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Topic: X-COM Monday Nights Campaign (Read 4477 times) |
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vanya mia
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Stan had relented, more or less, when threatened with repeated distraction of his staff. Given Catalina's methods of 'distraction' and their general level of success last time, he'd reluctantly allowed her to leave medbay with instructions to take it easy. Lounging stretched out on the sofa in the rec room, she read the email and listened in. After Vasily's exposition she nodded.
"This psi stuff is a bit freaky anyway, and I want to think it over, plus I already said I thought we should seriously consider the big gun." She stood up gingerly and moved to the table to look at the napkin. "I can't see anything wrong with that, though do we need two tanks functioning? Might we be better to repair one and upgrade it?" Catalina gave a little shrug and sat in a free chair. "I can't stand the things getting under my feet anyway, so call me ambivalent, but maybe one ready that can shoot plasma is better than two with lasers, given the reports on those new aliens."
"Maybe put enough people on one tank to make sure that is done," Catalina looked at the sharpshooter with a smile, "and perhaps Jane here can throw her talents into helping with the armour once more?" She gave another shrug. "Given the Beta said nothing they had hurt the creatures, I'm thinking they may be resistant to the lasers. If that's the case then repairing the tanks could be a waste of time unless we upgrade, as they won't help with firepower, just as a distraction."
Catalina was about to say more when a communications officer walked up and placed a piece of paper in front of her on the table. "Director Garrett thought you should see this. It came in over the secure line," he said in answer to the query in her blue eyes then left. The paper bore the transcript of a faxed communication.
FAO: UN Liason Officer Garrett.
The situation is hard this end, and this may be our last communication for a while. Please be assured that you still have the agencies full support on this matter, regardless of feedback you might ultimately receive through other channels.
Agent De Farrago is to remain under your direction. XCOMs actions may be our only hope, and it is my regret that we did not send more agents at an earlier date. Please convey assurance that Major General De Farrago and his wife survived the attack unharmed, as did the Field Marshal and his family.
It is also vital that you inform Agent de Farrago that situation Underdog is now in effect for all field agents. In her position she may be the best placed to support that action in the future.
Sir John Scarlett, Director, SIS |
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As she read it Catalina smiled with relief, then the smile became one of grim satisfaction. "Underdog, I knew we wouldn't go belly up."
((OOC - Research is what I would have suggested so a go for me. On manufacturing we have to finish the base defense, but I really wonder if after that repairing just one tank and upgrading to plasma is next, then apply the rest to finishing that armour, and drop remaining into another motion sensor.
Though I seriously think Hadrian should use that armour, if he's not going to then we shouldn't finish it yet. Something else should replace it if not until Doc A get's close to using it. So a yes or no would be neat, Karvon! 
So suggestion would be 20 on the plasma defense, 10 on the tank repair and upgrade, all spares into armour if wanted now or if not into something else.))
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 24, 2008, 4:54PM » |
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karvon
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OOC:
Fine... fine... I'll take the armor, wouldn't want the work invested thus far to go to waste.
Karvon
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Jenniza
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Since there seemed to be some agreement on continuing the Plasma Defense project, Jane went right to work on continuing the project. Emphasis was placed on improving the combat capabilities of the Plasma Cannon of the Plasma Defense grid... tracking systems, range, power output, impact on target etc. If anything short of a battleship came knocking on their down, they wanted it gone in an instant... if a battleship came, they wanted every chance they stood against it, no matter how slim. How many agencies were left that were capable of fighting the aliens effectively? HWX had to survive.
ooc: craft mech +15
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Smart Alec
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Vasily nods. "Ok. In meantime, I guess we all need to stay ready. Get in some aim practice -" and as he says that, it seems he glances at Mary - "and we all talk strategy soon, yes."
He peers at the page in Catalina's hand. "Good news?"
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 25, 2008, 7:33PM » |
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chiz
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Jim had spent most of the past 24 hours in the medical research area, working on improving the med-kits and on one of Stan's crazy ideas for an ingested temporary regeneration serum. The latter actually seemed like it could work, as the active component in the medkits could be made to bind to human blood platelets. Whether they'd get it working in time to use this week - well, that depended on how many researchers and engineers they'd put on it.
As Jim stepped into the lounge, he saw the rest of the team in various stages of discussion and concentration. "So guys, we're making some progress on some of the medical stuff. You guys cool if we emphasize this a bit in our research and manufacturing priorities?"
ooc: LB, in case you need info for a skill roll, I don't recall my skill numbers right now, but Craft Pharma is maxed, I have a few points in Craft Mech, and a lot of points in Profession (Doctor) as well.
ooc ooc: I'm signed up for Monday; please keep in mind it is Rosh Hashanah. I'm expecting to be clear to play at 10 PM EST, but will be at my sister-in-laws earlier, and there is some risk we could be later coming home....
