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“Marco...”

The great Marco Shao, a figurehead of the people. The closest surviving descendant of the last emperor, Shao holds little to no political power, an independent within the Han. Despite this, his renown, influence, and affluence leaves him with a large following of civilians. The man is essentially a fleet unto himself, worshipped by those who long for the days of humanity united under one leader. This man... is your cousin. Still hard to wrap your head around.

“This is quite the surprise,” Marco gives a small laugh, his hand over his heart with a smile as he approaches your crew doctor... and his estranged wife it seems. “And there are those who don't believe in fate. Dot...”

Marco approaches Dot and takes her by the hand. He leans in for a quick peck, though Dot hesitates and turns her head away, his lips meeting her cheek. It's quite the awkward sight.

“I am so god-damn confused right now...” Crooks mutters under his breath.

“Going for the kiss already, they just met...” Krista adds with an intent look, clearly not having listened to the full conversation.

You look to Dot. “So... he's your husband?”

“Now you can see why I was secretive,” Dot giggles nervously, as Marco looks to you and claps his hands together.

“Ah! Of course!” Marco shakes his head. “I was taken off guard I almost forgot. How rude of me for this family reunion! Welcome aboard the Noah, Matthew!”

“I prefer Matt,” you reply. “Nobody calls me Matthew. It's always Matt... or Matt-Matt if you're a sugar freak.”

“Oh! I'm that!” Krista nods. “It checks out!”

Marco pauses then gives a nod. “I see, Matt it is. I feel strange being so informal from the get-go. But... I suppose we are family.”

You let out a low uncertain groan. Family is a strong word. This is your first time meeting the guy.

Marco lets out a laugh at your blatant reaction. “You certainly wear your feelings on your sleeve. Don't worry, it's strange to me as well. For the longest time... I had no idea you were even alive.”

>Well, what do you want with me now?
>And I had no idea we were connected. Guess we're even.
>Yeah, that's great. Hey cousin, can I borrow some money?
>It's... good to see you... cousin.

>>2638467
>>Well, what do you want with me now?

>>2638467
>And I had no idea we were connected. Guess we're even.

I'm glad to see that Krista is still being herself regardless of the situation.

>>2638467
>Well, what do you want with me now?
>And I had no idea we were connected. Guess we're even.

>>2638467
>>And I had no idea we were connected. Guess we're even.

Ha awkward

>>2638467
>Well, what do you want with me now?
inb4 it's bowling.

Calling for
>And I had no idea we were connected. Guess we're even.
>Well, what do you want with me now?

Writing now.

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>And I had no idea we were connected. Guess we're even.
>Well, what do you want with me now?

Marco nods his head. "Don't worry, Matt. It's not my intention to poke and prod at you."

You raise an eyebrow. "The hell are you talking about?"

"You... you don't know?" Marco replies. "I see... Matt, our blood relation is a happy accident. A coincidence of fate. The truth is you've made quite a few waves and turned quite a few heads as of late. You... and that biochip of yours."

"I see... you know about that..."

"It's hard not to have heard of the experimental Biochip stolen by a smuggler," Marco smiles. "Who would have thought that I'd be lead to my cousin and my wife as a result. The hand of fate is a playful one, isn't it?"

"Yeah..." Dot mutters. She's been awfully quiet and hesitant so far. Her reaction is frankly putting you on edge.

"Dammit..." Crooks mutters. "So people know about this thing? It's important enough that the damn would-be emperor is after us? The hell makes some little flowers so important?"

"I'm sorry," Marco states. "We haven't been introduced. You are...?"

"Crooks," he explains. "I'm the boys... well, the boys father. And pilot."

"Matt's father was killed-" Marco begins but Crooks cuts him off.

"Adoptive father you moron," he replies, not flinching in the face of Marco's authority. One of the guards readies himself, but Marco raises his hand, shutting him down.

Marco looks at Crooks. "It's nice to see he was raised by someone strong-willed, I suppose." He then looks to Krista. "And you are?"

"She's our-" you begin.

"-Best friend!" Krista interrupts.

"-Cook," you say, drowned out by Krista's exclamation.

Marco nods. "Well... you certainly are an interesting crew. Matt... make yourself at home. The Noah is yours to explore. I will speak to you later over a warm meal. For now... Dot? Do you mind if we catch up?"

Dot looks to her husband and nods. "Of course. It... really is good to see you."

Dot follows her husband, looking back towards you and the group briefly. You are approached by an older gentleman who is sharply dressed, giving a bow. "My name is Connery, Lord Shao's personal assistant. I will show you around the ship. Anywhere of interest?"

>Any recommendations?
>Somewhere with food. Fighting of a group of bounty hunters sure works up an appetite.
>Anywhere to relax? To sleep? We're pretty exhausted.
>Yeah you can show us back to our ship. We don't plan on staying long.

