Great job GB!:)

Now I'm itching for a mission :)

Are you really suprised by this? The legacy continues....

Update

October 27

As the EU COM Skyranger heads back to base, the USA COM Skyranger launches to clean up the UFO crash site in North Dakota. They should strike in mid-morning, which will give us plenty of daylight.

X-COM HyperWave Radar identified Ethereal communications from the craft before CapnMorgan shot it down. Ethereals are always such fun at parties.

On board:
Alf III, Achilles, Patman II, Illinifan V, AStott, Airhog II, Afoci, Wade Moore, Jeeber D, Mr. Bug IV.

Good luck, men!

Upcoming:
Monday (probably night): Mission 85
Tuesday: Updated Stats & Mission 86 Lead-in
Wednesday: Skyranger Transmission for Mission 86 (with our new Skyranger pilot!)
Thursday: Mission 86

Don't make me die in North Dakota please! We don't want an Illinifan VI. Maybe he'll run away like II or was it III?

lol, can't even keep them straight anymore!:D

RING RING RING

Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! Whoops.

Calling everyone on guard duty at SAM COM and AFRICA COM! Pack up your gear and report to processing for active duty assignments.

There are 12 of you down there available (2 are AWOL, though). We need eight of you, so we'll take the first eight to respond. The slowest four have to clean the whole base by themselves and miss all the fun.

117. Psycho Cop II
119. Tucker II ( in transit)
121. Katon II
122. Mike Vic (in transit)
59. Daimyo II
94. Data King III
123. Vince
124. Sir Fozzie II (in transit)
125. Chief Rum IV
126. The Herd (in transit)
127. Hoops Guy (in transit)
128. ShaefIllini (in transit)

We're not calling off the waiting list yet, but if you're on the waiting list, we'll be calling quite a few of you once we reach the first of November, game time. Saves money this way; if we call you now we have to pay you for October.

Update

Skyranger Transmission

There is no word from the USA COM Skyranger. We are unable to raise them via radio. Probably just a technical difficulty. Don't worry.

:eek:

Uhoh, my first mission in forever and it sounds like trouble...

I'm ready for an assignment

Reporting for duty. I'm sure I'll miss all the excitement here in Africa, but will do my best to cope.

Answering the call. Just don't put me in any nasty fights. I'm here for the status I'll gain as being a part of X-Com!

I am ready for anything..

... ANYTHING.. (Lip lick)

reporting for duty

dola-


That can't be good....

I was wondering why he was calling for 8 of us... I guess that answers my question...

Um, we can't lose Wade Moore. No. Nope, can't lose him. How many categories is he a leader in??

As for the EU Com mission, I was glad to wing a couple of those punks so our boys could get the kills. Just rip off alien appendages from long distance and send the youngsters in to mop up the mess. Nice mission, men. As for that shot into the hedge at my feet, you know what they say about "close" - it only counts in horshoes, hand grenades, and foreplay. Better luck next time, alien dogs.

I'm in if I'm one of the 8 ;)

Answering active duty call :)

North Dakota isn't friendly.

Nice job on our mission, GB! Glad I could contribute with a few kills...

Let's hope the US team is alright...

I can't count too well. So I'm just going to respond regardless of whether I'm in the 8 or not.

There are 5 guys with names beginning with A on this mission...this is like begging to die

The communication glitch was just that, a glitch…

(photos coming in an hour or so)

85th Mission: Ethereals in North Dakota

The USA COM Skyranger is barely airborne before it starts its descent to the North Dakota farmland. The short jaunt to the UFO crash site takes less than 30 minutes, and the men have to hurry through their equipment checks. The weather outside should be sunny and cool, a perfect day for combat.

Back in action after extended layoffs are both Illinifan V and AStott, both of whom have been out with wounds.

Wade Moore will lead us.

Our troops today:

Left Side:
1. Alf III (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
2. Achilles (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
3. Patman II (Blaster Launcher, Power Suit)
4. Illinifan V (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
5. AStott (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)

Right Side:
1. Airhog II (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
2. Wade Moore II (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
3. Afoci (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
4. Jeeber D (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
5. Mr. Bug IV (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)

The Skyranger descends through the clear skies to the North Dakota farmland. The men inside scan the battle field below. We appear to be coming down on the edge of a farm complex. We can see three two-story buildings: one sits to our exit’s immediate right; one sits about 40 yards away, off to the right rear of our exit; and the last sits straight out from our exit, about 60 yards away. We’re coming down on the southwest corner of the battle zone; the areas to the left of the exit and towards the nose of the Skyranger are secure zones. The battle today will occur to the right and rear of our craft. We can’t see the UFO, yet.

The Skyranger touches down. The ramp drops away and hits the ground with a thunk. Silence. Our tank heads down the ramp, reaches the bottom, and scans for aliens: nothing. Alf III and Airhog II exit the Skyranger and take up firing positions at the landing gear while our tank makes a more extensive search of the nearby area. We’re hemmed in by the three surrounding buildings, so we can’t see all that much, but there appears to be nothing nearby waiting to kill us. Still, these buildings are perfect hiding places for enemies; we’ll want to clear them as quickly as possible. We deploy in force.

Jeeber D and Afoci exit the Skyranger and head for the building (a barn) to our immediate right. Once there, Afoci blows a hole in the outer wall so the two men can enter and begin their search. Achilles and Airhog II follow our tank alongside a stone wall that leads up to the building (a house) off to our right rear. Once there, Airhog II blows a hole in the outer wall and the two men enter. Illinifan V and Alf III head straight out from our exit for the most distant building (another house). They reach it without incident. These two men can now see yet another two-story building just past a hedged-in grove behind and to the right of this building. Man, this is some tight quarters. While Illinifan keeps and eye out for aliens in the grove and more distant house, Alf III starts into the house the two men have just reached.