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 25, 2008, 9:37PM » |
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Smart Alec
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"It kind of tight, Allen," admits Vasily. "We were all for big guns this week and hoping to start looking at medicine next week. Assuming we win, you know. Guess it depend what people think will help us more down there."
He pauses. "I thought medical lab priority was to look at Cryssalid and try to find way to stop that thing it does that make new thing grow in stomach," he adds, checking the research email.
OOC: I guess Allen's in high demand this week - either helping with the medical research or aiding with the autopsy and cryssalid research. We could go for the Regenerative Serum and the new Medipacks this week, but we'd likely have to drop the Heavy Plasma for the Serum and the Vibroblade for the Medipacks. What do people think?
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 25, 2008, 10:08PM » |
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vanya mia
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Having opened her mouth to answer Vasily, Catalina stopped when Jim came in and listened again. When they had finished she spoke. "I really think we want the big plasma weapon. The things Beta reported sound really tough, and I'd like to see something that can hopefully mow down them and those sods that did this." She placed a hand on her stomach and grimaced. "So I'm sort of thinking that the autopsy is a good idea. I know I'd rather not have it happen again."
"The blade maybe we can leave," Catalina shrugged slightly. "I can always go down and have a look at them, see if I can make any sense of the controls. Maybe they're not so different from the guns. I was thinking of tryin to lend a hand anyway, but I could make a start alone. We could put the researchers who would have been doing that into medical somewhere," she grinned up at Jim, "I'd leave it open to the specialist as to what."
Turning back to Vasily Catalina smiled merrily back. "And the answer to your question i definately. It looks like mom and dad made the evacuation in time," Her eyes hardened a little. "That doesn't help the other 10 million though. More if you think of the impact on Greater London, and God only knows how many nationally from the trouble that will happen." She shook her head. "Britain is a little small to handle that many refugees, and Europe will be in no state to help."
At that she tapped the paper. "All I know is that I'm now officially under orders not to give up. I'm hoping it won't come to it, but if it does, I may have a favour to ask of you all."
((OOC - Really think we need the guns. Vibroblade I'd like a go with but will happily drop for medical. Obviously we can never be sure what they will tell us, but I think the autopsy would be a good idea. As for helping out in research, we have 2 docs now right?  ))
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 26, 2008, 6:54AM » |
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Bob Thundergut
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Struggling to get out of her armor, Mary Ranma suddenly squealed in fright. The alien plasma weapon she had been given to defend herself, had slipped from its holster, and crashed to the floor. The butt of the weapon had gotten caught on a strap, when she pulled off her chest plate.
The gun bounced twice, then landed near the wall. It did not fire.
She picked up the weapon by the hilt with two fingers, laid it on a table, and quickly backed away.
When she joined the Indian Army's medical service to escape a marriage she wanted no part of, she was required to do some basic firearms training, like any other soldier; but, she was a woman in an army still segregated by sex. No one expected her to see any real combat.
She did her training, and got her patch. That was years ago, and she hadn't touched a weapon since.
Until today. The day Mary Ranma became a soldier in every sense of the word.
She had been grateful to be alone in this room, since returning from the mission in Miami.
At that moment, she wished somebody would come. She needed help.
A light tap on the door. A moment later, Jane Swift was standing in the room.
Jane smiled and asked, "How are you holding up, Mary?"
"Fine... fine... Not so good. I... Could you help me?" She pointed to her armor.
Jane replied, "Sure, this stuff ain't so easy to get out of, I hear ya," as she helped Mary out of the armor, piece by piece.
Watching Jane unbuckle her shin guard, Mary asked, "So.. how long have you been doing this?"
Jane laughed awkwardly, "You mean blowing up aliens, I bet," as she unbuckled another piece, "feels like forever; but, it's been about five to six months I'd guess."
"Are there are a lot of women fighters here?" Mary asked.
Jane thought back, "You'd be the fourth in Alpha Team and there ... were two in Beta."
"They're dead, aren't they?" The sorrow that suddenly filled Jane's eyes choked Mary with trepidation.
Jane softly spoke, "One killed herself. The other is badly wounded."
Mary glanced at the equipment case that she had carried into battle. The armor that Jane had extricated her from. All soaked with blood. Alien blood. Catrina's blood. She looked at Jane, and said meekly, "I... don't know what I'm doing here."
ooc- a joint post from me and Stephanie.
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 25, 2008, 11:19PM » |
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Bob Thundergut
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Later, in the Rec Room, Jane saw Mary walking by and asked, "Hey, Mary, you up for some Poker? It's an Alpha Team tradition before missions."
Mary smiled. Jane had been nice to her, she didn't want to be rude."Poker? I don't know. I'm not very good."
Jane laughed a little, "That's what they all say."
