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731264 No. 731264 ID: b1960b

Wiki: http://tgchan.org/wiki/Enemy_Quest
QuestDis: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/81802.html
Previous Chapter: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/quest/res/662452.html
Expand all images
>>
No. 731265 ID: b1960b
File 146653079647.png - (37.35KB , 960x560 , 512.png )
731265

It's a few hours after you've heard the news.
Polyphema hasn't been answering her phone.

Brose and Rella are waiting outside Poly's apartment.
They have to follow you basically everywhere now, not that you doubt the wisdom in that.

"Poly?" you call uncertainly, as you walk into the front room.
It is in disarray.
There's a pile of discarded clothes leading to the bathroom. A crumpled-up beer can lays forlornly next to one shoe.
"Come in, doll," Polyphema's voice comes singsong from the bathroom. "In the bath. Come shvitz."
>>
No. 731266 ID: b1960b
File 146653084987.png - (9.58KB , 960x560 , 513.png )
731266

Polyphema reclines in her bathtub. Your foot brushes up against an empty bottle of wine on the floor, which rolls and bumps into the tub. The room feels like a sauna and smells like a vineyard. There's a half-empty bottle of wine on the bathroom counter, and an unopened bottle of wine next to it. A glass is perched next to Polyphema on the lip of the tub.
Robyn is playing on the stereo.

"Good evening, Zackary," she says. "You look like death warmed over, then frozen again, then put in the microwave too long." She sloshes to one side and picks up her glass. You've never seen her drunk enough to slur her words but there is a definite drag to her now. "Have some fruit of the vine and soak a spell. The water's fine." She takes a gulp of wine. "The wine's better! But the water is fine too."

1]] You're drunk.
2]] Don't mind if I do.
3]] I know you don't want to talk about this but we need to.
4]] How long have you been in that tub?
5]] I should go, actually. Just making sure you're doing well.
6]] ________________
>>
No. 731267 ID: 0a94cb

Don't mind if I do- take her wine glass. You'll pass on the water on account of the broken pelvis.
>>
No. 731270 ID: 7b7ab3

2, 4, 3.
Oh, Poly...
She needs help. We need her to open up and talk to us.
>>
No. 731271 ID: 7b594e

1 is too accusatory. Besides, it's pretty obvious that she is.
Definitely 2. We need something to steady us.
3 is necessary. It's terrible and sad, but it's not going to go away, and it'll only get worse the longer it lingers.
4 is strictly her business.
5 is right out.
>>
No. 731272 ID: 5a893f

6) set the wine down for a moment, sit down next to her and hold her hand
>>
No. 731273 ID: fca8cc

Dip a hand in the water to see how hot it is, that'll tell you how long she's been the tub, roughly.

I don't think Poly reacts well to the idea of someone else trying to look after her. There's a contrarian streak in her, especially with authority. If we want to appeal to her to open up, it'd be better to present it as Zack wanting help or comfort or such. Whiiich isn't really a lie, either.

So, 6). Tell her, you wanted to talk about another dream you had recently, that you've been worried about. You didn't want to bring it up before, since it would have been... difficult, and a downer for sure, but, uh. You had assumed that it was downer time already, in general, with... Hiz, and everything else. You kinda wanted to talk about that, too. Not towards anything in particular, just... you know, talk for the sake of talk.

But she doesn't seem in much state for talking, right now.
>>
No. 731274 ID: 533cc4

Drink her glass of wine so she can't. Take the unopened bottle when you leave.
>>
No. 731275 ID: 73eb08

>>731267 , dip hand in water to see how warm it is, and so how long she's been there, but splash her a bit to cover that.
6) Are you okay?
>>
No. 731276 ID: 2a7417

4, 3. Confound those earth-first boys, they drive her to drink!
>>
No. 731278 ID: 25c953

>>731266
we don't have to talk about it now, but we're gonna have to soon. we're not gonna pretend nothing happened either. this is a good time for an incredibly wet hug.

no more wine. not because it's bad for her but because we need to be able to walk if there's trouble and dack's pelvis can't support a half unconscious naked slippery wet girl right now.
>>
No. 731280 ID: 398fe1

I'm not sure Zack should get in the tub. Could be real awkward with his injury.
>>
No. 731281 ID: b1960b
File 146654112227.png - (17.18KB , 960x560 , 514.png )
731281

"Don't mind if I do." You take her wine glass.
Unfazed, she takes the bottle, and holds it in the tub with her.
You dip your hand in the tub. It's very warm.
"How long have you been in here?" you ask.
"Not quite long enough," Polyphema says. "I'm marinating."
She slips down a little and starts blowing bubbles.

"I know you don't want to talk about this," you say, "but we need to."
She comes back up. "Talk about what?"
"You know."
"Oh, Hiz? Ol Hizzy? That what?"
"Yeah."
"What is there to talk about?" she asks. "Little late to be talking about him, isn't it. Like talking about Crocs. Or swing music. Dead stuff. Ashes to ashes, Zacky. Ashes to ashes and man to meat."
"We can't pretend nothing happened."
"Oh honestly Zack. I'm bored of talking about people dying. That's all anyone talked about for decades. It's dreadfully boring. It's not like he did anything new. It's not like he's a trendsetter. He was alive and now he isn't. Such is the way of things." She takes another drink. "Mm. So it goes, Kurt Vonneguts."

1]] _______________
>>
No. 731285 ID: e4f856

>>731281
Kurt Vonnegut huh?
"well he is very much alive in the past, so why shouldn't we talk about him?"
>>
No. 731286 ID: 0a94cb

Hmm. Okay, then let's talk about how he lived.
>>
No. 731287 ID: 8d7722

Well, if she isn't ready to talk about him, you shouldn't try to force her to, because that will make her feel worse than she is now.

Tell her that you're here for her if she needs you, and maybe offer a hug. Everyone goes through grief differently, and you care about her.
>>
No. 731288 ID: 7b594e

Alright then. Instead of talking about his death, let's talk about his life. We didn't know much about him, but we could tell he was a good person. He was friends with Poly and Bika. What did Poly know about him?
>>
No. 731290 ID: fca8cc

We don't really talk about dead people for their benefit, Poly. More for ourselves. People who didn't get to know them, and won't, get to learn a little from people who did, and the people who did get to clear out their heads and their thoughts straight. Like Hiz did himself, talking to me about his brother.

I never got to know the guy, Poly, the way I would have liked, and thought I was probably going to, at least a little. Can't now. Next best thing would help a little, though, I think.
>>
No. 731291 ID: 558268

>>731290
This. DEFINITELY this.
>>
No. 731292 ID: 7b7ab3

>>731290
>>731291
Thirding.
Let us grieve with you, Poly.
Please.
>>
No. 731293 ID: b1960b
File 146654342102.png - (9.40KB , 960x560 , 515.png )
731293

"Then let's talk about how he lived," you say. "I never got to know him how I would have liked."

"I don't want to talk about him," Polyphema says. "You can talk about him with Bika. If you're just here to check on me I'm fine and you can go. If you're here to drink wine with me then drink your wine."

1]] Sit with her and drink.
2]] I want to talk about him with you. I think it'll help you.
3]] OK. Just making sure you're safe. You know how to get in contact with me.
4]] Poly, please. This isn't like you.
5]] Hiz told me about his brother and felt better. He wouldn't want you to just keep everything in.
6]] I think you should stop drinking for today, Poly.
7]] We gotta get up now, Poly. I think you've been marinating enough.
8]] ______________
>>
No. 731294 ID: 7b7ab3

1, 2, 5.
We must not push her too hard. Anything we do has to be done slowly and gently.
>>
No. 731300 ID: fca8cc

8) He was worried about you, you know. About a few things, including... *tap fingers on wine glass* ... this. Passed on a bit of that worry to me, and Bika.

You sent me to help him, Poly. He doesn't get to do the same?
>>
No. 731301 ID: 4eadca

I wish I was better at handling things like this.
I know we shouldn't try to force anything on her, but we can't just leave her like this.
Maybe we should just drink with her for a while, then see if she either feels like talking or joining us elsewhere.
>>
No. 731308 ID: d8dc8a

Guys, gee whiz, don't be so codependent. She doesn't want to talk about him. Stop pushing it. Either spend time with her or go. I say grab a wine and dip in the tub with her. She's a big girl, she knows what she needs. Let's talk about art! Or philosophy. She brought up Vonnegut, that's a good topic.

"So it goes." Steps into tub. "What was your favorite Vonnegut? I know it's kind of overused, but I gotta stand by Slaughterhouse, myself."
>>
No. 731309 ID: ad3d87

I'll make you a deal, Poly. If you'll get up and join me and the others, then we'll all drink together and you won't have to be alone. I'll even throw in some stories about my younger, angrier days to sweeten the deal.
>>
No. 731313 ID: 017b21

>>731308
You make a good point. Pushing it's not going to help. The first stage of grief is denial, after all.
Let's soak and drink and talk. Tell her about our past. Talk about books and music.
She'll open up when she's ready.
>>
No. 731324 ID: cdb698

Two suggestions.
>Excuse ourselves, go into the other room, and call the girls.Ask them for advice about this situation.
OR
>Tell her what it was like for us after we lost our parents. How hurt, sad, and angry we were after the fact.
>>
No. 731333 ID: 8d7722

Don't try to force her to talk about it, she pretty much just told us off. If she doesn't want to talk about, we shouldn't be so rude and insist.

Just, I don't know, back down, sit and have some wine.
>>
No. 731342 ID: e22b1d

>>731300
This. What Poly's doing looks like it's more than just her way of grieving. It seems unhealthy.
>>
No. 731345 ID: 350a50

>>731300
This.
>>
No. 731350 ID: 5a893f

>>731293
Babe please, you can grieve with me. Have a glass of Nyugen brandy. His cared a lot about you, he'd want me here with you. I want to be here with you, for you.

I'm here, babe. I'm here. Let me be your rock tonight.
>>
No. 731351 ID: 76b0be

Well shes horribly drunk and upset so I doubt we should agitate her. Tell her you will need to talk about many unpleasant things before the end of the week but not today. Then settle down next to the tub drink some wine, hold hands, and be there with her. It does wonders just to not be alone.
Keep her from falling unconscious in the tub too.
>>
No. 731352 ID: 358228

4, 5, 7.
>>
No. 731354 ID: 5a893f

>>731350
I would to clarify that my post is not a proposition for sex
Maybe try and get her to feel the stubble of your facial hair zack. Bring her to the now through touch.
>>
No. 731357 ID: d8dc8a

Guys, she's drunk. Now is not the time. You won't get anywhere, you'll just piss her off. The most helpful thing you can do is to lovingly and non-judgmentally spend time with her. Just be pleasant company. The conversation can come later, and let her decide when it comes. Are you hurting too? Maybe lead with your own vulnerability, rather than trying to pry at hers, if you absolutely must.
>>
No. 731367 ID: fca8cc

Thinking on it a bit more... the thing about Poly drinking before now is that it wasn't really doing any harm. It was a worrying trend, yeah, and maybe a sign of something harmful, but her drinking wasn't interfering with anything. She didn't drink enough to impair her judgement when it was important or to become abusive or to get in the way of her job, whatever that may be.

This, though... an oculot and a human in the program were attacked, the oculot killed. Zack is probably going to get pestered for an interview with the media soon, and they might try get at Poly too. She's elusive, but she might not be as elusive with the drink on her, and she won't be great for answering questions if they do catch her. She does have a bit of temper, and we don't want that going off.

Plus, well, she seems like she's pretty important. Influential. A mover and shaker, a pusher for certain things to happen, someone who keeps things together and headed in the right direction. Right now a lot of trouble is going to happen and a lot of people are going to be worried, and maybe do some damn fool things. It sucks for her, since she's grieving too, but... she probably has some important work she could be doing right now.

Maybe we could try to, uh. Tactfully outline those issues to her.
>>
No. 731393 ID: fd55dc

2 5 6
>>
No. 731394 ID: dca517

>>731301
>>731308
>>731313
>>731333
>>731350
>>731351
>>731357
Something like these. Girl needs support, not pressure.
>>
No. 731395 ID: fd55dc

>>731394
She needs someone to snap her out of it. She has a problem and it's not going to get better on its own. Self-medicating as a coping mechanism is not good. We need to let her know there's more here to support her than just wine.
>>
No. 731397 ID: dca517

>>731395
Which is what the physical affection and emotional intimacy is for.
>>
No. 731400 ID: fd55dc

>>731397
We've been giving her that since the start. We're not going to fix this with it.
>>
No. 731403 ID: 398fe1

>>731281
Try to get her to open up. Also, get her in contact with someone who can give her professional help.
>>
No. 731414 ID: b1960b

Gang in the future please give an indication with your vote as to which choice you want to go with, even if you expand on it from there. It makes it a lot easier on me when it comes to figuring out just what the majority is. The write-in at the end is there and numbered for a reason.
Update coming soon!
>>
No. 731415 ID: b1960b

For example: A lot of you are essentially voting for 1 or 6 here without actually putting 1 in your vote. If your suggestion cleaves to one of the choices I'm going to count it as that choice.
I totally encourage you to rephrase it however you want: just for bookkeeping purposes include the vote number thing too.
>>
No. 731417 ID: 7b7ab3

>>731414
>>731415
Understood.
>>
No. 731420 ID: b1960b
File 146658166778.png - (9.90KB , 960x560 , 516.png )
731420

You lower yourself down and sit on the closed toilet seat, next to the tub. You look to take her hand but it's under the water and folded tight across the wine bottle.

"He was worried about you, you know," you say. "He cared a lot about you. He'd want me to be here for you."
"We don't know what he wants," Polyphema says. "We never will. That's the pisser about being dead." She takes another swig of wine
"I want to be here for you."
"Well I don't need anyone anywhere for anything," Polyphema says. "I am having a peachy time with Good Sir Cabernet of Napa Valley, thank you."
"He was worried about the, uh," You tap the side of your wine glass. "He passed on a little of that worry to me."
Polyphema's eye narrows. "The what, Zack? Glass?"
"You sent me to help him, Poly. He should get to do the same."
"Do you presume to teach me how to grieve, Zackary Nguyen?" Polyphema rises out of the bath tub. "Do you suggest I weep on your shoulder? Is that what you want from me?"
"I just--"

"I haven't wept in decades," Polyphema snarls. "I have lost more dear to me than you will ever have, human. Parents brothers sisters friends. I have buried them all. And when you grow old, and waste away, and die, while I look helplessly, agelessly on, I will bury you just the same. I have wept tears enough for a dozen of your lifetimes. I have wept tears for loved ones taken by sickness. I have wept tears for loved ones taken by time. And I have wept useless, bootless tears over the mangled and eviscerated corpses of loved one after loved one after loved one taken by violence. It has done nothing, do you understand? It solves nothing. I am finished with it. Whatever your adolescent brain has to say about life or love or grieving or opening my heart, kindly spare me. I have heard it all dozens of times. There is one constant: one possible conclusion to anything anyone will ever love: it is death."

She slumps back into the tub. "So before then, I am going to drink." She drinks.

1]] ____________
>>
No. 731421 ID: 398fe1

>>731420
Well you don't want her to drink herself to death.
>>
No. 731424 ID: 0a94cb

Cute, but drinking's done just as little.

If she were dull to the grief, or even trying to drown it, that'd be one thing. This looks more like using it as an excuse. Rude.
>>
No. 731425 ID: 398fe1

...wait does she even need to worry about drinking herself to death? With the way tech is going is there like, a nanite pill she can take to keep her liver going or whatever Oculot organ serves the liver's purpose?

As for you dying... well, with bionics and other recent advancements in technology, there's a possibility you will live a life approaching the length of an Oculot's.
>>
No. 731426 ID: 7b7ab3

Wow.
I have no idea how to handle this.
We are gonna need some help.
We should pull back, call the others, and ask for their advice.
>>
No. 731427 ID: 5a893f

>>731420
Did you telling me that give you some all natural brain drugs? Please, go on. Tell me more. I'm serious, im a brick wall right now, toss it at me, I can take it.
>>
No. 731428 ID: 5a893f

>>731427
It doesn't need to solve anything, by the way. Not everything that needs to get done is a solution. Who needs solutions right now? Neither of us. I just want you to hit me with what you got.
>>
No. 731429 ID: 675ea0

She's lashing out. She's hurt, miserable, and drunk, so she's lashing out.
I'm honestly not sure what to do. I don't want to risk a confrontation with her, but I also don't want to leave her alone in this condition.
>>731426
This might be a good idea. Zack and the other girls have suffered losses, too. Polyphema's not wanting for support right now. We just have to get it to her.
>>
No. 731430 ID: fd4b38

"Well, sure. You're right. I'm too young to be able to give you any lectures about love or loss or... a bunch of stuff. Heck, I never could even if I was old, could I? You guys feel deeper more often."

"So, I'm going to talk about something more... practical. Because, before now, yeah ever since Hiz told me he was worried about you drinking I thought of it every time I saw you do it, but it wasn't really a huge concern, just a thought. It wasn't getting in the way of anything, wasn't making you fail any responsibilities or hurt anyone or anything like that, and you have the right if you want if none of that's going on."

"But there's a leak at the HVAO and a huge mess happening, right now, and a lot of stuff that could happen. What if the media found out to come here and laid siege to you for an interview, would you be able to deal with it without doing anything you'd regret? What if it wasn't the media, but the same people who went after Hiz, coming for you and me? Or what if someone else who knew Hiz, some mutual friend of yours, or anyone, came to you for help? People look up to you."
>>
No. 731431 ID: ff896f

>>731420
just drink with her in silence.
this is how she grieves and i don't really see an issue with it unless it becomes a multi-day thing.
>>
No. 731434 ID: 2ae62a

"Huh. I see. Well, pardon me for saying so, but I respectfully disagree. I'm not sure if that's fatalism, nihilism, or what, but I disagree with it on general principle."
>>
No. 731435 ID: 76b0be

Well damn Poly...

I suppose we will need to wait to have much of a conversation with her.

Would you like anything to eat? Some seltzer? A set of pajamas you especially like, for when you get out of the tub?
>>
No. 731436 ID: c441c1

>>731420
"Yeah but does the pain ever get easier when it happens."
>>
No. 731437 ID: 27d8d4

>>731420
Just leave! She isn't going to jump down your throat for letting her wallow after that monologue.
>>
No. 731438 ID: 27d8d4

>>731437
(Me again)

/quest/ just wants to spout more cringeworthy platitudes, but you need to just leave. You will not be the one exception who finally gets Poly to see the light. You mean just as little to her as everyone else who has ever tried vainly to help her.
>>
No. 731441 ID: e4f856

>>731435
>>
No. 731446 ID: 558268

All I'm thinking of right now is gently patting her on the head, but I'm afraid that may come off as patronizing. For now, I think its best to just leave the room, possibly taking the unopened bottle of wine, and wait in another room for her to come out on her own as you ask the other girls for some sort of advice.

Save >>731430 for later after she's sobered up a bit. Maybe suggest coming with for the hunting trip.
>>
No. 731449 ID: aabc74

By that "logic" everything we've done or will ever do is rendered utterly pointless in the face of an inevitable end. Of course this "logic" is really just the drunken raving of a miserable old woman who just lost someone very dear to her, so her fallacious thinking is forgivable.
We should definitely seek assistance. If we can't talk some sense into her, then maybe GG could shake some sense into her. Bika doubtlessly has thousands of years of ancestral memories worth of loss and pain. If anyone could talk to Poly on equal footing in that regard, it's her. Meg's very good at cutting through bullshit and finding an unlikely answer, so even she might help.
>>
No. 731450 ID: 3af16b

the only way to handle this and not come off as a presumptious dick is to quietly nod and accept a drink with her.
>>
No. 731451 ID: c74bc1

>>731450
>>
No. 731452 ID: 350a50

>>731435
>>731450
These.

>>731430
I agree with the others who said to save this for later.
>>
No. 731453 ID: f562b1

Responses to final comments in previous thread:
>>731235
In DOOM, kills by infighting (Tricking the enemies into killing eachother) still counted towards your kill count, didn't they? That's what the stats are based on, is that old DOOM score screen at the end of the level. For the death to still mean 0%, means that there were so many that could have been killed that it's an insignificant number, math-wise.
>>731260
We should introduce the others to our friends like we did GG. Would have to introduce Bika as "This is Bika. And some of her family. *Shrug* Skut are big on family sticking together."
---
>"There is one constant: one possible conclusion to anything anyone will ever love: it is death."
>She slumps back into the tub. "So before then, I am going to drink." She drinks.
"Maybe, then, I'm the one who needs help. I haven't been through what you have, you're right, but because of that, it's you who needs to help me through this."
If she tries to suggest just drinking it away, tell her you don't have the tolerance built up she does.
>>
No. 731466 ID: 3009b4

Speaking of someone who's had to deal with a lot of grief lately, the only thing that helps it is time and knowing that someone cares.

You cannot solve someone's grief. There is nothing you can say that will suddenly make Poly have some sort of realization and then everything will be better, and she's especially not going to have an epiphany while she's drunk.

What she needs to know right now is why she's loved and why she's important.

Tell her how much she means to you, and how important she is to you. Tell her everything you like about her. When you're heavy dealing with grief, you stop caring about yourself because all you can think of is your loss, and the loss of a loved one. So what she needs to hear is why she's important to you and why she should keep on going, even if it hurts.

I can't speak for everyone because everyone grieves differently, but I still find it much easier to be motivated to care about the living and other people's problems than look in on my own. One thing that kept me from seriously considering suicide (through violence or self-neglect) after Max passed was how much it would hurt my mother and brother and the other living people in my life. I'm not saying Poly is the same, but knowing why she's important and how her very existence impacts others she cares about might just give her the will to keep on going.
>>
No. 731476 ID: b1960b
File 146663121369.png - (21.67KB , 960x560 , 517.png )
731476

"I'll be right outside," you say.
"Suit yourself," Polyphema says.

You lean your cane on the wall and lower yourself to the floor outside the bathroom. Polyphema turns her music up.

1]] Message Bika: ___________
2]] Message GG: __________
3]] Message Meg: ____________
4]] Message someone else: __________
5]] Just wait. She'll come out eventually.
6]] Leave the apartment.
7]] _________________
>>
No. 731479 ID: 4260bc

>>731476
Message GG, Meg, and Bika: Poly's taking it hard. Total shutdown. Very drunk and sitting in the bathtub. Got angry when I tried to talk to her about Hiz. Need help/advice.
>>
No. 731480 ID: 7b7ab3

To GG, Meg and Bika: "I'm with Poly. She's in bad shape. Very drunk, very angry. Please advise."
To the HVAO: "Arrived safely. Can I get a sit rep?"
Then we wait.
>>
No. 731482 ID: 3009b4

Go back in and tell Poly why she's so important to you. Don't tell her what to do or try to give advice, just tell her you love her and why. Tell her how she made a difference in your life, tell her all the qualities you admire in her. No flattery, everything has to be sincere. If nothing else, if anything happens you'll have made sure you won't regret not telling her these things.
>>
No. 731483 ID: 1e63b6

1]] Message Bika: with poly. shes not doing so hot. u ok?
2]] Message GG: geeg polys falling apart and im scared help
3]] Message Meg: u ok? im with poly. shes a wreck.
4]] Message HVAO: update plz
5]] Just wait. She'll come out eventually.
>>
No. 731484 ID: e4f856

What smik said, >>731480 except only say she's a wreck to gg, who is in alamad or dulamad idk I forget
Spilling the beans at meg and bika might alienate poly BC image is important to her
>>
No. 731486 ID: 350a50

>>731484
Agreed, GG is the closest to Poly. She should definitely know what's up, leave the others to Poly to open up to first.
>>
No. 731487 ID: 595d54

>>731486
No, we're the closest to Poly and she isn't opening up to us. She isn't going to open to anyone.
>>
No. 731488 ID: 558268

>>731476
1, 2, AND 3 at the same time: "Poly's in the tub, very drunk and very angry. I'm kind of scared right now. Please advise." For GG though, might make it more urgent/tactful, as she's the closest to Poly.

Then 4 to the HVAO for a sitrep on what's going on over there. Lastly, 5 because you do ''not'' want to leave Poly alone right now and its best to let her get out when she wants it.
>>
No. 731494 ID: fd4b38

5). Just wait.

... We really need to talk to her about that dream we had about the Kariket. It's a shitty time to do it but it's always going to be a shitty time to do it, and it could get shittier the longer we wait. There's too much shit the Kariket could be doing with mind control, even before considering that he's literally insane. There are people who need to know who'll only believe us if Poly backs us up on it.
>>
No. 731498 ID: d4420c

>>731482
>>731488
These.
>>
No. 731511 ID: f562b1

>>731480
>Brose and Rella are waiting outside Poly's apartment.
>They have to follow you basically everywhere now, not that you doubt the wisdom in that.
Why not ask them about things before calling HVAO?
>>
No. 731514 ID: 3009b4

>>731494

Didn't Poly's speech sound familiar?

She might have been the maid. Or had something similar happen to her.
>>
No. 731515 ID: d8dc8a

Guys, we're not her therapist.
>>
No. 731519 ID: 8702a0

>>731498
Second.
>>731515
No, but we are her lover and friend, so we can't just abandon her.
>>
No. 731523 ID: b2d501

I THINK I get it. She saw what Kariket saw and had the same revelation over an extended period of time, except that she hasn't crawled into a tiny corner of a huge palace or ripped the determination out of everything that tried to pet her.

So since crushing existentiality isn't a core part of her personality like it is for Kariket, she made a more rational decision and drank the @#$% out of anything that screams museum piece to drown out the noise, which made her fear rot and ferment into general detachment.

In other words, Kariket is a big baby, but we can't blame him because anyone who comes to the same crushing epiphany that gave him his superpowers is going to need four kegs of wine a DAY.

Injected straight into the cerebral cortex.

And Poly, like many other long-lived short-relationship people, has a demo version.
>>
No. 731529 ID: 3ce73f

1]] Message Bika: Just checking in. You ok? I'm with Poly. She's taking this very hard.
2]] Message GG: Hey, babe. You alright? I'm here with Poly, and she's in bad shape.
3]] Message Meg: Hey, girl. You good? I'm at Poly's. It's a bad scene over here.
7]] Ask Ambrose and Rella if there's been any updates.
>>
No. 731551 ID: f7a64f

We made a stupid mistake by applying our ideas on grief and addiction to a hundreds of years old alien aristocrat from a very different world. Poly is grieving in her way but attacking her or pretending like shes some alcoholic wreck is arrogant to say the least.

7. Go back in, strip down and join poly in the tub, and drink wine and talk about hin until she won't anymore. Don't be judgy about the wine, in fact get the bad kind of drunk you get a wake if she keeps going until that's the case.

If she's on a path through depression than simply be there with her through it. Don't try to stop her or change her, you can't anyway. Just stay and join her and make this your memorial to Hin, talking about him in a tub while getting piss drunk.

Also, don't talk about Poly to the others, that's gossip and it's a douche thing to do.
>>
No. 731561 ID: 3009b4

>>731551
>7. Go back in, strip down and join poly in the tub, and drink wine and talk about hin until she won't anymore. Don't be judgy about the wine, in fact get the bad kind of drunk you get a wake if she keeps going until that's the case.

No, do not talk about the deceased and do not get piss drunk. Poly may need someone sober.

>Also, don't talk about Poly to the others, that's gossip and it's a douche thing to do.
Agreed.

Also, APOLOGIZE TO HER.
>>
No. 731566 ID: 0a94cb

5.

Fuck apologizing, she was a huge condescending jerk back there, and that's our job, god damnit. Seriously, that whole rant of hers was way out of line.

Also she's a big baby.
>>
No. 731570 ID: 0ebaec

>>731476
>Just wait. She'll come out eventually.
that's passive aggressive, and also would take many hours. probably at least 5.
>>
No. 731572 ID: 86b9e8

>>731566
This here. Don't be an enabler. When someone spits on your decency, however ill-conceived it is, you are not obligated to apologize.
>>
No. 731573 ID: 3af16b

>>731572
>getting angry at people for saying irrational things in the throes of grief over someone she's know longer than us for probable centuries

maybe possibly do not do this, perhaps?
oy vey
>>
No. 731574 ID: 350a50

>>731573
this
>>
No. 731575 ID: 4cef42

1, 2, 3: hey. here with poly. how r u?
7: Go back and just be with her. It's a very bad idea for her to be alone right now.
>>
No. 731577 ID: 3009b4

>>731566

I had a happy marriage. Apologize regardless, because it will open up communication and encourage her to listen.
>>
No. 731578 ID: 3009b4

>>731572

It is beside the point. Poly is hurting, and hurt people act irrationally. She is also many times our elder -- we are an a adult child to her, which means that ignoring her many years of experience beyond our own is insulting.

The apology shows respect, it opens up communication, it puts her in a mind set more willing to listen. It shows she's more important than our pride.

This isn't the right time to consider 'enabling' actions because she is grieving. Saving trying to deal with her alcoholism for when she's stronger.

Put on your man pants Zack -- the real adult man pants, not the faux-macho-pants that people mistake for man pants -- and go back in there, apologize and be her friend and lover. Tell her why she's special to you and only you (although you can include things people like about her later) and just make her feel loved. Screw your pride.

Also maybe rub her feet once you start talking. From personal experience this appears to be magical.
>>
No. 731584 ID: 8d7722

Become wracked with conflicting emotions and indecision.
>>
No. 731604 ID: 350a50

>>731584
This is the only proper human reaction.

>>731578
Though this sounds good too.
>>
No. 731699 ID: b1960b
File 146680409403.png - (18.07KB , 960x560 , 518.png )
731699

You trade texts with everyone else as you wait in Polyphema's living room.

Ambrose:
>polys really drunk. im staying here for a while.
Sounds good. Me n Rella will take turns outside.
>any updates on whats happened?
None Im allowed to share just yet. Still nothing on who did it.
They're looking for witnesses.
>Hows the mood at HVAO?
Not good. We've plugged up the exploit that let the leak happen but we still havent found who did it
Don't know how much I can tell you. You should call Britta tmrw

GG:
>hey boo. u ok? Polys falling apart
:warrior: :(
:warrior: im ok. like its still sad i but didnt know him
:warrior: poor poly
>yeah...
>shes just sitting in her tub drinking. really pissed at me
:warrior: y?
>
:warrior: what do we do
>idk
:warrior: me neither
:warrior: should i come over

Meg:
>u ok? im with poly. shes a wreck
:meg: rough
:meg: she drunk?
>yeah
:meg: thought so
:meg: is she conscious
>shes in the tub
:meg: imo u should stay the night and tlk in the morning
>how are u feeling
:meg: im just fine but im wondering abt the situation
>like what
:meg: why he didnt/couldnt defend himself
:meg: /why they felt ok picking a fight with an oculot. this feels off
:meg: im getting u a gun zack. ill teach u how to use it
:meg: no arguing

Bika:
>just checking in. with poly. shes not doing so hot. u ok?
:bika: Im ok but the climate here is not. There are some very angry visitors coming to see me right now. Trying to keep everyone level headed
>that sucks
:bika: Theres a lot of things that suck right now
:bika: At least its a distraction, right?
>shes distracting herself with wine rn
:bika: O. That probably isnt helping
:bika: Do u want me to talk to her? I know we dont get along awesome but i knew him

From inside the bathroom you hear a loud retching sound, echoing into a toilet bowl.
The sink turns on then off again.
Poly's music turns off. You look up.
She emerges in a cloud of steam, dressed in a bathrobe, her arms folded tight across her chest. She clicks the lights in her apartment off then sees you. She looks at you blankly.
Neither of you have spoken yet.

1]] __________
>>
No. 731700 ID: 3009b4

Frick'n apologize, Zack. Idiot.
>>
No. 731703 ID: 595d54

Since Smik is apparently the only one with actual experience in this and one of the few people not panicking at a girl being sad, let's follow his advice, why don't we.
>>
No. 731704 ID: 358228

Oculots know how much a look can communicate. Words can't come close.
"I'm sorry" is all you can say.

Rather than mob her all at once, I think it would be best if one of us came at a time to be with her. GG, Meg, Bika.
>>
No. 731706 ID: 550a81

>>731700
This.
Also, ask her if there's anything we can do for her. Does she want anyone else to come over? Would she like somebody else to talk to? Does she want to be held?
>>
No. 731707 ID: 3009b4

Face facts, Zack. You ARE an adult kid to her and you will always be a kid to her. The age difference doesn't prevent you from being lovers but it does make her your elder.

Put yourself in her shoes. How would you like someone with a fraction of the life experience you had giving you advice on how to live your life? It'd disrespectful of your experience.

Well, you were disrespectful of Poly's years of experience. Now for the love of whatever powers you hold dear DO *NOT* TELL HER YOU WERE DISRESPECTFUL OF HER YEARS, but you can apologize for being disrespectful.

And because you were disrespectful, after you apologize you will have to agree to whatever she tells you to do.
>>
No. 731709 ID: 7b7ab3

"I'm sorry. I've never been very good at this."

>>731704
>Rather than mob her all at once, I think it would be best if one of us came at a time to be with her. GG, Meg, Bika.
This.

>>731706
>Also, ask her if there's anything we can do for her. Does she want anyone else to come over? Would she like somebody else to talk to? Does she want to be held?
Also this.
>>
No. 731711 ID: b37d46

I think getting a gun is a good future idea so long as you go the legal route. Sure every one of your gfs can take a man out on their own, but there would be a lot more legal repercussions for a visitor doing self defense than a human.

Also apologize.
>>
No. 731712 ID: 6ea739

>>731699
Simply apologize.
We'll figure out what to do from there.
>>
No. 731713 ID: 87876e

Just ask her if she wants you to leave. Nothing else.

I'm not sure why exactly, but apologizing seems like a bad move. Like it would come across as insincere, or if not that exactly then something similar. That Poly wouldn't react well to it. Like the kind of people she likes are people who generally don't? Like it's too... political a thing. And she's probably heard tens of thousands of apologies.

I don't know. It's a feeling.
>>
No. 731714 ID: 0a94cb

No, that's stupid. Apologize for what? Being preachy while she was belligerent? The scales are even and she doesn't want to revisit any part of what happened right now. That's sort of her whole thing, she doesn't want to reflect on tragedy, on discord, on the failures of herself or others. She doesn't need an apology, she doesn't want an apology.

What I do think she'd appreciate is company, as long as it can keep its mouth shut. Snuggling is probably all she's in a state for right now, and what a coincidence the same is true of our pelvis.
>>
No. 731719 ID: bb78f2

>>731699
I'm sorry. I just care about you, and I'm worried. That's all. You do you, just know I'm always here, and that I love you.

If you'd like some good news...
Meg and Bika are boning. The funny thing is that I brought up the fact that if Bika's male side are interested in any of you and if they wanted to romance with ya'll that would beautiful. Then Meg rushes, pretty much said hey yo Bika that was fine boning last night right in front us both as Bika was stuttering from the coincidence that I brought it up.

You didn't hear it from me.
>>
No. 731721 ID: bb78f2

I forgot to mention that you're not apologizing for your concerns, you're apologizing for leaving frustrated, which is something you should never do in a relationship... I think. Or is that with kids?

Or driving? Never drive angry. I think it's all of the above.
>>
No. 731722 ID: 8d7722

Apologize for heaven's sake!
>>
No. 731725 ID: 18a38e

>>731707
>>731719
These.
>>
No. 731729 ID: b2d501

"Hugs and killing never die. And I've scheduled my self-defense classes (read:firearms training) to next week.

...Let's cuddle up until you're horny"

Then DON'T @#$% for a while and let the pursuit of happiness kick in. Go on a basic date, no fun or excitement, just some sundaes to replace the booze requirement.
>>
No. 731730 ID: b1960b
File 146682104160.png - (18.75KB , 960x560 , 519.png )
731730

"I'm sorry," you say.

"Shh," she says.
She lays her head in your lap. You tense up for a second but it doesn't hurt.
She takes your hand and puts it on her head.

About a minute later she starts snoring.
>>
No. 731731 ID: 3009b4

Sorry Zack but you're obligated to stay like that now unless you have to use the bathroom.

On the positive note, this is the best result we could hope for.
>>
No. 731732 ID: 404149

>>731730
Mute your phone. Update people on what's going on. Make sure she doesn't choke on her own vomit.
The usual.
>>
No. 731733 ID: 18a38e

>>731730
Poor thing. Let's stay with her until she wakes up. Maybe text GG to grab some Bikas and come over.
>>
No. 731736 ID: 7b7ab3

>>731731
>>731732
>>731733
>you're obligated to stay like that now
>Mute your phone. Update people on what's going on. Make sure she doesn't choke on her own vomit.
>text GG to grab some Bikas and come over
These, please and thank you.
>>
No. 731737 ID: 358228

>>731733
Agreed.
>>
No. 731738 ID: 9215e1

Be very still. Be very quiet. Mute the phone. Let her rest.
>>
No. 731739 ID: 572ea3

>>731730
she is using your broken pelvis as a lap pillow.
this is going to be a long night
stick through the pain, dont' say a word, lean back into the seat, put phone on silent text them back saying you'll handle it and that you're going to stay over at poly's.
also ask bika if the trouble is anything you can help with

go to sleep or take a nap if you can
>>
No. 731740 ID: cdb698

>>731736
This, but include in the text that Poly is asleep, and Bika and GG should be as quiet as possible if they decide to come over. Girl needs some rest, yo.
>>
No. 731741 ID: 9e3c72

>>731736
>>731739
>>731740
All of those.

And honestly, that turned out far better than I expected! Could have been even better, but really, this is very delicate situation.
>>
No. 731744 ID: 350a50

>>731736
Agreed. Notify them that Poly is napping through, so to be quiet.
>>
No. 731745 ID: 358228

>>731739
Nuh uh. This doesn't even apply really, because it's already been said not to hurt (Poly is aware of it to boot), but even if it did the nurse said pain = no gain. You wouldn't sacrifice your pelvis to be a pillow.
>>
No. 731747 ID: 7b7ab3

>>731739
>go to sleep or take a nap if you can
Probably not the best idea given the circumstances.
Zack picks up on Polyphema's memories when they sleep in close proximity to each other, and I don't imagine her mind is the best place to be right now.
Besides, the last thing she needs right now is an invasion of privacy on top of everything else.
>>
No. 731755 ID: 572ea3

>>731747
number one reason to take a nap right there in my opinion.
she wont talk about her self, her past, or anything whenever we ask only giving us coffee shop talk if she decides to share, we've learned more about her through sleeping than actually talking to her. so far we are nothing but a short distraction in her long life.

take the nap, we don't have to tell her what we dream
>>
No. 731756 ID: 3009b4

Run your fingers through her hair. Commit moments like these to memory; you don't know how long they'll last.
>>
No. 731757 ID: 241e9d

>>731730
Okie-dokie then.
1.) Do. Not. Get. An erection. Not the time.
2.) Mute phone.
3.) Text girls and ask if they can come over.
4.) Gently stroke sad alien girlfriend.
>>
No. 731758 ID: b2d501

Motorboat.
>>
No. 731955 ID: 480d43

>>731730
I hope Zack doesn't need the bathroom for a while.
Message your peeps to rally up and see if you can get Ambrose or Rella to hand you a pillow.
>>
No. 731999 ID: f7a64f

I agree with sleeping while poly does. I know we made some vague promise not to intrude if we could control it, but considering she seems unwilling to share anything negative with us, I think this is the only way we'll really get to know her.
>>
No. 732014 ID: ed7726

>>731999
nah, as curious as i am betraying her trust right after a major death in her life strikes me as a bad idea.
>>
No. 732083 ID: 358228

I think falling asleep on us was a deliberate move. She knows about the dreams, and wants us to see what's troubling her.
Remember, our promise was to try to wake up if we see something she wouldn't want us to, not to stop dreaming entirely.
>>
No. 732195 ID: e22b1d

>>732083
Doubt she's lucid enough to be constructing plans right now, especially since she's never shown the ability to actually control what we see.

Fall asleep anyway since it's how you learn the most about her. And don't invite anyone to her house without her permission, ya dummy, except maybe GG.
>>
No. 732205 ID: 5280e9

>>732083
Considering waking up was attempted last time to no effect and we just continued through the dream, it seems that we don't have a say in the matter. It may be that humans lack the psychic equivalent of muscle tone due to never having the opportunity to use it and it will come with time, but since it sounds like this is a new phenomenon that occurs between humans and oculots we're largely flying blind.
Either way, it'd be a bad idea to leave her alone when she's been drinking, same as anyone else in this situation.
>>
No. 732307 ID: 350a50

I favor staying awake for safety reasons. There's still threat(s?) on the loose.
>>
No. 732311 ID: f91b7b

>>731741
This.
>>
No. 732939 ID: 13b474

Well we're good and stuck now. Best thing we can do is ask our friends and ladies what to do with a drunk, unconscious, incredibly depressed oculot. Quietly of course.
>>
No. 732945 ID: f7a64f

Seriously though, don't text with anyone or gossip about this and really, really don't invite anyone over. That's just dumb.
>>
No. 733002 ID: 358228

>>731733
By grab some Bikas, you mean for traveling in a group and not for coming into the house, right?
>I know we dont get along awesome but i knew him

While we can ask people to come over, it's Poly's house to decide who is invited in.
>>
No. 733017 ID: b1960b
File 146736090894.png - (2.94KB , 960x560 , 521a.png )
733017

You mute your phone, text everyone an update, and ask GG to come over with some Bikas. You gently turn Polyphema's head to the side to keep her safe from choking on vomit.

You stroke her face. She's so soft.

You don't exactly mean to fall asleep.
>>
No. 733018 ID: b1960b
File 146736095488.png - (2.99KB , 960x560 , 521b.png )
733018

The orgy enters its third hour.

The candles flag low. Their lights shine dancing ghosts across the cherrybark walls, picking out, here and there, amidst the outsized cushions and hanging fabrics, bodies entwined in love's sweet ache.
The scents of champak and sandalwood hang indolent in the heavy air, twisting and intermingling in ethereal mimicry of the dozens of lovemakers below it.

Your name is Bijala.
This is the first orgy you've ever attended.
You are not laying with the lovers. It would be improper. They are gentry, noblemen, folk of repute.
You are simply a painter, with no title or honorific but that of Artist, commissioned by your patron to capture with ink and brush the contours of erotic passion.

You keep your sights set firmly on your easel, set up a few feet from a perfumed garakton pleasuring three gasping oculots at once, and try to block out the sounds and sighs of love. The musicians play sliding velvet drones and sonorous fugues.

You look up for a moment, scanning the room for your next tableau, and catch the sight of the most beautiful blue eye you have ever seen, staring back at you.
>>
No. 733020 ID: b1960b
File 146736110402.png - (15.60KB , 960x560 , 521.png )
733020

She steps so lightly across and between the bodies below her that she seems to float, a being transcendent even of such paradisaical surroundings. She is shamelessly, fulsomely naked.

You recognize her. This is the Garaktonnic Fire Hoop dancer, whose performance was the precursor to the main event of the night. Before, in her scarlet silk and brass bangles, she was gorgeous. Now, shucked of them, she is mesmerizing.

With each step her hips flow like music. She is flawless, and captivating, and she is walking directly toward you.

Your throat instantly dries. Other, more secret parts of you instantly moisten.

Good evening, paintress, she purrs.
Yes, mistress, you mutter, fighting to break contact with that brilliant cerulean eye.

I should wonder how you think so, she says. She places a hand on her waist and stands contraposto; the motion causes a jolting curl of lust to hook around your stomach.
It must be dreadful, mustn't it.

Sorry? you ask.

To be surrounded by all this-- she waves her hand-- and stuck behind a canvas. Have our dignified hosts even seen fit to feed you?

I'm all right, mistress.

They haven't? Well if I squint I think I see that fat fellow near the back making sweet romance to two whole plates of grapes all on his own. I'm sure he could spare a few.
She leans forward, knocking the air out of you again.
Would you like me to feed you, paintress?

1]] I suppose I could eat.
2]] Do you mean-- you feed me?
3]] I'm sure they are delicious, mistress, but I have already eaten. Thank you.
4]] I shouldn't. I'll get in trouble.
>>
No. 733023 ID: 13b474

1 and 2. No sense being impolite, and even less sense to miss such an opportunity.
>>
No. 733024 ID: 358228

2, 4. Plenty of time my sweet, plenty of time.
>>
No. 733029 ID: 7b7ab3

>>733018
>The orgy enters its third hour.
Golborians know how to throw a party!

>>733020
1.
Such a kind host! Who are we, a lowly paintress, to deny such hospitality?
>>
No. 733032 ID: d4420c

2, 1.
>>
No. 733034 ID: 0a94cb

5) WAKE UP
>>
No. 733038 ID: e4f856
733038

4
>>
No. 733046 ID: 8702a0

4, 2, 1. Like her resistance is failing.
"I shouldn't. I'll get in trouble. Unless... Do you mean-- you feed me? Well... I suppose I could eat..."
>>
No. 733053 ID: b2d501

1. "Eggs, balut, chicken. Maybe I could get inspiration from the life cycle."

>>733034
Seconded.

"Bika, what's for breakfast?"
>>
No. 733057 ID: 53c4b8

Sad as I am to suggest it, waking up might be a good idea. I doubt Poly favors being poked in the head by nocturnal boners when said head is hungover.
>>
No. 733063 ID: 08de7e

>>733020

I agree with >>733046 in terms of choices, but not in the exact order. 4 first, then 1 after mulling over a bit, and finally 2 as a sort of delayed and shocked reaction, as Bijala seemed to firmly believe she has no right to interact with the upperclass outside of business.

Though, before things get really hot and heavy, and before any really personal info is revealed, >>733034.
>>
No. 733068 ID: 350a50

>>733034
This.

A gentleman doesn't pry, Zachary.
>>
No. 733075 ID: 857c49

4, 1, 2. Also, has anyone here ever actually tried to will themselves awake? It's not exactly a common feat.
>>
No. 733084 ID: 818eac

... paint dickbutt.
>>
No. 733096 ID: 9ef32f

2, then 1. Timidly, but very intrigued.
>>
No. 733100 ID: 8d7722

Wake up.
>>
No. 733108 ID: a075ba

5) WAKE UP
>>
No. 733112 ID: f29c01

Wake up if its one of those dreams where you CAN wake up, otherwise its time to watch Poly work her magic.
>>
No. 733113 ID: 9ef32f

>>733057
>>733100
>>733112
Please number your suggestions. It makes it easier for Brom to keep track of things.
>>
No. 733119 ID: b1960b
File 146741777184.png - (13.03KB , 960x560 , 522a.png )
733119

Do you mean-- you feed me?

Mhm.

By hand?

As is the fashion with grapes, she says.

I-- ah-- I shouldn't.

You should.

I'll get in trouble. My patron--

Your patron happens to be my older brother, she says. And if he complains, I'll handle him. He should know better than to dangle such pretty things in front of me. He's well aware I don't like keeping my hands to myself.

You shrink back. You're a gentlewoman of the nobility?

I am many things, she says. But nobody has yet accused me of being a gentlewoman.

But-- I-- well I suppose I could eat.

Marvelous, she says. She takes your hand from your lap and pulls you out of your chair.

What's your name, paintress? she asks, steering you toward the corpulent nobleman and his vineyard.

Bijala, you say. Can we really just--

Of course, she says.
She plucks a bunch of grapes from the silver serving tray of a nubile skut, which simply bows its head in deferential response.

Easy as that, she says.
>>
No. 733120 ID: b1960b
File 146741777931.png - (11.43KB , 960x560 , 522.png )
733120

You're shaking, Bijala.
She puts a grape in your mouth, then runs her thumb across your lip.

I'm sorry, mistress.

Don't be. She rubs your wrist. I find it tantalizing when people are intimidated by me.
I've seen your work. It's hung up all around my brother's house. The only beautiful things he owns. How a man of his taste found a mind like yours I can't imagine.

You like my paintings?

What you make are more than paintings, she says. You make windows into better places. Better selves. I found myself yearning to crawl through them. Or at least to find the hands that made them. To touch them, perhaps.

She enmeshes her fingers through yours. But now that they're in front of me, I find-- voluptuary that I am-- I can't be satisfied with just your hands.
I think I'd like to steal you from him.

She lays a palm on your thigh.
You're a little overdressed, Bijala, she says.
Your tongue has tied itself in knots. Your throat is too dry to speak.
She slides her hand up under the fabric of your dress until it rests on your waist. She traces your hipbone with her thumb. You're so aroused that the motion makes you whimper.

Will you lie with me? she asks.

1]] If it pleases you, mistress.
2]] Yes. Please.
3]] I can't. Your brother.
4]] I'm a virgin.
5]] I've only just met you.
6]] wake up
>>
No. 733121 ID: a075ba

2, 6
>>
No. 733124 ID: 350a50

6.

Don't betray her trust.
>>
No. 733125 ID: 53c4b8

6
>>
No. 733126 ID: fe65ad

2
>>
No. 733127 ID: 595d54

>>733121
Agreed.
>>
No. 733128 ID: fb1c7d

6. Now's not the time to be doing this.
>>
No. 733130 ID: 8d7722

6 wake up
6 wake up
6 wake up
>>
No. 733131 ID: e22b1d

We only promised Polyphema we'd check out if sensitive information or things she wouldn't want us to know about came up. She didn't say anything about not getting fingerbanged.

2
>>
No. 733135 ID: f29c01

6

It's best to keep our word.
>>
No. 733137 ID: 9ef32f

2, 4.
>>
No. 733138 ID: 5280e9

>>733120
3, 1
Though I think it is at this point that our suspicion of who Poly's brother is from conversations with her and Hiz tips over into a pretty likely looking theory. And we should probably stop watching while it is only a theory, and not a certainty, because confirmation is something that should only come from her when she trusts us.

6]] wake up
>>
No. 733140 ID: e22b1d

Wait a second:

http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/630196.html#630862

Polyphema lied to us about having siblings. This is the second time in this thread Enemy's referenced her having them. Wonder what's going on here.
>>
No. 733141 ID: 5280e9

>>733140
Doesn't the Kariket have the (quite possibly self-conferred) ability to revoke someone's official name and identity? And this happens to everyone who flees to Earth by default?
In that case, she'd technically sort of not be lying-ish that she has no siblings.

Or perhaps she thinks that the person her brother was died a long time ago, and refuses to think of him as a sibling at all now.
>>
No. 733142 ID: 7b7ab3

2, 4, 6.
We've already seen more than she'd like.
Let's bow out before we hear something really important.
>>
No. 733143 ID: 818eac

>>733141
HER BROTHER'S THE GOD-DAMNED KARIKET FUCK
>>
No. 733144 ID: 5280e9

>>733143
Well, probably. She told us she came from a well-to-do farming family, the Kariket talks up how he came from a humble farming background according to Hiz, and also according to Hiz this is a distortion of the truth.

