New Recruits Tend To Drown A Lot (TFTD Liveblog Thingy)

"Calling for Earl" is one of several euphemisms for "vomiting" (much like "calling for Ralph" or "driving the porcelain bus").

Hence, "paying a visit to Ralph and Earl".

Huh. Yeah, I figured that's what Ralph meant. I've also heard praying at the porcelin throne, unswallowing, parking a buick, upchucking, colouring the carpet, airing one's belly, etc. etc.

Commander's Log - October 8th, 2040

Sonar picked up another small Alien sub headed south from Iceland.

Barracuda-One intercepted it and brought it down in the middle of the Atlantic.

Triton-One will recover it.

Yep, that's about the size of it, Trigger.

(By the by, there's more stuff to come, but I have to head off home now. I'll try to update later in the week.)

edited 17th Oct '10 2:40:55 PM by RangerSix

COMBAT REPORT - OCTOBER 8, 2040

Personnel assigned to combat zone:

Commander Princeps Augustus
Ensign nos
Ensign Jacques Cousteau
Ensign x2wolf
Ensign Siegfried Farnan
Ensign Sophie Aldred
Able Seaman Parson Gotti
Seaman clockworkspider
Seaman Brett Sinclair
Seaman Danny Wilde
SWS - Coelecanth/Gas Cannon

Yana (via remote link): Okay, people. We've likely pissed Echo off something fierce, given our last few colony raids.

In light of this, I recommend that we take no prisoners on this mission. Whatever aliens you see, terminate them with extreme prejudice!

Princeps: All right, people! Clear the doors, let the Coelecanth out!

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

(WHIRR-CLUNK)

(WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR)

Yana: I've got the sub sighted. No sign of Echo as yet.

Princeps: Sinclair, Wilde, nos, move out. Cover the Coelecanth.

nos: Aye, sir.

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Wilde: Nothing back here.

Sinclair: Nothing off the Triton's bow, either.

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Yana: Echo sighted in the wreckage. Looks like we've got lobsters.

Princeps: Aw, hell. You got a Thermal Shock Cannon, nos?

nos: Aye, sir.

Princeps: Get out there and shock the bastard.

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobster Man: . . .

nos: Echo shocked.◊

(WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR)

Yana: More lobsters. Engaging.

(PSSHEW-KAWHANG)

Yana: No effect. Nos?

nos: On it.

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobster Man: . . .

(PSSHEW-KAWHANG PSSHEW-KAWHANG PSSHEW-KAWHANG)

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Princeps: And another lobster stuck in the deep freeze.◊

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Wilde: Got a lobster around the far side of the downed sub!◊

Princeps: I see it. Taking the shot.

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobster Man: . . .

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

(WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR)

(THUD THUD THUD)

Yana: Excuse me! No beating up the Coelecanth, please!◊

(PSSHEW-KAWHANG PSSHEW-KAWHANG PSSHEW-KAWHANG)

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobster Man: . . .

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

(THUD THUD THUD)

Yana: Fine, then. Harpoons away!

(PSSHEW-KAWHANG PSSHEW-KAWHANG)

nos: Shock bomb away!

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobster Men: . . .

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Yana: Got another lobster here.◊

(THUPP-CRACKLE THUPP-CRACKLE)

(PSSHEW-KAWHANG)

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Lobster Man: GURHOWL . . .

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Princeps: Found another lobster in a little lava alcove here. Taking the shot.

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobster Man: . . . ◊

(WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR)

Yana: And there's one more lobster hiding behind this lava flow here. Let's put it out of our misery, shall we?

(PSSHEW-KAWHANG)

(THUPP-CRACKLE THUPP-CRACKLE THUPP-CRACKLE)

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Lobster Man: GURHOWL . . .

Yana: Looks like that was the last one. Commander, have your men police the bodies and secure the stunned Lobster Men for transport back to Augustica Base.

Princeps: On it.

Commander's Log - Supplemental

This mission went fairly well.◊ Using what we know of Lobster Man physiology, we were able to neutralize the threat with a combination of Thermal Shock Bombs, gauss beams, and well-placed bursts of focused ultrasonics.

