Let's Play: UFO Aftershock!

[Ford Prefect]

It astonishes me that I remain the most intelligent person in the team. Why has no new recruit turned out intelligence greater than average and poor? On the upside, this has somehow managed to make me TEAM LEADER on the ground. On the downside, this has somehow managed to make me TEAM LEADER on the ground.

To be honest, even with my space person superiority complex, I can't advise subjugating our current allies. One, it woudl reduce us to the level of mud people. And two, surely there must be some sort of subversive Communist way in which we can exploit them.

[Darkevilme]

Do we have our first laser research laboratory up yet Nephy?
I don't expect the research to be quick but have we at least laid the floorplan? do we have room at our base?
I just feel we should diversify our weaponry and that if we're to retain lasers it should be ones we can manufacture power cells for...and maybe that take better to being hotwired for extra whammy.

[Nephtys]

The energy weapon lab floorplans are researched but not up yet, given work being done to research hoo-man weaponz, and a dramatic shortfall in basic earth resources and alien artifact resources.

And yes, Ford Prefect is scarily enough, being shipped to OCS.

[Ford Prefect]

The energy weapon lab floorplans are researched but not up yet, given work being done to research hoo-man weaponz, and a dramatic shortfall in basic earth resources and alien artifact resources.

Then I guess we realy do need an upturn in resources. At this point I suppose our only recourse is more scout missions?

And yes, Ford Prefect is scarily enough, being shipped to OCS.

i am so sorry guys

[Darkevilme]

As i remember from ages back when i played the game our options for resources are.
Perform good will missions to sway more regions to our cause.
Take regions and subjugate them by force, which is quicker.
Fritter away our goodwill with the current factions by using it to get a temporary influx of resources.

I don't remember whether research takes resources though. IF it doesnt then the temporary influx might be enough to get the lab built. If it does...we'll need more land.

[Nephtys]

Today's Chapter: The bodies keep hitting the floor...
File: Personal Log, Nephtys
*Begin Recording

It's been a busy week. Time to fill in the gaps since the last log.


Our second-line forces have been pulling double shifts to consolidate earthside territory gains and establish automated monitoring stations. It's bloody expensive too, considering we need to refurbish old rail lines to keep them supplied. It's nearly costing us all those resources we've been trying to secure.

Well. As to interesting operations, Squad McLargeHuge has been deployed multiple times, virtually every 8 hours for a new crisis point. Either Mutants were entrenched in a vital location, or we needed to get a team somewhere fast. I'll append a few highlights from these operations.


A few pre-Nightfall weapons stores have been recovered in what Hans has described as 'Eastern Europe', but still we lack working firearms in any meaningful quantity.


Given our supply situation, we must reply on effective, but short-ranged shotguns for the majority of our orbital squads. The reticulan laser rifles are proving more useful now that our soldiers have a better understanding to shoot for vital areas. Still, our diminishing battery supplies mean we need to find an alternative soon.


Likewise, our field medical techniques require work. With each soldier heavily injured after every encounter with the feral mutants, we should consider providing an easy to use medical package. Here, Ford Prefect attempts to help Samuel's painful wounds by holding a knife to his throat and offering a pack of smokes. I have no idea what prompted that.


We also need to welcome White Haven, our newest recruit to Squad McLargeHuge. She is a psionic, able to sense minds at a distance with surprising accuracy. She is an unusually strong specimen for her kind, who generally are somewhat physically atrophied. Unfortunately, being able to sense the minds of others has affected her with reduced intelligence when in the company of Squad McLargeHuge's members. She also is vulnerable to contact with direct sunlight and sunburns easily.

In other news, our squad's training has progressed nicely. Several members are exhibiting improved speed and stamina. Ford Prefect has also begun training for squad leadership with several earthside advisors. With his superior, yet inferior mind, hopefully Squad McLargeHuge will have an edge in our fight to reclaim Earth.
Note: In retrospect, I really wish we found out that Ford Prefect cheated on the intelligence test before this. It would have saved a lot of tears.

Today, we dispatched Squad McLargehuge to investigate odd disappearances of Hans's men on a scouting mission east of our earthside frontier. Peptuck was placed in command of the unit. As usual, Hans greeted the landing party with irrelevant and discriminatory backstory.

The biomass has worked to twist and pervert all living things. It is we, the humans, who are the true heirs of humanity - Not freaks and monsters.
Most of the mutant creatures the Biomass created, those we call "transgenants," live like animals.
Some travel alone. Others in packs. But none are what you or I would call intelligent.

