Hold hand up, Turn around, vomit, vomit, vomit.

Then scream.

...Why? WHY? Why do vile tasting things keep getting on and in you today?! WHY?! Is this some kind of "taste karma" for that glorious lunch you had with Eli? That your's is so out of whack from that wondrous meal that the Universe is throwing foul tasting substances in your face to balance it out?! Oh, what a horrible fate that would be!

You have to hold it together. A Peacekeeper flying off the handle and snapping at citizens is just what those fucks who disabled the aggression inhibitors want to happen and you're not going to let them have that from you. So mentally count down from five and... And... Oh, crap... There must have been a trace of those nauseating spores left in you 'cause you're gonna puke!

Rush for the bucket, snatch it up and vomit noisily into it; Turn away midway so Shilse doesn't have to see most of it. Once you've expelled your lunch follow it with a rather loud litany of curses in your native language expressing your honest opinion of this situation, this day, and this case. That done, tell Shilse that you've been having a bad day as hand over the bucket. And reassure her that she isn't under arrest; It was totally an accident. In fact, it's partly your fault for startling her, and you apologize for that.

Ask where the staff showers are; You assume they have some since they handle manure and other dirty things here. But if they don't, do they have a emergency shower? Or a water hose? They have to have at least a water hose and some soap, right? But whichever they have, Shilse'll be the one to scrub your suit clean; Wright did say she was to clean up any excrement that gets loose.

Once you're cleaned up you can get to questioning Wright of Beginnings. Ask it for all the times "Delight" came to speak to it, why they spoke about, and why "Delight" spoke to it specifically. Ask if "Delight" bought any unprocessed spores from here. If not then ask where they keep the unprocessed spores and check if any canisters of them have gone missing.

Does this nursery have their own private security cameras? 'Cause if they do then you ought to be able to get a warrant for their recordings to check who took the spores from here. That is, if "Delight" didn't buy them legit.

Hmm... It's quite a coincidence that Shilse works at the nursery that "Delight" got the spores from, isn't it? ...And she went right to worrying that you'd send her to prison. ...You don't think she could have been involved with getting "Delight" the spores, do you?

Ask PAC where the nearest replacement helmet is. You'll be going there immediately after you're done here to get it. That is, if the helmet can't be delivered here. Oh, and also ask where's the nearest place you can get a Cibic analgesic to deal with this damn headache.

Ask PAC for some details on the aggression inhibitor implants. You want to know who manufactures them for the Unity government and who wrote the software that goes into them. You assume that since they're so vital that they're sealed, only transmit status info out and have absolutely no way to communicate into them. Would that be correct? In that case, could the software have been compromised at the manufacturer? Hm... Do the inhibitor implants of those people who've been violent today have any commonality? Were they part of the same batch?

Ask PAC to estimate when the uptick in aggression on New Horizon started. You have a feeling that it was roughly about the time you had that unexplained jolt of hate last evening.

It's a bit late, but you think you might have come up with a way to track down those two fake Peacekeeper Sakkilians who assaulted Cib. Go through the public security camera recordings from all of the entrances and exits from the private zones the two came from and went to. Look for any Sakkilians who entered the zone they came from that match those who exited the zone they went to and those'll be attackers. But if there isn't a match, look for Sakkilians that entered but didn't exit or exited but didn't enter, paying special attention to ones in appearance blocking clothing.

Also ask PAC to analyze the gait of the two Sakkilians to see if they move like regular flesh and blood Sakkilians, ones with cybernetic legs or arms, Sakkilian-form 'bots, or even humans with Sakkilian-type prosthetics or cybernetics.

And also ask if PAC can do the same "camera cordon" trick you thought of for the two Sakillians for the human in the Deus Machina 'bot suit, both when he or she bought the stolen holo-drone and when he or she first came to the BTL rental store. If the same human shows up going into and coming out of the camera blind zones both times then that'll be our guy or gal.

[Retroactive]
>…you’ve watched way to many human crime shows.
PAC, I'm going to guess you've already done so, but just to be on the safe side: Make sure a note is put in place to remind whoever talks with him once he wakes up gives him his rights. The proper ones, for Unity.
[/retroactive]
>…literally… you just throw a bucket full on a police officer…
...Don't throw up don't throw up don't throw up...
Do they have a shower here? You need to rinse that out, like, now.
>I… I… It was an accident! I… I don’t want to go to prison!
Angry as I am, I'm still a proper officer and do things by the book. Which I'm pretty sure includes not arresting people I have personal problems with, for said problems.
And I can tell it was an accident, anyways. I kind of barged in shouting and you panicked. ...Going to need to get some cardboard after a rinse to get rid of the taste, though.
>Baby Uredo
Aww. Not cute enough to get rid of the fact that we had manure thrown into our face, but aww.

SHILSE! YOU WILL SUFFER FOR THIS HORRIBLY LATER!

Calm down. Deep breaths. It's okay, Shilse. Accidents happen.

Oh, and use the directions to New Horizon on the note from "Delight's" hotel room to track back where it came from. Wherever that is might be its home, or it might just be where it picked up its instructions, but either way the local police or military there might have record of that Uredo if it got in trouble or caused some while there. And also figure out just how long it would take for "Delight" to get from there to New Horizon. That'll be important to figuring out just how far back this was planned and whether it was kicked off after Tr'ak's death or before.

And you overlooked an important question when you were at the Time Devourer's apartment: Asking exactly when Tr'ak was last there. Without that you don't know if the important meeting Tr'ak was going to have was scheduled before or after his death. Can you leave a message for the TD club leader asking that? Or maybe you could get when Tr'ak was last there from the schedule data extracted from his implants.

Kaktus 2015/06/09(Tue)10:27 No. 647381 ID: 65a774
File 143387085053.png - (9.30KB , 900x450 , 105.png )

>Calm down. Deep breaths.
By taking deep breaths you’ve successfully consumed even more of the manure!
>You have to hold it together.
You fail horrible at holding it together.
AAH!!!
Wait, Jo…?
>Try not to puke
`You fail horrible at-
BARF!!
Warning, you have los-
S-shut u- BARF!!!
>If you can, puke on Shilse. Revenge.
You fail horrible at aiming at your current state!
Hey, try to get it in the bucket, please!
>Do not beat Shilse with your stun rod.
You succeed at resisting the lure of strangling the shit out of Shilse for this.

Ugh… s-sho… s-s… ergh… s-show-w-w…
Yes, we better get you to the showers. Please come with me.
Ugh…
Oh, and Shilse, I want both this floor as well as this officers suit spotless before it’s done showering.
Right! Of course! On my way!

Kaktus 2015/06/09(Tue)10:27 No. 647382 ID: 65a774
File 143387086842.png - (9.61KB , 900x450 , 106.png )

>Make sure whoever is holding Agathon gives him his rights once he wakes up. The proper ones, for Unity.
The only thing he needs to know when he wakes up is what crime he’s been arrested for. We don’t need to tell him anything else.
>Ask PAC for some details on the aggression inhibitor implants. You want to know who manufactures them for the Unity government and who wrote the software that goes into them.
Checking… majority of the aggression inhibitors in Unity, Uredo, Serpens and Sakkilian space are manufactured by Ferrum Cybernetics. The software is mostly done by a partnership between Sol Corp and a Serpens based firm called Selvers Artificial Neural Systems.
>You assume that since they're so vital that they're sealed, only transmit status info out and have absolutely no way to communicate into them.
Yes and no. They do have a way to be updated remotely, but it requires administration from both Ferrum Cybernetics, Sol Corp, SANS and the state where the update is administrated. Of course, this is a moot point as we can check the history of the updates and the last one was two years ago. There is an emergency shutdown, though, which only needs to be administrated by one of the companies and the state. It’s probably that which is in effect right now.
>Ask PAC to estimate when the uptick in aggression on New Horizon started.
Hard to say… today?
>Use the directions to New Horizon on the note from "Delight's" hotel room to track back where it came from.
He came from Uredo space, that’s all I can get out of it. I need a bit more information on him if you want to know more than that.
>Also figure out just how long it would take for "Delight" to get from there to New Horizon.
Traveling between systems will take weeks. While the trip itself might have taken a day or two, there’s still the problem of finding a ship and the like.


