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“We really need to do something about this stock.”

Dot shuffles through some boxes of spices in her path, almost letting out a sneeze as she does. Crooks spins around in his chair to face the former waitress. “Huh?”

“It's impossible to move around here!” Dot points out. “Not to mention that I've had to share a bed with Matt over the last week and a half!”

“Yeah, and it hasn't been easy,” you point out, tinkering away in the corner while sipping your coffee. “Dot moves around in her sleep... kicks too. I have bruises!”

“Says the mumble-sleeper,” Dot points out. “It's bad enough you all have all those idol posters over the walls, do you really need to narrate your dream fantasies while sleeping?”

You don't do that! Well... you think you don't.

“It's just sharing a bed,” Crooks points out. “I know I'm supposed to be the dad around here, but you're both adults. Stop whining.”

Dot sighs. “Look, a girl needs her space. And the space I could have is blocked by all these boxes...”

“Yeah, and what if I meet a girl at a port and wanna bring her back on the ship?” you point out. “You can stop me from having a social life, Crooks!”

Crooks groans. “Alright, alright! We're dropping the stock. We're smugglers, not hoarders. Problem is most of these jobs come from clients that'll trace back to Dong if we deliver them. We gotta find a place to sell them independently.”

You stand up and dust yourself off. “So we just find a Han ship that could use an extra supply of spice, problem solved!”

Dot claps her hands together and smiles warmly. She certainly doesn't fit the look of your typical smuggler, though she is the crews doctor. “Perfect! Then we'll have plenty of space for if we bring on any more crewmates-”

“Whoa, whoa!” Crooks springs from his chair. Oh boy, Dot doesn't even realise what button she's pushed. “You're the first crew member the Maribelle has taken on in eighteen years, and now suddenly you expect another to join so quick?”

“Well, it can't just be the three of us, can it?” she asks.

Crooks shakes it head. “It was just me and Matt for a long time and we got along fine. We're a tight knit ship. We don't need to bring on any strangers.”

“So what?” Dot asks. “You have no need for a navigator, or a weapons expert or... or a cook? You two are always stopping of in port to eat because neither of you know how to cook!”

“I don't just trust anyone who wants to hop onboard!” Crooks yells. “You're lucky I trusted you so much! Come on, Matty! Tell her!”

>We don't need anyone else. I'm fine with the way things are.
>Why don't you be the cook, Dot?
>Actually, she has a point. Some extra hands on board wouldn't hurt.

>>2380776
>>Actually, she has a point. Some extra hands on board wouldn't hurt.

>>2380776
>>Why don't you be the cook, Dot?
All in one crew member!

>>2380776
>We don't need anyone else. I'm fine with the way things are..... We could use someone who can cook though

>>2380776
>Why don't you be the cook, Dot?

>>2380776
>We don't need anyone else. I'm fine with the way things are.
Is Dong's top enforce named Lu?

>>2380776
>Actually, she has a point. Some extra hands on board wouldn't hurt.

>>2380793
Probably saves Matt and Crooks from each others cooking. I bet they can barely make bell peppers and beef without the beef.

>>2380792
Don't pursue Lu Bot

>>2380776
>Actually, she has a point. Some extra hands on board wouldn't hurt.
Gonna need to expand the ship, or a new one.

Calling for
>Actually, she has a point. Some extra hands on board wouldn't hurt.

Writing now.

>>2380819
I can't believe Matt would betray ol' Crooks like this

>>2380838
Need to start getting a little bit more self sufficient now that we can’t work for the biggest crimelord in the galaxy.

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>Actually, she has a point. Some extra hands on board wouldn't hurt.

Crooks takes a step back and raises an eyebrow. "Matt, not you too! We've been a duo for almost two decades now!"

You shrug. "Yeah, but now we've got the galaxy's biggest crime boss out for our blood. I'm just thinking that having more crew members on board could be a real help with our current situation..."

"Out of the question," Crooks explains. "Maribelle's an exclusive lady. I'm not taking on anyone I don't trust."

"You don't trust anyone," you point out.

"And you think that's not for good reason?"

Ultimately, Crooks is outvoted, no matter how much he wants to protest it.

At the very least, he takes the advice to stop by a nearby Han ship in order to sell of the spice.

"The Lone Star..." you remark, as you cross the side of the ship he picked out. "Never heard of it."

"One of those small ships of weirdos," Crooks points out. "We don't need to stay long."

You dock in at The Lone Star's port as the three of you carry the large amount of wares off of Maribelle.

"Why would anyone need this much spice?" Dot asks.

The three of you wheel the stock into the ships main area, which... is quite the sight to see. Small makeshift buildings forged from wood, most of the inhabitants walking around in cowhide boots and ridiculous hats... and plenty of cattle roaming around. "What is this?"

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"From what I gather they were a livestock ship originally attached to the Camelot fleet," Crooks explains. "They decided to break off as an independent to sell meats and other delicacies in open space. Started modelling themselves after those old ranches from Earthen days. You'll find weirdos like this on the outskirts."

"Whoa, easy there pard'ner!" one man states as you enter, whipping out a shotgun. "What seems to be your business here?"

