B.L.A.D.E. Report #10 - A Dubious Operation

Everything good has some form of evil with it. That's just nature.With the completion of our most recent request, this concept comes to mind. Hello and welcome to this week's report! I hope that my posts are continuing to be useful or entertaining. Well, on to the interesting info.

After we talked with the B.L.A.D.E. Alex, we took a walk through and around the Commercial District. In one of the back alleys, we find Kirsty who was apparently waiting for us. She started off by talking about how quickly NLA was changing and improving, both in technology and in business thanks to these foreign aliens. She then goes on to explain the spike in miranium usage that resulted from these innovations. Kirsty's request, Planetary Pioneer (Part III), was for us to deliver 2,500 units of miranium to her, gather seven moleworms which will be used to help in the miranium creation process, and to find hidden data unit FN095. Once we accepted the request, we got back on track and started looking for our voltant clients, for our "Dubious Operation".

First, we picked up a defective fuel cell from the mechanic Graham in the commercial district. From him, we learn of a B.L.A.D.E. named Rosella who was oddly obsessed with the Zaruboggen. Appreciative of his concern, we take extra caution and look out for any odd B.L.A.D.E. activity. At the Administrative District hangers, we take Dr. Jeffery's hazardous waste. We conversed for a bit and he mentions his interest in seeing the devoltization process. On our way to the last client, we meet Arwae, a Manon who is confused with our day and night lifestyle and wants to learn more. Being a perfect opportunity, we invite Arwae to Alex's seminar. And then, we locate Pfeffen, receiving the toxic bomb he accidentally created. Pfeffen then mentions how someone named Roselle has come to him to ask if he would sell her the bomb. Preferring to follow the law and not endanger anyone, he refused.

Still, how do you "accidentally" create a bomb when you were looking for a way to reduce energy use?

Returning to the Commercial District, we meet with a distraught Dr. Jeffrey. As stated before, he was interested in the devoltization process and went to Shiraton, our client, to witness and study the method. Panicking, we successfully attempted to calm him down. Collecting his thoughts, he explains that a female B.L.A.D.E. member got in an argument with Shiraton and she kidnapped him. We prepared to set out after her who, according to the Doctor, left through the East Gate and went NE. By the cliffs on the east side of Primordia, we find Roselle, Shiraton, and a gigantic pile of toxic waste. It looked like she was making Shiraton devoltize it all, so we confronted her. She explained herself by saying that this will completely remove the factor of pollution and this is an environmental breakthrough. It is definitely a revolutionary idea/method and I actually agree with this plan. Where we disagreed was that she wished to profit from this and monopolize this method as hers. Without warning she attacks with her skell, "Gold Courage". In response, we fight back, wrecking her skell and causing her to surrender. With impeccable timing, Shiraton finished, finally noticed us. He then questioned us for attacking Roselle. Questioning him, he said that that pile of waste was a Zaruboggen's dream with all that voltant. He then states Roselle as his friend and ally. With this confession, Roselle bribed us to keep quite about all this. As you may guess, I refused and had her arrested. By this point, Roselle wished to turn herself in and take the consequences. She left humbly and we take Shiraton back to NLA.  And that's the end of our "Dubious Operation".

                All that garbage; no longer toxic in a matter of minutes...

Thank you and please! Tell me if you think we should move forward with Roselle's plan of having some Zaruboggen assigned to devoltize our pollution. I think that this can work under the control of B.L.A.D.E. and that Roselle could actually lead this project. Also, am I wrong is saying that most Zaruboggen are "airheads". They only seem to care about the present, and don't think to much about the past or future. Maybe it's just me.

     Just around the corner, we have this view. (And then I jumped off the cliff)

B.L.A.D.E. Report # 9 - Attack on Biahno Hills

Trust is a touchy subject whenever traitors are involved. Within the past few days, this exact issue came up with our mission, Attack on Biahano Hills. In addition, I have a bad feeling about how the aftermath will be dealt with. Where should we start? Where we left off of course! (Why did I even ask?)

That full moon is very big, and very beautiful.

Anyways; from Sylvalum, we return to NLA and do our usual preparation routine. Afterwards, we drove off to Biahano Hills and found the scouting team... or what's left of them. Yusof was leaning behind a rock, while bodies and broken equipment littered the ground. Once he collected his thoughts, Yusof told us what happened. Apparently, the enemy was prepared for battle before the scouting team got there, and they eliminated the team expect for Yusof. Such heavy preparation and protection shouldn't be possible in such little time, and the only explanation could be that there was an info leak. It doesn't sit well with us; the thought of another fellow B.L.A.D.E. member deserting us is not too trilling. Yusof agreed, wishing to believe in Clemons as well.

