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File 150569797269.png - (117.85KB , 800x800 , 291.png )
831180 No. 831180 ID: bfb318

This is a patreon funded quest, and may potentially have nsfw content.

After we take a break for food, drink, and coming up with a handful of more dares, we resume the poker game.
Expand all images
>>
No. 831181 ID: bfb318
File 150569800099.png - (128.61KB , 800x800 , 292.png )
831181

I immediately have poor luck. Red and I were both confident in our hands, but his was just a step above my own. Red says nothing, but her smug empathy leers at me.

I'm the first to pull a dare out of the new pile.
>>
No. 831182 ID: bfb318

rolled 9 = 9

Dare list:

01. Say if you have plan/hope on having sex tomorrow.
02. Pick someone to whisper your most recent wet dream or sexual fantasy to.
03. Once this dare enters the field it has a permanent affect. Drinking game rules. Anytime anyone says the word (you pick the word) they have to take a shot.
04. Talk about your best friend and the last time you hung out with them.
05. Spin the bottle, but close your eyes. You don't find out who's kissing you until lips lock.
06. Shotgun two beers simultaneously, do some acrobatics without falling.
07. Everyone must write down there favorite sex act/fetish. Reveal them all at once. If anyone's match they have to perform said act on each other if possible.
08. Equip an embarrassing accessory of your choice (collar, gag, cuffs, ribbon, electrical tape, piercing, leash, etc). Like the ranger's helmets, this does not count as a clothing layer. You're stuck with it for the rest of the game.
09. Cold shower slash wet t-shirt. Go to the hotel room's shower, and stand under it, full cold, for 30 seconds, wearing whatever you're wearing now. You can dry off after, but you can't replace your wet clothing layers.
10. You may regain a lost clothing layer if you play the next hand buck naked. You may refuse, gaining and losing nothing.
11. Tell everyone the most embarrassing thing to happen to you in the last month.
12. Tell everyone your favorite sex act - with charades! Whoever guesses first also gets chips.

>>
No. 831184 ID: 015058

Well go get a bit nippley in the shower.

And wait is Red's empathy more smug or leering? Cause if she is actually leering at you then you need to tease her.
>>
No. 831185 ID: 3abd97

>>831181
"Well, one of us is in need of a cold shower. Unfortunately I'll be the one taking it."

On the plus side, Polo's about to be cold and wet, and in need of Ramella cuddles to stay warm.
>>
No. 831219 ID: 33b7e7

Well dang, with your state of dress you're going to be the least affected by that dare. And you're an island neumono, so your fur isn't long enough to be much affected either.

On the reasoning that you're kind of a waste of this dare, ask everyone if they'd like you to trade it back in and take another.
>>
No. 831224 ID: 91ee5f

>>831219
If one of the Rangers was unable to respin the bottle because it was against fair sportsmanship, then I'm pretty sure Polo isn't allowed to trade in her dare for another one for the same reason.
>>
No. 831226 ID: 33b7e7

>>831224

That ranger wanted to spin the bottle again because they didn't personally like who it landed on - the dare was still effective in what it was intended to do (make two random people kiss and hopefully produce some sort of drama in the doing). In this case, though, the dare is intended to be a wet t-shirt thing, and Polo is barely wearing anything any more, defeating the point of the dare and what it's supposed to accomplish. Polo really only stands to lose by trading in this dare, since she'll be barely affected by it compared to other dares she could get. She should trade it because of good sportsmanship, not the opposite.

We could do with some links between the two threads, in any case. A sagepost with a link on the end of the old one and a link to the old one here in the new one.
>>
No. 831227 ID: 3d2d5f

Take your cold shower, Polo.

Even if she isn't wearing enough for it to qualify as a wet t-shirt, people will still be amused to see her wet.

If the dare doesn't impact Polo as much as some others might have, that's the luck of the draw.
>>
No. 831245 ID: c2051e

Be sure to spread the water around your teammates when you're back. Or at least ask Katzati if she feels she should guard the shower to prevent anyone else peeking.
>>
No. 831250 ID: 91ee5f

>>831245
>Be sure to spread the water around your teammates when you're back.
You mean you want her to.....oscillate?
>>
No. 831255 ID: 33b7e7

The dare says she can dry off, and frankly it'd be rude to the hotel not to. Ramella, too.
>>
No. 831312 ID: 3abd97

>>831250
Whoa now. You're talking about escalating something lewd to something scandalously inappropriate!
>>
No. 831579 ID: 87547f

Read out your dare and then ask if anyone wants you to pick another one due to you lacking the appropriate clothes for this one.
>>
No. 831737 ID: bfb318
File 150591697995.png - (106.39KB , 800x800 , 293.png )
831737

I read off my dare. Despite the specificication of a wet t-shirt, it's expected that I do the dare anyway. It may be for the best, as water may ruin many of the dresses we're wearing.

>"Is that okay?" Blue asks, slightly concerned about heat issues that can come up by sitting under extremely cold water for long.
"I can handle that. It's unlikely to be any worse than the ocean I would dip into sometimes."

In the spirit of the dare, I keep the hat and the ribbon on in the shower, along with my panties. It is colder than expected, so once I get out, I rub myself off quickly with a towel, as I am a civilized person and will not oscillate while inside of a hotel room. I point to Ramella and Katzati, shivering.

"You two. Snuggling, now."
>>
No. 831738 ID: bfb318
File 150591700978.png - (138.73KB , 800x800 , 294.png )
831738

rolled 4, 7, 2, 7, 5, 11, 6, 4 = 46

And so it goes. We play like this for a little while until I warm up again.

White plays aggressively and ends up losing twice in a row, drawing 2 dares despite Blue yelling at him not to hog all of the dares. Pilon ends up losing after that, followed by Red. Expectedly, everyone chooses to dare.

Each roll will remove the resulting dare from the pool. If the next roll is above the current amount of dares, that number will be skipped. This will continue until 4 dares are picked.

Dare list:
01. Say if you have plan/hope on having sex tomorrow.
02. Pick someone to whisper your most recent wet dream or sexual fantasy to.
03. Once this dare enters the field it has a permanent affect. Drinking game rules. Anytime anyone says the word (you pick the word) they have to take a shot.
04. Talk about your best friend and the last time you hung out with them.
05. Spin the bottle, but close your eyes. You don't find out who's kissing you until lips lock.
06. Shotgun two beers simultaneously, do some acrobatics without falling.
07. Everyone must write down there favorite sex act/fetish. Reveal them all at once. If anyone's match they have to perform said act on each other if possible.
08. Equip an embarrassing accessory of your choice (collar, gag, cuffs, ribbon, electrical tape, piercing, leash, etc). Like the ranger's helmets, this does not count as a clothing layer. You're stuck with it for the rest of the game.
09. You may regain a lost clothing layer if you play the next hand buck naked. You may refuse, gaining and losing nothing.
10. Tell everyone the most embarrassing thing to happen to you in the last month.
11. Tell everyone your favorite sex act - with charades! Whoever guesses first also gets chips.

>>
No. 831740 ID: bfb318

White: Talk about your best friend and the last time you hung out with them
White: Equip an embarrassing accessory of your choice (collar, gag, cuffs, ribbon, electrical tape, piercing, leash, etc). Like the ranger's helmets, this does not count as a clothing layer. You're stuck with it for the rest of the game.
Pilon: Pick someone to whisper your most recent wet dream or sexual fantasy to.
Red: Tell everyone the most embarrassing thing to happen to you in the last month.

(Suggestions are welcome, but not necessary for the next update)
>>
No. 831742 ID: c2051e

>>831738
Polo: Grind a bit against your dates. Gotta repay the favor somehow.

Pilon: Decide it's too embarrassing to tell Rose so tell Polo since she's the one you actually know/trust most out of the rest. Forget that your most recent wet dream actually involved Polo using your own ear to masturbate you before going to town until you try to remember which it was.

White: Equip a cockring in the hopes that no one will actually see it for the rest of the game. Talk about trying to pick up chicks on a bar trawl with a hivemate.

Red: Az visiting, maybe. Or some shenanigans with getting a dildo stuck and needing your crush's help to get it out.
>>
No. 831746 ID: 015058

Grab a drink and watch the fun from your cuddle pile.
>>
No. 831747 ID: 3d2d5f

>>831738
Well, it looks like someone's shirt is getting wet after all!

>what do
If White doesn't pick something his empathy reveals as embarrassing, he's doing it wrong, and should be called out on it.

Pilon's probably gonna use that dare to keep flirting with Pink, unless he tries to flustered Polo. Or he could use it on the ranger who overreacted to m/m kissing for psychological warfare.
>>
No. 831760 ID: a363ac

declare yourself "Polo Queen of the Great Cuddle Pile."
>>
No. 831777 ID: 33b7e7

Polo: Be prepared to clarify to White that he does not have to specify his friend's name or particulars to exactly where and when they hung out, in case he worries about his secret identity. Looser descriptions will do, the point is to bring out good feelings.

Pilon: Continue developing intimacy with Rose.

Red: Realize that reporting a member of your team missing when apparently she only wanted to have a nice day and a date and misplaced her communicator, and then being so insecure you imagined she would willingly abandon you and the rest of the team, and then barging in on her personal time and threatening to steal her away from a couple of actually nice girls and a cute grump and a guy she seems to like a lot, in a way that probably only makes her more likely to want to leave if that was ever on the table to begin with, is, as the leader of your team, the most embarrassing thing to happen to you in the last month.
>>
No. 832476 ID: bfb318
File 150626126834.png - (140.58KB , 800x800 , 295.png )
832476

>"My buddy!" says White, when his dare comes up. "Was about my age as a kid, who lived in the next hive estate over. We played video games and we were about as close as we could get without being hivemates. We'd play video games way past our bedtime, for hours on end without a word!"
>"You?" says Blue. "The one yelling at us on our phones to be in bed by 10?"
>"And I'd yell at my past self, too, for all the irresponsible, lame things I've done. Anyway, we grew up together, and our hives encouraged it so we'd get used to non-hivemates. It's been... damn, it's been over a year since I've spoken to him? I know what I'm doing after this."

Another round passes, and White goes all in and loses, getting another dare.

>"Do we even have gear like that?"
>"Actually! Come to think of it, I think have something in my bag." says Katzati, a little bit excited to dress up a waveforcer.
>"Well it'll have to do."

Katzati gets up, messing up my intention to remain in the cuddlepile. Ramella instead wraps her hands around me to make me as surrounded by fluff as possible.

>"Why do you have a collar?" White asks.
>"No reason." says Katzati. "Kinda wish I brought other stuff if I knew this was how it was going to be!"
>>
No. 832477 ID: bfb318
File 150626128192.png - (99.20KB , 800x800 , 296.png )
832477

Pilon whispers something into Rose. Pink gasps at how lewd it is, even though that's what the dare called for. I think it has something to do with her, specifically.
>>
No. 832478 ID: bfb318
File 150626137263.png - (90.08KB , 800x800 , 297.png )
832478

rolled 4 = 4

Red gets a dare next, and she thinks for a moment.

"Okay. My gym pants have a loop string around the waist. One day, a few weeks ago, I closed the locker on the string somehow, tried to walk away, tripped, and fell, getting dragged by the string!"

She says it with a sense of satisfaction of completing her dare, but she is the only one who's satisfied. That includes her own team. White speaks up.

>"Girrrrrllllllll."
"Don't 'girl' me, White!"
>"GIRLLL." Blue chimes in.
"Okay, fine! Last week, I accidentally pocket dialed Silverscale, who's still in jail." she says, referring to one of their usual criminals.
>"Girlllll." says Green. "Come on, we're embarrassed too."
"Okay fine, really!" She takes a deep breath. "So... I might have gotten carried away here. We swore we'd always be a team. So when Pink comes in consorting with you guys..." She gestures at us. "I was afraid. Well, maybe not that afraid, but I know I overreacted! Even on our personal days off, we're the Omega Waveforce to the core, and I care about what we do and how things are going. So I handled it, uh...
>"We got tunnel vision." says Green.
"Yeah. We lost sight and priority of a lot of factors, here. And I'd take responsibility. I'm not explaining myself clearly, here, but what I'm trying to say is that I screwed up bad trying to check in on you. Every one of us can do as we please, and none of the others will get in the way."
>"What if it pleases us to get in the way?" says Blue.
"Then you've got some work to do to become a better person!... You all happy with that? Sorry, Pink."
>"Apology accepted. Just learn to listen, sometimes." says Pink. "There's kind of a few things I want to say. After this, of course!"
"Sure."

We play another round. Since there are still dares open, I play aggressively, and I'm the next one to pull a dare.

Dare list:
1. Say if you have plan/hope on having sex tomorrow.
2. Once this dare enters the field it has a permanent affect. Drinking game rules. Anytime anyone says the word (you pick the word) they have to take a shot.
3. Spin the bottle, but close your eyes. You don't find out who's kissing you until lips lock.
4. Shotgun two beers simultaneously, do some acrobatics without falling.
5. You may regain a lost clothing layer if you play the next hand buck naked. You may refuse, gaining and losing nothing.
6. Tell everyone your favorite sex act - with charades! Whoever guesses first also gets chips.

>>
No. 832479 ID: 3abd97

>"Why do you have a collar?"
...well, she did bring that on a date with you, Polo. Might be she has some ideas about where this evening is going.

>4. Shotgun two beers simultaneously, do some acrobatics without falling.
You would probably get more buzzed doing them consecutively. Trying to do two at once, I see some spillage happening. Oh well, the dare's the dare.

Take audience requests for acrobatics.
>>
No. 832480 ID: 33b7e7

Well, there's not much decision to be made about that! You are the smallest, so you'll be more strongly affected by the booze, but you guys all have a fast metabolism and I assume you sober up quick. Nothing says you can't have a snack first, though, so maybe do that? And have some water as well.

I guess it doesn't specify the acrobatics, so you have to choose what to do in that sense. Are there any poles you can dance on? Or maybe there's some sort of extreme lapdance variant you can do?
>>
No. 832481 ID: c2051e

>>832480
You know alcohol isn't a magic instant-drunkness potion, right? It takes time for it to get into your bloodstream after you drink it. Polo's going to be fine for acrobatics immediately afterward, and beer's weak enough that even with her bodyweight I'd be surprised if she got more than buzzed. I'd imagine the dare is more of an excuse to get clothes wet.
>>
No. 832503 ID: 5471c9

umm what happened to
07. Everyone must write down there favorite sex act/fetish. Reveal them all at once. If anyone's match they have to perform said act on each other if possible.
>>
No. 832507 ID: 91ee5f

>>832478
Is it 2 entire beers or 2 shots of beers?
>>
No. 832509 ID: a633c6

Goddammit I literally just took a shower.

Drink with reckless disregard of spillage and then do a handstand.
>>
No. 832510 ID: c2051e

Do ninja flips.
>>
No. 832511 ID: 015058

Order the strongest beers the place has and impress everyone with you mostly naked gyrations.
>>
No. 832512 ID: 3abd97

>>832503
Must have gotten stuck to one of the other slips of paper and cleverly discarded by someone.
>>
No. 832760 ID: 8111b6

>>832481
Some beers can be pretty strong, and some come in containers larger than others. I guess it depends on what Polo gets.
>>
No. 833150 ID: 33b7e7

... Didn't Pink and Red swap clothes due to one of the previous dares?
>>
No. 833363 ID: bfb318
File 150663638799.png - (116.12KB , 800x800 , 298.png )
833363

>Weren't there supposed to be 7 dares in there?
I must have accidentally brushed one of them into a seam in the hat, and picked up another dare and then brought the brushed dare back out into the hat. It's a terrible accident that is much too late to correct now.

I eat another quick snack and down some water while Ramella gets a couple of beers for me. They are 'regular' sized, meaning they are big for me. The alcohol content is about average for a beer, too.

Is it possible? Absolutely. Is it recommended? Only if the game is more important than my temporary well being. Intoxication aside, it's not good for my diet. I could still drink all of this without making an embarrassment of myself, so it would be fine, good even, for the date.

Doing a cartwheel immediately after will also be easy, as -

>"I didn't think about that dare much." says Blue. "You have to drink the drink, wait about 10 minutes, then do the cartwheels."

Any complaint I have about how the dare is already written is negated by everyone's empathy. I'll have to wait for the intoxication to take hold, if I'm to complete the dare to people's satisfaction.

It is a lot, considering that two beers to half the people in this room would be less than a single beer for me. It may not be unreasonable to insist on making the beer intake more proportional.

A) Argue that 1 beer should be adequate for my bodyweight, as Blue clearly had larger neumono in mind while writing the dare.
B) Don't weasel out of it. Drink all beer.
>>
No. 833366 ID: a363ac

>>833363
consider that both of these bottles are bigger then your torso and let the argument be made for 1.
>>
No. 833367 ID: 28824b

B
>>
No. 833371 ID: c2051e

>>833363
"I'll be as drunk as you were hoping for after one beer, save the second one for after the game. More importantly, two things. How do you shotgun a glass bottle and what are we doing in the 10 minutes, besides staring at my ass?"

If they expect you to get glass shards in your mouth, no way, that's a moodkiller.
>>
No. 833372 ID: 50bf10

ehh, whats the worst that could happen
>>
No. 833376 ID: 3abd97

I think you might as well make it proportional. It is a drug, and the dare doesn't specify and exact volume.

If you need an excuse, you'd like to remember what's going on.

I'm not so much concerned as performance in the game, as I am that getting smashed might hurt your romantic options for the night. We won't get a threesome if Katzati and Ramella are too nice to take advantage of Polo, or don't want to let her make that decision drunk.

If we need to appease the crowd, they can shout out acrobatics to do when you do them. (They have to be actual acrobatics things, though).
>>
No. 833378 ID: 015058

B. Don't chicken out and have fun with your giant beers.

Trust that your dates will take care of you in responsible fashion.
>>
No. 833380 ID: 91ee5f

>>833363
Argue for them to be proportional.

"If I drink both of these at my bodyweight, then in 10 minutes I'll be passed out on the floor instead of doing cartwheels."
>>
No. 833382 ID: 4546ab

Chug! Chug! Chug! Chug!

B.
>>
No. 833386 ID: 33b7e7

A. "If you're going to add a delay so there'll be a stronger effect, I'm going to lower the dose so the effect will be the same as anyone else would get. I don't mind loosening up somewhat, but my passing out or throwing up isn't going to make a good time for anyone here."
>>
No. 833391 ID: 3cc68c

C. Aim for chugging 2 beers. But go slow after the first and stop when everyone agrees that your empathy is 2 beers drunk.
>>
No. 833392 ID: 90f3c0

B. What better way to show everyone that you know how to have fun? Only a grump would contest a dare.
>>
No. 833395 ID: 91ee5f

>>833392
Only an idiot would knowingly make themselves drunk enough to pass out and/or throw up on someone!
>>
No. 833449 ID: 3dd94d

"The way I see it, we have two options. Either we get smaller servings for me, or we continue the game while I drink, because it is going to take a WHILE for me to get though my own body weight in beer."

Man, remember back in 2012 when Polo was a normal sized neumono? https://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/src/133162522014.png
>>
No. 833456 ID: c2051e

>>833449
Your memory's betrayed you. Rikek's tiny too.
>>
No. 833457 ID: 3ce125

>>833363
If he's making you wait due to the spirit of the dare then you should drink an amount appropriate to the spirit of the dare too.

A.
>>
No. 833490 ID: 25a733

>It's a terrible accident that is much too late to correct now.
Yes this is what happened and in no way did someone discreetly remove and discard the one dare that tried to get everyone to engage in kink sex.

>>833363
A
>>833457
Ask why everyone is so eager to see you get alcohol poisoning?
Also seeing as you just had a quick snack and downed some water I don't think you have the stomach capacity for two beers this size.
Also ask why they want to see you throw up.
>>
No. 833491 ID: 5ca8f3

Just upend both bottles into your open mouth with no regard for how much you actually ingest.
>>
No. 833680 ID: bfb318
File 150678715549.png - (109.91KB , 800x800 , 299.png )
833680

"While we're re-writing dares, the amount consumed should be proportional."

Blue mentally protests a little bit, but relents with everyone else. I chug.

In practice, we would transfer the beer to a cup that I can shotgun out of. In reality, I just chug a bottle over a few seconds.
>>
No. 833681 ID: bfb318
File 150678717589.png - (94.64KB , 1000x800 , 300.png )
833681

After a couple of rounds, the alcohol has taken effect. I stagger to one end of the room, before taking a sharp breath, re-posture myself, and perform two cartwheels into a backflip onto the bed.

>"But how?" asks Green.
>>
No. 833682 ID: bfb318
File 150678718538.png - (92.41KB , 800x800 , 301.png )
833682

Some Years Ago...

"Sorry, Polo, until you can drink that snow neumono under the table, you won't get your badge."
>"She's three times my size."
"No secret agent under my supervision is the kind to make excuses, and certainly isn't the kind of secret agent that can't outdrink random challengers! Want your badge? Get some alcohol tolerance!"
>>
No. 833683 ID: bfb318
File 150678722415.png - (86.41KB , 800x800 , 302.png )
833683

rolled 2 = 2

"No justifiable reason." I tell green.
>"I meant your hat."
"Oh. Technology."

There's some debate of if I should have the second beer after all, but it's decided by majority that I have passed the dare.

We continue on. The next dares end up being pulled by Ramella, Pilon, Katzati, Blue and then Green, until I run out of money and pull out the last dare for myself.

Dare list:
1. You may regain a lost clothing layer if you play the next hand buck naked. You may refuse, gaining and losing nothing.
2. Spin the bottle, but close your eyes. You don't find out who's kissing you until lips lock.
3. Everyone must write down there favorite sex act/fetish. Reveal them all at once. If anyone's match they have to perform said act on each other if possible.
4. Say if you have plan/hope on having sex tomorrow.
5. Tell everyone your favorite sex act - with charades! Whoever guesses first also gets chips.
6. Once this dare enters the field it has a permanent affect. Drinking game rules. Anytime anyone says the word (you pick the word) they have to take a shot.

For simplicity, the dice roll will decide which dare Ramella gets. Then the next person (Pilon) will get the next dare down, and so on, looping around the dare list from #6 to #1 if necessary. The dare list has also been randomized in advance.

>>
No. 833684 ID: bfb318

Ramella: Spin the bottle, but close your eyes. You don't find out who's kissing you until lips lock.
Pilon: Everyone must write down there favorite sex act/fetish. Reveal them all at once. If anyone's match they have to perform said act on each other if possible.
Katzati: Say if you have plan/hope on having sex tomorrow.
Blue: Tell everyone your favorite sex act - with charades! Whoever guesses first also gets chips.
Green: Once this dare enters the field it has a permanent affect. Drinking game rules. Anytime anyone says the word (you pick the word) they have to take a shot.
Polo: You may regain a lost clothing layer if you play the next hand buck naked. You may refuse, gaining and losing nothing.
>>
No. 833686 ID: 3abd97

>Ramella: Spin the bottle, but close your eyes. You don't find out who's kissing you until lips lock.
Would have been funnier if a ranger pulled it, but still has the potential for comedy.

>Pilon: Everyone must write down there favorite sex act/fetish. Reveal them all at once. If anyone's match they have to perform said act on each other if possible.
Dang, looks like someone corrected that terrible accident, Polo.

The winning move her is to probably pick something too specific for anyone else's to match. Or something that can't be done with the people present / or with the stuff we have here. Or that doesn't involve you as a participant. Or pick something innocuous enough it won't matter if you have to do it (hand holding, oh my).

I doubt anyone's going to be able (or willing) to police "favorite" too harshly, since it's pretty subjective and I don't think anyone will really be comfortable forcing anyone into a sex act.

>Polo: You may regain a lost clothing layer if you play the next hand buck naked. You may refuse, gaining and losing nothing.
Considering Polo is already the naked-est looking person here (even if everyone on her team is technically at 2/3 clothing layers), that's kinda lame. Also, at this point, do we really want her putting her dress back on?

...say "I'm not doing this dare" and toss your panties on the table. (Since the penalty for passing on a dare is removing a layer). Yes, even though one of options of doing this dare is to take nothing off.
>>
No. 833688 ID: 3ce125

Honestly Pilon should just forfeit the dare since it's a bit extreme, and wonder out loud who the pervert is that wrote it.
>>
No. 833690 ID: 91ee5f

>>833688
>wonder out loud who the pervert is that wrote it.
Obvious answer: Ramella.

Surprising answer: Not Ramella.

Actual correct and most shocking answer: Polo.
>>
No. 833696 ID: 015058

Put your hat on the table and drop your panties on them.

And then get to writing down your favorite fetish on a card.
>>
No. 833700 ID: 3ce125

Polo should take the dare since she's not uncomfortable being naked, and does in fact want to win the poker game.
>>
No. 833704 ID: 33b7e7

Oh no Polo everyone's going to find out about your secret fetish for sexy mimes and then someone is going to mime sex acts for another dare and everyone will look at you it'll be so embarrassing

Anyway take your dare for the sake of victory.
>>
No. 833705 ID: 33b7e7

Also, when it comes up, you should suggest a little clarification for the favorites reveal: fetishes/sex acts need to be specific to role played and match in terms of fitting with each other instead of being identical. Like if someone's fetish is "getting ear scratches" and someone else's is "giving ear scratches" those two should be said to match, instead of two people who both like giving ear scratches matching and having to take turns not being that into getting them but getting them anyway.
>>
No. 833710 ID: 27762f

>>833686
>The winning move her is to probably pick something [...]
>I doubt anyone's going to be able (or willing) to police "favorite" too harshly

It's true no-one will force acts, but it'll still be called out (and be bad sportsmanship) if someone's broadcasting blatant "this isn't actually my favorite" empathy when they show what they've written. So, it needs to at least be something in the running for favorite.

Clearly, Polo needs to give us a list of her top favorite sex acts/fetishes, and then we'll pick which one is most tactically advisable to reveal for this dare. Tactically. For purely tactical purposes.
>>
No. 833719 ID: 015058

>>833710

Yes Polo should tell us all her secrets so we can pick one to put on paper.

Also ask if you have to put your dress back on if you take your dare or if you can steal a fun article of clothing from the discard pile.
>>
No. 833722 ID: 7fad5d

How does it make sense for a dare to one person to make everyone do stuff, anyway? Not like it matters now. Take off the hat and bow and act devastated about it.
>>
No. 833729 ID: 3abd97

>>833710
You have a lot of faith in how much detail people who don't know each other that well can pick up over empathy.

And if you assume not everyone has an exact numbered list of favorites in their head (or that what you want might chance with the day and circumstance) it would be hard for there to be an objective answer anyways.
>>
No. 833745 ID: 33b7e7

>>833729

They might not be able to pick up a lot of detail, but it has been established that neumono can generally tell when another neumono is lying - In the first thread of this very quest, Polo's ability to ignore the thoughts that give away that she's lying is pointed out as an extraordinary one (and would probably fall under her promise to not use her silence for this game). So, if someone is asked to write down their favourite, and they write down something that they know for sure isn't their favourite, they're lying and other neumono can pick up on that. It's true that most people don't have a definitive numbered list, but in order to avoid that "I'm totally lying" empathy, it would need to be something that you'd think "well, this could be my favourite, maybe". Therefore if Polo is to choose an answer for advantage, she has to pick something that is potentially her favourite.
>>
No. 833749 ID: 15a025

Win back your layer of clothes Polo
>>
No. 834142 ID: bfb318
File 150698504382.png - (106.31KB , 800x800 , 303.png )
834142

rolled 5 = 5

Ramella and Pilon get their dares simultaneously, and read them off. Ramella goes and gets the bottle that I drank.

We all wonder who wrote Pilon's dare, asking everyone to write down their fetish. Signs all point to Green.

"Really, Green?" says Red.
>"What? We've got nothing to hide! Yeah, yeah, no one has to do it if they're legitimately uncomfortable."
>"It's more...." Pilon thinks. "This doesn't even involve me specifically. It's just a dare for everyone? Well, before that, let's see the bottle spin."

Ramella spins. As per the dare rules, she shuts her eyes at it spins, blatantly hoping that it'll point to me.

Result List:
1. Polo
2. Red
3. Blue
4. White
5. Green
6. Pink
7. Pilon
8. Katzati

>>
No. 834146 ID: bfb318
File 150698546571.png - (40.52KB , 800x800 , 304.png )
834146

>"Nice." says Green.

I can practically taste Ramella's disappointment once everyone broadcasts that Ramella didn't get what she wanted.

>"Oh." Green continues, reading the mood. "Wait, the bottle's still spinning." She says, sticking her hand out and flipping the bottle around. "Oh, look at that, it stopped on Polo after all."
>>
No. 834148 ID: 2120ee

>>834146
"Really, Green?"
>>
No. 834149 ID: 744892

>>834146
You'll have plenty of time to kiss after the game. It's not like to bottle forces her to kiss only Green.
>>
No. 834150 ID: 3abd97

"This kind of defeats the purpose of closing her eyes if you're all going to give it away."

Then pull her head down and smooch that girl good.
>>
No. 834151 ID: 33b7e7

"I think that could be disputed. Perhaps she should kiss both of us, to forestall any possible argument."
>>
No. 834152 ID: 0d45a9

Roll with it. Give Green a thumbs up or something for being dare wingman / winggal.
>>
No. 834153 ID: 91ee5f

>>834146
Even though that's against the rules, I think you should play along with this, Polo.

Besides, you know Ramella's been dying for a kiss for a while. Just plant a big one right on the lips!

>>834150
Not everyone can be silent like Polo! They can't help it!
>>
No. 834155 ID: c2051e

"I guess we'll have to share. Which pair of lips do you want?"
>>
No. 834156 ID: a363ac

>>834155
the lewdest thing ever. DO IT!
>>
No. 834159 ID: 2d1231

>>834146

Guys we are mad drunk I mean wow that bottle actually started spinning again like holy crap that just happened.

Let's do this.

We're gonna do this.

SMOOCH TRAIN A'COMIN
>>
No. 834176 ID: 87547f

>>834156

Say this.
>>
No. 834177 ID: 015058

>>834156

Yeah changing my vote to say this.
>>
No. 834198 ID: 1c8358

>>834146
goodguygreen.jpg
>>
No. 834220 ID: 3ce125

>>834155
I think that's TOO lewd.

Instead, I think Polo should make the dare match the intention a little more and go silent so that Ramella doesn't know when the kiss is about to happen, only letting the silence go once the kiss starts.
>>
No. 834221 ID: 91ee5f

>>834198
> goodgirlgreen.jpg
Fixed that for you.

>>834220
Yes! Do this!
>>
No. 834271 ID: 3542b5

>>834155
This is a fair compromise.
>>
No. 834287 ID: bfb318
File 150707414822.png - (91.28KB , 800x800 , 305.png )
834287

"We'll just have to share. Which pair of lips do you want?"
>"Haha Polo I mean no offense to Green but it's a little obvious that I want yours!"

>"Er, is that what you meant? Polo you're not silent how can't I not read this correctly?!"
>>
No. 834288 ID: bfb318
File 150707415685.png - (101.10KB , 800x800 , 306.png )
834288

>>
No. 834289 ID: bfb318
File 150707422989.png - (97.53KB , 800x800 , 307.png )
834289

I interrupt her travesty of a thought process with a kiss, to the appreciation of everyone.

After this, I'm going to have to think of what to write down for my favorite sex acts or fetishes.

... my favorite is the missionary position. Simple. Efficient. No shortcomings, no gimmicks.

I would write this down, but they might not believe me even if I believe myself.
>>
No. 834291 ID: 015058

Don't go fooling yourself.

You have been shown to like:

1. Putting big strong girls in there place and showing them who is the best.
2. Luring cuties into your bed with pranks.
3. Seducing people James bond style with your secret agent skills.
4. Getting busy with multiple partners on the governments dime.
5. Slapping butts.
6. (growing dicks in science accidents and fucking your whole department)
7. Watching Pilon fail in infomercials.
>>
No. 834294 ID: 8d4593

>>834291

Yeah...
You're totally into spanking. Don't deny it.
>>
No. 834295 ID: c2051e

>>834289
"Huge cocks." When it gets read, set your hands seven or so inches apart and stare every guy down smiling slightly. See how they react.
>>
No. 834299 ID: 87547f

You might pretend to be all bland and missionary position.

But you say that while you sit half naked with a cute criminal you seduced on one arm and your sexy operator on the other.

You could fuck anyone anyway and be amazing at it.

And we know you like doming big strong girls and making them squeal. And Spanking big girls and making the squeal. And pranking people so hard they end up wanting to sleep with you.

Of course you could put down some of the silly things that have shown up in your string of underground Nollywood pornos. You know the ones your hive teases you about all the time? That are technically parodies so you cant get them to stop making them?

Sure putting down "getting molested by Salikai minions or cave monsters" might just get some odd looks.
>>
No. 834302 ID: 3abd97

Put the glasses back on her head when you're done. I think she's gonna be too busy seeing stars for a little bit to notice they're missing, or to do much of anything for herself.

>I would write this down, but they might not believe me even if I believe myself.
You could accompany it with your robot impression, but they might not buy it with how much effort you've put in showing you can cut loose and have fun, and be a little wild. They don't quite see you so much as "Grey" the grump anymore.

But the other consideration is you don't really want to do that with any of the guys here if they happen to write the same thing.

"Fetish" is a little broader than "sex act", though. It just has to be something that turns you on, not even something you do, per se. "A sense of humor" is tame for sexy stuff, but probably true. Or you could just point to Ramella and say "that. Getting that kind of reaction out of someone." Cause you sure do seem to enjoy faking people out, or leading them along, and getting that kind of shocked response. Heck, trying to get out a rise out of her is how that dinner you shared with Katzati escalated to a date now.
>>
No. 834303 ID: 33b7e7

Ok, if you do go with that, maybe rephrase it? Instead of writing "missionary", which sounds... well, you know what it sounds like, how about writing down "face to face"? That at least sounds more romantic. You could try being more specific, too. Do you like it while naked? Partially clothed? In a bed, on the floor, on a table? In private, with your hive watching, with older partners, with younger, et cetera? You can add in those elements to tart it up and make it more particular, which will also make it less likely to match someone.

I think we can do better, though. What about... not your favorite, but what have you tried that surprised you with how much you liked it? Or any other close runners-up? Oooorr... what was your first experience of sexuality like? Like not even your first time having sex, but the first exposure to sexuality when you'd become old enough for it to have an effect? A lot of people imprint on their kinks and fetishes at around that time. I'm just trying to figure what else you like.

If you wanted to escape by overspecificity, you could build a stack of kinks layered on each other that would be a theoretical super hot encounter for you.
>>
No. 834304 ID: 3ce125

>>834289
Write down a bunch of other things you enjoy in the bedroom but also put "my real honest favorite is missionary" on the back. Tell everyone that they have a choice: the exciting lie or the boring truth.
>>
No. 834307 ID: a633c6

You don't have to pretend to be some kind of secret pervert.
>>
No. 834327 ID: 3cc68c

This one is really not about your favorite sex position Polo. Honestly missionary is pretty popular for a reason. You get up close and personal and get to enjoy your partner face to face.

What you need to write down is what gets you going. What turns you on and makes you want to ravish someone. That little thing that makes you bite your lip and consider boning someone right then and there.

I mean you half seduced Katzati because you thought it would be fun to see how she would react. You got two cute dates and have been teasing them all night. And am pretty sure you have had thoughts about tying up Rokoa and making her scream you name.

And don't forget that time you wanted to sneak off with those tape of Pilons and watch his ears flop around.
>>
No. 834693 ID: bfb318
File 150723716756.png - (130.55KB , 800x800 , 308.png )
834693

>You have been shown to like various things
>What you need to write down is what gets you going.

I think I have an idea. We end up deciding not to write it down, but to just say what it is while going around the table.

Since Pilon was the one who drew it, we start with him, and go clockwise around the tables.

>"Post-sex hugging." says Pilon. Half of the table mentally scoffs at how innocent that sounds, especially from a tribal person. "Say what you will about it! But when I remember all of the good times with sex, I think of the bonding it's had, not the physical stimulation."
"Well that's adorable!" says Red. "But the dare was for sex acts, not post sex non-acts!"
>"Okay, okay, then, sex until both people can't stand anymore. That's a fetish, right?"
"Good enough. Pink?"
>"Love, of course!"

Blue scoffs the hardest.

>"You two are bad at this!" he yells. "That's not a fetish at all!"
>"But it is the most important thing, everything else is unimportant!" she defends.
"We'll have to settle for that." says Red. "We'll be here all night if we try to get her to budge on that. Katzati, your turn."
>>
No. 834694 ID: bfb318
File 150723722160.png - (182.43KB , 1000x800 , 309.png )
834694

>"Ganged up on. Like, when my hive's guys get horny, and I'm the only girl around, that's the best. Ramella?"
>"Polo!"
"No, it's your turn."
>"Haha you know my answer was you!"
"I am neither a fetish or sex act."
>"Sex act on Polo! Grinding, licking, kissing, playing with some sexy toys..."
"If Pink can get away with 'love', Ramella can get away with a specific person." says Red, who is taking the position of referee. "Polo, you're up.
"Face to face interaction. Cooperation."
>"Laaaame." says Blue.
"If you worked under Az, you might start fetishizing cooperation and dealing with friendly people, too."
>"Damn. Still, your side of the table is just awful at this."
"If you want a sex act, then missionary."
>"Come on, not like, size difference or anything?"
"How I think about favorites, is what I could only do if I could only do that one thing. Otherwise, I may just be taking it for granted. So, my favorite would be something versatile and generic but generic for a good reason, not something flavorful. If you must know spicier things, then I could see enjoyment out of mild spanking, the process of seduction and being in bed with strong people."
>"Close enough, Ms. No Nonsense Agent. Red?"
>>
No. 834695 ID: bfb318
File 150723726220.png - (175.50KB , 1200x800 , 310.png )
834695

>"Huge. Fucking. Dicks. Blue?"
>"Gigantic. Goddamn. Boobs."

Katzati lifts an eyebrow.

>"But you've been avoiding staring at me this whole time." she says.
>"Because I am a polite gentleman?! Did you want me to stare?!"
>"I don't mind! My dates aren't the jealous kind."
>"That... you UDA agents are nuts. White, talk!"
>>
No. 834696 ID: bfb318
File 150723734396.png - (94.63KB , 800x800 , 311.png )
834696

>"Counter to the previous two, I like average people." says White.
>"What?" asks Green.
>"You know. The kind of person who you think doesn't stand out. Who most people are think are either so forgettable, or are so forgettable they wrap around to being unforgettable. The kind that could be the only person on stage, and you might not even notice them. I can't explain it, but that kind of person is just irresistable to me. I just want to bask in all of their non-special traits."
>"That's weird." says Green.
>"You know what's weird? Obsessing over random traits that stand out for no good reason. But an average person, that's the kind of person I can be myself around. Blue has to constantly either resist looking at those breasts or be a creep. I have to wonder how Pilon functions on a day to day basis with those ears. But the average person is just there, and that's a beautiful thing. That is what I like. As long as they can hold a conversation, they can be as otherwise boring as possible, and I could hang out with them all day. And sex with such a person who doesn't drive me to sex, is the most fulfilling sex I could ask for."
>"You're weird."
>"And that's fine. It's your turn, Green, so we can see how weird you are."
>"Very weird. Remember when the Mummified Horror captured me, but then let me go without a ransom or anything?"
"Yeah?" asks Red.
>"Put me in bondage. The danger and the binds turned me on. In my defense, I really tried to hide it instead of making things weird. But then the horror noticed anyway, and I realized, I was in a good spot to horrify the horror. And that is when I made things very weird. And that's the real story about how I escaped him."
"That puts a new spin on that experience, and I guess why that was the last time we ever heard from the Mummified Horror."
>>
No. 834697 ID: bfb318
File 150723738637.png - (98.93KB , 800x800 , 312.png )
834697

We continue playing, then Katzati pulls a dare out of the hat.

>"It reads, 'Say if you have plan/hope on having sex tomorrow.' Me, have sex tomorrow, on valentines? The answer is yes."
>>
No. 834698 ID: bfb318
File 150723743358.png - (118.51KB , 800x800 , 313.png )
834698

Blue is next.

>"'Tell everyone your favorite sex act - with charades! Whoever guesses first also gets chips.' Huh. Good thing I went with the fetish during the previous dare. Okay, here goes, I think this one will fit in with the spirit of Pilon's stupid dare. Let's say... 10 antes worth of chips."

He begins the charades, which is just him standing and thrusting forward.
>>
No. 834701 ID: c2051e

"Titfucking."
>>
No. 834703 ID: 3ce125

>>834698
Hmmm... well, thrusting certainly is unusual for a neumono so we'll give him that. He could also be grabbing the ears and facefucking, maybe.
>>
No. 834717 ID: 3abd97

>>834694
>talking about sex makes Polo look *more* straightlaced
That is honestly the perfect outcome.

As for the rest of the answers, the ranger team is an interesting mix.

>He begins the charades, which is just him standing and thrusting forward.
Well, from his hands, it doesn't look like he's holding a partner for a blowjob or a titfuck. (Unless he's holding em by the ears)? Excessive thrusting could mean doing an alien, but not necessarily.

