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/qst/ - Quests


You glance at the tablet again, making sure that you hadn’t misread the details. Your arm must have followed the same pattern for at least the last hour. Every time you raise the dim glow of the screen to your face, you pray for it to be a trick of the light or a typo that the spelling correction software had overlooked. There were thousands of dialects and tongues out there, after all. Thousands of worlds, hundreds of colonies and settlements that existed on those worlds; surely this was just a misspelling?

GAIA-0401
ASSIGNMENT: LD-065 GREYHOUND
R. POINT: Kerensky Theta, E-0020


It doesn’t change.

You fall back onto your bed, letting out a great grumble of dissatisfaction as your eyes rest on a point in a once-familiar ceiling. Your quarters were barren. The bulk of your belongings had found a new, albeit temporary, home in a storage unit in the southern outskirts of Rhysode Alpha. There was no sense leaving your things here. By tonight, these premises would be off-limits to you. You’d be a fully-activated serviceman of The Imperial Aegis by tomorrow morning … and these premises belonged to the Cadets. The fourth-years—or the ones that still held reason to hope for a sparkling military career—were eager to take their rooms early. The bulk of them had already positioned their belongings out in the hallway, warming their key cards and ID for activation. The dormitories were in the middle of what could be called a reset of sorts, allocating the “new” arrivals … and kicking the old ones out. Your ID would be invalid by the evening’s arrival, but you expected to be out long before then. Most of your fellow graduates had left early in the morning to check into hotels, blow whatever change they could scrounge for a day on the town or prepare themselves for tonight’s unofficial graduation party.

You give your room’s bare cupboards, shelves and lockers one last glance before turning your gaze to your rucksack, filled to the brim with everything—

No, not quite. Your wallet was still there in your desk drawer. You don’t know why you’d tossed it in there last night instead of putting it in one of your bag’s compartments. One glance at the damned thing told you that there was more than enough space for it, bulky as it looked.

Your doorbell sounds, the indicator on the side turning green as you find yourself graced with expected company.

Hey, man, you in there?

‘No, Ryosuke,’ you answer sarcastically, getting to your feet. ‘I’m dangling from the ceiling in unmitigated despair.’

You push the button on the right. The metal door slides open, revealing the gleaming red visor and shocking blue compliment of hair that made up the bulk of your friend’s visage.
>>
Ryosuke Umikaze, ever the optimist, scoffs.

‘Aw, come on, it’s not that bad.’

You hold up your tablet.

He winces. ‘Ouch.’

>‘Oh, my family’s going to love this. Their son, an engineer.’ (House Scion)
>‘Maybe you’re right. I guess I just wanted something that didn’t … pigeon-hole me.’ (Colony Fleet)
>‘Well, on the bright side, I can always go back to the farm with some qualifications.’ (Rhysode Local)
>‘It’s a career, just … well, everything looks nicer from the bottom.’ (Conscripted Orphan)
>‘You know, I don’t mind not being in the line of fire, but this is a dead end if there ever was one.’ (Aspiring Scholar)
>‘I can’t blame them, though … with me being from the Republic and all.’ (Republic Immigrant)
>>
>>3419580
>‘You know, I don’t mind not being in the line of fire, but this is a dead end if there ever was one.’ (Aspiring Scholar)
>>
>>3419580
>>‘You know, I don’t mind not being in the line of fire, but this is a dead end if there ever was one.’ (Aspiring Scholar)
>>
>>3419580
>>‘Oh, my family’s going to love this. Their son, an engineer.’ (House Scion)
fun times as house Scion with politics and Space Jewing
>>
>>3419580
>‘Oh, my family’s going to love this. Their son, an engineer.’ (House Scion)
>>
>>3419580
>>‘You know, I don’t mind not being in the line of fire, but this is a dead end if there ever was one.’ (Aspiring Scholar)
>>
>>3419580
>>‘Oh, my family’s going to love this. Their son, an engineer.’ (House Scion)
>>
>>3419582
>>3419585
>>3419595
Scholar

>>3419589
>>3419591
>>3419612
Scion

Tiebreakers will have to come with either vote or I flip a coin. Personally, I wanted Conscripted Orphan, but eh.
>>
>>3419580
>‘Oh, my family’s going to love this. Their son, an engineer.’ (House Scion)
>>
>>3419580
>>‘It’s a career, just … well, everything looks nicer from the bottom.’ (Conscripted Orphan)
>>
>>3419579
Goddamn you for restarting this right when I have to go to bed.
>>
>>3419580
>>3419664
Forgot to vote, I know it won't win, but
>>‘It’s a career, just … well, everything looks nicer from the bottom.’ (Conscripted Orphan)
>>
File: Ryosuke.jpg (140 KB, 850x1133)
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GAINED: +2 Speech Resolution
GAINED: +1 Command Resolution
GAINED: +1 Knowledge
PENALTY: -1 Physical Resolution


GAINED: Honeyed Words
GAINED: Lap of Luxury
GAINED: Education of a Gentleman


‘My family’s just going to love this,’ you sigh, putting the tablet away. ‘Their son: an engineer.’

A chuckle escapes your friends mouth as he places a hand on your shoulder. Nothing really seemed to effect Ryosuke, your station as a semi-exiled scion least of all. You’d led a sheltered life, being a scion of Trade House Mishima, mostly languishing on a reserved Paradise World or zooming around in a luxury craft while visiting Trade Worlds left and right. You hadn’t had many friends prior to your arrival on Rhysode. The closest things that you could remember having were two play-dates with the children of other Houses and one very fortuitous meeting with an Imperial Princess. Connections were sparse, mostly detailed by ink to paper or a data slate with a prompt. In your lack of exposure, your world’s view of sixteen standard Imperial years being nothing more than a browse prompt and a viewport, two of your uncles and your father had deemed you … in a word, unworthy of inheritance and found wanting in every aspect expect but physical mass.

Thankfully, your years in Rhysode had addressed all of those just fine.

You just didn’t think the first lesson to learn was that all the money in the universe wasn’t going to stop a bullet or a knuckle to your jaw if you didn’t watch your mouth.

Ryosuke had taught you that much, if nothing else.

‘Hey, everyone starts from the bottom,’ he asserted … before pausing. ‘Well, not you specifically, but you know what I mean. Besides, it’s not like you were gonna get picked ahead of Maldante and Reinweld, anyway.’

You run a hand through your hair.

If there were ever beings created for the right purpose of humbling you a thousand times over, it would’ve been those two. Emilio Reinweld and Lucion Maldante, the top two aces of Rhysode’s Academy. Not that you even sniffed the upper echelons of the pack, of course, but seeing someone be at the top of the heap that wasn’t you from the day you’d been stamped as a cadet?

Humbling was definitely the word for it.

You felt inappropriate even being around those two. Reinweld, especially.

‘And it’s not like that you don’t qualify as a pilot, anyway,’ Ryosuke encourages you, grinning brightly. ‘A few years, maybe a little more shoulder bumping … and who knows? Maybe you might even qualify as a Scout.’

‘Coming from you, that’s strangely comforting.’

His grin widens. ‘Nah, I’m just being nice to you because I know you’ll buy me something nice as thanks.’

You throw up your middle finger.

‘That’s a low-born move if I ever saw one!’ he cackles.
>>
>‘Why do you always have to remind me that I said that?’ (Regret)
>‘Yeah, well, you should be flattered I picked a thing or two up from you.’ (Neutral)
>‘Please.’ (Dismissive)
>‘So we’re heading to the city now or what?’ (To the point)
>Write-In
>>
>>3419690
>>‘Why do you always have to remind me that I said that?’ (Regret)
>>
>>3419690
>‘Why do you always have to remind me that I said that?’ (Regret)
>>
>>3419691
>>‘Why do you always have to remind me that I said that?’ (Regret)
>>
>>3419691
>>‘Why do you always have to remind me that I said that?’ (Regret)
>>
>>3419690
>>‘Why do you always have to remind me that I said that?’ (Regret)
>>
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You groan, covering your face with your hand.

Five years. It had been five years.

‘Why do you always have to remind me that I said that?’ you sigh, staring straight at your friend.

‘Because you said it, duh.

You didn’t like the reminder.

Neither could you fault Ryosuke—and by extension, the other members of your so-called fraternity—of doing so. There were many things that you’d grown to regret in your time as a cadet … but not many more than your infamous tantrum after a particularly harsh (by your standards then) bout of hazing by the third-years on your person. You didn’t make things easier to the lead up, either. You didn’t need a recording or a video to tell you that you’d been immature, pompous and prejudiced in one breath. You knew this. You know this. Jumping on a table, covered in refuse and pointing fingers and threatening all sorts of abuse by your right as a member of a Trade House …

It was a miracle that you managed to make friends at all.

‘I know,’ you concede, looking away. ‘I know.

A running joke, but one that didn’t sting any less … especially with just who you’d directed that vitriol towards. If having friends in the aftermath of that mess was a miracle, that you were been forgiven by the offended party was a mathematical impossibility that became a sensible, balanced equation.

‘So, you wanna head out now?’

You look up.

>‘Let me just make sure I didn’t leave anything behind.’ (Inspect room)
>‘Yeah, might as well.’ (Leave now)
>‘A little early, isn’t it?’ (Inquire)
>Write-In
>>
>>3419713
>‘Let me just make sure I didn’t leave anything behind.’ (Inspect room)
Need to grab our wallet.
>>
>>3419713
>>‘Let me just make sure I didn’t leave anything behind.’ (Inspect room)
>>
>>3419713
>>‘Let me just make sure I didn’t leave anything behind.’ (Inspect room)
>>
>>3419713
>>‘Let me just make sure I didn’t leave anything behind.’ (Inspect room)
>>
>>3419713
>>‘Let me just make sure I didn’t leave anything behind.’ (Inspect room)

Make sure our porn (if any) is hidden away
>>
You didn’t have to leave now, but you, Ryosuke and the rest, with your duties to The Aegis, there was no telling when you’d ever see each other again, if at all. The galaxy was vast and you didn’t know where your duties would take you, logistics crew engineer or otherwise. The next several hours could very well be the last you’d see of your friends. You wanted your moments to count; wallowing in your misery was something you could do once you were off-world or ticking boxes on supplies somewhere on Vagabond’s Straightaway or whatever conflict zone you were deemed worthy of.

For someone who didn’t have any friends for sixteen standard years of his life … the last five wasn’t just something you wanted dismissed as mere luxury.

‘Let me just make sure I didn’t leave anything behind,’ you reply, stepping back into your room and picking your bag up before setting it on the table, your tablet shoved into one of the pockets. ‘Okay, did I leave anything …’

Your wallet.

You pull your drawer open and pull out the offending object. Your memory hadn’t failed you this time. None of your instructors had bought the excuses you’d piled up in your time here. You don’t think the Dormitory Managers would be any less forgiving, scion or no.

ACTIVATED: LAP OF LUXURY!
GAINED: 100,000 CROWNS!

Well, that was everything … you think.

>Inspect more of the room (Specify)
>Leave
>>
>>3419742
>>Leave
>>
>>3419742
>Leave
>>
>>3419742
>>Inspect more of the room (Specify)
>Closet
always double check, lord knows i've left shit behind on trips and the object was in the closet
>>
>>3419742
>Inspect more of the room (Specify)
>Closet
>>
>>3419749
>>3419749
make sure nothing embarassing is left like a pack of condoms or something
>>
>>3419759
>Condoms
How unpatriotic. Do you not wish to give the Empire the fruits of your labor, citizen?
>>
>>3419786
depends, is the empire full of big tiddy nee-sans?
>>
>>3419742
>>Inspect more of the room (Specify)
>>Closet
>>
>>3419814
support
>>
>>3419805
If it's anything like the earlier version of this quest, not just big tiddy nee-sans, but kouhais and imoutos too
>>
>>3419579
Is this like some mix of settings?
>>
>>3419742
>Inspect more of the room (Specify)
Closet, under the bed, under/in the mattress and behind the air vent cover.


Pretty sure that where anything else we coulda forgotten could be hidden.
>>
>>3419934
Original setting inspired by the mecha genre. Will use anime picks but also stuff from Battletech and the like.
>>
>>3419910
Needs more space yans though
>>
>>3419579
Holy shit, this started anew! Did you manage to find that notebook, or are you starting over from scratch? Good news either way.
>>
>>3420466
Mech restarted from scratch.
>>
>>3420551
Madman. Respect the dedication tho.
>>
>>3420647
My CoC group is gone. This is all I have that "fits".
>>
I'll be running in about 45 minutes.
>>
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You kneel—

Huh.

You raise your head and an eyebrow, to meet Ryosuke’s oddly quizzical look.

What?

‘Nothin’,’ he replies, raising his hands in a warding gesture. ‘It’s just seeing you on the knees and on the floor is kinda … weird for me.’

You roll your eyes, unwilling to dignify his query with an answer. You had more immediate concerns to address. Like the possibility that you’d left something of yours in some nook or cranny you’d overlooked in your clean-up. A quick visual sweep of the floor tells you that there’s nothing you’d left lying around, and the vacant space under the table says the same. Getting to your feet, you jump on the mattress and give a quick peek through the miniscule gap between your bed and the wall, again finding nothing. You follow up with a glance to the open closets and shelves, seeing nothing to—

‘Oh, almost forgot about that …’

Ryosuke follows your gaze.

You bounce off the mattress and towards the shelf, stretching yourself high and picking up the offending object off its place on the platform, giving it a fond glance from tip of its horn to the regal shield of white and gold strapped to its back.

A gift from one of the few Instructors that you were particularly fond of.

‘Hey, I remember that! That’s Instructor Fisher’s, isn’t it?’

You don’t answer.

‘You guys still dating?’

It almost drops right out of your hand.

>‘No.’ (Adamant)
>‘O-Of course not. As if a woman of that standard could even …’ (Special: Scion, Tsundere)
>‘You know, you need to lay off the theories.’ (Exasperated)
>‘Can’t say I’m not … never mind.’ (Open, Dismissive)
>‘It was just a gift, Ryosuke. She’s a nice lady, but …’ (Exasperated)
>Write-In
>>
>>3421869
>>‘O-Of course not. As if a woman of that standard could even …’ (Special: Scion, Tsundere)
you know i had to do it
>>
>>3421869
>>‘O-Of course not. As if a woman of that standard could even …’ (Special: Scion, Tsundere)
Kek
>>
>>3421869
>‘O-Of course not. As if a woman of that standard could even …’ (Special: Scion, Tsundere)
>>
>>3421869
>>‘O-Of course not. As if a woman of that standard could even …’ (Special: Scion, Tsundere)
>>
>>3421869
>>‘O-Of course not. As if a woman of that standard could even …’ (Special: Scion, Tsundere)
>>
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It’s a good thing that you’re quick enough. The Jotun dangles from your thumb, its greatsword hooking into your palm with enough leverage to keep it from meeting a probable demise on the floor. You let out a curse and wrinkle your nose as you look up to your friends smug exterior, standing up to full height with half a mind keen on smacking away such insinuations—unneeded implications of a nature you refuse to even entertain in the deepest or shallowest of thoughts—and a fist ready for a physical communication of the sentiment. You and Instructor Fisher?

Of course not,’ you deny vehemently, turning up your nose, model in hand. It was a preposterous idea in the first place; you were a scion of a Trade House and she was a retired veteran-turned-instructor with a playful streak a mile wide and leagues long … and even with that into consideration, she wasn’t really your type. You loved mechs and she loved mechs; she loved telling stories of her days on the battlefield and you loved listening to them whenever you could.

If that wasn’t—isn’t—evidence of incompatibility, you didn’t know what was.

‘As if a woman of that standard could even so much as appeal to me,’ you retort, huffing loudly and stomping your foot to emphasize your point. ‘I have … taste, if you insist I … insist.’

Damn Ryosuke.

All your friends could get you tongue-tied whenever they wished for it to be so. It’s your fault for being so … naive. Perhaps your grandfather should have just brainwashed you into being more pragmatic and with more common-sense. It’s not as if he didn’t have the means to do it.

To your surprise, Ryosuke only shrugs.

‘Eh, sure,’ he replies nonchalantly. ‘Personally, I think she and Maldante would’ve made better-looking babies.’

>Sigh tiredly
>‘Unless Fisher’s got the ability to transform herself into a leather-bound book five inches thick, I won’t count on that.’ (Dry)
>‘I don’t think he’s her type.’ (Jealous)
>‘Whatever, Ryosuke, are we going or not?’ (Dismissive, Rush)
>Write-In
>>
>>3421989
>Write-In
“And what about you. You and all those admirers of yours.” (Pouty/turnabout)
>>
>>3421989
>‘Unless Fisher’s got the ability to transform herself into a leather-bound book five inches thick, I won’t count on that.’ (Dry)
>>
>>3421989
>>‘Unless Fisher’s got the ability to transform herself into a leather-bound book five inches thick, I won’t count on that.’ (Dry)
>>
>>3421989
>>‘I don’t think he’s her type.’ (Jealous)
gotta Tsun hard
>>
>>3422013
Agreed. But, lets follow up with >>3421996 and try to turn the tables on him.


Also, glad to have this quest back Mech.
>>
>>3421989
‘Unless Fisher’s got the ability to transform herself into a leather-bound book five inches thick, I won’t count on that.’ (Dry)
>>
>>3421989
>>‘Unless Fisher’s got the ability to transform herself into a leather-bound book five inches thick, I won’t count on that.’ (Dry)
>>
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‘Unless Fisher’s somehow acquired the ability to transform herself into a leather-bound book five inches thick, I don’t think that’s happening anytime soon.’

Ryosuke snorts before placing his hands on his waists and giving a nod of concession. Blond, tall and broad-shouldered with a reputation as an ace to go with his good looks, one would think that Lucion Maldante, one of the two golden boys of your generation to be the perfect example of an eligible specimen. He played the part well enough, being more well-spoken than you despite the difference in your upbringing, with a rigid countenance that underlined his focus and somehow having his uniforms more meticulously pressed and done than you could ever manage to do by yourself or, failing that, the hands of hired professionals.

Out of all the people in your graduating class, Maldante was easily the only one that managed to combine all that with a lack of a following from the female persuasion. Oh yes, he definitely played the part. Definitely; you’d repeat that until a star went nova somewhere within a jump distance, but the only female you’d actually see him have an interest in—if it could be called that at all—was with the previously-mentioned Morrigan Fisher. Many of your peers had singled him out as her favourite, of sorts and it wasn’t hard to see why.

Hell, from their interactions, it was harder to pin-point reasons that they wouldn’t be … if it wasn’t for the fact that he was a complete and utter bookworm. Perhaps your uncle could use him as a model for a reading encouragement campaign on one of the Solar Capitals or Industry Worlds. You know that at least a million girls would pick up something to read if they saw him on advert.

Maldante’s love was books. Old-fashioned, leather-bound, thousand year-old hard copies that were probably purchased more for decoration than content. At least a quarter of his collection wasn’t even in Lower Imperial Zeta, instead being of some lost language on some world that was probably lost to time. You’d been to his room thrice in all your years of knowing him, and as his friend—for whatever value that was to the man—and the only thing you’d see lying idly around that wasn’t related to a simulation review or an assignment were ancient scrolls and physical tomes.