Back at NLA we reported to Lara Nara who regretablely believed that Clemons was a traitor. At the moment, Yusof and Suriella were interrogating Clemons, or so we thought. Just as we were about to take our leave, Suriella sprints past us, towards the Commercial District. Following behind was Yusof; and Suriella? They explain that the Suriella that just left was a Definian; the fake Clemons.Once that was all cleared up, we split up to search for the Definian. In the Commercial district, we find Clemons, and before we tried apprehending him, he claimed to be the real one and that there was a casualty at the Industrial District. He said that the Definian was leaving through the West Gate. Without thinking, we headed to the Residential District where Lara Nara was examining the body with a forensics team. It was then that we learn that the body was Clemons'; the the Clemons. The body was at least three days old. It was one thing after another; a B.L.A.D.E. scout reported back to tell us that Suriella took a helicopter and was sighted with "Clemons" on an island off the coast, west of NLA. Expecting the worst, we take our skell and book it to the designated island.

                     Rest in peace Clemons...
                           
After finding the island, we park behind a rock and watch the conversation unfold. To summarize, the two were Definian spies gaining intel for the Ganglion. Suriella's true name is Erio while the fake Clemons is Dieara. We also learn that Erio has grown attached to humans after living with them since we landed. Erio had turned traitor towards the Ganglion. Standing her ground, Erio took multiple attacks from Dieara until we intervened and defeated her. We get a proper explanation from Erio and learn that the real Suriella died in the crash landing on Mira. It was Erio who took Suriella's place as soon as possible. She also confesses to us that she was the Clemons in the Commercial District so that she can tell us of the real Clemons' body. She sincerely apologized to us and, as we should, we forgave her. Then, out of nowhere, Lara Nara came in and arrested her. A spy is still a spy, and I guess that as enough for her to be arrested. I know that we got his word that Erio will not be harmed and that he'll try his best to get her freedom back, but I'm just worried that those are empty words and that this situation will be out of our control. Then again, we can handle another situation like this. In the end, you readers might understand how I feel. I; we got to know this Suriella and to see her image change just like that is just depressing. I may have not known her as well as others, but she was a good person regardless. Erio was a good person, and I hope she can clear everything up as soon as possible.

                 Even the shore is pretty!

Again, we return to NLA and wind down in the commercial district; or so we hoped. Of course, our work becomes like second nature. We run into a Zaruboggan named Shiraton who is tasked with collecting a substance called voltant on his own since his partner passed out from eating a hamburger. Just so you know, voltant is a poisonous substance that the Zaruboggan consume. And so, we accept the request, A Dubious Operation where we are tasked with collecting voltant from the specified people. Before we end this off, we find Alex; a fellow B.L.A.D.E. member. His problem was that he felt that the alien species were out of hand and should be educated in our laws. Personally, I don't see his view, but I can understand his goal. If everyone has the same understanding of the rules that can apply to everyone, we as a colony can improve for the better. We accept his request, Alien Nation, but I start having second thoughts when our first task is to "collar" three Manon; which after questioning, he corrects himself very awkwardly. Regardless, a request is a request and I might be able to work this out peacefully.

               Even on Mira, we have fast food restaurants!

Thank you and please! Tell me if you have ever been betrayed. How have you dealt with it and how did it end with the other? Remember that you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but if you what to share an interesting story, feel free to put it in the comments below.

B.L.A.D.E. Report #8 - An Early Break

Heeeeellllooooo! Hey guys, I'm back and while things are going back to normal, I still don't have as much time as before to get things done. Let's just say that I have A LOT of "paper work" to do if you know what I mean. The work just keeps coming, and the target dates aren't slowing down. I should really catch up before the Commander Vandham gives me a beating. Anyways........ Let's go over my recent activities.

First off, we get back to NLA and report back to Stella to let her know of our completion of the mission "Dead Men Tell No Tales," and to learn of the results. Director General Nagi was ecstatic according to Stella and just as hoped, the Zaruboggen fit into society pretty quickly. I guess that after having four different alien species join before them, it has finally become normal to us humans. I think that we are truly becoming a great colony and a force to be reckoned with against the Ganglions. We then move on to Armory Alley to re-equip ourselves for the next journey. At mission control, we accept three missions; A Practice Partner, In Need of a Hand, and Oskar, the Summer Squall.

Once that was settled, we headed off to Noctilum in search of this "Oskar, the Summer Squall". NW of FN site 222, we find Oskar and challenge the great beast. He really wasn't that difficult as he is classified as a level 11 indigen and I have beat him before actually. He, like other Tyrants, will come back as another of the same species that will take the name eventually. For now though, we handled the problem. Next stop? Sylvalum!

Getting right down to business, we drive off to the north shore of Lake Ciel to hunt some adsecula. Once we defeated four of these sparrow adseculas, we've completed Adsecula Extermination. Last but not least, we head north and installed a probe at FN site 407. Aaaaand..... that's it folks! Yup.... That's it....

                         Those things are really creepy.
              (They just stand, hugging the wall and twitch)

Thank you and please! Tell me if you procrastinate your work or do you get it done as soon as possible; or are you in the middle. Can you balance exploration and your "paper work?" And finally, which alien species are you most interested in. We've brought in five different alien species so far and I'm very interested in the Nopon and how they survive on Mira despite their short stature, primitive methods, and not the brightest sentient beings. One thing I can confirm is they are just the cutest things! I'll admit that I even enjoy Tatsu's company; most of the time.