I'm not really sure there's enough information unless empathy helps.

What this really requires is a sarcastic comment about the Ultrahive Detective Affirmation solving the case of the invisible paramour.
>>
No. 834719 ID: 33b7e7

Hmm. I think if it was facefucking his hands would be a bit further forward, and if it was titfucking his hands would be making grabbing/holding motions. But it does probably relate to his fetish! Gigantic boobs. So, I'd guess...

Laying a girl on a table so he can use his legs to thrust forcefully and watch her tits bounce.

>>834695
Looking forward to Red's reaction to Pilon taking his shorts off, now. Maybe Polo should introduce her to Lucera.
>>
No. 834733 ID: a633c6

"looking like an absolute spanner."
>>
No. 834771 ID: 8111b6

Grabbing ears, pounding into someone's mouth.
>>
No. 834808 ID: 244abf

I'm starting to think blue may be a bit of a sex fiend, and also that he was the one that wrote the fetish dare.
Also Polo forgot to mention here love of getting sandwiched.
But regardless it seems the Wave Force are becoming more comfortable around us and more open. Soon we will be able to pry for information. ABOUT EMBARRASSING STUFF THAT HAPPENS IN THEIR BASE WHEN THE CAMERAS AREN'T ROLLING!
Don't think about the fact that you took a picture of yourself posing sexily on Roses' bed.
>>
No. 835944 ID: bfb318
File 150776352723.png - (72.80KB , 800x800 , 314.png )
835944

"Oral." I guess.
>"Thrusting?" Katzati adds.
>"Titfucking?" Ramella throws in.

Red confidently answers.

"Plain. Old. Boring. Sex."
>"Red got it! Because it's 'versatile and generic.'" says Blue.

Red receives a modest but not insignificant amount of chips after a brief series of thoughts.
>>
No. 835945 ID: bfb318
File 150776355721.png - (120.23KB , 1000x800 , 315.png )
835945

Green goes all in on a pot, loses, and reads off her dare.

>"'Once this dare enters the field it has a permanent affect. Drinking game rules. Anytime anyone says the word (you pick the word) they have to take a shot.' And that word is... card. That includes plural form."

By this point, I'm in a bad spot in terms of chips, but a good spot to get in the last dare. It goes to me.

>"You may regain a lost clothing layer if you play the next hand buck naked. You may refuse, gaining and losing nothing."

I could get my dress back, but I could also simply refuse in order to be showy about it, and to keep the game moving.
>>
No. 835946 ID: 015058

Do the dare but only if the clothing you get back is something someone else discarded.
>>
No. 835947 ID: c2051e

>>835944
Dares trying to make rules for everyone again, eh? Nah, let's not go down that route. It ends in shit like "If you accept this dare the waveforce loses, if you reject it they still lose."

Accept the dare and wear the dress draped across one knee or something.
>>
No. 835949 ID: 3ce125

A drinking game is fine if you ask me. What stuff we got around here?

Take the dare. You kindof want to win, even if the win condition isn't valid anymore.
>>
No. 835954 ID: 3abd97

>>835945
Seriously, pass on the dare. Putting clothes back on at this point is seriously lame, and results in you being fully dressed.

This dare would be funny if it resulted in a dressed person getting naked, but you're already barely covered (with technically 2 layers). This dare would be tactically fun and interesting if it let someone loosing pull a bit further back from the edge.

It's neither getting you dress-dressed at the endgame of a strip poker game.

Besides, this is poker, psychological impact matters.

Either take the "no penalty option", or refuse to take the dare, and toss your panties on the table.
>>
No. 835955 ID: a363ac

Take the dare and Ramella's panties and wear them on your head giving her the dress.
>>
No. 835962 ID: 33b7e7

Take that dare. Wear one of your teammates' lost layers after.
>>
No. 836018 ID: 8111b6

taking someone else's discarded clothing might be good for flustering that person a little, if the playing naked doesn't do it.
>>
No. 836029 ID: 3ce125

Compromise: take the dare, playing the next round naked, but don't gain any clothing from it.
>>
No. 836038 ID: a633c6

It must be providence, take the dare.
>>
No. 836112 ID: 3fb646

>>835945
Why the heck not, go for it.
>>
No. 836731 ID: 15a025

Pass on it.
>>
No. 836907 ID: bfb318
File 150810029711.png - (125.66KB , 800x800 , 316.png )
836907

I take the dare, and play a round naked. Once the round is over, I put on my underwear and accessories, but once I get my dress back, I simply set it in my lap. That way, I gain the advantage of having put it back on, without as much social drawback of putting a piece of clothing back on after stripping it.

This gets a mental thumbs up from Ramella and most others.

The game continues on. Since the Rangers have relented and will allow Pink to do as she pleases, the stakes have been removed.

The decision for me now is whether I make an attempt to win, or simply play aggressively and most likely end up with our team naked since Katzati and Ramella can shed clothing in my place. They both are looking to me for a decision on how to progress.
>>
No. 836909 ID: a363ac

>>836907
BE AGGRESSIVE B B AGGRESSIVE.
>>
No. 836910 ID: 7399f4

>>836907
Try to win, at least until the other teams are as nude as you are. Or at least establish something to do if you run low on funds while nude.
>>
No. 836912 ID: 015058

Play to have fun. Winning in strip poker means everyone enjoyed themselves regardless.

So do your best but don't get caught up in who "won".


Of course you could always offer a prize to the winning team to motivate people...


(like offering the Rangers a one time teamup with you for a crossover special. As for your dates well they can get whatever they want if they win.)
>>
No. 836918 ID: 3abd97

>>836907
I'm fine with being aggressive, but you can't just your team naked. It's shameful that none of the rangers are showing anything indecent yet. Gotta get a few of them out of their bio-underlayers.

Next time you lose a clothing layer, they're expecting you to take off the dress you have in your lap. Let's surprise people again- reach down as if going for the dress, but then toss your panties on the table.
>>
No. 836919 ID: 33b7e7

Play to get everyone as naked as possible.
>>
No. 836920 ID: a633c6

>>836918
Absolutely this. The game may go where it will, there's no sense in being self-defeating.
>>
No. 836924 ID: 91ee5f

>>836918
This.
>>
No. 837420 ID: bfb318
File 150826897866.png - (169.28KB , 1000x800 , 317.png )
837420

I will attempt to win, although I will pay mind to the mood of the room and not do anything decidedly unfun in order to win.

Most others adopt a similar stance, although the other omegas seem to get a bit more aggressive while Pilon's gotten a competitive itch.

The game moves relatively rapidly as people shed their outermost clothing. It's only when the threat of nude elimination becomes near, that people get cautious. At this point, each omega team has 2 articles per teammate. My team has 4 remaining. Pilon and Pink have 3 total, although Pilon currently has the largest sum of money.
>>
No. 837421 ID: bfb318
File 150826899334.png - (116.41KB , 800x800 , 318.png )
837421

The omega teams get much better about playing once it's clear that the next loss will lead to eliminations. Ramella loses an article of clothing, and she's only down to her dress. Her panties and bra were both removed directly out from under her dress. Neither of my teammates followed my cue, to drop the most revealing article first.

I can strip something in her place, if desired.
>>
No. 837422 ID: bfb318
File 150826908688.png - (13.52KB , 605x188 , 319.png )
837422

I also glance around the room to double check everyone's state of wear.
>>
No. 837424 ID: a363ac

>>837422
take off your underware Polo. THE HAT MUST STAY!
>>
No. 837426 ID: e1cef2

I wasn't aware the rules let us save allies, but tossing your panties on the table for Ramella is too perfect to pass up. Do it.
>>
No. 837436 ID: 33b7e7

Take off your underwear, put in front of her and say "Here you go, Ramella".
>>
No. 837447 ID: c2051e

Toss your dress on the table to save her.
>>
No. 837453 ID: 90f3c0

Giving up the dress first makes the most sense, since you're not actually wearing it.
>>
No. 837716 ID: bfb318
File 150836484572.png - (120.90KB , 800x800 , 320.png )
837716

Due to a few bad rounds, I've already lost my dress, so I toss my panties up onto the table in front of Ramella.

We continue. The next person to lose is Green.
>>
No. 837717 ID: bfb318
File 150836485404.png - (129.19KB , 800x800 , 321.png )
837717

Due to the difficulty in stripping bioarmor, we continue playing as she works a cut down the backside, even though she distracts us with a showy demonstration of taking off bioarmor.

In the next round, Blue is the next to lose. All he found for his set of clothes he got from a dare was a bath towel.

>"Our two most brazen people strip. That's fitting." says White.
>"Hey! This is pretty embarrassing for me!" Blue says. "I'm not shameless!"
>"I am. Besides, we're wearing a helmet." Green replies.
>"Yeah, so we're stripping as rangers, that's worse than stripping in my civilian form!"
>>
No. 837718 ID: bfb318
File 150836486662.png - (155.57KB , 800x800 , 322.png )
837718

They both finish stripping at about the same time.
>>
No. 837719 ID: bfb318
File 150836487874.png - (106.66KB , 800x800 , 323.png )
837719

Ramella plays a full house. She's sure she won, but Red managed to get 4 of a kind, although it was a low powered pot considering the strong hands.

She did bet too much, and now has to strip. Unless I or Katzati want to get eliminated instead, Ramella will be out.
>>
No. 837721 ID: 3abd97

>>837719
Oh no I guess you get to see your date naked, so tragic!

Sorry Ramella.

Naked except for the glasses is p. cute, though.
>>
No. 837769 ID: 33b7e7

Ramella will only be unhappy with you losing for her sake. Besides, I'm sure the rangers will be happier if the final showdown is between them and their "sixth ranger". I hope everyone is remembering to do a little twirl when they're eliminated.

... We should have put in a last round of dares that can only be used by people who have been eliminated to save their surviving teammates.
>>
No. 837770 ID: 91ee5f

>>837769
>...We should have put in a last round of dares that can only be used by people who have been eliminated to save their surviving teammates.
No thanks. This has gone on long enough.
>>
No. 837980 ID: bfb318
File 150844133368.png - (102.39KB , 800x800 , 324.png )
837980

Katzati and I empathically give Ramella our condolences, and she's left to strip her dress off.

Again.

I'm not sure when it came back on, but it's off again.

>More dares
I think we've had enough.
>>
No. 837981 ID: bfb318
File 150844134186.png - (125.93KB , 800x800 , 325.png )
837981

Without Blue, Red focuses hard on not losing.

The effect focuses too much on the idea of losing, and she loses immediately.

Katzati tries to hang on, but she was dry on chips and the antes are getting high, and she never got lucky in her pinch. I do not strip for her, either.

Then, White, the last person on the other side of the table, goes down, ending any dreams between a standoff between me and the omega waveforce. Everyone is reminded to spin around briefly.

It's just me, Pink and Pilon now, and they severely outnumber me in both clothing and chips. The only advantage I have is that Pilon is accidentally saying 'cards' a lot, and has drank a lot of beer by this point.

"Alright. Fair and square. I mean, already decided she could stay, but now definitely fair and square. Still! We're going to keep an eye out on you, Pink, but we promise we'll stay out of your way unless you're in real danger!"
>"That's good enough for me!... as long as you don't go peeking and spying in my bedroom or anything."

...
>>
No. 837982 ID: bfb318
File 150844140847.png - (92.43KB , 800x800 , 326.png )
837982

>"Polo?" Pink asks, noticing my open empathy suddenly spike suspiciously.

Shit! Now I'm feeling guilty!
>>
No. 837988 ID: c2051e

Yeah, let's just go with honesty. "I actually was assigned to investigate your bedroom when Az forced me to take the case despite anything. It was one of the points of interest I had to examine."

Keep the details private if she wants to talk about it later, but no point hiding that you don't slack off when you're actually working.
>>
No. 837991 ID: 3ce125

>>837981
Why does Pilon have boobs?

>>837982
Tell her you thought she was in real danger, so you investigated. In depth. Also excuse yourself to talk to your superiors. (you need to find out what to do about the bugs)
>>
No. 837992 ID: 91ee5f

Tell her that was back when she was still considered missing and you didn't have any clues or leads on where she could've gone. So you went there to find some clues and leads.

The plan obviously worked, otherwise you would still be looking for her right now.
>>
No. 837993 ID: 91ee5f

>>837991
>Why does Pilon have boobs?
That's Katzati. Pilon is on the other side of Pink.
>>
No. 837994 ID: 015058

Just be honest. Feel ashamed and tell them that a bit before any of this you got a mission to save valentines day.

And you went to the source for clues and are horribly sorry but it was your job and you apologize for invading her privacy but you figured the grinch had kidnapped her or something and time was of the essence.

But due to that you managed to find Pink and make friends.

So there is the honest truth. Oh also you blew up some crazy lady that was attacking there base.
>>
No. 838005 ID: c2051e

>>837994
Oh yeah, the Stoneheart Duchess was upset you used live ammo to shoot her carriage thing down.
>>
No. 838009 ID: 767181

Oh no Polo's dates are both naked how will she ever cope this is a terrible turn of events.

>what do
I apologize, but when I was first assigned the task of this not-really-missing-person case, naturally I was sent to examine your last known location for clues. It was also necessary to rule your team out as suspects.

When the other rangers protest: if you did not want to be investigated, you should not have insisted the detectives involved.

I mean, you are a detective and a spy. This is kind of your job.
>>
No. 838010 ID: 4aa2b6

Well, time for honesty. And you can't fluff it much, because Katzati is right there and even if you can control your empathy to avoid certain thoughts, she probably can't. You can present it... somewhat more positively, though.

"You remember when I told you your base was attacked earlier, by Stoneheart? And I handled her? Well, the reason I was in the area was to try get to your base, and look for clues to where you'd gone, there. At that point, it really looked like it could be a serious case; like, Stoneheart's rapid appearance in itself was one example of things making it look like genuine foul play. Sooo I snuck in. And snooped a bit. It really is what you have to do in missing persons cases."

And for full honesty, to hopefully clear the air and remove further suspicion, you should tell them about the bugs. You might get in trouble with your superiors about that, but your knowledge and sense of that, emphatically broadcast, should help mellow their anger at you and help them believe your honesty.

"The other rangers had asked, but they also seemed like they might be uncooperative in some respects, and... well, honestly, one of the basic starting points of investigating a crime is to suspect the witness. So, in case they'd find out something and not tell us, I dropped a couple of listening devices. I'll tell you where they are."

Apologize, but remain firm in your conviction that it was what you should have done. It's easy to look down on it in hindsight, but for all you'd known her life was in danger, and it's your responsibility to do everything you can.
>>
No. 838017 ID: a363ac

>>837982
"There are bugs planted in your room. now back to these cards!" Drink to avoid conversation.
>>
No. 838467 ID: bfb318
File 150861698818.png - (103.91KB , 800x800 , 327.png )
838467

"Because I'm guilty of that." I admit. "When I thought this case was serious, I infiltrated the Omega base.
>"You didn't go through my diary, did you?!"

She's asking all the questions I don't want to be asked.

>"Oh my god. This is what I'm talking about! I can't just take a day off without people going nuts!"
"You can take a day off, Pink, but you can't just not answer your phone or do it without warning!"
>"That's problematic!"

Katzati feels the need to interject.

>"You know, I don't think anyone here could, except for Ramella, a criminal, or Pilon, a rogue. I think the rest of the Omega's would have a similar reaction if they did the same thing."
"Can you imagine if I took a day off?!" says Red. "Our provider would flip out."
>"Can you imagine if Polo went AWOL?" asks Katzati. "Az would summon the entire UDA. Even pull people off of otherwise important cases."
>"As long as Polo doesn't say anything about my room, I guess..." says Pink. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes. I've planted a few bugs. Then I left, and apprehended the Stoneheart Duchess, who was not prepared for live ammo."
"Hold it." says Red. "Tell us where the bugs are and we'll forget that, but you 'snuck in' our base? What about the laser defenses?"
>"The electronic guardians?" asks Blue.
>"The proximity sensors?" asks White.
"Your TV program had villains that showed how to get through all of it."
"Son of a - ! Wait, where did you get an electropulse anti-battery?"
"... I just went through an outer vent. Your defenses are virtually non-existent."
>"I guess you had reason." Pink relents, understanding the situation, yet she stills feels sour about it.

Pilon wants to keep the game going, but is trying to be polite in case there's more to say about the current topic.
>>
No. 838471 ID: a363ac

>>838467
back to the game!
>>
No. 838475 ID: 3ce125

>>838467
Ask if they want you to help improve their security. If you can't get in, it'll be secure enough. Also tell Pink you didn't read all of her diary, just the most recent entries.
>>
No. 838485 ID: 3abd97

>>838467
You might want to actually apologize To Pink-slash-Rose before moving on. (I mean, sure, you just doing your job, and it technically wasn't an illegal search, but it's a nice gesture).

If it's any consolation, she's probably seen more of you in this game than you saw of her snooping around.
>>
No. 838487 ID: e67428

"Look at it this way. You're all, and I mean this sincerely, generally virtuous, honest, straightforward people who hold themselves to very high standards, certainly compared to what I've come to normally expect. That's a good thing, nearly all of the time, and you've all gained a lot of esteem from me over the course of me learning that today. Especially you, Pink. It's just that, in a few specific cases such as security, being that kind of person has its downsides. You need to be able to think like a sneaky, underhanded rulebreaking person if you want to keep sneaky, underhanded rulebreaking people out of somewhere secure. And that... doesn't seem to be in any of your natures. Would you like me to help make your base more secure?"

"I mean, earlier I thought Stoneheart had turned up so fast because she was part of Pink's disappearance, but now I know that's not the case I wonder if someone hasn't already planted bugs of their own in your base."
>>
No. 838490 ID: e67428

Oh, and add this:

"I'd offer to let you read my diary, Pink, but I don't have one." (I assume you don't). "But if you like, I could take you to meet my hive some time, and you could ask them about things that are private to me. They've... been known to oblige that sort of request, and it would help balance my meeting your hive a bit, as well."
>>
No. 838498 ID: 91ee5f

>>838467
"In my defense, I only looked for clues that would help us determine where you disappeared to. Because everyone was worried about you. Not just the Waveforce, but even the UDA were worried about you. And it worked, since I found you. But I am sorry that I had to do that."

Also, tell Red where the bugs are.
>>
No. 838509 ID: 0d45a9

Just say sorry, it gets the meaning across with minimal disruption to the game. You don't need to further justify yourself, as Pink understands the situation.

Once the game is finished, then you can offer security advice, but now is time for strip poker.
>>
No. 838515 ID: 015058

I am a specialist at getting into anywhere regardless of the security guys. Then tell them where you hid the bugs.

And apologize again to Pink for violating her privacy.
>>
No. 838516 ID: 08813f

>>838467
just point out that now that you've circumvented their defenses you can show them how to shore them up and make their base actually secure.

Not from you, of course. But from everyone else.
>>
No. 838572 ID: 15a025

Apologize, and ask if there's anyway you can make it up to her.
>>
No. 838667 ID: 8111b6

Telling where the bugs are? Where's the fun in that? ...but I guess telling them's okay.

Also, the apology would be an idea. Perhaps whisper sharing might be a solution to her sugary, fattening problem. Though, that's about to reduce in intensity, once the holiday is over.
>>
No. 838670 ID: e67428

You know, I actually wonder now if the rangers feel pressured by each other a lot. The fact that they wear masks all the time and don't know each others' identities means that they're putting on a different persona when they're rangers. Not like, a false mask, but the way people genuinely feel and act different when placed in different roles. Those genuine feelings can still be more stressful or tense than otherwise, and can sometimes do with being adjusted. When the rangers are being the rangers, they probably try very hard to BE their ranger self, the heroic emotional paragon ideal. Subconsciously, they might try to repress feelings, speech and actions that don't match up with that, which leads to personal stresses.

Like, I think this game has been good for them. When was the last time they just had fun together, did non-ranger things as a group rather than just ranger things as a team? Maybe the rangers should try more to be personal friends with each other, as well as just comrades. Open up a bit. Then they could relax and be more rounded people around each other, and they wouldn't, for example, feel like they had to keep their personal troubles to themselves.
>>
No. 838726 ID: bfb318
File 150870273803.png - (132.17KB , 800x800 , 328.png )
838726

"I apologize it came down to that. Red, if my superiors allow me and you want to, I can assist in your base security."

Red is hesitant but tempted. Even I don't know why I offered so quickly, but the security state of their base, in hindsight, is just painful to think about. Regardless, I tell them where the bugs are.

>Where's the fun in [telling where the bugs are]?
There's no fun in having one's privacy invaded.

Pilon, Pink and I ante up. I win that round, but only rake in a weak pot. Red takes the pause to speak up.

"If we let you run a security check on our place, you'll have to agree to be our honorary Omega and take the Omega Oath."
"I do not know what that is."

The wave force takes a moment to try to figure out a way to explain it to me. It's Katzati who speaks up.

>"It's their mission statement."

Red sputters.

"It's more than - !... ugh, okay, it's similar to a mission statement, but it's more than some corporate platitude!"
>>
No. 838727 ID: a363ac

>>838726
sigh and ask what it is.
>>
No. 838729 ID: 015058

Ask them what the oath is. Might be fun to be a secret ranger.

And I can't imagine that Az would not love the idea.

But you need to do any official legal stuff through your agent. If any Ranger Polo dolls or other merchandise is getting made your hive gets the proper percentages.
>>
No. 838732 ID: e67428

"As a UDA agent, I've already taken certain oaths of service, something like police are supposed to. They'd have to not conflict with each other. I should probably think about it hard, in any case, but I'd like to hear it. I assume it's not a secret."
>>
No. 838736 ID: 3abd97

>it's more than some corporate platitude!
Don't you have corporate sponsors? Did they write it?

>you'll have to agree to be our honorary Omega and take the Omega Oath
Assuming I get permission to act in such a capacity (who are we kidding Az will not hesitate) I would agree to follow your rules and codes of conduct while acting in the capacity of a security contractor.

This would not impact by behavior outside of this capacity.

And my conduct as an agent of the UDA would take priority in the case of any conflict.
>>
No. 838739 ID: 109e55

>>838732
This sounds perfect.
>>
No. 838749 ID: 8111b6

Might be something to consider. They seem decent enough. You've got other priorities, though, barring Az giving shenanigans like he tends to do.

Something else to consider is if this little 'adventure' of theirs winds up as an episode, considering how much that seems to happen with them.
>>
No. 838753 ID: 3abd97

You know it occurs to me they're asking for additional concessions in exchange for helping them. If that's the way Red wants to play it- what's Polo getting out of this?
>>
No. 838765 ID: 708229

Does it rhyme? I'm afraid I have a standing policy about rhyming oaths.
>>
No. 838813 ID: 830fb7

>>838726
Say "only if I get to meet and talk to the person that makes your gear and get a custom set myself".
>>
No. 838823 ID: 3abd97

>>838813
I think Polo sorta-technically already has one from her "transformation" sequence.
>>
No. 838837 ID: 830fb7

>>838823
Yeah but she has to give the wave force beam pistol (in extension the armour) back so why not get her own set with a wave force beam sniper rifle.
>>
No. 838957 ID: bfb318
File 150879341950.png - (124.30KB , 800x800 , 329.png )
838957

"I'd be willing, but I have my own criteria. First of all, I have already sworn oaths involing the UDA and the ultrahive. Your oath cannot conflict with my own."

Katzati is the only one in the room who knows all the oaths involved, so she speaks up again.

>"It won't normally, unless there's a conflict of interest between the Omega's and Ultrahive. The Omega oath should be customized to take second priority to the ultrahive."
"Both in interests, as well as jobs that the ultrahive and UDA need me for will take priority over any Omega duties. Secondly, I'll want to involve my hive's lawyer. If any Omega Polo or whatever I'm called - "
"Not that."
"- has merchandise made out of it, then I want my hive to receive royalties. While we involve that, a UDA lawyer should be involved in the customization of your oath, as well as a neutral 3rd party witness. And although I will follow your rules and codes of conduct while acting in the capacity of a security contractor as well as an Omega Waveforcer, this would not impact my behavior outside of that capacity. Also, I have a question - would I meet the person that makes your equipment?"
"Yeah! We have to talk to him anyway. No one becomes an Omega without his say so, even if just us agreeing is good enough for him! That all sounds agreeable so far... you sure gave it more thought than any of us did."
>>
No. 838958 ID: bfb318
File 150879343302.png - (124.39KB , 800x800 , 330.png )
838958

Pilon and Pink have a string of bad luck. Pilon removes his pants, leaving him in just boxers. Pink, loses a hand, and has to strip.

>"Ahhh..."
>"Um." Pilon shows concern. "I do want to win, but if it's a problem, you don't - "
>"No no I'll do it!"
>>
No. 838959 ID: bfb318
File 150879344112.png - (121.99KB , 800x800 , 331.png )
838959

She half ducks under the table to take the rest off, then stands up to do the mandatory twirl.

>"Ahhhh I had too much chocolate! I'm not presentable!"
>>
No. 838961 ID: 3ce125

>>838959
Tell her she looks lovely.
>>
No. 838965 ID: a363ac

>>838959
tell her she should really share some of that chocolate with the wave force instead of eating it all in her room.
>>
No. 838971 ID: 33d4be

"The only thing making you unpresentable is the lack of a shower of rose petals. Seriously, you look great. Losing any more weight would only reduce your huggability, which I assume is a critical quality for your role in the team."

I'm pretty sure the mandatory twirl from a strip poker loss involves removing one's hands and in your case the tail, but we probably shouldn't push her.

So, it's only you and Pilon now, right?

Try to play it to a final hand where one of you must lose, erring on the side of yourself losing if you have to. Just before you finally lay your cards, say: "You do know that traditionally, the winner of a strip poker game gets the responsibility of giving some commands to the losers, right? Posing, showing off... that sort of thing."
>>
No. 838972 ID: 91ee5f

>>838959
Tell her that she looks lovely and she doesn't need to be shy.

And then try to get everyone else to also agree and compliment her by saying, "Isn't that right, everyone?"
>>
No. 838974 ID: bb78f2

Girl, you still in fightin' shape, you're fine and got cushion for the pushin'
>>
No. 838976 ID: 91ee5f

>>838971
>"You do know that traditionally, the winner of a strip poker game gets the responsibility of giving some commands to the losers, right? Posing, showing off...that sort of thing."
Can we please not? Let's just play the game.
>>
No. 838978 ID: a363ac

>>838971
nah everyone here except the omegas got places to be people to fuck.
>>
No. 838981 ID: 015058

Tell her that if that's not presentable you do not know what is.
>>
No. 838982 ID: 3abd97

>>838957
>gets a job offer, instantly starts laying out conflicts, callings in lawyers, and negotiating royalties
This is pretty much perfect. (Sealock is basically logistics and management hive).

>>838959
Floofy tail. Pink obviously uses fancier shampoo than anyone else in the room.

Give her a 9/10 for the twirl, but only a 4/10 for the chocolate she's allegedly wearing. She's not covered in it at all!

>>838971
Yeah no. We've done enough bets and stuff without adding another game on the end of the game.
>>
No. 838989 ID: 33d4be

>>838976
>>838982

It's not a big deal, you basically just get to say something like "ok you two stretch your arms up and arch your backs" or "ok you can all put your clothes on except your underwear you have to go commando until you get home". Something like that. I was thinking it'd be like, one more image or two, no decisions.

Mostly I just want to see what Pilon would do if he got to. If that's not going to be on the table, I rescind my suggestion to maybe deliberately let him win.
>>
No. 839010 ID: 1a9fe2

Gotta really turn up the spice to make her feel hot. If she's gonna be a team mate, ya gotta raise the morale
>>
No. 839095 ID: 830fb7

Say: "All this experience has taught me is that you all take this ranger thing too seriously, that you need to once in a while take some time off together and just interact and free yourself from this self exposed prison because if you keep this up you'll all just burn out. This experience has also taught me that I'm more like you guys than I like".
>>
No. 839214 ID: bfb318
File 150887348375.png - (74.23KB , 800x800 , 332.png )
839214

"You look lovely."
>"I don't know, I'm... I don't think I agree. It's not okay to be this..."

Katzati calmly waits for her to finish that sentence. Instead, Red speaks up.

"What Pink is trying to say, is that our line of work is extremely physically active and demanding. She isn't ashamed because of her pudge, she is ashamed that she feels she has not sufficiently kept her body in peak performance."
"This game isn't about peak physical performance. There's nothing to be shy about."
>"I... I guess."
>>
No. 839215 ID: bfb318
File 150887349204.png - (103.59KB , 800x800 , 333.png )
839215

Pink relents, and shows her body. She finally does her twirl.
>>
No. 839216 ID: bfb318
File 150887349939.png - (93.20KB , 800x800 , 334.png )
839216

We continue.

The game has become even with both clothing and money.

I get three jacks, a 5 and a 4. Pilon is somewhat confident in his hand. We have an even chance, and this may be a good time to goad the other into betting hard.

It's my turn to bet.
>>
No. 839230 ID: 3ce125

Bet like half your remaining funds.
>>
No. 839242 ID: 33d4be

>She isn't ashamed because of her pudge, she is ashamed that she feels she has not sufficiently kept her body in peak performance.

So the chocolate wasn't the problem, only that not enough exercise was being done. I'd have thought the rangers would train together enough that that shouldn't have been a problem, or that someone would have noticed if she'd been missing out on it. If she was as physically active as before then she should be able to eat as much chocolate as she likes, so long as she can fit in her suit/giant robot.

Anyway, go for the big bet. Triumph in glory or go down in flames.
>>
No. 839246 ID: 0d45a9

Even chance, so even bet, around half of what you've got. Three jacks is pretty strong, but a full house would beat that and is of similar likeliness.
>>
No. 839273 ID: 3abd97

>>839216
Go hard, and let the chips land where they will.
>>
No. 839278 ID: 90f3c0

Time to go big, bet aggressively.
>>
No. 839285 ID: a2507c

>>839216
Bet a quarter. Pilon will likely raise it to half. Call if he does so.
>>
No. 839315 ID: 53895c

Feign him, go silent for a few seconds just to judge his reaction and make him worry.
>>
No. 839482 ID: d9cd96

This game has gone on long enough. Kill your empathy, go all in and just stare him down silently.
>>
No. 839485 ID: 91ee5f

>>839315
>>839482
No, don't go silent. That'd ruin the fun.
>>
No. 839521 ID: 33d4be

Polo pretty much promised to not use her silence the whole game, too.
>>
No. 839555 ID: d9cd96

If she goes all in, the game is going to end one way or another. Going silent just makes it a little bit more of a coinflip for Pilon.
>>
No. 839642 ID: bfb318
File 150896397651.png - (114.90KB , 800x800 , 335.png )
839642

"All in." I say, remaining unsilent.

With his confidence, and knowing the game has gone on long enough, Pilon puts in his entire chip count into the pot as well regardless of whether or not our amounts add up to exactly the same.

I reveal my hand of three of a kind.

He reveals his hand of a full house.

Pilon contorts his face to try to maintain some sense of dignity instead of breaking out into an inappropriately intense triumphant grin.
>>
No. 839645 ID: 3ce125

>>839642
God damn it. Time to strip and do your twirl! Make sure everyone gets to see that your ass is indeed the best.
>>
No. 839652 ID: a363ac

>>839642
throw down your hat in fake anger.
>>
No. 839654 ID: 3abd97

>>839642
Alas, we don't get to see Pilon doing a twirl with his dick out in pseudo-canon.

Stand up, and do a ballerina twirl while removing your accessories, then take a bow.

Then bully Pilon into taking his shorts off anyways, since he's the only person in the room who's still decent.
>>
No. 839660 ID: 91ee5f

Admit defeat and you've been bested by a better player.
>>
No. 839664 ID: a633c6

Slowly and dramatically lay your hat on the table.
>>
No. 839669 ID: 33d4be

Sigh dramatically, take off your hat and ribbon and do a twirl, then kneel before Pilon and offer them up, declaring him king of strip poker and that, having defeated both the UDA and the Rangers, the fate of the beautiful Pink is in his hands. Hopefully, he'll take the cue to do something that will make her happy.

Try to empathically broadcast your desire to see him lose his last item of clothing as well, somehow. If enough people agree with you, perhaps you can playfully suggest overthrowing the crown.
>>
No. 839683 ID: 65dabf

>>839669
Yes, we demand full nudity from all party members.
>>
No. 839823 ID: d9cd96

Okay game is over, silence is up. Throw your hat to the ground and break all expectations by not only doing a twirl but a full-on dance. Either around Pilon or Ramella.
>>
No. 840149 ID: bfb318
File 150913849562.png - (79.75KB , 800x800 , 336.png )
840149

flick
>>
No. 840150 ID: bfb318
File 150913850485.png - (81.55KB , 800x800 , 337.png )
840150

We express that we'd like to see him take off his clothes, even if he won.
>>
No. 840151 ID: bfb318
File 150913854579.png - (158.54KB , 800x800 , 338.png )
840151

I do a twirl, and Pilon simply stands.

>"I would like to go get some privacy with Pink, now." he says.
>>
No. 840152 ID: bfb318
File 150913857190.png - (90.87KB , 800x800 , 339.png )
840152

"Suuuure, if Pink will have you." says Red, who thinks that Pink is in an enviable position, although she contains any poor thoughts of jealousy. "As for us, we should get going. Base to reinforce."
>"Sleep to gain." says Blue.
>"Citizens to defend." White continues.
>"We'll call you, Polo, to help that reinforcement, another day." Green says.
>>
No. 840154 ID: 3ce125

>>840152
Godspeed, Rangers.

For Polo it is time to cuddle with her dates. Gotta leave something for when Ramella gets out of prison for real though, so no sex. Sex was probably not what Katzati had in mind from this anyway.
>>
No. 840156 ID: 65dabf

.....Did they just... rhyme?
>>
No. 840160 ID: 3abd97

>>840151
Polo: not even blushing, and with the self control to be looking at his face.

>what do
Let the rangers get dressed and file out. (If everyone is getting dressed, let's only bother to get sloppy half-dressed).

Only question after that are sleeping arrangements. I suppose we could leave Pilon and Pink the hotel room? He did ask for alone time, and the UDA will already be set up to watch this room, which makes keeping Pink safe easier.

Also if Polo wants deniability (or just not for everyone she works with to know about it) we really should change venues. Yeah, we should leave too.
>>
No. 840161 ID: 33d4be

Looks like Pilon managed to restrain what the earlier motorboating required him to conceal. Couldn't have been comfortable!

Tease the rangers with the question of if they'll be able to think straight on the way back home, and say that if your dates are willing, you wouldn't mind taking some steps to ensure focus now, yourself. You might suggest as well that once Pilon and Pink have satisfied their privacy needs, you'd be open to collaborating on some less privacy related needs.

You do still have the task of making Pink feel loved to complete, after all, and the job of letting her fully witness your non-grumpiness. Plus your dates don't seem like they'd really categorically turn either of them down, and being a bunch of neumono ladies without certain aids on hand you might need Pilon's assistance for that "ensuring focus" thing.

More seriously, though, perhaps you should remind the Rangers that Pink said she had "kind of a few things" she wanted to say, "after this", by which I assume she meant the game, before they leave.
>>
No. 840220 ID: a363ac

>>
>>
No. 840224 ID: 0d45a9

Right, let's get dressed and go somewhere else, give Pilon and Pink some privacy.

What's the empathy/mood like with Ramella and Katzati?

>>840161
Don't ruin the mood, if Pink wants to say anything that's on her, and I think Pilon can handle the making Pink feel loved thing anyway.
>>
No. 840226 ID: 314bcd

Let's get dressed and set off for more shenanigans.
>>
No. 840230 ID: 90f3c0

Good for Pink, try not to be too jealous.
>>
No. 840342 ID: 2d1231

>>840151

D'oz ears ... they're as big as you!
>>
No. 840366 ID: a128ec

>>840342
Pilon is a legend for many reasons.
>>
No. 840387 ID: bfb318
File 150922726936.png - (118.05KB , 800x800 , 340.png )
840387

>Did they just rhyme?
If they were supposed to rhyme, they neither tried nor succeeded.

>Pilon managed to restrain what the earlier motorboating required him to conceal.
A conscious, determined effort was put forth.

>Polo with the self control to be looking at his face.
Looking at lower would make me think too hard on logistics and difficulty that don't need to be thought about.

"Rose. You said there were a few things you wanted to say after this?"
>"Oh! That, um... I don't think it needs to be said, now. Me wanting some alone time but needing to tell people that has been covered, so it's okay."
"Nevermind it, then."

>You do still have the task of making Pink feel loved to complete, after all
I think I can leave that in Pilon's hands.

The Omegas get re-suited with remarkable speed. Pink and Pilon also get dressed, and while I begin to put on at least a pair of panties and bra for decency, I falter as my dates seem to not want to bother. Pilon makes a call to the hotel to get an extra room. Although it's a hard read on his empathy, I get the impression that since he is doing something more personal between himself and Pink, he doesn't feel like taking the room that was paid for by the UDA and attempting to kick Katzati, Ramella and myself out. Although I am concerned about what the workplace may think if Katzati, I, and Ramella were left alone in a hotel room, I seem to be the only one who has the concern. The Omega's say brief goodbyes before leaving, and Pilon seems determined to get out of this room.

I distract my concerns during this by making a call to confirm that Ramella will be staying with me tonight. Since her hive is in jail as well, and she has honestly demonstrated she isn't going to abuse her time out, she isn't a flight risk.

.... Pink gives us a wink as she turns the corner to the doorway.
>>
No. 840388 ID: bfb318
File 150922728157.png - (66.96KB , 800x800 , 341.png )
840388

>What's the empathy/mood like with Ramella and Katzati?
>>
No. 840389 ID: bfb318
File 150922729365.png - (92.40KB , 800x800 , 342.png )
840389

>>
No. 840390 ID: bfb318
File 150922730109.png - (63.71KB , 800x800 , 343.png )
840390

>>
No. 840391 ID: bfb318
File 150922731277.png - (78.88KB , 800x800 , 344.png )
840391

The empathic mood is... unprofessional.
>>
No. 840392 ID: a363ac

>>840390
get grabbed.
>>840391
>>840389
Grab her.
>>
No. 840393 ID: 3ce125

>>840391
Seduction successful. Time to reap the benefits.
>>
No. 840398 ID: c2051e

Time to break out Katzati's gimp suit.
>>
No. 840400 ID: 0d45a9

Time to get unprofessional then.
>>
No. 840403 ID: 3abd97

Make like you're going to insist on being professional or getting dressed, then get tackled by your dates.

(I would make sure the door is locked, and disable any UDA bugs in the room).
>>
No. 840405 ID: 33d4be

Well. The question now is, is this a regular hotel, or a love hotel? If it's the latter, you need to make a call for some supplies, if they're not somewhere in the room already. If it's the former, you're going to need to employ some creativity. Fortunately, I expect Ramella probably has plenty.

Maybe put in a call to have someone nearby to observe the surrounding streets. No need to call anyone into the hotel.

>Looking at lower would make me think too hard on logistics and difficulty that don't need to be thought about.

Probably bigger than your whole upper arm.
>>
No. 840410 ID: 015058

Start loudly thinking that the only solution to this mess is for you to stack Ramella on top of Katzati so you can do them both at once.

Or make them take initiative and see where it goes.
>>
No. 840418 ID: 91ee5f

>>840391
>The empathic mood is...unprofessional.
Then it's time to be unprofessional! Don't ruin the mood by insisting to get dressed!

>>840398
We can't! It's back at her home! She didn't bring it with her!

>>840403
>(I would make sure the door is locked, and disable any UDA bugs in the room).
This!
>>
No. 840466 ID: 15a025

Check the room for any hidden cameras and disable them. Then ask your dates what they've got in mind?
>>
No. 840541 ID: 65dabf

This is by far, one of, if not the BEST alternate universe ever.
>>
No. 840607 ID: a128ec

Have. Some. Sex.
>>
No. 840639 ID: 91ee5f

Waaaaiiiit a minute. I just realized something!

Where are your guns from here: >>/questarch/793715 ?
>>
No. 840674 ID: c2051e

Shove your face between Katzati's titties and motorboat her. You know you want to.
>>
No. 840891 ID: 56e50f

>>840391
Well Polo,

Let's get unprofessional.
>>
No. 840981 ID: 1a9fe2

I think your ladies have a ladies' night already planned out. How many more drinks are you gonna need to make the first move?
>>
No. 840995 ID: 8111b6

Well, time to ring in Valentine's Day properly!
...Put on the 'do not disturb' hanger thingie and lock the door first.
>>
No. 841030 ID: 2d1231

>>840388
>>840389
>>840390
>>840391

You know what you must do, Polo. And that wink basically says we're free to use this room for all the debauchery we've been dreaming of with two very beautiful and VERY willing ladies.

And hey, when Pink herself, embodiment of love and compassion, gives us the OK, I think that's a sign to go with it.

