in the base, and a second alien containment. I'm still researching stun bombs, and I'll get to small launchers after that. Hopefully that will allow the capture of an alien commander. Meanwhile, the Skyranger refuels, and the soldiers get ready to head out for the small UFO in Germany.
The Skyranger takes its time filling up, and I send it out as soon as it's done. The UFO is also done, and it takes off. I-2 is flying guard though, and lines up his sights, to realize that he only has 1(!) small missile left. He moves in close for the best shot...and hits but doesn't kill. I send him back to base, seeing how he is literally out of everything. The Skyranger bravely follows in pursuit, and after a tour of Europe the UFO lands in Spain. This time the Skyranger is ready, and I set down awaiting the mission.
I load everyone up with extra junk, trying to up their strength for their future grenade porting job.
I drive down the loading ramp, contemplating how it is always night around here. I spot the UFO, and then absent mindedly drive the tank in the opposite direction. *whack* My brain's common sense section smacks me on the back of my head, and brings instant disgrace as well as a slight stinging. Devyn sets up for a far reaction shot towards the UFO door, but I can't get an electro flare toss in there. Hopefully next turn, if necessary.
Oh, and a word on my maps. Just trying to spice them up a bit. If something happened last turn that I mentioned, I'll try to show it on the map. Also what I plan to do or have done, relating to maneuvers and shooting and whatever. Yeah, this is the real deal.
There is some fire, but I can't find it as I explore. The UFO gets a healthy dose of electro flare, but the next toss goes awry, for some reason leaving the ground dark. Though I guess I can't actually see there. The Tank drives about, but reveals nothing, and I assume that the whole "Aliens see better than humans" thing is true. Another victory for E.T. I send out a group to spot to the west. Melissa isn't quite strong enough to chuck the electro flare into the darkness...pushups!
Everyone finally hops off the ship, and I realize the perfectly spaced-yet-not-enough positioning. I guess we'll have to deal.
The tank takes a beating--two health left. I search for the attacker and---whoa, what the heck is that?!
Mary doesn't want to find out, and punishes the beasty with plasma. It lets out a horrible screech as the plasma cooks it to a pulpy, snakish delicacy. The rest of the map is cleared, and so it's on to the UFO. The 4-person team keeps it's distance, I plan on advancing in a second... The usual game of sardines starts up with the rest of the troops, and I wonder how we can all be so casual. Ah well
Son of a monkey! Something fried the wall behind Carly, but I can't see anything. Invisibility cloak? You're sneaky, Mr. Potter! But not as sneaky as suppressive fire. Jacque supplies some, revealing another snake man, and Carly teaches him some manners for the attempted shot in the back.
I advance for the UFO, and Kamille wins the 'Worst reactions in history' award, so we're waiting for another turn again.
However, I realize that both Bree and Devyn have the reactions of a hippo as well. Humpf. I decide Kamille will be the brave soul, as she is in front.
Oh. Crap. That is not what I was expecting. Three dubies-with Kamille in perfect position to be cooked, deepfried, and broiled within 1.37 seconds. I aim for the commander-and the other two reaction all over Kamille. But she's buff--and lives. For now, but she's gotta move so Bree can finish them. No pressure.
Kamille's out of the way--But Bree missed! Oh sheesh, what is the deal? Oh, no more TUs, even for a snapshot. We are fried-I can't even get a grenade in there- Bree ducks out, and Kamille---well, she's dead. And that's that.
And yes, on the next turn, Kamille is...well, yeah.
Maria peeks in and throws a grenade-but then the aliens chop her down too. Well, at least they'll both be dead. I try the empty clip thing, just to see if it works.
That mission wasn't good. Not like the others. I--well, there wasn't much I could do, Kamille was in a bad spot, and someone had to run through the door to finish them. Not many goodies, either. And the attempted pics of plasma and explosives didn't come out of developing....so you get to see the dead bodies of the angry aliens. Yay!
That grenade throw vaporized all the dead bodies in the UFO-The commander, Maria and Kamille. Along with their stuff. That commander had something nice, curse my vaporizing habits. And what's up with no Elerium? X-COM already swiped the 150 Elerium from the supply mission...I guess it could have been the grenade throws.
Though, thinking of it, perhaps I could have not shot the commander, hoped he had a small launcher, and then with luck he would have stun grenaded everyone in the ship. Ala no casualties and 3 aliens. Though that is just speculation. Another possible tactic, I suppose.
A few days later ten soldiers arrive, unaware of the mission that awaits them. I get on Facebook, and check for any that should be....special.