X-COM agents move in on a North Dakota village. October, 2003. X-COM Archives Photo

While these searches are going on, Patman II exits the Skyranger and sets up a firing position with the Blaster Launcher near the nose of the Skyranger. Our tank pulls back to a small open field that lies between the first two buildings. AStott and Mr. Bug IV exit the Skyranger and join it there. The two men follow our tank in a slow advance through the field to a low hedge at the far end. AStott and Mr. Bug can now see the UFO, a crossed-shaped scout, lying in a field about 30 yards beyond the two buildings nearest us.

The first two buildings are cleared without any sign of alien movement, but Illinifan V reports that he heard a house door close in the fourth building, and AStott and Mr. Bug can hear the whirring of UFO doors. We’re getting close. Jeeber D and Afoci take up positions on the far side of the first building, just behind a stone wall overlooking the field that sits in front of the UFO. Achilles takes up a position at a window of the second building that overlooks the UFO and intervening fields. Airhog, who has just cleared the rooftop of the building, also moves towards the edge overlooking the field and UFO. Illinifan V and Alf III continue securing the third building.

Suddenly, Achilles spots an Ethereal, about 30 yards away, approaching the second building through a field to the left of the UFO! Achilles goes to fire, but the Ethereal is too quick! A plasma blast races for the house, cuts through the window and slams into Achilles’ shoulder, badly denting the armor and sending waves of pain through his torso. Achilles gets off two quick shots before the Ethereal retreats, but they both sail badly wide. Achilles ducks out of sight to catch his breath and shake his shoulder loose. Airhog, up on the roof, moves closer to the edge to try and pick up the Ethereal, but he can’t spot anything. In the field to their right, AStott preps a grenade and makes a long toss to the location we think the Ethereal retreated towards. AStott’s grenade goes off an instant later, sending a cloud of turf and smoke skyward. Right after the explosion, we hear the frantic screams of a dying Ethereal! Nice throw AStott! Good to have you back! X-COM 1, Aliens 0.

Back at the third building, Alf, who’s now on the roof, gives the all clear. While he moves close to the edge of the roof in order to try to spot movement in the fourth building, Illinifan V advances there along a hedgewall. We hear another door click open in there, so we know someone’s home. With action likely, Wade Moore exits the Skyranger and jogs forward to help. Come out and play, Mr. Ethereal!

Back at the second building, Achilles regroups and moves back to the window, just in time to see another Ethereal approaching through the same field to the left of the UFO! Before Achilles can get a shot off, the Ethereal puts a cluster of low trees between him and Achilles, and Achilles loses sight of the alien. Up on the roof, Airhog preps and tosses a grenade towards the area behind the trees, but the grenade lands well short of its target and explodes harmlessly. Eat more Wheaties, Airhog!

In the field just south of these two men, Mr. Bug IV, our tank, and AStott begin a cautious advance towards the UFO through the intervening field. They keep their eyes open left as well, in case the Ethereal, or Ethereals, draw any closer. If we can draw close enough to the UFO, we can toss some grenades into the craft through the damaged roof.

Just south of these two men, Afoci and Jeeber D start through the fields that run alongside the right side of the UFO. They’ll try to sweep around the right side of the UFO, so as to come up on the exit door, which must lie on the far side of the craft. On the way, they may be able to get some grenades in through the roof as well.

Suddenly, the Ethereal reappears in the field in front of Achilles. Once again, Achilles is slow on the draw. The Ethereal fires a rocket right at Achilles! The bomb slams into the outside wall of the house, right beside Achilles’ window, and goes off with a pop: stun bomb! A cloud of noxious gas fills the air, but not enough of it gets inside the house to affect Achilles. A fraction of a second later, our men are hammered by a ferocious wave of alien PSI-energy! Everyone stands firm, though! Way to go, men! Achilles and Airhog shake off the chills from the PSI attack and open fire on the alien in the field. It turns to take cover, but Airhog hits it in the back with a shot that drives it to the ground screaming! The alien dies a few seconds later. X-COM 2, Aliens 0.

We continue our advance, but waves of PSI energy are washing over us at regular intervals now. Finally, just as Alf, Wade, and Illinifan are ready to rush to the fourth building, Alf’s will power caves in. He panics, drops his weapon, and starts running away. Wade and Illinifan are forced to move on without him.

At the second building, Achilles exits and Airhog jumps off the roof. They move forward through the field and join our tank and Mr. Bug, who have cut over from the field to the south. This unit will advance around the left side of the UFO.

Meanwhile, AStott cuts toward the right of the UFO and joins up with Afoci and Jeeber D. This unit starts tossing grenades in through the hole in the UFO roof. A number of crashes follow, but none of them bring any alien screams.

Suddenly, an Ethereal flies up over the roof of the UFO and advances on Achilles, Mr. Bug, and Airhog! It’s 30 yards away and closing fast. Crap! I forgot they can fly! The three men dive for cover as plasma blasts tear up the ground. Patman II, back at the Skyranger, snaps awake, alertly plots a quick firing course with the Blaster Launcher, and pulls the trigger. An instant later, the Ethereal looks up in horror as a Blaster missile screams down on it. The missile is a direct hit: the Ethereal is vaporized in a massive fireball. Boo yah! X-COM 3, Aliens 0.

We resume our advance, but we’re still getting hit with strong PSI attacks. While Alf blubbers away in the field just short of the fourth house, Wade and Illinifan make a careful search. Strangely, they find no aliens in the building. The doors Illinifan heard opening must have come from some other location.

Back at the UFO, we close in. Our tank leads the advance around the left side, and spots a couple of semi-destroyed shacks just past it. Aha! This must have been the source of the door sounds we heard. With Mr. Bug and Achilles close behind, the tank works it way through the structures, but finds no aliens.


X-COM agents close in on an enemy UFO. October, 2003. X-COM Archives Photo

On the other side of the UFO, AStott, Afoci, and Jeeber D expend their supply of grenades on the hole in the UFO roof, but they get no payback. Finally, grenades exhausted, they continue around the UFO.