The Colecanth will need repairs, of course, but at least we suffered no casualties.

Commander's Log - October 11th, 2040

The science team here has delivered a report on the handheld monitor we've retrieved from several high-ranking aliens.

It's a a device called the Molecular Control Reader◊, and it allows its user to access Echo's M. C. network and gather information on whatever opponents he may be facing.

This will come in handy for determining the value of alien forces - higher-ranking aliens will, of course, be captured if possible.

Commander's Log - October 13th, 2040

Another report from the science team - after much painstaking work, they've successfully managed to integrate miniaturized Magnetic Navigation systems into the Ion Armour.

The resulting Mag-Ion Armour◊, as they call it, is essentially a personal submersible akin to the Flying Suits of the First Alien War.

However, given its nature, it will only be of value in undersea operations - for land-based missions, we will continue to use the standard Ion Armour.

Commander's Log - October 16th, 2040

The science team has finished interrogating the high-ranking "Whistler" that was captured in our last colony raid.

We learned that this particular race is called the Tasoths◊, and that the unusual movements of Alien submarines around Redback Base are the signs that Echo is building undersea colonies in the area◊.

Gee, ya think?

Commander's Log - October 17th, 2040

We picked up a small Alien sub stooging around the coast of Neo-Japan. Not sure what they were up to, but if it involves those traitors, it can't be good.

Barracuda-Three was dispatched to intercept it - a single blast from its new Sonic Oscillators was enough to send the enemy sub to the deeps.

Triton-Two is en route to recover what remains of the sub and neutralize any survivng crew.

COMBAT REPORT - OCTOBER 17, 2040

Personnel assigned to combat zone:

Lieutenant Myst Rose
Lieutenant dmboogie
Ensign Guido Talbot
Able Seaman Murphy Mac Manus
Seaman Connor Mac Manus
Seaman Emily Chaudhry
Seaman Manfred Mann
Seaman Jamie Mc Crimmon
Myst: Okay, people, let's make a clean sweep of this area. Move out!

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Talbot: Echo sighted in the rock formation to the north! Taking the shot!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Talbot: Echo's still up.◊

Myst: I see it. Launching shock bomb.

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Tasoth: . . .

(CHK-CHK)

Myst: Echo is down, shock cannon reloaded..◊

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

dmboogie: Echo sighted. Taking the shot.

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Tasoth: . . .

dmboogie: He's down for the count.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Mann: Hey, I see the downed sub. Looks like those Sonic Oscillators did a number on it!◊

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Myst: dmboogie, Jamie and I have Echo's front door covered. You take Talbot and Manfred around back, just in case they try to get out that way.

dmboogie: On it.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Murphy: Whistler north o' the downed sub!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Tasoth: WHISTLE.

Myst: Nice shot, Murphy.◊

(WHIRR-CLUNK)

Myst: Echo out front of the sub!

(THUPP-CRACKLE THUPP-CRACKLE)

(KSHHOW-CRACKLE)

Murphy: Oh no ye don't!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

dmboogie: Echo behind the sub!◊

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Talbot: I got 'im.

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Tasoth: . . .

Talbot: Echo down.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Mann: I see the forward shooter. Lining him up.◊

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Tasoth: WHISTLE.

Mann: Got him. Myst, you're clear to enter the sub.

Myst: Thanks, Manfred.

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

Murphy: Echo! Echo near the sub!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

(CRUNCHCRUNCHCRUNCHCRUNCHCRUNCH)

Mc Crimmon: Murphy, ye daft idiot, that's ME yer shootin' at!

Myst: Fucking whistlers and their molecular control . . . *grumble grumble grumble*

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Myst: Hold still while I shove a shock bomb down your throat, you bastard!

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Tasoth: . . .

Connor: Huh? Wha? What happened?

Myst: Nothing you need to worry about.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

dmboogie: Taking fire from the reef northeast of the sub!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

dmboogie: Echo sighted. Launching shock bomb.

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Tasoth: . . .

Myst: Looks like that was the last one. Okay, people! Let's clean this mess up and get back to base!