There are some humanoid freaks who are able to speak. They congregate in what pass for villages, but they are a parody of true humanity. Their mutations give them special powers. One group, those we call Cyborgs, are able to use artificial implants to enhance their bodies. They are stronger and faster than us.
The others we call Psionics. They have strange psychic powers. Most of their abilities are quite weak at a distance, but they are able to inflict great confusion and harm if you get too close.

Welcome to last week, Hans. In any case, he'd better get used to working with all of our subj--- allies.

Hans directed the squad to some hills beyond a nearby greenhouse facility. He mentioned hearing weird noises, and would wait by the pod for the team's return. We had a vacant seat in the pod, in case we found survivors.


The team deployed in standard formation, with White Haven in the rear. She was on edge, noting sensations that weren't typical of Transgenant packs.


...Reticulans! What were they doing down here on Earth?


Taking cover, White Haven tracked the alien with her psionic senses. She was already proving to be a useful scout, despite physical deficiencies. There were no sign of the human patrol we came looking for.


Rushing forward, Vanas silenced the clumsy alien with a blast from her shotgun.

More aliens came, alarmed by the noise. I'm going to chastise the squad at a later time about the virtues of stealth. Were these Reticulans behind our patrol's disappearance?


Vanas continued to dispatch the aliens with ruthless efficiency.


Laser weapons proved woefully lacking in stopping power compared to our mighty shotguns, as this standoff between a Reticulan and Vanas proves.


It wasn't too much longer before White Haven sensed a survivor. It wasn't one of Hans' men however. A lone Cyborg scout greeted our forces.


Cyborg: HAIL PUNY MEAT-UNITS.
Peptuck: What the devil are you doing here? Hold still, who are you?
Wautd: (What.. if it's a Reticulan trick?! We should shoot first and figure it out later.)
Vanas: (I like the sound of that! *shotgun pump*)
White Haven: ...
Cyborg: I AM CALLED PEZOOK. I WITNESSED ALL OF YOUR PATHETIC BIOLOGICALS HAVE BEING KILLED BY THE XENO-ORGANISMS. THEIR WEAK HUMAN BODIES SUCCUMBED TO COHERENT LIGHT ENERGY.
Wautd: ...H-how is that possible?!
Cyborg: THEIR COMBAT TECHNIQUES WERE SUB-OPTIMAL.
Peptuck: *lifting a hand with an angry glare at Wautd, Hero of Laputa.* "Cool your guns, we'll find enough of the bastards to kill in a moment. Where'd the aliens come from?"
White Haven: ...
Cyborg: "I HAVE LOCATED THE WORTHLESS BIOLOGICAL SPACECRAFT OF THE XENOFORMS. I WILL SHOW YOU IF YOU TAKE ME TO YOUR SUPERIOR METAL SPACESHIP."
Peptuck: *twitches slightly on trigger* "Follow me then."


I guess they listened to Pezook because of that cannon he was wielding. We brought him aboard, and he explained everything to our intel staff. An alien spacecraft had crashed into mountains a few miles off our landing site. Because it was heavily guarded by aliens, it would be best to approach and secure with a assault via drop pod.

Our squad would consist of Peptuck in command, Wautd, Samuel, Erik von Nein and the untested Vendetta. Two shotguns, a handgun and two Laser Rifles were deemed the proper equipment, given our new supply of laser packs recovered from the Reticulans. Also, a new shipment of supplies from the surface came up with two particularly interesting peices of equipment...

Peptuck and Wautd as the most capable members of Squad McLargeHuge, acquired full suits of pre-twilight combat equipment. Samuel remarked that he needed no such thing, and that his prowess with the pistol and slow motion 'gun-fu' would protect him from bullets. He failed to realize that even if such a claim was accurate, lasers travel much faster than bullets.


The landing site was right on top of the crashed Spacecraft, bypassing many of the wandering Reticulans in the woods beyond.


Peptuck and Wautd split up into a team, flanking to the west. Samuel took Erik and Vendetta up the east side, hoping to secure the perimeter of the craft.


Samuel spotted an alien. With gusto, he charged forward, jumping from side to side and bending about as if dodging incredibly slow imaginary bullets. His pistol fired repeatedly as he closed the distance.


He would emerge from the duel somewhat scorched, as Vendetta charged, hungry to prove herself with the shotgun blazing.


The heroic Wautd elected to stay back, covering Peptuck's approach with a fusilade of laser fire. He dropped the alien before Peptuck even got in range, resulting in several glares from his squad leader.