We’ll use our tank for cover, and set up an ambush at the door with Mr. Bug and Achilles on the left side of the UFO. Airhog, who already has a kill, will stay in reserve. The two men follow our tank around the back side of the UFO, but suddenly a wave of PSI energy hits Mr. Bug, snapping his will to fight. He panics, and then goes berserk! He opens fire in random directions! Achilles and our tank scramble around a corner of the UFO to get away from the fire. Yikes! So much for that plan. We’ll use the men on the other side of the UFO.

AStott approaches the entrance alongside the wall of the UFO, while Afoci and Jeeber D set up a firing position on the UFO door from behind a low hedge. While we wait, Achilles tosses yet another grenade through the roof of the UFO. This time, the explosion gets us a horrific scream! Yes! We got one!

And that is the last alien! Finally. What a long mission just for four aliens. Ethereals are bastards.

Kills: Achilles, 1; Patman II, 1; Airhog II, 1; AStott, 1.
KIA: None.
Wounded: None
Attribute Improvements: Achilles, Patman II, Airhog II, AStott, Alf III, Jeeber D, Afoci.
Final score: One-hundred something (forgot to write it down).
Mission Notes:
I’m happy I was patient with this mission. There were a lot of places where I was tempted to cut corners to make the mission go faster, but I stuck to doing things right. A little tedious because of the cramped terrain in those houses, but it paid off. No casualties, good experience for such a low-kill mission.

AStott is a rising star in the X-COM ranks. Among agents with more than 10 missions, his 1.31 kill/mission average (KMA) is second only to Klayman’s 1.38 all-time high. Only two other agents with ten or missions—Blade6119 III (1.18) and Shorty (1.00)—have had a KMA of 1.00 or higher. If past performance is an indicator of future gains, AStott may want to cool off. Klayman, Blade 6119 III, and Shorty are all dead.

Airhog II saw his bravery go up ten big points!

I survived!

whoa you scared me GB:D

damn...that was one bad mission for achilles...gets shot, is too slow like 10 times, get shot at by 2 rockets, has his closest squadmate turn evil(mr.bug)...that last kill was nice, but everytime something went bad achilles was their. i feel for you man, as Blade6119 is a walking target in godzilla's world.

Woohoo! I was worried that those PSI attacks were going to get me. Glad to see I was able to resist them and get some attribute improvements... :)

Whew. With that many men called up, I feared this mission would be like the movie about the "Black Sox Scandal"...

...

...you know, "Eight Men Out".

*rim shot*

I seem low against PSI attacks...

You psi weakling !!!

:p

So you finally came out from underneath your rock?

AE reporting for duty. For the waiting list, whatever. BS I'm not getting paid this month.

Silly humans. You think you own the world? You think you are safe behind your Blaster Launchers? You have no power. We toy with you.

Watch this.

Calling Mr. Tasan. Tasan. Tasan. Tasan.

This is Sectoid Leader, Tasan.

We have decided to kill you, Tasan.

You will never see November.

:eek:

EEK!

Why pick on me all the sudden?

*runs and hides under a rock*

Yes! Yes! I'm back! Sweet!

What? Me cool off? Not a chance. You underestimate my skills!

Communication

Didn't mean to scare everyone on that last mission. ;)

We still are calling up those eight agents, though, and we still need two to answer the call. Katon, PsychoCop, Vince, Daimyo, Data King, and Chief Rum, your phones are ringing.

Sectoid Leader: How bold! Calling out death! Trying to jinx us? We'll see. But I might start counting your own days left. It might be Tasan that shows up to personally rip your throat out.

Tasan: Don't let him shake you. Ain't nothing going to happen to you. (If you do want to stay out of action until next month, let me know).

AStott: Yup. I was off on those wounded days. As usual. Back in action, with another kill. You are a machine.

Ardent: Welcome back! Good trip? This thread dropped down to number 15 or so without you around to bump it up to the top. ;)

Jeeber D: Yes. Nothing phased you. Well done. And skills are up to boot!

Tucker, Blade: Thanks!

Blade6119: Yeah, Achilles is lucky to be alive. And that mission was hard as hell to keep everyone straight when I wrote it: all those "A" names! Eek. (Insert A-Team joke here).

I'll get those photos up tonight, by the way.

X-COM II Troop Master List (After Mission 85)

USA COM

EU COM

ASIA COM

SAM COM

AFRICA COM

X-COM II Troop Attributes
Support Personnel

Attribute Leaders (After Mission 85)

Attribute Doggies (After Mission 85)

Top Ten Kills Leaders

Waiting List

My reaction attribute didn't improve... :(

Couldn't my phone be ringing, instead?

By the way, I sent that nasty Sectoid Leader a mean PM. :)

Two things to remember for the next time I drive:

1. Get a driver's license.

2. Have proof of insurance.

I'd like to thank the Illinois state trooper he helped me figure that out.

Can't believe I got off with a warning.

My license expired in 99, but I've been told for as long as I can remember that as long as I have a military id, my license is valid. Problem is, my wallet was stolen last month, along with my expired license. So now I don't even have an expired license to show people.

My proof of insurance was in the trunk, along with my groceries, books, uniforms, and my suitcase of clothes. IE, my trunk was packed. I put my insurance card (and everything else) in the trunk while my window was busted out. I just hadn't put my insurance card back in the glove box.

But yes, it was a great trip. Four day weekends rule.

oh god, lets all feel bad for ardent and his sob story...fuckin elitists ;)

AE, you've had bad luck lately haven't you?:D

Bad luck? He should have gotten at least two tickets. Sounds like great luck to me... :D

Actually, I considered not getting ticketed this time "lucky". I got a "warning" for broken head light. Nothing else. :)

why does ardent talking about his broken head lights make me think of his wife?

Update

October 28-29

UFO sightings are reaching a frantic pace. On the 28th, Superman knocks down a UFO scout in Slovakian airspace. We scramble the ASIA COM Skyranger late that day in order to begin an assault early on the 29th. As it's on its way across Russia, we pick up two large UFOs on route to Europe. They weave back and forth over the landscape, as if they are looking for something. Shortly before dawn on the 29th, both UFOs touch down in central Germany, within five miles of each other. We're in luck! The ASIA COM Skyranger is only a few hours away, and we can get the EU COM Skyranger airborne within the hour. With luck, we might be able to catch both UFOs at dawn, right before they take off.