>>2638541
>>Somewhere with food. Fighting of a group of bounty hunters sure works up an appetite.

Cant wait for Krista to get pissy with these high level super royal level chefs and have food wars

>>2638541
>Anywhere to relax? To sleep? We're pretty exhausted.

If things ever go south, I suggest we flood the Noah to escape

>>2638541
>>Somewhere with food. Fighting of a group of bounty hunters sure works up an appetite.

>>2638541
>>Somewhere with food. Fighting of a group of bounty hunters sure works up an appetite.
Marco seems pretty nice, and why is the crew so stupid by not seeing that a chip that creates plant life is a huge deal in a galaxy where people are desperate for an Earth like planet.

>>2638541
>Somewhere with food. Fighting of a group of bounty hunters sure works up an appetite.
>Anywhere to relax? To sleep? We're pretty exhausted.

Fud and slep are essential to life in space.

>>2638541
>Somewhere with food. Fighting of a group of bounty hunters sure works up an appetite

Calling for
>Somewhere with food. Fighting off a group of bounty hunters sure works up an appetite

Writing now.

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>Somewhere with food. Fighting off a group of bounty hunters sure works up an appetite

You see stars forming in the eyes of Krista. You knew that would excite her. "Food?" she rapidly nods her head eagerly. "Yeah, let's eat!"

Connery nods. "Yes, I suppose that would leave you in a spot of bother. I will ensure that you're well fed. And dressed."

"Huh, wish we had a butler," Crooks mutters.

The three of you follow behind Connery as he leads you down the expansive hallways of the Noah. From what you've read, this was the first and largest ship created on the original trek into the stars from the old earth a thousand years ago. It's like walking through history... but more accurately, it's like walking through a rich district where everyone is fanciful and well-dressed, and you look like... well, a smuggling urchin.

"Here we are," Connery notes as he comes across a large upscale restaurant.

"The hell is a... Venice?" Crooks asks. "What kind of food is that?"

Connery looks to him, confused. "That's... the name of the restaurant, sir."

"Huh..." you mutter. "I guess we're just used to eating from stalls that just have what they serve as the banner."

"Well, how familiar are you with pasta?" Connery asks.

"The hell is that?"

Krista lets out a shocked and offended gasp. "You two don't know about the wonders of pasta? What about spaghetti? Pizza?!"

You shrug, and Krista almost faints in shock. She takes you by the hand. "You have so much to learn Matt-Matt! Allow me to show you heaven!"

You shake your head. "Sorry, this place looks way too expensive. We can't just go ordering the entire menu."

As Krista pouts, Connery bows once more. "Don't worry about finance. I will cover each of your meals. Anything for a member of the Shao family."

>Thanks, but no thanks. I'm a smuggler, not a sponge.
>Thanks... so you're loyal to the Shao's, huh?
>I'm not a Shao. My surname is Millar.

>>2638618
>>I'm not a Shao. My surname is Millar.

>>2638618
>Thanks... so you're loyal to the Shao's, huh?
>I'm not a Shao. My surname is Millar.

>>2638618
>Thanks... so you're loyal to the Shao's, huh?
>I'm not a Shao. My surname is Millar.

Butler for the next crewmember

>>2638618
>Thanks... so you're loyal to the Shao's, huh?
>I'm not a Shao. My surname is Millar.
Need to feed Matt-Matt pizza now.

>>2638618
>Thanks... so you're loyal to the Shao's, huh?
>I'm not a Shao. My surname is Millar.

>>2638618
>>Thanks... so you're loyal to the Shao's, huh?
DONT TURN DOWN FREE ROYAL PIZZA

>>2638618
>Thanks... so you're loyal to the Shao's, huh?
>I'm not a Shao. My surname is Millar

>>2638618
>Thanks... so you're loyal to the Shao's, huh?
When do we acquire our own butler?

>>2638641
So now we get 4-6 updates of Krista spoon feeding Matt-Matt all kinds of different Italian food while she gushes about thr history of the food and how it's made right?

Calling for
>Thanks... so you're loyal to the Shao's, huh?

Writing now.

>>2638664
Best thread ever.

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>Thanks... so you're loyal to the Shao's, huh?

Connery nods. "Yes... I've served the family since my youth. Lord Shao was raised under my watchful eye, showered with love, like he was my own son. I know it must seem silly to see a child as your own-"

"It ain't," Crooks replies. "Believe me."

"Regardless," Connery explains. "I owe my life to Marco's family... to your family. Paying for some food is the very least I could do to repay my debt."

A life debt? You suppose the old man won't choose to share every last detail with you as it is... and your stomach is rumbling. You need to focus on eating.

The restaurant is far more... clean and civilised than anywhere you've eaten before. Is this really what life on a major fleet is like? And you've been floating out in a tin can this entire time, dealing with the worst of the worst? You wonder what life would have been like if you had been given this life. It seems your cousin lives in the height of luxury. You figured being raised in such an environment would have created a stuck-up prick... yet despite his wealth and influence, Marco seems to be perfectly affable. Hell, you're the standoffish prick of the two.

