tippler 2021/01/31(Sun)18:36 No. 986708 ID: eedbeb
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Your name is Monty and you are a mouse who teaches high school math in a neighboring galaxy. You are used to getting zero respect.
Unlike your solar system, the one the Universal Positional System took you through apparently has a ban on faster than light speed travel. Just your luck.
A traffic control officer catches you right on the edge of the outer ring, and after a quick trial you are stuck in an alien planet prison until you complete a three day safe piloting course.

tippler 2021/01/31(Sun)18:37 No. 986709 ID: eedbeb
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You’re in the living room of your new cell, which looks more like an apartment than anything. The guard who dropped you off showed you how to download your schedule. Lunch is in an hour.

You have:
- A phone (access to your lawyer, schedule, and some money)
- A sweater and dress shirt
- Lower than average physical ability
- A degree in teaching

Your older sister’s wedding is tomorrow, and if you miss it, your mother will kill you.

Call your lawyer.

>Your mother will kill you
Unless your mother is literally the dictator of an oppressed nation, I think you should be fine with her. It's not like she's a familicidal cannibal or anything...

>What do
Use your one phone call to notify your sister that you were arrested for taking an illegal shortcut to get to her wedding and that you'll mail her wedding gift. Tell her to tell everyone if she wants revenge, just don't leave you here to die.
The more people know about your predicament, the less likely the guards of this corrupt prison will tack additional charges so they have a disposable convict to throw into their meat grinders.

tippler 2021/01/31(Sun)18:58 No. 986712 ID: eedbeb
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>Call your lawyer

Your cell service doesn’t extend past this planet’s satellites, so the only person you can call is your lawyer. And by person you mean your lawyer is a sentient lamp. With how thoroughly minor offenses are prosecuted, you’re not surprised the courts have succumbed to automation.

It picks up on the first ring and distorted text to speech squeezes through the speaker into your delicate ear.

“Hello, this is your court appointed defense lawyer, Feiss. How can I help you?”

Is there any sort of bail or way to defer the punishment to a later time?

“Hi, I have two questions. One; if my Universal Positioning System failed to adequately notify me that the solar system it sent me through had a light-speed ban, wouldn’t it be the app that’s at fault, not me? And two; would it be possible to take all three days of classes in one day?”

I was also gonna ask about bail, but I just realized bail is only for those awaiting trial.

tippler 2021/01/31(Sun)20:44 No. 986721 ID: eedbeb
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>“Hi, I have two questions. One; if my Universal Positioning System failed to adequately notify me that the solar system it sent me through had a light-speed ban, wouldn’t it be the app that’s at fault, not me? And two; would it be possible to take all three days of classes in one day?”

The line is silent for a moment.

“So you’re blaming the software.” Feiss says coldly.

Oh god. You wonder if that was insensitive. Some sort of AI racism?

“No, no, sorry, I mean I have an urgent appointment and three days of training will make me miss it. My trial was so fast that I’m not sure if I was heard fairly.”

“Terabytes of information were exchanged between the judge, the prosecution, and I. It was a perfectly adequate trial.”

You’re not sure Feiss will be much help.

Ask Friess if you can still buy a wedding gift while in jail

"That's... fine, but I still have an appointment within the next three days that I'm actively trying to avoid being late to."

"Terabytes? For one act of illegal speeding? Well, I just need sixty kilobytes of bureaucracy transferred to the next galaxy; if authority prevents me from getting out of here faster can you at least use that authority to formally explain why I can't be at my sister's wedding?"

Ask about bail then. How much will it cost for bail.

Ask if any of those terabytes were correspondence with your UPS. It's a witness!

Ask for clarification: since the lamp is supposed to be your counsel, what legal recourse do you have, and what rights do you actually have here? You don't understand what actually happened at the trial, and would like a summary. Furthermore, you weren't aware of the ban on FTL travel, but otherwise have complied with all laws as far as you know. Given the circumstances, could any clemency be given, or bail be posted?

tippler 2021/02/01(Mon)07:46 No. 986743 ID: eedbeb
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>Ask about bail.

“That program is suspended for non-natives due to the high likelihood of bail jumping.” drones Feiss.

>Ask again about taking the classes in one day instead of three.

“Due to the amount of special relativity to cover, it is highly recommended that you take the full time to complete the course. However, you can take the assessment test whenever you want.”

>Ask if you can call your sister.

“Talk to your assigned officer, they should be able to arrange something.” it says.

Just try to take the assessment now. Maybe you can pass it?

"I didn't mean that I want to skip the training; I meant that I want to do all three days of training in one day - in a single sitting. Is that doable for me?"

If it's at all viable, do it. You have a degree in teaching, so I'm sure you know how to take notes and look out for the important "this will be on the test" stuff. Sure, you're aware that cramming can be counterintuitive in the long-term, but we aren't studying for the long-term; we only need to ace a test and get to our destination without getting arrested again. Half this stuff can fall out the other ear after that for all we care.

Although TBH, I think that's all we're probably going to get from the lawyer.

Talk to your officer about taking one day of class followed immediately by an assessment test (assuming three days of classes in one day isn't doable). That should be enough to get a bead on their core intent in making the rules, and you can fill in the gaps with common sense.

If you have free time in between, though, do try to look for a method of escape.

>>986721
So a trail without a hearing or questioning from me?
Did you get angry at me for saying my navigation software was faulty or not updated as it should be? I think its insulting you are comparing yourself to my map in the same way its like compare me to a non cognient fungus

tippler 2021/02/01(Mon)12:02 No. 986756 ID: eedbeb
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You decide to attempt the test after cramming for one day. Lunch will start soon but you want to explore the rest of the cell before you go. Hopefully you can talk to your officer in the cafeteria.

Despite your simmering anger over your arrest, you thank the lamp and end the call. You look around the room.

You see:

-Door (locked from the outside)
-Hallway leading to bedroom/bathrooms
-TV
-Sofa

Note to self- fire Feiss once you're out.
Check the bed and bath. You may be here for a while.

Thoroughly check the room for any kind of video surveillance, just in the totally unlikely scenario you try to escape or take all your clothes off

tippler 2021/02/01(Mon)14:20 No. 986764 ID: eedbeb
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>Check for surveillance.

You squint at the walls and ceiling, but don’t see any cameras. The prison seems to be giving you privacy. Maybe they’re just that confident in their other security.

tippler 2021/02/01(Mon)14:20 No. 986765 ID: eedbeb
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>Check the bathroom

It’s fairly bland. Toilet, sink, and shower. There’s a toothbrush in a cup next to the sink that looks used.

Wait.

The shower door is still wet. There’s someone else in the cell with you.

Well, by process of elimination, they're in the bedroom.

If we plan to be out by tonight, then it might actually be for the best that we never enter that room. Even if a meeting is inevitable when lunch-time comes, we don't want to give our cell-mate any more time to form ideas involving us than we have to.

