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File 134371197771.jpg - (580.90KB , 1000x1000 , gauged-intro.jpg )
437675 No. 437675 ID: 2703d7

http://www.gauged.us/

Hi there. Some of you may remember me, some not. I run a web comic / interactive quest type deal called "Gauged," set in my personal universe. I had the suggestion box for it on the MSPA forums. However, the community there was not overly interested nor active enough to warrant it, plus many readers have wanted a means to post without registering anywhere (my main obstacle).

As of now, we're on Page 30, image #326. I invite you to start from the beginning ( http://www.gauged.us/html/2012/0001.html ), if you haven't been reading already. I don't have an update schedule yet, other than I try to update as quickly as possible, and it bothers me not to update every three days apparently.

Suggestions can be given to any character, even if they are off screen. Suggest for the character's actions with other people, interactions with their environment, or however detailed you'd like - I'll find a way to make things fit.

Due to the way the story is formatted, I don't think it's possible for me to also run the quest directly on this site (been wanting to avoid doing that again anyway). We'll see though.

If you've got any questions, feel free to ask here or in IRC. (I have it set to alert me if anyone mentions my name, but I may be afk sometimes.) Enjoy the ride.
Expand all images
>>
No. 437678 ID: 0c2247

>>437675
Jael, I suggested ripping the soldier's head off.
If you had done that you probably wouldn't have a knife in your back.
Next time? If I tell you to mutilate a corpse you mutilate the damn corpse.
For now, try to get out of the soldier's grasp. You want to reverse his advantage, take his knife, and disable him.
Then rip his head off like I told you to.

Mourning Guy: Grab the nearest firearm and start putting bullets into that soldier's face. GET PISSED!

Ram: You weren't hit in a vital area. Apply pressure to the wound and move away from the fight.
>>
No. 437680 ID: dde999

Dammit girl I know it takes more than that to put you down, you're an immortal, need to move.

Ignore the knife and twist his head off, they're about to flood this place with gas.
>>
No. 437779 ID: cf49fc

Disable the Prosapient's radio. He cannot let anyone know you were here. Then all you need to do is hold him in place until the nerve gas kills him through the hole in his mask.

Have Ram get the surviving leaders to safety, and lead any remaining survivors out before the gas arrives.
>>
No. 438757 ID: 2703d7
File 134398831466.jpg - (558.10KB , 500x1728 , john-face.jpg )
438757

Maybe I'll just hand out stupid images every time I update?

Update: http://gauged.us/html/2012/0031.html

It'd be nice if I could like crap a RSS thing in here.
>>
No. 438760 ID: 0c2247

>>438757
Grab the kid and soldier plus head. Haul them out and make your way out of this area, then make contact with your people and apprise them of your situation.

You need to take the entire body so they can't confirm it as KIA, and the armor is a useful tactical acquisition.
The kid must have some sort of value to them if the soldier was barred from using lethal force on him even after he interfered with its orders. You need to find out what, and recruiting him seems like a great way to do that.
>>
No. 438765 ID: cf49fc

>>438757
Man, John got REALLY fucked up since I last saw him. All those voices in his head didn't do his mental health any good, I take it. Ah well. Get Ram, and get the civilians to try and escape the gas.
>>
No. 438794 ID: b85f8c

Okay, NOW remove the knife in your back. I have a worry now that you've killed the soldier in such an extreme manner- will his superiors realize you are here just from knowing there is someone around strong enough to do that? It depends on how well known you/people like you are.
>>
No. 438798 ID: 6a1ec2

>>438757

COMMODORE FUKLAW I HAD NOT RECOGNIZED YOUR VISAGE
>>
No. 440524 ID: 2703d7
File 134443806141.jpg - (61.40KB , 500x225 , 0336.jpg )
440524

Okay, going to try this. I'll use the comment box here to write the updates on the fly, quest style, then once I complete a page, I upload the whole thing to the site. Also trying drawing panels various ways. Still having trouble settling on a balance between speed, style and quality.

> I have a worry now that you've killed the soldier in such an extreme manner...
> You need to take the entire body so they can't confirm it as KIA.
> Will his superiors realize you are here just from -
>>
No. 440526 ID: 2703d7
File 134443816624.jpg - (73.29KB , 500x225 , 0337.jpg )
440526

<Jael>: John. I can't do this.

Jael is in no condition to think tactically. She's not a soldier. No matter how often she's treated like one.
>>
No. 440527 ID: 2703d7
File 134443819240.jpg - (78.03KB , 500x225 , 0338.jpg )
440527

> Okay, NOW remove the knife in your back.

Kale at some point limped over to the older man. Jael doesn't see them, but hears Kale break them up.
>>
No. 440528 ID: 2703d7
File 134443822360.jpg - (85.34KB , 500x225 , 0339.jpg )
440528

"Kieru tes ji ti jikata." She doesn't know what it means, exactly.
>>
No. 440530 ID: 2703d7
File 134443825135.jpg - (55.95KB , 500x225 , 0340.jpg )
440530

<Jael>: Yeah. Run away. From the monsters.
>>
No. 440535 ID: 2703d7
File 134443881668.jpg - (77.02KB , 500x225 , 0341.jpg )
440535

> Grab the kid.

<Jael>: Kid, the gas. Did you hear the... Oh.


------

Try to avoid massive suggestions like "leave ship, battle evil people, win story." I can only fit so much stuff into one update.

[color="#0000FF"]>Now to see if I can format color to my posts...[/color] I doubt it.
>>
No. 440536 ID: 2703d7

[font color=#0000FF]Maybe if I remove the quotes...?[/color] If this doesn't work, screw it.
>>
No. 440537 ID: 0c2247

>>440532
Pick Ram up and start heading for the roof.
Too bad you're in no condition to take the soldier; that's some sweet armor.
>>
No. 440539 ID: d6c330

The correct syntax is

[color=#xxxxxx][/color]

There's an faq with all the formatting nonsense at
http://tgchan.org/kusaba/news.php?p=faq
>>
No. 440577 ID: 2703d7
File 134445261936.jpg - (83.16KB , 500x225 , 0342.jpg )
440577

> Pick Ram up and start heading for the roof.

<Jael>: Probably no way to convince these people to leave. Guess it's just you and me, kid.
>>
No. 440580 ID: 0c2247

>>440577
The corpse just stood up. Knock it down and run!
>>
No. 440581 ID: b85f8c

>>440577
How is that even possible

Just get away from the fucking zombie. At the moment I highly doubt it can see or hear you so use that to your advantage.
>>
No. 440583 ID: 413dba

>>440577
You gotta be fucking kidding me...

I.. don't even know man... just kick him over and run.
>>
No. 440595 ID: 0c2247

>>440583
Lets see... they can obviously control a body's movement, they have what they would consider an excess of human life and an utter disregard for the same, and the soldier was impossibly disciplined while dealing with Ram's antics yet begged when his helmet was opened.

I think they are probably using people as cheap and expendable armatures for their soldier platforms. Robots built out of their most abundant resources.
>>
No. 440603 ID: 2703d7
File 134445639655.jpg - (77.92KB , 500x225 , 0343.jpg )
440603

> You gotta be fucking kidding me...
> Get away from the fucking zombie.
> Knock it down and run!

Before Jael's fight or flight can even kick back into gear, something in the corpse's armor wheezes, clicks and dies. It topples over as quickly as it got back up.
>>
No. 440604 ID: 2703d7
File 134445642144.jpg - (48.75KB , 500x225 , 0344.jpg )
440604

It twitches, grasping. Still trying to kill her. Still trying to complete its mission. A perfect soldier.

Jael can't help but stare, and remember. It's too similar.

>>
No. 440605 ID: 2703d7
File 134445651056.jpg - (12.67KB , 500x225 , 0345.jpg )
440605

<Jael>: Hope I never see this ship again.

---------------

Page complete! Thanks for your participation. I now give you the choice between sticking with Jael a bit longer or switching off to the outside.
>>
No. 440607 ID: 0c2247

>>440605
Jael. I want to see Ram wake-up and start vomiting off-panel.
>>
No. 440618 ID: 5031f9

Let's check what's going on outside.
>>
No. 440974 ID: 2703d7

>>440607
>>440618
Well, that was useful. I guess I'll just do both and neither!
>>
No. 440992 ID: cf49fc

>>440974
Ooookay? Uhm, since the army is hiding outside, and getting ready to gas the place, presumably with a heavier than air gas, maybe we should escape through the upper hull?
>>
No. 442476 ID: 2703d7
File 134486274540.jpg - (76.15KB , 500x225 , 0346.jpg )
442476

> We should escape through the upper hull

Jael passes back through the ship, the same way that they had arrived. The streets are empty. There is no opposition. There is no sign of life, at all.
>>
No. 442477 ID: 2703d7
File 134486277469.jpg - (43.49KB , 500x225 , 0347.jpg )
442477

They arrive at the elevator, without any problems. There's still no sign of them being followed or watched.

<Ram>: Uggh...
>>
No. 442480 ID: 2703d7
File 134486290096.jpg - (43.89KB , 500x225 , 0348.jpg )
442480

<Jael>: Eh? Kid?
>>
No. 442481 ID: 2703d7
File 134486293935.gif - (110.38KB , 500x225 , 0349.gif )
442481

<Ram>: Wha - I -

> I want to see Ram wake-up and start vomiting


------

Let the character interaction begin!
>>
No. 442485 ID: bf54a8

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE
>>
No. 442490 ID: ec2e47

There are times when superhumanly fast reflexes come in handy.
>>
No. 442578 ID: 2703d7
File 134490213553.jpg - (78.28KB , 500x225 , 0350.jpg )
442578

> Superhumanly fast reflexes
> DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE

<Ram>: Bllurrruueeeahhhhh~
>>
No. 442579 ID: 2703d7
File 134490216291.jpg - (65.25KB , 500x225 , 0351.jpg )
442579

<Jael>: Oh god what. No, no, no. Why.
<Ram>: Well, sorry. Waking up to faces smeared in blood kind of [i]freaks me out.
<Jael>: Some - some got on my face I think. I... I might puke too.
<Ram>: Oh, wait. So mine's not good enough for you? Why don't I roll over there and bleed all over your face some more? Help wash that off for you?
>>
No. 442741 ID: e3aff6

Pause for a moment, then remember that you have an appointment with somewhere not filling with DEADLY NEUROTOXIN.
>>
No. 442915 ID: 9c018c

>>442579
Tell him it's fine. You've got plenty of your own blood on you, so, no need to share.