Ugh…
Ah, you’re back! How do you feel?
…better…
Err… so… you’re not angry, are you?
Shilse… I must reassure you that you’re not under arrest. It was an accident, after all… and partly my fault because I startled you when I came here.
Oh… that’s go-
BUT I SWEAR ON MY GRAND PARENT GRAVE, YOU WILL SUFFER FOR THIS HORRIBLY LATER!!
Eep! I-I promise to make it up to you, Jo! In fact, I’ve already got a… err… surprise waiting for you… probably… maybe? Um…
Just… keep on cleaning and we’ll talk later, Shilse.
Can do, girlfriend!

So, Wright of beginnings, correct?
Indeed, that’s my current name, yes.
I need to talk to you about someone by the name of Delight of the Afternoon.
…err… who? I don’t think I know anyone with that name… my apologies, officer.
…but you were visited by an Uredo several times, correct?
Ah, you mean Edge of the Twilight? …or as he’s called after joining the black ones, Emissary of the Harvest. Yes, he came here a few times to talk to me, why? Is he in trouble?
…why did it want to speak to you specifically?
We’re vessel siblings, so to speak. We grew up together, so we knew each other since earlier. As for what he wanted… well, he was ranting of some kind of new order or something, wanted me to join… or at least run before… bad things happened. He’s never really been sound of mind, so I mostly took what he said with a pile of manure.
Bad things?
Something about a cleansing fire? I don’t know, as I said he’s always been a bit bonkers… you have to be if you are willing to join the military, really…

Hmm… you harvest a kind of spores from the young Uredo here, correct?
Indeed we do… wait, is this about missing canister?
Missing canister?
The last shift noticed a canister of medical spores missing… we’re looking for it right now to make sure it’s not been misplaced before we report it as stolen. Now, as you bring it up, I’m guessing Edgy stole it?
…indeed, your Uredo friend did indeed steal it… and he used it to rig a lethal trap he was planning on springing on a Sakkilian.
WHAT!? Really!? I knew he was military but… to actually want to kill someone? I… I didn’t know he was that far gone…
Luckily, I was able to defuse it before it… um… harmed anyone.
Good… still, I find it a bit weird. It took almost three months to fill one of those canisters but… Using it as a weapon? I’m sure there’s a lot cheaper, easier to get stuff that’s… well, better suited then those things.
Yet still he stole a canister from you… hmm…

Does this place have any cameras?
Only in the lobby.
…and Shilse, when did she start working here?
Why, this is her first day here. She just arrived to this platform a few days ago, after all.
Right… so she probably don’t have anything to do with this, then…
I’m standing right here, guys… sheesh…

>It's a bit late, but you think you might have come up with a way to track down those two fake Peacekeeper Sakkilians who assaulted Cib. Go through the public security camera recordings from all of the entrances and exits from the private zones the two came from and went to.
That will take some time. They used a large zone owned by Ferrum Cybernetics where there are a lot of Sakkilian wandering around.
>And also ask if PAC can do the same "camera cordon" trick you thought of for the two Sakillians for the human in the Deus Machina 'bot suit, both when he or she bought the stolen holo-drone and when he or she first came to the BTL rental store.
Sorry, but neither of those gave me enough data to track them anywhere… I mean, as far as I can see; only its holo-drone ever entered the BTL Store.
> Also ask PAC to analyze the gait of the two Sakkilians to see if they move like regular flesh and blood Sakkilians, ones with cybernetic legs or arms, Sakkilian-form 'bots, or even humans with Sakkilian-type prosthetics or cybernetics.
Hard to say, but it’s probably Sakkilians… and as most Sakkilians has some kind of cybernetics it’s probable at least one of them have augmented legs.

>Using it as a weapon? I’m sure there’s a lot cheaper, easier to get stuff that’s… well, better suited then those things.
Then he must have been trying to make a point. Perhaps he really has something against Sakkilians? Did you know anything about his time in the military?

We'll have to investigate Ferrum cybernetics later, seeing as they could have shut down the aggression inhibitors and because those guys impersonating peacekeepers hid there... Who supplies peacekeeper armor, by the way?

>Ferrum Cybernetics, Sol Corp, SANS
how many of those companies have a presents on the station and how large are they? I know Sol Corp pretty much runs almost everything but what about the other two? Because the more I hear of this the more I'm thinking it might have been corporate espionage. Well at least at first. I mean they wanted those BTLs which have who knows what on them (speaking of did we find anything yet?) which belonged too a guy that's working on Sol Corps newest and currently one of there biggest projects. Now though, I haven't a damn clue. They've shut off all aggression inhibitors in a time where tensions are high, they've hired thugs that are kidnaping people of the streets, and now they've got assassins who are even going after peace keepers. Hell it's either corporate espionage where the other corporation is trying to now discredit Sol corp by have their station go to hell on them, or a group trying really damn hard to get those new military bots from them that has corporate access. Speaking of witch PAC, who would be able to send out the emergency shutdown signal for the dampers? As in can only high ranking people of those companies do it or can any yahoo just walk in and flip the on/off switch to off?

>>647382
We need to know more about that new order.

...you know, it's possible the emergency shutdown was done for a good reason. Can we contact those in charge to ask why it was done?

Kaktus 2015/06/09(Tue)15:41 No. 647423 ID: 65a774
File 143388969156.png - (9.55KB , 900x450 , 107.png )

>We'll have to investigate Ferrum cybernetics later.
Indeed, that would be prudent at this conjuncture.
>How many of those companies have a presents on the station and how large are they?
You already know about Sol Corp, but as for the rest… Ferrum does have a large factory and some offices on the station. They are employing about 200 people here. As for SANS they only got a small office here that is mostly logistics, as their main factories are in Serpens space.
>Who would be able to send out the emergency shutdown signal for the dampers?
The emergency shutdown protocol consoles are located in the city hall and peace keepers HQ, they are only accessible by high ranking official employees. They will also need a password, keycard and rental scan from a high leveled employee from one of the firms.
>...you know, it's possible the emergency shutdown was done for a good reason. Can we contact those in charge to ask why it was done?
Sadly, that is not under your jurisdiction. You’re supposed to focus on the task at hand, not the failing augmentations. There’s already a special group working that angle.
>Who supplies peacekeeper armor, by the way?
I’m sorry, but that’s classified.


Hmm… maybe he was trying to make a point?
…that medication can kill?
Or he really hated Sakkilians?
Well, I’m pretty sure he was a speciest…
And we do have another group of extremist that’s probably sakkilian based…
…do you know anything about his time in the military.
Only that he enjoyed it way to much… Really, I don’t like to even consider the kind of violence they do in that organization.
Hmm… and the new order? What do you know about them?
Um… let’s see… what did he say again? Something about a garden of justice…? And a terrace of peace? …and I think he said something about the chains that binds us will break or something…
Hmm… that’s not really helpful at all…
Oh, and he did repeat a nonsensical phrase several times. “The heaven of xenos will fall into the pits of the frozen hell below.” …whatever that means.
…that’s ominous, if anything…
…any other questions, officer?
Let me think…

I’d like to note for when you’re done here, the two prisoners you’ve apprehended today will be ready to be interrogated soon. Unless you want to take the rest of the day off… you do deserve it, after all.

Oh, and Jo! Before you leave!
Huh?
I’M SORRY!!!
Argh, don’t throw yo-

As she brushes your exposed head, a wave of sadness washes over you. You see yourself standing in the middle of a well-traveled street, surrounded by passersby’s clad in gray. As you stand in the middle of the road, the gray clad people ignore you as they pass, avoid you as you reach out for them, your voice falling on deaf ears. One by one they pass, one by one they disappear… until only you’re left in the darkness, your screams going unheard.

You are alone.

W-what!?
…are you alright?
What was… did you…?
It was just a hug, sheesh…

>>647423
Ask Shilse if she has dreams about people wearing grey and avoiding her. I think we may have run into something inexplicable.

Second time that's happened, I guess it's something on our end.

PAC, did you just pick something up? I just had another episode like back at the club.

>“The heaven of xenos will fall into the pits of the frozen hell below.”
Wonder if they're going to try and crash this station into the planet it's orbiting? Might need to double up security around the thruster controls.
>As she brushes your exposed head
Okay, PAC, I think maybe taking some time off now is warranted. I should go see the doctor.

Here's a theory for why he used the spores- he thought maybe more than one Sakkil would show up and the traps couldn't guarantee they would all die. Also, the spores covered the entire room while the traps were either directed or confined to mostly one side of the room. I think it was opportunistic overkill.

>The heaven of xenos
That would be Unity station I suspect.

before we go ask Wright of beginnings about any speciest Uredo groups and what he knows about them.