Stats:
Hannah Banana C,G:50,60,38,50,39,58,75,22-Higher accuracy, reactions and strength both low.
BriAnne D. C,R:53,43,27,50,54,46,62,40-Reactions are great, bravery is up there.
Reggillious C-,R:56,64,36,60,54,40,76,34-Big reactions, but that accuracy...
Brianna B. C-,S:57,40,37,10,35,61,56,23-I like the accuracy, but otherwise....
Jill S. B+,S:57,62,37,40,59,63,78,26-Super accuracy and reactions. Now this is a trooper.
Kaden Downs C,S:51,47,40,50,37,69,52,25-I like high accuracy. Neh on others.
Vladimir P. D+,MS:55,43,31,10,51,46,53,38-Reactions are good, he's not a bad soldier.
Zach S. B-,S:55,49,26,60,41,63,66,22-Accuracy with low-average reactions.
Mahmoud A. D,MS:56,52,33,10,38,52,55,22-he deserves the ranking.
Marie G. C-,G;58,68,33,30,30,56,78,23-Reactions are low, elsewise average.
Katrina S. C,G:58,63,33,30,35,57,55,38-Basically average.
So, those are the new troops. Low grades, but they are rookies and being compared to experienced soldiers.(well, mostly) All the other grades are basically the same. Also, after studying how X-COM ups stats....well, it's an entire science, let me just say.
Now, I'm waiting. Waiting for research to finish, and for another run on a supply ship. And for cake.
After a few days, 5 more rookies arrive at X-COM USA, just for guard purposes.
Patrick M. C,S:58,46,27,50,35,66,54,20-Super accuracy, but slightly under on others.
Lace P. C+,G:59,67,26,20,53,56,54,24-Higher reactions, but average elsewhere. Good mix.
Hmm, facebook is having troubles providing me with friends... So I will chose some.
Amber C. C+,S:56,50,27,50,3,69,70,30-Accuracy of a champion reactions of a snail. But who needs those anyway?
Ivan W. D+,G:59,44,39,10,32,54,33-Well, low stats, but fine.
Jacki B+,R:56,56,29,50,59,60,62,37-Very nice, reactions and accuracy. Good on others too.
Well, that's everyone. Maybe if I get an extra Skyranger I'll send it over, so they can fight with the hordes. Back to the old waiting game.
Stun bombs are done, so now its waiting for the small launcher. I send Interceptor-1 out to peek at the aliens, but no detections. I also check the graphs, hopefully there is only one alien base on the planet. And it looks like it. I've got 5 power suits ready now...though I'm not sure what to do with them. I figure I'll build some flying suits to match. Research isn't going as fast as I would hope....those lazy scientists, just like the engineers at work.
The general stores is complete, and I purchase tons of grenades. And a high explosive. For Mahmoud. The grenades arrive, and I shove them into the Skyranger. 3 Flying suits are done, and still I'm waiting. Not that I haven't been the whole game...but now I have something to do once I'm done!
I keep up the usual patrols, though I haven't seen any alien supply ships recently. I do want to sack one, but if they don't arrive, I basically can't. Also, I am wondering what plan I should take when I do attack the base---
Doh! Game crashed. Well, I'm going to leave all this here, and I'll change the stats as necessary. Only the new soldiers have arrived since the last save. Too bad it doesn't auto-save....
But the stats are the same, so I finish everything I've done and then save. I still can't find any alien UFOs, so I figure it's time for a raid. I do a fake test, just to see if tanks enter bases, and I guess they do. Jacque did an amazing reaction shot into the darkness after getting hit by behind....but I guess that didn't really happen. You just dreamed it.
Kevin was heading for the empty hangar that had previously been occupied by Interceptor-2. There was a special meeting, and anyone involved with the base assault needed to be there. When he arrived, he saw more than just the crew that would likely be selected to engage the alien base; nearly everyone, not just soldiers but generals, scientists, everyone; was there on the hangar floor. Tyson was near the center. obviously is the position to be speaking. General Grey was standing by him, along with a few other VIPs. Kevin made his way to the front, where the soldiers were clustered. There was a large projection screen in front of them in a circular object, much like on Starwars. Only the current data stream was on the screen at the moment: images of the alien base, views of earth, radar scans, weather, and of course, tomorrow's dinner menu. These views could be found on any telescreens in the base, and they were in most commons areas.
"When are they starting this?" Kevin asked Reggie. Reggie had just arrived a few days ago, but he had got the hang of the base quickly. He was one of the guys that both he and Tyson knew well. Some of the others Kevin had never met.