We need to wake up before that sort of thing becomes certain though. She should be the one to decide when to tell us. We need to talk with her about the dreams and such as soon as possible while being understanding of how shaken up she seems right now.
>>
No. 733146 ID: 7b7ab3

>>733140
>>733141
>>733143
>>733144
Enough supposition! Let's just get out of this dream before we see too much! Let's also avoid any confrontation with Poly for now. This is hardly the best time!
If we want to continue this, then let's take it to the discussion thread.
>>
No. 733151 ID: 0a94cb

6. The painter's just gonna die anyway.
>>
No. 733152 ID: b2d501

7) ASSAULT NOBLE8!+(#

DRAW BLOOD FROM HER BOOBS WITH YOUR TEETH

PAINT YOUR MASTERPIECE WITH HER BLOOD AND ORGANS

Or just find the nearest [cricket] bat and wake the @#$% up already.
>>
No. 733170 ID: b1960b
File 146743029388.png - (12.98KB , 960x560 , 523.png )
733170

Yes. Please.

She smiles. Thank you, she says.

She lays a hand on your knee, and slowly opens your legs.

I'm a virgin, you say, before you can stop yourself.

She pauses.
I'm your first?

Yes.

And you would give me this?

Yes. Yes.

Bijala. She rolls over so that she's kneeling over you. You honor me beyond words.
I prostrate myself before you.
She rests her head on your stomach. She kisses your bellybutton, then suddenly perks back up.
I just realized, she laughs. I've been so frantic to taste you; I haven't even told you my name.

I thought-- perhaps I didn't need to know it.

She laughs again. You think I'll simply take my fill of you and leave?
I told you, little paintress. I'm stealing you.
Wouldn't you like to know the name of your thief?

Yes.

It's
>>
No. 733172 ID: b1960b
File 146743033725.png - (8.93KB , 960x560 , 524.png )
733172

Your phone buzzes.
You jolt awake.

Your lap is wet and for a second you freak out, thinking maybe that dream got a little too exciting.
You touch the stain on your pants and realize it's nothing like that. Polyphema's crying in her sleep.

With the utmost tenderness you replace your lap (the bones of which, you decide, have had enough of that deleterious position) with a cushion from Polyphema's couch.
You cast around for your cane, and use it to get to Polyphema's room and find a blanket for her.

Once she's sleeping soundly again you check your phone. You've been asleep for a half hour.

:warrior: ok me and bika are coming over now

Her latest message is what woke you up.

:warrior: were outside. buzz in?

:meg: ik i wasnt invited but can i come anyway
:meg: im worried abt poly
:meg: zack?
:meg: r u sleeping
>>
No. 733175 ID: 7b7ab3

Buzz in Big Red and Hot Fuzz, then tell Super Fly we were snoozing and that she can come over if she wants.
>>
No. 733176 ID: f09ad4

Buzz in GG and Bika but text them Poly is still sleeping.

Text M you were sleeping, Poly still is. She can come over if she's ok stealthing around.
>>
No. 733177 ID: 60151e

>>733176
This.
Hope Poly doesn't mind a bit of company during these trying times. Safety in numbers and all that.
>>
No. 733187 ID: 010dde

Invite all the girls over, but tell them to be very quiet as Poly is still asleep. Though it does bring up the dilemma of how we're gonna break to Poly about the dreams with Zack's other three girlfriends depending on how private we want that topic to be.....
>>
No. 733189 ID: 358228

Meg can come, GG and Bika can come in, but everybody... wait in a different room than Poly. The front parlor, or something. You'll hang with them too, and check in on Poly.
>>
No. 733190 ID: 60151e

>>733187
Best to keep all the dream stuff on a back burner until we get current, pressing matters sorted.

>>733189
Yes. Don't want Poly feeling overwhelmed or smothered.
>>
No. 733217 ID: fe74a4

>>733176
>>733189
These.
>>
No. 733251 ID: cd9ebd

>>733172
To gg and meg: "come on in. quiet tho. poly is asleep still."
>>
No. 733253 ID: 04efcb

I think we need to arange a specific date to talk about the dreams it's far to sensitive a topic to suprise Poly with.

I suppose all the girls can be here but warn them as they come in that Poly is seriously not okay and may be more than a little difficult.
>>
No. 733269 ID: 25e2cb

>>733176
>>733189
>>733253
>Buzz in GG and Bika but text them Poly is still sleeping.
>Text M you were sleeping, Poly still is. She can come over if she's ok stealthing around.
>everybody... wait in a different room than Poly. The front parlor, or something.
>warn them as they come in that Poly is seriously not okay and may be more than a little difficult.
Carefully constructed plan.
>>
No. 733324 ID: 9f3729

>>733269
yeah this is a good plan
>>
No. 733401 ID: 6abd99

>>733324
Seconded.
>>
No. 733403 ID: 4dece0

Just be sure not to leave Poly alone for any significant length of time, we should be there when she wakes up.

Hey, wait, Ambrose and Rella said they'd take turns outside. Shouldn't GG and Bika have met one of them to let them in?
>>
No. 733405 ID: e22b1d

Outside the room, presumably. They needed someone to buzz them into the building.
>>
No. 733406 ID: 4dece0

>>733405

Well, in that case we could get one of them to buzz GG and Bika in, and have Zack stay here with Poly.

In retrospect, one is generally supposed to inform one's bodyguards when expecting guests.
>>
No. 733541 ID: b1960b
File 146760763322.png - (21.72KB , 960x560 , 525.png )
733541

"Still sleeping."
GG comes back into the front room and sits down.
One of the Bikas heads into Polyphema's room to take her turn. It's the soldier who was injured against Pilop, arm still in a brace. Bika's brought her in solidarity with you, you guess.

"Poor Poly," GG says.
"Poor Hizalian," Meg says.
"Yeah." You readjust the ice pack you've put on your lap. "Did he leave anyone else behind?"
"Not on this side," Bika says. "We're discussing how to break the news on the other. Want to get ahead of whatever official channels the Kariketic government is going to use."
"I could do it," Meg says. "There's people I can talk to."
"That might be a good idea," Bika says. "Has the HVAO given you any updates, Zack?"
"Nothing you guys haven't heard," you say. "I'm waiting."
"K." Bika curls up. She looks very small. "I still haven't-- I don't know. Hiz. I'm still processing it. I've been so busy all day and now. The wind's kind of out of me."
Meg sits up and puts her arm around Bika's shoulders. She kisses her ear.

"Fuck." GG flops sideways and lays on the couch. "Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck."
"Yeah," Bika says.

The room lapses into silence.

1]] We need to come up with a plan for how to handle it when she wakes up.
2]] I'll call Carlson, actually. Get as up to date as I can from the horse's mouth.
3]] I think I'm taking you up on those shooting lessons, Meg.
4]] Me and GG were talking about leaving the city to go hunting or something. We should make that happen ASAP.
5]] I need to tell you guys about something. I keep getting these weird dreams when I sleep with Polyphema.
6]] _______________
>>
No. 733542 ID: 350a50

1, 3, 4
>>
No. 733543 ID: 5a3919

1, 3, 5.

Carlson's probably super busy. Poly I think wouldn't be too down with hunting just for hunting's sake and we don't want to leave her behind. Talk about the dreams but don't talk about the specific content of any of those dreams, those are what Poly would like kept private. The fact that the dreams themselves happen I don't think she cares so much about people knowing.
>>
No. 733546 ID: 595d54

1,3,4. Not 5. That's not a thing to take chances with. We can ask her about that specifically when there's a good time.
>>
No. 733549 ID: 7b7ab3

1, 3, 4.
Immediate issue: severely depressed and potentially suicidal oculot. Plan now.
Future plans: get out of the city, go hunting, get some shooting practice, and avoid further complications.
>>
No. 733559 ID: 5a3919

>>733546

It's never a good time! Besides, we already talked about it to Hiz, in Bika's restaurant no less. The fact that oculots have freaky mind powers, and that sometimes new freaky mind powers pop up, is not a secret. Besides, one of our dreams was from GGs perspective, as I recall, and she has a right to know we saw into her head at a point in her life.

Also, as many people as possible need to know that the Kariket can mind control people. We don't need to reveal anything about Poly, we can just go "hey I get dreams where I see into the minds of people Poly has met at some point in the past, I got one that let me look into a scene from when you were a kid GG, also I got one where I saw into the kariket's morning and turns out he's literally insane and can control people's minds".

You can't not tell people that a crazy man is running around with mental domination powers, come on.
>>
No. 733560 ID: a41fd8

>>733546
This.
>>
No. 733566 ID: 60903a

1, 3, 4, 2.
Before we discuss the dream situation with anyone else, we should have a long, serious talk with Polyphema about how to handle it. A hunting trip should provide ample opportunity to hold such a conversation.
>>
No. 733572 ID: 5a893f

1, 3, 4
>>
No. 733585 ID: 3abc4f

>>733541
1, 3, and 4
>>
No. 733588 ID: 595d54

>>733559
Sure you can. That's exactly the sort of thing you shouldn't ever tell someone unless you're certain they can actually do something about it.
>>
No. 733592 ID: 358228

1. GG, you give good, restraining hugs. Poly needs several hugs. And a tall glass of water.
Not 2. Don't call them, they'll call you. Or you can check in with the agents, later.
3, 4, and not 5. There is nothing they can do about these memories without spreading the knowledge around even further.
>>
No. 733626 ID: 5280e9

>>733566
Yeah, speaking to others about the dreams is something we should do WITH Poly
>>
No. 733733 ID: 7b3f9f

"We need to come up with a plan for how to handle it when she wakes up. Also, I think I'm taking you up on those shooting lessons, Meg. Which reminds me. Me and GG were talking about leaving the city to go hunting or something. We should make that happen ASAP."
>>
No. 733813 ID: 960f86

Theres gonna be Hell to pay
>>
No. 733824 ID: f08a8a

1. We are open to suggestions, ladies.

3. What manner of firearm were you considering, Meg?

4. How about a bear skin rug for the restaurant, Bika?

6. Let's get an update from the agents and see if anything's changed.
>>
No. 734220 ID: 327d44

>>733541
if we went hunting bika could make traditional skut food served out of the skull of the hunted.
>>
No. 734289 ID: 4c106e

>>733592
This.
>>
No. 734786 ID: b1960b
File 146813672382.png - (13.30KB , 960x560 , 526.png )
734786

"I think I'm taking you up on those shooting lessons, Meg," you say.
"Cool," Meg says.
"Whoa." GG's head raises. "I want in on that."
"I can make that work," Meg says. "Biks?"
"I don't really need shooting lessons," Bika says. "But I'll come."
You raise an eyebrow. "Do you own guns?"
"Depends on who's asking," Bika says.
"GG and I were actually talking about going out hunting or something when my crotchbone's fixed," you say. "Maybe you could finally make that thing that comes in its own skull."
"Bringkik, you mean?"
"Yeah, the thing."
"That goes in warlox skulls. Think we'll see any warloxi in the forests of Upstate New York?"
"Maybe not. Maybe in Connecticut."
"I just know I wanna kill something," GG says. "We can't find whoever killed Hizalian I guess it'll have to be a little bunny or something."
"Nooo," Bika says. "Not the bunnies."
"A bear," Meg says.
"Yeah," GG says. "A fucking bear."
"I can see about getting us to the range tomorrow," Meg says. "If that's what we want to do."
"Maybe," you say. "Right now we gotta decide what we're going to do about Poly."

"Yeah...." GG lays back down. "But like what the fuck can we do?"
"Not a lot," Bika says. "She's... taken a lot of damage, I think. And she's never really fixed any of it up. That's the picture Hiz painted anyway."
"I think I'm going in there." Meg straightens up. "I think it'll be good for her to wake up next to somebody."

1]] You know she might puke on you in her sleep, right?
2]] I don't know. She may just want to be alone.
3]] Sounds good. We'll hold down the living room.
4]] I think I'll join you.
5]] I'd join you but my pelvis might not cooperate.
6]] I'd join you but weird stuff happens when I sleep next to Poly.
7]] Maybe we all should.
8]] Shooting lessons tomorrow sounds good to me.
9]] ______________
>>
No. 734787 ID: 9f2de2

4, 7.
8.
>>
No. 734788 ID: 7b7ab3

4, 7, 8, 9]] Anyone know any hangover remedies?
>>
No. 734789 ID: 1c3e55

9) See if you can control the next dream with Bika + Poly + anal sausage interconnecting Bika and Poly + Tin Foil helmet
>>
No. 734795 ID: 1137e8

"Sounds good. We'll hold down the living room. Or maybe I should join you. Or maybe we all should. I don't know. Anyway, shooting lessons tomorrow sounds good to me."
>>
No. 734801 ID: 5a893f

>>734786
Bika, your probably the most experienced when it comes to Oculot mental health, well without bias, since that would be Poly.
How exactly is such a long living species supposed to stay mentally healthy when one is garenteed to go through countless tragedies? Fixing a specific problem is one thing, but the reality is that an Oculot (and potentially skuts too) is going to have to fix infinite problems until death occurs. Hiz was only 80 ish and had seroius issues himself but they were clearly manageable at that age. Poly implied perhaps she a millennial.
>>
No. 734812 ID: 558268

>>734786
4, 7, 8. Avoid 6 until Poly wakes up and possibly opens up, because merely mentioning it may hint to the others about Zack's unintentional spelunking into her memories, and it best not to reveal it until Poly's more stable.

Actually, here's a good 9: You guys know of any good hangover cures? Aside from more booze.
>>
No. 734817 ID: 1ce34b

3, 8. We shouldn't crowd her.
>>
No. 734825 ID: 6494e4

3, 5, 8.
Trying to crowd in around her all at once may not be the best idea, but she probably shouldn't be left alone either.
We may also want to wait about revealing the dreams until we've asked Poly if she's cool with the others knowing.
Our dulabira could only benefit from shooting lessons as it would be a good team building exercise and could help protect it.
>>
No. 734853 ID: b50d02

3, 8, not 4. You had your turn, Zack.

I mean, what are the odds she'd have some sort of Floater-related trauma?
>>
No. 734880 ID: 26dfb4

>>734786
3, 8
9]] Let us know when she wakes up, and if she's ready for more company or not.
>>
No. 734941 ID: 97263f

>>734786
join, but give the tinfoil hat thing a try. if nothing else it'll give her a good hungover chuckle. the intention is to show we want to sleep with her but still give her privacy.
>>
No. 734951 ID: 7b3f9f

1 is just kind of rude.
2 isn't very likely as Poly never said she wants to be alone, and she outright fell asleep in Zack's lap.
3 is tempting as we have a lot to discuss and it's hard to have a discussion with people who are trying to sleep.
4 is tempting as well as Polyphema may want Zack present when she wakes up.
5 isn't worth much as we've managed with the damage so far.
6 is something we should save talking about until we get the OK from Poly.
7 is tempting because for all we know Poly may want as many friendly faces as she can get.
8 should definitely happen as the gang needs better defenses, and they'll need to practice for the hunting trip.
>>
No. 735021 ID: 5b4b1e

3 and 8.
Meg deserves her turn, and we have things to plan with GG and Bika.
>>
No. 735149 ID: ab65d4

>>734812
This.
>>
No. 735160 ID: b1960b
File 146822463354.png - (2.94KB , 960x560 , 527.png )
735160

"Sounds good, Meg," you say. "We'll hold up the fort in here for tonight I guess. And then tomorrow, guns."
"Fuckin' A," GG says.

Meg fake-shoots you as she goes into Polyphema's room.

You fall asleep in a pile of couch cushions, red arms, and Bikas.

You dream that you're barely keeping your head above the water.
Someone holds their hand out to you.
You reach forward to grasp it.
>>
No. 735161 ID: b1960b
File 146822464438.png - (12.73KB , 900x600 , 528.png )
735161

"And a good morning to you too," Polyphema says.

"Humh?" You blink reality into your brain.
Your left hand is full of soft warm Oculot tit.

1]] Inquire how she's feeling.
2]] Inquire about breakfast.
3]] Inquire about whether she wants to talk about Hizalian today.
4]] Inquire as to whether she remembers last night at all.
5]] Inquire about Bijala.
6]] Inquire about any updates on the situation from HVAO.
7]] ______________
>>
No. 735162 ID: ab65d4

1, 4, 6.
A very tentative 3, but drop it immediately at the first sign of discomfort.
Then 2.
>>
No. 735163 ID: 0a94cb

7) HONK HONK
>>
No. 735164 ID: 7b7ab3

7]] Pull her into a hug.
1, 4, 6, and 2.
>>
No. 735166 ID: 1f6323

>>735161
1, 2, 6.
then, 7. i wanted to sleep with you but i also wanted to give you privacy.
also, maybe, 8. watching you drink in grief made me feel helpless. i get that it's how you deal, i just wish you wouldn't push me away. i really care about you and it hurts to just watch from afar.
>>
No. 735167 ID: 094e9a

1, 2, 3, 4, 6. I omit 5 because I classify it as "old, personal stuff that's none of our business."
>>
No. 735169 ID: 818eac

7, hug the mono-eyed slut
2, cause food
1, check for hangover
avoid 3 like the plague until you've gotten your bearings and a general feel for the atmosphere
>>
No. 735170 ID: e4f856

7) HUG
>>
No. 735172 ID: 327d44

>>735161
do not do 3, 4, or 5. avoid that snake pit
only do 6 if you haven't gotten any messages from them and the bodyguards out in the hallway know nothing.

so just do 1 and 2. i vote breakfast first we have to have our priorities straight
>>
No. 735175 ID: 59bd8b

7) Hug Poly
2) Inquire about breakfast
1) See how she's doing after the other two
>>
No. 735176 ID: 9ef32f

>>735164
This.
>>
No. 735177 ID: 16dbfa

7) Honk.
>>
No. 735179 ID: 960f86

1, 7, 2.
>>
No. 735181 ID: f7a64f

No inquiries, just pull her down and give her a kiss.
>>
No. 735183 ID: 1c2a1b

1, 2, 4. I imagine she's feeling felt up.
>>
No. 735186 ID: 558268

>>735161
First of all 7: Give her a hug so as to diffuse the currently awkward moment. Then, in order, 1, 4, and 2, and finally 6 over breakfast. Only bring up 3 if the topic comes up and feels comfortable enough, and avoid 5 like the plague.
>>
No. 735189 ID: 350a50

1, 2, 6

7: Once confirming the two of you are in private, tell her you've figured out how to back out of those dreams.
>>
No. 735192 ID: 4f8995

7) Sit up into a hug, then 1.
>>
No. 735193 ID: e22b1d

>>735186
It's not awkward. She's our beautiful, slutty, one-eyed girlfriend. The only thing awkward is that we're touching her 8/10 boob instead of her 10/10 butt.

Escalate into make-out. Touch butt.
>>
No. 735215 ID: 398fe1

>>735161
7, tell her about the dream you had about JUST the kariket. She needs to know how he controls people.
>>
No. 735218 ID: 358228

>>735193
>8/10
Heresy.
1, 2, 6. Honk. She's looking much more composed, and I think we'll be able to try talking with her again today. Hopefully she hasn't already hit the sauce.
>>
No. 735234 ID: e22b1d

>>735218
I stand by that. GG's boobs are 10/10. She has the boobs, Poly has the hips.
>>
No. 735261 ID: d8dc8a

1, 2, 6, squeeze her boob and say "Honk honk."
>>
No. 735266 ID: bb78f2

7) do me a favor and pinch me. Maybe say my name too, JUST to be sure.
>>
No. 735278 ID: 960f86

7 - hugs about
2
1
>>
No. 735318 ID: b1960b
File 146830243454.png - (13.07KB , 960x560 , 529.png )
735318

You squeeze Polyphema's boob. "Honk."

She squeezes your pec. "Honk honk."
"How are you feeling?" you ask.
"You tell me how I feel," Polyphema says.
"Pretty good," you say.

She lays herself across you and gives you one of those deep, languid, morning kisses.
You touch her butt. She flexes it a little in response. It's a different kind of soft from her chest. More of a summer morning softness. Less supple and more like the kind of thing you can sink your fingers into.
Leggings rule.
>>
No. 735319 ID: b1960b
File 146830246351.png - (18.08KB , 960x560 , 530.png )
735319

"Yooo! Get a room!"
GG walks out of the kitchen with a frying pan in her hand.
"I have several rooms," Polyphema says. "One of which has a gaggle of visitors eating all my eggs."
"How do you want yours, Zack?" GG asks.
"Scrambled."
"You would," GG says.
"What does that mean?"
"You would want your eggs scrambled," GG says. "You're a scrambled eggs guy. That's so you."
"What does--"
"It is very you," Polyphema says.
"Where do you get that-- I want them over easy actually."
GG whisks back into the kitchen. "I'm scrambling them."

Polyphema licks your neck, then sits up. She rotates her butt a little on the morning wood bulge in your pants. "You invited the whole kit and kaboodle, didn't you?"
"Should I not have?"
"I don't mind," Polyphema says. "It's actually rather comforting. Ambrose is inside. We tried to bring Rella in but she insisted on watching the door."
"Do you remember anything about last night?" you ask.
"Yes," Polyphema says.
"Do you want to talk about--"
"No I certainly do not," Polyphema says. "It is a beautiful morning and I am hungry. Come!" She stands up. "Breakfast awaits."

1]] Cool.
2]] I'm sorry.
3]] We should talk privately first: _____________
4]] Ask Ambrose about ___________
5]] I like my eggs all kinds of ways, fyi. Not just scrambled.
6]] ______________
>>
No. 735320 ID: e22b1d

3]] And by "talk privately" I mean "help me out with this morning glory"
>>
No. 735321 ID: aea051

1, 5.
4]] Ask Ambrose about the investigation. Have there been any changes?
>>
No. 735322 ID: 398fe1

>>735319
3, tell her about the Kariket. Why are we keeping that secret it should not be secret it is an enemy's secret.
>>
No. 735323 ID: 350a50

>>735321
This
>>
No. 735324 ID: 7b7ab3

1. No use forcing it.
4. We should ask for an update.
5. We also like them boiled.
>>
No. 735326 ID: ce2e2f

First things first this >>735320

Then >>735324
>>
No. 735327 ID: 74ea6e

>>735326
Second.
>>
No. 735329 ID: 358228

1, 4: Ask Ambrose if the HVAO has Visitor employees besides the cultural exchange program that he knows of. Oh, and I guess if anything happened overnight.
>>
No. 735330 ID: fd55dc

>>735320
>>735320
>>735320
>>735320
>>
No. 735331 ID: fd55dc

No offense Brom your plot is great and everything but I want more porn
>>
No. 735332 ID: 91ee5f

6]] I hate to spoil the mood but I have two things I must say. First, my crotch is still broken. Second, ow ow ow, please get off, ow ow ow!
>>
No. 735333 ID: 358228

>>735330
Watch the pelvis, buddy.

>>735331
>>/questdis/81802
>>
No. 735339 ID: 350a50

>>735320
No. He's recovering from a broken pelvis and we have more important things to do.
>>
No. 735343 ID: 0a94cb

1.
>>
No. 735371 ID: e4f856

>>735322
6) I haven't put insurance on my pelvis yet, we need to cool it.

We got more important shit to do than sex.
>>
No. 735375 ID: 1cfbb0

1, 2
6]] I love you.
>>
No. 735388 ID: 558268

>>735319
1, 5, 4 pertaining to the investigation and finally >>735371 because that's just golden. XD Save 3 for later, the topic being the Kariket.
>>
No. 735389 ID: e05b38

1), 5), and 6), kind of a variation on 3: "I just wanted to ask, I've had a few more dreams, some that didn't involve you at all that I could tell. Do you mind me talking to other people about them? Not about the content specifically, for sure nothing about you that I get from them, just like, about the dream thing itself? Like, I had one where I think I saw GG's childhood. Seems right to inform everyone that sleeping with you and me together means me maybe seeing their history."
>>
No. 735425 ID: 960f86

1
>>
No. 735519 ID: 960f86

1
>>
No. 735709 ID: b1960b
File 146848391077.png - (11.91KB , 960x560 , 531.png )
735709

"I haven't put insurance on this pelvis yet, y'know," you say. "We need to cool it."
"Am I hurting you at all?" Poly asks.
"Well-- no, actually."
"It's all about distribution and application of weight, doll." Polyphema wink-blinks. "You don't get to be a long-lived woman who loves short-lived men without knowing your way around brittle bones and hip problems." She delicately dismounts. "In fact this could be an opportunity for me to show you something interesting."
"Something interesting?" You let her help you up. "That sounds interesting."
"An interesting present," she says. "Remind me."

GG has made you not one but what looks like a half dozen eggs. You struggle valiantly against the pile with the aid of a Bika's thieving fork.

"Are there any updates you can tell me about?" you ask Ambrose.
"Nothing fun," Ambrose says. "Ms. Polyphema?"
"Right." Polyphema excuses herself from the room.

"They think they caught one of the guys," Ambrose says. "In a hospital, in midtown. Seriously burnt."
"Apparently he did fight back after all," Meg says.
"Cause of death was strangulation," Ambrose says. "With some kind of cord."
You gingerly set your breakfast aside. "What's happening at the HVAO?"
"A lot." Ambrose clears his throat. "They're, uh, some people are talking about putting the program on hold."

1]] Why?
2]] They can't. It's too important.
3]] That wouldn't stop me from being with everyone, y'know.
4]] That tears it. I'm calling Carlson.
5]] On hold for how long?
6]] Some people like only a few, or some people like this is probably going to happen?
7]] ______________
>>
No. 735710 ID: defceb

<_Apollo_> Brom what the fuck
<_Apollo_> none of these options are to flirt with Ambrose
<Brom> sorry write it in

I'm writing it in, Brom. Flirt with Ambrose!
>>
No. 735711 ID: 358228

6, 1, what's their reasoning, and 2. It's not (just) your vested interest speaking, but you are the most successful participant in the program and it's making a real bridge between the species.
If concerns about the budget are raised, well, you're not doing it for the money (anymore). You're doing it for Bika, Poly, Meg, and GG. *ahem* And Mr. Carlson.
>>
No. 735712 ID: 38685c

3
>>
No. 735713 ID: 960f86

>>735709
3, 1
>>
No. 735721 ID: 71d78d

2, 3, 6, 4
This program has taught humanity so much about the Visitors, has opened doors to so many possibilities, and has the potential to do so much more. It needs to continue. It's come too far to give up now.
On a personal note, even if such a thing were to happen, this dulabira will not be divided. It too has come too far to simply give up.
Exactly who all is even suggesting such foolishness? Is it really just a few or could this be a real problem?
Perhaps it would be best if we went directly to our superior about this matter.
>>
No. 735722 ID: ef9669

6, 1.

Maybe if we ever talked to Poly about the dream thing and got her to let us talk about it, we could tell the HVAO about the kariket and they could tell other government agencies and then, maybe, someone would go "oh shit this romance program thing is important after all". Guys.
>>
No. 735725 ID: 960f86

>>735722
how about no.
>>
No. 735726 ID: e4f856

>>735711
+7) flirt with ambrose, no one can resist your pervert demonboy charms
>>
No. 735727 ID: fb1c7d

3, 1, 6
Honestly it wouldn't stop you and it's good to make your position know. Having all the info however is also really important.
>>
No. 735737 ID: 7a5065

>>735711
>>735721
These. Putting the program on hold is a bad move. It also wouldn't accomplish anything. People would still be in danger wether or not the program was active.
>>
No. 735740 ID: 91ee5f

>>735710
>>735726
No way! There's only room for one human in this dulabira and that's Zackary Nguyen! And no offense to Ambrose but once you go Visitor, you ain't ever going back!
>>
No. 735743 ID: 350a50

>>735740
I get the feeling he's hot for his partner anyways.

>>735727
Yup
>>
No. 735744 ID: f562b1

6, 1, and 5: What kind of groups we got trying to close us down, and how big are they? How long does it look like the groups will stick together?

3 probably doesn't need to be said, but if it does, reword it like "Wouldn't change my routine much."
4/7: "Think it'd do any good if I spoke with Carlson? He might want to hear how things are on my end."
>>
No. 735745 ID: ef9669

No lecturing Ambrose, he knows what's up.

And Carlson will be super busy, so no calling him unless we actually have a proper plan for what we can say that would help.
>>
No. 735746 ID: 5a893f

>>735709
3, 6
7) What does putting the program on hold even detail, besides not paying me? Now, I sure as hell love being paid for this job, but im NOT a gigolo, so I'm not going to cut and run over a silly little detail like money when progress is at stake. if these ladies will have me, I'll run a one operation pro bono program if I have to. And I have a killer resume so I can get a job lickity split, though I speculate diplomat in my future regardless.
>>
No. 735750 ID: 7b7ab3

1, 2, 3, 6.
What exactly is their reasoning, and what would they hope to accomplish?
This program has done more in a couple weeks than the rest of humanity has managed in over two decades. Can't really recommend putting it on hold due to a few speed bumps.
Not like it matters to us. This love boat's set sail, and it's not making port anytime soon.
Who all is even talking? Are there even enough to be a concern?
>>
No. 735762 ID: 558268

>>735709
First, 3. Establish that you already are in four loving relationships and a stemmed cashflow ain't gonna stop you from continuing.

Then, say 2 and then 1, because you are entitled to a proper reason for this.

Ask 5 next. If its only for a month, just to wait until the heat gets turned down. If its any longer, or the word "indefinitely", THAT is when Zack can start raising Hell about it. Combine 6 & 7, with asking who actually wants to put the program on hold and why, and then asking if putting the program on hold is really just fancy talk for "starting to shut it down."

If all else fails, 4.
>>
No. 735861 ID: 7b3f9f

>>735711
>>735721
>>735750
>>735762
Something like these!
>>
No. 736090 ID: 67f8bb

1, 2, 3, 6.
>>
No. 736308 ID: 960f86

>>735709
16
>>
No. 736705 ID: baafea

can we mention the fact that zack has seen the Karikets mind? that's sorta an important development from the dating...
>>
No. 736708 ID: 595d54

>>736705
No, lad, that's not something to blab about. The only times we should ever tell someone is if we're absolutely certain they can actually do something about it. Otherwise it's stupid, pointless, and risks getting people including us killed.
>>
No. 736828 ID: 5280e9

>>736705
That specifically might be something to leave for now, but noting that we're getting memories from people we've never met at times when they were alone is probably important.

It was weird enough somehow being able to pick up things from our mothers death from some kind of psychic leakover from Poly, who wasn't there, since that implies something might have been transferred at the time that was merely being unlocked. Getting a read of someone's final moments when it seems highly doubtful Poly was immediately present and we were in another world entirely suggests something even stranger is going on here. If this really is unfamiliar to oculots, it may be something connected with humans that's just being brought out by the oculot presence.
>>
No. 736830 ID: ecd8ad

>>735709
1, 2, 6
>>736828
Here's what I think happened.
>Remadren mercy kills Zack's mom
>Remadren receives her last thoughts/memories
>Remadren links with Hizalian
>Hizalian links with Polyphema
>Polyphema sleeps with Zack
>Zack sees his mom's last thoughts/memories
>>
No. 737050 ID: 5280e9

>>736830
That was my original assumption and it's still my main working assumption; even though it was quite circuitous and didn't explain the reason why having a human and oculot sleep near each other resulted in this new dream phenomenon when it evidently doesn't happen between oculots and any other species, it was still the simplest. The artist drowning happened while she seemed fairly alone though, and once someone is dead they're inaccessible given what apparently happened to the Kariket, so there may be something more to whatever mechanism is underlying these dreams.

Being able to share memories when psychic communication without the fancy collars should cause exploding heads for non-oculots made the dreams interesting enough, but seeing stuff nobody should have any access to as far as we know is another thing entirely.
>>
No. 737371 ID: e96733

>>736830
A good theory, but that does not explain how Zack received that vision of GG's childhood.
>>
No. 737593 ID: 960f86

perhaps Zach's a government sleeper cell chosen to gather information on the visitors without his knowledge, and his telepathic dream-linking with poly is simply a side effect of the ocolut based-mind wipe placed to hide the project from them? or maybe its just a poorly planed plot device.
>>
No. 737624 ID: 9d5ded

>>736705
>>736708
>>736828
>>736830
>>737050
>>737371
Take it to the discussion thread.
>>737593
And stop being rude.
>>
No. 738593 ID: 320ead

1 and 6. How bad is it really?
>>
No. 738668 ID: b1960b
File 146950268332.png - (29.09KB , 960x560 , 532.png )
738668

"Why?" you ask.
"It's just, they're talking."
"But what's their reasoning?"
"It's not a reasoning thing," Ambrose says. "It's a-- it hasn't been well received. And now that it's cost a life, and potentially two human lives besides--"
"One of whom was one of the guys who killed Hizalian," Bika says.
"Still. A human. And that's not all: they found out when they looked into the girl about the nature of Visitor relationships. The Duelo thing."
"Dulabira." Your words sound hollow, as if you're saying them far away from yourself.
"They're calling it deviant. State-sponsored xenophobic orgies. There's no getting in front of this. The timing is-- not great."
"Who is this they?" you ask. "What's some people? Like a few some people or this is probably going to happen some people?"

"Some people," Ambrose says. "Not a lot, but. Some important people."
"Well those important people should know I don't need a program or the money to keep going," you say. "It's not going to stop me."
"I'm glad to hear it, man, but they don't care about that," Ambrose says. "They care that you're a government employee."

Meg scoots her chair out. "I need to talk to you, Ambrose."
"Huh?"
"Outside."
"Meg?" You put a hand on her palm. She squeezes it.
"Give us a second," she says. "Sorry."

Ambrose comes back in first. He looks like someone just lit his house on fire. "My fucking-- shoot." He grabs his phone off the kitchen table. "I need to make some calls. I-- we'll be outside, Zack."
He nearly sprints back into the hallway, swishing past Meg, who floats casually back in.

She sits back down at the table.
"I think it's going to be OK," she says. "You guys want to shoot some guns?"
>>
No. 738675 ID: a445b2

"Sure, sounds like fun and a good idea."

Don't ask straight-out what that was about, because she clearly doesn't want to say it in front of someone here (probably you), but give her an eyebrow raise and a "I hope I get to find out what that was about some time" look.
>>
No. 738683 ID: 7b7ab3

"Sure, but what just happened? What did you say to him? He looked more than a little freaked out."
>>
No. 738685 ID: 815bab

No guns until we get answers!
What does she know that we don't? Is it something we should be concerned about? Is someone going to die? Why is she trying to keep it secret? Why was Ambrose so worried?
>>
No. 738691 ID: 59bd8b

I'm all for going for shooting lessons. Also try to find a private moment for you and Meg and tell her that you won't pry for what she said to him, but you would like to know eventually. We have no reason to really push this, not yet anyway.
>>
No. 738694 ID: 25c66e

>>738668
Yep.

We can ask about what that was later, after she's done being cool about it.
>>
No. 738697 ID: 9e2c62

Meg, you do realize that we're going to learn about whatever it is you're trying to keep a secret, right? And that if it's something we don't like, then you trying to keep it a secret from us is just going to make us angrier.
If you won't tell us, then we'll ask Ambrose, and if we find out that he can't tell us for whatever reason, then we're just going to get even angrier.
So either tell us now or let it balloon into something REALLY ugly.
>>
No. 738698 ID: 91cfcf

>>738697
>threaten to be an immature child
She isn't a kid and we don't have any authority over her, threatening to get mad is just childish. Definitely do not do this.

Worried might work, though.
>>
No. 738701 ID: b1960b
File 146950959517.png - (10.58KB , 960x560 , 533.png )
738701

"Sure," you say. "But what just happened? What did you say to him? He looked more than a little freaked out."

"Bika," Meg says. "GG. Go get Poly and tell her we're going to the range. We're going to be a second."
"Are you telling Zack and not us?" GG says.
"I'm not telling him anything. Just go get her."
"C'mon, GG," Bika says.
GG follows her out. "Some wild-ass secrets going around this group."

You turn back to Meg. "Meg, you gotta understand--"
"Give me your phone," Meg says.
You do.
She types quickly, for a very long time.
Then she slides the phone back to you.

:meg: You cant tell anyone about this including the other girls. What I told Ambrose is that Im the Electric Sheep, which is the codename the HVAO knows me by. What happened was after we started dating I convinced the floaters to unhook me from their surveillance protocols because it was compromising my performance in my dates. I basically unhooked from the mainframe but I left a backdoor they didnt know about. After that happened I made contact with the sec wing of HVAO and CIA and the RSK which is the leading resistance mvmt in Golboria. Im a double agent. Im giving the humans access to the floater mainframe and all of the state secrets up to my level of clearance which is very high, + im also one of the people coordinating ops/communication between RSK and earth. What i told Ambrose is that if the HVAO shuts down the program its going to keep me from doing my job because as soon as i dont have this mission i dont have any more cover. Im not going to hide this like poly hides her stuff. You can ask me any questions you want and ill tell you the answers but jsyk this is in the disappear you if they know you know realm. And that goes for earth gov not just golboria. Ive kept my anonymity from both sides until now and idk whats going to happen next but my guess is this is the justification they need to keep the program going and theyre not going to interfere with me because im the best spy theyve got right now.

1]] ______________
>>
No. 738702 ID: 398fe1

>>738701
Heh. This could be a good opportunity to let SOMEONE know that you know something important about the Kariket.

She is DEFINITELY in a position to do something about that knowledge without you dying, Zack.
>>
No. 738703 ID: 9f3729

>>738702
good idea actually
that's the kind of shit that starts a SECOND civil war
>>
No. 738704 ID: 91cfcf

>>738702
Yeah, for once that's actually a good idea.
>>
No. 738705 ID: 91cfcf

>>738704
And just to make this explicit, we should tell her via typing back on the phone.
>>
No. 738709 ID: a445b2

>>738702

Sounds good to me. Meg is here revealing things to us, engaging in what would be labeled treachery against people some of whom she probably likes. Fair's fair. Something like:

1) "ok there's a lot to ask about that but first things first if we're not saying anything to the other girls about this then I have something i have to let someone know who could maybe do something about it. only me and poly know about this right now but when I've been sleeping beside her i've been getting dreams where i'm a person she knew and i see bits of their past from their perspective, usually a moment they met her but not always. the reason i'm telling you is because one time i dreamed i was the kariket and I found out he is literally crazy from mindbonding to someone he loved when they died and also he discovered a power that lets him literally mind control people. i haven't told poly about that one because she obviously has a ton of baggage about him, she'll probably be super mad at me if she finds out i talked to you about it but you're telling me this stuff so I need to tell you stuff."

Typing back on her phone, obviously.
>>
No. 738728 ID: 7b7ab3

If what she's saying is true, then it will make things much easier.
For now we should just hug her and kiss her and thank her for telling us and relieving our concerns.
Then let's go shoot guns, spit acid, and fire mind bullets!
>>
No. 738729 ID: 67d5dc

About the 'tell meg about dreams' plan - didn't we promise something to Poly about that?

Just throwing it out there.
>>
No. 738732 ID: 398fe1

>>738729
Zack promised that he'd wake up if it looked like he was going to learn something Poly didn't want him to know (about her). Which he did.
>>
No. 738733 ID: 91cfcf

>>738729
>Just throwing it out there.
This was so unnecessary smh

And yeah, like that guy said, we promised to wake up before personal information about Poly and not to share Poly's personal information. Nothing about the Kariket. It'll be a bit awkward telling Meg about it without mentioning the context, but it should be doable.
>>
No. 738735 ID: 5a893f

>>738701
There's still the matter of the leak to worry about. Once word gets out to the higher ups, it will get to the leaker, and golboria's own spies within HVAO probably. They'd have to have them in there too.

The golborian spies will start singling out, even maybe attacking partners of the program, if not the program itself.
>>
No. 738737 ID: 398fe1

>>738735
Interesting point. It's possible we may have to find the leak before revealing this.
>>
No. 738740 ID: 91cfcf

>>738737
I still think we should tell Meg about this, because she's smart enough to keep it lowkey, and she probably has a better idea about the leak than we do. If she's the leak herself we're dead anyway and it doesn't make much sense.
>>
No. 738744 ID: f562b1

>>738702
Not now, though. The others may pop back in at any time, perhaps having forgotten something. Delete her text and just say, "Well, hopefully we can talk later. For now, we should all focus on the range."
>>
No. 738745 ID: 7962a4

>>738728
>>738744
These.
There's a time and a place for this, but right now is not it.
>>
No. 738760 ID: 59bd8b

I agree that right now, with everyone right in the next room probably isn't the best time to talk about really sensitive information so let's wait until later. I say we give Meg a hug and kiss and thank her about her truthfulness, she didn't need to tell us this but she decided that we could know and she's great for letting us know.
>>
No. 738761 ID: ee1ff4

>>738702 this, but via text.
And thank her.
>>
No. 738771 ID: 91ee5f

Make sure you delete Meg's message.
>>
No. 738773 ID: 15f7a9

Well, if we don't tell her about the kariket thing (and I still think we should), then at least we should tell her we know something about the kariket she should probably know, if she doesn't already, but you need to talk to Poly about it since you know it from her, sort of, and she's probably not going to be happy with any conversation that's the least related to the kariket much less what you're thinking of.

Aside that, tell her you're kind of too taken aback right now to think of many questions she didn't answer already, at least ones that would be a good idea to ask. You might think of something later. Right now you're just concerned for her, and the HVAO's current record for keeping secrets. Tell her you don't know what you can offer in terms of spy stuff but if she needs anything from you to help with that sort of then then please ask.
>>
No. 738792 ID: 5dbe68

To clarify, Poly just asked us to try to wake up if we see anything we think she wouldn't want us to see. Right now, the Kariket memory falls into a weird grey area (who knows if she was an involved party, or how she acquired the memory), and we can't exactly ask Poly about it directly.

Here's the thing, though: According to Hiz, this phenomenon is unique to Poly so far. And Poly has her reasons for keeping everything secret. I don't think we should share where we got the information yet. And as for the information itself, let's find another time to discuss this and ask questions. Let's go to the shooty place.

Make sure you're not using the notes application or anything else that gets saved to the cloud to type this out, gotta be secret about this.

I hope Ambrose is able to keep this discreet.
>>
No. 738849 ID: 350a50

Tell her what we know about Kariket, but not how we got it. Tell her we can't reveal that due to a promise.

Do so using the same method she used to communicate.
>>
No. 739437 ID: b1960b
File 146985778823.png - (16.54KB , 960x560 , 534.png )
739437

You type:

if were doing insane reveals i have one. i cant tell you how i know but the kariket can control minds

You hand the phone back to Meg. She takes a look at it and her eyes go saucer-shaped. She holds the phone up.

:meg: u sure?

You nod. She backspaces.

:meg: how?

Can't tell you, you mouth.

:meg: this is something weve suspected was a possibility but not an actionable one. but ur sure?

You nod again.

:meg: if u cant say how idk if it can verify anything for them but ill bring it to them. anyway we should go join the others this is sus now

She gives you back your phone and starts to head for the living room where she sent GG and Bika. You catch her shoulder first. You show her the phone one last time.

thank you

"Don't thank me," she whispers. "It was never a question. You're the only home I need now."
She kisses you. You kiss her back.
"So what now?" she asks, a little louder. "Still in the mood to shoot?"

1]] I need to talk to Poly about something first.
2]] Poly said she had something to show me after breakfast. I should find out what.
3]] Totally.
4]] I actually kind of want to learn how to use Visitor weaponry. Is that possible?
5]] I think there's more important things we have to do now. We should go to the HVAO offices.
6]] Let's take an HVAO-given ride there. Probably a bad idea to be in the public eye right now.
7]] Let's take public transportation there. As a group. We should show up.
8]] ________________
>>
No. 739438 ID: 1cfbb0

1, 2, 3, 4, 6.
So much is happening! I love it!
>>
No. 739441 ID: 358228

2, 3,6, 4. What weapons do Golborians use? Or, do you have to be born with 'em?
>>
No. 739443 ID: 7b7ab3

2, 3, 6.
>>
No. 739444 ID: 1f0577

1, 3, 4.
>>
No. 739450 ID: c520b7

1, 2, 3, 6
Where would we even get Visitor guns?
>>
No. 739460 ID: a4d818

>>739438
This.
>>
No. 739499 ID: a4d818

>>739450
>Where would we even get Visitor guns?
Internet?
>>
No. 739501 ID: 16dcb0

Ask her... well, shit. It's hard to even know what we should know. Ask her if there's anything particularly relevant to you, I guess. To keeping you and the girls safe. You don't actually need to get too nosy past that, for now.
>>
No. 739513 ID: 20845b

1 and 2 as we should see to Poly before we leave.
3 because this is going to be awesome.
4 simply because we're all curious about Visitor tech.
6 because safety first.
>>
No. 739516 ID: ee1ff4

1 2 3 6!
>>
No. 739546 ID: 306357

1 2 3 6. We don't know how available golborian weapons are, but we could still ask. My only question is how we would get them to the range.
>>
No. 739562 ID: b1960b
File 146992109614.png - (28.88KB , 960x560 , 535.png )
739562

"Totally," you say. "Actually I was curious about something. Is there a way I can try shooting a Visitor gun?"
"You mean like a shock knife?"
"I didn't even know that's what they're called but that sounds sick."
"This is an educational exercise, Zack," Meg says. "But yes. They are sick."
"Is it possible?"
"Not unless your girlfriend is a fucking badass."
"You're a fucking badass, Megumi."
"I know." Meg opens the door to the living room. "Shall we?"

Bika and GG are on one of Polyphema's couches, looking at something on GG's phone.
"That looks amazing," GG says.
"Zack," Bika says. "Do you know what a churro is?"
"Course."
"Then why didn't you tell us?" Bika demands.
"We're making some." GG shows her phone to you. They were watching one of those facebook Tasty videos.
"You need a deep fryer for that," you say.
"I run a restaurant," Bika says.
"Oh. Duh. Right. Where's Poly?"
"Getting ready in her room," GG says. "Gotta make sure your eyebrows are on point before you go to the gun range."

You knock on Polyphema's door.
"Wer ist da?" she calls.
"Zack. Mind if I come in?"
"Do."
Polyphema's sitting on the floor, pulling her socks on. "Guns and Ammunition, eh, Zackary?"
"I'm excited. I've never shot anything before."
"What about those games you and GG always play?"
"That doesn't count."
"What about masturbation?"
"That doesn't count either."
"What's that people say about gun owners? Compensating for something?"
"Well like once my cane is gone I need some kind of proxy phallus," you say.
"How is that hip, by the way?"
"Better by the hour," you say. "So you had something to show me?"
"Hm?"
"A present?"
"Aha! Yes. The thing is it might have to wait if everyone's getting ready to go somewhere. It's not the kind of present I can show you quickly." She grins. "Well I could. But that wouldn't be as much fun."

1]] Now I'm really looking forward to it.
2]] You're still talking to a guy with a broken pelvis, remember.
3]] I mean..... we don't have to leave right away.
4]] There's something else I need to talk to you about: ______________
5]] ____________
>>
No. 739563 ID: 68f59c

1, 5: notice that her dress pattern looks like a complicated series of knots, flash back to gg.
>>
No. 739564 ID: 306357

1. Not 4. Poly doesn't ANY more stress and/or pressure right now.
>>
No. 739568 ID: 1f0577

1, 2. And 4:

"There's something else I need to talk to you about: I need your permission for something. Something that I suspect will be kinda shitty to talk about. It's not related to any recent events and I've got hopes it's actually not much directly related to you at all, but, still, maybe, and it might be important to help with all this political trouble. I'm not asking to talk about it now, right now we should all go enjoy ourselves, but I was wondering if I could arrange to set some time with you to talk about it later? Relatively soon, though?"

So, no talking about stress stuff right now, but arrange to talk about it some time. Otherwise we never will, I think.

And I bet the mystery will intrigue her and maybe offset some of the bad vibes it'll involve.
>>
No. 739569 ID: b2d501

2, 5) Schedule a whole day for whatever Poly is talking about, she might need the comfort.
>>
No. 739570 ID: 7b7ab3

1. Anticipation improves the experience.
5]] Completely out of nowhere, but you do know what a churro is, right?
>>
No. 739572 ID: e22b1d

3! 3! 3! 3! 3!
>>
No. 739575 ID: ec5d91

>>739562
Definitely 1.
>>739568
>So, no talking about stress stuff right now, but arrange to talk about it some time. Otherwise we never will, I think.
You make a fair point.
>>739570
>Completely out of nowhere, but you do know what a churro is, right?
I honestly laughed. Our poor, sweet, churroless babies.
>>
No. 739576 ID: 350a50

>>739570
This
>>
No. 739614 ID: 358228

1. We took long enough with Meg already, save Poly's present for dessert.
>>
No. 739626 ID: 9d357c

>>739568
We should definitely arrange a time to discuss things with her. Primarily the dreams and what to do about them.
>>739570
THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY HOWEVER! They're lack of tasty, cinnamon and sugar covered snacks cannot continue!
>>
No. 739637 ID: 91ee5f

>>739570
This.

>>739572
NO!!! His pelvis is still broken man! Have some mercy and save it for later!
>>
No. 739711 ID: b1960b
File 146995455734.png - (34.82KB , 960x560 , 536.png )
739711

"Now I'm really looking forward to it," you say.
"It has been a while since we've had some one-on-one time, hasn't it? And now you've gone and broken a bone. Well." Poly takes your hand and hoists herself up. "No offense to my enthusiastic amateur partners in love, but I think this evening you are due some caretaking by an expert."
>>
No. 739712 ID: b1960b
File 146995461772.png - (25.48KB , 960x560 , 537.png )
739712

"This is a Glock 19. 5 and a half pound trigger pull, 30 ounces, chambered 9x19."
Meg holds it up.
"And this--" she raises a spindly, spiky-looking Golborian weapon "--is a Koorti Shock Knife 740, civilian model, socketed for a five-facet shock core. These are baby's first firearms. One Human, one Visitor. Which one are you firing?"

1]] Gimme the Glock.
2]] Gimme the Koorti.
3]] Baby's first? I want something bigger.
4]] There's something really sexy about a girl talking guns.
>>
No. 739716 ID: e37a06

1

Should probably learn with something designed for humans in mind first, then we can break our arms off with a rocket propelled jackhammer.
>>
No. 739717 ID: 358228

You've never shot before, Zack? Pop, Glock and drop it.
>>
No. 739718 ID: 960f86

last thing we need is zach having another trip to the ICU for manhandling a glocknade, lets fucks wit da koorti
>>
No. 739720 ID: 52f25d

>>739712
1+2 + 4
>>
No. 739723 ID: 8b9819

>>739712
That's a solid metaphor there. Golboria or earth.
PICK BOTH THO GO IN GUNS AKIMBO
>>
No. 739732 ID: 9d357c

2 and 4. Sexy girlfriend, give us the cool alien gun!
>>
No. 739734 ID: 7b7ab3

>>739712
Definitely 2. Let's cook with the Koorti.
Also 4 because it's true.
>>
No. 739735 ID: 6abd99

2 + 4
When will we get another chance to use an actual alien gun? Seize the opportunity!
>>
No. 739746 ID: 69dc1a

We'll hopefully have time to try both, but let's start with the koorti. I'm curious about what it does and how it operates.
>>
No. 739748 ID: 2d1f09

>>739712
Say 4 first in order to set the mood, and then 2. Thing seems light enough and non-threatening to human users, and our purpose ''is'' cultural understanding, so let's adventorous!
>>
No. 739752 ID: 350a50

1 first, then 2 once you get the hang of it.
>>
No. 739760 ID: 5280e9

>>739712
First one then the other, at least as far as how to load/unload/make safe and a couple of shots to see how they handle. Then we can pick whichever feels most comfortable/sounds coolest to focus on learning to actually shoot.

