Ramsey, is it just me, or are the defenses here kind of...
Crappy?
I was going to say something classier, but yeah, basically.
I guess they assumed no one would try a frontal attack?
Finish mission
I'm impressed. Civilian casualties from your attack are almost 30% below what we projected. Of course, the ratio of killed to injured is higher than expected, but given your overall performance—
What the hell are you talking about?
Civilians, mister Morgan. New Haven isn't a military outpost. It's our home, and while we've protected it well, it's still basically a civilian city. Just imagine the loss of life if you continue the attacks near the more densely populated city center...
You've made your point. 95th Rifles, let's regroup and consider our options.
Wow, sirs, that was fast! I mean, I knew we, that is, you were going to crush the Silver Wolves, but—
We didn't. They're using the civilians of New Haven as human shields.
We'll need to go into Siege mode. Floyd, can we put together some road blocks? Concrete, chains, spikes, whatever we can use to block their movement.
Zoey and I will get started.
What about a section of road that's on an axle, and it flips over when you drive on it? Oh! Or we put up detour signs, and then we paint a tunnel on the side of a mountain, and—
I'll take the lead.
Finish mission
These should do a pretty good job of limiting their movement.
For a while at least. It keeps them to smaller, off road vehicles.
Unfortunately, they have more than passing experience with off road smuggling.
Hey, this was just phase one! Give me a little credit.
Alright boys, we're three for three so far. Now we just clean up the crumbs. We set up shop right outside New Haven, and we pick off as many of the runners as we can.
Seriously? We just catch as many as we can?
We don't need to get all of them, just enough to keep their supplies low, and wait for them to get hungry enough to negotiate.
Finish mission
Mister Morgan, I believe you've made your point.
I'm not making a point, I'm using my demonstrably superior military might to utterly crush your forces in a war of attrition that you're losing SUPER BAD.
Indeed. The thing is, all the food that gets through? It's going straight to the Silver Wolves. The only people starving are the civilians you claim to want to protect.
Morgan, I know the Siege went poorly, but you can't just get drunk and pout.
Pout? Floyd, I'm celebrating! We've tested them, and there's no doubt we're gonna win. If they had anything up their sleeve, we'd have seen it. They're screwed!
Are you sure? While our forces may be superior, they have a rather expansive collection of hostages.
Give yourself a little credit Floyd. We're in a battle of wits. Stephenson is smart, sure, but I've got you, Zoey, and Aurora on my side. They don't stand a chance.
Reward screen
If Stephenson hadn't joined up with them, this would have been over ages ago.
The soil under New Haven is ideal for tunnelling. We can start a tunnel outside, but we'll need some people on the inside to establish a safe, and well hidden point of egress.
Me and the Raider Kids volunteered. I can oversee excavation and construction, but the real trick is goin' to be waste disposal.
Which is where we come in. They'll be using laser drills. We'll be able to burn out any organic materials, and the remaining dirt will melt down to glass and slag. It's still likely the Silver Wolves will find our disposal sites and get suspicious, but if we're quick, they probably won't put two and two together in time.
What's up first?
Finish mission
Floyd did you REALLY need that much Steel? I mean, this isn't a permanent structure or anything.
Morgan, I'm a Civil Engineer. I made certain vows, and I'm sorry if it's inconvenient, but they preclude half-assing the design and construction of a tunnel just because we're planning to blow the whole thing up after we're done evacuating.
Wait, the whole thing is going to be lined with explosive?
Oh, yeah. It was Zoey's idea, but she won us over pretty quickly.
Okay LT, first thing, we're gonna need some disguises.
All right Zoey, this all hinges on you.
And us! We'll be there too!
Right, we're also going to send these children into a combat zone.
YAAAAAAAAY!!!
Finish mission
These are perfect. The kids'll look exactly like Imperial children!
Wait, we're just disguising them as Imperials? Why did we have to make special clothes? Don't we have children's clothes? Don't you, like, run an orphanage?
It's not just about sneakin' in. These clothes have a bunch'a secret pockets so we can smuggle in our tools.
Yeah, and the shoes have secret roller skates!
Reward screen
As long as you're making spy clothes, why not hide roller skates?
Our side of the tunnel is coming along well, but Zoey and the kids are going to need supplies inside to get things moving.
I'm already on it. We'll assist at the Steel and Concrete plants in Skarborough and Recoil Ridge. Then we'll have them ship the raw materials on roads we know the Silver Wolves are patrolling.
So... we're going to... nope, no idea where this is going.
