In the last episode of DAQ, Ivan talked about some shit with Elda and then went to Svenja’s office. He has just asked Svenja about a mission against the Valachi family, one Elda has a personal interest in.

“Svenja. I’ve heard tell of a mission in my payrank that has gained my attention.”

Svenja looks pleasantly surprised. “Really? You’ve found one of your own accord?”

You nod. “Yeah. I don’t actually know the name of the mission but it involves the Valachi crime family and LLS.”

Svenja purses her lips as she scrolls through the Omicron listings. “Ah. Yes, here it is.”

She quickly prints out the mission dossier and hands it over.

>Operation Chinese Pizza
>Contractor: Steadfast Mutual
>Target: LLS Branch of Operations on Vesuvio
>Following the successful completion of Operation Capital Shock mission objectives, Steadfast Mutual has cleaned house and investigated the executives who helped coordinate incident Undersight 12. In the course of Steadfast Internal Affairs they discovered that the branch of LLS involved in Undersight 12 was none other than the Valachi Crime Family. Steadfast would like to seek retributory action against Valachi, however, the only known (to Steadfast) branch of the Valachi Family operating outside of the Sol System is their agri-business on Vesuvio. In order to maintain plausible deniability, Steadfast would appreciate it if StrikeOut would send some representatives to make clear their discontent.
>Primary Objectives:
>>Execute Branch Leadership
>>Destroy as many Valachi assets as possible
>Secondary Objectives:
>>High quality recordings of your activities would be appreciated
>>Seriously, we’d like #rekt to be trending once we go public with the recordings

File: Screen-shot-2010-10-12-at(...).png (645 KB, 630x459)

645 KB PNG

You page through a few files, images of the drop site. “Well, definitely doesn’t look like the usual drab corpro-shit grey box prefabs.”

Svenja nods, eyes wide. “Right? If it weren’t full of mafiosi it would be so romantic.”

You normally don’t go for the feely bullshit (okay, stars are the exception) but she’s got a point. The branch headquarters look for all intents and purposes like a classic old Earth italian villa, with rows of grapevines and other strips of agriculture surrounding it in a soothing sea of green. The compound is made of light creamy stone with red tile roofing, a wall surrounding extensive interior gardens and a large manor house with several wings. “They really push the entire volcanic soil, naturalistic farming practices here, don’t they?”

Svenja nods, looking dreamy. “Isn’t it just doughnutoriff-wonderful?”

>What else would you like to ask?
>What was Incident Undersight 12
>Who’s dropping?
>Do we have any more information on the opposing force?
>Any more information on the op site?
>Write In Question

>>35116256
Wooot, actually made it for a DAQ thread today, and we're picking missions, happy day

>>35116399
>What was Incident Undersight 12
>Who’s dropping?

>>35116399
>>What else would you like to ask?
>>What was Incident Undersight 12
>>Who’s dropping?
>>Do we have any more information on the opposing force?
>>Any more information on the op site?
ALL OF THE QUESTIONS

>>35116399
>>What was Incident Undersight 12
>Who’s dropping?
>Do we have any more information on the opposing force?
>How's the donut?

>>35116294
>>>Seriously, we’d like #rekt to be trending once we go public with the recordings
I don't care what the other missions are, this has my vote.
>>35116399
>What was Incident Undersight 12
>Who’s dropping?
>Do we have any more information on the opposing force?
>Any more information on the op site?

>>35116399
>>What was Incident Undersight 12
>>Who’s dropping?
>>Do we have any more information on the opposing force?
>>Any more information on the op site?
>>What's this about donuts?

>>35116399

>What was Incident Undersight 12
>Who’s dropping?
>Do we have any more information on the opposing force?
>Any more information on the op site?
>You really love doughnuts, don't you?

>>35116399
>What was Incident Undersight 12
>Who’s dropping?
>Do we have any more information on the opposing force?
>Can we bring along a friend?

>>35116399
hmmm
Could this be only the ground floor of a gigantic underground base?

>>35116437
>>35116399
I agree with this man.

Hey, any mercs you guys would like to drop with?

>>35117387
Obviously Elda.

Not sure who else. Any way to know who would be available for this mission?

>>35117387
Valkyrie, She might be willing to recommend Elda for us, allowing us to finesse HR's maniacal demands.

>>35117422
I'm struggling to decide on the last merc. So, really just waiting on people to throw out names.

>>35117387
I think it goes without saying that we want to avoid dropping with any of the killcrazy ones if we're hoping to actually keep Elda's father alive.

>>35117387

Clayton "Motherfucking" Burnside.

>>35117441
Seconding, Valk is a good idea.

>>35117387
We should drop with most of the crew. Elda for whatever the fuck her reasons are, Markos for
>Destroy as many Vallachi assets as posible
and Niels in case some hacking needs be done for those recordings.

>>35117441
I think this is a little below Valk's paygrade

“Hey, what’s Incident Undersight 12. Sounds like something related to Capital Shock.”

Svenja shakes herself out of her reverie looking vaguely surprised. “I’m not entirely sure. I didn’t see it in the operation dossier,” her eyes switch focus as she tools around on her e-glasses. “How strange. It says that the report is above my clearance level. I can send the access link to you, maybe you can access it?”

Svenja passes you the link. Immediately your e-glasses are filled with some sort of system alert. After you confirm your credentials your e-glasses establish an encrypted link with the Brick server.

>EXTERNAL REPORT: UNDERSIGHT 12

>Steadfast Mutual Internal Affairs Documentation
>External Brief: Undersight 12

>Undersight 12 is a follow up investigation into the nearly successful attempt by at the time unknown elements in Limited Liability Solutions to embezzle our entire investment portfolio, totalling over [REDACTED] billion credits. Thanks to the timely actions of newly appointed Internal Affairs Investigative Bureau Chief Sarah Maddox and a number of other agents within the department, as well as the professional actions of a StrikeOut Public Relations Team, the transfer was prevented. It goes without saying that this saved our corporation, and the savings of millions of individuals and organizations whom we are proud to serve.