Also, might want to do something about that hole in his shoulder now that he's stabilizing before he continues to leak all over the place.

About how far up do you think we are in the superstructure?
>>
No. 445770 ID: 2703d7

Update for you folks too, but I'm currently working on a cartoon (that has nothing to do with this quest). Animating takes a while, so it's eating up all my time till I'm done with it. So that's where I am.

Also I'll point out now would be a good time to "socialize" Ram and Jael, while you have the chance. You can make general suggestions like "be mad about it," "calm down," etc. Remember, you're also suggesting for the writing - the scene mood, etc. You can suggest just about anything. But I digress. I will hopefully be done with this animation by the end of the week. I know I want to try to update prior to WP's GW2 lore update, since that should bring in a few people. Check the main site for more info.
>>
No. 448566 ID: 2703d7
File 134611411239.jpg - (47.24KB , 500x225 , 0352.jpg )
448566

> Remember that you have an appointment with somewhere not filling with DEADLY NEUROTOXIN

<Jael>: Whatever, just... hit the top button. We need to get out of here.

Ram stumbles up, absent-mindedly, still straining.

<Ram>: Yeah, don't mind me. Being shot doesn't - uh... what're you...
>>
No. 448567 ID: 2703d7
File 134611417738.jpg - (47.44KB , 500x225 , 0353.jpg )
448567

> Might want to do something about that hole in his shoulder now that he's stabilizing before he continues to leak all over the place

<Jael>: Your mouth still seems to be working.

<Ram>: Yeah... people always've said I'm pretty sturdy, I guess. I don't really remember...

<Jael>: You mouthed off to the big guy. Guess he saw you as a threat.

Ram presses the button.

<Ram>: Guess so. Wait... don't I remember you -
>>
No. 448568 ID: 2703d7
File 134611430834.jpg - (55.34KB , 500x225 , 0354.jpg )
448568

<Jael>: Stop thinking about it. There'll be plenty of time for that later. Always is.

Jael finishes cleaning herself. She puts the bloody cloth and her armor into a loose fabric duffle bag she had pulled from her belt. Ram doesn't have a belt, unfortunately.

<Jael>: We'll go up to the roof. Your buddies outside found some way to gas everyone inside the ship. I'll do that much for you. You can do whatever you want, after that.

-----------

Been playing Guild Wars 2, after finishing my cartoon I made ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxmkAoLC6_4 ). It's got 14,000 views so far, so I guess it was a worthy time investment.

If you can remember the story so far, let's get those personal interaction gears turning.
>>
No. 448967 ID: 5b52f7
File 134620861707.jpg - (51.85KB , 500x225 , 0355.jpg )
448967

Jael watches for it to hit him.
>>
No. 448968 ID: 5b52f7
File 134620863082.jpg - (45.71KB , 500x225 , 0356.jpg )
448968

>>
No. 448969 ID: 5b52f7
File 134620864840.jpg - (38.54KB , 500x225 , 0357.jpg )
448969

Not the reaction she expected.
>>
No. 448970 ID: 5b52f7
File 134620868052.jpg - (58.61KB , 500x225 , 0358.jpg )
448970

Nothing more is said. Jael pulls Ram to the top. Together, they look back down.

As expected, a small collection of local leaders has congregated outside the ship. Aetan is with them, as is another Prosapient. Jael can see them clearly. The soldier is a problem. Aeten could be even worse.


------

Nothin, eh? Welp. Moving on.
>>
No. 448977 ID: 1f8505

>>448970

Take off your own shirt and examine wound.
>>
No. 448982 ID: af3431

Ram: Are you okay with what happened?
Jael: Don't just leave the kid. At least make sure he's not borked beyond repair.
>>
No. 449041 ID: 0c2247

>>448970
Jael: No witnesses. Since you're not a monster that means you have to take the kid with you.

Ram: Go with her. You don't want to be working for mass murderers.
>>
No. 449164 ID: fd921f

Okay, Jael, how exactly did you get from waking up in a horrible crumbling facility filled with play-doh horrors with far too many eyes, to hooking back up with Jack. Did that even happen, I can't remember...

Actually, how is Jack... I mean Burns... handling his erh... amortality?

Wait, the Tear, does anyone still have it? You swallowed it, didn't you? Shit how long has it been; years, decades, centuries?

I guess you may want to impress on Ram here that you have lived a VERY, VERY long time, thus it's not particularly your own live you are very concerned about in your haste.
>>
No. 449255 ID: 5b52f7

>>449164
Consider nothing in Dead Age "canon." It was basically a test run for ideas.
>>
No. 449573 ID: 76533d

>>449255
Dammit, foiled again!

Anyhow, Ram is probably starting to go into shock, so it may be a good idea to keep him distracted. Question him about the locale, perhaps his family, or how old he is, if he knows a good place to hunker down from the local authorities.
>>
No. 450316 ID: 5b52f7
File 134650557431.jpg - (79.39KB , 500x225 , 0359.jpg )
450316

> No witnesses. Since you're not a monster that means you have to take the kid with you.

> Don't just leave the kid.


<Jael>: This is where we part ways. I suggest you wait till they're through doing... you know. Wouldn't catch their attention until Aetan leaves, though. The less you interact with Nationals, the better.
>>
No. 450317 ID: 5b52f7
File 134650559755.jpg - (79.56KB , 500x225 , 0360.jpg )
450317

Still no answer.

> At least make sure he's not borked beyond repair.

> Ram is probably starting to go into shock.



<Jael>: You... still all there, kid?

<Ram>: ...

<Jael>: Ram. Hey. You might be going into -
>>
No. 450318 ID: 5b52f7
File 134650561611.jpg - (49.93KB , 500x225 , 0361.jpg )
450318

<Ram>: I'm fine.

<Jael>: Don't try to be macho. Are you -

<Ram>: I'm okay. Kerians aren't too smart. We don't feel stuff too easy, though. Don't get hurt easy.

<Jael>: Fine. I don't... think about stuff like that much, anymore, is all. Forgot you might be... anyway. Hasn't mattered to me in a long time. Not much risk for me ever bleeding out. You understand what I said?

<Ram>: You're leaving.

<Jael>: Yeah. Fine. ...Okay. And you're fine with that?
>>
No. 450319 ID: 5b52f7
File 134650563482.jpg - (56.42KB , 500x225 , 0362.jpg )
450319

He thinks. It's hard to tell how absent-minded he really is, or if he really is going into shock.

<Ram>: It's that guy I gave the mask to.
>>
No. 450320 ID: 5b52f7
File 134650564979.jpg - (60.69KB , 500x225 , 0363.jpg )
450320

Far below, barely visible over the horizon of the ship's hull, is the Chief, the second Prosapient, and Aetan. They're speaking with a survivor. Ram recognizes him.
>>
No. 450321 ID: 0c2247

>>450320
Ram: Go with Jael.
Jael: Yea, he's in shock. Grab him and get him out of there. Commander Fuklaw can get as pissed as he wants; this kid needs help, and the difference between yourself and the nationals is that you actually give a fuck about people.
>>
No. 450361 ID: bdb3f8

I'm not sure there is actually anything you could do if they decide to shoot this survivor, and since they are all wearing masks, they can stick around in the deadly neurotoxin area longer than you can to figure it out. Basically if you are going to say or do anything to interact with this, it needs to be done from here.
>>
No. 450578 ID: b6edd6

Remember that the kid was in the ship and the Nationals know it, which most likely puts him in 'he knows too much' territory.
>>
No. 450609 ID: 5b52f7
File 134657582894.jpg - (47.75KB , 500x225 , 0364.jpg )
450609

> Yea, he's in shock. Grab him and get him out of there.

> Remember that the kid was in the ship and the Nationals know it.

> The difference between yourself and the nationals is that you actually give a fuck about people.

She sighs. Jael has always hated taking care of others.

<Jael>: I think... you'll have to come with me. You understand? Hey.
>>
No. 450610 ID: 5b52f7
File 134657585073.jpg - (64.26KB , 500x225 , 0365.jpg )
450610

<Jael>: Try to focus on -

<Soldier>: It could be John.

<Aetan>: That Meran rebel?
>>
No. 450617 ID: 0c2247

>>450610
Jael: Listen for a very short time to find out what they know, then grab the kid and go.
>>
No. 450721 ID: b6edd6

There is about a 70% chance Aetan will look up at your hiding spot creepily at some point in this conversation, so don't be surprised when he does.
>>
No. 452148 ID: 5b52f7
File 134692228731.jpg - (68.85KB , 500x225 , 0366.jpg )
452148

> Listen for a very short time to find out what they know

<Soldier>: It's unlikely the residents killed Beta. He reported in shortly after subduing what little resistance they had. The corpse we found earlier was mangled badly enough to be the work of a metahuman.

<Aetan>: Quite a step in thought, for you. Yes?

<Soldier>: There's no outright rebel presence. It would have to be a strike team, or a single individual. Only a meta would be able to -
>>
No. 452149 ID: 5b52f7
File 134692240229.jpg - (54.88KB , 500x225 , 0367.jpg )
452149

<Aetan>: You... what did your master call you? Prosapients? You are very a paranoid thing.