PAC do a full scan on us. Our brain, our augments, our jelly body, everything.

>>647458
Or he used the spores because he's a speciest and the spore help Uredo but hurt everyone else.

Kaktus 2015/06/10(Wed)04:40 No. 647565 ID: 65a774
File 143393640098.png - (9.33KB , 900x450 , 108.png )

>Second time that's happened, I guess it's something on our end.
…second time of what?
…PAC, did you just pick up something?
…no? I don’t think so?
…I just had another episode like I had back at the club.
…you mean you felt a surge of hatred?
:JounreyDREAM: This time it was… loneliness. Like I was… lost in the darkness without anyone else.
…interesting.
>PAC do a full scan on us. Our brain, our augments, our jelly body, everything.
Scanning… this will take a while…

>Wonder if they're going to try and crash this station into the planet it's orbiting?
…That would fit, yes. Xeno Heaven should be New Horizon itself… and the planet below us is too cold to be really inhabitable, so that’s a frozen hell. But, there are no controls over on station that should do something like that, at least that I know of.
>Here's a theory for why he used the spores- he thought maybe more than one Sakkil would show up and the traps couldn't guarantee they would all die.
PACDREAM: True, any unarmored Sakkilian that would have entered that room would end up dead.
>Or he used the spores because he's a speciest and the spore help Uredo but hurt everyone else.
It doesn’t really… well, help the Uredo but it doesn’t really hurt them either. Of course, it’s also probable that he simply saw the opportunity to steal a canister and did it. You know, unplanned.


…Hey, Shilse… have you ever dreamt about people wearing gray?
…err… what? Okay, first off, what kind of question is that? Second, you do know Serpens doesn’t really dream like you guys do?
Huh? Really?
We can’t really dream, instead we relive memories we’ve had before. Personally, I’ve always thought this whole dreaming thing kind of weird.
Huh… so… you’ve never had the feeling people are avoiding you?
W-wha- N-no, of c-course not. Why w-would people avoid me?
… …yeah, why would they?

Before I leave, can I ask you one more thing, Wright? Do you know any speciest Uredo groups?
…um… no? Why would I know anything about someone like that?
Alright, then I’ll need to take my leave. Goodbye, Wright of Beginnings… See you later, Shilse.
Later, girlfriend.
Glad I should help.

>Okay, PAC, I think maybe taking some time off now is warranted. I should go see the doctor.
Actually, the doctor was going to visit you later… besides, you know he’s probably… “busy” right now.
…oh, right, that…
Oh, and my scan is completed. I detected zero abnormalities.
…then what… never mind. Fine, I’ll just head home then… take it easy… find something for this headache of mine…
Speaking of home, Vitus just let someone else into your apartment.
…oh, come on… If he’s dead when I come back I’ll kill him! Dammit, let’s head home as fast as we can!
At once!

Kaktus 2015/06/10(Wed)04:40 No. 647566 ID: 65a774
File 143393641028.png - (27.69KB , 900x450 , 109.png )

Welcome back, Song of the Journey.

When you enter your humble abode you’re greeted by an old friend, the smell of freshly spilt blood… as well as the smell of something burning nearby. Behind one of the closed doors you hear the telltale signs of a heated argument as angry voices argue with each other. Sadly, you can’t make out what the argument is about, or who it is arguing.

>>647566
...this is probably going to be some comic misunderstanding. Get your stun rod ready anyway. Go to the door. I'm guessing once you're closer you'll be able to recognize the voices.

Best case scenario it's Vitus and Aelia. Worst case scenario it's two assassins arguing about what to do with the body.

Can you tell what species's blood it it (sakkil, human, space-food-animal)?

Kaktus 2015/06/10(Wed)08:09 No. 647596 ID: 65a774
File 143394895750.png - (31.41KB , 900x450 , 110.png )

>Worst case scenario it's two assassins arguing about what to do with the body.
With your luck, it will be bodies instead of a body… with everyone you know on the station in it… including both you parents… and everyone you ever loved. Geez, it’s really been a day like that, huh?
>Can you tell what species's blood it it (sakkil, human, space-food-animal)?
You can tell that it’s blood of some kind… and it’s not Uredo blood, as that smells more like tree sap then anything.
>Get your stun rod ready.
You brandish your blade, just in case…


-even possible to burn water!? I’m pretty sure that’s not physically possible!
I said I was sorry!
Yeah, cutting yourself I can understand, but burning the water even before you’ve put anything in it?
I just wanted to help…
…Have you ever even cooked something yourself?
Um… o-of course… err… right, to be honest, I’ve always relied on the synther to cook the food for me but… err…
So you’ve never even… *sigh* yeah, that would explain your complete incompetence. Look, just go a keep yourself busy with… something, I don’t now, and I’ll cook up something tasty to her, yeah?
Um…

>...this is probably going to be some comic misunderstanding.
It seems so… and it doesn’t look like they know you’re here yet.

Might as well put away your stun rod and go greet them. Vitus is probably going to be surprised at you being home so soon, so you should probably just tell him you had a bad day at work when he asks you why, we probably don't want to worry him too much with all that happened.

Burning water..He means boiling right? Because somehow managing to catch water on fire without oil is somehow as unlucky as your day... And physically impossible!

As it is though, relax a bit, mope, and give some complaints to how horrid your day was, mention in detail how you've been set on fire and ate shit.

Kaktus 2015/06/10(Wed)10:22 No. 647607 ID: 65a774
File 143395693499.png - (31.33KB , 900x450 , 111.png )

Shui? What are you doing here?
Huh? Jo? You’re home already?
Err… we weren’t really expecting you yet but… um…
I had a bit of a bad day.
Yeah, I heard.
You heard?
Shilse called me a while ago, asked me to make a nice dinner for you and stuff like that.
Err… that’s not what she said to me, yeah?
Wait, she called you too!? Oh, right, she saw us both dance with you yesterday so she probably thought… um…
She told me she wanted me too… using her words here “make her scream your name and go cross eyed”… which is kind of hard considering you only have one eye…
She actually asked you too…
Yeah, it’s Shilse, you know her.

Either way, I thought I would ignore her… um… brazen suggestion and just cook you a nice dinner, maybe hang out a bit too?
And that’s why there’s something burning over there?
Hey, it looked easy on the TV.
I still can’t believe you’re so incompetent that you were able to light water on fire, yeah?
Hey! I’m pretty sure it was the stuff in the water that started to burn, not the water itself!
I still think it’s pretty much physically impossible.
Shut up, tin can! Like you can do better.
Yeah, watch and learn, worm… and just because I’m about 70% metal doesn’t mean you can just compare me to-

Guys, can you please shut up. I’ve already had a bad day as it is… and it’s making my headache worse.
Sorry.
Accept my apology! …wait, headache? Oh, I can help you with that!
…you can?
ugh, please tell me you won’t try that “brain massage” thing on her…
Well, it helps against headaches…
The what massage?
Brain massage. I’ll just bombard you with… um… positive emotions… so your mind relax and makes you feel good.
Or make you nauseated and dazed.
Don’t listen to that pessimistic lizard. It will work.
Yeah, and make her tell us about her bad day while you’re at it…
Great idea! That way you’ll make those bad memories good ones!
…wait, you’re going to do what?
Just trust me, alright? …you do trust me, right?
…
He will make you puukee…
Shut up, Vitus, that’s never happened and you know it… So, do you trust me or not?

Well, it's the least likely bad thing to do during the day...And maybe we could clean out some more of that manure we absorbed if we do infact puke, win win.

wait, let him try this. It could be how you we getting pissed/sad earlier? When he's done (and if you can form words without throwing up) ask if just anyone can do it.

> So, do you trust me or not?
Well let's think of the last time someone made contact with our head. Yeah, I think we'll take a pass on this one for now. Just take some painkillers, but if that doesn't work we'll give it a shot I guess.

Inform everyone that the aggression inhibitors are offline, if the department isn't trying to keep that suppressed too.

>>647607
Ask if this is some sort of empathic thing because you've had two experiences like that already.

