Cool. Take a few pictures with Flipper. If you can explain and convince it to close it's eyes take one picture with flash.
It's reassuring to have someone so strong watching our backs around here. If it want to follow us around we can only be grateful.
Ask if it want anything in return for the help.

>>1060764
*low frequency

>>1060764
Golf guessed this one had to be at least a century old based on its size: >>1060718 Maybe it's just bored.

Uh, well, if it wants to follow you, it's not like you have a particularly effective way of making it not do that. But also I feel like having s creature the size of a small building tagging along is probably a good way to deter more hostile wildlife. So, uhh, sure, Flipper can follow behind us if it wants.

oh yeah, you never did thank them for the help so maybe we should do that now.

>>1060763
Seems fine. Tell it you're okay with it following you, but you might wind up going somewhere it can't fit.

Tell it to come closer, then boop that snootle.

Er. Warn it about the dangers of this place and that you will he fighting with tech that could create light.

Not like you could stop it if it wants to come with. Makes stealing around hard, though.

1/2 Axyl 2023/04/06(Thu)05:49 No. 1060785 ID: 481e64
File 168078539223.png - (126.58KB , 700x700 , AQ39.png )

>I wonder if they use high frequency echolocation like Earth whales.
I'm not sure what an earth whale is, but I'm sure there are similarities. I hear Saxum fauna sometimes show similarities to earth creatures. I've had humans call me a 'deer'. I've never met one, but I hope they are polite.

>Warn it about the dangers of this place.
It lives here, it probably knows the dangers of this place more than I ever could! It seems like it can hold it's own well enough. If it's been around for 100 years, It has probably seen the robots which have been here for the last 50.

"If you want to follow us, I can't stop you, but I'll have to warn you that we might be going to places you can't reach. Are you alright with that.
It nods. I don't mind if it follows us, it'd probably give us protection from the wildlife.

We make it to a ghost tunnel where the signal strength is strong - seems this is the place we need to go. I wave goodbye to flipper, and it stands outside the hole watching us go. I'm happy to have been interesting enough to follow for a few minutes.

2/2 Axyl 2023/04/06(Thu)05:50 No. 1060786 ID: 481e64
File 168078540433.png - (201.56KB , 700x700 , AQ40.png )

Golf and I proceed towards the signal, it seems to be very close by. That is when I see light coming from around a bend in the tunnel.
"Hold on golf. something's up."
I then feel the magnetic signatures of at least a dozen tobaks - and those are the ones in my range. there could be more with the possibility of aliens, female tobaks and jammers.
"Someone got here first."
>"Well it wasn't one of the other teams. I'll try seeing if I can hack into any nearby networks, see if we can't get a better idea of who - or what we're dealing with."
He pulls out a laptop and starts to type away on it. impressive given he can't see much. I guess the second pair of arms weren't for show after all.
>"Armada – that was easy. Armada is who we're dealing with. They brought a few vehicles and a couple mechs."
"How can you tell?"
>"Unless you're Summit, nobody can resist building anything without a computer in it. Unfortunately, my information is limited and so is my access."

>>1060786
Well it's not like we can really do anything to those kinds of numbers as a two person team. I suppose we should at least try to see what they've found and/or hack some of their data, they're probably scanning whatever it is

>Unless you're Summit, nobody can resist building anything without a computer in it.
This is way funnier than it should be.

How are we gonna get past them?
We are too conspicuously dressed to pretend to be independents.
Do we have a jammer? At some point those tobaks will notice Axyl presence.
I'm not seeing many options beside looking for a long path around.

Can we coordinate with the other teams? A hostile company team, possible looking for the same objective, is something everyone would like to be informed about.

>>1060785

Man, convergent evolution sure is crazy! I mean, your antlers don't work for headbutting unless you're running on all fours, but every biped species that evolved from a quadruped has some vestigial nonsense. Waitaminute, didn't humans come from a single-sapient-species planet? Ugh, were they comparing you to an animal due only to visual similarity? How vaguely insulting. Maybe they've Uplifted some deer to full sapience or something. If they have and you meet a Neo-Deer or whatever they're called, maybe you can compare notes.

Welp. You can sense them, that means they can sense you. Whatever you do, it's gonna have to be quick and somehow overwhelming, or a quick escape.

What can we access?

Uh, that's not great.

And, yeah, if you can sense them, then at least some of them can sense you, which is doubly not great.

Unless you've got some wild trick up your sleeve I don't think a direct engagement would end well. ... Just how limited is Golf's access?

Hacking with a screen reader? Respect.
There’s no way around them in this tunnel. You’ll have to tail them unless they’re headed towards you. Options for getting past them include lighting a flare and running past while they’re blind or going back around to a new tunnel, perhaps one your new friend fits in.

