Nothing good. If there are any Imperial resistance cells still operating, they've gone dark. We haven't heard anything in months. As far as we can tell, these guys are the only Imperial holdouts left.
Yup. Just us. Oh, she forgot all the stuff about Rebels in the Heartland, and the roving gangs of thugs, but since they were holding you prisoner, you're probably familiar with them.
Indeed. It seems I owe you thanks for more than my rescue.
You know what would have made all of that easier? If we had some lasers. That would be nice. If only someone who knew how to develop and operate lasers owed us their lives, and had all hopes for their continued existence intertwined with our own.
Your point is made. Assuming Aurora approves, I'd be willing to give you the plans to create a facility capable of basic laser production. We can move forward from there.
Finish mission
There you are, Lieutenant Morgan. You've taken quite the burden on your shoulders. I sincerely hope you know what you're doing.
I'm making laser weapons to smite my enemies. Right?
Morgan, while I'm excited about the military applications of our new laser tech, I don't think we should underestimate the potential civic value. I think I can make cuts on the order of 5% from our average build time if—
Here's an idea: how about I arm our troops FIRST, and then you can survive to do some experiments or whatever when we're not all living in constant fear for our very lives?
I suppose you have a point... still, I don't think we should undervalue the cost savings afforded by laser-honed skill saws.
Finish mission
Gentlemen, I stand before you at the dawn of a new era. The era of shooting perfectly round cauterized holes into our enemies. I'm not going to lie to you guys. It's a pretty sweet era.
Floyd, I've been thinking: now that we have lasers, making us the best equipped army in the Frontier, if not all of Ateria, we have certain responsibilities.
I must agree. It falls on us to maintain order, to establish a precedent of judicious applications of power, and to maintain order by demonstrating restraint.
Yeah, totally. Eventually, I mean. First, I'm going to go shoot some of those Armored Mammoth Riders with lasers. Those guys are dicks.
Finish mission
Is your need to express dominance sated?
I was gonna lie and say yes, but screw it, I'm totally going to keep doing this. Like for a while.
Well, I appreciate your honesty. I'll get started on a plan to force you to stop this madness.
Good man, Floyd.
Reward screen
Honest communication is the key to successful friendships.
Well, Ramsey kinda bummed me out back there with the Raptors, and it feeling like cheating, but Sandworms! I not only hate those guys, but I also feel like killing them is a public service!
Do what you must.
Finish mission
How was the hunt?
You! You tricked me into using the lasers in a responsible and respectful manner, improving the lives and safety of those around me!
That's right. Rather than try to stop you, I allowed the whole thing to run its natural course. Before long, shooting things with lasers—
Turned into work. Damn. You win. I'll stop stirring up trouble, and only use the lasers on the dozens of legitimate threats we face every day.
Ms. Aurora, I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to have another trained scientific mind here! It's been too long since I've been able to talk Science with an intelligent peer!
Actually... I've become weary of theoretical research. This is the most time I've spent out of the Installation in months, and I miss field work. I wish I could return to it, if only for a while...
I see. Well, I need to get specimens of the local fauna for various research projects. Would you like to assist?
I would love to!
Finish mission
Ah, that was refreshing! It's been too long since I've been able to get into real blood and guts Science!
I'd be pleased to let you do some of the necropsies, if you like.
Really? A good old-fashioned exploratory surgery? Dissecting muscle tissue and weighing organs? Oh, how marvelous! I feel like a schoolgirl again!
As exciting as spleens and livers are, my real passion is engineering. That's why I started work with the Installation, after all. But I haven't touched a solder iron or circuit board myself in ages! Can you imagine?
That is certainly a tragedy. Perhaps we can do something about that! How would you like an opportunity to be surrounded by red-hot metal, slaving for hours under stifling protective gear?
… I... I don't know what to say...!
No thanks necessary, my friend. Your smile alone is payment enough.
Finish mission
I don't know how to thank you, Floyd! I haven't felt so alive in years! I even designed a cutting edge Laser Torch through sheer improvisation!
These are the times when Science makes great leaps forward! I'm glad I was able to be a part of it!
Yes, there's nothing like hefting an eight pound wrench during your fifteenth straight hour of punishing experimentation, your mind dizzy with ideas and lack of sustenance!
Indeed. Moments like that make life the joy it is!
Sirs! The Silver Wolves you attacked have retreated into Trotbeck. They've taken hostages.
We must make haste to punish those who would seed disorder. Your slave boy is most industrious, Morgan.
I, uh... thank you?
Finish mission
Morgan, it is a matter of much pleasure for me that I will one day call you a member of my tribe.