As the child of a Trade House, you estimated some of the items in his keep to be worth more than some terrain vehicles. You’d never pried him about his method of acquisition, however.

‘At least he’s easy to shop for,’ Ryosuke states. ‘An expensive one, but … easy.’

‘He likes history and he likes the feel of a tome in his hand,’ you reply, tossing your arm bag over your arm.

Ryosuke glances at your bag.

‘You ready?’

You nod.
>>
>>3422106
>'Wanna have a last look around the old place?' (Browse the Dormitories)
>'Come on, I need to do my gift shopping.' (Head into the City)
>Head to the Practice Hangars
>Head to the Academy Plaza
>Head to the Stadium
>Head to the Instructors' Lounge
>Head to the Gardens/Lake
>Head to the Academy Staff Domiciles
>Write-In
>>
>>3422109
>>'Wanna have a last look around the old place?' (Browse the Dormitories)
>>
>>3422109
>'Wanna have a last look around the old place?' (Browse the Dormitories)
>>
>>3422109
>>'Come on, I need to do my gift shopping.' (Head into the City)
>>
>>3422109
>>'Wanna have a last look around the old place?' (Browse the Dormitories)


Find a spot and vandalise.
>>
>>3422109
>>'Come on, I need to do my gift shopping.' (Head into the City)
>>
>>3422109
>>'Wanna have a last look around the old place?' (Browse the Dormitories)
>>
>>3422109
>>'Wanna have a last look around the old place?' (Browse the Dormitories)
>>
>>3422109
>>'Wanna have a last look around the old place?' (Browse the Dormitories)
>>
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You give the metal walls of the fifth level corridor one mighty whack. Even for someone of your upbringing, you found the Aegis’s propensity to combine the practical and the aesthetic into a working, functioning state impressive. You’d seen better, of course. You’d been brought up by better, but that the Aegis had been able to combine the rough outlook of a soldier’s life with a liveable domicile of at least a moderate, homely quality … even you were impressed. Lines and scores of eager fourth years leaping into their fifth with all the privileges are all about, many of them already peeking into vacant rooms, once populated by your peers. Even with a corridor as wide as this, the sheer number of them made it almost claustrophobic to manoeuvre yourself without almost bumping into someone with your bag.

The Dormitory Manager’s absence had allowed for indiscipline to permeate through these halls, but whether you cared for it or not, it would be allowed. You doubt even your parents’ guards could quell the rowdy inclinations of the end of a training year, especially with young adults and teenagers. The bulletin boards were blank, as expected. Every notice had been taken down the night before, what with practically every graduating cadet deciding to indulge in whatever vice Rhysode Alpha could offer them. You’d be heading there soon; you didn’t much think of the prospect of sleeping under the stars without your essentials. Ryosuke probably could, but you … well, you were brought up spoiled.

There were some things that you avoided, as used as you were to them.

‘Whoa, man, those third years sure are filled out, aren’t they?’

He spies a pair of girls that giggled as they ducked past a gaggle of boys who, by appearance, appeared to share the sentiments of your current companion. You roll your eyes as you hook an arm around Ryosuke, dragging him away as the girls come to a halt in front of an open door. To your irritation, however, you find yourself being held back from taking your next step forward, your taller, more defined friend managing to keep you from following through on your desire to finish up your last tour of the old place before you shot for the stars.

To be fair to that statement, however, if there was ever a weakness Ryosuke had, it was his tendency to get sidetracked by a pretty face. You’d borne witness to that more times than you would care to … and by the wet lick of your friends upper lip, it looked like you were about to do so again.

Ryosuke,’ you say warningly, throwing him a look.

‘Gimme a sec,’ he replies.

You let out a sigh.

He never learned.

You release your hold on him, as if letting a clawbird loose upon the skies.
>>
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Your presence—at least temporarily—becomes forgotten in his women-chasing wiles as you cross your arms. Perhaps he’d just get laughed into an imploding phenomenon this time. It’d be a cleaner kill—

‘Ex-excuse—’

You turn around, prompted by a desperate, pleading voice.

Not directed at you, no, but from a young blonde that was trying and failing to get the attention of several busy groups too busy admiring the prospect of moving into fifth year dorms and going over the next year’s assignment. She didn’t even look like she belonged, if you were being honest. Clad in a short skirt and a sleeveless top, she looked like she belonged on a mid-level doing some clothes shopping or something similar. Her golden braid swings left and right as she continues the futility of approaching the retreating backs of cadets, as if invisible to the—

You notice a symbol on her arm.

Spacer. She was a Spacer.

You have half a mind to do the same. What would a Spacer be doing here? Trying to strike a deal? Where was her Expedition Crew? You’d dealt with her ilk before; parading around the galaxy like they owned the place, stubborn, headstrong and without a care for protocol. At the same time, however … she looked—and there was no other word for it—lost. As she should be. What would she be doing—

‘Excuse—’

It’s like she doesn’t even exist.

‘Oh!’

The dirty sack that was presumably hers falls on its side, bumped into by one of the cadets. Something that resembles a pipe falls out.

It’s the only time she gets a look.

But only a look.

She meekly gets to her knee, gathering said object.

>Help her
>Ignore her
>Write-In
>>
>>3422159
>>Help her
>>
>>3422159
>Help her
>>
>>3422159
>>Help her
>>
>>3422159
>>Help her

noblesse oblige or something
>>
>>3422159
>>Help her
>>
>>3422159
>>Help her
>>
>> Help her

Let's not be a total douche.....
>>
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Despite your better judgment, you saunter towards the kneeling young woman. You don’t think she even notices you, busy shoving the pipe-like object and whatever it was she’d encountered back into that dirty excuse of a sack. Still … regardless of how you felt about the Colony Fleet and its denizens, she didn’t seem like she was too much of a nuisance, and if the last few years had taught you anything it was that being nice and polite wasn’t something you extended to merely your equals and superiors.

‘You all right?’

The blonde woman raises her head, standing up so quickly she almost bumps into you. She turns her head left and right, as if puzzled … or in anticipation of a prank. There is an uncertainty in her eyes and her motions, and the trail of her gaze has you amusingly guessing if you were a mirage or some kind. Letting out a sigh, she gives a swift nod, lifting her bag off the floor and tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. There was definitely a scarcity in elegance there. Her motions are too large and clumsy, which was a bit of a waste, as you found her rather fair despite all indicators to the contrary.

‘Y-Yes,’ she replies, dropping into a deep bow. One that would have knocked you over if you hadn’t taken a step back to avoid her head. ‘I am, thank you.’

That was it, then.

You turn to—

‘A-Actually, no, I was, um … I was wondering if you’d be able to help me.’

There it was.

Of course,’ you return, trying to sound as accommodating as you could manage. ‘What is it that you require, Miss …’

Rosaria,’ she introduces herself, bowing again … and almost knocking you into a trio of passing fourth-years. ‘Rosaria El Moldavor Spirance, I … I’m new here.’

That much was obvious. Her presence, though, was … something that you couldn’t quite make sense of. You hadn’t seen anyone from the Colony Fleet on Rhysode. The place wasn’t exactly remote, but outside of it being an Aegis-designated planet there wasn’t really anything you think a Colony Fleet would come here to—for lack of better word—barter in. At best, it was the equivalent of a Terraformed Outpost World, a young four-hundred-odd years in age with no Trade House jurisdiction whatsoever … and thus, of no interest to a Colony Fleet unless they were here for a quick stop-by.

Was she sent here to make a deal?

‘Is everything okay?’

You throw out your most disarming smile.

It doesn’t feel like it to you, despite your best efforts. Even she looks quite … apprehensive.

‘No, sorry, I … is there someone you’re looking for? Somewhere you have to be or something? I just noticed that you looked a little … lost.’

Nailed it.

She lets out a sigh of relief. ‘I am,’ she answers. ‘I’m, um … supposed to meet with the Dormitory Manager and, ah … I haven’t been able to find him. Would you, um ...'
>>
>>3422208
>‘Can’t help you there.’ (Leave her be)
>‘Would you mind if I inquire what for?’ (Inquire)
>‘You’re fresh out of luck. They’re not going to be in until at least Monday.’ (State)
>‘Wait, how were you able to get onto this level without a pass from the Dormitory Manager at all?’ (Curious)
>‘Sure, just go to elevator 3-A and go to the fifth floor. His quarters and office should be there.’ (Lie [Speech])
>Write-In
>>
>>3422209
>>‘You’re fresh out of luck. They’re not going to be in until at least Monday.’ (State)
>>‘Wait, how were you able to get onto this level without a pass from the Dormitory Manager at all?’ (Curious)
>>
>>3422211
this
>>
>>3422208
supporting this
>>3422211
>>
>>3422209
>>3422211
Guess I'll join in on the combo request.
>>
>>3422209
>‘You’re fresh out of luck. They’re not going to be in until at least Monday.’ (State)
>‘Would you mind if I inquire what for?’ (Inquire)

First leads into the second to see how we can solve the problem.
>>
>>3422209
>>‘You’re fresh out of luck. They’re not going to be in until at least Monday.’ (State)
>>
>>3422211
Support
>>
>>3422211
yea this
>>
>>3422211
Supporting
Kinda lost with the actual setting but looks interesting enough
>>
>>3422209
I'll back >>3422211

Also, if someone doesn't mind explaining, what happened to this quest? The entire story got reset? Why? I haven't been on /qst/ for a while but last time I was, we fought some funny space pirates. I guess I've missed a lot since then.
>>
>>3423238
QM lost the notebook with all of the story and everything. Decided to start fresh instead.
>>
>>3422209
>>‘You’re fresh out of luck. They’re not going to be in until at least Monday.’ (State)
>>‘Wait, how were you able to get onto this level without a pass from the Dormitory Manager at all?’ (Curious)
>>
>>3423255
yup thats what happened
>>
I'll be running in a bit. Hang tight. My rectum has some unfinished business with 30 fish sticks, 10 chicken sticks and 2 loaves of bread, so please wait warmly.
>>
>>3424307
Ass pride, world wide.
>>
File: Rosaria Shirt.jpg (45 KB, 480x480)
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‘You’re fresh out of luck,’ you answer evenly, placing your hands in your pockets as you regard present company. ‘I don’t think that they’re going to be around until the Imperial Firstday comes around, or … as you probably use it, Monday?’

Her eyes widen slightly, her mouth opening for a reply before her form visibly shrinks, for some reason or other. Well … no, not some reason, you suppose. As much as you’d tried to stay your tongue, you couldn’t help but throw a jab out that you had discerned more from her than she was likely comfortable going off on such a casual mention. She’d probably caught on. After all, only the Colony Fleets used the old terminology for the 24-hour day and 7-day week. Much more different to the Imperial Tradition, which had a less-linear count of days to the year. Standard months were still very much dictated by relative references, despite the name … and the Colony Fleets had stuck with their terminology for at least the last few millennia. It’s a finger to her status as one of them … and your usage of said terminology had thrown any attempt she would have at playing coy or being subtle to that right out the window.

She turns her head down, shoulders oscillating as she appears to considering a retort.

It could only be a retort. Colony Fleet Administrators and their henchmen had little concern for protocol unless it was the dictation of the bestowed rights upon them in their freedom on the galactic spaceways. As demure as this girl—this Rosaria Mole Vor-Spiral Blade-something—seems, your experience in observing your House’s dealings with them didn’t give you faith—

‘Is that so?’ Rosaria sighs, hanging her head. ‘Um, then … is there any other person I could go to to organize my lodgings?’

Despite your … prejudices, you try to be helpful. She’d put the act up well enough and it would be unbecoming of you to not at least return one of equal conviction.

‘Sorry to say, but you’re out luck there, too,’ you answer. ‘Unless you have your ID card activat—wait, how were you able to get on this level without a pass from the Dormitory Manager at all?’

She tilts her head. ‘Pass?’

You hold up your card. It was due to be expired by the evening’s arrival, but it still stood as a pretty good example.

‘I needed one?’

You’re incredulous.

‘The door was open and I saw people getting into the elevator so I just, um … I followed?’

You sigh, pinching to bridge of your nose. If this were one of your grandfather’s suites, someone would get a great big talking down to … although you really couldn’t blame the Dormitory Manager for their absence. Not with your bunch turning the place upside-down on an hourly basis in the aftermath of their Cadet years.

A crime that even you weren’t exempt from.
>>
>>3424382
>‘Well, good luck, then.’ (Leave her be)
>‘Are you a transfer in from another Academy?’ (Discrete, Curious)
>‘Actually, I’m sure that if you go to Secondary Administrations, they’d be able to help you.’ ([Lie] Speech)
>‘You’re from a Colony Fleet, aren’t you? What’re you doing around here?’ (Indiscrete)
>Write-In
>>
>>3424383
>‘Are you a transfer in from another Academy?’ (Discrete, Curious)
>>
>>3424382
>‘Are you a transfer in from another Academy?’ (Discrete, Curious)
>>
>>3424383
>Your best bet would be to find whichever instructor or overseer that got you into this place, report your issue to them, and hope they can work it out honestly. If you can tell me who I could point you in the right direction.
>>
>‘Are you a transfer in from another Academy?’ (Discrete, Curious)
>>
>>3424383
>>‘Are you a transfer in from another Academy?’ (Discrete, Curious)
>>
>>3424383
>>‘Are you a transfer in from another Academy?’ (Discrete, Curious)
>>
>>3424383
>>‘Are you a transfer in from another Academy?’ (Discrete, Curious)
>>
File: Rosaria.jpg (10 KB, 231x218)
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It was improbable … but even if it wasn’t on-track, it would likely be an easier way to break the ice. However, before you elect to utter another word, you raise your hand and place it on the—weirdly gooey—bare skin of her bicep, motioning her to move to the side. You were clogging up traffic and garnering some irritated gazes from your juniors and the last thing you wanted was getting into a fight as an assigned officer with a Cadet for standing in the middle of a hallway and being a general inconvenience for everyone involved. Escalating something form nothing … well, you doubt your grandfather would care to send agents if he found out, anyway. You were a Mishima … and that meant at least a sliver of discipline and discretion on your part.

Like you elect to do now.

‘Are you a transfer in from another Academy?’

It wasn’t unheard of that a Colony Fleet, a Spacer, would defect or abandon their previous life for the safety net of Imperial rule. Rim World Colonies and Independent Outposts were the more frequent recruits outside of The Imperium, but once in a while, you’d heard that a Colony Fleet dreamer would follow that dream … a popular sub-genre in many networks. You’d know. Your House operated some of them.

Perhaps she was one of those.

She seemed too old to be a first-year.

‘No, um, I’m, ah … I’m not,’ she replies, as if in apology. She brings her fingers together, throwing up a smile that was more nervous than anything else. ‘This is actually my first time on an Imperial World. Feels odd getting used to … natural gravity.’

Rhysode’s index was about 0.95. Pretty much on the safer extremes of the standard scales. You’d been at 1.03. If this was odd for her, then—

You shake your head. No use being side-tracked.

‘So you’re from a Colony Fleet, then? Just touched down?’

Rosaria nods meekly.

‘I was supposed to meet with the Dormitory Manager two days ago,’ she reveals, her shoulders drooping as she looks aside. ‘But I … don’t know the geography of this world at all and touched down at Espinosa Port—’

Espinosa?’ you cry out, incredulous. That was at least a thousand miles south. She was closer to the coast and Rhysode Delta than she was to the Academy. ‘That’s … well, you definitely missed the mark.’

Rosaria bites her bottom lip.

‘I had some money,’ she continues, ‘but I ran out switching at the port stations and—’

Wait,’ you cut her off, raising her hand. ‘Why didn’t you just call the Academy and get someone to pick you up?’

She hangs her head. ‘I … I couldn’t get a pass into the channel without any ID and none of the enforcement agents were … keen on helping me. I … I decided to just come here myself.’

You stare at her, incredulous.

Yet, you couldn’t fully discount her story.

‘I know I’m a week late, but …’
>>
>>3424490
>'You know, I ... sympathize. I might not be from the Colony Fleet, but I guess I can see how hard being from one might be for you on an Imperial World.' (Sympathize)
>'Well, whatever it is, good luck.' (Dismissive, leave)
>'So who sent you over here, then?' (Follow-up)
>'Why are you here, then? Trying to join up and make a career or just trying to get a head-start?' (Inquisitive)
>Write-In
>>
>>3424494
>>'You know, I ... sympathize. I might not be from the Colony Fleet, but I guess I can see how hard being from one might be for you on an Imperial World.' (Sympathize)
>>'Why are you here, then? Trying to join up and make a career or just trying to get a head-start?' (Inquisitive)

We need to start figuring out what shes here for or we're not getting anywhere.
>>
>>3424494
>>'You know, I ... sympathize. I might not be from the Colony Fleet, but I guess I can see how hard being from one might be for you on an Imperial World.' (Sympathize)
>>
>>3424494
>>'So who sent you over here, then?' (Follow-up)
>>
>>3424494
>>'You know, I ... sympathize. I might not be from the Colony Fleet, but I guess I can see how hard being from one might be for you on an Imperial World.' (Sympathize)
>>'Why are you here, then? Trying to join up and make a career or just trying to get a head-start?' (Inquisitive)
>>
>>3424494
>'You know, I ... sympathize. I might not be from the Colony Fleet, but I guess I can see how hard being from one might be for you on an Imperial World.' (Sympathize)
>'Why are you here, then? Trying to join up and make a career or just trying to get a head-start?' (Inquisitive)
>>
File: Exuberant.jpg (80 KB, 850x438)
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‘You know, I,’ you pause, regarding her for a moment, before letting out a tired sigh. There were some habits that you really needed to … temper. ‘I sympathize. I might not be from a Space—Colony Fleet—but I think I can picture how hard it’d be for you being on an Imperial World alone … never mind being on one for the first time.’

She probably wasn’t even on the grid, as far as the Empire was concerned. Imperial agencies took tentative steps in regards to the hundreds of Colony Fleets roaming the galaxy … and making things convenient for them wasn’t a priority. Sound logic on paper. The Colony Fleets and the Empire had elected on a standing set of rules that dictated non-interference between the two parties; one honoured by both sides to sometimes antagonistic and ridiculous extents. Colony Fleets would fleece any traveller caught low on provisions on the wrong side of a system and trade whatever cobbled tech they’d deemed worth something on a ridiculous premium (and coming from a Trade House, it was saying something) and the Colony Fleets would be unwelcome on any terraformed or colonized world that they happened to set foot on for whatever reason.

The only thing keeping the peace was the mutual dislike both sides had for the Republic and the Alliance Military … and these days, you weren’t not quite sure if the Colony Fleets saw much of a difference (Although, you do concede they likely did, as only one known Fleet regularly ventured past the Rim and into Alliance space: Fleet Simpson or something). That the entire planet and its administration served as an obstacle to this woman before you … made you empathize more with her plight that you’d first thought.

‘Thank you,’ she replies, her smile lighting up slightly.

‘Must have been quite a trip,’ you point out amusedly. The regret comes almost as quickly as your joke.