>We must congratulate newly appointed Internal Affairs Enforcement Vice Major John McClintock for successfully apprehending the internal Steadfast elements that facilitated this embezzlement. Information that we have gleaned during intensive interview sessions reveal that former CFO [REDACTED] served as the ringleader for the operation, as well as the contact with LLS elements. Contrary to internal speculation, the Triads were not involved. Instead, he claimed to be working with the Valachi family, in particular the Vesuvian branch. Considering that this is the only QED recognized legal Valachi operation outside of the Sol System, they would be the only available avenue for the embezzled cash to flow after the Investment Restrictions of 2212.

>As you can imagine, if word of this gets out we could be in a whole world of trouble with our investors. We would like to remind the management of StrikeOut that we have provided consistent and fair financing for Vokos’ little excavation hobbies, and to use all available methods to keep this information contained.

>Steadfast Internal Affairs Chief Adjudication Officer, Boyd Killroy

>>35117387
Elda, Markos, Niels, Clayton are all i can think of. do Not drop with the martian (can't remember her name.)

As you close out of the document, your e-glasses undergo a forced system restore to the point prior to your access. StrikeOut does not fuck around sometimes. Svenja looks up at you curiously. “Well, what was the big secret?”

You grimace, recalling the request that StrikeOut keep this under wraps. “Can’t say. As in literally can’t say. It tied back to Capital Shock though.”

Svenja looks slightly put out. You grin a little. “What’s that I heard about doughnuts?”

Svenja flushes instantly. “I-I-I’m certain that you must have some more questions about the mission Ivan!”

Pleased to have distracted her, you relax slightly. “Yeah I suppose. Who else is dropping?”

Svenja pauses. “Marlena Redskies is confirmed, as is bum bum bum… Clayton Burnside“

“Alright then, a shotgunner/grenadier and an aussie who likes to record shit,” you say, recalling how Clayton was the one to get your fight with Dreads off of the security cams.

“Why do you ask, outside of the obvious reasons I mean.”

>Why do you ask?
>Write In
>3d10 Acuity Roll Unlock Option DC-19

>>35117441
Yes, we need more Valk time

Rolled 9, 10, 4 = 23 (3d10)

>>35117625
>>3d10 Acuity Roll Unlock Option DC-19

Rolled 4, 5, 6 = 15 (3d10)

>>35117625
Because I want sniper support, and I know who I want behind that rifle.

Rolled 7, 1, 1 = 9 (3d10)

>>35117625
Aww no Valk on the mission

>Can we bring along a merc below the missions pay grade?

>>35117688

Seconded.

>>35117637
>>35117462
>>35117441

I see Valk is pretty popular. As I've mentioned a few times outside of the thread, particularly in my ask.fm, we're nearing the end game for DAQ. Not quite there to the final arc, which will be quite a long one, but getting close.

I was thinking that we could get in some quality time with some of the really leet mercs for the final arc, Valk of course being one of them.

Right now, I'd estimate we're between 60 and 70% through with DAQ.

>>35117625
>Redskies

welp.
no survivors because of the bugfuck crazy psychopathic martian + don't bring elda because she and the martian hate each other and elda has 0 seniority or pull.

File: 1375182605878.jpg (45 KB, 594x383)

45 KB JPG

Rolled 10, 5, 7 = 22 (3d10)

>>35117625
>Marlena Redskies is confirmed
oh good, Marlena & Elda.

>>35117758
>we're nearing the end game for DAQ

Noooo! This quest is fun!

>>35117709
>>35117688
>>35117668

We have one pass, and two fails. However, we've also got a write in from >>35117688 that comes pretty close to what he unlock was going to say anyway.

>3d10 Acuity Roll Unlock Option DC-19 GET

>"For such an open area, seems stupid that we don't have any long range fire support. Can I recommend someone else for the mission?"

>>35117758
Wait what. We're still barely out of rookiedom though! I thought you were gonna continue til we hit Darius-tier or something?

Plus that whole arc with bob/armorer and vengeance and option side mission and stuff.

Rolled 6, 9, 3 = 18 (3d10)

>>35117817
>>"For such an open area, seems stupid that we don't have any long range fire support. Can I recommend someone else for the mission?"
ELDA!
Aka worse waifu

>>35117825
The ask.fm said that was just the planned story arc, and that he may be willing to keep going with it, but doesn't have any set goal in mind after this

I think, anyway

Rolled 9, 7, 7 = 23 (3d10)

>>35117758
>Right now, I'd estimate we're between 60 and 70% through with DAQ.
:(

Last thread it was 50%

Damnit I don't want this to end.

>>35117817
>>"For such an open area, seems stupid that we don't have any long range fire support. Can I recommend someone else for the mission?"
YES

>>35117860
He better keep going with it after this story arc

>>35117860
>and that he may be willing to keep going with it, but doesn't have any set goal in mind after this
I fucking hope thats the case.

This quest works so well and is so awesome even without plot or story overarching, just with missions and character interactions during downtime on Atlas or the Brick would keep this quest going forever with me

>>35117860
If he doesn't have a plan in mind, then it falls to us to shove one down his throat suggest where we might want it to go.

“Well, I’m looking at the squad composition right now Sven,” you say, trying to sound smarter than you really are, “and for such an open op zone we’ve got almost no long range fire support.”

Svenja cocks an eyebrow and purses her lips. “Oh my. I’m no tactical genius, but I can imagine sniper cover would be nice. I’ll query the system and see if any mercs with the required skillset are available.”

You hold up a hand. “Just a second Sven. Could I recommend or request someone in particular for the mission? This might be out of her paygrade.”

Svenja squints. “Maybe. Who and why?”