Excuse me?
When the challenges end, and you triumph and join your path with Yenkcha's, you will live among us, as a great warrior. This will be a great day for our people.
Help! Sundale is, like, having a crisis, man! It's boars! They're being chased out of their natural habitat by the bigfoots! Now they're in our farms, eating our crops... It's a bad scene, man!
Boars, eh? Well, that should be simple to take care of. I'll send a few Hunters to...
No, no! Don't hurt the boars! It's not their fault! We, humanity, are the intruders in their natural world! Sundale would rather starve than let these magnificent creatures be harmed in our name.
You know, he has a point. I think I can find a natural solution to their problem. Like aversion! I've been developing a strain of hot peppers that may do the trick. I'll just have Perkins plant and harvest them.
Finish mission
I dunno, these peppers don't look so OH MY GOD MY EYES IT'S LIKE THERE'S A FLAME TANK RAMPAGING IN MY SKULL!!!
Perkins, be careful! You'll drop the bushel! I warned you about wearing gloves!
Okay, watching Perkins writhe in agony is starting to get boring, and I think I almost feel sorry for him. What can we do?
Not much, unless there's a vat of milk we can stick his head in. He'll just have to wash his eyes out and hope for the best.
I DIDN'T KNOW THIS KIND OF AGONY EXISTED! GOD HELP ME, I DIDN'T KNOW!!!
You might be onto something with these peppers, Floyd. Perkins almost clawed his face off!
Well, we can't just use whole peppers. We'll need to process them into powder to coat the crops. That'll give the boars quite a shock!
Or just cook 'em from the inside out. I'd make Perkins do the processing...
Mommy? Mommy? Do I have to go to school, Mommy?
... but I think he's still too traumatized to be useful. I'll just have them refined at the Machine Shop. They have the equipment and protective gear to handle even those peppers.
Finish mission
This is it! A vial of pure concentrated Death Pepper essence in powder form!
Ah, Floyd... Can you not wave it around like that? You're making me nervous.
Oh, please! I'm a trained Scientist! If I can handle chemical weapons, I can handle- Oops, almost dropped it there. My apologies.
So now that we have your... Powder of Doom, what do we do with it?
The most efficient delivery method would be to dissolve the powder in water and set up a series of sprinklers to spread it over Sundale's fields in aerosol form.
Just to ask... what exactly will this do to their crops?
Oh, only make them a little spicier. I've already sent over my patented antacids.
Okay, fine, but if this ends up creating boars that breathe fire, YOU'RE the one who's going to have to handle them.
Finish mission
Well, we put in the sprinklers... after a town hall meeting followed by a community vote, of course...
Yes? And? It worked, didn't it?
Oh, yeah, man, it sure did! The boars took one whiff and headed for the hills! We're also kinda crying all the time from our mouths burning like a hot asphalt road in the middle of summer, but at least we got food, man!
An unqualified success! Science triumphs once again!
Reward screen
Floyd's got a funny definition of "unqualified"...
Hello, Lieutenant. I hear you've been making yourself useful around these parts. I didn't think you all had it in you, but I'm glad this was one of those rare times I was wrong.
Thanks... I think. But you don't strike me as the kind who just stops by to issue mildly backhanded compliments...
And you would be right. I don't believe the Silver Wolves are gone. I'm certain they're somewhere nearby, laying low for a future surprise attack. I think this is the time to sniff them out, before they can put any plots into motion.
That's actually a good idea. I wouldn't trust the Silver Wolves as far as I can throw them. And frankly, I throw like a little girl.
Unfortunately, I don't have any information as to where they might be hiding out. You'll just have to search some of the frontier towns until you find 'em. I wish you luck — for all our sakes.
Recoil Ridge
Howdy there, sheriff. Seen any Silver Wolves around here lately?
Nope.
Any unusual activity anywhere in the region?
Nope.
... You aren't going to say anything else until we move on, are you?
Nope.
Awesome. We'll... be going, then.
Sundale
Hail and greetings, Imperial visitors! You're just in time for our harvest feast! We'll be serving the finest organic rye cakes and barley water!
Um, no, thanks. You seen any Silver Wolves around here?
We haven't, thank Mother Nature. But if we do, maybe we can turn them to our side with our sugarless gluten-free wheat germ fritters!
Good luck with that. Later, hippies.
Wait! You forgot your brown rice cream with unsweetened carob!
Skarborough
Well, if it isn't Lieutenant Morgan! I promise we don't have a crisis on our hands that I haven't told you about...