Commmander's Log - Supplemental

Not too bad a haul for a sub this size, and the live aliens will benefit our research greatly.◊

We will, however, need to hire some more troops for the garrison force at Redback Base.

Life's been rather hectic of late, so I haven't had a chance to update the LP in a while.

Rest assured, though, I've not abandoned the game - I'm still working on it, recording the trials and tribulations of the X-Com troops during the Second Alien War, and I plan to upload the latest batch of stuff later today.

—Ranger Six

Take your time, your real life is more important than some liveblog.

Okay, so partial update today. Turns out I have a lot more images to resize than I thought (and the library's Internet connection was out for the past week or so - I think they had a dead router or something).

Commander's Log - October 19th, 2040

More good news from the research teams.

With the information gathered from the Tasoth we interrogated earlier this month - and their recently-acquired knowledge of the workings of the Molecular Control Reader - they were able to design a new facility.

Dubbed the "Transmission Resolver"◊, it's roughly analogous to the Hyperwave Decoder of the First Alien War, allowing us to intercept and decode the orders being sent from Echo's bases to his submarine fleets, thus giving us an idea of what Echo's up to in our seas at any given time.

I've ordered that one of these facilities be constructed at each of our extant bases.

Commander's Log - Addendum

Augustica Base picked up a small Alien sub in Africa Corp waters. Barracuda-One was dispatched to intercept it, and they downed the enemy vessel shortly thereafter.

Triton-One will head out to recover the wreckage.

edited 20th Nov '10 11:38:30 AM by RangerSix

COMBAT REPORT - OCTOBER 19, 2040

Personnel deployed to combat zone:

Commander Princeps Augustus
Ensign nos
Ensign Jacques Cousteau
Ensign x2wolf
Ensign Siegfried Farnan
Able Seaman Parson Gotti
Able Seaman Brett Sinclair
Able Seaman Danny Wilde
Seaman clockworkspider
SWS - Coelecanth/Gas Cannon

Yana (via remote link): All right, people, today we're going to be working with a couple of the newer additions to our arsenal. Gotti, x2wolf, you have each been issued a Molecular Control reader; whenever one of our people catches sight of Echo, you're to scan their implants and let us know its rank.

Additionally, both clockworkspider and Siegfried Farnan have been issued a Disruptor Pulse Launcher. Hopefully, we will not need to use these weapons, but if we do, employ them with extreme caution.

Now, let's find that sub and deal with its crew!

(WHIRR-CLUNK)

(WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR)

Yana: No sign of Echo as yet. Commander, deploy your troops. Standard assault formation.

Princeps: Aye-aye! You heard the man, people - move it on out!

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

(WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR)

Yana: . . . Looks like we're going to be having a lobster dinner tonight, gentlemen. I see two of them, and a possible crash trail for the sub. Gotti, give me a read on the one at my twelve.◊

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

Gotti: Technician. I get the feeling he's pretty badly hurt, too.

Yana: Okay, we're tagging him for capture. x2wolf, what about the one at my ten?◊

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

x2wolf: Soldier. He's in fairly good fettle, too.

Yana: Okay, we don't need any more soldiers clogging up the containment facility. Him, we kill.

(WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR)

Yana: Well, I've found the sub - and some more lobsters, to boot.◊ Gotti?

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

Gotti: A pair of fine, healthy soldiers.

Yana: Right.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Aldred: I see the lobsters. Taking the shot.

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Aldred: No visible effect. Gotti, give me a read?

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

Gotti: Oh, it felt that shot, for damn sure.

Yana: Got a lobster headed for the Coelecanth. x2wolf, give me a read.

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

x2wolf: 'Nother soldier.

Yana: All right. Taking the shot.

(PSSHEW-KAWHANG)

x2wolf: It barely scratched him, sir.

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Aldred: . . . He's still standing.

nos: Not for long, he's not!

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobster Man: . . .

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Yana: Got another lobster in my sights.

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

Gotti: It's the technician again, sir.

Yana: nos, would you do the honors?

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobster Man: . . .

nos: Consider it done.◊

(WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR)

Yana: Got another lobster at my twelve. What's the read?

