>>2763934
>You should help provide some recon.

>>2763934
>>You should help provide some recon.

What's our loadout and equipment right now?

>>2763934
>You should help provide some recon.

>>2763934
>You should help provide some recon.

File: lewdlewd.jpg (162 KB, 868x1228)

162 KB JPG

>>2763934
>Someone else can worry about that.

If that's the case then we need to accelerate our plans on lewding Dorodoro in the epilogue!

>>2763934
Man, that bad, huh?
Do you have any new ideas for another quest already?
>You should provide some recon

>>2763934
Dat feel when no DECULTURE...

>You should help provide some recon.

File: 48462177_p0.jpg (497 KB, 1000x1475)

497 KB JPG

>>2763972
>Do you have any new ideas for another quest already?

I've always got one or two in the queue!

>>2763979
It seems like it’s been low energy for a while even before the routelock. Maybe it’s the timing or just that Merc’s running two quests every weekend.

File: Spoiler Image (218 KB, 2000x761)

218 KB JPG

>>2763983
>>2763979
>inb4 it's a GIRLS FRONTLINE IDOL Quest where you're a Civilian T-Doll Idol that gets converted for combat purposes!

>>2763983
Can't wait for GBFQ S2 and Idol Royale Quest

>>2763934
>Someone else can worry about that.

I'm sorry I haven't been here as much. Work is early AM and I am weak. I have failed you.

File: Valkyrie.jpg (573 KB, 2000x1230)

573 KB JPG

>>2763934
"I can do it." You offer. "Our VF-19's got better stealth capability than the VF-25s."

"Thanks, I can still task a couple of Ghosts to help you out." Kellerman offers.

"Or I can tag along!" Lara offers. "Always gonna need a good wingmate to watch your back, right?"

Hm well, having the extra help would be nice, but a bigger formation would also mean a larger chance to be spotted...

>Take the Ghosts
>Take Lara
>Take both.
>Go alone.
>Other

>>2764049
>>Take Lara

>>2764049
>Take Lara
Never fly alone. Besides what is she going to do on her own?

>>2764049
>Take Lara

>>2764049
>Take Lara
Always saves us when we job.

>>2764049
>Take Lara

Plus Cole will be good to have along, she might recognize what's what

File: 1518062963842.gif (58 KB, 900x540)

58 KB GIF

>>2764049
"Come on, Lara, let's go." You say.

"Haha! Awesome!" Lara cheers.

"Hey now, remember, this is a recon mission, not an air sweep." Kellerman sighs as his VF-25 pulls up next to your VF-19. "Anyways, with how this damn stealth field works, you'll have to be connected to a physical communication line. You don't have to do anything special, we'll draw guidance data straight off your Valkyrie's sensors."

"Ew, isn't that gonna hurt our ability to maneuver?" Lara asks suspiciously.

"It's like having a chain on our heels." Cole sighs.

"Look, if there's a situation where you need to maneuver, then we're probably already fucked." Kellerman retorts. "Besides, if you really need to you can always detach it, but we'll be blind in that case."

"I knew this was a bad idea." Amy shakes her head.

>Better sure and double up on the cables.
>Only one of you needs to be connected.
>Other

>>2764092
>>Better sure and double up on the cables.
Two is one, one is none

>>2764092
>>Better sure and double up on the cables.

>>2764092
>Better sure and double up on the cables.

>>2764092
>Better sure and double up on the cables.
inb4 roll for encounter
inb4 1

>>2764092
>>Only one of you needs to be connected.

>>2764092
>Better sure and double up on the cables.

If we both detatch, we need to let them know why.

Assuming that our death screams aren't a clear message.

>>2763972
She could probably afford an entire wardrobe, anon. Just make sure the kid doesn't find something they'll both be ashamed about.

File: YF19_Fighter-GERWALK-Battroid.jpg (169 KB, 1500x1125)

169 KB JPG

>>2764092
"We'll just double up on the cables." You say. "The more the merrier."

"Aaaaawwwwwwwwwww fine!" Lara groans. "Let's get this over with, then!"

"You know how it goes, Lara." Kellerman sighs as a pair of RVF-25s float up to you, each one carrying a large spool of cable. They plug it into a port on the rear of your Valkyrie near the tail."

"All right, that's it. We're depending on you two to get us through this." Kellerman says. "Good luck."

"Don't worry." You assure him as you open up your throttle, moving forward. Lara does the same.

