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File 148235652280.png - (67.94KB , 960x540 , 626.png )
767346 No. 767346 ID: f6ba27

Wiki: http://tgchan.org/wiki/Enemy_Quest
QuestDis: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/81802.html
Previous Chapter: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/quest/res/731264.html
Expand all images
>>
No. 767347 ID: f6ba27
File 148235654005.png - (14.08KB , 960x560 , 627.png )
767347

"Zack?"

You turn over, extract yourself from the pillows and a still-snoozing Bika, and open your eyes. GG's already up; her hat and pants hav disappeared from the nightstand. A Bika is at the door.
"Housekeeping," she says.
"Ha ha."
She points back out the doorway. "You got visitors."


"Good morning, Mr. Nguyen," Carlson says.
>>
No. 767351 ID: 595d54

"Good morning, sir. What do I owe this pleasant surprise to?"
>>
No. 767353 ID: 7b7ab3

"Good morning, Mr. Carlson. What can I do for you?"
>>
No. 767354 ID: b412df

Did something happen?
>>
No. 767355 ID: 398fe1

>>767347
I dunno, that looks more like a human to me.
>>
No. 767356 ID: d163e3

>>767347
"Good morning, Mr. Carlson. You sus."
>>
No. 767359 ID: 9ec936

Oh no.
What's wrong? He wouldn't be here if nothing was wrong. Is someone dead? Did somebody go missing? Are we in trouble? Is someone else in trouble
What?
>>
No. 767361 ID: 91ee5f

"Morning Meg. Morning Mr. Carlson."

Come on guys, at least acknowledge Meg's existence instead of only talking to Zack's boss.
>>
No. 767362 ID: 309d35

Morning Carlson, morning Meg.

So, uh, what's going on?
>>
No. 767366 ID: bb78f2

Meg! Carlson! ZOIDBERG!
You're all here, and you have the grimmest face. No offense, but it looks like your drinking nothing but pure shadows, sir.
>>
No. 767368 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767361
>>767362
Oh! Right. Greet Meg, too. Of course.
>>
No. 767375 ID: 4f58ed

>>767347
"Oh, hey Meg. Mr. Carlson. Is something wrong?"
>>
No. 767377 ID: f6ba27
File 148236056742.png - (7.35KB , 960x560 , 628.png )
767377

"Good morning, sir. Morning, Meg."
"Hi."
"To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?"

"I think you're already aware." Carlson sticks his head out the door and looks both ways. "Miss Bika has kindly vacated the floor. If you'd turn off your cell phone, please?"

You power it down and surreptitiously power your other down too, as Carlson sticks a small black box on your nightstand and flips a blinking antenna out of it.
"What's that?" you ask.
"Portable tunnel," he says. "As in, can I call you back I am going through a tunnel. Just as a precaution. Now." He watches the blinking light. "You'll be pleased to hear that the program is no longer in imminent danger of shutdown."
"I sure am."
"You'll be less pleased to know that its primary function is now as a front for an interdimensional spy ring organized by Megumi 9x542. I would have preferred you not know this." He purses his lips. "But Meg, I understand, has already told you."
"They would have liked the option of turning me over and lying to you that I'd been reassigned," Meg says.
"As I said, Megumi--"
"I know what you've said, Carlson," Meg says. "I know what the appeasers have said too. And there's this thing called being honest to your boyfriend."
"Regardless," Carlson says. "Since you are aware of what is happening, we can't proceed without your consent to be part of it. Or your indication that you understand you will be a key part in espionage against Golboria with serious dimensional-political ramifications, your involvement in which, if uncovered, will place your life in extreme jeopardy. You are allowed to refuse. We would dismantle the operation and reevaluate."
>>
No. 767379 ID: 595d54

>>767377
Accept.
>>
No. 767380 ID: 4f58ed

We didn't get this far by being a coward.
We will continue. Bring on the challenge.
>>
No. 767381 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767377
Accept. What all is changing? Any new responsibilities?
>>
No. 767382 ID: 3abd97

Funny, when we started, this whole thing was supposed to be about improving relations, not setting them up to fall apart.

>We would dismantle the operation and reevaluate
You would pretend to dismantle and find a way to work around me, you mean.

I'm already in this pretty deep, Carlson. Ain't gonna help no one one's safety much, even my own, if I back off now.
>>
No. 767383 ID: 759b79

>>767377
Accept, I mean if you wren't comfortable with all the spy stuff you wouldn't have kept pestering Bikka or told Meg about what you found out.
>>
No. 767385 ID: 9f3729

>>767377
Desperately try to stifle the "Man of course I want to be a spy I love james bond" line, graciously accept because really you don't have much else going on

Tell them you would like to know if the others are going to be in on this though
>>
No. 767386 ID: 309d35

I won't let you down, sir.
>>
No. 767387 ID: 094652

"Anything left for me back in my old life will likely be destroyed in the next five years if I don't help you guys prevent Visitor War II from happening.

I'm in."
>>
No. 767388 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767385
>Tell them you would like to know if the others are going to be in on this though
That's a very good question. Who all is in on this besides Meg and Zack? Poly I imagine, but what about GG and Bika?
>>
No. 767391 ID: c05d60

>>767377
"If you please, sir. The name's Nguyen. Zack Nguyen."
>>
No. 767392 ID: 9145ba

>>767377
I believe I understand. So, as the outward-facing successful test subject, I will continue my normal activities as a front while the rest of the organization tries a 'different approach'?
>>
No. 767397 ID: 91ee5f

>>767387
>Visitor War II
Yeah, and we already know that the last war had humans hilariously outmatched. The only reason it ended was because the Visitors felt bad about how hard they were kicking the human's asses.

If there is a second war it might actually be a fair fight, with humans and visitors vs the Kariket and his loyal followers.
>>
No. 767401 ID: f6ba27
File 148236707902.png - (89.62KB , 960x560 , 629.png )
767401

"I'm already in this deep enough," you say. "It won't help anybody's safety if I back out now, least of all mine."
"I suppose not," Carlson says. "All right, Mr. Nguyen. Welcome to the great game."
"Are the others going to be in on this?" you ask. "Bika and GG and Poly?"
Carlson shakes his head. "The less they know, the safer they'll be. And the fewer variables, the better. I understand if that makes you uncomfortable."
"It does."
"I understand. But you are still not going to tell them."

"What's all this changing?" you ask. "Do I have new responsibilities?"
"Not as such," Carlson says. "But it was agreed, in the discussion Megumi and I had with my associates in the branches of government we are now collaborating with, that Megumi's cover will be better served with a more... outward display."
"What does that mean?"
"That it's time to go public, Mr. Nguyen. You've been keeping an admirably low profile; but a low profile is not what will convince the Floater Collective, or the zeitgeist, that this program has and deserves the support it does. I'm not suggesting that you become an undue celebrity, Zack; but you've erred too much on the side of caution. The HVAO is willing to provide rides and security in any capacity you require. Decide on a public profile; control how and when you show your face; but we need you to show your face. This is all to say that there is an upcoming fall benefit gala at the Museum of Modern Art. And it is my suggestion that Megumi and yourself attend. Two seats can be arranged for."
"This is why I wanted to bring Carlson," Meg says. "So you didn't think this was just my idea to make you take me to fancy dinner."
Carlson's lips are so thin they're in danger of vanishing.
"It's a fucking joke, Carlson," Meg says.
>>
No. 767411 ID: 9f3729

>>767401
pfft.
"Well, for starters, might help us out to start making more public appearances. Perhaps start with some coincidental sightings at the movies, innocuous stuff, then build up some reputation for charity work."

Should we mention the visitor aid program stuff we're doing?
>>
No. 767412 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767401
The gala sounds good.
It's going to be tough keeping a lid on all this, but it has to be done. We don't want to put the girls in any more danger.
>>
No. 767415 ID: 9ec936

The main problem for Zack is going to be balancing his responsibilities to the HVAO with his responsibilities to the dulabira.
Keeping it all a secret may prove difficult. GG is unlikely to pry, but Bika is a nosy little thing. We'll have to be extra cautious around her.
I don't even know about Poly anymore.
Anyway, that's all in the future. For now we should just carry on as normal and go about our day.
>>
No. 767416 ID: 6612fa

>>767401
sounds fun
>>
No. 767419 ID: 91ee5f

Unless there's going to be secret stuff happening at the gala, I don't see why the whole dulabira can't come.

Well, it has been a while since we've been with Meg, so maybe it would be good to get some solo time with her? I don't know!
>>
No. 767420 ID: 2ea648

>>767419
Let's just ask!

Which is preferable: full squad or not?
>>
No. 767421 ID: 3abd97

So James Bond here needs a hot date she can show off to maintain her cover. I'm the Bond girl in the movie of our life.
>>
No. 767423 ID: 49978d

I'm not sure how expert we'll be at "choosing a face"; the only thing I can think to say on that front is, the closer to reality the easier it will be to present, so I'd say we should talk to our friends and lovers a bit to find out what the best spin on our "face" would be that we would find easy enough to manage.

... Before that portable tunnel goes, I think we should ask for a private moment with Megumi. We need to give more solid details about the whole "kariket mind control" thing to someone who can use that info especially after the end of the last chapter, we trust Meg, and Poly did sort of give us permission to talk about the dreams to other members of the dulabira if they were disturbing us. If we were threatening to reveal anything of Poly's past or secrets by doing so, I'd restrain myself, but the kariket dream revealed nothing about her and I'd bet she'd be thrilled to know she was undermining him, if we could manage to talk clearly to her about it. Meg is the person to talk to.

Plus then we might also be able to talk over the general Poly issue with Meg. No-one besides Zack and Poly know about their current trouble, after all, and Zack presenting a nice public face might be problematic if he's currently going through a rocky patch with one of his ladies, much less the possibly most influential one. If things were good with her, for example, she'd be a candidate for helping out at this gallery exhibition. She might be there anyway, actually, on her own dime. We'll want to lay out the possibility of some frost, there, in case that's true.
>>
No. 767427 ID: 8963ff

Honestly I can't help but feel slightly betrayed but these recent developments, suddenly going from being responsible to building relationships between humanity and Visitors to now into the clearly dangerous realm of government espionage. I think its mostly from a combination of Meg refusing to talk to us and all the crap going on with Poly.

Still though, definitely NOT going to let those feelings get in the way of this. We've already gone this far, and Zach has four wonderful women he love to where he is willing to do anything for, so becoming a spy is really the next step up for him.

Thus, the next question that should be asked......

Is this banquet going to be formal, and can it be business casual? XD
>>
No. 767428 ID: f6ba27
File 148237366206.png - (7.58KB , 960x560 , 630.png )
767428

"Can everyone come?" you ask.
"Beyond the questionable optics of that decision, I will remind you that tickets to galas at the MoMA do not grow on trees, Mr. Nguyen," Carlson says. "Not without the addition of a great deal of pulp processing, ink, and a surcharge. The American taxpayer will happily provide you with two seats. If you wish to bring someone besides Megumi that's your prerogrative."
"Isn't it really great, Carlson, when you're comfortable enough with someone else you can joke around with them," Meg says.
"I have to be going," Carlson says. "It's not a good idea to draw this out. Will there be anything else?"
>>
No. 767430 ID: 2ea648

Just Zack and Meg. Got it.

Are we still supposed to learn more about the Visitors? Not like a spy, but like we have been. Because it's really been paying off.

Will they want to know anything about the girls? Because GG's only secret is her thing for subbing, Bika has plenty of secrets that need to stay secret, and Poly is a big, hot mess of enigmas.
>>
No. 767432 ID: 398fe1

This sounds like something Poly would love. Maybe it's time to give her a call.
>>
No. 767433 ID: 49978d

Ask him to leave the portable tunnel for a moment so we can talk to Megumi.

Or just ask Megumi to stay for a moment. The middle of a skut hive is probably impossible to bug, but if Carlson's worried enough to have brought the portable tunnel here then maybe it is necessary.

Then talk to Megumi about kariket secrets, oculot dreams and polyphema love troubles, as I already described >>767423
>>
No. 767435 ID: 309d35

>>767432
I think it would be rude to snub Meg, though.
>>
No. 767436 ID: 91ee5f

>>767430
>GG's only secret is her thing for subbing
Do not say that out loud because GG will literally kill Zack by ripping out his spine.
>>
No. 767437 ID: c441c1

Instead of meg I think this is the perfect chance to give Poly a call and invite her to something that she might like more.
>>
No. 767440 ID: 9145ba

>>767430
They're spying on the Golborians, not Golborian defectors. All the girls' secrets, including Meg's, are safe with us.

A light chuckle at Megumi's joke and a ten-four to Carlson. Yes, it's time we started getting out and about again.
>>
No. 767446 ID: 91ee5f

Wait, now that I think about it, how much money does Zack have saved up? He's been getting paid this whole time right? Maybe Zack actually can afford those extra tickets for the other girls.

He would need to be able to afford 5 or 6 extra tickets to bring the other girls. 1 for GG, 1 for Poly, and 3 or 4 for Bika.
>>
No. 767454 ID: b69589

>>767430
>Are we still supposed to learn more about the Visitors? Not like a spy, but like we have been. Because it's really been paying off.
I sure hope so! That's the best part of the job. Besides the sex, of course.

>Will they want to know anything about the girls? Because GG's only secret is her thing for subbing, Bika has plenty of secrets that need to stay secret, and Poly is a big, hot mess of enigmas.
Reveal nothing! The girls' secrets are their secrets, and that's how it should be.
>>
No. 767456 ID: 398fe1

>>767435
Well I figure Poly may be able to get a ticket on her own dime. She's rich, isn't she?

>>767446
Or that, yeah, Zack may be able to just buy one for Poly with his own income levels.

NOTE: I strongly object to trying to bring Bika since she would either be alone and unable to enjoy anything, or have to bring a bunch of other Bikas and that would raise lots of questions and be very expensive. It isn't GG's thing either. So it's just Meg and Poly.
>>
No. 767469 ID: f6ba27
File 148238602004.png - (9.63KB , 960x560 , 632.png )
767469

"Do you think I can afford extra tickets?" you ask.
"This is a Gala at the MoMA, Zackary," Carlson says. "You need to be invited to actually buy the invitations. And I seriously doubt they are used to the etiquette of hosting alien polygamy so please. As a personal favor. Do not bring the whole circus."
"Fine. Gosh." You shake your head. "I still have the rest of my job, right? The cultural exchange part?"
"It is," Carlson says. "Now may I?"
"Can you leave the tunnel thing here?" you ask. "I need to talk to Meg one on one."
Carlson looks like he's about to refuse, then shrugs. "Fine. Megumi should hold onto it anyway. It will be necessary. Thank you both for your service. If you'll excuse me, Zack. Megumi."
"Bye, Carlson," you say. Meg inclines her head in a vaguely farewellish motion.

As soon as he's out of the room she goes wheee and sweeps you into a ballroom pirouette. "The MOMA. A GALA. Doing spy shit." She whispers the last part, bobbing around you.
"You're awfully calm about this whole thing," you say.
"Because I know I can do it," Meg says. "I've been doing it for a while. And now I have a partner. Do you know how to dance?"
"Ballroom dance? Uhh not really."
"Then you gotta take me," Meg says. "I have no feet to step on."

1]] Sounds like a plan.
2]] I was thinking of taking someone else.
3]] Tell her about the fight you had with Poly.
4]] Tell her about the Kariket dream she gave you.
5]] Shut off the portable tunnel so you can get texts and calls again.
6]] _______________

((As a reminder: Megumi has been told about the Kariket's mind control, but not how Zack knows about it.))
>>
No. 767471 ID: 094652

6) "This will be easy. I literally cannot step on your feet. Just focus on spinning and I'll kick stuff."

Then 3. She might know how to fix this.

... Also, has it occurred to you that the Kariket dominated Jack because he caught a trace of you dreaming into his past and heard "-ack, time to wake up"? Might be something worth hinting about to Meg.
>>
No. 767472 ID: 9ec936

1 and 3.
>>
No. 767473 ID: c441c1

3.
6: why don't we try sneaking meg into the gala since she wants to be a super spy and inviting poly out with the ticket.
>>
No. 767474 ID: 7b7ab3

1, 3, and 5.
Not 4. We haven't broken that promise yet, and we don't need to be making a habit of breaking promises.
Especially not now that Zack's a SUPER SPY.
>>
No. 767475 ID: 90f3c0

1, 3
>>
No. 767476 ID: 49978d

4, 3. For sure.

We need to tell someone who can do something about it, and give them what they need to do something about it - details. Along with other information that could be used to undermine the kariket, details of his madness and the reason for it, how the mind control power works, et cetera, which telling her about the whole dream will do. It will not reveal anything about Poly's personal history, and she did give us permission to talk about the fact that the dreams happen, in themselves, to other members of the dulabira. I am also sure that Poly would want to deliver information that could undermine the kariket's nefarious plans, if she knew said information herself (I think she doesn't) and that there was someone to give it to (Meg). Poly has repeatedly demonstrated no desire to be secretive about her weird mind powers so long as her personal past isn't revealed, which it won't be.

Since Megumi will probably think to ask Poly for backup on the dreams being a thing, we can also take the opportunity to talk about the problem with Poly and what generally went down there, both because Poly may turn up at this showing by herself and Meg will need to know the situation between her and Zack, and also because Zack probably needs to talk to someone about it anyway. If need be we can confirm the dreams' truth by asking GG about the veracity of the events that we dreamed of in her childhood.

Let's please not take any chances of letting the kariket get away with his bullshit.
>>
No. 767477 ID: 595d54

>>767469
1 and 3, no 4.
>>
No. 767478 ID: 4cef42

>>767469
1, 3, 5
>>
No. 767479 ID: 91ee5f

Hopefully it doesn't turn into a Ballroom Blitz where everybody is fighting.
>>
No. 767485 ID: f6ba27
File 148239059840.png - (15.26KB , 960x560 , 634.png )
767485

"Sounds like a plan," you say. "That frees up my feet to kick the other guests."
She giggles. "Just follow my lead." She waltzes you slowly around the room. "I'm surprised Poly hasn't made you learn this stuff."
"Yeah." You hesitate. "About Poly..."
"Mm?"
"We kind of had a fight."


"Wait wait wait." You follow Meg down the stairs. "I think-- I haven't messaged her yet or anything."
"Well if you do tell her I'm coming over." Meg kicks her boosters into a brighter gear.
"You don't even know what this is-- it was complicated!"
"No it's not. She's being an idiot."
"What are you going to say to her?"
"I'll think about it on the way." Meg pecks a waiter Bika on the cheek as she passes. "Bye, babes. I'm going to Poly's."
"Oh!" He rebalances his tray. "Are we still on for later?"
She half-spins and flashes him the thumbs up, then guns it out the door."
"MEG," you call after her. "At least don't go in the No Fly Zone!"
She's gone.

Now that you're out of the Tunnel your phone buzzes. You take it out to distract yourself.
:krin: Hi! It's Krin from yesteday! I just wanted to say thank you again for the save! Seriously thank you so much. You were a knight in shining Uber.
:krin: I was wondering if you wanted me to buy you a coffee or something as a token of my gratitude!
:krin: You know since you don't like apple juice :)

You check the time. It's a little after ten on Saturday. What are you going to do with the morning?

1]] Text Meg and try to get her to turn around.
2]] Hang out with Bika.
3]] Find GG and go around the neighborhood with her.
4]] Do some advocate work.
5]] Reply in the affirmative to Krinsteszj and go get coffee.
6]] Text or call Polyphema.
7]] _______________
>>
No. 767487 ID: 595d54

Tell her apple juice is boss and you'd like to hang at her place.


Seriously m7s it doesn't have to be sexual, we're trying to be higher-profile with this shit, and apple juice is gr8.
>>
No. 767488 ID: c441c1

text poly telling her meg is coming grab a Bika or two and see if GG is available and go and have a coffee with the sheep.
>>
No. 767490 ID: 9145ba

>>767474
That was never promised and I don't understand why you'd bring this misconception back where more people will be confused by it.

Ooh, I can't not 2. Retrieve the tunnel device and text Meg she forgot 'her stuff' back there. You'll have it for safekeeping.
>>
No. 767491 ID: 7b7ab3

1 and 6 first. Try to get a handle on the situation.

Then a combination of 2, 3, and 5. Grab a few Bikas, find The Red Menace (GG), then go hang out with Krinsteszj because we need a freaking break.
>>
No. 767492 ID: ec849f

>>767491
This.
>>
No. 767506 ID: eb3cf7

>>767492
>>767491
>>767496
Guys, no no no. Let Meg do her thing--it might actually help. We won't see consequences for it either way, probably. Let her go. Accept the apple juice invite, 'cause why not, might be fun.
>>
No. 767507 ID: 91ee5f

I think Krinsteszj's invite for coffee was just for Zack, not an invitation for Zack to bring others with him.
>>
No. 767508 ID: 91ee5f

>>767506
>Let Meg do her thing--it might actually help.
Also, this.
>>
No. 767509 ID: b69589

Shit. We've only just started and we're already fucking up.
Focus. Alright. 1 and 6. If we can't convince Meg to stop, then we have to make sure Poly doesn't do something regrettable.
And I guess accept Krin's invitation. Maybe an outside source can help the madness that is our life.
>>
No. 767510 ID: 595d54

>>767509
Christ, nothing's happened, relax. Meg's a spy, she's actually good at dealing with people. She'll be fine.
>>
No. 767514 ID: 49978d

>>767510

A spy you'd expect to gather all relevant info on hand before running off into action. Also to recognize there might be a reason Zack wanted to keep the communication blocker to talk to her. What even happened there, did Meg literally just fly off as soon as soon as Zack mentioned they had a fight? Was that line break supposed to imply Zack telling her anything? I'm confused.

Text Meg that the fight was about Poly's worry about Zack finding out her past and if she just flies in Poly might get the wrong idea and you were really hoping to reconcile more carefully.
>>
No. 767520 ID: 6ea739

>>767485
>1]] Text Meg and try to get her to turn around.
Failing that, we can take the opportunity to explain the situation to her. Maybe we can prevent a disaster.
>6]] Text or call Polyphema.
Tell her Meg is coming, and that we told her about the fight. We didn't reveal any private information or any information at all really. Meg took off before we could explain. Apologize for that and for last night. It was not our finest moment.
5]] Reply in the affirmative to Krinsteszj and go get coffee.
Once we've (hopefully) got things managed, let's go get coffee with Krin. Some time away from work would be good.
>>
No. 767521 ID: fe9fb8

5 but without bringing everyone to a clearly private invitation morons
>>
No. 767529 ID: eb3cf7

Guys Poly doesn't require an explanation. Meg will be fine. It'll be fine. Just accept the coffee invite and do nothing else.
>>
No. 767530 ID: eb3cf7

I think a lot of our relationship problems are about trying to maintain too much control. It REALLY doesn't work and makes us seem like a neurotic freak. Let it go.
>>
No. 767532 ID: fceae5

>>767520
This.
>>
No. 767534 ID: b15da4

>>767530
Meg's a she, not an it!
Let's do 4, meet new faces. Does Bika ever work directly with advocates?
>>
No. 767535 ID: fe9fb8

>>767530
Definitely this. You people need to take a breath and calm down. We constantly get in trouble for second-guessing our girlfriends. It's not like Meg can make it any worse and poly will figure out we didn't tell her anything. She's not dumb.
Also 5
>>
No. 767536 ID: 8963ff

When I saw Krin's icon, I thought we were talking to a one-eyed sheep for a second. XD

>>767485
Do 6 first, just to give Poly a heads up that Meg will be coming over. No need to do 1, because we should be confident that Meg can handle it. 2, 3, and 5 should be next. Just grab a few Bikas on break, pick up GG, and just hang out until the time to meet up with Krin, again just to hang out. And in case whatever stalker she mentioned the last time is still around......
>>
No. 767542 ID: 595d54

7. Send nudes

Fuck it, changing my earlier vote
>>
No. 767545 ID: d163e3

>>767485
Respond to the text with "I've got a lot going on right now. Maybe I'll hit you up."

Wait a few days, then come on with a stronger date suggestion where you're buying. Upper scale venue, maybe a little dressy. Make her feel like she is unimportant and imposing on you so that she craves your attention and approval, then unexpectedly make her feel special so that she explodes for the dick.

Repeat this process until you are tired of her.
>>
No. 767547 ID: b15da4

>>767545
I'm tired already, though.

"New fone who dis"
>>
No. 767549 ID: f2baf4

>>767485
6. Call Poly, apologize for everything, tell her Meg is coming, and ask her not to kill her no matter how aggravating she may become.

Then 5.
>>
No. 767554 ID: 595d54

>>767549
We should only call Poly when we're in the middle of having sex with Krin. And we can tell her that we found a replacement for her who doesn't have nearly as much emotional baggage.

Good luck, Smik
>>
No. 767555 ID: fe9fb8

Calling Poly to warn her is a terrible idea. If she knows why Meg is coming she'll just slam the door in her face. Can we please just trust Meg?
>>
No. 767557 ID: 91ee5f

>>767554
You are a very terrible person.
>>
No. 767559 ID: a523fb

>>767557
It's a comedy suggestion on a sex quest. You need to chill. And take it to my questdis.
>>
No. 767583 ID: a523fb
File 148244007926.png - (16.72KB , 583x232 , XfWxbx.png )
767583

You hurriedly text Meg:

>i really want to reconcile more carefully Meg this is complicated

You text Poly:

>Meg is coming over about our fight. I didnt tell her any details but she took off before i could explain anything. Im sorry

You text Krin:

>Sounds good! Mind if I bring a few friends?

Your phone buzzes almost immediately. You're getting a lot of texts.

:meg: chill dude

:meg: im not going to call her an idiot to her face or anything

:krin: I don't have the salary to buy coffee for everyone! Lol

:krin: But I would love to meet them another time!

:meg: Zack you fucking dumbass

She's sent you an image screenshot. You open it up.

:meg: why the fuck did you do this. she needs to talk to people who arent you
>>
No. 767585 ID: 595d54

Didn't we put confidence at #1? Hopefully that lets Zack start ignoring a certain type of suggestion soon.

Anyway, accept the fucking date with Krin without trying to bring anyone over and tell Meg you're sorry for "your" control issues.
>>
No. 767586 ID: 0555b9

Idiots.

I sentence you to community service. Text Bika's advocacy hotline with a question. "What has three wheels and control issues?" (It's Zack. I lied about the wheels. 'Reliant Robin' is also an acceptable answer.)
>>
No. 767588 ID: 2169b1

>>767585
For fuck's sake, do this do this do this.
>>
No. 767590 ID: 6ea739

>>767583
Text Meg that we're sorry. We're fucking up a lot lately, and it's totally on us. We're so afraid that something terrible is going to happen that we're causing more problems than we're fixing. She's right that we need to step back and chill out. Nothing's going to get better if we keep jumping at every, little shadow. If she has any advice on what to do next, we're all ears.

Oh, and text Krin that it's cool. We'll be glad to hang out mano-a-visitor.
>>
No. 767591 ID: 49978d

We shouldn't be apologizing to Poly so much, the whole thing went down the way it did because she's so paranoid about her past being discovered. Zack didn't do anything wrong beyond being a goddamn idiot in how he presented the whole thing, the principles of the whole thing were and are sound. Zack needs to stop being intimidated by his girlfriends so much and stick up for himself sometimes. He's made mistakes but he's getting treated like a child, first by Poly and now by Meg. It's not right and he shouldn't put up with it.

Text back: "Because I really seriously don't think you'll be able to help properly without knowing everything first, please come back here so I can talk to you about it in private like I intended to."
>>
No. 767592 ID: 595d54

>>767591
>Text back: "Because I really seriously don't think you'll be able to help properly without knowing everything first, please come back here so I can talk to you about it in private like I intended to."

Jesus fucking christ no Meg is a spy she does this shit for a living and she's 100 times better at this than Zack has been lately

Also that just worsens the damn control issue shit
>>
No. 767593 ID: 0555b9

>>767591
Did you miss the part where this behavior just caused us to fall flat on our face? It's time to STOP.
>>
No. 767594 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767585
>>767590
These.

We might be able to salvage it. We could ask GG to check up on Poly and make sure she's okay. They're pretty tight, so it's probably a better idea anyway.
>>
No. 767599 ID: 49978d

>>767592
>>767593

Zack's "control issues" which I doubt exist in the first place aren't a problem, the problem is him acting like some sort of pathetic wishy-washy mea culpa sobs merchant who keeps presenting himself in a way that makes people go off on him. Most of what he's been trying to do is the right thing, it's just that he's not doing it the right way. He just needs to try get this done right, not give up just because it's hard, even if it's emotionally stressful. I can't remember the last time we got a lick of bloody courage out of him, and that's supposed to be his strength!
>>
No. 767600 ID: 6612fa

>>767583
most of you guys are starting to get controlling of the relationships in this story. ya all need to chill and let them do their things
meg goes over to polys with little info the only person meg can get mad at over that is meg.
poly might get mad at us initially but she would realize meg did this on her own and would give an avenue for further dialogue exchange.
>>
No. 767601 ID: 0555b9

>>767599
The right thing to do is leave it the hell alone.
>>
No. 767602 ID: 595d54

>>767599
You are literally objectively wrong please get some self-awareness
>>
No. 767603 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767599
>>767600
>>767601
>>767602
GUYS
DISTHREAD
SERIOUSLY
>>
No. 767604 ID: 4824b2

>>767585
>>767588
>>767590
>>767594
These.
>>
No. 767605 ID: 9f3729

>>767583
"Sorry you're right and I'm being weird I know but aaaa"
we are anxious about making it worse yet that anxiety is paralyzing us from letting someone help, let us not do that
>>
No. 767609 ID: 9145ba

I think we need a refresher course on talking to people. It's okay, if you don't use a skill it atrophies over time. Go do some advocacy work for Bika.
>>
No. 767614 ID: 350a50

>>767583
'Meg its my fuckup, i can't have other ppl fix it for me. i don't want to keep you from hanging with Poly, it's just something i feel like i need to do.'
>>
No. 767632 ID: 6abca6

'forgive meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee im panicking hardcore because everything is piling up and she's so upset and it's because of me and i don't know what to do and aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa'
>>
No. 767634 ID: bb78f2

>>767583
Yes.
I am a dumbass.
I don't think responses through and I just make them.
I have, after all, headbutted two warriors in my lifetime.

Meg, you could try singing to her. She loves your music.
>>
No. 767635 ID: 9145ba

Just calm down, melting down further won't help things.
>>
No. 767640 ID: 2120ee

>>767583
Text Meg: "Right, shit. good point to make when I was trying to get you to take 3 seconds to talk about it. I'm being an idiot about it too, Meg."

Communication is sort of nice, even if Zack is doing it shitty lately. He very clearly expressed an interest to Meg to talk his drama, but she blew him off. And not in the fun way; heck, that would have been productive.

Zack's not a mindreader, and Meg's actual action plan isn't immediately recognizable as matching anything, of the very little, she said. I don't see why her dumb reaction to the situation is any more forgivable than Zack's dumb reaction to the situation.
>>
No. 767642 ID: 350a50

>>767635
This.

Zack's greatest aspect is composure and confidence, not his least aspect.
>>
No. 767648 ID: f6ba27
File 148246200370.png - (11.99KB , 960x560 , 635.png )
767648

>im sorry youre right and i know im being weird but aaaaa
>shes so upset and im panicking

:meg: ZACK. take a breath and stop trying to micromanage everything your girlfriends do. you are not my boss and the world is not ending yet.

:meg: listen you need to trust me

:meg: im still going to polys. she needs to know she has friends. she probably thinks youve turned us all on her and your text did not help

>I thought she said to leave her be

:meg: what poly says and what she needs are different things

:krin: So coffee? For 2?

:krin: I'm not working today or anything so I can go whenever. Even if coffee is a morning thing. Afternoon coffee is good too.

:krin: Love an afternoon caf

"Zack?"
Bika touches your arm and you jump out of your skin.
"Is everything OK?" he asks. "You've been on your phone in the middle of the kitchen for like 5 minutes."
"Things have been better," you say.

1]] Tell Meg she can't go to Poly's.
2]] Wish Meg luck.
3]] Tell Krin that coffee sounds great.
4]] Tell Krin you can't make it today.
5]] Tell Krin that your friends can pay for themselves.
6]] ________________
>>
No. 767649 ID: 595d54

2 and 3. Absolutely not anything else.
>>
No. 767650 ID: 9145ba

2 & 4. You guys are in no state to fluff the sheep.
>>
No. 767651 ID: 6abca6

2 & 3.
We are going to have a platonic coffee break with a new friend to recharge the Nguyen magic.
This is a necessity.
>>
No. 767652 ID: 350a50

2,4

6) Go work out with GG after work. You need catharsis.
>>
No. 767656 ID: 595d54

>>767651
>platonic
>p l a t o n i c
>>
No. 767660 ID: 7b7ab3

>>767648
>2]] Wish Meg luck.
'augh. alright. just be careful ok? she's not in a good place. don't let her set you on fire. good luck. love you.'

>3]] Tell Krin that coffee sounds great.
'krin. new friend. i need a break. a nice, quiet, platonic, stress free, non-work related break. plz drink caf wit me.'

>6]] Tell Bika you're taking a coffee break.
>>
No. 767664 ID: f2919d

>>767649
>>767651
>>767660
These.
>>767656
Dude. We're having a hard enough time with the ladies we're already dating. We don't need more complications.
>>
No. 767667 ID: 9f3729

>>767648
Do not mention platonic in any sense, but do this
>>767660
>>
No. 767669 ID: 595d54

>>767664
I respect your opinion but I disagree.
>>
No. 767670 ID: 350a50

>>767669
I reject your decree, despite that I agree.
>>
No. 767675 ID: f6ba27

>>767670
I'm not really sure what this is a vote for
>>
No. 767677 ID: 408024

>>767660
This.
>>
No. 767679 ID: dea742

2) You're right, I'm sorry. I just feel like this is my fault. Good luck.
>>
No. 767697 ID: 0987d8

>>767648
2 and 3 are a must. That brainfart previously shows the stress is starting to mount and we need to decompress.

I agree with whoever said to workout with GG as 6. Some exercise might help.
>>
No. 767700 ID: 49978d

6) Tell Bika about all your problems and what caused them and what you should do about it, because apparently you need your girlfriends to think and do everything for you, never question anything they do or tell you to do and fall over yourself apologizing for being a miserable wretch at the first sign of difficulty in you every attempt to do anything that doesn't involve your dick!! I'm sure everyone will love it, and everything will turn out for the better without your involvement!!!
>>
No. 767701 ID: 9f3729

>>767700
1 nega-vote for this salty pill of a suggestion
>>
No. 767703 ID: 83f366

>>767648
2+3
tell bika about sheepcoffee, make sure it's a thing that is actually ok.
>>
No. 767704 ID: 49978d

>>767701

Well, since I don't seem to be able to make any other suggestions without either getting roundly ignored or having other suggestors/the quest itself twist it into a fuckup for bullshit reasons, I've decided to become the embodiment of Zack's self-loathing! Now the rest of you don't have to do it!!

btw Zack you're a parasite sucking on your loved ones for everything that makes you look like you have any personal worth just fyi
>>
No. 767737 ID: cc78db

>>767664
Second.
>>
No. 767739 ID: c57f6b

2 & 4

Is going out with another oculot after we almost broke up with Poly a good idea (even if it is platonic)?
>>
No. 767757 ID: f6ba27

>>767704
That's not a gimmick I need in my suggestions and if you keep it up you're going to be banned from posting in this quest!!
>>
No. 767764 ID: b15da4

2, 4 (6, 8, who do we appreciate?)
>>
No. 767771 ID: 91ee5f

>>767764
>who do we appreciate?
Well, there's women (and men if you count male Bikas) in the dulabira, the HVAO for supporting us and not dropping us from the program as soon as things started getting bad, Zack's human friends that are rarely seen or heard from, but fully support Zack's new lifestyle and are not racists towards Visitors. Am I missing anything?
>>
No. 767781 ID: 49978d

>>767757

Yeah, ok. I wasn't really being serious, just annoyed.

I am actually kind of serious about suggesting Zack talk to Bika about it.
>>
No. 767784 ID: 350a50

>>767675
It was mainly just a joke.
>>
No. 767889 ID: 987bda

>>767648
2, 3, 5. Bring some Bika with you, and explain the problem along the way.
>>
No. 767890 ID: 987bda

>>767889
To Bika. Before you meet up with Krin.
>>
No. 767938 ID: 9f0bca

2,3,6: Talk to Bika before you meet up with Krin.
>>
No. 767956 ID: 9f0bca

I honestly dunno if I want to be just platonic with Krin or not. She seems pretty keen and may genuinely not be that interested in just being friends- we shouldn't be unprepared for that. Honestly I expect we'll finally end up deciding what we want when we go see her. :v
>>
No. 767970 ID: 16bad7
File 148261485589.png - (53.76KB , 960x560 , 636.png )
767970

>good luck
:meg: I dont need luck
:meg: well maybe i do we'll see

You sigh and close your phone. "Just some interdimensional politics," you say to Bika.
"Is all not well in Zackland?" Bika asks.
"They've been better. I just hope Meg isn't in over her head."
"She's smart," Bika says. "Blunt but smart. We're going on a date thing later."
"I thought you were already dating."
He blushes. "Not exactly. It was kind of spontaneous."
"Well I'm actually about to go have coffee," you say. "With that Oculot I helped out yesterday."
Bika grins. "I knew it!"
"What?"
"I knew you couldn't resist Visitor poonani," a chef Bika says as she squeezes past you.
"Who said anything about poonani. This is about coffee." You pocket your phone. "But uhh is that ok? Getting coffee?"
"This is with-- what's her name?" Onion Bika slows his chopping as the collective thinks. "The publishing lady?"
"Krin, uh... Krin can't pronounce it."
"Krinstezj Sulesso." Waiter Bika snaps his fingers. "The poet's daughter."
"You know her?"
"I know her father. She asked you for coffee?"
"Yeah."
"Hmmm. He told me she's a complete workaholic." He rubs his chin. "I approve."
"Of what, exactly?"
"Coffee, of course."

It's the first day in a while that reminds you Fall is coming. There's a brisk note of cool on the wind.
Krin is waiting for you outside The Bean, joe already in hand. She sees you coming, beams her megawatt beam when she sees it's just you, and waves excitedly.
>>
No. 767971 ID: 2fffb5

Ask how she's been. Don't fucking start talking about our current girlfriends or woes or try to bring them around.
>>
No. 767976 ID: 374706

>>767970
Wave back and join her.
>>
No. 767994 ID: 9f3729

>>767970
"Hey, sup! Great timing on that offer, been needing a day off for a while now."
>>
No. 768006 ID: ccd015

>>767970
IT'S A TRAP!
>>
No. 768019 ID: 350a50

>>767994
>>767971
These.

If she asks how you've been, be honest about things being kinda crummy, but don't go into details. If she pries just say it's nothing important.
>>
No. 768023 ID: dd6950

Let's wave back, order our coffee, then go join her.
>>
No. 768030 ID: 1ae636

>>768023
>>767994
These.
>>
No. 768031 ID: 9f0bca

Yeah, Keep It Light is like, the number one rule for starting a conversation with a new acquaintance, and not going into relationship woes has to be the second one. (Doubly so on a first date.) We can absolutely have a deeper conversation about our dreams/life goals/how mixed up things seem right now, but not right at the start, and we shouldn't dump our personal drama onto her.

Anyhow, we should wave back, order our coffee and go join her. Ask her how work's been. We could also talk about how hectic but interesting it's been being an Advocate, actually, as long as we don't divulge personal details.

(Also for some reason I now wonder if Krin is actually a Golborian agent in deep cover. On a meta-level she seems pretty well designed to appeal to the playerbase's biases, and I'd probably include myself in that. :p)
>>
No. 768039 ID: 7b7ab3

Wave, order, sit.

"Heya, Krin. Thanks for having me. I needed a break."
>>
No. 768056 ID: 9328cf

>>767971
>>768031
>>768039
What they said.
>>
No. 768069 ID: 193305

Order decaf.
For health reasons.
>>
No. 768073 ID: 9f3729

>decaf
haha screw that, get a double-shot dirty chai up in here
>>
No. 768078 ID: e22b1d

>>768073
Second that dirty ass chai
>>
No. 768085 ID: 350a50

>Not hot chocolate
>>
No. 768089 ID: 3b108e

>>768085
>not pouring every drink into a bucket and chugging it
>>
No. 768106 ID: 26c001

>>767970
looking good, i also approve of this coffee
>>
No. 768109 ID: 16bad7
File 148265640962.png - (51.46KB , 960x560 , 637.png )
768109

You wave back, and hold up a finger to indicate you'll be right there.
"Morning, my man." The barista is a particularly barista-looking barista, from v-neck to manbun. "What can I get you?"
"Can I get a large double dirty chai latte?"
"Filthy chai. Word." He plucks a cup from the stack. "You're not Krin's dude, are you?"
"I am. Is something wrong?"
"Naw." He starts up the frother. "Just thought you wouldn't have as many eyeballs."

"Hiii!" Krin scoots back and tucks her legs in as you sit across from her. You find yourself surprised again by how short she is. Maybe it's because of her gangly limbs but she seems taller from further away. "Whatcha having?"
"Chai latte with a lot of espresso in it."
"No way! Like that stuff is my blood. Rolf makes it amazingly. That's the barista you got. Isn't Rolf the most like-- barista name?"
"I was gonna say. He looks like a paragon of his craft."
"The zenith of caffeinesmith!"
"So is that chai?"
"Oh no this is decaf." She sets it down on the table between you. "Please don't judge me."
"I'm kind of judging you."
"I knooow. I feel like a like mom. But I'm trying to detox on the weekends. Like I wasn't hooked before this job? or anything? but they have free coffee and fuck-you deadlines so like. I'm a junkie now. Wait!" She puts a hand on her chest. "I was supposed to pay for your thing! Shoot!"

1]] That's ok. I can soak this one.
2]] That's ok. I'm way overpaid.
3]] That's ok. Just getting to relax and chat over coffee is payment enough.
4]] That's ok. Just getting to see you again is payment enough.
5]] You can pay for the next one. It is definitely a 2-coffee kind of day for me.
6]] I guess you'll have to find some other way to thank me for maybe saving your life.
7]] Make it clear through a certain level of polite distance that this is not in any way meant to be a date.
8]] So Rolf told me I'm your dude now apparently.
9]] Aren't you kind of chilly today?
10]] You look nice today.
11]] Talk to her about ____________.
>>
No. 768110 ID: 9f3729

>>768109
2 + 5 and a negavote for 7 since this kind of bubbly positivity could be a very good thing for the dulabira. I imagine them and big red biceps would get along famously, and she might be a good help with our other oculot once she pulls out of her funk a bit.
>>
No. 768111 ID: c24cee

3+8=11
>>
No. 768112 ID: 350a50

>>768111
this and also 5
>>
No. 768116 ID: 26c001

>>768109
3/4+8+10=18.75??
>>
No. 768119 ID: 9328cf

>>768112
Second.
>>
No. 768122 ID: 7b7ab3

3. Keep it simple.
>>
No. 768123 ID: 193305

>>768109
Just 3.
>>
No. 768124 ID: f43a09

3.
Also 8, but only because it's funny.
>>
No. 768126 ID: 326fa0

2, 4, 7, 11) "If a new type of alien colony ship crash-landed on Earth right now with anything but conquest on their mind and too afraid of some greater threat to think about anything but joining forces with anything they could and escaping to the furthest reaches of subspace, do you think Earth and/or Golboria would ally with them just to help declare war on the other planet?" And other stupid hypotheticals.
>>
No. 768131 ID: 9145ba

2, 7, 10, 9. Maybe it's another Visitor thing, maybe she's just one of those aberrations that can wear shorts in winter. Could go either way.
>>
No. 768135 ID: dea742

So, we talked about making some kind of press statement before but Carlson discouraged it. Now he wants our face out there and we have someone sitting in front of us who sounded really interested in writing about Zack. Sounds like fate.

1, 5, 9, 11 (casually broach the subject of doing some kind of write-up on the soon-to-be-famous Zack Nguyen)
>>
No. 768137 ID: f43a09

There's actually something I'd like for us to ask her: what's up with the purple? We had absolutely no idea oculots could be that color. Is it racist to ask?
>>
No. 768138 ID: 6950cc

>>768116
This
>>
No. 768142 ID: f9c797

3. Also this >>768137.
>>
No. 768148 ID: 309d35

Don't worry, Uncle Sam's paying for this one.
>>
No. 768150 ID: 3b108e

Probably not mention Uncle Sam or the job unless she brings it up. Don't want to discuss work at a date, after all.
>>
No. 768156 ID: 350a50

>>768135
That's actually a good point. Krin could help us get out there in the media without handing a complete stranger reign over our first impression.

>>768126
Did... did kome just make a suggestion that sounds mostly rational? Is kome's character development actually happening?

I'm actually interested how she would react to this question, and it might make a good ice breaker to start conversation.
>>
No. 768165 ID: 8963ff

>>768109
3, maybe 2 as well, 8, 9, and 11: Ask her to recommend any new books that may come out of her publishing house.
>>
No. 768236 ID: 9f0bca

Okay so VOTES TIME

Let's start with 3., and maybe 2. as a joke. Then move onto 8. but clearly jokingly, 9., and maybe 10. afterwards but in a quite casual & offhandish manner. Also 11.: casually bring up at some point that we're looking to establish more of a public profile for ourselves/ask how her work is going.

If she doesn't fuck stories (most good journalists have this as a rule, Krin seems like a good one, although perhaps she's very avant garde)then we may need to choose between our liking of Krin and her help developing Zach's profile. I'm content to play this out a little more and see where it goes, however.
>>
No. 768373 ID: 16bad7
File 148280346481.png - (72.56KB , 960x560 , 638.png )
768373

"That's ok," you say. "Just getting to relax and chat over coffee is payment enough."
"Awwww!" She looks like someone just showed her a puppy. "That's so sweet. But like for real I totally zoned out. I should have stopped you."
"Well you can get me the next one. This is definitely a two-coffee kind of day for me."
"Oh no! Rough trade?"
"Let's just say that this R&R was well-timed." You sip from your chai. "Rolf told me that I'm your dude now, apparently."
"Oh well um!" She goes red. "He probably didn't mean anything like-- well like he was probably just assuming. This is a good place for-- like they're nice to oculots here."
"You seem in your element."
"Yah." She snuggles into the boho cushions around her nook. "I write here a lot."
"Maybe a little chilly though."
"Chill- oh!!" She self-consciously pulls the bottoms of her shorts down a little. "Oh. Kind of." She hesitantly puts a pillow in her lap. She looks very uncomfortable.
"Well I mean I suck in the cold," you say. "I keep the heat cranked up until like, May every year."
She laughs and lets some of the nerves out. "I don't turn it on til like January. Junior writers wear a lot of sweaters I guess."
"The hair probably helps too."
She floofs her fluff. "It does!"
"About your writing, though, actually," you say. "I kind of had an idea. I'm looking to establish a more public profile for myself. Were you still thinking of writing about me?"
"About you like-- what do you mean?"
"Like an interview."
"Oh. Oh gosh." She blushes again. "I'm not-- I'm not really a, an interviewer or a journalist or anything. That's not-- I mean I do articles for like clickbait sometimes but that's just for extra scratch."
"I thought you wanted to use me. You mentioned."
"I don't write-- well I haven't really written any like-- I more do longform stuff. Or I'm doing a longform thing currently. Kind of a-- a history, I guess. Of the past couple of decades. And some other things. Short stories, I'm part of a screenwriter's group-- like creative stuff. I don't-- you probably don't want me to do your debut. I'm not, like, a professional." She sips nervously, then clarifies: "And like I'm not trying to get you as an exclusive or anything if that's what you think I'm trying to do. With the coffee."

1]] What are you trying to do, then? With the coffee?
2]] I do want you to do my debut, actually.
3]] You write creatively? Can I read some of it?
4]] Well if you're doing a history you should definitely interview me. I'm a historical figure.
5]] Do you have any writer friends or anyone you'd reccommend instead?
6]] Krin, I'm not looking to go out with people beyond my dulabira right now. I'm sorry.
7]] ____________
>>
No. 768374 ID: 9f3729

>>768373
3 and a negavote for 6, as usual
Lets see some of her writing before we thrust her into being our debut interviewer of choice, ay?
>>
No. 768375 ID: 3b108e

1 and then 3 once she's done stammering.