After the Silver Wolves steal the supplies and bring them back to New Haven, Zoey and the Raider Kids will steal them back and use them to finish the tunnel.
That... seems plausible, actually.
Finish mission
OK, kids, wait two minutes after I trigger the first explosion, set off charges beta and gamma, I'll slip in during the chaos, then you trigger omega when you see me leavin' in the truck.
Why can't we just storm the gates or smash down the fence or shoot all the guards or—
Now kids, I told you, we're undercover. We can't go riskin' a big fight like that! You keep quiet and set off these bombs like you been told!
All right, the tunnel is ready. Zoey linked up with a resistance group inside New Haven. They're ready to start moving people out when you give the signal. Of course, to do it safely—
They'll need quite the distraction. I'm sure we can put something like that together.
Finish mission
We're out! We got a whole buncha people out too. More'n half!
That helps, but it's still pretty risky to make a direct attack...
Don't fret, LT! We started a mostly fake rumor about gas leaks in northern New Haven. They're movin' everyone south while they investigate.
Most of the refugees from New Haven have made their way to Recoil Ridge, Trotbeck, or one of the other frontier towns, but a considerable number have asked to settle on at the Outpost.
Really? Are they just really comfortable around maniacs with guns now?
It's a reasonable explanation. Regardless, they need somewhere to stay. We should do what we can to settle them in.
Finish mission
They're all settled in. As many as we can manage, at least.
Man, this is definitely the weirdest military outpost I've ever been stationed at.
It's interesting, isn't it? I mean, we're an outpost for a government that no longer exists. Think of all the twists and turns fate has taken to bring us here. It's pretty unbelievable. It's almost as if—
Sir, they've regrouped and, for some reason, are moving out from the battlements onto the field.
So... they're abandoning their highly defended position? They're probably... um... huh. Yeah, no idea why they'd do that.
Well, it's either a trap or they're suddenly really bad at tactical decision making. I honestly have no idea which is more likely.
Soooo.... I guess we just shoot 'em right? Just kinda mow 'em down?
Jeeeeeeeeeeze, man... I... I think so, right? Yeah. Yeah! Let's mow 'em down!
Finish mission
Seems pretty brash Morgan, risking all those civilians.
So, first of all, we got most of the civilians out through a super awesome tunnel, and directed the rest safely away from combat. Even so, you took the battle outside the city. You're so bad at this, it kind of obfuscates how great at it I am.
Say it to my face, punk!
Your face is where I said it. I don't... I don't know how to say it more to your face.
No way, you're like, third in command. I mean, you're a horrible person, and I look forward to your death, but this is not the fight I'm invested in emotionally.
What, you're too scared to face me?
Let me put this a different way. You're about to die in a hail of gunfire from Imperial troops. As happy as that makes me, I can't shake the feeling that you're just a cog in a larger machine, and not even an essential one. I'm here to watch you fall, but I'm not going to pretend it matters when you hit the ground.
Finish mission
The survivors are surrendering, sir! We did it!
No, we didn't. Why did they abandon their defenses? And where are Bronson and Stephenson?
Too slow again, Morgan.
He survived? Seriously? This is... Tie him up, and Ramsey, if he does anything but bleed or breathe, shoot him.
Hey Ma! Something's rustling out in the fields. You stay put, I'm gonna go check it out. Damn it. That ain't no raccoon. It's a Silver Wolves raiding party. And I got no time to get backup.
Finish mission
Don't move. I got my scope trained right on you. Just what the hell are you doing in my orchard?
We're sorry! We were short on supplies and got hungry!
I wasn't born yesterday. If you don't want a bullet between your eyes I figure you better get real honest fast.
Okay, okay! We planned a distraction in Recoil Ridge so we could lure the Imperials out of The Outpost. We had no idea anyone here would've stopped us so quickly.
Ramsey! Where the hell have you been? It's too early in the goddamn morning for this kind of nonsense.
I cut some of the Silver Wolves off heading up south, sir.
South? Cassidy, did this idiot go all the way to Recoil Ridge just to check up on you?
Well... I mean, it was to our best tactical advantage to head in that direction.
I've officially decided I don't care. Just drive them off so I can go back to sleep.
Finish mission
Ramsey, I've been thinking.
I'm sorry! Yes, I came to check up on you! I worry about you!
Oh I already knew that. I mean, I've been thinking about me. I don't want to be tending orchards all my life. Ma and Pa will be disappointed, but I gotta to do something for me.
Are you coming to The Outpost?
