Mecha Space Pirate Quest XXXVIII

The two pirate mecha and the S-Flowerhorn vanish into a canyon loaded with ductwork, prompting an annoyed tongue-click from McAllister, “Nothing to do but make a formal arrest and hope he's spooked enough to comply. It's a longshot, but since it's our job to preserve peace and justice we have to try. I'll take point.” The S-Slayer coasts to a halt at the edge of the canyon, thrusters flaring and shields lashing in frustration.

You notice, because you were looking for it, a Harpy visible hidden from view latched onto the side of a parked junker, not returning to the ship or indeed moving at all. Just as you expected. It remains still for the entirety of the footage.

“But you were hit!” Keith sounds outraged, which you enjoy.

“I know. It's dangerous, but it's our job. Let these pirates hear your roar of heroism, Ensign Young. You announce the arrest. Go ahead, it's all up to you.” McAllister laughs, the friendly laugh of an old hand letting the young pup get some glory.

[Continued]

“Right away!” Another flicker of static, presumably Keith setting his comms to hail you. "This is Ensign Keith Young of the UJCIDF's elite SOUL B Squadron! Captain Roarke Starwind of the Iron Kestrels, for crimes including BUT NOT LIMITED TO multiple counts of piracy on the high void, conspiracy to COMMIT piracy, illicit sale of merchandise through an illegal vendor, arson, destruction of a colony, individual-scale murder, kidnapping for purpose of ransom, kidnapping an UJCIDF officer for purpose of stealing classified information, treason, MANY counts of sexual harassment, public indecency, public drunkenness, public brawling, theft of government property, grand theft starship, grand theft mecha, bank fraud upon a foreign noble, petty theft, assault and battery, aiding and abetting a criminal enterprise, destruction of private property, destruction of public property, promotion of hooliganism, disorderly conduct, manslaughter, prostitution, attempting to bribe an officer, resisting arrest, and disturbing the peace...you are under arrest. Release your hostage and surrender peacefully, or we will continue shooting."

[Continued]

Red Siren harrumphs loudly, "What about ME!?" She's cute when she's indignant.

"Ma'am, I don't have time to read your entire criminal record, but you should really surrender too." You can hear the gloating in Keith's voice.

"...Who are you again?" You ask, drily.

"Ensign Keith You-"

Your voice interrupts him, "Oh, right. You sound just like this wet-behind-the-ears rookie from when I was momentarily held up by three SOUL members in Pumpkinseeds. If your Corporal hadn't been so cute, I probably would have torn the limbs off your mech too." Your voice is friendly, but with an unmistakable undertone of menace "And it's an impressive speech! You've grown up a little! How many hours did it take to practice it? Did your girlfriend help?" YOU think it sounds pretty impressive, but you're pretty sure there's something missing. In fact, you recall more than a few things missing from this recording.

[Continued]

A rocket from the S-Slayer explodes off the ductwork. “Sorry, Ensign, Lysa's a good girl and hearing this arrogant man insult her makes me a little upset too.” McAllister apologizes, presumably over ally comms.

"I have a bounty computer, Captain Starwind, I don't need to memorize any-"Keith replies stiffly.

"Admiral." You cut him off with a growl, "Admiral Roarke Starwind. That's a real title earned through real battles. You defeated a pirate crew? That's great. I've caused the destruction of the entire Green Skulls pirate fleet. You won some sims? I've won a WAR. More importantly, when did I get prostitution? That's a new one, are you sure you're looking at the right screen?" Yep, that's unquestionably your voice, but you're sure there are parts missing, you remember Red Siren telling you not to use her name and let Keith think he can call her Rosita for an absolute certainty.

A pair of indigo beams streak up from the canyon, narrowly missing the S-Slayer. McAllister tersely orders Keith to move into a better position and you see his perspective swing as the S-Slinger starts to come around to fire directly into the canyon.