"Can you just whip out a gun like that?" Dot asks. "Who's in charge here?"

"You're looking at 'im," the man explains. "Name's Mayor Lonestar. My family's owned this ship for generations. Now, we've had some trouble with space pirates lately, so anyone coming in and out needs to be run by the Sheriff."

Dot rubs her forehead. "The Sheriff? This is rich."

"Ah, here he comes now!" Mayor Lonestar smiles, as a man sporting a wide-brimmed hat, some sunglasses, and more belt buckles than is reasonably necessary. A sword hangs in its hilt by his side as he saunters up towards your group.

"Well, what do we have here..." the Sheriff smirks, before locking eyes with your captain and pausing. "Crooks?"

"... Alex?" Crooks mutters. "Damn, am I going senile, or is that really you?"

"It is!" Alex smiles. "Crooks, you old dog! I thought you died a few years back!"

Crooks scoffs. "Everyone wants to spread that rumour about me. I'm more tenacious than you think!"

"You know this guy?" you ask, raising an eyebrow.

Crooks chuckles. "Sure thing! This is one of my old pals from the day! Alex Tallahassee!"

"And who are these two?" Alex asks, pointing at you and Dot. "Last I heard, you was looking to work alone."

>We're his crew. I'm the mechanic, and she's the doc.
>We're his kids. Daddy Crooks was taking us out on a trip.
>I'm his son, Matthew. This is my newlywed wife, Dot. We're a big happy family.

>>2380887
>We're his crew. I'm the mechanic, and she's the doc.

>>2380887
>>I'm his son, Matthew. This is my newlywed wife, Dot. We're a big happy family

>>2380887
>We're his crew. I'm the mechanic, and she's the doc
I don't really see much of a reason to lie here. Much as I do love the kids angle.

>>2380887
>I'm his son, Matthew. This is my newlywed wife, Dot. We're a big happy family.
This is too good not to pick

>>2380887
>We're his kids. Daddy Crooks was taking us out on a trip

>>2380887
>We're his kids. Daddy Crooks was taking us out on a trip.

Calling for
>We're his kids. Daddy Crooks was taking us out on a trip.

Writing now.

>>2380931
Wew they're tied I think

>>2380931
Eh?

>>2380935
Yeah you're right, my mistake. I misread a vote and thought that last one was a tie-breaker.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>2380893
>>2380896
>We're his crew. I'm the mechanic, and she's the doc

>>2380895
>>2380897
>I'm his son, Matthew. This is my newlywed wife, Dot. We're a big happy family.

>>2380904
>>2380927
>We're his kids. Daddy Crooks was taking us out on a trip.

Okay, rolling to break the tie.

>>2380942
Boring dice

>>2380944
Better than Daddy though

>>2380944
As funny as it could have been to do some Tales of Zestiria shit don’t think we need to lie to one of Crook’s old pals, should still keep that story ready just in case.

>>2380960
Oh absolutely. Save that one in a place that looks more Mos Eisley, less Dodge City.

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>We're his crew. I'm the mechanic, and she's the doc

"Crew?" Alex ponders for a moment. "I had no idea you were travelling with a crew, Crooks."

"Matt joined me a year after we split off," Crooks explains. "And Dot here is way more recent."

"Knowing you, they must drive you up the wall," Alex laughs. "I used to drive you nuts back in the day just by playing the harmonica. Can't imagine you've gotten less grouchy in middle-age."

"You know it!" Crooks laughs. "So, what are you doing as the Sheriff on a ship in the outskirts like this?"

"Long story," Alex explains. "Come on. We'll get a drink at the saloon, and we'll talk all about it!"

"Wait, so... they're clear?" the Mayor asks.

Alex laughs. "Mister, Crooks is one of the finest gentlemen you could ever meet and one of the greatest friends I've ever had. This crew means you no harm."

"You two," Crooks points at you and Dot. "Pawn off that spice to some of the vendors here. Me and an old friend need to grab a drink. It's been what, nineteen years?"

"Haha!" Alex cheers as he throws his arm around Crooks. "You still flying Maribelle?"

The two laugh and sing as the march towards the saloon, leaving you and Dot to do the actual work.

"Wheeling this thing is tough..." Dot remarks. "Crooks is the strongest of us... what allows him to run off with some old drinking buddy? Who was he, anyway?"

You shrug. "I've never heard of him."

Dot pauses. "How? You've been around Crooks for eighteen years. He never even mentioned his old best friend? Sounds like they even used to fly together."

"Crooks doesn't talk much about his past," you explain. "Haven't you noticed that?"

Dot sighs, wiping some sweat from her brow. Now that you mention it, it sure is warm in here. The must keep the ship's heating high to match the old world theme. You feel like you're walking through a desert from right out of a history book. "Crooks... he's full of secrets, that one."

"And you aren't?"

Dot raises an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

>Nothing. Never mind.
>I'm surrounded by closed books. Try not to throw stones in a glass ship.
>You're part of the crew, now. I should know more about you, Dot.

>>2380998
>I'm surrounded by closed books. Try not to throw stones in a glass ship

>>2380998
>You're part of the crew, now. I should know more about you, Dot.