Kaktus 2015/06/10(Wed)16:11 No. 647640 ID: 65a774
File 143397790760.png - (30.21KB , 900x450 , 112.png )

>Inform everyone that the aggression inhibitors are offline, if the department isn't trying to keep that suppressed too.
That is currently classified information. In fact, you shouldn’t know about it either, but you figured it out on your own so…


…is this some kind of empathic thing?
Well, technically every time I talk it’s an empathic thing.
Oh, right, no mouths thing… but still…?
Yes, it’s kind of an empathic thing. It’s almost like when you hear me talking… but you’ll feel emotions instead of hearing a voice.
While you two play Telepaths, I’ll start cooking up some real food…
…can anyone do this?
Every Serpens, yeah. Um… well, it requires some training and experience to do it, but all of us should be able to do it.
…well, it’s probably not going to be the worst thing that will happen to me today.
So you do trust me!
Well, if it end like Vitus says, I’ll clean out some more of that manure I’ve got in my system… and get revenge at you at the same time, so win win I guess?
So… err…
I trust you not to hurt me intentionally.
Very well, let’s get started then. Focus on my eyes and I’ll just-

You feel the cold rain of the storm whip against your face, hitting you so hard it almost hurts. All-around you, you hear the screams of help as the rest of the passengers are dragged overboard into the abyss below. You rush to the closes victim and extend your hand in aid, but as they grip it you can feel them slipping away from your grasp, dooming them to be consumed by the shadow below. You realize no matter how hard you try, you can never save them all… you’re not even strong enough to save one of them. You’re no hero… you’re not special…

You are nothing…

That’s odd…
…w-what was that?
Huh? What was what? I’ve not even started yet.
Oh, err… never mind, then…
It’s odd, but no matter how much I focus I can seem to find your mind in your head…
… …that’s because I only got an eye stalk up there. My brain is down here, doofus.
Oh, right… sorry… let’s see… here we g-

Kaktus 2015/06/10(Wed)16:12 No. 647641 ID: 65a774
File 143397792121.png - (30.24KB , 900x450 , 113.png )

A perfect garden stretches out before you… engulfing you with its sweet fragrance of the blooming flora. You walk between the rows of flowers and feel the tranquility wash over you. All your sorrows are gone, replaced with a harmony of positive emotions. In this sanctuary, you are safe… and you know that in the end…

You are perfect.

Purrrr…
*huff* d-d-did you… *Cough*…
W-why did you stop?
*Gasp* S-sorry, it’s… *huff*…k-kind o-o-off… errr… t-taxing… *huff*… j-just need t-to… catch my b-breath…
…that was amazing. I’ve never… never even imagined something like that. For a moment, everything was just… perfect.
T-that’s the… err… I-I c-can’t really… ugh… s-sorry…
Are you alright?
He’s fine. He’s just a bit tired. Of course, I doesn’t help that he’s exaggerate it a bit to gain your sympathy.
HEY! I’m not exaggerating an- I mean… err… *huff*?
…I was just wondering how someone that doesn’t have a mouth can be out of breath.
Sorry… t-though I am a totally beat after that session…
Still… thank you, Shui, it was lovely… hey, and my headache is gone! Sweet!
See, I told you it would work.

>>647641
Ask him if he can read peoples' minds. ALSO CONFIDE IN HIM ABOUT THE PSYCHIC SHIT.

Tell him though that before he got it right you had a quick feeling of total helplessness, might as well tell him what you saw as well. Ask what his take on that.

How long was it anyways?

Also hug him, that was probably the best feeling you've had all day!

>I still think it’s pretty much physically impossible.
Well, if he somehow modifies the atomic structure, you do get Oxygen and Hydrogen... Isn't Hydrogen rather burnable? Of course, the question would be how one manages to separate them without blowing up the entire station.
If he did have a way to, it would probably have enough energy behind it to act as the ignition, too, though, so one step covers it all.
>Every Serpens, yeah. Um… well, it requires some training and experience to do it, but all of us should be able to do it.
>You feel the cold rain of the storm whip against your face--
Okay, is it possible to grab the emotions out of somebody else, rather than pushing your own towards them? Because three times now I've felt emotions that people weren't trying to convey, and one of them wasn't even a Serpens!
>A perfect garden stretches out before you…
Going from "Nothing" to "Angelic" would take a considerable amount of effort.
And you aren't "Nothing," Shui. Everybody makes their own mistakes, but being able to do something like that does more than just "Make up" for it, you're definitely an extraordinary person.
Now, I need to remind myself to remind Shilse later that she's not alone, and that she's got us.

...If Victus ends up having one of these empathic downers, though, I swear, I'm going to throw a bucket of water over him.

Hey, where's Cib? I kind of figured that his its head was staying here until the PK finished inspecting its body, was I wrong, and they took the head too? Or did they bring its body over and Cib went back to its own place?

Generally when you "burn water" it's because you've boiled through the water and overheated the pot so that any leftover grease or teflon coating or something like that catches fire.

Well between this and lunch I think our karmic balance for the day is pretty much evened out.

Don't just spring the whole empath thing on them, I don't think there's much precedent for this kind of thing and I don't want to risk being rude.

>Every Serpens
>it requires some training and experience to do it
How experienced can a serpens get at this? For instance can a serpens mess with someones mind from afar?

Kaktus 2015/06/11(Thu)08:46 No. 647801 ID: 65a774
File 143403758892.png - (30.30KB , 900x450 , 114.png )

>Hug him, that was probably the best feeling you've had all day!
Ofh… err…
Thank you, Shui… I really needed that after what happened today…
Err… no problem…
It was amazing, really.
Um… it was nothing, really… err…
Oh, and you aren’t nothing, Shui… everyone makes mistake after all.
W-what?
You’re definitely an extraordinary person, you convinced me of that after what you just did.
… … …y-you really- I m-mean, thanks… thank you, Jo…

So, how long was I gone anyway.
Oh, only for a few seconds… about fifteen, I think?
Really? Because it felt like an eternity… but it was still over way too soon.
Heh, well… that’s how it is, really… you can never get enough…
So… I’m a bit curios about this whole empath thing you guys got. Can you read people’s minds?
Of course not. I don’t get why people keep assuming we can. We can broadcast our own thoughts, not the other way around.
So… it’s not possible to grab someone else’s emotions?
Nope.
How experienced can people get at this? Can they mess with someone’s mind from afar?
No, we need physical contact to do something like this… and the one receiving the emotions needs to be… well, focusing on you when you send them. That’s why I asked you to focus on my eyes.
Oh…

…hey, before you succeeded, I… I…
Yeah?
…it might sound crazy but… … …um…
…?
Never mind… Hey, by the way, where’s Cib? Wasn’t it supposed to stay here for a while?
They took it back to its apartment with Susan. Apparently it got its body back and is talking to the peace keepers right now.
Oh, so it’s fine? Good.
Hey, it will take a while before this is done. How about you clean yourself up a bit and get out of that stuffy uniform, Jo?
…that’s actually a good idea. I really need a proper go in the hydro chamber after what happened today. If you’ll excuse me I’ll just make myself a bit more presentable. See you in a minute, boys.

Kaktus 2015/06/11(Thu)08:46 No. 647802 ID: 65a774
File 143403760883.png - (30.64KB , 900x450 , 115.png )

Ugh… I really need this, don’t I… *sniff* geez, I smell… I just hope those two doesn’t start arguing again as soon as I left.
They started arguing as soon as you left.
Typical… oh, right, you can hear everything that happens in here, can’t you?
With your current settings, yes. Do you wish to hear what they are currently discussing yourself?
Hmm… tempting… on one hand, it would be wrong… on the other hand, what they don’t know about won’t hurt them and I’m kind of curios what they are fighting over this time… hmm…

Oh, and have you considered how you will present yourself after your trip to the HydroEther Cleaning Chamber?
…since when do you care what I wear?
You wished for another Cibic to snuggle up against. While I can’t give you that, I can try to give you the next best thing.
…don’t tell me you’ve started playing cupid, PAC.
I am just following your orders, ma’am.
Of course you are…
On that note, I will have to remind you that your perfumed salts and other cosmetics has arrived.
Yes, I already know about that… now please stop trying to pair me with… anyone, really.
Very well.
Still… maybe I should make myself a bit more presentable then usual… hmm…

Listen in, at least it'll give something to listen to while bathing.

Also, lets get nice and pretty! I'm pretty sure anything you do won't get set on fire or burnt or chopped off by bloodthirsty crazed military Uredo.

>…y-you really- I m-mean, thanks… thank you, Jo…
Hey, his visor turned pink! Interesting. I guess it's tuned to his empathic waves or something.
>maybe I should make myself a bit more presentable then usual…
What comes to mind is the purple dress worn to the club... Something like that, but maybe green in color instead.