7: Initiate footsie.
>>
No. 768379 ID: dea742

5 with a dash of 2. Y'know a "Well, if you're not interested" sort of thing. Make sure she knows she's first in line, but don't push. Then into 3 for some small talk.

>>768137
Also this. Admit ignorance first. It often helps if a question turns out to be either stupid or offensive.
>>
No. 768381 ID: 3c21b8

>>768373
7]] Tell her it's cute that she writes fanfics, but you don't have extra time to burn on that kind of thing. Then ask if she has any (female) friends who are real writers that can help you. Make her feel foolish for embelishing herself so heavily.
>>
No. 768383 ID: 18c9f5

1 , 3
>>
No. 768385 ID: 094652

7) Ask about how she can use her media connections to safely turn national secrets into tabloid garbage.

For instance, the "Skut thing". The one where gang wars are causing casualties. Expendable casualties. How do you defuse that without revealing something that would turn all Skuts into punching bags?

Also make a small, grim note that war seems to point people at each other, and that usually brings about more raw social control over the masses. There's lines being drawn, and what most people are too stupid to realize is that there are divisive lines drawn within opposing sides, so when the fighting ends even more people will die unheard and betrayed by the ones with the most power in the end.

It's things like this that make you oppose genocide: killing one faction doesn't mean the right side wins. It ensures the survival of those that are ready to continue fighting. And then they need new targets. And then they look at their engineers and farmers and the many soldiers that put their weapons down, and their knives flash in the darkness and their teeth gleam with sickening gold. And then the leaders shout, and they obey without question.
>>
No. 768386 ID: 4c71b0

>>768373
2, 5.
"I do want you to do my debut, actually, but if you have any writer friends or anyone you'd reccommend instead I'd be willing to listen."
If there's a good way to segue into 3, then that, too.
>>
No. 768397 ID: 7b7ab3

>>768379
>>768386
These.
>>768137 isn't a bad question, either.
>>
No. 768400 ID: e22b1d

1 and raise and lower your eyebrows a lot
>>
No. 768412 ID: 2f3427

3 and 5.
>>
No. 768414 ID: c18ab0

>>768373
do you really need to 1? you know damn well this is a date, you insecure awkward fuck.
if you 6 i will slap you so hard you'll need the cane for another month.
3 is ok, 2/4 is also ok but make sure she understands that those are PLANS FOR ANOTHER DAY. today is just a chill date.
>>
No. 768417 ID: 3b108e

>>768414
>do you really need to 1? you know damn well this is a date, you insecure awkward fuck.
About that, the point is to see how adorably flustered we can get sheepuclot, so Zack, if you do say it at all, be sure to make it obvious you're teasing her.
>>
No. 768431 ID: b8f465

>>768397
Seconded.
>>
No. 768432 ID: ce2e2f

1, 3, 5
>>
No. 768434 ID: 9145ba

2, 4, 6. History is being made right now.
>>
No. 768441 ID: 16bad7
File 148283012111.png - (59.85KB , 960x560 , 639.png )
768441

"What are you trying to do, then?" you ask. "With the coffee."
"The, um, I, um, coffee?" Krin sinks further back into the cushion. "Just like just to say thank you. Thank-you-coffee. And I guess just to say hi again. You're the only like celebrity I've ever-- well I see other celebrities at work sometimes like they come to the office but they just like they look right through me or like I'm an exhibit. And you're nice. You seem nice. So." She's trying very hard to melt into her seat.
"And you're sure you don't want to interview me? Do you know anyone you'd rec instead?"
"I could-- like I know people. Now that I think about it. Yeah. Like I'd have to think and ask them but totally."
"The offer remains open to you if you want it."
"I'm really sorry. I just like-- I wouldn't want to mess it up. I'd be scared to mess up." She's startlingly red. "I'm sorry."
"Let me know if you reconsider," you say. "And I'd love it if you let me read some of your other stuff. Your creative stuff."
"Oh, that's all just-- well like a lot of it is written in Garaktonnik or Oculotti."
"Is any of it English?"
"Well yes. Yeah, some. But I don't-- I would have brought my laptop if I'd known but it's all back at my apartment."

1]] That's OK. I'm not a writer or anything, I was just curious.
2]] If you email it to me tonight I'll read it.
3]] Bring it next time. I'm assuming you're ok with there being a next time?
4]] Do you want to go there? I'm not doing anything right now.
5]] So it's just because I'm nice, you're here? Are you sure you aren't after my autograph or anything?
6]] I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable, Krin. You look uncomfortable.
7]] Change the subject. Ask her why she's purple.
8]] Change the subject: ____________
9]] ____________
>>
No. 768442 ID: b8f465

1, 2, 6, 7.
>>
No. 768445 ID: 7b7ab3

>>768441
>1]] That's OK. I'm not a writer or anything, I was just curious.
>6]] I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable, Krin. You look uncomfortable.
>7]] Change the subject. Ask her why she's purple.
>>
No. 768448 ID: 9f3729

>>768441
we can't ask her why she's purple since she's currently red
but yes, 6, leading into asking politely what's up with the purps, we didn't even know oculots came in purple!
>>
No. 768450 ID: 9145ba

1, 2, 6, 7.
>>
No. 768452 ID: 2120ee

>>768441
8. Any sports she's into? She looks like she has a secret sports interest.
>>
No. 768453 ID: 97cee0

1), then 8) Ask her if she knows any good resources for learning Garaktonnik or Oculotti.

Because you know, Zack, your job is basically ethnographic fieldwork, and I'm surprised you've yet to get angry letters from anthropologists telling you you're doing it wrong. One of the things that's generally done if at all possible is learning the language of the community you're studying. I mean, you could get away with it since you're specifically studying Visitors who've come to live on earth, but there's a lot you could learn just about mindset and ways of seeing and speaking, even before you actually use what you learn. Garaktonnik specifically seems the more pressing, since you've had more trouble with and more people doubting your ability to understand warriors, compared to oculots. Being able to read their literature and watch their films and so on will probably give you some insights.

Also, if you ever get abducted by the kariket's goons and have to escape a prison on an alien world, you'll be that much more ready!

Really though, Zack, there are methods for studying other cultures, you don't need to follow them blindly but they'd probably be worth a look to you. At the very least you should be carrying a notebook around with you at all times, and using it, and also spending time every evening before bed reviewing your notes and using them to write down everything you can remember about your interactions as completely as possible.

And you're a spy now, too. Spying and anthropology share a lot of skillsets. Back in old british colonial india, there were a lot of people who did both! Though both professions have changed a lot since then, of course.
>>
No. 768454 ID: 9ef32f

>>768442
>>768450
Third.
>>
No. 768455 ID: 3b108e

4.
>>
No. 768456 ID: 350a50

>>768442
This.
>>
No. 768459 ID: 9f0bca

>that awkward expression

ARE YOU TESTING ME SATAN

In all seriousness though I think we've tormented this girl enough. I think 6. will just make her blush more, which I'm fighting the temptation to do.

1., 2.
9. - "I'm sure you wouldn't mess it up."
8. I've thought about trying to learn Garaktonnik or Oculotti. How difficult are they?
>>
No. 768460 ID: 8963ff

>>768441
1, 2, 6, 7 to lighten the mood a little, and lastly 8 to ask about foreign languages.
>>
No. 768461 ID: 9f0bca

I'm mildly worried that asking her why she's purple straight-up might come off as insensitive, or I'd have voted for it. That worry might be misplaced though.
>>
No. 768462 ID: 350a50

>>768461
Or it could lead to an uneducated discussion on the science of skin pigmentation.
>>
No. 768466 ID: 05758b

8]]

Now is your chance to sweep in for the blowie! Come on Zack just a quick one behind the coffee shop. She can brag to her friends about the gr8 taste of celebri-dick!!
>>
No. 768467 ID: 97cee0

In addition to me previous vote, I'm going to lay a blanket -1 to all variations of a vote to seduce or be seduced by this particular oculot.
>>
No. 768468 ID: 3b108e

>>768467
>In addition to my previous vote
We get multiple votes now? How does this work?
>>
No. 768478 ID: f562b1

>>768467
Enemy's not taking -1's, better to voice the why and hope you convince people.
>>768468
We could always vote for multiple options, but it's just +1's.

I'm putting a +1 to learning more warrior lingo.

My stance on the relationship thing is that we've got plenty of "Alamad" already. We don't need to be making moves, but we don't need to be avoiding them either. If she appears to be making any, there's no need to shoot her down, just let her know that best case it'd just be a dulamad thing. Too much going on for serious serious.
>>
No. 768493 ID: 16bad7
File 148287672425.png - (84.06KB , 960x560 , 640.png )
768493

"That's ok. You can just email it to me later."
"Okay."
"If you want. I'm not a writer or anything. I'm just curious."
"No, it's cool! Like I send them to other people all the time. Submissions and stuff."
"Are you published?"
"Sometimes!" She's regaining her confidence. "Not like under Krinstezj, of course. But I have a few more human pseudonyms that see some action."
"Send me some." You finish your coffee. "If you're comfortable with it. I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable."
"Oh! No I'm ok." She peels herself from the fortress of pillow. "I'll pick out, like, some of my like least-hated drafts."
"Can you send me some in Oculotti or Garakton too? I'm actually thinking of trying to learn."
"Oh, really?"
"You think I could?"
"I think-- probably. It's kind of hard cause like there's 0 cognates but like I could find some text-- well you should probably ask the HVAO about it. I bet they know like way more than I would."
"You seem a little uncomfortable."
"I'm just like-- I'm-- I guess I'm just not really a very comfortable kind of person." She laughs nervously.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure!"
"It's kind of a weird question. Don't take it the wrong way."
The fight-or-flight creeps back into her eye. "What's up?"
"Why are you purple?"
"Why am I-- oh!" She seems relieved. "I forgot you probably haven't seen a Kashzan Oculot before."
"Kashzan?"
"It's an ethnic group," she says. "Most Oculots are Shzuli. Or like they're called Kariketi now because he's one and he like changed the name but they used to be Shzuli. Shzuli-Kariketi. The Kashzan were the mountain Oculots. But way back during the unification the Kashzan put up more of a fight against the fold than most of the other Oculots, and now there's a lot fewer of them. Like we don't know exactly how many cause the Kariket controls those kinds of records but between that and the interbreeding and stuff we're probably one or two percent of the population. I'm like, all the way Kashzan. Which is pretty rare. That's why the skin and the poofy hair and the shoulders and stuff. Most people usually ask about the shoulders first."

You notice for the first time that the ridges you'd expect from an Oculot's shoulders are mostly absent. "Hey, yeah. Didn't you have those the other evening?"
"Like I have them, but only little tiny like, nubby ones. Those were inserts. They sell them for Oculots who don't have them because for Oculots it's like a beauty thing. I'm not exactly-- Oculot dudes go for pointy shoulders, pale skin, and lots of curves. So I'm not exactly-- cute. I kind of need to cheat." She rubs her shoulder. "It's kind of comforting, actually. Back on Golboria I'd be the really weird-looking one. But here I'm in good company."

1]] It might even help you here. Wrap yourself up more and you could more easily pass for human.
2]] Well I'm not an Oculot but I think you're cute.
3]] Thank her for the coffee and excuse yourself.
4]] Thank her for the coffee and make plans to see her again.
5]] Thank her for the coffee and offer to walk her home again.
6]] Suggest that the two of you keep the day going and get some lunch together.
7]] Ask her about something else: _____________
8]] _______________
>>
No. 768496 ID: 3b108e

2 and 5 or 6.
>>
No. 768499 ID: 56ffef

2,5, and 8 "How bout some apple juice" say while initiating footsie!
>>
No. 768500 ID: 3b108e

>>768496
Add 8 to my earlier post: begin footsie
>>
No. 768501 ID: 2120ee

>>768493
8. Ah, but you lack our gigantic ears.
>>
No. 768506 ID: 9f0bca

We're pretty poor at this today for some reason.

2., 5. or 6., 8. - Make an ear joke. Or footsie.
>>
No. 768507 ID: 607a84

2 and 5.
She is super cute and she could use an escort home. It's our duty as an advocate, after all.
>>
No. 768518 ID: 54a3b4

>>768507
This.
>>
No. 768519 ID: 9f3729

>>768493
2, 6
>>
No. 768521 ID: 8963ff

>>768493
2, 5, and 8: I agree with the previous two suggestions, mention ears, and possibly noses. XD
>>
No. 768522 ID: 7b7ab3

>>768507
>>768521
These.
>>
No. 768524 ID: e22b1d

2, 6, 8: footsie
>>
No. 768525 ID: e22b1d

MAYBE 5, but only if that plan involves getting invited in.
>>
No. 768526 ID: 897b0b

2,5
>>
No. 768533 ID: 7c6040

2, 5, 7]] Has she ever gotten her crazy long tongue stuck to something cold? Like that scene in A Christmas Story?
>>
No. 768566 ID: 9145ba

1, 2, 3. She could pass for human. An extremely hypothermic human.
>>
No. 768580 ID: 487443

you guys are gross and thirsty.
2+4/6
>>
No. 768592 ID: 16bad7
File 148291641441.png - (97.77KB , 960x560 , 641.png )
768592

"Well I'm not an oculot," you say. "But I think you're cute."

"You do?"

"Super cute. As comforting as that can be from a guy with gigantic ears." You slosh the dregs of your coffee. "You ready to mosey?"
"Um. Sure."
"Cool. Want me to walk you home again?"
"That, um, yes. Please. Totally."
"Well actually. Hmm." You take out your phone. "A ride would probably be smarter."
>>
No. 768593 ID: 16bad7
File 148291646735.png - (86.54KB , 960x560 , 642.png )
768593

"I see you lots of times," Zrazkokh says.
"Well you're one of the only guys who's visitor-okay," you say. "And finding that and a dude who actually makes an effort to avoid potholes is way harder than it should be in this town."
"I do not mind. You keep request me, tip good, it is good. Does little lady feel ok? She is quiet."
"I'm fine," Krin says. "I'm good."
>>
No. 768594 ID: 16bad7
File 148291650730.png - (100.20KB , 960x560 , 643.png )
768594

In the early noon sun Krin's building looks less crapsack and more well-lived-in. Cozy, even. You walk with her between the wrought-iron fences that line her ingress, their rank-and-file posts like a riot line losing the fight against the overgrown, insurrectionary bushes.

She turns around at her door, and leans on it to anchor herself back down from whatever cosmos she's been floating in.

"Thank you," she says.
"I should be thanking you," you say. "For the coffee."
"But like I didn't pay for the coffee. I was supposed to but, like."
"Well. It was your idea."
She giggles. "Then you're welcome."

She remembers she's supposed to be opening the door and gets her keys out. She hesitates with them in her hand, visibly girds herself, then says: "Well so like I said my stuff is up in my apartment. Like my laptop and writing stuff that I was going to email you anyway but like since you're here. Do you want to come up?"
>>
No. 768596 ID: 094652

......... NO.

BAD IDEA. REALLY BAD IDEA. THREAT DETECTED. WARNING. WARNING. WARNING.

SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR DETECTED. POTENTIAL THREATS: IRATE BOYFRIEND, BETRAYAL FOR SCANDAL, ACTUALLY A HUMAN DISGUISED AS AN OCULOT AND IS PLANNING TO CAPTURE YOU FOR INTERROGATION AND TORTURE.

And because we're not giving up Poly that easily.

You have other guy friends, she's sweet enough for them. But YOU want a CRACKER.
>>
No. 768597 ID: 9f3729

>>768594
"Yeah, sure!"
>mosey on in
>>
No. 768598 ID: 6df810

Politely decline.
>>
No. 768599 ID: 97cee0

Nah, that's ok. Wouldn't want to ruin your reputation.

(Also, wouldn't want to further ruin our reputation, but don't tell her that. There's a whole big range of reasons to not get too close to this girl right now and they've already been repeated like a hundred times.)
>>
No. 768600 ID: f7029c

>>768598
>>768599
the smartest choice at the moment
>>
No. 768601 ID: 4854ef

yes
>>
No. 768605 ID: 03999c

>>768600
>>768596

Ditto, coffee was good enough. Call me incredibly paranoid but I agree with kome but not for the same reason, the fact that if HVAO exists, there is nothing that says that the Kariket can't have something like a spy ring as well, also Krin has not been checked by HVAO in any way as far as I'm aware. Considering how serious Zack's situation is, it's not worth it, at least not right now. Just walk away Zack.
>>
No. 768609 ID: 4c6c76

>>768594
'That sounds lovely, thank you.'
Considering Bika was totally on board with it I say go for it.
>>
No. 768615 ID: 7c6040

You know what? Sure.
>>
No. 768621 ID: 7b7ab3

>>768594
"Can't think of a good reason not to."
>>
No. 768626 ID: f5a96a

>>768609
This, tbh. Bika's our most reliable measure (barring Poly) for these situations, so if she says it's cool, then it's cool.
>>
No. 768629 ID: 5f2b81

Yup. She cute.
>>
No. 768631 ID: 3b108e

Do it. She's cute, she won't "replace" Poly, Bika was fine with it, and even if something goes wrong that should be interesting to deal with.
>>
No. 768632 ID: f5a96a

>>768631
>she won't "replace" Poly
I'd like to stress this. Just because we're getting friendly with another oculot doesn't mean we're trying to "replace" Poly.
>>
No. 768638 ID: 487443

>>768594
another time. don't rush into it, have some class.
>>
No. 768643 ID: c441c1

DO IT!
>>
No. 768644 ID: ca5b6a

yeah
>>
No. 768655 ID: 18c9f5

Go for it. I'm curious in what she's written, and I do doubt that going into someones house will be some sort of huge detriment later.

It is possible to go into someones flat and remain just friends, you know.
>>
No. 768656 ID: 01134a

>>768594
yes
>>
No. 768658 ID: 97cee0

>>768626
>>768609

Bika gave Zack that approval based on incomplete information vis-a-vis the whole current Poly scenario thing.
>>
No. 768659 ID: 5fedb6

>>768655
Realistically this.
Let's not jump to conclusions.
>>
No. 768660 ID: 91ee5f

>>768655
This.
>>
No. 768698 ID: 9145ba

Politely decline.

What's the oculot power relating to maximum fluster?
>>
No. 768713 ID: 350a50

>>768596
>>768658
>>768598
I don't think she's a human in disguise, but kome is correct. In fact, hooking her up with one of your guy friends might be interesting. Zack the matchmaker.

Whether or not we're replacing Poly is irrelevant, of course. Poly's perception of the situation is what matters, and if she feels replaced we lost any hope of fixing it. There is a time and a place for everything, but not now.

In addition, this woman is not under official HVAO protection, like our GF's are, and Hiz got offed WHILE under official HVAO protection. If we get to close before the perpetrator is apprehended we make her a very easy target.
>>
No. 768714 ID: 350a50

>>768713
Actually, given her stalker, I'd get Zrazkokh to circle around with his car and find a place that won't draw attention. Keep watch a little bit for anyone suspicious hanging around after you look like you've left.

We can pay Zrazkokh extra for helping us with this, and if her stalker makes a move we'll have friendly warrior muscle right there. Plus then we can chat him up and maybe make another new friend.
>>
No. 768727 ID: 9f3729

>>768713
Liking sheep oculot does not mean we are replacing neurotic oculot, ffs
we can like both
visitors do not have hang-ups about exclusivity as far as we've been told.
cease.
There's also no guarantee this will be a romance thing, she is nice and people are capable of just being friends.
>go in, this isn't an extra vote since I already voted but pls
>>
No. 768735 ID: dea742

I was against it the first time, but it would seem awfully rude to refuse a second invitation. Just hope her writing isn't all erotic fiction.
>>
No. 768737 ID: 097ede

>>768735
>Just hope her writing is all erotic fiction featuring Zack
FTFY
>>
No. 768738 ID: 16bad7
File 148298831849.png - (67.81KB , 960x560 , 644.png )
768738

"I would love to," you say.
The muscles in her mouth lose their grip on her lower jaw for an instant then clench back into an elated smile.
"Okay!" she says.

"Roommate's out at work for the day," Krin says, leading you into a compact but comfy two-bedroom. "She cleans. I mean not this apartment. This apartment she kind of--" She surreptitiously removes a hounstooth sock from her coffee table. "I guess she gets enough cleaning at work."
You sit on her couch, next to a huddle of cushions and a stuffed elephant pillow pet, while she kicks her shoes off in the entranceway. "It's nice."
She opens the door to her room and drops her bag on her bed, which is made with a star-pattern bedspread and garlanded with string lights.
She unplugs a boxy Thinkpad from her nightstand and flips it open, cradling it in one arm while she logs in and steps back across the living room and to a kitchenette. She hands the laptop over and heads to the fridge.
You eye the computer. "Am I allowed to be holding this?"
"Sure! That's just like my writing one. The state secrets and world domination plans go on the tower. You want anything? Drink? Seamless?"

Krin keeps her desktop spare and neat. There's a link to Chrome, a recycle bin with 6 files in it, a shortcut to Plants Vs Zombies, and two folders: Pix and Writing.

Her writing folder is open. It has a list of text files arranged by date.
The latest ones are:
script.doc
heartlessness.doc
thing for mark.doc
dafdfdfasdfsfdads.doc
War thing.doc
thing22.doc
nsfw.doc
ripening vintage.doc
odysseus and teiresias.doc

1]] Open one of the documents: _________
2]] Open Pix.
3]] Check the recycling.
4]] Open Chrome.
5]] Open Plants Vs. Zombies.
6]] Seamless sounds good. Are you in the mood for ___________?
7]] Come pick one of these for me to read, Krin.
8]] Join Krin in the kitchen because you didn't just come here to read.
9]] _______________
>>
No. 768739 ID: 3b108e

8
9: Ask her where she keeps her erotic fan fiction
>>
No. 768740 ID: 3b108e

>>768739
Oh yeah and open all the documents and pictures, read them while you're fucking her doggystyle to keep yourself interested in something
>>
No. 768741 ID: 097ede

>>768738
1]] Open one of the documents: script.doc
>>
No. 768742 ID: 05758b

>>768738
3]]

There will be time for the rest later. Reading through her recycling could possibly yield:

1) Crappy stories she didn't want to keep (opportunities for negs and teasing)
2) Lewd stories
3) Personal info
4) Self nudes she was too embarrassed to send
5) Boring drafts and temp files (hopefully it is not this one)
6) And so much more????
>>
No. 768743 ID: 7b7ab3

1. War thing.doc
>>
No. 768744 ID: 258723

>>768741
This. Just start from the top.
>>
No. 768745 ID: 398fe1

1]] Open one of the documents: dafdfdfasdfsfdads.doc

That is a JUICY filename.
>>
No. 768746 ID: ebf215

>>768744
Yeah.
>>
No. 768750 ID: e22b1d

>>768742
This
>>
No. 768751 ID: 91ee5f

>>768738
5]] Open Plants Vs. Zombies.

Let's be a complete asshole and beat her high score.
>>
No. 768757 ID: ce2e2f

Open the recycling bin and nsfw.doc
>>
No. 768764 ID: 901bfc

7. why yall snoopin
>>
No. 768768 ID: 350a50

>>768727
You completely missed the point of everything I said and 'addressed' issues I didn't even mention, reread and try again.

>>768738
1, dafdfdfasdfsfdads.doc
>>
No. 768770 ID: 9145ba

1) Open Chrome.
2) Type in tgchan.org.
3) Browse catalog.
>>
No. 768773 ID: 094652

Check the recycling bin, copy everything and paste it in an email, then to seal the deal, find some hacker spam and copy THAT and send the whole fake spam to yourself.
>>
No. 768777 ID: 16bad7
File 148299844587.png - (5.53KB , 960x560 , 645.png )
768777

You open script.doc, which is on the last page:

ADAM
And i think of Odysseus
[Tight focus: ADAM's reflection, reversed in his glass. RACHAEL's hand coming down from top of frame to look for his

RACHAEL
Odysseus and Circe again

ADAM
No
I'm past Odysseus and Circe
Aren't you

[RACHAEL doesn't speak]

ADAM
[Tight focus on ADAM's hand holding glass. RACHAEL's hovers over]
Odysseus past the homeland of the Cimmerians, through the mist, and there to the underworld. And when he beached his ship and dug the trench and butchered the sacrifices, and the blood, and he met the host of the dead

RACHAEL
Adam please. Adam baby

ADAM
And he recognizes his shipmates. With their skulls open and their chests open. And he realizes that he knows all of them. This host.
[V.O over tableaux. no music here. clink of glass, breathing, keep sound in room. int. overhead of KEVIN in sleeping MARGO's lap, both lying in bathtub, a Pietà. We track out and can see the needle in Kevin's arm, other addicts to right in frame. We are in the trap]

ADAM
Friends

[ext. day: RAZKTITEK, on Earth now, reflective vest, looking thousand yard stare. Turns, swings girder past frame to wipe]

ADAM
Victims

[int. NAOMI, speaking on podium in deep focus. Camera is circling to reveal audience getting to feet and bulb flashes. Circle back to big genuine smile]
ADAM
His mother
Seeing him but beyond sight
And he's holding the sword above the blood. Holding them away.

[We're back with ADAM and RACHAEL]
i think about his arms

RACHAEL
[Knowing he can't]
Can you touch me

ADAM
How he holds them up for hours. They shake until the feeling goes.
[We're back on the beach. Ext. morning. ADAM spattered with ISAAC's blood, looking at nothing, shock crystals going off behind him]
Because his offering isn't for them. It's for Tiresias.
[LT screaming at him again out of frame but we keep in on his face this time]
The theban
The Blind Seer
[We cut out to what ADAM is looking at. Fantastic sunrise, smoke from Martha's Vineyard rising in bg. held, then:
back to ADAM. looking directly at RACHAEL now. Hard look. An "I know what you did" look.]
To show him how to come home.

[RACHAEL breaks eye contact, tries to reestablish, can't. ADAM is still staring. Give this at least 10 seconds, silence.]

[Bump to black]


You open dafdfdfasdfsfdads.doc:

Her nails scored eight crimson lacerations on his chest. Her foot found his stomach and pushed. But no paroxysm, no deterrence could extend to him now. Something must have happened in the mind meld: something incomprehensible. Not only was this two-eyed monster still alive but some primal switch had been flipped. She realized too late, as he reached for her, that she had awakened something under this human's surface, something abyssopelagic, something with sharp teeth, and now he was coming to swallow her whole. No more training; no more indoctrination; nothing now in his wild twin eyes but a mammalian lust.

His callused hands tore her from her frock with soldierly ease. The cold air against her chest controverting the heat coming off him, the breath from his broad, bony nose, his grip, all spoke to her with such clarity it made her yelp: what you have dreamed of, what you have longed for, what you have dreaded, is happening. Now. And there's nothing you can do to st

Looks like she stopped this one midway through.
>>
No. 768778 ID: 16bad7
File 148299845594.png - (16.83KB , 960x560 , 646.png )
768778

You open the recycling bin.

"Zack?" Krin calls from the kitchenette. "Thirsty?"

You quickly close the recycling bin. "Hmmm?"

"You're not reading yet, are you?" Krin is rummaging through her fridge. "Cuz there's some like, crummy crummy stuff on there. Actually it's mostly crummy. I'm trying to think of what you should see."
>>
No. 768780 ID: 094652

Typical facebook fanfic junkie. Just... wonderful.

Ask her if she can reinforce her windows with steel bars. Talk about your sister; do you think she started Visiting, or is she with the human-supremacist rebels?
>>
No. 768781 ID: 9f3729

>>768777
"Food sounds nice. This one with the human and the oculot is pretty spicy."
>>
No. 768782 ID: ebf215

Nope! Nothing yet!
(Back to the desktop. Back to the desktop!)
Something to drink sounds lovely!
>>
No. 768784 ID: 7b7ab3

"Don't sell yourself short, Krin. Anyway! How about that apple juice?"
>>
No. 768785 ID: 7b7ab3

>>768784
Oh, and let's close anything incriminating.
Do not alienate our host.
>>
No. 768787 ID: 487443

kome, you ok there buddy? you seem more paranoid than usual these past few days

admit to reading the last page of script. ask what it's about because i legit can't tell.
>>
No. 768790 ID: 9145ba

More texts to restore in the recycle bin! Move them to C:\ in case you don't get a chance to delete them again before you get pulled away.
>>
No. 768791 ID: 97cee0

Oh boy I went to sleep and when I wake up we've not only gone up but we've already got a head start on being a skeevy creeper. Who could have seen this coming.

Close the recycle bin and dafdfdfasdfsfdads.doc and tell her you just opened this one called script.doc. Comment on not being as up on your greek epics as you should be. (Unless classical literature somehow entered your repertoire during your sculptor days, Zack? Or any other time?)

Interesting puzzle to those pictures, though. They're clearly taken with the intent (or fantasy) of showing them to someone, but she's put them away. I doubt she took them out of some whim of showing Zack since she hasn't known him long enough. It's possible she has a boyfriend already, or someone who she'd like to be her boyfriend, or she might just be thinking of joining some raunchy dating site. Or maybe taking photos of herself like that is just her fetish!
>>
No. 768806 ID: 693e9c

>>768778
ohhh... i just kind of started, ill stop and let you pick.
take a step back and stop invading her personal space. leave the two things you read open so she knows what you looked at but, don't let her know you rummaged through her recycle bin.
>>
No. 768808 ID: 5f5214

>>768782
>>768784
>>768785
>>768791
These.
>>
No. 768812 ID: f562b1

No need to say you didn't look at anything. Say you looked at the script, less likely to make her worry you may have seen the recycling bin that way.
>>
No. 768814 ID: 5f2b81

>>768778
lol oops.

"Yup! Already learning all your secrets. Jeez, I had no idea you mastered five different martial arts by age 7, that's pretty hardcore. I'm liking what I saw in your script so far; you do a really good job of building and holding tension. There's some kind of classic Greek crossover thing going on? What's the story there? I only saw the last page or two."
>>
No. 768815 ID: 05758b

>>768778
>not bringing up the nudes
You would be insane not to mention them. Come up with a watery lie as to why the recycle bin was opened accidentally, mention how she forgot to empty it, then comment openly on her bod.
>>
No. 768816 ID: 0555b9

All you saw was the script, honest. You were just getting started.
(quietly undelete the text files.)
>>
No. 768817 ID: 159d4a

"Just a bit of your script. Seems interesting. Mind telling me about it?"
Close the recycle bin and the porn.
Please don't alienate our new friend.
>>
No. 768818 ID: 8d8ba4

>>768817
She's literally an alien. Ask her if she's ready to fuck.
>>
No. 768820 ID: 5f2b81

>>768815
>>768818
Don't do this.
You guys are pretty crass. Do these strategies work for you irl? Legitimate question.
>>
No. 768826 ID: 398fe1

Ask her where the fanfiction is.
>>
No. 768827 ID: 8d8ba4

>>768820
Bitches don't want to sit and talk. They go to spineless barista ladymen for that. Show her you're virile and interested and quit pussyfooting around.
>>
No. 768831 ID: 5f2b81

>>768827
You're dodging my question. Does it work for you?
>>
No. 768833 ID: 8d8ba4

>>768831
Depends on how much self esteem the girl has. If it's real low it works. Go for it Zack mah bbboi.
>>
No. 768835 ID: 5f2b81

>>768833
Pretty predatory, my dude. Sounds like the start to a short-lived, exploitative, and unsatisfying (for her) sexual relationship, at best. How about we continue to be kind and empathic towards visitors? It's clearly been working for us so far.
>>
No. 768836 ID: 03999c

>>768808

+1 vote for this as well.
>>
No. 768837 ID: ed23eb

>>768820
Don't do the things these guys are referring to. You want to be a decent human being, not an abusive creep.
>>
No. 768840 ID: f7029c

do not be a weird creep
>>
No. 768841 ID: c441c1

Be the bad-man say you were just looking at her selfies and say you would love some apple-juice.
>>
No. 768845 ID: 16bad7
File 148305178790.png - (53.64KB , 960x560 , 647.png )
768845

"Yep, just browsing your deepest secrets. I had no idea you mastered five different martial arts by age 7."
Krin giggles. "Well I can't demonstrate it cause every move is a killing move. In all of them."
"There's actually this one I glanced at? Script.doc?"
"Oooh." Krin gets out a bottle of apple juice and pours two glasses. "The screenplay thing?"
"Just glanced at the last page. I like the tension in it but I'm not really up to date on my Homer enough to get what was going on."
"That's like just some potboiler I'm doing a rewrite on," Krin says. "Not my fave. The studios like shopping them out to me so they can get some Visitor perspective they'll never actually use. I ended up adding a whole thing about Odysseus in the Underworld cause I'm a dork."

She sits down next to you and her knee brushes yours. It's weird how different it feels to sit next to someone when you've seen what they look like under their clothes. You can't help but notice the way the tendons in her neck move when she swallows her drink.

"But like it's such a fascination with me right now," she says. "That whole volume. And just the idea in general of the heroic action of waiting. Like the epic masculinity does but to endure is so often the epic female's job. You know? Waiting for Odysseus to come home. So to see him have to wait, too, again and again-- And I guess, like, the focus on the liminal space of the return from war. It always bugged me how everyone just thinks of the Cyclops and Scylla and Charybdis and stuff when that whole fantasy part is just like a tenth of the book."
"Humans love their monsters."
"Mmm." She closes script.doc and scans her documents. "Anyway it was like a really thin script when it came to me, I kind of went overboard... don't think they're gonna actually use most of my stuff. But you gotta put what you can out there. Huh." She finds dafdfdfasdfsfdads.doc and drags it to her recycling bin. "Thought I'd already deleted that one."
"What was it?"
"Just some notes for work," she lies. "Here's one."
She opens ripening vintage.doc.

On the morning of the twelfth of July, you read, Charlie wallpapered the bathroom with last night's Franzia, took three pills from a bottle he didn't recognize, and conceived of his first ever great idea, which killed him five months later.
"There we go," Krin says. "It's kind of a small-scale domestic thing, but they always said walk before you fly."

You read while Krin pads around her living room, picking things up and trying not to look at you reading her stuff.
You find yourself getting engrossed in this. Krin called it small-scale but you're already internally nodding along to this guy, hot mess though he may be. You don't normally go in for this kind of stuff, but her writing has a kind of clarity and self-reflexiveness to it that keeps you going.
You realize five minutes have already gone by. This thing has firmly grabbed you. Krin's running out of stuff to tidy.

1]] Keep reading.
2]] This isn't bad for a young author, Krin.
3]] This is actually really good. This reminds me of Jennifer Egan.
4]] Can you email the rest of this to me so I can keep going later?
5]] You're gonna pace a hole in your rug. Come sit next to me.
6]] This could take me a while. You want to order lunch?
7]] This is really good but I feel weird coming over and reading in front of you. Why don't we _______ instead?
8]] Reopen her recycling bin and read those other text files.
9]] Do something else on her computer: ____________
10]] Mention the files in her recycling bin besides dafdfdfasdfsfdads.doc
11]] ____________________
>>
No. 768846 ID: 595d54

5, 8 and 10.
>>
No. 768847 ID: 5f2b81

3, 4, 5. You can read it later in your spare time. Let's chat her up. Serious sexual tension between you guys rn.
>>
No. 768848 ID: 9f0bca

Welp, that was a bit creeptastic of us. : /

I think we should say we looked at the script one, and compliment her, not sure about the other one. Definitely don't mention we looked in the recycling bin. Although I think we're going to pay for that on some level now regardless. Maybe we should just lie completely, but that feels wrong.

Ask for apple juice.
>>
No. 768849 ID: 9f3729

>>768845
3,4,5.
Dont do 10, what're you an idiot
>>
No. 768850 ID: bb78f2

>>768845
3, 5, 11] Start Yodeling.
>>
No. 768851 ID: 18c9f5

3 , 4 , 5
>>
No. 768852 ID: 9f0bca

Woops, missed the update lol

I think 3., 4., 5. sounds good. I wonder if we keep reading, maybe she'll come back to sit with us of her own accord though. Just being totally gripped by her writing is probably the strongest endorsement we could give.

I'm going to go with: 1.,3.,4.,5.
At some point we'll stop reading, but it can happen naturally. If she like, ends up sitting next to us with her head on our shoulder as we read, that'd be pretty adorable.
>>
No. 768854 ID: 5f5214

3, 4, 5.
>>
No. 768855 ID: 03999c

Yeah.... 3,4 and 5.
>>
No. 768862 ID: 16bad7
File 148305730760.png - (91.88KB , 960x560 , 648.png )
768862

You tap the couch next to you. "Krin you're gonna pace a hole in your rug. Come sit."
"Sorry!" Krin tries to still her feet. "I just get-- like really nervous when people read my stuff in front of me. You know?"
"Would it help if I say I'm really digging it?"
She quarter gasps. "You are?"
"This is actually really good."
Krin smiles so big she could be a pez dispenser. "It does??"
"Can you email the rest of this to me so I can keep going later?"
"Yeah! Yeah yeah for sure. I'll send it to you ASAP."
"Awesome. Come sit with me."
She scurries back to the couch and sits on the other side of the stuffed elephant from you.
"Yeah. Damn. This is good stuff." You hand the laptop back over. "So far it kind of reminds me of Jennifer Egan."
"Ohmigod this is gonna be such a New York Girl thing to say but I love her. Like Goon Squad... like it was what made me like glad I'm on Earth. Um." She looks up at you. "Thank you."

She tries to find something else to say, can't, and blushes. She picks at the stuffed elephant's plush fuzz in the silence.
>>
No. 768863 ID: c441c1

While continuing to read "accidentally" open the recycle bin.
>>
No. 768866 ID: 9f3729

>>768863
this would be hilarious but how do you accidentally do that
>>
No. 768867 ID: 5f5214

"Thank you, Krin. I really needed this. Is there anything else you wanted to do?"
>>
No. 768868 ID: 9f0bca

>>768863

are you testing me satan
>>
No. 768870 ID: 7b7ab3

"You're welcome, Krin."
>>
No. 768872 ID: 0c8311

>>768870
This.
She said "thank you" after all.
>>
No. 768873 ID: 9f0bca

"Don't worry about it."

She said thank you, but that doesn't mean we need to imply that she was right to be grateful for our praise. If the praise was warranted, she shouldn't have to thank us for it.

Maybe try picking at the stuffed elephant as well, and ending up very slightly touching hands? I dunno. Might also be an idea to ask her what she was going to say; deep conversations can be good and it seemed important to her.

>>768867

This isn't bad, although it may possibly put slightly too much onus on her, and she seems keen but nervous.
>>
No. 768877 ID: 38bb9e

>>768873
This.
>>
No. 768878 ID: 595d54

holy overthinking batman

kiss the girl
>>
No. 768880 ID: b85af9

>>768878
This!!!
>>
No. 768886 ID: 9f0bca

>>768878

This is also not a bad plan lol
>>
No. 768895 ID: 97cee0

>>768870

This.

No kissing.
>>
No. 768897 ID: e22b1d

This
>>768870

Then this
>>768878
>>
No. 768901 ID: 18c9f5

>>768895
I concur.
>>
No. 768907 ID: 16bad7
File 148306317769.png - (6.52KB , 960x560 , 147137371917.png )
768907

OK, Zack. This seems like a big moment and a contentious thing, so let's make sure we're clear on the gameplan.

Do you kiss this Oculot?

1]] Yeah!!!
2]] No!!!
3]] _________
>>
No. 768908 ID: c441c1

NO!!! tease her into oblivion
>>
No. 768909 ID: efa855

2
>>
No. 768910 ID: e22b1d

1111111
>>
No. 768913 ID: 9f3729

There is little reason not to, 1
>>
No. 768914 ID: 595d54

>>768907
1
>>
No. 768915 ID: 987bda

>>768907
No.
Not while Poly is upset; the girls could take that a very wrong way.
>>
No. 768916 ID: ce2e2f

1. She pretty clearly wants you to.
>>
No. 768918 ID: 595d54

>>768915
Mate we've already gone over that, it's cool. But just for you:

3: Fingerfuck her on top of my earlier vote for 1.
>>
No. 768920 ID: 3abd97

It takes 2 to awkwardly sit on a couch and do nothing with each other.
>>
No. 768921 ID: 9f3729

as an amendment to my one though we should probably A: introduce her to everyone, and B: resolve the whole poly situation BEFORE we make moves.

There's no real good reason to not keep that door open but we can be smart about it
>>
No. 768922 ID: 7b7ab3

2.
>>
No. 768924 ID: b85af9

1
>>
No. 768926 ID: 9f0bca

I love how the quest essentially fritzes out when it's thrown a more realistic (still quite stacked in our favour) date where our paramour isn't happy to take the lead and communicate extremely clearly what they want. It's amazing.

Anyway... fuck it.

1, and damn the torpedoes!
>>
No. 768927 ID: 18c9f5

2

We've known her for like a day

Like i'm not against kissing her just don't do it now. At the very least wait for a better moment.
>>
No. 768930 ID: 4854ef

1
>>
No. 768934 ID: fb1c7d

1

I mean, looking at the images after we called her cute at the coffee shop and going from a frown to a massive grin shows that our calling her cute made her really happy. Hell, she might not be into this but that's alright we can always awkwardly back off but she might and she is adorable so I will take that chance.
>>
No. 768936 ID: 7b7ab3

3]] Ask her if she wants to kiss.
>>
No. 768937 ID: 9f0bca

>>768927

I mean yeah, it's not been that long, but this was pretty clearly a date, she's clearly into us, we're back at her apartment, and she's blushing whilst saying thank you for reading her work. Short of the poor girl holding up instructional flashcards, I'm not sure if there's going to be a better moment. :v

I mean, if you had something scripted to try to create and even deeper and more personal moment, then feel free to share it, but otherwise -assuming we want to- this seems like as good a moment as any.
>>
No. 768940 ID: 693e9c

She is in her 20s. She's going to live like 800 more years. Is she still a minor by ocelot standards. We should let her make the first move anyway if anything
>>
No. 768941 ID: 595d54

>>768940
>Is she still a minor by ocelot standards.
She has nudes of herself on her computer so I really doubt that.
>>
No. 768944 ID: 309d35

2. remember the big todo over self control?
>>
No. 768952 ID: 97cee0

2!!!!
>>
No. 768955 ID: 0bd80e

2
>>
No. 768957 ID: 05758b

>>768907
Kissing is Not Enough

It's time...to eat ass
>>
No. 768958 ID: f73f9e

1!
>>
No. 768961 ID: 03999c

2.
>>
No. 768965 ID: 693e9c

>>768941
You clearly have no female realitives ranging 13 to 17
>>
No. 768967 ID: 6792a0

>>768907
2!!!
>>
No. 768968 ID: 595d54

>>768965
More that I kinda doubt Brom is drawing naked teenagers
>>
No. 768969 ID: a107fd

>>768936
Voting for good consent practices. Whenever the intimacy in question is worth doing, it's worth delaying slightly in order to do right.

Also, assuming she says yes, call Bika and let them know what's going on. See how far Krin's blush extends when you ask Bika whether making out with a previous client violates any of your visitor-advocate professional ethics and/or dulabira romantic obligations.
>>
No. 768970 ID: 564375

1
>>
No. 768971 ID: 398fe1

Kiss the girl.
>>
No. 768978 ID: 4623e5

2!!!
>>
No. 768979 ID: ec8e69

1
>>
No. 768981 ID: 16bad7

To ensure no proxies are happening, because I'm seeing a lot of mighty unfamiliar IDs, and because it's so freaking tight and I want to get to work, I'm cutting the vote off now and starting the update.
>>
No. 768983 ID: 9145ba

No siree bobcat!
>>
No. 768998 ID: 350a50

Damn, too late.
>>
No. 769003 ID: 094652

PAT HER HEAD.
>>
No. 769010 ID: 952ab0

Oh boy, I have no vote in this matter, but I do love watching the ride. The argument, the passion, the arbitration.

Lemme just sit here and endure while you all does
>>
No. 769011 ID: 01134a

>>768907
1
>>
No. 769024 ID: 16bad7
File 148308225895.png - (125.39KB , 960x800 , 649.png )
769024

>>
No. 769025 ID: 16bad7
File 148308227268.png - (128.00KB , 960x800 , 650.png )
769025

>>
No. 769027 ID: 9f3729

>>769025
you're cute, you down to meet the others some time?
>>
No. 769029 ID: e66267

Y'know, you're all so horny that you didn't stop to think that maybe your HVAO accelerated robo-mackin isn't appropriate for uninvolved visitor interactions.

Your hitting on a girl who asked you for an escort home cause she thought she was gonna get jumped. A second date would've prolly been a better choice for someone who's incapable of making a move themselves, like this one. Also using zacks star power to get in her apartment and now pants is totally a slimeball thing to do. Also, while poly has no place to complain, hitting on another oculot as soon as you are on the outs with her is triple slimeball.
>>
No. 769031 ID: 7b7ab3

"Sorry. Was that too much? My life of late has left me a bit... looser about this kind of thing."
>>
No. 769034 ID: 9f3729

>>769031
ye this actually
>>
No. 769035 ID: 0c8311

>>769031
>>769034
Third.
>>
No. 769037 ID: 595d54

Hey, remember that fapfic she wrote about a human ravishing an oculot female? I'm guessing this is the beginning of her fetish. Keep calm and don't even start freaking out before you give her a chance to react.

If she still doesn't do anything after enough time, then I guess try something like >>769031
>>
No. 769040 ID: 16bad7
File 148308382303.png - (78.03KB , 960x800 , 651.png )
769040

"Was that too m--"
>>
No. 769041 ID: 16bad7
File 148308383301.png - (77.45KB , 960x800 , 652.png )
769041

>>
No. 769042 ID: 595d54

>>769041
See? Now go with it, don't you fucking DARE back out at this point. Pull her close, kiss her back, see how far you two go before anyone even thinks to object. Don't worry about it.
>>
No. 769044 ID: 7b7ab3

>>769041
"Krin, I am enjoying this immensely, but there are some things you need to know first. About me and my job."
>>
No. 769046 ID: 9f3729

>>769044
"I'm a bit of a dingus and I date aliens for a living"
Let's do >>769040 instead, it's a better plan that won't make us come off as a weirdo or risk us spilling the fact we're secret spies or hilariously bad at handling multiple relationships and lately social situations in general
>>
No. 769047 ID: 0c8311

>>769044
>>769046
>"Krin, I am enjoying this immensely, but there are some things you need to know first. About me and my job."
>"I'm a bit of a dingus and I date aliens for a living"
"Also things are not so great right now. I've got a girlfriend who's upset and the world's falling apart. So that's me."
>>
No. 769048 ID: 595d54

Oh come on guys, the best thing to say right now is: nothing, do not talk at all, just enjoy the moment and do what comes naturally
>>
No. 769052 ID: 398fe1

Guys she knows who Zack Nguyen is. Plus, the drama with Poly shouldn't really affect this. Even if it does, Poly explained early on that Oculots don't have a lot of jealousy issues. Even if there's a little, that's normal for dulabiras.

>>769041
Makeouts continue, escalate with groping as is standard.
>>
No. 769056 ID: 16bad7
File 148308976873.png - (50.19KB , 960x700 , 653.png )
769056

You pull her back in and she wraps herself around you again. She tastes like apple.

She's fumbling with the top button of her shirt. You twist her around (she's very light) so she's sitting reversed in your lap, and help her.
There are tiny downy white hairs along her neck, which stand up as you kiss the nape and send goosebumps up her spine. She pushes her slim hips into your lap and you feel up her inner thigh. She squeezes your wrist, and grinds her butt against your crotch as you get closer to a very soft and very very wet part of her little black shorts. Her breath is shallow and shaky.
"What are we-- are you gonna-- are you gonna--" She can't get the words out.