Habits will be habits.

Thankfully, however, she doesn’t seem aware of your snipe at all.

‘It was,’ she laughs, clutching herself. ‘They asked me a lot of questions and asked for identification and where my fleet and the Expedition was and … well, I had a pass for travel, but it didn’t get me out of trouble. I ran out of money, but I was lucky enough to catch a ride into the city.’

You nod. ‘So how’d you get here without ID?’

She shrugged, letting out a sound of amusement.

‘I walked.’

You stare at her. She’d walked ten miles between the city and the Academy, on foot?

‘It’s not like I could’ve stayed in town. I tried to one of the salvation chapters, but … well, I’m … not their jurisdiction. I decided to just leg it. I mean, I need to get used to the gravity sooner or later, don’t I? Fresh air and wind! Never thought I’d experience it for myself!’

She bounces.

The fatigue is more visible than her exuberance.
>>
>>3424611
>'Any reason you made a beeline for the Academy? Are you starting a term or ...' (Inquire)
>[Sniff Sniff] (Point out the smell)
>'Well, good luck to you.' (Leave)
>'So who sent you over, then?' (Follow-up)
>Write-In
>>
>>3424611
>'Any reason you made a beeline for the Academy? Are you starting a term or ...' (Inquire)
>>
>>3424614
>>'Any reason you made a beeline for the Academy? Are you starting a term or ...' (Inquire)
>>
>>3424614
>>'Any reason you made a beeline for the Academy? Are you starting a term or ...' (Inquire)
>>
>>3424614
>>'Any reason you made a beeline for the Academy? Are you starting a term or ...' (Inquire)
>>
>>3424614
>>'Any reason you made a beeline for the Academy? Are you starting a term or ...' (Inquire)
>>
>>3424614
>>'Any reason you made a beeline for the Academy? Are you starting a term or ...' (Inquire)


>>3423255
Oh, that's unfortunate. I'm curious to see how differently the story unfolds this time though.
>>
>>3424614
>'Any reason you made a beeline for the Academy? Are you starting a term or ...' (Inquire)
>'So who sent you over, then?' (Follow-up)
>>
‘So any reason you made a beeline for the Academy?’ you ask further, your curiosity to her presence peaking. ‘Are you starting a term or …’

She looked to be in her late teens, early twenties in standard age (Although by Hotho terms, she’d probably be old enough to get a Corporate Sponsor for sponsored living, in comparison to the late standard forties elsewhere; Hotho was weird like that) at most. At the very least a year or two younger. If she wasn’t a transfer … you really couldn’t fathom why she’d be here in the dormitories. The Aegis had strict age restrictions on military personnel … and anyone hoping to get an honest qualification from The Aegis in hopes of getting a head-start in the corporate world wasn’t allowed to stay on campus (Not that it was hard to circumvent that; most took the service they’d been granted for the three standard before dropping out; it’s a loophole that’s—strangely—never been a concern to the higher-ups), which made her presence all the more puzzling.

Unless, of course, she was a …

No. They’d be much more professional about it. Not that you’d know anything about that, of course.

‘I’m ah … I’m due to start an apprenticeship here,’ she answers, albeit with some hesitation. ‘I was supposed to report in, but, ah … well, like I’ve said, things didn’t go exactly as I expected it to be …’

>‘So you came from a colony fleet, hitch-hiked a thousand miles to take up an apprenticeship of some trade with The Aegis and … there’s definitely a story there that I’m supposed to buy, isn’t there?’ (Spot the thread [Speech])
>‘Nothing ever does.’ (Sympathize)
>‘Hn.’ (Indifferent)
>‘Well, good luck with that.’ (Leave her be)
>Write-In
>>
>>3426586
>>‘So you came from a colony fleet, hitch-hiked a thousand miles to take up an apprenticeship of some trade with The Aegis and … there’s definitely a story there that I’m supposed to buy, isn’t there?’ (Spot the thread [Speech])
we are a speechy man, right?
>>
>>3426586
>>‘So you came from a colony fleet, hitch-hiked a thousand miles to take up an apprenticeship of some trade with The Aegis and … there’s definitely a story there that I’m supposed to buy, isn’t there?’ (Spot the thread [Speech])
>>Who are you apprenticed too? They might be able to sort you out.
>>
>>3426586
>>‘So you came from a colony fleet, hitch-hiked a thousand miles to take up an apprenticeship of some trade with The Aegis and … there’s definitely a story there that I’m supposed to buy, isn’t there?’ (Spot the thread [Speech])
>>
>>3426586
Okay, just to clarify [Speech] means there's a speech check. All your basic stats start at 1, of which there are 7 "resolution stats" So since you're a Scion?

You have a base of 1 + 2 from your Speech Resolution, so you get a total of 3 Resolution whenever you do a speech check. As you gain "Honor" as a pilot, you level up these 7 Resolution stats, to a maximum of 10 points in each stat. All of them are resolved by d6.
>>
>>3426586
>>‘So you came from a colony fleet, hitch-hiked a thousand miles to take up an apprenticeship of some trade with The Aegis and … there’s definitely a story there that I’m supposed to buy, isn’t there?’ (Spot the thread [Speech])
>>
>>3426589
Yes.
>>3426592
>>
>>3426594
Is it a d6 individually or a QM roll after the choice is decided?
>>
>>3426586
>>‘So you came from a colony fleet, hitch-hiked a thousand miles to take up an apprenticeship of some trade with The Aegis and … there’s definitely a story there that I’m supposed to buy, isn’t there?’ (Spot the thread [Speech])
>>
>>3426586
>‘So you came from a colony fleet, hitch-hiked a thousand miles to take up an apprenticeship of some trade with The Aegis and … there’s definitely a story there that I’m supposed to buy, isn’t there?’ (Spot the thread [Speech])
>>
>>3426596
I'm actually giving you guys a choice. Do you want to elect one champion or do you want averages? Either way, you beat it, you win.
>>
>>3426631
What do you mean by "one champion"? Im not a fan of first to roll
>>
Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>3426586
Ill put my roll in just in case
>>
>>3426633
That's up to everyone. If we go by my usual rules, we wait for 5. If we go by "champion", I can get resolutions done quicker.
>>
>>3426637
Average of 3 as a compromise?
>>
>>3426637
Ill definitely put in first to five as my vote. Though id like things to go quicker, im definitely not a fan of going with whoever rolls first
>>
Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>3426631
i'll stick with averages, as much as i like quicker rolls, our luck is too abysmal to trust to one person
>>
>>3426640
Case and point.
>>
>>3426640
i suppose this is case in point really
>>
>>3426634
>>3426640
Guys, I haven't even started the roll prompt yet. Hang on, let everyone have their say then we can go forward.
>>
I'll side with those asking for averages.
>>
Averages it is.
The next post will be the speech check, so please reply to that.
>>
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Rolled 2, 1, 2, 4, 2 = 11 (5d6)

SPEECH!
Base: 1
Bonuses: +2 to Averages (Trade House Scion)
>>
Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>3426650
>>
Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>3426650
>>
Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>3426650
RNGESUS GUIDE ME
>>
Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>3426650
>>
Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>3426650
>>
>>3426652
>>3426654
>>3426655
>>3426657
>>3426659
Good job!
>>
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You’re not satisfied. You move to make that lack of contentment known.

‘So, you came down from a colony fleet,’ you start, sounding every bit as unimpressed as you intended to be, ‘hitch-hiked a thousand miles to take up an apprenticeship of some sort of trade that the Aegis has legitimately offered you and … you know, I feel like that there’s a story that I’m supposed to buy here but your salesmanship’s definitely lacking.’

She almost looks aghast.

‘I … I wasn’t intending on hiding anything.’

‘No,’ you agree, nodding. You could definitely tell that much; you were sheltered, not blinded. ‘But you’re definitely not telling me everything.

Rosaria bites her bottom lip.

‘I … we just met,’ she throws back, sounding affronted. ‘Why do you—’

‘Because you being here without explicit permission isn’t just against regulations, it’s a crime,’ you say pointedly, leaning in close so your voice didn’t carry beyond your ears or hers. As busy as the other bodies were in the hallway, you didn’t want to risk anyone overhearing that she was here without any sort of relevant identification or permission; as much as you disliked the Colony Fleet, she hadn’t really done anything to anger you out of malice or by cruel intention. ‘I don’t think that you’re doing anything malicious, but really, if you want me to help you out, I think a better thing to do is to help me understand your situation a little better.’

Rosaria shifts her weight from one foot to the other, looking more hesitant as the seconds pass.

‘I’m … I’m not lying or anything,’ she declares softly, looking downward. For a moment you feel like kicking yourself in the back of the head; she resembled a whipped kitten more than she did a smelly refugee. ‘Mr Fisk just told me to come here and I …’

You hold up your hands, your regret finally overtaking any rational perspective you’d held.

The smell wasn’t doing her any favours, but if your grandfather and uncle found out that you’d reduced a woman to tears, you’d probably have better luck joining a Rim Pirate’s crew than you did keeping your status as a member of Trade House Mishima, rightful suspicion or no.

‘Look,’ you sigh, moving to apologize. ‘I’m sorry, I … I get carried away sometimes. Instructor Fisk sent you here?’

She nods.

‘I was supposed to meet up with him but he told me that the terms were over and he’d find me a spot to take up my apprenticeship in the next two standard weeks,’ she reveals. ‘I arrived late, so he already had his crew set, so he said he’d bring me onto the next inspection unit to start. I asked him where I could stay and he told me that the Dormitory Managers would sort that out and …’

Rosaria lets out a hiss, running a hand over her face.

She lets out an exasperated sigh of her own. She sounded ... exhausted.
>>
And while you didn't want to comment on it, you can't help but feel like she was just passed around without any sort of accountability in regards to her purpose or presence. It was like they didn't want anything to do with her.

Coming from a Colony Fleet, though ... the attitudes were probably expected.

You knew that more than most.

>'You won't be able to register for at least a few days. I suggest you try and at least talk with one of the administrators to see what they can do. No promises, though.' (Conclude)
>'Maybe it's because you smell bad.'
>'I probably shouldn't be doing this, but I'm heading into a hotel in the city. I can pull a few strings to get you some lodgings until Firstday comes along, no issue.' (Helpful)
>'Well, nice talking to you.' (Leave)
>Write-In
>>
>>3426687
>>'I probably shouldn't be doing this, but I'm heading into a hotel in the city. I can pull a few strings to get you some lodgings until Firstday comes along, no issue.' (Helpful)
>>
>>3426687
>>'I probably shouldn't be doing this, but I'm heading into a hotel in the city. I can pull a few strings to get you some lodgings until Firstday comes along, no issue.' (Helpful)
>>
>>3426687
>'I probably shouldn't be doing this, but I'm heading into a hotel in the city. I can pull a few strings to get you some lodgings until Firstday comes along, no issue.' (Helpful)
>>
>>3426687
>>'I probably shouldn't be doing this, but I'm heading into a hotel in the city. I can pull a few strings to get you some lodgings until Firstday comes along, no issue.' (Helpful)
>>
File: sweaty.gif (410 KB, 188x174)
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>>3426684
>>3426586
>>3424611
>>3424490
>>3424382
>>3422208
>>3422159
>gif related

>>3426687
>'I probably shouldn't be doing this, but I'm heading into a hotel in the city. I can pull a few strings to get you some lodgings until Firstday comes along, no issue.' (Helpful)
>>
>>3426687
>>'I probably shouldn't be doing this, but I'm heading into a hotel in the city. I can pull a few strings to get you some lodgings until Firstday comes along, no issue.' (Helpful)
>>
>>3426684
>>'I probably shouldn't be doing this, but I'm heading into a hotel in the city. I can pull a few strings to get you some lodgings until Firstday comes along, no issue.' (Helpful)
She was fairly okay in the previous run, but no one could resist sexy shishou thighs...
>>
I'm sorry that I had to cut today's session short, but I had to go to the bank and drop a few things off.
>>
>>3426958
No worries.
>>
>>3426764
Does she still have the sex slave background?
>>
>>3427779
Don't know yet.
>>
I'll be running in about an hour.
>>
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You’d known her for ten minutes.

Ten minutes.

By all rights, her plight wasn’t even uncommon. There were many on Industrial Worlds that had worse plights on the hour and many more on abandoned Rim Worlds on the galactic No Man’s Land that could take being homeless for thirty-six hours as easily as the next breath of polluted air. Yet, at the same time … you couldn’t help but reach over the edge of sympathy. She could be lying, of course; there was no way that you could verify the truth, but if she was making an attempt at subterfuge, going by the way of a Colony Fleet member—former or current as irrelevant as synthetic grass—was a poor way to go about it … or in some roundabout way, the most audaciously perfect cover for it.

But if there was anything that your mother had taught you (In her own haughty, dismissive fashion, befitting the wife of a Trade House Scion) that had stuck in her sparse appearances in your life it was to be offer a hand in the event you could, and especially if it came at no significant inconvenience. Not that she was a saint herself, mind. None of your family could be considered average in the eyes of the everyday citizen … and your mother, of lower nobility and marrying into the Trade House, embodied some of the horrifying approaches and attitudes that you’d applied in your short life.

When she was right, however, she was right … and the wrong thing to do would be to leave this woman, Rosaria, to the mercies of an Imperium that hadn’t quite accepted her and the frivolous hands of one mad Instructor Fisk.

‘I probably shouldn’t be doing this,’ you start, feeling hesitant at uttering the disclaimer at all, ‘but I’m heading into a hotel in the city. I can pull a few strings to get you some lodgings until Firstday comes along and you’re able to sort yourself out.’

‘Huh?’

You let out a sigh, placing your hands on your hips.

‘You don’t have any identification or anything, right? You’re not going to get far going around without at least your registration sorted out … and since you’re not from around here’—you try to skirt around the detail, lest someone actually be listening in—‘I doubt that you know anyone around that’ll be willing to put you up for the next thirty-six hours.’

‘I … I was thinking of asking Mr Fisk if he would be able to.’

You could just shrug and be on your way.

But … even if she was a Spacer, you doubt that Fisk would have anything benevolent for her. If he was careless enough with the first years, then …

‘Trust me,’ you reply evenly, ‘that putting your life in Fisk’s hands isn’t … advisable.’

She looks downward. ‘I thought he was nice.'
>>
You sigh.

‘Look,’ you let out, half-exasperated. ‘Like I said, I probably shouldn’t be doing this at all, but you don’t look like you’re sorted out just yet and I’d be a jerk if I let you wander around and at least not put the offer out. I’m not … forcing you or anything, but, well, I’m not trying to short-sell you on a stock if you want to opt out on it. It’s up to you.’

Rosaria’s lips thin as she raises her gaze, a sort of … fear in her eyes; they bore into you with an apprehension you’d expected to be more tepid. Your father’s tone had probably carved your voice out a little more harshly than you’d thought.

‘And … what would I have to give in return for this … favour?’

Her voice is … timid.

>‘Nothing.’ (Blunt)
>‘A shower.’ (Stinky Girl Is Stinky)
>‘Madam, you literally, literally don’t have anything that I can’t get on my own.’ (Haughty)
>Write-In
>>
>>3429143
>‘Madam, you literally, literally don’t have anything that I can’t get on my own.’ (Haughty)
Ho ho, you’re propositioning me? Trade Scion numero uno?
>>
>>3429143
>‘A shower.’ (Stinky Girl Is Stinky)
>>
>>3429143
>‘A shower.’ (Stinky Girl Is Stinky)
>>
>>3429143
>>‘Nothing.’ (Blunt)
>>
>>3429143
>>‘A shower.’ (Stinky Girl Is Stinky)
>>
>>3429143
>>‘Madam, you literally, literally don’t have anything that I can’t get on my own.’ (Haughty)
>>
>>3429143
>>Write-In
maybe consider joining my pit crew once your training is done?

(because spess redneck french braid are sorta good at mechanical stuff)
>>
>>3429160
this
>>
>>3429160
thats putting the cart before the horse m8. we havent even left the Dorm
>>
>>3429165
its just like giving someone our calling card, we arent asking her to join us now but after her training and its more of consider it when your done with stuff
>>
>>3429160
And this.
>>
>>3429143
‘A shower.’ (Stinky Girl Is Stinky)

>>3429160
This.
>>
You don’t hesitate with what you wish in return.

‘A shower.’

‘Eh?’

You take in a deep breath, trying your best to hold back the disgust as the pungent odour—akin to Moldonhirm Soil Mushrooms crushed with Deliberately Rotted E-Tangerines—assaults your nose with a vengeance. It wasn’t anything like raw sewage, but it was so strong and invasive that you’d rather be in a room with Rhysode Academy’s Wargeass first eleven after a game than have another round with the odour that she emanated. Perhaps that was why no one had helped; more than the fact that she was from a Colony Fleet, perhaps one strong whiff was what made everyone automatically adopt a wide berth when it came to her.

‘I don’t know if you’ve noticed,’ you manage, raising your hand to give where your hand had made contact with her skin and giving it a whiff before moving it away almost immediately, ‘but body odour management solutions aren’t universal.’

She turns red.

‘It … is it really that bad?’

‘Yes,’ you answer; no use dancing around it. ‘Planetary atmosphere is much less sterile to the simulated environments on … your ships, and they react differently to different atmospheric calibrations, depending on the planet, but the generally accepted rule is that upon contact, they turn into something counter to their intended purpose.’

She visibly deflates.

Oh.

You roll your eyes.

>‘Yours isn’t too bad, though. It’s more … concentrated, but you’re at least bearable from a foot away.’ (Try to console her)
>‘Yup.’ (Affirm)
>Write-In
>>
>>3429308
>‘Yours isn’t too bad, though. It’s more … concentrated, but you’re at least bearable from a foot away.’ (Try to console her)
>>
>>3429308
>>‘Yours isn’t too bad, though. It’s more … concentrated, but you’re at least bearable from a foot away.’ (Try to console her)
>>3429308
>>
>>3429308
>>‘Yours isn’t too bad, though. It’s more … concentrated, but you’re at least bearable from a foot away.’ (Try to console her)
>>
>>3429308
>‘Yours isn’t too bad, though. It’s more … concentrated, but you’re at least bearable from a foot away.’ (Try to console her)
>>
>>3429308
>>‘Yours isn’t too bad, though. It’s more … concentrated, but you’re at least bearable from a foot away.’ (Try to console her)
>>
>>3429308
>>‘Yours isn’t too bad, though. It’s more … concentrated, but you’re at least bearable from a foot away.’ (Try to console her)
>>Write-In
"Dont worry, its a common spacer error. At least you'll know what to look out for next time you reach planetside."
>>
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Perhaps you were being too insensitive.

It wasn’t as if the typical Colony Fleet Inhabitant came down often into atmosphere to have it on any checklist. You run a hand through your hair, quietly lamenting the conscience that you hadn’t expected to have grown in the last five years. Not that you would have been cruel, of course, but you wouldn’t have cared beyond putting her down for some charity subsidiary and going on your merry way.

Discovering that life didn’t revolve around you and your whims seemed to have that effect on people.