Also 4.
>>
No. 739762 ID: 91ee5f

Since this is Zack's first time, he should ask if either of those guns has a "kick" whenever they're fired. It would suck if the gun kicked back hard enough that he smacks himself in the face. Then he would have a broken nose or a black eye or something!
>>
No. 739822 ID: b1b519

>>739748
This.
>>
No. 739911 ID: ea7ef9

>>739712
1
Probably easier to get a CC permit for a human gun.
Although, things are probably moving a little fast for us to worry about getting a license
>>
No. 739918 ID: d1fde2

>>739762
That's.. what part of baby's first gun confused you? We aint filming Dirty Harry here, these are the small guns.
>>
No. 739964 ID: b1960b
File 147004038468.png - (14.05KB , 960x560 , 538.png )
739964

"There is something really sexy about girls talking guns," you say.
"Well there's something sexy about guys who can do it without blowing their feet off," Meg says. "So let's see if we can get you on my level. Which one first?"
"I guess the Glock," you say. "Just to ease into it."

"OK. You got your magazine." Meg holds the mag up. "Rear of the bullets are where the numbers are. See?" She pops a bullet out then slots it back in. "Start toward the front then slide it back. 10 rounds. Gets tougher with every round you load. Try it."
You try it. "That's tougher than I thought it would be."
"We can get you a speed loader if you want. OK next you slide the mag into the bottom of the gun. You've played FPSes."
You slide the mag in. It clicks nicely.
"Now once you pull the slide back the gun will be loaded," Meg says. "Never point the gun while it's loaded at anything you wouldn't want to put a hole in. Finger on the frame. We never put the finger on the trigger until we're ready to pull the trigger."
"Trigger discipline," you say.
"Exactly." She slides your finger down the line of the frame. "You can flick the side catch but that's not fun. I like pulling the slide back then letting go. Try it."
You do. It clacks. "Damn."
"Feels good, doesn't it?"
"I'll be real it feels like having a second dick," you say.
"Yup," Meg says. "You got a round chambered now. OK. Bend your knees a little and point the gun downrange."
"Like this?"
"Don't get fancy with it." Meg bends your elbow back up. "Arms out straight, thumbs together on the left..." She readjusts your shoulders. "Shoulders square... Whenever you're ready. On the exhale."

You exhale and fire.
"DAMN," you say.
Meg laughs. "Do the rest."
"The whole clip?"
"Mag, Zack. And yes."

You empty the magazine. Your face tingles.
"WOOO," GG calls from across the range, where she's shouldering a shock lance. "ZACK MCCLANE!!"
"OK I want to try the Visitor gun," you say.
>>
No. 739965 ID: b1960b
File 147004049365.png - (15.95KB , 960x560 , 539.png )
739965

"Now there's a few big differences between a handgun and a shock knife," Meg says. "The first is that if I hadn't called in some favors and gotten us this empty range you wouldn't even be allowed to touch it without a permit direct from the Golborian Office of Domestic Defense. Not that we haven't gone beyond caring what they think at this point. The second is the ammunition. The Koorti uses this." She holds up a stubby, crystaline pentagonal prism. "Five-facet shock core. Military models and automatics these things look like cylinders and one single core can last you a full day. This one you got five seconds full beam time before reloading. Can't give the peasants too much firepower."
She takes hold of the front of the Koorti, where a wiry metal cage sits, thumbs a release, and flips it down. "You load it breech into the front here." She flicks the Koorti closed again. "Then after the click you wait a second until you hear..." she pauses and the Koorti hums. "That. And now it's ready to go."
She points it down the range. "The other big difference with the Koorti is the recoil. As in there's almost none. It's gonna feel basically like you're running a garden hose. Now because of that we have a lot more freedom in our stance. You can fire it one-handed if you want but the Golborian Military mostly hold it like this." She tucks the Koorti back up close to her chest so that the sights are right in front of her face and pops her left elbow out and forward. "Rest your right hand along your left forearm like so. Y'see this little protrudy thing below my hand on the handle? That lays across the pit of your left elbow. Now you have stability, you got the ironsights lined up along your eye, and you got the gun locked in close with your elbow out which makes it a lot harder for anyone up close to disarm you. And it gives you a good platform to--" she punch-stabs "--stab. Like this. Don't underestimate how sharp the intensifier is."
She passes it to you. "Try it."

You gingerly line the Koorti up along your forearm. It fits ergonomically into the crook of your elbow.
"Grab your right elbowpit with your left hand for stability," Meg says. "Now when you pull the trigger the beam's going to last longer the longer you hold the trigger to a maximum of .5 seconds on the koorti. If you're shooting to kill you want to have the beam fire the whole duration, and you want to flick the gun a little so it scythes across its target. You don't have recoil but you kind of pretend you do."
"What if I'm not trying to kill?"
"Then you feather the trigger as much as you can," Meg says. "And you don't aim for clothing, because it can catch fire. When you're ready, fire."

You sight along the Koorti, then pull the trigger. A sustained scream of force and a beam of light slashes out from the intensifier, whipping down the range.
"Dude." You blink the flash from your eyes.
"Go again," Meg says. "Flick it."
You fire and flick the Koorti upward a little. It noodles out like a tracer as it flies, leaving a dark burnmark line along the back wall. "Dude."
"Now the Koorti has another firing mode we're not going to test today because I don't want anything blowing up," Meg says. "But if you see this cord along its handle here in front? You pull that out hard enough, the intensifier is going to flip down and away, and then the core is ready to launch."
"Launch?"
"When you fire it, it's going to spear whatever it's pointed at and then it's going to explode," Meg says.
"Jesus." You run your finger across the shock core. "Even on a civilian model?"
"Yep. Most every shock weapon that firing mode comes standard. And the reason for that is big, red, four-armed, and you're dating one. It's just about the only way this little thing is going to take down a Warrior." Meg holds out her hand and you put the Koorti back in it. "So. What do you say? One of these things is going home with you. The Glock is gonna have more stopping power standard and be easier to explain if you get caught with it. Plus it's mad satisfying to fire a human gun. That's why I go with one. The Koorti is on the whole easier to use and scarier to humans, plus you're never gonna put down a Warrior with a rinky dink human pistol."
"Why would I need to?"
Meg shrugs. "You never know, right?"

1]] I'll keep the glock.
2]] I'll keep the Koorti.
3]] I don't want either of these to be honest.
4]] ________________
>>
No. 739966 ID: 358228

3, but I mean well if you insist 2.
>>
No. 739967 ID: 2f5847

I want the gun that can fire all day long with a potential upgrade.

It's also a knife, and from another dimension?
Sold.
>>
No. 739968 ID: 3663d3

admit for a second you thought it would be a gun that shot electric knives.
>>
No. 739969 ID: 505f10

Glock. I can't help but think what would happen if we were found with the other one.
>>
No. 739970 ID: f562b1

>>739966
I think more along the lines of "It'd be best if I didn't need one, but the Koorti ought to handle better."
Nonlethal knockouts is also helpful.
>>
No. 739972 ID: 25c66e

You know, we can probably swing a human firearm license through the HVAO on a super expedited basis. Whereas, the koorti is a diplomatic disaster waiting to happen; we don't want humans painting us as Visitor collaborators even more, and we don't want targeted disapproval from Visitor government.

4) I'll try to get a license through the HVAO
>>
No. 739976 ID: a8aafc

1.
Easier to license, less legal flak, more available ammunition, and "Zack McClane."
The koorti was dope, tho.
>>
No. 739980 ID: 5b3b61

>>739965
1. i'd rather have the glock. it would be a PR nightmare getting caught with an alien weapon. there are people who would love to twist the narrative onto making us an enemy spy/traitor and that plays into their hands.
also if we find ourselves needing to shoot warriors by ourselves that means that things got very very bad. so bad that it would almost be pointless to plan for it.
>>
No. 739984 ID: 6c56eb

1, a fucking laser gun would be kinda difficult to explain; might get us labeled as turn-coats.
>>
No. 739987 ID: 59bd8b

1) It'll be the easiest to explain for why we have it.
4) we should talk to the HVAO about getting a license for the Koorti. Then switch to it when we get one.
>>
No. 739989 ID: db0da2

1, in a high stress situation there's basically no way we'll remember how to use that crazy thing, but point and click has been ingrained in us from early childhood.

How does the koorti even work?
>>
No. 739994 ID: ee1ff4

>>739980
Yeah
1, the glock
If we have to shoot a warrior, we're already in a position that makes "caught between a rock and a hard place" look like a threesome. So better the one thats not a PR nightmare.
>>
No. 739996 ID: 960f86

BOTH. or the fancy ass knife.
>>
No. 739997 ID: b2d501

4) Let's look at shotguns.
>>
No. 739998 ID: 5a893f

I don't like the Korti because it will most certainly kill any human we use it on, I mean, what part of the human isn't covered in cloth? The head? Good luck making THAT not a kill shot.

Bullets are super deadly to humans regardless, but it's not going to give us a 99% chance of killing the target. It will stop any human in one shot duets shock anyway, unless they're on PCP
>>
No. 739999 ID: 2a7417

>>739989
Meg just showed us how it works, and the trigger still works the same. Spamming the trigger by reflex is less-than-lethal too, so what's the problem? The only difference is it breech loads like a shotgun, another human weapon.

I'd totally bring this knife to a gunfight.
>>
No. 740011 ID: 987bda

The Glock is easy to explain. Shock knife not so much.
If we get seen with alien weapons it's going to cause a lot of problems and throw gas on the PR inferno.

Also, we're unlikely to have to take down any warriors.
>>
No. 740013 ID: 7b7ab3

1.
The Koorti is awesome, but it's pretty impractical in our current situation.
>>/questdis/102259
>>
No. 740054 ID: 350a50

>>740011
This.

In the event shit hits the fan, we at least know how to use visitor weapons now.
>>
No. 740066 ID: 8963ff

>>739965
Say 3, but admit that with this climate, especially with some sort of anti-alien KKK on your back, best go with 1 for now. Like everyone else said, its mostly for legal and social reasons. Add in 4, saying that you should get a license for both guns when you have the chance.

Also: "And you don't aim for clothing, because it can catch fire."

I predict that this is going to be EXTREMELY relevant later on.
>>
No. 740073 ID: 595d54

1.
>>
No. 740099 ID: 869004

>>740066
This. Though it is unfortunate that there is a need to arm the group, it would be unwise to do otherwise.
It is also wise to be discreet. Though it is less impressive, the glock will draw less attention and will be easier to maintain and acquire ammunition for.
>>
No. 740101 ID: 151e06

4) Comment on the general impression of Visitor stuff seeming mostly cooler but human stuff seeming mostly more straightforward.
>>
No. 740123 ID: b1960b
File 147012438046.png - (24.46KB , 960x560 , 540.png )
740123

"I'm going with the pistol."
"Strong choice." Meg unloads the glock and slides the chambered bullet out. She catches it and hands you the empty gun. "I got three magazines for it I can give you. Hopefully that's overkill."
"Hopefully."
"Human guns rule." GG is holding an AK-47.
"Where did you get an AK-47," you ask GG.
"Meg."
"Where did MEG get an AK-47?"
"Fell off the back of a truck," Meg says. "Koorti didn't do it for you?"
"No it's awesome," you say. "But I need something easy to explain and maintain. Visitor tech kind of strikes me as a lot cooler but a lot less straightforward."
"Well humans make things easy and sturdy because humans make things for everyone," a Bika (who's cute, but on further examination a boy, but who's still cute) says. "But on Golboria there's a noble ruling class that receives a disproportionate amount of the luxury technologies, and a lower class that has significantly less. So there's not so much of a tradition of mass fabrication--"
She pauses as GG opens fire behind her with the AK and two pistols at the same time, and pumps the triggers until they're empty--
"and you have a global trend toward the ornate and esoteric. Different pattern values."
"Bika I hate to ask an unrelated question," you say. "But is that a fucking crossbow?"
"I like the classics," Bika says.
"Where's Poly?"
"In the psionics range," Meg says. "She says text us when we're done."

1]] After you're finished shooting head back to Speed Luck Skut.
2]] After you're finished shooting head back to Poly's apartment.
3]] After you're finished shooting go out for lunch with the girls.
4]] After you're finished shooting go somewhere: _____________
5]] After you're finished shooting get out of the city for a while. Maybe just drive somewhere.
6]] After you're finished shooting call Carlson.
7]] Go check out Poly's pyrotechnics before you go.
8]] _____________
>>
No. 740124 ID: 81e9dc

3 5 6 7
>>
No. 740126 ID: 05cb51

5, 7.

No calling Carson unless we have something specific and important to disturb him with.
>>
No. 740132 ID: c37b6b

1, 7
Back to the ranch after the show.
>>
No. 740135 ID: 7b7ab3

1, 7.

Let's watch Poly do some cool oculot stuff, then let's head back to Speed Luck Skut and have lunch there.
>>
No. 740138 ID: bf8b66

Definitely 7.
>>
No. 740139 ID: 8963ff

>>740123
7 first, then 3. Maybe check out a place you haven't been to, possibly showing that you aren't afraid of going out in public with your loved ones and don't care what any bigots w9uld think.

6 is very much an optional thing, but if you decide to actually him, ask about the leak that started the whole mess. Again, optional.
>>
No. 740148 ID: ec99e5

It's always awesome watching oculots do their thing, so 7.
Everyone's probably getting mad hungry, so let's do 3, hit up a drive-through, and grab some burgers or something.
Things are getting hot around town, so let's take lunch and do 5. Make it like an impromptu picnic.
>>
No. 740149 ID: 2a7417

7, 6, 3, 1. Even getting out of the city requires a security detail to watch you.
>>
No. 740157 ID: ebb71f

We've spent enough time at Poly's place for today, so not 2.
We have Speed Luck Skut for lunch and we want to stay out of the public eye, so not 3 or 4.
The HVAO may want us for something and we'll be going on a hunting trip soon enough, so not 5.
Carlson is probably insanely busy and shouldn't be disturbed, so not 6.
So 7 and 1. Let's check out Polyphema on the psionics range, then head over to Speed Luck Skut for lunch.
>>
No. 740166 ID: cb04f4

>>740149
This. Though I think it would be easier and safer to have lunch at SLS (Speed Luck Skut).
>>
No. 740167 ID: 358228

>>740166
Exactly. Take the girls out to lunch at Speed Luck Skut, and continue to feel bad that Bika doesn't charge you when you eat there.
>>
No. 740173 ID: b1960b
File 147017406477.png - (65.60KB , 960x560 , 541.png )
740173

You open the door to the psionics range. It's thick and soundproofed.
You're immediately blasted by a curtain of heat. It's like a sauna in here. It smells like a bonfire.
Little fluttering pieces of burning targets curl through the air.

Polyphema is blasting massive balls of violent blue flame from her hands into a target hall coated with ash. She hisses and punches the air with each fireball.
These are nothing like the one you saw her fire during that camping trip.
>>
No. 740174 ID: b1960b
File 147017409131.png - (52.25KB , 960x560 , 542.png )
740174

Her pace picks up. She runs out of targets and slaps a button on the counter in front of her to fly more in from the rails at the ceiling.

Her exhalations turn into punctuated growls, then a steady staccato stream of curses, then wordless shouts, and then she lets loose with a full-voiced howl of rage, and a flurry of flame that disintegrates everything in front of her. The force is such that it forces you a step backward from the backblast.

She runs a shaking hand across her forehead. She's slick with sweat.

1]] Holy shit. That was amazing.
2]] Poly? Are you OK?
3]] Hey Poly! Lunch time!
4]] Quietly back out of the room before she sees you, and text her instead.
>>
No. 740175 ID: 987bda

>>740174
5.
Say nothing. Back out of the room. Wait outside for her, and give her a hug when she comes out.

We know how her abilities work. They're based on emotion, and she was literally venting her rage and grief.
>>
No. 740178 ID: 960f86

>>740175
yup
>>
No. 740179 ID: 1a3f38

>>740175
This sounds good.
>>
No. 740187 ID: 358228

>>740175
It's probably a rare feat to see this and live to tell the tale. Let's work on that second half of the feat now and leave hell enough alone.
>>
No. 740194 ID: cb04f4

>>740174
4.
>>740175
>Wait outside for her, and give her a hug when she comes out.
Then this.
>>
No. 740197 ID: 7b7ab3

>>740174
4.
I doubt she wanted Zack to see this. Probably why she said to just text her.
Not really sure what to do when she comes out. My heart says comfort her, but my mind says leave it be.
>>
No. 740199 ID: 6be18b

>>740194
This.
>>
No. 740200 ID: 8963ff

>>740194
I agree this is the best course of action as well.
>>
No. 740211 ID: cfd11e

>>740174
"4." Says Respect For Polyphema.
"Definitely." Says Survival Instinct, nodding sagely.
>>
No. 740214 ID: ee1ff4

>>740175
yeah.
>>
No. 740218 ID: b2d501

4. Back away slowly, find her something to eat, NOW.
>>
No. 740229 ID: 898ae2

Definitely 4!
>>
No. 740242 ID: 59bd8b

I agree, lets leave the room without alerting Poly. Also down with not texting her, let her vent for as long as she wants.
>>
No. 740251 ID: f562b1

5. Stay quiet, but don't leave. Once she's done for her own self, then you can pipe up.
>>
No. 740266 ID: 595d54

Would it really be that bad to approach her now, especially if it seems we just now got here? Sure, she's venting her anger and stuff, but the point of venting is that you feel better afterward and get stuff off your chest.
>>
No. 740276 ID: 350a50

>>740175
This, but with a soft smile and an offer of a hug. Let her initiate.
>>
No. 740296 ID: 3432a2

>>740276
This.
>>
No. 740340 ID: d8dc8a

4.
>>
No. 740453 ID: 2a7417

4, nice and slowly, now...
>>
No. 740467 ID: ebb71f

>>740174
4. We're going to have to double up on our comforting for this girl.
>>
No. 740580 ID: b1960b
File 147043984844.png - (45.79KB , 960x560 , 543.png )
740580

You silently withdraw from the room. Probably better to text her instead.

"THAT hit the spot!"
Polyphema bursts out of the range a few seconds later. "What a perfectly purgative spot of combustive catharsis. We have got to come here more often. I haven't singed my eyebrows off, have I? How were the guns?"

She turns and sees you going in for the hug. She takes a hasty step back. "Whoa whoa, Casanova. I'm positively diaphoretic." She looks at your face. "Zack? What's with the hangdog eyes?"

1]] ______________
>>
No. 740581 ID: 595d54

>>740580
"I was fond of your eyebrows."
>>
No. 740582 ID: 26e908

A lot of things. You know the pertinent ones.
Do you want a hug or not?
>>
No. 740588 ID: bb78f2

I'm not entirely clear how the emotion lasers work, so I can preemptively prepared with hugs.
>>
No. 740589 ID: 7b7ab3

"It's nothing. Look, we're about finished here. You ready to go?"
>>
No. 740591 ID: c441c1

>>740581
this.
>>
No. 740593 ID: 91ee5f

"I don't mind that you're positively sweating heavily. I just wanted to give you a hug."
>>
No. 740594 ID: a41fd8

I'm not as strong as you, Polyphema.
I don't have over 300 years of experience and emotional scarring to toughen me up.
I'm not a dimension hopping, superpowered badass who told a psychopathic dictator to go fuck himself.
I'm just some stupid war orphan who never did anything with his life and got lucky.
I can't eat the pain like you can. I can't bury it where no one can see it.
So if I can't help you, then please help me.
What am I supposed to do?
>>
No. 740597 ID: 5c83cb

"Just made sense. I mean I know how your powers work. I figured you had a lot to vent, and you just said as much. Plus you're covered in sweat and kinda smell like a campfire. Sorry. I'm just trying to be a good alamad. Boyfriend. Whatever."
>>
No. 740601 ID: e407bb

1) "I had to turn down the fancy visitor crystal gun, Poly. I'm very sad about it."
>>
No. 740602 ID: 6612fa

>>740601
I'm Suggestion, and I support this Suggestion
>>
No. 740604 ID: b2d501

"You're so voluptuous while flamedancing that I've worked up enough courage from sheer arousal to say that dress makes you look fat."
>>
No. 740606 ID: 9f2de2

Tired sigh.
"Poly, we're alamads, right? Let me ask you something. If I wanted to show you that I care and that I'm concerned and that I want to support you, what would I do? Because, frankly, I'm clueless."
>>
No. 740608 ID: 9f3729

>>740606
Antivoting the condescension
>>740601
THIS though, this one's alright
>>
No. 740611 ID: 9f2de2

>>740606
>>740608
>"Poly, I just want you to know that I'm here, that I love you, and that I want to help in any way that I can."
Better?
>>
No. 740612 ID: e37a06

Stress in general. Not much to do about it but trudge on.
>>
No. 740614 ID: fb1c7d

I agree that we should say we're sad about not getting a laser shooting crystal gun. I mean, that thing was really cool.
>>
No. 740619 ID: 7018cd

>>740601
>>740602
>>740608
>>740614
Sure, why not?
>>
No. 740622 ID: db363a

>>740581
This first,
>>740601
Then this, perhaps by way of "Nah, actually--"
>>
No. 740626 ID: 350a50

>>740622
This.
>>
No. 740627 ID: 3009b4

Tell her you love her.
>>
No. 740638 ID: 7b7ab3

>>740627
Well, obviously.
>>
No. 740645 ID: 59b5d7

Considering all that's happened, I'm surprised we don't look worse.
>>
No. 740659 ID: db0da2

>>740622
this
>>
No. 740665 ID: 726a91

>>740580
"I thought you might need a hug. I know I need a hug".
>>
No. 740666 ID: ee1ff4

Cant a guy want a hug without making it weird?
>>
No. 740769 ID: b1960b
File 147052889137.png - (11.62KB , 960x560 , 544.png )
740769

"I had to turn down the fancy visitor crystal gun, Poly," you say. "I'm really torn up about it."
She laughs and relents, letting you hug her. "Oh no!"
You lower your voice as you embrace. "I love you."
"I love you too," she whispers.
"I want to help."
"Zack." She lays a hand on your shoulder. "You are helping."

"Pass the spare ribs," you say.
"Friglgpa," Bika corrects you.
"That's what I said," you say.
"So what's everyone doing after this?" GG asks, around a mouthful of caramelized steak.
"I know what you're doing," Bika says.
"What'm I doing?"
"Deliveries, delivery girl." Bika affixes a SLS hat to her head. "Lunch time is all hands on deck."
"Oh. Right. I got a job again."
"I have to go see the HVAO about some things," Meg says.
"What things?" GG asks.
"Some things."
"I suppose I'll uber myself on back to my apartment for a while," Polyphema says. "Though I'd love to link back up for dinner, darlings."

1]] I'll go with Poly.
2]] How about I go out on delivery with you, GG?
3]] I'm going with Meg.
4]] Guess I'll stick around here with Bika.
5]] I have some stuff to work out. Like finding a new apartment.
6]] ____________________
>>
No. 740770 ID: 25c66e

6) I MUST BROOD FOREBODINGLY FOR A FORTNIGHT.
>>
No. 740771 ID: c290d1

1. Poly had something she wanted to show us.
>>
No. 740772 ID: 505f10

Maybe 2 or 4, we should help out with jobs if we can. If i could think of anything we had to do that we could do solo, id go for that.
>>
No. 740775 ID: 987bda

>>740769
GG can take care of herself.
Meg is probably going to be doing secret stuff we're officially not supposed to know about.
Bika's going to be at a fairly secure location.
Poly's going to be grabbing an Uber and asking some random person to drive her home.

Lets take Poly home. She wanted to show us something anyway.
>>
No. 740776 ID: 7b7ab3

1.
Poly said earlier that she wanted to show or give us something.
Bika and GG are going to be busy, and don't need their boyfriend distracting them.
Meg has important spy stuff to tend to.
We're living at Speed Luck Skut, so we don't really need to go apartment shopping.
>>
No. 740777 ID: 59bd8b

1) I can't in good conscience let poly go home alone being driven by someone she's never met when tensions are so high. Also she does have something to show us, so there's that too.
>>
No. 740778 ID: ff6c67

>>740775
This. Let's try to find a better, more secure means of transportation than Uber. We can't be too careful.
>>
No. 740786 ID: 91ee5f

>>740770
EVEN THOUGH I'M NOT BATMAN.

>>740775
But seriously, this.
>>
No. 740787 ID: bb78f2

1)) Uber's a little bit scary, hoping there's a visitor Uber option to feel safer.

Do we NOT have Ambrose and Co. for transport? How did we get there, or does Poly want privacy?
>>
No. 740790 ID: 350a50

>>740775
This.
>>
No. 740792 ID: ee1ff4

>>740787
Ye a h
>>
No. 740795 ID: 8963ff

>>740769
DEFINITELY 1. Know this may sound a bit paranoid, but there could be a chance that an uber driver might be connected to the anti-alien group, and those fuckers knowing about where Poly lives might put her in danger as well. Oculots have those emotion based laser and fire powers, but they are the squishiest of Visitors. Maybe with Zack they're hopefully smart enough to know to back off.
>>
No. 740804 ID: 358228

1. Dessert before dinner is so naughty, though.
>>740795
Seeing as they've come after Zack before, and he's not the one that makes heads explode, I think you've got it backwards.
>>
No. 740807 ID: 980eb2

1, but please not Uber!
Does Bika have one of those skut rickshaws we could use? Or could the HVAO pick us up? Hell, I'd take Alan and his smelly car over something as unsecured as public transportation!
>>
No. 740808 ID: 9f3729

>>740769
1: Buy into the news stories about the crazy racist uber drivers that get through the piddly screening processes they have, accompany poly
>>
No. 740810 ID: 05c117

>>740769
1]] I'll go with Poly.
This the time to say we found out that the Karaket can mind control people to her?
>>
No. 740831 ID: a1278c

Let's take Poly home. No Uber, though.
It would also be advisable that GG not make her deliveries alone. Bika should send her some assistants/backup.
Meg should fly low and move quickly. There are people out there who would gladly shoot a Floater mid-flight.
>>
No. 741107 ID: 1cfbb0

>>740776
This.
>>
No. 741114 ID: 2a7417

Let's go with Poly. Geeze guys, you're getting all worked up uber nothing.
>>
No. 741197 ID: b1960b
File 147073145742.png - (32.08KB , 960x560 , 545.png )
741197

"I don't think Uber is a good idea," you say. "Ambrose and Rella can give us a lift."
"Oooh, us." Polyphema smiles as she takes your hand. "I like the sound of us."

"There's an author I read when I was a little girl." Polyphema watches the East River recede as the HVAO car exits the Williamsburg Bridge. The city used to have way more traffic and lights once, but that was before you lived here. Now it's possible to coast. "Author might not be the right word. Chronicler, griot... something like that. Pikluk was his name."
"Pikluk?"
"He was skuttish," Polyphema says. "Anyway my favorite by him was called Sojourns of Isocasot, a travelogue of the famed titular Oculot Philosopher. And I remember, and I'm not sure why, it never really stuck with me like some other parts, but I recall this one particular passage.
"Pikluk tells us that one day on the road, the great Isocasot came upon a garakton, skinned alive and on the precipice of death, his ribcage pried open, hung upside down from a post along the path. As he continued he saw another man, this time an oculot, displayed in the same way. And then more, and closer together, and he followed them until he came to a village that had been completely destroyed, its homes burnt, its fields salted, and a great throne erected in its center. And upon that throne there sat the largest, most fearsome Warrior Isocasot had ever seen.
"Isocasot, of course, quaked with fear, and made to leave, but the Warrior recognized him, welcomed him, and promised that no harm would come to him. He invited Isocasot to ask why he had done such a thing.
"'Why, then,' Isocasot asked, 'have you laid waste to this place with such viciousness and totality?'
"'Because,' the Warrior told him, 'I am a man of great mercy and compassion.'
"How can this be, Isocasot wondered, and the Warrior told him:
"'Death is the sole chiefest fear of all the living, and the sole thing that all the living will come to face. What we dread most is singly the thing we may be assured shall befall us. It is my aim to surpass death in the horror I instill in the mind of the world, so that there may be some number of souls with the wonderful fortune of never experiencing their greatest fear.'
"And with a genial wave, he sent Isocasot on his way."

"Wow," you say.

"It's probably just a story," Polyphema says. "But Pikluk writes that the name of the Warrior who sat on that throne has been lost to history. So. What does that tell you." She shifts in her seat. "Oh! Look! Antiques!"
Ambrose is at a red light. You follow Polyphema's eye to a little East Village antiques shop.
"I don't suppose it's a good idea to go, is it," Polyphema says, reclining back. "Not when we are who we are."

1]] We'll be back soon. Once all this is just bad memories.
2]] If we bring Brose and Rella along it should be just fine.
3]] I'm the one all over the news. Just go in yourself and I'll wait in the car.
4]] Sit tight. I'mma go find you something in there.
5]] We can visit one antiques shop without things going to hell. Plus I'm concealed carrying now.
6]] Antiques are dumb anyway. Don't worry about it.
7]] ___________________
>>
No. 741199 ID: db0da2

2 and 5.
If anything goes wrong we can give a demonstration of how fast we can run back to the car. Though really, the worst we're likely to get is someone saying mean things to us, and if that were enough to phase us neither of us would be here.
>>
No. 741201 ID: 960f86

4 - 5
>>
No. 741202 ID: ee1ff4

2,5
it tells us he was projecting, probably
most people dont think of death, dont actively fear it, most their fears are more tangible
i fear my loved ones getting hurt far more than i fear dying
>>
No. 741206 ID: f2919d

1.
I'm sorry, but there's no telling what could go wrong. I'd much rather err on the side of caution.
>>
No. 741208 ID: 59bd8b

2,5
Yeah stuff might go wrong, but I like to think that we can go to 1 antique store and stuff not go down. Also I think it would make Poly feel better if we did.
>>
No. 741209 ID: 0ef86b

5 and then 2
>>
No. 741210 ID: 960f86

>>741209
calling for backup just to go in an antique store? nah, just 5
>>
No. 741211 ID: 7b7ab3

2 and 5, but we stay in a group, we watch our backs and corners, we make it quick, and we bolt at the first hint of trouble.
Poly had better appreciate it. It's a huge risk.
>>
No. 741212 ID: 2a7417

5. Well, confirm it first. Is it likely we were tailed?
Try not to think with your gun, Zack. No, no, your other gun.
>>
No. 741215 ID: 46894a

7]] Have you thought of online shopping? It lacks the magic, but it's a Hell of a lot safer.
>>
No. 741218 ID: 9e2c62

>>741211
This. It's unfortunate that such measures are necessary, but as long as the environment remains hostile it's best to be cautious.
>>
No. 741232 ID: 350a50

2 and 5. Never split the group.
>>
No. 741275 ID: 5aee0b

>>741211
>>741232
These guys know what's up.
>>
No. 741283 ID: 6261fd

> Legendary Warrior who butchered and tortured so mortals would not cling to life in fear
But what if he just converted fear of the unknown to fear of the inevitable? Imagination cultivates what Napoleon said would leverage; what horrors they see now in their wretched world can be multiplied by the fear that it will become their life, existence, and god when they die. And then this fear stands top be exponentiated when this newfound independence from cohesive scripture leads them to discover the concept of infinite horrors even worse than the depravity of their greatest tyrant, of their entire WORLD. I really don't think this guy read a Lovecraft visitor-equivalent.


Pikluk was trying to make a @#$% child between Ozymandias and Dracula (horror/tyrant characters whose original legends are LONG DEAD from parody), but doesn't take into account that the flanderized characters have become legacy characters as copycats try to re-interpret their stories in twisted and creative ways, exceeding the originals' crimes and building on their philosophies to the point of enlightenment by blood, immortalizing the concepts of the characters' actions.

> What do
Brose and Rella, take some pictures. Zack and Poly, make something.

Maybe something sex-related.
>>
No. 741443 ID: 987bda

>>741197
2, 5.
>>
No. 741449 ID: b1960b
File 147088370923.png - (39.25KB , 960x560 , 546.png )
741449

"We can visit one antique shop without everything going to hell," you say.
Polyphema's face lights up. "Really?"
"I mean I am concealed carrying now," you say.
"I'mma just pretend I didn't hear that," Ambrose calls back to you.
"Hey Brose. Pull over. You like antiques?"
"Like Antiques Roadshow? I guess."
"I fucking love antiques," Rella says.
Ambrose hits the brakes a little hard.
"Let's get vintage," he says.

Polyphema half-dances around the store, gasping with fascinated delight at the things on display for sale. Old chandeliers and statuettes into primitive, dusty electronics, into the sleek utilitarian pre-war things, when the world was struggling with overpopulation instead of vacancy.
The guy at the register is talking quietly to a nervous-looking coworker. Ambrose leans on the front desk next to them.

"Zack! Look!" Polyphema grabs your wrist and pulls you over to a jumbo poster, hung on a back wall.

The poster shows a wrinkled, hideous effigy of an oculot, standing in the foreground of a ruined cityscape. A gnarled, dead hand sticks out from the rubble next to him.
VIGILANCE is written in all caps below him. You remember these from during the war. It's an old propaganda poster.

"Whoa," you say. "Uh."

"I love it," Polyphema says. "Look at his big inaccurate ears! What do you think? For the living room?"

1]] ____________
>>
No. 741456 ID: d8dc8a

"Yeah, that's pretty solid."

By the way, is anyone watching the car? We should, uh, fix that.
>>
No. 741461 ID: 9328cf

"Can't think of a reason not to."
>>
No. 741462 ID: 350a50

"Can't say I see the appeal. War propaganda has always rubbed me the wrong way."
>>
No. 741465 ID: 595d54

"What, none of you have weirdly giant ears? Neil Patrick Harris before his surgery, Ross Perot, nobody like those two?"
>>
No. 741466 ID: 7b7ab3

1]] "Well, I guess it'd make for a good conversation or two. It'd also be good for reminding us how important this peace is."

Also, I think Ambrose may have a thing for Rella.
>>
No. 741475 ID: b2d501

You could buy it and hang it upside down.
>>
No. 741478 ID: f70920

Maybe we can start a collection of old war memorabilia.
Also, seriously? Are human ears really that big?
>>
No. 741483 ID: 38e575

"He kinda looks like Patrick Stewart."
>>
No. 741516 ID: 13b474

>>741456
>is anyone watching the car?
Rella, probably.
>>741461
Same.
>>741465
Good question.
>>741466
Good points.
>>741478
>start a collection
Everybody needs a hobby.
>>741483
*spuints*
Weird.
>>
No. 741521 ID: 960f86

>>741449
hell yeah
>>
No. 741522 ID: db0da2

Hell yeah dude, go for it. Irony is more precious than gold
>>
No. 741527 ID: f924d5

>>741449
You know this really reminds me of an anime some had me watch. I think was call "Attack On Titans".
>>
No. 741539 ID: 25707a

"It's your dime, babe. It does make me wonder, though. Did golboria ever have anything like this? Propaganda stuff, I mean."
>>
No. 741545 ID: 12af83

>>741539
I'm curious about this too, did Golboria even need propaganda? The majority of the population seemed to be pretty on board with the whole invasion thing.
>>
No. 741548 ID: 25707a

>>741545
>>/questdis/102596
>>
No. 741550 ID: 8963ff

1: "Maybe find a way to subtly hide the word 'Vigilance' and we're good."
>>
No. 741551 ID: 595d54

>>741550
Why?
>>
No. 741552 ID: 6266cb

Irony is fantastic, go for it
>>741539 good question!
>>
No. 741553 ID: 5ab89b

Not quite sure how I feel about pinups in the house.
>>
No. 741558 ID: 8963ff

>>741551
Feel more comfortable looking at it and talking about it if the fact that its a propaganda poster becomes an after thought instead of being on the forefront.
>>
No. 741559 ID: 595d54

>>741558
It's for Polyphema, not us, and why be uncomfortable about propaganda? Bad stuff happened, sure, but hiding from it doesn't do any good. It's best to acknowledge it and improve, plus making light of it is a good way to deal with it. Like Poly's observation about the ears.
>>
No. 741561 ID: 960f86

>>741539
This
>>
No. 741562 ID: 960f86

>>741539
This
>>
No. 741576 ID: 987bda

>>741449
"Don't see why not. It's not like Karaket is any less of an ugly monster now than he was, well, ever."
>>
No. 741582 ID: 91ee5f

>>741449
"Wow. So that's what the Karaket looks like. I thought he was taller than that."
>>
No. 741586 ID: bb78f2

You know, this is a flattering image of the Karikat compared to that goatee of his.
>>
No. 741591 ID: 25c66e

>>741449
I'm not sure how I feel about Polyphema having pinups of scantily clad other guys with big ears.

Well... if it's just a poster, it's fine.
>>
No. 741595 ID: 960f86

>>741591
that sounds like the dumbest thing to hear from a guy dating multiple woman by his girlfriend.
>>
No. 741601 ID: 595d54

>>741591
Are you serious?

>>741595
To be absolutely fair, a dulabira is a closed circle, you don't just go around and fuck literally anyone you want. It's still ridiculous to be insecure over a poster.
>>
No. 741610 ID: b1960b
File 147096300771.png - (20.41KB , 960x560 , 547.png )
741610

"I don't know. A pinup in your apartment?"
Polyphema laughs.
"It's your dime, babe," you say. "And irony is more precious than gold."
"I will call him Dumbo." Polyphema takes the poster from the wall.
"Are those ears really that huge?" you ask.
"For an Oculot? Absolutely." Polyphema brushes her hair back revealing a minute suggestion of an ear. "In Golboria they say the smaller the ear the more guarded the mind. It's a sign of patrician cunning. And beauty."
"Suddenly I feel self-conscious."
"Don't." Polyphema pinches your ear. "I like playing with them."

"You're pretty brave to be like this out in public," the store clerk says, as he rings Dumbo up.
"Like what?" you ask.
He just shrugs.

You're back in the car now, the poster rolled up at your feet. Polyphema's hand is resting on top of yours.
"I got a candlestick," Rella says. She holds it up. It has a mermaid on it.
"Do you even have any candles?" Ambrose asks.
"Now that I have a candlestick I'm gonna," Rella says.

"Do the Golborians have any propaganda like that?" You nudge the poster with your toe.
"The Golborians don't need so many posters," Polyphema says. "Nothing so overt. They live the propaganda. Kariket used to be the Kariket's name. Now it's the Golborian word for King. D'you see? This is a man who's had a grip on the entire planet for over a century now. Society has shaped itself around him in the way it shaped itself around the internet on Earth. He is a Force."

She drums her fingers on yours. "At what point do the deeds of a man supersede the man? All the suffering he's caused: has that become more Kariket than Kariket? His habits, his voice, his agonizing beard: his history and his power have unseated him. His body and his mind are vestigial. How can you live that? Or love that? Divorced from himself. Do you think it's possible? If there could ever be someone who truly understands what he is but finds a way to love him?"

1]] No. At some point it becomes impossible.
2]] Sure. Hitler had Eva Braun.
3]] I couldn't say.
4]] Tell her about what you saw when you dreamed next to her.
5]] ________________
>>
No. 741612 ID: 595d54

2. If you understand how someone works and why they do the things they do well enough, it gets almost impossible to hate them, and barring a fluke of statistics, nobody's pure evil. Hitler was nice to dogs, flirted with Eva, and used to want to be an artist. Stalin loved his wife very much and got really fucked up when she died.
>>
No. 741618 ID: 9328cf

2 and 3.
"Sure. Hitler had Eva Braun. But then again Kariket's gone a bit further than der führer ever did, so I couldn't say."
>>
No. 741619 ID: c94cbb

4! This is as good an opening as we're ever going to get.
>>
No. 741620 ID: 9f3729

>>741610
2. There's people who romanticize serial killers, even. That whole "love is blind" thing isn't hyperbole, there's always going to be someone who can look past even the most abhorrent evils, or even get more enamoured for them.
>>
No. 741622 ID: 1d4e27

It was.

Once.
>>
No. 741623 ID: 7b7ab3

>>741620
This.
Every flame attracts its moths.
>>
No. 741625 ID: c520b7

>>741610
3.
"I couldn't say. Seriously, he's a centuries old, psychic, alien tyrant with a taste for genocide. He and I are so completely different it's almost hilarious. You might as well ask a fish to understand an airplane."
>>
No. 741629 ID: 1d4e27

>>741625
Understanding is our job, so we have to try.
>>
No. 741630 ID: b2d501

5) He may have had friends, a family, might have been a likable man once. Might still be a mortal man under all that violence and ruthlessness. But he's stuck on his throne, one made from propaganda and power and hate, and nobody alive knows how to bring him back. If we can't break him free, we may as well kill him and burn down his throne before he does something desperate.
>>
No. 741631 ID: 350a50

>>741620
>>741623
This.

Don't mention the dream, Ambrose and Rella are in earshot. Save it for in private at her place.
>>
No. 741632 ID: 91ee5f

>>741619
No it's not! She's not going to want to talk about something like that with Ambrose and Rella listening in.
>>
No. 741643 ID: 3adcf8

5: "I think anyone can be loved as long as they're fully capable to love in return. He might not deserve it and someone could probably do better but if love was about what is deserved or what is best then the world would be a very lonely place...
Also the beard would have to go."

Squeeze her hand a bit
>>
No. 741646 ID: d8dc8a

Mention that you had the dream and suggest that you talk about it soon in private.
>>
No. 741657 ID: 7d7f18

>>741631
Seconded. These are crazy, mixed up worlds we live in, and they're filled with crazy, mixed up people. Just about anything is possible!
>>
No. 741671 ID: 8963ff

>>741610
2: Goes to show even genocidal maniacs had loved ones once. Kind of makes you wonder how someone responsible for so much hatred and violence is even capable of love in the first place.

3: But I can't say, really. Its almost on an individual basis, but we tend to latch on the most famous examples as a template.

>>741630 and >>741643 both make good 5s.
>>
No. 741702 ID: db0da2

2
Sure, but that isn't saying much. There are a lot of people in the world. Worlds. Deeds are just a reflection of the mind, perhaps he could find someone who's just as much of a monster as he is on the inside. They would have to be both empathic and incredibly cruel, but I'm sure someone like that exists somewhere out there.
>>
No. 741703 ID: b1960b
File 147098179419.png - (26.78KB , 960x560 , 548.png )
741703

"Sure," you say. "He might not deserve it, and whoever it is could do better, but if love's about what's deserved or what's best we'd be in a very lonely world."
"We are in a very lonely world, Zack." Poly squeezes your hand. You squeeze back. "That's what makes this so special."
"Still. Every flame has its moth."
"I like that." She smiles out the window. "That is a lovely thing to think."

"You'll have to pardon us for a spell, darlings." Polyphema leans in the doorway with her poster. Ambrose and Rella stand outside. "I need a little bit of one-on-one time with Mr. Nguyen."
"Sure," Rella says. "We hear screaming we'll come in. Depending on the screaming."
Ambrose gives you a thumbs-up.
"You're angels," Polyphema says. "Guardian angels. Thank you for carting my big Oculot posterior around all day."
"Our pleasure, Ms. Poly," Ambrose says.
"I got a candlestick," Rella says.
Polyphema gives Rella a half-hug then closes the door.

"Now Zackary." She casually tosses the poster tube onto the carpet, where it rolls a couple feet then bumps into her coffee table. "I'd like to do something for you I don't think anyone has ever done for you." She pulls the clip out of her hair and lets her topbun fall across her shoulders. "But it does involve your pelvis. So if I don't have your full trust, I'd understand a rain check."

1]] There's no one I trust more with my pelvis than you, Polyphema.
2]] That might be a good idea...
3]] Is there a reason I shouldn't trust you?
4]] Wait: I need to talk to you about something first. Something important.
5]] ___________________
>>
No. 741704 ID: db0da2

1
>>
No. 741705 ID: 9f3729

>>741703
1, let's not turn down surprises in favor of big possibly-lethal-amounts-of-we-know-things-we-shouldn't kariket revelations until after.
>>
No. 741709 ID: 595d54

>>741703
1.
>>
No. 741716 ID: 7d7f18

1]] There's no one I trust more with my pelvis than you, Polyphema.

Lord knows she's been around it enough.
>>
No. 741719 ID: 1d4e27

1. No use asking questions we already know the answer to.
>>
No. 741720 ID: 7b7ab3

>>741703
1. We trust the fate of our groin in her lovely hands.

Bet you thought you'd never see that sentence written down, huh?
>>
No. 741722 ID: 4eadca

>>741703
1.
Still be careful, though, please!
>>
No. 741726 ID: da8047

1 for obvious reasons.
>>
No. 741743 ID: 5a893f

1
And 5) and if you hurt me anyway, it'll be a fun pain.
>>
No. 741765 ID: 3adcf8

4
>>
No. 741767 ID: 241e9d

>>741703
1.
"There's no one I trust more with my pelvis than you, Polyphema. Except that nurse back at the hospital, but that's different."
>>
No. 741770 ID: cf8a2e

5), a variant on 4: "Wait a moment: There's something I need to talk to you about. Something important. I don't want to right now, but I keep forgetting, so I want to like... make an appointment."

Do that, then 1.
>>
No. 741771 ID: 8963ff

>>741770
This.
>>
No. 741772 ID: d7e052

>>741770
Yes.
>>
No. 741785 ID: 6abd99

>>741770
This sounds good. Put off the serious, possibly terrible talk and just enjoy the moment.
>>
No. 741799 ID: b21072

1

I mean seriously she's my favorite in this whole quest of course I'm gonna pick that.
>>
No. 741809 ID: b1960b
File 147102388208.png - (15.25KB , 960x729 , 549.png )
741809

"There is nobody I trust more with my pelvis than you, Poly," you say.

"Maravilla." She gives you a peck on the neck. "Then drop the cane and take a seat."
She guides you to an overstuffed easy chair and lowers you to the cushion.
"Now just sit tight," she says. "Make yourself comfortable. I will be right back."

She glides off to her room.

You sit back. You look at your reflection in Polyphema's sizable plasma TV. There's an ornately styled and corked bottle of wine on the coffee table.

The stereo clicks on remotely, jerking you upright again.
A complex, pounding 7/4 drumbeat.

Polyphema's door clicks open.

You blink.
"Poly? What's with the--"

Polyphema puts a finger to her lips.

Then she starts dancing.

>>
No. 741810 ID: b1960b
File 147102390307.png - (82.23KB , 960x560 , 550.png )
741810

>>
No. 741811 ID: b1960b
File 147102391335.png - (38.28KB , 960x560 , 551.png )
741811

>>
No. 741812 ID: b1960b
File 147102392375.png - (92.97KB , 960x729 , 552.png )
741812

>>
No. 741816 ID: b1960b
File 147102404585.png - (13.11KB , 960x729 , 553.png )
741816

She ends in an impossible split, just as the drums thunder to a crescendo then halt.
The hoop slows its rotation against her heel, does a couple more lazy revolutions, and stops.
She opens her eye and smiles brightly at you.

>>
No. 741818 ID: b1960b
File 147102410208.png - (11.48KB , 960x560 , 554.png )
741818

1]] ______________
>>
No. 741820 ID: 7b7ab3

"That... that was... oh, my God..."

Stunned, awestruck clapping.
>>
No. 741821 ID: f2919d

Polyphema, you're trying to seduce me.

And it's working.

Very well.
>>
No. 741822 ID: 43e0ce

Stunned silence followed by "I love you, Polyphema."
>>
No. 741828 ID: 595d54

>>741821
This.

>>741822
That's not something to say every time.
>>
No. 741829 ID: 1137e8

"Firehoop dancing is the single greatest creation in the entire history of golboria, and I think my heart stopped."
>>
No. 741834 ID: 91ee5f

*jaw drop, mouth hanging wide open in awestruck amazement* O8
>>
No. 741836 ID: e2b272

>>741820
>>741822
>>741834
The appropriate reactions.
>>
No. 741838 ID: cf8a2e

"I feel culturally enlightened in all the best ways."
>>
No. 741848 ID: 9170b0

>>741829
>>741838
These mixed with some wild applause.
>>
No. 741863 ID: b1960b
File 147104012589.png - (81.86KB , 960x800 , 555.png )
741863

"That was-- that-- Holy shit." You applaud. Polyphema straightens up and bows. "I am culturally enlightened in all the best ways."
"That wasn't the present," Polyphema says.
"It wasn't?"
"That was limbering up." Polyphema unclips her leggings from her underwear. "This is the present." She slips her panties down one leg and kicks them away.

She sashays up to your seat and pushes a lever on the side of the chair with her foot. The easy chair reclines and you tilt backward.
She kicks one leg up and out, resting it on the arm to your left. She braces herself on the top of the chair, then busts into a split.
You gawk.
She giggles.
"In my prime dancing days I could do two hoops at once, on fire," she says. "Which is how you're supposed to do it. Tricky with just the one pair of arms. I've fallen a little out of practice."
She pinches the button of your pants between her thumb and forefinger and expertly flicks it undone. "But some things I'm built for. And I'm still the champ. Like I told you this morning. Distribution..."
She flexes her thighs and lowers her hips down just a few inches, brushing along the painfully firm bulge in your pants. Her breasts push against your chest. Your heart is imitating the firehoop drums. "And application."
She unzips your fly.
"I love you," you say.

Polyphema pauses, her finger tugging down the elastic of your boxers.
"I've been wondering since the car," she says. "Since we talked about the Kariket. Do you think it's possible to truly love someone you don't understand?"

1]] Yes.
2]] No.
3]] I do understand you.
4]] Nobody really understands anybody.
5]] _____________

>>
No. 741865 ID: 595d54

Sure. "Truly" is pointless, there's no one valid kind of love. You don't need to have a whole in-depth scan of what made someone the person they are and why they do what they do, you can just love what they do, for you, for other people, in general, whatever. As valid as anything else.
>>
No. 741867 ID: 24100f

>>741863
I sure as hell hope so.

This whole everything is built around the idea that love leads to understanding. Or maybe the other way around. Or both.
>>
No. 741870 ID: d1fde2

You can truly love the parts you do understand. And more understanding means more to love.
>>
No. 741872 ID: 9170b0

1.
"Yes. Absolutely. I know this because it is a fundamental part of my life now. I don't fully understand you or GG or Bika or Meg, but I love you all the same. That is a fact."
>>
No. 741874 ID: 7b7ab3

1.
>>741865
>>741867
>>741870
>>741872
ALL of this.
>>
No. 741875 ID: 350a50

"People love things they don't understand all the time."
>>
No. 741877 ID: cf8a2e

5): "I'm not so certain if you can really draw a line between true love and not-true love. There are lots of different types of love, and every relationship has a different blend. There are ways I love you that aren't in play with GG, for example, and ways I love her that aren't in play with you. Some kinds of love you can have without understanding, some of them you can only have with, but I don't think I'd say that makes them any more or less valid by itself. Though the more love the better, I think."