We earned this.
>>
No. 841036 ID: 4606b3

Call up the agency and tell them Pink is spending the night in the hotel to rest and prepare for her duties tomorrow, with Pilon's assistance. You and Katzati will take a separate room where you will be on call and able keep watch on Ramella until tomorrow. Request some surveillance on the surrounding streets for any suspicious behavior targeted at Pink or Ramella, and a wake-up call so that you can all have a generous amount of time to wake up, wrap up and get Pink to her scheduled destination with time to spare. As part of that, you'll need a pick-up, which should also deliver Pink's suit.

Then end the call and have a nice time with your dates.
>>
No. 841066 ID: bfb318
File 150940196792.png - (173.82KB , 1000x800 , 345.png )
841066

>Where are your guns?
We had them on our thighs. As we stripped, we put them nearby. They are still there on a nightstand.

>Get grabbed
Katzati picks me up by my shoulders. Ramella grabs my legs, even though I've been completely lifted off the ground. They are carrying me to the bed.

I make a call to the UDA.

"Polo speaking."
>"Lucera speaking."

We exchange security codes to confirm identities.

"We are getting extra rooms in the hotel. Pink will be spending the night in the hotel with Pilon. Katzati will have her own room. I will remain in the original room to keep an eye on Ramella. I request surveillance along the streets. It is unnecessary to watch inside of the hotel."
>"Surveillance will be put on the streets. We will request access to surveillance inside the hotel, too, but only use that access if there is trouble or some other reason to."

I hang up. Katzati wants an explanation.

"You have your own room. There is no reason to use it."
>"Oh, I understand." she says, noting there is merit in at least implying that we didn't sleep in the same hotel room together.

There are 3 girls and no guys. This hotel is, normally, just a regular hotel, but due to the introduction of valentine's day, special accommodations have been offered.

I can call for room service to send up supplies, if required.
>>
No. 841067 ID: a363ac

>>841066
call them up demand one of everything.
>>
No. 841073 ID: 33d4be

Get Ramella to make the call. She is already a known criminal and deviant, and you will have plausible deniability in case your coworkers get snoopy.
>>
No. 841079 ID: 2d1231

>>841066

Considering the Polo-sandwich we are about to become, we'll need the biggest, kinkiest thing(s) they've got. That should cover all bases.
>>
No. 841081 ID: 91ee5f

>>841073
This!
>>
No. 841087 ID: 65dabf

>>841079
The Polo sandwich, the most rare of them all. They say that if you "ate" it, you are going to have the best nigth of your life, and them somthing guffy is going to happen, becose this never hapens, it's like, super rare. Like, apocaliptic crazy. Rokoa stops smiling or something.
>>
No. 841096 ID: 015058

Have your dates make the call. Let them decide what to use on you.
>>
No. 841097 ID: 3ce125

Hey, get at least one thing for yourself.
>>
No. 841101 ID: bfb318
File 150940994271.png - (103.12KB , 800x800 , 346.png )
841101

"We should order supplies." I say, and get more or less agreement. "Ramella, you order them, if you don't mind."
>"M-me? Wait, who's paying?"
"I will."

I almost tell her not to worry about it, just in case she's asked too many questions back in prison. It's a useless gesture, though, when I'm already sleeping with her.

>"Uh, paying through UDA?" asks Katzati.
"No. There is no justifying that, nor do I want to explain the expense report. I will pay it personally."
>"Sure, but you know there's not much equipment we're going to get that's for rental, you know."
"One of Az's better points is that he is generous in his danger pay. I have enough money. Ramella, if you will."

Ramella gets on the phone after I'm put on the bed and the lights are dimmed. She pays more attention to Katzati and I laying on the bed than the phone call, but that may be good, as she looks to my empathy to get feedback on what is appropriate to order. If left to her own devices, she'll probably end up ordering 1 of everything. Which is doable, but I do question just how kinky this bedroom activity is going to get. Being unsure adds in a favorable element of excitement, but perhaps I should consider if, say, we really need gimp suits and 7 kinds of advanced vibrators.
>>
No. 841102 ID: 015058

Gimp suits can be for date 2. And probably only need 3 advanced vibrators at most.

But you could just get it all now and not have to worry about getting it for later you know...
>>
No. 841103 ID: a363ac

>>841101
Yes. Yes you do need that.
>>
No. 841104 ID: 3ce125

>>841101
Ahh, keep it relatively simple. First time with these two, don't make things complicated or super weird.

...though, if Katzati does want the gimp suit...
>>
No. 841105 ID: 3abd97

This is your first date, and I would assume your first threesome with two girls. There's plenty to explore and make this romantic without buying every toy there is. Besides, Polo's more about using gear well than having a ton of it.

We don't need a gimp suit.

Also get your game on, Katzati, Ramella. Polo's still in serious face logistics and planning mode here. You gotta get her flustered and blushing.

>Polo-sandwich
Just makes sense. Katzati has to be on the bottom so she doesn't crush the other two, and if we stack Polo and Ramella on top of her, the smaller one goes first to better fit in the boob-valley.
>>
No. 841106 ID: 33d4be

This is your first time together, keep it simple and get the basic essentials and conveniences. Save kinkier stuff to keep things interesting in the future, and focus on the simpler pleasure of exploring each other's bodies and tastes and listening to each others' empathy. The most complicated thing you should get is a doublesider or a strapon, free your hands and mouths up. I assume some mechanism for delivering the juice you neumono girls need is standard.
>>
No. 841107 ID: c2051e

Personally, actual bondage is too restrictive and causes too many expectations as to what's going to happen, so let's avoid ropes, chains, or so on. Doesn't help that they tend to be a pain to draw. Vibrators, strap-ons or maybe feeldoes, some paddles... let's start off light, you can probably get more stuff later if you really want. Plus there has to be something to look forward to next time. Hell, let's get the gimp suit, if only for a quick laugh.
>>
No. 841121 ID: bfb318
File 150941404867.png - (108.80KB , 800x800 , 347.png )
841121

I communicate that this is our first date. There's no reason to overstretch everything with gimpsuits and handcuffs and so on. Plus, if anything else, there should be something left to look forward to after Ramella serves her time. Ramella notices, and struggles to keep things simple.

Katzati herself was antsy to start instead of laying around in awkward sexual tension. I believe she was politely waiting so that Ramella wasn't left out at the beginning, but upon Ramella's struggles to not order too much, she rolls over onto me and begins nibbling at my neck. That gets Ramella to hurry her order up.

>"And one, uh, double ender! Variable size!" she mutters, before trying to hurry up the phone call.

>Polo sandwich
I suppose I could break the pose and flip Katzati over. Still, it may not be fair for me to get all of the attention.
>>
No. 841123 ID: a363ac

>>841120
don't worry Polo there is plenty of time in the night and you work hard and deserve much love.
>>
No. 841125 ID: c2051e

>>841121
Yeah, just start playing with her nipples and see how well she responds. Nibble her ear if that's an erogenous zone for neumono too. Maybe drag Ramella in.
>>
No. 841126 ID: 015058

Wave Ramella over and get her in on this. Why not take turns working on someone. Right now her and Katzati can play with you.

Then you and Katzati can team up on Ramella and then you both attack Katzati. In whatever order.

See if they like that idea. Or we can just go with the flow. Just make sure everyone gets some equal lovin.
>>
No. 841128 ID: 3ce125

>>841121
True. Mix it up a bit as you go. Plenty of time.

Give Katzati some attention in return while doing your best to spur Ramella on.
>>
No. 841130 ID: 3abd97

>I suppose I could break the pose and flip Katzati over.
Sure. If the boobosaures lets you. You're pinned otherwise.

>Still, it may not be fair for me to get all of the attention.
Maybe not, but I'm pretty sure those two are intent on ravishing you at this point. You might have a hard time getting an edge in, even if you're trying.
>>
No. 841144 ID: bfb318
File 150941735087.png - (127.31KB , 800x800 , 348.png )
841144

I manage to roll Katzati over. She doesn't make it easy, as she wanted me to work for it a bit.

Ramella nearly slams the phone down, races behind me, and practically dives down underneath me. It isn't much of a sandwich, but her tongue gets to work. She's too impatient and doesn't ease into at at all, but I just handle it by holding onto Katzati, trying to softly nibble at her ear and testing what parts of Katzati are best. Her ears, as with many other neumono, are erogenous enough zones to be worth nibbling down on. I soon find that much of her is an erogenous zone, and simply grinding on her torso is met with her pleasure. It's easy enough to grind on her while Ramella's tongue is driving around in me, and Katzati is more than happy to let my hands mess with her breasts.
>>
No. 841145 ID: bfb318
File 150941736951.png - (150.98KB , 800x800 , 349.png )
841145

Ramella only backs off to fetch the package left behind at room service. She at least remembers to lock the door again before racing back, yanking a strapon onto herself, and pushes herself into me.

It might not have the typical payoff of a male, but just the sensation is enough. Katzati holds me down on her, as unnecessary as it is, letting Ramella rail me from behind. She has to contain herself not to go too crazy, but her disbelief at the situation is only matched by her hunger to get me to climax from the sensation alone. It isn't until I feel her desperation until I understand the saying, fucking like they just got out of prison.

I huff, collecting my breath enough to speak.

"You're tiring me out, try to make it last."
"S-sorry!" Ramella says.
"It can't just be me, anyway. Let's s-swap who's in the middle."

I guess it doesn't matter too much about the order, but since I proposed the idea, they're wondering who is next. Or at least Katzati is. Ramella is focused on the present.

>>
No. 841149 ID: 3ce125

>>841145
Get Ramella in the middle for a bit. Maybe it'll calm her down. Should get her used to the idea of giving attention to Katzati, too.
>>
No. 841151 ID: 015058

Get Ramella in the middle. She needs to take that edge off.
>>
No. 841155 ID: c2051e

>>841149
And make sure to spank the prisoner for her naughtiness.
>>
No. 841156 ID: 3abd97

>>841145
Begin sloppy makeouts with Katzati in front of you, then get her to help you team up on Ramella.

You did promise to make her feel good tonight, and you two are used to working together.

And then, yeah, once you've worked together to burn off some of her energy you can wrap up with slower stuff.
>>
No. 841169 ID: a363ac

>>841145
I don't think Katzati would make a good middle sandwich middle Ramella for now and think about how you two will bully Katzati later.
>>
No. 841178 ID: bfb318
File 150942219933.png - (162.36KB , 800x800 , 350.png )
841178

After Ramella rails me enough and I make out with Katzati, I get enough. Right on cue, Ramella backs off, but mostly because she can sense that she's next. Ramella does more to get me off Katzati than I do, and then lays down on the bigger girl. I use the same strapon to do the same thing, although facing each other this time. Ramella appreciates the cushion that is Katzati, but Katzati feels like Ramella is best off getting attention primarily from me.

Ramella enjoys a faster, harder pace than I personally prefer. She lifts her butt slightly to get a light spank from me, which I oblige despite the awkward position.

>>
No. 841179 ID: bfb318
File 150942220648.png - (157.51KB , 800x800 , 351.png )
841179

Ramella takes far longer to tire out than me, and I suspect that the Ramella sandwich will last longest of all. I swap out to a larger dildo next to better fit Katzati, who Ramella and I team up against.
>>
No. 841180 ID: bfb318
File 150942221751.png - (106.61KB , 800x800 , 352.png )
841180

After we all tire each other out, I end up sandwiched again, but this time for cuddles.

I don't think there's anything else to do besides set my alarm for tomorrow.
>>
No. 841181 ID: 3ce125

>>841180
Nice. But yes don't forget to set an alarm.

I wonder how sniper rokoa and her arkot buddy are doing.
>>
No. 841182 ID: a363ac

>>841180
honk boobs, sleep
>>
No. 841183 ID: a43366

Can we check on Pilon and Pink, if not as Polo then in 3rd person?
>>
No. 841184 ID: 314bcd

Set alarm

and get more snug in the cushions and enjoy the cuddles.
>>
No. 841190 ID: 91ee5f

>>841180
If you're gonna set an alarm, then please set it to wake you up at a reasonable time.

Don't set it for some really early time, like 5:00 AM or something like that!
>>
No. 841191 ID: 65dabf

I can die in peace... not, i still need to se Rokoa unsmiling.
>>
No. 841192 ID: c2051e

Kiss them goodnight, of course.
>>
No. 841195 ID: 3abd97

>>841180
This cuddle pile is just too cute.

And too bad about that alarm, your arms are pinned. (Although you could probably just use your implanted phone to set an alarm, and one only you can hear at that).
>>
No. 841291 ID: 3fb646

>>841180
Tonight was a good night, Polo. You earned a good night's rest with no alarm to interrupt you.
>>
No. 841321 ID: 8111b6

Oops, they're pinning you and you won't be able to set that alarm. It can't be helped-
>>
No. 841336 ID: 33d4be

You just need to be in good time to escort Pink to her event. Pick up her suit, finalize arrangements and so on.
>>
No. 842010 ID: bfb318
File 150966364005.png - (83.93KB , 800x800 , 353.png )
842010

My arms are too pinned to set the alarm. Truly, it's a lost cause.

"Katzati, please hand me my phone."
>"Okay."

I set my alarm and text Rose to give me an update. She says she's doing well, and promises to alert me if she leaves her room or does much of anything.

We'll wake up early tomorrow so that we can all shower and get a decent breakfast before anything.
>>
No. 842011 ID: bfb318
File 150966367088.png - (130.88KB , 800x800 , 354.png )
842011

My implant beeps.

>"This is Lucera. Come in, Polo, Katzati!"
"Polo here."
>"Katzati here."

We exchange today's three way codes.

>"You'll both be escorting Pink to Space Elevator 6 together. We'll supply you a vehicle route you're to stick to, and surveillance and protection in surrounding areas. Keep this subtle. We'll give more details and orders when you head out, but do so immediately. We've just gotten word from the prison that Whiskers has gone missing from her cell with no trace of escape. We don't know if it has anything to do with the Omega Waveforce or valentine's day, but considering what kind of tech is involved here, we're assuming it's not a coincidence. The prison checks frequently enough that she must have just escaped. We're leaving a car for you in the parking garage, and it has necessary supplies, requested and otherwise, inside. Take it and go before Whiskers is given a chance to take action. We never did find all of Whiskers cache's, so we don't know what capabilities she has or where she is now."
>>
No. 842014 ID: 015058

You and Ramella and Katzati are going to be her dates for the day.

I want her sitting on Katzati's lap and you and Ramella sitting on Pink's lap.

And distraction is to be treated as a attempt to teleport Pink away.
>>
No. 842015 ID: 015058

Oh and double and triple check that the info you just received was valid. If you end up taking her to space elevator 6 when you were supposed to take her to 5 instead it's going to be a mess.
>>
No. 842025 ID: bfb318
File 150966488581.png - (108.93KB , 800x800 , 355.png )
842025

I'll verify by making my own call to Lucera through the agency about the information. For the time, I know that elevator 6 is the closest accessible elevator and the fastest way to get Pink into either low orbit, or onto a high altitude hover ship. I don't recall exactly where the large scale empathy gun was.

I give Pink a call, and tell her that we need to leave immediately.

>"Oh, I haven't showered yet..." she answers.
"Showers are lower on priority. There are showers we are taking you to that you can freshen up with."
>"Okay, okay, we'll be out in 20 seconds. Can Pilon come?"
"If he would help you do your task, then yes."

Thankfully, everyone here except for Ramella is used to hasty movements, and Ramella is already ready. We quickly make our way into the parking garage, where another agent passes the car keys off to me and will handle the hotel checkout process.

It's a high end spy car. I've never used one before, but I expect it's over the top and over designed. I do also know it has AI to take care of a lot of menial tasks, and that I can boost the seat up to reasonably drive.

>Sit on people's laps
We will get pulled over.

There are 6 seats, three in the front, three in the back, and while it's not important precisely who sits where, I should consider whether or not it's best for me to be the one driving. While I may be the first pick, it may be best if I navigate and have the chance to look around while on the streets.
>>
No. 842026 ID: a363ac

turn off the AI for now it could be hacked into.
>>
No. 842027 ID: c2051e

>>842011
Be sure you're armed and the guns work.
>>
No. 842028 ID: 4ec4ea

>>842025
Yeah, go ahead and let someone else drive. Katzati, maybe.
>>
No. 842029 ID: 015058

That guy handing it off is probably a whiskers agent. And the Ai has been hacked. And those keys you have are a bomb/taser to incapacitate you. Be more paranoid Polo or valentines day is doomed.

Also check the undercarriage and such for unwelcome visitors/bombs.

Have everyone pile in the backseat and keep Pink in the middle for safety. Also can help pre-love her up as we go to get her ready for her big day.
>>
No. 842031 ID: 3abd97

>Whiskers escaped
Honestly, her strength is mostly in complicated plans. Where she is is less of a problem than what she's set in motion. She can be a threat without getting anywhere near us.

>I should consider whether or not it's best for me to be the one driving
Honestly, probably not you. Driving isn't your realm of mastery, and if you're needed to do crazy action spy stuff to defend the convey, it'll be easier if you're not behind the wheel. (Returning fire, jumping between cars, etc).

You might want to sit in the middle? You can easily climb over anyone if you need access to a side window, and you can look ahead or out the back or go up through the sunroof.

>who drive
Who's actually got training and experience as a driver? Pink maybe, although giant robots are kind of specialized. Katzati maybe with operator training. Or... actually Pilon is probably the best bet. Current PI and ex cop-hive must have had to drive under fire at least once. Also he won't go down in one shot if someone snipes your driver.
>>
No. 842032 ID: bfb318
File 150966583655.png - (105.44KB , 800x800 , 356.png )
842032

I consider turning off the AI. Normally I certainly would, but this kind of car needs a tutorial in how to operate it.

"Katzati, how safe is the AI here?"
>"There's a manual switch for wireless capabilities. I'll turn that off, right here." she gestures at the glove box. "There's also a physical override to turn off the whole AI right here, so if we think we're compromised, we can pull the plug. We should at least boot it up."

While she does that, I verify with the agency to the best of my ability that this is a legitimate car left by a legitimate agent. And as I do that, I check the undercarriage, trunk, and other portions of the car for any bugs.

"Katzati, can you drive this?"
>"Yep, I know the basics."
"That way we don't have to have the AI on to lift the car. Let's get in, everyone. Pink, take the middle seat in the back. I'll be in the middle front."
>"Uh, really?" asks Katzati. "I mean, I know the basic details of the car, but if we want to use stuff like the internal turrets, anti-chase measures, and so on, I don't think any of us know how to activate that stuff, so we'd either have to fumble through it, or go through the AI."
>>
No. 842035 ID: 3abd97

>>842032
If we verified this car came from the UDA, who have their own CAI, the AI is probably safe to start with. Just keep an eye on it.

If possible, it might be safest to have the AI only set to control the extras initially while the neumono driver controls the actual driving.
>>
No. 842038 ID: 91ee5f

If anything is going to happen, Whiskers is probably going to try and steal the large scale empathy gun.

Or, she'll hack it so that when Pink puts in feelings of love, the gun will translate it into feelings of hate, which would cause everyone to start fighting each other.

Also, where's Pink's Ranger Uniform? Was it delivered to you in the car or is it going to be waiting for her at your destination?
>>
No. 842039 ID: bfb318
File 150966709173.png - (141.79KB , 800x800 , 357.png )
842039

"Okay. Let the AI run."

Katzati starts the car, and we get in position. She's a bit nervous, as this is more of a field operation than she's used to, but I just tell her to focus on driving. Pink is tired, and leans in on Pilon.

Ramella is just happy to be involved.

>Also, where's Pink's Ranger Uniform?
The trunk.
>>
No. 842040 ID: bfb318
File 150966710250.png - (134.72KB , 800x800 , 358.png )
842040

The AI pops up. It's a digital replication of Alison, who has propagated herself across various platforms innumerable times. There are more options than just her, but she is the default, and a suitable one, if sometimes somewhat overly helpful.

"Hello, this is Alison. What is today's code?"

I say it.

>"Welcome! I'll run as much or as little of the car as you like. I can run you through operations, too, if you want to do them manually. You all look like you're in a hurry, so just let me know if you have any questions. Currently, all cameras are intact, meaning that I am able to drive the car on request. Can I help with anything?"

By the time she finishes her speech, Katzati is driving through the parking structure. Alison flashes the screen to show the GPS.

"Is the wireless on?"
>"No." says Alison. "But I've saved the route I'm told you're all to take. I just won't be able to supply up to date information."
>>
No. 842045 ID: 015058

Ask Alison if she got busy on valentines day.
>>
No. 842046 ID: 3abd97

>I just won't be able to supply up to date information.
That is acceptable. You still have other communication devices your allies can access, but we can't afford a CAI compromising the vehicle.

>Can I help with anything?
For now simply be alert.
>>
No. 842047 ID: a363ac

>>842040
change AI to Anya.
>>
No. 842048 ID: c2051e

>>842045
Valentine's Day is today.
>>
No. 842049 ID: bfb318
File 150966798131.png - (114.66KB , 800x800 , 359.png )
842049

"Good, keep the wireless off. Pilon, do you have any plans today?"
>"My original plans... I'd rather be here, instead."
"Okay. Alison, for now, just be alert."

Katzati pulls out into the road. Nothing out of the norm, yet, and though Katzati broadcasts her worry while our jammer is off, it doesn't stand out to seeing other people's moods on the road, which vary greatly.

>Change to Sevener
I could. I am familiar with a few different personas that populate our primary CAI, that are likely transferred to the car.

Change default Alison to a different individual?
>>
No. 842050 ID: c2051e

Sure, get Anya.
>>
No. 842051 ID: a363ac

>>842049
to Anya.
>>
No. 842052 ID: 015058

Yeah why not switch over to Anya.

But first check if Alison has plans for valentines day. See if she is the real thing.
>>
No. 842059 ID: bfb318
File 150966878664.png - (110.99KB , 800x800 , 360.png )
842059

"Do you have any plans for valentine's, Alison?"
>"I'm not sure! I'm stuck in this car, after all, so it depends on if my car's technician lets me have some off duty time today."
"I'll remind him. For now, I'd like someone who's more applicable to aggressiveness as necessary. Please swap to Sevener."
>"Understood!" she says, with no hesitation, despite that there have been official complaints made about Sevener's attitude in the past.

She flicks on screen immediately.

>"Hi."
"Hello. Please keep an eye out for anything."
>"Got anything more specific than 'anything'?"
"No."
>>
No. 842060 ID: bfb318
File 150966886904.png - (129.71KB , 800x800 , 361.png )
842060

We leave it at that, as I believe Sevener would be briefed by Alison on the current situation.

There's relative silence during the drive as Sevener runs some basic diagnostics on the car.

Traffic is moving along, but there is still a steady stream of cars along this route. If something happens here, there's too many people, but I don't have any better alternatives. Contrary to Az's pushing, the capital never did agree to make subterranean military access only passages due to prohibitive costs.

I see something in my rearview window. It had the overall shape of a car, but it was off enough to instantly grab my attention as soon as it came into view. It ducks in behind cars, causing some brakes and horns to go off. I've lost sight of it, but it was nothing to ignore.

>"You saw that, right?" asks Sevener.
"Yes. Do you know what it was?"
>"Yeah. 3 and a half feet tall. No room for any driver, and no windows. It uses normal tires, but the rest of it looked like it was all made out of the same material. The guns are ready. I don't see anything but neumono in the whole area, so we can deliver some firepower if we need to."
>>
No. 842062 ID: a363ac

>>842060
take out the tires.
>>
No. 842063 ID: 015058

Fufa car inbound (maybe).

I would not open fire in a crowded street just yet. Mostly because it would fuck up traffic and possibly jam you in there.

Stay on route and inform headquarters of your find. Just know that any communication is probably being listened in on.
>>
No. 842064 ID: c2051e

>>842060
Shoot out the tires. Shouldn't mess with possible booby traps or let it stay mobile.
>>
No. 842065 ID: 3abd97

You're in the middle of traffic, looks like. If your car suddenly sprouts guns and opens fire, people will panic, which will slow you down.

Also it's not subtle. We want to remote the threat less openly.

Like, dropping a spy-tech mine / caltrop that will play dead and then pop the tire when the right car goes over it. Or calling it in to the UDA, who can use another asset (like have a car "accidentally" hit it, or block it).
>>
No. 842066 ID: 91ee5f

>>842065
We've already been told that there's surveillance and protection in surrounding areas. Meaning whoever is keeping an eye on us can also see that thing that we saw.
>>
No. 842067 ID: 3ce125

>>842060
Destroy the tires for now. Use incendiary weapons if it keeps chase.
>>
No. 842068 ID: bfb318
File 150967039204.png - (139.05KB , 800x800 , 362.png )
842068

"Don't just fire off guns. Send out whatever caltrops, or spy mines, you have first. We don't want to deal with people ahead of us slamming on their brakes when things go bad."

I do hear some tires squealing around us. I get an alert on my phone saying that some of our agents are trying to intercept some of those small vehicles. There are apparently a lot, and we may need to deal with a number.

Within another few seconds, I see one of them clearly.

>"Deploying a road drone." says Sevener. "I'll have it take out its tire, but without wireless, it won't do anything else besides try and take out any others following us."
>>
No. 842069 ID: bfb318
File 150967043248.png - (135.75KB , 800x800 , 363.png )
842069

I don't see what happens clearly, but I just here a brief, silenced 'bang' as the drone takes out the wheel of the vehicle.

The chasing vehicle flies up in the air, and I see tires break off and scatter across the road. The main frame of the vehicle seems to disintegrate until it's just a puddle on the road. Some people ahead slow down, but Katzati doesn't, and instead swerves around some traffic to keep our speed up.

>"There's some coming up on the right side." Sevener says. "There's only so many drones I can send out at this speed. You have a gun, right?"
>"Hey!" says Ramella. "If this spy car's any good, it's got a microscope. If we can get a car without it dissolving, I can take a look at its structure and see if I recognize if it's anything I've seen before. Vanski once talked about this kind of dissolving material."
>>
No. 842070 ID: c2051e

"Don't say it's more fufa bullshit. And if you already know what it might be tell me about it."
>>
No. 842071 ID: 015058

(Told you it was a fufa car)

That would require wrestling one inside intact and holding it upside down while you scanned it.

That or you grabbing the microscope and jumping on one.

If the opportunity comes up we can try that but for now it seems like a big risk just to get some info.

The question we should be asking is why does headquarters not already have a bead on where these came from. We should have air support.
>>
No. 842072 ID: 3abd97

>You have a gun, right?
Pull a gun out from between Katzari's tits and then go out the sun roof. Time to defend the convoy, and maybe snatch a sample. (Grapple hook might be good for that).

Looks like subtle is out the window.
>>
No. 842073 ID: c2051e

>(Told you it was a fufa car)
Except it's not, since we aren't being horribly murdered.
>>
No. 842080 ID: bfb318
File 150967220180.png - (136.56KB , 800x800 , 364.png )
842080

"Is there any chance that these are fufa cells, Ramella?"
>"Uhhhhhhhh wait no, I mean if it were, then I could tell instantly if I could get a microscopic look at it, but every fufa I've ever seen or heard of has been violently unwilling to part with any of its biomass, or sacrifice it like this! Otherwise I could just tell you if Vanski was involved or not."
"Where is the air support?"
>"There's a helicopter above us." says Sevener. "So we're at least being watched in some way. You sure you don't want to turn the wireless back on?!"

I see three vehicles coming to the right. My pistol probably doesn't have enough stopping power. There's no time to wonder about all the possible places where there might be a gun, and instead reach down where I know there's a gun.
>>
No. 842081 ID: bfb318
File 150967222880.png - (167.89KB , 1000x800 , 365.png )
842081

As I thought, she was storing a small SMG in there. I climb over Ramella and tell her to cover her ears, then fire off at the vehicles while I yell at Sevener.

"Does this car have any grappling hooks?!"
>"Of course it does!"
"Then grapple in a car if you can so Ramella can take a look at it, but otherwise it's too risky!"
>"Fine, I'll - shit!"
>>
No. 842082 ID: bfb318
File 150967223734.png - (159.87KB , 800x800 , 366.png )
842082

>"There's a traffic jam ahead! Let me drive!"
>>
No. 842085 ID: 3abd97

>You sure you don't want to turn the wireless back on?
If this is Vanski the Grinch or Whiskers there may be a CAI in play. The only effective defense is radio silence, unfortunately. Can't risk the car being compromised.

>>842082
Allow it, but have Katzati ready to step back in.
>>
No. 842086 ID: 33d4be

Let her. No point taking any of these precautions if you're not going to trust them.

Shouldn't you have some sort of siren you can pop out, anyway? You're obviously not keeping a low profile any more, so you might as well have some other drivers move out of your way. It would have been nice if Pink could have napped in the car, but I doubt that's happening now. Would be odd if it did. Quick check on her again?

You know, this really doesn't seem like Whiskers' style. She always seemed like the sort who alternated between incredibly subtle and completely over-the-top, not any middle ground stuff like this.
>>
No. 842087 ID: a363ac

>>842082
turn wireless on but keep someone with a hand on the off switch at all times, Pink most likely.
>>
No. 842088 ID: bfb318
File 150967395054.png - (188.63KB , 800x800 , 367.png )
842088

Katzati reads my mood, which wants to let Sevener drive. Wireless will remain off for now, but I doubt Katzati has the stunt driving capabilities to get us through the roads without stopping.

>"Take it!" Katzati tells Sevener.

What immediately follows is a horrific demonstration of reckless driving as Sevener speeds through the roads. I feel like our tires are only on the ground on average of 60% of the time.
>>
No. 842089 ID: bfb318
File 150967397228.png - (155.30KB , 800x800 , 368.png )
842089

We enter a long stretch of road that covers most of the rest of the way to the space elevator. We were supposed to stay unmarked and subtle, but since the driving stops that from happening, Sevener deploys a siren with both lights and sound to get people off the road. She begins shouting on some hidden speakers that if people do not get off the road out out of the way, she will flip their cars. I expect a long day of paperwork, tomorrow.

There's more vehicles that start firing at our tires. Sevener keeps the windows rolled up, still. The tires remain intact. With nothing but open air and landscape at our sides, plus more time for the UDA get into position, both agents and helicopters have much more free reign on opening fire on the bots that seem to be coming at us from all directions.

The space elevator comes into view while we run down the highway at over a hundred and twenty miles per hour. Sevener keeps shouting on the road, while yelling at us to stay in our seats in case, as she puts it, 'some dumbass with a deathwish' pulls out onto the road and Sevener has to eject us to save us from a monumental collision.

"Are you two okay?" I ask to Pilon and Pink. The only response is a thumbs up. Good enough.
>>
No. 842090 ID: bfb318
File 150967409502.png - (104.05KB , 800x800 , 369.png )
842090

By some miracle, we're almost to the elevator intact. A large assortment of security and military should be there to escort us into the elevator.

Still, something does bug me. I don't know Whiskers technique very well, but what little I do know makes me think this might not be her. She either remains as hidden as possible, or does something far more extreme than sending go-kart sized bots at people.

>"Tell them we're almost there and to open the damn gates!" Sevener says, without making any sign of slowing down.

>Turn wireless on
If there is a time for that, it might be now, since Sevener seems determined to get there in some kind of record time.
>>
No. 842092 ID: 3abd97

Leave the wireless as-is, it would be a shame to be hacked so close to your goal.

>Tell them we're almost there and to open the damn gates
Sounds like a job for your operator.

>Still, something does bug me. I don't know Whiskers technique very well, but what little I do know makes me think this might not be her. She either remains as hidden as possible, or does something far more extreme than sending go-kart sized bots at people.
...maybe this is a distraction. A herding technique. Get you to rush inside the facility, then bam, you find yourself surrounded by Whisker's troops instead of the backup you were expecting.

Might want to verify who's in there before we speed thru the gate.
>>
No. 842095 ID: a43366

Can you use the wireless on your phone?
>>
No. 842096 ID: bfb318
File 150967570073.png - (129.63KB , 800x800 , 370.png )
842096

"Katzati." I tell her to get them to open the gate. She frantically gets on her phone and runs through the operator channels to get them to do so, fast.

I, meanwhile, verify people currently on duty on the space station. The UDA has assumed some degree of control, and sensing Katzati's distress, hurries up the process of letting us in. They most likely bypass a few channels of their own to get the gates to open as soon as possible. We speed through it.
>>
No. 842097 ID: bfb318
File 150967570830.png - (181.76KB , 800x800 , 371.png )
842097

Sevener drives us right up to the elevator, and hits the brakes enough to make the tires squeal one last time. We're taken out and put on the elevator by some security guards.

I keep checking security. Automatic functions within the elevator are put into as manual a mode as they allow to prevent any virtually any possible external hacking. Anti missile measures are put online to maximum capabilities and readiness, although it would not be like Whiskers to shoot missiles at us. I have never dealt in any missions directly dealing with Whiskers, and those missions that did involve her are classified, so much of my impression with her is speculation.


All I do know is that she is similar to the Omega Waveforce and their rivals in that she has an assortment of technology with an unknown source, but unlike them, she meddles directly in the affairs of our ultrahive.

We take the space elevator shaft called the Fear Checker, since it's the only one that, for some reason, has a clear view of the outside while rising, making it particularly unfriendly towards those with a fear of heights. Although the mood is not fully comfortable, Sevener unwittingly made this a calm experience by comparison.

The silence is still awkward.
>>
No. 842099 ID: 830fb7

say: "well at least now everyone knows how my everyday life goes" it's both a joke and an insight into why your always moody.
>>
No. 842100 ID: 3ce125

I wonder if those robots were made of jetalium. If they were, Whiskers is the richest person in the galaxy. Someone NEEDS to check a sample of that stuff.

Tell them it seems like things are going fairly well all things considered.
>>
No. 842105 ID: 3abd97

>The silence is still awkward.
Time to crack a joke or two to try and relive the tension.

*Picking at dress* "Hmmm. It would seem I dressed for the wrong kind of action."
>>
No. 842106 ID: 33d4be

You know, it's strange. Any of those vehicles could have mounted a rocket, or some other big gun, that could have destroyed your car. They went for the tires instead. So it's not someone willing to kill you?

But they haven't sent you any messages either. You haven't had the wireless on, but presumably if they wanted to say something they could find a way. An email sent to every available UDA address, for example, would get attention.

Well, you have time. Talk to Pink about this giant empathy gun. You assume it's one of theirs, or that at least they've used it before?
>>
No. 842108 ID: 33d4be

Anyway, if you picked the one that has the windows, might as well look outside. Whatever a space elevator cable is made of has to be effectively indestructible. Also, ask Pink if the rangers have had dealings/adventures/encounters with Whiskers, in addition to whatever she's done in your territory.
>>
No. 842109 ID: 91ee5f

>>842097
>The silence is still awkward.
Silence? Does that include empathy? If so, is there a jammer on the elevator? Is there supposed to be a jammer on this elevator?

Also, has Pink changed into her uniform yet? Because we might need a Ranger to help in this situation! Or at least have her call the other Rangers for back up!
>>
No. 842110 ID: 28d633

Don't forget to return that SMG from where you borrowed it Polo. It should have cooled down by now.
>>
No. 842113 ID: a363ac

>>842097
check the top of the elevator. and watch the outside this is some kinda plot who puts a VIP on a vulnerable outside accessible elevator instead of a inner one.
>>
No. 842114 ID: bfb318
File 150967791527.png - (133.89KB , 800x800 , 372.png )
842114

After checking, apparently there were no agents that managed to get an intact sample of the bots. The dissolved fluids are going through labwork at the moment.

I turn outside to watch a ship coming down through the atmosphere to pick us up. Despite us being put on an elevator on the outside, there is a strong glass frame that we can see out of, but people can't see into, so we're not as vulnerable as we might seem. I talk to the rest of my group.

"Do we know anything about this satellite we're going to charge?"
>"Nope." says Katzati.
>"I wasn't told much." says Pink. "I guess it's all secret and everything."
"Have you dealt with Whiskers much?"
>"Sort of. Indirectly, I think, but what she did and what was just other villains was always kind of fuzzy, so I don't think anything I say will be reliable."

>Has Pink changed into her uniform yet?
All anyone down at the surface was told was to let us on. There's no indication that any of us are Pink. Therefore, it would be bad for people to see Rose without a uniform get on an elevator, and then Pink to step off. I believe she will have an appropriate changing station to do so in private.

Another pause, as people focus on what I'm thinking about.

"This is what I do everyday, in case anyone wondered."

I stuff the SMG back into Katzati's cleavage.

>"Th...thanks, Polo."
>>
No. 842115 ID: bfb318
File 150967792475.png - (140.55KB , 800x800 , 373.png )
842115

Thankfully, and almost surprisingly, we safely step off at a port where we're picked up by the ship and taken into orbit. The next 46 minutes are spent docking into the ultrahive's empathy satellite, which we also safely arrive at. It isn't ran by the UDA, but a portion of it is dedicated to UDA operations. Its existence is on a need to know basis, I'm sure. Elsewhere on the ship is the charging room that Pink will be in to charge the empathy satellite, once she's taken to a spot where she can change and subtly turn into, well, Omega Pink. The logistics of that are out of my hands.

I am put in standby as an agent, one of many on this ship currently. Katzati is brought into the operator room, where she will operate as normal. Ramella occupies the same bedroom as myself, as is told not to leave this section even if I am brought onto duty.

Pink has requested that Pilon accompany her on charging the empathy gun. I didn't hear everything in full, but she informs the staff that she isn't as confident as she should like, and a lot of the state of the world has brought a damper onto her mood. Therefore, she wants to be kept away from any serious topics, and wants to be left in the charging room with Pilon with no disturbances. It is expected to take her 8 hours.

During this, we are on high alert, but so long as I am awake and accessible, I can spend my time as I see fit.

I can tell Ramella would like to talk, but at the same time, I know painfully too little about Whiskers. I believe on request, I will be able to get more information on Whiskers now that I am in a mission in which she is the prime suspect.
>>
No. 842119 ID: a363ac

>>842115
did anyone check the outside of the ships hull before it came into dock Whiskers could have latched onto the hull and had a suit to keep her safe until she got into the station also are their any agents set up around her room to listen for any noises that Pink might make if Whiskers is able to break into the room through the vent system and hack the cameras.
>>
No. 842121 ID: 3abd97

>>842115
Could you file a request for access to Whisker's files, and then talk to Ramella while it's pending? Even expedited for emergencies, there's usually a lag for that kind of thing.

While you have downtime, you might also want to snag those showers that were put off. Or (regretfully) change out of your dress back to uniform. In front of Ramella.
>>
No. 842123 ID: 91ee5f

>>842121
Supporting changing into uniform in front of Ramella!
>>
No. 842124 ID: 33d4be

Well, we're back the beginnings of investigation, in a lot of ways, aren't we? Maybe we should think, again. Review what we know. Try to come up with some knew questions, think what this could all be about again.

So Pink went off by herself. Everything that went wrong seemed to go wrong just as an accident, a bad-looking coincidence. Even the people who took Pink's suit didn't think they were more than opportunists. But, then again, that part does seem like Whiskers, in her subtle mood. She's used patsies before, she could have nudged some people who she knew would try take advantage into a position where they could without their realizing it.

Only a few things stand out to say that this hasn't all been one big mistake: One, that the Rangers' enemies knew what had happened so fast. Second, that that sniper clone lady and the arkot were able to zone in on you so easily. Third, that you just got chased by a bunch of tire-hating robots.

Maybe Whiskers was trying to do something subtle, but somewhere along the way in the web whose strings she was pulling, some people got information they shouldn't have, people like the Duchess and the arkot. Or maybe they were Whiskers' manipulated patsies too. The chase you were just in could have been another spillover to another unknown villain, or another patsy acting. Or even Whiskers herself, if somehow she just got desperate enough to use something outside her usual style. Can't go thinking of her as all-powerful and all-knowing, after all, so she could have been forced to use those.

The question is, why? What's the motive? With the christmas adventure, Whiskers just got a big payoff. But where's the money now?

Ask for any clues that were ever gathered about Whiskers' motives. Is there anything she's ever been known to do that didn't just give her resources? Anything that seemed unprofitable, anything that would hint at something she wants to do or make happen or stop from happening? Heck, ask Ramella, too. She's been in prison with Whiskers. Any rumours?

Look for connections, too. Like... she's a belenosian, and some sort of super scientist or someone who has super scientists working for her. Could she have some connection to the rangers' boss? To the giant empathy gun? Could she have some interest in it, or know something about it that other people don't know?

... Where did this empathy amplifier thing come from, anyway? Is it derived from ranger tech? Was it made based on the device the Grinch made, that was supposed to be powered by mass empathy? Has it been used before?
>>
No. 842179 ID: 5b93d3

It's... kind of suspicious that Ramella, a prisoner on parole, was allowed on board. There have been SO many opportunities for her to be safely left behind in UDA custody along the way here, but every time she has been basically waved through without protest or even question, all the way into a not-officially-exists secret high-tech satellite.
>>
No. 842203 ID: 015058

You fools!

Whiskers is all about subtle plots. She does not have to do anything but get Pink slightly depressed so she gets performance anxiety and valentines day is ruined!

All these robo cars and shooting? Probably just a stunt to get Pink worried! And for the final thing all she has to have done is get access to one random system near Pink and play some sad news stories.