>>1060786
Does your camera have a kind of side screen so you can use it as a sort of periscope? That way they wont know "exactly" where you are. No idea how accurate Tobak metal senses are, but theres a slight chance they think youre here. Maybe they might confuse you for a screen facer, but chances are low. Anyways get a view of who we're working against and see if we can plan acordingly. It would be preferable if we could lay down a wireless C4 trap that can be hiddden in some snow, then reposition some place with an elivation advsntage. Then we can set the plasma rifle and armless crossbow next to each other for quick weapon swapping, utilize the crossbow (explosive or flashbang bolt, both are bright), then swap to the plasma for rapid fire. Dstonate the C4 for a distraction/casualties, then reposition? I dunno.

so now what? I'm feeling at least a dozen others over there and that's just tobaks in range so I highly doubt we could fight them off and I'm not sure how much closer we can get before they can sense me.

>>1060786

It's good that we made a new friend, but I somehow doubt Armada is going to be friendly ... and we are DEFINITELY not equipped to handle them (even with a few well-placed explosive bolts to the neck).

Might be best to scout a little if we can manage it, otherwise keep out of the way.

>>1060800

But with sect, might it not actually be a screenSNIFFER?

You have two EMP shots and a hacking bolt, so you should be able to deal with the mech. Still this could be very dangerous so it would be better to first contact the rest of teams of what is going on here. After that ¿Can you explore without giving your location to other tolbaks?

Axyl 2023/04/07(Fri)02:41 No. 1060887 ID: 481e64
File 168086048765.png - (263.47KB , 700x700 , AQ41.png )

Golf tells me that he has hacked into one of the ground vehicle cameras and shows me the live footage.
>"What do you see here?"
"I see an open cave, one with lights installed all over the ceiling. Looks like Armada grunts are crawling all over - with plasma rifles. Most seem to be tobaks - maybe the Pomi dislike the cold. They got mechs, snowmobiles and those flying turret things."
>"Where do you think the signal is coming from?"
"I see a building back there, and a cargo crate. Neither of them look like they belong to Armada. Lunecore if I had to guess."
>"Lunecore? oooooh. something big is going on then. Stair will give us a big bonus if we can find out what's going on."
"Just how limited is your access?"
>"Right now, I can only access stuff like the cameras, but give me some time and I can hack whatever you want. maybe use your hacking bolt for some of the bigger stuff."

>You can sense them, that means they can sense you
Not necessarily. I have four times the average range that ordinary tobaks do - thanks to my antlers. they aren't just for show! Unless they have a glade tobak of their own, they shouldn't be able to sense me.

"Can we coordinate with the other teams?"
>"Maybe. All the others are still on their way to other signals, and it looks like we were the first to get to one. All other groups are too far away, except for maybe one. If you can wait a few minutes, they might be able to meet up with us through one of the caves we came in through."

"How are we going to get past them? Do we have a jammer? Can we pretend to be independents? I really doubt I can fight them all off, even with all our explosives and bullets."
>"I don't see those as viable options. I do have an idea, though. How good are you with disguises?"
"I've been to a Halloween party last year with my wife, she was dressed as a witch, and it was adorable."
>"I'll take that as a... whatever, I hope you can blend in."
I need to get my hands on a uniform first - how would I go about it?

"Is scouting on the table?"
>"Can't see why not. Lots of the caves around here branch off, you might be able to find a good vantage point if you look hard enough."

Part of me is wondering if we should just scrap the mission. I mean this is a low priority mission that they scrapped together with whoever was available according to your partner so it’s not like whoever hired you has to much interest in whatever the signal is so I’m not seeing a lot of reason to brave an entrenched army. Especially if your wife were to find out than you’d be truly screwed.

>>1060887
Toback in the lower left of the feed looks like he might be a glade tobak

Hmm. If those mechs can be remotely piloted, you could try pegging one with the hacking bolt and using it to destroy the other mech and then everyone else. Or just cause enough of a distraction that you can run in and grab the loot then escape.

If we're going to be doing scouting first, then we can go back and maybe see if Flipper can help us out with the cave layout. It might know a secret entrance to that cavern! Heck, just another entrance closer to the crate would be nice.

>Unless they have a glade tobak of their own
They do. Right side of the video feed, right next to a long horn fellow.

Your magnetic signal wouldn't feel uniquely identifiable would it? Maybe we can be a random signal in a crowd.
If we get in range they will notice our approach. They may dismiss as a roaming screenface but it's not like those are harmless and not worth of attention.
To blend in we need to acquire disguises before getting in magnetic range. The only way I can think this would work would be if we ambushed a patrol and steal their cloths. We can't take their identities because we are too distinct (someone more generic like Dowser could do it) and when they notice a patrol disappeared at the same time two unfamiliar employers got in they may connect the dots.
We need a distraction. If possible Golf should fabricate misinformation or orders to lure a small patrol to somewhere we can ambush them. It would be even better if we could get this patrol in conflict with a hostile force like the wildlife or the machine zombies, if they have reason to believe the patrol was eaten they will be less likely to question the origin of our uniforms.
I'm not a fan of this plan but it's a reasonable maybe. A lot of preparations needed.