[Continued]

The kid's voice assumes a waspishly judgmental tone, "Obviously. You're selling your body, essentially, to acquire goods or services from Lieutenant Farragut." His voice becomes genuinely angry, "How could you, Starwind? Haven't you tried to understand her feelings for you at all!? I've heard about them at length! She loves you and wants you to do the right thing, turn yourself in, and use your admittedly considerable talents for good instead of evil. Now, obviously that's unrealistic, you're going to have to go to prison or be rehabilitated with drugs and therapy or...or something, but it's the right thing to do! Don't you have any shame about using her at all!? Maybe if you returned her love honestly, none of this would have had to happen! Think about how many people would still be alive, how much damage could have been averted!"

“I'll perform the ceremony myself if you get him to give Farragut back and join the UJCIDF. I hate to admit it, but he's unquestionably an ace.” McAllister's voice is grudgingly respectful.

“What can I say? I'm a bad, bad man, who is going to do horrific things to that ass. Probably while it's still in uniform! It's a tradition, you know, plundering booty." You hear yourself laughing, with an annoyed edge. You, watching this, start laughing for real, despite Karen facepalming. You're hurt they didn't play the rest of what you said, though.

[Continued]

McAllister chimes in, “I think I have a shot, he's not carrying her anymore. If we can do enough damage to slow him down, we've won. Open fire.” Plasma bolts and missiles strike the ductwork, “Avoid anything that would damage the colony's main systems. A few segments might temporarily lose water pressure, but that's an easy fix.” The S-Slayer starts to make its way forward, and your grappling harpoon snaps right in front of its face, almost grabbing its head.

“Careful, he's vicious.” Keith warns. McAllister grunts in acknowledgement.

“In all seriousness...how could anyone expect me to be on a team with you or you?" You don't remember your voice sounding that angry.

There's a few minutes of movement and the occasional shot...during which you distinctly recall trying to turn Keith against the S-Slayer's pilot, none of which seems to be on this recording.

[Continued]

“You know, Keith, I've been thinking.” McAllister comments casually, “You and Lysa really should do the proper thing and get married if you're so serious about each other. I mentioned the possibility to her the other day, and while she was embarrassed she also seemed rather keen on the idea.”

"That...that didn't have to...you should have consulted me." Poor Keith sounds so put-out.

“I'm sorry for making your life difficult. It just sort of slipped out. As a shepherd, I am habitually prone to interfere with the flock, I'm sorry.” McAllister chuckles.

“Yes, that's why I'm angry. You didn't trust me enough to tell me about this.” The kid sounds petulant.

“I'm telling you now, aren't I? It's your decision, I can only advise you of what I see of God's plan.” The priest sounds aloof and slightly smug, but in a comradely way.

Your voice crackles over the comms, “Girls, are you listening to this? This is a boy-becoming-a-man moment, here. Once his balls drop, little Keith might finally be a worthy opponent.”

[Continued]

All I can think about the pigs pictures and these pigs going ham is having a nice, BIG Barbeque like picture related did, but sadly that would not be in character.

Instead we'll just have to hammer them and simply make them look like fools.

“SHUT UP!” Roars Keith.

Predictably, you don't shut up, “So, why didn't you tell him, you ugly son of a bitch? Don't tell me you care what your subordinates think about you? Although, if Clemmy's the lieutenant...what's your rank exactly?”

“I never really figured Roarke Starwind for the marrying type. Do you think he'll ask any of his women to marry him, Keith?” McAllister's paternalistic voice is as unruffled as the feathers of a swan on a calm lake.

“I don't know.” Keith grumbles, sounding sulky.

Karen turns her head towards you as you sit watching the footage play. There is a frightening gleam on the lenses of her spectacles, and a speculative expression on her cute face.

McAllister addresses you, “My only sin is dealing out justice to pirates.”

There's silence over the comms. A few more shots, a few more missiles, but silence reigns.