You shrug nonchalantly. “There’s a fellow rookie from my boot camp group. Elda. She’s a sniper. And,” you hurry on before Svenja can interrupt, “and I’d be a lot more comfortable with a sniper I have worked with, as have Clayton and Marlena come to think of it, providing overwatch support.”

Svenja scrunches her forehead, her brows almost touching one another. “I mean… if you think it’ll be that much of an improvement…”

“I do,” you reply, nodding once. “Being able to trust your squadmates is vital to a successful operation. I personally think it’s why Capital Shock went so well. I could trust my squadmates.”

Svenja sighs and acquiesces. “Very well then, I will request her for you.”

You beam at your HR advisor. “Thank you Svenja, really.”

Despite her best efforts, the corners of her mouth raise slightly. “While I’m seeing to that, did you have any more questions? The drop should happen in another two weeks, so you have some time to prepare.”

>Anything else?
>If not, I’ll be working on your current debit account and which augments you have. Prepare for upgrade sperg.

>>35118021
All great things must come to an end Anon, especially if FG's drive to write and creativity decreases with the end of this story arc.

Though I do agree with you in principal, I love this quest and would like to see a second 'season' so to speak.

>>35118222
We don't have debt remember?

>>35118256
Yeah I know you don't, but the character sheet hasn't been updated since before you got out of debt so I gotta do a little bit of math and archive diving to figure out your current total.

>>35118256
Debit, not debt. Just money in general

>>35118222
Hit us with your accounting autism, FG

>>35118222
no questions here, other than when can we glaze her donuts again

this anons got to head out for now, thanks for the thread so far FG, anon,s don't fuck up or get Elda's dad killed

>>35118222

>Before I go, do you need your doughnut glazed?

Sensually.

Rolled 7, 7, 5 = 19 (3d10)

>>35118222
>>If not, I’ll be working on your current debit account and which augments you have. Prepare for upgrade sperg.

>>35118366
yesyesyes

Alright, as it currently stands you have 71,567 credits in debit. You owe nothing.

This is the character sheet. You can double check your finances there and see which augments you already have.

http://pastebin.com/jW5Cn337

And this is the augment list. The ones you already have are indicated as such.

http://pastebin.com/fbZYheJ1

>>35118530
Hows abouts some sort of kevlar weave implanted through our skin?

What happens if we loan some of our excess dosh to our pals to help them reduce their debt to StrikeOut at a lower interest rate? That way, we all make a profit at StrikeOut's expense.

>>35118530
Do we have Level 1 Shotgun proficiency now?

Pretty sure we want Metaboost and Monocyte Hercules to really break into the next level of cool shit.

>>35118650
Like they would allow that

>>35118597
Check the pastebin now.

>>35118696
Yes, you have shotgun proficiency.

>>35118530
>Falconian Eye
>7,000 credits
>Aug Time: 13 Hours
This please, don't want to flash ourself anymore, and our aim could use improvement

>Neo Hemoglobin Service Pack 1
>6,000 credits
>Aug Time: 1 Day

>Metaboost
>18,000 Credits
>Aug Time: 4 Days

Rolled 9, 1, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>35118530
>>Neo Hemoglobin Service Pack 1
>Metaboost
>Myocyte Pack Hercules
>Falconian Eye:

>>35118530
Whatever else we get I vote for the Myocyte Pack Hercules. Waited so long to get this.

>>35118713
>http://pastebin.com/fbZYheJ1
God damn

I want it and all the prerequisites!

>>35118735
I'll second these, anons, don't forget to save some dosh to play with our guns and armor

>>35117387
What was the name of that one cop merc? If we're dealing with mafia, we need her.

>>35118813
Along with Metaboost, Hemoglobin and Immuno-Metrics Service Pack 1. I thought we already had those.

>>35118530
>Metaboost
>Falconian Eye
>Boze Auditus
>Neo Hemoglobin Service Pack 1

Okay so right now I'm seeing a lot of support for Metaboost and Neohemo Globulin service pack 1.

They total up to 5 days of modding and 24,000 credits.

This leaves you with nine more days to be modded, and 47,567 credits on hand. Accepting these two mods, a runoff vote on what else you might want.

>>35119234

Uh. Is there an armory list handy?

>>35119234

also, can we buy Athena, now that we're omikron?

>>35119283
No, unfortunately I've got nothing pastebinned for Armory stuff.

>>35119304
Sure. Athena Neuroware, gives you DC ranges on action chains.

>22,000 credits

>>35119352
What does that mean, we'll just know what the DC for actions are? I don't see how that would make us any better.

>>35119422
Well, unfortunately how I envisioned the combat system working never really took off, where anons would try to build up to higher DC actions in the action chain. This is mostly my fault for not clearly communicating this from the get-go. Were this sort of thing more common it would allow you to game DC checks to allow you to do even more complex maneuvers.

So no, it would not make you better by increasing your modifiers, but it would make you better by allowing you to game your action chains better.

>>35119422
In Character, it would allow us to better make tactical decisions, by knowing the chance of success he has for any given action, Ivan would be able to make better decisions...

Out of Character, No clue...

Listen guys, I can't wait too much longer to figure out which upgrades to get. Things are seriously bogged down right now.

For sure:
>Metaboost
>Neo hemoglobin

And shall we tack on
>Myocyte pack Hercules?

That would put us out of commission for like 10 days, cost a total of 41,000 credits. Once that's done we'd skip to the mission.

Speak now or forever hold your peace.

>>35119311

Fuck, someone dig the old threads for pastebins

>>35119422
>>35119545
He's giving as the ability to metagame to an extant. There are a number of times we've gone for rouges and plan that we reallllyy shouldn't ha e a d probably wouldn't ha e of we knew the rolls.

>>35119575
>Metaboost
>Neo Hemoglobin
>Athena Neuroware

>>35119575
What's happened to shield-San. I havent seen them? How about upgrades for shield-san?