One last thing to consider: morality. Are we really gonna kill the guys guarding this place willy-nilly? It's not like non-lethal is a great alternative considering our weapons.

>>1060893
Confused left and right?

> but give me some time and I can hack whatever you want. maybe use your hacking bolt for some of the bigger stuff.

Hack The Big Mech. Cause chaos and confusion with it's armament. Use chaos and confusion as cover to run in and out.

>>1060897
Do this

Axyl 2023/04/07(Fri)09:02 No. 1060916 ID: 481e64
File 168088333378.png - (245.54KB , 700x700 , AQ42.png )

>Part of me is wondering if we should just scrap the mission.
I've pulled off more dangerous jobs than this - jobs which have paid much less. I took this job so I will see it to the end - that is the Axyl guarantee... and besides, good contract work is getting hard to find.

>Tobak in the lower left of the feed looks like he might be a glade tobak
maybe he has some glade genes - his horns look like they have good range, but not as good as mine. With all the tobaks around, I don't think he'd be able to pick me out. If he did, he'd probably think I was a stray screen facer.
>Your magnetic signal wouldn't feel uniquely identifiable, would it?
Maybe in a crowd of three or four, but not with as many tobaks as there are here.

"Are those mechs remotely piloted?"
>"They can be. Right now, they are all being manned - but it's possible to override them to be remotely controlled."

>see if Flipper can help us out with the cave layout. It might know a secret entrance to that cavern! Heck, just another entrance closer to the crate would be nice.
As nice as mister or missus Flipper is, communicating is too difficult. I'll have to find my own way around.

>One last thing to consider: morality. Are we really gonna kill the guys guarding this place willy-nilly? It's not like non-lethal is a great alternative considering our weapons.
I wouldn't feel good killing any of these guys – they’re just doing their jobs. I've had no problem firing at the occasional bloodthirsty raider, but never an innocent person. My arsenal doesn't allow much for non-lethal methods, so I might have to choke someone out or tie them up with rope.

>"What are you thinking?"
"Oh - nothing. I don't have to hurt anyone, do I?"
>"The mission is to find out what is causing the signals, that's it. Asking one of these soldiers may even suffice."
"Think you can hack that mech? get it to cause chaos and confusion?"
>"If you hit it with that hack dart and give it enough time. If you want my suggestion, I say take someone's uniform and go right in there. The lights are on so you can even record everything."
"I don't know how I can get one single guy to walk over here to knock him out."
>"I can hack a radio and give orders, so long as you provide the voice - my synthetic one might be a giveaway."

>>1060916
Based on its interactions with you I don't think Flipper would appreciate you trying to involve it in tobak conflicts anyway. It's one thing to intervene on your behalf when it comes to wildlife trying to eat you and another thing entirely when it's sentient creatures fighting each other. Or so I'd think.

How likely are these Armada guys to share your thoughts on not killing? I feel like the level of gear they brought out here suggests they might not share your desire to maintain a moral high ground, but you'd know more about them than I would.

Golf's plan isn't bad, but the obvious drawback is that since, as you pointed out, there are no glade tobaks in this group, you might stick out, uniform or no. Still, with this many tobaks it'll probably take them a while to notice one is missing, so if you and Golf can trick one into getting out of view of the main group you'll probably have some options. Maybe whoever's unlucky enough to be the guy will have some of the information you need.

Ordering a guard to check the perimeter via radio hacking sounds good, yeah. You can’t identify tobak via a unique magnetic signature, right? So you just walk back into camp wearing his clothes and you’re good. You can use the plasma rifle to blend in, I bet, since you seem to have some Armada equipment yourselves.

can you find a Baracks or something? If we can grab a uniform no one is using we'd be even less likely to be caught. Also are their any sects walking around that you can see or will plan, "dress up like the baddies" only work for you?

>>1060924
Are the baracks outside tobak detection range? I don't expect this to be the case and I wouldn't ask Golf to go there alone.

If we are going to voice false orders let's use a voice modulator to avoid being recognized if we have to talk with people face to face after. The initial message can be recorded so it sound the the best we can menage but the responses will need to be made in real time. We can also record some generic short answers Golf can use if Axyl turns out to be bad at this.
Code words and even standard procedures would help the performance. Ask Golf to note anything that sound like that while he spy on them.

Let's try to locate the nearest pocket of danger we can use, preferable something we ourselves should be reasonable capable of dealing with if necessary. This will be the thing we will attract them toward.
Can Golf fabricate radio silence? That would helpful for our ambush.
The fake orders should be something about investigate unusual activity among a small group of screenfaces nearby. The intended conclusion we want them to reach is that the patrol sent were lost in a conflict, so we should leave behind evidences like identifiable equipment and Lunacrop scrap so whoever investigate the incident after conclude they were taken.
In reality killing them is not necessary, they are likely to surrender if we scare them enough. It would be easier to kill them but capturing them alive offer the advantage of leaving their uniforms unblemished. We will need a safe location to keep them tied, and might need to inform the rest of the Armada guys about their location after we complete the mission so they can be rescued.
We can interrogate the prisoners and if we are lucky reach our goal.