"I don't know. They said in a couple minutes after everyone get's here. You're going on this mission, right?"
"Yeah. I've been here since the start."
"I'm not sure about all this. I've never had any combat experience."
"I know. Nobody has. But we do with what we've got. You should be fine."
"I sure hope so." Reggie seemed somewhat anxious, but Tyson started calling the meeting to order.
"Alright, I think everyone is here. Listen up! As you all know, this past month has been filled with more action than all the others combined. We've located an alien base, and we can't allow it to remain here. For the past month we've been waiting for the technology to adequately attack the base. Philmore here will tell you more."
A scientist, dressed in the ever popular white lab coat, stepped up to the front. "Hello, everyone. Our primary goal is to discover the alien purpose here on Earth. We've been capturing alien technology and reverse engineering it, but we need to capture the aliens to actually discover more about their reasons here. Recently we've brought in an alien stunning weapon, and it has proven capable at disabling alien species as well. The device works like a grenade launcher, and it stuns those in the explosion radius."
The General cut in, "When we attack the alien base, it is likely there will be very important aliens there. We need to capture a commander, and this is the best way to do it."
There was a pause, then Phil continued. "Yes, the device will be used to capture high ranking commanders so we can interrogate them. We believe the information could prove priceless." Phil glanced around, and Tyson stepped back up.
"Thankyou. Ok, we have to discuss the overall strategy of the base assault. While I know that many of you will not be attacking the base, you should listen also, to know what we are doing. We hope to have your full support as we depart on the mission. Feel free to ask any questions as I go on."
"We will enter the base through the primary access. Like this base, it is underground. The aliens bring supplies in through a shaft from the surface, that is where we will be entering."
"Any idea of the structure inside? Will we be split up?" Kevin was unsure who had voiced this.
"We have no idea what the inner base will look like. If it is like ours, it should be on a type of grid. It may be like an anthill though, meaning awkward hallways and such. Then upper entrance is large enough for our HWP to fit through, so we will have that support." That was a relief. At least they'd have a scout.
The General began to explain. "Our objective is to capture aliens in the command center, and then detonate the center as well. With any luck, we will be able to capture a commander. However, we only have two stun launchers, and 5 stun bombs. So, we need to conserve ammo. The actual weapons will have to be carried in a pack, then pulled out when the time is right. We can't bring home more than 12 aliens, once the new facilities are done, and we need one for the commander." Tyson continued,
"Right. Those able will carry the stun launchers along with a laser rifle. Once we enter the base, we need to group up into a size we can allow. Corners are likely to be tight, much like a UFO. We will need to cover each other, and stay in cover as we search for the command center."
"What sort of resistance will we be up against?" It was Courtney F. who asked this time. The General took this one.
"The best of the best, most likely. That means, terror units, advanced weapons, and psionic attacks."
Tyson continued, "So, we will need to keep moving. From previous observations, only commanders launch Psy attacks, so once we find the command center and capture the commander, we can attempt to hold out or move back. The stun may wear off, so we will have to be careful about timing. If we pay attention everything should work out fine."
Tyson glanced over at the General, checking if they had forgotten anything. The General made one final mention, "I will be in constant contact. The new suits have linked video, so you can see what each of you sees. We hope this will allow better combat functionality. Everyone here at the base is supporting you."
Kevin had one final question: "When are we going?" He caught a faint glint in Tyson's eye, along with a slight grin. "As soon as alien containment is done."
The conversation then switched to tactics, advancing and attacking, staying in groups, and covering fire. Technical stuff. Also, the high usage of grenades seemed to be in order for the next mission. Proximity grenades, at least. Sounded good to Kevin. They had been waiting too long. Time to do this.
I just realized that the alien medic research caused the game to crash. Darn. As I look through the alternate options, I realize I dragged in two snakemen, one a navigator. Perhaps I should have paid attention to that post mission screen...I was just so shocked at the loss.....
Huh. Well, even though that is...odd, with the navigator researched I can research Hyperwave Decoders, which I hear are totally awesome.
With that I stuff my supplies on the Skyranger, and decide who is going on the base mission. I'm choosing the best we've got, so those with the higher grades by their names. Or primarily captains and colonels. And meatshields. Could be a morale hurricane if too many die....but that's not likely:
Tyson A.; Natalie C.; Kevin D.; Tanner; Zen Halen; Courtney J.; Melisa W.; Jill S.; Vladimir P.; Mahmoud A.
