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“We all clear on what we're doing here?”

You sit tight in the ship as it makes it's way towards the base built up on the moon of Planet XXXII. About five days after the summit, and now here you are. This is where the Yellow Turbans have set up their base of operations. Where their leader stands. Shaman Tao... you wonder what goes through that man's head. Growing up as a smuggler, you can understand his plight... but assassination attempts and all out war are taking things way too far.

“It's gonna be tough to find Tao,” Archie points out to Marco. “I can't believe the Yellow Turbans overtook an entire base...”

“Is it really that shocking?” Kilroy asks. “The people have been disenfranchised for so long. It's only natural that this many would rally behind a man who promises them a better future. Isn't that right, Marco?”

Kilroy gives a smug smile, as Marco remains silent in contemplation.

Sun Chen lets out a sigh in a nearby chair. “I can see what you mean... before Sun Boros found out about me, I spent the first few years of my life as an urchin... the fleets aren't kind to the common folk... least of all with all the fighting. They suffer the most from all of this...”

“And yet their solution is more fighting?” the Camelot general Gawain folds his arms. “The common people of the galaxy are stupid. If this is their solution, they don't deserve to be treated as anything other than dogs.”

“Don't say that!” Galahad, another general of Camelot replies. “I'm sure most of the Yellow Turbans are good people who just want to find a solution...”

“Yes, yes,” a smirking Kilroy waves off the general. “They're all good, downtrodden people, and now we're off to kill them. I wonder what that makes us?”

Marco shakes his head. “That's enough. We aren't looking for bloodshed. Be prepared to defend yourselves, but I want to avoid violence at all costs.”

You wonder if Sun Boros will have the same approach. Or President Apollo, or Queen Julia... frankly, it's not the best idea to bring all these people together... even if you do need the numbers. These leaders can't agree on anything, and that's part of why the sheer number of Yellow Turbans are staggering.

“I understand most of you don't see eye-to-eye,” Marco explains. “But if we're going to resolve this conflict, what we need to do is communicate! It's why I demanded that we integrate these ships with soldiers from each fleet! Communication is the most important thing! It's the one path towards peace!”

“Wow...” Sun Mao mutters, the young girl staring at Marco Shao. “I can see why so many people respect him. He's got a real... charisma to him. An authority.”

You're still shocked that this man is your cousin.

“My lord, the other ships have picked up something flying towards us,” Connery mutters.

“I didn't think the Yellow Turbans had the resources for fighter ships?” Marco asks.

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“That's not it...” Connery replies. “Look...”

Marco's butler brings up a holocam of the outside of the ship, and what's flying towards it. Coming up from the bottom of the base as you and the rest of the ships enter are... birds? A massive flock of birds, flying upwards.

“The hell is this?” a soldier asks. “What are those things?!”

“Birds,” Marco replies. “I'm sure many of you have never seen them, but they're winged animals from the old world. I understand this base has an aviary, one of many to preserve these species.”

Crooks scoffs. “And what do they think some birds will do, releasing them like that? Clog our engines? Block our vision? They must be desperate to stall-”

Crooks is interrupted by the sound and motion of the ship shaking, jostling him around in his chair. Oh crap... better strap in.

“What just happened?”

“Uhh... one of the birds...” Archie points out. “Uhh... exploded.”

Another explosion, and now the alarms in the ship start to blare. The hull must be breached. This is bad.

“Exploded?!” Mao gasps. “I didn't know birds could do that!”

“They're not supposed to!” Crooks exclaims. “Shit, this must be some Biochip power... or something...”

“Lost communication with Janna Von Beck!” Connery points out. “Her ship just crashed!”

Galahad gasps. “Did she survive?! What about the rest of the passengers?!”

“Worry about your own skin first!” Gawain points out. “We're about to crash too!”

The ship continues to be bombed by the detonating flock before ultimately spiralling down. Losing control, you pass out before you even hit the ground.

You awaken to Archie pulling some rubble that was pinning your body down. He goes to check your breathing but lets out a frightened yelp when your eyes open. “Ah! Phew...” he breathes a sigh of relied. “I thought I'd lost you there for a second. That crash was pretty bad... come on, we need to get moving. The fighting's already started, we're sitting ducks if we remain here.”

>Damn them... let's go...
>Geez, give me a second, I can barely feel my legs...
>What about Crooks? And Dot, and Krista?! Are they okay?!

>>2808253
>Geez, give me a second, I can barely feel my legs...
That's because your arms were blown off Matt.

>exploding birds
God damn Tao is hardcore, I love it.

>>2808253
>Geez, give me a second, I can barely feel my legs...
Starting things off with a bang I see.

>>2808253
>>Geez, give me a second, I can barely feel my legs...

>>2808253
>>What about Crooks? And Dot, and Krista?! Are they okay?!
FUCK

>>2808253
>What about Crooks? And Dot, and Krista?! Are they okay?!
Family first.