Glad to hear that, Sheriff. But I'm actually here on other business. Have you seen any trace of the Silver Wolves in the area lately?
Nope, can't say I have, and I've been keeping a sharp eye out. Is there a problem I should know about?
Not yet, Sheriff, but I'll keep you informed. C'mon, men, let's look somewhere else.
Finish mission
Captain! Marin is crawling with Silver Wolves!
Looks like Ma was right on the money. This is still our territory, as far as I'm concerned. It's time to show the Silver Wolves just what we do to trespassers.
Reward screen
Let's give them a good old fashioned Imperial welcome!
Okay, men, I don't think I have to tell you what to do. Just go out there and do what you do best: wreak widespread mayhem on a massive scale!
Lieutenant, we're trained professionals. We make surgical strikes based on careful strategizing. We don't "wreak mayhem."
Potato, poh-tah-to.
Finish mission
We've gotten rid of most of them, Lieutenant. But there's still a few holdouts near the center of the city. They're being led by that Doug guy.
"Doug." That name sounds more like the kindly old shopkeeper who wears cardigans and gives you free candy, not a six and a half foot tall killing machine with a badass scar.
I don't know how you found us, but I'm not gonna let this slide! Yer gonna pay for messing with the Silver Wolves!
You guys really gotta get some more creative priorities. It's all "get revenge on the Outpost" this and "pillage helpless towns" that. Why not take up speed walking? Or macrame?
You making fun of us again? I'll share with ya the meaning of "pain."
Finish mission
Argh! Silver Wolves, retreat! I'll get you all for this! Just you wait!
And this is different from a few minutes ago? Like I said, one track minds, the whole lot of you.
Yeah, go ahead and laugh! We'll see who's got the upper hand in the long run!
Reward screen
Do they train in leaving with ominous warnings or something?
Say, Sheriff, Sandworms are attracted by fear. Has Skarborough been particularly... afraid lately?
Well, we're a pretty laid back town, Lieutenant. But what with the Silver Wolves and the riots and the food shortages...
I'll take that as a "yes." We need to get town morale back up, or the Sandworms could return. How about a party? Everyone loves parties. We'll provide the decorations if you provide the barbeque. The delicious, delicious barbeque...
Finish mission
Whoo-wee! This is some bash! It's been much too long since I've seen the town so happy!
Me... too... Meat... coma...
Hey, isn't that Elder Taos? What's he doing here?
Either he wants to join in on the festivities, or he's bringing dire news of a great peril that's probably our fault. I know which one I'm betting on.
Greetings, Imperials. I bring dire news of a great peril that is of your own doing.
See, what'd I tell you?
You killed a great many Sandworms recently, did you not? And you did not bury their corpses at least eight feet underground with a mixture of ceremonial herbs?
Wait, we were supposed to do that? We've killed dozens of Sandworms already and nothing happened!
That is because the Elder Sandworm was not then stirring in its slumber, the death of its warren-mates calling out for vengeance.
Elder Sandworm... Let me guess: it's strong, huge, and hostile.
Extremely hostile, actually.
Swell.
Finish mission
Yeesh, that thing was *tough*!
That is why you need to understand this land and all that dwell in it. Ignorance leads nowhere but the grave.
Considering how many things I know that I'd be a lot happier NOT knowing, I beg to differ.
Sir! Silver Wolves on the premises! They're invading!
Oh man! This is gonna be awesome! Get all the laser guys together, and let's remind these guys who kicked their asses last time they were here!
Finish mission
What the hell was that? When did they get lasers? Do they just give those out to everyone now?
Sir, I understand your concern, but we should probably focus on defending the Outpost before we get indignant about who does and doesn't have lasers.
I'm only indignant about who DOES have lasers. I'm not really concerned about who doesn't. I want that list to be "everyone but me" like it used to, in the good old days.
We've got more Silver Wolves just outside the Outpost!
If these jerks think a few laser guns are going to turn the tide, they've got another thing coming. Let's remind them what happened last time they attacked us!
Say, Archibald... The Installation didn't happen to give any laser weapons to the Silver Wolves, did they? Say, as a way to get you released?
What? Heavens, no! Are you telling me those ruffians...?
Have been firing on us with hot laser-y death? Yes.
Hmm, this is most disturbing. You are correct, though; we are the only possible source of laser weapons. If you can get me some from the Silver Wolves, I may be able to determine where and how they did it.
But that would require tracking down and fighting Silver Wolves! … Hell, I would've done that for free!
Finish mission
Mm hm. Mm hm. Mm hmmmmm...
Are you going to tell us something, or just grunt at us all day?