Yeah, let's just avoid that.
Splash some water on your face and get to work cramming. You need to be out of here in a hurry.

tippler 2021/02/01(Mon)16:07 No. 986770 ID: eedbeb
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>Avoid cellmate

You have a small problem. You need a way to study, and your phone doesn’t have internet here. Apparently there are computers in the bedroom for learning after hours, but you’re not sure which bedroom is yours.

Might as well take our chances by hopping in the shower, it'll calm our nerves and distract us from the horrifyingly overwhelming dread of not having any idea who our cellmate is

You could go knock on a door. Try the one on the left.

tippler 2021/02/01(Mon)18:53 No. 986777 ID: eedbeb
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>Knock on the left door.

There’s no reason to be afraid, whoever is in here with you was probably nabbed for some minor crime. You decide to try the left door first and knock on it with a paw.

tippler 2021/02/01(Mon)18:53 No. 986778 ID: eedbeb
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The door cracks open and you see a bulbous eye staring out of the darkness. The smell of fish hits your nose.

"Sorry, my mistake!"
Retreat to the other room immediately.

"Uh, sorry."
We fucked up

Don't be rude, say hi.

Just be polite and introduce yourself. You can also say how just got here and are new to this place.

tippler 2021/02/02(Tue)07:47 No. 986793 ID: eedbeb
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>Apologize and introduce yourself

“Hello, uh, sorry to disturb you. I’m Monty, I was arrested for speeding and stuck here. I wasn’t sure which room was mine, so I’ll just be going now…”

The fish doesn’t blink. He emerges partway from the door to stare at you curiously.

“Almost lunch.” he says. “You coming?”

"Probably, I don't know where it is though, I'm really out of it with this whole situation"
Just keep that mental note in our head that his calmness is sign he's either completely fine or one of those REALLY bad psychos who are scarily good at pretending to be normal

I thought we wanted to avoid this scenario.

tippler 2021/02/02(Tue)14:14 No. 986803 ID: eedbeb
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>You wanted to avoid this scenario so you could cram physics like a nerd

“I’m good.” you say. You slowly back away towards the remaining door, so you can finally do some goddam studying and get out of here. This guy is giving you a bad vibe, but you make it into your room safely.

tippler 2021/02/02(Tue)14:14 No. 986804 ID: eedbeb
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The bedroom is actually quite nice. There’s a simple bed and a standing desk/dresser against the wall. A small window on the far side gives you a view of the planet’s purple sky.

As appealing as it is to stare out the window and ponder if this is a turning point in our life, we also urgently need to escape prison the legal way right now

STUDY TIME IS GO!

Alright get your studying stuff out.

Lock your door, if you can, then study time!!

tippler 2021/02/02(Tue)17:45 No. 986811 ID: eedbeb
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>STUDY

You turn away from the door, which sadly does not have a lock, and start up the holo-screen.

The terminal is intuitive and easy to use, and you get started right away with the modules you find on the desktop. Your background in math extends to the coursework, thankfully, and you’re focused on learning the Lorentz transformation when you hear a knock on the door.

"I'm rather preoccupied with something right now, who is it?"

Maybe it's your roommate again? If they brought you food that'd be great.

>>986812
This.

tippler 2021/02/02(Tue)20:29 No. 986825 ID: eedbeb
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You holler that you’re preoccupied. Your stomach rumbles mutinously, but you’re focused and can forget about food.

“Sir? I was wondering if you were coming to lunch. The front door will lock again in a few minutes and you won’t be able to leave your cell.”

It’s an unfamiliar woman’s voice. You grudgingly open the door to see one of the guards and your roommate skulking behind her.

"If you visited me just to ask about it, I assume it would be a good idea to not skip lunch."

>>986825
It's harder to focus on your studies while hungry. Go get some food real quick.

Seems like you don't have anything to eat in your cell. Best to go have lunch.

Okay, we have time to eat. We can also take this opportunity to ask the guard about the test and getting out of here. We have a wedding to attend, after all.

tippler 2021/02/03(Wed)07:40 No. 986836 ID: eedbeb
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>Go get some food real quick

You feel like if the guard is bothering to ask about it, you probably should go to lunch. You follow her out of the cell and into a long hallway. This is a good opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the prison.

Mention how despite this place being a prison and in comparison to the prisons back where you are from, this prison actually seems cozy... really cozy, doesnt it?

The most important thing to ask right now would be about making calls to relatives so we can let our sister know why we'll probably be late
Another question worth asking is who the guard is; she seems reliable

Asking about the test should be a priority.

tippler 2021/02/03(Wed)09:41 No. 986849 ID: eedbeb
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>Start a conversation

“I’m Monty, what’s your name?

“I’m Amelia.” says the husky. “I’ve been Sal’s caseworker for a few years, and since you’re only here for a few days I’ll be helping you as well.”

Sal must be your cellmate and caseworker is an awfully generous name for a prison guard. Then again…

“This place is really cozy for a prison.”

Amelia chuckles. “Yes, we emphasize rehabilitation, and studies have shown that the better we treat everyone, the less likely we’ll have recidivism.”

tippler 2021/02/03(Wed)09:42 No. 986851 ID: eedbeb
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>Ask about the piloting test

“Oh, well, I’m not too familiar with the subject matter, but you can take the test whenever you want. We’ll have a short conversation afterwards and if I feel you’re ready, you’ll be released. The recommended completion time is three days, but since you have access to all the material you can go at your own pace.”

That’s good to hear and you feel yourself relax a little.

"Would finishing the test in a day be reasonably possible? My sister has a wedding tomorrow and I'd do anything to make it in time."

"Well, that's a relief. I have a wedding to attend tomorrow, so the sooner I'm out, the better. Is it possible I could make a phone call? I need to let them know I might be late."

"If I fail the exam, how long do I have to wait to take it again?"

tippler 2021/02/03(Wed)13:25 No. 986867 ID: eedbeb
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>"I have a wedding to attend tomorrow, so the sooner I'm out, the better. Is it possible I could make a phone call? I need to let them know I might be late."

Amelia clucks her tongue sympathetically. “I’ll get you access to a Universal phone after lunch.”

>"Would finishing the remedial course in a day be reasonably possible? If I fail it, how long do I have to wait to take it again?”

“That wouldn’t be recommended.” Amelia frowns. “But there’s no reason you can’t try. You can only take the test twice, since some people memorize the answers, and you don’t have to wait to take it again.”

The three of you reach the cafeteria, which is a pleasant, dome-like space. You grab a tray and explore the foreign food options with interest.

Anything for our blood sugar is a must, sleep is going to be a lower priority than ever until we're done with that remedial course

tippler 2021/02/03(Wed)16:36 No. 986878 ID: eedbeb
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You pile your plate with fruit, some kind of stuffed bun, and a spherical grain. Amelia waves you over to a table where Sal is also sitting.

Well, for lack of a better option.
Join them.

Go eat with them, be a little social but try to eat quickly and get back to your room to study.

tippler 2021/02/03(Wed)18:36 No. 986883 ID: eedbeb
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As you approach the table, you see that the silvery shape in Sal’s hands is a dead fish. Sal stares at you blankly while picking at its skin.