I've got to think about it first.
Reward screen
Something about her makes me blurt out the truth. It's... somewhat uncomfortable.
I know. You want to know if I made a decision yet.
If this wasn't an apocalyptic wasteland, I'd invite you to a coffee shop. Somewhere quiet we could talk.
We have coffee in the Convenience Store, but I don't want to drink that crap. Morgan's got a stash he thinks I don't know about.
Finish mission
At first I thought I should come to The Outpost, because I really like you. But in some ways I think that'd just be like staying with my family and that wouldn't do me any good.
Where will you go?
Installation 17. They need to learn to defend themselves, and I think I can help.
Cass, I don't know if you'll be safe up there.
Ain't about being safe. Sneaking up on them Silver Wolves made me realize I got a talent that would be a shame to waste, and I could do some real good up there.
I've been observing a few Outpost workers at night through thermal goggles. Due to subtle changes in their body language, I suspect morale has significantly decreased.
Well, I mean, I figured that was kinda obvious. What with the Raiders, and the Silver Wolves, and the whole Empire bein' destroyed...
I've read psychological studies that concluded people feel better when they know they're appreciated. We could write thank you cards to everyone?
I don't know if that's such a good idea. We should probably automate the process of writing thank you cards an' build an enormous distribution machine to shower the whole Outpost as a sign of our appreciation!
Finish mission
So what are the results?
Hard to say. When I fired the card cannon, people thought they were gettin' attacked and started screamin' and runnin' for their lives. Probably shouldn't have made the damn thing so noisy.
Well, they appear to have calmed down now. Perhaps the cards are taking effect? I better start taking notes.
Floyd, is this some kind of joke? "We value your joyful spirit and enthusiasm. Signed, Floyd." Are you TRYING to get the firing squad?
It might be a good idea to call this off and try something else...
Reward screen
...Why did the card writing machine have to sign in my name?
It's a wonder anyone around here is still alive...
Defeat the Animals and Raiders at The Outpost
Reward:
3,000
Dialogue
Start mission
Floyd, I don't want to say that pie looks terrible, but-
Zoey, I don't understand! Baking should be just like Science, measurements and analysis. Why do I keep burning the crust? Why is there flour everywhere? Help!
Zoey! Zoey! We went out to get decorations and then Taro shot a missile at a mammoth and Yaro wouldn't let me drive and we ran into a tent full of grownups and now everyone is chasing us! Help!
Kids, when I said decorations, I meant you know, like streamers and balloons.
I burned my hand on the stove! I need emergency medical care!
Finish mission
Why are there Sandworm corpses hanging up everywhere? And is that a giant pie? And Floyd sobbing?
Hey, LT. We were trying to throw a party to cheer everyone up, but as you can see-
-Yes, I can see it was a complete disaster. Of course I blame Floyd.
I just... can't bake pies...
From here on out, I forbid any sort of parties, thank you cards, or any other sort of non-military related shenanigans you two may have planned. No more trying to cheer anyone up!
Can you explain to me again why this isn't a terrible idea?
Perkins, compose yourself. My experimental formula, Chemical B, must be released into the surrounding towns to counteract the harmful pesticides that are driving the spider wasps further south.
Chemical B? What about Chemical A?
Chemical A was a complete failure and actually created a rapidly mutating autoimmune virus when it came into contact with the pesticide. But I'm sure I'll get it right this time.
Finish mission
So I figured we could spray Chemical B on a small patch of abandoned land and measure the results before doing anything rash?
Inefficient. We don't know who's spraying the pesticide, or where. Better to hit all the towns first and cover the widest amount of acreage possible. Maybe dump some in the water supply to be safe.
Reward screen
Of course, I'm sure I'll be blamed when this goes horribly wrong.
Okay, I've covered the east side with Chemical B. Perkins?
I sprayed the west side. But I need to tell you-
-This entire town smells like my grandma's mouthwash. What the hell are you two doing here? Actually, forget that, what are these Spiderwasps doing here?
Finish mission
I'm assuming there's some sort of explanation for this.
An unfortunate anomaly, I'm sure. The Spiderwasps are getting more erratic in their behavior these days...
I didn't actually care what the explanation was. I just wanted you to leave.
Oh. Well. Let's spray Greenborough next.
Reward screen
I'm just really hoping these chemicals don't make us grow extra limbs or start coughing up blood.
I've reached the conclusion that I may have miscalculated the effects of Chemical B.
Is that because we're surrounded by Spiderwasps again?