As you press forward, you pass the other Valkyries in formation, ready to make a move. In the center was the the Roughneck's assault/boarding ship, the Daedalus. The irony of the name was not lost upon you, since during the First Space War, the Daedalus Maneuver was pioneered, where one ship would ram another as a way to let destroids board or attack the enemy ship from within.

And sure enough, instead of the hastily modified submersible carrier that originally carried the name, the Daedalus here was purpose built. It was long and narrow, like an arrow point, its prow heavily armored and shielded with barriers. Definitely for it to ram heavily armored targets, pierce their hulls, and then open up specialized assault ramps to disgorge its deadly cargo.

That was unimaginably risky and dangerous work. You certainly had to respect these Roughnecks for choosing this tactic to be their preferred method of fighting.

Though, if this plan went off, hopefully things wouldn't be as violent.

"Dang, that thing looks pretty badass." Amy marvels. "You think they got any Monsters in there?"

"Nah, they mostly use Spartans and Excaliburs." You explain. "Monsters don't fit into enclosed spaces very well, you see."

"Ah, well that sucks." Amy sighs, obviously a bit dejected.

At that point, you've reached what looks to be a solid, black wall. The edge of the stealth field. You fiddle with your controls to make sure your Valkyrie was in low emissions mode to evade enemy sensors before pushing through. Your vision goes completely dark. The darkness passes quickly when the stars wink back into the existence.

Except... those weren't stars, you realize.

Just millions of Zentradi warships, arrayed outside a tiny brown rock, which was your objective.

"Shit, how are we gonna get through all that...?" Lara gulps.

You take another look. The Zentradi formation directly ahead was where it was densest, but thanks to that density, the ships weren't moving all that much, so hopefully they wouldn't accidentally wander into the stealth field. On the other hand, a little farther out the Zentradi ships were more spread out, leaving more room to squeeze through, but that also meant more mobile patrols moving about.

"I think I know a way." Cole offers."But I'm going to need the controls."

>Let Cole lead
>Head through the dense but stationary position.
>Head through the loose but mobile position.
>Other

>>2764144
If Karla could hide her amazing skin-tight pilot suit from her future child then Doro could too.

>>2764186
>Head through the dense but stationary position.

>>2764186
>Have Cole point the way instead

>>2764186
>Let Cole lead

>>2764193
Not just pilot suits that may or kay not be flattering, but the other outfits for 'nightly activities'.

>>2764186
>>Head through the dense but stationary position.

>>2764186
>Let Cole lead

This is the kind of thing that we brought her for

>>2764186
>Let Cole lead

>>2764186
>>Let Cole lead
Hopefully she's acquired enough culture to want to keep holding on to it

File: 9879566500974.png (634 KB, 781x1056)

634 KB PNG

>>2764193
True, though we may need to come up with reasons for plausible deniability.

File: Cole 46.jpg (232 KB, 1200x846)

232 KB JPG

>>2764186
"All right, Cole, we're trusting you on this." You tell her.

"Don't worry, I can take the controls back from her any time." Lara assures you.

"Hey, if you die, I die too, so it's not like I'm gonna lead you into a trap." Cole grunts.

"Makes sense." Amy shrugs.

"Let's just... let's go." You say.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>2764263

Time for snow

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>2764263

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2764263

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2764263

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>2764263

File: Cole 25.jpg (379 KB, 1764x2508)

379 KB JPG

>>2764263
You stay closely behind Lara's Valkyrie as Cole guides it in through the Zentradi armada, being careful not to break either of your cables. However, you had to stay on your toes, as Cole would erratically stop and start moving, apparently in perfect synch with the movements of the Zentradi ships around you.

"I know the timing and location of the patrol routes, so we should get there without being seen." Cole explains. "We uh, don't change them much."

"Well, it's working so far, so I'm not complaining." Amy says, her gaze locked to the distant yet still uncomfortably close Zentradi warships.

"Don't worry, it's all just a matter of timing-" Cole stops. "Oh, that's not expected."

You look ahead and you could see what looked to be a small Zentradi cargo hauler that had apparently run into engine troubles. You could see what looked to be a couple of automated repair ships digging their way through the hull in an attempt to repair it. Workers from the factory?

"Okay, they're noncombat, so they won't be looking out for intruders." Cole sighs in relief. "But it's still going to be a tight squeeze to get past them."

"Well, we could always take 'em out." Lara says. "Fast and quiet. Who's gonna notice a couple of missing drones?"