B.L.A.D.E. Report #7 - Dead Men Tell No Tales (and get nothing done)

Oh gosh! Just looking at my notes for this post makes it seem like we did a lot, when I don't feel that way. A lot of what we did were just tasks, missions and chores accepted with a few being completed. Every goal I had, with the exception of one, ended in failure.

  I'm really interested in those glowing green balls. Are they plants or are they a material?

Starting back in Sylvalum, we continue our exploration of the Ganglion base North of FN site 409. Unfortunately, my luck was in the opposite direction and any enemy within our vicinity began shooting and their attacks just attracted more. We did complete Pounding Purges by defeating 6 knight purges, but being unable to hold our own anymore, we turn tail and run. Finally getting out of that death trap, we decide to explore the West side of Sylvalum. We make our way past Lake Ciel and into the West Ciel Sandsea where there are many absolutely tough enemies. Their were also many sight based enemies in the area and most of them being flying indigen, they will relentless chase you if you get caught. On our journey towards FN site 401, we defeat Alexei, the Jade, located NE of FN site 402. Eventually, after many setbacks, we get to FN site 401 and install the probe. We continue from there, entering the Secluded Lava Lake. Just like outside, there were many strong sight based indigen, and we couldn't get far. Also, in the cave, I finally master the Partisan Eagle class, and decide to change branches to the Striker branch and class. Back to basics, I got significantly weaker, but could still manage. Finally giving up, we return to NLA to rest, calm down, and reconnect with the citizens and other BLADES.

One of the first things we do is report to Kirsty about completing  Planetary Pioneer. From our conversation, we learn that the data probe we collected along with the other resources was for a classified project. According to Kirsty, the project is related to something about her colleagues and professors. I can't wait to find out what will come out of this project, or if we can help out more. Taking a look out in front of the BLADE Tower, we see two BLADE members discuss something with urgency. Joining in, Lara Nara and Clemons fill us in on their intel. They tell us that the Prone base North of NLA is developing a new weapon; and with that, we accept Attack on Biahno Hills. With impeccable timing, "Mr. Purple Hair" receives a call from the team already sent to buy some time for us. We were supposed to escort a research team into the base, find the weapon, and have them analyze it, but the prone forces already made their move, destroying their defense. Now, we were required to assist the team, and act as a clean up crew. Before going, we were going to take a walk around the Residential District, but Stella finds us with a message from Director General Nagi. Stella apparently came with info about a Ganglion survey team investigating the entrance to Dead Man's Gulch in Noctilum. Knowing why the Ganglion were investigating the area last time, there was concern of another super weapon that could potentially be there. Another concerning detail was that the Ganglions only sent a survey team when a small army could not handle the numerous tainted indigen there. This became our new highest priority; Dead Men Tell No Tales, which we will start after walking around the Residential District.

We take a look around enjoying the sights and listening to the idol chatter among the people. We didn't gain any valuable information, but we did manage to find little miss Murderess. East of Deliverance Park, we take notice of her over some hedges and go around through the front, through the the garage, and into the backyard where she is having teatime with this man in a tuxedo. Enjoying a cup of Ceylon tea, she seems to be on a "date" with this man. Even if it uses substituted ingredients, I was still interested in this Ceylon tea and asked to join in on her teatime. She flat out rejects me, but she did offer to share a ration for dinner later. Although it wasn't my intent, I guess this worked out, even if Irina may not approve. Also, knowing Murderess, I became interested in their conversation since I doubt this is a serious date between lovers. Once again, I was rejected right off the bat. Oh well! Too bad, so sad!

Looking at that area in the distance is weird. From here, it doesn't look familiar.

With urgency, we head to Dead Man's Gulch in Noctilum where we find a new alien species. A group of five of them were arguing about who should go deeper into the gulch to obtain something.From the conversation, I could tell that these aliens are very egotistical and didn't care much for each other unless looking at the situation as a danger to their entire group. Based on what they were saying, it seems that this group is being blackmailed into acting as retrievers, scouts, and meat shields. It didn't take long for them to notice us and cower in fear calling out to their God, Golbogga. I'm assuming this fear is because the Ganglion are spreading propaganda to all the aliens under their control. The ganglion supervisor then returns and attacks us. It was an easy fight which ended pretty quickly; even with their reinforcements. Saving the aliens, some of them were grateful while others were pessimistic. I guess it's understandable, but despite our peaceful advances, they believed that as the stronger force, we were even worse that the Ganglion. One of them even ran away; right into the jaws of a bothered Tainted Caro. We were all put off-guard, but we drew our weapons and fought the three Tainted. This last show of courage finally got them on our side. They introduced themselves as Zaruboggen; a species that is known as the ones that invented a universal environment suit. They were happy to join NLA and assist us in our cause. As of right now, we are on our way back to NLA. See you guys later!

          That tree branch just makes this picture!

Thank you for reading and please! Tell me what is your favourite class or class branch! Also, what is your favourite tea? And finally, is it just me or is the difference in difficulty between Noctilum and Oblivia compared to Sylvalum ridiculously huge? I'm having many problems exploring and some tips would be appreciated.