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File 148866236575.png - (42.83KB , 960x560 , 742.png )
784829 No. 784829 ID: f6ba27

Crosshairs are boring edition

Wiki: http://tgchan.org/wiki/Enemy_Quest
QuestDis: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/81802.html
Previous Chapter: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/767346.html
Expand all images
>>
No. 784831 ID: f6ba27
File 148866242147.png - (20.52KB , 960x560 , 743.png )
784831

"Hello?"
"Hey Z." It's Meg. "You ready for this Gala shit tonight?"
"I'm stoked. Are you?"
"Born ready," Meg says. "Poly's been getting ready since like, 10 am. Did you know she's actually wearing a dress she already owns for this?"
"That's some bizarre form."
"Maybe she decided 500 billion dresses is enough."
"You got yours picked out?"
"Yep."
"Send a pic."
"It's a surprise," Meg says. "Limo's picking me up from HVAO and you from wherever at 4. So you got like 3 hours to make sure your pits don't stink."
"I will do the bare minimum."
"Good," Meg says. "Where are you right now?"

1]] At Poly's, actually.
2]] Hanging out with GG.
3]] SLS.
4]] At Krin's. You remember Krin, right?
5]] Out shopping for some last-minute gala stuff.
6]] On assignment as an advocate. I'll be done soon.
7]] _____________
>>
No. 784832 ID: 0c8311

2. Big Red didn't get much attention last thread.
>>
No. 784834 ID: e22b1d

Having sex with 2 in front of 4
>>
No. 784836 ID: 987bda

>>784834
Sure, this sounds like something Krin would love.
>>
No. 784837 ID: a363ac

>>784834
for the cuck!
>>
No. 784839 ID: 7b7ab3

>>784832
This.
Our Warrior needs some attention.
>>
No. 784841 ID: baf72b

2 and 6 make TWO waifus happy.
>>
No. 784844 ID: 094652

Scream into the phone "AAA I'M AT THE SOUP STORE AAA", screw over anyone listening in.
>>
No. 784845 ID: 65ec8d

If we pick 5, would we get a say in what Zack's wearing? I guess it's not like we'd get a paper doll or anything, so not much point.

7), combo of 4 and 1, at Poly's with Krin, on the pretense of practicing how Zack will behave at the gala (etiquette, presentation and so on) with Poly as his date and Krin as the stand-in audience. That would be a useful exercise and it'd mean Poly can help Zack get suited up. More importantly, it gets those two ladies together!
>>
No. 784852 ID: ce2e2f

>>784834
This but also with Poly.
>>
No. 784854 ID: 9f3729

>>784834
Yes
>>
No. 784864 ID: 9145ba

>>784844
Why are you buying clothes at the soup store?

Oh, right, you were actually doing 6, advocate work.
>>
No. 784869 ID: 91cfcf

>>784834
Sure.
>>
No. 784887 ID: 25e2cb

Just 2. I don't think Krin is ready for the full Nguyen experience.
>>
No. 784903 ID: 6612fa

>>784831
1 is so stupid, why would we ask about poly when we are in her place. dont do 1
sls or advocate work, since we live there pretty much
>>
No. 784937 ID: 350a50

>>784841
This.
>>
No. 784956 ID: c359a2

4 meeting 1 for the first time
>>
No. 785039 ID: 7a9a9f

2 or >>784834
>>
No. 785058 ID: f6ba27
File 148869863345.png - (61.27KB , 960x560 , 744.png )
785058

"I'm at GG's," you say. "Just got back from doing some Advocacy work."
"Still got all your limbs?"
"Both legs off below the knee. We match now."
"Righteous," Meg says. "What are you guys up to?"

You cram a third finger inside GG and feel her clamping down around you as another orgasm jerks her legs against their restraints.
"Hanging out," you say.
GG whimpers Garaktonnik into the floor. "Fuck me," she begs, once she remembers English. "Zack. Fuck me. Please please please please."
>>
No. 785059 ID: f6ba27
File 148869865026.png - (48.01KB , 960x560 , 745.png )
785059

For someone who was bugging you so much to do a ride-along with two advocates, Krinstezj is not typing very much.
>>
No. 785060 ID: 9145ba

Wake up Zack, Meg's shaking you awake. You're going to be late for the Gala.
>>
No. 785062 ID: a54ec6
785062

>>785058
Oblige the lady. Make sure krin gets the good reference angles.

Man how did we even talk them into this
>>
No. 785063 ID: e22b1d

Admit how much better at this I am than Warrior Solid Snake and I'll allow it
>>
No. 785066 ID: 91cfcf

>>785063
>insecurity
She's tied up. And begging Zack to fuck her.

Give Krin something to type about and plow GG. Unless this actually is a dream after all.
>>
No. 785067 ID: 350a50

>>785060
This.

It seems really out of character for GG to let the new girl see her horrible dark secret bondage thing so soon, so this is probably a dream.
>>
No. 785068 ID: 9145ba

>>785067
It's the only plausible explanation. I mean, why else is Carlson there too? That wasn't part of the contract, I think...
>>
No. 785076 ID: f6ba27
File 148870187982.png - (64.66KB , 960x560 , 746.png )
785076

You push on GG's hip and she rolls over onto her back, spreading her calves to let you between them.
She's so wet she's making a little puddle on her bed.
"Isn't he fucking amazing?" she asks.
"Um." Krin stares at both of you. "He's-- yeah."
"Do you wanna switch off?"
"Um. Um. I'm ok."
"What's your full name again?"
"Me?" Krin leans over. "Um. Krinstezj. Krinstezj Sulesso."
"Zack trusts you and likes you so I trust you and like you," GG says. "But if you write about this--" She makes a little eep here as you push your crotch up against her thighs "--I'm gonna take your computer and shove it through your intestines."

"Should like I like." Krin is blushing tremendously. "Should I like go?"

>>
No. 785079 ID: 91cfcf

>>785076
Not on our account.
>>
No. 785082 ID: 9145ba

Make up your mind, are you coming or going?
>>
No. 785086 ID: 01171b

You'll have to take my word for it geeg, but she's turning a very attractive shade of red.
>>
No. 785088 ID: eb3cf7

>>785076
"No, you should sit on GG's face. If GG's cool with that. GG, are you cool with that?"
>>
No. 785105 ID: 7b7ab3

If we're making her unhappy or uncomfortable, then by all means she's excused.
Otherwise, she's more than welcome to stay.
>>
No. 785108 ID: ebb71f

"Why? You haven't even had your turn yet. Are you not having fun?"
>>
No. 785124 ID: 8d4593

You have a beautiful Warrior... Bound, blindfolded and begging before you... And the best you can think of doing is leave? Look at her. She's totally at our mercy right now. You could do Anything to her.

Unless that is... You want a turn.
>>
No. 785142 ID: bb78f2

"Well, actually maybe her doing an investigative journalistic piece about underground warrior bdsm culture would be an interesting read as long as she never names names. What if you're not alone, GG? Hell, what if Big Boss likes being tied up like you do in a mad coincidence? What if he wants me to tie you both together in ropes and dangle you from the ceiling while you fuck?"

"I'd read 200 shades of red"
>>
No. 785145 ID: 4b6961

If you leave you don't get a turn
>>
No. 785155 ID: 094652

Your turn, Krin. Get to work on GG or I get out the spare rope.
>>
No. 785174 ID: 4063a3

>>785076
If you wanna be famous you gotta live the libertine life

Or do you just wanna stay...a nobody ;3
>>
No. 785185 ID: 987bda

>>785076
"Oh, no. You should join in. Try putting something in her mouth; something you'll both enjoy..."
>>
No. 785206 ID: fa73ea

>>785076
dude, you're wanted here.
if you don't want to be here no one is stopping you, but you're welcome to stay.
>>
No. 785240 ID: e22b1d

Just sit back, relax, and enjoy watching what I'm going to do to you in a few minutes.
>>
No. 785256 ID: 170e7b

Bend down and kiss those breasts.
>>
No. 785301 ID: 14f7da

>>785076
>"Should like I like." Krin is blushing tremendously. "Should I like go?"
Only if you want to.
>>
No. 785335 ID: f6ba27
File 148877656436.png - (57.13KB , 960x560 , 747.png )
785335

"Not on my account," you say. "Are you uncomfortable?"
"I didn't think-- like I didn't think that Warriors-- like--"
"Is it hot?" GG asks.
"What? Um. Um." Krin fidgets. She nods.
"She can't see you," you say. GG giggles. "She's nodding," you tell her.
"Then I want you to look. Like if you want to. Do you want to?"
Krin nods again. "Yes," she remembers to say.
"Because I want-- like because if other people think it's hot, then it's not-- it makes it feel like I'm not a, a freak. Does that make me a pervert?"
"Yup," you say.
"Shut up and f--"
Her U stutters then turns into a rising wail as you push inside her all the way to the base. Her toes curl back. "Oh my godddd"

Krin is turning almost as red as GG is.

It's your first time together since she broke your pelvis. You forgot what a Warrior feels like. Coming from the inviting squish of Poly and Sniper Bika, GG's sinewy physique is almost a little off-putting at first. But she's just as warm inside, and her butt is tight and springy. If Poly was made for grinding, GG was made for pounding. It's firmer inside. The little ridges of her muscles coil around you as her thighs squeeze. You pick up speed and listen to the percussive slap her taut skin makes on you. Your butt and ab muscles are developing a distinctly pleasant burn.
Is this how it feels to like exercise? you wonder, and then feel kind of dumb for thinking it.

>>
No. 785336 ID: f6ba27
File 148877660903.png - (50.52KB , 960x560 , 748.png )
785336

"Zack the blindfold!" GG's voice pulls you back into the moment. "Your face! Please!"
You pull the blindfold off and the look of unadulterated joy on her face as her amber eyes meet yours makes you want more than anything to kiss her, but you can't reach. You stick your fingers in her mouth instead. She sucks on them like they're coated in honey.
"Zag! I gignt cum wig him!"
You take your fingers out of her mouth.
"I didn't cum with him with the Warrior!" Her voice is so heavy with urgent sensuality that her accent is back. Her voice jerks in time with the rhythm you're sharing. "I faked it! I just kept thinking about thiz and rope and you!"
You suddenly notice her eyes are glistening with tears. "Are you ok?"
"Hza I'm juzt zo I'm zo happy" She's kissing your thumb. "Boyfriend. Zack. My-- I fucking love you so-- fucking-- mmmmmm"
She has another orgasm, and her body locks up so hard that you pop right out of her.
One of the ropes around her arms snaps with a comical twang.
She twitches and shudders on the bed, trying to get her brain down from orbit.

Krin's eye is the size of a searchlight right now.

>>
No. 785338 ID: 9f3729

>>785336
Wait a beat, then look over to krin.
"Hey Krin, could you grab us some water? Thirsty work, this sex stuff."
>>
No. 785340 ID: 14f7da

Kiss GG. She is a sweet, loving girl who needs all the kisses.
>>
No. 785341 ID: 7b7ab3

>>785336
Kiss ze girl, tell her we love her, too, and engage snuggles.
Ask Krin how she's doing.
>>
No. 785342 ID: e22b1d

Kiss GG then ask Krin if she's going to just sit there or come finish the job because she owes you an orgasm from last time.
>>
No. 785350 ID: b7b2a9

I love zhu too.
Wanma tie up a red occulot?
>>
No. 785362 ID: 857c49

>>785336
"I love you, too, babe."
Kiss. Cuddle.
"You doing okay over there, Krin?"
>>
No. 785393 ID: 1f1cb5

"I love you, too, honey. Either of you girls hungry? Cause I make a mean sandwich!"
>>
No. 785398 ID: 6612fa

>>785336
she finds things hot that are taboo... huh
should try sticking a thumb in her but next time.

did we ever talk to poly about the whole making zack into a superhuman.
>>
No. 785399 ID: eb3cf7

>>785350
This. And make out with her super hard between the reciprocation of I love yous and the suggestion of tying up Krin.
>>
No. 785413 ID: f9c797

gg GG. No bully oculot.
>>
No. 785416 ID: fceae5

How to not make this awkward? Try being casual.
>>
No. 785424 ID: 5f2b81

>>785416
??

Nothing awkward here.
>>
No. 785450 ID: 8fbaa3

>>785416
Offer Krin a seat, and gesture to GG's face.
>>
No. 785460 ID: 52c198

>>785336
Desregard krin a moment, obtain plush red lips for personal gain
>>
No. 785488 ID: bb78f2

>>785336
Big Boss isn't making you cum? The fuck?
Unacceptable.
>>
No. 785600 ID: 595d54

>>785350
Yeah, Krin really should personally experience what the advocates go through. Tie her up.
>>
No. 785623 ID: f6ba27
File 148886209655.png - (71.10KB , 960x560 , 749.png )
785623

You kiss her until she regains her senses and kisses you back.
"God dammit," she says. "That was so good. Oh god dammit the rope."
You're untying her. "They have anything sturdier out there?"
"I'll just like, knot it." GG wriggles her arms out. "Knots feel good anyway."
"This thing is gonna look like a climbing rope eventually."
"It better, slut." She whacks your butt. "Can you gimme a cig?"
You fish one out of her pants and drop it on her tummy.
"Thanks, boo." She finds her lighter. "You mind if I smoke, Krinstezj Sulesso?"
"Um no go for it."
You wander to the kitchenette to get some water, hampered a little by your boner, which is still annoyingly up. You wonder whether you should ask someone to help you out with that or pool your mojo reserves for the evening ahead.

GG lights up and takes a deep drag. "So." She exhales. "You think I'm hot, huh?"
Krinstezj's blush was just fading and now it crashes back onto her face.
"You're pretty cute too," GG says. "C'mere. I don't bite or nothing. That's Zack."
You fill a glass. "Only by request."
Krin haltingly transfers from her chair to the foot of the bed. "Hi," she mumbles.
GG grins. "Hi. You have a good time over there?"
Krin nods.
"Me too." GG sucks another lungful.
"What's so-- like what's the appeal in it?" Krin asks. "The like ropes?"
"Kinda hard to describe," GG says. "But I dig the pressure. It's like a little ropy hug. And it's nice to not have to work. And it drives Zack fuckin nuts." She winks at you. "He's down for a lot of stuff but you can tell he likes being a dom the most."
"So Solid Snake couldn't make you cum?" you ask.
"Yeah man I dunno," GG says. "He wasn't like doing anything wrong. I kind of wanted to stop fighting and let him take over and you don't do that. Maybe I'm just addicted to human dick. Or your dick. Or maybe S&M." She frowns a little. "That might be a problem."

1]] Whenever you need a fix you know I'm down.
2]] Have you thought about talking to him about it? Maybe he'd get it.
3]] You just need to find some open-minded partners. Krin's open-minded.
4]] Well if you want to feed your addiction, I'm still open for round 2.
5]] If you're that curious, Krin, I can give you a turn.
6]] This has been great but I have to go prepare for the Gala thing tonight.
7]] ____________
>>
No. 785625 ID: 0299cf

1, 6.
We've spread the love and now we've got work to do.
Let's leave Krin and Geeg to get "better acquainted."
>>
No. 785627 ID: a363ac

>>785623
3,6, 7 : I would still like to meet him I haven't met many male visitors besides Bikas and anyone who looks like that should have a story or 2
>>
No. 785629 ID: 65ec8d

7) "Maybe you'll have a better time when HE assaults your dad."
>>
No. 785636 ID: 7b7ab3

1 and 3. Also 6 because we got responsibilities.
>>
No. 785640 ID: aa5cae

>>785623
1, 3, 6, and 7 being the request to meet Big Boss in person, as stated above.
>>
No. 785651 ID: 4063a3

>>785623
666 my satan dudes. It's important we give Krin an intriguing look and then dismiss her. This is like the all important cliff-hanger at the end of an important chapter! Don't give it up right away, make her obsess over it!!

Zack N., make sure that you exaggerate the importance of your role at the gala.
>>
No. 785654 ID: 01171b

Having trouble seeing the downside from where I'm standing.

I kinda want to use the 'still curious?' line on Krin.
>>
No. 785656 ID: e22b1d

5. Poor Krin needs to embrace her inner sex bomb more.
>>
No. 785665 ID: 595d54

1, 3, 4, 5.
>>
No. 785667 ID: 398fe1

We have 3 hours. There is time for a fuck and then a shower and getting presentable.

5.
>>
No. 785684 ID: eb3cf7

>>785629
lmfao, and they said humor wasn't our highest stat.

I still think we should get our nut. A couple hours of recovery will see us reenergized and ready for tonight. Ask Krin if she wants to help. Maybe we can tie GG back down and make her watch.
>>
No. 785685 ID: 70983e

3, 4, 5 but you remember you have to get ready for the Gala and leave her tied up there alone with GG.
>>
No. 785706 ID: fceae5

I'm feeling 1, 3, and 6.
>>
No. 785726 ID: b15da4

One, three, and six. But like, six ironically.
>>
No. 785787 ID: 2d9ef2

1, 2, 3, 6, 7: maybe you could show her the ropes while I'm gone, GG. Ha ha, bondage humor.
>>
No. 786031 ID: a523fb
File 148899844408.png - (35.02KB , 960x560 , 750.png )
786031

"Well if you ever need a fix you know how to find me," you say. "Or Poly. Or or other people who are open-minded. Krin's open-minded."
"I gathered," GG says.
"Anyway." You tuck yourself a little awkwardly back into your pants. "This has been great but I have a gala thing to prepare for tonight."
Krin's forehead crinkles. "You're, um, going?"
"Responsibilities of an advocate," you say. "You could stick around. GG could show you the ropes."
"Oh-- no no like if-- I should go too." Krin gets off the bed and packs her laptop into her bag. "I'll-- thank you guys for like, hanging out. Thanks, GG."
"No prob," GG says.
"I'll text you. Um either of you. OK bye."
Krin is out the door.

GG snorts. "That was kind of mean."
"She probably didn't mean it to be."
"Of you, dude." GG raises an eyebrow. "If you let the puppy follow you home you need to feed it."
"That is a really weird turn of phrase." You button your shirt. "And it's no offense to Krin or anything. I got places I gotta go."
"So get going." GG kisses your cheek. "And send me a pic of your suit."

Ambrose is leaning by the entrance to GG's tenement.
"These girls you keep finding, man." He grins. "Are you filling out a pokedex?"
"They have a way of finding me at this point. That's Krin. She's nice."
"That's good. She looked about as red as a tomato. Thought maybe you'd upset her."
You kind of helplessly half-shrug.
"Anyway." Ambrose gets off the wall. "Rella's got the car ready. You're the captain."
You can't help but notice his smile falters a little when he mentions her name. You remember the weird energy they had after that skating rink thing.
>>
No. 786032 ID: b15da4

Cheer up bro(se), we'll see if we can't get some of that Zack mojo to rub off on you.

Let's go shopping for a fancy tux (rental)!
>>
No. 786040 ID: fceae5

>>786031
Trouble in paradise, Ambrose? C'mere and tell uncle Zack all about it.
>>
No. 786072 ID: 7b7ab3

Ambrose. Buddy. You've got girl trouble.
Let an expert give you a few tips.
We have more than enough experience to qualify.
>>
No. 786095 ID: b15da4

>>786032
>>786072

Ever get a gut feeling that you're totally misreading a situation? Ambrose might not actually be fraternizing with his coworker like we seem to think...
>>
No. 786106 ID: 595d54

>>786072
>text Poly
>don't fuck Krin
What experience, m'8? Anyway, yeah, if Ambrose wanted to talk about it he would. And to be pragmatic, bodyguards and principals getting all buddy-buddy often doesn't work out.

But fuck it. Ask him if anything's up, let him decide how much he wants to share. He's the actual pro here.
>>
No. 786108 ID: 9f3729

>>786031
>>786095
Hmm, how about...
"Hey Ambrose, it's real-talk time. Are you and her really interested in each other or was my teasing way off base? You seem bummed and the terrible advice I give can either be flavored for romance or friendship."
>>
No. 786121 ID: 350a50

>>786108
This.
>>
No. 786126 ID: 8d9217

>>786108
That's charming.

Sorry Krin. I tried.
>>
No. 786153 ID: 69a0d0

>>786108
This. And why do I have a feeling we're fucking up with Krin? We should text her. Not to apologize or anything but just... I dunno, text her.
>>
No. 786156 ID: e8303c

Are you two alright? You seem thick as thieves usually.

>>786153
She specifically said she'd do whatever for Zach to do that again, and Zach kinda reneged on that deal.
>>
No. 786184 ID: 8d4593

Why so worried about Krin? Yeah it was mean but sometimes mean is good. She'll be stuck thinking about it over and over. Next time we see her, maybe even tonight she's going to be feeling... adventurous.
>>
No. 786185 ID: 9f3729

>>786153
Oh hush, she'll be fine. Just call her up after the Gala, make sure she's aite. Not like we didn't offer to include her next time, right?
>>
No. 786252 ID: f6ba27
File 148903544021.png - (17.91KB , 960x560 , 751.png )
786252

"Hey Ambrose," you say. "Is it real talk time?"
Ambrose grimaces. "Is it?"
"I think it's real talk time. Are you and Rella into each other, or is my teasing way off base? Because I'm willing to give you terrible advice no matter what."
Ambrose shakes his head. "Man it's dumb. Kind of. I guess she kind of got pissed at me for leaving her on the ice but she knows I was doing my job so she's not really-- like that's the thing. We're coworkers and we have to be focused on you and the job. It wouldn't be a good idea."
"But you're into her."
"I'm trying not to be, man. Really hard." He gives you a rueful smile and detaches from the wall. "C'mon. We're burning daylight. Where you headed?"
>>
No. 786253 ID: 9f3729

>>786252
"To the gala, but man I'm just saying. Workplace romance is underrated, look how I'm doing."
>>
No. 786257 ID: e8303c

You need to shower and change.
>>
No. 786260 ID: 7b7ab3

We're here for you, bro. Whatever you need, we got. Just ask.

>>786257
Also this.
>>
No. 786287 ID: c5413c

>>786253
>>786257
>>786260
All of this. And also...

Yeah, doing your job right is definitely important. So too are the connections in your life. It sucks to sacrifice one for the other. If you gotta, you gotta, but I'm an optimist--I think you can do both. Whatever you choose, I got your back, brother.

Take me home, m8. I gotta shower and eat.
>>
No. 786289 ID: 38aa3e

>>786287
Home. Gotta get ready for the thing.
Have they considered counseling? Or something?
>>
No. 786296 ID: 92612e

I just want to say I trust you to get in each others pants and keep your heads on your shoulders, Brose, if that means anything.

Going against the grain and suggesting we go to Poly's. She'll know how to prepare better than we do.
>>
No. 786299 ID: fceae5

>>786252
Home is SLS, so let's go there. Maybe Ambrose should try talking to Poly about his troubles. She has a few more centuries worth of experience than Zack.
>>
No. 786300 ID: 65ec8d

You're going to Poly's, she helped you pick out your outfit. By which you mean she picked out your outfit. Also you can shower there and collect all your last-minute gala tips before the actual last minute.
>>
No. 786308 ID: 0555b9

It's time for another episode of Lessons in Sobriety in High Society with Poly!
>>
No. 786400 ID: 4eadca

>>786252
To Poly's. She could help both of these sorry sods.
>>
No. 786414 ID: f6ba27
File 148912445280.png - (41.75KB , 960x560 , 752.png )
786414

"I just want to say that I trust you to keep your heads on your shoulders if you get in each other's pants," you say. "If that means anything."
"Gross, dude," Ambrose says. "But like. That does kind of mean something."
"You're bodyguarding for the Earth's premier interdimensional gigolo, Brose. I'm not sure what you expect." You follow him to the car. "Let's hit up SLS so I can get all prettied up for the party."


You're toweling off when Bika bursts into the bathroom.
"ZACK HOLY SHIT," she says.
"I COULD HAVE BEEN POOPING," you say.
"Look!" Bika holds her phone up. "This is awful!"

You take the phone from her and try to hold your towel up with one hand.
Sniper Bika is on the front page of reddit.com.
>>
No. 786415 ID: f6ba27
File 148912450758.png - (50.17KB , 361x560 , 753.png )
786415

The post is called A Skut ice skating at Rinx at Port Jefferson. It's number 6 on r/all.
You go to the comments.

[–]i_main_gonjo 1845 points an hour ago*
Today for the very first time I looked at a skut and said to myself, "I would fuck that skut."
Does that make me weird?

edit: apparently not lol

edit 2: Not the post I thought would be my first gold but I'll take it.

[–]Belingo [score hidden] 47 minutes ago
After seeing this I'm suddenly starting to realize Zack Nguyen might have a point.

[–]Roller_Stroller [score hidden] an hour ago
The US Government is hiring sexy Visitors and trying to turn everyone into furries. In five years when baby humans are running around with four eyeballs you will see I waas right.

[–]parenthet 483 points an hour ago
TIL nobody on Reddit should own a dog or they'll try to smash

"Go to Buzzfeed," Bika says.
"Do I have to?" You type the URL.
The photo is on the front page.
Who is Skut Bae? the title announces.
You blink in disbelief. "Skut Bae?"
"I did NOT ask for this kind of attention. Especially not on my fucking sniper. Shit shit. I'm fucking trending on Twitter." Bika Prime is on the verge of hyperventilation. "What do I do?"
>>
No. 786416 ID: 9f3729

>>786415
There is in fact an easy solution to this:
Extensive surgery and hair dye
>>
No. 786417 ID: 4063a3

>>786415

Check 4chan boards pertinent to visitors right now LMAO

Do not attempt to conceal the pictures or articles, as this will likely draw MORE attention to them. Turn sniper bika into a model and activist, then aggressively train more sniperinos. Choose unassuming and unattractive ones for future spec ops skuts!!
>>
No. 786418 ID: 4eadca

Bika, calm down. There's an answer for this.
Keep your sniper out of the public eye.
Shouldn't be that hard, considering she's a SNIPER.
In a month or two this'll have all blown over.
It's the internet. It has the collective attention span of a rodent.
>>
No. 786421 ID: 0c367f

Alright. First things first, this probably isn't a huge deal and is just a picture of a sexy Skut people are freaking out about. Worst case scenario this Bika becomes well-known enough that they have to stay out of the public eye or become a public figure/advocate. We can handle that after the Gala.

We might also want to ask if she has any input on what we should say if it somehow comes up in the interview at the Gala...

Also, we need to learn more of the current reactions in visitor-related subreddits. Check out the current hot posts on /r/conspiracy and /r/SkutSluts.
>>
No. 786422 ID: 350a50

"Let's start by not panicking. If we try to cover this up it will only draw all the wrong kind of attention. We're going to need some mild hair dye and some binding bands."
>>
No. 786423 ID: 7b7ab3

>>786414
>>786415
Huh.
Well, that's one way to turn people to the pro-Visitor side.
I guess we should apologize. It was our idea to go skating. Thankfully nobody knows who Sniper Bika is, so it should be pretty easy to just hunker down and wait for the internet to lose interest.
It really depends on what Bika wants to do. Zack knows all about what she's going through, so he's more than capable of supporting her.
>>
No. 786424 ID: 70983e

Does it matter that they know your face if they never see you coming?
>>
No. 786427 ID: 595d54

Relax, trying to cover this up just leads to the Streisand Effect. Disguise the sniper and find another drone with nice tits to walk around.

Also visit /r/CumSkuts.
>>
No. 786434 ID: 6612fa

>>786415
start laughing, because it is legitimately funny,

is this really a huge issue though? not saying it isn't, just not sure if it is actually bad. most people wouldn't be able to tell multiple skuts apart, I can't make out any of her scars in the picture except her neck so a scarf? and worst comes to worst she can rotate out her skuts... or are certain skills not transferable to other bodies and she doesn't have any suitable replacements?
or she just excited she is internet famous and concerned that her sniper can't do high profile hits anymore since she is going to be her new face?
>>
No. 786436 ID: fc33ea

Relax relax, the internet has cycles just like news. If sniper lays low for long enough it'll blow over. I mean, is there realistically anyone who can actually trace sniper Bika here? Is there anybody who knows the first thing about this particular skut body?
>>
No. 786437 ID: 8d4593

There is nothing you Can do. Once the internet has you, it has you. Luckily today it is on your side. Don't fight it, it'll only turn against you.

If you want to maintain a little privacy, scour all your internet accounts and remove anything connecting you to this image. Do that right now.

Other than that, either stay quiet about it and let it blow over, or try to have fun with it.

Though... All things considered this is a good thing. If this becomes a trend, humans could go from tolerating visitors to accepting them in years instead of decades.

Actually... I have an interview coming up after the Gala. It's really important and I would love for you to join me in it. You could bring Skut Bae.
>>
No. 786439 ID: 9f3729

Remember that bika is panicking over this, meaning this presumably has deeper connotations than "oh god they see my tits" especially coming right off her thing about only rarely feeling extreme emotion like this

Ask her why the panic
>>
No. 786446 ID: 2120ee

>>786415
"Uh, retire her into a cam girl? I'm honestly not sure what kind of advice you need, here."
>>
No. 786451 ID: d36af7

What do you do strategically? First of all, calm down. Sniper Bika is now Internet Famous Bika. Figure out how to turn that into an asset. Start by giving her a reasonably unique pseudonym, to obfuscate the whole 'hive mind' thing. Maybe set up a webcam and a Youtube channel, do some 30-second ads for SLS, starring GG and Internet Famous Bika as elite food delivery agents. Some sort of buddy-cop dynamic? I dunno. Prepare for a surge of additional customers, regardless.

Longer term, experiment with what combination of disassembly and repackaging most efficiently makes a rifle look like food which is being delivered, so you can do hide-in-plain-sight covert ops that way, and schedule additional training for your second-string sniper.
>>
No. 786454 ID: 094652

And on the Youtube page, spin a story about how she was enslaved and whipped between rapes until she snapped and turned her captor's eye socket to mush. All because she had the biggest rack in the county. She's moved to Earth because even they tolerate Skuts better than Golboria tolerates rape victims. Make her act like her rack is some fat slab of meat that aches for a self-massage whenever she gets tired.

Then make gun videos. Instant popularity.
>>
No. 786458 ID: 398fe1

>>786415
Bika, calm down. That's only one of your bodies. They don't know who you are, and you are already good at hiding. Also if you wanted you could turn your sniper into a martyr. If she got killed or even beaten up by some racist humans while the internet is still obsessing over her, it would really light a fire. Might even work if it was due to a skut territorial conflict but that's riskier and might shine too much of a spotlight on skut crimes.
>>
No. 786462 ID: 91ee5f

>>786415
>"What do I do?"
"Uhh...be happy that they like you? I don't actually know."

>>786437
>Actually... I have an interview coming up after the Gala. It's really important and I would love for you to join me in it. You could bring Skut Bae.
Bad idea. He would need to bring 3 or 4 Bikas and, like Carlson said earlier, unless you get invited, tickets to this Gala are expensive and I don't think Zack or Bika could afford the tickets necessary to invite enough Bikas!

Besides, didn't we already agree to bring all of the girls to the interview after the Gala?
>>
No. 786467 ID: fa73ea

>>786415
ok, that's not actually that bad. human's ethics go through their genitals after all.
>>
No. 786468 ID: 8d4593

>>786462
I wasnt suggesting to bring her too the gala, and who we bring to the interview is still up in the air. Im not sure if we discussed it with bika yet.
>>
No. 786470 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, first, give her a hug. Big strong human comfort embrace, go.

Then tell her something like "If it helps, this is the internet and I'm pretty sure people have been passing around pictures and videos of attractive skuts for years. This is just more in the public sphere, and that's probably because it's a nice shot. Like, it's not the sneak creeper booty angle things like this probably usually are, this actually emphasizes the like, grace and beauty, with the skating. I mean, among other things, of course. You're beautiful, is my point, and at least that's good for the skut image in general. Let's calm down and organize our thoughts. Your mind has probably already accelerated ahead of mine, so how about you list the consequences you're worried about, and we can examine them individually?"

Also, at some point ask something like "I thought you normally kept this body out of public view anyway?"

>>786434

Don't laugh at or around people who are worried about something.
>>
No. 786473 ID: c55119

Discreetly pull up /trash/. See if anyone has drawn porn yet.
>>
No. 786474 ID: 67d5dc

Promote her to 'internet famous face'? You'd need to train a new sniper, but there are probably some useful ways to leverage her into visitor rights, if you wanna do that.
>>
No. 786494 ID: 0555b9

Look for photoshop battles of Bika. Begin formulating a new line of SLS (Skate Luck Skut) merchandise in your head.
>>
No. 786495 ID: 65ec8d

On reflection, she might be worried about how well she could hide the skut hive mind thing if there was any media attention on an individual one of her bodies. There's too many ways she could accidentally give things away, or at least be suspected enough of giving things away to get in trouble. Plus it would draw attention that skut's "family" and scrutiny on their behavior, and Bika does some shady things, at least in relation to other skuts. So capitalizing on the fame is probably not something she'd be willing to do.

Though, that raises another issue, that we might be asked about our skut girlfriend in the interview (or maybe even at the gala?). We'd need to figure out how we'll present things to make it seem like Zack doesn't know the hive mind thing, and we should talk to Bika about how she's theoretically bamboozled us. I was thinking maybe we'd claim that skuts have an extreme ideal of sharing in their culture, among their "clans", so that they literally hold everything in common, from land to clothes to food to relationships. Aside from including relationships it wouldn't be actually that far off from some human cultures (I think in new guinea there are some tribes that had problems not being able to interface properly with the idea of individuals not sharing everything), so we could have Zack claim that while skuts recognize what other races do, the idea of an individual skut holding anything private doesn't work at all for them. That'd fit close enough with observable behaviour to be believable and people who actually know the secret could think Zack's just been fed that idea himself.
>>
No. 786623 ID: a381c0

This is a good thing! It's humans talking positively about Visitors, hell it's humans admitting finding Visitors, SKUTS, attractive!
This is a big step towards improving human/visitor relations.
Honestly in retrospect sexy diplomacy with humans is pretty obvious.
>>
No. 786635 ID: 783f41

I like seeing all these optimistic reactions, let's just be sure that Zach gives an appropriately sensitive and compassionate response. No matter how much we can interpret this in a positive light, Bika is still understandably upset and in need of hugs and love.
>>
No. 786650 ID: 6612fa

I was pretty sure we already decided that carlson and poly were defiantly coming to the interview maybe meg because she works as a spy and can help us keep our lies straight.
most of agreed bika is a must not because she needs like 12 of here around just to function, and that raises concerns and could let the hive mind slip just keep bika away from glaring public media events. G.G. we didnt want to take because these would be personal questions designed to tick someone off and while G.G. is awesome at maintaining her cool we really shouldn't put her through that because i doubt she would enjoy it.
>>
No. 786820 ID: 987bda

>>786415
Hug her.
>>
No. 786822 ID: 91ee5f

Accidentally drop your towel and be completely naked when you kneel down to hug her.
>>
No. 786853 ID: bd9dcf

Hey, I'm sorry this is happening in a way that isn't going exactly the way we want... but this is a good thing, right? Bringing the species together? We can focus on the silver lining on this, how to spin this right. I'll do everything I can to help.
>>
No. 787216 ID: 1c69a5

Comfort her and tell her that we'll help her figure it out.
>>
No. 787226 ID: f6ba27
File 148946944284.png - (42.73KB , 960x560 , 754.png )
787226

"Uh. Bika." You lower the phone and pick your words carefully. "I know this isn't exactly what you wanted but I think it could be really good."
"How???"
"I mean look at the comments. They like you."
She takes the phone back and stares at it, brow knit. "Well but what does-- what does 'bae' mean?"
"Bae?"
"Skut Bae. What's a bae."
"It's like... babe. Cutie."
"It-- really?"
"What did you think it meant?"
"I don't know." She squints. "'Fuck the acid body fluids, I'm going in wish me luck boys?' That's not-- it's not even acid." She scrolls down through the comments. Her eyes widen. "Holy guacamole."
"If you just keep her out of the limelight, I think the internet will eventually move on. It's like that."
"No no I think I get it." She's rubbing her ear. "I think-- we can use this. I can make a new sniper. But this..."
She looks up from the phone. "I should do something with this, right?"
"Maybe."
"What do I do?" she asks.
>>
No. 787227 ID: e22b1d

Let's see. Popular on Reddit, a great rack, really good at video games?

Sniper Bika should totally become a twitch streamer.
>>
No. 787228 ID: 0c367f

You need to make a reddit account.

You need to start /r/CumSkuts.

Be the change you want to see in the world.
>>
No. 787229 ID: 350a50

>>787227
Ha... it could work.

>>787226
This is a start, it's attention. You have a wide audience now, and that means you can give skuts positive media attention. Something people can relate to, something they can like and be attracted to.
>>
No. 787230 ID: 1c69a5

Whatever she wants!
Ignore it, start a blog, make videos, do the reddit thing, whatever.
It's her choice.
>>
No. 787231 ID: 8cb228

>>787228
Do a sliiiightly more tasteful name than that. But make it a punny one!

But yea. Social media, twitch account / vlog. Something to spread understanding and the message!
>>
No. 787233 ID: 595d54

>>787227
>>787228
Do it. Sniper Bika can become the next Kim Kardashian. Start publicizing shamelessly.

>>787230
Not really helpful when someone is asking for your input tbh



Also, "not even acid"? Does she mean her vagina specifically isn't acidic or is this another case like the oculot fireballs where it's more complicated than the rumors?
>>
No. 787234 ID: 91ee5f

>>787233
>Do it. Sniper Bika can become the next Kim Kardashian.
Does this mean Bika has to give her sniper body a gigantic ass? Because I really don't think that'll help.
>>
No. 787236 ID: e22b1d

>>787234
>has to give her sniper body a gigantic ass
>>/questarch/781088
>>
No. 787237 ID: 7b7ab3

Definitely get on social media.
Start a blog. Blow up #skut.
Maybe start a YouTube channel.
Start educating the public.
Teach them about the skut.
Spread the message.
>>
No. 787238 ID: 094652

>>787227
Holy crap, we're looking at Skut D'va. Well, more like Skut Legion, but still. Do it. Context-wise, we need some kind of backstory for all those scars.

For extra ambiguity, we could get Bika's next sniper to do team attacks for Sniper Bika as the Discreet Dwarf Dame (or Triple-D's), who is basically publicized as some mysterious gamer who creates new profiles just to work with Sniper Bika for a few rounds then never plays on that account again.
>>
No. 787239 ID: 398fe1

>>787237
Strangely, educating the public about skuts is one of the worst possible things we could do, because their true nature is a big secret.

We could lie, I suppose. Explain skut grouping behavior as a sort of species-wide separation anxiety disorder-- that skuts can't function very well when separated from other skuts because of the emotional stress that brings. That might maybe cause hateful humans to purposefully isolate skuts but that's hardly as bad as killing the bodies because they found out they're expendable.

Bika is going to have to have answers ready for questions if she has Sniper Bika in any sort of public role, so maybe it's time to think up a believable explanation for skut behavior that isn't the truth.
>>
No. 787240 ID: 8cb228

It could be done without the big reveal. Not just Skuts, but alien culture, cuisine, etc. Cultural ambassador type, in general.
>>
No. 787247 ID: 91ee5f

Actually, since Bika Prime was hanging off of Zack's arm that whole time (that's what girlfriend's do, right?), we could make the story that Sniper Bika/Skut Bae is Bika Prime's older sister that fought in the war, which'll explain why she's covered in scars.

Now we just need to give her a name since Prime is gonna be Bika.
>>
No. 787252 ID: f6ba27
File 148947562974.png - (12.09KB , 960x560 , 754a.png )
787252

"What if-- hear me out here-- what if you got a twitch."
Bika's ear twitches. "A twitch."
"Like the thing where you stream games and like chat?"
"No I know Twitch," Bika says. "But-- huh."
"You could start a whole social media thing," you say. "Like a youtube channel, a twitter..."
"And a twitch," Bika says. "Hmmmmmm. I'd need a mic. And a camera and stuff. And to figure out how to do the dang recording the thing thing."
"I could help," you say.
"Would I need to flash my boobies?" Bika asks.
"Nobody actually flashes their boobies," you say. "It's the idea of the boobies that counts."
"Is it really really weird that I'm actually considering this?"
"Nope. I'm just a genius."
"A twitch!" Bika says a twitch like how you imagine Ben Franklin said a kite. "That's-- the more I think about it the more it turns from a crazy idea into an actually kind of smart idea."
"Do you want to go to like Best Buy or something right now? Get a mic and stuff?"
"I-- well. Not now. You have a limo to catch." Bika's tail is wagging a little. "We'll see."
>>
No. 787254 ID: f6ba27
File 148947574304.png - (21.00KB , 960x560 , 755.png )
787254

You're walking out to the limo as the sun dips behind the tombstone rows of the Village. It's getting earlier and earlier, you note.
The limo door opens and you do a double-take.
"Meg? Is that-- you?"
"Not my fucking idea," Meg says. "For the gala the collective decided I needed to be more charismatic."
Her brand new face has a very un-charismatic look on it.
"It's all holographic shit so I can turn it off until we get to the party," Meg says. "But then I need to turn it on. Just showing you from the jump so you don't freak out."
>>
No. 787255 ID: 398fe1

>>787254
>the collective
But she's AWOL...?
>>
No. 787258 ID: e22b1d

>>787255
She's not AWOL, she's a double agent now. You need to be part of both organizations to be a double agent.

Tell her you think the face is actually kind of nice. Ask her what a smile on it looks like.
>>
No. 787261 ID: d79f26

well, you make it look good.
>>
No. 787262 ID: 398fe1

>>787258
No, she was doing the double agent thing by using a backdoor into the floater database despite not talking to them anymore.

IDK how we'd bring this up since it's a super duper secret and shouldn't be spoken of out loud. Maybe the face thing is just an act, to make the HVAO think she's still getting orders from the collective?
>>
No. 787263 ID: 91ee5f

>>787254
"Did they also think your boobs needed to be bigger again? Because they look bigger.....again."
>>
No. 787267 ID: 7b7ab3

>>787254
Well, she makes it work all the same.
TO THE GALA!
>>
No. 787269 ID: 094652

>>787263
Actually, they look saggy to me. Ew.

"Meg, please tell me you're wearing SOME cloth under that hologram."
>>
No. 787276 ID: 048a28

>>787247
I vote we name her snika
>>
No. 787283 ID: 6612fa

>>787254
"you look beautiful, but why do you look so angry?, did something happen?
>>
No. 787292 ID: fceae5

It's not permanent, is it?
>>
No. 787296 ID: d121d2

>>787283
She's irritated about the face.

Compliment her on the dress, it's fuckin' hot.
>>
No. 787299 ID: fc33ea

>>787254
You look stunning.
>>
No. 787303 ID: 6fdfe8

>>787247
Nah, don't say she fought in the war. First of all, thats still a touchy subject for a lot of people. Second, that puts a stake in the ground about her age that doesn't need to be there. Let all the viewers imagine she is whatever age is hottest. If asked, just go with "growing up skut can be rough."
>>
No. 787324 ID: ce3120

>>787254
Put a fucking shirt on, Meg.
>>
No. 787326 ID: 8cb228

>>787324

Don't say that. You could say something like, "You look fantastic, but I prefer the real you, with no gimmicks. What exactly is it doing, and how?"
>>
No. 787329 ID: aebfae

>>787254
Is it just me, or does Meg a bit....chunkier? Especially around the waist and butt?
>>
No. 787330 ID: 7b7ab3

>>787329
Her TnA quotient has skyrocketed.
I'm beginning to think that the Collective is just a bunch of perverts.
>>
No. 787337 ID: 0bd80e

"The collective's research approach must be... fascinating"
>>
No. 787350 ID: 70983e

>>787263
Real classy. No.

It's all holographic? Even the hair, and that Betty Boop curl? (Whataboutthedress)
>>
No. 787364 ID: 630f91

Please tell me you can do ASCII faces on it.
>>
No. 787367 ID: 350a50

Rocking the Jenny look there, Meg.
>>
No. 787370 ID: 2d712c

>>787254
"If you could convince the Collective to give you full control over what's broadcast over your face it could be a cool way to express yourself. Like a tattoo you can change to match your mood. You could be a real trend setter."
>>
No. 787381 ID: e22b1d

>>787330
I don't know about that. Meg's had a pretty curvy bod for a while now.
>>/questarch/767347
She's just never worn something that showed it off like this does.
>>
No. 787388 ID: 6612fa

>>787247
using the war to justify the scars when a basic fact check makes their life span less than that for an individual body. also it would just inflame certain individuals.
best thing we can say is that she is the skut that goes out into human society to get the things the skut can't get themselves "this scar is from when I was almost run over by a Cadillac while the passengers barked at me, this scar is from when a 9 year old human thought it would be funny to lasso a skut and attempt to hog tie me with fishing line, etc, etc.
we get to play up the sympathy card, as well as show a personality that doesn't hate humans despite many hardships.
its a straight up lie and propaganda, but if played right would shift things dramatically in zach and bika's favor, if asked why she didn't go to the police she can report with the truth that the police are just as likely to kick her as a random pedestrian.
>>
No. 787401 ID: fc33ea

Why does she have to listen to them? They aren't the ones out in the trenches, so to speak.

Anyway, we'll see if anybody can pry their eyes away from your dress first.
>>
No. 787409 ID: f6ba27
File 148954969391.png - (22.61KB , 960x560 , 756.png )
787409

"You look amazing, Meg."
"I do?" Meg turns back to the limo and appraises her reflection in the window.
"I think you really make it work. We'll see if anyone can pry their eyes away from the dress first."
"Shut up." She smiles despite herself. It's a lot more noticeable now. "The dress I'm into. Anyway get in here. They charge by the hour."
You scoot over and Meg slides in beside you. The slit of her dress hangs open, curtaining a swoop of dark thigh.
"We're good to go," Meg tells the driver's sunglassed reflection in the rearview. He nods and starts the car. The partition slides up snugly.

"Did they add anything other than your face?" you ask.
"Like what?"
"You look a little more--" You make an hourglass shape in the air. Meg's new smile grows.
"Nope," she says. "That's just the dress doing what it's supposed to."
"Is it-- I'm assuming your face is a hologram right now?"
She nods.
"Is the dress?"
"You wanna check?" she asks, conspiratorially.
She folds her hand around yours and guides it into her lap.
You're almost surprised when your palm touches silk.
"Get your head out of the gutter, Zack." Meg is grinning impishly. You have to admit this new hologram is doing a lot more to show her emotion than her monotone does.
"Why do you have to listen to the collective, anyway?" you ask. "They're not the ones out in the trenches."
"An order's an order," Meg says.
"But I thought you--"
Meg puts a finger to her lips. "I'm warming up to it anyway. If I'd known you were this into holograms I'd have worn a fake dress too."
"That would be a little dangerous."
"This one is a little dangerous too. I kind of like dangerous." She turns her shhh gesture into something a little more suggestive. "Yknow Z. It might not be a hologram, but it's not like it's covering my mouth."
>>
No. 787410 ID: 398fe1

>>787409
Yeah you didn't forget her promise.
>>
No. 787419 ID: 7b7ab3

>>787409
KISS HER, YOU FOOL
Kiss ze girl.
Start smoochin'.
Snog.
>>
No. 787420 ID: e22b1d

>>787419
Remember what she said last thread?
She's not looking to kiss.
>>
No. 787424 ID: a363ac

>>787409
well its not like my mouth is covered either *wink wink*
>>
No. 787425 ID: 7b7ab3

>>787420
Right!
Kiss, then do the naughty!
>>
No. 787429 ID: ce2e2f

We really need to figure out what's going on with Meg and the rest of the floaters before we get down to any funny business.
Get your phone out and do the text on-screen thing you did the first time she told you about her Electric Sheep ways.
If memory serves she also said she wouldn't lie or keep things from you during that meeting.
>>
No. 787430 ID: e94d83

Are you inviting me into your emergency induction port?
>>
No. 787431 ID: 81bc65

>>787409
Immediately unzip pants.
>>
No. 787454 ID: fc33ea

Kiss first. Whatever you do, keep it professional for the sake of your clothes.
>>
No. 787483 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, there was a timeskip after the last thread, so it'd be nice to know if you did actually get together with Meg and tell her All That Important Shit in the intervening time.
>>
No. 787484 ID: 70983e

>>787454
Well, she lacks a gag reflex, so... we actually might not have to worry about cleaning up. Watch out for your pants though, Zack.
>>
No. 787528 ID: fceae5

>>787425
This.
>>
No. 787533 ID: 65ec8d

Now now, you're going to a gala, you'll be talking to people all evening. I'm not sure what Meg's experience of smell is exactly but I'm sure she doesn't want to be blowing dickbreath at people.

Now, Zack using his mouth would be fine, since Meg's more fragrant.

(Hmm. It occurs to me that humans could be disturbed by the floater collective altering Meg's appearance to make her more attractive, given the history of human issues with appearance and attitudes towards women and et cetera. It could be presented as a more thorough form of make-up, and alteration of one's body for specific purposes being a Floater cultural thing, but it's something to be aware of and look out for. Maybe discuss that with Meg (later). Concern with presentation and PR is why we're going to this shindig, after all!)
>>
No. 787541 ID: 8c5932

I don't want to accidentally get jizz on your dress, Meg!

Now if you took it off...
>>
No. 787556 ID: b15da4

>>787541
...She wouldn't have time to put it back on!

Believe me, she can can swallow! In fact, what you really have to worry about is her swallowing the entire dick.
>>
No. 787566 ID: c31aac

Guys, save it for after the super important political hobnob
Dont go in smelling of scandal
>>
No. 787630 ID: 8cb228

Even if we're careful, people would smell it. Maybe later?
>>
No. 787631 ID: 595d54

Do it, 69 in the backseat. Stop for tictacs or whatever if you're worried about breath.
>>
No. 787690 ID: e94d83

>>787566
That's literally exactly how we should go in.
>>
No. 787693 ID: f6ba27
File 148963338660.png - (28.23KB , 960x560 , 757.png )
787693

You lean over and kiss her.
Her lips buzz against yours, making your face tingle. It's like putting your mouth to a tv screen, if the tv screen in question had a tongue and was really horny.
The instant reaction in your pants reminds you that you are too.
"Remember what you said in the shower?" you ask.
Meg reaches down and unbuttons your pants by way of response.
Her fingers dig into your dress shirt as she lowers herself down your body to the spacious floor of the limo.
She undoes the zipper with her mouth, just like Poly taught her. Her hands are shaking with anticipation as they pull your boxers open.
"Hi," she says to your dick.
"Hi," you say.
"You really like this dress, huh." She brushes her silk-clad stomach across your crotch. You shiver.
"It's gorgeous."
"Keep going," Meg says. She sinks further, until her chest is pushed against you.
"Uhhhh it matches your eyes."
"Mhmm." Meg puts a hand on each breast and pushes them together as she rises back up a little, tracing the head along the curve of her cleavage.
"Holy shit," you say.
"Keep going," Meg prompts.
"Uh uh it makes your ass look incredible," you say. "Really really incredible."
"Just my ass?" Meg lowers herself again, and this time you're snugly between her breasts. They squish around you like memory foam.
"No no all of you"
Meg kisses the tip. "Yeah?" The fizz from her lips nearly makes you go cross-eyed.
"And I really really don't want to get it dirty," you say. "Because that would be a huge problem."
"I won't spill a drop," Meg says, which only exacerbates the issue. "You wanna see something cool?"
"Cooler than this?"
She giggles and then turns around. "Okay. I tried this one on Bika. Check it out."