Calling for
>Geez, give me a second, I can barely feel my legs...

Writing now.

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>Geez, give me a second, I can barely feel my legs...

Archie doesn't hesitate in grabbing you by the shoulders and dragging you from the wreckage.

"Ow, that hurts!" you exclaim.

"I'm sorry buddy," Archie replies. "We don't really have any time to spare. It's complete chaos right now... I think I saw Dot running up ahead. If we don't meet up with the others, we're toast."

You let out a grown. You think you may have a broken rib, and your breathing is all over the place. You worry about the rest of your crew... but at the same time you feel a strong confidence that they made it out okay. You seriously hope your mind isn't just lying to you. You'll need to find them sooner, rather than later.

"How's the battle looking?" you ask Archie.

"I'm not sure," Archie notes. "I came to not long ago. But it looks like we're outnumbered."

"Outnumbered?" you asks. "Even with the support of all three fleets... we're outnumbered?"

Archie lets out a sigh. "Seems that way... I guess this is the voice of the people. So many rallied behind this rebellion... plus we must have lost countless people in the crashes. That's not even including those who survived but are too injured to continue..."

So, things are looking this bad already? Damn... "Okay, where do we go?"

"Well, we have no idea where Tao is, or any of the elites in the rebellion," Archie explains. "And I don't know this base all too well. Have you ever been?"

"Once," you note. "We delivered some spice here once, got into a fist-fight with some of Kingpin Dong's goons. Back when we still took work from that guy..."

"Do you remember anything about it?"

You pause. "Let's see... there's the aviary, but we already knew about that. There's a government building, used as an Athens embassy. Centre of the base, can't miss it. There's also a sort of quarry, where they would mine ore for materials from this moon..."

"Any leap out at you as a place to go?"

>Now that the aviary is clear of birds, it's a good place to safely hide and recover.
>The Embassy must be where Tao is controlling things from. We need to go there.
>There's some good vantage points by the quarry. We'd be able to get a good luck at the battle from there.

>>2808282
>There's some good vantage points by the quarry. We'd be able to get a good luck at the battle from there.
Oh damn, give Archie some ore for swords and shit.

>>2808282
>>There's some good vantage points by the quarry. We'd be able to get a good luck at the battle from there.

>>2808282
>>There's some good vantage points by the quarry. We'd be able to get a good luck at the battle from there.
HELL YEAH WARRRRR

>>2808282
>There's some good vantage points by the quarry. We'd be able to get a good luck at the battle from there.

>>2808282
>There's some good vantage points by the quarry. We'd be able to get a good luck at the battle from there.

Calling for
>There's some good vantage points by the quarry. We'd be able to get a good luck at the battle from there.

Writing now.

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>There's some good vantage points by the quarry. We'd be able to get a good look at the battle from there.

"Good thinking," Archie replies. "We'll be able to see the others from a place like that. What we need right now is a solid grasp over the situation, don't you think?"

You nod. "Exactly... but I'm gonna be honest, I don't think I can walk on my own. Maybe it's better if you went on-"

"Say no more!" Archie interrupts as he hefts you up, placing your arm over his shoulder and helping you along. "I've got you, pal."

You can appreciate the gesture... but carrying you only slows him down. It only puts the both of you in more danger. Regardless, you know Archimedes isn't going to leave you behind, it's not in his nature. With your free hand you hold onto your blaster, ready to defend yourself when anyone comes running your way.

As Archie carries you through the streets towards the quarry, you catch a glimpse of a man in green armour tearing his way through legions of Yellow Turban soldiers single-handedly, brandishing two spears and faring incredibly well.

"Is that...?"

"Achilles Evergarden," Archie notes. "The greatest warrior in all of Athens."

You stare at the man as he moves at incredible speeds, cutting down vast numbers of enemies while surrounded. "Incredible... what's his Biochip?"

Archie shakes his head. "Doesn't have one."

"What?"

"He tried to have one implanted in his youth but it rejected him. They all did. He has no special powers."

Wow... to think that someone could naturally be like that. You can't imagine the determination that goes into that. "Your shoulder is getting weak..." you note. "We're close but you need to take a break before you drop me."

"No," Archie notes. "I just saw Krista up ahead. We should-"

"It's good to know she's fine," you reply. "But we can't keep moving in the open at this speed, we're sitting ducks. Look, behind that rubble, we can hide."

Archie eventually listens to your request, as the two of you hide behind some rubble to rest up. "I wish Dot was here..." you mutter. "I forgot how much it sucks not having someone to heal your wounds. Really take her for granted..."

"Yeah..." Archie mutters. "My shoulder is killing me... at least we're safe here. Nobody can get the drop on us... agh! A spider!"

From under the rubble, a small spider crawl out into the open, causing Archie to lose it. "You're a scientist! You're scared of bugs?"