"If you want me to bring it home, though: I think really understanding anything is very rare. If understanding was a prerequisite for love, I think that'd rule out almost every example of love there's been. For humans, anyway. Maybe oculots really can understand each other, by linking the way you do. Do you feel like your love for people you weren't able to link with was less for it?"
>>
No. 741879 ID: 6af38e

>>741877
That is a lot of words to someone rubbing their pussy on you.

Can we leave it at 1?
>>
No. 741887 ID: 8eafef

1]] "Poly, take it from a guy dating four very different women from four very different alien species. The answer is an emphatic, unequivocal yes."
>>
No. 741890 ID: 8963ff

1. A HUGE 1. >>741877 can be a choice as long as it ends with: "And even after saying all of that, I'm still rock hard."
>>
No. 741907 ID: 25c66e

4 therefor 1.
>>
No. 741909 ID: 6612fa

>>741863
4
then
5.) "love is finding someone that makes you happy and content, so much so your very happiness is dependent on their happiness, and all i want to do is make you happy." bend your neck up and kiss her
>>
No. 741910 ID: 7dad34

2, 5) "After all, there's no such thing as "true" love. You have to LIVE the romance along with someone beside you.

And right now I feel @#$%ing alive. Screw it, I don't have the poetry for this, let's @#$%!"
>>
No. 741924 ID: f562b1

Regarding number 4: Oculots can, thanks to their empathy. So, I say 4: "Well, aside from Oculot empathy, you'd have a hard time finding people who completely know one another. ...Does empathy let you understand each other?"
>>
No. 741928 ID: fe3e57

>>741863
1.
>>
No. 741934 ID: 595d54

>>741924
You're thinking of neumono. Oculot have telepathy and they're good at seeing other people's perspectives.
>>
No. 741946 ID: b1960b
File 147106919840.png - (85.48KB , 960x800 , 556.png )
741946

There's a lot you want to say but it's hard to focus when the blood is rushing so pointedly into one isolated part of your anatomy.
So you just say "Yes."
"Good." Polyphema pulls your dick out of your pants. "I do too."
Your toes curl. Her palms are soft as silk. "Does this feel OK?" she asks, from back in the civilized world.
"Yeah." You swallow. "Better than OK."
She runs the head of your shaft down the groove of her stomach as she raises her hips back up. "I've been waiting for this," she croons, pivoting her hips, bringing you just to the entrace of her then gliding frictionlessly down the length of your dick, teasing you. "Alllll day. Can you feel?" She's warm and damp and inviting. You twitch.
"God. Poly. Please." You're gasping.
"Please what?" She's grinning like a cheshire cat.
"Polyyyy."
She giggles. "Just promise me that you won't move around and hurt yourself. Just lie back. And feel me."
She lines you up and eases herself down, inch by squishy, enveloping inch.

>>
No. 741948 ID: b1960b
File 147106931071.png - (13.93KB , 960x560 , 557.png )
741948

As she descends her grin melts down into the groaning, lip-biting countenance of ecstasy. Your head goes white inside and floats backward as if by magic. Her muscles, taut with the effort of her position, clench and coil in her abdomen. You can feel all of it.

She is the tightest 326 year old you've ever met.

"Am I hurting you?"
"No."
She eases herself back up. The air is sharp and cold where she was. Instinctually your hips try to rejoin hers but you stop yourself and force them to wait. She comes back down, her core hardening and flexing, and gives you a voracious, sloppy kiss as she does so.
"Hot damn I'm good," she says.
You groan in reply.
She licks your cheek. "My handsome human." Up again, down again. "My big human." Up-down. "Zack. Fill me up." She's getting into a rhythm now. "Mza gjazili saropa."
She really does like playing with your ears.
You run your hand along the ridges at her hips. She nods into your neck. You grip them firmly.
"Can you-- pull them," she says.
You pull down on them and her back arches. "Oh God. Like that."

You feel something tickling your back and building in your hips. Ohhh, shit. This crazy position combined with the dance is wreaking havoc on the Ol' Nguyen Endurance. At this rate something that never happens, honestly, is going to happen. You're going, as they say, to pop the champagne before midnight.


1]] _____________
>>
No. 741951 ID: fe3e57

Shut our eyes, bite our tongue, and think of something really, really aggravating.
Works every time.
>>
No. 741952 ID: 7b7ab3

>>741948
"Poly Poly I'm close I'm close I'm fucking close!"
Hold onto something and grit those teeth!

>"Mza gjazili saropa."
>"My _______ human."
We have got to take some language classes.
>>
No. 741956 ID: 5d0ade

Hold her in position for a moment to recover some ground. Say "Poly it's too good, hold still a sec", and move one hand to keep on pleasing her while you lean in for some kissing. Staying in one position for her is probably strenuous so don't keep it up too long. Put those mental efforts to work as well, think of something unsexy. Think of the wrinkly propaganda oculot.
>>
No. 741958 ID: be8da4

>>741956
This! Get a grip, communicate, and work together to attain mutual satisfaction!
>>
No. 741960 ID: a107fd

>>741951
>>741956
>think of something unsexy
No, bad plan. You just end up with weird backwards horrible fetishes that way.
http://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/2008-01-09
>>
No. 741971 ID: 3adcf8

Count by doubles if you really have to. Or just tell her your close and she can decide what to do with that.
>>
No. 741977 ID: f4b0f2

Warn her of your impending "misfire" and see if there's a way you two can keep this party rolling.
>>
No. 741992 ID: 057c5f

>>741956
This.
>>
No. 741993 ID: 960f86

>>741956
> implying propaganda oculot isnt sexy af and zach doesn't blow his load immediately
seriously though, this.
>>
No. 741998 ID: 5d0ade
File 147112132888.png - (50.07KB , 408x454 , i_would_wink_but_you_know.png )
741998

>>
No. 742008 ID: 960f86

>>741998
>filename
orgasmic
>>
No. 742009 ID: 3c974b

Redirect focus to bringing her to orgasm. Grab her breasts, tug on her ridges, rub her clit, do whatever is necessary. Having an objective should help to slow our climax.
>>
No. 742028 ID: dcd676

>>741977
>>742009
These. Tell her you're getting way too close and attempt to change focus on your own initiative.

Unless she has something in mind herself, of course.
>>
No. 742067 ID: b1960b
File 147114900417.png - (55.00KB , 831x642 , 558.png )
742067

"Poly. Polypoly hold on hold on I'm close"
The smile stretches back across her face. She speeds up. Her butt makes a rhythmic clapping sound against your thighs but she somehow still feels weightless.
"Poly wait wait wait"
"Uh-uh." She licks her lips and shakes her head. You try to think of the wrinkly old oculot on the propaganda poster, but it's hard when the nubile, voluptuous reality of the species is riding on your dick this energetically. Her eye is so fucking blue that it leaves ghost images against your corneas.
She's going so fast now her breasts are bouncing out of her top. She whips it off, plants a hand on the back of your neck, and pulls your face against her chest.
"Loverrr," she whispers urgently, the r curling into a Golborian roll, her tongue flicking at your ear. "Cum inside me." She's flexing her butt with each pump now, willing it out of you. "Fill me full. Make me yours."
You count doubles. You try to remember the capitals. It is no fucking use. You plant a palm on her round ass and let nature take its course.

>>
No. 742068 ID: b1960b
File 147114902777.png - (7.99KB , 960x560 , 559.png )
742068

....... what the fuck?
>>
No. 742069 ID: b1960b
File 147114906378.png - (12.12KB , 960x800 , 560.png )
742069

What?

Who is this? Where are you? Wait, why does she only have one eyeball?
"Did you enjoy your present?" she asks, then before you can say anything she kisses you.

Wait: who are you?
>>
No. 742070 ID: 1d4e27

You are Batman. YOU ARE THE NIGHT. You shout this to everyone you see.
>>
No. 742071 ID: 9f3729

>>742069
"Ok this is gonna sound fucked up since my dicks in you right now, but this isn't a prank I have very suddenly lost all idea who I am and who you are and I am VERY confused???"
>>
No. 742075 ID: 8963ff

>>742069
"Miss, um, c-c-can you tell me what the fuck is going on? Seriously, who are you? Why did I just cum in you? WHO AM I?!?"
>>
No. 742077 ID: 398fe1

>>742069
Okay, logically this is your girlfriend because she just gave you sex as a present. So you should avoid upsetting her.

How about you tell her you need a moment, and try to remember yourself. Look around, does anything look familiar?

Try to remember, you are Zachary Nguyen, and she is one of your four cross-dimensional girlfriends. You know her as Polyphemia but that is not her real name.
>>
No. 742088 ID: 90f3c0

"I'm afraid you've literally fucked my brains out."
>>
No. 742090 ID: 595d54

"Why do I have retrograde amnesia?"
>>
No. 742091 ID: b1960b
File 147115139805.gif - (10.13KB , 720x540 , 561.gif )
742091

"This is going to sound really weird," you say. "But I think I just forgot who I am."

She laughs. It's a lovely laugh.

"I'm not kidding," you say.
"What?"
"I don't know who I am or who you are."
"You-- you're Zack. Remember? Zack Nguyen."

You blink. "Oh my god. Yes. Right. Zack."
"And I'm-- Tiffany."
"No you're not, Poly."

She exhales a sigh of relief. "Oh thank God. What was that?"

1]] Just kidding!!
2]] I don't know. I think you might have just done something to me psionically.
3]] You just literally fucked my brains out, babe.
4]] This uhhh happens to me sometimes. It's embarrassing.
5]] Now that I remember I'm sorry you didn't cum.
6]] _________________
>>
No. 742092 ID: defceb

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
>>
No. 742093 ID: 9f3729

>>742091
3 and 5, but deliver three in as serious a tone as you can.
>>
No. 742096 ID: 398fe1

>>742091
2. C'mon be honest with your girl.
>>
No. 742097 ID: 18c9f5

>>742091
2 , 3 , 5
>>
No. 742100 ID: 90f3c0

3, 2, 5
>>
No. 742101 ID: b2d501

2) OKAY, that's enough psychic-sexual experimentation for one week. Looks like your brain fried so hard, you lost access to your long-term non-academic memories for a few seconds. Unfortunately for you, it didn't start a few seconds earlier...

6) ... I wonder if you heard us.

3) How about next time you get amnesia, we ask how many walls it takes to break a fourth wall within a fourth wall within a salad.
>>
No. 742102 ID: 1d4e27

2 and 3. Strong emotion is the source of Oculot abilities. Has this happened to partners from other species?
>>
No. 742108 ID: 91ee5f

6) "Just to clarify and make sure that my memories are all still there, I'm in a relationship with four lovely extra dimensional ladies, right? And their names and species are GG the Warrior, Bika the Skut, Meg the Floater, and you, Poly the Oculot. Did I remember all of that correctly?"
>>
No. 742111 ID: 3c974b

2, 3, 5, and >>742108.
>>
No. 742112 ID: 595d54

By the way, while we're messing around with heads, are you aware of our presence, Zack?
>>
No. 742115 ID: 398fe1

>>742102
Even if it hasn't, I think humans are more vulnerable to it or something?
A good place to start would be to ask Poly what emotions she was feeling. Also mention her eye was getting bright.
>>
No. 742117 ID: 7b7ab3

>>742111
This!
Also, should we maybe have this checked out? Medically? It's more than a little concerning.
>>
No. 742118 ID: 960f86

2, 3, 5 - then attempt to discuss the philosophical ramifications of your psionic link with her hood pressed against your chin.
>>
No. 742123 ID: b1960b
File 147115593613.png - (9.70KB , 960x560 , 562.png )
742123

"I think you literally fucked my brains out," you say. "Like you did something to me psionically."
"Oh, god. Maybe." Polyphema carefully dismounts. "I need a towel."
"Why?"
"Because your semen is dripping down my thigh, darling."
"Oh. Right."
She shuffles carefully to the bathroom, legs tightly together.
"I'm sorry you didn't cum," you say.
"Don't be, doll," she calls. "That was for you. There's no way I was going to in that pose. Too much exertion." The sound of a showerhead. "The journey is as valuable as the destination." She reemerges from the bathroom and sits on the leg of your easy chair. "I love how your jaw looks when you orgasm."
"I'm in a relationship with you, GG, Meg, and Bika, right?" you ask. "I'm not forgetting anything?"
"Lois," Polyphema says. "Joking. Sorry."
"Has this happened before?" you ask. "To partners of other species?"
She shakes her head. "If it has they've stayed mum about it."
"Your eye was getting really bright."
"That confirms it." She sighs. "Damn damn damn. The pitfalls of oculot life."
"Well what were you thinking about when you did it?" you ask. "What was the emotion?"
"Oh. Nothing." Polyphema shifts. "This can happen sometimes. Little hiccups. Powers that aren't species-wide. Completely unpredictable."
"But maybe we could replicate it. This might be a new thing."
"I don't--" she covers her mouth. "That would be difficult."
"Why? What was it? Was it something bad?" You rub her leg. "You don't have to tell me."
"No. Nonono it wasn't bad. It was stupid. It was just--" Polyphema covers her eye. She is blushing hard. You've never seen her blush. "I was wntgthvyrbby."
"What?"
"wntgthvyrbby."
"You're mumbling."
"Wanting to have your baby," she says.
>>
No. 742125 ID: 595d54

>>742123
Oh wow that's adorable. Well, there's always adoption, and... actually, what molecule does Golborian life use to encrypt information? Probably not DNA. ...think Meg has a functional human uterus?
>>
No. 742126 ID: e22b1d

EAT THAT CYCLOPS OUT
>>
No. 742127 ID: 25c66e

>>742123
Zach this is a serious discussion, don't get a boner. No stop, remember the refractory period.

"You know, the doc I talked to about my hip was saying medical tech is set to get crazy. Who knows in ten, twenty years?"
>>
No. 742128 ID: 398fe1

>>742123
That is adorable. But yeah, probably can't replicate it with someone we'd want to actually do it to.

Touch her belly. Ask her if she really wants that, your child growing inside her. Because... something like it might be possible with technological advances. Genetically designed Oculot baby made to resemble you.
>>
No. 742131 ID: 209e37

oooohhhhhhhh nnnnnnooooooooo
hug the pretty cyclops
kiss kiss love love
>>
No. 742132 ID: f562b1

>"Wanting to have your baby," she says.
Wait, does that mean she's wiping the memory because babies have no memory?
Does Kariket literally turn people into babies that way? Did he find a way to amplify that emotion (as well as feeling it himself)?!

...Regardless, sounds like something you should get used to, Zack.
>>
No. 742134 ID: 7b7ab3

>>742123
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
THAT IS SO CUTE
ALSO REALLY HOT
WHO KNOWS, POLY
KEEP HOPE ALIVE
>>
No. 742135 ID: 398fe1

>>742132
What no he uses the emotion of SCORN. It's a different type of memory manipulation (in his case, being able to control the mind to alter its own memory) and in this case I think the emotion translates into a wish of "creating new life", which if you wipe someone's memory is kindof like that.
>>
No. 742137 ID: 99be3c

"Polyphema, that is the single most romantic, flattering, heartbreaking, outright sexy thing you have ever said to me. I don't know how you're gonna top it."
>>
No. 742140 ID: 9f3729

>>742123
"I mean, that might not be entirely impossible. That CRISPR gene editing stuff's pretty neat."
>>
No. 742141 ID: b1960b
File 147115801328.png - (9.94KB , 960x560 , 563.png )
742141

"Well I mean-- maybe in a few decades science can--"

"OH God no I don't really want kids. No no no no." Polyphema waves her hand in front of her face. She's gone even redder. "Me as a mom? Can you imagine? I'd-- no no no. I'm 326 years old. I haven't had any children for a reason. I just--" She squirms. "I like to-- I fantasize sometimes. Like the one I told you on our hike, where I'm a classy prostitute. It helps me get-- you know. I wouldn't have been so-- I wouldn't have wiped your mind if I'd thought I might actually get pregnant."
She tries to compose herself. She is uncharacteristically flustered. "Obviously we know what fantasies to avoid now."

1]] _____________
>>
No. 742142 ID: 595d54

>>742141
"Only during sex. Imaginary family planning sounds fun. We could play the Sims together, I'm sure that would be a completely accurate and functional representation."
>>
No. 742145 ID: 99be3c

Correction: obviously we know what fantasies to INDULGE THOROUGHLY now.
>>
No. 742146 ID: 398fe1

>>742141
Who says you're gonna avoid it? She can just wear that scarf. Or use a position where she isn't staring you in the face.

(I think the emotion she was feeling was DENIAL.)
>>
No. 742147 ID: e22b1d

>>742141
Classy prostitute?
That sounds like a fun one to explore.
>>
No. 742150 ID: 7b7ab3

>>742142
This, but only because I really, really like the idea of her playing video games.

She needs her own gaming channel on YouTube.

"Poly Plays."
>>
No. 742151 ID: 398fe1

>>742146
Wait, no, not denial. Hmm. "wouldn't have been so"... turned on? Maybe she just has some kind of weird lust=mindwipe power that doesn't really logically follow.
>>
No. 742154 ID: b2d501

... Adopt a Skut? I mean LITERALLY ONE SKUT. When I think about it, this seems practical; since Skuts care more about the colonies' core consciousness than individual colonists, you could adopt one with a birth defect. They'll just replace the kid, and since individual Skuts don't have enough of a mind to fully think for themselves, you technically don't risk accidental death on a sapient individual.

... I wonder how many Skuts have dropped off their infants at orphanages so they don't have to worry about the dead corpses of comatose empty shells.
>>
No. 742155 ID: 193305

"May I just say that I am VERY proud of myself right now. I managed to make a 326 year old, psychic, dimension hopping, freedom fighting badass of a woman blush like a school girl. Feeling mighty fine right now."
>>
No. 742156 ID: c259a7

"Well, it didn't last very long. And maybe it wouldn't happen if we weren't directly face-to-face? We could experiment. Though I guess you probably wouldn't be able to get yourself to do that again right now even if you wanted to."

"Oh, speaking of oculot powers, I've been having a couple more dreams. I was wondering if it's ok with you if I talk about them to the other girls? Not like, to uncover your mysteries, just that it's a thing that happens, and stuff I learn from them that doesn't involve you. One dream I had was GG's childhood, it seems fair to let people know I could see their past if we three all sleep together."
>>
No. 742160 ID: 398fe1

>>742156
If we're gonna talk about that we should probably maybe finally bring up the Kariket's power with Poly.
>>
No. 742161 ID: c259a7

>>742160

Not right now, I think. Let's get this less troubling/downer part out of the way first, we can do that much and still keep things pretty comfortable. Poly's in a tender spot. We can talk about the kariket later. I'd say it's an odds-on chance Poly would be curious enough to ask what dreams Zack's had, anyway, and that would be better to open it than Zack bringing it up himself.
>>
No. 742162 ID: 193305

>>742156
>>742160
>>742161
Please don't ruin the moment.
>>
No. 742163 ID: c57f6b

>>742145
>>
No. 742165 ID: c259a7

>>742162

It wouldn't ruin the moment if it was just a brief off-hand question. "Can I talk to the other girls about stuff I see in the dreams that isn't directly related to you." It's a perfectly reasonable request and on topic. Not like it's me who decides what Zack does, though, anyway.

Still interested in figuring out what just happened. Maybe it's related to how Oculots reproduce? Maybe for some reason there's a psychic link involved as well, the lady absorbs mental information from the guy as well as genetic? And she decided to try it with Zack because she figured it wouldn't work anyway and it would help her fantasy, and him being human borked it somehow?

Anyway, we should tell her we're happy to have scratched off another square on the Poly lottery kink card, looking forward to more.
>>
No. 742171 ID: ece26f

>>742141
"Actually you've now added impregnating classy prostitutes as one my fantasies!"

A beat.

"I'm kidding."
>>
No. 742172 ID: ee1ff4

Oh no, cute
Pull her closer and kiss her and say >>742145
>>
No. 742173 ID: 544cb7

I think if we had a kid they'd be great. Now that you've made me think about it, I think I'm gonna have to fantasize abut it every now and then myself.
>>
No. 742179 ID: 4012dd

>>742141
tbh you're fairly maternal. more maternal than my mother.
it's ok that you decided against though, i can get that.
>>
No. 742181 ID: 3abd97

>>742141
>Obviously we know what fantasies to avoid now.
Hey, a few moments of confusion are a small price to pay.
>>
No. 742185 ID: 350a50

>>742141
"Is it possible that being deeply lost in a fantasy triggers the 'mind blank' effect?"
>>
No. 742200 ID: b1960b
File 147120036951.png - (9.40KB , 960x560 , 564.png )
742200

"Obviously now we know what fantasies to indulge in." You grab her around the waist. Her stomach has just the right amount of smush to it.
"Noooo!" She beats your chest in mock-protest.
You pull her into a kiss. Her no becomes an indulgent mmmm.

1]] Suggest a nap.
2]] Suggest going out somewhere: __________
3]] Suggest an apartment activity: ________
4]] Suggest regrouping with the other girls.
5]] Suggest something else: _______________
6]] Tell her about your dreams.
--A]] Tell her about your Kariket dream.
--B]] Tell her about your GG dream.
--C]] Tell her about your Bijala dream.
7]] _________________
>>
No. 742201 ID: 4affa1

4 (GG xor Bika), 6C.
>>
No. 742205 ID: 8963ff

>>742200
6A or 6C, then 1 and 4.
>>
No. 742207 ID: c259a7

6B and 6C, in the latter case describe how you tried to wake up in order to not creep on someone you didn't know, but you're not sure whether you succeeded or your phone woke you. Also say you had another dream but it was pretty disturbing and didn't seem to involve her directly and it'd be kind of a horrible downer to talk about. Let her decide if she wants to know about it after that.

And after those, 7) Ask if you can talk to the other girls about this dream thing.

Then 5), suggest something else: Gossip! And/or advice/conversation. Talk about how things went with GG and her parents, and about how Bika and Meg are in bed(s) now, and how you're thinking you need to come up with a way to pay Bika back for giving you lodgings and food so freely but all you've thought of so far you could do is offer your astonishing sandwich skills, and you don't know if Zackary Nguyen's pervert demonboy humanwiches will be a big seller at the Speed Luck Skut.
>>
No. 742208 ID: 87ee39

6B because it raises even more questions about the dreams, and it's less likely to result in a Bad Time.
Then 1 and 4.
>>
No. 742209 ID: 7b7ab3

4 and 6B.
No nap! We're in deep enough as it is!
We can tell her we've had other dreams, but they were likely not the kind she wants to discuss.
>>
No. 742210 ID: 6abd99

>>742200
6B.
4.
>>742207
>5), suggest something else: Gossip! And/or advice/conversation. Talk about how things went with GG and her parents, and about how Bika and Meg are in bed(s) now, and how you're thinking you need to come up with a way to pay Bika back for giving you lodgings and food so freely but all you've thought of so far you could do is offer your astonishing sandwich skills, and you don't know if Zackary Nguyen's pervert demonboy humanwiches will be a big seller at the Speed Luck Skut.
>>
No. 742232 ID: 44c57e

3, 4.
Let's have a glass or two of wine, then head back to SLS. Shoot a text to the girls to let them know.
>>
No. 742233 ID: 398fe1

6B sounds like a good idea, but I'm gonna say no to 6C, because she does not want to be reminded of her past.
>>
No. 742263 ID: 350a50

6B, then 7: mention the dream last night, which you figured out how to back out of before anything important happened. Then ask if this place is secure, because you need to talk to her about something much more sensitive.
>>
No. 742273 ID: 398fe1

>>742263
I think we should just assume no it's not secure and besides someone could be listening at the door. If we're gonna tell her about the kariket dream we should do it via the phone trick. Maybe even while ensuring no hidden cameras could possibly see the phone.
>>
No. 742301 ID: d8dc8a

Wait why aren't we telling her about the Kariket dream? We need to tell her about the Kariket dream. I know it doesn't feel like a good moment, but it never will. Now. Let's do it now.
>>
No. 742304 ID: 350a50

>>742273
>>742301
I agree. I want to confirm whether she believes it's secure first, however, and convey that caution should be taken.
>>
No. 742333 ID: 6c25ef

6B because it's interesting and mostly innocuous while being tangentially related to subject matter we've just been covering.

But god please no bringing up other dreams. The Kariket is an obvious no-no because it's knowledge we get killed for having and opens the door on all sorts of questions Poly deffo does not want to talk about. Bijala is a no-no because she's probably dead and also it's weird to bring up some girl she dommed one time at an orgy.
>>
No. 742334 ID: 8ec3f1

>>742333
She's definitely dead: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/630196.html#631453
>>
No. 742347 ID: 4ed175

>>742333
This plus 4.
>>
No. 742354 ID: 544cb7

Pull her into a post coital cuddle and talk about dreams. Tell her about the kariket and have that fallout happen now if it has too. If she's not bothered you can bring up other dreams.
>>
No. 742370 ID: 1d4e27

1, 6B, 4.
>>
No. 742407 ID: 6612fa

>>742200
mention that we think we know who she is, and if your wrong it will make for a great laugh now and in the future whenever you need something to embarrass us. tick for tat you know.
if we are right we don't really care.
the Kariket's daughter
her dad was a farmer, so was the kariket, she has family issues. its all circumstantial but its enough to throw it out there and maybe get a laugh or get a plot development.
then tell her about all the dreams, she needs to know and nows the perfect time.
>>
No. 742414 ID: e22b1d

Is nobody going to suggest cunnilingus?
This woman just gave us an orgasm so powerful it made us forget our name and she did it in a way that was clearly kind of uncomfortable for her. C'mon people. Let's make her squeal.
>>
No. 742415 ID: 5a11bd

>>742407

I don't think she would laugh. Also I think it's as likely the kariket's her brother as her dad, and in either case she's clearly put a lot of time and emotion into denying any such connection as hard as possible. So I still say talk about the other two dreams, mention having another more disturbing dream and let her decide, and ask if we can talk to the other girls about the dream thing. And besides that have a nice time gossiping.

>>742414

And that.
>>
No. 742440 ID: ce2e2f

>>742333
>>742414
these tbh
>>
No. 742480 ID: b21072

Can the hands go down to grope her ass?
Cause that's what I wanna do right now.
>>
No. 742488 ID: e08248

4.
>>
No. 742489 ID: 350a50

>>742407
No.

>>742414
We can use that to bring the mood back up after we have serious talk.
>>
No. 742575 ID: 38eb84

>>742200
6A
>>
No. 742580 ID: b1960b
File 147133226689.png - (11.76KB , 960x560 , 565.png )
742580

You squeeze Poly's butt. You've never dated anyone with an ass quite like hers, human or otherwise. It's so round and soft but miraculously devoid of cellulite. Thick, you guess, is the word.
You finish the kiss, eventually.
"Should we see what everyone else is up to?" you ask.
"Bored of me already, Zacky boy?"
"No, just--"
"I'm pulling your leg." She kisses your cheek and hops off of you. "Let us see indeed."

"So Bika and Meg are in bed now," you say, as Poly wiggles into the kind of thong that only makes her look more naked.
"I called it!" Poly snaps the elastic.
"Did you?"
"Well to GG I did. It's not like Megumi is shy about what she's looking for, is she. Which, for now, doesn't appear to be female. Oh well. Does she taste as nice as she smells?"
"A little synthetic but yeah."
"I suppose Bika could appreciate it more," Polyphema says. "Being a gourmet and all. Our little family grows ever more incestuous."
"Speaking of family I met GG's."
"Oh? And?" Polyphema reads your face. "Ooh."
"It could have gone worse," you say. "They could have broken my pelvis."
"I wish I had been there," Polyphema says. "I could have helped. Or at least I could have watched."
"Her dad's a real-- I don't know," you say. "It was tough. I tackled him."
"Ha! Maybe you didn't need my help after all!"
"I was out of my depth," you admit. "But actually while we're on the subject of GG..."
>>
No. 742581 ID: b1960b
File 147133231173.png - (13.46KB , 960x560 , 566.png )
742581

You tell Polyphema about your dream of GG's childhood.

"And you're sure it was her?"
"Positive. She was me."
"That is odd," Polyphema says. "That's, what. Her, Gaddjok, Bargeld... could it be that it's people I've loved?"
You think of the Kariket dream and freeze up for a second.
"But no wait," she says. "I've never slept with your mother, and you had a dream of her. There has to be some extra degree of separation involved. Very strange. Has there been anyone else?"
"Yeah, actually," you say, suppressing the urge to talk about the one dream you're most curious about, and that you're sure she doesn't want to hear. "I dreamed about when you met Bijala."
"Aaah! Bijala!" Polyphema smiles. "That was-- damn. At that party."
"Orgy."
"Right!" She giggles. This is a better reaction than you anticipated. "What an evening. And you were Bijala?"
"Yeah," you say. "I think I've figured out how to wake up from them, unless I just got lucky with my phone. I snapped out of it right before it got too juicy."
"It got very juicy, didn't it. I remember. Too bad you missed out! I may be good with the boys but with the ladies I'm a savant."
"I don't see how you could get much better," you say.
"Female bodies give more opportunity for finesse," Polyphema says.
"Do you prefer that?"
"I don't know. The male libido is charmingly uncomplicated. The shot of fine whiskey to a woman's vintage wine." She taps her chin. "I'd just take one of each, I think. Or several."

You check your phone. You've sent everyone messages asking what they're up to at this point in the day.

:bika: Lunch rush ebbing
:bika: Why do humans love dumplings so much :poop:

:warrior: im working
:warrior: not all of us get paid just to bone bitch ..|..
:warrior: jk ilu
:warrior: u can come along if u want this bike has a little basket

:meg: busy
:meg: cnt say more
>>
No. 742582 ID: 398fe1

Ask her if she recognizes the name "Euli".
>>
No. 742583 ID: 6a6812

Well, you can say that a common thread seems to be that there's an oculot somewhere in each dream. In the Gaddjok dreams it was her, and Bargeld, her and Bijala in Bijala's obviously, and then in your mom's one there was Hiz's brother and in GG's one she had a teacher. (If you want, you could mention having another dream that also had oculots in it, one was a girl but you're pretty sure it wasn't Poly. If Poly asks what the dream was in more detail tell her it was pretty disturbing and you feel like maybe she wouldn't want to know.) If I recall, the GG dream also came when the three of you were literally sleeping together, so that might have had something to do with that one, too.

Ask if you can talk to the other girls you're with about this dream thing. You'd like to confirm with GG that what you saw was a real event from her life, and it seems fair to let people who might decide to sleep with Poly and you that actually snoozing together might mean you seeing their past.
>>
No. 742584 ID: e22b1d

>>742582
>>742583
Both of these

Also it seems like we have some time before everyone is back together, so recasting my vote for cunnilingus. Then after that we should split that bottle of wine and invite Brose and Rella in and see how they're doing/try to play matchmaker.
>>
No. 742596 ID: ecb207

tell her about the katikat dream
>>
No. 742598 ID: 26bb87

Let's have a glass or two of wine, then head on back to Speed Luck Skut. It's pretty much home base now, so it makes for an excellent rendezvous point. Everyone can meet up there when their work's done.
>>
No. 742600 ID: 5a893f

>>742581
There's one dream I really want to talk about baaaaad, but it's serious, scary, and had dangerous knowledge. Enough so that talking about it could ruin a day for us, so I don't know if or when you'd like to talk about it. I do need to talk about it with you one day soon, but I'd like you to pick the moment, poly, unless now will be as good as ever a time.
>>
No. 742601 ID: ee1ff4

>>742584
>>
No. 742603 ID: 7b7ab3

>>742583
>>742598
These.
>>
No. 742606 ID: 586d55

So what would she like to do now?
Go to the restaurant or something else?
>>
No. 742610 ID: dcd676

>>742600
>>742583
These. Everyone making informed decisions is vital to this continuing to work for us all.
>>
No. 742613 ID: b2d501

>>742582
Seems like a good idea, but are you sure she won't freak out? If she knows or IS Euli, this might open a can of worms.

>>742583
Might be a "pass it on" psychic thing that allows Occulots to do a demo version of Skut hive minds. I dunno.

>>742581
Bika wants a better lunch. Bring Poly and take Bika's dumplings before she stuffs them up her [cat] in public.
>>
No. 742616 ID: a8d5ba

>>742581
>why do humans like dumplings so much
Delicious gluten. And also meat.
>>
No. 742617 ID: e22b1d

Once again I implore you guys NOT to talk to Poly about the Kariket dream in anything but the vaguest terms. She has reacted really badly to us trying to get real about her dreams before and even if there's anything she can tell us we don't already know, it isn't going to be worth the damage it'll do. If she knows we're seeing stuff like that when we sleep with her I wouldn't be surprised if she refused to let herself fall asleep next to us anymore.
>>
No. 742618 ID: 2a7417

Can't regroup with the other girls yet. Take a nap, old man.
>>
No. 742620 ID: c57f6b

As much as it sucks, now is probably the best possible time to bring up the kariket dream. Better to do it now than wait for it to come up at a worse moment.
>>
No. 742622 ID: 91ee5f

>>742620
This.
>>
No. 742624 ID: b1960b
File 147137371917.png - (6.52KB , 960x560 , 567.png )
742624

This seems like a contentious, important question, so I'm going to call for a vote to make sure we're absolutely clear.

Do you bring up the Kariket dream to Polyphema? You're not going to be able to go halfway with it.

1]] Yes
2]] No

((If your answer doesnt have a number in it I aint gonna count it))
>>
No. 742626 ID: e22b1d

2
>>
No. 742627 ID: 586d55

2]] No.
We've already told Meg about the Kariket's power, and she in turn will spread the word to those in power, and they in turn will take action.
The last thing Polyphema wants to hear about is the goings on inside that bastard's sick, twisted, evil, swollen head.
>>
No. 742630 ID: 6518d8

1

Honesty and communication is the basis for all relationship. And ours is getting muddier and muddier with secrets and petty mysteries.
>>
No. 742631 ID: 595d54

>>742624
1

We can't keep waiting for "the perfect time", because there won't ever be one, and keeping this secret is just going to fuck things up in the long run. It's time to tear off the bandage.
>>
No. 742635 ID: 7b7ab3

>>742624
2.

I don't even understand why people want to talk to her about it. What would it accomplish? She hates the Kariket, she doesn't want to talk about him, she doesn't want to hear his sob story, she doesn't want to dwell on her old life, and she doesn't want Zack to invade her privacy.
>>
No. 742636 ID: dcd676

>>742631
That's right, especially with Polyphema's insistence on running from her problems with alcohol already. This needs to come out, I just worry greatly for the consequences.
>>
No. 742637 ID: 350a50

1.

"I saw something else. Something bad."
>>
No. 742638 ID: 62ea32

1), if it's being pared down to two choices like that. Though I hope Zack's second priority stat would be sufficient to at least soften it out a bit with some of the approaches we've been talking about, or some other method, instead of tripping his foot straight through his mouth and out through his digestive tract to kick his own ass.
>>
No. 742639 ID: 5a893f

1
>>
No. 742640 ID: 18c9f5

1. This is important.
>>
No. 742641 ID: e63109

2.
>>
No. 742642 ID: 1d9183

>>742624
1
>>
No. 742643 ID: 59bd8b

1) the longer we sit on it the harder its going to be to bring up. We're already talking about the dreams, might as well go whole hog.
>>
No. 742644 ID: f263f9

2
>>
No. 742645 ID: 18c9f5

>>742624
I find it interesting that you went with the angel and the devil motif because in this situation I can't be sure which is which.
>>
No. 742646 ID: 960f86

>>742637
This
>>
No. 742647 ID: b04ba8

>>742624
1, this is cray stuff mang
>>
No. 742650 ID: b1960b
File 147137994965.png - (16.03KB , 960x560 , 568.png )
742650

"There's one more thing," you say, clicking off your phone's screen. "I saw something else."
"Hmm?" Polyphema's finding a shirt. "Where?"
"A dream," you say.
She looks back at you.
"Something bad," you say.
"Bad," Polyphema repeats, putting her shirt on.
"Yeah. And kind of scary. We don't need to talk about it now, but--"
"No," Polyphema says.
"Poly--"
"I don't want to hear it," Polyphema says.
"But it's--"
"How much more plain do I have to be, Zack? I told you already." She crosses her arms. "I don't want to hear this shit. I don't. Whatever it is. I thought you'd figured out how to wake up from these things."
"I wasn't-- I mean I'm not sure."
"Whatever you saw is in the past," Polyphema says. "I'm not a Golborian anymore. I am an Earthling. I have a New York apartment and a human alamad and I am not anyone important at all. That is all over. It's done. Whatever it was, whatever you saw, I do not want to talk about it, or remember it, and I wish you'd never seen it, and I do not. Want. To hear it."

1]] It was about the Kariket, Poly.
2]] Can I at least tell other people about it?
3]] Okay. I'm sorry.
4]] This isn't the kind of thing you can afford to keep buried.
5]] ________________
>>
No. 742651 ID: 59bd8b

3,5. Tell her your sorry, then point out that she's wrong about not being important. She is important to you.
>>
No. 742652 ID: 7b7ab3

>>742651
This.
Additional 5]] Thank you for calling me your alamad. You are mine as well.
>>
No. 742653 ID: 166842

>>742652
This.
>>
No. 742654 ID: 350a50

5. "And I don't want to talk about it, because it scares me. But I know I need to."
>>
No. 742659 ID: 550a81

33333333333333333333333333333333
>>
No. 742660 ID: 4513e8

>>742652
I consider this a good bet as well.
>>
No. 742665 ID: 3abd97

>>742650
5. I get that. It just felt wrong knowing things without you knowing it.

3.
>>
No. 742667 ID: d8dc8a

3. She don't wanna hear it.
>>
No. 742672 ID: 241e9d

>>742650
3.
"Okay. I'm sorry. I'm still really new to all this."
>>
No. 742681 ID: 6c25ef

6) I'm not trying to get you to spill your guts, I just thought you had the right to know I know. You weren't even in it. I'm sorry.
>>
No. 742683 ID: 62ea32

5) "You weren't even in it, Poly. It didn't show me anything about you, and in fact I don't see how it's directly connected to you at all."

Then, and only then, 2).

It's bad stuff from her past being dragged up that she's against, I think. The stance she's taking right now is based on an assumption she's making that isn't true.
>>
No. 742685 ID: 595d54

>>742681
This. Especially because it's about the Kariket and we know she really wants to keep that private.
>>
No. 742695 ID: ee1ff4

1
>>
No. 742698 ID: 47f8f1

3. Holy shit, 3.
Remember the camping trip? With the rock and the eye laser?
"Never piss me off."
>>
No. 742701 ID: 595d54

>>742698
Yes, I'm sure that Zack's loving girlfriend who essentially just called him her soulmate will try to kill him with psychic lasers because of a topic she dislikes. That's a completely rational concern.
>>
No. 742717 ID: bb78f2

5)) Poly, that's not fair. If I go through a nightmare-esqe situation and can't wake up, and its traumatic, what am I supposed to do? Was I not supposed to tell you about my Mom if that wasn't the first dream I had? That shit fucked with my head. I can't talk to anybody about this, not even a therapist. The only ones I can talk to are you and Hiz, and Hiz is dead.

Okay, guys, like I GET the concern and need to apologize here, but we don't need to, we're not in the wrong. It would be unhealthy to keep it bottled up, and people in relationships are supposed to share. Granted, hey, Poly has the right to keep her shit to herself when we ask her how she's doing, but she's also saying "Zack, if you go through traumatic or heavy shit, I don't want to talk about it, even if its weighing you down, all I want is smiles and laughs from you, no tears allowed," and that's fucked up.
>>
No. 742724 ID: dcd676

>>742717
Fully agreed, this needs to be a mutually healthy relationship and more importantly, this is big stuff that could mean a hell of a lot to her, to basically everyone we know.
>>
No. 742725 ID: 595d54

>>742717
This is great, I've been having a nagging feeling that this puts into words perfectly. Also, bit tangential, I don't think tgchan's compulsion to apologize should be encouraged, it seems like some sort of anxiety thing and just saying you're sorry doesn't actually deal with anything, either with yourself or with the other person. It can definitely hurt.
>>
No. 742733 ID: 91ee5f

>>742717
This.
>>
No. 742734 ID: 6612fa

>>742650
3 but dont apologize, just drop it
maybe do a 5
"we can put it off for as long as you want, but at any time you get curious just ask. while I can't control this and i understand why it upsets you, I love you. (even if you turn out to be space Hitler)"
that conversation about hitler finding love despite being well, hitler
>>
No. 742745 ID: 398fe1

Whoa maybe don't mention Hiz.

Anyway, she thinks it's a bad dream about her. Dispel that notion, in whatever way you can.
>>
No. 742747 ID: 3009b4

1. And also, this isn't an apology time this is the hard talk time. She's sober. Anything on this subject becomes a matter of public security and world events.
>>
No. 742748 ID: 5650b4

3, with a side order of 2, with the stipulation that Zach not share any specifics or personal moments (without Poly's express permission) in his Poly-induced dreams. Poly clearly has a lot of post-traumatic issues to go through. Trying to force her to deal with all the things that stripped scores of her friends and lovers away from her seems like it will only close her off.

The Kariket's Power is obviously a big deal, but at the moment it seems like we don't have the opportunity to make real use of that knowledge. Who's going to act on one schlub's dream? The stove ain't turned on yet, though some jerks are trying to turn the knob.
>>
No. 742751 ID: fd9404

>>742747
this
1, 5: it wasnt about you, you didnt even feature there.
>>
No. 742753 ID: 1d4e27

1) It's about the kariket, the thing that fucked him up, and the fucked up thing he did to someone else.

s o f t b o y s
you wanted this conversation, you're gonna get it.
>>
No. 742779 ID: 9f3729

"It's important we talk about it because hey guess what, it's real shit, but maybe now isn't the best time."
She's still recovering from longtime friend death. Let's not push that scale any further if we can help it.
>>
No. 742782 ID: fe65ad

You remember how we were dreaming of drowning? It's said that those who try to process and discover unconscious thoughts too quickly experience that. It's best we wait; what with her refusal to speak of it and our recent loss. 3.
>>
No. 742791 ID: 398fe1

Okay if we're not going to tell her about the specifics of the dream, then we absolutely need to figure out if the dreams should be secret. I mean Meg is probably busy right now because she's being interrogated as to WHY she knows what we told her.
>>
No. 742814 ID: b1960b
File 147141466589.png - (18.68KB , 960x560 , 569.png )
742814

"It's important that we talk about it," you say.
"That is a shame, Zack. Because I'm not going to.
"Who am I supposed to talk about it with then?" you ask. "If I go through this traumatic nightmare stuff and I can't wake up what am I supposed to do? Was I not supposed to tell you about the dream about my mom?"
"That was fine because it was you, Zack!" Poly's voice is strained. "It was your nightmare stuff. What I'm talking about is when you're going through mine. It's mine it's not yours and I want you out."
"It's not something you know about!"
"It's not anything I want to know about," Polyphema hisses. "The me from before the war is dead. She is buried. You dreamt it. I lived it. And damn you if you try to make me live it again."
"But I can't talk to anybody about it," you say. "No therapists, no anybody. Can I at least tell other people about these dreams?"
"Which people?"
"The dulabira."
"Fine. Fine. But not the HVAO. I'm not whoever I was in whatever you saw. I am Polyphema now. That's all I want to be."
"I'll ask you before I tell anyone."

She grimaces, then sighs. She puts a hand on your shoulder.

"We can't sleep together anymore, Zack," she says. "If you can't control this and if it's traumatizing you this badly I can't let you back in. It's for the best for both of us. I'm not going to share a bed with you if this is what is going to happen."

1]] I understand.
2]] That would break my heart.
3]] Give me one more chance. Maybe I can control it.
4]] I just want to know who you are, Poly.
5]] I didn't dream about you or your trauma. I dreamed about the Kariket, Poly. I was the Kariket.
6]] ___________________
>>
No. 742816 ID: 47f8f1

2, 5.

I hope you people are happy. You brought us to this. I hope it was worth it.
>>
No. 742817 ID: fe65ad

1, reluctantly.
>>
No. 742818 ID: 398fe1

>>742814
2,3(we jumped out of the last dream early, so it seems like we could jump ship if more bad dreams happen.), also 5 but via text on your phone's screen. She's made it clear she specifically doesn't want HER traumatic shit being discussed, and I think she didn't really get it when Zack said "It's not something you know about".
>>
No. 742820 ID: defceb

5

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

If we don't bring this up now we never will and that is NOT a plot thread we should drop.
>>
No. 742821 ID: 7b7ab3

2 and 5.
I am reeling. I am so fucking upset.
>>
No. 742823 ID: 1d4e27

5. You made your Poly-less bed, now lie in it.
>>
No. 742824 ID: 595d54

"I appreciate the sentiment but I don't feel I need protection from whatever's lurking in your past. I've already lived out being the Kariket for a day. Even if you feel that you need to shelter me, I'd like a better explanation than 'you're too young for this'."

It's starting to feel a bit demeaning, but that's probably not something to mention yet.
>>
No. 742827 ID: e0cdc5

5
5 like you never 5ed before! 5 like the fist of the northstar!
>>
No. 742828 ID: b1960b
File 147141653270.png - (13.69KB , 960x560 , 570.png )
742828

"Poly I didn't dream about you or your trauma," you say. "I-- hold on."

You take out your phone and type his name down.
You pass it to Polyphema.

She looks at it.

"From sleeping with me?" she asks. "From my head?"

You nod.
>>
No. 742829 ID: b1960b
File 147141653822.png - (14.11KB , 960x560 , 571.png )
742829

"Get out," Polyphema says.

She holds out your phone. "Take this and get out of my apartment."
>>
No. 742830 ID: 595d54

That went about as well as anyone could expect. Just say "Right. Bye." in a neutral tone and leave. She needs time to deal with this, and she knows we're willing to listen to whatever. The ball's in her court.
>>
No. 742831 ID: 1d4e27

Got it.
Go. Back to Speed Luck Skut?
>>
No. 742832 ID: 7b7ab3

We're fucked.
We're super fucked.
We just threw away an entire relationship.
I can't handle this.
>>
No. 742833 ID: 9f3729

>>742829
Rip us.
Leave, I guess.
>>
No. 742834 ID: 24a3c2

1, no sniveling. apologize for overstepping boundaries
>>
No. 742835 ID: 398fe1

You better do it.
>>
No. 742836 ID: 595d54

>>742832
No, we didn't. She literally said Zack was her alamad minutes ago, and Polyphema fell in love with him extraordinarily quickly. No one sane throws that away because of something people have no control over. Shit happens in relationships and it's best to learn how to deal with it, not to try to avoid everything. Right now she needs time and space. We give her that and let her decide when she wants to talk again.

I'll admit that all this assumes Polyphema is relatively sound of mind and mentally stable, but that's because she's acted like she is so far, even if she's depressed, and because assuming someone is unpredictably crazy doesn't help matters.
>>
No. 742838 ID: fe65ad

Go.
Get in the car, sit in silence, go home, and smash your fucking tv.
>>
No. 742839 ID: 1d4e27

>>742838
Don't smash Bika's TV you git.
>>
No. 742842 ID: b1960b
File 147141960480.png - (13.50KB , 960x560 , 572.png )
742842

You take your phone and silently leave.

"Z-maaan." Ambrose is leaning in the hallway. Rella puts her phone away. "Where's Polyphema?"
"It's just me. this time," you say.

"You OK, dude?" Ambrose looks you up and down. "Kinda looks like your dog just died."
"You fuck up?" Rella asks.

1]] Kind of. Yeah.
2]] No. But I need to give her space for a bit.
3]] I don't really want to talk about it.
4]] Can you take me to the HVAO? I need to see Carlson.
5]] Can you take me back to SLS?
6]] Can you drop me off with GG? I'll text her and ask where I should meet her.
7]] Text one or more of the girls: _________________
8]] ________________
>>
No. 742843 ID: 9f3729

>>742842
"Dunno. Complicated."
>>
No. 742844 ID: fe65ad

"No. Kind of. Yeah."
>>
No. 742845 ID: 1d4e27

2, 5.
>>
No. 742846 ID: 595d54

>>742842
"Things got complicated. Bad timing, personal problems, you know how it is. She needs space."

Back to the SLS, let's ask what's up with Carlson and the office lately.
>>
No. 742847 ID: 7b7ab3

3, 5.
>>
No. 742849 ID: 3aeec3

>>742829
saying it's from her head is PROBABLY a stretch. we've seen tangentially related memories before, there's probably some kind of oculot collective memory that we're drawing from.
but ... ok. give her space, even though it hurts. even though we didn't really have any control over having the memory.

still, overall, i think it was important that we told her about it.
>>
No. 742853 ID: f796cb

3.
>>
No. 742857 ID: a522e5

2, 5. Bika's smart, it'll help to talk it out with her. That's where Meg'll probably be once she's done being busy, too.
>>
No. 742861 ID: 5a893f

2, 5) complicated, but ultimately no.
>>
No. 742865 ID: e63109

FIRE, TO DESTROY ALL YOU'VE DONE
FIRE, TO END ALL YOU'VE BECOME

Seriously though, she said no, why the fuck did we push it?
>>
No. 742867 ID: b21072

So.
Basically.
This has all gone to hell and we've lost Poly?
Seriously?
>>
No. 742872 ID: b6ce93

>>742842
3 5
>>742865
Some people made bad decisions and now we all have to live with it.
>>742867
I don't know. I hope not.
>>
No. 742876 ID: d950fd

2 5
>>
No. 742900 ID: b21072

>>742872
I wasn't even here to vote, that's what pisses me off.
If we lost Poly over this, then fuck it all I hope the others are also lost soon.
>>
No. 742902 ID: e63109

>>742900
Come on my dude, I hate that this happened too. But we still have 3 very good things going for us. And this is all assuming that Poly didn't just overreact as all women are known to do.
>>
No. 742906 ID: 24a3c2

1, 6. we need to explain to gg what happened
>>
No. 742909 ID: 8963ff

1, 3, and 5, in that order.

Let's give Poly some space, and see how much damage we've done. If we ended up ruining things with her permanently then.....so be it. We pushed things too far here. It was a tiny push, but it was straight into a freaking meat grinder. Can't do anything but accept the consequences.
>>
No. 742915 ID: 350a50

>>742857
This.

>>742865
>>742867
>>742900
Personally, I think Poly needed a wakeup call that the world and its problems don't go away if you ignore them. And they certainly wouldn't go away if Zack ignored them.
>>
No. 742917 ID: e63109

1, 3, 5
lets sleep it off, enough decisions have been made today
>>
No. 742920 ID: 3009b4

Chill out. From personal experience, I think Poly needs some space and time to deal with this herself. Give it some time.
>>
No. 742940 ID: 987bda

>>742920
I think she's terrified.
>>
No. 742953 ID: dcd676

Whether or not it does, we can at least hope this blows over enough to talk with Poly properly some time. For now, she needs space and Bika is probably the most savvy person to talk to. Plus, restaurant is a great place to call people to when we're ready to have a group chat.
>>
No. 743017 ID: 6a30d5

>>742842
1 and 5.
>>
No. 743406 ID: 3a17df

>>742953
Should we really talk about this with other people? I mean Poly got hugely freaked out by this, might have been something kinda personal. What if she was the serving girl we saw?
Tell them that Poly needs space and stuff sure, but just spilling everything out to them doesn't seem like a good idea when Poly is already upset.
>>
No. 743416 ID: b1960b
File 147168059462.png - (11.03KB , 960x560 , 573.png )
743416

"I don't know," you say. "It's complicated. She needs some space."
"Oooh." Ambrose taps his fingers on the wall. "Sorry, dude."
"It's ok. Can you take me back to SLS?"