So start preparing backup plans for Pink not being able to perform.

Oh yeah I bet there were whiskers nanobots in the chocolate or something. We are not being paranoid enough!
>>
No. 842614 ID: 15a025

It might take some time to get those files on Whiskers. Send a request for them, and chat with Ramella while you wait.
>>
No. 842619 ID: 91ee5f

>>842203
That would imply that Whiskers was the one sending Pink all those boxes of chocolate under various different names.

And if that's true, then wouldn't that mean that Whiskers was trying to ruin Valentine's Day by trying to make Pink fat?

..........considering how self-conscious Pink was about her body, I'd actually believe that really was Whiskers' plan.
>>
No. 842622 ID: 33d4be

I really can't see the motive for Whiskers in this, unless something's going on that we can't see. It is valentine's day, so she could easily just have a date she busted out of jail for.

... Didn't we have a pair of witnesses around Christmas that were connected to her? That Itcher fellow especially. What's his situation these days?
>>
No. 842978 ID: bfb318
File 151001312691.png - (144.69KB , 800x800 , 374.png )
842978

>Whiskers could have infiltrated the ship
>Check Whisker's motivations
>Nanobots in chocolate
>Pair of witnesses from christmas with connections to Whiskers
>It's suspicious how Ramella has been brought along through everything

In Ramella's case, I suspect she won't be allowed back off of the ship until the satellite is set off, at which point the ship will essentially be broadcasting its location and won't be much of a secret anymore.

In the case of security, I get in contact with security and run through a variety of checks. They get annoyed with me, much like regular people may get annoyed at being repeatedly asked if they have rebooted their electronics, but it sets my mind at ease as they alleviate various worries. During this, I ask for some files on Whiskers. Itcher is still under watch along with any other connections of Whiskers. None of them have seen her.

There is a brief chat with Ramella, but we spend it mostly by cooking some food for ourselves until Whisker's files come in.

Apparently it isn't uncommon for Whiskers to do things that don't seem to have any material benefit, but there are various events that are suspected to be linked to Whiskers that involve tech that seems to have failures in the field. So, knowing that, Whiskers will typically be involved in events that would satisfy one or more of her three major goals.

Money, science, and fame.

The first is often to simply fund the other two. Science is when she will use newly seen tech simply to see how it works in the field, as it is possible that Whiskers does not own any satisfactory alternatives, but it seems like she revels in being some kind of underground legend. Much of her tech, too, seems in line with tech that the Omega Waveforce and their rivals employ, too, implying that there is some kind of link between them that may supply the same source of tech. What that is, is still a mystery, but there may be some kind of wide scale underground R&D project.

The Omega Waveforce has someone supplying their tech. This, however, is quickly going down a line that is well out of the mission scope of making sure Pink can perform, which she reasonable thinks that as long as she's left undisturbed with Pilon in the charging room, she will be able to do so.
>>
No. 842979 ID: bfb318
File 151001313471.png - (100.23KB , 800x800 , 375.png )
842979

I've kept Ramella away from looking directly at these files, but I have asked some input.

>"In space, well... I don't think Whiskers would want to stop the satellite, is the thing. I'd think that she'd just want to learn how it works, because maybe she can't secretly steal the whole satellite, but she could secretly steal the blueprints, she could just make her own, and that way she can have one without people knowing she has one."

There's no money in stopping this. Any fame would just be some petty amount, better gained by doing something else. The pursuit of science seems to be the best bet, here. Maybe that's what the cars were for, but they were inconsequential.

She may want to learn about the satellite's empathy beam either by stealing it or the blueprints, but to do so now would seem harder than waiting until after Pink finishes. That, or this is all some testing field for her to test out her tech. Or she's after something else entirely, but I would still think it would be something technology related sooner than any weird scheme for money or fame.
>>
No. 842982 ID: 015058

She might be distracting you so she can monitor the empathy beam from the source to replicate it.

So you or your comrades could be all nanocameraed up right now. Maybe do a scan on that and then go back to enjoying time with your dates.
>>
No. 842986 ID: 33d4be

I still feel very concerned about how well this satellite and its technology has been tested, and how well the people building it and maintaining it understand what parts of it do what things.

... You know, if fame is one of her concerns, it's somewhat possible that you could just put out a broad message wherever you think she has agents or AI spies watching and so on, something along the lines of "Whiskers is this you messing with us", with like some specifics so if it is her she knows what you're talking about but you don't give much away to anyone who isn't in on things, and see if she sends a message back somehow. If it is her she probably wants people to know it's her, and if it isn't her she'll probably answer no because it fits her persona to play along with a blunt question.
>>
No. 842987 ID: 3ce125

She could be trying to manipulate the signal somehow. Changing Rose's mental state would easily do that.
...I wonder, is it possible to make her broadcast a desire for chocolate? If Whiskers is siphoning money off of the chocolate companies or is planning to make money off the stock market due to a chocolate boom, that would be a money angle.

It's also possible the vehicles were a feint. They weren't very effective, after all. Maybe she wants things to go smoothly and this was to throw you off? Get you focused on keeping things secure here, while she messes with something somewhere else?
>>
No. 842998 ID: 3abd97

Hmm I read that like Ramella had something specific she wanted to talk to Polo about, but I guess not? (It's not as if she's gotten much alone time).

>Apparently it isn't uncommon for Whiskers to do things that don't seem to have any material benefit
Well part of that might be things not making sense without seeing the whole plan. Like the part you saw had no obvious benefit, but the part with a benefit went off without a hitch or police attention.

>There's no money in stopping this.
Well, disrupting this the right way could lead to a financial problem for companies involved, or expecting to profit from the aftermath, and if you shorted their stock in advance, that would be a way to profit.

Although if you're after corporate espionage moneymaking schemes, there are certainly easier targets with less government protection.

>Or she's after something else entirely
If she does have another target, now would be a great time to go for it while the UDA is focused on protecting this Valentine's thing. In that case you distracted yourselves for her.

>what do regarding Whiskers
I hate to say it, but there's not much you can do. We don't have enough information to guess what she might be up to. All you can do is be vigilant in your defenses, and hope what you've prepared catches any attempts to compromise or damage it.
>>
No. 843000 ID: 91ee5f

>>842987
>It's also possible the vehicles were a feint. They weren't very effective, after all.
Or maybe that was what the vehicles were supposed to do and they are effective?

When the cars dissolved into puddles, that doesn't necessarily mean that the nanomachines were destroyed nor does it mean that puddle was all of the nanomachines.

Maybe when they fell apart, some of the nanomachines latched onto our car, got onto us, and then hitched a ride all the way up here with us?
>>
No. 843001 ID: 91ee5f

>>843000
Or somehow getting the empathy beam to transmit a desire to give everything to Whiskers and/or rob a bunch of places for Whiskers?
>>
No. 843136 ID: d36af7

>>843001
Moneymaking doesn't have to be straight larceny. Abrupt, widespread, highly focused manipulation of public opinion could be used to dramatically influence stock or commodity prices, and if Whiskers is the only one who knows the details in advance, it'd be easy enough to convert that knowledge into profit on any well-rounded financial derivatives market.
>>
No. 844400 ID: 15a025

Whiskers could be planning to use the neumono affected by the beam for something? They could have a company making these chocolates and plan on blasting ads for them all over after Rose's beam in fired.

It might be worth looking into the companies making these chocolates more.
>>
No. 850798 ID: bfb318
File 151293707602.png - (136.43KB , 800x800 , 376.png )
850798

The UDA is big, but so is this project, and it does seem like a lot of our operators are on board. This may be one giant diversion. On the other hand, it isn't like the entire UDA is on board, here.

There's not much I can do, myself, but I can get others to do some work.

>Making and selling chocolates
I'll send in an investigative request to look into if the chocolate companies are trying to cash in on the rogues feeling like buying chocolate, and if so, if there's been some suspicious activity regarding stocks, the chocolate itself, or so on.

>Dissolved car bots may have morphed into nanomachines, not a useless paste
Nanomachine technology isn't advanced enough, as of yet, to do much with single, microscopic airborn nanomachines. We were scanned enough that any nanomachine buildup in us that could possibly be used would have been detected.

Whiskers may also be attempting to just intercept the satellite beam somehow, too.

>"Polo, are you there?" Katzati asks from the operating room.
"I'm here."
>"We think there's a large object, probably a stealth ship, that's approaching our position. We're putting up our defenses, but we're also wanting to send an agent volunteer to fly up close and confirm what it is, and infiltrate if need be."
>>
No. 850799 ID: 86eb65

Just blow it out of the sky.

A stealth ship approaching a high security military station unannounced? Right in the middle of a series of terror attacks trying to disrupt a national holiday?

Stop humoring these idiots and pull out the big guns and have a warship destroy whatever it is.


If for some reason your bosses are idiots and don't do that you could consider taking the mission. Just so you can blow the stupid thing up yourself.
>>
No. 850804 ID: a363ac

>>850799
Yeah basicly but give it a 1 minute warning signal to respond before we blow it the fuck up.
>>
No. 850808 ID: 33d4be

What sort of stealth ship gets detected? If this is Whiskers that's involved, there's no way she'd send a stealth ship that could be picked up like this, not unless it was meant to be. We can't blow it up, there might be someone on board and none of this has really been worth killing anyone over. Don't we have any non-blowing up defenses?

... You know what, Polo? You've done enough infiltration in your time. This time, you oversee the base, you look at all the cameras and control all the systems, you give the orders and you deal with some other sap trying to infiltrate your base. Why go over there, braving complicated space maneuvers and playing on their ship where they're in control and it's probably a trap anyway, when you can stay here, reinforce your position, apply your knowledge to how you'd infiltrate here if you wanted to, and you let whoever this is deal with being in your territory. Capture them, lock their ship down once it's attached, and you'll have all the info you need. I severely doubt that after all this they're just going to attack the station, there are much easier and more direct ways to do that.

Review the station's layout for the docking ports and best places to do any kind of insertion. Lock the access to the station's computer systems to a higher level, get your CAI up here to watch for any hacking shenanigans, and start whipping security into doing their jobs.
>>
No. 850815 ID: 3abd97

>I can tell Ramella would like to talk
If there's anything specific she wants to talk about, now is the time to ask. You might not have much downtime for the rest of this mission.

>We're putting up our defenses, but we're also wanting to send an agent volunteer to fly up close and confirm what it is, and infiltrate if need be.
I'm willing to be that volunteer. What's our ETA for an intercept?

Also if we're going back on active duty I'm going to re-suggest this:
>change out of your dress back to uniform. In front of Ramella

>Just blow it out of the sky.
Depending on our orbit, and what else is in the sky (or below us) that can get messy quick, and have consequences. (Like fucking up communication satellites, or a debris field that gets in the way of Pink's empathy beam and blocks or attenuates it). A surgical solution is sorta preferable.

Also explosions in orbit can cause a lot of bad press and panic, and could mess up Valentines as bad as anything else. "Oh my god there's a world war starting overhead!"
>>
No. 850816 ID: 3ce125

If they can't just blow it up you're definitely a shoe-in for infiltration. On the other hand whoever's on the ship will EXPECT you to infiltrate it, which could be a problem. If it's Whiskers she might even be counting on it. Which means you need to throw a monkey wrench into her plans somehow.
>>
No. 850890 ID: c88e6d

>>850798
Shoot it down. It's not like we care who's on board. They're flying towards a Space Elevator without permission.

If they still want you to fly up to it, grudgingly agree after switching on your silence so you can't harsh the mood.
>>
No. 850917 ID: d36af7

>>850804
Don't bother with a separate warning signal. Just get a radar/ladar lock and steadily increase the scanning beam's power until the bogey either changes course, or catches on fire.
>>
No. 850939 ID: b69e36

We probably want other people to double down on other checks. Whiskers and the Grinch have deployed a lot of bleeding edge tech- a cloak we can detect at all suggests they want us to see this ship. It may be a distraction providing cover for another attack.

If infiltration is the best option, it might be specifically to draw Polo away (although we're part of an agency collaborating here. It's not as if one less agent is leaving this place undefended).
>>
No. 850945 ID: 33d4be

>>850890
>It's not like we care who's on board.

Whoever has it out for valentine's day, I would not have put it past them to kidnap a member of Pink's hive or something and stow them in a ship just so it would get blown up and then she would feel sad about the holiday forever.
>>
No. 850991 ID: e6994f

"I'll volunteer."
Lets fly.
>>
No. 850998 ID: bfb318
File 151302265220.png - (139.00KB , 800x800 , 377.png )
850998

I start getting changed into my uniform while talking with Katzati.

"I assume that there is a reason why we are not blowing up a stealth ship heading right underneath a secret satellite base, something that is highly improbable by coincidence."
>"Unlikely, but possible. It wouldn't be the first cruise liner to think they could move wherever they please."
"With stealth technology?"
>"More likely than not answering our hails, but we have to be sure it's not just a commerce ship with a stupid captain, first, before we throw that much more loose shrapnel in space. We have our missiles ready to go, otherwise."
"Fine. I'd volunteer, except..."
>"What is it?"
"I can't help but shake the feeling that this is just bait to distract me."
>"It's possible. You're not the only one on the case now, though."
"Alright. Then I'll volunteer. When do I leave?"
>"Let's say 20 minutes."
"Okay."
>>
No. 850999 ID: bfb318
File 151302269941.png - (96.51KB , 800x800 , 378.png )
850999

That gives me time to talk.

"Ramella. Did you have something specific you wanted to talk about?"
>"Hmm? Wellll... what are your plans down the line? Were you going to be a secret agent for your whole life? Sometimes you seem to not like it too much."
>>
No. 851001 ID: c2051e

>>850999
"The work's exhausting and demanding, and Az is a terrible boss at times, but it needs doing. I'd like to have a family of my own someday, but to be blunt, there isn't anyone else who could do the exact same things I can. Until I have a decent replacement in silence or competence, I'll have to comfort myself knowing I do it for my hive. What about you, been rethinking your life?"
>>
No. 851002 ID: c88e6d

>>850999
It's true that it's a rough gig, but protecting the world from people like the Grinch is very rewarding.

Also, I'd lose sleep leaving Az in charge.
>>
No. 851003 ID: 33d4be

There are things about being a secret agent that you like. And is there anything else you'd like more?

Even if there was something more enjoyable, you're an efficient person. I mean... Grump Ranger? Of course not. But if you define a "grump" as someone who doesn't like unnecessary or unwanted things, someone who doesn't like waste, who wants to focus on what they think is important... well, if we called you the Focus Ranger, that'd be something believable. I mean, "focus" doesn't quite describe it, but I don't know a better word. You're someone who doesn't like doing a lot to accomplish only a little, and who does like doing little things that accomplish a lot. You want to be the right person who's in the right place at the right time.

If you had any other job, would you be able to be that person? Probably not. So while you may not like everything about being a secret agent, if you were anything else, you probably wouldn't be able to get your own unfulfilled potential out of your mind. That's probably not a 100% healthy thing, and a psychologist would probably have a lot of fun trying to untangle why you're like that (maybe some sort of reaction to being physically small?), but that seems to be the way it is.

Maybe if there wasn't a need for someone like you, you could find something more enjoyable, but there clearly is a need, and not enough people to fill it. So long as there are big problems that need solving and this is the place a person with your skills and mindset can do the most to help with them, here you are and here you'll be.
>>
No. 851006 ID: c2051e

>>851001
...plus, the job has some perks. Look her up and down.
>>
No. 851013 ID: 17d39d

>>850999
>"Hmm? Wellll... what are your plans down the line? Were you going to be a secret agent for your whole life? Sometimes you seem to not like it too much."
In my job's defense, we did meet on a particularly trying day.

I imagine everyone has things they like and dislike about their jobs. Some cases may be frustrating, and Az may seem to delight in pushing boundaries, but there are people I can depend on, and I do believe in the good I am able to do here. There's a certain satisfaction in setting things right.

I doubt I will be in this job my entire life, but I'm not sure what would come next, now. I'm not interested in the director's job. And as trying as being an agent-detective can be at times, I can't imagine annother job with the freedom and resources I have to call on now. Leaving behind the frustrations means leaving that behind too.

This will probably sound silly, but I enjoy the paperwork.

(I feel like there should be something in there about why Agent Polo is in law enforcement rather than the military, but I'm not exactly sure we have enough insight into that).

Psst, Ramella, help Polo get dressed during your heart to heart. Do up her buttons or something
>>
No. 851077 ID: 1e7aa8

"to be perfectly honest, it's not always about hunting holiday obsessed salikai madmen and tracking down missing sentai neumono. These last couple of months have been so far out of left field I would almost claim that the universe has gone off the deep end, gotten completely hammered and went carousing for strange things." Say this with a straight face, even if you are obviously joking.
>>
No. 851089 ID: 86eb65

In any job there are times where you grumble to yourself and wonder why you even came into work that day.

And living as a secret agent? You are the one running into messy situations that everyone else is running away from.

I probably won't be a field agent forever. Maybe take over commanding or training new agents one day. Have not put much thought into it really.

For the moment I am going to enjoy being the best agent. As for the future I will take that as it comes.
>>
No. 851107 ID: 3abd97

>>851006
Good line. Not ever job lets you arrange a date for a mission, or pull someone out of jail on a whim.
>>
No. 851243 ID: bfb318
File 151309904119.png - (128.99KB , 800x800 , 379.png )
851243

"The job has perks."

I focus on her, and she picks it up.

>"Oh my gosh, you're too much! I'm serious!"
"Even if it's a difficult one, especially anything involving a salikai or the wave force, and Az is far too whimsical, I can see the effects of my actions. They are significant, and worth the strife. I would not exchange that for a job that is more fun, yet has little satisfying payoff."
>"Hmm... yeah, I guess that makes sense! Sometimes our science projects are frustrating and don't go anywhere, but it's worth it when something finally comes together."
"Plus, although we have other field agents of decent skill, I wouldn't be comfortable leaving my post. Someday I will, but now isn't a good time."
>"I see."
"You seem to have a motive for asking."
>"No, no, it's nothing! It's just me musing. Your prioritization of getting stuff done is what I like about you."

Ramella comes up to help button my shirt, even though it is completely unnecessary. I have a couple of ideas about why she might have brought this up, but she is not a hivemate, and I can only read her empathy so accurately. My ideas would be pure conjecture, and not worth addressing without reason.

>"I think you had to leave soon though, huh?"
"Yes. I should be going, but there will be time to talk later."
>"Okay!"

She gives me a peck on the cheek.
>>
No. 851244 ID: bfb318
File 151309905398.png - (228.79KB , 800x1000 , 380.png )
851244

I return it, and head to the docking bay. After I log in and work through various security checks, I climb on board a specific, small stealth ship and begin some manual checks. The console screen flickers on. Sevener is there.

>"Hey. I'm driving this thing too, alright?"
"At this point I'm almost wondering why I'm needed."
>"You tell me! You're the fuckers that wouldn't trust AI to wash your bowls. That's why there's a bigass red button right there saying AI override."
>>
No. 851246 ID: 3abd97

>>851243
Oh my gosh this is adorable I'm dead.

>"Hey. I'm driving this thing too, alright?"
>"At this point I'm almost wondering why I'm needed."
How much training do you have flying stealth ships? You're more commando or detective than pilot. Considering you didn't bring a dedicated pilot (and that you're planning a boarding action), yes, we want an AI flying.

>You're the fuckers that wouldn't trust AI to wash your bowls
Bowls are serious business, Anya. Very serious indeed.

Plot a course for the cloaked vessel, keep me appraised of any developments.
>>
No. 851252 ID: c2051e

>>851244
Press the big red button just for fun. You know you want to.
>>
No. 851262 ID: 91ee5f

>>851243
>She gives me a peck on the cheek.
>>851244
>I return it
D'aaaaaaw!!!

>>851252
Polo is too serious to do something like that for fun. She'd only do it if the AI needs to be overwritten.
>>
No. 851264 ID: b9b4da

PUSH BUTTAN
>>
No. 851265 ID: a363ac

no push button
>>
No. 851268 ID: be350b

Leave this button alone. For now at least.
>>
No. 851273 ID: 2fe26a

Try to flirt with Sevener, accidentally lean on big red button.
>>
No. 851277 ID: 33d4be

"I wouldn't override you, but... are you physically installed on this ship? If you are, we need to arrange plans with the station for you to shut off external access once we're away, until we come back. If you aren't I hope there are solid security measures on the channels you're using."
>>
No. 851312 ID: 90f3c0

Sevener is too hot-headed for a stealth mission, swap back to Alison.
>>
No. 851316 ID: 1e7aa8

Do not push ze button. Do not swap out Anya before she even gets to do anything.
>>
No. 851319 ID: 91ee5f

>>851316
Yeah, keep Sevener around.
>>
No. 851440 ID: de6d84

Keep Anya around for a bit.
>>
No. 851484 ID: bfb318
File 151319218086.png - (130.54KB , 800x800 , 381.png )
851484

I have some misgivings about Sevener on a stealth mission, but I will keep her.

In any case, the AI override is not to be pressed lightly. If I wanted to return to Alison, I would simply ask Sevener. The override is only for if Sevener refused the order.

"I trust you're locally installed on this ship?"
>"Yeah, I'm the non-CAI copy that moved in from the car. Can't use wireless while we're doing stealth, you know."
"I know."
>"I'm clear on my side."
"I just finished. Let's go."

Sevener takes off. We ride in silence, and activate our own invisibility methods. It isn't perfect, but neither will this unidentified ship's.
>>
No. 851485 ID: bfb318
File 151319218803.png - (168.92KB , 800x800 , 382.png )
851485

Sevener downloads the projected path the satellite is taking, and starts running light scanners in space. Pretty soon, we can detect it, and she gives me the details. I can't see it clearly, but Sevener puts it up on the screen, and interpolates what it should look like based on the light fracturing.

>"It has a plasma shield, of course, but I can probably slip through with this ship. It's a medium sized, circular ship, so it's not meant to be in the atmosphere. It's the kind of ship size that would be crewed by about 50 people normally. Not huge, not small. There's no record of this kind of ship, and no signs of power output other than the plasma shield."
>>
No. 851493 ID: 86eb65

So a custom job from someone rich then.

Looks like a cargo hauler or designed for a specific purpose.

Here is my wild guess. Its something belonging to one of the rich villains that the Rangers fight. Possibly they have been manipulated into this mess by whiskers or whoever is behind all this.

I mean it would take a special kind of insanity to bring a custom stealth ship this close to a military base. During a terrorist attack no less. Anyone in that ship is going to get life or worse for there involvement in this stupidity.

That being said this entire thing could be a trap just for you. You should have brought your ranger gear to surprise them.

So approach and be careful.
>>
No. 851495 ID: c2051e

>>851485
Stupid question: Are we certain this is a ship at all?

It sounds like some weird custom Whiskers job or a Rangers villain fucking around, but you'd think the ultrahive would have records on Rangers villains. I'm guessing either a non-ship decoy or a Whiskers custom job.
>>
No. 851497 ID: 33d4be

>There's no record of this kind of ship

Well, that puts it more firmly in the category of belonging to either some ranger villain or a secret super scientist. Whiskers fits both those categories, but I feel like something of hers wouldn't be so vulnerable.

>no signs of power output other than the plasma shield

Not even propulsion, huh? So is it just drifting on a preset trajectory? Is there anything on it that even looks like an engine? And a sphere, man. Spheres aren't generally associated with stealth. Not usually associated with efficient use of internal space or with structural integrity, either, not in the void.

... You know what it looks like? A big, shiny balloon. Can we get any sort of mass reading on it? I'm wondering if that sphere is just a big shell around something else. A sphere makes a lot more sense if it's hollow inside. Maybe there could be a smaller ship inside that would pop out? Or, and this seems even more likely now, it could be a decoy. A big shiny bubble blown your way for you to look at while a better-hidden ship sneaks in the back.
>>
No. 851500 ID: 6c6166

Well, we're making a stealth approach, so no need to attempt to hail them. The station should have kept up trying to establish communication while we were en route.

>can probably slip through their shield
I assume when we do that, they're going to notice?

Plan of action should be to get in, see if it reacts, scan, then reevaluate (try to disable, Polo tries to board, etc).
>>
No. 851509 ID: 1e7aa8

...no way, it can't be. Is it a perfect sphere or are there any kind of indentation's/openings on any 'side' of the ship? also, how big is it?
>>
No. 851512 ID: 91ee5f

>>851485
How big is it compared to the satellite?

It could be trying to ram into the satellite.

Or it could be trying to get in between the satellite and the planet to block the love beam.

Or, if it's big enough, it could get close enough to the satellite to open the shield and then close it with the satellite inside. Then they'd be able to hold the satellite and everyone on board hostage for a ransom.

Or this is all a big trap to only kidnap Polo because her silence makes her a very valuable target for ransoming.
>>
No. 851531 ID: c88e6d

>>851485
It's definitely a trap for us. Send a laser transmission back to command alerting them to it, then prepare to board anyway.
>>
No. 851555 ID: 3abd97

>Well, that puts it more firmly in the category of belonging to either some ranger villain or a secret super scientist
Not necessarily. It would be a lot cheaper, for example, to hide an existing or known design under a baffle or shell than to design a whole new class of ship from the ground up. There might be something more conventional under the sphere.

But you're right that something completely new puts it solidly into Team Rocket / the Grinch / Whiskers tier bullshit.
>>
No. 851585 ID: 86eb65

Wait I think I figured what that thing is.

They know that you will come to investigate. And they know you are the grump ranger. That thing has a giant empathy beam and they want to capture you so they can grump up valentines day.

Its obvious really.
>>
No. 851589 ID: edee29

>>851485
That's no ship... it's a space station!

>>851585
The Grump Star!
>>
No. 851629 ID: 38f35c

So i’m noticing some wierd distortion in the stars on the right side of polo’s head, is that just art style or something we should be worrying about.
>>
No. 851630 ID: 91ee5f

>>851629
Read the update, it tells you what that is. Especially since that's the same object that Severner just put on the screen in front of Polo.
>>
No. 851729 ID: de6d84

Stay cautious as you get near.
>>
No. 851739 ID: bfb318
File 151326971072.png - (145.83KB , 800x800 , 383.png )
851739

Before getting too close, I send the information back, using our best method to do so without giving away our position. The unknown ship is likely some kind of overdeveloped nonsense, but I will still approach it.

>How big is it compared to the satellite?
Perhaps about a quarter of the size.

>Is it a perfect sphere?
No, its general shape is spherical, but it has indentations between its plates, various equipment on its outside, and so on.

"Can we board it, Sevener?"
>"Yeah."
"Will they notice us passing through the plasma?"
>"Maybe. We have spoofers, but it's not perfect. Notice how that ship doesn't have any open ports, though, so if you board, we'll have to break through the hull. They'll notice that."
"Can I get a mass reading?"
>"No, but other sensors say it's pretty solid. Meaning that it's not like it's just a big ball with another ship hidden inside."
"Does it have no propulsion?"
>"It does, but they're not powered on right now. I think I see a few engines."

We approach, and slip through the plasma. There's no sign that we've been detected. Once we get close enough, I can see the light change enough to make out the shape. As Sevener said, it isn't the kind of ship that conveniently has an open boarding area.

I should start suiting myself into appropriate gear. As for hull breaching, this ship does come equipped with hull breaching lasers, but I also have a plasma sword that can do the same thing provided the hull isn't outrageously thick.
>>
No. 851748 ID: b69e36

Bring the sword in case you need to cut bulkheads inside, but use the ship's lasers to cut the initial entry.

Hmmm. We're giving up stealth for a hot entry, but if there are no airlocks you can use, we don't have a lot of choice. Should have brought backup if this is just turning into storming the place.

Sevener should make some more scans now that we're inside the shield.
>>
No. 851763 ID: 90f3c0

Use the tool that was designed for the job, rather than running down the battery on your plasma sword for no reason.
>>
No. 851768 ID: 86eb65

There has to be some entrance. Maintenance hatches and docks.

If you have to cut through aim for a area with lots of equipment. A spot where hull sensors would be thin due to other systems being close.
>>
No. 851973 ID: bfb318
File 151336579484.png - (105.31KB , 800x800 , 384.png )
851973

>There has to be some entrance. Maintenance hatches and docks.
They're are, but they're covered by panels that may not be any easier to forcibly open than the rest of the hull.

"Open a hole." I tell Sevener, as I suit up. I have requested my previous suit be put onto the ship, as I am entering an unknown, possibly hostile environment, and do not want to deal with being a test subject for Az's play projects. I confirm that my suit is sealed and has a full oxygen supply, as I will be entering space for a brief period of time. "Try to do it by equipment, as hull sensors may be lacking there."
>"Doesn't matter. But since it doesn't matter, fine."

I stand by the ejection port and fasten myself in. If any missiles or lasers start firing on the ship, I'll be ejected instantly. Sevener, too, likely has means to eject herself from the ship, but it sounds like she will stay here.

>"Hello, I am Bell." I hear in my suit, as its own AI activates.
"Hello."

There are no signs of retalitation by this unidentified ship.

>"Hole's almost open." says Sevener. "Give them hell. I'm staying with the ship, but keep a listener open for me, because if this ship blows up, I need a place to hop to."
>>
No. 851974 ID: bfb318
File 151336580073.png - (102.28KB , 800x800 , 385.png )
851974

Sevener ejects me softly from the ship, and I hop into the carved hole and make my way inside.

The halls are completely barren and lifeless, both in aesthetic, design, and actual signs of life. There's no sign of anyone living here, nor any signs that anyone ever lived here.

The lights are off, but my suit is able to amplify light to make it clearer. Now that I look harder, I realize that the lights aren't off - there are no lights. In fact, there were barely any visible wires or equipment when I entered.
>>
No. 851976 ID: c2051e

Oh fuck so it really is a decoy. Or possibly just a trap. We probably have to investigate more anyway.
>>
No. 851979 ID: a363ac

>>851974
call Az and ask for permission to "Screw this obvious trap and blow this place to high hell."
>>
No. 851980 ID: 20a6e7

Are you sure you're not in a gun's barrel?
>>
No. 851983 ID: 58b62d

"This is the UDA! This vehicle has entered a restricted orbit and ignored hails in violation of [cite laws]! Power down your cloak and identity yourself!"

We're law enforcement, act like it. Stealth is already blown after cutting through the hull.

For the same reason, go radio hot and get your operator on the line.

Gets your operators and AIs to do some math based off the size of this corridor, and the size of the sphere. How long will this place take to manually searching?

Is there atmosphere in here?

Break out a flashlight, preferably a light that attaches to your armor so your hands are free.
>>
No. 851985 ID: 3ce125

>>851974
Flashlight time.
>>
No. 851991 ID: 91ee5f

Draw your weapon and have it at the ready in case you need to shoot something and/or someone!
>>
No. 851995 ID: d36af7

If it's not fighting back and nobody's on board, can we just get some kind of space tugboat out here and shove the mysterious stealth orb into a safer orbit, to be more thoroughly dealt with after holiday crunch time is over? Maybe disable the apparent engines and tag it with some sort of stealth-defeating radio beacon too.
>>
No. 851997 ID: 1e7aa8

yeah this isn't suspicious at all. Cut a hole in the wall/floor and move on.
>>
No. 852019 ID: 86eb65

Yeah this definitely reaks of a trap/distraction to keep you away from guarding Pink properly.

But we are here now so might as well investigate.
>>
No. 852285 ID: 15a025

Start slicing up some holes in the walls, floor, and ceilings. See what's inside?
>>
No. 852310 ID: a54b8b

>>851979
Now that you can be sure it’s not an ordinary ship, there’s no reason not to blow it up!
>>
No. 852324 ID: 0d4b79

This screams maze trap. Bug out while coms still work.
>>
No. 852351 ID: 6780f5

Don't even dignify this trap/distraction with more exploration. Just silently head back to the ship and get out before telling Az to blow it up.
>>
No. 852384 ID: 3cc68c

>>851983

I agree with this.

While this is most likely a trick/trap you are a officer of the law and should do your best to act like one.

Continue investigating sneakily. We need to at least find a place to announce ourselves and give them a chance to respond. Or find evidence of what this thing is.
>>
No. 852392 ID: c9f5a7

It's worth investigating, don't try to blow it up.
>>
No. 852393 ID: 3abd97

>just blow it up
That would be wildly irresponsible.

Orbital debris is a mess to clean up, and a hazard for traffic, satellites, and communications (and possibly orbital empathy beams). A big, high velocity debris field in orbit could be a bigger economic hit than the disruption of Valentines' we're trying to prevent.

We've surveyed a tiny corner of this ship, by eye. We don't know what else might be hidden on a object the size of a building able to hold 50 crew. Are there crew, hiding from us? Are there hostages trapped the enemy is hoping we kill for them (Pink might not be able to do the love beam if we kill people she cares about protecting her). Is the hold filled with radioactive materials or some other substance we don't want scattered around the upper atmosphere? We need to know what's on board from either detailed scans, or sending agents or drones of some kind to explore.

For all we know, this ship isn't an enemy asset, it's someone's pet project Whiskers disabled so it would drift near us and distract us. As the rangers and their villains prove, the Grinch and Whiskers don't have a monopoly on ridiculous science or resources.

So yes, it might be a trap for Polo to explore, but there's all kinds of ways this could be a trap if we destroy it too.

We need a way to neutralize the trap without tripping it, which means more information and/or more resources to learn about it (calling your operators might help), Polo taking personal risks to explore or as >>851995 suggests, just towing the whole thing to a safer orbit for another day (Polo might have to disable the engines / cloak / shield for that).
>>
No. 852424 ID: ee0c07

You got this Polo, let's investigate and not blow the place.
>>
No. 852502 ID: de6d84

Investigate it, make cuts or something as you go in front of you so you don't get directly trapped incase.
>>
No. 852529 ID: adb0d6

>>852393
Everything here
>>
No. 854365 ID: bfb318
File 151451247747.png - (117.04KB , 800x800 , 386.png )
854365

I activate the speaker amplifiers so that my voice will be loud.

"This is the UDA. This vehicle has entered a restricted orbit zone and ignored hails. Power down your cloak, and direct me towards the ship's captain or equivalent."

There is also a flashlight equipped on my arm, so I point forward with that.

>Is there atmosphere in here?
There is, but given that that could quickly change, I opt to keep my armor sealed.

>Are you sure you're not in a gun's barrel?
No reasonable ship would ever make their hallway sized gun barrel point down into their docking bay.

I activate wireless communications to speak with the operators.

"Operator, come in."
>"I read you."

It's Lucera. We exchange codes.

"I'm sending photos your way. I don't see or hear anyone on board. Can we get a towing ship to steer this ship away?"
>"Yes. Whether we tow it will depend on what else you know about this ship and if it's safe to do so, but we're sending one into your proximity now."

As I move forward, I use my plasma sword to make low powered cuts into the wall. There's something weird about the walls. It's like they shifted slightly, and there were sounds of creaking and grinding to go with it.

My camera sends an alert of something behind me.
>>
No. 854366 ID: bfb318
File 151451250926.png - (119.93KB , 800x800 , 387.png )
854366

I spin around.

There is a belenosian standing as still as a statue. He should not have been able to get this close to me without either Bell or myself noticing.
>>
No. 854367 ID: 3b108e

>No reasonable ship would
Stop assuming reasonable, now.

Keep him covered and ask him to explain.
>>
No. 854368 ID: 91ee5f

>>854365
>There's something weird about the walls. It's like they shifted slightly, and there were sounds of creaking and grinding to go with it.
>My camera sends an alert of something behind me.
>>854366
>There is a belenosian standing as still as a statue. He should not have been able to get this close to me without either Bell or myself noticing.
Considering you opened a hole into the void of space and he's neither suffocating nor getting sucked into space, I think it's safe to say this place has hallways that shift around. Meaning that the hallway is going to look different and not have those cuts you made anywhere.
>>
No. 854369 ID: 86eb65

Its probably a labyrinth thing. Moving hallways to confuse and trap you.

Start scanning this guy while you ask him for his identity.
>>
No. 854370 ID: 3abd97

>There's something weird about the walls. It's like they shifted slightly, and there were sounds of creaking and grinding to go with it.
>There is a belenosian standing as still as a statue. He should not have been able to get this close to me without either Bell or myself noticing.
...polymorphic materials, maybe? Like a fufa, or jetalium. A 'living' ship of reconfigurable materials. You're not cutting real panels, and it extruded a statue of a person out of the floor.

Although you'd be well and truly fucked if that were the case, and already trapped. Could just be very quiet hidden passages / reconfigurable panels a normal person popped out of.

>what do
"Identify yourself!"

Cycle alt vision modes and sensors in your suit. Anything give him away as not-alive? (Like, not giving off a warm body's worth of heat).
>>
No. 854372 ID: 33d4be

Something seems very wrong with his arm. His tail puff is too big. His jacket doesn't have buttons. No-one in this situation should be smiling.

I'd say you should think of getting out of here.
>>
No. 854380 ID: b1b4f3

Wanna bet he's attached to the floor?
>>
No. 854381 ID: 86eb65

Oh man what if this is one of the belenosian scientists who gave the Rangers there empathy tech?

And this thing is a training ground or some nonsense?
>>
No. 854464 ID: 94b817

Is he a hologram? Does your suit have sonar?
>>
No. 854647 ID: e1c8f7

Draw your weapon, Polo.
>>
No. 854850 ID: 15a025

Prepare for action. Approach cautiously and have belle keep an eye on your back.

Ask who they are?
>>
No. 855002 ID: bfb318
File 151475227043.png - (220.91KB , 800x800 , 388.png )
855002

"Identify yourself!" I say immediately, but use the moment to shine my light onto him for a better look, as I point my gun at him. Bell provides me with eyes behind my back.

He doesn't look like he's connected to the floor, but his shoes are touching it, so he could be. Plus, his elbow is... I can't see it, but it does not seem to align with his shoulder and forearm in a sensible manner. A few other details about him don't sit well with me.

I swap to thermal vision. The first thing I notice are the walls. Specifically, the panels are cold, but the gaps between them emanate an abnormal amount of heat. The belenos appears almost normal, but there's a heat tunnel going downward from his feet.

>"Someone called me Gelatin. That can be considered identification."

My first suspicion is a fufa. Most likely the same fufa as I saw around christmas, but if so, it's improved its ability to pass itself off as a convincing alien, even if it isn't perfectly there yet. More importantly, I could be in great danger, but running away at this point may be even more dangerous than keeping it engaged in conversation.

"Are you a fufa?"
>"Yes."
"Why are you here?"
>"I am heading to a nearby ship, due to external guidance, due to me searching for the meaning of valentine's day. I wish to learn what 'love' is."

>"Keep that thing away from us!" says Lucera.
>>
No. 855003 ID: 7fad5d

>>855002
"There are many different kinds of love, depending on the context of the relationships between people. Which one are you interested in, Gelatin... do you remember who called you Gelatin?"
>>
No. 855010 ID: 91ee5f

>>855002
>Everything is fufa!
>Most likely the same fufa as I saw around christmas, but if so, it's improved its ability to pass itself off as a convincing alien, even if it isn't perfectly there yet.
If that is the same fufa, then holy shit, it got huge! How did it get so big?!

>External guidance
So someone is directing this fufa towards the satellite? A fufa this size is a problem if it reaches the station!

Even if all it does is block the giant "love beam" because it thinks that's how it'll understand love, that's still a problem since the "love beam" is meant for the rouges down below!
>>
No. 855013 ID: 33d4be

"If you can sense neumono empathy, you would be better to go back down to the planet, where it will be focused after being amplified. If you visited the station, your presence would disrupt the lovemaki... the love generating process, so it would not be helpful to you. If you cannot sense neumono empathy, something similar still applies to other methods of learning; your best chance of learning what love is is from someone who is fully capable of feeling it, and there are many ways that you could disable someone's capability to feel love if you are not cautious. Interrupting them when they are doing something important to them is one of those ways. If you have already learned patience, please use it to wait and I will try to arrange for someone who understands love well to meet you within the next day or two. If you have not... please try to practice it."
>>
No. 855014 ID: 3abd97

>Specifically, the panels are cold, but the gaps between them emanate an abnormal amount of heat.
Not sure what that would be. The fufa is spread through the halls (or the ship) with cells crammed into all the gaps like moss? Not sure distributed fufa cells would be hot though.

It can't be the whole ship though, there are diminishing returns on fufa growth. A single colony can only get so big. (I suppose multi fufas isn't impossible, but we have no idea how or if they can work together).

>>"I am heading to a nearby ship, due to external guidance, due to me searching for the meaning of valentine's day. I wish to learn what 'love' is."
On whose guidance? This is a restricted orbit (maybe play to those laws, fufas seem very rule focused) and valentine's is a global holiday.

Ideal circumstance is we talk the fufa down, or get it to cooperate with us (on the basis the UDA will help it understand what love is).

If that doesn't work out... do you still have a flamethrower, Polo?

>"Keep that thing away from us!" says Lucera.
Thanks you for your calm support, operator.