"That could work..." Cole concedes.

>Try to sneak past the workers. They seem distracted enough.
>Take out the workers. Take no chances.
>Other

>>2764318
>>Try to sneak past the workers. They seem distracted enough.

>>2764318
>Try to sneak past the workers. They seem distracted enough.

>>2764318
>Try to sneak past the workers. They seem distracted enough.

File: __original_drawn_by_stu_d(...).jpg (1.27 MB, 857x1500)

1.27 MB JPG

>>2764318
>>Take out the workers. Take no chances.

File: 737.jpg (48 KB, 578x640)

48 KB JPG

>>2764209

God forbid the kid finding a picture of her mother wearing CASUAL CLOTHES

>>2764318
>Try to sneak past the workers. They seem distracted enough.

File: Cole 27.png (841 KB, 903x1100)

841 KB PNG

>>2764318
"Let's try to sneak past them." You say. "Can you do it?"

"Yeah, of course I can!" Cole replies.

"You don't sound too confident." Amy frowns.

"S-shut up! This is easy!" Cole shoots back as the engines on Lara's Valkyrie power up.

Great, this was sure to end well. You could only hope that Kellerman and the others weren't listening in.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2764362

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2764362

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2764362

File: factory-satellite.gif (111 KB, 1200x570)

111 KB GIF

>>2764362
Fortunately, there's no reaction from the workers as your two Valkryies and very large blob of empty space slowly float past.

And that's when you start getting close enough to the Star Forge proper to get a better look at it. It was easily the size of a moon or small planetoid, which was par for the course for old Protoculture factory satellites. It was just... massive.

"Well, there's three ways we can get in." Cole explains. "There's the assembly line exit down there, where the finished ships are sent out. Everything there is automated so nobody will throw a fuss if we land in there, but it's going to be the farthest point from where we need to go."

"I'm sure our Roughneck friends will love that." Lara opines.

"There's the resource intake bay up there. It's closer to the command center but there's the possibility it's manned in order to screen the incoming resources. Might have to do a bit of fighting to secure that area."

"A bit risky." You frown.

"And, well, we can just drill directly through the outer wall of the factor and make our own entrance." Cole adds. "It'll get us the closest, but it's also the riskiest. If anybody happens to be looking our way or we set off a hull breach alarm, they'll get curious."

>Sneak in through the assembly line exit.
>Sneak in through the resource intake bay.
>Make your own entrance.
>Other

>>2764414
>Sneak in through the resource intake bay.

>>2764414
>>Sneak in through the resource intake bay.

>>2764414
>Sneak in through the resource intake bay.

>>2764414
>>Sneak in through the assembly line exit.

File: reguld.gif (93 KB, 513x900)

93 KB GIF

>>2764414
"We'll go in through the resource intake bay, then." You say.

"All right, just stay on alert." Cole cautions as Lara's Valkyrie dives down towards the the opening. Ahead, you could see an endless, continues stream of haulers and freighters flowing into the Star Forge. From the looks of it, all of them were fully automated. Zentradi had no knowledge of or inclination of learning things like logistics, often leaving that sort of thing up to automated systems.

This worked in your favor as none of the automates haulers seemed to give your presence any heed. However, as both you and Lara's Valkyries head into the mouth of the opening, you immediately see a pair of Zentradi battlepods, sentries most likely, milling about just inside.

Shit.

>Open up with guns and take them out quickly from range.
>Charge forward and take them out "quietly" with close attacks.
>Other

>>2764477
>>Charge forward and take them out "quietly" with close attacks.

>>2764477
>Charge forward and take them out "quietly" with close attacks.

>>2764477
>Charge forward and take them out "quietly" with close attacks.

>>2764477
>>Charge forward and take them out "quietly" with close attacks.

>>2764477
>>Open up with guns and take them out quickly from range.

>>2764546
>Missiles

>>2764546
>>Other
Don't Variable Fighters have a knife?

File: reguld-scout.gif (62 KB, 695x800)

62 KB GIF

>>2764477
>Whoops, sorry guys, I had completely misread the votes!

You couldn't afford to waste any time. You disconnect your data cable and boost forward at full speed, switching your Valkyrie into battroid mode as you do so. As your Valkyrie's arms deploy, you're immediately given several options on what to use...

>Fists
>Variable knife
>Ram
>Other

>>2764576
>Variable Knife

>>2764576
>>Variable knife
*Tarin’s voice* “Try to remember the basics of CQC, Harry...”