I'm hoping it works out. Tanner has left the MS class, as he is a Captian and has sway on morale. His grade is still C-.
A UFO flies by, but I don't engage. Then another very small one, it crashes in Brazil, and I figure I might as well. Very small ones only have one alien, as far as I know. I've got everyone on with power or flying armor, so I'm ready...it would suck to lose someone though.
I unload the tank, and wait for the alien to show. Rule is, you only get to fire if you have a laser rifle. Only Natalie and Tanner get out. I find a lone snakeman, and Tanner extracts vengeance. With that, my well equipped squad heads back to base. As soon as the alien containment is done, that alien base is going down. And I decide to switch Jacque A. for Tanner. He's done enough. Or something.
Everything is ready. Finally, it's time to attack the alien base. Everyone on the Skyranger has advanced armor, except Vlad and Mahm. With the best of equipment too. Let's hope it all goes well...
The Skyranger was on it's way down to South Africa. They were finally attacking the alien base. Everything was ready. They had constant communication with the general and the others at the base, and they were all wearing advanced armor. Well, most of them. The armor had shared views, at any time, Kevin could see what anyone else was seeing through the view piece, like sharing eyes.(this isn't actually true, but it should be)It would help them see what problems the others were facing. Also with a built in gas mask, to filter smoke and such. The suits were very nice, Elerium powered. They should offer enhanced protection. Tyson stood up, as they were only about 2o minutes out now.
"Ok, guys. We're going in to what will likely be the toughest battle we've faced. Same aliens, but on their home court. It's going to be small and cramped. We've gotta follow our tactics, because the whole place is going to be filled with corners. But you know all of this already. You're chosen for this mission because you're the best out there. Because you know what you're doing. We have great chances of completing this mission unscathed. While it might not be the best place, I just want to thank you all for standing by me through all of this." Tyson had decided to tell everyone about how it was his fault that they were there. It had been accepted well, as he really hadn't planned it.
"You're the man, Tyson, we're with ya till the end!" Kevin agreed with Zen's statement. "Yeah, you're a great leader" There were a couple more "Huzzah's" thrown out. Then Tyson rose his hands to quiet them. "Alright, alright. Thanks, guys. Well, you sound ready, and we've only got a couple minutes to touchdown. We've got a direct link with the general, hang on."
The General's voice came over the comm. "Men, women, I'd like to tell you that you're the best that we've got. We're all routing for you back here at base, and we know you can do it. You'll be able to take out that alein base. The fate of X-COM, the fate of the planet lies in your hands. Good luck!"
"Thankyou, General." Tyson said. The General and the entire base were linked to the soldiers. If anyone said anything, they could hear it. Kevin didn't know about the General. Though he believed his good intentions, he wasn't quite sure on his allegiance. He couldn't be sure, but he figured that there might be more going on between the General and 'The Contributors.' And even if not, General Grey would likely tell them, much more so than any of the others. Though so far, only he and Tyson knew about 'The Contributors,' they didn't tell anyone else.
"We're ten minutes out!" the pilot called back. "Ok, as soon as we hit ground we're heading for the access lift. I'm not sure if we should expect any resistance there or not. Kevin and Courtney, you two will have the stun launchers in your packs. We'll each grab one of the other three so as to space out the load for you. You'll pull it out when we find the command center. We've got to capture an alien commander and find out what it knows. Commanders are the one's with the psionic powers, we might be able to learn a defense against them." Alright, everyone ready? Zen, you're taking the rocket." The Skyranger was setting down. "Ok, let's go."
Like always the tank was off first. But there was nothing detected, and the access lifts were only a short distance away. As they moved to the lifts, Kevin was thinking about The Contributors. He needed to tell Tyson, but he didn't want to be overheard. And with the shifty nature of these unknown commanders, who knows what cameras could be all over the base.
"Hey, we've found another lift, there's two!" In a clearing both lifts were visible. "Ok, Jacque, Jill and Natalie....and Mahmoud.....you go down that one. Stay in contact." They started descending the lifts. There was the possibility that communication would be lost, especially with the surface, if they descended too far, or there was any type of jamming device. Kevin tested a call to base. "General, do you copy....over." No reply. "Well, that's nice," Tyson muttered, and for Kevin it actually was.
"Tyson, you know The Contributors, whoever they are? I'm just wondering, but I think they have more to do with this than just X-COM. I think the might have started the whole invasion."
Tyson stared at him. "They created the aliens? Now you're just talking crazy, Kev."
