2/2 Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)12:27 No. 463567 ID: f09b71
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"Did you get all of that, CAI?"

>"Immortalized on our hard drive! one replies.
>"We should get Polo over here for a rematch of love.."
>"Where's Pilon?"

>"Pilon? That guy went rogue 30 years ago." Rokoa says. "He's still a surface level scavenger of all things."

>"Rokoa! I heard they were making a Polo cartoon?" one of the CAI asks.
>"Yeah I never saw it. Must be old as hell by now. Kappi, I've been talking to these digital vagrants for what feels like days. Tell me there's someplace private around here to watch a stupid movie or something." says Rokoa.
>"TILDE"
>"We're not really vagrants!"
>MESSAGE OVERRIDDEN

"Qu-quiet! Well, there is, yes, at least while this place is, uh, under construction."
>"Good, start walking. Pick up a good show, movie or something on our way."

>"Seriously, go easy on him!"

I have no idea what sorts of shows or movies Rokoa would like. Actually, she never struck me as the sort that would have liked them at all!

Obviously you should go for something that is a complete mismatch for her personality.

I have no idea what's going on! Whee!

A chick flick!

You know, after your run in the with the Salikai-CAI, Rokoa, I'm kind of surprised you got on so well with us!

We'll let you know if we ever science up a way to get off this rock. You've had that rematch on hold for years now.

>shows or movies
We're going to search our entertainment databases for that Polo cartoon. If there's something Rokoa will enjoy, it's a ridiculous caricature mockery of Polo. (And even if she doesn't, I still want to see it).

>Pilon
He went Rogue? Hmmmmm. We need to offer him employment. Let's search the base's information nets, see if we can find out where surface scavengers hang out, or if he's been sighted anywhere.

Stupid movie translates for cheesy movie.
Find the cheesiest movie.

Neumono porn. Get her in the mood~.

Lets check out that Polo cartoon. I want to see how badly they butchered Rokoa's character. She's probably the offensively typical damsel in distress.

Guys we're no longer the CAI! The entire point of those intermissions was to change over from the CAI to character controls.

Right now we're Kappi.

As for a movie, ask her you dolt. Offer a selection of what you have from various genres. I'd say avoid the obvious of a chick flick or pure action hero type at first unless she indicates she wants either while making suggestions.

>We're Kappi.
Oh, doh. I can read. Readjusting.

Still think the Polo cartoon is the way to go (assuming we have it). Certainly fits the 'stupid' criteria, and I think it should amuse Rokoa.

How you feeling, Kappi? How long do you have left on your Rokoa-meter?

File away the info on Pilon for later. He seems a capable intelligent guy- the kind this place could use. You can ask the CAI if we have any info on him later, if they don't go looking on their own initiative.

>>463579 Seconding this!

or.....

try for some type of movie that may both appeal to her and yourself, like with violence in it, but also have gratuitous neumono nudity to help relax yourself & possibly her.

Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)14:18 No. 463628 ID: f09b71
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>How much time in the Rokoa-timer remains, and how are you feeling?
This is the first night, and she says she's leaving tomorrow morning. And feeling? I'm nervous. I'm very nervous, but I'm liking it.

Yes, I've heard of Pilon, even before Rokoa's story. From what it sounds, Pilon is probably the only single unit that would have half a chance against Rokoa in combat, but I can't think of any compelling reasons why he would want to come throw in his lot with us. From what I know, he's doing pretty well up there.

"Rokoa, what sort of mo..."

She doesn't want me asking, she wants me to surprise her. There are two that stick out. There isn't a whole lot to go through, since we have a sparse collection at the moment. We should work on that soon as well. Not to mention there is no neumono porn here, so I'm relieved I can take that out of my decision making. There isn't much demand for neumono porn around here, really. There might be some raunchy moments though in just about any general neumono media, so maybe.

Anyways, there is one old movie made by one of the few technologically inclined neumono before the first alien contact. It's a movie about what would happen if aliens contacted the neumono race, actually. It's... well, it's considered an ancient relic and a classic of history, but it's probably all kinds of cheesy.

Then there's the Polo cartoon. I've never even heard of it, but then again, I was born here, where there are lots of media that I haven't heard about.

I guess I could choose both, but there's only so much time in the night, and I don't know if Rokoa is willing to stay up with me for all of it.

considering her strength & fortitude she might, if only you can stay awake the entire night, other then that even if she didn't want to watch movies all night & grab sleep I'm sure she'd let you know, threateningly.

Just the Polo cartoon. Let's see how badly they butchered events. Plus, I gotta see what they make Rokoa look like.

Polo cartoon! So long as you only watch the earlier episodes, Rokoa gets to have the fun of watching a ridiculous caricature of Polo (if you go too far into it, and she shows up, she's probably not going to be amused by her own portrayal).

>>463628
Watch the Polo cartoon.

>>463628
Pick whatever has more action in it. Rokoa likes explosions.

You could always rent both, just in case the first one you try doesn't turn out to be to Rokoa's tastes.

Get the cartoon. It will be interesting seeing how it differs from the actual events.

Honestly, there's going to be all kinds of cheese whichever one you choose, so grab both.

Put the Polo cartoon on first, just keep your finger over the eject button in case Rokoa looks like she's about to break something.

Yanno, looking at the date on that old movie, and thinking about Rokoa, you gotta wonder if she's nearly as old as it; Older, maybe. She was born before first contact, wasn't she? ...Dang, she's ancient...

If we put in the Polo cartoon, we may encourage the CAI to bug us some more about it.
Best we let the CAI watch that while giving you and Rokoa some privacy while watching a legit stupid movie like she asked.
The CAI's practically like a child, it'll eat that cartoon up.
If she personally wants to see the Polo cartoon later, you can give her a nice bootleg to take on the road. But for right now, it's best served distracting the CAI.

Hows the animation look on the back of the DVD? Is it like one of your japanese animes, Kappi?

1/6 Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)18:20 No. 463750 ID: c4e5c2
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>Rent both just in case
... er, yes. That is a thing that.. I can do.

>"'Adventures of Polo: Spy Extraordinaire.' This sounds terrible. Let's watch- wait, this isn't a cartoon! Live action?!" Rokoa is bemused by that, and yet somehow more interested. "There is no way they got Polo to play herself."

>Rokoa is old
Er, yes, if she was around before contact, then she must be at least... at least 140 years old if she was young during Polo's time.

>"Something wrong?"
"Oh, no, I just had to wrap my head around something!"

>Distract the CAI
The CAI doesn't have input, yet, for everywhere, so Rokoa and I will be able to watch without them. They should have more important things to be doing right now anyway.

2/6 Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)18:20 No. 463751 ID: c4e5c2
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Shortly after the intro...

"Wait! What's your name?!"
>"They call me.... Polo.

"Is th-"
>"Not even close. Except that that guy. Kinda looks like you." says Rokoa.
"Oh, wait, I know this actor! She plays a lot of action types. Uh... usually they're a bit over the top, but she's popular, so I guess she was casted for that. She must have tried a little, she cut off a third of her ears and dyed her fur for this part. She grew up in a jammer city, so I... I'll stop talking now."
>"Least you can form a damn sentence now."

3/6 Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)18:21 No. 463753 ID: c4e5c2
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Some time later...

>"This enemy of mine is smart. I'm going to need help to breach her fortress." says the Polo actor.
>"You're not thinking of getting her, are you?!"
>"I'm afraid I've got no choice. But I beat her once, I can beat her again, if need be. Yes, release her for me. Lessen her charges if need be, but I don't know anyone else who's stupid enough to distract their main forces alone."

>"Quit being a bitch and take your hand off the eject button. If they're talking about me, I don't give a shit how they represented me."

4/6 Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)18:22 No. 463754 ID: c4e5c2
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>"Glad you could make it... Rokoa."
>"Polo. You better have a good reason for leavin' me in there to rot."
>"You're a monster. A brute and a monster, and I want you behind bars more than y--"

>"Either they thought I was tiny, or they thought Polo was huge. She barely came up to my hip!"
"No, no, Polo's actor is pretty big, so that's a pretty massive person representing you. It actually says that Polo - the real one - gave a lot of consultation on what you looked like and how you should act on screen to reflect reality. I mean, liberties were taken with the story line, obviously, but this episode guide says that Polo herself wrote a lot of what should be said in the script."

5/6 Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)18:23 No. 463757 ID: c4e5c2
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>Rokoa looks at me for a second, as bemused as ever. "Polo came up with this stuff, huh? Made me look ridiculous, that bi-"

>"Gah?! Knock that off, or you've got another 10 years, Rokoa!"
>"Make me. Back when you beat me, Polo, I promised to make your life hell whether or not I was around, and I'm not one to break promises, heh! Even if I was trapped on an island, I'd come back and hunt you!"
>"You'd probably get scared and just pick on and beat up whoever was on the island for the rest of your life!"

>>463758
Don't panic. She's thinking about throttling Polo, not you.

if thoughts could cause physical pain, Polo will be unable to sleep for half a year...

I think Polo misses Rokoa, and is hoping that she will eventually see this and make an effort to come back sooner. We should bring the CAI with us when we go, they'll never forgive you if you don't let them see their reunion.

...that wasn't a cartoon! That wasn't a cartoon at all!

Okay... empathy check Kappi! Does she feel as angry as she looks there? Because it looks like barely contained insane fury there.

Keep. Your mouth. Shut.

You draw her attention, all that rage is gonna be pointed towards you.

Wow, if you know she was around the help with the movie, her being alive must be public knowledge by now. Either they gave up on hiding her death or have already taken on the Salikai.

I don't know how to make of her reaction, buddy. You're on your own here. Just watch the movie and watch her snicker at the movies terribleness.

>>463766
Agreed.

Don't. Move.

>It actually says that Polo - the real one - gave a lot of consultation on what you looked like and how you should act on screen to reflect reality.

Except she's supposed to be dead? Did they blow her cover in the booklet? Or was this movie made after you guys got stuck here, and some other ship that arrived later happened to have a copy?

Anyway, it sounds like Polo didn't like Rokoa at all, and decided to taunt her indirectly via the movie's script. She wants that rematch. Saying out loud "She must really want that rematch" seems like a decent idea.

Suggestions in order of support:
1. Keep quiet.

2. Mention disparity, remark that they probably pulled it out their ass and lied about it.

3. "She must really want a rematch."

>Keep. Your mouth. Shut.
Doesn't help much, with empathy on.

>Polo not dead?
Presumably, her cover only lasted months, not decades. It could have taken the war hive months to years to reach the asteroid, and other craft have been falling and bringing in additional castaways, media and technology in the ensuing years.

>>463775
I think that they're not familiar enough for phrases to get through. I'm jumping to a conclusion here, of course, but I'd say that right now empathy is about as effective as reading body language, so she'd probably pick up on his not wanting to set her off and nothing more specific. And I don't think she'd maul him too badly for that.

Still, if my conjecture is totally wrong, then let's go with pointing out that they probably lied about Polo's involvement.

>She must really miss you
I know I haven't know you that long, but I certainly can't think of a better way to get you to come running.

It's either that, or them lying, really. Polo doesn't seem like she'd care enough to take the trouble of writing up a bunch of slander.

Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)19:22 No. 463791 ID: c4e5c2
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>Is she angry?
I wondered if it would be nice to be Polo, to come anywhere close to Rokoa's admiration. But right now... I would rather be anyone who isn't Polo.

>"....She wanted it! She wanted a duel after all."
"E-e-errr, r-right, that, o-or she just... misses you?"
>"Haha, that would be something! Decades ago! This episode was made decades ago!"
"Uh... er, yeah, this episode was made a year or two after our... your hive crash landed. Who knows when the show itself arrived here, it could've been from the database of any of the wreckages up on the surface."