These are our prototypes, all right. We never missed them because they were supposed to have been junked for major design flaws. They're listed in our system as having been destroyed, but here they are, in the hands of the Silver Wolves.
Wait, they've been fighting us to a standstill with flawed prototypes? Ramsey, double the brutality of our training, starting now!
Reward screen
Someone's been slacking, and it sure hasn't been me!
So now we know where the Silver Wolves have been getting their lasers, but unless we figure out how, they might be able to get their hands on fully functional models next.
I have a suggestion, Lieutenant. Aurora could make a false prototype fitted with a tracking device. We can determine how the Silver Wolves have been getting Installation technology, then stop it at the source!
Sounds like a plan. We have some technically-minded people around here who can help her out. Just don't blow up my outpost, and we'll get along famously.
Pardon me, what?
Finish mission
Done! And may I say, your Floyd and Zoey are *fascinating* people. Such bright minds! Why, they could-
Yadda yadda egghead. Do you think this'll fool the Silver Wolves' source?
It should. Aurora assures me that it will look, feel, and act just like the real thing. I'll put it into circulation at once.
Good. And nothing blew up! I love you Installation guys!
Reward screen
Seriously, sir, what is it with you and explosions...?
Okay, so my bigfoot ideas haven't been goin' so hot. So I figured I'm goin' at this all wrong! What I need to do is teach the bigfoots to defend themselves! That way, they can beat up spiderwasps without us!
Hmm, you may be on to something there. Giving them their homes and food sources back would certainly be the best solution. What did you have in mind?
Well, we have Barracks to train our Troopers, right? Why can't we have one for the bigfoots? I could make it all automated and everything!
Finish mission
There we go! Looks great, doesn't it?
Perhaps, but I'll need to inspect this facility for humaneness and safety standards.
What?! Are you sayin' I'm not humane?! Besides, you never inspect any of the Hovels!
Yes, but those are for Troopers. They signed up for this. These are bigfoots, and *they* deserve to be treated well.
Reward screen
I think Floyd's been spendin' too much time with the LT...
Uh, Floyd, I still have a problem. I got this great Bigfoot Camp, but no bigfoots. I... actually still don't know how to catch 'em.
Well, if you knew, we wouldn't be having problems to begin with. I hear Morgan tried ordering our Peace Keepers to detain some. Apparently, they came back with severe hay fever from all the bigfoot fur.
We've tried everything, and nothin' seems to work! I just need ONE lousy bigfoot in the Bigfoot Camp to get started! Maybe I can herd them by plantin' a series of high-yield explosives and-
OR we can try something a little simpler. Remember, the bigfoots are here in the first place because they're hungry. Perhaps food could lure them in?
Hey, that's a great idea! Shame, though; I'd already planned where I was gonna put the explosives...
Finish mission
Hey, look, it worked! We caught my very first bigfoot! Aw, he's so cute!
Actually, I think that's a 'she.' Though my bigfoot sexing skills are a tad rusty...
Oh. Huh. Ah, well, the point is, the Bigfoot Camp can now get up and runnin' with its first student!
Reward screen
I'm starting to get a little nervous about this whole scheme...
So, Zoey... How exactly does your Bigfoot Camp train bigfoots?
Well, it has a buncha neat automatic gear that uses positive and negative reinforcement to...
Wait, negative reinforcement? Are you harming the bigfoots?!
Of course not! When they get ornery, I just give 'em a mean look. Like THIS! They just up and behave, no problem!
Oh, my, that IS a mean look! Why don't we take a look at your training methods in action?
Finish mission
Hmmm... They don't *look* too domesticated and docile...
Of course not! They wouldn't be able to defend themselves if they were!
You know, Zoey, bigfoots are the perfect cannon fodder: strong, dumb, and plentiful! As soon as I heard what you were planning, I knew I had to take advantage of the situation! So how about we start giving them rifles and...
LT! Bigfoots don't use weapons! Besides, they don't hafta be "cannon fodder"! I'm sure they'd be happy to help out if we just asked them nicely!
Ask... the bigfoots... nicely...? Floyd, I'm holding you responsible for the corruption of this innocent soul.
See? I told you! I went up and asked the bigfoots nicely if they wanted to help us out, and they said sure!
The bigfoots - the smelly, dumb bigfoots - TOLD you that they'd help us out?
Okay, fine, they didn't SAY anything. But they grunted a lot and looked happy!
Good enough for me! I know the perfect targets for our new allies: there's a Silver Wolf contingent skulking around nearby, keeping an eye on us. Why don't we introduce them to our new friends?