"I'm not scared of insects!" Archie protests. "B-but I might be a little afraid of arachnids... OH NO THERE'S MORE!"

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You think he's exaggerating as he shivers in fear with a wide gaping mouth, but when you look you see what looks like a full nest of spiders coming from under the rock. Gross... there's so many of them. Hundreds of spiders pooling together as Archie lets out a terrified whine... before the eight-legged creatures begin to crawl atop one another, taking shape... forming into a human shape... details come, and before you appears a long-haired woman with goggles and a smirking face. You're ready to fight, until you notice her Camelot blue. You sure are glad these armies are colour coded.

"Well, that was a good rest," the mysterious, sultry looking woman yawns. "I'm just about ready to get back out... oh, and who are you boys? Not any of the rebels, I hope. I wouldn't want to kill such a handsome pair."

Archie merely squeaks in fear, still shaking from the image of spiders that will like haunt all of his future nightmares. "We're with Marco Shao. Who are you?"

"You've never heard of me?" the spider woman replies. "They named me Arana."

"I-I-I know you!" Archie points out. "The black widow of Camelot!"

"I see you've read what they call me in the magazines," Arana replies. "I'm sure you enjoyed all my photoshoots as well. I figured you had the look of a pervert to you."

Arana chuckles to herself, as Archie gets all the more flustered.

>Photoshoots? What photoshoots?
>Huh, never would have thought you'd be into that sort of thing, Archie.
>None of this is important. We're trying to get to the quarry, can you help us?
>That's an interesting power. What is it?

>>2808309
>>Huh, never would have thought you'd be into that sort of thing, Archie.
BULLY NERDS

ALSO FUCK YEAH THE GUY WITH NO POWERS WHO IS JUST FUCKING AWESOME I LOVE THAT GUY

>>2808309
>That's an interesting power. What is it?

>>2808309
>>Huh, never would have thought you'd be into that sort of thing, Archie.

>Spider Girl
OYE
>Actually turns into hundreds of spiders
ONO

>>2808309
>Huh, never would have thought you'd be into that sort of thing, Archie.
Well he'd need new fap material after Dot ran off.

>>2808309
>>>Huh, never would have thought you'd be into that sort of thing, Archie

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>Huh, never would have thought you'd be into that sort of thing, Archie.

"I-I'm not!" Archie frantically waves his hands in front of him in denial. "I, uhh... I..."

Archie looks at Arana and begins to blush.

"Boys like you are so easy," Arana brags with a smirk. "I'll be happy to play with you both... after this battle, of course. So don't go dying on me."

"We'll try," you reply. "But we're having trouble even moving. I don't know the real capabilities of your power, but we'd appreciate any help we can get."

"Well, it's only appropriate I explain, isn't it?"

Name: Arana
Biochip Class: TARANTULA

Arana's Biochip allows her to change her physical biology, taking the form of either a giant spider, or multiple smaller spiders. In this form, she can crawl up walls and shoot webbing as a spider would.

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


"If you have somewhere to reach," Arana explains, "I can block off several of the paths for the rebels. In fact, I was planning to do exactly that. Would certainly make your journey much easier."

Arana stands out in the open as Archie carries you up from behind the rubble. "Now, go boys."

"You aren't joining us?" you ask.

"I'll help you, but no," Arana explains. "I see Achilles Evergarden up ahead, and that's a man I want to get to know. Now..."

Arana turns her head and places her fingers on Archie's chin before pressing her lips to his. Poor guy almost faints. Arana licks her lips as she pulls away. "Be safe boys. I'll be sure to see you again."

Archie only panics even more when the woman who just surprised him with a kiss begins to transform into a giant arachnid on the battlefield.

"I am so confused right now..." Archie mutters as her carries you along the safe path created for you. "What an odd lady..."

>Tell me about it. Acting like that on the battlefield? She's confident, at the very least.
>Stay focused, Archie. We can't get distracted.
>Sounds like someone has a crush!

>>2808338
>>Tell me about it. Acting like that on the battlefield? She's confident, at the very least.
Being able to be stupid on the battlefield only proves your strength

>>2808338
>Stay focused, Archie. We can't get distracted.
Got to set up our boi with a giant spider.

>>2808338
>Stay focused, Archie. We can't get distracted.

>>2808338
>Stay focused, Archie. We can't get distracted.

>>2808338
>Stay focused, Archie. We can't get distracted.
Now it will be awkward for Archie manhandling Matt while having a boner.

Calling for
>Stay focused, Archie. We can't get distracted.

Writing now.

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>Stay focused, Archie. We can't get distracted.

"Right," Archie nods. "Let's put... all of that out of our minds. We've got a clear path to the quarry now."

Archie drags you with him as the base's quarry comes into view. "Here we are..." you mutter. "Look over there, we should be able to see everything from that ridge!"

"Okay, hang on tight," Archie replies. "It's a pretty steep drop down, we don't want to-AGH!"