1]] Don't say anything. Keep going.
2]] Do you want me to?
3]] Yes.
4]] Am I gonna what?
5]] Not this time. Not yet.
6]] What you have dreamed of, what you have longed for, what you have dreaded, is happening. Now. And there's nothing you can do to stop it.
7]] What you have dreamed of, what you have longed for, what you have dreaded, is happening. Now. And there's nothing you can do to-- how was that part supposed to end?
8]] _____________
>>
No. 769059 ID: f796cb

>>769056
2.
C O N S E N T
is not a four letter word.
>>
No. 769060 ID: 2120ee

>>769056
8]] "EEERRRNNNGGGH YEEEAAAAH TIMETAFUCK"
>>
No. 769061 ID: aa7da2

2. She's our host, so she gets to set the pace. Manners.
>>
No. 769062 ID: 595d54

6 :^)

If that's unpopular, then as a backup:

4. Make her articulate what she's begging for and confirm that she wants this without breaking her fantasy's immersion.
>>
No. 769063 ID: 7b7ab3

2.
>>
No. 769065 ID: e136ae

1, but just tease her until she begs for it. Not only does this grant consent but the sex will be so much better. Remember kids, the bigger the build-up, the bigger the pop. It's just basic chemistry.
>>
No. 769066 ID: 9f3729

>>769056
4 and 2
>>
No. 769067 ID: b744c5

>>769056
I'd say a combo of 4 and 2 here.
>>
No. 769073 ID: 7d8168

4, 2... and maaaaaybe 5. Like, if she seems nervous about it, we can say something like "yeah, we're moving kind of fast aren't we," then give her a chance to disagree if she wants.
>>
No. 769074 ID: 03999c

2
>>
No. 769087 ID: e53574

>>769056
2+4, if she's even a tiny bit unsure or hesitant then 5.
>>
No. 769090 ID: b15da4

2+4. Well shit, you knuckleheads just couldn't resist taking advantage of her huh? And now it's too late.
>>
No. 769091 ID: 8963ff

>>769056
I was against this action in the first place! But since we're here now....

First of all 2, as a true gentleman ALWAYS acts for consent, just to make sure Krin REALLY wants this and is not just raw emotion. Then 4 just to tease her a bit and lastly 5 if she's still hesitant to go that far yet.
>>
No. 769092 ID: 5f2b81

6.
>>
No. 769107 ID: 350a50

2, or 5 if she says no.
>>
No. 769111 ID: 18844a

2, 4 and a vote AGAINST 6.
>>
No. 769113 ID: 5f2b81

>>769111
It's possible to do 6 in a playful way, so that she knows you're quoting her and not actually being threatening. I'm sure she'll get it. Just whisper it all sexy into her ear, and judge how to proceed based upon how she reacts. $50 says she'll squirm and grind her ass into our crotch, which is as green a light as anyone should need. Remember, nonverbal communication is still communication.
>>
No. 769115 ID: 9f0bca

Alea iacta est, I guess!

4., 2. in that order. Making sure to follow up relatively promptly with 2. if 4. leaves her speechless.

Maybe 7. if we really want to tease her, but althouth amusing I think that'd be slightly too cruel. :P
>>
No. 769144 ID: 16bad7
File 148313093720.png - (50.73KB , 960x560 , 654.png )
769144

You slide your hand just south of the border of her shorts. It's very warm and very humid.
She's wearing a thong with little lace butterflies and flowers. It matches her bra. You have a feeling that's not a coincidence.
"Do you want me to?" you ask.
She nods. Her hair tickles your chin. It's exactly as soft and fluffy as it looked.
You confirm with your fingers that the trim little tuft between her legs is too.
"To what, exactly?"
"Zack," she pleads. Her nails are digging into your arm. "Please. Do me. Please."


1]] Do you what?
2]] Take that as your cue.
3]] Get her off but don't go all the way.
4]] Say nope and retract your hand.
5]] ____________
>>
No. 769145 ID: 595d54

>>769144
hmmmm I wonder if consent is still somehow unclear???

oh well yolo time to:
2. Take that as your cue
>>
No. 769147 ID: c441c1

4 all the way.
>>
No. 769148 ID: 9f3729

>>769144
2 you screw
>>
No. 769152 ID: 595d54

>>769144
oh right and just in case there isn't a chance later, also do:

5. Call Polyphema in the middle of sex, preferably right when Krin is having a mindblowing orgasm, and tell her she's been replaced.
>>
No. 769157 ID: 38a105

>>769144
2.
>>
No. 769158 ID: bfa535

>>769144
2

>>769152
I'm assuming this is a joke.
>>
No. 769159 ID: 0555b9

4.

Don't forget to use protection from now on - HVAO protection.
>>
No. 769160 ID: 350a50

3
>>
No. 769165 ID: 595d54

>>769158
It isn't.
>>
No. 769166 ID: 7b7ab3

Well, shoot.
I'm really tempted to tease her, but I also really want to see her satisfied.
Then again, I'm really concerned about the consequences of all this. How far will this reach? How will it affect our relationships? Are we leading her on? How bad could all this go?
Compromise.
I'll say 3.
>>
No. 769167 ID: 01134a

>>769144
2
>>
No. 769173 ID: c892c3

2. Give the girl what she wants.
>>
No. 769177 ID: 9f0bca

2.
>>
No. 769181 ID: eb3cf7

Guyyyyyyzzzzz you aren't teasing her enough! She's clearly pretty kinky. Make her beg some more. 1. And grab a fistful of her hair. For cryin' out loud...
>>
No. 769183 ID: e22b1d

1! Bully the sheep!
>>
No. 769184 ID: 9f0bca

Changed my mind after I voted. Teasing is fun and she's clearly into it.

I think I'll go for: 1.,3.
>>
No. 769189 ID: 9145ba

4. You need to keep that hand clean for fedora tipping.
>>
No. 769194 ID: 211d83

1.

Make her ask for it.
>>
No. 769200 ID: 3c21b8

>>769144
5]]
>>
No. 769202 ID: d409b4

>>769200
5 what?
>>
No. 769212 ID: 461015

1, while fingerbang commences.
>>
No. 769234 ID: 9fce19

Teasing the hell out of her is going to be the difference between this being a fun lay and the best sex of her life.
>>
No. 769242 ID: 3795c1

>>769194
Definitely this
>>
No. 769245 ID: 987bda

>>769144
For the record, this was a bad idea.
>>
No. 769364 ID: eb3cf7

>>769245
Eh. Debatable. It'll be pretty hot sex, I think. That's always a plus in my book.
>>
No. 769380 ID: f6ba27
File 148322442536.png - (100.20KB , 960x560 , 655.png )
769380

"Do you what?"
"Zaaack," she whimpers, then gasps as she feels your index finger inside her.
"I thought writers valued specificity."
She chokes out a giggle between her convulsive breaths and flexes her butt. "Don't be-- don't be mean-- ohmigoddddd" Middle joins index. It's an extremely tight fit.
"Just say what you want." You spread your fingers out and getting more space to work in.
She writhes, pushing her hip out in the rhythm you're using. "I c-- I can't-- I--" Her feet press against your knees, toes curling. Her butt is jerking around so much you need to hold her hips in place. "I--"

Her back arches. She screams. Something hot and clear gushes out between your knuckles and arcs across the room into the kitchenette.

>>
No. 769381 ID: f6ba27
File 148322447551.png - (70.31KB , 960x560 , 656.png )
769381

"Ohmigod." She collapses back into your lap and laces her hands into her hair. "Oh no. Oh ew ew ew." She stares out from under her curls. "What did I--" She feels your fingers inside of her and your boner on her lower back and looks up at you, blushing hugely.

1]] Don't say anything and keep going.
2]] Ew.
3]] That was hot.
4]] Ooo me next.
5]] Should we stop?
6]] You still haven't clarified.
7]] That's enough for today I think.
8]] You got a towel?
9]] ________________

>>
No. 769382 ID: bb78f2

7]]

Unless now SHE wants to make us beg. It's only fair.
>>
No. 769386 ID: 398fe1

3.
>>
No. 769388 ID: 595d54

>>769381
8 and keep going after whatever she answers, whoever cleans up eventually.
>>
No. 769390 ID: 7b7ab3

3, 7.
"That was hot, but that's enough for today I think."
Always leave them wanting more.
>>
No. 769392 ID: a4bd7f

>>769382
>>769386
>>769390
These. We've worked out some kinks, worked out some "kinks", satisfied a pretty girl, and had a good time doing it. Mission accomplished.
>>
No. 769394 ID: 094652

Don't drink that. Please.

That should be enough. Back away and give her a few days to think about this.
>>
No. 769396 ID: 299635

4,3 or 1. If we stop now she'll think we were grossed out. This suggestion is definitely not just because i want to see sheep oculot porn.
>>
No. 769401 ID: 3e1319

>>769392
This.
Why did Zack come out to hang with Krin?
To get away from the job and the dulabira for awhile and clear his head.
Objective complete.
Why did Krin want to hang with Zack?
To thank him for his help and live out a little fantasy.
Objective complete.
Both parties are satisfied.
The day is done, the battle is won.
Let's leave it at that.
>>
No. 769406 ID: e22b1d

Enough torturing the poor girl, 1! We can't tease her like this and not go all the way. She's clearly already frazzled and confused as it is.
>>
No. 769409 ID: 3795c1

3 and 4 without the "ooo"
>>
No. 769421 ID: 299635

>>769409
This
>>
No. 769431 ID: 9f0bca

3.,4.,6.

As an aside, I like the focus on non-penetrative sex here.
>>
No. 769437 ID: 350a50

7, 8
>>
No. 769448 ID: 8963ff

>>769381
3, 7, and 8.
>>
No. 769451 ID: 9f0bca

If we stop now I think she may worry that she did something wrong, whatever we say. Giving her the opportunity to return the favour isn't necessarily a selfish decision here. It could be the more considerate one.
>>
No. 769460 ID: 299635

>>769451
Seriously, guys. This. She has confidence problems. We should let her have a turn.
>>
No. 769464 ID: 9145ba

5.

For the record, this was a bad idea.
>>
No. 769476 ID: e22b1d

4 3
>>
No. 769480 ID: 01134a

>>769381
1
>>
No. 769490 ID: dd0192

>>769381
3. "that wasn't pee if that's what's worrying you"
5; if she wants to stop, let her calm down in a cuddle for a little while. or cuddle after she cleans up. a long warm hug at the very very least. make sure she's not walking away from this ashamed of her orgasms!
if she's ok to continue, that's also good. 4 in that case.

do mind that she might want to keep going after she cleans up, calmed down, and hugged out. that'd be cool too. if not, that's cool as well.
>>
No. 769491 ID: 2161bb

Whatever we do, I urge caution. Krin is an Occulot, but she's also an Earthling. We don't know what her feelings are when it comes to romance and intimacy. She might be less ok with casual sex than others we've interacted with. We don't know how she feels about casual sex. This might not be just a little fantasy for her.

Just... tread carefully.
>>
No. 769518 ID: 9f0bca

>>769464

Why are you so convinced of this? It's a consensual encounter with a clearly eager partner which. Our other partners have clearly expressed being comfortable with us having casual partners in the past, and are part of a culture which also sees that as being fine. Is it certain that we won't regret this at some future point? Of course not. But there's no especial reason to view this as inherently going to end badly at the present.

Frankly, the awkwardness and tentativeness here is honestly closer to IRL than most of the first amorous encounters in this quest have been so far. Most people in the real world are not as confident in expressing what they want as Poly, GG, Bika and yes, even Meg were. This is because clearly expressing interest- or what you want- is very exposing and requires a tremendous amount of confidence. (Especially for women who like men, because patriarchy is fucking fun like that.) Things are often messy, slightly fraught, and always a little bit tentative, a little bit uncomfortably exposing. They can also be hugely rewarding at the same time and lead to good things. That's life.

If you think the entirely normal slight awkwardness on display here -and I realise that might not be your only reason- is a reason to view this as a mistake, then I think you're deeply off-base.

>>769491

This is a wholly valid point, however.
>>
No. 769521 ID: e4b614

>>769518
Well, it's also true that those girls all knew what they had signed up for, somewhat literally.
>>
No. 769522 ID: 9f0bca

>>769521

That's definitely true. I wasn't dissing their characterisation. It also doesn't invalidate the point I was making about the awkwardness and tentativeness here being pretty normal, rather than a sign that something is necessarily wrong.
>>
No. 769525 ID: a6727f

>>769491
>>769518
>>769521
>>769522
>>/questdis/81802
>>
No. 769554 ID: f562b1

5. Did she simply lose herself to libido? If so, it's good we kept it to foreplay.
>>
No. 769593 ID: f6ba27
File 148330575984.png - (164.17KB , 960x560 , 657.png )
769593

"That was hot." You gently remove your fingers.
She blinks in surprise. "It was?"
"I want a turn."
"Do you-- do you want me to--"
"Do you not want to? Should we stop?"
"Oh! No! No no." She's already taking her shirt off. The blush is still firmly planted on her face but it's joined by a smile that's equal parts nerve and excitement. "I just didn't-- I didn't know you wanted me."
"That was me inside you just now. If you didn't notice."
She giggles again while she's undoing her bra. "But how did you know that I-- Like I'm glad I just-- Why did you kiss me?"

1]] You're cute.
2]] I kind of got a clue from your human oculot thing.
3]] I kind of got a clue from what was in your recycle bin.
4]] I don't know.
5]] Why'd you invite me in?
6]] Go all the way.
7]] Don't go all the way this time. Ask her to ________ to finish you off.
8]] On second thought maybe it should be over now.
9]] ________________
>>
No. 769594 ID: c441c1

"Because I really, REALLY like apple juice."
>>
No. 769597 ID: a021a4

>>769593
1+2.
well mostly it felt like you were interested so i took a chance.
>>
No. 769602 ID: 595d54

>>769593
1, 2, 6.
>>
No. 769605 ID: 05758b

>>769593
"Same reason you invited me in: because I'm alpha as fuck"
>>
No. 769620 ID: a6727f

1, 5.
9]] How serious does she want this to be? Like, in terms of relationships?
>>
No. 769622 ID: 595d54

>>769605
That'd be nice to say but it's also categorically false and I doubt Zack could pull it off.
>>
No. 769624 ID: f2ab69

>>769620
This.
If she's looking for a serious relationship, then there's going to be complications.
If she's just looking for some fun, then that's not a problem at all.
>>
No. 769629 ID: 7b7ab3

>>769624
Seconded. Fun's fun, but Zack is already neck deep in girl trouble. He doesn't need more.
>>
No. 769630 ID: dea742

>>769525
I felt caution was a valid suggestion.

In any case, caution in mind, don't close any doors. Go with 1. She's cute, you like her, but you're not sure what she's after.

>>769594
Or this. Actually, yeah, lead with this.
>>
No. 769631 ID: 3795c1

4,1, and 5
Kinda seems like she invited us in hoping this would happen.
>>
No. 769656 ID: 350a50

>>769593
2, 7: Handy
>>
No. 769676 ID: 9f0bca

1.; 9. - You seemed to like me.; 5.; 7. Hand.

I'm unsure on 2., I'd like to be honest, but in a weird way I feel that might almost be kind of selfish on our part. We don't need to risk slightly spoiling a nice moment for Krin just to relieve our own sense of guilt over a mistake we made. OTOH, perhaps a guy she likes validating her fantasy would actually be really nice for her- it's kind of tricky. I'm still inclined more towards not saying it, I think though.
>>
No. 769684 ID: 9145ba

9) Because popping open a fresh can of Oculot pussy is easier than talking to Poly about her feelings.
>>
No. 769692 ID: 9f0bca

>>769684

We're pursuing a relationship with Krin because we find her interesting; just like we did with Poly. The only difference is that a government agency isn't telling us to do it, do you need that to be into someone? We also have some pretty strong indications at this point that we need to give Poly some space to get her head together before we talk to her, and that we need to be a bit less controlling in general even if our intentions are good.

Honestly there's been so much salt over what is a pretty normal albeit cute infatuation and hookup that Brom should consider opening his own mine.
>>
No. 769711 ID: 567eda

>>769593
1, 5, and 7. Handy
>>
No. 769728 ID: e22b1d

1, 5, 6
>>
No. 769751 ID: ce2e2f

>>769594
This

Also 6 because it gives her pleasure too
>>
No. 769753 ID: 094652

5, 8.
>>
No. 769754 ID: e136ae

6. It's pretty obvious why she invited Zack in. She's got a thing for xenolove. Give her what she wants Zack.
>>
No. 769772 ID: 01134a

>>769593
6
>>
No. 769780 ID: f6ba27
File 148335265891.png - (454.49KB , 945x700 , 658.png )
769780

"Because you're cute. Like I said. And I really, really like apple juice."
She giggles and helps you tug off your shirt. "Why did you invite me in?" you ask
"I don't know," Krin says. "I guess I just wanted a boy in my apartment. I haven't had a boy in this apartment. I didn't-- I didn't think this would happen."
"Then why the matching underwear?"
"Sometimes you just get really really really lucky."
"Do you want to keep the lucky streak going?"
You feel her heart flutter through her back. "Yes."

She switches the overhead light off and turns her christmas lights on. The room is suffused in amber. She messes with her phone for a second and music starts to play from a little bluetooth speaker near her laundry basket. Lykke Li, you think.
"So what do you want this to be?" you ask. "Like how serious?"
She rolls onto her bed and slides her thong the rest of the way off her long, freckly legs. A cheerful puff of blonde pubic hair and her two outstretched arms invite you to join her. "I don't know," she says. "Maybe you're really bad in bed."
"Is that a challenge?"
She giggles. You take it as one and climb in with her.
She undoes the zipper on your pants and feels her way into your boxers.
"Oh my God," she breathes. "It's really big."
Her saying that of course makes it bigger, and she eeps. "It's big!"
"Too big?"
"No but like-- I heard humans were supposed to be bigger but--" She pulls it out of your pants and stares at it. You're not sure if it's fear, lust, or both in her eye. "Oh my God," she repeats.
You're actually a little concerned now. "Do you not want to--"

But she's already slipping it down and into place. "I do." She closes her eye, takes a deep breath, and reopens it. "Push."
>>
No. 769781 ID: f6ba27
File 148335270831.png - (190.82KB , 960x800 , 659.png )
769781

You push, into something hot, sticky, and immediately head-dazing. Her breath rushes in, catches, and holds, then she moans something either unintelligible or Oculotti.
You pull back. Her body clings to you, unwilling to let you go.
"Good?" you ask.
She nods rapidly. You get moving.
Krin's body is skinny and petite, more than you're used to. Her arms are bony, and even when her stringy little muscles flex you can fit your hand all the way around her bicep. Your fingers go up her chest and you can feel the individual ribs. But what flesh is there is welcoming and warm, and she's soft, squishy, and bouncy in all the right places. And although she's clearly lacking in inexperience, you're realizing there must be something about Oculot girls that brings something cro-magnon out of you. You feel the need to put all your weight on her.
"Zack. Zack."
"Hmm?"
"Can we do doggy?"
You flip her onto her stomach in response. She's easy to throw around.
She buries her face in her pillows, and starts making little halting squeaks with each thrust. You start to worry again. "Am I hurting you?"
Shake shake shake.
You grab a handful of fluff and pull her head up to see her face and make sure she isn't just grin-and-bearing it. Her expression makes it obvious she isn't. The tug must have been enough to push her over again because her entire body locks up for a second then spasms, and suddenly your leg is soaked.
"I'm sorry," she says. "I'm sorry I'm sorry"
"Don't be."
"You're not bad you're not you're good! You're so good!" She props herself back up again, shakily. "I wanna do cowgirl."

>>
No. 769784 ID: f6ba27
File 148335281967.png - (114.76KB , 960x560 , 670.png )
769784

Over the next half hour she runs you through an entire playbook of positions, from A to Z. You keep having to remember to check in with your hips, but Krin is light, and her bed is soft, and they're holding up fine. She's getting wetter, louder, and lewder with every new thing you try. The slapping, squelching, and suction of body-on-body is getting so loud that she stops to turn the music up. You feel the faint suggestion of orgasm on your horizon, but you're having so much fun that you're in no real hurry to bring it closer.

She's sucking on your finger and gyrating her hips in a mock-belly dance to I Follow Rivers when
your phone starts buzzing.

1]] Ignore it.
2]] Apologize and go see who it is.
3]] Turn your phone off.
4]] ____________
>>
No. 769787 ID: 9145ba

2
>>
No. 769793 ID: abff21

>>769784
1
Shouldn't be anything urgent
>>
No. 769795 ID: 247200

Definitely 2.
>>
No. 769796 ID: c59554

2. Who's ringtone is that? Doesn't matter. Could be urgent.
>>
No. 769800 ID: 7b7ab3

>>769784
2.
There's no telling who or what it could be, but there's too much going on right now to ignore it.
>>
No. 769801 ID: ca661e

>>769784
4. Ignore it once but if it keeps going pick it up
>>
No. 769804 ID: 4652fc

2 for sure.
>>
No. 769805 ID: 3e182c

>>769801
This is a good idea
>>
No. 769811 ID: f62fd8

Well, that's either work or one of the girls, and we can't really afford to ignore either, so 2.
>>
No. 769813 ID: 595d54

>>769801
This, and if it's Polyphema laugh and tell her she's been replaced, just kidding not kidding.
>>
No. 769816 ID: 247200

>>769813
Who hurt you?
>>
No. 769820 ID: b5d5ae

"Aw, geez. Krin, I've gotta get that."
>>
No. 769822 ID: 595d54

>>769816
Nobody, I just enjoy drama. Plus, I'll admit shitposting is fun when you know perfectly well the other suggestors won't let your ideas get chosen. Oddly liberating. Feel free to disagree, but I'd rather you not try to imply anything.
>>
No. 769827 ID: 9f0bca

2. "Sorry, might be important. I'll just be a sec."
>>
No. 769834 ID: 3795c1

2 seems to be the smartest choice.
>>
No. 769850 ID: f6ba27
File 148338560294.png - (12.27KB , 960x560 , 671.png )
769850

"Aw geez, Krin." You kiss her neck. "I gotta get that."
"Noooo," she says, but unwraps her leg from you anyway.
You stumble over to the nightstand, the air very cold on parts of you that until recently were toasty warm.
You pick up your phone. "Hello?"

"You should get down here," Meg says. "Poly wants to see you. YES SHE DOES," she yells over a muffled protest.
"Really?"
"She does. Honestly. YOU KNOW YOU DO. PUT THAT DOWN."
Krin is poking your butt with her foot.
"What's with the music?" Meg asks. "Is that Lykke Li?"
>>
No. 769851 ID: 595d54

>>769850
"Hey, great, glad you managed to convince her. I'll be sure not to sperg out again, give me like...."

And then say however long it'll take to get there plus twenty minutes to finish fucking Krin.
>>
No. 769853 ID: 595d54

Fug, forgot the other part. Tell Krin a friend's called to make plans for after the date, and get back to business.
>>
No. 769855 ID: 3e182c

"Oh you know, one wrong thumb up and Pandora plays everything. I suppose I should get over there before you have to tie her down. See you soon."
>>
No. 769858 ID: ca661e

>>769850
"Well it certainly doesn't sound like she does, you sure she wants to see me?"
>>
No. 769859 ID: 247200

"I'm with a friend. Don't worry; I'll be there in two shakes. Don't let her set you or anything else on fire."

End the call, tell Krin we had fun but have to run, then get over to Poly's.
>>
No. 769861 ID: 595d54

>>769858
Mate come on, it's this exact sort of thing that got us into this situation. You know this has to happen. We all know it. Everyone wants to move on from this horrible awkward shithole.
>>
No. 769862 ID: 3795c1

"It's nothing, just the music of the strip club. Ill try to get there before she pulls a batman on you."

Flex ass and finish what you started before heading out.
>>
No. 769866 ID: 7b7ab3

"I'm with a friend. I'll be right there. Over and out."

Hang up.

"Krin, I'm sorry, but I've gotta go. My dulabira needs me."
>>
No. 769868 ID: 5b4b1e

Tell her Lykke Li has nothing on her and that we'll be right over. Then, once the call is over, tell Krin that we have to scoot.
>>
No. 769870 ID: ac903f

>put that down
Sounds like Poly might be trying to become an hero.
>>
No. 769871 ID: e22b1d

"I'll be right there. Give me 30 minutes."

Bust a nut in Krin, tell her more coffee soon, then throw your clothes on and get down there.
>>
No. 769872 ID: 595d54

>>769870
Yeah I'm sure Meg is leisurely calling Zack to come over while Poly is trying to kill herself
>>
No. 769875 ID: 9f0bca

>>769861

do you need a hug

>>769868

This. Don't stay any longer, Poly could be in a tricky place RN.

Tell Krin we'd love to stay but a friend might need our help, and that we'd love to get coffee again soon, and to remember to email us her stuff.
>>
No. 769876 ID: 6612fa

>>769850
this is going to go great...
bika smells us and i bet poly can tell just from our wierd mind link mojo
full steam ahead
where does our ship crash the rocks, the iceburg, or somewhere in the deepest regions of space.
>>
No. 769877 ID: 79a07e

>>769868
Second.
>>
No. 769881 ID: 398fe1

Lying about where you are to Meg seems like a mistake, for multiple reasons. Just tell her you made a new friend and you'll talk about it later.
>>
No. 769884 ID: 97cee0

Better give yourself time to have a shower, too.
>>
No. 769886 ID: 9f0bca

>>769881

Yeah I don't want to actually lie; there's no need to. On reflection that's not necessarily implicit in >>769868. I'll clarify my vote:

Tell her Lykke Li has nothing on her and that we'll be right over. We're at a friend's right now.

Tell Krin we'd love to stay but a friend might need our help, and that we'd love to get coffee again soon, and to remember to email us her stuff. Then kiss and run.
>>
No. 769888 ID: f6ba27
File 148339055752.png - (22.55KB , 960x560 , 672.png )
769888

"Oh you know," you say. "Thumb up one thing on Pandora and you get the whole discography. I'll be right there. See you soon?"
"Word," Meg says, and hangs up.

"Krin I'm sorry." You find your pants. "But I gotta scoot. My Dulabira needs me."
"I thought I was your Dulabira."

You freeze, pants halfway on.
Krinstezj giggles. "Sorry. I just wanted to see your face."
"So you're ok?"
"I'm not ok I'm awesome," Krin says. "Like I came like a million times. Are you gonna be ok? Aren't you gonna get like, blue balls?"
"I'll power through." You get your shirt back on.
Krin stretches herself out and stands up, her hair like a halo in the string lights. "I've thought about what I want us to be."
"What's that?"
"Whatever makes you come and do that to me again," she says, and kisses you.

1]] Awesome.
2]] So are you my first Dulamad then?
3]] Sorry but I don't know if that's a good idea.
4]] Do you want to meet everyone else sometime, then? Maybe make this into something?
5]] I can't give you any promises, but you were pretty good by the end there.
6]] _______________
>>
No. 769891 ID: 595d54

>>769888
6: "K." Leave.
>>
No. 769897 ID: e136ae

Be honest with #4.

We know it's #4. Hell, if Poly knew she'd already be making party arrangements to officially welcom Krin for #4.
>>
No. 769898 ID: 3795c1

>>769892
1 and this
>>
No. 769899 ID: 9f0bca

1., 5. (jokingly)
>>
No. 769902 ID: 9f0bca

>>769897
Actually, this is a good point. (I am mercurial with my votes today.)

1.,2.,4.
>>
No. 769903 ID: 3e182c

>>769899
This
>>
No. 769904 ID: 91ee5f

Shouldn't Zack shower? It'd be kinda awkward if Meg and/or Poly smell another Oculot on Zack.
>>
No. 769905 ID: 1bee31

1, 2, 4.
I'm pretty sure there's a certain etiquette and/or procedure to be followed here, but we'll have to figure it out later.
>>
No. 769915 ID: a107fd

1, "Don't worry, ma'am, I'm a professional" for 6, 4, and seconding the shower.
>>
No. 769917 ID: 9f0bca

>>769904

This is a good point actually, we should prolly shower as well.
>>
No. 769918 ID: e22b1d

1, 4, shower. Invite Krin so you don't get blue balls later.
>>
No. 769919 ID: 595d54

Yeah if we have time to shower let's actually finish what we started with Krin.
>>
No. 769925 ID: 9f0bca

Lord, maybe we shouldn't shower. Zack seemed to be getting ready to go.

So indecisive right now I feel like Hamlet. :P
>>
No. 769928 ID: 7b7ab3

>>769888
"Awesome. So are you my first Dulamad then?"
>>
No. 769935 ID: f6ba27
File 148340029690.png - (6.52KB , 960x560 , New canvas.png )
769935

OK Zack. Let's get something straight again here, since the vote looks like it's swinging around:

Do you
1]] Shower with Krin, getting your rocks/the sex smell off
2]] Skedaddle right now, getting to Poly's ASAP
>>
No. 769940 ID: 595d54

>>769935
1
>>
No. 769942 ID: 7b7ab3

2.
Guys. Seriously.
>>
No. 769943 ID: 0ff6aa

We ain't got time to fuck around! 2!
>>
No. 769945 ID: 3795c1

1
>>
No. 769946 ID: fb1365

2
>>
No. 769947 ID: 03c684

2, krin is happy and we got more important stuff to do than getting our rocks off
>>
No. 769948 ID: 90f3c0

1. Gotta get clean.
>>
No. 769949 ID: ca661e

>>769935
1, wouldn't be polite to show up reeking of foul deeds
>>
No. 769950 ID: 03c684

2. we got more important stuff to do and krin is happy
>>
No. 769952 ID: 5b4b1e

We can explain the sex smell later. Hell, considering what Zack does for a living, it's a wonder that's not what he smells like all the time.
My point is that we need to get to Poly's in a hurry, and stopping to get our rocks off and take a shower would take too long.
So I vote 2.
>>
No. 769954 ID: 9f3729

>>769935
2. I feel like poly would give more of a shit about tardiness than us seeking some refuge in a friend
(or inside a friend)
>>
No. 769961 ID: 3e182c

1 without the rocks.
Krin can join but it must be purely for washing purposes. We do have places to be, after all.
>>
No. 769991 ID: 4cef42

>>769950
>>769952
>>769954
These.
>>
No. 769992 ID: 9f0bca

Hmmm... A quick shower might've been an idea, but we've said we'll be there ASAP now, and we're halfway through getting dressed. I don't really want to take the time for shower funtimes, as fun as they'd be, and it's presented as sort of a package deal.

Whilst there are arguments for both sides I think I'll lean towards 2..
>>
No. 769998 ID: 2744b5

Go with 2.
>>
No. 770004 ID: b073ca

2. Bika's probably gonna smell you either way
>>
No. 770007 ID: 350a50

2, it sounded urgent.
>>
No. 770009 ID: 398fe1

Alamads before Dulamads.
>>
No. 770011 ID: ac903f

>>769935
¹1¹1
Don't reward Poly's melodramatic behavior with attention. Stay and have even more sex with Krin. Silence your phone.
>>
No. 770020 ID: 03999c

2
>>
No. 770024 ID: eb3cf7

2. You can shower later.
>>
No. 770032 ID: abff21

>>769935
2
I'd normally say shower first but you did say ASAP so off with ye
>>
No. 770081 ID: f6ba27
File 148342278928.png - (13.99KB , 960x560 , 673.png )
770081

"Awesome," you say. "Do you want to meet the dulabira sometime?"
Her eye widens. "You'd introduce me?"
"Sure. You're my dulamad now. I think. Right?"
She beams and shrugs. "If I'm anything beyond a fun afternoon I'm more than I was hoping for."
"I'm not actually a xenophile demonboy like they say I am, yknow."
"I know." She kisses you again. "But, like, if you ever feel like being one for a while. You know how to find me."

Poly's door is slightly ajar. You hear muffled voices raised on the other side.
You take a stabilizing breath then knock. The voices stop short.

Meg opens the door. "Good afternoon, Zackary."
She floats back to a chair, which has been turned to face the door. Polyphema is sitting in it, looking like she's sitting in front of a speeding semitruck.
Meg puts a hand on her shoulder. "Poly has something she'd like to say, if you'd like to hear it."
>>
No. 770083 ID: 595d54

>>770081
Well, I'm sure the obvious choice will be made, so:

"Hey, your hair reminds me of my amines. Especially methylamine, that shit's rad. How'd you get your hair like that ahegao stereotype?"
>>
No. 770084 ID: 9f3729

>>770081
"Uh. Ok."
>>
No. 770085 ID: 5b4b1e

"Absolutely. Should I sit down?"
>>
No. 770086 ID: 3abd97

>>770081
"Nah. Not interested."
>>
No. 770087 ID: a8bc5c

Yeah, this little fling with meg isn't going to come back and blow our ass up or anything.

Let poly talk first.
>>
No. 770088 ID: 595d54

>>770087
>little fling with meg
??????????.jaypeg
>>
No. 770091 ID: 4cef42

>>770081
Listen intently. Do not interrupt.
>>
No. 770092 ID: 7d8168

"That's some of the best news I've heard all day."
>>
No. 770095 ID: 7b7ab3

"Of course."

Ears open, mouth shut, eyes on Poly.
>>
No. 770096 ID: f6ba27
File 148342386860.png - (13.33KB , 960x560 , 674.png )
770096

"Uh. Ok." You look around. "Should I be sitting down or--"

"I'm an idiot," Polyphema blurts. "I'm an old prideful moronic idiot and I'm so sorry, Zack. I snapped and I've been kicking the hell out of myself ever since. I've just been so terrified that everything's going to shit around me and afraid of losing the one thing that wasn't that I cocked it up. But you need to understand that I feel violated when you have these dreams, Zack. I feel violated. It scares me so badly. And I know you can't control it and I thought if you just didn't mention them I could ignore that it was happening but I can't. There are things I don't want you to know about me and I know that's selfish but I've lived such a long time, Zack. And there are so many things that I've had to forget or they'd destroy me. And I think that's my right. I need that to be my right. And if you saw them, some of these things that I've done, you'd look at me differently and I love the way you look at me, Zack. I crave it. I need you back. I need you. But I can't be asleep around you. I can't. I'm sorry. It would ruin me. And if that means this won't work I understand but I love you! I love you and I can't keep going on pretending like it wouldn't ruin me even more to be without you because it would."

She takes a deep, heaving breath and wobbles a little on her feet.

"Ok," Meg says. "Thank you, Poly. Zack, is there anything you'd like to say to Poly?"
>>
No. 770099 ID: a107fd

"Of course, always happy to listen. Been worried about her lately."
>>
No. 770101 ID: 595d54

>>770096
"Yeah that's fine, I don't mess with your head and you don't treat me like an idiot."



And part 2 because I can't not try after all this effort:

Pause.

"By the way I replaced you with someone with way less emotional baggage, too little too late. Don't worry you can still watch if you want. That's what you were into, right? The whole looking thing."
>>
No. 770102 ID: a107fd

>>770096
Love you too. People can absolutely have a healthy, successful romantic and/or sexual relationship without sleeping in the same bed. Let's do our best to make this work.

Is the Kariket your dad or something?
>>
No. 770104 ID: 9f3729

>>770096
"That's fine Poly, we don't have to sleep together for this to work. I'm sorry for pushing forward in spite of your warning, shoulda listened to you when you said to back off."
>>
No. 770105 ID: 9f3729

>>770102
>"I don't want you to know my past!"
>So your dad's the kariket, then?
lol, don't do this though
>>
No. 770106 ID: 7d8168

>>770096
"I've been panicking the past couple of days. The idea of losing you terrified me. I've been distracted, I've been making stupid decisions... stupider than usual even... and I couldn't even do anything out of fear I'd push you even further away.

"And as much as it hurts me to lose some intimacy with you... we both know it's not like I don't have anyone else to snuggle."
>>
No. 770107 ID: 5b4b1e

"Poly, I understand, and we can make this work. The last thing I'd ever want to do is hurt you. I love you so much."

Kiss her, you fool!
>>
No. 770108 ID: 9f3729

>>770106
This actually, shorter and sweeter and gets the emotional part across better.
>>
No. 770109 ID: e136ae

Let her know it's ok; you were really worried about her but you must figured she needed time to process everything, especially having her past come back. But there's no replacing Poly. This is just something the two of you will need to work through -- slowly. Poly has made a habit of trying to kill her past; learning how to live with it again is going to take time. But she's got lots of friends, and if and can let them help her, she can do this.
>>
No. 770112 ID: b2aaec

>>770096
Kiss her.
"I love you, Polyphema. I love you so, so much. I don't care if we can't sleep together. I'm just glad you're back."
>>
No. 770114 ID: 3e182c

Poly... Humans don't feel emotion like Oculots do. The only thing that is ever set in stone is Love.
Nothing else even comes close. Every other feeling is there and gone in an instant.

I'll respect whatever decision you make but Poly please understand that I Love you. All of you. Past, present, and future. Nothing you've done or will do, and no one you've been or ever will be could change that.
>>
No. 770115 ID: 3abd97

"We wouldn't be the first couple who decided they need separate beds to make things work. It's okay. You deserve to have your secrets. You deserve not to have things pulled out of your head and your past."
>>
No. 770126 ID: 7b7ab3

Okay.

First: Not sleeping together is in no way a big deal. Plenty of couples don't share a bed, and it does nothing to diminish their love for each other. The same will hold true for Zack and Poly.

Second: Apologies. Zack never meant for Poly to feel violated or endangered in any way. He made poor decisions. They will not be repeated.

Third: Zack loves Poly. Intensely. Losing her would utterly devastate him. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make this relationship work.
>>
No. 770132 ID: eb3cf7

>>770101
Good lord, you're a disaster. Get help, man.

>>770096
"I understand, Poly. It must be hellish to be confronted by the things you want to see least through someone you love. I can't imagine. I know that, in your shoes, I wouldn't be able to shut anything like that out even without the dreams to remind me, so I can see how hard this makes things for you.

"Anyway, I'm sorry for not listening to you and tugging those threads like that. I'm impulsive and curious by nature, and I'm absolutely fascinated by anything that has to do with you, Poly. I guess this is a pretty straightforward fix, though, huh? We just won't sleep next to each other anymore? My honest truth is that I don't know how I could resist talking about the dreams if they happen. There's just too much intensity in them.

"Anyway, what matters on my end is that I love you and I want to keep our relationship strong and healthy, so I'm happy to do what we gotta do for both our sanity, haha. I love you, Poly."
>>
No. 770134 ID: 595d54

>>770132
>taking jokes this seriously
Stop taking the quest so personally m8

>>
No. 770138 ID: eb3cf7

>>770134
>Oh maybe if I pretend like I was kidding, I won't have to examine my profoundly flawed psyche and can continue wallowing in mediocrity unobstructed.
>2017
>Being this self-deceptive.

>>
No. 770141 ID: 3795c1

>>770106
This. I like this.
>>
No. 770142 ID: 7b7ab3

>>770134
>>770138
Take it to the quest-dis.
>>
No. 770148 ID: 91ee5f

>>770106
This
>>
No. 770155 ID: 03999c

>>770106

This, +1.
>>
No. 770164 ID: 094652

Tell her that so far, her past has just made you obsessed with learning more of this unending legend about a little girl who became the toast of Golboria and managed to spin worlds around her with puppeteer strings while constantly in the spotlight. As far as you can tell, learning of an atrocity or chain of events that she is directly responsible for that would make you hate her, would also make you even MORE obsessed about her.

You feel that there is some greater plot, some important conspiracy that Poly has taken part in, and as an overpaid gigolo whose job is to promote interspecies research and foster relations between literal worlds, you have a deep vested interest in actively protecting the alliance. And they also chose her because she can help you with that goal. She's the Dutchess. You'd like her to earn that title in front of you, to stop Visitor War II even, and it would make you HERS.

But most importantly, you don't want to let her go. So it's her decision, truly. She holds your relationship hostage, and you understand that.

Admit that you screwed a teenage girl, and that if Poly is going to literally stop you from dreaming about her, then you're going to need another Oculot to dream about. Deal?
>>
No. 770180 ID: 9145ba

>>770134
Nobody's laughing at your joke but you, mate.

"Poly, I don't know what to do about these dreams yet, but I do know that losing you over them isn't the right thing to do. For now, let's take things one day at a time, and be there for each other. I still love you Poly."
>>
No. 770188 ID: defceb

Speeches are too much work, just smooch her.

And then threesome.
>>
No. 770198 ID: 350a50

>>770106
This, please no more essays.
>>
No. 770205 ID: fa17b7

>>770187
Shorten that a bit, and we're golden.
>>
No. 770209 ID: 9f0bca

"I love you too. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you."

>>770187

This is actually pretty good, thought it could do to be shorter.

>>770106

Zack hasn't been making especially stupid decisions.
>>
No. 770214 ID: 9f0bca

>>770210

I like that you emphasised that while Zack knows he acted wrongly, and he's sorry, what he saw in Poly's visions didn't appear to be about her, and could actually be really important for preventing another war. The idea of his sometimes erratic actions being prompted by him feeling scared about losing his wonderful new life- and the women he loves- was strong too, I thought.
>>
No. 770235 ID: 75b606

Might want to use the phrases like 'plugged into some memories that aren't even yours' and 'this may be bigger than any of us' and 'actionable intelligence'. Especially that last one.
>>
No. 770293 ID: 9f0bca

>>770235

I mean I guess the counterargument to this is that even if we don't emphasise that now, making things right with Poly still means we can raise the issue later when she's less fraught. But there is something to be said for striking while the iron is hot... And I think she deserves to know why we felt it was so important.

So yeah, I think something to this effect wouldn't be a bad idea.

I hope Brom is coming up with a kind of weighted average from all of these, because right now we're all over the place lol
>>
No. 770297 ID: fd790d

>>770104
>>770106
>>770115
Something like these.
>>
No. 770298 ID: f6ba27

>>770293
I'm doing my darndest Skippeh
>>
No. 770299 ID: f6ba27

Y'all just write SO MUCH
>>
No. 770305 ID: 3e182c

I think in this instance we should really just focus on getting the feels out. Be sincere and to the point.

There is a lot of good stuff that is being suggested that can really wait, even if it's just like a panel or two.
>>
No. 770307 ID: 350a50

>>770199
Valid argument.

>>770187
I'll change by vote and support this on that reasoning.
>>
No. 770310 ID: 97cee0

>>770307
>>770214
>>770209
>>770205

Ok, here's the (slightly) shorter version. It's still long but I think it's the moment to spill a pile of feelings, and I think Zack has that pile bottled up in him by this point.

"Right. Ok. I... want to just say I'm an idiot, too, and that I'm sorry, but you just exposed a lot and I should try do the same. I think I need to. So... I've been terrified too, I think. For stupid reasons. See, everything's just been... so great for me. Money, celebrity, beautiful loving women, there's been danger too but you know me and danger by now. And... to me, it's felt like all I did was be myself, that it was too easy, and I think that's made me feel like I could lose it easy, too. I haven't done enough to deserve it, and that's another thing, because I know there must be people out there who think that and that makes me think of... respect, too. I think... in the back of my head somewhere, I wonder what respect I have, even from you, and Meg, and Bika and GG. I feel the love but sometimes I find myself wondering do you love me like really as a lover, or as... as like a pet or something. It's stupid, but there've been so many days that I do nothing but eat and sleep and spend time with you girls, playing around and being happy, and I love it, don't get me wrong, but that's what a pet does, Poly. I think that might be why I've been acting so crazy lately. I've been holding on harder, afraid of losing everything, and at the same time trying to find something to do to prove myself."

"I knew you wanted to leave the past behind, Poly. But then... It wasn't about you, Poly. That one dream. I couldn't see how it had anything to do with you, what I saw, and what I did see... I think it's something no-one else knows, not for sure, something maybe really really important and I just kept thinking that I had to tell someone, and I needed your permission and to back me up that the dreams were real, and... I pressured you for it. Not just for those reasons but because this dream thing was special, just you and me, and if something important and necessary came out of it then it would mean that I needed to have gotten this great life of mine. So I pushed. I'm sorry."
>>
No. 770314 ID: 6612fa

throw in this
"you surround yourself in this cloud of mystery, i don't even know your real name, can you blame me for wanting to feel closer to you, when you make me feel the way i do."

every time we reach out to her she often pushes us away or changes the subject.

i mean we should apologize to her for her feelings alone but i personally regret nothing.
>>
No. 770315 ID: 9f0bca

>>770298
>>770299

Vocational hazards of being a successful Quest author, I guess. Hang in there Brom!

Scale the summit of Mt. Verbose!
>>
No. 770353 ID: 987bda

>>770096
Might want to point out that you KNOW she's done some horrible things in her life, and that you've only ever judged her based on who she IS, not who she WAS. It's an important part of who you are to judge people based on who they are now; you would hardly be able to function in society if you couldn't do that, and you wouldn't have joined the HVAO if you didn't firmly believe in that.

She didn't cock anything up. She was scared, and we had assumed she was as afraid for Zack as for herself because that's also completely reasonable. Also, arguments happen in relationships. Messes happen, clean them up, keep going.

Also, sleeping in different rooms is fine if it helps her, but doesn't solve the dream problem. Zack has also dreamed parts of GG's past. So this might be an outside force involved here.
Can Poly get one of those psy-blocking scarfs? Maybe that would help?
>>
No. 770356 ID: f6ba27
File 148350483553.png - (9.46KB , 960x560 , 675.png )
770356

"I've been in like panic mode for the last couple of days," you say. "I've been paralyzed out of this fear that I'd go all the way over into losing you if I tried to talk to you. Because my life has been going so good lately out of like nowhere that I'm feeling like I could lose it at any second. Like I don't feel like I've earned it and that's why I'm so freaked out about losing it. It's like the world is fucking itself up and I'm not doing anything. And I guess I thought that like with the dreams I could do something. Like I was plugging into minds that weren't yours somehow and I think I was looking for, for like something really important. To make me feel like I'm making a difference and not on like a paid vacation. So I pushed and that sucked and I'm sorry too. And if we have to sleep in separate rooms or whatever has to happen that's fine. We can make it work. I love you."
"Zack!" Polyphema throws herself into your arms. "I love you too. I love you so much. And you've made such a difference. For me you've made such a difference. I feel at home somewhere for the first time in decades[/u] and now that you're going to be a spokesperson and a [i]spy" (and here you notice that Meg has stuck the Portable Tunnel on Poly's kitchen countertop) "and an advocate and these wonderful things I know you'll make even more of a difference and everyone will see how fantastic you are and I'm going to be right with you, every step, I'm going to the gala with you and Meg did she tell you, and even if we can't do the dreams I'll help you in every other way I can because we are perfect together, and I don't know how I forgot that and I'll never do this to you again. I promise."

She sniffles into your shoulder.
Then she sniffs.

Then she sniffs again.
>>
No. 770357 ID: f6ba27
File 148350485330.png - (9.54KB , 960x560 , 676.png )
770357

"Why do you smell like sex?"
>>
No. 770359 ID: 9f3729

>>770357
"Because of sex, obviously."
>>
No. 770360 ID: 595d54

>>770357
"Because I was fucking Krin when you called."
>>
No. 770362 ID: 5406de

"Long story short, I met a new friend and we helped each other let off some steam."
>>
No. 770363 ID: 987bda

>>770357
"That's probably the sex.
Met an adorable girl, Bika said go for it, things happened. I'll introduce you. Full Kashzan Oculot. You'll like her."
>>
No. 770364 ID: be084f

>>770357
"bitch how you smell if you ain't got a nose smh"
>>
No. 770365 ID: e136ae

>>770364
She probably smells pretty good, Poly is a high class girl.
>>
No. 770366 ID: 7b7ab3

>>770363
This.
We're going to need her help.
Introducing a dulamad to an established dulabira sounds challenging.
>>
No. 770367 ID: 737841

>>770357
I FUCKING TOLD YOU GUYS WE NEEDED TO SHOWER

BUT DID YOU LISTEN?
>>
No. 770368 ID: cd9ebd

"Oh. Right. I think I may have met my first dulamad. Is that okay? I know it's an awkward time."
>>
No. 770370 ID: f71b7b

>>770357
As of late I always smell like sex. Be more specific.

We really missed our opportunity to finally get her real name
>>
No. 770371 ID: f71b7b

>>770357
Or
We say
"Because im so damn sexy"
>>
No. 770372 ID: b14b56

>>770367
She's smiling, bruh. All is good.

Honest, short account of what happened. Tell her deets if she asks.

"Hooked up with a new oculot friend. Alamad, j guess? She's adorable and easy to fluster—you'd love her."
>>
No. 770374 ID: c8e36a

Tell her the tale and explain what happened and what was going on in our head at the time.
Ask her and Meg if they're cool with us having a dulamad. Bika already said she approved, but we want to make sure it's okay with the whole dulabira. We'll talk to GG about it later.
Also, what's the proper etiquette for this scenario? Dulamads and dulabiras and such.
>>
No. 770376 ID: 398fe1

Don't forget to thank Meg for helping straighten things out.
>>
No. 770377 ID: ca661e

>>770372
>She's smiling, bruh. All is good. 