You sit down across from Amelia and start hurriedly eating your food. It's decent, and you try to keep your eyes down.

If it weren't for the fact you can't leave, this place wouldn't feel any different from a mid-range hotel. Not bad, but not where you plan to spend much more time if you can help it .

penetrate the sealed fortress

>>986883
Hmm? Ask if he's gonna just bite into that fish or something.

Don't prod the fish on anything - he's in here way longer than you for a reason. Just finish your meal, inquire about bringing food and drink back to your room, energy drinks, etc., and do so if you're allowed. You've ensured you aren't studying on an empty stomach, and that's all that matters here.

tippler 2021/02/04(Thu)08:16 No. 986928 ID: eedbeb
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Once you’re full, you stuff some leftovers in your cheeks for later.

“I’d like my phone call now, please.” you say.

Amelia nods. “Alright, I’ll take you there. Sal, I trust you to go back to your room once you’re done.”

tippler 2021/02/04(Thu)08:16 No. 986929 ID: eedbeb
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Amelia takes you to what looks like an old fashioned phone booth outfitted with a high tech communicator. It takes a few tries to get the operator to locate your sister, but eventually she picks up.

“Now’s not the best time, Monty.” she says breathlessly, before you can get in a word. “We’re preparing for the reception this evening and it’s crazy.”

“Yeah, sorry.” You say. “I just wanted to warn you that I might be late to the wedding tomorrow.”

“What? Why?” she asks.

A. Tell the truth
B. Lie

Tell the truth. If they dont believe it, maybe they can look up the caller id to confirm your statements. Let them know that you are going to try to get there on time if you can get a piloting test that lasts for a few days done in just one day.

Lying is bad form and not even advantageous in this situation. Just tell them the truth of how you got arrested for warp speeding.

Screw lying, we're better than that

Honestly, a lie might make us look worse if it's not as serious as "got arrested."

Don't lead with "I'm in prison" and give your sister a chance to cut you off before you can explain, though. Explain that your UPS took you through a no-lightspeed system, and now you have to test out of a three-day safe flying course by tonight if you want the authorities to release you in time to reach the service.

tippler 2021/02/04(Thu)10:56 No. 986942 ID: eedbeb
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>Truth

You quickly explain the situation to your sister, with emphasis on the fact that it wasn’t your fault and that you’re trying your hardest to make it to the wedding.

She’s silent for a few seconds.

“It’s okay if you can’t make it, Monty.” she says gently. “I won’t hold it against you.”

“Mom will throw a fit though, she always says I’m avoiding the family.” you grumble.

“I’ll talk to her. Don’t kill yourself trying to get out of there early. I really gotta go, talk to you later.”

You hang up. It’s time to study.

Well, that takes some pressure off, at least.
Now let's hit the books!

Quickly thank Amelia for the hospitality while making our way back, it's the most we can do to show our appreciation without wasting time

tippler 2021/02/04(Thu)11:48 No. 986946 ID: eedbeb
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Amelia takes you back to your room. You thank her and she leaves to check on Sal.

Once you’re back at the computer, you see that there are three modules that you can attempt at the moment.

A. Special Relativity Calculations (You were half way through this one)

B. Space-time Distortion Impact on Society

C. Piloting Rules and Regulations

Finishing off the last half of Special Relativity Calculations would leave a smaller window to be interrupted

Always finish what you started.

I know how we can get this done faster, do all three categories at the same time! Open them all in diferent browsers

Or just do rules and regulation before continuing to remember stuff.

tippler 2021/02/04(Thu)17:07 No. 986963 ID: eedbeb
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You continue where you left off with Special Relativity. It isn’t too bad and you’re good at physics so even when things get strange with warp speed logic, you correctly answer all the practice questions.

tippler 2021/02/04(Thu)17:08 No. 986964 ID: eedbeb
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Now that you’ve finished the first module, you can:

-Keep going! (Impact on Society or Piloting Rules)
-Take a break (Shower, use your phone, talk to Sal)

Keep going; Impact on Society is next in the order. (It seems like a natural progression of Explaining the Bad Thing > Why It's Bad > Specific Rules to Avoid It.)

Space-time Distortion Impact On Society seems easier done than said, we can probably squeeze it in before needing to destress

Pedal down! Let's get through this !

tippler 2021/02/04(Thu)20:31 No. 986977 ID: eedbeb
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You’re a little tired, but you eat your extra food and get started on the Impact on Society section.

It’s fairly unpleasant. Instead of equations you have to slog through articles about the effect of warp radiation on nearby planets, and the potential for time stretch sickness. There are several pictures for shock value.

Several hours have passed since lunch, and you hear Amelia come to take Sal to dinner. They don’t disturb you this time, and you’re almost done reading by the time they return.

Okay, pop-quiz yourself on the first module.
Also, surf the internet for articles on this topic, see if you can get in touch with friends who can help you research faster.

Id say after the impact section, take a break, or maybe sleep. It would suck if you overwork yourself, and youre too tired to make it to the wedding it and crash or something. But yeah, test time?

>>986977
Take a little break between sections to decompress.

Right. Break time. Take some time refresh, then get back to it.

We've well-earned ourselves a break at this point, we just need to persevere

Pomodoro Method says breaks actually increase productivity. Take a few minutes to do jumping jacks, finish your snacks, etc. Do the practice questions for Impact after that, then it's on to Rules.

tippler 2021/02/05(Fri)07:29 No. 987002 ID: eedbeb
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>Take a break

You rub your eyes and turn away from the screen. A shower or a seat in that comfortable sofa in the living room would be nice after being on your feet for so long.

You jump a little when you open the door and see cold fishy eyes staring back at you. Sal is standing in the hallway, blocking your path.

"How long were you standing here?"

ask Sal what their deal is.

Just be nice and ask how are they going.

*nervous mouse squeak*

tippler 2021/02/05(Fri)10:59 No. 987013 ID: eedbeb
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A nervous squeak escapes from your mouth before you collect yourself. You don’t want to be rude, but you’re tired and stressed so your tone is more hostile than usual.

“How long were you standing there?” you say.

Sal doesn’t blink. Maybe he can’t blink, since he doesn’t have eyelids.

“Off schedule.” he mutters.

"I was busy with the remedial test, if you're talking about dinner."
I think we should brace for bad touch right now

tippler 2021/02/05(Fri)12:17 No. 987015 ID: eedbeb
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>>987014
not to worry, this is a wholesome story of a mouse who doesn't want to be late to a wedding

>>987013
The schedule can fly a kite. I got places to be that aren't here.

"My schedule says go to wedding tomorrow or mother will strangle me to death."

Ask about what schedule they mean.

tippler 2021/02/05(Fri)14:25 No. 987025 ID: eedbeb
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You think he’s talking about the schedule you have on your phone, which you haven’t even looked at, let alone tried to follow.

