Spade International

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https://preview.redd.it/w6juzm4ub03b1.png?width=2560&format=png&auto=webp&s=0c8e8b77922b86249544ff4e419cf2238ecb7087
What are your requirements for joining?

• That you have a legal copy of Arma 3, are willing to use Teamspeak 3 with Task Force Radio Beta, are over the age of 16, and are at least able to attend most operations (though we do understand people are busy and allow people to submit LOAs before missions).

How many people come each week?
We have an average attendance of 5+ people per operation. we are still trying to grow, to get numbers up.
When do you have operations?
Most of our members are based out of North America, and as such our operations and training stay in the area of 2pm-7pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) with our main operations starting at 2pm EST every Saturday.
How long do operations typically last?
We shoot for 2+ hours as it's enough time to brief, deploy, execute, and exfil from a multi-objective mission without making the mission seem tedious or drawn out.
Do you have automatic, or user-made missions?
We have both! Our Saturday operations are always hand-made by the Zeus and follow a story line put in place by our Creative Team that transpires over several weeks which we call "Campaigns". However, when there are no training or operations happening we do host a multitude of Liberation types on our main server for people to enjoy whenever they'd like.
Why join Spade International?

• Command staff and senior enlisted that listen to all opinions, regardless of rank or experience
• A broad selection of MOS' for all kinds of play styles (15+ MOS' combined between Aviation and Operators)
• Easy load mod pack that ensures no complications or issues come operation time

Spade International is composed of:

• Infantry Element
• Armor Attachment
• Air Corps

Unit Schedule:

• Weekdays: Schedule based ops system + training
• Saturday: Operation (2 PM EST)
• Sunday: Free

Any additional questions can be messaged to me or any of the command team on our discord.
https://discord.gg/uDzEUYavf3

AO3 Link
https://preview.redd.it/71k4zeswd03b1.png?width=920&format=png&auto=webp&s=ebbfda1d7c1448108d8c948203e08060f55c6558
Chapter 1: Start-Up.
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\11 AS.\**
* METAL SONIC 1.0 PROGRAM STARTING *
> LIPS AI Robotnik CPU Chip Online.
> Neo Super DFX Chip Online.
> 4-Valve Orgone Fusion Engine Condition: Stable.
> Tesla Power Coil Engine Condition: Stable.
> Sonic The Hedgehog Data Download…Complete.
> Scanning For Errors…No Errors Found.
> Start-Up Complete. Online now.
With the program start-up finished, the green text disappears, as the black screen changes to a bright red. Along with it comes a bunch of different signals and analytics, such as a zoom-in function, time display, wi-fi connection, etc. Then, the red screen is replaced by a full-color POV of the area.
It’s a lab room colored a green tint, with different kinds of pipes, turbines, and lights. Plus, there’s a metal table littered with different machine parts and tools, alongside blueprints, and there’s a large computer screen nearby with a keyboard and a big chair with comfy red cushions.
However, much of this is being blocked by the face of a round, middle-aged man with a long, bushy mustache, round blue glasses, a bald head, and a big grin. He then speaks, showing a bit of excitement in his voice.
???: “Ah…online at last!”
Changing perspective, it’s shown just what this mustached man was staring at. A small blue robot bearing resemblance to a hedgehog, with it’s spiky nose and ears, alongside it’s fins. It also has a yellow circular depression in it’s chest, and it’s silver limbs are quite thin, connecting to clawed hands and red shoes with white stripes.
The robotic hedgehog looks around the lab with it’s piercing red eyes, but is unable to move it’s head or body due to the cables connected to them. Though, the machine certainly tries to, which the mustached man is amused by.
???: “Eager to start moving, are you? Guess that shouldn’t be surprising, considering who you were based off of.”
???: “No matter. Who am I to deny taking a tour around my lab?”
Moving towards the computer, the mustached man types quickly on the keyboard, and after a few seconds, the cables come off. The robotic hedgehog is caught off-guard by this and ends up falling to the ground. But it manages to get back up to it’s feet, and starts walking around the lab, getting a good look at it’s surroundings.