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

x2wolf: Another technician, sir.

Yana: Excellent, another target of value.

Princeps: I got this one.

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobster Man: . . .

Princeps: He's down for the count.

(WHIRR WHIRR WHIRR)

Yana: Lobster at my ten. Gotti?

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

Gotti: Soldier.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Wilde: Sinclair and I have a lobster north of us. What you got, x2wolf?

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

x2wolf: Another technician.

Wilde: Sinclair, how many technicians would you assign to a sub this small?

Sinclair: I don't know, Daniel, but I do know this much - three technicians seems overkill to me.

(WHSS-THUD)

Yana: . . . Oh, not again!

(WHABOOM)

(SPROING-CRACKLE-FZZT)

Lobster Man: GURHOWL . . .

Princeps: Well, shit. There goes the Coelecanth again. On the bright side, though, at least we have one less lobster to deal with.

Farnan: If someone can give me a target, I'd be more than happy to lob a disruptor torpedo in the general direction of one of those lobsters.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Wilde: I see one, Farnan.◊ Transmitting co-ordinates.

Farnan: Course plotted. Torpedo away!

(FSSSH)

(BZZT-CRACKLE BZZT-CRACKLE BZZT-CRACKLE)

(BLOOP)

Lobster Men: GURHOWL . . .

Wilde: Good God, that thing is powerful.

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Sinclair: Ugh, it feels like a giant just punched me in the ribs. Daniel, do you have a medkit?

Wilde: I'm afraid not, Brett.

nos: I've got one. Here, let me take a look.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

(PSSSHT)

nos: There, that should do the trick for now. You might want to sit the rest of the mission out, though.

Wilde: Good idea. I'll escort him back to the sub.

Sinclair: Much appreciated, Daniel.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

nos: Jesus Christ, this thing got GUTTED when it went down.◊

Princeps: Yeah, it did, didn't it?

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

nos: Oh, SHIT! LOBSTER!

(THUPP-BLOOP)

nos: Oh, crap. Um, well, maybe this Vibro Blade will do some damage!

(CRACK-HISS)

Lobster Man: GURHOWL . . .

nos: Well, what do you know? It worked! Huh, maybe that's what these things are for - keeping the Lobster Men in line.

Princeps: Whatever they're meant for, it got you a kill there, nos. Looks like that was the last one, too.

nos: Good. I could use some sleep.

edited 30th Nov '10 5:05:28 PM by RangerSix

Commander's Log - Supplemental

With the Alien sub gutted by the Barracuda's Sonic Oscillators, we didn't recover much in the line of usable materials.◊

However, the captured aliens will help us further our research once interrogated.

Brett Sinclair will, however, need to be hospitalized for a time due to his injuries.

Commander's Log - October 21, 2040

Another report came in from the science team today - they've figured out how to replicate the methods the Aliens use to create their craft◊, and are working on developing a new interceptor based on Alien submarine technology.

In other news, a small Alien sub was caught stooging around Redback Base - Barracuda-Four downed it with a blast from its sonic oscillators.

I'll be dispatching a team from Redback Base to recover the submarine; joining the team for this mission will be Walter Harriman, Crystal Myers, Orski Zbrigniev, Gordon Freeman, Barney Calhoun, and Winifred Bambera.

. . . I'll need to have Dr Belacqua's people manufacture some more armor for the garrison team at Redback. They're going to need it.

COMBAT REPORT - OCTOBER 21 2040

Personnel assigned to combat zone:

Lieutenant Myst Rose
Lieutenant dmboogie
Ensign Guido Talbot
Able Seaman Manfred Mann
Able Seaman Murphy Mac Manus
Seaman Connor Mac Manus
Seaman Gordon Freeman
Seaman Barney Calhoun
Seaman Orski Zbrigniev
Seaman Emily Chaudrhy
Seaman Crystal Myers
Seaman Walter Harriman
Seaman Winifred Bambera
Seaman Jamie Mc Crimmon
Myst: All right, people. We'll keep this one simple - search and destroy. If you spot Echo, kill it if you can. If not, tag it and sing out. Get it?

