Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/25(Mon)12:38 No. 549809 ID: d92f71
File 138541190166.png - (19.75KB , 800x800 , 2-087.png )

"Jack?" Adil calls out as he shakes my shoulder.

"sorry I was preoccupied for a moment." I reply.

"I'll say." he smirks, "the range is closing soon."

I blink confusedly as I regain awareness of my internal clock. I've been firing for three full hours.

"it's getting late." Constant says, now sans the Pulse Driver. I notice, in fact, that they've all put away their weapons.

>>549809
Did you succeed in firing on your own merit? You might actually need to fully disconnect to train for being disconnected. Or, you could get mother to tell you exactly why she is guiding you in each specific way. That way you would know the proper stance not involuntarily, but via instruction.

At least explain to Adil your frustrations. You could use someone to talk to about your problems.

It could be that your internal clock is being kept in sync by mother. If you lose the connection you might end up not noticing you were doing the same thing repeatedly for hours. That could be dangerous in a combat situation.

>>549810
i agree. no more hiding the connection, tell them about your worries, it's the best way to have support when you're disconnected.

oh... oops. So do we have anything else we're planning to do today or, what?

The training wheels need to come off while mother can still catch you. The best way for her to help you right now is to teach you to function on your own without interference before you take those drugs. If you can learn to at least function without help, it will take the edge off complete loss of contact.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/26(Tue)01:03 No. 549880 ID: d92f71
File 138545660713.png - (23.30KB , 800x800 , 2-088.png )

>>549810

I was concentrating too hard on ignoring mother, when I was able to block her out my aim suffered greatly from the distraction.

>>549816

my internal clock, calendar, and thermometer are all upkept by mother. I've known for some time that if I lose contact with mother that I would lose these trinkets, however I did not realize how important they are.

>>549846
perhaps I can train you to function without my voice before you are forced to cut me out.

I may have run out of time. I'm to take Neurozine UniMalitren tomorrow for the weapons drills.

perhaps. you still have the rest of the night. if I were to find a way to cease contact for the night... however I am unaware of a way to do so without antipsionic medication.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/26(Tue)01:04 No. 549881 ID: d92f71
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"Adil, I had no idea it had been three hours."

"don't sweat it," he shrugs, "you just lost track of time. it happens."

"no." I shake my head, "I mean, I had no idea any time had passed at all. if you hadn't been here I could have been shooting all night. I might never have stopped. I could have starved and never known."

there is a deafening silence.

"is this the queen's doing?" he asks.

"no. it was because I ignored her voice. I was just so focused on hitting the target..."

"what?" he cocks his head, "hitting the...? you hit the target. the first time."

"but that was with mother guiding me! I wanted to hit it myself."

"why? the weapon drills aren't until tomorrow. when you'll be on NuM. any attempts beforehand would be inconclusive. this was all practice, anyway."

"I was just..."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/26(Tue)01:06 No. 549882 ID: d92f71
File 138545676793.png - (15.26KB , 800x800 , 2-090.png )

"I get it," he nods, "you were testing your limits. I respect that, just don't overexert yourself, ok?"

"right." I chuckle. I think to explain further, but I don't know what to say. I can not find the right words to express my anxiety, my worry. I want to tell him that I'm afraid, but I don't know how to say it.

"I think we need to start heading for the barracks," Constant says, glancing over at a wall mounted clock, "we gotta be up by six tomorrow morning."

Adil nods in agreement, "I know Jack doesn't, and I don't know about Carthage, but Constant and I need sleep. we need to be fully rested for the drills tomorrow."

"you think they're going to grade us on our first drill?" constant perks a brow up.

"unlikely," Adil shrugs, "then again, they might. in any case, we need to make a stellar first impression with the instructors. anyway, I'm going back to the barracks now. have a good night all."

"um." the Crux whimpers almost inaudibly.

the three of us turn to look at the Crux.

"can someone walk with me to the irregular barracks?"

control will be shifted to whoever escorts the Crux.

>>549882
oh fuck that's a hard choice.
constant for shipping or jack for emotional support? i'm gonna say jack because of the night-long time limit. hell, maybe talking and helping will get carthage out of her shell

i say constant. trying harder doesn't seem to be the answer for jack's problem. so there really isn't much more we can do to help smooth this out.

Jack, go with her for some girl talk.

Going with Constant.

Jack
might help to talk about her fears with someone

Jack. Try to get an alarm clock or something to bring you out of practice while you are at the barracks.