> There is about a 70% chance Aetan will look up at your hiding spot

Jael lowers her profile and avoids making any noise. She takes a toy from her belt that John had given her, a few weeks ago. She begins to record what only her ears would normally hear.

<Soldier>: ...And there is only one meta in Mera. Other than the Senator and his brother, of course.

<Aetan>: Oh, of course there is. Don't you worry.
>>
No. 452150 ID: 5b52f7
File 134692242398.jpg - (67.63KB , 500x225 , 0368.jpg )
452150

<Aetan>: No matter. Whatever the killer, it will die with the rest of them.

<Soldier>: If it's a meta, then that is unlikely. Poisoning the air is still the most expedient solution, but -

<Aetan>: Pah! Tirge. Fulfieldeest.

<Soldier>: Please don't use your dead language. I would rather not have to translate two in one day.

<Aetan>: You are funnier than your friend. But I still do not like you.
>>
No. 452151 ID: 5b52f7
File 134692244625.jpg - (80.44KB , 500x225 , 0369.jpg )
452151

<Aetan>: I came here to give these silly laws to the Merans. This killing, of these people... it is... it does sit with me. That is the expression, I think. But the crash was so fast. It does not seem right, to leave it up to these people. Let us be done with it. I still have to visit with the good Senator, about this John of theirs.

<Soldier>: Yes, sir.

<Aetan>: I wonder, about that boy.

<Soldier>: Sir?

<Aetan>: The one we found. That one who went chasing the ship first, to get rich. I wonder what happened with him.

<Soldier>: You care? Your file said you've always been misanthropic.

<Aetan>: To everyone that writes such files, yes.

<Soldier>: And I found him annoying.

<Aetan>: He was, wasn't he? Ah well. Go ahead with it, then.
>>
No. 452174 ID: 5b52f7
File 134694941419.jpg - (99.38KB , 500x225 , 0370.jpg )
452174

Meh, I ain't waitin'.

---------------------

The reminder comes too late.

<Jael>: R...!

Jael catches herself. She doesn't know how good her enemies' hearing is. There's no way he could have heard them.
>>
No. 452175 ID: 5b52f7
File 134694943556.jpg - (68.65KB , 500x225 , 0371.jpg )
452175

The remaining Prosapient soldier ventures into the ship, to start their genocide.

<Chief>: They say there's probably another couple ships bound to crash in Mera, in the next six years.
>>
No. 452176 ID: 5b52f7
File 134694944855.jpg - (47.39KB , 500x225 , 0372.jpg )
452176

<Chief>: Then that's about it. Probably none'll be this close. Guess I should be fortunate you were here. I don't think I could've handled this. I'm rough, but... not this rough.

<Aetan>: None of us are fortunate, in this. It is survival. I am used to... taking in sins. Of others. Aside, it is the soldier who will pull the pin. And he feels nothing. My first... political act. Yes?

<Chief>: Hm.

<Aetan>: Yes. And... where did that young Alex go off to?

<Chief>: Doin' what normal people ought to.

<Aetan>: Good. Still young. A bad memory, this, for certain. Tell him later. I am sorry.
>>
No. 452177 ID: 5b52f7
File 134694946356.jpg - (48.67KB , 500x225 , 0373.jpg )
452177

<Chief>: Yeah... So... What about this one?

<Aetan>: Our survivor? I'll not harm him. ...Although, maybe I should. As his reward. You were not here, to hear his first words. He asked us to kill him. Along with the others. All of them.

<Chief>: ...I thought... that you, you know...

<Aetan>: Made him tell us, how to kill them? No. That soldier thing could kill them, on his own. Painfully. Messy. Unhappy accident, finding a way this efficient. Clean. As clean as killing comes.

<Chief>: You don't find that weird? He never explained how he got one of our masks, either.

<Aetan>: No. I understand his reasons. Completely. But letting him live... letting him wander this fool country, not knowing your words, wanting death, as the only survivor... I will regret it, later. But I cannot kill him. And he will not kill himself. People are people, whatever their race. He will find someone, someday, to kill him.
>>
No. 452178 ID: 0c2247

>>452177
Jael: Go after Ram. We need to get him and get out.
Ram: What the fuck are you doing? Stop and get your bearings first before you go wandering off. Do you even know what direction is Town?
>>
No. 452253 ID: bdb3f8

This is all very fascinating exposition but I don't think our immediate decisions change as a result. You already wrote off stopping genocide, I think it's too late to go back now. Though I was never completely clear on why you came here, it is probably time to go. You can bring goat-boy here back with you and show him more plot make someone else deal with him.

This survivor.. is he likely to be of any use later on? If they are going to let him live it *might* be worthwhile to keep track of him. That John guy implied you had some trackers earlier.

I would suggest maybe putting one on the Legislator but he seems like the sort of person who might notice something like that.
>>
No. 453315 ID: 49d66c

>>452177
Curious, I wonder why he desires death so? I mean, suicidal insanity is one thing, but he wanted them ALL to die, his entire people. ;That' is a crazy strong death wish. I too would advise keeping some track of him, perhaps he could explain what all this madness was about?
>>
No. 453426 ID: b6edd6

>>453315
He didn't want to kill the others so much as consider them unskilled plebeians. It was the spess mureens nationals used as an excuse to kill them off instead of needing to relocate them.
>>
No. 453912 ID: 5b52f7
File 134747584706.jpg - (80.51KB , 500x225 , 0374.jpg )
453912

> Go after Ram. We need to get him and get out.

<Jael>: (whispering): Ram!

<Ram>: (not whispering): Gah!

<Jael>: Shh! What the hell are you doing?
>>
No. 453913 ID: 5b52f7
File 134747589695.gif - (1.34MB , 500x225 , 0375.gif )
453913

<Ram>: I couldn't hear them. I was just -

<Jael>: You're hurt. You should -

<Ram>: No! I told you, I'm - wha-a-a-a-a -
>>
No. 453914 ID: 5b52f7
File 134747591214.jpg - (129.58KB , 500x225 , 0376.jpg )
453914

The entire ship shakes. Parts of the outer hull begin to heat up. Fire begins to erupt out of any exposed openings. The Prosapient soldier races back out of the entrance he used, literally outracing a fireball.
>>
No. 453915 ID: 5b52f7
File 134747592982.jpg - (67.58KB , 500x225 , 0377.jpg )
453915

<Aetan>: ...Problem?

<Chief>: Ugh! The hell did you do!?

<Soldier>: He lied! It wasn't the ventilation control. Some sort of pressure control system, I think. It's jettisoning the ship's superstructure from the inside!
>>
No. 453916 ID: 5b52f7
File 134747594445.jpg - (65.16KB , 500x225 , 0378.jpg )
453916

<Soldier>: The whole inner hull is caving in on itself!

<Aetan>: ...Fremung.
>>
No. 453917 ID: 5b52f7
File 134747596092.jpg - (81.09KB , 500x225 , 0379.jpg )
453917

<Soldier>: Don't you get it? There won't be an accident this time. If word of this -
>>
No. 453918 ID: 5b52f7
File 134747597316.jpg - (48.06KB , 500x225 , 0380.jpg )
453918

<Aetan>: Oh, worry, worry. You wind-up soldiers and your worry. I am not as smart as you, my friend. But we both live. This is good enough. Yes? I am your leader today. The blame is mine. As it always is, for men like me.
>>
No. 453919 ID: 5b52f7
File 134747598420.jpg - (47.76KB , 500x225 , 0381.jpg )
453919

<Aetan>: As it -
>>
No. 453920 ID: 5b52f7
File 134747599825.jpg - (88.43KB , 500x225 , 0382.jpg )
453920

<Aetan>: - should... be...
>>
No. 453921 ID: 5b52f7
File 134747602336.jpg - (123.22KB , 500x225 , 0383.jpg )
453921

>>
No. 453954 ID: b6edd6

(Who's perspective is Space-Statue-Jesus seen from? If it is Aetan, he is a bit hard to suggest for because we don't know what he knows or his motives.)
>>
No. 453955 ID: 6a1ec2

Oh shit it's Ken. You're fucked now.
>>
No. 456269 ID: 5b52f7
File 134814359984.jpg - (80.65KB , 500x225 , 0384.jpg )
456269

<Aetan>: ...Who the hell are you?
>>
No. 456270 ID: 5b52f7
File 134814361097.jpg - (121.97KB , 500x225 , 0385.jpg )
456270

<Qualius>: Just an observor.
>>
No. 456271 ID: 5b52f7
File 134814363730.jpg - (69.59KB , 500x225 , 0386.jpg )
456271

<Soldier>: Looks like it was a meta, after all - the one who killed Beta.

<Aetan>: He's... yes. You're probably right.
>>
No. 456272 ID: 5b52f7
File 134814368995.jpg - (59.07KB , 500x225 , 0387.jpg )
456272

<Aetan>: A good theory. Needs testing.

<Soldier>: ...What -

<Aetan>: Why don't you try killing him?

---------

Again, you can make ANY kind of suggestion. Not just for the characters, but for tone, story direction, anything.
>>
No. 456275 ID: 0c2247

>>456272
This guy obviously isn't a meta, since his abilities don't match the meta powerset.
He's some sort of outsider; something beyond the current understanding of mortals and science, and what superstitious people might think to be some sort of god.
I would expect he turns ordinary people into metas, and his conversation with Ram suggests he is being considered for it.

There's a good chance Qualius is doing with Aetan and the soldier what he did with Ram - they're standing around drooling while Qualius has pulled them inside their own heads.