>Do you wish to hear what they are currently discussing yourself?
How about you tell me what they're arguing about so we'll only hear about it second hand?

Well don't exactly put on a dress, but look nice and put on some perfume.

Kaktus 2015/06/11(Thu)13:58 No. 647845 ID: 65a774
File 143405631608.png - (30.92KB , 900x450 , 116.png )

>Hey, his visor turned pink! Interesting. I guess it's tuned to his empathic waves or something.
That would be probable, yes.

Hmm… how about you just tell me what they are arguing about? That way I’ll only learn about it second hand.
They are arguing the spiritual ramifications of cybernetic modification in our current social structure and cultural media.
… …wait, what? They are arguing the what in the what now? …just patch me through so I can hear what they are saying…
-ecause you have literal balls of steel doesn’t mean you can ju-
Hey! I’ve already told you a hundred times, I don’t have steel genitalia.
You’ve bragged about your artificial donads before…
Yeah, but it’s made out of silicon… and I technically don’t even have balls anymore! It’s just-
Right, too much information.
…yeah, this is really an intellectual discussion of spiritual ramifications…
Actually, it is. Well, it’s not intellectual, but I never said it was.

As I was saying, why do you have to be so rude all the sudden? I mean, it’s not my fault you’re some kind of hideous lizard machine th-
You’re telling me I’m rude then insult me in the very next sentence? Yeah, at least go past the starting line before you fumble next time.
Hey! I bet I can last way longer then you can!
…wait, wha- okay, first off, that’s not at all what I was talking about. Second, I’m augmented to last for- You know what, forget about it. I’m not having this discussion.
…geez, I leave for five minutes and they’ve already have a literal dick measuring contest?
Just… go set the table or something, yeah?
Right, right… … … … … … …so… …what are we drinking to the dinner?
I was thinking this really sweet Sakkilian cider tha-
Ugh, sweet? Why does everything have to taste like candy for you guys? No, we should have a bottle of some real Serpens spirits. One made out of the best sea fungus and seaweed! I know just th-
Yeah, those things are always so damn bitter and disgusting. No way am I ruining our dinner with that!
Hey, I bet Jo will love it, at least compared to your bottled piss.
Then why don’t we let her choose what we drink, yeah?

Ugh, silence them already. Their bickering is beckoning back my headache…
Very well…
I rather bath in silence anyway…

…

>Lets get nice and pretty!
Hmm… maybe a bit much?
Didn’t you say the same thing about the purple dress yesterday?
True, but… hmm…

>>647802
Don't be nosy. Vitus already got pissed at you for that sort of thing.

Wear something nice but not too fancy.

I say put on causal clothes but ones that actually help you stand out a bit. No need to over dress right now but that doesn't mean we can't show off a little.

You know I am amazed they are friends at times, but then again friends can say shit to each other like that and not really get mad.

But yeah I suppose we can tone it down a tad, still feel nice, but casual.

>Hmm… maybe a bit much?
It sure doesn't say "I've had a lousy day & need to relax".

I think we had better tell them about the aggression inhibitors before either of them says something they regret.

And have both wines with dinner, we're omnivorous like a forest fire.

Kaktus 2015/06/11(Thu)16:24 No. 647859 ID: 65a774
File 143406507523.png - (30.76KB , 900x450 , 117.png )

>It sure doesn't say "I've had a lousy day & need to relax".
… …I think I will go with something a bit more… causal, actually.
if you wish.

>You know I am amazed they are friends at times, but then again friends can say shit to each other like that and not really get mad.
Though they haven’t probably had something to fight over before.
…you make it sound like I’m some sort of price.
My apologies, that was not my intention with that statement.
>I think we had better tell them about the aggression inhibitors before either of them says something they regret.
I repeat, that is classified information. You are not under any circumstances tell anyone of that.
Yeah, yeah, I get it.

…

So, did you boys miss me?
Ah, Jo! Good, we were just discussing something you can help us with, concerning tonight’s menu. We got more than one kind of drink, yeah, and we were wondering which one of these-
All of them.
All of them?
I like to try new things, so I rather try everything you got. I don’t care if it doesn’t fit with the meal, I want to try it.
…well, I guess we need to get both of these bottles opened, then. Shui, carry the main dish to the table, if you please.
Roger that.

Kaktus 2015/06/11(Thu)16:24 No. 647860 ID: 65a774
File 143406508614.png - (31.38KB , 900x450 , 118.png )

…Damn cork, I can’t seem to- Wops!
*Dunk*
So, where do- HEY WHERE DID TH-

Kaktus 2015/06/11(Thu)16:24 No. 647861 ID: 65a774
File 143406509450.png - (32.11KB , 900x450 , 119.png )

-BOTTLE!!
WATCH O-
*Splash!*
*Splish!*

Kaktus 2015/06/11(Thu)16:25 No. 647862 ID: 65a774
File 143406510134.png - (31.71KB , 900x450 , 120.png )

…
…
…
…ow… hot…
…my head…
…well, then…

>>647862
...well crap. Clean them up with some paper towels then eat the paper towels. The floor can be cleaned up with something you won't be eating (and they should mostly do that since the mess is their fault). Or do you not care about effectively eating off the floor?

The bottles are probably only half empty so that's salvageable. The pot of food is nixed, so I guess we'll have to synth something up. Or heck, cook something yourself.

In whatever case, tell them not to worry, it's just food. It's not like they broke your stove or anything.

... Additionally, I suspect there is something interfering with everyone's balance, or maybe hand-eye coordination.

Oh geez you two go clean yourselves up. I guess I'll order a Space Pizza or something...

..*Snicker* Well, that was the best display of dual clumsiness I've seen. 10/10.

But yeah, time to get out the cleaning supplies and help them out of those wet clothes.

Dammit. Normally this situation would end up with a short exchange of sharp words before they realize it was all an accident, but with their aggression inhibitors off-line this could escalate in a bad direction real quick, maybe even to the point one of them strikes the other. It may not happen, but all the same you'd best take actions to reduce the chances it will as well as move into a position you can pull Vitus away and get between them if it does.

Quickly move in front of Vitus and ask him if he was scalded while you wipe the food off his face. (Absorb it into your arm so you can at least get a taste of whatever it was he made.) Make sure to keep your augmented arm on him in case you have to pull him away. Then tell him to go wash up in the bathroom; That'll get him away from Shui. Tell Shui to use the kitchen sink to clean off so he doesn't track food back into the apartment. You'll start dealing with this mess while he does that. Paper towels will wipe up the worst of it, and activating the kitchen cleaning 'bot ought to take care of what's left.

You're going to need a substitute dinner for y'all. Have Eli's people delivered the leftovers from your lunch meeting yet? 'Cause if they have and there's enough for the three of you that'll be a good dinner, even after being reheated. Otherwise, how 'bout ordering delivery from that human restaurant Pallavi mentioned? You'll have to shoot her a message to ask her what its name is first, and if they deliver. Though, it is in another spire so your place might be outside their delivery area.

Hey, where's your keg 'o Cin? You're going to need to take half of what's left in it after dinner. You did remember to bring it back from the meeting with Eli, right? ...And did you remember to drink a third of it after lunch? You don't want the doc to chide you for not following his orders when he comes around, now do you?

When you get a moment, ask PAC why the aggression inhibitors even have a mass emergency shutdown protocol. You can't think of an emergency that would call for that, especially with a shutdown protocol that both doesn't notify the user and doesn't show up on their basic cybernetics diagnostics afterwards. And what's the plan to reactivate all those implants after a shutdown, anyway?

You figure the Captain is taking steps to prioritize getting the Peacekeepers' aggression implants reset first so there aren't officers popping off and making the situation on New Horizon much worse, so ask PAC when and where you're going to get your implant reset.

Unless you want to suck the liquids straight off them (I bet they'd like it, actually)
>>647871
this would be a good course of action.

Kaktus 2015/06/12(Fri)06:00 No. 647991 ID: 65a774
File 143411403490.png - (31.70KB , 900x450 , 121.png )

>Ask PAC why the aggression inhibitors even have a mass emergency shutdown protocol.
In case of an emergency, obviously. It’s possible, in theory, that one of those augmentations can start bugging on a large scale, after all.
>What's the plan to reactivate all those implants after a shutdown, anyway?
We’ll simply revert the emergency shut down and all implants should start functioning again. In fact, I have to wonder why it’s taking such a long time to do that.
>...Additionally, I suspect there is something interfering with everyone's balance, or maybe hand-eye coordination.
Or they are just fumbling because they got something to be nervous about.