As he observes the blue machine, the mustached man continues to grin. He’s pleased to see his most advanced creation yet walk around with complete autonomy. Most of his machines are quite one-track minded. And after a couple of seconds, the robotic hedgehog walks up to it’s creator, speaking in a robotic voice.
???: “Where…am I?”
???: “You are in my personal lab. This is where I created you.”
???: “Created…me?”
???: “Yes. I am your brilliant creator and master! Doctor Ivo Robotnik!”
Robotnik: “I built both your body and programming with my own two hands! And you will obey only me!”
???: “Master…”
The robot seems to process Robotnik’s words, while the round doctor patiently waits on it. Then, the machine asks something again.
???: “...What…am I?”
Robotnik: “You are Metal Sonic. My most advanced creation.”
Robotnik: “A combat robot, modeled after my greatest foe yet, Sonic The Hedgehog.”
Robotnik: “Not only were you made to copy that rodent’s abilities and traits, but also to surpass and kill him by any means necessary.”
Robotnik: “However, your main priority should be to protect me, and accomplish any and all tasks I demand of you.”
Robotnik: “Do you understand?”
Metal Sonic: “...”
Metal Sonic stays silent as it processes Robotnik’s information, now recognizing it’s objectives. Serve Dr. Robotnik, and kill Sonic. Then, it nods it’s head, which pleases the doctor.
Robotnik: “Good. Now, let me show you around, and explain what’s going on currently.”
Robotnik turns around and opens the door, walking out with Metal Sonic. The two go throughout the factory, which is filled with built-in turbines, small plaques of the doctor’s face, gigantic machines, buzz saws, and much more. There’s also a bunch of different Badniks performing many kinds of tasks.
As the doctor and his creation walk around, the latter scans it’s surroundings while the former continues to speak.
Robotnik: “We’re currently on Little Planet. A small planetoid that floats above Earth every November.”
Robotnik: “And on this planet, there lies the secret to controlling all of time itself…the Time Stones!”
Pulling out a red gemstone from his pocket, Robotnik shows it to Metal Sonic, who seems interested in it.
Robotnik: “With just one of these fancy gemstones, I can change many regions of this world to my liking!”
Robotnik: “But with all seven in my possession, I can take over Earth and create Robotnikland! The ultimate city and theme-park, where I’ll rule it all!”
Robotnik: “However, despite the takeover of this floating rock going smoothly, the rest of the Time Stones have eluded me and my forces.”
Robotnik: “Plus, that irritating hedgehog has ruined my plans once before, and likely will try to do so again.”
Robotnik: “Hence, why I made YOU, Metal.”
Stopping in place for a moment, Robotnik points a finger at Metal Sonic, who just stares up at it’s creator.
Robotnik: “While it would have taken at least a full year for me to complete and perfect you, I had the power of the Time Stone, which gave me more than enough time!”
Robotnik: “But don’t think you’re ready yet! You’ll have to undergo many tests if you want to prove useful to my cause!”
Robotnik: “Think you’re up for the task?”
Metal Sonic: “...”
Metal Sonic: “...Yes, Master Robotnik.”
Robotnik: “Atta boy!”
With a pleased grin on his face, Robotnik pats Metal Sonic’s head a bit, before the two move on. Already, the doctor is eager to see his most advanced creation show what it’s made of. As for the robotic hedgehog, it simply wishes to serve it’s master, as that is it’s main objective. However…it DOES want to accomplish what it was made for…
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\A few hours later. Metallic Madness (Present).\**
Metal Sonic stands in a contained mechanical room with a yellow light, and a large glass window, where Robotnik is operating keyboard controls on the other side. As he does this, he speaks to his creation via a comm system, explaining what they’re doing.
Robotnik: “This is your first test, Metal Sonic. One about speed and agility.”
Robotnik: “Your organic counterpart is the Fastest Thing Alive. Or at least, so he claims.”
Robotnik: “But regardless, if you’re going to surpass him, you need to go faster than him.”