"Say Aaaaaaaah~!" Krista smiles as she shoves a slice of some cheesy and red sauce based food in your face called a pizza.

"I don't like the look of it," you mutter. "It's all... goopy."

"It's a Neapolitan pizza!" Krista explains. "It's an amazing food dating all the way back to the old world! Thousands of years of quality! Now open up!"

Krista shoves the slice in your face, causing you to take a bit. It's hot... but... but...

"Oh... my... god..." you mutter. "This is amazing!"

You burst from your chair in uncharacteristic glee. You just can't help yourself. This pizza... this perfect, wonderful meal, a gift from the culinary gods, the ambrosia of your time... you place your hands firmly on Krista's shoulders. "Krista, you need to make this for us every time from now on! How did I not hear about it before?! This is amazing!"

Krista beams with a smile. "Aye-Aye! You provide the ingredients, I provide the food Matt-Matt! Now for the pasta..."

"Heh, you seem to be enjoying this..." Crooks mutters. "And here I was... this whole time I thought that because of your parents political execution, you'd be in danger here... seems Marco Shao has no interest in whatever grudges the last emperor held. I can't believe I was wrong."

>It's okay, you were looking out for my safety.
>I wish you brought me here sooner. We could have been living like this all along!
>Hey, it's not that bad. I wouldn't trade in Maribelle for the world.

>>2638730
>>It's okay, you were looking out for my safety.
>>Hey, it's not that bad. I wouldn't trade in Maribelle for the world.

>>2638730
>>Hey, it's not that bad. I wouldn't trade in Maribelle for the world.
FLUFF

>>2638730
>>>It's okay, you were looking out for my safety.
>>>Hey, it's not that bad. I wouldn't trade in Maribelle for the world.
Oh you adorable manlet.

>>2638730
>It's okay, you were looking out for my safety.
>Hey, it's not that bad. I wouldn't trade in Maribelle for the world.

>>2638730
>Hey, it's not that bad. I wouldn't trade in Maribelle for the world.

>>2638730
>It's okay, you were looking out for my safety.

>>2638730
>>It's okay, you were looking out for my safety.

Calling for
>It's okay, you were looking out for my safety.
>Hey, it's not that bad. I wouldn't trade in Maribelle for the world.

Writing now.

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>It's okay, you were looking out for my safety.
>Hey, it's not that bad. I wouldn't trade in Maribelle for the world.

"You're damn right you wouldn't!" Crooks exclaims, ruffling your hair. "My girl Maribelle is irreplaceable! She's the love of my life!"

"Who is this Maribelle woman?" Connery asks.

"My ship," Crooks explains.

"I... see..." he mutters.

Krista pulls you aside to shove more classic food into your mouth. As she does, the door to the restaurant swings open and your eye is caught by the young man who enters. A blonde haired and bespectacled man carrying a stack of papers, he catches your attention with his flustered demeanour. As he steps through, he trips over his own shoelaces, falling forwards as several of his papers fall into a customers bowl of soup.

"Ah, cripes..." he mutters, as Connery turns his head. He stands up as he angrily addresses the young man.

"Archibald!" he yells. "You damned clod, boy! How many times do I have to tell you-"

Archibald shakes his head. "I know, I know, sorry! I... I just heard that, you know... the guy is here. With the... Wonder of the World?"

"He is," Connery explains. "And he's trying to have dinner. You're intruding, boy."

Archibald's face lights up as he looks over to your table. He grins wildly as he rushes over and offers a handshake... to Crooks. "It's an honour to meet you Mr. Shao!" he smiles. "I'm Archibald-well, call me Archie. Archie's much cooler, don't you think? You don't? Okay, nevermind! Anyway, I-"

"I'm not Matt," Crooks mutters. "He is."

Archie looks over to you and tilts his head. He looks to Connery and points in your direction. "Him? Isn't he, like... 12?"

"I'm 20!" you exclaim.

"Yeah!" Krista exclaims, patting you on the head. "My Matt-Matt might have innocence and kind heart of a child but-"

"Not helping!" you stop her in her tracks. "Who are you, anyway?"

Archie lets out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "I'm the head researcher aboard the Noah. Well, I'm formerly from Athens, but-"

"And what?" you ask. "You want to research me?"

"Yep!" Archie shoots some finger guns your way. "As soon as people stop staring at us in this place, maybe I could-"

"-Poke me? Prod me? Take a skin sample?" you ask.

"No!" Archie laughs. "Not at all! I want to fight you!"

"... What?"

Archie smiles. "Only way to see your Biochip ability in action working on your natural instincts. You don't have to! But, if you're willing..."

>Sure... I'll fight you.
>No thanks, pal. You're kinda weird.

