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779564 No. 779564 ID: bfb318

This is a patreon funded quest, and may potentially have nsfw content. This takes place in the christmas universe: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/614976.html

February 13th, 10 AM, Ultrahive Capital Tower, Az's Office, approximately two and a half months following the first neumono christmas.

>"There's no way to separate our bond! And that's why Love and Friendship is the Ranger's way!"

I do not know what I just watched.
Expand all images
>>
No. 779565 ID: bfb318
File 148710943317.png - (116.19KB , 800x800 , 2.png )
779565

>"There you have it, Polo, since apparently you don't watch television."
"I reluctantly watch the news, Sir, not children's broadcasting. What is the significant of this commercial?"
>"You know that Pink Ranger girl?"
"I just fought her just a couple months ago."
>"Yeah. We had big plans for her for Valentine's day, and she's pretty much the mascot of Valentine's day at this point. And now? She's gone missing. Our current suspects? Some old enemies of theirs, which the rest of the Wave Force is looking into, but inside of the agency, we have our own suspicions. Someone, or someones who want to destroy Valentine's day."
"The Grinch?!"
>"What? No. Christmas is old news, and he's in jail. The only valentine of his will be a crudely made bed. I'm thinking a more internal threat. I'm talking about the very faction that has despised Valentine's day since before we even knew it existed, the ones to valentine's that the grinch was to christmas. I'm talking about Singles. Also known as rogues."
>>
No. 779567 ID: 65ec8d

Sir, if it were one person or a small group who did this, it would be unfair to blame it on rogues as whole. And if it was a large group... doing things in large groups is specifically what rogues are bad at.

Also, they're neumono. They wouldn't be able to hide what they'd done. If rogues did do this then all we have to do is run a search for other missing persons or people who have been out of contact with other neumono, for the same length of time she's been gone.

But I don't think it's rogues. That's kind of mean to assume.
>>
No. 779569 ID: 3abd97

Sir, Valentines barely makes sense for neumono as it is. Most commonly individuals are in a relationship with their hive, rather than pursuing a single dating partner or spouse. It's an alien concept that only partially fits with our own culture, and any cultural divisions between the hive-bound and rogues goes far deeper than a commercial excuse to sell greeting cards, flowers, or take someone you like to dinner.

This speculation smacks of baseless anti-rogue discrimination, sir. You don't have any evidence for it.

Has "Pink" been missing long enough for a formal missing persons to be filed? (If so, who reported her absence: her team, or other interests?)

What's the legal status of the Super-Team Space Hive Omega-Waveforce? You need to search where she lives and works, and interview her friends and coworkers to do a missing persons case. Are their identities protected? Are they a government sponsored team? Are they obligated to cooperate with your inquiries, and are you cleared to know who they are?

Are you sure you don't want to assign a different agent, sir? I have a preexisting history with the missing person and her team, and it's not a positive one. It would be more proper, and serve the interests of the investigation, to assign someone else.
>>
No. 779570 ID: b412df

Wouldn't the most valentines day do to rogues is make them more depressed and despondent that usual? I can't see where one would get the motivation to try and kidnap someone just to ruin this holiday.
>>
No. 779574 ID: 89b351

>>779565
Shit Polo, thank god you're great at playing it cool and they have a suspect that's not you already, now just to dispose of Pinky and pin the blame...
>>
No. 779577 ID: 91ee5f

Singles? As in, anyone unlucky enough to not have someone to love on Valentine's? If that's the case, then it's unfair to only blame rogues. Sure, maybe some of them are responsible, but I'm sure that there are also some Pomi and Belenos that could also be single and responsible for what happened.
>>
No. 779578 ID: bb78f2

Sir, I think rogue's are more friend's day sabotager's than valentine's day, since they have a hard time even making a mere friend, let alone a valentine.
>>
No. 779581 ID: 65ec8d

>>779569
>Valentines barely makes sense for neumono as it is.

Well, even in some human cultures, Valentine's has shifted into a more general day, with romantic couples as a focus but also involving gift-giving and considerations to friends, relations and colleagues, I can imagine that for neumono it's become a more general Love Day.

Anyway, another point: forming suspicions and speculations on leads to follow is the investigator's job. Suspecting foul play immediately is a mistake in a missing persons' case; perhaps she had some reason of her own to go missing? If she's been made some sort of love spokeswoman, for example, she might have wanted to vanish with someone so she could actually enjoy the day herself instead of having to be a public figure. The first thing to do is to visit her last known location, to talk to her hive and other people close to her, and see if there were any signs of anything unusual leading up to her disappearance.
>>
No. 779585 ID: 7397ab

So you suspect a group of angry rogues have somehow put aside there dislike of each other to kidnap the Pink ranger?

I was going to say that idea is silly but then I remembered how irresponsible the Rangers were by piloting a giant robot into a civilian center and letting me steal one of there super weapons.

Well I will get on the case and should have answers for you shortly.
>>
No. 779589 ID: 398fe1

>>779565
Don't rogues want love as much as anyone? Also, by their very nature can't be considered a "faction"?

How long has she been missing? Where was she last seen? Was she known to have any friends outside her hive?
>>
No. 779594 ID: 90f3c0

You can't just dismiss the Grinch connection out of hand. He might still have associates who are still at large. Have his captured neumono accomplices been questioned on the matter?
>>
No. 779598 ID: bfb318
File 148711441114.png - (121.82KB , 800x800 , 3.png )
779598

"Sir, the average rogue has trouble getting out of bed in the morning, and the idea they all banded together to do something like destroy a holiday seems implausible. This holiday barely makes sense for neumono to begin with."
>"It's more like a day of love anyway. That and chocolate. They managed to get a chocolate taste going that's fine for neumono to eat, so that's the flavor of the month."
"Secondly, assuming foul play is a common flaw in a missing persons case. Has she even been missing long enough for a proper case to be filed?"
>"Not for a normal civilian no, but this is the Pink Ranger we're talking about! They don't just 'wander to the store'."
"Which brings up another question I have of where they fit in legally. Are they vigilantes? Government funded?"
>"Private military force. They usually work out of ultrahive jurisdiction zones. Which isn't a whole lot of the planet, but that is where the big criminals would go."
"Are they obligated to follow ultrahive orders and inquiries?"
>"We wish! But no. They've even been trying to get back that wave beam you confiscated, and there's been a big legal battle over it. Course, they'll probably win it eventually, but we're drawing it out long enough that we can build a replica or something by the time they get it back."
"Are their identities protected?"
>"Oh yeah. In fact, I don't even know if they know each other's identities. We sure don't know who she is, really. But you might be privy to that info."
"Why would I be?"
>"You're like their secret 6th team member."
"First of all, no, but this brings up yet another point. Are you sure you don't want to assign another agent to this? I have a history with them, and it's not a positive one."
>"Yeah you proved you can kick their asses! You're perfect."
"Where is her last known location?"
>"Allegedly, the wave force reported she was last seen leaving their secret lair. Of course, we know where their secret lair is. You can start investigating there, as long as you don't get caught. We've got a stealth ship ready to go."
"Hold on, the wave force reported she was missing? Who did they report to?"
>"The bleeding heart of the ultrahive, Ultraking Raox. They were working with him on behalf of the rogues or somethin'. I dunno. So there's your first two spots to look. Raox, or secret Omega Force base."

There's those two, not like infiltrating the wave force's lair is at all reasonable. However, I cannot completely factor out the Grinch's connection from all of this. I doubt Az will let me question him on it, but I may want to run searches on if his accomplices have been detained as well.
>>
No. 779600 ID: 398fe1

>>779598
Alright here's how it's gonna go. We're gonna investigate, eventually find Pink Ranger's secret identity, and it turns out she went "missing" because she's having a romantic date with a rogue without her costume on. I mean, all we really know is that the Pink Ranger isn't visible with her costume on. She could very well be walking around in plain clothes and not keeping in contact with her teammates.

Let's start with step one. Investigate. Infiltrate the "secret base" and find her sleeping quarters. We should look for clues there.
>>
No. 779602 ID: 3abd97

So in short, you're ordering me to investigate a crime that hasn't been formally reported, that we have no evidence happened, by breaking into a restricted area I have no access to, founded on unfair and baseless suspicion of a persecuted minority?

>but I may want to run searches on if his accomplices have been detained as well
Sounds like a job for an operator. Is Katzati on duty to offer support looking stuff like that up for you?

>So there's your first two spots to look. Roax, or secret Omega Force base.
If this falls under ultraking Roax's jurisdiction, have you even done him the courtesy of informing him the UDA is opening an investigation?

Seems like liaising with the other agency / ranking official involved in this would be a good first step, especially to avoid a jurisdictional headache later. Especially since you know Az probably hasn't, and you need to address the toes he's stepping on here.
>>
No. 779608 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, Polo, here listen, first thing, Polo, first thing you do, right, listen to me Polo the first thing you have to do is go back to your hive right, go back to your hive and collect evidence.

Evidence of you being a caring, affectionate and loving person.

Now, I know, I know, but listen, you were given so much shit over being a grinch and a grump and all that during the whole christmas thing, so you know, you JUST KNOW that someone is going to all "ooh look at Polo she doesn't understand this thing called love, her hearts are all cold and grey and silent, let's all embarrass her about it in ridiculous ways", but this time this time you are going to be ready and you are going to be prepared and you will whip out the photos and the videos and the testimonials from your hive to prove that you can be a total sincere cuddlehive sweetheart when you deem it appropriate to be such and you can rub it in their face. Right in their stupid face.

So go do that.
>>
No. 779609 ID: 595d54

>>779608
This is the only reasonable suggestion. There's literally nothing to do with the """case""" right now that isn't flagrantly and pointlessly illegal.
>>
No. 779611 ID: 65ec8d

Also are you seriously telling me that there is this team who likely don't even know each others' civilian identities or personal affairs, who have this one member who is particularly loving, and on the days leading up to a holiday specifically for people who are loving she has quote "gone missing" unquote, i.e. left her job for an extended period of time, and everyone's immediate assumption is that she has been abducted? Instead of, for example, going on holiday with one or more lovers.

I mean I'd normally assume people would be smart enough to consider that possibility but from our last experience with the ranger team it is all too easy to imagine one of them walking out to some other commitment without remembering to say anything and then the rest of the team immediately concluding it was the work of some dastardly villain. How do they keep in contact with each other? Do they have some boss/mentor figure who summons them to do battle?

Anyway Polo you'd better be prepared for disappointment because I'll bet you the first thing Az did after coming up with this "she's their sixth ranger" thought was to actually make you a ranger costume like theirs (but cooler, since you're the renegade one) that he's now going to expect you to wear.
>>
No. 779612 ID: 211d83

Check her place for clues first.

Only because your built in paranoia is telling you that if Ultraking Raox is involved he might have a secret agenda. So you will need to keep it secret from him so no evidence is destroyed if he turns out to have some silly plan.

So get the info on the secret base and make sure that Az does not tell anyone what you are doing. (like that will stop him)
>>
No. 779613 ID: a363ac

>>779608
Declare a vacation day and go visit your hive for doing this stuff instead.
>>
No. 779619 ID: 9e72a7

Get cloaking capable armor.
Paint it black.
Don't speak to any of the Rangers throughout the entire mission.
>>
No. 779623 ID: bfb318
File 148711997755.png - (112.32KB , 1000x800 , 4.png )
779623

"You are asking me to investigate a crime that hasn't been formally reported?"
>"We're not the police, we do shit that's gotta be done!"
"And there's no evidence it's happened."
>"Just testimonials."
"And you want me to break into a restricted area I have no access to."
>"You got all the access you need in your toolkit."
"Based on unfair and baseless suspicions, pointed at a persecuted minority. Isn't this under Raox's jurisdiction?"
>"He just a civil duty guy, he doesn't have secret agents."
"Also, I'm being told that this team doesn't even know each others' civilian identities, and have one member who is apparently loving, and as soon as she gets out of contact, everyone assumes she's been abducted?"
>"Yeah? I already told you, she's not just some civilian. Out of contact is bad!"
"How do they keep in contact with each other? Do they have some kind of mentor or boss figure who summons them to do battle?"
>"What the - do you even watch their show, Polo?"
"No."
>"Dismissed. Get the hell out of my office and go do your job. Ask an operator for your stealth ship if you want one."
>>
No. 779624 ID: bfb318
File 148712000301.png - (122.27KB , 800x800 , 5.png )
779624

I contact Katzati.

"Ghost calling."
>"Operator Katzati speaking, how are you doing?"
"I am fine, thank you. I would like a report on the Grinch's accomplices. They should have all been detained and questioned long ago, but I want a double check on all of that."
>"Okay. I actually thought you'd get a little paranoid after that, so I've been keeping some tabs. I'll look for anything in the last couple of weeks that's come up, then make and send a report."
"Thank you."
>"... uh, Az told me you were going to ask for a stealth ship?"
"You should not believe everything he tells you. But... yes, I am. Also, this is less priority, but if you are on standby at some point, I would like you to get evidence of me smiling or having a good time."
>"Uh, what?"
"I don't want a repeat of christmas carried over to Valentine's day. People are going to point at me and say that I don't understand this thing called love, that my heart is cold, grey and silent. This time I am going to be prepared. I do not have the time to do this myself, so if you have the spare time, please collect this for me and have it prepared."
>"Um, okay! Well, we have the ship over in docking bay 17, and we have a pilot for you. Also, there's a new experimental stealth armor set that we'd like you to use. Don't worry, it's been tested, it's just the first time it's going to be used in a real mission."
"This is not shaping up to be a 'real' mission, Katzati. I am only infiltrating their base because I do not trust the Omega Wave Force. They claim to be on the side of the law, but there are no records as to where they got their technology from. I will make a preliminary report while in transit."

Wait a minute.

"Katzati does this 'experimental stealth armor' look like a ranger outfit?"
>"I - um - I was sworn to secrecy, Polo."
>>
No. 779625 ID: a363ac

>>779624
This is some bull shit- anyway begrudgingly attcept the armor then go to the stealth ship and get on your way.
>>
No. 779626 ID: 595d54

She's surprisingly bad at it, then.

"Please tell me Az wasn't allowed to design it, going naked is not stealth armor even if you can't see the 'armor' when you do that."
>>
No. 779630 ID: 3abd97

Still think you should at least call Roax first. You know Az will have stepped on toes instead of following proper jurisdictional procedure.

>What the - do you even watch their show, Polo?
...do you know anyone who does? A geek or celebrity follower you can trust who's been paying attention to these guys might suddenly be a useful resource. Have insight into their operations, capabilities, their base, personalities, or team dynamic. Things about their personal life they've let slip. Got any friends / hivemates / fellow agents you could tap for this?

>"Katzati does this 'experimental stealth armor' look like a ranger outfit?"
>>"I - um - I was sworn to secrecy, Polo."
I am going to collect my standard kit from my locker, just in case. Thank you, Katzati.
>>
No. 779631 ID: 211d83

Az's idea of stealth is that they won't suspect someone in there own armor I bet.

Well its silly but lets use this opportunity to prove you are not a grump. With your hives sense of humor they will send Katzati a bunch of pictures of you looking grumpy and call them your happy pictures.

But if you prove you are not a grump during a silly mission then everyone will drop the big joke. So go grab your armor and be a superhero for a day. Will make a silly mission more fun if you play along. If anything dangerous actually happens you will be ready.

Oh before you go watch a episode of the rangers show. It will probably be filmed at there secret base and show you exactly how they live. It's probably full of secrets about there normal lives.
>>
No. 779635 ID: b2db3f

Use the "experimental" armor just so you can write up a multi page report on what is wrong with it after the mission. Do bring your own normal gear (other than armor) along in a bag though.

Oh and watching the show seems like a good idea. These rangers seem like the type to have filmed a silly lifestyle show about there secret base or something. Will give you ideas about there personality and voices to match with people later.

As for grumpiness. The best way to prove you are not a grump is to not be a grump on this silly mission. If life is going to throw you silliness have fun with it. Go have fun and enjoy infiltrating a super hero base. This whole case is ridiculous so go be a kickass spy and prove that Agent Polo is a better superhero than some kids with empathy guns and a rich backer.
>>
No. 779636 ID: 65ec8d

>evidence of me smiling or having a good time.

With another person, Polo. It's love specifically this time around, remember? I'm sure some of your hivemates have openly or secretly snapped photos of you getting cuddly some time, so Katzati can contact them to get some of those. You'll have to give her some evidence of your permission. Actually I bet your work colleagues have been trying to collect similar evidence. Have you done any workplace snuggling? Maybe those semi-tender moments you had with Rokoa around christmas?

Anyway, you can see what's going to happen. You're going to go sneaking around their base in your ranger costume, they're going to think you're involved with the "abduction", shenanigans and misadventure, oh you were trying to help but stubbornly doing it alone, all a big misunderstanding, then before you know it you are actually their sixth ranger and you'll be turning up every couple of weeks to help out and before you know it you'll be swept up in their drama.

But there is a chance this new suit is actually practically functional and valuable, and ironically you're more likely to get helpful responses out of them if you do interact with it on, so you'd better go try it.

Perhaps you should try just go up to their front door and knock, first, before you try stealth. Maybe they'll be happy to just answer some questions. Or... eh, maybe you'd have to fit it into their worldview, though, to get them to cooperate. Like if you waited until one of them was in some shadowy corner and you whispered to them and posed and said cryptic things while asking, and then when you were done you mysteriously disappeared, they'd probably go along with that. They have to know some things about each other. I mean, they're modern neumono, they're on a team, presumably they have to go on missions that take some time now and then, have long training sessions... they're going to have gotten intimate, right? High chances, at least.

Anyway looks like you have to watch a few more episodes of their show while you're in flight.
>>
No. 779637 ID: e22b1d

Go look at this "stealth" armor. If its a pink ranger suit wear it anyway to prove how awesome you are at sneaking.

But tell Katzati that you are trusting its actually stealth armor and not just one of Az's whims. It can look as silly as he wants if it works. Oh and have her send you some of the Ranger's comics and videos. Maybe they actually just base them off there real adventures and all there secrets are basically public knowledge.
>>
No. 779648 ID: bb78f2

>>779624
Just go to the team's fan wiki and get a list of their recurring villains. Since they actually operate in real life, their villains probably do too. So, logic dictates that the most probable suspects would be on that list.

Which means we can scratch everyone off that list, but it's good to scratch 'em off a list in the first place.

Also, we can look up your entry on the wiki for shits and giggles.
>>
No. 779651 ID: 91ee5f

>>779624
>"Katzati does this 'experimental stealth armor' look like a ranger outfit?"
>"I - um - I was sworn to secrecy, Polo."
This better not be some big publicity stunt where the rangers are recruiting a new member to replace Pink because she wanted to retire! You would make a terrible ranger!
>>
No. 779652 ID: a8bc5c

Sorry Polo, but you are better off taking the experimental armor.

Why, you ask? Because as dumb and stupid as it is, you will at least look like them and thus be able to talk your way out of being detained because you just KNOW that no matter how ridiculous it is, they will detect you, find you and sentai you.

Might as well convert now and repair your dignity and reputation later.
>>
No. 779674 ID: bfb318
File 148713012614.png - (151.59KB , 800x800 , 6.png )
779674

"Fine, I'll take it, as long as it's functional stealth armor and not some kind of gimmick thing Az came up with."
>"No, no, uh, if Az touched it, it's just how it looks, but it's just an aesthetic change to an existing armor we had in R&D."
"And as long as Az isn't expecting me to be a ranger. It would be terrible. Anyways, even if I use the armor, I want my regular toolkit otherwise. Please deliver that, as well as a few key episodes to watch on my flight, as it won't take me long to document my reasons for infiltrating. Preferably an episode that takes place inside of their base, if there is one."

There is no way that an episode like that would contain an accurate representation of their base, but it may be a parody of it and allude to certain components and themes that may help me, if I'm lucky.

"Oh, and give me a line to Raox as soon as possible. I want to speak to him."
>"Okay."

I get onto the ship. The pilot was on standby, and has been given orders and directions to take off as needed. He gives the thumbs up, and I go to sit down.
>>
No. 779675 ID: bfb318
File 148713013360.png - (154.08KB , 800x800 , 7.png )
779675

I finish logging my report, send it to Katzati, and delete the files on my tablet.
>"Katzati here. I have a line to Ultraking Raox."
"Forward me."

There's a ringing, then a pickup.

>"U.K. Raox. Which agent is this?"
"Agent Polo, sir."

He mutters something under his breath that sounds like 'thank fuck'.

>"What's your business?"
"I'm pursuing this matter of the Omega Wave Force. They said they reported to you about Pink missing?"
>"Yeah. She stopped answering the calls to her. I've been told she's never missed a call through the omega channel once, let alone for 4 hours straight."
>>
No. 779678 ID: 211d83

Ok a few questions.

1. What was her last known communication on the "omega channel" ?

2. What was her connection to the Valentines day celebration?

3. Who knew about said connection?

4. What was her last known location?

5. Does she have any enemies or has anyone protested her involvement in Valentines day or just the holiday in general?

6. Can you slap a look alike actor in her suit for the moment and have them take her place for public events until I track her down?

7. Who is making these new neumono friendly chocolates?

8. Are there any big figures bankrolling valentines day merchandise? Or anyone else with a large financial stake in this?
>>
No. 779695 ID: 3abd97

>>779675
He's thankful to hear from you. Maybe this isn't entirely Az's idea. Or at least someone close to the situation thinks something is potentially wrong- that gives this more weight.

"I would appreciate anything you can tell me to get up to speed."

Last known location, last known communication would help. Her team's reaction. Anything he can tell us about how she's been, or recent events for the team.

Missing persons cases typically require an in depth examination of the subject in question. "Pink" is a public persona, not a person. We don't know for sure she was targeted due to her position as a ranger- without the ability to investigate her workplace and her personal life, there are important avenues closed off to you. Any access you can clear me for along those lines would greatly expedite maters, even if they're redacted. (You're willing to keep their confidences and redact personal and classified information in your own report, and compartmentalize information from the rest of the UDA, as necessary).
>>
No. 779696 ID: 211d83

>>779695

Oh yeah just in case this is a inside job keep any vital info you find off the network as much as possible. Our Cai can keep things safe but not from someone who is in the department.
>>
No. 779702 ID: e0bf19

>>779695
I think he might be thankful to hear from her because he knew Az was trying to set something up and get one of his agents on this, and Polo is actually professional while most of her non-supporter coworkers aren't.
>>
No. 779708 ID: bfb318
File 148713512448.png - (111.97KB , 800x800 , 8.png )
779708

"What was her last communication on the channel?"
>"That she had made it safely to the capital. This was after she left the wave force's headquarters, which was the last time she was seen, at least as the pink ranger."
"What was her connection to Valentine's day?"
>"She was to get in a great mood tomorrow, and fire a giant beam over the rogue section of the city to get them to be in a good mood for the day."

I pause.

>"Yes, I am aware of the ethical, health, and safety concerns, and I have brought it to various people's attention. No one cares, except for the rogues, who want it and will let their section of town take a knife shower if it means feeling something."
"And this was public information?"
>"Yes. Did you not see the commercials?"
"I saw one. I watch the news. Why was this not on the news?"
>"No one cares about the rogues, Polo. If a giant earthquake dropped the rogue section of town into a bottomless pit, the news would just report the moderate earthquake that happened to the rest of town."
"Were there outspoken critics of this wavebeam happening?"
>"Yes, mostly activists and groups who want to protect the sanctity of a neumono's mind. We've already launched investigations on them, but I'm not expecting any of those factions to have the coordination to kidnap a ranger."
"What about just hating the holiday in general?"
>"And be able to capture a ranger? The grinch is the only one who would hate the holiday enough to capture her, and we're doing our best to make sure he has no contact to the outside world. Otherwise, the usual omega wave force enemies might have captured her, and just used the holiday as an excuse."
"Okay. Now about these new chocolates. Who is making them?"
>"Lots. A patent company released how to make them, and is receiving royalties for a great deal of food companies to distributed the candies."
"Is that patent company the one with the biggest financial stake in this?"
>"Probably. They're just a chemistry institution, though, and never touch the candies, if you're worried about that."
"Can you put a lookalike actor in a lookalike suit for the time and take her to public events?"
>"We're considering it."
"Is there anything else I should know about this?"
>"The wave force just asked for our assistance on the matter. I did have to assure them, though, that you had nothing to do with this. Likewise, they assured me that they did not know what her civilian identity was, which is what we would want most. That's the bottleneck right now, as we could find a lot more pieces of the puzzle if we had that. Everything I know about the Pink ranger is what I just told you, because I sure wasn't told much. I don't watch the television show or pay them mind otherwise. We'll keep you updated if you find anything else."

I load up the ranger's show in the meanwhile. I am currently seeing a giant robot fight a giant scarab, who I have been informed is the most likely to create holiday-themed catastrophe for the rangers.
>>
No. 779711 ID: 3abd97

>"Can you put a lookalike actor in a lookalike suit for the time and take her to public events?"
A fake wouldn't be able to non-grump-beam the rouges into having a good day, though.

>The wave force just asked for our assistance on the matter.
Then hopefully they'll cooperate with interviews, and you searching her quarters. Missing persons cases require building a profile of whoever was snatched.

Have we begun watching civilian missing persons reports yet? If she was abducted, someone in her civilian life may eventually report her absence. We should be keeping our eyes open for other missing persons that fit her general description.
>>
No. 779715 ID: bfb318
File 148713698010.png - (163.71KB , 800x800 , 9.png )
779715

>Have we begun watching civilian missing persons reports yet?
This isn't reliable yet, as she has not been missing long enough. Even if a civilian acquaintance has already reported her as missing, they likely have been turned away and told to come back after 24 hours.

Even so, I tell Katzati to have the police keep an eye on any reports involving neumono with her shade of fur and size of ears, which unfortunately does not narrow things down immensely in a town the size of the capital.

I watch some clips of the show.

It appears to show their civilian life, and they know each other both as a civilian and a ranger, so that is already different from how things actually are. I assume the needless drama of day to day life is also a fabrication. The actors certainly are just actors.

This episode takes the camera throughout the headquarters. It's not particularly big, but has a meeting area, living quarters, a training room, and other utility spaces. I doubt it's like this in real life, but perhaps I may be looking for something small and easy to defend for a smaller group of people.
>>
No. 779716 ID: bfb318
File 148713701031.png - (154.92KB , 800x800 , 10.png )
779716

I look at the armor just enough to know how to put it on and confirm it does appear functional. I do not look at the armor long enough to know what I look like. I do not want to know.

The ship lowers itself near ground level. Supposedly, the base is hidden under the canopy of a thick forest. The ground is mountainous as well, giving the ship an easy time ducking out of sight and still getting close to the base. It is not a long walk to it.

Infiltrating a place like this gives me mixed feelings, but I do not know the integrity of these rangers. Simply knocking on their front door may not present me with the truth, assuming they do not treat me as an enemy anyway.
>>
No. 779717 ID: 3abd97

>>779716
What you doing, Az is getting to you.

They asked for you assistance. That means you can take off the silly suit they'll see as a mockery at best, march up to the front door like a uniformed professional, and offer your assistance. Being able to interview her coworkers is more likely to help in searching for her than sneaking into their base.

And if they lie to you, well, that helps too. These people are central to this investigation, and we need to get a handle on how well you can trust them, and if they're hiding anything.
>>
No. 779720 ID: 398fe1

The wave force asked for assistance. They don't get to complain about who gets sent. Knock on the front door.

You will need their full cooperation, which means they get to show you Pink's room.
>>
No. 779723 ID: 91ee5f

What color is your armor? If you're not careful, they'll try to rope you in to be the edgy 6th team member that has the backstory of "used to be the bad guy, but is now a valuable teammate"!
>>
No. 779724 ID: a8bc5c

>>779717
They don't know she's coming. This is a stealth mission after all.

And given that this is a stealth mission, do NOT get caught. If you can get in, gather what info you can and then get out, you can rub their faces in it afterwards when you locate pink.
>>
No. 779725 ID: 90f3c0

They might not be entirely forthcoming if you just ask to be shown the base. Better to sneak in and uncover anything they might be hiding without them looking over your shoulder the entire time.

Plus, as the potential sixth member who no one is sure is an enemy or an ally, knocking on the front door would be completely out of character.
>>
No. 779728 ID: 65ec8d

Talk to them, but do so mysteriously. Maybe pretend to be offended by hearing that they thought you had something to do with it?

Anyway, they're suspicious, but don't be too hard on them. Your species needs well-known celebrity figures, particularly ones which have impressive adventures and achievements, to build a common cultural heritage and get the idea across that non-hivemate neumono can be worthwhile, likeable and accomplished people. Getting that kind of message across to kids is especially important.

So, you know, don't ruin that or anything. Maybe even play along with it if you don't see a bigger reason not to.
>>
No. 779745 ID: 3d2d5f

Considering your relationship with this team is already fraught, getting caught starting this investigation by breaking in (which is entirely possible as you have no information on the interior, their defenses or countermeasures) may move the team from "unhelpful" to "completely uncooperative" or "outright hostile".

That's unacceptable. These people are her friends and coworkers. Interviewing them is a necessity. Both because they may offer insight into the missing person's activities, personality, and interactions, and because they're suspects until eliminated.

Start the investigation right. See what they're willing to give you before you dig into what they're not willing to give you, and what that tells you. You're UDA- live up to the "detective" in that.

...also you know their anti robot attack sensors probably picked up your helicopter already.
>>
No. 779747 ID: 211d83

If this was a normal missing persons mission I would say just knock and ask.

But this is a fucking super hero team. And they take there silly job very seriously. You are a "enemy" who stole there gear and used it against them. So they are convinced that if only they could show you the true meaning of happiness then they could get you to stop your grumpy ways and be one of them. There whole super power is empathy control/manipulation and honestly you are sort of the best at that.

Basically you it would make them much more happy if you snuck in and then gave them a chance to convert you to the side of good after some silly fighting and action sequences.

If you show up as normal agent Polo they are probably going to be disappointed. Plus you won't be in armor and for paranoia's sake we need to assume this place is a enemy stronghold. You knock on the door and you will get captured and subjected to silly hero monologues for hours.

Honestly you should fly Three Stripes down here slap a evil costume on him and ride in the front door cackling. Then have a silly fight before letting them show you the true meaning of love or something silly.
>>
No. 779749 ID: 8111b6

You're a tiny ghost. Do you think they left any unsecured vents large enough for you to sneak in through? First place to check is pink's room or locker, if they have either of those, for leads.

...or just knock on the front door and ruin Az's fun. Wait... or maybe that's what he'd want and sneaking is the bad choice. You do realize if he gets grumpy he's gonna find ways to mess with you on the mission, right?
>>
No. 779771 ID: 65ec8d

You know, it occurs to me that since they were either brainwashed or coming down from being brainwashed when you met them before, this team might actually be a group of solid, respectable professionals in their natural state, who just play up a set of personas with the public in order to promote positive social messages and/or the sales of their show/merchandise that fund their operations. Unlikely, but possible.

Make a mental note, you're gonna have to make sure your hive is included in any merchandising arrangements related to yourself. Though I'd have thought Az would have tried making stuff like that for all his publicly-known agents by now.

Did you ever watch any shows of a similar type to theirs, when you were younger maybe? Or hanging around your own hive's kids? It might be handy for you to be familiar with the common tropes of the genre. The "sixth ranger funded by another more official or corporate organization trying to copy the originals' powers, being less noble/idealistic and looking down on the originals (but they eventually turn out to have a good heart and start teaming up with gradually reducing reluctance)" has been done. Another ranger being missing is the perfect time for you to show up and start providing assistance, in a sort of tsundere "hmf you just looked so pathetic I'm only showing you how it should be done" way. In that context, I think you actually should go in sneaking, and when they go out on a mission you follow them and reveal yourself to help them out at a critical juncture where they're failing due to not being a complete team. Because then you'll be in a better position for them to answer questions willingly, of course.

Hmm. Do you have, like, a sniper cloak or similar garment in there with you? Maybe some fancy thing that matches camo with its surroundings, and the default color just happens to match with the suit you've been given? If you had something like that hanging around your shoulders, ready to blow dramatically in the wind now and then, it'd really make you more awesome marketable appealing as an ally. And show Az that you're more practical and fashionable than him.

You could do with your own theme, too. Well, if the rest of the soundtrack cut off for a moment when you appear, while the camera refocuses to "spot" you and zoom in, with only the sound of the wind blowing while you pose with your arms crossed disapprovingly for a few seconds, then continuing as you join in... that'd be pretty cool too.
>>
No. 779773 ID: 437fa8

Reasons for sneaking in:

1. If they are involved somehow they can not hide evidence or deny you access.

2. You can get a unfiltered view of what they are really like before talking to them normally.

3. It's fun.

Reasons for taking off your helmet and knocking:

1. It's polite

2. Ruining Az's silly plan with your "grump" armor.
>>
No. 779784 ID: 7afc4d

Just sneaking, and if caught act like it's the only way you know of to walk around. That actually fits with what they know of you.
>>
No. 779813 ID: bfb318
File 148719762685.png - (154.62KB , 800x800 , 11.png )
779813

>Did you ever watch any shows of a similar type to theirs, when you were younger maybe?
When I was younger, I was on the outskirts of the ultrahive territories. As a result, we only had access to public network channels. We did not watch much television.

>Do you have a sniper cloak or similar garment in there with you?
I have a ghillie suit. Which I will wear while in the jungle, as this current suit of armor is dark grey. It moves silently enough, but it is not camoflauged at all.

>What are you doing? Az is getting to you.
He is.

To hell with this armor, I'll take it with me, but I'm putting it to the side for now.

"Katzati, take my report and make it tentative plans."
>"Okay. Um, you're going to just walk up to their front door?"
"Yes."
>"You know that we're not supposed to know where they're at? Er, let me put that differently - they don't know we know where they're at. If you just show up, that's going to tip our hand, and they might fall back to a backup place if they think their place has been compromised. Which is fine, but just so you know. Oh, um, by the way... I'm not finding any proof of you not being, er, serious faced. We just have you on the job, and you always take it so seriously, which is good, but it doesn't make it look like you're having a good time. Ever."

>"Uh."

>"Except for that time that Rokoa gave you a back massage, but I don't think you want to use that?"

I don't.
>>
No. 779819 ID: a363ac

>>779813
Call my hive ask them to send over some happy material.
As for me walking up then Az shouldn't have sent me on this mission I will do this by the book and not Az's book. Which means I walk up to the door and ask them questions like any other cop would and not break into their property which would be illegal.
>>
No. 779821 ID: 3abd97

>I'm not finding any proof of you not being, er, serious faced.
Contact my hive. You're more likely to find the right evidence in my personal life. (Common, we know Polo-mom is a shutterbug).

>they don't know we know where they are
...but Raox said they asked the UDA for help. What do they think that means, they hide at home while they wait for us to scour the planet? Do they seriously think they can leave detectives to solve a missing persons case without even talking to anyone?

Actually, this might be an opportunity. Have Katzati schedule an interview, offsite. Arrange for the Omega Waveforce to travel offsite to meet with another UDA agent to be interviewed to help in the search (get someone competent, like Lucera, to do it). This will make breaking in and searching the place while no one is there easier, and you can plant surveillance equipment and get out to spy on them when they get back.

We do things by the book and undercover at the same time.
>>
No. 779828 ID: 65ec8d

Do you want the alternative more?

Anyway wear your stealth armor and go stealth at them. They could be nice, but for all we know they could also actually be the thralls of some dastardly long-term empathy manipulation technology that some unwitting alien who didn't fully understand the implications since they're not neumono themselves made, or some salikai who instead of being actively malevolent went "durr hey why don't we just blast virtuous feelings at all the neumono to turn them into good people", or they're clones made from some horrible neumono breeding program, or they're agents in some secret war between reincarnated belenosian nobles, or something. Why all the secrecy if there isn't something to keep secret? Something you might need to help or protect someone?

Also, are you sure being kind of quiet all the armor does? Did you check for a manual or ask what it did or anything before you took it?
>>
No. 779830 ID: 7397ab

>>779821

I like this. Lure them out so you can sneak all over there base. Then interview them later.

Oh and if you want non grump pictures at work you will have to make sure to enjoy yourself this mission. Your hive has a similar sense of humor as you. Would you trust them to send proper "happy" photos?

Dark grey armor? Yeah Az gave you a grump ranger suit. You need to prove your not grumpiness soon or be doomed to be typecast forever.
>>
No. 779834 ID: bfb318
File 148720055288.png - (118.11KB , 800x800 , 12.png )
779834

"... Contact my hive, then. Get them to send happy material. And make sure to show me what they send because I do not trust it to not be embarrasing."
>"Okay."
"Also, they contacted Raox for help. Do they expect detectives to scour the whole planet without talking to them?"
>"I don't know. Maybe they gave Raox a channel? Hold on... yes, they left a number to call. I think we can contact the rangers, if you'd like to speak to them? Um, yes, I think that's preferred actually. I'm sorry, I should have looked into that before, if you would like to just speak to them directly."
"Actually, how about they speak to another agent or operative? And have them meet in person."
>"Okay. Are you going to stay in that area?"
"Yes."
>"I understand." she was, with some undertones implying that I am planning on sneaking after all.

>Did you check for a manual to your armor
I do that. Apparently it has self camoflauging functions. I will use that.

>"Okay, we've got contact. They say they're on their way to the capital."
>>
No. 779835 ID: bfb318
File 148720056232.png - (118.39KB , 800x800 , 13.png )
779835

I go to sneak in while they're gone, in the sneaking armor. Our coordinates are spot on, and I find a vent. My armor alerts me to any sensors supposedly, but I don't see or hear anything go off as I make my way inside.

Unbelievable. It's the exact same as in the show.

From what I gather, the two immediate points of interest are Pink's bedroom, and the meeting hall where they discuss things.

I have four audio bugs in my toolkit. There may be more places that a headquarters like this may have that I want to explore, but the longer I stay and the more places I go in here, the more like it is that I'll be caught.
>>
No. 779838 ID: 65ec8d

Is it too late to send back another message? I was just planning to say this before you moved on, you should tell whoever is interviewing them that as well as the normal "what was her schedule supposed to be, did she receive any correspondence, did she seem worried" et cetera, they need to note that the other rangers are potential suspects themselves and, importantly, that their empathy may not be reliable. Remember, these people have special empathic technology and training - each one has likely trained to be able to focus their minds on a specific emotion, like Love for Pink, and that training could also be used to cover deception by focusing out the emotions that would give it away. They need to ask about things like personal drama, was their conflict between any of the rangers and Pink, interview each of them separately, and so on.

Anyway, first go plant a bug in their meeting room. Presumably they'll take the call there and if they say anything to each other before or after that call you'll want to pick up on it. Once the bug is planted go to Pink's room while they're busy being interrogated.
>>
No. 779839 ID: a363ac

>>779835
Put a bug in the main hall and any private rooms as you pass by to Pinks to investigate her room.
>>
No. 779840 ID: 211d83

Bug the meeting hall and search Pink's room.

After that maybe bug the kitchen because that is where people would probably hang out (neumono having to eat all the time). And if they have a rec room bug it.
>>
No. 779842 ID: 3abd97

>>779835
First make your way to the common area / control room, and plant audio bugs there. That's where they'll be talking the most.

Then go examine Pink's room.
>>
No. 779843 ID: 398fe1

>>779840
Yeah.
>>
No. 779845 ID: a8bc5c

Don't bug any personal rooms, we're not here to expose them. Bug the kitchen and the meeting hall instead, then go search pink's room. If you have time afterwards, go and bug the rec room and also the room where they store their GIANT ROBOTS.
>>
No. 779860 ID: e0bf19

Did you see them leave? It's entirely possible this is literally where they film the show, rather than their actual base.

It would be a surprisingly well done deception if they actually pulled that off, but it's worth considering.
>>
No. 779864 ID: bfb318
File 148720467003.png - (111.79KB , 800x800 , 14.png )
779864

>Did you see them leave?
I waited a little longer. Judging by their show, they have a secret exit anyways, and it would make sense to have one here as well.

>Is it too late to send back another message?
No, this armor should have well sealed sound, so I can still send messages to Katzati. I send her the questions I would want to ask the rangers myself, and I will be receiving the full transcript after it's done.

The meeting hall looks like a mix between a war room and an office conference. I slip a bug underneath the room, and move on. The kitchen appears to be just that. I bug it, since it is likely well used. There is also a recreational room, but while traversing the vents, I notice some overly large passages that imply a much bigger place. I imagine there is, in fact, a giant robot room. For now, I advance, with 2 bugs remaining, to Pink's room. I find a vent placed over a lamp, as I look over the rest of her room.

Pink's room is... pink.

It also looks like a hotel room after room service came through. The bed is well made, the floor is well vacuumed, there is a minifridge to the side, and a large assortment of chocolates stacked neatly on a table nearby.

There is a dresser with a mirror as well, but a closet signifies either she has a lot of clothes, or one object is not stocked with clothes. A tv and game station is all that's left of note in the room. To get a closer look, I will need to drop through the vent and begin snooping through her items. My primary fear would be a surveillance camera, but I still find it doubtful that they would include cameras in one's personal space even here.
>>
No. 779868 ID: 398fe1

>>779864
Investigate!
>>
No. 779870 ID: 3abd97

>Pink's room is... pink.
In her defense, she probably didn't choose the decor.

>My primary fear would be a surveillance camera
Assuming they get dressed in these rooms, and they want to keep their identities secret, taping themselves changing would be a bad idea.

Drop down for a search.

If you were gonna hide a bug or a camera in this room, where you do it? Think about it, then check those places to see if someone already planted something. If there was foul play, someone might have been watching her.

Is there is a note with the chocolate? Are any missing?
>>
No. 779871 ID: a363ac

Investigate the room for a journal or any other thing she might record her day to day notes in like these diaries you have heard of.
>>
No. 779881 ID: 65ec8d

It looks like a hotel because it probably basically is a hotel. This isn't a place these people live, it's where they sleep when they have to stay. It's not their home. Since we haven't seen the others, it's even possible that Pink may have a uniquely nice room, since she's most likely to have guests. How big is the bed?

Anyway, with the knowledge this isn't her home, the amount of clothes space and the pile of chocolates seem like the unusual aspects. The chocolates may be related to Valentine's day; search them for notes or cards. Check out the "clothes" storage spaces as well.

Keep an eye/ear out for some servant that cleans this place, though such a person is unlikely to come here now the room is clean, since Pink is missing. It might be an idea to go find that person, though, and wherever their base of operations here is, since whoever cleaned the room last may have taken away some useful evidence. Remember, Pink disappeared shortly after leaving here, and after she'd left would be when the place was cleaned, unless she did it herself.
>>
No. 779883 ID: 6480fa

Steal some panties.
>>
No. 779884 ID: a363ac

>>779883
if she can't get photographic evidence she can show the panties and be like I can have fun you see these panties I stole them from the Ranger base
>>
No. 779885 ID: bb78f2

You know, I know this sounds dumb, but since the HQ is just like the show, get an APB out on the "actor" that's supposed to be playing Pink when they're doing their out-of-uniform civilian drama stuff on the show.

It wouldn't surprise me if they don't know that they're ALL actually playing themselves on the show, all thinking to hide in the plainest site imaginable, while simultaneously thinking they're ALL being original and no one else on the team is playing themselves as civilians.

At least ONE of them is doing that, to be sure. I'd bet money on it.
>>
No. 779886 ID: 90f3c0

Have the UDA techs analyze that game station. Her online activities might give you some clues about her recent actions. Maybe she even made an obvious mistake, like logging into the same account from a different location that can be traced.

Hopefully they can access it remotely so you don't have to steal the thing, and leave evidence of your snooping.
>>
No. 779890 ID: 211d83

Check the chocolates for clues.

Also look in the normal places for cameras. Lamps, vents, pictures with thick frames, large furniture nobs.
>>
No. 779899 ID: 87547f

Dress up in Pinks undergarments and steal her chocolates. Then take a picture of yourself doing so and leave it by the door after signing it "Grump master Polo strikes again!"
>>
No. 779903 ID: e22b1d

>>779899

Do this. It's what they would expect. Also you can point to it later as being non grumpy and playing along with the silly role they gave you.

Oh and search the room while you do so.
>>
No. 779908 ID: 3abd97

We might want to take a chocolate so the lab acn check if they were drugged, but only if there's one or more missing to indicate she ate one. Absolutely don't eat any yourself, in case they were drugged.
>>
No. 779914 ID: 211d83

>>779899

Changing my vote to this.
>>
No. 779917 ID: bfb318
File 148721382179.png - (128.45KB , 800x800 , 15.png )
779917

>Playing themselves on the show
Possibly one or two, but with makup. I saw the original rangers, and their shades of fur and general builds did not quite match up with what I saw of the show.

>How big is the bed?
Roomy and large, however, so is the entire room. It may simply be that the Pink ranger is large, herself. It is possible, as I recall them being somewhat large during my fight with them, though I can't recall an accurate measure.

>Game station
I recognize one. I unplug it, then pull out my external power source and investigator AI, which will automatically peruse hardward like this for any information as safe as it can. Using this, I can relatively safely investigate this without leaving any evidence behind. I leave that running while investigating other objects.

>Chocolate
There are notes to most boxes, and seem to be greeting cards with personalized notes inside. I look inside of a heart container, and notice that most of the chocolate has been nibbled on, though not fully consumed. I read the letter.

Dear Pink Ranger - You're adorable! I know it's a pipe dream, but if I ever met you in real life, it would make my life.

I confirm the other boxes have the same look. Varying amounts of chocolate have been eaten from each. On the 6th box, though, I notice that the chocolate is fresh and unbitten. I read the letter.

Dear Pinky - Never before have I felt my hearts run like raging rivers before I saw you. If I ever found myself in your bedroom, I doubt I would be able to contain myself. I would lay claim to your bed, and should you dare invite yourself in, strip you of the terrible things that would cover your beauty. What would follow is -

Things I'm not going to read.
>>
No. 779918 ID: bfb318
File 148721383548.png - (124.50KB , 800x800 , 16.png )
779918

>Dresser/Closet
The closet appears to have loose fitting pajamas and tank tops. It seems, perhaps, that the ranger's take off their uniforms to relax, here, but not to show their faces.

In the dresser, I find little knickknacks and keepsakes. I make sure my armor is recording this successfully, as the collection of plushies, jewelry and other hobby based items may be able to tie in with a real person later.

In the other drawer I see her panties. They are enormous. Even more enormous than I thought would fit the pink ranger.

>Put on the panties
There are logistical challenges, ethical ones aside.

The other object I find of note is a diary. It even has a lock on it.

A shoddy lock. My armor AI tells me it is identical to a cheap brand of locks found on diaries, and is easily broken into.
>>
No. 779919 ID: 595d54

Well, check the last eaten box for poison. Then check all of them in reverse order if you don't find anything.

No messing around with panties.
>>
No. 779920 ID: 211d83

Holy crap is the pink ranger Rokoa and Giants kid or something? That girl is huge!

Well pick the lock on the diary and scan the contents for later reading. Check her room for secret doors/secrets before putting everything back.

And at least take a picture of yourself lounging on something in the middle of there base while posing as Grump ranger Polo. Just in case you want to taunt them later. Or just so you can start stockpiling a library of evidence you can indeed have fun on the job.
>>
No. 779921 ID: 3abd97

>notes
Hmm. You're not the only one with a devoted admirer (or several). Another possible motive- she could have been grabbed by a fan. Or be sneaking away with one.

>what do
Ping your operator. Are the Omega Wave Force still being interviewed?

Then pick that lock with your spy multitool.
>>
No. 779923 ID: 87547f

If Pink's diary is not equally huge those panties do not make a ton of sense. (does she have any giant sex toys in her panty drawer?)

Anyways scan the chocolates and boxes for chemicals. And check the rest of the room for secrets. Also carefully check the journal for traps before lock picking it.
>>
No. 779924 ID: 398fe1

>>779918
Break into the diary. Her life could be in danger, so it's a reasonable action.
>>
No. 779942 ID: 3abd97

A consideration: is there any physical evidence here that supports the team's claim she was here four hours ago? (Plus whatever your travel time was). If they're lying about the timeline, that would complicate things.
>>
No. 779949 ID: 91ee5f

>>779918
>In the other drawer I see her panties. They are enormous. Even more enormous than I thought would fit the pink ranger.
Is it possible that it could be Katzati? She's large enough to fit in--- oh, wait, never mind. Katzati's on the other end of your communicator.

Hmmm.....is it Rokoa? Nah, it couldn't be. She always has that creepy smile and Pink has never smiled like that.

I guess look around to see if she wrote her name on something by accident.

>diary with a shoddy lock.
Just pick it, don't break it!
>>
No. 779956 ID: bb78f2

>>779918
Perhaps... perhaps they have shapeshifting abilities and her most relaxed form is that big one?

Or... she's a Wendigo.
>>
No. 780002 ID: 65ec8d

Big they may be, but they're not nearly big enough for the likes of Rokoa or Katzati. Considering they'd be less wide while filled out, those girls' underwear would be, like... as wide as the length of Polo's body. Pink is evidently smaller than that, therefore.

Hmm. Double check the other panties. Are they all the same size? If the rangers never show their faces even to each other, it's theoretically possible that each ranger is actually multiple people taking turns. There's enough homogeneity among most hives that there's likely to be multiple people similar enough to be mistaken for each other, seen at a distance and in the same costume, right?

Open the diary if you can pick the lock so that it can be refastened. Also check under the bed for secrets. Is there an attached bathroom? Also check your suit's AI to see if it has cameras on the helmet and the option of observing and alerting for cameras or other minor details. Or if it has some sort of VR display capabilities.

Did watching their show answer the question as to whether they have a boss or mentor figure? Once you leave this room, it would probably be a good idea to see if you can find a bedroom that doesn't belong to any of the rangers, so that you can understand all the potential players in this situation.
>>
No. 780161 ID: bfb318
File 148729630368.png - (120.43KB , 800x800 , 17.png )
780161

The diary matches the rest of the room in terms of its size, and its pink.

>Does she have any giant sex toys in her panty drawer?
I have not noticed any.

>Are all the panties the same size?
They seem to vary. However, many are stretchy and may be intended as a one size fits all type of thing. One size fits provided a minimum amount of waist circumference. I cannot rule out the possibility that multiple neumono may alternate taking the role of a ranger.

>Did watching their show answer the question as to whether they have a boss or mentor figure?
It did. There is a belenos that acts as their mentor, technology inventor, and boss. I do not know if that's reflected in reality. In fact, I am willing to bet that the rangers' whole hives are in on this, and may not be in ultrahive jurisdiction either, as I can't imagine whole hives could keep a secret.

Plus, between these hideouts and the giant robots, there must be a large taskforce of engineers, scientists and so on backing it. Large hives would explain this.

I look back at the unbitten set of chocolates, and pull out my chemical analyzer and poke a hole at the bottom of it. My AI informs me that there is nothing untowards about the chemicals it found. I do not have the time, though, to test every single box that she did eat, as most of the chocolate here has at least been moderately nibbled.

I break into the diary. It essentially snaps open the moment my lock picking set touches it. My scanner reads the pages as I flip through them. They will all be read later, but I only read the last 3.

2/9 - I got more chocolate today, once they passed through our poison scanners. It's so good! I'm glad they finally got a convincing chocolate taste for us. It's sweet and sugary. I could eat it all day. I shouldn't! But I could.
2/10 - I spent some time in the rogue sector of the capital today. It's always a mental challenge, but they're the ones that need it most. I had to take off early, though, to mentally recharge.
2/12 - More chocolate! It's tempting, and while it's bad, it always gets me in a good mood to charge my wave beam with, so how could I not?

>Is there any physical evidence here that supports the team's claim she was here four hours ago?
I see nothing convenient. Even if there was, then if I suspected the rangers of lying about the timeline, then they could have fabricated something, so nothing here is conclusive.
>>
No. 780166 ID: bfb318
File 148729644007.png - (161.12KB , 1000x800 , 18.png )
780166

>Are the Omega Wave Force still being interviewed?
It would take them time to get to the capital, and I don't want to wait that long.

I put everything to the side and set a timer on my camera to take a snapshot of myself lounging on Pink's bed.

I'd say it would show them, but I feel ridiculous and unprofessional doing this. I will probably delete the picture.
>>
No. 780167 ID: bfb318
File 148729644727.png - (178.78KB , 800x800 , 19.png )
780167

>Check under the bed
It's clean.

>Bathroom
After looking around, I see the wall is a sliding panel, and what I thought was an ornament turns out to be the handle. It reveals an underwhelming bathroom. I see nothing offhand that's out of place. The hygenic items are all generic brands.

I start looking through cabinets just in case, but before I find anything good, Katzati calls me.

>"Hi Polo! There's going to be a delay on the Wave Force's questioning."
"What's going on?"
>"They say that the Pink Ranger's activated her beacon, and that she's being held for ransom. We're getting the police involved."
"Do they know if it was really Pink who activated it, or could anyone activate it?"
>"We don't know. They say that they'll handle it. Except it's right in our capital town, and we don't want them summoning giant robots or anything like that. I'm pretty sure they have no idea how to deal with hostage situations anyway. So we might not - er, hold on. Hold on. Polo, we're picking up some UFO's heading in fast to your location. Unless you're by an exit, you may need to sneak out."
>>
No. 780169 ID: 3abd97

>UFOs
Great, the wave force is coming back early, or someone else is hitting their base.

Time to gtfo. Remain unseen, if possible.

>They say that the Pink Ranger's activated her beacon
If at all possible, trace that beacon. They probably don't want us following them, but we're involved now and I'm not leaving this up to ridiculous amateurs.
>>
No. 780170 ID: 211d83

What is up with that showerhead?

Well make a quick sweep of the bathroom and get to a vent to make leaving easier. Katzati will keep us up to date and we might be able to spy on some rangers if they are the one's coming over.
>>
No. 780171 ID: 026d74

We still have two more bugs left, and we're not sure if that IS the wave force that's come back or a third party.

Get out of pink's room and get into a vent. Try and confirm the identity of the new arrivals before leaving.
>>
No. 780184 ID: a363ac

Go wait in the main hall and when they show up declare that "You are the backup ranger sent by destiny to help them in the fight for JUSTICE and Truth! The HOPE of all those who depend on the Rangers to protect the world from (insert a reoccurring baddy you saw in the show here)!" all while doing fancy karate moves to impress upon the your skills.
>>
No. 780186 ID: 595d54

Delete the picture now before Rokoa finds out somehow. Start sneaking out.


>>780184
Bit too OOC, it stops being funny if Polo stops acting like Polo.
>>
No. 780187 ID: 3abd97

>>780184
Polo's not nearly fed up enough to pull something like that yet.

Also, she may stand for truth and justice as a detective, but her element is GRUMP, not HOPE.
>>
No. 780200 ID: 8111b6

Exeunt Polo, nearest exit. Look out a window en route, or perhaps check a console. Just in case.
Be prepared to change plans, not that there's much of one yet.
Interviewing the rogues she visited would probably help. ...or, given the obsessive notes, perhaps it's a stalker fan sort of situation?
It's tempting to swipe some of her massive chocolate stockpile, but I don't see any strategic use at the moment.
>>
No. 780210 ID: 65ec8d

Prepare to sneakily observe whoever the new arrival is, and if it's the Rangers, see if you can tag along with them by stealth. It'd be the best way to get information, and when they screw up or get in trouble, you can step in to help them.
>>
No. 780273 ID: 398fe1

Well, Pink could still be romancing a rogue, but at this point she'd have to be cooperating with the ransom. Effectively ransoming herself, which means if the money is delivered both her and her "captor" will run off with it. I suppose that would explain how she was able to be captured at all, since it's been said nobody should have the resources to do it in the first place.

Is there a return address on the chocolates and letters? We should check the rogue district, and also all the traffic cameras and such to see if they saw Pink walking around anywhere.

Sneak out, obviously, after placing a bug in the room.
>>
No. 780321 ID: bfb318
File 148736723099.png - (104.95KB , 800x800 , 20.png )
780321

>What is up with that showerhead?
The top appears a bit over stylish, but 80% of its mass is devoted to being grabbed by giant mitt hands.

"Trace that beacon if you can, Katzati."
>"We're trying. Like we say, we want to get the police in on this, and we can only do that effectively if we know where Pink is."

The thought of Rokoa seeing the picture of me laying on that bed pops into mind. I delete the picture as I go back to Pink's room, where I put everything back in as I found it. I then bug Pink's bed to leave me with one bug remaining, take the AI from the game console, and hop back through the vent.

>"I'm taking it that if you called it a UFO, you don't know who it is?"
"Correct. It's not the Wave Force, though, since we never can detect them coming in or out of the hideout and I sincerely doubt they're making an exception here."
>>
No. 780322 ID: bfb318
File 148736723770.png - (197.61KB , 800x800 , 21.png )
780322

I get out to the forested area, and duck behind some shrubbery. I think I can make it out unseen, but I hear a hovership coming down.

>Is there a return address on the chocolates and letters?
Come to think of it, there was. My camera should have gotten many of those.

>"Paahahahaha!" I hear a shrill laugh coming from the treetops.
>>
No. 780323 ID: bfb318
File 148736724731.png - (252.45KB , 1200x800 , 22.png )
780323

The hovercrafts start lowering themselves down to my location.

>"Come out, Beta-Wave Dummies! I hear your Pink Ranger's been knocked out of commission, so you can't pilot your beloved Omegabot, can you? Come out already and let's see you grovel to see her pink little face again!"

I don't believe they see me, so I can ignore this badly dressed distraction.

>"Alert." My AI says. "That is the Stoneheart Duchess, a wanted criminal. She is wanted for over 100 counts of extortion, bribery, and espionage involving corporate, governmential, and law enforcement agencies. Latest charge: bribing a judge relating to a lawsuit involving using her image without permission in the movie 'Omega Wave Force in - "
"Thank you, AI. I am aware."
>"I have a name, you know. It is Bell."
"Thank you, Bell."

On one point, she is effectively a real-world supervillain, but on the other hand, she is flanked by only two neumono bodyguards and, considering she is here to attack the rangers, is most likely woefully unprepared to deal with plasma shield penetrating live ammunition.

While I may technically be outside of the agency's jurisdiction, this area is not home to any recognized governments, so there is nothing preventing me from apprehending her here. Although I'm sure there are surveillance cameras pointed at her, they would not be able to see who, exactly, shot a sniper bullet and used a grappling hook.

Considering that she does not even know they're not here, though, she may be nothing more than a high profile distraction.
>>
No. 780327 ID: a363ac

>>780323
Might as well take her out while you are here. Take a shot at the disabling spot on the gut from the back if you can. and then blind the other two with a simple headshot. Then call Katzati in for a pick up and interrogation.
>>
No. 780329 ID: b412df

This is a unofficial investigation, not formally reported, so Stoneheart must either be involved in this case or she has sources inside the police / UDA / however the waveforce reported Pink's disappearance. So we should take her in for questioning.

Also, and while it might be unprofessional to make judgements based on her name and logo, Stoneheart and a heart with a X through it kinda implies a opposition to the concept of love.
>>
No. 780336 ID: 398fe1

>>780323
Do it. Become a force of justice.
>>
No. 780337 ID: 90f3c0

How does she know about Pink? That isn't public knowledge yet. She must have had contact with someone involved in the kidnapping. Take her in for questioning.
>>
No. 780338 ID: a8bc5c

Take them all out and schedule the pickup.

And while you wait for that to happen, ensure the photo's complete removal from existence by overwriting the computer data where it used to be.

You can do this by, say, taking pictures of yourself and the downed stoneheart.

Purely for PR purposes, I assure you. And not for later taunting of the waveforce.
>>
No. 780339 ID: 65ec8d

>let's see you grovel to see her pink little face again

Well now that makes it sound like she has clues. Problem is, the rangers are probably at least smart enough to also think that, and they'll want to hear from her as well.

... Wait a minute and see what she does. The rangers are probably racing back here as fast as they can - see if you can get an estimate on how long it should take them to get here, since your organization should at least have been able to see what vehicles they were using. If you can, wait until the Rangers get back and then act to help them. If you have to act before that, to prevent her doing any damage to the ranger base, or escaping, take her captive and hold her until the rangers get here.

Either way, you'll be able to pretend you followed her here. Say, for example, that your agency had a "rough idea" of where their base was, and tracked UFOs flying in that region, so you were sent to see what happened. So you were conveniently here to help. You'll probably be able to phrase it in some technically-true way.

You'll have to act appropriately mysterious and aloof and coldly professional and a little bit edgy. "What gets the job done", sort of thing. Like if they complain about your methods you can talk back to them about playing around when one of their teammates is in trouble. Shouldn't be too much of a stretch from your normal personality, just dramatized a bit. See if you can find yourself a nice sniper perch, something where after you've shot these guys out of the sky and they look around to see who did it, you'll be able to stand up and be dramatically silhouetted against the sky or something.

I know it all sounds silly, but the rangers are probably going to turn this into an episode of their show at some point, you can't really stop them because of the whole legal jurisdiction thing. Just play along and they'll probably be more willing to work with you. Besides, it could be good advertising for the agency! Try to act like a (somewhat dramatized) ideal of what an agent should be, and hopefully some kids who think of that sort of thing is cool and impressive will be inspired to aspire to it once they grow up. Maybe secure some extra funding for the agency, too. It's all very practical when you think about it, Polo.
>>
No. 780346 ID: 3abd97

>>780323
You're the law, here. The only reason you don't take criminals in is when there's more pressing concerns. Like it would jeopardize your cover on a more important case, or put innocents at risk.

Shoot her. (First shot should probably be to disable her hover-sled).

>Either way, you'll be able to pretend you followed her here. Say, for example, that your agency had a "rough idea" of where their base was, and tracked UFOs flying in that region, so you were sent to see what happened. So you were conveniently here to help. You'll probably be able to phrase it in some technically-true way.
Yeah, you have plausible deniability. Katzati picked up the UFOs how far away? Minutes? There was time to scramble assets on the ground if you were nearby.
>>
No. 780348 ID: 65ec8d

Oh, another note: You should probably be sure to keep your helmet on from now. Any surveillance in this area will probably be used by these guys on their show, and as that lawsuit shows, they're not really moved by rules about permitted use of a person's image or identity. Besides which, though the Christmas fiasco was big and the rangers did see who you were then, they might not immediately make the connection when they see you in the suit - or, if they do, then at least their viewers might not. So, protect your identity. Keep your mask on, and if you have to speak, don't call yourself Polo.

Call yourself, uh... well, you don't want to tell people you're the Gray Ranger, that'd continue the color theme and make it seem like you consider yourself one of them. You are a ranger, no denying that really. Rangers are a real thing, in militaries and so on, it's basically another word for "commando".

... If someone asks who you are, tell them they can call you the Ghost Ranger.

Because that would be hella cool and fits the gray color, and even if you reveal who you are later the fans of the show will love speculating about who you are and the christmas events will basically be foreshadowing and they'll love it.
>>
No. 780349 ID: 91ee5f

>>780323
>Stoneheart Duchess
You think that means she doesn't feel love? If that's true, then maybe she's trying to ruin Valentine's Day? And maybe she's the one that somehow kidnapped Pink? She just doesn't know that there's no one home.

You know, if you revealed yourself, she'd think you're one of the Rangers because of the suit you're wearing. And because your suit isn't one of the other Ranger's colors, she'll think you're a new 6th Ranger or something!
>>
No. 780379 ID: 211d83

The problem with leaving her alone is she is floating up there where she would see you being evacuated.

So sneak off into the jungle and snipe her platform. Then leave her crashed and cursing in the middle of the jungle without transportation and have one of your other teams grab her while you get to the Pink hostage mess.

Who knows how many of these costumed loons are out there. Try to avoid getting slowed down by them.
>>
No. 780396 ID: 2c4dd9

This seems like the kind of thing that happens pretty often, so I'm sure the Rangers can detect when this stuff goes down. She's just a distraction for now. If you can think of a way to attach your last bug to her hovercraft without anyone noticing you can always have her tracked with that and have her apprehended later but otherwise just ignore her you got a mission.
>>
No. 780501 ID: d36af7

Attach audio bug to one of the duchess's minions without them noticing. It probably doubles as a tracking device.
>>
No. 780570 ID: 91ee5f

>>780501
That'll only work if Polo can get the bug through the energy shields all of them have. And as long as the Rangers don't show up and blow all of them out of the sky, otherwise we'll have wasted a bug when the minion gets shot down.
>>
No. 780663 ID: 8111b6

Remember, unless they can spawn more, go for the added minions first in a direct fight. Otherwise, go for the one in command. How police-like do you want to be while wearing that getup? Maybe first just mention they're wanted for questioning regarding this case and a few others, if you're going by the book.
>>
No. 781001 ID: bfb318
File 148747487770.png - (178.27KB , 800x800 , 23.png )
781001

>Ensure the photo's complete removal from existence by overwriting the computer data where it used to be.
All of our gear already does that. Upon the intentional deletion of user-created data, the memory of which it used to be stored is wiped over instead of abandoned.

Although the Duchess does not have any common acts against valentine's, I suppose her theme does coincide well here. Perhaps we should have investigated her, but she usually remains well in the shadows.

She slipped up this time. By being detected a few minutes before, I can say I was simply within the area, but I would like to not be seen at all, and only give away that there was another person here.

The Duchess continues lowering herself closer to the ground, where I get closer.

>"What are you waiting for? I thought the Wave-Force prided themselves on not being cowaAHH!"

I shoot a plasma piercing shot through the underside of her carriage, aimed at the sensitive anti-gravity portions. It doesn't shut it off completely, but it must hit the stabilizers as it starts wobbling. She tries to regain control manually. It's impressive reaction, but her success works against her, as I'm able to take another shot to destroy the plasma generator.

I have to be the one to subdue her, as the only one of my team out here is the pilot. It would take too long for anyone else to fly here as well.
>>
No. 781005 ID: bfb318
File 148747496862.png - (169.55KB , 800x800 , 24.png )
781005

>"Live ammunition?! When the hell?!" the Duchess cries out just before I shoot the grappling hook at her. She falls off, and I loop my hook by a tree to give me leverage to start reeling her in.
>"Duchess!" the two bodyguards yell. They start flying after her, but I'm behind heavy tree cover. Judging by the movements of their platforms, they have high top speeds but do not have good acceleration. They will not be able to fly quickly through the forest, at least not until I have apprehended the Duchess.

There is a good chance that I will hurt her, but due to her status as a well armed criminal, and a neumono, heavy force is authorized and recommended.
>>
No. 781006 ID: bfb318
File 148747497857.png - (285.39KB , 1200x800 , 25.png )
781006

Nonetheless, as I see her getting dragged across the ground, she seems to be healthy enough. I shoot her in the gut to knock her out.
>>
No. 781007 ID: bfb318
File 148747499679.png - (230.46KB , 800x800 , 26.png )
781007

I then throw a remote detonated grenade to blow up as the two bodyguards manage to catch up. I'll have the pilot come by and will pick up those two on the way back.
>>
No. 781008 ID: bfb318
File 148747504222.png - (151.58KB , 800x800 , 27.png )
781008

I pick up the Duchess and run back to the ship, where I toss her on board, and we take off, where I begin giving her medical treatment. Although scuffed up in many areas, all of her bones are intact, and while I'm sure there are bruises, there are no signs of significant injury. Other than the spot where I shot her. I restrain her, and just in time. She starts coming around already, before we finished picking up her bodyguards. She panics for a second, then collects herself and glares at me.

>"... where am I? Who're y - ranger?! Wait... no. Are you the one who shot me? If so, you're not ranger!"
>>
No. 781010 ID: 91cfcf

>>781008
She's surprised about live ammunition? Is she a fucking actor or something, too? You're never living this down if she is.

Ask her what she knows about the situation. Who told her Pink was gone?
>>
No. 781013 ID: 3abd97

>"Live ammunition?! When the hell?!"
Giant robots but no real weapons. Exactly what's wrong with the rangers, and why their villains keep getting away and extending their rap sheets.

>>781008
Helmet off, and show your badge. Do this by the books, we don't want a lawyer getting her off on a technicality later.

"I am Agent Polo, of the Ultrahive Detective Agency. 'Stoneheart Duchess' you are being arrested for extortion, bribery, espionage, and suspicion of involvement in the disappearance of 'Omega Pink'."

Read her her rights and such before starting a field interrogation.
>>
No. 781014 ID: a363ac

>>781008
Initiate the interrogation with a nice bowl of Katsudon. while politely asking where Pink is before you have to start cutting because you could be with your Hive right now but some bullshit Rangers lost track of their friend.
>>
No. 781020 ID: 91ee5f

>>781008
"I'm the secret 6th Ranger that does all of the things the other Rangers don't have the balls to do from behind the scenes. Which is why I have live ammo. You're lucky I felt like taking you in instead of killing you. Now, start talking."
>>
No. 781023 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, make your voice a little more gruff and menacing. You don't want to give someone like this any clues to your real identity. Also, you want to try being intimidating. She seems to have bought into the whole worldview around the rangers, so you might as well see if playing along with it helps.

"Not the sort of ranger you've dealt with before. Playing with a pack of emotional children, it seems you've forgotten there's a world beyond the colourful lines they've drawn around themselves. Me... I'm a memory from the other side, here to set things right. You can call me the Ghost Ranger."

Do you have your silence on, currently? It could help spook her if her minions get thrown in here and she can sense them and realizes she can't sense you.
>>
No. 781024 ID: 211d83

Before you reveal yourself as agent Polo maybe we can use the silly helmet and suit to find out more of her strange life? (This whole team and there villains have to be a crazy rich persons bored game. Take a bunch of money and a bunch of silly neumono to blow it playing cops and robbers and watch what happens.)

Spin her a tail of being the Grey Ranger. Here to provide no nonsense backup and to take the place of the missing ranger if true peril arises. That and you left your emotion ray behind. (we should get that thing for later)

Yeah its silly but you will get a completely different reaction than you would by coming out as Polo right away. You can always read her her rights and book her properly later. Right now we need info into the Ranger world.
>>
No. 781032 ID: 3abd97

>>781023
>>781024
The problem with this kind of silly stunt to extract information is it will screw up the arrest, and she could use it to get off, especially since we already know she pays off crooked lawyers and judges.

Her arrest needs to be airtight if Polo wants to put her away.
>>
No. 781043 ID: 398fe1

>>781013
Yeah, we better do this by the book.
>>
No. 781046 ID: 395c02

No fancy or weird stuff, you're a professional.
>>
No. 781049 ID: 15a025

What kind of criminal would be surprised to be blasted with live ammunition? You think that'd be kind of an expected danger...
>>
No. 781054 ID: b2db3f

Someone has to be funding these crazies. I mean she floated over in a custom flying throne with her symbol embossed on the front. That sort of thing does not come cheap.

And expecting to face only "emotion" beams and giant robots? They have there own little world to play in. I mean we know the emotion rays work. But are a shitty actual weapon due to them only working on neumono.

Its more like a great crowd control weapon or mind control test but...

Holy crap a Salikai or other madman is financing the Rangers so they can perfect empathy weapons in public!

They create a few shell companies and finance some clueless scientist to form the "Rangers". Gives them a excuse to gather young impressionable neumono together with strong empathy control. The get the beams and have adventures so they look fun to the public. But in secret someone is gathering info to perfect there empathy tech.

If they can replicate the emotion controls on a wide scale without predators well they could take out whole cities!
>>
No. 781083 ID: bb78f2

>>781008
I'm a cosplayer and rabid fan
No one's home so I thought you know, I'd do some justice!
>>
No. 781094 ID: d36af7

>>781013
I think you mean "of the Ultrahive Detective Affirmation." That's one of those idiotic technicalities a good lawyer would jump all over.
>>
No. 781123 ID: 9411c6

"This is my cosplay outfit."
>>
No. 781129 ID: 8111b6

"I didn't choose the outfit, it was assigned." State your job, state her warrant list, state your current case. DON'T say your name or that you're some super secret ranger or something, yet. Perhaps 'Detective Ghost' if you need an alias, or just don't give a rip and go total professionalism.
>>
No. 781132 ID: 65ec8d

>>781032
>>781043
>>781129
>do this by the book

We're outside jurisdiction anyway, guys, there's no law out here to begin with. The big "under arrest" formalities would just sound stupid and she'll toss them back in our face.

>>781054

I doubt it's salikai, considering another salikai was manipulating them in the first thread and we took him out, but they're still here. If they were a different salikai's pets then I think either he wouldn't have needed to manipulate them with drugs/etc. or he would have been hands off another salikai's project.
>>
No. 781142 ID: 65ec8d

Addendum: On a world with large tracts of unclaimed extralegal territory, it's important that criminals are made to understand that leaving the law's domain makes things worse for them, not better. Give them their rights and privileges under the law when they commit their crimes under the law, and when they act outside those boundaries treat them with harsher justice. Otherwise you'll get people mistreating and exploiting unaligned natives, setting up their own drug factories in the wilderness, or other dirty deeds that they can think they'll get away with.
>>
No. 781143 ID: 2c520d

We should tell her as little as possible JUST on principle since this is an interrogation, not a booking. (yet)

And also that she may try something foolish despite the injury and restraints

"You can refer to me as 'Agent' or "interrogator'. Now talk. Who told you that one of the waveforce is MIA?"
>>
No. 781154 ID: 3abd97

>We're outside jurisdiction anyway, guys, there's no law out here to begin with.
All that means is there's no jurisdictional headache trying to extradite her from a different sovereign state's region of authority. She committed crimes in our jurisdiction- those don't magically disappear when she's outside it. And as an agent of the law, what we do will very much mater later.

>We should tell her as little as possible JUST on principle since this is an interrogation, not a booking. (yet)
Preforming an interrogation before a booking just invalidates anything we learn from the interrogation, and the eventual booking.
>>
No. 781158 ID: b412df

Throw the book at her Polo, should be amusing to see the look on her face when we realises the UDA does not goof about like the rangers do.
>>
No. 781181 ID: e6e9af

>>781008

BUT WHAT IF PINK WAS STONEHEART ALL ALONG.
>>
No. 782703 ID: bfb318
File 148799134613.png - (146.16KB , 800x800 , 28.png )
782703

I remind myself that I am a professional, and I will act like one. I remove my helmet.

"Agent Polo Sealock. UDA."
>"The UDA?! What the hell are you doing out here?"
"I suggest you get into the habit of answering, not questioning. You only have rights to understand the charges against you, where you are going, and what you may do, upon your request of any such information. I'm sure you are well aware of all of this, anyway."
>"Considering I haven't done shit, I don't know and I don't care. Actually, I want to know rights - what right does the UDA have arresting me out here?"
"The Global Extradition Clause in the Ultrahive Civil Agreeance, Article 38.1."
>"Fuckin' hell, of course I get the one god damn agent that memorized that book. So you all knew where their secret base was after all. Those idiots let themselves get..."

...

>"Unbelievable! I get arrested not due to investigators or a sudden bout of competence by the Wave-Force, but by investigators being in the right place to cherry pick off the giant tree that is the Wave-Force's clumsiness! It was their foolery that got me in this mess!"
"Enough of that. You knew one of the Rangers is MIA. How do you know that?"
>"That's private info that's got nothing to do with the UDA. I'm not telling you until I have a lawyer."
"Fine. Then answer me something off the record. What is someone like you doing getting surprised by live ammunition?"
>"Shouldn't that be obvious? I was expecting the Rangers, and they don't use live ammo. Just stuns and nets and whatever."
"Alright. I am taking you back to a legal station."
>"Which one?"
"I will not, nor do I need to, say."
>"You know I'm not going to stay behind bars for over 5 nights, right?"
"Even if that were true, you know that's not going to stop us from trying, right? Now be quiet unless you have something meaningful to say, as I am well within my boundaries to forcibly keep your mouth shut."

"Did you get all of that, Katzati?" I say, putting my helmet back on and sealing it.
>"Yes. We'll have a squad to detain her on your landing, and make sure it's not a place she can put her insiders in. Also, we've resolved the hostage situation."
"That was fast."
>"Yes, it was honestly faster than it should have been, but Rokoa's squad cleaned out the whole building. It turned out to be alright. Well, sort of. The thing is is that they didn't have the Pink Ranger after all. They had her suit. The culprits are claiming they were trying to ransom just the suit back, and it was a misunderstanding that anyone thought they had the pink ranger herself. We've yet to properly interrogate everyone though, and that may be awhile. The point is is that the Pink Ranger is still missing, but we know she doesn't have her suit."
>>
No. 782704 ID: a363ac

>>782702
Then until someone tells UDA what she looks like this case is stuck. Check the suit for leads.
>>
No. 782707 ID: e22b1d

>The point is is that the Pink Ranger is still missing, but we know she doesn't have her suit.
Didn't she leave the base as a civilian? Didn't think she'd have brought the armor with her.

And technically, if she has one of their empathy guns, can't she summon the armor around her?

>what do
Search your prisoner I guess. She have any electronics we can search, or other things?

Otherwise we need to see if a lead comes out of that raid, or the interviews with the other rangers, or our audio bugs. And escort our prisoner back to base.
>>
No. 782708 ID: 595d54

>"You know I'm not going to stay behind bars for over 5 nights, right?"
Ask if you can put her in jail someplace in orbit that doesn't have a day-night cycle.
>>
No. 782709 ID: 96c896

>>782703
Hmmm... ask the criminal if she's friends with the Pink Ranger. That would explain how she knew. She may have even helped the Pink Ranger vanish.

It would be helpful to know where the ransomers got the suit from.
>>
No. 782711 ID: 65ec8d

So, someone who was only recognizable by what suit they wear is now no longer wearing said suit. Presumably she has pink fur, and we have estimates of her approximate size from camera recordings, and she has round ears; the most common type. Apart from that we have no idea how to identify her. What are we supposed to do, track down and interrogate every pink round-eared neumono woman within a certain height range?

Well, at least it was within the city, and there's a limited span of time between when she left the rangers and when the hostage claim came in. So start by examining all the camera records in that area that could explain how that suit got there. If they say they found it elsewhere, check the records there.

The suit being elsewhere from her body is interesting. If she were kidnapped with the suit, and then had it taken from her, the likely suspects for such a kidnapping (crazed fan stalker, ranger enemy) would have taken the suit as well. And the homing beacon - does it activate when the suit is taken off without the right procedure, i.e. when taken off forcefully by a second person? If so then Pink would have to still be pretty nearby, and would have been right there when the beacon started going off. Find neumono who were in the area and ask them if they encountered a neumono with particularly loving empathy, or anything else unusual.

If the homing beacon is just a function of the suit that can be activated at any time, however, then that means Pink must have activated it; only the rangers and their associates would know how to activate such a beacon. So there's a strong possibility that Pink took off the suit herself, and deliberately activated it while leaving it behind, in order to draw attention away from herself. In which case, she probably wouldn't want to be found?

... You'll need to ask the rangers what they wear under their suits.
>>
No. 782790 ID: da1652

>>782703
get forensics on the suit to discover her actual identity? Knowing who she is would make it easier to rescue her.
>>
No. 782791 ID: e22b1d

>>782790
That only works if there's some kind of global DNA-equivilent database to compare to or if she's already in the system because she has a record. And if the lab can get results back fast enough to matter.

Although... if there's telemetry data we can get out of Pink's armor, or if it has an AI we can interrogate, we might be able to figure out where she lives, or where she parted ways from it. We want to make sure Rokoa and the cops hold onto the armor as evidence instead of letting the Rangers have it back. And we want to have our CAI take a crack at it ASAP.
>>
No. 782792 ID: a8bc5c

Okay polo. There's no way around it. While your support team processes stoneheart, you need to get to the suit next.

And that probably means dealing with HER.

Infact, you should take her with you! The two of you can probably trace the scent/evidence of the suit out of the building and back to where it came from.
>>
No. 782865 ID: 211d83

While we have not had the chance to properly interrogate people I bet Rokoa did plenty of "improper" interrogation already while cleaning out the building.

So drop this rich idiot off and lets get over there and see what info Rokoa has for us. Bring along a temp UDA badge and deputize Rokoa before Az can do it again.

Am sure whatever went on with the Pink Ranger is probably a giant mess. Who knows if she is actually kidnapped or missing or just got stressed over the holiday and the possibility of letting the Rogues down and went into hiding.

