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>>70032
>>70052
"If we were allowed to set up a military base here, it would not have the exclusive purpose of aiding only our own: As our hosts, it would be our duty to do what we can to assist you in the repulsion of excursions by the spiders, if you would take us. It may not be all that much, but we will do what we can, should you allow such a military and harvesting base combination on your land."
"So, in exchange for us hosting you on our land, not just as harvesters but with your own military base, you would assist us in excavation of tubers, defend yourselves rather than relying on us, and come to our aid during raids by the spiders? And what if you cannot eat the flowers, and have not found spider eggs/young? What if you do not have a food source here?"
"Well, we are fairly capable of consuming a wide variety of foods, flora and fauna alike. Besides, our Fat Bottomed Girls can convert most potential foods, regardless of quality, into a potent nutrient gel called Pearl Jam. It's actually quite tasty, even a beetle with a penchant for honey favors Pearl Jam."
The genial air around W.A.S.P. withdraws, and a somber tone drifts over the area.
".....Now I see why my daughter, so quiet, disinterested in others, would bring you before me. The beetle you speak of, it is Metallica, is it not? Unless you speak of some other member of The Beatles with a penchant for honey."
Ah. I had hoped I could make a subtle shift of topic and broach the subject carefully, but apparently not. Well, little use worrying about it now; she still seems willing to communicate, so I will press on.
...The Beatles?
"...It is true, I speak of Metallica, a friend of our colony in general, and our champion in particular."
"I will not deny that the lummox can, in his own strange way, be a good friend. But.... I lost almost all of my family that day, when he asked us to follow him. He sounded so sure, so confident that we could win. And now, all I have left of my line, is my daughter, Angel Witch, and I count it a blessing that she is still alive. And that, the loss of my family, the loss of friends, that is what I grieve. But Metallica.... in his usually blunt manner, tried to make me forget them, to keep on fighting. And that disregard, for those who fell, those who followed him, that is what I cannot forgive him for. If he had shown any sympathy, any pain at the loss of those he knew, who followed him, if I knew that he actually regrets what happened.... But he does not! He still believes it to have been the right thing to do! For what?! The Psycho Mantis Dynasty was not stopped, not even slowed! All we did was fall before them, and he thinks it a success!"
W.A.S.P. slowly lowers her head for a brief moment, composing herself, before continuing.
"....You shall have your permission to host a harvesting/military base here. You seem to be earnest neighbors, and I see no reason we can not help each-other. But know this...."
W.A.S.P. leans in very close to me, and I feel that weight, that pressure from her attention slowly flatten me to the ground. I struggle to rise but can't, only able to barely breathe.
"I will not tolerate that one's name in my presence. Do you understand me!?"
I weakly irk out an affirmative scent, and just as she pulls back, her gaze's pressure abating, I catch a faint odor in the air, a smell of regret..... loneliness?
!!NEW QUEST OBTAINED:!! 'A Heart Of Metal' W.A.S.P. has revealed her core reason for holding such a grudge against Metallica, in the form of his lack of sorrow over those dead, and not feeling the conflict against the Psycho Mantis Dynasty was pointless.
Well, I have permission for a comprehensive base, and there is a standing offer on the table for providing certain services for rewards. However, the conversation seems to have stalled.
What should I say/do?
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