Despite being fairly shot up, Samuel corners an alien and forces the dumb creature to surrender at gunpoint. Without further protest, the squad disarmed it and escorted it back to friendly forces, who arrived shortly after to secure the crash site.


Mission Accomplished.

Despite a few injuries, this could prove to be a windfall of information. There are so many unanswered questions. Why are the Reticulans here? Why are they such simple, aggressive creatures, and not the race that could conceivably have built the Laputas and manned spaceflight? We would have to perform several autopsies and interrogate the prisoner to find out. Perhaps both at the same time, with this live one...



Thanks to new territory secured, our position is becoming more and more tenable. I don't think it'll be necessary to keep as detailed logs of routine missions at this point. Word is that our new armaments factories earthside should be producing guns soon for our troops. With more reliable firearms and research started on improving our drop pod's payload, I think securing more of Earth isn't going to be a problem.

Things are looking up.

Goddamn, was I wrong.
*End Recording*

[Peptuck]

That new (or old) battle armor looks pretty swanky.

[PeZook]

Ha-ha, you PUNY MEAT UNITS brought and angry cyborg to your Laputa!

Cyborg-PeZook is totally awesome As is that armor scheme you're using, BTW. MUCH better than butt-ugly vanilla armor...

[MJ12 Commando]

Hey, you just got Cyborgs!

This means that that unit MJ-850 must show up.

Sadly there's no way to use one-handed shotguns, so I'll probably have to settle for being a cyborg HEAVY WEAPONS GUY using a HEAVY MACHINE GUN (or the biggest energy weapon you can get your hands on.) Sure a tricked-out M60E4 or RPK might not put out the same lead as Sasha, but it's good enough!

What mods are you using, if any? I hope this is the ShadoWarrior one since it lets 'borgs use armor add-ons which makes them a lot more useful in the late game. It also balances some of the game.

Another nasty cyborg combo is +speed legs, +strength arms, +close combat chipsets, and the training that lets them move really fast with melee weapons, because a cyborg with those is just ridiculously blazing fast (as in "can cut down an entire squad of foes before they get a shot off" fast).

[Ford Prefect]

Why do I get the implication that Commander Ford Prefect is going to be bad news for humanity? There's just something about how Neph is talking that I don't like.

[MJ12 Commando]

Why do I get the implication that Commander Ford Prefect is going to be bad news for humanity? There's just something about how Neph is talking that I don't like.

What's the worst that can happen? Ordering everyone to bunch up and get slaughtered by an alien grenade launcher? Don't worry about it. I'm sure we won't ever face foes with grenade or rocket launchers. I mean, this is a nice, lowish lethality game. Not like, say, X-Com.

Right? Right?
Spoiler

Nobody say ANYTHING. Especially not about the Cultists. Or the Wargots.

[Ford Prefect]

That said, I don't think I'd mind being directly responsible for the fall of man and the collapse of what little civillisation remains ont he surface. At least I'd be remembered for something.

[Narkis]

That said, I don't think I'd mind being directly responsible for the fall of man and the collapse of what little civillisation remains ont he surface. At least I'd be remembered for something.

Remembered by whom, exactly?

[Ford Prefect]

Details, details. We can sort that out later.

[PeZook]

Spoiler

Well, the Wargots fortunately seem to use supersubsonic grenades which you can outrun on foot

They also can't shoot for shit. I used to slaughter Wargots and scream "SHOULDER STOCKS, BITCHES!!!"

Figuratively, of course.

[Nephtys]

Today's Chapter: This is my boomstick!
Personal Log, Nephtys
*Begin Recording*

Testing, testing. Is this on? Colonel Nephtys' Audio Log, April 7th. Please set your terminal to accept images when retrieving this entry. Now, down to business...


Our continuing earthside operations have gone well. Groups around the world are rallying around our banner, and signing pacts of alliance with our diplomats. The dramatic intervention of Squad McLargeHuge in several cases have swung over locals to our flag. We've even established a small enclave on another major landmass. It will prove useful in the future as a beachhead for further expansion.


Our equipment situation improves. With multiple functional shotguns now in our possession and an ammunition assembly line operational, scattered alien and transgenant forces are no match for our soldiers. Additionally, Sir Nitram reports that are now able to produce pre-twilight weaponry such as the 'Colt M1911', 'Desert Eagle .50AE', 'Micro Uzi', 'H&K MP5' and 'H&K UMP'. He continues to study explosives our teams have brought back. Duplication of this technology remains out of our grasp, it seems.