>Have Eli's people delivered the leftovers from your lunch meeting yet?
There is a canister currently located in your fridge. I thought it prudent to put it there after they brought it here.
>Hey, where's your keg 'o Cin?
It’s also in the fridge. They brought it along with your leftovers, as you asked them too.
>activating the kitchen cleaning 'bot ought to take care of what's left.
Cleaning cycle engaged.

>Dammit. Normally this situation would end up with a short exchange of sharp words before they realize it was all an accident, but with their aggression inhibitors off-line this could escalate in a bad direction real quick, maybe even to the point one of them strikes the other!
…I guess I should be glad it had cooled off a bit…
*Smirk* Still, I have to say that you’re looking smoking hot right now.
Off, that was horrible. I’m going to have to hurt you for that pun.
Well, you already shoot me in the head with a cork.
It was a SWEET shoot, yeah?
Ugh, please don’t mention that word right now. I’m already covered in this sugary cider of yours…
…you do realize that just because they can get angry, doesn’t mean people will start turning into the hulk on moment notice?
(Oh, shut it… wait, what’s a hulk?)

*Snicker*
Well, at least someone is happy about this.
Sorry, it’s just… it looked kind of hilarious.
Yeah, it would have, wouldn’t it. I’m almost jealous that I missed it from your point of view.
I’ll give you a ten out of ten for that synchronized act of yours.
Oh, I do hope we win a prize.
Well, I guess I can help you two clean up… and I can also offer some nice leftovers for dinner, as this one is rather… um… ruined.
Yeah, that would be good…
At least we should save some of the cider.
Ugh…

So, don’t worry guys, it was just some food. It’s not like you broke my Synther or something.
…
…
…
To be totally honest, I was expecting it to catch fire after you said that.
You should learn not to tempt fate, Jo.
Gee, sorry. Now stand still for a bit.
H-hey, what are y-
I’m cleaning you two up, that’s what.
Heh, that tickles.
JourneyDREAM: Mmm, this thing you made is rather good, Vitus… even though I need to eat it directly off you.
Err… h-heh… y-yeah… um…
But the cider is a bit too sweet to really fit any kind of dinner…
Y-you t-think so?

Now, get out of those wet clothes. I rather not have you walking around track food all around my apartment.
W-wait, what?
You heard the girl.
I’m n-not just g-going to undress r-right here!
Well, those clothes aren’t going to suddenly clean themselves.
B-but err…

You only need to remove your shirt from what it looks like, and if your pants are soaked too we could get a towel or something to provide some privacy.

I mean, you are wearing something under there aren't you?

...
...
...
Pffff
hahahaha
oh god the look on their faces right now.
glad to see you're keep the love conga line going there Song.

But yeah get them something to wear while we wash their clothes. They can stay over until they dry if they want. Maybe pop a movie or a game or something in and just chat about little things. Just something to take your mind off how crappy, although productive, day.

>Y-you t-think so?
Great for desserts, though.
>I’m n-not just g-going to undress r-right here!
Bathroom's that-a-way.

>>647991
...I wonder if Shui is attracted to Vitus. Maybe we can hook them up. Getting them both to undress together in the bathroom won't hurt.

Do we have anything for them to wear? Or are we just going to wash their clothes?

>It’s possible, in theory, that one of those augmentations can start bugging on a large scale
And exactly what would that do? Make the inhibitors stop working permanently, fry peoples brains< TURN EVERYONE INTO A HIPPY?
In fact, can the inhibitors do anything other then inhibit anger? How do they work?

>I’m n-not just g-going to undress r-right here!
Well then use those locomotion appendages and get to the bathroom. You too Shui, either wait for him or use the bedroom.

In the meantime take leftovers out of the fridge.

Also Pac unless I sleep on a bed for people with bones or someone else can sleep in hydro chamber, I'm sleeping on my own tonight.

Kaktus 2015/06/13(Sat)11:16 No. 648193 ID: 65a774
File 143421937981.png - (31.00KB , 900x450 , 122.png )

> ...I wonder if Shui is attracted to Vitus. Maybe we can hook them up.
While they might be bickering like an old married couple, you have a hard time to believe anything resembling a proper relationship between those two would work out.
>Getting them both to undress together in the bathroom won't hurt.
…if anything, it would be funny to watch them squirm… at least watch Vitus squirm.

>Can the inhibitors do anything other than inhibit anger? How do they work?
I do not have access to the exact schematics, but they are supposed to only repress anger in all forms. Of course, they are still supposed to let anger at acceptable levels through, or else it might end up like the mark 1 version.
(Mark 1?)
Apparently, hatred, spite and jealousy are some of the prime motivators among the non-uredo species, which the uredo scientist didn’t expect. Thus, the first test run ended in disaster. That’s why there’s an emergency override.
>Pac, unless I sleep on a bed for people with bones or someone else can sleep in hydro chamber, I'm sleeping on my own tonight.
You already ordered me not to play cupid, ma’am, no need to do so again.


Well, Vitus, are those pants coming off or not?
E-e-err…
… …*Pfff* HAH!
hah…?
I wish you should see your face! Priceless!
H-hey…
Sorry, it’s just… *Snrk* I shouldn’t resist messing with you a bit. Still, I rather not you wander around in dirty clothes. You got a shirt under that, right?
Well, err… yeah, but-
So use those augmented locomotion appendages and move it toward the bathroom, soldier!
Y-yes, ma’am!

Same goes for you, sh- or you’re already done…
It was only a shirt. Of course, I got a stain on the lower half too, but as I’m not wearing anything under this so I thought it was for the better if they stayed on. I’m guessing you don’t want to see me running around naked, do you?
… …while tempting, I have to concur. That thing stays on.
So, you got a place to wash this, right?
Err… I think it’s in the bedroom?
of course, be right back.

…

There, they will be clean in an hour or two.
Err… so… about dinner, yeah…?
Well, I was thinking of eating these leftovers I got, but I don’t think there’s enough for three people.
Don’t worry, I can’t eat it anyway.
Oh, right, I forgot to check what you guys can eat.
Well, it’s more that I don’t have a mouth and can only eat liquid food?
Oh, right…
So I’ll just synth up a nice slurry of plankton to absorb.

So, you two have any plans after this meal?
Not really… I mean, maybe we can play a game or something?
Maybe watch a movie?
Oh, that’s even better. You know, maybe watch a scary one just the two- err… three of us.
Yeah, I don’t really like scary movies… how about a comedy instead? Romantic one, maybe?
Ugh, no thanks…
Hmm… I do have some board games I’ve been wanting to play for a while…
… I guess that would work too, yeah?
But it would be better if we were four players. Oh, maybe we can invite Shilse? I don’t think she was doing anything today.
Shilse? But she’s… errr…
Um… is that really… you know…
yeah, I don’t know…
…

Come on, guys! Shilse's not that bad

Oh come on, we can't let this turn into a sausage fest. I'll make her promise not to hook up with anyone or try to get anyone to hook up, okay?

>>648193
People really are avoiding her, huh. Yeah, let's just tell her no flirting at all, see how that works out.

you know if you tell her to stop hitting on you she will stop hitting on you. Also Shui why are you worried? She isn't interested in her own species I thought?

Okay, what's wrong with Shilse? You know she comes on strong but she'll dial it back if you just ask her to. Plus, Shilse owes you after she swung that bucketful of manure in your face, so you can just order her to behave if she gets out of line while here. She also mentioned she likes to play Q&Q, so maybe we could get a game of that going; You've never played and would like to give it a go.

Or is it these two are hemming and hawing 'cause they want this to be a date with you (albeit something of a "competitive" one between them) and don't want a metaphorical fifth wheel gumming things up? ...Yeah, it feels like it might be that.

>Oh, that’s even better. You know, maybe watch a scary one just the two- err… three of us.
>Yeah, I don’t really like scary movies… how about a comedy instead? Romantic one, maybe?
Well, how 'bout an action movie? Or perhaps a mystery movie? Maybe one with a sci-fi setting? Or perhaps a historical setting for some variety? And how cheesy do they want it? 'Cause you can go to gets-Hivers-high-as-a-kite levels of cheese.