Whatever it turns up being we need to make sure someone can love ray those Rogues so the holiday does not turn a giant riot. (Like Christmas)
>>
No. 782980 ID: bfb318
File 148806463415.png - (162.36KB , 800x800 , 29.png )
782980

>Did your prisoner have any electronics we can search, or other things?
Surprisingly little. I am going to order a team to investigate the wreckage as well as pick up her two bodyguards, as I suspect their chariots may have had some information.

"Duchess. Are you friends with the pink ranger?" I ask her.
>"What? Hell no."

"Katzati." I say, muting my suit again. "How does the homing beacon work? That is, how is it activated?"
>"From what the Wave-Force has told us, there's a bunch of ways it could be set off. Pink could have done it remotely, can do it while she's wearing it, but the suit itself does have AI in it, and if it feels the need, can do it. Preliminary interrogations imply that they were trying to tamper with the suit."
"Have they said what they wear under the suit?"
>"Typically biosuits, but sometimes they have tight fitting street clothes underneath as well. It's also complicated that their biosuits can recede away from their extremities on the surface level, so that they can blend in as needed. Right now, we're scanning all pink neumono getting off of trains, as that's how they typically arrive in the capital. We're going to narrow it down as much as we can, but there's going to be a lot of unreliable guessing going on with what we have."
"Can we get info off of the suit's AI?"
>"The Rangers are doing that right now, because supposedly the AI will do a full system wipe if it gets tampered with. We might not fully trust them, but that seems like the kind of thing they'd do."
"After I drop the duchess off, I will stop by to see Rokoa and see what she's found out."
>"Okay. Uh, you can, but we are getting her to feed us the info. Lucera is on site, now. So, you can do that, or... well, remember how I mentioned we were scanning Pink neumono off trains? Well, there is guess work, but first off, there aren't that many pink neumono with her shade of pink, provided she didn't paint her fur. Secondly, we can ID many of the remaining ones to the point that we can exclude them since they have constant alibi's that would conflict with Pink ranger sightings. My point is is that you can either go join Lucera to be a second set of eyes and ears for what we're investigating with Pink's suit, or go investigate a few pink neumono that could potentially be the ranger."
>>
No. 782981 ID: 96c896

>>782980
How about the latter? Especially track down any pink neumono who are headed for the rogue quarter.
>>
No. 782984 ID: 211d83

If those pink neumono are in public and not being carried off by strangers then they are not being kidnapped. If one of them is the Pink Ranger she is having a normal day in her secret identity and it's not my business to go hassling her.

That being said Lucera should have the suit thing in hand. So I will check out these Pink ladies before they wander off to far.
>>
No. 782986 ID: 3abd97

>Right now, we're scanning all pink neumono getting off of trains
...are we even certain the Pink Ranger is pink furred? Their suits don't show a lot of "skin", and compared to the tech they already use, some kind of fur die that could be washed out in the shower isn't out of the question.

And even if she hasn't been disguising her fur the entire time, she could be disguising it now if she's making a run for it. If you know everyone is looking for a pink neumono? Step 1: don't be a pink neumono.

Are we even sure Pink is female? The suit would cover up enough, and empathy should give it away, but maybe not.

>supposedly the AI will do a full system wipe if it gets tampered with. We might not fully trust them, but that seems like the kind of thing they'd do
That only makes sense. They've got secret tech, lots of enemies, and CAIs exist. That's a pretty basic precaution.

>My point is is that you can either go join Lucera to be a second set of eyes and ears for what we're investigating with Pink's suit, or go investigate a few pink neumono that could potentially be the ranger.
Poking long shot leads will probably be more productive than butting heads with Rokoa, especially if you've already got personnel on site.
>>
No. 782993 ID: b412df

>>782986
Plus, you're effectively wearing a ranger costume, and Rokoa did say she wanted a autograph from the waveforce during the Christmas incident. So there may be some jokes about that if she sees you as you currently are.
>>
No. 782994 ID: 65ec8d

>>782984
>If those pink neumono are in public and not being carried off by strangers then they are not being kidnapped.

She could be being coerced somehow - loved one hostage, threat, blackmail, et cetera. Or it might be possible that she's engaged in something illegal or illicit. The point is, if she was just taking time off, she would have just done it officially, or left a note or such. Something is going on that someone feels the need to conceal, at the least. Whether that's Pink herself or some other party makes little difference, it needs investigation - and the fact that her disappearance will cause a dangerous level of disappointment for a lot of rogues makes it a national concern.

I'd like to make a note again that the rangers' training on focusing on one emotion could be used for concealment or deceptive purposes. If there's a chance, they should be asked if it's theoretically possible for a neumono with their training to use it in order to block out feelings of guilt or other empathic giveaways.

Anyway, Polo, don't you want an excuse to not have to deal with Rokoa? Go investigate some pink ladies. Now that we know the homing beacon could have been activated remotely, the question of what she would have been wearing underneath her suit is less relevant - she could have just changed clothes after she left the rangers. If she's trying to avoid notice, by coercion or otherwise, then I'd bet on the middle of those three neumono Katzati's noted, since she's wearing less attention-getting clothes. Follow up on her first.
>>
No. 782996 ID: 91ee5f

>>782986
>Poking long shot leads will probably be more productive than butting heads with Rokoa, especially if you've already got personnel on site.
But what if there's something in an air vent? We all know that Rokoa and her hive can't fit in those tiny things! Plus, if any of them actually try to fit in the air vents, Polo should be there to take pictures so that she can look at them later and laugh!

>>782993
I wouldn't be surprised if Rokoa ends up getting their autographs while she's kicking their asses. Just like she did with that football team during the Christmas incident! XD
>>
No. 783000 ID: 3abd97

>>782996
Lucera is on site. If Rokoa needs someone small to shove in an air vent, she's got him.
>>
No. 783001 ID: 688206

How did the hostage takers even get ahold of the suit in the first place? If they found it somewhere, then that's where we should start looking. Forensics and tracking would be more viable than staring at security cameras trying to find the needle in a haystack.
>>
No. 783002 ID: 78a3e5

Investigate the pinkies
>>
No. 783044 ID: 15a025

Let's investigate some pinkies.
>>
No. 783054 ID: 91ee5f

>>783000
But what if he's not small enough?
>>
No. 783102 ID: 69361d

Well if we do go see Rokoa we will get laughed at cause of our suit, and then she will try tag along to see what happens. She'll probably also try get the rangers autographs and possibly fight them.
Yea lets not go anywhere near Rokoa this time, this is Valentines, day of love not brutality.

Lets look for pinkies. Ask about ones heading to, from or already near rogue areas.

>>783054
Tthhhat won't stop Rokoa.
>>
No. 783103 ID: 5b93d3

>>782980
>Suit was found, but no wearer, hostagetakers have lame excuse
Are any of the hostage takers pink?
>>
No. 783178 ID: 211d83

Wait a moment I think I know what Pink is up to!

She is getting ready for her big performance by charging her love meter to full capacity!

Remember when you were driven to use the grump beam? You had to get crazy grumpy to make it affect everyone that it did. So Pink needs to get loved up really hard for a few days to charge up enough love/lust energy to affect all the rogues.

Remember all those love letters? I bet she went off to some seedy brothel with a bunch of her fans to get all the affection she could ever want in preparation for her big performance! (Quick read that lewd note all the way through for clues)

Of course she wants to keep it secret so she does not let her team know about her charge up activities. Something probably went wrong and some assholes found her suit while she was getting gang banged and she made a embarrassed run for it so her face did not show up on the next tabloid with a picture of her fucking a dozen rogues at once.

Long story short Pink was getting charged with "love" and some asshole noticed and she ran for it.
>>
No. 783190 ID: 96c896

>>783178
Well, it's possible that the situation is something LIKE that... hey, what did the Pink Ranger do last year?
>>
No. 783202 ID: 3abd97

>>783190
Nothing. This is the first neumono valentine's, after all.
>>
No. 783210 ID: b2db3f

>>783178

Something along these lines does seem plausible. She has to get her love energy from somewhere to charge her gun. And if you are going to use it on rogues maybe its best to charge from rogue love?

This whole mess might have been a crime of opportunity or just a embarrassed Ranger in the process of sneaking back home before someone notices her.
>>
No. 783238 ID: 65ec8d

I think if she wanted to charge up on genuine love, rather than just lust or infatuation or pity or shallow admiration, she'd go to someone she has more of a personal connection to? Or like go swim in a pit full of adorable babies or something.
>>
No. 783905 ID: bfb318
File 148840835173.png - (102.91KB , 800x800 , 30.png )
783905

>Polo, don't you want an excuse to not have to deal with Rokoa?
I do, but the mission takes priority over my own sensibilities and biases against that woman.

>Forensics and tracking would be more viable than staring at security cameras trying to find the needle in a haystack.
Yes, and while there is a team of AIs finding a needle in a haystack, there is an entire team of policework being done around Pink's suit.

>Are we even certain the Pink Ranger is pink furred?
We are not, since they could dye their fur. Which is why these pink neumono are long shots that are likely dead ends, but since there is a team on the more definitive lead, my choice is between long shots and redundancy.

I intend on getting out of this suit anyway, regardless of what investigation I do.

>Are any of the hostage takers pink?
If there were, they're being held and questioned.

"I'll talk to some pink furred neumono."
>"Okay. Here's a few potential ones." Katzati pauses a moment before continuing.
>"Vinessca is someone who lives with a medium hive complex out of town in relative peace and quiet. She was an accomplished track and field runner in school. She doesn't enter the capital that frequently, but did early today. She's staying in a hotel for unclear reasons."
>"Second suspect is Hanna. Her documents are somewhat suspect, but she claims she's a visitor from a space tribe. It's feasible, as many space hives don't keep good tabs on their own individuals. She's staying with a host hive in a downtown apartment building. We're not sure what the relation is."
>"Last notable suspect we have is Gin. She looks like she's from fringe territories, and can be briefly heard with an unknown accent. We've got visuals on her wandering through various capital attractions as though she were a tourist or visitor."
>>
No. 783907 ID: 595d54

>>783905
Let's go for Vinessca. Her being in track and field says good things about her butt and legs, and she seems to be the only local. I'm assuming that our information is relatively accurate, since worrying about it being inaccurate is a bit pointless, and that people would have noticed eventually if Pink were unused to modern life or going back and forth from space.

So her being fit aside, she does seem to be the most promising suspect.
>>
No. 783911 ID: b412df

Do we have any usable voice samples from the Christmas incident? Even if it was garbled by the rest of the rangers saying the exact same thing at the same time. It might be enough to remove a possibility, assuming they're not faking a accent or something.
>>
No. 783913 ID: 3abd97

How are we approaching these people? Is this just a casual detective going to talk to a person of interest thing, where they can refuse to talk to us, not let us in, or ask us to leave pretty easy? Or are they being held in custody on some excuse? Probably the former, so this will take a deft hand.

>who check
Someone with a local hive seems the most likely, since the rangers have existed for more than a year. She wouldn't be from an off-world hive and spending all her time on the planet. (Unless having an off-world hive is a cover story and a lie).

None of them really have solid evidence to back them up, but Vinessca at least appears to have local ties, and so would fit our expectations for Pink's civilian identity.

If either of the other two is Pink, it's probably another cover identity, not her real name.
>>
No. 783914 ID: a21ec8

You know what would be unprofessional but probably highly effective?

You showing up with the suit and grump beam to these interviews. Pink would be unable to disguise her reaction to you. While the others would just be somewhat confused.

Sure she would react to agent Polo. But so would any nervous neumono when greeted by a on duty space cop.
>>
No. 783921 ID: 3abd97

>>783914
We'd get mobbed running around a city as the 6th ranger. Too attention getting. Would give Pink the chance to disappear before we get close, if she's hiding out as a civilian.
>>
No. 783922 ID: 211d83

Ok some thoughts on our suspects

Vinessca: Could be a great cover identity. Probably the most promising lead out of the three.

Hanna: Unless the Rangers are trying to leave clues to there secret identity then we can rule her out due to the suspect paperwork. The wave Rangers should (in theory) have pristine (if possibly fake) records.

Gin: Could be a possibility if Pink does not have much of a secret identity due to being a recent uplift. Plus a fake accent would be a decent disguise. How long have the Rangers been operating?


So Vinessca then Gin I would say.
>>
No. 783923 ID: 398fe1

Ugh, what is this, amateur hour? You have the general shape of her face from many camera angles and two out of three of these pink neumono don't match it!
>>
No. 783928 ID: 595d54

>>783923
To be fair, if someone is going to this much effort to hide their identity, and apparently succeeding this well, it's hardly beyond the realm of plausibility to disguise the shape of a face and head.
>>
No. 783930 ID: bfb318
File 148841232760.png - (132.82KB , 800x800 , 31.png )
783930

>How long have the Rangers been operating?
At least for 10 years, though activity sometimes has gone for months without a sighting.

>Do we have any usable voice samples from the Christmas incident?
We do. Even if Pink is a professional level voice actor and can change her voice at will, I can at least have an AI make a ruling on if any of my suspects have a feasibly comparable voice.

>Is this just a casual detective going to talk to a person of interest thing, where they can refuse to talk to us, not let us in, or ask us to leave pretty easy?
I intend on going in standard agent uniform going to talk to people of interest. Refusal to talk is possible, but it is unlikely, as that instantly gives off the impression of having something to hide. Some agents have even used refusal to talk as probable cause for investigation, as some kind of self fulfilling warrant. Our level of authority exceeds that of the police by, perhaps, alarming levels.

I find Vinessca in the Kolo Hotel, ran on the outskirts of downtown in a somewhat bad part of town. It's attractive to those who want cheaper rent and hotel prices who don't mind a shadier exterior. Kolo's amenities include jammers in most levels, including Vinessca's.

Talking in person is ideal, but may take an hour or two longer due to travel time. It's already a long shot, but it's better to do it right than not at all, so I catch a cab to show up in person. While driving, I'm given word on some of the interrogations from the ransomers. Supposedly, they found the suit in an unaccompanied bag of luggage. That luggage was retrieved, and is being investigated through make, model, and other bits of information we can get to retrace where it came from.
>>
No. 783931 ID: 398fe1

While you're working try to get some facial recognition going for the Pink Ranger. Also look at the earliest footage of the Rangers to see if the Pink Ranger has changed over time like you suspect. If she HAS, maybe it'd be easier to track down one of the previous Pinks?
>>
No. 783934 ID: 595d54

>>783930
Okay. First, we should establish how far you're willing to go to get this information, and plan from there. How much fighting and f--wooing are you willing to do?
>>
No. 783935 ID: 211d83

You know what would shorten travel time? A jetpack.

Or rappelling down off a ship hovering over there hotel. I know you like to be serious but you do have access to stuff and sometimes time is of the essence. If one of these girls is the Pink Ranger then she might book it once she hears about the mess with the suit.

We really need to do this meeting in person otherwise she can hide her empathy and pretend ignorance.

Have your team do some research on Pink's abilities. If she gets the "Love" gun that means she is probably over the top friendly and loving. Which might reflect on her hive.

So check the Brothel hive or any other hives that are known to fit that sort of thing.
>>
No. 783936 ID: 91ee5f

>>783930
Sit on a phone book or something so that you can see out the window more easily!
>>
No. 783938 ID: b412df

>"Kolo's amenities include jammers in most levels, including Vinessca's."
That's interesting, given that Pink's emotional focus on love might make her empathy stand out that. Would need confirmation though, maybe see how resistant she is to talking outside of a jammer?
>>
No. 783943 ID: 3abd97

>>783930
I don't think you can reliably question a person of interest long distance. And worst case, it'll just give her a chance to run or disappear if you hit on something.

And if she is keeping a secret, she might be willing to admit it in person, but not over comms that can be tapped, recorded, or spied on.

We'll have to make the trip worth the while and follow up other leads in the capital while we're there.

And paperwork or research you can do to keep busy on the ride?
>>
No. 783952 ID: 65ec8d

Somewhat bad side of town? Shady exterior? Jammers inside? Sounds like the kind of place that someone who's under coercion of some kind might be asked to meet someone. Are there any significant gangs, big criminal players, history of any bad events or unsolved crimes, etc., nearby? If someone wanted to do some bad things in this neighborhood, is there anyone territory they'd be treading on? Ask for that kind of information.

Might be an idea to go plain clothes for this, Polo, so you don't spook anyone just by walking up to the hotel.
>>
No. 784054 ID: bfb318
File 148842871199.png - (151.91KB , 800x800 , 32.png )
784054

>If someone wanted to do some bad things in this neighborhood, is there anyone territory they'd be treading on?
This neighborhood is sketchy, but it's not so lawless that it's anyone's territory. I have been told in the past, in fact, that Rokoa and her team will specifically get involved when some gang tries to make any part of the capital their territory, even if it's a quarter block of sewage pipe.

I decide to go in plain clothes for this, as it would be in poor taste to show the hotel's visitors that the UDA is in for a visit.

>You know what would shorten travel time? A jetpack.
It would also be needlessly overt.

The cab driver asks if I'm off to stop the bad guys while I change. I don't wish to elaborate, so I just say 'yes'. During the rest of my time, I look at visuals of the ranger over time. Her body, face and all, does seem to change, complicating matters. It is not just a single change over a few key spots. Rather, it seems to morph mildly over time, like a gradual change over a time lapse. I do not know what to make of it, entirely.

Once the cab driver is tipped, I head into the hotel to room 617, the location in question. Once I knock at the door, I hear some muffled voices before the door is opened just a crack. The slide lock is in place, but the slack is so enormous that I could slide my hand in and undo it if I wanted.

In order of events, I see a girl with a shut, sleepy expression on her face behind the door. She then opens her eyes, which are bloodshot. Then a waft of snakeleaf comes out and hits me. It is an illegal, modified form of bitterweed. Although illegal, agents typically have better things to do than hunt drug usage that isn't terribly dangerous, even if it's in a no smoking room. It could make this visit awkward.

>"Fuckin' room service finall - where'za pizza at?"
>>
No. 784056 ID: 398fe1

>>784054
>Rather, it seems to morph mildly over time
Her hive knows! They're empathically changing her body to better fit the role. Well, that, or she became queen of her hive shortly after becoming the Pink Ranger, and THAT made her change. Though, to be honest, that usually just makes a neumono bigger. So I'm betting it's that her hive knows. This means that you just need to round up some representatives of hives that have the right fur/body type and mindset for the Pink Ranger to be among them, then ask them "Is the Pink Ranger in your hive?" Empathic screening, basically. If you get someone from the right hive then you'll get an empathic reaction.

>it's a druggie den
Bah. This isn't the right place. Well, we can still ask if they know anything. Tell them first off this isn't a drug bust, you're here to ask a few questions about an ongoing investigation they might have information on.
>>
No. 784062 ID: 3abd97

>Then a waft of snakeleaf comes out and hits me. It is an illegal, modified form of bitterweed
This implies there are legal variants of bitterweed?

>Her body, face and all, does seem to change, complicating matters. It is not just a single change over a few key spots. Rather, it seems to morph mildly over time, like a gradual change over a time lapse. I do not know what to make of it, entirely.
Could be several things. "Pink" might not always have been the same person in the ranger suit. She could have been a teenager when she started and has since matured. Could be empathy feedback affecting physical change (though that's very unlikely in anyone past childhood). Could be a side effect of their weird tech. Could be steroid or some other substance use. Could be upgrading her costume over time, deliberately obfuscating her identity.

Insufficient data.

>I hear some muffled voices
She's not alone in there. If this isn't Pink, we can't write off that she's inside. If possible, we want to get a look inside.

>"Fuckin' room service finall - where'za pizza at?"
You're... allowed to misrepresent yourself in order to question people right? Claim you're here for the customer satisfaction survey before her food gets here. Good for a coupon. She's high enough to buy it, you can ask a few question, rule her out, move on.

If you admit you're a cop, she's probably gonna overreact. Although playing openly does let you pressure her to talk in order to overlook the drugs (drug enforcement isn't your beat).
>>
No. 784123 ID: 595d54

What exactly does snakeleaf do, and how likely is it to have much of an effect on your if you go in? Also, uh, what color is the girl? We sorta can't tell if she's pink or not. Does it actually look like this could be Vinessca?

"Open the door and let me in, I can't fit the pizza through that gap. You Vinessca?" Last question only if she's actually pink.
>>
No. 784139 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, this needs to be delicate, then. We're not interested in the drugs (unless they turn out to be related to our case - could they be used to, for example, keep someone unconscious?), we're interested in a missing person. Even if Pink herself isn't here, the theoretical people who kidnapped/coerced her might have had trouble spotting her as well, so the Pink-likes may have also spotted things that could be clues to us, even if they're not Pink herself.

Gotta time this right. Get your badge in hand, while saying "Sorry, not room service. I'm searching for a missing person," (here's where you show the badge) "And I think someone here might know something. UDA. I'm not here for anything else."

>Body changing over time.

Hmm. Could be as simple as them specifically choosing replacements that were only slightly different, though that'd suggest they had a LOT of candidates to choose from, so it's unlikely. Exposure to high levels of empathy may also be the cause... hmm. What physical traits do neumono associate with "love"? If Pink has been being seen as a paragon of love, then empathy could have modified her into an ideal "loving" form, and that could be used to narrow the field. See if it the same thing has been happening to the other rangers. Or maybe they've been being modified over time by experimentation or augmentation efforts?

If they've been experimented on or enhanced, though - and they at least must have been part of the development of the empathy gun and suit tech in the first place - there must be some record somewhere identifying them more than we've seen. A scientist, especially a belenosian, wouldn't have worked on people like this without gathering all their available data. Blood type, genetic profile, other medical data that could help narrow things down. And someone had to be the one to recruit them in the first place, right?
>>
No. 784237 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, I checked the backstory narrated by the gun again (http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/614976.html#630614)

>>784062
> She could have been a teenager when she started and has since matured.

If the gun's narration is to be trusted, they were all teenagers when they started, possibly just after teenage depending on exactly how old they were and how long their training took. It also said that the moment of them swearing to destroy all injustice, as teenagers, was 131 years ago, which means that (if the members of the ranger team are still the same individuals) they are each about 144 to 150 years old. Neumono don't physically age until they're at the end of their life, but that age range could be used to profile someone based on language, behavior, tastes in entertainment and fashion, et cetera; things that a person would have picked up from being raised or having lived in a certain time period. So Polo should call in with that information (it's possible she was the only one who heard the gun tell her the history?) and make some inquiries based on it. I have a few more ideas from it.

See, the narration also specifies that they made their oath, THEN trained in all sorts of different fields, and then (or possibly at the same time as the training) contacted Belenosian scientists to gear them up. This gives us a few extra clues (again, if the gun's narration is to be believed). First, if the rangers are the same individuals, there's no way they don't know each other - the team was originally formed before they had their suits, and they made their oath and trained together at that time. It's possible they were internet friends or something, but they should have some personal connection to each other, at least know each other's names or something.

Second, it tells us the rangers (possibly just the original rangers) were RICH. 131 years ago, what sort of teenage neumono would have the luxury and resources to spend years training in a bunch of different subjects to become "the absolute best"? That's not how neumono hives would normally operate, they'd want each member to pick up one solid job, maybe a backup, and then get to work providing for their hive. Unless there was some rich rogue tycoon 131 years ago who could provide everything for their own kids (which would be easy to find out and narrow down candidates on), then they all must have been hive neumono to have been wealthy enough, and the amount of very wealthy hives at that time must have been pretty slim as well. Admittedly, I'm kind of guessing on this based on the canon Asteroid time frame, which is probably wrong because if you backtrack 131 years from Asteroid Quest as it is in the canon universe, I think that'd put you before neumono first contact was made. First contact was was probably made earlier in this universe, but I'd guess 131 years ago was still a less developed time.

I suppose they could all have been protege's of some wealthy family or individual, who something bad happened to and made them all swear to destroy injustice, making them like a tiny hive of batmen, but in that case again not knowing each other would have to be a total lie.

Even if they've done some legacy thing where the rangers swap with inheritors of the mantle every so often when an older one dies or retires, it'd still be pretty crazy that they wouldn't know each other. I guess it would be theoretically possible in that case, though. So, either there is some legacy swapping, or the rangers are lying about not knowing each other.
>>
No. 784269 ID: 3abd97

>>784237
The simplest explanation to resolve those conflicts is to treat the information the gun provided as suspect. They wouldn't be the first hero team to dramatize or exaggerate their own origin story.

>backtrack 131 years from Asteroid Quest as it is in the canon universe, I think that'd put you before neumono first contact was made.
Yes. If you assume this is happening in 135 AW or 185 AW, 131 years ago would be years before neumono first contact, in 65 AW. The timeline in the Christmasverse has been left vague, though.

(Maybe it counts in Belenos years, rather than Earth years, Astreneus years, or whatever the galactic standard year unit is? Or again, it's just bullshit).

As far as Agent Polo knows, there's only verifiable evidence the rangers go back ten years. Or at least, they've only been publicly active for ten years. Frankly, if they spent over a century training before starting their careers, their current performance is a massive embarrassment.
>>
No. 784272 ID: 65ec8d

>>784269

It doesn't seem like it'd make sense to include inaccurate information in the gun narration, though. You can only get it by 1) having one of the wave force's guns and 2) generating a strong enough emotion to power the gun. Why lie?

... Maybe it was supposed to be just 31 years?

Tell you what, though, the idea that the gun passes on the ranger lore if someone with strong enough emotions to use it picks it up? That really sounds like a pass-the-torch legacy thing. Kinda green lantern style.
>>
No. 784295 ID: 595d54

Should this kind of speculation go in the Asteroid Quest disthread or nah? The disthread's like 1k+ posts by now, loading may be an issue.
>>
No. 784328 ID: bfb318
File 148850646551.png - (89.87KB , 800x800 , 33.png )
784328

>Gun narration involving 131 years ago being the beginning
I somewhat doubt this is the case for a variety of reasons. It seemed to match up with the show. Still, why their real gun would narrate the fiction is a valid question, and makes me wonder about how well the rangers can differentiate the two.

>What exactly does snakeleaf do, and how likely is it to have much of an effect on your if you go in?
It is bitterweed rolled in with a chemical that enhances the effects, which mostly makes people's brains sluggish and as though it was a dream. It can also act as a hallucinogenic in some people, especially the snakeleaf version. The chemical additive is illegal, but only very small amounts are included, small enough that it isn't typically harmful on its own.

Second hand smoke may have mild effects on me, but will be negligible at first, then gone after 10 minutes of fresh air.

>You're... allowed to misrepresent yourself in order to question people right?
Yes, but it is an ugly solution that I aim to avoid unless necessary.

"Are you Vinnesca?" I ask, noting she is pink.
>"Yah. Why?"
"I am looking for a missing person."
>"Huh. Well, none of us are missing. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here."
>"Vinny who's that?" I hear someone from inside call out in equally slurred speech.
>"The smallest girl I ever did see. She says she's got some questions!"
>"Well let her in already! We can play truth or dare!"
>"What if she wants to just ask questions like a... like a... like a normal person?"
>"That's too bad she's gotta truth or dare it like the rest!"
>"Wanna come in?" Vinessca asks me, though I'm almost certainly at the wrong place.

Pulling my badge may make things more tense, but it may also make things much more efficient than a game of truth or dare.
>>
No. 784329 ID: 398fe1

>>784328
Play Truth or Dare.
>>
No. 784337 ID: 211d83

While it could be the wrong place this could also be Pink hanging out with a few friends and trying to cool off after her tough job as a Ranger. Is worth a few minutes to confirm things.

Agree to the truth or dare. You can always leave and outing yourself as a cop will probably have them all running in random directions panicking over nothing.
>>
No. 784342 ID: 595d54

Haha, excellent. Sure, sounds good. Be sure to check her body out and see how attractively toned it is. You have to confirm that she's actually in track and field just in case, plus it won't hurt to match her general body shape with Pink's or notice incongruities. Plus if you look like you're checking her out they'll be less suspicious of you.

Ask them whose turn it is, and if it's yours, ask Vinessca or someone what's up.
>>
No. 784354 ID: 3abd97

>>784328
Accept the invitation, it lets you see the inside of the hotel room, and the other occupants. It would be terrible if Pink were right on the other side of the door and you missed her.

It's probably a dead end, but ten minutes to be sure you can afford after coming all this way.

>truth or dare
You have to pick dare, obviously.
>>
No. 784400 ID: bfb318
File 148851252552.png - (242.46KB , 1200x800 , 34.png )
784400

>Check for physical representations of love
It is mostly, I believe, in the facial expressions themselves, which is difficult to tell behind the narcotics. A full body that might come off as 'loving' would be far too wide of a net to match overall tastes to judge well, not to mention that such a body would not fit the physically demanding job of a ranger in the first place.

I go in, which silently communicates the invitation of playing truth or dare.

I check her body. Although she has parts bared, it's often difficult to gauge by that alone, since some fluff can otherwise hide a toned body. From the way she carries herself, though, she does imply someone who's in shape, even if the effect is detracted by the drugs making her look like she could be tipped over by a sideways look. It could feasibly be the body of someone like the pink ranger.

>"Okay welcome to our dennn, this isss..." Vinessca trails off before introducing the others. There are guys and girls, for a total of 5 people besides me. Vinessca gestures to each one as she mumbles and stutters over syllables that I believe are supposed to be their names. As she does so, each one nods and smiles as though what Vinessca is saying is perfectly understandable. Perhaps to them, it is. Once it's over, I have not successfully caught a single one of their names. They either refrain from, or forget, to ask for mine.
>"Smallest one gets to go first!" says the largest of them all, one of the guys. They all look at me. "You're the smallest!" he adds in. "Do you know how to play truth or dare?"

>"I can guide you through it if you don't." says Katzati, in my internal earpiece.
"I know how to play truth or dare." I say for everyone to hear.
>>
No. 784401 ID: 398fe1

>>784400
DARE.
>>
No. 784404 ID: 3abd97

>"I know how to play truth or dare." I say for everyone to hear.
Come on, how lame to you have to be to not know how to play. It's all there in the name! Katzati doesn't have a lot of faith in you, for shame.

Dare.
>>
No. 784406 ID: 595d54

>>784401
No one asked us "truth or dare", so we pick the first victim, they pick truth or dare.

"I have no idea what Vinessca said your names were so she's up first. Vinessca, truth or dare?"
>>
No. 784423 ID: 398fe1

>>784406
Oh yeah you're right, first player gets to ask the first question.
>>
No. 784476 ID: a363ac

>>784400
truth : why are his eyes reptilian?
>>
No. 784480 ID: b412df

Doesn't truth or dare start by asking one person "Truth or Dare?" then either a question or a dare based on what they pick?

>>784406
So, this.
>>
No. 784490 ID: 65ec8d

Hmm. This could still theoretically be Pink. If this is a scenario where she's been mind controlled or drugged or something, she might be being kept under someone's eye here. That might explain why she trailed off and got mumbly over the names, because she doesn't actually know. The fact that there are "5 people besides me", that's exactly as many of them as rangers, which might contribute to that mind control drugs idea; like if she is being mind-fuddled to keep her under control she might have been given other "rangers" to fill in the "i should have four other neumono around" sense in her brain. Interesting coincidence, anyway. What's the exact gender balance of the rangers, does it match what's here, too?

Anyway, the truth or dare. Vinnesca seems inclined to be helpful, so I feel like she'll probably say truth if you target her with the question. If you do target her and one of the others starts encouraging her to say dare, that'd be another hint that something's up, so either way you'll be getting some info. Not a conclusive one, though. If these people are all feeling playful, they might be in the mood to just go "dare!" all the time, at least at first. You might need to wear them out on dares so that they start responding with truth. So if you get targeted, say "dare". If you target Vinnesca and she responds "dare", dare her to go get drinks or to check for the pizza, or something else that would require her to leave the room, or even the building preferably. If she's allowed to leave alone, then that'd be a strong hint she's not being kept here.

What's the room like, anyway, is there much in the way of places for a camera? Is this room in a jammer, or a jammer bubble? Start getting touchy so you can feel things. It's probably standard in neumono truth or dare to touch the person targeted.
>>
No. 784502 ID: 211d83

Ask Vinnesca "Truth or Dare"

What we want is to guide dares so we get a excuse to touch her or one of the others so we can notice any empathy quirks. (A good dare would be "Put me on your shoulders I want to be the tall one")

And questions we want to subtlety get them in the direction of the Rangers so we can read there empathy via the dare touching.

Possible questions

1. Ever seen that silly Rangers show? If you could bone a Ranger which one would it be. (other than Love)
2. If you were a Ranger what emotion would you be?
3. Some silly question to move the game along.

(Can Katzati see whats going on? Like do you have video contacts in or a camera on your lapel? If so get her to look these other people up if possible. Also what is the ladies on the right necklace?)
>>
No. 784587 ID: bfb318
File 148858052156.png - (126.38KB , 800x800 , 35.png )
784587

>What's the exact gender balance of the rangers?
It's unconfirmed, but it's most likely 3 female. The bare minimum I believe is 2 female, but I cannot rule out up to 4.

>Can Katzati see whats going on?
I am not visually wired, but we have a small drone outside of the window that has taken a snapshot of the various neumono inside. We are running investigation on them now.

>What is that necklace?
It appears to be a simple square under a triangle. Nothing seems unordinary from sight alone.

Here it is 3 female and 2 male, not including myself. There is another girl on the bed above us.

>"Vinessca. Truth or dare?"
"Trrruare. Dare."

>_A dare to let Polo make physical contact for empathic purposes
>_A dare that has her leave the room in case she's being mind controlled to stay here
>_Other
>>
No. 784589 ID: 7397ab

Go for physical contact. You have had experience with mind control before and should know the signs if you can touch her.

Wait how about both? Go for the ride on her shoulder idea but dare her to take you for a ride around the hallway block. Will be slightly embarrassing for her and thus a proper dare.

Can get a feel for her during the ride and ask a few questions if we are alone with her.
>>
No. 784593 ID: 65ec8d

>>784589

I like your thinking.

Preface with "you said I was small so I want to be big". Dare her to let you ride on her shoulders and run you up and down the hall. Then "realize" that would disturb the other guests in the hotel, and suggest running a lap up and down a side of the hotel outside.
>>
No. 784594 ID: 3abd97

Physical contact seems the best bet. Dare her to something that's just an excuse to get into contact with her. Some stupid stunt.

Bonus is that it sort of sets the tone, so when your turn comes around you might well be dared to do something athletic, and you're plenty acrobatic.
>>
No. 784596 ID: 595d54

>>784589
Pretty much. You're sick of everyone seeing you as tiny, time to rampage around as a giant.
>>
No. 784607 ID: 91ee5f

>>784587
>we have a small drone outside of the window that has taken a snapshot of the various neumono inside.

>>784589
>Go for a ride on her shoulders.

If we combine these and have Polo smile, then Polo will have photographic proof of herself having a good time!
>>
No. 784614 ID: bfb318
File 148858878528.png - (175.13KB , 800x800 , 36.png )
784614

"I am going to be large. I dare you to let me ride on your shoulders while you run me around the side of the hotel."

She gestures, I think, for me to follow her, as we leave the hotel. Once we get outside, she hoists me up herself to her own shoulders, where I hold on as she runs around. Or, rather, she does what passes for running while in her state. We don't get nearly the amount of looks as we would in any other hotel. Half the looks we get are from the other 4 people in the hotel room, who I see poking their heads through the opened window to see us running around the side. They cheer us on while surrounding neumono just roll their eyes.

I steer her around to make sure she doesn't run over too many tripping hazards, or try to run around the pool area. Even without the dangers of slipping and falling, the pool looks disgusting.

>"I'm gonna check in on the pizza!" she says, steering herself back inside. I'm still on her shoulders as she approaches the front desk. "Hey! I ordered pizza..."

There's a brief back and forth before, after some impatience from the front desk, it's revealed that Vinessca only imagined herself making the order, and that she never actually did.

It may be a good time to ask questions in the form of smalltalk, while I am able to read her empathy. Right now there is nothing terribly suspect about it. It reflects a good time while simultaneously barely processing what is going on.
>>
No. 784615 ID: a363ac

>>784614
Hey did you hear the pink Ranger is supposed to be going to be visting rouges this year?
>>
No. 784617 ID: 3abd97

>>784614
Ask her what she thinks of that ranger show.

If she has any connection, there will be some kind of emphatic reaction.
>>
No. 784618 ID: 90f3c0

So, who's your favorite Ranger?
>>
No. 784619 ID: 595d54

>>784618
>>784617
Bit obvious.

>>784615
Better, let's go with this.
>>
No. 784620 ID: bfb318
File 148859066788.png - (111.55KB , 800x800 , 37.png )
784620

The order is placed in the real world, and I go asking questions bluntly.

"Who's your favorite ranger?"
>"Who?"
"Of the omega wave force?"

The only empathic reaction I get is in line with recognizing and liking the show.

>"Oh! I never watched the show too much. Are they called rangers?"
"Colloquially."
>"Wha? Well Pink's gonna love up the rogueish downtown tomorrow so heh I'm a little biased."
"Are you going to be there?"
>"Yeah! I'm a rogue, ya know."

Hm. She doesn't feel that way, which is good for her.
>>
No. 784623 ID: 595d54

"Nope, didn't notice. What're you going to do there?"
>>
No. 784624 ID: 65ec8d

Well, at this point I'm guessing she's not Pink. Still, might be some info out of her.

"You seem to be in a good mood, then. Anything especially good happen to you today, aside from your get-together up in the hotel room?"

Since we're out of the room and she seems overall helpful, maybe it'd be better to be a bit blunter still. You already told her you were looking for a missing person, after all. Tell her you came to her because a camera had her in the last place the missing person should have been. Did she see, hear or feel anything unusual earlier, while she was traveling?
>>
No. 784625 ID: 3abd97

Hmmm. Well, she could theoretically be lying about being a rogue if she doesn't feel like one, but it's pretty unlikely she'd be able to hide the fact she was lying from you. Especially high. Pretty much rules her out.

Ask a few other questions and disengage, I guess. Maybe leave a tip for the pizza. Try and see if she knows anything else about Pink? If the rogue community loves her, she might know something the general populace doesn't. Like if she's visited them before.

"I guess she must be pretty popular, then."

"Does she stop by roguetown often?"
>>
No. 784631 ID: 91ee5f

Smile for the drone! Then you'll have photographic evidence of you smiling and having a good time!
>>
No. 784632 ID: bfb318
File 148859302309.png - (127.82KB , 800x800 , 38.png )
784632

>Smile for the drone!
So far I have little reason to smile.

"I didn't notice. What are you going to do there?"
>"... in roguetown? Get... hit... by a love beam?" she says, like I was asking a trick question.

>"That's strange." says Katzati. "She lives in a hive complex, and typically, those residents are all in the same hive. We're looking into it, but it's not unfeasible she just has a skillset that the resident hive wants filled."

"Right. Is that why you're in the capital, or do you live here?" I say, returning to Vinessca.
>"Oh no, I'm out of town. I just came in today!"
"Do you go to roguetown often?"
>"Oh, no, there's generally no reason."
"Did you see or feel anything unusual on your way over?" I ask, while she runs up the stairs.
>"Hmm... I mean, nothing out of the ordinary?"
"Any details?" I press farther, half because she seems to have something on her mind, half because of a desperate hope that this wasn't a complete dead end.
>"Hmm... oh, I did see a friendly neumono that looked like me! She was surrounded by a couple of aliens. I know she's friendly because she smiled and waved over to me."
"What can you tell me about her?" I ask, as we finish approaching our room.
>"Right, she's - oh hi guys! I challenge you, Dorrol!" She completely forgot about my question the instant that we walked through the door.
>"Dare?" he says.
>"Do a handstand!" Vinessca says, dropping me off.

Although he had a passing resemblence to Pilon prior to this, seeing this high individual attempt to do a handstand makes him look much more like Pilon, at least in his infomercials. He is failing constantly.
>>
No. 784633 ID: bfb318
File 148859308914.png - (143.55KB , 800x800 , 39.png )
784633

>"Okay!" he says as though he succeeded at any point in time. He never did, but his body language swaggers in triumph and bad balance as he unravels some chocolate. I have to admit it smells nice, at least in this drug den. Then again, it smells like there may be something else in there. An unknown drug, perhaps, baked into the chocolate. "Back to you!" he says, crawling over to me. "Truth or dare?" My instinct freezes as I get picked again, but then I realize I can then redirect this back to Vinessca, and return to the line of questioning that I had her on.
>>
No. 784635 ID: a363ac

>>784633
Dare.
>>
No. 784637 ID: 3abd97

Leaving the room at the bonus benefit of reducing how long you had to hotbox it with these guys.

>>"Hmm... oh, I did see a friendly neumono that looked like me! She was surrounded by a couple of aliens. I know she's friendly because she smiled and waved over to me."
Well that's a maybe lead you could follow up with your next question.

>>784633
Dare, I think. The two prior dares have been silly physical stunts, which has sort of set the tone. You'll likely get something similar. (Hopefully you won't be dared to say, eat an unsafe amount of drugs). Truth could blow this way too badly.
>>
No. 784638 ID: 65ec8d

Polo you know you are a dare master.
>>
No. 784639 ID: 1712fe

Dare, pressing Vinessca might harsh the vibe, which will make this pointless for everyone!
>>
No. 784640 ID: 595d54

Dare.
>>
No. 784641 ID: 211d83

Go for Dare.

Remember you are a agent who can leave whenever she likes.
>>
No. 784643 ID: bfb318
File 148859406711.png - (104.31KB , 800x800 , 40.png )
784643

"Dare."
>"Eat that whole bar of chocolate!" He talks while eating the last of his own.

He points to an untouched, enormous block of chocolate, then fingerguns at me. At first I think it must be laced in who knows what drugs and other chemical substances, but I also realize that it's still well wrapped. I cannot imagine that a drugged chocolate bar would still be wrapped as though it were freshly bought out of the store.
>>
No. 784644 ID: a363ac

>>784643
what brand is it?
>>
No. 784645 ID: 211d83

Hold the bar up and say out loud "You mean this (insert product info here) bar?" So Katzati knows what you are doing.

Then get to eating. We had our guys checking the new chocolate so should be safe.
>>
No. 784647 ID: 595d54

>>784643
Is this the actual chocolate or the nontoxic chocolate-flavored stuff? Either way, start eating. If you're worried about having too much of whatever, you could waste some by "accident" I guess? It'd make you look kinda slobby, though.
>>
No. 784648 ID: 3abd97

>>784643
You're getting out of here in less than ten minutes. Even if it is drugged, you could throw it all up before you have the chance to metabolize much of it.

Do it.
>>
No. 784649 ID: 3abd97

Just make sure you're facing away from the window so your drone can't get any embarrassing pictures for Az to harass you with for the next year.
>>
No. 784650 ID: bfb318
File 148859462527.png - (79.69KB , 800x800 , 41.png )
784650

I investigate further. It is unmarked, though it may have been slipped out of a brand marker sleeve or box. It is not too large for me to eat, but it will be filling, and is a slap in the face to all of my discipline in the ways of physical performance.

"Is this actual chocolate?"
>"Yeah!" he says.

>"I mean no!" he adds. "I mean - it's the stuff they call 'chocolate' but without the caffiene."

I suppose I could just vomit it back out upon clearing out of this room, if I do so quick enough.
>>
No. 784651 ID: 094652

Go to the store, buy an even larger chocolate bar. Or you know, STOP PLAYING. It would be too easy to make your own sealed chocolate bar wrapping, those things are made cheap.

... But yes you would like more chocolate.
>>
No. 784652 ID: 211d83

Just eat it.
>>
No. 784653 ID: 595d54

What did his empathy say, if anything? But... whatever.


Relax, chow down, and enjoy the treat. You've earned it putting up with Az and Rokoa and all this crime shit.
>>
No. 784654 ID: 3abd97

Unwrap it very carefully, undoing all the folds and keeping the wrapper perfectly intact.

Then devour the chocolate as messily and quickly as you can.

And >>784649
>>
No. 784655 ID: 65ec8d

Say "You'll have none left for yourself then, but ok", and if they don't object after being reminded of that then do it. After that say "ok, I need to get back to work, so just another couple of rounds" and point to someone random to tag them. Stay for another little while for politeness, chip in some money for their food in return for them losing their chocolate, and when you do leave, ask Vinnesca to step outside with you for just a second. Maybe do that when the rest of them are distracted by something else. Could engineer the distraction yourself, if you wanted. Like, if they go dare, go "ok, I dare you to stand in a circle of you, you and you (the non-Vinnescas), close your eyes spin around and make out with whoever's closest to in front of you.

If Vinnesca was traveling publicly, there should have been cameras most of the way along her route in a futuristic city like yours, right? And you must have recognition/tracking systems for following a particular person's trail along those cameras. Ask Katzati if she can follow Vinnesca's trail to see this other pink neumono and her aliens.
>>
No. 784656 ID: 1712fe

You haven't had any yet, have you? Maybe it's almost as good as coffee cake. Worth a try, even if you don't feel up to eating the whole thing. Plus those things are jammed full of sugar, that's good for energy, and you're assured to work it off by the end of this case.
>>
No. 784657 ID: 595d54

>>784649
Disagree, hiding will just show that Polo's vulnerable and encourage them to tease her. Act like it ain't a thing.
>>
No. 784658 ID: 4546ab

Just go for it you grump.
>>
No. 784661 ID: 398fe1

Sniff this chocolate. If it also smells off, then it's time to abandon the game and start asking official questions, specifically about the aliens near the pink neumono Vinessca noticed. Also, break off a piece of the chocolate to analyze.
>>
No. 784664 ID: b412df

It's not like one bar chocolate is going to change your diet, sure it's unhealthy but a one off thing like this isn't going to hurt.

Basically, just eat it, you grump. Are you trying to glare a hole through it?
>>
No. 784665 ID: bfb318
File 148859542724.png - (96.87KB , 800x800 , 42.png )
784665

>If Vinnesca was traveling publicly, there should have been cameras most of the way along her route in a futuristic city like yours, right?
At least while in the capital. It is possible Vinnesca saw this other pink neumono while in the outskirts, which don't have ubiquitous surveillance.

>What did his empathy say, if anything?
The jammer is still online, and I was not touching him to bypass it.

I undo the wrapper carefully, and pocket it. It does not, at least, taste like solidified drugs. It smells like chocolate.

I eat it. I eat the whole thing, not fully facing or turning from the window, as any drones out there can already see what I'm about to do regardless. It's too delicious and I understand now what the neumono species has been missing out on. The other neumono cheer me as they yell 'Chug! Chug! Chug!' I don't correct them, and someone bangs on the floor from downstairs. I 'accidentally' chip off a part of the chocolate and wipe it into my fur just under my shirt collar. I will save this for later to take a proper sample from later.

It is now my turn. I would like to get out of here soon, so that I can talk with Katzati, as I cannot do it without having the others hear as well.
>>
No. 784666 ID: 595d54

>>784665
Smile, ya grumpy jackass. And if you're leaving anyway go for Vinessca again.
>>
No. 784667 ID: 3abd97

How sick / full are you feeling now, Polo?

>It is now my turn. I would like to get out of here soon, so that I can talk with Katzati, as I cannot do it without having the others hear as well.
Pick Vinnesca again. Or if they make you pick someone else, pick necklace girl, and have her do something distracting so you can ask Vinnesca your follow up question before slipping out.
>>
No. 784668 ID: 211d83

7 minutes of heaven with Vinessca in the closet dare (if she chooses dare).

Then just chat in private. Yeah its silly but it will work.
>>
No. 784670 ID: e22b1d

>>784668

Oddly enough this would get us the most private time to chat with her before leaving.
>>
No. 784672 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, say you feel bad for eating all their chocolate, since you can't stay much longer. Give them some money for more, then pick someone random and ask them for truth or dare. Maybe one of the ones who looks more secretive, so they'll be more likely to pick dare (Do neumono ever pick truth in this game? Truth isn't that special to you guys compared to other species). Dare them to do something distracting (like the spin makeouts) and drag Vinnesca to the door for a last question before you go. If anyone objects to you going just remind them that you're looking for a missing person, and you can't wait around while some poor someone's missing a party, can you?
>>
No. 784675 ID: 4546ab

Do the make outs in a closet for 7 minutes dare.

The perfect plan really.

Unless she says truth and then we can just ask her what we want to know.
>>
No. 784703 ID: bfb318
File 148860196950.png - (137.47KB , 800x800 , 43.png )
784703

>All the chocolate
Looking around, I find a couple of other chocolate bars laying around. I believe it just happened to be an isolated bar that this guy saw.

>Do neumono ever pick truth in this game?
I would not know.

"Vinessca."
>"Me again? Dare!"

I do not care to have this spread around the office and operations, but the mission is more important.

"7 minutes in heaven."
>"OHHH." all of them say, and Vinessca is visibly taken aback.
>"W-welllll okay! You're on!" says Vinessca.
>>
No. 784704 ID: bfb318
File 148860197707.png - (76.29KB , 800x800 , 44.png )
784704

We are now in the closet.

>"Start!" one of the ones on the outside says, apparently timing this. Vinessca is looking at me half confusedly, half expectantly.
>>
No. 784707 ID: 3abd97

Katzati, this would be the perfect moment to troll Polo a little.

"I can guide you through it if you don't know how to play."

>Vinessca is looking at me half confusedly, half expectantly.
Cough, awkwardly.

So.

What was the story about that nice Pink girl who waved before?
>>
No. 784708 ID: 211d83

Continue your questioning from earlier.

She is expecting some sort of physical contact and or loving so give her a nice massage or something while you talk.
>>
No. 784709 ID: 4546ab

The others will be expecting some interesting noises to be coming from this closet so grab some breasts and tweak them unpassionately while you ask her about what she saw.
>>
No. 784710 ID: 595d54

>>784704
Strip down first, you have to be a role model for the civvies after all. Once she's followed in your example you can start massaging and question her once her guard's lowered.
>>
No. 784713 ID: 398fe1

>>784704
Apologize to her and tell her that you've just got some questions you wanted to ask in private. That neumono she saw may be a kidnapping victim and you want to know more.

(talk quietly)
>>
No. 784715 ID: e22b1d

Give the lonely rogue some quick loving while you interrogate her about what she saw.
>>
No. 784719 ID: 398fe1

Oh my god you guys this isn't unseunce.
>>
No. 784721 ID: 90f3c0

Ask her about the pink neumono she saw, while feeling out her empathy under the guise of some sensual touching.
>>
No. 784723 ID: 91ee5f

>>784704
Now you can't do that and only question her. That would be upsetting, rude, and she'll be rightly pissed off.

So you've gotta make out with her or something! Do it for the mission!
>>
No. 784728 ID: 595d54

>>784719
>>779564
>This is a patreon funded quest, and may potentially have nsfw content.
>>
No. 784781 ID: 65ec8d

Put that practice with Rokoa to work and give her a back massage. You can keep asking her questions while you do that.

>>784728
>>784719

My guess would be that "potentially nsfw" puts it in the same class as Dating a Murder Neumono, with the possibility of seeing nsfw things but leaving the characters and events in the range of standard personality and natural occurrence (for neumono). So, since this isn't a pornoverse, we probably won't see spontaneous sex acts at the drop of a hat (at least not from Grump Cop), but it is a detective story universe, so we might see the male neumono equivalent of the investigator's recurring smokey dame love interest (Pilon? She already mentioned being reminded of him), or we'll have to go to a strip club or brothel for clues, that sort of thing. It's also a valentine's day story, so we might see some romantic comedy stuff, like Pink's been taken to some love club doing a special event and Polo will need a date to go in undercover with, or something like that. Something, you know, romantic. Heck maybe the rangers have set all this up because they think Polo needs to find love to de-grump her, and there's some complicated romance scheme and we just haven't found the lead they're expecting her to find yet?

This is still the same Polo from the christmas adventure, anyway, so I wouldn't expect to see her jumping on strangers.
>>
No. 784785 ID: 595d54

>>784781
Okay, this seems to be getting out of hand. I'm not expecting Polo to jump into lewds. The only point I was trying to make was that it didn't make sense to protest when people make lewd suggestions, given the premise and how fun it is to mess with Polo.
>>
No. 784811 ID: e6e9af

>>784704

May as well make good on the dare while using the intimacy -- I mean, unimpeded physical contact -- to get a solid read on her empathy the whole while. And besides, the application of pleasure can be very useful in interrogation by helping to lower inhibitions and confuse or otherwise preoccupy an individual from any conscious (or potentially subconscious) efforts to obfuscate or omit things.

So yeah, lets enjoy -- err, make the best of -- these next 7 minutes.
>>
No. 784848 ID: bfb318
File 148866454892.png - (81.59KB , 800x800 , 45.png )
784848

>"I can guide you through it if you don't know how to play." I hear Katzati say. She doesn't snicker, but I can practically feel her empathy giggling through the mic.

I take her hand. Ideally this would be a normal back and forth questioning, but upon contact, I confirm that her body language may be expecting more. It is also a bit confused and nervous, but attempting to read multiple emotions at once outside of one's hive is hardly reliable.

"I wanted to keep talking." I say, whispering to her.
>"Hmm?" she slurs out, but her empathy welcomes me to keep going.
"You said you saw a pink neumono like yourself."
>"Yeahhh... it was in Copperfield. I think. Where she got off, I mean."
"Where in Copperfield?"
>"Dunno?"

Copperfield is a town south of the capital. It's part of the same region, and in some ways copperfield is counted as part of the capital itself, but we don't have ubiquitous surveillance.
>>
No. 784849 ID: bfb318
File 148866460278.png - (108.50KB , 800x800 , 46.png )
784849

Vinessca seems a little unnerved by me just questioning her, so I turn her around and give her a back massage as a decent compromise.

>"Mm... yeah, it was in Copperfield, some stop along the way." she says. There's only one major subway line that goes into the capital through Copperfield, so that helps.
"Can you describe what you saw at the stop?"
>"Welll, there was a miklik, one really huge neumono, I also saw the cutest bag..."
"These two were around the pink neumono?"
>"Oh, no, just random things I saw on the train."
"I meant more along the lines of what was around the building at the stop?"

Her breathing evens out, and I almost think she's on the verge of falling asleep somehow, but she continues to mumble about pillars and graffiti on the outside of the train. Katzati says she'll confirm which stops are possible from that.

I hear a light scrape just outside of the closet. I think that the others are eavesdropping. Not that it may matter, especially if I have no further questions.
>>
No. 784853 ID: 3abd97

>>784849
Let Vinessca fall asleep. Then fake some appreciative moans or other sound effects for your audience.

Make excuses and leave after they let you out of the closet.
>>
No. 784857 ID: 65ec8d

Give her some sort of implicative compliment like "Your fur feels really nice" or something, loud enough to be easy for eavesdroppers to hear. Or tell her to lie down. Or put your hands up under the back of her top and comment on whether she's wearing a bra or not. Something to feed the imaginations of those outside and make them think they don't have to listen closer.

Actually, get her to lie down on her front anyway, it'll be easier for you and you can lean up to her ear. Doing something physically might get her to wake up a little more again for a moment, too. Alternately, for another way to stop her nodding off, you could say "Your turn now" and get a backrub yourself.

More quietly, you can ask a couple more questions. We might have to limit ourselves to things Vinnesca was more likely to notice. Something like "You said she looked like you? What was different?", and "What was she wearing?" or "What did she feel like?"

If you want to play more into the scenario here, you could likely rephrase that "what was different" question in different, more complimenty/gossipy ways. Like "She looked like you, you said? She couldn't have been as pretty", maybe exchange "pretty" with "athletic" or "curvy" or other words that would lure out comparisons that would narrow your field. You could also rephrase "what did she feel like" as "I bet her empathy wasn't as nice and friendly as yours", something like that.
>>
No. 784865 ID: 211d83

Good job subduing the suspect Polo. Now make a few choice comments that will make everyone listening think you two are enjoying yourselves and use your ninja magic to escape through the air ducts. Leaving everyone to question what the heck just happened.
>>
No. 785015 ID: 15a025

You've got an audience out there Polo. Fake some noises and give them some entertainment.
>>
No. 785033 ID: e17aca

Engage in actual mouth to mouth empathy-sharing. You dragged her in there and got her all excited, its only right. And you might like it.
>>
No. 785130 ID: 91cfcf

>>784857
This is good.

Also, consider smacking her butt to keep her awake.
>>
No. 785133 ID: bfb318
File 148873230804.png - (106.03KB , 800x800 , 47.png )
785133

>Air ducts
There are none in the closet.

"Your fur feels nice, by the way."
>"Thanks!" Vinessca says sincerely.
"What was different about this other girl?"
>"How so?"
"What was she wearing?"
>"Uh, can't remember, but I remember a tight uniform under her clothes. It looked fancy, and I've sometimes seen it while people go running or at the gym or something. Like a... I don't think it was a biosuit, but it looked kinda like one."
"I doubt she was... as curvy." I ham up the last phrase a bit more than intended.
>"Oh, she was big. She looked like me if I stopped running! I was in track and field, you know. I could outrun her any day. She was cute though."
"How was her empathy?"
>"Was nice." she says. For a brief moment, she starts losing enthusiasm for talking about another girl. She also wonders why I'm asking her so many questions. These moments of clarity are brief, and turn into wondering just who I am and what I'm doing in a dark closet giving her a back massage. Even as I wonder the same thing, her own thought doesn't last long before she settles down. My back massage gets more rapid, too, as I put much more energy into it than I would normally think. It does keep her awake, so I don't need to do anything crude like smacking her butt or kissing or whatever girls do in the closet. I no longer hear noises from outside.

>"Whenever you're done." says Katzati. "We've got some updates for you, if you want to come back to base. The ransom people apparently found the suit left in some luggage. They don't seem like they thought they could've gotten away with it, but they didn't think the UDA would bait criminals with that either, so they went for it."
>>
No. 785137 ID: 91cfcf

>whatever girls do in the closet
You would know, Polo. How's Rokoa?

Anyway, time to go back and gather more info.
>>
No. 785138 ID: 3abd97

Time for you to come out of the closet, Polo.

>We've got some updates for you, if you want to come back to base
How far away / long is it to get back to base? Might be better to be briefed in the field once you've gotten out of this apartment and can speak freely, instead of wasting transit time.
>>
No. 785151 ID: 398fe1

>>785133
Man, that is a really solid lead. Pink neumono wearing a non-standard biosuit while hanging around near some other aliens, but isn't as fit as a military neumono should be? I can't think of a better description of a situation where the Pink Ranger could be kidnapped.

Time to leave and follow that lead, unless we have a better one somehow.
>>
No. 785152 ID: 65ec8d

Well, I don't think she'll take any more questions. Now you've just got to leave without being impolite. These people have been helpful, after all.

Fill up the rest of your remaining seven minutes by talking to her about her. Couple more compliments, whatever sincere ones you can think of, maybe ask her what her job is (because I'm curious) and whether the rest of the people at the party are long-term friends of hers or just people she hooked up with. You could also ask her for her phone number, maybe she'll be a more useful witness later when she's sobered up?

Once you get out of the closet... let's see, how to leave without being rude. Tell them you're going to go get a drink, ask them if there's anything they want from the shop. Go down and get those, and tip someone to bring them up to this room and tell these people that you got a call and had to leave. That'll leave them something for their trouble.
>>
No. 785157 ID: 91ee5f

>>785133
>"Oh, she was big. She looked like me if I stopped running! I was in track and field, you know. I could outrun her any day. She was cute though."
That might not be Pink. She's with the Rangers, so she's gotta stay in shape in order to keep up and not hold the team back when they go out to do their hero stuff!

But if that is Pink, then maybe she should consider laying off all the chocolates she keeps getting from her fan mail!
>>
No. 785167 ID: 65ec8d

>>785157

Well, it might be she just eats a lot and has muscle underneath. Also the rangers rely on their technology a lot? I'm not sure if we've ever actually seen them fight themselves, rather than just using their guns and vehicles. Not being very trim wouldn't surprise me. And for all we know their suits and empathy powers might burn up a lot of calories, so they make extra effort to have a lot of reserves.

We know from Rokoa that being a strong fighter doesn't mean being slim, anyway.
>>
No. 785194 ID: 91ee5f

>>785167
Well, I was thinking that they can't use their weapons and vehicles everywhere in every situation. So they have to have some sort of hand to hand combat training. Or at least be able to chase someone on foot.
>>
No. 785344 ID: bfb318
File 148877734428.png - (114.19KB , 800x800 , 48.png )
785344

I start making normal smalltalk. I learn she lives with the Foodbowl hive as a general purpose janitor and maintenance girl. She had a 3 year mandatory army service, where she made friends with a Foodbowl hivemate, and that's why she's allowed to stay with them. It's a good fate for a rogue. We trade numbers, me giving her an undercover number to call. She spills enough information about the friends out there as well. To be polite, I spend the full 7 minutes in the closet, before excusing myself to get a drink.

Using a hall phone, I call up room service to have drinks delivered to the room for all of them for the lead, and to send my thanks and apologies for having to leave.
>>
No. 785345 ID: bfb318
File 148877737491.png - (161.25KB , 800x800 , 49.png )
785345

It's not a long trip back to base, so I travel back there since Katzati has to gather information herself before briefing me on what's been found. As I arrive, I drop off the chocolate sample at the lab on my way to the operation building level as Katzati explains.

>"We're trying to get surveillance on the train so that we can see who brought on the luggage that had the pink suit. The train company apparently had faulty wiring though, and the cameras weren't functioning. A lot of the people looking into that think it's way too fishy, and that the evidence was pulled out in advance. Someone has to go wring some information out of people. It's surprisingly tough to get proper warrants for this, so either we need to wait and possibly get delayed, or we need to have some, er, an underhanded, discrete interrogation take place from neumono that don't seem to want to talk to us."
>"Also, we looked at some of the return addresses and, well, we wired some calls from a rogue in town. We could only hear one side of the conversation, oddly enough, but it sounded like he was talking to Pink."
>"Then, of course, the lead you just got. We should have a good idea of what stop Vinessca was talking about once an agent gets there. These are our three biggest targets, and because we're on a sharp timetable, we're sending agents to all of them at once, but you get first crack at... oh hey!"
>"Oh hey!" I hear her voice in person doubling up as I enter the room.
"Hello."
>>
No. 785347 ID: bfb318
File 148877738566.png - (111.36KB , 800x800 , 50.png )
785347

We move to the side so we can speak to ourselves, but as I move in, the operation room starts getting quiet. There is a jammer here so that people don't distract one another in all the stress, but I still get an odd looming feeling that involves an undue level of attention on me.

I hear some whispering.

>"Ohhh you feel so good but I'm so pure and innocent!"

It's coming from a maintenance closet.

>"No. You are a bad criminal full of drugs and crime." another voice stage-whispers in some kind of monotone voice. Some operators and nearby agents are trying to stifle their giggles.
>"Ohh yessss talk dirty to me!"
>"No, I am miss perfect agent and do not know how to wind down. Accept my love, or I will give it to Rokoa."
>"Ahhh! Yes, come out of the closet with me!"
>"No. There will be too much speculation from people with personalities. I am a soulless ghost and will now vanish through thin air so that no one will learn my dark closet secrets. Our love is confidential."

People are failing at stifling their giggles now as someone impersonates me.
>>
No. 785351 ID: 3abd97

>>785347
Calmly walk up and lock them in the closet and then walk away with the key.

If there's no lock (there's always a lock) grab something to use as a wedge and then jam it under the door and then lean against it so no one can come and let them out.

>>785345
>three leads
We should send an agent who specializes in technical stuff to the first one. Someone who can quickly figure out if the cameras were sabatauged, and who can try to get information from how it was done. That's not Polo's area of expertise.

Polo could do either of the other two, but it makes the most sense to chase our own lead and take number 3.
>>
No. 785352 ID: 595d54

>>785347
They're not even named, clearly they're not important enough to be anything other than ignored.

"And here I was almost going to take you up on your offer about teaching me how to play 7 Minutes of Heaven. Who do I have first crack at, again?"
>>
No. 785353 ID: 65ec8d

My, what good-natured office ribbing is going on, as is suitable and helpful to teambuilding and operational morale. Learn who these closet people are, and mark them down in your prank journal for later vengeance. For morale.

In the meantime, ask Katzati if she got any of that evidence from your hive for you.

As for the choice of what to do next, well the interrogation isn't really your thing, and the rogue one will probably end up an interrogation as well, though you should at least look at the log of what was intercepted. I say go follow up Vinnesca's lead at the station.
>>
No. 785378 ID: 91ee5f

>>785347
Watch it be two people actually having sex in there and one of them just enjoys roleplaying as Polo.....and it's a guy that's being Polo! XD
>>
No. 785380 ID: 91ee5f

>>785378
But, yeah, let's lock them in there.
>>
No. 785382 ID: 3abd97

If they protest about being locked in / ask to be let out:

"Oh, but surely super secret agent ghost Polo should have no trouble vanishing her way out of a mere closet."
>>
No. 785395 ID: e17aca

>>785347
You might be annoyed but its not inaccurate.
>>
No. 785410 ID: a363ac

Sending Rokoa to the station as a off-duty cop so she can ask questions and generally make people uncomfertable should work more quickly then pussyfooting around to get intel. also sending a tech wizard nerd for the cameras.
The second one sounds the most interesting so send Polo there.
>>785382
Make sure to give the key to katzati and tell her this.
>>
No. 785420 ID: 12e88b

You can play it off with a dry comment. Something like "Hmm, I didn't realize how much I dominated people's fantasies, here. I'll try to hold back my natural, overwhelming sensuality."
>>
No. 785442 ID: 85f220

>>785420

Yes do this.
>>
No. 785473 ID: bfb318
File 148883636235.png - (112.69KB , 800x800 , 51.png )
785473

>>
No. 785474 ID: bfb318
File 148883636894.png - (117.35KB , 800x800 , 52.png )
785474

I'm going to go follow my own lead to this other pink neumono. Like the hotel, it's a neighborhood that is somewhat sketchy, but not so bad that people constantly get mugged. Still, I should decide whether to go plainclothes, or act as an agent.
>>
No. 785477 ID: 65ec8d

Plainclothes is probably still better. I assume you'll still have a badge to pull out if necessary.
>>
No. 785483 ID: a363ac

>>785474
this sounds like a more official questioning then the last one since it was a wire tap that got the information go as agent.
Make sure to tell Katzati to let them out 10 minutes after they relize they are locked in and to make them provide a verbal apology when they do.
>>
No. 785484 ID: a363ac

>>785483
specifically apologize for the Rokoa comment.
>>
No. 785490 ID: 3abd97

Counterprank engaged. Now you just need to hang around long enough for their being trapped to be uncomfortable or an inconvenience. If you walk away immediately, someone will just let them out.

>>785474
Wear your uniform. Official questioning will probably be necessary.
>>
No. 785496 ID: 211d83

Put a sign up on the chair reading "7 hours in heaven. Do Not Disturb"

Plainclothes should be ok for your next meeting.
>>
No. 785832 ID: bfb318
File 148893311446.png - (110.87KB , 800x800 , 53.png )
785832

"I will follow my own lead, Katzati."

The door handle turns, and they realize they've been jammed inside.

>"Uh ohhh!" whispers a nearby operator with apparently nothing important to do. "How's Agent Polo gonna get out of this one?"
>"Tune in next time, on Omega Waveforce episode 107: Agent Polo enters the fray!" whispers another.
"Katzati, if you need to delegate work, put those two on the task."
>"Okay." Katzati says, while the other two mutter some curses.

No one appears to be in a hurry to let the other two out, and the same in-office pranking that they're using will ensure they have to work to get someone to let them out.

I give a couple of recommendations for agents that would be suited to investigating the surveillance issues, and an agent that has a way with rogues. It's above my station to actually send them myself, but usually recommendations don't fall on deaf ears.

"Oh." I also say to Katzati. "Let them out in 10 minutes if they apologize. I will go out, now, in plainclothes with a concealed weapon and badge."
>"Alright, good luck."
>>
No. 785833 ID: bfb318
File 148893315615.png - (159.87KB , 800x800 , 54.png )
785833

I take the public train to the area that matches up with Vinessca's description. Katzati has informed me that the subway's exit pass should have surveillance leading out of it, independent of the surveillance that failed inside of the train. Local buildings should have seen her leave as well as there is a bank and a parking garage just outside. This is not the capital, and we have to manually pull the surveillance tapes from the building owners around here. Once I have them, though, I can plug in an AI to immediately skim over the entire tape and point out neumono of interest.

There are also two neumono here that look like they haven't moved around much.
>>
No. 785835 ID: 398fe1

Ask them for information. Don't be surprised when you gotta bribe them for it.
>>
No. 785837 ID: 211d83

Go talk to the shopkeepers and get the tapes pulled. Then email them back to base for scanning.

Then grab a few snacks/chocolate/bribes from the store and go use them on the bums to learn if they noticed anything.
>>
No. 785838 ID: 595d54

>>785833
Well, there don't seem to be any ambushes lying in wait. Go get some decently filling food for bribes and see if you can get any useful footage.
>>
No. 785962 ID: 65ec8d

Don't go assuming they're hobos, they might just be waiting for someone who's late on the train, or similar. They might get offended.
>>
No. 785975 ID: bfb318
File 148895110428.png - (162.64KB , 1000x800 , 55.png )
785975

I pass the two homeless to go to the exit terminal to find a security guard. If they're not homeless, then they should go to their home and take a shower. I'll get some food for them. While security pulls the tapes, I'll find a vending machine.

"Hello."
>"Hi." the guard says.
"UDA." I say, flashing my badge, and getting her attention. "We are looking for an individual who is suspected missing. I believe there's a chance that they have moved through here. I would like to review your security tapes."
>"Uh, understood - do you have a warrant?"
"No. This is an expedited case."
>"Sorry. It's policy that I don't share tapes without good reason."
"What is that policy?"
>"What?"
"What does the policy say?"
>"That... I don't share the tapes without good reason?"
"What is 'good reason?'"
>"I - look - I mean, having a warrant. A warrant is good reason." She's nervous about impeding my progress, but is firm about it.
"Show me the policy book that explains it."
>"I don't have one."
"Show me the website where policy is covered."
>"Just go to the main site! There'll be support, there." she says, clearly agitated by this point.

I don't believe she knows what the policy actually is, and is just wanting to cover her own ass for pulling tapes. I can pull up our own documents and strongarm her into yielding, or get a warrant. It will take between an hour and a few hours to get a warrant.
>>
No. 785976 ID: a363ac

>>785975
Just call Az I am sure he can get her to relent or just give you a warrant.
>>
No. 785977 ID: 595d54

Ask nicely. It seems like she's had a long day, you should offer to help her relieve some tension.
>>
No. 785978 ID: 3abd97

Ask Katzati to pull their policy online. If there's a loophole or exact wording you can get around, she'll find it for you. (For instance, if it explains what "good reason" is, you may be able to provide her with one. For instance, looking into an abduction might qualify, where chasing petty crime might not).

If she's concerned about the tapes being pulled for evidence and their getting involved legally in anything, she doesn't need to be concerned. You simply need to know where the people you're following went, and you'll be on your way.

The important thing to note about search warrants is they grant you access to when the property owners don't otherwise consent. Technically, there's nothing wrong with people choosing to cooperate if they have nothing to hide.

If this train station is run by the same corporation that sold tracks or parts to the Grinch for his train last time, they might be quick to cooperate with the UDA, to make nice and regain some face. No need for a warrant, an agent (or Az) just needs to call someone higher up and lean on them.

tl;dr- Don't be too hard on if she's simply trying to follow the rules and do her job, as you are. But try to see if there's a way you can get her to consent so we don't need to stall for a warrant.
>>
No. 786007 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, look her in the eye and say: "Let me get this straight. You're telling me that these security tapes - the tapes that record a public space, the tapes which only exist so that they can assist in preventing crimes and aiding criminal investigations... the tapes which, being aimed at a train station, are most likely used to track criminals and persons of interest who are on the move and probably getting further away every minute... require the very people they are specifically designed to help to spend two hours getting a warrant before they can be shown? I want you to think hard, now. Do you really think that that's "policy"?"
>>
No. 786117 ID: bfb318
File 148901342168.png - (114.10KB , 800x800 , 56.png )
786117

"I am asking for cameras that record public space, which only exist to prevent and investigate crimes. You believe it's policy to hide those?"
>"I don't make the rules."
"One moment." I say, then move to the side. "Katzati, can you pull their policy?"
>"I'm trying, but their site isn't user friendly at all. I don't even think they have their policies like that on their site."
"Please get Az on this, then."

I wait in awkward silence with the guard, but within a minute, I hear her phone vibrate. She picks it up, and her empathy's tone changes as I can hear the other end chew her out.
>>
No. 786118 ID: bfb318
File 148901342884.png - (99.81KB , 800x800 , 57.png )
786118

She has me follow her to a room, which she unlocks and lets me through. I plug in my scanning AI, and it only takes a moment to find the suspected target.
>>
No. 786119 ID: bfb318
File 148901343621.png - (153.76KB , 800x800 , 58.png )
786119

A large pink neumono in a bulky trenchcoat. She's wearing a wig, which has been considered tacky for decades. She walks out of the station like she has some place to be, though not in a particular hurry. She exits the station at 8:19 AM, but I can't tell which way she went. We at least have a visual.
>>
No. 786127 ID: 3abd97

No sign of those aliens she was seen with, huh?

Upload an image to Katzati to help her end of the search, and thank the security guard.

>wig on a furry alien
Yep, wicked tacky.

You could try following her by checking security tapes overlooking the road in different businesses, but honestly, it might be faster to take the social route and just ask people / venders who have been around since then.

I mean, if she was going for innocuous, she failed. If anything, that outfit makes her stand out. It's silly enough to be memorable.
>>
No. 786131 ID: 398fe1

>>786119
Wait, that's not how Vinessca described her. Did you catch the incident Vinessca told you about? Of a pink neumono in some sort of bodysuit that waved at her?
>>
No. 786133 ID: 65ec8d

The bulky trenchcoat and wig combo makes me think "something to hide". She has things on her ears, too. Are those tying her ears back, or are they just bandages or decorations? This woman could easily be concealing recent injuries. Something that would have been out of fashion for decades might also link up with our target's potential age.

It's odd, though. Vinnesca said that the woman she saw was wearing... something skintight, what I assumed was some sort of spandex or yoga pants or bike shorts or something. Though that was "a tight uniform under her clothes", so maybe Vinnesca saw her with the trenchcoat open. Vinnesca seems the sort of person who would have commented on the wig, though?

Alternatively... could this be a stand-in? With that much covering, a white neumono could rub pink into their fur in a few spots to look pink to an observer. But... no, Vinnesca said she saw the other pink neumono get off. So any such swap would have had to be in the station itself, between the train and the exit. Broaden the search, is this the only pink neumono who came out within the next few hours? Any groups of aliens (Vinnesca said the neumono she saw was surrounded by some), any totally covered neumono, or any luggage being wheeled through large enough to contain a neumono?

Did anyone ask the other rangers if Pink left with anything? A bag, for example? A large coat, like this one?
>>
No. 786140 ID: 90f3c0

Have Katzati and co see if they can access any more security cameras in the area, there have to be some outside the station. Meanwhile, ask around to see if anybody saw her.
>>
No. 786148 ID: 65ec8d

That wig could also hide a headset. If she were being coerced into following instructions, for example, she could have picked up a wig with a concealed headset to wear in order to get instructions while walking around. I'd assume there are easier options for concealed communicators, like what you use yourself, but I don't know how available to the general public they are. A blackmailer on a budget might have had to cobble something rougher together.

That's assuming, though, that it's not generally obvious by empathy that someone is listening to someone talking to them.

Do the security tapes show those two homeless/unhygienic neumono around at the same time? That outfit is distinctive enough to stick out in memory, and a testimony to her empathy quality might yield clues.
>>
No. 786170 ID: 91ee5f

>>786119
Vinessca said that she was smiled and waved at, so watch this pink neumono to see if she smiles and waves at Vinessca.
>>
No. 786171 ID: 91ee5f

>>786170
Vinessca also said that the pink neumono was surrounded by a couple of aliens.
>>
No. 786670 ID: bfb318
File 148927822013.png - (180.36KB , 800x800 , 59.png )
786670

>That's not how Vinessca described her.
This does put the event into question. I run the AI again with slightly different settings, but it comes back with this being the only neumono that remotely fits the description.

Vinessca saw her get off the train here, but when the target waved to Vinessca, they were still on the train. The train cameras were on the fritz - supposedly - the whole way down the line. It's not beyond reason, especially not if this is the pink ranger, that she changed clothes after getting off of the train. Judging by the time lines, she could have donned different clothes, if she did it exceptionally fast.

I can at least establish that those aliens that were around or with her did not follow her out. There is no sign of them. Still, for the most part, this isn't adding up cleanly.

Katzati is already sent an image, and a wider search is being made. Investigation is going to continue, though, as if she were easily found in the existing database of known neumono, an identity would already have been found.

>No sign of those aliens she was seen with, huh?
No, but Vinessca made it seem like they might not have been with this neumono, and just around her. Plus, Vinessca was high, and her powers of recollection are put in question.

Either way, this outfit is conspicuous between the bulky trenchcoat, the wig, and the bandages around her ears. It is possible the wig is hiding a headset. While my own method is better for concealment, it is a surgical implant that is not a quick and easy solution.

"Thanks for your assistance." I say to the guard, and leave.

I grab a half dozen snack bars from the vending machine.
>>
No. 786671 ID: bfb318
File 148927827471.png - (163.87KB , 900x800 , 60.png )
786671

With that, I can give reason for the homeless ones to help me.

"Hello."
>"Hey." they say. They look out of it, but are at least responsive.
"I have a few questions." I say, handing them two of the food bars. I make it easy to read me, so that my intentions are clear that I will give them more if their answers help me. I then run through the same scenario, asking about if they saw that girl.
>"Maybe we did see her." the one closer to me says.
>"Maybe we didn't." says the other.

They definitely saw her, but they seem to have a desire to be difficult about this, in a condescending manner. They want more food, before they answer.
>>
No. 786672 ID: 91cfcf

>>786671
Tell them they shouldn't mess with cyborgs and show them the other snack bars.
>>
No. 786673 ID: 211d83

Tell them you will expense account them at the nearest buffet restaurant if they tell you enough. Or some of those fancy new chocolate bars seeing its the season.

Much better than these tiny snack bars I would think.
>>
No. 786675 ID: 398fe1

>>786671
Another two snack bars, then.
>>
No. 786676 ID: a363ac

>>786671
They get food after and since they know they are impending a federal investigation. You can also arrest them for loitering or vagrancy.
>>
No. 786677 ID: 398fe1

Hey now, don't promise the world or threaten them. If they are incentivized to do so, they'll lie to you.
>>
No. 786678 ID: 65ec8d

They can probably sense from your attitude and the way you interacted with the security woman (I believe neumono empathy range would have put you close enough for them to sense that exchange?) that you're some sort of official person, and being homeless they would have a reason to be hostile to you personally.

Offer to set them up with a local hostel or something where they can have a wash and a good night, and a tab to get laundry and a couple of nice meals. Might as well put your government dollars to work, it'll hardly be anything compared to the kind of expenses you can run into in your line of work. Maybe let a bit of your concern for the lady you're looking for leak out, if you can dredge some up.
>>
No. 786680 ID: 3abd97

I assume there's something of a budget for paying off informants?

Tolerate their condescension. Offer a chit to pay for a meal and/or a stay in a hotel for their cooperation, or arrest for impeding an official investigation if they insist on playing games.
>>
No. 786695 ID: 91ee5f

>>786670
>Judging by the time lines, she could have donned different clothes, if she did it exceptionally fast.
That makes sense. She's a ranger, so she needs to be able to get in and out of her costume quickly.
>>
No. 786701 ID: 87547f

You have to remember Polo that the Rangers are silly. I could easily see Pink having a bag of different wigs and such to change out silly disguises every stop as part of her attempts to hide.

Be nice to the homeless rogues.
>>
No. 786741 ID: 15a025

Throw them each another bar and say "Oh I think you two did see her."
>>
No. 787173 ID: bfb318
File 148945484783.png - (86.27KB , 800x800 , 61.png )
787173

>They can probably sense from your attitude and the way you interacted with the security woman
That was too far away for empathic range to cover these two. Still, many homeless are outright hostile to authority figures, so I'm not in a hurry to pull out my badge unless other options are dried up first.