“You were there when I explained it to Amelia, I have to make it to a wedding tomorrow or my mother will strangle me, so I’m not following the schedule. Can you please move?”

Sal doesn’t budge.

Squeak on by and continue this non conversation on the comfy sofa

We'd just get in trouble for shoving Sal out of the way, so try to squeeze past him

Okay...
This guy is giving me a bad vibe. What does he want? If he plans on getting physical, it'd be wise to not get mistaken for the aggressor.

>>987025
Look at the schedule on your phone.

Just check the schedule if it'll make him happy

tippler 2021/02/05(Fri)15:37 No. 987035 ID: eedbeb
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>Check your schedule

Keeping one eye on Sal, you take out your phone. To your surprise, you have a missed call from Feiss, your lamp lawyer. You always have your phone on silent, so you must have missed the vibration while you were studying.

You open the schedule app and scroll to the current hour. Apparently you’re fifteen minutes late for Social Enrichment with Cellmate – 1 hour.

>>987035
45 minutes... that's longer than the usual study break but I guess you should do it so your cellmate doesn't cause problems for you.

I guess that technically falls under taking a break, but it's going to be really awkward if we're still committed to taking a shower

Okay then.
Let's spend some time with our cellmate and call Feiss back.
Not that I tnink either of those things will help us, but path of least resistance, right?

tippler 2021/02/05(Fri)16:36 No. 987041 ID: eedbeb
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>Socialize

Okay, your weird cellmate who gives you a horrible feeling wants to hang out? Well then you’re going hang out. You are going to have just the best time.

tippler 2021/02/05(Fri)16:37 No. 987042 ID: eedbeb
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You move to the living room and quickly commandeer the sofa. Sal sits on the ground and says nothing. Seems like it’s up to you to get a conversation started.

>>987042
Ask him what he does for a living.

Ask him about his domestic situation, we might be able to bond over mutually not wanting to piss off our mothers

"Why do you speak so sparcely, Sal?"

"So what are you in for? There. I have done us both the favor of getting the cliché question out of the way. You're welcome."

tippler 2021/02/05(Fri)19:32 No. 987063 ID: eedbeb
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>”So what are you in for?”

“Murder.” Sal says, deadpan.

“Ah, uh, okay.” The fish definitely gives off the vibe, but it’s still unpleasant to hear it out loud. “Did you have like a job or do anything before that?”

“No. Just came from college.”

Sal doesn’t make eye contact with you and barely speaks louder than a whisper. Is he shy or something? You’re used to students who don’t talk much during class and you power onward.

“So I bet you’re not the family favorite either.” you joke. Zero response.

Him being this reserved for a murderer puts everything in a whole new context, there's no way he isn't the perfect person for us to get vulnerable with and share our frustrations and regrets

>>987063
Uh... okay. Ask if he gets along well with Amelia.

I cannot believe I'm saying this, but I'd rather be talking to Feiss.
Call him back just to get out of this "conversation."

>>987065
I am getting the same vibes. Seems like the guilt of what he did is absolutely destroying him. Something probably pushed this guy too far and he cracked.

Ask if he was falsely accused.

tippler 2021/02/06(Sat)07:42 No. 987086 ID: eedbeb
File 161262613412.png - (147.27KB , 1000x900 , p37.png )

>Keep trying

“Do you get along with Amelia?” you ask.

This question gets you a twitch. “Yeah, she’s cool. Has execution rights on me.”

“Uh…”

“If I ever murder again, she kills me.”

You shiver. “What if you’re falsely accused or something?”

Sal gives a small, wheezing snicker.

...on second thought, Sal can have the nice comfy couch. The floor is looking a lot more tolerable and less likely to get you murdered for sitting there and letting someone else have the couch.

Maybe ask more details about his crime for context? Maybe he is actually a nice person who came across a bad person and needed to kill the bad person in a life or death situation or something, and was just caught it in something bad

Why did you kill, Sal?

Why are we are so curious about this little puke? Who cares?!
Call Feiss to see what the plastic weirdo wants and get away from this freak! WE NEED TO GET TO THAT WEDDING!

>>987092
We probably care because we dont wanna make him angry enough to kill us for treating him as an outcast, and we dont want to make him angry for not following the scheduled meeting that he wants

tippler 2021/02/06(Sat)11:42 No. 987097 ID: eedbeb
File 161264057181.png - (145.06KB , 1000x900 , p38.png )

“Did you have a good reason, uh, for killing someone?” you ask hopefully.

Sal lies down flat on his stomach and wriggles back and forth like he’s pretending to swim. “No.” he says.

Defeated, you slump back in your sofa and consider your next move. You should really call Feiss back and then return to studying, but you don’t want to upset Sal. You’re not afraid the fish will get violent, more that he’ll keep pestering you.

Great he's getting fish all over the good flooring. I don't think he's even wearing pants.

We really should be the one talking here, he's basically caving our skull in with the fact he's a listening type

>>987097
Well ask him permission to take a phone call, then.

>>987103
Yeah, talk about your problems and stuff in more details.

>>987104
Seriously this.

ask Sal about his previous roommates?

tippler 2021/02/06(Sat)18:12 No. 987147 ID: eedbeb
File 161266395766.png - (112.95KB , 1000x900 , p39.png )

>Get free therapy

You are tired, stressed, and losing your patience with this half-naked fish.

“Look, I don’t know why you’re bothering to do these activities when you don’t even talk much. I get that this is a nice place to stay but I have to get to my sister’s wedding. I have to.”

You put your head in your paws.

“I didn’t even want to go, really. That’s why I was using warp so much, because I procrastinated leaving and was going to be late. My sister is awesome, but I hate traveling and if it weren’t for my mom implying I’m such a disappointment for being a high school teacher, I wouldn’t have even tried.

Sal stops air-swimming forlornly.

tippler 2021/02/06(Sat)18:12 No. 987148 ID: eedbeb
File 161266397564.png - (108.84KB , 1000x900 , p40.png )

“Even though I called my sister, I bet the rest of the family doesn’t believe that I’m really in prison and thinks this is just some lame excuse. I mean, I’ve dodged a few reunions in the past but come on, prison?”

You give a deep sigh.

“I’m going to call my lawyer now.” you say. “It shouldn’t take too long, and we can still hang out afterwards.”

“Ok.” The fish looks unfazed by your rant.

You call Feiss, and the lamp picks up on the first ring once again.

Ask about the call he tried to make while you were busy studying

Consider that maybe you got yourself arrested on purpose as a form of self-sabotage in order to not go to the wedding. Then disregard that thought and ask your lawyer why they called.

tippler 2021/02/06(Sat)19:53 No. 987170 ID: eedbeb
File 161267000629.png - (142.35KB , 1000x900 , p41.png )

For a horrifying moment before either of you speak, you wonder if you got yourself arrested on purpose as a form of self-sabotage.

Feiss interrupts your thought.

“Hello Monty.”

“Hey,” you reply. “I saw you called me earlier, what was that about?”

