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“Tao...”

Marco mutters to himself as he sits next to you in the pod heading down the the planet base. The sudden attack from earlier has clearly left an effect on your cousin... you can't blame him. You're quite shaken yourself.

Still, you intend to take his mind off it for now. Plus, there's something you're genuinely curious about. “So... this is a planet base, huh? Never actually been on one before. Kinda nervous standing on something other than a moving ship.”

Marco turns his head towards you crossing his legs as he sits. “It's not much different, disappointingly. These domed cages on a barren, lifeless planet are no different from this metal boxes... only difference is some of the planet bases have fuel reserves beneath the ground.”

Marco lets out a sigh as he continues. “Year 1000 of the new calender, and we're no closer to finding a truly hospitable planet. One we can explore in its entirety... one we can live our lives on.... one we can call a home... not just set up a small artificial habitat on. And one thousand years after taking to the stars, humanity is at its most harmful and divided.”

Marco hangs his head low, as you shake your head. “Come on, what's with this cynicism?” you ask. “You were sickeningly positive yesterday. What happened to that Marco Shao?”

Marco gives a weak smile as he looks to you. “I suppose you're right. I haven't been sounding myself lately. This attack... we weren't the only ones targeted.”

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“Three attacks in Athens,” Connery reads off. “A combined 234 deaths. One attack in Camelot, with 49 killed. Two attacks in Shinto. One saw no casualties, but the other... 112.”

Archie takes a gulp. “That's horrible! It's a miracle we came out of our attack okay...”

“No miracle,” Kilroy smirks. “Only me. But if you want to label my birth a miracle, I'm not opposed...”

“I'm glad you weren't hurt!” Krista smiles as she hugs into your arm. “I wouldn't know what I'd do without the best mechanic and food tester in the galaxy!”

Crooks glares at Kilroy before turning his attention to Marco. “So... this summit, what is that? Some sort of war meeting? And you expect the leaders of all the other fleets to meet up in one place?”

“They will,” Marco replies. “We've already received word from each of them.”

Meeting the leaders of all of the major fleets? A war council? A major rebellion from some crackpot? You're supposed to be a simple smuggler! What the hell did you just stumble into?!

“Shaman Tao...” Marco repeats again, before turning to you. “As horrible as these attacks were, they seem to have been an inevitability. For years now, the people have had to suffer the consequence of the petty squabbles between the three kingdoms... it was only a matter of time before they rallied behind someone, but this... what do you think of this, Matt?”

>I get it, the common folk have suffered a lot at the hands of the big wigs in this galaxy.
>No doubt that the people have been shafted, but these attacks are way too far.
>It's disgusting. It's unforgivable.

>>2720079
>>No doubt that the people have been shafted, but these attacks are way too far.

>>2720079
>>No doubt that the people have been shafted, but these attacks are way too far.
Suicide bombings usually arent a great response to anything

Also yo book

>>2720079
>No doubt that the people have been shafted, but these attacks are way too far.

>>2720079
>>No doubt that the people have been shafted, but these attacks are way too far.

Calling for
>No doubt that the people have been shafted, but these attacks are way too far.

Writing now.

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>No doubt that the people have been shafted, but these attacks are way too far.

Marco nods. "Agreed. It's good to know that despite our different backgrounds, our sense of morality still lines up at its core..."

Maybe not entirely, you wonder. You doubt Marco would approve of your line of work in the slightest, he's just being polite.

Marco clenches his fist as he stand up tall, with a determined look on his face. "This tragedy... I swear, as long as I still draw breath, I will not allow another of its kind to happen again! This is not the future I have envisioned! We will stand tall an united against this horrific threat!"

"Alright, alright..." Crooks groans. "Save the speeches for the diplomats, okay? I don't wanna hear it."

The small ship docks within the domed sphere base on the barren planet XXII, commonly titled as Titus. With no life or breathable air, all the planet can provide is fuel beneath its earth, and a small stop when a dome has been placed on the planets surface, complete with an artificial atmosphere.

"Ooh... I've never been on a planet base before!" Krista notes, her eyes wide with wonder. "Matt-Matt, let's look around! Let's explore the new world together! C'mon! C'mon!"

As Krista tugs on your shirt, trying to drag you away, Crooks comes between the two of you. "I haven't been on one of these either, it's no excuse to go wandering around. You idiots will get lost."

"He's got a point," you reply. "We don't want to lose ourselves here during an important time... especially when there's crazed assailants on the loose."

"Hey Dot!" Krista yells. "Have you ever been on one of these?"

"Have I?" Dot gives a small smile. "I had my first kiss on Titus."

Archie chuckles nervously. "I remember that. Back when we were ten, it was kid with the brown hair and glasses... Alan Smithee. You know he's married now? And he put on a lot of weight."