The attack is going to fail miserably, and most likely it'll do so by simply failing to affect Qualius.
>>
No. 456276 ID: 549843

Ehh, Soldiers, shoot at this Qualius fellow. How mighty is he?
>>
No. 456314 ID: 6a1ec2

Tone suggestion: BADASS FIGHTING SEQUENCE HOLY CRAP THERE ARE FIREBALLS AND ROBOTS AND ROBOTS ON FIRE AND BEARS AND SHIIIIIIIIIT
>>
No. 456317 ID: 409543

Trying to kill this guy sounds like a horrid idea that's going to backfire. Seriously.
>>
No. 456382 ID: b6edd6

>>456317
Of course the trooper isn't going to get very far. The real question is how he will respond to a blatant suicide mission.
>>
No. 456505 ID: a2b90b

Does the trooper really think he can solo a guy who shredded another of his own with ease, and is currently walking out of a RAGING INFERNO!?

Might as well throw the bullets for all the good a gun may do.
>>
No. 456520 ID: 5b52f7
File 134826109884.jpg - (44.57KB , 500x225 , 0388.jpg )
456520

> shoot at this Qualius fellow

> Trying to kill this guy sounds like a horrid idea that's going to backfire. Seriously.

> The attack is going to fail miserably.


<Soldier>: I'd rather not. Tactically speaking, while I could subdue a meta -

<Aetan>: Feh. I thought you things loved to kill.

<Soldier>: I do not -

<Qualius>: If you're testing...
>>
No. 456521 ID: 5b52f7
File 134826115738.jpg - (88.74KB , 500x225 , 0389.jpg )
456521

<Qualius>: ...please. Proceed. I won't harm you. I'd like to see the results.
>>
No. 456522 ID: 5b52f7
File 134826117092.jpg - (80.87KB , 500x225 , 0390.jpg )
456522

<Aetan>: Oooh. Dyrstig. Quite sure of his self. He must be a new one, so bold as that.

<Soldier>: ...Very well.
>>
No. 456523 ID: 5b52f7
File 134826128977.gif - (370.07KB , 500x225 , 0391.gif )
456523

<Soldier>: ...Wha - !?
>>
No. 456524 ID: 5b52f7
File 134826138720.jpg - (61.82KB , 500x225 , 0392.jpg )
456524

...
>>
No. 456525 ID: 5b52f7
File 134826144418.jpg - (63.43KB , 500x225 , 0393.jpg )
456525

<Aetan>: ...Well... He is new.


-----

So many options are open to you. So many ways to fail! I mean, uh... to experience. And enjoy.
>>
No. 456542 ID: 6a1ec2

Be Qualius
>>
No. 456543 ID: dd5c6c

Qualius, wreck these dudes.
>>
No. 456557 ID: f2c20c

>>456525
Attempt fisticuffs. He can't turn your fists into tiny corpses, surely?
>>
No. 457359 ID: a2b90b

Wait... what?

Given his amusement and interest at what would happen I would guess he had no idea that would be the result? Sorta implies he may be an immortal of chance, if something were to threaten his life overtly then something incredible and unlikely happens to prevent this?

The other option being that he can turn random shit into corpses in addition to surviving blazing infernos. Which may be even more bizarre.

I would suggest a tactical withdrawal and observation.
>>
No. 457714 ID: 5b52f7
File 134854033433.jpg - (88.82KB , 500x225 , 0394.jpg )
457714

<Chief>: I don't know. Enjoying their handiwork, I guess?
>>
No. 457715 ID: 5b52f7
File 134854036695.jpg - (87.36KB , 500x225 , 0395.jpg )
457715

<Droopy>: Salvage crews are still coming in from all over. I think that explosion they set off is bringing in the rest of the city. Aetan was trying to be real sly about this. He kind of implied to me earlier that the Nationals had been doing this at least since the last crash. Maybe earlier. Trying to cover it up? Hard to believe they'd make this one so obvious. ...I don't think they can cover this up. Sorry I even came back now. What a nightmare.

<Chief>: It was some accident. A real one, I mean. That military one came stumbling out, muttering about being lied to. Then they got like this. Just keep staring into the ship, like zombies. Creepy ass shit.

<Droopy>: With all these people... Chief, this is bad. Real bad. A ship coming down is already big news. When the papers get here? They see this, and there's a couple thousand eyewitnesses standing around -

<Chief>: Yeah, I know... Better go put on your makeup and work on your smile. You're about to be a celebrity.
>>
No. 457716 ID: 5b52f7
File 134854039160.jpg - (72.29KB , 500x225 , 0396.jpg )
457716

<Jael>: What do you mean, you know him?

<Ram>: I saw him on the ship! He's some sort of... perverted ghost man! Quail, or something.

<Jael>: Qualius. You're an idiot. Who is he? What does he want?
>>
No. 457717 ID: 5b52f7
File 134854041953.jpg - (70.48KB , 500x225 , 0397.jpg )
457717

<Aetan>: You want revenge? For friends you lost inside? Hmm?

<Qualius>: No. As I said, I'm merely an observer. Interesting result. It seems even those who manufacture people believe it's necessary for them to feel at least a little fear. For survival? To control them, perhaps... Hm.

> Attempt fisticuffs. He can't turn your fists into tiny corpses, surely?

<Aetan>: Wind-up boy, why don't you -

<Soldier>: Th... Th-Thirteen...

<Aetan>: Feh. One little dead body and it breaks.
>>
No. 457718 ID: 5b52f7
File 134854043575.jpg - (118.59KB , 500x225 , 0398.jpg )
457718

<Qualius>: These people were fleeing their world. It was some of Nyctaglia's work. I joined them. I've been interested in class warfare, as of late, so it seemed advantageous. The fear they brought with them proved useful, in my observations. Your attack on both of them was fairly interesting, too. I don't blame you for it.
>>
No. 457719 ID: 5b52f7
File 134854045107.jpg - (88.68KB , 500x225 , 0399.jpg )
457719

<Qualius>: A fitting end, in a way. Their betrayer was a fairly average man, of adequate means. Enjoying upward mobility, before Nyctaglia came. But never especially good at earning wealth. Still, he was lumped in with the rich, by the time I began guiding the survivors to the ships. He had to abandon his family to survive, you know.

<Aetan>: You... you're a -

<Qualius>: The nyctadia that attacked his world never joined them on the ship. I prevented that. But these people thought that they had. The fear that one or more of them were not who they claimed to be at first created this war against the Lowers, who lived in their own little paradise, while the wealthy struggled to survive in their inverted slums. Eventually, that fear turned the Uppers against one another.
>>
No. 457720 ID: 5b52f7
File 134854047039.jpg - (63.86KB , 500x225 , 0400.jpg )
457720

<Qualius>: Some, like this one, began to believe that perhaps all of them were secretly demons, hiding in human skin; that perhaps, they all were, and simply did not realize it. In his mind, he just saved your world. Destroying the ship - and his entire race, as far as he knows - was the only way he knew how. Although he sensed you wanted this, in a more conspiratorial manner. Hence his deception. He's quite clever, yes? I wonder if he considers himself a hero now. Or just another demon?

<Qualius>: Hm. I love humanity. So many interesting stories. So many lost. Only found in my book, here. Written, never to be read.
>>
No. 457721 ID: 5b52f7
File 134854048266.jpg - (52.27KB , 500x225 , 0401.jpg )
457721

<Qualius>: You know, the two of you share a lot in common, I think. You, and this survivor? You're also quite clever. With secret plans of your own. And so many lost stories.

<Aetan>: Don't...

<Qualius>: I wouldn't. You can only learn so much, from one experiment.
>>
No. 457738 ID: 207a16

Fight.
>>
No. 457975 ID: a2b90b

>>457738
Fight how? The cyborg is still freaking the fuck out since the laws of causality just vomited all over itself, and Smiley here doesn't strike me as the kind of dog to start biting until you back him into the very corner.
>>
No. 460220 ID: 42c1c6

Why would he want to fight anyway. Smiley as far as I can tell is the messenger, and finds everything happening here distasteful.

I suppose if Qualius killed the soldier and he was suddenly without soldier escort that'd be free reign to be significantly less of a douchebag.
>>
No. 460790 ID: f433c3

Perhaps then, it it best that we make our separate ways?

Qualius, subliming back into whatever metaphysical state he seems to traverse.

Aetan, returning to give his report on this whole godawful mess.

Well that and Jael and Ram need to get moving before the fire collapses the rest of the megastructure, or the oncoming waves of looters and military forces swipe the shirts of their backs.
>>
No. 462115 ID: 5b52f7
File 135003940731.jpg - (29.42KB , 500x225 , 0402.jpg )
462115

This update looks pretty good on the actual site, but that may just be me. :p


<Soldier>: That was... it was my competitor clone. Number thirteen. He -

<Aetan>: I don't care. Go get the car. We're leaving. And that is an order.
>>
No. 462116 ID: 5b52f7
File 135003942643.jpg - (30.84KB , 500x225 , 0403.jpg )
462116

The soldier makes no further argument, and obeys without hesitation.

<Chief>: Hey! The hell're -

<Soldier>: Move.

He pushes through the crowd, and soon vanishes into the thinning smoke.
>>
No. 462117 ID: 5b52f7
File 135003943962.jpg - (27.69KB , 500x225 , 0404.jpg )
462117

<Aetan>: Now, that we are free to speak... I don't like you. I don't like you things. Ever since that bearded one, when I was a boy. He turned me. He turned all of us. Into what's left of me. My family. Our whole race. Just out of moment's hate. Because of a slight. You things... you think we are your game. Your little war. Experiments.

<Aetan>: You probably already have some new game here. I am sure. I cannot kill you. Stop you. Maybe not convince you. But I will tell you...
>>
No. 462118 ID: 5b52f7
File 135003945193.jpg - (34.26KB , 500x225 , 0405.jpg )
462118

<Aetan>: I have plans here, yes. You know them. I will follow through with them. Your games be damned. I may not be as old as your kind, but old enough to die, without regret. Save one.

> Fight

> Why would he want to fight?

> Fight how?