“I am required to tell you that a time bubble attributed to your ship has appeared in a populated area on a neighboring planet. Though no fatalities have been reported yet, there is a nonzero chance that a death by starvation or despair could occur.”

Anxiety level rising. Try to convince yourself it wasn't your fault. Ask what happens now.

"The last thing I need right now is the mental burden I might indirectly kill someone."

"H-hold on, I gotta ask the internet if this is a thing."
Search the internet to see the exact odds of a time bubble occurring due to FTL abuse, accounting for any previous abuse in the UPS that led to the overreacting laws against FTL travel, then save a note so you don't get that specific question wrong on the exam.

... Wait a minute...
"Feiss? Could a large FTL-enabled take a non-FTL pleasure cruise through the time bubble? Say, one large enough to host a wedding?"

>>987170
What's a time bubble?

Feiss, are you trying to get me in more trouble? Because your performance so far has been utterly miserable.
Now look. There's no way they can pin that on me, and even if there were, there's no way I could have known it was going to happen. I didn't even know warp was banned in this system!

tippler 2021/02/07(Sun)07:31 No. 987215 ID: eedbeb
File 161271188304.png - (126.97KB , 1000x900 , p42.png )

You recently learned from the Impact on Society module that a time bubble is a phenomena caused by warp distortion rippling through space time. Though usually small, a bubble can have terrible effects on any caught in its range, either by slowing down or speeding up the perceived passage of time.

“Are they sure it’s my fault?” you ask.

“There is 95% confidence that the distortion signature matches your ship.” Feiss smoothly.

“I really don’t need this right now.” you groan. “Is this going to make my sentence worse?”

“No, it will not, though hopefully you reconsider rushing through the course material, since you should take the time to reflect on your actions.”

"Trust me; I'm way ahead of you on the whole 'regretting' thing. I wouldn't have even used warp in the first place if I hadn't put this trip off for so long, but that's in the past now. It's early departures for me from here on out. Thank you."

Hang up and ask the fish: "Now, was there anything else you wanted to talk about or do, or can I go back to studying now?"

return to socialization time with Sal. look for a TV perhaps, maybe put on a news channel if you can to keep an eye on the time bubble situation. try to think of something to break the weird silence between you and Sal, who seems not to notice you.

Yeah, check the tv for the news. You need to know the consequences of your actions.

"Feiss, believe me, I've started regretting a lot today."
Hang up and mentally remind yourself to fire this dim bulb once you're out.

tippler 2021/02/07(Sun)09:28 No. 987225 ID: eedbeb
File 161271893354.png - (149.55KB , 1000x900 , p43.png )

“Believe me, I’ve been reflecting a lot today.” you mumble, and hang up. It isn’t your lawyer’s fault you’re such an idiot, but you still feel bitter towards the lamp. You drop your phone in your lap and collect yourself for a moment.

The TV might have news about the time bubble, but before you can find the remote, Sal is leaning over your armrest.

“You like fishing?” he asks.

Dunno. Never done it.

realize that Sal is a fish and him asking if you like going fishing is probably the equivalent of asking if you like murdering.

Just say you haven't played "Go Fish" card game in a long time since you were a child, but it was a fun distraction you guess...

"Only where I'm 100% sure no sophonts live, above or under the water, why?"

"I'm not sticking hooks in you, Sal."

tippler 2021/02/07(Sun)12:36 No. 987241 ID: eedbeb
File 161273020368.png - (121.87KB , 1000x900 , p44.png )

This feels like a trick question. “Dunno. Never done it.” you say.

Sal bobs his head excitedly. “We should go fishing.”

“I’m not sticking hooks in you, buddy. Do you mean the card game, or..?”

“I like fishing.” he says.

“I hope you’re talking about non sentient fish.”

Sal smiles at you.

"Look, man, I can't tell if this is an act or if you're really this cracked. I'm having a bad, shitty, awful, no-good, rotten, miserable day, I don't see it improving any time soon, and I just can't deal with whatever it is you've got going on. Unless there's something that I absolutely have to be involved with out here, I'd much rather just go back to my room, okay?"

>>987241
Well, he's got however much time you've got left in the socialization time slot to show you fishing.

Wait. Earlier. Time bubble.

Could you enter it to get to the wedding in time?

tippler 2021/02/07(Sun)15:23 No. 987266 ID: eedbeb
File 161274023151.png - (176.81KB , 1000x900 , p45.png )

You check your phone. Still 15 minutes of socializing left.

“Tell me about fishing.” you say.

To your surprise, Sal launches into an explanation of trout fishing that is a welcome distraction to your horrible day. You sit listening placidly until your phone beeps to mark the hour.

You feel somewhat rested. Do you go back to studying or continue your break?

ehhhh... we can spend a little more time on our break... not that we're using this as an excuse to not go to the wedding and deal with our scary mother or anything.

See if you can get the TV on and find some news about the time bubble.

>>987269
Oh yeah, this.

Could always keep conversing with Sal, we've got plenty of time now

>>987266
Pushing yourself too hard is not going to help you.
Take a little more time - 30 mins. tops - to rest up, then get back to studying.

If you're rested, you're ready to go back to studying. Get to it.

(Be sure to let the fish man down gently, though.)

tippler 2021/02/07(Sun)19:58 No. 987309 ID: eedbeb
File 161275673856.png - (143.91KB , 1000x900 , p46.png )

You stay on the sofa for a few minutes. And then a few more. It’s slowly sinking in that you really don’t want to go to your sister’s wedding. And your motivation to go read about all the ways you could be screwing some poor alien over with time shenanigans is at a new low.

Sal goes to his room and you flick through the unfamiliar TV channels, tensing whenever you see the news. It’s not like your mug shot is going to show up, you hope.

tippler 2021/02/07(Sun)19:59 No. 987310 ID: eedbeb
File 161275675036.png - (113.53KB , 1000x900 , p47.png )

Eventually you return to your room, drained. The time difference means you’re even more exhausted than usual and you sit on the bed instead of studying.

Come on, one last practice quiz before you go to sleep!

Our reasons not to cry are zero at this point

Well that didn't work. See if you can find something on your phone to cheer yourself up with.

>>987310
When's the wedding tomorrow? If it's early, then you might be in trouble, but otherwise, we might be able to salvage this.
Get some sleep, but set your alarm for an early start. Get cracking on studying first thing in the morning and power through.
Take the exam as soon as you can and we might just be able to get out of here in time.

Maybe you shouldn't worry about the wedding anymore, and instead focus on just finishing up the lessons in the pace the prison wants you to take, if only to set a good example of responsibility to your students at the highschool you teach. For now, check the schedule, and see at what points can you squeeze in some tests.

>>987215
MUHAHAhaha this is perfect more time means more study time its perfect and if anyone is in there we can keep them company

>>987326
This seems like the most reasonable course of action

tippler 2021/02/08(Mon)08:57 No. 987354 ID: eedbeb
File 161280342361.png - (92.79KB , 1000x900 , p48.png )

When you feel like crap, it’s better to just go to bed and get up early to have a fresh start. The wedding is in the evening, so you’ll have enough time to finish your work.