‘Not that yours is too bad,’ you declare with some measure of amusement. ‘It’s more … concentrated, but you’re at least bearable at from a foot away.’

She smiles wryly, her eyes focusing on the floor.

You catch some curious gazes from your underclassmen, more than likely wondering what you were still doing on the premises instead of being out on the town enjoying your thirty-plus hours of freedom.

‘Thank you … I guess.’

An awkward silence takes place between the both of you. You’re uncertain of what else to say; coming up with words that didn’t off-handedly sound condescending or cruel was a chore whenever it came to those of her ilk … and while you found her pleasant enough, shaking prejudice off, justified or no, was not something you could just learn and apply at a finger’s snap. However, you also know just how alone she probably felt … and even if you couldn’t be her best friend over night, at the very least, you owed her a measure of your courtesy.

‘But back to the point,’ you stress, realigning yourself. ‘Outside of your … hygiene, I really don’t expect you to do anything. Think of this as a … welcome from the Empire’—even if it totally wasn’t and even your father’s protection detail would probably cringe at your choice of words—‘and a … personal extension of kindness from a graduating member to an … underclassman.

She stares at you.

You decide to come clean.

‘That, and if Instructor Fisk has any plans for you, you could at least use the next few days to yourself.’

Rosaria’s brows crease upward in concern, pressing the tips of her fingers against one another. ‘I … don’t have any money.’

You roll your eyes. ‘Which is why I’m offering,’ you clarify dryly. ‘As long as you’re willing to take a shower and get some atmosphere-friendly cleaning up, it stands.’

She hesitates.

You decide to try again.

‘Well?’

‘Is … it really okay? I won’t be a bother?’

You sigh. How many times did you have to repeat yourself?

‘Yes. It is.’

‘I don’t have any money or anything I can offer,’ she asserts, ‘Are you … sure?’
>>
She was either the most risk-averse person in the universe or just paranoid to the point of irritation.. Still, if she wanted assurance, then.

>'Of course; I am totally trying to con you into coming to a hotel in the city because I need to get my rocks off and get some tail before I get shipped off for the next eight standard years with an eggwrench as my bedroom buddy. That's totally what I'm doing and I have failed in my attempts in being opaque. Yeesh ... you try to be nice ...' (Sarcasm)
>'Yes.' (Blunt)
>'You know what? Good luck.' (Leave her be)
>Write-In
>>
>>3429427
>>'Yes.' (Blunt)
Money isn't a problem for me to be frank.
>>
>>3429427
>'Yes.' (Blunt)
>>
>>3429427
>Write-In
“Well if you really must, what about your comm code then? We’ll need it to contact each other over the next few days if anything happens.”

Add in a grin, harmless trade.
>>
>>3429427
>'Yes.' (Blunt)
>>
>>3429437
eh sounds smart to me
>>
>>3429437
this and add the fact that you can consider joining my crew as a mechanic or something
>>
>>3429437
Um, she doesn't have one. She's not even registered. She's essentially an alien who only has her touchdown pass.
>>
>>3429467
oh, well then lets be Blunt
>>
>>3429467
Isnt there some sort of universal email system thingie. For personal intergalactic communication. Thats what i mean.
>>
>>3429427
>>Write-In
"we should properly get you fixed up and proper then, i assume with how things have gone you dont even have the basic necessities and the like. cant have you doing an apprenticeship with out that.

and if you really insist on paying me back, you could consider joining my crew once you graduate, more tech help would be good"
>>
>>3429427
>>'Yes.' (Blunt)

>>3429477
I like this. Pay me back by joining my crew later.
>>
On my phone. Sorry guys, I had to jet. Need to do some errands.
>>
>>3429427
'Yes.' (Blunt)
>>
>>3429427
>Sarcasm
>>
>>3429427
>>'Yes.' (Blunt)
"But if you really want to repay the favor, you can do so by looking out for whoever next needs help."
>>
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‘Yes.’

Easy.

Simple.

Okay.

Easy.

Simple.

You feel like your father convincing a prospective subsidiary agreeing to an exclusivity deal under pain of liquidation … probably. Your father rarely showed anything but a cool determination to get what he wanted … to which he, quite often, did. You could count the number of times you’d seen him in person in the last ten years on your hands and toes, but judging by how merciless he was in the feeding frenzy that made up the thousands of conglomerates under the Mishima Trade House’s umbrella, it would be naive to assume that he didn’t derive some sort of pleasure from closing a deal. Why else would he rather jump tower to tower than pop in for a visit?

Not that you wanted one. You’d rather go out of ammunition and brandishing an unmaintained heat-axe in a Hellion than locked in a room with your father for more than ten minutes.

Rosaria (You’re still uncertain if you should be calling her that; you weren’t friends or on a first-name basis) shifts uncomfortably in place, picking her bag up with a loud clatter and jingle, tossing it over her back and smiling … nervously. She probably felt like she’d bitten onto a hook.

‘So … am I to follow you … sir?’

You laugh. ‘I don’t have rank just yet, madam.

‘You can call me Rosaria,’ she replies, making your task that much easier. ‘I … I know that my last name’s a little hard to … say in full.

You let out another chortle, caught. ‘Right, then … I can’t go around parading myself by rank just yet, so …’

Senpai.’

You blink. ‘Eh?’

What was this feeling in your chest?

‘Even if you don’t have rank, you’re … still my senior, aren’t you? So … Senpai.’

This swelling of ego.

‘Um,’ you blink again, at a loss of words. ‘I … all right.’

‘So, do I … is it all right if I tag along or do you …’

‘Yeah,’ you answer, nodding. ‘You don’t have any on-world comms on you, right? And I can’t leave you around on the plaza without identification of any sort … better for you to stick with me until you have everything sorted.’

She nods tightly. ‘Of course.’

‘Well, I—’

‘Urgh, it’s a crapshoot!’

You let out a sigh of exasperation as you feel a strong hold around your neck and the irritated voice of one Ryosuke Umikaze, back from another of his poaching attempts with neither feather nor tooth of his prey. A mental counter in your head ticks in triple digits as you stay your tongue of a lecture in futility … and—

‘Oh, hello.

Rosaria bows in respect.

‘Good day.’

Ryosuke releases his hold on you, his focus now on the blonde woman before you. You consider your options ...
>>
>‘Rosaria, this is Ryosuke. Ryosuke, this is Rosaria.’ (Neutral)
>‘Ryosuke; Rosaria. Rosaria, living evidence that even with all the physical prowess in the world, you can be a failure with the opposite sex.’ (Joke)
>‘So you’d even take a Spacer, huh?’ (Blunt)
>‘You move on way too quickly.’ (Pointed)
>Write-In
>>
>>3432072
>‘Ryosuke; Rosaria. Rosaria, living evidence that even with all the physical prowess in the world, you can be a failure with the opposite sex.’ (Joke)
>>
>>3432072
>>‘Ryosuke; Rosaria. Rosaria, living evidence that even with all the physical prowess in the world, you can be a failure with the opposite sex.’ (Joke)

>ma kokoro
>>
>>3432097
>tfw a girl calls you senpai not out of a cringey attempt to be cute, but in full reverence of your authority and seniority
>>
>>3432115
still makes me heart go HNNGGGH
>>
>>3432072
>‘Ryosuke; Rosaria. Rosaria, living evidence that even with all the physical prowess in the world, you can be a failure with the opposite sex.’ (Joke)
>>
>>3432072
>>‘Ryosuke; Rosaria. Rosaria, living evidence that even with all the physical prowess in the world, you can be a failure with the opposite sex.’ (Joke)
>>
>>3432072
>>‘Ryosuke; Rosaria. Rosaria, living evidence that even with all the physical prowess in the world, you can be a failure with the opposite sex.’ (Joke)
>>
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‘Ryosuke, Rosaria,’ you introduce, gesturing to Rosaria before doing the same to the wagging set of eyebrows that was once an entity you deemed friend. ‘Rosaria, meet living evidence that even with all the physical prowess on this world, you can be an absolute and utter failure with the opposite sex.’

Ryosuke actually looks offended.

Good.

‘Pleased to meet you, Ryosuke-senpai.’

He recovers quickly enough, however. Not that you expected any less.

‘Rosaria’ll be tagging along with us for the day,’ you announce, readjusting your bag. ‘She doesn’t have her registration sorted out just yet.’

Ryosuke frowns. ‘Wait, what? How’d she get in then?’

You and Rosaria share a knowing look.

>'Come on, I need to do my gift shopping.' (Head into the City)
>Head to the Practice Hangars
>Head to the Academy Plaza
>Head to the Stadium
>Head to the Instructors' Lounge
>Head to the Gardens/Lake
>Head to the Academy Staff Domiciles
>Try the Archive
>Write-In
>>
>>3432247
>'Come on, I need to do my gift shopping.' (Head into the City)
>>
>>3432247
>>Head to the Instructors' Lounge
>>
>>3432247
>>Head to the Instructors' Lounge
>>
>>3432247
>>Head to the Instructors' Lounge
>>
>>3432247
>>Head to the Instructors' Lounge
>>
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Rosaria and Ryosuke hit it off well enough that you almost felt like a third wheel. What they hit off on, though … was something that you didn’t expect at all. For a Colony Fleet Inhabitant, Rosaria was … oddly curious, so much so that she was willing to hear Ryosuke drone on and on about his homeworld, an Industrial World dominated by Trade House Akaba that went by the name of Wuron, an inhabited moon of titan of a planet in the Clannard System. Rosaria seemed entranced from the get-go, curiously inquiring about things such as habitable levels, under-levels, under-under-levels and how the logistics of the megacities that made up those worlds operated. Ryosuke, ever eager to share, was only too willing to regale her with tales from his childhood, like a Knight-Commander with eighty years of a career under his belt. Dodging Trade House-endorsed thugs in the stree—

You pause in your thoughts.

You always forgot that Ryosuke’s were …

‘So you actually jumped?

‘Well, I swung,’ he bragged, hitting his chest. ‘It was a huge drop, so I couldn’t exactly get a grip properly, but I managed to grab one of the wires and swung across. Man, those were some times!’

‘Wuron sounds so … dangerous, though!’ Rosaria exclaims, holding her hand to her mouth. ‘I thought that the Empire would—’

‘The Trade Houses and the Empire have a deal on the table in regards to jurisdiction,’ you cut in, practically reciting it from memory. ‘There are levels of autocratic rule that both sides are willing to let slide in certain jurisdictions, and so long as the Trade Houses don’t rebel against Imperial authority or The Emperor’s direct commands, the policing of worlds is largely left independent to those worlds and their direct governance. It’s mostly in place, ironically, so that cases like Ryosuke’s don’t get too widespread. Your mileage varies on how effective it is.’

‘People are messy no matter how you spin it,’ Ryosuke comments. ‘And speakin’ of people … why the Hell are we here?

The Instructor’s Lounge. Just where you had intended to be. One and a half blocks away from the plaza, positively minute in comparison to the other buildings … and, currently, filled with every Instructor of The Aegis sorting out their last details for the semester … and the first of the next.

‘Come on, you seriously don’t want to say goodbye?’

Ryosuke narrows his eyes. ‘Aw, come on, man … seriously? I signed off yesterday. I don’t wanna see Wray again!’

You chuckle.

You share the sentiment.

‘Come on,’ you gesture, holding up your key.

He sighs. ‘Fine.’

‘Rosaria’—she stands at attention—‘wait for us here, okay?’

She nods.
>>
The door opens as you hold up your credentials to the scanner, marching inside to see your former Instructors, all lazing around on an assortment of couches, tables and the sort, already getting a head-start on the next batch. Not all of them were here, of course. Darton Wray's absence the most significant (Probably much to Ryosuke's relief), but you recognize some of your favorites. Zalatz, your remedial conditioning coach was at the table chatting with basics instructor Orbyn (Who, oddly enough, insisted he wasn't at all related to the Trade House or the world of the same name) while Memphis was on the couch, the most casually-dressed of the Instructors present. You see Instructors Bydoon and Corinth going over their papers, probably comparing notes on practical application, while Specialist Cindon, a temporary transfer, was sipping a mug of coffee next to a stack of physical books that probably cost more than everything else in the office.

It is as you had expected.

'Man, this place always gives me the shivers.'

>Approach Zalatz and Orbyn
>Approach Memphis
>Approach Cindon
>Approach Bydoon and Corinth
>Leave
>>
>>3432449
>>Approach Zalatz and Orbyn
>>
>>3432449
>Approach Zalatz and Orbyn
>>
>>3432449
>Approach Zalatz and Orbyn
>>
>>3432449
>Approach Bydoon and Corinth
>>
>>3432449
>>Approach Memphis
>>
>>3432449
>>Approach Zalatz and Orbyn
>>
>>3432449
>"Finally we're free of you assholes!"
>>
File: Orbyn.jpg (274 KB, 2134x1600)
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You weren’t the only former students here to say their goodbyes, of course. You could see some other familiar faces chatting away with their now-former Instructors, the winner of the big prize being one Instructor Yodinho, who, despite his pronounced set of buck teeth and messy hair, was extremely popular among many of the Wargeass hopefuls looking to transition a career from the Aegis into one of the Divisional, System-Wide or Territorial Drafts. It irritated you, somewhat, that so many people would use The Aegis as a stepping stone into a career rather than choosing to do their duty, but … if The Aegis had no problem with it, you suppose you shouldn’t either.

Besides, if there was anyone to ask on the matter, it was probably Deidrick Zalatz.

‘I’m telling you, Deidrick,’ Instructor Orbyn addresses Zalatz, raising his old prosthetic level to the man’s gaze. ‘You keep neglecting this, it’s just going to get worse. You can’t keep using your tenure as an excuse to run away from your damn problems.

‘I’m not running away from anything,’ Zalatz lets out, ‘but I’m so close to getting a permanent—’

He cuts himself off, right as he notices you and Ryosuke walking up to their table. You assume a formal stance, throwing up a salute; Ryosuke follows suit to your right. You’re returned a pair of half-hearted acknowledgements, but nonetheless, they’re there.

‘Ah, the Mishima boy,’ Orbyn chortles, smirking as he raises his heavy brows, probably surprised at your presence. ‘What can I do you for?

‘Uh, nothing in particular, sir,’ you reply, motioning to clasp your hands behind your back. ‘Just thought I’d … say my goodbyes.’

Goodbye,’ Zalatz replies gruffly. Orbyn, quite visibly, gives the man an elbow to the forearm.

‘Hey, come on, don’t take your shit out on the kid,’ Orbyn chastises, flaring his nostrils at his friend. Zalatz lets out a grumble of a sigh, raising his head to meet your gaze … and gives a small wave of dismissal. ‘See, this is exactly what I’m talking about. You’re—’

‘Can we not do this in front of the kids, Meryl?

Orbyn stares at his friend.

Deidrick, you’re on Rhysode.

He runs his hands over his face, grumbling again. ‘Same difference.

‘I think we should go,’ Ryosuke whispers into your ear, much to your surprise. You thought that he, of all people, would have liked to see something like unfold, being such a stickler for drama.

‘You’re exhausted and this close to a damn breakdown and I swear, if I have to have to get the Emperor himself to come down here to make you look in a stinkin’ mirror, my friend, I will.

‘I’m fine,’ Zalatz insists. ‘I’m just tired.

‘You’re depleted.

He growls.
>>
>>3435372
>‘Excuse me, sir, what’s … going on?’ (Intrude [Speech[)
>Leave
>Write-In
>>
>>3435372
>‘Excuse me, sir, what’s … going on?’ (Intrude [Speech[)
>>
>>3435375
>>‘Excuse me, sir, what’s … going on?’ (Intrude [Speech[)
>>
>>3435375
>>‘Excuse me, sir, what’s … going on?’ (Intrude [Speech[)
>>
>>3435375
>>‘Excuse me, sir, what’s … going on?’ (Intrude [Speech[)
>>
File: I like this.jpg (239 KB, 1200x1295)
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SPEECH!
Base: 2
BONUSES: +2 to Averages (Trade House Scion)
>>
Rolled 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 = 9 (5d6)

>>3435413
>>
Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>3435413
>>
Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>3435413
>>
Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>3435415
>>
Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>3435415
>>
Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>3435413
>>
Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>3435415
>>
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‘Excuse me, sir, what’s … going on?’

You can practically hear the whiplash of Ryosuke’s neck. You don’t hold it against him, either. Stepping into the personal territory of your Instructors like this, whatever it was they were talking about, was against every survival instinct you’d honed as a Scion of House Mishima and as a cadet of The Aegis. That wasn’t even delving into the implications of yourself, as an effective stranger, poking your nose in where you weren’t needed or called upon. Regret, a cruel mistress, seizes your throat with Zalatz’s unimpressed gaze. You have half a mind to bolt and leave Ryosuke behind.

‘Not that I care, uh, to intrude, sir,’ you clarify yourself, seizing upon the fifteen years of formal de-escalation training that your parents had subjected you through; now or never. ‘However, as your student and your … now, a fellow soldier, I am merely voicing my concerns at your current state wish to inquire whether or not there’s anything I could do to … alleviate your burden, sir. I ask with all due respect sir, and will face the due punishment should you deem this intrusion to be out my scope and disrespectful of your station, sir.’

Both your former Instructors stare at you.

Orbyn’s the first to laugh. He’s also the only one to laugh.

‘Well, damn it, Deidrick, if that ain’t proof enough, I don’t know what is,’ he chortles. ‘Even he can see it. How do you think you’re gonna get your name on that list if even the Mishima boy can see you’re trudging around like fool?’

Zalatz grumbles, running his hands over his face again. ‘Can we not do this?’

Take a vacation.’

Orbyn sounds almost threatening saying that. Although, considering he was once on the shortlist for the Emperor’s escort, the six-foot-four giant probably didn’t need it … if he wasn’t such a ball of energy and enthusiasm most of the time. For a man with old-fashioned bionics and the musculature of a titan, Horus Orbyn (No relation to the world or the Trade House) was probably one of the most approachable Instructors on campus.

‘Excuse me, but, uh … is there something wrong with Instructor Zalatz … sir?’ Ryosuke’s voice is steady and confused, and, above all else, in possession—by your opinion—of good timing.

Orbyn moves to answer, ignoring the reluctant expression on his friend’s face. ‘He’s having marital issues.’

‘Horus, I swear on my mother’s grave, I’ll—’

‘Please, I mentored you in my graduating year. You won’t do nothing.

He grunts in response.

‘Marital issues?’

‘Well, Mr Zalatz here just had his second kid, but he doesn’t want to take any leave because …

He grumbles again.

‘I’m waiting for my turn on the Senior Administrative Council in the next two years,’ he confesses. ‘I’m shortlisted.’
>>
>>3435478
>'Uh ... congratulations?' (Congratulate)
>'Wow, sir, that's ... you'll be one of the youngest Instructors to make it if you do.' (Impressed [Knowledge])
>'Sounds like a lot of work.' (Sympathy)
>Write-In
>>
>>3435484
>>'Uh ... congratulations?' (Congratulate)
>>
>>3435484
>'Wow, sir, that's ... you'll be one of the youngest Instructors to make it if you do.' (Impressed [Knowledge])
>>
>>3435484
>'Uh ... congratulations?' (Congratulate)
>I can understand your conflict.
>>
>>3435484
>>'Uh ... congratulations?' (Congratulate)
>>'Wow, sir, that's ... you'll be one of the youngest Instructors to make it if you do.' (Impressed [Knowledge])
>>
>>3435484
>Impressed
>>
>>3435484
>'Uh ... congratulations?' (Congratulate)
>'Wow, sir, that's ... you'll be one of the youngest Instructors to make it if you do.' (Impressed [Knowledge])
>>
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You’re actually quite impressed.