Some goggles with an HUD display for the time date and temperature would be nice.

>>549946
That'd be nice, might help the transition.

>>549939
>>549946
Alarm clock, time piece, all good ideas. Whichever Jake can take with that won't prove cumbersome.

>>549947
>>549946
Also, communication via a radio in the HUD headset would facilitate communication and help ease the loneliness without Mother's voice. It wouldn't quite be the same, but it'd be something.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/26(Tue)20:47 No. 549995 ID: d92f71
File 138552762728.png - (22.48KB , 800x800 , 2-091.png )

>>549946

perhaps, but that raises some issues. first, it is generally frowned upon for a krill to use mechanical or digital modifications upon their body, as it is generally understood that mother shapes us into the perfect form already. I may also have difficulty locating goggles that serve such a purpose designed for krill use. I suppose I could ask the instructor tomorrow.

I think that the barracks has automated alarm systems which should snap me out of any trance I may fall into well before 0600.

"I guess I-" Adil begins, but I cut him off.

"I will escort you home." I say. she nods silently. Adil gives me a sideways glance, then clears his throat.

"I guess I should be off then," he turns to the door, "have a good night, Carthage."

"um... ok." she mutters.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/26(Tue)20:48 No. 549996 ID: d92f71
File 138552769824.png - (18.93KB , 800x800 , 2-092.png )

for a moment we walk the path silently. I think to speak about my concerns or worries. to use the Crux's shoulder to cry upon, but before I can speak, she begins talking, seemingly in the middle of a sentence, as though she were continuing a conversation.

"I don't know why everyone assumes Kast is evil."

Kast? who is... the one from the fighting game? why is she talking about a fighting game?

"he is the one who kills everyone, isn't he?" I ask.

"not everyone. he only kills Sherman, Seigmeyer, and Kazerak. and only in the red shifted storyline. in the blue shift, he only kills Kazerak and Lonely Hearts."

"so he murders 2-3 people depending on which continuity you follow. that seems evil to me." I reply.

"it's not like he just kills them. he has reasons. Sherman is the last knight of Aza the immolated, who put him under a curse. he kills Sherman to draw out Aza, so he can lift his curse. seigmeyer attacks him and the two fight to the death."

"what about Kazerak?"

"what about Kazerak?" she smirks, "I'd kill Kazerak too if I were Kast."

Er, why? Because he eats souls?

because you think Kazerak is evil or for other reasons?

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/27(Wed)09:44 No. 550046 ID: d92f71
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"because he eats souls?"

"no." she shakes her head, "the soul eating is only a vehicle which drives him to his goals."

"then is it because he is evil?"

"no. one can debate many of the characters are evil. Umbra and Lonely Hearts are certainly evil. Kazerak is cruel. he kills literally half the cast in red shifted. in blue shifted he tortures Vakun and Sherman to death. then there was that one really creepy sort of rape scene with Umbra."

"plus he kills aza."

"no he doesn't" she shakes her head, "what he does to Aza is so much worse. it's unforgivable, really. he drinks her essence. everything that made her Aza. he steals her fire, he steals her kindness, he steals her beauty. he just leaves her this twisted..."

her brow twitches as a word gets stuck in her throat, "...ugly, shell of herself. and Kast ultimately heals her. not because he wanted his curse lifted, but because he saw she was in pain. that's empathy. evil people don't have empathy."

"so you like Kast because he heals Aza?"

"no. you don't need to look at Aza as a person. she's a metaphor. she's the good left in the world Arkanix takes place in. she represents good intentions. some people, like Kazerak take these good intentions and exploit them, twist them to serve their own means. Kast's curse drives him to find and kill Aza. he's angry that she would place that curse upon him, but because of that curse, he fights and kills Kazerak, which generally makes the world a better place. he then finds a severely crippled Aza, who he can now kill easily, who he has wanted to destroy since the beginning of his character arc, and he instead gives her back what Kazerak took."

is she shedding?

so you hate Kazerak because he's just a monster, that he goes out of his way to make others suffer when he really has no reason too? and you like Kast because of the idea of redemption?

>>550046
I wonder if she has self-esteem issues with her appearance. She idolizes Aza, and is upset when she loses her beauty. This could also be why she hides her face when she's nervous. I wouldn't act on that suspicion though.

Ask her if she pairs up any of the characters. Kast/Aza? Sherman/Seigmeyer?