>>2638839
>>Sure... I'll fight you.
Ha i like this guy

Lets beat him up

>>2638839
>"What's in it for me?"

>>2638839
>>Sure... I'll fight you.
Hello new crewmember.

>>2638839
>Sure... I'll fight you.
Guy sounds like he'll be a laugh.

>>2638839
>>Sure... I'll fight you.

Calling for
>Sure... I'll fight you.

Writing now.

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>Sure... I'll fight you.

"Yeah!" Archie pumps his fist in celebration.

Connery shakes his head. "Master Millar, I suggest you don't waste your time with this... this..."

"Scientific enthusiast?" Archie smiles.

"I was searching for a kinder way to say buffoon," Connery explains. "I now understand my mistake."

Archie smiles. "Come on, it'll be fun! Ooh, Neapolitan!"

Archie takes a small slice from your table and happily takes a bite, earning death glares from Krista in the process. "Come on! I know just where to go!"

With a heavy sigh, you follow Archie to his lab... a rather cluttered yet strangely clean building. He brings you into a small boxed off room withing the lab, behind screen glass doors. Seems to be some kind of testing control room, perfectly sterilised. "So... we'll be fighting here?" you ask.

"Would you rather fighting on the street?" Archie asks. "That's probably more natural to you... uhh, no offence! I don't know if you're a natural street fighter or-"

"None taken," you sigh. Why did you agree to this again? This Archie guy is allegedly a scientist, but he seems more like a total goofball. "So... we just... fight?"

"Of course!" Archie smiles. "You'll have to throw the first strike, though. I've never been in a fight before, so I don't know how to start out."

Right... just who is this weirdo? Well, you agreed to this guy's test, better to start out this... test? Fight? Fight-Test?

>Unleash your vines. It's what he came to see, after all.
>Throw this guy off-guard with a regular punch.

>>2638943
>>Unleash your vines. It's what he came to see, after all.
MATT USE VINEWHIP

>>2638943
>Throw this guy off-guard with a regular punch

>>2638943
>Throw this guy off-guard with a regular punch.
Use our Serious Punch.

>>2638943
>>Unleash your vines. It's what he came to see, after all.
Lets show this nerd what we are made of.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2638949
>>2638954
>Unleash your vines. It's what he came to see, after all.

>>2638951
>>2638953
>Throw this guy off-guard with a regular punch.

Rolling to break the tie.

Calling for
>Unleash your vines. It's what he came to see, after all.

Roll 1d20, Best of 3.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>2639005

>>2639005
Whip his ass.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2639005

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>2639003
AAAA

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2639005
>>2639014
Stupid dice

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2639005

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2639005

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>13 (MODERATE SUCCESS)

You cautiously unleash three long vines from your arm, targeted at Archie who stands in place, throwing up his arm to defend himself. The vines wrap firmly around the arm of the researcher, who winces in pain as you squeeze the vines tight. Not enough to really hurt the guy, but enough to restrict him and keep him uncomfortable.

"Wow, this is awesome!" Archie exclaims. "Your power is unlike anything I've seen before! You're pretty cool, little man!"

"Don't call me little man," you mutter, squeezing harder.

Archie nods. "Well, you showed me yours... now it's time to show you mine."

You stare at Archie in wonder as you suddenly feel your vines begin to twist and form beyond your control. They take the shape of a hilted sword, clutched in the hand of the avid researcher.

"How did you...?" you mutter, as Archie replies with a cheerful grin.

Name: Archie
Biochip Class: LETHAL WEAPON

Archie's Biochip allows him to form and create instant weapons from nearby components in the area.

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

As you try to analyse the power of his Biochip, Archie lunges at you with this vine blade. He's fast, and you suspect the comment about never being in a fight may have been a lie, a way of putting your guard down. He's smarter than he appears at first. You leap aside but suffer a small cut across your right shoulder.

As Archie spins around for his next attack, he's surprised to find a change to his sword. The vines gone, now replaced with small lilies that scatter apart. Archie stares in disbelief, before looking to you with a smile. "You can change the plant even after it's been summoned?"

You nod. "Yeah. It's something I've been working on."

Archie lets out an impressed laugh. "Wow, that's amazing. To be able to create life and change it's properties at will... do you have any idea what this means?"

"Seems the flower power is more useful in a fight than I first thought," you remark.

Archie shakes his head. "No, no! Not in a fight, but for the good of humanity! Think about it... all these years we've searched for a habitable planet, but as a species the most we've achieved is domed bases on otherwise inhospitable celestial bodies. But this... if the powers of this Biochip can be refined... expanded upon... we could be looking at a legitimate terraformer! This could be the future of mankind, and it lies in you!"

>Well, can you take it out? I don't want it.
>It's not that impressive. It's too limited to do anything like that.
>Wow... explains why I'm apparently such a person of interest.

>>2639132
>>It's not that impressive. It's too limited to do anything like that.
What are gonna do plant 1 tree at a time in a whole planet?