[Continued]

“Damn it, he's passed the S-Stiletto off to Red Siren. He's using them as a distraction while he...” The view zooms in on the Archen taking off with the black-and-gold S-Flowerhorn (S-Stilleto on paper). The Knuckle Kaiser steps out, shields raised, “No. He might be worth recruiting after all, Ensign. Look, he's protecting them.” There's the sound of slow applause from McAllister over the comms as the Kaiser retreats, keeping between SOUL B and the two women, “I'll keep them in view and see if I can hit Starwind if I get the chance.”

“But your mech is damaged, it isn't safe to...” Keith's voice is full of worry.

McAllister's is sharp, “I know, Ensign, but trust me. If we stop the Black Ogre, we're doing the galaxy a service. It's powerful, but I'm confident in my skill.”

There is more footage of the pursuit, Keith unable to maintain firing angle due to the colony.

[Continued]

“Lieutenant, there's a ship blocking my view, sensors say it's the Pure Pure Puru, a scavenger ship whose captain was dealing with Starwind. It escaped the impound recently.” Keith sounds a little panicked.

“Take out their CIWS turrets if you can.” McAllister's voice is grim.

“What are you planning to do!?” Keith yells.

“Shut up and listen to your superior officer. The Archen is slowed down, and can't fire right now. The Black Ogre will make its move soon, if I can just destroy some of its thrusters or finish off that arm, we win. Even if I don't, we've put the Black Ogre itself to flight, and that's an accomplishment all of its own. These two are among the most skilled pirate mechjocks in the Belt, Starwind is even better than Bruce Kelly. Maybe, just maybe, I want to test myself against him.” McAllister laughs as the Knuckle Kaiser rises from the canyon like an avenging angel, blocking the S-Slayer's path to the Archen and the S-Flowerhorn it carries as they slowly make their way up towards the ship. “Launching emergency assault missile. I won't take chances.”

[Continued]

>Starwind is even better than Bruce Kelly
Bruce is gonna be pissed if he hears that

The heavy missile streaks through space like an arrow fired from the bow of an avenging angel. It's too fast, too close to dodge. At the last second, the Kaiser's shield swings around, interposing a massive black wall of metal between the Kaiser and harm. You are actually starting to like the second-person view, you look a lot more implacable and impressive from outside.

“Ensign, if something happens to me...take care of everyone.” McAllister charges, the emerald plasma edges of the beam axes incorporated into his shields igniting.

“Lieutenant!” Keith calls out.

The Black Ogre's blue-green thrusters and the S-Slayer's brighter emerald green ones soar towards each other. Your kick is dodged, but as the S-Slayer prepares to stab you turn on it like a true ogre, fingers stiffened like spears. You jab one hand into the S-Slayer's torso, you grab it and that must be when you tore its backup sensor apart and severed the cockpit's connection to the head, as that view becomes a field of static, leaving nothing but Keith's, picking off the CIWS turrets.

[Continued]

You could have sworn he did more damage than they're showing.

The sound of shredding metal echoes over the comms, then silence.

“Ensign, I've successfully ejected my cockpit pod. He isn't pursuing.” McAllister's voice sounds rough, but still strong.

"Hear that, Keith? That's the sound of me beating another of your superiors in front of you. 2-0, for both of you. I'll be keeping the scrap, and leave you with some advice. Don't follow this asshole's example. I'm already not going to stop until I've got real blood on my hands from this one, and no matter how pretty your motives may be I'll do the same to you. Are there more? How many?" Your voice sounds weary, angry, but triumphant. It has a frightening edge to it that you didn't realize existed until now.

[Continued]

Keith's voice also sounds angry, "It doesn't matter. I won't let you hurt anyone I care about, Captain Starwind. I may not be strong enough to beat you yet...but I hit you, and you didn't hit me. I think that's going to reflect a lot of how our back-and-forth goes from now on, until I hit you enough times and you end up in a cell, where you belong. Or dead." The salt in his voice could resupply a Pegasus-class mecha transport ship.

"I've had bigger scratches from people I actually care about. I'm sure your lieutenant is going to leave a few marks herself. Meanwhile, try to learn something from this.” You're sure you said more than that.

