Hey, buddy. Miss us? This is Kat and she thinks you're hot.

Everything okay? She says you haven't been talking much and just been reading. We don't know, it's the broken orb, makes us jump all over.

>>67367
Stop giving him ideas.


........can you both touch the crystal at the same time?

Osmen 2009/10/20(Tue)15:04 No. 67369 ID: f98e0b
File 125607624274.png - (42.39KB , 800x600 , 194.png )

owing me the shard.

Hello again, voices. Do you have a collective name I can call you, by the way?
I've had an interesting couple of days. The aliens pretty much puzzled over me a while then stuck me on a shuttle to Spirant. June was right, it does have some pretty cool waterparks. They took me to one as a gesture of goodwill. Rides become much more interesting when you throw in antigravity.

So here's my interviewer. She's kinda cute, in a weird way.

When she speaks, it's in a voice that sounds as if about 3 or 4 people are talking in unison. It's not unpleasant.
"How are you feeling, Mr. Sahir?"

>>67369
Call us The Orb. It's where we're from.

Tell her you're doing fine. If you're feeling brave, say all the better for seeing her. She thinks you're kind of cute in a weird way too, if that helps.

>>67369

Orb will do just fine. Her name is Kat if you didin't know that already, we spoke briefly. Sorry we're not around much, it's the broken orb, jumps us all over.

First things first, did they ever explain the blue uniform thing? And what have you told them? There are some.. complications but we'll tell you all about those when it comes relevant. And you're not compromised.

Be nice to this one.

>>67369
I like 'Shard' myself.

Anyway, you've been a bit quiet, they just want to get to know you a bit. (and she thinks you're kinda cute too)

Osmen 2009/10/20(Tue)16:12 No. 67399 ID: f98e0b
File 125608033857.png - (44.99KB , 800x600 , 195.png )

She thinks I'm cute? She said that?
Hm.

>>67373
"Just fine," I say. I'm not sure if I know her enough to pull that second part off without it sounding cheesy.
"I have a couple of questions, though."

"What's up?" she asks, leaning in.

"When I was turning myself in, I had strict instructions only to surrender to soldiers in blue. Why was that?"

"We reviewed the action report for the Xyzyx. Apparently, your arrival caused sort of a schism among the crew. The captain and most of his troops, who were the ones in blue, wanted to bring as many humans in alive as they could, but there was another faction that wanted to hunt you down. I'm not going to lie, Osmen, there's those in the Alliance who wish humanity ill. Oh, um, I'm Katrina, I mean Kat, by the way."

"Hi, Kat."

"Hi, Osmen. Um. Anyway. What exactly made you want to turn yourself in to a bunch of crazy aliens anyway? Obvious similarities in physiology notwithstanding, there is a fairly long history of bad blood between Humanity and the Alliance. I was also hoping you might shine a light on the source of that as well, by the way."

>>67399

The utter lack of means to escape without high probability death? Orb people saying that the aliens ain't so bad? Or if she means why you would stay here instead of being ferried home then it's the orb people convincing you there's a peaceful soulution to all of this. Also, you're pretty tired of fighting anyway.

>>67399

Probably because that Earth is a sucky place, and all your friends(as far as we know) died on the ship.

I think it boils down to there being nothing to fight for anymore. There is nothing left. Humans and Earth have all gone to shit. That and you were tired of fighting.

Osmen 2009/10/20(Tue)16:58 No. 67432 ID: f98e0b
File 125608313469.png - (45.57KB , 800x600 , 196.png )

"Well, I didn't exactly have much of a choice other than death, did I? I mean, everyone else in my boarding crew bought it but me."

"Oh, uh, I'm so sorry," says Kat, and it seems like she means it. "If you think you have any sort of developing PTSD, or really, if there's anything at all I can do for you..."

"I'm fine, really," I say, shooting her a grin.