>>2380998
>You're part of the crew, now. I should know more about you, Dot.
>...
>Nothing. Never mind.

I expect us to be stonewalled regardless.

But maybe I will be wrong.

>>2380998
>I'm surrounded by closed books. Try not to throw stones in a glass ship.


PEOPLE ARE MYSTERIOUS

>>2380998
>>You're part of the crew, now. I should know more about you, Dot.

Calling for
>You're part of the crew, now. I should know more about you, Dot.

Writing now.

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>You're part of the crew, now. I should know more about you, Dot.

"You really do?" Dot asks.

"Yeah," you reply. "Before you joined the crew, you were a real mystery. I mean, you were just some waitress on Agora, yet you had a biochip. You're young, but you said you'd seen enough of the stars already. What's your deal?"

Dot giggles. "My deal? My deal is long and complicated... I wouldn't know where to start. And there's plenty I don't think I'm ready to share with you just yet."

You nod. "Okay... let's start off with the obvious. Where'd you get that Biochip?"

"From my dad," Dot answers simply.

"Oh..." you pause. "Didn't think it would be that easy. And your dad was?"

"Pass!" Dot exclaims with a grin on face.

You raise an eyebrow. "Pass?"

"Yeah, I pass on that question."

"You can't pass on a question!" you exclaim.

"Sure I can," Dot sticks her tongue out. "My information, my game, my rules."

You sigh. "When did this become a game? Okay... where did you come from original-"

"Pass."

"You're kidding right?" you glare, unamused. "Okay... why did you decide to stay with me and Crooks?"

"Because... I wanted to help you two," Dot replies with a smile. The kind of innocent graceful smile that makes you imagine flower petals framing her face. Of course, you could do that. You just don't want to.

You stare at Dot as she beams with her lovely, calming smile. Your reply is succint. "Good one. What's the real reason."

"Oh?" Dot tilts her head, confused. "That is the real reason."

You shake your head. "Nope. Nobody just wants to help out, without anything to gain."

"Matt, don't tell me you're such a cynic," Dot explains. "I happen to believe that this universe is inherently good, and deep down everyone just wants to help their fellow man. Don't you?"

>Not really, but I admire your optimism.
>No way. I don't think there's been a single selfless act in the history of mankind.
>I think there's good people out there, for sure. But I've seen too much bad to think it's the norm.
>Well, you've been out there, haven't you? Did you see the good in humanity?

>>2381090
>>I think there's good people out there, for sure. But I've seen too much bad to think it's the norm.
There are good people, but by and large they are suckers and idiots.

>>2381090
>Not really, but I admire your optimism.

>>2381090
>I think there's good people out there, for sure. But I've seen too much bad to think it's the norm

>>2381090
>I think there's good people out there, for sure. But I've seen too much bad to think it's the norm
This feels appropriate.

I try to share Dot's optimism though.

Calling for
>I think there's good people out there, for sure. But I've seen too much bad to think it's the norm

Writing now.

>>2381090
>I think there's good people out there, for sure. But I've seen too much bad to think it's the norm.
I think a smuggler who knows how to shoot would say this.

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>I think there's good people out there, for sure. But I've seen too much bad to think it's the norm

Dot looks at you with an expression of sympathy. "You really believe that?" she mutters, as she reaches out and places a hand on your cheek. "That's so sad. I can't imagine what you've seen to make you think it's the norm to be a bad person."

You swat Dot's hand away from your cheek. What's she doing getting all touchy feely? "I don't need you pitying me, you know."

"Not pity," Dot shakes her head with that serene smile. "I just care."

You and Dot manage to pawn off the spice supplies to a local culinary vendor,,, though not quite at the price you hoped. Seems the whole ship isn't in a great financial situation, and she was only able to offer so much. Still, it's better than just throwing the spice away.

You and Dot lay back and rest in the hot ship. Lugging those crates of spice around in this heat is a real nightmare.

"So hot..." a sweaty Dot mumbles, fanning herself off as you try not to be caught staring at her figure.

"Think about me," you remark. "You've got a skirt and a small top. I'm boiling in this sweater... do they have water on this thing?"

"That black thing over there..." Dot points to a strange dark black handle embedded in the ground. "I saw kids drawing water from it earlier. I think it's some kind of pump."

"What?" you groan. "I have to work for the water, too?"

You pick yourself up and make your way over to the pump. You pull the handle up and push down on it... nothing. You pull and push the handle again a few more times. Still, nothing comes out. Huh... are you using it wrong?

"Yeah, we've been having a problem with that lately," the mayor states as he approaches you. "Seems we've got some kind of leakage that is affecting the water pumps. Same with our fuel reserves. We've been tight on money recently, having to replace it all. Honestly, it's the worst thing we could be dealing with during all these bandit attacks..."

>Bandits? You've been having trouble with Pirates, huh? You need any help with that?
>Leakage? I'm a mechanic, I can check to see if you're having any issues.
>Ugh, where's Crooks? The sooner we get off this tin can, the better.

>>2381142
>Leakage? I'm a mechanic, I can check to see if you're having any issues.