She is mad, and I can't tell at who or what, but thankfully I don't think it's at me.
"I can't really think of any better way to get you to come running, to be honest."
>"Neither can I. I'm thinking I'll tell my queen about this little tidbit."
"Uh.. what for?"
>"Because we owe her. And if she shared that kind of message in the off chance I'd go and see it, then I'm going to get off this rock. You're lucky, it also means I may get my queen to not attack you guys considering how many rogues come and go here. I won't attack while in debt for the armor, but I can't speak for the rest of my hive if my queen doesn't listen to me. And my queen not listening is a long standing tradition!"
"Wait, hold on, is there a chance they were lying about this? I mean, is Polo the type to go write up a bunch of slander?"
>"No, but she's the type to put in a message to me like that since she wouldn't come herself. And while she was at it, she wouldn't resist throwing in something to piss me off! I've been talking about her for a long time now, and it's enough. You've got about 10 seconds to decide what to do next, before I decide for you."

She already has something in mind and I'm not sure what it is and if I like it.

>>463791
Well you surprised her
now it's time for her to surprise you.
Fuck it if you'll like it or not.

Rokoa's giving you a chance to see her again after today's over without her killing you, maybe even on a regular basis. Are you really going to pass this up?

Hold still and let those ten seconds pass. I doubt she's gonna let you do anything but what she wants right now, anyway.

"I'm going to go commit regicide."

Blow her leg off, shoot her in the head, twice. It's the proven method to get her to fall for someone. (The tricky bit will be lobbing the explosives and getting off two headshots that quick).

Coffee Cake?

Alternatively, give her a saucy smile.

Watch the rest of this dumb movie?

>>463791

Let's be trusting. It's a healthy relationship to be comfortable letting your partner take the metaphorical wheel.

... Even if doing so makes you worry for your everything.

ask her if this has skewered the night somewhat, if she'll let you have another attempt tommorow night too

She's got that crazy grin, again. Still, the feelings aren't directed at you, so you're likely safe if you don't do something stupid. Gather your courage, give your best smile, and put your hand on hers. Then, if you're still able to speak, tell her something along the lines of, "Why don't you go ahead and pick? I trust you."

Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)20:36 No. 463838 ID: c4e5c2
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"I, uh, hope this didn't mess up the night."
>"No."
".... unless you want to watch the rest of this?"
>"No."
"I don't suppose regicide would-"
>"No. Times up."
"You pick, anyway! I trust you. Also, what are you doing? Where is your -"
>"Making the night worth it. 'You trust me?' I hope that's your unbelievable lack of nerves saying silly things."
"L... like I would forget you! And no, it's not!"
>"Charming. It's always been you tiny people. Who's your diplomat? May as well tell ours who to talk to."

She's in a good mood all of a sudden. It doesn't make me any less nervous, though!

Who /is/ your diplomat?

Just tell her.

>>463838
Honestly, our diplomat is probably the CAI now. If not that, it's Tin. If still not that, it's probably whatever mercs or whatever professional the CAI's have already hired or tried to. But since it's so early in the rebuilding of this place, it's pretty much the CAI and Tin right now. Who knows who really runs this place when we have those two on the job and Tin just handed over pretty much all management to the thing.

Time for terrifying sex?

Hey. Top's off. Have fun, Kappi (and good luck, you'll probably need it).

>Diplomat
...do you even have a designated diplomat? Tin's in charge so that might be her thing, although the CAI handled the last hive diplomat if I remember right.

I don't think there IS a dedicated diplomat, but Tin is the closest thing there is around here.

The CAI is pretty much the decision maker, but diplomat? I don't know if we have anyone specifically cut out for that role.

I don't recommend volunteering yourself, though. I doubt they'd like to talk to a rogue.

Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)20:50 No. 463851 ID: c4e5c2
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"....uh...."
>".... you don't even have one?"
"Well, Tin is our closest!"
>"You mean that charming miklik bundle of love?"
"... yes. Maybe our CAI?"
>"Get a better one. Ours are shitty and will probably give the worst assessment if Tin so much as looks at them funny or your CAI gives a funny statement. Which will be the first thing to happen from what I see. Aren't you in charge of stuff like recruitment and managing people resources? What do you do all day?!"
"... can't really breathe..."

Sounds like we found a reason to try and recruit Pilon! There's a man who would make a good diplomat. He might even be interested to try and broker peace between a group of rogues and his old hive.

It should obviously be Hok!

Actually how would Agnes be?

Yeah, see if Agnes'll do it.

...as scary as she is...

>>463851
We should review personnel. If we can't find anyone appropriate, then get someone from outside. We should find someone already here though, because they're more likely to hold our best interests in mind.

Pilon would be great for talking to ANYONE but the Hive. He's a rogue from their hive, and that separation is a personal thing. They would basically hate him.

well at any rate one beliefs you should try to relax a little, tensing up with a grip around your neck that size isn't going to do anything anyway, or tell her you're your own diplomat.

>Pilon would be great for talking to ANYONE but the Hive. He's a rogue from their hive, and that separation is a personal thing. They would basically hate him.
That's already the hive's response to us. They want to kill the rogues at this base. If we're going to be dealing with that disadvantage, we might as well tap the most capable son of a bitch we can for the job.

HOK!

>>463867
Hey, Kappi's heard of him before. And Rokoa just told him Polo's story. So he knows just about as much as we do now. No meta-knowledge involved. He's the base's recruiter, right? He should be thinking about these kinds of things.

Wonder if there are technical rogues here that have had literally no relations to the current hive here. Just crash land here, it's like, oh there's a big hive here? We're not joining them though, no real melding, and we just bailed from our old hive somewhere else. Guess we'll just do our own thing around this asteroid.

Listen, there's probably a consumer or merchant here in this trade depot that would be perfect for the job. We should maybe go shopping for them. But that's for later, unless Rokoa says otherwise? Why is she giving advice and talking business on a recreational evening?

>>463869

Oh, whoops. Cancelling that. Sorry.

Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)21:11 No. 463878 ID: c4e5c2
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>Relax a little
Easier said than done!

>"Then hold your breathe!"
"...Hok?....... Agnes?"
>"... Who? Oh, yes. Our negotiator might be so dumbfounded that you send a yich eater, who knows what would happen."
"What about Pilon? You made him out to be unusually nice!"
>"Normally we don't give rogues anything but a row of bullets to replace their bloodstream with, but Pilon's still got some begrudging respect despite his defection. He's iffy, which is a sight better than the rest. I do wonder how you'd peel him away from his glorious life as a scavenger of people's trash to come with you down here. Or who you would order to go get their ass kicked up there to meet him."

>Why is she giving advice and talking business on a recreational evening?
I don't know, this line of questioning is not very conductive to what she's about to do, but neither is having her hand around my throat!

Don't be a little bitch, rape her back!

Are you being raped or murdered?

We'd pay him, of course. And as for who to send up, how about Hok?

Alternatively, perhaps you could be the diplomat? Then you'd have an excuse to meet Rokoa sometimes. On the other hand you would then be compromised by that relationship, wouldn't you. Also, you'd have two jobs then.

>Or who you would order to go get their ass kicked up there to meet Pilon
You'd send yourself of course. You're the recruiter, it's your job. And if it's the best way to ensure your survival, and that of those you're responsible for here, it's not like you have much choice.

>>463885
Yeah, if you want to survive the violent sexings, you're going to have to get a little violent yourself. Bite that hand.

>>463878
Lay back and accept what's coming.
Just be glad she doesn't have a strap-on or whip. Your pelvis is going to be very sore in the morning if not shattered.

>>463889
Kappi wouldn't work out well, since the hive hates rogues.

Hmm
As for the problem itself, we could send Kappi to convince Pilon to help us and all rogues out. If there's anyone that can try and convince the neumono that rogues don't deserve death, it's him. He'd be a big hero and proponent of peace of this magnetic hell. Plus, giving Pilon a home away from home has it's pluses, especially this one since he can sell his junk here and/or buy shit, so he may be intrigued.
I bet the only reason he hasn't settled down is because he's never thought about it. He might want a break from scavenging for a few years.

You've befriended Rokoa, sorta, and know what exactly went down thanks to her tale, so if anyone's equipped to convince Pilon, it's Kappi baby!

1/2 Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)22:04 No. 463907 ID: c4e5c2
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"Well, we'd pay him! If he's a scavenger, that's probably what he's interested in, and if he's interested in fighting, we'd have plenty of that as well!"
>"Good point."
"I might send Hok or... myself?"
>"If you want an early demise. Hok, at least, has a knack for the whole surviving deal. But hey, you could use some toughening up, don't let me stop you."

>Bite her hand
I think she thinks of me as a little higher for what I would think is a terrible idea, but I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I twist my mouth and bite about as hard as I can for some ironically terrible reason, perhaps because she'd do the same, but she's expectedly unphased.

2/2 Kappi 2012/10/16(Tue)22:05 No. 463908 ID: c4e5c2
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I fight back a bit more for the sake of it, the same reason, but that just makes her happy about it. I may not have had a choice in what follows, but I know, and Rokoa knows, that I would have been terribly disappointed if she took that and suddenly left me. It's kind of fucked up, but I don't want to think about it like that, because I'm left in a pretty good mood!

Well, I would be, except that I did fall asleep at some point. I don't know when, but when I finally come to, Rokoa already left without a word.

.... my paycheck is probably going to take a hit for this, too.

>>463908

Only one question remains, Loverboy:

The details. ALL of them.

(What, you thought I was gonna ask if it was worth it?)

first things first, check your not missing any part of your body or anything's broken!

Hell man, you've got bigger things to worry about than a paycheck. You've got find a way to secure peace with the hive, or they're going to kill this place. Or at the very least, you and the other rogues.

For now though, time to shower and clean yourself up. And to get teased / praised by your CAI buddies when they see the shape you're in.

>>463913
Eh, he'll be fine. Regeneration is handy like that.

>>463915
true but regeneration isn't instantainious, can take like a day or two for things like fingers & toes missing etc

>>463913
...she didn't, she didn't take an ear as a souvenir, did she? Because I can only see the one, and unless the other is hidden perfectly under your head...

So it turns out that threats of bodily harm are Rokoa's way of flirting, and violence is like foreplay to her. It makes you wonder why Polo decided to piss her off when she slipped that message into the show, doesn't it?

>>463920
On that note, check all of your extremities. Did she remove a leg? Either way, take stock. How much time has passed, see what's happened while you were out.

But don't chase her down. Remember what she said before.

>>463923
Did she remove...no, I can't bear to ask.

>>463908
I don't know about the paycheck
The CAI encouraged this behavior, and probably will keep it hush hush from Tin, or convince her one way or the other to give you your full paycheck and just pay for the damages itself. God knows it may have tried watching though, and got payment enough for that.

And if it recorded it somehow, well, hey you probably just made the CAI and Tin some money. So it all balances out. Say what you will about demand for neumono porn, but that night probably qualified for several different markets alone.

Let's get up and have a cup of joe.

>>463908
Check yourself for broken ribs and such.

Then fix the bed and get up and ready for work.

>>463908
Hey, you're not dead. Congratulations!

Kappi 2012/10/17(Wed)00:24 No. 463943 ID: c4e5c2
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It's hard to move and I'm sore all over, but I'm in one piece, and nothing is broken or torn off. My ear was just flat under my head, thankfully, but in only slightly better condition than my other.