>>
No. 787694 ID: f6ba27
File 148963343782.png - (17.76KB , 960x560 , 758.png )
787694

She fires her thrusters and flips all the way upside down.
"What--" you say, then she buries you in her throat.
You make a noise that's half laugh and half grunt.
"What the fuck, M--"
She plants a hand on the back of your neck and buries your face in her boobs.
Poly still takes the crown handily, but you have to give it to Meg for Most Improved. The uncertainty of last time is gone. So is the hastiness. After that crazy first plunge she's taking her time, only letting you in a few inches at the furthest. She is doing a whole lot with her tongue, and she's making sure you feel all of it. It's not exactly an angle you're used to.
This would be insanely weird if it didn't feel amazing.
A droplet of sweet-scented saliva drips down the underside of your penis and its passage is beautiful agony. You have a fierce urge to take her head and push it all the way down. You try to distract your hands by squeezing her uncovered back instead. You leave fingerprints in her stress-ball skin.

It takes sixteen seconds for you to start bumping up against your limit, which you know exactly because you've been counting to try to last longer. The force of this morning with GG and Krin has your resolve weakened and your tank very full. You are gonna cum way way too soon.

1]] Ask for a thirty second time-out while you regain your composure.
2]] Ask to stop. Getting spunk on anything would be a really really bad idea.
3]] Give in.
4]] ________________

>>
No. 787700 ID: 7b7ab3

3.
Give in to our cybernetic goddess.
>>
No. 787701 ID: 290a0d

"not a drop"
>>
No. 787702 ID: a363ac

>>787694
3
>>
No. 787703 ID: 0f90ae

3. Birdy wants some seed.
>>
No. 787705 ID: fc33ea

Give her a warning.
>>
No. 787721 ID: f97b68

Don't be a jerk. Give her some warning. Not that I doubt she can take it easily. Won't be very much anyway.
>>
No. 787722 ID: 70983e

Warn her. I'm torn between saying "Initiate Hoover mode" and "Yamato Cannon FIRE!"
>>
No. 787726 ID: f6ba27
File 148964076677.png - (40.04KB , 960x560 , 759.png )
787726

"Meg," you gasp. "Every last drop"
She mmmms in anticipation.
The vibration from it does it.

You force her head all the way down and explode down her throat, pulling on her pigtail to keep tethered to this dimension.
You feel her neck spasm, then tighten as she swallows, and swallows again, and keeps swallowing. She vocalizes her satisfaction in a low purr as she drinks her fill.
You were pretty backed up.

>>
No. 787727 ID: f6ba27
File 148964080159.png - (31.46KB , 960x560 , 760.png )
787727

She turns back over in air with the grace of a feather.
She sloshes your jizz around in her mouth like a sommelier, then swallows one last time.
"Fresh linen," she says.
"That's the best review anyone's given of cum," you say.
Meg licks her lips. "I requested an affinity for saltiness." She blinks. "That's not weird, right?"
"Only as weird as what just happened," you say. "Which was amazing. I--"
>>
No. 787728 ID: f6ba27
File 148964082181.png - (11.87KB , 960x560 , 761.png )
787728

That's when you notice something, on the middle strap of her dress.

A spot no bigger than a pinky nail, but a spot that is very very visible.
>>
No. 787729 ID: f6ba27
File 148964083251.png - (30.66KB , 960x560 , 762.png )
787729

Of precum.
>>
No. 787730 ID: 595d54

>>787729
Ok. Let's get on with whatever gala thing we were doing.
>>
No. 787731 ID: fc33ea

oh nooooo
>>
No. 787732 ID: 6612fa

>>787694
give in, its what she wants
>>
No. 787733 ID: 398fe1

>>787728
Meg you need to put some soda water on that.
>>
No. 787734 ID: 595d54

>>787733
If this is actually enough of an issue to go out of our way over, might as well get Meg some breath mints or whatever, if the limo doesn't already conveniently have complimentary mints.
>>
No. 787736 ID: a363ac

>>787728
point out her failure and as recompense demand you get to play DOOM on her ass later
>>
No. 787738 ID: 70983e

Speedstick that.
>>
No. 787740 ID: 0f90ae

The best thing for that would be lemon juice and cold water, but seeing as neither of those things are currently available it might be best to explore other options.
If there was time for a pit stop, you could just grab a Speedstick or something. If Meg doesn't mind being a little gross she could just finish the job and suck it up.
Whatever the approach it's best not to panic.
>>
No. 787744 ID: c7ed27

>>787729
Oh shiddd
>>
No. 787745 ID: c7ed27

>>787729
Oh hecks lets not be stupid here and assume that megs not about to be scrutinized by a extremely observant journalist in a moment, and that she wont catch the semen scented breath and splatter
>>
No. 787748 ID: e94d83

lmao OH NOOOOO!

Let it dry and crust, then scrape the crust off. It'll be fine.
>>
No. 787769 ID: 7b7ab3

Oh shit.
Okay.
We need to get that cleaned up pronto.
>>
No. 787789 ID: 9bf80c

And it's exactly where everyone's going to be looking. Well, first, alert the lady. That's just manners.

Second... this is why you should carry an emergency corsage. Fasten a little something right there, could look great. Tell your driver you "forgot" an accessory and ask if there are any flower shops on the way to the gala. Or maybe the limo company is foresighted enough to provide?
>>
No. 787791 ID: 74e634

>>787729
1. precum surprisingly has very little actual sperm.
2. clean it before it dries or it'll stain
>>
No. 787844 ID: fceae5

Tell the lady there has been an error.
>>
No. 787986 ID: f97b68

WE FUCKED UP
SHIT
WE FUCKED IT UP

wait
lets inform her of the small stain and express our concern. It's very likely that she will say that we are overreacting but we will go on to explain that SOMEONE is bound to notice it and know EXACTLY what it is because that would be just our fucking luck.
Suggest we get some soda-whatever on that before anyone sees.
>>
No. 788023 ID: 094652

Let It Dry.

Seriously, why are you all panicking so much? There are traces of dead skin cells throughout the gala, some of which may involve sexual fluids. Just microwave the sucker, Meg is heavily resistant to radiation poisoning.
>>
No. 788674 ID: aba65e
File 148989824103.png - (34.07KB , 960x560 , 763-1.png )
788674

"Um. Meg." You point. "There has been a logistical error."
She follows your finger. "Son of a fuck," she says.

"Ok ok do you have any speed stick?"
"What's a speed stick?"
"Maybe we need to visit a Duane Reed."
"This is cum," she says. "It's cum, right?" She tries to get a better look at it. "Fuck."
"WAIT." You're scrolling through your phone. "Wait. Do we have soda water?"
"Do we-- why would-- oh duh wait."
Meg crawls over to the partition and knocks on it. It lowers.
"Soda water?" she says.
"Minibar." The driver looks back with mirrored shades. "Middle seat on the left. Little accident?"
"Keep your eyes on the road, Sparky." Meg points up and the driver raises the partition.
"Meg," you admonish.
"Oh he knows what we did. I asked him if it was ok before you showed up."
"Meggg!"
"Minibar!"
You taste the various clear liquids until you find seltzer water, and underhand it to Meg.
She applies it liberally to her boobs and starts rubbing frantically.
>>
No. 788675 ID: aba65e
File 148989827254.png - (34.26KB , 960x560 , 764.png )
788675

You're looking through the Minibar for napkins when you hear her breath heaving.
Your attention darts back, primed to deal with a crying girlfriend; but Meg is giggling like crazy.
"We are going to the MOMA gala," she gasps, "and my tits are covered in jizz and Canada Dry."
You're cracking up too now. "Keep rubbing!"
"I am!" She is. "Is it-- how does it look?"
You squint at her dress.
"The face you are making at my tits right now."
"Shut up. I think. I think it's ok."
"I'm just-- oh my god." She coughs with laughter and clings to the seat. "Let me air this out."
You shake your head at your cackling Floater girlfriend and find the napkins.
This Minibar is pretty stocked.

Do you partake?
1]] Hell yeah! Social lubricant!
2]] In moderation.
3]] In very very conservative moderation.
4]] No.

And here's a question, Zack. Are you and Meg going to brave the red carpet?
A]] Bring it on.
B]] Kindly request that the limo drop you off at a less conspicuous entrance.
>>
No. 788677 ID: a363ac

>>788675
3 a
>>
No. 788678 ID: 506ff1

>>788675
3A.
>>
No. 788679 ID: 8cb228

3a.
>>
No. 788681 ID: 70983e

3. Zack partakes, but we're likely to slip up even without alcohol loosening his inhibitions.

Speaking of slipping up, DO THE RED CARPET. For once in your life, you're going to be a star. It'll be fabulous.
>>
No. 788682 ID: 3795c1

3A
We were born for the spotlight!
>>
No. 788683 ID: 7b7ab3

3 B.
I'm fairly certain more than a few people have been shot in situations similar to this. So I advise caution and discretion.
>>
No. 788685 ID: 350a50

3 A
>>
No. 788686 ID: fc33ea

You're both a bit loose to be pregaming here. But 2 or 3 is fine.

A, Meg will probably be all for it but ask first on principle.

And be ready to tip the driver very well. Like, for being helpful AND being quiet.
>>
No. 788689 ID: 4063a3

>>788675
1A

Shamble drunkenly onto the red carpet like a true celeb

LIMONCELLLLLOOOOOOOOOO
>>
No. 788692 ID: c31aac

Let's not get drunk at all, save it for the wine table.
>>
No. 788713 ID: 8667b0

3A
>>
No. 788723 ID: 73767e

>Keep rubbing
That's what got us into this mess.

2A
>>
No. 788732 ID: be589d

>>788675
4 b
>>
No. 788734 ID: 094652

4B

No need to give the local assassins sniper practice.
>>
No. 788738 ID: 9bf80c

3b

The water might have gotten it out but the material has still be showing the damp so you need to give it a chance to dry. Try make sure it doesn't wrinkle, too.
>>
No. 788742 ID: aebfae

>>788675
4: This is your first spy mission and a very important gala, so you should be sober in case something happens.

A: Doesn't mean you don't have to NOT flaunt it! F*** DA HATERS, WE'RE GOIN' IN IN STYLE!! XD
>>
No. 788775 ID: 447110

>>788675
2 A
just enough to get a buzz and then use the drinks at the gala more as props then anything else. I'm antsy about someone slipping us something in a drink.
>>
No. 788808 ID: ce3120

>>788675
4B

Don't take unnecessary risks.
>>
No. 788954 ID: b571fa

HOLY SHIT THIS IS BACK

I DIDN'T KNOW

How much time have we got before we hit the red carpet? If it's like, fifteen mins, Meg's dress will probably have time to dry. If it's five mins, there's a bigger risk it may still be noticeable to some fucker with a high-res lens and a gossip column. Or Reddit.

OTOH the implication that we got a blowie from a hot alien robot girl on our way to the Gala may just boost our image further. I feel that also exposes Meg in a way I don't really want to, tho.
>>
No. 788965 ID: 6612fa

>>788675
this is a limo
meg has no hair
open sun roof and have her air dry by sticking her torso up out of the limo and air dry as we drive, then when we get there have meg do some low height acrobatic and land next to you as you get out of the car and take her arm and walk her up the carpet.
>>
No. 789119 ID: b571fa

>>788965

I like this plan just for the sheer flamboyance factor.
>>
No. 789177 ID: f6ba27
File 149006716477.png - (47.53KB , 960x560 , 765.png )
789177

The limo trundles to a halt.
The red carpet lolls out in front of your door like the panting tongue of a beast with paparazzi teeth.
You take Meg's hand. "Ready, Meg?"
"Are my knockers clean and dry?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Then I'm ready, Z."
"That makes one of us."

The driver exits the limo, goes round to the door, and opens it into a lightning storm of flash bulbs.

"Zack Nguyen!"
"Zack!"
"Mr. Nguyen! Smile!"
"Zack do you have any comment on--"
"Is that limo paid for by taxpayers?"
"Zack who's your friend?"
"This is Megumi."
"Megumi! How long have you been dating Zack?"
"Megumi are you part of the 'Dunabira'?"
"Megumi! Who are you wearing?"
"Oivantos & Sons. Nice, right?"
"Zack! Who are you wearing?
"Um, Macy's."
"Is that limo paid for by taxpayers?"
"Mr Nguyen! Do you have anything to say to your fans?"
"Zack! Where's the rest of your girlfriends?"
"Does the MoMA endorse the HVAO?"
"Zack do you have any human partners?"
"Zack! Who's Skut Bae and why were you ice skating with her?"
"Zack Nguyen!" A mic is shoved across the velvet rope into your face. "Do you have any comment on the Inhibitor Bill?"
>>
No. 789180 ID: 398fe1

>>789177
Sorry folks, no time for questions.
>>
No. 789181 ID: bb78f2

>>789177
I don't know who that is yet, but if you don't get that Mic out of my face I may start beatboxing by reflex.
>>
No. 789183 ID: a363ac

>>789177
keep walking and talking and ignore that inhibitor bill guy because that is a mega trap. also be more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLaRdb-E58o
>>
No. 789184 ID: 595d54

"Shall not be infringed."

"Sorry, I don't follow politics. I get all my news through IRC channels and anime imageboards."
>>
No. 789189 ID: 79a07e

>>789180
This. No real time for questions, sorry!
>>
No. 789190 ID: b571fa

>>789177

Play it cool for now. No time for questions.

Altho if we can think of something witty and short, that'd be good.
>>
No. 789191 ID: 64e1fa

MMmaybe say you'll be giving an interview soon?
>>
No. 789193 ID: 7b7ab3

>>789177
>Inhibitor Bill
We're going to have to look into that. It sounds like trouble.
Hit them with the old "no comment" and get inside.
>>
No. 789198 ID: 213ff6

>>789177
I am unaware of what this "Inhibitor bill" is, but it sounds...concerning.
>>
No. 789204 ID: c31aac

>>789181
you know what? Yeah, let's go with this
>>
No. 789208 ID: 70983e

No time for questions, gotta jet!
>>789193
I'm guessing it's a Mutant Registration Act to force Oculot to wear the (formerly classified) psionic inhibitor at all times. A terrible idea. Didn't these politicians watch the Zootopia deleted scenes?
>>
No. 789210 ID: 350a50

>>789184
This.
>>
No. 789216 ID: 4063a3

>>789177
>is that limo paid for by the taxpayer?
"This limo, my apartment, all of the four star restaurants I take my hoes to, and Meg's dress are all paid for by the taxpayer. I am drunk on the taxpayer's dollar right now, actually. Frapin Cuvée."

>do you have any human partners?
"Can you bust rope in human bitches? N. O. Think about that on the way back to your studio apartment."
>>
No. 789217 ID: f6ba27
File 149007153403.png - (159.30KB , 960x560 , 766.png )
789217

"Sorry, everyone." You flash them your best possible smile to cover the flash sweat that Inhibitor Bill caused. "No time for questions. Gotta jet."
"Mr. Nguyen!" The paparazzo pushes his mic another unwelcome half-foot. "This is a potential political firest--"

An Oooooooh goes rippling through the crowd and swings the microphones and camera lenses away from you.

Her eye is strikingly purple, and her smile emanates mystery, but that mole and those hips are dead giveaways that Polyphema has arrived at the Gala.
She exits her ride with a jangle of gold chain, in a regal, alien outfit that would be entirely impossible without her spikes.
A split second of stunned silence; then she's instantly lit up by the cameras. The chains looping out behind her flash like dragonfly wings in the torrent.
>>
No. 789218 ID: f6ba27
File 149007155519.png - (100.68KB , 960x560 , 767.png )
789218

She extends a hand back into the limousine, and comes back out with a human on her arm.

A very, very familiar looking one.
Holy shit: she's brought Annika to this thing.

You have never seen your art brat friend from college without horn rims half the size of her head over her face; but that is definitely her.
She sees you and gives you the biggest, corniest Bet-You-Barely-Even-Remember-Me-From-Thread-Fucking-4 smile, as Penelope leads her down the red carpet, across a stormfront of questions which she navigates with a supremely confident silence.

"Look," Annika says, once all four of you are inside, "who hasn't drowned in alien vagoo,"
>>
No. 789219 ID: 595d54

"Yet."
>>
No. 789220 ID: 70983e

"Sink or swim."
>>
No. 789222 ID: a363ac

>>789218
well if all goes well maybe you will drown in two alien vagurbles tonight.
>>
No. 789223 ID: 7b7ab3

Lord knows we're trying!
They look great! My only question is where on earth she found a contact big enough for that peeper of hers.
>>
No. 789224 ID: b571fa

>>789220

Yes.
>>
No. 789226 ID: 350a50

"Damn Annie, you clean up GOOD."
>>
No. 789228 ID: 3abd97

>>789218
Welcome to the swimming pool.
>>
No. 789229 ID: c31aac

>>789228
tops line, this one here.

"Damn though, sorry for vanishing."
then make a mental note to actually check in with yer danged friends later
>>
No. 789230 ID: 7b7ab3

>>789229
>"Damn though, sorry for vanishing."
DEFINITELY apologize. We got so caught up in everything that we damn near abandoned our friends. That was shitty and deserving of an apology.
>>
No. 789231 ID: 64e1fa

You two showed up just in the nick of time.
>>
No. 789234 ID: b571fa

>>789228

Okay this wins.

Or maybe: "Water's fine." :^)

>>789229

also this, yeah
>>
No. 789238 ID: 094652

Wait, is she using low-level psychic powers to make her eye glow purple just for the effect?

"I'm unable to comment with all this liquid in my mouth. No seriously, nobody give the pizzas anything."
>>
No. 789252 ID: 70983e

"Hi Poly, who's your new girlfriend?"
>>
No. 789279 ID: fceae5

>>789218
"Sink or swim, Annika. God, it's good to see you. I'm sorry for just vanishing like that. Things have been crazy. You guys look great! What's up with your eye, Poly?"
>>
No. 789283 ID: 4063a3

>>789218
Say that you are drowning and you need mouth-to-dick resuscitation immediately behind the museum from her

Actually also from Poly at the same time.
>>
No. 789285 ID: 0578af

>>789283
Make it mouth to mouth instead so it's a tiny bit classier but this lol
>>
No. 789289 ID: fceae5

>>789283
>>789285
>hitting on Annika.
No. She's a friend and not for sexual.
>>
No. 789293 ID: b15da4

>>789289
It's not a bad idea. Zack seems to have much less trouble keeping in touch with his girlfriends than his platonic friends.
>>
No. 789298 ID: 595d54

>not for sexual
No such thing in Enemy Quest, even the Kariket is for hatefucking.

Do it. Request the kiss of life for your cock.
>>
No. 789300 ID: d66364

The night is very young people, we can save the gaffes for later.

Just apologize for falling off the face of the earth like you did.
>>
No. 789301 ID: 0d1514

>>789283
Yes
>>
No. 789312 ID: 350a50

>>789289
Agreed, no sexual on Annika. Yet. That requires buildup.
>>
No. 789313 ID: 952ab0

Honestly, I was expecting Xu, but alright friendo we know.
>>
No. 789324 ID: b15da4

>>789312
Zack's had years to build up a relationship with Annika pre-quest.
>>
No. 789326 ID: 350a50

>>789324
A platonic relationship. How would your best friend respond if you suddenly asked them to blow you behind the museum?
>>
No. 789327 ID: 4063a3

>>789326
Only one way to find out m80
>>
No. 789328 ID: 18c9f5

>>789326
We'd share a laugh and move on.

Mouth-to-dick resuscitation doesn't sound like a stalwart request to me, but who knows maybe i'm the one who doesn't understand social queues.
>>
No. 789334 ID: fceae5

>>789328
>maybe i'm the one who doesn't understand social queues
Most likely. You don't ask a long time friend something like that, especially in public.
>>
No. 789336 ID: 18c9f5

>>789334
See, that part wasn't supposed to be an actual option for you to choose, it was supposed to point out that you're being an oversensitive ninny.

We're surrounded by friends, and the first thing she says to us is about getting massive amounts of alien poon. I think we've already passed into appropriate territory for a clever blowjob crack.
>>
No. 789340 ID: 595d54

>>789334
Maybe you wouldn't, but that's more because of your personality than because of any inherent way relationships work, and that's fine. But other people don't have to think the way you do and Annika's already made it obvious that she's comfortable with mentioning sex in public.
>>
No. 789342 ID: 7b7ab3

Do we really want to make things weird between Zack and Annika?
Let's just compliment them and say sorry for not staying in touch.
>>
No. 789361 ID: 0578af

If not the mouth to cock line, which is amazing, at least tell her she looks really good to subtly plant the seed to do the deed.
>>
No. 789363 ID: c58a23

It is considered extremely bad manners to hit on your girlfriend's date while also yourself on a date with another girl.

Also don't hit on your friend because one would assume you'd have gone down that road before now if it was a possibility and already gotten that out of the way.

Also she already saw your dick that one time you went swimming with GG and IIRC she didn't respond favourably, so with her being with Poly right now my guess is she's not a fan of the masculine organs.
>>
No. 789367 ID: b571fa

>>789313

Xu will return WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT.

>>789328

It's spelt "cues", but I don't think you're misreading. It's honestly a pretty funny joke and we're obviously not serious. Zack is a confident enough guy to pull it off, and especially in this context I think it's ok.

I'll provisionally throw a vote for:
>>789283

Also apologise for not keeping in touch, but like, casually, don't make it awkward or anything.
>>
No. 789376 ID: 8cb228

Registering a vote against crass and rude joke.
>>
No. 789379 ID: 0d1514

>>789376
It's not a joke, it's a plan of action.
>>
No. 789380 ID: 350a50

>>789379
Even worse.
>>
No. 789384 ID: f6ba27
File 149015590785.png - (47.55KB , 960x560 , 768.png )
789384

"I am drowning, Annika," you say. "You and Poly need to give me some emergency mouth-to-dick resuscitation."

Annika stops in her tracks.
So does Poly.
>>
No. 789385 ID: a363ac

>>789384
laugh at Poly's fucking face
>>
No. 789386 ID: 595d54

>>789384
>that blush
Nice.

Laugh your ass off and get it out of your system before the gala.
>>
No. 789387 ID: b571fa

poly's face right now

im dying
>>
No. 789390 ID: 9ac535

Laugh ass off, continue to inside wif your robo date.
>>
No. 789395 ID: d2d65a

>>789384
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! YOUR FUCKIN' FACES, DUDE! HAHAHAHA! OH, MAN, that was priceless! Ohhhh. Seriously, though. It's good to see you, Annika.
>>
No. 789398 ID: 2120ee

>>789384
"Too much?" Laugh
>>
No. 789399 ID: f6ba27
File 149015715250.png - (42.60KB , 960x560 , 769.png )
789399

You start laughing.
Annika joins in immediately.

"Oh for a second I thought he wasn't kidding," Meg says to Poly, who is still smiling like a one-eyed Cheshire cat.

"Your dedication to civil service is admirable, Zack," she says.


1]] I wasn't kidding.
2]] Jokes aside, Annika, you look amazing.
3]] It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it.
4]] ______________
>>
No. 789400 ID: a363ac

>>789399
Its a dirty job fucking ALL the visitors but someone has to do it.
>>
No. 789401 ID: 398fe1

>>789399
3.
>>
No. 789403 ID: 0c367f

>>789399
3]]
>>
No. 789404 ID: 595d54

>>789399
Ask if she was disappointed. Then 1.
>>
No. 789405 ID: 0d1514

>>789399
2
>>
No. 789406 ID: e22b1d

1 or 2
>>
No. 789407 ID: 74621b

>>789399
>>789400
3, this, and a melodramatic sigh with the back of your palm on your forehead
>>
No. 789408 ID: 7b7ab3

3, then 2.
>>
No. 789409 ID: 4063a3

>>789399

1 1 1

Don't look too aggressive when you say it, but definitely let em know you're DTF right this minute

ALSO get soda water NOW.
>>
No. 789410 ID: 350a50

>>789407
This.
>>
No. 789411 ID: bbbe64

2
>>
No. 789413 ID: 2120ee

>>789399
2

...for a human.
>>
No. 789414 ID: 1e45db

3 as a joke followed by 2.
>>
No. 789415 ID: b571fa

I kinda feel like...

3,2,1

fuckit, let's do that

also yes get soda water
>>
No. 789417 ID: d66364

Silliness aside, you two look great. Not even mad you showed up my fifteen seconds of infamy.
>>
No. 789423 ID: 4a6b8b

>>789399
Not 1.
3.
>>
No. 789429 ID: c57f6b

2 and 3!
>>
No. 789431 ID: 31986a

>>789399
2
>>
No. 789432 ID: 70983e

3.
>>
No. 789444 ID: c58a23

3.

Not 1.
>>
No. 789445 ID: 13cdff

>>789399
Herm's the transvestite right?
>>
No. 789450 ID: 91ee5f

3
>>
No. 789451 ID: 0555b9

2.
>>
No. 789464 ID: a523fb

>>789445
No, that's Gary.
>>
No. 789465 ID: 20c2d2

>>789399
"Depends how well your date with Poly goes~"
>>
No. 789487 ID: c31aac

>>789399
3, 2
>>
No. 789493 ID: 0915af

>>789399
Being way to bold in front of cameras andmedia
>>
No. 789499 ID: 0555b9

>>789493
It's okay, Zack's bigger than Jesus.
>>
No. 789527 ID: 595d54

>>/questdis/106948
>>/questdis/106949

I feel this is relevant again.
>>
No. 789536 ID: e27f63

2
>>
No. 789556 ID: 8da459

>>789399
3, then 2
>>
No. 789624 ID: bf8224

>>789399
1. Don't muhfuggin pussy out.
>>
No. 789625 ID: 8cb228

2
>>
No. 789637 ID: 7dbf38

Let's not end up making that many embarrassing sound bytes, eh? 2.
>>
No. 789649 ID: c31aac

>>789399
3
>>
No. 789721 ID: 7f917c

>>789399
1~
>>
No. 789725 ID: 18c9f5

3 , 2
>>
No. 789726 ID: fceae5

>>789399
2. Yes.
>>
No. 789727 ID: b571fa

Fuckit, I'm going to revote for:

1.

On its own. Our over cautiousness has cost us interesting things too many times in the past! NOT TODAY

THIS DAY, WE FIGHT
>>
No. 789731 ID: b15da4

>>789727
There is a difference between being cautious and overly cautious, and today I think we are in the goldilocks zone of caution.
>>
No. 789733 ID: d582f8

Fuck it! 1
>>
No. 789738 ID: b571fa

>>789731

It may blow up in our faces (2. is prolly the best "safe" option) but goddamn it won't be boring.
>>
No. 789742 ID: 12e88b

2 then 3.

Bunch of people in this thread who don't know how to get a clue, looks like.
>>
No. 789757 ID: 5f2b81

Ugh, I hate it when Zach is clueless and awkward, makes my fantasy escapism feel corrupted. 3 and 2.
>>
No. 789806 ID: 2d712c

We have planted the seed. All that is left to do is let Poly water the flower.
>>
No. 789816 ID: bece2d

>>789399
We are still in front of cameras and media. Choose wisely
>>
No. 789840 ID: 70983e

4) Wisely.
>>
No. 789894 ID: 6d6196

definitely 2 and 3
>>
No. 790032 ID: a523fb
File 149038409826.png - (66.08KB , 960x560 , 770.png )
790032

"Seriously all jokes aside though," you say. "You look amazing."
"You've cleaned up pretty good yourself," Annika says. "Never thought I'd see you in a suit."
"There was the splatter suit. Sophomore year performance art final."
"Oh shit! The splatter suit!"
"Representing the evils of government bureaucracy."
"Truly the sophomore earns his title of clever fool," Annika says.
"Zack!" Polyphema holds a perfectly manicured hand to her mouth. "You never told me you were an anarchist."
You laugh. "Times change."
"Times and tax brackets." Annika smiles. You notice the strain in it.

"I'm sorry I haven't been keeping in touch good," you say. "I've been kind of-- things have been pretty crazy for me."
"Hey I get it," Annika says. "I'm not mad. I mean Alan's furious at you. But that's Alan."
"Beatrix Holder and Plus One," Polyphema tells the penguin-suited man at the placement card table. "Oh look at that." She holds the card up. "Table Gemini. How thematic. You don't mind me borrowing this pretty thing for a moment, Zack, do you?"
She wraps an arm around Annika. "See you two at the table, dolls one and two."
Annika flashes a peace sign as B. Holder swans her away.

"Megumi 9x542 and guest." Meg reads your placement card. "Owned, Zack."
"Noo," you say. "My celebrity."
"We're at Gemini too," Meg says.
"What a coincidence," you say.
>>
No. 790033 ID: a523fb
File 149038412401.png - (29.80KB , 960x560 , 771.png )
790033

"What a coincidence," Kathleen Caritas says.
She is seated smack dab across from you at Table Gemini, scribbling notes on the incoming guests on a notepad in front of her.
"Mr. Nguyen." She grins. "It's good to finally meet you. And your, uh." She looks from a starstruck Polyphema to Meg, with her arms folded across her chest, to Annika, who looks thoroughly confused, and back to you. "Companions."
>>
No. 790036 ID: 595d54

>>790033
Hey, at least your celebrity's back. Introduce Meg, Annika, and last but not least "Beatrix Holder" who's a huge fan of yours.
>>
No. 790039 ID: 5f2b81

Hello Ms Caritas! It's a pleasure to see you as well. This is Megumi 9x542, Annika, and... Beatrix Holder? Beatrix Holder. Companions, this is Ms Kathleen Caritas! She's a rockstar.
>>
No. 790042 ID: 0555b9

Introduce the companions in turn.
My date.
Your fan.
My friend.
>>
No. 790043 ID: 2120ee

>>790033
Man, getting called Mr. Nguyen will never stop being weird/funny.

"The pleasure is mine, Ms. Caritas. Meet Megumi and my friends Annika and Beatrix. B's a big fan of yours."
>>
No. 790044 ID: 23066f

>>790036
>>790039
These.
>>
No. 790047 ID: 79a07e

>>790036
>>790043
These.
>>
No. 790059 ID: b15da4

>>786439
>>790035
These.
>>
No. 790070 ID: bcd233

>>790039
>>790036
These work!
>>
No. 790122 ID: 43cc92

>>790033
i thought she scheduled the meeting for after the party so we have an easy starting point in the conversation for when we did the interview. did she just crash the party to try and throw us off our game. damn good investigative journalism.
>>
No. 790182 ID: 094652

Actually, try not to say much. These days, every word is recorded in high society to keep them all on the leash. Act like a courtesan's strap-on trophy and nobody will look at your voice pattern with a spectrometer.
>>
No. 790252 ID: 447110

>>790122
She was already going to the party, we just weren't originally aware of it. Someone is up to shenanigans with the seating though.
>>
No. 790259 ID: f6ba27
File 149042731580.png - (61.86KB , 960x560 , 772.png )
790259

"Ms. Caritas!" You offer your hand. "The pleasure is all mine. This is Megumi, this is Annika, and this is uhhhhhh Beatrix."
PolyBeatrix is so excited she can barely sit still. "A singular joy to finally meet the face behind the voice, Kathleen. If I may call you...?"
"Of course," Kathleen says. "Beatrix. I like that one. I'd heard 'Helena'?"
Beatrix puts a finger to her purple lips. "Let's save the investigative journalism for after the party, Kathleen."
Kathleen clicks her pen closed on the table. "If it makes you more comfortable. I do tend to leave this sort of thing to the more junior staff."
"Your piece on the Somalian incursion was key to de-escalation," Beatrix says. "I have maintained this to anything with an eardrum in its head for years."
Kathleen laughs. "Keep banging that drum. The Pulitzer committee didn't think so."
"And what do they know, I'd ask," Beatrix says.
"And Megumi and Annika. Are all of you... together? In general?"
"Yah," Meg says.
"Well not me," Annika says. "I'm just a friend of Zack's."
"Just a friend, she says." Beatrix puts a hand on Annika's. "Our Anni is an artist by trade."
"Well graphic designer by trade but"
"Artist!" Beatrix squeezes Annika's hand. "And Megumi is a musician. The HVAO Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Benefit a few months ago. She was the absolute prima donna."
"I heard you brought the house down," Kathleen says. "I kicked myself for missing it. You aren't performing for us tonight, are you?" She gestures to the grand piano at the lip of the ballroom stage.
"We'll see." Meg spreads her napkin on her lap. "The night is young."
"It is very young." Kathleen looks across to the sixth vacant seat at the table. "We're waiting on one more, it seems."

"Zack A Ree."
A jovial man in a gunpowder colored suit is reaching for your hand. "Zackary Nguyen!"
He encroaches into Kathleen Caritas' space, planting a hand on the other side of her chair to try to turn it into a friendly invasion. He's ignoring Beatrix completely.
"Representative Wheeler." Kathleen's lips purse. "Hello."
"Hi, Kathy. You look fantastic. Patrick Wheeler, Zack. Representative for the 13th district. Zack Nguyen. A constituent I've been wanting to meet for a very long time."
"Am I right in guessing that empty chair is for you?" Kathleen asks.
"Technically it's that gentleman's." Rep. Wheeler points. "But I put in a request for the old switcheroo and got his blessings. He couldn't take the, hah, mixed company."
Kathleen raises an eyebrow. "And you can."
"I relish it, matter of fact."
"Do you."
"Now Kathy. Just because I happen to have a few ideological differences with the gentleman doesn't mean we shouldn't be breaking bread." Wheeler extends his hand more. Beatrix is looking at him like she wants him to fall through the Earth's crust.
"Isn't that right, Zack?" Wheeler prompts.
>>
No. 790261 ID: 99be3c

There's something very off-putting and oily about this guy. He just seems fake.
I don't like him. Don't shake his hand.
>>
No. 790264 ID: 7b7ab3

>>790259
Just give him the coldest, hardest stare we can.
>>
No. 790265 ID: c31aac

>>790259
"I don't actually know who you are unfortunately, been caught up in my own problems too much to really keep up with the politics. and shaking your hand seems like a dangerous game with all these photographers about ready to send it context free to the tabloids, but we can certainly talk."

Polite, yet firm.
>>
No. 790267 ID: 7d8168

Given the reactions of people around us we probably don't agree with his politics, but we're at a social event and we'll be judged on our socializing, so we probably shouldn't give him too cold a shoulder.

Could avoid a handshake with an excuse though. Maybe claim you almost spilled something during the car ride and haven't had a chance to wash your hands.
>>
No. 790268 ID: 595d54

We have to look polite, and I really doubt whether we want to be the one to pull the first jackass move. Personally I vote against hostility yet, just shake his hand like a functional person, but if we must:

Shake his hand for the camera and be a jackass about it in a way they can't easily see. Grab him by the outside of his wrist and act like you're shaking his hand normally or something.
>>
No. 790271 ID: bb78f2

>>790259
Why have you been wanting to meet me, in particular? I'm not very familiar with... wait are you a part of the Federal Legislative or New York's? I'm more familiar with federal politics over state, because that's the extent of the public school systems reach in regards to government.

No one ever talks about the state, at all, really.
>>
No. 790284 ID: 8da459

>>790259
Be polite to the guy, but do not shake his hand. Show him you can cordial and sociable but you do not trust the guy.
>>
No. 790292 ID: eb3cf7

The suit is gunpowder because this is an obvious bomb waiting to happen.

>>790265
This.
>>
No. 790320 ID: d36af7

You've got some kind of smartphone, right? Open Wikipedia, look up this smarmy bastard's politics.
>>
No. 790323 ID: 51649e

Offer him a fist bump instead. You're probably enough of "a character" to get away with it, and its various connotations aren't formalized in political and power meanings the way the various shades of handshake are.

"I'm afraid I've been too focused on personal issues lately to keep up with your field, Rep, so the extent of our differences escapes me. I do think it's unhealthy for anyone to only talk with people who agree with them, though."
>>
No. 790324 ID: 70983e

>Beatrix is looking at him like she wants him to fall through the Earth's crust.
What's the opposite of a portal, I wonder?

>>790320
It's not polite to take out your phone while someone's talking to you.

Decline the handshake, but remember to smile. It's not a question of if your actions will be spun, but how badly they can be spun.
>>
No. 790333 ID: bcd233

Acknowledge Poly's look of disdain as you shake his hand. Don't answer his question, just say 'charmed' or something.
>>
No. 790343 ID: 91ee5f

Don't be rude, especially not in front of the lady that's going to be interviewing you later! Just smile and shake his hand.
>>
No. 790351 ID: b571fa

Being obviously impolite isn't generally the best way to deal with these kind of people IRL, altho sometimes you need to be firm.

I'm not sure how risky being seen to shake his hand is, honestly. (Are there even cameras in here?) You can shake hands with someone without being 100% signed up with them, it's a basic courtesy after all. As oily as he is, he seems to be a relatively pro-Visitor politican, for what that's worth, or he might not want to be seen shaking our hand.

I'd lean towards shaking it and being polite and reserved. If we don't want to shake, an alternate option might be fist-bumping or finger-gunning him, it'll be a bit awkward but an operator as smooth as he is will roll with it very smoothly.

Being terse and obviously refusing to shake is just a bit amateur, we're here do get something done not for a pleasant social occasion FFS
>>
No. 790381 ID: 6612fa

>>790259
civil discourse is a key backbone of any good democracy so long as everyone stays civil and the discourse remains tactful.
>>
No. 790452 ID: 350a50

>>790323
This.
>>
No. 790459 ID: 094652

Just look away and at other tables. Eavesdrop on other political scandals to distract yourself from this crocodile tear salesman.
>>
No. 790465 ID: 2120ee

>>790259
"As long as that's all you're breaking."

Give the man a handshake, no reason to play our hand before we know what the cards are or what game we're playing.
>>
No. 790984 ID: 96af5c

>>790465
>>
No. 791071 ID: f6ba27
File 149067588397.png - (22.53KB , 960x560 , 773.png )
791071

You offer your fist instead.
He laughs and bumps it.
"Nice style," he says, scooting his chair back and taking a seat. Poly's stare is drilling a hole into the side of his head (not literally) but he ignores it. In fact, he hasn't acknowledged either of the Golborians at the table at all.
"I've been a little focused on personal issues lately to keep up with politics all that much," you say, "But I certainly think it's healthy to keep an open dialogue with people we have differences with."
"That's a refreshing attitude to have, Zack. I always like to get as much face time as I can with the folks in the departments I go after."
"Go after?"
"Representative Wheeler is the floor leader for the Earth First Caucus," Kathleen Caritas says.
"Had to kill the mood that early, huh." Wheeler's smile widens. "There goes the dramatic irony."
"Would sir prefer the chicken, steak, or vegetarian option?" a kind voice at your elbow asks.
"You can come back round to us," Wheeler says. "We're conversing. I was just about to ask you to tell me a little about yourself. Now that Kath's gone and played my hand for me."
Meg snorts.
Wheeler continues to ignore her.
>>
No. 791072 ID: 595d54

>>791071
"I date aliens. I try to keep an open mind. The ones I've met have been regular people, and I've been lucky enough to meet some wonderful ones. Tell me about yourself."

Overt hostility isn't going to be helpful here, I feel, if only because I'm sure he expects and can handle his opponents getting angry at him.
>>
No. 791075 ID: c31aac

>>791071
"Sure. My name's Zack Nguyen. I must say I'm curious why you'd even talk to me considering my history, stances, and what I do for a living."
>>
No. 791082 ID: fc2586

Actually, I'll have a steak.

I was hired by the HVAO to help understand visitor culture in a less theoretical/academic capacity. That's a stuffy way of saying I date visitors.

I'm a little curious, what is it that you don't know that you're hoping to find out?
>>
No. 791083 ID: a363ac

>>791071
ask the waiter if they have apple Juice.
you know I have heard that a nice politician is one who wants to kill you.
>>
No. 791093 ID: c31aac

>>791082
This is more professional and concise. Go with this. Remember, appearances matter here!
>>
No. 791152 ID: 5b93d3

>>791082
Say, you'll have a steak, ask what Kathleen, Meg, and 'Beatrix' would like.
>>
No. 791153 ID: 51649e

>>791071

"You'll get most of your questions answered soon, I think. I'll be doing an interview in the next few days and I wouldn't want to deprive the media of your custom by giving it all away right now. Tell you what, though, to someone talking about themselves it's always a good supplement to hear other people talk about them, and I'm actually kind of interested in how I would be described by people who know me, to a third person. Meg, you're my date, how would you describe me?"
>>
No. 791156 ID: 96af5c

Ask what Beatrix Meg and Kathleen would like while you order
This dude is mad disrespectful, to our girlfriends AND to the human woman who's supposed to interview us, its clear he only respects - or pretends to respect more like - only us. So, we should involve them in the conversation, to throw him off balance. A lot of suggesters are saying we shouldn't show our hand but like...guys, he doesn't think visitors are people and we're dating several, I think our respective stances are clear?
>>
No. 791165 ID: 6612fa

>>791071
"earth first huh, what a small world. "
lets move away from politics as much as possible ask him how his family is doing, ask about his hobbies and other things.

if you get dragged into politics i guess say this.
"you know if someone was to put earth first they would realize we have a group of refuges with more incentive to defend this planet than the natives, considering there is a kill order for those that fled if they return to Golboria. they have nowhere else to go, if something were to threaten that home, i would assume they would be the first ones to sign up to defend it."
>>
No. 791174 ID: bb74ed

>>791071
a xenophobe then. how.. revolting.
>>
No. 791177 ID: 39fe49

>>791071
"Me? Come on, I'm the least interesting person at the table and we all know it. What about you Mr. Representative, what drives you to be a caucus head?"
>>
No. 791186 ID: fceae5

>>791082
This.
>>
No. 791196 ID: 3aef93

"Earth First huh? y'know I'm earth first too, make the earth better by adding a bunch of new people with crazy cultures and abilities. I mean, isn't that what America's always been about?"
>>
No. 791203 ID: 424e8a

>>791071
"Bit of a misnomer to call it "Earth First", isn't it? Visitors are here because they love Earth, and generally agree that life on the other side is terrible. You'll find that visitors put Earth First with a passion, and with the recent tensions most of them are far more afraid that they'll have to leave than anything. Even with all the hatred and abuse being heaped on them at the moment, if it came to war they'd be lining up to fight on our side, and we would be utterly doomed without them.
So no, I don't think your group has a fitting name. If anything, you should be called Kariket first since you're promoting so much discord and internal conflict, and weakening Earth as much as you possibly can."
>>
No. 791205 ID: 91ee5f

Whatever is said, let's remember that the lady that's going to interview us later is sitting at the table with us and she has a pen and notepad out ready to take notes on what we're going to say. Everything that is said and done at this gala will be talked about during the interview later.
>>
No. 791208 ID: 8d4593

Not much to say about myself really. I just do what I think is right like anyone else.
There's more to my galavanting than just personal pleasure. I try to serve as an example that humans and visitors can coexist.
Heh, in way I guess I'm tring to put people like you out of the job.
>>
No. 791209 ID: 51649e

Zack doesn't know enough specifics to be able to lecture this guy without a big risk of falling on his face, guys, so let's not try it.

It's his job to withstand lectures, anyway, he probably gets a sackful of letters a week from people trying it and will have heard all the arguments. Let's not step into his arena, especially before we know the metaphorical terrain?
>>
No. 791213 ID: 424e8a

>>791205
You're right.
Add this to the speech I posted.
"Bea, how many people on this side - heck, the other side, if they had a clear shot, would kill Kariket? Even knowing they'd be killed for it, and it would lead to civil war?"

Let Poly respond.
"You see, Representative, you oppose the Golborians because you oppose the Kariket, which is a bit like opposing the ocean because of a boat fire. Yes, he's being supported, but by people who would end him if they had a chance."

Can you get a look at his eyes? Do they look occulocluded? I can't see through the squinting.
>>
No. 791214 ID: 424e8a

>>791209
Oh, it's not about him. It's about the reporter with a notepad.
I think we can bullrush him in front of a highly respected journalist, and break his composure while staying calm.

This isn't a conversation, it's a war.
>>
No. 791222 ID: 398fe1

>>791071
This guy is here just to get his picture taken with you. He wants your celebrity to rub off on him, to legitimize himself and his political position.

Tell him if he wants to talk to you, he'll have to talk to you at some other time. He's making your friends uncomfortable.
>>
No. 791272 ID: 52b8df

>>791203 LOL
>>
No. 791274 ID: 3c3a44

>>791071
He hasn't even said anything offensive yet guys. Stop being so oppinionated.

Ask him about his family, it must be rough being a politician it really eats away time with those you care about. Avoid politics until he forces the subject. Also give poly a kind pat on the hand, maybe she will get the message not to drunkenly swear at him
>>
No. 791303 ID: 6353bc

Yeah, let's save the overt accusations. Harsh language won't stop him.
>>
No. 791308 ID: ca661e

>>791274
This, best just to play it cool for now.
>>
No. 791330 ID: 350a50

>>791082
>>791274
These. Don't be directly aggressive, unless we have an opening and better information.
>>
No. 791356 ID: eb3cf7

>>791330
>>791308
>>791303
>>791274
Y'all are too focused on overt communication. Look at how the people you love, care about, and respect are reacting to this man, who is boldly and obnoxiously snubbing them while invading their personal space. He knows exactly what he's doing. Don't act like this is the civil conversation he's pretending it to be. This is hostility in disguise.

>>791203
This is a good start. Also, force him to acknowledge your companions by bringing them into the conversation. Don't patronize them like this: >>791274
>>
No. 791364 ID: 6803c9

>>791203

My vote is going towards this one. As well as actively trying to include the girls into the conversation because this guys being kinda of a jerk to them.
>>
No. 791382 ID: 6353bc

>>791203
I'm not sure we ought to be speaking on the behalf of all visitors like that.
>>
No. 791384 ID: 350a50

>>791382
Yeah, Zack shouldn't claim to speak for all visitors. It's clear from past experiences that he doesn't understand some of them as well as he thinks.
>>
No. 791386 ID: 91ee5f

>>791203
No, because Zack is not the voice of all Visitors and their opinions.

>>791382
>>791384
Yes.
>>
No. 791387 ID: 6612fa

>>791356
it's passive aggressive you tool, not overtly aggressive, where he is trying to trick you into reacting the exact way you want to at the moment, irl you play along till they make a rope long enough to hang themselves. if you bite onto his bait you just made your own rope
>>
No. 791868 ID: f6ba27

Gang I am BEAT tonight so I can't put pen to tablet and come up with a picture. The text of the update is incoming since it's already done; the pic I'll stick up tomorrow or whenever I can. Apologies!!
>>
No. 791870 ID: f6ba27
File 149093069669.png - (14.70KB , 946x534 , Untitled.png )
791870

"Hold on." You hold up a finger. "I think I'd like the steak."
"Oh--" The waiter cuts his withdrawal short and stands at attention. "Excellent choice."
"How about it, Bea?" you ask.
Polyphema grins at you. "I think I'd like the steak too. I'm feeling carnivorous tonight."
"Vegetarian," Annika says, before the waiter can even ask.
Wheeler's smile is unwavering. "I'll have the steak also. If we're ordering now. Zack here is clearly a man who knows what he wants."
"Do you need to be vegetarian to have the vegetarian option?" Meg asks.
"You do not," the waiter says.
"Then I'll have that."
"And for Miss Caritas?"
"Chicken. Thank you."
"Ok." You refocus on Wheeler. "Sorry. What was the question?" You drum your fingers on the table for a second. As soon as you see him open his mouth you say "Right. Right. About me. I'm a guy who was hired by the HVAO to help understand visitor culture in a less theoretical-slash-academic capacity. Which I guess you could say-- well how would you put it, Bea?"
"A salaried skirt-chaser," Polyphema says.
"I date them. You could put it like that," you say.
Wheeler laughs. "I guess I could! Seems to be what everyone else is saying. Our own salaried skirt-chaser."
"I'm a little curious," you say evenly. "What is it you don't know that you're hoping to find out?"
"I s'pose I just wanted to-- get the measure of things." Wheeler leans back in his chair. "Why aliens, Zack?"
"How do you mean?"
"Understanding them-- fine. Cultural crossover-- sure. Sure. Outside an academic theoretical whatdoyacallit. That's all a fine idea. Making strange friends? Great. Friends. But all this--" He leans in. "Well this foolin around? You might say? What makes all that business necessary?"
Kathleen Caritas adjusts her glasses.
"Help me out," Wheeler says. "You're a good-looking fella. Why not find a nice regular human girl, get things squared away, take a healthy reproductive subsidy? Why all the unnecessary--" he waves his hands vaguely. "Why them?"
>>
No. 791873 ID: 595d54

"I think you already know why it started, but when things got going I found out the Visitors were nice regular girls. Also, frankly, not many girls are into the whole media circus scene, it makes romantic life a bit complicated when your date might actually have to worry about what to say to a representative."
>>
No. 791877 ID: fa8f9d

Yes, while I'm at it why not a nice Asian (I don't know if we were ever confirmed Asian) girl? Why even date outside of your own race? It's not like they have their own feelings, point of views, or desires?
>>
No. 791878 ID: eb3cf7

"I find your use of the word 'unnecessary' interesting. I mean, if we're talking about what's absolutely necessary, why not just lock yourself in a 10 ft by 10 ft cube with a bed, nutrient slop, and some way of producing fungible labor, and call it a life?

"Tell me, Wheeler--why did you marry your wife?"
>>
No. 791882 ID: 6612fa

>>791870
ah, well it makes me happy, THEY make me happy, do I really need a reason more than that, it doesn't physically hurt others. I would honestly be doing this even if I wasn't getting paid, the only difference is the government gets information they wouldn't or couldn't learn without my aid. Why do you do what you do?
>>
No. 791883 ID: 350a50

>>791878
Let's not assume he has a wife, but go with this. Maybe ask if he's found that special someone, or if not, why hasn't he found what he's looking for?
>>
No. 791886 ID: fee32f

Well I started because opportunity knocked and I answered. I mean, if I wasn't contacted by HVAO, maybe I'd be on a different path, like the one you say.

But I'm staying because they're beautiful, interesting and talented women, and alien or not, When I'm with them I feel like the luckiest man in two dimensions.
>>
No. 791888 ID: 91ee5f

>>791870
>"Help me out," Wheeler says. "You're a good-looking fella. Why not find a nice regular human girl, get things squared away, take a healthy reproductive subsidy? Why all the unnecessary--" he waves his hands vaguely. "Why them?"
"You know what's funny? Even if I never got this job, I'd probably still hang out with Visitors. I mean, the only thing that makes them different than humans is what's on the outside. Because when it comes down to what's on the inside, they're no different than you and me. They've all got their own feelings, hobbies, and dreams, just like us humans. If humans would stop being a bunch of assholes to the Visitors and actually took the time to get to know them, they'd see that too."
>>
No. 791894 ID: bb78f2

>>791870
Sexuality is an important part of the human condition, and as I've found out, it's also part of the Oculot, Warrior and Skut condition too. Meg can clarify how classified that part is of the floater condition if she wants. Might be a state secret.

Don't want to start an international incident over kissing and telling.

Also, most importantly, why not?

Plus, you know, we're all people, sentient conscious beings with a personality that we can be attracted too. Race and species doesn't HAVE to be a barrier for attraction if you don't give a shit. Hell, you don't have to care about gender either.

Did you know, sir, that I could just as easily bone a human man and not take a reproductive subsidy? Would you like to come to my bedroom sometime and partake in non-reproductive subsidy? You're a good looking man yourself.
>>
No. 791896 ID: 4063a3

>>791870
Ask him how often he gets to bust rope inside.