‘If you make it … you’ll be one of the youngest Instructors to be on the Council,’ you point out. ‘I think about half of the council is approaching three digits.’

He grunts his acknowledgement.

‘Um, sorry to cut in,’ Ryosuke sounds out, his voice underlining his confusion, ‘but what’s the Senior Administrative Council?’

‘Hm,’ Orbyn snorts, gesturing to you. ‘Well, what is the Council, soldier?’

You’re too eager to play the teacher’s pet.

Rhysode’s Administrative Council is a branch of administration extended by The Aegis to the Specialist Academy, in charge of dictating the course of curricula, access and exposure, essentially taking the role of a University Superintendent, but on the scale of military organization, only without proper authority to sign off on engagements. The Administrative Council’s divided into two further Councils, the Senior Council and the Junior Council. Chancellor Tomasso has a seat on the Senior Council for as long as he has tenure, while the Rhysode’s Watch Commanders are given honorary seat on the Junior Council. This is the same for every world that has a Specialist Academy of the Aegis on their books.

‘The Junior Council deals in more immediate and direct concerns of domestic ordinance, like … you know, when we were given those patrol hours and the like. Organizing those in tandem with Rhysode’s day-to-day stuff. The Senior Administrative Council is the one that organizes anything external or … I don’t know how else to put this, extraordinary discussions in regards to the Academy’s direction, specialities or affiliations with direct military exercises, if we’re talking about Codra or … Honstern, if I got that second one right.’

Heighstern,’ Orbyn corrects you, ‘but on the money, soldier.’

Zalatz snorts. ‘Yeah, well … I’m being considered for Senior Council, yeah. They gave me the notice about eight standard months back.’

‘It’ll be a great boost for his career,’ Orbyn comments off-handedly, the sarcasm as subtle as a heat-axe to the skull. ‘Big move. Politically-motivated, but not without purpose. Definitely, yes.’

‘I’m right here.’

‘These shortlist considerations usually last five years,’ Orbyn counters. ‘You going to keep this up for five years? How old’s Beckett now? Four standard?’

‘Six,’ he clarifies in irritation. ‘And I’m doing this—’

‘You’re going to get addicted to Malduna Leaf and die and no one’s going to get anything from you but an exhausted corpse,’ Orbyn mentions pointedly.

‘Yeesh, Malduna Leaf … I remember when that was illegal.’

You stare at Ryosuke.

‘Hey, I was an orphan,’ Ryosuke defends himself. ‘It’s eat or be eaten!’
>>
>>3435634
>'Pardon my intrusion again, sir, but why would they want to consider you for Senior Council?' (Inquire)
>'This sounds kind of personal, sir. I'm sorry for interrupting.' (Leave)
>Write-In
>>
>>3435653
>>'Pardon my intrusion again, sir, but why would they want to consider you for Senior Council?' (Inquire)
>>
>>3435653
>'Pardon my intrusion again, sir, but why would they want to consider you for Senior Council?' (Inquire)
>>
>>3435653
>Can't say I am a fan of fathers who put high level positions before spending time with family. It tends to lead to lonely brats.
>>
>>3435653
>'Pardon my intrusion again, sir, but why would they want to consider you for Senior Council?' (Inquire)
>>
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‘Pardon my intrusion again, sir,’ you refocus, adopting a small frown of confusion as the blocks begin to fall into place. Indeed, the man before you would be one of the youngest Senior Council Seats to date but—and you mean no offence by this—his post as a conditioning coach wasn’t—isn’t—something you believe to be … of considerable consideration. ‘I’m a little lost on the details, but … why would are they, um, considering you for the, uh … position.’

Orbyn stares at you.

You feel like you’re missing something very, very … obvious.

‘Rhysode Academy’s won four out of the last five Wargeass Underdraft Division Leagues, man,’ Ryosuke reveals … only confusing your further. You didn’t follow Wargeass Leagues. Not really. Thankfully, however, your confusion only serves to spur your friend on in explaining. ‘Instructor Zalatz’s been involved in the scouting and coaching of the Academy Wargeass teams like … every year. He actually got thanked by the Ruschant League MVP at the awards ceremony. Rhysode’s been a hotbed for recruiting in the last eight years because of him. Rhysode Alpha and Founder City have turned into farms because of him.’

‘But Instructor Zalatz isn’t the team manager though … right.’

‘No, he isn’t,’ Orbyn confirms, ‘but he’s been helping Coach Regnaw establish the Academy’s identity on the field the last fifteen standard years and turned the campus prospects from a mid-table season to being actual contenders. I’m surprised you weren’t aware at all. Why do you think we had those commemorative banners floating around?’

You just didn’t think it was a big deal.

Not that you weren’t into sport, but Wargeass’s tribalism was … beneath you. If only a little.

But from what Ryosuke had painted with his words, you were able to get a clearer picture of the reasoning behind this so-called promotion.

‘So, basically, sir, they’re considering you for a position on the Senior Council to … boost Rhysode’s profile on sports?’

Maybe there was a disconnect between you and the everyday folk of the Imperium that you needed to address. One day. Perhaps.

‘It’d put him in a more powerful position than he is in now, definitely, toiling around getting kids like you in enough shape to throw a heat-blade up … but most of all, with someone with his reputation and contacts, yes, it’ll definitely boost Rhysode’s profile.’

‘But they’re smart about it,’ he grumbles, pinching the bridge of his nose. ‘They know that I’m playing a game of chicken with my career prospects and dangling that bait to make sure my success is sustained. They don’t want me to turn out to be five season wonder.’

You doubt that the term was accurate.

You choose not to address it, however.

‘And that’s why I’m telling you to—’
>>
‘Not another word, Horus,' Zalatz interjects.

'You haven't had your rest hours clocked and you haven't seen your wife since the Academy lost the Ruby Qualifier.'

'You're such a pain in the ass.'

'I can pack you up and you can be registered on the next port in forty-five minutes,' Orbyn insists. 'All you need is a damn shower.'

Zalatz tiredly regards the older Instructor. 'Don't make me take my knife out.'

>'I don't think this is my place to interject, sir, good day.' (Leave)
>'If you don't mind me saying, sir, I believe Instructor Orbyn does have a point. If nothing else, it'd be better to at least sort your house out before you get back to your career. Speaking from experience, sir, these things can and will eat at you more than not making your quotas.' (Convince Zalatz to go back to his family)
>'I actually agree with you, Instructor Zalatz. It may me seem cruel, but this is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity, isn't it? This big a leap doesn't come often, if at all. It doesn't matter if it's five years or five minutes, it's something you have to give your all, even if the world hates you for it. That's what you taught me.' (Support Zalatz's position to stay)
>Write-In
>>
>>3435958
>'If you don't mind me saying, sir, I believe Instructor Orbyn does have a point. If nothing else, it'd be better to at least sort your house out before you get back to your career. Speaking from experience, sir, these things can and will eat at you more than not making your quotas.' (Convince Zalatz to go back to his family)
>>
>>3435958
>'If you don't mind me saying, sir, I believe Instructor Orbyn does have a point. If nothing else, it'd be better to at least sort your house out before you get back to your career. Speaking from experience, sir, these things can and will eat at you more than not making your quotas.' (Convince Zalatz to go back to his family)

“Furthermore, it’ll also show to the board that you do have other priorities and that if they actually want to keep you, they’d need to give you something concrete sooner rather than later.”
>>
>>3435958
>>'I actually agree with you, Instructor Zalatz. It may me seem cruel, but this is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity, isn't it? This big a leap doesn't come often, if at all. It doesn't matter if it's five years or five minutes, it's something you have to give your all, even if the world hates you for it. That's what you taught me.' (Support Zalatz's position to stay)
>>
>>3435958
>>'If you don't mind me saying, sir, I believe Instructor Orbyn does have a point. If nothing else, it'd be better to at least sort your house out before you get back to your career. Speaking from experience, sir, these things can and will eat at you more than not making your quotas.' (Convince Zalatz to go back to his family)
>>
>>3435958
>Support Zalatz's position to stay
>>
>>3435958
>'If you don't mind me saying, sir, I believe Instructor Orbyn does have a point. If nothing else, it'd be better to at least sort your house out before you get back to your career. Speaking from experience, sir, these things can and will eat at you more than not making your quotas.' (Convince Zalatz to go back to his family)
>>
>>3435958
>'If you don't mind me saying, sir, I believe Instructor Orbyn does have a point. If nothing else, it'd be better to at least sort your house out before you get back to your career. Speaking from experience, sir, these things can and will eat at you more than not making your quotas.' (Convince Zalatz to go back to his family)
>You said it yourself it’s a marathon not a sprint, you need to keep yourself in good condition otherwise they’ll just drop you for not pacing yourself.
>>
>>3435958
>>'If you don't mind me saying, sir, I believe Instructor Orbyn does have a point. If nothing else, it'd be better to at least sort your house out before you get back to your career. Speaking from experience, sir, these things can and will eat at you more than not making your quotas.' (Convince Zalatz to go back to his family)
>>
Woke up a little late. Running in about 45 minutes to an hour.
>>
‘If you don’t me saying, sir,’ you offer, despite your better judgment, ‘I believe that Instructor Orbyn does have a point. It’d be better to book one out and sort your house out before getting back to a long term grind. I’m not going to go on a tangent and tell you that you need a vacation or anything, but speaking from … experience, if you have an external source of stress that isn’t able to be addressed directly or by natural due course or is … ignored on the whole, you’re going to find yourself with a lot more work than you locked yourself in for and … it’ll be a bigger problem then. The decision’s still yours to make, Instructor, sir, but if you think that there is an issue that you believe as due cause for immediate concern against future detriments, I think that the best course of action would be to address it. If you don’t want to, you don’t even have to think of it as vacation … just preventive measures against future interruptions to your, uh, endeavours, sir.’

You’re surprised that you’d found the gumption to blur all of that out. Even for someone from a higher station, addressing two former Mech Warriors and having them listen was something that you weren’t confident of executing without a hitch. Regret scratches the back of your throat … until Orbyn bellows in laughter, Zalatz following after with a sigh of amusement.

The heat rises in your cheeks, your embarrassment with it.

‘Oh, by the Emperor,’ Orbyn thunders. ‘You’re definitely sleeping with Morrigan, son.’

Ryosuke jabs you with his elbow.

>‘Why do people keep assuming that?’ (Informal, Exasperated)
>Say nothing
>‘Sir, that would be a violation of conduct and against standing regulations.’ (Formal)
>‘No, sir, I can say with confidence that I … am not.’
>Write-In
>>
>>3438729
>‘Why do people keep assuming that?’ (Informal, Exasperated)

Because sometimes, you just get fed up.
>>
>>3438729
>‘Why do people keep assuming that?’ (Informal, Exasperated)
>>
>>3438729
>>‘Why do people keep assuming that?’ (Informal, Exasperate
>>
>>3438729
>>‘Why do people keep assuming that?’ (Informal, Exasperated)
>>
>>3438729
>>‘Why do people keep assuming that?’ (Informal, Exasperated)

I love the tsun bend this iteration of the character seems to have. I'll miss the tinkering with her prosthetic's tho. That was cute.
>>
>>3438729
>‘Why do people keep assuming that?’ (Informal, Exasperated)
>>
Why do people keep assuming that?

You don’t mean to sound so informal with your superiors … but with all the sincerity you can muster, you can’t understand why your relationship with Morrigan Fisher, your Instructor, was scrutinized with such frequency. You liked her, sure; on both a personal and professional level you had a tremendous amount of respect for her. It wasn’t everyday you encountered a decorated Mech Warrior … especially not one at her age. Short as her career was, she wouldn’t have been considered for a post as an Instructor if she didn’t meet the qualifiers, not to mention how helpful she was acclimatizing you in your transition from the fortress of your ancestors to the synthetic leather linings of a Hellion cockpit.

That didn’t mean that you were sleeping with her.

‘It’s not that hard a conclusion to draw,’ Orbyn comments, chuckling. ‘Besides, with your background, it’s a harder conclusion to not draw to.’

‘She’s a fertile female and you’re the Scion of a Trade House,’ Zalatz follows up, stroking his goatee. ‘Frankly, I’m quite surprised that she isn’t taking pregnancy leave yet.’

Ryosuke nods sagely.

‘You do know Maldante visits her for consultation as frequently as I do, sir.’

Orbyn rolls his eyes. ‘Maldante has an eye on a career and a love affair with the Archives. Even if he wanted to, he wouldn’t … and as his Instructor, I can vouch that he doesn’t. Maldante frequently sees her for career advice … and frankly, as someone who made Officer within a week of her graduation, I don’t see anyone more qualified to give it.’

Zalatz smirks; the first time you see him do so with such amusement.

‘You, on the other hand, well … you don’t really have anything substantial to discuss in that particular direction, do you? Being from a Trade House and all?’

Ryosuke nods again.

You smack his arm in irritation.

>‘W-We share the same hobbies … I like her … Mech collection.’ (Tsun)
>‘I would have been expelled.’ (Blunt)
>‘I respect her as a professional and my senior, sir. That’s all.’ (Stay the course)
>‘Well, nice to talk to you, sirs. Good luck.’ (Leave)
>Write-In
>>
>>3438830
>‘W-We share the same hobbies … I like her … Mech collection.’ (Tsun)
>>
>>3438830
>>‘W-We share the same hobbies … I like her … Mech collection.’ (Tsun)
>>
>>3438830
>>‘W-We share the same hobbies … I like her … Mech collection.’ (Tsun)
>>
>>3438830
>>‘W-We share the same hobbies … I like her … Mech collection.’ (Tsun)
How can we not?
>>
>>3438843
By having a bone of mercy for your GM.
>>
>>3438830
>>‘W-We share the same hobbies … I like her … Mech collection.’ (Tsun)
>>
>>3438830
>>‘I respect her as a professional and my senior, sir. And... I, uh...
>‘W-We share the same hobbies … I like her … Mech collection.’ (Tsun)

Dig that hole deeper.
>>
>>3438830
>‘W-We share the same hobbies … I like her … Mech collection.’ (Tsun)

>>3438845
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE?

THERE IS NO MERCY IN THIS DOJO!
>>
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W-We share the same hobbies!’ you protest, practically hissing steam at this point. People just didn’t know when to quit … in fact, people only seemed to know to infect the uninitiated and unaware with lies and slander! You’re mortified; completely and utterly mortified. How many times did you have to clarify yourself to deaf ears and stop the lies?

They only howl louder.

‘T-The only thing we share in common is our affinity for Mech Warrior history and collectibles,’ you clarify, crossing your arms in front of your chest and turning your head away from the bemused pair. ‘She has a collection of kits and models that I find impressive, even from someone of my background. That she is able to procure even the most remote kits has me …’

It was no use.

You can’t put out a fire with a twig.

‘In any case … good luck,’ Orbyn states, forcing you to give a nod of acknowledgement and appreciation, regardless of how the mood had swung and from where. ‘It’s uphill from here … for the both of you. Doesn’t matter where you’re posted, you pay your dues and you bite your teeth down … maybe you’ll get to where you want to be.’

You nod again.

‘I still wish they’d put me in a contested rim at least,’ Ryosuke grumbles. ‘They have me pulling a patrol shift on a moon! I don’t even get my own Mech!’

‘Not all of us can be Morrigan Fisher, soldier,’ Zalatz muses, getting to his feet … before turning to you. ‘And you..’

‘M-Me, sir?’

He takes out a knife, wrapped in a worn, brown leather sheath with the ornate decoration of stars and faux-emerald lining, the edges of the sheathe frayed and the handle of the hilt worn. You’re unsure if it’s from use or with age, but regardless, for it to still be in one piece, for one reason or another … well, that was something to be impressed with. The decorations tell you of pair of hands involved in its make, each wrap, each bind and string placed with care and passion. It’s about the length of your forearm, maybe an inch shorter, but enough to give a man’s guts a bad day.

It was a blade from the world of Straya. Typically used as a gift in their local ceremonies.

Here.

Zalatz hands it over to you, handle first. ‘A graduation gift … and my thanks,’ he drawls, giving the object a light shake: a prompt for you to take it from his hands … which you do. It’s as heavy as it looks.

‘Thank you, Instructor,’ you impart, giving a small bow. ‘I’ll be sure to take care of it.’

‘Make sure you do,’ he emphasizes, pushing his chair in. ‘Horus, you’re paying for my pass back.’

Gladly.

The both of them leave the lounge.

You pull the knife out from its sheath. It’s still sharp.

PHYSICAL RESOLUTION +1
>>
>>3438880
>Leave Lounge
>Approach Memphis
>Approach Cindon
>Approach Bydoon and Corinth
>>
>>3438882
>Approach Memphis
>>
>>3438880
>>Approach Memphis
>>
>>3438882
>>Approach Memphis
>>
>>3438882
>>Approach Memphis
>>
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Instructor Memphis was probably the most straight-forward Instructor in the Academy. While she wasn’t what you’d describe as distinctly approachable, she was definitely the only one that you didn’t have to tip-toe around in what she expected of you as her student and what she wished to communicate as your Instructor. As one of the Instructors in charge of teaching the Cadets field repairs as well as mechanical skill, she operated like a sentry programmed by a textbook. She rarely raised her voice, had no inclination to pick up the slack of any miserable soul not wishing to pay attention during her hot-wiring tutorials and operated on one pace and one pace only: hers. You didn’t like her or dislike her, but for someone like you, you’d found her methodical style quite intriguing. Enough for you to score in the top third of her electives.

Even if you do believe that chatting with a block of stone would invigorate you just as much. She honestly sounded like she had an oral unit installed, what with the way she talked.

‘Instructor Memphis.’

Memphis adjusts her glasses, raising her gaze from the tablet on the desk to meet yours.

‘Heya, Instructor!’ Ryosuke greets, ever the bundle of enthusiasm. Weird, considering he barely passed her class.

‘You haven’t left yet,’ she observes.

‘No, not … not yet.’

She returns her attentions to the tablet on the desk, which appeared to be a summarized blueprint of sorts. You’re not quite sure what the details are (although the fin design tells you that it was some kind of Mech external kit of sorts), but the symbol in the top corner is unmistakeable.

‘Come on,’ Ryosuke whispers into your ear. ‘I don’t think she’s the type to send you on your way.’