>I assume there's something of a budget for paying off informants?
There is. We are given generous funds for undercover work, including payoffs and even bribes for the greater good. We simply have to record all of our expenditures.

I hand them two more bars.

>"Oh, yeah, I think I remember something." says the guy. "She was acting a little suspicious. Like she had something to hide."
>"Then again." says the girl. "Who gets off at this stop without a few skeletons in the closet?"
>"With the way she was travelling, it was like she had a skeleton in her living room. I might've caught a bit more from her empathy, but... can't quite recall. Not on this mostly empty stomach getting filled up by cheap snacks."

I'm almost quick to offer a meal and even a hotel stay to get cleaned up, but there is something dubious about their empathy. I get the impression that they may not know as much as they're letting on, and are just trying to extract as much out of me as they can. While the money isn't a big concern, the more time I spend on false leads, the colder the real trail gets.
>>
No. 787175 ID: 211d83

Take out a big bill or something tempting and wave it around.

"I don't know... You two do not seem that certain. I mean I have enough here to feed a hive but only if they can at least point me in the right direction. Even if that direction is that they do not know much. Bad directions just make people go hungry what with all that wasted time and such."
>>
No. 787176 ID: 3abd97

>>787173
No suppositions about her attitude, empathy, or skeletons, please. Just the facts.

Toss another 2 bars at them, and whatever else they give you is the end of it.
>>
No. 787177 ID: 398fe1

>>787173
Yeah that's enough out of them, no matter what they say it won't help.

Next lead!
>>
No. 787179 ID: 65ec8d

Tell them to give you their hands; if you think they'll refuse, put your hands on their heads. Give them a better sense of your empathy and get a better sense yourself - you want to see if you can feel an echo of her empathy through their recollection of it. Let your honest assessment of how much trouble you could make for them if you wanted flow through, as well as your similarly honest belief that this woman may be in danger and there may well be much more general danger around large sections of the city if she's not found. Also give them an empathic "you'd better not be shitting me" glare.
>>
No. 787181 ID: 90f3c0

Tell them you don't have time for any bullshit. Tell everything they know now, and you'll get them a nice meal and a bath. Any dishonesty, and you're leaving them with nothing. I'm sure your grumpy empathy will be enough to convince them that you're serious.
>>
No. 787331 ID: bfb318
File 148951967283.png - (139.77KB , 800x800 , 62.png )
787331

"I have no time for this. Tell me what you know and get a full meal and a hostel, or say that's all you know."

They struggle for a moment, and I leave. They know nothing else.

"Katzati. Do we have any knowledge on the bank or parking garage that I should know? They're my primary leads remaining." I ask, going outside.
>"Yes. We've already contacted the bank. They're extremely protective of their videos, but since you got a visual on that girl and a good time frame, they were able to supply us with the snippet we needed without much of a fuss. Go north a bit, then take a left. There should be a gym across the street. Apparently, she was seen entering through there."
>>
No. 787332 ID: bfb318
File 148951969496.png - (151.35KB , 800x800 , 63.png )
787332

I go inside, and the clerk waits patiently for me to approach the desk. I skim the workout area, and there's no sign of the girl, at least not in the areas I can immediately see.

"Katzati." I whisper. "Unless she's in the bathroom or around a corner, she's not here. There are multiple entrances and exits, so it's possible she took another exit. While I wait here, can we get more surveillance out of the bank up till this time?"
>"On it."

>"Looking for someone?" the clerk asks as I finally approach. "You look lost."
"I am looking for a pink neumono. Large. Perhaps with a wig, but she might have taken it off."
>"Oh, yeah, we got one of those a little while ago." She looks behind her. "Well, I don't see her now. We have some luxuries upstairs, though, like pools and a running track."
"I would like to go up to see."
>"Sorry, dear, members only."
".... How much is a day pass?"
>"Well, uh... it would be 150 zeny, but I'm sorry. We no longer accept children. Oh - are you her child?"
>>
No. 787333 ID: 595d54

>>787332
Just say yes, it's quicker and it's not like you'll ever have to deal with her again.
>>
No. 787334 ID: b412df

Time for the badge to appear I think.
>>
No. 787343 ID: 7397ab

Yes?
>>
No. 787347 ID: 3abd97

>Oh - are you her child
Polo looks nothing like her, and unless there's a jammer here, that blatant lie isn't gonna hold.

>We no longer accept children.
"That is a terrible policy. We should be encouraging fitness in the young, not denying them access to gyms."

Badge out. "Regardless, it does not apply here."
>>
No. 787359 ID: e22b1d

Claim you are her girlfriend and all this tiny people hate is insulting.
>>
No. 787361 ID: 65ec8d

No need for a badge. Show your driver's license or other form of photo ID that would prove your age that you, being a practical-minded person, carry with you at all times.
>>
No. 787393 ID: a363ac

>>787332
yes "A" lost child. and you are looking for your "moms" friend.
>>
No. 787865 ID: bfb318
File 148969242908.png - (112.75KB , 800x800 , 64.png )
787865

".... yes." I say.

There's no jammer. What I've had is significant practice with blanking my mind, not to make myself go silence, but to make myself simply say things with little self reflection. It isn't too dissimilar to method acting, but rather than enveloping myself with the aspects of acting a part, I simply cut away the parts of me that don't play the part.

>"Okay, you can go in, then."
>>
No. 787866 ID: bfb318
File 148969243885.png - (174.93KB , 800x800 , 65.png )
787866

I look around. I get some stares, but they're more out of curiosity, or at most mild concern, as I conspicuously look around. Although it is a large area, it is wide open, and there is not much to hide behind, especially not for a large neumono.

I check the first and second floor, including the bathrooms and locker rooms. There is no sign of her.

>"We just got the remaining tapes." says Katzati. "There's no sign of her."
"It's possible she left through one of the back doors. Are there security tapes on the other side?"
>"We don't... well, there are businesses, but we can't tell offhand if they have any security tapes."
>>
No. 787867 ID: a363ac

>>787866
Go ask those idiots behind you if they have seen your "Mommy"
>>
No. 787871 ID: 211d83

>>787867

Yes get a worried look on your face and ask if they have seen your mom.

Extra points for giant puppy dog eyes.
>>
No. 787884 ID: 3abd97

>>787866
Did you check the pool or the track? That's where the receptionist suggested you look.

>"We don't... well, there are businesses, but we can't tell offhand if they have any security tapes."
Reading between the lines, it sounds like it's businesses of ill repute behind this place.

And honestly, if she is up to anything, approaching those places via the cover of the gym makes a lot of sense.

>what do
Asking a few people if they've seen a large Pink neumono around might work. You don't even need to provide details, or stick to the "mommy" cover story. (It draws unnecessary attention, and a more responsible person might not get let a "lost" child run around). It's not like meeting someone at the gym, or a schedule mishap is unprecedented. It shouldn't seem odd.
>>
No. 787889 ID: 398fe1

>>787866
Is there a third floor?
>>
No. 787891 ID: bfb318
File 148969830274.png - (92.05KB , 800x800 , 66.png )
787891

>Did you check the pool or the track?
Yes, that was the bulk of the second story.

>Is there a third floor?
There is not, although, there is a rooftop.

>Get a worried look on your face and ask if they have seen your mom.
>>
No. 787892 ID: bfb318
File 148969830923.png - (238.77KB , 1200x800 , 67.png )
787892

"Excuse me." I say. I keep my distance from the barbell being help up like that, but he ends up purposefully slipping down from the ball and dropping the barbell, letting his spotters take each of his sides.
>"Yes, tiny girl?" the left spotter asks.
>"Are you looking for mommy?!" asks the right, with far more intensity than is appropriate. They appear to be hivemates, and all have light grey snow fur.
"........ yes. She is big. And pink."
>"Haha, you're going to need to be more specific than that! A lot of big neumono coming through." the left says, taking over talking to me again.
"Are there that many pink girls?"
>"Judging by their cheeks, they're all pink when they walk by and check us out!"
>>
No. 787895 ID: bfb318
File 148969841297.png - (105.50KB , 800x800 , 68.png )
787895

>"YEAH!"
>"YEAH!"
>"YEAH!"

All three shout as the two spotters high five each other from behind the lifter.

"Okay, but have you seen any actually pink neumono. With pink fur."
>"Yeah - but she's not your mother."

The confident empathy behind it seems to confirm that not just do they know who I'm talking about, they seem to know her, as well.

>"In fact." the left neumono continues, "I don't even think you have a mother."

The two others seem to ignore the misspeak so strongly that I barely catch on that they even noticed how ludicrous the statement was. They just keep up a stream of tough-guy empathy.
>>
No. 787897 ID: a363ac

>>787895
start fake crying and saying you just wanted to meet your hero, and now these mean men are making fun of you for being an orphan.
>>
No. 787898 ID: 398fe1

Shrug, flash your badge, and ask for more information about the pink neumono. She came in here, where did she go?
>>
No. 787899 ID: 9bf80c

Polo there is only one way to convince them to talk. Challenge them to a test of physical fitness!

... You may need to either be very selecting to the type of test, or call a champion to represent you on the field of honor.

But first, sarcastically say "Yes, I am actually a robot, beep boop".
>>
No. 787901 ID: 3abd97

>"Yes, tiny girl?"
>"Judging by their cheeks, they're all pink when they walk by and check us out!"
...if they actually think you're a kid, you have an opportunity to prank them by making them really uncomfortable for talking that way in front of you, by pushing it, or asking follow up questions.

You don't even have to fake the confusion, they're acting so weird.

Might throw them off balance enough to answer your actual line of inquiry to get rid of you.

(Even if they didn't seriously mistake you for a little girl, playing along with their derision will still put them off balance to some degree).
>>
No. 787902 ID: 211d83

Ask them simple questions in a child like manner.

Why are the girls cheeks pink? Then continue asking embarrassing questions every time they respond to you.

Basically continue to play the child card and see how they react when you do not break character.
>>
No. 787933 ID: bfb318
File 148970494914.png - (141.06KB , 800x800 , 69.png )
787933

"Why are the girl's cheeks pink?"
>"... cause they're blushing."
"But you can't see it through fur."
>"You've gotta look what's under the fur! You're not a kid, damn!"
"How do you know that?"

They look at each other like it was a trick question.

>"Cause you got tits?"

Well, there's that.
>>
No. 787934 ID: bfb318
File 148970495595.png - (130.20KB , 800x800 , 70.png )
787934

"Fine, apparently you think I'm a robot with no mother."
>"Psh like they'd make robots to be shorties!"
"Nevermind this. UDA." I say, flashing my badge. They seem surprised, but not suddenly as on edge as many civilians get upon being unexpectedly questioned by an agent.

The lifter speaks for the first time.

>"Girl, out here, we don't follow some protocol someone else made up. We follow nothing but nature's duty and honor, like our tribal ancestors. And that pink girl you're following? She doesn't wanna be followed."
>>
No. 787936 ID: a363ac

>>787934
if I beat you in a fight will you tell me?
>>
No. 787938 ID: 3abd97

>You're not a kid, damn!
Then you should have known better than to talk to me like one.

>And that pink girl you're following? She doesn't wanna be followed.
It is inconvenient for her, then, that we do not always get what we want.

>We follow nothing but nature's duty and honor, like our tribal ancestors
And in this case, it is your duty as law abiding citizens to help an agent of your government in the execution of her duty.
>>
No. 787939 ID: 398fe1

>>787934
Well shit. You can't force them to talk. Tell them the pink neumono isn't in any trouble, she just looks like a missing person you're trying to verify the whereabouts of.

You could eliminate her as a lead by cross-referencing her whereabouts with the Pink Ranger. Ask about the habits of the woman they're protecting. Does she live out of town? That sort of thing.
>>
No. 787940 ID: 9bf80c

"I have reason to believe that woman is a reported missing person who is either being coerced or otherwise in need of assistance, given that she has suddenly changed important plans without informing close friends and colleagues as she could easily have done, and there are clues to criminal involvement in her disappearance. It's possible I'm mistaken that this is the woman I want, but even if that was the case she's likely to have information that would assist me. There is a deadline past which this woman's continued absence could result in large-scale negative consequences. So, how does THAT read under "nature's duty and honor"?"
>>
No. 787941 ID: 595d54

Right, because nature's duty and honor means failing pathetically at gyms. Anyway, you don't know them well enough to appeal to their sense of duty/honor, and it's not worth the time you'd need. Just pull your concealed weapon and kneecap them. ...your weapon can do that, right?
>>
No. 787953 ID: 91ee5f

>>787941
NO!
>>
No. 787979 ID: 2a185d

>>787940
I'm liking this one.
>>
No. 787980 ID: 29c4aa

>>787941
I don't see how this can go wrong, might as well kneecap em twice for good measure.

>>787953
Don't worry, I'm sure it can knee cap them quite well.
>>
No. 787990 ID: b88e47

Please do not shoot them.
>>
No. 788018 ID: 211d83

Ah so tribal ways rule here then?

So that means I should have my hive come down here and help me turn this place inside out looking for her? Drag you three off as my new slaves and take the gym as our territory?

Because power alone decides who gets what they want if "Protocol" and "Laws" are not the rule of the land.
>>
No. 788039 ID: fd9d3b

Welp time to call in Rokoa.
>>
No. 788043 ID: 91ee5f

>>788039
I wouldn't be surprised if she's already here working out on her own time. Then conveniently looks over here and sees Polo and decides to force her assistance onto Polo for the rest of the mission.
>>
No. 788052 ID: a8bc5c

It'd be unprofessional to immediately shoot them.

If power is all they respect then I'm sure we can oblige them

(az az az az)
>>
No. 788083 ID: 30c34d

I support the kneecapping it would be affective and it can easily be explained later if need be.
>>
No. 788104 ID: 3d2d5f

While crippling someone who inconvenienced you might conform to the tribal aesthetic, that's excessive force and creates way too big a scene for what this is, which would just let maybe-Pink get further ahead before we've restored order and dealt with the fallout. They're civilians, and they aren't resisting arrest, or posing a danger to ourself or others.

(Remember when Rokoa got kneecaped in canon? That actually required surgery before it could regenerate properly).
>>
No. 788165 ID: bfb318
File 148978019196.png - (90.00KB , 800x800 , 71.png )
788165

>Shoot them
No.

"I have reason to believe that woman is a reported missing person who is either being coerced or otherwise in need of assistance. It is possible that I'm mistaken that this is the woman I want, but I want to rulle her out. I am in a hurry not for personal reasons, but because the more time that is wasted by people deflecting my questions, the higher a chance that severe, negative consequences will occur. How do that sound for 'duty and honor'?"

They almost seem confused about 'duty and honor', as if they didn't just say it themselves. I believe they may not say those words in ways that anyone else would.

>"Sounds like you can rule her out." the lifter says. "We know her. She's not missing, or in danger, or anything like that. So you can pick your case right up and take it out of this muscle house. And before you get indignant, the more time you spend pursuing this girl who's got nothing to do with this, the more your real missing person remains missing and your 'negative consequences' become 'real consequences'."

Their empathy is a bit hard to read. They do seem to be protecting the girl, but don't seem to have bad intentions either. It's stirring my instincts that I want to pursue this. Still, they do not respect authority.

"I can't have it ruled out like that. You may not respect the law right now, but I'll play your game - what will get you to respect the law enough to answer our questions?"
>"A test of strength against us!"
>"One of your law people have to prove they're stronger than each of us."
"Let me see." I say, before holding up my finger to my ear and looking away to talk to Katzati. It's unnecessary, but demonstrates I'm speaking on the phone. "Operator. Who do we have within 15 minutes of driving or dropping? I don't want to spend long at this."
>"Hmm... well, since we have helicopters on standby we can fly them out from the capital. So the people we're sure can beat them in strength are... "

>Choose backup:
A) Rokoa
B) Az
C) Giant (of Three Stripes' hive)
D) Some Heef
E) Abandon option; have Polo work alone.
>>
No. 788168 ID: 398fe1

>>788165
C. She might even get a kick out of it, and she'll be easier to get along with than Rokoa or Az.
>>
No. 788169 ID: 595d54

Tell Rokoa you've set up some fun for her and ask her to go out to the gym.

I'd be worried about interrupting something with Kappi, but frankly, based on what we saw last thread of them their relationship is even worse than in the main AQ.
>>
No. 788170 ID: 9bf80c

>"One of your law people have to prove they're stronger than each of us."

Rokoa, Az and Giant. Three on three, right? That'll cut the amount of time it takes for the contest to a third, it's fairer because it won't be one facing three people in a row, and if they're all available to be called then there's not really much reason not to call them all, right? They might even be able to share transportation part of the way. And I want to see them interact with each other, especially Az and Giant.

If it has to be just one, then Giant, because we haven't seen as much of her, I want to see how she's adapting to civilization, and because she's the best one to show these muscleheads what a "tribal ancestor" is really like.
>>
No. 788182 ID: b412df

C appears to be the logical choice, Rokoa is investigating things iirc, Az might be a bit insufferable to be around, and idk who some heef is.

Only downside I can think of is that they might not consider Giant a law person.
>>
No. 788183 ID: 7397ab

Bring Rokoa, Az and Giant so they can get crazy competitive over who can trash there guy the most.

If just one pick Giant.
>>
No. 788189 ID: a8bc5c

C. C is perfect for this. Unless we get even more shit for drafting her to pound some skulls from her than we would if we asked rokoa.
>>
No. 788190 ID: 3abd97

This seems silly. Waiting 15 minutes plus a fight just lets pinkie get further ahead.

...wasn't Three Stripes and gianthive being kept in a secure facility in orbit in this universe? How are they getting giant here in 15 minutes or less. Are they halo dropping her in?

Cccccccccccccccc.

My curiosity is piqued, and if they really want tribal justice, they can have tribal justice.

Polo might want to scout those sketchy businesses out back while we wait for her to show.

And if we've tipped our hand about being an agent, we could swap out of civvies, throw that comfy jacket and hat back on.
>>
No. 788239 ID: 2a185d

Gotta go with the ABC's or if We can pick only one I will have to pick C.
>>
No. 788242 ID: fd9d3b

Well if it has to be a law official then it has to be Rokoa but if they'll accept get giant to show them the true way of the tribal.
It'll also get her out to see a little bit of the world and we can give her a reward for her hive.
>>
No. 788251 ID: fa91f1

Giant
>>
No. 788431 ID: 9bf80c

Say, while you're making the call, you know what might be handy? A sniffer. Something (or someone?) with a really good nose, who can fill their nose with this girl's scent (or the scent of whoever else you end up needing to track) and follow it. Maybe just an AI in an atmospheric chemical analysis box, but I understand neumono have pretty good noses, and voklit even better. Do you have someone like that available to you? Seems like the kind of person your agency could use a lot.
>>
No. 788570 ID: da1652

>>788165
Rokoa will win or end the contest, and likely be a major distraction while doing so.
>>
No. 788646 ID: 15a025

E. You can totally take these three on by yourself.
>>
No. 788647 ID: 395c02

C.
>>
No. 789051 ID: bfb318
File 149003790107.png - (98.43KB , 800x800 , 72.png )
789051

"I would like to have Giant, if she's acclimated enough to not panic in a helicopter. And if she is fluent in english."
>"She knows enough! They're really only still in the base because of Three Stripes, not because they can't function in society. Giant even has her driver's license. We'll send her out."
"Be sure to make her an officer of some sort. By the way, this is stereotypical of me to ask, but, she's a tribal, and I could use an excellent sniffer to find this girl."
>"Polo! I'm surprised at you! But yes, that's a good idea, Giant has a good nose. She might be able to follow the target's trail."

I turn to the weight lifters.

"Okay. I have someone on the way."
>"Well, aren't you confident!"
>>
No. 789052 ID: bfb318
File 149003792944.png - (159.28KB , 800x800 , 73.png )
789052

I wait around for 10 minutes while they stretch and rest, preparing themselves for whatever strength contest they have in mind.

There's some empathic commotion at the front desk as Giant walks in and starts looking for me.

>"Holy crap I mean hi welcome to the gym. Uh, do you want a membership pass or a day pass? We have... "
>>
No. 789053 ID: bfb318
File 149003794560.png - (142.69KB , 800x800 , 74.png )
789053

Giant finds me and starts walking over.

>"Uh miss you can't go in there without a pass! Please do... not..."
>>
No. 789055 ID: bfb318
File 149003803429.png - (60.71KB , 800x800 , 75.png )
789055

>"... okay."
>>
No. 789056 ID: bfb318
File 149003808747.png - (188.37KB , 1000x800 , 76.png )
789056

Giant picks me up.

"Polo. I am told you require assistance. What am I doing here?"
"These three people will not assist me in my questions. They will only do it if one of our officers beats them in a test of strength."
"Why have you not broken their legs? Your weapons should make up for your size."

I am having second thoughts about bringing Giant. The lifters are having second thoughts about challenging her.
>>
No. 789057 ID: 398fe1

>>789056
They wouldn't respect that. Also it's not legal for you to use lethal weapons on unarmed civilians.
>>
No. 789058 ID: 595d54

>>789056
Shooting them was totally a valid choice after all.

"My weapons aren't tribal enough."
>>
No. 789061 ID: 3d2d5f

>Why have you not broken their legs? Your weapons should make up for your size.
For some funny reason people don't respect having their legs broken by weapons. It tends to just make them angry or afraid, depending.

Also the laws regarding use of force with a deadly weapon versus a competitive exhibition are different.

Are you unwilling to assist?
>>
No. 789064 ID: a363ac

>>789056
They called me small so I thought I would show them my Giant friend. also can I please sit on your shoulders for a bit?
>>
No. 789067 ID: 7397ab

While I could have fought them myself my close combat skills are of the far more lethal variety.

While someone your size can easily beat the sass out of these three without causing them long term mental damage.

By the way how are things with your boyfriend? You two make any progress on the kid front yet?
>>
No. 789069 ID: 965ca1

Lock eyes with them and let them know via empathy that you are not letting them back out of this.

"Leveraging my weaponry against obstinate unarmed civilians is ill-advised, seeing as how I am a professional, albeit tiny UDA agent."

"I'll petition Az later for a taser and permission to use it at my discretion but right now I need your might."
>>
No. 789082 ID: 0b99d7

Shooting people with answers tends to make people with answers start to avoid you, and we'd rather not physically chase down all possible witnesses or informants in the future.
Also these guys and others like them need to lose the idiot notion they can ignore the law.
>>
No. 789091 ID: 9bf80c

No Polo this is great.

"There are principles of escalation avoidance which discourage officials from using weapons unless someone else is already using weapons of their own... Also, whenever I use my weapons to injure someone while I'm on duty, I have to fill out a report about it afterwards."

Maybe tell her you could do with her assistance with a couple of other matters, in case these guys disappoint her. Definitely tell her about these guys' aspirations to tribal virtues, see what she thinks about that.
>>
No. 789111 ID: e17aca

I love Giant.
>>
No. 789116 ID: 64e1fa

That's called murder in the first degree. Tempting, not my first option.
>>
No. 789286 ID: bfb318
File 149011390567.png - (122.90KB , 1000x700 , 77.png )
789286

>Shooting them was totally a valid choice after all.
No. No it was not.

"First of all, they would not respect that, and secondly, it is not legal." I explain.
"What do you care of their respect? And are you not above the law?"
"Respect is what gets them to answer, and - .... it is best practice not to act above the law." Although we don't have anything as outright freedom from the law or diplomatic immunity, we often are able to bypass protocol with sufficient reason without penalty, or at least a slap on the wrist. "I wish to beat them without causing undue harm or mental damage."

The lifters re-collected themselves in time to scoff at the idea of them receiving mental damage, and begin rationalizing Giant. Big does not necessarily mean strong, especially not in certain aspects of strength, so I cannot blame them for thinking they have a chance.

>"Triathalon." the lifter says. "10 miles on bike, 2 miles on treadmill, and 20 trips swimming across a pool, followed by 40 pushups and 50 situps! All 4 of us will participate with a referee - the winner is either you, or it's us!"

With that, they backed out of a test of raw strength, opting for a more stamina based contest. Which I could beat them in.

"I disagree." says Giant.
>"Disagree with what?" says the lifter.
"Your contest. It is stupid. And lame. It is a contest for soft boys."
>"Do you even know what softboy means? More importantly, do you have a contest in mind?"
"We exchange punches to the face. One at a time. If you recoil before receiving a punch, or drop, you lose. You may use a stool to punch me better if you require."
>"That's not - that's not a contest of strength!"
"Yes it is."
>"No, that's getting punched in the face and staying upright."
"That is strength."

I think we're getting to an impasse. We are also wasting time, and we are gathering the attention of other gym-goers.
>>
No. 789287 ID: 595d54

"You know she's an actual tribal, right? Are you backing out of your beliefs now? Either test your strength against her or I'll beat you at your triathlon."
>>
No. 789290 ID: a8bc5c

A compromise, then. The four of them vs Giant in a contest of endurance. Using dumbbells, barbells and whatever else.

Last person standing wins.
>>
No. 789291 ID: b412df

Who can pick up the heaviest thing? Polo can do a triathlon. Giant can do raw strength. Either you pick one, or somehow meet in the middle.
>>
No. 789296 ID: 3d2d5f

>And are you not above the law?
Polo's not above anything, Giant.

>triathlon
That's just stalling so by the time They finish and have to answer your questions your pink person of interest will have gotten away. Pick something quicker or I'll just let her punch you.

(Wrestling? Weight lifting? Literally juggling the other competitors?)
>>
No. 789297 ID: 9bf80c

"Weren't you talking about following the ways of your tribal ancestors? This woman was just introduced to modern civilization [insert correct amount] years ago, so I'd say her opinion on what a tribal's contest of strength is a better one than yours. And you did say test of strength, not stamina, a test of stamina being something I do not have time for because we have been sitting around waiting already and which I am beginning to think has been too much courtesy to extend you already. Now are your words as much just for show as your muscles obviously are?"

If they still whine, say: "If you prefer, I can arrest you for impeding an official investigation, and if you want to resist that arrest then you'll have your test of strength anyway, with me using my weapons."
>>
No. 789299 ID: 211d83

I gave you a chance to do things the "tribal" way. I could beat all of you in a contest of stamina. Or Giant can beat you in a contest of strength.

I think you are just wasting my time to let your friend escape. Which means I get to assume she is a criminal and round you lot up for aiding and abetting.

So whats it going to be? Actual combat with a tribal or the shame of having a tiny girl beat you. Or just me tazering the lot of you until your fur starts smoking?
>>
No. 789311 ID: e17aca

Giant could break them just by flexing. Tell Giant to break something by Flexing.
>>
No. 789330 ID: a363ac

>>789286
look either tell me where the Pink one is or submit to getting punched in the face by someone we collectively call Giant at the agency then telling me where she is you wimpy little neumono.
>>
No. 789331 ID: 91ee5f

Why do I get the feeling that if we don't give Giant something to do, she's going to be very pissed at the fact that she came out here to do nothing?
>>
No. 789332 ID: 398fe1

>>789286
Just threaten to have Giant go through with her contest of strength whether they agree to it or not, unless they tell you what you want to know.
>>
No. 789344 ID: 0b99d7

>>789286
How about a tug'o'war?
Put something unpleasant in the middle and if you either get pulled in or let go of the rope you lose. Willpower and physical strength all in one.
>>
No. 789355 ID: 2874c6

Appeal to their pride, which they seem to have a lot of.

"You made a promise to help out if I could bring someone who could win against you in a test of strength and now when it looks like I may of you want to change the rules to some speed/stamana test. Are you going to keep your word and agree to proper test of strength or going to chicken out and make excuses.

If you need something less violent at least do something decent like who can push the other out of a ring."

I would say sumo wresting but I don't know if this world has it
>>
No. 789356 ID: fc2fa7

You know what! Fuck this! This isn't worth it anymore. Just leave, go check out other leads and if none of them work out then come back here or have these guys brought in for questioning.
>>
No. 789369 ID: 91ee5f

>>789356
By then, the girl we followed in here will be gone!
>>
No. 789519 ID: bfb318
File 149021429260.png - (94.77KB , 800x800 , 78.png )
789519

"Didn't you all want to do things the tribal way?" I ask the lifter.
>"What? No, that - I was just speaking in terms of the natural world, not literally everything an actual teeth-in-ear tribal lives by."
"I think you are all stalling too much, and am beginning to think that is the point. You specifically said a contest of strength, not stamina, so make a concise show of strength before I assume you are all obstructing justice."

They get indignant at the idea of me accusing them of obstructing justice, so I continue.

"At which point, further resistance will be grounds for greater force, and Giant will not be limited to one punch at a time."

They almost get more indignant, but realize that I am not altogether bluffing, and Giant is ready to start fighting.

>"Fine! Bring the barbells."
>>
No. 789520 ID: bfb318
File 149021430081.png - (170.18KB , 800x800 , 79.png )
789520

The lifter grabs a giant load of weights, and after a moment of struggling, hoists the bar over his head. The other two don't even try - the lifter himself can bear a higher load than the other three.
>>
No. 789521 ID: bfb318
File 149021430676.png - (284.81KB , 800x1274 , 80.png )
789521

"I win."

Even I am a bit intimidated by the display, but I don't show it.

"Now tell me what you know about the pink neumono."
>"Fine! She's a regular here, and she didn't want people prying! I can give you her address, the food stops she frequents, that kind of stuff! Just... just have this tribal tell us her training technique!"
"A hard life, forced to be either be strong, or dead. There is no middle ground."

They find that answer unsatisfying.

"Also, drugs."

Now they're starry-eyed. Also, I think that they just got infatuated by Giant.
>>
No. 789531 ID: 595d54

>>789521
Thank them for their cooperation, get the info, and ask Giant if there's anything she wants to do after the investigation, since you owe her a favor anyway.

Then get investigating. Also, do you remember how Giant got so giant? Salikai experiments again?
>>
No. 789534 ID: 398fe1

>>789531
Yeah this.
>>
No. 789543 ID: 3abd97

Get the information from them and follow up. Giant can stay here and humor the doofs if she wants, or go home, or accompany us as she wishes. Be sure to thank her for the assistance.
>>
No. 789544 ID: c58a23

Right, first, before you leave, questions about this pink girl. What's her name? How regular is regular, once a week? Once a month? Do you know if she's a rogue, or has a hive? If she has a hive, did she ever bring another of them here? How would you characterize her empathy, and how did she feel when she came here today? Was she wearing a wig when you saw her, and/or wearing a heavy trenchcoat? Does she normally wear either of those things, or follow that sort of fashion? Does she have a personal locker here (Remember, you want to keep Giant around for sniffing, and muscle)? And, of course, where is she now?

There's a chance this will, once again, turn out to be a bad lead, but there will still be questions this woman can answer. Another "did you see any other pink neumono women", and since if you're having this much trouble Pink's potential kidnappers might have had some as well, did she see any suspicious people, objects or behavior on the train? Et cetera et cetera. Be prepared for disappointment/embarrassment after all that effort, is what I'm saying. Hopefully not, though.
>>
No. 789549 ID: 91ee5f

>>789531
This.

>Also, do you remember how Giant got so giant? Salikai experiments again?
Well, unless this non-canon verse changed that, then yeah, I think it was from the Salikai's experimental drugs.

And if that's the case, then shouldn't she be smaller? Because she's supposed to be shrinking from not getting the Salikai's drugs anymore.
>>
No. 789582 ID: e17aca

>>789531
She just needed an appropriately sized body to contain how awesome she is.

Also Drugs.
>>
No. 789591 ID: 91ee5f

>>789582
>She just needed an appropriately sized body to contain how awesome she is.
Can we please have Polo say this?

Or at the very least have Polo say, "That's not what you said when I asked you. You said your body was appropriately sized to contain how awesome you are! ...also drugs."
>>
No. 789710 ID: bfb318
File 149029052888.png - (88.93KB , 800x800 , 81.png )
789710

>Also, do you remember how Giant got so giant? Salikai experiments again?
Yes. We liberated her hive a while back. Despite the drug's dangers, by that point, her body was already acclimated to the drugs. Withdrawing them would be more harmful and dangerous than keeping up a steady dose.

"Giant, didn't Three Stripes say that your body was appropriately sized to contain how great you were?"
"Three Stripes does not know how bodies work."
"Anyways, let's start with her name." I ask the lifters, and they start sharing the details.

Her name is Rashana. She lives in a modest part of this town, right over a subway station, next to a bus station, and near an airport. She visits certain food stops starting at 6 AM, and every 4 hours afterwards until 8 PM. She visits one place per time slot - that is, the same place at 6 AM every day, a different place at 10 AM but still at that place every 10 AM, and so on. The gym she visits near daily as well, though at different times of days.

She was wearing a track suit and not much else at the gym, apparently, but had a large duffel bag she was protective of. That is typical, apparently.

There is also a locker in the gym that she has rented out. Supposedly, it is nearing time for her 4 PM meal at a local butcher shop, and that is most likely where she'll be.

I will likely have follow up questions later, so I get the lifter's number.

"Thank you for your assistance, uh, I never got your name."
>"Boss."
"... thank you for your assistance." I say, putting down his contact name as 'Lifter'.

Giant does not appear interested in leaving me now, but that works for me.
>>
No. 789713 ID: 211d83

Well her behavior is very suspicious but that does not mean she is a criminal. She could be buying food for homeless rogues and distributing it every day.

Thus the large bag and visiting bulk food stores all the time.

Or she could be smuggling or whatever.

Anyways check her locker here but makes sure not to set off anything that could alert her if she left a device to monitor it. Then go visit her next stop and try to chat.
>>
No. 789716 ID: 3d2d5f

Have Katzati run Rashana's schedule / sightings again sightings of Omega Pink. Can we rule her out that way.

You could check her locker (try to pick it, Giant just rips it open) but I'm doubtful there will be much there.

What is Giant's position here, anyways? Does she count as an agent?
>>
No. 789717 ID: 398fe1

>>789710
She had a duffel bag? Odd, Pink Ranger shouldn't be carrying anything. I mean what would she have aside from her suit? Her love gun, maybe? That doesn't make a lot of sense though, she's never had a second bag before according to Lifter. I don't think this is Pink Ranger. I wonder what's in the bag though? Would it be legal for you to search it?

Let's go to the butcher shop.
>>
No. 789740 ID: 612539

Well, if the schedule is true then she couldn't be the pink ranger, unless - and it's certainly possible - she keeps a personal body double to cover for her during ranger duty. Living so close to so many transportation options would perfectly suit someone who might have to be called away at any time... And, for all we know, the rangers could have or be clones, in which case having a double is just a matter of having two of them at the same time.

Still, chances are that, once again, this isn't Pink. But worth investigating, and she could have seen something on the train. Get Giant to take a sniff around her locker, which should have her scent leaking out (especially if she's just come from here), and then go follow her up.

>She was wearing a track suit and not much else at the gym, apparently, but had a large duffel bag she was protective of. That is typical, apparently.

That may also suit the pink ranger profile, if she normally keeps her suit on hand for emergencies. So she wasn't wearing the wig when she was here? Any word from these guys on whether she normally wears any such thing, or makes other fashion choices that would fit with it? If they know where she goes besides the gym then presumably they've seen her in non-gym clothes.

You could also ask them what she's like personality-wise. Even if they didn't interact much, they should have been able to get a bit of her empathy, since there's no jammer here.
>>
No. 789749 ID: b15da4

Get a ride on the shoulders of Giant.
>>
No. 789755 ID: a363ac

>>789749
Be big Nuemono
>>
No. 789836 ID: bfb318
File 149031539391.png - (125.22KB , 800x800 , 82.png )
789836

"Katzati, what position was Giant promoted to for this?"
>"Agent Assistant. It's similar to Honorary Agent, except she has to obey what other Agents say?"

I'll spare asking why Rokoa didn't get that.

"Okay. Please run Rashana's schedule and sightings to rule out our primary target."
>"I'm on it. I'll be doing a detailed run through, but at a glance, there's no dual sightings between Rashana and the Pink Ranger."

While Rashana had her regular food stops, Lifter did specifically mention she wouldn't go there every day without fail. The duffel bag may have informative items. She probably took it with her, but even if she did, looking through her locker may be worthwhile. I arrange for a warrant to be made - it is not difficult, as things like gym lockers are not as well protected as the interior of one's own home.

I notice the locker area is empty, so instead of spending time explaining the situation to the desk employee to get a key, I begin to pick the lock. Giant immediately gets impatient once she realizes I didn't bring out a key for it.

"Is there not a small person tool for breaking the lock? I could smash it with my claw."
"It is weak, but there is no need to cause property damage. I can pick it."
>>
No. 789838 ID: bfb318
File 149031542748.png - (123.65KB , 800x800 , 83.png )
789838

Inside is a complete but plain assortment of gym based gear. Boxing equipment, towels, a change of clothes, and so on. With giant, however...

"Giant, can you smell any of this and track where she might have gone?"
"Yes."
"I would also like to ride on your shoulders on the way to our next destination.
"I will carry you."

She sniffs a towel.

"Disgusting."
"Sorry. Is it not clean?"
"It reeks of chocolate."
>>
No. 789842 ID: 211d83

Old chocolate or the new stuff?

Well regardless mount up and track us down a pink lady.
>>
No. 789844 ID: a363ac

>>789838
Good that means we are on the right track.
Polo you know why they gave her honorary Agent status, because they knew she wouldn't listen and Az is a dick.
>>
No. 789847 ID: 3abd97

Again, consistent with her potentially being Omega Pink, but circumstantial at best. Low confidence this is going to find her, but we might as well follow our lead through, for what it is.

To the butcher's shop, then?
>>
No. 789848 ID: 398fe1

>>789838
Chocolate keeps turning up everywhere we look...

Scan it for chems again.
>>
No. 789851 ID: 595d54

>>789838
Ask her if there's anything else she can follow on that, or if the chocolate is too strong to pick up any person's scent. After that, time for the butcher shop. You could at least get her something for her trouble and to avoid looking like a couple of weirdos hanging around for no real reason.
>>
No. 789853 ID: 91ee5f

>>789838
>"I would also like to ride on your shoulders on the way to our next destination."
A good excuse for this is so that Giant doesn't lose sight of you in a crowd of tiny people and wander off in a different direction.

>Chocolate.
Well, it's possible that this is Pink, but not guaranteed that it is Pink.

Ask Giant if she has ever tried chocolate or if she wants to try some later.
>>
No. 789992 ID: bfb318
File 149037454418.png - (124.94KB , 800x800 , 84.png )
789992

While in plainsclothes, I did not bring any chemical analyzers.

"Can you tell if it's real chocolate, or the new synthetic chocolate?"
"What?"
"Fake chocolate."
"It is fake. It still disgusts me. I cannot follow a person's scent, since they seem to bathe in chocolate showers."
"I am aware. Katzati, this chocolate lead is a stretch, but please send a tech to get a sample of the chocolate on this towel."
>"Okay."
"... did you just call me Katzati?" asks Giant.
"No, I was not speaking to you."
"There is no one else around, Polo."
"I am on the telephone with her."
"You are not holding a telephone. Do you think I am an idiot?"
"No, it... look, special agent gear lets me talk to Katzati like this."
"Hrm."
"Let's go to the butcher shop. I can get you food there." I say, to her approval. "Please let me on your shoulders, now."
"I said I would carry you."
>>
No. 789993 ID: bfb318
File 149037455044.png - (202.40KB , 800x800 , 85.png )
789993

We do not stand out much less here than we did in front of Rashana's locker.
>>
No. 789994 ID: bfb318
File 149037458002.png - (161.94KB , 800x800 , 86.png )
789994

Giant sets me down on the countertop, and immediately starts sniffing. She realizes she is hungry.

The man behind the cash register is simultaneously nervous and gleeful. I also notice that he is pink.

>"Welcome to the Bloody Butcher. How may I help?"

It is 3:57 PM.
>>
No. 789995 ID: 211d83

Order some biggest beef for Giant. Then make small talk with the guy about how he probably does not get many girls this huge coming in often.

Then he might be all "Oh we have a big girl that shows up all the time and oh she will be here in a second"

Long story short get food and see if you can get the counter guy to chat about big girls he knows.
>>
No. 789996 ID: 3d2d5f

>>789992
Giant does not approve of tiny hidden phones.

>>789994
Well, your suspect isn't due for a few minutes. You can let giant stall by ordering something while you keep an eye out.

Possibly get something small yourself, if only to get the taste of too much chocolate out of your mouth.
>>
No. 790001 ID: 51649e

Alright, you want something that you can just start eating now rather than having to go and cook it somewhere. At the same time, you want to stall a little so you can hang out here until 4 and maybe a little after.

Ask what he has in terms of cold cuts or deli meats. Or does he maybe have some rotisserie stuff back there? You could stage a little indecisiveness to eat up a few minutes, ask about sources, that sort of thing.
>>
No. 790006 ID: 595d54

Acting indecisive and making small talk about how he must not get such big customers often is good.

>>790001
Worth noting that Rokoa's favorite food was raw meat with epo spice, according to Pilon. Giant might similarly like her meat raw.
>>
No. 790012 ID: 51649e

>>790006

True. The general point is, a neumono butcher probably has a selection of ready-to-eat stuff, for when the customers get peckish right there at the counter. Polo should probably suggest to Giant that she not buy anything actually bloody, to keep her hands and face clean and not scare people off before they can be talked to. Also steer her away from any of the "buried in a hole for months" items, just to keep their noses effective.

Oh, here's a possible alternate to being a troublesome customer: suggest to Giant that she buy a big box of variety meats for her hive! Like, a large gift basket of exotic and luxury meat and other animal products samples, things most people don't get to taste often, large enough for a small hive. That's probably something a shop like this offers, for events like valentine's day. She'll be being paid for her assistance anyway, so why not get something special to surprise her loved ones?

Discussing that will take some minutes, be less annoying to the shopkeeper, and maybe get them invested enough in the sale to be more talkative?
>>
No. 790072 ID: 3abd97

I'd point out Giant is perfectly capable of ordering food on her own, unless she needs Polo to read the menu. I mean, legally, they have to pay her something for participating, and even if they don't, I'm sure we have an expenses fund for this kind of thing.
>>
No. 790080 ID: 595d54

>>790072
Yeah, fair, but we're not controlling Giant and Polo needs to stall for time without being too suspicious somehow.
>>
No. 790095 ID: a363ac

>>789994
Give us all the meat. Bill it to Ultra-King Az "For being a dick and making Rokoa an honorary agent instead of a assistant. -Respectfully Polo"
>>
No. 790245 ID: 30c34d

I second the proposal of buying all the meat billing it to AZ and leaving a message for the reason on the expense
>>
No. 790494 ID: 15a025

Order two of whatever is the most expensive thing on they sell.
>>
No. 790564 ID: fd73fa

Giant is giant and will have a suitably giant appetite. Magnify that by her likely burning more calories than her size would suggest because of the drugs and she will have a devastating appetite. Order two of everything to start and keep it going until pinkie suspect shows up. Bill it to Az. Also make sure to eat yourself.
>>
No. 790635 ID: bfb318
File 149055783578.png - (126.56KB , 800x800 , 87.png )
790635

"Is your biggest beef prepared for eating right away?" I ask.
>"Either - we have prepped biggest beef, and raw biggest beef."
"Rare." says Giant.
"Are you sure? You are scary enough already, Giant, people may be put off by you having blood on your face."
"That is why my fur is red. To hide blood."
"Okay, one of those then. Do you get that ordered very often? You must not get such large girls all the time."
>"Not too often nope! Biggest is a popular item though, but usually people get a few for their entire hive." the butcher says.

He goes to the back, then carries a gigantic slab of meat to the front.

>"I can wrap it up if you two are in a hurry to leave."
>>
No. 790636 ID: bfb318
File 149055784779.png - (103.69KB , 800x800 , 88.png )
790636

Giant grabs it by the bone and lifts it.
>>
No. 790637 ID: bfb318
File 149055790783.png - (101.97KB , 800x800 , 89.png )
790637

"Another."

I doubt she chewed. Even the butcher is mildly horrified.

"Another." I confirm the order.

"Katzati, please prep my business expense report." I whisper.
>"Yep."

>"Another, coming up!" he says. "Would you like anything, too?"
"What options do you have for cold cuts?"
>"If it's not an endangered species and it's on this planet, we probably have it. We also have beef, turkey, and chicken imports from local earth farms. Oh! And I forgot to mention. We also have assorted meat sambles inside of a heart container - if either of you have a special someone you'd like to have an easy gift for. Or your entire hive, we have the stock! Oh, and we do cater."
"Perhaps you can get one for your hive, giant."
"Yes."

While discussing it, I feel a feminine empathy entering range at the back of a shop. It feels strong, and while it would be a leap of conclusions to assume it's the target, it's virtually the exact empathy I imagined a girl like that would have. She seems to have business here, although it is not urgent. She intends on talking to one of the workers that remains in the back of the shop.
>>
No. 790639 ID: 211d83

Order a meat heart to give to Rokoa and some hot dogs (cooked?) for you.

Then while he is preparing things notice the girl and make small talk. Or just get straight to the point. We have wasted a bit of time and could just politely ask quietly.
>>
No. 790640 ID: 3abd97

Order a heart box, decide what to do with it later.

Excuse yourself, scope out the back, see if she's who you're looking for. It shouldn't be hard to leave the butcher distracted by Giant and duck back if you're not actually supposed to be allowed back there.
>>
No. 790641 ID: 4546ab

While raw beef is not bad if its high quality stuff cooking it does increase the nutritional value by several times giant.

Just tell the guy to put whatever she wants on your bill. I mean the government is paying to feed her tribe normally so its not like its a strange expense. Then buy a heart or two for yourself and some cooked snacks for munching on right now.

While the guy is distracted with Giant being Giant sneak into the back and observe pinks meeting. Or if she can't find a shop worker fast grab a butchers apron and pretend to work here so she meets with you instead!
>>
No. 790642 ID: 398fe1

>>790637
Get a meat heart for your hive too. Maybe a personal one for someone you like? Katzati maybe?

Then say you have business in the back. Show your badge so they let you through.
>>
No. 790643 ID: 595d54

>>790641
Cooking changes the structures of proteins and other nutrients. The actual value is slightly decreased, but it's much easier to digest for omnivores. Neumono are carnivorous, judging from their teeth, and evidence so far suggests that they can digest raw meat just fine, so cooking shouldn't actually be necessary.

Order some stuff for Rokoa, Sealock, and Polo herself, then sneak back while Giant's keeping the butcher busy.
>>
No. 790644 ID: 3abd97

If Giant really wants to freak the butcher out, she can remember to get Three Stripes something while she's ordering stuff for her hive. Do they sell neumono meat?
>>
No. 790657 ID: 91ee5f

>>790642
No, don't show your badge! That'll make this guy behind the counter give off an empathy signal that says, "What's a cop doing here?" and then the girl in the back will detect that empathy and go, "Oh, shit!" and she'll run!
>>
No. 790660 ID: 51649e

Get yourself something you like. Or something nutritious if you're too professional to like things.

You could probably meet up with this girl on the simple idea of "I think that's someone I have an acquaintance with". I mean, you do technically have an acquaintance with all the rangers, after the previous time you met them. I expect "hold on I think that's someone who's empathy I recognize" is a pretty common event in your cities?

... Man, it's a pity you were in a jammer that one time you actually met them on that roof when you stole one of their guns. Then you'd have felt her empathy before.
>>
No. 790665 ID: bfb318
File 149057014102.png - (108.03KB , 800x800 , 90.png )
790665

>Get heartbox
>Hive
>Rokoa
>Katzati
I will just get several boxes. The expense accounts covers my own food intake while on the job, and I can either decide to give whoever I like boxes, or eat them myself.

"I would like 8 boxes, please." I say, and he rings it up. I put it on my government issued card. "Giant, please hold onto these. I am going to go run an errand - please put any more meat you get on the same card. Also, cooked meat is more nutritious."
"Polo. Do not believe alien propaganda."
>>
No. 790668 ID: bfb318
File 149057020993.png - (211.31KB , 800x800 , 91.png )
790668

I block out the aspects of my emotions that say that my errand involves sneaking to the back. As I walk off, I hide for a minute, then go silent, and start heading back. I hope Giant can keep them distracted for long enough.

"Do you sell neumono meat?" I hear her say. I think she will do fine.

I make my way to the rooftop, and peer over the edge. The girl is there after all, waiting for a large order. She seem more than just familiar and comfortable with the staff here. It seems that they may be hivemates.
>>
No. 790672 ID: a363ac

>>790668
well no use standing around just walk up and talk to her. ask her if she is the pink ranger so you can finally report back and get on to real work.
>>
No. 790673 ID: 398fe1

>>790668
Any sign of the dufflebag? Make a cool entrance; hop down from the roof and introduce yourself. Then say something like "This may be a strange question, but are you the Pink Ranger?"
>>
No. 790676 ID: a363ac

>>790672
>>790668
If she tries to ignore you say something like "I am Polo the Grump ranger and you own me because I beat you in combat."
>>
No. 790677 ID: 3abd97

>>790668
Just go up to her, politely.

"May I have a moment of your time? Does 'Omega Pink' mean anything to you?"

Silence off, before speaking to her.

Her empathy should make it pretty clear if you found her or not. Then you either apologize and try to settle her confusion if she isn't, or reassure her if she is ("I'm with the UDA. Your team was concerned about your absence. Are you in any trouble?").
>>
No. 790679 ID: 595d54

We need to learn from Giant's example. Shoot her to make sure she can't cause trouble, it's the fastest way. Disregard any possible witnesses, they're too weak to matter.

Or you could just go ask her if she's Pink with your weapon ready in case someone tries something.
>>
No. 790681 ID: 51649e

Well, the rangers know who you are, so if you wanted to be subtle you could just walk up to her and say "Excuse me, hello. My name is Polo. I think we met once before? Last Christmas?" No need to mention "pink ranger" or similar terms out loud, and it's probably a bad idea to. She's trying to keep up a secret identity here.

Though, are you sure that's the same woman that we saw in the video? There's no sign of the wig or the bandages on her ears. I thought her tail was larger, too.

... That van. Jeep. Whatever it is... those tinted windows make me suspicious. It's perfectly positioned for someone to be watching her. Does it look like she came in that? Is there easy access to the road? Is the engine on?

If you do want to talk to her, go around and do it from inside the door.

I don't suppose you have some fanciful technology that would allow you to detect any phones someone is carrying and make contact with it? Like, there are automatic advertisements that send a text to someone who passes a certain location. If you have eyes on where this woman is, can you use that to detect/target her phone by satellite somehow, or similar?
>>
No. 790965 ID: bfb318
File 149065616197.png - (106.71KB , 800x800 , 92.png )
790965

>Though, are you sure that's the same woman that we saw in the video?
It seems far more likely that she took the wig off. It's more of a question of why she ever had the wig on.

>Learn from Giant's example
I will not just go around shooting people.

>I don't suppose you have some fanciful technology that would allow you to detect any phones someone is carrying and make contact with it?
Not on me. I have very little with plainclothes. However...

"Katzati. Track a phone by location, please. 40 feet to my east, 10 feet north."
>"Let's see... ... ... got it. We have one active phone there."
"Okay. Record its identity, then keep its location active in case she moves."

The car is most likely hers. Although partially tinted, I can still see through them well enough to confirm that there is no one sitting in the seats.

When she looks away, I drop to the pavement, then drop my silence. She looks over as I walk towards her as though I did not just leap off of the roof.

"Hello." I say. What follows is is a tense moment as she recognizes me immediately, wondering why I am here.

She realizes I am here to talk to her, and perhaps some train of thought goes through her head that is too complex for me to pick up through empathy.
>>
No. 790966 ID: bfb318
File 149065617522.png - (133.86KB , 800x800 , 93.png )
790966

Whatever it is is not good. Before I can say any more, she spins around away from the butcher's shop, and takes off running into the forested landscaping as she clears the fence.

The staff is suddenly on high alert - it's all but certain that they are hivemates.

>Learn from Giant's example
...
>>
No. 790969 ID: 211d83

Well get to running after her while calling for backup. Maybe yell for Giant. Although I suspect she will be slowed down by the hivemates in the shop.
>>
No. 790971 ID: 398fe1

>>790966
You're fast, aren't you? Give chase. Maybe shout after her that you just want to talk.
>>
No. 790975 ID: 4546ab

Oh look Agent Polo is letting a suspect escape because she is to nice to tazer first and ask questions later. Tisk tisk.

Well get to chasing her with your stubby little legs.
>>
No. 790976 ID: 595d54

>>790966
Make sure Giant is okay if you can do so quickly. Actually, given how ridiculously tiny you are and how ridiculously slow to shoot you are, you may need Giant's help anyway to clear the fence and pursue her.

Make sure Katzati or someone is paying attention to what the phone's saying. By the time you can get your baby self over the fence or Giant can throw you over, she'll probably have a significant head start. Let her have a little. Once she feels she has some breathing room, she'll probably contact her hive or someone, and then you can listen in on her conversation.

Or, you know, Giant could just carry you again because you can't run as fast as anyone with normally-sized legs and a headstart can.
>>
No. 790977 ID: 51649e

Forested? Plus side, she won't be able to manage top speed through forest, so her size won't let her outpace you so much. You can also fit through spots she can't. Since she already knows you, once you're out of empathy range of anyone else, you could go silent and she will have difficulty telling where you are, while you'll be able to still detect her. Con: if this is her hive's place, she might know this place better than you. Perhaps where she just jumped into belongs to them? That might be trespassing.

That might not stop you though, and if it doesn't or it's not the case, then you have a decent chance in a chase. It could mean leaving Giant to cause trouble, though, and she might be offended. But hopefully not and hopefully she has a phone; tell Katzati to call her and explain, and to tell her to find out what's going on and follow you when she has everything sorted (especially paying for her food). Extra plus: between phone and scent you have a good chance to follow this lady, who seems almost certainly to be Pink, even if you lose her.

Still. Keep your gun away, hop that fence and get after her. You don't want her to have time to think about what she should be doing to make herself untraceable, and if you stay in range of her empathy you might be able to puzzle her feelings out better.

While you're still showing your empathy, try to feel concerned.
>>
No. 790978 ID: a8bc5c

Engage dramatic parkour sequence. You can do it Polo, we believe in you.
>>
No. 790980 ID: 3abd97

We could go back and calmly talk to her hivemates, and track her by phone. Or Polo could parkour right over that fence after her in hot pursuit.

Disadvantage of pursuit is possible escalation. Disadvantage of relying on the phone is she might think to ditch it.

Um. How big is that forested area? If it's a small park, she'll be through it fast an able to pick up a vehicle soon. If it's big, there's plenty of time to track her down.

I think we should go back in and ask the hive why their hivemate would have panicked and ran into the woods when you said hello. Then retrieve Giant, and start tracking her through the woods via scent and phone. The slight delay may trick her into thinking she got away, and Polo can make better time with giant running than she can run herself.
>>
No. 790982 ID: a363ac

ask her on a date
>>
No. 790983 ID: b412df

Giant can track, right? Go collect Giant then pursue Pink.
>>
No. 791019 ID: 91ee5f

>>790966
Well, this has a few possibilities.

1.) Your reputation precedes you and everyone knows your face and knows you're a cop.

2.) She didn't recognize you and really was doing something illegal and her hive was helping her do it, but was afraid you'd call the cops on them.

3.) You don't recognize her, but she knows you because she is Pink and is probably thinking you're going to kick her ass again or you're possibly going to try to ruin this holiday and is leaving before either happens.

You should probably call Giant to come crash through any/all obstacles in your way!

>>790969
>Although I suspect she will be slowed down by the hivemates in the shop.
HAHAHAHA!!!!! That's a good joke! XD
>>
No. 791115 ID: 1ba789

Giant, fetch.
>>
No. 791227 ID: d5e15c

>>790966
Begin "Hulk chasing blackwidow" action sequence.
>>
No. 791290 ID: 8111b6

>>790965
>>790966

You were recognized. Does that make you famous yet?

Also, if you're tracking their phone, do you have their number? You may be able to communicate that way without having to run all over the place. Either through talk or text. "I didn't know I was that intimidating" or something like that.

Though, going silent and following might make for an amusing second meeting.
>>
No. 791298 ID: 3abd97

>>791290
I don't think a call or text is worth it. I draws attention to the phone, makes the suspect realize we're aware of it, and therefore increases the odds she'll think of ditching it.
>>
No. 791299 ID: 90f3c0

Have Giant track and retrieve the pink girl. Meanwhile, you can question her hivemates about her odd behavior.
>>
No. 791309 ID: bfb318
File 149074952863.png - (98.76KB , 800x800 , 94.png )
791309

Through discipline and control, I let myself feel that this is more of an emergency than it may be. Not because it is, but so that Giant can pick up that I need her to follow me right now.

"Katzati she's running! Probable cause! Lock down on that phone and get all of its information."
>"On it! We're tracking her now."

I'll have Katzati make contact through her phone if she leaves empathic range. Calling or texting her now might get her to throw the phone away, realizing we have made contact with it.
>>
No. 791310 ID: bfb318
File 149074953766.png - (206.47KB , 800x800 , 95.png )
791310

Giant picks up on my empathy, and follows me out to the forested area. Although well landscaped, it does appear to be a well maintained forest section than anything. It is not terribly large, and we will run through to another part of town, on the other side, if she makes it that far.

The hive in the butcher shop is concerned, and may chase us.
>>
No. 791312 ID: bfb318
File 149074956852.png - (151.25KB , 800x800 , 96.png )
791312

We keep moving. Giant picks me up as we run, but despite the size of Giant's thread, our target is fast. She was outrunning us for a time, even, but she's slowed down. She'll soon get out to town, which I hope involves a dense urban environment that doesn't allow her to sprint easily.

>"She stopped?" I hear Katzati.

She threw her phone to the side even without us doing anything to spook her. There are a couple of articles of clothing to the side, as well, including her underwear and shoes.
>>
No. 791315 ID: 211d83

Track that smell!

But watch for tricky tricks with the smell.
>>
No. 791317 ID: a43366

Scoop up the phone, might have her identity.
>>
No. 791318 ID: 398fe1

>>791312
She's changing clothes to try to lose pursuit. She either had a change of clothes hidden out here somewhere or was carrying one with her somehow. Where was her duffelbag?

Weird that she ditched her underwear too. That isn't something that should matter. Unless... she's putting bioarmor on? That's what it is! She wasn't wearing the bioarmor-like gear the witness said she had on, so she needs to strip in order for the armor to go on. This is suddenly quite dangerous, get your gun out. Giant can track her chocolate smell.

Come to think of it, the duffelbag is probably where she stores the armor when it's not being worn.
>>
No. 791320 ID: 91ee5f

>>791312
What is that on the ground in between the phone and that boot?

It looks like panties with a burn on the side.
>>
No. 791321 ID: 3abd97

She's stripping to change into bioarmor. Even underwear gets in the way of bonding. Supports her being Pink.

On the plus side, her scent will be on those clothes, so Giant can track her from here.

"Are you still there? I'm here to talk."

>outrunning you even while stripping on the move
Dang.
>>
No. 791327 ID: 4546ab

Cant the rangers summon there armor with there guns? She might have undressed so she could magic up her ranger armor.

Grab a article of clothing to match it to what you found earlier (panties) and grab that book thing or any other important things for evidence as you go by.

Have Giant get her smell and track her. But do watch out for her love beaming you in a panic.
>>
No. 791328 ID: 51649e

Wow, she didn't just undress, she literally tore her clothes off.

This is strange behaviour. Changing clothes shouldn't mean underwear too, it wasn't visible before and won't be after. Putting bioarmor on takes too long, she could conceivably have some fancy advanced sort as a ranger but her ranger suit was abandoned. Where would she get another special suit that the rangers wouldn't know about?

My guess is she didn't specifically think the phone was able to track her, she must just think that she's somehow being tracked and has dumped everything that could possibly have had a tracker on it. Which means she's misunderstanding the nature of you finding her, at least a little.

She may not have had those clothes on for long if she just came from the gym, where she may have showered as well. Grab the underwear, ball it into the shirt and take that and a shoe with you, that should have a good overall scent blend. Assuming that is her shoe. I can't tell if that looks like a neumono shoe or not (it looks like the sole reinforcement extends beyond the ball of the foot to the heel, which doesn't make much sense for a neumono?) and you're the one who saw what she was wearing.

Combine scent with the normal tracking skills I assume you're trained in (and that Giant may have depending on how much of her tribe's pre-salikai skills were passed to her), and follow her. If she wants to put any pants on, that'll slow her down enough for you to catch up, and if she doesn't someone is going to notice a naked woman (have Katzati watch for reports) unless she ducks out of sight somehow, into the sewer or another building. Keep an eye out, and in Giant's case a nose out. She should have at least put out enough of a sweat running that fast to produce a pretty strong scent, and it should still be very fresh. Hopefully she's civilized enough that she wouldn't think of that.
>>
No. 791403 ID: a363ac

>>791312
Call her out in one on one combat.
>>
No. 791526 ID: bfb318
File 149083002610.png - (180.11KB , 800x800 , 97.png )
791526

>Where was her duffelbag?
I have no idea. It may have been in her car, possibly the trunk or a spot I couldn't see.

"Giant, grab those clothes!"
We run by despite not having a lot of spare time. I pocket her cell phone.

The panties were ripped at the side as she must have tore them off. They seem to be a smaller size from the huge ones I found in Pink's bedroom, but these ones are stretchy, so I can't conclude much. The bra is in one piece. I'm impressed by it, actually. The shoes almost seemed modeled after plantigrade feet, but they're long enough to fit a neumono foot, so it was most likely hers.

We continue chasing her. I call out to her, but she doesn't stop. Her empathy dips down for a second, then it disappears. She should not have been out of range, so she must have entered a jammer area. We - Giant - runs to the last known location of her empathy, where we reach the bottom of a hill just before the city resumes. At the hill's base is a stairwill hidden from street view.

"Katzati, there is an entrance on my side of the street, below ground level. What is this?"
>"Um, er, it's not in our database - but it's pointed at an abandoned arcade, so it might be the back entrance to that?"

It certainly looks old enough to be. The door also looks like Giant will have trouble fitting through it, if she can at all.
>>
No. 791527 ID: 3abd97

Polo: infiltrate and inventory check.

Giant: try to go around. Katzati thinks this connects to the arcade, so try getting ahead of her.
>>
No. 791528 ID: a363ac

>>791526
Open the door and yell down the hall theat you need to ask her why she isn't talking to the other Rangers so you can go home.
>>
No. 791529 ID: 211d83

You go through the door and have Giant head in through the front arcade entrance.

Make sure Giant has a phone so you can call her if this entrance goes elsewhere.

Have Katzati start pulling blueprints of the arcade and any underground areas near here. This could go anywhere really and we want to be able to have some info on what we might be running into.
>>
No. 791530 ID: 78a3e5

Give Giant the phone and have her circle around to the front. If you need to contact her call the phone.
>>
No. 791537 ID: 51649e

The door is probably locked, and will take time to open unless Giant can just bash it open. Have her try, or pick the lock yourself.

Don't leave Giant here because the lady's hivemates will be coming after you and Giant... ah, isn't the right person to calm them down. Tell Giant to go up to that abandoned arcade and search for a way to get in and look for this lower level. Again, I assume she has a phone you can stay in contact with. You go through the lower door. Leave it open so any pinkhivers coming after you follow you in.

If they do find you, or turn up before you get in the door, be ready with your badge and the assurance that their hivemate is NOT directly in trouble herself, first, and that you just need to talk to her, quickly, about some classified but important and pressing civic concerns. And some answers from them on a few points could help you as well, in addition to their assistance finding her.

>>791528

No shouting her ranger identity, this is a public place. There are more ambiguous ways of saying it she'll understand, like referring to them as her "teammates". She'd know who Polo's referring to.
>>
No. 791549 ID: 91ee5f

Does Giant even know what an arcade is? If we tell her to run ahead to the arcade, she might run past it and go into a clothing store instead.

But I'm sure Giant won't want to get stuck in in a tiny door either.
>>
No. 791556 ID: 398fe1

>>791526
Might want to gear up for this.
>>
No. 791580 ID: bfb318
File 149083950582.png - (179.90KB , 800x800 , 98.png )
791580

I don't have time to wait for gear delivery.

"Giant, do you know what an arcade is?"
"I have heard of it."
"Do you have your phone?"
"I do not care for your phone technology."
"... for now,, take this phone." I say, handing her the target's phone we picked off the ground. "Katzati, call this phone, Giant will pick up, and guide Giant to the arcade front, or wherever is ideal for heading off the target if she runs far."

Giant bashes down the door for me, and I run in. I go silent.
>>
No. 791581 ID: bfb318
File 149083960715.png - (120.79KB , 800x800 , 99.png )
791581

"I know you're in here!" I yell out to the building. "You are not in trouble! I want to know why you are not speaking to your teammates."

Many of the video game terminals have either been moved or stolen. Many are still here, and it's a nostalgic trip. Although arcades are still alive and well, the ones I see here are decades old, and many are cheap and mechanical, like pinball machines, over more modern video game equivalents.

The light goes on, follows by the pinball machines, all starting to beep and boop to get my attention, or at least my loose change. Some even have voice samples screaming at me to give them my money.

The intercom goes on as well.

>"Please leave! I can't have you here, even if you're silent! Tell my team I'll come back tomorrow, if that's what it takes to get you to leave!"

It's the girl. Her voice seems partially modulated, but even with the change, it still sounds like Pink.
>>
No. 791582 ID: 211d83

You know I can't do that after you ran away from me earlier. You could have just chatting with me for a minute then and I would have left.

But now I have to make sure you are actually ok and not being mind controlled or blackmailed or something equally as ridiculous.

Please just talk with me for a minute? I just want to help.
>>
No. 791584 ID: 595d54

>>791581
"Alright. Anything else I can do to help?" as you leave.

This really wasn't your job in the first place and you really shouldn't get involved in some bullshit when you don't even know what's going on or whether you would help or hurt the situation. Don't play hero. You found her and got an ETA.

It's possible that this is an elaborate trick and not actually Pink talking, but given what just happened and how Pink obviously didn't want the attention, it doesn't seem like someone else would need to fake her saying that.

It's time to check with her hivemates, then hopefully you can just tell Az that your missing person was found and doesn't want to be bothered.
>>
No. 791585 ID: 595d54

>>791584
Also, if she actually has had her head messed with, her hivemates are likely to have noticed and probably much more helpful to question than the woman whose head is being messed with. Either way, I don't think talking to her will be helpful.
>>
No. 791586 ID: 4546ab

What does me being silent have to do with anything? That makes me worried about you.
>>
No. 791588 ID: 3abd97

I am not here to arrest you, but I am going to need a longer interview than that to close this missing persons case.

If you don't want me searching the premises for you, please come out and speak to me. We can step outside, if you're uncomfortable having me here.

I need to be reassured that nothing untoward or illegal is going on, that is all. If you wish to keep detail private, it need not go any further than that.
>>
No. 791591 ID: a363ac

Relize that Az just said to investigate the Pink Ranger and you have done this and determained that she is at least safe and now you can go home to your hive and party like its pre-uplift mating day.
>>
No. 791592 ID: 398fe1

>>791581
You know what, fine. The job was to find a kidnapping victim, and there was no kidnapping. That means there is no crime here to investigate.

Until we have evidence of a new crime to investigate this is no longer any of your concern.
>>
No. 791595 ID: 3abd97

>>791591
>>791592
We haven't actually verified she's safe yet. This could be the middle of say, a hostage or blackmail situation where Pink is being forced to do something for someone off the grid. She could be drugged, rigged with explosives, etc. Some metaphorical or literal gun held to her head.

All we've verified is she's alive and moving around.

...and technically, we haven't verified she's Omega Pink yet. It's still possible this is a decoy (or mistaken identity). We need a closer inspection to confirm her identity. And probably get her to exchange some passcodes or display her ranger power / equipment as confirmation.
>>
No. 791598 ID: 51649e

"I had to defend your base from an attack! At least one of your team's enemies knows you're away, and tried to take advantage! While I've been tracking you down I've seen reasons to suspect that there's something wrong with all this - as far as I know, something that's potentially a large scale danger! I intend to find out what it is. You might be able to drive me away or escape from here, but I'll keep investigating! You can let me blindly run over your business, or meet me and tell me what I need to know to be delicate about it."

"My partner will be trying to break in here, and she can't do subtlety and secrecy like I can. I'd like to tell her she can relax and go back to buying food for her hive. If I can't, our next step will be to pull this place apart looking for you and any traces of you! And then it'll be back to the butcher to ask everyone there about you and your recent behavior, and anything else that could be a clue! It's your choice."

Revealing Polo was at their base isn't much of a big deal since it would come out from the Duchess' trial and et cetera anyway.
>>
No. 791599 ID: 398fe1

Oh you should probably tell her that her suit got stolen. Why did she leave it unsecured in the first place?
>>
No. 791601 ID: 90f3c0

"Has someone told you not to contact the authorities? If you are being threatened, I can help. No one is more discreet than I am."

You should probably tell Katzati to try to make sure Giant doesn't break down the back door or something before you can figure out what's going on.
>>
No. 791603 ID: 91ee5f

>>791581
>"Please leave! I can't have you here, even if you're silent! Tell my team I'll come back tomorrow, if that's what it takes to get you to leave!"
"I would've already done that had you not run and acted like a criminal! So now I had to chase you because I still don't know if you really are the person I've been looking for all day! And if you're not the person I'm looking for, then I'm still going to have to question you on why you were acting suspicious behind a place of business on the grounds of 'probable cause'! Basically, the sooner you come out and talk, the sooner I'll leave!"
>>
No. 791608 ID: a8bc5c

This whole thing seems fishy. Investigate further while talking over the intercom.
>>
No. 791757 ID: bfb318
File 149091078646.png - (148.90KB , 800x800 , 100.png )
791757

"You have been reported as missing."
>"But I haven't been gone for over a full day yet?"
"No, but this is a special case, and if I can confirm you are safe, then I will close the case. However, I cannot simply take your word for it. I must confirm your identity, and question why you acted so suspiciously. Why did you run?"
>"To get away from you and your empathy?"
"What is wrong with my empathy?"
>"It's a downer."
"... why."
>"Look, it, maybe it just reminds me of the time you were really grumpy, and I need to feel good. That's why I've been away! I needed to just get away. Be out of contact for a little bit."
"Why didn't you alert your team in advance, then?"
>"Because then they'd be really worried and definitely not leave me alone."
"I would like to see you. If not, I may need to bring in Giant."

She comes out a moment later.

"Katzati, put Giant on standby."
>"Okay."

"Are you are aware the Stone Duchess attacked your base?"
>"No! But the Stoneheart Duchess is not our most, uh, dangerous foe. Everyone's alright?"
"Yes. I put her in our own custody since she is a global villain. So you are alright?"
>"Yes. No. I mean, I'm safe, but I'm off my game. I don't know if I can, you know... do what I'm supposed to do, tomorrow. I've been off my game, self doubts and all that. Not to blame you, but, I never really got over the effects of your grump beam."
>>
No. 791758 ID: 398fe1

>>791757
Ask her if she'd feel better if she talked to whoever was sending her all those love letters. Or maybe that person could be the one to use her gun? The beam is fueled off of strong emotion, but it doesn't have to be HER emotion, right?
>>
No. 791761 ID: b412df

So you were trying to get back your mojo for tomorrow? I can kinda see how Polo's grump / intense focus would be a bit of a downer. Is there any way the UDA could help?

Maybe mention that a couple of people found and tried to claim ransom on her suit, and that the UDA has recovered it? (So she isn't worrying about it, but it could also show if that was a false lead she made.)
>>
No. 791765 ID: 3abd97

>but, I never really got over the effects of your grump beam
I apologize, but it was the best means I had available to contain and control a rapidly escalating and dangerous situation. I would have preferred to have avoided that. Neither the charge up nor the ensuing notoriety was pleasant.

>what do
So to confirm, you are not in any danger, you are not being coerced or blackmailed, and your absence from your team is voluntary, and motivated by concern over your own ability to perform on an upcoming mission?

If she agrees, and her empathy supports her telling the truth, that's good enough confirmation. (Unless we had reason to suspect predator or mind control bug involvement).

Is she carrying any identification and/or ranger equipment that would serve to confirm her identity?

Thank you, that is sufficient to close the irregular missing persons case your team and political interests pushed into existence.

However, my own assignment was more nebulously to "save Valentines". The ultrahives have an interest in the success of your operation tomorrow, and I can offer my department's assistance, if you need help getting "back on your game."

Interventions could range from just trying to have someone cheer her up, to having Three Stripes flat out fixing the residual grump in her empathy.
>>
No. 791766 ID: 3abd97

>>791757
Also, try to resist picturing her in her underwear that you pawed through.
>>
No. 791769 ID: 3abd97

You might also want to have her call her hive / have your operator route a call to her hive so she can reassure them. Her surprise exit likely alarmed them.
>>
No. 791772 ID: 51649e

"Well, as a representative of the city, of sorts, I think if you don't tell anyone, you risk creating such a massive disappointment - and in proximity to your own empathy-amplifying gear - that it could be very dangerous. If you simply announced that you were suffering from a... recent empathic injury, that left you uncertain of your ability to use your equipment, surely most of your fans would care enough about you to be understanding? There would be disappointment, but relatively mild. More importantly, it would take a lot of pressure off you, and make you much more likely to actually succeed, don't you think?"

"As for my responsibility for your condition... Look, I really am not the grump people make me out to be. I'm just... concerned for things, when I'm on duty. Perhaps... perhaps, if exposure to my empathy when I was grumpy shook you, perhaps feeling my empathy when I'm being loving would help you? Restore your... belief in those feelings? If I've solved the missing person case then my official role is over, but now I do feel a personal responsibility for your problem. So... would you come visit with me, to my hive? Show you my... non-grump self? I don't normally make invitations, but if it would help."

"Of course, I do need to make sure the missing person case is really fully resolved. I'd just like to ask you a few questions about your movements and behaviour since you left your base, why you left your suit where it was, about the wig, that sort of thing, with empathy contact so that I can sense for any irregularities. Then I can confirm no-one coercing or controlling you, and... I'd like to try help you, and you can accept that help or reject it as you like. If you don't want it, I'll leave."
>>
No. 791776 ID: a363ac

>>791757
I can take you to a predator if you really want to
>>
No. 791798 ID: 91ee5f

>>791757
"Another reason we thought you were in trouble is because someone found your 'special' suit and tried to get a ransom for it. And when we at the UDA heard about that we thought they had discovered your secret identity or something and you needed to be rescued."
>>
No. 791800 ID: 3abd97

>>791798
Actually, asking how she got separated from her armor is probably prudent. Someone was trying to ransom it back.
>>
No. 791806 ID: 211d83

Sorry about the grump beam. My coworkers were being irresponsible during the entirety of the Christmas crisis and as soon as I got your gun they started actively making me more grumpy to try and get me to use it. One thing led to another and you know what happened.

Am somewhat embarrassed over the whole thing really.

Is there anything I can do to help? My job today is to make sure you are in a position to do yours so just let me know if me or my agency can help.
>>
No. 791809 ID: bfb318
File 149092152451.png - (90.78KB , 800x800 , 101.png )
791809

>Try to resist picturing her in her underwear that you pawed through.
I have already envisioned this. They fit on her feasibly, with the exception of the pair of panties I found in Pink's bedroom. Those were still too wide.

"So you are not being coerced, blackmailed, in danger, and your absence from your team is voluntary?"
>"Nope nope nope and yep!"
"Then that would settle the missing person case, if I had some form of ID."
>"As a... team member?" She whispers the part, making sure no one else is around. I can just recite what happened between you and me, and my empathy is honest. You've found me out - I don't want to give you my real person ID. Even if it is a liiiittle bit silly at this point since you found my hive and all."
"Hrm. Is there a pass phrase for your teammate?"
>"Yes, but - "
"I understand. I won't make you do that. I believe you are telling the truth - although your uniform was ransomed."
>"Argh," I figured it would happen, but this is what I'm talking about. I'm so off, I shouldn't even be on on the Force right now! I set my baggage down for one moment - someone took it. That's all there was to it - they must have had no idea what they had stolen until they got it."
"Alright. Normally I would press for a pass phrase to at least let your team know you're alright while confirming your identity, so that I could consider this missing persons case closed. However, this 'case' was hardly a real case to begin with. My real mission is simply to ensure that Valentine's day goes smoothly. This means, maybe not me personally, but the UDA is willing to assist you if they can."
>"Hrmm... I don't know... I want to help those rogues a lot, but the Omega Wave-Force is reluctant to work with the UDA - we may get along at first, but we'll get swallowed by the system, and us vigilantes can catch the criminals that fall through a flawed system. Even for things like this..."
"Still, I am willing to help. My using the "grump" "beam" was a result of circumstance and emergency - I apologize for the longer term damages it caused. Nonetheless, I am not some living embodiment of grumpiness. I was caught at a bad time."
>"Well, yeah, it's not like I'm all lovey-dovey 24/7 either. It's just, sometimes we're prone to reach extremes to specific emotions. And you were preeeeetty grumpy! I'm sure you have a healthy hive relationship and lots of loved ones."
"Er... yeah. I do."
>"That's a relief! But even so, I know your empathy, and it still reminds me of then."
"We have a predator, you know. If you would like emergency therapy."
>"Well that's... that sounds dangerous, and involves using the UDA but of course I'd be willing to do that as a last resort. We still have about 30 hours or more if we pull an all nighter to get my head back in the game! If we use a predator, it may not feel all too natural, and while better than nothing, I feel like the beam that occurs as a result may be a little, uh... it would be like a scripted event. A little too raw and pure to be believable, if you know what I mean."
"Not really, but fine. Have you tried meeting with some of the people who sent you chocolate?"
>"Oh, yes, and it was fun! Except for this one creepy guy but that's expected now and then. But sort of like how seeing you reminds me of bad times, they remind me of, well, chocolate. I've been eating way too much! I've gotten so fat!"
"You don't look that way." I say, realizing she may have already lost weight - if this is the case, then Pink's large panties could have fit her at one point in time.
>"Hey, thanks! I mean it. But I did lose most of my weight, but I won't feel myself unless I lose all of it. Which is why I've been hitting the gym so frequently. Wellll, since I really do need help, and my teammates aren't the right medicine even if their hearts are in the right place.... what can the UDA offer, aside from the last resort predator?"
>>
No. 791810 ID: 398fe1

>>791809
Let's find out. Call up Az.
>>
No. 791814 ID: deea3d

You should show her that even the grump beam lady is capable of love and happiness. Make some new memories together.
>>
No. 791815 ID: a8bc5c

The UDA is also in possession of an extremely lovable individual that, as an almost-but-not-quite last resort, should be able to power a love beam to get you in the right mindset.

(Do NOT tell her that it's three stripes.)
>>
No. 791818 ID: e6e9af

>>791814

Wasn't gonna say it, but now I'm gonna say it. When's the last time we had a good fling with a cutie, because there's one right here who wants to feel good, and maybe with her help, we won't be such a huge grump, either.

Win-win situation, eh?
>>
No. 791820 ID: bfb318
File 149092339117.png - (112.03KB , 800x800 , 102.png )
791820

>UDA in possession of valuable lovable individual (do not mention it is Three Stripes.)
While I could say this, she has already mentioned she is willing to use Three Stripes, so the deception is unnecessary.

"Let me see." I step to the side.

>Call up Az

...

...

"Katzati. What resources do we have for this situation?"
>"Hold on, let me call up Az."
"..."
>"Az says you should show her a good time."
"Why would he ever say that? I expected him to order me to back away from her so that my grump contagion doesn't get to her."
>"Polo, uh... he doesn't actually think that. He just messes with you like he messes with everyone. He thinks you can do it, as a very capable agent that can feel love."
"He said that?"
>"I, uh - I may have paraphrased him with my own words. He said that in spirit though! You can call backup though if you don't think you're up to the task by yourself."
>>
No. 791826 ID: 3abd97

>I don't want to give you my real person ID
Which is fine. Your mission was to "save Valentines" part of which was locating Omega Pink. Determining her civilian identity is outside the scope of the mission.

>I'm sure you have a healthy hive relationship and lots of loved ones.
Well at least I don't have to break out the proof I had prepared.