Some small elements however, still refuse our help. Their selfish isolationism is not something we can abide in the expansion of humanity. One particular Cyborg splinter group has proved a thorn in our side. Pezook has provided detailed intelligence of their compound's location and layout, as well as suggestions on what we should do regarding them. He has been most helpful. Yosemite Bear, one of the planning staff, has established a positive rapport with the Cyborg.

Sub-File: Pezook Debriefing #5
YB: "Now, let's get started again. I hope you had a good night aboard."
PZ: I DO NOT SLEEP. SLEEP IS A SUB-OPTIMAL ACTIVITY. PROCEED TO THE POINT, MEAT-UNIT.
YB: "Ah, sorry. Now, do you know what sort of resources does this splinter element possess?"
PZ: THEY ARE WELL ARMED. HIGH CALIBER WEAPONRY. FORTIFIED MILITARY INSTALLATION. PROBABILITY OF SUCCESSFUL ASSAULT BY CONVENTIONAL FORCES: NEGLIGIBLE.
YB: "But you're suggesting that---?"
PZ: CORRECT INFERENCE. YOUR ENTIRELY ORGANIC BRAIN SURPRISES ME WITH ITS ANSWER. YOU MUST ASSAULT IT BY ORBITAL INSERTION.
YB: "But what about the Splinter Cyborgs?"
PZ: I CALCULATE A 93% PROBABILITY OF SATISFACTORY OUTCOME.
YB: "What is a satisfactory outcome, Pezook?"
PZ: THEY ALL DIE.
End Sub-File.


Following Pezook's plan, Peptuck, Erik von Nein, Samuel, Vendetta and Wautd are dropped immediately on the doorstop of the splinter faction's bunker.


The Sentry is... unusually well armed! Equipped primarily for close quarters work, Squad McLargeHuge is heavily outgunned.


Peptuck: "Ohshit! Take cover!"
Wautd: "Whaa!"
Erik von Nein: "I'm going to die! I know it! AAAH!"


The Squad covers both sides of the bunker entrance, denying the Cyborg Sentry a clear shot. He quickly retreats into the base to sound the alarm.


The Squad stacks up and pushes forward, forcing their way into the bunker with weapons raised.


Tracking the Sentry into his dead-end storeroom, Peptuck leads the way, bursting in at a range too close for the Sentry to use his weapon. The Cyborg is thrown down to the ground by the powerful blast.


The traitorous Cyborg receives a three shotgun salute.


With no further sentry on the surface, the team penetrates deep into the underground bunker. This is precisely what we need to exert control over the whole region! With detailed maps given by Pezook, the squad carefully moves, covering each other using the structural ribbing as cover as they infiltrate the fortress.


Along the Northern hall, two guards patrol the corridors, heavily armed. Wautd carefully leads the squad in another direction, figuring that discretion is the better part of valour. Erik squeezes his eyes shut as he follows the team down a seperate hall. Suddenly, Peptuck lifts her hand. She heard another patrol approaching.


An enemy patrol, armed with some unknown weapon! The team scatters to cover and lift their weapons...


The patrol meets a very warm reception.

With the resounding cacophany of shotgun fire echoing down the halls, the team storms nearby rooms for enemy troops while they still have the element of surprise.


A pair of confused Cyborgs barge out from a small break room, brandishing powerful weapons.


And again, they are relieved of their weapons at the cost of a few shotgun shells.


Our remaining soldiers armed with lasers exchange their weapons for these new compact weapons. Vendetta identifies them as 'SPAS-15' Automatic Shotguns, fierce weapons she had read about in old Guns 'n Bullets magazines aboard Laputa. She shoves one in Wautd's hands, grinning.

"You're gonna love the sound these make. Blam! BLAM BLAM!" she laughs, as Wautd looks pale. Erik morbidly accepts the weapon, waiting for the end as Peptuck leads the squad off one hall. "We're going to walk right into an ambush, I just know it..."


Rounding a corner with guns blazing, two cyborgs fall. A spray of wild bullets erupts from the second cyborg soldier, massive weapon flying out of his hands as his armored body was cut down at close range by a hail of automatic shotgun blasts. Thrown against the wall, the gigantic machine gun clatters to the floor, soaked in his cowardly blood.

Samuel smirks down to the cut down Cyborg. He quips a one liner, looking about. "I guess he wasn't gutsy enough." he says, kicking aside a pile of internal organs laying about. "You could say he just doesn't have a stomach for this sort of work." "He's got a bad case of heartburn."