Metal Sonic: “What is his recorded top speed?”
Robotnik: “From what I gathered during our last three encounters, about 100 to 200 miles per hour. Though, he COULD be holding back in some manner.”
Robotnik: “Hence, we can’t just settle at the minimum. We have to go as far as we can!”
Metal Sonic: “What if I am unable to sustain such speed?”
Robotnik: “I built you to endure it. And I can always fix you up afterwards.”
Robotnik: “But don’t think you can fail me…or there WILL be consequences…”
Metal Sonic: “Understood.”
Robotnik: “Good. Now, to explain the test.”
As Robotnik types on the keyboard, the left wall in the room Metal Sonic’s in goes down to reveal a bunch of large fans. The doctor then speaks.
Robotnik: “These fans will push you back towards the wall behind you. But there is a switch connected to them that can turn them off.”
Robotnik: “You have to go fast enough to resist the push of these fans in order to reach that switch.”
Robotnik: “If not, you’ll be slammed into the wall, and have to restart.”
Robotnik: “Are you ready?”
Metal Sonic: “Yes.”
Metal Sonic prepares itself for the fans, as Robotnik turns them on. Immediately, the fans pick up a lot of speed, and start to push the robotic hedgehog towards the wall. Despite Metal’s best efforts to resist the wind, it ends up being slammed into the wall, failing it’s first attempt. Robotnik also lets out a sigh, knowing this is likely gonna take a while.
So, as the fans stop, Metal falls to the ground and gets back up, ready to do it again. Hence, the test starts again. And again. And again. Each time, the robotic hedgehog does better and better, which Robotnik finds interesting. His creation is adapting to the situation little by little. Soon enough, Metal Sonic manages to speed up towards the switch and turn off the fans, passing it’s first test.
Robotnik: “Well done, Metal! It only took you 30 tries!”
Metal Sonic: “Do we move on to the next test?”
Robotnik: “Indeed! But you’ll have to go through this one many more times in order to perfect your speed!”
Metal Sonic: “I will succeed as many times as I need do.”
Robotnik: “That’s the spirit! I wish my other Badniks had some of that drive!”
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\The next day. Metallic Madness (Bad Future).\**
Robotnik and Metal Sonic stand among a whole bunch of Badniks in Metallic Madness, with the doctor in his Egg Mobile. However, the factory looks to be in a great state of decay, and everything has a rusted brownish-green hue to it. Many of the mechanisms also appear to barely function, as if they’re running on fumes.
Right now, Robotnik and his machines are getting ready for the Metal Sonic’s next test.
Robotnik: “Alright, Metal Sonic! This will be a test of your programmed objectives!”
Robotnik: “I will be flying over to the kitchen over there to grab a snack, and you have to protect me as I do so!”
Metal Sonic: “What about my other objective?”
Robotnik: “We’ll prepare for Sonic another time! Right now, we’ll just test how you do against basic threats to my health!”
Robotnik: “Also…”
Staring at his different Badniks, Robotnik puts on an intimidating glare as he speaks in a demanding tone.
Robotnik: “While your mission is to attack me, I won’t hesitate to tear apart any of you who manage to actually hurt me!”
Robotnik: “ESPECIALLY if Metal isn’t able to pick up your slack!”
Many of the Badniks are a little scared of their creator’s words, but understand what’s being asked of them. And after a few more minutes of preparation, the test begins. Though, due to not wanting to accidentally hurt their creator, and also being intimidated by Metal Sonic, many of them are very hesitant on attacking.
However, a couple of them do make an attempt, which leads to Metal Sonic quickly destroying them without a second thought. While Robotnik is pleased that his robotic hedgehog is fulfilling his objective, he’s annoyed that his other robots aren’t making the test a true challenge. So, after arriving at the kitchen and getting a ham sandwich, the doctor comments on it, in-between his chewing.
Robotnik: “Well…you did a good job, Metal Sonic.”
Robotnik: “However, for the rest of you nincombots, I’m angry that a lot of you didn’t bother to make the test tough enough!”