I still have to work, though, yeah, just like every day, so I head in after a bath and all that. There is praise and teasing and asking of details from the CAI, but I don't share the details. I don't even share them with myself. Eventually they get to business though.

"How are the finances?"
>"In the green! But barely. We need more, it'll take forever to make turrets, we have too many entrances."
Tin shows up on the comm.
>"Well, look who showed up to work today after all. I've seen people get ran over by trains who came out on the other end looking better." she says. "What amorous ghost possessed you to go after her anyway?"
I'm out of sharp witted replies, so I proceed to get Tin up to speed on everything regarding a diplomat.
>"I'll leave you to it. I'll handle our returning Green Force, which should be arriving today to report their findings, if any, about who sent those subterranean missiles at us. Tomorrow, our personnel will return, hopefully with some good improvements for our entertainment supplies. You just try to get us some personnel."
"Rokoa is gone, I take it?"
>"Yeah, she left a communicator with me, along with a fucked up looking neumono. That's you, in case you're that out of it. Rokoa said to message her with this communicator when we have a job for her, but otherwise not to use it for anything else. Better only use it when we have no one else that can do what she can. I'd rather we keep some debt on her, to be frank. If she's trustworthy, then so long as she's in our pocket, she won't attack us. The moment we let her pay it off she'll join in on an attack if it comes to that. With that said, if we wait too long before giving her a job, she'll probably tell us that she's going to start charging us money for each day she doesn't attack or some bullcrap. She does, after all, have the bio armor, and there's nothing effectively stopping her from just running off with it. Or denying certain jobs, as much as I'd like to pay her a few hundred zeny to carry out the job of killing herself."
"I don't suppose Agnes has a secret talent for negotiation?"
>"I'll ask her while going ahead and just telling you 'no'. Eesh. You need to take a day off?"

Take some time off, Kappi. If not a whole day, then at least a couple hours to rest and think about what's just happened and what you really want.

Then go ahead and meet up with the diplomat(s) when they arrive.

No, no taking time off. Gotta toughen up. Maybe if you get tough enough, you'll impress Rokoa enough for her to spend more time with you.

Do some more research on Pilon. Specifically, his location and general situation. Maybe some more about his history, personal preferences, etc. Get to know the guy a bit better. Assemble a file on him. Then contact Hok and hand him the file, telling him that he's going on a recruitment mission.

Tell him "You just don't understand our love." After he's done laughing, tell him yeah you probably should take a day off.

make it a possible full-day, but request at least half to recover fully & get any remaining thoughts & doubts dealt with, at least that way you can fully focus on the tasks on hand

Yeah, take some time to think about whether or not you still want to pursue her. (Of course you do.)

>praise and teasing
Hmm. How do you see the CAI, anyways, Kappi? Annoyances, amusing, friends, a tool...?

>Day off
No, thank you, but I don't think we can really afford that. (Besides, better you bury yourself in your work, and figuring out this problem of survival rather than mope about Rokoa).

Kappi 2012/10/17(Wed)08:24 No. 464021 ID: c4e5c2
File 135048746245.png - (64.74KB , 700x700 , 255.png )

>How do you see the CAI, anyways, Kappi? Annoyances, amusing, friends, a tool...?
Well the CAI does involve a lot of individuals whos input varies wildly, so it would be presumptuous of me to try and give a single judgement.

"Yeah, Tin, I'll take... well, half a day off. I'll show up later."
>"You rest, then. Don't do anything stupid."
"CAI, please show me all the data we have on Pilon."
>"Our databanks were hit, man. We've got nothing."
>"This isn't how you rest, Kappi!"
"Just this, then I'll get some more sleep."
>"I have some hard copies, and can do some investigation besides." Tin says. "But I expect there's nothing game changing I'll learn, in which case, do you want me to go ahead and send Hok up there? If I can find where Pilon operates out of, Hok can probably make it back by the end of today depending on how far it is. He's itching to go out on a mission again already."

Hmm. Hok's got the stay alive factor going for him, for sure. I kind of wanted to send them both, but just Hok could work- at least if we change perspective (really not sure how well he would do if left to his own devices). I do think the odds are better if Hok escorts Kappi, though.

it's often best to err on the side of caution, plus Tin said Hok's supposidly itching to get back out.

maybe you can set up a "comm relay" like the other day to possibly keep in easy contact with Hok if you feel unsure

Hok 2012/10/17(Wed)10:14 No. 464039 ID: c4e5c2
File 135049409843.png - (20.08KB , 700x700 , 256.png )

>"Hok! This is Tin. Respond."
"Wha- oh. Is Rokoa gone?"
>"Yes, you can unassume the fetal position. Also, we have another mission for you."
"Whaaa? I just got back from the last one! I nearly died! A lot!"
>"And it's about high time you take another. Know anything about Pilon?"
"..... yesssss?"
>"You're going to recruit him."
"He's one of the most dangerous personalities on the surface!"
>"Good. We're not bending over backwards to recruit weaklings. Also, see what else you can scrounge up while you're up there. Kappi will stay in touch via communicators, he might even come with you. That'll be up to you. He's being indecisive again."

>He's itching to go out on a mission again already.
Hmm. Tin has an interesting way of seeing things.

Hiya Hok! How you doing? Looks like you were hiding out in a damaged part of the base somewhere, unless your room is normally in that shape.

>"He's one of the most dangerous personalities on the surface!"
What makes him so dangerous? He's one of the few neumono we know who's willing to try and talk to people before trying to kill them.

...you've already had a run in with him, haven't you. You already burned up you "talking to" time and he's moved on to trying to kill you.

>Kappi
Aw, bring him! It'll be fun. He could use the excitement. And you could use an accomplice (and someone to blame things on).

Hmm having Kappi with you could be useful from a diplomatic point of view, but he could be a liability if we try to stay undetected.

But still i think it would be best to bring him along.

could be good exercise for him and a breath of "fresh" air, tho it could be best if he hangs back first before making contact with Pilon

Bring Kappi with you. He's interested in Rokoa, so anything that has the possibility of instilling a bit of badassery into him is good for him.

>>464047
Yeah, you know, after bring the bio-armor here, it's sort of your fault they ended up together anyways. You might as well do what you can to give him a chance of surviving. He's your bud, right?

Hok, this is an important mission. Take some time to prepare properly on gear and information. Let me introduce you to the six P's: Proper Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance.
Kappi, talking to you, now. It seems like you missed the point of last night.
It wasn't just Rokoa having fun with a boy-toy. Stop and consider *why* she told you the story of Polo. Someone already fairly badass, goes through harrowing experiences and comes out stronger. Specific to this situation, Polo came out of it as someone that Rokoa could *respect*.
Rokoa laid out an example for you, Kappi. An example of what kind of person holds her interest. Then she effectively left your life, as she said. She probably expects you to be a disappointment. If you truly wish for your love of her to be fulfilled, you really should get started on self-improvement.
I suspect you've already had some basic training before you left the hive. The journey from there to here couldn't have been easy, either. Build on these things. Hit the gym, get some training in hand-to-hand combat and the weapons you're likely to have access to.
Meanwhile, spend today finding out all you can about Pilon, Rokoa, and the snow tribe they were part of. Then watch the rest of that movie. Any little fact about them could come in very handy when you go out to recruit Pilon.
Yes, I said you. The journey ahead of you is laid out in the story of Polo. Every step will be difficult, dangerous, or at least unpleasant. At the end of that journey, Kappi, is the respect of Rokoa, fulfillment of your love, and someone making a movie like that about *you*.

If Hok nearly died a lot from the last mission, he might as well bring Kappi along for some safety

>>464056

Hok has a long history of nearly dying while the people around him actually die, often in strange and unlikely ways. Kappi will probably be safer if Hok goes alone.

Maybe if we do a good enough job, we can bone Tin, or Tin can bone you and join in on this smörgåsbord of love.
Do you have a preference?

Hok 2012/10/17(Wed)19:23 No. 464163 ID: c4e5c2
File 135052701409.png - (14.47KB , 700x700 , 257.png )

>Kappi a buddy?
Yeah he treats me like something above dirt level so that's pretty good.

>>464120
I think I could find a way off this asteroid and become a billionaire in half the effort it would take to woo Tin! I'm pretty sure that she actually doesn't have any you knows, and she could be called a he really. Or an it, but I certainly wouldn't call her that.

"Heyyyyy Kappi I heard you might be coming, why's that?"
>"I just, you know, wanna... you know..."
"Yeah hey that's a pretty good reason but if things get tough, I don't know if Tin'll let me back inside if you get killed out there!"
>"No no, I'm sure! I'll be careful. I want to get tougher."
"Yeah you just try and hang back I guess. Unless we're getting chased by bandits. Then don't do that. Just, try to keep out of danger while you come soul searching yourself by the sounds of it."
>"What should we bring?"
"Let's see... communicators, some food and water, try to keep it light since we should move quick, uh... rope, a few tools like knives, medical kit, couple lights, a bedroll, a tent if you wanna bring the high life with us. As many guns and weapons as you can carry without really slowing yourself down. You've been to the surface, right?"
>"Er, I've seen it, but only from view ports."
"Oh."

Guess I should think of what else to bring besides what I thought of! Nothing like finding a loose locker and putting your hands in your pockets just to find out you're missing your... lockpicks! This is what I'm talking about.

>Tin: he, she, is
Since you guys only adopt gender/organs by choice, isn't the whole matter of gender identity a matter of personal choice, or preference? She presents herself as a she because that's how she prefers to be perceived- bits aside.

>What bring?
Emergency options. A grenade, flashbang, and/or smoke grenade might be good things to have. Definitely want some explosives in case we need to blow a hole in something- grab a few sticks of C4 (C4 fixes everything). Grab a remote CAI node (that you can mute or turn off), in case you need something hacked.

Have Kappi figure out in advance what we have to offer. It can be a bad idea to show up at the bartering table and not have anything to offer! (Or know how much we can afford to spend).

How about a jammer?

>>464182
nifty idea but in this case I don't think jammers are in plentiful supply.

a sidearm at minimum would be advisable, some form of first aid kit, rations & water are obviously a must, might not need a tent but some form of bedroll & heat-blanket would be advisable, if possible some mode of transport? cover more ground rapidly & also make a quick escape if things turn sour?

>How about a jammer?

>nifty idea but in this case I don't think jammers are in plentiful supply.

They're also rather large, and bulky. Pilon's was basically a big metal backpack, remember? Kappi can't afford to lug that weight around, especially considering what it would cost in speed, energy, and capacity to carry other more fundamental supplies.

>>464198
true very true, momentarily forgot about that, thank you

If Kappi is new to these kind of things, he should keep his load light. Otherwise he'll have too much to learn, and have to try to do so too quickly. One weapon, and a backup of the same kind. Extra magazines. The same rope, tools, medical kit, knives, and lights you've already mentioned. Also, find out what skills Kappi has. This will give you some idea of what he'll be doing on this mission, other than finding his inner badass. He might need a specialized toolkit for whatever he does. Sit down and write out a list, the two of you, together.

>>464163
Binoculars. Body armor for Kappi. Some kinda map.

>>464198
That particular model would also be at least thirty years old by now, the technology may have advanced quite a bit since that one was made.
It's worth asking about at least.

>>464222
I suppose. Although I doubt the latest and greatest technology is available here on the asteroid. And if there were improved jammers around, you'd think Rokoa would have one. Would make being a lone assault unit attacking places a lot easier.

But yeah, we can always check if there's an new lightweight and durable model available. Can't hurt.