Dot giggles a little. "I remember seeing him a few years back, he was still in good shape. I guess marriage really lets you let yourself go."

Marco smiles. "Oh dear, I suppose Dot and I will be next, then!"

The three childhood friends share a laugh, as Crooks looks like he's about to gag.

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"We really should get going to the meeting room," Connery explains. "Come everyone, follow me."

As Connery moves ahead, the rest of the group follows behind, with you and Krista at the far back. Krista's head appears to be on a swivel as she looks around the base, sipping on a can of soda. She looks up to the red sky above and takes a pause. "Huh... my mom always told me that a planet's sky is supposed to be blue?"

You shake your head. "That was the old world. We've never encountered a blue skied planet since."

"That sucks!" Krista exclaims. "Blue's much nicer than red! Red is so... angry, y'know?"

"Yeah..." you mutter, before bumping into a bystander. Should have been looking where you were going. "Oops, sorry."

"No problem," the red-haired girl before you smiles. "I shouldn't have been standing in the middle of the street! Heh, have a nice day stranger!"

The red-haired girl jogs down the street and waves goodbye as you smile as well. "Huh, she seemed nice..." you mutter, before pausing and patting your inner jacket pocket. "Except..."

"Except what?" Krista asks.

"She's a damn pickpocket!" you reply. "She took my gun!"

>Chase after her! She could do some damage with that!
>Ah, screw it. She looks harmless. Move on, this is more important.

>>2720119
>>Chase after her! She could do some damage with that!
WHATS THAT A STREET ORPHIN WITH A TRAUMATIC PAST WHO IS ALSO A GIRL I SMELL DAUGHTERU OR WAIFU DEPENDING ON AGE

>>2720119
>>Chase after her! She could do some damage with that!

>>2720119
>>Chase after her! She could do some damage with that!

>>2720119
>>Chase after her! She could do some damage with that!

Calling for
>Chase after her! She could do some damage with that!

Roll 1d20, BO2.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2720135
RUN POWER GO

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>2720135
Nat 20

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>16 (DEFINITE SUCCESS)

The girl is quick, running away from you down the street. You won't be able to catch up with her on your own speed... but luckily you won't have to.

"Wonder of the world!" you exclaim as you activate your biochip ability. Vines sprout from your body and fly at the thief. She doesn't seem to notice as she jumps high... incredibly high in fact, but your vines spread out and catch the unsuspecting girl around the ankles, pulling her down. She plants her face in the dirt, rising up to her knees to spit some out and stare at you.

"Hey!" she exclaims. "What was that for! What a cheap shot!"

"Cheap shot?" you exclaim. "You took my blaster! Give it back!"

The girl shakes her head. "No way!" she explains. "I took it from you because I thought you were planning to hurt someone! And you just proved you're willing to hurt a teenage girl at a moments notice!"

"No normal teenage girl can jump like you just did!" you fire back. "Don't bullshit me!"

The girl shakes her head, as she draws out a large sword that was hilted and carried behind her back. How did you not notice that? And why is a girl that size carrying a sword that big?!

The girl cuts through the vines, and takes a step back. "You can have the gun back if you can catch me, but I don't think that's happening anytime soon!"

She turns around and takes a step forward... only for her foot to get caught in the plant trap you set before her. "What the-?"

"I saw that coming," you mutter, as you approach her menacingly, despite your diminutive height. "Now... return my gun."

"Hey, is there a problem here?"

Another voice calls out, as you turn your head. Another red-head. This time a young looking guy. About your age, maybe a couple years younger. "You okay, Mao?"

"He's trapped my foot!" Mao exclaims. "And he had a weapon on him! A little help?"

The guy turns his head to you. "Hey buddy, let my sister go!"

>Only when she returns my blaster. I'll fight you too if I have to.
>Look, this is clearly all a misunderstanding. Let's talk.

>>2720147
>>Only when she returns my blaster. I'll fight you too if I have to.
WE WILL FIGHT THIS ENTIRE COUNTRY

>>2720147
>Only when she returns my blaster. I'll fight you too if I have to.

>>2720147
>>Look, this is clearly all a misunderstanding. Let's talk.

>>2720147
>Only when she returns my blaster. I'll fight you too if I have to.

Calling for
>Only when she returns my blaster. I'll fight you too if I have to.

Writing now.

>>2720147
>Only when she returns my blaster. I'll fight you too if I have to.
Bunch of incestuous savages.

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>Only when she returns my blaster. I'll fight you too if I have to.

"Whoa!" the boy throws up his hands. "There's really no need for that! Heh, I'm not much of a fighter, to be honest..."

You notice in the boys hand is a... cigarette lighter? What does he intend to do with that? You keep your eye on the boy as he readies the lighter and sparks it up, igniting it... and before you know it, Mao is walking free towards her brother.

Huh? What happened?