Yes. It is possible that the pyrrolidine spider alkaloids I used in Chemical B could have induced increased aggression in the Spiderwasps.
WHAT?
Lower your voice, Perkins! Science is about learning from your mistakes!
Finish mission
This is the end. I see a bright light. Tell my mother I loved her...
Perkins, what did I tell you about keeping your composure? If we get you back to the hospital in time we may be able to save all your limbs. Probably half. While they're amputating your arms to keep the Spiderwasp poison from reaching your heart, I'll be figuring out a way to fix this...
Reward screen
I feel somewhat disappointed I'm not dead already.
Perkins, I've found the solution to our Spiderwasp problem.
Yes, all my limbs are still attached after the last encounter. Thanks for asking.
Potentially we could be dead tomorrow due to aggressive Spiderwasp attacks as a result of Chemical B. However, Chemical C should neutralize the pyrrolidine spider alkaloids in Chemical B and return the Spiderwasps to their natural, kind of pissed off state.
And what about the pesticide problem we tried to get rid of in the first place?
Finish mission
Perfect! Perkins, use gloves when you bottle the Chemical C, and let's head out.
Reward screen
Gloves? I bottled those chemicals wearing full body armor...
Without raindrops, the mighty oak rots in the dirt. Only a seed.
Gah! It's her! But... she's alone? And she's not attacking us?
I think... she needs our help?
In the dark of a cave, a single spark shines so bright.
Aha, I believe she does! And she has a list of... Hm. I think she wants us to make these for her?
And why exactly should we help her? And what if it's a trap?
Well, she could sneak in and murder us all in our sleep at her discretion if she wanted to. Perhaps if we aid her now, she'll become an ally? Or at least spare us later.
Finish mission
What... What the hell...?
Just lookin' at this stuff kinda gives me the creeps!
She was very specific about what she wanted. I must admit that I can't make heads or tails of it...
The day I understand Crazy Blades is the day you can send me to an asylum.
Reward screen
I don't look good in a straitjacket. But then, who does?
Hmm, this is a tough one... It might have something to do with those Bigfoots and mammoths over there. It seems she wants us to get rid of them for her.
Ehh, well, if nothing else, it's good target practice.
Finish mission
Ah! It appears she needed the space for some kind of ancient Raider ceremony. The anthropological implications are staggering!
It looks to me like she's juggling the skull while hopping backwards on one foot around the roast and screaming like an eagle.
Please, Morgan, you can't pass judgment on another culture like that.
Well, MY culture gave me booze and tanks, so I feel safe in saying— Huh, looks like she's done. So is it over? Does she need any more help?
To the old man, we are so small. Ants. The way he sees us. But he is wrong. He thinks us small. We are not ants. We are stars.
... And we're back to ominous again. Did we just help create yet another threat against ourselves?
Reward screen
If we're our own worst enemy, maybe we oughta start imprisoning ourselves?
Is it just me, or has Zoey been acting odd lately?
More so than usual...? I guess she's been kinda secretive...
Yeah, I'm not comfortable with that. I'd prefer my subordinates not be allowed to have secrets. Or personal lives. It's bad for operational efficiency. I'm gonna investigate to find out what she's up to.
Sir? That sounds like a massive invasion of her privacy...
You think so? I mean, I was going to go with minor, but if you think we can do massive... We're gonna need some sweet sneaking outfits.
Finish mission
Help... Sir... Having... trouble... breathing...
What are you talking ab— Huh, that does look a tad tight. The Factory must've been a little off with your measurements.
Can't... feel... extremities...
Your face is turning blue and your limbs are turning red. That's not good... You're too colorful; that defeats the whole purpose of the ninja costumes to begin with! Zoey will see you for sure! Use your brain, Specialist!
I apologize, but I cannot answer. We are in the midst of one of our most important festivals. According to our tradition, all outsiders who come to us during the festival must be tested in the crucible of battle.
Surely that doesn't include us, right? I mean, after all we've been through together, we're practically family! Honorary Raiders! Right? Right...?
Finish mission
Sir... It hurts...
I can't hear you, Perkins. My ears are bleeding kinda bad. I might be kinda deaf now? Anyway, Elder Taos, now that we've gone through your beatings, tell us what Zoey was doing here.
I told you before: I cannot answer. Why do you not ask her yourselves? Surely that would have been easier than fighting against my warriors?
But...! I...! We...! Arrrrgh!
Reward screen
I don't think my elbow is supposed to bend in two places.
Welp, I feel like a total failure. We've been following Zoey around all day, and all we have to show for it is an addiction to painkillers.