"Think about it. Did you ever think that there actually were aliens? Never before. And nothing since before the last 6 months. Sure, you'll say government cover ups, but I really think that these aliens coming here and the whole forming X-COM and then choosing you weren't all coincidences. I'm betting that they're all interrelated."
Tyson just stared. Not that much else was expected.
Kevin continued, "Look, I had to tell you now. I don't trust the allegiance of anyone but us, the soldiers. I don't know, just think about it." The lift had stopped.
When equipping I accidentally hit the start button before I'm ready. So Mahm ends up without a gun on the first turn. We start things off with an odd set up, scattered about the base. Natalie spies two aliens right off.
She knocks down the Cyberdisk, and the explosion kills the Sectoid. I feel very very restricted in this base. The others take up positions along the walls, and Mahmy tosses a proxy grenade. We will have to wait until we find a spare gun around here for him.
The other group is equally cramped. Zen and Courtney are both on the first floor. Zen sees a Sectoid, and decides to rocket him down, which he does. Who cares about those exhibits anyway? I move down the lift, trying to set up a position with my limited TUs. The tanks heads off the southern passage, Zen and Tyson both have the eastward one.
An alien pops out and shoots at Jacque, but misses. Her reaction shot takes him down, and that's all I see in the turn. I start with the left group this time. It's slow moving securing the grav-lift closets, and I am worried about advancing into the larger exhibits. Melissa chucks an electro flare, because she has very low TUs with the weight. Vlad and Courtney move around the grav room, then Courtney goes inside. I advance into the exhibit, and Tyson kills a Sectoid from across the room. But I can now be attacked from all angles.
On the far side, Jill and Natalie are in the grav room, when Mahm advances forward into plasma fire. But he's brave, and continues on, though weaponless. Jacque moves in and neutralizes the Sectiod. I have very little TUs for anyone though.
They had just entered the base. The first room held a large grav lift area, and Zen and Courtney had already descended, and it looked like the other group had too. From what Kevin could tell from his sensors, the second group had actually ended up quite a ways away. Natalie and the Iranian were both on the lower floor, and suddenly a small window appereared in the top left of his screen. It was the shared view, and it automatically popped up because Natalie had pushed the call button. It was her view.
"I see two of them, right in front of me!" She whispered, "I'm aiming to take out the Cyberdisk." Kevin saw her level her plasma and open fire. The first shots hit, and the disk fell and exploded. Kevin could hear the boom from across the base. The Sectoid had been engulfed in flame, and was no more.
"Everyone head down the lifts, stay in cover for this first part. We've gotta secure the area." Tyson instructed. The HWP that was next to Kevin rolled over to the lift and dropped out of sight, followed by Melissa. "I've got one down here. Rocket clear!" Kevin heard Zen say over the comm. Almost directly below him he felt the ground shake as the rocket exploded, followed by some smaller pops. He checked that the area below was clear, then headed down the lift.
"Upper, how's it looking?" Tyson called. "Looks good." Natalie responded. We've got a proxy covering our southern side, and we're splitting on each side. Any idea where we should go?"
"Not yet, just secure the area for now."
At the bottom of the lift, Tyson and Zen had covered the eastern corridor, while Courtney and the others were heading to what looked like a single grav lift closet, or something. Kevin really had no idea. He took up positions behind Tyson and Zen, and swapped through views from the upper group, deciding on Jacque as she was peeking around a corner into the room where the Cyberdisk had just exploded. As he covered Zen he saw some movement on the upper screen. His eyes averted, just in time to see a Sectoid fire a bolt of plasma past Jacque's head. He blinked as it flew past, but Jacque already had her rifle up, and she shot the Sectoid dead on. "Take that, yeh bugger!" she called.
Courtney and Vlad were moving around the grav lift room. Melissa said something about carrying too much. She tossed down the electro flare she had brought, but everything else she had was likely necessary. Kevin looked forward again. Zen poked around the corner, but Tyson took the lead. "I see one," he mentioned. He took aim, and hit the Sectoid from across the room. They both entered the room, covering along the side walls. Kevin moved up to their previous positions, when he heard a shout. "Wha- I'm shot at, I'm shot at!" The thick accent was hard to distinguish at times, but Kevin understood this time.
"I've got him," Jacque said. She rounded the corner and shot the Sectiod. "Yep, he's down."
"Natalie, Jill, where are you?" Tyson was probably the one who called. "We're circling a grav room over here, not sure if there's any aliens inside, we're staying down."
"Roger that, keep moving."