Rolled 10, 9, 10 = 29 (3d10)

>>35119575
Of course we want the >Myocyte pack Hercules

Who wouldn't want to go through walls like the Koolaid dude?

>>35119575
Yeah I'd like the Hercules pack I just thought we couldn't get that if we were getting the Metaboost now.

>>35119684
Nice 29

>>35119684
You can't have both installed simultaneously, bu you have time and money to both separately before the mission

>>35119575
Can Myocyte be installed concurrently with Metaboost? If so then sure.

I'd still prefer Falconian and Boze to give us an immunity to flash bangs.

>>35119497
I guess I'd like that, an having something like that would encourage the kind of combat you want, but I just dont want to spend the creds for it. Maybe next time.

>>35119701
Do we have enough time to get them both installed before the mission? If not then I'd rather hang onto the money for now.

>>35119737
Yes, you can get both before the mission. You have two weeks of time and 70,000+ credits. The total instillation time for both in 9 days, the total cost in credits is like 35,000 or something like that.

>>35119737
Those 3 augs will cost us 10 days under the knife. We have 14 to prepare for the mission. I say go for it.

Rolled 9, 10, 10 = 29 (3d10)

>>35119773
Shouldn't we also consider the rehab time after the operation?

>>35119798
No that's not fun and has never been a problem.

You wave goodbye to Svenja and walk out of her office. You’ve got two weeks and an amount of credits many financial experts would refer to as “an assload”. It’s time to get some long awaited augs. You hurry over to the clinic and call up Doctor Barnes. The doctor takes your varied aug requests in stoic stride.

“Alright, you want Metaboost, the service pack, and Hercules?”

“Yeah,” you reply as your course through the hallways towards the clinic.

“Somebody got out of debt.”

“Yeah,” you reply as you open the clinic doors and barge into the waiting room. Dr. Barnes walks out of his office, eyebrow crooked and a stern scowl on his face.

“No running in the halls.”

You roll your eyes. Due to the effects of the anesthetic they put you on, that’s the last thing you remember.

You wake up. The first thing you do is panic slightly. Being immersed in operating gel isn’t the best way to rouse yourself. You squirm in the thick fluid, unable to do anything more than wriggle. After a few seconds you eventually calm down and realize where you are. This isn’t some sort of tarpit womb, but rather an OR tank. Something perfectly civilized and a good deal less freudian. A few minutes later you feel something lift you out of the tank. You hang limply as the robotic arm hoists you into the air and onto dry land.

Your feet slip on the slick floor, desperate to find purchase on the smooth tiles. Dr. Barnes tuts softly as he steps forward into the light. “Quit flailing like that. The way you’re built you could punch a hole in the station.”

>Say something:
>[Mumble incoherently]
>”Fuck doc. That’s not how I usually wake up from these things.”
>”Hahahaha… I’m like covered in lube dude.”
>”Who are you? Where am I?”
>Write in

>>35120043
>>”Fuck doc. That’s not how I usually wake up from these things.”

>>35120043
>>”Hahahaha… I’m like covered in lube dude.”

>>35120043
>[SCREAM incoherently]

>>35120043
>>”Fuck doc. That’s not how I usually wake up from these things.”

>>35120043
>Should I be conscious already?

>>35120110
Seconding

>>35120043
>”Fuck doc. That’s not how I usually wake up from these things.”

>>35120134
seconding

>>35120043
>”Fuck doc. That’s not how I usually wake up from these things.”

“Fuck doc. That’s not how I usually wake up from these things.”

Dr. Barnes snorts as he flicks through a tablet. “Stop moving around. The gel will dry momentarily.”

He shuts down the device and looks up at you. “Kostov. You’ve just been implanted with some of the most powerful gene modded muscles in Human Space. I’m not about to wake you up from deep sleep and risk you shattering my sternum with a twitch. Restraints.”

You hang limply in the air as the OR gel dries. After a few more minutes you can rest your feet on the ground without attempting a spastic riverdance. You stand up slowly. “So wait, will this be necessary for me every time I go to sleep?”

Dr. Barnes looks up from his tablet, back on and with a game of solitaire dominating the screen. “Mmmm? No. No after today you should be able to wake up and fall asleep perfectly normally. I understand though that you suffer from acute cryo-sickness. So we’ll have to flood your berth with some suspension gel for the next few drops until you fully acclimate.”

The thought of waking up nauseous suspended in some goddamn gel almost makes you physically ill. You contain yourself however, and instead wipe a glob of gel off of your shoulder. “Anything special I need to do?”

Barnes shrugs, not looking up from his tablet this time. “Nothing too delicate for a few days. Do some gross motor exercises to get a feel for things before your drop.”

You nod, and wave goodbye to the doctor. He doesn’t respond.

Grabbing your clothes and accessories, you change in the clinic before heading out onto the station. You check the messages in your e-glasses. Nothing too exciting, just a message from Svenja confirming that Elda has been approved to drop with you on Chinese Pizza.

>Do anything other than PT for the next few days? If so, write it in
>Or skip to the drop?

>>35120043
>"Hahahaha… I’m like covered in lube dude."

Rolled 5, 10, 7 = 22 (3d10)

>>35120043
I usually prefer to have dinner and some wine before getting all sticking and slimy with someone.

Rolled 3, 10, 10 = 23 (3d10)

>>35120357
>>Do anything other than PT for the next few days? If so, write it in
Go to the gym, impress everyone.

>>35120357
>>Do anything other than PT for the next few days? If so, write it in

Talk to Elda about her beef with Marlena. I don't want the mission going to shit because of grudges and bitchy attitudes.

>>35120429

Seconded.

>>35120357
>Anything else?

Hmm, show up at our part-time job and try to learn something/work on that aegis armor project. Maybe get in some weapons training?

>>35120448
I don't want to try working on an advanced set of armor when we just got HUGE GUTS

>>35120443
Thirded

>>35120429
This. For the love of a kind and loving god, this.