We reroute the ASIA COM Skyranger towards Germany, scramble the EU COM Skyranger and launch for Germany, and launch the USA COM Skyranger for the downed scout in Slovakia.

Big day coming up. Three missions. Two of them biggies.

EU COM goes in first, as they reach their target at dawn on the 29th.

On board:
Jfbbis, Kodos, Japherwaki II, Tasan, Coffee Warlord II, Blade III, Breeze, The Time, Naiwf, and Sachmo III.

Good luck men.

I should also note that we've got some new Skyranger pilots with us now. These will be their first missions!

Landed large UFO? Rock! Commander Kodos and his grizzled right hand, Sergeant CW on the job!

No problems with the sectoid leader, I should have reacted better, what with my 50 bravery and all. Keep me in the game, waxing him and his kind as only I know how. (Wide left, letting someone else get a good shot and kill it)

GB,

Just a thought I had...have you considered building PSI facilities in Africa and SAMCOM? That way while the new folks are sitting around waiting, they could also get their PSI training done.

Lokugh

Wow! I get another mission just like that??? I think I may be pressing my luck!

Skyranger Transmission

This just in from our EU COM Skyranger...

Skyranger Pilot: Hellooo? Mister X-COM? This is Dory. Um, Commander Bingo told me to call you. He—

X-COM Command: It’s Kodos, Dory. Kodos. Not Bingo.

Skyranger Pilot: Huh? Yes, anyway. Commander Elmo asked me to call you and tell you that—(loud bang) Aaaaah! What was that noise? Someone’s shooting at us! Aargh! Oh my God!

X-COM Command: Calm down there, Dory. Tell us what’s going on. Relax.

Skyranger Pilot: Hello? Can I help you?

X-COM Command: Dory?

Skyranger Pilot: Yes? What do you want?

X-COM Command: Dory, you called us. Tell us what’s happening outside. What did Kodos tell you?

Skyranger Pilot: Oh, I called you? What did Frodo tell me? Oh, I see. Um, what did he tell me? Aha! I remember now. It was about aliens. Yes! That’s right! Aliens! (pause) Does that make sense?

X-COM Command: What about the aliens, Dory?

Skyranger Pilot: (loud boom) Aaargh! There it goes again! That noise! What is that? Heyyyy, look at that. Why is there a man sleeping in the back of the Skyranger? Ew, what’s that red stuff? Oh my! Is he bleeding? Yes, I think he is. There’s someone bleeding all over the back of the Skyranger floor!

X-COM Command: Dory! Tell us what Kodos told you!

Skyranger Pilot: Kodos? You mean Chico, the Commander? (Huge boom) Wow! Look at the fireworks! Pretty! I like fireworks. (pause) Whoa! What was that? Suddenly I felt dizzy and then I wanted to speak Sectoid! Did you know I can speak Sectoid? Maybe I should go out and tell them to stop fighting us. I could say “Weeemuck doooooooo chaaa gofooooo baaaaaa dugga dugga!” Can you speak Sectoid?

X-COM Command: Dory! Listen to me! Tell me what Kodos told you!

Skyranger Pilot: Yes. Ok. I remember! Hey, I remember! He said, “P. Sherman. 42 Wallaby Way. Sydney.” That’s what he said. I remembered! Heyyyy, was that a leg I saw flying by the window? Whoa! Look, it is a leg! What’s that doing there by itself? Looks like someone forgot something, that’s for sure. Better head right out and pick that up. Don’t want to be leaving those things lying around where someone could trip over them. I could use a leg. Get rid of these fins. Heyyy, if I look out the window, I can see another guy lying down. Shouldn’t he be working? Heyyyy you! (tapping on window) Mister soldier! Time to get up! Do these guys get enough slee—

(Transmission terminated by X-COM Command)

Right. Is it the end of the month yet? :)

hehe. Very nice. Dory. I like it. Sounds like a skyranger pilot. But one question. Is our pilot a lesbian, too?

The conversation reminded me of Douglas Adams.

I feel for the poor saps with Dory, but damn that was funny! :)

Classic SkyRanger pilot! No mention of tentacles, so I should be okay! :D

Finding Nemo, classic...where's Marlin?

2 large UFO ? hmmmm.....

Just keep shooting! Shooting, shooting shooting! Just keep shooting!

hey godzilla...can we see who are on the other two skyrangers? And did i heal before you launched?(Prays that he did since its only a downed UFO and not a large one)...please?

Oh no...please let me not die!!!

:D

So close to November...

That was great, GB! :D

SI

lol:D

This could be an interesting mission...

I hate that damned Sectoid!

I will live!

Smell the carnage. I think PsychoCop II will finally be moving up from SAMCOM... unfortunately it will be at the price of the lives of other X-COM members.

I think that XCOM will remain casualty free until the last mission the way GB is playing these days...

Well, you just jynxed it. Someone's gonna die soon. *hides in lab*

SI

You sectist pig!

It's an unfair price that some must pay, but Kingfc22 will be there to back them up with a plasma shot to the head.

PsychoCop: You already have been called. You're on your way to an active base right now.

Sterling: Thanks!

Blade: I'm trying to keep you alive. A bit tricky out there this time, though.

Blade6119: Don't have the game handy right now, but I know that you're on the USA COM Skyranger. I remember waiting until midnight, until you were cleared for duty. You're back in action.

Wolfpack: LOL! A new motto for the men of EU COM!

ardent: Funny you should mention Douglas Adams. Our new ASIA COM Skyranger pilot mentioned that he had been in a book of his.

Lokugh: I've been building the other two bases with defense in mind, so that means I only add a module or two at a time. The PSI modules take about 20 days to build, I think, so I might try to get some built for the start of December. The only thing is, if we need troops from AFRICA or SAM in December, I've got to move them out, thereby cancelling the PSI training. If we don't need them, then we'll have plenty of good men for Mars. I might build them just in case though. Who knows how long this thing will last if we lose a base between now and then.