>We have a predator, you know.
Isn't that classified? Well, too late now.

>what can the UDA offer
Quite a lot, within reason, I would think. As I understand it, the ultras are invested in your efforts to help the rogues.

>>791820
She is made uncomfortable by my presence, and traumatized by my empathy, which caused her current difficulties. Offering my attention in the way Az suggests will likely be counter productive.

Yes, Polo would like backup for this. Don't we have any trained therapists, or anyone who's skillset is specifically talking to people?

(Best option is to turn this into a double date, but I don't see how we get suggesting that to come from Polo).
>>
No. 791830 ID: 398fe1

>>791826
>double date
This makes sense, actually. She's bothered by Polo's grump, so the best way of getting over that would be to see the real person behind the grump. However, their relationship is a bit adversarial so it would work best if she was merely present while Polo revealed her emotional capacity with someone else. Question is, who should Polo bring on a date, and who should Pink? If we can't answer those questions satisfactorily, or it doesn't fully work, well, we do have some time before the event. There's time for more than one attempt at a solution. Which means Polo could take her out on a second date 1 on 1.
>>
No. 791854 ID: 91ee5f

Well, since it's your mission to make sure that nothing happens to Valentine's Day, I guess that means it's also your mission to help Pink get her groove back!

So ask her what she'd like to do. Does she have anything specific in mind to help her feel "love"? Spend time with her hive? Go on a date? .....have an orgy with her hive?

Actually, ask her if her hive knows about what she does with her team? If they don't know, how does she keep it a secret from them? If they do know, do they support her? And do the other team members have similar relations with their respective hives?
>>
No. 791869 ID: 1c8358

>>791820
You heard the boss. Take the pink ranger out on a nice date, establish a long lasting relationship with her and have moderate amounts of satisfying sex.
>>
No. 791872 ID: 91ee5f

>>791854
Also, ask what she was doing before you accidentally chased her away.
>>
No. 791876 ID: 595d54

Make sure to read the manual on interpersonal relationships soon so you don't accidentally break any rules.

"I can offer you a beach date." Your hive is coastal, right? If she somehow seems interested in dating you specifically go for it, but realistically it'll probable be a double date. Her with a hivemate, and you with... Rakae?
>>
No. 791881 ID: 78a3e5

If you and your empathy caused the problem it might be necessary for her to disassociate your empathy from the feeling to help her.
>>
No. 791887 ID: 211d83

Showing her a good time and solving her issue by yourself would prove to everyone you are not a grump.

Plus she is cute and it would be fun to go out and enjoy yourself.
>>
No. 791898 ID: a8bc5c

If we're really going to go with the date night plan, we should probably go off duty so that Az can't spy on us and collect information about said date night for any number of reasons or neeefarious purposes.
>>
No. 791902 ID: a7e5d6

Play video game with her and talk about happy time from your childhood and with your hive! We can replace her memories of us as a grump with memories of being happy and even laughing.
'Show' her a good time.
>>
No. 791910 ID: a7b239

Take her to meet Katzati to show it is OK to be large!It's well known that you fall for larger individuals more easily so perhaps this will make your empathy more romantic.
While you're there ask Katzati to make you pretty for your hot date!
>>
No. 791916 ID: 91ee5f

>>791910
>Take her to meet Katzati to show it is OK to be large!
That actually reminds me of something Rokoa said to Polo. She said, "It's good to have a little fat to protect your muscles. Because getting punched in the muscles fuckin' hurts like hell!"

Since Pink gets into fights as part of her job, maybe Polo could tell Pink that? And Polo can say it was something an....."associate" told her one time.

I don't remember where exactly Rokoa said that, but I know she said something like that!
>>
No. 791919 ID: 8111b6

Carnival? Or maybe just hit up the arcade machines?

Perhaps advise her of your evaluation of her bed.

The date idea might have merit.

If nothing else, a girls night out on Az's dime. Though, you don't seem the type to cruise bars hitting on potential one night stands.
>>
No. 791935 ID: 51649e

Ok, Polo, the problem here is that you really need to get yourself into a position where you feel loving. That would be most effective, and doing this because it's your job or you're trying to pay her back or something won't do. So, here's some ideas:

0) First, before anything else, pick up Giant and then follow your trail back to her hive, hopefully meeting any hivemates of hers that followed along on the way. We want to set them at ease, and their concern for her might have a positive effect.

Then:

1) Go on a double date! You find someone you really like, she brings someone she really likes, and you go somewhere that a lot of people are having fun and getting close and happy. Have a good time. If you and your date and Pink and Pink's date hit it off, maybe turn it into a four-way date instead of a double date, for extra effectiveness?

2) Bring her home. Let her see you with your guard down and your professionalism off. Focus on everything that makes you feel good and compassionate and loving, and hopefully wipe Pink's association of you with your grumpiness with a different memory of you.

3) The "you will be visited by three spirits" plan. Like showing Scrooge the spirit of christmas, only it's valentine's day! Bring Pink on a tour visiting places and people that will show her the True Spirit of Valentine's Day again. Three Stripes with Giant and their hive (without using him to just fix it), Rokoa with her and her hive's kids (and that boyfriend of hers?), Katzati probably, shorter versions of the other plans, et cetera. You might also want to find examples of the absence of love, to demonstrate what she's fighting for.
>>
No. 791937 ID: 51649e

>>791935

It also might be a good idea for her to visit Three Stripes for a little while anyway, before she decides she needs to, so that he can get a sense of her and if there's any remote possibility of "whoops no I can't do that" from him then you'll know while you still have time for other things. He can give an estimate for how long it would take, as well, maybe?
>>
No. 791947 ID: 91ee5f

>>791935
>First, before anything else, pick up Giant and then follow your trail back to her hive, hopefully meeting any hivemates of hers that followed along on the way.
We also need to pick up whatever meats Giant ordered and left behind for the chase. And to get Polo's credit card back from Giant.
>>
No. 792030 ID: d36af7

Take the Pink Ranger to visit calm, cuddly Sealock hive so she can see what you're like off-duty, in your native environment, and break the association that way. Maybe have some coffee cake. Think of it like an extra day of paid vacation.
>>
No. 792428 ID: bfb318
File 149107384782.png - (84.51KB , 800x800 , 103.png )
792428

>Interpersonal relationships within the job
The rules on this are fuzzy, and come down to 'being allowed as long as they do not cause problems.' They often cause problems and most likely should never be allowed.

"Is spending time with your hive not working?"
>"Not really. This is to spread love for people outside of my hive, so...."
"I see. By the way, does your hive know of your active job?"

She's hard to read and is uncomfortable with this line of questioning, so I move on.

"What if you were able to dissassociate that grumpy empathy I had with me in general?"
>"It may, but it'd be kind of tough."
"By the way, I have been told by strong neumono before that having fat is advantageous in a fight."
>"Oh sure, but not fat fat, then it's just difficult to move around, and I can't have that."
"Still, I know of at least one fat neumono who is strong."
>"Well, I have to be the strongest. If I saw one, I'd want to work with them to better themselves and go on a diet and have some exercise and stuff! Being too fat is no good. I'm sure they're still a good person, though!"

>"Please move on." says Katzati.
>>
No. 792429 ID: bfb318
File 149107385506.png - (122.88KB , 800x800 , 104.png )
792429

"How about a date." I ask Pink.
>"Oh! Uh... with who?"
"Me."
>"Really? Er...I don't know... also, are you doing it because you actually want to date me, or because it might help your job?"
"I can think of worse people to go on a surprise date with."
>"You hesitated, then didn't even answer my question! It's okay, but it's a little much for me, and a little weird. Maybe I could date someone else you think I'd fit in well with from the UDA? Or anyone at all actually. Oh, if their empathy mixed with yours it might help me get over yours?"
"A double date?"
>"Yeah, that sounds good! At least, it probably would be better than anything I thought of it."

There are a few options for me. One of my own hivemates would be a surefire success, but that may be cheating, or at least missing Pink's point of extra-hive love. Katzati comes to mind, but only because of our prank on each other during christmas. Pink also might have made it awkward. Ramella also comes to mind, and considering that I already promised her a date, this would knock out two birds with one stone. The promise was for after serving her time, though.

For Pink... I have no idea.
>>
No. 792440 ID: 211d83

Ramella for sure.

It can count as community service even to get her sentence reduced.

For pink ask her what she likes in guys/girls and it will help us narrow down some coworkers.
>>
No. 792443 ID: 51649e

Go on a double date with Pilon! You like Pilon, right? Or at least would like to get to know him better? He seemed like the kind of guy who had some love in him. I mean, his hive still respected him despite him being a rogue, and they weren't a hive with a good attitude about that sort of thing to begin with, so that's kind of impressive, right? He must at least be a guy who's hard to hate?

Pilon will also be Pink's date. You will both date him at the same time. He can manage.

Or just ask Pink what kind of people she likes and/or tell us what her empathy feels like to you, and that might help us choose someone.

Seriously though date Pilon.
>>
No. 792445 ID: 91ee5f

Polo, you're doing this all wrong. It's easier if you start with a list of people that would be bad for a date and whoever is left and not on that list is who you should choose!

Let's immediately put Rokoa on that list because she was there when you first met Pink and Pink might not like being reminded of what Rokoa's empathy feels like!

Who else should go on the bad dates list?
>>
No. 792449 ID: 3abd97

Polo how did you even come to that suggestion so quickly. Suggesting a date to fix things isn't like you. Are you feeling all right? Maybe you've been infected by the Valentine's spirit. Or maybe that chocolate was drugged.

>double date
That does take some of the onus of cheering her up off of you, but on the flip side, that means you need to find a date for her who will actually cheer her up.

Indulging Ramella for yourself fufills your earlier commitment, and she's also kind of a captive audience. As a convict. Makes keeping control over your date a lot easier.

You can't bring Ramella and Katzati, unfortunately. They both gay for you, so you'd end up getting the majority of their affections (and in a threesome) while Pink would end up alone and even grumpier.

Also if we lose Katzati then you no longer have a fun operator helping you through this mess.

...it might help if you talked to Pink a little longer, or paid more attention to her empathy, to try and figure out a better match for her.

Also, Katzati is going to have to reign Giant in at some point (if she hasn't torn the arcade apart already) and someone needs to tell the butcher shop hive that their hivemate who ran off in a panic is okay.
>>
No. 792453 ID: b412df

For Polo: Ramella for certain.

For Pink: IDK either, although Lucera or Biles keep coming to mind.

We should probably start heading back to the butchers, get a feel for her preferences, and maybe ask a few questions to narrow down the options. Also to calm down her hivemates who might be chasing.
>>
No. 792458 ID: 395c02

Clearly Giant needs to be involved on a date with someone. No way that could go wrong whatsoever.
>>
No. 792461 ID: 91cfcf

Honestly, Ramella is a bad choice. She'd probably just remind Pink of work given that she was tangentially involved in Polo's fight with the rangers, and also is a criminal. Plus it'd take time to get her out of prison.

Let's go with Katzati and avoid the subject of fat.
>>
No. 792465 ID: 4546ab

Pilon for both of you.
>>
No. 792471 ID: 7d75ac

>>792465

You know you want to see Pilon again. So get him involved. He can clumsily please both of you.
>>
No. 792473 ID: 90f3c0

I don't know if having a Polo obsessed criminal around will her with help her problem. Best save the Ramella date for later. Pilon and Katzati are the best date choices.
>>
No. 792474 ID: f80a72

Do you habe any hive members you think would mesh with her well anyway?
>>
No. 792484 ID: 3abd97

>>792474
Set Pink up with Polomom.
>>
No. 792491 ID: e22b1d

Ramella for you and Katzati for her.
>>
No. 792493 ID: fd73fa

Pilon and Polomom. Barring Polomom, Katzati.
>>
No. 792520 ID: 1976b9

I still say you should just play some arcade game or maybe even take her to your hive.
The only way for her to get your grumpiness out of her head is to show her you at your happiest.
>>
No. 792528 ID: 70983e

Giant for both of you.
>>
No. 792535 ID: bfb318
File 149108979324.png - (65.84KB , 800x800 , 105.png )
792535

>Suggesting a date right away
My first suggestion would have been Three Stripes. Outside of that, a date with an extra-hive mate seems like the obvious choice.

"Who do you look for in a date?"
>"Welll... someone who can take care of themselves on a day to day basis, but isn't afraid to ask for help if they're feeling sick or down or so on. Confidence is a good plus! Plus, being a generally positive person is best."

There is part of me that wants to bring Pilon for both of us (Option 1). It is a dangerous move.

Bringing another would depend on who Pilon goes with.

If I have Pilon go on a date with Pink, then I will have Ramella go with myself. (Option 2)

If Pilon goes with me, then I will have Katzati go with Pink (Option 3). Which is also a bold choice admittedly, but if Katzati can get Pink to get over her weight then she may feel more loving to outside forces or something like that.

Then again, it's not like Katzati and Ramella together is out of the question (Option 4). Ramella would need to go with me, but Katzati is a professional, and despite our brief history, she can keep her attention onto Pink so that it does not appear that I just brought two people that I wanted to date, making Pink a third wheel, or fourth, however the expression goes.
>>
No. 792536 ID: 91cfcf

>>792535
Option 4.
>>
No. 792537 ID: 3abd97

Gotta have Ramella.

Which means option 2, I think. Option 4 is less desirable and seems more awkward, but it could work.
>>
No. 792539 ID: 211d83

Option 5.

You date Katzati and Ramella at the same time and set up Pilon with Pink. (Plus he is a rogue so might help?)
>>
No. 792543 ID: 4546ab

>>792539

Yes surround yourself with both the girls you want to date so Pink can easily change her opinion of you as a grump. And who better to distract her during this than the sexy rogue Pilon?
>>
No. 792545 ID: 51649e

I think bringing Ramella would be a bad move. First, it would involve taking her out of prison, interfering in the process of justice. Second, it would remind Pink of when you met last, not only the grump beam but also that her and her team got mind controlled, which had to be very embarrassing. Third, I think you yourself might end up feeling awkward and not that emotionally responsive to Ramella, which would spoil how much it could help Pink. And Fourth, I think Ramella would prefer to have you all to herself on your first date with her! Even if it was her you were dating you would be constantly thinking of whether Pink was getting what she needed. It's not fair to her, after being in prison she has to be looking forward to your date! Don't spoil it.

So, that leaves options 1 and 3. Just Pilon, or Pilon and Katzati.

Now, to be honest, I'm not sure if Katzati fits the "someone who can take care of themselves on a day to day basis" requirement? That's not to say Katzati's a sponge or anything, the opposite, but she seems like someone who lives solidly ensconced in a mutually supportive network. Pink seemed to imply someone more capable of independence was her taste, which I suppose fits someone with a secret double life - she wants someone who wouldn't care too deeply if she was away sometimes and not saying why, someone who she can still connect with and do things for/with but who doesn't need constant companionship. Though not a super-independent person either, someone who'll make her feel needed sometimes.

I'm also not sure Katzati will reassure Pink that much, since her concern is for being physically capable rather than looking good, and while Katzati does look cute her lifestyle is pretty sedentary. I mean, you're neumono, Pink has to already know a lot of people think she looks good just by passing them in the street. If it was Rokoa I think the point could be made, but not Katzati.

I say take the dangerous option and just call Pilon. Though I suppose if you're doing that anyway, you might as well ask him if he thinks he can handle it.
>>
No. 792547 ID: e22b1d

>>792539

If your grump beam messed up her love powers than the only way to fix it is to double up on your lovin. So hog the cute girls and set Pink up with the cutest fluffiest ears around.
>>
No. 792549 ID: 398fe1

>>792535
Option 2. Yeah you said you'd go on a date with her after she got out, but these are special circumstances.
>>
No. 792550 ID: 3abd97

>>792545
Think of it like work release. Only instead of cleaning up a highway, she's trying to get the grump out of Polo.
>>
No. 792552 ID: 90ffc7

>>792539

I like this selfish looking option 5.
>>
No. 792554 ID: 91ee5f

>>792535
>"Welll... someone who can take care of themselves on a day to day basis,
Pilon.

but isn't afraid to ask for help if they're feeling sick or down or so on.
Pilon.

Confidence is a good plus!
Pilon.

Plus, being a generally positive person is best."
Pilon?

I agree with >>792545 's reasoning. So let's just call up Pilon and ask him to pile on some love!
>>
No. 792555 ID: 91cfcf

>>792539
Changing my vote to this.
>>
No. 792556 ID: 90f3c0

Options 1 or 5, because terrible choices are fun.
>>
No. 792560 ID: b412df

I'd say option 2, as much as I want to see option 4, this makes more sense.
>>
No. 792583 ID: 7d75ac

Try for harem option #5

Am sure Ramella will be up for it. Just have to convince Katzati. Oh and Pilon of course.
>>
No. 792586 ID: 51649e

>>792583
>>792555
>>792552
>>792539

Poor Ramella. Doesn't even get to be half of a double date, but half of a half of a double date... and because Polo feels obligated, not even to her but to someone else. Her poor young heart, toyed with so callously.

So cruel. So cruel.
>>
No. 792588 ID: bfb318
File 149109774314.png - (81.35KB , 800x800 , 106.png )
792588

"Alright, I have made up my mind." I say openly, for both Pink and Katzati to hear. "First - you - " I say to Pink, "Do you have a name I can use for you?"
>"Rose?"
"Alright. For you Rose, I know of an individual called Pilon. I expect he has a lineup for dates on Valentine's, but I would like to check if he's free tonight."
>"On it." says Katzati. "What about you?"
"Two people, actually. First off - pull Giant back if you haven't already. As for the first of my dates, Ramella. Patch me in, I will talk to her myself."
>"Ooookay."
>>
No. 792589 ID: bfb318
File 149109777162.png - (111.15KB , 800x800 , 107.png )
792589

...

>"Helllllo?" I hear Ramella.
"Hello."
>"Polo!"
"Ramella."
>"How're you?"
"Well. I am setting up a non-conventional double date, and will require 2 people to be my date."
>"Mmmmmhmmmm?"
"While you may not have me to yourself, I would like you to be one."
>"Okay! I mean yes! I mean really?!"
"Yes."
>"Okay! Wait! Wait hold on. I still get to have a date with you and you alone after I get out of prison right?"
"If you still want to at the end of tonight, then yes."
>"Okay! Wait am I getting out of prison early for this?"
"Just for tonight. If you do well, it can work towards a shorter sentence due to good behavior."
>"Okay! Come pick me up or however this'll work!"
"You'll get a ride, yes."
>"Okay gotta go freshen up see you soon!"
"Goodbye."

>"Okay then." Katzati says. "I'll start the process for getting her out for the night. Let me know where you want to meet her. Who's your second going to be?"
>>
No. 792590 ID: bfb318
File 149109778451.png - (75.09KB , 800x800 , 108.png )
792590

"You."

There is a long silence.

>"Okay, I'll get ready!"

There is a longer silence. I was expecting more... anything.
>>
No. 792595 ID: 91cfcf

>>792590
Well, you did it with so little emotion that Katzati probably just assumed it was part of the job. Or she's trying to figure out and deal with her emotions. Or she's not sure if you're serious. You should probably go back and prepare for your date. Ask Katzati for help and see how she's feeling.

Figure out how you feel about Katzati and Ramella while you're at it. How attractive are they and how close friends would you say they are? Do you want that to imrpove?
>>
No. 792601 ID: 211d83

Katzati likes you and wants to help out? I mean its probably not that complicated really.

Listen Polo the second your realized that Pink was not kidnapped or in danger this stopped being normal agent work. Now it's a creative personal mission to prove to Rose that her first impression of you was wrong.

So going on a double(triple?) date with two girls that enjoy your company? Sounds like a fun night. Just don't try to force things. It would not be fair to Ramella or Katzati to try and fake emotions to try and fix Rose. Just get out there and see what happens.

Oh and your coworkers are going to hassle you something fierce now that they can honestly say that you might have ruined Valentines day with the grump beam thing.
>>
No. 792602 ID: 398fe1

Uh, hang on. Ask Katzati if she's really into this idea.
>>
No. 792603 ID: 4546ab

Let me rephrase that Katzati. "Would you like to go on a date with me tonight?" Not a mission thing but just a normal date?

I realize how I asked might have come off wrong.
>>
No. 792604 ID: 51649e

Better add "if you want to". If Katzati's not going to enjoy herself or just feels like she has to or something then her empathy will broadcast that and the whole thing isn't going to work!

And while you're talking, suggest that the UDA could provide suitable recompense to Pilon for his time, and like provide someone to do any chores he had to do this evening or tip him some info if he's on a case or anything like that.

After all, you are basically dealing with the fallout of the UDA's collective decision to have you use the grump beam. You can reasonably claim that this is all part of their responsibility for the clean-up, in addition to "saving Valentine's Day".
>>
No. 792607 ID: 3abd97

Polo are you sexually harassing your coworker. Are you indulging in improper fraternization.

Actually what is your reason for inviting two people, anyways? Trying to make it less of a serious date? Providing more people who like you, to try and help Pink get over her bad reaction to your empathy? Toying with Pink- trying to get a reaction out of her? Prove you aren't a grump by being daring?

How did Pink react to that?

Also someone still needs to reassure Pink's hive. And the rangers, if they're still out there panicking.

What next? Pick a place? Split up to get ready? (Do we stick Polo in a dress, or do we go with the dress uniform?).

...did someone tie Az up? I'm surprised there hasn't been a crack over the radio yet.
>>
No. 792621 ID: bfb318
File 149110177281.png - (117.00KB , 800x800 , 109.png )
792621

>How attractive are Katzati/Ramella and how close friends would you say they are? Do you want that to improve?
Their bodies are adequate for romantic purposes, but I am typically more attracted by empathy, regardless. Katzati and I could be called friends, while although Ramella and I have limited interaction, I could still call her a friend, if tentatively. Although I was not seeking to actively improving relations with either one, an opportunity to do so is not unwelcome.

"You are okay with this, Katzati?"
>"Worst case scenario is that I get to take a break getting ready for a prank. You're either asking this as an agent or as a friend - I'd accept either way. Although... this is to get Pink feeling good, so..."
"I am asking you and Ramella on a date personally, not as an agent, for that reason."
>"That's very surprising! Good, but surprising."
"Pink is safe. Although I might still be on the job for getting Pink ready for valentine's day, barring Three Stripes, the best way I know of to do that is to show her a good time off the job. That said, to help ensure success, I am putting this on government dollar."
>"Heh, that's fine. Two people, though?"
"We may as well have a large mix of people. Plus, this proves I'm not just going along with it, but expanding it. I have some initiative. And that there are more people than just my hivemates that I like the company of."
>"Okay!"
"Before you get off of your terminal, please send someone to assure the Force that Pink is safe."
>"Alright. But you have to dress up, you can't go in uniform! I can help you if you like, if you've never gone on a date before. Speaking of which, what are we going to do tonight?"

>How did Pink react?
She barely batted an eye at me inviting two people. She is wondering what kind of person Pilon is, based on what I was thinking as I recommended him.
>>
No. 792623 ID: 91cfcf

>>792621
"During or after the date?"

Pause.

"Maybe some paintball or some other team-based sport, then a nice meal out."
>>
No. 792627 ID: 3abd97

>you can't go in uniform!
Protest (mildly) that a dress uniform is perfectly adequate formal wear. But accede anyways.

>I can help you if you like, if you've never gone on a date before.
I'm curious where she'll take that to be honest. (We gotta stick Polo in a dress if we're missing out on the adorable uniform).

...are we using the agency's dress up / undercover resources? There's probably a good selection there. We could invite Pink along to find something for herself. Might have fun playing in a basically unlimited wardrobe.

>Speaking of which, what are we going to do tonight?
Probably should go to some kind of nice restaurant. Before that... mini golf?

>She barely batted an eye at me inviting two people. She is wondering what kind of person Pilon is, based on what I was thinking as I recommended him.
Well she is the ranger of love, I guess. Good sign?
>>
No. 792628 ID: 51649e

>what are we going to do tonight?

You want to go somewhere that's suitably enjoyable, with a positive atmosphere, but not anything too formal or in a very separated or artificial environment. The idea is to help Pink reconnect with her affection for everything and everyone, so anything too closed-off wouldn't do. At the same time, you want to have an enjoyable time, and especially to not run into anything that would kick you in the professional instincts.

If there was perhaps some humble little low-class but pleasant restaurant tucked away somewhere, maybe close to a rogue region of town but still good, run by a family or small hive of people who like their job... I realize places like that are rare, or at least tend to be known to a limited number of people, but on the off chance one is known of it would be good. Aaand, besides the food... hmm, is there maybe some sort of interesting exhibition on somewhere? Or maybe a play or musical or some other show, some band or singer playing? Something that draws out the emotions. Is there a, what you might call an arty part of town? Where you get these sorts of things collected together, and where you'll generally see some tourists and street performers and things? But like, genuine. Probably a bit touristy but not just touristy.

Actually, Pilon might be a good guy to talk to for recommendations? He's a private eye, so he must have an ear to the ground, as it were.
>>
No. 792631 ID: 91ee5f

>>792621
I'm surprised Katzati didn't say, "If either of you mention my weight, I'm going to punch you in the face. I don't care if you're an agent and she's the pink ranger, you will be punched!"

Then again, she's probably too nice to say something like that.

Also, tell Pink Rose that when she meets Katzati, if she mentions anything or if you detect anything from her empathy about Katzati's weight, you'll be very grumpy! Katzati is your friend and you will not allow Rose to body shame her!
>>
No. 792634 ID: 3abd97

>>792631
I don't think those warnings are appropriate to the mood, and I think we can trust the ranger of love to have the tact not to insult a date's appearance.
>>
No. 792639 ID: 91ee5f

>>792634
I hope you're right. Especially since she just said, "If I saw one, I'd want to work with them to better themselves and go on a diet and have some exercise and stuff! Being too fat is no good. I'm sure they're still a good person, though!"
>>
No. 792649 ID: 15a025

Get some ideas on what to do from Rose by asking her what she thinks would make a for a romantic evening?
>>
No. 792679 ID: 211d83

Tell Katzati that you will let her decide on your outfit for tonight. Should be fun to see what she picks out for you.

As for where to go? See if there are any valentines day events that have started. Carnivals or fairs and the like. Something romantic that would fit the season.

A fun day at a event and then a nice dinner and maybe some dancing and having fun. And then you seduce both your dates at once.
>>
No. 792856 ID: bfb318
File 149116978859.png - (84.34KB , 800x800 , 110.png )
792856

"During or after date?"
>"Duuuuring." says Katzati, elongating the word oddly playfully.
"Maybe paintball or a team based sport."
>"Is this just an excuse to train?" she continues.
"It is what I do for fun. Even if it is good practice. Also, I will let you dress me up, but I will argue that dress uniform is perfectly adequate formal wear. Pink, do you have things to dress up with? If not, the UDA has a great deal of undercover uniforms that will fit any size."
>"Thanks! But I have stuff with my hive. Oh, let me give them a call, I should talk to them."

>I'm surprised Katzati didn't have threats against mentions of her weight
It would go without saying that people should be polite. However, I don't believe Katzati is ashamed of her weight in any way, and so does not mind when her weight is noted. Rather, it is only a problem when it is looked down upon.

"Are there any valentine's day carnivals? A dinner is expected, though I am unsure of where good, tucked away places ran by good hives would be.
>"Oh, Pilon mentioned some places to eat." says Katzati. "He says he's done a lot of meetings as a PI, and learned about all kinds of cozy places."
"I'll go with his judgement on where we go to eat, then. However, that won't be till later."
>"Oh!" says Rose, covering her phone to talk to me. "The amusement park just out of the capital has all kinds of valentine day makeovers. It'll have stuff like roller coasters, but also has calmer things like miniature golf, river rides, and so on."
>"There's also the fair in the entertainment part of town." Katzati says. "With plays, musicals, some attractions, small time shops, and so on."

It seems like there are two primary choices.

>Mini-golf/theme park
>Downtown fair
>>
No. 792857 ID: 211d83

Oh man can we do the carnival early and hit the fair later? If we only have time for one go for the downtown fair.

Oh also have Katzati get a nice dress sized for Ramella. She might not be able to dress up nicely due to being in prison so have a extra dress ready for her just in case. Don't want her feeling like the odd one out.
>>
No. 792858 ID: 51649e

I don't think your classic "fun" activities - games, amusements, et cetera - are exactly what we're looking for right now. Those things provide a nice high and excitement and are good for bonding among the people doing them, but that's not our top aim. We want to rekindle Pink's general mood and affection for everything and everyone, for which I think something like a play or musical or magician's show or or something such would be better. Get yourselves in a big room with a nice sizeable audience all experiencing the same emotional highs and lows, reconnect with the mass of neumonamity.

Also, the last date we took some Lagotrope characters on was to an amusement park, so let's not do the same thing again.
>>
No. 792859 ID: b412df

Mini-golf? Has to be mini-golf, just because it's mini-golf, and mini-golf is the best.
>>
No. 792860 ID: 4cfe41

Why only one? You have plenty of time, hopefully, go have fun at the park and then wind down at a movie or a play or whatever.

Also, we gonna bring weapons just in case? The Rangers or some other assholes might interfere.
>>
No. 792861 ID: bfb318

Mini-golf all the way
>>
No. 792862 ID: 3abd97

Looks like no one wants to give Polo an excuse to shoot her dates. No-go on the paintball.

>Mini-golf/theme park
>Downtown fair
Honestly those both sound fun. Not so sure about roller coaster / amusement park stuff, but relaxing interpersonal stuff like playing mini golf together, or browsing stalls seems like a good idea. Split difference?
>>
No. 792925 ID: 91ee5f

Mention to Rose that you hope her teammates don't randomly show up during the date and accuse you of holding Rose hostage against her will as some sort of diabolical plot to ruin Valentine's Day.
>>
No. 792948 ID: 51649e

>>792925

That's a point, actually. We might want to take a short video of her saying she's ok and Polo's helping her with something, to send them.
>>
No. 792953 ID: bfb318
File 149118561293.png - (174.89KB , 800x800 , 111.png )
792953

"Let's get a single pass for mini-golf at the park, then head to the fair for calmer, more public activities."
>"Okay!" says Rose. "I'm going to head out. Let's share numbers then and meet up at the park in, say, an hour?"
"We'll try, depending on when Ramella gets out. She is a felon - a not very dangerous one - and needs time for processing. Also, Rose - make sure your team does not think that we have kidnapped you or anything."
>"Um... I'll try!"

I do not like the lack of confidence in her ability to do it, but her trying is all we can do. We share numbers, and we get a helicopter to deliver us back to base.

"Katzati, we are high profile targets entering a public place. Make sure whatever you pick out has room for concealable weapons."
>"Wow so paranoid even on a date!"
"There is nothing wrong with ensuring maximum safety."
>"I'm kidding. I'll bring a weapon too. Pilon also will."
"Not like he was ever on Vanski's team, but I don't know him too well, even after he was fixed by Three Stripes. You trust him?"
>"If I had to go to a bad part of town without anyone from the agency or my own hive, he'd probably be near the top!"
"Alright. It's fine with me."

The thought of Katzati firing weapons is an odd one, but all staff in the UDA is trained on basic firearms and must pass physical standards, even desk workers. Despite everything, we are still a military agency.
>>
No. 792956 ID: bfb318
File 149118576343.png - (148.72KB , 800x800 , 112.png )
792956

My name is Ramella and I am on standby for temporary release of prison for the best 'community service' I'll ever have probably. I have 60 minutes to get some kind of good looking dress that fits me. This prison is high security, but contraband is overlooked if it's deemed safe and incapable of harming people.

Current contraband: A pair of dice, a paintbrush, some fake chocolate, and about 150 zeny.

I've got to report at the exit station in 60 minutes, but people not currently in high lockdown - specifically, Vanski - are out in the yard. I've got a few people who might be able to transfer hot goods around, and even though I'd normally think that something like a dress is impossible to get, I've seen people get entire board games and old movies on quick demand. So! I have a few people I think can of.

Korli - She's a hivemate! She'll do anything. Except that the guards don't like her, so they really have their noses to her when it comes to contraband.
Fluffers - It's like talking to a brick wall, but he's so good at smuggling things that he's got to be well connected.
Whiskers - I'm not even sure why she isn't under high lockdown, or why she's in here! I'm pretty sure she's here because she wants to be.
Red - He acts all nice to the point where he's kind of a creep, and he knows an awful lot of people down here. But on the upside, he knows an awful lot of people down here! If I give a good impression, he might know exactly where to go.
Various arkots - they act like they don't understand english but they totally do. Their language hasn't been cracked yet, so they can talk to each other freely, and guards constantly underestimate them. I can understand them, so I can talk with them.

Any of these might be the right idea, but if I take too long wasting my time I'll have to show up in whatever the guards give me, and it won't be nice!
>>
No. 792957 ID: 51649e

Whiskers seems like the best bet! Not only is she probably the best at getting something on short notice, she also clearly has the best fashion sense and will be able to get you something that both fits you and looks good. I mean, of all those other possibilities you mention, do you want to trust to what they think is acceptable date wear? Korli especially.

Plus, while Whiskers will probably ask a pretty big favor in return, she's mainly a thief, so no-one will be bodily harmed like they would be if you had to let someone dig out one of your ribs to carve into a shiv, or you were asked to cook up some drugs in some stolen canteen cutlery, or anything like that.
>>
No. 792959 ID: 211d83

The trick here is to trade up. You probably cant go from what you have to a dress directly.(also need a rose for Polo)

Who likes chocolate the most? You will want to hit them up and trade it for something good. Am thinking Arkots maybe?

The dice maybe Fluffers or Whiskers?

And checking with Red first would hopefully get you in the right direction. But can probably flag a Arkot down on the way there.
>>
No. 792963 ID: 3abd97

>>792953
>Also, Rose - make sure your team does not think that we have kidnapped you or anything.
>I do not like the lack of confidence
Not sure she'll do (or be able to do) that, since she seems to be avoiding her own team. She probably doesn't want to talk with them. And if she sends a text or email, it might not be enough for them to buy it.

>Pilon
He's a PI. He's gonna have a gun whether you give him one or not.

>>792956
>Korli - She's a hivemate! She'll do anything. Except that the guards don't like her, so they really have their noses to her when it comes to contraband.
You could get her help as a distraction, or something, then. Make the guards look the wrong way, take some heat off.

Would she be happy to help if she knew who you were going on a date with? I'm guessing the reaction would be either "yeah! Corrupt that copper" or "damn it she arrested us, how can you like her".

>Red
Seems a good place to start (especially since this universe's Red doesn't seem crazy evil).

>Various arkots
Deffo recruit minions. They gotta be useful.
>>
No. 792966 ID: 91ee5f

>>792956
The first thing you should do before you talk to anyone, is squeal with excitement at the fact that you're getting an early date with Polo! Might as well get it out of your system now.

And even though you don't get Polo all to yourself, she said you can still have a solo date with her later. So consider this group date as a sneak peek at what you can expect for your solo date!

But.....are you sure you should be talking with your fellow inmates? I'm sure word has gotten around by now and they might be pissed that you get to leave early for a date and they don't. You don't think any of them will try to beat you for that, right?
>>
No. 792967 ID: 595d54

Fluffers and Red are a good place to start. See what you'd need for a dress and who's interested in what you've got.
>>
No. 792969 ID: 3abd97

Korli's a big enough perv to have already secured lingerie in prison, if anyone has.

Whiskers might be risky. If you get caught up in some cunning plan of hers it might mess up the date!
>>
No. 792988 ID: bfb318
File 149119257486.png - (230.93KB , 1000x800 , 113.png )
792988

>You don't think any of them will try to beat you for [getting a day out of prison], right?
Korli is preeetty high up on the prisoner totem pole soooo I really don't think I have much to worry about there!

Most people I know seem like worthy people to go after, but Red seems like he has a good base for starting, so I go to him. He's hanging out by the grass, because he was put on garden duty. Or maybe he volunteered for it? I dunno but he doesn't seem to mind!

"Hi Red!"
"Ramella. You're looking nice." he says and I think he's honest? He's been drugged up so bad in the past that I basically can't read him at all anymore.
"Thhhhanks but I gotta look nicer! I need to get a dress."
"What's the occasion?"
"Polo! Date! Tonight! Ee!"
"Got out on good behavior?"
"No but I get a sneak peek for a date for reasons I didn't really care about because I'd accept anyway! Anyways dress kinda in a hurry!"
"Normally a good dress your size would cost you badly, but I can and will help. I don't have direct access to contraband - after all, neumono's aren't good with secrets. Arkots have a line, though, if I have the right bribing materials. What I need to convince them to help out is arkot-friendly chocolate. Prisoners all around have been having chocolate and loving it, and the arkots have been left out and are real mad about that. Even the fake stuff is poisonous to them. Sorry, it's a difficult request - we don't know if arkot chocolate is even a thing outside the prison, but being able to bribe arkots is a big enough deal that people are trying to figure something out. Hurry up, now, the faster you do this, the more time the smugglers will have to find and get a better dress. Oh, one last thing - the arkots need two things to behave for this - the chocolate, and fear. If they don't have fear, they'll be quick to backstab! They're afraid of me and not you, so don't go straight to the arkots with the chocolate - be sure to come back to me with the chocolate."
>>
No. 792990 ID: 398fe1

>>792988
That sounds like a deal. You've got just the thing, don't you?
>>
No. 792993 ID: 211d83

Arkot friendly chocolate sounds like science work. Which is your specialty as luck may have it!

So get to Korli and figure out what you need to make some Arkot chocolate.

As for Arkots and there backstabbing you speak Arkot so should be able to figure out if Red is telling the truth or not. He could be having you come back to him just so he can keep on top of the prison smuggling lines. And is actually working with the Arkot underground and is nice to the Arkots.

So the trick will be to figure out the secret to Arkot chocolate but not give anyone else the recipe. So you and Korli will be the ones Red has to come to for a supply of it and you will be able to dictate prices.
>>
No. 792995 ID: bfb318
File 149119391679.png - (181.29KB , 1000x800 , 114.png )
792995

>You've got just the thing, don't you?
Nope. I only have regular fake-chocolate for neumono! Which might work for Belenos too I dunno but not arkots.

I dunno if the arkots really need fear but it kind of makes sense from what I've heard, so I think Red is telling the truth.

I go to Korli next.

>"Hoo boy you're doing something. Polo ask you on a date early? Wait she did really? Wow."
"I know!"
>"And you need chocolate. Arkot chocolate? Okay I totally know how to make that stuff. It's actually easy! The thing is is that I don't have the ingredients. I need Sugar Filler. It's from the cafeteria, but it's not just handed out for free! I don't know how to get it, but it's a hot commodity among prisoners, and the prisoners who can get it have a leg up on the whole contraband thing."
>>
No. 792996 ID: 595d54

>>792995
Can you just buy it from the cafeteria? How much does Korli need?
>>
No. 792998 ID: 398fe1

We might have to go to Fluffers for this. Ask Korli if she's got any idea how to get Fluffers to actually help.
>>
No. 792999 ID: 3abd97

Do you know anyone who works in the kitchen, or who has connections there?

>>792995
Wait, there's something you gotta do before you go ingredient hunting. Korli's pretty... worldly, right? And she's a hivemate. You gotta ask her if she has any dating advice! Or any lewd supplies already.
>>
No. 793005 ID: bfb318
File 149119539373.png - (116.38KB , 800x800 , 115.png )
793005

"How much do you need?"
>"Not a lot, really. But the more you get, the more chocolate I can make, and the better contraband you can get."
"Do you have any dating advice?"
>"I've been working on love potions."
"Is it a drug?"
>"You know it."
"Okay I'm gonna find Fluffers he might have access!"
>"I don't have any idea how to get him to cooperate, but no harm in asking."
"Oh! And aside from a dress I need, do you have any, ah..."
>"Lingerie? You know it. I'll let you borrow it."

>Can you just buy it from the cafeteria?
No, one doesn't really 'buy' things from the cafeteria. You either have food passes or you don't.

I run over to Fluffers. He's not hard to find.

"Fluffers!"
>"Do not yell. I can hear you."
"Okay! I need Sugar Filler!"
>"I need a Sugar Filler Food Pass. They do not let me have it. They will not. It must be forged."
"Any idea where I can find a forg - "
>"SILENCE, FOOLISH ONE."
"OKAY."
>>
No. 793006 ID: 398fe1

>>793005
Looks like we've got to go to Whiskers to forge it. I wonder what she'll want.
>>
No. 793007 ID: 595d54

>>793003
Squawk loudly before you leave as is the traditional heef farewell.

We should probably try Whiskers for a forgery.
>>
No. 793008 ID: 3abd97

>>793005
Hmm. If we find a food pass, why do we even need him? Couldn't we buy it ourself?

We have a paintbrush, which might be useful for a forger, but I don't think you have the skill to do that yourself. Far cry from Rocketry.

Whiskers looks like the only person left on your list, unless you want to try going to the arkots without Red and seeing what happens. Or you can think of anyone else.
>>
No. 793011 ID: bfb318
File 149119639914.png - (133.99KB , 800x800 , 116.png )
793011

"Squawk!"
>"... what."
"Sorry what is the traditional Heef farewell?"
>"Leave."

>Whiskers
"Whiskers!"
>"Hello. You are?"
"I'm Ramella and I want a food pass for Sugar Filler!"
>"Easy enough to forge, but you'll need to give me an appropriate amount of goods for my time."
"What do you want?"
>"Whatever you have of value."

I guess I can give her whatever I want!
A) Dice
B) Paintbrush
C) Some chocolate
D) 150 Zeny
E) Any combination of the above
F) ALL OF IT.
>>
No. 793012 ID: 3abd97

>you'll need to give me an appropriate amount of goods for my time.
So... I guess that means if we underpay she does a quick and crappy job?

We can't trade her everything, we still need something to get the sugar from the kitchen even with the pass, right?

Paintbrush seems useful for forging. That, and maybe half your chocolate, and 50 zenny?
>>
No. 793013 ID: 373d63

F to get a bunch.
>>
No. 793014 ID: 373d63

F to get a bunch.
>>
No. 793015 ID: 595d54

>>793011
A, C, D, and unconditional love in the form of a hug.
>>
No. 793017 ID: bfb318
File 149119691963.png - (70.05KB , 800x800 , 117.png )
793017

>We can't trade her everything, we still need something to get the sugar from the kitchen even with the pass, right?
No, food passes are like, you're just allowed to get the food. If you have the pass. It's like a gift card for food, sort of.
>>
No. 793020 ID: 3abd97

Okay, well don't trade everything. You don't want to be prison broke, and you still need wiggle room if there's trouble somewhere along the trade route (complications, or someone demands more) or if you wanna get more than a dress. (A gift? A flower from the garden, maybe?).
>>
No. 793022 ID: 398fe1

I dunno, just tell her what stuff you got and see what she wants.
>>
No. 793046 ID: a363ac

>>793011
No Time this is teh greatest moment of your life F like your life depends on it
>>
No. 793062 ID: 51649e

Don't trade everything. You'll need a tip for everyone along the way! I mean not Fluffers because he gets to have a pass, so that's fine, but for everyone else. You need to ensure their willingness to help you without screwing you over!

So offer Whiskers the paintbrush and the chocolate (and inquire is there are any services you can owe her) and 50 zeny. Give Korli another 50 for her help and offer Red the dice because he probably knows some people who'd like to gamble.

Though if I were you I'd ask Whiskers what her way of getting your ultimate aim would be. I don't think arkots are going to be the best at getting you a dress. A lot of them still don't even wear clothes? And they don't seem exactly into fashion when they do.
>>
No. 793063 ID: 3d2d5f

Don't forget, you need some date-equivalent goggles. Fancy sunglasses maybe. Something to put on top of your head.
>>
No. 793072 ID: d36af7

Give her the chocolate. Food for food is fair, right?
>>
No. 793157 ID: bfb318
File 149125980616.png - (95.73KB , 800x800 , 118.png )
793157

>I don't think arkots are going to be the best at getting you a dress.
Well I hope they don't do the picking! I think there's a hidden cache somewhere along the way, and the arkots are just used to pass things around after someone hands stuff off to them.

"Okay, I have... 50 zeny, a paintbrush, and some chocolate here."
>"Alright."
"Uh... will that do?"
>"That'll be alright. It'll get you a pass that works. Look away a moment, please."

I do, and I hear some rustling, before she hands me a pass.

"Uh that was quick!"
>"I'm a professional, dear."
"Well thank you! Want a hug?"
>"Still a professional, dear."

>"... that's a polite no thank you, by the way."
"Okay!"

I guess I can move back down the line. I wonder if I should tip Korli and Red though for their trouble? I'm left with 100z and a pair of dice.

>Date-equivalent goggles
Mayyyybe I can ask Red for that, too? It might cost time and effort away from the dress though.
>>
No. 793160 ID: 3abd97

>tips
You can probably afford to pay Korli back later, since she's your hivemate. You have the most wiggle room there.

Giving Red something for his trouble seems prudent, though.

Going back down the trade chain, first up you gotta go see Fluffers.

>Mayyyybe I can ask Red for that, too? It might cost time and effort away from the dress though.
Dress remains the first priority. I mean, it's better to have a pair of something, but gotta make sure you're clothed first.
>>
No. 793163 ID: 595d54

>>793157
Nah, focus on the dress, if anything you'll need a snorkel with how far you'll be muff diving given any luck. Get ye sugar filler.

Actually, is there any reason to get it from Fluffers and not straight from the cafe? Worried about people extorting it from you?
>>
No. 793164 ID: 51649e

Oh, uh... bit late to ask, but the passes aren't for a specific person, are they? You didn't to tell her to make it for Fluffers specifically? I mean that was way too quick to make a personalized pass, she had to have one ready. Take a peek at the pass anyway though.

Anyway definitely tip Red, Korli's your hivemate so maybe you don't need to with her, but if she had any thoughts about doing anything sneaky you wouldn't approve of in relation to this like spiking the chocolate with amusing drugs, it might make her a bit more guilty about it.
>>
No. 793171 ID: 398fe1

>>793157
Money is a bit tighter now. Don't blow it all on the date.
>>
No. 793176 ID: 211d83

Korli is your hivemate so you can help her out in some other fashion later. Red maybe a tip if he does a good job.

Get back to Fluffers and get your sugar stuff. Also any other nice food he can get you while he is at it in case you need extra trade goods.
>>
No. 793207 ID: bfb318
File 149126846721.png - (143.79KB , 800x800 , 119.png )
793207

>Actually, is there any reason to get it from Fluffers and not straight from the cafe?
There actually is! This pass is non-person specific, but the amount of food someone gets is based on species and relative height. So fluffers will get like 5 times as much as if I went and got it.

I go back to Fluffers to give him the pass, who gets my the sugar filler. Apparently the forgery wasn't perfect so he was hung up for a time, but it worked! I give the sugar Korli, who shoves in a pot and bakes some arkot chocolate. She gives it to me along with some lingerie, which I take to Red - the chocolate that is - along with a 40 zeny tip if he does well! I'll keep the rest of the zeny to maybe get some sunglasses, but I'm going to have Red focus on the dress.

He takes the chocolate and says he'll be back in a bit, definitely before I have to report to leave. I thank Korli too. There was no need to tip her, as she knows she can ask for money if she needs a bit.
>>
No. 793208 ID: bfb318
File 149126853859.png - (150.63KB , 800x800 , 120.png )
793208

And I get a dress! It's a little bit frayed, but it fits me pretty well and there's no weird stains on it. Maybe I can use the leftover money to buy sunglasses or something. Anyway, I'm ready!

Time units wasted: 1
Dress Attained: B+ (Time: A-, Resources spent to Whiskers: B
Arkots instilled with fear: 0
Hoks found: 0/1
Zeny remaining: 50
Points: 850
Point Value: 0

>>
No. 793209 ID: bfb318
File 149126862538.png - (115.41KB , 800x800 , 121.png )
793209

I return back to base, and end up in Katzati's room to prepare. Katzati is considering what to wear for herself, but takes a break to help me. As far as I am concerned, I require no help in getting ready for a date, but she seems excited to assist and there is no reason to deny the help.

"Be sure to pick something out for Ramella. We should have her sizes on file. We'll loan her something formal, since she won't be able to get something from prison."
>"Alright." says Katzati. "Then after that, let's get started!"
>>
No. 793210 ID: bfb318
File 149126865589.png - (82.12KB , 800x800 , 122.png )
793210

She begins double checking my measurements, while we consider what I should wear.

Written suggestions are acceptable for both Polo and Katzati - Katzati paper doll can be supplied on request.
>>
No. 793212 ID: 2120ee

>>793210
Looks great to me. No better way to gain the tactical edge on the date than by subverting expectations.
>>
No. 793219 ID: 3abd97

>>793210
I'm thinking a backless dress, maybe a ribbon or a bow somewhere. Maybe a pillbox hat, since we're giving up our agent cap.

Holdout pistol in a thigh holster, of course.

Start wondering what kind of armaments Katzati can conceal in her chest, and totally don't let her catch you staring. It was completely professional.
>>
No. 793225 ID: 595d54

>>793210
Sea-green backless dress with a leg slit, little pillbox hat, some black lipstick, and maybe eye shadow. Stay subtle with the makeup. Worth considering stockings while we're at it, they look nice but even with fur as short as Polo's they might be a problem and they do tear easily if anything dramatic happens. Also, probably avoid a bra for this outfit, implications aside bras do tend to get in the way of backless dresses and Polo's small enough that she shouldn't have to worry much. Get some bandages or pasties or whatever to cover the nipples if necessary.
>>
No. 793230 ID: 3abd97
File 149127033782.png - (33.96KB , 800x800 , man I can't draw.png )
793230

>>793219
I always forget how painful mouse sketch attempts are, but here's a crude attempt. (Ruffles, backless, pillbox hat, bow on one side, and one around tail).

Also, subtle black lipstick like Polo claims she's not wearing in >>/questdis/81019
>>
No. 793231 ID: 211d83

A short mini skirt (or tight jean shorts) and a short halter top. Go with some fancy lingerie underneath with a spot for a derringer or two.

You are a small skinny girl so could easily pull it off. And it is a cute and fashionable spring ensemble.

A fancier dress would be great for a ballroom affair but we are going to mini golf and having fun at a downtown fair.

Oh and start smiling. You look angry.
>>
No. 793232 ID: 3abd97
File 149127076213.png - (75.30KB , 800x800 , spray on steve.png )
793232

Or you could just go naked with a spray painted on fur dye shirt.
>>
No. 793235 ID: 4546ab

Hmm this is a casual outdoor thing so either a nice summer dress or something like >>793231 would work.
>>
No. 793236 ID: 486e87

>>793230
This looks good.

>>793208
>>793209
Adorable smiles on both Ramella and Katzati there.
>>
No. 793237 ID: e22b1d

A form fitting silky dress is the only option. This is "the day before" Valentines day after all.
>>
No. 793239 ID: 51649e
File 149127198786.png - (82.52KB , 697x691 , asmallsnipercouldbecalledthelittledeath.png )
793239

Dead-eyed ennui can actually be quite stylish with a little artsy french touch.

Beret, black mascara and lipstick, and cynicism are the main elements. Additional accessories could include a stylish jacket and/or a cigarette (possibly with holder).
>>
No. 793242 ID: 898ae2
File 149127222670.png - (82.12KB , 800x800 , Paperdoll.png )
793242

You'll have to be naked to pull it off, but if you disguise yourself as Hok,
>>
No. 793244 ID: 595d54

The hidden gun is a great idea, we've done the math and she can probably fit a collapsible SMG stored diagonally. Be sure to investigate that carefully. Oh yeah, and of course you and Katzati should help each other get dressed. What are friends for, after all?
>>
No. 793247 ID: 91ee5f

>>793209
>"Be sure to pick something out for Ramella. We should have her sizes on file. We'll loan her something formal, since she won't be able to get something from prison."
They're gonna be surprised when they find out Ramella already has something to wear!

Or Ramella is going to be disappointed when she finds out that she wasted her contraband when Polo and Katzati offer to get her something nicer to wear.
>>
No. 793248 ID: 91ee5f

>>793247
Also, I understand that Polo needs help with this sort of thing, but why isn't anyone making at least some suggestions for Katzati? She could use our help too!
>>
No. 793251 ID: 79a07e

>>793239
I actually like this.
>>
No. 793252 ID: 595d54

>>793248
Sure. Katzati, reveal that you're actually part of a biker gang in your free time and break out the motorcycle leather suit. Be sure the shirt's tight enough to compress the cleavage, for purely practical reasons. It gives you more vertical space to stash weapons in.
>>
No. 793256 ID: bfb318
File 149127857426.png - (97.92KB , 800x800 , 123.png )
793256

>>
No. 793260 ID: 3abd97
File 149127999289.png - (33.89KB , 800x800 , notlosingatgaychicken.png )
793260

>>
No. 793261 ID: 595d54

>>793260
A thing of beauty. But if she's wearing that mask shouldn't she be the one getting whipped?
>>
No. 793292 ID: a7b239

Cute, pretty matching bows for both of you!
Katzati should definitely have a nice low cut (but still tasteful!) top to show off that cleavage with a nice pair of form fitting pants like Jeans.
>>
No. 793294 ID: a6a529

>>793242
Could also be done great with a skintight suit. But even then, that doesn't sound appropriate for the current mission, as Hok provides annoyance at best instead of good feelings (unless your name is Miss).
>>
No. 793328 ID: 72d40e

>>793239
Jill Valentine?
Make the pants camo and the shirt black and we're golden.
also
>asmallsnipercouldbecalledthelittledeath.png
Clever. Sounds like MGS character.

>>793260
No that's for after the date
>>
No. 793361 ID: 51649e
File 149132853142.png - (94.75KB , 800x800 , katzatidress.png )
793361

For Katzati, maybe something somewhat more maternal, but with a dash of personal style. The skirt and miniponcho create an hourglass-like effect which, in conjunction with the belt, emphasizes the waist. However, the belt should also create a slight maternity-ish emphasis of the belly (particularly from sidelong angles) to communicate the wearer's comfort with her figure, with the miniponcho also subtly emphasizing the chest. Thus the piece is feminine and modest, yet shameless.
>>
No. 793365 ID: 91ee5f

>>793361
Isn't that a bit much for mini-golf at the park and the fair?
>>
No. 793369 ID: 51649e

>>793365

Maybe for the minigolf (taking off the miniponcho would make it a little more sporty), but minigolf doesn't exactly demand a tracksuit or anything. And there's a nice meal and a possibility of plays and such at the fair, for which I think the dress is pretty suitable.

Plus it's got some concealment space.
>>
No. 793402 ID: 3abd97

>>793365
It's fancy mini-golf. Or it will be. We'll class the place up just being there.

>>793361
Love the drape. That's a really nice touch for her.
>>
No. 793404 ID: 211d83

>>793361

I like this for Kat but needs to be a bit more form fitting. While she is a bit heavier she is far from being fat.

So shortening the skirt to the knees/upper ankles would help. Right now it is a bit much.
>>
No. 793446 ID: bfb318
File 149135087782.png - (152.32KB , 900x700 , 124.png )
793446

After some deliberation, Katzati and I bring the choices down to two options.
>>
No. 793447 ID: 211d83

A. For sure.
>>
No. 793448 ID: 595d54

A, when else are we going to get a chance to put Polo in a dress? We can't pass this up.
>>
No. 793451 ID: 3abd97

A. Polo inna dress.

Might need a little more length or volume on the ruffles. That's pushing risque nightgown.

It looks like makeup got applied in B, but not A. I think we want makeup, because again, when we are gonna get the opportunity to get Polo to bend a little at all.
>>
No. 793452 ID: 70983e

B. It's just so... you, Polo.
>>
No. 793455 ID: 211d83

>>793451

Risque short skirt is all the rage these days Polo! You keep that short dress!
>>
No. 793456 ID: 29c4aa

A but can we keep B's hat?
>>
No. 793458 ID: 486e87

A, but with subtle makeup (Might be the monochrome and the pose, but I can't tell if it's there), and a slightly longer dress (It's a bit short at the moment).
>>
No. 793459 ID: a43366

B including makeup.
>>
No. 793464 ID: 91ee5f

A
>>
No. 793469 ID: 51649e

B.

And no trying to escape the makeup, either way!
>>
No. 793473 ID: a363ac
File 149135571431.png - (113.30KB , 912x896 , CfFIv54.png )
793473

>>
No. 793484 ID: a43366
File 149135920742.png - (70.19KB , 800x800 , Katzati slightly less terrible date clothes.png )
793484

I tried harder.
>>
No. 793486 ID: 3abd97

I was thinking a strapless dress for Katzati.
>>
No. 793487 ID: 91ee5f

>>793481
That's a little-

>>793484
Oh, wait, never mind. This looks good, I'll vote for it!
>>
No. 793489 ID: 595d54

>>793484
Feels a bit busy to me, too many little details to really work. I'd prefer something easier to streamline.

Also, jokes aside, I have the feeling Katzati would be a bit bold in her choice after all the gay chicken. Maybe a strapless dress? Jessica Rabbit style?
>>
No. 793490 ID: 211d83

>>793484

I like the general layout for this one as well.
>>
No. 793493 ID: bfb318
File 149136179141.png - (166.17KB , 800x800 , 125.png )
793493

Katzati sits me down, applies makeup, and brushes my fur.

"You remember we are going mini-golfing, Katzati?"
>"Yes, and mini-golfing isn't rugby. There's not even real grass to stain your shoes. Besides, we're going straight to the fair and dinner afterwards, so we may as well put on makeup now."
"You seem uncertain of what to wear."
>"Hm..."
>>
No. 793496 ID: bfb318
File 149136181318.png - (194.11KB , 1200x800 , 126.png )
793496

>"I've still got to make up my mind."
>>
No. 793497 ID: 595d54

>>793496
C.
>>
No. 793499 ID: 211d83

C. Because.
>>
No. 793500 ID: 398fe1

>>793496
A.
>>
No. 793501 ID: ea92d7

A. C is for afterward, maybe.
>>
No. 793502 ID: 51649e

I was going to clarify my thoughts on the dress maybe making Polo look like a little girl when seen in context with her surroundings... oh well, update.

I vote A for Katzati. She's a motherly type but B looks a little too "mom"ly to me. Like it's nice, but maybe a bit too "nice" nice?
>>
No. 793503 ID: 595d54

>>793501
Okay, changing my vote to most of C underneath A. She can stash the mask in a pocket... somewhere.

Also, Polo, be sure to carefully inspect her dress for its potential to hide weaponry in the chest compartment.
>>
No. 793504 ID: d7ecb1

C is best I assure you.
>>
No. 793505 ID: b2db3f

While the other two are very nice I have to go with option C.

Will make the night all the more memorable really.
>>
No. 793506 ID: 3abd97

>>793496
A again.
>>
No. 793507 ID: 51649e

You know considering that Polo's name is still in the field, I'm feel a strong possibility this could be a "tom kiss ruby" situation.
>>
No. 793508 ID: e22b1d

C. If only because I would regret not going for it later.
>>
No. 793509 ID: 595d54

Wow, C's getting more support than I thought. Back to C, then, and wear it under A if it's still vetoed.
>>
No. 793510 ID: 4854ef

I just have to pick C
>>
No. 793511 ID: a43366

B, but I'm biased.
>>
No. 793512 ID: 395c02

"Most of C under A" is actually a pretty great idea, no lie.
>>
No. 793516 ID: 79a07e

>>793496
A.

I'm not a fan of joke votes.
>>
No. 793519 ID: 8111b6

A. I really doubt c would be allowed in public, and I'd wager Polo could probably pick up on c's idea through the empathy that would likely accompany such an outfit and nix the idea...
>>
No. 793521 ID: 792696

C. Just make sure you stop brushing before you decide. Or Polo will find out.
>>
No. 793522 ID: 1e7aa8

Let's go with A.
>>
No. 793524 ID: 3be285

C. Would be perfect for Pranking Polo. Either come out of the dressing room in it and ask her opinion or save it for a reveal later in the night.

For actual public dress up go for A.
>>
No. 793538 ID: 8ad498

>>793524
Perfect. A.
>>
No. 793543 ID: 91ee5f

A
>>
No. 793545 ID: 91ee5f

>>793543
Also, Polo, no silencing your empathy. If you hide your empathy, you can't prove to Rose that you're not a 24/7 grump!
>>
No. 793563 ID: 2a185d

A
>>
No. 793578 ID: 486e87

A I think, accentuates the form a bit better than B. And the neck-sash thing can be removed if the weather's too warm of something.
>>
No. 793591 ID: 2120ee

>>793496
B. (With C underneath)
>>
No. 793594 ID: 5e2c07

C. Cause you got to go with those silly impulses.
>>
No. 793595 ID: 7397ab

Go for C. Will make a great prank and or bedroom fun later. Hidden under your normal dress maybe?

As for the dress you can go out in public in I like A.
>>
No. 793596 ID: 29c4aa

C is clearly the best choice.
>>
No. 793603 ID: 2e1db2

C. Just so we get to see the story of where you got it.
>>
No. 793636 ID: 30c34d

Clearly the only right answer is C but A if it doesn't workout
>>
No. 793713 ID: bfb318
File 149142781188.png - (69.88KB , 800x800 , 127.png )
793713

>"Hmmm... got it."

Her empathy was weird. She probably is bashful or something and is just being overly self conscious over her choice in dress. She leaves to go change in her bedroom, and as time progresses, her empathy spikes up in an undue amount of shyness, yet mixed with some degree of playfulness. I believe she is dressing up to play a joke, not get dressed. As I am not silent, she can tell that I can tell something is going on, but continues anyway.
>>
No. 793714 ID: bfb318
File 149142782327.png - (119.34KB , 800x800 , 128.png )
793714

She comes out.

>"I'm ready!"
>>
No. 793715 ID: bfb318
File 149142784024.png - (142.72KB , 800x800 , 129.png )
793715

"Okay let's go." I say.
>>
No. 793716 ID: bfb318
File 149142786744.png - (166.35KB , 800x800 , 130.png )
793716

We get changed into our real dresses that we can show up in public for without causing a giant farce within the agency. Katzati doesn't say where she got that outfit from, but halfway through the drive, she makes a contextless note of 'how outrageous some of the undercover gear can get.'

I am looking at a map of the theme park. The miniature golf course is large, with 18 holes per course. Unless we want to spend most of the night mini-golfing, we should most likely stick to a single course.

They are arranged by themes, ordered easiest to hardest.

Castle (Easy)
Space Colony (Hard)
Monster Land (Extreme)
>>
No. 793717 ID: 595d54

>>793716
Let's see what they think qualifies as "Extreme". Monster Land it is.
>>
No. 793718 ID: a363ac

>>793716
Go try monsterland you can always change holes if you spend too long in one.
>>
No. 793720 ID: 398fe1

>>793716
Extreme will probably result in grumpiness.

Let's go Hard.
>>
No. 793721 ID: 595d54

>>793716
Remember, Polo, you can't take your earlier defeat at gay chicken lying down. Start now and see how Katzati feels about it before doing it somewhere more public and embarrassing her.

For now, just say that the outfit wasn't all that outrageous and she wore it well. You checked.
>>
No. 793722 ID: 79a07e

>>793716
We ain't no scrubs, but some folks may not be as mini-golf fans as others.

>Space Colony (Hard)
>>
No. 793724 ID: 211d83

Extreme of course.

Tell Katzati that her first outfit was very fetching and you look forward to the story of what undercover operation it came from.
>>
No. 793725 ID: 3abd97

Empathy making the prank apparent, as well as exactly how she felt about it, was all kinds of adorable. (Also Polo I think you actually started flirting. That or neither of you can tell where the teasing stops and the flirting starts anymore).

>>793716
Just visually, I feel like space colony would be more interesting than monster land.

Also remember we're going with a group of people, we don't know how good everyone is, and this is supposed to be about cheering someone up. Middle of the road seems good for making sure people have fun.
>>
No. 793729 ID: 7397ab

>>793725

One thing to remember is that mini golf has nothing to do with actually trying to beat each other and more to do with laughing at how bad everyone is as they get blocked constantly by the crazy course hazards.
>>
No. 793740 ID: 91ee5f

>>793716
Polo, did you remember to get in your booster seat?
>>
No. 793762 ID: 51649e

Hmm. Come to think of it, with digitigrade legs sticking their knees out, would neumono actually have trouble with golf? And Pilon's going to be there... with his ears. So I vote for Easy Modu with the Castle.

Polo where is your lipstick.
>>
No. 793766 ID: 595d54

>>793762
>Polo where is your lipstick.
Compare her lips in https://tgchan.org/kusaba/quest/src/149142786741.png
and now. She has it, it's just not too obvious with her mouth closed.
>>
No. 793767 ID: bfb318
File 149143973804.png - (97.27KB , 800x800 , 131.png )
793767

>Booster seat?
I do not need a booster seat.

>Lipstick
It's on, but it isn't layered on heavily.

"What is the undercover story in which you needed that outfit?"
>"P-Polo! I'm not - I just borrowed it, I don't actually go undercover!" she says while both laughing and getting flustered.
"Oh. That's a shame, you wore it well."

Katzati gives me a look. She seems baffled that I can deliver that line so deadpan in both voice and empathy, and is struggling to read me.

>"You know that now I'm always just going to see you strapped with guns now, right?" she offers as a retort.
"Katzati, I have many enemies. I am always carrying at least some firepower."
>"Oh, heh, right. I mean, so am I."
>>
No. 793768 ID: bfb318
File 149143975034.png - (113.79KB , 800x800 , 132.png )
793768

We arrive at the parking lot just in time to intercept Ramella, who is dropped off in front of us.

>"Hipolo!"
"Hello Ramella."
>"You look good - oh my gosh you have the same dress almost! Also hi Katzati!"
>"Hey Ramella." replies Katzati.
"Thank you. We brought a dress for you, as I did not think you would have the time to get a dress yourself. Where did you get it?"
>"Er - "
"Nevermind, I don't want to know." I say, after realizing I treaded what is most likely bad prison behavior that I would be obliged to report if she gave me any details.

She hovers in front of me wanting to hug, so I give her the okay. She hugs Katzati afterwards to be fair, since I managed to make this a three-way date. It's a bit more terse, but still amicable.

>"Pilon called, by the way." says Katzati. "He and Pink are already inside, waiting for us."
>>
No. 793770 ID: bfb318
File 149143981829.png - (154.90KB , 800x800 , 133.png )
793770

>Would neumono actually have trouble with golf?
The stance is a bit odd, but minigolf does not require a full arc swing like plain golf, so our posture should not make things impractical.

We arrive to meet Pink and Pilon, and they seem to be getting along alright.

>"Hello, everyone." says Pilon.
"Hello, you two. I've gone ahead and paid for minigolf online, so we just need to pick out our clubs and balls. I am split between the medium difficulty and the hardest difficulty. Do any of you have preferences?"

There is some thought, but ultimately the entire group becomes a mental cacaphony of indecision.

"Let's go in the middle of the road then, with the space colony."
>"Who's going to tee off first?" asks Ramella.
>>
No. 793771 ID: 595d54

>>793770
Tell Pilon to go ahead and launch his ball.
>>
No. 793773 ID: 211d83

Let Pilon and Pink go first.

While they tee up chat with Ramella and Katzati. Tell Ramella that she will get her solo date later but for today you wanted to spend time with both your cute girlfriends.
>>
No. 793774 ID: 51649e

Obviously Pilon, as the sole male neumono of the group, should be demonstrating his ability to get balls into holes. Let's see how he handles his club first, then each of you ladies can take a turn showing your skill at the task.

Also his ears will probably flap around when he swings and that should break any remaining ice.
>>
No. 793778 ID: 486e87

>>793771
Pilon is Pink's date, let's try to avoid making jokes like that, just feels off in this context.

I would ask either Pink or Pilon if they want to tee off first. If neither say yes then offer to start?
>>
No. 793779 ID: b2db3f

Avoid making sex innuendo jokes until later in the game. Save those gems for later.

Let Pilon start.
>>
No. 793785 ID: 3abd97

Probably need to do introductions for people who don't know each other. You're the only one here who knows everybody. Remember, Pink is Rose.

>>793770
>batting order
Ladies first doesn't help us much.

Height? (Ascending or descending).
>>
No. 793789 ID: a363ac

>>793774
all of this is true
>>
No. 793792 ID: 595d54

Actually, yeah, save the sex jokes for later. Act innocent and surprise them when you get a better opportunity.
>>
No. 793798 ID: 51649e

>>793792
>>793779

You can't just turn on the comedy like a tap! The opportunities come, and you either hit 'em there and then or else they drift off into the mist of unfulfilled potential.
>>
No. 793811 ID: 91ee5f

>>793770
"Tallest to shortest?"
>>
No. 793817 ID: 595d54

>>793798
Ah, but if we do it now they'll be expecting it later. It'll be funnier overall if we wait a bit. You only get one first impression, after all.
>>
No. 793823 ID: 91ee5f

>>793767
>I do not need a booster seat.
That's not what Rokoa said last Christmas! XD
>>
No. 793825 ID: bfb318
File 149144818393.png - (168.19KB , 800x800 , 134.png )
793825

We mentally decide on Pilon, first, followed by Pink. At that point, we decide to go from tallest to shortest. We decide that all balls will remain in play on the field at all times, at the risk of colliding balls. Apparently that is the ruleset here. To compromise between keeping it more fair but also simple, the person who goes first one round will then go last on the next round - so on hole 2, Pink will go first, and Pilon will be shifted to go last.

There is a highly immature joke to be had about having the one male put balls in holes. No one says a thing, but all the females are thinking it while Pilon attempts to concentrate. Although on average this course is supposed to be challenging, the first hole is rather plain.

His swing is short, terse, and rather strong. He looks intently at the ball as it moves forward. We stare at his ears, which wobble in an echo of his movement.
>>
No. 793829 ID: bfb318
File 149144830186.png - (117.32KB , 800x800 , 135.png )
793829

Pilon's shot looked like it was more intuition than performance, as it ended up close to the hole. Ramella tries very hard and nearly whiffs the ball, but not enough to clip the top of it and count as the first shot.

I survey the field as they take their turns, and make a mental map for my own shot.
>>
No. 793832 ID: 211d83

Fuck math.

Just wing it at Ramella's ball. If you do it right will get both of you farther along.
>>
No. 793838 ID: 595d54

>>793829
Okay, Polo, I'm assuming that you've either become ridiculously skilled at minigolf or that you're a complete novice, given the whole perfectionism thing.

Hit the ball into the air, over the barriers, and into the hole or as close as you can manage. Either you're good enough to pull it off or you'll fuck it up and hilarity will ensue. Win-win.
>>
No. 793841 ID: 398fe1
File 149144973857.png - (108.24KB , 800x800 , Shot.png )
793841

>>793829
Something like this should get you close. I think I have the angles right?
>>
No. 793843 ID: 3abd97

You have two options:

Either you play fair and attempt to bounce the ball around the course, or you try to get air on the ball and go for a straight line to the hole. (Is that even allowed? Is there anything in the way to prevent you from cutting across the course that way?). A straight shot, dropping it right into the hole from the air, might be doable, but it actually might be easier to bounce it off the back wall.

If you go the long way, I thin you hit hard, but you need to put a slight spin on the ball. Ricochets will get you around the first few corners, but to get south of uneven ground and the into the hole, you need the ball to curve down that way on it's own.
>>
No. 793848 ID: 91ee5f

>>793838
>Okay, Polo, I'm assuming that you've either become ridiculously skilled at minigolf or that you're a complete novice, given the whole perfectionism thing.
It's from Polo's sniper training. She's been trained to observe the terrain to better understand where to shoot from to better hit her target.

Minigolf is no different. You've just got to understand the terrain to make the best shot possible.

Although, I'm sure Polo could get a hole in one on all, if not most of the courses, I think in the interest of not being a show off and/or giving the others a chance, Polo should try to hold back a little on her sniper skills.
>>
No. 793852 ID: 595d54

>>793848
Canon Polo, sure. I don't think we can assume Agent Polo is as experienced or skilled a sniper. Plus, honestly, if she did mess up it could be funnier.
>>
No. 793857 ID: 91ee5f

>>793852
I'd like to the UDA counts as the military police and Agent Polo still has access to military training.
>>
No. 793859 ID: 3abd97

>>793852
We don't have to assume, that actually came up last time. She still has sniper training, even if she took a bit of a different career path. (FBI-equivalent instead of military special ops).

>>/questarch/615536
>I do have specialized weapons training, especially with snipers.
>>
No. 793862 ID: 595d54

>>793859
Yeah and I still don't think she's as good as Polo was. The point was the comparative, not whether or not she had any skill at all.
>>
No. 793980 ID: 51649e

Send your ball up under Ramella's so that colliding with it knocks yours off to the right a bit, hopefully putting you in a better position for your next shot. That'll also push Ramella's ball up further!
>>
No. 793996 ID: bfb318
File 149152258275.png - (183.54KB , 800x800 , 136.png )
793996

>Is getting air on the ball and sailing right to the obstacle course allowed?
It is, but it is only valid if it lands back onto the course. If it settles on the outside of the course, the ball must be returned back to the start. The stroke count does not reset with it, however, and that shot counts. Therefore, this strategy is risky and should only be done as a big play at the start, or be done with confidence that the ball will settle back on course.

Since this is the first shot, I'll go for it, and hit Ramella's ball forward in the same stroke. She is elated about it.

My ball then pops up, catches the rim of the course, and sails over the edge.

It then starts hitting obstacles off of the main course, before landing back on smooth ground.
>>
No. 793997 ID: bfb318
File 149152259483.png - (175.27KB , 800x1200 , 137.png )
793997

The ball sinks into the wrong hole. There is a silence, followed by a muffled slow applause from Katzati, then Pilon. Pink is still dumbfounded. Ramella goes to the score card and writes down '1' on Hole 4. Despite that that may not be the legal decision, no one argues otherwise.
>>
No. 793999 ID: bfb318
File 149152294349.png - (154.37KB , 800x800 , 138.png )
793999

I play the rest of hole 1 normally, without attempting too hard to get this in a hole in one. Nonetheless, I still get it in 2.

We continue playing, and the obstacles gradually get harder. I sit out on hole 4, already having gotten a hole in one.

On hole 9, there are 7 choices for where to start with a theme of rotating planets as represented by rolling discs on the ground. They orbit around the 'sun', which is a slight depression in the ground that will guide the ball into the hole. Getting struck by a planet will send the ball off its course, and the rest of the area is tilted slightly down - so if the ball does not reach the depression, it will fall all the way back down to 1 of the 7 starting locations. There is no progression of getting closer to the hole - either it goes into the hole, or you have to redo it from a start point.
>>
No. 794000 ID: 398fe1

>>793998
Seems like a job for a sniper. Patiently wait for a clear orbit shot then smack that ball into the middle. If you want to show off you can hit the ball at an angle so that it ricochets off one of the planets to get into the sun.
>>
No. 794002 ID: 486e87

Yeah, seems like a timing thing, get the speed right so it makes it up the slope without overshooting the depression, and remember to take into account the ball slowing down when it comes to avoiding the planets.
>>
No. 794003 ID: 595d54

Remember, timing is good, but we have to properly judge how much force it takes, too. But that's probably still the easy and boring way.

Time for lateral thinking again. If you can get the right spin, you could launch it on top of one of the two planets closest to the hole and have it curve around to drop into the hole.
>>
No. 794005 ID: 3abd97
File 149152413417.png - (45.19KB , 366x358 , Ultimate slingshot chain.png )
794005

>>793997
You can just feel that giddy pride on Ramella's part here.

>>793998
Okay, I can see three ways to do this.

This first, you chip your ball so it's airborn, and try to land it in the depression. Skips the problem of timing the planets entirely, but that's still tricky to aim.

Option 2, you time your shot so is slips between all the planets.

Option 3? You time your shot so you can bounce it back and forth between the planets. Each one is going in the opposite direction, right? With each zig and zag it shoves the ball back the opposite way. This is clearly the best way.
>>
No. 794010 ID: 91ee5f

I forgot to ask earlier if the holes were big enough for neumono to get their giant hands in them to retrieve their balls. But seeing as everyone is making progress, that answers my question as a yes the holes are big enough.

Unless the holes are to small. Then I can imagine the golf course provides tongs so that neumono can retrieve their balls.
>>
No. 794029 ID: 211d83

Well you could calculate orbital mechanics and find the best time to shot once the planets line up.

Or you could wing it as is proper in mini golf. Wait for a moment when the planets are moving just right and putt it up there.
>>
No. 794565 ID: 15a025

Shooting for a straight path seems a little risky. Try and get a timing for the rotation of the planets and ricochet the ball off them.
>>
No. 794936 ID: bfb318
File 149187987108.png - (119.70KB , 800x800 , 139.png )
794936

This seems like it was made for neumono, noteable since many attractions are still designed by aliens, or merely modified based on those designs. Although we are slower to think than aliens, we are capable of a higher amount of parallel thoughts to accompany many moving parts, such as in this.

I am able to anticipate when these pieces will line up in such a way that will allow me to zigzag up the slope by bouncing off each planet. It is still an inappropriate wait, and there in increasing pressure on me to do something over the top, but against all likelihoods, I pull it off.

>"Wow!" says Pink. Pilon and Ramella stay silent, but they seem impressed.
>"Showoff." teases Katzati, even though she also catches that I, perhaps, am the most surprised of all that I was able to execute it exactly as intended.
>>
No. 794937 ID: bfb318
File 149187988095.png - (149.35KB , 800x800 , 140.png )
794937

We continue on, but shortly before hole 11, two attention grabbing neumono enter the course. They are out of empathic range. I do not pay them mind - as staring too intently will divert my company's attention towards them as well.
>>
No. 794938 ID: bfb318
File 149187991174.png - (178.38KB , 1000x800 , 141.png )
794938

Nevertheless, I have to push aside the feeling that I must know why those two are here.
>>
No. 794939 ID: a363ac

>>794938
just curse them under your breath and move on they will likely destroy each other before the night is done with their personalities.
>>
No. 794940 ID: 595d54

Ignore them, they'll probably wreck each other when the competition starts. Even if they don't, it's too early to try and do anything without knowing what's up. Stay attentive but keep enjoying your date.
>>
No. 794941 ID: 3abd97

>>794938
They're here to snoop on you, obviously. Your boss is a jerk, and he brought Rokoa just to annoy you more. It's a taunt.

If they wanna bother you though, they're gonna have to catch up, and you have a head start. (Though there's only two of them in their group, so they can theoretically clear holes faster than your group can. So maybe they will).

And you don't really have to let them bother you. They can follow you around and try to give you a hard time, but you're out legitimately having fun. Heck, dating multiple girls, turning a mission into an excuse for time off, Az should be thrilled that you're finally living up to his standard for an agent.
>>
No. 794943 ID: 398fe1

>>794938
They're here to be nosy and also tease you, most likely. I just hope they don't take it too far and make you grump.

Or maybe they're just here to show off their minigolf skills. I hope they manage to knock some balls into the hole in the hole you're playing on.
>>
No. 794954 ID: 91ee5f

>>794938
Az and Rokoa.....I'm surprised that they decided to come together, considering how Rokoa suplexed Az's face into the floor. Maybe he got over cause he was drunk?

Anyways, yeah, they're both here to see what you, Little Miss Grumpy Pants, looks like when "relaxing". And take pictures of that elusive smile you supposedly have.

Unfortunately, since Rokoa is here and Pink has met her, Rokoa's empathy might mess up Pink's empathy by having Pink accosiate Rokoa with that day she got hit by the "Grump Beam"!

Hopefully, Pink can keep her empathy under control so that she doesn't give her identity away to Az and Rokoa! And you, Polo, can hopefully keep your grumpiness under control while those two are around!

And if they start bugging you, you can "accidentally" totally on purpose bank your golf ball backwards and hit one or both of them in the face! Bonus points if you do that and still get the ball in the hole!
>>
No. 794994 ID: 51649e

Maybe they're not here to interfere with you! Az looks like he has a hint of strain around that smile. Could they be on a date themselves? A secret date, before Valentine's, to throw off suspicion? Rokoa's Queen from what we heard wouldn't approve, and Az himself might be less confident about showing off his relationship with someone who can beat him in a fight, lest his image as an absolute badass be ruined before the public! Perhaps they came here because anyone suspecting them of going on a date would never look in the minigolf course?