"We'll be right outside," Ambrose puts down the parking break.
"You guys can come in if you want," you say.
"Maybe in a bit," Ambrose says. "If we get hungry, huh?"
"Zack. Yo." Rella touches your arm as you exit the car.
"Yeah?"
"Absence diminishes small loves and increases great ones, as the wind blows out the candle and fans the bonfire," Rella says.
"Uh." You look at her. Her sunglasses are totally opaque. "Thank you."
She pats your arm and leans back into the car.
"Dude," Ambrose says. "That was-- whoa."
"Wasn't me." Rella pops her gum. "La Rochefoucauld."

Speed Luck Skut is packed as you enter. An assemblage of visitors of all stripes line the walls and fill the tables, with a tiny smattering of humans. You spot Xu in the crowd.
The dinky plasma screen in the corner has a picture of Hizalian on it.
Reed Whittaker of NBC News is talking.

"The killing, which comes only a week after the slaying of Rgihazor Tusiktoghez in Atlanta, has taken on a disturbing new political life with the announcement by the Kariket, delivered to Congress by official Floater Council Proxy, that the Oculot's name by rightful birth is not Hizalian but Kariketizo Volaczes. Volaczes, who was 86 and at the time of death lived in Manhattan's East Village, was, according to the declaration, a direct member of the Kariket's Royal Family, being his second cousin eight times removed. NBC doesn't have a copy of the full statement, but sources tell us that it compared the death of Volaczes to a direct attack on the imperial house of Golboria.

"Details about Volaczes' death are still emerging. At this time the motivation for the attack remains unclear; Whether words were exchanged, who initiated the conflict, and whether the friends of Jacob Barclay, who was seriously burned by Volaczes during the fight, were the instigators, or were acting in their friend's self-defense. Neither Barclay and the female human critically wounded during the fight, whose name has not yet been released, are capable at this time of providing eyewitness--"

Bika Prime, who's standing in the middle of a ring of Visitors, mutes the TV.
>>
No. 743417 ID: b1960b
File 147168063110.png - (16.84KB , 960x560 , 574-.png )
743417

"It's all lies, of course," she says. By her side, in unison with her, another Bika is saying the same thing in guttural Garaktonnik, and yet another is addressing the crowd in Oculotti. "What the human is saying and what the Kariket is saying. Hizalian was in exile. His Birth name had been stripped from him. He's being reclaimed now as a tool, to help the Kariket do what he's always done. The more conflict he can drum up between Humanity and Visitors, the more power he has. Over all of us. We need to remember that.

"The humans know Hiz lived with us. There are going to be a lot of reporters here in the next few days and they might come up to you with questions. Now I know normally the order of the day is keep walking. But the Hiz I knew loved humanity. He was open-armed and open-hearted. And he knew how to sell the hell out of himself to anyone he met. And it's that Hiz that we need to show everyone else. So if and when they ask you about him, tell them. About the funny, sad guy we all knew. And if they ask you what Golborians think of all this tell them you're not a Golborian. You're a New Yorker.

"I know you're mad about his death. And I know you're scared. And I know we're all tired, tired, tired of bad news, of turning on the news and seeing another one of us they've killed, another investigation going nowhere. But we're gonna make sure: it won't happen here again. Stay together. Don't go out at night alone. Make sure you're always with a buddy. If any of you ever feel unsafe, you know my numbers. Call me and I'll get whoever needs to get there, there. Whether that's skut bodies, or Warrior bodies, or our human friends in the room, I will ensure that the situation is defused. Watch out for yourselves, watch out for your friends, and watch out for your community. We can't rely on the police or the law the way that humans can. We only have each other. But what we have is enough. If we stay together, we stay stronger than those who wish us harm. And we keep everyone safe.

But I want to make something clear." The Bika speaking Garaktonnik raises her voice at this point. "There will be no vigilante justice taking place. The NYPD finally have the political motivation to investigate a Visitor murder. This is a human thing. We're going to use human channels. The humans who did this are beyond my jurisdiction. But any Visitors who try and take matters into their own hands are not. And neither me nor any of you want those words to be tested. If you learn anything that you think could help, you let me know, and I'll let Zack Nguyen know, and he'll let the HVAO know.

"Zack Nguyen, for those of you who haven't met him, is standing right over there. Hi, Zack." Bika waves at you. "Most of you know who he is, but Zack do you wanna introduce yourself?" She laughs a little, and the tension is defused. "Sorry for putting you on the spot, honey. You have some crazy timing."

1]] Wave but shake your head.
2]] _____________
>>
No. 743419 ID: 595d54

"After you're done." No point interrupting. If she already is, then go ahead. With all that charisma you're supposed to have, you can at least handle introducing yourself, right?
>>
No. 743421 ID: 45796d

>>743417
i think we're gonna have to go with 2 here. use that legendary charm of yours.

introduce yourself, saying it started with a job for HVAO, but it grew to something much larger. you're romantically involved with visitors, but it's no longer for a job but rather because you like the person that they are.
say something about how these are bad times, but we'll get through them. about how you wholeheartedly believe humans and visitors can and will coexist. there's a lot of fear going around, with fear-mongers behind it, but over time people will learn to accept eachother as people. my personal goal is to speed things along.
>>
No. 743422 ID: 06326a

"Good evening, everyone. I'm Zack Nguyen. I wish we could have met under better circumstances."
>>
No. 743423 ID: 7b7ab3

2]] Wave and greet Bika and all our new friends.
>>
No. 743424 ID: 1d4e27

I'm Zack Nguyen and this is my favorite store on the Citadel.

I'm Zack Nguyen, and this is your city too!
>>
No. 743425 ID: f91b7b

2.
"Hi, honey. Hello, everyone. Welcome to Speed Luck Skut. My name is Zack Nguyen, and I work for the HVAO. It's a pleasure to meet you."
>>
No. 743429 ID: 6c25ef

2. "Hi. I'm Zack Nguyen and I get paid by the government to date beautiful, amazing women. But I'm also working for all of you New Yorkers, for all of us who call the Earth home, and maybe eventually for Golboria too. There's a lot I don't understand about Skut, Oculot, Garakton, Floaters, or even humans. I do know enough to celebrate the differences we have and to know we're stronger for them. We don't need perfect understanding to love eachother, or ourselves.

Having my face everywhere has shown me a little of what it's like to constantly look over your shoulder, to wonder if you only have fair-weather backing from the authorities, but it's all of you who have the real stories. Any story you think needs to be told, it's my job to get told.

And as a personal request, anyone who is okay with sharing stories about Hiz, I'd appreciate it. I didn't know him long, but he was like a long-lost brother to me."
>>
No. 743430 ID: 350a50

>>743424
Some of the crowd might actually get that joke. I say go with it to defuse tension.
>>
No. 743432 ID: 9665e0

"I'm just some guy that's caught up in all this, but I'm invested in doing anything and everything I can to set things right. My heart is open to all of you, and I'm willing to help in any way I can."
>>
No. 743434 ID: 9f482e

2), "Hi, I'm Zack, I sometimes like to think of my job as ethnographic fieldwork but you all know what I do, and I support everything you just heard. There are some people out there, disturbed by history or bad company or just by being idiots, who'll be looking for any excuse they can find to cause more trouble for us, so let's not give them any. If there's anything I can help anyone with, Bika will know how to get in touch with me, like she says."

Let's avoid getting too cheesy or sappy and go for something more professional.
>>
No. 743438 ID: fe6844

*headdesk* Oh God, the tactic is SO obvious. Its basically if Kim Jung Un claiming that anyone with the surname "Kim" and/or "Jung" is automatically a member of his family. Its stupid beyond belief and only complete morons would willingly believe it.

Back on tangent, go for 2, but I'll leave better wordsmiths than I to fill in the blanks.
>>
No. 743442 ID: 7ab619

>>743429
THIS! THIS! THIS!
2 obvs
>>
No. 743447 ID: 91ee5f

>>743430
But should he also call himself Commander Shepard?
>>
No. 743463 ID: 6612fa

>>743442
no no NO!
anything we say right now will be taken as a promise and a commitment and a joke to start out an introductory speech at crisis meeting is a horrible idea.
we should wave, and confirm what Bika said that we are here to help.
>>
No. 743492 ID: 364908

>>743438
Probably falsified the name, too. As Bika said, Hizalian had no Galborian name.
>>
No. 743520 ID: f118d8

>>743429
I'd leave out the dating bit at the start, but otherwise this seems best
>>
No. 743535 ID: b2d501

>>743429
This plus:

"Once again, politics-based media takes a story from some pile they call 'the nobodies' and blows it up into a blockbuster special that they claim represents everyone involved and that the tragedy (which they do not care about) is why we should do this, do that, sacrifice our lives and identities for some war we don't understand, etc. What can we do about it?

Very @#$%ing little. And that's okay.

Because this isn't about changing the whole damn world, or New York. This isn't even about fixing the bigotry that plagues us every day. This is about us being alive (and possibly Hizalian still living through us, but you decide).

Some big media news outlet is trying to mutilate us into actors for their story. They will rip out our thoughts with their microphones and tear our bonds apart with flashing lights in every television. They will steal the words from our mouths and throw them into the public so they have someone to blame.

I say, give them the story they claim to demand, not the story they actually want. Be yourselves. Talk about Hizalian as if you were just coming back from the wake. Then talk about yourselves as well, and how you interacted with Hizalian and made his life a little more complex, for better or worse. If you don't want to talk, then use the body language; shrug, cry, laugh, stare, you have more than one form of communication and you don't have to chop it all out for convenient media output.

Point is, Bika wants you to tell Hizalian's story, I say take it a step further and be yourselves while you do it. You know more about him than I ever will, so don't waste that for a cheesy one-liner that will get twisted into media poison."
>>
No. 743547 ID: c18501

>>743417
Hi, everyone. I like parkour, mortal combat, long walks on the beach, and visitor films, and diplomacy is a newfound passion of mine. I'll do anything to help get shit done, all towards a better future for every one of us. Hiz, in the short time I knew him, was a great friend and confidant. The ties that bound us go back to my childhood, long before I met him. Fate cruelly brought us together only to take him away far too soon.
>>
No. 743549 ID: 595d54

>>743547
This. If we say anything, let's keep it short and simple. Nothing too formal, nothing too informal, this hits the spot.
>>
No. 743590 ID: b1960b
File 147175540019.png - (14.71KB , 960x560 , 575.png )
743590

You wave. "Uh, hi. Hi, all. I'm Zack Nguyen and I work for the HVAO, which means like Bika said I'm working for everyone in here."
The translator Bikas are relaying what you say to the Visitors who can't understand you.
"I kind of got caught up in all of this. And there's a lot I don't understand about Skuts, Oculotti, Garakton, Floaters, or even humans, honestly," you say. "But what I do understand is that the differences we have are what make us strong. And it's those we should be celebrating. We don't need perfect understanding to love each other, or ourselves, or anyone.

Having my face everywhere has shown me a little of what it's like to constantly look over your shoulder, to wonder if you only really have fair-weather backing from the authorities, but when you get down to it I'm just a dude with a government paycheck I don't really deserve. Like I sometimes call what I do ethnographic fieldwork, but I guess you probably all know what my dayjob is." An eddy of laughter from the crowd. "It's all of you who have the real stories. And if any of you who want those stories told, that's what I'm here for. Any way I can help, I want to.

And as a personal request, anyone who is ok with sharing stories about Hiz, I'd really appreciate it. In the short time I knew him he was a great friend. I wish it had been longer."

"We all do," Bika says. "And thank you, Zack. Our guy in the HVAO. You all can get in touch with him through me. I'll make sure he hears you. OK: that's it for today, everyone. Remember our message and stay safe. On your way out the door there's copies of the SLS books for this last month and my community budget proposals for September. That's the foreseeable bulk of next week's topic, so come prepared with whatever questions or concerns you have then."

The crowd starts to file out, taking thick stacks of printouts from an overburdened Bika at the front door. Xu waves enthusiastically at you.

A little bump at your leg alerts you to Bika Prime, beaming up at you, tail wagging.
"Hi, big boy," she says. "Sorry about the commotion."

1]] _________________
>>
No. 743593 ID: b398b8

>>743590
Let's enjoy this moment before we talk about heavy, personal stuff.
Let's talk about how awesome that was and how it feels good to connect with these people and how incredibly cute and happy she looks right now and maybe we should give her lots of hugs and kisses.
I think I'm emotionally rebounding.
>>
No. 743599 ID: 7b7ab3

>>743590
Oh no. Just when I thought she couldn't get any cuter.
1]] "Hi, little lady. Sorry for the abrupt entrance."
Apply physical affection liberally and enthusiastically.
>>
No. 743604 ID: 7187c8

It's cool. I loved it. I love you. I wanna know how your day went. All of it.
>>
No. 743611 ID: 91ee5f

>>743590
Dat cute little tail wag! X3
>>
No. 743615 ID: 6c25ef

"Are you kidding? I got to see you in community leader mode. I loved it."

I guess maybe we should go hang with Xu. Even if humans are super boring and lame.
>>
No. 743616 ID: d8dc8a

"Babe, you just gave me the opportunity to be the center of attention. You know I love that shit."
>>
No. 743633 ID: b1960b
File 147176616406.png - (52.42KB , 960x560 , 576.png )
743633

"Hi, little lady," you say. "Sorry for the abrupt entrance."
"You were awesome, Zack."
"I do love being the center of attention. And getting to see you in community leader mode."
"Eeee I know." Bika's tail is wagging so hard it swishes her dress up a little. She sure likes stripy panties. "I get so animated after town halls. Kiss!"
You start to bend down but Bika notices the effort that involves with your cane. "No wait," she says. "Sit sit."
You sit at one of SLS' tables and Bika hops on top of it. She kisses you. Your mouth tingles.
She pulls away, gives you a playful nip on the neck, then sits back. One of her ears perks up independantly of the other. "You look preoccupied."
"I didn't kiss preoccupied, did I?"
"Nuh-uh. Your osculations are as adroit as they've ever been." She scoots a little closer. "But what's up?"

1]] Nothing a little puppy love can't fix.
2]] Poly kicked me out.
3]] Tell her about the kariket dream.
4]] I guess I'm worried. What does this Hizalian stuff all mean?
5]] I just have to take my mind off it. Is there anything I can do to help out around here?
6]] I just have to take my mind off it. You wanna get out of here?
7]] I should wait to talk about it until I get everyone together.
8]] Do you want to go find GG? We can help her do her errands and stuff.
9]] Have you heard from Meg?
10]] _________________
>>
No. 743634 ID: 9f3729

>>743633
"Bad stuff happened with poly. Bit murked up over it. Don't ask, though, it involves super secret stuff that could actually-for-real put a bunch of people including me at risk."
>>
No. 743635 ID: c441c1

2
>>
No. 743638 ID: 7187c8

>>743633
1 and 7, 9, 10]] Have you heard from GG?
>>
No. 743641 ID: 7b7ab3

The thing with Poly is EXTREMELY private, so let's not get the others involved. Not yet at least.
1, 9, 10]] Have you heard from GG?
>>
No. 743645 ID: 20845b

5, 1, 9
"I just have to take my mind off it. You wanna get out of here? Maybe head upstairs for a little puppy love? Oh, and have you heard from Meg?"

I figure GG'll be fine. She's a full grown garakton, and I'm hopingshe has a team of Bikas with her.
>>
No. 743652 ID: 1d4e27

451. Speaking of which, what's in the books?

Oh, and 9.
>>
No. 743658 ID: 286359

>>743633
5, 4, 1, and 9 right now, 2 and 3 IN PRIVATE. Right now, Zach must be a bit emotionally drained from Poly, and maybe some light work and different topics can build his spirits back up. Save the heavy stuff for when he knows the only people listening are essentially clones of the same person controlled by a central intelligence.
>>
No. 743660 ID: c18501

>>743633
3 is gonna have to be in private yo
5419
>>
No. 743661 ID: 8e8cdf

3, but IN PRIVATE, obviously. I'd say we can be sure no-one can spy in the heart of a skut hive's digs, since it's full of eyes and ears sharing information all the time, but we're still out at the tables.

Of all the girls, Bika is probably the best to talk to about this, and we do need to talk to someone. Start off by asking if she overheard us talk to Hiz about dreams, then explain the whole Poly dream thing, then the kariket dream. And then talk about how upset Poly was by it.

And we should do it now, while Bika is still in the tail end of serious business mode. If we pull her away into cuddle times and THEN spring the kariket thing, it'll suck much harder.
>>
No. 743705 ID: 7c6040

1, 5, 9.
>>
No. 743741 ID: 3dcb98

>>743641
This. Extremely this.
>>
No. 743764 ID: b62d3b

1 because it's been so long.
4 because it's a major issue.
5 because it's just polite.
9 because she's been quiet.
>>
No. 743852 ID: 60151e

Uno y nueve.
>>
No. 743894 ID: 421088

10) I made a mistake with Poly and overstepped a boundary I shouldn't have. I guess I need something to take my mind off of it.
>>
No. 744047 ID: f0f4c7

>>743652
This.
>>
No. 744072 ID: 99be3c

"Nothing a little puppy love can't fix. Seriously though, it's something between me and Poly, and I don't really want to discuss it. I just have to take my mind off it. Is there anything I can do to help out around here? Oh, and have you heard from Meg? She's been kinda quiet."
>>
No. 744342 ID: 815bab

1, 9
>>
No. 744719 ID: 960f86

>>743633
5, 1, 9
>>
No. 745011 ID: 897b0b

>>743638
This.
>>
No. 745832 ID: 97db13

One.
>>
No. 747002 ID: 960f86

5,1,9
>>
No. 748329 ID: b1960b
File 147414759435.png - (13.21KB , 960x560 , 577.png )
748329

"Oh. Yknow." You scratch the velvety patch on Bika's head. "Nothing a little puppy love can't fix. Is there anything I can do to help out around here?"
"Can you keep scratching?"
You do. Bika crooks her head so you get behind her ear. "Have I ever taught you to chop onions?"

You blink tears out of your eyes. "Gahh. This stings."
"Tongue out and it won't hurt." The gruff, scarred chef Bika demonstrates. It's hard to believe that his rough-hewn voice is broadcasting the same mind as squeaky little Bika Prime. It's even weirder when he occasionally touches your butt with his tail.  "Ya stick out your tongue and ya keep boiling water nearby. Which is good cause we got an order of dumplings to take care of next."
"Tongue out." You stick out your tongue and pause chopping for a second to check your phone. The bika  "Have you heard from Meg at all?"
"Not for a bit. She said she was checking in with the HVAO about something, right?"
"Right." You hope internally everything is going ok for Meg but feel the need to switch subjects away from the whole mutual-gf-is-a-superspy thing. "So what does this whole Hizalian thing you were talking about mean?"
"Wish I could tell you." Bika's grip tightens on his(?) knife. "I knew Hiz was a distant relation to the Kariket family but he was like, triply exiled. It was kind of a secret but never really an important one. Not like this. I can't help but worry--"
He lapses into silence.
"Worry what?"
"I don't even really wanna say it." Bika pauses his slicing, knife hovering above the onion. "But it feels like casus belli."

1]] That's impossible. There's no way the Kariket could afford to go to war again.
2]] If that's what it is, what can we do about it?
3]] I think I need to start speaking publicly about this situation.
4]] Is there anything I can do to help out around here in the Village? I'm interested in this little community you've built. Looks like you had human volunteers.
5]] Suggest the two of you go upstairs and relieve the tension by hanging out.
6]] 5 but sexually.
7]] Go find GG.
8]] Go find Meg.
9]] Tell Bika about the fight in private.
10]] Tell Bika about the dreams in private.
>>
No. 748334 ID: 7b7ab3

2 and 4.
Time to prepare and pitch in.
>>
No. 748337 ID: a3f8ae

2 3 4. If Kariket is trying to start something, then it's important to talk about it, especially publicly. Put that charm and wit to good use. It'd also be good to know if there was anything else we could do for the cause.
>>
No. 748338 ID: 595d54

Casus belli seems a bit obvious. It sounds more like the Cold War or the North/South Korean standoff so far. I'm guessing this is either an elaborate suicide ploy or a threat for negotiating something he wants.
>>
No. 748342 ID: e5019a

1. Like >>748338 said, this seems too obvious.
Also 4 because Zack's cool like that.
>>
No. 748346 ID: 44bc30

10, let's make that whole messy situation with Poly good for something, at least. She did give us permission. Then, with the full briefing on the Kariket's insanity and freaky mind control powers, 2. Hardly any use talking about what to do if everyone's not up to speed on everything that's wrong. And then 4 if there's time.

No telling what the Kariket might get it into his head to do considering how messed up said head is.
>>
No. 748360 ID: 7b4034

>>748337
This.
>>
No. 748362 ID: 350a50

>>748346
'Permission' to tell the rest of the dulabira was before Poly found out that what we saw was into Kariket's mind.

I'd agree with revealing the nature of the dreams and that there was a fight with Poly about it, but coming straight out with Kariket's deepest darkest secret? From what Meg said and Poly's reaction, that will put them in the deep end of danger.
>>
No. 748368 ID: 71d443

2, 4, 9. Definitely not 10. Meet Bika upstairs when you're finished helping Bika out.
>>
No. 748373 ID: 094652

2, 7, 8. Plan and prep.
>>
No. 748380 ID: 6612fa

>>748329
on such a heavy note suggesting to fool around right after seems a bit crass.
keep on topic with 2, dont do 3 unless asked to do them.
next time his? tail touches you just casually say that he's? welcome to touch you and he doesn't have to be so skitish about it.
after all it's all bika, and if a few of her males are into us we shouldn't dismiss them so casually. if the male bika seems really into it just take it slow, i don't know zacks entire sexual history but it seems pretty hetero-normative.
>>
No. 748384 ID: d1c9fa

>>748329
2, 3, and 4 now, 7, 8, and 9 later. 10 is on the fence, as it depends on how deep into the rabbit hole you wish to detail. For now, do NOT mention the Kariket dreams for the sake of safety. 1 is entirely optional, but not needed.
>>
No. 748387 ID: 18c950

Yeah, definitely start thinking about 3... I mean Carlson's said that if you're going to publicly say anything, HVAO is going to stand behind it, but it also needs to be something HVAO can stand behind. That's a lot of responsibility.

At the same time, don't immediately offer it either. Stick with 2/4 on the immediate docket. If that's what's going on, what can we do about it? What can you do about it?
>>
No. 748445 ID: dc2885

"That's impossible. There's no way the Kariket could afford to go to war again. However, if that's what it is, what can we do about it? Also, is there anything I can do to help out around here in the Village? I'm interested in this little community you've built. Looks like you had human volunteers."
>>
No. 748517 ID: 6612fa

>>748329

i wouldn't make any overt sexual advances towards the male bikas, bika prime said some of her male parts while in love with zack would recoil in disgust by his touch..
just dont recoil from his touch if he wants to touch you.
>>
No. 748521 ID: 350a50

>>748517
Yeah, don't go recoiling in disgust at least. Even if Zack's not into that he can at least be understanding about it.
>>
No. 748593 ID: d3768b

2 9 10
>>
No. 748595 ID: 6be18b

2, 3, 4.
See if we can reach GG and/or Meg on the phone.
>>
No. 750416 ID: 550a81

2 3 7 8
>>
No. 750494 ID: 6612fa

>>748329
2 weeks... i feel like he is waiting for someone to make a horrible suggestion just so he can do it.
->hold the male bika down and have your way with him.
would lul if happened
>>
No. 750499 ID: 595d54

>>750494
And the reason for your absent sense of humor is revealed. Iirc, Brom's a busy man, generally speaking.
>>
No. 750544 ID: 1e20b7

>>748517

No, she said some of herselves, not specifying gender, would recoil from his touch... Made it sound like they were super-introverted and averse to strange physical contact, which is a thing.

Pat chef Bika's butt!
>>
No. 750646 ID: 6612fa

>>750544
2ND DAT BUTT PAT
>>
No. 750982 ID: 9eb7a3

1, 2, 4.. esplore the possibilities of spreading this info about the 'triple exile' around the Visitor (and sympathetic human) community, that the Kariket is up to something that will mean trouble for all of Earth, both for the humans and for the Visitors who've made this their home.

Also, pat chef bika's butt.
>>
No. 752024 ID: 170e7b

>>748329
9, 10
>>
No. 754402 ID: 306357

4, 5, and potentially 6.
Fuck this heavy atmosphere. Let's talk about productive shit and have some fun.
>>
No. 757561 ID: f6ba27
File 147867367993.png - (10.72KB , 960x560 , 578.png )
757561

"If that's true what can we do about it?"
"Now?" Bika scoops the onions into a skillet and tosses them in oil. "Nothing. Keep our heads down and eyes up for a while."
"You really think... war?"
"No. No. God, I hope not. But you have to understand people like the Kariket eat fear. They eat it. And what's scarier than that?"
"I can't help but feel kind of..."
"Helpless," Bika says.
"Yeah." You sigh. "Helpless."
"Welcome to visitorness."
"Yeah. Yikes." You suck in air through your teeth. "Is there anything I can do to help out around here? In the village? This little community of human volunteers you have right now. That's intriguing."
"You wanna be an advocate?"
"Sssure. If that's what they're called."
"Zaack!" Bika bounces buoyantly on the balls of his feet. Her trademark energy coming from a scarred sous chef remains a certain kind of unnerving. "OMG that's a great idea. We could totally use you. Big famous guy like you. I'll have to get you a burner."
"Burner?"
"Like the phone."
"I know. Isn't that a drug dealer thing?"
"Sometimes advocates have to act in some legally grey areas. I'll try to keep you out of that."
"I mean-- I want to help. If you just let me know what I can do."
"I totally will 100% do that Zack but to be really real I'm kind of exhausted with talking about organizing people," Bika says. "Like I am onboard with this all the way but it's all I've done all freakin day. Yknow what's one thing you could really do that would help me out right now?"
"What?"
You were so focused on Onion Bika you didn't notice but Bika prime has come up behind you. She hugs you around the midsection.
"If you come upstairs and fuck the bend out of my tail."
>>
No. 757562 ID: 595d54

"Sounds good to me. I might have to do it more than once, though."
>>
No. 757563 ID: 9f3729

>>757561
>do so
>>
No. 757564 ID: c441c1

I don't know I might just have made it worse by the time I am done. and then sex.
>>
No. 757565 ID: 71d443

Oops, you forgot the multiple choice. Let me help with that:

1) Yeah
2) Heck Yeah
3) No and also I was secretly the Kariket all along
4) My pelvis says no but my everything else says YEEES
5) ___________ yes.
>>
No. 757567 ID: 350a50

>>757561
"Sure, but let's keep it to one of you today. My manhood is still on the mend."
>>
No. 757570 ID: 595d54

>>757567
Eh, they're lightweight enough that I think Zack should be okay so long as he doesn't get too crazy about going doggystyle for hours or some other position that has him on top.
>>
No. 757571 ID: 91ee5f

>>757561
>"If you come upstairs and fuck the bend out of my tail."
"I know I'm good, but I don't think I'm that good. Especially since my dick is still pretty sore. But, if I can get your tail to literally straighten out, even with my 'handicap', then I guess I really am that good! And there is only one way to find out if I can do that, isn't there?"
*waggle eyebrows*
>>
No. 757572 ID: 094652

That may be hard, given your current situation.

Take two female Bikas and rub them over each other.
>>
No. 757575 ID: 7d8168

Probably should still take it easy on the hips.

...69?

Is she even tall enough for that to work without us bending too much?
>>
No. 757576 ID: 71d443

>>757572
Genius! Look for creative applications of Bika that require less application of pelvis.
>>
No. 757583 ID: 041512

>>757561
DO THE THING!
>>
No. 757584 ID: cd91d4

>>757565
4, but ending with 2. Zack can implement the idea presented by >>757572, and/or have him lie down flat on the floor while having multiple girl Bikas on him in a reverse gangbang.
>>
No. 757585 ID: 6abca6

"The bend out of your tail? Honey, I'm about to fuck the brown out of your fur!"
>>
No. 757586 ID: 285fca

"A challenge, with only a fraction of my full power available. Zack Nguyen doesn't back down from a challenge, of course. Let's get creative."

Pick her up and swing her around over your shoulder.
>>
No. 757596 ID: 3c03db

The bend out of her tail.
The black out of her eyes.
The point off her horns.
Fuck the skut out of her.
>>
No. 757599 ID: 350a50

>>757575
Buddy, she's a skut. He can just eat out one body while the other blows him.
>>
No. 757609 ID: 5f2b81

Yuuup!

Also, perfect timing for bringing this story back, Brom. The general public mood you captured in this part of the story is strikingly similar to the one I'm feeling right now in the real world.
>>
No. 757620 ID: c7a7d7

>>757561
Who are we to turn down such an earnest request?
>>
No. 757629 ID: 7b7ab3

>>757561
Brom returns to us in our time of need!

Give the lady what she wants.
>>
No. 757648 ID: 6612fa

>>757561
was hoping for male bika action but this is good
>>
No. 757670 ID: f6ba27
File 147875875674.png - (8.79KB , 960x560 , 579.png )
757670

"I'd like, I want to pick you up and carry you upstairs," you say. "But my pelvis."
"Don't worry about that," Bika says.
>>
No. 757671 ID: f6ba27
File 147875881056.png - (23.61KB , 960x560 , 580.png )
757671

You are deposited onto a pile of fuzzy comforters, soft pillows, and fuzzy, soft Bikas.
A bunch of tiny little eager hands slide you out of your pants, reach into the waistband of your boxers,

and come away puzzled.
"Sorry," you say.
"Don't be sorry," Bika prime says. "Do you not want to--"
"I do. I really do." You're desperately trying to will blood down to where it will make a difference. "This doesn't-- I can't believe I would say this but this hardly ever--"
"Shhh." Bika kisses you. "I know it doesn't. But you got a lot on your mind?"
"I guess I do," you confess.
"I know the feeling," Bika says. "And you've already gone once already today."
"How do you know?"
"Your dick smells like Oculot."
"Oh." You blush deep red. "Right."
"NOT to worry." Bika sits back and claps her hands. Two of her scurry out of the room. "If there's one thing a skut knows how to do it's squeeze blood from a stone. A weird metaphor yes but apropos." A Bika you recognize as Soldier Bika is rubbing your stomach. "Y'wanna play a game?"
"What game?"
"I've got a lot," Bika says. "Nurse Bika again, cop Bika, babysitter Bika, Lilith from Darkstalkers Bika, Russian topless protester Bika, witchy Bika, pet doggy Bika if you want to get kind of freaky, single female lawyer Bika... any Bika. You pick."

1]] _____ Bika.
2]] Maybe we should just cuddle. There's a lot going on right now with me.
3]] ______________
>>
No. 757672 ID: 595d54

>>757671
Okay, I want to see how Bika makes "russian female protestor" erotic.


1. Russian female protestor
>>
No. 757674 ID: d163e3

>>757671
>>757671
Single female lawyer, single female lawyer

Sleeping with her clients, wearing sexy miniskirts and being self-reliant
>>
No. 757675 ID: 285fca

1. Someone who loves me Bika.

:(

Or, if we're not interested in feelings right now, cat burglar Bika. Will she convince Zack to let her go after she tried to steal his most precious treasure?
>>
No. 757676 ID: 350a50

Witchy Bika sounds like a fun time. A little late for Halloween, but it's the thought that counts.
>>
No. 757677 ID: 91ee5f

>>757670
This makes me want to know what it feels like to get carried around by tiny fuzzy aliens in real life. Which makes me sad because tiny fuzzy aliens don't exist in real life. :'-(

>>757671
>"Do you not want to--"
I'm blaming the pelvis injury for that.

>Lots of Bikas.
Wow. Is it wrong to want all of the Bikas? Because I really want to say, "Send in the entire hivemind!", but I know we shouldn't because pelvis injury.

>Lilith from Darkstalkers Bika
Is it because her ears are shaped exactly like Lilith's bat wings on her head, because that Bika is in costume, or both?

>Which Bika?
Can we get one of the Dessert Bikas, please?
>>
No. 757679 ID: 71d443

Sexy clown Bika. Laughter is the best medicine. Honk!
>>
No. 757683 ID: dcd676

3) Multiple Bikas pulling a sexy Gulliver's Travels with their tall captive.
>>
No. 757684 ID: 550a81

>>757671
3.
"You know what? Just fuck me up. Gimme your best shot."
>>
No. 757685 ID: 905099

>>757671
3]] One of each, please.
>>
No. 757686 ID: 7b7ab3

Lilith from Darkstalkers Bika and witchy Bika.
Spook the boner!
>>
No. 757688 ID: 90f3c0

3) Zack isn't the only one here with a dick. Siting back and watching for a while will get him going.
>>
No. 757689 ID: a107fd

Dragon Bika and her captive prince(ess). Mostly just use the wings from the Lilith costume, maybe get a jar of loose change from downstairs, scatter it on the bed and pretend it's gold.
>>
No. 757695 ID: 7d8168

>>757688
I like the sound of this
>>
No. 757696 ID: 398fe1

Lilith from Darkstalkers Bika.
>>
No. 757705 ID: f7e6cc

>>757671
1. Russian topless protester Bika. Because I'm curious.
>>
No. 757706 ID: fb1c7d

1:Russian topless protester Bika

I know curiosity did something to a cat, fairly certain this would be sexy though.
>>
No. 757707 ID: 2a7417

3) We're all soldier Bikas now.
>>
No. 757710 ID: 6612fa

>>757671
Pet doggy bika? is that something you've been wanting to do. a bit shocking.
>>
No. 757714 ID: 9f3729

>>757706
D i t t o
>>
No. 757715 ID: 9f3729

>>757706
D i t t o
>>
No. 757722 ID: 0d0a09

Doggy bika would be weird in the sexiest way
>>
No. 757730 ID: bb78f2

>>757671
3) Hey, so like we never tried anything with your dude bodies before...
>>
No. 757733 ID: 3abc4f

>>757671
3) Maybe combine Witchy Bika and pet doggy bika, the scenario being Witchy is keeping Zach captive and what him to satisfy her dog before he can get to her.
>>
No. 757791 ID: 87db18

3. Gimme all you got. I'm in a funk, and I need to get fucked out of it.
>>
No. 757799 ID: 0c367f

>>757671
Well, we just learned both that Bika is into roleplaying, and she probably just revealed a fetish to us by offering 'pet doggy bike' as the last one on the list.

If she has a petplay fetish then I think we have to explore that further. I mean, Russian topless protestor is interesting, but this strikes me as oddly... important. It reminds me of the importance of becoming aware and dealing with GG's bondage/submission fetish.
>>
No. 757911 ID: 350a50

>>757799
It was second last in the list, not last.
>>
No. 757917 ID: 6612fa

>>757671
after the sex we should probably ask about pilaf or whatever his name is locked up in the freezer.
>>
No. 757918 ID: 6612fa

>>757911
actually second to last in a list tell more about a person than first or last mentioned in a list. especially if you are going from most mundane to the most extreme and then follow up with the most mundane suggestion out of all possibilities.
the most extreme is probablyh what she wants to do but follows up with the most mundane to give you an out and the ability to ignore or treat everything before it as a joke, its a common deflection technique people use when talking with spouses or friends when one person doesn't want the other to think badly of them.
>>
No. 757937 ID: b62d3b

>>757685
Seconded.
>>
No. 758092 ID: e22b1d

If she can do Lilith Bika can she do Tracer Bika?
>>
No. 758093 ID: 595d54

>>757918
t. armchair psychology
>>
No. 758192 ID: 6612fa

>>758093
yes it is, could be reading more deeply than needed or could be spot on.
>>
No. 758201 ID: cd2d4c

Nurse bika scolding you and dolling out punishments for playing with doggy boy bika in that manner. Don't you know that's knot healthy?
>>
No. 758216 ID: 285fca

>>757918
>>757799

I don't recall where, but I think it's been implied that each of Bika's bodies can have different fetishes.
>>
No. 758378 ID: ce2e2f

I have an idea, what if we roleplayed like Bika was a hive queen on Golboria and we were seeking an audience with her?
We could find out how they interacted with the rest of society, and learn more about skuts while getting our rocks off at the same time.
>>
No. 758382 ID: 9f3729

>>758378
if I can I'm going to toss 2 votes on this instead of the one normal mortals have, because it's a good idea
>>
No. 758384 ID: 571238

>>758378
that's actually a really good idea
>>
No. 758451 ID: f6ba27
File 147910670719.png - (17.57KB , 960x560 , 581A.png )
758451

“Stay in line,” the guard commands. “Eyes down if you would speak with the Consort. Eyes down, human.” He shoves you forward, and you nearly collide with the petitioner in front of you.
The line snakes around the corner, and ends at a curtained door flanked by four guard-skut. A petitioner is pushed out of the doorway and falls on her hands. She stands, gathering her shawl with trembling hands, and then hurries away. Your turn is next.
As you approach, a guard-skut holds up a paw. “Stop. Hands on the wall.”
You obey, and feel a tiny pair of hands patting you down from the nape of your neck to your ankles. “What’s this?” the guard demands.
“My phone.”
“You will not bring it.”
“Okay.”
“Do you need this?” The guard holds up your cane.
“I mean I can kind of hobble without it, but--”
“Quiet.” The guard hands the cane off to another skut. “You will not bring it. A component will assist you.” He opens a pouch on his belt and pulls out a leaf. “Chew on this.”
“What’s that?”
“Chew,” he demands. “Your breath must not offend.”
You chew. It’s a mint leaf.
“You will not look at the Consort unless instructed to,” the guard says. “You will not speak until addressed. When addressed you will deliver your petition. If it is denied you will leave. To argue is forbidden; it will result in your removal. You will obey the commands of every component. If you move to hurt or kill a component, your life is forfeit. Do you understand?”
“I understand.”
The guard lifts the curtain. “Enter.”
>>
No. 758452 ID: f6ba27
File 147910674946.png - (175.70KB , 960x560 , 581.png )
758452

The heady smell of rose and amber greet you at the entryway with such force that your head feels like it’s lifting off for a second. The chamber is lit only by candlelight. You start to squint into the dim recess and then one of the two skuts holding your arms forces your head down.
A skut on all fours, wrapped in gossamer that’s too see-through to be functional as an actual garment, crawls forth from an obscured coterie of half-seen feminine shapes and removes your shoes. Your bare feet step across cold wood and then onto velvet carpet, where by the blocking arm of one of your escorting components, they are stopped.

You become aware of a great breathing around you. Every skut in this chamber is inhaling and exhaling at the same exact moment. When they speak, it is with many voices, surrounding you.
“Human,” it says, legion, alien, but unmistakably woman. “Speak your petition.”
>>
No. 758470 ID: 6612fa

>>758452
my petition is a proposition to prop myself into your position with repetition
>>
No. 758471 ID: 2feb11

Time for ham.
"Oh, most beautiful and astonishing Bika. Hive of hives. Paragon of the skut. Queen of my heart. I come here today not to petition, but to offer fealty and service unto you. Please, most glorious Bika, how may I serve you?"
>>
No. 758473 ID: 285fca

"Your Glorious Harmony, I seek refuge. As a Visitor to your world, a humble seeker of knowledge, I meddled in matters which I knew not wot of. Though I sought only among those willing, in friendship and affection earned, there are others who disapprove of such entanglements, and the world has become... dangerous, to me. Though great expanses of ignorance remain to me, it is sure, I have heard that only in the great skutti holds, such as yours, can security be found against the powers that reign in that world beyond your doors. I am only human, Grand Chorale, but I have education in some things, which I can only hope that you might find useful or pleasant. For only a chance at respite from my troubles, I swear, I will serve you in whatever capacity you desire of me."
>>
No. 758474 ID: 7b7ab3

"Zack Nguyen of New York petitions Hive Bika to join him for a night of stress relieving intercourse. He would also like to apologize for the forwardness of his petition, but he's always been bad at ad-libbing."
>>
No. 758475 ID: 595d54

>>758474
>he's always been bad at ad-libbing
Blatant lies.
>>
No. 758476 ID: 4ed175

"Alas, your grace, I have been deceitful. I come here today not to petition, but to confess. To confess my love for you, Bika, the skut who stole my heart with her beauty and kindness."
>>
No. 758479 ID: 8b4898

Now we pull out a neatly folded piece of paper and pass it to her.
On this paper is written our very simple and quite humble petition.
"ayy bby u want sum fuk?"
>>
No. 758480 ID: 71d443

We have come, or rather will come, to see to if your harem has any openings we can fit.
>>
No. 758485 ID: c441c1

>>758470
this
>>
No. 758490 ID: b88e47

>>758470
Comment of the year. Do it. You will totally break immersion and cause a giggle fit. It's perfect.

Unless this is some memory flashback in which case it will get you killed.
>>
No. 758493 ID: 285fca

Come on guys, we can't let Zack lose an RP-off. Whoever breaks character first loses! Though that should really happen due to the throes of ecstasy.
>>
No. 758504 ID: 04eb50

Cmon, guys. She put all this effort in. The least we can do is not break character immediately.
>>
No. 758507 ID: 7187c8

>>758452
"O, most bodacious Bika! Blessed and beautiful! Benevolent and beloved! Bid me bow before your beatific, brown bodies!"
>>
No. 758509 ID: 6612fa

>>758493
i agree I made the comment mainly because I thought it was funny not to be serious.
>>
No. 758566 ID: b5d5ae

>>758471
>>758473
>>758476
>>758507
A+. 10/10. *****.
>>
No. 758632 ID: 06326a

>>758452
"I petition that we improve the kids' menu. How do you feel about small, colorful toys?"
>>
No. 758645 ID: 6612fa

>>758632
i like how some people are trying to be funny but just can' compete with my first comment. keep trying
>>
No. 758646 ID: 2efbd5

>>758452
>"Speak your petition"

WHATS GOOD, NYUKKA!?
>>
No. 758658 ID: 567ebf

"Forgive me, your excellence, but I had heard that you seek a man to calm your troubled mind. Someone to offer you comfort in these dark times. Might I petition to be such a man?"
>>
No. 758663 ID: 974f63

>>758645
Egotistical statement, but I agree with you.
...
...You're talking about 758470, right?
>>
No. 758665 ID: 91ee5f

>>758663
Yes, he/she is.
>>
No. 758711 ID: fceae5

>>758473
>>758476
>>758480
Something like these.
>>
No. 758811 ID: 350a50

>>758470
Just this will suffice.
>>
No. 758829 ID: 12d6e6

>>758711
Second.
>>
No. 758975 ID: f6ba27
File 147927700899.png - (373.40KB , 960x800 , 582.png )
758975

“Dread queen and glorious harmony.” You bow a notch lower. “O she of Bodacious Brown Benevolence. Rumor has traveled far and wide and even unto Earth that you seek a male to calm your troubled mind. I am but a humble seeker of knowledge; and yet I would submit as my petition a proposition to prop myself into your position. With repetition.”

You are greeted by such a pressing silence that for a breath, even though you know it’s all just Bika your hair stands on end.

“Begging council, lying your way past the hive guards, queueing for hours under the stifling sun; and all for this.” Bika Prime alone speaks. “My comfort components give themselves freely to those unskutti with taste aberrant enough to seek their service. But you approach the Consort. With this ‘proposition.’”
You look up and a skut pushes your head back down. “I do, your eminence.”

“Well. You are bold.” Bika Prime titters. “But if you mean to satisfy the Consort herself, the magnitude of your courage cannot be your only qualification.”

The multitude of grips on your limbs tighten. Your clothes are pulled off of you with regimental speed. You are naked in the breathing dark.
Bika prime tuts. “Your spine is solid, human. Would the rest of you could follow its example.”
“I--”
“Silence. Your figure does not displease me.” Bika Prime folds her arms. “A more thorough inspection, I think.”

The skut who took your shoes off shrugs herself out of her ineffectual garment and crawls on all fours up to you. She runs her tongue up your leg. It leaves a warm tingle in its wake. She weighs your half-mast package in her paw, as if unsure what to do with it, then envelops it with her mouth. Her snout bumps into your waist. Her tongue laps and twists.

Maybe it’s the scenario or maybe it’s the enthusiasm, or probably both, but you are definitely growing inside her mouth.

>>
No. 758978 ID: f6ba27
File 147927708539.png - (239.42KB , 960x700 , 583.png )
758978

You’re all the way up in no time, and the servant Bika nursing you back into shape is starting to have trouble fitting you all in. She starts bobbing her head to accommodate you, then gags. You feel her throat seize.

You pull back a little, but she shakes her head rapidly and puts your hand on the back of her neck and begins rhythmically pumping.

“Hmmm.” Bika Prime taps her chin. “Perhaps you’re better prepared than I had thought.”
More Bikas begin to gather around you. The guards who were holding you up are gone; in their place are naked girl skuts, their delicate rows of nipples firm against your skin.
The servant Bika’s face is blushing. She has to keep taking breaks to catch her breath. Her hand worms its way between her thighs and works urgently. She trembles involuntarily, and you feel the vibration go through all of them.
“And yet. You came with a cane. What use do I have for a broken toy? Hmm?”
They’re rubbing something on you. Oil or something. It smells like roses.

“Such is how I prefer my lovers,” Bika Prime says. “The lust of man is born in his manhood. The lust of skut is born in her nose.”
You start to look up at Bika Prime again and yet again your head is forced back down; but it’s hard to be annoyed when it’s making you look at a Bika choking on your dick.
“But tell me, human, if I should choose to approach you. Why do you crave Skut? Surely a buxom warrior or a perfumed oculot. Something less-- animal.”
The servant Bika is close. She groans into your pubic bone and pushes you further down her throat. Her slightly acidic saliva prickles like it has a current in it.

“And why do you think yourself worthy of this skut? A commoner and cripple before a hive queen?” Bika Prime rubs her snout. “Perhaps I should have you executed.”
>>
No. 758979 ID: 595d54

The cane is only because you've survived buxom warriors before, and after a certain dissatisfaction with the experience you came to hear that skut were the most inventive in the land.
>>
No. 758988 ID: 285fca

"A broken toy for but a while, Lady Legion, and the break while it lasts a spur to creativity, and a mark of honor. I earned this doing what I am sure few of my kind have tried, and if any fewer still survived, a one-on-one match with a fierce and maddened warrior. I have some skill in some things. Why do I crave a skut? Not merely one skut, though I can appreciate each facet's sparkle on the crystal of your being. Consider a skilled chef, whose pleasure and pride is in seeing others fed well; no matter how well he cooks, a single stomach can take only so much. No matter his artistry, those he provides for may grow sick of him. But you... is there ever not some small part of you that does not hunger a little more, for sustenance that suits her taste? Ever not some one of you that feels an absence, an emptiness to be filled, deep down, inside, below? I think, perhaps, so long as I can please you, comfort or amuse or entice you, you will always have..."

(here you take a moment to meaningfully caress the Bika in front of you, meeting her eyes if she opens them)

"... a place for me to fit in. We all ache for a place where we are always welcome. And we are all animals, o highest and most breathtaking peak among the peaks of long mountains, yet only the blind do not appreciate beauty in a beast when they see it; I hope that you see it in this one that speaks to you now. As for you, o point of the pyramid, who I yet feel deprived the sight of, why do I feel worthy of you? I am a man who has done what others have not dared, and strives to remain such a man: perhaps that is not reason enough to be worthy, but it is reason enough to try to be. An execution will not satisfy your curiosity, nor will it satisfy..."

(meaningfully stroke something again)

"... other things. Though I cannot safely put forth my full power, I ask you to let me prove my cunning and my expertise."

(take hold of a Bika or two, also meaningfully)

"Among all races that speak, after all, though shape of flesh and the gaps of worlds separate them; it has always been known that actions are louder than words."
>>
No. 758989 ID: eb3cf7

If you execute me, true, I will become a stiff, but my bleached skeleton will have not the bone I offer unto you now. Oh she of many faces, I supplicate you for your warmth, the scratch of your nails 'pon my back, the nip at my neck. I offer in exchange a very human pounding, to leave you sore and satisfied. Oculots have but one eye and warriors have but four arms, but you, my queen, are something more.
>>
No. 759024 ID: 041512

>>758978
"My lame condition is impermanent, grace, and though I am a commoner by birth, I have recently come into great fortune. As for why I crave your company, it is as I've said: I had heard tales of your greatness and have come to see that they are no exaggeration. My heart was forfeit the instant I laid eyes upon your majesty. Pray spare me, o grace, and I shall do all in my power to prove myself to you."
>>
No. 759026 ID: 285fca

There is also a certain voyeuristic/exhibitionist thrill to sex with a skut. Sleep with one skut and every other skut connected to them is, in a sense, watching. And at the same time, you're making someone feel sexual pleasure while they're doing other work, including interacting with other non-skuts. Like what you'd get from secretly tending to someone under the desk during a meeting, or if you were going at them from behind while they talk on the phone.

Hmm. Zack admitted to a "discreet public sex" fetish at some point, didn't he? Could keep that on the list for trying with Bika, maybe. If only in an RP scenario using other bodies of hers as the "public". In the main room of the restaurant after closing, maybe. I guess there's a window, but maybe there's a curtain or blind. Or make it an actually real case of concealed public sex. Some time in the night, no lights on down there, maybe behind a counter or partition, but in a room anyone could theoretically look into from the street...