Jane sent out an email to Alpha Team: Poker in the Rec Room
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Lazybones
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Okay, I'm hearing a general consensus for the following:
M: Base Defense (20), Plasma tank repair and upgrade (10), finish Powered Armor (6)
R: Heavy Plasma (20), Medikit Advanced 2 (10), Chryssalid autopsy (6)
I have Allen helping on the Medikit, Jane on the Base Defense. Maybe Cat working alone on the vibroblades to try to give the researchers a jump for next week.
Any other skill rolls?
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Smart Alec
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on Sep 26, 2008, 2:20 PM, Lazybones wrote:
on Sep 24, 2008, 12:04 AM, Lazybones wrote:If you guys decided to research the alien grenades, it's likely that someone with Demolitions skill could be useful. Just sayin'.  |
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OOC: I was thinkin' about it, but looking at the skill definitions, Demolitions is more about the use of explosives (arming, disarming, placing) than the creation of explosives, which is covered by Craft (Chemical).
I guess they could come to Vasily if they needed help designing the mechanics of the detonator, but I don't think his Craft: Chem is high enough to start a solo project. Not when stacked against the possibility of blowing up or poisoning himself, anyway. 
The possibility is open for Mary to aid with the Cryssalid autopsy? After all, she's had first hand experience with their bacteria/gestation/whatever...
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 26, 2008, 11:47PM » |
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Bob Thundergut
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In spite of herself, Mary Ranma was very interested in the corpse of the creature in the Medical area. In combat she had wrenched the being from Catalina's belly. Then, she killed it - it was the first thing she had ever killed in her life, not counting that horrid little monkey her neighbor in Mumbai, Mrs Sharma had owned. The little beast had thrown walnuts at her car- so she ran it over. She didn't mean to- she only meant to scare it away- but the stupid monkey jumped in her way.
During the early years of her medical training, Mary had eyed two areas of expertise as a career choice. Oral Surgery or Forensics. Then her parents ruined her plans with a marriage they arranged when she was four. So she ran away to the army, who had plans of their own for her. So she never could pick a path of her own choosing.
On the way to the poker game, Mary knocked on the door of Dr. James Allen, the senior physician for Alpha Team.
"Mary." He greeted her from behind a pile of paperwork.
"Forgive me for intruding, doctor," she said softly.
"Not a problem. I'm a little busy, but I've got a minute. What's up?"
"That alien thing in the lab?"
"Oh yes. Well, don't feel bad for killing it. You did the right thing."
"No no, it's not that. I was wondering. Would it be alright if I could assist in the autopsy?"
ooc - Mary wants to participate in the autopsy of the chrysallis. Please make the appropriate rolls. James I hope its ok for writing for your character.
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 27, 2008, 4:40PM » |
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chiz
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Jim grinned at the shy Indian woman. "Sure, Mary, I was hoping you'd offer! The alien physiology is fascinating. We still haven't found anything that looks like a reproductive organ, for example...."
As they walked down to the alien containment facility, Jim tried to complete a full data dump, knowing full well there wasn't any way Mary was likely to absorb all the information right away.
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Jenniza
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ooc: Bob and I are home from Synagogue early as well it seems. L'Shana Tova (Happy New Year), Chiz and LazyBones and respective familes
hugs to all,
Stephanie and Bob
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 30, 2008, 12:08AM » |
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karvon
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Hadrian carefully stripped down and cleaned his weapons and armor, then reassembled them again and stored them in his locker. Maybe that heavier armor might not be such a bad idea after all, some of the alien rifles seemed to pack quite a punch. He'd check into testing a suit next time out.
He glanced down at his buzzing com unit and saw the poker invite. Well, it had been awhile since he'd been in a game. Sitting in a few hands might prove informative of the way the team members thought.
He turned and made his way to the lounge.
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Smart Alec
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The situation was balanced on the edge of a knife. Only two shots in the magazine, and there were five out there, five sharp-eyed, wolflike foes whom he had only the barest chance of outwitting all the time. This was it; his first shot in this engagement could be his last. There was nothing for it but to take the chance!
Vasily gave his cards one last look, eyed the other folk around the table, and tossed in a few chips.
It was well and truly on now.
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 30, 2008, 12:35AM » |
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Jenniza
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ooc tentatively the schedule might be:
Round One 1
Heavy Plasma [20]
Alien Medicine 2 [10]
Chryssalid Autopsy. (6) (5)
Round Two
Psi-Lab (10)
Vibroblade [10]
Small Launcher (Stunner) [10]
Floater Medic [5?]
Round Three
Regenerative Serum 1 [20]
Alien BioGrenade (Elerium-115) [10]
Floater Engineer [5?]
Round Four
Snakeman Engineer [5]
Sectoid Engineer [5]
Manufacturing
Round 1
Base Defense: Plasma (20)
5th Powered Armor (16)
Round 2
Psi-Lab (36)
Round 3
Psi-Lab (24)
Improved Motion Sensors (5 of them made)
notation: ()'s mean numbers we assigned or might assign, []'s mean estimates that LB gave us
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| « Last Edit: on: Sep 30, 2008, 1:25AM » |
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