>‘Is that … Trade House Akaba?’ (Trade House Scion [Knowledge])
>‘What’re you doing?’ (Inquire)
>‘Um … well, bye then, Instructor …’ (Leave her be)
>Write-In
>>
>>3438919
>>‘Is that … Trade House Akaba?’ (Trade House Scion [Knowledge])
>>
>>3438919
>>‘Is that … Trade House Akaba?’ (Trade House Scion [Knowledge])
>>
>>3438919
>‘Is that … Trade House Akaba?’ (Trade House Scion [Knowledge])
>>
>>3438919

>‘Is that … Trade House Akaba?’ (Trade House Scion [Knowledge])
>>
>>3438919
>>‘Is that … Trade House Akaba?’ (Trade House Scion [Knowledge])
>>
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Your curiosity gets the better of you. Besides, it wasn’t everyday that you were able to chance upon what the other Trade Houses were up to on the sly.

‘Is that … Trade House Akaba?’

The twin curved triangles of red and black, the former on top of the latter, is unmistakable, as is the ancient script that made up the names of their alleged origin worlds. Memphis shifts her hand right as she scrolls upwards on the device, revealing the viewed file to be among the many under her scrutiny … and each and every one with a reference initial that linked itself back to the Trade House, and even more curiously, that the blue prints appeared to be schematics of a sort, many of them appearing to pertain to a common team of … thrusters.

‘It is considered very rude to peer over one’s shoulder without permission, Specialist,’ she declares. Memphis’s tone is stern … but thankfully not one you’re unused to. You fall back into rank, raising a hand for salute and glancing up to the ceiling.

‘Forgive me, Instructor. I didn’t intend to show disregard for your station or your privacy in my comment. I’m … merely expressing my curiosity.’

‘Expressing your curiosity?’ Ryosuke whispers into your ear. You don’t elbow him; you didn’t want to chance indiscipline under Memphis’s scrutinizing stare. As stoic as you found her demeanour to usually be, you didn’t want to be the one to chance her wrath … and for someone with that stretch of patience, there was bound to be a knot that was waiting to be unraveled.

You don’t wish to be the one to do so.

You move to apologize again, hoping—

‘It is,’ she answers, tapping the tablet. ‘Trade House Akaba’s hired my consultation in regards to the beta form of their next line of production for orbital warfare modules. I’m reviewing the feasibility of their prospective models.’

‘Orbital warfare modules? For … Mechs?’

She nods slowly. ‘Yes,’ she answers. ‘The Hellion models are due to be phased out soon … and the Imperial Aegis are looking for options to enhance the performance of their replacements in any way they can. Trade House Akaba has a proposal due for the Imperial Conference in a year … and they hired me to communicate the applicability of the modules.’

‘Phasing? You’re talking about the new Piranha production lines?’ Ryosuke inquires, matching your frown. ‘Can’t say that I like the idea of it, myself … I mean … your family was … they were against it, right?’

‘Last I checked, they were neutral on the subject,’ you answer. ‘The problem was more that the phasing of millions of Mechs from an active state to retirement on such a scale would leave a huge deficit than anything else. At the same time … The Hellion’s almost ninety years old, isn't it?
>>
You don't need to glance at Ryosuke to know that he was rolling his eyes.

'Yeah, but there's a reason it's ninety years old, isn't it? You've seen the new Piranhas, right? It's like someone decided they wanted a Hellion viable for orbital and atmosphere combat.'

'I agree,' Memphis concurs, much to your surprise. 'Which is why what I am undertaking is crucial. The current design of the Piranha is unfocused with a lack of excellence in anything except its versatility. I hope to at least have this done by the week's end so more solutions can be found. As things are, the Piranha's applicability leaves it vulnerable in combat situations. Too light to storm the front lines and too slow to provide orbital or atmospheric support.'

You wince.

'Harsh.'

'I am not paid to be kind, Specialist,' she returns. 'Functionality is not beholden to sentiment.'

>'Akaba hired you? They must be paying you quite a sum.' (Financial)
>'Did Trade House Mishima have ... anything to say?' (Curious)
>'So why phase something that works out for something that we're not even sure of?' (Confused)
>'Well, good talk. Be seeing you, Instructor.' (Goodbye)
>Write-In
>>
>>3438984
>'Akaba hired you? They must be paying you quite a sum.' (Financial)
>>
>>3438984
>'Akaba hired you? They must be paying you quite a sum.' (Financial)
>>
>>3438984
>>'Akaba hired you? They must be paying you quite a sum.' (Financial)
>>
>>3438984
>Are there alternatives you are able to propose or recommendations to performance enhancement you are able to advise of? [Mechanical: Helpful]
>>
>>3438984
>>'So why phase something that works out for something that we're not even sure of?' (Confused)
>>3439032
we aint a Nerd this time round anon
>>
>>3439032
That, and I revamped the skill system.
>>
>>3439032
I support this simply as a write in then.
>>
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You choose to zero in on the matter that intrigues you the most.

‘So … Akaba hired you personally? They must be paying quite a sum.’

It was no small matter for a Trade House to seek external consultation on so minute a scale. For the one sought out, it was usually a big deal; with the influence and connections that Trade Houses had amassed in their centuries of existence across the stars, they usually didn’t [i[need[/i] to go about plucking someone belonging from an organization independent of their beck and call … and when they did, it was either cause for alarm or humiliation. So the fact that she—and Engineer of the Aegis with no affiliation to Akaba whatsoever—had been called upon and recompensed for her work … well, for you, it said that Akaba was either lacking something somewhere important or that Memphis was a bigger piece on the board than you’d dared give her credit for.

You’re inclined to believe the latter.

‘They are,’ Memphis answers, nodding. ‘Enough for me to live in luxury for the next five standard years if I so wish. However, I …

Ryosuke lets out a whistle, clearly impressed. It was probably more money than he’d seen in his whole life.

‘However, my motivation in undertaking this isn’t wholly financial,’ she clarifies. ‘The Piranhas aren’t ready for an actual engagement … and Akaba’s worried that the Hellions being phased out so quickly is going to leave us more vulnerable rather than reinforced. These module designs are meant to shore up or compensate any significant weaknesses with the new mechs, but so far, nothing stands out to give a proper return on their investments … for all those involved. The Hellion is more versatile, faster and has a larger array of battlefield options at its disposal, but at the same time, its all-round capabilities also mean its easily outstripped in all four of the standard combat terrains at its base state. The Hellion, its so-called predecessor model, beats it in two.’

You wince.

‘So … why was it approved? I mean … why did everyone approve it in the first place?’

To your surprise, it’s your worried voice that speaks up. Ryosuke crosses his arms, wrinkling his brows.

‘Because it can do more,’ Memphis returns, crossing her legs and setting her hands upon her knee. ‘Combat situations all have a grading scale and in terms of efficiency, adaptability, multi-role capabilities and targeting software and the like, the Piranha outscores the Hellion by a fair margin. I believe the terminology is using metrics over intangibles. In a straight up fight, the Hellion would probably win … but the Piranha has more situations that it can execute in and can be modified for at minimal cost and downtime.’

You can only nod.

Akaba was getting their money’s worth, that was for sure.
>>
>>3441396
>'You're being pretty public with that information.' (Candid)
>'Akaba's the only one that contacted you about this, then?' (Question)
>'Before we go, we were just wondering if you have any tips for us?'
>'Be seeing you, Instructor. Thanks for everything.' (Leave her be)
>Write-In
>>
>>3441396
>'Akaba's the only one that contacted you about this, then?' (Question)
>>
>>3441396
>'Akaba's the only one that contacted you about this, then?' (Question)
>>
>>3441402
>>'Akaba's the only one that contacted you about this, then?' (Question)
>>
>>3441402

>'Akaba's the only one that contacted you about this, then?' (Question)
>>
>>3441402
>>'Akaba's the only one that contacted you about this, then?' (Question)
>>
>The Hellion is more versatile, faster and has a larger array of battlefield options at its disposal, but at the same time, its all-round capabilities also mean its easily outstripped in all four of the standard combat terrains at its base state. The Hellion, its so-called predecessor model, beats it in two

CORRECTION:

The Piranha is more versatile, faster and has a larger array of battlefield options at its disposal, but at the same time, its all-round capabilities also mean it's easily outstripped in all four of the standard combat terrains at its base state. The Hellion, its so-called predecessor model, beats it in two
>>
‘Akaba’s the only one that contacted you about this, then?’

‘Yes,’ Memphis answers, connecting the tablet to the module on her table. ‘They voiced their concerns over the ability of the mech to work in more practical situations rather than just preset performance matrices. On paper, the Mech outperforms the Hellion everywhere except resiliency. It’s also one of the most manoeuvrable variants for space combat in its base form. However there are also legitimate concerns on its ability to be outright superior at the cost it charges.’

‘You mean money?’

Memphis shakes her head. ‘In every intangible that isn’t down to it being faster or stronger.’

You and Ryosuke share a look.

>‘Like … what?’
>‘It shouldn’t share an armament range that vastly different, should it?’
>‘You mean pilots.’
>Write-In
>>
>>3441499
>>‘You mean pilots.’
>>
>>3441499
>>Write-In
"Despite the flaws of the base model, I feel they aren't insurmountable. What that means is doctrinally, Piranhas would be hardly ever deployed without Option Parts of some sort since deploying a naked Piranha would be wasteful and ineffectual both in mechs and pilots.

Instead of immediately retiring the Hellions, they should be relegated to garrison duties, where the ability to hold ground and take a hit will be much more appreciated, while also not requiring a sudden upgrade of facilities around the Empire to match and Squadrons of Hellions can then slowly be replaced with the newer models piecemeal resulting in a High-Low mix of combat units that should be able to effectively respond to changing situations quickly.

Patrol and Fleet units would probably be the first ones to completely transit to the Piranhas as their ability to carry mechs is limited. As such, a good multi-role craft would significantly lessen their logistics strain with only needing to source replacement and spare parts for a single model. What would be key for them to perform would be to ensure that they hold significant stocks of equipment modules for the various combat situations so that our pilots will always be at an advantage as much as possible and that the carriers are properly fitting for rapid 'Dress Changes' so as not to significantly delay deployment times."
>>
>>3441499
>‘You mean pilots.’
>So no one is trained on these things even though transitioning is happening right now? Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?
>>
>>3441499
>>‘You mean pilots.’
>>
‘You mean pilots.’

Memphis stares up at you.

Among other things,’ she replies. ‘but that is not my immediate concern. That would be the other departments to sort out; not that it isn’t a concern, of course.’

‘So what is?’

Ryosuke’s confusion rightfully compliments your puzzlement. Memphis’s expression, however, doesn’t change.

‘Primarily? Actual performance against presumed results and what we can do to bring them up to speed.’

You and Ryosuke share another look.

>‘Well, good luck, Instructor.’ (Leave)
>‘Well, um … we’re shipping out by tomorrow? Any advice?’ (Personal)
>‘So you’re going to be consulting them for the foreseeable future, I guess?’ (Inquire further)
>‘So in the event that I have to get into a Piranha, you’re saying that I’ll be in for a bad time?’ (Specifics)
>Write-In
>>
>>3441529
>‘So you’re going to be consulting them for the foreseeable future, I guess?’ (Inquire further)
>‘So in the event that I have to get into a Piranha, you’re saying that I’ll be in for a bad time?’ (Specifics)
>>
>>3441529
>>‘So you’re going to be consulting them for the foreseeable future, I guess?’ (Inquire further)
>>‘So in the event that I have to get into a Piranha, you’re saying that I’ll be in for a bad time?’ (Specifics)
>>
>>3441529
>‘So in the event that I have to get into a Piranha, you’re saying that I’ll be in for a bad time?’ (Specifics)
>>
File: Memphis 3.jpg (114 KB, 600x400)
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You consider the information that you’d been given … very carefully. You didn’t want to word things in a manner that would have your former Instructor irked … and in returning to her work, you believe that she was signalling her rising disdain at your presence; or, at least, you believe her to be doing so. It’s what your father usually did whenever he wanted someone out of his office; just take a pad out to get across that there were matters with more pressing concerns than whatever you had to give.

So you make it count.

‘So what you’re saying is … in the event that I do get into a Piranha, I’m in for a bad time?’

Memphis lifts her hand off the tablet, readjusting her glasses.

‘I don’t know; I’m currently unable to draw a conclusion based on the data at hand,’ she clarifies, tenting her hands. ‘What I can tell you, however, is that in its current state, the Piranha’s applicability is based around more assumptions than actual practice. At the same time … there were doubts on the Hellion’s viability back when it became the Empire’s choice for the front lines and its served excellently against its supposed cost and shortcomings.’

Ryosuke snorts. ‘Yeah, I mean, even my old matron could fire up a Hellion.’

Memphis nods.

‘That doesn’t mean that the Piranha is a mistake in itself,’ she states calmly, turning her attention back to the tablet before tapping a button on her console, opening its contents for you to see. ‘Merely something that was put into production too quickly with too much of an expectation on its shoulders.’

‘That’s kind of expected, isn’t it? People want their money’s worth.’

She neither discounts or reaffirms your position.

>Leave her be
>‘Well, we’re shipping out tomorrow; any advice?’
>‘So you’re going to be busy with this for the next few months, then?’
>Write-In
>>
>>3441529
>Write-In
Shouldnt that then be more of an issue with training and acclaimatisation? And that better modules and simulators need to be developed?
>>
>>3441594
>>‘Well, we’re shipping out tomorrow; any advice?’
>>
>>3441594

I'll support >>3441599. If you Piranha was this close to deployment we should have been part of the initial training group.
>>
>>3441594
>>‘Well, we’re shipping out tomorrow; any advice?’
>>
>>3441594
>>3441599
this is fine
>>
>>3441599
same
>>
>>3441605
>>3441605
>>3441628

The Instructors are doing the field-testing first. You don't have the qualifications to do so. Beats me when they're shipping in, though.
>>
>>3441632
No as in, pointing out that this isnt an inherent issue with the mech and more an issue with the training program.
>>
>>3441632

Pretty much what >>3441635 says. If the Piranha was at the point mass production is going on the decision should have been made back far enough that the training the graduating class got would make them familiar with Piranha simulations even if they were getting most of their actual pilot training in Hellions unless Rhysode was considered backwater enough that they were getting the Piranha's later than everyone else.

Most of the graduating class should be Piranha sim qualified even if they have yet to actually touch a real Piranha.

This should be the doctrine development/adaption phase rather than field qualification phase if I'm understanding right.
>>
>>3441594
>>‘Well, we’re shipping out tomorrow; any advice?’
>>‘So you’re going to be busy with this for the next few months, then?’
>This isn't being done on purpose, as a sort of money sink, is it, seeing as it would be cheaper and more efficient to upgrade specialized mechs with upgraded technology instead of an all-around mech which would at best be a support unit?
>>
>>3441703
anon, while i can say choosing 2 choices aint that bad and will be taken at the QM's discretion, choosing all 3 is just being indecisive. we aint playing an RPG here
>>
>>3441722
You know rpg stand for role playing game, right? Though, your reasoning is not without merit. In that case.
>This isn't being done on purpose, as a sort of money sink, is it, seeing as it would be cheaper and more efficient to upgrade specialized mechs with upgraded technology instead of an all-around mech which would at best be a support unit?
>>
>>3441667
You do realize that this is just small talk, right?
>>
File: Instructor Memphis.jpg (16 KB, 210x240)
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‘Shouldn’t the acclimatization issue be more of the focus now, then? Even if it doesn’t inspire confidence, it’d be best to at least get our troops up to speed.’

‘You are neither qualified nor capable of gauging the Mech’s performance in a live environment,’ she answers. Memphis had no filter getting inadequacy across; mechanical and to-the-point, as always. ‘While the process of the Hellion’s phasing has indeed begun, it’s not meant to reach a more wide-spread state of use for at least the next eight standard months. I believe that you aren’t quite satisfactory as a pilot just yet.’

You look down in shame.

That was true.

That is true.

Memphis returns to her work, spinning a projected orb in mid-air.

>‘Were you one of the Instructors that struck down my desired posting?’ (Personal, Aggressive)
>‘So, um … anything you can give us before we ship out?’
>‘I … nice talking to you, Instructor. Good luck.’ (Leave her be)
>Write-In
>>
>>3442132
>‘So, um … anything you can give us before we ship out?’
>>
>>3442132
>‘So, um … anything you can give us before we ship out?’
>>
>>3441703
>>‘Well, we’re shipping out tomorrow; any advice?’
>>
>>3442132
>>3442155
>>
‘So, um … anything that you can give us before we ship out?’

She leans back from her work, letting out a sigh. You brace yourself for a blasting. Ryosuke’s stare of disapproval is brief, although warranted. You couldn’t leave well enough alone … and you were steadying yourself against the strike of a venomous serpent that you’d provoked under your own inclinations. Memphis turns her icy gaze to the pair of you, the squeak of her chair almost making you jump.

‘Bite down and bear it,’ she states, clearly and without fail. ‘Just because you’re not where you are now, doesn’t mean that you won’t be in the future. Even for you, that should be understood without question. You’ll be put in situations you’re not used to and tasks outside the scope of your duties. You shouldn’t be surprised when you’re expected to do the unexpected, whether you wish to advance your career in the office of command or in the lower rungs of a logistics craft. Life isn’t confined to text, theory and presumptions. If it were, then our positions wouldn’t exist in the first place.’

You nod in understanding. Ryosuke does the same.

That appeared to be it.

‘Oh, and before you ask … I was one of the Instructors that denied your advancement into a front-line posting,’ she reveals.

You’re … not really surprised.

‘I hope you don’t hold that against me, Specialist.’

You throw up a wordless salute and turn on your heel, unable to answer in any manner but to show your retreating back, ending the conversation.

>Approach Cindon
>Approach Bydoon and Corinth
>Leave
>>
>>3442271
>Approach Bydoon and Corinth
>>
>>3442271
>>Approach Bydoon and Corinth
>>
>>3442271
>Approach Bydoon and Corinth
Guys stop trying to play the old MC. We’re nowhere near tech savvy enough nor important enough to do that. We’re not an egg head any more and trying to act like one ain’t going to work. Also for fucks sakes stop begging like dogs for scraps. That’s shameless and stupid.
>>
>>3442271
>>Approach Cindon
>>
‘Huh?’

‘I’ll skip this one,’ Ryosuke repeats, crossing his arms. ‘I don’t have a good rep with Bydoon or Corinth … you guys can nerd it out among yourselves. I’ll be outside with Rosaria.’

You snort, regarding your friend.

‘Come on, it’s not like they’re going to bite your head off,’ you reassure, unable to keep the small smirk off your lips. ‘Besides, we’re not cadets anymore. What’re they going to do? Sit us down and lecture us on history again?

Ryosuke narrows his eyes, unamused. ‘Don’t even joke about that.’

You really can’t stop smirking now. He throws you a dissatisfied scowl in response.

‘What?’

‘Don’t you play with me, man,’ he hisses back, raising an accusatory finger. ‘You’d just love for ‘em to drop another paragraph on us, you nerd.

You hold your hands to your chest, offended. Just because actual history was something you were very good at both on paper and in application didn’t mean that you loved it … to that extent, anyway. It was just, as a Scion, you were practically raised on events current and through antiquity. Whether you enjoy it or not was immaterial, while your affinity for it was unmistakeable.