All: Got it!

Myst: Good. Move out!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Harriman: No sign of Echo, but there's a lot of Greek ruins about.

Mc Crimmon: Och, what is it with these Greek ruins everywhere we go?! I thought Atlantis was supposed to be in the Atlantic Ocean somewhere!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Connor: I'm gonna go find me an alien to kill!

Murphy: Hey, Connor, wait for me!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Chaudrhy: I've found the sub. Looks like there's a body in the wreckage . . . can't tell exactly what it is offhand. 'S either a Tasoth or a Gill Man, though.◊

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Harriman: Well, I've got a Gill Man over by these ruins. Launching shock bomb.

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Gill Man: . . .

Harriman: Echo down.

dmboogie: Nice work, Walter.

(WHIRR-CLUNK)

Chaudrhy: Movement in the sub!

Myst: Cover me, Chaudrhy. I'll go check it out.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

(WHIRR-CLUNK)

Myst: Confirmed. It's Gill Men, all right.

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Gill Man: . . .

Myst: And another one in the deep freeze.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Myst: Okay, I'm in the sub. I don't see any-

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Myst: Oh, HELL no bitch!

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Gill Man: . . .

dmboogie: These subs usually have a four-man crew, right, Myst?

Myst: Yeah.

dmboogie: Well, we kayoed three . . . and with the dead one, that makes four Eeks. Looks like we got this mission sewn up.

Myst: Okay, people. Police the site and head back to the Triton.

Connor: Goddamnit, another mission and no kills.

dmboogie: Don't worry, Connor. I hear Command's got something special planned for us in the next week or so.

Commander's Log - Supplemental

Another small sub, another small crew, another successful, casualty-free mission.◊

We know this won't last, but it is pleasant.

Commander's Log - October 27th, 2040

We've left the Alien colonies in the Pacific for long enough. Time we went and knocked one or two of them over.

With the new Disruptor Pulse Launchers in our hands, these nuts should be easier to crack.

Triton-Two is en route to the one off the coast of Korea. Some time next month, I'll have the team from Augustica Base hit the one east of Tonga Island.

COMBAT REPORT - OCTOBER 27 2040 - PART I: SURFACE GARRISON

Personnel assigned to combat zone:

Lieutenant Myst Rose
Lieutenant dmboogie
Ensign Guido Talbot
Able Seaman Manfred Mann
Able Seaman Murphy Mac Manus
Able Seaman Walter Harriman
Seaman Connor Mac Manus
Seaman Gordon Freeman
Seaman Barney Calhoun
Seaman Orski Zbrigniev
Seaman Emily Chaudrhy
Seaman Crystal Myers
Seaman Winifred Bambera
Seaman Jamie Mc Crimmon
Myst: Okay, people, this mission is simple in principle. We break the surface garrison, clear out the central lift shaft, and descend into the heart of the colony in order to destroy the colony's Synomium Device. Doing that will cause a chain reaction throughout the facility that will ensure its complete destruction.

However, as we're facing Echo on his home turf, we can expect heavy resistance - they're not going to give up without a fight, and they're going to throw everything they've got at us. So, be on your guards, and shoot to kill!

All: Aye-aye!

Myst: All right, then! Let's DO this!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Harriman: Jellyfish south of the sub!

dmboogie: Walter, watch your flank! Whistler at your nine!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Tasoth: WHISTLE.

Harriman: Thanks, Lieutenant.

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Myers: I've got the jellyfish sighted. Lining it up.

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Myers: No effect!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Hallucinoid: SPLAT.

Bambera: That got it.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

dmboogie: Aquatoid near the doors!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Aquatoid: EEEOW!

Harriman: Lieutenant! Jellyfish above you!

Bambera: Myers and I have this.

Myers: Damn straight we do!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Hallucinoid: SPLAT.

Myers: One, two, sucks t'be you!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Harriman: Whistler north of the sub!

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Tasoth: . . .