<Aetan>: The one that turned me. I am sure you know him. I can't remember if he ever said his name. Your friend? Maybe enemy? I do not care. I have regret... not doing this, when I had this chance. Please...
>>
No. 462119 ID: 5b52f7
File 135003946183.jpg - (34.30KB , 500x225 , 0406.jpg )
462119

<Aetan>: Give him this message for me.
>>
No. 462120 ID: 5b52f7
File 135003947088.jpg - (38.27KB , 500x225 , 0407.jpg )
462120

>>
No. 462121 ID: 5b52f7
File 135003947930.jpg - (35.52KB , 500x225 , 0408.jpg )
462121

<Qualius>: Reklaw gets a lot of messages like this.
>>
No. 462122 ID: 5b52f7
File 135003949057.jpg - (65.90KB , 700x315 , 0409.jpg )
462122

>>
No. 462123 ID: 5b52f7
File 135003949972.jpg - (30.12KB , 500x225 , 0410.jpg )
462123

<Ram>: Holy shit!
>>
No. 462198 ID: f433c3

>>462123
Woah, doggy's got bite. Seriously.

Also, Ram, yes that was incredible, now lets make a point to never, ever, ever irritate the smiling men, especially that one. Also, you may want to scramble away now.

Aetan, you have a name, your hatred finally has a name. Reklaw.

Chief, bet get ready to smile for the cameras, I doubt Smiley is going to stay around much longer and lend you his grin.
>>
No. 462212 ID: b6edd6

Hmm, everyone acted involved seems completely sure Qualius will be back, but he seems to have left a physical corpse behind. Too bad we don't have time to stick around to see what happens to it.
>>
No. 462286 ID: 239110

Get out of there.
>>
No. 464247 ID: 5b52f7
File 135054595035.jpg - (42.74KB , 500x225 , 0411.jpg )
464247

<Aetan>: Boy!? Boy!

> Chief, bet get ready to smile for the cameras.



<Droopy>: Guess he woke up, too. You going to...? Think he just snapped.

<Chief>: Guess. Since I'm the only person with any damned sense around here. Try to herd these idiots back.

<Droopy>: All right...
>>
No. 464248 ID: 5b52f7
File 135054596681.jpg - (40.44KB , 500x225 , 0412.jpg )
464248

<Aetan>: Where are you, child...?

> You may want to scramble away now.

> Too bad we don't have time to stick around to see what happens.

> Get out of there.



<Ram>: (whispering) Nope! Nope nope nope. Kitty!? Kitty!

<Chief>: Hey, Legislater.
>>
No. 464249 ID: 5b52f7
File 135054597712.jpg - (33.14KB , 500x225 , 0413.jpg )
464249

<Chief>: Starting to rain, you know.

<Aetan>: Pss! No time for - what is it?

<Chief>: I know you're busy, screaming at shadows. But your boy kind of just blew up most of our paychecks. How you want to handle this mess? I don't want to be the one to explain this when the papers show up.
>>
No. 464314 ID: bdb3f8

I think that sounds like not Aetan's problem.

Ram, be better at sneaking and climbing. You are going to give away kitty's presence if you keep this up.
>>
No. 464396 ID: f433c3

>>464249
"Tell them there was some sort of reactor leak due to inhabitants infighting, we tried to contain it but were unable due to structural damage incurred in the crash. The added danger should help keep some of the locals back while we secure a perimeter.

Get our 'sole survivor' out of sight somewhere, his presence would raise more questions than we need asked right now. If you want more stuff left over after the fire is done we can try sealing it up so it runs out of air, but this wreck will probably be hot for days regardless."
>>
No. 465234 ID: 5b52f7
File 135093322521.jpg - (80.81KB , 535x241 , 0414.jpg )
465234

<Aetan>: I suppose you didn't just see - No. No, of course not.

> I think that sounds like not Aetan's problem.

> Lie.



<Aetan>: I do not care, what story you tell. The reactor was damaged. Survivors caused it. If you like. Does that sound like a lie a National would tell a Meran? I think, yes.
>>
No. 465235 ID: 5b52f7
File 135093323953.jpg - (97.66KB , 575x259 , 0415.jpg )
465235

<Chief>: Not much for lies, usually. Especially not for any Nationals that just burned away my money, if you don't mind my sayin' so. Those people behind me probably have a similar way of thinking.

<Aetan>: Oh, But it was our money, from beginning. If you were wise... This is what they would say. Yes? Not me.
>>
No. 465236 ID: 5b52f7
File 135093324802.jpg - (58.53KB , 650x293 , 0416.jpg )
465236

<Aetan>: I want truth. Tell them. Tell your country. We caused this. Tell them, we wanted them to die. Because your country cannot support them. Because my country is robbing your people. Using them to fund a war they have no part in. And it is inconvenient for our leaders. We would kill you too, for very small benefit.

<Aetan>: Tell your papers of the survivors. The cullings. Tell them how you people, in these ruin cities, herd them to the camps. How we keep the smart ones. And how we slaughter the rest. Because no one will miss them.
>>
No. 465237 ID: 5b52f7
File 135093325761.jpg - (36.79KB , 500x225 , 0417.jpg )
465237

<Ram>: WHAT!?
>>
No. 465238 ID: 0c2247

>>465237
Ram: Go find Jael. She has the best chance of killing this fucker. You can't go back home now, not after this.
>>
No. 465818 ID: 1f49fe

Ram, I've no idea how you can even hear him from this distance, in fac,t why the fuck are you still listening? What part of you told you it was a good idea to stay around and listen to this, Hmmm?

How do you even expect to outrun these people if you keep yelling like that?

Suggestion (Theme): Chase Montage.
>>
No. 465938 ID: b6edd6

I suspect that Aetan would not actually bother chasing Ram, but Ram doesn't know that.
>>
No. 466408 ID: 5b52f7
File 135125266034.jpg - (75.01KB , 500x225 , 0417.jpg )
466408

<Ram>: What did you say!?

> Go find Jael.


<Jael>: Oh, god.
>>
No. 466409 ID: 5b52f7
File 135125271816.jpg - (78.93KB , 500x225 , 0418.jpg )
466409

<Aetan>: So, it is you. Glad to see you live.

<Ram>: Those camps!

> I've no idea how you can even hear him from this distance...


<Aetan>: You must have good ears to have heard - You're injured...!
>>
No. 466410 ID: 5b52f7
File 135125274726.jpg - (83.67KB , 500x225 , 0419.jpg )
466410

The Legislater reaches out for Ram's shoulder.

<Aetan>: Did one of those fool soldiers - Argh!

He winces in pain.

<Ram>: ...The ones we sent those people off to!

<Chief>: Ram! You stupid - You're hurting him!
>>
No. 466412 ID: 5b52f7
File 135125278123.jpg - (75.91KB , 500x225 , 0420.jpg )
466412

<Aetan>: Yes... he is...!?

<Ram>: He's just an old man! Let go of him, you idiot!
>>
No. 466413 ID: 5b52f7
File 135125282932.jpg - (100.43KB , 550x248 , 0421.jpg )
466413

<Chief>: What the hell is wrong with you!?

<Ram>: I helped move those people! From the crash we worked, a few years back! We were gonna do the same with these people! They used us to -

<Chief>: No one used us!

<Ram>: But -

<Chief>: It's worked that way since the beginning! Don't try to tell me you didn't ever think about where they were going to end up!
>>
No. 466416 ID: 5b52f7
File 135125298445.jpg - (93.21KB , 575x259 , 0422.jpg )
466416

<Ram>: They were going to relocation camps! To help them learn the language, get jobs! And learn how to -

<Chief>: You're a real fool! You know that? Anyone who's worked a crash knows those people ain't got a chance in hell of making a life here! Barely anybody gives a shit about you, much less them! Those camps were doin' everybody a favor! Nobody told us, but we knew. We've always known! Don't pretend you didn't!
>>
No. 466418 ID: 5b52f7
File 135125300738.jpg - (107.52KB , 600x270 , 0423.jpg )
466418

<Ram>: You knew!? We helped kill those people!

<Chief>: We didn't do a damned thing! We did our jobs! We showed them the trucks. They got in. End of story!

<Ram>: You can't -

<Chief>: That's the end of it! No blood on your hands. None! You know why they didn't show up this time!? No big trucks full of soldiers and equipment, right? They wanted me to do it. Me, Droopy, the other supervisors.

<Chief>: We'd wait till the papers left, take the survivors off to a camp out west; send them off on a ship, out past Crazytown. They all fall asleep; nobody wakes up! No mess, no pain, no witnesses. And we'd get a fat check next quarter. If you can't even stomach loading this crash trash onto a bus, how the hell do you think you'll make it living my life? Alex's? We've had to do shit you haven't even dreamed of! This is what life is, Ram!
>>
No. 466467 ID: d0271e

(Am I doing this right? This is my first post..)
Ran, I suggest you get out of there, I don't think you can reason with him at this point in time.
>>
No. 466497 ID: 0c2247

>>466418
"You lied because you knew it was wrong. I hear your whining about how bad it is, but it's all about you! You're not just terrified and sorry for yourself, you're proud of it!

You disgust me, Chief."

Then turn back to Aetan "I don't care what that guy did to you. You're better than this, and you know it."
Then toss his hand to the side and storm off to find Jael.
As a parting quip: "You should know, I was saved by a guardian angel when your soldier got orders to kill me."
>>
No. 466766 ID: 711bf4

Ram may tell him something like:

"You never 'had' to do this shit either. You chose to, you choose to. What makes you think I want your life anyhow? Nobody could want your life, probably not even you."

After that it seems we should arrange to be parting ways, I doubt words will help him much. Probably pick a direction and just walk off.
>>
No. 468519 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206349449.jpg - (40.69KB , 500x225 , 0424.jpg )
468519

> You disgust me

> I don't think you can reason with him

> You never had to do this

> You chose to, you choose to

<Ram>: You're a coward. You're just like them. People like him.