A shot flies toward Tyson, but I have no idea from where. Another shot at the left grav lift, eats through a wall. I can't see any of the previous attackers right off. The tank enters the room from below and finds the beast, and Kevin finishes it. There's a big black room down there, I really don't know what to expect. Maybe a hive mother, or a big screen TV, or something to that effect.
Mahm moves in behind the other firing alien, finds it, calls back to Jacque, and she finishes it. Now that's teamwork. Jill moves around the other side, but still no reaction shots for her. Natalie primes a proxy for the other corridor, but I can't toss it in the turn, so I wait. I decide that grav lifts are out of style, and move Courtney and her super TU out of the room. But a miss-click and she walks all back and wastes it. Doh! Vlad is securing the upper rooms, some fan looking area. Either a cooling room or a skydiving room, I can't say. But Melissa and Courtney are both in bad positions. Zen advances down the tight corridor, brave seeing how he is only holding a rocket launcher. I believe I've got the western side of the base, still need to get over to the east, and the black room down there.
Suddenly, bursts of plasma fire could be heard. Kevin could see one. It was headed for Tyson, but hit the large tank in front of him. Kevin couldn't quite make it out, but from the south of the room the tank could. "I see a Sectoid!" Kevin's right in position, and he kills it with his plasma. "Can anyone see it? I saw it by the wall, but it moved!" Melissa was saying.
Mahmoud was running towards the room. "I see one. I see." he said. Jacque(who was still the view Kevin was looking at) poked around the corner and shot the Sectoid down. "How many is that for today?" Kevin asked. "He he, I'm gonna set a record," she responded.
Kevin looked at the tactical map view. Vladimir was moving north up the corridor, but Courtney and Melissa were standing slightly in the open. Hopefully nothing came down those grav lifts. "I'm heading north," Zen said. He was moving to a more cramped area, but he would probably be fine. Towards the top, Natalie and Jill were securing their flanks. Everything was going well so far.
I hear a door and a spell, but I don't see anything. Good riddance. Mahmy finds a heavy plasma, so now he's armed and dangerous. The north west side is cleared, however it is done by meatshields so I'm not sure how effective that was, seeing how they're out of position. I'm still wondering about those grav lifts....
Natalie walks around the corner into a Sectoid. I've got the grenade ready...and the laser rifle in the other hand. Which sounds like the better option. Natalie quick draws it out, and turns that Sectoid into pudding. Yee Haw!
I spot another sectoid in the black room, what I deem the command center. I don't know if it's the commander I seek, but Kevin's whipping out his small launcher. I need something, at least. Courtney and Zen chain toss the other one up to Tyson, so we're ready for business. Next turn, of course.
"I'm tossing a proxy up here, hopefully that will keep the aliens off our back, if there are any." Natalie was saying. Kevin swapped over to her view while he waited behind the storage tank. Natalie poked around the corner, only to come face to face with a Sectoid. Kevin's heart stuttered, but Natalie was fast. She rose her right hand and shot down the Sectoid with her rifle. Then she tossed the grenade behind it. "All clear."
"Kevin, you see that? What kind of gun did that thing have?" Tyson was asking. Kevin hadn't seen it. "Was it a commander?"
"I don't know, but it had a really big gun. Not sure what it could do. He's gotta be important, whoever he is."
"Yeah," Kevin pulled out his small launcher. He'd be able to stun it with this. "Who's got the other launcher?" he called. "I've got it over here," Courtney said. She pulled it out and tossed it up. Zen threw it to Tyson, and he grabbed it. "Kev, you ready? Let's get these things." Neither of them had put their heavy plasmas away, but they could in a second.
Kevin was waiting. He called out to Tyson as he slipped away his heavy plasma. "Tyson, are you ready? Where are you? Let's go." He couldn't find out what was wrong. He tried switching to his view. "Tyson, what's up?" he called as he did. Tyson's strangely mutated voice came over the speaker "KILL ALL HUMANS!"
Tyson's mind controlled. Oh, no. He's got two guns, one's a heavy plasma, one's a stun bomb. Who knows what he'll do...
Kevin moves out of cover, trying to line up on Tyson, and takes a hit in the back. Alien, the Mind Control one?.... Kevin's got the stun gun out, but if he shoots the Sectoid...Tyson will likely get shot or shoot someone.(Can't say I'm too happy about my options) But, for the game..... Wait, now that Kevin is shot, his TUs are shot, so he can't shoot again. Oh, curses!