... Yeah, unlikely is an understatement. But you might find it amusing to imagine them in some dramatic forbidden relationship. With Az getting suplexed all the time.

You know, I had been thinking before: if at any point you think you might be getting grumpy, how about you excuse yourself for a minute or two and call your hive for a quick little video chat on the phone? It'd probably help you get into a warmer, more relaxed mood again.

Aside from that, if those two poke their snouts in, you could also just try to think positively about them. They're not bad people! Rokoa is a loving mother, dedicated to her hive despite not fitting as well with them as other neumono do with theirs, keen on justice, and not only brave in a fight but with the emotional courage to defy her Queen to stay in touch with her own mother. Meanwhile, Az might get on your nerves with his grandstanding way of doing things, but he's just dedicated to creating a common cultural heritage for neumonokind! The awesome action adventure he tries to turn everything into is wasteful on the ground, but every neumono child listening to those stories, discovering they're real, will grow up to feel a connection to the people they heard about and a common ground with every other neumono kid who did the same.

There's things to like about them, in short, and I'm pretty sure they both like you. You can be friends!

Though... perhaps you could excuse yourself for just a moment to go have a quick word with them? Without any of the rest of your group seeing, before going on with the positive attitude stuff afterwards. Because if they are here deliberately then Az is guilty of seriously endangering Pink's good mood by not only blithely disregarding her desire for confidentiality as to her secret identity but also bringing along another person, not even a full member of the agency, to reveal it to as well. So you could maybe go ask him what he thinks he's doing here. Don't give too much away, perhaps they really don't know? The secret date idea is improbable, but it is possible that Katzati and the rest of the staff hid what's been going on from Az, and that he found out enough to know to come down here and just isn't aware exactly what you're trying to do or how he could mess it up.
>>
No. 795001 ID: 51649e

Oh and if you do go talk to them, do tease them about being on a date at some point. They do have some things in common! Ask them if they're in negotiations to produce the based-on-real-life action movie stars of the next generation. Tell them they should have at least two.
>>
No. 795010 ID: 3d2d5f

Throw your arm over the shoulder of the one of your two dates actually short enough for that like you don't even care anyone is watching.
>>
No. 795017 ID: b412df

Az and Rokoa? What are they doing here?

Doesn't really matter but I'm curious. I'd say try not to let them bother you, maybe keep a eye out if you can do so without being noticed.

Your company will find out about them if they enter empathy range though, not sure if we should do anything about that, since Rokoa can be a bit intense to put it lightly? That might be unhelpful to our objective here.
>>
No. 795071 ID: cee89f

>>794938
Az and Rokoa, sittin' in a tree...

At some point, take a picture of them together to use as blackmail.
>>
No. 795147 ID: bfb318
File 149196108024.png - (169.24KB , 800x800 , 142.png )
795147

>Take a picture of them together to use as blackmail.
I do not have many ideas that would result in a more catastrophic outcome.

Rokoa and Az are ignored as best as I can manage. Katzati and Pilon eventually notice them as well. Katzati shares my thoughts of ignoring them, and Pilon takes their cue to do the same. Ramella wonders what I'm thinking about, Pink respects our personal thoughts as our own.

I put my arm around Ramella after she shoots (and fails) her first shot. We continue on to the 15th hole. I cannot tell if Rokoa and Az are trying to stay out of empathic range, but they are still gradually catching up, so I doubt this. Pink is mildly curious who those two are, and I fear that they may be impossible to ignore if they enter range. They will compromise Pink's ability to stay happy, as Rokoa and Az are violent brutes. I try to think of their good points. Rokoa does love her children. Az... technically gets things done.

Nonetheless, I go first on the 15th hole and have a mediocre shot. Everyone else then goes, and manages to get ahead of me, past all of the fan vents blocking the main way.

I am tempted to treat this like a game of pool and hit every single person's ball into the hole so that we can move on.
>>
No. 795149 ID: 211d83

Yes do it. Not cause of Rokoa and Az but because it would be cool.
>>
No. 795150 ID: a43366

Do it. No reason not to try.
>>
No. 795151 ID: a363ac

>>795147
While it would be impressive that would also be less fun for everyone else just go for the hole.
>>
No. 795153 ID: 398fe1

>>795147
Go "Hey guys, wanna bet I can sink everyone's ball in the hole on my turn?"
>>
No. 795157 ID: 595d54

>>795147
Do it, it'd be cool. Also, where can you get Ramella some fashionable sunglasses or goggles or something?
>>
No. 795158 ID: 3abd97

We really need to find Ramella some movie star shades or something. Her forehead is naked!

>I try to think of their good points. Rokoa does love her children. Az... technically gets things done.
They've also both senses of humor, which is why they're here, probably. And Rokoa does have something like a work ethic, even if she doesn't follow proper police protocol (or proper Polo protocol).

And they both do like you, granted Rokoa in a kind of partnership rivalry way, and Az in a "you're my best agent and I wanna get you to follow my ideals" way.

>I am tempted to treat this like a game of pool and hit every single person's ball into the hole so that we can move on.
Does... that mean technically everyone would get a hole in one?

So long as you don't think it will upset anyone, go for it.
>>
No. 795160 ID: 51649e

It looks like Rokoa and Az want to catch up to you but feel honorbound to proceed through the courses in order to do so. So you need to give them a good race. Take that shot! It's not like anyone else is going to miss out on much fun if they're denied taking their very simple shots for the hole.

Don't think too bad of them for being violent brutes. They were both tribal warriors, remember? They grew up in a world of violent brutishness and it seeped into them. They actually channel their predilections very constructively, when you think about it. In their own ways they're both champions of the new ideal of the community of hives, Az through various methods (such as his kids) and Rokoa by having a job keeping the peace, which I'm sure often involves fighting hive-vs-hive crimes. If you had grown up in a world of danger, with a body built for bruising to survive with, would you have overcome your habits as well as them? They must expend so much effort keeping their old instincts restrained, it's no wonder they seek relief by willfully defying other pressures on their behavior.

If they do catch up to you, just try not to think of Pink as Pink. She's Rose. Katzati's the only other one who actually knows who she is, right? Pilon and Ramella just know you had some need for a nice night out with her?
>>
No. 795162 ID: 91ee5f

>>795147
>I am tempted to treat this like a game of pool and hit every single person's ball into the hole so that we can move on.
Don't do that, you'll take the fun out of it for everyone!

Plus, if Pink Rose picks up on you being nervous or anxious about speeding up, you'll end up making her nervous or anxious, which won't really help.
>>
No. 795172 ID: 51649e

You know, if you're really concerned, you could just shoot Az a text on your phone to ask him to back off if he wants valentine's day saved.

Or, if you don't have faith in that working, you could text Rokoa telling her that if she diverts Az away from your group for the evening you could get her the pink ranger's autograph for her kids. She didn't actually manage to get the ranger's autographs last time, despite wanting to, if I remember right.
>>
No. 795184 ID: 91ee5f

>>795172
Who the fuck taught you how to make deals? That's a terrible idea! If you're gonna bribe Rokoa with autographs, then offer all of the Ranger's autographs, not just one!
>>
No. 795333 ID: bfb318
File 149204836273.png - (154.93KB , 800x800 , 143.png )
795333

I take the pool shot, and nail it.

"Everyone got a hole in one but me. Good shots everyone."

'but why' Pilon thinks, flabbergasted.

>"Thank you!" Ramella says. I keep my hand around her, and I get on my phone and text Az as we move on. I make sure to focus on the good parts. Ramella and Katzati are enjoying themselves, and Pilon and Pink have been chatting about some of Pilons non-informercial acting bits.
>>
No. 795335 ID: bfb318
File 149204840099.png - (118.81KB , 800x800 , 144.png )
795335

"What are you doing?" I ask to Az.
>"Protecting you guys. There's a lot of people who don't want Pink feeling good. Rokoa and I are making sure your date goes smooth. By the way we're still catching up! There's no way you'll clear holes 17 and 18 by the time we get to, I don't know, hole 8, where we'll be in range. I want to know what Pink's empathy is like! Oh, and Rokoa and I are undercover. That's why we're 'dating'."

Perhaps he, or an AI informant, read over the logs between Katzati and me, spilling the information.
>>
No. 795336 ID: a363ac

>>795335
'you can both go fuck eachother into a coma! go away!'
>>
No. 795337 ID: 211d83

You know what stop thinking or caring about those two.

Stop worrying about them catching up and try to relax have a good time. If they catch up maybe they will make things all the more fun and it will make things more interesting. While both of them can annoy you at times you work well with both of them and they are not bad people.

If they mess things up you can secret agent it up and abscond with your group after distracting them with a challenge over who is best at mini golf between the two of them.
>>
No. 795338 ID: 398fe1

>>795335
No way, huh? Want to make a wager?
>>
No. 795341 ID: 595d54

Great. If you actually do want it to go smooth, stay out of Pink's empathy. She needs to get in the right mood for the event tomorrow and you two are the exact kind of people to spoil that. Besides, you two already met her at the Christmas incident, didn't you?
>>
No. 795344 ID: 91ee5f

>>795335
>Oh, and Rokoa and I are undercover. That's why we're 'dating'.
How is Az undercover?! He's the fucking Ultraking! How has no one recognized him already?!
>>
No. 795345 ID: 3abd97

>There's a lot of people who don't want Pink feeling good.
No one should know her public identity, but you are a public person who is apt to be recognized and ill suited to undercover work, Ultraking Az Rozu Gunblocker. You're more likely to draw attention than deflect it.

>>795335
D'aaaaaaw. You're cute together.

>stuff
If they're undercover, you have a golden pranking opportunity. Empathy will tell Pink that you know each other, and you can introduce literally however you like and they'll have to play along to maintain cover. You can stick them with a silly or embarrassing backstory!
>>
No. 795362 ID: bfb318
File 149205224393.png - (241.94KB , 1200x800 , 145.png )
795362

>How has no one recognized Az already?!
People are reasonable, even if wrong, to think that it's more likely that this is just a strong neumono who looks like Az, rather than Az himself. That is the only explanation I can think of - he still cannot possibly make for a decent undercover agent.

"You are a huge political figure that is a household name. This is the opposite of an appropriate undercover agent. More importantly, you are attention grabbing. Do not enter empathy range if you want this date to go smoothly. She will not like being reminded of the casino incident by either of your presences."
>"As long as you all don't suck too hard at mini-golf! I'll meet Pink some day, some way."

I manage to stop thinking about them for some time, and they do seem to slow down and take more ridiculous shots that have no realistic chance of succeeding in going under par. Rose just seems to take the ignoring as an appropriate time to satisfy her curiosity.
>"Who are those two anyway?" she asks, knowing she's at least seen Az before.

This would be a good time to come up with a backstory for those two since they want to be undercover.
>>
No. 795363 ID: 595d54

>>795362
"Oh, I've run into them, they're a couple of escorts. I think they're looking for someone, if you know what I mean. Did you see them at that one voklit brothel or something?"
>>
No. 795364 ID: 398fe1

Tell her that they're a couple of agents from the UDA who have come to keep an eye on your date.

Keep it simple and mostly truthful.
>>
No. 795365 ID: a363ac

>>795362
"well to tell you the truth they are some 'escorts' *wink wink nudge nudge* that I work with occasionally in my job. They get antsy whenever I start having 'fun' without them"
>>
No. 795366 ID: 211d83

Those are some of my fine coworkers. They could not help but come over to get a glimpse of some famous people before the holiday.

The nice lady there is my intern trainee. I have been teaching her the ways of the agent but she is a bit slow to catch on. She is the motherly type so avoid asking about her children unless you want to spend a few hours looking at children photos.

The tall guy is one of the ultra kings body doubles. He shows up and shakes hands and kisses babies for events the ultraking can not be bothered with. A great guy but his head is in the clouds most of the time and can not help thinking up ridiculous ideas for the agents to try out all the time. Sometimes we humor him but mostly we ignore him.
>>
No. 795415 ID: 91ee5f

>>795362
Makeup an extremely embarrassing story for Az and Rokoa's undercover identities! If they do somehow catch up, they'll have to play along! XD
>>
No. 795439 ID: bfb318
File 149207108082.png - (167.83KB , 800x800 , 146.png )
795439

"They are escorts." I say, leaving it as vague as possible. "They get antsy when I try to go places without them."
>"Well, it is a good thing to have people watching your back."

I decide against embarrasing stories for them.

>"Okay. We can move on if you like, you've seemed a little bit antsy yourself about them?"
"They are... rambunctious. The girl is also a motherly type, and if she starts going on about her kids, she won't stop."

Rose thinks that's sweet.

We continue on. Hole 17 is straight forward but difficult, but we manage. Hole 18 is the last one. It turns out to be a magnetic gimmick - it only showed up on a few holes even though they went through the trouble of including a magnetic core in the golf ball, allowing strong magnets to push and pull the ball as it goes forward. It's used here like a cheap anti-gravity measure in ways.

Hole 18 starts off by expecting to shoot across an attractive cylinder. The shot seems like it must be perfectly straight, within a single degree of error, to make it to the platform on the other side. If it makes it, it goes up a chute closer to the hole to sector F. If not, it falls into a pit leading to another chute that spits it back out in front of a tunnel, to sector B. Sector B is a platform about 5 feet away from a tunnel that is lined with repulsive magnetism. I can see from the design of it that it will launch the ball up the tunnel, and if the ball barely made it to get caught by the 'black hole', it'll make it into the ideal small pit. If the ball was simply shot into the tunnel though, then the extra momentum will carry it to a bigger pit that must be putted back out into the small pit.

There are numerous sectors throughout the course, each with their own difficult obstacle, and separate walkways in order to get to specific points where balls come to rest. Par is 7. The hole is about one story up from us.

The only way to get a hole in one is to slam the ball immediately off course onto one of the side decorations that are at an adequate slope to lob the ball up the story and back onto the topmost fairway.
>>
No. 795441 ID: 804a8c

Chipping into sector F seems like it'd be better than going through b-e, and showing /that/ to be possible is likely to save more time overall than your single hole in one.
>>
No. 795442 ID: 78a3e5

Final trickshot of the night. Doublecheck the angles before you try.
>>
No. 795451 ID: 398fe1

I doubt you can hit the ball hard enough to get it all the way up to the hole. Aim for Sector F.
>>
No. 795459 ID: 3d263d

Don't go for a hole in one, just the quick but normal way. You want to give everyone a chance to play around on a convoluted course like this.
>>
No. 795481 ID: 3d2d5f

>>795439
Honestly, going for a hole in one by skipping all the gimmicks on this hole actually sounds less fun. And you'd have to wait for everyone else to finish the slow way.

Play the shot fair so you get to fool around with antigrav magnetism.
>>
No. 795499 ID: 595d54

On the one hand, going for a hole in one means you'll have to wait for the others to finish, particularly Ramella. On the other, it would give you more free time to mess with your dates or keep an eye out for anything.

Go for it if you can make it sufficiently entertaining.
>>
No. 795523 ID: ab71f0

Go slow, have fun with ALL THE GIMMICKS.
>>
No. 795531 ID: 3d263d

If you're worrying about Az and Rokoa catching up, remember they probably caught up faster at first because they were at the easiest holes. They should slow down as they advance.

We should be thinking of ways to get them to hook up for real, it'll distract/divert them if they're getting in each others' grills. Shoot Az a text: "'Dating'? I figured the romantically famed Ultraking Az would turn any pretense with a woman into reality, on principle. I know she took you in the wrestling contest last time, but I'd have bet on your being able to overwhelm her in other ways."

In fact, do actually conspire with Katzati and a quick call back to the office to create a betting pool on the outcome of Az and Rokoa's date.
>>
No. 795596 ID: bfb318
File 149212109938.png - (106.29KB , 800x800 , 147.png )
795596

>Get Az/Rokoa to date for real
Right now I am counting on their friction to keep their attention off of me.

I almost go, then I remember I'm not going first this round. Katzati, then Ramella go first. Katzati whiffs it, and it immediately careens off the side. Ramella, though, manages to shoot it right into sector F.

"Good shot."
>"Ahhh I didn't think I'd do it!"
>>
No. 795597 ID: bfb318
File 149212111051.png - (162.74KB , 800x800 , 148.png )
795597

I set up my form to shoot the ball towards crossing the cylinder instead of trying to one-shot the whole course.

>"Not going for a hole in one?" asks Katzati, almost surprised.
>"It would be, well... an odd shot." says Pilon.
>"Honestly I'd still be impressed if she can get it to Sector F on the first shot since I just got lucky!" Ramella says.
>"Can Polo, the great sniper, not do a hole in one on a mere mini-golf course?" Katzati teases.
"It's because, Katzati... When I tell my grandchildren about the greatest, most challenging sniper shot of my entire life, I don't want it to be a mini-golf anecdote."
>"Oh," says Pink, "but you could make it sound like it was an incredibly important ricochet shot, and only reveal it was a mini-golf course at the end."
>"... tempting, but no."

I hit the ball, perhaps a bit overly hard, but the longer the ball spends on the cylinder, the more that a slight flaw in my angle will be affected by the roll.

We continue on through the sectors we land in. Each sector has a trial that seems like it could be a course in itself, and failing one often just leads to another challenging one instead.

It isn't impossible, although both Pink and Pilon manages to default to a max of 12 strokes. They still play it out though, regardless.
>>
No. 795598 ID: bfb318
File 149212112791.png - (134.13KB , 800x800 , 149.png )
795598

After that is the ball returning hole, which is a slightly downward sloped tunnel. The walls are lined with repellants, but there are two gaps. If the ball manages to get into those wall gaps, there are prizes - one is a free game of mini-golf, the other is 500 tickets redeemable at the nearby arcade. Otherwise, the ball goes all the way down to the end for no prize.

However, there is someone from a different group that is occupying the space. Initially this is a non-issue, but he seems to be overly stressed about the pressure, and wants a prize desperately. It causes him fear, and he does not take the shot, forcing us to wait.

Then we wait some more, and our presence just seems to bother him.
>>
No. 795600 ID: 398fe1

>>795598
Introduce yourself and offer to nail the shot to get him whichever prize he wants.
>>
No. 795607 ID: a363ac

>>795598
"You can do it!"
>>
No. 795610 ID: 3abd97

>>795597
Overall a success, I think. You got the group, bantering with you, playfully teasing you, and encouraging you. You've got them engaged and having a good time, including Pink.

>there are prizes - one is a free game of mini-golf, the other is 500 tickets redeemable at the nearby arcade
Hello, Ramella-shades.

>>795598
Hmmm. Okay, you could try to occupy the group, distract them with conversation or something, so he's not pressured by having an audience as much. And positive / happy / content empathy might be more helpful than impatient / waiting empathy. Or... someone could try to feel more confident more directly, though that's more Pink's Rose's wheelhouse than yours. Saying something, or starting a cheer, maybe? (Or you could cheat and pool-bounce his ball even if he misses, but that might not make him feel better).
>>
No. 795612 ID: 91ee5f

>>795598
I'm assuming the "T" is for tickets and the weird looking "Z" is the free game of mini-golf, right?
>>
No. 795620 ID: 3d263d

Hmm. Looks like it'd be easier to get the ball into a gap by bouncing across the repellent sides rather than get it in at an angle from the starting position - it might be impossible to make that angle with the repeller side coming up to it. But you'd need to get a feel for the force the repellers impart onto the ball.

You could offer to let him take your shot for you, as practice.
>>
No. 795622 ID: 3d263d

Or you could suggest that if he watches you all take your shots, he'd get a better sense for his own shot.
>>
No. 795671 ID: bfb318
File 149213375120.png - (110.78KB , 800x800 , 150.png )
795671

I walk up to him.

"Excuse me?"
>"I'm going, I'm going!" He's not going.
"If you would like to see how shots are done, we can go ahead of you and you can watch."
>"No, that - actually okay yeah."

That seems to do the trick, and we move on efficiently without needing to cause a scene of any sort.

We discard the ruled order, and I go first. Instead of trying a smooth shot, I hit it hard so that it bounces from one wall to the other violently, zigzagging it so that it can head straight into the wall. Otherwise, the walls actually serve to straighten the shot. I hit the 500 ticket hit. Katzati tries a straighter shot and finds that it does not work well after all.

Pilon is the only other winner, who gets the free game prize and gives it to Rose. They have a friendly argument of trying to pass it off to the other, but Pilon ends up winning it, and Rose gets the prize.
>>
No. 795672 ID: bfb318
File 149213376675.png - (97.09KB , 800x800 , 151.png )
795672

"I've no idea what manner of cheap prize I could get." I say, showing my lack of enthusiasm for cheap manufactured sugar or a plastic necklace or whatever else can be gotten. "Ramella, you have an idea?"
>"Yeah but it's for me and it's your prize!"
"What is it?"
>"A pair of sunglasses since usually I wear something on my head but I didn't get a chance so..."
"Consider it gotten."
>"Really thank you so much!"
"It is probably worth a few zeny tops."
>"Yeah but the thought!"
"It will just take a minute to get."

The man goes after us to start to take his shot. Then he gets afraid again, and freezes. Rose mentally encourages him to take the shot, but once he just feels more pressure, we move on.

Golf took longer than expected, and people are getting somewhat peckish. While the fair can be attended first, still, it may end up being interrupted or cut short for dinner, and may be worth eating first.

>Dinner first
>Fair first
>>
No. 795673 ID: 595d54

>>795672
Dinner first, and you and Katzati can tell funny work stories. Like, saaaayyyy... the time she had to go undercover.
>>
No. 795674 ID: 3abd97

>>795672
If you do the fair second, you can watch the sunset, wander around under the stars, watch fireworks, get ice cream outdoors for dessert, etc. Better ambiance, more romantic options. Dinner first.

Also eating a little early means the restaurant will be less crowded. Beat the rush. (Of course you're already beating the real rush since Valentines isn't till tomorrow).

>glasses
Star shaped movie star shades.

>Then he gets afraid again, and freezes.
Good luck, dude.
>>
No. 795675 ID: a363ac

>>795672
Dinner first if anyone gets hungry after their is always horrible fair food to eat.
Text Az to come help that poor guy at the last hole.
>>
No. 795679 ID: 211d83

Dinner unless the fair has all sorts of fair foods like corndogs and neumono funnel cakes.
>>
No. 795684 ID: 3d263d

The fair should be more an evening thing, so dinner first.

Now, the question is, what about Az and Rokoa? We asked Pilon to find us a nice cozy place. Which would probably be small enough for everyone to be in empathy range... unless they have some sort of jammer bubble booth arrangement? Some layering of multiple small jammers in the walls around a booth, so you can feel your companions' empathy but not the other diners? If it's a place that caters to private, intimate meal meetings - like, I imagine, the sorts of places Pilon goes to meet up with people during an investigation - then that might actually be a thing. That would be a preferable option, if you have to choose between a place that has it and one that doesn't. Besides blocking off Rokoa and Az's snooping, wandering around the fair is likely to be empathy-intensive anyway, so some relative quiet for dinner first might be nice.

If that sort of technology isn't available, then other options might be a place large enough so a table in the back can't feel the table in the front, or failing that, maybe just a place that wouldn't be to Az and Rokoa's tastes, maybe with some sort of meat shack eatery across the road from it to attract them instead?
>>
No. 795685 ID: 486e87

>>795673
I don't think that's a good idea, Katzati said she doesn't go undercover. Whatever her reasons where for having that outfit, asking about it would be embarrassing, especially with others here.

>>795674
This seems reasonable. Dinner first.
>>
No. 795688 ID: 91ee5f

>>795673
No! Don't think about it! You're going to put a mental image in everyone's head and embarrass Katzati! DX
>>
No. 795795 ID: bfb318
File 149215418747.png - (116.13KB , 800x800 , 152.png )
795795

We decide on dinner first. I text Az informing up about a motivation-needing individual who can't bring himself to shoot the ball. As we leave, I hear Az shouting.

"Shoot that ball, you will hate yourself in the morning!"
"Quit being a fucking sissy!" Rokoa shouts after him.
"This course is your current girlfriend, and like a girlfriend, she has 3 fuckable holes! You might only want two of them, but any are better than none, so fuck any before I fuck your girl first!"


The desk worker gets up with the intention to intervene, then notices Az and Rokoa, and sits back down. The stalling guy screams and shoots the ball. He catches air on it, and it hits the tunnel's opening wall, and it bounces back and hits Rokoa in the knee.

"FUCKER." Rokoa yells.
"You're cheating on your girl with my girl, you shithead!" Az yells on top of Rokoa.

The man drops his club and runs. We continue walking, motioning Rose not to worry about it.
>>
No. 795796 ID: bfb318
File 149215420802.png - (186.34KB , 800x800 , 153.png )
795796

We take a large cab to dinner after picking up Ramella's glasses. Pilon says that he has made reservations for a bubble booth, meaning that the booth employs a jammer bubble so that we can feel each other's empathy but not the rest of the restaurant's individuals.

>"Oh, does this place see much business? Usually those booths need long term reservations." says Katzati.
>"It helps that the booth is more expensive." answers Pilon. "Which, well... Polo? I can pay if required, but...?"
"It's on government dollar. It's fine."
>"Good, thank you! I'm sorry for not asking beforehand, but the owner insisted that there's always a booth available for me, and the next thing I know, well, we had the booth reserved. He is a nice owner, if a bit pushy."

It is a nice restaurant after all. The ambience is a quiet kind of place, and the staff helpful but not overbearing, and the food good. Leaving the choice to Pilon was a good decision after all. We have some light conversations, and before I know it, we're halfway through the meal and Rose is wrapping up a butcher shop anecdote.

>"So, he had to pose holding up his award for 'world record for consuming the most pounds of meat in 30 minutes' while sitting inside of the ambulance. He was all smiles and gave a thumbs up and everything, and it had a happy ending. We put up the photo for some more publicity, and it did work, but we got so many imitators who had to go to the ER without breaking the record that we ended up pulling the photo down from our website and just keep it as a personal memento in the back. Anyway, Polo! I hope you don't mind my commenting, but I think it's pretty cool that your dates are both a prisoner and a co-worker. I overheard that this is your first date with Ramella, but how long have you been dating Katzati for?"
>>
No. 795805 ID: a363ac

>>795796
"Since this morning. I have already been in her bed and shown her my guns though." shit eating grin here "I work fast."
>>
No. 795809 ID: 398fe1

>>795796
Ah, it feels like forever.
>>
No. 795833 ID: 12d2d6

Hmm. Tricky. I think this might be a situation where the truth would give a wrong idea and a slight bending of the truth would actually give a more accurate impression of reality. Then a shift in subject. Try:

"I'm not sure it counts as a "date" exactly, but we first had a nice dinner together a few months ago. It actually started as me trying to play a prank involving someone else, but Katzati got the better of me. We were amiable before, but that's probably when I really recognized her as someone I would like to spend time with outside of work. There's been an element of joking with each other since then, because of that, the latest just before we came here. Speaking of, Katzati, do you feel like telling us what the story behind that "undercover gear" was?"
>>
No. 795842 ID: 91ee5f

>>795833
Talking about that is a good way to put a mental picture in everyone's head! And a good way to make Katzati do a spit-take https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spit-take into someone's face! XD
>>
No. 795844 ID: 3d2d5f

>>795795
>Hole in one on Rokoa
Technically that's a harder target with hazard to boot. That golfer deserves a medal.

>>795796
There's an unexpected perk. Pilon's a sort-of celebrity, and vendors treat him as such.

>on government dollar
If this mission is important enough to merit two agents, as well as your boss and interagency cooperation working guard duty, the UDA can certainly foot the bill for the meal.

Hmmm. I wonder how Az will get in. Celebrity would work, and if the owner recognizes and gives special treatment to a minor actor, he should react to an ultraking. But they want to maintain cover, which means hiding who he is, which is both hard and makes getting a table hard. Not sure Az can maintain cover following you in here.

>Anyway, Polo! I hope you don't mind my commenting, but I think it's pretty cool that your dates are both a prisoner and a co-worker. I overheard that this is your first date with Ramella, but how long have you been dating Katzati for?
A less charitable person might say I apparently meet everyone through work, or object to my dating within either of those categories. But thank you.

This is a perfect time for more gay chicken. Let's see how far you can push it, how much Katzati will play along, and how far she'll push things. We can exaggerate, a little.

Katzati and I have worked rather closely for a while now. Things moved a step past that... around Christmas.
>>
No. 795845 ID: 25243a

>>795844

Mentioning Christmas specifically might still be a bad idea with Pink/Rose/Rashana. Something more vague like "a few months ago" would be fine.
>>
No. 795856 ID: 595d54

"Hmmm. Katzati and I were just coworkers for a while, but we started working more closely and then things went beyond that... I would say a couple of months ago. What about you, Katzati?"

Ball's in her court. Get ready to fake being betrayed if she denies it.
>>
No. 795858 ID: ae6f16

>>795795
Way to go Polo, lets never involve either of them in anything that requires motivation ever again.
We need to put this indecent on record somewhere as proof and reason why they are not allowed to do motivation.

>>795796
We've had a relationship for some time now. And I don't mean work, or dating, I mean sex.
>>
No. 795862 ID: 8111b6

Does Katzati mind if Polo kisses and tells? If no, then go ahead and regale with the tale of how you started thinking of her in that way. Could leave the time vague, or, alternatively, mention the time frame to show that even in such a grumpy time, you were doing such things.
>>
No. 795877 ID: 211d83

Tell her the tale of your previous "date" on the station. How you both teased each other horribly and how it ended up.

Or tell her (the slightly non cannon) story of how you got shot with a death beam that one time and ended up fucking your way through all your coworkers.
>>
No. 795878 ID: b2db3f

>>795844

I think the death ray comic would make a fine fake first date story. See how far you can get with it.
>>
No. 795884 ID: e22b1d

Well you see it all started back shortly after the Christmas mess.

I had tracked Vanski down to his secret lair and was about to bring him in when it turned out I was holding up a robot! He managed to blast me with some silly science hive ray before I could bring him in...

Everything seemed to be fine but little did I know how crazy the next few days would be...

(Start telling them the made up tale of the death ray and see how far you can get with it before they realize you are pulling there legs. Bonus points if you can Katzati can avoid laughing to early.)
>>
No. 795921 ID: 3abd97

>>795845
I'll concede that point.

>>795878
Ehhhh. Most of it isn't anywhere close to appropriate for dinnertime discourse, and it would be a lot for Polo to make up at once.

I like exaggerating the last dinner / date since it pretty quickly cues Katzati into what we're doing and hopefully gets her playing along.
>>
No. 795978 ID: bfb318
File 149223387181.png - (169.43KB , 800x800 , 154.png )
795978

"I wouldn't say we've formally 'dated' before tonight, but after working together for so long, we got to know each other on a more personable basis. I spent some time relaxing in her room."
>"She was overworking." Katzati explains. "And was ordered to take a break. She chose to take up my offer to spend it in my room."

Ramella puts her foot on top of my foot, in an attempt to initiate a game of footsies. It is a difficult game to do in secret while we have empathy giving away that something is going on.

"Would you say that's about when we started dating?"
>"Wellll, things did get personal!"

Pink detects that our conversation is light hearted, and immediately hangs onto it when we show the slightest thought that we're going to leave it at that.

>"Oh! What did you two do?" she asks.

Katzati looks at me so expectantly that I can almost hear her internal voice asking me 'Yes, Polo, what did we do?'. Ramella is poised to be a bit jealous, but only behind a giant wall of eager curiosity. Her foot practically dances on mine.
>>
No. 795984 ID: 595d54

>>795978
"As much as I would never kiss and tell, I can say that Katzati certainly surprised me with her choice in lingerie."
>>
No. 795985 ID: 211d83

Footsie Ramella right back.

Well I could tell you but I would rather show you instead.

Then reach up and pull Katzati down for a kiss.
>>
No. 796000 ID: 91ee5f

>>795984
This! XD
>>
No. 796004 ID: a363ac

>>795984
nice
>>
No. 796027 ID: 08c96e

Cool people dont play footsie.
>>
No. 796031 ID: c8b031

"Well, for one, I learned how very good a night's sleep I can get with someone so especially suited to comfort. What about you, Katzati?"

Engage tactical footsies.
>>
No. 796111 ID: 486e87

Say you got a good night's sleep, it's technically true. Empathy / Tone can fill in the rest.
>>
No. 796124 ID: 3abd97

Engage tactical footsie surprise by swatting her with your tail.

>>795984
This seems like the right balance of scandal and deniability, and you can probably say this with a straight face, since she did surprise you that night, and the rest is true about the dress up gag from earlier.
>>
No. 796140 ID: bfb318
File 149229516705.png - (141.02KB , 800x800 , 155.png )
796140

Instead of engaging a game of footsies, I swat Ramella with the side of my tail.

"I did get a good night's sleep. I also found that Katzati's choice of lingerie was surprising."

Katzati laughs, even as I reference tonight's choice of 'lingerie' as though it was chosen during christmas.

>"And Polo's choice was... not."
>>
No. 796143 ID: bfb318
File 149229529814.png - (151.46KB , 900x800 , 156.png )
796143

Pink starts getting more curious, and hardly refraining from wanting to ask more, but there's some commotion by the restaurant's entrance that is getting closer. I can't see over the table, as the walls are high even for the tallest of us. Before we look over, two neumono step by our booth.

>"Hey! Get out, this is our booth." the woman says, just outside of the jammer field bubble.
>"The owner has already given it to us."
>"Yeah, and the owner promised us we'd have a booth whenever we wanted!"
>"Please, you two!" the owner pleads from behind him. Pilon seems as confused as anyone. "You never use them! I need the business!"
>"I'm sorry, we're actually not that far away from finishing out own meal." says Pink. "Actually, I think if we scoot over, you can both sit with su - "
>"You're joking." says the woman. "Out."

Pilon is contemplating options, and fighting is a valid enough choice to him that I can detect it. Amongst the commotion, I also hear footsteps getting closer, and these steps have become familiar enough to me that I recognize them as Rokoa's.
>>
No. 796146 ID: a363ac

>>796143
"Hey crazy lady you are going to get shark-weeked by the cops and Ultra-King Az if you don't check your surroundings before you try to pull your weight around people with friends in highier places than you." "Ramella how much time do you need to deploy the lesbian gas?"
>>
No. 796151 ID: 211d83

Bean the girl with a slice of cake in the face before Rokoa and Az steal all the fun.
>>
No. 796153 ID: 3abd97

>Ramella's face
Polo used tail whip! It was super effective!

>Amongst the commotion, I also hear footsteps getting closer, and these steps have become familiar enough to me that I recognize them as Rokoa's.
I think the simplest course of action is to do nothing, prevent Pilon from doing anything, then calmly take a drink and watch as Rokoa picks the two of them up from behind by the scruffs of their necks.
>>
No. 796154 ID: 17c2ee

>>796143
Flash your badge if you have it and suggest that it would be for the best if she found another table before things became unpleasant.
>>
No. 796156 ID: c8b031

Hmm. That's a snug bubble if it still excludes her on the edge of the table. I assume she'd also be jammed to whatever's outside behind her while she's standing there, or else she'd have sense Rokoa by now. And funny how the owner says "I need the business". Like these two get the booth for free. But if it was a gift to them, they wouldn't be so belligerent about it? They don't seem on friendly terms with the owner. Does he owe them something? Do they have some hold on him?

Anyway, we don't want Pink to be disturbed by this, so let's act with some finesse.

You're small enough that you can dip down under the edge of the table in front of you and slip out in front of her. Say "hold on" or something to the rest of the table, do that, then touch her so she feels your empathy when you say, with certainty, "there's something you'll want to know, it'll take just a second". Then guide her back to the point where she sees/senses Rokoa coming, preferably out of the line of sight of your companions, and where you can have a quiet, unobtrusive discussion about the advisability of her behavior in this specific instance.
>>
No. 796158 ID: c8b031

Try focus on the danger she's in if you get her to feel your empathy, rather than any annoyance you have with her. I mean it's entirely possible she's a normally nice lady who's just had a long hard day and had been looking forward to this.
>>
No. 796167 ID: 398fe1

>>796143
Exit the jammer bubble. Find out why they're doing this. Then we can take appropriate action.

My impression is that these are some thugs who have bullied the owner into giving them special treatment somehow. That would explain why the owner is acting so submissive. It might be time to round up some criminals.
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No. 796170 ID: 91ee5f

>>796143
Little do those two know, that 4/5ths of the table are crime fighters. And another 2 big time crime fighters are coming straight for them.

I think Polo should just point in the direction Rokoa is coming from and simply say, "I think you're about to have bigger problems than us at this table."
>>
No. 796186 ID: 15a025

Whip out your badge or wave to Az and Rokoa.
>>
No. 796195 ID: 1c8358

Wait for Rokoa to enter visual range and then just point at the two trouble makers. She'll take care of the rest.
>>
No. 796196 ID: aabd7a

Inform the two bodyguards (via text, phone call or embedded ear communicator if possible) That you have two guests that require some persuading.
Or just wait a little while and they'd show up by themselves.
Either way Problem solved.
>>
No. 796218 ID: bfb318
File 149232967833.png - (134.00KB , 800x800 , 157.png )
796218

Although some finesse would be ideal, I would need to leap in between Rokoa and the two people harassing us. I do what I can, and flash my badge.

"Hold it. Ramella, let me get out."

It's awkward, but I start climbing over her, since Ramella isn't that keen on getting in front of those two.

>"All of you get out! I'm not going to - "

I touch her hand. I try to express that she is not going to enjoy what is about to occur, but she is extremely angry and does not even acknowledge Rokoa's approach, empathy, or my own intentions of de-escalation.
>>
No. 796219 ID: bfb318
File 149232973637.png - (165.72KB , 800x800 , 158.png )
796219

Rokoa grabs her neck. The guy the woman was with starts to defend her, and he gets his neck grabbed too. I'm not personally that quick to stop her - even if these people don't have some kind of hold over the owner, what they are doing isn't excuseable. Plus, I can feel Rokoa's empathy out here, and she does not intend on any kind of extreme violence.

Rose speaks as she begins to stand up.

>"Wait! Don't hurt them, I want to know why! It looks bad, but there a lot of unknowns so don't just beat them up!"

"No, they're shitty people." says Rokoa, shaking them around so they can't kick at her easily. It only takes a minute for Rokoa's empathy to get through to them enough to start melting their resolve.
>>
No. 796220 ID: bfb318
File 149232980623.png - (96.95KB , 800x800 , 159.png )
796220

She tosses them to Az, who they recognize and quit fighting completely. I can tell that they are going to start start kissing up to him. It will not work.

"Sit down, Girl!" Rokoa says to Rose. "Get back to your date, and enjoy it!"

Rose does relent and sits back down, and Pilon puts her hand on her shoulder.

>"It's fine." he says. "I believe they're just a pair of loan sharks. It's a complicated relationship that they and the owner have, but they're not any kind of upstanding citizen that should have permanent, 24/7 access to a booth."

Pink thinks with a 'hmm'. Despite Pilon's words, she still seems upset by the event and has half a mind to run after Az to stop whatever it is he's about to do. It will likely just be Az grilling and intimidating them with Rokoa.
>>
No. 796225 ID: a22f5f

"Don't worry, they're good enough at intimidation that it won't turn to violence."
>>
No. 796238 ID: c8b031

This could be a problem. Giving Pink a good time and making her feel better is a big part of what we're doing, but another big part of her problem is her confidence. It wasn't just being exposed to the grump beam in and of itself, it was that they needed to be saved, and that what they normally rely on (in Pink's case, Love) didn't work. The rangers are a group who believe in idealistic methods, non-lethal fighting and so on. So, if Pink feels that she needs thugs (which she doesn't approve of) employed by the government (she doesn't approve of) to shield her and take care of things for her, that's going to undermine her personal and moral confidence a lot, maybe even make her feel ashamed. That's even besides her personal moral worry about what will happen to those two (she's probably not the type to be satisfied with whether someone "deserves it", considering the rangers' villains and how they treat them), for which her imagination will probably do worse than reality. It's the sort of thing that'll eat at her all evening, I think, and even worse into tomorrow.

It might be better to go with her to Az and Rokoa and get it cleared up now. Rokoa might remind her of Christmas, but that would be a temporary mood downer, like Polo herself was at first. She can see what happens instead of imagining, she can even step in (with Polo backing her up) and make a bit of difference and that might let her feel she's at least a little in control instead of just being swept along like a delicate package. It would help her feel Polo respects her, too, to acknowledge what she wants and let her do something difficult.

Besides, Pink would make a great Good Cop. She could possibly make a legitimate difference. If her attitude and empathy and way of doing things can accomplish something, that'll be a big boost to her confidence. It's worth a bit of a gamble, I think.
>>
No. 796255 ID: 211d83

We can't fix Pink by shielding her from every little thing that happens.

Ask her what is on her mind.
>>
No. 796265 ID: 3abd97

>>796218
You'd think she'd be happier to have you crawling in her lap!

>Pink thinks with a 'hmm'. Despite Pilon's words, she still seems upset by the event and has half a mind to run after Az to stop whatever it is he's about to do. It will likely just be Az grilling and intimidating them with Rokoa.
"They acted rudely and inappropriately, and are being ejected by law enforcement. Nothing more. If you'd like, I can go ensure they aren't mistreated, though it's unlikely they would be."

Your 'escorts' are more likely to listen to you than to her, after all, and your presence will ensure any questioning has to be above board.

Go over and supervise. No violence.
>>
No. 796412 ID: bfb318
File 149240532132.png - (81.12KB , 800x800 , 160.png )
796412

"They are being ejected, that is all. If you want, Rose, we can go ensure they aren't mistreated, but I am confident they will not be."
>"Hm... I don't really want to interrupt the date, though! So I'll take your word for it."

So she says, but none of us are really convinced that's what she really wants.

"Let's go inspect." I say, backed up by Pilon, Ramella and Katzati. Rose recognizes she wants to inspect it, and easily relents.
>>
No. 796414 ID: bfb318
File 149240537428.png - (237.62KB , 1200x800 , 161.png )
796414

We all leave the table, except Katzati, to let any waiter know what's going on. Az is giving them a lecture in the back of the restaurant about how he's going to put them under watch, and Rokoa is going to personally check in on them to make sure that they are going to be nothing less than the golden standard of citizenry.

"And if I see you so much as poke your foot out into a public street outside of crosswalk lines," says Rokoa, "You'll get it dragged right into the shittiest excuse of a jail cell we've got."
>"Excuse me?" says Rose. "I don't think that's necessary. What they did was rude and a poor way to express their anger, but I don't think it's worth putting police resources onto them."
"And who do you think you are that makes you think I give a fuck?" Rokoa replies. "This isn't your retribution!"
>"And I wouldn't want that! But aren't there better fish to fry?"
"Cheaters and scammers putting rogues in financial ruin? No, there aren't."
>>
No. 796415 ID: bfb318
File 149240538313.png - (143.83KB , 800x800 , 162.png )
796415

Rose turns away, only half-satisfied.

>"I kind of want to talk to them later." says Rose. "Az seems like he almost wants them to fight back, and Rokoa sounds like she's been personally offended by those guys, and I'm worried. I don't have a good first impression of them, but I'm sure they have their good points."
>"Rokoa may." says Pilon. "But it's not always worth digging into someone's personality just to find a single gem or two."
>"Not always, but she really doesn't look like someone who's suited to be the public face of authority, does she? Is she always like this?"
>"She is." Pilon answers.
>"You dislike her?"
>"I would say yes, but I'm a rogue from her hive, so my opinion is emotional, not deductive."
>"And Az?"
"Although his methods are over the top and he tries to turn everything into a child-like adventure, he does have a remarkable sense of fairness for other hives, especially considering his deep-rooted upbringing as a tribal."
>"That's good, but... oh, no, I almost would want to talk to them more to see what makes them tick, but we're on a date. It would be selfish."

While true that it would further derail the date if she pursued Az and Rokoa, she may be bothered by her first impression of them if she leaves now for the rest of the night. On the other hand, she may be bothered even more if she does satiate her desire to interview these public figures.
>>
No. 796416 ID: 398fe1

>>796415
In for a penny, in for a pound. Love requires understanding, does it not? It is in her nature to seek to understand people.
>>
No. 796418 ID: a363ac

>>796415
"I am sure they would love to talk to you later it really isn't productive to helping you feel love to talk to those bozos. and Az always wants to talk with a second ranger." if she asks who the first Ranger is just say its "the one that beat the rest."
>>
No. 796419 ID: 211d83

Rokoa has personally seen the damage that those sort of people can do every day on the streets. She cares about keeping people safe from both the big and little problems people like them can cause. Yes she is being tough with them but that is her job.

While our methods may differ she is one of the few people I would trust to have my back on a mission.

And Az? While he can be a goof at times he is a good boss and a good person. I would not work for him if he was not.

(Can honestly see Pink having issues due to the rangers idealistic and somewhat childish outlook on things. While you and Rokoa have seen the darker side of criminal behavior she gets lots of cartoon villains to fight.)

As for talking to them they are going to be shadowing us all night. Might as well give her a few minutes to chat with them on the way out to the fair.
>>
No. 796420 ID: 91ee5f

>>796415
"Honestly, they're good people and they mean well. They just express it differently than most people would expect."

>>796419
>they are going to be shadowing us all night.
True.

So if Rose really wants to talk to them she can do it now and get it over with or she can wait until later, when she's more mentally prepared herself to be within their empathy range.
>>
No. 796422 ID: 595d54

>>796415
"Sure, do it later if you don't want to interrupt the date. Unless you already have plans for after-date activities?"
>>
No. 796423 ID: 4546ab

If you want to talk to them feel free to chat while we head over to the fair. But they both have simple motivations. Rokoa is a cop and loves her job. Both protecting the public and getting to beat on criminals. Az is a ultraking but also a big believer of having fun at work.

I already know them both well so am going to focus my attentions on my cute dates tonight.
>>
No. 796424 ID: 3abd97

Didn't even stop to consider we were setting her up with a rogue or if that might be a problem before now.

>she really doesn't look like someone who's suited to be the public face of authority, does she? Is she always like this?
She's not very diplomatic, no, but she does care about her work and doing what she thinks is right. As someone who has worked with her, I'll admit Rokoa is not the right tool for every job, but she's good at what she does.

>but we're on a date. It would be selfish.
I invited you out to try and make you feel better. Be selfish. If you're concerned, try to understand.

Although having worked with both of them, I warn it might take more than a quick talk to see past the attention grabbing exterior for the "hidden gems" of personality.
>>
No. 796429 ID: d3eecf

They're not going anywhere, she can always talk to them after the date. Az wants to talk to her anyway.
>>
No. 796455 ID: c8b031

Well, they're going to be following you along to the fair anyway, right? Including seeing some shows maybe? You might find some point where you're waiting for something to start.

Tell her there might be time later if she still wants to talk to them, or even in the morning if it's really still bothering her. But add: "A talk might not be the best option, though. I also think Rokoa has her good points, but it took me time while I was working with her, and learning some of the context of her life, to realize them. I don't think she's the type to open up to someone unless they've impressed her."

Another possible thing to say: "She's not really a "public face of authority", anyway, but someone who works on the ground. Considering some of the crimes she's seen first hand, and their victims, her feelings are understandable. Az, too, has to see to the consequences and cleanup of such things."

I wouldn't explicitly say anything about her not getting to see the worst sides of crime, though, that would probably just make her feel worse. It's true, but, Polo and the agents and the police are all equipped to deal with the truth, and idealists are useful to have around.

>>796418

We're not mentioned her being a ranger on the date! Pilon and Ramella don't know. If we must we can refer to it more vaguely, like instead of "ranger" say "person in your line of work".
>>
No. 796465 ID: 91ee5f

>>796420
"Also, I was serious about what I said about the girl earlier. She is motherly and if she starts going on about her kids, she won't stop."

Actually, could we use that? We could just say that Rokoa is like a mother with her job and she shows the criminals some "tough love".
>>
No. 797544 ID: 15a025

We could always ask Az and Rokoa to join in our date as well.
>>
No. 797780 ID: bfb318
File 149307563647.png - (132.29KB , 800x800 , 163.png )
797780

"You should know that Rokoa deals with criminals. Street ones, I mean, not ones that dress up with some kind of code of honor or rules of engagement. What I said earlier was true - she does love her kids, too, and will not stop talking about them if she starts. And if Az were unsalvageable, I would not work for him. As for talking to them, it's your decision, but we aren't right next to the fair anyway. There is time to speak to them before we arrive."

Pilon's empathy is clear that he'd like her to go after what's gnawing at the back of her head, so he gives her a nudge on her shoulder back.

>"Okay, okay, I'll go! I won't take too long, but can't you come with me, Pilon? Or do you dislike her that much?" says Rose.
>"Dislike was a poor choice of word to begin with. It's more awkwardness. My presence won't help matters so I would ask that we not invite them along with us to the fair. You should speak to her as alone as possible."
>"Okay."

Choose Character:
Continue as Polo
Rokoa (Until near end of fair)

>>
No. 797781 ID: a363ac

Rokoa
>>
No. 797782 ID: 3abd97

>>797780
We can't abandon Polo in the middle of her date! She's got two ladies to keep happy. Three, if you count Pink.
>>
No. 797783 ID: 595d54

>>797780
Both.

Polo.
>>
No. 797785 ID: 211d83

Rokoa.

We can't turn down the chance to show off her kids to Pink.
>>
No. 797786 ID: c8b031

The answer, of course, is Three Stripes.

or Rokoa
>>
No. 797787 ID: 87547f

Go with Polo. Rokoa already got a valentines day to herself last year. Polo needs romancing this time!
>>
No. 797789 ID: b412df

Three Stripes.

Well, to pick a actual option, Polo.
>>
No. 797792 ID: a363ac

>>797789
Three strips wooo!
>>
No. 797794 ID: e22b1d

Yeah Three Stripes sounds fun.

Or you know Polo.
>>
No. 797795 ID: c8b031

Other potential third options: Giant, Az, Ramella, Katzati and Pilon. We could also see if we could drop in on Itcher, Jessica, Penn or Roxie.

Kind of tempted to change my vote to Az just to see if we can get him to shack up with Rokoa.
>>
No. 797796 ID: 595d54

>>797795
>other potential options
I mean, those could be interesting but I kinda think we have to pick one of the two characters presented to follow.
>>
No. 797809 ID: a43366

Rokoa
>>
No. 797811 ID: 91ee5f

For all of you that're voting for Three Stripes, I think the only thing you'll get is a quick picture of him possibly hugging Giant and telling her thank you for all the heart shaped boxes full of neumono meat!

>>797780
For the sake of forcing seeing Lagotrope give a short in detail description of all of Rokoa's children, I choose Rokoa! Mostly because in the main canon, all of Rokoa's kids (not counting any she had with Pilon on the asteroid) are dead, so it'd be nice to learn about them! Plus, it'll be interesting to see how Rokoa acts when she enters Mom-mode and starts gushing about her kids! XD
>>
No. 797833 ID: 14e4c5

>>797780

Polo, obviously.
>>
No. 797941 ID: 8111b6

Rokoa might mean more Az time. Those two might hit it off aside the mission. Which is more important? Someone that's already got TWO dates, or a new hookup? Even if they only had a one night stand, it might be fun to have two nutters in love~

(Besides, it'd be more excuse for Rokoa to be around in future quests in this universe)
>>
No. 798236 ID: bfb318
File 149325889114.png - (110.38KB , 800x800 , 164.png )
798236

A nervous neumono approaches.

>"Uh, hi!" she says.

This feels like a subordinate hiver. She is emboldened by her queen's actions, or anyone she considers her ally and leader, but she shakes when she's on her own.

"Hey." the male says.
"Your party is leaving. Go."
>"Er, no, I - I wanted to ask you two some questions. You both seem kind of, er, I just need to know what makes you two tick!"
"Passion and fight, duh!"

I don't answer.

>"Well, uh, what do you guys like in life? Why do you do the things you do?"

She doesn't get the social cues, so she doesn't show any nerve for questioning the motives of a stranger, or not leaving. She's like a child. Or an adult that that never grew up. She notices my judgement, but doesn't dare offend by challenging it.
>>
No. 798239 ID: 595d54

Glare harder until she does leave.
>>
No. 798240 ID: 3ce125

>>798236
Tell her it's a long story, filled with violence and tragedy.
>>
No. 798243 ID: 595d54

>>798239
Actually, there's a way you can both ignore her and give her enough of an answer that she might leave, if that doesn't work. Get on your phone and check up on your various children and grandchildren, along with any kids of your friends that you particularly care about.
>>
No. 798244 ID: 3abd97

>"Hey." the male says.
I think Rokoa is deliberately not thinking of him as Az to try and avoid blowing his cover via empathy.

>>"Well, uh, what do you guys like in life? Why do you do the things you do?"
Doing your job, doing well, being challenged, being with your hive, yadda yadda yadda. Don't you have a date, girl? I don't remember being the one you asked out, unless you're planning on buying me dinner here.

Rokao: be a Mom, get bored, and call your kids to check up on them.
>>
No. 798246 ID: 211d83

I like spending time with my hive. I enjoy cuddling with my kids. I like beating up criminals. I like the thrill of my job. I like teasing Polo.

I am a cop and I do my job well. Those two creeps hurt people and would keep hurting people if we did not stop them. Sure they are not big time threats but its the little everyday evils that ruin peoples lives more often than the big ones.

Why do I do the things I do? Because that is who I am. Simple as that.

Why do you do what you do?
>>
No. 798247 ID: c8b031

You know, I don't think we've seen things from Rokoa's point of view, before. We "controlled" her once a long time ago but then we were playing a CAI talking to her.

>She's like a child. Or an adult that that never grew up.

A common condition these days, unlikely to be her fault. At least she's asking questions, so she wants to learn. More than what some do. And she's not in abysmal physical condition.

Polo apparently wants her to benefit somehow from this evening, if that matters to you. Polo tends to have good reasons for what she does.

>Well, uh, what do you guys like in life?

Justice. Within which lies two meanings: people getting what they deserve, and people being... "corrected"... from a path of misbehavior. So not only bringing retribution but also helping people become better people, albeit by means they don't find pleasant.

Also: being STRONG.

>Why do you do the things you do?

To be honest, you have mental problems that you feel are channeled constructively this way. Also, for your hive, especially your kids.
>>
No. 798251 ID: bfb318
File 149326252921.png - (143.90KB , 800x800 , 165.png )
798251

"I fit in with what I do, so I do it."
>"But do you love doing it?"

This childlike neumono, asking me what I love, is making me think of my children.

I get on my phone.

"Unit 24 to Unit 591."
>"...Unit 591 here." I hear my fifth-born answer.
"Hello, Kirrac."
>"Oh hey mom. What's up?"
"Just checking in. Are you on your beat?"
>"Uh, yeah, I'm actually in the middle of an arrest right now."
"You eating right?"
>"Stiiiill in the middle of an arrest!"
"That's no excuse. Eat at a Redstop."
>"I did!"
"Do it again. You don't eat enough times in a day."
>"Okay mom but not until I get this reckless driver off the road!"

I hear snickering.

"Is that the one snickering?"
>"Yes."
"If he has room to laugh, you have room to be tougher. It's not police brutality if they're still laughing."
>"I don't think that's true!"
"What's he laughing about?"
>"... I think he thinks it's funny I'm having a conversation with my mom like this."
"They say people laugh when they're forced to think about something in a new way, so I can understand why they think a mother's love would be funny."
>"Holy fuck mom - okay I need to go mom love you by!"
"Love you too, be safe."

He hangs up. He's dedicated. This pink child seems elated from my half of the conversation.

>"That felt nice! Was that your child?" the child asks.
"And did you seriously just call him mid-conversation?" says the even more overgrown child.
>>
No. 798252 ID: 595d54

Wow, they're not quick on the uptake, are they. Think that for a bit and then check on your other kids.
>>
No. 798253 ID: 211d83

She wanted to know what I like in life and why I do what I do. And my family is a big part of that.

So yeah I did. (smack the guy on the shoulder) Don't you keep in touch with your kids?
>>
No. 798254 ID: 3ce125

>>798251
Yes to both. Now go.
>>
No. 798255 ID: a363ac

>>798251
Pull on the overgrown childs ear for questioning your authority.
>>
No. 798256 ID: c8b031

"Yes, and yes. My children are always my top priority in every situation. Perhaps you wouldn't interrupt a conversation to talk to one of yours, big guy, but from what I hear maybe you would to try make another one."

Alternate retort to Az: "I guess if you called your kids to check on them you'd have no time for anything else."
>>
No. 798257 ID: 3abd97

>Rokoa thinks of everyone as overgrown children
This is magic.

How's... the one other actual adult in the room (though she's still child sized) doing?

>>"That felt nice! Was that your child?" the child asks.
>"And did you seriously just call him mid-conversation?" says the even more overgrown child.
Yes and yes. Now this was supposed to be a date. If you want to keep chatting me up, one of you is going to have to buy me dinner already.
>>
No. 798261 ID: c8b031

Oh, hey, you might as well carry on this conversation while walking with the rest of the Polo date gang, or following them or whatever. Them overhearing doesn't matter so much, and you won't be intruding much more than you are.

And maybe we'll get some of Rokoa's thoughts on each of the rest of them.
>>
No. 798283 ID: 91ee5f

>>798251
>"And did you seriously just call him mid-conversation?" says the even more overgrown child.
Well, she's not wrong. That's our Rokoa, always calling them like she sees them!

Grab his ear and yank on it like a scolding mother would to her child and tell him, "Of course I did! Why? You got a problem with a mother loving her child?"
>>
No. 798324 ID: 8111b6

"Being surrounded by so many babies, I figured I'd touch base with one of my actual children to get my fill instead."

Maybe physically pick pinkie up and carry her back to her companions? She doesn't seem to be getting the drift, otherwise.

As for the male, is he at least interesting in his childishness? Or competent?
>>
No. 798353 ID: bfb318
File 149333243482.png - (148.12KB , 800x800 , 166.png )
798353

>How's the one other actual [short] adult in the room doing?"
Polo has already walked off. I should start following.

>As for the male, is he at least interesting in his childishness? Or competent?
He's strong, but he's not a talented hand to hand fighter.

"Yes to both."

I start following after Polo, and the two with me follow me. Which is wrong.

I tug at the girl's ear and pull her ahead of me.

>"H-hey, ow!"
"Go. Those are your dates, who you shared dinner with. Not me."
>"But! I want to know about your kids!"

She's earnest, but something catches my eye. We're being filmed.
>>
No. 798354 ID: 595d54

Shoot the camera.
>>
No. 798355 ID: 211d83

Are you being filmed or do you just happen to have walked in to frame and now will be doomed to have someone realize who your guy friend is?

Tell her to get back to her dates and you will show her all your photos later. But right now your job is to make sure her private date day stays private.

Once you shoo her off go make sure the camera does not follow Pink.
>>
No. 798356 ID: bfb318
File 149333414074.png - (100.69KB , 800x800 , 167.png )
798356

Az looks at what I'm looking at. We didn't walk into frame; I simply didn't notice until we began moving. Az and I stare right at the camera. He and his camera stare back. His filming is direct, at us, and intentional.

Pink finally gets the hint and moves on, but she looks back at me like she's going to come back.

>Shoot the camera
Tempting. There's probably a sniper around. Polo's trail is being anticipated, and officers and agents are being positioned along it.

We both want to deal with this guy filming in public spaces, but at least one of us needs to keep on Polo's tail.
>>
No. 798357 ID: c8b031

Looks like a pack of neumono heading in the same direction, one of whom has a camera. Might be just someone filming something else and happening to swing the camera your way. Keep moving for now and keep a casual eye out. Don't do anything to draw attention until you know you specifically are the ones being watched. I'm pretty sure if anyone was trying to spy on you or anyone else in your group, they'd use a phone camera or other much subtler means than a big shoulder-mounted thing. Might even be some journalist who caught wind of your big red companion being present.

I'm more concerned that some of the neumono over there don't seem to be wearing pants.
>>
No. 798358 ID: 211d83

Public relations is Az's job. Let him deal with it.
>>
No. 798360 ID: a363ac

>>798356
Just have one of Az's secret bodyguards deal with it its just paparazzi.
>>
No. 798362 ID: 3abd97

I don't think using a camera in a public space is illegal. It might not even be unusual, if the cameraman recognized Az. He is a celebrity, for whatever reason.

Tell Az "fetch" and then go back to babysitting.

>>"But! I want to know about your kids!"
If she comes back, oblige, and talk her ear off.

Keep your eyes open, though.
>>
No. 798363 ID: c8b031

That last post of mine was a bit late, I guess, but most of it still applies. I think it's even more likely that it's just some journalist, now, particularly if his camera is staying on you two rather than following Polo's group.

Maybe you should feed him something spicy to content himself with. Give Az a big kiss. Or at least have him put his arm around you or something. You've taken going on a date as your cover anyway, right? You need to keep attention off Polo and her dates, right? Think of it like taking a bullet.
>>
No. 798367 ID: 91ee5f

Huh. And this whole time I thought Az and Rokoa were just trying to mess with Polo, but it turns out that they're actually trying to help keep troublemakers to a minimum for Pink!

>>798356
>His filming is direct, at us, and intentional.
Well, to be fair, Az is a celebrity and pretty much everyone knows his face. This guy is probably just recording a celebrity and has no intention of following Polo because she's a nobody compared to Az.

>Pink finally gets the hint and moves on
Keep an eye on the camera guy to see if he looks away from you and Az to follow Pink with his camera.
>>
No. 798484 ID: cbb6df

Az go do "public relations", ham it up.
>>
No. 798571 ID: bfb318
File 149342025305.png - (183.11KB , 900x800 , 168.png )
798571

>I don't think using a camera in a public space is illegal.
Not explicitly, but it does count as being a creep, and that's met with police action as needed.

The neumono surrounding him move in their own directions, and this guy just seems to have one, maybe two people with him. He keeps it on us.

"You go deal with him." I say to the male, but he already starts moving as soon as we think to deal with him.
"With pleasure."

I keep trailing the date group. They hail a taxi van, who is driven by an alien. I hail a police car. Our dragoon pilot arrives, who does not get a chance to deploy our dragoon mechs that often. The camera guy is still being dealt with, so I'll go on alone. The pilot and I don't say a word. Instead, we fling mental jabs and derisions at each other for fun while she tails the taxi.

A few moments later, the taxi driver drives down another street, which is not where I'd expect them to go to get to the fair. I get a text within seconds.

From: Polo
Calmly stop this car.


I don't remember sharing my number with her. She's a creep too, but that's in her job description.
>>
No. 798573 ID: 3ce125

>>798571
"this car"? That kindof sounds like she's saying to stop the taxi while making it sound like you need to stop tailing them. And "calmly"???

Okay, how about you get in front of the taxi somehow and then just kinda stop in front of them so they have to stop too.
>>
No. 798577 ID: 3abd97

>I don't remember sharing my number with her.
Yeah, but she shared her phone with you last time, so whatever.

>Calmly stop this car.
Turning on the lights and trying to pull them over probably doesn't count as "calmly". If Polo noticed something wrong with the driver, turning on lights and siren will probably make him abandon cover and run for it, which isn't good for the date.

Best bet is to have your buddy do some reckless parallel driving a block over so you pass them, then you can get in front of them. Jaywalk, or cause some other obstacle where a "normal" taxi driver, and this guy trying to maintain cover, would too.
>>
No. 798578 ID: c8b031

Good thing you're in a police car, then. Just follow, turn on your siren and pull him over, for... uh, not indicating when he turned or something. Checking his taxi license or whatever. You're a cop, there are always a half-dozen available reasons for you to hassle someone if you feel like it.

Actually, shouldn't (your) modern taxis have some sort of messaging system, like a phone to their company or something? If there'd be a quick turnaround, you could take his company and registration number and use it to call them to call him.
>>
No. 798579 ID: 4258fd

Land a dragoon mech on their bonnet while shouting "Calmly stop this car", just as polo requested.
>>
No. 798587 ID: b412df

Do you have UDA analysts on call? They might be able to help with finding quick routes and etc.

Try to see if you can get ahead of the taxi without arousing suspicion, then slow down until it has to stop; or somehow get it stuck in traffic?
>>
No. 798588 ID: 3abd97

Actually, simplest solution might be to have someone mess with the traffic lights up ahead. Both cops and agencies should have some ability for that, and you're working with both.
>>
No. 798773 ID: 8111b6

Well, if it's not actually a taxi, then it's just a car used by kidnappers, isn't it? I suppose the calm bit is to keep from upsetting pinkface. The traffic light plan might work. ...or passing and then slowing to a stop. ...or lights on and drive past, if you've got rules where folks are supposed to pull to the side of the road when that happens. Or, you could say 'fuck subtlety' and stop 'em by blowing out a tire or something else fun and say you were totally calm when you did it.
>>
No. 798831 ID: bfb318
File 149350595043.png - (139.72KB , 800x800 , 169.png )
798831

I get on my phone and call some hivemates.

"Rokoa here, with car 340. We've got a taxi ahead we want stopped - make the next light red."

It takes so damn long that the light turns yellow just in time for the taxi to speed up and blow through it. This police car is a newer model that has a camera on the front that can scan the license plate number and return data on the dash screen, which my mate fires off. There's nothing untowards about Polo's ride; it's properly registered as a taxi van.

>"Eh, whatever." says my mate, noting that they did tap over the speed limit to burst the yellow. She calmly turns on the lights, runs the red, and pulls the taxi over. It takes some time, but the driver doesn't speed up, and it's common for a pull-over to take a while. Many people try to find a stretch of road that's not filled up with parking.

I take the moment to text a reply to miss sniper.

"What do you mean 'this car?' You mean this taxi?"
>"Someone autocorrected ta-xi to beer on my phone."

Once the road is clear of parked cars, the taxi driver pulls over at the side of the smaller, 2 lane road. We're both surprised and disappointed. I want some action, ane my mate is always on the lookout for any excuse to airdrop her mech.

>"You want me to go out there?" my mate continues.
"Why not?"
>"'cause that driver's probably expecting a cop, and you're not even wearing any fucking pants!"
>>
No. 798832 ID: 211d83

Have her go out and give a standard speeding ticket speech to the driver. The longer the better but nothing over the top just yet.

You keep talking to Polo on the phone about what is going on so you can help her. Find out if this is a dangerous situation or what.
>>
No. 798833 ID: 8ed2bb

Wait, no pants? Man, I didn't even notice. Looked back now though, and yeah, wow. I thought that was just your shirt. Does that even cover your whole butt? That's a pretty damn short skirt with legs like you guys do. And a tail besides.

Well, I would say "take her pants", but she's smaller than you and it'd probably take too long anyway. So yeah, send her out. Once she has the driver's attention on that side of the car, you get out too on your side and sneak up along the other side staying low. Then you can poke your head up to the side window and see what's what with the passengers. If the driver's an alien they won't sense you, and you should have enough of a read on Polo or even Pilon's empathy to tell what's going on from them, right?
>>
No. 798836 ID: 8ed2bb

Damn, the more I think about it, the more of a problem I see with this. This is going to get in the way of you doing your job. You have to fix it as soon as possible.

Your outfit, I mean.

I'm guessing it's a sort of somewhat china-dress-esque thing, but the thing about those is they generally balance out more by way of a longer skirt or less sleeves or both. Your trouble right now is that whatever color or colors your dress is, it's all up there around your torso and midsection and leaving your legs bare, which makes it a very top-heavy arrangement, especially considering your natural color is a grey white. Leaving your legs bare underneath that sort of thing just looks like you forgot to finish dressing yourself! Or that you had your pants stolen. It's not a look that instills a sense of authority or menace, is what I'm saying. How can you command respect if you don't look like you have command over your own wardrobe?

Maybe if you had slits up the side? You'd need to not wear underwear, then, though. Might get away with it if you lengthened it, and it would make the skirt less restrictive to your movements. You could also take the sleeves off, that would help. Alternately, you could get something to put on your legs. A big something, though, just shoes wouldn't do. Trouble is, thigh-high boots are probably a pain and don't even look that good for neumono, and you can't wear tights if you're fuzzy. Perhaps some socks. Long socks, some analogous color to the dress, or maybe a different shade of the same color.

This is CRITICAL, Rokoa.
>>
No. 798837 ID: 3abd97

>>798831
Well then, give me your pants.
>>
No. 798841 ID: bfb318
File 149350915248.png - (162.93KB , 800x800 , 170.png )
798841

>Does the shirt even cover the butt?
Yeah, as long as the vantage point is high enough. It's got a hole for my tail, so it stays down, at least.

I was told by Az there were no pants in my size for undercover work. Even if he felt like he wasn't lying, somehow I'm pretty sure he was full of shit. And I just didn't give much of a shit. Even if I wanted pants, my mate's pants are too small for me.

>It's not a look that instills a sense of authority or menace. How can you command respect if you don't look like you have command over your own wardrobe?
I doubt I'll ever get this concept of fashion. With thighs like mine, showing them off should give off more authority, regardless of what else I wear. I should've just had someone from the police department send me something.

I get the empathy from the taxi as we pull up close enough. If they're in danger, they don't know it. Feelings move from mild concern, to excitement, to slight exasperation. I stay in the car and text Polo.

"So why didn't you stop them yourself?"
>"I could not without potentially losing control of the car. The driver is a Pomi, and can die due to light blunt trauma. Also, I do not think he is wearing his seat belt. He is also not letting us out - he insists that he will get us to the fair in good time, no matter what. This might be a kidnapping, but it may just be an overpushy taxi driver."

I watch my mate do the standard business of asking for license, registration, so on. There's a mild argument after that. I can't make out what the Pomi is saying, but it sounds like a thick accent from the Pomi homeworld. They don't respect neumono authority, and are a frequent problem. They're still hired by taxi agencies since they're hard workers, are friendly to the passengers, and unlike neumono taxi drivers, don't constantly play bumper cars on the road. It's probably because Pomi die from fender benders.

Polo reports that the taxi driver is still desperate to keep them in the car, so much that it seems like he might peel off if it escalates any farther. In that case, I'd want to be in the car to take off after him, but unless he does that, I'm doing a whole lot of nothing.
>>
No. 798843 ID: 3abd97

You can tell Rokoa and Polo are both highly skilled- not a single typo despite texting with neumono oven mitts. Heck, Polo isn't even using oven mitts, she's using her ear.

>license, registration, so on
Well, if he's a kidnapper, he probably doesn't have em.

If he is legit and just sketchy, best bet might be just to pay him the full fare for the fair and then part ways.

Not much for Rokoa to do but be behind the wheel in case he panics and floors it. Maybe Katzati could arrange for a truck to be in the way ahead or something so he can't run, but it largely seems like a waiting game now.
>>
No. 798860 ID: 91ee5f

>>798841
I get it now! Taxis get paid depending on the distance between Point A and Point B. If he took the normal route, then he would've gotten less money, so he's purposefully taking the long way around so that he can charge for more money!

Then again, the fact that Polo said someone autocorrected taxi to say beer on her phone means that someone has hacked her phone and is attempting to prevent taxi going out in a message so that whoever Polo is texting won't know she's in a taxi. That is what's making me worried that this is a kidnapping.
>>
No. 798861 ID: 91ee5f

>>798860
Another possibility is that the driver is new to the city and is lost and doesn't want to admit that he's lost and ask for directions.
>>
No. 798863 ID: 8ed2bb

Move over into the driver's seat so that you're ready to give chase right away if he does pull out.

>With thighs like mine, showing them off should give off more authority, regardless of what else I wear.

Well, on that basis you should just run around naked all the time, shouldn't you? Besides, that authority is demonstrated by the shape of your thighs, which isn't the issue and should indeed be shown off. It's mostly the color balance I'm concerned with.

If you even wore some anklets it'd be something.
>>
No. 798885 ID: 3ce125

>>798841
You know what kind of car it is, right? Which end of it has the wheels that propel the car forward? Like, is it front wheel drive or rear?

Get out and walk up next to the car like you're just a pedestrian. Then lift the driving tires off the road.
>>
No. 798891 ID: 91ee5f

>>798885
Rokoa isn't that strong! If this was Giant, then maybe, but come on, you're asking Rokoa to lift a car with 5 neumono and 1 pomi in it! Maybe she old lift it if the car was empty, but not with the extra weight of 5 passengers and a driver!
>>
No. 798899 ID: 15a025

Get in the drivers side and start reeving up the engine.
>>
No. 798908 ID: 3ce125

>>798891
Oh you're right, I forgot to take into account the weight of the passengers.

Instead she could just sit on the hood. No sane Pomi would try to drive off in that situation.
>>
No. 798913 ID: 901d83

Swap into the drivers seat.

>>798861
Have your hive mate ask this.
If he looks like he's about to take off maybe threaten that you'll stop him through ramming?

>>798908
That would be quite the sight.
>>
No. 798916 ID: 91ee5f

>>798908
.....ok, Rokoa is probably big enough and heavy enough to leave a dent in the hood, if she did that.

>>798913
>That would be quite the sight.
Indeed!
>>
No. 798921 ID: 638191

>>798916
haha rokoa is FAAAAAAT
>>
No. 798931 ID: f0f32d

>>798843
They probably just use autocorrect. I bet the reason Mimi doesn't use any is healthy paranoia.
>>
No. 798950 ID: 8111b6

Perhaps Az is a leg man? One has to appreciate things when one can, hm?

Also, I agree that it might be the 'take the long way and run up the meter' scam. At least the driver wouldn't be too troublesome to put down if Polo had to due to it not being so.
>>
No. 800388 ID: bfb318
File 149421502919.png - (151.51KB , 800x800 , 171.png )
800388

City cars are lightweight, even vans, and almost always two wheel drives. And two wheelers are almost always powered in the back. Looks like most of the weights been put up front, so I can lift up the back of the truck just fine. Leverage or something, I don't know, I'm not a scientist.

>"Ah! What are you neumono doing?!" asks the Pomi.
>"Making sure your van stays in 'park'!" says my mate.
>"You're to accuse me of running? I am operating as a normal taxi driver!"
>"Then why did we make a wrong turn?" asks Polo.
>"This is not wrong turn! It is to a shortcut!"
>"When I asked you to immediately turn on the next street, you refused."
>"This ain't the shortest distance to the fair." my mate continues. "You trying to rip these guys off?"
>"No! Do you cops not have anything better to do than hassle honest workers?! I am professional!" Every neumono in there decides to get out - and apparently this Pomi has empathy, because they don't even start to physically leave before the Pomi yells at them. "No! Do not leave! I will take everyone to fair!"
>"Sorry!" says the pink one. "We're trying to avoid trouble!"
>"No trouble!" says the Pomi, and I feel the van shift away from park.
>"Put the van in park, and get the fuck out!" my mate yells.
>>
No. 800389 ID: bfb318
File 149421503728.png - (106.98KB , 800x800 , 172.png )
800389

Building across the street. 6th window across. 3rd story.

Something was there. I don't know what it was.

I need to chase it now.
>>
No. 800390 ID: 3ce125

>>800389
I'm thinking it was someone meant to monitor the taxi's progression to wherever it was taking the VIPs.
>pomi apparently has empathy
There's another neumono monitoring what's happening. Might even be the one you saw.

Anyway, give your mate time to book the Pomi. Then run off to chase the unknown figure. The VIPs can use your car for the rest of the trip.
>>
No. 800395 ID: 83b227

If this guy races away your buddy has his reg number and description and can put out a call to chase him down. The other neumono have your empathy and can tell why you'll be racing off.

The concern is that you'd be leaving them with no protection (except themselves). Plus, if what/whoever you end up chasing wasn't a neumono then you will have no clue what you're looking for, and if they they could blend in with the general population no problem and you could just walk past them, if they keep it cool. Do you cops get sniffer training? Can you pick out how aliens smell when they're nervous/afraid/guilty? Do you have a good enough nose that if you get up to where it was you'd be able to pick up their scent and follow them using that? What's the building? Could it have just been a bystander who's very reasonably scared of you, you scary person? If you had pulled this guy over quickly I'd say no way could someone with nefarious designs happen to be right here, but he took a while to pull over. But if this spot has something nearby he had in mind, why is he so insistent that they stay with him? Did you snotice any places he could reasonably have pulled over earlier that he skipped?

Mentally shout at the other neumono (Polo specifically, or Pilon if you think he'd read you better) to stay nearby for a while. Whether you can catch whatever it was or lose the trail should be decided quickly, and you'll be able to return to them.
>>
No. 800396 ID: 211d83

Yeah am thinking camera guy and several others as yet unseen are working together to ruin valentines day.

Your job is to protect Pink. Not go running to chase down people. If you leave to chase down some watcher then Polo will be stuck protecting Pink alone in a dress.

So get your hive on the horn. You stay as bodyguard and let them know that the forces of evil are conspiring to ruin valentines day.
>>
No. 800397 ID: 83b227

Do NOT chase until the passengers have gotten out, in any case.
>>
No. 800406 ID: 3abd97

>and apparently this Pomi has empathy
Pretty sure that was sarcasm, and there would things like visual cues he could pick up on.

>>800389
Problem is they have a whole building to hide in, and you don't have a search warrant or exigent circumstances that would allow you to pursue whoever or whatever that was through private residences.

In fact, they could very easily just act normal and blend in with the other residents of the building. And you're only one person- they could get around you while you're trying to search.

The only way you're catching that person is if you go in through that window, now, in the next few seconds.

Go a good way to get three stories up in a hurry?

Also we sort of need the driver out of the car before you put it down.

(Also is this cop instincts, or did a predator just hit you with a compulsion to lead you away).
>>
No. 800423 ID: 430896

Tell squadmate to turn car off fast, you saw something.
>>
No. 800458 ID: 34576f

That's not a Pomi, it's a Fufa.
>>
No. 800466 ID: 8111b6

If you go chasing, who will watch the group? It could be a distractionary technique to draw you away. The other officer will be busy with the pomi, so they're out. The big guy got caught up by paparazzi, so he's out. If you go chasing shadows, you're out too. Sure, they have at least two competent combatants, but it'll ruin the mission goals if they have to do so. ...unless pretty-in-pink gets off on that, which I doubt.

Assess more before you decide if it's worthwhile to chase.
>>
No. 800532 ID: 7397ab

What are you a confused cat chasing a laser pointer?

You can not leave because you are the only one currently guarding Polo. And she is a civilian tonight. So you have to treat the situation like she is just another person to guard and not a fellow operative.

Luring all of the groups guards away could be exactly what has been going on. They get Az to wander off with a camera and you to blindly chase something. Then the taxi drives off and delivers all our cute girls to a horrible fate. Sure Polo would save the day but it would ruin her nice night.(Plus Polo would get to yell at you)

So have your hivemate arrest the cab driver and drag him into the cop car. Then you get in the cab and drive the group to the fair. And you get your other hivemates to converge on the area around the fair and hang out here relaxing for the night so they can respond to any other attempts to mess with things.
>>
No. 800652 ID: 3e8031

>>800458
Yeah, signs of emphathy. Being overly insistent on a flimsy cover story. Its insisting that it is a normal taxi driver. Its not being asked that, its just stating it. That sound like a Fufa blowing its cover and trying to say nuhuh
>>
No. 800673 ID: 91ee5f

>>800388
Dat ass! :)

But seriously, get everyone out of there.

>>800389
I agree with everyone else saying that what you saw is to draw you away from Polo and her group. Don't go chasing after the bait! Stay and keep Polo's group safe!
>>
No. 800699 ID: bfb318
File 149436103232.png - (157.29KB , 800x800 , 173.png )
800699

Paranoia check.

Predator? No, This isn't a predator doing it to me. A predator would be a slow inclination. It can build up to be intense, but not instantly like this. This is instinct.

Fufa? ... probably not. I can smell this Pomi, and it moves like a Pomi. A fufa would not shed its own cells to simulate the smell. It would create biomatter from scratch to do so.

Az is gone. My mate's no bodyguard, and is busy with getting the Pomi out. She manages to get him to turn off the car and get out, so I put the car down. I have to stay and guard these people anyway, and suppress every bit of me that wants to take off towards something I know nothing about.

>"What is with you?" Shorty asks.
"That window. I saw something."

She texts to have someone check it out.