Tasan: No problem. Sorry, I had to launch. It was your turn to go, and I figured you wouldn't want to stay out of combat because of something Sectoid Leader says.

Mission 86 is looking good for tomorrow.

Ford Prefect?

Marvin the Paranoid Android I'm afraid.

hee hee! Nice radio transmission there!

Death Threat
 

A PM from the Sectoid Leader. :)

They're going to kill you in all of your first three missions? I didn't realize that you were related to Lazarus.

Looks like the Sectoid Leader needs to take some english lessons... ;)

"Blood is the price of victory"—Karl von Clausewitz

86th Mission: Madness in Germany

The EU COM Skyranger makes the short jump to Germany. Once over German airspace it circles and waits for the dawn. Just as the sky begins to brighten, the green light comes on and the craft begins to head down to combat. Another day, another big fight for the proud men of EU COM.

Commander Kodos will take the troops in.

Our men:

Left Side:
1. Jfbbis (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
2. Kodos (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
3. Japherwaki II (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
4. Tasan (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
5. Coffee Warlord II (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)

Right Side:
1. Blade III (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
2. Breeze (Blaster Launcher, Power Suit)
3. The Time (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
4. Naiwf (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)
5. Sachmo III (Heavy Plasma, Power Suit)

The Skyranger drops down through the grey dawn to the battle field below. We’ve got a typical rural landscape today: fields, fences—you know the drill. We can see the massive UFO off to the right of where we’ll exit, but up by the nose of the Skyranger. We can also see two two-story buildings off from the exit of the Skyranger. One lies about 25 yards away to the right rear; the other lies straight out from our exit, about 50 yards away. The areas to the left of our exit and towards the nose of the Skyranger appear to be simply flat fields.

The Skyranger touches down. The ramp falls away and lands with a dull thud that shatters the still morning air. Red lights and alarms! Hot landing! Our tank picks up a Cyberdisc in the field in front of us, about 30 yards away, and a Sectoid on the roof of the house to our right rear, about 30 yards away!

We roll our tank halfway down the ramp. We spot another Sectoid, about 50 yards away, in a second floor window of the house straight back from our exit! Blade III rushes to the top of the exit and opens fire on the Cyberdisc. Plasma slams into the thing, but it stays up! Breeze, with the Blaster Launcher, breaks left inside the Skyranger. Jfbbis breaks right to clear him a firing lane. Breeze plots a course for the Sectoid in the house straight back from us and pulls the trigger. The missile screams out of the Skyranger bay and heads straight into the second story window of the house, where it explodes, blowing apart the second story and killing the Sectoid instantly. Jfbbis then rushes around Breeze to the edge of the ramp, drops to a knee, and opens fire on the Sectoid on the roof of the house off to our right. Plasma streaks toward the Sectoid as it lines up a shot on our Skyranger bay. After some rare misses, Jfbbis finally connects, hitting the Sectoid in the head. It screams, claws at its melting face, and falls to the roof of the house. X-COM 2, Aliens 0.

Kodos and Japherwaki II rush to positions behind Blade and Jfbbis, but they can’t get a shot off at the Cyberdisc. Our tank slams back into action, and heads for the bottom of the ramp, but before it gets there, multiple plasma blasts come flying at it from the nose of the Skyranger! The tank takes two quick hits and explodes, sending shrapnel and flames in all directions.

The Cyberdisc in the field opens fire on our Skyranger bay. Plasma comes streaming at Blade III and Jfbbis, but slams harmlessly into the smoldering tank body. Then another Sectoid, about 25 yards away, in front of the house off to our right! It drops to a knee and opens fire. Plasma comes screaming at our Skyranger and flies into the bay. Blade catches a blast in the left arm that pushes through his armor and rips the arm off at the socket. Blood explodes out of the shoulder joint, splattering Jfbbis and the interior of the Skyranger. Blade III drops his Heavy Plasma, topples over screaming, and frantically claws for his lost arm. Jfbbis twist his aim at the Sectoid, but it has ducked behind a low stone wall just in front of the house. Jfbbis quickly shifts aim to the Cyberdisc and opens fire. Plasma slams into the disc’s hull. One shot penetrates the armor and the thing explodes, taking a chunk of the field up with it. X-COM 3, Aliens 0.

Kodos pulls the injured Blade III farther back into the Skyranger bay. Japherwaki II rushes the exit and steps out. Incoming missile from our right! Kablaam! The missile hits Japh in the right side and explodes with a loud bang. Stun gas! The force of the hit throws Japh sideways off the ramp. Japh lands to the left of our craft in a heap. His can’t see straight, but twists his head to look toward the nose of the Skyranger, expecting to come face to face with the alien that knocked out our tank, but there is nothing here? Huh? He struggles to his knees and turns to look over the ramp at the area the right of our exit. There are two Sectoids. One——the one who hit Blade—is looking over the stone wall in front of the house; the other is lying in a field about 20 yards away, and must be the one that fired the missile. Japh cuts back under the Skyranger and stumbles to the right landing gear, where he tries to gather his addled brain.


Sectoids wait for X-COM troops. October, 2003. X-COM Archives Photo

Back in the Skyranger, Kodos lets go of Blade, then sprints to the exit ramp, drops to a knee, and opens fire on the Sectoid in front of the house. His first shot catches the Sectoid in the head, popping it like an eggshell. Green goo comes squirting up from the neck. The alien falls backwards, dead. Tasan and The Time charge out of the Skyranger exit, dive right, and come up firing at the Sectoid that has the stun blaster. Tasan’s shots, from less than 15 yards away, are some of the worst I have ever seen, as most of them rip up the ground less than halfway to the Sectoid. Maybe the “death call” that Sectoid Leader made has shaken his aim? The Time, however, is right on the money. The Sectoid cringes as plasma chews up the earth around it. An instant later, a plasma blast from The Time hits it in the shoulder, blowing a chunk of the creature’s torso off and killing the alien instantly. Kodos jumps left, off the Skyranger ramp, and takes cover behind the left landing gear. X-COM 5, Aliens 0.