<Chief>: I do what we need to. What all have to. You barely have a job. Most of the people here aren't even legally on our bankroll, kid. Most don't even get paid, half the time. We're stretching this shithole as far as it'll go. This crash will save a lot of lives. Even now.

<Ram>: You're a murderer! Just a murderer!
>>
No. 468520 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206351243.jpg - (91.71KB , 500x225 , 0425.jpg )
468520

<Chief>: No more than you, you little shit. Those people were dead the second they touched down here. Mera isn't the Great Frontier anymore. We're trapped here. All of us. We have to do what we -

<Ram>: I'm done with you. I'm done with all of you.

<Chief>: Hold on.

<Ram>: Save it.
>>
No. 468521 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206352261.jpg - (84.90KB , 500x225 , 0426.jpg )
468521

<Chief>: I didn't see you jumping down, after this ship here blew its top, did we now? Not till you felt responsible about it. You didn't care what happened to these people. Just about yourself.

<Ram>: I did everything I could have -

<Chief>: We all did. Nothing. All we could do. Kid, I'm trying to help you. You can't live like that.

<Droopy>: Hey, what the hell's goin' on over -
>>
No. 468522 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206353229.jpg - (88.02KB , 500x225 , 0427.jpg )
468522

<Chief>: Ain't nobody in this world gonna give a shit about you, gonna help you survive except yourself. Maybe family. Maybe. Mine certainly didn't do a damned thing for me.

<Chief>: You didn't care 'bout those people. You don't even care 'bout those people we carted off, last time. Just feelin' like you tried ain't gonna save anybody. It just makes you feel good about yourself. When you didn't do a damned thing. Like those city people, puttin' ribbons on their front doors. Or when they run those donation drives up in Yellowbrick. It's just people lyin' to themselves. Don't be one of them. It's worse than what we gotta do.
>>
No. 468523 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206354661.jpg - (87.54KB , 500x225 , 0428.jpg )
468523

<Droopy>: I don't know what's goin' on, but... I guess you're talkin' about... what we just talked about?

<Chief>: Yeah. Yeah, we are.

<Droopy>: Kid, we can't help that stuff. It's... you know, it's just government stuff. Nothin' you did. I never really thought about, either, till now. But some things... you just gotta do, you know? Let's just... Come on, let's just get back to work. You need that money, right? To send to your mom, or... your brother, right?
>>
No. 468524 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206355875.jpg - (73.08KB , 500x225 , 0429.jpg )
468524

> I suggest you get out of there

> Just pick a direction and walk off

<Droopy>: Kid?

<Ram>: I'm leavin'. I don't know where, just... I'm leavin'.

<Chief>: Hold it. I don't give a damn at this point. You're fired, as far as I care. But I think you should at least have the decency to apologize to the Legislater here before you wander off to die.

<Droopy>: Chief, come on...

<Chief>: If he wants to act like a man he needs to be treated like one. Well? Hey. Hey!
>>
No. 468525 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206357144.jpg - (33.87KB , 500x225 , 0430.jpg )
468525

<Aetan>: Child?
>>
No. 468526 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206358545.jpg - (40.79KB , 600x270 , 0431.jpg )
468526

<Aetan>: Blame me. I am of the people, who tempt you these sins.

<Aetan>: I return to my ship in some weeks. Leaving after. I will linger, at Sumter, for a time.
>>
No. 468527 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206360085.jpg - (76.00KB , 500x225 , 0432.jpg )
468527

>>
No. 468528 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206361068.jpg - (89.25KB , 550x248 , 0433.jpg )
468528

>>
No. 468529 ID: 5b52f7
File 135206362261.jpg - (46.73KB , 650x293 , 0434.jpg )
468529

>>
No. 468785 ID: 79a41f

Aetan... He at least acknowledges that he's responsible for all these "sins", but I don't really know what to feel about this guy, so for now lets just focus on getting out of here since we kinda just left your new friend in the dust
(Also I'm loving this adventure so far, keep up the good work!)
>>
No. 469517 ID: 7a8dab

Mayhaps, I see a single tear in the rain?

Let us leave this scene and follow Jael's escape, and find out who she was talking to over the radio.
>>
No. 470291 ID: 5b52f7
File 135252850087.jpg - (82.95KB , 500x225 , 0435.jpg )
470291

<Droopy>: Handled that real good, Chief.

<Chief>: Shut up, Droopy. Legislater, look... I'm sorry about -

<Aetan>: Enough. I tire of this. Your papers. No one knows, excepting us three. The toy man. And... the boy. Others, only saw this. You don't know, what we were doing. Something went wrong. That is all you know.
>>
No. 470292 ID: 5b52f7
File 135252851208.jpg - (88.06KB , 500x225 , 0436.jpg )
470292

<Chief>: ...Okay...

<Aetan>: More than that? This would be... complicated, for you. My crime. To explain. My sins.

<Prosapient>: Sir. I pulled up as close as I could get.

<Aetan>: Damn today. Damn it all. Let us go. So tired.

<Prosapient>: Yes.

<Aetan>: Gentlemen. My apologies. Many problems for you, today.

<Chief>: ...It's fine. We'll handle it. We always do.
>>
No. 470293 ID: 5b52f7
File 135252853094.jpg - (85.22KB , 500x225 , 0437.jpg )
470293

<Aetan>: (sighs)
>>
No. 470294 ID: 5b52f7
File 135252854470.jpg - (77.94KB , 500x225 , 0438.jpg )
470294

>>
No. 470296 ID: 5b52f7
File 135252864967.gif - (2.23MB , 650x293 , 0439.gif )
470296

>>
No. 470297 ID: 5b52f7
File 135252866557.jpg - (86.57KB , 600x270 , 0440.jpg )
470297

>>
No. 470298 ID: 5b52f7
File 135252867995.jpg - (73.26KB , 550x248 , 0441.jpg )
470298

>>
No. 470299 ID: 5b52f7
File 135252870940.jpg - (89.88KB , 500x225 , 0442.jpg )
470299

> Let us leave this scene and follow Jael's escape

> Let's just focus on getting out of here

Jale finally catches up to Ram, in the trench of the now dead ark.

<Jael>: Kid.

<Ram>: ...

<Jael>: You need to come with me. Ram. This isn't a request. You have to come with me.

<Ram>: Just... leave me alone.
>>
No. 470300 ID: 5b52f7
File 135252876578.jpg - (46.00KB , 550x248 , 0443.jpg )
470300

<Ram>: I don't -
>>
No. 470301 ID: 5b52f7
File 135252878179.jpg - (57.59KB , 650x293 , 0444.jpg )
470301

>>
No. 470376 ID: f2c20c

>>470301
Point at him and go "I saw you die! What the hell, man."
>>
No. 470379 ID: 43965f

Wasn't he just killed?! Also Jael can you see him?
>>
No. 470380 ID: bf54a8

seems he is one of those people that doesn't die even if you kill him.
>>
No. 472637 ID: 38fba7

>>470301
Take Qualius up on his offer. (Ram seems pissed enough to take a devil`s bargin, if he hasn`t already).
>>470380
He`s immortal. Aetan suggested as such.
>>
No. 472640 ID: 38fba7

Btw, Ganna, thank you for making this quest. It is not only amazing, but I salute you for taking suggestions, but not making characters without personalities.
>>
No. 473210 ID: 5b52f7
File 135341352203.jpg - (84.92KB , 500x225 , 0445.jpg )
473210

All right guys, game time. Time to get everyone killed, ever.

-----


> "I saw you die! What the hell, man."

> Wasn't he just killed?!

> Seems he is one of those people that doesn't die, even if you kill him.

<Ram>: What the hell...

<Jael>: Ram, we need to leave. Now.

<Ram>: Is that the same -

<Jael>: He's not human, Ram! We need to -
>>
No. 473212 ID: 5b52f7
File 135341353857.jpg - (90.45KB , 500x225 , 0446.jpg )
473212

<Qualius>: Quite human, actually. More so than either of you. Too much so, I'm afraid.

<Qualius>: I only need to have an ordinary conversation, with the boy. I'm sure you know, you can't prevent that.
>>
No. 473213 ID: 5b52f7
File 135341355830.jpg - (126.61KB , 625x281 , 0447.jpg )
473213

<Jael>: God damn it... I thought he was just Cursed.

<Ram>: Cursed? W-what is... what's he -

<Jael>: Like me. And Aetan. We used to be normal people. But things like him - they change us. Curse us.

<Ram>: Okay, whatever, let's just... should we run? Because I don't think -
>>
No. 473215 ID: 5b52f7
File 135341358317.jpg - (107.58KB , 625x281 , 0448.jpg )
473215

<Jael>: No. No, there's... it's no use. He's right.

<Qualius>: Relax, Jael. Ram and I spoke, prior. He knows, I'm all right. I wouldn't harm either of you.

<Jael>: I'm sure...

<Qualius>: I can't blame you, really. Caiphas, Gath... Mara, certainly. They can be unsavory company.

<Ram>: How'd you do that?
>>
No. 473216 ID: 5b52f7
File 135341359729.jpg - (38.84KB , 625x281 , 0449.jpg )
473216

<Qualius>: Hm?

<Ram>: How'd you live through that? How'd you... do all that stuff, before? What are you?

<Qualius>: Human. As I said.
>>
No. 473217 ID: 5b52f7
File 135341361040.jpg - (47.70KB , 650x292 , 0450.jpg )
473217

<Qualius>: I just... I forget, sometimes.

<Qualius>: Heh. Ha... yes.
>>
No. 473218 ID: 5b52f7
File 135341362655.jpg - (90.10KB , 550x247 , 0451.jpg )
473218

<Qualius>: Do you remember our conversation, about my mother?

<Ram>: Your...? Oh. Y-yeah. Her... nightmares? Or the things the people on the ship saw?