Peptuck shut him up with a left hook to the nose.


Mission Accomplished.

The mission was an important victory. We've secured ample weaponry, found a new base and numerous high-tech supplies to keep our industry running. The rocket launcher 'RPG-7' has been given to Vanas, who is going through extensive training in it's operation. Wautd, due to his exemplary record of performing above and beyond the call of duty, is being assigned the M60 Machine Gun. We additionally now have enough body armor to outfit the entire team. The military supplies seized from the splinter cyborgs have allowed Sir Nitram's R&D division to begin research in pre-twilight assault rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles, explosives and flamethrowers.

Pezook appears quite pleased at our 'Admirable progress, for biologicals', and remains aboard as advisor and cyborg laison. White Haven appears somewhat spooked of him, but remains largely silent when pressed further on the issue. Darkevilme is continuing his recovery.

Next on our agenda is a lis---- Hrm? What's that? I said I didn't want to be interupted while taking down mission logs---- I... wait. What? WHAT?!



*End Recording*

[The Yosemite Bear]

Spoiler

Well, the Wargots fortunately seem to use supersubsonic grenades which you can outrun on foot

They also can't shoot for shit. I used to slaughter Wargots and scream "SHOULDER STOCKS, BITCHES!!!"

Figuratively, of course.

Mark your targets, fire on your mark, they must be using a brown bess.

[Ford Prefect]

You know at this point this had better result in something completely terrible.

Additionally, I am continually impressed by Samuel's ability to be cimpletely unprofessional at all times.

[Vanas]

I stand on this side of th' thing, make sure th' tear-drop shaped bit is towards the bad guys and no-one's behind me? 2 outta 3 each time, roight?

And the 'splosion's how big?

Wunnerful.

[Jonen C]

In case there is ever need more [strike]expendable cannon fodder[/strike] troops, of any kind:

Sir! Volunteering for duty in the name of our glorious Laputan overlords, SIR!

[Nephtys]

So, what sorts of weapons shall we use? I have the 'Weapon Rebalance' mod, which adds more types of weapons.

Currently, we can produce
Beretta M92FS
Colt M1911A1
Desert Eagle .50
Colt model 635 SMG
Micro Uzi
HK MP5A5E
HK UMP
HK 33 Assault Rifle
HK G3KA4 Assault Rifle
Colt M4 Carbine
AK47

[SirNitram]

JOY! I GET TO MAKE EXPLOSIVES!

*R&D undergoes repeated small quakes*

[Peptuck]

Samuel smirks down to the cut down Cyborg. He quips a one liner, looking about. "I guess he wasn't gutsy enough." he says, kicking aside a pile of internal organs laying about. "You could say he just doesn't have a stomach for this sort of work." "He's got a bad case of heartburn."

Peptuck shut him up with a left hook to the nose.

Discipline will be enforced.

So, what sorts of weapons shall we use? I have the 'Weapon Rebalance' mod, which adds more types of weapons.

AK47

Given the state of our technology and the reliability of this weapon, I'd say we go for this until higher-tech devices can be built.

Also, nothing says HUMANITY FUCK YEAH than gunning down alien invaders with Soviet-era assault rifles.

The military supplies seized from the splinter cyborgs have allowed Sir Nitram's R&D division to begin research in pre-twilight assault rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles, explosives and flamethrowers.

[Darkevilme]

I call dibs on a flamethrower...as by the time you fleshy Laputan doctors have finished getting me battleworthy again you'll have finishe researching them.

[Samuel]

So, what sorts of weapons shall we use? I have the 'Weapon Rebalance' mod, which adds more types of weapons.

Currently, we can produce
Beretta M92FS
Colt M1911A1
Desert Eagle .50
Colt model 635 SMG
Micro Uzi
HK MP5A5E
HK UMP
HK 33 Assault Rifle
HK G3KA4 Assault Rifle
Colt M4 Carbine
AK47

Whichever has the highest rate of fire or the best armor piercing.

You know at this point this had better result in something completely terrible.

Additionally, I am continually impressed by Samuel's ability to be completely unprofessional at all times.

I have the power of kung-fu. Professionalism is for people who can't dodge bullets... or punches

Hey Pezook, congradulations on being upgraded to Cabal level.

Here, Ford Prefect attempts to help Samuel's painful wounds by holding a knife to his throat and offering a pack of smokes. I have no idea what prompted that.

He is showing leadership skills. Obviously it is beyond the grasp of mere mortals such as ourselves.