The mech hack could provide a flashy distraction. If possible we should shoot one with the hacking bolt before entering the base and have it ready to go on a rampage with a simple command. For non-lethal it can shot at buildings and fences instead of people.
In case we fail to blend in the mad machine can give us the opportunity to skedaddle. If everything goes well the rebel mech can help us leave unnoticed in the confusion.

>>1060916
>The mission is to find out what is causing the signals, that's it.
So we don't have to bring whatever is causing the signals with us? No bonus pay for doing that?

"This is an exercise drill. Search out the perimeter for anything odd. Rewards for any findings may be given."

>>1060916
What can be hacked without the hack dart at the moment? Would it be possible to hack the mech by using the dart on a nearby terminal rather than the mech itself? If we can, hacking a mech is probably a good play, although rather than have it go nuts, could we just seize up one of its knees and have it fall over? It would probably be enough to make a decent commotion while also seeming like it could just be a regular equipment failure due to cold or slight misalignment or something.

1/2 Axyl 2023/04/16(Sun)18:52 No. 1061548 ID: 481e64
File 168169633673.png - (209.72KB , 700x700 , AQ43.png )

>So we don't have to bring whatever is causing the signals with us? No bonus pay for doing that?
I was told we would get a reward for obtaining anything valuable which is a little vague.

>I don't think Flipper would appreciate you trying to involve it in tobak conflicts anyway.
Another good point!

>How likely are these Armada guys to share your thoughts on not killing?
Of all the companies, Armada might be the softest. I think they are mostly armed to fight wildlife, robots and rival companies. If they found out about us I'm sure they would capture us and grill us for info rather than kill us.

>there are no glade tobaks in this group, you might stick out.
True, but there are like 50 guys out there, I really doubt they all know each other personally. If someone asks me who I am, I can try think up a good lie.

I shoot a hacking bolt into the mech in a place where it goes unnoticed. I tell Golf to hack away.
>"This'll take a little while - they don't make these things easy to get into. I'll let you know when it's ready through your earpiece. Remember to pick that bolt back up once we're done if you want to reuse it."

>Can Golf fabricate radio silence? That would be helpful for our ambush.
"Can you silence the radio frequencies?"
>"Only for a minute. Most anti-hacking AI can learn to combat my algorithm after a short while. Tell me when to use it."

>are there any sects walking around that you can see.
I don't think so. Is there a such thing as snow sect? Would be neat.

2/2 Axyl 2023/04/16(Sun)18:52 No. 1061549 ID: 481e64
File 168169634851.png - (166.24KB , 700x700 , AQ44.png )

I consider calling a patrol for me to take out, but the more I think about it the more of a bad idea it seems. Calling a patrol away might arise suspicion, and I don't know how I can take down multiple armed opponents without seriously hurting anyone. I decide to look for another way.

I walk around the perimeter of the site through a series of nearby tunnels to look for a way closer to the signal or a closed area where I can manoeuvre through more stealthily. I find the entrance to a tent of some kind - a barracks maybe. My horns tell me that there are a few tobaks inside - just outside of range where they might detect me. I wait a little bit and all of them leave but one - who I take a quick glance at.

I think he has noticed me.

>"Hello? Who's out there? Are you taking a bathroom break or something?"

Yes, he noticed me. He's wearing a uniform - and he's unarmed. This ideal situation gives me some options.

Say yeah and ask if he can do you a favor and bring you a towel or something, him shouting at you just cause you to jump and piss all over your hands.

Try and sound a little annoyed when you say it and hopefully he’ll be something close to helpful letting you take him out while he brings the towel with no one being the wiser.

>>1061549
Hmm, there could be a non-tobak in there, we haven't scouted it properly. I think we should try to lure him out.

>>1061551
That's... not a terrible idea, but going into less detail about the "mess" is better.

Yeah. This is embarrassing, but - could you grab a spare set of pants for me? I'm only borrowing them I promise.

If you can bullshit your way in as mister poopy pants that would be great.
In case this guy is not gullible enough, do you know where you can keep him after stealing his cloths? He will be transmitting his location constantly so if we lock him in a closet a passerby will notice and if we leave him with Golf he will give away our friend's hiding position. The best I can think is to leave him tied in a cave outside detection range, but he will need blankets to survive the cold naked and will be very vulnerable.

If you get a towel with piss lies you can probably keep him quiet and give him a makeshift blanket at the same time. If he doesn't fall for it then urine trouble.

"Not quite, there is yet another science team coming to ask what's the situation with the signal source. It's okay, though, you can just tell me and I can pass the news forward."

Embarrassing plan is best plan.

>>1061549

Yeah, we are, and jeez, please give us some space because you have NO IDEA how awful it is to piss in the cold like this and talking makes it awkward.