That is literally a woman's most basic trap for men. Sure it could be fine but warning bells should be going off in our head.
Plus we just had a big heart to heart chat about not wanting to lose each other with Poly, it may be a bit detrimental to admit that we went straight off and found a new Occulot as soon as we had a bit of a fight.
>>
No. 770378 ID: eb1d1f

>>770363
This.
>>
No. 770381 ID: 91ee5f

Well, she said you were going by the name of Dutchess when she and her family came here through a portal you made.

And I think she might literally faint if she met you.
>>
No. 770383 ID: d3e5ab

>>770367
Bruh, I was against sleeping with Krin just because if you're good at something you shouldn't do it pro boner, but given Poly's general attitude and history I don't think she'd get super upset with us. If she did, she'd need to hash out a pretty serious discussion with GG too.
>>
No. 770390 ID: 9145ba

>>770367
TGchan makes good decisions!

"Well I was panicking and making a lot of dumb decisions so sleeping with someone outside the HVAO program seemed like a good idea at the time."
>>
No. 770393 ID: 3795c1

>>770370
>As of late I always smell like sex.
Lol this for sure.
Honesty is probably best here. Try not to make it sound like we're replacing her though.
>>
No. 770395 ID: 3e182c

Ever slummed it on a bad day?
>>
No. 770405 ID: fd5ed0

>>770357
i literally left mid sex to see you, that's how much i love you.
>>
No. 770416 ID: d582f8

Combine >>770362 and >>770363 together into a hybrid. Best to be honest with her, and honestly I actually think Poly will like Krin.
>>
No. 770420 ID: 7d8168

Krin is a huge fangirl though, and a lot of the situation with Poly has centered around her distancing herself from her past. If we bring up the idea of introducing them, make sure Poly has an out. Krin remembers Poly as a hero, but it was almost certainly an unpleasant time of Poly's life. She probably would rather not remember.

Also,
>>770372
Alamad is the big deal. Dulamad is the fun sex partner. We don't know her that well yet. (Though it could be argued we don't know any of the girls that well yet, it's only been what, like a week?)
>>
No. 770421 ID: 75b775

No reason to panic. If anyone is going to not be annoyed by this, it's Poly. And that expression does not look like one of annoyance or someone hiding their emotions. It looks coy and curious.

Look at the smirk, the half-lidded eye, and her raised eyebrow. She's poking, but not in a bad way. Just explain what happened truthfully, and with some humour.
>>
No. 770424 ID: 97cee0

"I was out making new friends and a thing led to another thing so it turned out to be friends with benefits. Dulamad. I left without taking a shower when I got the message."

Poly's casual about sex so I think she wouldn't mind at all if we are too.

Kind of disappointed that Zack didn't mention that he actually did find out something important from the dreams. Not just for the fact that then he could tell her about it, but that if the first thing he said was that that one dream wasn't about her (so that he could settle that worry before he said anything else about it, which I think he'd have to do), then it would probably make her feel a lot better. Right now she still has to be thinking Zack saw something about her, like she assumed in the first place, and it seems cruel to let her go on thinking that when Zack could say "I still haven't actually seen any of your really big secrets, Poly".

I'd guess we can give Meg more specific details and she can take them as more solid now (and I think we need a conversation with Meg about respect some time, even though she has helped us out a lot here), but that still wouldn't put Poly's mind as at ease as it could be.
>>
No. 770455 ID: 0c367f

>>770357
Because I'm a xenophile demonboy like they say I am.
>>
No. 770482 ID: 9f0bca

Something funny and honest at the same time sounds good, yeah.
>>
No. 770496 ID: f562b1

>>770357
"One, I'm a xenophilic demonboy and can't resist somebody who wants me, two, Carlson said to stop playing things safe and I figured trying out a bit more of the dulabira thing would be a good idea.
Sorry... Guess I should have taken the time to clean up, but when I got the call I thought it might be important to show up as soon as possible."
>>
No. 770504 ID: 61c7b9

>>770357
Because of sex. A friend who you helped out was taken by your dashing charm and okay seriously she's adorable and she really wanted to bang.
>>
No. 770514 ID: abff21

>>770424
Well we did see her dulamond die in front of her eyes, the big red dude who she told us stories of killing a mega beast with a car about.

I agree not all the dreams are about her is a big point, but to say we haven't seen any of her secrets or big moments in her life is being disingenuous.
>>
No. 770528 ID: 97cee0

>>770514

Well, you're right, of course. I didn't mean that he should literally say that, just something along the lines of him not seeing as much as she's maybe thought he has.
>>
No. 770537 ID: 350a50

>>770371
This.
>>
No. 770593 ID: 952ab0

I was in the middle of something when I got the call. Came straight here, because you are important to me. I should shower...
>>
No. 770778 ID: 9f0bca

>>770371

This is amusing, I wouldn't be averse to opening with it.
>>
No. 770797 ID: f6ba27
File 148367457050.png - (9.27KB , 960x560 , 677.png )
770797

"That's probably because of the sex," you say.
Meg rubs her temples. "I knew it. Lykke Li."
"I met somebody named Krinstezz, and, uh,"
"Stezj," Poly corrects your pronunciation, making the end of Krin's name sound like a sexy version of a gargle. "An oculot?"
"Yeah, a Kashzan."
"A Kashzan! So you replaced me with a bona fide mountain oculot."
"I didn't--" but you read her grin. "Poly. You're not actually upset, right?"
"Have you been away from me so long as to forget about me, Zack? And you came running before you even finished."
"How'd you know that?"
She gently pulls her hips away from yours. "Because, my love, you're poking my stomach."
Meg snorts.
"Oops," you say. You feel the twinging ache of blue balls. "Can I, uh, borrow your shower?"
"She's all yours, dollface."

1]] Shower.
2]] Shower with a buddy.
3]] Shower with 2 buddies???

And once you're done showering:

4]] Find out about the different avenues of media coverage you can use and start looking into booking yourself.
5]] Text Bika and do advocacy work.
6]] Stay in with Polyphema and Meg. Learn more about the Gala and what happened, and prepare.
7]] Find GG and figure out just what it is she's doing for Bika all day besides deliveries.
8]] Suggest to Polyphema that you try sleeping together with the inhibitor on, to see if that will stop the dreams.
9]] ___________________
>>
No. 770799 ID: ce37f2

Shower with EVERYONE. Stuff Bikas into the bathroom until you can flood the room with the bathroom door open.

5, 7, 8)
>>
No. 770800 ID: c441c1

1, 6
>>
No. 770803 ID: 76c9f6

3. Because duh.
4 and 7. Because we've worked ourselves raw and these options sound the least like work.
>>
No. 770804 ID: 595d54

1, 6
>>
No. 770806 ID: 4ed175

3, 6. Let's strengthen these bonds a little.
>>
No. 770807 ID: ca661e

>>770797
3, of course
Then 4
>>
No. 770809 ID: 7d8168

I'd say anywhere from 1-3, but leave it up to the lovely ladies here to decide how crowded that shower should be.

Then 4 and 6 later. We've just been told it's important that we be a media personality and a spy. It's time to get to work on those. Advocacy is cool too, and should be a part of our public image, but we've got limited time and a lot to do so let's get planning first.

Oh and definitely NOT 8. That might be something to explore later, but right now it's a very sensitive subject and we don't want to touch that.
>>
No. 770814 ID: 987bda

>>770797
3, 6. Also, ask if and when they'd like to meet Krin.
>>
No. 770815 ID: 350a50

1-3, don't care

4 and 8
>>
No. 770817 ID: 91ee5f

6
>>
No. 770826 ID: 9145ba

2 (how do Floater jets work in the shower?), 6, 8 (But which one of you has to wear the inhibitor?)
>>
No. 770838 ID: b09ace

>>770797
1-3, whichever.
4+6
i-is 8 really an option? when was this even discussed? oh well, might as well see what they think.
>>
No. 770847 ID: b2aaec

3.
6.
>>
No. 770861 ID: 9f0bca

I kind of feel we missed a trick here if we didn't manage to communicate at all that although we respect her wishes totally, and love her, the actual content of the dreams might have been very important. Possibly even to preventing another war.

I think the right moment has passed now, and it might be a while before it appears again. I wish I'd pushed harder for it earlier.
>>
No. 770864 ID: c069f7

>>770797
3, and then 4 and 6. We might squeeze in 7 as well if we're that curious.
>>
No. 770874 ID: 9f3729

>>770797
2 (because this should really be our one-on-one time with poly), then 4 and 5.
>>
No. 770892 ID: dfa669

6!
>>
No. 770946 ID: f58d22

2 and with Poly
4
>>
No. 771007 ID: 9f0bca

As for votes:

2,4,6
>>
No. 771067 ID: 6612fa

>>770797
6 and 8
totally 8
play it off as a an idea with no pressure and its her call.
my bet is on it actually making the dreams more intense.
>>
No. 771528 ID: 170e7b

2

If it's with Poly.
>>
No. 771919 ID: f6ba27
File 148420906354.png - (309.51KB , 960x560 , 678.png )
771919

"Right between my shoulderblades," Polyphema says.
"Here?"
"Yes. Ahhh." She stretches her arms up as you rub your knuckles against her spine. The bone beneath her plush body feels craggy and kind of pointy in a way that reminds you the woman rubbing her butt on you is nonhuman. Both of the women rubbing their butts on you, in fact.
"You're two of the least efficient showerers I've ever seen." Meg is rubbing one of Poly's loofahs on her arm. Its effect on her sleek polymer skin is unclear.
"Do you even need to shower?" you ask.
"Does anyone?"
Poly is doing a little two-step, swaying you back and forth. She smells like lavender shampoo with a hint of wine. "A gala. My blueblooded heart is skipping a beat."
"Poly wants to steal you," Meg says.
"Megumi and I talked about it and I just want you to have the chance to make an informed decision," Polyphema says. "So I can inform you that if you take me I'll fellate you in the limousine."
"I'd fellate him in the limousine," Meg says. "And I called dibs. And I won't step on his toes."
"Megumi I am the picture of gra--" Polyphema does a little spin and loses her footing on the wet shower floor. You catch her round the waist. "Working as intended," she says, twisting her hands through your hair.
"No pressure, Zack," Meg says. "But you gotta pick an arm to be the candy for. One of us is going to have to lone-gun it."
"Why?"
"Bad optics. Carlson would have an aneurysm. Our seats are all at the same table, but for appearances..."
"Who gets the golden apple, Paris?" Poly asks.

1]] I'll take Meg.
2]] I'll take Poly.
3]] Screw the optics and Carlson's blood circulation. We're going as a trio.
4]] ____________
>>
No. 771920 ID: 85cc2c

3
>>
No. 771921 ID: 398fe1

>>771919
Let's stick with the original game plan and take Meg.
>>
No. 771922 ID: 7d8168

1, in the interest of poor Poly's toes. Zack's great at a whole lot of things, but ballroom dancing isn't one of them.
>>
No. 771923 ID: 61c7b9

>>771919
Man am I bad at decisions! Original plan was 1, so that's what I recommend for political purposes. However, Poly needs a hug really badly.

DOUBLE however we haven't been spending enough time with Meg, so Meg it is. We can footsie with Poly under the table. Meg won't mind as she is physically incapable of footsie.
>>
No. 771924 ID: 4854ef

1
>>
No. 771929 ID: e63ea4

>>771919
1 we already promised to make it megs night. But why can't we dance with both.
Wow on the drawing brom
>>
No. 771930 ID: 350a50

1, we're supposed to be Meg's cover after all.
>>
No. 771931 ID: 266349

>>771922
>>771929
These.
>>
No. 771933 ID: ec5d7b

As much as I would love to stick it to convention, we did promise Meg to make it a night for her. Besides, the only reason we're going is for spy work.
So I say 1. However, I also suggest that we do something with/for Poly before, after or during the gala. She needs love, too.
>>
No. 771934 ID: 9145ba

1. Zack is the man with the plan.
>>
No. 771942 ID: 920e7c

>>771919
2
>>
No. 771944 ID: 97cee0

1), remember that Poly probably doesn't know about the whole spy thing, and we need to be close to Meg so she can more easily whisper instructions to us about that job. Don't tell Poly about the spy stuff, obviously. You can say that she's a constant stream of classiness, while high-society events with Meg will probably be rarer, so you'll go with Meg this time for fairness. That's true, too.

Maybe also throw in a line about you not stepping on Poly's toes rather than Meg not stepping on hers. Tell her she'll have to give you lessons in classy dancing and other essential arm candy skills.
>>
No. 771945 ID: 0842fd

>>771944
Poly already knows about the spy stuff.
>>
No. 771946 ID: 97cee0

>>771945

Oh, right, she did make a little mention of it. I'm mistaken, then. The other reasons still apply, though, as well as the fact that we're supposed to be part of Meg's cover, specifically, to justify to the Floaters why she should stay in this job and get the privileges and freedoms she does.

We also still need to talk to the girls about this "public profile" we're going to be showing. What face we present to the world, et cetera. What angles we're going to spin with, maximizing good publicity minimizing bad, et cetera. Poly would probably have some advice on that, so we should get it from her before going to the ball.
>>
No. 771958 ID: 595d54

4. Joke about choosing a third option before going with 1.

Meg's qualified for spy stuff and you already had plans.
>>
No. 771965 ID: 55fb8a

1, have shower sex with Poly to make it up to her.
>>
No. 771969 ID: 595d54

>>771958
>>771965
Sure, fuck Poly in front of Meg. Let Meg watch and look forward to what you'll do at the gala.
>>
No. 771976 ID: b15da4

Nay, let Poly observe your technique with Meg.
>>
No. 771982 ID: 90f3c0

1. Gotta stick to the original plan.
>>
No. 771989 ID: 4f35c6

>>771919
>4: All the Bikas. ALL OF THEM.
>>
No. 772000 ID: bb78f2

4)) You two should go and bring a laptop so that I could shoot my charisma through skype video chat like a evil genius. Maybe start a rumor that I don't actually exist but am actually a figment of both conservative and liberal media.
>>
No. 772038 ID: da647b

>>771965

A CUNNING STRATAGEM
>>
No. 772087 ID: da0a14

>>771919
1, because as much we want to make it up to Poly, we gotta go to the gala with Meg. However, 4) if Poly going anyway, we can leave the Gala with her after the event.
>>
No. 772100 ID: 9ad4cd

Joke about all of the Bikas still count as only one, right? Then take Meg.
>>
No. 772101 ID: a523fb

>>771965
>>771969
These
>>
No. 772115 ID: 77bf27

>>771919
Call up Krin while you're doing Meg and Poly, but don't let Krin know what you're doing.

Remember, Dulamad is just another word for c u c k
>>
No. 772116 ID: e136ae

>>772115
You mean "invite" don't you?
>>
No. 772129 ID: 3e182c

I say take Meg.
Not only does she deserve it, but she hasn't really gotten all that much one on one time with Zack. I'm sure she feels included, but we should make her feel special.

Not to mention, we can tell Poly that she'll have to figure out a way for us to make it up to her. She'll surely crank the "debt" up to 11 and make for some most interesting shenanigans later.
>>
No. 772164 ID: dfa669

>>772129
absolutely, take meg!
>>
No. 772383 ID: dea742

>>772100

This is beautiful.
>>
No. 772388 ID: f1fe20

@#$% Poly in the shower, take Meg to the Gala. Actually, how about you and Meg double-team Poly.
>>
No. 772407 ID: 170e7b

2
>>
No. 772416 ID: f562b1

1, take Meg.
Sorry, Poly, but I kind of already agreed to anyways.
>>
No. 772484 ID: c441c1

>>771989
joke about doing this
>>
No. 772792 ID: 211858

>>772038
>>772100
All of this together seems like a solid plan.
>>
No. 772808 ID: f6ba27
File 148463781132.png - (322.00KB , 960x560 , 679.png )
772808

"Sorry, Poly. I already said I'd go with Meg. And she honestly deserves it."
"Damn you, Meg," Poly says.
Meg does a Jordan Shrug.
Poly kisses the arm you have around her shoulders. "But you do deserve it."
"Either one of you could have done it literally yesterday if you weren't both the most sensitive indecisive motherfuckers," Meg says. "It was insanely obvious to anybody but you that you were going to make up. You're like way too horny for each other."
You're only half listening because Polyphema is rubbing her butt up and down your dick, which you guess proves Meg's point.
Then she starts making out with you, and you push her up against the shower wall.

How a 3 and a half century old woman can be almost as tight as the girl of 24 you were with earlier is another one of Polyphema's infinite mysteries.
She wraps herself around you. You hang on to her for dear life and feel like you're melting.

"See what I mean?" says Meg.

All of your alamads have their own distinct charms. Meg's strawberry fragrance and youthful enthusiasm, Bika's dogpile animal lust, GG's power play and stunner curves.
But nobody does it like Polyphema.
What she is doing to you, even right now when you're the one moving, is Art. The way her fingers knead your back, the rhythmic swivel in her hips, the breathy, musical sounds that she makes, the impossibly blue eye burning into you, open the whole time. You feel like a cello being played by the first chair of the greatest symphony orchestra of all time, or the last irreplaceable puzzle piece slotted into a masterwork jigsaw. You feel like the sexiest motherfucker in two dimensions.

"Are you brushing your teeth?" Poly asks somewhere on the other side of the haze she's put you in.
"I fold you." Meg is brushing her teeth with the hand that doesn't have its middle and ring knuckle-deep inside her. "I falue effififenfy."

>>
No. 772809 ID: f6ba27
File 148463785274.png - (16.65KB , 960x560 , 680.png )
772809

Everyone's in the kitchen, eating Poly's seamless order and talking about your first media appearance. Your ears are pleasantly ringing as you read Krin's text.

:krin: So these connections I talked about. I dropped hints that you might be looking to do something public and they're salivating. I think they might be really good for you. Its 2 humans, really really progressive.
:krin: These guys get about 40k listens in week 1 of the podcast upload, I predict you'd probably get double that... but if you want to go bigger or smaller I think you're coming from a position you can shop around from.

"Is that Krinstezj?" Poly looks over your shoulder at her icon. "She's cute."
"She's a little bigger in real life," you say.
"Big enough for two?" She crosses to her kitchen island and takes a slice of pizza from the box. It's veggie. "I'm awful. I'm kidding. Unless you don't want me to be."
"The quiet car in a train." Meg licks her fingers before she picks her phone back up. "That's what broccoli tastes like."
"Is that good?" Poly asks.
"Yeah."
"Fascinating. Meg you are fascinating."
"What about Reed Whittaker?" Meg asks, tapping on her phone. "Like I bet NBC would be down to have you on."
"The mainstream wolfpack?" Poly puts a hand on your shoulder. "We want him in one piece, Megumi. What's your priority?" she asks you. "Nobody'll be perfect. But for your first."

1]] A big audience. I want to be public, after all. To everyone.
2]] A respected interviewer. I want to be legit. I don't mind if it's tricky.
3]] A sympathetic view. I want it to go well.
4]] Someone open but unconvinced. I'm not afraid to be challenged or controversial if it means maybe changing minds.
5]] ____________
>>
No. 772810 ID: 9f3729

>>772809
2, I wanna have a tit for tat with one of those NPR types!
>>
No. 772811 ID: 9145ba

4. Let's see what we need to address and then do so, for someone who isn't trying to spin things out of control.
>>
No. 772812 ID: 595d54

4.
>>
No. 772813 ID: 952ab0

Keep mashing that 4 button until the world changes. You aren't going to accomplish anything getting a pat on the back in a sympathetic echo chamber or by standing defiant in front of masses who already made up their minds against you.
>>
No. 772821 ID: 91ee5f

>>772809
5]] I say we look for a well respected Visitor reporter that both humans and Visitors will listen to. If we're going to change things, then wouldn't giving a Visitor the scoop be a giant middle finger to all the human reporters and show them that Visitors can do the job just as well as they can?

But if that's not possible, then I'll change my vote to 4.
>>
No. 772829 ID: c441c1

2. 5 send a text to Krin that Poly thinks she is cute.
>>
No. 772837 ID: 673db5

>>772809
3
To many idiots in here to screw it up
>>
No. 772840 ID: 7b7ab3

4.
>>
No. 772842 ID: 350a50

4 is the most likely to actually accomplish something.
>>
No. 772843 ID: cef2f9

3. We are not ready for 4. 4 can come later. For our DEBUT, 3 is a way better idea.
>>
No. 772845 ID: abff21

>>772809
2
We want to come across as someone worth listening to we need all the legitimacy we can get.

People brush us off as just some guy who got paid to fuck aliens, we need to show that we actually have legit points and aren't just a mouth piece for a pro visitor agenda.
>>
No. 772848 ID: a523fb

4 sounds like a disaster in waiting.
>>
No. 772875 ID: 8b2654

>>772809
You're fine if Poly's not kidding.
4, 5: Text Krin that Poly thinks she's cute.
>>
No. 772886 ID: 398fe1

2 is a better idea for a first go. 4 can wait until after we've got a better handle on the overall message Zack wants to deliver.

Let's not forget how easy it is for less savory people to twist Zack's words or argue him into a corner. Zack is not a public speaker nor a politician- he is VULNERABLE when facing off against someone who is practiced in manipulation and debate. A single phrase taken out of context or an accidental implication could sink him.

Also uh, considering past history, I doubt suggesters are up to the task.
>>
No. 772887 ID: 77bf27

>>772875
Text Krin that Poly thinks that she is cute, and someone with as nice of an ass as Poly couldn't be wrong.
>>
No. 772889 ID: 346c1a

>>772809
4
>>
No. 772923 ID: f36501

2
>>
No. 772953 ID: dfa669

>>772837
TBH
>>
No. 772962 ID: 147a0c

1 or 3! Given the choice why would you want your first ever interview to be with someone who is disinclined to like you? Why?
>>
No. 772976 ID: 595d54

>>772975
4 is specifically someone who's not biased, and I kinda doubt that a "respected interviewer" will be unbiased given how scummy journalism can be.
>>
No. 773000 ID: 8cb228

Two first, THEN four comes later!
>>
No. 773028 ID: 8c5e12

After the post in the discussion thread, I'm changing my vote to 3, for this first interview. We can have more interviews later, we don't want Zack to trip up because he's having to understand all the side details of how being interviewed works at the same time.
>>
No. 773040 ID: 7b7ab3

Yeah. Maybe 3 is better for beginners. Work our way up, right?
>>
No. 773044 ID: 03999c

+1 vote for 4.
>>
No. 773075 ID: dfa669

+1 vote for Not Four, so 2 or 3
>>
No. 773212 ID: f6ba27
File 148480013752.png - (16.06KB , 960x560 , 681.png )
773212

"I think..." you scratch your chin. "Someone open but unconvinced. Like who I can have a dialogue with. I'm not afraid to get controversial."
"Hmmm," Poly says. Meg's head things shift.
"What's hmmm?" Your uncertainty grows.
"Maybe run that by your publicist friend," Meg says.
"She's not exactly a publicist."
"Whatev."
You message Krin:

>i think what im looking for is someone open but unconvinced who i can have a spirited conversation with. Not afraid to get a little messy if it changes minds
:krin: Hmmm. Ok.
>ok whats hmmm? everyone is telling me hmmm
:krin: No it's ok. We can look.
>to be honest im having second thoughts myself.
:krin: The thing is, interviewers who fundamentally disagree with you are going to SAY they're open because they're fooling themselves. Or you. Maybe they're hungry lions looking to lure the Christians into the pit.
:krin: People public enough to have a media outlet but uninformed enough to be TRULY undecided are either dumb or apolitical. What I'd look for if you want dialogue isnt someone OPEN but someone pro enough not to let whatever bias they have influence their work.
>i guess what im saying is that im ok with it being tricky. like i want to be legitimate, NPR style.
:krin: Well if you want NPR style one of my friends is actually an executive assistant at NPR.
>omg. could she get me an interview?
:krin: I can totally ask!!! Do you want me to ask?
:krin: She gets coffee for Kathleen Caritas... Omg she'd be perfect! Should I forward your deets? This could actually happen.

"Kathleen Caritas ring any bells?" you ask, googling her.
"Kathleen Caritas?" Poly's eyebrows shoot up. "From NPR?"
"I think." You haven't really listened to much NPR.
A picture comes up of a woman in a recording booth, smiling at the camera. She's dressed comfortably and has a natural ease and attractiveness that suggests she could have a face for the camera, but picked the radio instead.
"Zack that's fantastique. She's interviewed ex-presidents. And Kate Bush! Oopsie." In her gesticulation Poly's loosened a mushroom off of her pizza and onto her t-shirt. She flicks it into the sink. "Krinstezj has a connection to Kathleen Caritas. My God. I need to meet this girl."
"I've heard of her," Meg says. "But I've never actually heard any of her shit. Guess that tells you her demo."
>>
No. 773214 ID: 9145ba

Important people but not the common people. Well. Alright. That's no fun, but this isn't a game anymore.
>>
No. 773216 ID: defceb

Go with NPR lady.

Attempt to seduce NPR lady too.

Sleep with everyone you meet on the way if possible, but NPR lady is higher priority.
>>
No. 773217 ID: 96f207

I gather from their reactions that this is a good choice. Before we actually hold the interview, we need to come up with a game plan. What is our message? What do we hope to convey? How can we best prepare for any questions we might receive? We can't go into this blind.
>>
No. 773218 ID: 9145ba

>>773216
She has to wait in line like everyone else.

Behind Xu.
>>
No. 773219 ID: 952ab0

Man, NPR sounds perfect. CNN is for real politicos and people with more ego than sense. NPR is good for people who have a thing they wanna talk about. And it's radio, so you don't necessarily have more people recognizing you on the street.
>>
No. 773220 ID: 7b7ab3

>>773212
Unfortunately, I know very little about NPR.
However, I can say that this isn't something we can fuck around with.
If we're going to go public with our message of peace, then we need to be ready for hard questions and negative feedback.
We should do as much research as we can on Ms. Caritas.
What are her views on Visitors?
What's the HVAO's take on her?
Could she be dangerous?
There's a lot of work to do.
>>
No. 773221 ID: 9f3729

jokes aside seducing NPR lady is probably a very poor idea
Maybe friends but don't mix business with pleasure unless pleasure is your business like with the girls
>>
No. 773222 ID: c441c1

don't slep with NPR because NPR is a serious place for serious people, however it is also likely THE BEST way to get a message out because most people listening to NPR are in it for learning new things. again do not seduce NPR while on air.
>>
No. 773228 ID: 326609

Is the NDA going to be a problem?
>>
No. 773235 ID: 595d54

Tell Krin to ask her buddy about the NPR thing while you ask Meg about the NDA and call Carlson about it if necessary.
>>
No. 773237 ID: 91ee5f

>>773212
Tell Krin that because she has a connection to Kathleen Caritas, Poly is now very interested in meeting her sometime.
>>
No. 773239 ID: f6ba27
File 148480783475.png - (10.89KB , 960x560 , 682.png )
773239

>yes please!!! put me in touch
:krin: Will do! So exciting. Omg I don't know why I didn't think about this before.
>thanks so much krin. youre doing me a huge favor
>btw im with the dutchess right now and she says youre cute
>she seems like she really wants to meet you
Krin's little typing indicator bubble appears, disappears, and appears again.
:krin: OMG you showed her my pic? Omg noooo I would die
:krin: What did she say exactly

"Looks like NPR it is," you say. "If she goes for it."
"We can only pray," Polyphema says. "Kathleen Caritas! I need to find my copy of her book for her John Hancock."
Meg's phone chirps. She unlocks it. "Oh damn. I have to go. Gotta change."
"What's up?" you ask.
"Got a date." Meg zips her jacket up. "With Bika. First date."
"Awwww!" Poly puts a hand on her chest. "Young Romance!"
"I mean we've already smashed." Meg is fazed. "This is just like. Tying the knot."
"Not really what that phrase means," you say.
"My bad. Shut up." Meg fiddles with her zipper. She's obviously nervous. "But like-- if you have any uh. Suggestions? For what I can do with him. Her. I want it to go good."
>>
No. 773243 ID: 3e182c

Bika always has alot going on, and typically some issue will pop up to inturrupt you. Normally helping is fine but if you are on a date ignore it. She'll want to focus super hard on you and the date, so let her.
>>
No. 773245 ID: 7b7ab3

>Krin
"She said you're cute, and then when I said you're bigger in real life she said "Big enough for two?"

>Meg
"Piggy back rides, video games, and vanilla ice cream. Trust me. Other than that, just be your awesome self."
>>
No. 773247 ID: bb78f2

>>773239
Krin, she's dtf
>>
No. 773248 ID: 91ee5f

>>773239
>What did she say exactly
She exactly said, "Krinstezj has a connection to Kathleen Caritas. My God. I need to meet this girl." I think both of you would get along juuuuust fine. ;)

>"But like-- if you have any uh. Suggestions? For what I can do with him. Her. I want it to go good."
I hate to say this, but no high flying like you did with me. You know how Skuts get when you separate them. Which also means you might have a group date with 3 or 4 Bikas.

Just pretend you're hanging out with a family of Skuts because humans don't know the "secret of the Skut" and don't call all of them Bika, you've gotta call them by whatever individual name each Bika body has.
>>
No. 773250 ID: 96f207

>>773245
>>773248
These.
>>
No. 773251 ID: 91ee5f

>>773248
I would tell you what to do when you get to the bedroom, but it sounds like you've already got that covered. Or are you the one that's getting covered...by Bikas?
>>
No. 773284 ID: 0555b9

Well, first I would go somewhere Bika can take some wingmen. Of course. So then, Bika's really well read, alright? Lotta eyes on the page and all that. On our first date we talked a lot about human history and other such heady topics. I think he'd like getting to discuss stuff and you don't have to be an expert on it yourself because she'll explain it to you. But, you know, every body has slightly different tastes, so feel free to try something new. Have I even met this body? (If so I'm high fiving them next time we meet.) Plus you get to skip the awkward part where she accidentally revealed the whole species' secret in the middle of a packed restaurant.
>>
No. 773347 ID: 61c7b9

>>773239
Go some place Bika can be surrounded by herself, but still have fun without having to deal with Skut Politics. I mean, unless Meg wants to gib some of Bika's enemies with pulse cannons.

You know, maybe those two should go see a movie or something. Involving ass-kicking. Or perhaps since Meg's cool-headed and Bika's a philosopher, they should go to an art gallery.

Or Meg could take Bika flying over the water, though that might cause signal latency issues for Bika. Not sure, honestly!
>>
No. 773377 ID: 952ab0

text Krin that she keeps blowing up your phone and Duchess saw her icon. You could show off a better photo if she has one handy.
>>
No. 773388 ID: 9145ba

Text Krin back: "She said 'Not now Zack I'm preparing my revenge on the Oculot who stole my boy toy.'"
>>
No. 773424 ID: 2120ee

>>773239
"Hey, you're the one making good relationship decisions for me, my advice is just do that for you."

Haha, boom 'just be yourself'. Suck my cliché dick, Meg.
>>
No. 773478 ID: f6ba27
File 148488424039.png - (17.70KB , 960x560 , 683.png )
773478

>she saw ur icon when you were blowing up my phone and said you were cute
>then when i said you had a connection to kathleen caritas she was like i need to meet this girl

Krin starts and stops typing, then does that four more times.
You turn your attention back to Meg.
"You're the one making good descisions for me. Just do the same thing but for you."
"This one was fucking easy," Meg protests. "Bika's like... cool."
"She likes piggy back rides, video games, vanilla ice cream, and being philosophical," you say. "Maybe an art museum?"
"Art." Meg straightens her jacket. "Hmm."

Your phone buzzes. Krin has finally composed a response:
:krin: omg

"She'll love you, hon," Poly says. "Or he! Or they."
"Oh yeah go with a group," you say.
"Duh," Meg says.
"Well I didn't know."
"No I know. Thanks. Thanks, guys. Art. Art art." Meg kisses you, pauses for a second, then kisses Polyphema too, bringing a hint of color to her cheek. "Gotta go."
"Good night and good luck, Megumi!" Poly calls after her.
Meg makes an expeditious exit, doubles back to grab her wallet, throws a farewell peace sign, and bangs the door shut behind her. Flying or no, Meg has a way of leaving that makes it feel like the room she was in was a launchpad.

"Well!." Poly rights a coat Meg brushed off its hook. "Megumi and Bika. Isn't that lovely."
"Yeah," you say.
"Sooo." She crossed back to the kitchenette. "Drink, Zack? More pizza? You've hardly touched the pizza."
You take another slice and chew. She fidgets.
A certain unease has resurfaced in her now that she's alone with you. The wound is patched and set, you think, but maybe not quite healed.
You feel the need for something to break the ice.
>>
No. 773480 ID: 9f3729

>>773478
"wanna marathon the Mr. Plinkett reviews?"
>>
No. 773484 ID: 9145ba

So that pelvis is feeling a lot better now, huh.
>>
No. 773485 ID: 7b7ab3

Watch some Star Wars and try to chill out.
Possibly call up GG and see if she wants to join.
>>
No. 773487 ID: bb78f2

>>773478
So... does the idea of stalking those two on their first date sound like a fun idea for a date?
I mean, yes... we could use some alone time, but a little funtime espionage sounds thrilling. We could wear disguises! Buy newspapers to hide behind! Run a thrilling spy sound track in our headphones! Wear catsuits!
>>
No. 773488 ID: 84ea53

>>773478
What would make a good icebreaker?
Watching a movie? Playing a game? Should we invite GG?
>>
No. 773489 ID: f6ba27

>>773488
I mean traditionally that's what you guys decide
>>
No. 773491 ID: 84ea53

>>773489
I know. Just spitballing.
>>
No. 773492 ID: 595d54

Ask if the shirt came with those shoulder holes or she had to make them then just chatter about whatever comes up. Krin, the news, what she's been reading lately. Kinda trivial but it doesn't have to be some big important thing to enjoy time together.

>>773487
I'm kind of tempted to do hilariously bad jobs of tailing them and see how they put up with it, but honestly if they wanted us around they'd have invited us and I doubt we could actually fool them.
>>
No. 773493 ID: 493b5f

"So, you hear GG's been scoping for another boyfriend? She came asking me permission and all."
>>
No. 773505 ID: 91ee5f

>>773487
>Buy newspapers to hide behind!
And now I can't stop thinking about The Pink Panther (2006 film) and how Zack will shout "Newspapers!", him and Poly pull up their newspapers, and then Zack falls down the stairs into the subway.
>>
No. 773506 ID: 59b5d7

Let's exchange stories first. Tell her what we've been up to, then ask her what she's been up to.
Also ask her if she's heard from GG. It's been a while since we last saw her.
Then ask her what she'd like to do.
>>
No. 773511 ID: 987bda

>>773493
Sounds good.
Mention she wanted somebody strong enough that she could feel rough sex.
>>
No. 773512 ID: e136ae

>>773487
I was originally gonna suggest to go down on her since she offered a shower blowjob originally but that sounds kinda fun.
>>
No. 773536 ID: 8d16fc

>>773487
omg! i mean, spying on a robospy and a literal mafia organisation sounds as challenging as it is badass. also, romantic.
>>
No. 773563 ID: 475c49
773563

Tickle her.

Then maybe watch a film or netflix marathon together and cuddle whilst consuming leftover pizza.

DON'T FALL ASLEEP

>>773506

What she's been up to since we've seen her is being depressed as fuck, if I recall, so I'm not sure if that's the best idea. Also she already told us that like twenty minutes ago or thereabouts, in game time.

>>773487
>>773492
>>773505

I like this idea a lot, but I kinda feel like it might work slightly better another time.
>>
No. 773592 ID: edb894

Yeah don't go stalking Meg. It's time for some alone time i think.

Suggest sleeping together with the inhibitor.
>>
No. 773609 ID: 0555b9

Don't stalk Meg and Bika. It's a breach of privacy. Leave the hopelessly romantic things they'll do to the imagination, until they get back.

Did we not get around to suggesting that yet? Broach the idea of inhibited sleep. Then do lots of things that won't make you fall asleep, like sinking into the comfiest couch, lighting some scented candles and watching old romance flicks. Mmm.
>>
No. 773618 ID: 475c49

I'm not sure why we'd want to touch a potentially sore topic so soon. We could raise the idea of sleeping with an inhibitor later if we want.

I mean, I really think we should've told her how important some of our visions seem like they might be to preventing another war, but I don't want to raise that right now either. The moment has passed.
>>
No. 773639 ID: 241e41

>>773478
"So... do you wanna play Mass Effect?"

The last time she tried the game, she said she'd like to play it together with us so she can have fun with dialogue trees while we handle the boring shooty parts. It'll be a good call back to something you did together earlier and it'll give you plenty of chances to make small talk with her while you're shooting alien invaders.

Don't bring up the "sleeping with an inhibitor" thing. If it doesn't work it'll be another invasion of her privacy, which is the whole issue we just got finished being dramatic about. Bringing it up now would make us overly pushy about sleeping together, and what we really need to do is to reassure her that we can be happy together without sharing a bed at night.
>>
No. 773642 ID: 475c49

>>773639

This is actually a pretty neat idea. +1 vote from moi!

All I would add is tickling at an opportune moment. Plus pizza.
>>
No. 773649 ID: 91ee5f

>>773639
This.
>>
No. 773652 ID: 7b7ab3

>>773639
I'm actually changing my vote to this because it sounds really cute.
I still think we should check on GG, though.
>>
No. 773653 ID: fb1c7d

>>773639

My vote is going towards this. I mean it's a light topic and an activity to do together with opportunity's to talk, like how GG is on the look for a new partner. I mean GG and Poly are really close getting her up to date in case she's been out of the loop isn't bad.
>>
No. 773654 ID: 350a50

>>773639
This.
>>
No. 773656 ID: 03999c

>>773639

This.
>>
No. 773783 ID: dfa669

!! +1 this: >>773639
>>
No. 773864 ID: 61c7b9

>>773478
"Wanna play Mass Effect?"
>>
No. 773884 ID: f6ba27
File 148505083310.png - (52.42KB , 960x560 , 684.png )
773884

"Mein gott!" Polyphema swings the camera around wildly. "They're shooting!"
"You have to get behind cover!" you say. "Cover, Poly!"
"Where's the surrender button! I can't even see them! Oh no the ceiling!" Polyphema is pointed at the ceiling. She squeezes off a couple of ineffective pistol shots at it. "I thought you said the adept didn't need to do shooting!"
"You have to use your powers!"
"My pow-- Am I dead?" She watches her Shepard ragdoll. "I'm dead!!!"
You gently take the controller from her. "Let me do this part."
"My goodness," Poly says, as you variously headshot and force-push her attackers to death. "One wonders how the humans never won the war."
"There ya go." You hand the controller back.
"Yess." Polyphema resumes shaky command of humanity's last hope against the Reapers. "I can't-- Moving my person and my camera at the same time is tough. I must seem like such a luddite. Or a 'noob.'"
"Please don't ever say noob again."
"Can I have sex with the mask one now?"
"Not until Mass Effect 2."
"Two? This is an outrage."
"I thought so too."
"I don't know if this is up my alley," Polyphema says. "I guess we know what started your alien obsession, Zackary."
"That--" You think about it. "That might not be wrong." You watch her wobble her perspective over to a hanar and try to remember the talk button. "Did you hear GG's looking for a Warrior now? Speaking of?"
"Another man?"
"Yeah."
"Well I suppose she did break your pelvis last time." Poly adjusts her position in your lap. "Though it seems to be healed pretty nicely."
"Nanomachines."
"Are you at all bothered by that?" Polyphema asks. She seems to be losing interest in Mass Effect.

1]] Not at all.
2]] Kind of.
3]] Maybe Mass Effect is a bad starter point.
4]] ________________
>>
No. 773885 ID: 2120ee

>>773884
4) Maybe if I have to compete. Like, warrior compete. But I don't think GG is looking for that.
>>
No. 773886 ID: 987bda

>>773884
4) "Should I be? She has needs. Some that a warrior couldn't hope to provide for, and some I couldn't hope to meet - unless you know somebody looking to sell some powered armor, anyway"
>>
No. 773887 ID: 91cfcf

4. Too early to tell, but you have other girls and it's not serious yet.
>>
No. 773888 ID: 398fe1

>>773884
2, you wish you could be strong enough for her. Maybe you can get cybernetics in like ten years, considering how fast medical tech is advancing.

Hey how come they don't have cybernetics? Floater tech seems like it'd make it possible. Wait, let me guess. Warriors are actually better organically than Floater enhancements, it'd be a waste for a Skut to get any, and it messes up Oculot powers?
>>
No. 773891 ID: e22b1d

1]] We still hit it right, she just needs variety. Which we also have so who cares.
4]] Show her something where you don't move your guy and the camera at the same time. Mario or something
>>
No. 773892 ID: 493b5f

4) "Emotionally? There's a little fragment of male pride or something that feels bad I can't provide everything she needs. And I'm a little worried that he'll be bothered by it, whoever he ends up being, since a human in a dulabira is a new thing and there might not be that, you know, head space for it. But otherwise I don't have any problems with it, that I'm aware of right now, at least."

(And because I want to inquire along these lines...)

"Like, I have less than zero problems with the Meg and Bika situation. It makes sense, and it's cute. Is that just because Bika's with me, too? I dunno. Her guys aren't. Though - private confession here Poly, hush hush - some of them have been giving me less heterosexual thoughts than I normally expect in my head. Not sure what I want to do with that. What do you think? You had any thoughts about getting some more skut flavours in your life lately, yourself?"
>>
No. 773894 ID: 91ee5f

>>773884
>"One wonders how the humans never won the war."
"It's probably because when the war happened, we humans didn't have any psychic powers or advanced technology. If we did, it probably would've been more of a fair fight. But to be honest, even with all of that, we probably would've still lost. Mostly because we would've been too busy having sex with you Visitors.....no wait, that's just me."

>"Are you at all bothered by that?"
4]] Only if I don't get superpowers!
>>
No. 773897 ID: 5c83cb

1.
For real, though. It'd be mighty hypocritical to tell her to restrain herself while Zack is neck deep in ladies.
>>
No. 773898 ID: d69f12

1 and 3.
>>
No. 773900 ID: 7b7ab3

1, 3.
Like GG said: she has to share Zack with the others and she has needs that only another Warrior can fulfill. It's not about dissatisfaction or lack of love, and there's plenty of communication and understanding to go around. So it's not a big deal.
Maybe Poly would like a less frantic and shooty game. Let's introduce her to Minecraft!
>>
No. 773903 ID: 350a50

1. "Nanomachines are pretty slick, to be honest."
>>
No. 773913 ID: 5c83cb

>>773900
>Minecraft
OOOO She'd probably love it!
>>
No. 773914 ID: 3e182c

>"One wonders how the humans never won the war."
When your enemy can be literally anywhere instantly through magic portals you tend to lose. Pure logistics, Combat had little to do with it.

4]Not a problem until I get Bionic Super Strength.
>>
No. 773919 ID: 6612fa

>>773884
as long as he treats her right and is fine with a human in her dulabra we can live with each other, be cool if we became friends
>>
No. 773924 ID: 03999c

>>773914

This.
>>
No. 773928 ID: 91ee5f

>>773913
Until a Creeper sneaks up on her and not only kills her, but also destroys the house she spent hours working on, forcing her to start over!

This makes me wonder if an Oculot rage quits a game, do they accidentally eye laser their game and have to replace it?
>>
No. 773930 ID: 5c83cb

>>773928
Might want to start her off on peaceful.
Let her acclimate to the game first and get a feel for it.
>>
No. 773931 ID: bb78f2

Just make her play five nights at freddy's and have a good laugh at her expense
Like a real lover would
Or walk her through dark souls on stream
>>
No. 773933 ID: ca661e

>>773884
>2]] Kind of. 

If only so we won't be so goddamn perfect all of the time.

And no, I'm not trying to sabotage the quest, I jut can't escape the feeling that we have turned Zack into some sort of "yes man" automaton that never gets upset at others actions, even when he REALLY should.
>>
No. 773934 ID: 91ee5f

>>773931
>Five Nights at Freddy's
>Dark Souls
You sir/madam are evil!
>>
No. 773935 ID: 9145ba

2) Kinda sucks that we can't do it all for our girl. Girls.

3) How about something turn based, almost like a board game.

Like XCOM!
>>
No. 773937 ID: 71e457

I dunno. Maybe it's not so much that she's seeing other people, it's that there's something I can't do with her, if that makes sense. I mean, Journey to the center of the mind, no problem; flight at god-knows how fast and how high, lemme at it. Advocate work for a one-woman mafia, sign me up. I don't feel like a little rough stuff should be my limit.

Hm, maybe try an RTS?
>>
No. 773941 ID: f6ba27
File 148507617431.png - (8.66KB , 960x560 , 685.png )
773941

"Kind of," you say. "I don't know. It's not really that she's seeing other people, it's that there's something I can't do for her. I guess there's this little fragment of like... male pride or something."
Polyphema puts a hand on your arm. "If it's any consolation, my dear, your cock is huge."
"My-- it is?"
"The human penis is remarkably large, Zackary, as in Warrior large if not larger, and yours is charmingly above the bell curve," Polyphema says. "I've told you that before, haven't I? Surely you've noticed GG's relatively snug fit for her size. It is an open secret among the Visitor community: humans have big dicks."
"I just thought-- is it really that big?"
"It is really that big, Zack. Not necessarily in length, which I would compare roughly to a Warrior's, but in girth, which is more important. It stretches me out in ways that I had never experienced, and it is wonderful. You are a singularly fantastic lay. It is not a coincidence that extradimensional women keep lining up at your door. Yes you are quite charming, and very handsome, but also: you are hung. You reach corners of me I didn't know I had in the first three centuries of my life. I for one know that despite the inability to mind meld, switching back to an Oculot's pecker at this point would not be easy. And that's not even touching on the secret things you do to GG that no Warrior ever will." She refocuses her attention on her game and tries to figure out how to leave the pause menu. "To restate and conclude, in emphatic terms: your cock is huge."
"Wow."
"I cannot for the life of me figure out this game."
"Maybe we should try Minecraft."

"Well," Polyphema says, pirouetting in place with her face to the sky, "at least nothing is shooting at me this time."
"Right stick looks around."
"Right stick. Right." She relocates the camera to her feet. "Oh hell. This is like trying to learn to walk again!"
You laugh. "It's ok."
"I feel as if I'm disappointing you," Polyphema says. "Maybe I'm just not a video game person. I'm sorry."
Your phone rings.
"Saved by the bell," Polyphema says.
You check it. An unknown caller, with a 212 area code.
>>
No. 773942 ID: 91cfcf

Answer it, but make sure you have the tunnel ready if need be. It was on the kitchen counter last I saw it.
>>
No. 773944 ID: 9145ba

>>773942
Why not just hang up if you don't feel like talking to the person on the phone?
>>
No. 773945 ID: 9145ba

Let Poly know she's got about twenty minutes to find shelter before the zombies come for her and excuse yourself to answer the phone.
>>
No. 773946 ID: 2bf3e4

>>773941
Naaaah, it takes getting used to the first time. Give it twenty minutes to adjust.
>>
No. 773949 ID: 19b111

>>773941
Answer it. If it turns out to be a commercial call, you can always hang up, but I have a feeling it could be important.
>>
No. 773952 ID: eb3cf7

Ugh, shit, this'll be one of those anti-visitor extremists, I can feel it. Well, answer, I guess. Get ready for startling violence.
>>
No. 773956 ID: 350a50

>>773945
This.
>>
No. 773957 ID: e4bfb8

It could also be something about that interview we are setting up. Better answer.
>>
No. 773958 ID: 91ee5f

>>773941
>"at least nothing is shooting at me this time."
"That's because you haven't run into any of the skeletons yet."

>Unknown caller.
Answer it by saying, "For the last time, I don't want any! Quit calling and trying to sell me propane and propane accessories!"
>>
No. 773959 ID: 7b7ab3

Answer, but be prepared.
>>
No. 773960 ID: 987bda

>>773941
Manhattan.
Pick it up.
>>
No. 773969 ID: 493b5f

Maybe Poly'd do better with some visual novels or something. Maybe some Ace Attorney action? Or something cuter and un-action-oriented, like animal crossing or such.

Answer the phone with "Hi, I'd like to order a small meat lovers' pizza, extra sauce. Do you serve Pepsi or Coke?"

