Please don't bug me too much about updates. While I love that you guys are interested in this quest and want it to continue, I'm really busy with my day to day life right now and don't have as much time to write as I used to. If I'm not updating this quest, it's probably because I have IRL stuff keeping me busy.
[X] Order the squad to retreat towards previously cleared territory.
"Pull back! Pull back!" you yell.
"Retreat to the courtyard!" unit 10035 yells. You hear another few bursts of rifle fire. The tension nearly makes you slam your hands on the table, before you remember your broken right fingers and pull your hand away just in time.
"I can't get out!" one of the SHIRAI units yells.
"Cover for her, 10033!" 10035 says. "I'll cover you in a bit!" She begins to bark out more orders to the squad that, unfortunately, you don't have the chance to hear, because the phone in your pocket is buzzing.
You reach into your pocket and pick it up. "Yes?"
"That line isn't secure, commander!" COMMUNICATIONS says from a few seats down. You ignore her and slump down in the nearest rolling chair, bringing the phone up.
"This is the Council speaking," says the voice of the mysterious man from your first day. "We are...worried...about your progress."
"If you haven't noticed, I'm a bit busy right now," you snap back. "Maybe let me finish the damn mission before you chew me--"
"The Ace of Tokiwadai, Misaka Mikoto, has cleared the Seventh Heaven shopping mall," the man observes. "Meanwhile, the assault where you chose to concentrate your strongest effort has resulted in what could charitably be described as a --"
"Get to the point, or let me do my job," you hiss.
"Academy City has already secured a significant public relations victory," the man says solemnly. "Your forces are exhausted and in danger of being overrun. We have a proposition for you. If you feel your tactical situation would be too...difficult...to salvage, we can task Anti-Skill with completing your main objective."
"Won't that get the city in a panic when Anti-Skill screws up?" you demand.
"It is possible that we may...encourage...the evening news to show footage of Misaka Mikoto in larger than what might be expected of a balanced report. We will ensure that no panic or funding loss results from your withdrawal."
"And what do you want from me in exchange?"
"We would like you to perform a certain...unsavory...task on our behalf in the future. If you choose to withdraw your forces now, you will receive our missive in one week's time." The man pauses. "Such large groups are more suited for more traditional military organizations; it is likely our future mission requests will better befit the...unique...nature of your unit."
[Status Report-Quicktime]
[ ] Order a full retreat and let Anti-Skill finish the job.
The current mission will be completed immediately, and you will receive the full rewards you would have received had you defeated all enemies. Panic will not increase.
When the Council Mission appears in 1 week, you will be required to accept it.
[ ] You can finish the job yourself.
You can decline or offer to modify the scope of the Council Mission.
Increased risk of XCOM casualties.