(I mean he probably does, but ... that's for another time)

Axyl 2023/04/17(Mon)16:15 No. 1061611 ID: 481e64
File 168177335896.png - (39.93KB , 700x700 , AQ45.png )

"Oh man, you'll never believe this... I was out here doing my business when an accident had occurred - and I lost my pants under all the snow. You don't wanna come out here, it's totally embarrassing. There isn't anyone else in there hearing this, is there?"
>"O-oh! Nope, just me! hang on a sec, I'll get a spare uniform!"

After a while he passes me a jumpsuit through the tent.

"Thanks! Oh, also it seems I misplaced my coat and hat. you wouldn't happen to..."
>"Just a moment! I saw this in a movie once!"
I should be thankful for bumping into someone so gullible. after suiting up, I walk into the tent. This plan worked out far better than knocking him out and taking his stuff.

"How do I look?"
>"Like one of us! Don't worry about the whole thing, I won't tell anyone. It's kinda one of my first days too and the supervisor gets really mad about these things. So, you're a glade tobak huh? I saw one of you guys in a movie once. I don't recognize you - are you that specialist they called in? Did you lose your rifle? I can look for a replacement, but it won't go unnoticed."

He's so gullible... I almost feel about this.

Oh, what movie?
No, I left it in my tent while doing my business. They don't like being left in the snow, and between you and me... sometimes I think those optical scopes might be recording what they see.

"No worries, I can handle without the rifle. So what new stuff did the team uncover?"

tell him you got the rifle situation covered and thank him for his help. That could have been really embarrassing if he hadn't help. But hey since you're both new here ask him if he can give you a quick summary of the area so you don't have to worry about getting lost. Would kind of suck to be saved from all that embarrassment only to get embarrassed by getting lost. New guys get enough hazing as it is, no need to give them more ammunition.

Oh yeah my rifle...

Well to make a long short it involves an run in with an overly curious Borealin, it's totally embarrassing for everyone involved and I would like to move on from that thank you.

>>1061611
Dang, what movies bro? Was it the Space Wars one?

No worries on the rifle, combat isn't where are specialties lie anyway. What's the status report on things?

>>1061611
Kiss him!

1/3 Axyl 2023/07/20(Thu)06:05 No. 1068280 ID: 60841b
File 168985834289.png - (14.99KB , 700x700 , AQ46.png )

>Kiss him!
Sorry but I save all my kisses for my wife.

"Oh, what movie? The space wars one?"
>"I think it was a spy movie - or a murder mystery movie - I forget... I like to watch a lot of movies! I got this job so I can buy a new TV after I dropped the old one off a giant bucket excavator by accident. I was actually an independent a week ago, but I kept watching stuff instead of scavenging. Oh, and by the way, Space Wars is good and all - but the originals have really begun to show their age, despite all the practical effects, and the sequels took a nosedive in writing quality."
"Now I'm curious. What's your favourite genre?"
>"Old human films, stuff produced on earth before FTL travel and all the uplifts. The writing and overall quality is way better than anything you see nowadays - know what I mean? Early science fiction is super fascinating as well - especially with aliens - or at least what humans thought aliens would be like."
"Before we continue with this line of conversation, mind bringing me to the signal? Don't worry about giving me a rifle, I can make do."
>"Oh! Right! right this way. Nobody is supposed to be allowed in there, so you must be important! ...Must be desperate if we need a guy from another company to crack that thing."

2/3 Axyl 2023/07/20(Thu)06:06 No. 1068281 ID: 60841b
File 168985836140.png - (277.43KB , 700x700 , AQ47.png )

He brings me outside and we walk over to the big white tent where the signal is supposedly coming from. I use the opportunity to get a good scan of my surroundings, seeing lots of vehicles I can use for a quick getaway, as well as what looks like plenty of caves to exit. Some might lead to dead ends; I might need to be careful.

>"And right over there are the bathroom stalls. I suggest leaving a little drawing on the walls, I'm told its tradition."
"Neat. So... what did humans think aliens looked like? According to their old movies."
>"Small, grey or green versions of themselves with big eyes and spaceships shaped like dinner plates. I bet humans never guessed that they would be the first ones to seek out intelligent life though! You ever hear about area fifty-one?"
"Is that a movie?"
>"Nah man, not a movie! It was this military base on earth where humans thought that the human government was hiding all the aliens! It comes up in a bunch of old alien movies. It must've been made up in the end, but I want to believe just as the humans did."
"You think there's more life out there that we just don't know about? Perhaps they want to be left alone."
>"So they can keep their movies for themselves? How terrible!"
This tobak is chatty, but I appreciate chat more than silence.

I hear golf tell me something through the radio frequency.
>"OK, I should be able to hack the piloted mech. Give me a signal so I know when to create a distraction - like a sneeze or something."