Finish mission
Wow, did you see that? Bigfoots totally kick butt!
Toldja so!
You know, if Floyd were doing all this, he'd be setting up sanctuaries and personally guarding them with an assault weapon...
Aw, the bigfoots just proved they can take care of themselves! Ooh, now that they're Troopers, we can give 'em ranks! We should start Mr. Gray over there as Sergeant Gray, and Miss White as a Private First Class, and...
You know, LT, if all the bigfoots had been able to defend themselves in the first place, we wouldn't be havin' all this trouble...
Are you proposing more meddling with the natural order? If so, talk fast, before Floyd comes back.
I wanna use my bigfoots to teach other bigfoots how to defend themselves too! That way, they can deal with the spiderwasps like they're supposed to, instead of us! All I need is some food to give 'em...
Sure, I guess we can spare some canned potted meat food product...
LT! We can't give that junk to the bigfoots! I'll grow 'em some fresh food at the Farm — that'll really motivate 'em!
Finish mission
So, how did it go? Did the bigfoots take to your lessons?
That's the weird part... They already knew 'em. Or at least, they were a lot more territorial and aggressive than normal. And my bigfoots didn't even DO anythin'.
Oh. Well, that's good, right? You accomplished your goal, and you didn't have to do a thing.
Well... kinda. But it's gotten me worried. I did just take peaceful critters and make 'em meaner, and it seems t'be spreadin'. Maybe Floyd was right; maybe this whole "messin' with nature" thing wasn't the best idea...
Ah, Floyd, I was passing by the Bigfoot Camp, and they seem to be getting a little... antsy.
Interesting! Off the top of my head, one thing that could make so many bigfoots so upset is a massive spiderwasp infestation heading this way. But obviously, that's so unlikely, the chances of it happening are a million to-
Ramsey! Sound the alarm! A massive spiderwasp infestation is heading this way!
But I just told you, the odds...
Floyd, think about everything that's happened to us so far. If the worst case scenario has almost impossible odds, it's BOUND to happen!
Finish mission
Your theory flies in the face of probability and statistics, but at least in this case, you were right, Morgan.
You can never go wrong overestimating the extent to which fate will screw with you, especially out here.
So, Morgan, given recent events, I've been making a concerted effort to be less buried in my research and pay more attention to the outside world...
That's great, Floyd, but I'm a little busy...
So when the spiderwasps started invading this outpost, I noticed! Right away! I've already started devising countermeasures, and even been fighting some!
I'm happy for you, Floyd, I really am, but considering that I am FIGHTING a bunch of those spiderwasps RIGHT NOW, maybe we could talk about this later?
Ah! Pardon! Looks like I need to redouble my efforts to pay attention...
Finish mission
All troops present or accounted for, sir! The outpost is officially clear of spiderwasps!
Phew, that took a while! Floyd, what's the deal?
If I had to guess, the spiderwasps have probably been going through their native food supply at an accelerated rate, and have followed the bigfoots down here looking for more.
First the bigfoots, and now the spiderwasps? What's next, giant cat-dog-mammoths that breathe fire?
That's biologically improbable. But one thing I do know: the spiderwasps won't stop, now that they seem to know there's food here.
Okay, folks, we need solutions. Considering how long it took us to clear out the last spiderwasp invasion, we can't keep just fighting them forever.
I suggest trying what we tried in Sundale: aversion. I've been examining the dead spiderwasps, and I think a special strain of artichoke I've developed will repel them...
Artichokes? Ugh. That's almost worse than the peppers. Hey, couldn't you just use those again?
The peppers were effective against boars, but these are spiderwasps. They're completely different animals - literally! I think the artichokes will be more likely to succeed with them.
Finish mission
There! Now we just have to wait for results! Although I doubt we'll have any more problems with-
Sir! Sir! My patrol just killed five spiderwasps at the edge of the outpost! They were nibbling on some of the artichokes Floyd planted...
Damn! An hour and a half! Looks like you won the pool, Zoey.
Yippee!
Wait, you BET on how long it would take for my plan to fail? And you were part of this, Zoey?!
Aw, gosh, now I feel bad. Here, Floyd, you can have some of the Gold if you want...
No, no... Just leave me to my shame...
Reward screen
Hey, if Floyd doesn't want the Gold, I'll take it!
Oh, don't feel bad, Floyd. Those artichokes will feed our troops for almost nothing! The officers will have *real* food, of course, but...
It's fine; my professional pride is battered, but still standing. But we still have a spiderwasp issue and no solutions...
What about the bigfoots?
But the bigfoots were chased out of their homes BY the spiderwasps...