Maybe you can take advantage of a lull in the conversation to ask what she thinks of Adil and Constant. Does she think Adil might be interested in her? Is she interested in him? If not, could she give you any tips to catch his eye, since she's been talking to him?

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/27(Wed)23:40 No. 550128 ID: d92f71
File 138562443494.png - (19.70KB , 800x800 , 2-094.png )

"so you hate Kazerak because he goes out of his way to make others suffer when he really has no reason to? and you like Kast because of the idea of redemption?"

"I don't really hate Kazerak, but yeah, basically."

"do you ever pair anyone up romantically?"

Carthage laughs, "sometimes. I don't write any fan fiction, if that's what you're asking."

"who do you pair up?"

"I'd like to think Vakun and Umbra would get together, though Umbra is canon dead in the sequel. I've heard aza and Kast is a popular pairing, but I prefer Kast and Midori." she grins widely and snickers, "I think Lonely Hearts is totally all over Nathan's dick, though."

"what do you think about our teammates?" I ask as her giggling subsides.

she is silent for a while, "I'm afraid of Adil."

"why is that?" I ask, perhaps louder than I meant to.

"when he talks he talks really loudly, as though he is trying to be heard in a crowded room, and he swings his hands around while he speaks. it makes me jumpy."

I glance at her elbows. she is certainly shedding. she notices and chuckles nervously.

"I'm sorry," she says, covering her arms, "I was due for a new coat, anyway, and something about how Adil manhandled me kickstarted this molt. it's really gross, I know."

"not at all," I shrug, "kriil do the same thing every six months or so. you wouldn't believe how I look fresh from a molt. I'm so skinny and soft, and bone white. I look so silly."

"I don't think so. kriil like you always look so beautiful."

"thank you." I beam, not used to such casual compliments, "I think Crux like you are beautiful as well."

"pfft."

what you don't believe me? what makes it so hard to believe?

also if she's afraid of Adil what's her views on constant or even you if you think you could get her to speak her mind.

>>550128
Be specific about what makes her beautiful. But uh, wait. This brings up something. Do you only like guys?

Adil seems rather typical for his kind, you have to bold in this field to do well as well as become better. He just thinks it'd be a motivator for you if he kept himself in control and command it seems.

>>550133
just a guess, but i would not be surprised if mother is the only female with working reproductive organs.

>>550195
That was covered. Krill like Jack, who operate outside the hive, are generally infertile females. Some of them identify as male, but Jack does not.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/29(Fri)22:33 No. 550311 ID: d92f71
File 138579322883.png - (25.14KB , 800x800 , 2-095.png )

>>550133
like only males? as in... enjoy the aesthetic? of course I find both the males and females of many races beautiful. I find both Adil and the Crux beautiful in separate ways, though the Crux is an inhuman, which . I suppose that I have no preference for one single gender romantically, since reproduction means nothing to me.

"you don't believe me?" I ask, "what makes it so hard to believe?"

she rolls her eyes, "I've heard it before, is all. people like to say it when they think I'm feeling shitty to cheer me up I guess... I'm not... feeling shitty, I mean."

"I don't care how you're feeling." I stop and turn to her, "Carthage, you're beautiful. the way your eyes glow like candles in the darkness, how your emerald scales reflect the pale moonlight, the Calligraphy on the back of your neck, and your form, so slight, yet perfectly toned, like a dancer's body. you are a work of art too perfect to be designed by the hand of man or god."

she puts a hand over her face, unsuccessfully hiding her bright red blush. she opens her mouth but I continue speaking, "whoever or whatever convinced you otherwise is wrong."

"I- um... thank you." she whispers.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/29(Fri)22:37 No. 550314 ID: d92f71
File 138579343993.png - (23.70KB , 800x800 , 2-096.png )

we continue down the path. she glances at me every few seconds, still covering her brightly lit cheeks. we walk in silence until we stop at the Irregular Barracks' front doors.

you may have complicated matters with Adil and the Crux further, Jack.

I think I have.

perhaps you should change the subject. ask her about possible alternate mates.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/11/29(Fri)22:38 No. 550315 ID: d92f71
File 138579351851.png - (17.78KB , 800x800 , 2-097.png )

"what about Constant?" I ask.

"w-what?"

"what do you think about Constant?"

"he's a decent guy, but he plays the buggest scrub in the game."

"so... what do you think about me, then?"

"Um hey do you want to come inside and warm up for a minute?"

you have most certainly complicated matters.