3/3 Axyl 2023/07/20(Thu)06:06 No. 1068282 ID: 60841b
File 168985838872.png - (132.37KB , 700x700 , AQ48.png )

Just as I am about to go inside the tent, an important looking pomi guy walks out.
>"... Hold it. I don't recognize you – are you with us?"

>"... Hold it. I don't recognize you – are you with us?"
"Yes?"
and give him a look like he just asked you what color snow is after all it's like they say, fake it till you make it.

"Yes I just arrived. I'm here for... hold on... something is is my nose... acho!"

"Oh, hi! Yeah, we're both new, though I'm newer. I'm Lyxa," then look to your friend to introduce himself without letting the fact that you don't know his name slip. "Man, it feels nice working for a guy who really makes a point of knowing all his employees, for once. It's like one big corporate family!"

Looks too high up the chain to know everyone by name, but high enough to demand ID badges and all. This is a good time for a distraction. With an open mic, say yes and claim you’re with mech support.

1/2 Axyl 2023/07/20(Thu)12:15 No. 1068315 ID: 60841b
File 168988052783.png - (184.77KB , 700x700 , AQ49.png )

"Yes, I just arrived for uh..." *mumble mumble* "ah - achoo!"

...

>"Excuse you. So, you just arrived?"

"Y-yeah, sorry about that, I've got allergies."
>"Allergies?... to what?"
"Ahhh CHOOO! Yep. Allergies. Sorry about that, hah hah! Can't... help..."
"Golf did you do the thing?"
"Just a sec - somethings not working"
"Hurry!"
"I am! something's... I think it's frozen. Literally. You might need to smooth talk your way through again."
"Ahhh darn it Lousy hacker!"
>"Hacker?"
"EEP!"
>"You're the hacker that Vulpes sent?"
"I... Yes? I'm uh... Lyxa - the famous... hacker."
>"Why didn't you just say so? I know you computer types aren't very social but... where's the rest of your team?
"I - um... I took a shortcut?"
>"How are you sweating? It's freezing. Regardless, it’s a good thing you came as early as you did - We aren't sure how much time we have before this site gets compromised."

2/2 Axyl 2023/07/20(Thu)12:15 No. 1068316 ID: 60841b
File 168988054102.png - (136.92KB , 700x700 , AQ50.png )

He puts his hand on my shoulder and leads me into a tent, past a bunch of equipment and other high-ranking officials and scientists into a smaller room in front of what seems to be a sealed vault door. He stands me in front of a computer.

>"Our own hackers have tried everything to get through, but the system won't budge. LuneCore tech is in a league of its own when it comes to cracking their systems, or so I'm told. What's Vulpes paying you, anyway? Once you open this, perhaps we can find a way to... renegotiate your contract for something fairer."

"I uh..."

>"You're the best of the best, or so I'm told. Armada has no more room for failures after the ongoing rogue research vessel situation. If you need anything - anything at all, let me know. Equipment, Assistants, Manuals, you name it."

I don't know anything about computers...

That's fine, you just need to be good at research. Ask for their documentation on this equipment.

Try talking to it like a person, because at LuneCore, it usually is.

First rule of hacking with Tobaks: The best Tobak hackers don't wear pants! Or so it's been said. Maybe with novelty shirts too. Documentation and novelty shirts om the double!

Don't panic; someone's been hacking it, without luck, and just spoon-fed you what the problem is.

"And you've ruled out the possibility of mechanical or electrical faults, I take it?" If he doesn't immediately answer in the absolute affirmative: "Dude! You didn't think to confirm whether the software froze up because the hardware has literally frozen over in this extreme weather?"

If that doesn't immediately produce fruit, demand to get their own tech guys in here to walk you through what they've tried so far, let Golf listen in and walk you through what to do.

can you hook Golf up to the computer or at least ask him to walk you through it? If anyone ask who you're talking to just tell them you talk to yourself when you work sometimes to help arrange your thoughts.

"Manuals would be nice, and um. Mind giving me some space? I ah, kind of talk to myself and it's easy to get self-conscious when people hear it. Hard to rubber-duck when the duck looks at you funny, eheh."

>>1068316
Yeah but your radio-buddy knows a lot. Ask him to give you a crash course. Covertly. Like read out the screen to him and "think out loud" about what you're trying to do.

1/2 Axyl 2023/07/21(Fri)12:16 No. 1068488 ID: 60841b
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>First rule of hacking with Tobaks: The best Tobak hackers don't wear pants! Or so it's been said.
This is true!... however, I'm wearing a full body suit, and taking it off without being fully naked. Quite the predicament...

"Ok! Documentation! Please fetch me your finest documentation on this equipment!"
>"I'll let the assistants know. Anything else?"
"Novelty shirts. Documentation and novelty shirts on the double!"
>"would that help? I'll see what I can do."
"Oh, and make sure nobody comes in here! I need complete, and total privacy or else my concentration may slip, and I may have to start over. Just knock, ok?"
>"Understood."

A team of assistants bring in a bunch of books and boxes containing papers. No way I'm reading all of this.