>"The fair isn't even that far." she tells me. "We can walk. We have agents arriving throughout the path we'll, and Az is more or less finishing making a scene. We'll stay here and safe for a moment before continuing on a secured path, so you go indulge whatever's gotten you so winded up."
"Haha, when have you ever trusted my actions?"
>"I don't."
>>
No. 800700 ID: bfb318
File 149436104128.png - (164.52KB , 800x800 , 174.png )
800700

>"But whatever's gotten into you is making an empathic scene."
>>
No. 800702 ID: b412df

Right, terror aura, darn. Whatever you saw is getting you worked up and other people are feeling it. Go and investigate that thing.
>>
No. 800703 ID: 3ce125

Thanks, bye!

Dash off.
>>
No. 800706 ID: 83b227

>covering kid's eyes

Quickly check that when you squatted down to drop the car and then straightened up again, your skirt didn't catch friction on your fuzzy butt flexing and get shoved up under your tail. I assume that with that dress, even you are wearing underwear, but I am prepared to be wrong?

Then go chase. Sniff around. Keep an eye out for any "bystanders" that seem anxious or too unnaturally nonchalant.
>>
No. 800708 ID: 7397ab

Eh if Polo says go for it go for it.

So get to booking it I guess.
>>
No. 800715 ID: 3abd97

>not a fufa or a predator
...we're dealing with one of the omega force rangers here. Could you have been zapped with their tech? Like someone gave you an empathy zapping for vigilance, or action, or chase, or... something like that.

That would mean the other rangers are interfering for some reason, or someone besides Polo swiped some of their tech.

>Polo and Rokoa alone, finally
You have to offer her completely inappropriate, teasing 'encouragement' now. I mean, the stuck in the mud by the book grump turned a mission into a getting paid to date two girls at the same time. You can't not have fun with that.
>>
No. 800719 ID: 986a62

kthxbye
>>
No. 800725 ID: 211d83

Double Polo paranoia check:

As Polo if she thinks someone flashed something that would specifically set you off to get you away from guarding her.

If Polo paranoia says its ok chase the thing.
>>
No. 800726 ID: e22b1d

>>800715

This is a good point. What if you got zapped with empathy beam tech by someone who had ramped themselves up with "chase me" empathy?
>>
No. 800731 ID: 83b227

>>800715

Does Rokoa actually know this situation is connected to the rangers, or was she just told she's guarding Polo's group while she has a date and for some reason there might be dastardly interference?
>>
No. 800735 ID: 91ee5f

>>800700
Ask if she remembers her "Grump Beam" from last Christmas. Then tell her that whatever you saw might've been someone quickly ducking back into the building after taking a quick shot at you with an empathy gun. Which would explain why your empathy is suddenly causing a scene.

Anyone have a nearby jammer that you can step into real quick so that you can stick around and watch Polo's group, without your empathy causing a scene?
>>
No. 800910 ID: bfb318
File 149444352834.png - (95.28KB , 800x800 , 175.png )
800910

Dress check.

It's still covering myself. Underwear is still there as backup.

"Hey Polo. Think I got zapped with a wave force 'chase me' beam?"
>"... if our problems - wait. Why do you know about... her?" she asks, in regards to Pink.
"'cause Az is a fucking moron, duh."
>"... yeah. Duh. Anyway. If you got hit by a wave force beam, that means, then this is near certainly just ranger intervention, and that is something I can handle it on my own. There's no jammer around to hide your... whatever you're thinking. Go. Stay in contact if it's something important."

Damn, she doesn't think much of those guys. Which is fair.
>>
No. 800912 ID: bfb318
File 149444358181.png - (204.72KB , 800x800 , 176.png )
800912

I go running into the building and leap up the stairwell. This area is some kind of warehouse.

sniff

Something...

sniff

Something like...

An... arkot?

The scent goes out towards the fire escape by the alleyway. Wait. No. It's emanating more from in that nearby cardboard box behind me.
>>
No. 800914 ID: 3ce125

>>800912
HEHEH. Go bully the tiny arkot who thinks he's so clever he can hide in a box.
>>
No. 800923 ID: 3d2d5f

>>800912
Bully the cardboard box.

Could be two arkots who split up. One panicked and hid, the other panicked and ran. I mean, one arkot is too short to do anything alone.
>>
No. 800929 ID: 211d83

Watch for tiny arkot tazers when you open that box.

And yeah there might have been two (or more). One to hold the other one up high enough to look out the window.
>>
No. 800930 ID: 03f010

>>800912
Paranoia mode: Throw a thing at the cardboard box, without approaching it.
>>
No. 800931 ID: 91ee5f

If arcots did it, then there's a leak in the department that was studying that waveforce gun Polo brought in for research! And whoever leaked that info gave it to the bad guys!
>>
No. 800942 ID: 83b227

Arkots outside the wild almost always have an employer of some kind... and any such employer is unlikely to send only one arkot to do anything. You're dealing with more than one, and they certainly have some way of communicating with someone else.

Question is, why did they split up? They wouldn't be trusted to work without supervision. Whoever's instructing them would have had time to tell them what to do when they were spotted. I (metaphorically) smell a rat. Both the door and the box would put you in a prime spot to be targeted from the walkway/balcony above the warehouse.

Don't bully that box directly. Knock another box over on top of it from the side to capture whatever's inside it, then you can deal with it at your leisure. Keep your senses open above you; if there was someone on that walkway above you, the heat of their body would probably make their scent rise and be hard to catch.
>>
No. 800973 ID: bfb318
File 149445585596.png - (138.37KB , 800x800 , 177.png )
800973

Something's up with that box. I take some cover, grab a heavier box, and throw it on the arkot box.
>>
No. 800974 ID: bfb318
File 149445586970.png - (126.79KB , 800x800 , 178.png )
800974

BZZZZT
>>
No. 800977 ID: bfb318
File 149445592781.png - (139.09KB , 800x800 , 179.png )
800977

I call up the police department.

>"Rokoa?"
"... Yeah. Get the fire department on my location."
>"On it. What happened?"
"Some arkot set up a lightning grenade. I'll be in pursuit, but send a few extra units. Arkots don't work alone, and they're sure as hell not clever enough to do this without orders."

I might want to air-drop some supplies to myself while I go arkot hunting. Like bioarmor, or maybe pants.
>>
No. 800980 ID: 3ce125

>>800977
Bioarmor, a good tranquilizer gun, wire ties to tie up arkots with. A thermal scope would prevent any more stupid traps like that one.
>>
No. 800982 ID: 3abd97

>supplies
A rubber truncheon to smack away lighting weapons and to smack arkots around without killing them.

A sack. To fill with arkots as you catch them.

...do you have to read arkots their rights? Do they even have rights?

>pants
Naaaaaaw. Have some fun with this.
>>
No. 800985 ID: 83b227

I doubt people ever buy only one lightning grenade, so maybe get yourself some rubber shoes or something.

I don't know if bioarmor is actually a good idea for once - these people are operating by blending in with the population. If you walk around on the streets in the stuff, they're going to hear/feel/see you stand out a mile away from the commotion and escape easily. Plus, since your targets are themselves targeting Polo's group, any pursuit is likely going to lead you back around towards them, possibly meeting up with them again (if it does seem to pull you away from them, I'd be suspicious of that). Wearing bioarmor won't suit the date and will also probably disturb the fair, which will probably be where your targets make their next attempt. These people have almost certainly made preparations to escape, so you need to catch them with their pants down or they'll get away. That means being a bit subtle.

Besides, neumono are vulnerable to electricity, right? That lightning grenade was targeted at your species. Whoever you're dealing with, they're expecting neumono, and common neumono tactics like using bioarmor. They're also, most likely, people who have some beef against the rangers - who famously use specialized armor, including bioarmor. They'll be prepared for you, and I'd bet there are some nasty countermeasures against bioarmor out there.

So I'd say don't use bioarmor, actually. Though... last Christmas, didn't you run into a pair of mindcontrolled neumono using some sort of bioarmor bikinis? If you police have access to some specialty low-coverage bioarmor for undercover work, maybe something like a one-piece that only covers and strengthens your torso, that'd still offer some advantage and be stealthy. If you have something like that, call it in, trade out your underwear. Otherwise don't bother with bioarmor.

No need to get pants, but maybe alter/exchange your dress. One similar but with no sleeves and a belt would be nice. Maybe get yourself some bracelets and anklets? Or socks, if you do go with the rubber boots. Changing outfits may also throw off your targets - non-neumono may have enough trouble telling neumono apart that they may assume another big white neumono woman in a different dress (even different make-up?) is a different person. Especially if you can, uh... alter your characteristic expression a little.
>>
No. 800986 ID: 83b227

Oh, and since the arkots are probably being supervised, any gadget you can get that picks up on nearby communication signals would be nice. Maybe an AI could even automatically search and detect local signals for arkot speech patterns?
>>
No. 800988 ID: a363ac

have an agent call the rangers (cause we know we have at least one phone number besides pinks we have the super secret government people on our side) and ask about anyone who specifically has a thing for the pink ranger or love and uses henchmen and specifically arkots.
>>
No. 800992 ID: 5b93d3

>>800977
Hey, is this an excuse to call in your 'driver' with the Dragoon? It'd probably be overkill, but at least they'd owe you a favour for giving them the excuse to deploy it.
>>
No. 801150 ID: bfb318
File 149453793532.png - (145.95KB , 800x800 , 180.png )
801150

>Do you have to read arkots their rights? Do they even have rights?
We don't gotta read shit to anyone. Ignorance is no excuse. If they have rights, they can look up their rights themselves.

I fuckin' wish I could call a dragoon out, but after the radio tower incident, all dragoon requests go straight through our queen, and our queen is a stingy bitch when it comes to things like overkill and collateral damage.

"Give me a supply drop on the rooftop of my current building. Rubber truncheon. Rubber boots. A sack. Tranquilizer. Zip ties. Goggles with thermal vision and, hell, the works. Torso bioarmor with shock resistance. Also a new dress, like the one that Kork wore on her one and only undercover assignment."
>"Ooookay."
"And keep me in the loop - let me know if there's any sound of arkots anywhere."

I run up to the rooftop before the box finishes getting mortar'd outfrom HQ and parachuted down. Everything's there. and I start getting changed.

"Hey, you!" I call Az up. "I don't know where you're at or what you're still doing, but who's got it out for 'Rose', and uses henchman like arkots?"
>"No one who likes getting shit done, I'll tell you that!" he laughs in the phone. "Just the Grinch, and he's still in jail."

I get a warning text. Apparently there's an arkot sighted in the building next to -
>>
No. 801152 ID: bfb318
File 149453796194.png - (146.04KB , 800x800 , 181.png )
801152

papapapapapapa

Machine gun fire from a soon to be dead motherfucker! I hit the deck and wait it out. It sounds like a damn kid's assault rifle with tiny bullets that I can barely even hear. Probably no stopping power, but fires a stupid amount of bullets.
>>
No. 801153 ID: bfb318
File 149453797025.png - (61.17KB , 800x800 , 182.png )
801153

I crawl to the side and lift my head.

Just one arkot that I can see, through the window, already fleeing. I don't even think the public heard the gunfire; the loudest noise was the glass breaking.
>>
No. 801156 ID: 3ce125

>>801153
It's that damn scarf-wearing Arkot from Christmas! Damn, can the tranq gun break glass? If so, open fire. I wish we had a grappling hook to get over to that building quickly.

Look at the floor behind you to get a look at the projectiles that he shot at you. Make sure that little gun isn't firing weird shit at you that could actually be dangerous.
>>
No. 801161 ID: 211d83

That looks like the cyber Arkot Vanksi had working for him.

Let everyone know who you spotted and see if you can get ahead of him so he will run into your hands.
>>
No. 801164 ID: 83b227

My guess is some ally or relation of Vanski is in on this. Be prepared for yet more salikai and salikai accessories action.
>>
No. 801190 ID: 3abd97

>Damn, can the tranq gun break glass?
Assuming it's meant to not poke big bloody holes in people, it probably either can't be fired through glass, or through glass without damaging the dart or knocking it off course.

>It's that damn scarf-wearing Arkot from Christmas!
It occurs to me that Officer Rokoa recognizing him relies on her either listening to Agent Polo, or having read the report. Both of which seem unlikely to me.

Unless maybe there were wanted posters made.

>already running
Falling back to his next ambush point. He knows better than to fight you head on.

Not much choice but to follow, though. Jump between buildings!
>>
No. 801202 ID: 91ee5f

>>801150
>"No one who likes getting shit done, I'll tell you that!" he laughs in the phone. "Just the Grinch, and he's still in jail."
Well, obviously we missed a few of his henchmen!
>>801190
>Officer Rokoa recognizing arcot.
I think she saw him. Wether Rokoa thought he was worth the effort to remember is a different story.
>>
No. 801204 ID: bfb318
File 149455864148.png - (187.46KB , 800x800 , 183.png )
801204

As far as I can tell, these bullets are just metal. I still don't plan on testing it, because if there's any organizations that'll shove shit in tiny bullets, it's salikai and their associates.

I leap across the building into the arkot's. The tranquilizer isn't good enough to shatter normal glass, but this glass is cheap, flimsy, safe and floats like a feather. I don't even think it's glass. Point is, there's no way I could've hit the thing with a tranq from this far.

I fall 3 floors jumping to the other side, but that's better than nothing. I pull out my phone again.

"Some arkot's up in my building, 5 floors above me. Might be that competent arkot I heard about that Polo ran into."

I don't know a damn thing about it, but 'NCO Arkot' is on the most wanted list, so I know it exists. And even if it's supposedly competent by itself, I don't think it's working alone.

>"Units are on the way."

My first thought is to run up the stairwell at the end of the hall, but I hesitate. If I were a dumbass, three foot tall weakling, where would I go?
>>
No. 801205 ID: 3ce125

>>801204
If I were a competent arkot I'd rappel down the elevator shaft.
>>
No. 801206 ID: 211d83

Taste the glass. Is it sugar glass? If so this is a odd setup.

Remember that this little guy is smart due to his implants but is still small and needs to take down enemies with traps and tricks. He shot at you to get you to come here so he could trap you somehow.

So he is probably going to act like a stupid arkot and go somewhere silly. To make you not notice he trapped that area.

Remember he was looking at you for some reason and is involved with someone to mess with this date night.

Check for him sliding up or down stairs first. Then vents or small areas. Maybe the bathrooms.
>>
No. 801209 ID: 91ee5f

>>801204
>If I were a dumbass, three foot tall weakling, where would I go?
You'd go anywhere that didn't involve a giant neumono woman chasing you!

Anyways, think small. He's going to try to use your difference in size to get away by going somewhere too small for you or he'll lead you somewhere that looks big enough for you, but will just result in you getting stuck.

Try thinking like Polo, who is basically a female neumono version of that arkot. Where would she go if she wanted to sneak around or not be found by someone? Air vents? Dumbwaiter? Laundry chute? Garbage chute?
>>
No. 801210 ID: fc33ea

He's going to try and bait you in again, wherever he's gone.
>>
No. 801220 ID: 3abd97

>>801204
Flash your badge at the civilian peeking out. "Official business!"

>If I were a dumbass, three foot tall weakling, where would I go?
To lead you into a trap, probably. He's already tried to surprise you twice, with the grenade and the gun.

He might be in the air vents. Or a laundry chute. Anywhere small.

...or he doubled back and he's rappelling down the outside of the building and is about to shoot you in the back.
>>
No. 801302 ID: bfb318
File 149461024320.png - (154.25KB , 800x800 , 184.png )
801302

"Official business!" I yell at the civilian. They probably buy it even though I completely forgot to drop my badge. Also, a grappling hook.

>Air vents
Not likely. Those things are made to hold air, not things. The only people who built air vents to let people sneak through are the salikai, because then they can double as crawlspaces and shortcuts for their arkot workers.

>Taste the glass to check if it's sugar
No. It is not glass, it is not sugar. It's just some lightweight barrier that hardly keeps anyone from falling out.

If he goes where he belongs, then right now he's going down the garbage chute. Maybe the laundry chute. I run down the stairwell and enter the basement to find the hotel's washing machines.

There's arkots down here.
>>
No. 801304 ID: 3ce125

>>801302
Tranq 'em.
>>
No. 801305 ID: 211d83

They have guns over there backs. Rush them and smack the little guys around before they can draw on you.

This must be part of the team that was going to kidnap Pink or Polo or whatever mess this is. (Oh also Ramella can talk to the little guys. Might come in handy if things get crazy)

If there are some here there are more all over. Get word out that your one Cyber Arkot has a herd of buddies before your communications get cut or Cai'ed.
>>
No. 801315 ID: 3d2d5f

>>801302
"You guys don't look like authorized personnel!"

Take em down, try to avoid killing them or ruining your dress.
>>
No. 801317 ID: 91ee5f

>>801302
>Air vents.
>Not likely. Those things are made to hold air, not things. The only people who built air vents to let people sneak through are the salikai, because then they can double as crawlspaces and shortcuts for their arkot workers.
Well, that explains how Polo is always sneaking into their bases!

>>801315
>"You guys don't look like authorized personnel!"
This! XD
>>
No. 801336 ID: 83b227

Bodyslam them before they can fumble their rifles into position to fire. You're wide enough and this corridor(aisle?) thin enough.
>>
No. 801341 ID: bfb318
File 149461757847.png - (145.26KB , 800x800 , 185.png )
801341

"You guys don't look like authorized personnel!"

One of them clicks at me and tries to run so I smack them. One of them tries to get its pea shooter off its belt, and can't. I smack it. The last one is an arkot. I smack it. None of them have earned a tranq round.

"Rokoa here." I say, having just left my phone on. "NCO has arkot buddies in the basement."
>"Backup and special teams are inbound. Helicopter reports no signs of roof activity."
"And Polo?"
>"Far enough away from the commotion, and still under protection and surveillance. We're sending you software that will translate arkot speech, and a partner."
"Who the hell asked for that, cause I know I didn't!"
>"Protocol asked. Demanded, really. Stay put for a moment, we're getting the closest unit to catch up."

That's bullshit. The goggle arkot is probably getting away right now.
>>
No. 801342 ID: 3d2d5f

>>801341
Shove the arkots in a sack and keep going.

Shout "exigent circumstances!" over any protests your operator makes.
>>
No. 801344 ID: 3ce125

Stay put for exactly one moment.
>>
No. 801347 ID: 514228

Claim paranoia and assume the operator on the line is a evil cai. Chase the nco and let your backup catch up.
>>
No. 801348 ID: 83b227

Ask for a confirmation code in case this is another sneaky salikai AI hacking your communications.
>>
No. 801428 ID: 91ee5f

>>801341
"No time to wait, NCO is is getting away! Tell my back up to catch up with me! And if they can't keep up, then I'm not waiting for their slow ass!"
>>
No. 801517 ID: b412df

Tell the operator you're in hot pursuit so you don't have time to wait.
>>
No. 801567 ID: bfb318
File 149470242067.png - (147.41KB , 800x800 , 186.png )
801567

"No time! Goggles is getting away!"
>"That is an order!"
"And I don't take orders from a CAI hacking into my phone!"
>"Rokoa I am not a CAI!"
"Prove it! Mesa!"
>"... no, you prove it to me, harlot!" she says, countersigning me with 'harlot.'
"Running fields, and fine but I'm still not letting goggles get away!"
>"But-"
"Exigent circumstances."

I shove the arkots in my sack while I run forward. I find another arkot, and just a glimspe of the NCO going down a flood drain faster than I can shoot him. On the bright side, I've confirmed his escape path! I don't know if I can fit through there, though. It's iffy.
>>
No. 801569 ID: b412df

Neutralise the other Arkot, check to see if there's any numbering or identifier on the drain, relay that, then attempt to chase after. There's other cops coming so even if you get stuck there's a possibility of someone intercepting NCO and you'll have someone to pull you out, even if it's a bit embarrassing.
>>
No. 801575 ID: 3abd97

Problem with pursuing him (her? it?) into a place you can barely fit is you'll have no room to dodge anything. You're basically the broad side of the barn for target practice.

Too late to stop him from getting down by blocking or blowing up the exit. Hmmm. Could we find the water main and flood it? Although that wouldn't work if the cyborg brought an air source.

...or you know there's busting a hole in the floor for pursuit instead of cramming yourself through the play doh mold.
>>
No. 801581 ID: 3ce125

>>801567
Just tranq him through that grate if you can get there in time. You've confirmed where he's going though so you COULD call it in and wait for backup now.
>>
No. 801587 ID: bfb318
File 149470632028.png - (127.52KB , 800x800 , 187.png )
801587

I run up to the grate to shoot through it, but he's gone. I disarm and stuff the other arkot in the sack with the rest.

Blowing a hole in the floor isn't possible since I didn't remember to pack any explosives that'll do it. Unleashing the watermain might knock him down from the ladder if I could get to it in time, but either it kills him and we never find the body or it doesn't work at all.

I relay the drain number to the operator.

>"Let's see... okay, got the map. We're blocking all possible routes and exits with our smaller neumono, and will keep you posted. We're sending you a truck. Return to ground level and drop off your arkots with the driver so that we can question them. Your backup should be there momentarily."

There's footsteps, but I don't sense any empathy.
>>
No. 801588 ID: bfb318
File 149470632958.png - (124.77KB , 800x800 , 188.png )
801588

It's Kappi. He looks unprepared to see me.
>>
No. 801591 ID: 3abd97

>>801588
Hmmmmmmmm.

He's short enough to go into the sewer-hole, right?
>>
No. 801592 ID: 211d83

Steal his donuts and check it for non healthy chocolate. If he did good give him a smooch. If not threaten him with bodily harm. Or just harm him in a romantic fashion.

Ask him what he was up to with the jammer as you get moving.
>>
No. 801593 ID: b412df

Huh, what's with the jammer? Maybe also ask if that doughnut is a healthy one or not.
>>
No. 801594 ID: e22b1d

Take his donuts and jammer and shove him into the sewer to chase NCO.

Give him a kiss first. Then get to the nearest exit to this pipe while Kappi chases down there.
>>
No. 801598 ID: 90f3c0

Kappi looks about the right size to fit. Knock those donuts out of his hands, and shove him in the hole.

Switch to Kappi's perspective
>>
No. 801601 ID: 83b227

Grab his head to connect your empathy, then demand he explain himself.
>>
No. 801605 ID: 3ce125

>>801588
Hi there, backup. Gimme a donut.
>>
No. 801611 ID: 084d23

He's eating a doughnut, caring a jammer and sweating.
Smack him.
Then take the doughnut and send him down the drain, with or without the jammer.
>>
No. 801615 ID: 91ee5f

>>801588
The jammer must be in case NCO or a different enemy tries to shoot at you with an empathy gun again. The jammer will act as a shield against the empathy gun.

Now that I think about it, didn't Kappi also have donuts with him when he made his first appearance in the Christmas special? Is that going to be his thing now, always making a first appearance with a box of donuts?
>>
No. 801618 ID: 91ee5f

>>801615
Also, question him on if burning calories while you're consuming them actually works. He might be onto something here.
>>
No. 801667 ID: 15a025

Flip the box of donuts in his face, then make sure that jammeer is real and that he's not a fufa.
>>
No. 802529 ID: bfb318
File 149503807570.png - (149.54KB , 800x800 , 189.png )
802529

I knock the box of donuts out of his hands. It's bad for his health and he knows it, but he can't resist donuts by himself.

>"I, uh... I got some actual healthy chocolate, though."
"Why the hell weren't you eating that, then?"
>"I wanted to give it to you."

Damn, that's sweet.

"Give it!"
>>
No. 802530 ID: bfb318
File 149503808690.png - (126.18KB , 800x800 , 190.png )
802530

He hands me the chocolate and I shove him down the hole.

"Fetch me an arkot with goggles!"
>"Oooookay!"

I hear him descend the stairs.

TP...TP....TP...

...
>>
No. 802532 ID: bfb318
File 149503816187.png - (139.25KB , 800x800 , 191.png )
802532

TP..TP..TPTPTPTPTP

Some kind of salikai brand flash bang is set off as Kappi lunges back out.

>"I saw him!" says Kappi. "He was right there, but he started running off as soon as I went down."
"What, did he think we were going to abandon this exit so that he could just come right back up here and escape?"

... shit, I damn well hope we weren't going to leave it unguarded if we left.

"Hey!" I call into my phone. "Arkot is going south."

Another voice calls out into the phone, broadcasting to other units.

>"Smoke grenade was just dropped by a manhole exit. Units are under fire from an unknown armed assailant. Attempt to block possible arkot escape out of this manhole. We have no visual on armed aggressor, but suspected fire is from the Skyline Condo block."
>>
No. 802534 ID: 211d83

Have Kappi guard this entrance/follow the NCO down the pipe as long as he has a gun on him. Then you go help take out the arkots providing covering fire in the skyline block.

Give him a smooch before you go though.
>>
No. 802539 ID: 90f3c0

Run to the manhole with the possible arkot escape attempt, leave Kappi to guard the hole.
>>
No. 802542 ID: 3d2d5f

>>802532
I love how good natured Kappi is about the abuse he suffers at Rokoa's hands..

Leave Kappi on guard duty, swipe the jammer (it was for you, right?) and run off while tossing a chocolate in your mouth.
>>
No. 802546 ID: 91ee5f

If you're going to leave Kappi to guard, then give him a weapon to defend himself, since it looks like he only brought a jammer, a box of donuts, and healthy chocolate for you!
>>
No. 802547 ID: 91ee5f

>>802546
Also, damn! A flash bang like that would be strong enough to leave you blind for months! Even with neumono regeneration!
>>
No. 802548 ID: bfb318
File 149504259081.png - (101.86KB , 800x800 , 192.png )
802548

I grab Kappi and give him a kiss.

He gets the cue to stay here and guard the exit, but there's a retort.

Apparently his orders were to 'stay with me', and he intends on doing that no matter which direction I go in. Which I'm split on.
>>
No. 802549 ID: 91ee5f

>>802548
>I grab Kappi and give him a kiss.
Awww! <3

>Apparently his orders were to 'stay with me', and he intends on doing that no matter which direction I go in.
Awww.....
>>
No. 802551 ID: a363ac

>>802548
call for a guard to stay on hole duty then.
>>
No. 802553 ID: 90f3c0

Close the grate and put something heavy on top to block it off. The proceed to arkot escape location.
>>
No. 802555 ID: 3d2d5f

>>802548
Block the grate then, to make doubling back hard.

Then run off with Kappi thrown over your shoulder. Truly the most romantic gesture.
>>
No. 802559 ID: 211d83

Ruffle his fur in a cute manor then get his help to drop the biggest thing you can find on the crate. Or the smallest due to Arkots being wimps.

Then haul him off to a gun battle.
>>
No. 802560 ID: 4854ef

Tear off a bit of yourself and hand it to him. He is now staying with you.
>>
No. 802645 ID: 3abd97

>which direction I go in. Which I'm split on.
If there's already officers trying to grab the arkot at the manhole cover, you should go for the asshole shooting at them before they succeed in keeping pressure off the arkot enough to escape, and before they bail themselves.
>>
No. 802649 ID: 91ee5f

>>802645
That sounds like a good idea.
>>
No. 802661 ID: 3ce125

Find something heavy and put it on top of the grate. Then go help the others.

If you can, outright sabotage the grate so it can't be opened without cutting it open.
>>
No. 803358 ID: 15a025

Anyway you could melt or weld the grate shut?
>>
No. 803615 ID: bfb318
File 149548516715.png - (119.54KB , 800x800 , 193.png )
803615

I topple some equipment over the drain. Nothing's around to weld it shut, but arkot's aren't strong.

"Come."
>"Okay, I -"

He's too damn slow, so I pick him up.
>>
No. 803616 ID: bfb318
File 149548521329.png - (147.92KB , 1000x800 , 194.png )
803616

I run to the building with the active shooters, and take the elevator up. We have some runners looking through the floors here. It's residential, so it's filled with civilians that know better than to poke their heads out during shit storms like this. There are jammers, but it's internal to the hive's housing, so Kappi and I would be able to sense and broadcast empathy from and to people in the halls if Kappi didn't have his toy.

We open the doors on the three floors that only have a couple of agents looking around in. I poke my head out into each floor to get the strongest smell in each. Floor 23 smells like chocolate. Floor 24 smells like cigarette smoke. Floor 25 smells like shampoo and perfume. I don't smell arkots in the mix.
>>
No. 803617 ID: 211d83

Check Chocolate room first.

All those smells could be cover smells. Like freshly washed Arkots for example.
>>
No. 803618 ID: 3ce125

>shampoo and perfume
Oh hey two things that can remove and mask smells. Investigate floor 25.
>>
No. 803621 ID: b412df

All of these can be used as scent masks I think:
Cigarette is really potent but it's a singular source. So it can be found that way.
Perfume depends, but it can be distributed easily.
Chocolate, not sure of, doesn't seem directly useful as a scent mask so I'd say if it's involved them it's probably for a different reason.

So I'm going to say look at floor 25.
>>
No. 803710 ID: bfb318
File 149550138632.png - (161.97KB , 800x800 , 195.png )
803710

"Floor 25." I say, in no small part that we were going up, we're here, and there's no time to waste.

Kappi and I start sniffing around. We split up, but don't split up too far, yet we end up on the other side of the building. There's commotion on the streets, but we're focused here.

I don't like anything about this damn hall. The smell is strongest, around here.
>>
No. 803711 ID: 3ce125

>>803705
Alright, time to investigate the nearest room. Just go "open up, it's the police." You can look around in the room in pursuit of a suspect, iirc.
>>
No. 803712 ID: b412df

Those look like suspended ceiling tiles, the kind you can push up to hide things in the cavity / crawlspace up there. There might be something / someone hiding up there.
>>
No. 803715 ID: 3abd97

>>803712
Clearly the correct move is to shove Kappi up in the ceiling to look around, then.
>>
No. 804201 ID: bfb318
File 149566501064.png - (137.64KB , 800x800 , 196.png )
804201

"Up you go, Kappi!" I yank off a ceiling tile and throw Kappi in.
>"Well okay!"
"What do you see?"
>"Uh... some loose tools and stuff, but not really anyone or anything out of the ordinary."

... the smell is dissipating, here. It's stronger behind me.
>>
No. 804202 ID: 3abd97

>>804201
Well head that way then. Have Kappi follow above.
>>
No. 804205 ID: 90f3c0

Follow the scent, check out the door over there.
>>
No. 804206 ID: 91ee5f

>>804201
Tell Kappi to follow the smell up there while you follow it down here. And make sure to tell him to hurry, since it seems like it's running away!
>>
No. 804208 ID: ddd967

If the target realizes you're following its scent it'll probably try douse something else with it, run through another source of it or otherwise try throw off the trail. If it's smart, or being directed by someone smart. So pay attention for the trail splitting.

Also be careful going around corners, but that should be second nature to someone such as yourself.
>>
No. 804209 ID: ddd967

>some loose tools and stuff

Also, look out for traps. Ask Kappi how far he can see and get him to spot what's in the crawlspace above you before you walk under it.
>>
No. 804217 ID: 211d83

People do not usually leave tools in a crawlspace Kappi. What type of tools? Watch out for traps or something they messed with up there. Also are the tool Arkot sized? Or covered in dust?

Tell him you are going to follow the smell behind you which would be in front of him. Follow along in the ceiling if he can and look for odd stuff.
>>
No. 804455 ID: bfb318
File 149575824745.png - (112.70KB , 800x800 , 197.png )
804455

"Use your head Kappi, watch for traps. Follow the scent."
>"It's not really up here."

People aren't supposed to leave tools up in crawlspaces, but neumono techs do all sorts of stupid shit.

I'm already following the scent anyway. I stand at the corner. The scent doesn't split off towards the door I saw. Instead, it's going back in the general direction from where we first entered this floor. Goddamnit, I'm getting annoyed.
>>
No. 804457 ID: a363ac

yell that anyone who does not open the door in the next twenty seconds is getting it kicked in.
>>
No. 804458 ID: 3ce125

It's probably someone in a stealth biosuit. Time to eliminate that possibility; you can take Kappi and lock arms with him to take up the entire hallway. Then move back towards the exit so if anyone's invisible there's no way for them to evade you.
>>
No. 804471 ID: 3abd97

>>804455
Clearly you need to blow something up.
>>
No. 804480 ID: bfb318
File 149576561579.png - (180.43KB , 800x800 , 198.png )
804480

"Kappi follow me."

wh-whoa! Kappi thinks when I grab his hand through the ceiling, and yank him to follow me. We take up the whole hall's width while we run down the length. If it's some invisible bullshit, whoever's invisible isn't getting far.

>You need to blow something up.
I do, but I have no damn explosives!

Kappi slams into something, and starts thinking.

'Is that a butt? Yeah that's definitely a butt!'

There's something else. Some other empathy I'm getting through Kappi. It's familiar. Definitely an invisible person after all.
>>
No. 804481 ID: bfb318
File 149576562699.png - (117.12KB , 800x800 , 199.png )
804481

Whoever it is opens some invisible pouch and pulls out a grenade. Looks like I might have an explosive after all, but first up, I snap out my hand and grab for something. I nearly miss, but my claws get into some stealth suit, or bio armor, or whatever it is that's being worn.
>>
No. 804482 ID: bfb318
File 149576565712.png - (160.11KB , 800x800 , 200.png )
804482

I yank it off while she pulls the grenade pin.

The hell is this? She looks and feels like a bad imitation of me. I want some answers!

Behind me. Noise.
>>
No. 804483 ID: bfb318
File 149576567385.png - (117.61KB , 800x800 , 201.png )
804483

The world's most annoying arkot got out?!
>>
No. 804486 ID: a363ac

>>804483
kappi can take stupid you long enough for you to take that granade and get that dumb arkot.
>>
No. 804487 ID: 29c4aa

Hold her, doesn't matter if you get away from the grenade, but GRAPPLE THE FUCK OUTTA THAT NEUMONO!
>>
No. 804488 ID: 3abd97

>Kappi finds the suspect's invisible ass with his face
Perfect.

>what do
Kick Kappi, hard, so he goes flying / rolling down the hall away from the grenades before they go off.

Tackle you neumono opponent into the side-hallway. Keep her on the outside so her backside is shielding you from the 'nades and whatever the arkot is shooting.
>>
No. 804489 ID: 3ce125

>>804482
Hey look! Explosives! Well, she just pulled the pin, so you've got time to snatch it and throw it at the arkot. Or... hang on, how durable are the walls here? Do we have to worry about the grenade blowing up the walls and causing casualties? Can't throw it out the window either, then shrapnel would rain down on pedestrians... Wait no, the street must be clear by now. Safest thing to do is to toss it so hard it goes out the window.

>>804483
Wait, actually, the arkot has a big gun, you might want to pull Kappi behind the invisible chick for cover, or around the corner for cover even. Possibly take cover yourself. Return fire, obviously. Try to get some tranqs in the invisible chick, or do some grappling on her to take her down while Kappi lays down suppressing fire on the arkot or something.
>>
No. 804490 ID: ddd967

Use the hand you just tore that suit with to grab that grenade (that the pin just came out of) and toss it back behind you towards the arkot. At the same time, swing Kappi up and around to grab her, he should be able to cling on around her neck or waist or something. He can slow her down enough that she can't just keep running.

Is she bigger than you? Either way, guess where her knee is and kick it out to drop her to the floor. Jump over her and use her as cover against the arkot. If this lady is a bad copy of you and is trained to use stealth she's probably not as good as you in a hand-to-hand fight. If the grenade doesn't deal with the arkot and she holds out long enough, Kappi might end up being more use to you going to interfere with the arkot than helping you subdue this girl. You need some answers from her!
>>
No. 804491 ID: 91ee5f

>>804482
>Valentine's version of Sniper clone Rokoa.
I can honestly say that I didn't expect to see her here!

>>804483
Grab the grenade and throw it at the arkot! The explosion should sent shards of glass flying at him from the destroyed window!
>>
No. 804492 ID: 9a2274

That looks like a big ass net gun.

So drop to the ground with Kappi and let him net the invisible bitch.

Then grab the grenade and toss it to him while lying on the ground.
>>
No. 804494 ID: 91ee5f

>>804491
Also, don't forget to radio everyone and let them know where the arkot is!
>>
No. 804537 ID: b412df

Get you, Kappi, and who or whatever that you-lookalike out of the way. There's a grenade that's going to go off and from the faint lights around the arkot that looks like a energy weapon.
>>
No. 804649 ID: d36af7

Throw Kappi at the escaping arkot, and wrestle stealthsuit into "heroically" belly-flopping on top of the grenade.
>>
No. 804691 ID: bfb318
File 149591123965.png - (130.74KB , 1200x600 , 202.png )
804691

>Concern about walls and grenades
It's only an anti-personnel explosive. It'll rip nothing but flesh and wallpaper.

>Is she bigger than you?
Yeah. A head taller, and wider. I'll see how much is real meat, and how much is show. She's fast, so it could be real.

I throw the grenade back to the arkot and Kappi forward to this big lookalike that turned tail and ran as soon as she could.
>>
No. 804692 ID: bfb318
File 149591125353.png - (285.11KB , 1200x1200 , 203.png )
804692

Kappi latches on and barely slows her down! I turn the corner to find her running towards the nearby elevator, and the arkot's beam weapon goes off behind me. The frag goes off, too.

Now I'm split.

I want to confirm the arkot is either in custody or dead, and that means trusting Kappi can handle that big girl by himself. Maybe he can; she felt uncomfortable with CQC.

My phone is buzzing. I haven't been able to keep it at my ear like this.
>>
No. 804694 ID: 9a2274

All the little guy has to do to escape is swing back to the ground quick and run off into the sewers. Catching him from where you are at will be a pain.

I would say go for the big bitch with Kappi as the arkot will probably show up to try and get her back if you capture her.

While smacking her around in the elevator pick up your phone.
>>
No. 804696 ID: 3ce125

>>804692
Fire some tranq darts at the big girl's legs since Kappi is high enough up that it'll miss him. Aside from that, I think you should let Kappi handle her. Answer your phone and see if you can shoot at the arkot too.
>>
No. 804698 ID: e22b1d

Tranquilizing the crap out of Ms invisible there should give Kappi enough of a edge for him to deal with her.

Then you can throw yourself out the window at NCO arkot.
>>
No. 804699 ID: 91ee5f

Phone in one hand and tranquilizer in the other hand. Fire tranquilizer at the taller and fatter girl that sorta looks like she's supposed to somehow be you!

Yell at everyone to remain in their rooms for their own safety!
>>
No. 804700 ID: 90f3c0

Go after the arkot. I'm sure Kappi has plenty of experience wrestling big girls.
>>
No. 804701 ID: 3abd97

>Kappi fighting the big neumono and Rokoa chasing the arkot
This is an amusing mismatch of weight categories.

>I haven't been able to keep it at my ear like this.
Just put it on speaker and yell at it in your pocket.

>I want to confirm the arkot is either in custody or dead, and that means trusting Kappi can handle that big girl by himself. Maybe he can; she felt uncomfortable with CQC.
>>804696
Tossing a tranq at Heart-Head's lower half will probably weaken her enough for Kappi to handle while you check on the arkot.

If he's quick, he probably avoided getting killed by that grenade. If he screwed up, he got caught in the blast and then fell off the building, making him super dead.
>>
No. 804702 ID: ddd967

There's too much fire and debris behind you to get to the arkot quickly. If he's capable of escaping he'll be gone when you get there, if not you can still get him after.

Besides, it'll be much easier getting information out another neumono than from an arkot who might not even speak a language you know, much less one who's obviously a cyborg and so might have recording/transmitting and a remote self-destruct device to kill him before you can get anything from him.

Plus if you both take her you might be able to do it quickly enough or spare a hand to answer your phone.

No need to yell at everyone to stay in their rooms for their own safety, they're neumono here, they'll be fine. In fact, tell that guy to go look around the corner and see if that arkot's still there. Worst case he gets his head taken off. He'll live.
>>
No. 804703 ID: 3ce125

Oh yeah and be sure to report back to base that there's some kind of weird clone of you wearing a stealth biosuit.
>>
No. 804711 ID: 91ee5f

>>804702
>Worst case he gets his head taken off. He'll live.
Not true. A neumono that has been decapitated has to immediately be put on life-support so that they can live long enough to regenerate their head, which will take up to a few weeks or a month. If they're not put on life-support, then the neumono will suffocate and die.

Neumono can live through a bullet to the head, but they can't live through not having a head!
>>
No. 804715 ID: 3abd97

>>804692
Kick door shut, yell at idiot civilian to stay down.

>>804711
Well, not immediately-immediately considering even wimps can hold their breath for minutes, but yes, surviving a head loss requires medical attention that people seem prone to overlook. (And like any serious medical event, even with good doctors and regeneration, there's always the risk something goes wrong anyways. A "survivable" injury is one you can survive- not one you necessarily will).
>>
No. 804727 ID: a363ac

>>804692
kick door back at civi's face. answer phone while going after NCO arkot
>>
No. 804745 ID: 17c2ee

>>804715
>>804711
There's also the whole blood-loss thing. Neumono clot more quickly but they bleed more quickly too, and the neck has a whole bunch of vessels you don't want exposed. Also shock, because I doubt Kappi is that tough and that's nasty on top of the blood loss.
>>
No. 804746 ID: ddd967

Actually, something I just thought of: did the arkot seem to wait until invisible girl was out of the way? I'm concerned that that beam might be powerful enough to fire straight through the walls if you give your location away.

Also watch out for that guy poking his head through the door. When you think about the scenario of him just having heard a grenade and a chunk of the building being destroyed, in the hall right next to where he is (and the walls don't seem too thick here), that's not an expression that matches up.
>>
No. 804778 ID: 15a025

Slam that door shut, then go help Kappi with the look-a-like.
>>
No. 805003 ID: bfb318
File 149608317617.png - (234.41KB , 1200x800 , 204.png )
805003

My right hand goes to the phone, and puts it on speaker. My left hand pulls out the tranquilizer gun and starts shooting the big girl. My foot goes to slam the door in his face, and my empathy goes to telling this dumbass to stay indoors, now that Kappi's far enough away with the low range jammer.
>>
No. 805004 ID: bfb318
File 149608318487.png - (119.53KB , 800x800 , 205.png )
805004

I leave the girl to Kappi. He's always liked wrestling large girls anyway. The arkot is mine. My phone, now on speaker, has my queen's voice screaming at me.

>"Rokoa! You are not to pursue the arkot! Focus on Polo! Where is Kappi?"
"He's chasing some biggie that looks like me. Has a heart tattoo with crosshairs on her forehead."
>"Leave it to him, then, and pull back! You are a liability!"

He's using a grappling hook to fly to the top! I bet I could jump between windows and chase him up the side of the building. Considering the rest of the officers must be swarming the bottom of the building, Kappi and his wrestling partner are going to the top, too.

"Arkot's going up to the top of the roof!"
>"And you are going to come down!"
>>
No. 805005 ID: a363ac

>>805004
I am sure your hive has got this you did come out here to have fun at Polo's expense and make sure she is safe might as well get back to that and pick up your two new dates in the hall on your way down.
>>
No. 805007 ID: 3ce125

>>805004
Ask what made her change her mind about you going after the arkot.
See if you can peg him with a tranq before he gets to the top. Then catch him as he falls past the window.
>>
No. 805008 ID: 91ee5f

>>805004
If you've gotta leave, then you're not gonna leave empty handed! Help Kappi wrestle that big girl down to where the rest of your hive so that they can arrest her. Then you can get back to watching Polo.
>>
No. 805010 ID: 91ee5f

>>805008
Also, do another codeword check to make sure this person that sounds like your queen is the real deal and not an enemy CAI trying to make you leave because you're really close to catching the arkot and the big girl!
>>
No. 805012 ID: 3abd97

>>805004
The Chief / Queenie may be worried you're letting yourself be drawn away from the person you're supposed to protect, but come on, Az must have gotten back by now, right? And you're so close to catching that arkot.

Go for it!
>>
No. 805018 ID: 9a2274

Why the change of plans? Polo was supposed to be safe and sound during the last conversation I had with headquarters. And chasing the Arkot was priority number one before.

So either you are a Cai or the last conversation was one.

Either way go jump some floors and catch up to the little bastard.
>>
No. 805033 ID: da1652

>>805004
Go back after Polo.
The Arkot may be here to distract you, or is distracting you from their backup plan.
>>
No. 805042 ID: 262ceb

Ask her for the confirmation code. A different one from before, obviously.

And while doing that, whatever the answer is, go help Kappi! If you try scale the building on the outside, that arkot's just going to shoot down at you, or whatever allies he's running towards will - no-one runs for the roof unless they have a way off, which means a helicopter or something. Which also means that by running off you've exposed Kappi to whatever allies might come to help your copy girl. I mean, you know she can turn invisible. Why would anyone ever have just one invisible agent?

Besides, remember how flimsy the glass was when you came in? Every time you jump to catch the next floor your legs will swing under you and break more of it.
>>
No. 805043 ID: 90f3c0

You can't run after Polo without Kappi, you guys were supposed to stick together. Take the most direct route to the roof, retrieve you partner, then go after Polo. Subdue any enemies you come across along the way.
>>
No. 805073 ID: bfb318
File 149609812482.png - (173.75KB , 800x800 , 206.png )
805073

I charge up the side. I don't care if I break every window on my way up! I rip off my boots for the moment, too, since they'll just impede my feet on the way up. I take a couple potshots with my tranquilizer, but he's a moving target and this tranq's effective range is less than how far I could throw the damn gun.

"Queen! Code check!"
>"Fuck the codes, they're worthless against these guys!"
"That's code for 'I'm a CAI', isn't it?!"
>"That's the point! If I were a CAI, I would've been able to read every damn code spat out across the phone lines by this point!"
"Then I bet you are, since there's been a bad change of plans! I was ordered to chase the arkot!"
>"That was then! Now I'm getting more reports of a crazed neumono terrorizing the building inhabitants, than I am of any arkots or invisible girls!"

Hm? The arkot's nearly at the top, and he has to climb up over the wall side. That's my chance to grab him, and he knows it! He's pulling his own gun at me, and I think that's the model he shot at me with before.
>>
No. 805074 ID: bfb318
File 149609813518.png - (184.29KB , 800x800 , 207.png )
805074

Am I even getting hit?! I've been swarmed by insects with stingers more powerful than this gun! He's scrambling over the wall, but...
>>
No. 805075 ID: bfb318
File 149609815452.png - (237.23KB , 1200x800 , 208.png )
805075

Got him!

I sense Kappi and the girl. They're fighting in the elevator, and Kappi, that weakling, is on the losing side! His jammer strings must have been broken.
>>
No. 805076 ID: a363ac

>>805075
knock its head on the ground its night night time for the most annoying arkot. then bag him up in your dress and go on down to the elevator if you can't hand the arkot off.
>>
No. 805077 ID: 3abd97

>>805074
Hopefully those aren't tranqs that are going to start kicking in in a minute or two.

>>805075
Hog tie him up good before going to help Kappi. Use his cape, and/or your own belt, if you don't have zip ties.

Then cram him in your chest storage slot or something.
>>
No. 805078 ID: 3ce125

>>805075
Oh well. Doesn't matter now, you can just meet them when the elevator doors open and take down the girl one-handed. Pass off the arkot to Kappi if he's still conscious at that point.

Tranq the arkot (it won't overdose him will it?) or ziptie him, to be sure he can't pull any sneaky stuff.
Then start going back downstairs to meet up with the street crew. These two had some sort of escape plan on the roof, and I bet you don't want to get a faceful of lead from an escape helicopter or something.
>>
No. 805080 ID: 91ee5f

>>805075
Don't announce on the phone or your empathy that you caught him! That'll tip off any CAIs on the phone or any nearby enemy neumono to send an attack!
>>
No. 805081 ID: fc33ea

Haul ass to the elevator shaft roof access.

Also, he sorta shot you in the head. Might want to make sure that's not going to be a problem.
>>
No. 805082 ID: 262ceb

Tell the Queen you'll have to assume she's a CAI if she can't say something that DEFINITELY only she would know. I'm pretty sure she is a CAI though, since your real Queen seems to me like she wouldn't care so much about you terrorizing random citizens. Or at least she'd be used to it. She wouldn't call that you being a "liability", anyway. She also strongly told you before that you need a partner, and doesn't seem the type to suddenly change her mind on something she had trouble convincing you of, just on principle. And as Queen, she probably wouldn't tell you to just abandon a hivemate to an unknown larger opponent like that. This is also exactly the time when a CAI would try to get you to leave.

Besides, if need be, you can appeal to Az later. He'd for sure approve of you sticking with the arkot and clone and wouldn't care about spooking random citizens. His authority can shield you from your Queen's wrath if by some chance this is her.

Tuck that arkot under your arm, pinning its own arms. Watch out for it to be given some remote self-destruct command or something, and help Kappi. Is the elevator moving? You could try sliding down the shaft on the cables and getting in the top, if you think the access hatch can take someone as large as you. Getting stuck on top of the elevator would SUCK, though. Better option might just be to wait for it to arrive, since it's probably coming up, and your fellow police are at the bottom. With the empathy blaring, keep an awareness of where they are in case the girl gets off and starts running to jump out the side with a grapple or something.

So quickly secure the roof in case of the arkot having anything he was running up here for, and send Kappi all the empathic encouragement you can. Surely on the eve of Valentine's day, the power and promise of your affections will give him strength! Combined with the fear of your disappointment, of course.

Or if you want to be boring you could try empathically telling the invisible girl that you have her arkot buddy hostage and you'll start breaking his bones if she doesn't stop resisting arrest.
>>
No. 805090 ID: 9a2274

Tie the little guy up so much he looks like a ball of rope.

Then go use him to get the big girl to come alone peacefully. There should be a elevator entrance up here you can jump down if you pry the doors open.

Don't tell your queen you got him. Just mutter about how all you did was chase someone who was shooting up the town. It's not your fault all they saw was you cause the little guy is tiny.

Then mention out loud how the little guy got out of sight anyway. Might help confuse anyone who is listening in.

Although the little guy is a pretty heavy cyborg. So he might have sent out a message already. If you got any tin foil wrap him up so he cant transmit anything.
>>
No. 805122 ID: 70e7e8

Set your weight on him, just in case these shots are tranqs.
>>
No. 805229 ID: da1652

>>805075
Tranq him. He's slippery and you may need to put all your attention towards saving Kappi
>>
No. 805233 ID: 262ceb

>>805229

Tranqs may not work on him, some cyborg antidote release mechanism would be easy enough.

Also worried about what he shot at Rokoa, could have been pellets of something that dissolves into the blood or something. Rokoa, take a quick look at his gun! See what kind of ammo that was!
>>
No. 805318 ID: bfb318
File 149627317402.png - (152.84KB , 1000x800 , 209.png )
805318

I hit the tranq gun trigger. Nothing comes out, so I'm going to tie him up. The shoestrings on my rubber boots are good enough for this. I don't care if I constrict bloodflow; I've got nothing better to keep him down while I move to the elevator.

I inspect his gun, too. The bullets look like nothing. Seems like standard issue crap for arkots. It fires fast but without much recoil, so that arkots can look like they're laying down a damn lot of firepower that won't knock them on their tails. Maybe they're coated with some salikai tranquilizer tech that gets in my blood though. Don't know, don't care. It doesn't change what I'm doing.

"They might've just seen me, but that doesn't mean I'm the one shooting up the town." I tell the queen that is probably a CAI.
>"Are you leaving or are you not?"
"I'm not."
>"If you fuck anything else up, or fail to catch this guy, I'll make a coat out of you!"

I'll punch Kappi myself if he doesn't succeed in taking down that girl! And he knows it!
>>
No. 805319 ID: bfb318
File 149627319129.png - (163.91KB , 800x800 , 210.png )
805319

Before I get to the elevator, the girl runs out, holding Kappi.

"Sorry!" Kappi yells to me.
"Let him go, girl, or I'll break this arkot's face!"

I can tell she's extremely worried about this dumb thing.

"No! Let him go, or else I'll throw this guy off the cliff! Don't get any closer!"

She doesn't seem to want to throw Kappi off, but she intends to if she thinks she has to.

Kappi can probably handle getting thrown off.
>>
No. 805321 ID: a363ac

>>805319
Punch the arkot a few times smush his face a bit.
>>
No. 805322 ID: 3abd97

>>805319
Hey, if you throw my boytoy off the cliff, your boyfriend is going over the cliff too. Or worse.

Come on, you're caught, give it up. You've got a heart on your head, do you really wanna try this hard to break up a four way adorable gay date? I haven't even got to properly tease Polo over it yet.
>>
No. 805323 ID: 3ce125

>>805319
Great, hostage situation. Kappi can "probably" handle getting thrown off, you say. Is "probably" good enough for you? Good enough for him? Why don't you ask him?

Also don't forget your standard issue sidearm. You could probably shoot her in the head to stun her so that Kappi can get out of her grip.

Let's try talking her down, first. Tell her there's no way out, now. If they have some air transport being sent to pick them up you'll shoot the arkot before letting him escape. Also what she's threatening you with isn't all that threatening, really. You could do far worse to her arkot boyfriend than she could do to your neumono boyfriend. You'd rather not, though. You understand what it's like to love someone who's weaker than you are, and want to protect them, and guide them to become strong enough to protect themselves.
What is she even trying to accomplish here?
>>
No. 805324 ID: 3bf9ed

Call her bluff! Throw the arkot off first!
>>
No. 805325 ID: f08985

>>805319
"You know I eat arkots for lunch, right?"
>>
No. 805326 ID: f08985

>>805325
And chomp off a bit of the arkot to make sure she doesn't laugh it off.
>>
No. 805327 ID: 262ceb

Well, unfortunately you can't go silent, but you can fake out your empathy a bit to avoid giving things away until the moment you act. You'd better offer to do an exchange. Since she can feel your empathy, she'll feel your intent to play along with a simultaneous trade at arms' length until the moment you suddenly decide to spring on her.
>>
No. 805330 ID: 91ee5f

>>805319
"What cliff? This is a rooftop in the middle of the city, there ain't no cliffs around here! Besides, if you throw him over, then I'll have no choice but to retaliate by ripping this arkot's head off his body!"

Is your phone still on speaker? Whoever is on the other side, whether it's your queen or the enemy's CAI, can probably hear this and is sending backup. Problem is, there's no way of telling if it's going to be your backup or the enemy's backup!
>>
No. 805348 ID: 9a2274

He can handle it. But if he does go over I am going after him. And I am taking the easily squishable Arkot with me and he could get hurt oh so easily.

I can feel you don't want to hurt Kappi. You are probably a nice person deep down.

But if you were paying attention at all to my feelings you would know that I don't care about the well being of tiny Arkot terrorists.

But I am also a nice person so I will give you the chance to surrender. You can even share a cell with you little buddy if you come along nicely.
>>
No. 805349 ID: e22b1d

If you throw him off that adds attempted murder of a police office to your charges.

That will make sure you get locked up in the solitary wing with the other assholes. While if you surrender now like a good girl you can hang out in general population with this guy and the rest of your Arkot buddies.

Also that's my lover so I will beat you unconscious with this Arkot if my valentines day date with him tomorrow involves him having to be in any sort of wheelchair.
>>
No. 805350 ID: b2db3f

Throw the tied up Arkot just over the edge so she has to drop Kappi and lean way out to catch him. Then shoot out her knees and drag her and her Arkot bundle back to the station.
>>
No. 805358 ID: 91ee5f

>>805350
Don't do that. There's too much temptation for her to dive over the edge to catch him. And since she's not tied up, she can grab a ledge or something before getting to the bottom. Or she could just curl up into a ball to protect the arkot from the ground and land on her back because she can survive the fall.
>>
No. 805389 ID: 262ceb

Isn't a full-body high impact, such as from falling from a high place, specifically one of the types of injuries that can do the most real, serious damage to a neumono? Especially when they weigh a lot for their size, and would fall with more momentum?

And arkots are small and light. They'd take less harm from a long fall.
>>
No. 805468 ID: bfb318
File 149635594504.png - (103.01KB , 1000x800 , 211.png )
805468

Kappi's wondering why I don't ask him about his ability to take a fall, and that's because I think he's a pansy who thinks he's capable of a sliver of what he's actually capable of.

Then again, I guess cement is tougher to fall on from this high up.

"Are you even trying to accomplish anything, here?"
>"Wh... what? I'm wanting to keep my arkot safe!"
"Then you better give me the blue boy, because if you do anything else, I'm ripping this arkot's head off. You're thinking of an escape with air support? I'll chomp his face off, in that case. You either get to be in prison with everyone else, or in prison in solitary. This arkot either gets the same, with the third option of dying, depending what you choose. So throw Kappi to me, idiot."

The arkot chitters angrily, and my phone starts translating it in english.

>"I am most wanted. She will not kill me. I know things of importance.
>"O... oh. But... oh, geez, I'm so sorry, I just wanted you to have chocolate for once!"

She weighs her option. I don't know the thought process, but it doesn't lead to throwing Kappi off. Her action then becomes clear to me before she does it - she will throw Kappi just to the side, not off the rooftop, and intends to charge me to get the arkot back.

I have two ways I can think of to stop her. With my gun, or with my hands.
>>
No. 805470 ID: a363ac

>>805468
Why the fuck is that arkot still talking! knock it the fuck out.
>>
No. 805472 ID: 3abd97

>Kappi's wondering why I don't ask him about his ability to take a fall
Because it would be weird and stop to question you about that in the middle of being a hostage?

>I'm so sorry, I just wanted you to have chocolate for once!
If you want chocolate, I will buy you chocolate if you just let me arrest you already. Really, you didn't have to mess up my tiny buddy's dates to get chocolate!

>I have two ways I can think of to stop her. With my gun, or with my hands.
With your words, above, might work. Seriously she can have her perfect little chocolate date in processing. You don't care, you'll just bill Az for it.

If that fails, use your hands.
>>
No. 805473 ID: 3ce125

>>805468
Hands! Show her who's boss. Just make sure she can't grab your gun. Toss it to the side that Kappi goes, so that he can recover it and guard the arkot.
>>
No. 805474 ID: 3abd97

Wait, wait, I got it. Accuse her of being height-ist.

"Why you trying so hard to ruin short-girl's day, anyways? I wouldn't think someone who hangs with arkots would hate short people that much."

"Height-ist hypocrite."
>>
No. 805477 ID: 9a2274

"A friend of mine is currently on a date with a nice girl who knows the recipe for Arkot chocolate."

"Turn yourself in and I will make sure she makes him a batch."

After saying this put the Arkot in your mouth and assume a wrestling stance. And make sure your empathy lets her know that you are perfectly willing to let the little guy get hurt if she insists on wrestling you.
>>
No. 805478 ID: 262ceb

>I am most wanted. She will not kill me. I know things of importance.

Empathically broadcast your total willingness to kill him because you expect to get much more info out of a neumono than from some science experiment who probably has a cyborg secret-keeping brain.

Anyway, hands. As if you're going to pick anything else. As soon as she starts charging toss him behind you or off to the side or something. Or at/near her so she has to catch him, if you're feeling tricky. She should be able to catch him if you aim to throw him off the roof so that he passes near her, right?
>>
No. 805479 ID: 91ee5f

>>805477
>put the Arkot in your mouth and assume a wrestling stance. And make sure your empathy lets her know that you are perfectly willing to let the little guy get hurt if she insists on wrestling you.
This.

>>805478
>Empathically broadcast your total willingness to kill him because you expect to get much more info out of a neumono than from some science experiment who probably has a cyborg secret-keeping brain.
And this.
>>
No. 805480 ID: e6e9af

>>805319

Uh, Rokoa ... you notice the fact Kappi is tot
ally sandwiched between her tits and she's got a finger going up the leg of his shorts?

>>805468

Oh, nevermind. Let's she how good she is at a fistfight.
>>
No. 805501 ID: 1e7aa8

Use your giant murdermitts and also issue a challenge.

"You fondled my boytoy, bitch. Come get some.
>>
No. 805507 ID: 0d1514

Tell Kappi to seduce her!
>>
No. 805599 ID: bfb318
File 149643229570.png - (76.21KB , 800x800 , 212.png )
805599

"You wanted chocolate?! That's why you ruined a bunch of short girl's dates? Or do you just hate short people?" I expect her to throw Kappi, but she hesitates.
>"What no! That arkot's my favorite and he's short! We were trying to get a hold of Ramella since we know that she or her hivemate should know how to get arkot-safe chocolate! We didn't want to ruin any dates!"
"I'm perfectly fine with killing this arkot, 'cause you must know at least as much as him!"

More chittering, more phone.

>"She is a neumono liar."
>"Uh..." the girl picks up on my empathy. "She's not lying."
"Why the hell are you still talking anyway, arkot? I'd knock you out, but I'd probably split your fragile head."
>"Oh, no." heart-girl says. "His bones have been replaced with a strong alloy! I don't think you could break his skull even if you tried. N-not that you should try!"
>"Stop talking."
>>
No. 805600 ID: bfb318
File 149643230482.png - (153.86KB , 800x800 , 213.png )
805600

I put the arkot's head in my mouth to get him to shut up. He might have tough bones, but this is normal, disgusting arkot skin and flesh. I can still hurt him. She can come and see how good she is in a body fight, and just try to punch me in the jaw.

>"Y-you wouldn't chomp down on him, would you?!"

I've lost count of the number of arkots I've eaten.
>>
No. 805601 ID: bfb318
File 149643233061.png - (188.88KB , 1200x800 , 214.png )
805601

Would Kappi just break free already, damn!

His thoughts echo back at me.

Watch out! She's actually really strong! I can't break free that easily!

For fuck's sake, he's finding himself comfortable with his head on her chest, while she practically fondles him! The hornball would probably try to seduce his way out sooner than fight.

She's waiting on me to make the first move, and is awkwardly using Kappi as a shield. This is shaping up to be the worst body fight I've ever had. I'm even on top of a roof and everything. She's not even using her invisible suit well! She's paying so much attention to her own stance that I can tell where her limbs are! Has she ever even been in a real fight before? She's acting like an absolute novice!
>>
No. 805602 ID: a363ac

>>805601
Kappi begin seduction via wandering hands for a distraction!
Does she really not know that you can internet "how to make chocolate safe for nuemono?"
>>
No. 805605 ID: 3ce125

>>805601
Hmm, I feel like it could be acting, but let's trust your read on her.

Use the arkot as a distraction to get the best opening move. Toss him up then begin the grapple.
>>
No. 805606 ID: 9a2274

Tell Kappi that if he is going to be fondling her he had better do it properly. Also wait for you to join in.

"Well you don't have to worry as I am sure Ramella can make you all the arkot chocolate you want when we throw you in jail."

Just charge her and start peeling her out of that suit so its easier to track her movements.
>>
No. 805608 ID: fc33ea

Ask Kapi if he's enjoying his position.
>>
No. 805609 ID: b2db3f

Slap Kappi.

(Not cause you want to hit him but because his head is between her breasts and you will hit those first.)
>>
No. 805610 ID: 262ceb

She looks like a copy of you but she's larger. So, she's probably on drugs. She'll have more raw physical strength and may even be faster if she has some sort of stimulant in her. Considering she's buddy-buddy with a cyborged arkot, she also might be a cyborg herself, with internal implants or just implants concealed by the invisibility suit. That would explain why Kappi lost so hard.

So don't underestimate her just because she's not well trained or experienced!
>>
No. 805611 ID: e22b1d

"Don't just lay there enjoying yourself Kappi! If she is some weird clone of me then you better get working on distracting her the way only you know how to!"

"Just think what would distract me the most if I had you shoved in between my tits like that."
>>
No. 805612 ID: f08985

Kappi forfeited his rights to getting rescued, just chomp the arkot already and deal with the losers with the good old standby of overwhelming violence.
>>
No. 805613 ID: 91ee5f

>>805599
>Get Ramella to make arkot-safe chocolate
If that really is the only reason they're here instead of trying to get their boss out of jail, then this is just one big failed Valentines date between her and the arkot.....which is just plain weird!

And now they're gonna be joining their boss in jail, once you arrest them!

>>805601
>For fuck's sake, he's finding himself comfortable with his head on her chest, while she practically fondles him! The hornball would probably try to seduce his way out sooner than fight.
Well, you did say this girl is sorta like you, so maybe because he's in love with you and because she's so similar to you, he's finding comfort in her empathy, since it's sorta like your empathy, which he likes.

Hey, wait a minute! That's almost like Kappi's cheating on you with another girl right in front of you! He better knock it off right fucking now if he wants any chance of having sex with you and not spending Valentines alone!

>I can tell where her limbs are! Has she ever even been in a real fight before? She's acting like an absolute novice!
If you can see her limbs, then take advantage of her combat inexperience and start ripping her suit off whenever you get the chance! The more of her that's visible, the harder it'll be for her to try and run and hide!

Ask her how...oh, wait arkot in mouth. Project your empathy so that she can pick up you asking yourself, "Does this arkot have implants because he almost died when they fucked each other?" or something along those lines. That should distract her from the fight through embarrassment!

>>805602
Arkot. They wanted arkot-safe chocolate.

And yes, Kappi should do that!
>>
No. 805618 ID: 262ceb

Is "why didn't you just ask" a simple enough concept to convey purely through empathy?
>>
No. 805620 ID: 3abd97

>She's acting like an absolute novice!
Well, that means either she is a novice, and you're gonna win, or that she's really good and is able to fake you out by pretending to be novice-like until she surprises you with hidden skill.

>>805601
Throw arkot at Kappi. Kappi catches arkot, heart-head can't use him as a shield anymore and in fact has to shove him out of the way as you attack.

"We'll make sure you get some damn special safe chocolate, all right? But right now you're under arrest."
>>
No. 805621 ID: 855334

Don't even bother fighting fair or overpowering her. Those massive bio-suited tits Kappi is nestled between? Sucker punch them for massive damage.
>>
No. 805783 ID: 15a025

>Has she ever even been in a real fight before? She's acting like an absolute novice!

Guess it's time to show her the ropes then!
>>
No. 805888 ID: bfb318
File 149662118575.png - (106.70KB , 800x800 , 215.png )
805888

Second thought.

I was disappointed in Kappi, but on second thought, maybe I'm underestimating the girl. She's probably drugged and all cyborg'd up. Doesn't mean it'll do her any good with no clue how to fight, but it does mean I shouldn't just fight like a brick headed wall. I'll have to strike with some purpose. Like some kind of weak spot.

what if her boobs are a weak point

Fucking hell Kappi just shut your mind up if you're gonna clutter up my head with trash! If she's so damn tough, she'll have to be hit in a place that matters, not just some place that'll cause pain!
>>
No. 805889 ID: bfb318
File 149662121421.png - (136.28KB , 800x800 , 216.png )
805889

Oh, he's finally doing something himself.
>>
No. 805890 ID: bfb318
File 149662125014.png - (123.12KB , 800x800 , 217.png )
805890

shriiiip

Kappi, you idiot, are you thinking of me as you do that?
well she does kind of look and feel like you
We are nothing alike!
okay
>>
No. 805891 ID: bfb318
File 149662126528.png - (143.28KB , 800x800 , 218.png )
805891

We are nothing alike!
okay

By the way miss I'm really sorry about doing this to your suit!
Kappi! Don't apologize to criminals!

Nevermind! She's too stupid to fight! She's so stupid, she dropped Kappi so that she can try to cover her chest with an invisible arm, leaving her head wide open! She's got the worst reflexive decisions I've ever seen!

Now she's ashamed and feels bad because of my opinion of her?! She's sensitive, too!
>>
No. 805895 ID: 9a2274

If she is that embarrassed use it against her. Tell Kappi to keep tearing at her suit. Will keep her off balance as you smack her around.

Heck you could start tearing at her suit to help.
>>
No. 805897 ID: a363ac

>>805891
welp you got this in the bag. Kappi call HQ or whatever and tell them you have two criminals on the roof basicly ready for pickup.
>>
No. 805900 ID: 3abd97

I suddenly get the feeling it's going to be Kappi and not Rokoa the Chief will be yelling at for inappropriate conduct and treatment towards suspects today (a halfway competent lawyer will be able to get her off when her only apparent crimes were resisting arrest and associating with a known criminal, and one of the arresting officers molested her).

>Now she's ashamed and feels bad because of my opinion of her?! She's sensitive, too!
If you don't want to feel bad about being a bad criminal then just surrender already and stop trying to be a bad criminal because you're bad at it.

And then you can all sit in a nice comfy cell and have that hot chocolate you wanted without needing to ruin any dates. (Heart-Head's in a place where if Rokoa switches from aggressive cop mode to Mom-mode I think she would just go along with whatever she says. What this emotional wreck needs is someone to just be firm, give her a little tough love, and tell her to cut this shit out, with a little something to feel better about).
>>
No. 805911 ID: 3ce125

>>805891
Haha, good grief. Now I guess you're gonna feel sorry for her choice in boyfriends too. Restrain the criminal since you've got the clear advantage, and give the arkot to Kappi so you can talk properly.
>>
No. 805916 ID: 4c47f2

Oh wow, looks like you were just paranoid, she is just that inexperienced. Kinda funny really.

Just intimidate her into surrendering, maybe mom-moding here will help, but if it doesn't then you're still in a position to just beat on her.

And give Kappi some credit, knowing or not he impaired her with her own bashfulness.
>>
No. 805925 ID: 91ee5f

>what if her boobs are a weak point
>Enemy drops hostage for the sake of covering herself
Holy shit, Kappi was right! Her boobs are a weak point! Just not in the way you were expecting!

If she's easily embarrassed, then start stripping her naked! That'll make her focus more on covering herself and less on actually trying to put up a fight!

>Kappi's free and no longer a hostage.
Think at him to call for backup!

>>805911
>give the arkot to Kappi so you can talk properly.
Don't do that. I've got a feeling that, with Kappi's luck, he'll end up getting taken hostage again by the arkot while it's still tied up!
>>
No. 805944 ID: e94191

Kappi was right. Her boobs were a weak point.
>>
No. 805959 ID: e22b1d

Face it Rokoa. You are just mad at Kappi for revealing your own secret lewd weak points.

He is over there using his years of experience with your body on some creepy clone lady instead of you. And that irritates the hell out of you.

So go one up him and show Kappi who is best at knowing what gets you going.
>>
No. 806016 ID: 4e4014

Hmm. Strange... imprinting on arkots as close personal friends, no experience hand-to-hand fighting, reflexively covering her chest when it's exposed... is it possible this girl wasn't even raised by other neumono?

... oh geeze is she a clone? Like an actual genetic raised-from-infancy clone? Of you? That'd be sad. How old does she feel? Empathically, I mean. I assume one can often make a rough guess about someone's mental age from their empathy. She could be pretty young. If she was raised in a lab by nerds it's not her fault she's a bad fighter, either. How prepared are you to suddenly have a new sister/daughter?

Well, subdue her. Let Kappi help so you can do it without hurting her too much (for now). Remember to keep an eye/ear out for whatever they were coming up to this roof for.

And when she's nicely under arrest, tell her you'll see about asking Ramella for that arkot chocolate recipe. Gotta show your [potential genetic relative] that you're not all punching and teeth! I mean, you mostly are, but you've shown her that already.
>>
No. 806057 ID: 7397ab

>>806016

Face it Rokoa this girl is just some poor lab grown experiment based off your genes. She probably grew up playing with Arkots in a Salikai lab. That's why she is somewhat pathetic and does not know how to fight properly.

She might be only a few years old. So once you get her subdued you might have to adopt her. Otherwise she is just going to continue to get raised by Cyber arkot there.
>>
No. 806064 ID: e6e9af

>>805891

Quick, critique her into submission!
>>
No. 806127 ID: bfb318
File 149670471519.png - (185.87KB , 800x800 , 219.png )
806127

>You are just mad at Kappi for revealing your own secret lewd weak points.
I could do this naked. I don't give a damn.

"Quit embarrasing yourself, you're the worst criminal I've ever seen."
>"I'm - I'm not trying to be a criminal! I'm trying to save my friend, now!"
"Then you're the worst friend."
>"N... noooooo."
"Go get your contraband chocolate in jail, I don't care."
>"They have chocolate in jail?"
"If you're well behaved."

She gives up and I tie her with some scraps of her suit until we can get something better. Since we can't see everything, Kappi starts patting her down. She dropped a sniper rifle and some other materiel in the elevator.

>"At-at least cover my top!" she says, and Kappi goes to bind her using the Arkot's discarded cloak. He insists on doing as she requests instead of being useful and tying her legs up with the cloth or something. "D-don't look at me!"

She's telling that to the arkot, not Kappi? It clicks back at her, and my phone picks it up.

>"Why not?"
"I'm poorly dressed, don't look when I'm dressed like this!"
>"Dumb girl, then do not look at me while I am naked. Also, you are bad at fighting. I would kill these neumono without trouble, if I had your body."
>"You... do you hate me?"
>"You are dumb and bad at hearing. I did not say I hate. You are still the only friend I accept."
>"Ev... even after I've failed?"
>"Yes."
>"Arkot, you're the bes-"
>>
No. 806128 ID: bfb318
File 149670472653.png - (143.85KB , 800x800 , 220.png )
806128

"VILLAINS DON'T GET TO LOVE!"
>>
No. 806129 ID: bfb318
File 149670476963.png - (141.93KB , 800x800 , 221.png )
806129

Once they get picked up and put into custody, we're ordered to see the chief.

"You're both fuckwits."
"S-sorry."
"Rokoa... I'm not even going to read you the list, because you won't listen. Instead you are going to read the list, you are going to memorize the list, and memorize, verbatim, the articles of the law you broke, and you will have a written exam! Kappi, you should be better than this!"
"I-I know, but no matter how much I train, it's still extremely hard to beat someone over twice as big as me! I know I'm weak."
"Yeah."
"No! None but the best of us could have handled her in an elevator fight! I'm talking about your judgement - your sexual harassment! You don't think this would bite us all in the ass when it comes to court?! The only reason it won't is because that girl is so attached to the arkot, she'll go to jail just to be with him!"
"What, they're actually going to the same jail?"
"Yes, we learned a couple of things about her, since we tested her identity and empathy right away. She isn't mentally healthy."
"No kidding."
"What's wrong with her?" Kappi asks.
"Half of her is Rokoa!"

What.
what

"What."
"She's a clone! We already know that the salikai have been trying to clone some of their science hivers before Agent Polo arrested Vanski, but they weren't able to succeed. Something about the cells not knowing enough on their own to regenerate. We don't know how, but apparently after they got some of your cells - because of your impudence of going to the Salikai lair - they were able to fill in the gaps right away! We don't know who or where these clones are being manufactured from, since the girl we're calling Heart Clone must have been born after Vanski was jailed, but the point is that she has your DNA to fill out the clone's original target. Which is Ramella."
"So Ramella and I... are parents? My newborn kid is a bashful criminal?!"
"That's your takeaway from this?! That you have another kid to raise?! Get the hell out of my office and get ready for your test, you dunce!"

The Chief is my queen, but that girl is my kid, so I'm torn to what to do.
>>
No. 806131 ID: 3ce125

>>806129
I wonder what laws you broke, exactly. I guess you weren't supposed to kick the door in that civvie's face, at least. Anyway, study the laws, but see if you can arrange for visitation with Heart Clone. Even if she's related to you in a way, you can't just bust her out of jail. You can use your prison visits to help her learn how to be a person deserving of being family.
>>
No. 806135 ID: 3abd97

>>806128
Well, I guess we can assault and excessive force to the list of things her eventual lawyer can use to get her off.

>>806131
>I wonder what laws you broke, exactly.
Besides assaulting a prisoner, and Kappi's molestation of the suspect? Using a prisoner as a hostage and threatening to kill him probably breaks whatever the future equivalent of the Geneva convention is for the ethical treatment of prisoners. That's a biggie. For smaller offenses, we disobeyed several direct orders not to pursue, used unnecessary force on a civilian bystander (kicking the door in their face), abandoned our actual bodyguard detail (although that's probably breaking a regulation or protocol, not a law), and you're probably not supposed to throw fellow officers down or up into holes to check for danger the way we kept tossing Kappi around. Rokoa's probably liable for the property damage, too, if whoever rules the pursuit wasn't justified.

>>806129
>So Ramella and I... are parents?
Don't break the news to Polo you went and had a kid with one of her dates, yet. That's the kind of thing that might ruin the date! (There's a problem you never imagined having).

At least Heart-Head will have one Mom with her in jail. Who knows how to make arkot chocolate.

>The Chief is my queen, but that girl is my kid, so I'm torn to what to do.
No question. Mom-mode. It's time to set this girl straight, and help her shape up. Polo's a badass, and she has the whole government at her back. Surely she can manage to keep her own date intact while you deal with this.

(Although it'll be too bad if you don't see her again before this is over, because you have to tease that stick in the mud about the multiple girl date thing. How could you not?).
>>
No. 806136 ID: 9a2274

Eh studying can wait. You need to go see your new daughter and start mothering her to reverse the obviously horrible upbringing she has had. Introduce her to some of your other children while you are at it.

Also by bringing her into your family you can learn where she came from so you can go there and rescue any other clones you had.

Oh and you should taunt Polo about how you got farther with her date on accident than she ever did.
>>
No. 806139 ID: a363ac

>>806129
Go make your kid do the same thing you are. recite every single law she broke and then yell at her if she gets it wrong
>>
No. 806143 ID: e22b1d

You know what sounds better than studying for a test or mothering you new clone child?

Doing both at the same time. Go get a law book and teach her all the crimes she and her boyfriend committed. And quiz her on what crimes you had to commit in the process of capturing her.

I figure with good behavior she can be out and working for the police in no time. And rehabilitating her criminal boyfriend Arkot as well.
>>
No. 806151 ID: e94191

You can multitask. Have Kappi quiz you while you go visit her.
>>
No. 806153 ID: 91ee5f

.....I wonder how the rest of your kids will react to having another sibling? And how will they react when they find out she's a criminal and a pushover instead of a cop and a badass?!

>Queen or child?
Activate Mom-mode, this is a family crisis! The only reason she's a criminal is because you weren't there to raise her properly! You need to go over there and raise her to be a cop! Or if she doesn't want to be a cop, that's fine because she's allowed to be whatever she wants, as long as it's not illegal! And you don't have to worry about Heart Clone's other mother, Ramella, trying to keep her as a criminal because Ramella is in love with Polo and Polo said she doesn't date criminals, so Ramella is going to come clean anyway possible in order to be with Polo! In fact, Ramella will probably help Heart Clone not be a criminal!

Although, something tells me that you're never going to get her to give up having that arkot as a boyfriend. Which is ok! She's allowed to love whoever she wants, as long as they're not a.....yeah, that's a problem. Well, the only solution is to make that arkot come clean also!

And you should tell her not to eat too much chocolate while she's in jail. She doesn't need to get any horizontally bigger than she already is!
>>
No. 806155 ID: 91ee5f

>>806153
You should also come up with a better name than Heart Clone. Or maybe you should wait so that you and Ramella can decide on a name together?
>>
No. 806157 ID: bfb318
File 149671136435.png - (133.35KB , 800x800 , 222.png )
806157

I leave.

"Rokoa are you not intending to study?!"
"I am, just not now."
"If you fail your exam, I'll chain you to desk duty, girl!"
"As long as I get mother duties done, everything else is secondary."
"Kappi, go with her! If she does anything stupid, stop her."
"S-serio... I mean, yes ma'am!"

I drive to the department where they've put the girl and the arkot in a holding cell, until they get processed and transferred to the real prison. Kappi helps me study while we ride.

>"Ah?! What are you doing here?!"
"You're apparently my daughter!"
>"Er, you found out fast! Wait, you consider me your daughter?"
"Yeah?"
>"W-wow. I mean, I... almost thought that you might be like my mom but I thought it was silly so I didn't want to tell you or anything! And... I would've been disappointing..."
"You would be, cept you're not that bad for a two month old! Since you exist because of me, then I've got a responsibility to shape you into a real neumono, weird DNA chimaera or not."
>"Sh- should I call you mom?"
"Duh, yeah. Now, I never named you..."
>"Oh, I have one! I mean, it's... it's Sniper Clone!"
"No! That's a codename at best, not a person's name! Let me think of what I should call you."
click click

That arkot again.
>>
No. 806158 ID: bfb318
File 149671139855.png - (100.91KB , 800x800 , 223.png )
806158

>"If you wanted to name her, you should have been with her. Her name is sniper clone. You are not her mother."