Blaster fire from near the ridge pierces the shoulder of Archie. You're ready to cry out in fear... if that shot hadn't caused Archie to lose his grip on you, and you weren't not hurtling down the steep quarry cliff. Rolling along the rock wall, the most you can do it create a giant leaf under your body with your power, using it as a sort of bobsled to make your fall slightly easier.

You still collapse at the bottom, with Archie nowhere in sight. He must still be at the top.

"ARCHIE!" you call out, but you receive no reply. If anything, you've just attracted some enemies to your location. "Dammit..."

Beside you, you notice another object that has fallen. A silver locket... opened up as it fell down, you see a picture of a young boy with dirty blonde hair and a pink-haired girl side-by-side in a hug. A young Archie and Dot... what a sentimental guy. It seems the outside of the locket is dented and the glass frame of the picture is cracked, but you quickly pocket it anyway to return to him. You crawl along the floor, swivelling your head to find a good place to go, when you see one of the rebels running towards you, a blaster at the ready.

>Trip him up with some vines [SPEED: B]
>Fire at him with cactus needles [PRECISION: C]
>Create some wood to defend yourself. [DURABILITY: C]

>>2808376
>>Trip him up with some vines [SPEED: B]
FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK

>>2808376
>>Trip him up with some vines [SPEED: B]

>>2808376
>Fire at him with cactus needles [PRECISION: C]
Right in the eyes.

>>2808376
>Create some wood to defend yourself. [DURABILITY: C]
A good offence is a good defence

Calling for
>Trip him up with some vines [SPEED: B]

Roll 1d20, best of 2.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2808390

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2808390
AAAAAA
MATT USE GRASS KNOT

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>4 [DEFINITE FAILURE]

You try to summon your vines in order to trip up the rebel coming your way, but it's no use. You've taken such a beating from the crash and that fall that you can't muster up the energy to use your power in time. Instead, you're helpless like a sitting duck as the rebel fires, the blaster fire catching you just by your hip, piercing through your body. You're incredibly fortunate that these rebels are common folk not used to weapons or you could have taken a shot to a vital organ or through the skull. Not that it matters much... you're going to bleed out from the wound he just gave you if you don't get help soon, and he can always just shoot again.

You try to crawl away, but only find yourself crawling in the direction of another man, decked out in robes. You can tell from looking at him that he's another member of the Yellow Turbans, as he hunkers down over you. "You seem to be in great pain. Were you separated from a friend? I can tell to look at you. My name is Lester Moot."

You move to speak, but no words come out. At first you think it's a result of the exhaustion, but when you notice the look on Lester's face... the wry smile, you realise... somehow... he's responsible for this.

"Have trouble speaking?" Lester asks. "Like your voice is gone? I can sympathise. I feel we all can. I know what it's like feeling like you don't have a voice. Like nothing you say matters. Like you cannot speak for yourself, only a voiceless tool for someone else. That's how I felt, how the people feel, when we're caught up in these petty wars. But... Shaman Tao, he showed me there was hope. He showed me that there was another way. That there was a future... where I could have a voice. And then he gave me this power... and I will use it to take away from those who made me feel so small, so worthless. You understand, don't you?

Yes... you do...

Name: Lester Moot
Biochip Class: VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

Lester's Biochip allows him to remove the voices of anyone within his radius, completely blocking out their method of communication.

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

Such a specialised ability... but it leaves you unable to call for help. Archie must be searching for you right now... but you have no way of reaching him...

"Don't think that we simply want to kill you," Lester explains, though the blaster still pointing towards you throws that into question. "I'm going to ask if you're willing to comply with me. Nod for yes, shake your head for no."

>Nod your head.
>Shake your head.

>>2808414
>Shake your head.

>>2808414
>>Shake your head.
>>Try to knock something down with your power, anything to make noise

>>2808414
>Nod your head.
I've got the perfect reaction for if this goes the way I'm thinking it will.

>>2808414
>Nod your head.
Might as well stall for time.

>>2808414
Switching over to
>>Nod your head.

>>2808414
>Nod your head.
Well this is not going as expected

Calling for
>Nod your head

Writing now.

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>Nod your head

"Goooood..." Lester replies. "It's always nice to see someone comply. I knew some among you had a level of empathy. The truth is, I suspect many of you are forced into this battle in the names of your rulers, whoever they may be. You understand our plight, because you're currently living it."

You nod once more. Might as well agree to keep him talking until you formulate a plan or someone stumbles upon you.

Lester rifles through his book a little before letting out a sigh. "Allow me to get to the point. I know you have friends nearby. I know you're aware of their location. It would be most kind of you to comply and inform me of that."

You pause. Dammit, he wants immediate information out of you. You're in no condition to refuse... but you can't just tell him that Archie is above you! Then he'll be cornered! They'll kill him for sure! No, what you need to do is just keep stalling for now. You open your mouth and point at it, reminding Lester that he took your ability to speak.