Once I am certain that I am alone and this small room is all to myself, I start communication with Golf.

2/2 Axyl 2023/07/21(Fri)12:16 No. 1068489 ID: 60841b
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"You get all that Golf? Tell me what to do! Is there a way you can get into this remotely?"
>"Maybe if you kept that hacking dart."
"Crud..."
>"It's fine. I probably wouldn't be able to crack it on my own anyway. The only ones who can consistently bypass LuneCore systems are mostly ex-employees of LuneCore."
"Double crud! What now?"
>"We're in luck Axyl. There is actually one Programmer in our organization who was an ex-employee of Lunecore. I've cracked into the relays in the area to boost our signal range so we can get in contact. In a few moments we should be in contact... in three... two...

I hear a sound notifying us that someone has entered our frequency.

"Ah, well if it isn't Golf. What'd you need? Finally decided to join up as my apprentice?"
That voice... I recognize it! Isn't that... Kellie! that weird tobak who doesn't wear pants!

>"It'll be a hot day where I am when I willingly let you strap a bomb collar around my neck."
"Silly bee. bomb collars are for silly neumono who try to run away with the CA-"
>"AHEM. We are in the call with someone else."
"Hey Kellie! It's me, remember?"
"Oh hey! Axyl! How're you doing? Is there something I can help with? I was in the middle of something, but I can set some time aside to pay you back for saving my bacon."
"Great! I need your help cracking into this terminal thing. It's luneCore tech, and it's used to open this door. The screen is all black with a bunch white text and lines - that mean anything to you?"
"Oh that's easy! Looks like some idiot was trying to get in through the debug menus or crack the password, but the programming is too smart and quick! I know a better way. Got any giant magnets near you?"
>"Oh, hell no! There's no way that's going to work! You'll just end up scrambling the system!"
"I'm sorry, who's the senior programmer here? Oh, also, take your pants off. Trust me on this one Axyl."

See? Take off the pants.

It's too cold to go pantless but I asked for a shirt like your. I hope that is enough clothing voodoo to get me through this.

Where should I position the magnet? Does the magnet need any specification? Does any model work? Can I improvise with a copper wire wrapped around a nail in short circuit?

You see? Master hacker, just remove pants! Off with the pants! And if you can't take off the body suit pants without being fully naked, then, you did say you had this small room all to yourself with complete privacy and you'd be notified if somebody was to enter through knocking, right? Surely you won't have to go through a wild and wacky naked escape run and you can trust Kellie! Because you'll have (a) novelty shirt(s)! You saved him, now he'll save you! Sans pants. It's perfect logic!

It’s a full body suit, which means they aren’t pants. Problem solved. Does your weapon have a magnetic component? Heck, your horns would be able to tell where a big magnet was.
…Honestly, these instructions are pretty suspect. Perhaps what he wants is to destroy any competition he might have in the LuneCore salvage business. Maybe you should tell him you’ve done the thingy with the magnet and see what his next instructions are, before actually doing them.

Pants off. Guess you're leaving the bodysuit on though?

>>1068489
Don't take anything off unless you want to freeze to death.

Tell him you are already pantless. It's technically true, probably ?

No pants, no fear, guts only.

1/3 Axyl 2023/07/22(Sat)04:29 No. 1068591 ID: 60841b
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I take off my pants, which was also covering my whole body. I put on a novelty shirt and cap for decency. I should be glad my wife isn't around to see this.

>Don't take anything off unless you want to freeze to death.
At least I have fur...

"Do you feel the hacking power flow?"
"Not really"
"Let me guess, you're not wearing the socks? That'd explain it."
"What socks? I... How does this help me?"
"The magnet, did you get it yet?"
"I don't feel one in range of my horns. What do I do once I get it? How close does it need to be? What position? What strength?"
"It just needs to be close, and strong. A few seconds should do it, and when the screen begins to flicker, you can put in any password you'd like, and it should accept it. Do it quick though because you can only do this once."
"Wait, once? Why?"
>"Because it'll destroy the hardware forever!"
"Yeah what he said."
"Where am I supposed to get a magnet?"
>"I tracked one down. There is a construction crane on one of the vehicles outside with a magnet strong enough to pick things up, I can bring it over remotely and position it above you”.
"That's great!... oh, wait. My horns are magnetic, aren't they?"
"Probably. Don't worry, it shouldn't scramble your brain or anything - just might feel a little weird."

2/3 Axyl 2023/07/22(Sat)04:29 No. 1068592 ID: 60841b
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I see a purple spark of electricity jump across the wall. What was that?

"Does a purple electric spark appearing on the wall mean anything to you guys?"
>"What? No.”
"Hahahah uh oh."
"What?"
"Oh it's nothing. Nope. Well, not really nothing, it might not be a good sign."
"What? Why? Tell me!"