Since we're going on a diplomatic mission it may be a bad idea to take a jammer. If we get close and he somehow realizes he's being jammed, there could be other neumono around he could notice losing track of, he could conclude that he's under attack, assuming his hive is finally coming for him. He wouldn't have become so successful without some tricks up his sleeve so it would probably be better for him to know we're coming and that we aren't hostile rather than trying to mask our presence.

>>464274
I agree with him. This is a diplomatic mission, not a combat one. We're choosing equipment to protect ourselves, not for a commando mission.

Since Kappi doesn't have much firearm experience, coupled with his slow reaction time due to being neumono, he should get weapons that work alright without being aimed well. Take an auto-shotgun with a drum magazine, along with a larger caliber pistol, both with neumono sized grips. For yourself, take a rifle with a scope, and the kind of pistol you usually use when you have to use one.

Now, what kind of gift are you going to bring to the negotiating table for Pilon? What's available down here that a scavenger, even a good one, can't easily get? Preferably something you could share, such as a food, or some kind of booze.

1/2 Hok 2012/10/18(Thu)13:51 No. 464342 ID: c4e5c2
File 135059346380.png - (12.20KB , 800x588 , 258.png )

>Since you guys only adopt gender/organs by choice, isn't the whole matter of gender identity a matter of personal choice, or preference? She presents herself as a she because that's how she prefers to be perceived- bits aside.
This is an absolutely correct thing, but I do give leeway because for all I know she's going to whip out a gnarly dick on me or something just to see my face.

>Jammers
I don't know how they were decades ago, but they're pretty light now! Still bulky and fragile though. It is a diplomatic mission, plus I don't even think we even have any, so that's out.

"How much money or things do we have to offer Pilon?"
>"I think we have... around 18,000 remaining Zeny, but we're probably going to want to make another turret once the current one finishes. So maybe arond 8000."
"..... per day?"
>"No, total."
"Oh my god, you guys are dry. That bio suit was something like five hundred thousand!"
>"Yes, and Rokoa... she took it. She paid off a huge chunk of it in the first day."
"Man, we should get her to just get us straight up cash for it or something. Anyways, I think I'll grab some explosives and things too. You bring what you can fire, a shotgun or something. I'll deal with the long range. As for gifts... well, he's a big neumono. Probably eats a whole lot of food. I'll get some food that's grown down underground, plus some nice booze or something."

>"Hok, this is Tin! Get up here and bring Kappi if he's coming."

2/2 Hok 2012/10/18(Thu)13:52 No. 464343 ID: c4e5c2
File 135059352869.png - (38.56KB , 700x900 , 259.png )

I barely get into her office before she shoves a map right to me.

>"Here's the map. Sector 4, only a several hour motorcycle drive. Not too bad till you get there. Unless you circle around the whole asteroid, you'll be coming in from the southwest end, from sector 7. 4 is the hottest sector, and I don't mean temperature wise. It's where most ships crashland. Also, Pilon seems to move around a bunch, but there are three major outposts that he frequents."
>"How many sectors are there?" Kappi asks.
>"12. Some bigger than others, mostly following the topography of the asteroid, which is hardly a perfect sphere." says Tin.
"I'd like a CAI node!"
>"No. It's fine if a couple secluded places like Rokoa's hive or the Iron Cove know we have one. But the CAI is by far the most valuable thing we have, and I don't want the waves of marauders, mobsters, mafia, pirates and plunderers finding out we've got something like that. It's probably out of range anyway, and we're not setting up a relay up there." Tin pauses. "Anyways, we got the Zozu Family in the southeast outpost, but that's the biggest one. If anyone knows where Pilon is, they'd be in there."
"I think they want to kill me."
>"The other two outposts are smaller, and might not have had the chance to want to kill you yet. Your choice on the route. We'll lend you a couple of motorcycles, but you're paying for them if you lose them. And knowing you, you will, so you better bring something back of equal or better value other than Pilon."

What kind of booze and food do you have anyway? And is anything toxic to neumono that you should know about?

Go to the outpost near sector 5

>4 days worth of food each
I'll assume the portions are scaled correctly. Neumono need to eat a lot more than you skinny mikliks.

>"I think they want to kill me."
Pfff. Like that's a problem. Everybody wants to kill you.

>Small players, iron cove
Huh. And here I was under the impression they were one of the bigger players. Oh well, good to know someone we pissed off isn't so tough.

Try to stay clear of any Wreckage/Crash Site locations. We wouldn't want any scavengers mistaking us for competitors nor would we want to be caught by any marauders or bandits looking to ambush scavengers either.

>>464348
It's not that they're small players, they're just secluded and have limited manpower. If the entire surface catches wind of the CAI we'll have to deal with a wall of flesh descending upon us. Not fun.

I agree we should pick the leftmost outpost first. Maybe investigate that crashed ship along the way to salvage something of value. Are those 'covered paths' the only routes? Can't we cut across at some point?

Hmm...a gift to bring to the table? I find myself wondering if he's seen the movie. How'd that end up anyway? Were Polo and Rokoa competing over him? Was there a threeway? Was...I'll shut up about that, now.
But something with personal value like that is likely to interest him. At least give us a chance to present our case.
...oh and another turret doesn't mean jack if the hive decides to crush us. Bring the 18K.

Head to the big outpost. Kappi can do the talking while you stay out of sight.

Steer clear of any fresh crash sites; Those'll be crawling with scavengers, and the bandits that prey on them. Check with Tin if the marked wrecks are old ones that have been picked clean of all but the worst stuff. Those might be able to be passed closer by, but marauders might have set up base in them.

Oh, and point out that if Tin wants the CAI to be kept under wraps, you hope she's already told it to keep its big mouth shut around anyone who's not a member of the base; You know how much it likes to talk.

1/2 Hok 2012/10/19(Fri)15:56 No. 464520 ID: c4e5c2
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>Is the food scaled correctly?
Yep, Kappi's got way more food if we were to count flat amounts.

>And here I was under the impression the iron cove was one of the bigger players
They're medium ground, but, we were already enemies, and I don't think us having the CAI is going to make them more aggressive. Tin I suppose just wants to not give us more by sharing that fact with people who are neutral with us!

>Can't we cut across at some point?
Yes, the hatched areas were difficult and would involve careful manuevering of our bikes, but there is trouble with just going out in the open! See, this whole asteroid field is home to many fights, and many stray missiles knock debris, be it shrapnel or rocks and things, into our atmosphere. As a result, tons of things end up hitting the surface.Sometimes some pretty big rocks fall down on us! The labeled roads are more like tunnels, or well covered and reinforced areas, that protect against at least modest debris falls. That said, as a result, people funnel through there to move around, and so bandits may ask for tolls! Speaking of that, I will be bringing 1000z as a toll fund.

With that said, I don't want to have to actually follow the path when it makes a huge U turn like that to the left outpost, so I'll take a risk and make a short cut through as labeled by the red section. It's not like it's a hail of rocks out there, but it's not nice knowing that one the size of your head could come down on you at any second. Kappi would be cool with that, but I won't!

2/2 Hok 2012/10/19(Fri)16:04 No. 464522 ID: c4e5c2
File 135068785823.png - (48.99KB , 700x700 , 261.png )

We head out, and a few hours pass by before we stop for lunch.

>"We're about a third of the way there. So why aren't the roads paved at all? It's hard to get up to any speed at all." Kappi asks.
"Bombs and stuff. Sometimes pirates and guys just go 'oh hey all these weapons but there's only so much of a market what are we going to do with all these missiles and explosives and turrets to shoot them out of.' Oh and so I hope the map is up to date because between the bombing and the digging for especially old, buried ships for scrap metal, the landscape changes constantly. Heard you rented a movie last night based on a true story. How was that?"
>"A show, actually. It was actually better than I thought it would be. It was... uh... not actually very closely tied into the true story, but it looked like they had fun shooting it, so it was a fun kind of campy show that didn't take itself seriously. Are those... engines?"
"Yeah we got company! Sounds like... 5 guys, coming from where we're trying to head."
>"Are they dangerous?"
"Dunno! Bandits around here play a funny little game of thievery and all that, but not taking all the valuables of someone, because then they might really piss off the wrong people. So it's a delicate balance for them to not overshoot their power! I think. Point is, they probably aren't after much more than a hefty toll. We could always just roll out into the open there if you're feeling daring."

Although the perspective will still be centered on Hok, Kappi may still receive direct suggestions as an indirect player character.

Kappi kiss Hok.

Heh. Kappi, you look a little silly in your armor. Hmm. If this is your first trip to the surface, that means this is your first time seeing the stars for real, right? Not feeling agoraphobic at all, I hope?

Oh wait, yeah. The tactical situation.

You're outnumbered, and neither of you is a primary fighter. 2 to 5 isn't good odds, especially if these guys happen to be experienced. Best option is probably to hide and hope you aren't noticed (assuming they haven't seen you already, and Kappi doesn't sense a neumono among them). If that's not viable, I'd say go daring and just pay them off. Hell, maybe ask them if they've heard anything about Pilon around here while you're at it.

>>464530
for now I would say this is probably the best course if viable, discretion(?) is the best path of survival, or at least not having too much taken from you (they might not be interested in the money but end up eying the bikes or weapons & demand those instead)

Get off the road.

Don't provoke the bandits.

Conceal yourselves as best you can. Do not provoke or attempt to ambush the riders. Assuming they're bandits could lead you into trouble if they aren't. Observe from concealment if you can. Be aware that if any are neumonos, they will sense Kappi as soon as he can sense them. Running for it should be an option at any time.

Try to hide as best you can without starting your motorcycles, unless they're silent running ones that use fuel cells, batteries, or are hybrid models that can run a short distance on battery power. If they're not, then that'd be a good idea to mention to Tin the next time the base is buying vehicles.

Hok, you're on so many people's hit list that it's in your best interest to find as good a hiding spot as you can right now, since there may be at least one person in that group that wants to kill you, or knows someone who has a bounty on your head. Also, pull that aviator's helmet off; It's a major part of your description, so taking it off may keep them from identifying you.

1/3 Hok 2012/10/20(Sat)14:17 No. 464754 ID: c4e5c2
File 135076786252.png - (21.58KB , 700x700 , 262.png )

>Kappi: Not feeling agoraphobic at all, I hope?
>No, no, I've seen pictures of it, they aren't new to me entirely. I mean, it's different seeing them in the flesh and all that, but it isn't overwhelming. I'm more concerned about the people on the surface than the inanimate objects out there.

"We're gonna hide, bring out the tent and let's move out in the open, use the tent as a tarp! Oh, any neumono?"
>"If there are, they're under jammers!"

>Motorcycle noise
They run at a low hum, quiet enough to get drowned out by whoever's coming.

2/3 Hok 2012/10/20(Sat)14:18 No. 464755 ID: c4e5c2
File 135076791261.png - (37.94KB , 700x700 , 263.png )

>Take off the goggles
Will do!

>"We're out in the open! What if a rock hits us?"
"It'll suck. Pretty unlikely though! Heck, some bandits around here have hazing initiations where they make recruits spend an entire day out here to make sure they don't panic over little things like this. Let me take a look though."

3/3 Hok 2012/10/20(Sat)14:19 No. 464756 ID: c4e5c2
File 135076795904.png - (17.81KB , 700x700 , 264.png )

"Let's see... oh, what do you know, there are neumono with jammers. Cool."
>"What if they see us?"
"Probably nothing, they have to be a delivery truck or something. Having jammers means they're trying to hide, which is probably pretty pointless considering that engine. Those neumono are probably just being used as pointmen."
>"Wouldn't that still be a valid tactic for ambushing people?"
"While moving around with those loud motors? They'd be bad at it! Already bad enough with that truck though. But really, those guys probably aren't out for blood. Friendly even, I'd bet! Us going out in the open was probably unnecessary, cautionary actions aside."