I most certainly have

I suppose it would only make things worse to say:
>"I was speaking platonically."

just be friendly but when asked about it explain the art thing was not just metaphor, you admire her but do not want her like that, appreciation for beauty is not the same as love. you just wanted her to know that she doesn't have to worry about what everyone thinks of her, because the only ones that matter think about her positively.

Tell her you are currently attempting to romance Adil. You meant what you said, but you didn't foresee it complicating things at the time.

>>550315
Okay but no funny business, young lady.

>>550316
Oh jeez, that would be a lie though wouldn't it?

>>550317
sounds good. you might also want to add that krill don't view attraction the same way as they do to crux - reproduction means nothing to you after all.

also, adil is a creepy scumbag. i'd steer everyone away from him, romantically speaking.

>>550315

"You do realize I have no reproductive organs, correct? My attraction to you is identical to that of a painting, but you are certainly more three-dimensional and interesting."

>>550321

How is he creepy? He's just pretty upfront.

rolled 3 + 5 = 8

---

>>550325
Jack's kind seriously have no reproductive organs?
I roll to disbelieve.

>>550325
She does have reproductive organs, just no urge to reproduce because she's infertile by design.

well we do have training tomorrow and I want to be will rested since they're going to cut me off from... mother.

hey it might even change the subject.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/12/02(Mon)02:25 No. 550547 ID: 1823ea
File 138597994050.png - (23.26KB , 800x800 , 2-098.png )

"yes I'd very much like to."

we enter the regulated temperature of the Barracks. already I can feel my blood thinning from its thick ichor.

"you may have misinterpreted my intentions. I am platonic by nature, as are all Kriil workers. we have no need for romance or lust. instead we seek aesthetic beauty in the world. you are one such item of beauty I take interest in. like a work of art, I wish only to admire you, not to interfere."

"what are you getting at? d-did you think I was flirting?" she utters a painfully fake laugh, "no I was- I... I just wanted to know if you wanted to come inside. you looked..."

she sighs, "cold."

"I was. thank you for the invitation."

"...I guess he doesn't interest me much. Constant, I mean. that's why you were asking about him, wasn't it? nothing against him. I just don't like men with fur. that makes me shallow, doesn't it?"

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/12/02(Mon)02:26 No. 550548 ID: 1823ea
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we sit on a bench in the common halls. most of the inhumans seem to have retired to their rooms. it seems only the Skulks remain outside, seemingly lost in their own world. the Crux and I sit in silence for a few moments, neither of us know quite what to say to the other.

"I've learned quite a lot today." I say after a while, "I've learned I am not nearly ready for tomorrow. if I could extend this moment further. if I could have one more day to prepare, maybe I would be ready, but time has no convictions. it keeps endlessly marching, crushing underfoot those not able to keep pace."

"why are you so worried?"

"I will be losing my connection to the hive. Mother will no longer be able to guide me. without her song I fear I may slip into madness."

"she will no longer be able to control you, either."

what

"what?"

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/12/02(Mon)02:27 No. 550549 ID: 1823ea
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"how old are you? what are your hobbies and interests? from where did your name come from?"

12.1 years old. history, classic Kosh literature, and modern Uman culture. Jack originates from the name of an Uman marine who lost his life in defense of the hive.

"12.1 years old. history, classic Ko-"

she cuts me off, "how many of those did the queen feel the need to answer for you?"

don't answer that, Jack

"all of them."

"do you even give a shit about history or Classic Kosh whatever? or did your mother decide you were interested in it? having guidance and advice is comforting, but it doesn't compare to free will at all."

this Crux is delusional.

"never be afraid to be free. I used to be. it just made me so angry, angry and helpless, and pitiful... and comfortable. tomorrow is not the death of your link with the hive. it's the birth of Jack as an individual."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/12/02(Mon)02:28 No. 550550 ID: 1823ea
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this may have been a mistake, Jack. I don't know if the Crux has any idea what she is talking about. losing contact with the hive is not exactly freeing. it's quite traumatic. certainly not something to look forward to. not at all. in fact I have been thinking about it. you could perhaps join the PDF or the Hiveguard if you wish to be a soldier, and you could keep contact with me. it would certainly be less dangerous than becoming a marine, destined to die on some god forsaken rock trillions of kilometers from home. Jack are you listening? Jack?

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/12/02(Mon)02:28 No. 550551 ID: 1823ea
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end of chapter 2.

thanks for reading.