Robotnik: “Sure, I appreciate not wanting to harm me, but you still need to do your job!”
Robotnik: “Now, let’s try this again!”
Metal Sonic: “Are we heading somewhere else?”
As Metal Sonic asks this question, Robotnik manages to quickly finish his sandwich in only a few bites. And after a big burp, the round doctor answers.
Robotnik: “Actually, I think I could use a nice can of Chaos Cola. Primal Venom specifically.”
Metal Sonic: “But you’re already at the kitchen doorway?”
Robotnik: “Then we’ll go back to where we started!”
Annoyed, Robotnik gets into his Egg Mobile and flies back to the starting spot, with Metal Sonic and the remaining Badniks following. Then, they do the test all over again. This time, more of the Badniks actually try to attack the doctor, only to get obliterated by the robotic hedgehog easily.
Once Robotnik reaches the kitchen again and gets his Chaos Cola, he comments on the test and his robots, in-between taking sips of the carbonated drink.
Robotnik: “See? That was a MUCH better challenge!”
Robotnik: “And as expected, you passed with flying colors, Metal!”
Metal Sonic: “Good. Do we move on to the next test?”
Robotnik: “Eh. That’ll take some time to prepare, so we can leave it be for now.”
Metal Sonic: “What if Sonic comes here tomorrow? What if I’m not prepared enough?”
Robotnik: “Relax! With the Time Stone in our possession, we have plenty of time before that happens!”
Metal Sonic: “But I must complete my objective of killing him.”
Robotnik: “And you will! Just be patient, and you’ll get your chance soon enough!”
Robotnik: “Though, if you want to be ready for him so badly, you could always take care of the rest of these Badniks!”
Metal Sonic: “...”
Staring at the remaining Badniks, all of which are looking scared with this predicament, Metal Sonic bares it’s clawed hands and begins to tear into them. They’re all reduced to scrap, with Robotnik just standing there and drinking his Chaos Cola. He’s delighted to see just how capable and relentless his advanced creation is.
Though, he finds Metal’s insistence of fulfilling his Sonic directive slightly annoying. But at the same time, Robotnik isn’t too bothered with it. If anything, the doctor is pleased to know his robotic hedgehog is eager to tear it’s organic counterpart to shreds.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\The next day. Metallic Madness (Present).\**
Robotnik and Metal Sonic stand in front of the computer in the lab, with the screen displaying some information. This is yet another test by the round doctor, and explains it to his advanced creation.
Robotnik: “This time, you won’t be tested in terms of combat ability, Metal Sonic.”
Robotnik: “Instead, your intelligence and capacity for thought will be tested. To see if you can use your abilities smartly when in a tough situation.”
Robotnik: “On this computer, there are 300 questions for you to answer to the best of your ability. Along with the information to properly understand them.”
Robotnik: “You must correctly answer all of them if you want to pass this test.”
Metal Sonic: “...How will this help me against Sonic?”
Robotnik: “I already told you! There are some scenarios you can’t brute force your way through!”
Robotnik: “Hence, you must learn how to apply your strengths to any given situation where you aren’t the top dog!”
Metal Sonic: “I’m a robot modeled after a hedgehog.”
Robotnik: “It’s a figure of speech! The point here is you need to learn how to think things through!”
Robotnik: “Now, enough of this! Get to work!”
Metal Sonic: “...Yes, master.”
With that exchange finished, Metal Sonic approaches the keyboard, and starts typing away as it answers the many questions. Robotnik walks up to his lab table and sits down in his cushion chair, silently watching the robotic hedgehog with intrigue. He’s interested to see just how intelligent his most advanced creation could be.
And after 30 minutes, Metal Sonic finishes, and the screen shows how many questions it got right. 109. Robotnik lets out a sigh, as he waits for the robotic hedgehog to try again. But unexpectedly, Metal instead slams it’s fist onto the keyboard, leaving a noticeable cracked hole. This surprises and frustrates the doctor, leading to him questioning the robot.