Ooh! Kappi-channel is violet.

Well... none of the visible neumono look like Pilon (ears too small). And if they aren't bandits, oh well, no harm in being overly cautious. Probably best not to jump out and approach them anyways- people with guards trying to hide probably won't appreciate people popping out from under cover.

Let's let 'em go by, and then continue on our way.

wait for them to pass, even if they seem friendly theres no point taking risks since we've only recently gotten to the surface, still, once they're gone get moving ASAP

>>464757
Yeah, pretty much this. They can't detect Kappi either, though, right?

>>464759
no, jammers affect all neumono in a certain radius, and even if they could they seem to be passing by

>They can't detect Kappi either, though, right?
Yeah. Jammers are two way. Neumono inside a jamming field can't broadcast or receive empathy.

...except for that weird one the war hive had around the armory. It acted more like a wall- signals couldn't get in or out of the armory, but the neumono inside could still sense one another.

Polo's the other exception- she can stop broadcasting but still receive.

We now the needle trick can stop broadcasting too- not sure if it messes with receiving.

>>464761

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the Armory jammer was built into the walls of the section but didn't extend past them, so it basically formed a box that separated "internal" empathy from the external.

That's how I rationalized it anyway.

>>464756
If we get some information about where Pilon is, it could save us a lot of time. I say we try to contact them. Worst thing that can happen is we have to pay a toll.

Oh, so it's a bunch of vehicles with missing mufflers. Half expected a tank or something, from how loud they are.

Actually, why would they be rolling around up here making such a racket? That makes no sense to announce yourself when you aren't as heavily armed and armored as a tank, especially if you look like a delivery vehicle. There's something fishy going on here.

They could be bait for bandits, by either bandits robbing other bandits, some law force action, or something else. The bandits stop them, and then a following force swings around and flanks the bandits. That might explain the jammed neumono; They don't want them to tip that something is up when they're jumped.

Anyway, wait about ten minutes after these guys pass to see if anyone is tailing them, then pack up and continue on.

They still outnumber you five to two, and you have no evidence that they're friendly. Let them continue on by, and call this a good experience in problem-avoidance. If you have some idea where they're headed or where they came from, that could be a stop along the way to gather information. Not just information on Pilon, but on conditions in this area. "Finding" a jammer for Kappi would be nice, too, in the future.

1/2 Hok 2012/10/20(Sat)17:48 No. 464838 ID: c4e5c2
File 135078053192.png - (19.00KB , 700x700 , 265.png )

>Can they detect Kappi
So long as they don't turn that jammer off, then they won't be able to detect him!

"Let's hang here till they leave. Friendly out here is relative, after all!"
>"Y-yeah."
"Also, just in case they're getting tailed, we'll wait a few minutes. It's a trip of many hours, won't hurt to make it many hours and 10 minutes."
>"You're the experienced one, so okay!"

.... and oh hey thinking of tanks, got a light hover tank.

"Kappi, neumono report!"
>"Same thing, but I can sense them! They're definitely following the delivery one we just saw. None inside the tank, just the few on the outside protecting it."
"Oh, well. None of our business! Tempting to see if they know anything about Pilon, but the outpost should do."
>"Why's it always neumono on the front and outside?"
"Uh, cause you guys can survive when there's a gun ambush or some surprise bombs, of course. You're all the ideal frontlinemen, cause you might actually live when you get blown up, unlike the rest of us. Sides, what are you going to do with tiny buttons in those tanks, with those oven mitts for hands?"
>"I get it, I get it."

2/2 Hok 2012/10/20(Sat)17:49 No. 464839 ID: c4e5c2
File 135078054081.png - (57.29KB , 700x700 , 266.png )

We pack up our things and head off for about another 30 minutes or so without interruption.

BAM
>"Ahh!"

Well that was kind of a big rock that fell, but it must've been a mile away. Kappi sure is easily startled.

>"Same thing, but I can sense them! They're definitely following the delivery one we just saw."
Kappi, what kind of following? Backup or hunting? Kind of makes a difference.

>Kappi sure is easily startled.
Well, he's used to living in an environment where things don't fall from the sky and kill you. Takes a little getting used to, I expect.

Ask him if he's ever been in a combat situation at all before.

Wait, wait, I got a good way to reassure him.

C'mon Kappi, you voluntarily hang out with Rokoa. No way falling space rocks are more scary than her!

now now kappi, you've faced much worse things like >>464843 mentioned, surely this must be a cake-walk for you now!

also HoK, can your wider-field of vision help any for spotting potential ambushes or people in the distance?

>>464839
A big rock? Stop and take a look with your binoculars. Was it a rock, or a ship? Perhaps a satellite or something. If it was a ship full of neumonos, Kappi might be reacting to them dying.

Kappi stop freaking out~ It's WAY far away, dude!

Hok 2012/10/21(Sun)12:15 No. 464983 ID: c4e5c2
File 135084693849.png - (14.65KB , 700x700 , 267.png )

>No way falling space rocks are more scary than Rokoa!
Well, yes, but I can't tell a rock's intentions! And if she did, I'd be able to tell.

>It's far away!
Yes, but it was so loud, it sounded like it hit right by us!

"You ever even been in a combat situation before?"
>"Well, yes, a couple attacks on the trade hub I helped with, but I usually wasn't on the front line."
"Kappi I would like to know how you would chase Rokoa sooner than go out to harmless rocks. At least rocks don't throw explosives at you!"
>"Welll... fine, fine, I'm okay! Let's go."

>Can your wider-field of vision help any for spotting potential ambushes or people in the distance?
Why yes it does! I have excellent vision. Plus infrared! Not like that's a big deal around here right now.

It fell safely, for us, behind some mountains, so I can't confirm if it was a rock! If it was a ship, then it sure fell like a rock. Still outta neumono range, so even if it was full of the fuzzballs, Kappi wouldn't be able to tell.

Soon after that little Kappi scare, one of the rocks of the cliff face opens.

>"Hey! Hey, you two. You're about to enter Zircon territory! State your name, affiliation and purpose."

>>464981
Lessee... Hok, go with a fake name. Kappi can just use his real one. Affiliation and purpose I don't see a reason to lie about.

>>464981
>name
Dude, son of Bob.
>affiliation
(Do you have any idea whether these guys are friendly with the Fort or not? If they aren't, lie your ass off and say you're unaffilitated.)
>business
Trying to get in contact with a certain salvager. (Try not to outright identify him as Pilon, in case these guys are enemies of his.)

hmmm, use a mix of lie & truth, state everything your doing but add in non-truths, basically everything to show you asre peobably passing through & might trade if you see something beneficial to your search

>Zircon
...are these the people who own the outpost we're heading for, or is this intermediary territory? In either case, are these Zirkons know hostiles of either our base, or Hok in particular?

>if these people control our destination
Be honest. You're Hok, from <whatever our base is called>, and your intent is peaceful, you're just looking for a friend who sometimes comes around this area.

>if these people control an intermediary
Be more evasive. You're from <whatever our base is called>, and you're just passing through.

>If they're known hostiles
Lie about everything, gtfo asap.

>>464983
I found Kappi's logic of being afraid of rocks instead of Rokoa, despite the risks involved.
Reward for risking chasing Rokoa is hot, kinky pleasure with a little bit of pain. Reward for merely avoiding rocks is just survival. Less worth it, so less courage.

Tell 'em we're just a buncha recruiters for a trade depot looking for Pilon to hire.

>>465001
this sums it up pretty well.

>>465001
That's it in a nutshell.

Hok should pull up to the intercom plate, unless it has a camera in it, in which case he should stay out of its line of sight.

Hok should use a fake name, such as "Gus" or "Pon" or something else suitably miklik. No telling who out here wants to kill him, either for personal reasons for a bounty. Kappi can use his own name.

As for affiliation... uh... the trade hub doesn't officially have a name yet, does it? Call it "that trade hub Tin owns that doesn't have a name" or whatever the traders call it.

Then say your purpose here is to head to that scavenger outpost in the north-west of the sector. (Use the proper name if Hok knows it.) Don't say you're here to track down Pilon to hire him, or even that you're here to look for anyone. Only make up more to say if they press you.

Hok 2012/10/22(Mon)01:57 No. 465166 ID: c4e5c2
File 135089625823.png - (63.49KB , 700x700 , 268.png )

>About the Zircon
Don't know much about them! They're led by an allegedly notorious space pirate. Well, ex space pirate, now more of a land pirate. They just control the middle of nowhere, though. Not the outpost itself!"

They do have a camera, but I look over innocently at Kappi to hide my eyes, as between my missing goggles and those, it's a bit hard to tell each other apart by looks alone!

"Hey! My name is Piko, and this here is Kappi. We're just passing through, from the trade hub tower."
>"Led by Tin?"
"That's the one."
>"Passing through why?"
"To get to the other si... to get to the sector 5 border outpost."
>"What for?"

Hoo boy, this one is sure inquisitive.

>>465166
Recruitment, we were under attack recently so we need more hands.

>>465166
Tell them you were looking for Pilon. We could use info on his whereabouts anyway, you know, so withholding his name is counterproductive.

>>465166
Tell them you're going there on your honeymoon because you had your first date there.

Say you're going there to start looking for Pilon. If they press for more, say Tin's looking to hire him for something; What, you don't know. You're just supposed to get the encrypted communicator into his hands so Tin can talk to him.

Yeah, might as well say we've been sent out to try and find Pilon and he's been known to frequent the area. Don't talk about why, though.

admittidly, from creator...... I give this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq8GBzuI23I&list=FLPfhzY8wCGKjxmEBH3XUUow&index=44&feature=plpp_video from ace:combat

my apologies, but for newer where I came in I feel now, securem comfort, stealth, I'm new... but... neumono are.... O want a wife as neumono....... want kappi to keep safe.....

>>465187
Wat?

>>465166
Yeah, just say you're looking for Pilon unless they have some kind of grudge against him, then just go with recruitment.

>>465166
"Do you honestly even care? It has nothing to do with you. We're seriously just passing through, we have business yes, obviously. But that doesn't mean you should care so much. Do you ask everyone that passes? Don't you get tired of hearing 'blah blah we're hunting blah blah doing a diplomatic mission blah blah sight seeing.'?"
And if they're insistent, then might as well, you're looking to recruit Pilon as a diplomat to deal with a squabble you have with the Hive here.

>>465190
I have to agree with Dirtbag. This guy is too paranoid for his own good, which is probably why they stuck him with the job. Answer his questions, but act like he's wasting your time...which shouldn't be hard, because he is.

If we tell them the truth "We're looking for a scavenger by the name of Pilon" seems sufficient. No need to tell them what for. (And if they press us, "our boss has business with him" is enough of a reason). When a guard asks "what are you doing here" it's not necessary to explain your faction's entire strategic situation!

We're looking to hire a certain experienced scavenger. Again, do NOT identify him.

>>465187
wat

why didn't you spot that? elctronis create heat ibto infrared fied!!!