The arkot's got a deathwish. The girl's conflicted. She wants to get to know me, which is a good sign, but she's way too damn attached to that arkot.
>>
No. 806161 ID: a363ac

>>806158
"Boyfriends can shut thier little arkot mouths before I fuse them together!"
maybe something like Ramona but more nuemonoish.
>>
No. 806162 ID: 3ce125

>>806158
Tough talk from someone who gets called "arkot". You want a name too, little guy?

He's being protective of her. You're going to have to convince him your intentions are good and you will be a positive influence on your half-clone. What would convince him? Perhaps your other children can vouch for you? Or maybe Kappi could, actually. They're in similar positions.
>>
No. 806163 ID: 3ce125

>>806161
Well if she's a fusion of Ramella and Rokoa then Ramoa works. Or Rokella.
>>
No. 806164 ID: 9a2274

"And who's fault is it that I was not there with her? I hope its not yours because that would make me very mad with you. And if you are really her friend you should be mad at the people who were using her not me."

So don't give me a speech about being a bad mother when I was never told about her until today.

(As for the Arkot he is her friend so attempt to be civil to him. "Arkot version of civil" that is.)

"So on the subject of names what should I be calling you? I am warning you now that I am not going to tolerate any bad role models around my daughter. So if you want to stay with her then you had better be good."
>>
No. 806165 ID: 3abd97

>If you wanted to name her, you should have been with her.
You can't exactly play the negligent mother card on me when your boss stole my DNA and went and made her in secret! I should add kidnapping to the list of charges.

Also I don't care what disgusting pet names your boyfriend calls you in bed, I'm your mother and I'm giving you a normal name.

>name
"Karri" is a name we know Rokoa would approve of giving to one of her kids, and hasn't been used yet in this timeline.

>>806163
Of the portmanteaus, Ramoa is actually pretty good. Sounds like a normal neumono name.

>what else
Need to force Kappi to take your picture with her for the wallet, and then you can start showing off pictures and introducing her to all her siblings.
>>
No. 806166 ID: fc33ea

Nobody asked you, Tiny.

See how she likes Ramoa.
>>
No. 806168 ID: 91ee5f

>>806158
>"If you wanted to name her, you should have been with her. Her name is sniper clone. You are not her mother."
"Funny thing about that, it's pretty fucking hard to be there for her when I didn't even know she existed until [insert amount of time here] ago! And last I heard, she's got my DNA and Ramella's DNA in her, which make both of us her parents, which also means, yes I am her mother! So, unless she somehow has your DNA also, you ain't one of her parents, so you don't get to decide on what her name should be! So, if you want to be able to go to the same jail as her, you'll kindly keep your fucking mouth shut before I decide to separate both of you!"
>>
No. 806172 ID: 1e7aa8

"Arkborg, this ain't a fucking democracy. This is the big house and you don't get a vote, tincan!"

>>806162
He's a criminal cyborg arkot who worked for the grinch. Compassion is NOT on his agenda.

if it WAS then they wouldn't have even tried to break up polo's date-fest.
>>
No. 806175 ID: e22b1d

Don't be horribly mean to the Arkot. Sure he is a criminal terrorist but he is also a abused victim of Vanski's science idiots. And more importantly he is your daughters best friend.

Now that does not mean you have to put up with his crap. If he says something stupid correct him. But do not threaten him or try to separate them. Let his own innate Arkot assholeness be his worst enemy. Basically just don't put Sniper into a position where she has to defend her friend from you.

As for her name? I like Ramona.
>>
No. 806180 ID: 2120ee

>>806158
Tell the arkot to shutup or you'll give it a name too. "Sniper's Drone" or something. Cause he's half robot.
>>
No. 806183 ID: f08985

Why would you fuse Rokoa and Ramella's name just because she has both their DNA? All kids have a jumble of their parents' DNA and they don't just get portmanteaus of Mommy's and Daddy's names. Fuck.

See how she likes... dunno, Kalirra or whatever.
>>
No. 806193 ID: 91ee5f

>>806168
(Adding onto my earlier post.)

"And as her mother, I don't want her hanging around bad influences like you, criminal scum! So, if you want to still be able to see her, then you're gonna have to stop being a criminal or you're never seeing each other again!"

"Now that that's out of the way, I gotta ask. Are there anymore DNA clones of me that I should know about? Or are you the only one?"
>>
No. 806259 ID: 4e4014

Don't be too mean to the arkot, those guys are basically slaves too. Plus it's really no surprise that someone who's half you would get attached to one of them that was actually competent. You yourself seem like you have an attachment to small cute dangerous things.

Anyway, tell him "It might seem normal to you to get named like a science experiment, but to everyone else in the galaxy it's part of being treated like shit! It's like the name you'd give to an object, or an animal - property, either way, not a person! And I don't give my kids names like that. Hell, I don't even need to be her mother to give her a name if I want to! You never heard of nicknames? Anyway - my first temptation is to give you some mixed name of me and Ramella, like Rokella or Ramoa or something, but that might be pretty shitty in the "you're your own person" department too. What would you think about one of those, girl?"

Personally, I prefer "Rokella" to "Ramoa", Ramoa sounds kind of awkward in the mouth or something, like there's a letter missing (and I don't want to call her "Ramona" because I think Rokoa wouldn't approve of giving her kids human names). It also sounds more like a name that could be made fun of/innuendoed ("ram more"? "ram moan"?) and she seems shy about that sort of thing. Rokella sounds stronger to me.
>>
No. 806263 ID: 4e4014

You do have to do that exam and get back to Polo's gang (you don't want to leave it to Az, do you?), and you don't want your Queen taking out any of your frustrations with you on your new daughter (she doesn't have the protection of being in your hive that your other kids have), so don't linger too much. Just establish that you think of yourself as her mom, that you think of her as a person, inquire a bit into what kind of person she is (hobbies and skills she likes having/using and et cetera, she had to have been given some sort of memory download or fast training thing), and ask if there's anything she wants or needs. Then say when everything's not heading to a valentine's disaster you'll be right back here straight away, and that you'll call one of your other kids to come talk to her in the meantime. You're kind of intimidating, so it might be better to ease her into being your kid with an introduction to a brother or sister to learn about you and your/her family from first, anyway. And since she's probably still mentally messed up and needs a light touch (for now), call in the nicest, loveliest most pleasant to be around good-cop kid you have. It'd be really awkward to ask whether or not Rikora the younger is still alive in this timeline but she's who I'm thinking of.

Also tell her you're going to get in touch with her other mom (on a strict biological basis Ramella is probably closer to being the mother than you, actually, but I doubt that matters to you) and fill her in on all this, and would she like to send any sort of message? Hopefully they're going to go to the same jail once Ramella's time out is over so they'll be able to get to know each other there.
>>
No. 806266 ID: 4c47f2

Well, she seems to care for that arkot so maybe don't insult but point out that that argument is invalid as you didn't know she was your daughter until x minutes ago. As for a name, I'm not sure. Bit against mashing Rokoa and Ramella together, just be sure to ask her opinion of the name before giving it to her. That way is kinda makes it partly her choice?

Maybe ask if the Arkot has a name? It could be that the Salikai name their minions with regards to what they're supposed to do / description and function as opposed to a name. Being forced to work under those jerks is bound to do some damage.

Try to avoid forcing her to have to choose between you and that arkot.

>>806263
This is a good suggestion, supporting this one. You don't have to name her right now, so just have a chat.
>>
No. 806286 ID: 4e4014

Actually, you know, you could acknowledge her past while also giving her a name of her own if you just translate it into the same language your name comes from. "Sniper clone" probably doesn't have a direct translation, and she's not really technically a clone anyway, but what would the words be for something like "distance fighter recreation" or "long thrower child" or "archer twin", or other ways of mixing those words and others like them?
>>
No. 806320 ID: e6e9af

>>806158

Glare his tiny, crushable ass down.

"Mommy. Knows. Best."
>>
No. 806389 ID: bfb318
File 149679193505.png - (108.63KB , 1000x800 , 224.png )
806389

"Hmph, I might be showing up later than I should, but I'm showing up exactly when I could, so don't talk out of your tiny, crushable ass. I don't care if you two are buddies, but I'm not going to have her be a criminal, and I'm not going to have her be showing criminals sympathetic, so you better straighten your crap out, arkot! Now as for a name, your name is like a science experiment, but you are a person, you will act like a person, and you will be treated like a person, which is why you're getting a real person name."

Damn, she is attached to it, though.

"Fine. I'll name you Kalirra. It's an old word of ours that means archer, or long thrower. Not a perfect translation. Maybe we'll save all the fusing names if there's more clones out there. Are there?"
>"Uh... arkot?"
>"Only you now, sniper clone. Others are prepared, but you are tested for competency. If you are good, more will be made."
>"Ohh. Well... I do like the idea of having a descriptive name but in that case, what about a fusing of the name Rokoa and Ramella? Like Ramona!"
"A human name?!"
>"That's just a coincidence! I'm sure your old language had some word that was also another word in english?"
"Yeah. Okay, whatever, we'll talk about big decisions later. I'm going to get to know you, and since I'm on a job now, I'm sending my kids after you. You'll get to talk to Ramella when she gets back in jail, and I'll visit! I want to know about your interests so you can pursue goals other than messing up people's dates. Kappi, stay here!"
Okay.
>"Okay! I don't understand, though... I'm not, uh, I'm not your hivemate, properly I'm just sort of inbetween."
"You're a child!"
>"N- I'm bigger than you!"
"You want me to come in there and show you who's higher?!"

>"No fighting the inmates, rokoa!" the prison guard yells from farther away.
"I have to go anyway! See you later, daughter!"
>"Okay, bye m-mom! Tell Polo and Ramella I said hi!"
>>
No. 806392 ID: bfb318
File 149679198665.png - (211.78KB , 1000x800 , 225.png )
806392

>"Poloooo, would it be possible to, uh, get that prize?" Ramella asks.

There's a Vanski plush inside of this fair game. There are laws against making merchandise in people's images, although it's so commonly done, since law enforcement usually has better things to do.

"Who is it for?"
>"V... Vanski. I think he'd feel good that he wasn't so quickly forgotten."
>>
No. 806395 ID: f08985

Why does she care? It doesn't seem too bad, but scope out her motive.
>>
No. 806398 ID: 3ce125

>>806392
...sure. You have little sympathy for Vanski but you won't judge her for it, she knows him better anyway.
>>
No. 806401 ID: 3abd97

>>806389
>name not settled
Probably for the best, for now.

Kappi: Sure. Don't mind me, I'm just going to hand out awkwardly with my girlfriend's two month old daughter who I already groped extensively. This isn't awkward at all.

>>806392
Well, I suppose shooting criminals is occasionally part of my job. It's rare that I get to cheer any of them up doing so.
>>
No. 806406 ID: 9a2274

I don't mind.

But what makes you want to make Vanski happy? If you don't mind I would love to hear the story about how you ended up working for him.
>>
No. 806407 ID: 3abd97

>>806406
I don't think we want to go digging like that right now. We're trying to keep this light hearted.
>>
No. 806408 ID: 91ee5f

>>806392
As long as she doesn't try to hide anything inside the plush that would help Vanski escape, then I don't see a problem.

Plus, being nice while Pink Rose is around will help Rose not associate you with grumpiness, which is the whole point of this date in the first place.
>>
No. 806415 ID: e6e9af

>>806392

>Villain Gallery

Does that mean Ramella could theoretically be in there, too? I mean, she *is* a "villain." Technically. Being in jail, and all.

(Get both if there are)
>>
No. 806422 ID: 4c47f2

It'll have to be scanned extensively before Vanski gets it to be on the safe side, but I see no reason not to get it for him. You worried about him or something, Ramella?
>>
No. 806669 ID: 4e4014

Salikai are pretty cute in their weird little smugangry nerd way.

Really, Vanski was obviously insane (destroy christmas? really?), so it's easy to imagine members of the science hive, like Ramella, perhaps remembering a time before he lost his mind. Go win that plush for her.
>>
No. 806905 ID: bfb318
File 149696381574.png - (130.10KB , 800x800 , 226.png )
806905

"I will, but I wonder why you would."
>"I mean, he was evil and awful, yes, but he's still a person, and he's still, uh, he still took care of my hive a long time ago when no one else would. So we kind of owe him our lives. Even if he got abusive in his later years, and even if he really should be where he is now, I can't just forget all the good he did for my hive."
"Alright. It will be dissected and scanned heavily, but it should be okay."
>"As long as it gets to him more or less intact!"

I pay the zeny to get a shot. Vanski is all the way at the back. There are various arkots and other nefarious personas, but I don't see a Ramella plush.

The gallery shooting gun is, expectedly, made of the cheapest plastic and loosest manufacturing standards. The barrel does not even seem to be screwed in well, and wobbles slightly. No doubt this is intentional, to make this game more more luck than skill. Instead of playing this lottery game, I hold the barrel to take the shot. Katzati is talking to the clerk, and I believe will attempt to shoot Vanski herself as well.

The shot trajectory looks good, but just before it reaches its mark, a pole swings out from the floor, with Az's likeness at the top. He gets in the way, and blocks the shot.

This game just got too real for me.

>"Too bad!" the clerk says. "That happens, sometimes! Shooting the Grinch is no easy task. Want another go? The Ultraking doesn't often get in the way that effectively."
"Yes, I - er."
>>
No. 806907 ID: bfb318
File 149696385283.png - (172.92KB , 800x800 , 227.png )
806907

Katzati is holding up a Vanski plush.

"Katzati, you won this game? I didn't see you shoot."
>"Oh no, I'm terrible at carnival games. I just decided to have no soul about it, and bought the plush, sorry! Here you go, Ramella."
>"Thank you!" says Ramella. "And thank you Polo, it was a good shot but geez these games are so unfair! Is that normal? Is that legal?"
"Yes. These games do not come with any guarantee of ever winning."

Although the fair is still going, the sun is setting.
>>
No. 806908 ID: a363ac

>>806907
grumble something about Az and dicks then move onward
>>
No. 806909 ID: 9a2274

Throw a arm around both your dates and see what they would like to do next. Feel out the mood.
>>
No. 806912 ID: 3abd97

>This game just got too real for me.
Az stop messing up my missions even when I'm trying to take a break.

>>806907
The power of the threeway date! You're not the only one who can get a girl a plush.

>Although the fair is still going, the sun is setting.
Maybe we should find a good place to watch the sunset? Get some ice cream or something?
>>
No. 806915 ID: 262ceb

I think the plan was to go see a musical or something? Some bit of theatre? If I remember, the idea was to immerse Pink/Rose/Rashana in a mass of neumono all enjoying themselves, getting into the flow of the lows and highs of whatever production it is. Part of the "feeling the love" thing we're trying to go for, or at least the "prove Polo's not a grump lump" part of it.

Say, where are Pilon and Rose?
>>
No. 806916 ID: 91ee5f

Say, "I knew Az's big head was going to get him shot in the head one day."

This is a double joke on the fact that his head is big and saying someone has a "big head" is another way of saying that they have a big ego, which is something that Az also has.

>>806912
>Get some ice cream or something?
Agreed!
>>
No. 807027 ID: 64053e

Grumble about Az always being an obstruction.
>>
No. 807239 ID: 15a025

Ask what they'd like to next?
>>
No. 807796 ID: bfb318
File 149740575784.png - (133.63KB , 800x800 , 228.png )
807796

"It's not the first time Az's big head got him shot, anyway."

I've been periodically checking in on Pilon and Rose. I still have to fight to keep from keeping a constant eye on them, since that would remind them of my ulterior motive to keep Rose in a good mood. In any case, I am seeing aliens periodically walk by. Some may be legitimate fair goers, but many are agents to keep an eye on us. As they linger and get hotter, they eventually fade away before another alien comes to hang around.

In any case, they got hung up by some rope ladder climbing game. Pilon climbed up it faster than Rose expected, as she was only loosely aware that he used to be in a warhive turned police hive. She didn't want to be outdone, and tried to climb up it faster, then goaded Pilon to try again, since he seemed to take it easy his first run up.

Ever since then, they've been constantly climbing up and down the course. They tell me they'll catch up later.
>>
No. 807797 ID: bfb318
File 149740576657.png - (183.98KB , 800x800 , 229.png )
807797

After a brief talk about what to do next, we decide on ice cream. I arrange a sky deck booth so that we can watch the sunset. We've ran out of things to talk about, but the mood is good, at least for a little while until Ramella starts feeling down.

"What's wrong?"
>"Tonight was great but after it I've got to go back to jaaaail!"
>>
No. 807799 ID: a363ac

>>807797
Indeed you do have to go back to jail but you might be able to get parole for good behavior while helping the government on a mission.
>>
No. 807800 ID: 015058

Well then we had better make tonight memorable enough so every time you think of this night it cheers you up.

As for jail I am sure that with your good behavior you will be out in no time. And I will have another date waiting then.

Waggle your eyebrows at her while saying the first sentence.
>>
No. 807802 ID: 91ee5f

>>807797
Smile and pat her on the shoulder and say, "I've got a feeling that your good behavior will get you out early. And if we add you helping agents on a mission, then you'll get out even earlier!"

"Besides, you've still got a date with me all to yourself to look forward to!"
>>
No. 807803 ID: 3ce125

>>807797
Nothing can be done about that. Tell her if she stays on her best behavior she'll get out on parole in no time.
>>
No. 807804 ID: f08985

You'll be sure to give Ramella some memories to keep her warm, and make sure she doesn't have spare time to think about anything other than the process. Plus, helping with government work is bound to get some time off.
>>
No. 807805 ID: f08985

>>807804
Try and imply that all three of you should be in on this.
>>
No. 807807 ID: 3abd97

>>807797
Time for a joke, I think.

Straight faced: "So you're not looking forward to part of the date where I break out the handcuffs, then?"
>>
No. 807819 ID: 262ceb

Hmm. Troublesome territory, you don't want Ramella to actually mention what her crime was because that would be bad memories for Rose. Since she's not here this is the perfect time for it, though, if you can clear it up quick. Try avoid talking about those specific events if you can, though.

So tell her you're sure she's built up a good behavior record, and her part in the crime that got her in was not too major, particularly with the decent case made for her hive being coerced by Vanski. She did have some part, and she does need to pay that due to society, but it shouldn't take long. Besides, prison offers good opportunities for learning new skills and practicing how to integrate into non-salikai-criminal-underworld life. She'll be better off than if she just dropped out now. Maybe say that if she can take advantage of the right training programs, she'll even be able to come work with your agency, with you! Forensics, making new equipment, counteracting criminal science advances, there's lots she could do. She already has more insight into criminal affairs than the average neumono, so why not put them to use?

Hmm. Are Korli and Ramella the only members of their hive that you caught? I was sure there was at least one other, and there should have been a bunch in the base.
>>
No. 807821 ID: a363ac

>>807807
this is wonderful joke.
>>
No. 807825 ID: 0d45a9

>>807807
I don't see this joke going well, seems a bit too on point. And if it doesn't work then it just seems like you're rubbing it in in a way. Best not to try it.

Remind Ramella that this would count as good behaviour and that the agreement from Christmas (The date w/ Ramella) hasn't changed.
>>
No. 807829 ID: 3abd97

>>807825
I think it defuses the tension better than getting her hopes up for an early release, when we have no idea if that's even on the table.

(A way to address that idea that's more tempered / fair to her might be something like "technically, you are assisting us on a case right now. That's usually of some benefit to a confidential informant").
>>
No. 807864 ID: e22b1d

Don't worry I am not going to make you spend valentines day alone. You can hang out with me and Katzati until the case closes which should give you another day or two. The fun is not over until the big valentines day celebration goes off without a problem.

And I will be sure to give the parole board a glowing review of you helping out with a state emergency. It should knock your sentence down quite a bit.

That being said what do you want to do tonight to make sure this date is a perfect one?
>>
No. 808628 ID: bfb318
File 149773636997.png - (147.14KB , 800x800 , 230.png )
808628

"Remember that you are one of the lighter offenders, as far as your... companions go. Good behavior will go a long way."
>"Yeah but I'm so close to Korli, and she's a terrible influence! She's still my hivemate."
"That does complicate things, but most people understand that, and it's unlikely you'll have that bad influence while on parole. Where were your other hivemates taken, anyway?"
>"Oh, um, they're in jail too, but Korli and I are kind of the mini-team in the big hive team. I'll introduce you sometime!"
"Alright. For now, it's not like you need to go back tonight, not until this mission is over, or at least until the later part of valentine's day. Plus, I have still promised you a date on your release. That still stands."
>"That could be forever even on my best behavior!"
>"There's no such thing as a forever sentence." says Katzati. "And you're not even on a life sentence. You've got plenty to look forward to."
>"I guuuuuessss!"
"I can sympathize with going back to jail, though. What would you like to do tonight to make sure your time away from jail is well spent, until I have to put you back in handcuffs?"
>"Uhhh."
>>
No. 808629 ID: bfb318
File 149773638176.png - (126.53KB , 800x800 , 231.png )
808629

>"Just being with you two has been nice! So more of that?!"
>>
No. 808631 ID: 3ce125

>>808629
"You are thinking of something else, aren't you."
>>
No. 808633 ID: 015058

Looking at that blush I am thinking you would like to be with both of us in a much closer fashion.

Well if you play your cards right you just might get that chance.

(read her blush empathy as you respond and see what she is thinking)
>>
No. 808635 ID: 56ffef

To the Polo-cave!
>>
No. 808639 ID: 17c2ee

>>808629
>>808631
"Yes, I'm sure I can imagine where you'd like to be with us." Let her squirm a bit, then deadpan suggest you find someplace more private. Connotations aside, being followed and having to deal with public nuisances like that couple that wanted your booth is a pain in the ass. Plus after the fair I'm sure you'd like to see what else you can do.

Also, initiate footsie this time, possibly with both of them. See if you can make it seem accidental while you're looking around or something.
>>
No. 808653 ID: 3abd97

>>808629
>more of being nice
I think that can be readily accommodated.

She's already squirming and blushing, maybe make your next lick of the ice cream a slow one?
>>
No. 808661 ID: 4546ab

So Katzati. What sort of extra special activities do you think we should enjoy with our blushing date here?
>>
No. 808663 ID: 262ceb

Polo, you cannot just hare off dragging your dates to some private spot so you can vigorously "be nice" to Ramella.

You have to bring Pilon and Rose too.

Seriously though you're not done setting up the perfect evening yet, go to the theatre or something.
>>
No. 808664 ID: e22b1d

Make sure you get Katzati in on any Ramella seduction attempts. You do have two cute girls who need your lovin.
>>
No. 808666 ID: 91ee5f

Whatever you plan on doing, make sure you don't stray too far from Pilon and Rose! We don't want to leave them behind, right?
>>
No. 808667 ID: 17c2ee

>>808639
Amend "with us" to "with two gorgeous women" if you want to be sure and include Katzati.
>>
No. 808743 ID: 15a025

You've got something planned don't you Ramella?
Ask what she's got on her mind that has her blushing so much.
>>
No. 808781 ID: 8111b6

Perhaps keep it to heavy flirting and let the empathy flow. If we play our cards right, maybe we could get a localized empathy feedback loop going on that feeling. Probably be useful for dispelling misconceptions floating around. ...plus, it's fun.

It's certainly one aspect of Valentine's Day to remember, after all. ...unless that's considered a separate emotion entirely.
>>
No. 808804 ID: 91ee5f

>>808781
If we're gonna do that, let's at least get Rose within range. After all, she's the one that needs to feel these kinds of things to prepare for the thing she's going to do on Valentine's!
>>
No. 809992 ID: bfb318
File 149827699756.png - (101.42KB , 800x800 , 232.png )
809992

"It sounds like you had something in mind, Ramella."
>"It's inappropriaaate!"
"I can tell."
>"Ahhh!"
>"Hiding it just makes us more curious." says Katzati, and although I have hunches, she is still right.

Katzati and Ramella share a look, communicating... rather, more like sharing a mix of emotions, and simply feeling each other out. Empathically. I tap both of their feet, and soon there is a light game of three way footsies going on.

I hear Lucera in my headset.

>"Polo, those bugs you planted in the wave force HQ? We got audio from a couple of them. If you want to hear it, give confirmation."
"Just a moment." I tell the both of my dates, then use my face muscles to tug at my ear. My implants can recognize that as a nod.

>"Hey, Black! We found pink! She's with grey!" says a male voice, which Lucera says is the white one.
>"What! Like, the UDA agent that can fire a force gun?!" says Black.
>"Yeah! Pink hasn't been responding to our calls this whole time. She's said she's fine, but something's not right about her keeping us away!"
>"You think they're trying to get Pink on their side? The hell's gotten into her? Come on, we've got to go find her and knock some sense into that girl!"
>"I doubt it'll come to a fight!" White continues. "But we'll be ready to fight the UDA if Pink doesn't want to be with those stuffy desk warriors. Come on, let's get the others and get our stealth fliers!"
>>
No. 809993 ID: bfb318
File 149827715006.png - (153.29KB , 800x800 , 233.png )
809993

Just as the audio is finishing, Rose and Pilon catch up to us. It almost looks like they were in a fight, but their energetic and pleased empathy seems to indicate that they might have been play fighting.
>>
No. 809994 ID: f08985

'Play fighting'. Right, sure.

"I hate to spoil you two lovebirds' mood, but Black and White are getting your coworkers together to crash the party. They're on their 'stealth fliers'. Any way you could tell them ahead of time that you're on a date and you don't want work interfering?"

Sucks to spoil her mood with work, but they were going to intrude and you can trust Pilon to get her back in the right mindset.
>>
No. 809995 ID: 015058

I think we can probably ignore Pink's team for now. If they are going to hide and spy on date night it should be clear that Pink is just having a nice night out with you and friends.

If they do crash the party we just invite them to hang out and have dinner and tell them you feel guilty for zapping Pink with your grump beam and are trying to make it up to her.

Ask the fuzzy couple if they want any ice cream and grab them some chairs.

As for your two dates try to get them interacting more. They both know you well enough but to make this night perfect we need to get to know each other.

Maybe start a conversation that they can both chime in on. Possibly something scienceish that a operator like Katzati would be familiar with?
>>
No. 809998 ID: 3abd97

>>809992
So... we got incoming. Can we get our operator to give us an ETA? How fast are the ranger's fliers, and how far away are they?

>>809993
Sure. "Play fighting."

Finally tired each other out, then?

>>809994
Outing Pink when she's technically in civilian disguise seems a bad idea. As does bothering her about her team jumping to conclusions. Giving her intel we only accessed by secretly hiding recording devices in their base is the worst idea.
>>
No. 810000 ID: 3ce125

Don't bother telling your group about the Rangers. UDA Agents should be able to intercept and inform them of the general situation and that they should stay out of empathy range but are free to get an eye on the situation if they want. If the UDA can't talk to the Rangers via radio or something, then we can give Pink a heads up.

>>809993
Offer some ice cream. Ask if they had fun; looks like they had fun!
>>
No. 810018 ID: 91ee5f

>>809992
Wait, how did they find out about that?!

Oh, right, Pink sent them a message saying that.

Wait, Pink said they keep their identities secret from each other! And they already know what "Grey" looks like without a helmet on! Meaning, if they come here and see Polo, then the pink colored neumono with Polo will obviously be Pink and her identity will be revealed to the other Rangers! I'm pretty sure Pink doesn't want that!

But if we tell her, then it'll ruin the happy feelings she's been building up to fire at the rouges on Valentine's tomorrow to make them feel happy! That'll ruin Valentine's Day!

Uhhh, let's keep this info to ourselves and hope the UDA and/or Rokoa and Az can handle it quietly outside of Pink's empathy range!
>>
No. 810127 ID: bfb318
File 149834336202.png - (131.23KB , 800x800 , 234.png )
810127

"We've already ordered ice cream, if you'd like to join us." I say. Rose orders some as well, and Pilon orders the 'healthy' ice cream. We can't help but focus on that with our attention.
>"I have to watch my figure." Pilon explains. "I get most of my money through advertisements and male modelling, even if that's not my calling in life."
>"With looks like that, you probably do get all kinds of offers." says Katzati.
>"Hey!" Rose then jokingly chimes in, holding Pilon's arm. "He's mine for tonight!"
>"Hey!" Ramella says. "Is there some joke between you two, Polo and Katzati, I missed?!"

While Katzati was talking, she was listening in in the same way I was. I believe Lucera has also alerted Katzati to the news.

>"No, no." Katzati explains. "But us agents and operators have to always be on call. We don't have to go in to work or anything, but we get little alerts now and then."
>"Is it something I should worry about?" asks Rose.
"No."
>"No." Katzati echoes.

Rose is less convinced.

>"Does it concern me? Well, whatever, if my... partners show up, I'll beat 'em up myself."
>"A..." Ramella starts talking, then changes her mind, then flips back and forth before continuing. "Aren't you, you know, the loving one?"
>"Yeah!" say Rose. "You can beat up the people you like, you know!"

I remind myself that the wave force have shown concepts that are much more divorced from reality.

>"Ugh, they really are coming, aren't they?" she says, demonstrating impressive reads on our empathy. It almost makes me want to go silent, but that would speak even louder.
>>
No. 810128 ID: 3ce125

>>810127
Tell her they think you kidnapped her or something. If they don't get set straight beforehand they might show up, yeah.
>>
No. 810129 ID: 015058

Yeah. But I think the best thing for them would be to see you having a normal night out.

They probably think I am trying to steal you away from them.
>>
No. 810130 ID: a363ac

>>810127
"So Rose do you want to beat them up for fun? Before you and Pilon go have more fun~"
>>
No. 810131 ID: a363ac

>>810127
"So Rose do you want to beat them up for fun? Before you and Pilon go have more fun~"
>>
No. 810132 ID: 3abd97

>"You can beat up the people you like, you know!"
You might want to be careful what you agree to do with your date tonight, Pilon.

>"Ugh, they really are coming, aren't they?"
It's a simple enough matter to avoid them if you don't want to see them right now. I'm very sneaky, supposedly.

>Can we get our operator to give us an ETA? How fast are the ranger's fliers, and how far away are they?
>>
No. 810133 ID: 84ac62

>Ramella's known the whole time

Geeze, does anyone know how to keep a secret around here? I mean, maybe Pilon doesn't know, he hasn't said anything.

Tell Rose they obviously miss her, and they're worried about her being recruited away from them or something like that. Ask her if she told them she'd be back tomorrow.

Really, though, you could all just go walking the streets arm in arm licking ice cream in an obviously date setting and the other rangers will hopefully pick up on how non-dastardly this whole thing is when they show up and see that.
>>
No. 810136 ID: c93ebc

Intel suggests that they think we are trying to recruit you, so beating them up, while fun, may lead to more misunderstandings than we already have.

I can help if you do fight them However.
>>
No. 810173 ID: 15a025

Instead of fighting them, we could try challenging that to a carnival game!
>>
No. 810240 ID: 2b0a30

"Wanna play hide and seek with them?"
>>
No. 810343 ID: be5b3f

>>810240
Ooh I like where is the nearest fun house?
>>
No. 811880 ID: bfb318
File 149902246317.png - (127.20KB , 800x800 , 235.png )
811880

"They think we kidnapped you or something, and are trying to convert you to our side."
>"Those guys! If I text them now, they'll just think you took my phone or forced me to text your words."
"It's fine if we're seen out in public anyway, where they can see you clearly not kidnapped."
>"Hmm..." Rose has some doubts.
"Did you say you'd be back tomorrow?"
>"At least briefly! I do have things to do tomorrow, you know."
>"Oh!" says Ramella. "What if we played hide and seek with them?"
>"Uh, I think they might get the wrong idea!" says Rose. "If it looks like you guys are trying to hide me. Then again, I guess if they really can't find us, it might work?"
>"What if we fought them? In a carnival game, I mean." says Katzati. "If Rose is the prize, then that means there's four of us versus four of them."

Rose thinks that's most in line with what would appeal to the wave force's sensibilities. The price for losing may be too much, though, and it may be more practical to just hide out in a funhouse or something.
>>
No. 811883 ID: be5b3f

Challenge them to a game of Hide & Seek.
>>
No. 811885 ID: 015058

Polo enjoy your snuggling more. Just look at that cute girl all starved for attention. Give her ear a nibble or something. And why is Poor Katzati over the table left out of this snuggling? Get her in on things before she feels left out. Two dates means twice the work.

Why don't we challenge them? Not with Rose as the prize or in carnival games. But to something valentines day themed?

Like who can snuggle the best or be the most romantic? Composing love poems or singing for there sweethearts?
>>
No. 811889 ID: efcc58

>>811880
Just tell them to screw off and not interrupt her date.
>>
No. 811894 ID: 3abd97

Hehe. Ramella's making the most of things. Neumono dates mean snuggling.

Katzati's got the right idea, I think. Challenging the rangers to some sort of game defuses the tension and puts things back in a space that makes sense (to them at least) even if we should lose.

So long as Rose is okay being a "prize". (Some people would be offended by that, others would enjoy being the center of attention).

What games do we have here that work for teams? (Laser tag seems too on the nose for Polo for anyone to agree to, and we already did mini golf).

...if we're sticking to maintaining the transparent secret identity, we might need to grab a mask or something for Rose. The other rangers don't all know her face, right? Also if we do 4v4, including Pilon, that means letting him in on the secret, if it wasn't already obvious.
>>
No. 811906 ID: e121d3

Just check into a love hotel, they should pick up the idea of what's going on when they arrive and see where you are. I assume neumono love hotels have some pretty big rooms available.

If they still insist on butting their way in, you can challenge them to a contest at that point. Though, given the surroundings at that point, it would have to be some sort of... love competition.

Which might work best for your ultimate purpose of firing up Rose's love ability anyway! You, Katzati, Ramella and Pilon showing your capability as lovers versus the rangers, with Rose judging. In the event of a tie, break it by demonstrating loving on her. I honestly suspect the rangers would win such a tie-breaker, since they have more of a personal connection, but that might be for the best.
>>
No. 811907 ID: 3abd97

>>811906
>try to keep them from butting in by checking into a love hotel
We were in a casino / brothel the last time they butted in to our business in FNC. I don't think that's gonna stop them this time either.
>>
No. 811924 ID: e121d3

>>811907

They were literally being directed to do that by nefarious mind control, that time. And they technically didn't even enter the casino/brothel, they just stood around on the roof a bit.

I'm pretty sure they'll at least think twice this time.
>>
No. 811941 ID: 91ee5f

>>811880
Let's not have Rose as a prize. Calling her a prize sounds kinda offensive.

But.....if we can get them involved in some carnival games, then they could actually help Rose build up her "love beam" for Valentine's!

We could even set it up as a publicity stunt to celebrate Valentine's! After all, who wouldn't want to play some carnival games with the real Wave Force?

Although, we are going to need to make up an excuse for why Pink isn't with the team when they show up. I guess we could just have the Rangers announce that Pink is out sick and the only way to make her feel better is through the power of everyone's happy empathy feelings. The public will buy that, right?
>>
No. 812128 ID: c93ebc

Aren't they supposed to keep their identities a secret from eachother? We should probably buy or win a mask for rose before we do anything whether or not we plan to make contact with them.
>>
No. 812131 ID: 7fad5d

>>812128
I think it's mostly fine, neumono can't really recognize each other just by looking going off of their own testimony in early threads. They rely on stuff like smell, fur color, and empathy, so those are what we really want to mask.
>>
No. 815127 ID: bfb318
File 149987556980.png - (129.03KB , 800x800 , 236.png )
815127

By means of empathy, we sort our table composition out so that Katzati comes to our side of the table, and Pilon and Rose take Katzati's old side.

"My instincts tell me to tell them to just go away and leave us alone, but from what I gather, that will just make them double down. Even if we hid out in a love hotel, I doubt that would stop them. I also gather that they can't resist competition. Maybe not with Rose as the prize, that's kind of..." I let my empathy replace use of any word, but the point is that it seems offensive. "Rose, wasn't your identity supposed to be a secret to them?"
>"Well sure, but just seeing my face isn't enough for that. They still won't know my real name, home, and so on."
"Okay. Some kind of love competition?"

They all stare at me incredulously, except for Pilon, who barely has any idea what's going on. I'll fill him in on it, soon.

>"What exactly do you mean by 'love competition', Polo?" Katzati asks.
"This is a fair, with games, that are valentine themed. I'm sure there are competitions for loving, somehow."
>"Ohh." she answers.
>"What kind of games would there be?" Rose asks, who also had her mind in the gutter.

It's a pretty big fair, being in the capital. If I can think of it, it probably exists. It doesn't need to be Valentine's themed either, even if it's preferred.
>>
No. 815131 ID: 56ffef

>>815127
someone call up the new modified death ray that doesn't lead to insatiable lust Polo is going into the sex games!
>>
No. 815132 ID: 015058

Tease Rose before giving out any ideas.

"Well I have a few interesting ideas but why don't you share one of yours first Rose. You are the "prize" after all."

Then wait for her cute response.

Love contest ideas:

1. Kissing booth. Maybe with a impartial third party judge?
2. A empathy game. Something like a maze or contest where you are blindfolded and your partner has to guide you with just empathy and no words. Whoever is better at reading empathy will do better. Plus its a bonding thing. Could also be a lewd game.
3. Strip twister.
4. Truth or dare
5. Poker with lewd stakes.
6. 7 minutes in heaven on the tunnel of love ride with your date/dates. Whoever has the most contented empathy at the end wins.
7. See who can hold the most sperm balls in there cheeks while still being able to say "chubby bunny"
>>
No. 815145 ID: 7fad5d

"An orgy. What else?" completely deadpan.
>>
No. 815231 ID: 3abd97

>'love competition'
>They all stare at me incredulously
>mind in the gutter
Don't pretend you didn't word that as ambiguously as possible on purpose. You're enjoying messing with people, here.

>what do?
Flat out lewds is probably unfair. Both to the dates you'd be asking to be okay with audience(s), and to the rangers who would be at a disadvantage as they're teammates, not bed-buddies (I mean, so far as we know).

Hard mode hide and seek in some kind of funhouse environment might be interesting. Or a valentines variant on cops and robbers with the teams renamed? Or capture the flag? Teams running around in a strange or disorienting environment trying to coordinate and pull off an objective.

Laser tag is too blatantly biased in Polo's favor for anyone to accept as a challenge, but it might be amusing to pose anyways.

The empathy game idea is interesting, since that's supposed to be the ranger's whole thing. Kinda hard for them to say no.
>>
No. 815240 ID: 4dd5b9

>>815127
BUMPER CARS TEAM DEATHMATCH!
Don't break the cars, though.
>>
No. 815297 ID: e121d3

Really, there's not that many options for a "love competition" that aren't based on the physical sort. I'm sure there are lots of carnival games that have been dressed up with hearts and things, but they're not really love games. Maybe something like a quiz where you answer questions your partner has filled out, sort of a "how well do you know your partner" thing, but you'd be at a disadvantage, there.

Perhaps some sort of love poetry slam? I like the idea of empathy reading games, but again, the rangers would probably have an advantage.
>>
No. 815310 ID: 3cc68c

By love competition I meant exactly what I said.

Whoever can love up there date the best wins. Of course your friends will have to pair up or find some dates of there own. Pilon can wrap you up in his ears just fine solo.

Pink regardless of how this all got started I am taking it as a excellent excuse for me to seduce both these fine ladies. Korli has been after me for awhile so I am giving her the chance to catch me. And I have some unfinished business with Katzati that started months ago that needs exploring.

So if your friends try to ruin our night I am grabbing you both and we can all sink into a cuddle pile until they leave.
>>
No. 815470 ID: 8111b6

Maybe there's a cupid themed archery game?
>>
No. 815546 ID: bfb318
File 149998648114.png - (86.25KB , 800x800 , 237.png )
815546

"Since you're the one who this affects the most, Rose, I'd like to hear your ideas."
>"I saw a cupid archery gallery earlier! We could do that, but I want to hear your ideas."
"Alright."

There are several constraints. It cannot be too lopsided in favor of the Wave Force or on our side, otherwise we won't agree. Since the Wave Force uses wide beam technology and hand to hand, laser tag may be declared too much in my favor. Games involving knowing Rose would be too in favor of the rangers. Likewise, some games may be independently unfair, such as games like twister. Either the board is too small, or it's too big.

Actual love competitions would be thematically fitting, but difficult to decide a winner on. Judging, for instance, the contentedness of individuals is too subjective. The contest we choose needs to have a clear winner and loser without room for argument.

>"Are you thinking of weird things, Polo?" asks Katzati.
"What? No."
>"Is your idea of a love competition an orgy?!" Ramella bursts out.
"Yes." I say back. I'm lying, but I'm not sure if anyone is picking up on that correctly. "But now's not the time or the place. Seduction comes first."
>"I'm already seduced." Ramella mutters under her breath.
"I have a few ideas."

A) Cupid Archery.
B) Strip Poker.
C) Team Bumpercar Deathmatch. Not actually a deathmatch.

Two aren't thematic, but keeping to the theme is only bonus points. It's not even Valentine's day.
>>
No. 815548 ID: 7fad5d

>>815546
B. Polo has a great advantage at being silent, and even in a jammer, a better poker face. More importantly, I don't want to see what the idiots on the waveforce would try if you have them weapons or a car, even if they're supposed to be skilled.
>>
No. 815549 ID: 8199f6

>>815546
My vote is for C.
>>
No. 815551 ID: 56ffef

>>815546
Strip Poker but get some alcohol first. B + alcohol.
>>
No. 815557 ID: 486e87

C. You do not need to justify bumper cars.
>>
No. 815568 ID: 3abd97

Archery if it's straight up target shooting seems a little dull, and too much in Polo's wheelhouse (even if she's not an bow-sniper).

But it is cupid archery, so maybe it's something like a paintball match? Run around with bows and suction cup heart arrows, if you get shot you have to kiss your nearest teammate. (Or maybe it's like freeze tag, only the people who shot are "love struck" until someone kisses them back into the game?). What I really want for this contest is an excuse for some silly action poses and running around in action-inappropriate date dresses.

Poker's kind of awkward to do in a thread and eats up a lot of posts fast, and has been done before. And cheating that with silence is sort of obvious.

Bumper cars will probably devolve into over the top hammy action of the type the rangers love. Could be fun, but I'd prefer to be running around. (Might be more interesting with co-drivers / two people per car? Doesn't work as well with odd numbers though).
>>
No. 815569 ID: 015058

Strip Poker.

But you can't go silent to make it fair.
>>
No. 815570 ID: 91ee5f

>>815557
This!

>>815568
I think the archery thing is going to be exactly like the mini golf from earlier, where it's exactly what you'd expect, but much harder than normal because it's for neumono and not wimpy humans!
>>
No. 815572 ID: 90f3c0

B, because challenging a ranger team to strip poker sounds hilarious.
>>
No. 815573 ID: 3abd97

>>815570
>I think the archery thing is going to be exactly like the mini golf from earlier, where it's exactly what you'd expect, but much harder than normal because it's for neumono and not wimpy humans!
Don't forget, "If I can think of it, it probably exists". We have the freedom to be creative here.

Also if neumono archery is harder, that's probably more due to the oven mitt hands than the game design.
>>
No. 815574 ID: fd73fa

B is the only acceptable choice. I am sorry Polo.
>>
No. 815576 ID: 3cc68c

Cupid archery cause shooting foam hearts at people sounds fun.

Then we have to have love rules. Like if you hit someone you can get a kiss from them. Or grant a request or whatever.
>>
No. 815577 ID: 91ee5f

>>815573
>Also if neumono archery is harder, that's probably more due to the oven mitt hands than the game design.
Or both.

There's probably neumono that're so good at the archery that they purposefully choose the bow that's not the right size for their oven mitt hands in order to make it a challenge.
>>
No. 815578 ID: 87547f

Wait why not best 2 out of 3?

We do bumper cars and then archery. And then round out the night with a game of strip poker once people have had a chance to get sweaty and relaxed?
>>
No. 815590 ID: e121d3

I'd like best two out of three as well, but if that's not possible then I vote for strip poker. Not just for the obvious reason, but because it'll be funny to see the rangers try keep their masks on.

If they take them off, even better: I know neumono have empathy to transmit their emotions, but they also have body language and facial expressions, presumably to add extra detail and nuance of feeling to each other. Perhaps fostering better communication among the rangers will ultimately help Rose out! They're not the same hive, after all, and I wonder if there's a habit among neumono to dismiss, misinterpret or assume things about non-hivemate empathy. Perhaps being able to see Rose's face, and her theirs, will let them pick up on Rose's needs better!
>>
No. 815708 ID: bec17e

I vote C, but please kiss Ramella.
>>
No. 815752 ID: bfb318
File 150005938910.png - (121.46KB , 800x800 , 238.png )
815752

"Poker." I say.
>"Liiike, strip poker?" asks Ramella.
"Yes."

There's a pause as people read my empathy to confirm to themselves that I am joking. All my empathy tells them is that I am dead serious.

All of us, for various reasons, are comfortable enough in the nude to play this.

>"Are we going to have a jammer?" Katzati asks. "Or just play open?"

>Kiss Ramella
Done.
>>
No. 815753 ID: 7fad5d

Be sure to kiss Katzati next so she's not left out. And it'd be better to have empathy out in the open, for amusement and proof that you're not evil scoundrels kidnapping Rose and whatnot. You can promise to keep your silence off if needed, I guess.
>>
No. 815758 ID: e121d3

I think playing open, in this circumstance, will be better. It gives an advantage to people who can read empathy well, which makes it more suitable to the "love" theme. None of you should be hivemates, so it won't be perfect, which should make things more interesting.

You have a lot of people though. How about splitting into teams? One set of cards for each date group, with the rangers dividing into a pair of groups of their own. That way things will move quicker.

The amount of clothes won't be even, but tell you what: before the game, everyone write down on a strip of paper some idea for a "dare", broadly applicable things like "make out with the person to your right" or "take the next item of clothing someone loses off for them, with your teeth". Mix those dares together in some container, and then teams that have a lack of clothing items compared to others can substitute taking and performing a dare, to even how much they can lose before being "out". Maybe put in some system where everyone gets at least a few dares, though, for fun.

I'm not inventing this system, by the way, it's something I saw elsewhere. But I think it might work well here.
>>
No. 815759 ID: e121d3

Alternately (or, my personal choice, in addition) to the dare system, those teams that have more clothes to begin with could take some off before you start, to level the playing field and get things moving a little faster.
>>
No. 815764 ID: 90f3c0

Open. You can't challenge empathy-based rangers to a game inside a jammer. It would be rude to go against their theme like that.
>>
No. 815765 ID: 015058

Turn and nibble on Katzati's ear next.

In the open of course. And no silence for me.

The only rule we need to figure out in advance is what else can be used as a stake once you run out of clothes. If anyone has any ideas let everyone know.
>>
No. 815769 ID: 91ee5f

>>815752
I'm not sure about playing without a jammer.

As long as they all stay on their side of the table, then they won't be able to look over our shoulders and give away what cards we're holding with their empathy.

Then again, even if they do stay on their side of the table, some one on our side might accidentally give away what cards they're holding or, if playing one at a time, our teammates might accidentally give away what cards our current player is holding.

Also, we should have Rose test them to tell them to not show up in their giant robot! They'll end up knocking over the ferris wheel or step on someone or something! We don't want them to endanger the public, otherwise we'll be forced to have to arrest them for reckless endangerment of the public!
>>
No. 815779 ID: 56ffef

>>815752
kiss katzati.
no jammer and no silence most everyone isn't close enough to get an amzing read and it is more fun reading the embarrassment
>>
No. 815782 ID: e121d3

>>815769

It kind of depends on what form the strip poker will take, anyway. Are we going to involve some sort of money? A pool, and raising? In some forms of strip poker, it's just that whoever has the lowest hand (after trading cards) loses clothes, in which case there's no bluffing necessary.

Which can be kind of dull, but if you include some means by which people can get clothes back, it makes the game's progress slower, and it means some players could end the game with the same or even more clothes, instead of everyone steadily getting more naked at different rates. Generally, the spirit in which strip poker is played is accommodated more by everyone getting a bit more naked.

In any case, we should watch out for Rokoa or Az or both trying to get in on this. They've both wandered off to take care of threats, but they'll have kept an eye on things, and they could see the rangers as a potential threat that they need to deal with, too. If we're planning on letting the rangers get involved, we might want to actually inform them, to prevent misunderstandings. In which case they'll probably want to take part. Az, at least, strikes me as a man who won't stay away from a few rounds of strip poker.
>>
No. 815794 ID: d36af7

No jammer. Polo's silence gives a significant advantage, but it's not unbeatable, and Wave Force has put just as much work into training their respective empathy in different directions.
>>
No. 815798 ID: 3abd97

Well Ramella looks thrilled. Sure fulfilled her request to keep being nice to her.

>strip poker
You realize, of course, the ranger are going to accuse you of being depraved criminals. Gambling lasciviously! And this is just a ploy to get them out of their armor, obviously.

>>"Are we going to have a jammer?" Katzati asks. "Or just play open?"
A bigger question than jammer or not is if Polo's silence would be legal.

...one bargaining trick might be to ask for the jammer so the rangers have to bargain / argue against using a jammer when the rules and terms are being figured out. Although that might not work if the whole idea is to bait them into a kind of emphatic challenge (which honestly would seem like it would work better)?

Empathy challenge in how well can you coordinate with your team while hiding from the other team and figuring them out too. (With the complication / incentive of wanting to get your own friends / dates naked which undercuts teamwork).

Mechanics of strip poker get a little messy since no one is dressed to the same extent, and in fact, you guys in light dress clothes have a lot less on than the fully armored rangers. (Polo has a hat, a dress, and underwear. Probably no bra, since her dress is backless. And a concealed gun, but you don't take that off for poker. Ramella's probably in a similar boat. Katzati has some jewellery, so she has credit). One fix is possible weighting of starting funds- people with less clothes start with more money to offset.

We need a good venue. Enough space for everyone, but sorta private cause this is not a game played in public.
>>
No. 815982 ID: 8111b6

Cupid archery gets my vote, but I'm biased.

A variety of games would be good if possible, though.
>>
No. 815984 ID: 7fad5d

>>815982
Impressive.
>>
No. 816195 ID: bfb318
File 150019718339.png - (126.98KB , 800x800 , 239.png )
816195

"No jammer. I won't have my silence on, if that was ever in question. We will reserve a hotel room with a jammer bubble, since - and I should hope this was also never in question - we will not play this in public."
>"Dang!" says Ramella.

The hotel room is arranged without any issue, and we wait there for the Wave Force.
>>
No. 816197 ID: bfb318
File 150019726676.png - (143.05KB , 800x800 , 240.png )
816197

The door knocks, and Katzati, who has been waiting by the door in anticipation, opens it for them.

>"Hello!"
>"What's happening, U-D-A?" says the red one, pronouncing each letter in UDA mockingly.
"Poker. Strip poker."
>"A ploy to get us to take off our masks? We see right through you, but if this gets us our pink ranger back, we won't back down from this challenge!"

Ugh, it's like they're talking on a radio.

"It isn't much of a challenge right now, because you guys are wearing an unfair amount of things." I say.
>"Then there's just one solution - we all combine our clothes into three categories! For instance, I will declare our armor to be in three parts - the outer shell minus the helmet, the bioarmor underneath, and lastly, the helmet. How's that for fairness?"
"I was thinking either the ones with less clothes would have more starting money, or we could, to some degree, do dares in place of taking off clothes."
>"What a mucky ruleset!" says Blue. "I agree with Red. Three outs!"
"What about teams?" I continue. "Instead of having 9 people around a table, we have 2 or 3 people on a team."
>"Hm... that is acceptable." says Red. "But I won't have strange imbalances like a mixed variety of clothing items and betting pools. If we all have 3 total categories of things to remove, 4 if you prefer, then we have a deal, but I don't want any of your agent trickery involved. We keep things balanced, villains! Also, may we come in already?"
>"Oh, yes, sorry!" says Katzati. "By the way, can I get your autographs? I have some hivemates that would love it."
>"Of course!"
>>
No. 816199 ID: 7fad5d

What sort of training do they go through to be so stupid? No wonder Rose didn't want to be around these losers. Well, the sooner we start the sooner we can kick them out.
>>
No. 816204 ID: 3ce125

>>816197
Point out that you didn't ask for their helmets to be part of the clothing layers. Does the thought of being revealed not bother them as much as they claim?
Also you're not a villain. You're trying to help. Ramella doesn't want to be one either.
>>
No. 816208 ID: 56ffef

>>816197
no-one really cares about their secret identities we are just looking to move the dates on. let them keep their helmets and pick another item for hte last layer.
If we need to pick layers accessory's, outer clothes, underware.
>>
No. 816234 ID: e121d3

You'll have to insist on the dare system - it adds an element of courage! Given the option to take a dare in place of one of your last pieces of clothing, do you accept defeat rather than risk having to do something risque, or bravely do what needs doing to find victory? With your last layer of clothing, or possibly your last two layers, you get the chance/s to take a dare for the possibility of saving yourself. You may choose to use it or not if you wish, depending on your confidence. This is the rangers' opportunity to earn your respect - do they, the bright sparkling heroes who bathe in glory and fame, have the resolve to accept personal embarrassment to do what needs doing, as you do? Or are they more concerned with their image than with what's right?

Also, as regards layers: obviously, as per the spirit of strip poker, they should be divided for maximum sauciness. So for example, the guys should become topless first, then strip all else but underpants, then nude. Girls would strip to underwear, then bra off, then nude. People shouldn't be out when they become nude but get one last chance to regain something. The idea is to have as many people sitting around naked or partially naked for as much of the game as possible. Such is the law of strip poker!!

Call room service to send up some drinks and snacks. The rangers can choose to partake or not as they like.

I suggest keeping the helmets as a layer, as I suspect the rangers could really do with having their faces on display for once. It might get them to not be so caught up in their act and actually pay attention to each others' real feelings, specifically Pink's. By the way, I notice he said he declared their "armor" to be in three parts - ask if they've got underwear underneath. That'll have to be on the table as well!
>>
No. 816237 ID: 91ee5f

>>816197
>if this gets us our pink ranger back, we won't back down from this challenge!
"You guys realize there are these things called 'vacation days', right? Maybe she just wanted to take a vacation? After all, she's gotta do her thing for the rouges tomorrow, so taking a vacation to help her calm down and clear her head seemed like the right thing to do. I still don't get why you guys won't let her enjoy her vacation."
>>
No. 816250 ID: 015058

Order some food and drinks and get some music on. We need to lighten up the mood and get a party atmosphere going.

The goal of this is to have fun and loosen everyone up. We want to make the wave force realize we are not some stuffy villains.

So relax and joke and flirt with your dates. Trade agent stories about your adventures and listen to the wave forces stories. Do your best to relax.

Also win all the strip pokers.
>>
No. 816251 ID: 3abd97

Huh. Polo, is that the same Omega Red as last time? I don't remember them being that busty, although that might be attributable to different armors? (Might support the idea the rangers are roles different people occupy over time instead of individuals).

>>/questdis/105847

Do you remember whose ray gun you stole? Or which one you shot? They're liable to be holding the biggest grudges.

>if this gets us our pink ranger back
For the record, my investigation has concluded she was never missing in the first place, and is not currently being held against her will, legally or no.

You're welcome, by the way.

>rules
The helmets can stay on, if that's important to you.

4 "layers" per person seems reasonable. (Polo can do dress, hat, tail ribbon, underwear). I think leaving it up to the individual what constitutes a layer, and what order they take them off in is fair, though. (Like for example, Polo could choose to remove the hat or ribbon first, since they don't expose anything. Or she could pull the dress over her head first as a deliberate plot to try and put the people she was playing against off balance, and keep playing topless with a hat).

How were we doing teams? Are they sharing a hand? Are we splitting up into smaller tables each with a game? Are they all around one table, and you want to make non-teammates lose, but teammates not empty their pot? (Sort of a good empathy game- it tests how well you can read the people you're working against and with. And there's the competing priorities of wanting to keep your teammates in the game, and wanting to force your dates to lose clothing).

>also
Poor Pilon still has no idea what's going on, but is just putting up with all this nonsense. What a trooper.
>>
No. 816252 ID: 3cc68c

Might as well play to there expectations.

It's about time Rangers!

I was expecting you to chicken out honestly. I could understand if you did. What would people say if they heard you got out loved by the grumpiest ranger?

Tonight I am going to prove that I can love just as hard as I can grump.(pull in both your dates here and give them a squeeze and a nibble)

So if you don't keep up and match love for love tonight I would not be surprised if this cutie here (move to Pink and slap/grope her on the butt) wants to hang out me on her days off instead of her stuffy ranger friends.

(Basically challenge them to fight you in a love battle. Its what they expect)
>>
No. 816253 ID: b2db3f

>>816252

This sounds like the most fun. They think you are a silly villain and or evil ranger so play along with that.
>>
No. 816254 ID: 015058

>>816252

Ok changing my vote. Get food and music on but do this silly challenge first. Should hopefully set the mood to have them trying to out love you instead of just beating you at a game.
>>
No. 816581 ID: e121d3

While we're here, actually, I have an idea for an extra challenge for you to deliver. See, Pink isn't the leader, right? Whoever the leader is, I assume Red, they should have been paying closer attention to her mental health and wellbeing, especially when making decisions about big things she can and can't do. In this instance, their failure to recognize her problems could even have caused big, serious trouble for a lot of people! As leader, that was part of their job and their responsibility, which they failed at. Arguably, the other teammates had a responsibility to pay attention, too. So, you need them to realize that.

Red won't take a lecture from you, and you shouldn't give it away directly anyway since Pink asked you not to, but say something like this: "I have an extra little bet to make with you. Despite your ability to project your feelings, I think perhaps you're not so good at recognizing them, and I think that's led you to make a mistake recently. If you can figure out, by yourselves, what that mistake was and what you should have done instead by the end of the evening, then I will swear to do what I can to hasten the return of that gun of yours."

Bonus: thinking about it will be a distraction for the rangers during the game.
>>
No. 816971 ID: bfb318
File 150051704716.png - (172.18KB , 800x800 , 241.png )
816971

The rangers look almost different, somehow, but I hear that they have a lot of minorly different armors for different occasions. Their empathy at least feels familiar, so these must be the same neumono, barring any ridiculous secret involving each color being a whole hive that cycles out which neumono goes out. I can't recall which ranger who's gun I stole, but despite everything, I can sense good teamwork amongst them. An offense on one is likely shared as an offense on all. Besides, I think that they have more of a grudge against Ramella and her involvement in the gasses on the voklit reservation moreso than my stealing a wave beam.

I think to play to their expectations, but I doubt I can. Much of the point of all this was to show that I'm not a grumpy robot, not act like a delusional actor. Strip poker is already outlandish enough. Then again, this might let me speak my mind a bit easier.

"Your helmets can stay on, for all I care. The point here isn't to reveal your identities, but rather my own, as you all seem to think that I'm nothing more than a grumpy caricature."
>"Hmph, you're welcome to prove it, but I'm not impressed so far!"
"That doesn't mean much. You're good at projecting empathy, but when it comes to reading it from others, you're illiterate. That's why Rose is with us and not you."
>"Enough! Are we doing this?!"
"Yes. Let me order some food from room service. Also, I insist on dares, as well as team, because this is a challenge of love and understanding amongst each other."
>"Sealing your own fate, huh? Alright, let's get started!"
>"Come on, Pink!" says Blue. "Just come to our side already!"
>"No way, I told you guys not even to come! I'm going to be on Polo's team for this, sorry."
>"Then consider this a rescue mission!"

This may count as conspiring for kidnapping. Maybe I can arrest them and be done with it. No, I shouldn't. Plus, bringing up legal issues will bring up the wave beam I took from them. I do not have the authority to give it back at all, so I would like to avoid this if possible.

We decide that it will all be done at one table. This may make things long, but we can alter the rules on the fly if needed. Red and Blue will make up one team, while White and Green make up the second omega team. On our side will be me, Katzati and Ramella, then Pilon and Rose. Everyone will have 4 layers of clothes, except for us. Since we have a team of three people, we will only have three layers each.

People will play independently, and will be eliminated once they are out of clothes. However, a teammate can shed a layer in their place, so this mechanic will mean that if one person is eliminated, that chances are their teammate only has a single layer left anyway.

Pilon tries to avoid broadcasting his confusion, and does an admirable job. He knows what strip poker is, so he focuses on that.

Lastly, a dare system is implemented, although this was changed from how I originally envisioned it. The Rangers insisted that it have more impact on the game, than simply end up with two people making out or whatever. People will write dares onto paper, and put it into a single hat and shuffle them all together. If they choose to dare instead of shedding clothing, they will pull a dare from the hat. They, or a teammate, must either execute the dare, or if they are not comfortable with it, then strip and only receive half the chips that they would have if they didn't choose to dare. Whether they do the dare or not, the dare is then discarded from the hat entirely. Once the hat is out of dares, then no more dares can be done, and stripping is the only option.

This would mean that doing dares might be better done earlier while the option remains, except that dares can include virtually anything reasonable, including giving up money, or taking off extra clothes. The meta behind this is that if one writes down something harmful - that is, a dare involving taking off a layer of clothing anyway - there is a chance that they can pull their own dare. Therefore, the dare-writing phase will involve reading each others empathy, and gauging how friendly the hat will be. If it seems like everyone wrote down bonuses, it would be best to do dares as much as possible. If it seems like everyone turned the hat into a pile of traps, then a dare should only be chosen while on the final piece of clothing, when there's nothing else to lose.

>Insert dares:
>>
No. 817001 ID: 50b008
817001

Switch a layer of clothing with Polo's gun bikini.
Talk backwards for the next three hands.
Drink an entire bottle of rootbeer through a straw in the nose.
Bumper car cage match with Pilon. If Pilon draws this, he can choose an opponent.
Prank call Az.
>>
No. 817013 ID: a7aeeb

'Scrub that dish' better be in the dare bag! Also maybe a mixed bag like reversal of fortune where the opposing person takes off a piece of clothing.
>>
No. 817014 ID: 3ce125

>>816971
Dares:
1. BLIND! Next round, don't look at your cards at all.
2. TRIPLE FLIP! Next round, reveal the first three cards you are dealt.
3. SHUFFLE! Put all your team's cards in a pile and shuffle them, then each team member draws a set of cards from that pile.
If alone: discard your hand and draw another one from the main deck. Re-enact your discard phase if there was one.
4. GO FISH! Next round after the first cards are dealt, every other team gets to name one card(number and suit). If your team has that card, you must give it to the team that named it. Players need to discard or draw cards to get back to five cards.
5. STRIKE A POSE! Do your best to strike a sexy pose. Opposing teams get to judge if you made a good effort; give 2x the standard bet to anyone that thinks you wussed out.
6. RETREAT! Fold, but take half your bet out of the pot.
7. STRIP! Take off an article of clothing. Sexily.
8. KISS! Give your team member(s) a deep kiss.
9. BARK! Bark bark bark, bark bark.
>>
No. 817016 ID: 56ffef

>>816971
kiss your partner(s)
touch your partner(s) in a special place
give your partner(s) a lap-dance
ask your partner(s) if they have ever had lewd thoughts about you
sit in your partners lap for the next round
have the female partner sit behind the player for two rounds
Call Ultra-King Az and call him a dingus or other word that could be considered a prank call
3 minutes in heaven
belly raspberry your partner(s)
sing a song
"bak bak bak bak" like a tribal
suck on a popsicle
tell the group your thoughts on the Ranger TV show
Say who is the villain you have been most sexually attracted to
do 20 pushups with your partner on your back
call Ultra-King Raox and say you are in love with him
do anything your Partner(s) tell you to for the rest of the day (within reason)
donate ears to the Lobes of Love charity for the next year https://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/src/136892264132.png
>>
No. 817019 ID: e121d3

Say, what's the gender spread of the Rangers? Are the two ranger teams both boy-girl, making your own group the only all-girl one, or was it distributed differently?

Anyway, dares. Well, I still feel the point of the dares is to test one's courage. And to break the ice and warm things up and get everyone in a friendly mood. So... let's see, is it one dare from each person? Two? Well, I'll just suggest what I can come up with.

- Whoever next loses a layer of clothes, you have to take them off for them.
- Give a lapdance to a member of whichever team showed the highest hand that round.
- A person in the team to your right must take off an item of their underwear, and you must wear it on your head for the next two rounds.
- You must lick a body part of someone in the team to your right, selected by a member of the team to your left. Put some effort and attention into it.
- You must describe where and when you last had sex with a non-hivemate, if ever, and give some description (vague if you like, but something) of who they were
- Tell everyone the most embarassing thing to happen to you in the last month.
- Confess who in the room is most physically attractive to you.
- Confess who in the room is most empathically attractive to you.
- You must give the next round's winner a massage; if it's you, one of your team do it for another.
- The next time a member of your team loses a layer of clothing, they have to play it up like it's a striptease.
- One of your team must attempt to pick up another by the scruff of the neck, with only their mouth. If they succeed in holding them up for ten seconds, you get 50% bonus chips taken from the team with the lowest hand (or the next lowest, if that was you). If they fail, you get no chips. Polo is not allowed to be the one being picked up.
- The next girl to your left will sit in your lap for the next round. If this lets her see your cards she can only try to inform her team empathically.
- You must sit in the lap of the next male to your left. If this lets you see his cards you can only try to inform your team empathically.
- Pick a girl and motorboat.
- One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough.
- Your chips count for double next round, but you have to play with your cards face up on the table.
- Describe something you like that no-one in the room knows you like, and try to say why you like it.
- Pick a member of your team, then the team who got the highest hand this round pick a member of their team. The two chosen must go aside and make out for the duration of the next round, during which neither of them can take part in their team's decisions except by empathy. If more than half the remaining people in the room say they weren't enthusiastic enough, they keep going the next round.
- Pick two people larger than you; they must spend the next round tightly sandwiching you in an embrace between their torsos. If this enables members of one team to see another team's cards, they can only try to inform their team empathically. If there aren't two people larger than you, pick three people smaller than you to be tightly embracing you around your torso. You must let each team keep one member free.
- Pick someone on another team. If you end up out of the game before them, you must be their slave for an hour or until the game ends, whichever is longer.
- Next round, you can ask another team to show you their cards, but you must exchange a kiss or lick for every card shown and they get to choose where you put it.
>>
No. 817027 ID: 91ee5f

REVEAL: Tell something about yourself that you've never told anyone else! If a Ranger gets this: Your secret identity is NOT the something that should be revealed!

TRY AGAIN: Discard your entire hand and draw a new hand.

COMPLIMENT: You absolutely must say something nice about a member of the opposing team, no matter how much you may or may not hate their guts! If a Ranger, other than Pink gets this: You can't say something nice about Pink, it has to be one of the other opponents!

GUILTY PLEASURE: Reveal a guilty pleasure that you indulge every once and a while!

KINKY: Reveal something that turns you on and explain why it turns you on! Side note: Please limit this to 1 kink!

NO TAKE BACKS: The next dare card you get, you absolutely have to do it and can't refuse to do it!

UPSIDE DOWN: For the next round, you have to play while on your head with your legs in the air! If you fall over, there's no penalty! You're also allowed to ask your teammates to hold you legs so that you don't fall over and/or you can lean against a wall to hold yourself up!

RECLAIM: You're allowed to put 1 piece of clothing back on! If you haven't lost any clothing: This card does nothing! Side note: Please put on your own clothing and not someone else's clothing!

>>817014
>KISS! Give your team member(s) a deep kiss.
Good idea! In fact, I'll add my own KISS dare!

KISS: Give a deep kiss to your opponents team member(s)!
>>
No. 817044 ID: fc33ea

Chug two drinks- alcoholic if there is any- simultaneously.
Talk tactical, like a soldier or policeman over a radio, until it's your turn to deal. Your callsign is either 'spanky actual', 'butt pirate' or 'rub 1'. Loose your bearing, loose your clothes.
Passionately make out with your hand.
Whinge like the saltiest baby the next time you fold.
Politely ask someone across the table to spank you with a shoe- first to crack up removes a piece of clothing.
Call up a food place, order something dadaist.
Tackle someone to the ground shouting 'GET DOWN MR. PRESIDENT', and you take off clothes instead of them.
Deal cards with your feet.
You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.
Tell an aristocrats joke.
Put a piece of clothing back on, incorrectly.
Arm wrestle somebody, looser looses clothes.
Tell the tallest tale you can about yourself.
Dance on the table, everybody else makes it rain with their cards.
>>
No. 817048 ID: da1652

ultradare: invite Rokoa to join the game
>>
No. 817050 ID: 91ee5f

>>817048
>ultradare: invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
Fixed that for ya.

Also, whoever gets that card is the one that has to make the call and when they arrive, they get to pick 1 of them to be on their team, while the other joins the other team!
>>
No. 817076 ID: 3abd97

>I think that they have more of a grudge against Ramella and her involvement in the gasses on the voklit reservation moreso than my stealing a wave beam.
You did shoot one of them in the face, Polo.

>Plus, bringing up legal issues will bring up the wave beam I took from them.
Hey, that confiscation was perfectly legal. They were running wild with unlicensed experimental super weapons.

>>Insert dares:

Swap one of your clothes layers with someone else at the table. If you're a ranger, swapping near-identical armor pieces with one of your teammates doesn't count. (All swapped clothes to be returned to the original owners at the end of the games).

Confess a secret. (Don't cop out with a lame or trivial secret).

Spin the bottle. You have to kiss someone on the table.

Play the next hand trying to hold your cards with your tail.

Steal one piece of any other player's clothes at the table to replace one of your own. You cannot take someone's last piece of clothes with this dare. If you still have all your clothes, or there are no valid targets to steal from at the table, discard this dare and draw a new one.

A naked investment. Remove as many layers of your clothes as you dare. Each will be sold / traded for [insert substantial number of poker chips here].

Lose the ability to speak. If you accidentally speak after this, lose a layer of clothing and end this dare.

Tie your tail together with one of your teammate's. If your tails become separated, you each lose a piece of clothing and end this dare.

Memory challenge. From now on, you are allowed to look at each card you are dealt only once, then you must place it face down on the table in front of you. You play out the rest of the hand without being able to look at your own cards until it's time for everyone to see them. This dare expires when you next lose a piece of clothing, or win a hand.

Play the next 2 hands with your cards face up on the table for everyone to see.

Do a handstand.

Remove your chair from the table. You are now required to share- sit on or with a teammate. (Lap, side by side, shoulders, whatever). If you have no teammates left in the game, you may recall one to the table to act as your seat.

Let the other team put a humiliating collection of braids and little bows in your fur.

Do your best to fake an orgasm. Yes, right now.

Stand up and sing "I'm a little teapot". The whole song, complete with the motions.

You have to buy the next round of room service for the group. No, not with poker chips, with your own money.

Tell a teammate what you think the best thing about them is.

Get up from the table, go find the hotel ice bucket, then offer to let the opposing team dump it over your head. (It is up to the opposing team to accept your offer or not).

You may collect skimpy valentine's bathrobe from the hotel's stock and add it to your clothing layers.

For the next 3 hands, you are no longer a player at the table, you are the other team's maid and will wait on them hand and foot. If you are the only person on your team left, you may ask one of your eliminated teammates to serve as maid instead.

You may collect one piece of discarded clothing (anyone's) and wear it on your head as a new clothing layer. This piece of clothing must not have been originally worn as headwear.

Remove one of your clothing layers, then put it back on wrong. (Inside out, backwards, on the wrong part of your body, etc).
>>
No. 817130 ID: 56ffef

>>816971
call that one villain(yes said like this for anonymity reasons and hilarious reviles) Polo took down by the Ranger hideout and ask them on a date.
>>
No. 817438 ID: e121d3

We could probably do with a few dares designed to help with Rose's love recharge, actually. So here's a few:

- Pick the person you think most needs a hug and give it to them.
- Think of something or someone you love. Whoever can make the closest guess to what it is solely by reading your empathy, your team and theirs get a second attempt at exchanging cards from their hand next round.
- Tell everyone something you like that you don't think they'd have guessed that you like.
- Tell everyone what your ideal romantic partner would be like.
- Ask the room who would like to receive some affection from you. Listen to everyone's empathy, and give some sort of physical affection to everyone who does.
>>
No. 817664 ID: 15a025

I like the idea of one of the dares calling Rokoa and Az in to join the game.

Some other ideas:

~Prank call Az
~Swap chip amounts with another team mate
~Swap clothes with someone
~Karaoke Round: Next round must be played while singing to some karaoke music
~Charity: Give half your chips to someone on a different team
>>
No. 818422 ID: 1e8e09

Moar dares:

- Remove one article of clothing...in a way that would he reminiscent of a stripper, on the poker table.
- Repeat the most recent dare
- "Speak" with your empathy until the game is over
- Acquire a gram snakeweed and smoke it
- Place chin on poker table for the rest of the game unless the player has to perform a dare or remove clothing
- Call an ex significant other and the person with the most money can command what the caller is saying. If the "richest" person is the caller, the "poorest" will conduct the conversation
- Smile for the entirety of the game, if a helmet is on then the helmet is placed on top of the head with no penalties
- Confess deepest darkest sexual fetish
- Lick your teammate(s) shoulder all the way up to the side of their cheek
- Bend your teammate over and slowly dry hump your teammate. If team of 3, then the 3rd will be also bent over in a mini train of 3. Must slap butt
- Say who has the best butt in the room
- Empatheticly set the mood for lewd thoughts for 2 rounds
>>
No. 819080 ID: bfb318
File 150126981195.png - (86.86KB , 662x549 , 242.png )
819080

We all write our varieties of dares, and put them into the hat with varying levels of trust towards each other's sportsmanship about it. The people who finish earlier move the tables to comfortable spots and get things set up, with the dare hat in the middle.

Most of us use positive dares, that is, things that are ideal to do instead of stripping a piece of clothing. Nonetheless, I can tell that there are still landmines, especially in regards to having to strip anyway, but in a more seductive manner. Blue and White also have nefarious motives, while Ramella has a different kind of nefarious motives. They are outweighed by others, though, and using dares sooner would give the advantage, but certainly not enough to throw rounds away just to use them up. Especially not since some people may then get enormous amounts of chips.

Red and Blue, female and male respectively, sit across from myself and Ramella. Katzati is in the middle, then Rose and Pilon sit on the other end across from Green and White, also female and male respectively. It's only now that the competition starts that I can feel the Omega's Waveforce's empathy as they get themselves mentally started. They are taking this far too seriously and dramatically, like Red and Blue are having an adventure to defeat me while the other two are rescuing Pink from a terrible fate, even though we're all on the same table.

No one complains about Red taking the initiative to deal the deck first, although it does mean that all 4 Omegas will go before any of us go, but that doesn't matter enough for anyone to care.

>"Ante!" Red says it like she's announcing the start of a wrestling match.
>>
No. 819082 ID: bfb318
File 150126993505.png - (91.72KB , 800x800 , 243.png )
819082

Club-2, Club-3, 5-Heart, 7-Diamond, 8-Diamond. They don't start off much worse than that.

Going clockwise makes me last. Both Red and Green bid nearly half of their starting pool, not because they think they have great hands or even because they are in a rush, but rather that they are just high bidders in spirits and no one seems to have gotten a great hand. The other rangers follow to match. Pilon folds. Rose calls. Katzati hesitantly calls. Ramella folds.

The only upper limit on bidding we've placed is no more than the starting funds at once - that is, no more than a single piece of clothing at once. Now is a good time to decide if I play with the flow, play defensively, or play aggressively and bid even more.
>>
No. 819083 ID: 7fad5d

>>819082
Play with the flow, I'd say. It already seems aggressive enough by itself.
>>
No. 819092 ID: 12b6bf

Let's test how good they are at reading empathy. Deliberately play in a manner that mimics what (you think) Red would do. See when they pick up on the imitation.

Once you detect that they've become aware of it, give them a smile and then play in whatever manner is most enjoyable for you. Don't let the rangers drag you into their drama, you're here to have a good time. Well, technically you're here to help Rose, but having a good time and not taking things seriously would be the best way to help her. That includes the other dates having a good time, too. Keep it light and try to have fun.

If you need a secondary goal, then make it subtly testing the other rangers and trying to teach them something. Anything you can think of that they should learn. They're well-intentioned people, and physically and technically capable enough. Helping them be more effective does the most good in the long term. Try to see them for what they could be.

I mean... I think the best you can expect from the non-pink rangers at this point, for this evening, is to be maybe upgraded from dangerous edgy antihero grumpy to good-hearted occasionally-lecturing senpai grumpy. But do your best, anyway. Maybe at some point, if you need conversation, tell them that you'd prefer to be "Ghost" rather than "Gray", and it make more sense since your suit is more different than just color.
>>
No. 819106 ID: 91ee5f

>>819080
>"Ante!" Red says it like she's announcing the start of a wrestling match.
I thought you said Red was male?!
>>
No. 819110 ID: 12b6bf

Oh, for reference's sake, in the christmas thread the Rangers were described as each focusing on the emotions of:

Blue - Trust
Green - Exhilaration
Red - Determination
White - Justice

And of course, Pink for Love. Might be significant for predicting their actions and calling their bluffs. If I were them I'd have accounted for everyone knowing what my "primary" emotion was and take advantage of it, but... well, they don't seem that tricky. They might be expecting cynical play from you, Polo.

Does Red strike you as being the "leader" of the team, or do they seem to act more democratically?
>>
No. 819112 ID: 3abd97

One downside of this seating arrangement is Polo isn't sandwiched between her dates. I'm surprised they let that opportunity slide.

>Ramella has a different kind of nefarious motives
Girl's gotta make the most of her night off from prison. Although I wonder how she'll react if not-you draws one of her naughty cards. Or one of the boys does.

>Now is a good time to decide if I play with the flow, play defensively, or play aggressively and bid even more.
Go with the flow, but only to provide cover for being a prankster. You want to be able to try and catch people off guard when you can, breaking your pattern when it will have the best impacts.

This game is relatively low stakes- by diverting the rangers away from a more drastic confrontation you've largely already won. Now you're free to have fun with it.
>>
No. 819155 ID: da1652

>>819082
go aggressive. There's already enough factors that will make this a long game.
>>
No. 819258 ID: df00b4

>>819110
And Polo is Grey - Duty.
My guess is Green would be more reckless but Red would only be reckless so long as she's doing well but may become reckless again if she gets desperate.
Blue would probably rely on his teammates if things go wrong and we can give him shit about trust if he does anything underhanded.
White? Who the fuck knows?
Just remember it's not about winning it's about showing them you can have fun and that Rose is also enjoying herself. If anything if your side can have fun while their side continues to be sticks in the mud you can call them out on it and if both sides end up having fun I'd call that a victory.
>>
No. 819270 ID: 9c2d0c

Polo is best at taking her time, waiting for her moment to strike. Don't be afraid to go in big if you feel a chance, but don't engage full bore on their terms.

>>819258
I mean, I guess if you want to make it positive and nice or something. I gueeeesss. But Polo is Grey for Grump. It was a whole thing.
>>
No. 819299 ID: bfb318
File 150135653494.png - (130.20KB , 800x800 , 244.png )
819299

Ideally, there would be more to this than just winning. The wave force is threatening to take Rose back against her will, though, so they've forced winning to be critical. The nature of the mission requires this to be as light as possible however, so I will meet both criteria and mimic Red's desire to win, as well as some of her actions. It should not be long before they realize what I'm doing, but that's fine.

"Call." I say, staring right at her, communicating that high bids will not scare me off, although I will not escalate needlessly.

We exchange cards. Ramella manages to get a lucky hand, and bids high. White doesn't back down, but loses, giving Ramella an enormous sum of money.

"Yesssss." she says, collecting all of the chips.

White, meanwhile, has lost.

>"I choose..." he thinks, before reaching to the hat. "A dare!"
>"Read it out loud!" says Katzati.
>"It says... 'Give a lap dance to a member of whichever team showed the highest hand that round'?!'
>>
No. 819300 ID: bfb318
File 150135654331.png - (179.05KB , 800x800 , 245.png )
819300

He reads each of us empathically. I do not care to see White's butt, Ramella does not care to see a non-date's butt, but Katzati is casually amused. She is chosen.

We agree that we want to keep things fast paced, so the next hand is dealt while White gives her the dance. When he is occupied with his hand, he must simply sit on her lap.