Don't explain what it means, wait for him to figure out the imagery himself
>>
No. 791897 ID: eb3cf7

>>791896
lmao not a very hard one to decode, there.
>>
No. 791906 ID: eb3cf7

>>791883
He's a conservative politician—of course he has a wife.
>>
No. 791922 ID: c31aac

>>791886
This, and this but without too much sass >>791877


>>791896
And with as much sass as we can this, if he starts pressing the point.
To hopefully shock him into going away.
>>
No. 791936 ID: 51649e

Hmm. He might be fishing for some angle he can use to attack you. That you're just a pervert or something. I'd say keep away from the personal reasons and try something like:

"Well, as far as the aim of the study goes? It was always going to happen. Human mythology and literature, well before the first portals opened, was full of people getting into relationships with non-human people. The human mind doesn't take a DNA sample before it decides to like something - its parameters for where it targets its affections are much looser than that. Then, considering that we're all the descendants of a long line of people who all had sex at least once - except you, Meg - it would be inevitable that when humans and Visitors interacted, some of them would get into relationships. Therefore, it needed to be studied."

"Given that, of course, I have to say that a long term intimate relationship was not a demand of the program. All the program asked of us participants is that we go on a few dates, get to know each other and learn how our dating and relationship cultures interacted or conflicted. I've simply been fortunate and ended up getting along especially well with my dates, as individuals, so I decided to keep in touch with them and continue enjoying each other's company. I'd do that if I wasn't getting paid. These days the money is to send the HVAO reports about it all, and accept their suggestions for particular investigations to make. And a little public representation, now, it seems."
>>
No. 791944 ID: a363ac

>>791870
"You don't get on the internet much do you? Ever heard of furries? not to mention why do LGBT people have sex with other people?"
>>
No. 791952 ID: 1226ae

>>791870
Is he implying that relationships between consenting sapient beings are 'unnatural'?

Because I will be honest here, a hundred years ago they said the same things about blacks and whites.
>>
No. 791956 ID: 52b8df

>>791936
This
>>
No. 791959 ID: 7d8168

I found myself presented with the opportunity to date fun, fascinating, beautiful women. You ask me "why," but I think the answer to that should be obvious to anyone with a heart, a brain, and at least one eye.

"Why not?" though, is a much trickier question. Maybe you could help me out there.
>>
No. 791960 ID: 2bcdb9

>>791952
That, right there, is the angle to use.
Rephrase his last sentence as such:"Wasn't it not too long ago something similar was said? How did it go? "You're a good-looking fella. Why not find a nice regular white/black girl, get things squared away, take a healthy reproductive subsidy? Why all the unnecessary-- "Why them?"
>>
No. 791966 ID: 51649e

>>791936

Addendum: A shorter way of saying the gist of this might be "If and when non-human intelligences ever showed up, some humans were going to want to get closer to them, and so long as humans are humans there always will be. We might as well do the research and be sensible about it, instead of just letting the problems happen unsupervised. So, not unnecessary I think, Rep, thanks."

Another short response: "Why? Well, why not?"

Or to add a bit more on to that: "Visitors are perfectly capable of being intelligent, sophisticated and passionate, and even if you're not attracted to them that way you have to admit they can be beautiful. Plus, on a... practical level, there's no risk of unexpected kids and a very reduced chance of a couple catching anything off each other. Intermingling was always going to happen, Representative."

In any case, avoid too much sass or hostility or overt "gotcha!"s, the press is right there. We're being a man of reason and culture, here.

If he comes out with some line about population issues or people not having kids, answer it with the earth's Visitor population having more to be concerned with on that count, as most of them have some issues with their heritage, while there'll always be humans who prefer to stick to their own kind. (You, could, at this point, slip in a subtle jab about some humans unfortunately refusing to even give Visitors a polite word.)

I think the "it's just like racism" angle will be too easily answered with "yeah but they're literally a different species", like the ability to have children would be sufficient proof of "necessity" or "natural"ness. We need more in the quiver than that.
>>
No. 791967 ID: 8d4593

"A nice regular human girl"
Heh, You really don't get it.
Sure I took this job out of curiosity and perhaps some unusual tastes but...
Meg, Bea, GG, Bika... I love them all, Patrick.

They're just as "Regular" as anyone else once you get to know them.
>>
No. 791983 ID: 52b8df

>>791959
I CHANGE MY VOTE TO THIS
>>
No. 792001 ID: aebfae

Either this: >>791878

Or this: >>791959
>>
No. 792011 ID: 8e3892

>>791878
I vote for this but Change the wife bit to this "why does anyone date, marry a person, if your answer is just to procreate what separates us from animals."
He is also making the assumption we don't like human women.
>>
No. 792028 ID: d36af7

Thinking too defensive, here. Gotta get inside the conservative mindset.

"The HVAO is a government program. They came to me. My country called, and I answered. Sure, I could've just gone on a few dates, kept it all professional and arm's-length, padded out reports with whatever superficial insights I stumbled across, and pocketed the money, but that would be a dereliction of the duty I'd been charged with, to go forth and learn, opening hearts and minds. Surely as an elected official you also routinely rebuke the temptation to rest on your laurels rather than doing the utmost to serve your constituents?"
>>
No. 792029 ID: 350a50

>>791959
I do like this one as well.
>>
No. 792047 ID: 0c367f

>>791959
This.
>>
No. 792114 ID: b571fa

>>791878

This is prolly the strongest so far rhetorically.

>>792011

That rewrite is dramatically less punchy. Dude's a first-tier politician, it's a pretty safe bet he has a wife.
>>
No. 792124 ID: 350a50

>>792114
You have made a valid point and changed my mind. Definitely say the wife thing, and then if he says he doesn't have one we can ask why.
>>
No. 792171 ID: 6612fa

>>792114
its supposed to be less punchy, let let him take the first outright rude stance. makes us look better in front of the reporter, we got to be the bigger man in this situation, this isnt g.g.s dad we are not here to impress him or change his mind, we are here to impress the reporter and then the girls as an additional bonus is possible.
>>
No. 792249 ID: fee32f

I don't see a ring on his finger, let's not assume he's married.
>>
No. 792280 ID: c31aac

>>792171
Ye.
>>792249
good catch.
>>
No. 792567 ID: f6ba27
File 149109516176.png - (58.95KB , 960x560 , 774.png )
792567

"That's interesting, your use of the word 'unnecessary,'" you say. "If we're talking what's necessary why not get a 10 by 10 room with a bed, nutrient slop, and a hamster wheel, and call it a life? I mean tell me. Why'd you marry your wife?"
Annika's eyebrows just about disappear into her hairline.

Wheeler lets out a puff of tittery air and holds his ringless hand up. "Marriage isn't exactly for me, Zack. Case you didn't notice." His smile is a little pale around the edges as his lips push together. "But if it was, I don't know if I'd pick a lady with a gun on the front of her head."
"It took you a couple of tries though, didn't it, Senator?" Polyphema says.
Wheeler looks at her as if he's seeing her for the very first time. Behind the folds of his eyelids he almost hides how he feels about what he sees. "Representative."
"Representative! Right. You know sometimes I think I'd forget my gun if it wasn't stuck to the front of my head," Polyphema says. "That's the Representative Wheeler with the wife then the mistress then the ex-wife then the ex-mistress then the second ex-wife. If I recall correctly."

A bubble of silence around the table.

"I'm not sure what parties are like where you're from," Wheeler says. "But we don't talk about that sort of thing here."
"Oh we don't." Polyphema blinks. "But your lecture on proper human romance was so edifying."

Another long silence.
Annika is staring at Polyphema. Polyphema is smiling at Wheeler. Wheeler is not smiling.
Kathleen is watching you.
Meg is texting under the table.
>>
No. 792571 ID: 70983e

Quickly set your phone to vibrate/silent.
>>
No. 792573 ID: 91cfcf

>>792567
"What happened to 'shall not be infringed', Mr. Wheeler?"
>>
No. 792576 ID: c31aac

"So, just for the record, I did not know any of that. Like I said, I don't keep up on politics."
>>
No. 792581 ID: fee32f

Well, I'm a man who knows what he wants. I guess I kind of like dangerous.
>>
No. 792582 ID: 51649e

"Ahem. To put this particular conversation to bed, I think the last point I'd make, Representative, is that attraction to non-human people is in fact something that humans have been experiencing since we had the imagination for it, and people being told not to when the possibility arises is just going to make it more enticing. In short, it's going to happen anyway, so why not face front to it and minimize any damage? But let's talk about something else. A nice bit of polite conversation that we can all participate in, while we wait for our meal?"

"Something about... art, maybe. What do you think the new post-war "period" is going to be called? We had... what, post-postmodernism, before? What are the major themes these days? I think we've got a lot of leftover feelings from the war and the recovery, but there's interdimensional cultural cross-pollination, too."
>>
No. 792587 ID: 91ee5f

>>792567
>Poly's Bea's verbal smack down!
SHOTS FIRED!!! SHOTS FIRED!!! O_O

>Kathleen is watching you.
She wants to see your response to the situation.

>Meg is texting under the table.
She's probably texting Bika and/or GG. I have a feeling the text says something like, "OOOOOH SHIT!!! Poly's laying a verbal smack down on Rep. Wheeler! :o"
>>
No. 792591 ID: 1226ae

>>792567
"Really, Representative Wheeler? That sounds like an interesting story!"
>>
No. 792596 ID: 350a50

>>792567
Damn, Poly. Roasted.

"So, Mr. Wheeler, you were talking about reproductive subsidies. Do you still get those? I'm guessing since that's part of your platform, you at least have a few little munchkins of your own."

Let's see if he has kids at all, and if there's any more sore spots we can open up for our more informed, lovely Polyphema to jab into. We've done good setting things up so far, but it's best if she delivers the killing blow for maximum effect. Let's try to get him to freak out and play the villain tonight.
>>
No. 792611 ID: 7b594e

>>792567
"Mr. Wheeler, why do you hate Visitors? I can understand hating the Kariket, his empire, and the forces involved, but why the entirety of their races? Surely you wouldn't generalize about an entire dimension's worth of people."
>>
No. 792615 ID: 51649e

>>792611
>why do you hate visitors

A classic loaded question is not going to make Zack look good.

And let's not encourage more sick burns, I know it feels good to roast the guy but it's not going to do anything constructive, pretty much the opposite.
>>
No. 792616 ID: 7b7ab3

>>792571
This.
>>792576
This.
>>792582
And this.
>>
No. 792633 ID: 91ee5f

>>792615
>>792616
These.
>>
No. 792662 ID: bb78f2

Oh boy I hope the chef doesn't use that burn on my steak.
I like mine rare.
>>
No. 792671 ID: 7d8168

>>792582
Yeah, I think Wheeler's gotten the point. Let's change the subject to cool things down. And well, if he doesn't back down, we can turn the heat back up. We have plenty of material to keep fighting the good fight if he doesn't agree to a ceasefire.
>>
No. 792703 ID: 2d712c

Damn Poly, you go around murdering people in cold blood like that in public you're just gonna prove the guy's point.
>>
No. 792717 ID: 6612fa

>>792567
well... in for a penny you are in for a pound, we can't back peddle out of this politely shots were fired against better judgement, we now must stand our ground. hope the news lady doesn't roast us alive as sjw ranting trash, rather than as a concerned citizen just doing his part.




if we wanted to try to deescalate and allow the senator to back down i guess we could say this, normally im not so wordy, damn it.

"nobody gets it right senator, love is tricky, and it can be messy, some people choose to go separate ways when they feel like that, some tough it out, others never want to be apart. to define a relationship only on what you can get out of it will end up leaving you with nothing in the end. I'm not averse to human women senator but there is more to this world than just trying to fit into a predetermined mold and living a life dictated by others, which is the entire reason why the visitors came here, to escape a tyrant, that will kill them if they ever go back or kill them if he ever invades again, this place is their only hope for a future, let's give them one we can be proud of."
>>
No. 792729 ID: 350a50

>>792717
I like this a lot. Full support.
>>
No. 792730 ID: a363ac

>>792567
"Ouch. you need some ointment for that burn?"
>>
No. 792742 ID: 2a185d

>>792717
I support this as well.
>>
No. 792771 ID: 12e88b

We're here to have a nice time and look good for the press, so let's just not be an ass?

Poly already got him and she at least has the excuse of having been ignored and him being specifically hypocritical, if Zack tries to follow up anything along those lines he'll just look bad.
>>
No. 792784 ID: 094652

"Look, can we just agree that we're all insignificant assholes? Because apparently the Kariket's power comes from him knowing that and us not knowing that."
>>
No. 792792 ID: 8d4593

Oh come on. Don't give me that face Wheeler!
Everyone knows you didn't come over here for polite conversation anyway.

Why don't you tell us what you really want.
>>
No. 792794 ID: eb3cf7

>>792792
I kind of like that, but I'm not sure it's our smartest play.
>>
No. 792795 ID: fee32f

Don't start shit, and don't talk about things he JUST SAID we don't talk about. Change the subject to art without saying your changing the subject.
>>
No. 792865 ID: 52b8df

What's the difference between a girl who can be a gun and a girl who owns a gun, Representative Wheeler? You're supposed to trust your loved ones either way.
Poly is smart guys go with what she does
>>
No. 792867 ID: 91cfcf

>>792865
No, she really isn't, when it comes to tricky things like "dealing with emotions". Poly is self-destructive. Absolutely do not follow her lead.
>>
No. 792894 ID: 447110

>>792795
Why are we letting him condescend to us? That was pretty much him saying please don't hit this weak point for massive damage.
>>
No. 792906 ID: fee32f

>>792894
Or maybe don't resort to verbal cheap shots RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE PRESS. You can't kill people with words.
>>
No. 792977 ID: d8f4d2

>>792567
"What happened to 'shall not be infringed', Mr. Wheeler?"

This. He's trying to put us on the spot, get us to say something he can use against us or someone else. We need to avoid saying anything that reflects badly on us or the HVAO. If we oppose his racist nonsense at all we need to do it by appealing to our native culture and institutions.
>>
No. 792978 ID: 5a9c99

>>792865
This.

>>792867
She keeps her self-destruction private, and she's a master of politics and verbal sparring. Until she proves she can't hack it in the big world (which she's only proven the opposite of, so far), trust your woman, Zack.
>>
No. 793002 ID: b571fa

>>792573

This is good.

Also perhaps something along the lines of:

"Sorry for assuming. The point stands though, what makes you fall in love with someone isn't what's necessary. Love is about what makes life worth living."

Which rebuts his other point without giving him the satisfaction of getting rude. Last sentence could be reworked if someone has something even pithier, I'm a bit tired, but along those lines.
>>
No. 793019 ID: 350a50

>>792906
He made his jabs, we made a jab back. He tries to start shit again we'll finish it.

For now play nice.
>>
No. 793099 ID: 0915af

Really digging these emotacons. Now we get to add turds to the comments and ideas that are shit
>>
No. 793103 ID: 0555b9

Play nice kids.

Let's change the topic to art, a specialty of Annika and Zack's. A toast to modern art, the mirrors we put up to our changing times. Like... that thingy over there, which looks like a pyramid of wine glasses? Oh wait, that's just a regular pyramid of wine glasses.
(Seriously, look around for some art by a Visitor that you wouldn't know was Visitor at first glance? I'm not sure where in the museum galas are held.)
>>
No. 793265 ID: f6ba27
File 149128092050.png - (53.81KB , 960x560 , 775.png )
793265

"Wellll." You scan the hall for a different subject to cling to. "Not a lot of art, huh. For the MoMA gala."
"Food, wine, and priceless pieces don't tend to mix," Kathleen says. Polyphema gives her a sparkling laugh.
"Yeah but look up," Annika says. "That's a legit Chihuly. Like from Chihuly."
You look up to the chandelier, a strikingly noneuclidean thicket of glass that looks like a Lovecraftian wet dream. "Oh shit. Yeah."
"Chihuly?" Poly asks.
"Dale Chihuly," Kathleen says. "The late famous glassblower."
Annika nods. "With only one eye, actually!"
"I love him already," Polyphema says.
"An unfortunate casualty of the battle of New York," Wheeler says. The table ignores him.
"We blew glass, didn't we?" you say. "Junior-- senior year."
"I blew glass," Annika says. "You wheezed it."
"You made a bong."
Annika plucks a glass of wine from a passing waiter's tray. "A bong that Professor Lenora gave an A- to, in case you forgot."
Polyphema is looking at Annika like she's a triple decker chocolate cake.

A subtle pulse against your leg. Your phone just buzzed.
You risk a peek while Annika is telling Polyphema about Harvey Littleton.

:meg: i have to go to the bathroom
:meg: do u have to go to the bathroom
:meg: i think u do
>>
No. 793267 ID: 595d54

>>793265
Time to face the music. Go ahead and find out what's up.
>>
No. 793268 ID: c31aac

>>793265
Yea. Excuse yourself for a bit.
>>
No. 793270 ID: bddd2f

>>793265
"Pardon me, but I need to use the facilities."
>>
No. 793271 ID: 7b7ab3

>>793267
>>793268
>>793270
>>
No. 793272 ID: f6ba27
File 149128250947.png - (27.98KB , 960x560 , 776.png )
793272

"I have to go freshen up," you say. "Be right back."

You leave the door to your stall slightly ajar, and try not to listen too hard to the guy taking a leak next to you.
His footsteps recede, and then Meg slips into the stall with you. She closes the door. She holds up her phone.

:meg: sorry this isnt a quicky or anything. i need wheelers phone

You hold your hands up to communicate why?
She taps a reply.
:meg: to bug it

You raise your eyebrows.

:meg: karikets not the only enemy we need to watch. maybe not even biggest threat atm. hvao knows about this, its reason wheeler @ table, very illegal. shhh
:meg: also full disclosure i am going to give stuff to golboria too

She reads your reaction in your face.

:meg: remember how floaters pulled out of program? they came back because i told them i could feed them intel. way less than im giving earth + really selective + harmless. just breadcrumbs. but im running out of bread
:meg: super harmless but technically treason dont tell hvao or the rebellion
:meg: so i need wheelers phone. its in his jacket pocket. idk how to get it
:meg: also do u want a quicky
>>
No. 793273 ID: 595d54

>>793272
Honestly, a quicky is probably a better cover for why both of you had to go to the bathroom. Everyone who's anyone will suspect something, and better they suspect you can't keep it in your pants than they suspect spy stuff.
>>
No. 793274 ID: 7b7ab3

Well, yes obviously, but how do we get the phone? Ask politely?
>>
No. 793278 ID: a1278c

>>793272
>i need wheelers phone
K. How we get it?
>also do u want a quicky
Si.
>>
No. 793281 ID: 91ee5f

>>793272
>How to get phone?
I don't know.

>Quicky?
I want to say yes, but it's going to have to be a no. We just finished panicking over that tiny stain we made on her dress earlier, we not need to risk making another stain!

Also, don't need Kathleen writing down and then later asking about that for the interview.
>>
No. 793282 ID: 72ed6b

>>793272
> :meg: also do u want a quicky

"Is that even a question?"

Also, it's her call if she wants to tell anyone, but doesn't the agency on this side already know she's a double-agent? It's a given that a double-agent will need to feed some information to the other side to maintain their role; they'd typically feed critical information to the side they're loyal to, and harmless-but-valuable intel to the other side. This seems like a natural extension of that role, and one that the agency on this side would have no problem with in order for her to maintain her role. We shouldn't talk about that at length now, but perhaps later.
>>
No. 793283 ID: e22b1d

It's not going to be a quicky if you just jizzed in her mouth a few minutes ago. You should get back to the table before scandal is suspected and save your marathon load for the upcoming foursome with Meg, Poly, and Annika.
>>
No. 793286 ID: 72ed6b

>>793283
This is a good point. Doesn't have to stop us, though; have her hover a bit higher (make sure she isn't visible above the stall walls), and we can return the favor.
>>
No. 793289 ID: c31aac

>>793272
Tentative plan A devised.
We go out, make like you yelled at me a bit for being rude. Make nice with him, later go for a selfie with him for "press" stuff. Distraction happens (hopefully ruining any press coverage, vague and needs ideas), and in the confusion we conveniently "forget" we have his phone.

ALTERNATIVELY, we could ask poly to try and pickpocket it. She seems the type to have picked up the skills for that at SOME point.

Biggest problems we face are as follows:
-can't fuck up important political meeting
-can't tip off wheeler to what's going on
-and obviously can't just mug him for it. Though maybe we could hire a non-visitor mugger somehow if we have contacts.
>>
No. 793290 ID: 96daa7

Two things come to mind-
1. Crank up the thermostat- probably through bribery- so he takes off his jacket, wait for him to leave the table. Show Poly or Annika something on your phone as an excuse to go to that side of the table. Kinda sorta really dicey, and a lot of variables, but it's the safest way I can think of.

2. You dance with him. You'll be close, he'll be distracted. It'll only work if everybody is dancing, otherwise you'll be the center of attention which is counterproductive.

Any plan will involve filling him with wine. I think he's focused on me enough that if I make it into a pissing contest once the bottles come out, getting him to keep drinking shouldn't be too tough.

A quickie may end in near-disaster again, maybe compromise with sloppy makeout?
>>
No. 793304 ID: 65e280

you'll owe me more than a quickie after i get that phone, so i'll just take an iou for now

we can at least get his phone on the table if we talk about models - guy like that loves to brag about his expensive stuff so he'll take the opportunity to show off whatever model he's got
>>
No. 793316 ID: 70983e

>>793283
Agreed, get back to the table before the wrong scandal is suspected. She's a fast learner so I don't doubt her ability to clean up this time, but on the other hand Zack is not that fast a recharger.
>>
No. 793330 ID: fceae5

To get the phone, we're going to need a distraction or something to keep him from noticing.
Also, ixnay on the quicky. We gotta focus.
>>
No. 793337 ID: e97f18

>>793286
Go with this.

As for the spycraft, doing something that leads to him taking his jacket off at the table seems like a good idea. Playing games with the heat could work nicely.
>>
No. 793341 ID: 51649e

For the quickie, answer (by phone): "want, with you always, but should not right now"

As for his phone... There's going to be dancing, right? Slip the sound guy a little tip to put on something more energetic (which is an innocent enough thing to do by itself), get everyone to work up a little sweat and there should be jackets being taken off.
>>
No. 793342 ID: 51649e

Dance plan bonus: we can also provide a distraction from the pocket picking by BREAKING IT DOWN ON THE FLOOR Z-NGUYEN STYLE
>>
No. 793437 ID: 350a50

Ask Wheeler to dance.
>>
No. 793449 ID: cba5dd

>>793337
This.
>>
No. 793479 ID: b571fa

I honestly don't have many ideas here, we aren't an accomplished pickpocket. Getting him to dance with us seems... chancy. It depends very much on what kind of party this is. Playing with the heat might work although this is a major gala, that might not be easy. Selfie might work but those kind of guys tend to have an umbilical connection to their phones.

Getting him plastered sounds good, whatever plan we go with in the end, it'll help.
>>
No. 793485 ID: 91ee5f

>>793479
>Getting him plastered sounds good, whatever plan we go with in the end, it'll help.
That'll also make him look like a fool in front of everyone! XD
>>
No. 793492 ID: 2d712c

We could potential goad him into saying something that oversteps the bounds of polite company and then retaliate by throwing wine on his jacket. It may not reflect the best on us but if it were in the defense of our girls then it would at least be seen as justifiable and we'd have Kath as witness to whatever racist shit he said. A shame this wasn't brought up before the gun comment.
>>
No. 793534 ID: 4063a3

>>793272
!@#$ her right between her actual legs

To steal the phone: quietly subdue one of the event's Asian-American cater-waiters and steal his clothes. UNsilhouette yourself and offer to take a group publicity photo of Wheeler with the girls, and stealthily stow his phone in a large salad. Return to him the phone of the cater-waiter, playing it off as a mistake before swapping the BUGGED phone from Meg back to Wheeler.
>>
No. 793558 ID: 2d712c

>>793341
We should accept the quickie. If we return smelling like sex no one will suspect we were using this time to plot spy shit. Stupid horny kids is the perfect cover.
>>
No. 793598 ID: 5570b1

>>793558
It hasn't been that much time. A way better cover would probably be going to the bathroom.
>>
No. 793744 ID: 90f961

>>793272
No quickie. We have more important things to do.
>>
No. 794593 ID: f6ba27
File 149171853496.png - (51.05KB , 960x560 , 777.png )
794593

You take your own phone out and type a response.
>yes but we shouldnt
:meg: booo ok
:meg: i want to fuck in this dress before the night is over jsyk
>lol noted
>ur going to owe me more than a quickie after i get this phone for u anyway
:meg: yessss
:meg: espionage gets me wet
>how do we do it? maybe i could turn the thermostat up so he takes it off
:meg: Really doubt you'll be able to get near the thermostat. We have all night to get it from him lets improvise
>r u sure?
:meg: yep
>should we tell poly?
:meg: up to u. she could be useful
>we should get back
"K," whispers Meg. She gives you a quick kiss on the neck.

"Zack Nguyen!!!"
You try not to wince at the sound of your name being called as you and Meg thread your way back to the table.
A radiant, silver haired woman is bobbing toward you.
"I'm sorry; I noticed the Visitor on your arm and couldn't help but presume. You would be Megumi, yes?"
"That's right."
"So you're Zack Nguyen. Excellent!" She kisses the air near both your cheeks. "Gillian Chabord. Chief Curator at Large for the MoMA and thrilled to finally meet you."
"Likewise," you say.
"When the HVAO approached us I was over the moon. Absolutely over the moon. Our Extradimensional Wing has just expanded and we are so glad to have this kind of representation at the Gala. You are among friends. Even if the arrangements may not feel like it. Would you like him, ah, moved?"
"It's good," Meg says.
"All right. Excellent. Just making sure. Would either of you like time in the programming this evening? We've left some air in. Do you have any remarks you'd like to deliver, Zack? No pressure. Of course."
>>
No. 794595 ID: 7b7ab3

>>794593
Could be a chance for some good exposure.
However, it might cut into our spy business.
Choices.
>>
No. 794602 ID: 70983e

>>794595
Yes. Choices. Make them.

Accept, it could serve as a distraction for Meg to get into Wheeler's pants. You'll think of something to say later.
>>
No. 794607 ID: 7b7ab3

>>794602
As good a plan as any. This.
>>
No. 794610 ID: 72ed6b

>>794593
Take them up on the opportunity, a little later rather than right now.

First, offer the opportunity to Meg, as she's the artist here, and the one who merited the invitation.

But for your own part, you could deliver some brief remarks appropriate to the venue.

You might remark on how art tells a story. Remark on the differences you've learned about between the stories of humans and visitors. How (in very broad terms) human stories and art often seeks to to help the reader empathize primarily with the mindset and motivations of the protagonists, to have you cheer them on or share their hopes and dreams as they complete their epic quests, hopefully save the day, turn the tide, perhaps find romance. While visitor stories often give you a look behind the veil of many characters, and get you to empathize with them all, so you might be happy for one character and sad for another at the same time, if they were in conflict. And it's rare for someone to have so little depth or redeeming value that everyone would cheer their downfall without a second thought. Which would mean the happiest and most enjoyable stories are those where everyone can learn to get along, and no one goes home sad or disappointed (or doesn't get to go home at all), because then you can feel happy for everyone at once. It might make for a less epic story by human standards, but it makes for a much nicer world to live in.
>>
No. 794614 ID: e97f18

>>794610
This sounds really good, if Zack can pull it off.

Watch for Poly's reaction, as well. Both because she's the one you learned much of this from, and because in a way, those remarks also suggest how characters can be redeemed and get their happy ending.

Also, resist the urge to use the direct phrase "happy ending" at any point in your remarks, because it'll only lead to jokes and quotes out of context...
>>
No. 794631 ID: a5b30c

Say yes.
>>
No. 794647 ID: 51649e

>>794614
>>794610
>Which would mean the happiest and most enjoyable stories are those where everyone can learn to get along

Happiest maybe, but enjoyable? So far it seems to me that Visitor stories focus more on, like, lingering angst and conflict and so on. I don't think Visitor culture really considers happiness as an ultimate aim or the proper ending to a story. What little we've seen didn't - warrior stories having a sort of tragic conflict element, and implication that oculot stuff often goes for the heart-rending, et cetera. I think they go more for catharsis than happiness.

Which kind of fits with the kariket domination, too - stories with happy endings would build expectations, while the more bleak/bitter/tragic/cathartic fare would build more of a "yes some things are injust/unfair/pretty shit but that's just the way life is and there's nobility in facing up to it" idea. Which isn't necessarily just propaganda, it's a valid way to look at life.

I mean, happiness as the end of a good story isn't exactly universal to humans, either.
>>
No. 794652 ID: 393aa5

>>794610
A comparison to a story feels too obvious to make remarks on.
I think we should tell them about Montana, maybe talk about how you usually don't hear both sides of a story.
>>
No. 794653 ID: 72ed6b

>>794647
It's an intentional mix of visitor philosophy and human philosophy: the happiest visitor stories, by human cultural standards. There are clearly whole reams that could be written (and probably should be written by appropriate scholars) on the different types of stories that each culture enjoys, and how that affects their culture and vice versa. But for a brief set of remarks at an event like this, it seems like a reasonable observation. (The other observation, that visitor stories trend more towards "life sucks sometimes, deal with it", is also valid, but more of a party-killer.)
>>
No. 794654 ID: e97f18

>>794652
That story doesn't seem right for a party, and it could backfire pretty severely.
>>
No. 794655 ID: 72ed6b

>>794652
> A comparison to a story feels too obvious to make remarks on.

Is it? How much has a broad audience been exposed to the differences? It was something that we had to have explained to us, not common knowledge.
>>
No. 794656 ID: 393aa5

>>794654
That sounds distracting enough.
>>
No. 794657 ID: a5b30c

Meg's the artist, so she should be the one talking. Unless it's more about culture than art.
Anyway, it could work as a distraction for spy stuff.
>>
No. 794707 ID: e97f18

>>794657
She should be, and we should defer to her, but for distraction and espionage purposes, it might make more sense for us. (Or both, at different times.)

Also, ask the curator for a bit of detail on the visitor wing, both out of genuine curiosity and so that you might be able to comment on it in your remarks, steering people there. Can't hurt to ingratiate yourself to the curator.
>>
No. 794794 ID: b40ec3

>>794707
This.
>>
No. 794871 ID: 392497

>>794610
Go with this.

>>794647
>>794653
You could avoid generalizing, and just make it "from my perspective, the happiest and most enjoyable stories". Can't argue with that.
>>
No. 795211 ID: f6ba27
File 149197444302.png - (147.50KB , 960x560 , 778.png )
795211

"Meg's more of the artistic one." Out of Chabord's sight you touch the curve of Meg's back, at the edge of her dress.
Meg holds her hands up in deflection. "I'd be happy to play something. But speaking's not my gig."
Chabord laughs. "Well if speaking is your gig, Zack, I'm sure we could accomodate you both."
"Maybe a few, uh, brief remarks," you say. "Maybe I could steer the people toward that Visitor exhibit you mentioned. Can you tell me more about it?"
"We have works from almost every wing and species of the Golborian empire," Chabord says. "Samash Oculotti portraiture, several sets of armor and a hunting set from the Warrior artisan-smith Bjalgeskjo, a fantastic splatter mural of the Kariket Ascendancy... but the real jewels of the collection are the pre-imperial and subversive works. The portraits of Pre-Kariket kings, the counterpropaganda prints, and even a massive splatter mural of Pirgatea's Rebuke. The only place they'd be safe from the culture-purges were on Earth, you see, and so there was a huge smuggling operation during and after the War. The MoMA currently houses possibly the largest pre-imperial era collection of work in either dimension. Much of it donated, financed, and smuggled, in fact, by that woman right there."

She points at Polyphema, who is valiantly forcing a laugh out of her mouth and into the ears of a grinning, professorial man at the banquet tables, a glass of wine in her hand.
"Dr. Laghari appears to be holding her hostage," Chabord says. "With a riveting anecdote about paleolithic basketweaving, no doubt."
Polyphema catches your look as Dr. Laghari turns around to take a shrimp puff, and gives you a damsel-in-distress look.
"She looks like she needs an out," Meg says.
"Yeah." You note to yourself that you could also go for some hors d'vouers, or however you spell them. "Is it all right if we pick this back up later, Ms. Chabord? After I think of what to say?"
"Ride to the rescue, Zack!" Chabord says. "And do come find me if and when you'd like to speak. We can squeeze you in."

You leave Meg discussing the particulars of her performance with Chabord. Poly sees you coming and squeezes Laghari's arm. "I think my coworker requires me, darling. Give my love to the ancient Sumerians."
She takes a glass from the table and drops it in your hand. "Bless you, dollface. God love humanity. Barred from each others' brains you all try to engage with such sincerity."
"Where's Annika?"
"She and Kathleen are grilling this fascinating blonde Italian man about his soft sculpture," Polyphema says. "And Wheeler is clumping together with the rest of the space dust into some godawful political planet. How about you?" She grins and takes a delicate swig of wine. "Did you have fun canoodling with Megumi in the powder room?"

1]] Sure did.
2]] No canoodling occurred.
3]] Not as much fun as I'm going to have canoodling with you in the powder room.
4]] Forget about me and Meg. What are you planning on doing with my art school bestie?
5]] Speaking of illegitimate liaisons there's actually something I need to talk to you about. Privately. Meg and I could use your help.
6]] You never told me you were an art smuggler.
7]] I'm supposed to speak in front of these people soon. Got any advice?
8]] I'm supposed to speak in front of these people soon. Do you want to do it instead?
9]] __________________
>>
No. 795213 ID: e22b1d

3,4,6,9: ask about the Inhibitor Bill. She'll probably know what it is.
>>
No. 795214 ID: 72ed6b

>>795211
3, and actually find somewhere you can show her something on your phone, namely that you need some help borrowing a certain asshole politician's phone later when you're providing a distraction by trying to not trip over your own tongue.
>>
No. 795216 ID: 72ed6b

Also 4, yes.
>>
No. 795222 ID: 70983e

3, 4, 6, 7. An indirect way of asking for help with our own smuggling operation.
>>
No. 795223 ID: 595d54

3, 6, 7.
>>
No. 795234 ID: 91ee5f

>>795211
I'm surprised that Chabord actually pronounced those Golborian words correctly!

2]] No canoodling occurred. Because literally nothing happened except text showing on phones.

6]] You never told me you were an art smuggler. Found out another of those "secrets" of hers.

7]] I'm supposed to speak in front of these people soon. Got any advice? Specifically what to say to convince people to check out the Golborian art section.

I'm not sure if we should ask for her help in stealing Wheeler's phone. Smuggling art is completely different to pickpocketing an asshole's phone and then reverse pickpocketing it back without the asshole noticing either time.
>>
No. 795236 ID: 7b7ab3

2, 4, 5, 6, 7
>>
No. 795238 ID: 4175e3

4 (jokingly), 5, 7/8- "got any advice, or do you feel like stealing my spotlight again?"
>>
No. 795268 ID: f2d602

Denying that bathroom shenanigans occurred will take too long to explain and is just kinda clunky. It's also a dead giveaway that we're Up To Something. Obviously this is moot if we're asking for her help stealing the phone anyway, but I've seen one vote already that isn't.

So far voting for: 4., 6., 7.

I'm kind of unsure on 5., at present. She'd be very helpful but it also kind of goes back on our promise to keep her out of this stuff. Which was a promise I don't think we ever wanted to make, and I hope we'll be released from some time soon, but we still made it.
>>
No. 795269 ID: 72ed6b

>>795214
Oh, wait, this is just 5. So, 5.
>>
No. 795270 ID: 72ed6b

>>795268
Did she want to be kept out of current stuff, or did she just not want to talk about her past?
>>
No. 795272 ID: 3d263d

2, 6, 7, then 5 for last only if you have time and can make sure you're private.

Meg went to all that effort using only texts for a reason!
>>
No. 795274 ID: 447110

>>795211
Say 7 but show her our phone and ask if she'd be our bond girl.

So 5 and 7
>>
No. 795286 ID: cc78db

>>795272
This.
>>
No. 795289 ID: 0d5b7f

I just noticed, everyone is very pink. Did we start a thing, or is poly just in touch with the fashion world?
>>
No. 795308 ID: aebfae

>>795211
3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
>>
No. 795317 ID: e97f18

5, using your phone to avoid being overheard. (End with "laugh like I've shown you something funny" so nobody gets suspicious.)

7, sort of: tell her you plan to speak (and mention via phone that you plan to use it as a distraction), mention the idea of speaking about Visitor and human stories (>>794610), and make sure you're not about to commit horrible a faux pas.
>>
No. 795325 ID: 98907f

>>795317
This, along with 6.
>>
No. 795329 ID: 350a50

You know, if she's got smuggling experience, 5 might be a good idea.
>>
No. 795400 ID: f6ba27
File 149205987342.png - (0B , 960x560 )
795400

You give a cursory scan of the banquet table to make sure no attention is being paid, then squeeze Polyphema's butt under the loose flaps of her dress. "Not as much fun as I'm going to have canoodling with you in the powder room."
"Zackary." She takes your hand off her rounded posterior. "I am a lady."
She tugs your arm and leads you across the hall. "Ladies do it in the utility closet."

"You never told me you were an art smuggler," you say.
"I never told you I was a lot of things that I happened to be at one point or another," she says. "It was mostly about getting people over, anyway. The art they brought was a bonus. Anyway I wasn't smuggling myself. I organized and sponsored and portalled it while seated comfortably on my Earthbound tuchus."
"Is that all you're going to do with my art school bestie, or are you planning something?"
Polyphema plucks a quiche from a passing tray and pops it into your mouth. "I am going to do whatever she asks me to do." She plants her index on your lips. "And nothing more. Unless you have some kind of design on her."
You swallow your quiche.
"Well not unless," Polyphema says. "In addition to."

You step over a jug of floor cleaner and gingerly replace it on the shelf.
Polyphema closes the utility closet door and turns around to see your phone held up.
>poly me and meg need ur help

"I think I have misread this situation," Polyphema whispers, placing her breast back in her top. "Anything, Doll. Why the phone?"
>>
No. 795401 ID: 595d54

>>795400
Nah, you made the situation seem like that on purpose. And canoodling is always a welcome addition to spy antics. Anyway, point is you need to access Wheeler's phone for a bit and you think Poly could distract him and entertain herself at the same time. More unfriendly banter or whatever else works.
>>
No. 795402 ID: 0c367f

After reading Lucie Brock-Broido's works, we've acquired a fetish for being an elective mute. Whoops.
>>
No. 795403 ID: 62d0e4

>>795400
Spy stuff.
We need to Poly distract Wheeler long enough for us to snatch and bug his phone.
Why do we need to bug his phone?
For some pretty morally ambiguous spy stuff that she's better off not knowing the full details on.
>>
No. 795405 ID: 8080e6

>>795400
Handle business, explain what you need, but also, wow she is fine. Maybe take advantage of the opportunity for privacy after your clandestine conspiring.
>>
No. 795407 ID: 094652

For the hax, duh. If Poly has any agents working for her that can make a simple low-profile distraction, now's the time.
>>
No. 795419 ID: 72ed6b

>>795400
"can't risk ne1 overhearing. need 2 swipe Wheeler's phone. explain later. ideas? help? could distract room w/ speaking; curator offered."

Then explain out loud about speaking to the room, and ask her advice (>>795317 had a point about avoiding faux pas); doesn't matter if anyone overhears that part.
>>
No. 795436 ID: 0d5b7f

Ladies don't do spy stuff, they do espionage.

Meg needs to bug Wheeler's phone. I'm going to be delivering some remarks soon, but I don't know if that'll be distracting enough. I don't want to pressure you into this, but can you think of any way to help?
>>
No. 795537 ID: e779b9

>>795401
This.
We'll also possibly be doing some public speaking soon, so FYI.
>>
No. 795540 ID: f2d602

>>795270

IIRC it was kinda both, she thanked us for not telling her what the message was about when Blue Eyes texted us. In general I don't think she wants too much to do with this kind of stuff, at the moment, because she's coping by compartmentalising different parts of her life. In the long run with all the shit that's going down, that's probably going to backfire terribly and we should bite the bullet and have a serious conversation at some point to head it off, but we can't do that right now.

Anyway, we're committed now, so we're just gonna have to roll with it.

Let's be upfront and ask for her help bugging Wheeler's phone, she probably doesn't want to know why. Ask for her ideas as well. Leaver her an out.

Asking her about the spy stuff via phone and then maybe asking for her advice for our remarks out loud is also a decent idea. Although honestly if someone has gone to the trouble of having the utility closet (!) or us bugged, they could also have spyware on our phone.

also probably canoodling
>>
No. 795667 ID: 70983e

Type: >Because Meg thinks this is how secret agents do it.
Murmur: "But we can have a real quickie instead to cover this up."

We're gonna give a speech to these people soon and I'd especially like to keep Wheeler's attention during it. Any tips darling?
(Still agains bringing Poly into the spy ring directly. Two can keep a secret if one of them drinks herself to death)
>>
No. 795668 ID: 348ebb

>>795419
This. Encourage her to think of more creative alternatives than "swipe it while we distract the room".
>>
No. 795669 ID: 3d263d

Text: "meg did it this way i assume she had a reason"

Though it's possible that that reason is specific to Meg? Maybe she has some automatic monitoring of what she hears that gets beamed to the other Floaters? And it doesn't apply to what she sees, because... that'd be more bandwidth load, or she justified what she might see during her job as more private than what she'd hear, or something. We don't know. Maybe not.

Anyway, say out loud that she hasn't necessarily misconstrued it entirely. Some actual canoodling could help cover things.
>>
No. 795696 ID: 350a50

>>795400
We gotta yoink Wheeler's phone for Meg. I figured you'd be in for messing with that human piece of trash.
>>
No. 795706 ID: f6ba27
File 149214325617.png - (40.29KB , 960x560 , 780.png )
795706

>meg needs to bug wheelers phone so we need to take it from him
Polyphema reads this and her mouth forms a perfect little O.
>its in his jacket pocket. gotta distract him enough to swipe it... any ideas?

Polyphema's brow furrows. Then holds her hand out for the phone.
You give it over and watch her laboriously tap out her answer. A little point of dark red tongue sticks out of her mouth.
She's a significantly slower texter than Meg.
She holds the phone back up to you.

:poly: I can seduce him!

You give her a what-the-fuck look. She starts typing again.

:poly: Doll Megumi knows spycraft. I know sex.
:poly: I know who I can seduce. I can seduce him. Jacket off check. Distracted check. Easy Peasy!
>doesnt he hate visitors
:poly: Ask yourself the last time the thing a politician announced he hated affected his secret proclivities.
:poly: If anything his outspoken xenophobia confirms it.
>but dont you hate him
:poly: OH yes. I hate him a lot.
:poly: Temptation and denial make for exquisite revenge. You really must try it sometime.
>>
No. 795707 ID: 094652

>>795706
"I think you're on to something, but it's too large a risk. He might want to @#$% you once, but that doesn't mean he'll let you live to @#$% him a second time. If you're going to do this, make sure you have a bodyguard, someone to take the blame when you blow his head 'twice'.

... In self defense. Actually, use laser eye on his dick, we want this to be memorable."
>>
No. 795708 ID: a363ac

>>795706
make him squirm. I don't like him either.
>>
No. 795710 ID: 6612fa

>>795706
"solid plan, have fun"
>>
No. 795715 ID: 7b7ab3

>>795706
I love how deliciously devious our girlfriends can get.
Knock him stone dead, Poly.
>>
No. 795717 ID: 2d712c

>>795706
"You scare me sometimes Poly."
>>
No. 795722 ID: c31aac

>>795706
"Do it and get me a picture of his face when you pull away"
>>
No. 795723 ID: 350a50

>>795717
This, lovingly.
>>
No. 795725 ID: a363ac

tell Poly to let Annika know she is doing super spy stuff before she disappears
>>
No. 795726 ID: 70983e

Grab a boob. Seductively.
>>
No. 795733 ID: 72ed6b

>>795706
> Temptation and denial make for exquisite revenge. You really must try it sometime.

"I'll have to remember that~"

This seems like a good plan. Hopefully Poly remembers the presence of the press here, though, because she's a public figure known for her relationship to us. We don't need to insult her by reminding her of that, though. And if anything, after the insults she lobbed his way, it'd be entertaining for Poly to further demonstrate his hypocrisy; if anything, it'd be worse for him if he gets caught.

So, just this:

"Stay safe."
>>
No. 795735 ID: e97f18

>>795706
"I love you, you gloriously devious genius. Enjoy."
>>
No. 795742 ID: 987bda

>>795706
'make sure you take a selfie as a keepsake.'
>>
No. 795757 ID: fc33ea

Makes me think of poor Krin.

Anyway, sounds like it could work. Be careful out there.
>>
No. 795865 ID: 5f2b81

>>795757
:(

Give her a thumbs up and then hot makeouts.
>>
No. 795922 ID: f9c86f

>>795706
note: poly may be applying Golborian political concepts to earth politicians by assuming mr make-earth-great-again can be seduced by her. I hope she is taking into account the fact that humans are way more sexually reserved than golborians, at least in general.

so, this could backfire hooooribly
>>
No. 795924 ID: c8b031

text: if youre sure he wont be able to take some serious revenge
text: he seems the type to be vindictive about that sort of thing

Non-text, ask for tips on public speaking and what you should talk about. If you had actually seen the Rebuke yourself I'd suggest you talk about it and how skuts are treated but if you haven't seen it it would be kind of major bullshit to direct people towards it.
>>
No. 795935 ID: 76aea4

>>795922
Possible, but let's trust her judgement. Her comment is something that has held true for many Earth politicians too. And she can feel him out and bail out if it won't work.

>>795924
Those text questions are good.
>>
No. 795942 ID: bb78f2

>>795706
Hmm... hatesex.
Yeah, I guess I should try it sometime, but I have a hard time hating people, especially ladies. I guess Wheeler IS the closest person around right now to hate.
Should I try to fuck Wheeler too so I don't miss out?
>>
No. 795993 ID: f6ba27
File 149223787703.png - (72.14KB , 960x560 , 781.png )
795993

"Sometimes you scare me, Poly," you whisper.
"You ought to be scared, kiddo." Poly replaces your phone in your pocket and folds her warm arms around your neck. "Didn't all the little humans tell you you're dating a monster?"
She pulls on you and you let yourself be pulled, bracing on the utility door behind her. Her knee pushes softly up between your legs.
"And when a ravenous monster sees a handsome boy in a nice suit..." Her hand trails to the doorknob. "Well. Maybe we should get back to your party before my instincts kick in."

1]] Maybe we shouldn't.
2]] You're right. I'm going for the foursome ending tonight anyway.
3]] You're right. I should go update Meg.
4]] You're right. I should see Chabord and tell her I'll be speaking.
5]] You're right. I should go talk to Kathleen and get more acquainted before our interview.
6]] You're right. I should check in with Annika. We need to reconnect.
7]] You're right. I should talk with Wheeler more. Know the enemy and keep him from suspecting things.
8]] You're right. I should walk the gala floor and see who of the rich and famous I can acquaint myself with.
9]] _____________
>>
No. 795996 ID: 70983e

2.
JK! 1.
JK! 6.
>>
No. 796006 ID: b8a03f

1, and make sure you coat her entire vagina for the senator to discover.
>>
No. 796007 ID: 8cb228

6
>>
No. 796008 ID: 72ed6b

>>795993
9) "I'm never going to let anyone get away with calling you a monster. Not even you."

Then 3 and 4.

Also, take a moment and text Bika, to enact the plan discussed in the disthread. Operation Skut-Scan.
>>
No. 796011 ID: f9b0ab

>>796008
This. That line is pretty corny, but we should say something in response to her, because even in jest lines like that suggest that some part of her really feels that way.

3 and 4, and start setting up the surprise for Bika.
>>
No. 796012 ID: e97f18

>>796008
This, but come up with a better line for 9. Good underlying sentiment, just needs a better line.
>>
No. 796013 ID: 086c47

>>795993
Don't do it right here, not least of which because we really don't want to make a scene. If we leave now, we can always use as an excuse that we wanted to ask our brilliant girlfriend for her advice on public speaking. Promise her a threesome later, though, because apparently this kind of thing gets both her and Meg wet.

Then this:

>>796011
> 3 and 4, and start setting up the surprise for Bika.
>>
No. 796014 ID: 8b7ff0

>>796011
> 3 and 4, and start setting up the surprise for Bika.

Links:

>>>/questdis/110590
>>>/questdis/110642
>>>/questdis/110643
>>>/questdis/110644
>>
No. 796047 ID: bb78f2

Queen Kong, what are you doing with my boner
>>
No. 796048 ID: 7f99ee

1 or 2, 6.
>>
No. 796051 ID: 1d37a4

We should really get out of this closet before someone suspects something.
>>
No. 796052 ID: 1d37a4

>>796014
This.
>>
No. 796057 ID: 8646b6

>>796013
This.
>>
No. 796065 ID: aebfae

>>795993
I agree with >>796008, as well as possibly add 5 and 6.
>>
No. 796066 ID: 53d0c3

Texting Bika to set the stage for a surprise later sounds great.

4. Talk to Chabord and ask to speak shortly before the dancing starts.

And then 3. Give Meg an update. And tell her she's not the only one that gets wet from spycraft.

Then 5: give Kathleen a heads-up that you might speak later. She made a point of discontinuing her note-taking earlier when we were making small-talk (and skewering hypocritical representatives), but for something like this, it'd be fine.
>>
No. 796068 ID: 5a8f53

>>796051
True.
>>
No. 796072 ID: 987bda

2, 6.
>>
No. 796092 ID: fc33ea

Leave the closet one at a time so people don't imidiately suspect what's happening.

I just got to thinking, singe Hiz's brother was a painter- do you think you're in the gallery somewhere?

Anyway, 5 or 6.
>>
No. 796093 ID: 4b353c

>>796014
This.
>>
No. 796094 ID: 4b353c

also, squee at the thought of Bika in a suit, or an elegant evening gown
>>
No. 796096 ID: 72ed6b

>>796092
> Leave the closet one at a time so people don't imidiately suspect what's happening.

Good call. That, plus we have an entirely reasonable excuse that has nothing to do with either sex or spying.
>>
No. 796102 ID: 350a50

>>796008
This.
>>
No. 796142 ID: 8080e6

222222!
>>
No. 796145 ID: d9ddc6

>>795993
2, 4, and text Bika.
>>
No. 796150 ID: c16c1d

>>796094
squee indeed.

>>796066
This.

And throw in some variant of the "not a monster" line.
>>
No. 796155 ID: 4180be

The monster bit is her reclaiming and owning monster and turning it sexy for herself. Can we not do some lame shit with it please.
>>
No. 796157 ID: e97f18

>>796155
If it were anyone but Poly, I'd be more confident in that...

But we do need a better line for it.
>>
No. 796203 ID: f6ba27

>>796157
>>796012
If you're going to go down that road I'm not going to come up with the better line for you myself jsyk
>>
No. 796205 ID: 9a7777

>>796008
This but worded worse. If you're going to ruin the moment, kick the moment in the balls and steal its wallet.
>>
No. 796211 ID: 17c2ee

Say 2, tease Polyphema with a spot of heavy petting, then don't say a fucking word about "monsters" as you get back to work.
>>
No. 796212 ID: 72ed6b

>>796203
Didn't figure you would. Figured someone might.
>>
No. 796215 ID: 3c0d31

Just let her call herself that. Look yourself in the soul and ask, are you That Guy at parties? If not, don't ruin the moment.
>>
No. 796223 ID: e97f18

"And since when have I cared what all the little humans told me?"
>>
No. 796228 ID: f1a4b6

Just let it go. Bring it up later if you have to but don't ruin the moment for now.
>>
No. 796276 ID: d362ab

We need to take this opportunity we've just been handed to make some headway with Poly. We can't live in fantasy were she's partitioned from everything else going on forever. We're going to need her help at some point.

It would be much easier to just let this moment pass by. But we can't afford to. We aren't on a fucking trip to Disneyland here; we're fighting to avert the end of the world, and Polyphema is a soldier who we're going to need.