I try for a smoke grenade. Only Jacque has one. I'm trying to have everyone pass it up, but Mahm uses his TUs to pick it up, so the chain is stopped. I guess I could have tossed the launcher, maybe. Kevin moves back, and Zen is going to heal him, as he has one fatal wound and 6 heath. The tank moves right in front of the alien, and I hope Tyson is as dumb as he is mentally strong. Courtney also moves into position. This is a lot of work...shoulda tossed the launcher....
Vlad runs back down as fast as his legs will carry him, and Melissa heads up the grav lift. Oh, so that's what's up there.
Tyson A. has panicked. Better than psycho, that's for sure. Also, huge explosion, over by Jacque. Not a proxy grenade, something else. The Sectoid walked back down the tunnel, no idea if he's the commander or not. The tank follows, and spies two aliens, I'm guessing the one in back is the commander(he's cooler, anyway). Tyson is frozen right down the hall....ahh, not sure what to do again. We need that commander though. Kevin hands the blaster to Courtney, but she won't be able to do the behind the wall shot yet. Kevin's only got 9 health, and he's waiting in back. The crazy tank drives right into the command center...don't know what will become of him now. But yes, that's the command center. I'm going for the alien in back, he has a devil gun. We can clear the back later. Tyson does have some cover...but enough? I don't know.
Tyson's berserk this time. But we're going to forget about him. Still no shots on the tank. It's chrome is to beautiful to scratch, I assume. Courtney is aiming at the ground near the aliens, hoping the explosion will hit them. She fires the stun bomb, and it stuns. One alien, at least. Courtney does the classic hand in the air grab(Napoleon Dynamite) "Yes!" Great shot by Courtney.
Natalie and Jill are heading down from the top. Tyson panics, and the tank is so fiercely shelled it blows apart. No explosion though. Suddenly, Mahmy turns to Vladimir. The dual dictators stare at each other, when Mahm gives into the will of the Sectiods and fiercely guns the communist down. What will Russia do now? No matter, Jacque isn't sad about slaying meatloaf, and she does.
Both meatshields down....and the HWP. Gotta get through this.... Zen fires a rocket down the hall, killing the other Sectoid. Now we just have to get in the CC. I have to move really slowly, and hope no more mind controls. I think that Natalie and Jill haven't been seen, so their heading to the CC from the top. With no meatshiels, who's busting in the door? I guess we'll see when the time comes. Should be Tyson, he is the commander after all.
Mahms smoke grenade goes off. Zen had no rockets, so he grabbed an alien's plasma. The trio is nearing the CC door, as long as no one blasts each other's heads off....
Jill and Natalie are nearing the CC as well, and Jacque's headed back that way. The proxys are guarding, but that's their job. Melissa is moving forward as well, but I don't know about her mental strength.
They were outside the first door of the command center now. The last couple minutes had been really hectic, and Kevin was caught up in it. He had a hard time breathing, as he had been shot in the back. The wounds weren't critical now, but he wasn't in very good shape anymore. Tyson was panicking over in the corner, and the two foreigners were both dead at the moment. Mind attacks were happening left and right. Kevin had felt some presence at one time, but he had forced it off. He was taking charge now. As they moved to the door, he called for Zen to get in front. Both he and Courtney were at the doorway now, ready to enter.
"I've only got one stun bomb," Courtney called. Kevin had given her his gun, as he wasn't in position for the long shot that had been required. Tyson had the other one with him, where ever that was. "Right, I'm running one up now," Melissa called over. Kevin felt tired, but he knew what he had to do. They were at the doors right now. He squared his shoulders and got ready to enter.
Zen moves to point, as Kevin's lost about two gallons of blood. Courtney is backing up Zen. Jill finds a window and peeks through it, and I think that we could just burst through the walls...
Perhaps, maybe into the command center itself. Open a hole, Courtney shoots through it...yeah, sounds good. We have to wait though.
Courtney reaction shots Zen's head. No stun to either of them, and I don't even know if she hit the alien. I believe Tyson is the target of countless alien mind attacks. Fine with me, but unfortunately he is also standing on a stun gun. Who gave that to him anyway? Melissa and Jacque both have the extra stun bombs, and they are moving up by Courtney now. Zen and Kevin have the halls covered. Or so I hope.
The door suddenly opened, but Courtney was faster than the alien, and her stun bomb exploded. "That was weird," Zen commented. "We're gonna need that stun bomb now," Kevin called. "Yeah, I'm almost there," was the reply. They moved into the front door, Kevin and Zen both taking up positions down either hallway. "Jacque, are you bringing up the other bomb, just in case?" "Yeah, I've got it right here."