>>2381142
>Ugh, where's Crooks? The sooner we get off this tin can, the better

>>2381142
>>Leakage? I'm a mechanic, I can check to see if you're having any issues.
Not because we're good, but because they could be a valuable home base

>>2381142
>Leakage? I'm a mechanic, I can check to see if you're having any issues.
Mechanic urge to tinker...rising

Also my suspicions on this heat are growing...

Calling for
>Leakage? I'm a mechanic, I can check to see if you're having any issues.

Writing now.

>>2381142
>Leakage? I'm a mechanic, I can check to see if you're having any issues.
This is the part of the computer RPG where you get to use your background skill to bypass a puzzle.

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>Leakage? I'm a mechanic, I can check to see if you're having any issues.

"Oh, what's this?" Dot asks. "Could this be a selfless act?"

You laugh and shake your head. "I hate to break it to you, but if I can sort out their water issue, it means they can spare more credits to trade with us in the future. Nothing selfless about it."

Dot pouts as the mayor tips his hat. "Welp, if you think you can help out, the water plant is across town. Y'can go take a look at it, if it pleases."

The Mayor moves on as you throw your hands in your pocket. "You coming?"

Dot picks herself up and dusts her skirt off, but she still seems plenty annoyed with you. "You didn't have to be so blunt with your selfish intentions," she points out. "Who are you trying to impress?"

"I'm just being honest," you explain. "I'm an honest guy."

"Yeah well you also go days without sleep and drink enough coffee to kill a normal man," she adds. "Not everything you do should be the standard. How do you even drink so much without buzzing with energy."

"This is me when I'm buzzing," you shrug. "Without coffee, I don't have the energy to do anything but sleep. Crooks thinks it has something to do with how malnourished and sick I was when he found me as a kid. Screwed up my body growing up."

"Oh..." Dot ponders, placing a finger to her chin. "That might also explain why you're so short."

Your eye twitches. "I'm gonna ignore that last part. Come on."

The two of you arrive at the ships water plant, a massive tanker that's definitely not as filled as it should be. It only takes a quick look to realise that something's off. "Yeah, the water's leaving this thing at an alarming rate."

"So it's a leak?" Dot asks.

You shake your head. "I'm not sure, but I don't think it's a simple leak. It'll take a closer look, though."

"Then get to it," Dot states. "The faster you fix this, the more water you can save."

Alright, time to get working.

>[ROLL 3D20, Best of 3]

>>2381189
Alright boiz

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2381189
Here we go...

Rolled 16, 4, 17 = 37 (3d20)

>>2381189

>>2381189
>3D20

Dangit, that should be 1D20, best of 3.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2381202
Booker pls.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2381202

>>2381198
>>2381204
>>2381208
So not terrible. But not an overwhelming success.

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>Rolled 11 (MODERATE SUCCESS)

You tinker around the water tank, investigating every nook and cranny of the massive tankard before taking a step back, placing your finger to your chin.

"So, did you figure out what's wrong?" Dot asks.

"Well... it's not a leak," you conclude. "That's all I can say for certain."

"Then what is it?" Dot asks.

You shrug. "I don't know... but it seems that the situation is closer to siphoning than a leak."

Dot clacks her feet together. "You mean, someone's stealing the water? You think it's the same for the fuel supply?"

"Seems that way," you remark. "Considering the issues they've had with pirates, it's likely they're being tailed by some ship."

"Leeching off of this good hardworking people?" Dot asks.

You nod. "That's the way of the galaxy, Dot. It's full of selfish people."

Dot pouts. "You keep believing that."

You smirk. "Yes, and the evidence will keep backing me up. I'd like you to find a single selfless act today."

As the two of you exit the water plant, you hear the sounds of gunfire in the air. You run in the direction of the fire to see a bearded pirate with a machine gun firing into the air.

"Everyone stay back!" he exclaims. "I'm here to take your livestock. Stand back, and don't be a hero! If you try it, you'll get a bullet between the eyes!"

Dot mutters. "We should help. We can stop this raid if we wanted."

>Right. I'm going to use my plants to whip the gun from his hand.
>Sure thing. Use your shield to get up close and we can take him down.
>Where's the sheriff? He can help us out!

>>2381231
>Sure thing. Use your shield to get up close and we can take him down

>>2381231
>Sure thing. Use your shield to get up close and we can take him down.

>>2381231
>Sure thing. Use your shield to get up close and we can take him down
You have no idea how much I want to use plant whip here...buuut it might be easier going direct right now.

>>2381231
>>Sure thing. Use your shield to get up close and we can take him down.

Calling for
>Sure thing. Use your shield to get up close and we can take him down.

ROLL 1D20, BEST OF 3

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>2381257

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2381257
Go wall!

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>2381257

>>2381258
>>2381260
>>2381265
No good deed goes unpunished when you're a smuggler

>>2381258
>>2381260
>>2381265
Well thats a bit dissapointing. Dice why you hurt us?