[X] I don't think you're a monster. I could never do that.

This should hit like an emotional gutpunch and will completely kill the mood. She may tear up slightly. But it will put her in the very first stages of being ready for a deeper conversation later on.

3./4. also sound good (I also like 2., but more for amusement value)

I like the idea of getting nice clothes for Bika.
>>
No. 796277 ID: e136ae

>>795993
9 - Bite her neck. She is not the only monster, dammit!
>>
No. 796282 ID: 7d3ace

>>796276
Well said. This.

Fortunately we don't need the mood, as it looks like the consensus is to not do it in the closet right now. (Besides, Meg would kill us later, since we did turn her down.)
>>
No. 796284 ID: 188a96

>>796276
This.
>>
No. 796286 ID: ce2e2f

>>796276
For God's sake, no. Polyphema's problem ISN'T a self-hatred of her Visitor status. It's an unwillingness to face the past. I have no idea why you're conflating the two. Show me a single indication that she is ashamed of being an Oculot or any time she has let a human racist get to her.
We can do this OUTSIDE a party where we JUST MADE a plan for Polyphema to seduce this guy. This will 5000% throw her off her game.
>>
No. 796287 ID: 3aae5f

>>796276
Nice. That's much better.
>>
No. 796288 ID: 3aae5f

>>796286
This isn't about hating being a Visitor; this is that she really does seem to think she (used to be) a monster in her past.

And honestly, the line seems very Zach: cheesy but heartfelt.
>>
No. 796291 ID: e97f18

>>796276
This line sounds good. That keeps the right underlying sentiment.
>>
No. 796292 ID: e136ae

>>796276

Y'all know she was trying to flirt, right? I just want to check here.
>>
No. 796293 ID: 6ba154

1
>>
No. 796295 ID: 281ae5

If we keep ambushing Poly with stuff like this we are going to permanently lose her.
>>
No. 796297 ID: d362ab

>>796292

I do know that (altho there is prolly an element of her real self-loathing showing through here, this is a thing that happens). I'm taking it as a deliberate opportunity to essentially knock her off-balance with tenderness a bit, probably hurt her unintentionally, and get her into more of a mental place where we can then have a deeper conversation with her later, and get her to let some of her walls down.

Maybe this isn't the ideal time. I'm not entirely sure there is going to be an ideal time.

It's also something that if not now, we are going to still have to deliberately engineer. I don't think Brom will just drop the opportunity into our laps. The status-quo of not looking at the elephant in the room is tempting to maintain, and it's easier, but we need Poly's help. If we don't choose this moment we should commit to finding another one, and there are probably less moments left than we think.
>>
No. 796298 ID: 72ed6b

>>796276
The nice thing about this line is that, just like her own line, it's a little ambiguous whether it's talking about slurs against Visitors or her own past. It's just gentle, cheesy, sentimental encouragement towards the view that she's not a monster and we'll never think of her that way, no matter what.
>>
No. 796299 ID: ce2e2f

>>796295
This. If you want to have this conversation fine, but don't spring it on her at a gala. Bring it up alone with her in a place she feels secure and safe, and then refuse to change the subject instead of wimping out like we always do.

Our problem isn't that we never talk to her about things, it's that we give up way too easily when we do. It's a question of endurance, not an unwillingness to engage. If anything we're too eager to do that. This is a really fucking bad time and place.
>>
No. 796300 ID: 9d8e8f

>>796282
Exactly. This line doesn't presume too much about interpretation, or risk misreading things. If she really did just mean it as a light-hearted joke/flirt, then that line comes across as cheesily turning it back around into a nice sentiment. And if there's a darker line of thinking there, then this is a genuine, non-heavy-handed expression of our feelings. Either way it works, without making a presumption about which that might be wrong. It doesn't​ have to be presented in a "we need to talk" way; that'd be a serious mistake (agreed that it isn't the time for a talk like that). Just use it as a one-off line, nothing more.
>>
No. 796302 ID: c8b031

>>796297
>>796276

I think you're doing a disservice to Poly by reading the monster line as a hint of some inner pain or an opening to offer support. She's a very socially adept person, she has self-awareness, she's cultured, she's not going to make some sort of freudian slip confession like that and if we act like she did then she could even be offended by the presumption. Remember her outburst from before about how, basically, Zack was too young/inexperienced to be in any position to tell her something she hasn't heard or thought about before?

Hizalian had that "we were the monsters" thing he teared up a bit about, but he was younger, and Poly was the one who sent him along to Zack about that problem in the first place. Poly may not think too much about the personal problems that are unique to her but she's a very interested observer of the issues Visitors in general have, and that "we're monsters" thing would be a very common and visible one to any such observer. There's probably, like, artwork and novels and all sorts of thing about it by now, she's probably drunk up a half-dozen works dealing with it. She's certainly given it thought before.

Besides, even if she does have some of that monster shame buried somewhere (which I doubt), she's buried it under her various masks, and Poly here at the gala is in full and complete mask mode. This isn't a time when we're going to be capable of penetrating the face she's put on.
>>
No. 796303 ID: 72ed6b

>>796302
> This isn't a time when we're going to be capable of penetrating the face she's put on.

We're not trying to. We're not trying to get her to talk, or turn this into an intervention; that'd be a really bad idea, both here and at this point in our relationship with her. All we're doing is expressing a sentiment of trust: we'll never think of her that way. That's a good thought for her to have floating around, and saying it in a moment like this might be memorable.

Say it, and move right along to saying we need to go coordinate with Meg and arrange our speech/distraction.
>>
No. 796307 ID: 0e30f6

>All we're doing is expressing a sentiment of trust: we'll never think of her that way

I think she gets that from how often we cum inside her
>>
No. 796316 ID: 73bb98

"If you were a ravenous monster could i do... this?"
Tickle attack
>>
No. 796365 ID: d362ab

>>796316

this is also a solid plan
>>
No. 796370 ID: 72ed6b

>>796365
True. Though perhaps not one conducive to remaining stealthy in a closet.
>>
No. 796371 ID: e22b1d

>>796316
This actually
>>
No. 796372 ID: f6ba27
File 149239673130.png - (6.52KB , 960x560 , 782.png )
796372

WOW GEEZ This update turned out to be a lot more contentious than I thought it would be.

So let me make sure I get this right.

Does Zack push back on Poly's ravenous monster line or not?

If "No" you can still maybe do it jokingly or do that tickle thing. "Yes" should only be picked if you want it to be a serious emotional moment.

If your post doesn't have 1 or 2 in it I ain't gonna count it.

1]] No
2]] Yes
>>
No. 796374 ID: 9a7777

Yes to 1.
>>
No. 796375 ID: e22b1d

111111
>>
No. 796376 ID: c31aac

1.
do it jokingly, please stop picking literally the most inopportune moments to sling hallmark movie moments at our alien girlfriends
>>
No. 796377 ID: 72ed6b

>>796372
I'd like to do it, but keep the tone light. We're going for "heartwarming" ("I'll never think you're a monster"), not "emotional gutpunch/sanctimony".

I think that's 1, then?
>>
No. 796378 ID: 595d54

>>796372
2.
>>
No. 796384 ID: dcd676

1
>>
No. 796394 ID: 06555b

>>796372
1.
Stay frosty.
>>
No. 796395 ID: e97f18

>>796372
1

I'm really surprised this turned into a major thing. I wanted to see something like this line included, and I like the version in >>796276, but it should be kept lighthearted. Don't try to make it a massive emotional moment; just say it from the heart and move on.
>>
No. 796397 ID: 9d8e8f

>>796372
1

Do say it. Don't dramatize it.
>>
No. 796398 ID: 721b87

>>796372
1

Find a happy medium. Say it, because it's meaningful. Don't turn it into something over the top, though.
>>
No. 796407 ID: 350a50

>>796372
1.
Keep it lighthearted.
>>
No. 796425 ID: e12db1

How many Oculots does it take to change 1 lightbulb?
>>
No. 796426 ID: 8080e6

1. Playful.
>>
No. 796436 ID: 9a7777

>>796425
At least 50.
>>
No. 796445 ID: c8b031

1.

No.
>>
No. 796573 ID: f6ba27
File 149247538421.png - (41.53KB , 960x560 , 783.png )
796573

"If you were a big scary monster could I do-- this?"
You tickle her hips and she yelps in delight, bolting back from you and knocking a mop over. "Zack!" she stage-whispers. "Interdimensional secret agents do not tickle fight on mission!"
They probably don't kiss their girlfriends' necks either, but she doesn't complain about that one.
She puts a finger between your lips and hers before you can reach them. "No no, Mr. Public Speaker."
She shows you her index finger, now streaked with purple.
"I think that shade could be very fetching on me," you say.
"Agreed. But I can think of more interesting places for it than your mouth." Polyphema smacks you lightly on the rump. "Later. Your public awaits."

By the time you make your way back to the table (a couple minutes before Polyphema does, just to be safe), they're laden with salads and bread rolls in preparation for the upcoming feast. A guy onstage is getting the prerequisite brown nosery out of the way, droning about the MoMA's immense gratitude for the friends and family of the late Rodney Something or other for their generous donation of yadda yadda.

Chabord is her distinctly upper crust flavor of thrilled when you let her know you'll be speaking tonight.
"Maybe a little before the dancing," you say.
"Excellent," Chabord says. "Excellent. I will push you as far into the wine and opulence as I can. Reggie is up there setting the bar fantastically low for you."
"Give him my thanks. I'll try not to stumble. Where's Meg?"
"Backstage. Just tell one of the nice gentlemen with the hors d'oeuvres to show you the way."

You're led through muffled hallways flanked by laminated posters of the installations. You note a closeup of the twisty Chihuly from the ballroom.
The melodious sound of strings marks the trail to a slightly-too-warm prep room, where Meg sits and coaxes golden lamentations out of a cello. She pauses and twists one of the pegs to raise her note a little.
You wave to her as the waiter steps out to return to his duties. "You play the cello?"
"Not as good as the piano," Meg says. "But I'd miss my casio. And it's easier to sing with it at the same time." She plucks the first little bit of Cruel Angel's Thesis.
"You playing them some Evangelion?" you ask. You look around a little as you say it and note that the coast is clear of humanity and electric eyes (excepting Meg's).
"For the rich ones? No, dude." Meg switches to the Pokemon theme song. "I'm 2 from now, apparently. You wanna go before me or after?"
>>
No. 796576 ID: 72ed6b

>>796573
Leave it up to her.
>>
No. 796577 ID: e97f18

>>796573
If we're speaking right before the dancing, which presumably has accompanying music, wouldn't it make sense for us to go first? Or is she saying that she's speaking, not playing? (Because honestly, it'd be a shame if she doesn't get to do both.)
>>
No. 796579 ID: 8657f8

After. Get them softened up a bit first.
>>
No. 796580 ID: c31aac

>>796573
Before, since you're a way better closer. Seriously if I went after it'd just come off as a let-down, that opera you did sets a HIGH BAR
>>
No. 796582 ID: 9fb6b4

Ask Chabord if she knows if there are any paintings of a young boy on a bicycle in the gallery, and if you can see it.

Offer to go first so you can introduce her. Also mention Poly is going to try & help her with the thing.
>>
No. 796583 ID: 4b9385

>>796580
Good call.
>>
No. 796585 ID: 094652

It depends. How thoroughly is she going to troll the audience? You're going after if she causes an uproar.
>>
No. 796592 ID: e22b1d

Before.

Also don't forget!!! We have to tell her about our change of plans. Unless anyone has a better idea, the One Eyed Honey Pot is go.
>>
No. 796646 ID: 70983e

After, so you can get back to the tables. Remember? You'll want a good seat.
>>
No. 796653 ID: 72ed6b

>>796592
> Also don't forget!!! We have to tell her about our change of plans. Unless anyone has a better idea, the One Eyed Honey Pot is go.

Definitely need to tell her this before anything else. (Use your phone.)
>>
No. 796683 ID: 4e2683

>>796573
I'm just opening act material while you are grand finally material, if I let you go first my act of juggling pineapples will be such a let down.

So looking forward to poly getting turned down or succeeding. Both are funny
>>
No. 797403 ID: 4652fc

After. Tell her about Poly's agreement.
>>
No. 797484 ID: f6ba27
File 149289384830.png - (26.07KB , 960x560 , 784.png )
797484

"I'm the opening act," you say. "You're the grand finale."
"Word." She saws a jarringly discordant finale and rests her bow in her lap. "Warm them up for me."
"They will be at melting point. I promise." You get your phone out. "Oh: by the way."

You hold it up for her to see.
>poly is on board. she said shes going to seduce him
Meg reads this, then snorts.
"Whaaaat." She pulls out her own phone.
>she says she can do it. i trust her, do u?
:meg: w/e sure
:meg: not like were fucked if it doesnt work
"Ok." You give her a quick peck on the cheek. "I'll see you out there."
"I'll be the one clapping," Meg says.

And that's how you find yourself on a podium in front of about a hundred applauding millionaires.
A piercing whistle of approbation from Poly before she sits back down.
"Our man from the HVAO, ladies and gentlemen, Zack Nguyen!"
Chabord gracefully bows from the microphone and you step up to replace her.
You look out across the expectant faces. Polyphema is beaming. Annika and Kathleen are both watching with rapt attention.
Wheeler is on his iPhone.

"Just imagine them alll in their underwear, my dear," Chabord whispers. "The attractive ones, anyway."

>If you don't want to type out your entire speech, the gist or bullet points are just fine. And maybe honestly preferable ;U
>>
No. 797489 ID: 7b7ab3

>>797484
>Greet the guests
>Thank the MoMA and its staff
>Say a few words cohabitation and cooperation
>Give a few examples from our experience
>Direct people toward the Visitor wing
>Wrap up by wishing everyone a good time
>Thank audience
>Exit stage right
>>
No. 797490 ID: c31aac

>>797489
this, but add "And now, my beautiful floater girlfriend!"
>>
No. 797492 ID: c8b031

Geeze ok, bullet points then. But first, right, remember this is an audience of people who are either upper crust enough or artistic enough to be invited. Skip on the cliches and platitudes, and don't try appealing to idealism. They're probably waiting for you to get political, too, so don't. Not overtly, anyway. And don't make it too long, they're not here to listen to you.

1. Introduce self. Make some crack about how you're not used to public speaking because you normally work face-to-face, "or face to something, anyway", if you're feeling brave.

2. Demonstrate a bit of the scholar. Talk about the positive history of cultural cross-pollination. How, when different cultures meet, innovations have always followed - artists reaching out to adopt new methods, new symbols, new ideas, and mix them with what they already knew to produce something even better. And that this isn't only limited to art, but to other things - the creation of some of our favourite foods, or on a more practical level, the discovery of new technologies and aptitudes. Maybe mention how historians and anthropologists have commented on the way that, in just a few decades, the native americans of the Great Plains went from never having seen horses to becoming the greatest horsemen on the continent, as if there had been a hole in their culture just waiting to be filled. Say how these kinds of developments are already beginning, and that you expect to see much more, on both sides of the portals.

3. Talk about how easy it is for most people on Earth to see Golboria as one cultural monolith, twisted together out of the four races of Visitors. Say how, though the Kariket did his best to smooth over the differences across his dominion (neutral language here, only slight sense of disapproval in context), anyone who puts thought into sees this can't have always been, and indeed cannot even now be the case; that you've enjoyed seeing the evidence of that with your own eyes and that more evidence is right here, in this gallery today.

4. Say, you can't define art as having a specific purpose, but that one of the things it can do is inspire - inspire not only new art but also ideas, feeling and action. Say you hope everyone here will take away some inspiration with them today (don't suggest what kind of inspiration, just inspiration). For the final, soft touch of a little political crusading, maybe say that after hearing the story behind it you're especially looking forward to seeing Pirgatea's Rebuke, and you're sure any of the Visitors here today would be happy to tell anyone what you mean if asked.

5. Finally, say that speaking of inspiration, here's a lady who's inspired you in too many ways to talk about, your date for the evening - Megumi!
>>
No. 797494 ID: 70983e

>>797490
Introducing acts is the emcee's job.

Uhh... speech. Speech to distract Wheeler, who's not very interested in what he thinks we have to say. Someone whose head might be turned by, say, mentioning earth first groups or anti-Earth visitors?

Well, good luck Zack!
>>
No. 797496 ID: 350a50

>>797492
This seems good.
>>
No. 797501 ID: a5af6d

Just don't make it all about yourself, don't speak on people's behalf, and give Meg a proper introduction. She's not just your girlfriend, she's preformed in an opera house and done a damn good job of it too.
>>
No. 797502 ID: bb78f2

Reference Star Trek
Reference the late (in your world), great George Takei and his tolerance of philosophy err... philosophy of tolerance in world where he was taken to camps as a child and how, if you were his age would have also been persecuted as an Asian, or how you would have also been persecuted in the time of the Vietnam War, and this perspective and knowledge of our past makes the future clear, that we CAN'T afford to repeat mistakes, time and time again.

Reference the dreams of visiting new stars, cultures, worlds, and now how that totally got upped by the mere prospect of other motherfucking DIMENSIONS.
Endless possibilities. Endless threats, endless friendships. It is infinite.

We're making history right now. The visitors are our FIRST visitors, and they will not be our last. The template for our future in diplomacy in a wider, greater multiverse. Must we go through this period of hatred after every war? Will we always persecute those different from us? Isn't that FUCKING SAD?

Also, seriously, motherfuckers, lets get Star Trek UP IN THIS BITCH AND MAKE LOVE TO THIS SWEET ALIEN ART
The differences in all of us give me such a wicked BONER OH MY GOD
HAVE YOU MOTHERFUCKERS SEEN WARRIOR MOVIES? THEY ARE THE SHIT BRO.
>>
No. 797508 ID: 094652

>>797502
Dude, too far. If you call out a society meeting, they'll individually deny they ever saw you and claim that your speech never happened. You're on THEIR playing field, and you don't have a social weapon to forcibly make this your game. Much as I'd prefer calling them out for being ignorantly fascist and playing into the Kariket's hands because they think with the same exact contempt for others that the Kariket believes in and gets his power from, you don't have the evidence or the charisma to turn the tide of ANYONE in this room, and I doubt that most potential rebels want to watch nobleman TV bull^&*(.

Use plausible deniability to mask your actions. Insult them, but in such a way that denying your speech would incriminate them as opposing it. Dodge the question, skirt around it; talk about your daily life and how it was enriched by the visitors. Make five different jokes for your five girlfriends, but use context that involves the various problems they've been plagued with by society. You need to act like you're an ignorant commoner who is unknowingly describing a serious corruption like it was daily life, and with national TV observing the faces of upper class socialites in reaction to your grim context of a dark future, if they look upon it with glee or ignorance they are @#$%ed, forcing them to make farcial but substantial contributions to Human-Visitor relations in a PR effort to save face.

You don't have to accuse anyone THIS time, save it for one-on-one meetings with reliable witnesses. You can't win at their game, but you CAN be the bawling kid who was hurt by it and force everyone on the playing field to stop kicking balls around a little boy or risk life-ruining scandal.
>>
No. 797519 ID: b2c581

>>797484
Basically just hit some major points about not being so different after all or something, definitely suggest the art gallery after the performances.
>>
No. 797528 ID: 70983e

>>797519
Subtly hint that the art was all chosen by a collector of exquisite taste.
>>
No. 797562 ID: 72ed6b

This:

>>794610
> You might remark on how art tells a story. Remark on the differences you've learned about between the stories of humans and visitors. How (in very broad terms) human stories and art often seeks to to help the reader empathize primarily with the mindset and motivations of the protagonists, to have you cheer them on or share their hopes and dreams as they complete their epic quests, hopefully save the day, turn the tide, perhaps find romance. While visitor stories often give you a look behind the veil of many characters, and get you to empathize with them all, so you might be happy for one character and sad for another at the same time, if they were in conflict. And it's rare for someone to have so little depth or redeeming value that everyone would cheer their downfall without a second thought. Which would mean the happiest and most enjoyable stories are those where everyone can learn to get along, and no one goes home sad or disappointed (or doesn't get to go home at all), because then you can feel happy for everyone at once. It might make for a less epic story by human standards, but it makes for a much nicer world to live in.
>>
No. 797603 ID: e73535

>>797489
This.
>>
No. 797605 ID: e97f18

>>797562
This, with appropriate gratitudes in opening, steering people towards the exhibit of Visitor art afterward, and ending with a glowing introduction for Meg.
>>
No. 797606 ID: e97f18

Also, after you speak, when Meg goes up to speak and perform, keep a close eye on the crowds and make sure nobody does something stupid.
>>
No. 797634 ID: a363ac

>>797484
if it ever looks like you are losing them suggest that you dick is bigger than Jesus to bring them back in.
>>
No. 797646 ID: c8b031

>>797562

I think that sort of thing will get more of an eye-roll reaction from this sort of crowd. This is an exhibition of Visitor art, the kind of people who accepted an invitation are more likely to have some passing familiarity already, they don't need telling. The "see the other guy's story" aspect is a bit of a surface level observation to be going on about with the audience we have. Comes off as kind of starry-eyed, too.
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No. 797647 ID: 72ed6b

>>797646
Consider the kinds of people who got an invitation, even just at our table. It's more "high-society types" than art enthusiasts; only Meg really qualifies and she's not the same kind of artist.

While it's sometimes the case that such people do have an interest in art (like Poly), it's not a given.

More importantly, the parallel seems nice.
>>
No. 797648 ID: f40dc6

>>797562
>>797605
These.
>>
No. 797651 ID: 7ec5c0

>>797562
This could work. You want to come across as very innocent in your observation. You're not trying to sound like an expert; you're just relating one thing you've learned that you consider meaningful.

Put that together with the considerable charm you're known for.
>>
No. 797672 ID: c8b031

>>797647

Maybe they're not artists, but they're at least people who fancy themselves as educated. Furthermore, they're probably all a little cynical. You want to look like you're a little jaded in front of these types of people, if you want some street cred with them. More to the point, I fear that if Zack made that sort of speech it'd be easy to just write him off as someone with a fetish for Visitor stuff, which he's probably assumed to be by several people already. Like some sort of Visitor weeaboo.
>>
No. 797678 ID: e97f18

>>797672
I'd rather be genuine than cynical. And street cred with the people in the audience looking for cynicism seems less valuable than coming across as genuine to people whose opinion really matters more to us. (Our future interviewer, for instance.)
>>
No. 797680 ID: c8b031

>>797678

I get what you're saying, but the
>Which would mean the happiest and most enjoyable stories are those where everyone can learn to get along, and no one goes home sad or disappointed (or doesn't get to go home at all), because then you can feel happy for everyone at once. It might make for a less epic story by human standards, but it makes for a much nicer world to live in.
part especially really comes off as stupidly sugary. I mean, if you want to talk about genuine, I'm pretty sure Zack doesn't genuinely feel that way. It sounds like the worst time of children's television executive speaking. Considering the state the world's in, and the state Zack's LIFE is in, it comes off as fake.

And as for the rest of it, it's not like Visitors have a monopoly on stories that look at someone else's point of view. I'm not an especially cynical person, but if I heard someone give that sort of speech I'd wonder if they'd ever watched anything but terrible christian children's films.
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No. 797682 ID: bb78f2

>>797508
Yeah, okay, I'll save that shit for later since I don't REALLY know what this speech is about really. I mean, out of the blue we're making a speech about... something... for some reason, as a hello or someshit I dunno.

I still think point out how FUCKING SICK WARRIOR MOVIES ARE and how HARD YOUR BONER gets when you think about them and during them is quite relevant to some speech being made at an art gala.

Since you know, you are a state sanctioned gigolo and your dick is state property you could whip it out and talk about its contribution to art. It's really why everyone came.
>>
No. 797687 ID: 72ed6b

>>797680
Doesn't mean Zack sees the world that way; it's more about hope, that it'd be nice if the world were more like that.

> it's not like Visitors have a monopoly on stories that look at someone else's point of view.

It's more than that. Many human stories do look at multiple points of view. But few give those points of view the same consideration. "Protagonists and antagonists" is a really common distinction in human stories, and it's uncommon (not unheard-of, but uncommon) to look seriously at antagonist motivations and treat them as in some ways valid, or to present them in a way that draws people to sincerely empathize with them. There are absolutely human stories that do that, but they're sufficiently uncommon that when done well they really stand out; it's not a common approach at all, let alone a pervasive one.

Nobody is going to think, from our brief remarks, that we're making a universal statement about every human and Visitor story. It's a broad generalization about common patterns and cultural differences in storytelling.

More importantly, a good speech is as much about oratory skill as it is having a deep point. This isn't a lecture on comparative art theory. A single potentially interesting notion, with reasonable credence, delivered well and with a hopeful sentiment that people like (or at least don't want to argue against), should go over just fine.
>>
No. 797691 ID: c8b031

>>797687
>Doesn't mean Zack sees the world that way; it's more about hope, that it'd be nice if the world were more like that.

It'd be nice if the world were like that yes, it wouldn't be nice if art or stories were like that. Happy endings are often unsatisfying! And, in a world coming down from a catastrophic war, people are not going to be even less receptive to them than they usually are. Talking about how nice happy endings in media would be, in the context we're dealing with, will not appeal to people.

>it's uncommon (not unheard-of, but uncommon) to look seriously at antagonist motivations and treat them as in some ways valid, or to present them in a way that draws people to sincerely empathize with them.

In popular media maybe, once you start wading towards the deep end in any medium it's all over the place. Visitor media may be different in that it gives the antagonist as much time as the protagonist, but "hey what if I gave my antagonist a sympathetic motivation" is such a basic step on the road up as an author that it gets looked down on as obvious.

Besides, Zack doesn't have a right to make such sweeping pronouncements about Visitor media, he's watched like one or two movies and then had some Visitors tell him that that was a trend in their stuff, he hasn't personally experienced much. I'm pretty sure someone can and totally will take Zack as making universal statements, by the way, because some idiot always does.

>More importantly, a good speech is as much about oratory skill as it is having a deep point.

That doesn't mean much considering that Zack's oratory skill is something we have no control over. The only thing we as suggesters can do is try give him some compelling points to make, if you're going to say "well it depends on how it's delivered" you're kind of signing off responsibility.

Anyway, tl;dr it's probably arrogant on my behalf but I took that speech to be shallow and naive so it seems likely someone else could too. Though half of that was the words used. Seriously, "epic quests"? "Save the day", "find romance"? Talking about feeling "happy" or "sad"? Sounds like the blurb on the back of the box of an 80s my little pony direct to video movie.
>>
No. 797695 ID: 350a50

>>797680
I agree, that bit is a little thick on the sugar and spice. We should try to keep things optimistic, but professional, and avoid too much subjectivity.
>>
No. 797698 ID: a60bc4

>>797484
Opening statement and greetings.
Commentary on experience with Visitors.
Words of encouragement toward cooperation.
Direction to MoMA's Visitor wing.
Closing statement.
Final thanks and goodbyes.
Exit stage.
>>
No. 797706 ID: 53ed52

>>797605
This.

>>797691
> Talking about how nice happy endings in media would be, in the context we're dealing with, will not appeal to people.

It's a pretty clear metaphor; we're speaking about more than just stories.
>>
No. 797710 ID: 506ff5

>>797691
"quests" seems like a tongue-in-cheek fourth-wall break. And "find romance" would probably draw a nice chuckle from the audience, considering the well-known role Zack plays.

Aren't Zack's confidence and charm established character traits going all the way back to the first thread, that we've benefited from in the past?
>>
No. 797713 ID: 506ff5

Zack isn't going to be credibly deep, and trying to come across as deep would probably fall short. We can get away with a simplistic observation that sends a message of hope; that seems in character. And it lets you say something indirectly.

It's not a perfect speech, but as the gist of an idea it sounds good.
>>
No. 797731 ID: 5322c5

>>797713
Also 'you guys should totes watch some visitor movies. I suggest this, this, and that'.

Cultural exchange is, like, our job. Movies may be some of the coolest, most easily absorbed part of that.
>>
No. 797971 ID: 2afc9c

>>797562
>>797605
These.
>>
No. 798001 ID: ee2f87

Be genuine. Nobody expects you to be a skilled art critic; just make some remarks from the heart. Go with something like the observations on stories.

And don't forget to encourage people towards your excitement at the new exhibit. End with something like "But that's just what I've seen, and I'm just one person with some simple observations; clearly many others of sophisticated taste should partake of this wonderful new opportunity to partake in the fine works of another culture, and form their own opinions."
>>
No. 798004 ID: c8b031

>>798001

Don't ACTUALLY use phrases like "simple observations" or "sophisticated tastes" or "wonderful new opportunity". That's the kind of language that instantly makes you think someone's trying to sell you something.
>>
No. 798005 ID: 91ee5f

>>798004
Technically, we are trying to sell them something. We're trying to sell the idea that Visotors have some cool shit and they'll hate themselves if they don't go check it out!

But you're right, don't use those words.
>>
No. 798006 ID: 2120ee

Maybe mention how cultural exchange has been cool for you, cause it's meant experiencing parts of human culture you never got to before. Like monster truck rallies.
>>
No. 798007 ID: c8b031

>>798005

The point is, politicians and journalists and businesspeople and so on are all folks who get honeyed words and marketing speak and other polished bullshit blasted at them all day every day, and they'll see anything that looks like it a mile away. What avoiding that mostly means is just not trying to tell or to clumsily imply to people what they should think or feel. You just give them the facts and possibilities straight, maybe arrange in what order you present them if you want to guide a little in a certain direction, and let them come to the same conclusions as you by themselves. Subtlety. So long as you're not clearly manipulative (such as by skipping over relevant details they might know that work against your agenda), they'll feel smarter and like you respect them more.

It's sort of like how you're supposed to write academically, but you put more life into it.
>>
No. 798046 ID: 2afc9c

>>798004
As bullet points, then:

- Be humble; position your words as one man's opinions, nothing more.
- Encourage them to form their own opinions.
- Steer them towards the Visitor art exhibit as a good start, and suggest that having good conversations with Visitors couldn't hurt either.
>>
No. 798753 ID: f9c86f

the wait is real
>>
No. 798755 ID: 70983e

>>798753
>>/questdis/
>>
No. 800047 ID: f6ba27
File 149410508831.png - (5.66KB , 960x560 , 785.png )
800047

"Hi, guys. Uh I'm not exactly a public speaker by habit. I guess those of you who have heard of me by reputation think I'm kind of more face to face."
A low rumble of in-on-it laughter.
"So thank you to Gillian and MoMA for letting me up on stage anyway. And for inviting the HVAO to this fantastic event. Can you tell it's my first gala?"
Another one.
"One of the reasons I'm here is that I think the mission of this institution and of the HVAO is in many ways the same, and it's one of cultural cross-pollination. My mother used to tell me: her family came to America in the 1850s, from Germany. They lost two on the journey over. My dad's dad came here in the wake of the fall of Saigon, one of the only males in his family to survive. And out of all that fire and smoke and pain that these clashes of culture and tectonic shifts bring, that's where we come from. That's where I come from. And when I think of Vietnam I don't get angry and think about Agent Orange or the Green Berets. I think about Bùi Xuân Phái's paintings of the old quarter in Hanoi. And when I'm not thinking with my art degree I think how I could really go for a Pork Banh Mi."
A genuine laugh this time.
"These are the kind of forces to which I owe my life, not just my job. But yknow if you don't like me, and I guess some people don't, just think about what I'm saying next time you order some Chipotle."
Genuine laugh 2.

"But if I can be a little more uh genuine for a second. My point I guess is that these are the things that last. This is what our lives are now. We aren't refighting the same wars again and again. We're eating each other's food now. We're watching each other's TV. I think that one of the keys to the kingdom, you could say, the way to understanding, is in artistic exchange. Uh something I learned about Visitor stories, one of the differences that really struck me, is how in our stories, speaking in broad terms, we read to empathize with the protagonist. To cheer them on when they fight the bad guy, or get the girl, or save the day. But Visitor stories, that's not really-- the divide isn't there. They want you to feel everyone. You're supposed to be happy for someone and sad for someone at the same time, or feel anger from two directions. And it's very rare to find a character with so little depth or value, I guess, that you just wish for their downfall on reflex. Without thinking about what and who they are. Which makes the happy ending the ending where everyone's happy. And there is no defeat. No epic victory by human standards but where there never really needs to be one. Because there's no need to win. There's just... living. And that touched me."
You take a beat. They're rapt.

"And if I can flog the MoMA for a second I seriously urge you all to check out the Golborian wing and look at what they've brought over. Not the instability or the scars from old wars but the art. The things that will last. Um and I should get off the stage soon so you can all see Megumi 9x542 perform, and back up what I'm failing to say here with some of the most amazing musicianship I've ever heard. But here's to the MoMA and the important work they're doing toward a final kind of understanding. And here's to all of you for supporting them. Uh thanks."

Considerable applause.
"Again Zack Nguyen of the HVAO! Zack that was wonderful." Gillian is back on the mic, cresting the ovation's tidal recession and beaming back at you. "But just before we bring up Ms. 9x542, if you could let those of us in the audience who want to know: what can all of us rich idiots do to help the HVAO's work? Besides invite you to parties and feed you foie gras?
>>
No. 800066 ID: c31aac

>>800047
"Help fund visitor-written media. Television, books, documentaries... help them get a foothold in telling their stories and spreading their artistry!"
>>
No. 800076 ID: fc33ea

Don't endorse legislation that's supposed to solve problems that don't really exist. Grounding the floaters was bad, please, don't let it become a trend.
>>
No. 800077 ID: 4260bc

>>800066
>>800076
These would solve SO many of our problems.
>>
No. 800079 ID: 7b7ab3

>>800066
>>800076
These.
And just try to treat the Visitors like people.
Because that's what they are.
>>
No. 800081 ID: 595d54

>>800076
>>800079
I'm pretty sure that if people already knew how to do those we wouldn't be in this situation. Something more concrete would help.

Preventing anti-skut violence and enforcing bans on Visitor discrimination would be nice.
>>
No. 800088 ID: 350a50

>>800066
This, pretty much.
>>
No. 800090 ID: bb78f2

>>800047
Support Visitor arts and their spread. Don't just do Galas, lobby for Vistior Movie nights or Art Festivals at parks so the mass public can enjoy them and know them without needing money or connections.

Whatever Fosters relations between the cultures, that is HVAO's goal after all.
Also, maybe also date Visitors if you're single, swingers, polygamous, or experimenting in dalamuds and such.
Maybe me and my fellows in the program won't stick out so much if everyone's doing it. I mean, we'll all probably quickly lose our jobs once relations improve but hey, I can work at Starbucks if it means everyone's having fun with each other.
>>
No. 800107 ID: c45f05

>>800047
Support Visitor artistic and cultural advancement.
Lobby against damaging laws like that inhibitor bill.
Promote integration.
>>
No. 800110 ID: 350a50

Oh, and one very important thing you should be looking into:

Nanomachines, son.
>>
No. 800111 ID: 83b227

I think calling out against a specific law is a bad idea. Just say that even someone like you is still learning more about Visitors every day, so you'd like them to encourage any lawmakers they know to be sure to engage with the research, especially from ethnographers and others who engage closely with Visitors in their own communities, before putting forth legislation that affects them. Maybe add that you think many of the Visitors' unique qualities and abilities are still (understandably) viewed in light of their military applications, without consideration for how intrinsic they can be to a Visitors' everyday life and personal well-being.
>>
No. 800126 ID: c31aac

>>800111
Aye. For CERTAIN add this on to my thing about the arts, to the tune of "And to any lawmakers out there, be sure to hear from Visitor representatives as much as you can before you put any legislation into law!"
>>
No. 800142 ID: 0c668d

>>800126
This I agree.
>>800079
This as well.
>>
No. 800171 ID: 350a50

>>800111
This is also good.
>>
No. 800183 ID: 8cb228

>>800090
I'd suggest not overtly mentioning the 'date visitors' bit... especially with the 'alternative lifestyle' bits. Encourage, in general, being social with visitors, perhaps? They have many deep and beautiful cultures?
>>
No. 800221 ID: 72ed6b

>>800047
"Get to know a few Visitors. Doesn't have to be the way I do." (With luck, pause for laughter there.) "Make some friends that aren't human. Learn about them, not just as a species but as individual people. Skut, Floater, Warrior, Occulot, human, they're all people. And that way, the next time you hear about something that might affect a whole group of people, you'll be able to empathize just that little bit more. And then, if you're inclined, use your considerable influence to do something about it.

Or, since you did specifically mention 'rich' people...if you're throwing a fancy event of your own, ask Bika to cater. Trust me, you won't regret it."
>>
No. 800225 ID: 79b983

>>800221
I like the idea of ending on a lighthearted not with the plug for Bika's food.

And exhorting people to make Visitor friends is probably the most effective suggestion you can make.
>>
No. 800231 ID: 91ee5f

>>800221
This.
>>
No. 800232 ID: e97f18

>>800221
This.
>>
No. 800234 ID: 70983e

>>800221
Please don't.
If you do use this line, then use some subtlety and don't refer to her entire hive as Bika, just mention that Speed Luck Skut is where she works.
>>
No. 800235 ID: 72ed6b

>>800234
This wouldn't be referring to her entire hive, just to her, since she runs the place. She's experienced with pretending to be multiple people; she presumably has a persona that she uses as the "boss". And it's normal that we'd refer to the person we know, not to one of her "co-workers".

But sure, make sure to phrase it in a way that couldn't possibly be misinterpreted.
>>
No. 800243 ID: a363ac

>>800047
"and if you could spread the word My DICK IS BIGGER THAN JESUS!! WOO! WOO! ZACK NYUGEN OUT!" throw the mic at the most xenophobic looking guy in the room run over to Meg rip her clothes off and have sex on stage.
>>
No. 800269 ID: 83b227

>>800235

Considering how she panicked with "skut bae" at first, I think it'd be awfully rude to suddenly give her that publicity/scrutiny without asking her permission first. She's a "public figure" of sorts, of course, but I think she prefers being a public figure to a more personal local community. She strikes me as someone who prefers to expand her influence/territory very carefully.

Skuts in general don't seem to be into having any more publicity than they get just by being a big hive mind. It makes sense, given that they wouldn't so much feel the need for stature and glory that single-small-bodied minds have. Plus, given what happens to them when their bodies separate out too far, they really can't move around a huge distance without the whole hive moving, so after whatever migratory period they probably start with they're more "rooted" in a particular place where they've got themselves set up and comfortable with shelter and infrastructure.

Bika probably wouldn't thank us for dropping a bunch of rich people asking her to cater at their mansions or whatever, is what I'm getting at. Not without warning and asking what she wants first.
>>
No. 800270 ID: fc33ea

Absolutely do not bring up SLS. Don't let someone with connections send health inspectors to harass her.
>>
No. 800271 ID: 70983e

>>800076
>>800066
These two. Do the reading on bills before you back 'em. More funds for Visitor art = more Visitor art.
>>
No. 800288 ID: 72ed6b

>>800269
We could make it more indirect, then. "And next time you're planning a big event, consider trying some Skutti food; you'll love it. Talk to me later for some recommendations."
>>
No. 800304 ID: 91ee5f

>>800270
This is a good point! Don't invite trouble to Bika's restaurant aka your home!
>>
No. 800308 ID: 350a50

>>800270
Mucho good point.
>>
No. 800359 ID: e97f18

>>800288
Agreed with making a more indirect plug. Anyone who comes to us for a recommendation we can steer towards SLS based on our best judgement at the time, but a general suggestion towards Skutti food couldn't hurt.

But the more important bit is still the serious suggestion prefacing that, to make some friends.
>>
No. 801230 ID: f6ba27
File 149456820530.png - (38.52KB , 960x560 , 786.png )
801230

"Support visitor arts. And eat Skutti. Seriously," you say, to the tittering crowd. "It's incredible. Come up and ask me if you want recommendations."

"Thank you so much, Zack. The wonderful Zack Nguyen, everyone!" Gillian squeezes you another round of applause out of the audience. "HVAO delegate, agent of peace, and epicurean."

They bring a stool out for Meg as you thread your way back through the darkened forest of tables.
Dr. Laghari catches your arm as you pass his table and squeezes it. "Excellent remarks, Mr. Nguyen. Excellent."
You graciously thank him in a way that precludes, as best it can, any discussion of Sumerian baskets.

Poly moves to kiss you on the cheek when you sit, but then remembers her lipstick. "Superb," she whispers instead, and blows playfully into your ear.
"Here I thought he was just a gigolo," Annika says.
You wink. "I try to keep them guessing."
Wheeler is watching the stage like it's a hundred miles away, chin supported by hand.

Meg floats out of the wing, cello held gingerly in front of her.
She parks herself on the stool. The cello's end pin thunks onto the stage in front of her a little too loudly.

"Hey," she says. "I'm playing this now.

"This piece is called Bejz Sezkhadara, Pt 1."
A sharp intake of breath from Poly.
"It's a kind of song vgosazjaj," Meg says, "which I guess you'd translate as 'pivot song'. Kind of the centerpiece of Visitor musical theater or opera or whatever you might want to call it. Pivot songs always come in twos, two movements that play off each other, but the second part of this one is a duet, so I'll only be playing the first and more famous one. It's about an oculot mourning the death of her lover, Sezkhadara. Uh. Hence the name."

Meg clears her throat.

"Anyway. Bejz Sezkhadara."
>>
No. 801232 ID: f6ba27
File 149456823472.png - (34.81KB , 960x560 , 787.png )
801232

She puts bow to string, takes a beat, then plays a note of such low and sepulchural melancholy that the hairs on your neck stand up.
Her soprano snakes up and around it, starting in an operatic tremolo, shot through with emotion, before solidifying into the high and full-throated Garaktonnik mode.
You have no translation this time, but her exquisite woe needs none. She moves from an unrestrained grief to a restricted gasp as the cello swoops dramatically to overtake her. She summons a rhythmic frenzy, tapping a beat against the cello's neck, blitzes through what must be three different time signatures, then with a wail of strings and voice simultaneously draws up a well of breathless silence, into which, after a trembling sigh, she drops a whisper that pulls you forward in your seat like a fishing line.

For as much as you're losing yourself to Meg's music, Polyphema is absolutely enraptured. She stares at the Floater onstage, mouth hanging half-open, lower lip quivering.

Annika leans across the table. You meet her halfway.
"I think your date is stealing my date," she whispers bemusedly.
>>
No. 801233 ID: 094652

Oh @#$% this song is about her, isn't it.
>>
No. 801237 ID: ba56e6

>>801233
Yes
>>
No. 801240 ID: c31aac

>>801232
Check on that prick Wheeler, see how he's enjoying it. Surreptitiously of course.
>>
No. 801254 ID: 70983e

Is now a good time to dig in the senator's pocket for gold?
>>
No. 801260 ID: 83b227

Whisper back "borrowing" with a wink.

>>801254

Zack should keep his hands off, I think. IIRC the point is to get his phone, slip a bug into it and give it back to him, so since Meg is on stage and Zack doesn't have the stuff to do the necessary it'd be useless? And get his fingerprints on there and et cetera. Zack should be trying to stay spotless for now, get some espionage and larceny training later for future spy efforts.
>>
No. 801291 ID: 72ed6b

>>801230
> And eat Skutti

I love how this can be taken as a double entendre. I wonder if that's where any of the laughter came from. We'll have to tell Bika about this later, and eat some Skutti of our own.

>>801260
> Whisper back "borrowing" with a wink.

This.


Don't try to do anything to Wheeler's phone right now; wait for later, stick with the plan you made with Poly.

Also, we're going to have to ask Meg at some point what the name of Sezkhadara's lover was.

Meanwhile, reach over and touch Poly's hand, comfortingly.
>>
No. 801293 ID: 8dcef8

>>801291
This.
Especially >reach over and touch Poly's hand, comfortingly.
>>
No. 801297 ID: e97f18

>>801291
This.

Also, after the performance, and the applause, send a quick text to Bika.
>>
No. 801298 ID: 72ed6b

>>801297
> Also, after the performance, and the applause, send a quick text to Bika.

Agreed. Ask her to tell you if she sees demand go up at all over the next few days. Ask her if she does catering, and if she minds us sending a few extra customers her way. And start setting up the surprise for her that was discussed in the discussion thread.
>>
No. 801299 ID: 8dcef8

>>/questdis/111547
>>
No. 801303 ID: 331b1b

>>801298
This, especially​ setting up the surprise. Such things might require an appointment, so she should start now.
>>
No. 801339 ID: 7a5065

>>801232
"Visitors share a lot."
>>801291
>Meanwhile, reach over and touch Poly's hand, comfortingly.
This.
>>801299
Seconding.
>>
No. 801340 ID: e136ae

>>801232
>"I think your date is stealing my date," she whispers bemusedly.

Suggest group sex later. Invite Solid Snake & Bika.
>>
No. 801351 ID: 72ed6b

>>801339
> "Visitors share a lot."

Funny, and Annika would probably appreciate the (half-)joke, but this isn't the time or place for it right now.
>>
No. 801357 ID: 2a7417

>>801340
Great idea, let's invite someone we've never met and someone we know is uncomfortable with Poly to have a massive orgy with a human who has no idea who all these skuts are or why they're all humping Zack.
>>
No. 801360 ID: 91ee5f

>>801351
>this isn't the time or place for it right now.
True.
>>
No. 801364 ID: 3abd97

>>801340
Yes, do this.
>>
No. 801376 ID: bb78f2

>>801232
If you WANT to join in the afterparty, you can. That way its not stealing!
>>
No. 801440 ID: 8cb228

Do the understated 'Borrowing' bit; no need to be so crude as talking about sharing a lot or discussing afterparties and such.
>>
No. 801452 ID: 987bda

>>801232
"Then can I steal your date's former date?"
>>
No. 801458 ID: e136ae

>>801357
It will be enlightening. We want to enlighten people.
>>
No. 801496 ID: fc33ea

Just quietly affirm. Don't say anything to distract from the music.
>>
No. 801516 ID: 70983e

I don't think Annika's quite ready for a hands on lesson, but she'll catch your drift when you say Visitors like to share.
>>
No. 801649 ID: 68774b

I'm happy with this: >>801260 -for what to say to Annika.

Also definitely:>>801291
+1 for comfortingly touching Poly's hand.

Checking on Wheeler is good, but we shouldn't try anything more right now I think.

>>801351
>>801360
I'm not really sure? Like, it's a short relevant response to the comment she just made. We aren't randomly derailing the conversation to talk about threesomes or anything; she remarked on this and we're reassuring her. I think "Borrowing." with a wink is def. shorter and pithier though.
>>
No. 801653 ID: ba56e6

>>801649
This, pretty much.
>>
No. 801721 ID: f6ba27
File 149474433828.png - (192.24KB , 960x560 , 788.png )
801721

"Borrowing," you whisper back. "Visitors share a lot."
You steal a look at Wheeler. He's watching Meg perform completely stone-faced.
The beveled edge of his phone peeks tantalizingly out of his jacket pocket.

The music surges, then dies, then surges again. The z's and j's of Meg's Oculotti give her words a flowing lilt, like a mixture of German and Japanese.
Polyphema is mouthing the words Meg is saying, almost without noticing. You're considering taking her hand, but then you notice that Annika already has it.

The cello placidly dies on a deep sustain. Meg's singing slows and flickers with it. Her final syllable is like a gravestone.

The first pair of hands has barely been put together when the cry rings out. It makes you jump halfway out of your seat, and it takes you a second to realize that's because it came from right next to you.

Poly is standing up, singing in a clarion alto, chest jutted out and eye shut.
Everyone else in the room, Meg included, is varying degrees of gobsmacked. Poly finishes a phrase and falls silent.
Meg's eyes are fluttering as she composes herself.
Then she lifts her bow back up and sings back.
You can catch echoes and leitmotifs of the song that came before, but what was heartbreaking is now triumphant. Meg's playing starts out halting and hesitant, and as she finds her freedom again it's clear she hasn't practiced this movement like she has the first; but the jubilation that's moving her now is palpable.
Their voices braid together, above and below, into melody, close harmony, call-and-response, and two belts so powerful it has to be at least a little bit competitive.

Kathleen is grinning, bobbing her head with the music. Annika is watching Polyphema with undisguised fascination.
Wheeler is watching Polyphema with heavily disguised.... something.

A crashing crescendo and they're both singing their hearts out. Polyphema opens her eye. Their gazes lock.
There is a distinct energy that passes between them before the standing ovation.

Polyphema looks back at the table, panting so heavily you could swear she'd just come out of the bedroom. "Was it okay that I did that???"

Wheeler cough-scoffs loud enough you can hear it over the applause.
>>
No. 801722 ID: 8dcef8

>>801721
It was beautiful. Congratulate Poly and Meg.
Also, I think we may have to rethink the plan.
Something is seriously off about Wheeler.
>>
No. 801726 ID: 7b7ab3

>>801721
>"Was it okay that I did that???"
Absolutely.
She deserves a hug and a kiss. So does Meg.
>>
No. 801730 ID: 72ed6b

>>801721
That was beautiful. Don't even try to hide the tears in your eyes, because even without hypotheses about why that song would move Poly so much, you'd have to be made of stone to not be moved to tears.
>>
No. 801732 ID: 91ee5f

>>801721
>"Was it okay that I did that???"
"Wait, you and Meg didn't plan that?!"
>>
No. 801734 ID: fc33ea

That was more than okay, that was beautiful.
>>
No. 801741 ID: 094652

"Poly, that was awesome and all but please don't draw attention to yourself this next part is going to hurt but for now we have to go okay thanks goodbye everyone also tell the chef HIS CAKE WAS SOGGY AND HAD A WORM IN IT thank you."
>>
No. 801754 ID: 0b99d7

>>801721
I'm yet to hear a complaint.
>>
No. 801762 ID: e97f18

>>801730
This.

Also, with what Poly just did, she's probably going to find it harder to get close to Wheeler and snag the phone. So, perhaps we should go ahead and take advantage of the massive distraction to take Wheeler's phone and pocket it? (If so, make sure nobody else sees you do it either.)
>>
No. 801786 ID: b2c581

>>801762
I agree, make sure nobody sees you pocket the phone
>>
No. 801796 ID: fc33ea

Trust in Poly, people. Leave the spy stuff to the professionals.
>>
No. 801803 ID: 72ed6b

>>801796
This. Let's not make any assumptions about what Poly can successfully pull off. As she's just demonstrated for the umpteenth time, she's a boundless fount of surprises.
>>
No. 801804 ID: ba56e6

Zack isn't really a trained pickpocket. His best chance to snag the phone is if it's off of Wheeler's person, perhaps dropped accidentally in shock over something?
>>
No. 802576 ID: 56d4af

>>801721
>"Was it okay that I did that???"
KISS HER YOU FOOL
>>
No. 802583 ID: ba56e6

Don't kiss her, she's not your date.
>>
No. 802595 ID: 6d5f55

Shes bot your date, and besides let them gave their moment
>>
No. 803685 ID: 7d8168

>>802576
>>802583
"I'd kiss you, but you're not my date."

Then gently but conspicuously elbow Annika.
>>
No. 803736 ID: ba56e6

>>803685
Now this is more suitable.
>>
No. 803832 ID: f09f13

>>803685
Amen. Tell Poly she's totally OK, and that Annika should kiss her
>>
No. 804372 ID: 519f82

It was more than "okay" that she did that.