Incoming fire, from up by the nose of the Skyranger! A plasma blast screams under the Skyranger, punches through Japh’s right shoulder armor, and sends a curtain of red onto the landing gear and underside of the ramp. Japh slumps to the ground, blood gushing out of his tattered shoulder. Kodos and Tasan spin towards the front of the Skyranger just in time to see a Cyberdisc slide out of sight around the backside of the UFO. Damn it! They’re everywhere!

Kodos yells for Breeze to open fire on the backside of the UFO. Breeze slams a shell into the Blaster Launcher, plots a quick firing course, and pulls the trigger. The missile roars out the Skyranger bay, curls back over the Skyranger, and whizzes around the backside of the UFO. It slams into the back wall of the craft and sends a massive fireball kicking back into the nearby field. A fraction of a second later we hear a second explosion: Breeze got the Cyberdisc! Boo yah! X-COM 6, Aliens 0.

Back in the Skyranger Coffee Warlord drags Blade to the rear of the Skyranger bay and slaps a Medi-Patch over the gaping hole in his shoulder socket. Blade has passed out from the shock, but he’s still alive.

Back outside, Japh—stunned and bleeding profusely—stumbles to his knees and starts crawling around to the Skyranger ramp. Jfbbis, still at the top of the ramp, scurries down, grabs him, and pulls him up the ramp. Once there, Coffee comes forward and slaps a Medi-Patch on his right shoulder. Japh stays conscious, but he is most likely done for the day: his right arm is next to useless.

While this goes on, Tasan and The Time move forward to a low stone wall about five yards off to the right of our exit. Once there, they set up firing positions. Kodos keeps an eye on the back corner of the UFO. Naiwf and Sachmo III exit the Skyranger. Naiwf heads straight into the field in front of our exit and scans the distance for signs of alien movement. Sachmo III takes up a position at the right landing gear.

Incoming fire! From the house off to our right! Plasma blasts come streaking towards Tasan. One shot slams into the side of his helmet and snaps his head to the side. His vision blurs, then blurs again as a second shot hits him in the same place, but Tasan stays up! Outside of blood trickling from his nose and ears, he’s ok! Whew! The Time and Tasan turn towards the source of the fire, just in time to see two Sectoids scurry back into the interior of the house. This side of the house has large chunks missing from its outer wall from some of the earlier errant shots, but even so, the two men lose sight of the aliens in the dark interior. Sachmo III crawls to the stone wall, and spots one of the Sectoids deep in the house. He opens fire as Tasan and the The Time quickly prep and toss grenades for the interior of the house. Sachmo’s shots miss the alien, but the two grenades explode with crashing booms that tear chunks out of the right side of the house. A Sectoids scream drifts out of the house! We got at least one of them! X-COM 7, Aliens 0.


X-COM troops locked in a firefight with Sectoids dug in a German farm house. October, 2003. X-COM Archives Photo

But just as quickly, Tasan picks up more movement in the smoky interior of the house. There’s still at least one live Sectoid in there! Tasan trains his Heavy Plasma on the motion and pulls the trigger. Plasma tears into the dark interior of the house and slams into the moving figure. It screams and drops to the ground! Yes, Tasan got a kill! Tasan lowers his Heavy Plasma…and catches movement out of the corner of his eye, off to the left side of the UFO…

Cyberdisc, 40 yards away, advancing on our position! There is a tall hedge near the disc that blocks Sachmo and The Time’s view, so Tasan is on his own. He jerks his Heavy Plasma up and opens fire as Sachmo tosses a grenade into the path of the Cyberdisc’s advance. Both Tasan and the Cyberdisc open fire at the same time. Tasan drills the Cyberdisc with two hits, but these things are tough, and it just keeps coming. Before Tasan can get hit it again, the Cyberdisc finds the range and nails Tasan in the stomach with a shot that blows clear through his armor and comes out his back. Tasan looks down at the massive hole in his torso, looks left at Sachmo, and then topples over the stone wall, dead. Sachmo’s grenade goes off with a roar, but still the thing keeps coming at us! Coffee Warlord charges out of the Skyranger, breaks right, and scurries to take Tasan’s place along the wall. He opens fire on full auto as the charging Cyberdisc. He connects with two quick hits, and the Cyberdisc erupts in a ball of flame! X-COM 9, Aliens 1.

While this goes on, Kodos makes his way to the front of the Skyranger, where he keeps a wary eye on the back corner of the UFO. We can hear whirring doors, and can expect something around that corner at any moment. Breeze exits the Skyranger, breaks left, and sets up a firing position with the Blaster Launcher in an open field on that side of the craft. Naiwf keeps an eye on the terrain in front of our exit. Back inside the Skyranger, Japh walks back to check on Blade. Once there, he notices the Medi-Patch has slipped off Blade’s shoulder! There is blood streaming onto the floor of the Skyranger bay. Japh picks up the patch and tries to reapply it. He gets it in place, then checks Blade’s pulse: nothing. Crap. Blade is dead! X-COM 9, Aliens 2.

Back outside…Another alien! The Time spots a Sectoid moving behind and to right of the house off to our right, but before The Time can get a shot off, the alien slips out of view behind the house. Breeze plots a quick firing course and opens fire with the Blaster Launcher. His missile soars over the house and then straight down. It twists and hits the back wall, where it goes off with a crashing roar. The back side of the house goes up in flames, and we hear the death wail of the Sectoid as it burns. X-COM 10, Aliens 2.