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>Rolled 9 (MODERATE FAILURE)

You stand behind Dot as she readies up her shield, and the two of you begin to press on towards the attacking pirate. He spots you both immediately and begins to open fire, but the bullets simply bounce off of Dot's raised shields as she, and you, get closer to the bandit. Once you reach the position, Dot leaps forward to drive her field into the pirate and push him back... but the bandit manages to leap back, keeping the distance to avoid being blasted back by Dot's forcefield.

"Ah, I missed..." Dot mutters. "And I can't keep the shields up..."

"He'll fire on us the second we do!" you exclaim. "Crap, I need to get my plants ready. If I can be faster on the draw..."

As the pirate stares at the pair of you, he smirks. You know how tense this situation is. He's over ten feet back, his bullet are going to travel faster than your vines. You're screwed... the second Dot drops those shields you'll be riddled with holes.

"Any last words, kid?" The pirate asks.

You're about to speak, when you hear another voice call out. "Oh, I don't think you have to worry about his last words!"

The pirate turns his head, and within a second his machine gun is chopped to pieces. Alex Tallahassee stands before him, flicking his hair back before kicking the pirate to the ground and flicking his sword.

"H-how did you...?" the pirate remarks.

"So..." Dot mutters as she lowers her shields. "He has a biochip too..."

Name: Alex Tallahassee
Biochip Class: SWITCHBLADE

Alex's Biochip allows him to scan and pinpoint the weak-points in an enemy as well as the structural weaknesses in items, in order to attack with his blade.

POWER: C
SPEED: B
DURABILITY: C
PRECISION: A
RANGE: C
POTENTIAL: D


"Ha! I shouldn't have expected anything less from my old partner!" Crooks exclaims as he pats Alex on the back.

Alex chuckles as he turns to the pirate with his blade. "As for you... this has been your first encounter with Sheriff Tallahassee. We're a merciful ship, so you can go. But if you ever cross paths with me again... it'll be your last."

"R-right..." the nervous and frightened pirate mutters, as he moves to get off his feet.

>Wait! You should take him in and question him. He might know something about the current water situation.
>Thanks, Tallahassee. You really saved my hide there.
>Gotta admit, Dot... I feel like we just got shown up.

>>2381304
>Gotta admit, Dot... I feel like we just got shown up.

>>2381304
Wait! You should take him in and question him. He might know something about the current water situation.
>Thanks, Tallahassee. You really saved my hide there.
>Gotta admit, Dot... I feel like we just got shown up.
All three are fitting and important. So say em all.

>>2381304
>Wait! You should take him in and question him. He might know something about the current water situation.
>Gotta admit, Dot... I feel like we just got shown up.

The galaxy is full of people cooler than us.

>>2381304
>>Wait! You should take him in and question him. He might know something about the current water situation.

>>2381304
>>Wait! You should take him in and question him. He might know something about the current water situation.

Calling for
>Wait! You should take him in and question him. He might know something about the current water situation.

Writing now.

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>Wait! You should take him in and question him. He might know something about the current water situation.

"The water situation?" The sheriff ponders. "You mean the leakage?"

"No," you reply. "Something tells me the pirates who have been raiding have been siphoning off your water and fuel."

"Huh..." Alex mutters. "Well, in that case..."

Alex chops the neck of the pirate with his open hand, rendering him unconscious. "This ship is pretty peaceful, we don't really have a jail. So for now, we'll tie him to a post and wait for him to regain consciousness."

After taking care of the pirate, the sheriff turns to the three of you with a laugh. "I give that old speech to every bandit that comes this way. It's kinda embarrassing seeing outsiders hear it..."

"I thought it was very heroic," Dot replies, smiling.

Crooks chuckles. "Heh, you sure have changed a lot in the last couple decades, Tallahassee. Before this bandit attacked, you were telling me how you got here."

Alex smiles, as he begins to explain to you and Dot as you all sit down outside the tavern. "Six months ago, I stopped in at this little ship to do some trading and grab a quick drink. Next thing I know, the ship was being hit by a pirate attack. These folk are just lifestock herders, they weren't equipped for something like this... so I found myself stepping up to defend them. It wasn't something I was used to, me and Crooks have always been pretty self-serving."

"Tell me about it..." you remark.

"But helping those people... I don't know, it triggered something in me. I knew there were good folk," he continues. "And it inspired me to keep helping them. And here I am, half a year later, and I'm the defacto sheriff of the Lone Star. Never thought this'd be were my life ends up, but... I'm happy."

Dot pokes you in the arm. "You see that? Sounds like a completely selfless action to me!"

Crooks looks over to you and raises his eyebrow. "Matt, it looks like you've got a question to ask. What is it?"

>Okay, seriously... what are you really gaining from this?
>Would... you like to join us on the Maribelle? You seem like a good fit for our crew.

>>2381403
>Okay, seriously... what are you really gaining from this?

>>2381403
>Okay, seriously... what are you really gaining from this?

>>2381403
>>Okay, seriously... what are you really gaining from this?

Calling for

>Okay, seriously... what are you really gaining from this?

Writing now.

>>2381403
He's more important looking after our new main trading post than on the ship

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>Okay, seriously... what are you really gaining from this?

Dot pinches you in the arm, annoyed. "Matt! Stop being so weird... it's one thing to be cynical, but to be rude just to prove me wrong?"