(SHLERK SHLERK SHLERK SHLERK)

dmboogie: BRAIN!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Tentaculat: SPLORP.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Zbrigniev: Got another whistler! Taking the shot!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Tasoth: WHISTLE.

dmboogie: All right, people, time to break out the heavy artillery. Chaudrhy, punch a hole in the colony walls; Connor, I want you to shell the lift area. Got that?

Chaudrhy: Roger that.

Connor: You bet'cha.

dmboogie: All right. Go for it!

(CHK-CHK)

Chaudrhy: Course plotted. Torpedo away!

(BZZT-CRACKLE BZZT-CRACKLE BZZT-CRACKLE)

(BLOOP)

dmboogie: Okay, the colony is holed! Let's make some Eekburgers!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

dmboogie: Got a whistler inside the colony.◊ Connor, he's near the lift shaft - see if you can't do us a two-for-one with a torpedo, aye?

Connor: Aye-aye, Lieutenant!

(CHK-CHK)

Connor: Course plotted - torpedo away!

(BZZT-CRACKLE BZZT-CRACKLE BZZT-CRACKLE)

(BLOOP)

Tasoth: WHISTLE.◊

Aquatoids: EEEEOW!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Myst: Whoa, hey, good thing we got this Echo right off - he had one of those torpedo launchers!◊

dmboogie: Hey, that just means spare ammo for our two artillerymen!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

dmboogie: Whoashit, Echo!

Calhoun: I see it, sir!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Tasoth: WHISTLE.

dmboogie: Nice shooting, Calhoun!

Calhoun: Thank you, sir!

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ VWOINK-BZBZBZ VWOINK-BZBZBZ VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

(ASSORTED MUTTERING AND GRUMBLING FROM THE AQUANAUTS)

Myst: Pull yourselves together, people! We've got a JOB to do - we can go home once it's done!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH)

Bambera: Echo by the main entrance to the gravlift!◊

Myst: Take it out, Bambera!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Aquatoid: EEEOW!

Bambera: Got 'im!

dmboogie: Good. Okay, people, move up and secure the lift shaft - standard assault pattern!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH SQUELCH SQUELCH SQUELCH)

Bambera: Echos in the lift shaft!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Tasoth: WHISTLE.

Bambera: One down!

(UNINTELLIGIBLE ALIEN SCREAMING)

Myst: Keep at it, people! We've got them panicking!

dmboogie: Whistler on the upper balcony!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Tasoth: WHISTLE.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH SQUELCH CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Bambera: Echos on the balcony! Lieutenant?

dmboogie: I'm with you, Bambera! Let's take them down!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

dmboogie: Well, so much for that idea . . .

Myst: Let me toss a shock bomb up there.

(CRUNCH CRUNCH SQUELCH SQUELCH CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Tasoth: . . .

Myst: Well, that's one down.

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Tasoth: WHISTLE.

dmboogie: And that's the other. Okay, looks like the lift shaft is secure. Move in, people - time to blow this popsicle stand!

(CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH SQUELCH SQUELCH SQUELCH CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

COMBAT REPORT - OCTOBER 27, 2040 - PART II: COLONY

Myst: Okay, people, we've breached the colony's defences. We need to find and destroy the Synomium Device they use to control the colony, and neutralize any resistance we may encounter.

dmboogie: The good news is, we won't have to deal with Molecular Control now that we're inside. The bad news? Lobsters. Lots and lots of lobsters.

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Connor: Uh, yeah. And I see one by my team's entry point.◊

Mann: Let me get a read on it.

(VWOINK-BZBZBZ)

Mann: Eh, it's a soldier.

Harriman: I'll handle it.

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

(WHIRR-CRACKLE)

Lobsterman: GURHOWL.

Harriman: I think he got the POINT. After all, I DRILLED it into him!

dmboogie: Oh jesus, enough with the horrible puns already!

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Myst: Area south of the second lift is clear!

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Zbrigniev: Clear to the west!

(CLUNK CLUNK)

Calhoun: Uh, guys? Lobster to the north!

Myers: I see it. Taking the shot.

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobsterman: . . .

Talbot: . . . Wow. His aim SUCKED. He just kayoed himself!◊

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK SQUELCH SQUELCH)

dmboogie: Got a lobster. Taking the shot.