"Oh, don't be coy," Moot replies. "It's a location. You don't need words to communicate. Simply point in the direction that your friend is hiding."

Dammit, he's not wasting any time. You... you don't want to do this... they'll go after Archie... but maybe if they do, he'll be okay? He'll be alerted to your presence, and you could fight them off together... maybe. Either way, it's not like there's anything else you can do in this position...

>Point above you
>Point in another direction and hope he believes it
>Try to stall some more

>>2808448
>>Try to stall some more
>>SERIOUSLY MAKE SOME NOISE WITH YOUR POWER YOUR IN A QUARRY KNOCK OVER SOME ROCKS

>>2808448
>>Try to stall some more

>>2808448
>Point in the direction of Arana

>>2808448
>>Try to stall some more

Calling for
>Try to stall some more

Roll 1d20, Best of 3.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2808472

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2808472

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2808472

File: Connery01.jpg (1.04 MB, 874x1249)

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>12 [MODERATE SUCCESS]

You try to stall for time just a little longer. Since he ordered you to point, it's best to hang your arm low... give him the impression that you broke it in the fall. You clutch it with your other hands and grimace, playing up the act... while a strand of vine pokes from your finger and moves to knock a rock over. He won't notice with your free hand blocking his view, and he isn't aware of your power yet. The vine knocks over a small rock which makes a loud noise as it falls, though this causes Lester and the other rebel to look in that direction.

"Hm?" he ponders. "Is someone coming? No matter. Hurry up and use your good arm to point."

You grimace. No more stalling from here. Slowly, you begin to move your hand... until a blue glowing winged creature appears, landing atop the blaster of the rebel.

"What's this?" Lester ponders, as the rebel stares at his blaster.

"I think I read about one of these!" the rebel points out. "A butterfly? Was it in the aviary? Huh... I never expected them to be so... transparent and glowing... it's like a ghost! Oh, there's another one!"

The other spirit-like butterfly flutters into view, much to your confusion. It lands on a nearby cliff face... and the blaster is immediately pulled from the rebels hand, the two butterflies being pulled together, sticking the blaster to the cliff face in the process. The Yellow Turban soldier rushes to move the blaster, but to no avail.

"It.. it won't budge! What are these things?!"

Eventually, the butterflies disappear, and the blaster is freed, but as Lester and the rebel stand in confusion, you notice a new butterfly landing on your arm... and before you know it you're being pulled several feet at incredible speed, eventually colliding with a rock wall. You're immediately released as beside you stands Connery, proud and smiling.

"Good thing I found you when I did, you seemed to be in a spot of bother," he points out. "How do you like my ability?"

That's right, Marco told you about this one...

Name: Connery
Biochip Class: BUTTERFLY LOCK

Connery's Biochip creates two ephemeral butterflies made from energy. Once these two butterflies attach to a pair of objects, said objects are pulled together and are locked in place until Connery releases them.

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

Still, it's no use trying to talk, you can tell. You're still within Lester's range, and you can't communicate with Connery. Unless...

>Hopefully he knows sign language... now if only you can remember what you know.
>Don't bother communicating, it'll only confuse him and slow him down.

>>2808504
>>Hopefully he knows sign language... now if only you can remember what you know.
HES AN OLD ANIME BUTLER THEY ARE MASTERS OF ALL SUBJECTS

>>2808504
>Hopefully he knows sign language... now if only you can remember what you know.

>>2808504
>Hopefully he knows sign language... now if only you can remember what you know.
Now that’s a simple ability yet with much potential for fun strategies my favorite kind.

>>2808513
The clear one being one on the face one on the ground.

High speed fall that blinds and immobilises them if it doesnt just knock them out

>>2808504
>>Hopefully he knows sign language... now if only you can remember what you know.

>>2808504
>Hopefully he knows sign language... now if only you can remember what you know.

Calling for
>Hopefully he knows sign language... now if only you can remember what you know.

Roll 1d20, best of 3.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2808524

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>2808524

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2808524
FUCK YEAH BAYBE OLD BUTLERS

>>2808526
Let’s drop the smuggling business and go help deaf people.

File: Connery02.png (1.55 MB, 1000x1600)

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>20 [CRITICAL SUCCESS]

You haven't practised sign language since you first studied it, but luckily as you begin to sign away to the butler, you realise that all of the information remains in your head, you haven't forgotten a thing. And so, you sign perfectly towards Connery, explaining that you can't speak. Please understand, please understand...

"What's the range of this power?" Connery signs back. You breathe a sigh of relief. Good thinking from Connery to sign back. The less noise he makes, the less likely it is for Lester to become aware of his location and mute him as well. You don't know if Archie can sign, so at least one of you will need to be able to speak to him.

"I don't know, but it's long," you sign. "We're still in it."