But the ones at my Bigfoot Camp are a lot stronger and more aggressive! Here, I'll get some more trained up so they can prove themselves!
Finish mission
So you're SURE?
*Yes*, LT, I'm SURE that the bigfoots won't mutiny and enslave us all to work in their fields as indentured servants!
Okay, fine, I believe you. But if they do rise up and conquer humanity, I warn you: I'm gonna be the guy who sells everyone out and lives in comfort as a favored slave!
Sir! Lookouts report another wave of spiderwasps approaching the outpost at disturbing speeds!
Perfect! This is the bigfoots' chance to show off their stuff!
A titanic battle between big hairy beasts and scary insect-like things right in our outpost? If this weren't a matter of life and death, I'd be kind of excited. Or at least starting another betting pool.
Finish mission
Wowee! Did you see that? Those bigfoots can really fight!
I gotta hand it to you, Zoey, they did a good job. Maybe Floyd's right; maybe they ARE more than just annoying fraidy-cat eating machines.
After analyzing traces of poison from a Spiderwasp stinger I extracted from a Bigfoot's paw, I've been able to determine the exact species and their likely whereabouts.
And what does this have to do with me?
I've already explained this. In order to lure the Spiderwasps out of their burrows and capture one for study, I need you to wear this spider suit and stand in the coordinates I've provided.
...didn't you say Spiderwasps took their prey back to their Queen as food after paralyzing them with the most painful sting imaginable?
Make sure when you're in the costume to wave all eight spider appendages to appear as appetizing as possible. I'll be waiting nearby with a tranquilizer dart. I assure you, you'll have at least a forty percent chance of survival.
Couldn't help but overhear y'all. I been workin' on a little side project. Details ain't important, but it involves giant spider robots. If y'all help me make the prototype, you can use it to wrangle a Spiderwasp.
Finish mission
Looks like the real thing, don't it? It's even remote operated, so you can hide while you get it into position.
And to think I spent all that effort making the spider costume.
When we get to Bigfoot Country, I'll maneuver the giant spider robot into position. Once a Spiderwasp emerges from its burrow, we move in for the capture. Perkins, if you're targeted for attack, just fall on the ground and remain completely inert. Since you're allergic to bees, I imagine a sting from a Spiderwasp will likely induce cardiac arrest. Don't worry, I'll bring adrenaline shots.
Oh, why would I be worried?
Finish mission
Success! Now we simply transport the Spiderwasp back to the Outpost for experimentation and-
-Perkins, don't turn around.
There's more right behind me, aren't there?
I don't want to alarm you, but the spider robot has drawn them from their burrows. We appear to be surrounded.
Reward screen
...maybe I should pretend to be surprised to make Floyd feel better?
Were you stung? Do you need me to jab this giant adrenaline needle into your heart? Never mind, you look fine. The important thing is we escaped with the test subject.
...
Reward screen
Did you happen to bring the giant spider robot back?
After dissecting the Spiderwasp, I've determined that the local fauna have been dying off because of chemical pesticides introduced into the environment. Since they're unable to find food for their queen, they've become more aggressive and widespread.
Just so you know, that definitely wasn't my fault. I learned my lesson after my self-replicatin' farmin' robots became sentient and warped into a crop destroyin' hive mind.
I'm not sure who it was who introduced the pesticides. Possibly Raiders or other locals in an attempt to protect their crops. We'll need to do some further investigation.
So in the meantime, what are you going to do with the Spiderwasp we captured?
I suppose we could eat it? I mean, that seems to be how this works, doesn't it?
Finish mission
I am starving. Perkins, make me a sandwich.
Try this instead, Lieutenant.
Ugh! What the hell is this? This is so god awful, it's basically an assassination attempt. Floyd, this stew is an act of treason.
I suppose I should've marinated the Spiderwasps for longer... are they not tender enough?
There's Spiderwasp meat in this? Floyd, bugs are gross.
Hey, Zoey... it's Zoey, right? I wanted to ask you something.
The odds of long term negative effects from the fallout is EXTREMELY low. I don't even think—
No, I wanted to talk about Ramsey. I really like him, and, well, I think he likes me. But he's so shy, I don't know how to get him to, you know, take the next step.
Hmmm, I've got an idea. Wait here.
Finish mission
Here! This oughta do the trick!
You want me to hypnotize him? I don't really think...
Oh no! I don't think you should brainwash him or nothin', but if you get him all relaxed like, you can find out for sure if he feels the same way.
Hmm, if you're sure it won't harm him... I don't s'pose it could hurt.