"What's gotten into your pants, Matt?" Crooks asks. "Usually I'm the distrusting one. Al here is one of my oldest friends!"

"Yes," you reply. "And you're exactly the kind of guy I wouldn't trust if you were a stranger."

Crooks pauses. "Good point... what's with the sudden change of heart, Al? I figured you'd be smuggler for life?"

Alex shrugs. "I don't know... I thought I would be too. But I spent so many years without a crew, drifting alone by myself. That kind of loneliness can kill you. I'm sure you realised that, Crooks. Even you have a crew... I was set to come back to you, track you down and try to join up again... but then I got the false rumour that you were killed in a trade deal gone wrong. I came here to drown my sorrows and mourn my best friend, but... here I found people who appreciated me. Looked up to me. I found people who welcomed me in, and made me feel at home. So I guess... a family is what I gained from all this."

"Wow... how selfish," Dot mutters sarcastically, staring at you. "You can be real insensitive sometimes, Matt."

"Excuse me for being cautious," you reply. "Anyway, unless you were set to give that pirate brain damage, he won't be out for long. Let's go question him about the possible siphoning problem."

You arrive at the post that the bandit is tied to, as Alex kicks his boot to try and wake him. No reaction.

Crooks hunkers down in front of the bandit and waves his hand in front of his face. "Yoohoo! Wakey wakey! I... huh, looking at him up close... is he wearing make-up?"

You hunker down and inspect the pirate. "Huh... he is..."

Dot pulls a tissue wipe from her brassiere and hands it to you. You take it and wipe the pirate's face. Huh... he looks like a totally different person under all of that. Why was he wearing such heavy make-up? Why would he want to hide his identity?

>Alex, do you recognise this guy at all?
>Get the mayor, we'll see if he can place this guy.

>>2381522
>>Get the mayor, we'll see if he can place this guy.

>>2381522
>Get the mayor, we'll see if he can place this guy.
Ex-citizen gone rogue for revenge maybe?

>>2381522
>Alex, do you recognise this guy at all?
>Get the mayor, we'll see if he can place this guy.
Alex has been here for a while, so he may know this guy if he is a local. If not him, maybe the mayor has an idea if it was before his time.

>>2381528
Between you and me, I hope that its just that. I have a bit of a bad feeling about this...

>>2381522
>Get the mayor, we'll see if he can place this guy.

>Wears make up
>Alex is the one who okay's people through
>Alex okay's the pirates through for recon then they disguise themselves to hide their identity from the guards that stopped them originally
That's pretty fucking clever.

Calling for
>Get the mayor, we'll see if he can place this guy.

Writing now.

File: Alex04.jpg (226 KB, 850x991)

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>Get the mayor, we'll see if he can place this guy.

Dot runs off and fetches the mayor, who returns to the scene. You reveal the pirate to him, as Mayor Lonestar gives a gasp. "Wait a minute..." the mayor mutters. "This same bandit attacked us last week! Sheriff, tell me I'm not just seeing things!"

Alex pauses. "Huh... now that you mention it... the pirate's faces tend to blur together, but this guy is certainly familiar!"

"Ah, I see..." Dot snaps her finger. "You give that speech to every bandit, right? About how you're sheriff Tallahassee, if they meet you again you'll strike them down, and so on... he must have disguised himself to make you think this was just the first time again so you'd let him go if he failed the raid again."

"And he didn't bring any extra back-up," you remark. "What an idiot..."

Crooks pauses. "Are the pirate raids always this easy to deal with?"

Alex laughs. "None of them expect to come across a Biochip wielder. It's all a piece of cake."

But this one did... hmm, something here isn't right.

Alex shrugs. "Oh well, since this is the second time we've crossed paths, pirate, I think I'll make good on my offer!"

The pirate panics and kicks his feet while tied up. "No! Please! I'll do anything! Don't kill me!"

"Oh yeah?" Alex smirks. "Then tell us about our water and fuel. You know anything about that?"

"I've been siphoning them!" the pirate yells. "I've been siphoning them from my ship! But I got greedy and thought I could claim the livestock too! Please, I'll stop now! I'll go and leave you all alone, Al! Please!"

Alex holds his sword high... before placing it by his side. "Okay then. We'll detain you here for the time being then let you go. I'm not in the mood to be a killer today."

"Thank you, Sheriff!" the bandit yells. "Thank you!"

Alex turns around and pats the mayor on the back. "Thanks to these three, we've come to the bottom of our troubles. We should thank them with a feas-"

Alex's talk is interrupted by Crooks grabbing his arm. "Crooks? Buddy?"

Crooks stares straight ahead, not making eye-contact with the sheriff. His face is stern, and angry.

So... he heard it too.

"He called you Al," Crooks mutters.

"So?" he points out. "That is my name."

"You introduced yourself as Sheriff Tallahassee. Nobody here used your first name around the bandit... how did he know you were named Alex?"

Alex pauses, before chuckling nervously. "He probably heard it the last time he was here."

"You give that speech every single time," Dot points out. "You said it yourself."