Connery shakes his head. "What do we do?"

"Find Archie, before they do."

"Archie?"

"Yes, he's up there somewhere."

The two of you scout out for Archie, and lo and behold you find him, a few cliff faces up from where Lester and the other rebel are. You won't be able to reach him from here, and he won't be able to see you unless you stand out in the open... which leaves you vulnerable for another blaster shot from Lester's camp.

"Can your butterflies reach him?" you sign. "Pull him back?"

"They can travel to him," Connery explains through sign. "But they can't pull him back here. There's a range on how far apart the butterflies can get."

You pause in thought, formulating a way to get through to Archie before he winds up in trouble... when someone else contacts him instead.

"Hey! I'm down here!" a voice calls out from Lester's location... your voice. "Help me out! I can't move, I think I broke my leg!"

That bastard, how is he using your voice?! So he can use the voices that he steals as well? What a strange ability... but that's some seriously bad news, as Archie hears your voice calling out in fear and begins to move... right into a trap. You need to get through to him, and quick.

>Burrow some vines underground and have them grab Archie's feet to stop him and warn him [SPEED: B]
>Connery's butterflies can't pull him over, but he'll still recognise them. They can alert him to the trap. [SPEED: B]

>>2808556
>>Connery's butterflies can't pull him over, but he'll still recognise them. They can alert him to the trap.

>>2808556
>>Connery's butterflies can't pull him over, but he'll still recognise them. They can alert him to the trap. [SPEED: B]

>>2808556
>>Connery's butterflies can't pull him over, but he'll still recognise them. They can alert him to the trap. [SPEED: B]
Id rather not trip up our ally when hes at the top of a cliff

>>2808556
>Burrow some vines underground and have them grab Archie's feet to stop him and warn him [SPEED: B]

>>2808556
>Connery's butterflies can't pull him over, but he'll still recognise them. They can alert him to the trap. [SPEED: B]
Can’t believe Moot is actually the sea witch from the Little Mermaid.

Calling for
>Connery's butterflies can't pull him over, but he'll still recognise them. They can alert him to the trap.

Roll 1d20+3, best of 2.

Rolled 6 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2808576
inb4 critfail

Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2808576

Rolled 14 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2808576

File: Acutally Brook.jpg (12 KB, 213x236)

12 KB JPG

>>2808583
YOUU FOOOOOOL
AAAAAAAAA

>>2808580
>>2808582
>>2808583
HMMMNNGGGGG

File: Connery04.jpg (132 KB, 920x1200)

132 KB JPG

>6 + 3 = 9 [MODERATE FAILURE]

Connery releases the butterflies and they flutter through the air, making their way towards Archie as he makes his way deeper into the quarry. He catches glimpse of one of the butterflies as it flutters towards him, and he stops to look at it. He quickly realises that Connery is trying to tell him something, as the butterfly begins to motion towards the area of the trap-

"LOOK OUT! GET OUTTA THE WAY!" your voice calls out, prompting Archie to jump aside, tripping as he does. He slides down the cliff face, trying hard to break his fall, but collapses at the bottom. Dammit...

Archie grimaces as he crawls along the floor, and Lester spots him. And now, there's a gun pointed towards your friend... probably several at this point. You doubt you're alone in the quarry, and Archie made a lot of noise with his fall.

Connery shakes his head in frustration. You've gotta do something to help him. Archie's in trouble here...

>Fire cactus needles at the rebel with the blaster. [PRECISION: C]
>Connery, connect your butterflies to me and Lester. [SPEED: B]

>>2808615
>>Connery, connect your butterflies to me and Lester. [SPEED: B]
ITS WAY MORE RISKY BUT MORE LIKELY TO WORK

AAAAAAAAAAA

>>2808615
>Fire cactus needles at the rebel with the blaster. [PRECISION: C]

>>2808615
>>Connery, connect your butterflies to me and Lester.

>>2808615
>>Connery, connect your butterflies to me and Lester. [SPEED: B]

>>2808615
>Fire cactus needles at the rebel with the blaster. [PRECISION: C]

Calling for
>Connery, connect your butterflies to me and Lester.

Roll 1d20, Best of 2.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2808637

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2808637

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2808637
YEAAAAAAAA

File: Matt Millar06.png (183 KB, 459x661)

183 KB PNG

>15 [DEFINITE SUCCESS]

Connery looks to you and nods, before doing as you say. This is crazy, but is just might work... or at least buy Archie some time to escape. A butterfly connects to your arm, and another makes its way to Lester Moot, landing on his shoulder as the rebel is ready to open fire. Lester is pulled in your direction, barrelling over the other Yellow Turban in the process, as you're pull away from Connery, the two of you meeting in the middle, connected shoulder to shoulder.

"W-what?" Lester exclaims. "These things again? No matter!"