>>35120408
>risking a confrontation with our arch nemesis

Rolled 4, 3, 2 = 9 (3d10)

>>35120635
The shower is actually the real protag of DAQ

>>35120429
Might as well do this, if we can fit in some training it'd be nice.

File: K-Level.jpg (161 KB, 659x900)

161 KB JPG

You spend the rest of the time between being released from your bacta tank and the mission engaged in some hardcore and public PT at the gym. At least, until the barbell bent. That was a bit awkward.

You are lying in your quarters, on the day before the drop, gazing up at the ceiling. For a while you were considering binge watching some mafia flicks to get you in the mood for the mission, but some sort of nagging sensation in the back of your mind prevented you from starting up the movies. You shift around, trying to find a comfortable position. Then, as you stare at the ceiling form a slightly new angle, from the recesses of your brain a thought bubbles up. “Oh fuck.”

You sit bolt upright and pull on your e-glasses. You quickly ping Elda.

>Elda, I just realized something potentially serious. Time to talk?

Hurrying off to the bathroom to clean up a bit before you go out to see your fellow merc, you get a ping back.

>No. What is it? I’m down in K-level.

You grab a hoodie and roll out of your cramped quarters. Seriously, it’s time to upgrade. Maybe after this mission, assuming nothing goes pear-shaped. You jog through the halls, trying to not look like a maniac. Seriously, this wouldn’t be such a problem if you had just realized that those two would be together on the mission earlier…

After a few more minutes of panicked rushing you arrive at K-Level. You stumble through the halls, tripping over various bits of detritus left behind after the floor was cancelled. Finally you bang into the atrium. Elda turns around from one of the seats, gazing over her shoulder in your direction. Both of her eyebrows are raised in surprise.

“What on Earth is it, Ivan?”

>Well, what on Earth is it?

>>35120884
>Some bad blood on the upcoming drop going to be much of an issue?

>>35120884
You know that drop you really wanted to go in on?

You looked at the other guys who joined in, right?

>>35120884
So. Remember that Marlena bitch from that one drop of yours? She's going on our next drop.

>>35120884
>We need a plan to keep Martian from killing your father if she comes in contact with him that doesn't involve killing her first.

>>35120998

Seconded, without the "bitch" bit.

>>35121017

Followed by this.

>>35120884
I have good and bad news. Well, you already know the good news, so lets skip to the bad news. Unrelated, but your hair really look great today. Marlena is on the drop with us tomorrow. By the way do you think they have a pizza oven in that compound?

We can probably just tell Marlena not to kill the guy

Just guilt trip her for blowing our arm off to get a favor.

You are on the verge of resting your hands on your knees and panting from your little job before you realize something. You’re not even remotely close to tired, it hardly feels like you’ve exerted yourself at all. Somewhat astonished at your reserves of stamina, you jerk upright. “Right. Remember that Marlena chick? She’s on the drop.”

Elda stares at you for a few seconds before snorting and rolling her eyes. “I already knew that, scemo. I could check the roster the second I was added to the mission.”

You rub the back of your neck a little. “Right. That’s a thing you can do.”

Elda waves you over to her, and you comply, walking forward. “Really, I suppose a Grazie is in order.”

The old seat creaks as you settle down next to Elda. “How come?”

“Because, I’m not sure if you alone would be enough to stop that psychopath,” replies Elda, glowering into the void of space, “I don’t think you have the coglioni for it.”

>”Don’t question my drive Elda.”
>”Are you contemplating something drastic?”
>”We’re on the Brick. There are plenty of nuts to go around.”
>Write In

>>35121255
>Just guilt trip her for blowing our arm off to get a favor.
Ivan isn't a bitch. We should tell her upfront and be honest.

>>35121291
>>”Are you contemplating something drastic?”

Yeah, better not pull any shit while on the mission.

>>35121291
>”Are you contemplating something drastic?”
because seriously, we should just come clean and tell her what this is all about.

>>35121291
>”Are you contemplating something drastic?”

Because if you are, please, let me at least attempt to reason with her. While I'm certainly not her friend or anything, I just really want to hope that things won't come to that.

>>35121291
I just got here, and I've got a suggestion.

>Plasma Propulsion System, aka Dash

By compressing the surrounding air and releasing it as high-energy plasma, the user is able to propel him or herself at great speed. Upon landing, the system recompresses the air for another dash. It can be used from any position while still achieving the same speed. However, for control and safety reasons, air is sucked back in right after a dash, robbing the user of momentum. Delay or failure to do this eventually leads to mechanical failure within the boots, disabling the dash function. The only exception is during what is called a "dash jump", where the intake and vents are activated at the same time.

Also makes your shoes huge, or gives you giant vents on your back.

too energy-intensive/high tier?

You groan a little. “Elda, you’re contemplating something that’ll piss HR off, aren’t you?”

Elda shrugs. “I am not wanton killer. If you can keep her away from my father there won’t be a problem,” suddenly Elda turns to face you, a cold fire in her eyes. “But don’t think for a second I will hesitate to choose between my coworker or my babbo.”

You flinch slightly. The last thing you need is the coworker you invited on a mission intentionally fragging another coworker. Literally the worst thing. Alright that’s not true. Literally the worst thing would probably involve an arthropod and your urethra. This is like, fifth place worst possible thing. Still pretty bad though. “Okay Elda. I get that you don’t want Marlena shooting your babbo to shit. Guess what, I don’t want to deal with the fallout from you killing a fellow merc on a mission I invited you on.”

A huff, and Elda looks away. She mumbles something you don’t quite make out before speaking more clearly. “It’s not like I want to kill a fellow mercenary. I am just informing you what will happen if Marlena tries to get cute.”

You sigh.

>”What’s your problem with Martian anyway?”
>”Fine. Then how will we keep Martian and Babbo away from one another?”

>>35121646
>”What’s your problem with Martian anyway?”
Have you tried ASKING her not to do it? It generally solves problems without causing new ones.