>big dicks

How peculiar. The factors that guided the evolution of the proportionally large penis are ones that I would have expected to apply to Visitors as well. Selection for pleasurable mating partners by intelligent females, superior display of sexual attributes on an upright bipedal frame, the need for long mutually enjoyable mating sessions to build emotional bonds and secure both social cohesion within a group and the assistance of the male during a long pregnancy and infancy. The length of pregnancy and infancy is due to the large braincase and the difficulty of developing language, which should apply to Visitors as well.

Strange. But I've suspected that there's been some unnatural, or at least alien, influence on Visitor evolution that wasn't present on Earth.
>>
No. 773970 ID: 71e457

Might be NPR, so don't be silly.
>>
No. 773983 ID: 350a50

>>773970
This also.
>>
No. 773990 ID: 674307

>>773969
Gorilla dicks are weirdly tiny and duck dicks are crazy big. I think you're putting too much thought into it.
>>
No. 773991 ID: 4cfe41

>>773969
at least one race of Visitor are robots that don't usually fuck ever and another one are lots of midget bugs, I think you may be overthinking this tbh
>>
No. 774024 ID: 475c49

in which we have definitively confirmed: Zach is HUNG

Now we now the real reason why Poly wanted us back xD

also the constant comments about Visitor girls seeming tighter than the embrace of a drowning longshoreman makes more sense now lol

On a side note: I was interested that none of Zach's paramours have commented on him being circumcised*. Women often tend to if it's not what they're used to. Is that a common thing in Golboria as well? Fascinating if so.

*(He is cut, right? I dimly recall that being surprisedly mentioned by one of his friends during the skinny dipping when we took GG to the beach/parkour party.)


>>773990

Gorillas haven't been through the of selective pressures outlined, though. Not that it's a big deal either way.

Ultimately it's fantasy, and as has been said, there's no need to worry overmuch about it. Presumably one could construct some explanation if one wanted to, but I'm not that fussed personally. I for one would certainly not look this gift horse in the mouth lol

Anyway, as for votes:

[X] Answer the phone, professionally and politely. This could be that interviewer.
[X] Bingewatch Stranger Things with Poly if she doesn't dig Minecraft.

(Does Zach's world have Stranger Things? I hope they do. It would be a bleak world otherwise. Although I guess the subtext might seem a bit different to them...)
>>
No. 774031 ID: 61c7b9

>>773884
Not at all. We're adapting to a polygamous worldview pretty well, and GG deserves to be able to slamfuck. Until we get cybernetic bones, she'll need a partner she can enjoy and reproduce with in a rough way. There's no shame in that.
>>
No. 774036 ID: 475c49

Also, I guess we now know what the real secret power of humanity is. ^_^

>>774031
"Until we get cybernetic bones,"

GENTLEMEN WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY

WE CAN REBUILD HIM

FASTER

STRONGER

BETTER

HARDER

THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR DICK
>>
No. 774041 ID: 8cb228

If you are going to do this interview, for the love of god, look up the various modern incarnations of poly-[whatever], especially polyamory, and try to figure out how what this thing you have compares to and is different than or similar to the other ones that humanity came up with!
>>
No. 774101 ID: f6ba27
File 148514955074.png - (11.51KB , 960x560 , 686.png )
774101

"Hello?"
"Hi. Do I have Zack Nguyen?" The voice on the other side is burnished cherry wood given a voice. "This is Kathleen Caritas. It's been suggested I get in touch with you."
"Hi, Kathleen. You got Zack."
"Hello, Zack. Did the delay I took in calling do a good enough job of hiding my eagerness?"
"I'm totally in the dark."
A half laugh half hmmm that makes you feel like you've gone up an IQ point just hearing it. "Great. Now this is what I'm going to pitch to you:

"Come to the studio for a couple of hours, and we'll have a conversation. Bring whoever you need to bring: security, an adviser, moral support. During the interview I want the option to be there for you to put an answer on hold, check with your people, find out whether there's something you should or shouldn't be saying, and construct an answer you're happy with. So I think it's best if we don't do this one live. I want you to be comfortable enough that you'll be honest and precise, and I'd like to take the time to add a kind of context and narrative to it in post. You know: the framing voiceover sort of thing you'd see on 60 Minutes or hear from NPR.

"And I do need to make it clear to you that the final cut I'm talking about won't be given to you or the HVAO before it airs. You'll hear it for the first time with everyone else, and at that point it may evolve into a whole feature; on the HVAO, on the Visitors, or on whatever makes sense from where we leave off. I might interview other people. I might call you and ask for your comment on something after the fact. If our discussion shows me an inroad to something I think is important enough to program something about, I'll need to have the option. Essentially what I'm telling you is that although we are very, very interested in your perspective, and we think this is a great chance for you to make an introduction of it to the listening public, the audio has to be ours, and we are going to use it in service of what, I hope, will be holistic, honest, good journalism. I hope that you'll consider my credentials and--not to sound too prideful--our program's reputation, and decide that's alright. Because the team and I would love to have you on."
>>
No. 774103 ID: c7d4d7

>>774101
sounds fair

not sure how much the hvao is gonna be okay with it but well they arent getting interviewed

should we bring the girls?
>>
No. 774104 ID: 350a50

>>774101
Yup.
>>
No. 774105 ID: 4063a3

>>774101
Lie as much as you possibly can during the interview.
>>
No. 774109 ID: 40af78

This has great promise.
It also holds great risk.
We'll need to clear it with the HVAO and we'll want security, advisers, and moral support like she said.
We might want to bring the girls. They're involved in this just as much as Zack, and they have a right to represent themselves and their respective species. We'll have to check with them, too.
Does Ms. Caritas have a particular date in mind for the interview?
>>
No. 774111 ID: 91ee5f

>>774101
Whenever you give your answer, make sure you give Poly a bunch of frantic waving and pointing at your phone while quietly mouthing, "It's her! It's her!"

>Bring whoever you need to bring
I know she said bring whoever we need, but let's try not to crowd her studio. I'm thinking we bring 2 or 3 others with Zack to the interview.

Who should we bring?

I'm thinking Poly could be one, just for the sake of seeing her fangirl about meeting this lady and maybe asking for an autograph, but also because I'm sure she'll be professional and have some insight to help with the interview.

I'm also thinking maybe Meg.

And for a possible third, maybe someone from HVAO.

I don't know.

My only hope is that whoever we bring, doesn't end up getting stage fright as soon as the interview starts.

Also, let's schedule when the interview will be.
>>
No. 774120 ID: 9145ba

>security,
GG.
>an adviser,
Poly.
>moral support.
Bikas.

...I guess we should get an actual PR consultant from the HVAO, too.

What I'm saying is I'm delighted that you'd have us on your show. I'll have my people call your people, as soon as I actually get some people.
>>
No. 774124 ID: 493b5f

"That all sounds good to me, but on the subject of having advisors with me, I should probably run everything you've just said past someone as well as taking them with me for the actual interview. Nothing on you, just that someone in an office somewhere will probably get mad at me if I don't. Could you text me the points you just covered? I'll get back to you quick."
>>
No. 774125 ID: 71e457

>>774101
Well that sounds fine to me. That said, I'd like to run it by my boss first so he doesn't develop a heart condition.
>>
No. 774127 ID: 40af78

>>774120
Well, we can't cut Meg out of it.
We'll call her our "celebrity endorsement."
>>
No. 774134 ID: 7d8168

Meg is literally both a soldier and a spy, so she'd probably be pretty good as both security and advisor. She's also probably one of the best-informed regarding what the HVAO wants of the program and its public image out of the whole gang.

If we're going to bring one or more of the girls, Meg ought to be at the top of our list.
>>
No. 774157 ID: 9f3729

>>774134
This, yeah. Meg's great for advisory for the listed reasons.
>>
No. 774172 ID: 6612fa

>>774120
our advisor should be carlson and poly and meg should definitely come.
having carlson there would also let them get a statement from a high ranking government official making the interview even more legitimate.
leave bika out of it it would raise to many questions having a herd of them in the station.
leave g.g out of it, 1 we need to let her have time to find her warrior dude and 2 i'm not sure how she would react to some of the harder questions.
>>
No. 774175 ID: 3e182c

I feel we deffinantly need Meg and Bika here. Bika is absurdly knowledgable of visitor... everything, and Meg knows all the do and do not say's. Both are extremely level headed and together they are all the moral support Zack will need. On security, Meg is a soldier and Bika can be set up to have eyes literally everywhere.
Though Bika isn't fond of exposure she doesn't actually need to be on camara and if she is pressed to she has her two favorite people with her. not to mention that she can take loads of Bikas, only one need be in the building, but dozens could be in the area.

The only deffinant no go is Poly. Her fanciful way with words, sensitive emotions, and love of the sauce make her a risk. She would most deffinantly sit in front of the camara with Zack, get asked a question she's unwilling to answer, and then make some innocuous statement that's ultimately taken way out of context. The interviewer will have an open mind, the producer may not. If anything potentially scary or damning makes it in even out of context, it could easily make the final cut. Bringing Poly is tempting date.

GG meanwhile would be a high risk high reward kind of thing. She would bring a sort of down to earth everyman feel to the conversation. She could really make Zacks message stick... Or she could get angry and say something dumb. Either way, If Poly is left I dont think she should be the only one left out. So if Poly is a no than GG is a no too, since of the remaining 3, shes the highest risk.
>>
No. 774178 ID: 0555b9

>>774175
>camera
Did you know the R in NPR stands for Radio?

Meg's in the upper echelons of the HVAO now, but for appearance's sake it would be suspicious to be seen deferring to her on what to say. Why's a human checking with a Golborian soldier what he can and cannot say?

You're the one they want to talk to, and it's a radio show - no cameras. I hope Bika will be comfortable enough with that to consider accompanying us.
>>
No. 774181 ID: 595d54

I don't think we should bring any of the girls, honestly. Zack's being interviewed. It's his first impression, and people want to hear from Zack himself, not the girls. If we bring them along people will be concerned that they're affecting Zack's opinion one way or the other.

Also Bika's not much good unless we bring a whole lot of Bikas, and then the whole hivemind secret is kinda spoiled. As far as everyone knows, Bika is only Bika Prime, and one drone by itself is pretty much useless. So we definitely can't bring Bika out of all the girls.
>>
No. 774185 ID: c441c1

Someone from HVOA, Poly, and Krin would be the best. I highly doubt a security detail will be needed for a NPR interview that no one public knows we are going to record. HVOA will need to be there for NDA purposes, and we can get a Poly Krin threesome at the end. Also Krin should be there because she got us the interview.
>>
No. 774188 ID: b15da4

>>774181
>people will be concerned that they're affecting Zack's opinion one way or the other.

Yes. She literally just said we can check our responses with our handlers before blurting out something. They expect our answers to be filtered through others first.
>>
No. 774189 ID: 595d54

>>774188
Yeah, I more meant the audience, not the people interviewing us. Reasonable or no, that sort of thing can be unpopular. Also, I'm guessing she assumed that Zack's handlers would be HVAO people, not the girls he's dating.
>>
No. 774191 ID: 0555b9

>>774189
There is no audience. This is a pre-recorded interview for a radio program.
Aaaaaaaaa
>>
No. 774271 ID: 475c49

Ms. Caritas seems a decent sort, but you should never wholly trust journalists when you become their story. I think bringing along Carlson or ideally an HVAO comms officer would be a must. Meg is cool but she's also pretty innocent about a lot of things, do we have any reason to believe she has communications experience? Poly seems a safer bet if she'll do it, although I wouldn't be opposed to Poly and Meg. I'd leave off on Bika due to her looking a bit too non-human for our first introduction. GG is probably objectively the worst choice for who to bring in terms of comms skills, much as I like her.

We should also say that we may need to check with the HVAO before we can agree to not having a final say on broadcasting. It's not that uncommon as terms go, but it's also not necessarily something we want to just roll over on right away. Tell her we're delighted that she'll be interviewing us, of course.
>>
No. 774272 ID: 475c49

Ms. Caritas seems a decent sort, but you should never wholly trust journalists when you become their story. I think bringing along Carlson or ideally an HVAO comms officer would be a must. Meg is cool but she's also pretty innocent about a lot of things, do we have any reason to believe she has communications experience? Poly seems a safer bet if she'll do it, although I wouldn't be opposed to Poly and Meg. I'd leave off on Bika due to her looking a bit too non-human for our first introduction. GG is probably objectively the worst choice for who to bring in terms of comms skills, much as I like her.

We should also say that we may need to check with the HVAO before we can agree to not having a final say on broadcasting. It's not that uncommon as terms go, but it's also not necessarily something we want to just roll over on right away. Tell her we're delighted that she'll be interviewing us, of course.
>>
No. 774273 ID: 595d54

>>774191
>no audience
Uhh.... Do you think literally no one is going to listen to the radio, or...?
>>
No. 774275 ID: 7b7ab3

I'm finally going to weigh in on this.
Let's tell Caritas that we're personally cool with that.
Then let's hash it out with our group.
Simple.
>>
No. 774289 ID: 9145ba

>>774273
How many times do you need it explained? There's no live audience, no cameras and Zack will be the only one speaking.
>>
No. 774293 ID: 72b10a

>>774275
actually yeah. we dont need to like, actively tell her who were bringing right now so we should just confirm with her then have a meeting with the band
>>
No. 774294 ID: 9bbf7c

Make sure you at least look good on camera. The audience will be less consequential if you look like garbage.
>>
No. 774323 ID: 350a50

>>774275
This.
>>
No. 774328 ID: f6ba27
File 148523750934.png - (11.32KB , 960x560 , 687.png )
774328

You indicate the phone and mouth Kathleen Caritas!!!
Poly has a silent freakout.

"That all sounds fantastic to me," you say. "I just have to run it by my boss first so he doesn't develop some kind of heart condition."
"Take your time," Kathleen says. "Now provided he says yes, when would be the best time for you? I keep my schedule on the weekdays intentionally light when I'm on the hunt."

The Gala is next week. You consider whether you want to go to it having done the interview already, or if it would be better to do the interview first.

1]] Interview before gala.
2]] Interview after gala.
>>
No. 774330 ID: 094652

BEFORE the upcoming super-scandal, please.
>>
No. 774333 ID: 7b7ab3

Gala first.
If we can make a good impression there, then it might put a little polish on our name and reputation for the interview.
>>
No. 774338 ID: 9145ba

After the gala. More to talk about, and we can mitigate or boost the impact of that event.
>>
No. 774339 ID: 350a50

2.
>>
No. 774340 ID: 3e182c

2. More of a game plan will be possible.
>>
No. 774347 ID: 595d54

2.

>>774289
I didn't say "live" audience. Please learn to read, or learn other meanings of the word audience.
>>
No. 774364 ID: 8963ff

2
>>
No. 774366 ID: e87ddb

>>774328
interview before gala
>>
No. 774371 ID: f33b90

2
I feel that it'd boost how many people will listen to the podcast.
>>
No. 774373 ID: 72b10a

2

first impressions are important and just in case this interview taints public perception (it wont but im paranoid) of us we should get the gala in first so the floaters dont force meg out
>>
No. 774379 ID: 475c49

I kind of think the ideal option would be to record before the gala, but release the interview just after. It maximises the coverage but also stops any potential Drama (TM) at the gala from influencing the interview. Is that what she's proposing? Imma just vote for it and see.

3. What about recording before the gala but releasing just after? Contingent on my boss not having a surprise aneurysm over it, of course.
>>
No. 774479 ID: ca661e

>>774379
This, but make sure and ask her if that's ok, and if she says no to it do the Interview afterwards.
>>
No. 774481 ID: dfa669

>>774379
hm, this!
if that's not an option, gala before interview
>>
No. 774489 ID: abff21

>>774379
good idea, allows us to keep our heads down for a while from the inevitable backlash of both.
3
>>
No. 774499 ID: 383c64

>>774379
changing my vote to this actually
>>
No. 775008 ID: f6ba27
File 148550297944.png - (19.44KB , 960x560 , 688.png )
775008

"How about this," you say. "I have kind of a gala to go to, so if we record before then, this next week, and it releases after..."
"The MoMA?" Kathleen prompts.
"Yeah. That's the one."
"Well! The MoMA gala. If you're going to be at the MoMA gala, I think we should record after, don't you think?"
"Why?"
"So we can talk about it, of course. The interview becomes a very different beast if you spill a champagne flute on Senator So-and-so's lap. Not that I think you will. But do you see what I mean? If I'm not getting your public debut I'd at least like the full picture. And it'll give us a chance to get acquainted first. It so happens that I'm going to be at there too."
>>
No. 775011 ID: 595d54

>>775008
How about two? Before/after sort of thing.
>>
No. 775019 ID: 7b7ab3

>>775008
I suggest doing what she suggests.
She is a professional after all.
>>
No. 775021 ID: 9145ba

Ladies first. After, you!
>>
No. 775023 ID: 61c7b9

>>775019
Sounds legit.
>>
No. 775024 ID: c16172

>>775008
i still vote interview before gala
>>
No. 775034 ID: abff21

>>775008
Damn hadn't thought of that, lady makes a good point.
>>
No. 775060 ID: 72b10a

>>775008
hey, this is literally your job, so sure im good with that
>>
No. 775061 ID: 475c49

>>775008

Oh god I never intended to actually tell /her/ about the Gala. I'd assumed Zack would just mention the day or something. Fuck, this is what late-night drafting gets you.

>>775019
>>775034

She's also not our friend, even if she acts friendly. It's astounding how many people always forget that about journalists.

If the interview becomes about what happened at the gala it reduces its impact in raising our own profile, not to mention any possible drama there potentially muddying it. It's not at all unnatural for her to want to include the gala however; we effectively just told her that she won't be getting first dibs.

I honestly don't know how to salvage this at this point. We may just have to hope that nothing apocalyptic happens at the gala, or that we can somehow roll with it like media genius we are manifestly not if it does happen.

fucking fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck
>>
No. 775084 ID: bf8b66

Alright, then. Gala first. We'll be the guy with the Floater on our arm.
>>
No. 775143 ID: 350a50

>>775008
Yeah, sure, why not.
>>
No. 775153 ID: 475c49

>>775061

Calming down slightly, yeah, at this point she's just straight up outplayed us, the best thing to do is prolly to accept.
>>
No. 775309 ID: f562b1

Well, if she suggests after, then after it is. More to talk about on both ends.
>>
No. 775323 ID: 6612fa

>>775153
"outplayed us"
a large amount wanted to do it this way, this is just brom giving us a way out of being retarded
>>
No. 775426 ID: f6ba27
File 148567942247.png - (10.78KB , 960x560 , 689.png )
775426

"Sounds good, Kathleen," you say. "I'll get the go-ahead and let you know so we can hammer out the details. And I'll see you at the Gala."
You barely suppress a laugh at the dorky elation on Polyphema's face.
"Excellent. I'm looking forward to it. This is my personal number, so just call or text and you can get a hold of me."
"Will do. Have a good one!"
"Thanks, Zack. You too."

Polyphema puts a hand on her chest. "My two favorite humans. In one room. My God. I'm going to plotz in the middle of this function."
The distance you felt a little bit ago has ebbed again.

1]] Keep spending time with Polyphema: ___________ with her.
2]] Contact the HVAO right away to talk about the interview.
3]] Depart to find GG.
4]] Depart to go to Bika's.
5]] See if you can find Meg and Bika to snoop on them.
6]] _________________
>>
No. 775431 ID: 91ee5f

>>775426
6]] Ask Poly if she's going to bring a pen and paper to get Kathleen Caritas' autograph to put in a picture frame and hang on her living room wall.
>>
No. 775432 ID: 91ee5f

>>775431
*Or bedroom wall.
>>
No. 775443 ID: 350a50

2, then 1&5 together.
>>
No. 775452 ID: e50815

1. Dance with her.
Get a little practice in before the gala.
Then 3.
>>
No. 775453 ID: 8963ff

>>775426
2 is a must. Then 1, though I have no idea what to do. Maybe practice on the interview a little with Poly, she'd may give pointers on talking with interviewers.

>>775431
Good idea for 6.
>>
No. 775458 ID: 7b7ab3

1, 2, 3.
I want to spend more time with Poly.
I want to go find GG.
I want to call the HVAO.
If there's a way to do those three things, then let's do that.
>>
No. 775461 ID: 9145ba

1: Dance!
>>
No. 775466 ID: 6612fa

>>775431
she's already bringing her book
>>
No. 775467 ID: c441c1

>>775426
1] Plotz with Poly
>>
No. 775473 ID: 6612fa

>>775426
1 and 2
the others are non-options meg is having fun with bika and vice versa, no need to barge in on that uninvited, they don't barge in on your dates. G.G. is busy lets text her and leave it at that.

get some dancing practice in
>>
No. 775524 ID: 087660

1, 6.
Dance with Poly like a pair of giddy children, thrn shoot a text to GG asking how she's doing.
>>
No. 775652 ID: 475c49

1. hug Poly, 6. text GG, then 2.
>>
No. 775654 ID: f6ba27
File 148576208477.png - (15.46KB , 960x560 , 690.png )
775654

"Kathleen Caritas," Carlson says. "Hmmmmm. She's a very good journalist."
"So you approve?"
"I would have much preferred a mediocre journalist with an HVAO bias. But she'll do. As long as you're very smart. If you require a representative from the HVAO or I myself you'll let me know."
"Got it. I won't let you down."
"I trust you won't. Not that I have any other course of action."
"You worry too much, Carlson."
"I worry the exact amount I need to. Good afternoon, Zack."

You put your phone down. Poly's putting the needle on an honest to god record. "Right." She starts tapping her foot as the electroswing counts in. "Polyphema's Dance Academy, Day One."

"One and a two and a three and Change!" Poly flicks her heel behind your back and then kicks it back out. "One and a two and a kick catch me!"
She spins round and her leg shoots up into a high kick. You dutifully support her.
Dancing with Polyphema, it turns out, is a lot like sex with Polyphema. All you really have to do is hold on and watch her go, and you suddenly feel like an expert.
"Lesson four, dollface." She presses her plush butt into you for emphasis and twists your head a little to look into her eye. "If it isn't close, it doesn't count."
She twirls back and behind you in a snaking flourish, then with a quick step-ball change is back in your arms. "Of course you can't be dancing with me at the Gala or you'll raise all kinds of dark suspicion. But as Megumi noted she has no feet and I imagine they won't let the music get this fast anyway." Somehow she's holding conversation while remaining perfectly on-beat. "Just remember to watch your walls and keep to 45 degree angles as much as you can. And mmm!" She nudges your chin back up. "Don't look at your feet, love. Feel your feet."
The song winds down. Polyphema rewards your performance with a kiss.
"My god." You rub your armpit. "I'm sweating. We should have done this pre-shower."
"The day is young," Polyphema says. "And two showers in one day never killed anybody. Unless they slipped on the soap and cracked their skulls or something to that effect."

You check your phone for messages. GG's responded to your "whats up"

:warrior: nm!!
:warrior: ok i lied im hanging out with a guy who might be the guy
:warrior: do u want to meet him first or anything

And another message, from a number you don't recognize, with a 347 area code.

:who: You dream about people your oculot knew/knows when you sleep with her. Or people those people knew. You see it from their perspective. Have you seen the K yet? We need to meet asap and alone. Dont bother asking me who I am on phone. Will explain in person --Friend
>>
No. 775656 ID: 9f3729

>>775654
@ GG: I trust your judgement, send a pic and a desc tho I'd love to meet
@ mysteryperson:
You realize exactly how sus this comes off, right?
>>
No. 775657 ID: c441c1

GG: send a pic who knows we might get along better then you think.
? : Hell no I don't trust anyone I haven't met with any of that stuff.
>>
No. 775658 ID: 595d54

@GG: Not unless she makes it interesting.
@mystery: There are less complicated ways to ask handsome men on dates.

What "interesting" means is left up to GG.
>>
No. 775661 ID: 91ee5f

>>775654
>Mystery number.
Look around for that portable tunnel and turn it on! Hopefully Meg left it here because this is something we need to talk to Poly about now!

Who did Zack tell? Wasn't it only Meg and Bika? Or am I forgetting someone else?

Maybe reply, "If you were my friend, I'd already have your name and number in my phone."

>>775657
>? : Hell no I don't trust anyone I haven't met with any of that stuff.
SHHHHH!!! That's basically acknowledging their suspicions are true and it is happening!
>>
No. 775666 ID: 9d1c09

>>775654
Whoever this mysterious person is, communicating with them takes presidence. Send GG a text to send a photo of the guy she's seeing so we can meet him later. Then look for that portable tunnel in case Meg left it and info Poly.
>>
No. 775668 ID: 842fc7

GG: Zack would love to meet him. Just let him know where and when.

This mystery caller is too damn shady. To my knowledge, the only person Zack ever actually told about the dreams was Hiz, and he's dead. I'm hesitant to show Poly the message because we just got back on an even keel with her. However, this could be important, so I'm not sure what else to do.
>>
No. 775669 ID: 9f3729

>>775668
Don't tell poly, she just told us she doesn't want any part of it. Who else have we told, any of the girls?
>>
No. 775670 ID: 842fc7

>>775669
>Don't tell poly, she just told us she doesn't want any part of it
Alright. Fine. Cool.

>Who else have we told, any of the girls?
None of the girls. We told Meg we had info on the Kariket, but we never told her how we knew.
We told Hiz that we were having the dreams, but we never went into detail. He's dead anyway, so it doesn't matter.
This might actually be someone experiencing the same phenomenon Zack is.
>>
No. 775673 ID: 6612fa

>>775654
text G.G. back and tell her it's her call but you'd like to meet him eventually,

I've been of the opinion that poly really doesn't deserve honesty at this point but we should probably tell her anyway
>>
No. 775674 ID: 6612fa

>>775654
we only told meg and bika, which means we have a leak or a bug.
if it's a leak it is probably from bika
she gets on well with the other girls but her and poly just don't seem to click.
maybe we should text back "what are you doing bika" she has tons of phones and all the bodies needed to do this stuff. text that just to see what the response is, might not even be her.
if it's a bug we need to tell poly and bika there places were probably bugged and do a look around for it
>>
No. 775678 ID: 350a50

inb4 GG is dating our uber driver.

>>775656
This.
>>
No. 775681 ID: 8d4593

GG:"Nah I can meet him some other time, if you want. You two have fun!"

Mystery: It'll have to be alone in public, or at a private location of my choosing. No compromises here.
>>
No. 775688 ID: 65ec8d

Tell Poly about GG's text and ask if meeting prospective dulabira connections is a thing or if this is GG doing something specific to you. Then discover that Poly probably wants to meet whoever he is too.

To the mystery caller: "Spooky story, friend. Not sure I know what you're talking about but I'd like to. Alone is super sus though. I'll talk to you some place where no-one'll hear but public w. people nearby. Side corridor in loud nightclub, unpopular movie at cinema, etc. Meet near in public then go there to talk. Good enough? Sorry to be paranoid but I've gotten threats you know"
>>
No. 775689 ID: 0555b9

>>775674
We didn't tell Meg about the dreams, only some info we gleaned from them. Info about the Kariket, to be exact, which the caller seems unaware of.

No, the only people who we told are Poly and Hizz. (and any surveillance cameras posted in SLS and/or Poly's apartment. Therefore, this mystery guest must have learned through Hizz, some time before his death.

Text mystery buddy back: What did you do to Hizz.
Text GG: we can meet up sometime, sure. no pressure tho! Pix?

Text Poly: Oh wait I'm standing in the room with you. ...Wanna make out?
>>
No. 775691 ID: 3dd71f

>>775654
queue record scratch npises, hopefully not from the actual record.
i'm gonna guess 'trap'.
poly and meg need to know, though i don't know if you should interrupt her date.
>>
No. 775706 ID: 475c49

I'm fine with the current suggestions for texting GG

RE : Mystery Caller
Hiz might have written something down in an accessible format, or told someone or been forced to divulge information before he died. We don't know that how he appeared to die in the alley was how he actually died. It could have been staged.

Meg or Bika might have told someone or been bugged. Or it could be them directly.

Finally though, and this is a possibility we should take seriously, this could be Poly testing our commitment to what we just promised her.

The one thing in our favour here is that we aren't dead already. If the Kariket knew, that would the simplest way to tie off this loose end, and he absolutely would want knowledge of his power to stay secret. This implies that who we're dealing with may actually have common goals to some extent, or limited assets, or have an interest in us beyond simply immediately stopping us from telling people or learning more.

>>775670

It's a breach of trust not to tell her if we go, or more directly if we go at all, however. She explicitly said she didn't want us knowing he secrets of her past. She wants them as forgotten as they can be. Meeting this person pretty clearly goes against the spirit of that.

I'm not sure if we should tell her. On the one hand honesty is correct, but on the other hand I think she'll likely flat out ask us not to go. Unpicking that just after we've gotten onto an even keel with her would be difficult to say the least. On the other hand I don't exactly relish the prospect of telling her later that we've been meeting with a third about the secrets of her past. Or her finding out on her own.

There's no easy solution here.


...

I'd vote something along the lines of:

Mystery Caller: There are simpler ways to ask me on a date you know

these are both solid too
>>775656
>>775658

We don't have to give them what they want in our first reply. Play for time. Keep them off-balance. If we can get them to divulge any more information, even accidentally, that's all to the good. On balance I felt joking might have a higher chance of getting them to divulge something than prompting them to try to reassure us, but I think >>775656 or something along those lines is also very good as a choice, it's practically 50/50 for me.

I'm legitimately conflicted on whether we should tell Poly or not. I kind of think in the end we should trust in her, but it will just be so painful in the short term if we do.

If we do go, Meg and/or Bika should know where we're gone and why, and ideally there should be armed Bikas at a discreet distance. We should make it clear that we have a failsafe in place so that others will know what we do if something happens to us.
>>
No. 775707 ID: 595d54

Zack isn't the only human dating people for the HVAO, lads, our mystery caller might just be another person trying to deal with getting weird flashback dreams.
>>
No. 775709 ID: df49f7

Poly will probably sense the change in your body language and expression from viewing that message. When she asks about it, just wordlessly show her the message.

This might create an opening to tell her that the "K" dream didn't reveal anything about her to you; and that you did learn something important about K, something that this person might also know and will probably reveal to someone if they're left to stew with it. You need to make sure they talk to the right someone.

It's also possible this is an agent of Mr. K himself, after discovering that this stuff has been getting out this way and eliminating anyone who could learn important things - Hiz might have been targeted for the same reason. Or this might be just a hate group who somehow learned this is goes on, possibly from Hiz' girl (who he might have tried it with after hearing about it from Zack). In either of those cases, we need to set up an opportunity to catch these people and stop what they're doing.
>>
No. 775710 ID: 5f2b81

>>775709
No. When she senses the change in body language, tell her it's something she doesn't want to know about and that you're handling it. That's what she requested, that's what we give her.
>>
No. 775717 ID: 475c49

>>775709
If this was the Kariket or one of his agents I think we'd already be dead. Texting us only gives the people investigating our murder a lead to follow up on.

>>775707
This is a good point.
>>
No. 775727 ID: 475c49

>>775709
>>775717

I mean, it's possible that Special K (as I've now taken to calling him) or his agents might want to know precisely what Zach knows or who else he talked to before they kill him, but even then, texting him like this doesn't seem to be their best play for getting ahold of Zach. Just grabbing him on the street wouldn't have Zach potentially on his guard and informing more people/arranging security, and wouldn't leave a potential lead for investigators to follow-up on in the way this text could.

I think whoever sent this text probably does have some interest in actually talking to us on a level greater than that of an interrogation, even if they're not our friend. If they do just want to kill/abduct us, they're an amateur and they're working with such limited assets/skills that they aren't confident they can get us on the street or at our home. All of this works to our favour, as ominous as this overall situation is.
>>
No. 775763 ID: 350a50

>>775710
This.
>>
No. 775825 ID: 61c7b9

>>775654
Welp, that guy on the phone is probably a member of the Occulot Murdering Conspiracy. He might be a servant of the Kariket in fact. This is alarming and requires immediate, stealthy response, and decking yourself out in stealthy protection. You might want to reach out to Bika's network of contacts and see about getting YOURSELF some covert, low-key protection.

On the subject of GG, hey, that's rad! No reason to stop her from getting laid, and we can meet another Warrior Dude. Most of our interactions with Warrior men have been positive so far, aside from that one GG beat the shit out of, and he was just out of his head. Even if it's that guy, gonna be honest, pretty sure even we can put up a fight if it comes to it. That guy wasn't really smart.
>>
No. 775861 ID: 6612fa

>>775825
the warrior on the train that was an ass, G.G.'s dad, and the guy that wanted to let his mom die.
our taxi driver is the only nice male we know and we hardly spoke to him
>>
No. 775862 ID: eb3cf7

>>775861
The guy on the train was cool, and I think we just failed to understand GG's dad.
>>
No. 775865 ID: dfa669

text to gg: nah unless u want me to
text to gg: is he cute? ;)

i actually second text to mystery dude: There are simpler ways to ask me on a date you know

because fuck, what a Zack Line
>>
No. 775867 ID: 350a50

>>775865
You know what sure, hit on the mystery contact.
>>
No. 775870 ID: 475c49

>>775825

We should take every precaution if we meet them in person, I agree, but I don't think they're an agent of Special K. As I said above (>>775825), texting us doesn't really make sense as a play for them. Nor does it for any other party who generally just wants to kill/abduct us, unless they're desperate, amateurish, have limited confidence in their ability to get Zach at his home or on the street, and are wagering everything on the chance of getting to him in person at a meeting where Zach would have every reason to be on his guard and have taken precautions.

>>775865
>>775867

I think it may legitimately have a chance of throwing them off-balance slightly. That can only be to our benefit, there's a chance they might reveal something.
>>
No. 775907 ID: f6ba27
File 148584682473.png - (8.66KB , 369x560 , 691.png )
775907

You text GG:
>nah go for it
>is he cute? send pic

You text ?:
>There are simpler ways to ask me on a date you know

"What's going on in cyberspace?" Poly asks, filling a bottle of water in the kitchen. You quickly close out the convo with ? and reopen GG's chat

:warrior: here he is
:warrior: hes not as scary as he looks i promise

A Warrior man, as typically massive as any of them, smoking a cigarette. He has one eye.
"GG's potential dulamad. Check it out." You hold the phone up to Polyphema.
"Oooh," she says. "Another cyclops."
"I guess you got her addicted," you say.
She laughs as she starts filling one for you. "Monocular citizens of the world unite!"

? has responded.

:who: Lol.
:who: You're in danger, so is she. Meet me.
>You realize how sus this looks?
:who: Yes but no alternative.
>So you get that it has to be alone in public or in a private place of my choosing?
:who: Public is bad idea for both of us. But you can pick location.
:who: As long as it's not SLS or her apartment or the Warrior's apartment. Too much risk. All being watched.
:who: Bring whoever you want but they watch from a distance. I know your floater and skut hive have guns. Maybe them? Make you comfortable?
:who: I know this won't convince you but I'd leave them out of it. They arent in danger YET. Not the one K is watching.
:who: You are.
>>
No. 775908 ID: 9145ba

>As long as it's not SLS or her apartment or the Warrior's apartment.

That leaves one option then. Meg's tube! it's brilliant. And we'll bring her along of course. The humans' other major intelligence asset. Yes.

...Hmm. Back in the realm of sanity, the mystery caller's right: it won't convince us to keep them out of it. Find a good meeting spot in Bika's turf (use the burner phone to get in touch with her) and meet there.
>>
No. 775909 ID: 9f3729

>>775907
I'm thinking an alley off a main street or a bathroom in a diner, someplace we won't be overheard but if we scream people will come!
>>
No. 775912 ID: c441c1

>>775907
GG : do you know who that man is he is Big Boss! Ask him if he knows CQC!
? : well why not tell K I would like to talk most Visitors seem to like me once they meet me. :)
>>
No. 775915 ID: 91ee5f

>>775907
To GG: Holy shit! It's the Golborian Solid Snake!
>>
No. 775925 ID: 8d4593

>Your Skut Hive
He knows too much. Or is a Skut.

GG: He's neat looking.

For ?, Lets pick somewhere near one of the edges of Bika's Territory. She can keep an eye on us without doing anything out of the ordinary.
>>
No. 775945 ID: 899946

>>775907
GG: Love the 80's action hero look he's got going.

?: Previous suggestions are good. Find secluded area on fringe of Bika's turf, bring burner phone and portable tunnel in case, bring a gun as a worst case thing.
>>
No. 775958 ID: dfa669

Hes HOT

>>775945 agreed
>>
No. 775960 ID: 350a50

Could this be Pilop?

Arrange a meetup in Bika's territory somewhere, bring Meg for spy and bodyguard purposes.

I'm guessing either Kariket could sense Zack's intrusion in his head, or Zack is a political target. In either case I think that human POW Kariket is brainwashing is going to try and assassinate Zack at the Gala. We should be ready for it.

>>775907
>one eye
Like the kind of injury a Warrior might get from a point-blank shotgun blast to the face?
...Don't mention that thought to GG.
>>
No. 775990 ID: 3a73ab

@GG: He looks like he's straight out of an action movie. Can't wait to meet him.

@?: My skut's territory. Not using their name. The meeting will be watched. If "?" tries anything, they're toast.
>>
No. 775993 ID: 65ec8d

>>775925
>He knows too much. Or is a Skut.

Or is another Visitor.

Text back "You sure are filling these texts with mysteries" or something that leaves plausible deniability that you understand any specific thing they're saying. Then add that yeah you'll take someone, and you'll pick a good spot after talking to them, then send a message back about it. Also that you can't just disappear right now so it'll be a little while.

We have to let Meg and Bika finish their date, obviously. Though we could go talk to other Bikas in the meanwhile.
>>
No. 776013 ID: 8d4593

>>775990
Don't actually tell them who's going to be watching.
Just ask when they would like to meet, and then tell them you'll have a location for them by then.
Then inform Bika of this and get the location settled out.
We should try to do this well after Bika and Meg's Date. Bika will deffo tell Meg and then they'll both go into serious business mode.
>>
No. 776014 ID: 475c49

>>775907

@Meg: he's cute, looks like he could star in an action film! can't wait to meet him

>>775909

Hmm. An alley in Bika's territory isn't bad.

We should tell them that we'll tell them the location shortly before. We'll send it to them as step-by-step directions, so they or an associate won't have an opportunity to scope out the place beforehand. And we should let them know we'll be taking precautions, but leave them indeterminate.

>>775960

I think Bikas might make better bodyguards. They're more expendable, as callous as that sounds, and they can form a wide net. Meg taking a bullet for us would be a genuine calamity for human intel operations. She can be the emergency backup.

We should also consider asking Carlson for some discreet security, or asking Meg to ask Carlson. We are a secret agent now, after all.
>>
No. 776029 ID: 4063a3

>>775907
Really low-key start to hint that your dick is larger than his.
>>
No. 776065 ID: 5f2b81

>>775907
Snake? Snake?!? SNAAAAAAKE!!!
>>
No. 776070 ID: 91ee5f

>>776065
Damn it, Otacon, get a grip!
>>
No. 776076 ID: 5b93d3

>>775907
We should probably call Carlson on our Mysterious TXTer. At the very least he can provide a PROPER covert security detail, as well as a tail for our mystery friend to see where they go. We don't need to tell him about Bika, or Poly's dreams, just something along the lines of:
"Somebody I don't know has contacted me and wants to arrange a meeting. They have knowledge of things the girls have told me in confidence that I have not passed on, even to the HVAO. They have made claims that Bika's place of work and home, and GG's home, are under observation. They have also claimed that I am under observation from 'K', implied but not stated to be the Kariket. They have agreed to meet at a location of my choosing, and have not demanded it me me alone. Please advise on how to proceed"
>>
No. 776093 ID: e6027c

DON'T get the HVAO involved before you know what's going on. Whatever is happening here involves some key secrets of the girls'. Just ask Bika to cover you on this. I'm sure she'd say yes.
>>
No. 776126 ID: 350a50

>>776093
This. Bika and Meg aren't incompetent at what they do. Let's keep things in-house until we know what we're dealing with. There's always the risk the HVAO has leaks, too.
>>
No. 776128 ID: 398fe1

>>776126
We outright know the HVAO has a leak. So yeah, we can't get HVAO involved.
>>
No. 776196 ID: e136ae

Unrelated to current problem but make a mental note to also include GG's new guy into next sexual adventure.
>>
No. 776200 ID: 8cb228

Mental note: DONT include GG's new guy into next sexual adventure. HOWEVER, maybe there's an effete male skut that you can use to help get over your lack of comfort with same gendered individuals at least being present and participating? You DO want your skut hive to, uh, broadly share the enjoyment?
>>
No. 776222 ID: 6612fa

meg and bika on the back up.
G.G. has combat ability but i think we are hoping things go smoothly like a drop off in the night so stealth fighters would be better.
meg is overhead watch where she will watch and follow the mystery guy after the meeting. skut for the visible muscle that is standing off in the corners, a visible threat but not an immediate one that prevents hit and run tactics
>>
No. 776242 ID: f6ba27
File 148592724808.png - (5.35KB , 960x560 , 692.png )
776242

To GG:
>omg he looks like solid snake

To ?:
>you sure are filling these texts with mystery
>but fine. i'll tell you the location shortly before we meet
:who: Better be soon.
:who: Clock's ticking.

"Are you ready for Lesson 5?" Polyphema calls. "Lesson 5 is where we graduate from touch and go full contact."
"In a sec," you say. "I'm just gonna slip outside for a second."
"Why?" She squints at you. "Is something wrong?"
"Business stuff. Stuff you don't want to know about."
"Oooh." She looks concerned.
"Don't worry," you say. "I have it handled."
"All right." She kisses the back of your neck. "Zack?"
"Mmm?"
"Thank you."


You pull out your burner as you excuse yourself into the foyer and close the door behind you.
Bika picks up after the second ring.
"SLS," she chirps.
"I need your help," you say.
"This is Henry?"
"N-- yes. Henry. Listen I got some weird texts. Someone wants to meet me. Alone. If I have it at the edge of your territory is there any way you can, like, keep an eye on it? From the rooftops?"
"Do you have a specific location in mind?"
"Not really."
"I do," Bika says. "A few of them."
"So you'll help?"
"Of course I will. When is this going down?"

Your other phone is blowing up too. You struggle to juggle.

:warrior: whos solid snake he sounds like a porn star
:krin: My friend said that interview is a go??? SO EXCITING
:krin: The Dutchess doesn't think I know her personally, right? I'm not that important...

"Z-- I mean Henry? You there?"
>>
No. 776243 ID: 398fe1

>>776242
One phone at a time, Zack! Are you addicted to texting or something, goddamn.
>>
No. 776244 ID: 9f3729

>>776242
Bika: Time's of the essence apparently, so tonight or tomorrow.
Krin: dunno, but she's splooshing herself over it regardless. still wanna meet?
GG: Given how kojima writes he might as well be, google him

Then do some wrist exercises so you don't develop carpal.
>>
No. 776245 ID: a363ac

GG: we will have to play some videogames together when we have some free time.
Krin: don't worry so much. I am sure you two will meet soon enough. I am about ready to leave her house if you want to set up a launch date! ;)
Skut butt: yeah just getting some texts from a sheep and GG.
>>
No. 776246 ID: 455f09

>>776244
This.
>>
No. 776249 ID: 7b7ab3

Bika: "Sorry. Phone juggling. It's going down ASAP. After your date with Meg, though. How's that going, by the way?"

GG: you have much to learn. google him.

Krin: chill, babe. she's into you.
>>
No. 776259 ID: eb3cf7

Yo GG would love Solid Snake. Gotta play MGS with her.

GG: He's from a series of video games that tbh kind of remind me of warrior cinema. It's all about being a soldier and the kinds of psyches/relationships that develop on the battlefield, plus how people define themselves in that context. Also, badass gameplay. Let's play it some time.

Krin: Oh, come on now. "Not that important" is such an arbitrary descriptor. For humans, especially westerners, caste ranking is more or less meaningless when it comes to personal value, and The Duchess is all about human culture. She's kind of turned on about you, don't worry about it.

Bika: Sorry, juggling two phones and a zillion texts. Yeah, tonight or tomorrow, gotta be soon. Sounds urgent.
>>
No. 776261 ID: 7ea7cc

Tell Bika as soon as we're able.

GG: that's japan for you.
Krin: Aw what's that supposed to mean? And I haven't told her about your emigration or anything.
>>
No. 776267 ID: bb78f2

>>776242
To GG:
Less Solid Snake and more Big Boss, who is the best soldier ever and Solid Snake is his clone son.
Look up Metal Gear Solid games. We can maybe play the HD collection and Phantom Pain (unless this quest is right now set before Sep 2015) sometime. Shit, I'd love to play it with HIM and get his reactions if we get along well.

Oh my god, GG, we need to STREAM our playthroughs if we can get the three of us together playing Metal Gear Solid. We'll become lets play superstars!
Hopefully we won't get swatted.
If we do that, we'll need HVAO help so we don't get swatted.
>>
No. 776270 ID: 91ee5f

To Bika: "Sorry, I'm on two phones at the same time. I've just now discovered it's very hard to text on one phone and talk to someone on the other phone."
>>
No. 776271 ID: 9145ba

>>776259
No, we gotta play MGR with her. RULES OF NATURE!

Put down your primary phone for a sec, you're in a huddle with Team Bika right now.

"They say they want it ASAP. I can't really focus on anything else with this hanging over my head, so as soon as you're ready I'm ready. Can we meet up right before the rendezvous to compare notes?"

Also, if you're going to ask about her sex life over the phone, "Henry", at least try to be subtle about it. "You two having fun?"

There. Now, the other phone:

GG: All will be explained next time we have vidya night.
Krin: Well you know her man personally, not much closer you can get than that.
>>
No. 776300 ID: 91ee5f

>>776270
Also, shouldn't we warn Bika that her restaurant, her apartment, and GG's apartment are all being watched? We don't have to tell who's watching, I just think it would be nice to warn her.
>>
No. 776304 ID: 0555b9

Unrelated to current phone call but make a mental note not to involve GG's new guy or Meg's skut guy in our next sexual adventure.

But related to current phone call, bring the gun to your meeting Zack. Be prepared.
>>
No. 776323 ID: 65ec8d

>>776300

Not a good idea over the phone, I think.
>>
No. 776328 ID: d1dbd1

>>776300
She probably already knows, but that's an in-person thing for sure.
>>
No. 776483 ID: f6ba27
File 148601555377.png - (11.40KB , 960x560 , 693.png )
776483

"They want to meet ASAP. So like as soon as you're done with your date let me know."
"We don't have to wait that long," Bika says. "Come find me at the usual hangout. I'll take you where we need to go."
"You're okay with, uh, multitasking?"
"I'm kind of an expert. See you there."

You pace restlessly, texting to keep your nerves down.

>remind me to show you metal gear solid when we get the chance
:warrior: is that a sex thing
>its a video game
:warrior: O
:warrior: even better

>dont worry krin she's into you
>do you still want to meet?
:krin: Um YES
:krin: I mean... if that's ok??
:krin: G2g for now to eat asian food. Let me know if this is a thing.

You hear the music come on behind the wall. A tango, this time.
You open the door back into the living room and Polyphema spins around, a flower in her hair and another clutched in her teeth.
"Lesson whatever number," she says. "Now we make it caliente."
"You look crazy."
"I look caliente."
>>
No. 776484 ID: f6ba27
File 148601556681.png - (24.21KB , 960x560 , 694.png )
776484

"WHAT," you say, "is that."

"Haven't you played CoD?" A compact, battlescarred Bika in a jerry-rigged cloak made of a torn-up hoodie sits in front of you on the rooftop, overlooking an alley behind a foreclosed laundromat.
She has the shortest stature of any Bika you've seen, and the biggest breasts. Her already sizable rack looks even more sizable in comparison.
So does the big fucking sniper rifle leaning on her leg.
"This is a Dragunov," she says.