It’s just too bad no one told Ryosuke that history wasn’t just about the monolithic titans proving their mettle in combat or heroic generals leading their rag-tag Chapters to an unlikely victory.

>‘You go on ahead, then. I’ll see you outside.’ (Let him be)
>‘Then it’ll be a chance for you to catch up on stuff that you missed.’ (Convince [Command Resolution])
>>
>>3442526
>>‘Then it’ll be a chance for you to catch up on stuff that you missed.’ (Convince [Command Resolution])
>>
>>3442526
>>‘You go on ahead, then. I’ll see you outside.’ (Let him be)
>>
>>3442526
>‘Then it’ll be a chance for you to catch up on stuff that you missed.’ (Convince [Command Resolution])
>>
>>3442526
>>‘You go on ahead, then. I’ll see you outside.’ (Let him be)
>>
>>3442542
>>3442544
>>3442549
>>3442560
Flipping a coin. Coin flipped.
>>
Rolled 5, 6, 1, 3, 2 = 17 (5d6)

COMMAND RESOLUTION
Base: 2[
Bonus: +1 to Averages (Trade House Scion)
>>
Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>3442625
>>
Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>3442625
>>
Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>3442625
>>
Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>3442625
>>
Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>3442625
>>
Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>3442625
>>
File: Shaqir.jpg (138 KB, 1280x720)
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‘Then it’ll be a chance for you to catch up on stuff you missed,’ you answers, not missing a beat. ‘I’m not going to force you to come with me if you don’t want to, but if you really think that Bydoon and Corinth don’t have anything to say that you’re willing to hear, you can go and wait outside with Rosaria if you want to.’

Ryosuke hesitates slightly, but ultimately lets out a sigh of defeat.

‘Just so you know,’ he clarifies, ‘what you said didn’t convince me one bit … but if you’re willing to go somewhere I won’t, I don’t think you’ll ever let me live it down.’

You adjust your bag, gesturing for him to follow.

It’s not five seconds before you’re standing in front of Bydoon and Corinth, having taken up residence at the couch where Memphis had parked herself before. Neither of them seem to notice you, appearing to trade sheets of paper with a gusto more appropriately attributed to a University student than a scholar of the Aegis. Shaqir Bydoon and Oltar Corinth hadn’t changed one but since you’d arrived. Same beards, same creases in their brow and the same passion for history and the on-goings of the Empire that would humiliate the gossip-mongering teenagers of normal institutions to shame.

‘We aren’t the only ones worried, Oltar,’ Bydoon starts, twirling his ink-pen in his hands. Coming from a Frontier World with little to no love for technology had left Bydoon with some peculiar tendencies; like an aversion to more practical applications of current technology … like a tablet or a data slate to store documents or the merciful action of leaving an acclimatizer or artificial atmospheric regulator on.

Thankfully, his compatriot, one Instructor Corinth, didn’t mind it one bit.

‘The tendency of human nature doesn’t change, whether it be from the hands and minds of the Emperor, his subjects or the heavy boots of the Republic,’ Corinth returns, passing a tablet over to his friend. ‘All that we’ve done is make an attempt to brace ourselves rather than nip this problem in the bud like we should have! It’s like the Silver Hall wants for war to happen!’

‘It’s more like they realize that there’s a boiling point that’s been breached long past … only that they believe that the other side’s less likely to reach a hand out to strike unless there’s advantage to be gained. This has happened before, my friend, and it will happen again and again until we’re but stardust and the next sorry species fails to learn the lesson!’

One lived history and the other snorted it like sagewilt.

‘Instructor Corinth,’ you greet, raising your hand to a salute. ‘Instructor Bydoon.’

The both of them turn their attentions to you.

Bydoon smiles widely.

‘Ah, Cadet … I would have thought that you would have gotten a head-start on your year-end mischief!’

Ryosuke grumbles under his breath.
>>
>>3442764
>'Ryosuke wanted to say his goodbyes.' (Push Ryosuke to the fore [Command])
>'Well, I wanted to say my goodbyes.' (End Conversation,Say Goodbyes)
>'Still at it, Instructor Corinth?' (Inquire)
>'What're you talking about?' (Curious)
>Write-In
>>
>>3442764
>'What're you talking about?' (Curious)
>It'd be poor mischief indeed if I did not have it already planned out and mostly set up Instructor. Hasty plans make for poor pranks.
>>
>>3442764
>'What're you talking about?' (Curious)
>>
>>3442764
>'Still at it, Instructor Corinth?' (Inquire)
>>
>>3442773
>'What're you talking about?' (Curious)
>>
>>3442773
>>'Still at it, Instructor Corinth?' (Inquire)
>>
>>3442773
>>'Still at it, Instructor Corinth?' (Inquire)
>>
>>3442773
>'Still at it, Instructor Corinth?' (Inquire)
>>
File: Corinth.jpg (269 KB, 900x1220)
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‘Still at it, Instructor Corinth?’

Corinth gives a curt nod, as if you’d asked the most obvious question in the universe. You try to hold back your smirk, giving a nod. It was hard to imagine Corinth in his younger days (Not that he was old, far from it), standing next to a Knight Commander and observing a launch detail or a drop, out of his environment of a lecture hall with a stack of tablets and an enthusiasm at explaining the legal structure of a Chapter’s involvement in conflict. Corinth always had something to say about some obscure rule that had never been applied in the history of its existence … and with a father who sunk his teeth deep into the legislative bulk of hundreds of worlds, it was an unavoidable fact that you had found a liking for it, too.

‘When you Cadets finally get into a drop pod and strap yourselves in, you’re going to realize that there’s a lot more to that life than just jumping in and playing Knight-Commander.’

You laugh as you nod.

‘I don’t doubt that at all, sir.’

Corinth brandishes a tablet.

‘You know what the problem is? If everyone realized that there was an order to things, there wouldn’t be any mess whatsoever, but human nature is so arrogant that they think that everything’s a guideline instead of law! Thousands of years—centuries—of the same tendencies and no one ever learns their lesson. Emperor help us wherever it’ll lead us now!’

Bydoon gives a snort of agreement.

You raise your hands in a move to appease the bearded man. Whatever he was going on about, you knew that the best course of action was to wait until his temper had evened out. A passionate man he was and a passionate man he would remain until the end of his days. That is what you believed of Oltar Corinth … and not cutting into that passion had kept you on his good side for years.

You do not wish to cut that streak short. He was one of the few people in your life you actually liked.

‘I wholly agree with you, sir,’ you concur, nodding. You don’t have a specific idea of what he was going on about, but you’d go a round with Morrigan Fisher on the table rather than argue with a hot-headed Corinth. Not when he could smack you down unprepared … or prepared, for that matter.

He sighs.

‘Nine months of deliberation and the only solution that they came up with is to replace our front lines with a production line of untested mechs. Protesting innocence while sharpening your knives. Madness.’

Ryosuke motions to speak … before closing his mouth again.

‘The Emperor’s been as patient on the matter as he can afford to be,’ Bydoon states, nodding. ‘To expect more of him …’

>‘Ryosuke, you have something to say?’ (Push Ryosuke forward [Command])
>‘This is about Kaibara, isn’t it?’ (Jump into the conversation yourself)
>Say your goodbyes
>Write-In
>>
>>3442882
>>‘Ryosuke, you have something to say?’ (Push Ryosuke forward [Command])
>>
>>3442882
>‘Ryosuke, you have something to say?’ (Push Ryosuke forward [Command]
>>
>>3442882

>‘Ryosuke, you have something to say?’ (Push Ryosuke forward [Command])
>>
>>3442882
>‘This is about Kaibara, isn’t it?’ (Jump into the conversation yourself)
>>
>>3442882
>>‘This is about Kaibara, isn’t it?’ (Jump into the conversation yourself)
>>
>>3442882
>>‘This is about Kaibara, isn’t it?’ (Jump into the conversation yourself)
>>
>>3442882
>>‘This is about Kaibara, isn’t it?’ (Jump into the conversation yourself)
>>
>>3442915
>>3443222
>>3443410
>>3443657
Free stat points and no one wants them? Congratulations in making the game harder for yourselves. There are only so many opportunities for stat gains and I'm not going to bother giving out more than I have to. Good luck.
>>
>>3442915
>>3443222
>>3443410
>>3443657
Since someone pointed that a lot of you are first-timers, I'm going to be VERY direct with the rule-set.
>[STAT] Resolution: Application of Points collected for the stat against dice
>[STAT]: Opportunity to gain Points for said stat

That being said: no, you guys don't get a re-do. I'm moving forward.
>>
>>3443925
thats how ya learn sometimes anon
through pain
>>
>>3443925
Mech assumed people playing played the first one. Being a passive aggressive shit head to him is not going to help.
>>
>>3443928
You're right, sorry Mech.

I'm gonna go to bed now since I have to be at work early.
>>
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‘This is about Kaibara, isn’t it?’

Bydoon and Corinth are silent at your words.

Kaibara’s wound is fresh, still.

‘Not wholly, no,’ the former confesses, tenting his hands. ‘The Alliance Military and The Imperial Aegis have been at loggerheads for centuries … ever since The Sundering. Hostilities have been rife along the Frontier Worlds for ages and was long in the tooth before the time of your grandfather; Kaibara’s significance in this cold war remains to be seen. Whether it is just another red mark on the pages or if it’s spark that ignites all-out conflict.’

‘The Silver Hall has deliberated for the last nine standard months,’ Corinth states, stroking his beard. ‘Inversely … the Alliance Military has been relatively quiet, as has the Republic. Nothing’s headed out save for the odd batch of gossip.’

Bydoon snorts. ‘Gossip is right; you’d think The Emperor would do away with such callousness.’

‘The press only fears the Trade Houses,’ Corinth mentions pointedly. ‘The Emperor’s hands are never untied … and the tabloids are beneath his notice, as they should be.’

‘You’d think that he’d launch a great crusade … especially after what happened.’

>‘The Emperor is a man of patience and wisdom.’
>‘I resent that remark.’ (Joking [Trade House Scion])
>‘Princess Urnae’s loss was a tragedy.’ (Understanding [KNOWLEDGE])
>‘Nice seeing the both of you. Good luck!’ (Leave)
>Write-In
>>
>>3443954
>‘Princess Urnae’s loss was a tragedy.’ (Understanding [KNOWLEDGE])
Lets be smart.
>>
>>3443954
>>‘Princess Urnae’s loss was a tragedy.’ (Understanding [KNOWLEDGE])
>>
>>3443954
>>‘Princess Urnae’s loss was a tragedy.’ (Understanding [KNOWLEDGE])
>>
>>3443954
>‘Princess Urnae’s loss was a tragedy.’ (Understanding [KNOWLEDGE])
>>
>>3443954
>>‘Princess Urnae’s loss was a tragedy.’ (Understanding [KNOWLEDGE])
>>
Character Sheet and Rules pastebins created.

Character Sheet - https://pastebin.com/juuyJ56e
Rules - https://pastebin.com/FqkRQp9c
>>
File: Bulwark of Callorn.gif (130 KB, 602x251)
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KNOWLEDGE +1

Princess Urnae’s loss was a tragedy,’ you lament, giving a tight nod. ‘I can’t imagine how Prince Horun feels … losing his sister like that, under his command.’

You’d met Princess Urnae, briefly. Your mother had practically tried to sell you off to her in that small span that you’d met. You were young then, somewhere between twelve and fourteen standards years and she was somewhere in her late twenties, accompanying one of the Princes (Jacob or Yuvong) in a diplomatic mission, overseeing the stocks and ownership of a Minor House Manufactorum. You remember that week well … as it was one of the very few times your father had elected to bring you and your mother to his working environment. Princess Urnae was a raw diplomat then, learning the tools of the trade from her brothers, accompanying them as they signed off on uneasy truces between Independent Worlds and Frontier Worlds or making sure that the tension between Colony Fleets and the highways they took were kept at a minimum.

In all honesty, she probably didn’t like you. You were a bit of a brat and your mother was waxing on about her prospects for you in the hopes that she’d take a liking and spirit you away to make heirs or something to that effect.

She always had that little smirk on, though. Probably at your antics. You were probably lucky that her guards didn’t skewer you on the spot.

‘A tragedy,’ Bydoon concurs. ‘If she were of The Five, I have no doubt that she would have taken the Throne well; no doubt about that, no doubt at all. More than anything else, she would have kept tempers down more than most of her siblings. Keeping things calm in all this chaos is a boon.’

‘I’ve only met her once myself,’ you reveal, crossing your arms. ‘She was very quiet.’

You pause.

‘The same could probably be said of all the Imperial heirs,’ Corinth replies, nodding. ‘How fortunate for you, then … even for one of the Houses.’

You silently agree.

‘But it was an accident, though, right?’ you continue. ‘I don’t know if I can lock up all the details, but from what the reports say, both the crafts were destroyed in a catastrophic warp engine failure.’

‘Ah,’ Bydoon interjects, raising a finger. ‘But which craft’s engine failed?’

You actually stop to think about it.

You’re not sure. At all.

‘I don’t know,’ you admit, stroking your chin. ‘The only thing that we have a clear view of is that the fighting started right after.’

No.

You have something to give. You’re just not sure if it was your place to give it.

‘You have something to say, Ser Mishima?

You wince. Corinth always used that title when he wanted you to stand up in class.
>>
>>3443990
>'Speaking from experience, this sounds like the cleanest assassination ever.' (Trade House Scion)
>'No, nothing.' (Defer)
>'Senator Winstrom died too, didn't he?' (Continue)
>'Prince Horun survived, right?' (Refocus)
>Write-In
>>
>>3443992
>>'Speaking from experience, this sounds like the cleanest assassination ever.' (Trade House Scion)
>>
>>3443992
>'Speaking from experience, this sounds like the cleanest assassination ever.' (Trade House Scion)
>>
>>3443992
>>'Speaking from experience, this sounds like the cleanest assassination ever.' (Trade House Scion)
>>
>>3443992
>>'Speaking from experience, this sounds like the cleanest assassination ever.' (Trade House Scion)
>>
>>3443992
>>'Speaking from experience, this sounds like the cleanest assassination ever.' (Trade House Scion)
>>
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You’re uncertain.

As arrogant as you are, you didn’t want to be that Trade House member that equated his degree of importance with that of someone from the Imperial Family. You’re aware of the chasm between your classes, as reluctant as others are in their acknowledgement. That being said, however … you’d been witness to quite a few missed marks in your lifetime (and maybe even party to one or two). Being a Scion meant that there was almost always a big red target on your back … and usually the only thing keeping the interested merely interested and not spurred into action was to wield the biggest mace you could manage as insurance.

There were, however, always a few that got the bright idea and moved forward with it.

Your presence here speaks volumes of their success ratio.

‘Speaking from experience,’ you start, clearing your throat, ‘this sounds like the cleanest assassination ever … if you pardon the opinion, sir.’

Scion or not, they were your Instructors once, and respect was due.

‘A bold assumption,’ Bydoon comments, albeit not in disagreement. ‘No assassin has succeeded in such a task since the Unknown Brother. What did you correlate to come to push this forward?’

You shake your head.

‘I … don’t have anything to go by but my gut, but,’ you pause, casting your gaze downwards as you consider your next words proper, ‘Wouldn’t there be parties that would benefit from the Princess’s death? As well as Senator Winstrom’s? Both of them were working on cooling relations between the Imperium and the Republic … and I know more than a few in the Silver Hall alone that would have anything resembling dialogue reaching an actual end-result.’

‘Why?’ Ryosuke cuts in, frowning. ‘Doesn’t sound like logical politics, if you don’t mind me saying. If it were me, I’d be using the negotiations as a stalling action to get our forces up on the sly and get a better read on the situation. I mean … all war’s deception, right? If one of the Silver Hall actually did it with practical motivation—not that I’m saying they did—it sounds pretty far-fetched.’

‘So we can’t assume that we’re the only side with hot heads,’ you reply, not quite in disagreement. ‘But if this wasn’t an accident, then someone either didn’t think this through or wanted something more than just to escalate the situation.’

‘You’re beginning to sound like the pages of a gossip stream, son,’ Corinth shoots out, picking a piece of paper up from the floor.

‘I’m just saying that if there was due motivation for an assassination, this would have been how a successful agent would have gotten away with it,’ you finish. ‘Everyone pointing fingers at each other and no one closer to the truth than the daily tabloid.’

Bydoon claps his hands together.

‘Well said,’ his deep voice booms.
>>
'The Unknown Brother? Man, he's a legend or something, isn't he?'

You let out a sigh. Trust Ryosuke to spin the discussion somewhere inconsequential.

>Elbow Ryosuke in an attempt to shut him up
>'I honestly wonder how you passed third year, Ryosuke.' (Sarcasm)
>Allow Ryosuke to indulge in his curiosity.
>'He's an empty plinth on the Forged Hill.' (Know-It-All [Knowledge])
>Pull Ryosuke away and say your goodbyes (Leave, End conversation)
>Write-In
>>
>>3444032
>>'He's an empty plinth on the Forged Hill.' (Know-It-All [Knowledge])
>>
>>3444032
>'He's an empty plinth on the Forged Hill.' (Know-It-All [Knowledge])

Time to be the smart guy again.
>>
>>3444032
>>'He's an empty plinth on the Forged Hill.' (Know-It-All [Knowledge])

become as nerd
>>
>>3444032
>>'He's an empty plinth on the Forged Hill.' (Know-It-All [Knowledge])
>>
>>3444032
>>'He's an empty plinth on the Forged Hill.' (Know-It-All [Knowledge])
>>
>>3444034
>>3444036
>>3444038
>>3444040
>>3444058
Just in case you didn't realize it just yet, but you're RPing as some unholy cross between Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger.
>>
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>>3444065
>>
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‘He’s an empty plinth on the Forged Hill,’ you remind your friend, almost rolling your eyes. ‘He’s more than a legend … he’s the reason that we’re even around to have this discussion in the first place.’

Ryosuke wrinkles his nose as he faces you.

‘Yeah, a hero, right? Guy who stabbed the Emperor’s grandfather?’

For someone who sounded allergic to the idea of a paragraph on history, Ryosuke made a poor job of it. You can practically see the click of eyeballs upon Instructor Corinth, the deep breath that he takes a sure indicator of a block of text being readied for their inevitable drop upon the both of you. Ryosuke, predictably, only continues to unconsciously lay the bricks of his impending doom, preaching his ignorance as a void that only monoliths of knowledge in the area of Imperial history could fill.

It’s seriously a wonder he didn’t get drop-kicked out in the third year.

How he outscored Emilio Reinweld was a mystery in itself.

‘Emperor Ornato’s rule was one of the darkest periods of the Imperium,’ Corinth begins, pulling out a tablet from underneath the stacks of paper. ‘Emperor Enysion had died young from an unknown cause. Some believe it was due to an error in his genetic realignment procedure, some say it was tampered with, but he died, aged forty-four standard years and leaving six children. The youngest of which would be Emperor Ornato … and the eldest of the Five Heirs being the future Imperia Nu Astra, Princess Eoula. Eoula surrendered her right to Ornato.’

‘Oh yeah, I keep forgetting that he fucked his sister.’

‘Ryosuke!’

‘What?’