Sir, look! There she is!
She's setting up something... Now she's walking off. Quick, Perkins, this may be our chance! Let's see what she was doing!
Huh, she set up some kind of sign... But it fell down in the wind.
Well, let's go see what it says.
Got it! It says... "Defense System Testing In Progress. Do Not Approach."
Oh.
Finish mission
Ohmigosh! LT! Perkins! Are you guys okay?!
NO! And I'm sick of this! Zoey, I order you to answer: what the hell have you been doing today? What were you doing at the Ancient Lab and the Raider Sanctuary?
What? Have you two been followin' me?
Answer!
Okay, okay, sheesh! I was researchin' defensive structures to make improvements to our own! I was lookin' over the automated weapons at the Ancient Lab that Perkins saw, and askin' Elder Taos about the ones Raiders use! Where do ya think the cannon towers came from?
Oh. That makes sense. So... Perkins and I got clawed at, stomped, and shot up for... basically nothing.
Don't worry, sir. You get used to it.
Reward screen
Phew! Now I can go back to what I was *really* doin'!
Sir, do you remember being certain something was up with the Silver Wolves?
Yes...
They've moved the bulk of their forces to Installation 17. It's a full scale assault. They were keeping us busy at New Haven and blocking the Installation's radio signals.
Perkins, what in the world makes you think it's appropriate to deliver that information with a cute "remember being certain blah blah blah?" I mean, you disappoint me almost constantly, but this is really a new low. I can't believe... Perkins, I need you to leave for a while. Everyone else, put your boots back on.
Finish mission
No time to rest! You lazy sons of bitches get back on your feet and move!
We didn't... They're in, sir. We caught a lot of them, but the Silver Wolves made it inside, and sealed the building. What are we going—
We're gonna blow the damn doors off!
It wouldn't work. We need to go back to the Outpost. Talk to Floyd and Zoey. They'll know how to get us in.
I'm staying.
You can't just sit in the snow and freeze to death. That doesn't help anyone. Trust me on this Ramsey. We'll be back, and we'll get them out. All of them.
We got it all worked out, LT! First, we gotta disable the electronic locks. Right now, the doors ain't just locked, they're forcin' themselves together. Floyd'll make an EMP discharger that'll give me time to pry the things open.
How long until you're ready to move, Floyd?
Less than a day? Though, Morgan, something's been bothering me... The Silver Wolves — all my field interviews imply they've always been disorganized and short sighted. Yet since the fall of the Empire, they've suddenly been galvanized into—
One thing at a time, buddy. Remember our talks about prioritization?
Finish mission
There you are, phase one of the plan. Activating that will disable all the electronic aspects of the locks at Installation 17. After that, it's just a matter of actually forcing the two 1,578,240 pound doors apart.
Whoa! A million and a half pounds? Each?
Roughly? I did my calculations assuming a standard density for steel at 68 degrees, but since Installation 17 is well below freezing, the density would be higher, and given that I'm working off the actual dimensions of the doors, they're likely somewhat heavier.
Sergeant Ramsey, do you happen to know anything about the Empire's supply of surface-to-surface missiles?
What do you want to know about them? Model numbers, explosive yield, blast radius, cruising speed, launch procedures...? How much volume they displace?
Actually, I was wondering... um... if any had gone missing recently.
A rogue missile! Sheriff, don't you worry! I'll be right over!
Sheriff Pierce, why exactly are you asking me about a rogue missile?
Please, if anyone asks, I didn't tell you anything. Some guy claiming to be an Imperial rocket scientist says he has an R-47 surface-to-surface missile, and if we don't pay a ridiculous ransom, he's going to blow Skarborough off the map.
The R-47 has a pretty insane launch procedure. It takes like six hours. Why don't you just go and shoot him in the head before he can fire it off?
He says that if we talk to you, or if we make any moves against him, his henchmen will kill all of the hostages!
Hostages? Why didn't you say there were hostages?
Finish mission
All right! The hostages are safe. Now let's go get this madman.
Sergeant, he still has the missile. The whole town is being held hostage. ... Plus, we don't know where he is.
Never fear, Sheriff. Just give me his list of demands. I'll show you how this is done.
What's Morgan want now? I already fixed the leak in the distillery...
No, an actual madman. A terrorist. I mean, I understand how you could make that mistake.
Oh, geez! What do you need?
He's insisting on three truckloads of toaster pastries, along with a mountain of gold. I'm wondering if you could bake a toaster pastry that we could track, like a homing beacon?