"Where did you get that?"
"It fell off the back of a truck." She lifts her cloak up while another Bika tapes her tail up to her back to keep it from swishing the fabric. "You've never met this Bika, right?"
"I think I'd remember," you say.
"Cause of the battle damage or the fat tits?"
"Both?" There's a particularly scary-looking scar all the way across her neck.
"Well usually it's up in some nest somewhere," Sniper Bika says. "Keeping lookout. I'd have brought a dude or something but I don't really have any to spare."
"So you're coming in from the opposite end." A lanky Bika posted at the edge of the roof points. "There's another shooter to watch your back. This one is going to train itself on your mystery guest. We should probably work out some kind of signal. Do you want us to make our presence known to this guy, or stay out of sight?"
>>
No. 776487 ID: 350a50

Maintain the element of surprise for now.
Metal horns means the caller knows you're there.
Peace sign means things went soundly and we're leaving.
Middle finger means something feels off.
>>
No. 776491 ID: bb78f2

>>776484
"How many males does Meg NEED anyway? That woman must be insatiable. We should tag team."
>>
No. 776492 ID: 952ab0

>>776487
seems legit

What have you been doing sniper Bika? aren't snipers supposed to stay OUT of knife combat?
>>
No. 776493 ID: e22b1d

"Stay unseen for now. Also you've been holding out on me cuz I need to fuck this Bika ASAP."
>>
No. 776494 ID: d942de

>>776487
This.
>>
No. 776495 ID: 9145ba

Holy shit Bika, do you recruit soldiers based on their hotness?

Keep hidden. This mystery visitor might be a, well, Visitor. He mentioned the skut hives in his text, and also that you're pretty much all being watched by somebody. Possibly the big K himself... Kevin. No, wait, the other K. Karkat something.

The signal is to make a hole with two fingers and stick another finger inside it repeatedly.
>>
No. 776496 ID: eb3cf7

>>776495
Karkat Vantas, that's it!

And yeah, that signal means shoot, use >>776487 these for varying degrees of subtler communication. "Something feels off" means Z will start to extract himself. If he can't for whatever reason, it likely means he's also unable to make a signal, and if no peace sign comes up within 60 seconds of the "something feels off," then that means shoot.

Also, let's use something subtler than middle finger, because that's the most delicate signal to send, circumstance-wise. Maybe a closed fist.
>>
No. 776497 ID: 7b7ab3

>>776483
I love you, crazy cyclops woman. And you, shy cyclops girl. And you, giant red lady.
>>776484
And you, too, tiny puppy. Stay hidden for now. The signal is the Vulcan salute. It means "Everything's gone to shit. Save me."
>>
No. 776503 ID: 094652

Ask Bika how much combat experience her hive has. This one looks like she's seen combat for decades, who did she even work for?

Five signals:
1. Scratch Head
2. Lick Dandruff
3. Pelvic Thrust
4. Fake Surrender
5. Hysterical Wailing

At which point Sniper Bika takes the shot, followed by every disposable Bika body opening fire with whatever they have.
>>
No. 776509 ID: 8d4593

No need to spook them unnecessarily. Have her stay hidden unless we give a signal to intimidate.

Make that one Index pointing up.
>>
No. 776513 ID: 65ec8d

"This guy is going to suspect you're here already. They know about skut hives - I made sure not to give it away even when they mentioned it and I'm going to be calling you all "Bika's family" just to be sure, but they know, right now I'm betting they're a Visitor - and I'm sure they know this is your territory, so they're going to guess that you're around. Might as well stay hidden, just keep watching your backs as well as mine."

At this point, we should tell Bika the full story behind these mysterious messages. We've got to tell her she's being watched, and she has a right to know everything that's going on here - besides, with all the clues in hand, she might see something in this that Zack doesn't.

That means talking about the dreams, but I think Poly's made it clear enough she doesn't care about us talking to Zack's other girls about it. She not only gave us permission before, but Meg knowing didn't seem to phase her at all. Bika probably overheard us with Hiz, anyway. So let's fill her in. Quietly, to be sure.

This soldier Bika, we can also fill in. Later.
>>
No. 776516 ID: 6612fa

>>776491
yes
say this

also i want a little of both on the hiding and being seen, they guy already pretty much knows we are bringing someone. we should post visible bikas around the choke points and exits just to illustrate their wont be a clean get away for them if things go violent for psychological hold , while the real threat would be the snipers no one sees that would kill him before he could make it two steps. this lowers the danger to the ground based bikas by helping them avoid direct confrontation.
>>
No. 776517 ID: 6612fa

>>776516
though i would defer to bika if she has a better idea
>>
No. 776520 ID: 8cb228

"I'm no soldier, and I'm a pacifist -- I don't think I could live with myself afterwards if I caused someone to die, on purpose or accident. I'm not going to give any signal to kill someone. If you see something that makes you think the person in front of me needs to die, that's your decision, but I'm pre-choosing to not make it."
>>
No. 776526 ID: dfa669

>>776513
hm, this?
>>
No. 776580 ID: 398fe1

...hmm, maybe Zack should wear some sunglasses to prevent any weird Oculot shit from affecting him. That would work, right? Less light from the eye, so less information and a weaker connection?
>>
No. 776586 ID: aebfae

>>776484
Sniper rifles a but much I think. O_o Anyway, we should work out a system of silent hand signals with her so she knows when to shoot and when to keep hiding. While this guy knows about skut behavior, he'll know that the Bikas might be surrounding him so keep them hidden so to not let him have any discernable advantage over you.

Plus, be sure to stress to ONLY shoot if its absolutely CERTAIN Zach is in mortal danger. Despite the seemingly secluded location, sniper rifles are LOUD, and might be heard from very far away, possibly alerting other people and, worst case, the police. Not to mention the horrific off chance that the mysterious caller might one of the Kariket's brainwashed human POWs......

Hopefully it IS a Visitor who's the mysterious caller. A skut would be the least chance of catching police action, since the cops would most likely ignore as skuts are considered as slightly more intelligent animals by human law enforcement, but a Floater would be cause for another interdimensional war.....
>>
No. 776589 ID: b15da4

>>776580
If it was that simple, why not just close your eyes? It won't work.
>>
No. 776711 ID: 595d54

>>776580
It works in his sleep. If Zack slept with his eyes open I think it'd warrant mentioning somewhere, so presumably eye contact is optional.
>>
No. 776720 ID: 398fe1

>>776711
Oh right. I guess Oculots are just magic, then.
>>
No. 776739 ID: f6ba27
File 148608928577.png - (6.28KB , 960x560 , 695.png )
776739

"How many males does Meg need?"
Bika grimaces. "You shoulda warned me, Zack. She's-- I would have eaten more potassium."
"Sorry to make you shorthanded. If you need me to tag in..."
"I think I'm tiring her out," Bika says. "I just-- underestimated the required manpower. There's kind of a wait at SLS right now."
"Is this body primarily a sniper? She has a lot of, uh, knife wounds."
"This one does it all," Bika says. "She's been through some shit. One of my most veteran soldiers."
"Do you pick soldiers based on hotness?"
She delivers a very un-soldierly giggle. "Reflex, actually. This girl's one of my fastest. The boobs are just a coincidence. But they do make it easier to lay on your stomach for longer."
"So. Stay unseen for now. If something feels off I'll hold a fist up. That means I'm gonna try to leave. If they follow then... I don't know. Scare them. I don't want to be responsible for a murder."
"Don't worry," Bika says. "This area is mostly either foreclosed or Visitor. It's one of the places that emptied after the Battle of NY. Any shots and we'll have loads of time to clear out. And this thing isn't exactly in any kind of ballistics database."
"I meant like, morally responsible."
"Oh! Well don't worry about that either." Bika pulls the sniper rifle into her lap. "I have 70-odd consciences. There's room on them to spare."
"OK." This comment makes you a little uneasy. "Metal horns means the guy knows you're there, one index finger pointing up means show yourself, and the peace sign means everything went good and it's time to go."
"What about this one?" Bika holds up the shocker.
"That means they're down for a three-way."

You descend into the alley. Your footsteps bounce off the walls and thump back into your ears.
The walls are high and stained with age and graffiti. A dark raked score of shock core here and an ancient bullet hole there give credence to what Bika told you about the neighborhood.

You look up to where she's nested. A reassuring glint comes back to you, then she hunkers down.

:who: Nearly there.
>>
No. 776740 ID: f6ba27
File 148608930102.png - (5.56KB , 960x560 , 696.png )
776740

:who: In a hoodie.
:who: You see me?
>Yeah
>Alley to left of laundromat. I'm in back.
:who: I see it.
:who: Hi.

The figure steps into the alley, clicks the back of their phone off, scoops the battery out, and puts it back in their hoodie pocket.
>>
No. 776741 ID: f6ba27
File 148608930665.png - (8.64KB , 960x560 , 697.png )
776741

"Long time no see, Zack Nguyen," she says.
>>
No. 776742 ID: 398fe1

>>776741
Okay what. Ask who she is and why she's been stalking you. Also, how she knows all this shit.
Also secure your phone akin to what she just did.

>>776739
>70-odd
...are her numbers going down? I thought she had like a hundred last time it was mentioned. Granted, I don't remember it clearly. Can anyone confirm?
>>
No. 776743 ID: a363ac

So are you here for the orgy or to get shot for trying to break into my house?
>>
No. 776747 ID: 6612fa

>>776741
is that scar under the glasses on the left eye

we apparently have meet this person
also how sure are we this is a woman
the triangular face might be an indicator but not a concrete way of telling and boobs are not confirmed from drawing.

was the last time we saw this character when they were stalking us through a CVS
>>
No. 776751 ID: e136ae

>>776741
Seduce this person.
>>
No. 776752 ID: 9f3729

>>776741
"Oh hey, the shitbird who gave me a panic attack until I hunkered down in a 7/11."
>>
No. 776753 ID: bb78f2

>>776741
The girl who's clearly part of a hate group?
Are you... undercover or legit part of the hate group? Because I'm hesitant to trust information from hate groups. They usually just barf up fake facts and conspiracy theories.

And before you defend yourself that your not, please just use Neo-Nazi's or Westboro as a point of reference to understand my perspective, unless you also hate black and gay people. Then I guess it's a moot point.

Do you hate black and gay people?
>>
No. 776755 ID: 094652

She said your last name, so... not your sister? Ex-girlfriend? Fellow childhood war orphan? Just stay silent, no tells for now.
>>
No. 776756 ID: 91ee5f

"Oh, yeah. I remember you. From the security footage of you trying to kick in the door to my apartment. Too bad you never got in."

"So, what is this? A speech on how I'm betraying my species for wanting to sleep with Visitors? Because if it is, I'm gonna stop you there and point out you're not setting a good example on humans are number 1 and making it much more appealing to stick with the Visitor girls. They at least have manners."
>>
No. 776757 ID: 320659

Likewise, Mrs. amatuer spook.

Now I'm not mad you tried to b&e my flat, but if you're with the cocksuckers who killed Hiz you're going to have a problem.
>>
No. 776758 ID: 7b7ab3

Haven't seen her since the CVS.
What does she want? Are her little backup dancers waiting to jump us? Did her group kill Hiz? Did they torture the information out of him?
It's time to get some fucking answers.
>>
No. 776762 ID: 6612fa

>>776755
stay silent, let them get the first word.
best option in a dangerous situation is to let them talk for as long as possible
>>
No. 776771 ID: 097ede

Three questions, flattop.
1.) How do you know all these Visitor facts?
2.) How do you know so much about Zack?
3.) Did you or your group murder Hizalian?
>>
No. 776782 ID: 65ec8d

Remember not to inadvertently confirm any of the stuff that was mentioned but that she's not supposed to know. Say "I'd like to say the same but the hoodie-shades combo makes it harder to tell."

Watch out. That's a reeeaaal awkward way of folding her arms. She's holding something in her right hand. Could be a gun. Be ready to dodge.

Say: "You know, holding your arm like that could be a real good way to make a hidden someone's fingers itchy."
>>
No. 776791 ID: f6ba27
File 148609609826.png - (10.82KB , 960x560 , 698.png )
776791

"Likewise, Ms. Amateur spook."
She laughs. "Amateur spook."
"You're the one who tried to kick my door down."
"My associate tried to kick your door down," she says. "I just held the spraypaint. No offense intended. Then or now."
"Who are you?"
"A friend," she says. "Call me Betty."
"Is that your real name?"
"You're picking a late time to care about real names," Betty says.
"How do you know so much about me?"
"How do you think?" she says. "Your organization has you chasing alien tail. Mine has me watching you do it."
"Unfold your arms."
She laughs again and holds her hands up. "I'm not here to hurt you. I'm your great white hope. You want to pat me down, my guy?"
You stand where you are. "Isn't that your job description?" she asks.

"What do you want?"
"Just to talk. Give you some answers. And for you to deliver a message for me. To your other friend with the fake name and the one eye."
"Are you with the people who killed Hiz?"
"No," she says. "You can thank your guys for that."
"Who?"
"The HVAO," she says. "Doing things their own dumb way. Thinking a program like yours is going to fix anything. If you think that random human racist dickheads is the conspiracy you're looking in the wrong place."
"So who are you with?"
"Who do you think?" she asks.
"I thought you were supposed to be giving me answers."
"C'mon. Use your imagination a little."
>>
No. 776792 ID: 398fe1

>>776791
She laughed at amateur spook. She knows so much that she shouldn't know...

She's CIA? FBI? Some other government organization? Why did she spraypaint your door, was that just to keep undercover in the racist dickhead group? Or did she need you to relocate for security reasons, or did they funnel you into an apartment that was bugged beforehand so they could monitor you?
>>
No. 776796 ID: 350a50

"The Men in Black?"
>>
No. 776800 ID: 320659

You're the lollypop guild in association with the peoples' democratic republic of quit jerking me around, I have plenty of people for that already. Too creative?

Pretend I went through the effort of rattling off the usual suspects of government TLA.
>>
No. 776806 ID: 097ede

"Lady. Betty. I'm tired. I'm angry and scared. I'm surrounded by people who want to kill me and the people I care about. The world is falling apart around me and I feel less and less like I'm doing any good in the world. So I really, REALLY don't have any patience at all for this bullshit. So either start giving me some straight answers or fuck off."
>>
No. 776808 ID: 4063a3

>>776791
Start calling her "Deep Throat"
>>
No. 776812 ID: 6612fa

>>776791
your stalling
there is your answer
this was a trick.
>>
No. 776817 ID: 350a50

>>776812
This.
>>
No. 776824 ID: f6ba27
File 148609938083.png - (7.41KB , 960x560 , 699.png )
776824

"CIA."
"No."
"FBI."
"Nope."
"The Men in Black."
She chuckles. "I said your imagination."
"The Lollipop Guild of the People's Republic of jerking me around."
"Now what would any of them want with you, Zack?" she asks.
"Listen. Betty. Deep Throat. Whoever. I'm tired and angry and scared and surrounded by people who want to kill me. The world is falling apart and I don't think there's anything I can do to stop it. So I don't have any patience for this bullshit right now, OK?"
"You're much more right than you realize about most of that, Zack," she says. "Except maybe the last one. OK. Less bullshit. I work for the Kariket.

"I was a POW when the war ended. But I wasn't one of the ones on the books and I'm not one of the ones who went home. The Kariket decided there was something about me. Something about my eyes. And so I found out the same thing you found out. When an Oculot fucks you, a very powerful Oculot, you start to get these dreams. Of people they've loved, or the people they've loved's people they've loved. When I resisted he'd do something to my head, some Oculot mind control thing, and I couldn't resist anymore.

"Eventually I decided I was finished with it all. I slipped a knife from the kitchens and tried to get rid of the thing he kept me around for. And when I couldn't cut off his dick I went for the eyes instead. His Warriors only just stopped me from getting the other one.

"He knew by then he couldn't keep me around. But he bring himself to kill me either, for some reason. So he zapped my mind one more time and then shipped me back to Earth with a prime directive in my head: The exact opposite of yours. To do everything in my power to put a wedge between the worlds and keep it there.

"And I'm not the only one. There are hundreds, maybe thousands. Some are like me, some are walking around like nothing's going on. Some are in government now. Some work at the HVAO, spilling little secrets when things are going too well. Not even knowing they're doing it."
>>
No. 776825 ID: f6ba27
File 148609940106.png - (7.95KB , 960x560 , 700.png )
776825

"What makes me different from them is that it doesn't work on me. Not anymore. Cause here's the thing, Zack, and I need to show you something now so I'm going to reach back into my pocket."

She comes out with a match.
"Those dreams you're having: They're a side effect of her mind influencing yours. I'm sure you figured that out by now. This infatuation you have with her is more than your dick or your heart. She's controlling you the same way he controlled me. She's doing something to your brain, and as far as I can tell she has no idea she's doing it. But she's changing you. Maybe you would have wanted her anyway. But she's making you want her more. And in doing so she has given you a rare gift. Which I am going to show you."
>>
No. 776826 ID: f6ba27
File 148609943571.png - (8.31KB , 960x560 , 701.png )
776826

The match bursts into flame.

"If he finds out about this he will kill you," she says. "The dreams, what you know, any of it. And if you tell the HVAO you tell him. Your program isn't going to work. The Kariket wants another war and he's going to get it. You think what you're doing is useless because it is useless. You can squander what you've been given, or you can do what I'm going to do.

"I'm going to kill the Kariket, and your Oculot is going to help me."
>>
No. 776828 ID: a363ac

I don't control Poly. As you just stated if anything she might be controlling me so why are you contacting me instead of her again? Also maybe the Keriket just needs a friend ever think of that I bet he would be less likely to start a war with a human friend. Also nice I can totally light candles for a romantic dinner with my mind now.
>>
No. 776829 ID: 398fe1

>>776826
I'm sure she'd jump at the chance, from the way she's been acting. So, what's the plan? She said the Kariket was watching Poly, so is Poly gonna be bait, somehow?

Also, the rift between Zack and Poly that he felt... was that her subconscious influence weakening? That explains the trance he had in the shower, too... I wonder how long it'd take for Zack to get bullshit mind powers?
>>
No. 776830 ID: 398fe1

>>776827
Her own eyes, stupid. She tried to stab her own eyes out because the Kariket liked them.
>>
No. 776832 ID: 9145ba

I suppose you'll need her for more than just portal duty... Can you fill me in here?

I think if Oculots can change humans over time to develop these powers then this is something worth studying. We should convince Poly to continue having the dreams.
>>
No. 776835 ID: 320659

And how do I know he didn't make you into a Gavrilo Princip on purpose?
>>
No. 776836 ID: 91ee5f

"If what you say is true, then the Kariket could've told you to come here to tell me you want to kill him, when you're actually trying to get me to help him start another war and you're completely clueless about what you're doing. If you were trying to make me trust you even less, then congratulations, you're doing a fantastic job so far."
>>
No. 776837 ID: 91ee5f

>>776836
Does anybody here think we should break our promise to Poly and start talking about the Kariket to her again? Because if we mention all of this to her, we could ask if she can put a shield around Zack's mind to protect him from being controlled by the Kariket.
>>
No. 776838 ID: 629c57

"That's a very nice trick. Too bad it only reinforces the idea that your nickname needs to be jean grey or dark pheonix."
>>
No. 776839 ID: 350a50

I like this girl already.

Tell me more, Betty.
>>
No. 776840 ID: 097ede

So Zack's a low-tier psychic now? Neat.
This is a lot to absorb. I'd say we need time to process all this, but I'm beginning to think that we don't have the time.
She's still not someone we should trust. There's a number of things that could still be wrong about her.
Still this is an amazing revelation. We should listen to whatever else she has to say, then come up with a plan.
>>
No. 776841 ID: e136ae

After we kill the bastard let's invite Betty to our fuckfest.
>>
No. 776842 ID: f6ba27
File 148610134164.png - (6.88KB , 960x560 , 701a.png )
776842

"How do I know he hasn't just sent you here, too?" you ask.
"You don't," Betty says. "I guess we're just going to have to trust each other."
"What would you even have her do? Open a portal?"
"That Oculot is the second most powerful psychic alive, Zack," Betty says. "Just behind him. Or maybe in front of him. If she wanted to, she could do a fuck of a lot more than open a portal. I might have the plan, and the will, but she has the power."

"So then why me? Why not her? I'm sure she'd jump at the chance."

"No, she wouldn't," Betty says. "You know she wouldn't. She's a coward. She'd hide away on this planet for the rest of her life if she could. You need to tell her she can't. She can drown in wine and human dick for as long as she wants, but she can't fix it. You can't fix it. The broken feeling she has inside will never stop until she starts to make it right."
>>
No. 776843 ID: f6ba27
File 148610135978.png - (11.66KB , 960x560 , 702.png )
776843

She takes off her sunglasses.

"Tell her there are people who know what she did, and haven't forgiven her," she says. "And tell her to get in touch with me."
>>
No. 776844 ID: 097ede

Oh, shit.
Well, it looks really nice on her.
So that's a plus.
I guess we'll deliver her message.
>>
No. 776847 ID: 9145ba

"Then we're done here. Peace out."
(Peace sign, walk away)
>>
No. 776848 ID: 320659

Gonna be sleeping on the couch until fucking doomsday. And that's going to be really soon if you fuck up, so I hope you know what you're doing.
>>
No. 776849 ID: 7b7ab3

"I always figured Poly must have done some terrible things in the past. You don't live the kind of life she's lived without a dark side. But despite that, and though she may be influencing me in some way, I feel in my heart and mind that I truly love her. I'll deliver your message, Betty, and we'll see what happens. Do not make me regret this."
>>
No. 776854 ID: 629c57

Let's not bombshell poly immediately. Moreso after Meg JUST fixed that particular bridge.

In fact, it's probably safer to contact Meg after her date with Bika and discuss it in private.
>>
No. 776855 ID: 094652

"I will consider. On one condition: I send you to hell when it's done. And if I find them, I also experiment on what's left of your family, if that's what it takes."
>>
No. 776859 ID: 34277b

Does this mean that Zack's eyes are going to go all oculot-y?
We'll deliver her message, but she had better have a fucking amazing plan or else doomsday is coming early.
If she gets anyone we care about hurt, then we're coming for her ass.
>>
No. 776860 ID: e22b1d

DO NOT deliver her message!!!!

Not unless there's no alternative. It will nuke our relationship with Polyphema from orbit for someone who has FREELY ADMITTED to being an agent of the Kariket. She could EASILY be fooling us right now and in fact I think it's more likely.
>>
No. 776865 ID: 595d54

Say you'll deliver the message but actually don't. If you tell anyone, it should be Meg.
>>
No. 776866 ID: 2120ee

>>776843
"I'll think about it."

Don't actually think about it. I mean, think about it but don't think about actually doing it.

Poly is a delicate flower, we can't just be honest with her. We need to carefully orchestrate our complete and total subversion of her trust in us. This is an art, a calling, not base labor.
>>
No. 776867 ID: 4063a3

>>776843
Ask Betty if SHE'D like to drown in human dick before everything goes to hell.
>>
No. 776872 ID: 9f3729

>>776843
"See though, there's a problem with that. I do in fact love her, and when I brought this all up with her she freaked out because she, apparently rightfully, felt violated by this. How do you propose I bring this up with her right after promising her I'd keep this shit away from her?"
>>
No. 776873 ID: 91ee5f

>>776843
"Cute trick. So how much money did you spend on that funky looking contact lens to make your eye look blue?"
>>
No. 776874 ID: eb3cf7

>>776867
Don't be gauche.
>>
No. 776879 ID: 398fe1

>>776873
...you have a point, she could've faked everything so far. I mean it's kindof difficult to light a match hands-free without someone hidden with a laser strong enough to light it, but I suppose you could stick a wire in there. We could ask for her to do the same trick, except this time we get to see her eye glow when she does it.

Also, it might be good to mention that delivering that message will more likely drive a wedge between Zack and Poly than get her cooperation with anything. Is she SURE that she's immune to the Kariket's psychic manipulation bullshit now?
>>
No. 776882 ID: 8d4593

Wait hold up....

Of course he want's a war. Between Occulot's settling on Earth, Humanities technological progress, and this apparent human... evolution; Humanity is marching ever closer to the day that they can reliably open and close portals of their own. Combine this with the fact that they are constantly rebuilding and refitting their armies to fight against Golboria, and this presents a serious problem for Kariket. Once humans truly and reliably have portals, It's over. Humanity will be unimpeachable. The Kariket will lose Earth forever.

He can't play the long game, but distaste from the last war is still fresh in the mouths of his citizenry. He needs public opinion on his side. Creating hostility between the races helps but it's not enough.

Kariket needs Us to start the war.
If we committed an act of war against Golboria, it would give Kariket the excuse he needs to invade once again, forcing public opinion to his side.

Betty, (or any other human) Cannot be allowed to attempt an assassination on the Kariket. They will likely fail, and he will use it as 'evidence' to an act of war. This attempt of hers will likely doom us all.

SHE'S PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE KARIKET'S HANDS!
SHE IS STILL UNDER THE EFFECTS OF HIS POWER AND HAS FAILED TO RESIST!

I'm sorry to say but, we can't let her leave. She's too dangerous. We should have Bika take her in.
>>
No. 776887 ID: 9f3729

>>776882
...huh. Yeah that's actually a good read. Ask her about that, "How do you know an assassination attempt isn't playing right into his hands?"
>>
No. 776905 ID: 03999c

>>776887
This.
>>
No. 776908 ID: 398fe1

Wait shit, another part of her story doesn't add up. We know the Kariket is deeply grieving for his dead wife. Why the fuck would he take a human concubine!?

How about we ask a bit more about her relationship with him. Did she ever sleep with him in his bed? What was it like waking up next to the Kariket? (we know it wouldn't be pleasant, so if she contradicts what we know, then we catch her in a lie)
>>
No. 776910 ID: 61c7b9

>>776908
He's not grieving, he's rabidly psychotic.
>>
No. 776912 ID: ef24ea

>>776910
Why not both?
>>
No. 776923 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, I'm going to write this post as an in-character speech because it's easier for me to think/present it that way for some reason, please don't assume I mean for Zack to just literally spew all this out. Ok? So:

"Yeah, it's going to achieve the opposite of what you want if I just do that. I've made similar efforts in the past with her. I'll keep trying, but don't think I have a magical healing dick that de-fucks people's personal problems instantly. In any case, if you want me to get her in touch with you, I need contact info."

"Wait a minute, though. There's another solution to all this. It's not mutually exclusive with yours, so don't shoot it down right away. You think there's no political solution, because the governments here are compromised. You're thinking military, paramilitary style solutions instead. Strike teams, this whole clandestine meeting thing we're doing now. Seems like your style. And you've been impressed, among other things, with oculot powers. After that, your assumption is you need an oculot to beat an oculot, which is not necessarily true. I'm guessing maybe you're not as familiar with the other Visitors as you are with oculots, so let me ask. Who's Special K afraid of? Who is it he can't control, with his powers or with the agents his powers give him? Who were the first Visitors to tell him to fuck off with his war, who he had no choice but to sit and take it from? And who would be his worst night- second worst nightmare, if he had room for another in his messed-up head, to find out about all this literally insane, warmongering psychic bullshit of his?"

"It's the big skuts, Betty, on the other side. They're cold, but they're practical, and they don't want war. If you and me and some buddies can convince them of what you've been telling me, and some of the stuff I've seen myself, then at the very least it'll ruin the Kariket's day. Might ruin his plans, and if not, at the very least it'll make things harder for him, which will make your plan easier."
>>
No. 776924 ID: 65ec8d

Another note to maybe add somewhere:

"By the way, if it's "people they've loved, or people the people they've loved loved", then I'm guessing you haven't actually had a dream from the Kariket's own perspective. So, I feel like I should tell you, if you're planning to kill him: There's a big, broken part of him that wants death. He pushes it down but it's always there. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve or need it, but keep it in mind."
>>
No. 776927 ID: 475c49

Yeah, I think there's a serious possibility that she may still be acting under his will whilst rationalising that she isn't. We need to make her see that possibility, but it may not be easy. It may even take some full-on deprogramming. It might be that only Poly can help her, which will be Fun to negotiate.

I also feel... sorry for her, frankly. I think Zack would too. I don't think we should be too harsh with her.


>>776908

Someone can lose themselves in mindless sex and still be grieving for another person. Remember that Golboria doesn't really have monogamy as a cultural norm.

The question about what it was like to wake up next to him is a good one though, although there's a risk it will just be interpreted as an insult if we don't say it right. This is a sore topic for her.
>>
No. 776932 ID: 91ee5f

>>776873
Adding onto my post here.

"So are you a Naruto fangirl? Is that supposed to be your Sharingan or Rinnegan or something?"
>>
No. 776941 ID: d36af7

How sure is Betty that the Kariket didn't compel her to cut out that eye?
>>
No. 776945 ID: e136ae

>>776882

The flaw in this argument is that it's largely this asshole responsible for the sway in the first place. I strongly doubt his plans involve his own death, he's way too arrogant and self-important.

Besides, even if we don't want to kill him it's likely that we can use Betty's plans to get close enough to make a difference.
>>
No. 776947 ID: 8d4593

>>776945
>we can use Betty's plans to get close enough to make a difference
No. We Can't. You are severely underestimating your opponent.
For reference, I present to you Fidel Castro.
This mere human dictator of a small country survived 638 assassination attempts. The vast majority of which originated from one of the world's greatest superpowers, which happened to be right next door.
Oh, and they started when he was just 33 years old.
The Kariket has been alive for hundreds of years, has surly survived numerous attempts on his life, has an entire world and a vast intelligence network at his disposal, is separated by a dimensional barrier, and has numerous psychic powers at his command.
He might be crazy, but most dictators are. That's not enough a handicap for him to allow us to surmount his literal mountains of experience and resources. He is literally in the perfect position. So long as he remains on Golboria, he is untouchable. Any assassination attempt on him there is suicide. Period. It cannot succeed. No amount of information, no insider no matter how close, will ever reap success against him. Hes too dug in, too prepared, too secured, and has most definitely seen it all before.

Even if Betty is being 100% truthful without being controlled, she's asking us to bet everything on a one to one-million chance. And that's being generous. It would be like spending your life savings on lotto tickets. It's just not worth the risk.

as for
>I strongly doubt his plans involve his own death, he's way too arrogant and self-important.
You got that backwards. That's exactly Why his plans would involve his death.
He's the king of the world. He knows people want to kill him. To him though, he's a god and they are ants. He firmly believes that there is no way for anyone to kill him, so he provokes them and uses it to his advantage. Normally this would be a weakness but after ruling for hundreds of years you gotta admit, he's doing something right.
>>
No. 776954 ID: 72a1a3

Have you dreamed about me? Through me? I dont know how you can know about half the things you know about me without that.

Also, you look like a lady brunette johnny bravo
>>
No. 777023 ID: e136ae

>>776947
> He firmly believes that there is no way for anyone to kill him,

Which is probably why killing him is a safe bet. Your Castro argument is good, but this isn't real life and Betty's already got us out-gunned in terms of intel.

Besides, getting Poly to face up to things will be beneficial.
>>
No. 777033 ID: 04f411

I think, ultimately, the Kariket needs to die. However, we cannot do so in the immediate future, as merely the attempt might be thing he needs to start another war. We have to do so in a way and/or time where Kariket's death would not be such a big political trigger, or possibly even celebrated by Golboria as well as Earth. Maybe start by appeasing to the big Skut families for clues on how to do this without saying you'll actually do it.
>>
No. 777037 ID: 398fe1

>>777033
Personally I think political assassination might be the best route. Expose him for what he is: a half-broken man who was merely the first Oculot to find the trick to controlling minds.
>>
No. 777057 ID: 094652

>>777037
Revealing that Oculots have mind control powers and they didn't even realize it and have been subconsciously enslaving everyone they stare at for the past eon would be a good way to provoke everyone but the Oculots to declare war on the Oculots.

So can we not do that yet.
>>
No. 777058 ID: e136ae

>>777057
This is only by sex.

Wait.

Does this mean that even the Kariket was manipulated by his now deceased spouse? Not on purpose of course, but still....
>>
No. 777077 ID: d36af7

>>776945
>I strongly doubt his plans involve his own death,

In that dream we had from the Kariket's perspective, the very first prompt was suicidal ideation. His plans explicitly involve his own death, as an end in itself, but he considers himself too much of a coward to unilaterally commit to that. An elaborate scheme to pawn the responsibility off on his enemies, incidentally reigniting the war and killing millions or billions of innocents on both sides as a result, seems very in-character for him.
>>
No. 777172 ID: f6ba27
File 148625285949.png - (7.49KB , 960x560 , 703.png )
777172

"I'll consider it," you say. "And I'll consider whether I trust you. For all I know the Kariket is still controlling you right now."
She smirks. "If he was, you would be dead. Nobody who knows what we know would be allowed to live. His guile got him to where he is, but his paranoia did, too. I'd be a risk. You'd be a bigger one."
"Still. I can't know for sure."
"These are antebellum times, Zack," Betty says. "You can't know anything for sure. You have my number. Give it to the Oculot. And watch your back." She starts to walk away. "Peace."

1]] Wait. I have another question.
2]] She's too dangerous to be walking around. Give Bika the signal to detain her.
3]] Flash your own peace sign to Bika to indicate a withdrawal.
4]] ____________
>>
No. 777173 ID: 9145ba

You didn't give Bika a detainment signal, you gave her a warning signal and a polite request not to kill anybody. Peace sign out.
>>
No. 777176 ID: 72b10a

>>777172
you get nothing from this chick being dead, no matter how dangerous she could be

is there any way we could follow her? get bika to track her? i imagine it would be hard since this lady seems to know more about us then we do
>>
No. 777179 ID: 06555b

3. We have a lot to process. We should get Bika and Meg together and discuss a plan of action.
>>
No. 777180 ID: 7f79ef

And now, KIDNAP HER.

She can tell Poly herself. And take the punishment. If you're going to tell Poly, you need to show her that you have no intention of pushing her into a suicide mission. So it will be HER decision to listen to this insurgent or not... or just kill her with laser eyes.
>>
No. 777181 ID: 7b7ab3

>>777172
3.
I highly doubt she has anything more to say to us, and she more than likely won't reveal any more secrets. We're done here.
We should take the time to contemplate these new revelations, speak with our more trustworthy contacts, and figure out the next step.
This should stay on the down low for now. Keep the HVAO out of it and don't tell Poly anything until we've had time to plan.
>>
No. 777183 ID: 98b0f4

3.

We're done here.
>>
No. 777193 ID: 350a50

3
>>
No. 777205 ID: 6612fa

>>777172
4 throw the shocker
>>
No. 777210 ID: 91ee5f

>>777172
4]] "I'm his biggest threat, but at the same time, I'd also be his biggest asset if he could recruit me. Which is why he'd still be controlling you. You'd be his recruiter without ever knowing it."

And then 3]]
>>
No. 777211 ID: 65ec8d

Need to be succinct, huh?

4): "He wants to die."
>>
No. 777219 ID: e136ae

>>777205
Fuck yeah Shocker!
>>
No. 777221 ID: 9145ba

Actually ask about a threesome before you throw the shocker.
>>
No. 777224 ID: f6ba27
File 148626937365.png - (14.03KB , 960x560 , 704.png )
777224

You watch Betty leave, turning the corner and disappearing from sight. You flash the peace sign behind your back for Bika to see.
Your head is spinning. You feel unfamiliar, foreboding avenues opening up inside of you, the awareness of a trapdoor under the carpet of your mind. Has this tickle at the base of your brain always been here? Is it all just in your head? Well, of course it is. One way or the other.
Your phone rings. You get it out, realize it's your burner, and switch.
"Hello?"
"I, um, I forgot to ask you," Bika says. "Was I not supposed to be listening to that?"
>>
No. 777226 ID: 91cfcf

>>777224
Hahaha, this is going to be something. That would've been very much preferable, yes.
>>
No. 777227 ID: a363ac

Doesn't matter. Your wanna go have gay sex?
>>
No. 777229 ID: 398fe1

>>777224
Shit, Bika. Let's not even talk about this over the phone. Maximum secrecy from here on.

What does she think though?
>>
No. 777230 ID: 094652

You may have a mental virus from her. Take steps to prevent you from subconsciously working her scheme at the Gala.

I vote you equip a shock collar and zap yourself at the height of the Gala, on the balcony just before the cheesy lines come up, then replace the "you need to kill the Kariket" forced line from your new acquaintance with five electric blowjobs while the party continues inside.

For now, get a titjob from Miss Dragunov.
>>
No. 777231 ID: 9f3729

>>777224
"Yes, but too late now. Come down to talk about it though, not on the phone."
>>
No. 777232 ID: 7b7ab3

It's fine. We need to talk about this anyway.
She should come down off the roof first, though.
I don't quite trust phones at the moment.
>>
No. 777233 ID: bb78f2

>>777224
Well, at least now I don't have to pine over emotionally about any secret I didn't want to tell you, so that honestly works best for me.

Now we just have to hope you knowing doesn't lead to me, you, or anyone else dead. It probably won't, probably. It's the only reason I would keep the meeting a secret. Oh, and maybe freaking Poly out. It might be best NOT to tell Poly about this because I don't know if she's break up with me, kill herself to stop anything from happening in the future, or some other horrible thing. I could see her deciding to kill herself over having anything to do with the Karikat or putting me in danger.

My only hope... is that Krin is also coincidentally a powerful psychic without knowing it, then if that's true, we can tell Poly. Because at that point, she knows she can't stop the dreams or the psychic mutations from stopping. I am not seeing Krin just because she is also psychic, I am seeing her because she is a cute sheep woman that writes good.

I SWEAR Bika, I'm not using SLS to get more alien tang and become a psychic human god.
>>
No. 777242 ID: 350a50

>>777224
"It's better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. Let's talk in person."
>>
No. 777245 ID: 98b0f4

You couldn't have known- I mean, I couldn't have known... Whatever, at least I don't have to explain what just happened.

When you talk to her in person, pull out your phone's battery and discuss opsec- if you wouldn't tell the Kariket, don't tell anybody.
>>
No. 777248 ID: 9145ba

"You're breaking up, I'm coming over so I'll talk to you when I get back okay?"

In person? "I don't see why not. Honestly, it's a lot to process by myself. Thanks for at least telling me afterwards you were listening."
>>
No. 777255 ID: e22b1d

Discuss it with her in person, then tell her she's been a very bad little skut for snooping and punish her with the full nelson.
>>
No. 777261 ID: a6dc58

>>777248

I agree with this one basically. The general idea being 1) "Let's talk in person." and 2) "It's a lot to process by myself, honestly I'd like some help thinking things over."
>>
No. 777263 ID: 91ee5f

>>777248
This along with, "I'm glad someone else knows because I have no idea what to do with this info!"
>>
No. 777274 ID: 6612fa

>>777224
it's alright bika i trust you implicitly, i have no clue how to bring this up with poly, its just going to make a whole new fight.
>>
No. 777292 ID: 8d4593

>>777274
This.
>>
No. 777299 ID: f6ba27
File 148628229133.png - (9.12KB , 960x560 , 705.png )
777299

"Too late now. Hold on. I'm coming back up."

You hang up and climb the fire escape back up to Sniper Bika's nest, popping your phone's battery out as you go. Her spotter Bikas are stowing the cloaks and the dragunov. She shuffles up to you.
"I'm sorry," she says. "I didn't even think about it."
"It's alright," you say. "I trust you implicitly. And honestly I also have no idea what to do."
"Well, one easy check is figuring out if she was telling the truth about your powers," Bika says.
"Got any matches?"
"We can find some. After that... I don't know. Definitely don't tell Polyphema."
"You think?"
"Meg was just telling me about the whole blowup," Bika says. "Even if this is all the truth it's not like it'll matter. Polyphema is-- I don't know if I'd call her a coward like whatserface did but she's not a fighter. And we don't know if that girl was lying, or still mind-controlled. And she's important to you. We can all see it. It's just too big a risk for something with too many variables."
She puts a claw on your arm. She has to reach up a little. "Just don't be afraid. Whatever happens next, I'm in your corner. And as long as SLS is standing you'll be safe here. The Kariket may have an entire dimension but this is my neighborhood."
>>
No. 777300 ID: e22b1d

I think I'd feel a lot safer if this hardened veteran were the new Prime. If we're going to have a skut primarily applied to hanging around us it should probably be one who can blow some brains out.
Nothing to do with the tits or anything. No sir.
>>
No. 777301 ID: 2120ee

>>777299
Man, dating a mob boss sure has perks. Though, when does Zack get kidnapped by a rival to send a message?
>>
No. 777302 ID: 398fe1

Damn straight. Hmm, if things get really bad... ask if Bika will tell the Earth government about hives so that they can take advantage of what is essentially the best surveillance network possible. Or will she offer her many-eyed assistance in a less overt manner?
>>
No. 777303 ID: 9145ba

Hug skut. Uhh. Crouch maybe?

Betty was right, though - we can't run from what the Kariket's planning, and the HVAO can't stop it if they're compromised by sleeper agents. She may not be ready yet, but we've got to get Poly together enough to help out with this.
>>
No. 777304 ID: 398fe1

...actually I'm not sure Bika is right about Poly. We saw her at the shooting range.
>>
No. 777305 ID: 91ee5f

>>777299
"Also, she texted me earlier and said that SLS, your apartment, and GG's apartment are all being watched."
>>
No. 777306 ID: 91ee5f

>>777305
>Powers.
"Well, if I have any, I'd get weird looking Oculot eye like she did. Do my eyes look different?"
>>
No. 777307 ID: bb78f2

Dimension? Universe? Planet?
How does that work again? Does Newton's third law and other laws of physics still apply over there?
Is Golboria an alternate earth, like in Sliders? Or like, Hell in Doom? Or is it the same universe, but just across as vast amount of space?
Do we need to worry about a different Karikat?
Hey, what if we got two Karikat's to fight each other? I'm sure they'd love to. Or maybe Karikat vs. Spider Mastermind, whatever.

Hey so... can you tag me in yet?
>>
No. 777310 ID: 7b7ab3

>>777303
>>777304
>>777305
These.
>>
No. 777313 ID: 65ec8d

If Bika knows this much by now you should just tell her and Meg the whole story, all the Kariket dream details. Again, there are other options than the assassination plan, like trying to bring in the big skut hives (>>776923). And even if you don't call Poly into the assassination biz, she might still be able to help out a bit. With this thing about having powers, for example, you can talk to her more vaguely about "I met a human girl who reached out to me as someone else who had a close relationship with an oculot for a long period of time, she had the same dream thing and, guess what, mind powers", and skip on the K stuff by just telling Poly it's stuff she wouldn't want to hear if she asks for more details in that direction. We can just relay a more vague story about a POW who was close to "an oculot" for a while.

First, though, before anything: security check. Gotta make sure of something. Ask Bika: "So, I'd guess skuts are immune to oculot mind powers. What about floaters?"
>>
No. 777314 ID: 8d4593

Hmm... Let's give Poly some breathing room for now. We'll bring it to her when we have something more concrete. Perhaps if we confirm the use of occult powers, or after more dreams, maybe use the Sheep for that one.

Meg needs to be instructed to not tell the HVAO about the dreams, and we need figure out a way to build a network of people we know we can trust. Right now we only have Bika Meg GG, Poly, and maybe our childhood friends. Bika probably has a few people too. But that's still not enough.

Were on our own here.
>>
No. 777320 ID: c57f6b

Hug Bika for reassurance.
>>
No. 777321 ID: 65ec8d

>>777314

Trust is pretty hard to come by when anyone could theoretically be a sleeper agent who doesn't even know it.

I mean, there are limits. Presumably any such agent has to be someone who could conceivably have met the Kariket in person at some point, and I assume the K's never been on this side of the portal, so that cuts down the numbers and the type of person. We can also assume he can't affect skuts (else his problem with the big skut hives on the other side wouldn't be so big), and we have his own thought that his power doesn't work on someone "strong willed", though his opinion on what strong willed means might be hard to figure out - his primary targets so far seem to be specialist human military or ex-military, who you wouldn't normally call weak-willed types. Though, there are different definitions of will - he might have meant a person of strong emotions, and there might be some hypnotism-like quality where being focused and disciplined makes you more susceptible than otherwise. It depends.

There's a lot to figure out, even just about his power, which is why I'd recommend at least going to Poly and telling her that another human who was close to an oculot reached out to Zack and informed him on dream stuff, humans developing powers, and oculot mind control. We can just refer to her oculot in general terms, as if she was just captive to some rando oculot psycho that she wouldn't want to hear more about.
>>
No. 777322 ID: 459819

First priority is briefing Meg on all this. In person. The HVAO is compromised and her position allows for some potential counter-intel. I agree with >>776882 that 'Betty' is likely stirring up a coup attempt so the Kariket can justify another war. His ego might force his hand against us if he finds out humanity knows about the whole 'mind control' thing, maybe ask Meg what the potential fallout is if you just went public with it all. You'd be a marked man but it's not like you don't have help, and a messy public scandal would throw a BIG spanner in the works of any cloak and dagger attempts to rekindle war. Find out how much Meg knows about Golborian media and intelligence agencies, and how such a scandal would go down over there. Sparking civil war in Golboria because people get angry that the Kariket has been literally brainwashing them isn't a good idea either.

Lastly, take a look at that portable tunnel. If it's bugged somehow or doesn't actually jam transmissions that lends a lot of credence to Betty's claims that the HVAO has Golborian sleeper agents.
>>
No. 777332 ID: f6795e

Say this:>>777305
Hug bika! ....chastely though I mean, these are the most bonerkilling news I ever saw.
>>
No. 777338 ID: 1eef17

>>777300
The horniness of this comment aside, this is actually not a bad idea. Tell Bika that if she can spare it as a regular or even semiregular companion we would feel a lot safer.
>>
No. 777360 ID: 98b0f4

I don't think you'll have developed powers after, what, less than a month? It sounds like whatsherface's ordeal was a drawn out sort of thing.

Alright, there's no need to do anything hasty, at least for now. We already knew HVAO was sort of compromised so we just need to double down on the opsec.
>>
No. 777365 ID: 7f7556

>>777299
goddam that bika's hot.
>>
No. 777369 ID: 5fc80c

>>777365
IKR
Instaboner
>>
No. 777430 ID: dc4604

>>777299
It feels like there's a mild tone of envy in that "she's important to you." We should let Bika know she's important to us too. Maybe another solo date is in order? Or a Bika/Meg triple thing?
>>
No. 777440 ID: 6612fa

>>777299
we should ask how to handle this with poly, because i really dont think zack should be the one to tell her.
>>
No. 777441 ID: 11fc67

"Thank you, Bika. Hey! What's say you and me go do something? Make a date out it. I feel like we haven't had a chance to just be boyfriend and girlfriend for a while now."
>>
No. 777443 ID: 6612fa

>>777430
we should have a solo date with bika
its just so hard to think of a good one for an undercover hivemind, every time we take bika on a date bad stuff happens, like the beach and movie theater. we have to have a date with enough space to accommodate multiple bikas and at the same time be able to engage them all so she isnt bored.

rent out a skating rink for a private party, ice or roller. that would be fun.
>>
No. 777457 ID: 350a50

>>777443
That sounds like a nice idea, yeah.
>>
No. 777485 ID: 91ee5f

>>777443
>rent out a skating rink for a private party, ice or roller. that would be fun.
I wonder how many of her bodies will be naturals at skating and how many will constantly be falling down?
>>
No. 777507 ID: 6552b4

I kinda wish we'd let Betty know that we think there's another way to take down the Kariket. And explained to her our reasons for thinking that an assassination attempt might play into his desires, successful or not, and whether she's being mind-controlled or not. Her cooperation will be vital if we want to convince the big Golborian skut hives that the Kariket can alter minds.

All we said was that we couldn't be sure she wasn't still being mind-controlled, which sounds pretty weak by comparison. We also haven't offered her a positive alternative- something she desperately needs, as driven as she is by her desire for revenge.

This is something we'll have to address at our next meeting, but she's now expecting Poly's number or Poly in person, so that could be awkward.

Anyway as for votes:
[X] Hug big guns Bika
[X] Tell her the rest, we might as well at this point.
[X] Contact Meg, but make it look casual.

Also yeah sure, a Bika date sounds good. Something a bit more lighthearted would be nice.
>>
No. 777556 ID: 4be0ea

>>777507
If we want to trap/contact betty again, all we have to do is text her that poly wants to meet her in the next few days.
It can be a lie.
>>
No. 777558 ID: 6612fa

>>777556
yes lets lie to the girl that might or might not be able to set us on fire with a glance because of her power
>>
No. 777567 ID: 91ee5f

>>777558
Let's not forget that she also knows about the spies watching Bika's restaurant and apartment and GG's apartment. Meaning she could easily be able to tell we're lying and text back how she's knows we're lying.
>>
No. 777572 ID: 9145ba

Text Betty back: So how much can we say over the phone like this?
>>
No. 777582 ID: 8d4593

>>777556 is me

>>777567
Not if we have poly come with us.
Poly just has to look like she's going to meet her when really, it's a setup.