>>2764576
>>Variable knife

>>2764576
>Variable knife

Go for the antenna and comms array first i suppose. How likely is it that the knife can penetrate all the way to the pilot inside?

File: vf-27-fighter.jpg (144 KB, 900x700)

144 KB JPG

Rolled 3, 19 = 22 (2d20)

>>2764576
You queue up your variable knife, whose handle pops out of your Valkyrie's shoulder, allowing you to draw it just in time to swipe it at the nearest battlepod...

>Roll 1d20+1

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2764610

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2764610

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2764610

File: Lara 14.png (476 KB, 600x869)

476 KB PNG

Rolled 19, 12, 6 = 37 (3d20)

>>2764610
...

File: VF-1d.jpg (733 KB, 1600x1245)

733 KB JPG

>>2764623
You slash out with your knife, aiming for the main body of the battlepod, but the Zentradi pilot is quick witted enough to just narrowly back away, spoiling your aim. However, you slash does cut through the main communications antenna jutting out from the top of its head, so at least it couldn't transmit a warning.

The second battlepod is equally quick witted, already swiveling and locking its lasers on you, but you see a thrown variable knife twirl through the air before embedding itself into the battlepod, causing it to explode.

"Holy shit, nice shot, Lara!" Amy gasps.

"Hah! It's what I do!" Lara says proudly.

However, your battlepod, rather than stand and fight, spins around and boosts away in an attempt to escape.

"I can't break my cable till the others get here!" Lara calls out.

Damn, that would complicate things.

>Chase the battlepod.
>Shoot the battlepod down.
>Other

>>2764647
>>Shoot the battlepod down.

>>2764647
>Shoot the battlepod down.

>>2764647
>Shoot the battlepod down.

>>2764647
>Throw our knife at the battlepod

File: VF-22.gif (58 KB, 900x529)

58 KB GIF

>>2764647
No time to waste. You quickly activate your targeting computer, bringing up the first weapon you could get...

>Guns
>Missiles
>Everything
>Other

>>2764647
>Guns

>>2764685
Guns

>>2764685
>Other: the knife!

>>2764685
>Guns

File: 1502820385166.jpg (322 KB, 1779x1046)

322 KB JPG

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2764685
You aim your cannon, your targeting computer whining as a solid lock is gained on the battlepod as it flees down the hall...

>Roll 1d20+1

Rolled 14 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2764723
Expect dice gods to be petty and cruel...

Rolled 14 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2764723

Rolled 16 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2764723

File: battle25-carrier.jpg (129 KB, 800x580)

129 KB JPG

>>2764723
You unload a single three round burst, nailing the battlepod directly in the back as it tries to flee. The Zentradi machine stumbles before crumpling down onto the ground.

Completely unaware of what had just happened, the automated cargo haulers continue their journey down the tunnel, none the wiser.

"Good shot." Kellerman grunts as his Valkryie settles down next to yours. "We've got our in."

Sure enough, the stealth field has now been disengaged, with the Daedalus entering the intake shaft and disgorging its deadly own cargo of elite destroids while the Valkyries formed a perimeter.

"The communications center should be several levels above us." Cole explains. "We'll have to find a lift to get up there."

"Or, we can just blast our way up there, can't we?" Amy suggests.

"Heh, not a bad idea!" Lara laughs.

>We'll head up there slow and steady.
>Let's breach fast and hard.
>Other

>>2764765
>We'll head up there slow and steady.
Slow and steady until detected, fast and hard after that. This is how this stuff is done.

>>2764765
>>Let's breach fast and hard.
We're going in deep, and we're going in hard.

File: SWAT.jpg (127 KB, 1280x720)

127 KB JPG

>>2764772
Whoops, changing to >>2764771

>>2764765
>Let's breach fast and hard.
Thunder Run!

>>2764765
>Slow and steady
At first at least

File: swat.jpg (46 KB, 800x410)

46 KB JPG

>>2764765
>Let's breach fast and hard.

File: VF-1.jpg (561 KB, 3543x2362)

561 KB JPG

>>2764765
"We'll move up slow and steady. Floor by floor if we have to." You say.

"All right, want us to move ahead of the Roughnecks?" Kellerman asks. "Our Valkyries are still faster and more mobile than they are."

Across the way, the first wave of Spartans and Excaliburs were already starting to activate and organize into formation, ready to press on into the Star Forge.