3/3 Axyl 2023/07/22(Sat)04:29 No. 1068593 ID: 60841b
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"Listen Axyl, I'm telling you this because I like you - you do not want to be there after ten minutes pass. Where you are standing will soon cease to exist."
"WHAT?! How?"
"LuneCore's Dual Orbital Satellites are close to position. The line between the two will have a powerful beam teleport somewhere in between two points of that line. Whatever you're standing in front of, Lunecore is trying to erase it."
>"So that's what happened to the other signals".
"What are our options?"
"I'd say cut your losses and get out of there. Can you move whatever is emitting the signal?"
"No way, it's some kind of huge bunker."
"That's a shame - the beam has a hard time hitting moving targets. I guess your only options are to hurry with that magnet or get out of there."
"Isn't there some way you can slow the satellites down and give us more time?"
"Sorry friend, my hands are tied! My assistant and I are very swamped with work right now."
"Well... Thanks for doing all you could."

Grab a magnet to unlock it, and then tell them that the site they weren't sure how long until it gets compromised was just compromised and it's time to evac before a satellite death beam obliterates it. Tell them you think you might have just enough time to unlock the terminal and maybe grab a smidgeon of data, so you'll stay as long as you can and rendezvous with your team to deliver what you can get to them, but at this point there's no reason for anyone else to be here, nobody's going to send troops to a site that's about to get blasted, so it's time to get everybody out.


It sounds like they already know that lunacore could be on them at any moment so hopefully since you're doing big hacker things and unlocking their terminal they'll take your word as an expert and nobody'll have to get laser dead'ed. Plus it might give you a slight bit of time to grab some interesting data and skedaddle before satellite beams strike.

Uh, brake into the terminal, get the info, tell the people one sight that the old owners of the system are about to erase this site and everything nearby, run like hell.

First, do you have some device on which you could set an alarm to warn you when 7 minutes have passed, so you can get out of here ? If not, ask Golf to do it on his computer.
Then get that magnet and try to open this thing.

>>1068593
So potentially crazy thoguht: can we turn our horns inot a magnet by wrapping them in wire with a current running through them?

ETA on that vehicle? If it's over like, 7 minutes we should just bail now. We have enough to complete the mission, either way.

If we're doing magnets, make sure your new friends know about the magnet, and tell them they forgot The Socks, and that you'll need them now more than ever

>>1068597
That would be nuts! His entire nervous systems is metallic. Who knows what that would do to his brain...

To improvise a magnet ideally we should use a long nail of common soft iron. A screwdriver or any other long rod magnetically interactive should work. If there is nothing like that a pencil kind of work.
Wrap a long wire along the thin rod and plug both ends of the wire in an electrical sock. This will only work for a few seconds because something will break and probable burn.
Don't stand near the thing when you plug in, if it get attracted to your horns you might be hit in the face with a high temperature wire.

They'll get you anything because they think you're a famous hacker, right? Ask for a magnet and explain the emergency. Say it's for an emergency bypass because you don't have time to fully hack the terminal because of the beam that's about to hit you. Get everyone in the bunker.
We can sort out the fact that you're not really the hacker later.

>>1068612
Oh, yeah, you need to warn the Armada people so they're not hurt by the beam.

>>1068612
>>1068620
If they ask why your company is trying to stop you from getting them into the bunker, maybe go full disclosure with: "I'm not really with the LuneCore guys you hired, but that's good for you because what I just saw implies they didn't have your best interests in mind and never planned to actually show up, now shut up and help me help you!"

Would your wife not appreciate the sight of her lovey hubby wubby bottomless with just a shirt on? And cap. A decency cap! Warning the guys outside immediately so they have maximum time to mobilize and evacuate and offering to stay as long as possible to grab as much data as you can would probably make you a hero in their books. Don't bother to put any pants back on! It's time spent that could be used for other things! I'm sure they'll understand the power of pantsless hacking. Everyone will, one day. Remember to save time for bailing out too!

>>1068593
Your best bet for completing the mission is to tell everyone here what's about to happen so they can get the magnet there as fast as possible, or evacuate. Letting them do it instead of you would also let you get your bodysuit back on.

Tell golf to set a timer for seven minuets for you. Order your helpers on site that they've got three minuets to get you a powerful magnet, and four more after that to get out of here before there isn't a here, to be at.

>>1068638
We could also say "Those LuneCore bastards lied to me and the rest of my team never showed up, I was meant to be the fall guy"

>>1068668
Also maybe you could try to convince Kellie to untie his hands by promising a novelty Armada shirt!

Suddenly remember Kelly's comment about neumonos "running away with the CA-" and put two and two together.

"Say, Kelly, I since we are about to leave and you are super busy anyway, you wouldn't mind me telling this fine folk here about your CAI, would you? They seem pretty willing to work with programmers from other companies, after all."

Get that vehicle here asap, hack the mainframe, and as a courtesy you might want to tell everybody to run.

find some programmer socks, they'll help you stay warm and focused. then do the magnet thing, quickly check for anything valuable and portable, and then think about warning the others.

also look for arm warmers and choker, gotta stay warm!