>>803685

I quite like this.
>>
No. 804970 ID: f6ba27
File 149604075806.png - (128.17KB , 960x560 , 789.png )
804970

"That was gorgeous." You're on your feet clapping with everybody else in full standing ovation. Wheeler's lips purse for a second before he gets up too. Someone whistles right behind your ear which is annoying but properly enthusiastic.
Meg gives a short bow then points her bow out to where Polyphema is in the audience. She bows very low, her hindquarters subtly pushing backward. The exposed skin at her upper thigh brushes against Wheeler.
"My God." Polyphema takes her seat. "I haven't sung that song since-- decades, I think."
"It was fantastic," Kathleen says.
"500%," Annika agrees.
Polyphema beams at her before turning her attention to Wheeler. "Did you not think so, Timothy?"
"Couldn't really understand the words," Wheeler says. "But I guess that's the thing about opera."
"You're more of the 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' type, aren't you?" Polyphema smirks at him under her mascara'd lid. "I don't tend to take requests."
"I don't tend to make them." Wheeler takes a bite of his entree, which must have arrived while you were in the green room with Meg and gone unnoticed in the lowered light of performance. Your steak is cooling beatifically on your plate. You make haste to tuck in.

After you've had a little bit of the overpriced food, you:

1]] Go to Meg, who's currently surrounded by a knot of starstruck bourgeois
2]] Take a more substantial moment with Kathleen, to try and get a better measure/rapport before your interview
3]] Distract Annika while her date seduces the xenophobe
4]] Eavesdrop in on whatever the hell Polyphema is doing with Wheeler
5]] Mingle with the millionaires
6]] _______________
>>
No. 804971 ID: c31aac

>>804970
5. We're here to do a job, lads!
>>
No. 804972 ID: 094652

5, 6) Do the fwooshy thing! Try out your latent psyker powers and see if you can pick up on anything.

Or just ask Poly where she got those purple contacts.
>>
No. 804976 ID: a307f1

>>804975

yes. or better yet, take annika along to talk to kathleen.
>>
No. 804979 ID: 103a6a

3. Watch the master at work.
>>
No. 804986 ID: 6dc8e5

I mean you could do 3 with 5. That sounds good. Show your friend the rich people, be catty about them behind their backs, hang out.
>>
No. 804987 ID: 7b7ab3

Everything but 4. Poly needs room to work.
>>804972
>Or just ask Poly where she got those purple contacts.
Still curious, but it can wait til later.
>>
No. 804998 ID: 962b5f

>>804970
I hate leaving her alone with that bald bastard, but what else can we do.
I'm torn between 1, 2, and 5.
We could probably bring Annika with us to any of them, but I sense that we only have time to do one right now.
That's my two cents.
>>
No. 805020 ID: c7383e

>>804970
Do 3 by bringing her along to do 5.
>>
No. 805039 ID: e50815

3 and 5.
Distract Annika while her date seduces the xenophobe by mingling with the millionaires.
>>
No. 805091 ID: 72ed6b

>>804970
1, go to Meg, because she was incredible and she's our date for the event.

Also, 6, text Bika.
>>
No. 805113 ID: ba56e6

>>804970
3
>>
No. 805148 ID: 013a0a

1, 3, 5. We can kill three birds with one stone.
>>
No. 805180 ID: fc33ea

1. She may need help like that time at the opera, bring 3.
>>
No. 805182 ID: 262ceb

3 seems important. It could be done while doing another, though, of which I would choose 1.
>>
No. 805196 ID: 5614de

As far as options go, I think distracting Annika would probably be a good idea, whatever else we do. Let Poly do her stuff. Kathleen can probably be safely left til later on in the evening. Right now she'll be watching us and forming her first impression.

Ideally we might want to take Annika with us whilst we go see Meg or mingle with millionaires. (Of those the latter is probably more beneficial, more opportunity to plug Visitor rights to rich influential fuckers, and Meg won't need our help.) But I think there's a risk that Annika may be pretty nonplussed if we try to drag her away from the table.

Not sure how to get around that.
>>
No. 805227 ID: 72ed6b

>>804970
3 via 1: invite Annika along to meet Meg, which Poly can easily excuse herself from as the two know each other already.
>>
No. 805313 ID: 5614de

>>805227

That's a good solution. We could even segue from Meg into mingling with random millionaires after chatting for a bit and congratulating her.
>>
No. 805707 ID: b8810a

1, 3 and 5 could all be done at once, couldn't they?
Distract Annika by taking her over to Meg and mingling with the rich people.
>>
No. 805708 ID: be0718

>>805196
I know how to get around that! It's called doing one thing at a time.
>>
No. 805797 ID: 2120ee

5
>>
No. 806432 ID: f09560

>>805708

Sure, but given my comment was premised on basically everyone wanting to do two things, saying "just do one" is kind of a non-answer in that context.

Anyway, in all honesty it might be pretty difficult to keep Annika distracted at the table whilst her date seduces a political figure. Introducing her to Meg, which should feel pretty natural and get her away from the table, is probably legitimately our best move on that front.
>>
No. 806522 ID: f6ba27
File 149681267699.png - (78.74KB , 960x560 , 790.png )
806522

You share a moment of meaningful eye contact with Polyphema.
Relax, her quick grin seems to say.
You plant a hand on Annika's shoulder.
"Hey," you say. "You should come meet Meg and rub elbows with the ruling class."
She lets you lead her away, her forehead wrinkled with uncertainty.
"Dude," she murmurs, as you ferry her through the maze of dignitaries. "There's so much cash in here I think I'm getting a secondhand coke high. And there's a xenophobe and Kathleen Caritas at the table and your girlfriend put her hand on my knee and how are you not like freaking out right now?"
You shrug. "I've been through weirder."
"That's weird too, dude. Like... I thought we'd be two fish out of water here. But I'm the only one on shore. You've changed. It's weird."
"Good weird or bad weird?"
"I don't know. Weird. I'm trying to figure it out." She points to the stage, now occupied by a suit saying something something something arts something funding. "The Zack I thought I knew doesn't, like... deliver powerful speeches at met galas. Or say what you said to me on the red carpet."
"It was just a joke."
"That's not how I remember you joking."

1]] I guess you can blame the girls for that. Come meet one. You'll like her.
2]] Perils of government work, I guess.
3]] Well, Annika, tonight isn't how I remember you looking.
4]] What, you mean badly?
5]] I'm sorry. This job is tough and I'm having to change a lot to do it.
6]] I guess I've just grown up some.
7]] Do you know what I think? I think you think it's good weird.
8]] I don't remember you having a thing for Oculots and yet here you are with Poly.
9]] ______________
>>
No. 806525 ID: e2566d

>>806522
>"What, you mean badly? I'm sorry. This job is tough and I'm having to change a lot to do it. Perils of government work, I guess."
>>
No. 806528 ID: f08985

>>806522
3, 2, 1.
>>
No. 806529 ID: 7b7ab3

1]] It's not the girls' fault. They've had t change, too.

2]] This line of work has demanded some changes.

3]] Sounds a little confrontational.

4]] She's legitimately concerned. Don't make a joke out of it.

5]] True.

6]] Implying Annika and the others are childish?

7]] Also sounds a bit confrontational.

8]] It's impolite to make assumptions about her dealings with Poly.
>>
No. 806532 ID: f08985

>>806529
Man you pick which options you want to use you don't have to respond to all of them

Also tone does a lot to affect whether or not stuff sounds confrontational, Zack is supposed to be relatively charming and I'm fairly sure in-universe he can make it sound better than it does in plain text.
>>
No. 806533 ID: be0718

5, 8.
>>
No. 806534 ID: 72ed6b

>>806522
> Or say what you said to me on the red carpet

Obvious joke, which we probably shouldn't actually make: "I've gotten better at using my mouth on carpet."
>>
No. 806535 ID: 91ee5f

>>806522
I'm not voting for it, but I just want to nitpick about option 8. Even though Annika knows that's Poly, we shouldn't call her Poly because she came to this party under the name of Beatrix, so that's the name we should call her during the party.

Now, for my vote, I choose this: >>806525 .
>>
No. 806537 ID: 7b7ab3

>>806532
Okay.

>>806525
>>806535
I'll go thirds.
>>
No. 806538 ID: 72ed6b

>>806522
I would phrase 2 as "occupational hazard". We've gotten a lot more comfortable about certain subjects. There's a certain amount of "humor as coping mechanism" there, too. Not that the girls are anything we need to "cope" with, more that the non-romance parts of the job are much higher stress than she might imagine.

"Visitor escort" is the part of the job people like to joke about. But experiencing the stresses that visitors have to go through regularly is more than a mere human can take sometimes.
>>
No. 806539 ID: 6dc8e5

>>806529
Yeah, a lot of these lines come off kind of dismissive or disingenuous in a vacuum. How about:
"I got suddenly plunged into having to be this charming activist public face all the time. I had to learn fast, and I chewed my share of foot in the process. I can't really turn it on and off now. Broadened horizons are great, but it's also nice to have a representative of the familiar here to talk with. Of course, tonight isn't how I remember you looking either, Annika."
>>
No. 806541 ID: e97f18

>>806539
>>806538
I like the idea of combining these two. The mention of the stresses of the job fits naturally.
>>
No. 806542 ID: 1756ec

3, 2, 1
>>
No. 806543 ID: d98523

>>806541
This, yes. Combine those two.
>>
No. 806545 ID: 25707a

5, 2, 9]] Hey! Why don't you, Alan, and Gary come over to Speed Luck Skut sometime and we make a day out of it? Catch up and such?
>>
No. 806546 ID: 72ed6b

>>806545
Inviting them over in a low-stress environment, compared to this ball, sounds like an excellent idea.
>>
No. 806553 ID: fc33ea

What, you mean badly? I'm sorry, I'll stop; The publicity factor with this job is tough and there are a lot of people depending on me to not mess up.
Also what >>806538
said about certain subjects & coping mechanisms.


Besides, the speech wasn't that good.
>>
No. 806559 ID: c57f6b

5
>>
No. 806578 ID: 87206f

>>806539
Apologize to her OR keep flirting with her. Pick one, not both.
>>
No. 806629 ID: 0b99d7

>>806522
5 and 1; no point dressing it up, your recent life has been quite the wild ride, with ups and down that have had an impact on you.

and let her know that, besides, she's doing a pretty good if you say so yourself, maybe a crab on out of water at worst.
>>
No. 806682 ID: bb78f2

>>806522
1, 5, 8) I've been through some serious shit recently. Life changes you. I bet the Zack you knew was nothing like pre-teen Zack.
I mean, hell, I did hate Vistiors a lot back then because of what happened my Mom, and I hated humans too because what happened to my Dad. I hated everything talked to almost no one. I didn't do what my Mom last asked me to do until much later.

I change every week. You just weren't with me so the gradual seems extreme.
>>
No. 806737 ID: ba56e6

>>806522
5 and 8, but 8 posed as a question.
>>
No. 806755 ID: 6dc8e5

>>806578
Well good news then! That's neither an apology nor flirting. Its an explanation and an invitation to further conversation, while not shutting the door on either option. Acknowledging that the friend looks good-different in a fancy dress is polite, not automatically flirting. It also puts the ball in her court on how to respond.

>>806538
good sentiments, but can we phrase it in a way that doesn't involve hasty backtracking on implications of the word "cope"?

>>806682
pls no bringing up the tragic backstory. It's a super downer, and this is a happy night. Looking forward now.
>>
No. 806756 ID: 72ed6b

>>806755
> good sentiments, but can we phrase it in a way that doesn't involve hasty backtracking on implications of the word "cope"?

Sure. It's mainly that "coping mechanism" is a common phrase to explain this. But we could give the "we've seen some stuff" part first, then the "humor as coping mechanism", so it makes sense.
>>
No. 806760 ID: 4063a3

>>806522
6]]
>>
No. 806761 ID: 094652

9) "I've learned three lifetimes worth of secrets in less than a month. I just have to get it all out, and the secrets are a real deal on my charisma."
>>
No. 806930 ID: aebfae

>>806522
Sequence as follows: 6, 5, 2, 8, and 1
>>
No. 806965 ID: f09560

I actually like most of these options. I think we should maybe avoid picking a bunch of options every time, though. It risks diluting them or feeling like we're trying to have our cake and eat it. Let's focus on one clear message and say it with conviction.

On balance I think I'll go for:

3.

(Though 7. is a narrow second.)
>>
No. 806971 ID: 600f38

>>806522
5.
1, but rather than 'blame' put it more as they've been a good influence on you. She needs to meet Meg.

Also, this is important: Is she here as Poly's date, or as her DATE? Is she here as a friend, or interested in dulabria? Obviously you're ok with that, but it would change how you go about introductions.
>>
No. 806977 ID: 2120ee

>>806522
9. Coping mechanism. The thirst around me is too strong, it is the only way to survive. Please, Annika, for the love of god you have to help or they'll drink me dry; drink me alive. From my dick. With their mouths... what was I talking about again?
>>
No. 806978 ID: 636dcb

>>806522
8
>>
No. 807072 ID: 7d8168

5. In particular, we're a cultural liaison now, and the particulars involve dating a lot of people, some (most? all???) of whom are very forward. All of that's done a number on our persona.

It's not like we mind, but yeah... we've changed.
>>
No. 807075 ID: 262ceb

I think I'll just vote for 1.
>>
No. 807099 ID: f09560

It's not the greatest crime in history but I think #5 edges on sounding a bit whiny.

Like, yeah, we've changed, and all the choices acknowledge that on some level. But do we seriously need to be like boo hoo, we gained a bunch of confidence, woe is me.
>>
No. 807192 ID: 483e1c

>>806977
This.
>>
No. 807193 ID: ba56e6

>>806977
This
>>
No. 807194 ID: 17c2ee

3.
>>
No. 807277 ID: 96af5c

5
>>
No. 807280 ID: 8080e6

1, 2, and 3, like this:

"I'm sorry if that made you uncomfortable, Annika. Sometimes I feel like a bit of a circus clown, always being on and fun and charming. Dance for the cameras and all that. Now, don't get me wrong, this is the best job I've ever had, I'm exploring real feelings and having real relationships, and I'm having a great time doing it (death threats and bigotry notwithstanding). But I also kind of like being like this now. I feel like I'm making a real difference, building bridges with kindness and love, and my experience of life has become so much richer. These women, they're really special. They're widening my world in ways I'd never thought I'd experience. You should meet one, come with me!

"And for the record, you're quite different yourself, there, art nerd."
>>
No. 807335 ID: 600f38

>>807280
This sounds really good.
Lets do this.
>>
No. 807338 ID: d328bb

Let's just do one at a time. 3 has potential, let's see how Annika chooses to interpret it.

3.
>>
No. 807719 ID: 08e550

4, zack is and always has been bad with jokes.
>>
No. 807721 ID: f08985

>>807719
To be fair, Zack's humor stat was pretty okay, I'm pretty sure it's just quest yanking him around.
>>
No. 807850 ID: 08e550

>>807721
really? i'm fairly sure its his worst stat n the only reason it works is due to his amazing charm and charisma.

like his jokes are shit teir but he owns it and makes it work.
>>
No. 807851 ID: 08e550

>>807721
>>807850
just had a brief re-read of thread 1.

I think humor came before body so i guess i was wrong about it being our worst stat. Guess i just read it as being lower than body with the PARKOUR and all.

I still vote 4 tho lol
>>
No. 808301 ID: 367077

I honestly think we should keep it to one option here. We're making conversation, not a presentation, and all the options fundamentally speak to how things have changed, just with different emphases. Trying to have multiple emphases in a short walk-and-talk conversation is only going to make each one less meaningful.

Let's keep it short, clear, and punchy.
>>
No. 808343 ID: 08e550

>>808301
agreed
>>
No. 809885 ID: e97f18

I'm voting for just 2 ("occupational hazard" sounds good, as in >>806538), and perhaps 5.
>>
No. 809918 ID: ccd925

9) sorry if it made you uncomfortable and 6
>>
No. 809987 ID: 159ee9

5 then 2
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be uncomfortable. This job has been throwing more and more unreal situations with me, and I've been changing to try and meet them. As much as I'm an alien escort, I've also had to try and be an advacatote. It's stressful, and I think I've been using humor as a way to try and defuse things. And well, given how forward some of the people I've been dating recently"
>>
No. 812085 ID: f30be2
File 149905784701.png - (37.10KB , 960x560 , 791.png )
812085

"Sorry if I made you uncomfortable," you say. "This job has been throwing some crazy stuff my way. And the, uh, new coworkers I have are influencing me. I guess I'm just having to adapt. And uh, use humor as a coping mechanism."
"Riight. I guess I just wasn't expecting you to be so..." Annika looks at you from top to leather-sole toe. "debonaire."
"Well you're looking a little different yourself there, art nerd," you say.

"You," Annika stops in her tracks. "are hitting on me. Humor as a coping mechanism my fat art nerd ass. That's the kind of joke that's only a joke when the other person decides it's a joke."
"What?"
Meg has seen the two of you approach and is waving you over. Annika points a triumphant finger at you. "You are hitting on me. You and Beatrix have been hitting on me all night in that way where you can plausibly deny hitting on me." Annika is wearing her trademark close-mouth cheshire grin for the first time tonight. "I've been hit on. I know what hitting on is like. Alan and Gary said you were gonna hit on me and I said they were crazy but they weren't crazy. This job has turned you into Don Freakin' Juan."
>>
No. 812093 ID: 7fad5d

>>812085
"Damn right I am. Looks like you're enjoying it."
>>
No. 812096 ID: 7b7ab3

"This job has its perks! But I'll turn down the suave for a friend."
Let's introduce our friend to our girlfriend.
>>
No. 812099 ID: fc33ea

'Okay sure, whatever you say.' Not dismissively; just to not give her the satisfaction of imidiately confirming what she just said.

I'll just take that 'Don Juan' crack as a compliment then.
>>
No. 812101 ID: 91ee5f

>>812085
> This job has turned you into Don Freakin' Juan.
"Aw, shit, how'd you know my real name was Don Juan? Who told you my secret identity? I guess I don't need this Zack Nguyen mask anymore."

Start scratching at your neck and then say, "Damn, I can't find the bottom of this mask to take it off!"
>>
No. 812109 ID: e121d3

Annika please, all hypothetical flirting exists in a superposition of both flirting and non-flirting until such a time as the theoretical target of said theoretical flirting is observed to desire or not desire being flirted with at which point the waveform collapses appropriately, or in some tragic people's cases inappropriately. I am an interdimensional flirtologist Annika, I know what I am talking about.

Anyway, aside from that, one, Beatrix's deniability in her hitting-on is only out of a love of the artform of subtlety in itself, believe you me she does not deny that sort of thing, and two, if that's what you call hitting on you then you are pretty blatantly hitting on me with all this talk of how suave and competent and debonair I am.

Anyway here's Meg. Introductions!
>>
No. 812118 ID: ce2e2f

>>812093
This
>>
No. 812126 ID: 7b7ab3

>>812109
>>/questdis/113103
>>
No. 812148 ID: 335ff3

Having a bunch of aliens say your dick is huge might make you a bit overconfident.
>>
No. 812168 ID: ba56e6

>>812101
This.
>>
No. 812171 ID: c655d4

>>812085
".... Ok, is that a bad thing? No, seriously is that a bad thing from your perspective ?"
>>
No. 812203 ID: be0718

I am learning, from the master. Would you care to join me in Beatrix's cleavtutelage?
>>
No. 812251 ID: 08e550

>>812089
i vote this, going to see meg is more important than flirting with Anni
>>
No. 812291 ID: 600f38

>>812109
This. So much this.
>>
No. 812314 ID: ba56e6

>>812109
Changing vote to this, it's grown on me.
>>
No. 812586 ID: 7d8168

>"You," Annika stops in her tracks. "are hitting on me."
"No, way. We're old friends, that's impossible. Is it working?"
>>
No. 813068 ID: a363ac

>>813067
FUCKING FLIRT WITH HER!
>>
No. 813070 ID: 77c5e3

>>812093

She's flirting back you FOOLS. Quit messing around and just do this one.

Big long speeches full of cringey innuendo and half-hearted statements of intent are great if you DON'T want to hook up with Annika. If that's the case, let's just move UP ON out.
>>
No. 813074 ID: be0718

>>812203
Scrap that, that's not quite the right message.
"You're right, it has. And it's hard to turn that off. Usually, I don't want to. So, whaddya think? Is it outrageous?"
("Psst. You should call Beatrix on her bluff.")

>>813070
That is the case, but I'd rather not do so by falling flat on my nose.
>>
No. 813086 ID: f36501

>>812586
This one!
>>
No. 813099 ID: 308602

>>812085
"Yet you haven't asked me to stop."
>>
No. 813117 ID: e136ae

>>813099
Niiiiiice.
>>
No. 813144 ID: 1dbd7c

>>812109
All of my this.
>>
No. 813159 ID: fc33ea

>>812314
I'm struggling to see why. It's needlessly verbose demented nonsense.

Don't flirt with somebody you're not being paid to flirt with in front of Meg.
>>
No. 813161 ID: ba56e6

>>813159
Because I like it.
>>
No. 813183 ID: 72ed6b

>>812085
> You and Beatrix have been hitting on me all night

"Sounds like you're onto us. Which leaves you with one question: which one, or both, do you want?"
>>
No. 813184 ID: 72ed6b

>>812085
Also:
"Your art nerd ass is anything but fat. I should know, I've been looking at it for long enough."
>>
No. 813229 ID: fc33ea

Alright then miss master of being hit on, you've piqued my curiosity. What is the Zach you know really like?
>>
No. 813235 ID: b42e0c

>>812109
I don't mean to sound unkind, but this honestly seems quite overworked and rather too long to me.

>>812586
I like this. Short, witty, keeps things light, and just the right amount of flirty. >>813184 is my next favourite.

But I'd also be fine with: >>812093, it's a bit more brash and straightforward but it's okay.
>>
No. 813278 ID: f30be2
File 149931862359.png - (26.59KB , 960x560 , 792.png )
813278

"Damn right I am," you say. "I notice you haven't asked me to stop."

Annika's accusatory finger droops.
She gives you a long, inquisitive look, like you're a word she's always seen but never looked up the definition for. "I haven't, have I?" She refocuses on your eyes. Her smile pushes out a centimeter or two. So does her chest.
"And your art nerd ass is anything but fat. I've been looking at it long enough to know."
"I've been looking at you long enough to know it's just fat enough." She cocks her hip a little. "Yknow I came here with someone, boy."

The tone with which she says boy is not like anything you have ever heard from your college bestie. "You don't think I'm stealing you from Beatrix, do you?"
"You haven't stolen anything from Beatrix," Annika says. "But maybe if you wanted to talk to her about sharing..."

Someone taps your shoulder. "You two gonna get a fuckin room or what?" Meg says.
>>
No. 813280 ID: 7fad5d

>>813278
"Not just us two, nah." We probably have some actual work to do sometime, so let's find 'Beatrix' and have a nice chat about important things like business and scheduling an orgy.
>>
No. 813291 ID: 7b7ab3

Unsure. Ask again later.
How's Meg's night going? Everything good?
Rich folk giving her trouble?
>>
No. 813296 ID: c31aac

>>813280
Agreed.
But also let's make a note here to not overload ourselves on waifus, if we take on too many dick shoppe clients we risk diluting our brand

A fancy way of saying we won't have time for everyone
>>
No. 813297 ID: be0718

>>813296
Remember to have just four waifu
Taking more waifu will destroy your laifu!

"Nah. If we were gonna do it, we'd need to do it in the art gallery. So we could charge admission."
>>
No. 813300 ID: 91ee5f

>>813278
>"You two gonna get a fuckin room or what?"
>a fuckin room
"Meg, please, the correct term is 'bedroom'."
>>
No. 813305 ID: fc33ea

Not before I dance with the one who brought me. You were incredible up there, Meg.
>>
No. 813318 ID: 7b7ab3

>>813278
One question I've been meaning to ask is how Annika and "Beatrix" met.
>>
No. 813339 ID: 72ed6b

>>813300
This. This is exactly the response that Zack would make. Just a little bit smartass, casually kinky, and escalating the flirting another notch.
>>
No. 813398 ID: 77c5e3

>>813300
h e l l

Do this one. Meg probably won't get it
>>
No. 813407 ID: 72ed6b

>>813398
I think you're giving her too little credit; she'll get it.
>>
No. 813417 ID: 08e550

>>813300
yeah i like this, but i also think we should focus more on meg rather than annika.
Time to give this floater some well deserved praise, we also owe her one quickie
>>
No. 813449 ID: 600f38

>>813300
This.
Also: "Depends. Is Annika's date going to steal mine?"
>>
No. 813584 ID: 5f3e3b

Give Meg an excited hug and talk about how cool her performance was
>>
No. 813665 ID: 44b5c0

>>813300
This is too good not to open with

Also, much deserved praise for the musician

>>813296
We could certainly communicate Poly's stance on the matter, but I agree we don't want to overload things; even if "in reality" we could deal with it fine, in a quest things get neglected or else it takes forever to do anything.

In any case, actually speaking with our friends and shit again is probably a good thing to do, and if they're on board with visitor style relationships we're hardly going to tell then that no, traditional human monogamy is all they're allowed. Unless we've suddenly turned into massive hypocrites. It might be prudent to cast things in a one-night-stand sort of way until they learn more about dulabira/dulamad/also-hey-fwb-are-cool-too type stuff, since differing expectations about what any relationship is never ends well for anyone.
>>
No. 813666 ID: a363ac

>>813278
"why don't you go pick one out Meg~"
>>
No. 813672 ID: e136ae

>>813666
Agreed. We must introduce her to three ways and polyamory relationships.
>>
No. 813879 ID: 65b749

>>813278
in response to meg i think we should say something along the lines of "what? and pass up on an oportunity to ruin a bunch of smug rich peoples dinners?"
>>
No. 813969 ID: ba56e6

>>813879
If people overhear us it'll ruin the entire reason we're here.
>>
No. 814851 ID: f62fd8

"Not yet, at least. Meg meet Annika. Annika meet Meg."
>>
No. 814863 ID: e121d3

You're being rude. Introduce Annika to Meg. Don't forget, you're distracting her from Poly's activities.
>>
No. 814979 ID: 9d560c

>>814851 I quite like this, it's nice and deadpan. Altho >>813300 is legitimately amusing, I wouldn't mind opening with that either. Actually kinda hard to resist.

Anyway we should introduce Annika and then praise/hug Meg for an incredible performance. Ideally with some kind of dynamite witty compliment that I can't think of right now. :/
>>
No. 815268 ID: 08e550

>>814979
im glad some 1 else thinks this.
I think we are neglecting our date
>>
No. 816321 ID: f30be2
File 150024271794.png - (42.02KB , 960x560 , 793.png )
816321

"The correct term is bedroom, Meg," you say, almost as shocked at your pre-alcoholic brazenness as Annika is. She goes a gratifying shade of pink, then giggles. The weird newness of hearing a laugh as tinged with suggestion as this one, from one of your oldest college friends, is offset by the reaction it stirs in your pants.
"Oh you actually are." Meg's new eyebrows raise. She tilts her head as she looks at Annika. You get the feeling there's a physical appraisal going on. "Oh word. Hi then. Annika, right?"
"Uh huh. You were like-- I don't listen to much classical music but that was transcendent."
Onstage, they're finally dragging the podium thing off the stage. Guys dressed in sleek backstage black hustle on to replace them with music stands. Looks like some dancing is in the cards soon.
"Thanks. Neither do I. Zack was going to introduce us before but then that racist dude showed up. Right, Zack?"
"I was." You defend yourself.
Meg grins in a taking the piss kind of way and nudges you. "So introduce us. She gonna be a new dulamad?"
"Dulawhat?" Annika asks.
>>
No. 816322 ID: 56ffef

>>816321
"sex freinf" said like that
>>
No. 816324 ID: 636dcb

>>816321
"Slut-pal"
>>
No. 816325 ID: 3abd97

>>816321
Slave-girl
>>
No. 816327 ID: be0718

Golborian term for "friend with benefits."
Meg, allow me to introduce you to the exotic human concept of friends you aren't in bed with.
>>
No. 816328 ID: 7fad5d

>>816321
"They came up with a word for friends with benefits that sounds better than fuckbuddy.

Annika, meet the latest model of RealDolls, Meg. Meg, meet the Anika, the only art nerd to be a worse sculptor than I am."
>>
No. 816329 ID: 9876c4

>>816322
>>816324
>>816325
Use all of these,
>>
No. 816330 ID: ba56e6

>>816321
"This is Annika, we went to college together. Annika, this is Meg. She's the Floater representative in the program."
>>
No. 816331 ID: 72ed6b

>>816321
"We were just getting to the 'enjoyably flirting' stage, and hadn't quite determined whether we wanted to act on it. And to answer your question, Annika, the closest analog would be 'a very close friend with benefits', to some subset of the five of us; unlike a friend with benefits, some amount of romantic attraction would not be unwelcome, either. So, for instance, if you and your date, or you and I, or all three, wanted to wanted to get the aforementioned room, perhaps on more than just a one-time basis? That's the term for it."
>>
No. 816342 ID: e136ae

>>816321
It means "Third person in a threesome"
>>
No. 816343 ID: fc33ea

>Dulawhat?
A member of a circle of friends, with benefits. And I think Beatrix is probably the one to ask.

Right, introductions! Meg, this is Annika, we went to art school together. Annika, this is Megumi, Fellow member of the shadowy government plot I only know as 'The Program'.
>>
No. 816346 ID: 7b7ab3

>>816330
Just this.
>>
No. 816348 ID: 669ac4

"A friend with benefits with some extra cultural connotations and assumptions. Those are too complex for a quick answer."
>>
No. 816351 ID: fc33ea

>>816346
On second thought, this is right- not explaining the word is probably best for multiple reasons.
>>
No. 816352 ID: b232dd

Also turn satisfying shade of red. Be like "Meg, you remember how everybody was unsure how to broach that subject with me?"
>>
No. 816365 ID: 24f307

>>816330
>>816346
>>816351
>>816352
These.
>>
No. 816368 ID: 7fad5d

Zack's best stat is supposed to be his confidence, so being embarrassed or shying away from an explanation doesn't seem to fit what little of his character exists.
>>
No. 816370 ID: fc33ea

>>816368
I see it as leaving her in suspense.
>>
No. 816377 ID: 600f38

>>816321
"Harem Anime where everybody's in each other's harem."
>>
No. 816402 ID: ba56e6

>>816377
This is probably the most accurate to be honest
>>
No. 816403 ID: 7fad5d

>>816402
It isn't. Not everyone in a dulabira is necessarily alamads or dulamads with everyone else.
>>
No. 816408 ID: e121d3

How many people are there are around nearby? I'm sure rumours are making the rounds anyway, but talking about it out loud might result in some bystander taking it as an invitation to come in and start talking about their opinion. On the other hand, lowering your voice to talk about it would make it seem clandestine and shameful, which is not good for an introduction to the concept.

Say something like: "Very basically, a person in your network of intimate friends and lovers. I'm sure that there's some piece of visitor art around here that has at least something to do with the concept, let's see if we can find it."

Finding an artwork that could be used as an object in the dulabira explanation will serve multiple purposes, first further distraction, second drawing away from the main hubbub, third legitimately helping the understanding and demonstrating that it's a nuanced and significant concept in visitor culture. There is probably some art piece that at least has a dulabira in a story about its artist or something.
>>
No. 816434 ID: f30be2
File 150026477379.png - (38.06KB , 960x560 , 794.png )
816434

"Hey Meg," you say. "Remember how everyone was unsure of how to talk about dulabiras with me?"
"Oh," Meg says. "Not really."
"Anyway this is Annika. We went to college together. Fellow art nerd. Annika, meet Meg. Floater representative in the mysterious HVAO Program."
"And musical virtuoso," Annika says. "Like that was amazing. Um but Zack what's a dulaman?"
"Dulamad," you gently correct. "That's probably a question for Beatrix."
You look over at the aforementioned cyclops. She's standing up, leaning across the table and saying something indistinct to Wheeler. Kathleen Caritas is elsewhere; it's just the two of them. Wheeler is listening with a sneer fixed to his face. You catch his vision flick down to take in the view down her cleavage.
The hall reverberates with the sound of strings warming up and your attention is brought back to the stage, where a quartet have taken residence in front of the music stands.
"Oh dude," Meg says. "That's Woyzeck Baumann on cello."
"Is he good?" you ask.
"No. He's super famous cause he's bad." Meg's already getting better at keeping her new face deadpan. The lights are shifting to gently nudge people out of their seats and onto the dance floor. A few pairs of brave souls are heeding the call. Polyphema and Wheeler are ignoring it.

1]] Dance with Meg.
2]] Dance with Annika to keep her distracted from Poly. Meg will get it.
>>
No. 816436 ID: 7fad5d

>>816434
pathetic dialogue tbh

2. Let's do Annika and catch up with an old friend. If Meg looks unhappy we can lead her gaze to Poly and Wheeler.
>>
No. 816439 ID: be0718

1) Dance with Meg. She's got zero left feet.
>>
No. 816441 ID: 7b7ab3

1. She's our date, dude.
>>
No. 816442 ID: ba56e6

3) Have Meg dance with Annika. Go find Caritas. We need to make that if she fields anything about Wheeler getting seduced by an alien, it's on our terms.
>>
No. 816444 ID: b4d323

1.
We've been awkward with Annika long enough and we promised tonight would be for Meg. Let's keep a weather eye on the Wheeler situation, but otherwise focus on our date.
>>
No. 816445 ID: 91ee5f

>>816434
1. Dance with Meg.
>>
No. 816446 ID: e121d3

2. Not only do we need to distract Annika, it's better if Meg's the one to "keep an eye on Wheeler's things" if he has to go somewhere.

Say something about how you've been trying to learn how to dance and you want to practice with someone who has legs. But, uh, in a more diplomatic way than I just phrased it.
>>
No. 816448 ID: fc33ea

1. Espionage can wait, horndoggery can wait. Let's have this.
>>
No. 816449 ID: 07e249

Dancing with Meg is, like, the number one thing we've all wanted to try with her since we met, so my vote is going to be 1.
>>
No. 816450 ID: c31aac

>>816445
1 for sure, Meg was here first.
>>
No. 816463 ID: 8080e6

1. Poly can handle herself, with or without an interruption from Annika.
>>
No. 816494 ID: 72ed6b

>>816434
Dance with Meg, and compliment her on her sarcasm.

And by way of cover for Poly, tell Annika quietly that you suspect Poly is pulling something on the obnoxious racist dude at the table, and you'd suggest enjoying the show and letting her work.
>>
No. 816507 ID: aebfae

>>816434
1) Dance with Meg. She's our date anyway, and I think Annika's sufficiently distracted by now.
>>
No. 816508 ID: e121d3

>>816507
>I think Annika's sufficiently distracted by now.

We literally just told her to redirect her question to Beatrix/Poly. That's the opposite of a distraction.
>>
No. 816514 ID: ba56e6

>>816494
Changing vote to this.
>>
No. 816528 ID: c31aac

>>816494
Good idea. We dance and let her in on shenanigans without blowing cover.
>>
No. 816722 ID: 08e550

1. We HAVE to dance with meg, we've ignored her long enough.

I like the idea of >>816494 as well.
We get to slow dance(grind) with meg, poly does her thing and gets us that phone and annika doesn't get in the way. Win win win
>>
No. 817203 ID: 44b5c0

>>816722
I thought we needed to bug the phone and replace it while Poly is distracting Wheeler

If he has the opportunity to notice it's gone, he may become suspicious.
>>
No. 817204 ID: e121d3

>>817203

Meg would be better as the one to mess with the phone while Wheeler's distracted, as Zack has no experience either with sleight of hand or hacking phones. And doesn't actually have any way to implant a bug on a phone. And the phone has to return to Wheeler or there's no point in bugging it. So, at some point, Meg needs to be in position to pick up and do what needs doing with the phone for a few moments, without anyone noticing, before putting it back.

Which is why I voted for dancing with Annika right now.
>>
No. 817205 ID: 555a1f

>>816434

We screwed up a bit here. Mixture of indecision and lack of confidence, I think. We should have just said something short, sweet, and witty.

(In general this is not a bad default.)

I want to dance with Meg, she's our date, plus she just gave an incredible performance, but... >>816508 is a valid concern.

I don't think >>816494 will necessarily work. What happens if Poly leads Wheeler off somewhere? Annika's attention is likely to be on it, given we've told her to enjoy the show.
>>
No. 817220 ID: ba56e6

>>817204
This is a good point. Changing vote to Annika, with a little wink at Meg to let her know this is a TACTICAL MANEUVER.
>>
No. 817274 ID: 6327fe

Also like, if Annika looks over to the table after we just told her to enjoy the show, and sees us/Meg tampering around with Wheeler's phone, she's just become accessory to a crime. So I think keeping her attention away if we can is probably for the best.

Meg will get why we aren't dancing with her right now. We can make it up to her later.
>>
No. 817353 ID: 08e550

>>817274
shit.... i hate to say it but u guys convinced me.
changing my vote to dancing with annika and SUBTLY letting meg know this is her opportunity to bug that phone.
I wanna say we really need to do something special for meg after this but she did say espionage gets her super wet. We are basically spying it up for her by dancing with annika.
Maybe we can word it to her that this is a spy dance and she'll get the real one later.
>>
No. 817355 ID: 72ed6b

>>816434
We need to remember how this looks to everyone else, too. We came with Meg, Meg just blew away the whole room, and everyone knows we're with Meg. So if we go out in the middle of the room and dance with Annika, rather than Meg, that's going to get noticed, and it will not look good, no matter what justification we might have.

Dance with Meg. Poly has the espionage covered for the moment.
>>
No. 817363 ID: 91ee5f

>>817355
This!
>>
No. 817366 ID: ba56e6

>>817355
There is a time for image, and a time for tactical espionage.

Zack isn't a slick sneak thief, so his role is delegated to distraction. I'd say this counts as a distraction if it gathers attention, and we will have the opportunity to explain ourselves when Caritas interviews us.
>>
No. 817434 ID: e121d3

Well, there's a third option.

What we could do is say "Annika, you know how to dance? I've been trying to learn" and then hopefully sell the idea of pulling her and Meg out onto the floor to do a "lesson", either "it's ok Annika I can show you a few moves" if she's not a dancer and "wow Annika can you show me a few moves" if she is, using Meg as an assistant alternating dancing with either human while the other watches to either learn or to spot what needs learning.

Then we'd have both Annika and Meg out on the floor. If we see Poly took Wheeler away we could even go "ok Annika you have legs let me practice with you/you practice with me for a bit" so that Meg gets a chance to do her spy biz. Then once that's done we dance with Meg for the rest of the evening.

But we were only given the options to dance with Meg or Annika. And I don't know if a third option like this could get the votes it needs at this late stage anyway.
>>
No. 817895 ID: 05c7a3

you guys i've got it

we get Meg to dance with Annika

this cannot go wrong
>>
No. 819900 ID: 5b4b1e

Dance? Maybe? With Meg?
>>
No. 819908 ID: be641e

>>817434

I'll vote for that third option.
>>
No. 819962 ID: 72ed6b

>>817434
Well, on the one hand it'd reinforce our image as someone who "dances" with multiple women, but on the other hand, everyone knows that already, and at least we wouldn't appear to be snubbing Meg.

So I'd support this, as an alternative to dancing with Meg.
>>
No. 820027 ID: ba56e6

>>817434
I'll support this as well.
>>
No. 820029 ID: 91ee5f

>>817434
As long as you can find a way to subtly hint to Meg that she should go do her thing with Wheeler's phone.

Maybe a wink? Or a head nod over to where he was sitting? Or maybe just saying, "I'm sure I can get the hang of this. The Wheels in my head are starting to turn."?

Just have to think of a signal to give her so that she can go do her thing.
>>
No. 820031 ID: f30be2
File 150164472351.png - (28.30KB , 960x560 , 795.png )
820031

You nudge Annika. "Don't look now but I think your date is pulling something on that Wheeler dickhead."
"Is she?" Annika looks back over to the table. She catches sight of Polyphema clinking a glass full of wine against Wheeler's, then plucking his drink from his hand and settling back on her side of the table, a flute in each fist. "Oh God," Annika says.
"She knows what she's doing. Dinner and a show."
"Oiy." Annika shakes her head. "This poly thing you do." You realize that's lowercase poly, not uppercase Poly.
"If you call it a dulabira it feels less weird," you say. "And I don't think she's gonna end up letting him actually like... do anything." But as you say that you realize you're not sure what Polyphema's going to do. You're snapped out of uncertainty by the four piece on stage striking a loud, triumphal hit.
"Hey Annika you seem cool." Meg takes your arm. "And I bet we're going to have the chance to get to know each other a lot better pretty soon. But I need to steal Zack right now because that's definitely Strauss' Voces de Primavera."
Annika waves you off as Meg guides you gently but firmly onto the floor. She settles her hands on your broad shoulders and gives a squeeze of approbation. "You're getting more built," she says, as your feet warm up into the waltz steps Poly taught you. For all the jokes about Meg not having feet to step on, that is making this a lot easier.
"I am?" You fold your arms around her. "I'm not really exercising like I wanted to."
"You're exercising, all right." Meg smirks. "Just not in a gym."
She sways her hips to the music. Your hand rests on the small of her back, just above the place where she starts to curve outward again. The material of her outfit warms against your touch and feels almost liquid. Her dress swishes across the floor. The fleeting touch of her bare thigh beneath it imparts electricity down your spine to your brain and then back down to the crotch, which demonstrates with impatience that your refractory period is over.
"I love your arms." Meg is tucked into your chest. "They're warm. You're warm." She leads you in a promenading twist. Her leg isn't just brushing you anymore. She's pressed against you. Her diode-blue eyes are closed. "I used to like, try really hard when I was with you. But I don't feel like I'm trying at anything now. I'm different when I'm with you. Like... complacent but good."
"Content."
"Mmm." As the song finishes, a number starts you remember from that old concert she performed at. You didn't really appreciate it at the time; but it's funny how much better it is when a cyborg is rubbing her belly against your dick.
"Everyone wants to meet you, by the way." Meg's opened her eyes again. "We should stop dancing and start schmoozing soon. There's like... celebs."
"I know. I am one."
She giggles and play-punches your chest. "OK but you can't get your ass kissed or whatever too long. I need you to take the thing."
"The..." you whisper. "Phone? Thing?"
"Mhm."
"Why not you?"
"Cause I fuckin glow."
"Ah."
"So shake like one or two hands then we should figure out what's going on there--" Meg jerks her head at the table, where Polyphema has moved to Wheeler's side of the table. "--and get the thing."
As you execute another smooth turn (which would probably have been way less smooth if Meg had feet) you survey the hall and Meg points out, with a steady murmur in your ear, the people eager to make your famous xenophilic acquaintance.

1]] "That's Castor Leydon." Holy shit the movie star? you ask. "Yeah. He's apparently working with this famous Warrior actor his next one. He got hard into visitor rights lately."
2]] "Diana Barmashi. Former CEO of Spiegel." Which is? "They do catalogues. Big HVAO donor."
3]] "Luke DeWitt. Brain surgeon guy. He publishes a lot of papers on xenoneurology."
4]] "I don't know who that guy is but he talks fast and his chest hair is showing."
5]] "That's some artist lady whose name I forget." Jacquelin Klatzky? Is that her? "Guess you've heard of her then."
6]] "State Rep Estelle Devlin. The yang to Wheeler's yin or something. Demonfucker Devlin, she's been called."
>>
No. 820033 ID: be0718

4. SAXTON HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALE
>>
No. 820034 ID: 7fad5d

3. I'm curious about this xenoneurology thing, although I don't really think this is the venue to try and discuss Zack's possible mindfucking. Let's see how much DEEPEST LORE we can mine for.
>>
No. 820036 ID: 91ee5f

>>820031
>So shake like one or two hands
Then I'm voting for the movie star (1) and the brain surgeon (3)!
>>
No. 820037 ID: ba56e6

4 - because unknowns exist to be investigated
5 - because you're an art nerd and can talk the talk with her
>>
No. 820043 ID: 0c8311

1]] Because how often do you get to hang with a movie star?
and
3]] Because SCIENCE and relevant interest.
>>
No. 820045 ID: fc33ea

1 because you need to be humbled something fierce and 6 because networking.

We're totally finishing this song first though.
>>
No. 820047 ID: 7b7ab3

>>820031
1 and 3.
I wonder if anyone has tried to make a documentary on Visitors. A proper one, I mean.
>>
No. 820048 ID: 6eba60

>>820031

The music recs are one of the best bits about this quest. Well, it has like fifteen best bits, but still.

I kinda want to do 4. just 'cos I'm curious about who it is now.
>>
No. 820079 ID: aebfae

>>820031
More towards 3, if only to dig more into the lore.
>>
No. 820081 ID: ca661e

#4, obviously
>>
No. 820092 ID: 44b5c0

>>820031
I don't have time to think about a proper answer right now, but I would say that after we do meet with anyone we're going to have an actual conversation with and we know our other tasks are squared away, we should try to at least handshake most of these people and exchange a line or two before the evening caps off, and we can actually earnestly say we're sorry we didn't have time to speak to them properly so it's not like it's just disingenuous glad-handling.

When you're networking you may only get a couple of in depth discussions through the evening, but you'd be remiss not to make an acquaintance of everyone. At this kind of level that's what opens the door to either party reaching out to the other when they hear something has come up that they could help with.
>>
No. 820099 ID: 0ce380

>>820031
666
>>
No. 820103 ID: 4f58ed

Definitely 3, but I'm torn between 1 and 6. Meeting a movie star with a Warrior costar sounds awesome, but it might be a good idea to get in touch with the local political allies. Both are excellent chances for networking, but it's hard to decide which is the better option.
>>
No. 820121 ID: c1d8eb

1 and 6.

One possible ally with a lot of social sway, and one with a lot of political sway. We can dig into lore after we secure our own safety.
>>
No. 820129 ID: 72ed6b

>>820031
1 and 6. 6 because we could use some political allies, and 1 because a visible face that isn't us would be useful.
>>
No. 820172 ID: 7d8168

I'm leaning in that 1+6 direction.
>>
No. 820195 ID: f30be2
File 150173846162.png - (37.33KB , 960x560 , 796.png )
820195

"Really?" Castor Leydon sets his glass of wine down, incredulous. His hair is perfect. "Dawnbreak. Your favorite is Dawnbreak."
"Hand to God," you say. "You were incredible."
"And it wasn't just because Sophie Turner got her yabbos out in it?"
"That was great too. But not why it's my favorite."
"You and the three other guys who saw it. And mine too, kid, I'll tell you what. Great taste." He gives you his absolute box office gold smile and you feel like the tallest man in the room for a second. "Wow. Dawnbreak. Fantastic movie. That was one of those movies where you think you know when you're working on something like, 'this is it, kid, this is me,' and then what's it and you is Namor the Submariner." He shrugs ruefully.
"Not that Namor wasn't great."
"Oh sure. Loved Namor. Everyone kept their shirts on for that one, though. Well besides me. The Duplass Brothers? Funniest motherfuckers in the world. Funniest directors. We were cracking up between takes every take. Made all the fucking--" He waves his arms. "--greenscreen shit bearable. So but Zack! But Zack Nguyen. The Legend. You're gonna let me keep talking about myself all night you're never gonna hear the end of it. That's my favorite subject. What about you, kid? How's the alien tricks? Is the job, ah--" He waggles his eyebrows. "Everything people say it is?"
>>
No. 820196 ID: 7fad5d

>>820195
"And then some. Good luck with that Warrior coworker- want to guess how I managed to break my pelvis?"
>>
No. 820197 ID: 8a0c44

>>820195
All that and more. Incredibly mentally stimulating alongside all the physical stimulation. Learned things you can't imagine. Did you know that Warriors don't use forks? They just don't! How about that oculots can actually be purple? True stuff! This job has taught me so much. And I haven't even been at it that long!
>>
No. 820202 ID: 7b7ab3

>>820195
"Man, you don't even know. The perks are great, but the things I've seen and learned, dude. It's incredible. And the people I've met! I wouldn't trade this job for both worlds."
>>
No. 820213 ID: 9170b0

You know it! This job is the best thing to ever happen to me! Speaking of Visitors, I've heard you're working with a Warrior on something. What's that about? Need any advice?
>>
No. 820239 ID: 5b93d3

>>820195
We've gotta tell him about the Duel Hymm.
>>
No. 820260 ID: f06b00

I like this guy. Let's tell him about the job. Maybe ask him about that Warrior he's working with. We could give him some pointers on how to hang garakton style.
>>
No. 820261 ID: 729815

>>820195
Say "I have no Idea of what your talking about" while wiggling your eyebrows most profusely
>>
No. 820267 ID: aebfae

>>820196
The pelvis HAS to be mentioned, if only to his reaction and for some dark chuckles. Otherwise, all the previous responses seem good.
>>
No. 820268 ID: fc33ea

Only if people say good things. Yes, it's a job with some very unique perks, but you can't beat meeting interesting people and cultures. Speaking of, I heard you're going to be working with a warrior soon.
>>
No. 820283 ID: ba56e6

>>820196
This
>>
No. 820288 ID: bb78f2

>>820195
Well, you know, boning is of course optional. Frankly speaking I don't know what would have happened to those in the program that got matched up with people they didn't click with like that, and instead became more coworker-ish? I got lucky with who HVAO picked out for me, but on a wide spectrum I'm honestly curious the most about what my other human counterparts did when they didn't click like my group did. It's probably a much different experience depending on who you ask, and I've been dying to meet another human from the program.

I'm honestly surprised that Hollywood hasn't really gotten into this yet. You would think there'd be lots of papparazzi going crazy over celebrities own flings with Visitors, but nope, I've heard not a peep. No scandal, no nothing.

How about you, before my controversial program got started and became public, have you ever thought about dating a visitor?
>>
No. 820342 ID: 72ed6b

>>820196
Definitely mention this, and talk to him about Warrior culture in general. Give him a few tips on having a good time, Warrior style.

But that said, make it clear to him that while the part everybody seems to focus on is certainly out of this world, there's a lot more to it than that. You're learning so much, and you've grown close and fallen in love with three wonderful people, who happen to be visitors.

Besides the Warrior thing, tell him about Skutti food, and why it is the way it is. Suggest that he bring some to a work event, or take his co-worker out for some. Ask him if he's into video games in his downtime, and see if he wants to join you and Bika (and Bika's family) some time.

And tell him that if he ever wants a cultural discussion on authenticity, you're game. And on the flip side, thank him for his work on Visitor rights; ask him what he's working on right now, and see if there's some way you can coordinate to try to take care of high-priority issues.
>>
No. 820343 ID: ba56e6

>>820342
>three wonderful people
Four, you mean.
>>
No. 820346 ID: 7fad5d

>>820343
Nah, clearly he meant three wonderful people and Bika.
>>
No. 820348 ID: be0718

>>820346
She does count as some eighty-odd people, after all.
>>
No. 820349 ID: ba56e6

>>820346
Yes, but we don't want to redpill anyone yet.
>>
No. 820350 ID: fc33ea

I'm recommending against offering unsolicited advice. If he asks about warrior culture go ahead, but otherwise don't be that guy.
>>
No. 820351 ID: ba56e6

>>820350
Also this
>>
No. 820354 ID: 6eba60

>>820196

Quite like this. Maybe blend in a little >>820202 at the end.
>>
No. 820356 ID: 91ee5f

>>820350
I agree with this.
>>
No. 820366 ID: f30be2
File 150182506931.png - (42.47KB , 960x560 , 797.png )
820366

"And then some," you say. "Good luck with that Warrior coworker. You want to guess how I broke my pelvis?"
He guffaws. "Thank God it's not that kinda movie."
"What kind of movie is it?"
"Action explosion pow pow pow. Actually we're kind of taking some cues from Warrior cinema on it."
"Oh, man. Like the duel hymns and such?"
"Well not that many cues. But we're both the good guys, Rzgher and me, and we kinda fight it out. I shouldn't say too much about the specifics. I got an NDA."
"So do I. I always tell people."
"Useful as fuck when you don't wanna answer a question, huh?"
"Yes sir."
"Hey, do you smoke? I do," he answers before you can. "C'mon. Let's hit the balcony."