Robotnik: “Why’d you do that!? You just had to do better with your next attempt!”
Metal Sonic: “This is a waste of time.”
Metal Sonic: “YOU are wasting my time.”
Robotnik: “Excuse me!?”
Walking up to it’s creator, Metal Sonic explains what it’s saying.
Metal Sonic: “You made me for the sole purpose of destroying Sonic The Hedgehog.”
Metal Sonic: “Yet, you keep making me do these pointless tasks.”
Robotnik: “Like I’ve said many times before, it’s to test your capabilities! To make sure you DO have what it takes to defeat that rodent!”
Metal Sonic: “I have no need for testing. You programmed me to be intelligent.”
Metal Sonic: “You made me durable. You made me quick.”
Metal Sonic: “You already perfected me before I was running.”
Metal Sonic: “So why do you make your most advanced creation waste it’s talents like this?”
While Robotnik is angry that Metal Sonic is talking back to him, he somewhat understands why it’s acting like this, and he even agrees with some of what it’s saying. This machine WAS made to specifically counter Sonic, and be much more intelligent, strong, and faster than him. However, he’s still standing his ground in terms of testing.
So, thinking of a way to get Metal Sonic to cooperate at least a little bit, Robotnik decides to speak about something more…personal.
Robotnik: “...Alright. Perhaps it’s best I tell you something?”
Metal Sonic: “I do not wish to waste anymore time talking.”
Robotnik: “Metal…stand here and LISTEN. That is an ORDER.”
Metal Sonic: “...”
Silently, Metal Sonic does as asked, while Robotnik continues to talk, letting go of some of his frustration.
Robotnik: “See…when I was a young boy, I wanted to prove myself to my superiors as well.”
Robotnik: “In particular, there was this science fair coming up, and I wanted to win.”
Robotnik: “This is when I came up with the idea of a robot powered by small animals. Something that hasn’t been done before or since.”
Robotnik: “When I figured out how to do it, I was ecstatic to show it off. I thought I’d get so much praise and admiration!”
Robotnik: “However, I didn’t take my time with it. I ignored important parts of the process, such as the programming and machine design.”
Robotnik: “When the science fair finally came, and I got a chance to show it off…”
Robotnik: “...It exploded in my face.”
As Robotnik continues, his tone becomes much more bitter and irritated.
Robotnik: “They all laughed at me…they thought I was a fool…”
Robotnik: “It was one of the worst moments in my life.” Robotnik: “But then…my grandfather Gerald talked to me about it.”
Robotnik’s tone becomes a little more relaxed when he talks about his grandfather.
Robotnik: “How, while a good idea, I ended up rushing the process. And that if I had taken my time with it, I wouldn’t have had any problems.”
Robotnik: “As a scientist himself, he knew that nothing good comes out of rushing a project.”
Robotnik: “So, he asked me to try making an animal-powered robot again. This time, without a deadline.”
Robotnik: “And once I completed it…it worked perfectly.”
Robotnik: “And as a reward for my patience…Gerald and I went to an amusement park.”
Robotnik: “It was the most fun I had in my life…”
As Robotnik thinks about this memory, he has a genuinely happy smile on his face. But that breaks when Metal Sonic speaks again.
Metal Sonic: “What is the point of this story?”
Robotnik: “...The point is that rushing the process of something you’re working on only brings about a bunch of problems.”
Robotnik: “Hence, why I need to test you, Metal Sonic.”
Robotnik: “You are my greatest creation, and I want to make you the best combat machine you can be.”
Robotnik: “That way, you can not only defeat Sonic without any trouble…but also serve as my second-in-command.”
Robotnik: “But I need you to cooperate in order to do so.”
Robotnik: “When that hedgehog arrives here on Little Planet, you’ll get your chance to fight him. You just have to be patient.”
Robotnik: “Are we clear?”
Metal Sonic: “...”
Metal Sonic: “...Very well…I apologize for my behavior.”
Robotnik: “Just don’t do it again. Now, you have a test to take care of!”