‘He had two wives,’ you correct, almost raising your fist in irritation. ‘He made his sister Imperia Nu Astra and his aunt one of the Empresses. Keep up, will you?’

Honestly, you’d think he’d remember that, at least.

‘He did,’ Corinth nods, affirming your declaration. ‘However, in the events leading to his crowning, he was unable to garner enough support to oust two of his brothers, who were much more popular with the Silver Hall: Princes Vladimir and Uraki. Inevitably, the imbalance and lack of conclusion of all the parties erupted in an all-out war … and I believe you have enough brain cells operational to know who won.

‘Ornato wed his sister and his aunt … and began his rule of opposition and reformation, the first Emperor in thousands of years to claw at the alliance of the Houses and the Silver Hall, establishing the Order of the Black Knights, the greatest Mech Warriors in the realm, as his executioners. He ruled for fifteen years but only bore one son: the previous Emperor, Jagua, the son of his wife-aunt, who was only legitimized after the War on the Golden Steps.’

Ryosuke turns to you.

'That's the one your family fought in, right?'

You nod.
>>
>>3444080
So Kurito was an incestuous Emperor who started a Civil War and then left a mess that ended up causing another.
>>
‘Now, now,’ Corinth brings your attention back to him. ‘Let us stay on point. His fifteen years of rule was plagued by many rumours of his adequacy—or lack—as a husband, regardless of his choice of bride. His brothers dead save for one who had run away in exile—’

‘I know this one! He took over the Order of the Black Knights, right?’

You slap your hand to your forehead.

‘He disbanded the Order of the Black Knights, Ryosuke,’ you correct him. ‘Disbanded and struck them off from history. He didn’t take over.’

‘Oh.’

You sigh.

‘Yes, he did,’ Bydoon follows up, nodding. ‘The Exiled Emperor or the Emperor With No Claim, who, incidentally, brokered a new Alliance between the Houses in the aftermath of The War on the Golden Steps and served as Master of Stewards, the former Prince Robert. The last one to hold the position, in fact.’

Ryosuke scratches the top of his head.

‘And … he wasn’t the guy that killed the Emperor, right?’

Bydoon shakes his head. ‘No,’ he clarifies. ‘Official records of the occurrence are vague, but many so-called eyewitness accounts tell of a stranger that walked up the Golden Steps to challenge Emperor Ornato’s rule by blood. No armies or banners at his back; nothing but a black cloak and what is closely described to be an ancient treasure of the Imperial family, an old sword with a forgotten name, once believed to be the method of selection for the heirs of the Imperial Throne. Ornato refused to yield, of course, and for his resistance, was slain where he stood. Some say he cowered, some say he fought, but in all of those stories, he fell.’

‘He didn’t choose to take the throne, though,’ you mention pointedly, gaining another nod of affirmation.

‘Wait, how’s the sword involved?’

You can’t blame Ryosuke for asking that.

‘The nameless blade once had a name,’ Corinth starts, ‘but … well, its been lost to time. It became known as The Sword of Selection and was used to indicate the next heir to the Imperial Throne for the millennia of the Emperors’ rule until … well, reformations happen, and to combat the dissatisfaction of the masses and the splintering of the houses, the sword was put away in the Vaults, never to be taken out again, except by the hand of those of Imperial lineage.’

‘Democracy at work,’ you joke, earning a small smile from Bydoon.

‘Regardless, the fact that he was able to procure it and oppose the Emperor out in the open, to many, is so fantastical it has been confused with myth. Some say he stormed the palace, some say he just walked in, calm as can be … but he existed. The man slew Ornato … and vanished, never to be found. That empty plinth on the Forged Hill is a tribute to him from Prince Robert, to the brother he never knew.’
>>
>>3444091
>'Couldn't it have been a sister? I mean, the reports weren't exactly clear-cut, were they?'
>'I'm surprised he didn't take power. It feels a little irresponsible to leave a mess like that.'
>'Are we sure he couldn't have been a bastard?'
>'Emperor Ornato was a piece of work.'
>Leave
>Write-In
>>
>>3444094
>>'Are we sure he couldn't have been a bastard?'
just like my CK II runs
>>
>>3444091
>'Couldn't it have been a sister? I mean, the reports weren't exactly clear-cut, were they?'
>>
>>3444080
>>3444091
I know that you guys think that I'm going too far here, but you guys went crazy with small talk, so I get to dump lore as I please.
>>
>>3444100
lore dumps are what make /qst/ go round
that and shitposting
>>
>>3444094
>>'I'm surprised he didn't take power. It feels a little irresponsible to leave a mess like that.'
>>
>>3444094
>>'Couldn't it have been a sister? I mean, the reports weren't exactly clear-cut, were they?'
>>
>>3444100
No, this is great. My sides are going into orbit about Zero killing Kurito with Excalibur and the fact that Zero might even have been Artoria.
>>
>>3444107
Away with your evil.
>>
>>3444107
but what if it was utena/anthy that did it? revolutionary princess my friend
>>
>>3444094
>>'I'm surprised he didn't take power. It feels a little irresponsible to leave a mess like that.'
>>
>>3444094
>>'Couldn't it have been a sister? I mean, the reports weren't exactly clear-cut, were they?'
>>
>>3443918
Wow that's kind of a dick move coming back to this. For people like me who never read your stuff before it's just a pretty blatant fuck you. How was I supposed to know. There is no paste bin or ever was information on this.
>>
>>3443967
>>3443954
Well that helps a ton, and the point here is appricated.
>>
>>3444201
True. It would have been best to start with this, a synopsis of sorts, a prologue or prelude alluding to who mechanic is or what this quest was about. To automatically assume you or your work are of renown which everyone should know is arrogant, to say the least. And I haven't even begun on the old player base. Nonetheless, pride goeth before a fall, though I hope this quest sticks around. It's okay so far.
>>
>>3444201
>>3444267
I started this quest back up for my Discord buddies who I felt I owed something to and spent the last several months communicating with them on the sort of scaling they wanted. to play with. I didn't revive this to get any sort of validation, because frankly, all you guys had to say to me running the past few years was shit-flinging at how horrible a GM I am. I don't want to start fights, but frankly, I don't see anything indicating that you aren't the same shit-flingers from the past either.

You can either stay and hopefully you have fun, or you can go back to /qtg/ and go about how terrible a person I am like the h. Do whatever you want. If you feel offended, there is nothing to keep you here. You can just leave a "you suck" and leave like normal people do. Take care.
>>
>>3444272
So desu ka? That's how you choose to react.
>>
>>3444272
Hey look your writing is good I like the character and in looking forward to the mech fights. I'm not saying your shit at any of those things and you arent. But if your posting here of all places and not expecting alittle shit flinging your doing it in the wrong place.

I like this quest I would love it if you kept running but your not doing yourself any favors by being pissy about it. If you wanted to run a quest for your dischord buddy's and ignore the rest of us just do it in discord, or if you want a collection of people you man moderate go akun for fucks sake. We dont need you and you clearly dont want us.
>>
>>3444272 No offense mech, I love ya, but >>3444281 raises a valid point. Doing stuff for your buddies is good stuff, but coming onto an anonymous image board to run a quest you should expect not all the participants are the old guard.
Also, you kinda should expect shit flinging. I saw a guy blow a gasket about that princess guard quest from a couple years ago, and he is still assblasted. People are faggots. Some less then others.
And just so you don't get pissy with me and think I'm one of them trying to start shit. I'm the guy that asked about the key from the last game in the shipgirl quest. I was only half joking about coming out to help look for that notebook.
>>
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Couldn’t it have been a sister?’ you question, half-joking.

Bydoon and Corinth turn to each other, wearing a small smile.

‘There are those that argue the possibility, yes,’ Bydoon concedes, ‘however, due to the fact that a trademark was standing at the time on the name Unknown Sister—’

‘A popular musical band of the time period, we believe.’

‘—The name was unable to be used in reference to the event. If I recall correctly, there was a footnote disclaiming the public use of the term as it was used as comparison rather by title … or something of the sort. I can’t specifically pin-point what the reference was to in terms of previous legislative ruling.’

Ryosuke lets out a bemused chuckle.

‘You mean the Unknown Brother … was locked to being the Unknown Brother because of trademark law?’

Bydoon smiles mysteriously.

‘There are some enemies that even the Imperial Family do not wish to make a constant.’

You nod in agreement. Coming from a Trade House, you had seen offices of bureaucrats bring sectors on Industrial Worlds to their knees and reduce high-powered corporate suits to nothing more than simpering wrecks. There are enemies that one inevitably made in life … but the copyright and trademark offices of the Empire was one you generally had a table of crumpets and hot terrain-grown tea for.

The tax office, of course, was afforded some jam in addition to the crumpets.

>'We'll be taking our leave, sir. Is there any advice you can give us before we ship out?' (End Conversation)
>'What's with the stack?' (Curious)
>'I hope to be as passionate about my work as you are twenty years down the road.' (Idle)
>Write-In
>>
>>3445706
>'We'll be taking our leave, sir. Is there any advice you can give us before we ship out?' (End Conversation)
>>
>>3445706
>>'We'll be taking our leave, sir. Is there any advice you can give us before we ship out?' (End Conversation)
>>
>>3445706
>>'We'll be taking our leave, sir. Is there any advice you can give us before we ship out?' (End Conversation)
>>
>>3445706
>>'We'll be taking our leave, sir. Is there any advice you can give us before we ship out?' (End Conversation)
>>
>>3445706
>>'We'll be taking our leave, sir. Is there any advice you can give us before we ship out?' (End Conversation)
>>
It was time to go.

Not that you had the clocks set to leave, but … Bydoon and Corinth were practically buried in whatever work they’d sought out to do before you came along. Your presence—more than Ryosuke’s—was probably a distraction they didn’t account for … and as much as you desired to pry another chapter of history and current events from your former Instructors, you definitely didn’t want to be that niggle that pushed them over the line into the territory of irritation. Besides, Ryosuke probably had had enough of this place … and you wouldn’t have justified the last five years of growth by dragging him along for another lecture from either of them.

You suspect, however, that he was probably more interested than he let on.

‘Instructor Corinth, Instructor Bydoon,’ you start, raising your hand in a manner of formal salute. ‘We’ll be taking our leave. We thank you for your service … and we wish you luck for the future, sir.’

The both of them, to your surprise, get to their feet, throwing up salutes of their own.

‘Good luck to you too … the both of you,’ Bydoon returns, nodding.

It was now or never.

‘Is there any … advice that you can give us before we ship out? Anything we should or shouldn’t do?’

Corinth actually looks thoughtful.

‘Nothing that you shouldn’t have already picked up in your years here,’ he replies, stroking his chin. ‘But I do have something …’

‘Sir.’

Corinth gives a thumbs-up, smiling widely.

Ugly women make great fucks.

And in one sentence, you find your respect for the man greatly diminished.

>Approach Cindon
>Leave
>>
>>3445863
>Approach Cindon
>>
>>3445863
>>Approach Cindon
>>
>>3445863
>>Approach Cindon
>>
>>3445863
>>Approach Cindon
>>
>>3445863
>>Approach Cindon
is he wrong tho?
>>
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You’re not sure why you were bothering with Cindon at all. Neither you nor Ryosuke had any particular inclination for him, but … being the youngest Instructor after a certain Morrigan Fisher—albeit a temporary one—made him more approachable to the gaggle of fifth-years and fourth-years than more grizzled hands like a certain Darton Wray. You didn’t like him … but at the same time, you didn’t dislike him, either. He was responsive, but not overly talkative; able to communicate but sounded like a recording more than he did a human being on the same spot. That didn’t stop him from being the centre of attention for the career boys and girls, asking about possible postings that they could be transferred into and generally having the most crowded after-class gatherings that you had seen an Instructor experience before.

As a Utility Operator on a Frontier World-stationed Battlegroup, you suppose there were worse examples to pick up the expectations of enthusiastic cadets. Leaning against the counter and going over physical leather-bound copies of actual books, he seems to be without a care for the concepts of space or time, seemingly content with the ancient tomes by his side.

‘Specialist Cindon,’ you greet, tossing out a salute. He immediately raises his head, the same blank look he always wore etched upon his features. ‘Sir.’

Cindon cocks an eyebrow.

‘This is a surprise,’ He begins neutrally. ‘Finally decided to ask about your posting?’

Your cheeks turn a little red. You’d mostly avoided meeting Cindon.

>‘Yes.’
>‘No, we … just wanted to have a chat before we shipped off.’
>Write-In
>>
>>3445954
>>‘No, we … just wanted to have a chat before we shipped off.’
>>
>>3445954
>>‘Yes.’
>>
>>3445954
>‘Yes.’
>>
>>3445954
>>‘No, we … just wanted to have a chat before we shipped off.’
>>
>>3445954
>>‘Yes.’
>>
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You’re reluctant to admit it.

But you had to.

‘Yes … sir.’

You see a faint twitch in the corner of his lips as he closes the book in his hands, setting it next to the stack. A quick glance at the books qualifies your previous assumption of their value. For the typical low—civilian, purchasing the items would probably cost several overtimes across several careers … not to mention the effort made to hunt them down.

His hobbies, however, weren’t why you had sought him out.

‘And you, Mr Umikaze?’ Cindon starts,

Ryosuke raises his hands. ‘Uh, um … I’m just tagging along for a bit, sir’ he answers, barely keeping his stutter in check. ‘We’re both heading into the city in a bit.’

Cindon nods. ‘Did you take my advice?’

Ryosuke’s shoulders slump. ‘I struck out.’

The Specialist smiles, crossing his arms. ‘A shame, perhaps next time.’

You turn your gaze from your former Instructor to Ryosuke, confused. Was there something going on that you’d missed? No. There was … but even if there was, it was none of your business. Whatever it was they had discussed had implied to have been of a personal nature … and curious as you were—as you are—you didn’t want to be the thorn to tear that bag open. You could ask Ryosuke later, anyway.

Now, though …

‘I did review your performance and the remedial unit that you undertook,’ he starts. ‘However, my conclusions to your current level of achievement had me hesitant in giving you my recommendation for a spot on a front-line unit or a Frontier World. I would have told you this if you’d given me five minutes after class that I allocate for career prospectus on posting. You have strong qualities in social settings and have a foot in leadership as well as an interest in history and current events. You’re Officer material—’

You practically swoon—

‘—In the most literal sense. You lack experience and exposure. If I had recommended you to the position of a mere bureaucrat, I have no doubt that you would have met a dead end. You seem inclined to stay in your comfort zone rather than break it.’

Your cheeks turn red.

You thought you were due some advice. Not … evaluation Morrigan Fisher style.

‘So I didn’t get a recommendation from you, then … to be a pilot?’

‘Like so many hopeful cadets,’ he quips, snorting. ‘You’re unaware of the responsibilities that come with the prestige of being a Mech Warrior at this moment in time. Five years in the Academy and they don’t teach you to be reasonable at all.’

That didn’t feel like a jibe.

‘I did recommend you,’ he reveals, much to your surprise. ‘However, you’re no ace. Your posting was made under the assumption that you’d be more well-rounded by the time you got into a cockpit. Covering your bases, so to speak.’
>>
'I know,' you let out, defeated. It's a raw sensation, as always, to be denied; the spoiled boy in you doesn't say a word, defeated. 'I appreciate that you didn't totally write me off, sir.'

'Pilot qualifications require you to make a rating threshold,' he goes on. 'You're qualified. I never said that you didn't make it, but it stands, you're not up to the standard the Aegis wants you to be for the position that you desire. Keep your head down, get some years under your belt and you can try again.'

He almost sounds ... warm, hard as it is to comprehend.

'Besides, helping around filling out logistical brackets is good practice for people vying for Knight Commander.'

'It does?'

Ryosuke's the one that sounds out.

Cindon's expression remains neutral, but the amusement in his eyes makes his feelings more than apparent.

'Believe me; filing and docking for six standard years on three vessels makes Knight-Commander paperwork almost a breeze,' he answers. 'You can ask Instructor Wray yourself.'

>'Where does the Greyhound generally cross? Would you know?'
>'Are Frontier positions really that sought out?'
>'Do you still think I can make it as a Mech Warrior?'
>'Thanks.' (Thank and leave)
>Write-In
>>
>>3446116
>>'Where does the Greyhound generally cross? Would you know?'
>>
>>3446116
>'Where does the Greyhound generally cross? Would you know?'
>>
>>3446116
>>'Where does the Greyhound generally cross? Would you know?'
>>
>>3446116
>>'Where does the Greyhound generally cross? Would you know?'
>>
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‘I’m assigned to the Greyhound,’ you go on, hoping to get a better view of your posting. ‘Is there anything that you can tell me about its support lines?’

‘I can’t pin-point where your lines will be,’ he starts, ‘but being a Cavalier-Class Transport Cruiser, I can guess that any and all assignments for you will be distant points. The class of Cruiser was built for extended periods of normal-space travel with the occasional fold for its class, but not boasting anything enough to run through a conflict zone. I expect that you’d be seeing a lot of the Rim. Maybe even some Primal Worlds, if your Captain gets a call.’

You sigh.

It could be worse. You believe that.

>‘Are Frontier positions really that sought out?’
>‘Do you still think I can make it as a Mech Warrior?’
>‘Thanks.’
>Write-In
>>
>>3446144
>‘Are Frontier positions really that sought out?’
>>
>>3446144
>>‘Are Frontier positions really that sought out?’
>>
>>3446144
>>‘Are Frontier positions really that sought out?’
>>
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The answer is obvious. You feel like an idiot forming the words in your educated mind, the disapproving look of your uncle and grandfather playing through your mind’s eye. Your father doesn’t get quite in the act: it was an obvious question with an obvious answer, but the image of your dad probably wouldn’t pop his head out unless it involved money going down the drain somehow.

‘Are Frontier positions really that sought out, sir?’

You don’t even need to hear it.

‘Yes.’

Of course they would be. All career soldiers wanted a head-start somewhere the chance for promotion and recognition was ripe. Border Worlds were out of the question; most battlegroups present in normal-space in systems with the designation had at least two years of experience under their belt. Being so close to the galactic no-man’s land called for experience … and Rim Worlds—the so-called buffer zone between the Border Worlds heading into contested space with the Republic—were just a designation of realms not quite within the Core or House Systems. The galactic backyard.

The Frontier was where it was at for the young gun. The elder statesmen of the cockpits cut their teeth there, as everyone did. Pirates, rebellions and renegade Colony Fleet cast-offs were rife, and increased activity was always a big signal for attention to the Chapters looking to recruit. Commanding a defence against rebel hijack; a world in need of pacification … and a Mech to lay down the law.


That’s where you wanted to be.

‘Thought so.’

>‘Thanks.’
>‘Do you think I can make it as a Mech Warrior, sir?’
>Write-In
>>
>>3446194
>>‘Thanks.’
>>
>>3446194
>‘Do you think I can make it as a Mech Warrior, sir?’
>>
>>3446194
>>‘Thanks.’
>>
>>3446194
>‘Thanks.’
>>
>>3446194
>>‘Thanks.’
>>
Sorry guys, been really busy this weekend.



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