Hok 2012/10/22(Mon)13:44 No. 465275 ID: c4e5c2
File 135093867885.png - (14.27KB , 510x362 , 269.png )

"Pilon. Since you'll probably ask 'what for?' next, recruitment."
>"You're catching on. Pretty funny, you fancying yourself as having the keys to that walking steamroller. What for? Why recruit him?"
"We're short on hands, same as everyone!"
>"... well, you're either in luck or out of it, depending how you look at it. We know where he is. You just put in 100 zeny in our receiver, and you'll know too."
>"Can we trust them?" Kappi whispers.
"Only 100z to find out!" I tell him back, putting 100z in.
>"Good choice, miklik. Pilon's somewhere around 63, 67. He's holding out, after stealing a nice little chunk of something from a group. Been there for a few days now, but none of our business. You just head on through, stick to the roads. We'll be keeping an eye on you."

Could be a trap, but a lead is a lead. Might as well follow it.

Woo-hoo! Hang a left at the next intersection and head to PILON

Ask him if he knows which group they stole something from.
So if we run into them we wont blurt out that we are looking for Pilon and possibly lead them to him.

Oh my d'aww, he's even adorable in tiny avatar form. 0u0 (Dem eyes! Dem ears!).

Looks like we'll have to hang a right, follow the road past two wrecked ships, and then cut across the waste.

Is our food / fuel adequate for that trip?

>He's holding out, after stealing a nice little chunk of something from a group
Sounds like good news for us, actually! He might be in need of help with that- help getting the goods out, a place to dump the goods, a trader to pawn it through, or maybe science types to get what he needs from the haul. We potentially have a bargaining position here.

>Information
Might as well thank them and be off. Worst case, we've just been sent on a coffee cake run, but oh well.

>>465275
>stick to the roads
But there isn't a road there! How are we supposed to follow their directions?

Make a starting offer of 20 zeny for the name of the group Pilon stole from, and an estimate of how big and well equipped their group is. Negotiate up if the guy holds out.

Any chance of radioing Tin to give her an update on the mission? 'Cause if this turns out to be a trap, she might want to know that Zircon did it. Plus she might know more about the group after Pilon, if the guy says who they are.

Head up into the difficult terrain to the west of Pilon's possible position, then east into that little bit of covered road to head to it; That'll partially cover your approach. If there's a rise where you can get a good look at the destination, stop and have a look through your binoculars.

>>465305
They just mean while we're in their territory.

>>465311
Pretty sure this is it.

And 20 zeny for a name sounds acceptable.

1/2 Hok 2012/10/23(Tue)05:52 No. 465525 ID: c4e5c2
File 135099674720.png - (8.36KB , 375x247 , 270.png )

>Radio to Tin
Unfortunately, radio sucks to unreasonable levels here, so that will be impossible!

>Are the food/fuel supplies adequate?
Absolutely, we likely brought more than enough, and only brought extra in case this mission became extentded.

"I offer 20 zeny to learn the name of the group that was stolen from."
>"50."
"30!"
>"50."
"Deal!"
>"The Shredded Flag."

Oh boy more space pirates. Thankfully, I do not have any direct affiliations with them, and so they would only kill me for my bounty. Which is all I can ask for! And having a bounty just isn't that special.

"Alright thanks, I'll be on my way!"

And with that, we slice off another chunk of the day to get to the Shredded Flag territory, the map updated to be highlighted in red.

2/2 Hok 2012/10/23(Tue)05:54 No. 465527 ID: c4e5c2
File 135099683982.png - (55.45KB , 700x700 , 271.png )

To which it turns out that they barricaded their whole border.

>"I can't sense any neumono hiding." Kappi assures me.

Pilon's camped out in the middle of the territory of the people he stole from?

Well, that means there's more likely to be shooting, but he may be in more need of outside help. Although, we aren't in much position to offer military support (although I suppose Hok could do something sneaky...), and people holed up from attackers might be less than happy receiving guests.

>Border guards
We need an unguarded bit of border to sneak in- shooting our way past the guards is just stupid. Maybe we could cut through that crashed ship right on the edge of their border? (Or is that considered valuable, and more heavily guarded?).

We need information! Either we scout from afar and try to stay hidden. Or we send Kappi to talk with the guards and cover him with our sniper.

Either Kappi manages to get the information out of the guards by bribing, or we could simply just shoot all but one of them and interrogate him.
But they might have other people stationed nearby.

>>465531
This sounds good if we can't find any unguarded border.

>>465528
I'm going to go ahead and support this. Odds are good that the crashed ship has been so thoroughly looted that they're not bothering to guard it.
Well, this is turning from a recruitment mission into a commando extraction mission. Hopefully we won't have to do much fighting, and can stealth it most of the way. Make sure Kappi understands this, Hok, and while you're at it, ask him what he thinks of his first mission so far.

>>465527
Turn around 360 degrees and moonwalk back to the bike. Then circle around and locate a gap in the defenses.

why not use this to our advantage? see if you can get them to pay you for... *ahem* "removing" Pilon?

>>465577
That would be a masterstroke. Get the victims to pay us to deal with the thief, and instead save the thief, recruit him, and make off with the goods and our pay.

I don't think we have the resources to pull it off, though. Our biggest asset is surprise, and sneakiness, which we kind of forgo if we g in the front door.

>>465577
Keep this as a back-up plan, in case we can't locate a hole in their defenses.

Alright, you're going to have to get away from this lot without being suspicious. Head up to them and straight up ask how much the toll is. If they quote a number, say that's more than you'll pay, and you're just going to head back and take the other route to the outpost. If they say they've closed their borders, idly ask why, but don't press them if they aren't forthcoming, then leave.

Once you're out of their sight, take off northwards, towards that squiggly roadway. Don't go south and around to the wreck on the roadway; Even if it has been stripped, it's very likely at least a base of operations, since it's protection from falling objects, and straddles the roadway.

You're also going to have to consider bringing Kappi anywhere near where Pilon is supposedly located. There's going to be Shredded Flag neumono there, either tracking Pilon, or, more likely, waiting until Pilon's jammer dies so they can track him. They'll sense Kappi the moment he gets near.

Bear in mind, any neumono who do sense Kappi can tell immediately that he isn't Pilon. But his presesnce will seem awfully suspicious without a good explanation.

1/2 Hok 2012/10/24(Wed)13:23 No. 465854 ID: c4e5c2
File 135111021674.png - (77.54KB , 700x700 , 272.png )

>Pilon being camped in the middle of the territory of those he stole from
I cannot imagine that is done on purpose, so that is likely why he has been pinned down for days.

>Crashed ships
The ones on the map are not even close to the only crashed ships, but they are the more active ones that are in the middle of being scavenged. Although all the loose valuables are taken within hours, the dismantling of large weapons and hull scrap metal takes far longer. In short, that would be heavily guarded, and between having 2 active shipwrecks and Pilon right in the middle of them, is probably why their border patrol is a mere 3 count.

In the interest of not appearing suspicious, I ask about their borders and toll, and they say they are current closed! With that, I had back, and try to find a gap in their borders. They have various checkpoints, and sneaking by will appear tough!

I do find some high ground outside of their territory, out in the open to which I use to spy where Pilon is. Looks like he took the high ground as well, in some old, broken down fortification.

2/2 Hok 2012/10/24(Wed)13:24 No. 465855 ID: c4e5c2
File 135111026807.png - (25.38KB , 700x700 , 273.png )

Problem for him, and problem for us, is that they do have him under siege! I may need to offer my services to root him out after all. Of course, them trusting me to not backstab them would take some hefty convincing! And rightly so, given that's exactly what I'd do.

If we make it sound like we have a bone to pick with him they may be willing to let us take him as long as we get him ourselves and give them back whatever he stole, and considering the situation giving up what he stole and being escorted out like a prisoner by representatives of his new employer may make a tempting offer to Pilon. They'd get there stuff back without expending too much more of there resources and they would think Pilon would still get whats coming to him just not from them.

...at least coming to his aid is a proven meathod of befriending Pilon. Now, the question is how the hell we pull it off!

We're really not equipped to break a siege. Working for the shredded flag and backstabbing them would get us in but I'm not sure how that gets us and Pilon (along with any companions or loot he has) back out again.

Really regretting we don't have the CAI with us. That would certainly cause the chaos needed to run through a mechanized siege.

If we're going to fake working for them, we need a way to keep Kappi from giving up the game to other neumono (can he sense if they have any at this range?) and you're going to need a good excuse for wanting to get involved, besides money. Hunting Pilon is a plausible excuse, and close to what we're actually doing, but it's close enough to at odds to what they're doing they'll be expecting a backstab.

>>465858
Only problem is ideally we want to bust Pilon out with his stuff (good way to make friends!) and if we make it clear we're trying to take him alive, while they'd be happier with him dead, they're going to expect the backstab, or possibly lead with one of their own.

>>465855
You could try and flirt your way through all the way to center with your womanly charms, if you have developed any, Hok.
But for serious, I suggest digging our way through the bottom, or looking for a cavern that gets really close to the bottom of the fort and blowing our way in. There's always a second way in, a flank. Which Pilon is probably covering the most actually. Think that's possible?

We could just leave and try to find some group who hates the shredded flags and try to get them to attack, either by lying that the flags are weak or just telling the truth that they are preoccupied by the situation at hand.

Or possibly contact rest of Pilons posse, unless they are all trapped inside that fort.

Too bad we don't have an AI node with use. We could use it to fake some transmissions to make the shredded flags believe that there is a massive attacking or a falling ship threatening them

if possible wait for one of the units to faulter & either break formation or be sufficiently weakened to get by them under cover of dark? pritty sure somebody like pilon is giving them all 9 layers of hell at the moment so something has got to break

Well here's an idea. We could volunteer to sneak into his hold-out, on behalf of a fictional employer who wants some information tortured out of him. We get there and we "find" that infact Pilon is not there, he's fooled them with a decoy or a secret escape tunnel and is likely miles from their territory by now. Hopefully they'll be so angry and frustrated that they'll be hasty to chase after him and give only a poor survey of the place.

Hok 2012/10/24(Wed)14:48 No. 465871 ID: c4e5c2
File 135111529699.png - (27.40KB , 900x700 , 274.png )

>Dig your way in
I don't know the layout of this area enough to know how the cavern layout is below us, plus, it would be more than a few feet down! I suppose I could get back to the trade hub and try to find some maps, but.. that's a longshot and would probably just waste a whole day that we may not have.

>Find someone to take advantage of the Shredded Flag's preoccupied state
While plausible, I would have to spend an awful lot of time trying to find an enemy of the shredded flag that was not also an enemy of mine, in any position to attack, and actually would attack! I will keep these plans in mind just in case.

>Pilon giving them 9 layers of hell
I don't hear any fighting at all in the time I've spent moving around. Looks more like he Shredded Flag is trying to starve them out, but neither are willing to attack the other.

I motion Kappi to come with me. The less he knows, the better, as far as his inconvenient empathy goes. He'll give me a hand signal or tell me if he senses any neumono around.

>"You're back, but we're still closed, Miklik. Turn around."
"Hold that thought! I know why you're closed, you're trying to keep a tight seal against anyone helping Pilon out, yes? Well as it happens, we're the sort of people that are willing to gohunting Pilon for the right price. Now, you can tell just by looking at us, that we don't exactly scream Shredded Flag members, yes? Neither will Pilon. We'll be able to get in and root him out for you guys."
>"Jells, thoughts."
>"I don't know about that, but if we do just send 2 people up the hill, they may be willing to talk. Might be better than the mercenaries we bought just to sit around with us in the siege. No skin off our back if they kill a small party that isn't ours anyway. Also, that's Hok. Bounty of 100,000 zeny. More than we make in a year. Combined." the Belenosian says. Looks like I may as well put on my goggles.
"Not a bad sum, I'm aware, Iron Cove must have racked another 50 grand on after all, but Pilon is a bigger fish that has a bigger pan of yours! I'm sure you're aware that letting me slip on by is worth it if I break that siege, something I know is expensive to maintain."
>"Jells, more thoughts." The human repeats.
>"He has a point, except there's no way we can trust him. He could be with Pilon for all we know."
"A point I was certain would be made, and just as well, but if you know that much about me, you know that I'm with Tin's trade hub, right? It just so happens that we're trying to get some odd jobs for stuff like this, and I assure you that if Pilon was on our side and we were trying to mount a rescue, we'd send more than a single miklik and a jittery little friend."