As you settle down to sleep, you wonder if anyone has ever tried to use a time bubble on purpose. They’d have to be totally insane, and you pat yourself metaphorically on the back for not being one of those people.

>>987354
Good night, little mouse.
Dream of peanuts and cheese.

Sweet dreams Monty

monty is haunted by the harm he might have caused. dreams of time bubbles warping people into distorted monsters filled with hooks and strung up with fishing line. Sal's wide smile and empty fish eyes beam down at you from above it all. you phone is ringing, ringing, ringing, impossibly loud in your sensitive mouse ears. you awake in a cold sweat, having thrashed your prison blankets to the floor. your phone is ringing, you see it's your lawyer, Feiss, the lamp. you were asleep for 12 hours, you realize.

tippler 2021/02/08(Mon)12:05 No. 987364 ID: eedbeb
File 161281474249.png - (329.80KB , 1000x900 , p49.png )

>Dream

>>987360
Take it easy, Max Payne.

Dreaming about Amelia executing Sal

tippler 2021/02/08(Mon)13:47 No. 987372 ID: eedbeb
File 161282083582.png - (118.33KB , 1000x900 , p50.png )

You wake up with crusty eyes and a rumbling stomach to the sound of your phone alarm. The sun is still down and you bump around in the unfamiliar room as you put on your day old clothes.

Should you:
-Try to find something to eat
-Take a shower
-Start studying
-See if anyone is available

Eat, shower, check schedule.

>>987372
Hop on the studying first thing.

>>987372
Eat before studying. Consider skipping the shower.

I think a quick shower before studying would be the best idea.

E A T

check on Sal. go eat some food. forget the shower. the wedding is tonight. you've gotta get the hell out of here. save the shower for last, studying is more important.

tippler 2021/02/08(Mon)16:31 No. 987385 ID: eedbeb
File 161283067131.png - (167.20KB , 1000x900 , p51.png )

Food is definitely your first priority. Since you missed dinner yesterday, you feel unpleasantly hungry.

To your surprise, your schedule says that you can go to breakfast now if you call a guard to electronically open the door. Because you’re a low profile case, you probably get more freedoms than Sal, though the guard does ask to make sure the fish isn’t sneaking out with you.

The cafeteria is mostly empty at this hour and you have a peaceful meal of frosted cereal and scrambled eggs. You flick through the rest of your schedule while you eat.

There’s a recreational hour mid morning that includes tutoring time for your modules. Lunch has tighter restrictions and you don’t bother looking past that.

tippler 2021/02/08(Mon)16:31 No. 987386 ID: eedbeb
File 161283070909.png - (162.80KB , 1000x900 , p52.png )

You walk back to your cell, get the door unlocked, and almost make it to the shower before Sal intercepts you. The fish must be an early riser.

The Impact on Society module is waiting where you left off. Another hour or two and you should be done.

Should you:
-Look at the time bubble articles in more detail
-Speed through

> look at the time bubble articles in more detail.

We don’t want your conscience killing you even more if you end up making the same mistake twice.

>>987386
We have the time, so be thorough. Aside from putting your fears to rest, it could be helpful on the exam.

We should look through the articles in more detail, just so we don't have to do this again
Also, "wholesome" story

You should take a selfie to prove you were in jail, in case your family doesn't believe you.

>>987391
Would be a good idea, except this prison is way too cozy to be considered a prison where Monty is from, they wont believe the photo...

But we can still take a selfie just for fun.

tippler 2021/02/08(Mon)20:23 No. 987396 ID: eedbeb
File 161284459258.png - (145.02KB , 1000x900 , p53.png )

Before you get into the strange world of sci-fi physics, you decide to take a selfie to have photographic evidence that you went to prison, albeit one that was basically a hotel. Even if your family doesn’t believe you, you’ll gain cool points from your students.

Sadly, your stubby arms and oblong snout means the photo turns out less than perfect.

>>987396
Snapchat filters, ho!

>>987396
Maybe the guard will let you take her picture too.

I guess we can squeeze in the recreational hour for the tutoring.

Also consider that this prison isnt just therapy for you, but for Sal as well. You may want to consider taking some activities with him if it will improve his mental health and make him not want to murder anyone again.

get the guard to take a picture with you during lunch for a non crappy evidence photo. also more detail on time bubble articles

tippler 2021/02/09(Tue)08:51 No. 987429 ID: eedbeb
File 161288951709.png - (84.96KB , 1000x900 , p54.png )

You start reading.


Since the advent of commercial spaceflight, the rise in high acceleration stationary spheres, known informally as time bubbles, has troubled many experts.

Faster than light travel is the industry standard, which necessitates the use of the warp drive. The destruction of space-time fuels the drive’s reality defying speeds, at a cost.

Due to the vastness of space, most warp drive radiation disperses harmlessly. If a ship passes too close to a solar system, however, extremely dangerous pockets of space-time can form on contact with the planet’s surface.

tippler 2021/02/09(Tue)08:52 No. 987430 ID: eedbeb
File 161288956588.png - (109.64KB , 1000x900 , p55.png )

Depending on the size and manufacturer of the vehicle, the resulting time bubble can range from a few meters across to an entire kilometer.

Those familiar with special relativity with understand that the reference frames of those on the inside and the outside of the bubble are opposite. Both groups feel that time is passing normally for them, while time is dilated on the other end.

Those who don’t realize they’re in a time bubble can accidentally cross the boundary and disjoint their nervous system, resulting in death.

Luckily, nonliving objects can be passed through the boundary, which is how supplies are delivered to the unfortunate bubble residents. Time bubbles can last for minutes or days, and if action is not taken quickly, unnecessary suffering will occur.

This article recommends that stricter universal restrictions be placed on private warp travel, to prevent potentially fatal incidents.

tippler 2021/02/09(Tue)08:54 No. 987432 ID: eedbeb
File 161288968498.png - (120.70KB , 1000x900 , p56.png )

That was dry, but informative. You answer some multiple choice questions to round out the course and sit back with a sigh. You only have Piloting Rules left, which includes a flight simulation portion and makes you a little anxious. Flying isn’t your strong suit.

The recreation/tutoring hour sounds awfully appealing, and if you can track down Amelia to take a better picture, that would be great as well.

Getting that picture with Amelia is first priority, and we should probably spend some time with Sal after

2, 4, 6, 8, it is time to recreate!

you originally misread that last portion as "fight" simulation. startled, you're jolted into a horrific daydream where Sal rips you to shreds in a computer program. Then you look again and only slightly relieved to realize it says "flight" simulation instead.

tippler 2021/02/09(Tue)12:07 No. 987449 ID: eedbeb
File 161290126763.png - (150.03KB , 1000x900 , p57.png )

Sal could use some extra socializing as well. The fish is starting to grow on you despite his shower stealing tendencies, and you leave your room to go find him.

You spot Sal in living room, nose to the corner.

“Hey Sal, want to come to tutoring with me? You can call Amelia and we’ll go together.”