>>2639132
>>Wow... explains why I'm apparently such a person of interest.

>>2639132
>Wow... explains why I'm apparently such a person of interest.
Fucking called it back in thread 1.

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>>2639132
>Wow... explains why I'm apparently such a person of interest.

Can Archie turn himself into a sword?

>>2639132
>It's not that impressive. It's too limited to do anything like that.

Calling for
>Wow... explains why I'm apparently such a person of interest.

Writing now.

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>Wow... explains why I'm apparently such a person of interest.

Archie nods. "Indeed... just think if someone from Camelot or Athens got their hands on you. You'd be the galaxies greatest test subject!"

"And that's not the case here?" you ask. "I find it hard to believe that a guy like Marco Shao isn't interested in using this Biochip."

"Of course he is!" Archie exclaims. "But Marco has always thought that uniting humanity is the more important goal for now. He know something like your chip will only cause more fighting and dissension. Marco has always believed that we as a people need to come together as a species once more before we can truly advance to a new home."

"So... you know him personally?" you ask.

Archie laughs. "We're pretty close, I guess. Childhood friends... off and on. Originally from Athens, spent most of my childhood here, went back to Athens for research, returned here... we're old buddies despite that. Heck, I was the first one to ask out his wife before he did!"

"Dot..."

"Matt-Maaaaaaaatt!" Krista groans as she lays across one of Archie's lab tables. "Are you done in there? You haven't done anything in a while!"

You smile and nod. "Yeah, we're finished. Let me guess, you're getting all fidgety waiting around?"

"You know how much I need to move!" Krista explains as she downs a can of sugary cola. It's a total mystery as to why she is so hyped up...

The doors to the lab slide open, and Archie's head spins around to see the man who enters. He gives a smile and a nod to the young blonde in a white buttoned suit that enters. Military, perhaps. "Oh, hey!" Archie exclaims. "This is-"

The man snaps his gloved fingers with a cocky smirk. "Kilroy," he answers on his own. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

He gives a charming wink towards Krista, while you let off a scoff. "Who are you? You're dressed like a general, but I didn't think this independent ship had a military."

"It still has a household guard," Kilroy explains. "And the magnificent Kilroy happens to be the head of said guard. I suppose with the last name Shao it's now my duty to protect you from now on as well. Though I feel a man as rough and tumble as you doesn't require the help... or at least won't admit to it?"

"You think he looks tough?" Archie laughs. "Matt here is pretty short!"

You grumble. You're starting to like this Archie guy, but one more mention of your height and you might go berserk. This Kilroy, though... he reeks of pure ego. He's exactly how you imagined Marco would be.

>My last name isn't Shao. It's Millar. Let me make that clear.
>You don't look so tough yourself. I wouldn't need defended by a pretty boy like you.
>I'm sure you're plenty capable... but I've already got a crew by my side. You can focus on Marco.

>>2639334
>I'm sure you're plenty capable... but I've already got a crew by my side. You can focus on Marco.
Fucking Alpha.

>>2639334
>>My last name isn't Shao. It's Millar. Let me make that clear.
>I'm sure you're plenty capable... but I've already got a crew by my side. You can focus on Marco.
Oh is that guy.

>>2639334
>I'm sure you're plenty capable... but I've already got a crew by my side. You can focus on Marco.

>>2639334
>>I'm sure you're plenty capable... but I've already got a crew by my side. You can focus on Marco.

Calling for
>I'm sure you're plenty capable... but I've already got a crew by my side. You can focus on Marco.

Writing now.

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>I'm sure you're plenty capable... but I've already got a crew by my side. You can focus on Marco.

"And what a crew it is..." Kilroy smirks.

"Stop staring at my cook," you reply. "Did you just wander in here to introduce yourself?"

Kilroy shakes his head. "As delightful as you are, I came with a message from Lord Shao. He's ready to meet over a nice meal."

"I kinda already stuffed up on pizza," you remark. "But I'm sure Krista-"

"More food! More food!" Krista chants with excitement. You don't know how she does it.

Kilroy chuckles. "Seems your decision has been made for you."

Archie raises his hand. "Uhh... can I come?"

Kilroy smirks. "I'm sure your friend would be happy to see you, but this is a private meal. Invite only. And I'm sure there isn't enough food for-"

"You can have mine," you reply to Archie. "I ate recently already. Come on."

"Nice!" Archie chuckles, as Kilroy leads the three of you, along with Crooks who joins along the way, to the head of the ship. A portion towards the front, built like a damn near palace. It's sparkling white, grand and majestic... once upon a time, this is where the Emporer would live, eat, sleep, and stand among a massive fleet united in their journey to the stars. But now... it's all flash, no true power.

You're led into a massive dining room, where Marco sits at the head of a long table, a plentiful spread of food along it. Dot sits at a nearby chair as you're invited over. "Ah, Matt!" Marco smiles, inviting you to sit close. "Help yourself as you please!"