>>35121646
>>”What’s your problem with Martian anyway?”
Give us a straight answer for once woman.

>>35121499
a IN YOUR FACE button would help with getting to melee.
sounds kinda high-tier though.. change the propulsion to something less dramatic than plasma? Maybe a set amount of little rocket boosters with retros for the same effect?

>>35121715
how would we refuel, though? Do we just walk around with a set number of dashes per mission?

>>35121646
>"I know... I just hope that things don't come to that in the first place"

>”What’s your problem with Martian anyway?”

>"Also, do you have a picture of your Pappy? Or any secrets that only you and him know? If I hang around the Martian long enough, we might be able to find him, and I need him to know that you're with me to have him trust me."

>>35121761
depending on the size of said rockets, we might carry some extras that have to be reloaded, or yeah, just have a set amount per mission.

>>35121786
>"Also, do you have a picture of your Pappy? Or any secrets that only you and him know? If I hang around the Martian long enough, we might be able to find him, and I need him to know that you're with me to have him trust me."

Oh shit, this. We don't even know what he looks like, how are we going to realize that he's her father?

>>35121786
That last bit, definitely.

>>35121646
>”Fine. Then how will we keep Martian and Babbo away from one another?”

We already know why don't we. We dealt with the fallout last time Elda dropped with Marlena.

“Goddamn. You are literally contemplating fragging a coworker right now. This is fuckin insane. What’s your problem with Martian anyway?”

Elda scowls. “I told you about the drop with her. She killed a lot of innocent people Ivan. A lot of people who weren’t even targets. Just… there.”

The italian clenches her jaw a little, shifting in her chair. “And she seemed to enjoy herself. I… raising havoc missions are not something I enjoy. Too many people who did nothing wrong being hurt. It was frightening, seeing someone enjoy it so much.”

You rub your temples. “Fuck. I dunno Elda, I’ve dropped with Martian a few times now. She didn’t seem like such a psycho those times. I hear she’s got a special grudge against Martians and collaborators.”

You meant for that to reassure Elda. Instead, the brunette looks even more appalled. “Oh great. Oh goody. Woop de doo. Valachi has martian connections.”

“I think they grow Blurple Buffalo for Mars. Process it into double danks and ship it off to the Red Planet.”

“Hoo boy. Alright then, what does Babbo look like then? Maybe I can try to hunt him down and put him somewhere safe before Marlena can find him.”

Elda nods. After a few minutes she pings over a file. You open it. Its a picture of a very jolly looking middle aged italian man. Streaks of silver run through his slicked back hair. His grin is enveloped by a salt and pepper beard. “Hardly seems the type.”

Elda snorts. “He barely is. Grandfather was the real mafioso before he was killed. Babbo just rode on his coattails.”

“So you doubt he’ll put much of a fight?”

“No,” Elda replies shaking her head. “I don’t think he wants to remain in the Valachi any more than I do. But he’s bound to them. the only way he could ever leave safely is banishment.”

>Write In a Plan

>>35122191
When planning for the drop with the other mercs bring up Elda's babbo as a "priority target" needed alive.

I guess if they ask why either explain or ask elda to explain.

>>35122191
If Marlena hates Martians so much, can't we ask her for help in picking up some people who don't want to help Martians anymore?

>>35122191
I suppose we can tell Clayton and Marlena that there's an extraction bounty for his rescue, being offered by him.

>>35122363

Or we get Elda to put out a bounty for his rescue. She'll have to come clean to the two of them, though.

>>35122363
I think that raises the question of who pays this promised bounty after the mission then.

Maybe we can say he's a potentially high value defector who can direct us to Valachi Family cash stashes or the like.

>>35122191
What if we told Marlena that Elda's father is just for her, without telling her the relationship between the two? Have Marlena think there's some personal beef between the two and she's exacting her revenge, when insteaad they're jsut having a little family reunion?

>>35122191
The most difficult part of this drop is locating her dad. Once we make contact it should be relatively easy to convince him to run away, he can't escape the space mafia, but if he's seen running like a coward they'll probably banish him rather than whack him. With Elda's help we can convince him it's time to back out for his own good and for his family.

Even though sometimes just asking is the easiest solution for some reason I don't think informing the other mercs of our ulterior motives is a good idea this time. But keeping them out of the loop adds another variable of who the first merc to encounter Mr. Elda's Dad is.

The other issue I noticed is that we may need to convince him non-verbally, considering we have to record all the audio from the mission. Does Elda know of any signs that might tip him off?

>>35122456
That would depend on Marlena and Elda liking each other enough to trust each other.

For all we know they really dislike each other and Marlena might "accidentally" kill the person elda wants to extract alive.

>>35122456
That's was my initial thought too. If we let Marlena think we or Elda have a personal vendetta against this man I don't think she'd argue with leaving him for us. In fact she may even encourage it. I support this rather than coming clean.

>>35122482
I meant to imply that we convince Marlena that Elda has a personal grudge against her father without revealing what their relationship really is. Basically imply Elda wants to torture and kill him herself.

I think Marlena might back that. Marlena seems edgy like that.

>>35122482
I think Elda's hatred is one sided. She was put off by how Martian was acting, but we don't know if she started any beef. And even if they aren't on the best of terms that's a really vindictive thing to do to a co-worker. Marlena might be psycho but I don't think she's a vindictive bitch.

>>35122541
>>35122534


That's a pretty ambiguous thing though, we haven't spent any time talking to Marlena beyond getting shot and being on mission so we have no clue exactly how one sided elda's beef with her is.

If we can feel that out during the planning stages of the drop and she's either not vindictive or doesnt care then you gents plan would work fine.

Otherwise we'd be taking a gamble that could end in "totally unavoidable" friendly fire.

>>35122591
Hey I know. Let's just ask Elda if Marlena hates her back, or if it's just one sided.