Metal Sonic nods, and goes back to the computer to try the test again, while Robotnik watches at his lab table. He didn’t think he’d have to talk about his past in order to convince one of his machines to do what he says. But then again…this machine is much more advanced than anything else he’s made.
Sure, it may not be a living person, but Metal Sonic certainly has some noticeable traits. It wants to do what it was made for: Kill Sonic The Hedgehog. And it’s determined to do so. Perhaps with time, it could evolve into a person of it’s own? Though, Robotnik has no idea if that’ll ever happen.
But at the same time, it would be quite interesting to witness. And it means the doctor basically created an entirely new lifeform, making him an even bigger genius than he was already.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\A week later. Metallic Madness (Bad Future).\**
Many days have passed since Metal Sonic has gone through it’s tests in order to build up it’s speed, combat abilities, and intelligence. Since then, Robotnik has allowed his advanced creation to go around Little Planet and help in it’s mechanization, along with the search for the other 6 Time Stones.
As the doctor expected, the robotic hedgehog is doing a great job fulfilling it’s objectives, and has even managed to find the blue Time Stone. So, the Robotnik Empire now has 2 out of 7. However, at the moment, Sonic The Hedgehog hasn’t shown up, which seems to be bugging Metal Sonic more and more as the days go on.
Right now, the robotic hedgehog is in a small, mechanical room with red lights and a ton of different weapons coming out from the walls. Metal Sonic is practicing in order to be ready for it’s organic counterpart, and appears to barely have a scratch on it. In a few seconds, it manages to destroy all the weapons, and finish it’s practice.
Afterwards, it comes out of the room, and walks around Metallic Madness, observing it’s surroundings and fellow Badniks. And soon enough, Metal Sonic notices Robotnik in his Egg Mobile flying around. When the two notice each other, the round doctor decides to strike up a bit of conversation.
Robotnik: “Heheheh! I’m guessing training went well, Metal?”
Metal Sonic: “Yes. It’s no longer a challenge anymore.”
Robotnik: “I see! I’ll have to make some upgrades later!”
Robotnik: “And how goes the search for the Time Stones?”
Metal Sonic: “The Badniks and I have found more Special Zone rings appearing around Wacky Workbench and Quartz Quadrant.”
Metal Sonic: “At the moment, I was set on going into one of them.”
Robotnik: “Do be careful. The Special Zone is a strange dimension.”
Metal Sonic: “Whatever’s inside, I can handle it.”
Metal Sonic: “Though, I haven’t found any traces of Sonic The Hedgehog…”
Metal Sonic’s hands clench, while Robotnik looks a bit uncomfortable and irritated.
Robotnik: “Hmm…admittedly, I thought he’d show up by now.”
Robotnik: “Either the power of the Time Stones has something to do with it, or the hedgehog hasn’t taken notice of us yet.”
Metal Sonic: “Should we go down to Earth and find him?”
Robotnik: “Tempting, but I’d rather do that when I get all the Time Stones.”
Robotnik: “That way, there’s absolutely NO chance of victory for him!”
Metal Sonic: “There is no need for those gemstones. I can take care of him myself.”
Robotnik: “Oh, I have no doubt about that! It’s just better to be prepared!”
Just after Robotnik says this, a sudden beeping noise comes from his Egg Mobile’s radar. This leads to him looking down and seeing what’s up, with Metal Sonic coming up to see for itself. That’s when the two are surprised to see what it is…someone has arrived on Little Planet in the Palmtree Panic region…which only means one thing…
Sonic The Hedgehog is here…
TO BE CONTINUED…
​
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Sunday I purchased a monitor from someone who was keeping the baby in a cricket cage... Got the baby set up in a new tank with a quickly set up enclosure (I read wiki) first day he/she was basking and even ate a cricket super active. But yesterday I came in to see they had flung substrate in their water bowl to burrow.. I want to take them to the vet for a wellness check but I'm not sure how to go about picking them up or if I should just try and wait the 2 weeks for them to get used to the new enclosure.. just not sure if they've got worms or any pressing medical issues.