I wanted to talk to you. Why have you been acting all weird?
Actin' weird? What are you talkin' about ME actin' weird? You're the one who won't talk about nothin'!
What do we need to talk about? And can we talk about it later? There's some pretty scary looking boars moving on your orchard.
Finish mission
I had that under control!
I know! I know you can handle yourself! That's part of why I like you so much! I just like helping when I can!
Well, I appreciate it! I just wish you weren't so weird about saying things like you liking me, and telling me you want to spend time with me!
It's hard! It's not like you're good at saying it! I mean, I want you around all the time, but I'd feel guilty if you weren't here to take care of the family orchards, which obviously needs doing!
That's just... wait, really? That's... you want me around? I mean, you're right, I can't leave the orchards too long but... well, it's nice to hear.
I'm sorry I didn't say something sooner. You're real special to me, and I oughta let you know that.
Reward screen
Shoulda known huntin' some boar would fix everything.
Morgan! The tracking device says that the false prototype is on the move! Based on my calculations, it's headed directly towards Marin!
Makes sense; the Silver Wolves wouldn't expect us to look for them there again. Huh, that's almost clever of them. Must be Mr. Stephenson's idea. Ramsey, let's get moving. Archibald, Aurora, come with us. This is probably one of your own, so we might need your help in dealing with them.
Chuck! What is the meaning of this? YOU'RE collaborating with the Silver Wolves?
Yeah, well, at least they're paying me! Wake up! The Empire is gone, and we have nothing left, except what we can take! It's every man for himself now!
You're right! So you'd better hope your pals there are gonna help you once we start kicking your butt all over this town!
Finish mission
Wh-who the hell are you people...?
We're the Empire, and don't you forget it!
Splendid work, Lieutenant! We'll take it from here, if you don't mind. We can determine just what Chuck gave the Silver Wolves. Don't worry; if he doesn't cooperate, we know how to be... unpleasant.
Wow, that was chilling! If that's what science can do, I'll have to listen to Floyd more often!
Morgan. Damn. I was hoping this could wait. Look, these Silver Wolf fellas, they made me a deal, a deal I couldn't say no to and call myself responsible for these people. It's nothin' personal, I just—
Nothing personal? You're letting a bunch of murderous thugs stage troops just outside my backyard, and you tell me it's nothing personal? I never expected you could stoop this low!
Now you watch yourself, youngun'! This ain't all black and white like you want it to be! I gotta do right by my folks!
So that's it? You've got us pinned down? What now, you call Bronson and his thugs to come put us down?
Nah, these fools talk so dang much, I already know everything I need to know. I figure I'll let you go, and we can do that double reverse ambush you talked about.
Oh, already? Great!
Wait… what?
I been on your side the whole time, ya damn fool! I just roughed you up to get these Silver Wolves to lower their guard!
Finish mission
So seriously, they already told you their plan?
Yup! Honestly, I think that Bronson is kinda lonely. He just wanted someone to talk to.
So, when were they planning to move on the Outpost?
Oh, they've pretty much given up fightin' you on your home turf. They was planning to head east, and attack some secret Installation. Said once they had that, nobody'd be able to stop 'em.
The cold in the Eastern Wastes is brutal! Our troops are freezing, and vehicles are just shutting down.
Indeed, none of our gear is rated for that kind of weather. I'm sure Zoey and I can put something together.
Oh! What about a tank that was just, like, on fire all the time?
Let's not stop brainstorming just yet.
Finish mission
Zoey, you've outdone yourself!
The insulation Floyd and I put together might slow you down a little, but it does double duty as armor. If you can't move, at least getting shot ain't so bad.
Morgan, I just received a message from Aurora. While we were getting our things together, the Silver Wolves started attacking the Installation!
Did she give us coordinates for the base, by chance?
Yes and no? She didn't encode the signal nearly as well as she usually does, which is basically the same thing. It's probably as close as she can get to actually just telling us where to go.
Finish mission
Thank goodness you came! Our men simply aren't trained for this kind of thing.
Well, that's convenient. My men are trained pretty much exactly for this sort of thing.
Floyd, it's good of you to be here. I don't know if we... we held them off, but we suffered some pretty heavy damage. And the casualties... oh, Floyd. They're just scientists, they don't know how to...
I'm just sorry we couldn't get here sooner. We'll want disinfectant and bandages for the wounded, and some metal patch kits for the structural damage.
We're in your hands. I wouldn't have known what to do. I just... we have no experience with this kind of thing.
Sadly, we do.
Finish mission
Good man, Floyd. I consider this further proof that you were the right lot to throw in with. With which to throw in... in with which to throw? I'm sorry. I'm quite out of sorts.