<Qualius>: Both. Both are creations of the mind. They're real, because of the certainty that they are. Because the mind, is our only window, to reality. What's real, is what our senses say is real. For my mother. For them. You.

<Qualius>: And me. I'm human, because... I'm certain, that I am. Although, I forget, sometimes.
>>
No. 473219 ID: 5b52f7
File 135341364309.jpg - (128.67KB , 625x281 , 0452.jpg )
473219

<Qualius>: You, too. You've been forgetting, lately. Haven't you? That corpse, on the ship? The sounds, on the elevator? Or even, your wound? You shouldn't even be standing. Much less, beating up any old men. Should you?

<Ram>: I'm a Kerian. We don't - Oh. Oh, god... Aetan. If he's... How did I - ?

> Take a devil's bargain, if he hasn`t already.

<Ram>: Did you... did you curse me, too?

<Qualius>: I've done no such thing. I'm merely observing, as I always do. However... if you are volunteering... there's an experiment, very soon. Everyone will participate, whether they know it, or not. If you wish for me to observe you, I certainly would. I can't interfere, of course. But I could watch, and record your story. And... Perhaps one day, I could retell it to you... if you forget your humanity. If you become a dream, of my mother's.
>>
No. 473236 ID: efd7d7

Well.... OK. Considering how we don't have a choice whether we want to do this experiment or not. Besides you were probably going to observe us either way, right?
>>
No. 473298 ID: e3aff6

Who's experiment?
>>
No. 473324 ID: f2c20c

>>473219
I think maybe Ram should not charge blindly in and accept deals from a "pervert" when Jael is talking about curses.
>>
No. 473338 ID: 861d5b

Something ominous will happen.
>>
No. 474864 ID: f14e6a

>>473219
Qualius has set up an experiment, and has said he's done specifically nothing. I find this suspicious, because Ram has been getting a LOT smarter since the ship, specifically since Ram first talked to Qualius.

Qualius set a 'trap' for Ram, set up the conditions for Ram to gain what he's gained, but Ram had to 'walk into it'. Qualius merely allowed Ram to have the possibility. Ram did the choosing, to the extent that he could (I'm not sure if he's truly aware of his surroundings yet, but he will be).
>>473324
You talk about that like he has a choice in the matter. And he probably does, but Qualius has played kingmaker here. Ram's gotten a LOT smarter since he met Qualius, the healing factor isn't run of the mill stuff, and I'm sure Qualius' favour runs both ways (better to have a god on your side to even out everyone else, then to have to deal with everything else on your own).
>>
No. 474865 ID: f14e6a

>>473219
Ask Qualius that if Ram did all of this himself, then how much did Qualius do to make sure Ram always had that option, and that it had a reasonable chance of success.
>>
No. 475455 ID: 5b52f7
File 135420653846.jpg - (86.03KB , 500x225 , 0453.jpg )
475455

> I think maybe Ram should not charge blindly when Jael is talking about curses.

<Jael>: Don't.

<Ram>: Why? What is he even talking about?

<Jael>: I don't know. John and I were cursed by another man... another thing. This isn't him.

<Ram>: John? Who's -
>>
No. 475456 ID: 5b52f7
File 135420655368.jpg - (88.39KB , 525x236 , 0454.jpg )
475456

<Jael>: Just listen. Any offer one of these things give you... there's no drawbacks, but... Being like this - like me - it's not just being stronger, faster. You can't go back to the way things were. I used to be a normal person, like you, or your bosses. Whoever. One of these things turned me into this.

<Jael>: And I've always regretted accepting the deal he gave me.
>>
No. 475457 ID: 5b52f7
File 135420656531.jpg - (88.31KB , 550x248 , 0455.jpg )
475457

<Ram>: Why? I couldn't do anything to stop what happened in there. I tried. If I was like you -

<Jael>: Because - Because... I just... Ram. When you have that kind of power, you end up using it. You make enemies. You make friends, you don't want. I was a dancer, when I was your age. And you saw what happened in there. That's not who I ever wanted to be. I never wanted any of this. I just wanted to protect my mother.
>>
No. 475458 ID: 5b52f7
File 135420657735.jpg - (94.43KB , 575x259 , 0456.jpg )
475458

<Ram>: I'm no dancer.

> This situation is suspicious

> I don't have a choice either way

<Ram>: I don't really believe you, but... I can feel it now. Whatever you did to me.

<Qualius>: You feel only what you are certain you feel. Your limits are your own.

<Ram>: Whatever. I've been getting stronger... shaking off bullets. Almost feels like I've been getting smarter.

<Qualius>: No. Never smarter. That deal can never be made. You can only be yourself.
>>
No. 475459 ID: 5b52f7
File 135420665527.jpg - (83.61KB , 600x270 , 0457.jpg )
475459

<Qualius>: I must admit, you play the fool, fairly well. But I am not deceived as easily as you are.

<Qualius>: Perhaps not keen to wit, but you could be a fine philosopher. Better than the politicians I know. This is why I noticed you. This is why my book may benefit from your record. We have much to learn, from one another.
>>
No. 475460 ID: 5b52f7
File 135420667033.jpg - (78.39KB , 625x281 , 0458.jpg )
475460

<Ram>: I don't want to learn.
>>
No. 475461 ID: 5b52f7
File 135420668073.jpg - (29.23KB , 600x270 , 0459.jpg )
475461

<Ram>: I want things to change.
>>
No. 475462 ID: 5b52f7
File 135420669187.jpg - (34.63KB , 600x270 , 0460.jpg )
475462

<Qualius>: Hm. But isn't that why we learn?
>>
No. 475463 ID: 5b52f7
File 135420670793.jpg - (125.38KB , 625x281 , 0461.jpg )
475463

<Qualius>: We shall see.
>>
No. 476823 ID: c72a8b

I wonder what John is doing?
>>
No. 476855 ID: 1a5bdd

Aye, where is John, and... why do I get the feeling we are going to somehow regret whatever we just agreed to?

Still, good to know we seem to have gained some small measure of immortality.
>>
No. 476856 ID: 0c2247

>>476855
>Still, good to know we seem to have gained some small measure of immortality.
>some small measure of immortality.
>immortality

Son, you have no idea how horrifyingly wrong you are.
>>
No. 476857 ID: 1a5bdd

>>476856
Ahh, but if it wasn't something to go horribly wrong, then there wouldn't be much of a story to observe now would there?
>>
No. 476907 ID: d8f4c1

>>476855
Ram...look. Go back to the start of the story. He was herp to the derp power. He just lived without a care. He IS learning. Not making this choice is not being himself.

>Regrets
Ram will probably have to do some things he isn't comfortable with at times, unless he has a change of ideals/has a decent mentor/starts understanding what reality is like.

I have a feeling that Nahala isn't as 'easy-going' as Earth, necessarily. There is no god here, just people.

That said, this is OUR quest, guys. So if we think hard enough, we can at least make better choices.
>>476856
Yeah, Ram got shot because he thought he was the center of the universe. He shrugged it off, but it was a pretty meh wound. Hubris is never a smart choice.
>>476857
There'll be chaos. It just depends if Ram's choices will lead to more good then bad, or vice versa.
>>
No. 478202 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535136140.jpg - (143.16KB , 650x293 , 0462.jpg )
478202

> Why do I get the feeling we are going to somehow regret whatever we just agreed to?

<Ram>: ...
>>
No. 478203 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535138566.jpg - (138.18KB , 650x293 , 0463.jpg )
478203

<Ram>: Am... So am I supposed to feel it kick in? What happens now?

<Qualius>: I don't know. ...What do you think?

<Ram>: Kitty?

<Jael>: The man who turned John and me... he was a little more up front about all of it.

<Ram>: What happened to you, then?
>>
No. 478204 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535140803.jpg - (147.14KB , 650x293 , 0464.jpg )
478204

<Jael>: Well... it sort of made us better... physically, than what we were. Faster, stronger. Tougher. I didn't get any smarter, though. John sure as hell didn't.

<Ram>: Yeah, I think... I think I can see... better, now. Everything feels strange. And the smells. I can smell... Oh... oh, god! The smell! Have you been smelling this, this whole time!?

<Jael>: Yes.

<Qualius>: Hm. Ha ha.
>>
No. 478205 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535153478.jpg - (134.58KB , 650x293 , 0465.jpg )
478205

<Ram>: I think... Hey! Where're you going? I've still got questions, and... and stuff! I guess.

<Qualius>: We always have questions. Stuff, especially. Due to the nature of our agreement, I'm afraid we'll have to postpone our next conversation... for quite a while. That should give us both plenty of time, to prepare...

<Qualius>: You are Judicatus, now. Like your friend, here. I suppose you'll learn what that means, in the same way Jael did. The same way you will, I suppose I should say... In the same way all Judicatus must. In time.
>>
No. 478206 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535155097.jpg - (123.98KB , 650x293 , 0466.jpg )
478206

<Qualius>: Besides... I really should check up on Mother. Hm. Well. Goodbye, Ram. I enjoyed our talks.

<Ram>: ...Yeah. Sure...

<Qualius>: I'm certain you'll find what you're after. After all, you have what you need now, it seems.
>>
No. 478207 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535159696.gif - (1.03MB , 650x293 , 0467.gif )
478207

<Qualius>: Give her my regards.
>>
No. 478208 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535160984.jpg - (120.57KB , 650x293 , 0468.jpg )
478208

>>
No. 478209 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535162344.jpg - (131.04KB , 650x293 , 0469.jpg )
478209

<Ram>: Is this normal?

<Jael>: Sometimes.
>>
No. 478210 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535163622.jpg - (38.10KB , 650x293 , 0470.jpg )
478210

<Ram>: So... now what? You'd know better than me.

<Jael>: You... can do whatever you want, I guess.