"Ok. That's good. I mean, I'm glad. I mean... I, uh..." She gulps, then gives a rueful laugh. "Welcome to the Alliance, Mr. Sahir. Full of vapid scientists and human-killers. I'm not usually like this, I promise, it's just... nevermind. Haven't had breakfast yet, you know? Anyway. I think what I meant to say was, why did you choose to stay with the Alliance instead of agreeing to go back home? I'm told that's an option."

"Mostly at the urgings of the shard," I say. "It's got a lot to say."

"I noticed," says Kat.

>>67432

We're very opinionated. And if we WEREN'T, you people would never get anything done properly! I mean, honestly, the sheer number of people who are focal points and have trouble deciding or figuring things out is mind-numbing.

Ahem. Anyway. More importantly: Swap life stories with each other, since it seems your conversation is about to die.

>>67432

So, is it a popular sentiment to want to kill all the humans and is there a specific reason for this? You've got the uplink and numbers to keep humans in check. Have they done some permanent damage despite the respawners? Cruelties of war and such. Will there be resistance to peace talks?

How will that work anyway... different athmosperes, she's a pile of bacteria, you're pile of meat. I'm worried your dick will fall off- right, saving humanity.

>>67432
You know, we still haven't figured out what happens when two people touch a shard at the same time.

(Totally not trying to get their hands to touch, honest.)




















(*uncrosses fingers*)

>>67441

Hey, there ARE types of beneficial bacteria, but you probably don't want to continue down that line of thought as to how it would be used...

>>67443
Qal have muscle tissue too. I imagine they're enclosed in some manner of skin, and they can manipulate their internal structure if necessary, so I don't think Osmen would have anything to worry about. Actually, that sounds like it would be an advantage. She could... make things down there more interesting.

Osmen 2009/10/20(Tue)17:50 No. 67461 ID: f98e0b
File 125608623259.png - (51.17KB , 800x600 , 197.png )

>Sex
I really am trying not to think about it, I know you're right, she's an alien, but your commentary compounded with that suit she's wearing aren't helping, and she doesn't look like an alien. She looks like an attractive if exotic woman who is clearly awkwardly trying to hit on me while interviewing me-right, right, saving humanity.
Saving humanity, eh?

>>67441
"This drive for killing humans. Is it popular in Alliance culture?"

Kat circles around the table and sits on it. I am fairly proud of how I keep from ogling.
"I don't think it is, honestly. It's just that the Council is more cautious toward foreign races. Things haven't worked out in the past and there are some fairly dark patches in Alliance history I doubt anyone wants to repeat. This attitude's rubbed off on some of the military and sometimes manifests itself in xenophobia. Also, well, with the extended lifespans our technology affords us, there are those who have been killing so long, and so without penalty in the past due to respawners, that I'm not sure they know much else. I hope you understand."

"I think I do."

We look at each other for a moment. Then she speaks. "Okay, next question in our, er, interview. Do you personally feel as if you are prepared to enter into a society populated exclusively by members of other races, that is, the Alliance? For all our similarities, our cultures are fairly radically different. There is also, of course, the matter of semi-immortality. Our respawners can protect you from death and with our bevy of medical aids you can dramatically extend your life and youth if you see fit. Do you have any misgivings? Maybe some I can address? For you?"

>>67461
The presence of respawners suggests that violent crime would be more common. How are laws enforced in the Alliance? On that note, are there any special laws that we should know about?

>>67461
Dat ass

>>67461
>Do you have any misgivings? Maybe some I can address? For you?"

Clearly there is only one thing you should ask about: inter-species intercourse.

Okay maybe two: space contraceptives.

>>67469
Dat ass that can be reshaped into any ass imaginable.

>>67461
Osmen, I know you're a religious man - does the concept of artificially extending your lifespan and theoretical immortality bug you?

>>67461

Oh, don't worry about the culture shock. They've got loads off stuff from earth before the apocalypse for you to access and you already have a couple of friends in the alliance who'll help you feel at home.

There's John, Cassie and now Kat. Mayby you should ask if she can be your supervisor while you get used to being here. You know they're going to post someone to it anyway.

>>67461
Religion, work, and protection from reprisal from a certain blue guy.