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

(THUPP-BLOOP)

Lobsterman: . . .

dmboogie: Yeah, yeah, that's right. You ain't got SHIT on me, son!

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Talbot: Lobster!◊

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Talbot: Harriman, he's headed your way!

Harriman: I see him!

(WHIRR-CRACKLE)

Lobsterman: GURHOWL.

Harriman: Man, what a BORING job.

dmboogie: Harriman, one more bad joke like that and I'm leaving you here!

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Myers: I'm going down a level. Hey, Freeman, cover my back, will ya?

Freeman: *silence*

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Myst: Hm. Bunch of frozen Eeks here. Looks like Aquatoids to me.◊

(LUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

dmboogie: Hey, Myst . . . is it just me, or does this colony seem to have a different layout from the others?

Myst: Could be, Boogie. Does seem a bit unfamiliar to me.

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Talbot: I've sighted a lobster! Taking the shot!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Talbot: No effect! Bambera?

Bambera: On it!

(KSSHOW-CRACKLE)

Lobsterman: GURHOWL.

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Myers: Hey, does anyone have any idea where the hell this thing is supposed to be?

dmboogie: It's supposed to be in a room on the lowest level of the colony, with a square observation port in the ceiling above it. We usually just drop a grenade or something on it through that port.

(CLUNK CLUNK SQUELCH SQUELCH SQUELCH)

Calhoun: Uh, Lieutenant . . . that room with the observation port, does it have four small rectangular chambers in it?

dmboogie: Yeah, it does. Why?

Calhoun: I think I found it, sir.◊

dmboogie: Got a grenade?

Calhoun: Yessir.

dmboogie: Okay, then. You get to blow the Synomium Device! Everyone else, loot what you can and bug out back to the entrance!

Calhoun: Aye, sir!

(SQUELCH SQUELCH SQUELCH SQUELCH SQUELCH)

(TINK)

(SQUELCH SQUELCH)

Calhoun: Grenade's in place, sir.

(WHABOOM WHABOOM)

(ASSORTED ALIEN KLAXONS)

dmboogie: Okay, people, that's it! Move, move, move!

(CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK)

Myst: All present and accounted for, Boogie!

dmboogie: All right, let's get out of here!

Commander's Log - Supplemental

The destruction of the Alien colony off the coast of Federated Korea should please them no end◊ - I know it's pleased the team at Redback Base, especially with the equipment they were able to salvage from the Aliens they killed and the three live Lobstermen they were able to capture.

Granted, we could have salvaged more if we'd taken the time to root out every last Alien in the colony, but I think the experience they gained was of more value than the bounty offered for dead aliens and salvaged colony parts.

End log.

Commander's Log - October 30, 2040

A double dose of research and development today - the science team delivered designs for both a new submarine and a new submersible weapons system.

The submarine has been codenamed "Manta"◊, and the SWS - which can be equipped with a Sonic Oscillator - has been codenamed "Displacer"◊.

The Displacer SWS will be of great value in combat, but the Manta looks to be of better value as a stepping-stone to further development.

Commander's Log - October 31, 2040

Happy Halloween, X-Com. Have a pleased funding committee and a decent increase in funding◊ - and reports from the Molecular Control Labs.

Looks like some people will, unfortunately, have to remain at base when we're organizing missions against aliens with Molecular Control abilities.

Commander's Log - November 1, 2040

Redback Base has receved a distress call from the Steve Irwin, an Australasian Conglomerate cargo vessel.

Triton-Two has been dispatched to deal with the Alien terrorists.

edited 30th Nov '10 1:36:45 PM by RangerSix

And that's about half of the backlog cleared. The rest, unfortunately, will have to wait until Friday.

Kickin' ass twenty thousand leagues under the sea.

Yep. And that reminds me, the latest mission I got is actually the first Artifact Site mission I've had thus far.

(Artifact Sites, by the way, are pretty much the only mission where you have to respond and win - if you ignore it or land and abort, you take a pretty hefty penalty to your score: you lose 2000 points for ignoring them, and 750 for responding and aborting.)