As Archie is alerted to your location, picking himself off the ground and staring at you and Lester, the Yellow Turban general pulls out a blaster of his own and points it at your head. "You there! I don't know if you have an ability, but if you take a step closer, I will end your friend's life! So don't even think about it! Just walk away!"

Dammit... you know Archie isn't going to do that. He's far too noble to just walk away from a friend in danger... even if it is in his best interests. Shit, you want to call out, you want to tell him to just go, to save himself... but your voice is still gone. You bought him some time, but you know he isn't going to use it. And there's nothing he can do to help you... he can create weapons from the surroundings, but this is a quarry. It's nothing but small stones as far as the eye can see... nothing tangible enough to make a useful weapon that can take out Lester from a distance. You're so hopeless...

"Hey pal, why the long face?" Archie smiles. "Did you forget what this place is?"

File: Archie03.png (208 KB, 820x600)

208 KB PNG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofVwGpugOs0

Lester raises an eyebrow... before being shot through the shoulder. The butterflies break as you fall to safety and catch a glimpse of what Archie has done. Of course... this quarry exists to excavate metal ore from under the ground... and Archie was using that, creating a small fighter plane from the metal beneath the ground, springing it up and now unloading on Lester and the rebel with machine gun fire.

Damn, that nerd's never looked cooler.

Archie helps you to your feet, with a wide smile on his face. "So, what's going on here?"

You motion towards your throat.

"I see... he took your voice away or something," Archie notes, understanding the situation. He turns his head towards Lester. "But you... you've still got a voice, right?"

"Y-yes..." Lester mutters, bleeding and riddled with small holes.

"Then I suggest you use it to beg for mercy."

"N-never..." Lester mutters, before being knocked out cold with a punch from Archie.

"Too bad."

As Lester is knocked out cold, Archie turns to you. "Got your voice back."

"Y-yeah..." you reply, as Connery catches up to the both of you.

Connery lets out a laugh. "My god, I thought you two young'ns were done for! That was a rough situation, no doubt!"

"Yeah," Archie replies. "Now let's get to that ridge and find the others."

You nod, before reaching into your pocket. "Okay, but first... you dropped this..."

You hand Archie back the locket he had lost earlier. The scientist looks at the picture and gives a small smile. "Uhh... thanks..." he replies, before pausing. "Hey... after all this is over... do you think I could join your crew, Matt?"

"What?!"

"Archimedes, you imbecile!" Connery lectures him. "You want to abandon your home and your post? You're Lord Shao's head researcher!"

Archie shrugs. "Heh, we both know that title means nothing. I've never had to research anything for Marco. It's all been my side-projects. It's always just been an excuse to spend more time with my best friend. But now... I think I need more travel, more experience... and I trust Matt and his crew enough to travel with them... uhh, if that's okay with you, of course!"

Archie lets out an awkward laugh and scratches the back of his head.

>Of course you can join us.
>I'll think about it.
>No chance, you're not a right fit for us.

>>2808691
>>I'll think about it.
>>Slap him on the shoulder

>>2808691
>>Of course you can join us.

>>2808691
>I'll think about it.

Calling for
>I'll think about it.

Writing now.

File: Dot13.jpg (70 KB, 600x690)

70 KB JPG

>I'll think about it.

"Heh, I guess you don't want to make any immediate decision," Archie admits. "At least not without running by the rest of your crew. I understand. Let's go."

As the three of you trek up the quarry to the proper vantage point, Connery looks around. "The battle is looking bad for us..."

"I know," you reply. "Losing so many ships at once... all of the ships we came here in. That's a blow that it's going to be tough to recover from."

"That's not all that I meant," Connery replies. "We're also outnumbered... but we're outnumbered by the people. These aren't soldiers, these aren't warriors. These are civilians, store owners, your neighbour... our only options are to either be overwhelmed by the people... or cut down hundreds of the innocent backbone who make up the galaxy... I can't imagine what Master Shao must be thinking right now. He's always spoke at length at how he longed for the people to be freer, for there to be room to flourish in independence without having to resort to crime..."

"I get that..." you mutter.

"For the people to no longer suffer in the crossfire of these wars..." Connery sighs. "He never could have imagined that they would become radicalised like this, though. It breaks even my heart... I can't imagine the weight on his own."

The three of you reach the vantage point, looking over the base from the quarry ridge. "Look!" you exclaim, pointing towards the outskirts of the buildings. "There's Crooks, and Dot, and Krista! They're close!"

You agree to regroup with them and hurry in their direction. Despite your wounds still stinging, it feels great to slide down the stones of the quarry on purpose this time.

You meet up with the other three just as Crooks puts a bone bullet through the skull of an enemy. "Matty! Dammit, I was worried about you!"

"Matt-Maaaaaaaatt~!" Krista sings in joy as you both approach. Dot simply tuts.

"You boys are hurt, I'm sure Connery kept you both from getting killed?"

"That he did," you reply. "We would have been toast otherwise. We're very reckless."