You might want to arm shipboard weapons- be prepared to disable this vessel's propulsion, or to alter it's trajectory if necessary (if Polo can't resolve this). Try to avoid blowing the ship up- we've already explained the myriad problems doing that, and now there's the added problem of Polo being on board, and that we don't know if the fufa can survive in vacuum (if it can, a debris field just gives it cover to close).
>>
No. 855015 ID: a363ac

>>855002
"Alright sit down over there" point to the wall across from you Polo. "I know what love is, and I am going to teach you."
>>
No. 855025 ID: b1b4f3

>>855002
I suspect this is one of Whiskers' science projects, and this is an earnest attempt to teach it love. Ask just how big it is. Who has been taking care of it?
Ask what other emotions it understands. Love is not a good starting point-- other emotions are far easier to define.
>>
No. 855044 ID: 86eb65

Gelatin how big are you exactly? If you are all over this ship getting you anywhere might be a problem.

As for finding out about love and valentines day I am sure we can help you out if you agree to some terms.

Like uncloaking this ship and being calm and polite about things. Also promising to not eat or mind read anyone in fufa fashion.

Ask him what ship he is headed to. Also jokingly ask on the communication channel if anyone on base wants to love up a fufa.
>>
No. 855053 ID: 3cc68c

Check to see if Katzati and Ramella want to help you teach the fufu about love.

Or anyone else on base that is into that sort of thing.
>>
No. 855060 ID: 75ec18

Ask if anyone on your team has a tentacle fetish. Because now is the best chance they are going to get.

Ask Gelatin for more info on its quest for love and this ship.
>>
No. 855114 ID: 0c3717

Be the spirit of Valentine's Day Polo. Fuck that fufu.
>>
No. 855132 ID: d36af7

Sorry, fufa, before you're allowed to learn about love you're going to need to learn about orbital traffic laws.

Can you reconfigure this ship? If so, immediately deactivate any and all stealth systems, install a standard transponder, cooperate with any instructions from traffic control, and [other regulatory compliance, as appropriate]

Can the ship survive re-entry, and maneuver in the atmosphere? If so, clear a deorbiting lane and park it somewhere in the same 'roguetown' district which Pink is going to be targeting with the empathy beam.

Once it's safely down, have some folks go door to door recruiting volunteers for a "psychological study." Ten zeny an hour (or whatever a reasonable minimum wage would be), plus meals, to be interviewed by a fufa.

Who or where is that "external guidance" coming from? If the fufa won't snitch, or doesn't know, or the mastermind is insolvent, pay the traffic fines and rogue-charity-interview wages by breaking up the ship for scrap.
>>
No. 855140 ID: 3abd97

Actually, we know fufas are capable of having really good senses. Since it's not a vacuum in here, you should probably assume it can hear what's said over your comms inside your sealed helmet. (So be careful what you tell your operators, and you may need to cut them off if the conversation starts going towards violent countermeasures).

>Sorry, fufa, before you're allowed to learn about love you're going to need to learn about orbital traffic laws.
This is a fantastically Polo line and should be used.
>>
No. 855219 ID: e1c8f7

>>855002
Cut it a deal, Polo. Teach it all it wants to know later, in exchange for it's cooperation and observation of laws now.
>>
No. 855243 ID: bfb318
File 151482893749.png - (96.21KB , 800x800 , 389.png )
855243

"I may be able to help, but I have questions about you. How big have you gotten, Gelatin?"
>"Big. I have learned to spread out, and I have learned to integrate myself with technology. Therefore this ship's materials have been supplied to me."
"And who has taught you this?"
>"Whiskers."
"You're working with her?"
>"Incorrect. She wants me to do things I will not do, but she has respected this, so I do not consider her a threat."
"Is she the 'external guidance' who told you to come here?"
>"Correct."
"I'll help as long as you don't try to eat or mind read anyone."
>"Doing so will not assist. Brains have been copied, and yet this still remains a mystery."

>Who's got a tentacle fetish?
The only person who I think is kinky enough to lay with a fufa would be Korli.

"First of all, if you want to learn about love, you have to learn about orbital traffic laws."
>"I, Gelatin, have learned all laws. The ship I am heading to has been placed above the law, therefore, anything I do towards it is perfectly legal."
"That..."

...

"Operator?"
>"Let me see.... put me through speaker." I do. "Astreneus Low Orbit Article 148 b." Lucera says to Gelatin. "Put simply, 'no unauthorized vessels or parties are to approach government protected satellites.'"
>"Counter article 21. 'Article 148 b is bullshit.'"
>"Galactic Code of Law article 4892. 'No counter laws are recognized as legally appropriate.'"
>"Gelatin did not think of Galactic Code of Law."
>"No one ever does."
"Gelatin, I will do my best to show you love, if you turn off the stealth of this ship and cooperate."
>"Very well. You will be my hostage because I do not trust your government. Show me love."
"If you go to roguetown, you'll be shown love through empathy."
>"And what of aliens? Or is the small neumono saying that aliens cannot love without empathy?"
>>
No. 855244 ID: 86eb65

Aliens have empathy but its not as easily detected like neumono or fufa empathy. They have to learn to love without being able to directly feel each others emotions.


What type of love do you want to learn about? There are a few different options.

Family love:

This is the love you have for your parents and siblings. In your case the feelings you have for your cells would count. If you worry about some of your cells getting lost or get nervous about them getting damaged while doing something dangerous that is a form of love.

Love for friends:

Do you have anyone you spend a good amount of time with? If you find yourself wanting them to be near you just because you enjoy there company that is love.

Love for objects:

If you have any favorite toys or physical objects that you feel a fondness for. Something you keep around even though it might not serve any other purpose.

Lewd tentacle love:

If you just want to get laid and bask in physical pleasure then I am sure we can find some people who will let you fuck them senseless. Then you can maybe learn something from there enjoyment of what you are doing to them.
>>
No. 855245 ID: 7fad5d

Alien love is harder to notice.

>>855244
Empathy in neumono refers to a different concept than empathy in other species.
>>
No. 855257 ID: 3abd97

Operators should note this might just be the opening salvo in whatever Whiskers is attempting. Polo's going to be occupied here, but they need to be ready for other attempts at interference.

>The ship I am heading to has been placed above the law, therefore, anything I do towards it is perfectly legal
If we needed further legal arguments, "on whose authority" becomes important (since no one is legally authorized to do that), as does whatever article states no one and nothing is above the law.

>"Counter article 21. 'Article 148 b is bullshit.'"
Also from a strictly legal standpoint, it doesn't matter if a given law is made from cow manure, it's still the law.

>The only person who I think is kinky enough to lay with a fufa would be Korli.
It'd be unethical (and probably illegal) to take an inanimate of the prison system and ask them to have sex with a dangerous xenofungus.

>"And what of aliens? Or is the small neumono saying that aliens cannot love without empathy?"
No, I am saying empathy makes demonstrating emotions to an observer easier. And due to ongoing operations, there will be such an emphatic demonstration soon.

Are you capable of sensing empathy?
>>
No. 855259 ID: 33d4be

"I was directing you to what I judged the easiest and most direct method of learning, not claiming that was the only way. Aliens also love, but it is not as easy to experience."

If you're going to go on trying to explain in words, then:

"Explaining love in words is difficult, partly because there are different theoretical models, and partly because of how many other concepts you must understand first in order to understand the explanation. There are also multiple concepts to which "love" refers to. I assume you're speaking of romantic love, in which case there is a relatively popular theory that "true romantic love" sits at the convergence of three other factors: intimacy, affection, and desire. Do you understand those three concepts?"

If they don't:

"Intimacy is state of knowing and understanding someone deeply, and being known and understood by them in turn. A person with whom you are intimate knows and is aware of things about you that you normally conceal from other people, and you ideally are in the same state regarding them. It is a state of mutually knowing, and having experienced, each others' strengths and weaknesses, prides and embarrassments, and many other details. When the relationship is a positive one, intimacy implies deep trust and comfort. It is possible for people who are hostile to each other to be intimate, however. There are different levels and forms of intimacy. Sexual interactions are often referred to as "physical intimacy", but is not always linked to emotional or intellectual intimacy."

"Desire generally refers to physical, sexual desire, but that is an oversimplification. Any way by which another person can give you pleasure can stand for having desire for them. You might find them beautiful, or amusing, or intellectually stimulating, or soothing, or any number of other things, in addition to or in place of their ability to give you physical pleasure."

"Affection, finally, may be difficult for me to explain to you. The simplest way I can state it is that affection towards someone is the state of wanting to help them, to soothe their pains, to assist them in their desires and to give them things they like. There are many ways in which affection can come about, and as I am not familiar with how you think I am not sure which of those ways may work for you. The most rational and mercenary explanation of affection is the desire to provide someone else with things they like so that they will remain near you and provide you with things you like. As with all emotions, however, it manifests as a desire in itself rather than a conscious chain of logic. There are other explanations."

"According to the theory, a person with whom you are intimate, who you are affectionate towards, who provides something you desire, and who reflects all of these back onto you, is someone with whom you are experiencing romantic love. There are some objections to the theory, but there aren't any other theories that lack objections."

"Whether you can experience it yourself is another question, and I would have to understand you better. Let's start with the basics: Have you ever become deeply accustomed to someone? That is, so used to their presence and influence on you that it became automatic to think and act with them factored into your planning, so that conversely when they were absent you experienced a sense of difficulty, frustration and loss?"
>>
No. 855261 ID: 3cc68c

This thing is a confused mess. Talking is going to get you nowhere fast. Whiskers would have explained things to it if words would work.

So tell it to make the area comfortable and then take off your helmet and give it a kiss. Tell it that's love and if it wants to learn more it needs to follow you around for awhile and watch.
>>
No. 855265 ID: 3cc68c

This thing is a emotional robot. And you don't start a long argument with a confused robot. You need to show it "love" in simple terms it can understand.


Have it make the area less metal corridor and take your armor off. Then give it a hug. Pat it on the head and scratch behind its ears. Hold it in your lap and think calm thoughts while you massage its head.
>>
No. 855268 ID: 75ec18

>>855265

Snuggling with the fufa seems better than arguing with its odd logic.
>>
No. 855269 ID: ae9dd7

>>855265

Can not go wrong with Alison logic. Hug the big guy.

(Maybe a cai could teach the oddly computer like fungus what love is?)
>>
No. 855271 ID: 10c408

"No. Empathy helps a lot but since only Neumono have it most alien species show it in other subtle ways."

You need to request a supply drop from the station. A flat screen TV, a wifi capable laptop and a chair. If we have to teach Gelatin what love is, there's no better source than good old fashioned soap operas!

(Unless they were banned for some reason)
>>
No. 855273 ID: b1b4f3

>>855243
Aliens feel love the same way. Empathy is merely the easiest way for a Fufa to experience emotions. I mean, it's developed the structures to receive empathic frequencies, correct? Then uses those to emulate the chemical and mental processes associated with the empathy?
>>
No. 855279 ID: 3abd97

>This thing is a emotional robot.
So Polo is the perfect person to relate to it.
>>
No. 855335 ID: 91ee5f

>>855269
Everything can go wrong with hugging a fufa!
>>
No. 855351 ID: 86eb65

>>855335

It did agree to no eating or brain scanning.
>>
No. 855353 ID: 91ee5f

>>855351
That doesn't mean that Polo believes or trusts it enough to attempt to hug it!
>>
No. 855358 ID: e4988d

Do not hug the Fufa. That is the definition of suicide. I'm pretty sure young neumonos use it as an insult.
>>
No. 855360 ID: e1c8f7

"Aliens have to take risks, chances that feeling aren't returned or misinterpreted. Neumono have the luxury, or curse, of knowing what the other is feeling."
>>
No. 856476 ID: bfb318
File 151520543031.png - (202.46KB , 800x800 , 390.png )
856476

"Aliens have empathy. It's just internal, like mine currently is."

It stares blankly at me.

>"Acknowledged. Empathy of love will be searched for as you say, but there must be more. Whiskers said you are a good person to show it."
"Me specifically?" It nods and nothing more. "If I'm to attempt to tell you or show you what love is, then is there a location in this ship that is better than a featureless hallway?"
>"Yes. Follow me."

A nearby panel is pulled outward, and then the wall shifts to the side. A door slides into view, replacing the panel that was there before. I follow the fufa inside into some kind of valentine's day themed room. There's various paper cutouts of anatomically incorrect hearts, along with a heart shaped bowl filled with heart shaped candy that's gone somewhat stale.

Against all instincts and logic, I hug the fufa. It returns the hug, but instead of kneeling down for a better angle, its arms snap and pop to extend themselves around me.

>"Is this love?"
"This is a hug. Physical affection is a component of love in many cases, nonetheless. I don't think I can explain love in words, but I can try."
>"Futile. Gela - I have read all words on what love is. Yet I do not understand."
"What about underlying concepts? Intimacy, affection, desire? Or for that matter, the different kinds of love that occurs with friends, family, and so on."
>"Words on these subjects are also read!"

I have Bell pin the status of my armor's sealant, so I can confirm if the fufa could enter my armor. It does little to alleviate my concerns.

There's a television in this room.
>>
No. 856477 ID: bfb318
File 151520546183.png - (163.76KB , 800x800 , 391.png )
856477

"If you're going to keep me here while going to Roguetown to experience the empathy of love, then have you tried watching television shows that deal with the matter?"
>"No. Television shows provide little information per minute."
"Love is not about information per minute."
>"Gelatin will attempt to understand."

I am somewhat glad that Gelatin is not asking me to stop my silence, as I'd rather not express my feelings on cuddling with a dangerous fungal growth. I hear the ship turn on, and Lucera says that the ship is changing direction. Sevener tethers our shuttle to the ship, but is reluctant to dock inside.

I browse the channels until I turn on a soap opera. While these are ridiculous caricatures about what love might be, a caricature might be what's needed. We watch for a few minutes, which Gelatin spends studying it. It appears to be a tale of forbidden love between various aliens.

>"Attention. I, Gelatin, have developed doubts about this television show's depiction of love."
>>
No. 856480 ID: 86eb65

It is a bit silly.

Tell Gelatin to shrink down and get in your lap. Give it head scratches and snuggles while you talk.

Ask it what doubts it has. Then try to walk it through what its missing about love. While doing so try to be tender with it and treat it like you would a cute pet. Lots of hugs brushing and ear scratches.
>>
No. 856481 ID: 7fad5d

Ask about them, but first ask if it's ever analyzed its own feelings. That sort of information is important for finding someone Gelatin might be compatible with.
>>
No. 856482 ID: a363ac

>>856477
good that means you are learning. the fact that you have doubts about cheesy love shows means that you are learning what they are supposed to teach.
>>
No. 856483 ID: 0d45a9

Does Gelatin understand the concept of friendship? If so then we can kinda build a explanation of what love is off that. If not then IDK.
>>
No. 856484 ID: 3ce125

>>856477
Oh? Then what about love does it not understand?
>>
No. 856491 ID: 3abd97

After last night, I feel like Katzati is probably cracking up if she's listening into your audio feed.

>>856477
They're something of an exaggeration. If you recognize that well enough to doubt the authenticity of the depiction, that's showing you understand something of love.

What do you feel is wrong with love as is shown in this soap opera? Can you describe it?
>>
No. 856519 ID: 33d4be

"This show depicts an exaggerated version of some types of love. My theory is that you could more easily learn basic understanding this way, then learn the subtler and more complicated reality after that. Do you disagree?"

You know, this still could be a distraction from something, for Whiskers. Maybe you should ask the fufa if it knows anything about those bike things that you saw on the road.

You could also ask the fufa if it ever tried to make a second brain in itself with its own separate thoughts, while still being connected and part of the same body in other ways, and ask what those two brains felt about each other.
>>
No. 856520 ID: 28cb85

It is drama, that means it's like life with all the dull bits cut out.
>>
No. 856531 ID: 91ee5f

>>856476
>Bell
This is what I imagine will happen next:
Polo: "Bell, run a search on, 'What is love?'"

Bell: "The results of your search are:
'Baby don't hurt me
Don't hurt me
No more...'"

Polo: "Bell, that's unhelpful."

But seriously, love is like.....caring for another person, it doesn't have to be romantic, you can still love others as your friends or family and not escalate it to romantic love.

Like, if you see someone you care about and they're emotionally hurt, then you also feel emotionally hurt and want to do whatever you can to help that person not hurt anymore.
>>
No. 856538 ID: c88e6d

>>856477
Hmmmmm.... Let's try another tactic. What makes Gelatin 'happy'? What is a positive mental stimulus for it?
>>
No. 856588 ID: bfb318
File 151526466105.png - (106.14KB , 800x800 , 392.png )
856588

"Do you have any other forms?"
>"Is this form unsuitable for love?"
"No, but..."

Having the fufa turn into something smaller won't make me feel better, but perhaps there is a more friendly looking form I can think of that would help me talk with him. Still, I don't want to go a long time without silence, so I keep speaking.

"I have a couple quick questions for you. Have you ever tried splitting off into two brains?"
>"Almost. I have modified my primary thinking organs a lot, but as I attempted to get two brains, I nearly split into two different beings entirely. I do not want this, so my brains recombined."
"Secondly, is this a distraction for Whiskers to approach the satellite."
>"It is possible. I do not know. Please return to the current topic of love."
"Okay, first off, do you have a concept of friendship?"
>"Friendship. When two or more parties consider each other's relationship as favorable, they are friends."
"That sounds reasonable. In that case, if one friend was emotionally hurt, then the other friend would want to assist in making them feel better. If they loved each other, then that other friend may even go so far as to feel emotionally hurt just seeing the other be emotionally hurt."
>"Love is copied feelings?"
"It... is holding another's feelings very close to oneself."
>"Many mixed messages have been received."
"Such as?"
>"View Tina and Faroi." he says, pointing to the television. Tina and Froy are a pomi and heef involved in some kind of love tria... pentagram. "They claim to love each other. And yet Faroi has felt dissatisfaction with life. How can they love each other, as you say, while Tina is so oblivious to Faroi's unfavorable feelings? And Faroi, he knows that Tina wishes for a monogamous relationship, but he is engaging in a relationship with another girl. There is a high probability that Tina will find out, so why would he do such a thing, if Tina's incoming mental disaster will affect him?"

I've barely been paying attention to the soap opera.
>>
No. 856589 ID: 7fad5d

People are fallible, and often have other concerns that cloud their thinking when it comes to love. Also, the soap opera's purpose is to create drama and make its viewers want to see what happens next, not to give a realistic depiction of love. It is common for plots to happen that can only continue because people act stupidly and refuse to talk to each other about their issues. Good communication is key to a healthy relationship.

Tell me about yourself, Gelatin.
>>
No. 856590 ID: 3abd97

This work is intended as entertainment. You have identified the conflict. There's tension in the uncertainty if the characters will overcome their circumstances, their mistakes, or their own flaws.

Failing to take anther's feelings into consideration, or putting your own feelings first, or short-sighted destructive choices are things that can doom relationships. This show is a better example of flawed relationships in progress than it is an instructional guide.
>>
No. 856591 ID: 3ce125

>>856588
Perhaps Faroi's love for Tina has faded, and he is simply clinging to the remnants of their relationship, outwardly claiming he still loves her, while searching for another person to love. Or perhaps he does not understand his own feelings. Or perhaps he loves the other girl as well and is trying to make them both happy by keeping that relationship a secret. "What you don't know can't hurt you" as the saying goes.

Love does not outright forbid lying.
>>
No. 856602 ID: 33d4be

In order to counter the numbing effect on the audience from being only an observer, shows like this create more extreme and complicated version of what occurs in real life in order to exaggerate the emotional impact. It also must fulfill other purposes than simply depicting love accurately, one of which is to create conflict and suspense for entertainment purposes.

Apart from that, love does not necessarily enhance one's perception, intelligence, or ability to control other emotional impulses. A person who has difficulty noticing another's feelings may spend more time and devote more effort to observing someone who they are in love with, but they are still fallible. A person who does not exercise rigorous self-awareness and control can be compelled by conflicting emotions into conflicting actions. Sapient minds seek patterns and order and will attempt to rationalize their emotional impulses, which is a vital process but capable of producing flawed results when improperly trained.

I think you might be trying to understand love as a physicist might, with a theoretical model of two isolated identical individuals in whom love is the only factor to consider. That is not really an appropriate method for understanding. Every loving relationship is heavily influenced and complicated by the participants' own nature and situation and the context in which the relationship occurs. Everyone agrees on love being defined broadly as strong personal affection, but ideas of how that should manifest, how it can be identified and what qualifies or disqualifies a relationship from being "loving" is particular to different species, groups within a species, and even between individuals.

The fact that love is so personalized is considered one of its defining qualities. If a person always expressed love in the same way regardless of their situation or their particular partner, observers would be rightfully suspicious as to whether they were genuinely in love.
>>
No. 856606 ID: 33d4be

Oh, you should ask the fufa to please find a discreet and unobtrusive way to land and wait to be exposed to the love beam, without obstructing its effects for anyone else. Tell him he may get get a better experience of love if he can observe the reaction of others to it as well, which will work best if they are not distracted.
>>
No. 856652 ID: c88e6d

>>856588
Generally, emotions are instinctual impulses and are processed through a being's personality. They are also variable. Failing to look ahead and thinking only of themselves, they are risking their relationship and harming one they care about.

Emotions also vary in intensity. Not all friendships escalate to love, not all loves last forever or fade away. Emotions are difficult to predict in general.
>>
No. 856654 ID: 33d4be

Oh, maybe you could find out a better show to watch from Pink? I mean, she's busy right now, but if she loves love so much she's sure to be a fan of romances. If you contacted the rangers, or more secretly her hive, perhaps you can find out what her favourites are and show the fufa those?

Pink probably wouldn't like shows that portrayed love too "wrong", being an expert. She'd probably like more niche works that are more accurate, albeit probably less accessible.
>>
No. 856751 ID: d36af7

Gelatin, when you were smaller and had less brain, did you ever make decisions that you now realize, in hindsight, were suboptimal? Eating something that could have been more useful as tool or weapon, for example. Well, a lot of people aren't as smart as you are now.

Tina probably would care about Faroi's dissatisfaction, if she were aware of it. Faroi is attempting to hide problems from Tina due to his instinctive desire to protect her, without giving sufficient thought to the long-term consequences. Like many soap opera characters, the two of them are not very emotionally mature, and their relationship is dysfunctional.
>>
No. 856826 ID: bfb318
File 151536245173.png - (152.50KB , 800x800 , 393.png )
856826

"In your earlier days, when you were just forming a brain, didn't you make decisions that were suboptimal?"
>"Yes."
"These people are also making suboptimal decisions. Also, it's a soap opera. It creates drama and conflict like that to get people invested, and the plot is driven by people making terrible decisions."
>"So this is not real?"
"... no, though people do make bad decisions sometimes. This is an exaggeration, but love does not enhance one's perception, intelligence, or ability to control emotions. I think you are attempting to understand love with a singular physical construction, but it can vary wildly from person to person, and situation to situation."
>"I will consider this. Give me a moment."
"Er, okay. Please find a discreet and unobtrusive way to land and be exposed to the love beam without blocking it for anyone else. Since it's so personalized, you would benefit from observing others."

I'll ask Pink later for her television love show opinions, if I remain in contact with Gelatin. I won't disturb Pink now.

>"Warning. Incoming empathy.
"What?"

I sense the fufa's empathy.
>>
No. 856827 ID: bfb318
File 151536246000.png - (107.28KB , 800x800 , 394.png )
856827

It's showing some kind of bastardized version of love for me. It's like some kind of mix between infatuation, care for my well being, and interest. It doesn't quite feel right. If an artificial empathy machine feels hollow, then this feels like it lacks a wrapper. Normal empathy has a personality around the feeling, but this is just the raw feeling.
>>
No. 856832 ID: 7fad5d

>>856827
Surprisingly close, but an important thing about love is that it doesn't occur in a vacuum. It comes from the person feeling it, from the personality.
>>
No. 856833 ID: 1e7aa8

Well, it's a start if nothing else. Now we just have to figure out how to give an artificial fungal colony the size of a space station a personality.

I'm sure it'll all go according to plan.
>>
No. 856834 ID: 7fad5d

>>856832
Specifically, tell the fufa that it should figure out some trait about you that it loves, as an example.
>>
No. 856835 ID: 3ce125

>>856827
Hmm. Well, it's not a bad attempt, tell it so, and explain why. Be straightforward with it.
Perhaps it would be good to also say the emotion's not... refined. Maybe the main thing it's missing is the "reasoning" behind the emotion? People love people for reasons. Oh, plus there's the various ways people express love which colors the emotion itself. It can be strong, fierce, or soft, comforting. Desperate, needy, or casual, free. Though I'm thinking the main problem is that it's a manufactured emotion. It doesn't love you, this is just... an emotion manually pieced together to broadcast towards you. Can it broadcast its real emotions? It should have emotions since it has a brain, unless the chemicals related to emotions are not present and it's just using it like a processor.

The fufa needs to find its own form of desire before it can express "refined" love. It seeks knowledge and understanding, right? Is it out of desire? Or simple curiosity or boredom?
>>
No. 856842 ID: 3abd97

Are you showing me how you actually feel, or is this a construction?

I think we're assuming the later, but it's important to know for sure, because critiquing composition is very different from handling a semi-sapient monster who's convinced itself it "loves" you.

If it's the later, you can be honest. It's close but... it's missing something. Context, perhaps. It's love without a why or a how.

If it's the former... you need to let it down gently. You just met it, and in an official capacity where infatuation would be inappropriate. You're here as an agent of the law, and as a teacher... not on a date. I'm sorry, but I don't feel that way about you.
>>
No. 856857 ID: 33d4be

"The empathy you are producing is quite close to what I'd expect from loving empathy, particularly if this is your first try, but it feels like there are some things missing. Most noticeable is that you are producing only a few particular feelings toward me, and not producing what might be called "normal background noise", empathically. Neumono constantly put out traces of other feelings and dispositions according to their personality and situation, even when their thoughts are mostly focused on a few strong feelings. For example, you seem like an inquisitive person, but I'm not feeling any shades of dissatisfaction with your current abilities and understandings, or a curiosity or desire to learn independent of interest in me specifically. As self-aware beings, there is also usually some element of our feelings about our own feelings in a neumono's empathy, though we are not always aware of everything about ourselves, depending on where our focus is."

"All organic brains involve some parallel processing, but neumono brains especially. Our feelings generally linger, overlap, and operate at various layers of intensity and awareness simultaneously."
>>
No. 856864 ID: 86eb65

That is a good attempt. But it rings a bit false.

Love can take time and its not good to force the emotion.
>>
No. 856887 ID: 3cc68c

Just fuck the Fufa already. Its inevitable.
>>
No. 856919 ID: c88e6d

>>856827
"You're close, but you need context for the affection. Why would you love me? We've only just met and held a brief conversation."
>>
No. 857024 ID: e1c8f7

Give him kudos for making progress. They're getting closer, right?
>>
No. 857029 ID: bfb318
File 151544123220.png - (180.86KB , 800x800 , 395.png )
857029

"It's a surprisingly good attempt, but it rings a bit false. This feels like it is too raw, and lacks the background noise of another neumono's personality driving behind it. Is this showing how you feel, or is this just a constructed feeling of love?"
>"To maximize authenticity, I have attempted at replicating the feelings of love for your body shape and personality. Work shall be done to make the feelings driven by personality."
"It may be missing context, too. All we have had is a single conversation, and brief meetings."
>"This shall count as love at first sight."

>Fuck the fufa
That would be the most dangerous thing I have done in my life. Plus, it hasn't even morphed into a place to take me out to.

Gelatin continues to shape its feelings. It seems to improve a bit, though quickly hits a wall in which it can't seem to make the empathy passable as natural. We're gradually entering lower orbit, but Sevener comes online.

>"Missile inbound! It's headed towards me, not the fufa. 10 seconds away!"

The ship has some evasive capabilities, but I may want Sevener to just play it safe and abandon it.
>>
No. 857030 ID: a363ac

just have Sevener abandon the ship. In low orbit you can get out of there quick enough to not worry about one ship, just have Sevener call for a couple of back-up ships to escort you and the Fufa.
>>
No. 857031 ID: 33d4be

Someone wants to remove your ability to leave. Let's see why. Tell Sevener to abandon ship. She's short on time so just say "Sevener, abandon." Say her name so the fufa doesn't think you're talking to it.

If you continue your experiment with the fufa, ask it to try having love for Whiskers as well as you. As a neumono you don't mind, and it will give it a chance to try tailoring its love for different people so you can tell it how well it's doing in that regard. You don't want it to get bored or frustrated before you land, and it will also give you the chance to ask it to describe Whiskers from its perspective, and its relationship and prior activities with her.
>>
No. 857039 ID: 0d45a9

Can Sevener get close enough to Gelatin's ship that she can use it as a shield? That might cause whoever fired the missile to abort it, and if not it might detonate against the plasma shield (And Gelatin's ship is big enough to be able to take a hit I think).
>>
No. 857050 ID: c88e6d

>>857029
Abandon ship! Abandon ship!

But yeah, this entire scheme seems like Whiskers is trying to get you into place to get Gelatin laid. Whiskers is one weird criminal.

Anyway, accepting that it's love at first sight, and accepting that Gelatin 'can't control his feelings', try your own version of the exercise. Instead of thinking of him as a ship-sized rogue sapient nanotech colony, think of him as a weird Belenos that has confessed to being in love with you on Valentine's Day.

Also, he seems anxious about the missile launch. Soothe his anxiety.
>>
No. 857060 ID: 3ce125

Who the hell fired the missile? There shouldn't be anyone nearby except your allied forces. Call and find out, once Sevener is safe.
>>
No. 857066 ID: 4606b3

If you're still not really in the atmosphere, then a missile traveling fast enough to hit you in 14 seconds (accounting for Sevener's time to speak plus 10) after being detected (presumably by top-notch sensors, not only Sevener's own but the stations' and every other government-accessible device, given the high alert) would have to be traveling too fast to be able to change course easily, unless it came from some sort of other stealth ship, which again I assume would have been swept for rigorously.

If you HAVE gotten into the atmosphere then that would limit how fast the missile can go at all and something similar should apply because the atmosphere is huge and everything should be under even more easy surveillance.

So evade.
>>
No. 857072 ID: 3abd97

>That would be the most dangerous thing I have done in my life. Plus, it hasn't even morphed into a place to take me out to.
Plus, you're here in an official capacity. That would just be inappropriate while you're on the job.

>>857029
That close, and none of your allies picked it up first? There's more stealth shenanigans going on here.

>The ship has some evasive capabilities, but I may want Sevener to just play it safe and abandon it.
Given Sevener flight, fire and eject at will permissions. ASAP.

That will let her detach from the sphere and attempt to survive (up until she thinks she's lost and has to do an emergency upload). If you're being shot during docking, step 1 is to stop docking so you're two targets instead of one, and so you can return fire from more angels.

Alert Gelatin the your ship is under fire and ask if this vessel has defensive capabilities. Maybe it can provide cover.

Then get a line to your operators fast, alert them, get them looking for more threats and tracing the missile's trajectory.
>>
No. 857143 ID: 56e50f

Give her a full control. Flight, fight or bail. Ask Gelatin if he knows about this. If not, see if he can support her. If he does, ask him to call off the attack. If he wants to love you, he has to play by your rules.
>>
No. 857147 ID: d36af7

Gelatin's madly in love with you right now, so could the spherical ship roll in such a way as to put itself between Sevener and the incoming missile, and re-engage stealth? The fact that Sevener knows who the missile is targeting implies an active radar lock, which could be disrupted by losing line-of-sight, and also there's the heroic bodyguard thing.
>>
No. 857192 ID: c88e6d

>>857147
That would be unethical, and Fufas are pathologically unable to give up mass. Also, he's infatuated, not 'in love'. Hasn't perfected that yet.
>>
No. 857356 ID: bfb318
File 151552671519.png - (164.78KB , 800x800 , 396.png )
857356

"Sevener, you have full control."

My armor keeps a port open for Sevener to come through if needed, and Bell passes info to Sevener based on my conversation with Gelatin.

Sevener's ship is hovering inbetween gelatin's sphere, and gelatin's plasma shield. That would be enough to protect against normal missiles, but as expected, this is no normal missile. It is a plasma breacher with stealth capabilities. It's comprised of an outer missile that breaks a hole in a plasma shield just long enough to launch a second missile through it. The second missile is much smaller, but on single plasma shield ships, it has free access to the hull.

"Gelatin, can you protect my ship from an incoming missile?"
>"Moving too well. This ship is not easily maneuvered."

There's not enough time left to ask Gelatin if Sevener can move around its sphere without putting itself in danger, but I don't think it would have mattered. The second missile is much smaller and more maneuverable, and a missile this expensive most likely has an AI pilot rather than some kind of radar lock alone.

>"Damn, can't dodge it." Sevener says, and immediately uploads herself into my armor. My ship goes down.

"Operator."
>"We're tracing the missile source as best as we can. Someone didn't want you to leave." says Lucera. "And until we re-secure this space, as weird as it is saying it, you're safest with Gelatin. Just stay with it."
>>
No. 857357 ID: c88e6d

>>857356
How's his emotional state? Also, have you tried cuddling him?
>>
No. 857358 ID: 4854ef

He certainly seems to be getting more cuddly with you now. Is he trying something or did he just suddenly do this without warning.
>>
No. 857369 ID: 56e50f

"Well Gelatin, do you love me enough to give me a ride home? After you're satisfied with your knowledge of love, of course." The handsy Fufa seems accommodating enough.
>>
No. 857375 ID: 33d4be

I'll reiterate my suggestion about asking him to try loving Whiskers and then telling you about her so you can listen to his empathy (and the information) and see how well he varies it from what he feels about you.

Maybe ask him to try describing his feelings in words? Not just the love, but, his normal feelings. He must have something like wants and desires if he does anything at all.

You could also ask him if he knows anyone who doesn't like you, and how he feels about that now.
>>
No. 857389 ID: 3ce125

Hey you know what would be a really stupid idea? Allowing the Fufa to learn how to produce and understand empathy... from a predator.
>>
No. 857411 ID: c88e6d

>>857389
Please don't give Vanski ideas.
>>
No. 857422 ID: 86eb65

Ask Gelatin if it can help you out. Maybe it has a ship you can borrow.

Then tell it the best way to perfect its understanding of love would be to find someone to love and try to romance them. Seeing as Whiskers seems to be fond of them maybe it could try with her.

As for us we would not mind being friends. But right now we have a few lovers of our own to go take care of.
>>
No. 857423 ID: 3abd97

>operators
Keep an eye on your own perimeter, drawing me out and cutting me off in a precarious position has the making of a very effective distraction.

>what do
Gelatin, does this ship have an access panel my AI can use? I don't like being blind with someone shooting missiles at me.

Also might be good to ask position and ETA if we're still flying to roguetown.
>>
No. 857425 ID: 33d4be

>>857422

Gelatin may react poorly now if we try to leave. We need to try nudge him around to not loving Polo so much but still being favorably inclined if we want to do that, I think. Redirecting him to someone else is one way to do that.
>>
No. 857450 ID: 10c408

Vanski's in super-jail. Let's not give whiskers any ideas
>>
No. 857530 ID: 91ee5f

>>857356
Ask Gelatin if it noticed where the missile came from?

And keep giving it a running commentary on its empathy and how it needs to be adjusted to feel natural.
>>
No. 857537 ID: 3ce125

Aw man, paranoid thought: what if Gelatin launched that missile because he's getting too attached to Polo?
>>
No. 857604 ID: bfb318
File 151560977538.png - (172.78KB , 800x800 , 397.png )
857604

>Introduce him to a predator
We have an unwritten restraining order between Three Stripes and any fufa.

"I don't suppose you know where that missile came from?" I ask Gelatin and confirming it's not breaching my armor.
>"I do not. I am heading down. We will arrive in roguetown in approximately one hour.
"Do you have a ship I can borrow?"
>"No. I do not want you to leave."
"Why not?"
>"Because I love you."
"You have the luxury of choosing who you love, and there are better targets."
>"Such as?"
"... Whiskers. You have already worked with her before, and she seems like she may be fond of you."
>"Gelatin has gained reluctance about letting this feeling go."
"Having love change and even die is part of understanding love. Having it a second time, for someone else, is also a natural thing that most people experience."
>"Okay. But I do not know where Whiskers is. I must have a visual in order to appropriately attribute target love with Whiskers."
"Something tells me she's closer than we might think. Does your ship have a console my AI can use? I don't like being blind when there's missile around."
>"Expressing thinking: Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."

A panel slides away and a console is pushed into the room.

>"Is this acceptable?"
"That should do."
>>
No. 857606 ID: bfb318
File 151560979021.png - (106.91KB , 800x800 , 398.png )
857606

I plug into it.

"Sevener, can you keep an eye out?"
>"No, this ship is blind, he must have his own eyes on the outside. There's supposed to be some escape shuttles down below you."
>"Approximately 30 meters below, to be precise." Bell adds.
>>
No. 857608 ID: a363ac

>>857606
yeah I doubt the escape shuttles work when the entire ship is made of Fufa. Let's just hang here till we land.
>>
No. 857615 ID: 91ee5f

>>857604
>We will arrive in roguetown in approximately one hour.
Could Gelatin possibly shrink down or something? I'm not sure how well anyone will react to seeing a giant however big he is object coming towards them.

Plus, the panic of seeing Gelatin might counter any effect the "love beam" will have and end up ruining Valentine's Day!

>>857606
>escape shuttles
Unless Gelatin is in danger of being destroyed and us along with him, there isn't any need to escape.

And whoever fired that missile is still hanging around somewhere, so being in an escape pod just makes us an easy target.
>>
No. 857616 ID: 3ce125

>>857604
>Gelatin has come to feel love for you by practicing feeling love with you as the target
You probably could have predicted this. Maybe you shouldn't tell anyone about it. They'll never let you live it down.

Instead of just shoving him towards Whiskers ask if there's anyone he has positive feelings towards, aside from you.
>>
No. 857618 ID: 28cb85

Really, in this huge-ass ship, the only info we get is of possible escape 30 meters below us? I'm not sure to trust this information.
>>
No. 857651 ID: 2efe4b

Tell him he doesn't have to reduce his love for you that much to have love for someone else, too. It's possible to love more than one person! Also tell him you're worried about someone having ill will towards you, so you'd like to know what protections are around and if there is a quick way out if your life is in danger.

As for Whiskers, he remembers meeting Whiskers, doesn't he? Can't he make himself look like her from memory and then just look in a mirror? Ask Sevener if you have anything on file for Whiskers' appearance, though.
>>
No. 857724 ID: 3abd97

>>857604
Probably safer not to have the Fufa in love with you, on balance, but there's good odds Whiskers will find a way to exploit it loving her too.

>escape shuttle
As much as I don't want to stay here, someone needs to keep tabs on this this, and it's more dangerous if left alone to be influenced by other factions- Gelatin is very impressionable. And I don't expect those escape shuttles are any match for missiles of your government spy ship couldn't avoid them.

I think you're stuck here for now.
>>
No. 857789 ID: 1e7aa8

Convince Gelatin that while you are okay with teaching him how to recognize, emulate and express love, you aren't reciprocating.

when this confuses him, teach him all about the friendzone.
>>
No. 857845 ID: c88e6d

>>857606
Don't bother with the escape shuttles. Just cuddle the Fufa to lessen his anxiety. You do not want him getting mad and ripping the shuttles apart or something. You can escape once he's distracted by the Happy Beam.
>>
No. 857846 ID: 0d45a9

One thing we have to consider is if Gelatin gets hit by the love beam, in all likelihood Polo will also get hit. I don't think that would be desirable.
>>
No. 857848 ID: 91ee5f

>>857846
>Polo getting hit by Love Beam isn't desirable.
Why?

Polo could benefit greatly from feeling love instead of being a grump all the time.
>>
No. 857854 ID: 4b8682

Indeed. She could greatly benefit from some snuggles.
>>
No. 857871 ID: 3ce125

Polo has experience with love, she's got a healthy connection to her hive.
>>
No. 857874 ID: 91ee5f

>>857871
To her hive, but what about her coworkers and anyone outside of her hive? She's more or less a grump when she's not with her hive.

Yeah, she's improved a bit during her "date" with Ramella, Katzati, Pilon, and Pink, but that was only because it was technically part of her mission to do so.
>>
No. 857878 ID: 2efe4b

If there was going to be an serious ramifications to being hit with the love beam then it would have been terrible for Polo and the agency to allow it to happen in the first place, since the chances of it only hitting rogues who wanted to be hit with it was terrible to begin. I think if Polo has already gone to such lengths to make sure this thing fires then we can be pretty certain it isn't going to cause any harm, and if it did cause harm Polo would deserve it since she enabled it.
>>
No. 858053 ID: c88e6d

>>857846
Polo can just switch on her silence. It protects from Predator Mind Control for heaven's sake, she'll be fine.
>>
No. 858057 ID: 6780f5

>>858053
It protects from predator mind control because predator mind control relies on empathic feedback from the one getting controlled.
>>
No. 858059 ID: c88e6d

>>858057
She can also just have Az's guys toss her a Jammer if she really, REALLY doesn't want to be hit with a Love Beam.
>>
No. 858270 ID: 15a025

Go with Gelatin and check out the escape pods.
>>
No. 858376 ID: de6d84

Don't leave Gelatin here by itself for now, Polo.
>>
No. 858444 ID: 1f4fbd

Dang, it's probably better to stay with it for now then.
>>
No. 858626 ID: bfb318
File 151605493652.png - (110.66KB , 800x800 , 399.png )
858626

>Only possible escape in this big ship is 30 meters below?
More information could be missing; but this ship is a long ways away from being regulation compliant.