>Probably better to scout ahead of them.
>Let them do the heavy lifting.
>Other

>>2764793
>Probably better to scout ahead of them.

>>2764793
>Let them do the heavy lifting.

>>2764793
>Scout ahead

>>2764793
>Let them do the heavy lifting.

>>2764793
>>Probably better to scout ahead of them.

>>2764793
>>Probably better to scout ahead of them.

File: 1513669627785.jpg (2.7 MB, 5000x3162)

2.7 MB JPG

>>2764793
"Let's move on ahead of them." You respond to Kellerman. "Better that we see what's ahead of us."

"Right, I'll get these guys organized. You and Lara move on ahead." Kellerman nods. "Let's get this done."

"Roger that." You say as you switch to GERWALK mode and throttle up.

"Maybe you should leave Amy here with us?" Kellerman quickly suggests.

>Yeah, it's too dangerous for her to keep tagging along.
>She's perfectly safe with me.
>Other

File: Background.jpg (1.59 MB, 1700x850)

1.59 MB JPG

>>2764865
>>She's perfectly safe with me.

>>2764865
>Yeah, it's too dangerous for her to keep tagging along.

>>2764865
>Yeah, it's too dangerous for her to keep tagging along.

>>2764865
>Yeah, it's too dangerous for her to keep tagging along.
They can set up a stage for her on the Daedalus for culture blasting

>>2764865
>She's perfectly safe with me.

File: black tomcat.jpg (182 KB, 1024x768)

182 KB JPG

>>2764865
"You're right." You nod. "We'll leave Amy here with you guys while we push on ahead."

"What?!" Amy yelps. "You're just gonna leave me behind?!"

"This is an attack, not a joyride." You gruffly remind Amy. "Just stay here with Kellerman and the others until everything is all clear."

"...fine." Amy grunts as she clambers out of the cockpit, gently floating down to the ground below.

"All right, Lara, let's move on ahead." You tell her.

"About damn time!" Lara whoops eagerly.

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>2764899

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>2764899

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2764899

File: AIF-7S_Ghost_Fighter.jpg (126 KB, 700x553)

126 KB JPG

>>2764899
Fortunately, the hallways were practically abandoned. You suppose that since this factory satellite was fully automated, there weren't actually that many guards on board, which was honestly a very odd thing to get your head around, given the sheer size of the facility.

However, you weren't about to complain as you and Lara pressed on to the very doors of the command center without any major resistance.

"Well, should we?" Lara asks, her Valkyrie switching to battroid mode and getting ready to breach. "We haven't run into any major opposition so far..."

>Let's breach and get this over with.
>Wait for the main force to catch up
>Other

>>2764907
>Other
It’s quiet, too quiet.
Time to see if we can look under the door gaps

>>2764907
>>Let's breach and get this over with.

>>2764907
>Other
Is there another hatch to breach? The direct route is too obvious.

>>2764907
>Wait for the main force to catch up

File: Zentradi queadluun-rau-milia.gif (111 KB, 606x900)

111 KB GIF

>>2764907
"Let's move in and get this over with." You say as you hover your Valkyrie's hand over the door control.

"Got it." Lara's own Valkyrie gets into a ready position.

"Go!" You bark as you hit the door control, heft your cannon, and dash into the room with Lara.

And there, you're met with a rather ugly sight.

A full squadron of Zentradi battlesuits were waiting inside, almost as if they were waiting for you.

And they were all painted red.

"Now this is what I'm talking about!" Lara says happily.

Shit.

>And that's it for tonight! The finale is going to be next week, so be sure not to miss it! And don't forget Frontier Knight on Saturday!

File: Elevators.jpg (81 KB, 1024x478)

81 KB JPG

>>2764917
Thanks for the run, boss!

>>2764917
Thanks for running Merc!

>>2764917

Fuck, >>2764910 was right.

>>2764917
>>2764921
Crap, now we may have to fight a full squadron of Cole clones. That or adopt them after culture blasting them into submission.

A bit sad that Merc is going to end this a bit early, seeing how there are some plot lines left unexplored. But at least he finishes quests rather than dropping them, so thanks Merc!

See you guys next week!

File: 00983211.jpg (3.31 MB, 4321x6091)

3.31 MB JPG

>>2764917
See ya next week!

>>2764917
That's alot of Cha- I mean Cole.
Hopefully we can have Amy appear, unless they have some of those Fold Wave Deamplifier stuffs...

>>2764935
Macronized Cole is THICC. THICC!!!