You look where your trap was... to see it all burned to a crisp. Did... did he do that? Just by igniting a lighter? And without harming his sister? Just who is this guy? These two must have some kind of Biochip power... but what? And why does some common thief and her brother have these powers?

"You okay?" the boy asks... only to get placed in a headlock and almost wrestled to the ground.

"Chen, you doofus!" Mao chuckles, roughhousing with the other redhead. "What's with this 'not a fighter' stuff?!"

"I'm not!" Chen chuckles, before pushing Mao back and turning his attention back to you, as Krista approaches the scene. "Sorry, I haven't properly introduced myself. I'm Sun Chen, and you've already met my slightly older half-sister, Sun Mao."

"Yeah, don't forget I'm the big sister!" Mao laughs.

"By two weeks!"

"Wait..." you mutter. "Sun... red hair... Wait, as in Sun Boros? The Chieftain of the Shinto fleet?"

"Oh, have you met dad?" Mao asks.

You pause. "I just picked a fight with Sun Boros' children..."

Krista panics as she throws herself in front of the two. "Oh no! Don't kill us! Look, you can have some sweets! I can cook you a nice dinner! Please don't put us to death!"

"What?" Chen raises an eyebrow. "No! We're not like that!"

"Oh..." Krista mutters, as you pull her up from her genuflecting position.

"So... you're here for the summit, I guess?" you mutter.

Chen beams. "Yeah, we are! How did you know about it? How are you involved?"

>Uhh... we work for Marco Shao.
>Well, I'm Marco Shao's cousin.

>>2720175
>Well, I'm Marco Shao's cousin.

>>2720175
>Uhh... we work for Marco Shao.
Smugglers becoming famous instead of infamous is never good.

>>2720175
>>Uhh... we work for Marco Shao.
You have to save the biological relation for the big what the fuck twist in the middle of a gran space battle

>>2720175
>>Uhh... we work for Marco Shao.

>>2720175
>>Well, I'm Marco Shao's cousin.

Calling for
>Uhh... we work for Marco Shao.

Writing now.

>>2720175
>>Well, I'm Marco Shao's cousin.

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>Uhh... we work for Marco Shao.

"Oh, what do you do?" Chen asks.

You shrug. "Personal mechanic. I'm Matt Millar. And this is Krista Pepsi, the cook."

Chen smiles and shakes your hand. "It's nice to meet you both. Oh, now I remember!"

Chen slaps his head and chuckles. "You guys wouldn't happen to know where the meeting point is? We got lost on the way..."

"Well, it's..." you mutter, turning around to see the rest of the group... who have gone on ahead without you. "Oh... we don't know either..."

"Ah, rats!" Mao snaps her finger. "Oh, dad is gonna kill us!"

"You said you weren't like that!" Krista gasps, not recognising the figure of speech.

You let out a sigh, when another man approaches, a blaster at the ready. "HEY!" he barks, with a snarling face. "Who are they? A threat?"

"No Chou!" Chen smiles, while waving his arms. "They're here for the summit t-"

"I didn't ask you, bastard."

Chen goes quiet, and his smile fades. Mao steps ahead with a pout. "Don't call him that! Besides, he's right! They work for Shao!"

"Do you have proof?" Chou asks. "They're capable of lying."

"Well they aren't a threat if they are!" Mao explains. "Because I took their gun!"

"Oh, so I'm not getting that back..." you mutter.

Chou stares at you and Krista. Judging by the red in his hair, he must be another of Boros' kin. "I know where the meeting place is. Follow me... but if any of you two move out of line, you'll be eating a bullet."

Chou moves ahead as the rest of you follow behind. You look to Chen, who now has his hands in his pockets. He seemed so cheerful earlier, but now...

>Keep moving. It's none of your business.
>Hey, why'd he call you that? He got a grudge or something?
>That dickhead your brother? Or just one of your dad's guards?

>>2720211
>Keep moving. It's none of your business.

>>2720211
>>That dickhead your brother? Or just one of your dad's guards?

>>2720211
>>That dickhead your brother? Or just one of your dad's guards?

Calling for
>That dickhead your brother? Or just one of your dad's guards?

Writing now.

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>That dickhead your brother? Or just one of your dad's guards?

"Half-brother," Sun Chen explains. "Our father, Sun Boros, has three wives and twelve children. I understand polygamy isn't common on other fleets."

"Not really," you reply. "So you and he are from different mothers?"

Chen nods. "Yeah... Mao is the second kid from Hana Togakure, his first wife. Chou is the first kid from Anika Cho, his second wife. Chou is the second oldest overall."

"And you...?" you ask.

Chen pauses. "Well... that's complicated. I'm his fifth child... but not from any of his wives. My mother was some unknown commoner that died giving birth to me, and so my father took me in to save me from a life on the streets. Of the twelve, I'm the only child who isn't legitimate..."