"How was the talk?" you whisper to Dot as you sit next to her.

"I'll tell you later," she replies.

Marco waits for everyone to seat themselves at the table before getting ready to tuck into his appetiser of soup. "I see you've met Archie," he smiles.

"Holy crap, is that Dot?!" Archie exclaims.

Dot blushes and waves. "Hey Archie..."

"Sorry for yelling," Archie laughs. "Just surprised..."

"What do you think of Archie?" Marco asks you.

>He's a complete idiot. This guy is your head researcher?
>He's... okay, I guess.
>He's... funny.
>I like him!

>>2639537
>He's... funny?
He'll be our bumbling scientist crew member.

>>2639537
>He's... okay, I guess.

>>2639537
>>He's... funny.

Hes probably evil

>>2639537
>>He's... funny.
We are also gonna help him to NTR you out of your wife.

Calling for
>He's... funny.

Writing now.

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>He's... funny.

"Thanks!" Archie smiles. "I do tell a mean knock-knock joke!"

"That's a certain way to describe him," Marco smiles. "Though a simpler way to put it would be... my best friend."

Marco smiles at his friend who noisily slurps his soup, eliciting a small laugh from Dot.

Marco turns his head towards you. "But I am curious about you. Matt, Crooks, let's hear some stories from you."

"We shouldn't share any stories," Crooks explains. "Legal reasons."

"We withhold the right to remain silent," you add on, your smuggler instincts kicking in.

Marco chuckles. "Very well. With the life I'm sure you've lived it's understandable to be secretive. Though I'm sure you have many daring tales of smuggling."

You shake your head. "We wouldn't want to offend the sensibilities of the would-be emperor."

"I'm no emperor," Marco clarifies. "I'm just a man."

"How about you tell us why you picked up Matt?" Crooks asks. "If you don't want to use him, if you aren't after him for his blood or his biochip... you can forgive me for being sceptical, right? Because I don't buy it."

Marco nods, calmly wiping his face with a napkin. He sets it aside, before standing up from his chair. His eyes look forward, a passionate fire behind them. "I have a dream!" he announces. "A dream of mankind united together once more! A time without petty squabbles, without war, without violence against your fellow man! A time when we can all return to the stars together, as one great civilisation! Call me naive, but it's what I believe. But for now... it remains a dream. Now is not that time... and your biochip makes you a target for others. They see you as a tool, a valuable item in war... but I knew you were just a person. A young, scared man. I needed to warn you of how others will try to capture you, to use you for their own needs... and protect you if I must."

Marco returns to his seat. "You're not a prisoner, Matt. I want you to know that. You're a guest. If you wish to leave now, you may. Though I request that you stay with us for the time being... I'm worried you might be in danger."

You pause, before turning your head to Dot. She knows him better than anyone, she'll know the right decision. "Dot...?"

"We should at least spend the night," Dot explains. "We're safe here. I know you're naturally suspicious... but I'd trust these people with my life."

>We'll stay the night to rest up at least. After that, we'll see.
>Maribelle is pretty banged up. We'll need to stay here a while if we expect to last out there.
>Sorry if I don't trust a man in your position to be so selfless. We'll be leaving after this meal.

>>2639679
>We'll stay the night to rest up at least. After that, we'll see.

>>2639679
>>We'll stay the night to rest up at least. After that, we'll see.
I truly hope he is just an idealistic fool


Cause idealistic fools are always best boys

>>2639679
>Sorry if I don't trust a man in your position to be so selfless. We'll be leaving after this meal.

>>2639679
>>Maribelle is pretty banged up. We'll need to stay here a while if we expect to last out there.
At least stay to tool back up.

Calling for
>We'll stay the night to rest up at least. After that, we'll see.

Writing now.

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>We'll stay the night to rest up at least. After that, we'll see.

Marco closes his eyes and gives a nod. "I understand. You're a smuggler at heart, an adventurer of the stars. I hope you remain safe. Rest up here for tonight, we'll attend to your damaged ship. After tomorrow, the choice is yours."

You finish up the meal amidst casual conversation with Marco. He seems a nice man, but he's also very detached. Formal, yet somewhat awkward in his speech. You doubt he's all that accustomed to casual speech, yet tries his best regardless. Archie is the exact opposite, unable to keep his mouth closed with all his enthusiastic comments and cheesy jokes.

After the meal, you're lead by Connery to a bedroom to sleep in for the night. It's spacious, and the bed is far more comfortable than what you have aboard the Maribelle. You almost sink into the bed and drift off instantly as soon as you lay back on top of the bed. The only thing that stops you from melting into the comfort is the sound of Dot entering the room.

"Heh, you must be exhausted," Dot notes. "How are you finding the ship?"

"... Rich," is the only word that comes to your mind. "How about you? What's it like being back with your... husband?"