Well, yeah! I thought you wanted something *hard*!
Finish mission
Here you go, chief! I put a tiny radio beacon in there that you could prob'ly track from space! ...It's also totally deadly if you're exposed to it for longer than a day or so.
We don't have that kind of time. Perkins! Hop in that truck, and deliver our "ransom" to the rendezvous. We'll track it right to the madman himself!
Sergeant Ramsey! Your plan backfired! The madman found your tracking device, and now he's about to launch!
Hmm... I should probably have anticipated that a rocket scientist would be good with machines... We can't waste time talking! We know where he is, so let's go get the bastard!
Finish mission
Sheriff, your madman is in the ground. I hope you've learned your lesson.
Yes... Next time we need to be rescued by the skin of our teeth, coming within a hair's breadth of total annihilation, we should call you for help.
It's over Bronson. The feint at New Haven, taking I17, it was smart, but it's too late.
Funny, Stephenson was sure you wouldn't be able to get in here in time... He was usually right about this kinda stuff. He was right about almost everything from the day he showed up.
Well, he picked a hell of a time to be wrong.
Finish mission
Ramsey!
Cass! Are you okay?
Fine. Hungry. I hid in the vents for days. Picked 'em off. They caught me sneaking out to find food.
We did it Perkins. We took down the Silver Wolves. Sure, there are stragglers, but I refuse to let that get me down. We've taken out their leadership, and nothing is going to put me in a bad mood.
Well, actually, that's—
I'm going to repeat myself. Nothing. Is going. To put ME. IN A BAD MOOD. TELL SOMEONE ELSE.
It's just that there's Rebel forces in the Frontier and—
SOMEONE. ELSE.
Finish mission
Lieutenant, we can't ignore this, we need to respond.
I'm finishing my drink, Ramsey.
Seriously Morgan, we need to figure out what's going on.
And we will. But whatever it is, it's going to wait until I finish my drink.
Good day, Lieutenant. How would you like to earn quite a bit of money? I need someone to—
Whatever it is, I'm in.
I thought you'd say that. One of my assistants is visiting her sick mother, so I need someone to fill in for her. I pay her *very* well, so I would pay her replacement *very* well.
Assistant? Like taking dictation, running mail, stuff like that?
More or less. In fact, your first task would be to make a small delivery of paperwork to Sundale.
Huh. I didn't know hippies did paperwork. But sure, if the pay's that good, I'm in!
Damn, what are all these critters doing around here? Is Sundale feeding the animals again? I TOLD Jonsey that raptors aren't cuddly! Looks like I'll have to get rid of them to get by...
Finish mission
I have... paperwork from... Ma Pierce...
Tremendous! We always get a good price for our organic fertilizers from her!
Yeah, that's super for you guys. Look, do you have any antiseptic? I've got a few raptor cuts I need to treat.
You don't need that! Just put this all-natural, dung-based salve on them and cover them with some rough, scratchy willow bark, and that should— Hey, where are you going?
So, how are you going to try to kill me this time?
Oh, this one is very simple. You don't even have to leave your Outpost. Young Zoey has agreed to build some non-lethal weapons to arm Trotbeck's militia with. All you need to do is oversee their construction.
A fabrication job? That's all?
That's all. Of course, as my representative, you'll need to test each and every one for quality, but surely with Zoey in charge, that won't be an issue?
...
Finish mission
Well, Ma, the weapons are working well. Sometimes TOO well...
Mm, yes, I see that. I didn't remember your uniform having quite so many holes in them.
Yeah, Zoey's inventions never go halfway.
I don't know if you've noticed, but a lock of your hair is still on fire.
Hm? Oh, I'm used to that. It happens a lot around here.
Reward screen
Never a dull moment at the Outpost... unfortunately.
Okay, Ma, I've been, let's face it, a pretty incredible sport about this, but there is NO WAY your normal assistant gets shot, maimed, or set on fire as often helping you as I have been. I think I'm going to have to tender my resignation.
Calm down, Lieutenant. All I want you to do is to watch my pie as it cools while I make a business deal in Skarborough.
That's it? That's all I have to do? Watch a pie? It's in a normal place, and it's not made out of killer creeper vines or anything like that?
You're so paranoid, child. It's an everyday cherry pie sitting on my own windowsill. I think you can handle that, don't you?
Okay... This is good... It is just a normal pie. It's not like I'm going to have to risk my life protecting it...
We have come for the pie of the Pierce Matriarch! We will shoot at anyone who gets in our way!