Mayor Lonestar pauses, staring at Alex. "Sheriff... is there something you want to tell me?"

Alex rests his head in his hands, before letting out a low, menacing chuckle. "Oh, Crooks... I never could slip past you. And that boy of yours is pretty smart too. You raised him well. Well... it's been a good six months, but the game is up."

File: Alex02.png (772 KB, 640x800)

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"I don't understand..." Dot mutters. "Alex... you were behind all of this?"

"Sure was," Alex smirks. "Smuggler for life. The last six months I've been doing contract work with my crew for Kingpin Dong. Lone Star may be independent, but it's one of the top meat vendors for both Athens and Shinto, but always refused any buy-outs from the Kingpin. He wanted them to become a non-factor... but simply going in, and ransacking the place of their livestock would cause too many waves in those fleets and make a lot of people angry. So, in came my subtle plan, to bleed the fleet dry so that their prices will skyrocket, causing the main fleets to stop doing business with them. As an added bonus, my crew could keep the fuel and water for ourselves. A reward for our ingenuity."

"You..." the mayor mutters. "But how? You were our loyal sheriff for months before we started losing resources!"

"I posed as your sheriff," Alex explains. "While my men would hold mock raids where I would save the day. Week after week. Then, by the time I was trusted enough as the sole man to screen newcomers, I started to allow members of my crew to come in and siphon of the resources, then I'd let them go. All the while holding mock raids and keeping up the act. Oh Crooks, it's brilliant! You must be so proud!"

Crooks grimaces with anger and pain in his face. "Alex... why? I... I thought you had changed."

"Pft, you're the one who's changed," Alex replies. "You've gotten soft. A scam like this would have been right up your alley back in the day, but now you want to take a moral high-ground. You know as well as I do what it takes to survive in this galaxy. I'm just looking out for number one."

"Get the hell out of here..." Crooks spits. "Leave and don't come back. Your game is up."

"What makes you think I won't keep stealing from this place?" Alex smirks.

Crooks stares at him. "Your game is up. The only way you can avoid leaving is by fighting. Even if Dong hadn't forbid you from ransacking the place I know you wouldn't do that either. You're a rat, Alex. Not a killer. The fact that you worked for Dong and didn't once thing of taking the bounty on Matt's head tells me that. It's a much more worthwhile endeavour than siphoning fuel and water for six months but you didn't consider it."

"You know me too well..." Alex tips his hat. "It was good seeing you again, Crooks. Too bad we've changed so much, old friend."

Alex turns around to leave, heading towards the docking bay as Crooks clenches his fist in frustration.

>At least this means the end of their resource problem. You saved the day, Crooks.
>Hey, you're just going to let him leave? He should be brought to justice!
>If we ever meet that guy again... I'm shooting him.

>>2381693
>We need to stop him before he tips Dong off to us

>>2381693
>At least this means the end of their resource problem. You saved the day, Crooks.
I'm so annoyed paranoia was right, damn you space sheriff.

>>2381693
>>At least this means the end of their resource problem. You saved the day, Crooks.
Matt 1 Dot 0
Also just how much of a Manlet is Matt?

Calling for

>At least this means the end of their resource problem. You saved the day, Crooks.

Writing now.

>>2381710
>how much of a Manlet is Matt?

He's only a little over five feet.

>>2381732
>He's only a little over five feet.
When will he learn?

>>2381732
I think Booker just has a fetish for short dudes

>>2381704
I am sad too, but I don't expect it to change Dot's mind. Girl is steadfast and stubborn. Just like the rest of Maribelle's crew.

I am just relieved it wasn't even more nefarious like the Mayor doing it or something.

File: Dot02.jpg (158 KB, 850x1190)

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>At least this means the end of their resource problem. You saved the day, Crooks.

Crooks doesn't speak in response.

"Hey... hey Crooks?" you mutter. "You did good... okay?"

Crooks continues to look straight ahead. "This is why I don't trust people," he mutters, before placing his hands in his pockets and making his way back to the ship.

The Mayor insists on thanking you for the help by giving you a few steak fillets. Not much else they can afford to give in their current situation.

When you arrive back in the ship, Dot plops herself down in a chair in the main hold and lets out a sigh.

"This must be crushing for you," you state. You're not trying to pile it on, but rather be sympathetic. "Your big selfless deed turned out to be a scam."

"I'm fine," Dot replies bluntly. "Matt, one bad experience today isn't going to change my mind. I still have faith in the ultimate good of humanity... even if we didn't see it today."

"Right..." you mutter. "Well... in that case, here's something for you. Since you've got your own room now and all, I figured you could use it as decoration."

You hand Dot a potted flower, one of many that you've had lying around the ship since discovering your biochip. You've been grooming and tending to them, even going so far as getting a book on the subject of herbology.

"Oh, I like it!" Dot smiles. "Nice and purple."

"Those are Irises," you explain. "According to a book a read, they're supposed to symbolise hope."

"I didn't know flowers meant anything," Dot ponders.

You chuckle. "Well, that one means something. It means hope... I figured that'd be the one you'd like."

Dot looks up at you, a smile brimming on her face. "Matt... thanks. Now I have seen human kindness today."