"Do you find my presence undesirable?" White asks, when sensing some of Katzati's concern.
>"Oh, no, it's that I'm going to want to tell people all about this, but I'm not even sure my own hive would believe me!"

The second round of betting goes by as aggressive as usual. Many fold, but I have a chance, so I bet the rest of my pool. I'm given a decent hand, but Blue has a better one. I can already tell that I'm going to lose this one.

I have to either take a dare, or remove a specific article of clothing. I have 3 available categories of clothing, my dress, hat, tail ribbon, and panties leaves 4 pieces of clothing. I must group 2 pieces of clothing together.
>>
No. 819302 ID: 015058

Dare.
>>
No. 819308 ID: 3abd97

>I have 3 available categories of clothing, my dress, hat, tail ribbon, and panties leaves 4 pieces of clothing. I must group 2 pieces of clothing together.
The tail ribbon could be logically grouped with the panties or the hat, I think. Ribbon + Hat could be a removal of accessories. Ribbon + Panties because that adds a certain amount a cute to your last layer of defense. The hidden holdout pistol I'm sure you have stays on.

>I have to either take a dare, or remove a specific article of clothing
Tough, because dares are fun, and because I sort of want to discard a layer of clothing so we have the fun of playing partially naked, and maybe putting other people off guard more than we're embarrassed.

Hmm. Maybe too soon to strip. Take the dare for this one, then next time it comes up, we ditch a piece of clothing. (I wanna do dress first, because people totally won't be expecting that).
>>
No. 819359 ID: 56ffef

>>819300
show initiative in the strip for now remove both panties and hat.
>>
No. 819364 ID: 7fad5d

Regular stripping sounds dull and the hat stays on. Dare.
>>
No. 819365 ID: fc33ea

Dare to win!
>>
No. 819385 ID: 12b6bf

The dares won't be as fun until you've taken off a few layers! So strip now, invest in more entertaining dares later.

Take off the tail ribbon and hat, leave the dress and panties to each be the next layers.
>>
No. 819396 ID: 53895c

>>819359
I agree go big or go home
>>
No. 819399 ID: 15a025

Start off a little adventurous to set the mood. Remove the dress and hat.
>>
No. 819409 ID: 3abd97

>removing X and hat
No, you guys got it all wrong.

Think about it- what do we want Polo looking like at the end of the game? You want her sitting there smug, almost naked, with just a ribbon and/or hat. Taking off the accessories now is lame because wearing them and nothing else later is funnier than straight nakedness (and full on naked is a lose state anyways).

If we take a layer off, I think we should go for shock factor by tossing the dress, since it's our biggest and main layer of clothing, so we're playing topless. Plus you're teasing everyone else with glimpses since we're holding cards in front of our chest.

Still think we should do a dare now, though, since so many of them are funny antics.
>>
No. 819412 ID: da1652

>>819300
Dare
>>
No. 819423 ID: e94191

dare
>>
No. 819441 ID: 804a8c

Group together Panties and Hat, Dare.
>>
No. 819456 ID: cacbd1

>>819409
This. Keep the accessories to the end.
>>
No. 819521 ID: bfb318
File 150144145927.png - (82.26KB , 800x800 , 246.png )
819521

rolled 15 = 15

I pull a random dare out of the hat.

1. Prank call Az.
2. Do your best to strike a sexy pose. Opposing teams get to judge if you made a good effort; give 2x the standard bet to anyone that thinks you wussed out.
3. BARK! Bark bark bark, bark bark.
4. Call Ultra-King Az and call him a dingus or other word that could be considered a prank call
5. Do 20 pushups with your partner on your back
6. Pick two people larger than you; they must spend the next round tightly sandwiching you in an embrace between their torsos. If this enables members of one team to see another team's cards, they can only try to inform their team empathically. If there aren't two people larger than you, pick three people smaller than you to be tightly embracing you around your torso. You must let each team keep one member free.
7. You absolutely must say something nice about a member of an opposing team, no matter how much you may or may not hate their guts! If a Ranger, other than Pink gets this: You can't say something nice about Pink, it has to be one of the other opponents!
8. Give your team member(s) a deep kiss.
9. You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.
10. Invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
11. Remove your chair from the table. You are now required to share- sit on or with a teammate. (Lap, side by side, shoulders, whatever). If you have no teammates left in the game, you may recall one to the table to act as your seat.
12. You have to buy the next round of room service for the group. No, not with poker chips, with your own money.
13. Prank call Az
14. Repeat the most recent dare
15. Say who has the best butt in the room
16. Swap one of your clothes layers with someone else at the table. If you're a ranger, swapping near-identical armor pieces with one of your teammates doesn't count. (All swapped clothes to be returned to the original owners at the end of the games).
17. Say who is the villain you have been most sexually attracted to
18. For the next round, you have to play while on your head with your legs in the air! If you fall over, there's no penalty! You're also allowed to ask your teammates to hold you legs so that you don't fall over and/or you can lean against a wall to hold yourself up!
19. You're allowed to put 1 piece of clothing back on! If you haven't lost any clothing: This card does nothing! Side note: Please put on your own clothing and not someone else's clothing!
20. Arm wrestle somebody, loser loses clothes.
>>
No. 819522 ID: 7fad5d

Tell Katzati and Ramella to stand up so you can choose between them. It's totally you, but you can't brag too much.
>>
No. 819524 ID: 56ffef

>>819521
totally you Polo. but in the sprit of the dare chose a second best.
>>
No. 819525 ID: 015058

Have everyone line up along a wall so you can closely inspect all the butts.

Or go around the room feeling them all up and making thoughtful comparisons. We have to do this scientifically. If you just looked around and picked someone quickly then it would not be a proper dare.

You need to get up close and personal with all the butts involved before you can make a decision.
>>
No. 819526 ID: 7fad5d

>>819525
Actually, yeah, this is a good addition.
>>
No. 819528 ID: 3cc68c

Well get started on groping all the butts Polo.

You can't half ass this dare you know.

You wouldn't want to be the butt of any jokes after this is all over.

A Assassin like yourself should have no problem judging all these asses.

If anyone gets irritated when you feel them up tell them "Sorry for being a ass but I have to butt into your game here"

Luckily this valentines day falls on the full moon.

I know you rangers don't like turning the other cheek but it would make things easier.

(insert other butt puns here)
>>
No. 819529 ID: 3abd97

>>819521
Read your dare aloud in a monotone. Try to guess from empathy and reaction who submitted that one.

Wait a beat, then go all formal police agent. Then yes, go all formal police agent. Well? This requires a formal inspection. Turn around, everyone.
>>
No. 819530 ID: 8d23d9

Yes, read out your dare and then tell everyone to line up so you can make a proper estimate. You have to be precise, after all.

If people complain, ask them if they're saying you should... half-ass it.

Stupid puns will help break the ice and lighten you up in the rangers' view a bit.
>>
No. 819531 ID: 91ee5f

>>819521
Don't just start groping everyone's butts! Read it out loud so everyone knows what you're doing!

And see how they react, both visibly and empathically, to try and figure out who put that in the hat! If a Ranger put that in there, react with the appropriate amount of surprise, both visible and empathical!
>>
No. 819544 ID: df00b4

Oh come on guys we all already know it's Pilon!
>>
No. 819546 ID: 91ee5f

>>819544
We're looking for the best butt, not the best ears!
>>
No. 819865 ID: bfb318
File 150158798806.png - (98.79KB , 800x800 , 247.png )
819865

"I have to say who has the best butt in the room."
>"... so who is it?" asks Ramella.

I stand up.

"That's what I have to find out. Everyone show me your butts. I have to investigate it."
>"Isn't that going a little far?!" asks White.
"I'm not half assing this. If I choose randomly or with bias, I'm going to end up as the butt of some jokes after this is over."
>"You're a monster!" says Red.
"No, I'm an assassi-"
>"Stop." Katzati interrupts me.
>>
No. 819866 ID: bfb318
File 150158804454.png - (152.09KB , 800x800 , 248.png )
819866

rolled 1, 1, 18, 27, 6, 19, 15 = 87

I make my investigations.

"Largest and squishiest goes to Katzati. Fluffiest goes to Pilon. Firmest is White's. Most balanced on all fronts is Rose. Most aggressive against my hand is Ramella's."
>"But who has the best one?!" Ramella asks.
"Me. I have the best one. Now lets get back to the game."

People almost call me out on it, but the rule did not say I had to pick someone else.

We continue playing. Some chicken out and strip clothes, but others take dares. Ramella wins another big round and is up the highest amount, making her feel somewhat left out that she can't pull a dare. She'd still rather be winning, anyway.

In order, Red, Pilon, Katzati, Blue, Green, and Rose all choose dares. I am low on funds, and I choose to make a second dare after Rose.

(Random dare results respective to order drawn. Results listed in next post.)

Dare list:
1. Prank call Az.
2. Do your best to strike a sexy pose. Opposing teams get to judge if you made a good effort; give 2x the standard bet to anyone that thinks you wussed out.
3. BARK! Bark bark bark, bark bark.
4. Call Ultra-King Az and call him a dingus or other word that could be considered a prank call
5. Do 20 pushups with your partner on your back
6. Pick two people larger than you; they must spend the next round tightly sandwiching you in an embrace between their torsos. If this enables members of one team to see another team's cards, they can only try to inform their team empathically. If there aren't two people larger than you, pick three people smaller than you to be tightly embracing you around your torso. You must let each team keep one member free.
7. You absolutely must say something nice about a member of an opposing team, no matter how much you may or may not hate their guts! If a Ranger, other than Pink gets this: You can't say something nice about Pink, it has to be one of the other opponents!
8. Give your team member(s) a deep kiss.
9. You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.
10. Invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
11. Remove your chair from the table. You are now required to share- sit on or with a teammate. (Lap, side by side, shoulders, whatever). If you have no teammates left in the game, you may recall one to the table to act as your seat.
12. You have to buy the next round of room service for the group. No, not with poker chips, with your own money.
13. Prank call Az
14. Repeat the most recent dare
15. Say who has the best butt in the room
16. Swap one of your clothes layers with someone else at the table. If you're a ranger, swapping near-identical armor pieces with one of your teammates doesn't count. (All swapped clothes to be returned to the original owners at the end of the games).
17. Say who is the villain you have been most sexually attracted to
18. For the next round, you have to play while on your head with your legs in the air! If you fall over, there's no penalty! You're also allowed to ask your teammates to hold you legs so that you don't fall over and/or you can lean against a wall to hold yourself up!
19. You're allowed to put 1 piece of clothing back on! If you haven't lost any clothing: This card does nothing! Side note: Please put on your own clothing and not someone else's clothing!
20. Arm wrestle somebody, loser loses clothes.
21. Tell the group your thoughts on the Ranger TV show
22. Kiss your partner(s)
23. Pick a girl and motorboat.
24. Donate ears to the Lobes of Love charity for the next year https://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/src/136892264132.png
25. One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough.
26. Spin the bottle. You have to kiss someone on the table.
27. You may collect skimpy valentine's bathrobe from the hotel's stock and add it to your clothing layers.

>>
No. 819868 ID: bfb318

rolled 12 = 12

Polo: (15) Say who has the best butt in the room REROLL: 12. You have to buy the next round of room service for the group. No, not with poker chips, with your own money.

Red: (1) Prank call Az.
Pilon: (1) Prank call Az, again.
Katzati: (18) For the next round, you have to play while on your head with your legs in the air! If you fall over, there's no penalty! You're also allowed to ask your teammates to hold you legs so that you don't fall over and/or you can lean against a wall to hold yourself up!
Blue: (27)You may collect skimpy valentine's bathrobe from the hotel's stock and add it to your clothing layers.
Green: (6) Pick two people larger than you; they must spend the next round tightly sandwiching you in an embrace between their torsos. If this enables members of one team to see another team's cards, they can only try to inform their team empathically. If there aren't two people larger than you, pick three people smaller than you to be tightly embracing you around your torso. You must let each team keep one member free.
Rose: (19) You're allowed to put 1 piece of clothing back on! If you haven't lost any clothing: This card does nothing! Side note: Please put on your own clothing and not someone else's clothing!
>>
No. 819869 ID: 015058

Sit back and buy some food. And enjoy the show.
>>
No. 819871 ID: 486e87

With your own money. I guess that means no putting this down as mission expenses. Oh well, ask what everyone wants and order it.
>>
No. 819872 ID: 3d2d5f

>room service
Well, put it on your government account, bill it as a necessary mission expense, and stick Az with the bill.

And sit back and enjoy the antics of everyone else's dares. Probably have to have Pilon hold Katzati up for that handstand.

Next time Polo takes a hit, I vote she ditches her dress instead of taking a dare. Play topless. Cards in front of your chest, or bringing your tail around, means everyone else only gets teasing views. We don't wanna wait too long or we miss the chance to be the first one to discard a layer that exposes something and catch people off guard. (And if Ramella is distracted peeking sideways, maybe she'll finally lose a hand).
>>
No. 819876 ID: be641e

If you're drawing the dares from a hat, shouldn't it be impossible for someone to get a dare that's already been drawn once? Fresh dares every time is more fun, too, I'd imagine.

Anyway, you'd better strip next time. You've got to save some dare-doing for when you're half naked. Besides which, so far your dares have been relatively kind to you, and if you haven't stripped either, then you're in an advantageous position and it could look to the rangers like you're being smug or arrogant or somehow secretly manipulating things to your own advantage. Take a loss or two.

Say, in order to help prevent a huge amount of chips piling up for any one person, preventing them from taking part in the stripping or dares, how about the "bank" runs dry and people have to start "selling" their clothes to other players who have high funds? Or like... a player with chips can offer to "buy" clothes from someone, giving more chips than they'd get from the "bank", but in exchange they get to make some sort of dare-like request of the person stripping?

You want to somehow avoid the huge inflation/monopoly that can happen in strip poker.
>>
No. 819896 ID: 015058

If you have to buy snacks get a round of alcohol. This table could use some loosening up.

Make sure the rangers get themed drinks to match there color.
>>
No. 819916 ID: 3fb646

>>819896
This.
>>
No. 819918 ID: 91ee5f

>>819865
>"Stop." Katzati interrupts me.
Ask Katzati why she ruined your fun? Does she not want you to have fun? You still had plenty of butt puns that you could've used!

>>819896
This.
>>
No. 820403 ID: bfb318
File 150185369007.png - (99.06KB , 800x800 , 249.png )
820403

"My dare!" says Red, "Is to prank call Az! To do so, I will need a direct line to him, if you would oblige me, otherwise this dare is off without me needing to take off clothes."

More than one person recognizes the dare as their own. Az's personal number is, on paper, a classified document.

"770-41532-2911."
"Then let's do this!" she says, dialing the number.
"Put it on speaker."
"Sure, but you all must promise to not snicker in the background."

The phone rings.

>"Who's this?" Az speaks.
"Hi, Az! It's your daughter!"
>"Which one?"
"Gorlililia."
>"That's a dumb name, get it changed."
"Do you remember me?"
>"Not with a name like that."
"How about some father-daughter time?"
>"What, you want to get all personal? A big heart to heart? Maybe roughhouse a bit?"
"Yeah!"
>"Then you shouldn't have called my business number, kiddo! Get outta here, get your mother to re-introduce you to me."

Az hangs up the phone.

"He's as awful as I expected." says Red
"He probably suspected it was a prank call."
"Does he get pranked... often?"
"Often enough that one of the code operations in our handbooks is changing Az's number."

Pilon explains his dare. It is exactly the same. He calls Az again.

The phone rings, and Az answers.
>"Who's this?"
>"Hey! I'd like to order one pizza please." Pilon says.
>"For who?"
>"Kailey."
>"And what brings you to our pizza establishment, tonight?"
>"I'm hungry!"
>"Alright, stay in your position. We're sending one now. Remember to tip."

"What was that?" Pilon asks. "I didn't expect him to just go with it!"
>"Pizza," I explain, "is the code word we use for 'bodyguard'. You just ordered a secret bodyguard. Don't worry about it."
>>
No. 820404 ID: bfb318
File 150185370694.png - (201.66KB , 800x800 , 250.png )
820404

We play another round. Katzati and Blue both choose dares.

>"Polo, I have to have my legs in the air. Can you help my do that?" Katzati asks.
"Only if I can make more butt puns."
>"... Ramella, can you help me keep my legs up?"
>"Only if I get to do it with Polo."
>"F-finne, both of you, then, please!"

We get in position, while Blue comes back.

"Where's the costume, blue?" Red asks.
"I'm wearing it! But our enemies will have to beat me more, if they want to see."
>>
No. 820405 ID: bfb318
File 150185376580.png - (126.62KB , 800x800 , 251.png )
820405

One round later, Green and Rose, and myself choose to dare.

>"I've got to get two people to sandwich me. I choose Pilon, and Pilon's ears." says Green.
>"Hey, that's my date!" says Rose.
>"Hey back to you, you're the one always saying that love is meant to be shared!"
>"Hmph, fine!"
"Pilon's ears do not count as people, despite what some may think."

Green scoffs.

>"Show of hands, who thinks Pilon's ears count as another person?"

Everyone but Blue and myself raise my hands.

>"So just grey and blue, huh?" says Green.
"I'm Polo."
>"No one asked. Really, Blue, you don't think they count as people?"
"No, there's 2 ears, they count as 2 people."

Green sits herself on Pilon.

>"My dare is nothing." Rose explains. "Since I never took off clothing."

I pull out my dare, next.

"It's... what? Another dare to say who has the best butt?"

More than one person put in this dare, too.

>"Throw that out and redo!" says Red, echoed by everyone else.

"Okay. Now my dare is to pay for room service with my own money." I will write this down as a business expense, because it is.

I order the usual variety of snacks, but also some alcohol, since it may help a few of the people here to loosen up. We take the opportunity to take a small break while I order, although it takes a little bit longer than expected for room service to show up!
>>
No. 820406 ID: bfb318
File 150185381748.png - (111.44KB , 800x800 , 252.png )
820406

"Room service comin' in!"

Before I can act on the familiar voice, Az unlocks and stomps through the door, into the jammer bubble, and pushing a cart with the things I ordered. "Who ordered the pizza?!"

Pilon empathically gives himself away.

"How'd you get my number?!" asks Az. "I'll fire the person who leaked it so hard that they won't ever hold a job again! Also, is Gordodilla in here, too?"
"It was me." I say.
"And I am 'Gorlililia'." says Red.
"Polo you're promoted. Gorli, I always knew my daughters would do something like become a wave force member!"
"It was a prank! I am not your daughter!"
"Pranking the heads of government? That's practically how you prove you're my daughter!"
>>
No. 820408 ID: 91ee5f

>>820406
>Az shows up.
I saw that coming from a mile away! Of course he had the calls traced so that he could find who prank called him! He probably shows up to everyone that's ever prank called him ever!

So does this mean that if someone gets another dare involving prank calling Az, they have to say it to his face now?

>I'll fire the person who leaked it so hard that they won't ever hold a job again!
>"It was me." I say.
>Polo you're promoted.
It's a good thing Polo's such a good agent, otherwise Az would've actually fired her! Or maybe Az isn't firing her because Polo actually did something she wouldn't normally do? Especially since Az has been trying to get her to do something like that for a while now!
>>
No. 820417 ID: 799bc9

Polo, please please please play along with Gorli being Az's daughter. It's the best prank.
>>
No. 820420 ID: 96361d

Say "I don't know, Red, given how many kids Az has I wouldn't automatically assume you're not related to him. Maybe you should check."

I assume all the rangers' fur colors match their ranger color.

Then tell Az you're playing in teams so if he wants to stay he needs to have a partner and to pull up a chair.
>>
No. 820421 ID: 3d2d5f

Thank you sir, but I am going to respectfully turn down any promotion without cause. Leaking contact information is not grounds for a promotion.

>Az doubles down on Red's prank
I'm afraid there's no winning. You can't prove him wrong as long as you maintain your secret identity, and unmasking probably wouldn't get him to stop anyways.

On the plus side, she's probably safe from Az flirting with her now.
>>
No. 820422 ID: a363ac

>>820406
whenever you refer to Red now refer to them as "Az's Daughter" if they want to call you Grey you can call them whatever the hell you want too.
>>
No. 820423 ID: 015058

Wait for Az to pass out food. If he stays to long deal him into the game. Plus put some of his dares into the pot.
>>
No. 820425 ID: 3d2d5f

If they're going to insist on calling you one of them, "the sixth ranger" is cooler than "grey".

Also if they're tacitly acknowledging you as a ranger there has to be some way we can exploit that in the game.

If Red is Az's daughter, that limits anyone on the UDA side from crossing lewd lines with her. None of the agents should be willing to mess with the boss' daughter.
>>
No. 820430 ID: 91ee5f

>>820420
>he needs to have a partner and to pull up a chair.
He's probably going to call Rokoa. Which means that "invite Rokoa and Az" dare in the hat will be useless.
>>
No. 820489 ID: 96361d

>>820430

I'd rather have them here already and let that dare get skipped so we can have a more fun one instead.

I suspect Rokoa is right behind Az right now anyway.
>>
No. 820559 ID: a62648

Tell Az to stop being and...azz and to go get Rokoa.
When people point out that you don't like Rokoa tell them that with the way things go she'll probably show up eventually and you'd prefer the method that involves the least collateral damage.
>>
No. 820671 ID: 15a025

Start calling Red, Gorlililia from now on then and add Az to the chaos.
>>
No. 821353 ID: bfb318
File 150232367306.png - (122.20KB , 800x800 , 253.png )
821353

"If you're going to promote me, do it for a good reason, not... this."
"I will promote you when and how I want, Agent Polo!" Az says.

Red scoffs.

"Maybe you're not as underhanded as your boss, grey." she says.
"It's your turn, Gorlililia."
"It... you're mocking me?"
"No. If you can call me 'grey', it's fair that I call you something else too."
"But you are of the wave force. To be able to use our weapons, even misuse it, means you're one of us."
"Then call me the sixth ranger."

White mutters something under his breath, something about 'rangers' being a misappropriated term even though they've used it themselves.

"Az, where's Rokoa?"
"What the hell, is she my daughter too? Do I need to keep track of her? Now deal me in."
"No way." says Blue. "We've got set teams, and there's stakes involved! Don't just add in teammates because they showed up."
"Consider me a neutral third party." says Az. "Don't fuckin' laugh in your mind at me, Polo. I'm jokin', anyway, because I do have shit to do, believe it or not."

Surprisingly, he's honest about that, though he still turns to make some quip.

"But give me a call, daughter!"
"I never want to talk to you, dad."

>>
No. 821357 ID: bfb318
File 150232380095.png - (118.05KB , 800x800 , 254.png )
821357

rolled 15, 5, 19 = 39

Az leaves after dropping the food off, and the game continues on.

Pilon, White, and Green end up using dares. Katzati also runs out of money, but takes off her neck and waist sash.

>"Afraid of the dares, miss?!" Green taunts.
>"It's just hot, is all."

I also run out of money. I'm leaning on taking off clothes as well, but haven't decided completely yet.

Choose: Dare/Clothes

Updated dare list:
1. Do your best to strike a sexy pose. Opposing teams get to judge if you made a good effort; give 2x the standard bet to anyone that thinks you wussed out.
2. BARK! Bark bark bark, bark bark.
3. Call Ultra-King Az and call him a dingus or other word that could be considered a prank call
4. Do 20 pushups with your partner on your back
5. You absolutely must say something nice about a member of an opposing team, no matter how much you may or may not hate their guts! If a Ranger, other than Pink gets this: You can't say something nice about Pink, it has to be one of the other opponents!
6. Give your team member(s) a deep kiss.
7. You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.
8. Invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
9. Remove your chair from the table. You are now required to share- sit on or with a teammate. (Lap, side by side, shoulders, whatever). If you have no teammates left in the game, you may recall one to the table to act as your seat.
10. Prank call Az
11. Repeat the most recent dare
12. Say who has the best butt in the room
13. Swap one of your clothes layers with someone else at the table. If you're a ranger, swapping near-identical armor pieces with one of your teammates doesn't count. (All swapped clothes to be returned to the original owners at the end of the games).
14. Say who is the villain you have been most sexually attracted to
15. Arm wrestle somebody, loser loses clothes.
16. Tell the group your thoughts on the Ranger TV show
17. Kiss your partner(s)
18. Pick a girl and motorboat.
19. Donate ears to the Lobes of Love charity for the next year https://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/src/136892264132.png
20. One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough.
21. Spin the bottle. You have to kiss someone on the table.

>>
No. 821364 ID: bfb318
File 150232437342.png - (76.81KB , 800x800 , 255.png )
821364

Results:
Pilon: (15) Arm wrestle somebody, loser loses clothes.
White: (5) You absolutely must say something nice about a member of an opposing team, no matter how much you may or may not hate their guts! If a Ranger, other than Pink gets this: You can't say something nice about Pink, it has to be one of the other opponents!
Green: (19) Donate ears to the Lobes of Love charity for the next year


Pilon gets his dare.

>"Arm wrestle somebody. Loser loses clothes."

Pilon looks at me.

>"Polo."
"Pilon, you realize we're on allied teams, correct?"
>"Hmmm..."

He's seriously considering arm wrestling me.
>>
No. 821367 ID: a363ac

>>821364
he wants to wrestle the weakest person here like a wuss, jesus Pilon. Polo take the challange but use Katzati to distract him by flashing her boobs at him.
>>
No. 821369 ID: 3abd97

>lobes of love
Yessssss.

>Do I need to keep track of [Rokoa]?
Well, you were partnered with her for this detail, so ostensibly, yes.

>He's seriously considering arm wrestling me.
Game's working as intended. The temptation to get people you like naked is working against cooperating as a team.

>what do
I wonder if there's a way to cheat at arm wrestling? ...shooting Pilon isn't sporting.

If Pilon wrestles us and you lose, ditch the dress. Then take a dare.

If Pilon picks someone else, or you somehow win, take off your dress instead of picking a dare.
>>
No. 821371 ID: 2e620f

Make a comment to Green about how dares when you've already lost clothes would be scarier than dares when you have them still on, so if anything, Katzati is being braver than they've been. Also, suggest being called the ghost ranger or phantom ranger or hollow ranger or grim ranger or something cool like that.

Then... well, arm wrestle Pilon, and probably lose and therefore lose clothes. Then take a dare. If you somehow actually win, strip instead of doing a dare. If he actually decides not to arm wrestle you after all, strip.

Basically, take off one and only one layer of clothes this round, in whatever way that would happen based on Pilon's decision and its results.
>>
No. 821372 ID: 17c2ee

>>821364
"You realize that nobody will ever be impressed when I'm the size of your arm. If you want to get me naked, I know you can be more seductive than that."
>>
No. 821373 ID: bfb318
File 150232540346.png - (71.36KB , 800x800 , 256.png )
821373

I hear Lucera make an alert for agents currently not on pressing business.

>"Be advised: Due to a security breach, Az's personal number has been changed. That is all."

"You're going after the smallest one?" I ask Pilon.
>"Despicable." says White.
>"Old habits." Pilon answers. "Sorry, Polo, let's go."
"I hope you're not trying to impress someone by beating someone the size of your arm. If you wanted to get me naked, you could do better to seduce me."
>"I'm not. I'm in this to win this, and I don't know how strong the rangers are. Ramella would be my next choice, but I don't think her luck will last."
"Wow where did you put the real Pilon?" Ramella says.

White, who ran out of funds this turn, pulls another dare while Pilon approaches me.

>"You absolutely must say something nice about a member of an opposing team, no matter how much you may or may not hate their guts. If a Ranger, other than Pink gets this: You can't say something nice about Pink, it has to be one of the other opponents. Hmm..."

White thinks.

>"Red! You're a great leader."
"Thanks, White!"

Ramella speaks up.

>"No! I meant opposing sides, as in non-allied teams, not just another team!"
"Then you should have written that." says White.
>>
No. 821374 ID: a363ac

>>821373
"come on you can do it white, don't be a bad a sport like Pilon over here."
>>
No. 821375 ID: 17c2ee

>>821373
"Is being a bad sport contagious?"
>>
No. 821377 ID: 3abd97

>>821373
White, live up to Justice. Play to the spirit of the law, not the letter.

Make a show of prepping for your arm wrestling. Stretch and such.
>>
No. 821378 ID: bfb318
File 150232627067.png - (84.96KB , 800x800 , 257.png )
821378

"Is being a bad sport contagious?"
>"Don't compare me to that arm wrestling maniac, grim!"
"Then give me a reason not to."
>"Erk... fine... uh... You're... give me a minute to think while you wrestle Pilon!"

We clear a table.
>>
No. 821379 ID: bfb318
File 150232628466.png - (91.55KB , 800x800 , 258.png )
821379

>>
No. 821382 ID: bfb318
File 150232632998.png - (103.93KB , 800x800 , 259.png )
821382

WHAM
>>
No. 821383 ID: a363ac

>>821382
remove shirt
>>
No. 821384 ID: 015058

Take off your dress. Leave the hat for last.
>>
No. 821386 ID: 17c2ee

>>821382
Panties off. Make a show of it. Hat stays on, naturally, and the dress needs to stay on with the bow.
>>
No. 821387 ID: 3abd97

>>821382
Completely calm and blase, pull your dress off over your head.

Then drop it on the floor, or the table, or your partner.

Then pick up your cards and bring your tail around. Between the cards and your tail, people should only get tantalizing glimpses of your chest from then on.
>>
No. 821391 ID: 2e620f

Bye bye dress.

>teams/sides

Uh... did you ever specifically lay out the terms for what the winner gets? The idea is that Pink goes with the winners (with you obviously planning to just let her go as she will if you win), but was that the winning side, or the winning team? Perhaps Pilon is planning to betray you and take Pink for himself! How dastardly!

Or, uh, heroic, I guess, considering that you're shadowy government agents. And he's her date. I think they've hit it off well, his victory might actually be the best endgame for Pink's problems if it's the team that wins Pink rather than the side. Obviously Pilon's just playing even if that is his plan, but still.
>>
No. 821396 ID: 015058

>>821391

Pink is Pilons date after all. I think his plan is to win her at any cost so he can take her off and ravish her.

And honestly that sounds like a fun night and leaves us conveniently alone with our two dates to do the same.
>>
No. 821397 ID: bfb318
File 150232770294.png - (153.07KB , 800x800 , 260.png )
821397

rolled 4 = 4

>Uh... did you ever specifically lay out the terms for what the winner gets?
I was under the impression the specific team that won didn't matter, but rather the side they're on. I realize that this may not be seen evenly, and Pilon may be trying to get Rose for himself.

I strip. There is some stunned silence that I choose my dress, first. White breaks the silence.

>"You've got good thighs!"

It's even more awkward since he just blurted out the first compliment that came to mind.

I'd drop the dress to the floor, but I want to wear it after the game, so I'll put it on a nearby surface.

>"Then I'll donate my ears to Lobes of Love, then. Once we get to a spot where I can store them, since my ears will just go bad if I take them off, now." says Green.

If I feel it's important enough that Green does it right now, I can abuse government dollars to send his ears up right away, but I don't think it is.

We play another round, and I end up burning the last of my funds. I take a dare.

Updated dare list:
1. Do your best to strike a sexy pose. Opposing teams get to judge if you made a good effort; give 2x the standard bet to anyone that thinks you wussed out.
2. BARK! Bark bark bark, bark bark.
3. Call Ultra-King Az and call him a dingus or other word that could be considered a prank call
4. Do 20 pushups with your partner on your back
5. Give your team member(s) a deep kiss.
6. You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.
7. Invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
8. Remove your chair from the table. You are now required to share- sit on or with a teammate. (Lap, side by side, shoulders, whatever). If you have no teammates left in the game, you may recall one to the table to act as your seat.
9. Repeat the most recent dare
10. Say who has the best butt in the room
11. Swap one of your clothes layers with someone else at the table. If you're a ranger, swapping near-identical armor pieces with one of your teammates doesn't count. (All swapped clothes to be returned to the original owners at the end of the games).
12. Say who is the villain you have been most sexually attracted to
13. Tell the group your thoughts on the Ranger TV show
14. Kiss your partner(s)
15. Pick a girl and motorboat.
16. One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough.
17. Spin the bottle. You have to kiss someone on the table.

>>
No. 821399 ID: 17c2ee

"I'm sure Ramella has been itching to ride me for months." Do the push-ups.
>>
No. 821401 ID: 015058

Well your arms are going to get a workout with two girls on your back.

(note that it does not say they cant help by doing there own pushups at the same time)

Alternatively you can do the pushups on the table so everyone can get a good view.
>>
No. 821403 ID: 3abd97

>>821399
This line is perfect.
>>
No. 821407 ID: bfb318
File 150232847968.png - (99.49KB , 800x800 , 261.png )
821407

>Alternatively you can do the pushups on the table
The table will break.

"Do 20 pushups with your partner on your back."

>"Partner, as in...?" Katzati asks.

>"Er..." Pilon starts talking. He outs himself as the one who wrote the dare.

The saving grace is that this was more than Pilon intended, and now he feels bad about slamming my arm into the table.

>"Just... singular, partner. You can choose."
>>
No. 821408 ID: 17c2ee

>>821399
Reposting.
>>
No. 821409 ID: a363ac

>>821407
look at Pilon with a duh doy "I am not here to break myself Pilon"
>>
No. 821412 ID: 3abd97

Katzati, I hope you are not offended, but I will be asking Ramella to ride me.
>>
No. 821413 ID: 3abd97

>>821409
"...yet."
>>
No. 821414 ID: 486e87

How strong are you, Polo? I'm tempted to suggest half and half, e.g. 10 with Ramella on your back, 10 with Katzati, just to see what sort of reactions that gets from the rangers.

If that's something you think you can do, I'd say go for it, otherwise pick Ramella. Come to think of it, the dare didn't specify whether the push ups had to be done in one go, did it?
>>
No. 821420 ID: 015058

Include both dates anyway.

Have Katzati lay on the ground (face up) and do pushups on her while Ramella is on your back.
>>
No. 821421 ID: 3cc68c

>>821420

Yessss
>>
No. 821426 ID: 17c2ee

>>821420
Combine this with the Ramella line and "...and I'm glad to ride Katzati."
>>
No. 821431 ID: bfb318
File 150233037348.png - (148.63KB , 800x800 , 262.png )
821431

I start to mention something to Katzati, but she is mentally thinking 'do not pick me.'

"Ramella has been looking for any excuse to ride me for months, anyway."
>"AHHH." Ramella tries to say something more intelligible, but all she communicates is disbelief that I said that.

She gets in position, although she can't keep her balance well enough to be cross-legged. More concerningly, she gets antsy about all the attention on her, and tries to divide it.

>"Wait, Katzati, get under us! Polo do pushups on her!"
"Uhh... that would be fair, somehow, if I rode Katzati."
>"If you think it'll work, sure." Katzati says.
>>
No. 821432 ID: bfb318
File 150233038732.png - (160.65KB , 800x1000 , 263.png )
821432

It doesn't work. It's awkward, we keep readjusting, and the motions I do barely count as pushups. No one calls me out on it, anyway.
>>
No. 821434 ID: 17c2ee

What's Katzati feeling like? If she's not satisfied, might try it on her back. But otherwise, back to poker, right?
>>
No. 821435 ID: 015058

As long as you got all sorts of cute empathy off those two it was worth it. This is not a serious game.

Did you at least take the opportunity to motorboat Katzati? And tease Ramella's butt with your tail?
>>
No. 821437 ID: ecad6a

Be sure to give them a kiss for their help. Also consider motorboating Katzati and see her reaction to the thought.
>>
No. 821438 ID: 3abd97

I think you've proven you're not a no-fun grump, Polo.

You can probably resume the game.

I suggest playing your cards close to the chest, and/or wrapping your tail around to the front, just to be a tease for anyone who wants to keep starring at your boobs.
>>
No. 821439 ID: 3ce125

>>821432
You could grip her arms for support, if she crosses them.
>>
No. 821444 ID: 3cc68c

As this has obviously exhausted you collapse into Katzati's cleavage and enjoy the view.
>>
No. 821460 ID: a363ac

>>821444
play a round from katzati's cleavage. Clearly the exasperation is too much for you to stand.
>>
No. 821606 ID: bfb318
File 150240702591.png - (80.87KB , 800x800 , 264.png )
821606

>"I don't know." says Blue. "Might need a few more just to make up for those being in bad form."
"Oh no." I say. "I'm far too exhausted. I'm ready to collapse." I drop into Katzati's chest.
>"Oh no how embarrassing." Katzati continues the chain of sarcasm, although she is a bit flustered.

We should get back to the game, I think, although Ramella takes her time getting off from me. It would be too awkward, probably, to play while in this position. It's too early in the night to get so frisky as to hang out on Katzati's chest. Or motorboat it. Or so on.
>>
No. 821607 ID: bfb318
File 150240709336.png - (136.34KB , 800x800 , 265.png )
821607

rolled 12, 4, 16 = 32

We do get back to it, and there's a string of people who take clothes off instead of dares. Blue, White and Green each take off their gloves. Red takes off her shoes. Blue's shoes then come off, followed by Green's leg armor, revealing her thighs, which show the most fur out of any of the Waveforce's now.

During this, Pilon's and Pink's shirts come off. Both are wearing undershirts. Afterwards, Red gets some lucky rounds and comes out with the most funds.

Pilon was right, though. Ramella had a strong start, but it made her throw her money around more freely. Ramella loses her funds and her dress comes off in record speed, though she is wearing a bra.

The dares come back. Red, Katzati, Blue and Rose each choose one dare.

My funds are also diminishing again.

Next option:
A) Dare
B) Strip (Accessories, Panties)

Updated dare list:
1. Do your best to strike a sexy pose. Opposing teams get to judge if you made a good effort; give 2x the standard bet to anyone that thinks you wussed out.
2. BARK! Bark bark bark, bark bark.
3. Call Ultra-King Az and call him a dingus or other word that could be considered a prank call
4. Give your team member(s) a deep kiss.
5. You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.
6. Invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
7. Remove your chair from the table. You are now required to share- sit on or with a teammate. (Lap, side by side, shoulders, whatever). If you have no teammates left in the game, you may recall one to the table to act as your seat.
8. Repeat the most recent dare
9. Say who has the best butt in the room
10. Swap one of your clothes layers with someone else at the table. If you're a ranger, swapping near-identical armor pieces with one of your teammates doesn't count. (All swapped clothes to be returned to the original owners at the end of the games).
11. Say who is the villain you have been most sexually attracted to
12. Tell the group your thoughts on the Ranger TV show
13. Kiss your partner(s)
14. Pick a girl and motorboat.
15. One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough.
16. Spin the bottle. You have to kiss someone on the table.

>>
No. 821609 ID: bfb318

rolled 13 = 13

>>
No. 821610 ID: 015058

You are already pretty exposed to try a dare and save the stripping for when there is more naked people other than you.
>>
No. 821611 ID: bfb318

Red: (12) Tell the group your thoughts on the Ranger TV show
Katzati: (4) Give your team member(s) a deep kiss.
Blue: (16) Spin the bottle. You have to kiss someone on the table.
Rose: (13) Kiss your partner(s)

>>
No. 821613 ID: a363ac

>>821607
strip panties
>>
No. 821614 ID: 3abd97

>what do
Do another dare, before they're all used up.

Next time we have to choose, toss your panties on the table without getting up.
>>
No. 821616 ID: 3abd97

How's the emphatic mood at the table? How are people holding up?
>>
No. 821624 ID: 7fad5d

Take a dare and remark that you might as well not have gotten up anyway. See if using some tongue will win you this round of gay chicken.
>>
No. 821632 ID: 2e620f

That's a lotta kissing!

Strip again.
>>
No. 821633 ID: bfb318
File 150240961055.png - (68.29KB , 800x800 , 266.png )
821633

The empathic mood is still a bit tense, but it is much better than what it was at the start, so it's not worrisome.

Red opens her dare.

"Tell the group your thoughts on the Ranger TV show."

There is a sense of satisfaction at seeing Red herself get this one.

"It's obvious. It's great! However. We have welcomed them to take liberties with what occurs, but it's no secret from me that the liberties they take aren't always what we agree with! For one thing, the Scale-beast of the South Pole is well spoken, and although a despicable entitity, dumbing him down into comedic relief is almost insulting at how formidable he's been to us."
>"Does he look anything like he does on TV?" Katzati asks, about that villain I don't know much about.
"Hardly - but then again, people do look different on tv as a matter of course, so close enough, I'd say. Ultimately, the crew is professional, including our acting doubles, since of course we don't have the time. Don't think we can't act, mind! The very usage of our gear demands we be great method actors by extension. It doesn't help though that the directors keep swapping in and out, and the tone and direction of the show is often at ends of itself - "
>"Red, please." says White.
"Haha, yes, it's also no secret I could talk all night about our own show."
>"The talk shows always have to add 30 minutes to filming time to get keep pulling her off the subject." says Blue.
>>
No. 821634 ID: bfb318
File 150240963590.png - (111.08KB , 800x800 , 267.png )
821634

Katzati pulls a dare.

>"Give your team members a deep kiss. Okay, uh... we doing this, Ramella, Polo?"
>>
No. 821636 ID: a363ac

>>821634
grab katzati's head and go to town on her.
>>
No. 821637 ID: 7fad5d

>>821624
Reposting this just in case.
>>
No. 821641 ID: 015058

We take as long as we need to do it right of course. Got to make sure things get things done properly.

You give us each one. And then we can each give the other two a kiss. And then try for a three way kiss.

That way we get plenty of practice.
>>
No. 821642 ID: 3abd97

>Okay, uh... we doing this, Ramella, Polo?
I don't think you need to say anything. Just share a look with Ramella, and then let Katzati squirm until she goes through with it.
>>
No. 821644 ID: 91ee5f

>>821634
>Okay, uh...we doing this, Ramella, Polo?
Do it, Polo! Give her a big kiss!
>>
No. 821647 ID: 3cc68c

Be the most aggressive kisser Polo. Looks like someone is a bit nervous so take charge and make sure both your dates get the deepest kisses.
>>
No. 821648 ID: 02ed52

Tell her that it's her dare so she should decide how deep and long these kisses should last.
>>
No. 821650 ID: bfb318
File 150241097277.png - (100.53KB , 800x800 , 268.png )
821650

"We may as well not have gotten off the floor at all, anyway. A dare is a dare, provided you're comfortable enough to see how far you can take this. People are probably expecting tongue, but it's your dare."
>"Can we kiss to make it fair afterwards Polo?!" Ramella asks. "L-later unless it's a dare so it can be in pr.. nevermind!"
"I understand. Unless it's a dare, there's no need to distract ourselves."

Katzati approaches me, first. She takes it slowly and cautiously, as she didn't expect to do anything like this. I don't go too hard on her, but I do accelerate things.

After a few seconds of that, Katzati comes to a thought, then picks up my pace.
>>
No. 821652 ID: bfb318
File 150241099690.png - (124.10KB , 800x800 , 269.png )
821652

Then she exceeds expectations. There was more tongue than anticipated. I think my hat fell off. She kisses Ramella next, and both enjoy it better than each other expected to.

>"I, er..." Katzati starts talking after she finishes with Ramella, "maybe I got carried away, but I just had to set up a good standard for the next people who had to kiss!"
>>
No. 821653 ID: bfb318
File 150241103060.png - (89.54KB , 662x549 , 270.png )
821653

rolled 3 = 3

Which doesn't take long at all. Blue picks a dare, and reads it.

>"Spin the bottle. Nuff said, with a standard set."

He chugs an entire bottle of beer, then puts it on the table and gives it a spin.
>>
No. 821655 ID: 015058

Cheer them on.
>>
No. 821657 ID: 7fad5d

>>821653
Well, pick the hat back up and encourage them. Either you get to watch man-on-man or he strips, it's win-win. If not for you, then at least for anyone who actually wants to see those.
>>
No. 821662 ID: a363ac

>>821653
come on give us a good view boys~ WOO WOO~
>>
No. 821664 ID: 3abd97

>>821653
Lean forward, cup your hands on your face while resting your elbows on the talbe, and give them one hell of a "come on" look.

After your kiss you're staring them down till they live up to the performance. And calling them out on not it if they put in less effort. Ranger pride won't let them wuss out.
>>
No. 821672 ID: bfb318
File 150241291845.png - (75.93KB , 800x800 , 271.png )
821672

>"...... ... ... . . . ....."
"Everyone's waiting. We'd like to see this." I say, leaning forward on my elbow.
>"You stay out of it, number six!... White."
>"That's how it is, Blue." White responds. "Don't try to wiggle out of this. You know I don't want this any more than you do."
>"I'd rather kiss the Swamp Nugget, White."
>"I'd rather kiss the Swamp Nugget after it made out with a bucket of lard, Blue, but I'm owning up to your awful spinning technique!"
>".. ... .... .."
>>
No. 821674 ID: bfb318
File 150241300718.png - (92.37KB , 800x800 , 272.png )
821674

>"To heck with your rules, White, I'm doing a re-spin."

There's some contention about whether or not to let Blue respin.

"Too bad, Blue." says Red. "You don't get a respin. Strip!"
>"Who's side are you on?!"
"The side of sportsmanship! I should make you two kiss anyway, but nothing's more awkward than a hate-kiss."

Blue starts taking off the rest of his armor minus the helmet, which will just leave his bioarmor and his skimpy set of clothes he got from his dare available for stripping.
>>
No. 821675 ID: bfb318
File 150241303024.png - (0B , 800x800 )
821675

rolled 2 = 2

Rose gets a dare, and for the third time in a row, she has to kiss as well. She and Pilon go at it, and although it isn't up to the standards that Katzati set, it is affectionate and gets some mental 'aw's from both sides, though reluctant ones from the omega side.

I choose a dare.

Updated dare list:
01. Do your best to strike a sexy pose. Opposing teams get to judge if you made a good effort; give 2x the standard bet to anyone that thinks you wussed out.
02. BARK! Bark bark bark, bark bark.
03. Call Ultra-King Az and call him a dingus or other word that could be considered a prank call
04. You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.
05. Invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
06. Remove your chair from the table. You are now required to share- sit on or with a teammate. (Lap, side by side, shoulders, whatever). If you have no teammates left in the game, you may recall one to the table to act as your seat.
07. Repeat the most recent dare
08. Say who has the best butt in the room
09. Swap one of your clothes layers with someone else at the table. If you're a ranger, swapping near-identical armor pieces with one of your teammates doesn't count. (All swapped clothes to be returned to the original owners at the end of the games).
10. Say who is the villain you have been most sexually attracted to
11. Pick a girl and motorboat.
12. One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough.

>>
No. 821677 ID: 3abd97

>02. BARK! Bark bark bark, bark bark.
Beat, and then that, verbatim.

Don't bother reading or explaining the card. Just do it, see if you catch anyone off guard.
>>
No. 821678 ID: a363ac

"Bak bak bak?!"
>>
No. 821679 ID: 015058

Bak away. Have fun with it. In fact stay barking until you get back to your turn when anyone asks you anything.
>>
No. 821680 ID: 7fad5d

>>821675
Bark and throw a howl into the mix if you can do a convincing one. But FIRST, fake them out and lean towards whoever you think will be most easily startled before you start barking in their face. Not Ramella, it'd be too mean to tease her like that.
>>
No. 821682 ID: a363ac

>>821680
BAK at Pilonsee if he reacts like in the commercials
>>
No. 821683 ID: bfb318
File 150241403409.png - (153.10KB , 800x800 , 274.png )
821683

I consider surprising someone, but all eyes are on me, and my reluctance is obvious.

"... ..... ..... .."
>"Oh, is something the matter?" asks Blue. "Some dare you don't like?!"
>>
No. 821685 ID: bfb318
File 150241408014.png - (77.82KB , 800x800 , 275.png )
821685

I do my best.

"Bak bak bak. BAK bak." I think I know how to bark, but it's not something I ever do. I almost put in a howl, but...

Pilon looks disgusted. Even somewhat offended.

>"N... no, it's fine." he says. His face doesn't change at all.
>>
No. 821686 ID: 015058

Give Pilon a sad sad puppy dog eyed look until he explains himself.
>>
No. 821687 ID: 7fad5d

>>821685
Wow, what happened to getting it right, Polo? Come on, put aside the reluctance and do it properly.
>>
No. 821689 ID: bfb318
File 150241465444.png - (61.81KB , 800x800 , 276.png )
821689

"Was that wrong, Pilon? I don't think I can do much better."

Now that I feel out the room, it appears to be just Pilon that thought it was bad. The others, though not wildly impressed, thought it was legitimate barking. I suppose it's fair, since out of all of us, I think Pilon is the only pre-uplift neumono amongst us, though I can't be sure about the waveforce.

>"I'm sorry, it just... isn't the barking I'm used to. It doesn't have the same, uh, oomph, that a real bark has. It was like a, uh, it was like your barking was silent. It's like if I ran into your silence before I knew such a thing was possible. Kind of spooky. It got me off guard. Your dare is complete."
>>
No. 821690 ID: a363ac

to the next hand
>>
No. 821691 ID: 015058

Um could you maybe show us a real bark then? I would like to do a proper job of it.

Or at least learn from your experience.
>>
No. 821692 ID: 7fad5d

>>821687
It's even more important you do it right now if you're at all capable. Don't let the mood stay down, really put your heart into this. Imagine Rokoa's taunting you for not being able to bark.
>>
No. 821693 ID: 3cc68c

Yeah see if he does not mind demonstrating proper bark empathy for us.
>>
No. 821694 ID: 3abd97

>>821689
"...would you like to show us how its done?"

Maybe giving Pilon a chance to show off and wow the table would undo the awkward a little.
>>
No. 821697 ID: 2e620f

Now, hold on. One day you might be on some assignment out in the wilds somewhere and come across some tribal hive and your ability to bark proper like would be important!... Well, it's not very plausible, admittedly, but it's possible.

Tell him you're going to do it again. This time, bring it from your diaphragm, and more than that put some spirit into it. You want to be territorial, you want to be offended, you want to be disgusted and angry that someone you don't like is coming anywhere near you.

Imagine coming home to your hive from work one day to discover Rokoa aggressively flirting with/bullying your dad.
>>
No. 821701 ID: fc33ea

He seems really unsettled, I say leave it.
>>
No. 821703 ID: bfb318
File 150241604162.png - (87.95KB , 800x800 , 277.png )
821703

"Would you show us a real bark, then?"
>"I, um... I shouldn't. I'm really sorry, but barking here would just be inappropriate. I don't think people would like it if I barked at them."
"Then I'll try again."

I take a deeper breath, and just go for one with more meaning.

>Imagine various scenarios in which barking is appropriate
Every one of these makes me want to bring out my gun, not bark.

"BAK!"
>"Well, better!" says Pilon, and although still not impressed, he isn't just saying that.
"Why don't you show us how it's really done then, hotshot tribal?" Red asks.
>"Yeah!" says Blue.

Pilon is uncertain.

>"I dunno, everyone..."

I am curious about what Pilon thinks is a good bark, but we could just let it pass and move the game on, too.
>>
No. 821704 ID: a363ac

>>821702
This is supposed to be a fun game "Do it, do it do it!"
>>
No. 821705 ID: 015058

Pilon I want to hear a real bark. Pretty please?
>>
No. 821706 ID: 7fad5d

>>821703
People have been stripping and making out. Appropriate isn't really a worry here. Although now that I think of it maybe we should get some drinks or snacks or something.
>>
No. 821718 ID: bfb318
File 150241778003.png - (49.18KB , 800x800 , 278.png )
821718

"We're beyond the state of appropriateness. Please do it."

The rest of the room echoes me to varying levels.

>"Well, okay. Here goes." Pilon says.
>>
No. 821720 ID: 3cc68c

I mean if you need to demonstrate with a angry bark that will scare people that might not be appropriate.

But if you could do a bark to show what you want to do to Pink later tonight...

Well that might be a fun example.
>>
No. 821722 ID: bfb318
File 150241796514.png - (125.09KB , 800x800 , 279.png )
821722

I'm not sure I hear the barks, but my ears start ringing.

I, and the rest of the room just feel it. It's like Pilon's empathy just smacked ours onto the ground. Aggressive territorialism. Raw hatred for outsiders. Murderous intentions. Pilon sounded like he just tried to kill us all with a bark. Our heart rates skyrocketed unhealthily fast.

For what feels like a full minute, we just listen to the ensuing silence. Pilon starts feeling some regret, but Ramella interrupts it.

>"Holy shit." she says. "Awesome."
"Haven't had to deal with that in a while." says Red, unnerved, but the waveforce wasn't entirely stunned.
"Yes. Thank you for sharing."
>"S-sorry." Pilon says.
>>
No. 821723 ID: bfb318
File 150241803602.png - (105.10KB , 800x800 , 280.png )
821723

rolled 7, 10, 8, 7, 10, 7 = 49

Only the first 3 non-duplicate rolls will be used.

Pilon apologizes again, but we recollect ourselves fine and continue on. At least, after a call from the lobby asking us if everything is alright, since apparently someone reported a murder in progress in our room. I use the opportunity to order more snacks.

Blue begins to take things a bit cautiously, but the increasing ante leads White and Green to each strip their shoe. This leaves Green with only one article of clothing left. Katzati almost strips, too, but opts for a dare, as does Pilon, followed by Red.

Updated dare list:
01. Do your best to strike a sexy pose. Opposing teams get to judge if you made a good effort; give 2x the standard bet to anyone that thinks you wussed out.
02. Call Ultra-King Az and call him a dingus or other word that could be considered a prank call
03. You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.
04. Invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
05. Remove your chair from the table. You are now required to share- sit on or with a teammate. (Lap, side by side, shoulders, whatever). If you have no teammates left in the game, you may recall one to the table to act as your seat.
06. Repeat the most recent dare
07. Say who has the best butt in the room
08. Swap one of your clothes layers with someone else at the table. If you're a ranger, swapping near-identical armor pieces with one of your teammates doesn't count. (All swapped clothes to be returned to the original owners at the end of the games).
09. Say who is the villain you have been most sexually attracted to
10. Pick a girl and motorboat.
11. One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough.

>>
No. 821728 ID: 91ee5f

My emotional roller coaster:

>>821718
>"Well, okay. Here goes." Pilon says.
=D

>>821722
DX

)-':>

>>821723
>call from the lobby asking us if everything is alright, since apparently someone reported a murder in progress in our room.
XD
>>
No. 821731 ID: 015058

>>821720

You should ask Pilon if he can channel other emotions into a bark. Just for curiosities sake.
>>
No. 821735 ID: 91ee5f

>>821731
No, don't pester him about that.
>>
No. 821743 ID: 486e87

>>821735
Yeah, let's move on from the bark related stuff. Has someone been putting the best butt dare back in the dare pile?
>>
No. 821747 ID: bfb318
File 150242049173.png - (108.00KB , 800x800 , 281.png )
821747

Katzati reads her dare.

>"Say who has has the best butt? It's Polo."
"Really?"
>"That's what you said, and you wouldn't lie to us, would you?"
"I would not."

Katzati is sure to discard the dare, and Pilon picks his dare up.

>"... pick a girl, and motorboat. Uh... Rose?"
>"A dare's a dare. No one look!"

The Omega Waveforce does not know how to think about one of their teammates getting motorboated by someone who was barking murder at everyone a moment ago. Rose faces away from us to avoid a show, but Pilon does motorboat.
>>
No. 821749 ID: bfb318
File 150242050747.png - (123.71KB , 800x800 , 282.png )
821749

Pilon comes back, hunched over, and takes his seat crosslegged.

"So are you able to put different emotions into your barks?" I ask him.
>"Er... yes, kind of, but other kinds of barks only really work as effectively inside of one's own hive. The bark I gave, uh, is meant for extra-hive communications, as bad as it sounds nowadays."

Red pulls a dare.

"Swap clo... oh, no. Out of all of us, it had to be me?! Swap clothes with someone else at the table! And it can't be for similar gear with another ranger? Hrmm... alright, I'll also pick P- Rose."
>"Is that really okay for me to wear your uniform?" Rose asks.
"Given the circumstances? As our '6th' said, we're well past the point of what's appropriate."

They begin swapping clothes, while the next round takes place. They have an equal amount of clothing categories left, so there's no functional difference that takes place.

It's a round that hits us hard. One round later hits our side hard. Red thought she had a mediocre hand of a two pair. We bet on her impression of that, but in an accident in her favor, she didn't realize her hand made a flush instead until she put it down. Green, Pilon, Pink, Katzati, Ramella and myself all run out of funds.
>>
No. 821750 ID: bfb318
File 150242061018.png - (10.97KB , 607x190 , Status1.png )
821750

(At end of last round, but prior to anyone deciding to strip or discard)
>>
No. 821751 ID: 015058

Run out the dare jar if there are any left.

If not throw your panties on the table. Or better yet at Ramella's head.
>>
No. 821753 ID: 3ce125

>>821749
>flush from a two pair
...but that's impossible unless you're using more than one deck.
>>
No. 821754 ID: 7fad5d

Dare time.

>>821753
>unless you're using more than one deck
There you have it, then. If anyone was cheating it'd be noticed, with the empathy, no?
>>
No. 821755 ID: a363ac

throw panties on Ramella's head.
>>
No. 821756 ID: fc33ea

What happens when you run out of dares? I say take a dare while you still can.
>>
No. 821757 ID: 3abd97

>Polo runs out of funds
Toss your panties onto the table without getting up, and watch people goggle at you.
>>
No. 821759 ID: 3abd97

>>821750
Plus Blue has the skimpy bathrobe he won as an extra clothing layer in one of the earlier bets.
>>
No. 821763 ID: 90f3c0

>>821753
How so? Two pairs in the same suit, plus another card of the suit is a flush.

Run through the dares before taking off any more clothes.
>>
No. 821770 ID: 7fad5d

>>821763
>Two pairs in the same suit
>one deck
Think this through.
>>
No. 821789 ID: 90f3c0

>>821770
Shit. I can't believe I forgot there's only one of each card in a deck. I've been playing too much Mahjong.
>>
No. 821815 ID: 957e05

>>821753
That also explains how she didn't see it, if she isn't used to playing with two decks.
>>
No. 821898 ID: 2e620f

Tactically speaking, Polo should take off her accessories next. By keeping her panties on, she'll keep Ramella's interest in winning higher, and increase her team's chances of success. Strip poker's mind games are all about managing your opponent's (and in this case, your team's) ability/desire to get you naked. If Polo's all but naked with just her accessories on, on the other hand, Ramella won't be able to focus on the game at all.
>>
No. 821975 ID: bfb318
File 150249148441.png - (105.87KB , 800x800 , 283.png )
821975

rolled 3, 6, 8, 6, 4, 2, 4, 8, 1, 2 = 44

>2 pairs and a flush
Since we have 9 players, we are using 2 decks, hence hands like this are made possible.

Blue was the dealer this time, so we go around the table from there. Every single one of us dares, in order of Green, Pilon, Pink, Katzati, Ramella and then myself, since if I don't do it now, there probably won't be any more dares by the time I get my next chance.

Dare results will be posted below. Each roll will remove that dare from the hat immediately. A result higher than the remaining number of dares will be discarded, and extra rolls will be used. Upon 4 dares remaining, the dice roll will be divided by 2, rounded up.
Updated dare list:

1. Do your best to strike a sexy pose. Opposing teams get to judge if you made a good effort; give 2x the standard bet to anyone that thinks you wussed out.
2. Call Ultra-King Az and call him a dingus or other word that could be considered a prank call
3. You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.
4. Invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
5. Remove your chair from the table. You are now required to share- sit on or with a teammate. (Lap, side by side, shoulders, whatever). If you have no teammates left in the game, you may recall one to the table to act as your seat.
6. Repeat the most recent dare
7. Say who is the villain you have been most sexually attracted to
8. One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough.

>>
No. 821976 ID: bfb318

Green : (3) You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.
Pilon : (7) Say who is the villain you have been most sexually attracted to
Pink : (8) One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough.
Katzati : (4) Remove your chair from the table. You are now required to share- sit on or with a teammate. (Lap, side by side, shoulders, whatever). If you have no teammates left in the game, you may recall one to the table to act as your seat.
Ramella : (1) Do your best to strike a sexy pose. Opposing teams get to judge if you made a good effort; give 2x the standard bet to anyone that thinks you wussed out.
Polo : (2) Invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
>>
No. 821981 ID: 3abd97

>Polo : (2) Invite Rokoa and Az to join the game
...honestly, Rokoa got enough screen time with her segment, and Az has been kind of a creeper boss. A little too enthusiastic when it comes to Polo. Inviting him over when Polo is mostly naked doesn't sound fun to me.

Plus I mean adding two more players to the already crowded table still full up on clothes will just make things messier.

I say welsh on the dare, and just toss your panties on the table without getting up.
>>
No. 821984 ID: 2e620f

>Running out of dares

See, this is why dares should be saved for when more people have lost more clothes!

But I guess for the interest of fairness, Az and Rokoa will be adding a few more dares to the hat. And probably starting with a layer of clothes missing? (Assuming Polo doesn't toss the dare back in and accept the lost money instead.)
>>
No. 821987 ID: 91ee5f

Since Az has already said that he's got stuff to do and Rokoa is probably doing something also, I think it's safe to say that this is a useless dare.
>>
No. 821990 ID: 7fad5d

"Okay, does anyone actually want to have those two barging in or is it as bad an idea as I think?" If people agree that it's crap, just pick a new one or propose that it's time for a new round of dares.

If not... well, if we take the loss Green is stripping us and that doesn't sound like a recipe for good times. I'd rather just half-ass 'hey guys are you busy wanna come to a thing oh well too bad'.
>>
No. 821998 ID: a363ac

>>821990
if we go for a new round of dares then it is time to up the ante and add more lewd dares and no-one can add benefit dares if you wuss out you are out of the game now.
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No. 822001 ID: 7fad5d

>>821995
"What do you mean, or?"
>>
No. 822003 ID: bfb318
File 150249294961.png - (88.75KB , 800x800 , 284.png )
822003

We all decide simultaneously, and grab our dares right away, even though we'll do them in order. I have to invite Rokoa and Az to a game? I would have to go through operator channels to get in touch with Az. And, Rokoa? The game is on its home stretch. I'm considering just discarding clothes after all. We only need to discard one. It probably should have been 2 articles, honestly, but it's too late for that, and it would only help me disregard this dare.

I'll keep considering this. I'm last in the dare line. Green reads her card.

>"'You are the designated clothing remover for 5 hands.' I can handle that."

Then, Pilon.

>"The villain I've been most sexually attracted to? Hm... there was an old game that my hive got, and we played. I can't even remember what it was called, it wasn't even good, but the villain was the Queen of Spears. She would keep showing up to harass the player character in, uh, seductive ways that were not reviewed or rated by any content organizations. This was when I was new to technology, so it was, how do you put it... not a childhood crush, but like some kind of uplift-crush? Purely a fictional villain, but that counts, right?"

Good enough, we think, though we have no idea what game he's talking about. He keeps it short, since Pink's empathy is showing a more actionable dare.

>"'One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough.' Okay who wants to get their butt smacked? They can choose between Pilon or me."

No one immediately volunteers, but then, possibly because I am nearly nude, eyes start focusing on me.
>>
No. 822004 ID: a363ac

>>821995
don't say anything.
>>
No. 822008 ID: 7fad5d

>>822001
Oh, and remember that it has to keep going until everyone, including you, agrees. Gotta win this and outlast everyone, impress Pilon after Barkgate.
>>
No. 822009 ID: 2e620f

>One of your team must smack the butt of another until everyone in the room agrees they were smacked hard enough

I think the intent of that dare was "one member of your team must smack the butt of another member of the same team" et cetera et cetera. In which case it'd be Rose or Pilon smacking the other.

Go ahead and invite Az and Rokoa, just like... flip a coin each and if they get heads they lose one layer of clothes and if they get tails lose two. That will put them roughly on par with everyone. I also support adding fresh dares to the hat.
>>
No. 822016 ID: 3abd97

I guess Polo could can do it if everyone is looking at her, but it might be funnier if Katzati did the spanking.

Picking Pink for the spankee is probably best, because the rangers will wuss out and say she's had enough sooner than they would if you were wailing on Pilon.
>>
No. 822018 ID: 27762f

Reveal that you were the one who wrote that dare, and that it's true meaning is for the smacker and smackee to be members of the same team, and give them your best deadpan expectant Polo stare. I mean it is kind of grammatically weird the way she interpreted it, since then it would be "smack the butt of another [team]" which is mixing a singular with plural, so I do think it's "smack the butt of another [member of your team]." Bonus: it would continue the theme of fate conspiring to give Rose/Pilon all the saucy interactions (and help build their relationship which seems like a good course for the idea of helping Rose with her love capacity).
>>
No. 822022 ID: 3abd97

>green is the clothing remover
Damnit, we can't do the casual panty toss on the table till that expires, then. I've been wanting to do that all game.

That leaves us stuck with inviting Az and Rokoa. ...we can probably get away with a halfassed invite, or calling his dead number? Or Az already said he didn't have time to play, so we know what his answer is.

If people at the table don't like it, we could pull another dare.
>>
No. 822025 ID: bfb318
File 150249403743.png - (150.57KB , 800x800 , 285.png )
822025

"Don't look at me. I'm sure the intent of that dare was that one of your team must smack another member of the same team."

People, at least enough, agree with me.

>"... can't argue with that." says Pilon.
>"Okay, bend over, Pilon." Pink says.
>"Why me?"
>"You motorboated my chest! It's only fair!"
>"... can't argue with that, either."

She goes for it.

fump

It sounded soft, but it didn't look that way. It's probably the fluff. It's hard enough, and she gets a pass. Red shakes her head at what is going on with her team, but the other wave forcers don't seem to be so concerned.

Katzati mentally approves, then reads her dare.

>"I have to sit on or with a teammate. Polo, Ramella?"
>"Polo!" says Ramella. "Because I have to strike a sexy pose!... uh I might need help with that one I don't know what's good."
>>
No. 822026 ID: a363ac

bend over, spread legs, smack butt.
>>
No. 822027 ID: 7fad5d

"That's easy. Just imagine how you want to see me waiting for you and copy that."

Sit in Katzati's lap unless she protests and point out that no one wants Az or Rokoa here with how things are going, suggest a replacement dare(s). If that doesn't work then just 'unfortunately' fail to have them accept your invitation.
>>
No. 822032 ID: 3abd97

>>822025
Magical girl transformation pose maybe? Twirl, spread legs, one arm straight up holding something.

And yeah, I support doing Polo's dare baldy, or just asking to draw another, since Az already said he can't play.
>>
No. 822035 ID: 27762f

Sit on Katzati's shoulders. Express incredulity to Ramella that someone in the same hive as Korli doesn't know what's a good sexy pose, then tell her to just try a few things and read the room's empathy to figure how close she is.
>>
No. 822036 ID: 2e620f

I want Az and Rokoa to join, but I guess you can get out of it by saying Az already preemptively declined. Sort of.

Tell Ramella that she just needs to make a pose that's sort of inviting and also shows off her best features. List those features to her with the dare as an excuse and watch her blush at your compliments.
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No. 822039 ID: bfb318
File 150249574795.png - (119.19KB , 800x800 , 286.png )
822039

>"Yeah. I'm curious what our 6th thinks would work." says Blue.
"If I'm going to be called out as a forcer for this, then.... magical girl transformation."
"Are you mocking us?!" Red says.
"Possibly."
"Well this is why we're at opposite ends of the table!"
"I'm still surprised someone of Korli's hive doesn't know what a sexy pose is."
>"I love Korli but I do not take her advice on anything like that, ever!" says Ramella.
"Okay. Katzati, I'm going to sit on you now." I say, as Ramella takes a pose. It's met with sufficient approval and a pass, despite her shyness about it.
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No. 822040 ID: bfb318
File 150249578087.png - (111.55KB , 800x800 , 287.png )
822040

rolled 2 = 2

Katzati puts me back in my chair and sits on me.

"... I have a concern, and a proposal. About my dare, that is. It's to invite Az and Rokoa. Between them, and that the game is in its later stages, I would like a concensus on if I may pull another dare."
"Agreed." Red says instantly, and it's virtually unanimous that I pull another, so I do.

Updated dare list:
1. Call Ultra-King Az and call him a dingus or other word that could be considered a prank call
2. Repeat the most recent dare (sexy pose)

>>
No. 822041 ID: 7fad5d

>>822040
"Well, Katzati's already on top of me, can't violate the dare." Looks like your poses are limited to groping Katzati. See how far she wants to take this.
>>
No. 822042 ID: 638191

2 but make it extra lewd
>>
No. 822043 ID: 3abd97

>repeat a dare
So Polo does a sexy pose, right? Cause Ramella was right before Polo on the rolls.

Bond girl pose, or charlie's angles? Pose with a fake finger-gun.
>>
No. 822044 ID: a363ac

>>822040
Grab some boobage
>>
No. 822045 ID: 2e620f

When the last dare gets pulled and everyone expresses their dismay that there was yet another one of those in there, suggest another small set of dares (one from each team, maybe?) be put in.
>>
No. 822049 ID: bfb318
File 150249770487.png - (126.88KB , 800x800 , 288.png )
822049

"Repeat the last dare, in this case, a sexy pose. Katzati is on me, so I'll just have to work with that."

I grab her chest. The dare is approved, and efficiently.
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No. 822050 ID: bfb318
File 150249779127.png - (145.20KB , 800x1000 , 289.png )
822050

The game continues. Green begins stripping people as they do, at least for the 5 turn duration. Blue's 'skimpy valentine's costume' is nothing more than a speedo. He gives the impression that the hotel didn't have a great selection.

White pulls out the last dare, to call Az some kind of insult. What might have been entertaining some time ago is now met with some degree of apathy due to timing and having enough of Az, but we deal with it nonetheless. I call Lucera and tell him to send a non-urgent email to Az, calling him a 'dingus', signed by the White Waveforcer, all just so that the last dare doesn't have to end on a nothing note. Nonetheless, it was an underwhelming final dare.

>"So no more dares?" Rose asks.
>"Not unless we want to make more." Katzati says.
"As tempting as that may be," Red thinks aloud, "we'll be here all night if we keep the dare pool up! Even if it's just to think up 5 or 10 dares. And do we all have nothing better to do tonight, than to spend the rest of the night playing dare strip poker?"

Note: Due to its size, this thread will end before the poker game finishes, if more dares are chosen. If the choice is to not make any more dares, the thread will end around the end of the poker game.
>>
No. 822051 ID: a363ac

>>822050
alright I am in for a thread break with MORE DARES. but there needs to be no positive dares and certainly a bigger punishment for not doing the dare.
>>
No. 822052 ID: 7fad5d

>>822050
"I'm sure Pink and all the rest of us have beds they'd like to be in tonight. Why, still trying to invite yourselves along?"
>>
No. 822053 ID: 486e87

It's fun, but yeah, adding more dares would make the game drag on a bit. No more dares, no buffer against stripping, let's go.
>>
No. 822054 ID: 2e620f

Dilemma! Moving things along faster would be good, but I want to see more dares now that people have uncovered more. I also want there to be time for post-strip-poker activities, and there should be time to sleep at some point, but I also don't think the mood has reached the point it needs to yet.

The rangers have been warming up and I think the dares have been mostly responsible for that, but I think they need a bit more, so in the interests of good relations and especially for a better chance for things to work out well for Pink... I say add a few more dares.
>>
No. 822056 ID: 015058

In all honestly I think this game has been a great success. The whole idea was to have a fun night and let Pink relax before her big day.

We have all just started getting into the right mood for this. So a few more dares would not hurt. Why not keep the party going in one way or another for awhile?
>>
No. 822064 ID: bfb318
File 150250011395.png - (95.92KB , 800x800 , 290.png )
822064

"We have beds we'd like to be in tonight. Are you all trying to invite yourselves along?"
"We'll do what we need to look after our own!" Red states.

After some deliberation and feeling out the mood, we come to a decision, and make more dares. We have nothing better to do tonight, and this has been effective at getting Rose out of her poor mood.

We take additional time for food, drinks, and to come up with some more dares, before we continue the game.

Please suggest dares for use in next thread.
>>
No. 822066 ID: a363ac

>>822064
slap someones boob
slap your partner(s) boob
Grope genitals
grope partner(s) genitals
spin the bottle
preform a dance
lick partner(s) genitals can't be through clothes
tell your most sexual secret
say if you have plan/hope on having sex tomorrow
2 minute wrestle with your partner
suck on a phallic food object
>>
No. 822067 ID: 7fad5d

>>822064
Make Polo smile without just poking her lips up. If Polo draws this, smile convincingly and share what you thought of to inspire it.

Try and steal a non-headgear article of clothing from someone else to wear on your head. If you fail remove two layers, if your target went easy on you, both remove two layers.

Pick someone to whisper your most recent wet dream or sexual fantasy to.

Share something about yourself you think would surprise everyone else here.

Not allowed to use your hands to do anything for the next 3 rounds. Yes, anything.

Call room service and ask for edible underwear, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or something similar and put it on.

Dance for tips from the other players. Better work what you've got.

Do cartwheels around the perimeter of the room without stopping, facing away from the walls.

Tell a story of how you realized a fetish.

Hug someone and take turns telling each other why you're glad to have the other in your life. First one to draw a blank has to draw two dares next time they run out of cash and do both.
>>
No. 822069 ID: 015058

Dares:

Describe in detail your last sexual encounter.

Pick a partner. For the next 5 minutes they have to do there best to distract you from the game in any way they choose.

Spin the bottle. If your target declines then they have to take another penalty dare.

You have to spend the next round giving a erotic massage to the player with the least amount of clothes. If everyone judges your massage was not erotic enough you have to continue until it is.

Spin the bottle. Give the target a sexy lap dance.

Pick one of your partners. If they agree you must bring them to orgasm during the next round. No hands.

Spin the bottle. You have been a bad girl/boy and need a sexy spanking from the target.

Bonus clothing dare! You have to buy a sexy piece of clothing for everyone at the table. It counts as a extra clothing slot.

Once this dare enters the field it has a permanent affect. Drinking game rules. Anytime anyone says the word (you pick the word) they have to take a shot.

Trade undergarments with a opponent.
>>
No. 822070 ID: 3ce125

>>822064
Alright let's focus a bit more on socializing this time I think!

1. Compliment everyone in the room, one at a time. You can take your time with this, but be finished before you leave!
2. Talk about your best friend and the last time you hung out with them.
3. Do the chicken dance!
>>
No. 822072 ID: fc33ea

Sing a song, any song, karaoke style, no choking.
Somebody must name a topic, and you must go on a tirade about it for however long it takes to deal the next hand.
Talk using military/police procedure words for 2 hands. Your callsign is "Rub 1" or "Blue Falcon", don't loose bearing.
Spin the bottle. (it got us results last time)
Shotgun two beers simultaneously, do some acrobatics without falling.
No using your hands for anything for two rounds unassisted.
No dare. Remove clothes, do not pass go, do not collect 200$.
Convince somebody to give you some of their chips, they're all you'll get to use next hand.
>>
No. 822074 ID: 7fad5d

>>822067
In retrospect, the 'no using your hands for anything' dare should only apply to other dares and stripping, not playing the actual poker.
>>
No. 822075 ID: 015058

More dares:

Everyone must write down there favorite sex act/fetish. Reveal them all at once. If anyone's match they have to perform said act on each other if possible.

Acquire a sex toy (ball gags count). As long as the sex toy is inside you it counts as a extra piece of clothing.

You need some pep in your step. Ramella knows how to whip up aphrodisiac from common household materials. Have her get the stuff from room service and spike your drink.

Pick a team member and sit in there lap for the next 3 rounds. But choose wisely! Your body is there property for those 3 rounds and they can do what they like with it.
>>
No. 822093 ID: 91ee5f

>>822067
>If Polo draws this, smile convincingly and share what you thought of to inspire it.
It's obviously a delicious slice of coffee cake!
>>
No. 822110 ID: 3abd97

And Ramella makes it to second base.

>dares
Spin the bottle, but close your eyes. You don't find out who's kissing you until lips lock.

You may collect one piece of discarded clothing (anyone's) and wear it on your head as a new clothing layer. This piece of clothing must not have been originally worn as headwear.

Do your best to fake an orgasm. Yes, right now.

Put down your cards. You will sit out the next 3 rounds, instead acting as a servant to wait on whoever won this round. (Within reason. Your new boss can't force you to give away chips, remove clothing layers, perform sex acts, etc). This dare ends early if there are only two players left.

Go up to the window of the room, dressed as you are, toss open the curtains, and stand there in full view of anyone outside for a full minute.

Kiss at least one other player. You may kiss any and all players who agree to it. If everyone at the table refuses your advances, you have to discard a layer instead. DO NOT READ THIS ALOUD UNTIL AFTER: If everyone still in the game accepts a kiss from you, you may reequip a lost clothing layer.

Whoever (besides yourself) has the least clothing left gets to pinch you. If there's a tie, multiple people get to pinch you.

Equip an embarrassing accessory of your choice (collar, gag, cuffs, ribbon, electrical tape, piercing, leash, etc). Like the ranger's helmets, this does not count as a clothing layer. You're stuck with it for the rest of the game.

Everyone (but you) draws a card. High card gets a washable marker, and gets 5 minutes to write or draw anything they want on your exposed fur.

Cold shower slash wet t-shirt. Go to the hotel room's shower, and stand under it, full cold, for 30 seconds, wearing whatever you're wearing now. You can dry off after, but you can't replace your wet clothing layers.

Tied down. Get tied to your chair! You're out of the game for 3 rounds, or until there are only two players remaining. (You can still be targeted by other players as part of other dares while you're tied up, you just can't play cards).

Take a selfie, as you're dressed now. You have to send it to at least one person who isn't in the poker game.

One randomly selected person gets to drink a shot out of your chest. If you don't have a chest big enough to actually hold a shot, congrats, you just poured a drink down your front.

Remove no clothes this round. But, the next time you lose a clothing layer, instead of taking off just one thing, you must strip completely, and then put your remaining clothing back on, minus 1 layer. (Ie, instead of N - 1, do (N - N) + (N - 1) ).

You may regain a lost clothing layer if you play the next hand buck naked. You may refuse, gaining and losing nothing.

Pay for adult entertainment on the hotel tv. You don't have to watch it, but you do have to get that embarrassing charge on your credit card statement.
>>
No. 822170 ID: 2e620f

Here’s some of the previous dares that didn’t get used, with a few modified a little to fit how things went better.

- Pick the person you think most needs a hug from you and give it to them.
- Think of something or someone you love. Whoever can make the closest guess to what it is solely by reading your empathy, they get extra chips. If no-one can make a reasonably close guess, you don’t get anything either, so try to empathize clearly!
- Tell everyone something you like that you don't think they'd have guessed that you like, and why you like it.
- Tell everyone what your ideal romantic/sexual partner would be like.
- Ask the room who would like to receive some affection from you. Listen to everyone's empathy, and give some sort of physical affection to everyone who does.

- You must lick a body part of someone in the team to your right, selected by a member of the team to your left. Put some effort and attention into it.
- You must describe where and when you last had sex with a non-hivemate, if ever, and give some description (vague if you like, but something) of who they were.
- Tell everyone the most embarrassing thing to happen to you in the last month.
- One of your team must attempt to pick up another by the scruff of the neck, with only their mouth. If they succeed in holding them up for ten seconds, you get double chips. Polo is not allowed to be the one being picked up.
- Pick a member of your team, then the team who got the highest hand this round pick a member of their team. The two chosen must make out.
- Pick another player. If you end up out of the game before them, you must be their slave for an hour or until the game ends, whichever is longer.
- Next round, you can ask another team to show you their cards, but you must give a kiss or lick for every card shown and they get to choose where you put it.

And bonus fresh material:

- If you’ve ever had sexual relations with an alien, say what species and gender they were and describe the most striking difference from a neumono; if more than one, pick the best. If you’ve never, say which you think you’d like.
- Pornography! Think what you’ve seen that was most effective on you, then mime it.
- Tell everyone the strangest place you’ve successfully had intimate relations with someone in.
- Whatever gender is opposite to your own present themselves to you for inspection. If the girls, you judge best chest. The guys, you judge best between the legs. Only your personal opinion, of course.
- Tell everyone your favorite sex act - with charades! Whoever guesses first also gets chips.
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