Of course.
Finish mission
I'm back. Did anything happen while I was away?
You... You...!
Ah, my pie is ready to eat! Would you like a slice, Lieutenant? I've been wanting to talk to you about the increased support the Frontier needs. I mean, you've seen first hand what we go through to get anything done.
What? You can't quit now! I'm still waiting on that spring-loaded coffee maker you promised me for my birthday! I was going to use it to scald-slash-prank Ramsey.
Quittin'? I ain't quittin'! I'm enterin' the Trebuchet Contest at Recoil Ridge, remember? You made me submit about twenty forms about it last month. I put 'em in your inbox.
Inbox? I don't have a... Wait, did you seriously not realize this was a trash can? Well, if you're leaving the Outpost, I'm coming with you. You're a key part of this organization, and I won't tolerate any risk to our investment.
Welcome, siege engineers, to the seventh annual Recoil Ridge Trebuchetathon!
Siege engineers? You mean a "trebuchet" is a weapon? This suddenly got *way* more interesting.
It's more than a weapon. A trebuchet is where physics, engineering, mathematics, and creativity combine, for the purpose of throwing small things really hard into bigger things!
I've never seen you so ... poetic. So why are there so many Raiders here? All these gas masks are making me nervous.
Buildin' things that throw other things is a joy that crosses all cultural boundaries, LT. It's a celebration of all we got in common!
Finish mission
And the winner... by a sort of embarrassing margin... is Zoey from the Outpost!
Woo! Check it out, LT! Even the *trophy* is a workin' trebuchet! Though I figure I could make a few improvements to it ...
Um ... Zoey? Those Raiders don't look too happy that you won. Maybe we should leave. Now.
If only we had some kind of enormous siege weapon ...
Go To Recoil Ridge
Defeat the Raiders at Recoil Ridge
Reward:
2,900
Dialogue
Start mission
All right, now the Raiders are following us.
Maybe they just wanna talk about trebuchets! I can do that all day.
It definitely has *something* to do with weaponry. Most of them have their guns out. They're shooting at us! Shoot back! Shoot back!
Finish mission
That trebuchet was incredible! Why don't we have, like, fifty of these things?
I guess I figured y'all only cared about noisy engines and big honkin' guns.
Well ... of course, yeah! But this trebuchet is something special. There's no limit to how many different things it can throw! It's like a smorgasbord of destruction!
Reward screen
I wonder if we could get a baby raptor into it ...
So this isn't a coincidence, is it. We finish with the Silver Wolves, and suddenly there are Rebels crawling all over the Frontier.
It seems very unlikely. Perhaps Mr. Stephenson made his escape east. It's also plausible that after reaching the size necessary to defeat the Silver Wolves, we're simply too big to ignore at this point.
We can guess all we want. We need answers.
They've got a command post in the Heartland. You could hit 'em there, see if you can find out what they know.
Better than waiting for them to come to us.
Finish mission
The intel they have is... weird. They know a lot of stuff, personal stuff, way more than I would expect Stephenson to know.
Do we have some kind of mole? Is it you? Are you the mole?
That's just it, there's at least as much that's totally fake. Stories about us exploiting the local towns, and having some kind of super weapon under construction. We sound like genocidal monsters.
Dude! Could you not? General. I don't know what your intentions are here, but I can tell you that we're ready to defend ourselves.
Defend yourselves. Interesting choice of words, given the way the Empire has been exploiting the people of the Frontier since the fall of Cariston.
Are you screwing with me? I can't tell if you're reading your own propaganda or if your intel is seriously that bad. The only reason any of these towns aren't on fire or ruled by warlords is Imperial intervention.
The Empire has intervened long enough.
Finish mission
Is everyone alive? Who's alive?
Me? I'm definitely still alive.
Holy crap, we're all still alive. Nice work, team!
This is... this is all wrong. I don't know why they would tell me... Rebels, on me. We're falling back to High Command. I need to get a few questions answered.
Getting killed would be really inconvenient right now.
Level Up to 65 as fast as you can!
Reward:
65, 65, 65, 65, 65, 65
Dialogue
Start mission
Captain, I'm not usually one for celebrations and parties, unless whiskey is involved. In fact, I banned parties after the last one caused wide scale riots, but we've made it to level 60.
L.T, 60 is great but 65 is even better! And if we can get there, I've got somethin' special planned!
Well we better hurry and level up while we can. As we get stronger, so does everyone else who's trying to kill us...