>>987449
I'll take that as a no.

"Are you just occupying yourself right now or are you upset?"

>>987449
"...Okay, cool. See you later!"

tippler 2021/02/09(Tue)16:04 No. 987471 ID: eedbeb
File 161291547268.png - (164.56KB , 1000x900 , p58.png )

After a few moments of awkward silence, you turn away. You give yourself credit for trying. Sal doesn’t move while you stealthily open the door and leave the cell.

In the long hallway lined with other cells, you realize you don’t know how to get to the rec room.

Is there anyone around you can ask for directions? Maybe a sign that can point you the right way? It's also not to late to go back and see if Sal knows anything.

Knock on a door and ask one of the occupants for directions

How complicated can it be? Wander around until you find a guard or something and ask them.

wander around until you find somebody to ask

"Uh, hey Sal, do you know how to get to the rec room?"

>>987471
Wait, if the door isn't locked, won't Sal escape and won't it be our fault?

tippler 2021/02/09(Tue)18:16 No. 987480 ID: eedbeb
File 161292336649.png - (111.74KB , 1000x900 , p59.png )

You hear the door automatically lock behind you, and you curse yourself for not asking Sal for directions.

You wander around the hallways until you run into a tall owl alien. Probably another prisoner, judging from the lack of uniform.

“Hello, excuse me.” you say.

“Uh, hi.” the owl says warily in a soft, high voice.

"Do you know where the rec room is? I think I've gotten lost."

Ask this owl if they know Sal and what they think of him. Also, yeah, directions to rec room

tippler 2021/02/09(Tue)21:09 No. 987488 ID: eedbeb
File 161293374184.png - (102.84KB , 1000x900 , p60.png )

> "Do you know where the rec room is? I think I've gotten lost."

The owl squints at you. “If you don’t mind me asking, what are you in for?”

“Oh, speeding, basically. I have a really short sentence, my name’s Monty.” you reply hurriedly.

The owl noticeably relaxes, deflating her feathers. “I’m Violet. Corporate tax evasion. You can follow me, I’m going there to socialize.”

You join Violet’s side as she leads you down the hall and to a spiral staircase.

tippler 2021/02/09(Tue)21:09 No. 987489 ID: eedbeb
File 161293375728.png - (121.62KB , 1000x900 , p61.png )

At the top of the stairs, Violet breaks the silence.

“Hope you don’t mind me asking about that stuff, there are some real crazies around here.” she says.

“Tell me about it, my cellmate is some weird murderer.” you laugh.

Violet stops in her tracks.

"...or something. Honestly, hard to read the guy."
Either Sal is notorious and she thinks his bad vibes have rubbed off, or she thinks you're judgy.

Sorry, that was no laughing matter.

"Yeah, me too. He seems nice enough."

lol her butt's hanging out of her pants.

>>987489
Yeah, I don't like it either, but he's who they stuck me with for whatever reason.

"Unless he was just messing with me or something."

tippler 2021/02/10(Wed)08:36 No. 987536 ID: eedbeb
File 161297499219.png - (137.50KB , 1000x900 , p62.png )

“Sorry.” you say hurriedly. “I shouldn’t joke about that, they just stuck me with him. Honestly, I’m not sure if he’s telling the truth…”

“Is it the fish?” Violet asks.

“Yeah, Sal.”

Violet makes a face. “He’s not welcome among the other prisoners. Don’t say you’re associated with him.”

Hey now, stick up for Sal, he needs the support from you to be a better person. Treating him like an outcast might make him reduce back to a lower mental state and kill again. tell her "I dunno, he isn't bad once you get to know him, he was just the other day telling me about fishing... as in fishing for non sentient fish of course."

I mean, he obviously has some mental...something going on. Why do others treat him the way they do? Did he do something in particular?

There's literally no reason to stick up for Sal. He's creepy as all fuck and apparently also is a murderer. It might be sad that there's definitely something very wrong with him, but that doesn't mean you have to be his PR guy.

>>987536
"Associated with" is a little strong.
"Forced into proximity" is better. "Trapped with" is even closer.

>>987540
I mean, this for real.
There is no conceivable reason for us to rep the little freak. He's a convicted murderer, he's invaded our personal space more than once, and his behavior has been damn creepy.
It's unfortunate if there's actually something wrong with him, but it isn't our problem outside of having to share a cell with him.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I'll be out of here soon, but I want to keep my head down in the meantime. Honestly, I don't feel safe around him, even if he does seem almost friendly at times."

"Thanks for the advice. I won't mention it. Feel bad for the guy, though. Clearly something... not quite right, there. Like, more than you'd expect."

tippler 2021/02/10(Wed)13:15 No. 987549 ID: eedbeb
File 161299174793.png - (122.65KB , 1000x900 , p63.png )

>"Thanks for the advice. I won't mention it. Feel bad for the guy, though. Clearly something... not quite right, there. Like, more than you'd expect."

Violet ushers you to the side.

“You’re not from here so it makes that you don’t know, but the fish is notorious. With the way the execution system works, we don’t usually get serial killers, but this guy managed to avoid capture long enough that he got multiple people. And he ate most of them. His lawyer got him into prison, but the general agreement is that he shouldn’t exist.”

>>987549
He... ate them...? They were fish too, weren't they.

are you in fucking danger rooming with him?

"Was there... any rhyme or reason to it? I'd hate to get eaten, but that would be preferable to what I'm expecting if I don't get out of jail today."

"I take it the mental hospital is far worse than this place... there is a mental hospital in this system right?"

>>987553
this is important to know!!!

"...He likes fishing. Oh, I knew just from the way he said it. Does he only go after other fish? Am I in danger?"

"Why would they put a guy with minor offense in the same room with a serial kiler?!"

>>987571
A bunch of machines put us here. Maybe they see no difference between the potential harm of warp travel and the actual harm of a serial killer.

Well, we aren't a fish and Sal isn't in max security so you're probably fine. The man clearly isn't alright in the head, and while that doesn't excuse the murder and cannibalism it does mean you should be as good of an influence as you can be to him while you're here, especially since Sal seems to like you.

tippler 2021/02/10(Wed)15:00 No. 987575 ID: eedbeb
File 161299803687.png - (131.20KB , 1000x900 , p64.png )

Violet’s word’s sink in, and you start to panic. You’ve been living in a cell without a lock on your door with a serial killer and nobody told you.

“Am-am I in danger?” you gasp.

Violet shakes her head. “He only went after fish and he’s had a clean record for the few years he’s been here, though I wouldn’t trust him.”

You hunch against the wall, suddenly claustrophobic in the clean, modern prison.

“Why would they even put me in a cell with him? I’m just a math teacher.” You tug at your whiskers in distress.

Violet shrugs. She looks a tad uncomfortable that you’re having a breakdown.

"Ugh... I... I can even imagine how he did it, based on what he said... I... I need a moment." Find a trash can or sink or something.