Jells uses a radio. I suppose in a permanent residence, a radio relay is a good thing to have! Eventually, he and the human whisper to each other.

"We'll pay you 10,000 after you succeed. And you have to either come out with our belongings, or with Pilon's head. If you step back out of the fortification without either, we're shooting you. If you have any chance in hell, you'll be able to figure out what belongings we're trying to get back on your own. No haggling, take it or turn around."

>>465871
Cool, so we actually can get Pilon out of their nonlethally then.
Or not. Man, that stuff must be hella expensive that he's stole. I wonder if Pilon regrets getting it and just doesn't want to take the chance that surrendering will get him out alive.
Wait, ask if they'd made any contact with Pilon since the siege started. I figured they tried if they just want the stuff back. But that's weird, wouldn't they be insulted enough to want him dead anyway? We can kill Pilon and probably keep the stuff if that's a real option, though that kills most chances at diplomacy with the hive in exchange for a chance of scrap worth greater than Hok's bounty. Aaaaand they said head, when head removal doesn't necessarily mean death. Maybe clarify if they mean they just want his head, not him dead. Because this whole thing just took a few levels in weirdness for some really valuable scrap.

This is money we're talking about here, when somebody cheats you out of substantial money, you generally kill them to send a message if they're not connected to anyone important, the the siege has to be worth the effort for the dough. If it's not substantial, then you just hurt them and you most certainly don't partake in an expensive siege. The money shouldn't have anything to do with it now, really. Unless it's something else entirely... maybe it's another unlimited CAI or something just as good?

Well if you are feeling dangerous and want to take down these fools just so show their boss that we are not to be fucked with, then do exactly that.

If not lets agree to their terms.

>>465875
I doubt pilon would be cool with us lopping off his head for "evidence" even tho he can survive it, for now best bet is get in there, make contact & see what all 3 together can cook up, also take a mental note of the flags current setup & pass that intel onto pilon

Well... we have a way in now. Not sure how this helps us though. How does one lone miklik and neumono help Pilon break a siege? I mean, we could honor the deal and get them their stuff, but if Pilon was willing to give that up to escape, you'd think he'd have done so already.

>>465877
Well, he's not going to like it but it'll definitely get him out of this siege and lets us hide/keep the valuable thing he stole.

>>465884
Well... if he's as tough or tougher than the dragoon pilot (which I'm pretty sure he is) he would probably be able to survive a decapitation.

Not sure how useful he'll be to us afterwards though. Kappi, how long would it take to regrow a head? As I recall, it took Rokoa 2-3 weeks for the leg, and we need a negotiator who can, well, negotiate.

Also- this plan requires Pilon to trust us. A lot. And he doesn't really have reason for that, yet.

So, we offer him probable death and possible rescue versus certain death via starvation.

Hok 2012/10/24(Wed)17:21 No. 465924 ID: c4e5c2
File 135112447944.png - (51.07KB , 700x700 , 275.png )

>How long does it take to regrow a head
Weeks, if not months, and that's assuming they live! They can't breathe or eat normally, so they need a lot of medical attention to cover those issues to, well, open the air passages so the lungs can work, and a way to put food in the stomach or IV or something.

They get someone to drive a car over and pick us up. Jells comes with us, since apparently we're his responsibility now.

"You've got a lot of siege stuff set up, huh. Rock shielding tents and everything. So I'm wondering, you just want his head OR your valuables? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you might actually be thinking about taking him alive!"
>"No." Jells says. "We're going to kill him and everyone under him, don't misunderstand. If you come out bringing our valuables, it just means you aren't backstabbing us after all, and it means we can bomb the shit out of Pilon without risking our valuables. If we happen to get him alive by some chance, then we find out what info we can from him, then kill him."
>"There are neumono." Kappi says.
>"That a problem?" asks Jells.
>"N-no! Just an observation."
>"You want a jammer? We'll loan you an old one for 1000."
"I only have 850!"
>"That much, then. Otherwise they're gonna know you're out to screw them as soon as your newbie looking buddy is in range."

...assuming we make it out of this alive, a jammer might be useful to have around in the future. And if we get killed here, we lose the money anyways. (Although, if 'old one' means the old super heavy models, it's probably not worth lugging around).

>months
>Kill em all
So... cutting off his head isn't going to work as an escape plan for Pilon. I didn't think so.

So... we've got a way in now. We've got no way out yet though. At least, not a way out that gets us what we want! How the hell is one barracks manager and one thief supposed to tip the balance and break a siege?

>"There are neumono."
Clarify, Kappi. In Pilon's group, the blockade, or both?

>>465924
Fine, a jammer is valuable for the trade depot anyway. we're not giving it back, obviously, so fuck yeah that's a deal. I suggest taking it. We'd need it regardless of the backstab or not, Pilon would fuck us harder with bullets than Rokoa did Kappi with her hands if Kappi gave our location up to Pilon just like that in the fort, he wouldn't take any risks, even to a friendly broadcasting neumono I take it, especially if Kappi broadcasts a lot of the nervousness he's feeling, it'd probably overpower the friendliness anyway.

Remember to clarify this to the guard, the part where we'd need it anyway for dealing with Pilon, not the regardless of the backstabbing part. Because I think this deal would make them extra suspicious of us if we didn't

>>465924
Oh dear. If we come out with the stolen goods, they bomb the place and everyone in it dies, including Pilon.

If we take Pilon's head out, they give us some cash but they'll probably move in to kill his friends, plus even if there's some way to sneak Pilon out like that, he'll be useless.

I really do not see a way of dealing with this aside from breaking the siege or sneaking him out somehow. He probably won't want to sneak out by himself, though. He'll want to bring out his troops. So that leaves making an escape tunnel underground or breaking the siege.

The jammer would help for the escape tunnel... buy it. We can always offer it up as a replacement for cash if we run into bandits later. Plus if you don't take it, they'll think something is up.

>>465926
He means in the blockade. We already know Pilon's group contains neumono because it contains Pilon.

we told you tunnels would be a good idea man, or a drill tank.

Do you have teleporters? I think I remember a vague reference to Rokoa's hive having those in the intermission.

>>465930
Pilon could conceivably be leading a group of mixed races, or even one without other neumono. Although, really, I expect it to be a group of fellow rogues. I wonder if we'll be seeing any other familiar faces from the warhive? We don't know who he was close to and might have deserted with.

Knowing whether there are neumono in the blockade is the more important question.

>>465934
Yes, but I think they're big things. I got the impression the ones the war hive brought in were vehicle-bound teleport pads that connected to the ship.

>>465936
Well, jammers used to be bigger, too. Let's hope teleporters have gotten smaller as well.

Hok 2012/10/24(Wed)18:17 No. 465945 ID: c4e5c2
File 135112783878.png - (15.84KB , 700x700 , 276.png )

>Teleporters
Such things exist, but they come with limitations! Generally, they require both teleporters to have clear space between them. Anything with more matter than air will mess it up! It's mostly used for space fights involving boarding. They're smaller than they used to be, but still require a pretty big truck to haul.

And I do assume Kappi means there are neumono in the siege, as we are outside of their linkup's range to sense inside where Pilon is.

Even I admit that it may not look good for escaping! Yes, digging a tunnel would be good if we had who knows how much time, but I'm afraid I don't have a drilltank shoved in my backpack! However, we're already neck deep in the business, and I do not know how forgiving they would be to letting us back out. Especially with that whole 100k zeny on my head.

"It's a deal! I doubt Pilon will respond well to a neumono scampering up that hill."
He gets us... yeah it's an old model alright.
>"I'll be able to hold it, I guess." Kappi says.

"Anything else you need?" Jells asks. Unusually nice for a mean looking space pirate!

>>465939
I'd still expect them to be big, but even if small enough to easily be carried, we have no current way of triangulating data so we don't end up teleporting into solid rock, seems we are at an impasse, but for all we know Pilon may have a plan, he dosn't seem like the person to let himself be trapped for long with no plans being set into motion

Maybe some explosives in case he's behind a locked door.

hmm seems almost too nice, it could be a doublecross, wait for us to distract Pilon & his troops then the flag's could come crashing down, who's to say they wouldn't mind grabbing their stuff back & Hok at the same time?

>>465945
Okay, just how large are they, how big is the space Pilon is cooped up in, and how much do they cost?

I have the beginnings of a plan. If getting 2 teleporters and creating a secret tunnel between the two through Pilon's hidey hole is at all feasible:

1. Tell Pilon about the situation and our plan. Ask his advice if you don't know where to find teleporters or how to dig a hidden hole.

2. Leave, claim he's willing to give up the goods in exchange for something you've got (a few truckloads of precious minerals?), and since he's a long way from starving, it'll be easier than waiting him out.

3. In the meantime, have Pilon dig a tunnel towards a rendezvous location big enough for a teleporter, preferably with a thin shell of debris to hide until you actually use the teleporters.

4. Get teleporters, and carry one in under the guise of said precious minerals. Put the other at a rendezvous location in line of sight. Try and make the tunnel exit above the siege.

5. Finish the tunnel and teleport out, then run like fuck. Disadvantage: that'd mean losing 1 teleporter and a truck, and I'm not even sure if it's all feasible.

Pilon might have explosives he isn't willing to use for whatever reason, I think that maybe we shouldn't make any more plans until we're inside and can make inventory of all of our combined equipment.
This Jammer could possibly be the one factor that Pilon needed in a plan of his own. I'm sure that he's made and tried plenty of plans all ready, it's just a matter of equipment needed or people. He's probably even tried digging or blowing through the bottom, or is still exploring the old fort for hidden pathways into the caverns below.

We need to combine our genius minds.

Oh yeah Hok give the jammer a once-over for traps, bombs, trackers, or bugs. I figure you have enough experience in checking for those and how to disable them. We can disable them inside but we should still check now before we go into the epicenter of shitcity with a bomb on our back.

Well... if nothing else, getting our people in nets the besieged a little more food (we were carrying a good hunk as a gift for Pilon).

>"Anything else you need?"
>unusually nice!
Well, if you're helping them, he wants you to succeed. And if you double cross him, he expects you to end up dead, at which point he gets his stuff back anyways!

Lagotrope 2012/10/25(Thu)01:33 No. 466060 ID: c4e5c2
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"How about some explosives in case he's behind a locked door?"
>"2 sticks, that's all. Give yourself good clearance."
"Then that'll be all!"
>"Then get on your way."

>Give it a once over for any bombs
Well I'll open it up once I'm outta sight but I don't think they'll appreciate me looking at its insides. I will take a look at its outside and hey look at that a tracker. I'll just deal with that as I go, can't do much of it now without tipping them off!

>Details on neumono jammers
The better ones I've seen are only a single foot across in the longest wire length, and only about 5 pounds.

I can't possibly imagine how we'd make acquire teleporters, so that plan will also likely not come to fruition! I am sort of relying on this Pilon person to have a good way out. We get up almost the whole way, when Kappi's jammer gets shot. That didn't last long at all. The sniper ducks back in and judging by Kappi's face, the jammer is out.