Finish mission
Well, we did it, Captain. We made it to level 65. We've survived raiders, silver wolves, rebels, mammoths, ninjas, and creatures who were driven to homicidal rage by poisonous gases. ...Just so you know, I haven't forgiven you for that last one, Floyd.
Will this commemorative statue that Zoey and I have been working on alleviate your ill will toward me?
It depends, is it a statue of me?
No. It's a memorial to represent our progress as an Outpost and our commitment to battle head on whatever struggles we may face in the future.
Then forget it.
I think it looks pretty cool! Look at the size of that tank!
Sheriff Colt! Fancy meetin' you here! Say, do you know where Lieutenant Morgan is?
Sheriff Pierce. I hear he's out scoutin' Silver Wolf troop movements. That or hiding in his tent hung over. What did ya need? Trouble in Skarborough again?
Oh, no, not this time, thank goodness. But our troubles did convince me that I needed more training, so I don't have to run here every time something goes wrong. I was hoping the Lieutenant could teach me to be a better sheriff.
And you were gonna ask Lieutenant Morgan...? Look, he don't know a lot about... frontier matters. Why don't I give you some tips? I've lived here all my life, so I think I can help ya out.
Really? You'd do that for me? I'd be honored!
Don't have to go *that* far, son. Okay, then, lesson one: you have to look the part. Look like you have authority, and you can command authority. Your uniform's okay and all, but how about somethin' a little more... professional-like.
Finish mission
You know, you're right! I feel more in charge just wearin' this!
Confidence an' attitude. That'll get you real far with a lot of people. Always remember that, and you'll get out of a lotta sticky situations.
Next lesson: you gotta know about local threats and how to handle 'em. There are usually a few that cycle over and over again, so having a plan in place for 'em saves a lotta hassle. Fer example, Recoil Ridge is really close to a migration path for a bunch of local critters. Sometimes they get confused and wander too close to town.
How often do they come through?
Pretty regular during the spring an' fall. Like now, fer instance. Take a look at how I handle 'em.
Finish mission
Y'see what men I took to the fight with me? How we decided which critters to take out first? That's what a good plan's like. If we hadn't had that, we would've taken a whole lot longer with a whole lot more casualties.
I see! Boy, with all the attacks the Outpost gets, I'll bet Lieutenant Morgan's a tactical genius by now!
'Course, as you already know, keepin' the peace doesn't always mean bustin' heads. You gotta listen to folks too—get an idea of what they need and what you can give 'em. How about we go down to Skarborough and I'll demonstrate?
Howdy there, Foreman Henderson! How's things in the mines?
Pretty good, actually. Only a couple of hiccups...
Oh? What kinda hiccups?
Well, some of the machinery is starting to show its age. And a few of the outbuildings are about to fall apart.
See? Y'gotta interact with the people often, get a sense of what's needed and what you can do. And thanks to the Outpost, this here is somethin' we can take care of!
Finish mission
Thanks, both of you! I'm glad that my efforts at improving the lot of the proletariat are finally being taken seriously.
See there, Sheriff? An open ear can prevent a lotta problems before they start.
Uh, as long as you're here... The men have also been talking about "Free Ice Cream Tuesdays"...?
Free bonus lesson: you also gotta decide what problems are *worthy* of yer attention.
I won't make 'em martyrs. Just... knock 'em around a bit.
Go to Skarborough
Capture the rabble rousers
Reward:
3,500
Dialogue
Start mission
Final lesson: just as keepin' the peace doesn't always mean bustin' heads, sometimes it does. This is where lesson 2 comes in handy: when we talked to Henderson, did you notice those unsavory lookin' fellers hangin' around nearby?
Come to think of it, I did. Something about their attitude seemed... off.
Good! That's 'cause they're well known rabble rousers from Recoil Ridge. I reckon they're in Skarborough to stir up trouble for the mines. And 'cause I know them, I can tell you now that the best way to deal with 'em is a little brute force. Allow me ta demonstrate.
Finish mission
Woo-wee! You sure took care of them!
I only got what smarts, experience, and a cool head get ya, son. Ya got your heart in the right place, and you're plenty smart; I'm sure you'll be a fine sheriff in the years t'come.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Sheriff Colt. I'll take your lessons to heart and do my best for Skarborough!
I know you will. As long as you never forget who you're servin', I think you'll do good.
Reward screen
Maybe now I won't have to bother the Lieutenant. As much.
2,800
12h, 
5,500, 
600, 
1,000
500
5, 
5, 
3
65, 
65