>Yeah, it would have, wouldn’t it. I’m almost jealous that I missed it from your point of view.
Actually, he could see it from your point of view. You didn't tell PAC to go into private mode so it was still recording via your optical implant, correct? If so then you could tell him that you could share that video with him. Though, he or Shui might be upset they've been recorded without their knowledge, so make sure to apologize for forgetting to set your PAC unit to private mode when you came in. And ask if they want you to stop recording while they're here or erase what's already been recorded.

Kaktus 2015/06/13(Sat)16:26 No. 648263 ID: 65a774
File 143423799243.png - (30.79KB , 900x450 , 123.png )

>Actually, he could see it from your point of view. You didn't tell PAC to go into private mode so it was still recording via your optical implant, correct?
Actually, I’ll automatically go into private mode as soon as you go off duty, Jo. I’ll only record something that I deem important or work related and while funny, that occurrence was neither.


Come one, guys, let’s not turn this into a sausage fest!
Err… but you’re here, right? Doesn’t that mean-
I’ve got both genders, remember? That means I’ve got a sausage too.
Thinking like that, then Shilse got a sausage too, doesn’t she. Wouldn’t inviting her over just make things more sausagy?
I’m pretty sure that’s not a word…
Ugh, forget I brought that up… either way, what if I tell her not to flirt with you… at all? She owe me after all.
Yeah, like that’s gonna happen…
Well… it’s just… err…

Why are you even worried, Shui? She rather be with other species… wait, are you two hemming and hawing because you want to turn this into a date with me?
Well, you see-
That’s not-
Yeah, that’s not how it is at all…
Err… indeed…
… …honest.
…uh huh…

Anyway, I heard she likes to play Q&Q… and I always wanted to try that, so maybe we can give it a go?
You can’t just start a Q&Q game like that, yeah? You need a lot of planning and discussing before you play anything.
Eh, just play one of those pre-made campaigns and use some almost completed characters and we’ll be playing in an hour.
Playing? I wouldn’t call that playing! That’s just some boring dungeon crawl. If I wanted to play something like that I’d play one of those Q&Q video games. No, real Q&Q is about intrigue, dialog, growth… you know, roleplaying!
See, this is why we never play anymore. You just keep whining about stuff like that.
The reason why we don’t play anymore is because you keep playing a barbarian with low intelligence that tries to crush the skull of anyone that’s not in the party.
Guys, stop it… no matter what we play, I’ll call Shilse, alright? Give me a sec.

*BEEP*
…
*BEEP*
…
*BEEP*
…
*BEEP*

…she’s taking her sweet time answering…
She’s probably busy doing something else, then.
Yeah, no need to disturb her.
Shut it, both of you.

*BE-
H-hello? S-Shilse here.
Hey, it’s Jo. What’s up?
Oh, um… n-nothing, really?
…is it just my, or does it sound like you have a sore throat? …which is surprising considering you don’t have a throat.
Eh? O-oh no, I’m err… f-fine, really. It’s nothing. So… um… w-what’s up w-with you, eh?
Wel-
AND I’M SORRY FOR THROWING THAT… that… um… stuff at you… s-sorry… I didn’t… um… p-please do- I mean… err… w-w-what’s up?
…

>>648263
I think you'd better take this call in private. Ask her what's wrong. ...did something happen between her and Shui? He had an odd expression on his face.

We'd better make up an excuse to go into the other room. Ask Shilse if she's okay...and make sure she knows you're not mad at her.

Relax, apparently butterfingers have been going around. That wasn't even the worst thing to happen today. Shui, Vitus & I were going to play some board games and we need another player, no that's not a euphemism. And because you owe me, no trying to hook up or playing cupid, alright?

Ah, shit, we should have acted on our empathy concerning Shilse sooner. She feels absolutely abandoned. Well, she's there, and she's talking, so there's still a chance, at least.
>>648268
>>648317
Going into another room would probably be best, yeah. Tell her it's alright, that as her friend you're not going to just abandon her over a simple accident like that.
"And Shilse... it sounds like you really were worried about being alone. You don't have to worry about that, okay? I'll always be here for you, so if there's ever anything you need, just give me a call.
...You still owe me some cardboard for that accident, though."

Kaktus 2015/06/16(Tue)14:00 No. 648855 ID: 65a774
File 143448842855.png - (30.83KB , 900x450 , 124.png )

Guys, will you excuse me for a second? I’ll need to take this in private.
Err… no problem.
Yeah, don’t worry about us.

Shilse, I need you to honest with me and tell me what’s wrong.
Err… n-nothing is wrong?
…did something append between you and Shui?
…wait, who is Shui again? The H-Human or the S-Serpens?
Never mind that, I was just… just tell me what’s wrong, please.
I a-already-
You’re stammering, you sound hoarse and you… you… you’ve been crying, haven’t you?
… … … … …o-ofcousen-not,d-don’tbes-silly… err…

…Shilse, please listen to me. I’m not mad at you, honest. What you did was an accident. Those happens.
B-but-
We’re friends, right?
Friends?
And friends don’t just abandon each other over a simple accident.
… …y-yeah, they don’t…
You still owe me some cardboard, though, but otherwise I forgive you, Shilse.
…Oh, of… of course.

Now, stop moping and come hang out with us.
…wait, us?
Vitus, Shui and I are going to play some board games and need another player.
Oh… err… I guess I can come and play?
Just promise me not that you’ll not flirt with everyone… or start playing cupid or anything.
I promise! Err… I just need to clean up a bit but… be there in twenty?
Oh, and you’ve played Q&Q right?
Err… a bit, yeah? I mean, I was in a group for a while before… t-they… um… kick- I mean, stopped playing…
…well, we were considering playing a game, just so you know.
That would be fun, yeah… see you in a while, girlfriend.

-and with the mansion on the island? Remember that?
Yeah, that was a fun campaign… oh, how about the demon in the abandoned tower?
Ah, yes, that’s still one of my favorite games I’ve played. I still remember the fear and paranoia I felt as we descended into those catacombs. Ah, good times…
If I remember correctly, I was the game master on that one.
Oh, is that what you’re getting at? Well, forget it. I’m going to GM this game. While you might have some good games under your belt, majority of the game sessions you’ve had was boring, long winded ones. Jo wants action, not… boredom!
HA! And she’ll not get bored by your constant call for fighting, yeah?

Geez, can’t I leave for a minute without you two starting bickering over trivial stuff?
We’re just discussing who will be the GM in our Q&Q.
Yeah, we’re not bickering at all. Of course, now that you’re here you can help us decide!
… …I have no idea which one of you are a good… whatever it was I’m supposed to choose.
Vitus is just going to a bore to play with, so you should choose me.
And Shui is kind of creatively sterile, just like all Serpens.
Hey! That’s speciest!
It’s not speciest if it’s true.
*Sigh*…

this is just going to be a one shot right? I say tell them to flip a coin and we can work from there.

Lady luck is the answer to all! I mean we could go either way. Flip that spherical bit of old time currency

Rock Paper Scissors?

>Flip that spherical bit of old time currency
...What good would that do? Spheres are perfectly round, there are no sides. You need a flat disk type object. Or, if there was, like, a wishbone in the food you ate, you could have them see who gets the bigger half when they split it.

Kaktus 2015/06/16(Tue)16:00 No. 648893 ID: 65a774
File 143449563399.png - (28.78KB , 900x450 , 125.png )

This is going to a one shot deal, right?
Yeah, probably… well, I mean, if you like it we should continue playing at another date but…
Right now it’s going to be self-contained.
Then, why not decide by… let’s say, Rock Paper Scissors?
That’s a great idea, yeah?
Aw, but Vitus always wins when we play it.
It’s not my fault that you’re predicable. So, best out of three?

Actually, how about we let lady luck decide? Give me a coin and I’ll flip for it.
…errr… coin?
Haven’t those things been out of use since… what, a hundred years ago?
…alright, fine, how about… did the food we ate have a wisdom bone in it or something?
…we haven’t actually eaten yet, yeah?
…oh, right, that reminds me, I’m starving… right, how about this then. I’ll think about a number between 1 to 10 and you two-
7!
…I was going to say guess if it was even or not, but that will work to. Sorry, Shui, but I was thinking of 4, an even number. That means Vitus will lead this time.
Right, I’ll start thinking about a scenario right away.
You do that… but now, food.