Kevin looked at the wall. And something occurred to him. "Didn't that Sectoid shoot through the wall with a heavy plasma?" he asked Zen. "Yeah, I think so." "Maybe we can do that here..." Both Kevin and Zen stared at the wall, and put their hands on the triggers...
Melissa brings up the stun bomb...and we're ready for action ASAP. I plan on making the hole in the middle of the wall. Ohh, please no devil guns!
Ahh, I can never capture the pics I want! Courtney's panicking. Better than Kaboom, at least. We've gotta go now, now or never! Melissa grabs the gun, but she won't be able to shoot until next turn! ahh! Ok, next turn.....
Now my top two,(or at lest one) have gone crazy. I try firing but to no avail! The wall won't budge. We have to go around.
Courtney started freaking out. She threw down her guns, turned and left the room. Those mind attacks were getting worse. Kevin knew that they had to move fast to end this or else they'd all be part of an alien experiment. He started blasting away at the wall. Melissa had picked up the stun launcher, and she was ready. But the wall didn't do more than scar. Zen tried as well, hitting it with 6 shots. Nothing. "I guess we're going around."
Both Tyson and Courtney are having issues, and I'm fine with that. Kevin leads around the lower side of the CC, while Zen heads the other way. I've got a primed smoke grenade, so hopefully that helps. With cover from the windows, we should make it.
Zen secures the doors, and I have Jill toss down her heavy plasma. She has a smoke grenade, that's all she needs. Kevin's moved around the far side, and Melissa needs to get into position. And Jacque panics. So more guns on the ground.
No MC that time, but you never know. The grenade is down, and Melissa is at the door. That stun ball better work....Here we go.
Don't you love how there's about two lines of text for a picture?
Gaa! that room's empty! But Zen sees the feet of two aliens. What do I do now? Can you toss grenades up lifts? Tyson has the other smoke bomb, and stun launcher. Oh, what to do... I fire the stun grenade up the lift, and hope I hit the right one. I don't think so, and the commander fires of a blaster bomb, blowing himself to bits. Drat.
"Does anyone have a smoke bomb?" Kevin called out. They were moving around the CC, and Natalie and the others were outside the walls. "I've got one," Jill said. "Ok, bring it in here. And everyone, toss down your weapons if you're not in a position to use them. If anyone get's mind controlled..." They hurried around the corner. Zen had gone the other way. "Front doors are clear."
"Alright, we're waiting for smoke before we enter. Everyone get ready."
Melissa moved to the front and Jill tossed in her grenade. The smoke filled the air, and Zen pushed through the triple doors first. He moved in. "I can't see anything. Big grav lift in the middle though. Kevin and Melissa followed. The room was empty, but the commander was obviously upstairs. Zen looked up. "I think those are feet. I can see two. Two aliens, but he couldn't make them out.
If they came down, they could kill everyone, or be shot by plasma. Kevin figured the best thing to do was shoot the stun bomb up there. "Melissa, go, shoot from down here. They had another bomb, so if they missed, hopefully they could get the last one when they went up the lift.
Melissa crouched down and shot the bomb up the lift. They heard it explode, and what sounded like a thud. Then they heard some alien talk, and what sounded like a rocket. Kevin ducked, and the ground started shaking uncontrollably. "What's happening?" Melissa yelled. Kevin looked up. The whole command center was exploding. "He blew it all up. He blew everything up!" The base was destroyed, but there quest for a commander was over.
But everyone(minus meaties) lived! Well done, very lucky, I have to say. Ahh, only an engineer and a navigator. I was so close... But blaster bombs though. A good find, I believe. No unloading stuff, but I have 9 HP clips and guns, not too bad. I'm deciding on a new HWP. Hopefully the new one will be plasma. Either way, it should be nice.
Well, no commanders, despite the excellent opportunity. But great job by everyone. MVP to Jacque, for reaction shots and meatshield killing. I'll have to order some more... It's only mid-April, but we're doing well. Kevin's out for 21 days, but he did some excellent leading. And Tyson gained some courage, too bad it took him the whole mission. But very nice, I am super happy about this whole thing. So I'm leaving off here, quit while you're ahead sort of thing. And by the way, 82 pics. Just from the base thing. Yeah, hardcore. Oh, leave a comment about my italic overlays. Like, this time Kevin described the action after it happened, but just wondering if you think I should put the descriptions before. Or perhaps half and half. And that middle, I just didn't want to write all the dialogue for it. It would be nice, but this thing is beastly enough as it is.