"What happens to me if Humanity goes the way of the Dultians?"

For clarification - the Dultians were genocided out of existence because they posed a threat to the respawner technology.

The answer to this question might be important later.

>>67461

Actually, to be more precise the respawners seem to-repeat after me.

"Do the respawners re-create a body and mind from scratch, with a certain 'save' point, which results in the destruction of the previous iteration? If it does, that sounds more like recreation or what is commonly known as a continuity error."

"Some background: A body re-creates and destroys itself the various bits of itself, including the brain over a process. Is respawning duplication (as I believe), thus resulting in what is known as the continuity problem?"

Yeah, a bit of a mouthful, but she should understand. Let's see. Other misgivings... what's the atmosphere like?

>>67470
>>67469
Dammit guys.

Whether or not you have any misgivings is really up to you, though. I'm confident we could keep you on the straight and narrow, however. That said, I doubt you'd need our help all that much. You seem pretty level headed.

Ask about any laws you should know about outside of the "don't kill/steal/rape/etc." paradigm. Ask if she has ever heard of a Qal named John who was recently promoted to a Gunnery Sergeant. He has the other half of us, and he's a pretty cool guy.

...Actually, every Qal we've met has been pretty nice and laid back. They're a rather forgiving species, it seems. Ask about John anyway.

Osmen 2009/10/21(Wed)15:24 No. 67948 ID: f98e0b
File 125616388577.png - (53.69KB , 800x600 , 198.png )

>>67476
I think I'll be okay with it, when all's said and done. If Allah wants to be a bitch about things I've done, He can find far worse in my past than "respawning"

>>67497
>>67478
"Hey, have you heard of a Qal named 'John'? The shard's telling me I should seek him out."

Kat considers the question. "John? Nope, can't say I have. I may know him by his Qal name but not by any human nickname. I'd doubt it, though. To tell the truth, I, err, don't know too many people. Don't get out much and all. Is he at all famous, this John?"

"He was promoted to a Gunnery Sergeant lately, but that's all I know," I say. "But anyway, are there any laws I need to know besides the whole standard 'don't kill/steal/rape/etc' thing? It seems like that would be a problem in this society."

"It is, yeah." says Kat. "But we have fairly effective law enforcement and there's always the threat of death without respawn for the real creeps. Also multiple executions are a common thing for serious crimes.

"The thing you need to know about our culture is that it revolves around and promotes Unity. Not working for any one person or transient final goal or Greater Good or anything like that. Most of us are naturally mistrustful of that sort of thing. We're more a group of people who recognize that they can get along in life better by working together. But for that to work, everyone has to be united. Maybe not in opinion or in outlook, but when push comes to shove most everyone agrees shove in the same way. It's what has kept us going for so long. Of course, there are exceptions. You killed a couple back on that ship, for example."

John. He's red. has a girlfriend. I don't remember her name. He was working as a janitor then was promoted to gunnery sargent after the ships captain didn't respawn when the ship got blown up. He stores some kind of anti-matter mop in his mental uplink. second in command is one of those electricity blood guys. They are using a ship that has a giant ring around it with the weapons mounted on it so they can pivot any direction.

Start asking around about that ship should lead you to him pretty quick.

>>67948
Ask Kat for a writing implement. You can see/know this stuff we say, right? You can try drawing John's Qal name and see if that works.
Here it is: ☳☱☵

Osmen 2009/10/21(Wed)16:24 No. 67970 ID: f98e0b
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"Um, he's... red. He was working as a janitor then was promoted to gunnery sergeant after the ships captain didn't respawn when the ship got blown up. He... stores some kind of anti-matter mop in his mental uplink. Second in command is one of those electricity... blood... guys. They are using a ship that has a giant... ring around it with the weapons mounted on it so they can pivot any direction. Says the shard. His Qal name is, uhm, ☳☱Phlahggh."

"You sort of butchered that last bit," says Kat, laughing. "It's ☵. With a ☋."

"I think my mouth isn't built right for it."

"I'd like to see how exactly it is built," mutters Kat.