It wasn't long ago that the kind of thing Castor is smoking would be frowned upon in polite company. But as it is, you can see several other groups further down the darkened balcony who are partaking in the same thing. The flash and music of the main hall filters out here in ghost-lit form. Castor looks out over the balcony at the gold-leaf veins of traffic that crawl across the city, and the still-dark patches where the war wounds haven't healed.

"Yknow--" He takes a contemplative drag. "I used to kill Warriors."
"You did?"
"Yep." He holds 4 fingers up. "This many. That I saw. Tried to get famous enough before the draft that I could just sit behind a desk or sell some war bonds or something but I ain't no Elvis Presley. So they put me up as a KP gunner on a firebird. Just vzzzzt and then--" He makes a popping sound with his finger. "From a distance yknow. I never really had boots down. But some friends bought it."
"I'm sorry," you say.
"Well my point--" he coughs a little. "The point is. I hated them for the longest time. Yknow not a fierce hate, not more than anyone else but. I was a veteran. How can you help it. And I gave the interviews, and I said the same shit all the people would say: too soon, send em back, we're not ready. Blah blah." His eye twinkles as he redirects his attention to you. "You wanna know what snapped me out of it?"
"What?"
"This flick. This Warrior action movie. And there's this scene. This one scene that stuck with me."
"Was it a hymn?"
"No." He takes another drag. "No. It's where this Warrior chick is takin a bath, and the guy comes in, and she stands up, and her ass, it's the most perfect ass I've ever seen. It knocked the air out of me, this ass. Round and red and the size of the fuckin' moon." He sees you're cracking up a little and tries to keep from doing so himself. "And I said: what the fuck am I doing? And that's what's gonna save us, Zack. That's what-- cause you can go back in there, and yeah the art's amazing, and your friend up on the cello, beautiful stuff, yeah, but Joe Schmo?" He's gesticulating with feeling. "He doesn't even like our art, man. He doesn't go to a human opera. How's he gonna go to a Visitor opera? You know what got America over China? Over the clash of civilizations?" He spreads his arms. "Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, and Panda Express. It's the trashy shit. Violent action movies and hot girls and good sex, man. That's what's going to save the fucking dimension. You can 100% quote me on that." His voice gets serious. "It is. It honestly is. This shit-- what you do. What I do. It's important. Do not ever let someone tell you it isn't. I guarantee that every single guy in the retirement home remembers the moment Kirk kissed Uhura. They're gonna remember when Zack kissed-- uh-- whoever. It's crucial. You want to hit this?" He holds out his joint.
>>
No. 820368 ID: be0718

You're good. Your date would smell it on your breath and get jealous.
>>
No. 820370 ID: 7fad5d

Sure, why not.

"Yeah, I'm glad. Goes both ways, too. Really can't share details even if I didn't have the NDA, but some of our fetishes got a following, as it were. Even the vanilla stuff is popular, I'm told they make the bananas bigger over here. What do you think the Visitors will remember? Oculot Joe Schmoes are Brock Rutherfords instead and they love art. Warriors are really, really into fighting. Skuts watch out for themselves. And Floaters... I've got no idea, the only one I've ever met was designed to be nothing like the norm."
>>
No. 820371 ID: 094652

"That's dark, man. You just made behind-closed-doors social reintegration for fun and profit look like a squabbling cluster of ass fetishists.

But yeah, I get it. Same way you send a psychopathic buck-toothed wild-card wanderer to scout the frontier instead of the ambassadors and diplomats who will dial up the paranoia meter or even play the instant-lose snob card - get the common people on both sides to realize they can trust, screw over, and/or profit from each other's common people. Because nothing says civilian civility like an entire bar of various nationalities collectively 8!+(#ing about the upper class and government while trying to @#$% each other in some metaphorical physical way."

Don't take the hit, you're going to need your wit to talk through the night of the living socialites.
>>
No. 820372 ID: 77c5e3

>>820371
Changing my vote to this
>>
No. 820373 ID: a363ac

>>820369
Drunk Zack is-a-go!
>>
No. 820374 ID: ba56e6

No hit. You have spycraft to perform.

Don't mention the spycraft.
>>
No. 820375 ID: 094652

Also, give him some ideas for his next movie.

See, you came up with this "Anti-Kariket", someone who's still an asshole but with an understandable nihilist philosophy and a bunch of broken cogs in his brain. And it's been over half a century, rip Code Geass' shtick and give him domination powers, except you use the epic line from Shadow of Mordor and when he enslaves someone (power only works on people with two+ eyes) to his will, he needs to put one of his hands on one of their eyes and his eye glows red and he screams "SUFFER ME NOW!" and the movie's about a group of his victims (of all species, ESPECIALLY Oculots who he just rapes) who gain lesser versions of his superpowers (and some psychic abilites depending on species and individual genetics bull^&*() and they find a way to overthrow him. The whole point of the movie is to make the audience feel smart when they watch it, even though these are the same target audience for "Explosions 967: The Red Interdimensional Assplosions Autocracy" and need to google every tenth word.

Basically, tell him about the Kariket, and if he makes a movie about the Kariket's domination powers, nobody will believe but they WILL absorb the trope and take a few steps to counter it because they're bored, giving the Kariket less victims to play with.
>>
No. 820376 ID: fc33ea

Ask if this is gonna take the edge off or am I going to be talking to squirrels as you take it.

Tell him he's probably right about low art winning hearts and minds- even if you couldn't make a speech about low art at the MoMA- and as cheesy as you like, ask if he thinks love can save the world.
>>
No. 820378 ID: be0718

>>820371
Upgrading my vote to this
>>
No. 820384 ID: c31aac

>>820366
"Nah, gotta stay lucid for the shmoozing. Appreciate the offer though."
"Also, if a warrior offers to do warrior sex to you, try to wear reinforced underpants and a steel condom.
With well-engineered crumple zones."
>>
No. 820390 ID: 6e518f

>>820366
Just one hit. Gotta stay focused.
The man has a point. The common folk on either side aren't going to care about high art and complex concepts. They'll gravitate toward their comfort zones. Violent action movies, hot girls, good sex, good food, strong drink, comedy, and all the other things that add make for a good time. It's the simple things that bring people together, like birthday parties and paying rent and going to school and falling in love and grieving.
>>
No. 820391 ID: 6612fa

>>820366
wish I could, I got to keep appearances up and stay sharp for reporters, this is kind of my public revealing and I don't want to kill it by being too intoxicated to keep my mouth shut and set a bad example, I'm already portrayed as a hedonist.
>>
No. 820396 ID: 96361d

Not when you've got pockets to pick, but don't say that. Just say you're not practiced enough with publicity yet to not keep sharp at this kind of shindig.
>>
No. 820398 ID: b27cac

>>820366
Thanks but I better not. Feels like there's a reporter hiding behind every bush lately, ready to jump out and ask tricky questions.
>>
No. 820409 ID: aebfae

>>820366
Don't accept the hit, because of the aforementioned spywork and the paranoia of being followed around by reporters, though only say the second thing. However, do ask about how powerful that stuff is for future reference.

Possible second movie pitch: Castor plays as a police detective following a string of child kidnappings where the top suspects are a colony of skuts, but further investigations show that the kidnapped children were victims of horrible abuse and neglect by their actual parents/guardians and the skuts were performing vigilante rescues, treating the children with genuine love and affection. Can be played as a semi-dark family film or a straight up psychological thriller depending on how the villains are portrayed and whether said abuse is explicit or not.

Can also be used to help spoon-feed to human audiences to the true role skuts have in Golborian society as an organized police force and power counter balance instead of being the barely intelligent animal most humans see them as.
>>
No. 820481 ID: 72ed6b

>>820366
Don't partake; you've got more to do tonight, and you really don't want the image (especially if someone snaps a photo).

But yeah, he's not wrong. In a way, that's closely related to the approach you and the HVAO are taking.
>>
No. 820495 ID: 6eba60

I think it's pretty presumptuous, to give "reporters" as our reason when he is (for now) a much bigger star than we are. It implies we think they'd be more interested in a photo of us doing it than a photo of him, and we're saying so openly. That's kind of insulting, to a celebrity at least.

Also, it's not that kind of gig.

>>820368
Now this is a good excuse.

And yeah, he's right. That kind of stuff has a huge role to play in cultures accepting one another. (We could tell him about humanity's "secret weapon" at this point, if we wanted.)

>>820371

what is this i don't even
>>
No. 820507 ID: 72ed6b

>>820495
> I think it's pretty presumptuous, to give "reporters" as our reason when he is (for now) a much bigger star than we are. It implies we think they'd be more interested in a photo of us doing it than a photo of him, and we're saying so openly. That's kind of insulting, to a celebrity at least.

Let's not give that as a reason. Let's just decline; we don't need a reason.
>>
No. 820512 ID: 6eba60

>>820507
This is also fine, perhaps even better, honestly.
>>
No. 820575 ID: 6612fa

>>820391
this is pretty honest though, we are not concerned about the reporters "catching us doing it" we are concerned about being impaired and talking to a reporter and violating our non disclosure.
>>
No. 820590 ID: 211858

>>820371
I'm gonna throw an anti vote at this because this is a long winded garbled mess.
>>
No. 820592 ID: 211858

>>820366
Just say, "no thanks, I'm good." It's not like this is some guy from a drug PSA trying to give us something, he'll respect Zack's choice to decline.
>>
No. 820597 ID: 91ee5f

>>820590
I agree with saying no to whatever Kome just said there.

>>820592
I also agree with just saying, "No thanks, I'm good."
>>
No. 820643 ID: 08e550

dont toke, its gonna be hard to metal gear that phone if we're baked.
Just politely decline, like a "its fine if u do, i just cant tonight" sorta deal
>>
No. 820646 ID: ccd925

pass, and ask "panda express, huh? have you had skutti?"
>>
No. 820780 ID: 6eba60

>>820646
Oooh yeah, we should also suggest this.
>>
No. 820783 ID: 9c2d0c

>>820646
We mentioned skutti in the big speech already. Don't make it this big reveal, but sure, if he wants to talk about ethnic food, we can segue.

Also, this post is ambiguous. is that pass [on the blunt] or pass [the blunt]?
>>
No. 820930 ID: 44b5c0

>>820366
>You want to hit this?
Decline politely. We can't, we have shit we need to do, but he doesn't need to know that part.
>>
No. 820940 ID: d36af7

Politely say no to drugs, and suggest that he push to include the actual duel hymn. Proper warrior cultural representation would probably be good for the opening-weekend box office numbers.
>>
No. 821205 ID: f30be2
File 150224983539.png - (18.01KB , 960x560 , 798.png )
821205

"I'm good," you say. "I don't know how to handle the publicity people high."
"It's a science and an art at the same time." Castor says, then holds the smoke in his lungs as he gazes to the sky.
"You're right, though," you say. "About the trash."
Castor lets out a billowy exhale. "I'm always right. Just kidding. I was wrong for a long, long time. Well. Everyone was, huh. And most of us still are. But let me tell ya. Five years after I saw that Warrior I met her at some culture festival thing, and that night at the hotel she threw me around for a fuckin' hour like a dog with a chew toy." He ashes his blunt. "And look. You can see the stars in the City again. So there's something bright for the lowest of us, I'm saying."
"For an hour? And lived?"
"Only just. But it was worth it. And now my solemn quest is to be as much of a voice for peace between worlds as I can, and fuck more Warriors than I killed. We oughta get back to the party, kid. But you ever want to, like... appear on one of the late nights. Or in the moving pictures. I'll give you my number."
"Thanks."
"You just tell me something first," Castor says. "I've done Warriors but you've done them all. I think."
"NDA."
"Don't NDA me, kiddo. I know NDA. Me and NDA have an understanding. I'm sure you love em all equally and a gentleman never tells and yadda yadda. No! Don't laugh." He points his blunt at you. "I am asking you, man to man, heart to heart: which is the best species in the sack?"
>>
No. 821206 ID: be0718

I can only narrow it down to a top ten for you, and all ten of them are skut.
>>
No. 821207 ID: 17c2ee

>>821205
Probably oculots. They're great at empathy, it's in their neurochemistry and everything, so they can figure out what gets you going.
>>
No. 821209 ID: 8e802d

>>821205
"You want to know which one's the best? Hell. It's me. I'm not gonna say which one said what or anything, but I got a little insider tip about Visitor penis statistics."

Wait until that gets a laugh, then quit messing around and tell him it's Poly.
>>
No. 821210 ID: 2120ee

>>821205
Warriors, he knows. They're intense as fuck, and basically more than humans can handle.

Oculot, well, we fucked the best so we're actually spoiled there. Absurdly skilled and oh that tongue.

Floater, we fucked every floater that ever fucked, which is kind of weird. Intense, sensual, exotic.

Skut though. Skut, I think we got the closest to a "normal" experience. Skut will rock your world. Can't really explain how though.
>>
No. 821211 ID: 17c2ee

>>821206
ix-nay on the ive-hay ind-may
>>
No. 821213 ID: a363ac

>>821205
"If your gay humans apparently." "But if you are looking for a rough ride Warriors, in general great sex Oculuts, Skut will try to get their whole family involved if you are into harems and snaz, and I don't think you could find a Floater dtf around here."
>>
No. 821214 ID: be0718

>>821211
What hive-mind? We're just confirming the rumors of skut orgies are true.
>>
No. 821216 ID: 211858

>>821209
Personally I'd go with this. I think it's funny while at the same time distracting from having to pick favorites which we know Zack doesn't like to do.
>>
No. 821217 ID: 600f38

>>821213
This looks about right.
>>
No. 821218 ID: 17c2ee

>>821216
>hey man cut the bullshit
>h-haha n-no I'm afraid of decisions
Pick one. I don't care which, just pick one.
>>
No. 821219 ID: e82423

Humans. By the Visitor's own admittance. Human males have genitalia that rivals IF NOT EXCEEDS Warrior equipment. We also possess traits that remind the Visitors of their own species. We have the oculots' basic body shape, but we have the Warriors' number of eyes. We also have comparatively large ears like the skut. Floaters don't really do the sex thing as a species, and the one we've met is definitely not the norm for her species. The Visitors actually have a name for humanity: saropa. It roughly translates to "hybrid." Like it as said: we have traits they find familiar.
>>
No. 821220 ID: bb78f2

>>821205
Best Sex was with Warrior
Most Kinkiest and maybe Fun was with Skut
Most Romantic was with Oculot
Best Flavor goes to Floater

Everyone goes home with a Heffner award
>>
No. 821221 ID: ba56e6

Speaking objectively? Oculot.
>>
No. 821222 ID: fc33ea

Make sure nobody's listening.
Alright Alright, I don't know about the whole species, but data point of one? I say Oculot. For real though, you can't go wrong.
>>
No. 821223 ID: 7b7ab3

"At plain Jane, vanilla sex? Oculots. They have the most human body type and they live so long that they get crazy experienced. However, no oculot that ever lived can compare to a Warrior when it comes to raw power. They live to be the best at everything. And neither of them have the skuts' wild animal lust. When it comes to fucking, the skut don't fuck around. The Floaters are a special case as they don't actually have sex. The one I'm dating does, but she's a special case."
>>
No. 821225 ID: 72ed6b

>>821220
>>821223
One of these two. Something that gives a compare-and-contrast, and encourages him to go give it a shot himself.
>>
No. 821227 ID: 7d8168

Don't do this to me, man. You ask me about any of them and I could go on and on about what's so great about them. The visitors are really on to something with the whole Dulabira thing. Plus my sample size is basically one across the board, so I can't really compare species, just individuals. I mean, not all Oculots have the body of a 20-something and hundreds of years of experience in the sack. Not all floaters are literally built for sex... in fact I'm pretty sure most don't do the sex thing at all. Skuts, Warriors... you get the picture.
>>
No. 821232 ID: ccd925

there are a lot of ways to be good in the sack. i've been loved roughly, and gently, and all sorts of new ways. they've all been utterly incomparable to eachother. sorry to be a sap, but i can't choose. but hey, that just means you get to experience the whole spectrum on your own. i wouldn't want to spoil some of this shit for you.
>>
No. 821244 ID: 23a597

>>821225
Agreed. Emphasize that each girl is the best for a specific thing, but otherwise imcomparable, as well as it being an indivdual thing. Also emphasize that the Floater you're dating is the ONLY one you know that's even capable of sex, so you can't have a good estimate on that.
>>
No. 821247 ID: 2e620f

"Man, I don't want to sound like I'm bullshitting you but even if I'm an academic in the field of interdimensional boning, you just asked me a fuckin' thesis question right there."

"Like... my oculot, she's amazing, but she's a mature lady who knows what she likes and she's known it for a long time, so a lot of that's her, you know? And the warrior, well you know yourself, but I wouldn't want that all the time. And the skut... well, let me just say that skuts are an iceberg with a lot of amazing stuff going on that most humans don't see, and if I had to lay a bet I'd lay it there, but if you manage to get yourself involved with a skut you are diving into a deep ocean, man. A real beautiful warm tropical ocean if you're as lucky as me, but you can still drown in all the best and worst ways if you don't swim well."

If he wants clarification on that, it might be time to start laying out our public story of what Zack "understands" about how skut work. We're going to have to start letting people know how much Zack knows soon, so we should set up exactly what wrong idea Zack has been "fooled" into thinking, to be consistent and protect Bika from anyone thinking she gave it away to him. I'm thinking something close enough to the truth to be believable but not the real truth. Like, maybe pretend Zack thinks skut influence each other by scent in a semi-unconscious way? Hence why they mirror emotions and attitudes among each other? We know their language has a scent component. And add on to that that they're like... mentally or culturally natural communists with each other, or something. There are some human societies that have had almost similar ways of acting, in the sense of an extreme sharing culture, like (I think) the orokaiva people in papua new guinea. So something like:

"Within their own... not family, some of them on the other side are the size of nations... societies? Tribes? Skuts share everything. There's this sort of... I dunno, chemical signature scent thing, they're picking up on each other's feelings all the time? Like, it's their culture but there's a biological component. A skut's brain doesn't totally work right if they're not with enough other skuts from their own tribe. I'm not a scientist. What it means is, you make a friend of one skut, you're probably friends with every skut in their tribe. If you've got a skut girlfriend... well, you've got a lot of skut girlfriends. Don't spread it around, though."
>>
No. 821252 ID: 5c901f

Oh my GOD just say skut. Or maybe oculot. DO NOT give this stoned movie star a five paragraph monologue about fucking aliens! Oh my god!
>>
No. 821255 ID: 2e620f

>>821252

To be fair, if there was a single topic on which Zack could and would deliver a rambling lecture, it's this one.
>>
No. 821258 ID: be52f3
821258

>>821205
Probably Skut, though you'd have to actually try it to get why.
>>
No. 821264 ID: b578ac

>>821247
>Holy Monolog Batman!
In all seriousness, just say skut.
>>
No. 821270 ID: d36af7

Skut, for sure. I've seriously got so many layers of NDA on exactly why, all the way from bro code up through spooky black helicopter shit you wouldn't even believe, so let me just leave it at one word: teamwork.
>>
No. 821293 ID: 211858

>>821218
You know what, I'll change my mind to skut. If that's going around along with "skut bae" there's gonna be some hilarious results.
>>
No. 821295 ID: a363ac

>>821252
that is the best person to give a five paragraph monologue about fucking aliens to.
>>
No. 821308 ID: ba56e6

>>821247
I'll change my vote to the first part of this, but leave out the little anthropological rant. Your first two paragraphs were long enough to be interesting, but not so long they rambled on. No need to ruin it with excessive details, and we should consult with Bika about any 'public story'. While I do like your idea for the public story, this isn't really the time or place.

Just leave him with that mental image of drowning in skut orgies.
>>
No. 821343 ID: 72ed6b

>>821293
> If that's going around along with "skut bae" there's gonna be some hilarious results.

Definitely tell him to look up "skut bae". And tell him to consider dating a skut, because he might not have considered it otherwise.
>>
No. 821478 ID: f30be2
File 150233956980.png - (24.07KB , 960x560 , 799.png )
821478

"Well it really depends on what you're looking for," you say. "And my sample size isn't exactly--"
"Don't think, kid! Just gimme your answer!"
"Skut," you say. "It's skut."
"Skut?" He ogles you. "Skut. The rat dog alien things. Are you like--" He studies your face. "You mean it."
"Swear to god."
"Are you-- like, do you like animals? Like what's the word. Are you a furry?"
"Just trust me," you say. "And when you get home look up 'skut bae.' And then tell me about rat dog alien things."
"Skuts. God damn. I did not see that coming." Castor laughs. "If I didn't know better I'd say you were some kinda xenophile, Zack. Skut Bae?"
"Look it up," you say. "And keep an open mind."
"Wide, wide open," Castor says.

"A complete fucking twat," Senator Estelle Devlin says. You were approximately a minute into conversation with her when she started to unload. "A used tampon of a person. A baby rhino's un-dropped ballsack."
She jabs her finger toward Tim Wheeler with each increasingly colorful epithet.
"The most retrograde politician since Strom Thurmond. Responsible for the proposal and disastrous failure of the Skut Tagging act and the Extradimensional Registration bill, and now his latest monstrosity with the inhibitors. And YET you dangle a pair of titties in front of Mr. Tall Dark and Handsy, and look what you get."
She scowls as Polyphema does a flourishing two-step, arms light around Wheeler's shoulders on the dance floor. "A ridiculous satyr play cock-wheelbarrow," Estelle concludes. "A dickhead. The literal head of a penis, on legs. I'm sorry. Sorry." She looks back to you and gives you her best highbeam politician smile. "I'm sure you have a million things you'd rather hear about than the Honored Representative."
>>
No. 821479 ID: 7fad5d

"I like hearing about you, and their choice in enemies says a lot about people. What's your first memory of a Visitor, or your favorite?"
>>
No. 821483 ID: a363ac

>>821478
honestly if you could keep going on like that that would make my fucking day.
Dude is a giant slab of microwaved SPAM hap haphazardly slapped on a piece of moldy cheese and bread and called a personality.
>>
No. 821486 ID: 25f1b2

>>821478
Well...to be fair that was a rather clever series of insults. I was entertained. But right, what's your take on this whole shindig?
>>
No. 821490 ID: 230858

>>821478
"Honestly I was waiting to see what else you could come up with. Tell me about yourself."
>>
No. 821491 ID: dd8ef8

Right. Three questions.
1) What's your take on the evening?
2) Would you like to discuss Visitor things?
3) How does it feel to not be the only "demonfucker" in the room?
>>
No. 821495 ID: 8cb228

>>821491
Only ask that of the GUY, though.
>>
No. 821497 ID: ba56e6

>>821478
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much good do you think tonight is doing?
>>
No. 821498 ID: be0718

I guess I'd like to hear about our successes regarding Visitors rather than our bumbling, constant, hypocritical failures. What are some of your pet projects?
>>
No. 821499 ID: 7b7ab3

>>821478
"Well, first of all I'd like to know about this inhibitor bill. If it's what I'm afraid it is, then allow me to tell you that it could devastate the oculots. Their powers are so integral to their everyday lives that robbing them of them is nothing short of evil."
>>
No. 821504 ID: fc33ea

You kidding? I'm going to have to remember those.

By inhibitors, that means Xenoneural inhibitors? I thought they were like, secret. Does it look like this 'initiative' will sink like the others?

And why is he such a knob-jockeying ignoramus?
>>
No. 821535 ID: 600f38

>>821478
"I don't know how she's going to play him, but it'll be glorious.
So, I thought the inhibitors were extremely classified. What's this about legislation?"
>>
No. 821536 ID: 2e620f

"Well, not a million, maybe. I've got an interview coming up and I suspect I'm not as well educated on the various political issues as I should be. I could do with refining my perspective on current events, and he seems to have put himself in the middle of a few."
>>
No. 821541 ID: 23a597

>>821478
Definitely ask about the inhibitor thing. First time we ever heard about it, so we should hear more of it to see how bad it is and it's likelihood of passing, which, hopefully, is slim.

Also, out of curiousity, hear anything concerning the Floaters?
>>
No. 821542 ID: 7fad5d

>>821541
>First time we ever heard about it
Not even close
>>
No. 821548 ID: 72ed6b

>>821478
Compliment her taste and choice of insults, and then ask her for the lay of the political landscape. What are the major "camps", how many are in them, and what tends to lead people to break from them? What's the appetite for pro-Visitor legislation? What can we do to help, or to not hurt?
>>
No. 821649 ID: dee904

>>821478
def ask about inhibitors
>>
No. 821656 ID: aebfae

>>821542
Was it talk about before the gala? First time I actually remember hearing about it was literally from a random reporter blurting out a question about it was Zack and Meg walked through the red carpet.
>>
No. 821667 ID: 91ee5f

>>821656
Poly told us about them waaay before the Gala. She said they were basically prisoner collars full of C4 that would explode and kill any Oculots that tried to use their eye lasers while wearing them.

Poly even mentioned that after the war and before the humans stopped treating the Visitors like shit, the inhibitors were put on Oculot children that were attending human schools.
>>
No. 821681 ID: 7b7ab3

>>821667
You're thinking of the collars that Krin told us about.
The inhibitors are the ones Poly told us about back in thread 3.
They block psychic powers.
>>
No. 821698 ID: ba56e6

>>821681
This.
It prevents head-melting and also allows Oculots and humans to do the mind thingy safely, like Zack and Poly did.

To be the devils advocate for a moment, requiring the use of inhibitors doesn't seem all that unreasonable. It's certainly a more humane way of regulating psionic powers than the bomb collars.
>>
No. 821709 ID: 91ee5f

>>821681
Ah, damn. I knew I was going to mess something up.
>>
No. 821710 ID: 7b7ab3

>>821698
>>/questdis/114352
>>
No. 821711 ID: aebfae

>>821667
>>821698
Oh yeah, completely forgot. If it only blocking the psychic powers, it wouldn't be THAT bad, if done so only the more destructive and/or intense powers are surpressed. We gonna have a problem if the inhibitors Wheeler's bill wishes to pass are anything more powerful, or, God forbid, the exploding bomb versions Krin mentioned.
>>
No. 821712 ID: aebfae

>>821710
Wait, only read this one after posting, REALLY hoping that bill doesn't pass.
>>
No. 821872 ID: 094652

"In case you weren't taught this in law school, politicians have higher perception and lower intelligence than their fellow upperclassmen, Miss Estelle. I'm sure the Honored Representative discovered horrifying, mind-shattering secrets about the Visitors that prompted him and his fellow congressmen to take responsible and resolute action, and then they copied the [Insert Acceptable Target Here] because everyone with enough of a brain to discuss the @#$%ery of the specific situation didn't have 'proper security clearance'.

There's a difference between seeing the future and dealing with it, and we separate the people who can specialize in both with lightyears of red tape."
>>
No. 821890 ID: 2e620f

>>821698
>requiring the use of inhibitors doesn't seem all that unreasonable

Except Poly demonstrated that the inhibitors have a "sedative high" effect, so any requirement of the use of inhibitors is effectively equivalent to requiring the use of drugs. It's to be expected, considering the inhibitors literally suppress brain function. Brains are complicated and that sort of thing's going to have side effects. Beyond the moral/ethical objections to that on its own grounds, employers aren't going to hire people who are high all the time, even if they're legally required to be.

And even from the perspective of making oculots "safe" it fails, because Poly demonstrated that when you get used to them you can overcome their effect. Again, it's like a drug - your body adapts and reaches equilibrium with itself again if you're exposed to a mind-altering effect for too long. So, in the long term, you'd go for a situation where you use them selectively to make some oculots safe (criminals, etc.) to a situation where you try to make them all safe but instead make it impossible to make any of them safe any more.
>>
No. 821900 ID: 447110

Yeah this is completely reasonable. No one goes around armed all the time. It's of course highly illegal to own weapons. Wasn't there that whole thing about that Occult who just killed a bunch of people with his mind powers when they hassled him?

Oh wait no he's dead he killed one single attacker and his date was in critical condition. Lethal weapons are legal to carry and this is just another retarded law.
>>
No. 822340 ID: f30be2
File 150260082852.png - (25.76KB , 960x560 , 800.png )
822340

"Honestly, I was just waiting to hear what else you could come up with," you say. "My compliments on your creativity."
Her laugh has no small tint of bitterness to it. "I have a superlative muse."
"So can you tell me about this inhibitor bill?" you ask. "Like what is it?"
"It's exactly what you'd think," Estelle says. "Oculots would be required to wear inhibitors in public, and private establishments would be legally allowed to require their use. 'Putting the safety back on.' That's what he's saying. Mr. Priapism Posterboy over there."
"I didn't think anyone knew about inhibitors," you say.
"Well, there was always urban legend talk about them, and in DC at least it was an open secret, but the public at large didn't. But then somehow it was leaked that one was the murder weapon in that oculot case."

It feels for a second like all the blood in your body reverses course. "Hizalian?"

"Right. That was him. He was strangled with one. An inhibitor. That's why he couldn't fight back. Where a bunch of thugs like them found one, I don't think anyone knows yet. And now the vultures are descending." She frowns. "You're looking pale. Are you all right?"
>>
No. 822342 ID: bb78f2

I knew him personally. He was a friend.
That tragedy just got a whole lot deeper, and now I have a personal reason to want to fuck that bill to death.
>>
No. 822343 ID: 91ee5f

>>822340
>"You're looking pale. Are you all right?"
"Hizalian.....was a friend of mine. I mean, I only met him like, once or twice, but I'd like to think we became friends in the short time we knew each other."
>>
No. 822350 ID: ba56e6

>>822340
From a tactical standpoint, props for creative use of an inhibitor. I should make note of that on my 'Kariket assassination plans' list.

"Hiz and I were friends. Just starting to get to know him when it happened."
>>
No. 822352 ID: 726e76

>>822340
"Hiz was a friend of mine. Up until now, I'd thought his death was just a murderous hate crime. But they used an inhibitor... now things are a whole lot fishier."
>>
No. 822354 ID: 7b7ab3

>>822340
"Estelle, I know four things: Hizalian was a very good friend of mine, he had enemies who would have loved to see him dead, there's no way on God's green Earth that a bunch of random street thugs just found a xenoneural inhibitor, and no, I am not alright."
>>
No. 822355 ID: fc33ea

I knew the guy. Jesus that's horrific.
>>
No. 822356 ID: dee904

>>822340
after this we should probably talk to hvao about the inhibitor being used. they probably already know about it but they might know something we don't.
>>
No. 822357 ID: 094652

They're taking advantage of the bill. More controversy will be spread over legalized distribution of a killswitch with the buttons in unknown, possibly hostile hands. But this will also smother any attempts to determine WHO could afford these things.

Hiz was doing something for Poly. You're trying to tell everyone you can that this was a premeditated assassination, but the conspiracy groups looking into this will be divided if word of this "Oculot-only" (except not really) weapon draws the topic away from the investigation and mentally legitimizes hostile speculation.
>>
No. 822374 ID: 600f38

>>822340
"He was a friend, and I didn't know the murder weapon.
It wouldn't surprise me if Lord Cockmongler over there supplied it."
>>
No. 822383 ID: be0718

Look, the guy's a dick but you can't just go around accusing him of murder openly without evidence. Even if it is probably true. That's how you end up committing suicide by two gunshots to the back of the head.
>>
No. 822384 ID: ba56e6

>>822383
I agree. Let's save the accusations.
>>
No. 822385 ID: aa1731

>>822352
This
>>
No. 822395 ID: f30be2
File 150265382610.png - (32.01KB , 960x560 , 801.png )
822395

"I knew him," you say. "Or was getting to know him. Jesus. That's horrific."
"Oh, no." Estelle's face falls. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea." She presses her hand on her forehead. "God I've had such a frustration and a distance from this I never considered... I'm sorry."
"That's all right," you say. "You couldn't have known." You take a bolstering glass of white from a passing tray. "I'll tell you what it makes me want to really kill this bill."
"We'll stop this thing," Estelle says. "We've stopped all the other ones. I'm confident we will. Akron or no Akron."
"What's Akron?"
"Something in the news a week or so ago," Estelle says. "An oculot snapped on a couple drunk assholes and popped them. The latest butcher's bill. Of course the same week Hizalian was killed we had 23 visitor--sorry, Extradimensional American assaults and 2 additional deaths across the country. But that's not the kind of thing people give attention to. Well now I'm just preaching to the choir." She sighs and signals for her own glass. "You look around and see how far we're getting here and tell yourself progress is being made. But in a large percentage of the country--and the rest of the world, don't get me started--Extradimensional Americans simply cannot go. And even here, it's a heatmap."
"Extradimensional Americans?"
"I know. Between you and me I'm not thrilled with it. But we need to get away from Visitors. It was never a good idea. It implies that they're expected to go back home. That they have a home to get to. We're going to have to push something else. What that is, we're still trying to figure out. My husband hates the damn thing. Won't let me call him that at home. But that's the public directive." She frowns. "I don't know who in the rulebook wrote that the good guys can't have the punchy nomenclature, but it's been one of those truisms for about as long as modern politics have existed. The right thing just isn't hip. Do people still say hip?"
"Uh. Some kind of do. Tongue in cheek-ly."
"Well. Shows what I know, doesn't it. You see this is why we need the fresh young faces! This is why you're here tonight. We've sort of bullied the HVAO into trotting you out. It was Senator Refn who started Extradimensional Americans and now I guess it's the consensus because nobody can think of something better." She looks hopefully up from her wine. "Unless you have any ideas."
>>
No. 822397 ID: 7b7ab3

"Extradimensional Americans" is a bit of a mouthful. We could just identify them by their individual species and not lump them all together, but I don't know. "Ayymericans" is the obvious joke answer. We used to call them Invaders, then we called them Visitors, and now people want a new name. What do you call an alien that's become a native?

Also, what's going on with Beatrix back there?
>>
No. 822398 ID: 91ee5f

>>822395
>My husband hates the damn thing. Won't let me call him that at home.
So she married a Golborian? Good for her!

>"Unless you have any ideas."
We've gotta come up with a name for the Golborians?

Jeez, I've got nothing. Please tell me someone else has some ideas!

>Poly Beatrix leading Wheeler away somewhere.
I think that's our cue. Let's go and hopefully snatch an asshole's phone without getting caught!
>>
No. 822399 ID: 8e802d

>>822395
The problem with positive naming is that hateful people will always find a way to turn it into an insult, just as much as they will turn any disparaging title for themselves into an honorific.

Long dry names like "Extra-dimensional American" can't be used hatefully, which is why they tend to end up being the politically-correct terms. Anything you come up with is going to have to go through the "slur reclaiming cycle" no matter how catchy it is.

Just call them Neighbors. They were visitors once, but now they are here to stay.
>>
No. 822401 ID: 7b7ab3

>>822398
>she married a Golborian
I totally missed that! She's awesome!
>Please tell me someone else has some ideas!
How about "Residents?" Like "Resident Alien." Because they are alien in origin, but now they reside on Earth. It's a thought.
>Let's go and hopefully snatch an asshole's phone without getting caught!
I guess it's time. We should get Meg and get ready to move.
>>
No. 822409 ID: 600f38

Nonhuman sentients.
Emigrants
Naturalized xenomorphs
Ayylmaos
Dispossessed
Clanners
By their species
Really good cooks

Text the girls asking if they have any preferences. Meg and Poly are the most likely to give good options, but I wouldn't count out Bika or GG for having something punchy and positive.

Also, you might want to point out that there's an intrinsic problem with humans coming up with a word to describe non-humans, and she's running smack dab into it - you don't just need a label that's convenient for humans, you need one that's comfortable for non-humans. Humans going around and giving names to things that already have names never ends well, and would just alienate the branded group.

What's the name of the world on the other side of the portal? I can't remember.
>>
No. 822414 ID: fc33ea

Extraterrestrial citizen rolls off the tongue a little bit better, but somehow manages to be a more inconcise rehash of what we've already got. Golborian-American might work. I dunno what focus groups have to say about the word 'Golborian', but it sounds less distant and unknowable than 'extradimensional'. Golboria's the landmass and not the government, right?

And keep an eye on poly. It looks like she's leading wheeler somewhere, but I could be wrong. That interaction might be a lot less friendly than what we're seeing at first glance.
>>
No. 822415 ID: 6612fa

>>822395
just shorten it
E.D. americans
Ed americans

like how extraterrestrial is E.T.
>>
No. 822419 ID: 2e620f

Memecrafting is a perilous profession. It'd need to be punchy, something everyone accepts as a "right" word. The only thing I can think of right now is "flipsiders" but that probably would have only caught on in the 90s. Maybe tap some mythology no-one's particularly sensitive about any more for some name for beings from another world? But, again, the only one I can think of right now is fairies and I doubt they'd like being called that. I'm sure there are more.

Anyway... Zack, looks like Poly's made her move. It's go time. Well, maybe not right away, but the clock's ticking. Have a sneaky look and give us the scoop on the sitch.
>>
No. 822421 ID: 19dd52

>>822399
I like this one
>>
No. 822422 ID: 24f307

>>822401
>Residents
I like it.
>>
No. 822423 ID: a6dc58

>>822399

I also like Neighbors.
>>
No. 822427 ID: bb78f2

Golborian American is 5 syallables for the first part. One syllable less but it sounds better, plus when or if we ever en up with Extradimensional Americans from OTHER dimensions we're going to have to save Extradimensional for that. At least, that is if Golboria is in fact the original name of their dimension and not what the Karikat wants it called.

Listen, I can't say jack shit what their race should be called because I'm not Golborian. I can't suggest shit. As far as I'm concerned, the nomenclature should come from them.

But for serious, no one EVER talks about how there could be non-Golborian Visitors one day. Not to mention we haven't met aliens from OUR dimension yet, and then there's Aliens in the Golborian dimension too to wait for. Crazy thing, meeting people from a different dimension first rather than a different plan. I guess dimension hopping is easier. What does that say about the rules that govern reality?
>>
No. 822428 ID: be0718

Golborian-Americans? Relations with the nation might be tense now but that won't last forever. Besides, what if we make contact with another dimension? We couldn't lump them together just because they're not from this plane.
>>
No. 822430 ID: ba56e6

>>822399
Either this, or call them individually by species.

Also, Extradimensional Americans is going to have unfortunate connotations if any go into the video game industry.
>>
No. 822436 ID: 600f38

>>822430
Golbies?
>>
No. 822442 ID: 3d94c3

We don't have to settle on just one name.
It'd probably be best to just go by individual species names.
However, other names that have been suggested, like Ayymericans, Neighbors, Residents, etc., are all equally valid.
Public opinion is going to remain much the same regardless.
>>
No. 822457 ID: a363ac

>>822395
Hi diddly ho its time to be a neighberino
>>
No. 822462 ID: 094652

>>822399
I REALLY don't think that term generates cuddly feelings. Neighbor indicates "annoying rival who I need to do better than and kill if I can't" in ^&*(tier streets.

How about we just name them after an existing resistance group against the Kariket?
>>
No. 822465 ID: 91ee5f

>>822462
>How about we just name them after an existing resistance group against the Kariket?
No! That'll send the wrong message!
>>
No. 822466 ID: e420b6

I dunno, use their species name prefixed with 'free'?
I think people will be less inclined to be dicks if they remember that our new neighbours have all chosen to leave behind a tyrant-run caste system.

(Problem then becomes making it true, cause currently we're really fond of sticking restrictions on them.)
>>
No. 822480 ID: dee904

i feel like residents is the most appropriate term. they aren't neighbors frfr because they live here now, and ed american just reminds me of ralph (rolph???) enTIREly too much.
>>
No. 822488 ID: fc33ea

Also don't immediately book it to go snatch wheelers' phone in the middle of the room. Just keep an eye on things.
>>
No. 822492 ID: 707b50

Foreign Born Americans or Foreign Born Citizens.
that or maybe something to do with them not being able to go back, like interdimensional refugees or, possibly, if we're not worried about pissing off the evil alien overlord, Extradimensional turncoats. maybe?
>>
No. 822494 ID: db9752

>>822421
Fourthing (fifthing?) Neighbors. That's hard to corrupt.
>>
No. 822495 ID: ba56e6

>>822494
Any chance we have the technology to clone Mr. Rogers for the official naming ceremony?
>>
No. 822497 ID: 5d9233

>>822428
Gol-Americans isn't bad. Just Immigrants is probably better from a psychology of language perspective, but I understand the need to be precise with words.
>>
No. 822500 ID: 898cf5

>>822462
This. Neighbour has strong connotations of competition and animosity. Name them "Fuck Kariket" in Golborian.
>>
No. 822517 ID: 91ee5f

>>822495
https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=vmplK_MOEnc
>>
No. 822524 ID: d36af7

Instead of adding a polysyllabic qualifying prefix to their status as Americans, how about Golborian expatriates, shortened to 'Ex-Gol' when you can't spare more than two syllables in a soundbite? "The Exgol community" seems reasonably punchy.
>>
No. 822531 ID: f30be2
File 150268370219.png - (58.44KB , 960x560 , 802.png )
822531

"What about... neighbors," you say.
"Neighbors. Hmmm." Estelle taps her chin. "Beats the tar out of ours. Not bad."
"Happy to help." You look over her shoulder at Polyphema, pulling Wheeler across the hall. "Listen I have to run and get back to my table. I'll see you."
"Yessir." She nods. "Good luck in your interview. Call me if you need any points. And tell Ms. Megumi I say hi!" she calls, as you bow out. She's already being intercepted by a radiantly smiling curator with two flutes of champagne.

You follow Poly and Wheeler at a distance, cutting behind crowds of increasingly tipsy revellers to keep yourself from the latter's attention. Not that you seem to have to worry. He is snared entirely by the rolling shoulders and swaying hips in front of him, their attendant ridges be damned.
You can't exactly blame him. Polyphema has walked through halls of highest nobility and festivals of deepest decadence, and in her three centuries she hasn't forgotten a step. She moves with the unabashed sensuality of Eve shameless and naked in the Garden of Paradise, and the heads she passes turn to her as if pulled magnetically, before returning to their conversations with a glaze to their eyes like they're awakening from an erotic dream.

She leads him out to the very edge of the hall, him following her ass like it's the bouncing ball in a singalong video. Here the chatter and the music turn from a roar to a sussurus, and they stop for a moment, leaning against the wall. You see a thin sheen of perspiration from the dance floor suffusing the skin on her chest with a soft glow. Wheeler sees it, too.
He says something to her that curls the edge of her mouth up.
Even from a distance you can identify the look of hunger under the heavy lid of her eye, so rawly libidinous that you need to remind yourself it's fake.
It flicks to you for a second and you're almost flattened by it. Polyphema arches her eyebrow and her grin grows an iota. Wheeler, who isn't looking at her face at the moment, doesn't notice.
She touches his shoulder and it's like there was a live current in her hand, the way he jumps. She leans into his shoulder and whispers something. Then she leaves the hall, out of a side door, into the darkened museum.
He looks back and around (and you stutter step behind a couple of tall men in dashikis) then follows her.
>>
No. 822535 ID: be0718

Follow her. I mean them.
>>
No. 822542 ID: fc33ea

I say wait a minute or two before you follow, but not too long.
>>
No. 822545 ID: 91ee5f

>>822542
This.

And play the James Bond theme in your head. Or play the Mission Impossible theme. Or both!
>>
No. 822551 ID: bde5e6

Count to ten, then follow. Shoot a message to Meg to let her know it's happening.
>>
No. 822553 ID: 7b7ab3

>>822542
>wait a minute or two before you follow
>>822551
>Shoot a message to Meg to let her know it's happening
This.
>>
No. 822560 ID: ba56e6

Engage Operation Wheeler Dealer
>>
No. 822565 ID: 72ed6b

>>822531
Hmmm, looks like he's wearing his jacket right now, so the phone is probably in it.

Follow them, stay out of sight.
>>
No. 822681 ID: 4b1927

Message Meg that it's time, then follow as stealthily as possible. Make sure the phone is muted.
>>
No. 822753 ID: f30be2
File 150275700492.png - (41.16KB , 960x560 , 803.png )
822753

You shoot a quick text to Meg:

>eagle has left nest with condor. im walking over
:meg: lol
:meg: ill stay w/ the parrot
:meg: do parrots ahve red hair
>some do

You pocket your phone, finishing a thirty-count in your head, then head for the door.

"Whoa, 'scuse me!"
A hand brushing your shoulder. It's a waitress, black hair pulled into a tight bun and a terminally helpful expression on her face.
"The party's that way, sir." She gestures. "Where all the, uh, partiers are. Can't let the guests wander around in the exhibits, I'm afraid. We don't want to get whiskey on the Sisley. The, uh, French Impressionist, that is," she says to your uncomprehending face.
>>
No. 822755 ID: 7fad5d

>>822753
Begin feeling an intense envy that even an unnamed NPC gets a face when you don't. Try to hide it as you point out that you don't have any drinks and don't intend to touch anything. Smile and ask if she would mind showing you around any Golborian or Visitor exhibits they might have.
>>
No. 822756 ID: aebfae

>>822553
Seconded.

>>822681
Agreed.
>>
No. 822760 ID: 91ee5f

Well, isn't this a cliché spy moment! As soon as you try to sneak off to do spy stuff, there's always that one person that's just doing their job and not letting you leave in the direction you want to go!

Try telling her, "But I don't have a drink with me. And I'd like to look at the art when there's not many people in there. The peace and quiet let's me appreciate the art even more."
>>
No. 822774 ID: be0718

Sorry, you look familiar, do I know you?
>>
No. 822775 ID: ba56e6

>>822755
This. Put on some of that Nguyen charm.
>>
No. 822783 ID: 3cc68c

Engage highbeam flirt. Best case scenario you fluster her away from the door. Worst case scenario you get a waitress' number.
>>
No. 822792 ID: fc33ea

>>822774
This, I can't place it but she does look familiar.
Tell her you've just gotten some disturbing news, and could use a bit of quiet. Does she know where we can find any more of Chihuly's work?
...By the way, do you know if there's a painting in the visitor section of a kid on a bicycle?
>>
No. 822810 ID: 7b7ab3

Shit.
Engage maximum charm. Apologize for the misunderstanding and ask if she would be so kind as to run and grab us a drink.
Then continue the mission when she's gone.
>>
No. 822816 ID: f7838d

Make a Bluff check to convince this overly helpful person that we are cool to continue.
>>
No. 822851 ID: f30be2
File 150277218129.png - (35.43KB , 960x560 , 804.png )
822851

You chuckle at her joke, and give her the biggest, most charming smile you can muster. Hers grows in reaction.
"I don't have a drink in my hand right now, though, right?"
"Well--" She laughs. "That's true. But I still don't think you should be wandering around out there."
"You want to come along? Be a tour guide. I'd love a tour guide."
"Tour guide?" She's taken aback. "I'm just a waiter."
"Just a waiter? Hey look-- what's your name?"
"Ali."
"Ali. I have an art degree. You know how many of my friends are waiters?" That gets another laugh. This one looks genuine. "C'mon. At the MoMA? I can't believe you're just a waiter if you're working the MoMA. There's so many of you guys. Nobody'll notice."
She looks taken aback and laughs again. Her face is getting warmer. "I can't."
"How will I know where the Sisleys are? So I can aim my whiskey?"
"Don't even joke about that. Don't even."
"How many times have you had to use that line on drunk rich assholes trying to get out of the party?" you ask.
Ali grins. "You should be asking me how many drunk rich assholes have asked me that question."
"Oh my God!" You react as if wounded. "She has jokes!"
"It took me like 15 minutes to come up with the Sisley one. So don't knock it."
"I'm not knocking. Me? Knock? I never knock. And I'm not drunk. OR rich. I have an art degree, Ali."
"But an asshole?"
"I have an art degree, Ali," you repeat, and the big laugh you get again lets you know you've almost got this. "And my art degree tells me that the French Impressionists would get offended if I spilled anything less than absinthe on them, but I'm guessing there's no absinthe here."
"I wish."
"So can you maybe get me like a... I don't know. What's your favorite drink?"
"Umm..." She taps her chin. "Whiskey sour."
"I knew it."
"Oh, you knew it." Laugh again. "How?"
"You just look like a whiskey sour person. Can you get me--" You fish a 50 out. "One whiskey sour. And one for yourself. And keep the rest."
"I shouldn't drink on the job, yknow," she says, but she's already on her way. You wink at her in response. She flushes even harder.

And leaves the door unattended.
>>
No. 822852 ID: f30be2
File 150277220493.png - (14.26KB , 960x560 , 805.png )
822852

You slip through into a long hall of showcased antiquities and shadowed landscapes. The sound of tottering, inebriated footsteps draws you down and around a corner, where Polyphema leads her mark through the museum. You gingerly remove your shoes to muffle your footsteps, and keep to the alcoves and corners, between the bronze and marble of dead ancients.

You hear their voices as indistinct echoey things. You can't pick out any words but Wheeler laughs at something Poly says. If there's one thing she knows how to do, it's keep a man's complete attention.

1]] Keep tailing them at a distance.
2]] Get closer so you can hear what they're saying to each other.
>>
No. 822854 ID: 8e802d

>>822852
3]] Get distracted and plow this cater waiter.
>>
No. 822857 ID: be0718

1) Don't get greedy. Yet.
>>
No. 822861 ID: 91ee5f

>>822857
This!
>>
No. 822862 ID: f7838d

1. Patience and perseverance win the day.
>>
No. 822865 ID: 7b7ab3

>>822851
I feel kind of bad manipulating someone like that, but the job comes first. Business before pleasure after all.
>>822852
It's tempting to be a Nosy Nellie and get closer to eavesdrop, but the risk of being discovered is too great.
>1]] Keep tailing them at a distance.
>>
No. 822870 ID: 8e1318

>>822852
1
What they're saying probably isn't important enough to risk getting caught.
>>
No. 822880 ID: ba56e6

>>822852
Smooth moves Z.N.
1.
>>
No. 822894 ID: 2cae31

>>822870
This.
>>
No. 822896 ID: 08e550

>>822852
we need a cardboard box to hide in,
but seriously, 1. a situation like this calls for
discretion.
>>
No. 822910 ID: 8080e6

>>822851
Well fucking played.

1.
>>
No. 822913 ID: fc33ea

James bond would be proud.

1.
>>
No. 822931 ID: 8d6b97

we do 1, hope we can do it quickly enough to get back out before the waitress comes back, then, if we have the time, get into that.
y'know, like a reasonable gentleman.
>>
No. 822936 ID: 72ed6b

>>822852
That was well done. But in addition to not wanting to be just another asshole, if you don't get back in time for her to find you around somewhere, she might get suspicious.

Tail the two of them closely enough that you can hear what they're saying; Wheeler in particular is unlikely to be quiet.
>>
No. 822937 ID: 3fc720

If you aren't going to kill him, stay at a distance and let Poly tell you later.
>>
No. 822940 ID: 6612fa

>>822852
1
what ever they are talking about inst important, he wouldnt reveal state secrets and poly is boring
>>
No. 822943 ID: aebfae

>>822852
1 all the way. Probably still in the small talk stage anyway, so there's nothing juicy yet. That, and you just started tailing them, no need to risk blowing your cover now.
>>
No. 822958 ID: 72ed6b

The reason to get close to them would be to hear what Poly is doing, so that you can anticipate what they'll do and know how to get close enough for what you're trying to do.
>>
No. 822980 ID: 7fad5d

2. Follow closer and hope Poly is being interesting for once.
>>
No. 822999 ID: 5f2b81

>>822940
>>822980
Excuse you both?
>>
No. 823019 ID: 91ee5f

>>822999
They're just mad that the girl they like isn't here.
>>
No. 823086 ID: dee904

>>822940
>>822980
imma need to get the waiter to take these back to the kitchen, too much salt.
>>
No. 823148 ID: e08248

1 is the safe bet.
>>
No. 823360 ID: ca2069

I guess I can go with the bandwagon and pick 1.