A German battlefield. October, 2003. X-COM Archives Photo

We’ve got to get away from the Skyranger. We’re sitting ducks here. Sachmo III breaks away from the wall, cuts behind Coffee Warlord, and heads towards the nearby side of the UFO. He makes it ten yards from the wall when a plasma blast comes tearing in from his left—from the left side of the UFO as we face it—and hits him in the left knee. The shot blows the front half of his knee off in a splash of red. Sachmo crumples to the ground and screams. Blood is gushing out of the stump of his thigh; his lower left leg is held on by an inch wide sliver of flesh just above the knee. Coffee Warlord and Kodos turn toward the source of the fire…

Another Cyberdisc, bearing down on our position, about 40 yards away! Kodos opens fire on the thing. Coffee rips out his Medi-Patch and scrambles for Sachmo, who is clearly only seconds away from death unless someone can get to him. Incoming plasma blasts rip up the earth around Coffee and Sachmo. Kodos drills the oncoming Cyberdisc with hot plasma but it keeps on coming and keeps on firing. Coffee makes it to Sachmo, pulls out his combat knife, slices the piece of skin off that was holding Sachmo’s lower leg on, and slaps Medi-Patches on the top of the severed stump and the bottom of Sachmo’s thigh. Coffee then throws severed leg back towards the Skyranger ramp and starts to drag Sachmo back behind the stone wall. A plasma blast from the Cyberdisc hits Coffee in the thigh, sending bolts of pain up his spine, but still he keeps tugging on Sachmo. The Cyberdisc is 20 yards away, spitting death and closing fast, when Kodos catches the thing in a plate joint with a plasma blast that penetrates the thick armor and blows the disc up in a flash of orange and yellow flame. Pieces of metal clatter down on Sachmo and Coffee as Coffee drags Sachmo the last few yards to relative safety behind the wall. Sachmo is glassy-eyed but alive. Coffee is ok. Our mission, however, is a friggin’ mess. X-COM 11, Aliens 2.

Fortunately, we get a lull in the action and take stock of the situation. We’re down to six men—seven if we can get Japherwaki back into action. We can’t cover all directions effectively with this few men. If were going to succeed in the mission, we’ll need to take some risks. Time to go on the offensive. We’ll move forward instead of sitting here and letting the aliens pick us off one by one. We’ll form two groups of three—two men moving forward with one behind them keeping an eye out for aliens coming up from behind. Naiwf, Jfbbis, and The Time will form one group (Squad 1) and head alongside the long, left side of the rectangular UFO. They’ll loop around and come at the exits from the far side. This UFO has a two-story central section with small one-story exit stations tacked on to both ends, which means that our men should be able to gain entrance through the far end if they can swing around the far side. Kodos, Coffee, and Japh—who is fit enough for action now—will form the second group (Squad 2). They will swing around the near end of the UFO and try to get in from this end. They have a much shorter distance to travel.

Things stay quiet as Squad 2 forms up under the Skyranger and Squad 1 forms up at the remains of the battered stone wall. We then move out. Japh leads the way for Squad 1. Before he gets 5 yards from the Skyranger nose, a blast of plasma tears right for him and slams into an intervening fence post, blowing it apart. Cyberdisc, 20 yards away, coming around the corner of the UFO! Damn. Kodos yells at Breeze, who opens fire as Squad 1 hits the dirt. Breeze’s missile sails over the Skyranger and slams into the Cyberdisc, blowing the thing to pieces and scattering debris over a 30-yard radius. Relieved, the men get up, shake of Cyberdisc debris, and continue their advance. Within a couple of minutes they swing around the near corner and set up a firing position on the first UFO exit, which has a huge hole blown in it from one of Breeze’s earlier missile shots. X-COM 12, Aliens 2.


X-COM troops prepare to assault a Sectoid UFO. October, 2003. X-COM Archives Photo

The Time and Naiwf lead Squad 2’s way, with Jfbbis covering the rear about 15 yards back. They make it to the far side without incident and get ready to swing around on the exit. Suddenly, A Sectoid and a Cyberdisc come around the corner in front of them, only 5 yards away! Both sides appear to have surprised each other, but the Sectoid gets the first shot off. A plasma blast flashes across the gap and drills Naiwf in the faceplate, snapping his head back, shattering the faceplate, and driving hot pieces of glass back into Naiwf’s face. One large shard knifes into Naiwf’s left eye, slices it in half, and embeds itself two inches deep into his head. A fraction of a second later, The Time disembowels the Sectoid with a plasma shot, then twists to fire at the Cyberdisc.

A fierce pain tears through Naiwf’s skull, but he shakes his head…and stays up! Both agents open fire on the Cyberdisc, whose first shot sails just over The Time’s head. Stunned by the force of the blow and down to one working eye, Naiwf’s shots go wide, but The Time slams a shot into the Cyberdisc’s armor, sending an explosion of sparks shooting from the underside of the craft. The Cyberdisc pivots and starts to retreat around the corner, but The Time keeps pummeling it with plasma. Just before it goes out of sight, The Time nips it with one more shot, and the Cyberdisc explodes. Less than 10 yards away, both men are blown backwards by the force of the explosions. They land hard on their backs and grind to a stop. They regain their focus, quickly scramble to their feet, and watch the corner for more signs of aliens. After a moment, Naiwf reaches up with his hands, grabs hold of the piece of glass sticking out of his eye, and pulls. Two inches of Crappy glass come out of the socket, and blood streams down Naiwf’s face and into his armor. A wave of black nausea washes over him, but he stays on his feet and bites through the pain. The Time opens a Medi-Kit, pulls out a patch, and rips it into quarters. He drops three of the pieces, and then carefully sticks the remaining one over Naiwf’s shattered socket. The whole procedure takes less than a minute. Naiwf gives a quick thumbs up as the pain killers stream into his head. The two men continue their advance. Boo yah! X-COM 14, Aliens 2.

Naiwf and The Time make it around the corner of the UFO, and now we’ve got both squads set up outside the UFO doors. We’ll all go in at the same time, on three. Japh will lead one assault; Naiwf will lead the other. Everyone takes a deep breath…one…two…three.

Japh and Naiwf charge their respective entrances. Japh’s entrance area is empty of aliens, but as Naiwf opens his door, he sees a Sectoid, about 5 yards inside the entrance room. Both combatants reach for their weapons at the same time, but Naiwf is a fraction faster. A stream of plasma blows the Sectoid backwards in a smoking heap, killing it instantly. X-COM 15, Aliens 2.