>>777558
Somehow I fail to fear Betty's Super cool match lighting powers. Maybe I'd think otherwise if we went to the meeting drenched in gasoline though.
>>
No. 777695 ID: 31e3c1
File 148642175983.png - (8.54KB , 960x560 , 706.png )
777695

You hug Bika.
Then you crouch and hug her instead, because standing her breasts are at the perfect height to smoosh into your dick and it doesn't feel proper to be horny right now.
>>
No. 777696 ID: 31e3c1
File 148642181528.png - (13.17KB , 960x560 , 707.png )
777696

While you fill Bika in on basically everything about the dreams in general and the Kariket one in particular, leaving out only the superspydom of her new girlfriend, you text Meg:
>hey whats up hello
>let me know when ur free i have to tell u some stuff

"And you're being watched," you say. "SLS, I mean."
"I know," Bika says. "I'm watching the watchers. I thought it was just human supremacists or Pilop or something. But either way they know I have an eye and a bead on them. It's concerning, but... you know. A lot of things concern me."

Now that your battery's back in its place you see GG'S messaged you:
:warrior: ok i think it went good
:warrior: im going to go galpal chat abt it w/ poly
:warrior: unless u want to guypal chat abt it

"So does this all mean that you just can't sleep with Poly anymore?" Bika asks.
"For now," you say.
"That really sucks," Bika says. "I'm sorry."
"If only I had a mafia made of cute alien puppies to sleep with instead," you say.
Bika wags her tail. Her sharpshooter body is loaded down with bags and kit. "You'll always have a bed here. It might be on the floor and filled with skuts, but..."
"That's the best kind." You hear her breath huffing a little under the weight of the bags. "Need any help with that?" you ask, reaching for a duffel.
Bika pulls it away. "Thanks for the offer but this is good exercise for her. Gotta stay built."
"You sure?"
Bika hesitates. "Wellll also you're a government employee. Which means they have your fingerprints on a database. And you gotta trust me: you don't want them on these."
"Ah." You put your hands in your pockets. "Good point."
"Just in case."
You mull that statement over as Bika leads you (and follows you) across the carefully constructed catwalks that she's laid across the roofs and derelict balconies. The street level in these parts of town can be dangerous for humans, let alone skuts. The acrid smells from a hidden meth lab rise to your nostrils as you cross over an alley.

"Do you want to go somewhere together?" you ask. "Like somewhere we wouldn't get shanked?"
"Go somewhere?"
"Like on a date."
"Ooh." Bika blushes a little, which is disharmonic to see on a woman dragging a Dragunov. "Just us? Or like... Where were you thinking?"
>>
No. 777703 ID: 4854ef

Just us would be nice, a nice little area to clear the mind and relax without the weight of the world seemingly crashing on ones shoulders.
>>
No. 777704 ID: 094652

Make a parody protest by building a giant pizza in front of the nearest anti-Visitor base and inviting everyone to share?

Okay, you just want to share a large pizza. With EVERYTHING.
>>
No. 777707 ID: 350a50

>>777696
Suggest ice skating.
>>
No. 777713 ID: bb78f2

>>777696
Well, ONE of these days I want to spitroast Meg with you, but that's not really a date.

You know, maybe just a day out at the park or something, I can try cooking for once, burgers or steaks or something. Or I can rent out an ice rink and you bring a bunch of you and we can have fun there.
Or hit up the Vistor night scene.

I don't think we've parkoured together yet.
>>
No. 777715 ID: 91ee5f

Text GG: "Nah maybe some other time. You and Poly have fun!"

Tell Bika: "I was thinking going somewhere to get some pizza. And then maybe some skating. Roller or ice, whichever you pick."
>>
No. 777734 ID: 7b7ab3

To Bika: "Just me and a whole bunch of you in a nice, quiet place with pizza and music and whatever we want. That sound good to you?"

Text GG: u go galpal n ill catch u ltr. luv u <3!
>>
No. 777736 ID: 7b7ab3

>>777734
Actually, replace "a nice, quiet place" with "a nice, private place."
It feels better.
>>
No. 777739 ID: 9f3729

>>777713
you know what yeah spitroasting meg with bika sounds like an excellent bonding/bondage activity
>>
No. 777741 ID: 6552b4

Pizza sounds good. Happy to give skating a whirl as well.

>>777556

Premising meeting someone on a lie isn't a great way to build a rapport with them, you know? Let alone get them to question fundamental goals they have based on our words. We need to build trust if we want to convince her that an assassination isn't the best way forward, not burn it down. It's going to be enough of a challenge as it stands considering the vibe I got from her was that the hope of revenge is pretty much what she's living for right now.

On a side note, not sure if I saw this mentioned before but just a general point to consider/bring up with Betty next time. Special K doesn't need to still be mind-controlling Betty for the assassination to be his ploy. He could straight-up just be manipulating her the old-fashioned way, and anticipating her moves. The guy has been a power player and manipulator for centuries, not all of which would have been using his power, he conquered an entire planet- his powers whilst terrifying enough aren't the only thing which make him so. Plus he's literally been inside Betty's head; thus predicting her response, something otherwise risky, should be reasonably possible for him. Not least since her whole story reads like a careful shaping of her into someone who would want to kill him, from a certain perspective.

Betty's belief that she isn't still being mind-controlled (assuming she isn't lying and Special K isn't being far too clever for his own good) may be based on something Zach finds very difficult to refute, whether evidence or just total revulsion & denial at the idea of him still being inside her. This could help us sway her.
>>
No. 777747 ID: 6612fa

>>777696
"just us, bring as many of you as you need to feel comfortable, i was thinking maybe i could rent out a skating rink for a private party."

we should also probably tell her this.
"i actually really like spending time with you bika, but it's kind of hard to come up with dates for an undercover hivemind that i think you would enjoy, i don't want you to think i'm in it just for orgies and excitement. maybe this date wont get crashed by interlopers like all our others."
>>
No. 777774 ID: 90450d

GG: shan't interrupt the girl talk!
>>
No. 777782 ID: 9145ba

GG: Have fun chatting w/ Poly.

Bring up the skate rink idea with Bika. Also mention you haven't seen any itty bitty Bikas yet. She must look adorable as a kid!

I also remember(read: looked up) she likes camping and biking. Large gatherings will be less scrutinized if you head back out innawoods.
>>
No. 777820 ID: 0c367f

For the Bika date, we're going to the local pet store and showing her cute earth animals and fish and stuff. We can share common earth fauna/pets with her and she can tell us more about the ones on Golboria!

...and also we will be buying some cute gear for our dear puppy dog...
>>
No. 777825 ID: 459819

"I was thinking just us, aside from work and fucking like crazy in your apartment we haven't really spent time together lately."
>>
No. 777829 ID: 398fe1

It occurs to me that since we haven't seen literally every Bika there is, other skuts could impersonate her if they wanted to, by claiming to be some new body. Might want to come up with a codephrase to confirm it's really her you're talking to, or at least make arrangements to always have a familiar Bika body present when you meet.
>>
No. 777844 ID: 4f35c6

>>777696
To GG: but did you win?
>>
No. 777855 ID: cf883e

>>777844
oooh yiss also this

>>777829

That's a good idea. + 1
>>
No. 777858 ID: 0555b9

>>777829
Good point. From now on, Bika should start every sentence with 'chariots' so we know it's her.
>>
No. 777863 ID: 59bd8b

>>777858
I'll second the code phrase being Chariots. Also going to put my vote towards asking about the ice rink for the date.
>>
No. 777869 ID: 65ec8d

>>777829

Zack could probably download pics of all the Bikas onto his phone. Bika probably has a supply, and can give them filenames for each one with their pretending-to-be-individuals name, or phone number, or other identifier. Then whenever Zack meets a Bika he doesn't know, without any other Bikas he does know around, he can ask for that name or number and look up their face to check.

Anyway, for the date, I approve of renting out some fun space for personal use, so their date doesn't get randomly downered by jerks (again). A laser tag venue or something. What'd be really cool is a giant team puzzle house, like the sort on shows like Legends of the Hidden Temple or the Crystal Maze, only designed for teams of people to rent and run through for fun. There's something like that near where I live, but they're pretty rare. Something to check for, though.

I had a thought for a moment that "hey, with Bika it's kind of like Zack's dating a mom with kids, maybe we should do something along the lines of that sort of relationship", and bring out a couple of her adults and a big bunch of kids to an adventure park. But, all her kids being her too would kind of make it weird, and even without that it wouldn't be a date sort of thing either. Got me thinking though. Do earth visitors send their kids to earth schools? Are there oculot and warrior kids in human schools? But skuts wouldn't send their kids to school. I wonder if that plays a part in skuts being looked down on, that homeschooling stigma. What would it be like if a skut did try sending their kids to school? Or skut kids trying to make friends with other species' kids? Would that be weird? If you have a bunch of a skut hive's kids in one place with no/few adults, will that local part of the hive start thinking/acting childishly, or retain the adult mentality? Might be an interesting social experiment to try skut mixed-schooling, the school content might be boring but I'm sure there's some insights and PR that could be gotten out of it.

Questions questions.
>>
No. 777871 ID: 398fe1

>>777869
>bika-body "contact information" on the phone
Seems reasonable. Anyone we'd have to worry about snatching his phone would likely have tabs on all of Bika's bodies anyway, or at least those Bika is willing to give us descriptions of.
>>
No. 777882 ID: 8d4593

Yall do know that even with all the variations, The Bikas are all related and maybe even a little inbred, right?

If we want to better recognize Bika we just need to first see all her bodies, and then go around town looking at other Skuts.

There are probably several physical characteristics unique to all Bikas and only Bikas. We just need to become more familiar with Skuts in general.

Also why did we text Meg? She's with Bika. She probably already knows, or will know before we get there.
>>
No. 777887 ID: 2fe26a

>>777871
Sounds like way too much overhead and a potential security risk to put so many skut "contacts" on your phone. Besides, some of them do some very illegal stuff. Stick to a codephrase, or have Bika text you on the burner if it's legit her or not. Chariots chariots.
>>
No. 777914 ID: 350a50

>>777887
This. Chariots chariots.
>>
No. 777998 ID: f6ba27
File 148652484802.png - (54.91KB , 960x560 , 708.png )
777998

You make a mental note to bring up a potential codeword with Bika at some point in a non-date part of the conversation.
You text GG:
>Ill catch up later have fun chatting with poly
>did you win
:warrior: lol obviously

"Have you ever been ice skating?" you ask.
"Mhm," Bika says. "Me and another hive scrum hockey sometimes."
"Seriously?"
"You can't solve all your border disputes by skullduggery."
"So are you good?"
"I'm like... 60%."
"Well," you say. "That makes one of us."
She giggles. "Is that what you wanna do?"
"Do you?"
"Sure! I can teach you!"
"If that's too hard you can just focus on holding me up."
"You taught me to swim, right?" Bika hops onto the roof of SLS. "I just gotta return the favor."

The other Bikas stow away the skulduggery while you and Sniper Bika descend to the first floor.
Meg floats past, above you on the stairwell.
"What's up, Z," she says. "Girlbika."
"Hey, Meg." You can't help but catch a glimpse underneath her shirt that confirms it's the only thing she's wearing. "Date go well?"
"Art museum was a fuckin' awesome idea," Meg says.
"That was Zack?" A Bika voice down the hall asks. "It was a fuckin' awesome idea."
"Are you, uh, finished up?"
"Nope." Meg holds up a plastic cup. "Hydration break." She keeps on her way. "See you back in there, Bikaboo."

"Where," Bika says, "Is her off switch?"
"Is it a problem?"
"No, but, like... I only have so many fluids."
"That what the hydration break is for, Bikaboo?"
"That's ummm it's my Golborian name." Bika hurries you down the stairs.
"Right."
"So ice!" Bika's changing the subject. "Are you sure you want to go out in public?"
"Can't we just rent out a rink?" you say.
"In this city? Not without a shit ton of notice," Bika says. "I've done it."

1]] Well then screw it. The rink will probably empty out quick once we get there anyway.
2]] Then it's probably a good idea to loop the HVAO in for security. I wonder if Ambrose and Rella skate.
3]] Then let's put a pin in it for now and look into the next time we can get one to ourselves.
4]] Maybe skating isn't the thing, then. How about _________?
5]] ______________
>>
No. 778002 ID: a363ac

Bika mind if I look at Meg's count? (count of Bika meg has taken out in this giant skut slut orgy.)
>>
No. 778003 ID: 7b7ab3

>>777998
4.
"Maybe skating isn't the thing, then. How about you decide? 'Cause I'm down for anything."
>>
No. 778004 ID: e22b1d

2 so we can play subtle matchmaker with Ambrose and Rella
>>
No. 778006 ID: 6612fa

>>777998
3.
make the call and reserve a rink bika deserves a real date with us.
i really am sick of bikas dates getting interrupted. so lets rent a rink and tell the owners we got it and have the place to ourselves we can bring our own food, no need to get spit from racists in it. bring the males and females that can skate of bika.

5.
"bikaboo, thats adorable"

4.
my vote then is a formal intro to all of the bikas. you dont have to show all the bikas just a few interesting ones and a fade to black where we actually get to meet them and know their quirks.

bring up the codeword.
>>
No. 778008 ID: 65ec8d

"How many times has she popped your cork so far? The exact count, this is very important. I need to know. So I can win. If the Floaters can create a superior lover first try, humanity - nay, all organic life - will writhe in ignominy forever. You are our battlefield now, Bika. This is how the wars of the future will be solved."
>>
No. 778010 ID: bb78f2

>>777998
I wouldn't MIND lazer tag but I think that has the same issue as ice skating

We could try parkouring. Wouldn't mind seeing that tough Bika bouncing about, right Zack? Netflix and chill is a simple option before we can go out on a real date like the ice rink. The go-to example. Intense video game sessions, hiking, the visitor night scene, etc.
>>
No. 778013 ID: e22b1d

Aaah you cowards c'mon. Bika is eventually going to get bored of just hanging out in SLS all the time and we're supposed to make ourselves more public, remember???
>>
No. 778014 ID: 2120ee

2. Spy shit is cool, but I still feel we're obligated to actually do the cultural ambassador thing. Forcing people to see skuts be cute on ice is our moral obligation.
>>
No. 778019 ID: 9145ba

2. They're still good for seemingly harmless activity security.

Cheer on Meg, while consoling Bikaboo.

Then ask why she hasn't tried the thruster holes yet
>>
No. 778020 ID: 8cb228

For the love of god, if you are going to bring up a codeword, don't make it a silly internet meme. Except in joking.
>>
No. 778021 ID: 0615c7

>that face
>HELP.png

2. Let's let someone else do gruntwork for a bit. Make sure wherever you go doesn't have a anti-visitor policy first.
>>
No. 778022 ID: 19e865

Voting for 3.

And also this.
>>778008
>>
No. 778023 ID: 9145ba

Just one thing... I thought we would be going to a roller skating rink, not an ice skating rink?
>>
No. 778034 ID: 8d4593

>>778014
I gotta agree with this guy.
>>
No. 778094 ID: 6612fa

>>778010
laser tag has more problems than ice skating. a group of bikas might chase off the other people and then its bika playing against herself. ice skating isnt limited to needing other people each body can do its own thing
>>
No. 778115 ID: 0555b9

>>778010
We've already been on real dates, like going to the beach. We don't need a locale that can fit all 80-odd Bikas, just a dozen or so seems fine.
>>
No. 778116 ID: 350a50

2
>>
No. 778171 ID: fb1c7d

2:

I mean, we are trying to be a more public figure and all. Besides that, what rom-com set in a winter setting doesn't have a scene where one of the pair has to teach the other to ice skate? That's damn near ingrained in our culture as a normal thing for couples to do. The point is to show people that we're a normal couple and not to freak out right?
>>
No. 778228 ID: b7b2f9
File 148660477330.png - (50.69KB , 960x560 , New Canvas.png )
778228

(This update's pic brought to you by my phone and finger in a Starbucks on lunch sry)

"Uhhh."

The guy at the skate rental desk look out across the Bikas. He smells like space heater and feet.
"Is this... how many children and how many adults?"

"Eight adults five kids," Bika says.
"And three adults with adult size skates," you say. You flash a thumbs-up to Ambrose and Rella, who are idling by the door. Ambrose thumbs up back.

"Okay. Uhhh." He rhythmically punches a button on his cash register. "Are you..." He lowers his voice, but not enough that Bika can't hear him. "Are they gonna cause any trouble? They can't cause any trouble."
>>
No. 778237 ID: 595d54

>>778228
"Nah, probably not. Chill." Then laugh as though you just said something really funny.
>>
No. 778239 ID: 350a50

>>778228
"No need to be so cold, man. We'll be cool."
>>
No. 778245 ID: 7b7ab3

Chill out, dude. It's cool.
Seriously though, what trouble is he even talking about?
We're just here to skate.
>>
No. 778249 ID: fb1c7d

All the cold puns, all of them! "stay cool man, we're chill. No need to give us such a icy response."
>>
No. 778252 ID: ab9429

If he doesn't like cold puns, tell him that Ambrose and Rella over there are feds.
>>
No. 778253 ID: 7b7ab3

>>778252
This too. It wouldn't be the first time our government connections smoothed things over.
>>
No. 778256 ID: bb78f2

>>778228
The important question is "Will I cause any trouble? Mr. Jackie Chan
And yes, I will, my hot moves will melt the ice
>>
No. 778258 ID: 91ee5f

>>778228
"Well, as long as there aren't any racists nearby. You're not a racist, right?"
>>
No. 778262 ID: 9145ba

>>778245
Maybe he was here for those ice hockey scrums?
>>
No. 778269 ID: 4be0ea

We just here to skate bruh.
>>
No. 778287 ID: 398fe1

>>778228
We don't want no trubble.
>>
No. 778288 ID: ab4db9

is skating really good trouble because if so yes, absolutely
>>
No. 778320 ID: 6612fa

>>778228
which is one of the reasons why we need to make reservations with bika, so this doesn't happen.
>>
No. 778398 ID: aebfae

>>778228
Mention the federal agents with you and take this family unit is very well-behaved.
>>
No. 778416 ID: 6612fa

>>778398
... yes tell him we have federal agents with us and all but declare we are in the government sponsored sex industry for visitors. that will go over real well with an employee that just said something rather discriminatory. he does not sound like a fan of the Zack.
>>
No. 778419 ID: 094652

"I'm sorry, yes they are trouble with teeth, but I REALLY need this staycation. My girlfriend just freaked out at me over nothing and now one of her ex-friends is pushing me to tell her to do something. If I don't get to play with my goddaughters, I'm gonna snap."
>>
No. 778435 ID: 9f3729

Side-note, after this we should probably check in with our friends. Let's not be that dude who gets to dating only to forget all his pals!
>>
No. 778439 ID: 8cb228

Don't mention federal agents or any weird lies. Just a simple, "They won't cause any trouble. You have my word."
>>
No. 778469 ID: 8d4593

I feel a dismissive attitude is the best one to have when dealing with pimpled 16 year olds.
>>
No. 778477 ID: 350a50

>>778435
This.
>>
No. 778479 ID: 65ec8d

Answer: "I can guarantee they aren't going to start trouble. Whether someone else starts trouble with them isn't something them or I have a say in."
>>
No. 778586 ID: f6ba27
File 148677999677.png - (68.04KB , 960x560 , 709.png )
778586

"They're going to skate," you say. "Does that count as trouble?"
"Just-- like-- make sure you keep an eye on them."
"No sweat." You give him your most reassuring smile as he hands over your blades. "We're just here to skate."

It turns out that Bika is here to skate. You are mostly here to stumble all over the place.
"Oh gosh." A Bika holds onto your arm as you flail to regain balance again. "Hold onto me, Zack."
"No no I think I'm improving--" you begin, and then you're press-ganged into a valiant war against gravity to keep yourself from pulling an impromptu split.
"Just let me guide you," Bika says. "Remember how you have a bunch of nanomachines rebuilding your pelvis right now?"
"Oh, yeah." You relent, and allow Bika to glide you shakily across the ice.
All around you she's executing neat turns and figure-eights. Sniper Bika is skating backwards in front of you.
"Don't look down," she says. "Look at me. Knees bent, weight forward. Trust that I will protect your fragile butt."

Out of the corner of your eye you see a human couple exiting the rink, casting dark glances at the Visitor partycrashers.
"Zack. Hey. Over here." Sniper Bika waves her tail at you. "Look at me, dingus. Let Rella and Ambrose worry about the humans."
"Sorry." You refocus.
"It doesn't bug me," Bika says. "It really doesn't. I don't feel things like that if I don't want to. Stimulus from outside is so much more comparatively minor to how I am that my emotional responses are rarely involuntary."
"It doesn't seem like that."
"Well. I've gotten pretty good at performing it. It's not, I guess, that I don't feel; it's just that my subconscious doesn't affect my conscious. Whatever touches me touches such a small part of me that I really hardly ever... lose control. Or get heated in a non-intellectual way. Losing my temper, being stunned into silence, losing myself in grief... I read these terms, and I understand them, and maybe even have them in some piecemeal way; but never universally. There's always a voice-- a lot of voices-- that keep me tethered to an objectivity, or a rationality. That hard ball of resentment in your throat for those people I don't have. The little surge of aggression. Intellectally it makes me unhappy and angry. But consciously so. I have to decide to let it affect my actions or my disposition. Unlike you who couldn't help but look even though you know you gotta--" she catches you again. "Eyes on me, Z-N-G." She does a little turn, shakes her butt at you, and turns back. "I actually kind of wish I could. Be, you know... overwhelmed. Fully. I've been completely cognizant since I was born. Since before even. But I'm talking too much about myself again. I did that on our other dates too. Kind of a bad habit."
>>
No. 778595 ID: 7b7ab3

Honestly, we've been so wrapped up in our own problems lately that it'd be nice to just get back to basics; to just hear one of our dates talk about herself and her people.
We have free time now, so why doesn't she do just that? It'll help us relax.
>>
No. 778598 ID: 65ec8d

Not that bad a habit, given how nice a topic you are. Like, how interesting is it to talk about me? I think the Zack mines are exhausted for you at this point, but I've still barely touched these rich seams of Bika I'm following. Examples: How about if you bunch a pack of yourself off somewhere a bit distant? One body alone loses something, so a separated group probably shifts a bit from the main mass. Like what if you send a group off alone and they were all guys, or girls, does some psychological difference appear? Or what if they got drunk? What would it be like if you got all your bodies drunk at the same time? That's the sort of thing I'm talking about, Bika. Like not just for the sake of skut stuff in general being fascinating, I feel like the more I understand you the closer we get. I don't know what I can offer up about myself to do the same in return. If you think of anything then ask, please.
>>
No. 778599 ID: 91ee5f

>>778586
"That sounds like a challenge. Whenever you recover from Meg's assault, next time we have some fun in the bedroom, I'm gonna make you downstairs in the restaurant have an involuntary reaction!" *wink*
>>
No. 778601 ID: 9145ba

>>778599
We already did that.
>>
No. 778602 ID: 65ec8d

>>778601

I'm not sure Zack knows that. This might be a good opportunity for him to find out, though. Ask "So, I've never gotten a real involuntary reaction out of you?" With a smile so it doesn't come off like he really minds.
>>
No. 778603 ID: 91ee5f

>>778601
But Zack doesn't know that. For all he knows, this'll be his first time doing it.
>>
No. 778606 ID: 7b7ab3

>>778595
Some actual questions to ask:
>What was her "birth" like? Who was her "parent" hive?
>If she could change one thing about Zack, what would it be?
>Is there anything she doesn't know or would like to learn?
>Baby Bikas are most likely completely adorable. Can Zack be there the next time some are born?
>>
No. 778612 ID: 398fe1

Should we really be talking about this sort of thing in public, where people can overhear?
>>
No. 778618 ID: 8cb228

>>778612

Agreed. Assume someone's listening to us with a long mic or a nearby person's cell phone or can read lips or something.
>>
No. 778626 ID: 443104

>>778606
Maybe rephrase the last question at least. "Man, these babies are adorable. Can I watch the next generation be born?"
>>
No. 778630 ID: 6612fa

>>778586
direct response
"it's fascinating and I love it when you talk about yourself, sometimes I feel like you are to afraid to tell me these things."
maybe if we can ask a question
"Are you holding yourself back when you are with me?"
>>
No. 778632 ID: 65ec8d

>>778626

I think the move from "be there when they're born" to "watch them be born" takes the idea from adorable to super weird.
>>
No. 778633 ID: 6612fa

>>778618
can we not ask that in public or so blatantly when the subject wasn't even brought up
>>
No. 778643 ID: 350a50

>>778633
This. Let's give Bika a turn in the exchange, Zack's info is less sensitive in public,

"I'm an open book. Ask away any questions you want answered."
>>
No. 778648 ID: 9145ba

>>778606
>>778626
Wow. Perhaps we could not bring up the miracle of childbirth on our skating rink date? Seeing some kids, sure, but that's going too far.

"There's a lot of material to cover for a Bika-laureate. What would you like to know to get your Zacktorate?"
>>
No. 778649 ID: 91ee5f

>>778648
Agreed. Seeing the kids would be cute. Seeing them actually come out is very disturbing.
>>
No. 778661 ID: 8d4593

Talk about yourself all you want. I don't mind being wrapped up in your world.

Also, have you ever tried experiencing something with all your components at once? It's easy to see how you can always be objective if at least one or a few of you are free to think objectively...
But if all of your components dove into something at the same time, then all the individual emotions could peak as one. I imagine that could be overwhelming.
>>
No. 778690 ID: f6795e

>>778630
>>778661 !!!
>>
No. 778804 ID: 8c34e7

>>778586
Test Bika by "accidentally" killin' one of her bodies. 's more like a punch on the shoulder since 's got so many.
>>
No. 778816 ID: 24dd1a

>>778804
Ugh, trolls. For reference, a vote against this. That said, do spend some time talking about boundaries and the limits and weirdness of how things work... once there is privacy.
>>
No. 778926 ID: f6ba27
File 148689018140.png - (37.60KB , 960x560 , 710.png )
778926

"So I've never gotten an involuntary reaction out of you?"
"Ummm, once. Once or twice. I probably shouldn't talk about it here."
"I find it fascinating," you say. "It's been too long since I've just been out somewhere finding out more about you."
Bika smiles. "It has, hasn't it?"
"Is there anything you want to know about me?"
"There is, actually. Actually something I've been wondering." Dessert Bika looks back at you, her skating zen disturbed.

"How do you see all this ending up?" she asks. "Everything going on. You, me, all of us. A year from now, or two or three. What will this look like?"
>>
No. 778927 ID: 9f3729

>>778926
"Dunno. Wouldn't want to, really.
If I had a gun to my head I'd say either politics get better or worse and things change from there."
>>
No. 778928 ID: 595d54

>>778926
It'll probably be what you choose it to be. People haven't decided anything definite, in general, about the relationship itself that I can remember. There's been plenty of talk about how much people love each other, how much they mean, and whatever, but I don't remember anything like "I want to be with you forever" or anything.

Worst case, gone and forgotten like tears in rain.
>>
No. 778929 ID: 8d4593

I can see all of us still together...
But we'll all have a few more scars. The HVAO will probably be gone. I'll likely be more famous for better or worse.
...
Really though, I think it all depends on what we do now. Betty, her associates, her master, they have to be stopped. And as absurd as it sounds... I think were the only ones who can do it.
>>
No. 778939 ID: 9145ba

Well, I'll either be working a different job or living off a cushy government pension from this one. I see the situation it was created to address resolving itself pretty soon one way or the other. You, me, Meg, GG, Poly... all one unit, living alongside each other (not literally in every case, perhaps, and honestly I see Poly as sort of a satellite connected to the group through Zack & GG). In a year, we'll be living in postbellum times again, with a little less to worry about.
>>
No. 778943 ID: 67d5dc

Dead, maybe. Gotten a little too deep in things. *winkwinknudgenudge*

Like seriously, You're having trouble with Meg, I have to keep up with all of you! I've only got so many pelvises.
>>
No. 778955 ID: 7b7ab3

Less bad politics and more peace.
The dulabira happy and healthy.
It's a scary world we live in right now, but we have to hope for the future.
>>
No. 778957 ID: 6612fa

>>778926
I'm not sure, their are to many political monoliths moving in our direction to know the exact direction we are going to go, but i hope it's with you. If we have to flee to goloboria and live as guerilla fighters, or flee to the heart of Brazil and do the same I would be happy.
>>
No. 778959 ID: bb78f2

>>778926
How I hope is that it lasts long, one, two, three years but...
I'm not naive. Practically speaking, I do see one or more of us dying, even if we're careful. Whether that means we should stop for our own sakes, or chance the risk and continue it, I don't know. I think it's worth the risk, you only live once. Besides, if we break up, then one of us dies from a traffic accident soon after, breaking up is gonna seem pointless.
>>
No. 778968 ID: 350a50

>>778929
This, but don't mention a master. Just that Betty's group has to be stopped.
>>
No. 778989 ID: 36fd21

I don't know if I can guess. The last few days have been awesome, but with lots of curve balls in there too. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, much less a few years.
>>
No. 778993 ID: 91ee5f

Have we mentioned the interview to Bika yet? If not, should we tell her now or later?
>>
No. 779069 ID: f6ba27
File 148694415160.png - (66.27KB , 960x560 , 711.png )
779069

"I can see all of us still together," you say. "With more scars. The HVAO will be different, or gone. I'll be more famous, for better or for worse. Politics will have sorted itself out one way or the other. I think really it all depends on what we do now."
"Hmmm."
"Betty, her associates, her boss, they have to be stopped. And this is gonna sound crazy but I think it might be up to us to do it."
"I wish that sounded crazy," Bika says. "But I don't think it does. I think we're coming toward something big and our hands are on the wheel." She clears one of her throats. "Before the interdimensional shift, you wouldn't remember, but there was a feeling on both sides of the rifts that we were beyond history, and that the pivotal moments were just things from books. There was an opportunity then to look at the great events and tragedies and say 'If I had been there, I would have done this, or wouldn't have done this.' A theoretical idea of who you were. That's not the case any more. Whatever we're doing now, that's what we would be doing. The gift of this insane century to us is clarity. In who we are." Her grip on your arm is gentle but firm. "This is going to sound really corny but I think who you are turning out to be is really wonderful." She looks past you. "Ha! Look at the HVAO guys."

On the other side of the rink Rella is squawking and slipping. She seems about as confident on her blades as you are.
"Motherfuck," she says.
"You wanna get off the ice?" Ambrose is trying to hide how pleased he is to be doing this so much more effortlessly than she is (or maybe just to have her touching his arm).
"No fuck you." Rella wobbles back upright. "I'm gonna learn this."

1]] Having fun over there?
2]] Hey guys! I thought I was the one on the date!
3]] Excuse me, guys, but I think I'd be more comfortable if my security was on terrain they could both walk on.
4]] __________________
>>
No. 779070 ID: 9f3729

>>779069
oh my god 2 for SURE
they're so cute
>>
No. 779074 ID: 7b7ab3

>>779069
2, then 1.
>>
No. 779080 ID: 9145ba

2 and 1!
>>
No. 779082 ID: 987bda

>>779069
2, then 1.
>>
No. 779084 ID: 36fd21

I say let them be adorkable in peace.
>>
No. 779097 ID: a363ac

>>779069
don't you already fuck him?
>>
No. 779143 ID: 320ead

>>779074
>>779080
>>779082
I'll ride this train.
>>
No. 779146 ID: 350a50

>>779097
Nah, this is an unprofessional thing to say.
>>
No. 779147 ID: f6ba27
File 148695602069.png - (11.49KB , 960x560 , 712.png )
779147

"Hey!" you call. "I thought I was supposed to be the one on the date!"
Ambrose flushes, and looks like he's about to respond when there's a voice rinkside:
"That's your Date, dude?"

There's a guy with his phone out, holding it up at you.
"Is that your girlfriend, dude?"

"There goes the neighborhood," Bika says quietly.

Ambrose immediately makes a beeline for him, leaving Rella standing on the ice and trying to keep her balance on her own.

"Is that your girlfriend?" Phone guy repeats.
>>
No. 779149 ID: 595d54

>>779147
Do we actually have any reason to pay attention to him? Let's just keep doing our thing.
>>
No. 779152 ID: 350a50

>>779149
This. Zackary Nguyen gives zero fucks.
>>
No. 779154 ID: 320ead

>>779149
>>779152
Thirded.
>>
No. 779155 ID: 7b7ab3

>>779147
What a loser.
Let Ambrose handle him.
Continue skating.
>>
No. 779156 ID: 65ec8d

"Does it look like a date, man? With the whole family here? I said "supposed to be on the date". Now whether or not I'm managing to keep up with my extensive date schedule isn't your business, is it?"
>>
No. 779157 ID: f08a8a

As tempting as it is to heckle this fucker we shouldn't let him get to us. Just let our security do its job and take a lesson from Bika. Don't sweat the small stuff.
>>
No. 779158 ID: 1d39d8

>>779147
Ignore him. 50/50 chance dude was legitimately curious, but considering the metric ton of CRAP we endured recently and the track record of Bika dates, those are odds we do not want to risk.
>>
No. 779159 ID: e136ae

Seduce him.
>>
No. 779160 ID: 91ee5f

>>779147
He's got a phone. He's recording. He's hoping you'll say or do something to give him something good to upload. Just ignore him. He's not worth the effort it takes to look at him. Let the HVAO guys handle it.
>>
No. 779164 ID: bb78f2

>>779147
Give him a show, pick Bika up and do some dumb ballerina shit that's probably gonna result with you flat on your ass but laughing.

I mean, ask Bika first though. You don't pick a girl up without warning.
>>
No. 779165 ID: 91ee5f

>>779164
That's actually a good idea. If this guy wants to record something, then let's give him something to record!

Ask Bika if she wants to put on a show and do a few tricks.
>>
No. 779170 ID: 9145ba

Stick closest to Bika Prime while Ambrose handles this guy. Appearances must be kept up.
>>
No. 779180 ID: 350a50

>>779170
This.
>>
No. 779184 ID: 6612fa

>>779147
this quest has attracted a large number of idiots and trolls, who would have thought yelling that across a public space was a good idea seriously.
only options we really have is to keep face and tell him off as kindly as possible, keep silent, let bika decide how to handle our foot-in-mouth-itis, or just get the government guys to smash his phone.
>>
No. 779187 ID: 6612fa

>>779164
yes this will go over so well for our interview.
>>
No. 779202 ID: ca661e

>>779147
Play it off, like you were making a bad joke or something.
>>
No. 779210 ID: 8d4593

Obviously the only option is to vigorously make out with Bika.
>>
No. 779221 ID: 595d54

Actually, nah, do this:

"Nah, man, but you seem like my boyfriend."

Skate closer and start making kissy faces at him while grabbing your crotch.
>>
No. 779222 ID: 36fd21

>>779202
Nooo, don't do that to Bika! Just ignore him.
>>
No. 779224 ID: dd5b4d

>>779147
Yeah ignore him. It would be best to not confirm or deny which Bika is 'the' Bika in case someone starts actually checking which skuts Zack is making out with.
>>
No. 779254 ID: f6795e

>>779224
Ignore him!
>>
No. 779262 ID: 5f2b81

Ignore him. We're enjoying ourselves.
>>
No. 779263 ID: 5f2b81

>>779262
Actually, I take it back. This is an opportunity to communicate with the people--he's definitely gonna upload this to Youtube. Say something like,
"She's one of the most loving partners I've ever had." Then offer a smile and resume skating.
>>
No. 779264 ID: fceae5

Seriously ignore this asshole.
>>
No. 779272 ID: a363ac

>>779164
Actually sounds fun just make sure you watch out for the sharp pointy bits on the shoes
>>
No. 779295 ID: 7f7556

>>779164
no, that's how you end up as a viral video.
>>
No. 779310 ID: 987bda

>>779224
Yep.
Although people will probably say they all look alike, so whatever.

Ignore him.
>>
No. 779352 ID: 652cc3

>>779147
Tell him she is your secretary.
>>
No. 779354 ID: 9f3729

>>779164
do this, but just because it would be fun. There's no other reason you need, dude's just a heckler and you're gonna have a lot of those.
>>
No. 779419 ID: 2120ee

>>779147
Don't do anything dumb like ice-based acrobatics with a still-healing pelvis and extreme amateur skating skills.

I'm kind of tempted to do something dumb like take out our phone to record him recording us and not say anything.
>>
No. 779420 ID: 6612fa

>>779147
we really should just stare at him like he is mentally retarded and not say anything, and just keep staring at him as he keeps talking, and every word that comes out of his mouth just let your expression continue to progressively get more and more disgusted/angry

best response
>>
No. 779430 ID: 4623e5

ignoring him seems like the best course of action
>>
No. 779463 ID: f6ba27
File 148705705244.png - (40.58KB , 960x560 , 713.png )
779463

You look at the guy, look at Bika, smile at her, and keep skating.
"Can I borrow that?" you hear Ambrose behind you.
"Hey!" The sounds of a minor scuffle as the guy tries to get his phone back, realizes how strong Ambrose is, and gives up. "Come on, man."
"Just give me a second." Ambrose stops the recording and deletes the video. "I'm going to go give this to the guy at the front desk. You can pick it up when you leave."
He exits the rink. The guy follows him, loudly protesting.

Rella stands on the ice, legs shaking.
"Damn it," she says.
A couple of Bikas come to assist her. "He'll be right back," one says.
"Huh." Rella folds her arms as Bika helps her back into balance. "I'm cold."

"This is why I'm glad I have security," you say.
Bika nuzzles your arm. "Thinking like a skut."

1]] Keep skating. Talk about ____________.
2]] That's enough skating for now. Go somewhere else: _____________
>>
No. 779466 ID: 9145ba

Talk about Floaters. Bika says she's got ancestral memories, maybe she remembers what Floaters were like pre-uplift too.
>>
No. 779473 ID: 7b7ab3

1.
Talk about fantasies.
What's something she'd like to do? Where's someplace she'd like to go? Something like that.
>>
No. 779485 ID: 6af38e

>>779463
1) Talk about that weird law over in the UK about allowing skuts to essentially carry out assassinations on each other. Is it still around and her thoughts on that?
>>
No. 779486 ID: 350a50

1. Ask what her 'parents' are like, back on Golboria.
>>
No. 779492 ID: 6612fa

>>779463
1
i say talk more about our self, talk about our shildhood after the event where our family died, our sister, something. zacks to much of a blank slate.
>>
No. 779514 ID: fceae5

>>779463
1.
We always seem to guide these conversations.
What does she want to talk about?
>>
No. 779518 ID: 094652

1) Talk about her family. Did she have a special bond with any hive that separated from the same large hive as hers?
>>
No. 779572 ID: ff3a1c

>>779486
This.
>>
No. 779621 ID: 350a50

>>779518
Again, ixnay on the hives in public. Use euphemisms.
>>
No. 779672 ID: e22b1d

>>779621
Agreed.
In fact, 2. We should go somewhere private and cozy where we can talk about stuff like this and Rella can stand up on her own.
>>
No. 779692 ID: 9f3729

hey guys, remember how the hive mind thing's a big secret? Remember that?
don't do it guys, don't blow the big national-secret-level-secret while ice skating
>>
No. 779694 ID: 398fe1

No hive stuff in public.
>>
No. 779718 ID: cf883e

1. Talk about whatever she'd like to talk about.
3. Go do something else if Rella really does look cold.
>>
No. 779722 ID: ce2e2f

2]] Back to SLS to talk more freely about the hivemind
>>
No. 779727 ID: c34275
779727

They litrally just got here.
Lets just find somthing else to talk about while skating instead of ditching so early
lets discuss zach, surly bika has more than just the one question for you
>>
No. 779934 ID: f6ba27
File 148721729119.png - (29.20KB , 960x560 , 714.png )
779934

The rink is almost empty now save for you and Bika. The people who are left are either studiously pretending you're not there or staring agog, whispering to each other.

You continue to ignore them, turning serene laps around the ice's perimeter, speaking in low, close voices.

"The Harrisons," you say. "They lived in this blue townhouse, in Maryland. Something like fifty feet long and fifteen feet wide. It was like living in the Death Star trench."
"Were they nice?" Bika asks.
"Sure they were," you say. "They had to deal with a half dozen other orphans at the same time as me so they didn't exactly have the energy to be loving. But they were nice. By the time I was ready for high school they had the boarding schools all set up. So it was basically dorm life then. We could pick anywhere we wanted to go. I guess I still wanted to go to New York."
"Even after everything that happened here?"
"Yeah. There's this movie, uh, Home Alone 2. The Harrisons had it on video and I must have watched it like 20 times. So that was my picture of New York. Big and bright and beautiful. It's getting back there. Slowly but you know. It's coming along. Speaking of which I think I'm ready to try this shit solo."
Bika gently lets go. You wobble a little, but you're staying on your own two feet.

"Yaay Zack!" Dessert Bika does a little twirl. You know better than to try to replicate the gesture yet.
"What about you?" you ask. "Can you tell me anything about your, uh, parents?"
"Here?" Bika Prime looks around. "Kkind of." She wrinkles her snout in thought as she works through how to phrase it. "My, um, my mother's name was, is, Kirsma. She lives in this big underwater city, on this sunken island called Shadal. It's part of this group of free states called Gataza that the Kariket has been at war with on and off for something like a decade."
"I didn't know there was anywhere he didn't own," you say.
"Well when you own the planet, a few little islands here and there aren't your top priority," Bika says. "They're mostly craters at this point, but the Kariket has no idea where Shadal is. So she's more or less safe there."
"Do you ever talk to her?" you ask.
"No," Bika says. "Interdimensional communications are almost impossible at the best of times. No phone, no internet, no non-physical connection can cross the barrier. Even if I did know where to look."
She takes your arm again as you make the turn.
"It's not really a feeling that has a clear human equivalent," she murmurs. "This alien feeling of... loss. Manifest loss. Like squeezing something so hard that you push all the air out. And then one day you look at, at yourself. And you don't see yourself looking back any more. And you know it's time to move on. She belongs on Golboria. It's where she's trying to make a difference. And I belong here."

Ambrose is back on the ice. He's having what looks like a tense conversation with Rella on the far side of the rink. Her arms are tightly crossed.
She steps over the wall and sits out in the stands, watching the cluster of Bikas behind mirrored shades.
Ambrose skates on alone, shaking his head to himself.
Bika looks where you're looking. "What's that all about?"
>>
No. 779935 ID: 398fe1

>>779934
Let's find out. Maybe you embarrassed her.
>>
No. 779937 ID: 2120ee

>>779934
Maybe Ambrose got her all perky and she's trying to blame the cold.
>>
No. 779940 ID: 7b7ab3

>>779934
Ayyy, Kirsma.

Let's check on our baby suits.
>>
No. 779941 ID: 988b32

"Okay everyone, you can get back in the rink now!" Be as sarcastic as possible.
>>
No. 779947 ID: 675ea0

"Dunno. Let's go find out."
>>
No. 779953 ID: 9145ba

I'm concerned our bodyguard isn't feeling well. Somebody slip something in her food?
>>
No. 779958 ID: f6ba27
File 148722060890.png - (37.64KB , 960x560 , 715.png )
779958

"I dunno," you say. "Let's find out."

As you pass Rella, you slow down and (with Bika's help) tighten up into a close circle.
"Hey Rella," you call. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," Rella says. "I was cold."
"You sure?"
"Mhm." She sits forward. "Not much point of a bodyguard who can't fucking walk either."
"You guys might want to leave her be for a bit," Ambrose says, skating past you.
"Stay fucking frosty, Ambrose," Rella calls. She slides her skate off and wiggles her socked toes. "Go. Skate around. I'm fine."
>>
No. 779960 ID: a363ac

>>779958
Bika would you call this a lovers quarrel?
>>
No. 779967 ID: 675ea0

>>779958
"If you're sure."

Let's go talk to Ambrose. He probably knows what's up.
>>
No. 779971 ID: 9145ba

Oh no, is someone getting... cold feet?

Go back to what you were doing. You were just getting the hang of this skating thing. Show the rink who's boss by doing a lap before you leave!
>>
No. 779972 ID: 7b7ab3

>>779958
Hmm. Let's leave her be. We can ask Ambrose if there's something we can help with, but let's not be pushy.
>>
No. 779978 ID: bb78f2

>>779934
Oh hey
Did Golboria HAVE internet or it's own kind of thing? At least, before the war?
God, makes me wonder what Golbrian's 4chan is like.
>>
No. 779980 ID: f6ba27
File 148722596809.png - (54.45KB , 960x560 , 716.png )
779980

"Ok. If you're sure."
You skate away, brushing past Ambrose.
"Is she all right?" you ask.
"I don't know," he says. "Yeah. She just-- I shouldn't have left her there. Well I should have. Like it's my job. But still."
He peels off to go skate on his own. Bika told you not to look at your feet, but he is.

"Well, well." You skate in line with Sniper Bika, who is, as she has been this whole time, going backwards. "A lover's tiff?"
"What? You mean us?"
"Wh-- No, dude." You tilt your head out at Brose and Rella.
"Not-- oh!" Bika's jaw drops. "Oh my gosh."
"Haven't you been looking at them at all?"
"I guess it just hadn't occurred to me," Bika says. "Oh my gosh! That would be so cute!"
"Shhhhhh." You remember that for all her intellect, this is the girl you had to tell what "date" meant. "I don't think it's going too good. Rella can't skate."
"Awwwww. Oh no." Bika looks back at Rella, coiled up in her nest of silence at the stands. "Well I'm kinda starting to get cold too anyway."
"One more lap?"
"Mkay!" Bika swans back to your side. "What do you wanna do after?"
>>
No. 779981 ID: 988b32

And now, Video Ski Hockey!

Also known as Bullet Hell. What's the latest variant on Touhou with Multiplayer?
>>
No. 779982 ID: 9145ba

I want to practice wrestling moves. Like the half-nelson!
>>
No. 779983 ID: 675ea0

>>779980
Let's go somewhere more private and Visitor friendly.
I also thought up the ship name for Ambrose X Rella: AMBRELLA.
>>
No. 779984 ID: ce2e2f

Let's play whatever >>779981 is and whoever loses has to indulge in whatever fantasy the winner wants.
>>
No. 779986 ID: 91ee5f

>>779983
"It's raining assholes, jackasses, and Visitor racists outside."

"Looks like we need an AMBRELLA!"
>>
No. 779988 ID: e22b1d

>>779983
THIS is genius

>>779984
And so is this.
It has been a month since a fully fledged sex scene and I'm dying of thirst
>>
No. 779990 ID: 91ee5f

>>779988
>I'm dying of thirst
Wouldn't that imply a lot of sex, like with Meg and Bika?

Shouldn't the saying be "I'm drowning", like with GG needing to find another Warrior?
>>
No. 780008 ID: 350a50

>>779984
This.
>>
No. 780019 ID: fceae5

>>779983
>>779986
How could I resist this?
>>
No. 780092 ID: a523fb

>>779984
This!
>>
No. 780115 ID: 9145ba

How about instead of competitive bullet hell frustration, you tussle for the right to wrestle over a game of Dead Or Alive Ultimate?
>>
No. 780119 ID: febb5d

It's true that bullet hell is not exactly great foreplay. And how would competing in it even work?
>>
No. 780147 ID: 91ed6f

>>779981
Motherfuck yes. This.
>>
No. 780237 ID: 652cc3

>>779981
This is just too perfect. Adding in a vote for Touhou Bika next time we fuck her, too.
>>
No. 780240 ID: 4b51fa

I kinda feel like going somewhere where Rella can warm up... and have one of those ungodly hot chocolate, hot fudge and whipped cream concoctions you Americans love so much.

Playing a bullet hell game sounds fun afterwards though. I bet once Bikaboo gets it, she'll be able to play on ULTIMORTAL difficulty or some shit. Networked consciousness FTW

>>779986

top kek

+1 for dropping "AMBRELLA" into the conversation somehow
>>
No. 780316 ID: ce7fad

"I dunno. What do you wanna do?"
>>
No. 780320 ID: 65ec8d

How about you treat Bika to something to eat, for once? There are probably some human foods she hasn't eaten freshly made. Most restaurants probably aren't going to suddenly let a big pack of skuts in, at least without a reservation, but there's probably some nice place where you the human can walk in and order a big load of takeout. Just tell them it's for a party. And like, go somewhere good for it. Then take all that food out to some pleasant spot and have a meal together, just you and her and her(x12) and Ambrose and Rella. The park or something. Or maybe send ambrella off with food of their own and take your food up to the roof of SLS, watch the sunset while you eat kind of thing.
>>
No. 780364 ID: b22352

>>779984
Holy shit, that's genius. +1
>>
No. 780414 ID: f6ba27
File 148738182241.png - (79.69KB , 960x560 , 717.png )
780414

"I suggest we go back home," you say, "and then I challenge you to a high stakes no holds barred video game championship deathmatch, winner take all."
"What does the winner get?"
"Anything he or she wants from the loser."
"Ooooh." Her tail starts wagging. "Anything?"
"Anything."
"Can we skip the last lap?"