BUT ONLY IF we mentally play a sneaky spy theme tune in our head as we sneak behind them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBupII3LH_Q

>>822854

TEMPTING
>>
No. 823382 ID: f30be2
File 150293481229.png - (23.21KB , 960x560 , 806.png )
823382

You pad along behind the pair, careful to stay out of sight and far away.
You are playing the Mission Impossible dun dun-dun song in your head.

Polyphema leads Wheeler through Late Antiquity, and they turn the corner into an unadorned hallway, laid across with a velvet rope.
Wheeler slides beneath it, then unhooks it and stands aside. Poly snorts as she passes him, giving him a light swat on the chest.

You creep around the corner to see her ushering him into an unmarked, plain-looking service door.
She stops at the entry, and squints at the darkened hallway, looking around for you.
When she doesn't see you, she blows a silent kiss into the still air, with an almost apologetic look on her face, then joins Wheeler inside.
She leaves the door just slightly ajar.
>>
No. 823386 ID: be0718

Listen in behind the door. Got a recording device?
>>
No. 823387 ID: 7fad5d

Anyone want to bet on whether it's sex or violence that's about to happen? Either way, not entirely sure Zack would have much to do but let's go see anyway. Could be important and I'm curious what exactly's going on.
>>
No. 823391 ID: a363ac

>>823382
pull out phone, download or load up a recording software, get near door and listen in.
>>
No. 823394 ID: ca2069

I'm pretty sure we're still here to steal and then bug the phone, right? We need to look for an opportunity to do that, so we prolly need to get a bit closer.

Getting blackmail material might also be good, but we're kind of here to do a job. Also blackmail material against Wheeler being found on our phone has the potential to come back and bite us. That's not to say it might not be worth it, but there's a real risk attached, and it's not our actual primary objective here.
>>
No. 823401 ID: 91ee5f

>>823394
I agree with all of this!

Focus only on getting Wheeler's phone, taking it to Meg, and then bringing it back!

Don't even try to get any blackmail stuff!
>>
No. 823407 ID: fc33ea

Crap, we should have got her attention. Pulling and transporting the phone to Meg would be easier if Poly knew she wasn't working alone.

Don't bother with blackmail. You'd be throwing poly under the bus too, and you want this whole thing to be deniable.
>>
No. 823409 ID: e54266

Alright. Close in and get ready to grab the phone. We need to do this quickly. Poly knows better than to do anything dangerous and we can trust her to keep him distracted, but it's going to be tight.
>>
No. 823414 ID: ba56e6

>>823382
Close in quietly and watch for your chance.
>>
No. 823522 ID: 7b7ab3

>>823382
>She leaves the door just slightly ajar.
That's our cue. Get in there and get ready to make a go for the phone.
>>
No. 823531 ID: 094652

This could get awkward.

Try to find an alternate route in. You do NOT want to be the "jealous boyfriend" patsy if someone decides to brain the dumbass senator.
>>
No. 823582 ID: b04c6e

>>823531
This is really crucial. Try to sneak into the room instead of following.
>>
No. 823589 ID: ba56e6

>>823531
Jealous boyfriend is actually a really good cover if we get caught.
>>
No. 823595 ID: 91ee5f

>>823531
>>823589
>Jealous boyfriend.
If Meg was in there, it would work. If Poly was in there as herself instead of Beatrix, it would work.

However, Poly has already introduced herself as Beatrix, who isn't one of the girls Zack is dating, and Zack came here with Meg.

If Zack gets caught, he's not gonna be seen as a jealous boyfriend, he's going to be seen as a cockblocking asshole.
>>
No. 823596 ID: ba56e6

>>823595
>he's going to be seen as a cockblocking asshole
If it were anyone but Wheeler he was interrupting, that would be true.
>>
No. 823597 ID: 91ee5f

>>823596
No, I'm saying that's what Wheeler is going to think of Zack.
>>
No. 823940 ID: 5aee0b

>>823382
Get closer so we can hear what they're saying to each other. Get ready to make our move.
>>
No. 824433 ID: f30be2
File 150345733324.png - (44.43KB , 960x560 , 807.png )
824433

You're about to start recording everything, but you decide against it.
The door is open just a crack.
You put your ear to the wood and your eye to what's happening.

"Will he understand?"
"He will." Polyphema is sitting up on a table. Her thigh jiggles slightly as she kicks her sandal off. "You didn't see me on his arm, did you?"
"You'll find that human men think one thing about their women with women, and another thing entirely about their women with men."
"You'll find that human men aren't all as helpless before their own cocks as you are, Timothy."
"Forgive me. I forgot your little boy toy is the picture of tolerance."
"He'll have to be. Poor thing."
"But you still love him." You can hear the way Wheeler's sneer tones his voice.
She laughs, scornfully. "What the fuck do you know about love?"
"Enough to know that a three hundred year old woman and a twinky Asian tween don't end up together just because of it."
"Maybe not in the warped little place you live in."
"And yet here you are. Like a cat in heat."
"It's uniquely fascinating to watch you try the things that work on Earth girls. Like I'm at some kind of dimensional zoo."
"It's working on you, isn't it?"
"Golborian women aren't accustomed to shame for what they are. Or what they want."
"I have that in common with Golborian women."
Polyphema snorts. "No you don't. Your shame drives every single thing you do. Every callgirl you conquer to drown the shame of your infidelity. The bills you sign to mask your proclivities. You want to fuck me because then you'll prove something to yourself. So that you won't be afraid of me anymore. That's why you're here."
"Oh, is that why."
"Partly. And partly because you know I'm going to be incredible." Her ass slides a couple of inches toward him. The front flap of her outfit folds between her legs. "You've wondered how it would feel since you saw me. Since you saw one of us. You've wondered what it would be like to use these--" She brushes her palm against her hip spine "--as handlebars. You wondered the kind of noise we make. You wonder about our tongues."
"Why are you here?"
"Because when you live long enough, you get an itch that a boy, God bless him, can't scratch. You learn the value of a man."
"Even one you hate?"
"Especially one you hate. Now get that hideous jacket off."

You watch Wheeler's jacket fall to the floor, anchored by the phone in its pocket. His hands come up to his collar and he undoes his top button.
"Ah-ah." Polyphema crosses her legs. "I didn't give you permission for that." She beckons with a foot. "Come here."
Wheeler approaches her. His jacket is halfway now between him and the door.
He slides a hand under her leg and raises it up.
>>
No. 824434 ID: f30be2
File 150345736511.png - (51.86KB , 960x560 , 808.png )
824434

She puts her foot on his shoulder, and with a sudden flex of muscles you barely knew were there under her softness, forces him to the floor.
He grunts. "What the fuck--"

"Shut up," Polyphema says. "I'm not one of your interns, Timmy." She extends her foot. "You will worship me."
He stares at her, anger and horniness fighting a desperate war across his face. Then he takes her heel, and kisses one painted toe. He starts to move up her leg but her other foot pushes his face back down. "Every inch," she purrs. "Once and never again. Savor me."
"We have to get back to the--"
"Fuck the gala." She flexes her toes at him. He returns to them.
"It was your mother, wasn't it," Poly says. Wheeler is too busy now to reply. For all his protestation he's enraptured now. "For some like you it's the father-- but it was your mother with you. Wasn't it."
"Mmm." Whether that's a yes or a no you're not sure.
"She loved you as a mother has to." Polyphema's voice drips low and heavy from her, like honey. "But you disappointed her. Didn't you. She saw where you were going and didn't like it, did she? Politics. And no matter how high you climbed, she never seemed satisfied." She's rubbing the back of his neck now with the ankle he isn't attending to. "But I am here, Timmy. And I'm old enough to be your mother five times over." She leans back, curling her leg in and making him crawl across the floor to stay with it, taking him further from his jacket and toward her heat. "See if you can climb high enough to satisfy me."
>>
No. 824435 ID: c2051e

>>824433
Well, this seems like a great time to leave and regret ever glimpsing into Wheeler's psychology. Unfortunately we probably need to get the phone to Meg while Poly's caught his attention. Jacket's on the floor, but I'm guessing that it's still too close to him to try and swipe the phone. Discreetly signal Poly to move him away from it, maybe? Normally I'd think she'd do that anyway but I'm not sure she noticed Zack yet.
>>
No. 824441 ID: 7b7ab3

Repress the urge to vomit at Wheeler touching Poly.
Signal her to keep him nice and distracted while we do our business.
>>
No. 824442 ID: ba56e6

>>824434
Take off your shoes and leave them a few feet away.

Make a signal for her to increase the volume a little. Make sure you only move when she talks, so that he can't hear your advance. Tread softly.
>>
No. 824444 ID: 91ee5f

>>824433
>Because when you live long enough, you get an itch that a boy, God bless him, can't scratch.
Zack, ignore that! It's all an act to distract him!

>>824434
You might want to wait for him to get his face in between her legs, so that he can't see you out of the corner of his eye.

Then quietly sneak over and grab his phone, but only the phone! Don't take the jacket because that's something that's easy to notice is missing, should he for some reason look away from Poly!

Also put your finger to your mouth as the universal sign of telling Poly, "Shhh, don't let him know I'm here."
>>
No. 824449 ID: ba56e6

>>824444
I think she understands that part of the plan.
>>
No. 824454 ID: 600f38

>>824434
Wait for her to squeeze his ears with her thighs, then sneak in and grab the phone.
>>
No. 824465 ID: 14f7da

>>824433
>>824434
Ugh. Poor Poly. She's gonna need a shower and an apology after this. Anyway, we're going to have to be careful here. Take off our shoes so they don't make noise. Wait until the opportune moment, then make a grab for the phone. Leave the jacket so he doesn't get suspicious.
>>
No. 824469 ID: 91ee5f

>Everyone saying, "Remove your shoes."
Uh, guys? In case you forgot, here's a reminder: >>822852 . Zack has already taken his shoes off.
>>
No. 824472 ID: be0718

Stare at Wheeler's backside so hard it catches fire.
>>
No. 824476 ID: fc33ea

Our shoes are already off. Wait until Wheeler is really distracted before you open the door, and hope it doesn't squeak.
>>
No. 824556 ID: 5f2b81

lmao she's playing this poor fuck beautifully. I mean, yeah, he's a creep, but I think she just might be having enough fun jerking him around by his ears and his cock to make it worthwhile. You probably should be recording this, just in case he tries to make up a lie for the public when things don't go his way. Leverage is a beautiful thing.
>>
No. 824558 ID: 18331a

>>824444
>>824454
We really shouldn't wait that long. I can't imagine Poly actually wants him to get that far. For her sake, let's make it quicker. Trust her and go now.
>>
No. 824559 ID: 5f2b81

Yeah, get in there and get it. Be sure to make a goofy face at Poly as you creep by--after all, this is a pretty hilarious situation.
>>
No. 824560 ID: aebfae

>>824434
This would be a lot more sexy if it weren't for the dialogue and the fact she's doing it with such an obvious sleezeball.
>>
No. 824564 ID: fc33ea

Seriously, don't jump the gun and get caught imidiately. Trusting her applies when she knows you're here. If you want to subtly get her attention and see what she does, fine, but I think right now she's buying time.
>>
No. 824580 ID: 0c8210

Back against the wall and carefully open the door with a single finger just in case it makes a noise
>>
No. 824587 ID: 8b2654

>>824558
Trust her to signal when she's ready. She has a free hand, and her centuries of experience give her a very good idea how distracted she has him.
>>
No. 825026 ID: 08e550

>>824587
i think we should wait for a signal, or atleast wait a little bit since they've only just started
>>
No. 825029 ID: 094652

This feels like the epitome of disgusting grandma-grandpa sex strip poker. Is Wheeler an incestually deluded little &!+(# to the core, or is he a &!+(#in' just enough to get the arrogant immortal to spill her precious, world-shattering ichor?

Whatever the case, please ignore the disgusting turn-off sex scene that follows and look for assassins.
>>
No. 825124 ID: 72ed6b

>>824465
> Ugh. Poor Poly. She's gonna need a shower and an apology after this.

Complete agreement.
>>
No. 825408 ID: 9adf59

>>824434
Wait until he's in thigh town, then go for it.
>>
No. 825427 ID: f30be2
File 150381218118.png - (51.95KB , 960x560 , 809.png )
825427

You tilt the door open the slightest of cracks more.
Very slowly you poke your head in.

As soon as Polyphema sees you she waves you desperately in.
She mouths something at you that you can't parse.
She tries again, exagerrating her mouth, and this time you understand she's saying I'm Dry. She points downward.

Wheeler had better not get as far as he's hoping to or he's going to realize the territory he's supposedly conquering in the name of Earth for Earthlings is more arid than the Sahara.
You find yourself wishing you'd texted Meg to meet you in the hallway or something before you came in here.
>>
No. 825428 ID: f30be2
File 150381220892.png - (12.01KB , 960x560 , 810.png )
825428

You slip across the floor in your socks, as Polyphema amps up the bullshit.
"Humanity has yet to impress me. They try. They're very nice. But I don't need my men to be nice." You dig desperately through the jacket. Polyphema wiggles her toe. "I need them not to forget the pinky."

Phone retrieved. YES.
Wheeler is on her shin now. She takes a moment to throw you a pleading look.
>>
No. 825429 ID: b5fb67

>>825428

Give her the thumbs up and silently GTFO with the phone.
>>
No. 825430 ID: e1d580

>>825427
Remind her of Annika's ass and, in solemn commemoration of the circumstances, throw in a pelvic thrust or eight.
>>
No. 825432 ID: 600f38

>>825428
Back out of the room, head outside of earshot, and call her phone.
Since they're in a quiet room he might hear what's said on the line, so say something like "There's been a development. Your date requires your immediate attention."
That will give her an out, and it's something he'll understand.
>>
No. 825433 ID: be0718

>>825432
But it might also remind him of his own phone, which would be bad. Get this back to Meg ASAP and we'll try to replace it at the table.
>>
No. 825434 ID: 91ee5f

>>825432
NO!

If she leaves, then Wheeler will leave also! And when he picks up his jacket, he's going to notice that his phone is missing!
>>
No. 825435 ID: ba56e6

>>825432
This has the makings of a good plan. Make sure to find a place to hide yourself first.

After that, text Annika to look troubled and run to the ladies' washroom, then wait for her date to rendezvous. That will reinforce the cover story.
>>
No. 825437 ID: fc33ea

Mime 'want me to call you?'
Get that sorted out before you abscond. Text Meg you've got the egg and where to meet you, and that she'd better crack the sucker quickly.
>>
No. 825438 ID: 91ee5f

>>825435
Well, if we're gonna do that, then Zack better get back to the party, so that there's background noise for the conversation you want Wheeler to overhear!
>>
No. 825439 ID: fc33ea

>>825434
Once Meg's done, we'll leave the phone next to where Wheeler was sitting before so he'll think it just fell out.
>>
No. 825445 ID: 9adf59

>>825427
>>825428
OK! Get that thing bugged immediately, then silently replace it. Then we can bail Poly out with a call or something.
>>
No. 825451 ID: 8c51fa

You might want to wipe it to make sure you don't leave any of your fingerprints behind. We really don't want to leave any evidence that we were involved in this if we can help it.
>>
No. 825452 ID: 094652

You know what?

Zack.Immagination("Dropkick Wheeler. Blame random assassin. Get Nachos.");

Zack.Run(leaveroom);
>>
No. 825881 ID: ad71a0

Question, do we actually have the bug or does meg have it. I forget.
If we have it n if its a simple thing i say bug it, put it back n leave to save poly. If not we're gonna have to get it to meg asap, poly cant leave him till we replace that phone, i dont think placing it at his seat is good enough. When a phone is in ur blazer pocket u can feel if its not there. We can not have any suspect thoughts about his phone. Too risky
>>
No. 825894 ID: ba56e6

>>825881
True. This.
>>
No. 825898 ID: d36af7

>>825881
If Meg has the bug, text her. Look down the hall in opposite directions for prominent exhibit signs, describe your position in terms of which things you're between.
>>
No. 825917 ID: 91ee5f

>>825881
>>825898
>If Meg has the bug.
Yes, she has the bug. That was the whole point of getting the phone for her, she literally glows, so she couldn't sneak up on Wheeler to get the phone herself.
>>
No. 825982 ID: f30be2
File 150406218485.png - (6.52KB , 960x560 , 811.png )
825982

Now hold on a second here, Zack.

Do you:

1]] Sneak out and get Meg to plant the bug, but call Poly while it's happening, sparing her from Wheeler's advances but risking him discovering his missing phone and complicating matters?

or

2]] Sneak out, get Meg to plan the bug, and bring it back silently, keeping quiet but making her deal with a horny representative for an uncomfortable amount of time?
>>
No. 825983 ID: c2051e

2. From what Meg's said, the situation is more important than Poly's feelings.
>>
No. 825984 ID: 8e802d

>>825982

2]]

This is bigger than either of you. Let Poly take this one for the team and make it up to her later. I don't mean make it up to her with sex, I mean Poly gets to call in one (1) favor from you later.
>>
No. 825986 ID: e36c7f

I feel bad for Poly but I've gotta say 2.

If you could somehow get someone or someones to noisily wander down the corridor on your way back, that could divert Wheeler with fear of discovery. Make him freeze for a minute or two?
>>
No. 825987 ID: 50bf10

2, if he finds out then her sacrifice will have been in vain.
>>
No. 825988 ID: fc33ea

1 because we laugh in the face of danger
>>
No. 825990 ID: be0718

1 because Poly's only got so much leg to mishandle.
>>
No. 825991 ID: 600f38

>>825982
1.
She's trying to tap out here.
>>
No. 825993 ID: fc33ea

>>825988
just as an addendum to laughing in the face of danger, first ask Meg how long it's going to take first so she isn't rushed. It may even take just a moment, in which case it'd make more sense just to put it back in wheeler's pocket.
>>
No. 826006 ID: ba56e6

2
>>
No. 826009 ID: 72ed6b

>>825982
If it were just a matter of "do you risk it", I'd say make it up to Poly later, a hundred fold.

But Poly's dryness risks her getting caught as faking it; if she's not turned on at all, to match what she's saying, then Wheeler might realize he's being played, and that could get Poly hurt.
>>
No. 826018 ID: 7b7ab3

>>825982
Why not just text Meg to come and plant the bug, then replace the phone and go give Poly a call to save her bacon?
>>
No. 826041 ID: 9f2de2

I have to say 2.
Forgive us, Poly. We'll do anything to make it up to you, but this is mission critical. You knew the risks going in!
>>
No. 826042 ID: 91ee5f

>>826018
Because Meg said she glows, so she can't sneak through this dark hallway without giving herself away. And I think Floaters make noise when they float, so she can't sneak through this quiet hallway.
>>
No. 826047 ID: 094652

2) Poly's been through worse.

Make the most aroused face you possibly can, try get her riled up. Then leave quickly and plant that bug.
>>
No. 826087 ID: 166fd1

I really want to say 2 the major issue is him finding out how turned off poly is. I think we need do 2 n text meg to meet us at the entrance to this hall. Itll get us back to poly quicker to "catch him in the act" after replacing his phone(make sure we put our shoesback on) while giving meg a quiet place to bug the phone.
>>
No. 826149 ID: aebfae

>>825982
2. We all gotta make sacrifices in the spy game, and unfortunately Poly has to take one for the team. Like >>825984 said, we could make it up to her with a big favor.
>>
No. 826171 ID: 485913

In retrospect we really dropped the ball by not remembering to have Meg on standby. Kicking myself a bit.

Also waiter girl is probably going to be back by the door to this gallery fairly soon...

>>826149

lol "take one for the team"

PHRASING

I mean one issue here is that Poly never signed up for the spy game, precisely. She offered to help out but it's not quite the same thing.

I think we straight fucked up here and are going to have to accept something unfortunate either way. Sometimes that's how it goes.
>>
No. 826246 ID: 9c2d0c

text Meg where you are RIGHT NOW. If she is any good at all, she is has already noticed you are both gone, and is already looking for you. Don't prolong this any more than you have to.

I don't think I am okay with the way things play out on option 2. If it comes to it, you call her phone and give her an out. This seat-of-our-pants phone bugging thing is NOT worth it.
>>
No. 826970 ID: f30be2
File 150433201679.png - (35.04KB , 960x560 , 812.png )
826970

You give Poly an encouraging wink and creep from the room, digging your own phone out as you go.
There's a quaivering moment in her patter as you leave; but Wheeler must take it for arousal, because he doesn't stop.
You break into a padding run as you get further from the room. You text Meg as you go:

>got thing
>we have 2 hurry polys expecting us
:meg: @ table nearest door gogogo

You're hopping back into your shoes by the time you reach the door back into the event hall.
Through the door and here's Meg, camouflaging her lift of the phone with an embrace and a quick kiss on the neck.

Wordlessly, she pops the back of the phone open. Her palm passes over it with practiced dexterity. Then she reseals it, swipes a few hurried commands into the screen, and passes it back to you.
"Go."

You go, and get about halfway to the door before you see:
The waitress, whiskey sour in hand and looking for you,
and Kathleen Caritas, who makes eye contact before you can look away and starts to cross the floor over to you, hand raising into a nascent hello.
>>
No. 826973 ID: 600f38

>>826970
Put a hand on your stomach, grimace, and put up an index finger between you and Kathleen. Then hurry along.

Toldja we should have called Poly and gone with the phone-fell-out-at-the-table plan, but it's too late now.
>>
No. 826974 ID: 7fad5d

>>826973
>plan doesn't go 100% perfectly
>told you!!!
You say that like the other route would've gone off without a hitch. Nevertheless, faking acute gastrointestinal distress to get away does seem like a pretty good option right now.
>>
No. 826975 ID: be0718

Find a ladder to the roof and attempt alternate entry to the gallery mission impossible style.
>>
No. 826979 ID: 91ee5f

Maybe pull out your phone and ask Meg to run interference?
>>
No. 826984 ID: fc33ea

I don't think many people go to a gallery to be sick, so that plan will raise some suspicion. Wave to Caritas and gesture '1 minute', then Tell Meg to tell Caritas you're off to track down Beatrix, you know Bea is a fan who wanted to talk to her as well and you'll only be gone a couple minutes. Graciously accept the whisky from Ali, then go back into the Gallery, taking out your phone as cover.
>>
No. 826996 ID: 7b7ab3

>>826984
This sounds like a pretty solid plan to me.
>>
No. 826997 ID: ba56e6

>>826984
This.
>>
No. 827114 ID: fc33ea

>>826984
On second thought, tell Meg to keep Kathleen busy while you're gone, but exchange some pleasantries with her first first, before you excuse yourself to get your whisky. Then ask Ali if she could do you one more favor & get those two ladies over there something to drink too. Then you should be in the clear.
>>
No. 827370 ID: 3fe007

You should totally snap a picture of Wheeler after you've dropped the phone off. Make it seem like what happened was that you caught him in a compromising position that you think is absolutely hilarious.
>>
No. 827472 ID: 22d3a4

>>827370
I thought we agreed against blackmail, since it'd involve throwing Poly under the bus too.
>>
No. 827474 ID: be0718

Start licking Wheeler's feet while he's licking Poly's feet.
>>
No. 827477 ID: ba56e6

>>827474
kome, what did you do with be0718?
>>
No. 827485 ID: 7018cd

>>826970
>The waitress
Accept the drink and ask her if she'd be so kind as to go get Ms. Caritas something.
>Kathleen
Simply indicate that you're busy at the moment.
>>
No. 827488 ID: 22d3a4

>>827485
I think it's important we don't act rude to Caritas- we should exchange pleasantries and when she asks us something, say sure, let me just get the drink I ordered and I'll be right with you. Then ask Ali to get her something.
>>
No. 827520 ID: 3fe007

>>827472
We're not actually blackmailing him, we're just making it look like it so it doesn't look like we just did suspicious shit to his phone.
>>
No. 827528 ID: 91ee5f

>>827520
He won't notice that if we can sneak his phone back into his jacket pocket. And unless he regularly takes his phone apart, he's not going to notice that it's bugged.
>>
No. 827651 ID: 117607

Well, we're in kind of a jam, but we knew we'd be in some kind of jam whatever.

Waitress girl hasn't seen us yet, maybe we can get by without her noticing. I kinda doubt it though.

>>827114

I feel this plan is basically solid in terms of dealing with both of them, but may cost us a lot of time. I don't really have a great alternative right now other than miming something friendly to Caritas and trying to make a dash for it, though.
>>
No. 827693 ID: f30be2
File 150458163128.png - (34.74KB , 960x560 , 813.png )
827693

You look back to Meg and tilt your head in Kathleen's direction.
She understands instantly and is already standing up. That leaves the waitress to you.

"Ali! Hey!"
You apprehend her with a smile, which she returns with a lack of enthusiasm.
"Is that mine?" You point to the drink in her hand.
"Yeah." She makes no move to give it to you.
"Can you actually do me a favor and go get something for my two friends over there? The floater and the, uh, journalist? They could probably use some social lubricant."

"So you can sneak back into the galleries?" Ali asks. Her smile drops the rest of the way off her face.

Maybe you should have let her keep looking.

"I'm not stupid," she snaps into your silence. "I didn't want to believe that's what this is about but it's pretty obvious in retrospect. Where did you think I'd think you'd go?"
"Ali--"
"If I don't report this and they end up checking the cameras or something I'm gonna lose my job." Ali's eyes narrow. "So you better tell me what you're trying to do right now."
>>
No. 827694 ID: 600f38

>>827693
"Threesome in the staff closet. Had to run for condoms."
>>
No. 827695 ID: c2051e

"Foursome in the staff closet. Had to run for condoms and you."
>>
No. 827698 ID: 094652

"... FINE. I'm trying to stop the crazy ex-concubine-slash-slave of the Kariket from brutally assassinating Polyphema while she's having sex with Representative Wheeler. Oh, and I guess I have to save the hypocritical prick, also."

Wait for her to call you out.

"Yeah, to be honest, she just wants to rile Poly up, even if it kills her in the process. I'm not sure why she's so damn obsessed with Poly. So what if she's the second highest-ranked psychic? She doesn't have military training! She doesn't have THE PSYCHE - the thing that makes the Kariket the most dangerous man in trans-dimensional history. But in any case, insane or onto something, I'm gonna stop her and rip out her stolen and grafted Oculot baby eye."

Basically, the crazier you sound, the more likely she'll try to make you leave the premises but won't suspect you're an operative because she'll think you're too dumb to make up such an unconvincing argument.
>>
No. 827700 ID: 41c9bc

>>827693
"I caught Rep Wheeler having sex in one of the back rooms."
>>
No. 827701 ID: 22d3a4

Alright, I respect you enough to not pull rank. Espionage. You heard about the Oculot who was murdered? I'm fixing to find out who gave those thugs the supposedly state secret Inhibitor Collar they used to strangle him to death. Ali. I respect you have a job to do here, but I want you know this one is personal and I won't be dissuaded. If you need me to smooth things over with Chabord I will kiss her ass, if that doesn't do it I have the head of HVAO's number in my phone. but I will not be dissuaded.
>>
No. 827704 ID: bb78f2

>>827693
Oh, one of my girlfriends is seducing a Senator back there right now and I'm trying to see if she's safe.

I'm not the only one that snuck back there.
>>
No. 827705 ID: 91ee5f

>>827693
>Maybe you should have let her keep looking.
An obvious solution that none of us thought of.....somehow. -_-;;

The only person that saw us was Kathleen, while Ali was still unaware of Zack's location. We could've easily snuck by Ali while Meg distracted Kathleen. But we all failed to realize that and we instead drew Ali's attention towards us.

Please tell me someone smarter than me has a good plan to get us outta this situation!
>>
No. 827709 ID: 22d3a4

Guys, we need to get her to think the rules don't apply to this situation, not give her a reason that's probably actually why the rule was implemented in the first place.
>>
No. 827753 ID: b8810a

>>827693
"Ali, I could come up with some complex lie, but the truth is hard enough to believe on its own. Representative Wheeler has, for whatever reason, taken a shine to one of the Visitor guests here and they went back into the gallery for some privacy. He asked me to cover for them, and I'm clearly not doing the best job. If news of Mr. Wheeler's proclivities were to get out, I can only imagine the scandal. Is there any way we can keep this debacle off the record?"
>>
No. 827755 ID: 7b7ab3

MAX CHARM
Tell her that this party is actually a cover for a meeting of VIPs from both sides of the dimensional divide. The gallery was actually closed off so it could be used as a private meeting room. All very hush-hush, cloak and dagger political intrigue. For the sake of her health and ours, it's probably best if she were to keep mum about it.
>>
No. 827756 ID: 7b7ab3

>>827693
Also,
>checking the cameras
did we have a plan for circumventing this little security problem?
>>
No. 827760 ID: c31aac

>>827693
"This is for-real one of those "if i told you I'd have to kill you" things. I know that's frustrating, as is the continued dishonesty, but this is important enough I had to be an asshole. I still have to get in there again, then I promise it's done. And I'll take you to dinner on my fancy government salary to make up for it."
>>
No. 827792 ID: 41c9bc

>>827753
This is basically a better version of what I said, so let's go with it.
>>
No. 827801 ID: 2fe26a

>>827753
I'm all for an excuse that implicates Wheeler in hypocrisy. Poly might have to retire this alias for a while, but I'm sure she has plenty to spare. She's very good at taking two for the team.
>>
No. 827805 ID: 5f2b81

>>827760
I like this.
>>
No. 827854 ID: ccd925

i'm trying to fuck my girlfriend, it's a very important act of interdimensional relations
>>
No. 827864 ID: 44b5c0

>>827693
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if preventing people heading into the galleries is going to be a problem, representative Wheeler amongst others has already brought things to that stage. I need to ensure he doesn't cause an incident with the principle Golborian art donor, Beatrix, who he appeared to be following.
>>
No. 827868 ID: 44b5c0

>>827864
To clarify, I think any "lol cloak and daggers" stuff isn't going to fly, the fact that others have already gone through means any others are now a triviality, and most importantly of all, she should know that the notoriously xenophobic politician has just gone there chasing after the oculot friend of the head curator who personally supplied a large part of the exhibit this entire evening is supposed to celebrate. Given these factors, it is probably a good idea to try and resolve this with a little more discretion than calling security.
>>
No. 827870 ID: 44b5c0

>>827753
We don't want to incriminate Wheeler in that way; us bugging his phone depends on him remaining in good standing with the anti-Visitor crowd.
>>
No. 827901 ID: 41c9bc

>>827870
Fair point.

>>827864
I'll support this instead.
>>
No. 827911 ID: a363ac

>>827693
"I am sorry but I am on a time sensitive political espionage trip I will come see you as soon as I can." Run away before she processes what you said
>>
No. 827984 ID: 72ed6b

>>827693
Whatever you do, you should not let a random waitress in on the conspiracy. It's better that you look like an ass, if absolutely necessary, than that you compromise the operation. If you can get out of this without looking like an ass, even better, but otherwise, suck it up and live with it.

So, tell her that while she was gone, your lover wanted to head to the gallery for some out-of-the-way nookie, and you were headed to meet them, quietly. You'd appreciate her discretion, since you don't want to make a scene. Tell her that you'll make sure there's nothing on the cameras that'll get her in any kind of trouble at all, you'll be discreet and keep things out of the way.

The more important issue is that if there *are* cameras, we really need to deal with those. We'd better tell Meg, and see if she can wipe them.
>>
No. 827997 ID: 117607

I'm kinda not overjoyed at the idea of exposing Poly (or Wheeler) here. I mean, waiter girl seems pretty cool, and might not share it, but still. But I think if we bullshit her, it's not going to work... Might have to just bite the bullet.

"A friend of mine is back there, along with a certain Representative who will remain nameless. I'm trying to have their back. Please don't call security. It would be a massive clusterfuck if it got into the news, and my friend could get hurt."

"If you do me a solid here, I can get you your own personal mini-exhibition on Visitor art, I promise. I'll be one minute. Stand and look at your watch if you don't believe me."
>>
No. 828154 ID: 6612fa

>>827693
"why clearly I'm robbing the place" in a sean coneray voice
no but seriously.
"I actually want to look at the art, and before you say something about come during normal operating hours, how often do you think I will have the chance to enjoy it without a field trip of kids more interested in their phone apps, or the guy with a cold, or the other patroons in the way, or even being able to take as much time as i want to look at a piece before having to move on so someone else can take my spot. will i ever really have another chance. just claim ignorance to it.
>>
No. 828698 ID: 5b93d3

>>827693
"Wheeler is fucking an Oculot" Get out his phone "I ran back to get a camera"
>>
No. 828936 ID: 44b5c0

>>828698
Again, we don't want him losing favor with the anti-visitor people or it defeats the point of fucking with his phone.
>>
No. 828948 ID: 0b6036

>>828698
Going to have to back this one up.
>>
No. 828956 ID: 91ee5f

>>828936
I agree, we can't expose Wheeler. That's the whole point of putting a bug in his phone!
>>
No. 828961 ID: 08e550

>>827997
i vote this
>>
No. 828964 ID: e36c7f

>>827997

I generally agree with this but we have to allow for Zack coming back and then going out again. Maybe (quietly and quickly) say something like:

"Ok, I'll trust you with this: I spotted a friend of mine and a certain representative sneaking off together. Now, I was pretty sure one or both of them hated the other's guts, and there's been some drinking, so I snuck after to make sure it wasn't going to turn into anything ugly and I didn't want to attract attention. Now, seems it turned in a direction I wouldn't have expected, so I came back to alert my other friend, who knows my first friend a bit better than me in some ways, and get her input. So now I think I might be able to leave them to it, but I want to be nearby just in case I need to stifle a big fuss before it happens. You know what I mean?"

Try subtly guide her along towards the door while you're explaining to save some time.
>>
No. 828967 ID: 41c9bc

>>828964
>>827997
Changing my vote to some form of these.
>>
No. 829183 ID: 5b93d3

>>828936
>>828956
We're not trying to expose wheeler, we're trying to get the phone back there without the waitress kicking up trouble. She thinks we're going to video him and then cause a bunch of political hoohah? Fine by us, we don't need to actually do it.
>>
No. 829283 ID: 44b5c0

>>828964
Anything in this style would be well-served by adding:

"Long story short, nobody is going near the artwork because they're too busy in the janitor's closet. Now I really need to make sure there isn't a diplomatic incident."
>>
No. 829303 ID: 5d9895

>>827864
I'd go with this. It doesn't incriminate Wheeler as badly as some of the other suggestions, which is important, and it isn't a crazy stretch. It's basically, "I'm worried there's going to be a fight or something and I want to bring people back from the galleries where they shouldn't be."
>>
No. 830532 ID: 2e22fa

A friend of mine is doing me a humongous favor and I need to go bail her out right now. We'll be out of your hair in no time if you'll just let me be.
>>
No. 830609 ID: 5dd97a

Whatever else happens, call Poly's phone. It might be just the distraction she needs, and if not she can always ignore it.
>>
No. 830805 ID: f30be2
File 150554062834.png - (11.45KB , 960x560 , 814.png )
830805

"Ok." You summon all the honesty you can into your voice. "Look. No bullshit I have a friend back there with a certain xenophobe representative."
"Rep. Wheeler?"
"Yeah and I gotta get them back here. Please please please don't call security or anything or it's going to be a huge clusterfuck. And my friend could get hurt."
"Why?"
"She's an Oculot is why."
Her sails begin to flag. "Oh."
"One minute. You can stand here and time me."
"I am being so dumb. OK I am timing you."
"Thank you thank you thank you. I'll get you your own mini-exhibition on Visitor Art."
She frowns. "That had better not be you hitting on me. You got..." She looks at her watch. "One minute."
"Starting when?"
"Fifty eight seconds."
You're gone.

Back down the darkened hall, coattails flying, sliding around the corner in socks.
>>
No. 830806 ID: f30be2
File 150554065257.png - (52.84KB , 960x560 , 815.png )
830806

And back to the room, with a cursory peek through the crack to make sure Wheeler is occupied.
He's up to her thigh now, caressing and kissing and trying to pull her smooth brown legs apart.
The muscles in her lower back, where it peeks over the fold of her gown thing, are tense with the effort of keeping them together.
You know Poly well enough to detect the edge of desperation in her breathy seduction.
>>
No. 830807 ID: f30be2
File 150554068322.png - (53.33KB , 960x560 , 816.png )
830807

Later on, you'll ask yourself whether it was the sound of your breath, try as you did to disguise it, or maybe it was some signal of relief from Polyphema. Or maybe it was just shitty luck.

But your hand is halfway back out of Wheeler's pocket when he sees you.

>>
No. 830808 ID: 600f38

>>830807
Abscond.
>>
No. 830810 ID: 06def5

>>830807
Guess our sneak skill wasn't high enough. Blackmail is probably the best way out now. Tell him we got video of him with a visitor and make him keep his mouth shut.
>>
No. 830812 ID: be0718

Neither of you can afford to let this scandal get out. Call it a draw?
>>
No. 830814 ID: a633c6

Well, we know of something poly can do to induce temporary amnesia...

Speaking of, we're gonna owe her our first born for dragging her into this exponentially expanding clusterfuck.
>>
No. 830820 ID: d887c0

OPTIONS
>1)Blackmail. We have enough dirt on this POS that we could permanently put his career in the crapper. If he keeps his mouth shut, then we'll keep our mouths shut.
>2)Oculot trickery. Poly might be able to pull something out of her bag of tricks to save this situation. Hopefully in a way that doesn't kill Wheeler.
>3)Incite panic. Quickly inform Wheeler that people saw him come back here and he's not far off from becoming scandal central. He might be too scared to pay us any mind.
>>
No. 830824 ID: 41c9bc

>>830807
Okay, Z. You're a smooth operator. Calm down.

Act like you're just picking up the jacket, and take it over to him, then thrust it at him accusingly.

"Sort yourself out and let's get out of here. We have thirty seconds before the waitress that spotted you lets everyone know we're back here. You owe me."
>>
No. 830826 ID: d887c0

Okay.
So we either convince Wheeler that this was a set up for blackmail and he should follow us to hear our demands OR we could try the smooth operator route a la this guy >>830824.
>>
No. 830830 ID: c31aac

>>830820
You know what this might actually work
I vote this
>>
No. 830831 ID: 91ee5f

>>830824
>"Sort yourself out and let's get out of here. We have thirty seconds before the waitress that spotted you lets everyone know we're back here. You owe me."
This sounds like it might work!
>>
No. 830839 ID: adbeaa

>>830824
I like this.
>>
No. 830857 ID: 8c51fa

>>830824
This is what we need to do. Toss/hand him his jacket and tell him we've all got to move. It explains why we're here and why we've got our hand on his clothes, it'll put him in enough of a rush that he won't question it too much, and it doesn't implicate Zack in anything illegal.

We shouldn't try to blackmail him or anything like that. We don't have nearly enough time to say anything persuasive and we don't want to risk turning this into an even bigger mess than it already is.
>>
No. 830860 ID: bb78f2

>>830807
Hey man, just ah, you know, huge cuck here. Thank you very much for the show, but point is we're both kinda caught and got to get back soon. So take your jacket and lets get the fuck out.
>>
No. 830861 ID: b4cfbb

>>830814
Could this work???
>>
No. 830868 ID: a633c6

>>830861
That's up to poly, I can't think of any way to communicate the idea to her fast enough for it to be effective cover.

If we're going to go with the smooth operator inciting panic plan, make sure he doesn't see your shoes are off.
>>
No. 830871 ID: 91ee5f

>>830861
No, because when Poly did that it was an accident during sex with Zack.

So unless you want her to have sex with Wheeler and hope that she accidentally causes him to have amnesia, that's not a good idea.

Plus, it's temporary amnesia, it would only last a few seconds.
>>
No. 830872 ID: 41c9bc

>>830868
Yeah, that was the one thing I didn't have a solution for. We'll cross that bridge if we get there.
>>
No. 830876 ID: c88e6d

>>830857
Yeah, toss him his jacket and do your best to fake being angry at Poly.
>>
No. 830881 ID: a633c6

>>830871
Poly said she knew what ideas to avoid in the future, and we only need a few seconds to be out the door. You're right about the sex though, I don't know how important to the equation that is.
>>
No. 830908 ID: c31aac

>>830824
Misquoted earlier. This is my preference for a plan of action.
>>
No. 830918 ID: 636dcb

>>830824
This
>>
No. 830997 ID: 72ed6b

>>830824
This.
>>
No. 831060 ID: 528064
831060

"Beatrix I can never take you anywhere!"
>>
No. 831070 ID: 41c9bc

>>830868
>>830872
Found a shoe solution. If he brings it up, we had to take them off because running here in them would draw even more attention.
>>
No. 831357 ID: 44b5c0

>>830807
Well fuck.
>>830824 seems reasonable.
It's a darkened room, how likely is it that Wheeler can tell what you're doing beyond laying your hands on his jacket?

Whatever we do, he needs to think this is the first time we have been in this room and that his phone has never actually left his pocket let alone the room.
Also giving the impression that we just saw them sloping off and followed to round them up after hearing wait staff murmuring about contacting security rather than this being orchestrated in conjunction with Beatrix would be preferable if it comes to it.

>>831070
This is very valid if we were supposedly sneaking here in a hurry to beat security. Have you ever tried so much as walking briskly in dress shoes on a hard floor? Hopefully he's too preoccupied to notice we're in dark socks instead of dark shoes in this dark room though.
>>
No. 831364 ID: 352f85

Our performance tonight has been like the worst coffee machine in the world.

"From bean to cup, we fuck up!"
>>
No. 832077 ID: 99ddfc

>>831364
Brilliant
>>
No. 832235 ID: 5d9895

>>830824
Absolutely this. Time is of the essence and the less time Wheeler has to process what's happening the less likely he has to realize something is up.
>>
No. 832366 ID: 342b5a

>>830807
Reach for the dick, play off the demon sexboy angle try to make it a threesome. He'll get scared off we win
>>
No. 832409 ID: 9876c4

>>832366
There is no way this could possibly go right

Do eet.
>>
No. 832444 ID: f30be2
File 150623301769.png - (54.75KB , 960x560 , 817.png )
832444

Your mouth is just forming its first wild improvisation when Polyphema yanks Wheeler's face up and buries it in the fleshy space between her breasts.

She stares at you with a focus so fierce it sends your hairs on end. Behind her purple contact, her eye flares.
Wheeler shudders.

"Go," she barks.
>>
No. 832446 ID: c2051e

>>832444
>>
>>
No. 832447 ID: a633c6

Told you poly had a trick up her sleeve!

Git gone like nobody's ever gotten gone before.
>>
No. 832448 ID: efa855

make like a tree and get out of here
>>
No. 832449 ID: dcd676

You heard the woman. Your part's done, now skedaddle!
>>
No. 832451 ID: c520b7

>>832444
Shit! We need him alive! Indicate such and get going!
>>
No. 832452 ID: 91ee5f

>>832444
Well, at least we put the phone back in Wheeler's jacket!

I know we should probably leave, but shouldn't we at least give Poly the warning about security? She's only pretending to be mad at us anyways. Since Wheeler saw us she had to react to keep up the act!

I'm sure that, since she's not feeling anything for Wheeler, she'd appreciate us giving her a reason to get away from him!
>>
No. 832453 ID: 094652

Act like you've seen an interdimensional abomination from subspace:

Tear out of the room, squealing like a pig, with bare shreds of coherence as you describe an amalgamation of every living nightmare you've had about the place your parents went when they had spherical complications bored with surgical precision beyond any medical expertise, a ritual of such immense dexterity and fierce vengeance it could only be performed by a purported paragon on the bring of self-defeating condemnation, such that the extant void where what should connect to your very existence is now mired in an incoherent muck of socio-normative debates that unravel what would otherwise be forty years of your entire existence.

Then when everyone is paying attention to how insane you sound, explain that you were talking about the general shortness of Wheeler's prick compared to Polyphema's huge rack.
>>
No. 832454 ID: 41c9bc

>>832444
Or that.

Exit, I suppose.
>>
No. 832482 ID: d887c0

>>832452
This I guess? We need to get going, but we also need to finish the job. Also, we need Poly to not kill Wheeler. She probably isn't planning to, but I just worry.
>>
No. 832483 ID: b60dfa

>>832451
She's working some mind-mojo, not suddenly smothering him, give her some credit.

>Go
yeah, git ye gone
>>
No. 832484 ID: 600f38

>>832444
Go.
We have a waitress counting down.
>>
No. 832493 ID: be0718

Go - quietly!
>>
No. 832499 ID: 416762

Flee!
>>
No. 832513 ID: aebfae

>>832444
ABSCOND, YA DANG FOOL!! LIKE A SHADOW IN THE NIGHT!!
>>
No. 832514 ID: 44b5c0

>>832444
Time to git gon. There's nothing we can really do to help things here, and as >>832484 notes there's a waitress counting down who needs to be told we've resolved the situation and people are sheepishly donning clothes in readiness for pretending that NOTHING. EVER. HAPPENED.

>>831364
Other than misreading whether we could escape Ali's notice, which we bullshitted through pretty quickly, we've not been totally awful. Personally I blame Wheeler for not devoting his full attention to his partner; just more proof of how terrible a person he is. Yes, definitely all his fault.
Improvising around screwups and bad luck is always a big part of social espionage. This is a rather, uh, blunt improvisation, but then this was also an extremely short-notice plan.
>>
No. 832520 ID: 33b7e7

Flee but make sure you make some sort of gesture to Poly indicating that time is short. Tap on the wrist where a watch would be, mouth "waitress one minute" very clearly so she can read your lips, that sort of thing.
>>
No. 832720 ID: fec339

Well, she's never steered us wrong before. Go.
>>
No. 833693 ID: f30be2
File 150679242769.png - (31.46KB , 960x560 , 818.png )
833693

She doesn't need to tell you twice.
Skidding back round the corner, bare socks cartoon-sliding on the tilewood, hopping into your shoes, mind ablaze (isn't that only temporary? it was last time) and back into the main hall.
Meg's laughing inauthentically at something Kathleen Caritas has said. Annika has been trapped by the pottery guy.
And back in the dark of the gallery, Wheeler is presumably doing a walk of ultimate shame, with a bugged phone in his jacket.

"Fifty eight seconds." Ali's gotten her hands on a watch from somewhere. You notice she has no phone anywhere on her and recall with a pang of sympathy your own days in the service industry. "Well. Actually almost exactly a minute."
"I told you."
Her expression darkens. "That doesn't excuse how you used me. Get back to the party and don't make any more trouble. I'm gonna wait for your friends to come out so I can yell at them too."
>>
No. 833716 ID: 3fb646

>>833693
Quickly apologize and clarify it was an emergency. Go bail your friend from Pottery hell, then link up with Meg.
>>
No. 833718 ID: be0718

It takes impressive chutzpah to be able to chastise a politician, but you know from your service industry experience that's just a lack of fucks to give. Say sorry with your words now, and with your actions later. (Some small Visitor art or a memento of Floater music, maybe - but gift ideas can wait for now.) Rescue Annika from pottery man so you have an excuse for where you've been for Caritas.
>>
No. 833730 ID: a363ac

>>833693
tell her talking to her was fun anyway and go save your friend from the pot fiend.
>>
No. 833731 ID: 600f38

>>833693
"I'm sorry. Sometimes there's a potential interdimensional incident I need to avert, and doing that means making some hard choices. That doesn't excuse me from hurting or using people in the process, and I have to live with that. But you deserve to know why, and I think you'll understand when you see who you'll be yelling at."
>>
No. 833733 ID: 9b3a4a

>>833693
"That's fair. Just know that I'm sorry and that it was for a good reason. If you're ever on the Visitor side of town, I'll make sure that everyone knows that Ali's cool."
>>
No. 833735 ID: 5ca8f3

You're right, and I'm sorry I put you in that position.

I don't think she'll be amenable to making amends like this, So go rescue Meg, and on the way back to the table, Rescue Art Nerd.
>>
No. 833783 ID: d887c0

Say nothing else and go save Annika from the pottery guy.
>>
No. 833786 ID: 3cc68c

We should find some way to distract Ali from the door when Wheeler and Polyphema come through. We really owe her one, and a waitress humiliating Wheeler is the last thing we want. He sucks but if we piss him off too badly he's going to be a big problem.
>>
No. 833790 ID: bb78f2

>>833693
You want to yell at a politician? And an Oculot? For a little mischief? OK.
>>
No. 833816 ID: 97dc35

>>833693
Shit, she can't make a scene, uh...
Ask her not too?
>>
No. 833820 ID: 5ca8f3

>>833816
I think we should text poly and explain the situation.
>>
No. 833947 ID: ce2e2f

It's definitely a really bad idea for everyone involved for her to be yelling at them, but I don't think she's going to listen to us anymore.
What if we go get the movie star and ask him to distract her? He can probably do it way better than we can.
>>
No. 834118 ID: 9ec218

>>833820
Probably.
>>
No. 834263 ID: a633c6

I think we should rescue our date and let poly rescue hers.
>>
No. 834574 ID: 352f85

We need to apologise to art gallery girl, sincerely and charmingly, and prevent her making a big scene with Poly and Wheeler.

As to how we do that: OVER TO YOU GUYS
>>
No. 835660 ID: f30be2
File 150768037358.png - (47.65KB , 960x560 , 819.png )
835660

"Of course." You back away from her. "And sorry. Again. It was an emergency."
"Hm." She shakes her head dismissively and waits at the door.

You know something about being taken advantage of in a service job. She probably wouldn't talk to you now if you were Castor Leydon himself.
>>833947
Fortunately, you're not. Castor Leydon's Castor Leydon. And you have his friendship and his phone number.
You find him in your contacts when you pull away from the door.
"Zack?" he answers. "Buddy are you still at the party?"
"Yeah."
"Why are you calling me?"
"How do you feel about hired help?"

By the time Polyphema is dragging her defeated mark back into the party, Ali is brushing the hair behind her ears and laughing at the third effortlessly magnetic story Castor's telling her.
Wheeler's expression is pure fury, of such magnitude that his political veneer still can't fully cover it. He takes a very clear tack away from Polyphema.

"Zack," the latter whispers, as she brushes past your shoulder. "You are my goddamn knight. In shining armor. I was about to chew my fucking leg off."
"What did you do to him?"
"I focused very very hard," she says, "on having his baby."
"I thought that was only temporary."
"It turns out I can keep some things for myself," she says. "You and I found that out together. And I told you to tell me if you remembered."

And then, with a jolt, you remember when Poly took you aside after the shower, and told you she wanted to try a little experiment.
"Oh, fuck," you say. "You have a mindwipe."
"A mind tissue, let's call it. A mind spot treatment. But yes."
"So why does Wheeler look so angry?"
"Because when he got his head back on, I told him exactly what I thought of him," Polyphema says. You snort.
"I'm sorry, darling." There's pain in Polyphema's voice now. "I used to be so much better at faking that kind of thing. I've gotten far too used to sleeping with men I'm in love with."
"We pulled it off, though. In our own Benny Hill-ass way. But we did it."
She wraps her fingers around yours and squeezes your hand. "We did it. Now what? Do you think you've taken in enough damn culture for a night because I have." She casts her eye across the forest of tailored outfits and sculpted smiles. "Oh, lord. My date is being harassed by the pot man."
>>
No. 835662 ID: a363ac

>>835660
you go take care of your date I have my own for now. Go to the MEG!
>>
No. 835664 ID: be0718

Indeed. Let's finish this night with a flourish.
I think we owe Kathleen an interview now...
>>
No. 835666 ID: c88e6d

>>835660
Well... everything went better than expected! Let's just go rescue everyone's dates and spend some time being friendly and happy.
>>
No. 835667 ID: 600f38

>>835660
"Mmm... I have an interview, but after that do you think we could swing a foursome?"
>>
No. 835671 ID: 91ee5f

>>835660
Make a joke by saying, "Nah, he doesn't look like a drug dealer. Oh, wait, was that not the kind of pot you were talking about?"