"Hence the bastard comment..." you mutter. "What an ass."

"Hey, that's my brother you're talking about!" Chen laughs.

"Doesn't seem to like you very much," you note. "And for what? Because you're not legit? What a stupid reason to hate someone. You're as legit as any of his kids."

Chen smiles. "Thanks... Matt. You seem pretty passionate about this."

"Well... I'm adopted, myself."

Chen nods. "I see... I guess in a sense, you can call us brothers in spirit."

"Okay, let's not get crazy."

You arrive at the unassuming building within the base where the meeting is to be held. It would have to be unassuming, to avoid any chances of it being targeted by another attack.

"Anyway, we'll meet with our dad!" Chen smiles as he waves to you and Krista. "We'll see you guys in the actual meeting!"

"Hurry up!" Mao exclaims, placing her brother in a headlock and dragging him down the hallway.

"Bye-byeeeee~!" Krista calls out after with a smile. "Matt-Matt, can you believe it? The Shinto Royal family! Wow!"

"Well, about a quarter of the kids from the royal family..." you mutter.

"Quarter?!" Krista exclaims. "But that means... let's see... carry the one... whoa! That's a lot of kids! Huh... what did you think about them, Matt-Matt?"

>Shinto culture is... weird. But they seem okay.
>A bunch of freaks, if you ask me.
>They seem tough. Let's hope they're willing to help out.

>>2720257
>>Chen seems alright, the girl stole my gun and Chou is an ass

>>2720257
>A bunch of freaks, if you ask me.
A guy who is probably almost as retard as Roka a kleptomaniac girl and Chen.
2/3

>>2720257
>>Chen seems alright, the girl stole my gun and Chou is an ass

Calling for
>Chen seems alright, the girl stole my gun and Chou is an ass

Writing now.

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>Chen seems alright, the girl stole my gun and Chou is an ass

"I suppose so..." Krista ponders, placing a finger to her chin. "But you can't blame her for stealing your gun!"

"Huh? Why not?"

Krista smirks. "You've always got that swarthy look of a rogue! Yep Yep! I wouldn't trust a scoundrel like you at first glance either!"

You blush and scratch your head. "I-I don't really think that applies to me... Crooks looks more like a smuggler, I look like... well, a kid mechanic. But... do I look rogueish? For real? I look pretty cool?"

"SUPER COOL!" Krista exclaims. You smile, you know it's not true, but it's nice to hear.

"Cut it out..." you mutter, before the two of you share a laugh.

A nearby door creaks open as Archie pokes his head through. "Ah! There you guys are! Come on in!"

You and Krista step inside where you see Marco with Kilroy and Connery sitting opposite a table from a young-looking girl alongside three armoured guards of her own.

"Oh, hello..." the young girl looks at you, somewhat shy.

"Who's the shrimp?" you ask.

The female guard's eyes widen as she takes a step forward, as a sweating and panicky Archie taps you on the shoulder. "That's uhh... Julia Porter. The Queen of Camelot..."

>Oh... 'sup, Queenie?
>Crap... I'm so sorry, your majesty.
>Bow before her. This is royalty, after all.

>>2720298
>>Crap... I'm so sorry, your majesty.
>>Bow before her. This is royalty, after all.

>>2720298
>Crap... I'm so sorry, your majesty.
Matt's royalty too though

Calling for
>Crap... I'm so sorry, your majesty.

Writing now.

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>Crap... I'm so sorry, your majesty.

The female guard nods. "Apologising would be in your best interest. It's not wise to disrespect the Queen of all of Camelot!"

"It's okay, Janna..." Queen Julia replies. "It's an honest mistake. I can handle a little rudeness."

"Yeah, it's just that she looks pretty young to be a Queen," you explain.

"I'm nineteen..." Julia gives a small pout, as Janna stares at you. "Anyway, these are my most trusted generals. Galahad, Gawain... and the head of my armies, Janna Von Beck."

Janna looks at you and Krista, before turning to Marco. "Pardon my ignorance, Lord Shao... but who are these people?"

"Members of my fleet," Marco explains. "Now... Julia, I trust that coming out here means that you will provide aid against the rebellion lead by Shaman Tao."

Julia nods. "Yes... I have spoken with the elders, and they agree that it's in all our interests to band together here."

"Wait, elders?" Archie asks. "Aren't you Queen? Why are you asking others for permission?"

"Bite your tongue, peasant!" Gawain yells at him, with a hateful scowl.

"Come on, that's a reasonable question!" Galahad notes.

Julia turns to Archie. "After my father died and my older brother turned down the position of leadership... it was deemed that I was too young and inexperienced in diplomacy. As a result, I have elder nobles within the fleet as consultants, who advise me on the best decision for Camelot as a whole, until I'm deemed ready to make my own decisions."