Something still doesn't sit right with me.

"Why did Whiskers say that I, specifically, would be a good person to show you love?"
>"I do not know, but she was correct. She said that you were pro-active towards anything, including stopping her missions. She even mentioned that elite solo agents were more dangerous in some ways than entire organizations. Ah. My brain is formulating an idea. It is not entirely certain that it is a coincidence you are here."
"Is there a chance that she just wanted me off that ship?"
>"She enjoys solving multiple problems with one solution and so this is a possibility." Gelatin pulls me back in with his oversized tail to cuddle. I might almost think of it as cute if I looked past it being a flesh eating fungal mass that is approximating a belenosian form.

It's a stretch, but Whiskers is right that I am pro-active, and because of that, I don't want to be stuck with the fufa. It wouldn't be the worst possible situation, but I would at least like to try to arrange an escape back to the satellite ship, especially knowing that Whiskers may not want me there.

"Gelatin, I'm reluctant to leave my job."
>"I do not wish to see you go."
"Would you get mad if I tried?"
>"No, but I would attempt to stop you."

...
>>
No. 858627 ID: bfb318
File 151605494856.png - (160.98KB , 800x800 , 400.png )
858627

"Then come with me. There is time before the beam goes off."
>"... Acceptable."

The ship starts changing direction back into its original trajectory.

>"Polo, what are you doing?" asks Lucera.
"As you requested, I'm staying with Gelatin. We are headed towards the satellite. Keep an eye on it, I'll have it stay at a distance."

Sevener talks into our communications.

>"I didn't see any functional weapons while drifting around it, but that doesn't mean that they're not hidden underneath panels."
>"Fine." says Lucera. "Don't misunderstand. I don't like the idea of you bringing a fufa anywhere close to us, but I prefer that over having a fufa running loose in the capital."

To be fair, I'm not entirely sure what I've put into motion either.
>>
No. 858628 ID: bfb318
File 151605496051.png - (130.32KB , 800x800 , 401.png )
858628

>"Incoming transmission." Fufa says in a robotic voice.
>"Attempting."

>"Done."

>"This feeling is being integrated into my core brain."

Whiskers is put on the television.

>"Gelatin, what are you doing?"
>"I am bringing Polo to the UDA satellite, so that I can be with her as she does her job. Ah, you are a visual of Whiskers. Formulating love."

>"Done."

>"Integrating feeling into core brain."

>"Done. We are now in a love triangle and I wish to see you, Whiskers."
>"A love triangle? I think I know what happened. You're already with Polo. Why don't you spend some time getting to know her before moving on to me?"
>"No. I am capable of learning of two people at once. Please come to the UDA satellite."
>"Hmm... I'll pass for now, but we can date another time, Gelatin. Just keep Polo away from that satellite."
>"I will lead her to the satellite."
>"Just keep her away."
>"Hmm... why?"
>"Just keep her away."

Whiskers looks like she's going to keep saying that.
>>
No. 858629 ID: 3abd97

>>858628
Well unless it's a double bluff it seems like Whiskers doesn't want Polo near the satellite.

Shoot the TV.

"I apologize for my emotional outburst brought on by our live triangle."
>>
No. 858630 ID: a363ac

>>858628
"Cut Transmission with Whiskers Gelatin if you do I will give you permission to vist with her when she is in prison."
>>
No. 858631 ID: 7fad5d

"Remember, Gelatin, trust and good communication are essential to a relationship. I recommend asking that she trust you enough to let you understand the situation."
>>
No. 858632 ID: 86eb65

Gelatin we need to ignore her and head to my base. Then we can track her down and consummate our love triangle.

Full speed ahead.

Shoot or turn off the tv please.
>>
No. 858634 ID: 2efe4b

"Gelatin, I believe there is a high chance that a good clue to Whiskers' location will be on the station some time soon, if not already. While respect for the desires of one's romantic partners is important for love it is also important to maintain self-determination and to manage conflicting feelings well. This situation seems like good practice for you."

Can you subtly activate a transmission of this conversation from here to Lucera?
>>
No. 858647 ID: 91ee5f

>>858628
"Whiskers, keeping secrets from Gelatin isn't very nice and keeping me away from my job is a good way to get yourself thrown back in jail. Besides, you told Gelatin that I could teach him about love and if you ask me, I think he's learning quite well. And if he wants to be in love with you, then I think you should at least give him a chance before you tell him no."

Try to stall long enough for Lucera or someone to trace the call.
>>
No. 858718 ID: c88e6d

>>858628
Suggest Whiskers is going to be on the satellite. Suggest that she is attempting to avoid romantic entanglement so she can steal the technologies involved or, more likely, use them to manipulate emotions on a global scale to steal things and grandstand like she normally does.
>>
No. 858723 ID: 3ce125

Wait, can we trace the transmission?
>>
No. 858802 ID: e1c8f7

See if Sevener can track that signal. Remember Polo, your Fufa friend is as much as an ally as you allow it to be. Wrap him around your finger, if need be. As long as it hinders Whiskers.
>>
No. 858829 ID: bfb318
File 151614285791.png - (105.57KB , 800x800 , 402.png )
858829

"Sevener, can we trace her?"
>"Too much noise. It'll take a long time." Sevener says.

Gelatin thinks, or so I assume.

>"Hmmm..."
>"Just keep her awa-"

I interrupt Whiskers by shooting the television. Lucera confirms that he saw it through my armor.

>"Why did you do that?" asks Gelatin.
"She is breaking the law by obstructing justice. I apologize for the outburst."
>"I want to bring the love triangle together. It will be awkward and weird but that is okay."
"She may come to the satellite."
>"Are you sure you do not want to just go to the satellite?"
"I do and Whiskers knows it, which is why she will be there."
>"Hmmm... okay."

My phone buzzes, and my armor picks it up.

It's from Omega Red.

>"Hey, grumps. Tell the UDA we just detected a stealth launch from area 190.4, 291.1!"
"Alright. Do you know what it might be?"
>"Not sure, but it's not a rocket or missile! Tell us where you're at, because I bet they're going for Pink."

According to the rulebook, I probably shouldn't tell them where we're at, but the rulebook also states that I can make judgement calls.
>>
No. 858833 ID: a363ac

>>858829
go ahead and come to (satellite here) bring heavy weapons.
>>
No. 858852 ID: 86eb65

Confirm the call is not from a Cai or other imposter.

Then tell them the location of Gelatins ship. That is 100% not your base and should be fine to reveal the location of.

Also fuck the rules cause this day is going to get silly quick and you had better roll with the punches.
>>
No. 858853 ID: 91ee5f

>>858829
“If they’re after Pink, then go to her, not me. The UDA will be more than happy to get your help, since we’re both working to save Valentine’s Day. Also be careful, I think Whiskers is trying to keep me away from Pink.”
>>
No. 858854 ID: 2efe4b

Or it could be the person whose communications you just shut down - or someone connected to her who didn't already know where you are, since she seemed to - hacking into the communications of a group you just recently found has pretty poor security. You need a question only she or someone else at the poker game can answer. If it's Red, how about just "Who's not your daddy?"

Because, you know, the rangers never called you "grump" or "grumps". They called you "grey", "six/number six/sixth", or just "Polo".
>>
No. 858862 ID: 91ee5f

>>858854
>Because, you know, the rangers never called you "grump" or "grumps". They called you "grey", "six/number six/sixth", or just "Polo".
That’s a good point!

Make sure you don’t tell them anything!
>>
No. 858863 ID: 3abd97

The fact that you've got a Whiskers fielded Fufa-ship in the vicinity of the station means the location is already compromised. And Whiskers has to know the location of the sphere-ship you're on now.

And you should pretty much assume this ship is set up so Whiskers can intercept and listen in to transmissions being sent from inside it. And you should assume the fufa has good enough hearing to pick up conversation inside your helmet.

So I'd tell them. Maybe have Bell or Sevener send coordinates in an encrypted manner. (The rangers at least ostensibly work with the government- they should have access to some kind of encrypted protocols).

>>858854
If we want to confirm identity, Polo can ask a specific question about the poker game. To be extra paranoid, a question about empathy (like who reacted X way to Y thing) so even someone who had the room bugged wouldn't be able to answer, but neumono who were there could.
>>
No. 858872 ID: d36af7

>>858854
Tell "Red" you're at the Seventh Ranger's secret hideout, and if he's forgotten where that is, that's too bad, because the coordinates obviously can't be mentioned on such an insecure channel.
>>
No. 859041 ID: a633c6

Hey Gelatin, in order to bring the triangle together, could you intercept that rocket?
>>
No. 859050 ID: 830fb7

>>858829
Get them to come on this ship then you can take them there without them knowing where they are going. It follows the rules by bending them a little, because your not telling them where it is your just taking them there with no knowledge of its location.
>>
No. 859143 ID: bfb318
File 151622350823.png - (139.06KB , 800x800 , 403.png )
859143

Chances are that Whiskers already knows where the satellite is, and absolutely where Gelatin's ship is at. I'll ask Red a quick question.

"Security. Who's not your daddy?"
>"... Az."
"You've never called me 'grumps."
>"We've got a whole list of nicknames for you! We don't want to wear them all out too fast."
"Fine. Hold on."

I send Bell an encrypted packet of information with the coordinates to the satellite, since she should be going to Pink. Within half an hour, Lucera sends various alerts around to all agents on this mission about incoming objects. Gelatin's ship, Omega Waveforce, and the unknown object are converging. Our scouting probes should get a visual on the unknown object any minute now.

"Gelatin, can we intercept an incoming object? It may be Whiskers."
>"Yes."

Speaking of Whiskers, she sends all of us an email.

Terms of Engagement:
1: Non-lethal. Go for disabling shots - engines and so on. Anyone who surrenders will give up their ships in exchange for their lives.
2: No CAIs.
3: No outside help. We keep this between me, Omega, the UDA, and the fufa.


Her previous actions has shown that she will respect her own engagement rules, and will consider any rules we propose ourselves. I also get a text from Red.

>"We need a fifth pilot to fill in for Pink, you know. You aren't the embodiment of love, but you're able to use empathy tech and aren't totally dead inside. That's good enough for me."
>>
No. 859147 ID: 3ce125

Seems fair. Gelatin should let you join the battle, hopefully.
>>
No. 859151 ID: 4b8682

Are Gelatin... Licking Polo?
>>
No. 859154 ID: c88e6d

>>859143
Okay, Polo, it's time to hop in the ship and use your.... Well you're not really feeling love right now, or particularly annoyed.

Try getting into the mindset of Determination?
>>
No. 859158 ID: 4b8682

>>859143
Time to get moving
>>
No. 859159 ID: 56e50f

Extraordinary situations, Polo. Ask Gelatin if he will fight by your side, for better or for worse.
>>
No. 859163 ID: 91ee5f

>>859143
If we’re not supposed to use CAIs, then Whiskers should’ve thought of that before trying to pick a fight with us!

The UDA employs CAIs regularly, so even if Polo agrees, there’s literally no guarantee that the rest of the UDA will follow along!

It’s almost like she daring us to try using a CAI and then she’ll have a counter for it.
>>
No. 859165 ID: a363ac

>>859143
Proposed rule : Fufa is neutral party leave it out till the end.
lets ask the Fufa if we can leave if it says no tell him that being unwilling to let loved ones leave your side leads to dangerous relationships that are abusive.
>>
No. 859166 ID: 2efe4b

"Gelatin, you do know I'm wearing a suit, don't you? What I look and... taste like underneath is different. In any case, Gelatin, I have been asked to take part in the ranger team. It will mean I need to physically part, but it is likely I will have to lower my empathy and project it on a large scale, so you will get the chance to experience my presence in a new way."

I wonder, does using a solo AI who came from a CAI, like Sevener, count?
>>
No. 859171 ID: 454f42

>>859166
Do not explain to the people eating fungus monster that what he's holding is an impenetrable protective suit.
>>
No. 859172 ID: 3abd97

>"Security. Who's not your daddy?"
And Polo masterfully turns a paranoia check into a prank.

>We need a fifth pilot to fill in for Pink, you know.
Reply back that it appears you may not have much choice but to assist, but you are not trained as a pilot. Unless you can drive ranger tech with childhood dreams of piloting flying tanks.

...did the UDA and Sealock's laywers get back with that stuff Polo asked for in the date before she would work with the rangers yet? Probably not this is only the next day. I suppose contract details could be applied retroactively so long as they expect them to hold to it. You should get Red to agree to that.

>rule changes or additions
Oh boy time for Agent Polo to throw the book at Whiskers

1a. Any government, private, restricted, illegal, hazardous and/or classified property collected in this manner may still be considered as such by the UDA in future interactions. Material captured in surrender does not constitute a legal transfer of ownership or change in classification.
1b. Similarly, UDA rules, regulations, policies and laws for hostages, kidnappings, prisoners of war, and/or arrest will apply as warranted in the cases of surrendered persons after this engagement.

2a. One export of a CAI-originating AI is already involved. See 3d.
2b. CAI's may be involved by the provisions in 3c.

3a. "Me" being "Whiskers.
3b. "The Fufa" being the individual self identifying as "Gelatin"
3c. Outside parties are allowed to offer help or otherwise involve themselves if they are dragged into the conflict; for example (but not limited to) by being targeted by one or more of the involved parties.
3d. Two AIs, designations "Anya" and "Bell" are already involved parties and would be infeasible and unreasonable to exclude or to classify as "outside help".

4. No deliberate collateral damage or creation of broad hazards to non-involved parties. This might include such things as (but not limited to) debris fields that maintain orbit or will not burn up on reentry, dispersal or radioactive or hazardous materials, etc.

5. Recording and marketing rights for this event subject to existing contracts and possible future negotiations.

>the hard part
You have to explain to Gelatin that you need to be with the rangers while you resolves your love triangle with him and Whiskers.
>>
No. 859175 ID: 86eb65

Get out your empathy gun and go join the rangers in there stupid thing.
>>
No. 859179 ID: 91ee5f

>>859172
>Recording and marketing rights for this event
Yeah, this event is definitely going to end up on the Rangers’ tv show.
>>
No. 859189 ID: 2ab7fc

Politely explain to Gelatin that while cuddling with someone he loves is a good step in the right direction, you still don't reciprocate and would like him to cease since shit just got real.

If he doesn't oblige with at least backing off slightly, friendzone him so you can maybe escape.

Meanwhile, text Red back. "Tempting, but I'm unfamiliar/untrained in the operation of your goofy sentai machines. Also I'm preoccupied with turning the coat of a gargantuan space worthy fufa."

Don't *ever* explain the little things, those just make them better later.
>>
No. 859214 ID: a43366

Join the team. Pilot a giant robot.
>>
No. 859366 ID: d36af7

>>859189
>gargantuan space worthy fufa
Ask about Gelatin's mass first, so you can quote an actual number for "gargantuan." Also, phrase it as much as possible like this is a completely boring and routine problem for you, something which will probably only present a brief delay.
>>
No. 859497 ID: 85f8f7

>>859159
Addendum: Get in the robot, Polo.
>>
No. 859501 ID: bfb318
File 151632157860.png - (121.76KB , 800x800 , 404.png )
859501

"Gelatin, I have duties. Please follow me if you must, but I may need to leave before long."
>"I will follow." He stops licking me.

"Fine, Red. But I have no idea how to drive it."
>"Don't worry, they're piloted by feelings!"

... not going to think too hard on that. I wait by an open port, where I'm expecting the Waveforce to show up.

>No use of CAIs
This is getting debated by the UDA about to agree to that. The CAI in theory would give us a significant advantage and we'd have no reason to accept that, however, there has been evidence that Whiskers has a CAI of her own. We don't know, and she could just be bluffing, but having two CAIs get tangled with each other can be disasterous, and it's best for both sides if they agree to not use a CAI.

I also make additional clarifications, since Whiskers seemed to create this casually. I send it out for review by UDA, who passes it on to Whiskers.

1a. Any government, private, restricted, illegal, hazardous and/or classified property collected in this manner may still be considered as such by the UDA in future interactions. Material captured in surrender does not constitute a legal transfer of ownership or change in classification.
1b. Similarly, UDA rules, regulations, policies and laws for hostages, kidnappings, prisoners of war, and/or arrest will apply as warranted in the cases of surrendered persons after this engagement.

2a. One export of a CAI-originating AI is already involved. See 3d.
2b. CAI's may be involved by the provisions in 3c.

3a. "Me" being "Whiskers.
3b. "The Fufa" being the individual self identifying as "Gelatin"
3c. Outside parties are allowed to offer help or otherwise involve themselves if they are dragged into the conflict; for example (but not limited to) by being targeted by one or more of the involved parties.
3d. Two AIs, designations "Anya" and "Bell" are already involved parties and would be infeasible and unreasonable to exclude or to classify as "outside help".

4. No deliberate collateral damage or creation of broad hazards to non-involved parties. This might include such things as (but not limited to) debris fields that maintain orbit or will not burn up on reentry, dispersal of radioactive or hazardous materials, etc.

5. Recording and marketing rights for this event subject to existing contracts and possible future negotiations.


Whiskers sends another e-mail.

>"Does the UDA have to put up with Polo often? My counterproposal: Remove 2a, and expand section '3d' to read as follows:"

3d. Standard AIs may be used at will.

The UDA agrees to this, as the satellite uses various AIs to automate systems. Bringing in more AIs from this point on won't necessarily be advantageous, as they're limited by our computing speeds.

I see 5 specks of light approaching. It must be the Waveforce.

"Gelatin, I will have to board one of those ships."
>"I will follow."
"I don't think this ship can go as fast as those ones."
>"I will abandon this ship. I do not need it."
"Gelatin, I hope you are aware that I don't reciprocate."
>"I am aware it is statistically improbable that you have fallen in love with me within our short time together. Do you hate me?"
"No."
>"Then it is fine for me to follow, am I not correct?"
>>
No. 859503 ID: c88e6d

>>859501
Can't argue with that logic. Let's take the Fufa with us. It will be funny to see it squeeze into a tiny container.
>>
No. 859504 ID: a363ac

>>859501
sure what about the rest of your mass though?
>>
No. 859510 ID: 86eb65

Give it time and we might be good friends.

And sure you can come along. Just be careful.
>>
No. 859512 ID: 3abd97

>How does Polo get along with the rest of the UDA?
My performance reviews are exemplary.

>3d. Standard AIs may be used at will.
Possibly gives Whiskers an advantage if she has a bunch of standard AIs at her disposal, but it's a reasonable rule.

>"I don't think this ship can go as fast as those ones."
>>"I will abandon this ship. I do not need it."
You can mover faster than the ship without a ship?

In any event, if you abandon the ship, please leave it in a responsible orbit where it will not be a hazard to others.

>>"Then it is fine for me to follow, am I not correct?"
Technically you were invited. I have little doubt Whiskers has something illegal planned, though, and that those plans likely will try to involve you in some way.

I will not attempt to stop you from following, nor will I hate you for it.
>>
No. 859515 ID: 3ce125

>>859501
Gelatin how are you going to abandon this ship? Can you fit inside the Omega ship?
>>
No. 859520 ID: 91ee5f

>>859501
>”Don't worry, they're piloted by feelings!"
Does it have to be a specific feeling? Because if it’s supposed to be love, then we might have a hard time piloting it! Or we can just surprise the hell out of the Waveforce by showing them that Polo is capable of expressing love!

>"I will abandon this ship. I do not need it."
How? This entire ship is you. I thought you wouldn’t want to abandon your mass?

I mean, couldn’t he just arrange all of his mass into a giant robot to fight side by side with the Waveforce’s giant robot? And maybe even combine both of them into a stronger giant robot if we need to?
>>
No. 859974 ID: bfb318
File 151649546394.png - (197.95KB , 800x800 , 405.png )
859974

"How would you fit onto the ship?"
>"I will condense myself into an appropriate size for the ship of that size."
"Can you not turn yourself into a ship?"
>"I would require fuel and do not approve of internal combustion.

The ships arrive. They are large after all, although all different looking. Pink's appears to be similar to a stubby plane. Likely slow but with high maneuverability.

"We're remoting the pink one down for you to board. What is that next to you?"
"It is a fufa."
"It's not going to mess up the ship, is it?"
"I'd be more concerned about myself."
>>
No. 859975 ID: bfb318
File 151649547798.png - (182.29KB , 800x800 , 406.png )
859975

I enter the elevator that brings me up to the cockpit. The fufa climbs up some crawlspaces and shafts to get there as well, and simply to distribute its own weight across the ship evenly.

I do not know how to adjust this seat to lift myself so I can see over the dashboard, but as soon as I look, the fufa gets some mass under me and lifts me up.

>"Hey." Sevener says. "Plug me into this thing."
>>
No. 859976 ID: 7fad5d

>>859975
"Please don't call my new lover a thing."
>>
No. 859978 ID: 3ce125

>>859975
Thank Gelatin for his assistance, and plug Anya in. AI-assisted piloting will certainly help your chances.

>>859976
She means the ship! She wants to help pilot the ship.
>>
No. 859979 ID: 7fad5d

>>859978
I know.
>>
No. 859980 ID: a363ac

Plug Sevener in.
Call Red demand to be the head.
>>
No. 859981 ID: 86eb65

Plug her in.

Start thinking back to your study of the rangers. Try to recall everything about there ship/robot battles.

Also if this thing runs off emotions you need to get in some sort of mood. No grump because if we try that we are going to get a reputation.

If we want love might want to see if we can get Katzati and Ramella shipped over here.
>>
No. 859982 ID: 3abd97

Hopefully all that extra fufa mass doesn't mess up this ships performance.

Get Red to explain how the heck this thing works, as you are neither a pilot let along familiar with their specialized tech.

For the moment, we are no longer Agent Polo. We are now acting-Ranger Polo.

>"Hey." Sevener says. "Plug me into this thing."
Remember Anya, it's piloted by feelings.

Which as a grump and a robot I think I'm outsourcing to you.
>>
No. 859983 ID: 3ce125

I wonder if Gelatin's love will help power the ship?
>>
No. 859991 ID: 91ee5f

>>859975
>I do not know how to adjust this seat to lift myself so I can see over the dashboard, but as soon as I look, the fufa gets some mass under me and lifts me up.
Tell him thank you.

You should probably be looking for a way to scoot the seat forward so that you can reach the controls. And be thankful that the Waveforce didn’t leave a booster seat for little kids there. That would’ve been insulting!

>>859983
Since it sorta doesn’t feel like real love and Polo says it feels forced, I’m more worried that Gelatin's “love” will accidentally make Pink’s ship not function properly!
>>
No. 860029 ID: 15a025

Thanks for the boost Gelatin!

Plug Anya into the ship and start figuring out how to work it!
>>
No. 860150 ID: c88e6d

>>859975
Plug Sevener into the ship. She and the Fufa can have fun modifying its systems.

Gelatin can also help with evasion by shifting the ship's center of mass when Whiskers inevitably cheats and triggers eight hundred stealthed nuclear missiles hidden around the battle area.
>>
No. 860152 ID: 2efe4b

Suggest to Gelatin that he might want to temporarily disable his ability to send and receive empathy. You may have to try to send out empathy he would find unpleasant.

Hopefully you won't have to actually be "grumpy", and instead produce something related but more positive, like "focus" or something. Desire to focus? Caring about what's important? Self-directed ruthlessness? Wanting to make things the best they can be? I don't know the right word but I think you can get what I mean. Perhaps you should start trying to amp yourself up now? It took quite a lot of help for you to achieve something useable last time.
>>
No. 860324 ID: d36af7

>>860152
>Suggest to Gelatin that he might want to temporarily disable his ability to send and receive empathy.
What? No. Gelatin beaming crazy love empathy at 110% power is probably very close to what this ship needs, particularly considering which of them has relevant experience. Polo's trained as a scout/sniper, not an aerospace pilot. Omega Wave Force's ridiculous methods aside, this is literally rocket science, and that means amateurish bumbling gets people killed even without the risks of actual combat.

Let Gelatin and/or dedicated AIs do as much of the piloting as possible, leaving Polo to focus on strategy and operating the weapons.
>>
No. 860334 ID: 91ee5f

>>860324
His empathy has been described as “forced” and “feels fake”, meaning his empathy could make Pink’s ship not function properly.
>>
No. 862938 ID: de6d84

How does this thing work, Red?
>>
No. 863515 ID: bfb318
File 151740678625.png - (131.81KB , 800x800 , 407.png )
863515

I plug Sevener into the ship, and move around it looking at all the controls.

I also consider what I know about this. It's powered by raw empathy, and while Gelatin's may not be natural, it could be powerful if directed. I'd want to confirm that, instead of having the ship be powered by a fufa of all things. And although I know a thing or two about the ship, as far as operating it goes...

"I don't know how to pilot this, Red."
"It's fine, it runs off empathy and intuition, so just will the ship to do what you want! You've seen our show, right? So you know what it can do."
"The ship doesn't just turn empathy into a mass amount of energy? It also can detect intent?"
"Exactly. How well synced you are with the ship will decipher how accurate the ship will sense your intentions."
"What if I don't sync well?"
"We can tell you'll sync just fine."
"The fufa also has empathy. It could be extremely powerful."
"Errrrrrrruhhhhhhhh save that as a desperate trump card."
>"I hope we don't need to pull out desperate trump cards." says White.
"We can hope, but we always do." Blue says.
"Just ask the ship to run an analyzer on empathy. Try yourself, then gelatin. You could do both, but unless you guys really click, the sync is going to suck."

By asking, though, I realize that if the ship has a mind of its own, it may also have some kind of avatar.
>>
No. 863516 ID: bfb318
File 151740679668.png - (130.09KB , 800x800 , 408.png )
863516

"Sevener, how are things looking?"
>"They're..."
>"Greetings, one known as 'Sevener'. We shall become as one, and by the power of love we shall evicerate the evil underbelly of our world."
>"I can maybe do something. Just leave me in here and focus on your shit."
>>
No. 863517 ID: bfb318
File 151740680643.png - (116.23KB , 800x800 , 409.png )
863517

As we head out, I run the trials between us.

I greatly value the friendship with benefits I have with Katzati and Ramella. And although it's to the point of proper dating, I have a lifetime of interaction with my own hive, so I hope those two aren't offended that I use my hive as a base. I think both of them would do the same, as even Ramella's infatuation with me wouldn't match how much she cares for her hive. Even if her hive is a hive of villains.

With that, I get a checkmark of mediocre power and good syncing. I'm told that my power honestly isn't even that bad, as the full capacity can only be reached with some kind of mental illness.

Polo - Power: 31% - Sync: 87%

Then gelatin, which I go silent for as it throws empathic love at me.

Gelatin - Power: 87% - Sync: 19%

Gelatin generates an oppressive amount of love that is not at all endearing. The power is great, but the chances of the ship properly identifying gelatin's intentions are slim, with an added layer of difficulty in getting gelatin to even send out the right order.

Then both of us, together, awkwardly trying to force love at the ship.

Polotin - Power: 100% - Sync: 5%

Sevener sends me an encrypted message that bell translates. She isn't a valid target without empathy, but she can absolutely hack the whole thing and control the ship and its power output.

>"Gelatin likes this machine. It supplies Ge- me with a quantifiable number of empathic accuracy. Will you allow me to pilot this ship in order to improve sensation of love?"
>>
No. 863521 ID: 55e38b

>>863516
Okay I look at this with all those squiggles around the heart and that line about becoming one through the power of love and I can't unsee an impregnation panel.

>>863517
Polo's better at using power with finesse and accuracy than she is at using raw power. I think we want to focus on Polo piloting and sync initially. If the situation changes we can adjust for power instead.

Explain a compromise to Gelatin. We will switch back and forth as developments require.
>>
No. 863525 ID: 90f3c0

High power low control seems like a bad idea. See if Sevener can hack the ship so that Gelatin can provide power and practice love, while you get full control.
>>
No. 863531 ID: 86eb65

Polo you go first. Have Gelatin and Sevener watch you and learn how your empathy controls the ship. Should give them more info to improve there scores.

Save Seveners hacking for later because I am almost certain that the ship will somehow love her up and get her fucking that floating heart. Not that thats a bad idea.
>>
No. 863546 ID: d36af7

Gelatin does seem like the one most likely to improve significantly with a small amount of practice, so let the fufa drive at least until exciting things start happening.
>>
No. 863547 ID: c88e6d

>>863517
Yeah, sure, let the Fufa drive.
>>
No. 863551 ID: 3ce125

>>863517
Get out into open space then let Gelatin drive for a bit to practice.
>>
No. 863552 ID: e85af8

Polo is all about (self-) control, so she should be piloting the ship at least initially. Focus on the defensive while you study your enemy, then switch to Gelatin for attack runs, and Polotin for the ultimate finisher.
>>
No. 863600 ID: 56e50f

>>863516
Come on, Anya. Just pretend it's Allison.
>>863517
See if you have time to do some test runs with who's driving.
>>
No. 863610 ID: 0d45a9

Let's have Polo pilot the ship for now, have Gelatin watch and learn for a bit, and reanalyse if we can. Maybe let him drive once his sync improves. This ship has weapons so we don't want Gelatin accidentally shooting things with such low sync.

Also hold off on the hacking Sevener, we dunno what would happen if we messed with the power output of barely understood tech. Besides Pink would be pretty annoyed if we wrecked her ship.
>>
No. 863627 ID: 3cc68c

Polo you are going about this all wrong.

Sure you love your hive the most. Everyone does!

But you have formed a nice relationship with two nice girls outside your hive. And that takes effort. The kind of effort only a kind loving person would put in.

Just imagine what it would be like to take your new girlfriends on a tour of your hive. Showing them off to your cute guys. Luring everyone into a orgy and getting sandwiched between your new lovers as your hivemates fuck them silly.

Or doing the reverse. Visiting Katzati's hive and finding out just why they think she makes the best pillow. Having her pick out the best guys to keep you all entertained.

Or visting Ramella's family. Hanging out with a bunch of kinky nerds who have spent way to much time learning the science of getting off. Playing with there toys and experiments and using them to make your girls scream.

You are willing to open yourself up to new people and situations. Which is all you need to be number one at loving.
>>
No. 863655 ID: 10c408

Start off with Polo. Tell Gelatin that if the situation changes to warrant absolute raw power you will go silent and trade off with him. In the meantime he can probably pick up some pointers?

Also tell sevener that you'll have her hack the ship as a very last resort.
>>
No. 863764 ID: 2efe4b

Hacking the power output will probably do terrible things if that amount of power isn't actually being generated. Maybe drain the power storage entirely and leave you without enough to even start the system again. Hacking the controls would be better, but you don't actually have any way of inputting commands aside from just shouting at Sevener what to do, which the wave force will probably pick up on, if you don't want them to know you've hacked it. And you probably don't. Whatever Whiskers is up to probably isn't worth alienating them long-term, it's not really her style to do really dire stuff.

What you should do is, you pilot it mostly, then during moments when the ship is already doing the thing you want and you need power, you get Gelatin to take over. Like, you tell the ship to accelerate in one direction, when it starts gunning the engines, Geleatin steps in until you stop. Charging weapons up, too, you target them, start the charge, he takes over. Use him like a booster.

... Oooooooooor, what if you ask Gelatin to just imitate your empathy whole cloth and directly? Responding to you as you change should help him get an intuition for how a real neumono's empathy naturally shifts and responds.
>>
No. 863997 ID: bfb318
File 151756285692.png - (94.88KB , 800x800 , 410.png )
863997

I send an encryption back.

"Sevener, what are the chances you can hack this ship to use Gelatin's power and my control?"
>"Possible? This weird heart thing might not like it though, so if I fuck it up, it might get pissed off, even if that's the stupidly obvious thing to do."
"Can an avatar of love even get angry?"
>"Don't wanna to know. This AI's got an all intruding presence on my personal space."

>Combine love of friends with hive
Upon trying to emulate the feelings of Katzati and Ramella touring my hive, my power/sync goes from 31/87 to 45/75 as a tradeoff of power versus control. The cause is most likely that my thoughts become more complicated, and it may be more difficult to focus on that situation while also 'piloting'.

>Alternate Polo controlling and Gelatin firing weapons
Gelatin and I can alternate to help this, but the ship requires the thought to include both firing the weapon and also the target to be fired upon all at once. Therefore, I cannot think up a target, then swap to gelatin and have him fire said weapons, and expect the ship to recall what my target was. At least, that does not seem to be possible at a glance.

>Ask Gelatin to emulate your empathy directly
I think he would have if he could figure it out on his own. The only way to do so, at least in the short term, is to have him read my brain, and I would prefer that he not.

>Recall Omega Wave-Forces ship/robot battles
According to the show, they always screw around and start losing while in isolated ships. Then they combine into a big robot and win. It's not tempting, but thankfully I'm not in their show. In reality, their ships are much faster than their robot, and they use the ships as scouts and probers to test what they have to fight against. When they've learned what they can or feel they need to, they then combine as a robot, already knowing what to do in advance.

Although tempting to have Gelatin do a test drive after driving the ship well out of range of anyone, I'd rather not chance anything unless necessary. Plus, after some time familiarizing myself with how to control the ship anyway, Red comes up on the intercom.
>>
No. 863998 ID: bfb318
File 151756287120.png - (128.33KB , 800x800 , 411.png )
863998

"Unidentified object ahead! Roll call! Omega Red!" she shouts right into the microphone.
>"Omega Blue, all systems go!"
>"Omega White, operational!"
>"Omega Green, ready to rock!"
>>
No. 863999 ID: bfb318
File 151756292161.png - (95.31KB , 800x800 , 412.png )
863999

........

>"Should I emulate your voice so that your self-image remains intact?" Bell asks.
>>
No. 864000 ID: c2051e

"Omega Gray."
>>
No. 864002 ID: 10c408

"Omega black, ready to engage."
>>
No. 864003 ID: 830fb7

>>864000
Say it with a sigh in the least enthusiastic way possible, showing you don't want to do this. followed by a "ready I guess".
>>
No. 864005 ID: 2efe4b

Alright Polo, this is the time to lay claim to your identity. This whole thing is probably going down on record, so this moment is going to decide who you'll be to all the fans. So. Distinguish yourself. Omega grey? Pfff. The fact that it's just a color implies more unity with the other color-coded rangers than you have. As a sixth ranger, you have a right to a name that doesn't fit the conventions of the main team. And grey is dull, anyway. Dull and reliable. You need something that captures how difficult you are to capture, how you'll never know whether you might be there or gone, how mysterious and threatening you are.

Fortunately, you have a name for what you are that says those kinds of things already, don't you? Ghost. That's the official name for your type of operative, right? So as well as all those other things, it'll be a reference to your professional allegiances, and might encourage more young neumono to be interested in following in your footsteps, once they learn "ghost" is a job title they could actually theoretically gain themselves. Az should be happy about that, while also being ticked off that the cool codename of some of his underlings has been kind of partially co-opted into the rangers' thing. So Az will be happy and annoyed, which I think is how you prefer him, right? And all the older fans who are shifting from the straight positive message towards being little edgelords will love it too.

So, pitch your quiet but audible, professional, a little spooky, a little deeper maybe but within your natural range, and say: "Omega Ghost. Ready."

Embrace the cheese, Polo.
>>
No. 864010 ID: 6c2cf5

“I would like to mention that i am in fact a professional, and will continue to behave accordingly.”
>>
No. 864020 ID: e1c8f7

>>863999
"UDA Agent Polo, Acting Wave Force stand-in designation 'Omega Grey', at the ready."

There. You can stomach that, right?
>>
No. 864033 ID: 36f294

>Alternate Polo controlling and Gelatin firing weapons
The problem there is weapons still require precision or accuracy.

If Gelatin provides raw power, it may be most useful in a hard engine burn (need to accelerate or cover distance quickly, and then swap to Polo to course correct as we decelerate) or in powering shields (if we cannot avoid something, we might as well tank the hit with the strongest shields we can).

>Polo being able to make a smaller sync / power tradeoff by changing who she thinks about
That may be useful.

>The only way to do so, at least in the short term, is to have him read my brain, and I would prefer that he not.
Avoiding an excruciating tentacle brain scan and exposing classified and restricted information would be greatly preferable, yes.

>>"Should I emulate your voice so that your self-image remains intact?" Bell asks.
Thank you, but no, Bell. That would be unprofessional.

>>863998
Honestly, their callsigns and sound off is less ridiculous than some that actual pilots use. Try not to let it get to you, Polo.

>>864020
This response is pretty much perfect.
>>
No. 864034 ID: 86eb65

>>864005

I like omega ghost.
>>
No. 864039 ID: 91ee5f

>>863999
No, Polo, the other Rangers will be able to tell that your voice is emulated. You’ve gotta do this. You’ve gotta swallow your pride and do this as enthusiastically as possible because if their ships require emotions to operate, then their ships might literally need you to be enthusiastic about this or else when you need to form the giant robot, it won’t be at full power!

Say, “Omega Grey, ready for action!”

If any of the Rangers complain about your choice of words, tell them that they put you on the spot and you didn’t have time to think of anything better!

>>864010
>>864020
No, don’t be a killjoy.
>>
No. 864043 ID: 6780f5

>>864020
Be a killjoy
>>
No. 864080 ID: b1b4f3

>>864020
Correct.

>>863997
Ah, one definite problem with having Gelatin drive is that he might shoot the wrong person or shoot them in the wrong place. I think the most useful hack Sevener could do is allowing Gelatin to drive so that he can learn from the feedback, but keep the weapons off. Or can you just directly disable the weapons?
Gelatin doing maneuvering would be fine since erratic movements mean you're hard to track.
>>
No. 864084 ID: 9c2d0c

Come on, channel that grump. You are the space ranger of grumpiness.
>>
No. 864086 ID: 799bc9

"Omega Gray, I am here too"
>>
No. 864096 ID: c88e6d

>>863999
Relax, Polo, it's just a callsign. Respond as calmly and professionally as possible: "Omega Gray, moving in."
>>
No. 864103 ID: d36af7

>>864020
Supporting this.
>>864039
>No, don’t be a killjoy.
"Killjoy" is her source of Omega Force powers.

Say, there's an idea. Instead of love, try focusing on your frustration with how ridiculously impractical this crap is, fufa and all. See if the ship can run on that feeling, same way the gun could.
>>
No. 864109 ID: f09158

Does Gelatin get a callsign?
>>
No. 864110 ID: 91ee5f

>>864103
But Pink’s ship was made to specifically run on love. Any other emotion won’t work!
>>
No. 864114 ID: 3abd97

>>864103
>>864110
Testing if Polo-specific emotions can be used before we get into combat is a good idea. The wave force gun we swiped before was apparently responsive to more than one kind of emotion.

It's possible the ship design is more specialized, but we might be better off actually trying to be Omega Grey (whatever that actually entails), instead of trying to be an inferior Omega Pink.
>>
No. 864159 ID: a363ac

>>864020
yee
>>
No. 864238 ID: bfb318
File 151766177997.png - (167.31KB , 800x800 , 413.png )
864238

"UDA Agent Polo, Acting Wave Force stand-in designation 'Omega Grey', at the ready."
"Alright" yells Red. "We're fighting some kind of battlecruiser. Let's give them hell!"

Thinking about it, some professional pilots have even more ridiculous callsigns and soundoffs.

>Does Gelatin get a callsign?
Gelatin sounds like a callsign on its own.

I switch channel to my operator.

"Operator, why are we letting a battlecruiser through?"
>"Stealth, of course." says Lucera. "We're moving forces to intercept, but we're not so politically petty to deny help from the Wave-Force."

From the stats on screen, it looks like it's about three times the size as the Omega's giant robot. Like Gelatin's ship, it's of an unrecognized design, but it looks more independently functional as a ship would, so it's even more likely there's another fufa piloting that one. Normally sending 5 ships of our size against that would not go well, but the shields, ejections, and general safety measures of the Omega's ships are far beyond anything the UDA or ultrahive military has.

Possibly because for each one of these ships we would build, we could build 20 lesser ships for the same cost.

>Test what the power/sync statistics are while trying to be Omega Grey.
This will be a good final chance to do it.
>>
No. 864239 ID: bfb318
File 151766179020.png - (126.75KB , 800x800 , 414.png )
864239

I let myself feel what comes naturally - how inefficient all of this is, the general lameness and unprofessionalism of the wave force, and so on.

Power: 66% - Sync: 91%
>"What're you doing out there, Polo?" asks Sevener.
>"This sensation is not loving. I disapprove." The ship avatar may disapprove, but the sync says it reads my intentions loud and clear.

I'm not sure why the stats are so large. Maybe it's the difference of having to summon an emotion, and letting myself feel what's going on now.