Or it could be incorporated into the RP currently going. Zack deals with Bika Prime while an "envoy from another skut" comes in to talk, them being required to not look at her. Might want to save something for later, though.
>>
No. 759027 ID: 7b7ab3

"Perhaps you should, most glorious Bika, but know that my injury shall heal in time and that though my appearance may be common I am a servant of a higher power.
I did not come here seeking the company of any mere skut. I came to give myself to Bika the Beautiful and Beneficent, for I had heard that she sought congress with a man not of herself.
Let me be that man, Bika. I promise you that I shall not disappoint."
>>
No. 759028 ID: 6612fa

>>758975
kind of thought if that one line was said it would break bika's immersion in the role play completely. I hope we find out later all the wait staff and cooks fell over laughing in the middle of the dinner rush and it took all of her concentration to keep a straight face in there.
>>
No. 759038 ID: aabc74

"I crave skut, harmony, because I have experienced the pleasures of "buxom Warriors" and "perfumed oculots," and they have all spoken nothing but the highest praises of your kind.
Give me an opportunity to prove my worth to you, and I shall demonstrate that I am a commoner in appearance only."
>>
No. 759046 ID: fceae5

>>758988
A bit long, but something along these lines.
Demonstrate our cunning linguistic skills.
>>
No. 759090 ID: 74f497

>>758978
Well that's a bit harsh. But if you'd prefer I leave...
>>
No. 759224 ID: 1a65c3

>>759027
Bika the Beautiful, Benevolent, Bodacious
>>
No. 759402 ID: 869004

>>758978
Pritee stay thy hand, beauty! I fear my reputation has not traveled well. I am Zack Nguyen, and I am regarded as a bringer of peace and a fine lover in my homeland. Grant me but a single chance, and I shall enthrall you with my ministrations!
>>
No. 759564 ID: f6ba27
File 147944550141.png - (294.20KB , 1100x800 , 585.png )
759564

“I’ve survived oculots and warriors, Lady Legion,” you say. “Hence the cane. I see my reputation hasn’t preceded me.” The upside to trying to come up with this shit is that it’s keeping you from popping your cork in the Servant Bika’s snout. “But I couldn’t help but hear yours over the grapevine. The rumblings in the kingdom--”
“Karikettam,” cough-whispers a Bika.
“The Karikettam say you seek a man not of yourself. A human man. I am Zack Nguyen.”
“Your name is not known to me.”
“It’s known on Earth as one the finest lovers in the dimension; and I can assure you that I’m a commoner in appearance only. I offer you, O Lady Legion, a human pounding of the first rate. And my promise not to disappoint.”

The Servant Bika cums, throat constricting around you. Her legs tremble and give out. You’re trampolined into the stratosphere for a second then come back down and try to stick some kind of landing.
“But actions speak louder than words,” you say. 8/10.

“A simple serf-component can attend to itself. To please a consort is a task of a different order.”
“If you prefer I leave...”
“Leave?” She laughs. “There’s no leaving now, human.”
The Bikas at your arms pull you down and pin you to the floor.

Bika prime descends, stepping out of her gown as she goes. You try to look at her and Servant Bika buries your face between her breasts instead.
Something soft and very wet sits on your stomach, and slides south. You smell sandalwood and rose.
“This is an honor none of your kind have tasted.” A light, tracing touch along your dick, and then you’re at the threshold. It twitches. “Let’s see...” A sudden push, but she’s so tight she can only take a couple of inches. “...what humanity...” Another try and she makes it halfway. “...can--” Bika Prime cuts herself off with a very unthreatening squeak. You’re all the way inside.

She rises back up, steels herself, and sits back down. Every motion is unbearably slow and deep. She’s distracted enough that when you look at her this time nobody thinks to push your gaze away.
Awesome.
Bika Prime’s back is arching and flexing with a desperate appetite. You watch the little muscles in her shoulders shift beneath each other. She reaches back and spreads herself open to try to fit more of you. The plush sound of fur brushing on skin intermingles with the wet noises of libido. You reach out a hand to touch her but it’s intercepted by another Bika and guided between her legs, and now you’re in two Bikas at once. A tickle where you and Bika Prime overlap alerts you to yet another, ears perked up and tail wagging, who’s attending to you with her tongue.
Bika Prime is trying her hardest to retain some scrap of the imperiousness she had earlier, but the animal brain is taking over. The little squeaks are coming more frequently, her butt is flexing and tightening, and her tail is wagging so hard that it’s thumping against your stomach. Servant Bika catches it and lifts it out of the way. Bika Prime stops moving for a second, catches her breath, and tries to compose herself. Looking at the way her Servant’s hand is pressed against the small of her back, and feeling the knotted tension in her thighs, you realize that she’s holding back. She’s scared of hurting you.


1]] _______________
>>
No. 759566 ID: 595d54

Grab that butt and start humping. Or at least slamming her down. And finger that butthole.
>>
No. 759568 ID: 398fe1

>>759564
Reasonable. So did Poly.
>>
No. 759574 ID: 285fca

She's very considerate. And she's probably right to be worried! Bikas are small and don't weigh much, but you don't want to take chances. That's fine. We're still roleplaying, right? So a graceful, dignified Bika bod deserves a graceful, dignified service.

1) You can still move your hips. No sudden movements, but some long, slow, gentle but strong bucking and rolling, building her up high and lingering to torture a little, in the best ways, should do well. Perhaps, right at the end, a little bit of a jerk and jolt won't cost you too much, just to push you both over.
>>
No. 759620 ID: 869004

>>759564
Even in the throes of passion, she's the perfect host.
Reciprocate. Move with her. Get this party started.
>>
No. 759626 ID: 7b7ab3

"Oh my god Bika I love you and I'm having fun but if you don't fucking fuck me right now I'm gonna fucking die."
>>
No. 759633 ID: ebf93a

>>759564
That's sweet and all, but mama Nguyen didn't raise no wimp.
No pain, no gain!
Let's get the ball rolling and rise to the task, so to speak. Give her a couple of good thrusts to show that we're ready for this.
>>
No. 759640 ID: 71d443

>>759633
On the contrary,
>Any pain is gonna mess with your gain.
>>
No. 759754 ID: 905099

>>759564
Brom, your art has gotten so fucking good.

1]] Tell her that she's wonderful for being so considerate, but we need her so badly right now that it's just about killing us.
>>
No. 760000 ID: 5c83cb

>>759564
Commence cautious but enthusiastic humping.
>>
No. 760014 ID: 32b708

Put your hands on her hips to guide her. Don't break the roleplay by moving on your own.
>>
No. 760028 ID: 86b8eb

Yeah, don't risk the hips. You're gonna need those.
>>
No. 760120 ID: bfa535

Beg her for more. Plead for it. Vocalize the need.
>>
No. 760123 ID: 71d443

>>759574
Go with this guy.
>>
No. 760250 ID: f6ba27
File 147961324743.png - (8.74KB , 960x560 , 586.png )
760250

You break away from the pin on either side of you and grab two handfuls of tiny tight Bika butt.

You start to move with a little trepidation but as long as you keep it simple, your pelvis feels surprisingly sound. The nanotechnology stuff has been working overtime. Bika's little squeaks are turning into a long, sustained whine. She's scraping herself across you. You're soaked.

You put your thumb up her butt.

>>
No. 760251 ID: f6ba27
File 147961327222.png - (13.54KB , 960x560 , 587.png )
760251

"If you're looking for a vegetarian option I'd recommend the skrasdika curreeeeEEEEeeeee"
>>
No. 760252 ID: f6ba27
File 147961329110.png - (13.28KB , 960x560 , 588.png )
760252

"Ha ha sorry excuse me I forgot to ask you if you wanted to see our wine list"
>>
No. 760253 ID: f6ba27
File 147961332838.png - (7.38KB , 960x540 , 589.png )
760253

Bika's insides tightened with enough force that you popped right out of her.

She collapses forward, panting heavily and shaking all over.

>>
No. 760254 ID: f6ba27
File 147961338141.png - (14.53KB , 960x540 , 590.png )
760254

"DRAGON ATTACK"
>>
No. 760257 ID: bfa535

>>760250
>>760251
>>760252
>>760253
Yes, ma'am. You are welcome.

>>760254
A SNEAK ATTACK! BIKA, YOU FIEND!
>>
No. 760258 ID: 9f3729

>>760254
FUS
>>
No. 760261 ID: 398fe1

>>760254
LAY THE DRAGON
>>
No. 760262 ID: 7b7ab3

I'm charging you with assault on my sides, Brom.

Accept the adorable wrath of our tiny, draconic assailant.
>>
No. 760263 ID: 71d443

JOOR ZAH FRUL!
>>
No. 760267 ID: 350a50

>>760263
+1 Dragonrend
>>
No. 760268 ID: 187d59

>>760253
I think ya broke that one. XD
>>
No. 760270 ID: e079ab

>>760263
>>760267
If by this you mean "tickle her mercilessly," then yes, I agree.
>>
No. 760274 ID: 91ee5f

>>760251
>>760252
Wow. Banged her so hard, one of her other bodies felt it. And normally that doesn't happen! This just proves that, even with a handicap, Zack is a legend! XD

>>760254
"OH NUUUUUU!!!!!" DX

>>760258
Come on man, if you're gonna do it, then do it right! Like this:

FUS RO DAH!!!
>>
No. 760275 ID: 32b708

I- what?
>>
No. 760276 ID: 91ee5f

>>760270
>tickle her mercilessly
But if we do that, then all of her little dragon children will swoop in to avenge their fallen mother by swarming Zack for revenge tickles!
>>
No. 760278 ID: e079ab

>>760275
Bika orgasmed so hard that another one of her bodies felt it, then she got silly and playfully "attacked" Zack with another body while yelling "DRAGON ATTACK."

Pretty simple.
>>
No. 760280 ID: 7b7ab3

>>760276
...yes, and?
>>
No. 760282 ID: b4bd12

>>760270
>>760276
Thirding tickle counterattack.
>>
No. 760301 ID: 91ee5f

>>760280
I'm not objecting or anything. I'm just saying what's going to happen. And that it's going to be an adorable swarm of Dragon Bikas! :3
>>
No. 760336 ID: eb3cf7

Fus ro dah that dragon, and then fuck it!
>>
No. 760340 ID: 6612fa

>>760254
LMAO bika just went full "angry charzard" in this relationship make sure she doesn't set your pubes on fire.
>>
No. 760385 ID: f6ba27
File 147967191396.png - (14.31KB , 960x560 , 591.png )
760385

"Fool!!!! NONE can defeat the Ferocious Dragon!"
>>
No. 760386 ID: f6ba27
File 147967192066.png - (76.91KB , 960x560 , 592.png )
760386

You defeat the Ferocious Dragon.
>>
No. 760387 ID: f6ba27
File 147967192591.png - (11.58KB , 960x560 , 593.png )
760387

"It's really healing nicely, huh?" Bika says.
"Yeah." You scratch one of her shoulderblades contemplatively. "It's further along than I thought. The nano-- uh..."
"Bioceramic nanogel."
"I was gonna get it."
"Uh huh."
"Did you consider it for your arm?"
"Too expensive," she says. "Skuts don't exactly get competitive rates for health insurance."
"That sucks."
"Mehh. It's just one Bika. Your pelvis is more important to me than my arm."
"So romantic."
"Yah." Bika Prime cradles her head in your armpit and sniffs.
"Is that really how it goes down in Golboria?" you ask. "Do all hives have dragon attacks or was it just yours?"
"I was all ready to educate. You broke kayfabe first." She play-whacks your pectoral. "Proposition to reposition your-- what was it."
"A proposition to prop myself into your position with repetition."
She giggles. "What the fuck was that?"
"My courtly demeanor."
"I love you."
"I love you too."

You repose on a pile of pillows and sticky Bikas.

No rush but what's next for when you get up?

1]] Locate GG and accompany her on her new SLS job.
2]] Locate Meg and debrief with her.
3]] Try to contact Polyphema.
4]] Tell Bika about the fight.
5]] Tell Bika about the dreams.
6]] Tell Bika about the Kariket dream.
7]] Tell Bika about Meg's secret occupation.
8]] Get started on learning what an advocate does for the Village.
9]] ___________
>>
No. 760391 ID: 71d443

2.
>>
No. 760394 ID: 86b8eb

4), then 9): Contact Poly but in a specific way, by sending her a well-thought-out and deeply-considered letter, which you will ask Bika to deliver along with a set of meals for Poly, because there is a good chance she's not eating properly right now. You will insist on paying for these meals. All this per the plan brought up in the questdis thread.

I think you could probably do with a chat with someone about your problems with Poly, anyway. You don't need to get specific about the dream thing right now, though I think Bika's one of the best choices to talk to about that if you ever do but I think there are other potential problems between the two of you. Concerns for Poly maybe loving you more like a pet than an equal, lack of respect for you, her paranoia that learning about her past would drive you away (implicitly doubting how much you love her), you wanting to be more immediately helpful in preventing future trouble and her not being willing to provide essential help, et cetera et cetera.

Then possibly Bika could express to Poly at some point what worries she "thinks" you "might have", which I think would go better than you bringing them up to Poly directly.
>>
No. 760397 ID: 350a50

8, then 2
>>
No. 760398 ID: d624a4

8. We can do that immediately and with little effort.
1. Meg's busy with her spy buddies, so she has no time for love. Let's find our great, big, red child and hang with her.
>>
No. 760399 ID: 7b7ab3

Start with 8 because Bika's right there and she's our gal with the info.
Meg's probably still working, so let's do 1 and find out where GG is.
>>
No. 760400 ID: 5584d0

>>760387
8, 3, 2, 1
How to pull it off?
Zack "Fucking" Nguyen.
>>
No. 760404 ID: 6612fa

>>760387
9. ask about the freezer skut before going to sleep
this is important all other things can be done later.
>>
No. 760433 ID: 9e1b94

8.
>>
No. 760442 ID: 8963ff

>>760387
8, 3, 1 are the most immediate, along with 9) Whatever happened to the skut you stashed in the fridge?
>>
No. 760444 ID: 398fe1

I disagree with 3, it's only been what, a day? We could get someone else to check up on her though. Someone who won't remind her of what went wrong.
>>
No. 760454 ID: 9e1b94

>>760444
In retrospect, this might be worth considering.
Never pick fresh wounds.
>>
No. 760474 ID: 350a50

>>760444
This.
>>
No. 760501 ID: 3bcea0

I wish there was a way to do both 1 and 2. I miss our girls.
Not 3 just yet. It hasn't been that long. We might try in the morning.
Not 4, 5, 6, or 7. That shit's between us and Poly.
Definitely 8. We need to get educated on the responsibilities of an advocate.
>>
No. 760539 ID: b8d388

>>760501
This.
>>
No. 760631 ID: f6ba27
File 147979528957.png - (5.25KB , 960x560 , 594.png )
760631

Bika slides a clamshell phone across the table to you.
"Your burner, Mr. Advocate," she says.

It's a few hours later, near evening, after you've extracted yourself from your manifold girlfriend and had a shower.

You pick the phone up, flip and unflip it. "A real live fossil. Holy shit."
"Simply the best," Bika says. "Sure no apps but you haven't lived till you've flipped a phone shut to end a convo."
"So now I'm an advocate. What does an advocate do?"

"If you look on the phone," Bika says, "you'll see my name in it. That's actually a line to the call center. When you're ready to start patrolling, you text that number a question."
"Any question?"
"Any question at all. We keep a low profile on phone. Nothing we do is provably illegal on a surface level, but the cops have enough on their hands to worry about without our little operation here. That's the philosophy."
"Right."
"So a question starts your day. And then when you want to clock out, text a statement. Any statement as long as there's no question mark at the end and we'll know you're off-duty."

"What do I do when I'm on-duty?"
"You keep that phone close. Visitors call into the switchboard at SLS and a team of Bikas redirects those calls out to the advocates. Whenever a Visitor thinks a human friend is necessary, they let me know."
"When is a human friend necessary?"
Bika shrugs. "Sometimes just to call a cab. Cabs stop for Visitors a fifth of the time they stop for humans. Or maybe buy takeout. Or maybe a Visitor needs someone to call 911."
"A human?"
"If you have a Visitor name or a Visitor accent, or describe a Visitor crime, you tack 20 minutes average onto your police response time," Bika says.
"Jesus."
"You see how you start to get useful?"
"Yeah."
"Sometimes maybe they need a human to talk to another human, a pissed one. Or maybe they need to walk home and they're afraid to do it alone. We get a lot of those when work lets out. There's also numbers on your phone for lawyers who work pro bono or cheap for Visitors, and a Visitor suicide hotline."
"Will I need that?"
"Sometimes people are desperate, Zack, and they have to talk to someone. I try to catch them and redirect them, but if I don't, you'll want to find a way to keep them calm and forward them to a professional ASAP. You can do it. You're good at talking."
"God, I hope so." You stare at the phone. It's lighter and heavier than you thought at the same time.
"It's not easy," Bika says. "I won't lie. And it's not going to get any easier. It might... hm." Bika puts a finger on her chin. "It might be a good idea to find a way to conceal carry that glock."
"Whoa, Bika."
"If you feel like any assignment is dangerous or uncomfortable or anything, you can bounce it back to me and I'll reassign it or call for backup or anything else," Bika says. "But if you're comfortable with it, and know when it will defuse a situation or when it will escalate it, I suggest you carry."
"I don't have a permit," you say.
"Me neither," Bika says. "But what the cops don't know... you know." She takes your hand with the phone in it and folds hers over it. "If you don't want to do this I totally understand. And I'll make sure not to give you anything I don't think you can handle, or which your job will complicate. Honest, no pressure. But if you're in, or you have questions..."

1]] Maybe this isn't a good idea for me to be doing.
2]] I'm in. When can I start?
3]] I'm in. But I can't start right away, I have to go ______________.
4]] I have a question: ________________
>>
No. 760634 ID: 6612fa

>>760631
ask about the freezer skut damn it.
a simple
"so how is that feud with whats his name going, and how is our little visitor in the freezer?"

2 or 3 is fine also
>>
No. 760645 ID: 44f807

2. Let's make it happen, cap'n!
>>
No. 760647 ID: 7b7ab3

This is an important decision that could have far reaching consequences.
Oh, well. In for a penny...
2.
>>
No. 760650 ID: 2feb11

2.
4. A few questions, actually.
How many advocates are there? Should we network with them? How should we prepare for advocate work? Is there any particular equipment we should have? Attire we should/shouldn't wear?
>>
No. 760659 ID: 91ee5f

>>760634
>so how is that feud with whats his name going, and how is our little visitor in the freezer?
This in 4]].
>>
No. 760684 ID: 188451

Get that gun legal asap. It would be the worst thing in the world(for anyone even close to your position) to have the name Zack Nguyen be associated with criminal.
>>
No. 760686 ID: 71d443

2. Freezer skut is yesterday's news, and today's binno.
>>
No. 760690 ID: d27e7c

>>760650
>>760684
These. Absolutely these. Also, I can't really see it happening, but is there any chance that this gig might interfere with Zack's HVAO responsibilities?
>>
No. 760696 ID: fceae5

>>760631
"I'm in, but I have a question: how do I prepare for this? Also, will it cause conflict with my HVAO job?"
>>
No. 760720 ID: 8963ff

>>760650
All these for 4) are good, but also add: What ever happened to the skut in the freezer? I'm legitimately curious.

Also 2.
>>
No. 760734 ID: 2a7417

3, we gotta go meet Meg.
>>
No. 760739 ID: ac2387

>>760734
She's busy with the HVAO. Probably best to wait for her to call us.
>>
No. 760767 ID: 350a50

2
>>
No. 760870 ID: f6ba27
File 147988386223.png - (8.56KB , 960x560 , 595.png )
760870

"I'm in." You start a text to the Bika number. "So any question."
"Any question, as long as you get the question mark."
"So how many of us are there?"
"Humans specifically, nine right now," Bika says. "Their numbers are on there too."
"That seems low."
"It is low." She grimaces. "If you're on duty, there's always gonna be something to do. Probably always like 3 things even."
"Is there something I should be doing to prepare? Like... a uniform?"
"Nope," Bika says. "Best thing is to just hit the streets. You never know what people will need."
"Ok. I'm on." Your finger hovers over the send button. "Can I ask another question?"
"Sure."
"The skut in the meat locker," you say. "What happened to him?"
"Pilop?" She shakes her head. "He's still as thorn-in-my-side as ever. But the worst of it is over, I think. I think we both understand the situation more."
"I don't mean all of them, I mean the one specifically in the meat locker."

"Well," Bika says, carefully. "That's not really a difference, remember. That's just one component you saw. It doesn't exactly make a difference, I mean. What happens to them."
Your phone buzzes.
"That's an assignment," Bika says. "You should probably answer it."
>>
No. 760871 ID: 595d54

>>760870
Answer it after "Yeah, I know, but I'm still curious how these kinds of situations work."
>>
No. 760874 ID: 398fe1

>>760870
True enough. I guess Pilop lost that piece of himself, then.

Time to get to work!
>>
No. 760883 ID: b88e47

"You just called me to get out of answering the question."
>>
No. 760888 ID: 91ee5f

>>760870
>Your finger hovers over the send button.
>Your phone buzzes.
>"That's an assignment," Bika says. "You should probably answer it."
Zack didn't even hit the send button yet!

>>760883
This is exactly what she did, I'm sure of it! Bika, you adorable little rascal!
>>
No. 760892 ID: 2120ee

>>760870
Oh darn, guess I have to assume the worst then.
>>
No. 760894 ID: 6612fa

>>760870
"I just don't want to be shut out of your life, and i already agreed to follow your lead on the matter"
answer the phone and just say
"hi bika sorry for the delay I was talking to bika"
just to be a smart ass for her smart alec reply of calling us when we were talking to her.
>>
No. 760895 ID: 6612fa

>>760870
maybe we can ask our human friends if they want a part time job helping visitors, they seem open to the idea of visitors
>>
No. 760904 ID: 61c7b9

>>760870
Since the government's been infiltrated by secret human traitors from the Kariket's court with access to anti-psy technology, this really is your job now. The entire human (and some of the Visitor) species counts on you to BE THE MOST CHARMING PEOPLE PERSON EVER.
>>
No. 760914 ID: 71d443

Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer.

Pretend you're a pizza delivery guy with extra sausage.
>>
No. 760915 ID: 3a8dfd

>>760870
Answer the phone, ya dingus.
>>
No. 760917 ID: ce37f2

> Well, That's not really a difference, remember. That's just one component you saw. It doesn't exactly make a difference, I mean. What happens to them.
Sometimes I worry that the neurons in our eyes and fingers scream in agony as they are forced to perform painful endeavors for the whims of self-destructive thrill-seekers.

Then I remember that I don't give a @#$%.

Still, you think skuts outside of the network range develop a rudimentary individual shell consciousness as they slowly die from the inside out? My response to that question is the same as "What is the last thing the brain perceives as it dies slowly": We don't have the technology to see into the void so who gives a @#$%?

> Answer it
Ask Bika to run you through the procedure. Don't stutter like a noob on your first impression.
>>
No. 760919 ID: 7b7ab3

>>760870
Fair enough! Now let's do this thing!
Answer like a champ!
"Hello! You've reached Zack Nguyen! How can I help you today?"
>>
No. 760925 ID: 6795f1

>>760870
Yeah, that's probably the closest we'll get to a straight answer on the Pilop in the meat locker, so best leave it at that.

Anyway, wonder what our first assingment as an unofficial Visitor helper is!
>>
No. 760936 ID: 7d8168

>>760925
Hm. Y'know, you'd think normally "Visitor Advocacy Worker" would be the official job, and "alien gigolo" would be the under-the-table thing you do on the side.

Fucked up world we live in, Bika.
>>
No. 760938 ID: 44359f

Bika I didn't even send the question yet, you don't need to divert me I'm fine, I was just curious.

Take the assignment.
>>
No. 760939 ID: 0555b9

>>760938
Technically, we did ask her about Pilop. We're on duty now.
>>
No. 760942 ID: fceae5

>>760919
This.
>>760936
It'd be funny if it weren't so sad.
>>
No. 760948 ID: 7baf13

Okay, you know what? Shut up about the one in the meat locker. Skut are hiveminded and have different morality. It's just not going to lead to good things if you think that human morality should apply in every single damn case.

Bika can take care of herself. Respect her people and their affairs.
>>
No. 760949 ID: 6612fa

>>760948
you think we want to know because of "morality" lol dumbass
we want to know out of curiosity
personally i want to know if we can expect higher levels of retaliation.
how much longer till pilop kidnaps zack and tortures him to make a point with bika
should be delicious
>>
No. 760951 ID: afb7c6

>>760949
Are you being wilfully dense or do you really think a skut would be retarded enough to kidnap and torture a human?
>>
No. 760956 ID: 188451

Well we know what happened then. Better for our sanity to not know the deets of how he passed. Answer the phone.
>>
No. 760960 ID: 6612fa

>>760951
retarded enough to resort to gang violence openly in the streets
>>
No. 760962 ID: 595d54

>>760948
Who's getting moral, buddy? I just want to know what happened because I'm curious.
>>
No. 760974 ID: fdea55

>>760960
Skut on skut violence is one thing, but skut on human is begging for the kind of attention they don't want.
>>
No. 760975 ID: 899efb

Please take all disagreements/arguments/discussions to the questdis.
>>
No. 761157 ID: 2cae31

Answer phone, pet girlfriend.
>>
No. 761259 ID: f68a09
File 148006001415.png - (8.47KB , 960x560 , 596.png )
761259

"I didn't even hit the send button."
"I definitely heard a question.
"One which you're calling me to evade." You flip the phone open. "I was just curious."

"You won't like hearing that answer and I won't like giving it to you," Bika says. "He's been returned to his hive. Let's leave it at that."

"Hi Bika," you say. "Sorry for the delay. I was talking to a friend."
"That's ok, Henry," Phone Bika says.
"It's Z-"
"No real names on the phone but mine," Real Bika says.
"Zzzzo exciting to hear from you." What a save. "What's up?"

"I have a couple of acquaintances who could use a hand if you have one to spare," Bika says. "A Warrior who needs someone to order and pick up his favorite food from a no-Visitors place, and an Oculot who called and asked for someone to walk her home from work. I can ask around and help out whoever you decide not to."

1]] Warrior
2]] Oculot
3]] Pass
4]] _____________
>>
No. 761260 ID: 1969be

Absolutely the oculot.
>>
No. 761261 ID: 350a50

A cripple doesn't make an imposing bodyguard. Warrior.
>>
No. 761262 ID: 7b7ab3

>>761259
>Two potential new friends.
>We can't meet both.
>At once at least.
>One wants a food delivery.
>One needs an escort home.

2]] The oculot's life could be at risk.
4]] Could Bika tell us how it goes with the Warrior, and if there's a way to get in touch with him?
>>
No. 761263 ID: d4420c

4]] We take the Warrior's order over the phone, borrow a vehicle (car, skut rickshaw, whatever), pick up the Warrior's order, pick up the oculot, swing by the Warrior's place and make the delivery, take the oculot home, and then head back to SLS for a congratulatory smooch.
>>
No. 761264 ID: 350a50

>>761263
Actually fuck it, this. Let's quest-stack.
>>
No. 761265 ID: 7b7ab3

>>761264
Seconded. Let's do this.
By God and The Ideal, we will make two new friends tonight.
>>
No. 761266 ID: aba0a3

Based only on the silhouette i vote 2
>>
No. 761267 ID: f7838d

>>761263
This sounds fun, but it needs some work. We should get in contact with the two of them before we start and hammer out the details. The whens, wheres, and hows, y'know? Get everyone on the same page. Then we actually have to get a ride. If Bika can't provide one, then maybe we can beg one from the HVAO or bum a ride from a friend. One asset we can't ignore is Bika's information. What can she tell us about our clients?
>>
No. 761269 ID: 44359f

>>761263

They're probably too far apart. If they're not then yeah maybe but I think Bika would have already thought of that clever plan if it was possible.

So if it's a choice my vote is 1) Warrior, because as said, the lame don't make good escorts.

Also the media will probably jump all over Zack hanging with another Oculady.
>>
No. 761276 ID: 71d443

2] Oculot. We shall soothe the savage beasts with our silver tongue!

And if that doesn't work, we have a gun.
>>
No. 761323 ID: eb9588

>>761259
4]] "Bika, you know I'll feel terrible if I don't find a way to help both of these people. There must be a way to make that happen."
>>
No. 761334 ID: 594c18

>>761259
An escort is more important, but Zack is not a great choice, both for the lameness as pointed out and for his celebrity. If there's no one else available in the near future though, I guess do the vehicle plan. Otherwise just go for the Warrior.
>>
No. 761349 ID: 8963ff

Go with 1). Delivering food sounds less hazardous than escorting, and a cripple does NOT sound like a good choice to protect someone in case something happens.

Also, 4)You have someone else to handle whatever choice I don't go with?
>>
No. 761368 ID: 586d55

>>761263
>>761264
>>761265
>>761267
>>761323
Maybe we should speak to Bika before we commit to anything.
I mean I'm down for trying to help as many people as possible, but we can't just jump into something half-cocked.
That's how bad things happen.
>>
No. 761384 ID: e22b1d

Ix-nay on the powergaming and yes please to the oculot lady
>>
No. 761403 ID: 5751f7

Warrior. Someone more intimidating will help the oculot.
>>
No. 761407 ID: 6612fa

>>761259
warrior a guy in a hip cast isn't helping to escort anyone through hostile territory.
>>
No. 761413 ID: 8ef504

>pick which cute, cool, new character to meet
DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE!
>>
No. 761421 ID: ce2e2f

2
>>
No. 761449 ID: fd55dc

4]] Both if possible, as others have said.

Otherwise 2]]
>>
No. 761450 ID: fd55dc

To elaborate: we're just walking her home so she won't be alone. It's not like we're a bodyguard. If Bika didn't think we could handle it she wouldn't have given it to us.
>>
No. 761452 ID: d5038e

2 seems like the more pressing problem.
>>
No. 761523 ID: f562b1

Pretty sure stacking is a bad idea considering it's a No Visitor place, so let's just help out the Warrior.
>>
No. 761530 ID: 8ef504

>>761523
We'd only be picking up the food, not staying for a meal. If the place has a drive-thru, then it's practically a non-issue.
>>
No. 761540 ID: f68a09
File 148014379415.png - (63.77KB , 960x560 , 597.png )
761540

"Can I do both?" you ask. "Maybe I could rent a car, pick her up, get his food, swing by his place... you know."
"I know this Warrior. He's not gonna like being part of a checklist. It's half about the food and half about the company."
"Then I guess the Oculot," you say. "That's more pressing."
"And plus also you're a ladies' man."
"My intentions are purely Good Samaritan."
"Suure," Bika teases. "Forwarding her to you."

"Hi. Hello?" A high, shaky voice.
"Evening," you say. "This is, uh, Henry. What's up?"
"Hi, Henry. Henry Henry. Hi. Umm." She sounds like she's fighting a panic attack. "This is Krinstezj. Can you come over here and umm, I just, I never used this before. Really I'm not-- but I think I was being followed like followed so I went into this Starbucks and they left eventually but now I'm kind of freaking out! Right now!"
"Don't w--"
"And now I had to buy a Starbucks so this day is like-- a wash. And I just-- I guess I need-- There's like, no danger anymore but like-- I'm kind of freaking out."
"Krinstez-- uh--"
"Krin."
"Krin. I'm on my way out the door right now. Don't worry. Where are you?"
"Sorry. Sorry. Starbucks on 53rd and Broadway. Like down from Columbus Circle."
"I'll be right there. Sit tight." You hang up. "She sounds really spooked."
"She's hardly ever called in before," Bika says. "But she told me the danger's passed. I figured she could use a calming voice."

You take the E to 7th Avenue and 53rd. Smells like pee on the subway car and there's one of those kids selling M&Ms for their "basketball team." You see a Warrior holding up a dollar but the kid walks past him like he wasn't even there.

The Oculot you assume to be Krinstezj is the only one in the Starbucks. An Oculot in a shade more purplish than you realized they come in, leaning on a wall near the bathrooms, her sweater fluffy and her hair even fluffier, looking around like she's a rabbit in a den of wolves. A businessman strides purposefully past her in that businessman way and she jumps halfway out of her skin. She lays a freckled hand on her chest and mumbles an unheard apology. Then she keeps waiting, for you, presumably.

1]] ____________
>>
No. 761541 ID: 094652

Greet her briefly and take point, let her follow. Get to the car.

Basically, don't switch Poly for her, and don't look like you're here to date a different Occulot, but keep her safe without looking conspicuous.
>>
No. 761542 ID: f68a09

>>761541
Didn't take a car Kome
>>
No. 761543 ID: d5038e

Approach in as nonthreatening a manner as possible, we don't want to startle her. Introduce yourself.
>>
No. 761544 ID: 8ef504

>>761540
OH NO SHE'S CUTE
Approach slowly and gently. Greet her kindly.
>>
No. 761545 ID: 9f3729

>>761540
Wave gently, if you wave too hard you might kick up too much wind and blow her away
>>
No. 761546 ID: 7b7ab3

>>761543
>>761544
These.
Also, we can now confirm that oculots can have freckles and blonde hair.
Also also, we can confirm that she is a total cutie.
>>
No. 761547 ID: 44359f

Yeah great, the guy using the cane is really going to reassure her. I hope you brought your tabloid-repellent shades, Zack.

Also you should have told her what you'd look like. Come on, man, you'd think you hadn't ever met someone you've only spoken to before. We shouldn't have to give you a checklist of every little thing.

Anyway just move into her line of sight, wave, move towards her and say "Hey, are you Krin? I'm Henry."
>>
No. 761548 ID: 41ce8e

>>761540
Approach carefully. Keep hands where she can see them. Make no sudden movements. Appear non-threatening. She was already panicky and nervous coming in, and I doubt the coffee helped.
>>
No. 761549 ID: 87db18

First, get her attention. Gently.
"Hi, Krin. I'm Henry. We spoke over the phone. It's nice to meet you."
>>
No. 761551 ID: f68a09
File 148014703062.png - (12.23KB , 960x560 , 598.png )
761551

You approach gently, hands empty but for your cane. "Krin?"

She snaps around to look at you.
"Hen-- Henry?"
"Yeah." You wave.
"Oh thank God!" She waves back and threads her way past the bathroom line to join you. "Ohhh thank you. So much. I was seriously gonna-- well you heard."
"Yeah."
"Puke or something. That's half the reason I was near the-- well anyway thank you. My dad gave me this number but I didn't ever really think I'd use it for this-- I mean I've used it to call my landlord once or twice but like--" She notices your cane. "Oh God I hope I mean I didn't mean to-- I hope I'm not inconveniencing you--"
"Don't worry. It's temporary. Barely need it."
"Oh! That's-- I'm sorry. Well but that's good. Wait are you--" Her amber eye gives you a quizzical once-over. "I feel like-- have we met? Or have I like seen you somewhere?"

You can't help but notice that people waiting for their coffees or to order are looking over, and probably asking themselves the same question.
>>
No. 761553 ID: 41ce8e

"Mums the word, Krin. I'll be more than happy to discuss at length anything you'd like, but not in such a public venue. Matters of safety and security, you understand."
>>
No. 761555 ID: 9f3729

>>761551
"C'mon, let's get going first."
>>
No. 761556 ID: 3abd97

>>761551
Maybe you have, this is kind of a community service gig, which means being out in the community.

Walk and talk?
>>
No. 761557 ID: 91cfcf

>>761553
Don't say this in public, either.

>>761555
This.
>>
No. 761558 ID: 6612fa

>>761551
"you probably do, but if you figure it out keep it on the down low we don't want to bring more attention to us, lets get going and we can talk about that later if you want."
>>
No. 761559 ID: 7b7ab3

Uh oh.
Quickly indicate the need for subtlety, then usher her to the exit.
We can fill her in once we're out of the Starbucks.
>>
No. 761562 ID: 87db18

First >>761555, then >>761553 once we're alone with her.
>>
No. 761563 ID: 1137e8

>>761551
"Absolutely. Which is why I'm going to ask you for some discretion. Come on. We'll talk while we walk."
Escort her to the exit like a gentleman.
>>
No. 761564 ID: 021efd
761564

Say 'probably, but let's get going' it'd be a nice theme to not answer to your real name. Today, you are Henry; an advocate.
>>
No. 761565 ID: 44359f

Just nod, and say: "I'm sure you have, but do me a favor and don't act too friendly to me right away. I don't need attention right now, either. We can talk on the way."

Make sure you don't do anything that could possibly be... misconstrued. There are going to a ton of assholes ready to hop on further evidence that Zack Nguyen's an interplanetary gigolo.
>>
No. 761583 ID: 71d443

>>761551
"Let's walk and talk. I probably just have one of those faces."
Outside, after swearing her to secrecy, ask:
"How did you know? Was it my silhouette?"
>>
No. 761593 ID: bb78f2

>>761551
Nope, I just look like a lot of people on tv is all. Happens a bunch.
>>
No. 761647 ID: 7b4034

>>761562
This.
>>
No. 761650 ID: 350a50

>>761593
This.

"I just have one of those familiar faces."
>>
No. 761652 ID: f68a09
File 148019615862.png - (28.38KB , 960x560 , 599.png )
761652

"Probably you have." You nod toward the door. "Shall we?"
"Oh!" Krinstezj looks around the Starbucks. "Right. Yes. Yikes," she mumbles, as you leave. "Looking at me like I'm some kinda alien. Hee hee."
You laugh, mostly to make her feel better.
"So I'm on 143rd. We can take the 1 from Columbus unless you want to like, do you think an Uber is a better idea or something? This is gonna drive me crazy," Krinstezj says. "I know I've seen-- are you on a billboard?"
"I really hope not."
"WAIT. Are you--" She half-mouths half-whispers it. "Zack Nguyen?"
You put a finger to your lips. "How do you know?"
"Omigod. I'm like-- a groupie. Like I'd buy the t shirt if you had a t shirt. Wow!" She's vibrating. "Oh my god I'm sorry. Like-- I'm cool."
"I didn't know I was such a celebrity."
"No but not like-- like among my peer group you are." She pales. "So like-- is your cane like, did you get jumped? Or something?"

1]] You should see the other guys.
2]] What, this? Hazard of the occupation.
3]] No, this is from banging a Warrior.

4]] Let's get a driver.
5]] I'll get the HVAO to give us a lift. It'll probably be OK that they know I'm an advocate.
6]] Let's take the subway.
7]] Let's just walk. I have the time if you do.

8]] Keep it professional. Be an advocate.
9]] Get casual. Be you.

10]] _______________
>>
No. 761653 ID: 7b4034

>>761652
>3.
Honesty is the best policy.
>4
Better safe than sorry.
>9
She wants Zack Nguyen? Let's give her Zack Nguyen.
>>
No. 761654 ID: d5b373

2, 5, 9.
Let's give Krin the full Nguyen experience.
Minus the sex, that is.
>>
No. 761656 ID: 91cfcf

2, 4, 9.

4 is good if you can specifically get a Visitor driver, probably. 3 is TMI, go with 2.
>>
No. 761657 ID: 7b7ab3

Wow, she's short.
2 because it's cheeky and we don't kiss and tell.
4 because we know people who can give us a lift and we should speak to Bika before we reveal our advocacy to the HVAO.
9 because we don't really know how to be a "professional advocate" and she's a Zack fan.
>>
No. 761659 ID: dea742

2, 4, 9

We should tread carefully with this whole Advocate thing even it could work really well for us. We need to avoid putting the people we're helping in danger first and foremost, but if we spin it right we might be able to push perception from "government sponsored gigolo" to "rights activist".
>>
No. 761668 ID: 7fe022

>>761656
This.
>>
No. 761669 ID: 71d443

3, 4, 8. The point is to calm her down, and take her mind off the things worrying her.
>>
No. 761670 ID: bb78f2

3, 4, 9
>>
No. 761671 ID: 18c9f5

2, 4, 9
>>
No. 761674 ID: 350a50

2.
4.
8&9. Be your casual self, but keep it professional. Don't be too flirty or lead her on.
>>
No. 761677 ID: 63beeb

>>761674
Basically this. We have enough girl trouble as is.
>>
No. 761678 ID: 6612fa

>>761652
3
6 is very public and good to stay in public situations we don't have the ability to protect her with our hip unless we have a sword cane or something.
8. keep it moderately professional we want to be friends we have a nice happy harem and their is no need to add to it unless they invite themselves into it.
>>
No. 761679 ID: e22b1d

3,6,9
Add sheep oculot to the herd
>>
No. 761701 ID: 8963ff

>>761652
3. Better get it out there.

4 OR 5. Best to get her home quickly, as she seems to be incredibly jumpy, and considering the current political climate it may be justified.

8 AND 9. Be casual with her, since she's a fangirl, but keep it professional. No lewd language, make her comfortable enough to be around you.
>>
No. 761702 ID: a60bc4

>>761701
This, except 2 instead of 3.
>>
No. 761703 ID: ff10db

3, 5, 8. Don't put on airs, all the girls screw you because you're one of the few humans in the region who managed to hold onto their American humanity after the war. The HVAO has proven themselves trustworthy, and even if there are some undercover agents you can expect that your usual bodyguards will have your back. If you EVER want to patch things up with Poly... well. Just make an ally of this little fangirl today, keep her alive, and don't screw with her in ANY way.
>>
No. 761719 ID: a107fd

Combination of 1, 2, and 3, filtered through 9. Tell her the story of your first Warrior family dinner experience, and imply that tackling your prospective father-in-law resulted in the injury immediately, rather than hours later, without saying anything explicitly false.

Apart from putting her at ease, and de-emphasizing the 'interplanetary gigolo' narrative among your fanbase, it's a chance to get another reference point on cultural preconceptions, and maybe test how well oculot telepathy works at lie detection (which seems like the kind of thing somebody in the government would want to know about, one way or another).
>>
No. 761728 ID: 7d8168

>>761719
I'm pretty sure "oculot telepathy" is that brain-link thing that's fatal to non-oculots unless the oculot is using one of those state secret scarves to tone their brain down.

4, 8... though for 1/2/3 I'd actually namedrop parkour. Implying you injured yourself having fun, rather than "on the job" one way or the other, might help make her feel safer.
>>
No. 761730 ID: d163e3

>>761652

10]]

Strongly imply that you have an above-average sized dick and aren't afraid to use it. Drop a large-sized condom "by accident" to let her know you mean business.

If all goes according to plan, you'll be in BJville in no time.
>>
No. 761733 ID: d163e3

>>761730
To extrapolate

tell her you're a badman who isn't afraid to cheat. Ain't afraid to cheat on Poly nor ain't afraid to cheat on you, but the dick is good so you'll still come back.

After this, drop the Magnum.
>>
No. 761752 ID: 39b95c

>>761733
>>761730
jesus no.
7+9
>>
No. 761754 ID: 44359f

2, 4, 8. Be friendly and kind, but make sure anyone watching doesn't mistake this for anything but what it is.

10) Ignore the people suggesting that you flirt or whatever, keep it in your pants.
>>
No. 761760 ID: 91cfcf

>>761730
>>761733
You know what, do this. Beat up any pum pum that cross yo eye.
>>
No. 761763 ID: ce2e2f

3, 4, 9
>>
No. 761764 ID: fd55dc

3
>>
No. 761794 ID: f68a09
File 148023551874.png - (13.43KB , 960x560 , 600.png )
761794

"Occupational hazard," you say. "I went to a Warrior family dinner, and, well... you know."
"Oh wow." The color rapidly returns to her cheeks and rolls out an unabashed, goofy smile in its wake. "And lived!"
"It was a little touch and go there for a bit but yes ma'am." You pull out your nonburner and open CoolRunnings on it (which is kind of like Uber only they let you make special requests). "Let's find ourselves a ride."
"Oh no no I should." Krin fishes into her bag.
"Hey." You play-slap her wrist. "I'm an advocate. This is what I do."
"But like you shouldn't have to pay for my panic attack."
"That's what advocates do. I think. It's my first day on the job. But I also get way overpaid by the government, sooo..." You type into the special request field. "'Must be down to pick up Visitors.' There." You hit send and after a few seconds of spinny wheel you're informed that Zrazkokh is 2 minutes away in a silver SUV.
"The Government. Wow." Krin is in awe. "You're seriously Z Fucking N."
"Y-e-s I am."
"That's like-- usually when I'm talking to someone I like feel all superior cause I'm an editor at PRH," Krin says. "But you fucking cream me. Like-- you really date? For a living?"
"I like to call myself a Cultural Liaison," you say. "But yeah. Basically."
"That's-- wow. I mean I'd be jealous but like that would be terrifying honestly. Like-- does it matter how well you do?"
"I don't know," you say. "Haven't gotten any complaints."
"I'd like spill five things on my first day. Like five drinks all over my date and then start Dimensional War II. Unless like can you ask your boss if the US Government needs to hire anyone to stay in on Saturdays and watch The Great British Bakeoff on Netflix? Because if they do give me a call."

A silver SUV is pulling up, with a Warrior in the driver's seat. It's a tall car but his horns still scrape the ceiling. The window rolls down and he says, "Zack Nagooyin?"
"Yeah."
"Hello. Am ride."
"Thanks, man. Thank you." You open the door for Krin.
"Wow a gentleman!" She scoots inside. "This is why they pay you the big bucks."
"Master at the craft." You sit opposite her and buckle yourself in.

"Wait so if you-- People say you're dating the Dutchess." Krin fumbles with her buckle, eye wide. "Is that true?"
"The who?"
"The Dutchess, the-- Like that's what people call her. And she has like a hundred different names for herself."
"Polyphema?"
"I think that's one. Omigod that's you? She's like-- that's my other t-shirt. Or like you on the front her on the back."
"You've heard of her?"
"Yeah like she's for oculots she's like a big deal. And she saved my life. Like without her I wouldn't be here."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah! My family came here through one of her portals. Like she opened one herself. I don't even remember I was like a baby when it happened, like I don't remember Golboria at all, like you know how everyone thinks Oculots are all supposed to be these old wise like Griots and then I'm like, 24! So it's really weird talking to people sometimes when they think I'm this like Yoda figure when I've spent basically all my life on Earth, like I grew up watching Adventure Time, guys, and like--"
"Excuse," the Warrior says. "Address?"
"Oh! Sorry sorry uhhh corner of 143rd and 10th please."
"OK."
"Thank you! But what was I saying um. Oh my god the Dutchess yeah. Do you know how many lives she's saved? Like... thousands. Easily. Oh my god is it shitty if I ask if I can meet her? I shouldn't. But I never thanked her. I was just like a baby. But would that be weird? Am I weirding you out? I'm sorry I'm not usually this chatty but well I kind of am. But even more right now because I've had a really weird evening I guess and like. Sorry."
>>
No. 761796 ID: 91cfcf

"Nah, it's all good. Talk as much as you like, whatever makes you comfortable. Don't know about meeting her, to be honest. At least not soon. Times haven't been good to her, with Hizalin dying and all. I'll at least ask but I really can't and shouldn't promise anything."

I think Poly might like her, she seems energetic and easy to like. The risk is that she might wear Poly's patience thin, I guess.
>>
No. 761803 ID: 44359f

"Duchess" as in the title of a person is not spelled with a T.

"I'm familiar with having weird evenings. And it's not shitty of you to ask. It's kind of a little shitty for me, but that's not your fault, me and her just had a little tension earlier today. I kind of poked her in a sore spot. Metaphorically. I'll find a way to fix it. You probably don't want to hear about it, and unless you happen to have heard any stories about her to suggest ways to appeal to her, or any tips about dealing with older oculots' baggage, I don't particularly want to talk about it. So, what were you out for, anyway? If you don't mind me asking."
>>
No. 761804 ID: ff10db

"Man, I wish SOMEBODY told me she was THE @#$%ing Duchess (there's no T in duchess, Krin) yesterday. Poly was really stressed over the local murders, one of her old friends was mugged and chopped to pieces. Then I told her about some intel that I acquired recently. She freaked out, acted like I had just raped and murdered the Kariket's son or something. I've learned TOO MUCH about her life as a noblewoman, but if you'd told me she was THAT high up, I might have tried to comfort her instead of staying on-the-level and throwing challenges her way.

Look, I can introduce you to her. She might not want to see me ever again, but I want to make sure she regains her footing. Keep an eye on her and I might even introduce you to the entire government-sponsored harem."
>>
No. 761805 ID: f68a09

People it's a play on Old New York Money can you not be fucking copyeditors in my quest thread

http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/81802+50.html
>>
No. 761806 ID: dea742

So, uh, that thing where Poly's kinda private? I think we should avoid volunteering information about her to random strangers. I'd say take down her number and offer to mention it to Poly later, but make no promises. Just tell Krin "Poly likes to look forward, not back" if she presses you.

Otherwise, smile charmingly and listen while she works off her nerves babbling. Maybe give her a topic. Ask what it was like growing up on this side.
>>
No. 761807 ID: a60bc4

>>761794
"It's cool, Krin. While I can't promise anything, you may want to stop by Speed Luck Skut once in a while. She hangs out there sometimes."
>>
No. 761808 ID: 7b7ab3

>>761806
This, but as politely as possible.
>>
No. 761812 ID: b8d388

>>761794
>Oh my god is it shitty if I ask if I can meet her?
No. We can't make any promises, but we'll see.
>>761794
>But would that be weird?
Not really.
>Am I weirding you out?
Not even a little.
>Sorry.
Dont be. The enthusiasm is refreshing.
>>
No. 761813 ID: c57f6b

Oh God, we could at least pretend to be incognito. We should take down her number and offer to give it to Poly, but make no guarantees, and we shouldn't mention the restaurant or anything else.
>>
No. 761814 ID: 7d8168

It's not shitty to ask, but between Polyphema being Polyphema and our relationship being extremely shaky at the moment, we're not going to be introducing them anytime soon.

So, uh... PRH. Do we know that acronym? If not, let's ask about it. Get the subject off of Zack and Poly and onto her.
>>
No. 761834 ID: 71d443

>>761814
Random House. She's an editor at one of the biggest publishing companies in the world.

>>761806
Thirding this, let's get the conversation going about her.
>>
No. 761840 ID: 9cfa0d

Definitely go with the later suggestions advocating for not spilling beans.
>>
No. 761841 ID: 6612fa

>>761794
"so she hasn't really told me why she is called the "duchess" maybe you could share?"

it is time to pump her for information... we might have to do it literally if she is a hold out.
>>
No. 761849 ID: 9cfa0d

>>761841
Not appropriate or tactful. Leave it.
>>
No. 761851 ID: a107fd

Send Poly a text message with Krin's contact info, leave it up to her whether to respond.
>>
No. 761877 ID: f68a09

>>761841
ITS DUTCHESS YOU ALL ARE DRIVING ME TO DRINK
>>
No. 761879 ID: f68a09

>>761841
http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/81802+50.html#105972
>>
No. 761886 ID: 91cfcf

Tell her that if she doesn't feel like being chatty you can help keep her mouth busy.
>>
No. 761896 ID: 288f5e

>>761794
Take it easy, Krin. You're gonna pop a capillary at this rate.
>>
No. 761897 ID: 44359f

Please continue ignoring all flirty/suggestive suggestions in relation to this young lady.
>>
No. 761899 ID: c441c1

>>761851
most non-confrontational I like. With this text you should probably tell poly that you took on an advocate job and are helping out some really cute sheep looking oculot and she wanted to thank her.
>>
No. 761901 ID: 91cfcf

>>761897
If you're voting against them that's cool but if you just want everyone to ignore them give a valid reason why other than "I disagree".
>>
No. 761908 ID: 39b95c

>>761794
nah, you're ok. i mean, i can't actually take you to meet her, for reasons, but i don't mind you asking. hell, if this was a few days ago i'd have asked her.
>>
No. 761910 ID: d163e3

>>761851
>>761899
This is weak stuff! Poly is a centuries-old, unrestrained sexual animal and you're worried about hurting her feelings? Text her a picture of you fucking the sheep oculot, and she'll probably gain respect for you.
>>
No. 761912 ID: 71d443

>>761910
I think, you have deeply misread Poly.
>>
No. 761915 ID: 44359f

>>761901

Ok.