Glad to be able to. Silver Wolves were inbound, but storms have scrambled them. They're lost all over the Eastern Wasteland.
Finally, some luck. Let's move out and clean them up before they can regroup.
Finish mission
Sir, I'm worried that this is going a little too smoothly. Like, they're scattered all over the place, but they don't really seem to be regrouping, or doing much of anything...
Perkins, are you suggesting I've been out-strategized? That, once again, the Silver Wolves have diverted my attention from the real target? Because - and I think this is clear - we have their real target, Installation 17, extremely well defended and—
Just got word, Lieutenant: Silver Wolves are attacking the outpost.
You about done throwing your people into a woodchipper? Have we made it pretty clear that you're not getting Installation 17?
You've made it pretty clear that, before this is over, it's all gonna come down to me and you.
Finish mission
This isn't over. There are more of us than you could ever hope to stop. We're gonna swallow you up.
Not over, huh? You know what, he's right. This is the beginning. This guy thinks he knows war? He's never seen anything. We'll show him war. We'll show him the Imperial Army. No more playing defense, no more scrambling. This is the army that conquered Ateria. This is the army that controlled most of the known world for half a century. This is the army that will fall on the Silver Wolves and grind them into nothing. You think you're going to conquer the Imperial Army? That you're gonna swallow us up? I guarantee you'll choke.
Perkins! Front and center for a special mission of vital importance!
Oh, god, I'm too young to die... I have so much to live for...
My shower isn't draining fast enough. You know how uncomfortable it is to stand in ankle-deep water while you're trying to scrub your armpits?
I can't say I do, sir; I haven't had a hot shower in two weeks.
You smell like it, too. And you call yourself an Imperial soldier! Anyway, do whatever you have to do to get my shower running again. Oh, and I better not catch you actually using it, or there'll be hell to pay!
Finish mission
Sir... I poured the strongest drain cleaner the Distillery could make down the shower drain. It didn't work.
The Distillery can make drain cleaner...? Huh. Anyway, I'm displeased to hear about your failure. I'm sure it's your fault somehow.
Of course, sir.
Obviously, this will require backbreaking and completely unrewarding manual labor. I'm sure you... Perkins! Were you trying to sneak away? Ten demerits for insubordination!
So what you're saying is, after taking apart the plumbing and putting it back together FOUR times on my orders, you STILL haven't figured out the problem with my shower?
Not yet, sir. Do I need to go for number five?
No, this obviously isn't working. So we'll have to take a drastic and nauseating step. And by 'we,' obviously, I mean 'you.'
Yes, sir…?
You'll have to go down into the sewers and clear out the blockage. Talk to Floyd about making you a suit. I won't have you smelling up this outpost any more than you already have.
Finish mission
Perkins? Finally, you're... PERKINS! You're dripping sewage all over my area rug! You're cleaning that up, mister!
Rats!
Now, now, Specialist, Imperial troops approach their duties with cheerfulness and aplomb! Do you want to go through my special morale training again?
No, sir, actual rats! In the sewer! They're all over the place! There are so many, they were clogging up the pipes! That's what was causing the clog!
That's hideous and repulsive. I don't envy the poor sap who has to go down there and take care of the problem.
I can't believe Mr. Purrface is treated better than I am!
Clear the rats from your Outpost
Reward:
2,000
Dialogue
Start mission
I don't suppose Mr. Purrface could do this, could he? He was pretty good at dealing with rats before...
Mr. Purrface is... unavailable right now. Ramsey said something about "sunbeam time." Anyway, I took the initiative and flushed, just, a TON of bleach down the drain to drive out the rats.
Uh, sir... Is that safe?
Hell, no! But it worked! They were driven right out of the sewers and the pipes... but now they're running rampant across the whole outpost. I pity the poor sap who has to wade through that tide of vermin. Welp, good luck, Perkins. Don't come back until you've cleared them all out.
Yes, sir.
Finish mission
Ahhh, a nice hot shower, and no standing water to bring down the experience! I am fully relaxed and satisfied now!
I'm very happy for you, sir. Reporting in: all the rats are gone now.
Perkins! You reek of sweat and rat! Go take a shower! Hell, take fifty! Oh, but you won't have any hot water because I just used it all, so just soak in ice-cold water until you don't smell. Or you pass out. Either way, at least you won't be here, stinking up the place.
Reward screen
Join the army, they said. See the world, they said...
2h, 
210
2,500, unlocks Optics Facility
1,500
30
6,000
3, 
3, 
1