The ride back to SLS is conducted with silence from the front seats, where Ambrose and Rella sit, focusing on anything other than each other.
It's the kind of quiet that stonily defies you to break it.
You surreptitiously text Bika:

>idea for couple name
>Ambrella

Bika stifles a laugh.
:bika: lmao :clapping:

It's a crowded day at SLS. You pass a table of adventurous humans gazing into the depths of a huge cauldron of lava-orange curry and retire to the snug, balmy quarters of the upper floors.
It always smells like sandalwood up here.

Bika makes room for you on the couch in front of her sizable plasma screen.
A male with sauce stains on his shirt crawls into the cupboard underneath it and boots her rig up.
"OK, Nguyen." Sniper Bika grins at you while Bika prime stretches her neck and fingers in preparation. "Choose the nature of your destroyer."
"You're taking this kind of hardcore," you say.
"I'm going to make you chop so many onions," Bika says.
"Onions?"
"You said anything, didn't you?" Bika asks. "Pick your poison."

1]] Doki Doki Beamship DX Nightmare Remix
2]] Call of Duty 20: Action Duty Advanced
3]] Street Fighter VII
4]] Crossed Blades II
5]] Dota Racing
6]] Shooter Man
7]] Everyday Life in Feudal Combat
8]] Half Life 3 valve blew up this is never coming out
9]] Zombie Taxi
10]] Fightfrogs
11]] _____________
>>
No. 780416 ID: 999c02

>>780414
>valve blew up
RIP.
Street Fighter VII. It's time to put our fighting game skills to the test.
>>
No. 780417 ID: aebfae

>>780414
3 as first choice, 7 as second, 9 as third.
>>
No. 780420 ID: 7b7ab3

3. Fighting games are Zack's element.
>>
No. 780422 ID: 9145ba

11) Them's Fightin' Herds; or 7) Shogun Musume if she hasn't got it.
>>
No. 780424 ID: 8cb228

>>780422
You mean Them's Fightin' Herds IV at least, yes?
>>
No. 780425 ID: dd5b4d

Shooter Man. See how Sniper Bika feels about it.
>>
No. 780433 ID: 350a50

3
>>
No. 780443 ID: f6ba27
File 148738438014.png - (149.41KB , 960x560 , 718.png )
780443

The game is Street Fighter VII.

Bika slam-picks Scorpion, a late addition DLC character published after the contentious NetherRealm Studios buyout.
>>
No. 780445 ID: 9145ba

There's only one hard counter to Scorpion: Pokemon Trainer!
>>
No. 780447 ID: 350a50

Hardcore mode: Fully randomized custom character.
>>
No. 780449 ID: b073ca

Zone her out! Pick Strela!
>>
No. 780455 ID: f6ba27
File 148738556361.png - (257.88KB , 960x560 , 719.png )
780455

The pick is obvious.
"Pokemon trainer." Bika narrows her eyes. "You had to pick Pokemon trainer."
"Scorp is OP otherwise," you say.
"Take that back."

1]] Game with Honor. Take Bika on head to head.
2]] Honor is for wimps. Cheese with the trainer's bullshit Pikachu zoning attack.
3]] Take it easy. You're not about to treat a match with your girlfriend like the last round at EVO.
4]] Throw constantly.
5]] _______________
>>
No. 780458 ID: 398fe1

>>780455
1.
>>
No. 780459 ID: 0c367f

Walk up slowly and down smash.
>>
No. 780460 ID: 094652

5) Be spontaneous, keep her guessing even if it leaves you with a weak flow of combat. Do weird stuff to bait her in and play dirty if she falls for it.
>>
No. 780461 ID: a363ac

>>780455
5.) Physical real world attacks with the tickles. But otherwise play with For Honor.
>>
No. 780462 ID: 9145ba

4) Claim your controller's broken.
>>
No. 780466 ID: 9876c4

4 for practical reasons. Trainer's melee game is weak.
>>
No. 780469 ID: 350a50

1.
>>
No. 780472 ID: 7b7ab3

2.
You chose this path, Bika.
Now you must walk it.
>>
No. 780507 ID: 6612fa

>>780455
2 honor is not the skut way, cheesing it is
>>
No. 780510 ID: 4f35c6

>>780455
5]] Proceed to tickle her any time she starts her combo game.
>>
No. 780513 ID: ed3883

1 with extra cheese.

Don't start an IRL tickle war, that's an escalation Bika in particular will be able to respond to without quarter.
>>
No. 780514 ID: 7b7ab3

>>780513
Yet the tickle fingers beckon.
>>
No. 780519 ID: 350a50

>>780513
This, Bika will win a tickle war.
>>
No. 780523 ID: f6ba27
File 148739020107.png - (45.09KB , 960x560 , 720.png )
780523

You decide to game with honor, and face Bika in a test of true gamer fortitude and skill.

Unfortunately for you, it turns out that in a test of true gamer fortitude and skill, Bika has you beat.
Your grabs are going teched. Your whiffs are being punished. Your knowledge of Okizeme basically stops at knowing what the word means, but you can recognize that Bika's game is on point. You're hanging in there, but she's chipping your life bar down.
You watch with draining hope as Scorpion pulls your squirtle's spine out.
The first round goes to her.

Memories of your first date come back to you. You were more or less an even match-up then.
But then, of course, you weren't in the nexus of her hive.

You glance at your opponent.
She's hunched forward, little pink tongue poked out of her mouth.
Her expression is one of pure concentration.

1]] Strive valiantly
2]] Get cheesy
3]] Tickle attack
4]] _____________
>>
No. 780524 ID: 9145ba

3) Tickle attack.
>>
No. 780525 ID: e22b1d

1. This is clearly important to her. Skuts are very territorial, after all. Fight fairly.
>>
No. 780526 ID: a363ac

>>780523
Lickitounge her face!
>>
No. 780528 ID: 0c367f

>>780523
2.

Only walk up and use your broken down-smash.
>>
No. 780532 ID: 350a50

1. Maximum effort.
>>
No. 780533 ID: ed3883

Lay on the cheese for a round, and then break out the tickles for a clutch before she can retaliate.
>>
No. 780536 ID: b44eee

>>780523
Go for 1.....though do (4), lick her face, if she's pounding you ''that'' badly.
>>
No. 780541 ID: 7b7ab3

1 until we get bored, then abandon the game entirely in favor of 3.
>>
No. 780542 ID: a8bc5c

1 and 4.

Put your game face on man! Do you want to do nothing but chop onions for the next week!?
>>
No. 780555 ID: f6ba27
File 148739416873.png - (59.17KB , 960x560 , 721.png )
780555

You put your gameface on. Your controller is slick with sweat.
You're going all in. But Bika is taking you apart. The power of Pokemon friendship is having minimal effect on stopping daggers stuck to big hell chains.

Your health bar is flashing. You're on the verge of defeat!!
>>
No. 780556 ID: 37dad1

We've tickled GG.
We've tickled Poly.
Bika's time has come.
Then only Meg shall remain.
>>
No. 780557 ID: 7b7ab3

>>780555
It's time for our last resort! Deploy the tickle fingers!
>>
No. 780558 ID: 0c367f

Walk up, slowly, and down-smash.

...

IRL, I mean.
>>
No. 780563 ID: 9145ba

My ultimate is fully charged! Use Hawlucha's Z-Move!
>>
No. 780567 ID: d79f26

never forget your super.
>>
No. 780569 ID: ed3883

Lay the cheese on good and thick.
>>
No. 780571 ID: d9aea4

Dragon-tickle attack!
>>
No. 780579 ID: 91ee5f

Quick! Use your OP attacks! Use Mega Evolution and a Z-Move at the same time!
>>
No. 780586 ID: f6ba27
File 148739921454.png - (90.31KB , 960x560 , 722.png )
780586

"You leave me no choice," you say.
"Mm?" Bika is still riveted to the screen.
"I have to use my super," you say.
"Your bar isn't--"
"ULTIMATE TICKLE ATTACK"

"NO" Bika scrabbles at you as you dive her. She desperately throws the controller to Sniper Bika, who catches it.
"DUPLICITY," she yells, mashing like crazy.
You lunge for the controller but end up with a handful of boob instead. She hoists it away from you as Bika Prime, who you are still tickling the hell out of, holds you back.

Scorpion Wins.
And the fatality is one of those lame MK vs DC style ones without even all the cool stuff, because this is a crossover.

"YES!"
Bika throws the controller onto the couch then crotch chops. "IN your face. Cheaters never PROSPER. WOO!"
She throws her arms up. Her fellow Bikas clap for her.
>>
No. 780587 ID: 9145ba

Cry yourself a river as you chop onions.
>>
No. 780591 ID: 91ee5f

>>780586
"But I'm prospering right now!"
Continue tickling!
>>
No. 780596 ID: 350a50

>>780591
This
>>780587
Followed later by this
>>
No. 780597 ID: 37dad1

>>780596
Seconded, but we'll be smiling as we cry because they will be tears of happiness.
Also onion fumes.
>>
No. 780598 ID: 7b7ab3

Accept defeat.
Continue tickling.
Add raspberries.
Learn to love onions.
>>
No. 780600 ID: f6ba27
File 148740114933.png - (61.28KB , 960x560 , 723.png )
780600

"Well." With a parting tickle you ease off of Bika Prime. "Time to cry the salty tears of defeat. And onion fumes."
"What?" Bika giggles. "Did you think I was being serious?"
"You weren't?"
"Why would I need you to chop onions? I got a million onion choppers. I was just messing with you."
"So what do you want?"
Bika Prime's legs wrap around your waist. "I wanna fuck. Isn't that what you were going for?"
"Then why such an intense competition?"
"Wellllll, um." Sniper Bika's tail is wagging. "I don't just wanna fuck. I, like, okay. Don't judge me."
"Never. You won."
"Well I know we said loser does whatever but if you're not comfortable with this then I'm totally fine with it," Bika says, starting little alarm bells in your head. "But like... most of my fantasies and stuff I can just do for myself. I have the, um, manpower. But there's something I can't really make myself feel. Without outside help."
"What's that?"
"Um." She clears her throat. "Helpless."
"Oh."
"So, you can totally say no," Bika says. "Like totally. But would you have any interest in, um, in a fantasy involving the R-word?"
>>
No. 780601 ID: 398fe1

...ehhhh...
>>
No. 780602 ID: 9145ba

...EHHH...
>>
No. 780603 ID: 37dad1

For her? Sure.
It's just a kind of roleplay, really.
Gonna need a safeword, though.
And no blood! For a number of reasons.
>>
No. 780604 ID: 7b7ab3

"Well, if you wanna give it a shot, sure. I reserve the right to puss out, though."
>>
No. 780605 ID: 8d4593

DO IT
>>
No. 780606 ID: 595d54

Sure, it's some roleplay. We can handle this, we basically pretend to be socially competent all the time, this should work.

"You want me to rape you? Alright, it's worth a try. What sort of circumstances?"

There's generally some specific preference for the fantasy, not just random dicks up orifices.
>>
No. 780607 ID: 91ee5f

>>780600
"Really? Sex? I thought you'd be too tired for that after Meg's assault on your male bodies earlier."

".....speaking of which, is Meg still going in there or did she finally pass out or something?"
>>
No. 780608 ID: e136ae

>>780600

I would just like to point out her tail is wagging. As much as she is giving Zack the option of saying "No", it's obvious she really wants him to say yes, or at least try it once. She wouldn't be mentioning it if she didn't trust him implicitly, so having him turn down her kink's gonna at least disappoint and possibly sting some.

So for her sake, at least give it a shot... just make sure you communicate sufficiently beforehand. There should be a fantasy roleplay scenario that you both can get into, or at least should be palatable for Zack and hopefully great for Bika.
>>
No. 780609 ID: f6ba27
File 148740251226.png - (50.45KB , 960x560 , 724.png )
780609

You think about this.
You think harder.
"Ehhhh..." you say.

"Ehhh? Ooooh. Oh. Never mind." Bika is blushing. "Never mind!"
"No, like... I mean, if it's you..."
"No no no," Bika says. "No don't worry. Not if you're not comfortable with it. Like it's just... it's not... like it was just a suggestion. I was totally counting on, like, I knew you could easily not be into it. And that's seriously ok. Seriously."
"Well, like, I'd reserve the right to puss out in the middle of it--"
Bika shakes her head. "Nuh uh. It's ok. My rule for myself before I said it was any hesitation at all and I wouldn't do it. So whoosh whoosh." She waves her hands around. "There it goes. You can pick what we do instead."
"But you won."
"Scorp is OP," Bika says. "You pick."
>>
No. 780610 ID: 37dad1

Do it anyway.
She wants to get raped?
Then fuck her helpless little brains out.
>>
No. 780611 ID: 595d54

>>780609
Okay, if the rape thing is too much for Zack, let's at least get as close to it as we comfortably can. Rough sex, "questionable" consent, and maybe some bondage? What parts sound acceptable?
>>
No. 780612 ID: a363ac

Butt sex
>>
No. 780613 ID: 7b7ab3

>>780609
"My pick is to fuck your little doggy ass flat. Don't like it? Tough."
>>
No. 780614 ID: 350a50

"I would frankly be concerned if there was no hesitation, Biks. If you're into roleplay we can do roleplay."
>>
No. 780615 ID: 91ee5f

>>780609
"I thought you'd be tired of sex, after spending most of the day doing that with Meg? Speaking of which, is she still going?"
>>
No. 780616 ID: 0c367f

>>780613
Gay sex.
>>
No. 780618 ID: 398fe1

No double-waffling. Zack hesitated, that's that.

How about some food-play?
>>
No. 780620 ID: b88e47

She wants the D. Give her the D. Some way, some how.

I'd like to see a tied up Bika but I don't think we could tie them all up at the same time.
>>
No. 780621 ID: f6ba27
File 148740523737.png - (55.94KB , 960x560 , 725.png )
780621

"I would frankly be concerned if there was no hesitation," you say. "If you're into roleplay we can roleplay."
"Zack the least sexy thing imaginable to me is making you do something you don't want to," Bika says. "And I forbid you from feeling bad about it."
You rub her head. "I'd think you'd be tired of sex by now after a whole day with Meg."
"My Meg Bikas are," Bika says. "But not this Bika. You get tired of sex physically. Not psychologically. If that makes any sex. Sense, I mean."
"Do you want to try and get as close to it as we comfortably can?" you ask. "Maybe like rough sex? Bondage?"
"Well whatever it would be that was making you not want to in the first place is what I want to avoid." Bika sits in your lap. "I guess for me what's hot about it is like... the idea that I'm the object of so much desire that the guy can't resist. And there's a huge taboo but he wants me so much that he breaks it. And like obviously first I resist because of that but really I want the guy the whole time. So like... I start to like it." She buries her face in her hands. "This sounds really really bad, doesn't it?"
You shake your head.
"Like what if this is just the dude part of my me talking?" Bika asks. "I worry about that sometimes."
"How would that even work?" you ask.
"I don't know. There's stuff about me even I don't know." She squirms. "But like in my head it like ends with me taming him, I guess? Kind of? It's like... I'm so in control of so much all the time. Like SO in control. Of so many bodies at all times. And there's something really interesting about giving that away. Of trusting someone enough that I want to like... give them control. But in giving them control having control. You know? But I need you to like it too."
You rub her ears. "I get that."
"Maybe it's like... I'm a soldier for the Kariket. And you're the guy who's coming in to interrogate me for what I know. And I know that the only chance I have is to seduce you instead. So like I'm trying to... or maybe like I'm your prisoner, but you're behind enemy lines, and so you know, like, the only way you can get out is if I guide you, but then like... IDK." She rubs your leg. "I want you to be comfortable with whatever it is. Or more than that I want you to really want to. So you should pick. Really."
>>
No. 780622 ID: 9145ba

Alright. Here' how we'll do it.

Zack is gonna play the interrgator Oculot, from the Kariket's army. Bika is going to play a rebel agent of the free islands federation. Sound good?
>>
No. 780623 ID: e22b1d

>>780622
Zack has two eyes. That would really take her out of it. Do what Bika suggested instead and make it so that she's the one with the Kariket and he's a human.
That also makes it more taboo-breaky.
>>
No. 780626 ID: 9145ba

>>780623
Dude. Eyepatch. Easy.
>>
No. 780627 ID: 37dad1

Zack, the human super spy, has captured the Kariket's top agent, Bika.
Now he prepares to extract all the secrets he can from her supple, quivering body.
His ministrations have caused more than one enemy agent to defect.
>>
No. 780628 ID: 91ee5f

>>780622
>>780623
>>780626
And then Zack's Oculot powers suddenly awaken and he accidentally sets Bika on fire! DX
>>
No. 780630 ID: 4f35c6

>>780621
Well if she wants to feel powerless the best way to do that would probably to take one Bika away from the hive. Then do things to her that require a safe word. I feel like carrying a blindfolded Skut across the city over our shoulder wouldn't really go over well with the general public though.
>>
No. 780632 ID: e22b1d

>>780630
Part of her fantasy of powerlessness is having control over her powerlessness. This is a bad way to go about it.

>>780627
This one!
>>
No. 780634 ID: 4f35c6

>>780632
I guess ultimately it would depend on how far away you went then.
>>
No. 780635 ID: 7b7ab3

>>780627
This.
>>
No. 780636 ID: c57f6b

Go in for the tickles!
>>
No. 780640 ID: b88e47

Bondage and tickling.
>>
No. 780641 ID: 0c367f

>>780621
puppy dog bika
>>
No. 780645 ID: 6be3d1

>>780621
we need a safeword though. i suggest 'bromeliad'.
>>
No. 780649 ID: f6ba27
File 148740971703.png - (59.01KB , 960x560 , 726.png )
780649

"OK," you say. "Here's what I'm thinking. Zack, the human super spy, has captured the Kariket's top agent, Bika."
"He has?"
"Uh huh." You put a hand on Bika's tummy and pull her closer. "She's in his clutches."
"Ohhh."
"And now he prepares to extract all the secrets he can from her supple, quivering body."
Bika's tail has started to wag again. "Oh no."
"His ministrations have caused more than one enemy agent to defect," you say.
"Have they?" Bika purrs. Under the flimsy material of her shirt you feel her secondary nipples hardening and poking your palm.
"He can be very persuasive," you say. Her tail's wrapped around your hip to keep it from wagging too hard but you can feel its tip wiggling.
"Which Bika is Agent Bika?" Bika asks, her voice syrupy now with libido.

1]] Bika Prime.
2]] Sniper Bika.
3]] Ex-soldier Bika.
4]] Dessert Bika
5]] ____________
>>
No. 780651 ID: 0c367f

>>780649
CHEF BIKA
>>
No. 780652 ID: f6ba27

>>780651
wheres the number i cant count it if it doesnt have a number anon
>>
No. 780653 ID: 6be3d1

2.Sniper Bika.

also i resuggest >>780645. we need a safeword.
>>
No. 780654 ID: e22b1d

S N I P E R B I K A
>>
No. 780656 ID: 350a50

2
>>
No. 780657 ID: 0c367f

>>780652
THIS RULE FEELS NEW

5] CHEF BIKA
>>
No. 780659 ID: 9145ba

2/5: Sniper Bika. As for the Bika that breaks in to rescue her... Surprise me.
>>
No. 780662 ID: 595d54

>>780649
2. And be sure to full nelson her.
>>
No. 780677 ID: d9d7f1

>>780649
2. Definitely 2.
>>
No. 780678 ID: 65ec8d

2) Sniper Bika.

She's right here, after all, and she fits the deadly operative look.

Gotta set up the fantasy a bit more, though, Zack. This is the Kariket's top agent, here, you think it's safe to leave her unrestrained like that? Of course, this capture happened out in the field, you don't have her back at base yet. That's why you're free to use such, ah, unorthodox interrogation methods, after all. So you'll have to improvise. Turn her sideways so she's 90 degrees to you, grab both of her arms and pull them up over her head, you can hold both of her wrists in one hand. Lean her back a bit, rest her on your legs on that side and hook the other around the one of hers closest to you, that lower leg arrangement of hers should make it possible to sort of pin/tuck it in place without discomfort.

Then you should have her mostly held, sort of guitar-style, with free access for one of your hands and your face.
>>
No. 780690 ID: 6612fa

>>780649
well sniper bika actually looks the part of an fighter, but i really think you should be the judge of who gets this role
>>
No. 780720 ID: eb3cf7

Sniper Bika. Plus, she's already in your clutches.
>>
No. 780721 ID: bb78f2

>>780649
5]] In this alternate reality, humans know the truth about skuts.
He's gonna torture ALL OF THEM.
>>
No. 780724 ID: f6ba27
File 148744195604.png - (393.33KB , 960x560 , 727.png )
780724

The wind rattles the tent's material and pushes a current of early autumn air inside.
The tent flap opens to give way to agent Zack Nguyen, Earth Alliance superspy.

His counterpart, caught at gunpoint, they say, after a five-hour showdown, opens her eyes, shifts, and sits up. The chain on her handcuffs jingles a little as she moves.
"Who have they sent this time?" The skut looks him up and down, eyes narrowed. She glances at the knife held loosely in his hand; he in turn glances at her chest, pushed defiantly forward and straining against its (too tight, actually, but Bika wanted to wear something she didn't mind getting destroyed) tank top.

"You think that little thing scares me?" She scoffs. "I've killed more of your kind than you can count, human."
"If you're as dangerous as you say," Zack says, "you wouldn't have gotten caught."
"And now that I'm caught, what? Are you going to try to torture me?" She sneers. "I laugh at what you unimaginative apes call torture. Do your worst. The location of the Kariket's secret bunker--"
("Secret bunker?"
"roll with it"
)
"--goes with me to my grave."
>>
No. 780726 ID: 9145ba

Are you jerking off a knife in front of her, dude? Don't cut yourself on all that edge.
>>
No. 780728 ID: bb78f2

>>780724
"Unimaginative ape... now now now... I'm nothing if not at least a creative orangutan."
Start getting touchy, and if that's knife's not real you can prod her a little bit otherwise save it for giving her boob's a little room.
>>
No. 780729 ID: 350a50

>>780724
"Secret bunkbed? Who is Kariket rooming with? Spill the beans!"
>>
No. 780730 ID: 094652

Okay, put the knife down. Roleplay might trigger something.

Screw the script, do some comedy torture. Threaten to turn on every screeching device in the house simultaneously while you do the "Pulling Up My Underpants" Dance. And then tickle her with an egg beater.
>>
No. 780731 ID: 7b7ab3

"Torture? Oh, my dear, little pup. By the time I'm done, not only will you have told me everything you know, you'll be begging me for more as well."

Let's start small. Rub her ears, fondle her breasts, make her squeak and squeal.
>>
No. 780732 ID: e22b1d

>>780730
Thanks Kome

Take this seriously. She's probably still kind of self-conscious from earlier. Nothing to be gained from making fun of her.
Perform some emergency surgery on her top. Give her chest some breathing room.
>>
No. 780736 ID: 7f7ea0

>>780730
never change kome
>>
No. 780741 ID: ed3883

'Lotta loyalty for a hired gun.'

Pick her up by the handcuffs. Not off her feet, that can cause a dislocation with her hands behind her back, but enough to put her on her toes, literally.

Be very, very careful with that knife; acid blood and all that.
>>
No. 780743 ID: 65ec8d

"Ah, those "unimaginative apes" were unfamiliar with your kind. Anyone could look at you and see a woman familiar with bodily harm, of course..." (walk around her and stroke her scars or something) "... but I know that skuts are champions of endurance in the name of serving their people. You can take pride in those scars, in enduring pain, and that pride sustains the very strength and endurance it draws from. If I showed you how weak you can really be... or even threatened to show everyone..." (Prop up your phone somewhere with the camera facing towards her. Don't actually turn it on.) "... then that pride would break, and your secrecy with it."

"So, how to achieve that? Pain won't make you show weakness." (Knife flourish) "Using this on your body won't cut your pride. You Visitors are better at damage than we humans are, dealing it and dealing with it. But that doesn't make humans inferior, and this knife's inability to hurt you doesn't make it useless." (Bring the edge down to her cleavage.) "I think I know where I might be able to start carving... and how to show you the advantages of the human race."

Then you cut her top open, for the "camera" to see, and start playing.

I got kind of specific describing all that, but that's because I got into it while I was writing, you can just follow the gist of it. Maybe take out the raceplay stuff if you don't think anyone will be into it.
>>
No. 780759 ID: f6ba27
File 148744891212.png - (65.52KB , 960x560 , 728.png )
780759

"You got a lot of loyalty for a hired gun."
"If it meant I'd get to keep painting walls with monkey brains," she says, "I'd do it for free."
He grabs her handcuffs and hoists her to her feet. Even standing up, she's so small that he has to kneel to look her in the eye.
"Unimaginative," he says. "I wouldn't call myself unimaginative." He runs the tip of the knife across her collarbone. The cold metal makes her gulp and her neck brushes the blade. "In fact I think I know the perfect place to start cutting."
>>
No. 780760 ID: f6ba27
File 148744894134.png - (474.37KB , 780x761 , 729.png )
780760

The knife drops to her bellybutton, then catches the hem of her shirt and rises, tickling her stomach, and there's nothing she can do (except say "Charioteer", which she doesn't) to stop it. With a silky sibilation, the knife tears through her shirt, bottom to top.
She yelps as her breasts spring out with a celebratory bounce, as if happy to finally be free.
Two rows of puffy, chocolate-colored nipples, perking up as the cool air hits them for the first time.

"What-- what is this?" she hisses, willing a tone of superiority back into her voice. "Are you trying to humiliate me? Pathetic."
Her tail's trembling as she tries to keep it from wagging.

>>
No. 780764 ID: 7b7ab3

Mmm-mmm.
Look at those tasty little treats.
It'd be a shame if some big, brutish human were to mercilessly pinch, tug, and suck them.
>>
No. 780768 ID: 9145ba

Well the knife's done its job now, you can set it aside (or put it in your offhand) for the actual interrogation.

'See? One cut is all it took for you to flinch, and I didn't even break the skin. I've interrogated PFCs that lasted longer.'
>>
No. 780773 ID: 65ec8d

Ok then, now make a comment about her being obviously used to pain while caressing a scar, and then say you're going to find out how well she handles other kinds of intense stimulation.

Maybe throw in a comment idly wondering how long it's been since she's enjoyed some attention, since she's so dedicated to her work.
>>
No. 780776 ID: 350a50

>>780768
This.
>>
No. 780777 ID: 87ee39

>>780768 first, then >>780764.
Hit her with the double whammy of belittling and nipple stimulation.
>>
No. 780778 ID: ed3883

Put the knife in her mouth. Tell her if she drops it, she'll see some real imagination in where it goes next. Say her body is being more honest than her mouth in how much she wants to cooperate anyway.
>>
No. 780784 ID: 652cc3

>>780764
This is perfect.
>>
No. 780813 ID: f6ba27
File 148745345903.png - (91.25KB , 960x700 , 730.png )
780813


He tosses the knife away. Her eyes widen.

"See? One cut is all it took to make you flinch and I didn't even break the skin. I've seen PFCs last longer."
"You cheated," she growls.
"Well you're obviously used to pain." He runs a finger along one of the scars on her chest. "I'm going to have to see how well you handle another kind of stimulus."

His palm sinks into her breast. It's heavy and radiating heat. The scar along the top is in the perfect place for him to trail his thumb across it. A breathy whine rises in her throat as he plays with her, escaping in little yelps when he squeezes.
"How long has it been since you've had some attention like this?"
She tries to clear her head. "Fuck you."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
"I'm not--" She shakes in his lap. "I'm not telling you anything."
"I'm not asking about the Kariket, am I? I'm asking about you." He rubs the bottom of her thigh. It's almost as squishy as her chest. "So dedicated to your work."
"Are you--" For the first time she notices how hard he is, cradled at the curve of her butt. "You didn't come here to torture me, did you?" She tries to wriggle away, but he's holding her fast.
"No," he says.

Her voice is small and shaky. "What are you here to do?"

>>
No. 780818 ID: 0c367f

I am going to make you tell me everything.

And I'm going to make you beg for more.
>>
No. 780820 ID: e22b1d

>>780818
This.
Then flip her upside down so her thighs are around your ears and get to work.
>>
No. 780822 ID: 9145ba

I'm here to SUPLEX

HOOOAAAAAH
>>
No. 780825 ID: ed3883

More than one way to make you squeal. I think I'll enjoy this way a lot more.
>>
No. 780827 ID: 2120ee

>>780813
"Tame you. Break you."
>>
No. 780828 ID: ce2e2f

This. But eat the butt.

Eat the skut butt, Zack.
>>
No. 780832 ID: 91cfcf

>>780828
>>780827
These.
>>
No. 780835 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, the fantasy she described was:

>the idea that I'm the object of so much desire that the guy can't resist. And there's a huge taboo but he wants me so much that he breaks it.

So let's work some of that in.

"I still want answers... just to different questions. My questions. Questions that have been bothering me ever since I laid eyes on you. "How well would she fit in my hands?", I can't help but think. "How much of her is still soft?", that's another. "Are those ears sensitive?" "How horny has her long, lonely mission left her?" And... "how much could she take?" In multiple meanings. So... here I am. My superiors think I'm going to break the rules, do shameful, forbidden things, things that'll have to be turned a blind eye to, kept off the books. They're right... but not in the way they think they are. If they find out... but I had to come."

"... Also in multiple meanings."
>>
No. 780840 ID: 6612fa

>>780813
torture you a different way, lets see how long it takes you to guess the right answer. when I'm done with you, you'll tell me what i want to know just so i won't stop torturing you.
>>
No. 780856 ID: 62d0e4

>>780818
Definitely this.
>>
No. 780868 ID: 3f413a

>>780818
>>
No. 780876 ID: 7b7ab3

>>780813
"I'm gonna do the best I can."
>>
No. 780884 ID: f6ba27
File 148746119583.png - (68.53KB , 960x560 , 731.png )
780884

"Tame you," he says.
He pushes her head down and yanks her legs up in the air, flipping her roughly around. He eases her head onto the floor and then slides her backward across it.
"Get your hands off of me," she commands. "Get your filthy monkey--"
He pulls her pants off. Her chest heaves. She isn't wearing any underwear. She's fully on display; and for all the scrabbling she's doing to break away, she's glistening in the dim light of the tent.
"I still want answers," he says. "But not the answers my superiors want. I'll have those too, eventually. By the time I'm done with you. But I honestly don't give a shit where the Kariket is or anything like that." He ducks under her undone pants and pries her thighs apart. "I want to know something more forbidden."
"I don't-- What are you talking about?"
"How you taste," he says.

She squeals when his tongue goes inside. Her pillowy thighs twitch and shiver. She can't stop her tail now. It sweeps across his chest as she wags it, adding a whooshing sound to air already filled with the wet, sloppy noise he's drawing out of her.
The soldier in her head battles to mouth the word "stop", but she gets only as far as the S before the rest comes out as a carnal groan.

>>
No. 780887 ID: f6ba27
File 148746131894.png - (58.35KB , 943x645 , 732.png )
780887

An intermingled drop of him or her or both rolls down his chin, and into the cleft of her butt.
His tongue follows it, and explores territory it never has before.
(and there's probably no reason a field agent would ever have an ass this immaculately clean but you're grateful that Bika is leaving room for interpretation. The guttural gasp of shock she makes when she feels you knocking on her back door has an authenticity to it that makes you grin into her crotch.)
It takes a matter of seconds to make her cum desperately, her whole lower body clenching and unclenching as her struggle to break away morphs into a struggle to push as much of his face into her as she can. The suction of her thighs around his ears plunges him into a world of warm silence for a second before she collapses, spent, into his lap, dripping and quivering.

>>
No. 780891 ID: 62d0e4

"As you can see, ve haff vays of making you talk, mein kleiner welpe."
>>
No. 780893 ID: 9145ba

Hey hey. Ve haff not finished (asking questions).
>>
No. 780897 ID: e22b1d

Pin her on her back and tell her you didn't give her permission to rest. This is only getting started.
>>
No. 780900 ID: 7b7ab3

>>780891
>>780897
>"As you can see, ve haff vays of making you talk, mein kleiner welpe."
>Pin her on her back
>This is only getting started
>>
No. 780902 ID: 8d4593

And then suddenly, in your deepest impression of an 87 year old with terrible emphysema:
WHERE'S THE JOKER KERIKET?1?!?
Then grab her neck and fuck ber violently.
>>
No. 780903 ID: 90f3c0

Proceed with rough anal dicking.
>>
No. 780913 ID: ed3883

Whisper the answer to your path of inquiry in her ear. Maybe gag or blindfold her with discarded clothes?
>>
No. 780919 ID: 3f413a

Tsk tsk agent, weve barley begun and your already cracking.
spank the sklut
>>
No. 780921 ID: f6ba27
File 148746711870.png - (623.37KB , 960x700 , 733.png )
780921

He slides his legs out from under her and lowers her fully to the floor as she tries to blink sense back into herself.

"I didn't give you permission to rest," he says. "This is only getting started."
She stares uncomprehendingly into his face.
The sound of a zipper undoing jolts her attention lower.
"Wait. Wait wait wait. You can't be serious."
He pushes her legs up. "I am."
"But you're-- I'm-- I've never--" She's shaking like a leaf. "You can't. We can't. You're a--"
"Do you want me to stop now?"
She freezes, eyes darting between his face and the space between her legs he's getting closer and closer toward. The tiniest shake of her head.
He starts to unbutton his shirt.
"Wait wait wait wait," she stammers again. But he's finished waiting.
"I've never-- Nobody has ever done it," she says. "To me. Before."
He pauses for a moment.
"The handcuffs," she pleads, stalling for time. "At least the handcuffs. Take them off and I-- I won't-- please. I promise I won't try anything."

>>
No. 780924 ID: 6612fa

>>780887
wonder if that caused the bikas everywhere else to collapse again
>>
No. 780925 ID: 91cfcf

No safeword, the handcuffs stay on.
>>
No. 780928 ID: 9145ba

Of course you won't. There are guards posted outside.
(It's true! Granted, they're also skuts and probably horny too from the goings on inside the tent, but it's still true.)

Take off the handcuffs and pin her instead with CQB.
>>
No. 780929 ID: 6612fa

>>780921
rather taking something off it looks like i'm going to have to gag you instead.
*use shirt to gag bika and tie it off behind her head*
>>
No. 780932 ID: 952ab0

nah, she wants to feel powerless? leave the cuffs

for now.
>>
No. 780934 ID: 90f3c0

You expect an inter-dimensional superspy to be naive enough to fall for that one? The cuffs stay on.
>>
No. 780935 ID: 7b7ab3

Leave the cuffs.
>>
No. 780937 ID: aebfae

>>780921
Leave the cuffs on and just ram it in her! You can take the cuffs off while she's too deep in pleasure to notice.
>>
No. 780938 ID: ed3883

Tell her to turn around, allegedly to give you access to the cuffs, but then tie your shirt over her head like a gitmo bag.
>>
No. 780941 ID: 65ec8d

Yeah, no safeword.

"You want me to care about your comfort, human killer? The only desires that matter here are mine. Though, perhaps you could convince me if you offered something else I want, instead...? Actually, no. I want this more."

If you want to play up the helplessness angle, you could grab her head and bend her forward to watch you put it in.
>>
No. 780943 ID: 2120ee

>>780921
Damn aliens. The handcuffs just got ten pairs more!
>>
No. 780948 ID: 6612fa

>>780941
looks like charioteer is our safe word, but it doesnt really matter if we gag this bika since there are like a dozen of them nearby we can hear if they yell it.
so gag her, spank her, play with her folds with your other hand, while plowing her and after the next time she comes take her back door while she is dazed.
>>
No. 780950 ID: 65ec8d

>>780948

Considering she's half Zack's size and humans are allegedly supersized compared to Visitors proportionally, I don't think surprise anal would be a great idea. You'd need to make a dedicated effort building up to that sort of thing.
>>
No. 780951 ID: ed3883

>>780950
Yeah, and it might actually be the truth, at least for this body.
>>
No. 780980 ID: f6ba27
File 148747386156.png - (372.58KB , 960x600 , 734.png )
780980

"You expect me to fall for that one?"
"Damn you," she snarls. "Do you know who I am? I--"
She feels him brush against the entrance.
"Wait," she squeaks. "I'll talk. I'll talk. I'll-- What do you want from me?"
"This," he says, and pushes inside her.

She yowls (and it's the one of the least human noises you've ever heard her make; you hesitate for a second but her body is sucking you in, it feels amazing, and she folds her legs across your back, and you're brought right back into it).

She writhes beneath him as he pounds her into the floor, her breath panting in rhythm with his movement. He can feel her soft body jiggling beneath him.
"Dirt-- dirty monkey," she stutters. "You're gonna have to-- have to do better than--"
He bends her legs all the way back behind her head and she descends back into half-words and nonsense, with the occasional curse or threat bubbling back up. Maybe the syllables tumbling out of her mouth are Skutti, or maybe they're just nonsense, but as they lose their inhibition, so does he.

>>
No. 780982 ID: f6ba27
File 148747388766.png - (242.21KB , 960x600 , 735.png )
780982

He sits back, suddenly, and hoists her into the air.
She's so dazed that she almost tilts over, but he catches her, lifts her off of him, and twists her around.
He loops his arms under her legs, locks his hands across the back of her neck, and slams back into her.
"Don't--" she groans. "Please-- don't-- s--"
He slows down for a second.
"Don't stop," she pleads.
He doesn't.
She's on full display to him now, her whole body rippling with every thrust. He puts his head on her shoulder and stares at the hypnotic motion of her breasts. The tops of his thighs are starting to go hot and numb from the sensation of her butt slapping against them.
Her threats are gone now, replaced by pleas to keep going and to go deeper, paeans to God, affirmations of how it feels, and (as Bika starts to lose the plot) your name.
"I love you," she wails. "Zack! I love you!"
"That's not in character," you say.
She manages to laugh between her gasps. "Shut up! Zack! I-- Oh my G--"
Another orgasm tears through her. You loosen your grip but she presses her back into you and mouths, though she's not capable of speaking right now, Faster. You pick up speed as the thunk of her crossbow sounds from outside the tent.

>>
No. 780983 ID: f6ba27
File 148747390053.png - (34.43KB , 960x560 , 736.png )
780983

Wait. Was that her crossbow?
>>
No. 780986 ID: 094652

You may want to duck.
>>
No. 780989 ID: ed3883

Where's that knife at?
>>
No. 780990 ID: 91cfcf

Yeah, evasive maneuvers. Should we use this Bika drone as a meatshield or is that too crass? We could just switch positions/directions and hold the Bika between Zack's torso and the noise.
>>
No. 780994 ID: 350a50

Yeah, grab that knife.
>>
No. 780995 ID: 65ec8d

Ok, response to this depends slightly on where you are. Are you still in the upper floors of SLS, surrounded by other Bikas? If yes then you're fine, the other hers can deal with whatever that was. Maybe someone dropped a knife on a wooden floor or something. Even if this one is wiped out, another one would have come in to interrupt if there was any threat or intruders or anything. Trust your girlfriend.
>>
No. 780996 ID: 7b7ab3

If you or her were in any immediate danger, then she would let you know.
However, it's good to be safe. Ask her if there's something to worry about.
>>
No. 780999 ID: e22b1d

Guys, it's fine. If it was something to worry about, Bika would let you know.
Keep going, finish up here, then ask wtf.
>>
No. 781000 ID: 56f4f0

>>780995
>>780996
These.
>>
No. 781002 ID: ed3883

Actually, slow down, tell her that the intel she mentioned has you distracted. Maybe if your curiosity were sated...
>>
No. 781009 ID: 5d48e9

>>780983
"Bika, was that your crossbow?"
>>
No. 781012 ID: f6ba27
File 148747568671.png - (34.80KB , 960x560 , 737.png )
781012

"Ummm hey Charioteer for a second."
"Mmm?"
"Bika, was that your crossbow?"
"Oh." She tries to focus with your dick all the way inside her. "Uh yeah. Yeah don't worry. Keep going."
>>
No. 781015 ID: 9145ba

...Whatcha shootin' at?

Zack, are we actually camping right now? Are we not back at SLS?
>>
No. 781016 ID: 398fe1

>>781012
Continue the fucking. Bika will be able to handle anything that needs handling.
>>
No. 781019 ID: ed3883

okay, now slow down and see if you can't draw the intel out of her by playing coy.
>>
No. 781027 ID: 65ec8d

Well, you heard the lady. Keep going.
>>
No. 781031 ID: 91ee5f

>>781012
"Ok. I'd like to hear about whatever you're shooting at later, but as long as you can take care of it now, I'll keep going."

"Now, where were we? .....oh, yeah! You were about to tell me about the Kariket's secret bunker. What's in the bunker?! Talk!"
>>
No. 781033 ID: e22b1d

Push her down and finish her doggy style.
Or skutty style. Whichever.

Then demand to know where the bunker is what that noise was.
>>
No. 781038 ID: 8d4593

Integrate it into the plot
>>
No. 781045 ID: 56f4f0

Continue.
Inquire about it when you've finished.
>>
No. 781052 ID: 350a50

>>781015
This.

If there's a problem or danger you need to know.
>>
No. 781061 ID: d9aea4

"I guess someone was trying to save you, but it's too late. I'm going to have you, I'm going to break you. You're mine, skut."
>>
No. 781062 ID: efe913

>>781052
I think we can trust bika to let us know if real danger were afoot.
>>
No. 781084 ID: 6612fa

>>781012
wait are we really outside.
kind of thought we were in sls with a tent in one of her rooms.
>>
No. 781088 ID: f6ba27
File 148748573972.png - (626.06KB , 930x761 , 738.png )
781088

"What did you shoot at?"
"I'll never talk."
"Dammit, Bika," you say, and scoop her up into the air again. She yips in surprise, then you deposit her onto all fours and push her face into the floor.

You watch the impacts from your hips rolling across Bika's ass and feel yourself (he feels himself? Fuck it) getting close.
Bika must feel it too. She stretches her toes out and plants her feet on your thighs, adding her gyrations to your movements.
You slap a hand onto her butt and hold her in place. You want to finish this quick, but you're intent on giving her one more before you go. You pick up speed to a pornstar jackhammer, let the tickling feeling up past your legs, then stick your thumb in her butthole again.

You and Bika share a thunderblast of an orgasm.
Your entire brain exits through your urethra.
Bika twitches and gasps, lifting her tail to show you where you're emptying into her.
And then finally it's done. You ease back. Bika's butt follows you, keeping you snug tight inside.
"Nuh uh," she says. "Squish me."

>>
No. 781089 ID: f6ba27
File 148748576482.png - (47.30KB , 960x560 , 739.png )
781089

You oblige, landing heavily onto Bika's back. She moans happily.
"Can you breathe ok?" you ask.
"Mhm. But um, handcuffs? Oh. Charioteer."
"Charioteer." You rise up a little, fumble the cuffs open, then flop back down. Bika's tail droops next to you, as spent as its owner.
She strokes your arms. "Has anyone ever told you," she says, "that your dick is gigantic?"
"Yes."
"Oh." She taps her fingers across your elbow. "Well it is."
"I thought you wanted us up in your spotter tent to add an outdoors thing to it."
"I did."
"But you shot something."
"I did."
"What did you shoot?"
"A Pilop," she says. "He was skulking around a few buildings down from SLS so I tracked him to somewhere there wouldn't be witnesses and I shot him."
"Why was he here?"
"He didn't think I'd shoot him."
"But you did."
"It's no big deal," she says. "He has other guys with him who are carrying him away. I'm like 50/50 on going after them right now."
She opens one shiny eye and looks back at you. "I'd invite you along, but..."
>>
No. 781092 ID: bb78f2

Fucking asshole
I know this is skut bullshit but fucking goddammit I want to give him a hard time
>>
No. 781095 ID: 9145ba

Eh, last time I messed with this Pilop business I just made things harder. Err on the side of discouragement. Wanna head back inside where it's warmer? And softer.
>>
No. 781096 ID: 398fe1

>>781089
You probably shouldn't get involved in anything that is legally murder. Heck, even if skut hives were known by the government and laws were set up to take that into account, it'd still be assault with a deadly weapon.

Also there's a slight possibility Pilop would cooperate with Kariket agents to take you out then escape, or sacrifice the body involved in the crime and get off mostly unscathed since Earth laws don't know about the hive to prosecute it. Bika is safe pursuing him, you're not.
>>
No. 781097 ID: b88e47

Do not get involved in skut stuff.
>>
No. 781099 ID: ed3883

Yeah, I don't think you could convince me to get up right now for like all the money.
>>
No. 781103 ID: 91ee5f

>>781089
"As much as I would love to kick that guy's ass, I'll just end up getting in the way, so if you decide to chase him down, give him one for me. And if you decide not to chase him.....eh, there's alway next time."
>>
No. 781109 ID: 56f4f0

Fuck Pilop. This is the comfiest we've been all day. Stay here and cuddle.
>>
No. 781120 ID: 8d4593

Lets not get distracted by the scut stuff. For once.
Also, didn't he write a book? Poly was praising it some time ago.
>>
No. 781135 ID: 65ec8d

"If you wanted me to try talking to him for you, I'd offer, but otherwise I don't think there's much I could do to help better than you can."
>>
No. 781140 ID: 0865f4

>>781089
"You go ahead and stick to that bastard for me, I just want to snuggle for a while."
>>
No. 781148 ID: 350a50

>>781135
This.
>>
No. 781152 ID: 59bd8b

>>781109

What this guy said in regards to what Zack does. Bika should do whatever she thinks is best, Zack is kinda clueless to skut matters.
>>
No. 781155 ID: 65ec8d

Actually, this would be a good opportunity to ask if all Bikas appreciate attention in the rear, or if Zack's just struck lucky with the two he's tried it on.
>>
No. 781184 ID: 6612fa

it's going to be hilarious when pilop finally kidnaps zack to get to bika and ends up torturing him or something
>>
No. 781193 ID: 987bda

>>781184
It's going to be funny when Pilop captures Zack and wounds up getting seduced.
>>
No. 781204 ID: ed3883

>>781184
I'm imagining four of the most dangerous women I can imagine making that visitor buddy cop show we saw look like an episode of Sesame Street.
>>
No. 781360 ID: f6ba27
File 148757238311.png - (65.33KB , 960x560 , 740.png )
781360

"I know better than to fuck around with skut stuff now," you say.
"Awww, baby." Bika brushes your butt with her tail. "You didn't do too much damage. The Pilop situation is a lot better."
"Well, still. Probably shouldn't mess with technically murder."
"Mmm. Maybe. I don't think I'm going to go for him anyway."
"Why not?"
"He got the message for today. And the best soldier nearby is a little busy right now." She pats your butt. "Lemme up a second."
You carefully extract yourself, still mostly hard. She exhales contendedly as the connection breaks. Her stubby fur tickles you as you go, sending tingles up your back.
She flips round and reaches out for you. "C'mere."
You obey and she folds her legs around you again. "I love you."
"I love you too."
For what you realize is the first time all day, you kiss.

Her fur, the six firm little nipples against your chest, the gentle swish of her tail, her sweet acidic saliva, it all reminds you that the curvy, warm body in your arms is distinctly alien.
You honestly don't think you could have it any other way anymore.
>>
No. 781361 ID: f6ba27
File 148757239959.png - (73.20KB , 960x540 , 741.png )
781361

KILLS 0%

ITEMS 70%

SECRET 100%

TWIST ENDING UPDATES 0%
>>
No. 781363 ID: 7b7ab3

>>781361
>SECRET 100%
[Fist Pump] Yessssssss.
Good thread.
>>
No. 781369 ID: 9145ba

No twist?

What a twist!
>>
No. 781419 ID: 9ac535

I bet capturing Betty woulda given us 100s accross the board.
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