<Ram>: I want to go where you're going!
>>
No. 478211 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535165303.jpg - (38.28KB , 650x293 , 0471.jpg )
478211

>>
No. 478212 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535167157.jpg - (37.38KB , 650x293 , 0472.jpg )
478212

<Jael>: ...Home, I guess. (scoffing) Back to Yellowbrick. Back to working for John.

<Ram>: And he's like us? Good! Yeah.

<Jael>: Us... Yeah. Guess I'll explain things, on the way. Even by train, it's a few hours, here to -

<Ram>: Yeah, sure. Let's go! I'm ready.
>>
No. 478213 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535168727.jpg - (38.53KB , 650x293 , 0473.jpg )
478213

<Jael>: ...

<Ram>: So it's okay if people see you now, or something?
>>
No. 478214 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535170166.jpg - (50.49KB , 650x293 , 0474.jpg )
478214

<Jael>: No. I'm just hoping you're as ready as you think you are.

<Ram>: More than I was.

<Jael>: Ha. We'll get there the same way I got here.

<Ram>: How?
>>
No. 478215 ID: 5b52f7
File 135535172264.jpg - (57.94KB , 525x236 , 0475.jpg )
478215

<Jael>: We'll run.
>>
No. 478217 ID: 5b52f7

All right, guys. That's the end of chapter one. Ram is now equipped to take on anything I throw at you/him.

A Chapter one summary will come a little later, detailing all the things you've changed or caused, good or bad. After that, chapter two. I think I may make a new thread at that point.

I'll also remind you tgchan folks that this is my "suggestion box" for the real site: www.gauged.us . The images and text are formatted properly there. Now, I will return to animating stupid youtube videos. Which you may find here: http://www.youtube.com/user/PlagueOfGripes/videos?flow=grid&view=0

Enjoy.
>>
No. 478759 ID: d8cbb8

I wanna bet that the second Ram leaps he'll land flat on his face ;) Sure he doesn't feel all that different but I think that all this new power, etc. is gonna take some getting used to first
>>
No. 478812 ID: ad199c

I wonder if we'll meet Burns.
>>
No. 479706 ID: f8226d

>>478217
Happy to see that your power of making stupid faces hasn't been lost to mankind.
>>
No. 479784 ID: e3aff6

>>479706
Now we just have to hope that power is not used for evil :V
>>
No. 480401 ID: 5b52f7

Chapter 1: "The Crash" in Review

Over the course of the story, you, the suggesters, have considerably influenced events. Here's a very comprehensive recap of all the ways you've changed, missed out on or otherwise continued the story:
Part 1:

- Went ahead of supervisors
- Protected Ram from fallout
- Did not notice Jael's first appearance
- Waited for help
- Got mask

It was possible to have stayed behind and cooperated with the salvage teams, and move out better prepared. This did nearly get Ram hurt early, but you ultimately protected him long enough to get him to his goal. It also established his character early. Ram is headstrong and ambitious. If he had not gotten the mask, he would have collapsed halfway to the ship, which would have necessitated a whole new series of actions.


Part 2:

- Got to the point with Aetan
- Didn't grasp Aetan's request
- Waited to ask Aetan for his name
- Noticed and saved first survivor with mask
- Chose the corpse path on the ship
- Made it clear Ram isn't from crash
- Treated Jael like a catgirl
- Addressed Jael's superpowers
- Befriended Jael; joined her
- Avoided confrontation with survivors
- Did not intervene with murder

This part of the story was all about forming the first relationships of the story. Aetan is treated less like a person and more like the Legislater he is - which is exactly what he wants. This in turn makes him less tolerant of Alex (Droopy) and the Chief later on, and in general more irritated with events. Ram's saving of the lone survivor ensured the destruction of the ship's population later in the story, but also a clear explanation of what had happened. It also gave Aetan the chance to project himself onto the survivor in a way that will be clearer later in the story. The "corpse path" took away an early encounter with the murderous survivor and led to Jael. Jael's first interaction with Ram actually benefited from his inferred stupidity, as it was immediately clear he was not a threat. Otherwise, Ram risked being unconscious for almost all of Part 3.


Part 3:

- Intended to go back outside
- Found a way to hide in the elevator
- Claimed everything
- Kept Ram's promise to Jael
- Joked with Aetan and the gang; joined them
- Stuck with Jael and John's optional conversation
- John: encouraged Jael to kill her problems
- Mentioned Ram to John

The decision to go outside changed the initial encounter point for Aetan and Jael from inside the ship to the elevator, and also introduced Ram to Aetan earlier. Jael's escape prevented many complications with Aetan. She would have prevented this meeting either way, but with greater or less suspicion raised about it. This was a middle of the ground reaction. Ram's act diffused the situation and helped maintain Jael's secrecy, and made her a little more fond of him. It also prevented an early confrontation with the soldier. It also enabled Ram to follow them into the ship, rather than having to find his own way, and potentially estranging Jael in the process. This also led to Jael and John's optional dialogue, which established John early, as well as some of Jael's backstory, and her internal conflict with her life as a soldier. This took the place of another scene of Ram on the elevator, speaking with Droopy. John is now aware of Ram, which will come up in Chapter 2.


Part 4:

- Got more info about Ark Ships
- Intervened between Prosapient and Kale
- Apologized to Kale; got off on right foot
- Realized Aetan's goal; considered Ram
- Aetan: kept to the mission of separation
- Spoke with Qualius; addressed him with many questions
- Addressed strangeness of encounter
- "I have no choice."
- Continued conversation; entered philosophical discussion

Explaining the ark ships now avoided a necessary scene much later with Jael, explaining the same thing. Ram started off on a good foot with Kale, ensuring very many things. First, an all out firefight did not start as soon as they arrived. Secondly, an early meeting with Qualius. Third, the battle in the "town square." Fourth, being able to cooperate with the survivors during the hostage situation. The story, if this small intervention had not happened, would have been drastically different. Droopy's late discovery ensured Aetan would not be present during this part of the story. Considering Ram's feelings also established Alex's empathy, something that would be carried over to later on in part 7. The Qualius encounter lasted for its maximum length rather than being a very short one. More importantly, it established Ram's ability to carry on and understand a complex subject - at least when it's abstract. This led to Qualius' interest in Ram as a subject. Otherwise, this would have been proven at a much later time.


Part 5:


- Protected Ram during gunfight; avoided confrontation
- Abided by Prosapient's orders
- Did not interact with Jael
- Helped with hostage situation
- Grasped why survivors are hostile
- Tried absolutely everything

Ram chose not to intervene in the gunfight. This would not have saved lives either way, and would have injured Ram, if he had tried. More importantly, it establishes his understanding of how helpless he is to prevent what he sees as the realities of life. Suggesters lost a chance to interact with Jael, which ensured Ram's injury later. It did, however, give her a surprise advantage against the soldier, later. Ram fully comprehended the hostage situation, and tried everything to prevent any fatalities. There was an obscure way to prevent any hostilities and cause Kale and the others to surrender, which would have entailed Ram intentionally siding with the survivors earlier on, to the point that any interpretation of it being a ruse would have been completely illogical. This would have led to an extended scene of organizing the survivors, and changed subsequent paths to be about leading the survivors to camps. The actual outcome worked better for the story, exhibiting that Ram was indeed completely powerless to stop the situation or protect anyone.


Part 6:


- Checked Ram
- Listened in to other Prosapient; did not ensure a kill
- Kept soldier from alerting his friend
- Ensured a kill
- Recovered; left with Ram; startled by "zombie"
- Vomit scene.
- Hurried escape; "treated" and cared about Ram

Suggestions during this brief part of the story ensured Jael had a difficult fight. However, her actions were fast enough to prevent complications later on with the other soldier, who would have been an even bigger problem. Her reaction to run from the "zombie" set up a part of her own backstory. Suggestions to fight the supposed corpse would have stalled her reaction and resulted in a short scene later, on the elevator, as she reflected on it. The vomit scene is all you guys. Jael shows empathy with Ram, carried over from earlier interactions. She could have ignored his injuries and separated from Ram for the time being. Ram would have passed out in several variations of this part's end, depending on what Jael does and how much she interacted with him.


Part 7:


- Stayed hidden (including stopping Ram)
- "Attacked" Qualius
- Delivered a message to Reklaw
- Chief interrupted Aetan; Ram escapes
- Aetan initially does not care what Chief thinks
- Addressed Ram's growing potential
- Ram's disgust with Chief
- Left the ruined city forever

Suggestions kept Jael hidden and safe from detection, as well as providing vital information for John, in the next chapter. The attack on Qualius got rid of the Prosapient's gun, as well as establishing things about the soldier's backstory and personality for use, later. This also altered the means of interaction between all three, and made it clear what Qualius was, early. This also directly led to Aetan's feelings of frustration directly after, which in turn caused Ram's outburst, and eventually the death of the lone survivor. Ram would have had an outburst either way, although potentially after Aetan left, with different information being given by the Chief. It was also possible that the Chief or Droopy would have died in this situation, if much earlier interactions between the three had been more hostile. Suggestions led to Ram leaving the city, without consideration for anything he may have been leaving behind.


Part 8:


- Caught up with Ram
- Addressed Qualius' 'godhood' and the potential of a bargain
- Scrutinized "bargain" but decided "no choice"
- Uneasy about the future

The bargain would have been made either way, although depending on suggestions earlier, in many different variations, in many different potential places, for many different reasons. Ram's apprehension will come into play later. Importantly, this is not a bargain he was incredibly excited about, due to suggestions. Perhaps most importantly, suggestions declaring Qualius' power and the potential of a bargain directly led to the belief that such a bargain existed, through Jael's explanation. The nature of Ram's powers would have changed slightly based on how this played out. How they work will be established in Chapter 2.
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No. 480422 ID: e3aff6

I always find it interesting to find out the other ways the story could have gone.
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