1) This is the very same day we had a fight with Poly, which ended on a note which suggests the possibility that she may feel she needs to stop seeing Zack entirely, "for his sake". So far Zack has been a "one girlfriend per race" guy, so if after that we basically immediately jump on another oculot lady then that is going to look bad, polygamous culture or not. You can argue against the possibility that Poly would take things that way, but you can't argue that the risk isn't there at all and any such risk is not worth it.
2) This young lady is going to still be around later and if we still want to get into her pants after literally meeting her for the first time she will still be around.
3) We were called her to help her feel safe and escort her home after she has been feeling threatened and in fear, and immediately making passes at a woman who you have been tasked with helping in such a manner is an extremely crass and creeper thing to do.
4) Zack stands under accusations of being a demonboy horndog government prostitute etc etc from the media and we don't want to give any possible grist to that rumour mill. For all we know this warrior uber guy is a huge gossip and he will go home and talk to all his friends about how he saw Zack Nguyen macking on yet another visitor girl and that story will spill out everywhere.
5) Bika will probably not be happy that we took this serious advocate job in which we are being trusted to help the visitor community deal with serious racial tension issues and used to to try to score on the very first mission we've been given.
6) We need to have some fucking class.
>>
No. 761923 ID: 8608ea

Keep it classy, guys.

Brom, I'm worried you may have overestimated tgchan lmao.
>>
No. 761927 ID: 350a50

>>761806
This.
>>
No. 761946 ID: 59bd8b

>>761806

My vote is going for towards this post. I so hope we can keep this classy and not mess it up right out the gate.
>>
No. 761949 ID: 91cfcf

>>761915
Plenty of great reasons for you to vote against it, but I don't see any reason to flat-out ignore that.
>>
No. 761952 ID: 6612fa

>>761915
personally agree but witch ever direction we take i'll like it.
the thing we really should be doing is pumping her for info about poly, the girls wont give up the good put this young ocelot is loose lipped and fairly knowledgeable. and our actual paying job is to find out more about the visitors. this is the perfect time.
>>
No. 761961 ID: 398fe1

>>761794
Tell her you might be able to arrange something but you seriously cannot make any promises.
>>
No. 762158 ID: f6ba27
File 148039335071.png - (16.72KB , 960x560 , 601.png )
762158

"I can't make any promises," you say, "and Poly's the kind of person who likes looking forward more than looking back. But if you give me your number I can see what I can do."
"Oh my god you can. Oh thank you. And I totally understand if like, like that was a profoundly dark time. And my parents told me to be glad I can't remember it but like-- like--"

"Someone must," supplies the driver.

"YES. Yes. The histories are always written from the perspectives of the giants and then the ants read them and think they're on their shoulders when, like, they're under their feet. Like, the refugees are going to be a footnote. Oooo footnote. Feet. I should like-- do something with that." She finds her phone. "OK. My number. My number..." She pages through her contacts, face glazing. "Do you ever need to go into your phone to remember what it is exactly and then you feel like an idiot? But like I'm on a family plan so if I give you one wrong digit it's gonna connect you to like my grandma. OK number. Ready?"
"Yep."

"201 473 8298." She shutterstops to make sure you get it down right, dayglow eye flicking from her screen to your face.
"Jersey girl, huh?"
"Oh my god every boy I ever give my number to says that!"

You laugh as you save her number. "I'm just renormalizing you. It's a therapeutic technique."
"Shut up. Like I am never getting out from under that freaking area code. UGH." She flops back in a mock-pout then rebounds immediately forward like a rubber ball. "But thank you. That would mean so much. Like oh my god. But like no pressure." She's tapping something into her phone. You see that it's a note saying hist ant crushed underfoot of giants - footnote??
>>
No. 762159 ID: f6ba27
File 148039344414.png - (33.46KB , 960x560 , 602.png )
762159

"So you grew up in Jersey?" you prompt.
"Uh huh. Little eyelet running around this Visitor Village out of Hoboken. It's where we were placed by Resettlement when they were like alphabet men instead of the HVAO. I have these memories from before then of white tents and dudes in hazmat suits and macrogun nests."
"Doesn't sound like the best environment for a toddler."
"Oh the machine guns were pointed out, not in," Krin says. "Resettlement camps were getting hit all the time. Kariket didn't want any defectors. There were raids sometimes."
"Oh my God."
"Yeah but I was under my bed the whole time so like. I don't remember that. They weren't letting Visitors into school yet so I went to this like groody underground homeschool thing that they ran out of like a gym. Folding chairs on a basketball court with curtains separating the classes and like volunteer human grad student teachers. And like armed guards everywhere. And of course none of the grownups spoke any English so they were learning right with us. Sitting right next to my dad who was on the Other Side this renowned poet, and we're both writing 'See the cow. The cow is red. The cow says moo.'"

"Sounds to me like you learned it all pretty well regardless," you say.
"Well that was just when I was a kid," Krin says. "Eventually they were letting Oculots into Human school as long as their families spent a tour of duty on Portals. So we spent a summer doing that, which totally sucked, then I got to go to High School. We got in before the Warriors cause we never like pulverized any desks."
The driver barks a laugh.
"I mean all the classes we were in had national guard people in them and I had to wear a killswitch but still," Krin says.
"A what?"
"Killswitch. Bomb around my neck, In case I tried to light anyone on fire or blow any heads up."
"Jesus."
"Well I had no intention of doing that so they had no intention of killswitching me. Honestly when your first grade classroom has like 5 M4s pointed at it all the time you get used to it. And a Mk 40 for the Warrior kids. You can get used to anything."
"Still." You sit back. "Jesus."
"And then by the end of the war those were gone. And I was in the first graduating year they let Visitors into my university."
"Where'd you go?"
"Well, since you ask..." She lets a note of pride in. "Columbia, as a matter of fact."
"Wow."
"I'm sorry that is such like a douchey Ivy way of saying that but yeah. But like I only really probably got in because they had a quota they were looking to fill and my dad is like I said this bigtime poet. That's probably how I got the Penguin Random House gig but like. Who cares. Nepotism versus prejudice! Lesser of two evils! Right? And nobody makes me wear a killswitch anymore so like. You see what's happening now and you forget how far we got in 20 years. And now I write web copy for like, Mickey Spillane books. I used the word 'dame' unironically five times yesterday." She flops back, as if exhausted by the yarn she spun, but then her infinite energy supply hooks back in and she perks up again. "But like that's boring! What about you, dude, like, Zack Nguyen! That's crazy! I wanna like-- use you."
"Use me?"
"Yeah, like, I mean I write stuff sometimes. Just stuff. It's dumb. But like... I've been talking about myself this whole time and Zack Nguyen is sharing my cab."
"CoolRunning," corrects the driver.
"Right. And like so like what's that like?" she asks. "Being him? You?"

1]] ____________
>>
No. 762164 ID: 211d83

A bit scary lately but I would not change it for the world.

I figure if I can survive the next few years I might just have a chance to do a lot of good and help fix things.

And have met a bunch of wonderful ladies I would not mind spending the rest of my days with.
>>
No. 762165 ID: 094e9a

Tell the truth.
She told us her backstory, so we might as well tell her ours.
From One Bad Day in Fort Smith, Montana to the office of the HVAO in New York and beyond.
>>
No. 762167 ID: 2120ee

"Less lonely, lately."

MAN OF MYSTERY.
>>
No. 762168 ID: 7b7ab3

>>762159
"Well, Krin, if we're swapping personal histories, then I might as well start at the beginning. You see, I was born in Fort Smith, Montana..."
>>
No. 762170 ID: a43c3a

Yeah, it's only fair to share our backstory. Follow up with: "So, my life is kind of overwhelming right now, but I don't think I'd trade it for anything.
>>
No. 762172 ID: 9402b1

kind of taxing, honestly. i get thrown in the middle of a lot of conflict. but i want to help people, so it's worth it
>>
No. 762175 ID: 91ee5f

Since she's in some sorta media outlet, we have to tell her that this is off the record. Mostly for her safety and not Zack's safety. Because there's a lot of humans that feel like Zack has betrayed the human race and attempts on his life and his dates' lifes have been made, so we don't want to drag her into this. Which is why we used a fake name earlier.
>>
No. 762179 ID: cb04f4

>>762165
>>762168
>>762170
These.
>>762175
Also this.
>>
No. 762182 ID: 38a105

"Well, that depends on what you want to know. The here and now or the then and there?"
>>
No. 762192 ID: 7d8168

>>762175
This is important. Shit's been getting uncomfortably real lately. Maybe mention the info leak, because it's an example of why we feel the need to be wary.

And for that reason, maybe talk about your life through a PR filter. Say stuff you'd be comfortable with absolutely everyone in the world knowing about you, even after you've gotten her (and ideally your driver) to at least claim their lips are sealed.

That said, we're a cool, confident guy. We've got a lot to talk about that we wouldn't mind other people, even racist assholes who may or may not try to kill us, knowing.
>>
No. 762194 ID: ff20d5

If she has the time and doesn't mind Zack prattling for awhile then let's hit her with the old origin story. With some careful omissions for the sake of safety and security.
>>
No. 762197 ID: 6612fa

>>762159
"I've been instructed not to make a formal or informal response to the press so as to not potentially weaken or erode the remaining public sentiment for the program. I don't even know why I became famous, my face got put in the news and just because I was one of the more successful of the candidates in the programs the media latched onto me. I'm just a guy that thinks we can get along and enjoy our differences and similarities together."
>>
No. 762198 ID: 6612fa

>>762159
"well to understand the legend that is Zack Nguyen, you must know his origins. It all started with a moose being rode by a mormon priest only to end with a spinning round house to the face, we don't know who's face was devastated by this fateful foot but it is forever marked down in history the french martial art of parkour can be used not only for stunningly well choreographed retreats but offensively as well. Thus started the legend of Zack Nguyen"
>>
No. 762210 ID: 44359f

Don't spill the origin story, doing that when you first meet someone is kind of a woe-is-me victim thing to do. It's not like it's secret information anyway, really, and if she's asserted herself as part of your metaphorical fan club and she's a journalistic type, she probably already knows. In any case, it's far more impressive on people when they have to find out that sort of thing for themselves. Makes you seem more stoic and noble.

Tell her it can be stressful and complicated, that there are tough problems you have to deal with now and then, that there's a lot more public scrutiny on your love life now than you expected to ever have, and with the way things are going it's even getting a bit dangerous... but you wouldn't trade it. You've been happier with this than... well, in a lot of ways ever, really.
>>
No. 762230 ID: 7d8168

>>762210
Origin story, condensed form: "What can I say? My mother said that when everyone else wants to hate, I need to protect love. So that's what I do, because that's still what we need."

You don't need the whole sob story to get the point across.
>>
No. 762249 ID: a107fd

>>762197
This message, but not this phrasing. Stay casual. "I'd be fine with you using me however you like, if it was just up to me. Biggest lesson of this job, both the cultural liaison thing and the job I'm doing right now, helping you get home safe, is the web of responsibilities. Have to run it past my boss before I can give you permission to publish anything I say." Leave it ambiguous whether 'boss' means Bika or the HVAO's PR department or both.
>>
No. 762251 ID: 44359f

Actually, now I think of it, one thing you should ask her is to not let on that she met you due to the "call for help" thing. If she does write anything about you (and I'm not sure yet she should), she should try make out that she ran into you some other way. There are layers of security around that whole business for a reason, and besides which we don't want starstruck young Visitors calling the helpline when they don't strictly need to because they think they might just roll the dice to get to meet Zack Nguyen.
>>
No. 762265 ID: fceae5

TIME FOR BACKSTORY
>>
No. 762289 ID: b15da4

Remain a man of mystery. It's much more fun than saying 'No comment.'
>>
No. 762305 ID: f562b1

>I have these memories from before then of white tents and dudes in hazmat suits and macrogun nests.
>"Oh the machine guns were pointed out, not in," Krin says. "Resettlement camps were getting hit all the time. Kariket didn't want any defectors.
Dude, that sounds like the movie District 9. Prawn come to our world with dying engines and what do we do? Shove them in a refugee camp and use guns to try and keep the peace. Of course, some of those guns wound up pointed inward.
> And a Mk 40 for the Warrior kids.
Guess we didn't have any of those energy gun things-- shock knives, weren't they-- back then, but if it's true that you can overload it and lob it to take down a Warrior, maybe it's good that we used something that they wouldn't recognize. Less likely to see it as a challenge.
>I used the word 'dame' unironically five times yesterday.
Which sense? Just a proper lady, or a lady-knight? Because that's actually the official term for a lady-knight in most Orders.
>What about you, dude, like, Zack Nguyen!
Well, my job is officially to go out, spend time, learn about cultures. Hence "cultural liaison." In the way you mentioned, I'm "using" everybody, but as long as everybody's having fun spending time together, no harm, no foul. I mean, they signed up for this expecting much more casual, less-personal dates. From what I've heard, I'm one of the few who's so successful, and since this level of success isn't really part of my job requirement, it's basically just the real Zack Nyugen experience.
>>
No. 762317 ID: 595d54

>>762159
Tell her about how you eat ass and offer to demonstrate. Either on her or on the driver.
>>
No. 762427 ID: f6ba27
File 148047344003.png - (16.69KB , 960x560 , 603.png )
762427

"That depend on what you want to know," you say "The here and now or the then and there?"
"Which one of those is Zack?"
"If I knew that one I'd be the writer," you say. "I'm not sure how much I can answer your question. If it was up to me I'd let you use me however you want.But I'm pretty sure I'd have to run any statement past my boss."
"Dude you're talking like I'm press or a biographer or something."
"Sorry."
"No no." She beams her unaffected beam again. "I could get used to it. Maybe get like-- a tape recorder."
She's typing into her notes again. Investigative/interview route for bk? account editorial. tape recorder? hat???

"What I guess I can tell you is that it's been kind of scary lately but I'm glad I'm doing it," you say. "I figure if I can survive the next couple years maybe I can actually make some kind of difference. Which is all I want to do. My mom told me once that when hate is strongest is when you need to protect love. I don't know. I guess everyone's just more focused on me because I've been the most, uh..." you search for the right word. "Successful?"
"Successful how?"
"Well I mean I've met some wonderful ladies through it," you say.

"But like-- I'm sorry but like-- does that mean it's true, that, like..." Her voice drops into a whisper. "Do you really-- like do you really do it? With Visitors?"
>>
No. 762429 ID: 9402b1

"let's just say i don't kiss and tell."
>>
No. 762430 ID: 9f3729

>>762427
"That's covered under my NDA AND under the no-kiss-and-tell policy. Sorry, girl."
>>
No. 762431 ID: 71d443

A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell. So I won't tell.
>>
No. 762433 ID: d163e3

>>762427
"There's a first time for everything."
>>
No. 762435 ID: 350a50

"I can neither confirm nor deny. A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell."
>>
No. 762437 ID: 398fe1

>>762427
That is not a required part of the job, but you've done it. Not gonna say with whom, though.
>>
No. 762439 ID: 7b7ab3

>>762427
"Well, I could say I don't kiss and tell, but you can probably draw your own conclusions from how evasive that answer is. So yeah."
>>
No. 762443 ID: e136ae

>>762427
Don't lie to the girl, be honest. Tell her yes, and that it was mutual, and that's why you walk with a cane and that it's still worth it.
>>
No. 762444 ID: c441c1

>>762443
yes.
>>
No. 762448 ID: e136ae

>>762443
Forgot about the non-disclosure agreement.

Smile.

Say you are bound by a non-disclosure agreement.

Say that what happened that resulted in you walking with a cane was part of the job and you have no regrets.

Waggle eyebrows. Finger-guns. Then seriously smile in a knowing way.
>>
No. 762449 ID: 71d443

...Look, if our innuendo isn't getting through to her, maybe it's better off staying that way. Wait, does she think we got injured in a fight at that Warrior dinner?
>>
No. 762456 ID: e22b1d

>>762449
Why would it, though? A Warrior family dinner seems like a place any number of bones can be broken and going back and reading it, it doesn't seem that innuendo-y.

Now the question is do we want to take it further, and the answer is hell yeah
>>
No. 762462 ID: 3a6bfc

Oh, what's the old phrase? "I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations", that's the one. Not that I want to be obstinate, but I signed an NDA.
>>
No. 762463 ID: ce2e2f

Please let's not do the kiss and tell line. That is such a lame line and it's basically just saying "yes" but being cheeky about it. Be honest with her. If we want to wait until we're out of the cab that's fine but don't insult her intelligence.
>>
No. 762464 ID: 3b996c

I really have no idea where this is going, so I'm a little hesitant.
I don't want us to try and romance this person we've literally just met, especially when our current relationships are getting so complicated, particularly our relationship with Poly.
If there's a way to approach this without it ending in disaster, then that's what I suggest.
>>
No. 762465 ID: 6612fa

>>762427
>>762427
she looks kind of upset or disgusted in the picture... maybe even scared.
I'd just shrug your shoulders and say "i have a nondisclosure agreement about the nature of my job, if you really want to know more they are always looking for more visitors wanting to participate, they may even let you write about it if you ask nice enough."
>>
No. 762466 ID: 6612fa

>>762427
as for hat suggestions a touring cap or a flat cap would look adorable on her.
>>
No. 762470 ID: 9f3729

>>762465
This is a good idea, encourage her to join the program
>>
No. 762471 ID: 71d443

>>762456
If it's not innuendo-y, then we totally flubbed that delivery. All right, let's make it clear why we have this cane.
>>
No. 762476 ID: f6ba27
File 148047924411.png - (15.11KB , 960x560 , 604.png )
762476

"That's covered under my NDA and the kiss-and-tell policy," you say. "But I will say that the cane was worth it."
"Why was the, um, the cane, um," Krin says.
"Look I really shouldn't talk about it," you say. "If you really want to know more they're always looking for more Visitors to participate. Maybe they'd even let you write about it."

"Ohhhh no no I couldn't um-- like I was just curious." Krin has beetled into a ball. "I'm not like-- like it's not-- like I'm sorry like that was such a weird thing to ask. But like I couldn't-- like I'm just a copywriter I'm not. Ummm. I'm just a copywriter." Under the protective curtain of fluff she's pulled over her head her purple face has gone deep magenta.
>>
No. 762477 ID: 398fe1

Yeah and Zack Nguyen wasn't famous before he joined either.
>>
No. 762478 ID: 9f3729

>>762476
"No, really, we need more people. Sign up, it's a nice job and there's lots of stuff you can learn doing it. Make for a really solid piece too given how big people are into the HVAO right now."
>>
No. 762479 ID: d163e3

>>762476
You're just a copywriter now, but you don't have to put Nguyen groupie on your resume.
>>
No. 762485 ID: 3b996c

I SEE THAT SMILE
Sign up, girl!
Be a beacon for the Visitor community!
Share knowledge and culture!
Battle the forces of ignorance and hate!
Meet cute people! Date cute people!
Join the movement towards the future!
THE HVAO WANTS YOU, KRINSTEZJ
>>
No. 762488 ID: 71d443

>>762479
Not entirely sure what this means but I'm seconding it anyway. The HVAO program is a high risk life - see Hizalian. We've satisfied her curiosity for now. We could entertain her with some stories from before the program, now.
>>
No. 762489 ID: c441c1

Maybe don't enter the program, people in it have been killed recently. besides I think that instead of dating someone you would be better suited to help them spin a story if you are really a outside fan of the program you can help them present the side the public wants to see to the media.
>>
No. 762490 ID: e136ae

>>762488
Also note that it has a high probability of human/visitor sex.
>>
No. 762504 ID: 7b7ab3

>>762476
"Krin, do you know what I was doing before I joined the HVAO? Stocking shelves at Whole Foods. You never know what you're capable of until you take that first step."
>>
No. 762510 ID: bb78f2

>>762476
So, really, no dating human's ever? Never tried or thought about it? I know it's kind of a risk right now, but I'm surprised how little it occurs after 20 years. Just now?
>>
No. 762512 ID: 7f9a7f

>>762478
Practical.
>>762485
Patriotic.
>>762504
Uplifting.
>>
No. 762517 ID: 6612fa

>>762476
by the look of your face you are making a lot of jumping to conclusions of what would be expected of you in the program, you pretty much meet some new people and the decision to keep seeing them is up to you. no pressure is put on you to do anything you are uncomfortable with. Your preferences matter too.
>>
No. 762521 ID: 3abd97

>>762476
Even copywriters have lives, Krin.
>>
No. 762526 ID: 6612fa

>>762485
might as well recite the team rocket motto
>>
No. 762528 ID: f6ba27
File 148048455635.png - (21.59KB , 960x560 , 605.png )
762528

"I was stocking shelves at Whole Foods before the HVAO," you say. "You never know what you can do until you do it."
"That's-- I don't-- ummm that's true."
"They could probably use writers too if you don't want to do the dating thing. I mean I'd totally get why you wouldn't. It's kind of high-risk right now."
"Ah."
"And also a little close-contact."
"Ah."

"We arrive at here," the Driver announces.
>>
No. 762530 ID: 6612fa

>>762528
we're clearly making her uncomfortable
we should just apologize, and say our good byes.

"look I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable, i can walk you to the door to make sure you are safe and then head back out, but if you don't like that I can stay in the car and head on out. feel free to call if you need an escort again"

maybe do an eyebrow wiggle on the word escort, or don't.
>>
No. 762531 ID: 9f3729

>>762528
Prop open the door, give her a card with the HVAO number on it.
"Think about it!"
>>
No. 762532 ID: ec99e5

We broke the sheep. We broke the bloody sheep!
Give her a minute to reboot and see what she does.
>>
No. 762533 ID: e22b1d

Walk her home! Be a gentleman!
>>
No. 762535 ID: 7b7ab3

>>762528
Oh, geez. Were we too forceful? Did we just lose a friend? Sully her opinion of Zack? We need to apologize if that's the case.
I don't want Krin to be unhappy or uncomfortable, and I don't want her to dislike Zack.
>>
No. 762537 ID: 595d54

>>762535
No, it's not time to panic. Relax and give her time to deal with the new ideas.
>>
No. 762538 ID: 668a9d

>>762532, then >>762533 if she's okay with it.
>>
No. 762547 ID: 7f9a7f

>>762528
Oops. Sorry, Krin. Got a little too passionate there for a minute. Didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.
>>
No. 762551 ID: ae13f3

>>762528
give her a bunch of numbers. your own and hvao's. tell her to think about it, no pressure.
actually, would giving your number to a writer be ok?
also say thanks to bro-driver. he's been cool.
>>
No. 762553 ID: 6612fa

>>762530
bika can be our pimp... Zack Nyugen inter-dimensional gigolo. would make a great movie... make it a parody comedy in which its like Austin Powers but with over the top male gigolo things
if not that would be a fun role play
>>
No. 762555 ID: 6612fa

>>762551
no it wouldn't, she has bika's number if she needs us she can get us that way
bro driver should drive us home lot more people hate zack at the moment.
>>
No. 762559 ID: 595d54

Go for the kill. Ask if she wants to try it out a little while you walk home.
>>
No. 762561 ID: f6ba27
File 148048876811.png - (13.08KB , 960x560 , 606.png )
762561

"Thanks, Zrazkokh." You dig for a ten in your wallet and tip him. He gives you the high sign.
You hold the door for Krinstezj and she exits unsteadily. She pats herself down, realizes she forgot her bag, and grabs it from the back seat.
"Thank you so much," she says sweetly to the driver, who repeats his gesture.
You pause at the car door, unsure whether to get back in and ask him to drive you back, but Krin shoulders her bag and then pauses in the same uncertain way.
So you close the door and wave at the SUV as it goes.

"I'm just up this block and around the corner a little," Krin says. "And like this is a Visitor part of town so I'll be OK walking back if you have to go so that's fine. Or like you can come in if you want. If you're thirsty. There's, like, apple juice."

1]] Say goodbye. You have somewhere to go: _______
2]] Say goodbye. You need to get back on duty for Bika.
3]] Give her your number.
4]] Walk her to her building.
5]] Walk her to her door.
6]] Some apple juice sounds great.
7]] I was actually thinking of getting a drink around here somewhere. You know the area. Want to show me around?
8]] ______________
>>
No. 762563 ID: 595d54

>>762559
6. Do this.
>>
No. 762564 ID: 398fe1

>>762561
2. DUTY FIRST
>>
No. 762565 ID: 668a9d

3, 2.
This has gone pretty smoothly, but let's not push our luck. Give her our number and let's get going.
>>
No. 762570 ID: 7f9a7f

4, 3, 2. See the job through to the end, establish a new contact, and head back to base.
>>
No. 762573 ID: 595d54

>>762565
Man I can understand being cautious but this isn't really pushing our luck. If we're worried about publicity, it can be done off of the street. As for Krin, she's super interested in Zack, they get along, and she really seemed into the idea even if she didn't want to jump into it. Let's take the next step.
>>
No. 762574 ID: 7b7ab3

>>762561
>4]] Walk her to her building.
Our objective was to see her home, and this is the best way to do it without being too forward.
>3]] Give her your number.
She's a charming person, and could be a valuable asset later on, so it's best to keep in touch.
>2]] Say goodbye. You need to get back on duty for Bika.
We should also check up on our other lovers. See how Geeg, Meg, and Poly are doing.
>>
No. 762576 ID: 6612fa

>>762561
4 to the extreme make sure she makes it there alright.
2
well i have to call in and tell them you made it in ok and if their is no one else that needs a cultural liaison this late at night i could hang out for awhile.
maybe 6 if bika doesn't have anything else for us.
>>
No. 762577 ID: 15b6b7

>>762574
This.
>>
No. 762582 ID: fd55dc

6 or 7
>>
No. 762583 ID: 2120ee

>>762561
6. Apple juice is FUCKING boss. Seriously, it's great.
>>
No. 762585 ID: 18c9f5

4,3,2
>>
No. 762586 ID: d163e3

>>762561
6

six

DO NOT Costanza this, Nguyen. You know damn well what she's inviting you in for.
>>
No. 762591 ID: 91ee5f

>>762574
This.
>>
No. 762597 ID: a41fd8

>>762561
See the little lady home, share contact info, then call up Bika and check on GG, Meg, and even Poly if she'll answer.
>>
No. 762608 ID: 594c18

>>762586
>you know exactly what she's inviting you in for
Which is exactly why you shouldn't go in. She's not part of the dulabira, you just met her. She's sweet and cute but I don't think we can handle more complication in our love life.
Just (4) walk her to her building and (2) bid her farewell (possibly (3) leaving her with your number since you know she IS sweet and cute and we may want to see her again)
>>
No. 762611 ID: d95874

4, 2.

Duty! No personal advances. Aside all the reasons given to shoot down flirting earlier, she's clearly not comfortable with that topic and my bet is she's just being a bit oblivious right now. Despite her age and physical development she's been coming off as kind of adolescent.
>>
No. 762623 ID: dea742

>>762574
>>762608

I agree with the above statements
>>
No. 762626 ID: 7d8168

Jumping on the 4+2 train.

No 3. For one, we got her number, so if we want her to have our number we can provide it at any later time. For now, let's keep things cool. The poor girl doesn't need to be tangled up in all our... us.
>>
No. 762648 ID: 71d443

4 + 2. Stop being thirsty.
>>
No. 762652 ID: 39e59f

I really doubt 6 is going to end in sex like everyone else seems to think. I think she just likes us and doesn't want to say goodbye just yet but she does not seem like the type at all. So 6
>>
No. 762655 ID: 350a50

4, 2
>>
No. 762662 ID: fceae5

>>762574
Definitely this. Let's see our new friend home, give her a means of contacting us, then get back to work. See how the fam's doing, too.
>>
No. 762664 ID: c441c1

6 + 3. because she is too sheep-eople to do anything but go for the juice and she seems like she might be a good contact for the future. Stay hydrated.
>>
No. 762676 ID: 370bbd

6. It's just juice, guys!
>>
No. 762677 ID: d95874

I'd like to remind people that we're also still trying to avoid feeding the rumor mill RE: Zack being an interdimensional manwhore.
>>
No. 762678 ID: 595d54

>>762677
We're not going to fuck in public, relax. Our job is to improve relations and refusing a friendly invitation for apple juice isn't how we do that.
>>
No. 762681 ID: 398fe1

>>762678
Anyone could see Zack entering the woman's apartment. That has IMPLICATIONS.
>>
No. 762683 ID: 595d54

>>762681
So does Zack being seen with a woman in public. If the media is determined to paint Zack as a manwhore, then stopping at her door won't change the narrative.
>>
No. 762685 ID: 8b035b

>>762677
>>762678
>>762681
>>762683
Take it to questdis.
>>
No. 762718 ID: 8963ff

4, 3, 2. Krin's a nice girl and all, but you HAVE to be professional about this. Leave her your phone number if she needs anything, then contact Bika for another job.
>>
No. 762722 ID: 9876c4

She's cute and I want apple juice.
>>
No. 762723 ID: 398fe1

>>762683
Being seen near a woman in public has implications he's friends with her. Entering the apartment with her has implications he's fucking her.
>>
No. 762760 ID: e136ae

Go get the damn juice.
>>
No. 762790 ID: f6ba27
File 148055723138.png - (14.23KB , 960x560 , 607.png )
762790

Krin's buliding is on a sleepy, tree-lined residential street. The entrance overlooks a stairway down into a basement barbershop, and a floater in a turtleneck is loitering outside on his phone. He waves to Krin as she approaches and she waves back, then he idles down the street, tension in his shoulders from his buried urge to fly.

"So this is me." Krin hops up onto the stoop and turns around. She's around your eye level now. "Do you want to-- thirsty?"
"I should be checking back in with Bika," you say. "Gotta get my next assignment.
"Right." Her eye flicks to the ground then back up. "Right. Cool. Well I'm-- Guess I'm all set then. Thank you."
"You're welcome." You unlock your phone. "Here, let me text you so you have my number."
"Oh!" Her eye somehow manages to get bigger. "Oh-- your-- okay!" She gets her own phone out to receive it. You send a quick text (zack phone hello) and her phone chirps.

"Z-A-C-K," she recites, adding you to contacts. "And then, ummm."
"N G U Y E N."
"Nguyen." She giggles. "That's a complicated last name."
"Sorry for the inconvenience, Krinstezj."
"Shut up!" She is clearly delighted.
"So if you need me." You hold your phone up. "Just let me know."
"OK. Will totally do." She looks at your name in her phone. "Awesome," she whispers.

You both stand looking at each other.

"I gotta make sure you get inside okay," you say.
"Oh! Yes! Right!" She fiddles with her key and unlocks the door. "Still works. Awesome. Ha ha."
You grin.
"Bye, Zack Nguyen! Thank you!" She waves to you as she closes the door. You wave back, then when you're satisfied she's okay, you turn on your heel and walk back to the avenue, unflipping your burner as you go.

Got that thing you sent me, you text Bika. Thirty seconds later your burner rings.

"Harry here," you say.
"Henry."
"Henry here."
"Well hellooooo Henry. Did you drop off my laundry?"
"Yep."
"You didn't get it dirty, did you?"
"Come on. I'm a professional."
"A professional what?"
"Launderer, evidently."
"How'd it go?"
"Good. I feel a little dehydrated maybe but good."
"You want to run any other errands while you're out? Or do you want to come on back? GG's here."

1]] Hit me with another one. The night is young.
2]] Does GG want to come out with me? Her muscle could be handy.
3]] I have someone I need to check in with first.
4]] I'll be right there. Warm up the Bringkgit.
5]] ______________
>>
No. 762791 ID: 595d54

>I feel a little dehydrated maybe but good
See? We needed the damn apple juice.

1 and 2 if she's not busy having fun.
>>
No. 762792 ID: 97271f

1, 2, 3.
On the job with the bae! But first let's check on our favorite cyborg and cyclops.
>>
No. 762794 ID: 350a50

1&2
>>
No. 762795 ID: 8963ff

2, 3, and if you have some time, 1.
>>
No. 762797 ID: 595d54

Wait let's just ask Bika if she has any apple juice around
>>
No. 762803 ID: 71d443

We should check in with GG. 4!
>>
No. 762806 ID: c441c1

for now it was a good first night lets go back to Bikas and have some mother fucking juice and nothing else only juice.
>>
No. 762815 ID: 7b7ab3

>>762792
>>762795
These.
>>
No. 762816 ID: 6967c4

1, 2, 3.
I wanna check in with Meg, but should we try with Poly? It's been a few hours by my reckoning, so maybe?
>>
No. 762819 ID: a158bc

1 and 2 for sure!
>>762816
>I wanna check in with Meg, but should we try with Poly? It's been a few hours by my reckoning, so maybe?
Meg sure, but Poly? I don't know. Should we wait for her to call us or take the initiative?
>>
No. 762848 ID: f6ba27
File 148057303808.png - (5.38KB , 960x560 , 608.png )
762848

"Do you think GG wants to come out with me when we do these errands?" you ask. "I could use her help, maybe."
"Probably. Want me to ask?"
"It'd be fun," you say. "I'll call you right back. I gotta check in on some mutual friends."
"Will do, boo."

You switch phones again. You feel like you're in The Wire or something.

You call Meg.
Two rings then she picks up.
"Hi, Zack!" Very chipper. Suspiciously so. "What's up?"
"Hi, Megumi," you say, cautiously. "Just, uh, just checking in. How are you?"
"Can't complain," Meg says. "Listen I'm going to have to call you back in the morning. I'm at a friend's this evening. Is that OK?"
"Sure. Yeah."
"OK. Love you!"
"Love you t--"
She's hung up.

Should you call Polyphema?
>>
No. 762849 ID: 2120ee

>>762848
Nah, just text her some emojis.
>>
No. 762850 ID: 595d54

>>762848
Probably not, as fun as the drama would be. In-character it hasn't been that long and we should either let her decide when to call Zack or check up if it gets long enough to worry about.
>>
No. 762859 ID: 91ee5f

"The you from before the war is dead. She is buried. You're not whoever you were before. You are Polyphema now. That's all you want to be and that's the only you I care about. We don't have to talk about past you anymore, but can we please just talk? I miss you."

I feel like texting this to her. Completely avoiding any mention of the Kariket in the text.

Unless, anyone/everyone else feels like texting something else or not texting at all?
>>
No. 762881 ID: e37a06

We should lay off the pressure on poly for at least this IC day, personal experience tells me that immediately following up with another stressing conversation wont work.
>>
No. 762882 ID: eb3cf7

>>762859
She really doesn't want us telling her what she is and isn't, and yeah, it hasn't been long since we last spoke. Give her more time.
>>
No. 762904 ID: 5a2567

>>762848

No, Zack. When the time comes you are going to sit down and compose a lovingly-crafted and carefully considered letter, so that you can a) double-check your thoughts before you fire them at her instead of fouling it up again and b) be sure she'll read through the whole thing instead of cutting you off half way.

Also you are going to come up with some sort of present to send her with it. I suggest a delicious skut meal.

Now call Bika back.
>>
No. 762911 ID: 117df8

>>762848
Wow. Okay. Now Megumi has me concerned. I hope nothing bad happens/happened.
As for Polyphema: I don't know. Things are complicated. I've thought about it, and her dumping Zack is one of the LEAST awful scenarios I've imagined.
I vote for the option where the least number of bad things happen.
>>
No. 762912 ID: 7b7ab3

As much as it pains me to say so, we should probably give Poly a little more time. No later than tomorrow morning, though!
Also, please let things be okay with Meg.
Now call Bika back.
>>
No. 762916 ID: 0555b9

Well okay then. Call Bika right back.
>>
No. 762919 ID: 91ee5f

>>762882
No, those are the words she used to describe herself. This is us simply acknowledging that and not bugging her about her past anymore.
>>
No. 762922 ID: fceae5

What I want:
>An adventure with GG
>Peace in the dulabira
>A good end to the night
>A safe return to SLS

What I don't want:
>Something tragic to happen
>Something awful to happen
>Something bad to happen
>>
No. 762923 ID: 6a972a

Well, that's weird, but okay. As long as she's not hurt or anything. Anyway, let's call Bika back, hook up with GG, and go on one more errand for the night. Maybe GG can comfort Zack a bit.
>>
No. 762933 ID: e1ea4d

hmm any way to ask bika if it'd had been ok to dirty that laundry?
>>
No. 762935 ID: 8963ff

>>762859
THIS.
>>
No. 762937 ID: 35153f

>>762933
Second
>>
No. 762949 ID: 350a50

Giver her time.
>>
No. 762988 ID: 6612fa

>>762848
i say give poly a text, she probably doesn't want to speak right now just tell her how you are doing and that you hope she is ok.
"hey poly i just wanted to make sure you are doing alright, I'm just helping bika with some of her side jobs at the moment. love you."
>>
No. 763017 ID: dea742

>>762859

Wow. I was all for leaving her be, but this is good. Go with this.
>>
No. 763023 ID: c04f98

>>762988
That's nice, I like that.
>>
No. 763030 ID: 6612fa

>>763017
this is actually bad, best way to address this is to not address the situation that caused the fight, it comes off as more concerned about the argument than her.
>>
No. 763033 ID: 5a2567

>>762859

I feel like a text is too impersonal, and comes off as too easy on Zack's part. We should put more effort into the reconciliation with poly than just a few sentences off-handedly tossed her way in between doing other things.
>>
No. 763039 ID: 6612fa

>>763033
very true but a text is something you can ignore and read later a call is something you can ignore and your words are lost forever.
>>
No. 763040 ID: cfd11e

>>762848
>Should you call Polyphema?
Yes, but not tonight. Wait until morning. By then she'll have had time to collect herself and process everything.
>>
No. 763041 ID: 5a2567

>>763039

That's why my suggestion is to sit down and write a full-fledged letter. Like, on paper.
>>
No. 763089 ID: 6612fa

>>763041
anyone else think we should check to see if we are being followed...
we just escorted a girl with a stalker home, they might be onto us now
>>
No. 764701 ID: b41272

>>762848
>Should you call Polyphema?
And dig ourselves deeper? Hell no.
>>
No. 765119 ID: f6ba27
File 148142479562.png - (9.05KB , 960x560 , 609.png )
765119

You bite your lip, finger over Poly's portrait in your contacts.
You shut your screen off and take your burner back out.

"GG's ready to head out," Bika says. "I got a couple of friends who could use you and her assistance tonight."
"Lay it on me."
"Do you remember Jay?"
"Um..."
"Floater doctor. He helped me out with my arm that one time. You met him very briefly, I think."
"Oh! Right."
"He's been trying to make a house call. A few times, actually. To an older Warrior on Bowery. But the lady's son won't let him in and he's too sick to stop him."
"Why not?"
"Because Jay is a Floater and therefore he's Golborian. Golborian military. And this kid doesn't like Golborians."
"But he's Golborian."
"Whatever you do, don't say that in front of him if you want to keep your spine where it is," Bika says. "Anyway we need him to get out of the way so Jay can do his job. People who know how to treat Warriors and will do it for free are in very, very few supply. Like it or not this kid needs Jay. So that's your first option."
"What's the other?"
"An Oculot whose apartment doesn't have any running water."
"They need a plumber?"
"He needs an advocate. The landlord of the place is supposed to be taking care of this according to the lease but the landlord is sitting on his hands. Apparently this is a pattern of behavior. The landlord doesn't want Visitors in his building. All of them he's gotten to break their lease and move away, and of course he keeps the deposit and ratchets up the price now that he's got one less undesirable. The one remaining exception is our Oculot. He hasn't had water for days and he hasn't gotten anywhere nagging. He needs backup. One human and one big tough Warrior at his back to remind the super of his contractual obligations."

1]] I'll help out Jay.
2]] I'll help out the Oculot.
>>
No. 765121 ID: 91cfcf

Help Jay. The sick mother sounds like she's in more danger of dying than the oculot, to be honest. He can drop by friends or use municipal water, but that disease doesn't sound like it'll get better by itself if a Warrior is too sick to handle an unruly son.
>>
No. 765123 ID: 49fe0f

Yes, I'll say 1) Jay seems the more urgent.
>>
No. 765128 ID: 987bda

>>765119
Jay is more urgent.
The Oculot could probably be resolved with a call to HVAO - landlords violating renters rights BECAUSE the renter is a visitor is definitely a point of concern for HVAO.
In fact, HVAO may be interested in making an example of the landlord to send a message that that behavior is not going to be tolerated.
>>
No. 765129 ID: 6612fa

>>765119
the sick mother sounds more urgent, the ocelot can live a day more without water but that old lady might pass on while helping others....
also this might give G.G. a new partner she said still wants rough warrior sex and we clearly can't give her that.
>>
No. 765139 ID: ea2b0f

>>765128
This.
>>
No. 765142 ID: 7b7ab3

What a dilemma.
Okay. What say we help Jay and report that landlord to the HVAO?
Or we could try to do both 1 and 2. Depends on time constraints.
>>
No. 765146 ID: 350a50

Jay is more urgent.
>>
No. 765152 ID: fdb270

>>765119
1. Maybe ask Bika to let us know how it goes with the oculot.
>>
No. 765163 ID: dea742

>>765128

I like this
>>
No. 765171 ID: 9145ba

2) We got lucky with GG's family. And our hip's only just healing up. We are far better suited to unclogging this Oculot's sink. Sorry, Jay.
>>
No. 765172 ID: e37a06

Need to deal with the doc first. However, maybe there's some way we can use this hot blooded to deal with the land lord?
>>
No. 765173 ID: 60d980

>>765119
1 is more urgent, while 2 is something more suited for the HVAO. Is it possible to do both, or get the kid who's blocking Jay to help with 1, I wonder....
>>
No. 765184 ID: f0a3f1

1. The real question is how we're going to convince this kid to let Jay do his job. Maybe bring up the fact that Jay is the only one qualified to help, and that his mom could die without aid.
>>
No. 765204 ID: 952ab0

We are much better suited to task 2 right now.
I don't know that you can say one is more urgent than the other, these are both situations that are likely to boil over soon, but task 2 has much farther reaching consequences in terms of PR and actually maybe preventing problems like this in the future.
>>
No. 765211 ID: 6612fa

>>765184
>>765204
we will have G.G. what makes you think we will be handling the rough stuff
>>
No. 765304 ID: f6ba27
File 148152291194.png - (14.64KB , 960x560 , 610.png )
765304

"Penguin Random House," you say. "The publishing guys."
"No shit?" GG says.
"Yeah. Big three of publishing houses."
"This is why I shoulda fucking gone to college," GG says.
"Well then you wouldn't be out here."

You and GG are waiting in front of Jay's door for the floater to come down. His building is in GG's neighborhood, and it's about as blocky and brutalist as hers.

"I think I'd have been a marine biologist," GG says.
"Why?"
"I like whales. Whales are sick. Maybe a mechanic."
"You can still go to trade school."
"Maybe I will. If any of em let a Warrior in."
"There's gotta be one that has to."
"That's what I said about construction agencies, dude," GG says. "And here we are."
"Well I'm glad you're here."
She grins. "That's cause you got a pissed-off Warrior dude to deal with."
"That's a little bitty piece of it."
"No worries. I'm glad I'm here too." She rubs her knuckle. "Been a sec since I've faced an angry Warrior down."
"Did dinner count?"
"Since I faced one down that wasn't my dad then." She keeps rubbing, pensively. "Hey, but Zack?"
"Yeah?"
"So like that day. How are you healing?"
"Pretty good." You tap your cane against your shin. "This is mostly just for effect now."
"Thank god. I was fucking freaking. But like-- it made me think."
"What about?"

"That there's uhh--" GG bites her lip. "Some stuff you can't really-- you're not really made for."
"Oh?"
"And Poly's not really made for either."
"Oh."
"And like-- I share you," GG says. "With Poly and Bika and Meg. And I love them, for sure, and I love you, like I really love you. And you do shit for me that like nobody else could. Ever. But-- I kind of--"
You think you know where this is going.
"I kind of miss it with someone I can be aggro with. And not hurt. So I guess-- and it would only be like just a physical thing but I was wondering if you might be ok if-- uhh and this is mad hypothetical right now-- I find a Warrior. On the side."
>>
No. 765306 ID: d163e3

>>765304
Tell her that assuming you care is like assuming that you love them hoes, and you don't love them hoes. You've got other hoes to ho and she can ho all she wants

ho
>>
No. 765308 ID: 595d54

Tell her: If it's just a physical thing then yeah sure. Should probably talk to people, get introduced, whatever. Speaking of which, you met this one oculot Krin who seems super into Zack and the celebrity thing. So you'll be trying to tap that since hey, Oculots are even better when they don't come with massive emotional baggage.
>>
No. 765310 ID: 9f3729

>>765304
It'd be pretty hypocritical to say no, just make sure its someone we all know
>>
No. 765311 ID: 3abd97

>>765304
Be damn hypocritical of me to say no considering the number of ladies I've got on the side. Well, well past the side.
>>
No. 765314 ID: c520b7

HELL YEAH! Go for it! Spread the love, baby!
Don't be surprised if we try to make friends with him/her, though. It's kind of our thing, you know.
>>
No. 765316 ID: 7b7ab3

>>765304
"Oh, Grightogot . My Warrior. My strength. My first love. Did I get jealous or possessive when you and Poly fell for each other? No. Do you know me to be a man who covets his love? No.
Seek peace and satisfaction, my love, and always know that I am here for you."
>>
No. 765317 ID: c441c1

>>765316
say it in a overly dramatic and joking fashion.
>>765314
some combination of these two said.
>>
No. 765318 ID: d4420c

>>765304
"WHOA WHOA WAIT! Time out! You mean you're not already?! Holy shit, honey! I have got to hook you up! There's no way in Hell I'm letting you die of thirst while I'm practically drowning over here. You and me are going cruising sometime, and we're not stopping until we find something big, red, and sexy for you to work your frustration out on."
>>
No. 765319 ID: 2120ee

>>765304
"Hey, I'm cool with it. Maybe try asking this guy. With your fists."
>>
No. 765320 ID: 9145ba

Can't Meg just buff the dents out?

Yeah, GG. Go and enjoy your alamads and your dulamads.
>>
No. 765321 ID: 44782a

Fuck, I'm torn.

>>765316
>emotional, romantic, and touching
>>765318
>friendly, casual, and enthusiastic

They're both supportive, so whatever works best, I guess.
>>
No. 765325 ID: 91ee5f

>>765308
>Oculots are even better when they don't come with massive emotional baggage.
As true as that is, that's very disrespectful to Poly. Please don't say that.
>>
No. 765327 ID: 7d8168

>>765318
Maybe not these exact words, but I agree with the general sentiment.

Zack will be the best wingman he can be, and let me tell you he can be a pretty fucking amazing wingman. Just ask Alan! ...no wait, there was that time... maybe don't ask Alan. Ask Gary, yeah!
>>
No. 765329 ID: 901bfc

of course, i understand i can't fulfill all your needs. find one that's a good lay and then introduce me, eh?
>>
No. 765330 ID: 6055f3

>>765304
yeah, ok.
>>
No. 765338 ID: 6612fa

>>765304
be sure to grab one of her hands when you tell her your sweet nothings. to show support.
throw in a
"just don't forget about me"
>>
No. 765340 ID: 49fe0f

>>765304

"Of course, it's only fair. No problem."

"... would he be wanting to wrestle me or something sometimes, if you got one? I mean I'd guess not because then how did dulabiras work with like some oculot guy attaching to a warrior girl who already had a warrior guy. I don't know the rules. Doesn't change my answer, I'd just like to know in advance."
>>
No. 765343 ID: 350a50

>>765316
This.
>>
No. 765346 ID: 5f2b81

>>765321
Zack: pick whichever of these two options is the most honest expression of your heart.
>>
No. 765347 ID: fceae5

>>765304
"Just a Warrior? GG, you insult my polyamorous, demon fuckboy sensibilities. If you and I haven't fucked our way through an army of attractive garakton by year's end, then I'll consider it a personal disgrace."
>>
No. 765385 ID: 8963ff

>>765304
"Go for it! By now, I'm pretty used to open relationships. If you want to get any more serious with whomever you choose, we'll have to set up a full dulabira meeting to see if he's worthy of joining us."
>>
No. 765395 ID: f562b1

It may not be standard boyfriend/girlfriend things, but you already are abnormal on your side, so there's no problem with her doing the same.
>>
No. 765439 ID: bb78f2

>>765304
Yeah, sure no probs with that.
>>
No. 765656 ID: f6ba27
File 148168344151.png - (10.51KB , 960x560 , 611.png )
765656

"Seriously? GG..." Your face is pure consternation. GG pales.
"Only one?" you ask.
She laughs her nerves out. "You bitch!"
"Because I read your boyfriend was some kind of sex demon."
"Naw," she says. "He just likes demon sex."
"GG if you want a Warrior that's fine," you say. "A drowning man has no right to refuse someone dying of thirst."
"I'm not dying," GG says. "I'm just sometimes in the mood for fruit punch when I'm not drinking cà phê trứng."

"Drinking what."
"It's a Vietnamese egg coffee popular in Hanoi."
"How do you--"
"Shh!" She hip bumps you and you nearly stagger. "The guy's here."

Jay emerges from his building, zipping his messenger bag as he comes. You can't help but notice the stock of a shock knife shoved inside of it.
Jay blinks diode blue at you. "Zack Nguyen."
You stretch out your hand. "Jay, right?"
"That's right." Jay gives it a cursory shake. "I was hoping to get someone else."
"Sorry?"
"An escort from a celebrity isn't what I had in mind," Jay says. "I don't want unnecessary attention."
"Uh-- sorry."
"But I'm glad you've brought muscle."
"I'm the brains actually, " GG says.
"If you want someone else--"
"You'll do. I trust Bika's judgment." Jay takes the street in. "The patient is only seven and a half minutes away on foot. But you being here complicates that."

1]] Then we'll just get a driver again.
2]] We'll be fine. Don't worry.
3]] You seem on-edge.
4]] Why are you bringing a gun?
5]] Can you leave the shock knife at home, please?
6]] _____________
>>
No. 765658 ID: 595d54

3. Let's not sling about 2 and 1 until we learn why specifically he's worried.
>>
No. 765659 ID: 350a50

3, 4
>>
No. 765667 ID: 7b7ab3

3, 1.
His concern is valid, so let's see about transportation. Did GG bring her pickup?
>>
No. 765671 ID: a965d8

>>765656
Well, he's clearly on-edge because tensions are high right now and he's bringing the shock knife for protection.
I'd say 1, but if GG brought her pickup (like >>765667 asked), then let's just use that.
>>
No. 765673 ID: 601a59

6) Get GG to give you her hat, tighten it up and tug it down over your face. Every little helps, you'd be surprised how easily people can not recognize someone.