>Sounds like an easy way to turn you into a puppet.
>Do you not think you're ready enough to rule now? You seem reasonable.
>Good thinking. You don't want a kid holding full command over a third of humanity... no offence.

>>2720338
>>Do you not think you're ready enough to rule now? You seem reasonable.

>>2720338
>>Do you not think you're ready enough to rule now? You seem reasonable.
PUPPET GOVERMENT PUPPET GOVERMENT


LIZARD PEOPLEEEEEEE

>>2720338
>>Do you not think you're ready enough to rule now? You seem reasonable.

>>2720338
>>Do you not think you're ready enough to rule now? You seem reasonable.
Didn’t expect the queen to be a fake loli, nineteen is ancient in anime she can rule a nation if she wants to.

Calling for
>Do you not think you're ready enough to rule now? You seem reasonable.

Writing now.

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>Do you not think you're ready enough to rule now? You seem reasonable.

Julia pauses. "N-no... I'm not ready..."

"My lady, you're simply being modest," Janna explains. "Queen Julia is a fine leader... one I'm more than proud to serve. However, there is no harm in having a handful of advisers. My Queen isn't simply ordered around, if that's what you're thinking."

"Thank you, Janna..."

"Now... we have much to discuss," Marco notes. "Archie, Matt, Krista... do you mind waiting outside until the meeting proper?"

The three of you step out into the hallway where Archie lets out a sigh. "Something wrong?" you ask.

"Just sleepy..." Archie yawns, stretching his limbs. "Today has been stressful... plus, I didn't get much sleep last night. I usually work through the night and sleep until the afternoon, but I was awoken with the news of the attack this morning..."

"So?" you ask. "You could have slept on. The attack didn't hurt anyone on our end."

"Yeah..." Archie mutters. "But I couldn't sleep after. I had to make sure that everyone was okay. That Marco... that Dot..."

Ah... you see why he was so nervous...

"Archimedes?"

A woman's voice calls out as you look down the hallway to see... Wow. A beautiful blonde-haired woman, dressed all in green. She walks with a confidence and a stern professionalism.

"Metis!" Archie exclaims. "No time, no see!"

"So... that is you," Metis notes, crossing her arms across her chest. You begin staring, but then you notice Krista staring at you with a pout and look away. "I'm surprised to see you here, my short-lived assistant."

"Well, I'm the head researcher of the Noah..." Archie explains with a smile.

"Is that so?" She asks. "Well, I'm not surprised. Not just due to your connections with the Shaos... you are a genius, Archimedes."

Archie chuckles nervously. "Not as genius as the Stardust Genius herself!"

"No need for flattery," Metis replies, before turning to you and Krista. "Oh... I'm Metis. The head researcher aboard the Athens fleet."

"I've heard of you," you reply. "I... think I've read a few of your books. I'm Matt. Matt Millar. This is my friend, Krista."

"I see..." Metis notes, as she shakes your hand. She looks at you in the eyes... and keeps staring. And staring.

"Uhh... something wrong?" you ask.

Metis shakes her head, breaking her gaze. "Umm... no. It's just... an odd feeling I had. A feeling of... familiarity. But... we haven't met before, have we?"

>I don't think so, no.
>Heh, maybe we're soulmates?
>I've been to Athens before. Maybe we bumped into each-other at some point.

>>2720397
>>Heh, maybe we're soulmates?
>>EYEBROW WIGGLING TO MAXIMUM POWER

>>2720397
>>Heh, maybe we're soulmates?

>>2720397
>>I've been to Athens before. Maybe we bumped into each-other at some point.

Calling for
>Heh, maybe we're soulmates?

Writing now.

>>2720397
>Heh, maybe we're soulmates?
Krista is about to imbue Matt with some space ants in the pants sensation isn’t she?

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>Heh, maybe we're soulmates?

Metis' cheeks turn a little red as she frowns and pulls her hand away. "Hmph, seems you fancy yourself a comedian..." she mutters. "Well, don't be ridiculous. There's no such thing as soulmates... and you certainly would not be mine even in the event that they were... which they aren't."

Well it was easy to get her a little flustered. Still, she still keeps her focus on you. "Regardless," Metis continues, clearing her throat. That's certainly not the case... but I still feel something familiar in you. Apologies, it must sound bizarre... perhaps it will come to mind later."

"Metis!" a voice calls out. "The council room is this way!"

"Oh..." Metis mutters, as she moves down the hallway. "I will speak to you all later. Good day."

As Metis turns around and strides down the hall, you turn to a pouting Krista. "What?" you ask.

Krista gives you a hard poke in the arm. You wince, but then... "Agh, itchy!" you exclaim, scratching at your arm. "Why is it... Krista, did you do this? That's so immature!"

Krista shrugs in a passe manner.

Archie gives a laugh. "You all get along so well, huh? Dot has some interesting friends... uhh, I don't mean interesting in a bad way. It's actually really cool."