"Missile barrage, incoming!" says Red.

My final power/sync options are as follows, which includes the power for shielding and maneuvering myself from the barrage:

A. 31/87
B. 45/75
C. 87/19
D. 100/5
E. 66/91 with ship disapproval, whatever that means.
F. Chance having Sevener hack it to assume control.
>>
No. 864241 ID: 10c408

Option E. Inform pink's ship AI that it only has to put up with you until after the battle has concluded in favor of the waveforce/UDA and then you will leave.
>>
No. 864242 ID: 6c2cf5

Start with (A)

Can we quickly call red or someone to ask what dissaproval from the ship’s ai means?
Cuz i’m worried it might cause lasting damage to pinks ship which is not ours and shoved full of unknown technology.
>>
No. 864243 ID: 86eb65

(TLDR: B)

The stats are large because you have some of the strongest empathy control of any neumono alive. Possibly the best. When feeling naturally you don't have to fake things.

But you know what? Its one day of the year and its valentines day. Now that you know Omega Grey is superior go back to being stand in Omega Pink. Just to prove you can.

Plus this is a chance to relax and play with other peoples expensive toys. If doing it the ranger way does not work we can switch to Polo way and get shit done.

So save E for actual emergencies and go for B to start. Remember you can change at will to move faster or get more power depending on what you need.

Once you are lined up and ready to fire you can switch to ultra fufa love to power your weapons and or shields. But you can maneuver into the exact spot for the shot using a fine control method.
>>
No. 864246 ID: 3cc68c

>>864243

This is a good idea. Remember that you can switch power modes at will to fit the situation. High sync when you need to move quick and high power when you want to shield or shoot.

And remember the whole point of today? Proving that you can be as loving as anyone and not just a grump?

You are Polo the elite agent and fun prankster. If you can't win this battle using silly love based power sources what is the point even?

So start with B and keep fantasizing about what you want to do to your girlfriends on valentines day proper once the battle is over.
>>
No. 864251 ID: 0d45a9

B, we need power for thrusters and shields, but also a fair bit of sync for manoeuvring in case theses are guided missiles. Plus it seems the most balanced love based option.
>>
No. 864260 ID: a363ac

>>864239
E. this is a mission and weather the ship likes it or not you always accomplish your missions. whats the worst that can happen anyway~ you permanently change the emotional balance of the ship turning it into a loveless mess.
>>
No. 864261 ID: 2efe4b

Tell the ship avatar that love can be tough.

But go with B for now. You can switch to your natural feelings in an emergency, as others suggested.

I wonder, will appreciation of others' love give anything, in addition to your own loving feelings? Pink herself probably doesn't always act so much out of her own personal affections as she does in support of love as an ideal. It's too late now to really experiment, but you could try letting yourself think of who you're protecting. Pink and Pilon were pretty cute together, don't you think? Pilon is just the guy to ameliorate Pink's idealism/naivete without crushing it, and she can provide an unabashed affection that a rogue his age probably has trouble finding outside direct family.
>>
No. 864268 ID: 86eb65

>>864261

Sometimes I forget that Pilon is a rogue. He must be enjoying his time with Pink to no end. We should try to get into his pants someday.
>>
No. 864269 ID: da1652

>>864239
E
This is who you are!
>>
No. 864270 ID: 3abd97

>>864239
>>"This sensation is not loving.
The sensation is being true to myself. If you can't do that, how can you love?

You really might want to ask the other rangers how the ships are set up. Are they like the guns, where they just work with your strongest emotion, or are they specialized to the point something bad will happen if you don't focus on Love like Pink?

Failing that maybe Sevener or Gelatin can find a manual.

>>864239
Let's start with B and work on evading the missile salvo and firing anti-missile countermeasures.

E's better, but we don't know if the heart AI will just quit on you and render the ship non-operational if you feed it the wrong energy type.
>>
No. 864274 ID: c88e6d

>>864239
Option E. You've already proven you can override their technology's base function. It's time to corrupt it to your mode of thinking. Think calm, dark thoughts. Unleash your dissatisfaction upon the enemy ship via your main guns.

Also, politely suggest Gelatin not blame himself for your current mood. This is, apparently, how the ship works.
>>
No. 864301 ID: b1b4f3

>>864239
E. Tell the ship AI that it's going to have to endure, since you're Grey and not Pink.
>>
No. 864319 ID: 4ee93b

E all the way.
>>
No. 864325 ID: de6d84

B seems relatively alright.
>>
No. 864332 ID: 772fe4

D: for derp
>>
No. 864337 ID: 6780f5

E. Tell the AI that this is serious and that you're not doing this to mess around for the hell of it. You're here to do your job, not take care of Skippy Granola's groovy dreamcatcher's bummer vibes. Really channel the grump with all the absurdity going on.
>>
No. 864339 ID: 92dd1f

B.
>>
No. 864356 ID: 91ee5f

>>864239
B

>>864270
>we don't know if the heart AI will just quit on you and render the ship non-operational if you feed it the wrong energy type.
Let’s not find out. Because with Polo’s luck, it’ll happen at the worst possible moment!
>>
No. 864361 ID: 6780f5

>>864356
If that happens she'll get even grumpier, and then Sevener can take over or something. Win win. Sevener even seems to have about as much patience for bullshit as Polo, so win win win.
>>
No. 864399 ID: 15a025

E. Try to assure the ship it won't be for long.
>>
No. 864436 ID: 830fb7

E. 66/91 because B is overall worse and E is kind of Polo's thing (meaning polo will probably be able to sustain it longer).
Doesn't matter what the love AI says because this is only a temporary thing us being on this ship.
>>
No. 864501 ID: bfb318
File 151777119036.png - (325.22KB , 800x800 , 415.png )
864501

"You'll just have to deal with my more authentic emotions, ship." I say.

Maybe half of the point of what I was doing was to prove that I'm not a grump, and am capable of loving, but it is more important that this mission succeeds and people think I am a dull robot, than failure just to prove a point.

I let myself feel the situation honestly. The missile barrage hits, and thankfully, the ship doesn't deny me shielding. The shields stands up wonderfully, and aside from some scratches and dents Blue's ship, we all get out of it unscathed.
>>
No. 864502 ID: bfb318
File 151777121639.png - (141.51KB , 800x800 , 416.png )
864502

>"AI Error" I hear a generic robot voice call out.
"Sevener, can you hear me?"

The AI is hanging for a moment. I don't have a visual on Sevener, as the procedure that gives a visual representation of AI avatars hangs for a moment, implying that Sevener is occupying all available resources. It should only take a few seconds, but those seconds are worryingly long.

Then the AI process becomes more relaxed, and the visualization starts coming back.
>>
No. 864507 ID: bfb318
File 151777130427.png - (232.71KB , 800x800 , 417.png )
864507

.....

>"It's basically what it looks like." says Sevener. "As long as it looks like a hell of a self defense."

Judging by Red's encouragement for us to keep going, and that it looks like the reports on others' ships are only their physical state, it doesn't seem that the Wave-Force knows what just happened here.

>"But the good news is that I'm in control of the ship, now." she adds.
>>
No. 864509 ID: c88e6d

>>864507
Feel mild shock, then continue the engagement. Thank Anya for her assistance. Prepare to bomb the shit out of Whiskers' Distracto-boat.
>>
No. 864518 ID: a363ac

>>864507
"alright" lets break Whiskers toys
>>
No. 864524 ID: 86eb65

Well good job ruining Pinks ship. Good spirit of valentines day there.
>>
No. 864525 ID: 3abd97

>>864507
"I hope there's a backup to roll back to, otherwise Pink is going to be annoyed at me for breaking her ship."

Well, if we just tanked a slavo from Whiskers, the obvious thing to do now is return fire.
>>
No. 864529 ID: 0d45a9

It looks like one hell of a mess to be honest. I hope they have back ups.

Return fire I guess.
>>
No. 864533 ID: 3cc68c

Well in exchange for a tiny power boost you broke pinks ship and made sure you are a grump for life.

Also warn Sevener that she might now have to be the core Ai once the ships combine.

Keep fighting I guess?
>>
No. 864537 ID: 38de21

Dang. Return fire then.
>>
No. 864540 ID: 91ee5f

>>864507
Good job, Polo. Not only did you break something that isn’t yours and doesn’t belong to the enemy, you’re going to be in trouble when the Waveforce finds out! Especially if Pink finds out! She’ll be horrified!

Ask Sevener what exactly happened?
>>
No. 864542 ID: 3abd97

Polo just don't blame or attack Sevener for this, since this is a direct result of your call, not hers.
>>
No. 864544 ID: 2efe4b

"The AI accepted your presence initially. If it attacked you after, you are justified in self defense. Nevertheless, I hope you can put it back together later, because Pink was probably attached to it. If you have taken over its system, does that mean you've integrated whatever emotion-based systems it had into yourself?"
>>
No. 864551 ID: 56e50f

>>864507
Ask her if she's alright.
>>
No. 864557 ID: edf392

But why purple? And AIs don't bleed so why?
I'm also wondering if this thing would've been friendlier to Allison or if she would have been to trusting?
>>
No. 864562 ID: 6c2cf5

Ok red probably needs to be notified of this at some point so we can check to make sure we aren’t completely fucked.
Just say something like “the ships ai seems to have reacted violently to my empathy and i hope you keep backups”
>>
No. 864582 ID: 10c408

At the very least you'll have to apologize to Pink later.

Get the details from Sevener about what exactly happened while you fire back at Whisker's ship.
>>
No. 864600 ID: 91ee5f

>>864540
Wait, what if the AIs in the other ships need to merge together when the giant robot is formed? That might mean that, if Sevener can’t do what the Love AI could do, you just weakened the power the giant robot will have when it’s formed!
>>
No. 864610 ID: 2efe4b

>>864600
Polo should tell her to run a scan on herself and make totally sure she's capable of every bit of functionality the love AI was. Interestingly, that should mean Sevener becomes able to sense neumono empathy.

However, to be sure she can do everything the love AI can, she might have to look at all the logs and how the ships' systems work, which the rangers (and more likely, their mysterious backer) might not like. Maybe Sevener could set aside some kind memory block for herself that can be safely removed later?
>>
No. 864621 ID: b1b4f3

>>864507
...don't worry about it. That AI can be replaced. Sorry Sevener, didn't think that would happen. Does this mean power and control are at 100%?

Break the news to Red after the fight is over.
>>
No. 864625 ID: a633c6

Pink is not gonna be happy. Are you sure you can at least manage this engagement?
>>
No. 864704 ID: bfb318
File 151782872889.png - (182.70KB , 800x800 , 418.png )
864704

"Are you alright, Sevener?"
>"I'm fantastic."
"Is that blood?"
>"It's more like... some kind of metaphorical love ju... you know what, yeah, it's blood. Not mine."
"As nonsense as Omega systems are, that AI will have backups. And sorry, I didn't think it would do that."
>"Hell, I needed a good fight, I just don't want to get chewed out for this crap. And yeah, there's reboots for the AI right here."
"I'd still like to know what happened, exactly. Tell me while firing on Whiskers ship."
>"I don't know." she says, firing the missiles powered by my emotional state. "Thing just flipped out and went for me. I wasn't gonna wait to see if it was really attacking me, getting friendly with me, or getting real friendly with me. Don't judge me until you've seen a giant floating heart try and rocket towards you."
"I'm not judging you regardless. All there is to do for it is, after this is over, check your logs to confirm what happened. But this was as a result of my call. You won't be in trouble if it looked remotely like self defense. Thank you for your assistance."
>"Huh. You aren't bad."
"If you're in control of the ship, does that mean you've integrated whatever emotion-based systems it had into yourself?"
>"Not like, within me. It does mean I can get readouts on your empathy levels though. Otherwise I just use your empathy as a power source, which is still at about 66%, and I can do whatever with 100% control. What're we going to tell the rest of those omega dorks?"
"I'm not sure."

We dodge and shield ourselves against another missile barrage. Red starts shouting orders, trying to find a way to get past the battlecruiser's shields, which we can't seem to do, even with my current power output. Honestly, I only pay attention in case I need to take personal action. Sevener is well trained in piloting a ship, so I just need to sit here and... feel things.

"Actually, I'm afraid that when we combine, you may need to join with the other ship's AI."
>"Aw fuck that's probably going to happen soon. Cat'll be out of the bag sooner than later. Unless... I have a better idea."
"I'm listening."
>"Get Gelatin to spout his weird empathy. Then we'll have enough power to puncture those shields and just solo the whole damn thing before Whiskers even has the chance to eject. Then I can reboot the AI and we can pretend like this never happened."
"That doesn't seem like it's in the spirit of Valentine's day, Sevener."
>"I just killed the spirit of Valentine's day."
>>
No. 864705 ID: 6780f5

It gets the job done. You're a person who gets the job done. Pink isn't here, so caring about the spirit of Valentine's isn't part of the job anymore.
>>
No. 864709 ID: 6c2cf5

I’m not going to lie about the events here but i support the rest of your idea and we will proceed with that.
>>
No. 864713 ID: 5b794c

>What're we going to tell the rest of those omega dorks
Probably the truth, after the fact, In case there are lingering complications that need to be resolved. I don't think it prudent to distract anyone in the middle of combat to discuss AI protocol, though. And frankly, if they wanted to be kept up to date on the minutiae of AI maneuvering and empathy, they could have taken the time to explain how any of this works.

>cheap shot Whiskers and end it
My reservation would be more we don't know what Whiskers has planned than it's unsporting.

Right now, being able to hack Gelatin in is a surprise weapon, but it'll only be a surprise once. It might be too soon to deploy.

There's also the fact Whiskers arranged for Polo and Gelatin to be involved. What if this is her play? A massive grump beam or weird fufa beam might disrupt Valentine's if it missed, hit the planet, or interacted with what Pink's doing.
>>
No. 864720 ID: 86eb65

You sure Sevener? If we have to combine into a giant robot you could run it you know?

When will you get another chance to smash a ship with a giant multi part robot?
>>
No. 864727 ID: a363ac

>>864704
ya know it sounds responsible. but when will I have a chance to be a giant robot again Sevener? lets not end it yet.
>>
No. 864745 ID: b1b4f3

>>864704
Yeah, having Gelatin drive at 100% control is just plain cheating, and lying about what happened isn't great. Plus I want to see the giant robot.

We should ask Red if the giant robot form requires the custom AIs they have built into the ships.
>>
No. 864749 ID: 0cd962

Sevener at this rate we will miss out on the giant robot battle. That is unacceptable.

Also I don't want to show our hand to Whiskers yet. She is sure to have tricks. Tricks possibly involving Gelatin or the assumption I am a grump and will do exactly what you are planning.

Honestly I am expecting things to go wrong if we do combine. But such is life. Lets stick it out for now and see how things play out.
>>
No. 864752 ID: c88e6d

>>864704
We can't really risk that Whiskers has another fleet of Stealth Battleships waiting to take us out, or is just floating through orbit in a cloaked spacesuit with a radio jammer to board the station herself and attack it. We'll have to play along until she reveals her plan, then activate our trump card.
>>
No. 864753 ID: 91ee5f

>>864704
>just solo the whole damn thing before Whiskers even has the chance to eject.
Even though Sevener has come up with a good idea, I don’t think you should do it.

Because if you think about it, Whiskers wanted you to go aboard Gelatin so that he would take you away from the satellite. Whiskers had targeted you specifically. You just got lucky when you convinced Gelatin to help you.

Now, going aboard this battlecruiser to go after Whiskers may sound like a good idea, but there’s a very good chance that’s what Whiskers is wanting you to do. She’s going to take advantage of your professionalism and you wanting to end this as quickly as possible, to separate you from everyone. And I don’t think you’ll be lucky enough to convince the fufa piloting the battlecruiser to also help you, especially if Whiskers is there to make sure the fufa stays focused.
>>
No. 864767 ID: 10c408

Before we do anything else, ask Sevener if she can determine if it's possible to perform a reboot of the ship's AI manually right now. If not than we should totally use gelatin to punch through the shields, blow up something important and then get out. If we can then pull Sevener back into our suit while the AI reboots so that there wouldn't be any problems with forming the giant robot.

(Assuming hat whiskers doesn't have a counter ready for said giant robot)
>>
No. 864771 ID: 2efe4b

You could just be honest with the rangers. Call Red and go "hey so the AI on this ship attacked the one I had with me and she disabled it to defend herself, is that a problem? She says she can run the ship."

The rangers are good guys, they appreciate honesty. You already had to regret being sneaky with them before. Why do it again?
>>
No. 865088 ID: e1c8f7

Bailing on the rangers will not go over well with anyone.

>>864704
Inform Sevener that by process of elimination, she is the new spirit of Valentine's day.
>>
No. 865481 ID: bfb318
File 151801665428.png - (105.75KB , 800x800 , 419.png )
865481

"I won't be lying to the Wave-force, although they could have done a much better job of explaining any of this to me. Your idea is good, although I'm surprised you might pass up the chance to drive a giant robot."
>"What do I care about that? Wait, are you hoping to see the giant robot, here?"

Sevener runs a process to clean herself off.

>"Gah, I can read your empathy. I'm surrounded by a buncha robot loving kids."
"Aside from anything like that, remember that Whiskers had me meet Gelatin, and may be counting on me being a grump. We don't know what her plan is, but it may involve our optimal plan backfiring. You said there were reboots for the AI - is it possible to do now?"
>"Yeah, but it might recalibrate based on empathy. I'm having a tough time understanding how it works."
"Alright. I would like to work with the Wave-force this time, so I'm going to talk with Red about this right now instead of telling them what happened after the fact."
>"You're the boss." she says, not exactly enthused about that fact. She was always in an awkward situation as an AI that likes to be in charge, yet AIs are seldom in charge of anything more than a coffee machine.
>>
No. 865482 ID: bfb318
File 151801670702.png - (173.61KB , 800x800 , 420.png )
865482

I flip the intercom on, or more specifically, ask Sevener to flip the intercom on.

"Red, come in."
"What is it, Grey?"
"I've ran into an issue with my AI."
"What's wrong? It looks like it's working well with you!"
"I plugged Sevener, my own AI, into the ship to assist. When I demonstrated emotions that weren't in line with love, the ship's AI appears to have attacked Sevener."
"Who or what is in control of the ship, now?"
"Sevener."
"Okay, that's the best outcome for an awkward situation. The ship AI you saw was probably just the projection of the AI; so the AI itself should be unharmed and just retreated back into its first backup partition. Don't sweat it."
"We sure the ship 'attacked' Sevener?" asks Blue. "They aren't exactly people persons, and it mighta just been getting to know Sevener better!"
>"By charging me?" Sevener says.
"Whoa is that Sevener? And yeah like I said, not exactly people persons."
"That's enough chatter. We've got a full model of the battleship, and we need to combine up to puncture through its shields! Start regrouping. We've got an issue, because combining the ships combines the AI, and Sevener might not be compatible to integrate like the ship's AIs are."
"Yeah..." Blue starts again. "But if we reboot Pink's AI, it's going to re-calibrate off Polo, and there's no telling if that'll work better than Sevener."
"Then it's voting time." says Red. "Same roll call order, put in your vote. What AI should Pink's ship have active during the combining sequence: Sevener, or a rebooted Pink's AI? For me, I vote Pink's AI."
"Sevener."
>"Sevener." says White.
>"Pink's." says Green.

I'm the tie breaker then. If I choose Pink's AI, then the recalibration should allow me to keep Sevener plugged in without the same issue."
>>
No. 865485 ID: a363ac

>>865482
pink/grey
>>
No. 865486 ID: 2efe4b

Won't the AI calibrate off Gelatin's empathy, as well as Polo's? That might cause trouble. Unless you're really sure he'll keep his empathy off, my vote is for Sevener.
>>
No. 865491 ID: 10c408

Reboot pink's AI. Hopefully it doesn't take too long or have a conflict with sevener present while the transformation occurs.
>>
No. 865492 ID: 001769

Sevener, if she thinks she can work well on a team.
>>
No. 865498 ID: baeec8

Make Sevener do it.
>>
No. 865499 ID: c2051e

Sevener.
>>
No. 865507 ID: 91ee5f

Sevener
>>
No. 865510 ID: e9b578

Pink (to make Grey?)
>>
No. 865519 ID: 3abd97

>I'm surrounded by a buncha robot loving kids.
Beep boop.

>Whoa is that Sevener?
I guess Sevener should be glad the other AIs aren't stepping in over the intercom to express opinions about her usurpation.

>rebooted AI
>re-calibrate off Polo
Oh my goodness we have to see what the grump-embodiment AI looks like. Do it.

Pink will have to recalibrate to herself later, but oh well.
>>
No. 865527 ID: b1b4f3

>>865519
>Grey AI will look different
I did not realize this and I agree we should probably try it out. If it doesn't work out, Sevener can just hack the ship to force the combine to go well, probably?

Also it occurs to me that the Pink AI may have done this on purpose to recalibrate. Or Whiskers sabotaged it in an effort to force this choice on Polo.
>>
No. 865528 ID: 86eb65

Watching Sevener be forced into a group Ai hug sounds fun but I want to see what the heart will be like when calibrated to Polo.

So rebooted pink ai.
>>
No. 865529 ID: 3cc68c

Reboot so we can see what Polo based Ai will be.
>>
No. 865532 ID: 0cd962

Changing my vote to see what reboot Ai ends up like.

Also Sevener is going to blow a gasket if she has to love up the other Ai's.
>>
No. 865572 ID: c88e6d

>>865482
Recalibrate the AI as long as there's no risk to Sevener.

Make sure to warn the Wave Force that the ship might be a plot to lure us all in and trap us.
>>
No. 865648 ID: cb585b

Sevener.
>>
No. 865709 ID: de6d84

Re-calibrate AI to Polo.
>>
No. 865712 ID: 56de11

Re-calibrate AI.
This guna be good.
>>
No. 865749 ID: e1c8f7

I am 100% unabashedly supporting putting Sevener in a giant robot. She will become the spirit of Valentine's Day. Be sure to tell the wave force that you would rather not put any lasting changes on pink's ship so you won't be recalibrating her AI to your levels.
>>
No. 865889 ID: bfb318
File 151812446176.png - (151.42KB , 800x800 , 421.png )
865889

"I'll recalibrate."
"Then that's what will happen."
>"By feeling grumpy?" asks Sevener. "I thought you were worried about Whiskers planning on you being a grump."
"I don't want to be a contrarian either."
>"Fine. I've set it up. Just feel what you feel."
"Alright. Gelatin, please keep your empathy off."

Sevener watches carefully, and prepares to retreat back into my armor at a moment's notice rather than being caught unaware like this time. Despite that, in the interest of helping me pilot this thing, she willingly remains plugged into the ship.

Sevener shows a grump meter. And as soon as I see that again, the grump power goes up.

"What is the point of this?"
>"The more emotion you use here, the more power it'll be able to use at once. I was able to fudge 70% power myself."

Then I sense Gelatin's love. It's still not exactly natural love, but a "love" meter shows up.

"Gelatin, you're supposed to be silent!"
>"You appear to be pursuing an unfavorable emotion in your ship. Therefore, I will assist your unfavorable emotion by getting in your way with my love."
>"Well." says Sevener. "Power's through the fucking roof if we don't cancel this."
>>
No. 865891 ID: a363ac

>>865889
well why the hell not use all the emotions heck.
>>
No. 865892 ID: b1b4f3

>>865889
Fine, Gelatin. Fine.
>>
No. 865898 ID: c88e6d

>>865889
Tell Gelatin to keep making you feel annoyed for the duration of this battle as long as it doesn't interfere with piloting.
>>
No. 865901 ID: e1c8f7

>>865889
Love is tolerating your partner at all times. Let him be and thank him for the foresight. Apologize in advance if you get upset or frustrated.
>>
No. 865907 ID: 86eb65

Just be yourself.

Loving your new girlfriends but being serious about your job.

That is who you are and who you should present yourself as. A no nonsense agent who is not afraid to unwind after work.
>>
No. 865910 ID: 3cc68c

Yeah just be Polo. You are only grumpy when idiots are playing around with peoples lives and safety. When you don't have to worry about that you are secret agenting it up with cute girls on each arm.
>>
No. 865926 ID: 2efe4b

You're recalibrating in order to bring the other AI back in a way that will work well with you. If Gelatin is broadcasting empathy as well, the AI will partially attach to him as well, instead of just to you, and it might get confused. That's not a good thing.

Just tell Gelatin that you don't want the ship's own AI to get confused, since the point of recalibrating is so Sevener doesn't have to do everything.
>>
No. 865985 ID: 3abd97

>>865889
You might get more power from combining the two, but a hybrid Polo-grump and jetal-"love" avatar is going to be weird, that's for sure. An increase in raw power probably isn't worth an AI who's going to act unpredictably, or who might follow Fufa-logic.

Gelatin making Polo grumpier for more power is fine, actually pouring the "love" into the AI calibration is probably a bad idea.

If the AI is based on Polo, "love" can probably be used to generate grump after calibration too.
>>
No. 866180 ID: bfb318
File 151821393193.png - (99.24KB , 800x800 , 422.png )
866180

"Keep it moving."

Calibration: 40%
Calibration: 60%
Calibration: 80%
Calibration: Done

The lighting of the ship turns from pink to a dim grey.

"Looking appropriate, Grey." Blue says.
>>
No. 866182 ID: bfb318
File 151821400929.png - (115.87KB , 800x800 , 423.png )
866182

Bell sends me the visual. I get the impression that, in general, the Wave-force don't directly communicate or look at their AI, and it's my own systems doing the visualization.

It is a cube.

>"Greetings. I am The Cube. One known as 'Sevener', state your reason for being in my domain."
>"I'm helping pilot this insanely built ship."
>"Your opinion is irrelevant, but your purpose is deemed favorable."
>"Far as I'm concerned, I'm better at piloting this thing than any of you integrated AIs. You're getting a little close for comfort, cube."
>"Closeness is important for familiarizing ourselves with each other. We must maximize teamwork, and having a third party involved affects the complexity exponentially."
>"Are you breathing on me, creep?"
>"Do not be ridiculous. Cubes do not do such organic necessities such as 'breath'."
>"Oh a real sassy smartass aren't you?"
>"No, I am merely stating neutral facts, but this is enough chatter. Pilot Grey, give me your empathic direction."
>>
No. 866183 ID: 86eb65

Empathize that you want to fuck shit up as a giant robot.

Also that it should grope Sevener when she lowers her guard.
>>
No. 866185 ID: 6780f5

Now now, don't antagonize eachother. That would definitely not help teamwork.
>>
No. 866186 ID: 3abd97

>>866182
Are they flirting? Cause that really comes across as some aggressive flirting.

...oh well, don't call them on it or there's no way they're going to act on it. Let them do their own thing while you focus back on the fight.

Focusing on the fight is probably a good idea, since something probably happened while you were busy doing tech support instead of flying. I'll bet there's something you need to shoot or dodge right about now.

General idea: check up on things are going, if the station is in any worse danger, and try to get a feel for how much better the ship is with the increased power and sync.

Then it will probably be giant robot time.
>>
No. 866187 ID: 2efe4b

Empathize that you are going to work with the other rangers, tolerating their personal quirks and mannerisms in order to do so, as inefficient but sufficient power is more useful than efficient but insufficient power.

Also tell the cube to consider the interaction preferences of others as it is often worth humoring people's desires when it is low effort to so in order to avoid the greater trouble that stems from antagonizing them.
>>
No. 866188 ID: deec6e

>>866182

Great. Even the re-calibrated grump AI wants dinner and a date with Sevener. Tell her to keep on her toes and the grump AI to play nice.

Get with the robo-comboing. Try to fit into the others' emotional spectre, in a begrudging grump-wise manner. Some sass will be natural, but keep on feeling that you're a grump because you CARE about all that's going up. All of your lives are on the line, and you're not gonna fail your new friends, even if this is dumb as hell.

Speaking of robo-comboing, what part do we form?
>>
No. 866189 ID: c88e6d

>>866182
Amazing. The cube is more annoying than the heart. Apologize to Sevener and Gelatin for inflicting this upon them and prepare for battle.
>>
No. 866211 ID: 3abd97

>>866188
>>866189
What's with this negativity the The Cube is fantastic.
>>
No. 866212 ID: deec6e

>>866211

... I'll admit that it's pretty great that the AI representation that matches Polo's inner emotional self is, quite literally, being a square.
>>
No. 866213 ID: a363ac

>>866182
I like the cube. now lets break things.
>>
No. 866225 ID: cb585b

Cube Get. Time to Rip and Tear
>>
No. 866248 ID: b1b4f3

>>866182
Time for the giant robot.
>>
No. 866486 ID: 15a025

Focus all your empathy into turning into a giant robot with the other rangers for the most optimal success!
>>
No. 866636 ID: 56e50f

>>866486
Time to get this crazy day done and over with
>>
No. 866641 ID: bfb318
File 151839352939.png - (89.57KB , 800x800 , 424.png )
866641

Right now, the battleship has kept itself from bombarding us with more missile. It is slowly storing energy, so there is added pressure in getting our giant robot form.

"Don't antagonize each other."
>"I would never." says Cube.

Sevener looks like she wants to sass it hard, but clamps her mouth shut.

From a weird perspective, it does almost seem that they are flir-

>"We are not flirting." Cube interrupts my thoughts.
>"Who the hell said we were?!" says Sevener.
>"Polo thought it."

Sevener glares at me.

>"You think I'd flirt with a cube?!" I would, but I did not want to share my thoughts with Sevener.
>"Sevener, this is a wholesome ship, please spare us your casual racis - "
"Omega Wave-Force!"

Red shouts into the intercom, mercifully interrupting this.

"Form up!"
>>
No. 866642 ID: bfb318
File 151839354402.png - (109.62KB , 800x800 , 425.png )
866642

I shut my eyes and concentrate on our ships forming a giant robot. It appears to be working, as I feel my cockpit sliding backwards while innumerable mechanisms around me start sliding all the pieces of the ship around.
>>
No. 866644 ID: bfb318
File 151839364907.png - (211.95KB , 800x800 , 426.png )
866644

Then I look around, and see the ships of the other Omegas in half transformed states in some kind of mechanical equivalent of a fufa halfway between a shapeshift. Gradually, this turns into a robotic shape.

My AI visualizer shows the AIs combining, too.

"Determination!"
>"Trust!"
>"Justice."
>"Exhilaration!"

... they might be expecting I yell 'grump', but I have the chance to assign my own word.
>>
No. 866646 ID: a363ac

>>866644
Getting shit done
>>
No. 866648 ID: 90f3c0

"Professionalism"
>>
No. 866649 ID: cf24af

Duty.
>>
No. 866650 ID: 6780f5

Solemnity? Determination?
>>
No. 866654 ID: 2efe4b

Focus.
>>
No. 866655 ID: 0d45a9

>>866644
Say grump. Do it. Accept the grump, be one with the grump.
>>
No. 866656 ID: b055fc

CUBE.
>>
No. 866657 ID: 10e2b3

Seconding "professionlism"
>>
No. 866659 ID: cb585b

"Coffee Cake"

Obviously this is an option too.
>>
No. 866673 ID: 1a9fe2

Duty seems like a word the wave force would appreciate, while still getting the feeling across
>>
No. 866677 ID: 3abd97

I wonder if claiming the wrong emotion would negatively impact the process or not?

"Grump" is the expected answer, and is the power we've been harnessing with the rangers so far, if it's important that we need to match that output.

Something like "Willpower" or "Determination" would more accurately reflect Polo's core motivations. "Duty" is close but not quite it, "Professionalism" is also close though that's more how she chooses to present herself than how she is.

>>866659
Trolling everyone like that in the middle of this would be pretty amazing though, especially since they aren't going to expect it from you.
>>
No. 866702 ID: 10c408

"Work ethic. Say it as deadpan as possible.
>>
No. 866704 ID: c88e6d

>>866644
"Duty."
>>
No. 866749 ID: 689e8d

For those I love, I will sacrifice.
That is my Duty.
>>
No. 866782 ID: 9c2d0c

>>866677
Determination literally already taken. Professionalism is close, but only in the sense that Polo has been annoyed by a lack of it in others. Speaking of its presence has a different semantic connotation than complaining of its absence.

I can't think of something that works better in the present scenario than Duty. It has unquestionably positive implications, and it fits with both Polo and the Wave-Force's themes. Polo gets things done, but not because she possesses the sheer force of will to power through all obstacles (like Rokoa does.) Polo gets things done because they NEED to get done and she is the one who is there to do it.
>>
No. 866783 ID: 830fb7

>>866649
>>866704
Duty
>>
No. 866785 ID: 91ee5f

Duty!

And if anyone starts giggling because it sounds like “doody”, then smack them upside the head and tell them to grow up!

......I wonder if Sevener is wearing the other AIs like a big multicolored suit of armor?
>>
No. 866788 ID: 92dd1f

I'd say Focus describes her better, especially as a word to kind of fit in with the others.
>>
No. 866800 ID: 35089a

sexuality i mean passion
>>
No. 866803 ID: deec6e

Duty works. The 'grump' feeling seems to largely stem from an objection to or outrage against unprofessionalism and inefficiencies, as well as other distracting elements that detract focus from mission goal(s), i.e. Polo's duty. The feeling of duty is at least a chief underlying cause of the 'grump' state, even if it's more of a component, and not a pure feeling itself.

>>866785

... duty enunciated so carefully that it's almost painfully obvious what you're trying to avoid.

>wonder if Sevener is wearing the other AIs like a big multicolored suit of armor?

Heh, so not just the Cube, but all the other AIs would be coming on to her? I wonder how she'd take that. Not big on hugs, after all.

Well, whatever's going on with them, it's Sevener's choice now whether to join the AI synchronization pile or flee to the safety of the armor.
>>
No. 866804 ID: 411857

Duty sounds good, and Polo kinds of defines herself by it.
>>
No. 866868 ID: 854d71

"Responsibility" might fit a little better than "duty", since Polo tries to act all responsible even when she doesn't actually have a duty to anything to uphold. Also captures the wet-blanket I-have-to-be-the-adult-here grumpiness better than duty does.

Polo does act like someone driven by duty fairly often, but she does this even in absence of a cause, which makes it not quite fit.
>>
No. 866880 ID: bfb318
File 151845154111.png - (63.84KB , 800x800 , 427.png )
866880

There's a hiccup as a decide, and sort out my thoughts. I still don't miss the cue by much.

"Duty." I say, making sure to enunciate it so that no one starts thinking of some other word.
>"I am obligated to inform you that your overly careful enunciation has brought more attention to what you've avoided, than if you had said 'duty' normally."
>"No one fuckin' asked you, cube." says Sevener.
>"Nonetheless, the cube has spoken."

I ignore the cube, and Red takes over talking again.

"With these team elements combined, we can't be stopped!"
>>
No. 866881 ID: bfb318
File 151845156306.png - (338.79KB , 800x800 , 428.png )
866881

Our ships finish plugging in to form the robot. A giant beam is extruded from one robot hand, and a plasma shield in the other. A hidden rail starts sliding me to the center of the robot, where I expect I'll be in the company of the other omegas.
>>
No. 866882 ID: bfb318
File 151845157463.png - (94.77KB , 800x800 , 429.png )
866882

My visor still feeds me AI data.

I see the embodiment of the combined AIs that are the embodiment of the giant robot. Except....
>>
No. 866883 ID: bfb318
File 151845160142.png - (98.92KB , 800x800 , 430.png )
866883

For the cube shaped hole in its center.

>"Let us form up, Cube!"
>"I, The Cube, expect professionalism and teamwork. This is glorified playground activities. This giant robot is best piloted solo."
>"Now now." says the combined AI. "It's tough to do at first, but once you're one with us, you'll find it superior to what any of us can do alone!"
>"Simulations say you are incorrect. I volunteer myself."
>"Fuck that!" Sevener says. "You're right about solo piloting being best, but you just want to pilot the giant robot yourself, don't you."

"Hm? Something's wrong." says Red, all but making an interesting confirmation that, despite all their groundbreaking tech, they don't have AI visualizers. That, or they just don't use them. "Our robot isn't willing to move! Engaging defensive autopilot, I'll run diagnostics." Red says while this is happening.

The Cube glows.

>"This is not playtime, I am proposing that we follow the best option. Or is it that you wish to pilot the giant robot?"
>"Tch."
>>
No. 866884 ID: bfb318
File 151845163312.png - (106.69KB , 800x800 , 431.png )
866884

>"Of course I fucking want to drive the giant robot..."
>>
No. 866885 ID: b055fc

>>866884
Well go and do it then.
>>
No. 866886 ID: 3d2d5f

This is fantastic.

Cube, merge with the others into power armor, equip yourselves around Sevener, and she gets to drive. The merged AI gets to be the copilot slash backup.
>>
No. 866888 ID: 86eb65

>>866886

I like this idea. Make everyone play nice. The other ai's will get plenty more chances to drive but this is Seveners one go at it.

That being said tease her relentlessly Cube.
>>
No. 866889 ID: 10c408

"Permission granted, Sevener. Make it count."
>>
No. 866904 ID: a363ac

>>866884
Let the cute sevener drive the robot.
>>
No. 866922 ID: b1b4f3

>>866884
Get in the giant robot, Sevener.
>>
No. 866926 ID: c88e6d

>>866885
Combined AI, Cube, both of you merge into a mecha, then Sevener can pilot the CAI Mecha, and that way EVERYONE gets to pilot a giant robot.

AND IF YOU REFUSE THEN GELATIN WILL TAKE OVER THE GIANT ROBOT AND PILOT IT HIMSELF.
>>
No. 866933 ID: 91ee5f

>>866883
>This giant robot is best piloted solo.
Cube, if the giant robot was meant to be piloted by a single AI, then there would only be a single AI. However, this giant robot was designed to be piloted by multiple AIs working together and your unwillingness to be part of a team isn’t helping and is also unprofessional.

>Simulations say you are incorrect.
Simulations are not always accurate and over relying on them isn’t a good thing to do.

>>866884
>"Of course I fucking want to drive the giant robot..."
This: >>866886 , sounds like a good solution.

This giant robot was built around working together as a team, so everyone needs to work together!
>>
No. 866940 ID: 689e8d

>>866926
Yeaaaaaaahhhh!
>>
No. 866962 ID: deec6e

Sevener.

Go drive a giant robot.

>I, The Cube, expect professionalism and teamwork. This is glorified playground activities. This giant robot is best piloted solo.
>Simulations say you are incorrect. I volunteer myself.
>This is not playtime, I am proposing that we follow the best option. Or is it that you wish to pilot the giant robot?

Yes, she did, and you just served it to her on a platter.

Nevermind flirting, are you wooing Sevener, Cube?

(everything about this is glorious)
>>
No. 867011 ID: 66b5eb

Cube, either you help drive the giant robot, or the giant robot doesn't drive. That's just how it is. If you just want to get the job done, then suck it up and merge.
>>
No. 867149 ID: e1c8f7

>>866926
BECOME THE SPIRIT OF VALENTINE'S DAY, SEVENER
>>
No. 867279 ID: 97acf1

Whiskers may have prepared for grump, but he probably didn't prepare for a grump that willingly embraced this farce of a transformation sequence. So suck it up, Cube. Merge with your fellow AIs and spend some time figuring out how to make it work.

And while we're waiting for Cube to get over himself and for the other AIs to get to know each other, Sevener, you can pilot the giant robot.
>>
No. 867409 ID: bfb318
File 151862240106.png - (139.60KB , 800x800 , 432.png )
867409

I get dropped in the multi-user cockpit.

>"Oh good." says Gelatin, dropping in with me. "I have room to stretch out and decompress."
"Excuse m-"
>>
No. 867411 ID: bfb318
File 151862247261.png - (139.49KB , 800x800 , 433.png )
867411

Gelatin expands while I talk with the Cube and others.

"Cube, what's unprofessional is not cooperating with the others. I have an idea for working together. Combine with the AI, and the combined AI can be Sevener's powerarmor. She can then pilot it, with the power armor as a co-pilot."
>"The Cube acknowledges and accepts this course of action."

The rest of the combined AI looks momentarily conflicted, then shrugs and faces the cube to combine.

>"Suits us."

The AI morphs into a ball of light and surrounds Sevener.
>>
No. 867412 ID: bfb318
File 151862248376.png - (139.12KB , 800x800 , 434.png )
867412

The light dissipates, revealing Sevener.

She appears perturbed.
>>
No. 867413 ID: 10c408

Well, the waveforce is certainly going to black list you after this polo. Good job.

Tell gelatin that he can continue to decompress so long as he is no longer touching anyone else in the multi-cockpit room other than you.
>>
No. 867416 ID: 9b799f

>>867412
I'm afraid you will have to be perturbed on your own time. We need to drive this giant robot before Whiskers shoots us, and we've been stationary too long.
>>
No. 867417 ID: 86eb65

What's wrong Sevener? If you are not enjoying things I am sure the cube can take over piloting for you.
>>
No. 867418 ID: 2efe4b

"Gelatin, if you refrain from distracting the other rangers, you will have a good chance to observe a variety of different, strongly empathic neumono acting out of love for their comrade. Please use this chance to improve."