"Um. What?"

"Uh, I said I'd like to see how exactly your mouth is built." she says, and then looks immediately like she regrets it.

"Oh. That's kind of a weird thing to say."

"Yeah.

Um.
I Don't really think I know this John person. You probably want to talk to someone in the navy about locating a Gunnery Sergeant. I mean like, later on, after you, um... we, I..." she laughs helplessly. "I'm sorry I can't be more help to you."

"It's fine." I say.

I feel like I should choose my words carefully at this point.

>>67970
Ask her if she'd like to continue the interview in a more casual environment.

>>67970
"After what? After you finish your rather transparent attempt at seducing me?" Then put on your suavest smooth operator look.

>>67970
Not that I'm not cheering for your romance here, but getting involved so quickly probably isn't a very good idea. You should keep it professional, at least until you know exactly how things are going to pan out for you and possibly humanity as a whole.

You want to go through with this, right? You should be finding out where and how you'll be living, and what you'll have to do to work out things towards humanity. Finding out how exactly things are going to be presented publicly is probably a good idea, too.

>>67970
Hmm... maybe, if you're all done here, you could get her to give you a tour of the city you're in?
And maybe she can help you ...adjust, to life in the Alliance?

Actually, if they decide to assign someone to watch you and make sure you're adjusting, why not specifically ask for her? She's nice enough.

That could be easily interpreted as rude.

Besides, we know she isn't trying to seduce him. She is curious, of course.

Another option is just saying you're open to the idea of showing her how human biology works.

Oh come on, she's a scientist, a highly intelligent being. But she doesn't have many friends; she's socially inept. Just coach it in intellectual terms and be honest.

"Kat, I think you're interesting and attractive and would like to get to know you better, and I don't mean in a professional manner. Would you like to go on a date after our interview?"


Seriously man, both you and her deserve it. Saving Earth is important but it isn't going to blow up if you spend a few hours getting to know the only friend you have in your new life better, and if something develops from it you'll have a friend and ally to help you in your quest, not to mention the personal satisfaction of love.

Go for it.

>>67984
Here I am referring to

>>67973
as being rude. I am voting against it.

Osmen 2009/10/21(Wed)17:10 No. 68005 ID: f98e0b
File 125617024054.png - (51.58KB , 800x600 , 200.png )

"Kat, I think you're interesting and attractive and would like to get to know you better, and I don't mean in a professional manner. Would you like to go on a date after our interview?"

"Osmen, I think you're cute and polite and mystifying and I would like to get to know you better. So Yes."

And there it is.

"You'll be staying on Spirant in this facility until we can implant you with an Uplink and an air filter to help you breathe what we do." she says. "You're a shoe-in for the Alliance as far as I can see, but the council may want to contact you first. There's, uh."

Osmen 2009/10/21(Wed)17:11 No. 68006 ID: f98e0b
File 125617027094.png - (48.22KB , 800x600 , 201.png )

"There's no going back on this, Osmen."

>>68006
Take chances. Make mistakes. Get down and dirty with an alien.

You're a human, this is what you do!

>>68006
You've come this far, why stop now? Onward, to a brighter future!

>>68006
I don't want to influence you here, Osmen. You know about as much as we can tell you, anyway.

(I'd totally do it if it were me though)

>>68007

So, we're basically making Osmen the first Captain Kirk with the Unity choice? I'm in, although Imperial Earth is usually always my choice, it's run by Vresch now, excuse my spelling mistake if there is one.

>>68006
It's all up to you. Do you hold any great love for Earth? Even if you pick Unity and don't return, you can at least try to keep your fellow humans from being slaughtered wholesale by the Alliance.

Osmen 2009/10/21(Wed)18:03 No. 68032 ID: f98e0b
File 125617340526.png - (40.08KB , 800x600 , 202.png )

"Easiest decision I've ever made, Katrina."

Let's check out things from the Delter's point of view next, assuming this is a selection screen and not a "New Alliance Get" screen.

It's the latter.

>>68417
Psst.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/latter
der derp failing spoilers