"Uhh... thanks," you reply. "Huh... I guess if that Metis is here, then so is President of Athens. Apollo... right?"

"Yeah," Archie nods. "I guess that means it's finally time for the summit. I'll go get Dot, wherever she is."

"And Crooks too," you point out. "Our captain."

Archie nods. "Well, they should be in the same place. Sorry for prioritising, Dot is my oldest and closest friend after all."

>Yeah... how did you feel about her leaving and coming back?
>You must have a lot of good stories about her, huh?
>Something tells me you want her to be more than a friend.

>>2720437
>>You must have a lot of good stories about her, huh?

>>2720437
>>You must have a lot of good stories about her, huh?

>>2720437
>>You must have a lot of good stories about her, huh?
DISH BABY DISH

Calling for

>You must have a lot of good stories about her, huh?

Writing now.

>>2720437
>You must have a lot of good stories about her, huh?
Good embarrassing stories.

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>You must have a lot of good stories about her, huh?

"Oh, too many to count!" Archie laughs. "We've been best friends since we were little kids, I've got countless stories about Dot. Though, I suppose most of them will kill whatever cool image you have of her... heh."

"Embarrassing stories, you say?" you smirk. "Well, we'll definitely need to hear some of those."

Archie laughs nervously. "Maybe after the summit... I guess you guys also have a few Dot stories that, I... uhh, missed out on."

The three of you move to pick up Dot and Crooks, bringing them to the summit room. You sit on the sidelines, as the summit is underway, with Marco addressing the three fleet leaders seated around a circular table... all sitting opposite each-other, as far separated as they can possibly get. These leaders are far from on good terms with each-other... but a common enemy stands before all of you.

"A threat has targeted us!" Marco states before the room. "One that forces us to set aside our current squabbles and to band together... to protect our people! Shaman Tao, and the militarised group that has rallied behind him known as the Yellow Turbans... a group of dissatisfied civilians, turned down this dark path from years of suffering in the crossfire of the battles between your fleets..."

"So, what?" a smirking Sun Boros grunts. A colossus of a man, standing at over seven feet tall and bulging with muscles. The leadership in Shinto is determined through barbaric contests of strength in battle... you're not surprised that Boros looks like this. "You're sayin' that we're responsible for these loons?"

President Apollo shakes his head. A thin, lanky, green-haired man, who's face gives off a serene sense of calm and kindness. You get the same feeling looking at him as you do with Marco. "We are not here to discuss the motivation behind these attacks. We are also not here to discuss attacks we've suffered from each-other."

"Look, if any of your ships fly in our way, we're gonna take over," Boros explains. "You're trespassing."

"You're pirates," Janna replies to Boros. "Barbarians who-"

"That's enough!" Marco yells, a stern tone in his voice. "No fingers shall be pointed in this room. We have a common goal in mind. For a brief moment, can we all gather together enough humanity to accomplish it before turning on each-other once more?"

The three leaders turn quiet, as Marco speaks once more. "Now, we owe a great debt to Janna Von Beck. It was her who was able to trace to source of the Camelot attack and discover the area of operations of the Yellow Turban rebels. Here..."

A hologram appears on the table, displaying another dome base. "The Yellow Turbans origins lie in the base on the moon of Planet XXXII," he explains. "They first rose up under Tao there, and now control the entire base. This is our target."

"So, an all-out battle?" Boros smirks. "Har! Sounds exactly like my kind of plan! We don't take the loss of our own lightly!"

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"We would like this to come to as little bloodshed as possible..." Marco explains. "But the attacks will continue until we take down the leader of the rebellion. He has no interest in diplomacy, so we will have to engage him with force. It's a shame that it's come to this..."

"Agreed," President Apollo mutters. "That the plight of the common people could breed this evil... It's a sobering reality."

The meeting continues, the specifics of the mission being outlined by Marco in detail and debated amongst the leaders and their generals. But at the end, one thing is brought to agreement... an invasion of the moon of Planet XXXII, to take down Shaman Tao... preferably capturing him alive and coming to the most peaceful solution possible. Shinto and Camelot seem less eager about that aspect.

After the meeting, you and Crooks are approached by Marco. "Matt... Crooks... I'm sorry you became involved in this tragedy..." he mutters. "We could use all the help we can get... but you have no obligation."

"You're damn right," Crooks mutters. "We're just smugglers. We ain't here to fight wars. To help the people, or any of that crap. It's been a pleasure, Marky Marco, but it's about time we returned to my Maribelle. C'mon, Matt."

Crooks pushes by, moving towards the exit... but you stand still, looking to Marco. "Matt?" Crooks mutters.

"What's your answer, cousin?" Marco asks.

>We're in. We're too far deep in this shit to back out now.
>We're just smugglers. We don't belong here.