Dot rushes to heal you both as you lean up against the wall. "Archie, aren't you supposed to be a genius? Because I don't remember you ever not being dumb."

"Oh come on," Archie laughs. "Just because I've got book smarts doesn't mean I have street smarts."

"Or BRAIN smarts," Dot laughs back. "You can memorise a thousand textbooks but have no common sense... you're unbelievable."

The two share a small laugh as Dot places her hands on Archie's leg to heal his wounds.

>It's good to see old friends like this.
>Archie says he's considering joining our crew.
>Careful Archie, she's a married woman!

>>2808758
>Archie says he's considering joining our crew.

>The 1st and 3rd options
>Archie wishes Moot finished him off

>>2808758
>Archie says he's considering joining our crew.

>>2808758
>Archie says he's considering joining our crew.

Calling for
>Archie says he's considering joining our crew.

Writing now.

File: Dot08.png (188 KB, 492x700)

188 KB PNG

>Archie says he's considering joining our crew.

"Is that so?" Dot asks. "Huh... just as I was moving back to the NOAH too..."

Dot's smile begins to fade, as Archie awkwardly scratches the back of his head. "Y-yeah... I guess that is bad timing... sorry, Dot. I just need to travel some more... it's not permanent! I'll be back for sure! Heck, I don't even know if they'll take me on board yet!"

"I'm already against it," Crooks points out.

"I understand," Dot nods, healing up his wound. "Trust me, I understand. It's just... I was hoping we could spend more time..."

Dot looks forlorn, prompting Archie to place his hand on her head. "I'm sorry... look, after this battle, I'll treat you to a huge dinner! Just the two of us, okay?"

"Okay..." Dot smiles.

Crooks growls. "Look, you lovebirds are plenty cute, but can we get moving? I'm not a fan of standing around like this. Are those two healed up?"

"We're all good," you reply. "Let's get moving."

You and your group make your way down the street, looking around every corner as you do. You and Crooks take the front, as you stand with your blaster at the ready.

"How have you guys fared so far?" you ask.

"We've got a healer, we've been fine," Crooks replies. "That crash was terrifying, though. But on the bright side, at least we haven't encountered anything other than untrained fighters. They don't seem to have many elites-GUH!"

It seems your captain spoke to soon, as out of the arrows flies a blue arrow-shaped beam of energy... which pierces Crooks right in the heart.

File: Liang Tao.jpg (880 KB, 850x1195)

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"DAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!" you scream, as Crooks stumbles back, the arrow in his chest. He pauses... but he seems unfazed.

"Huh..." Crooks mutters. "I don't really feel anything... the hell is this thing?"

"That thing..." a voice from the shadows calls out. "Was a gift given to me... by my brother."

"Brother?"

From the shadows steps out a young-ish man in robes, a bow by his side. "My name is Liang Tao, the youngest of the Tao brothers. My eldest brother started this rebellion from a vision he had of the future. Of the dark fate that awaits humanity unless the people rise up! And I will fight to achieve that dream of a better future!"

"Doesn't answer what the hell this is, genius!" Crooks yells at him. "What did you stick me with, asshole!"

"Just wait."

In that moment, the arrow moves through Crooks' heart and pierces out his back, landing on the ground behind him. The arrow then begins to take shake, molding and forming into the shape of a human, just like Arana with her spider form. Only in this case... the arrow forms into Crooks. A second Crooks.

"Another... me?" Crooks mutters. "What's this cheap copy?"

"The darkness within your heart," Liang Tao explains. "Just as the darkness within the hearts of those in power will be revealed, I am able to unveil the darkness in the hearts of those I strike with my power... and that darkness becomes a new being."

"What a load of shit-" Crooks mutters... before taking a bullet bone through the shoulder from his copy.

"Now I, Liang Tao, shall unveil your darkness! And the darkness within your hearts shall rid you from this world!"

So this guy is the youngest of the Tao brothers? You best hope he's also the weakest, because if this is his ability... you don't want to see what the others are capable of.

END OF CHAPTER 9

File: Liang Tao02.jpg (284 KB, 500x701)

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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! After a lot of delays which included moving house, It's good to be back, and I can promise the next thread will be much, much quicker than this one took! Follow the Twitter for any and all updates!

>Player Question
So the first big battle has begun? What is your opinion on the fights and the armies? Your opinion on the Yellow Turbans? And which newly introduced Biochip do you like (this thread had quite a few because of the whole battlefield thing)?

>>2808857
HE IS THE SHADOW
THE TRUE SELF
>PQ
The thread definitly has the feel of a big battle, and while we know the general ideas behind the yellow turbans we dont know the specifics well enough to speak of them, outside of the general Poision, dodging and mental warfare capapbilities Tarantula is an amazing stealth chip cause you can just be a spider and hide, Butterfly Grandpa is great because its limits are only range and the enviroment around you.