Then we can make our suggestion depending on what she says.

>>35122591
Then the safest thing is to tell her we have the vendetta, she seems to like us. She approved of how we roughed up that egghead, she'll probably be overjoyed to hear we have someone we want for ourselves.

>>35122624
This and if so fall back to >>35122626
The only thing that can go wrong is if she wants to watch, but we can probably convince her to give us some privacy.

>>35122656
I think that the safest probable route is to make babbo's extraction a part of the op. Maybe as a person of interest to steadfast mutual or a potential source of information or operations that would enrich us mercs and strikeout as a whole.

Bringing a supposed personal beef into a professional merc drop seems like the kind of thing they'd be either uncool with or curious about, but if it's part of the mission then it's just business as usual.

No reason for suspicions or awkward questions.

>>35122711
The only problem I see with that is that the mercs get briefed on the mission objectives, so how would we convince them that there was an extra objective no one told them about?

Why don't we bounce both ideas off of Elda and see what she thinks. Regardless of her attitude she seems to give sound advice with things like these

>>35122711
I just can't think of a way to incorporate Babbo as part of the mission, we don't have any control over our objectives, and just suggesting this man is important to the other mercs pre drop might not be enough. If we really want to get this man extracted we'll probably need some help from Niels to add that extra objective, if he even can.

>>35122780
We might be able to work the money angle.

We should ask elda just how high up on the totem pole babbo is and if he's in a position of any semblance of power we might be able to get a nice extra payday on top of the usual business.

We can use that extra payday as the angle to get the other mercs on board since hey, who doesnt love more money.

>>35122780
It couldn't hurt to ask him if it's at least possible and if it is if he's willing to take that risk. I think involving Niels is an outside of the box way of solving this.

>>35122819
That could work but we'd have to convince Strike Out not just the mercs. Another money option is just paying them out of pocket for their cooperation and discretion.

>>35122837
I seem to remember that hacking strikeout sent up a red flag the first time and for something as unprofitable as "saving daddy" he might not get let off the hook so easily.

Hey everybody, loving the shadowrunning going on right now, but I'd like to wrap things up for today soonish.

How about we do as >>35122761 said and propose both ideas, along with the Niels solution, to Elda and get some NPC feedback, just to get the ball rolling.

Good news, I'll be able to run this weekend. Leaning towards Sunday, but don't count Saturday out yet.

>>35122867
Now that you mention it that is ringing a bell. Damn, well I like the vendetta option, and we certainly could just grease the other merc's palms if it comes to that.

>>35122866
I cant imagine it would be too difficult to convince whoever handles overall mission objectives to add babbo extraction if said babbo is at all capable of giving us access to a fat stack.

>>35122884
Sounds good to me. Though I thought that vendetta option was onto something.

>>35122884
Feedback sounds killer, I mean we cant make a proper plan without some more information.

>>35122907
It's all about how Babbo gets out I'm thinking. The best solution would be to have the mafia decide they don't want him anyway and banish him. He may not be safe if they think we're trying to get him to snitch. But I don't know just how powerful they are, once he's in Strike Outs' hands he may as well be out of theirs.

>>35123022
That also depends on how valuable babbo is to the Valachi. He might not be a boss of any particular power but if he has valuable information they might try to take him out if it appears we're trying to get him out alive.

It really depends on just how much elda decides to share right now I suppose. We cant make a final call until we get some more info.

I don't know about you guys but I really feel like watching Goodfellas now. I think Ivan would approve.

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>>35122884

I gotta pass out as well. Think this is done-ish. File is fuck huge because I wanted a transparent background. Apologies for any mobile browsers it crashes.

Thanks for running as usual.

>>35123129
I love it. I'll really miss Dreads. RIP, we hardly knew ye.

>>35123129
Tight shit drawfriend. You get some good night's rest.

The two of you stop talking for a few minutes, both thinking furiously in the astral silence. Suddenly, two ideas pop into your head. “Hey Elda,” you say, your voice echoing around the observatory like… some speaking in a really big empty room… “I gotta know something first. You don’t care for Marlena right? What does she think of you?”

Elda glances at you before returning to contemplating her shoes. “I don’t really think she would even remember who I was. She was too frightening… I kept quiet the entire time.”

“Hm. Not the best possible answer,” you say, “But better than what I was worried you’d tell me. Alright, I have two ideas for how we’ll keep your dad safe from Marlena. They both involve making her a willing participant in keeping your father alive.”

Elda’s eyebrows rise with her head as she looks at you with intrigue. “Go on.”

“Well, my first thought was this,” you say, trying to keep the excitement out of your voice. “Marlena hates Martians and Martian Collaborators right? But she isn’t some berserk beast, just sadistic. So I figure that if we convince her that you have some personal vendetta against your father, without revealing the relationship, and that you want to ‘hash out your differences one on one’ with him, she’ll leave the two of you alone.”

Elda nods. “Convince her that I want to torture him myself. That could work, so long as he doesn’t do anything too stupid to antagonize her. Or if she isn’t quite as in control as you seem to think.”

“I’ll be with Marlena. I can make sure nothing happens before you’re ready.”

Elda nods again. “It’s a good plan. But what was your other thought?”

You lean back a little, rubbing the cold out of your hands against your lap. “Well my other thought was that we convince the rest of the squad that extracting him is a mission objective. Get everyone working together to make sure he survives.”

“But, we were given our mission objectives at the very beginning,” Elda responds, “We can’t just add some more. People wouldn’t believe us.”

“Ahhhh,” you reply with a crafty grin, “That’s the rub. We make it a mission objective. Niels has hacked HR before right? Have him add it on as one of the objectives. Make it an order.”

Elda sits back in her chair smiling involuntarily. “Yes. Yes that just mi-” the smiles slides off of her face. “Oh no. Cazzo!” Elda hits her thigh with a fist. “We won’t get away with that. Remember Capital Shock? StrikeOut KNEW that Niels had hacked the system. We might be guaranteed the cooperation of our fellow mercs, but would StrikeOut let us get away with it?”