We have GOT to get out of this place. We need to finish studying and get out before that fish kills us. Forget the wedding. This is about our personal health and safety.

Think about how Sal has acted towards you so far. None of it implies a motivation to inflict harm on you, hell, he wanted to take you fishing. If he was displaying any murderous intent, they wouldn’t have trusted him with a cellmate. His strange behavior may be from a chronic lack of social interaction, that’s likely given he lives in exile from the other prisoners. While you see him as a dangerous criminal, he may see you as the only person (accepting Amelia, who’s duty to guard would be a natural wet blanket) he’s had to talk with in a very long time. I’m not saying you should have a sleepover with him, but please consider that he’s a living thing too.

Take a few deep breaths. You're gonna be outta here within twelve hours. It's highly unlikely that he'll try to murder you in that span of time. You won't even have to sleep with one eye open because you won't have to sleep here again!
Thank the owl for the info and try to focus on calming down so you can enjoy your rec time.

>>987575
You're fine. Just don't antagonize him I guess.
...will any fish be attending the wedding?

Hey, hey guy. Breath. Chill.
This place rehabilitates, he's been here a few years and is probably quite a bit better. Even if he's not you are not the kind of person he'd go for.
They wouldn't put you in there with him if they thought it was dangerous.
To you he's just a weird guy. You're safe.
Chill the fuck out.

We gotta have a serious talk with Amelia and Mr. Lamp about this after we're done with the tutoring.

>>987593
OH YEAH! Feiss, what the fuck, dude?

tippler 2021/02/10(Wed)17:46 No. 987600 ID: eedbeb
File 161300797513.png - (112.65KB , 1000x900 , p65.png )

You take a few deep breaths. You’ll be gone soon, and Sal hasn’t shown any signs of aggression. If you don’t bother him, it should be fine.

Now you have even more reason to talk to Amelia, besides wanting a photo. Feiss probably wasn’t the one who put you in that room.

Violet waits for you to calm down, then starts walking down the corridor.

tippler 2021/02/10(Wed)17:46 No. 987601 ID: eedbeb
File 161300799038.png - (113.53KB , 1000x900 , p66.png )

The two of you finally arrive in a spacious room with tables set aside for different activities. A few prisoners are there, talking or playing games. The only guard appears to be the tutor, judging from the loose paper and pencils at his table.

Violet leaves you to go chat with a spiny lizard. You have can:

-Ask the tutor for piloting help
-Use the flight simulation machine in the corner
-Socialize

We just had a bit of a terrifying revelation, we should socialize a bit to take it easy

>>987601
Getting your work done faster means you get to leave faster and get away from Sal. Go talk to the tutor.

Talk with the tutor, maybe try your hand at the flight sim. I wonder if they’ve patched the brazil hole yet.

>>987601
Go to the tutor. If getting to the wedding wasn't enough incentive to get out of this gilded cage, then being shacked up with a known serial killer should light a fire under our ass.

tippler 2021/02/10(Wed)19:17 No. 987608 ID: eedbeb
File 161301347076.png - (153.80KB , 1000x900 , p67.png )

>Talk to the tutor

The tutor is an old hare named Pepper. He brightens up when you mention piloting and leads you to the flight simulator.

It’s styled like an old fashioned racing game, more fighter jet than minivan. You gingerly get into the seat while Pepper sits next to you and starts up the machine.

Start simulation
Start remembering the fact that the time bubble you created from your ship had hurt or maybe killed innocent people as being behind the wheel of something similar to your ship is reminding you of doing that terrible thing.
Get anxiety, have a panic attack, fail simulation.

Have terrible flashbacks to that time you ran over like three cones while trying to parallel park when you got your pilot's license.

Remember the time your sister had sex in the backseat

tippler 2021/02/10(Wed)20:47 No. 987625 ID: eedbeb
File 161301886948.png - (169.78KB , 1000x900 , p68.png )

During the tutorial, you fumble with the more complicated controls and drive straight into an asteroid.

On the second try, the memory of the time you almost failed your pilot’s license test makes your sweaty hands slip on the wheel. The way the hand plastic seat feel reminds you of your first ship, the one where you walked in on your sister having sex in the backseat. You fail.

Pepper doesn’t seem to mind your flustered apologies. He calmly gives you tips on maintaining your field of view while checking the many glowing screens on the dashboard.

>>987625
Think of mom's spaghetti, and focus.

Remember your training.

Find your center.

Focus your senses.

Life is an aileron roll and you are ready to spin.

Resist the urge to let our focus drift somewhere else and concentrate on the sim, we can think about Amelia naked when we have some privacy

Remember to not hit the turbo button. That's what got you in this joint in the first place.

Just relax.
Think of your sister's smiling face when you actually show up to her wedding.
Imagine cruising out of here in your ship, wiser and better for the experience.
Imagine Feiss's outraged ranting when you fire his cheap, plastic ass.

Remember mother
Hit the turbo button

Dump your laser battery into Andross' face and save the galaxy

Do a barrel to roll.

>>987625
>you walked in on your sister having sex in the backseat
Do not bring that up at the wedding.

>>987666
Unless that's how you met her fiance. In which case never let either of them live it down.

tippler 2021/02/11(Thu)07:31 No. 987677 ID: eedbeb
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You really don’t want to think about the wedding or your mother right now, so you focus on Pepper’s careful instruction. After an hour of practice, including a heavy traffic scenario, you feel much better about your chances.

Your time must be almost up when Pepper switches you to the dogfighting simulation “for fun.” The guard chuckles while you squeak and completely fail to dodge the enemy lasers. Eventually he lets you go, and you follow the rest of the prisoners back to the residential area.

There’s enough time before lunch for you to attempt the test, but that means going back to your cell, which is where Sal is lurking.

Go on little mousey, become friends with the fish. You may be the one who starts him into the path of rehabilitation, considering he seems to like you.

Sal only kills other fishes. You should be fine.

It would be a good idea to attempt the test while what we've learned is fresh in our mind, and it leaves plenty of time after lunch for us to think about Amelia in private

And don't forget the selfie with the guard first!

Look, they wouldn't have housed you with him if they thought it would be any serious threat. Anything else aside, this place seriously seems to have a well-developed and well-run penal system.
Just speedwalk through the livingroom, to the computer, and get to work.

tippler 2021/02/11(Thu)10:01 No. 987706 ID: eedbeb
File 161306651075.png - (115.58KB , 1000x900 , p71.png )

>Go take the test

You cautiously open the cell door, unlocked by guard request, and peer into the living room. Sal isn’t there, and you hurry down the hallway to your bedroom.

tippler 2021/02/11(Thu)10:02 No. 987707 ID: eedbeb
File 161306652067.png - (166.87KB , 1000x900 , p72.png )

You open your door and—

Oh. Hello Sal.

"I'm going to assume you're in my room because you wanted to intercept me about something."

“I was actually going to take my test, is something up Sal?”

Find out that Sal went into your test, and got the answers wrong on purpose in order to make you stay here.

Whaddya want.

>>987707
Sal why are you in my room.