"It's... interesting," Dot replies.

You shake your head. "Dot... is there something wrong? You don't sound to happy to be reunited with the guy. Didn't you say you married for love?"

"I did!" Dot clarifies. "And I do love Marco to this day. It... it's just more complicated than that."

"Does he not love you?" you ask. "You're being kinda vague."

"He cares for me deeply," Dot replies. "We've known eachother since we were children. He's a great man, and we get along... but I'm not certain he truly sees it as love. But that doesn't matter... he's an important figure, and I..."

"You what?" you ask.

"I always wanted to explore the stars," Dot replies. "But... I couldn't face breaking off the marriage. I still love him with all my heart, but I knew I had to do this. I... took the cowardly route. I ran away in the night. After some exploring, and trust me those are stories for another time, I stayed with my uncle in that bar until... well, until I joined you and Crooks. Since then... I've caught the itch to explore once more. But I don't want to leave Marco again... but I don't belong here... I'm not sure how to handle this feeling... or why I'm unloading it all onto you. Sorry, Matt."

>It's okay... we're friends. We share this stuff together.
>Sounds like you expect me to give you a meaningful answer. You should stay here.
>I think you want me to convince you to come with us... because that's what you really want.

>>2639885
>>It's okay... we're friends. We share this stuff together.
>But the real person to talk to about this is him

>>2639885
>>It's okay... we're friends. We share this stuff together.

>>2639885
>I'm not the one you should be talking to Dot.
Yeah, not touching this with a 50 foot pole, it's between her and Marco.

>>2639885
>Sounds like you expect me to give you a meaningful answer. You should stay here.

>>2639885
>>Sounds like you expect me to give you a meaningful answer. You should stay here.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>2639892
>>2639901
>It's okay... we're friends. We share this stuff together.

>>2639892
>>2639907
>I'm not the one you should be talking to Dot.

>>2639920
>>2639929
>Sounds like you expect me to give you a meaningful answer. You should stay here.

Rolling to break the tie.

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>It's okay... we're friends. We share this stuff together.

Dot looks to you with a small smile. "Yeah... I guess so. We are friends, huh?"

You smile back at Dot. "Yeah... I'm here to listen. But I'm not the one who can solve this problem for you. You're the only one who can do that."

Dot places her cheeks in her hands, her mind in deep thought. "I know... thanks, Matt. I just can't help but feel I'm being selfish... still, I guess I shouldn't waste time here talking to you. If we're only spending one night here... I should be spending this time I have with my husband. See you tomorrow, Matt."

"Have fun," you reply, as Dot takes her leave. You, meanwhile, lean back in the bed and sink into a world of comfort.

You awake the next morning to a fresh set of clothes lying across your bed provided by Connery. You get changed and step out into the hallway.

"Good morning Matthew," a smirking Kilroy nods as he passes by you. "I take it you'll be leaving today?"

"Most likely," you reply. "But for now we're undecided. You sound eager to have me gone."

"Oho!" Kilroy laughs. "How astute! It's because I am."

You really don't like that guy.

You step into foyer of Marco's section of the ship,. his palace, standing at the top of the stairs. From the foyer balcony, you see Marco standing by the door, addressing a strange, ragged looking man who steps through the door. The man is frantic and possibly disturbed, but Marco addresses him with his usual calm and collected demeanour.

"Sir, please explain your issue," Marco requests of him. "I am here to listen."

"No," the man mutters. "No! You do not care for the people! They do not care for the people! The Great War is coming, and we will be used as nothing but pawns!"

The Great War... you've heard some street crazies preaching about that before... they also mentioned something about some Shaman guy...

"Shaman Tao has seen the future!" the man exclaims. "He has seen how the people will be forced to suffer for the misdeeds of others! But we shall not let that future happen!"

"Lord, you might want to stand back," Kilroy mutters as he comes down the stairs.

"This man seems ill..." Marco mutters. "Sir, I ask that you calm down and-"

"No!" the man exclaims. "In the name of Shaman Tao, this is the time the people rise up! Farewell, Marco Shao!"

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And just like that, before you have time to react, the man combusts, bursting into an explosion before your cousin. "Marco!" you call out in concern... but Marco stands safe, Kilroy standing before him, the impact of the explosion suddenly disappearing.

"That was a close one, Lord Shao..." Kilroy smirks. "You are incredibly fortunate to have the magnificent Kilroy by your side."

"The hell was that?" you mutter.

Kilroy smirks as he fixes his hair. "The power of my Biochip, Black Mass, allows me to create a pocket black hole that-"

"Not you, jackass." You approach Marco. "That man just killed himself. But... it didn't look like there was a bomb attached to him."

"There wasn't," Kilroy replies. "Everyone is extensively searched before they can even step foot close to here. We don't make mistakes."

"So... what?" you ask. "He was the bomb? It was magic?"