But yeah, Poly should go rescue her date and we go to Meg.

>>835667
I think that all depends on Annika and she might not be comfortable with that idea.
>>
No. 835672 ID: 094652

Actually, you'd better turn in before anything bad happens to an otherwise great night.

Poly: Go have a lesbian threesome with Annika and Krin.

Zack: Buy one of Wheeler's books. Shoot it until the patch of land you flopped it on is three inches below the surrounding area.
>>
No. 835675 ID: 33b7e7

Along with anything else you say, you should quietly mention to Poly that you both have a waitress you need to subtly compensate for her trouble some time soon, giving her a nod or another indication who you mean. At the very least if some trouble does come up for her Poly might have the pull to counteract it.
>>
No. 835702 ID: a633c6

Don't be sorry. It was my stupid plan to put you in that situation in the first place. Anyway, you should rescue your date and I'll rescue mine. Caritas may want to keep me for a bit, but anywhere you want to regroup later we'll go.
>>
No. 835737 ID: f30be2
File 150769414443.png - (32.11KB , 960x560 , 820.png )
835737

"Don't be sorry. It was my plan," you say. "Now go ride to Annika's rescue. I got a reporter to talk to."
Polyphema notices Meg's conversation partner. "Bless that floating sexpot for holding her down. All right." She moves to kiss your cheek then recalls the purple lipstick. "Get me her autograph," she says.
"If not now then at the interview." You straighten your tie. "Hey, after we skip out of here, do you think that maybe you and me and Meg and... uh, Annika..."
Polyphema's eyebrows ratchet up with each name. "Annika! Why Zack. You rake."
"Oh like this isn't what you were angling for."
"I do not angle, Zacky. I dangle. You're the one who takes the bait. Anyway you already know my answer, dear. It's our dates you'll have to convince." She starts to kiss you yet again and yet again stops herself. "Uch. This makeup."
"Purple looks good on you," you say.
"I'm interested," whispers Polyphema as she leaves to rescue Annika, "in how it's going to look on you."

"Aaah. Zackary." Kathleen makes room for you to form a triangle between her and Megumi. "Finally the swanky whirlwind blows you our way."
Meg threads her arm around your back. "Hi," she says.
"Hi," you say, and the subtle note of triumph in your voice makes the tension melt from Meg's grip.
"Megumi was walking me through the history of that striking duet she just did for us," Kathleen says.
"What I can remember, anyway," Meg says.
"I admit I'm not the cultural superwoman I pretend to be when it comes to classics, Golborian especially," Kathleen says. "But art's like pornography. You know it when you see it."
"You have more of the classicist about you than you give yourself credit for," you say. "All their art was pornography."
She grins. "Spoken like a modernist. You came over here looking a little like a man with something on his mind, Zack, if you don't mind the observation."
You try to get the nervous energy out of your shoulders. "Not my intention."
"I hope I'm not delaying any kind of departure by entangling your date," Kathleen says, her grin still on under inscrutable eyes. "We're going to have plenty of opportunity to get acquainted anyway when we have our longer conversation."
>>
No. 835740 ID: be0718

No, not at all. I'm sorry I've been so out and about, it's easy to get starstruck at your first gala.
>>
No. 835745 ID: 9f417b

We're in no hurry to leave, especially now that we can actually relax a little.
>>
No. 835756 ID: d887c0

>>835740
This.
>>
No. 835775 ID: ce2421

>>835737
Speaking of which, are there any other details to hammer out about the interview?
>>
No. 835822 ID: b9b4da

Well, we've got a catered opportunity now, so let's pick up where the wheels fell off.
Speaking of getting acquainted, did you see that guy strutting the hairy chest? Who is that?
>>
No. 835844 ID: fe3e57

Now that we have some personal business cleared up, we can finally relax. Drink some sauce, schmooze with the rich and famous, brag about our girlfriends, and pick up some stories to tell.
>>
No. 835895 ID: d942de

>>835737
>"I hope I'm not delaying any kind of departure by entangling your date," Kathleen says, her grin still on under inscrutable eyes. "We're going to have plenty of opportunity to get acquainted anyway when we have our longer conversation."
"No delay at all, Kathleen." You say. "Though I'm certainly looking to that conversation. I sense that you and I will have a lot to talk about."
>>
No. 835920 ID: a633c6

Oh right, ask meg do we need to worry about cameras?
>>
No. 835938 ID: 43e0ce

>>835920
Oh, right.
Not in front of Kathleen, though.
>>
No. 836010 ID: f7e6cc

>>835740
>>835920
These.
>>
No. 836119 ID: f7e6cc

This gala's been crazy.
>>
No. 836229 ID: 570efe

>>835737
Speaking of which, should we discuss the interview? We have some folks lined up who'd be able to pitch in for, like, security and such. You and yours cool about working with Visitors, Kathleen?
>>
No. 836327 ID: 7a1e13

There's quite a bit on our mind, but nothing to concern Ms Caritas. She may like to know that Wheeler has been given a stern talking to.
>>
No. 836329 ID: 33b7e7

"So this is probably unusual to just directly ask, but are there any particular news items you're going to want to chat about during the interview, because I've been distracted with a lot of personal stuff recently and it's probably not compelling media to ask someone what they think of particular recent events and get "oh geeze I haven't really been following that" repeated a few times."
>>
No. 836542 ID: f30be2
File 150795671632.png - (8.85KB , 960x560 , 821.png )
836542

"No delay at all," you say. "It's just easy to get starstruck at your first gala."
"It's something, isn't it," Kathleen says. "All these movie stars and senators." She winks at you. "And representatives."
"And that guy with the chest hair sticking out." You're suddenly eager to change the subject. "Do you know who he is?"
She chuckles. "I confess I don't. By process of elimination we can imagine he's not from the fashion sector."
"So do you want to discuss the interview?" You're suddenly eager to change the subject. "Are there going to be any particular pieces of recent news you're going to want to chat about? I admit I've been a little lax in keeping up with things."
"It won't be a test, Zack. Just a conversation. Don't worry about it. Just come as yourself. That's who I'm interested in talking to." She squeezes your shoulder. "Now if you'll excuse me, when you know as many bluebloods as I do leaving a function like this becomes a pretty elongated process. It was lovely to meet you, Zack. And you, Meg. Feel free to come along when I interview Zack."
"You're okay if I bring people?"
"Of course. Your dulabira has an open invitation." She shakes your hand, then Meg's. "I'll see you next week."

Kathleen pauses back at your table, where she also shakes the hand of a fully enchanted Polyphema, who's sitting with one hand resting on Annika's knee.

"She seems.... cool," Meg says. "For a journalist."
"Do you not like journalists?"
"I like em fine. They just aren't cool. Like objectively. Unless they're war correspondents. And even then only if they wear leather jackets."
"Does pleather count?"
"Listen to yourself." She hip-bumps you. "I have a rubric, Nguyen. What are we gonna do now? Wait I'm gonna kiss you first."
She does. She tastes like a strawberry daquiri.
"If you wanna dance more I can dance more." She's rubbing the material of your pants between her fingers. "But if you wanna get out of here we can get out of here. I remember the limo being pretty fuckin cool."
>>
No. 836545 ID: 600f38

>>836542
"Want to meet up with Poly and see if we can swing a foursome?"
>>
No. 836547 ID: be0718

Dance. Show 'em what kind of moves you can pull off with a partner that's lighter than air.
>>
No. 836549 ID: adbeaa

>>836545
This.
>>
No. 836553 ID: 91ee5f

>>836542
"Now that I'm done being spy James Bond, it's time for me to become ladies man James Bond. Let's go dance some more. And then after that, when we leave, I'll be the amazing in bed James Bond."
>>
No. 836561 ID: a633c6

Now's the time for one last dance. and to ask if we should be worried about security cameras.
>>
No. 836563 ID: 41c9bc

>>836561
This. The job may not be done yet.
>>
No. 836575 ID: d887c0

One last dance, ask about security cameras, then let's go see if Poly and Anni are ready to blow this joint.
>>
No. 836598 ID: aebfae

>>836575
Perfect summation of our to-do list for tonight. Ask about the foursome, though! :D
>>
No. 836601 ID: 33b7e7

Time for dancing. Leave Anni and Poly alone, Poly needs to cleanse her palate of human men for a while and Annika probably needs a little more cooking time before the potential for a foursome bakes in.
>>
No. 836604 ID: 44b5c0

>>836561
Yeah, triple checking is important.

>>836545
We're definitely celebrating with Meg at least. Obviously while there's nothing to stop us (or in all likelihood Poly) offering, Annika needs to have control on that front really.

Presumably we have a decent handle on how up for something like that she's going to be, since we're college friends.

>>835672
>Krin
We do need to do something soon to apologize for blue-balling (clitting? idk) her earlier. Right now is possibly not the time, though.
>>
No. 836607 ID: c2051e

>>836604
We did already set it up with Annika. It's up to Poly.
>"You haven't stolen anything from Beatrix," Annika says. "But maybe if you wanted to talk to her about sharing..."
>>
No. 836751 ID: 4f58ed

>>836542
>"But if you wanna get out of here we can get out of here. I remember the limo being pretty fuckin cool."
"Why, Megumi! You wouldn't happen to be suggesting something, would you?"
>>
No. 836759 ID: f30be2
File 150804939767.png - (13.87KB , 960x560 , 822.png )
836759

"Are you implying something, Megumi?"
She giggles a synthesizer arpeggio giggle. "Dance with me, boy."

Whether it's because she's tipsy or you're energized off your success, you don't know, but you're dancing your asses off.
Meg's hips are pushed right up against yours, brazenly almost, with zero room for God; and it feels like her heart is pulsing in perfect alignment to the beat as you twirl your way across the floor. The state of pure bliss on her face catches you by surprise, but then she's never had much of a face to read before.

"Do we need to worry about cameras or anything?" you murmur.
"Only if they check the tapes," Meg says. "And they'd only bother doing that if you ended up doing damage to something." She pulls away for a breath. "Did you?"
"Only to Wheeler."
"Good. Even if anyone was tempted to look, he'll make sure as shit that they don't. So relax, Junior Agent. You've earned a night of R&R." She sinks back into your embrace and whispers: "Cause I wanna show you more of what Bika taught me."
"I was thinking..." you whisper back. "Do you want to meet up with Poly and see if she wants to bring Annika in on this?"
Meg's pace slows. "I've never, um." She bites her lip. "I've never actually fucked... like... a girl, though. I guess Bika kind of half counts, but..."
"Do you not want to? You don't have to."
"Well... I mean, it's Poly." Meg's cheeks darken a little. "I don't think you can have a pulse and not kind of want to fuck Poly. And we almost kind of made out when I was convincing her to fix her shit with you. But she's kind of, uh. Intimidating."
"What about that time with her and GG?"
"That was kind of a us and also them in the room thing," Meg says. "I'm not saying no, but..." She squirms. "Is she... like, what's she like? What are girls like?"
>>
No. 836761 ID: 2120ee

>>836759
"Kind of intimidating, honestly."
>>
No. 836762 ID: bb78f2

>>836759
Soft, mostly.
What are guys like, Meg? I can compare and contrast better if you tell me what dudes are like. Haven't done taken Bika's knot yet... if male skuts have knots.

Do they have knots? Or barbs? Or spirals? Is it pink? Grey? Beige? Brown? Black?
>>
No. 836770 ID: c88e6d

>>836759
Spikey, but she's soft in all the right places.
>>
No. 836776 ID: a633c6

I distinctly remember Poly saying something about ladies having more opportunities for finesse. Or maybe like wine compared to whisky? I have no idea how helpful that is, but I'm hardly poetic enough to do much better, and it's a very poetic thing, cheesy as that sounds.
>>
No. 836779 ID: 4f58ed

>>836759
Kinda like boys, but the tits make a huge difference. Also, no dick. Most of the time.
>>
No. 836780 ID: 7d8168

Deep down, everybody's the same. Sex is just about touching each other in ways that feel good... and really, what feels good for men and women isn't all that different.
>>
No. 836993 ID: 0f5c3d

Poly is like that really hot teacher you had in school, except it's alright to have sex with her and she's really good at it. She has a lot of experience that she is quite eager to share.
As for girls in general? Well, they're a lot like guys. They come in different sizes and shapes, but they lean toward a sort of softness that most boys don't have. Personally, I think it's the breasts.
>>
No. 837006 ID: 33b7e7

Well, speaking only in loose generalizations, most girls have a harder time getting pleasure out of sex, but the upper limit for how good the sex can be is higher. Men get turned on and can be decently satisfied relatively easy, but the real super highs aren't so attainable, partly because it's hard holding on long enough to reach them. So, when you're dealing with a girl, there's more of a skill demand placed on you. Physically, at least. If you can tap into someone's emotional or mental needs, like passion or affection or like, kinks, then it gets a lot easier for both men and women. However, for women, getting pleasure out of sex is a skill they learn for themselves, as well as their lover learning to give it. It can be trained, and Poly is in top condition there.

If you want to speak in terms of like, experience? Then... well, boys are sort of, grr, strain, tension, focus. Girls are more, like... soft, melty, breathing, squirming, all over.

Kinda. There are lots of exceptions.
>>
No. 837120 ID: ccd925

extremely fucking hot
>>
No. 837297 ID: 2709e5

>>836542
"Well Poly has like, an 8 inch long prehensile tongue and I really needn't say more."
>>
No. 837306 ID: 094652

"Poly starts out as a veteran prostitute. Then you take off her clothes and she reveals she's a young noblewoman. Then you peel off her mask and she's an adolescent Egyptian princess. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that professional seductresses have multiple disguises, except each of them is a separate living being just waiting to be unwrapped and @#$%ed accordingly?"
>>
No. 837523 ID: f30be2
File 150829964293.png - (15.99KB , 960x560 , 823.png )
837523

"Poly is-- she's kind of like that really sexy teacher you had in school only it's okay to fuck her."
"I didn't go to school," Meg says.
"Oh. Yeah. Duh." You reconsider your angle. "She-- well, I think Poly once told me that the difference between men and women is like the difference between a shot of great whiskey and a fine wine."
"I don't-- I kind of got that taste to sound thing."
"True. Uhhh." You try again. "She has an eight inch prehensile tongue."

Under your palm, a shiver goes up Meg's back.
"Okay." Her grip tightens on your arm. "If it's you, and it's Poly, and Annika's pretty hot too... let's make this a wild fucking night."

1]] Let's.
2]] There's just something else I want to do first:
3]] Actually, instead of everyone I think I'm just going with ______________
>>
No. 837526 ID: 2120ee

>>837523

3]] Actually, instead of everyone I think I'm just going with Castor Leydon.
>>
No. 837527 ID: c2051e

>>837523
1.
>>
No. 837529 ID: 094652

2) Prank this stuffy party and get away with it.
>>
No. 837533 ID: 600f38

>>837523
1.
Lets see if Annika's down with these clowns.
>>
No. 837534 ID: be0718

3) Bika. Meg can come too if she wants.
>>
No. 837556 ID: 2709e5

>>837523
1]]
Dis gonna be gud.
>>
No. 837561 ID: 4b1927

1 is the best number.
>>
No. 837615 ID: 41c9bc

>>837523
1
>>
No. 837624 ID: b9b4da

1, but do keep in mind: thrusterjobs.
>>
No. 837638 ID: 22de64

So in the end this all turned out pretty great! Hooray for us! And hooray for Poly's FUKKEN' MINDBEAMS

1. Sounds good. Don't think there's anything else we need to do here. Mingle with some rich fucks and do some promotion of visitor rights, maybe?

I kind of can't be asked rn.
>>
No. 837658 ID: 575521

>>837523
ONE
>>
No. 837953 ID: 5073b3

1 for the win.
>>
No. 838210 ID: b7df38

1 all the way
>>
No. 838454 ID: d0e733

>>837523
1. Probably not a good idea, but what the heck.
>>
No. 838459 ID: a633c6

Not too exciting I hope. I don't know how much more my heart can take.
>>
No. 838522 ID: f30be2
File 150862895809.png - (34.14KB , 960x560 , 824.png )
838522

"Let's," you say.

You step out into the night with Meg. The sound of the party is faded to the muted sounds of happiness and music coming out of the MoMA like a metropolitan heartbeat. It's cooled down now; it's Manhattan in the fall, with a street-whistling breeze lifting the gossamer edges of departing gowns. Meg holds you closer, shielding her synthetic skin from the brisk night.

There was a time before, when there was more life on this planet--and much more in this part of it--when a wind like this would carry the smell of exhaust and garbage. Now it brings yellow and brown leaves and the scent of autumn. A little silver lining of the decades-old massacres.

"Hallelloo," calls one of those massacres' progenitor-races, from the open wing of her limo's suicide door (of course Poly's would have suicide doors). "Where are you off to now, Mr. Handsome Stranger? And is our chariot following yours?"
>>
No. 838526 ID: 600f38

>>838522
Yes, unless you want to ditch the limo and ride with Poly.
>>
No. 838530 ID: 5073b3

>>838522
We're off to enjoy the rest of our evening in a more comforable, private setting.
You and your company are more than welcome to join us, Ms. Beautiful Stranger.
>>
No. 838531 ID: be0718

Perhaps our limo should follow hers to the home of an esteemed Vistor art aficionado's.
>>
No. 838656 ID: 094652

If the jiggling pair of Egyptian mountains wasn't your girlfriend, you'd turn tail and run.

This is going to be awesome without the back-alley overdose and murder scene.
>>
No. 838713 ID: d0e733

>>838522
Maybe it'd be best to carpool. The limo might be bigger.
>>
No. 838748 ID: 5b93d3

>>838522
Do we even have a chariot?
Psssst. Suicide Doors are doors that are hinged at the back. Doors hinged at the top are 'gull wing' doors
>>
No. 838850 ID: 2120ee

>>838522
"Nah."
>>
No. 838851 ID: 91ee5f

>>838530
This!
>>
No. 838892 ID: 56bd9f

I think Poly's place might work best?

There's less of an... assumption up front from Annika's point of view if she sees the car is going to our place. Altho saying that, I think she's pretty down
>>
No. 838907 ID: b15da4

Stranger danger!
"I'm going home. Bye mystery lady."
>>
No. 838921 ID: d0bba6

Fucking girls is for normies anyway, let's ditch these chicks and go back to our true calling: posting on r/incels.
>>
No. 839259 ID: 5073b3

Is there even the remotest possibility that we're not going to all hop in one car and go absolutely wild?
>>
No. 839532 ID: e54266

Let's all pile into one "chariot" and get our own party started!
>>
No. 840305 ID: f30be2
File 150916991391.png - (365.98KB , 960x560 , 825.png )
840305

"I was actually thinking we'd consolidate chariots, Ms. Beautiful Stranger," you call. "If that's how you're feeling."
"Why don't you come on in," Polyphema replies, "and make me feel it."

You tip your limo driver even more than you think is necessary and try not to think about the dent it put in your (admittedly flush) bank account.

"Nice suicide doors," you say, as you duck into the limo after Meg.
"Seagull doors," Polyphema corrects you.
"Gullwing doors," Annika corrects Polyhema.
"Annika is teaching me so much about humanity." Polyphema slides with a certain level of tipsiness across her seat. Her hand creeps past Annika's lower back.
"I love how purple this limo is," Meg says.
"The Polyphema brand is strong, darling," Polyphema says. "Oh Annika love that's right. I go by Polyphema usually."
"That name's so pretty," Annika says.
Polyphema leaves a smudge of purple lipstick on Annika's cheek. "I'm pretty."
"You are pretty." A mixture of emotion and champagne are bringing color to Annika's face. "Why Beatrix?"
"You didn't notice?" You lean forward. "Beatrix Holder? Like Bea Holder?"
"I didn't think-- Like the D&D monster?"
Poly grins. "My brand is strong, doll."
"Fuck you!" Annika says, delighted. "You nerd!"
"You're all nerds," Meg says. "I'm the only cool one." She leans back and loops her arm around your shoulder. "Where are we going, nerds?"

1]] Poly's?
2]] Does Annika want to host?
3]] Afterparty in a fancy hotel?
4]] Bika's?
5]] Why rush? We have an expensive limo with some kind of expensive door on it. I think Poly should get her money's worth.
6]] _________
>>
No. 840306 ID: c2051e

5.
>>
No. 840307 ID: be0718

1. Annika's pad is probably messy, you think you've run up enough bills tonight, and Bika's probably already booked for an orgy.
>>
No. 840311 ID: 094652

6) You're going to camp out in the wilderness and get your fancy getup all dirty and wet and tweet all about it to piss those fancy pants off.
>>
No. 840313 ID: 91ee5f

1
>>
No. 840316 ID: 41c9bc

1
>>
No. 840322 ID: 33d4be

6) We're going to PLAY DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS YEEEEEEAAHH
>>
No. 840323 ID: d9cd96

44444
>>
No. 840326 ID: 3310c1

5. Its a limo dog, how many youve been in?
>>
No. 840338 ID: 5073b3

1 or >>840322.
>>
No. 840347 ID: 41c9bc

>>840338
Why not both?
>>
No. 840401 ID: 600f38

>>840305
1, by way of 5.
We have a nice limo, and I'm sure Poly has the best place for this. Lets take the scenic route to better get acquainted.
>>
No. 840504 ID: 70a32a

>>840322
This
>>
No. 840533 ID: bb78f2

>>840305
1
6) We're all doing DnD sometime. Who's the best GM?
>>
No. 840536 ID: a633c6

Really, I would have thought 'beholder' as in 'beauty is in the eye of'. Unless anyone wants to grab some SLS first, I say we head to Poly's.
>>
No. 840690 ID: 27600a

>>840401
1 by way of 5 is good, take the scenic route if only to pad the journey time.
>>
No. 840783 ID: adbeaa

>>840401
Yup.
>>
No. 840787 ID: aebfae

>>840305
First 5, then 1.
>>
No. 840934 ID: ed67d9

>>840305

4.
>>
No. 840993 ID: 2709e5

>>840305
"I roll to seduce."
>>
No. 841063 ID: a363ac

>>840305
5. Zack take off your shirt and stick your body out the top of the limo and shout "I am king of the world" like a drunk fool.
>>
No. 841289 ID: 2fe26a

>>840322
Let the dragoning begin!
>>
No. 841452 ID: a54ba3

Kinda split between 1 or 5. Poly's place is prolly big enough? And I doubt she'll mind.

The Limo is just so incredibly cool in concept, but you kinda wonder if the novelty will wear off.

I mean maybe drive around for a bit, see where it takes us, enjoy the novelty factor of LIMO and then end up at Poly's at some point? I dunno

>>840993

Hahaha yes

>>840533

We seriously do have to try this with everyone sometime, it'd be amazing
>>
No. 841799 ID: 6ad2da

>>840305
1.
6. DND at Poly's sounds like an unexpected end. I love it
>>
No. 842918 ID: d887c0

2. I wanna see Annika's pad.
>>
No. 842924 ID: b15da4

1, 6. Play the dragon. Slay the dragon. Lay the dragon.
>>
No. 843986 ID: 4c7941

I mean, I wasn't suggesting DnD tonight, altho I suppose it would be kind of a hilarious

(But more seriously, maybe not tonight)
>>
No. 844110 ID: ceaba8

Same, 1 & 6 : play Dnd
>>
No. 844124 ID: 7fad5d

D&D sounds cool but it can wait until after a foursome it took considerable effort to arrange.
>>
No. 844264 ID: 4c7941

Also DnD will be a lot more fun when we have GG and Bika

Gotta have the whole party before we go adventurin'
>>
No. 844276 ID: b56332

Pls no dnd
>>
No. 844277 ID: bb78f2

Hey Zack, you can get Annika pregnant put a condom on for once in your life.
>>
No. 844466 ID: d9cd96

>>844276
Yeah, no D&D. Let's go with Pathfinder instead.
>>
No. 844518 ID: adbeaa

>>844124
>>844264
This. Let's go get raunchy.
>>
No. 844589 ID: 33cbe7

>>844466
This with that new Visitor-friendly race expansion. Not the one where they added Visitors to the monster compendium, which, granted, was written much closer to the war.
>>
No. 844621 ID: f30be2
File 151054019995.png - (83.68KB , 960x560 , 826.png )
844621

"Let's just ride for a while," you say. "I don't know how much you paid for your limo, but if it's anywhere close to mine..."
"A lovely idea." Poly creaks the partition window open and pokes her head out into the front seat. "Eric?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Would you mind taking the long way home? Through somewhere scenic?"
"My pleasure."
"You've been incredible all evening, love." Poly presses a very large denomination of bill into a white-gloved hand. "And can you do me a favor? Can you just--" She mimics rolling up the partition.
"Your wish is my command." You think you catch a wink as Eric seals the driver compartment off.

"Ahhhh." Polyphema flops back into her seat. "My feet hurt, my ears are ringing, and I am fairly buzzed. The discrete afterglow of a good party."
"Not my usual scene," Annika says. "But it was a hell of a party."
"Good food," Meg says. "I mean. It sounded good."
"You sounded good," Polyphema says. "Like-- a nutella sundae."
"You both sounded fuckin great," Annika says. "That duet was... gorgeous."
Polyphema's hand is on her knee. "Thank you, doll."
"You made me flip a shit for a second," Meg says. "I hope you know that."
Poly laughs. "I would have stayed shtum but I knew you could handle it. You're a Musician. With a capital M. That's what Annika was saying. That you can see it in what, the way her neck kind of--" Polyphema affects a longing tilt, her mouth hanging open a little, in an on-the-nose imitation of Meg's playing face. Annika blushes.
"It was gorgeous," she repeats.
"Are you still worried that Megumi is going to steal your date?" Polyphema asks. Annika's face gets even redder.
"I-- you heard that?"
"You underestimate my hearing almost as much as you underestimate yourself." Polyphema slinks across the limo, a predatory grin across her lips. "I didn't come here for Meg, or for Zack, enchanting as they may be. Oculots don't play the games that humans play. The tease, the chase, the tension. It tires us out. When an Oculot invites you out for the night, you don't have to guess what she wants." Her fingertips are playing with the hem of Annika's dress.

"Prove it," Annika says.
>>
No. 844622 ID: f30be2
File 151054023204.png - (198.63KB , 960x560 , 827.png )
844622

Polyphema throws one leg over Annika and kisses her voraciously.
Annika's hands scramble for purchase on Polyphema, and settle on her hip spikes, which makes Polyphema moan into her mouth, which makes Annika kiss her back.
Poly slides down the seat, opening Annika's legs. She grabs one of her thighs and squeezes hard.
They part momentarily. Annika's lips are smeared with purple. Her chest heaves. She's looking for words for something but before she can find them they start up again.

Meg is staring at them, her breathing getting louder. Her fingers dig into your arm.
>>
No. 844623 ID: 33cbe7

Use your hands because the eyes are busy.
>>
No. 844626 ID: 2120ee

>>844622
Close your eyes and drift off to sleep.
>>
No. 844629 ID: 33d4be

Well, now, I'd say Meg could do with a little attention. Nothing that would disturb her viewing experience, of course.

I think Poly just not-so-subtly indicated that she'd like Annika all to herself for a little while, now, and Annika is stepping into these waters for the first time, so let's leave her and Poly to decide whether they want two and two to become four or not.

In fact, make sure to keep your full attention on Meg, aside from an occasional sneaky glance. Annika will probably be distracted by you watching her (I don't think she'll mind Meg so much), so do her and Poly a service and make sure you're not detracting from the experience.
>>
No. 844632 ID: 33d4be

ooh wait I wonder if Poly had the chance to clean herself up after distracting Wheeler. I mean they didn't do much but, you know he was making oral efforts down there. Annika probably wouldn't want anything to do with that. I wonder if you could sneakily lift her dress up and have a bit of a dab with a napkin. Spritz a tiny little bit of perfume.
>>
No. 844636 ID: 600f38

>>844622
Pull Meg into your lap, and help her enjoy the show.
>>
No. 844638 ID: 91ee5f

>>844622
"Oh, it's that kind of limo ride? Well, if that's the case....."

Lean over and start kissing Meg.
>>
No. 844653 ID: d887c0

>>844636
This.
>>
No. 844664 ID: c31aac

>>844622
R O L L F O R I N I T I A T I V E
>>
No. 844729 ID: 5b93d3

>>844622
Remember to keep at least one eye on Annika. Prepare for the inevitable reciprocated-thumbs-up.
>>
No. 844747 ID: 69acc7

>>844622
Entertain Meg and yourself as you watch with a stealth handy. Ask permission subtly first.
>>
No. 844766 ID: c2051e

Keep an eye on Annika, and start getting busy with Meg. Consider moving Poly's dress aside to give Meg a better view.
>>
No. 844767 ID: b9b4da

Ask if the thrusters are an erogenous zone.
>>
No. 844773 ID: 5f2b81

>>844636
This. Kiss and nibble her neck from behind while you both watch what's going on. Hold and squeeze her hips, stroke her thighs.
>>
No. 844837 ID: 4c7941

>>844636
>>844773

+1
>>
No. 847346 ID: 3d94c3

>>844773
Yes.
>>
No. 849414 ID: d887c0

>>844622
Stick it in the cyborg.
>>
No. 849662 ID: b0ca6b

>>844622
>>849414
What he said.
>>
No. 851193 ID: 0252ea

>>844622
Finger bang Meg while you both watch Poly play with Annika.
>>
No. 852169 ID: f5f4ab

Tease the cyborg.
>>
No. 852604 ID: f30be2
File 151365854657.png - (69.52KB , 1022x833 , 828.png )
852604

You put your arm around Meg's waist and pull her into your lap.
She grips your leg and pushes her ass up against you. She exhales sharply when she feels your involuntary reaction.
"I missed this," she whispers.
"It's been like three hours."
She giggles. "I don't care. I missed it."
The rhythmic gyrations she's putting you through now are new. This isn't the fumbling virgin from last time. Bika's been teaching her.
You lean in for a kiss and she tilts her head away, an impish grin on her face.

"Oh, Megoooomi," comes a singsong voice from the opposite end of the limo.

>>
No. 852605 ID: f30be2
File 151365856790.png - (149.42KB , 1017x827 , 829.png )
852605

"You're not going to hog the only one in here with a refractory period again, are you?" Polyphema asks, as Annika gasps little stutterstep breaths into her neck.
>>
No. 852625 ID: adbeaa

>>852605
Ooohhhh shiiiiiiiit.

"Meg may be hungry, but don't worry; I'm plenty filling." And give a little wink. If you can make Poly giggle, that'd be cool.
>>
No. 852628 ID: 600f38

>>852605
"I'll save my ammo for when you've agreed on a target, but keep in mind two of you are frequent fliers."
>>
No. 852639 ID: c88e6d

There is only one solution: Tongue wrestling.
>>
No. 852710 ID: 33cbe7

She's still got first dibs, at least. Your turn will come, and so will I.
>>
No. 852715 ID: 33d4be

"My dear Beatrice, I demand nothing less than the best for my friends. Megumi was just making her case for who should considered best. Of course, I'll need to compare notes with my research assistant." Look meaningfully at Annika when you say "research assistant".

Make sure you keep paying attention to Meg while you talk, Zack.
>>
No. 852738 ID: a633c6

Try and distract meg from whatever her answer will be by nibbling on her neck.
>>
No. 852767 ID: 9c2d0c

"Nobody is hogging anybody, we are just enjoying our limo ride over here."

De-emphasize partner swapping jokes and awful puns for now. Last we heard, Annika is still not super comfortable with all this. Let Poly warm her up to the idea while you put on your own show over here. She should decide she wants a go at Zach (or not) without feeling pressured into it.
>>
No. 852768 ID: bb78f2

If you're going to creampie anybody, remember to creampie the Vistor's Zack.

Just saying in case, you know, big update and it's done next one.

You have two hands, one mouth for foreplay, Zack, ladies choice who gets WHAT! If we're not going one at a time. Fuck it's hard to communicate in a foursome without killing the mood.
>>
No. 852771 ID: ba56e6

>>852768
This.

Preggo friendo is a no-go.
>>
No. 852808 ID: 9876c4

>>852768
>>852771
The inverse of these, please.
>>
No. 852811 ID: 600f38

>>852768
>>852771
Not these.
She's a responsible adult, and birth control medication is both cheap and readily available.
Also, the proper thing to do is communicate with your partner and make decisions together.
>>
No. 852829 ID: 33d4be

>>852808
>>852811

I counter your counter! I'm nowhere near convinced Zack should get anywhere near physical contact with Annika at this point, much less anything more intimate, for the sake of her comfort with this situation. That's besides the various other practical safety concerns.
>>
No. 852831 ID: 33cbe7

>>852808
>>852811
The inverse of these, please.
>>
No. 852840 ID: 4f78c3

"She's just first in line, babe. You'll get yours soon."
>>
No. 852841 ID: 17c2ee

i vote to commit suicide tbh, beats watching this happen every update
>>
No. 852845 ID: c31aac

>>852628
This one please

(@the rest of you, guys, cmon, this is a porn story and morning-after pills exist

it's fine)
>>
No. 852846 ID: ba56e6

>>852845
It's a porn story about aliens. I'm not interested in screwing up Zack's old friendships for boring human poon.
>>
No. 852848 ID: 4f78c3

>>852840
OR!
>"Poly, have I ever left you unsatisfied?"
>>
No. 852852 ID: 2474dd

"My fingers and tongue have no refractory periods, I see no problem here"
>>
No. 853077 ID: 824316

>>852605
>"Yeah, Megumi."
Start rubbing her.
>"Are ya? Gonna hog me?"
>>
No. 853078 ID: 4606b3

"One homo sapiens per customer."

or

"Are you going to hog all the humans?"

or, the favorite:

"I was her guest, that means she owns me for the evening."

We mortals can't defy the dictates of the placement cards, Poly.
>>
No. 853085 ID: 33d4be

>>853078
>"I was her guest, that means she owns me for the evening."
>We mortals can't defy the dictates of the placement cards, Poly.

yes in earth culture if you are someone's +1 to an event you must repay them by being their servant/slave for the whole outing, these are our sacred traditions poly i am meg's slave annika is yours she will back me up on this, it dates back to ancient roman paranoia and secretly protecting against assassins just like our human handshakes, do not trample on our precious ancient earthling ways please
>>
No. 853189 ID: 2ab55b

>>852605
Ms.Beatrix Holder, I'll have you know that with all the alien canoodling and whatnot my refractory period is practically non-existant.
>>
No. 853191 ID: ba56e6

>>853078
This
>>
No. 853996 ID: e54266

>>852604
>>852605
First cum, first served, Poly.
>>
No. 854009 ID: f5f4ab

>>853996

hahaha sold to the man with the best one liner
>>
No. 854011 ID: 28cb85

The night is still young, Poly.
>>
No. 854046 ID: 459819

>>852808
>>852811
>>852829
>>852831
>>852845
>>852846

Uh, do we even know if Annika is bisexual and not strictly into female sophonts?

Banter with Poly (I fucking love this >>852848 ) and read the room a bit.

Also, I REALLY feel we need to throw back to the "mouth-to-dick resuscitation" joke, but I don't know how to do it.
>>
No. 854054 ID: 3b108e

>>854046
PLEASE read the quest
>>813278
>>
No. 854246 ID: 459819

>>854054
That's hardly a smoking gun dude. She didn't outright say "Don't bother flirting, I'm gay" but she wasn't sure how to respond either. She could be gay but bi-curious, she could be typically straight and Poly's broken down some barriers. Point is she's got Poly's fingers inside her right now and if she's NOT into guys trying to dick her is a sure-fire way to kill the mood.

Like I said, Banter with Poly; she LOVES this kind of thing. If Annika's remotely interested, Poly knows about it (because she's amazing like that) and will make sure Annika's in the mood to swallow your cock whole. Relax.
>>
No. 854403 ID: f5f4ab

i feel like even when her mouth is wrapped around Zack's dick, there are going to be people asking if Annika actually likes guys and whether we should back off

but that being said, there's no need to push.
>>
No. 854424 ID: 28cb85

also don't ask if we've ever left her unsatisfied, because that time with the firehoop dancing after we broke our pelvis.
>>
No. 855874 ID: 2e22fa

Everybody in this car who is interested in the dick shall receive the dick in due time.
>>
No. 857645 ID: b6ce93

>>852605
Brom, you're so cool. Helping people make fan quests and everything. You're a cool guy.

Patience, Poly. We work on a first come, first served plan around here.
>>
No. 857892 ID: 640f4b

>>853996
this is gold
keep it chill guys
>>
No. 859627 ID: ca6dfe

>>853996
>>857892

yeah seriously we have to go for this

if we don't stand for delivering killer one-liners in intimate situations, mood be damned, then i don't even know what we stand for any more
>>
No. 861054 ID: 8b4898

>>852605
lol maybe
>>
No. 861060 ID: 22d3a4

Pick up your ultra-lite partner and sit down on the other end of the limo next to everybody else. Careful not to bump anybody.
>>
No. 861981 ID: 459819

>>861060
I'm gonna +1 this, but only AFTER things get a little more intense
>>
No. 865375 ID: d887c0

Hello?
>>
No. 866179 ID: 5227e3

>>865375

It's me...
>>
No. 866184 ID: 5227e3

>>866179
I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet
>>
No. 867851 ID: 22496b

>>866184
To go over everything
>>
No. 868178 ID: 5227e3

>>867851
They say that time's supposed to heal ya, but I ain't done much healing
>>
No. 868277 ID: 555f33

>>854046
She was receptive to the flirting earlier. I don't think that's a concern.
>>
No. 868554 ID: 8a55a9

Is this one of those times when we're set up to say some cute shit but instead say some dumb shit?
>>
No. 869493 ID: 5f2b81

>>868554
Yo don't knock it, I do that all the time.
>>
No. 870619 ID: a039ca
File 151979224351.png - (61.65KB , 944x881 , 830.png )
870619

"First come, first served, Poly," you say.
Meg's giggle turns into a gasp when your fingers slide beneath the elastic line of her panties.
She's dripping.

The whine she makes when you slide your first knuckle inside her is a perfect tone. You can smell strawberries from here.
"You're so..." She grunts as you add another. "You're so fuckin' corny."
"You love it."
She grinds against you again. "I love it."
You pull the front of her dress aside.

>>
No. 870620 ID: a039ca
File 151979227016.png - (75.59KB , 960x560 , 831.png )
870620

Polyphema runs her short, trim nails along Annika's neck, and unfurls her long, long tongue.

You watch your college bestie quiver in your girlfriend's arms.
"Oh, fuck," she breathes, as Poly's tongue traces her clavicle.

Polyphema is giving you a cheshire grin over her blushing shoulder.
She can't mind-meld without blowing your brain out your ears; but it's not hard to see what she's thinking.


So you start with:
A] Meg
B] Poly
C] Annika
D] Some light small talk
E] ____________

And then:
1] Meg
2] Poly
3] Annika
4] Bible study
5] ____________

And finish with:
i] Meg
ii] Poly
iii] Annika
iv] A firm handshake
v] ___________
>>
No. 870622 ID: e1d580

D 4 iv

Hahah no of fucking course not

Actual vote: A 3 ii. And please nobody try to bring up doubts whether or not Annika's down for this again, we know damn well she is.
>>
No. 870623 ID: 555f33

>>870622
Haha yeah
A 3 ii
Annika could use some Poly time before Zack tries anything
>>
No. 870625 ID: 9876c4

C 3 III.

Afterward firm handshakes and biblical studies for all.
>>
No. 870629 ID: bb78f2

>>870620
A, 3, ii
Poly demands that nut
>>
No. 870633 ID: de6d84

A 3 ii
>>
No. 870653 ID: e1c8f7

A 2 v
We need that green light from Annika, lads.
>>
No. 870657 ID: 4f78c3

>>870622
>>870623
>>870629
>>870633
>A 3 ii
Adding my vote.

AAAAAA YOU'RE BACK i missed you ;u;
>>
No. 870664 ID: 2709e5

>>870620
A,3,II, The Limo Driver, The Limo.
in that order.
>>
No. 870665 ID: c88e6d

>>870620
A 2 iii
>>
No. 870670 ID: 2efe4b

A 2 i, because we know how insatiable Meg is, one won't be enough, and we've already started with her but she's our date so we should finish with her too. Annika probably wants a go at Meg, as well. Last of the three is probably when Zack will be finishing up himself as well so if you want top safety that shouldn't be our fellow human.
>>
No. 870673 ID: 33cbe7

A 2 iv. They say you're a man who's good with his hands.
>>
No. 870676 ID: b15da4

A 2 I, something something sex powered robot.
>>
No. 870683 ID: 5f2b81

A 3 ii
>>
No. 870684 ID: 06def5

A
2
iii
>>
No. 870687 ID: 1a6f80

>>870620
A 3 ii
>>
No. 870692 ID: 4919c5

>>870620
A 3 ii
>>
No. 870699 ID: 600f38

>>870620
C 2 i
>>
No. 870714 ID: 2474dd

A3ii
>>
No. 870795 ID: 4f78c3

>>870657
Just adding that if we do Annika, then we're gonna need a condom.
Unless she likes it in the butt in which case W/eW.
>>
No. 870861 ID: 600f38

>>870795
I'd leave that up to her.
Birth control is cheap and available, and those sorts of consequences don't lend themselves to this kind of narrative.
>>
No. 870862 ID: 555f33

>>870861
Worst case scenario, Zack definitely has some in his wallet because he's a hero and this isn't a problem.
>>
No. 870903 ID: 2709e5

>>870795
Pfft, Poly probably brought condoms. This was her plan all along and poor Zachary and co. are at her mercy.
>>
No. 871012 ID: c7bda0

>>870664
>Everyone is inside the Limo simultaneously
This vehicle is a filthy slut.
>>
No. 871149 ID: e54266

>>870620
A 2 iii.
>>
No. 871269 ID: 87c85d

A 3 ii
ITS TIME
>>
No. 871396 ID: 8c3774

>>870620
A 3 ii
>>
No. 871511 ID: d887c0

>>870619
Meg first because she's our date for the evening and she has first dibs.
Poly second because she's thirsty AF and hates to be kept waiting.
Annie third, but only if she's interested and we have some protection.
>>
No. 871542 ID: 642d22

>>870620
A 2 iii. Only butt stuff with Anni since no condom and do her last so the others don't have a dirty dick....we haven't done anal with any of the girls have we
>>
No. 871543 ID: 4606b3

>>871542

One does not stick it in a lady's butt during one's first intimate rendezvous with her unless one is absolutely two hundred per cent certain that is what she wants.
>>
No. 872123 ID: 5227e3

I'm essentially fine with A3ii or A2iii, but since A3ii is the bandwagon, I'll hop on

i t ' s h a p p e n i n g
>>
No. 872125 ID: 5227e3

>>870903

Poly may have, devious schemer that she is. Also if she didn't, and Zack doesn't carry them anymore, and Annika doesn't carry or have some kind of BC, then like... That's not necessarily an unfun problem to have in itself. Penetrative sex is great but it isn't the be-all and end-all.

I don't expect it'll be an issue tho, TBH
>>
No. 872195 ID: 2709e5

>>871542
Thumb in Bika's butt (butts?) is the extent. She'd probably be down for anal.
>>
No. 872619 ID: a039ca
File 152063654796.png - (108.56KB , 960x700 , 832.png )
872619

You help Meg with your belt and your zipper, and savor the mini-shock of crisp anticipation that comes with her fingertips finding your dick. Her hands are jittery with pent-up energy. She tugs her panties to the side as she slides her pelvis up the length of you. "I'm gonna show you," she says, in a voice thin and breathless with lust, "what I..."
But whatever she was going to show you dissolves into a heaving gasp as she's reacquainted with the difference in size between a skut and a human. She falls back against your chest, hips shuddering as she sinks into your lap.
"Need a second?" you ask.
She looks up at you and manages to compose her face into a wicked grin. "Shut the fuck up," she says, leaning forward and arching her back.

>>
No. 872620 ID: a039ca
File 152063657017.png - (174.83KB , 800x800 , 833.png )
872620

The girl you're with tonight is a far cry from the breathless virgin Meg started as. She's graduated from making love to fucking, and her smile widens as she finds her rhythm. Soon her holographic coif is leaving glowing trails against your vision as she bounces energetically on top of you. She swirls up and shimmies down; she twists her waist in figure-eights; she digs her hand into your open pants and plays with you while you're inside her, and giggles triumphantly when you groan; she purrs like a kitten when you finally take over, tugging her back into a close embrace, one hand snug around her neck, slowing her frenetic rhythm to something deeper and more intimate. She shivers, and kisses you sloppy. She gives a soft bite to your lower lip as she pulls away.
"Pull my fucking hair," she says, and even though you know they're stabilizer fins and not hair, it's not the time to quibble about nomenclature. She tilts her head back with your grip and cums, her scream loud and melodic, and you squeeze her so tight that your fingers leave grooves in her synthetic skin.
The limo smells like an orchard.


Guest panel by RML
>>
No. 872621 ID: a039ca
File 152063659276.png - (217.21KB , 690x870 , 834.png )
872621

Annika is blushing all over as you lay her across the seat of the limo, from her face to her shoulders to her perky nipples.
It's been so long since you've seen a naked human you've forgotten how pink they can be, though she's also noticeably smeared with patches of purple down to her bellybutton.
"You're sure?" you ask.
"Did you think I was a lesbian?" Annika asks.
"You only dated girls in college."
"You never asked me."
"And you're covered in my girlfriend's lipstick."
"That... ok. Is fair." Annika wraps a leg around the small of your back. "There's been like-- twenty times I've really wanted to fuck a guy." She's even pinker now. "And about half of them were you."
"You never asked me."
"Awww," Poly says, momentarily raising her face up from between Meg's thighs. "Listen to you."
Meg pushes her back down.
"Are you on the switch?" Annika asks.
You're fumbling through your wallet, looking for a condom. "I haven't really, uh, needed to be on the switch."
"I'm on the switch." She playfully slaps your wallet out of your hand (ok Zack remember you need to find that later) and hooks her other leg around you, pulling you closer. "C'mere."

>>
No. 872622 ID: a039ca
File 152063661005.png - (127.09KB , 939x700 , 835.png )
872622

You have to admit to yourself you were fearing a return to humanity to be vanilla or boring or even loose; but a sexy woman is a sexy woman, no matter how many eyes or limbs she has, and you're shocked with yourself that you never saw Annika as one. The face you remember grinning sarcastically at you during lecture hall is now flushed red and gasping with every thrust; the eyes that you're so accustomed to seeing framed by cat-eye glasses are alternately staring wide at your face and screwed up with pleasure.
"Turn around," you hear yourself saying. Her deep blue eyes reopen.
You're not usually one for talking particularly dirty, so you know you're far gone when you say to her: "I want to see that ass shake."
But Annika eagerly complies, laying her face against the leather and raising her (you try not to think of them as "childbearing" but they sure are inviting) hips into the air.
When you come back together it's obvious that you've found her sweet spot. Her breath hitches, then comes out as a fluttery ah. Polyphema, who's playing Meg like a cello, raises Annika's chin and parts her lips.
You hear Annika's muffled voice start to raise to raise in pitch with every push. Your lizard brain commands you to slap Annika's ass, and you do, leaving a rosy handprint on her. Annika must be feeling as primal as you are; You feel a spasming tremble against you, and then another. And sure, it's Poly's mouth that Annika stutters into that she's cumming, not yours, but it makes you feel so good that you almost bust inside her right then.

Not without Poly.

>>
No. 872623 ID: a039ca
File 152063662693.png - (336.79KB , 960x800 , 836.png )
872623

"Polyphema," you say, and Polyphema rises. Her makeup is smeared, her outfit is loose and undone around her, and her headpiece is long discarded, but she's still glittering in the passing neon of the city like a slutty angel.

Her hips roll as she sways to you. Whatever she was wearing underneath her loincloth thing is long gone, and when she pillows your dick at the cleft of her butt, you feel an insistent wetness on your belly. "Hi, lover," she says, and plunges her tongue into your mouth.
Your head is so filled with purple fog from the kiss that you barely feel her shift and slide, and you don't realize you're inside her until she breaks off. She opens her thighs to give you a better look, then folds them closed again. Her grip tightens. The feeling is indescribable. There are muscles inside of her that she's had centuries to train.

>>
No. 872624 ID: a039ca
File 152063664256.png - (134.82KB , 960x800 , 837.png )
872624

"Do you want to know what I said to whats-his-name?" She traces the lines of your adam's apple as she loosens your tie. You hold the spines on either side of her hips like they're handlebars. Your mind is melting.
"I told him that the little game I was playing with him was a human game. An Oculot doesn't tease or withhold. Not from the ones who deserve her." She yanks your collar. You faceplant into her chest. Should Annika be hearing this? You have no idea and right now you're finding it impossible to care. "I said I was going to go home with the 'boy' he was looking down his nose at all night and he won't have to beg. Or kiss my fucking feet. Unless he wants to."
You admit to yourself that you wouldn't mind.
I'm going to let him do whatever he wants to me." One of her nipples is brushing against your lips. You let it in. "Because he is kind and we're in love and he makes me scream." Her breath is shallow and fast. You hold her in place and leave teethmarks in her neck. She's raking her fingers through your hair. It's like you're drowning in her.
"I love you," you tell her. You're faintly aware that Meg and Annika are staring, disrupted in their own shared afterglow by the force of your lovemaking.
"Then cum with me," she says, and something inside her flexes, and you do. She feels it and pumps you dry, locking your mouths together.

>>
No. 872625 ID: a039ca
File 152063665790.png - (36.54KB , 877x560 , 838.png )
872625

You sit there, heaving for breath like castaways, for what could be minutes or maybe hours, before she painstakingly peels her skin away from yours and says into one ringing ear, "I love you." She looks back at Meg and Annika, squirming to keep your half-hard dick inside her. "So! Where's the afterparty?"
>>
No. 872628 ID: bb78f2

Gargle Gargle Glug Glug
>>
No. 872629 ID: feda27

Poly did tell the limo driver to "take the long way home", so I would assume her place is closest by this point. Speaking of the driver, you need to give that man a great tip for himself and something generous to pass to the poor cleaning crew too.

Damn Brom now I need to try drawing more PoV stuff. You're an inspiration.
>>
No. 872639 ID: d887c0

Brom, you are a glistening, golden god of a man.

Despite being fucked completely stupid, try to gargle out SLS. We can bring in the rest of the dulabira (Krin included), invite our human buddies, and get this party going strong. GG can even bring along her new Warrior beau if she likes.
>>
No. 872646 ID: 094652

>>872624
From the side, it looks like her breasts are as big as her head, but that's just her torso with tiny lumps for comparison and it makes me sad.

>>872625
The afterparty is a tub of onion dip and some honey-glazed bacon croissants. That is actually a thing.
>>
No. 872649 ID: a039ca
File 152064367267.png - (28.39KB , 960x560 , 838b.png )
872649

You just kind of gurgle.

They laugh.

You tilt your head and look out the limo's tinted window, feeling the pulse of Poly's heartbeat through her body.

The stars are out over the city. They look still and permanent, as the dark buildings rush past them. You rub the small of Poly's back and--though your conscious mind patiently reminds you that everything ends--you imagine this moment stretching into infinity.
>>
No. 872650 ID: a039ca
File 152064367744.png - (14.74KB , 960x560 , 838c.png )
872650

KILLS 0%

ITEMS 40%

SECRET 90%
>>
No. 872661 ID: d887c0

>>872650
BRAVISSIMO!
>>
No. 872845 ID: 5227e3

*clapping applause*

and now the Kariket takes away everything we love
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