>>2720522
>>We're already on the shit list for even being here, its in our best interest to help

>>2720522
>We're just smugglers. We don't belong here.
We literally have no reason to help, we're not being targeted and getting involved just paints a target on our back that will get us killed.

>>2720522
>>We're just smugglers. We don't belong here.

Calling for
>We're just smugglers. We don't belong here.

Writing now.

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>We're just smugglers. We don't belong here.

"Oh..." Marco mutters. "I understand, Matthew. I wish you safe travels, but... I must admit, I'm disappointed."

"Huh?"

"With your ability," Marco explains, "And your compassion, I would have thought... never mind. You answered from your heart. I don't want to try to coerce you into changing your mind."

Crooks nods. "It wouldn't work, anyway. Matt's always had a good head on his shoulders. This kid always knows the right thing to do, and nobody could change that."

You smile at Crooks as you turn to Marco. "Goodbye, Marco. Sorry we didn't get to know each-other better... running at a time like this, I must be a pretty crappy cousin."

"To be honest, I was hoping to know a family member close to my age..." Marco gives a small laugh. "But it's clear I was looking in the wrong place. You already have your own family."

You nod. "Speaking of, I suppose they'll be coming too. Dot?"

"I'm not going with you."

... What? You turn to Dot, with a confused look in your eye. "Dot?"

Dot shakes her head. "Matt... what do you expect? I belong here? I grew up here... Marco is my husband... we're helping people. I'm not walking away at a time like that... or ever. I... I'm sorry... Matt, Crooks... it's been a pleasure to know you. If... if we never meet again, I want you to know that you'll always be in my heart. You too, Krista."

"Well, you'll definitely see me again!" Krista points out. "I'm staying too!"

"What?!" you and Crooks exclaim in turn.

"But..." you mutter. "Krista, you... you're my... our cook..."

Krista shakes her head defiantly. "People are being hurt, being attacked! I'm not gonna sit back and allow that! I... I've seen far too many people suffer at the hands of evil men! Like, my mom..."

"Krista..."

Krista sighs. "Matt-Matt... we became friends because I knew you were a good person! Someone who would help out in any way he can! Just like you promised to help me... but I have to help too! So... I'm staying here! And... and if that means I never see my Matt-Matt again... then..."

You look at Krista and Dot, then let out a sigh.

"You two sure are stubborn..." Crooks mutters. "Fine... stay here. And stay safe! I don't want to read about either of you dying doing something stupid! Anyway... s-see you around..."

Crooks keeps his head low, as he rushes towards the exit. You look at a sad Krista in the eye, before slowly turning around again. "I'm sorry..."

You step outside with Crooks, who is leaning against the wall, covering most of his face with his hat. "Well... I guess it's just down to the two of us again, Matt..."

>Yeah... I guess so. Let's head back to Maribelle.
>We're making a mistake... let's go back.

>>2720567
>>We're making a mistake... let's go back.
THIS TIME ITS PERSONAL

>>2720567
>We're making a mistake... let's go back.
Geez I just wanted to jump the fence.

>>2720567
>We're making a mistake... let's go back.

Calling for
>We're making a mistake... let's go back.

Writing now.

>>2720567
>We're making a mistake... let's go back.
Krista and Dot are the first ones to be ejected into the cold vacuum of space when we need more room for the mines to kill the Yellow Turban children then.

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>We're making a mistake... let's go back.

"You're joking, right?" Crooks mutters. "Are you going soft in the head, Matt? Since when do you change your mind so fast?"

"I don't know..." you mutter. "I just know we're making a mistake. Running away here... after all we know, after all that's happened... it's not right."

Crooks shakes his head. "You're being stupid, kid. A couple girls bat their eyelashes at you and now you're going to forget who you are? C'mon! It's you and me against the universe! That's the way it's always been! We're smugglers, not heroes. Dot, Krista, Marco... they've all got the wrong guys."

"No... they don't."

Crooks glares at you, before throwing his hat to the side and yelling. "Dammit, Matt! Cut the shit! We're getting back to Maribelle, and back to what we're good at! Don't let all these bigwigs rope you into some pointless cause! They'll be at each-others throats when all this is done, anyway! You're not saving any lives, just postponing the day we all just up and kill each-other! We aren't a part of this... we're leaving."

"You can leave, if you want..." you reply. "I'm staying."

Crooks pauses, staring at you. "Matt..."

"Dad... listen to me..." you sigh. "All this time... I've been waiting for some kind of purpose. And now... with this Biochip, and the crew we found, and Marco... I feel like I have a reason for being. Like... I finally have something that I know is right... that I know I want to do... somewhere I belong..."

Crooks shakes his head. "Fine. You ungrateful little... you can stay here all you like. I've piloted Maribelle alone before you came along... I can do that again. Goodbye."

Crooks takes a few steps away, before looking back at you as you stand your ground.