"Or the work of a Biochip," Marco replies. "Shaman Tao... I sympathise with the plight of the people, like him. I worry for the effect the fighting between the three kingdom fleets will have on the innocent families caught in the crossfire. A fate I would do anything to avoid... but this Shaman Tao is a violent zealot, hoping to rally the people in rebellion under his banner of the Yellow Turbans... and it appears he succeeded. We likely weren't the only targets this morning. This was a declaration of rebellion..."

"So... what do we do?" you ask.

Marco looks to you, before letting out a forlorn sigh. "Matthew, I must be selfish, and ask that you stay here a little longer. It's no longer safe. Kilroy... call for a summit."

Kilroy scoffs. "You expect any fleet to answer your call?"

"They all will," Marco replies. "This concerns each and every fleet. A new enemy has arisen."

You have no idea what's going on... but you get the feeling you've just got caught up in something huge.

END OF CHAPTER 7

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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! Far too many delays before this thread, glad to be back! Next thread coming around the weekend, with more bonus scenes for this thread coming soon!

>Player Question
Entering a new arc, and we see one of the largest ships in the galaxy. What do you think of the major Noah crew? Or Marco Shao? And what are your views on Dot's conflicted feelings?

>>2640111

Nice thread after a long abscense
>>Player Question
We have the friendly guy and the jerk with a stick in the ass also a cool buttler so overall a pretty interesting group.
Marco seems like a pretty reasonable and smart guy and unlike a certain president he doesn't seem to have any ulterior motives.
Still kind of confused with Dot, so she wanted to have adventures but why would she didn't try to come back or get in contact with Marco after the adventures and decided to stay in the lame bar for probably years.

>>2640111
Thanks for Running Booker

>but why would she didn't try to come back or get in contact with Marco after the adventures and decided to stay in the lame bar

A lot of it comes from the shame of having left and being unable to work up the courage to face the man she loved/hurt by running away.

>>2640096
Fuck man the power to blow yourself up is both amazing and fucking dumb

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>Side Story: Dot

"Ah, Dot!" Marco smiles as Dot enters his room, a hesitant look on her face. "Is everything alright?"

Dot returns the smile and nods. "Everything is fine. This is a little... weird. Sharing a bed together after all this time..."

"No need to be bashful," Marco replies. "We are married after all."

Dot nods. "Right... what do you think of this nightgown?"

"I think it looks excellent," Marco replies, though he makes no mention of how Dot herself looks. Perhaps he's unused to the social norm. Perhaps he's just oblivious.

"It was good to see Archie again," Dot mentions, leading to a laugh from Marco.

"Ah yes," Marco nods. "It seems he was very excited to see you."

Dot nods. "I'm happy to see he's doing well... and that you're still both friends."

"Are you surprised? Archie is far more than just a friend to me," Marco pauses in thought. "He's like a brother."

Dot chuckles. "Yes, and I was like a sister. We were like a little family... and then we became a big family... and then I left."

Dot hangs her head low as Marco lets out an awkward sigh. "Dot, you needn't-"

"No," Dot shakes her head. "We can't just ignore it. Marco, what I did was unforgivable. I abandoned you out of nothing more than a selfish desire to explore, and for you to welcome me back with open arms... you're far too kind. I spend so long with family, too ashamed to even contact you again, to face what I did..."

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Marco approaches Dot, calmly placing his hand on her cheek. "Shh... no tears. Dottia Angelica Hartman... I am so happy to have you in my life again."

Dot lets out a small, joyful laugh. "Dang it... you know how much I hate my full name."

"No matter what you do, no matter where you go, you'll always be welcome here," Marco replies. "And even when you're away, your spirit lives in mine. We grew up together. You're like a sibling to me."

"I'm a little more like a wife..." Dot jokes, causing Marco to laugh.

"Of course..." he smiles. "Dot, I won't keep you from what you truly love. If your heart belongs out there, exploring the stars with your friends... then I won't keep you here."

"I... don't know where my heart belongs..." Dot mutters. "And... won't the people be angry that their leader's wife is absent? You're a figurehead."

"As long as I have a wife, the people are happy," Marco explains. "And if you're happy, then I'm happy too."

"Marco..." Dot smiles, whispering under her breath as she embraces him. "I love you..."

"Welcome back," Marco replies, as the two lock lips, falling back onto the bed for the night.

Marco had not touched Dot in their entire first month of marriage. He explained that he was nervous, that marrying young meant that he didn't want to rush things... many reasons. Tonight was their first true intimacy within a marital bed.

Their first time together... was brief. Seemed Marco was unprepared... or rather, showed a clear disinterest in the physical romance during the proceedings. Regardless, first times are rarely perfect. And Marco was such a caring and gentle man, they were comfortably able to speak through the night. Dot was still unsure of her plans for the next day, but knew for certain that no matter what... she would work to keep this. This is what she wants.

END OF SCENE