File: Crooks08.jpg (141 KB, 700x800)

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Crooks refused to speak the rest of the day. He stayed in his room for most of it. You and Dot decided to surprise him by cooking up those steaks you were given. It was upon taking the first bite that you finally got a word out of your captain.

"This is awful!" Crooks exclaims. "You two made this?"

"Yes..." Dot sighs. "It turns out I can't cook, either. I always figured I could..."

Crooks give a low chuckle. "You know... this steak makes me think..."

"What?"

"That we could use more people on board," Crooks smiles. "Starting with a cook. We really need people with specialities if we're gonna survive out here."

You wonder what it was about today that changed his mind? Did Alex show him the folly in being selective with his trust? Did he realise he's a bad judge of character? Or... did they encounter leave him to cynical to care if he's betrayed again.

Either way... there's a smile on his face. It looks like a load has been taken off his back.

"Another crew member?" Dot excitedly squeals. "Oh, it should be another woman! This is such a boy's ship! Oh, or maybe we should get a droid! Or maybe..."

You don't know why you're smiling. You never cared to have others join the crew before. Maybe Dot has shown you it's not all that bad. The three of you right now... it feels nice. Cozy... like a family.

You never realised that's what you wanted until now. Funny, that.

END OF CHAPTER 2

>>2381832
Thanks for running.

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRcPA7Fzebw

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Kingdoms%20in%20the%20Stars

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/BookerMan

Thanks for playing! Next thread will be coming around Thursday! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Player Question
The search for more crew members has begun! What do you want/expect from potential future crewmates of the Maribelle?

>>2381840
Never mind, dropped and I hope you die of ass cancer.

>>2381840
Thanks for running

>>2381845
Well, that was a 180 anon.

>>2381840
Thanks for running book!
>PQ
Has anyone said AI yet? Nah I'm joshing ya, honestly I'm down for anything, maybe not another waifuable character just yet cause I don't want to open this can for worms just yet.

>>2381840
Great session Book Alex was a sleezy piece of shit. But his biochip was cool!

>PQ
I am feeling the need for Cook, Navigator, Tech or weapons experts, and a hacker.

As for archtypes. I am all for a grumpy old man(grumpier than Crooks), some sort of narcoleptic person that is hyper-competant in a specific field, a gambler, a big strong quiet guy, and of course I am all for an android/cyborg/droid and an AI.

>>2381840
Thanks for running Booker, I was actually expecting Alex to join us but something tells me this is not the last time we will see him.
Now for the crew think for now I think cook should be easy and useful, can’t really use a weapon expert when you don’t even have weapons or space to carry weapons, also now that we know idols exist in the space we need to get one to be the mascot of the crew.

>>2381840
Thanks for Running Booker

File: Krista13.jpg (671 KB, 850x1188)

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>Extra Scene

"Lone Star, huh?" the mysterious man in the coat mutters, munching on his cigarette. "So, we've got an eye on them."

"Kekeke," one of the other men chuckles. "Looks like that bounty is ours."

The tallest of the bounty hunters shakes his head. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I don't consider a job done until a job is done."

"But with our combined efforts, we're sure to win! Kekeke! I just can't wait to rip and tear! Rip and tear!"

"Calm down," the leader puffs on his smoke. "That kid... the bigger money is in taking him to the Kingpin alive. So how's about we avoid the ripping and tearing for now?"

"You think taking him alive is an option?" the tall one states. "Didn't you hear what happened with Fuji? This kid and his crew aren't going down without a fight. Even if we managed to take him down he'd just keep fighting back till we killed him. Slave kids are feral like that."

"And you should know."

The tall one huffs. "Look, how do you expect to capture him alive?"

"With my secret weapon. Gentlemen..."

The leader opens a compartment to a room within the ship. Inside sits a young woman in a tight shirt and skirt, sitting in a chair. A stunning beauty, no doubt, though there's something about her that simply betrays that beauty. Her wide, swirling eyes or how all of her movements are erratic, or even a mixture of the two. She looks like she's hyped up in a sugar trance. It's no surprise then that the floor of the room is scattered in countless candy wrappers, boxes, and cans for sugary drinks. The young woman herself is still muching away on candy sticks and rings as the men enter.

"Who's this freak?" the tall man asks.

"This," the leader explains. "Is my secret weapon. Say hello to Krista."

"Yep yep!" the excited Krista giggles as she buzzes around the room, searching through a variety of recipes and cookbooks on her shelves. Seems she's a general food enthusiast, with one hell of a sweet tooth.

"Is this a joke? What can she do?"

The leader of the group lets out a chuckle. "Oh... you'll find out."

END OF SCENE

>>2382743
Last scene was too meta for me.

>>2381845
I hope YOU die of cancer you fucking pink ID-having faggot.

>>2382743
"Uh-oh! Looks like some bad peeps have their eyes on our intrepid space family! What's gonna happen? One thing I know for sure is these guys won't go down without a fight, so be sure to tune in for next week's Kingdoms in the Stars, premiering at 7/8 central, only on qst!

>roll credits
>japanese ending theme plays