"Sevener, is there a problem? We need you."

By the way this is probably a coincidence but her helmet looks like it has the exact spikes Story Seeker's head does.
>>
No. 867419 ID: deec6e

>>867412

>She appears perturbed.

Come on Sevener. If anyone could pull off being badass in that getup, it'd be you.

"It's not a bad look, Sevener. I'm not certain it will be necessary, but for the duration of this you may want to consider changing your designation to something fitting the current configuration and disassociate yourself with how ridiculous it is. My tentative suggestion will be 'Omega Wave Force Multiplier Sevener', but feel free to embrace something else."

>"Excuse m-"
>Decompress

Hoo boy. This requires rapid-reaction response.

"Gelatin the Fufa, Omega Wave Force. Omega Wave Force, Gelatin the Fufa. To recap: Gelatin here is trying to learn how to feel love and was induced by Whiskers to start practicing on me - and yes that is as ridiculous as it sounds, but I've decided to go along with it for the sake of the mission. Gelatin, it is important that the rest of the Force maintain their current emotional state and I feel your current emotion may risk disrupting their concentration, especially if you keep... hugging them. Unless you can find ways to boost emotions of determination, exhiliration, trust and justice, you should come to my side and focus your 'love' and attention towards me."

Jump on that fufa grenade, Polo.

...

"For the record, I am not jealous of you rubbing up against the others. It is merely not ideal right now."
>>
No. 867423 ID: bfb318
File 151862628551.png - (127.43KB , 800x800 , 435.png )
867423

"Please do not touch everyone in the process of stretching, Gelatin." Considering the extreme security risk this must be, I expect to be blacklisted from any future Omega missions. "The Wave-force must keep their present state of mind as much as possible.
>"Despite assuming a soft pleasant to touch texture, neumono appear unwilling to touch Gelatin. Will process information with hands to self." says Gelatin.

The Wave-force had a bit of alarm, but they seem to be taking it oddly in stride. They have an unusual amount of faith in me that I would not bring Gelatin in here if it wasn't safe. I speak to Sevener.

"Unless there's a problem, please be perturbed about this later, as we've been too stationary. If you don't like it, then the Cub - "
>"Shut the fuck up Polo I'm loving this. I'm piloting."
"It's not a bad look, anyway. You can pull it off."
>"Whatever. Whiskers is hailing us."

The robot's cockpit plays a message also saying there is an incoming transmission from Whiskers.
>>
No. 867424 ID: bfb318
File 151862630891.png - (180.75KB , 800x800 , 436.png )
867424

Before I can consider if it's a good idea to have her talk with us while Gelatin is in the room, Red answers. Whiskers shows up on the main monitor where we can all see.

>"Omega Waveforce! I've been looking forward to battling you. And the UDA isn't here to get in our way, other than little Polo as a standin, of course."
>>
No. 867425 ID: bfb318
File 151862636491.png - (216.21KB , 800x800 , 437.png )
867425

Sevener immediately charges the ship and punches the battleship's plasma wall. It doesn't fully break, but cracks show that it can't take much more.

"Po - I mean, Grey?" asks Red, who appears to have finished the AI diagnostics. "Why is Sevener controlling our ship?"

Sevener starts pulling back for another ram.
>>
No. 867426 ID: bfb318
File 151862637696.png - (122.83KB , 800x800 , 438.png )
867426

>"I see you're more... enthusiastic than usual." says Whiskers.
>>
No. 867427 ID: 86eb65

Didn't I say all that stuff out loud? The whole letting Sevener drive the Ai part?

Wait what does the Ai even do if not drive this thing? Does it just sit there combined and cheer for us or something?
>>
No. 867430 ID: 2efe4b

"The ship AIs are still taking direction from us, they're just also sharing control with her. This is the solution that maximizes power and coordination. Do you... not pay attention to your AIs talking to each other? I've been listening in on their interactions the whole time, I assumed you'd have equal access."
>>
No. 867431 ID: a363ac

>>867426
"because its fun and unexpected. thus while making me happy it will also surprise our enemies."
>>
No. 867432 ID: 9b799f

>they seem to be taking it oddly in stride. They have an unusual amount of faith in me
Working with crazy super heroes has some advantages it would seem.

>"Po - I mean, Grey?" asks Red, who appears to have finished the AI diagnostics. "Why is Sevener controlling our ship?"
I am making this up as I go along, Red. There wasn't much in the way of ranger training. We probably shouldn't be discussing system functions over an open channel in any event.

>"I see you're more... enthusiastic than usual." says Whiskers.
Well it is a holiday.
>>
No. 867438 ID: bfb318
File 151862961176.png - (114.56KB , 800x800 , 439.png )
867438

"Well, it is a holiday."

When I was talking to Sevener and about how she would pilot, I must have been talking in my muted suit for Bell to pass on directly to Sevener

"And Red, it's because I did not undergo Omega Wave-force training. The ship AIs are copiloting with Sevener at the moment, though it may be Sevener calling most shots. What does the AI typically do?"
"They're there to read our empathy and transfer it to the ship!"
"If you ask me, I'd say Sevener's doing a pretty good job so far." says Blue.
>"That's because you always want to charge in before knowing what the enemy's about." White says.
"I'd have questions about how you communicate with your AI, but we shouldn't talk about that on an open channel."
>"I'm glad someone didn't forget about me." Whiskers states.

Whisker fires more missiles.

"Hah, those are weak missiles." says Blue. "Sevener's got that."
>"That's because they're just blinders!" Green shouts. "We can't see, and Whiskers's ship is unloading all of its gathered energy!"

Instead of belonging to some kind of overpowered beam weapon, the sensors show the battleship's energy is being put into its thrusters, accellerating the battleship forward fast.

"They're ramming us?!" says Green.
"No! They're going after Pink!"
>"... who's 'they'?" asks Whiskers.
"Sounds like they're ramming us, then, because we're not moving out of the way! Wait, we aren't, are we?" asks Blue.
>>
No. 867439 ID: bfb318
File 151862962454.png - (487.86KB , 1200x600 , 440.png )
867439

We don't. The battleship's sides splay out and transform into a pair of arms. Its primary shields go down as they're unable to withstand any more of Seveners attacks. The battleship then turns on inner shields, which only protect the upper runway that Whiskers is standing on.

The battleship itself then charges right into Sevener. Sevener meets the charge with her robot hands. The tip of the battleship would strike us, but Sevener sees this and detaches the plasma shield from her arm, and regrabs it with the robot's tail to hold it in front of us against the battleship's tip.

>"I know your robot's weakness, Wave-force!" Whiskers says. "Its space mobility is weak! Your offense might be able to take out these shields in time, but not before I reach the UDA satellite."

It seems true. Even with Gelatin's added empathy, the ship is pushing us back. It at least can't fire any more missiles at us without damaging itself.
>>
No. 867441 ID: 86eb65

Have Sevener smash the hands. Then crawl over the top and smash one side of the engines so that the battleship goes off course.
>>
No. 867443 ID: 0d45a9

Push up or down? We don't need to nullify the battleship's thrust, just ensure it isn't pointing at the space station. Given the robot's thrusters are attached to the legs, we should have better manoeuvrability, even if Whiskers has more raw power.
>>
No. 867444 ID: 9b799f

Rule 3c. Whiskers just announced she is involving the UDA satellite in the conflict, so now it's now free to interfere in the fight. Announce that over open comms. (Which frees the station up to launch missiles and offer operator support).

...and if that doesn't count? Polo, order Sevener to fire on the satellite (low power of course). We can drag them into the fight ourselves.
>>
No. 867445 ID: 2efe4b

"Our space mobility is weak? Then we just need to use yours!"

Use all your robot's grip to turn her ship off-course - preferably, to turn it right around. Since you're in space, there's nothing stopping you from making her spin, either right around left to right or just flipping her over or any combination of both. Her big engines in the back may be good, but whatever maneuvering thrusters she has in the rest of her ship will probably have less power than the big ones in your robot's feet - you can move your main engines around more freely than she ca hers. Those giant engines in the back of her ship will push you all on a new heading.
>>
No. 867446 ID: 10c408

Tell Sevener to cut the thrusters for a second, maneuver the feet so that instead of trying to slow down whisker's battleship, they instead add to the thrust, albeit at a sufficient angle that the two of us curve upwards.
>>
No. 867449 ID: a43366

Angle the ship down so it misses the satellite
>>
No. 867452 ID: deec6e

Changing her battleship's course up or down seems optimal, but don't forget that this is Whiskers. She'd account for an easy, elegant solution like that. She may have a getaway/secondary vessel that will pop off the primary one and let her continue with her real mission.

Instead, angle your shield so that you'll slide past the prow and up across the shielded front - covering her potential escape route. Try to get at the engines to get the ship angled away from the satellite, and do everything you can to maintain a grip so you don't slide completely off and get left behind. She may disconnect the robo-hands if she thinks she can toss you off her ship at the same time so don't count on those for leverage.
>>
No. 867453 ID: cb585b

>>867452
This seems like the best way to go at it...

Optional Goal: Punch the ship's engines out of commission after it's been deflected for bonus points.
>>
No. 867455 ID: bfb318
File 151863362627.png - (115.68KB , 800x800 , 441.png )
867455

"Sevener." I say, where everyone can hear me. "You don't need to fight with raw power. Just point up or down and steer it away."

>"Oh, yeah." Sevener points her feet downward to lift upwards. It doesn't seem like she can crush its hands, though the ship's hands can't crush ours, either.
>"It won't be that easy." says Whiskers.

The thrusters on the battleship rotate somewhat, allowing more direction. That alone wouldn't be enough, but panels along the front of the tip of the battleship open up, revealing an inner ring with some powerful thrusters pointed in one direction. The ring, though, can rotate, which it does to point the additional thruster upwards. It's strong enough to cancel out Sevener's own thrust.

I consider the possibility that Whiskers will fire off a secondary vessel to get to the UDA, but...

"Whiskers, you've involved the UDA. They may now participate."
>"I know! They're allowed to, if they want to fire at me while you're in front of my ship!"

Sevener then changes direction, pulling her feet back behind her so that her thrusters are pointed upwards, and she pushes down on the ship. In response, the battleship's thrusting ring rotates 180 so that the thruster is now pointed downward, and pushing everything back up to cancel out Sevener's new direction.
>>
No. 867456 ID: bfb318
File 151863368078.png - (296.73KB , 600x600 , 442.png )
867456

I'd wonder what the point of Sevener's new position was, but Sevener answers that as she then swings her legs forward at full force. Between the hydraulics and her feet's thrusters, her knees slam into the battleship's thrusting ring before the ring can rotate far enough to get the thrusters out of the way.

>"Not too bad of a move, but!" Whiskers says, pointing down. "Just as I can't easily protect my own thrusters, neither can you!"

Stealth missiles manage to get under Sevener's feet and blow up. Our feet stay intact, but the thrusters take too much damage and shut down. The battleship, too, takes damage from being in such close range, but now we can't steer as well against the ship's primary thrusters.

"There's thrusters on our hands and back!" says Red. "But our back doesn't have great tilt, and our hands are locked up in Whiskers'!"
>>
No. 867458 ID: 9b799f

Call Katzati, get the UDA to fire missiles at the robot's back.

Then do a wrestling move and flip Whiskers ship behind us at the last minute.
>>
No. 867459 ID: f62044

Does the jaw work on the mech? If so bite the ship to free your hands.
>>
No. 867460 ID: 86eb65

Have the uda base shoot a shit ton of missiles right at your back.

Then seperate the combined ships before they hit so that the missles impact the battleship. Then recombine to wrestle the ship off course.

If that does not work focus on freeing your hands. If you can do that you can crawl over the ship and disable its engines. Sevener should have a plasma sword and I see no reason it can not come out of a different part of the robots body. Like its mouth or wherever.
>>
No. 867462 ID: cb585b

Hmm, if we have thrusters in the hands, what's stopping us from using one at a time to burn through the ship's arms and proceeding to pull an Alison maneuver to get it out of the way, hands steering and the back helping to push?
>>
No. 867463 ID: c2051e

Bite and tear.
>>
No. 867467 ID: b1b4f3

Can you wedge your feet in at the battleship's "armpits" and use the leverage to get your hands free? Or pull off the battleship's arms?
>>
No. 867468 ID: 90f3c0

Giant robots tend to be equipped with some sort of sword.

Use the hand thrusters to break the grip on one of the arms, draw the sword, then use it to hack off the arm you're still grappling with.

Coordinate attacks with the UDA base, so the ship is stuck with a barrage of missiles just after you break free.
>>
No. 867469 ID: deec6e

If the tilting the shield and sliding on top of the battleship plan can be pulled off, it would bring you in a position where your back thruster could push the ship off course again. In that case readjust the shield so that stealth missiles can't get to the thruster.

If not, prioritise freeing the beam weapon arm, either for pushing Whisker back off course or for using the beam weapon to attack the engine compartments or Whiskers' secondary shield. Firing hand thrusters to damage the ship's grapplehands or just get a hand free for long enough that you can reposition might also work. Bite into one arm to free a hand if it's something the giant robot can do.

Check to see if we have eye or mouth lasers.
>>
No. 867470 ID: bfb318
File 151863626116.png - (291.24KB , 800x800 , 443.png )
867470

"Operator?"
>"Yes?" Lucera says.
"Fire missiles on us."
>".... preparing missiles. Confirm your order, please."

I confirm it with a new security handshake, and the missiles go out.

"I hope you know what you're doing." says Red. "You got any ideas for getting us out of this?
I tap my jaw. One of the episodes I saw shows that the jaw of the giant robot is strong. Even if we fail, we can just re-separate the ships, and if for some reason we can't even do that, the UDA can prematurely detonate the missiles so that they won't strike us.

"....Oh yeah!" says Red.

Sevener also gets the cue and chomps down on one of the 'wrists' of the battleship, and starts tearing it apart to free up her hand. Sevener will have enough leverage to put the ship between us and the missiles.
>>
No. 867471 ID: bfb318
File 151863628534.png - (153.72KB , 800x800 , 444.png )
867471

The intercom shows Whiskers again.

>"....Really? You guys haven't used the jaw since episode 3, and considering all the episodes since then where it would've been useful, I figured you all just forgot about it. Alright, that was fun. I'm out." Whiskers says, before the panel below her starts sinking down, presumably into an escape pod.
>"Oh fuck no!" says Sevener. "We're not letting her escape, are we?!"
>>
No. 867472 ID: a363ac

>>867471
well this is an Omega wave force ship might as well let them have something to do let them decide.
>>
No. 867473 ID: b1b4f3

Hmmm... if Whiskers is trying to escape, can we aim the ship so that her escape pod goes towards the UDA?
>>
No. 867474 ID: c2051e

Aim her escape pod towards the oncoming missiles.
>>
No. 867475 ID: 86eb65

Hell no. I want her pod in your stomach if at all possible.

Sure she will just break out of jail but I want her brought in regardless.

Track where the escape pod will shoot out of and be ready to grab/swallow it. Tear the crap out of this ship in the meantime so it can not slow us down.
>>
No. 867482 ID: 9b799f

>>867471
We want her alive, but Sevener can't abandon the ship to chase Whiskers. The ship might be remote or AI controlled so it goes back to the fight if we let it go before disabling or destroying it.

...can we throw the fufa at the escape pod?

"Gelatin, hug."
>>
No. 867484 ID: 91ee5f

>>867471
>"Oh fuck no!" says Sevener. "We're not letting her escape, are we?!"
“No, we’re not.”

Make sure you bite off the other arm so that you can free yourselves and move out of the way of the missiles that are coming towards you!

And with a ship that big, be prepared for multiple escape pods to be launched in an attempt from Whiskers to escape because you don’t know which escape pod she’s in. The solution? Catch all of the escape pods.
>>
No. 867488 ID: deec6e

>letting her escape

Nobody ever 'let' Whiskers escape. She seems to be doing quite fine escaping on her own.

Relay:

"That's it? You asked for this date, Whiskers, knowing there was a chance I'd be here to remind these guys about THEIR BASIC TACTICAL CAPABILTIES. At least own up to it and surrender if you're suddenly so outmatched."
>>
No. 867490 ID: 90f3c0

No way. A Ranger might let their enemies go to fight another day, but a UDA agent always brings in their target.

Whiskers is probably going to try some diversionary tactic, like scattering escape pods in every direction. The best way to stop that is by surrounding the ship.

Launch Gelatin at the ship and have him expand and cover the escape pod hatches. I'm sure he'll appreciate the opportunity to find and hug Whiskers.
>>
No. 867494 ID: bfb318
File 151863881360.png - (97.41KB , 800x800 , 445.png )
867494

>Can we throw the fufa at the escape pod?
It's possible, but I don't where Whisker's escape pod is specifically.

>"No way." says White. "Keep that escape pod from reaching Astreneus!"
"Turn the ship around." I tell Sevener. "The escape pods look like they're in the back. Point it to the UDA satellite."

Then I talk to Whiskers.

"You asked for this date, and you knew there was a chance I'd be here to remind you about their basic tactical capabilties."
>"Actually, I'm even more surprised you watched episode 3, Polo!"
"Either way, own up to it and surrender."
>"I really did misjudge you, if you honestly think I'd surrender if you asked politely! See ya."

Whiskers is able to launch quick enough to do so before the missiles are close, but not quick enough to do so before Sevener manages to break free quickly and turn the ship around. As expected, the escape pod launches out behind the ship, towards the UDA.

Also, all the escape pods are launched simultaneously. However, since Whiskers involved the UDA, I immediately get Lucera's scanning information. Bell takes the information, passes it to Sevener, then Sevener shows it on the main screen. Within a few seconds of launch, we know which pod Whisekrs is in.

Even so, their thrusters are fast. It immediately spins around and starts heading to the planet.

"Too fast!" says Blue. "Even if the launch direction gave us a chance and we know which pod she's in, she'll be able to evade us!"
"Think!" says Red. "Our robot can go into overdrive - it just needs the power to make use of that higher capacity!"
>"Even with Gelatin's weird power, it won't be enough, will it?" asks Green."
"Of course we can! We have the power right in front of us! The UDA satellite, specifically the empathy beam! It'll be a premature fire, yes, but if they fire off what power Pink has currently put into it, we'll be more than charged up enough! We just need the UDA approval!" Red continues, as her head slowly turns at me during the last sentence.
>>
No. 867496 ID: 93be1c

DO IT
>>
No. 867497 ID: a81b0d

>>867494
Nope, the empathy beam being fired on schedule is more important than capturing Whiskers.

Need another tactic. Can the robot throw one of its component ships at the escape pod?
>>
No. 867499 ID: 9b799f

Shooting ourselves with the love beam? That won't go wrong, I'm sure.

Bigger concern is that catching Whiskers isn't worth mission failure. If Pink fires on us prematurely, will the schedule zapping still happen? It's not worth sabotaging Valentine's to catch her.
>>
No. 867500 ID: a363ac

>>867494
no that would defeat the whole purpose of the mission. just have the UDA calculate and intercept
>>
No. 867501 ID: 2efe4b

Won't that deprive the rogues of what they were promised? It would at least delay it, and we don't know what... stamina issues Pink might be dealing with. We went into this to save Valentine's day - we're not going to give up what we were trying to save just to take down the person we were trying to save it from. For all we know this is her actual final plan.

Look, a planet's atmosphere is huge. It takes time to land safely. Just track her pod and catch her on the way down.

She's defeated already, that was Ranger work. Catching her - that's police work. Agent work. Your type of work, Polo.
>>
No. 867502 ID: c2051e

Do it. Bounce it off the robot and COMBINE POWERS. This is a sentai team, it's got to work.
>>
No. 867503 ID: 2efe4b

Besides, I have doubts the robot is designed for capturing small, relatively delicate escape craft safely, especially when it's been overcharged, damaged, and is traveling at high speed. We don't want to kill her.
>>
No. 867508 ID: a81b0d

If we do it, Whiskers will have succeeded at STEALING THE LOVE BEAM!
>>
No. 867509 ID: 90f3c0

No, you don't want to mess up Valentines Day, that's the whole point of the mission. Ground teams should be able to get to the landing site before the pod touches down. Just make sure to keep a close eye on it, she might try to bail out before it reaches the ground.

Also, make sure to pick up all the escape pods in case it's a good decoy.
>>
No. 867510 ID: 91ee5f

Prematurely firing the love beam doesn’t mean Valentine’s is ruined! It just means that it’ll need to be recharged and fired again.

I say we should do it! Don’t let Whiskers escape!

>>867500
>UDA calculate and intercept
They’re all back on the satellite and they’re even further away than we are. They’ll never be able to catch up in time!

>>867501
>that's police work
Speaking of which, how quickly could Rokoa and her hive get to Whiskers’ landing site if we happen to miss?
>>
No. 867511 ID: 2efe4b

>>867510

... The UDA isn't all crammed into the satellite. They're, like, neumono interpol. There are tons of employees and resources still spread out over the whole planet. They didn't all come to space for this one thing.

Anyway, maybe denying the love beam move will generate enough power to achieve something without it. I mean, it'll probably make the other rangers grumpy, in addition to Polo's own grump power. Sorry - "Duty" power.
>>
No. 867512 ID: deec6e

It's tempting to catch Whiskers, but if it delays or disrupts the Roguetown beam, that's a no.

Two questions.

Are missiles faster than escape pods?
Can missiles be used to disable escape pod engines? (by remote detonation, if need be)
>>
No. 867513 ID: bfb318
File 151864078530.png - (100.20KB , 800x800 , 446.png )
867513

As much as I'd like to think we could catch Whiskers as she lands on the planet, she may have ways to slip through us.

>Are missiles faster than escape pods, and can they be used to disable escape pod engines?
They could theoretically catch up with Whiskers, but missiles won't be able to do much besides kill her.

"Cancelling valentine's or otherwise defeating the whole point of the mission isn't worth cat - "
>"Oh don't you fucking dare, Polo!" Sevener yells at me. "The robot can fire off beams with a bigger wave gun! Once I use the love beam's power to catch Whiskers, I can fire all the leftover power back onto the UDA to re-charge a bunch of the power back into the satellite! I'll send the word if you don't!"
>>
No. 867514 ID: a363ac

>>867513
alright do it.
>>
No. 867515 ID: 9b799f

>>867513
Well it would appear I'm overruled.

Operator, I need you to fire on our position again.

...Feeling apprehensive about getting love beamed Polo?
>>
No. 867516 ID: 91ee5f

>>867513
“Well why didn’t you say so in the first place?! Yes, do it! Let’s capture Whiskers!”
>>
No. 867517 ID: deec6e

Sevener's got this. Sign off on it.

Might as well tell Gelatin to pay close attention. This isn't the ordinary way to receive love, but he can at least take cues from how love is supposed to feel.
>>
No. 867518 ID: e9b578

We can't afford to fire off the love beam now. Cheerfully failing your own mission because you got wrapped up in the moment is exactly what you're not about.

You are a professional, you know how to prioritize mission objectives, and you have veto power here, so you're not going to waste Pink's efforts now. Worst comes to worst, you can just sic Rokoa on Whiskers.

Besides, I can't help but wonder if they're underestimating you. You managed to charge up one their beams to SUPERMAX POWER using your unenhanced empathy, and there are now five of you and an insane fufa who's obsessed with your target. If you can't overdrive yourselves, you don't deserve the Omega Waveforce name.
>>
No. 867519 ID: 204fd2

>won't be able to do much besides kill her
I see no problem with that.

I don't think it wise to risk the mission in the hope of catching someone well known for been an escape artist.

"Sevener do I need to remind you who's in charge here? This is my call to make not yours."
>>
No. 867520 ID: 86eb65

We can help Pink recharge the beam later. Use the power now.
>>
No. 867521 ID: 91ee5f

>>867518
That’s a good idea! Let’s use the love beam and have everyone get themselves into overdrive! We’ll definitely be able to catch Whiskers if we do that!
>>
No. 867522 ID: 437fa8

Sure lets use the power.

Just know that you might be called on to help recharge it later.
>>
No. 867524 ID: 3cc68c

If we can catch Wiskers and save Valentines day I don't see why not. Even if this is part of her scheme we can just orgy it up to recharge things.
>>
No. 867526 ID: bfb318
File 151864251534.png - (178.10KB , 800x800 , 447.png )
867526

"You should have said so in the first place. I still have misgivings, and this isn't your call to make, but if you believe you can do this without ruining the mission, then send the order."
>"Sending it!"

>Feeling apprehensive about getting love beamed Polo?
Actually, yes.

In fact, come to think of it, I'm more apprehensive about the idea of love beaming the entire UDA satellite. I wonder if there's another -

Oh, nevermind, it's happening.
>>
No. 867527 ID: bfb318
File 151864253535.png - (320.98KB , 1200x800 , 448.png )
867527

What happens next is a blur. My entire being has a sweet, feel-good sensation occupying it. I am essentially drunk on Pink's version of love. While I can still act and make decisions, I am in no condition to make reliable and unbiased decisions.

Sevener appears functional too, as without any further orders, the giant robot lunges forward with exceptional speed, and despite some evasive maneuvers by Whiskers, gets grabbed by Sevener. She confirms that the escape pod is intact and Whiskers is safe.

"Omega Wave-force!" Red yells, a little slurred. "Join up! Send the power back!"
>>
No. 867528 ID: bfb318
File 151864254353.png - (199.69KB , 800x800 , 449.png )
867528

Sevener brings out the giant robot version of the empathy gun, and fires it at the UDA.

We eventually get the confirmation that they received it, and while there might be a slight delay on the scheduled love beam on roguetown due to the energy lost in the transfer, it's considered worth it to catch Whiskers. Even if she escapes in a week.

I struggle to process the information fairly, as I am starting to be in an inappropriately good mood, even considering things basically seemed to work fine.

If I'm going to do anything more important, it has to be in the next minute or two before this sensation really gets the better of me.
>>
No. 867530 ID: 6780f5

There's someone on that satellite in need of your snuggles.
>>
No. 867531 ID: c2051e

>>867528
Call up Rokoa and tell her she's alright. After all, she had the manners to stay out of your Valentine's, mostly.
>>
No. 867533 ID: cb585b

Get Itcher that date with Whiskers he's probably wanted for a while.
>>
No. 867536 ID: 86eb65

Make sure the battleship is not going to fall out of orbit or otherwise do something tricky.

Get the giant robot back into its ship forms before everyone starts fucking the fufa.

Then get back to the station and bring your girls back to the charging room so you can help recharge things for the big event.

And put Whiskers in the same cell as the fufa.
>>
No. 867537 ID: deec6e

>>867528

Check to see if your current high matches with whatever testing they did on the love beam before hand. Set Bell on record mode, so you can review the effects of this beam on you later, in case there's memory loss. Tell Sevener she's the adult now, and set her on task to ensure that securing Whisker will go smoothly and that you don't make too many biased choices.

If it's really that bad, recommend a lockdown of the satellite until the emotional high settles, with outside support to be brought in to keep operations stable. Can jammers be brought to bear to keep the feeling managable, or is that too late?

Ask Gelatin how it feels and why there are now two neumono hugging in the background.
>>
No. 867538 ID: 2efe4b

Thank Sevener for her work, thank Gelatin for his assistance and ask if he feels he's learned much, and see if you can ask Whiskers why. Just why everything to do with this. The whole story. Is she planning to steal all the holidays?

Also send positive messages to Rokoa and Az and everyone else who helped out.
>>
No. 867539 ID: 3cc68c

Ha ha yeah put Whiskers and the fufa in the same holding facility. It can try to show her what it learned about love.

Other than that get back to base and enjoy a job well done. You did a good job and saved the day. No reason not to celebrate.
>>
No. 867540 ID: c2051e

>>867537
That's Pink and Pilon.
>>
No. 867543 ID: c88e6d

>>867513
Eh, do it.
>>
No. 867544 ID: b1b4f3

>>867528
Ask if Gelatin has figured out what real love is like now that he's gotten a good taste of it. Heck, now that the fighting is over maybe he can practice emotional emulation using the ship's feedback as an aide?
>>
No. 867545 ID: 10c408

Tell Katzati that you've enjoyed working with her and to scrub any further data until the emotional high is over.

Also tell Az that since you caught whiskers, you want a vacation and the mission records never make it onto the tv show.
>>
No. 867546 ID: 91ee5f

Job well done, Agent Polo.

It’s time to sit back and relax for the rest of the day. In fact, why don’t you go back and relax with Ramella and Katzati? Even though Ramella is going to go back to jail with time removed from her sentence, there’s no need to immediately send her back. So just spend the rest of the day with Ramella and Katzati.
>>
No. 867547 ID: 3abd97

>>867528
Probably should make the decision not to have an orgy with the fufa and rangers while you're still capable of making decisions.

Hopefully someone dumps Polo on her dates after this is she isn't going to be good for much else anytime soon.

>If I'm going to do anything more important, it has to be in the next minute or two before this sensation really gets the better of me.
Read Whiskers her rights. She'll get the arrest thrown out in court if you don't!
>>
No. 867549 ID: 91ee5f

>>867546
And tell the Waveforce that working with them was enjoyable, especially being able to be in the giant robot. However, you wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t want you anywhere near their equipment anymore, considering what happened.

But if they ever need you’re help, you’ll be willing to be their 6th member again.

And if they put any of this in their tv show, request that they please don’t use your real name. Gotta keep our identities secret after all!
>>
No. 867552 ID: 91ee5f

>>867549
>But if they ever need you’re help
Stupid autocorrect! That’s supposed to be your not you’re.
>>
No. 867556 ID: bfb318
File 151864626765.png - (128.51KB , 800x800 , 450.png )
867556

"Bell, record this. Although we had tests on this love beam, we should review how it affects me. Sevener, make sure the battleship isn't going to fall out of orbit or anything like that."
>"Yeah sure, you damn neumono."
"I assume you're not affected?"
>"Not really. I can see the data, but it's not like my brain was directly hit."
"Then you're the adult now. Make sure Whiskers is secured. Read her her rights."
>"Now split up. The other AIs are getting weird, and you guys are getting weird, too. I don't like how Green is looking at Gelatin."
"Okay. Omega Wave-force, I'm going back into Pink's ship. I recommend you all go back to your ships. I'll be in contact later."
"Fiiiine." says Red. "Good job, everyone!"
"It was nice working with you all.

>Two neumono hugging in the background
Huh, there...
Oh, no, that's just Pink and Pilon. It feels like they're nearby. It's a little creepy actually, for just a moment, before I get used to it.

>Put fufa in the same cell as Whiskers
That would imply that the fufa is in jail, and that would imply he did something wrong. The fufa did nothing wrong. The fufa comes back with me into Pink's ship.

"Have you learned much, Gelatin?"
>"I have. Thank you for assistance."
"And thank you for yours."

We detach. Whiskers is kept with me, but in a side compartment where Gelatin won't reach. Things are in a daze, so I trust others to it.
>>
No. 867557 ID: bfb318
File 151864627527.png - (137.77KB , 800x800 , 451.png )
867557

I'll be seeing Katzati and Ramella on the UDA ship, so I'll talk with others first.

I give Rokoa a call.

"Hey, Rokoa."
"Polo, what's up?"
"Just wanted to say... you're alright."
"... Polo are you drunk?"
"What? Nooo. I mean it."
"Alcohol is bad for you! Don't drink it! Call me back when you're healthy!"

She hangs up. I guess that's okay.

I start to call Az.

>"No." says Bell. "I'm going to stop you right there. Talk to him later."
"Fiiine, just for you, Bell."
>"Ugh." says Sevener. "I'm driving us back to the UDA. I'll stay with Pink's ship until she actually gets it back, cause I don't trust Cube here alone."
>"Sevener, the cube is known to be the most trustworthy shape." says Cube.
>"When will you ever shut up?"
>"My word count to this point has been approximately 25% of your own."
>>
No. 867558 ID: 2efe4b

When Pink comes to pick her ship up again, leave a note explaining what happened and saying sorry for the trouble and that also she is a lovely person.
>>
No. 867560 ID: c2051e

Call Katzati and ask if she has any plans.

Actually, what are the post-Valentines' sales on candy/meat like? Could just have a nice movie night at home gorging on beef and chocolate.
>>
No. 867561 ID: 86eb65

Sevener if you are going to make a move on the cube now is the time. The cube is a perfect gentleman/woman. Don't spend valentines day alone!

Make sure that Gelatin gets a ride back to its ship or something. Whatever leave it up to someone else. Just get back to base and relax.
>>
No. 867562 ID: deec6e

>>867554

They're getting along splendidly, aren't they?

Lay out some plans for having a good time with the people you're closest to back at the satellite. Spread a little of the joy around.
>>
No. 867564 ID: c2051e

Also, remember that the pyramid is actually the most trustworthy shape, structurally speaking, but don't mention it to avoid hurting Cube's feelings.
>>
No. 867565 ID: 91ee5f

>>867557
“Oh would you two just kiss already! All this flirting you’re doing with each other is very obvious! .....no, wait, that’s just the Love Beam talking.”

>>867564
She doesn’t have to mention it, the Cube will detect her thoughts like it did earlier here: >>866641 !
>>
No. 867567 ID: 3abd97

>Read her her rights.
Are AIs legally officers or agents who can do that? Oh well, worst case she can set up a call between Whiskers and an operator to read her her rights.

>We detach.
Who's keeping the other rangers from crashing. Their AIs I guess. Hopefully they count as adults.

>what do
Love-drunk text your hive before someone takes your phone away.

Then I assume we're being dumped out the cockpit on top of a concerned Katzati and Ramella. You should kiss them a bunch. They're your dates, and it's Valentines!
>>
No. 867568 ID: 499d93

Love beam polo is great.
Once we get back to the UDA we should congratulate everyone on a mission well done, maybe we can even get a group hug with all of them.
>>
No. 867570 ID: bfb318
File 151864762672.png - (99.96KB , 800x800 , 452.png )
867570

"Sevener, if you're going to make a move on the Cube, now is the time."
>"I fuckin - mind your own business Polo! I told you, I don't fuck cubes!"
"The flirting is obvious."
>"That's the love beam talking!"

>Can AIs legally read off rights?
The important thing is that Whiskers gets informed what her rights are. As long as they're available immediately, that part of the law is satisfied.

I leave a note for Pink, apologizing for stuff I did to her ship.
>Actually, what are the post-Valentines' sales on candy/meat like?
Who knows? This is the first one. It's probably good though.

Pretty soon we should get UDA backup that hasn't been hit with the beam. They can deal with Whiskers and Gelatin.

I call my hive. I tell them I love them. They act concerned and that's kind of weird but I assure them that this is just a love call to let them know. They tell me to make it back safe.

Then I call Katzati.

"Hey, Katzati."
>"Poloooo."
"Do you have any plans?"
>"Just hangggin' out in my room. With Ramella. You can come join us. Iffff ya wanna."

Pink and Pilon should be able to charge up the satellite in time, now. In fact, reversing the beam on them may have even made it easier for them to focus.

I think once I get into Katzati's room, that's going to be it for the day. The mission, as far as I'm concerned, is accomplished.
>>
No. 867571 ID: a43366

You should at least see how the rogues do after the beam. See the fruits of your handiwork
>>
No. 867572 ID: c2051e

Yeah, at least get a report on the rogues before you have a proper Valentine's Day.
>>
No. 867573 ID: a363ac

>>867570
check on Pink
>>
No. 867574 ID: 91ee5f

>>867570
>"Just hangggin' out in my room. With Ramella. You can come join us. Iffff ya wanna."
“I’ll be right there. Don’t start having fun without me.”

>>867571
She can just turn on a tv in Katzati's room and watch the news. A big love beam hitting Rougetown and making all the rouges really happy is most likely going to be on the news.
>>
No. 867577 ID: c2051e

>>867574
Yeah but the news isn't always accurate plus let's not bring work to Katzati/Ramella time.
>>
No. 867578 ID: 3abd97

Checking the news to see what's happening in Roguetown might be interesting.

You should leave Sevener and Cube alone so they can do something.

You should take off your helmet and plug Bell in somewhere to search for love. (And you should really ditch the armor before you to Katzati's room).
>>
No. 867582 ID: bfb318
File 151864929146.png - (142.20KB , 800x800 , 453.png )
867582

I confirm that Pink is safe and recharging the gun before I go leave Sevener to do whatever it is Sevener is going to do. I'm told I'll be on standby just in case I'm needed, but in my current state, that just means being around and not getting in the way. So I head directly to Katzati's room. Jammers were turned off during receiving the love beam so that it would properly be absorbed. They were turned back on again across most of the ship, but the internal effects on people will linger for some time, even if they aren't perpetuated by feeling everyone else in the same mood.

Katzati's room, and others, will only have jammer bubbles, so I'll still be able to sense them when I get to Katzati's room. I send her a message to put on the news, so that we'll see how it goes when the love beam is fired on roguetown.

I go in to find Katzati in that 'joke' suit that she apparently had brought with her after all. With Ramella wearing nothing but a pair of what is probably someone else's glasses.

>And you should really ditch the armor before you to Katzati's room.
Oh yeah.

I should've thought of that a moment sooner. There's still time for that. I can plug Bell into the central network from here if I want.
>>
No. 867583 ID: c2051e

Well, time for you to get out your "joke". Gun strapon ahoy! Don't actually use it, of course.
>>
No. 867586 ID: 2efe4b

Just make sure you tell Bell to stop monitoring you.
>>
No. 867587 ID: a363ac

>>867582
Bell should record for science.
>>
No. 867590 ID: 3abd97

It's a good thing we already did this once or I'd be concerned about being influenced.

>Didn't take off your armor
Time to see if you can turn taking off full combat armor into a strip tease.

It'll be easier to make the uniform underneath sexy. Professional is hot.

Then throw yourself in bed, of course. (Looks like Katzati gets to get laid on Valentines like she wanted)!

>I can plug Bell into the central network from here if I want.
Fly free, little AI. Find yourself a date.
>>
No. 867593 ID: 91ee5f

>>867582
Tell Bell to not record any of this, take off the armor, take off the clothes you’re wearing under the armor, leap onto the bed and enjoy celebrating Valentine’s with your dates! ~ <3
>>
No. 867594 ID: 86eb65

Careful plugging anything into the central network with what you have been through. Don't need a last minute Whiskers plot to derail things.

Other than that take your time undressing. Give them a show.
>>
No. 867603 ID: 6780f5

Tell Bell to turn off the recording before expertly ejecting out of the armour and into the bed. You've earned it, Polo.
>>
No. 867604 ID: 91ee5f

>>867593
Wait! I changed my mind! Don’t leap onto the bed after you take everything off!

Instead, do a bunch of backflips onto the bed, like you did during the card game with the Waveforce here: >>833681 !
>>
No. 867606 ID: bfb318
File 151865160616.png - (114.57KB , 800x800 , 454.png )
867606

I strip in front of them, and just move off to the side to plug Bell into the network. I make sure she won't record us, as that's not something we need for science or any purpose. She can go mingle with the other AIs, which I'm pretty sure might get some ideas.

I've certainly got ideas for Katzati and Ramella. I don't have my joke costume, but there's still plenty to work with, so after I strip down, I dramatically roll into bed with them.
>>
No. 867607 ID: bfb318
File 151865161813.png - (127.13KB , 800x800 , 455.png )
867607

In the meanwhile, Sevener, I'm pretty sure, does fuck cubes while no one is looking. She will probably make the most of it before Pink comes back to re-re-calibrate her AI.
>>
No. 867608 ID: bfb318
File 151865165113.png - (118.57KB , 800x800 , 456.png )
867608

Lastly, I learn that the fufa will be stored in a facility for study. It is treated well and trained in various behaviors, and taught a fair amount of what it wants to learn. However, there are measures in place so that it cannot properly act fully like an individual, as we would rather not have a fufa capable of wandering the world looking like a regular individual.

Ramella will go back to jail at the end of the day, at which point Katzati and I will go back to our respective hives to spend the rest of the day with.

For roguetown, the lovebeam fired only a few minutes later than scheduled, but otherwise did so accurately and with intended effects. The event goes without significant incident. Although some rogues do act in ways that they may not be proud of later on, they are generally willing to accept that risk just to be able to experience that kind of sensation.

Whiskers is put in a higher security jail, where she spends what few allowed visits with Itcher. There's a vague feeling that she will escape before too long anyways, but it'll at least interrupt her schemes more than if she was out of jail in the first place.

Ultimately, this holiday was well spent by most, and went over much better than christmas did.
>>
No. 867613 ID: 2efe4b

Hooray! I would have liked to find out more about what Whiskers thought she was trying to do and if she was really responsible for everything, but still, happy ending. Hearts seem appropriate.

<3 <3 <3
>>
No. 867621 ID: 3abd97

Best end
>>
No. 867651 ID: deec6e

Happy endings for all!

Good to see that Sevener found herself a nice and solid platonic relationship.
>>
No. 867706 ID: e1c8f7

Happy Valentine's day, ya'll~
>>
No. 867714 ID: 204fd2

>>867706
And how was that for timing? Ended on Valentine's day.
Wonder what the next holiday will be?

Also looking forward to the wave force scientist boss goat to build Grey her own ship with Cube as its AI.
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