…

Hello, Shilse.
Jo! Hi! What’s up? You look lovely! That’s a nice dress! It really fits you!
Err… thanks?
And have you lost weight!? You look marvelous!
Err…
OH! And I brought some cardboard for you! Sorry, but I didn’t have any more then this!
Oh, thanks a-
Don’t worry, I’ll go buy more for you tomorrow! How many boxes do you want!? 4!? 5!?
Err… no, that’s fi-
Oh, and I’ll buy you a nice dinner tomorrow too, something real expensive!
…there’s no-
And what’s the rent on this place!? I’m sure I can pay off at least half of it!
…wha-
Of course, I have to save on pretty much everything if I want to afford that but… that’s what friends do, right!? They help each other, right!? RIGHT!?
…

>>648893
Silshe stop, we've already made up. Also you need therapy.

Hand in her face, tell her to calm down. Also it's starting to become rather clear she's never really had much luck with friends at all, maybe the whole "Bang everything that moves" sort of attitude is because she's just desperate for anything else.

Either way, get her to calm down, everythings fine and she doesn't need to basically enslave herself to you and provide you anything right now.

>They help each other, right!? RIGHT!?
Moderation, Shilse! Don't go putting yourself into trouble to try and be helpful, friends don't let friends do that, and if I find out you're doing that so help me I'll restrain you to the extent of the law as necessary. You already promised me cardboard, and to me, that is a delicious meal. Aside from that, all I need help with is learning the customs of this section of Unity, which you can help me out with by hanging out with me from time to time. It's why I wanted you here with us for the game!

Chill out Shilse. All we want is your company.

Rule #1 of Friendship: You don't force it, it comes naturally.

So please just be yourself, Shilse. We are already friends, you don't need to try this hard to keep it that way.

Kaktus 2015/06/18(Thu)12:04 No. 649242 ID: 65a774
File 143465426790.png - (30.15KB , 900x450 , 126.png )

>It's starting to become rather clear she's never really had much luck with friends at all, maybe the whole "Bang everything that moves" sort of attitude is because she's just desperate for anything else.
Considering how open the Serpens is about those things, it might be the only way she’s been consequently close to people.
>She needs therapy.
It seems most people you’ve made friends with here on the station are a bit… eccentric. The important question is “what does that say about you?”.

Shilse…
Oh, and do you need help with work?
Shilse!
I mean, if I quit my current j-
SHILSE!
Huh?
Calm down, it’s alright. We’re already even. There’s no need for you to do… any of that, really.
But-
We’re friends, and do you know what friends do?
They help each other?
And friends don’t let friends put themselves in trouble by being helpful.
…oh…

Besides, all I want right now is your company… and that delicious cardboard you brought with you.
…is it r-really that good? I mean, I c-can’t really… errr…
At least I think so. Now, do you want a tip?
I guess?
Rule number one of friendship: you don’t force it, it comes naturally. So please just be yourself, Shilse.
… …b-but what if… everyone t-thinks you’re… um… never mind. Right, be myself…
…thin-
H-hello guys…

…I swear I’m going to hurt someone if one of you tells us to start making out…
Err… last time I checked I’m the only one with a mouth here thus the only one that can make out, yeah?
…I have to admit, a part of me wanted to say something to that effect but… err… that would ruin the moment, wouldn’t it?
…but you ju-
You’ve already ruined the moment, Jo, sorry.
…oh.

Yeah, anyway, we need some help prepping the game, so I got three quick questions for you two. First, what do you want to play as? We’ve got a Warrior, strong and kind of dumb, a thief, sneaky and charismatic, and a magician, an intelligent magic caster.
Dibs on the war-
You’re choosing last, Shui. Ladies first and all that.
Aww…
Well… um… I always wanted to be… err… you know… so… err… never mind, you choose first, Jo…
…

While you think that over, do you want to focus more on fighting or talking?
Fighting!
…err… t-talking?
Right, a tie… and the last question, I got three different worlds to base it in. Do you want to be in a pretty much standard medieval setting, a desert tribal setting or a setting based on a cold, snowy north filled with warriors?
I’ll choose the one with the biggest monsters in it!
Err… I think… um… I don’t know…?

…great, so Jo get to choose all three, huh? Yeah, why did I think this would happen from the start?
…
…there’s no rush…
I’m thinking, geez…

go with mage in the desert setting with a good mix of talking AND fighting and hope your character doesn't die and get reanimated as a mummy or something in the first 10 minutes.

We shall become a mantis warrior that in a twist of fate find out we are a demon.

An ancient, bearded warrior ghost who has lost his memories, in the frigid north.

A mix between talking and fighting, Warrior, and desert!

80/60 talking/fighting, lizard wizard, giant underground cavern city.

You'd prefer a more or less even split between fighting and talking. That way the talky parts will give reason to what fight-y parts there are and doesn't leave the combat-y players bored on the sidelines.

You'll go with a thief who had to hastily flee to the snowy north after her wanton string of thefts and burglaries went too far, costing her nearly all of her loot for the series of bribes for passage out of the country.

>Considering how open the Serpens is about those things, it might be the only way she’s been consequently close to people.
Yeah, that sounds plausible. Sex among Serpens is about the lowest, most common form of social interaction they have, isn't it? You'd best double-check that to be sure, but if so it would fit with the way Shilse acted that she was being socially awkward by Serpens standards.

>>649254
BE THE BEARD

Kaktus 2015/06/26(Fri)12:02 No. 650906 ID: 65a774
File 143534533812.png - (28.71KB , 900x450 , 127.png )

>Sex among Serpens is about the lowest, most common form of social interaction they have, isn't it?
That is correct. Their species is well known of their lack of real relationships and the amount of one night stands they have. In fact, it’s probable that Shilse has sired at least one child without her knowledge by now.
>if so it would fit with the way Shilse acted that she was being socially awkward by Serpens standards.
Her behavior do fit some socially awkward standards among teens of her species, so yes, she has problems socially.

>We shall become a mantis warrior that in a twist of fate find out we are a demon.
Yeah, no Mary sues, alright?
…who’s Mary?
>An ancient, bearded warrior ghost who has lost his memories, in the frigid north.
And no munchkins.
I have no idea what that even means.
>go with mage that can wield ALL THE MAGICS! Also is an undead lich mummy thing.
And no min maxing! See, just choose either warrior, thief or magician, yeah?
>Giant underground cavern city!
That wasn’t even one of the options!

>Lizard wizard!
…w-w-what did you just say!?
Oh… um…
Err…
…what? Was it something I said?
You… err… the L word, man.
…oh…OH! Sorry! I didn’t mean… I didn’t think…err…
No it’s alright. You’re new here and aren’t used to those kind of… slurs. Just don’t say it again, yeah?
I promise.

>You'd prefer a more or less even split between fighting and talking.
…the whole reason I asked you to choose was that we probably won’t have time to focus on both!
…but, I want both!
…fine, I’ll try… but don’t blame me if both gets half-assed.
>hope your character doesn't die and get reanimated as a mummy or something in the first 10 minutes.
Yeah, considering how this is going, don’t get your hopes up…

>You'll go with a thief who had to hastily flee to the snowy north after her wanton string of thefts and burglaries went-
Thief is enough. There, how about you two?
WARRIOR!
Um… mage?
yeah, species then?
>BE THE BEARD
Be the what?
I want to be human! Male! With a magnificent beard!
… …have you been spending time with Aelia? Because you sound just like-
HEY! Aelia sounds nothing like that! At all! She’s to refined t-
Yeah, alright, whatever you say… so, human male… and you two…?
…
…
…

Kaktus 2015/06/26(Fri)12:02 No. 650907 ID: 65a774
File 143534535592.png - (8.02KB , 900x450 , 128.png )

END OF ACT 2
(This act was brought to you by… SOL CORP. “We’re trust worthy, honest!”)

-help you in anyway my kingdom can”.
…I crush his head with my bare hands!
…you attack the king in his throne room… while he’s surrounded by his most elite guards?
…Yes.
… …fine, you’re dead. Roll to see how many-
Oh! Can I roll to seduce him!?
…you want to seduce the king? …while he’s right in front of the queen? The queen who’s madly jealous?
…yes?
…alright, you’re also dead. So, ho-
:JourenyDREAM: I try to steal his pants!
What?
I’m a thief, thieves steals stuff, so I steal his pants.
…you try to steal the kings pants!?
Yes.
… … …by the ancestors, I hate you guys. I hate all of you so much right now. I mean, it’s barely been fifteen minutes! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? GAH!

>I mean, it’s barely been fifteen minutes! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? GAH!
...Maybe we should have tried fighting centered gameplay.

>roll to seduce king
>jealous Queen
>all dead
should have seduced the queen.