An X-COM agent comes face to face with a Sectoid. October, 2003. X-COM Archives Photo

And that’s it! The last alien! My God, what a mission. They really had us there for a while.

As the assault teams return to the Skyranger, Breeze hurries to Sachmo to check his status. He reaches down to feel for a pulse: none. Sachmo is dead. Crap. No wait! There is a pulse! Sachmo is alive! Kodos is the next to the spot, and he and Breeze carefully carry Sachmo back to the bloody bay of the Skyranger. It’ll be close, but he might survive the ride back.

Within minutes, the men have loaded Tasan’s body, picked up Sachmo’s leg, and gotten the craft airborne. Fortunately, the ride back is a short one, which gives Sachmo a better chance of living. We’ll come back later to cannibalize the UFO.

As they head back, they get word from X-COM Command. The ASIA COM Skyranger is heading in for the second UFO. The beat goes on. Let’s hope Sachmo’s heart does too.

Kills: Jfbbis, 1; Kodos, 1; Breeze, 5; The Time, 3; Naiwf, 1; Coffee Warlord II, 1; Tasan, 1.
KIA: Blade III; Tasan.
Wounded: Sachmo (critical); Japherwaki II (16 days); Naiwf (6 days).
Attribute Improvements: Jfbbis, Kodos, Breeze, The Time, Naiwf, Coffee Warlord II, Sachmo III,
Final score: 425. Good score.
Mission Notes:
Damn it. Two deaths. One agent critically wounded. Two more men wounded. Damn it, damn it, damn it. Too expensive. Too friggin' expensive. I can’t friggin’ believe it. 50% casualties. Aaargh.

Note to self: I think I could have saved Blade III if I cycled men across the front of the Skyranger bay instead of having the first two there expend all their APs shooting. I might have taken out the Cyberdisc and been able to leave someone there with enough time to react to the Sectoid that opened fire from the right. I don’t know how I could have prevented the other casualties, as we had so little cover and were getting shot to shit from all directions. Tough mission. Such a shame to lose two, maybe three, good men.

Sectoid Leader is psychic!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

Dang it. :(

Rest in peace, fellas.

I can't believe that I survived this one. I don't know why, I would have bet everything that it was my last one. My condolences to Blade III and Tasan families. They will be avenged.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

:(

Well, all three Blades will be cheering you guys on from Heaven...

What a brutal mission. I lost an eye, two people ended up dead and two others were injured. At least I've got a 6 day vacation while they fix me up with the latest in optical technology. Looking like RoboCop might be pretty cool :)

Do I get to keep Sachmo's leg as a new alien fighting weapon?

Wow! Brutal mission... My attack on the scout ship will be awfully dull by comparison...

Damn cyberdiscs and Tasan, what a way to go out. Having the sectoid leader call you out and finish the job. Scary.

On the bright side, I'm just that closer to getting a chance to prove my worth to the X-Com commanders.

Jeeber D: Damn that Sectoid Leader. Psychic or not, he will pay. We're coming to his house soon. We'll get him.

Blade: Sorry about your death. I think if it happened again, I might have been able to save you. I'm not sure though. They had about ten aliens set up to waste us as we got off, and they were all spread out. The aliens on the UFO had quick access to us as well. I think I could play that mission a dozen times and I'd still lose at least a couple of men. I'm actually kind of thankful we didn't lose more. Our streak of "no-casualty" missions was bound to end sometime.

Jfbbis: Yeah. It was pretty wild for a while there. We were all huddled up around the Skyranger, taking heavy fire. Everytime we moved, something shot us. Japh is one really lucky bastard, though. Knocked off the ramp on the way out, shot in the shoulder later, and survives a charge into the UFO.

Ardent: You're communicating with Sectoid Leader? Careful. They can get in your mind before you know it. Have you been humming Barry Manilow lately? Don't worry about his threat, though. I'll protect you. Oh, wait. That didn't work so well with Tasan. Maybe I should shut up. Um, good luck?

Naiwf: Tasan and Blade have got some eyes they don't need. You've got your pick. Not sure if they'll match your color, but hey, nothing's perfect.

Coffee: Crappy and his men are trying to save Sachmo III's life as I write this. If he survives, your quick work will probably allow them to reattach his leg. They can use Tasan or Blade's knee if they can't find enough of his original one. All is good.

AStott: Dull is good. I like dull.

Kingfc: The phones'll be ringing shortly!

Coming up...
Friday: Sachmo III's fate. Lead in to Mission 87.
Saturday: Skyranger Report
Sunday: Mission 87

Still aiming for a Sunday/Thursday mission posting from now on.

Rock on.

Ring Ring Ring

We need eight men for guard duty! We'll call ten. The first eight to reply are in the game. We've got a bit of time before the first of the month, but I'd like to get you all set so we don't have to hold up the game once we hit early November. After a couple of days, if we don't have eight reply, we'll call Fantastic Froggies, Blade IV, and Tasan II.

Calling: Joker Ace (2nd Call), Ardent Enthusiast, Peregrine, Raven Hawk II, Northwood DK, Shorty II, Lokugh II, BYU II, Kingfc, and Barkeep.

Regarding the move up from active duty, we still needed one more person, so I moved up Vince from guard duty to active duty even though he didn't reply yet. This dynasty is his idea, and so he's getting a free pass into action.

I'm freaking there, dude. No need to call me. :)

I proudly answer the call of the great X-Com general GB. I will stand guard waiting for any sectoids.

I'm married. Aliens don't get more mind controlling than women. My mind is mush as is. :)

Nice try, ae! But we know how you really feel!

That was a hellish mission. Sad to see 2 good men die, and others get serious wounds. But we must fight on. This is a war that we cannot lose, no matter who dies.

And Sectoid Leader: We will be coming for you soon. :mad:

What, hold your tongue, infidel!

I'm being consoling!

You're a cat who has already revealed his stripes, my friend.

I am no cat. I have no stripes. I am no alien.

We'll see about that when you're spouting Sectoid right before your head gets blown off, son! :)

Reporting for duty, sir!