"Matt, I mean it. I'll take off without you if I have to..."

You remain still.

"I mean it! I'll leave you here! You'll never see me again!"

You remain still.

"Fine! I'm going. Goodbye, kid."

Crooks takes a few more steps forward, before clenching his fist and grimacing. "Dammit..."

Crooks turns around. He makes his way back towards you, picking up his hat as he does. He places a hand on your shoulder and lets out a sigh. "You win... why do you have to be so fucking noble?"

"Who do you think taught me?" you smirk. "You're plenty noble yourself... dad."

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"I can't believe I'm doing this," Crooks groans. "You owe me big time, kid."

You give a smile as the two of you return to the summit. Marco looks up at you with a quizzical look. "Oh, Matthew... did you forget something?"

"Yeah..." you reply. "My dignity. We're staying."

"You are?!" Krista's eyes light up. "Oh, Matt-Matt!"

You're not surprised that she tackles you to the floor with a hug within seconds. Typical Krista... but right now, you don't mind.

Dot gives you a warm smile. "I knew you'd stick around... you too, Crooks."

"I'm just doing it for my kid," Crooks lies.

"Well, if that's the case..." Marco smiles. "Then it's an honour to have you on-board, cousin."

So there you have it... the biggest decision of your life. Tomorrow, you fly to the Yellow Turban base in an attempt to stop these rebellious attacks and save the lives of countless innocent civilians. And you'll always remember today as the day that the low-down dirty immoral smuggler... decided to help others.

Little did you know, but this would also be the first day of the greatest adventure of your life.

END OF CHAPTER 8

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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! Glad to be back running this thing! Next thread coming early next week, with more bonus scenes for this thread coming soon!

>Player Question
And so the battle against the Yellow Turbans begins. Shaman Tao will be backed up by other dangerous opponents. How do you think the future fights will go? And predict the Biochip abilities of the leaders/generals we've seen thus far!

>>2720671
>PQ
Imma be real I have no fucking clue but I know it’ll be hype.

>>2720671
That was a nice thread and I missed this quest.
>Player Question
President Apollo probably has some evil biochip like mindcontrol or illusions and everything is going according to his keikaku.

>>2720671
Thanks for running Booker

>PQ
I expect many schizo rolls from the Dice Gods as a way to toy with Matt. In terms of Biochips Apollo's probably got some sort of super accelerated thinking chip that lets him work out the best action to take and Boros is probably solar powered and can store solar energy and fire it at will.

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>SIDE STORY: YELLOW TURBANS

"What do you see, brother?"

Shaman Tao sits cross legged in his smoky tent, the fumes from his pipe wafting through the air. His eyes open as he shakes his head in utter dismay.

"They're... all still alive. Julia Porter... Sun Boros... President Apollo... Marco Shao... all attempts at their lives were failures. To make matters worse... only more innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire. The dark future I have seen... it still lies before us."

"This... this is horrible..." on of the two younger shamans in the tent mutters. "You sent out so many infused with your ability... and yet, each was a failure in their mission?"

Tao stands up from his position and speaks once more. "I'm sorry, my brothers... but those that harbinger the destruction of mankind remain on this plane... but that simply means that our mission is yet to complete. Bao... Liang... you are both still young, yet the noble spirit burns bright within you. I can read from your aura that the two of you are still fully dedicated to this cause that we have begun. This crusade... this revolution of the Yellow Turbans, cannot be stopped! We will show this galaxy the way of supreme peace! The hungry, the abused, the forgotten... those that we serve will see a new sky under our banners! The Azure Sky is already dead, the Yellow Sky will soon rise! And we will see prosperity together, under the heavens! I, Shaman Tao, The Great Teacher, The General of Heaven, know it to be true!"

Liang Tao, the youngest of the three spiritual brothers, pauses in thought. "I believe your words, brother... but how can we stand against the might of the enemy fleets? Their numbers completely dwarf our own... what do we have to stop them?"

"Are you lacking in faith?" Tao asks. "We have the hearts of the people and the blessing of the heavens! With our combined powers, there is nothing that the three of us cannot accomplish! We will unite the people with a single banner under the heavens!"

Bao Tao, the middle brother, nods. "You have my full confidence, brother. They may send whatever warmongers or heretics they need... my ability will stop them. As will Liang's... as will yours, brother. The deadliest ability of all."

"It's such a shame..." Tao mutters. "That we must come to such violence... but it has been decreed. In order to ensure a bright, prosperous future for the people, there are those who must be removed from this vision of the future. Whether their name be Sun, Porter, Apollo, or Shao... we must cleanse this galaxy of the darkness, and bring forth a new future!"

"I shall ready the men that we have," Bao notes. "Tomorrow... we will not rest until we see that yellow sky. For the Yellow Turbans!"

"THE YELLOW TURBANS!"

END OF SCENE