Perhaps you should consider growing a beard. Maybe pick up some sunglasses somewhere along the way? There are quite a few types of shops that'll have a rack in the corner with a few cheap pairs.
>>
No. 765675 ID: 38aa3e

1, 3
>>
No. 765691 ID: 0c8311

>>765671
This.
>>
No. 765706 ID: 6612fa

>>765656
3
and PICKEMUPTRUCKS
>>
No. 765714 ID: eb3cf7

>>765673
Yeah, cover up with her hat.
>>
No. 765719 ID: 9145ba

Just 3. You know the answer to 4 and 5 is right out.
>>
No. 765721 ID: bb78f2

>>765656
GG, quickly, if we do the fusion Dance, no one will recognize Gringack.
Anyone got sunglasses? That'll probably do.
>>
No. 765811 ID: dd8ef8

>>765656
1, 3, 4
>>
No. 765816 ID: 8963ff

>>765656
Have to go with public concensus and choose 1 for transportation. If not, use 6 to say GG can carry you. XD

Though on a more serious note, 3 and 4, which would hopefully segue into 5. Hopefully its just because all Floaters are technically on duty by order of the Kariket.
>>
No. 765925 ID: 46894a

>>765656
"Then we'll just get a driver again. You seem on-edge."
>>
No. 765927 ID: 6612fa

ya know this guy is a floater so he is good with mechanics and doctoring and all that correct, maybe we can get him to fix the plumbing at that other place.
lol
>>
No. 765979 ID: f6ba27
File 148177758562.png - (15.39KB , 960x560 , 612.png )
765979

"Then we'll just get a driver again," you say. "GG's got a pickup. Right?"
GG blanks. "Oh! Yeah. Dude yeah. I shoulda brought it. Hang on I'm just gonna-- I'll be like right back with it."
"Can I borrow your hat?" you ask. "For a disguise?"
"My Official SLS Flat Brim? Get a paper bag."

"You seem on edge," you say to Jay, as the two of you rattle around with the PBR in GG's back seat.
"I try to be," Jay says. "It's worked so far."
"Yeah but, uh, Jay. Why did you bring a gun?"
"In case I need to shoot the son," Jay says. "The last thing anybody needs is a Golborian Marshall Physic hospitalized or worse by an earthling."
"But a Golborian shooting one...?"
"The Kariket is reactionary and contriving," Jay says. "Earth Gov, maybe a little less. And if I have to blow him open I know how to sew him back up again."
He pats his bag. "But make sure I don't have to."

The tenement entry looks like the threshold of a lockup before it looks like an apartment complex. This is the kind of place people just exist, and try to find their living elsewhere.
Jay pushes a grease-smudged buzzer a couple of times. A precarious crack from the speaker above it and a voice finds its way out.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Higkritek," Jay says. "It's Jay again."
Two seconds of dead air then the speaker snaps off again.
"Now we wait," Jay says.
Distant thunder resolves itself into something big coming down the stairs; and then here is a guy you can only assume is the son. Beyond a Byronic air to his brow he looks like your average Warrior, which is to say: Big, red, and dangerous.

"I told you, and I know I've told you many times," he says, in a voice studiously clear of emotion. "You're not welcome here."
>>
No. 765981 ID: 46894a

Suppose we should introduce ourselves and explain our presence here. Choose our words carefully. This situation is a powder keg looking for a match.
>>
No. 765983 ID: 7b7ab3

>>765979
"Good evening, Higkritek. My name is Zack Nguyen, this is my associate Grightogot Grzgkahk, and I believe you're already familiar with Jay. We represent the Human Visitor Affairs Office and the Visitor Advocates in these proceedings. We understand that your mother has fallen ill. We're here to help."
>>
No. 765985 ID: 595d54

Maybe don't mention or call attention to GG if he doesn't like other Golborians.

"Hello, Higritek. I'm Zack Nguyen, and I'm here to help you and your mother however I can. I understand your mother is ill and Jay believes he can help her. Would you be willing to explain your side of things to me?"
>>
No. 765987 ID: 6612fa

>>765979
quick punch him in the face
drastic over reactions worked with G.G.'s dad
jk
>>
No. 765991 ID: 2ae62a

>>765983
This.
>>765985
GG is just as much a US citizen as Zack.
>>
No. 765992 ID: 595d54

>>765991
Yes, I'm sure we all know that, but if you'll remember, that part isn't what matters to the guy we're trying to negotiate with.
>>
No. 765993 ID: 9ec218

Introductions followed by the standard questions.
What exactly is the problem?
Is he willing to negotiate?
Has his mother's condition changed?
>>
No. 765994 ID: 0476ad

Ok, one, this isn't an official thing, and I suspect this isn't an official thing for a reason, so let's not make it out to be. We're not here on behalf of the HVAO, we're just meddling do-gooders. If this is Bika's "territory" for helping out the Visitor community, though, hinting at her might make some progress. He's likely to have at least heard of her or the kind of services that Zack's aiming to provide right now. I'd say a sort of calm but casual air is the approach to try, here, nothing that seems like it would possibly be associated with any government or proper organization, since it's apparently Jay's position that's the problem.

So something like: "Higritek, hello. I'm Zack," [look at and/or nudge GG for her to introduce herself, wait for that, then] "Sorry to intrude, but we heard about this problem from a skut friend of ours and we were wondering if maybe we could find a way to help clear this up. Would it be possible for me and GG to come up and listen to you talk for a while? Maybe ask a few questions about all this?"
>>
No. 765997 ID: c72604

>>765979
"Hello, Higkritek. I'm Zack and I'm just gonna get to the point. I've heard through the grapevine that your mother is deadly sick, and that the one thing standing between her and the only person qualified and capable of treating her is you and your nationalism. So answer this for me: what's it going to take to get you to stop interfering?"
>>
No. 766005 ID: c10644

"Sir, this is the only doctor we could find that would take the case. If your mother dies on his insurance contract, he's going to have a problem. A ''You'll never work in this galaxy again'' problem. He does not wish for this to be a problem. He has every intent of saving your mother, at his expense if necessary, as his status from any failure would be so tarnished you could find him in a back alley and strangle him to death without anyone in the force caring."
>>
No. 766018 ID: 91ee5f

>>765994
>We're not here on behalf of the HVAO, we're just meddling do-gooders.
This is true. Don't mention the HVAO.
>>
No. 766068 ID: fceae5

"Hello, Higkritek. I'm Zack, and this GG. I heard that your mother is sick and that you have an issue with the available Physic. We're here to help."
>>
No. 766091 ID: 350a50

>>766068
This.
>>
No. 766153 ID: 2120ee

>>765979
Just introduce yourself and say something like "I heard about the situation from a friend and I'm here to help talk things out."
>>
No. 766154 ID: 6612fa

>>765979
here is the best idea
pat G.G. on the shoulder and let her handle the introductions
she is our alpha after all
she won us in a game of parkour
might as well let her handle big and red
>>
No. 766221 ID: f6ba27
File 148186906328.png - (15.36KB , 960x560 , 613.png )
766221

"Hi, Higkritek," you say. "I'm--"
"I know who you are," Higkritek says.
"Oh. Sure. Well I've heard that your mother is sick and--"
"Does Zack Nguyen know why she's sick, doc?"
"Irrelevant," Jay says. "But I guess you're going to tell him."
"Shock rock poisoning," Higkritek says.
"The term is Chemical Voc," Jay says.
"Combat drugs. Complete adrenal reconfiguration. In the war they decided she wasn't killing quick enough and pumped her full of it. They did." Higkritek stabs a finger at Jay. "The biotechnicians. The Floater Collective."
"If you want me to apologize for the actions of my colleagues--"
"Eleven thousand at the start of the program, half that make it through the war," Higkritek says. "And how many are left? After the deterioration began? Ten years on from five and a half thousand?"
"One hundred and four," Jay says.
"And now you want her to be your guinea pig again."
"For the cure this time, Higkritek. My success rate is--"
"I don't care about your success rate. My mother will not be used to refine any procedure or assuage your guilt. Find another."
"That's not why I'm here," Jay says. "If it's not me it's going to either be she dies on the other end of some resident's clipboard or she goes on a waiting list for an Earthling who knows Warriors. If you get off that list they're using our procedures anyway, with a 30 percent higher fatality rate, but regardless you won't get off that list before she dies."
"Then she dies an Earthling," Higkritek says. "If there's any chance that I can fix her without letting any of you touch her ever again, I'm taking it."

He rounds on you. "You really want to help, Zack Nguyen?"
"I--"
"Use your celebrity or your money or your HVAO friends and jump the list. Get her a doctor who isn't a war criminal."
"Or maybe I pop your lights out and we walk past you." GG places herself squarely between you and Higkritek. The uniquely combative grin of the garakton is forming on her face.
"Higkritek," Jay says. "I offer this for free. You go to a hospital you'll be paying off the medical debt for the rest of your life."
"My life, Floater." Higkritek is losing the calm from his voice. "And her life. Are both ours. And I would be proud to eat roaches the rest of mine if it meant your part is finished with them."
"I'd have listened better if I'd heard it from her, Higkritek," Jay says. "Before the coma."
>>
No. 766224 ID: 595d54

clearly we should offer to do the procedure ourselves after a training montage from Jay

montages solve everything
>>
No. 766225 ID: 897b0b

I think I have an idea.
With Higkritek's permission and cooperation, we can have his mother transported to a proper medical facility under HVAO supervision. The HVAO has a vested interest in tending to the needs of the Visitor population, after all.
If Jay is willing to cooperate with earthling doctors, then he can teach them how to perform the procedure. That way the mother can receive the same quality of treatment without it being administered by a golborian.
>>
No. 766228 ID: 7b7ab3

>>766221
"Everybody calm down! Higkritek's right. I have access to contacts and resources that could save his mother's life, and that is what's most important right now. It might take some work, but I am willing to do whatever it takes. What I need from you - all of you - is a willingness to cooperate with me. Alright?"
>>
No. 766229 ID: 455f09

Tell everyone to calm down and go to their corners while we network. We need to contact Bika and update her on the situation, then clear it with her if it's okay to involve the HVAO. We should also contact the HVAO and see where they stand. Would they be willing to help in some capacity?
>>
No. 766230 ID: 49978d

"Higkritek... well, my celebrity is only good for causing me trouble, I do not have quite that much money and the HVAO is already in crisis, but I will do what I can."

"However... There were many people in the war who did many terrible things. Among them Golborians who then decided to abandon Golboria, renounce their birthplaces and their peoples, and all in all make as clean a cut as if the portals had closed on them. For many I think they did this to leave the terrible things they had done behind them and, personally, I think that is fair. I count myself lucky, now, to know people who had such pasts, some of whom I am very close to. They have severed themselves from their history and the world is better to let it lie, and to let them move on, to become someone new. Your mother, I imagine, may well be one of these people."

"My job is to learn, but I still have a long way to go, but I have noticed something: that everyone who has come through the portals to stay and to live, those who the other side has disowned for it... there are no Floaters. They all remain, officially, of Golboria. Now, I know for a fact - I could in fact call it my professional opinion - that Floaters have feelings. My own girlfriend was chosen for her assignment based on the fact that her previous self had refused orders during the war. So, I wonder, why have no Floaters also abandoned Golboria, come here, become Earthlings, fully? I don't know, but I think whatever reason it is, it must be a good one."

"What, then, would a Floater with such feelings do? A Floater who, like other Golborians, wants to leave a history of crimes behind them? For whatever reason, they cannot simply leave and start fresh. So, they would have to do the next best thing. Make repayment for their crimes, out of their own pockets and their own time. Something very similar, I think, to what Jay here is trying to do."

"Basically, Higritek... I can't help but feel that denying Jay the chance to assuage his guilt is rather unfair, when your mother has already had hers."
>>
No. 766231 ID: bb78f2

>>766221
Higkritek, I lost my parents in the war. That is a void you do not come back from. Even losing one is not a void you come back from, perhaps you know this as your father is not here and from the timeline I can only assume he is dead or in Golboria... or something else but I don't want to insult you honor by implying it. I would give ANYTHING to have her back, even if she became a floater cyborg. As long as she maintained her free will and agency, and she could be my mother again. If I bump you up the list, someone else goes down and that could mean the death of another Warrior that doesn't have something Jay can help with. We'd be exchanging one life for another at that point. Just cause she dies in bed here without help or in the hospital doesn't make her an Earthling, it makes her dead, and gone for good.

I know Floater's are artificial in nature, made, not born, but they're sentient and have free will, and you don't know Jay. A single life does not represent the whole. If they did, I doubt my relationships would work as well as they do. Nor would you live on Earth. Human's oppress you ever day, do they not? Their fear of you put a bomb around your neck as children when you were in school if you were an immigrant child, their fear of you requires the volunteer work I'm doing so a scared Visitor can get safety home, or order some food from a human restaurant, or deal with land issues, or this situation, but yet you'd rather seek a human's help then a floater's. We're no better as a whole either, Higritek. It's only as individual's when we can make a difference and change. Who knows, perhaps Jay likes puppies, earth flowers, enjoying Warrior movies in his off time. He hasn't told me, that's his right. If he like's dancing to Stand By Me in front of a mirror nude, that's his to not share. Not that a Floater can really be nude without a penis flopping about or a vag and they're only given that under specific circumstances, but you get the idea.

So why don't you let this fine, moonlighting Chipindale's dancer doctor floater take care of your mother? He's not a Floater. He's Jay. Just like your Mom wasn't Warrior, killer of humans, she's your mother.
>>
No. 766233 ID: d27e7c

What even is the cure? If it's as simple as an injection or a pill or something, then why not just hand it off to Zack or whoever and have them do it?
>>
No. 766238 ID: 61c7b9

>>766221
Gonna be honest here. He's not a war criminal. He's a robot. From a species of robots. Complaining that he did unethical experimentation or those of his kind did, at the orders of command, is like complaining that a tree fell over in the wind, or that it rained. He was neither programmed to feel remorse for the deaths of test subjects, nor was his program considered immoral. The very fact that he has decided to use his advanced medical skills to help people injured by a program he may or may not have participated in makes him an abnormality and potentially endangers him if the Floater Collective starts complaining.

But this isn't important, because the kid isn't gonna back down and his mother's body is ripping itself apart upstairs. Have GG suplex him through the ground while Jay goes and does doctor things. Go along with him to supervise or hang back and make sure the kid doesn't injure GG too badly, whichever makes you feel better.
>>
No. 766261 ID: d27e7c

>>766238
>robot
Floaters are cyborgs, not robots.
>>
No. 766269 ID: 5fbc54

>>766221
we are not forcing treatment. he is her legal guardian while she's in a coma. the only thing we can do is convince him that her having a life thanks to war criminals is better than her not having a life at all.
>>
No. 766282 ID: 2120ee

>>766221
"Higkritek even if I could jump the list, and I don't know if I could, I wouldn't. You're asking me to deprive someone else, someone else's mother maybe, of care. You're asking me to kill for your pride. Let Jay help your mom. If she isn't happy with that, she can take it out of his hide herself."

The HVAO isn't a solution to this problem. If we use it like it is, we're kind of scum. First, because I doubt Jay is lying that the success rate isn't as good and our job here is to help a sick lady- that means not rolling over to please her boneheaded son. Second, if we use our influence to bump her up any list, we're bumping someone else down that list. That is not helpful. That is not what we're here to do. Zack Nguyen does not trade lives for the sake of convenience.
>>
No. 766292 ID: a107fd

"Okay, okay, since you insist, I'll use my HVAO friends to get your mom's case the best priority treatment. GG, please introduce this obstructive gentleman to your fists."

Higkritek just said, explicitly, that he does not care about the difference in success rate. That means this obstruction is mainly about his pride, and not at all about his mom's actual life. He's literally refusing to listen to reason. GG basically just needs to distract him long enough for Jay to zip past.
>>
No. 766297 ID: 04aca8

>>766221
Sounds like you have a real grievance, I had a pretty big grievance when I was a child when portals opened up all around me and my family was butchered like animals in front of me. But i move on and don't blame the mistakes or orders of others on an entire race of people. If i was that cold of a person I would never have found someone I love and makes me as happy as g.g." hug GG or go for a full on kiss

then punch him in the face jk. I laugh everytime
>>
No. 766318 ID: 350a50

I don't think he'll listen if we don't open up with something to grab his attention and stop him from cutting us off.

>>766221
"A Warrior killed my mother, Higkritek."

See if this gets his attention first. If he lets you continue,

"I swore to her that day that I would not let hate win. Is your hate and your pride really so strong that you would let someone you love die for the crimes of others?"
>>
No. 766321 ID: f36501

>>766318
>>766282

Some combo of these.
We can't force him to let us treat her, nor can we prioritize her life over someone else's sick mother. Either is super fucked up. All we can do is give our side, and respect that he represents his mother's wishes.
>>
No. 766337 ID: 63f62b

>>766228
Seconding this. It's a good method of convincing a stubborn moron that he will owe you even more than his mother's life.
>>
No. 766364 ID: 7d8168

>>766318
I really like this idea.
>>
No. 766409 ID: acff96

>>766318

Thirding this! It's a higher-risk higher-payoff strategy, I think, but I'm down for that. More importantly I just think it's likely to be really interesting and produce some great drama.
>>
No. 766451 ID: 6612fa

>>766297
>>766318
lets go warriors killed my mother route
and show some affection towards G.G. to illustrate the point we don't blame an entire race on the faults/orders of the kariket.
really be sure to rub in that he should hate the kariket and not anyone else
>>
No. 766522 ID: 350a50

>>766451
This too, honestly.

Kariket is the true threat, not each other.
>>
No. 766636 ID: f6ba27
File 148205176195.png - (13.08KB , 960x560 , 614.png )
766636

"Higkritek," you say. "A warrior killed my mother."
Higkritek laughs. "Spare me this line of bullshit, Zack Nguyen."
"She--"
"I don't give a shit about your sob story. A human helicopter killed my father. My sister was killed by garakton raiders. My other brother, an oculot. Now my mother is being killed by the floaters. Billions have killed billions. Your loss makes you the opposite of special, little human. Thought you'da figured that out by now."

"Gzi hagskzisda drahgahas, Higkritek," GG says.
He turns on her. "You gonna take a turn, Warrior?"
"Has your mom taught you anything or has she been too busy dying the entire time?" GG asks.
"You wanna see what she taught me?"
"The drahgahas tells us," GG says, "when a grudge is no longer carrying you forward you drop the grudge. That's what warriors are supposed to do. Hold onto one after it's useless and it makes you useless. You're doubly weak: too weak to take it out on the Golborians and too weak to let it go; so its flow is stopped up and flooding your foundation and you're taking it out on yourself and the people you love. You've let the force from your grudge stay bouncing around inside you and it's made you sick. You're acting like a human right now. Or a kariket."
At the sound of his name Higkritek's smirk erases. "You're coming close to something you'll regret."
"You're a hypocrite," GG says, "and a retard. And it's probably a good thing that your mom's in a coma so she doesn't have to watch her hypocrite retard son get his shit beat in."

You get the feeling something violent is about to happen.
>>
No. 766637 ID: c441c1

watch it.
>>
No. 766638 ID: 9145ba

Time for Plan B, as in Beat-em-up.
>>
No. 766640 ID: 61c7b9

>>766636
I'm with her. Let GG beat his shit in, escort the doc upstairs.
>>
No. 766642 ID: 7d8168

>>766640
I think doing so while the fight's happening would be tactless, and though the situation is desperate, getting Jay to the patient once isn't likely to be all that's necessary. Unless we can convince Higkritek, it's only a short term solution.

I think we wait. He's not in the mood for talking, let's wait until he's a bit tired out.
>>
No. 766647 ID: 90990e

Well, that was disappointing.

I think that perhaps we've been trying to resolve this the human way when this guy needs it resolved the Warrior way. Perhaps we shouldn't step on GG's toes here. Honestly, I don't really know what else to try.
>>
No. 766649 ID: 586d55

ENOUGH! You have two very simple choices, Higkritek! You're mother lives or she dies. Her life hangs by a thread, and as you stand here in your meaningless defiance you are killing her just as surely as her affliction. You have a chance to save her life. Don't let hate destroy what's precious to you.
>>
No. 766651 ID: 7b7ab3

>>766636
This drahgahas stuff seems pretty important. We'll have to ask GG about it. Assuming we don't get her killed, that is

>>766649
This. We need to do something to disarm this situation. Someone could get seriously hurt. I don't want that happening on Zack's watch.
>>
No. 766652 ID: d163e3

>>766636
GG will likely be aroused by this warrior's Alpha attitude, and take him as a sexual partner. Be prepared to deal with him a lot more, Zacko.
>>
No. 766653 ID: 7b7ab3

>>766652
GG is the exact opposite of impressed.
I doubt you're correct.
>>
No. 766654 ID: 38e575

>>766636
Alright. We have to do something. There is way too much of a chance that this will end horribly.
Jay could shoot Higkritek or GG could hurt Higkritek or Higkritek could hurt one of our party.
Ask Higkritek a simple question: what is more important to him? His grudge or his mother? That grudge is killing her just as effectively as the sickness, by the way.
>>
No. 766655 ID: 38e575

>>766651
>This drahgahas stuff seems pretty important. We'll have to ask GG about it.
Questions for later.
>Assuming we don't get her killed, that is
I'm certainly hoping that's not a high risk.
>>
No. 766658 ID: 91ee5f

>>766654
You're also forgetting that 2 Warriors fighting in the lobby of an apartment complex is a bunch of property damage and an eviction notice for Higkritek and his mom just waiting to happen.
>>
No. 766659 ID: 38e575

>>766658
Duly noted. Yet more reasons to try and resolve this peacefully.
>>
No. 766660 ID: 9f3729

>>766658
"At the very least let's take this outside so you don't wreck the lobby, guys."
>>
No. 766661 ID: 5cb944

>>766636
absolutely not. defuse the situation. like it or not, even if he's being irrational, it is his prerogative to refuse treatment!
and make sure jay doesn't shoot anyone.
>>
No. 766664 ID: 8bf894

"GG NO! STOP! Jay, back off! Listen to me, Higkritek! If we leave, that's it! No one else is coming! No one! She'll die, you'll lose your mother and be alone, and nobody will be happy! She has a chance - A SINGLE CHANCE - to survive, and the one thing - THE SINGLE, SOLITARY THING- standing between it and her is you and your thrice damned grudge! Now if you want us gone, just say "leave" once more. Otherwise, stand aside. Now what's it going to be?"
>>
No. 766665 ID: 5b93d3

>>766660
And once they walk out, head upstairs with Jay.
>>
No. 766666 ID: 38e575

>>766660
>>766665
You don't honestly think he'd make it that easy, do you?
Our best bet is to try and defuse the situation.
>>
No. 766675 ID: 6612fa

>>766664
hell no
let g.g. punch him in the face
we knew it was coming to this anyway.
beside she might get some side action out this eventually if she likes the rough and tumble they do they might just do a regular tumble later.
>>
No. 766682 ID: 49978d

Yeah let's let GG have her go.
>>
No. 766683 ID: 7b7ab3

I would STRONGLY advise against letting a fight break out.
We were sent here to handle the situation diplomatically.
Also, it is very likely that someone could get seriously injured.
>>
No. 766684 ID: 6612fa

>>766683
please we shouldn't have tackled g.g.'s dad which was a completely absurd decision because nothing was on the line and we did it for the shits and giggles
when while their is a dying woman in this situation, plus g.g. wants to crack her knuckles and she has a decent excuse
let it happen
>>
No. 766688 ID: a107fd

Kick Higkritek in the crotch while he's distracted sizing up GG as a worthy opponent. He's not the one you were sent here to save, except to the extent that you're trying to get him out of the way without killing him, and he just insulted your mom. C'mon, Zack, you've physically assaulted guys twice your size for way stupider reasons than this, and it turned out fine.
>>
No. 766690 ID: 38e575

>>766684
>>766688
No and no. This is going to end in disaster.
>>
No. 766692 ID: 4cfe41

Whip out your dick and tell him that's how you'll cure his mother.

It might be worth trying to be more assertive and tell him not to interrupt you so you can finish your earlier spiel, but I kinda doubt that'll de-escalate the situation. Getting them outside might be the best you can do right now.
>>
No. 766693 ID: 90990e

Feel kind of unsure of what to do here. It sort of feels like there isn't any option that will resolve this the way we'd like. Any argument we've tried to make has been shut down before it's gotten started; I'm not sure if any amount of eloquence will work here. Likewise if GG beats him up, assuming she even wins, I'm not sure if that will work out well either. There are so many ways it could go wrong even assuming it stays at the level of merely social violence.
>>
No. 766697 ID: dea742

Wait, Zach's suffering doesn't make him special but this guy's somehow does? I agree with GG, he's a serious hypocrite.

But he does have a point. As next of kin he has the right to refuse treatment on his mother's behalf. I'm thinking maybe we should step back.
>>
No. 766741 ID: 350a50

Call GG off. Higkritek has the right to refuse treatment, and if we keep going here there will be property damage and police involved.

Fall back and speak to Jay about how much time we have. Diplomacy failed, violence will escalate the problem, we should get into contact with Bika and do this covertly. She must have at least a few infiltration specialized bodies. Higkritek can't be home all the time, he has to have a job to afford to live here and take care of his mother. That means that his mother can't be under his guard at all times. We just need to get Jay in.

Once she's awake maybe she will be able to put some discipline in her brat, or maybe she'll be just as bad, who knows.
>>
No. 766742 ID: 38e575

>>766741
I had

N O T

thought of that as a possible answer. I actually kinda like it. I'll support it.
>>
No. 766750 ID: 241e41

"Okay, I guess we're going to have a fight now. So what are you fighting for, exactly?"

He'll probably say something about his mother's pride, or something along those lines. Ask if she said anything about this situation. As in, if she specifically said she'd rather die than receive treatment from a Floater. Because we don't know if he's actually acting on her wishes.

Depending on how he responds and how willing to listen he is, we could also point out that he said he didn't care what her odds of survival were, or how long she'd have to wait for treatment, or how much it would cost the two of them.

Zack might want to have GG say some of this instead of saying it himself. She's better suited to taking a punch if he gets mad.
>>
No. 766755 ID: 6612fa

>>731264
>>766742
nah punch him in the face. this is an actually appropriate situation to use violence first rather than when we were with G.G.'s parents
let G.G. tackle him and while he is distracted jay can do the healing, then just leave
would love to see the news coverage
"zack nyugn forcefully entered a home and forced himself on the occupants mother... to save her life with a cure to a deadly disease she contracted."
>>
No. 766756 ID: efa855

"Do you think Jay isn't an Earthling? If the past doesn't matter, why should his?"
>>
No. 766761 ID: 350a50

>>766755
Do you want to die?
>>
No. 766762 ID: 6612fa

>>766756
technically all floaters are an wing of the karikets military force... except for ours since she defected.
>>
No. 766763 ID: 6612fa

>>766761
yes, would be funny and interesting to the story
>>
No. 766766 ID: 350a50

>>766763
Assuming the story actually continues?
>>
No. 766782 ID: 2120ee

>>766636
"Say, Jay, what is the success rate of the procedure anyway?"

We probably should have probed for more info before trying to resolve things. Not that this dude is super patient, but whatever.
>>
No. 766791 ID: 5fbc54

>>766636
tbh, if a nazi offered me treatment after mengele experimented om me, i'd probably tell him to fuck off too.
remind everyone here that we are not forcing the issue and it's his right to refuse, even if we don't agree.

thing is, we need to remind him that germans != nazis. the kariket's policy was to sacrifice 10,000 warriors, and now it is to kill all defectעors. jay is not here to advance either policy, in fact he's here to help defectors. i think think that merits looking at him as a german.
>>
No. 766955 ID: f6ba27
File 148219254224.png - (13.66KB , 960x560 , 615.png )
766955

You shake your head in resignation. "Can you at least take it outside?"

"How about it, Higs?" GG is circling him now, tucking you and Jay behind her with one arm. "Pick the place."

Higkritek stares murder at her, then tilts his head toward the stairwell down. He descends, and GG follows. She looks back at you and Jay, marooned on the stairwell. "Hey Z," she says "Wanna come see me take this dude apart?"
>>
No. 766957 ID: 595d54

>>766955
"Sure, but I'll have to be a lookout while Jay fixes his mom up." Turn to Jay. "Got a signal in mind?"
>>
No. 766958 ID: 9145ba

*cough* yes. Jay came prepared to do what he needed solo.
>>
No. 766960 ID: bb78f2

Please don't actually take him apart.
Have fun though.
>>
No. 766966 ID: 350a50

Don't mention Jay fixing Hig's mom in the meantime, he could still be in earshot. Just not to Jay and go outside with GG.

If things go well, you need to be there to make sure she doesn't go to far. If they don't go well, you need to try to make sure she gets out okay.
>>
No. 766967 ID: 350a50

>>766966
Nod to Jay, not not.
>>
No. 766977 ID: e16371

>>766955
Whisper to Jay and ask if you can borrow his gun.
If things go pear shaped, we'll need some "leverage" to convince Hig to play nice.
>>
No. 766978 ID: 7b7ab3

>>766955
Shit. Alright. Go with her.

>>766977
Also this. Best to be prepared. We are N O T losing GG because of some snotty punk.
>>
No. 766980 ID: 595d54

>>766978
Don't bullets literally bounce off of Warriors? Shooting him sounds like it'd be more likely to hurt someone else. Get the shock knife instead if we can.
>>
No. 766981 ID: 999c02

>>766955
"Sure. I kinda feel like a screwup for letting it get this out of hand, though."
>>
No. 766986 ID: 7b7ab3

>>766980
>Get the shock knife
That's what I meant!
>>
No. 766987 ID: 91ee5f

>>766980
Human bullets, yes. But Jay doesn't have a human gun with him, he has a Golborian gun, which will put a hole in a Warrior.
>>
No. 766993 ID: 350a50

>>766977
This also.
>>
No. 766998 ID: 8963ff

>>766955
Ask Jay how much time Hig's mom has left. If there's plenty of it, go ahead and watch GG punch the dude's face in.
>>
No. 767003 ID: 44c57e

>>766960
This.
>>766966
This.
>>766977
This.
>>
No. 767007 ID: 6612fa

>>766955
"as long as jay doesn't need an extra hand in here" and look at jay to see if he needs the help

srsly lets go where we are needed and if we are not lets go where we want
and i want to see g.g. throw down.
>>
No. 767092 ID: cecc33

>>766955
the fuck? we still can't treat the mom! legal guardian still said no! that'd be both messed up and illegal!
unless kicking his ass will give him some new insight into the error of his ways (instead of entrenching him further into the old ones), we're not going near his mom today.

also am i the only one worried for gg?
>>
No. 767093 ID: 9145ba

>>767092
He's a Warrior, not a human. Might makes right - and GG feels mighty!

Also consider: 1) we are not doing anything to his mom, Jay is and 2) this is what advocate work is about: going places the law won't help and taking care of business in the Visitor community. Our job was to get that kid out of Jay's way, and that's what we're doing.
>>
No. 767112 ID: a107fd

>>767092
>legal guardian still said no!
He was denying her medical care when she was still conscious and competent. Think that makes him less of a 'guardian,' more of a 'captor.'
>>766221
>"I'd have listened better if I'd heard it from her, Higkritek," Jay says. "Before the coma."

Besides which, 'legal?' What legal system are you thinking of, here? Major governments on both worlds have clearly failed these folks. Right now Zack's on a mission for the People's Republic of Bika. Her law says to get the kid out of the way so Jay can save the mom.
>>
No. 767113 ID: f6ba27
File 148221879086.png - (88.18KB , 950x560 , 616.png )
767113

"All right," you say. "Shit. All right. I kind of feel like a screwup for letting it get out of hand."
"It's in hand," GG says. "Big red hand. He needs fixing, Z. Just like his mom does." She cracks four pairs of knuckles.

It's one of those alleys where the rain from two months ago, curdled into a distinctly urban malevolence, somehow finds its way to dripping onto your head.

Higkritek is waiting on the other end of it.
"I finish with you and that floater is in my apartment, he's going out the window," he says.
"That'd hold water if floaters didn't fucking float, my guy," GG says. She unwraps herself from her shirt and tosses it to you. She's bound only by her sports bra, which is doing its best. She starts to step out of her shoes then eyes the scummy ground. "Shoes on?"
"Fine." Higkritek is taking his own shirt off. His insane muscles prowl enormously beneath his skin.
GG limbers up. "Ughzhsuri?"
Higkritek pauses. "I don't do that."
"A four armed man who doesn't ughzhsuri is not a man," GG says. "And the ancestors piss on his face."
"We're not on Golboria."
"If we were on Golboria," GG says, "a hgzjska rughal spkzl like you would be hyperbeast shit."

(Thank U to RML for this panel)
>>
No. 767114 ID: f6ba27
File 148221881525.png - (57.95KB , 960x560 , 617.png )
767114

Higkritek charges her.
She laughs as he comes, then takes two punches in quick succession to her stomach.
You wince and gasp.
She doesn't.
She tugs Higkritek's arms in and past her, stepping into his frame, brings her knee straight into his hip, then hooks him around the leg with hers and sends him sprawling to the ground.
"Unbalanced," she says.
She stomps him directly on the chest hard enough that you feel the impact at your feet. A dark patina of alley scum in the shape of her sneaker is stamped across his chest as he scrambles to his feet, wheeling round to see her back turned to him as she walks away.
He charges her again and like water she's not where she was anymore. Her silky hair swishes in his face and then her fist hits the side of his head hard enough you're shocked it stays on.
"Slow," she says.
He comes back with a haymaker that makes your eyes water but seems to have all the effect on GG's jaw that a bug has on a windshield.
"Weak," she says.
>>
No. 767115 ID: f6ba27
File 148221883948.png - (79.48KB , 685x393 , 618.png )
767115

Then they're a scarlet thunderstorm of limbs, jabbing, grappling, rolling across the grime like two huge violent spiders. The only time you can follow what's going on is when GG hits Higkritek hard enough to wind him, which seems to be happening constantly. He gets on top of her only to be cartwheeled face-first into the pavement. He takes a wild, three-fisted swing and she is suddenly behind him, driving the point of her elbow into his spine. He gets her in a headlock and she delivers a scorpion kick directly into his junk that nearly makes you bite your tongue. At one point you could swear she pulls a literal fucking DDT on him.
It's just like she told you: she's taking him apart.

He is spat out of her latest throw like a bone from the mouth of a dragon, and wavers in the alleyway.
He turns to you.
You take a step back and he takes three big steps forward.
Then a flying dropkick sends him toppling like a redwood. You scramble out of the way.
"Coward!" GG flips him onto his back and steps on two of his wrists. She grinds her heel and he howls. "See what you have let them make you, Higkritek!"

(Thank u also RML for this panel. everyone go read Coxwette)
>>
No. 767116 ID: f6ba27
File 148221885727.png - (94.97KB , 960x560 , 619.png )
767116

She pulls his head up off the asphalt, and cradles it almost.
"I'm gonna show you what you're supposed to be," she says.
She brings her knee up into his chin.
Then she does it four more times.
Just as you're moved enough to start forming some kind of protest, a white fleck comes shooting out of Higkritek's mouth. Her arm snaps out to catch it. Her palm opens. A bloody tooth.
She lets him crumple back down and squats over him, holding it between her thumb and forefinger. "You see this?"
He manages to nod.
"By law of ughzhsuri, I get one promise," GG says. "And you will promise to stop this bullshit. And let Jay do his job. Snrkzjila pakhra ughzhsuri."
"Snrkzjil-- snrkzjila pakhra ughzhsuri," Higkritek repeats.
"Good." GG pockets the tooth. "You don't like it, you get good enough to take it back." She extends her hand. "Not that you will. Until you figure out your drahgahas."
He takes her hand and cranes himself painfully back to his feet. He shuffles down the alley, finds his shirt, and scrapes what's left of himself back into it.

GG takes hers back from you. "We oughta be good now."
>>
No. 767118 ID: 595d54

>>767116
Laugh and say "Never heard you complain about what I make you." after he's out of earshot. Then we should probably phone Bika.
>>
No. 767121 ID: 7d8168

Take a quick look around for anyone else who may have been watching the fight. If anyone was, it'd be best if they aren't, say... uploading a video to their social media site of choice this very moment.
>>
No. 767123 ID: 91ee5f

Drop jaw with your mouth wide open. D:

"My dick still isn't fully healed and I have a huge boner right now. My boner is causing me pain. You have no idea how much pain I'm in right now."

We should follow Higkritek up to where his mom and Jay are because if Jay sees Higkritek by himself he might think Higkritek is gonna throw him out.
>>
No. 767124 ID: 9145ba

"Holy shit, now I'm the one turned on by violence. If we find a thicker mattress this time I will serve you a whole bowl of fruit punch."
>>
No. 767125 ID: 901bfc

kiss her that was hot as hell
>>
No. 767133 ID: 25e441

holy shit
>>
No. 767134 ID: 44c57e

That was absolutely insane. She is FAR more capable than I have her credit.
We should absolutely ask her to explain drahgahas to us. We need to understand.
>>767125
Also this.
>>
No. 767140 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767113
>>767114
>>767115
>>767116
3 things.

1.) That was awesome. Truly, truly awesome. Also terrifying. She deserves a reward.

2.) Is she injured? Any pains or anything? She might want to let Jay take a look at her.

3.) Will she please teach us about drahgahas?
>>
No. 767149 ID: 8dcef8

>>767140
This.
>>
No. 767151 ID: bb42f1
767151

As incredible as that was, and as baller as GG undoubtedly is, I think this fight may legitimately just showcase the difference between a Warrior who has stayed in touch with their culture whilst adapting and one who hasn't, more than the fact that GG is in the top percentile of skill or something. Honestly I'm glad this worked out as well as it did, I think clearly we did need a Warrior solution rather than the human one. Also glad that things mostly seemed to stay at the level of social violence; thinking about it, with two Warriors that was always reasonably likely, I was just worried that Higkritek might have been feeling so protective of his mother that he'd escalate.

Anyway, in terms of what to do:
1) Congratulate GG on being totally awesome. Kiss/hug her and tell her how hot she is, and that she deserves a reward.
2) Ask if she can teach her puny human boyfriend about drahgahas, because seriously, that was totally fucking awesome.
3) Go check on Jay.

I left out asking her if she's alright because I'm worried it might come off as an implication that she wasn't strong/proficient enough. However if Zack can do it tacitly in a way that avoids that whilst showing concern (and thinking about it, he's an excellent communicator so he probably can) then I'd be all for it.
>>
No. 767154 ID: fceae5

>>767140
>>767151
These.
>>
No. 767172 ID: 49978d

"Knew you had him, GG. Still impressed, though. Haven't been lucky enough to see you at work like that before."

As for asking if she needs help without being any sort of downer on her victory, maybe phrase it something like: "He gonna need any help from Jay too, now?" and then "You want anything yourself?" Something like that would emphasize how he was worse off than her, and we'd be asking if she "wants" anything rather than if she "needs" anything.

Once we're in a more private spot/moment, maybe we could also apologize to her for having to step in and fix where we were screwing up. Maybe have a chat about the tactics we were trying to use and what went wrong, since I think the core argument we were aiming for - "holding on to grudges means missing out on good stuff" - was the same as what GG used.

I'm worried about Higgy still thinking poorly of Zack after this, too, but I can't think of a way to set him straight without just coming off as whiny.
>>
No. 767173 ID: 595d54

>>767172
>I'm worried about Higgy still thinking poorly of Zack after this, too, but I can't think of a way to set him straight without just coming off as whiny.

Who cares, tbh, he's just some jackass.
>>
No. 767192 ID: 350a50

>>767140
This.
>>
No. 767242 ID: b3de4e

Just had a thought... GG already knew our mother was killed by a Warrior, right?

(I know I should remember but it's been a while since I read through the quest.)

We didn't inadvertantly introduce her to that fact just now did we? :v
>>
No. 767243 ID: 6a30d5

>>767242
She already knew. Zack told her at a sleepover once.
>>
No. 767246 ID: b3de4e

>>767243
Oh thank god.
>>
No. 767252 ID: 6612fa

>>767116
jump in her arms kiss her full on and call her your hero.
she did protect you from him when he got desperate
>>
No. 767255 ID: f6ba27
File 148230704284.png - (174.86KB , 960x560 , 620.png )
767255

"That was fucking amazing," you say. "That was hot."
GG winks. "I know. That's why I invited you."
Higkritek is steadying himself next to a soggy pile of cardboard. She waves to him. "Take a lap, Hig! Run it out."
"Are you ok? Hurt or anything?"
She snorts. "As if. You saw that shit. Guy couldn't punch out a skuteet."
"What did you say he needed? Drahagas?"
"Drahgahas. Warrior thing."
"Can you teach your puny human boyfriend about it?" you ask, as she leads the way back to the apartment complex.
"Uhhh." GG furrows her brow. "I can try. It's kinda-- I don't know if it's complicated or maybe I'm just dumb at explaining shit. But basically at like the most basic level Drahgahas is this thing that says every Warrior is basically equally strong. That's not 100% true but they're definitely a lot closer to each other than usually humans are. Like the endorphins Warriors get for strength training is like way more than Humans. Or something.

So the idea is that Warriors are all basically the ultimate, uh, warriors. So in a straight up one-on-one fight, they should be exactly equally matched. So Drahgahas is this... philosophy or like training thing. The mind games. Two warriors fight, and one of them if he's conflicted about what he's fighting about, if in the back of his mind he knows he's wrong or whatever like Hig did, it's going to undermine him. His head won't be all the way in it, or it hasn't motivated him to train hard enough, or whatever. It can be a really tiny disadvantage, but since everyone's equal, uh hypothetically anyway, that doesn't matter. Drahgahas says the right one will always win. So if two Warriors fight, the one who's right wins. Might makes right. But like legit. If a Warrior community needs to decide something really important and divisive what they do is spend days and days and days comparing and searching for Warriors who are the most fanatically convinced of their opposite viewpoints and who are as physically similar as possible, like same weight same bench same as much as they can, and then have them fight. And whichever one wins, like, you know their side is right. And it's not because like grrr I'm stronger so you have to do what I say-- I mean they don't even look for their strongest guy to fight they look for their most equal to the other guy to fight-- it's because Warrior logic dictates if they win they have to be right and if they're right they have to win." She scratches her cheek. "I don't know if this is explaining it good."

"What if both of them think they're right?"
"It's not about thinking though," GG says. "It's like-- being. Kind of."
"But say somehow both of them are 100% convinced enough that it's not going to affect either of them. Purely hypothetically."

"Well ok this is where it gets more complicated because... ok so Golborian-- I guess Golborian religion, kind of, says that there is this-- the Garaktonnik word for it is Yzja-- the Yzja is this ideal impossible reality, where everyone made exactly the right choices and did exactly the right things and everyone is living like kings, like their best possible lives, and Golborian like... morality kind of, is all just about acknowledging that this is totally impossible, like to do every single thing right and achieve Yzja, but you have to try to get as close as you can. So always be asking yourself what the best possible version of you would do, and then do that. And I think the idea is that whoever's Drahgahas-- like whoever's reason for fighting is closest to Yzja-- that's who wins. Not even necessarily who's right like, in an Earth sense. Whoever gets to Yzja better. It's like it's like uhhh destiny. Poly could be explaining this to you like 3000 times better."

You're thinking of telling GG why Poly probably wouldn't be in the mood to explain much to you, when you run into Jay on the stairwell, leaning against a wall.

"Cautiously optimistic," he says, before you can ask him anything. "I am cautiously optimistic about this one."
"What do you think her chances are of recovery?" you ask.
"43 percent," Jay says immediately.
"That's-- is that good? For this kind of thing?"
"It's 43 percent more than it would have been."
"The son won't be giving you problems," GG says. "If he does he knows what happens."
"He was right," Jay says. "Not about what to do but the rest of it." He stares past you and out into space. "The collective made a miscalculation. A grave miscalculation."
"Did you agree with it?"
"It doesn't matter whether I agreed or not," Jay says. "It happened. We're not paying for it. She's paying for it, and so's her son. It figures." He sounds deeply tired. "The Voc subjects lasted just long enough to think they were safe. To fall in love and start families. Just long enough."
>>
No. 767256 ID: f1bc32

> Resolve to win determines the tiebreaker between two equal-level fighters
Uh... That actually sounds incredibly stupid. Not from a "might makes right" perspective but a "the viewpoint's resolve in a fighter's mind is pure power" perspective. See, human martial arts believes that EVERYTHING is martial arts; how you fight, how you do chores, how you breathe, how you @#$%, how you see the world, how you make decisions, you get the idea. And the problem with Drahgahas when applied to martial arts is that different perspectives lead to different methods of living life and different styles training and different ways of experiencing martial arts, and that leads to different fighting styles and different body structures, and even though they're still equal, rock beats scissors and scissors beats paper and ultimately what you think is an clash of purely opposing viewpoints may actually be just two options out of like five and they're all each other's weaknesses and it's like using a Fire Type Pokémon against a Water Type Pokémon. You know?
>>
No. 767262 ID: 595d54

Yeah. Well, if this works, then maybe they actually can after all.

>>767256
m8 this isn't a philosophical debate GG was just explaining how it works because Zack asked and now the topic changed
>>
No. 767265 ID: 309d35

No it kind of makes sense, like a non verbal debate. Non verbal rhetoric? something like that.

>"It's 43 percent more than it would have been."
Well, is what we're doing now the best case scenario, if not, how can we change that?

seriously what can I do to help I've been about as useful as a screen door on a submarine here.
>>
No. 767266 ID: 9f3729

>>767255
"So is there anything we can do to help that, or what?"
>>
No. 767277 ID: 38a105

>>767255
We got a biology lesson, a cultural lesson, and a religious lesson. Score!
Also, sorry, Jay. The Collective apparently has a history of making bad decisions.
>>
No. 767278 ID: 350a50

>>767256
I'd rather not insult GG's culture and beliefs.

>>767266
>>767265
This.
>>
No. 767282 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767255
Hmm. So Warriors are all (roughly) equally strong? Interesting.
Drahgahas is closely tied to not only their mentality and religion, but to their biology as well. This may require more research. I wonder if there's a book.

>>767265
This.
>>
No. 767288 ID: 27092c

>>767255
>But basically at like the most basic level Drahgahas is this thing that says every Warrior is basically equally strong. That's not 100% true but they're definitely a lot closer to each other than usually humans are. Like the endorphins Warriors get for strength training is like way more than Humans. Or something.
Fascinating!

>So Drahgahas is this... philosophy or like training thing. The mind games. Two warriors fight, and one of them if he's conflicted about what he's fighting about, if in the back of his mind he knows he's wrong or whatever like Hig did, it's going to undermine him. His head won't be all the way in it, or it hasn't motivated him to train hard enough, or whatever. It can be a really tiny disadvantage, but since everyone's equal, uh hypothetically anyway, that doesn't matter. Drahgahas says the right one will always win. So if two Warriors fight, the one who's right wins. Might makes right. But like legit.
It actually makes sense. A doubtful fighter is more likely to hesitate and make mistakes.

>If a Warrior community needs to decide something really important and divisive what they do is spend days and days and days comparing and searching for Warriors who are the most fanatically convinced of their opposite viewpoints and who are as physically similar as possible, like same weight same bench same as much as they can, and then have them fight. And whichever one wins, like, you know their side is right. And it's not because like grrr I'm stronger so you have to do what I say-- I mean they don't even look for their strongest guy to fight they look for their most equal to the other guy to fight-- it's because Warrior logic dictates if they win they have to be right and if they're right they have to win.
They settle major debates with a TOURNAMENT. WITH WEIGHT CLASSES. Just when I thought I couldn't love them any more.

>ok so Golborian-- I guess Golborian religion, kind of, says that there is this-- the Garaktonnik word for it is Yzja-- the Yzja is this ideal impossible reality, where everyone made exactly the right choices and did exactly the right things and everyone is living like kings, like their best possible lives, and Golborian like... morality kind of, is all just about acknowledging that this is totally impossible, like to do every single thing right and achieve Yzja, but you have to try to get as close as you can. So always be asking yourself what the best possible version of you would do, and then do that. And I think the idea is that whoever's Drahgahas-- like whoever's reason for fighting is closest to Yzja-- that's who wins. Not even necessarily who's right like, in an Earth sense. Whoever gets to Yzja better. It's like it's like uhhh destiny.
The Ideal. It appears again. I imagine that like most religions it spawns its share of conflict. Thus drahgahas.
I wonder what GG's idea of Yzja is. Would it be rude to ask?

Anyway, what can we do for Jay?
>>
No. 767295 ID: fceae5

Shit sucks, man. What ya gonna do?

BTW, thanks for the skinny on drahgahas, Geeg.
>>
No. 767309 ID: f6ba27
File 148234884830.png - (9.75KB , 960x560 , 621.png )
767309

"Is that the best case scenario?" you ask.
"No," says Jay.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"There would have been a decade ago," Jay says. "It's too late for anyone now."

"Poor Jay," GG says, as you head back to the truck. "I'm glad your floater is the sexy kind of cool and not the emo kind of cool."
"Poor Jay," you agree. "Poor mom, poor Hig..."
"If everyone's poor nobody is," GG says. "Life just kind of sucks in general."
"Where would you be?" you ask. "In the perfect Yzja world?"
"Probably not on Earth," GG says. "So fuck Yzja."
>>
No. 767310 ID: f6ba27
File 148234887177.png - (3.07KB , 960x560 , 622.png )
767310

Jack hears the slot on the door opening and prays to a God he's never prayed to that it isn't who he thinks it is.
>>
No. 767311 ID: f6ba27
File 148234888764.png - (3.11KB , 960x560 , 623.png )
767311

But it is.

"Hello, Jack."
>>
No. 767312 ID: f6ba27
File 148234890358.png - (3.24KB , 960x560 , 624.png )
767312

"Bend to me."
>>
No. 767313 ID: f6ba27
File 148234891854.png - (61.75KB , 800x600 , 625.png )
767313

KILLS 0%

ITEMS 63%

SECRET 90%
>>
No. 767314 ID: fceae5

>>767309
>"Where would you be?" you ask. "In the perfect Yzja world?"
>"Probably not on Earth," GG says. "So fuck Yzja."
Aww. That's sweet. I think.

>>767310
Oh, geez.
>>767311
Oh, crap.
>>767312
Oh, fuck.

>>767313
That was pure awesome! I'm on the edge of my seat! I can't wait!
>>
No. 767315 ID: 06c158

>>767309

Oh shit, I was wondering if the Kariket's mind control can work on humans (assuming Jack is human) without making their heads explode.
>>
No. 767322 ID: 5f2b81

>>767312
This reminds me of Eivr.

Poor Jack.
>>
No. 767323 ID: f7838d

This thread left us with some questions.
>What do we do about Polyphema? This static can't last.
>What's up with Meg? What's our resident spy in the sky up to?
>What new spore of madness is Kariket planting?
I can't wait to find out the answers!
>>
No. 767325 ID: 8963ff

>>767312
ooooooooooh myyyyyyyyyyyy GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD, THE KARKIKET WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUICIDE OF THAT POW EALIER AND HE'S DOING AGAIN!!
>>
No. 767328 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767325
That actually makes a scary amount of sense.
I've got a bad feeling about this.
>>767322
Same.
>>767323
Also same.
>>
No. 767343 ID: 094652

Can we switch back to Bika's sister?
>>
No. 767344 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767343
Never change, Kome.
>>
No. 767350 ID: f6ba27

>>767343
I would actually like Kome to change
>>
No. 767400 ID: 350a50

>>767350
He needs more character development first.
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