“Shit,” you mutter. “Shit shit shit. This isn’t quite the same as signing up for a mission we’re not meant to drop on. We’d actually be changing objectives.”

Elda nods. “I don’t know. How capable do you think you are? Of keeping Marlena in check I mean?”

>Much to the yes
>Not very

>>35123330

>>Much to the yes
She's been willing to defer to us before. She may well do so again.

>>35123330
>Much to the yes

>>35123330
>Much to the yes

I believe our relationship is adequate enough. I want to believe that despite her sadistic tendencies she can leave one for us. There are plenty of made men for her to unmake on this drop.

>>35123330
>Much to the yes

we also need to ask her just how valuable her father might be to strikeout to have his extraction officially made an objective.

You think about it for a few seconds. “I don’t think Marlena is quite as nuts as you think she is. She’s listened to me before, I think if I told her that you wanted to handle your father personally, she’d let you do so.”

“Then I think that might be the safest bet,” replies Elda.

Another thought creeps into your Ruskie mind. It barely avoids tripping over the many empty bottles of vodka before it exits out your mouth. “How much valuable information does your father have on the Valachi? Maybe he’d be more use to StrikeOut alive than dead.”

Elda shifts before looking at you. Her eyes are really huge when she wants them to be. “I just can’t Ivan. Not all corps have a problem with torture. I just can’t run the risk that might befall babbo. He doesn’t know all that much, really. He- he just isn’t a good enough Branch Don to be privy to any important family secrets. I don’t want StrikeOut to sell him to be some vindictive investor’s…”

Elda’s voice trails off as she contemplates the horror.

>Which plan?

>>35123584
Seems like the vendetta is the plan to go with.

>>35123584
Don't worry then we can probably handle this without involving the Strike Out.

>>35123584

Por que no los dos?

“Alright Elda. I don’t think StrikeOut’s the sort to sell people to torturers, but we’ll use the Vendetta Plan. Alright?”

Elda nods, rubbing at her eyes. “I’ll see you tomorrow for the drop. Thanks Ivan.”

You stand up and grunt. “No problem. Maybe spend some time thinking of a good back story for why you want to go Kill Bill on your dad’s ass. In case Marlena gets curious.”

Although Elda probably didn't get the reference, she nods. “Alright then,” you say. “See you at the drop.”

Elda doesn't follow you out of the observatory.

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Alright, well that's all for tonight folks. Reading your shadowruns was quite fun, and as always great to get some work from drawfriend.

Again, thread this weekend. Should be one of those extra long combat ones, which I know people enjoy.

>>35123805
Sweet. You said we were nearing the final arc; will we ever do another idol bashers?

>>35123805
Oh god time for panic and dice I can't wait. Thanks for running FG

>>35123841
mo def. That shit was just too popular to not do again.

>>35123845
Thanks for playing anon.

>>35123841
>>35123852

Idol Bashers 2: Axing All The Wrong Questions, coming soon to a Quest Thread near you!

>>35123841
>>35123852
Speaking of idol bashers, did we ever get to see the viewers' reactions and comments about that finale? I know sp/a/cechan would have shitposts fill up every thread.

>>35121646
Worst girl gets worse.

Just going over the upgrades discussion, and why didn't we get Falconian Eye? It is cheap, has a short operation time and there were plenty votes for it, and none against it.

>>35126111
Just counted the votes for it:
>>35118735
>>35118804
>>35118893
>>35119068
And an implicit vote for it with >>35118813

Seeing as its onky 7k and the aug time is only 13 hours, I hope we can pick it up before the drop, because it would be retarded not to, especially as we voted for it.

>>35123945
Don't think we did, that's something we should look into

>>35126173
>>35126111
There were multiple times when FG asked for clarification on the issue of augments. People didn't speak up for the eye, so it probably got left by the wayside.

>>35126276
Well I voted for it, saw the support for it, and no one voting against it, and then had to leave and only got back an hour ago.

Kind of stupid to not get it just because when it have overwhelming support, people thought it would happen seeing as we voted for it.

>>35126276
I fell asleep after I first voted for it in >>35118735

We better fucking get it, we've got more than enough time before the drop so theres no reason for FG to not give it to us, because I'll be damned if we go into this mission without it after we voted for it, like we've done on missions in the past when such things got 'overlooked' and we ended up screwed because of it.

We seriously need that for our aim.

>>35126309
I can see where you're coming from anon but Fall Guy very clearly stated which augments were "for sure" happening and asked that if anyone had anything else to say, they had to speak up.

>>35126334
We didn't screw up for lack of augments. We screwed up because of real shitty rolling.

I've never understood this attitude of hostility towards QMs for petty mistakes. Especially ones like Fall Guy who go out of their way for our benefit. Cut the man some slack.

>>35126355
>I can see where you're coming from anon but Fall Guy very clearly stated which augments were "for sure" happening and asked that if anyone had anything else to say, they had to speak up.
And you just got told that two of the people who voted for them were not present, and there was no one saying we shouldn't get them.

So why can't we? We have more than enough money, and more than enough time.

>I've never understood this attitude of hostility towards QMs for petty mistakes. Especially ones like Fall Guy who go out of their way for our benefit. Cut the man some slack.
I'm not being hostile at all, I'm just bewildered at how it was seemingly ignored after we had agreed on it, I left because I had work to do and the vote was essentially over at that point and we had come to consensus.

>>35126378
Nah. that last bit wasn't really directed at you, you seem pretty level headed about the whole affair. It's the other guy.

>>35126355
>asked that if anyone had anything else to say, they had to speak up.
I was asleep...

>>35126388
>It's the other guy.
Other guy here, sorry if I came across like that, didn't mean to be hostile, I'm not a morning person and waking up and reading that was a little jarring