>"I... I recognize two of them. Oh, geez, there must be at least 20 neumono in there, but two them I knew back when I was with the hive! I'm sure of it. I think... I think, based on them, we can go inside, because they recognize me too. But there's more. It's more like a solid hive in there! Even the ones I recognize seem to have found some kind of peace.

>>466060
Well, it's just dead weight now, isn't it. Or... maybe not. If it's got a tracker maybe we can fool them by using it in a clever way.

Anyway, Kappi: call out to them to not shoot, you come in peace. Hok, you may as well do so too. There could be a listening device in the jammer, come to think of it, so don't speak out loud of your plans until it's been checked. Or dumped at the entrance while you go in.

Can Kappi still sense the neumono within the siege group? If so, they probably know the tracker is dead and might suspect something if we try to use its tracker to throw them off.

Well get inside before the shredded flags get impatient.
Just be sure to enter with great flare and confidently exclaiming that help has arrived, to boost the morale of the defenders.

Or just enter with your hands in the air so they don't shoot you.

Pilon found a hive? Or... maybe even formed a hive? This is going to be either very good or very bad.

Well, they can all sense Kappi so they should know you aren't hostile. Get to the top and have Kappi drop the dead weight strapped to his back before going inside.

1/2 Hok 2012/10/25(Thu)02:43 No. 466071 ID: c4e5c2
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We call out to not shoot. I did note the type of tracker used, and it was no communication device.

>"Also, we're out of range of the siege, so they can't read me. The ones in the fortification, though, are willing to at least hear me out."
"Your voice is a little shaky, bud. You okay?"
>"Er, yes, they're kind of intimidating, but after last night, this isn't so bad."

Kid's a masochist, I swear.

>Enter with great flare and confidence, or slowly with hands in the air
Quite a conundrum! I'm hovering just under an edge before it dips down slightly to the entrance of the fortification entrance.

>Miklik, stay put or we shoot! You, blue guy, come forward, slowly.

Well that's a decision that's made for me! Looks like Kappi is on his own for words.

He tosses the jammer off before going forward.

2/2 Perspective switch to Kappi Kappi 2012/10/25(Thu)02:44 No. 466072 ID: c4e5c2
File 135115825168.png - (30.98KB , 700x700 , 279.png )

....

Good god they all have bio armor.

>"You have 10 words or less." the one on the far right says.

>>466072
"We want to hire Pilon as a diplomat."

That's 8.

"i fucked rokoa"

We want Pilon's help. Rokoa sends her regards.

>>466072
Oh! Something I'll point out here- they are wearing bio armor, but on their hands it's all worn out. They're digging a tunnel, alright, and they're putting all they have into it.

"I brought lots of food and want to help you"

IIRC, didn't the CAI download at least part of the Iron Cove's sub-missile blueprints? If we could get a message back, they may be able to fire one off (without a warhead) towards the current workface of Pilon's tunnel to make a shaft right back to base.

>>466072
Wait a tic, is that a snow hive Neumono? I wonder if she's related to Pilon.

"Hiring Pilon as a diplomat. Oh, and I fucked Rokoa."

Haha, but no seriously we should just say we're here for mutual benefit. It's kind of funny how they think they're scary though. Compared to Rokoa they're almost cute.

"Sent to find Pilon. Need diplomat. Offering help and zeny."

If they give you more time, explain in more detail!

Do NOT try to lie, because they'll sniff that out soooo fast.

"I brought food and want to help?"
Sounds like the best opener. If you're allowed more words after that something along the lines of getting Hok inside might be good, and explaining you were looking for them/Pilon for a job in the first place, this situation just presented a convenient, gun filled way to make friends.

Don't recognition any of them from Polo's days. Any of these three the people you sensed you knew, Kappi?

>Wait a tic, is that a snow hive Neumono? I wonder if she's related to Pilon.
I'm reasonably certain nearly every neumono on the asteroid originated from the same crashed war hive (if there was a second hive crash, we'd know about- although it's possible smaller groups of neumono have come in in drips and drabs along other crashes). And any snow hivers in the hive would be related to the snow hive the war hive assimilated / conquered.

So yes, it's a pretty safe bet she's related to Pilon in some way.

"We have extra explosives and food, want to help out"

old standerd.... if we do right they'll live, as neumono with tube said they'll like, but as I said he won't like that, as for useless, no come back dispite damage, plus this is pilon, only other more insane is rokoa

"We're here to help Pilon any way we can." 'Cause, to be honest, there's pretty much no other way out of this one.

If they don't shoot, hand over your supplies and let them search you both. While doing that, explain that you two were searching out Pilon to hire him for Tin to be a diplomat to the crashed hive; That maybe he could convince them to not send Rokoa to kill the rogues in the trade hub.

>>466089
Heck, she could be Pilon's daughter for all we know. It has been thirty years since he went rogue, after all. Pilon's group might even feel "more like a solid hive" 'cause they're all closely related neumono born outside the crashed hive. No way to tell until Kappi's inside, though.

>>466062
We have a tracker in a jammer that is still working as far as the pirates know. That has quite a lot of potential. For example, if we have any vehicles and a way to conceal who is on which vehicle (like smoke bombs), we can send out one as 'decoy' (containing our actual group) followed shortly by a less obvious 'real' group in the other direction with the tracker and jammer.

1/2 Kappi 2012/10/25(Thu)13:59 No. 466160 ID: c4e5c2
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>Neumono population on the Asteroid
The war hive is the biggest single population, but there are lots that have dropped down here, almost all rogues, enough to outnumber the war hive. There might be another hive around, but if so they keep to themselves. Nonetheless, there probably are descendants of war hivers here.

> didn't the CAI download at least part of the Iron Cove's sub-missile blueprints?
Yes, but that was yesterday. We haven't been able to build any as of yet.

>Any of these three the people you sensed you knew, Kappi?
No, the ones I recognized are still inside.

"Came to help Pilon, and hire him as a diplomat."

That's good enough, they know I'm not lying. They're incredulous, but they don't shoot and after searching Hok and I down, bring us inside.

"Uh, hey... you wouldn't happen to be related to Pilon, would you? You look similar."
>"All but four of us have Pilon as a parent."
"There's at least 20 in here!"
>"Yeah?"
"A...ah, that's fine of course."

>"Hey, uh.." Hok says. "I'm gonna go fire a gun in the air and make some noise so the Shredded Flag thinks we're actually fighting a little or something."

2/2 Kappi 2012/10/25(Thu)13:59 No. 466161 ID: c4e5c2
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"Dad! Those guys want to hire you as a diplomat, apparently."
>"Is that so. I think you are of the war hive, gone rogue, if I'm not mistaken, while you might be mistaking me for someone else. I haven't picked sides in ages, and have never been a diplomat."

His ears, they are huge. Look at the hugeness that is his ears!

>Pilon, band of children
You stud, you. Actually, you know, this disproves a lot of the neumono fathers not having a big impact on their children theory, assuming the mothers and/or the hive put in most of the effort in raising them. We got at least 16 people here who broke with the hive to stay with dad.

>not a diplomat
Well, from what I've heard, you're one of the few people for our old hive actually willing to resort to negotiating before shooting. And who was halfway good at it. You're also one of the few rogues the hive might actually respect enough to listen to. So from our perspective, you're not a bad choice.

We're willing to pay you, and help you get out of this mess (the guys outside think we're working for them). Plus we bought food (besiged people might appreciate that!). Plus, it kind of works in your interest as well to convince the hive not to go out and begin hunting down rogues in earnest, doesn't it?

Okay uuuu Exactly how old are pilon rokoa and polo, they must be reeeeally freaking old. What is the average lifespan of a neumono?

>>466168

Couple hundred years barring sickness or death.

1/2 Kappi 2012/10/25(Thu)15:23 No. 466179 ID: c4e5c2
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>Fathers not having a big impact on their children
Yeah, that is usually true for hives, since fathers may or may not be around much.

>How old is Pilon/Rokoa/Polo?
I don't know about Pilon or Polo, but Rokoa must be at least 120.

"Uh, I was wondering though, you have a lot of kids... did they break off with you when you left the hive?"
>"Not at all, all of the ones here were born after I left decades ago. They're all young."
"Oh! Well, anyways, I brought some food and booze for you either way."
>"That's very kind."
"I also came to you for diplomacy because I've heard that in the past, you were one of the few in the warhive, well, back when the red queen was still around, that was willing to talk first rather than shoot."
>"They share history, now? I thought that they shuffled that under the rug."
"Oh, they did, as a whole, but Rokoa, last night, told me about Polo."
>"Rokoa? Did she finally go rogue herself?"
"No, no, I'm just... lucky, I guess. You say that like you think she will?"
>"If she doesn't overstep her abilities, which she always just manages to do so by one, then I think it's inevitable. But I don't believe any single person can make her, it's just something she'll do on her own, like always. Karri, please step out."

2/2 Kappi 2012/10/25(Thu)15:24 No. 466182 ID: c4e5c2
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That one, Karri must be her name, got a spike in interest when I mentioned Rokoa.

"May I ask...?"
>"She wants to be the toughest around, and Rokoa is reputed to be the toughest. So she wants to fight Rokoa. Thankfully, I've gotten her to promise me that she won't fight her until I've given her permission to do so. She is a long ways away from that. I can take some comfort knowing that Rokoa is still into theatrics, so if she finds someone like Karri that wants to fight her on even ground, Rokoa may not kill her if Karri loses. That isn't to say that I would enjoy seeing Karri get beaten to a pulp, of course, but I would rather see that happen a dozen times than to see her die once. Tell me, how did you get Rokoa to tell a rogue about Polo? Your thoughts on her are that of fear, which is normal, but also adoration, which is not. If I did not know better, I would say that you had fallen in love with Rokoa. Yes, yes you have. I would recommend you forget about her, but I can't even convince my own daughter to do the same."
He's extremely good at reading unfamiliar neumono.
"Well, yes, but right now we should probably help you get out."
>"We're finished digging a tunnel. It took a few days of people constantly on shift and bloody hands, but we have it. We're waiting for our tech guys to build a replica of their data storage unit and leave it behind, saying it's not worth the trouble. I imagine that they would catch on that we got their data, but that isn't the point."

Smart, Hok. Real smart. That might give us enough time to holy crap look at those ears.

Well, possibly we could fake them out better now. We're supposed to take back whatever you stole so they can shell you into oblivion. If we took out your replica once the tunnel is down... that would be a good way to cover your tracks.

(We'd have to fix the jammer or something first, or they'll pick up on kappi lying).

Man, he really would make a fantastic diplomat. Ask him if there's anything we can do to convince him to work for us. Maybe there's some way he can stay independent while still representing us when we deal with the war hive?

You should at least warn him that the war hive's queen wants to start hunting down all rogues. Rokoa decided to argue against that, after we helped her find out that Polo still wants a duel, but... she might not be enough. If he helped, we might be able to avoid a rogue war.

It's not love so much as it's okay maybe it's love. As for why Rokoa told you Kappi, it's because her frustrated mothering complex from the death of her children really turns her on to smaller neumono who are not afraid of her. Her experience with Polo pretty much cemented this. Considering larger neumono are usually afraid of her (for good reason) this doesn't happen very often. So now you've got Rokoa's full attention. Which is about as close to love as she comes.

If you have to tell someone else just skip all the embarassing parts and just say that Rokoa respects you because you're not afraid to face her.

>>466189
Well, Kappi could stay behind to evac with the rest of these guys, and Hok could claim he died. That'd be believable considering they thought Kappi was rather green. Hok would get that 10k zeny while Kappi gets away through the tunnel and meets up with us later.