"I understand what you're saying...but General Fairchild is crying! Can't you try to understand her feelings? All she wants to do is protect the people she cares about, too. All you're doing is helping the enemies of the Solar System with your selfishness!" You didn't hear all of this the first time, you cut your comms, and frankly it doesn't make a difference since you're quite confident the person General Fairchild cares about the most is General Fairchild. As far as you're concerned she's as guilty of killing Suleiman 1 as the Avalonians were.

“Give it up, Ensign.” McAllister's voice sounds weary, “He's not listening. He doesn't want to listen. Maybe when he sees what Avalon is capable of, he'll care. Until then, as far as he's concerned our problems are our problems and his problems are his problems. There is another way, though.”

With that, the footage ends.

[Continued in half an hour, to give Anons time to get here and to react, as well as maybe glance at previous threads to see what's different]

From what I can tell then added in McAllister's voice after the fact, cut anything that looked bad, and redubbed some parts. This just makes me think that McAllister isn't really the first mate and is just a public face that people will be less critical of since he's a priest

I don't know, you cooked an awful lot of Green Skull piggies at the Battle of Auditorium.

We figured that out from last thread. Remember, the person the doctor saw who killed our bro was a female build with different proportions. The fact it's the priest saying these things means they are hiding the true pilot from the public, along with the fact that it's a remote system. They also made no mention of Avalon to us. They said there was some stuff, but no mentions of the name.

Plus side? It's making us sound more ignorant than sheer evil. We can work with that.

True, and summer IS barbeque season. How can I ignore the allure of cooking bacon and swine on a nice skewer?

Ok, first bit; Farragut told us to turn around to prevent being shot in the back. They did not notice when our back is turned. They also seemed to be willing to aim for the torso with what Clemmy said.

Of course this part with Slayer is edited. Different voice and saying.

No mention of talking here from slayer if I recall.

Ok, THIS is modified from what we said if I recall considering we made a comment of him almost hitting superior officers TWICE now. Do they have a roarke starwind impersonator? They also cut a lot of content including what we mentioned about him being a sword. Makes us seem more arrogant.

And by the looks of it, they cut out anything about our family and bro along with questioning them. A lot of the cheap shots were editted away as well. Makes us seem quite like the Ogre they want after all.

"Oof. That must have been disappointing." Tyrone addresses McAllister.

The priest shrugs, "More terrifying than disappointing. You hear the word 'Ace' bandied around a lot, but it's another thing to see a real ace in action."

"His fighting style is barbaric." Keith is scowling, he seems nervous and uncomfortable, "He's unable to master any other weapons, if you weren't fighting with heavily damaged armor you would have got him."

The Undefeated starts laughing.

McAllister shakes his head, "Unlikely. We'll set that aside, though."

"So, what will Roarke Starwind do next?" Tyrone leans forward, looking fascinated.

"Probably continue his spree of robberies and kidnappings. So far, since becoming master of his own crew, he hasn't seriously hurt any members of the UJCIDF or the Martian Holy Militia. There was the death of a PMC commander, and he did assist Colonel Regina Hatsheput of the Jaburo in eliminating the Green Skulls, but the former was the enemy pilot's own fault and the latter was directly in line with the Colonel's mission. It just disappoints me to think of how much more good he could do if he and his allies were actually on our side. I hope to speak with him when I arrive on Auditorium." The priest smiles in a saintly way.

"Ah, yes, I had something about that in my notes, but details are pretty sparse, could you tell us more about that?" Tyrone glances from one pilot to the other.

Keith fidgets.

McAllister smiles, "Certainly. One of Jupiter's fairest flowers, the singer and amateur pilot Lysa Fleur, wants to perform a joint concert on Auditorium with the pirate idol Red Siren. It's past time we set aside our differences and focused on what brings us together. No matter who or where we are, all human beings have the same basic wants and needs. If we focus on what unites us, surely we can reach an understanding. I'm convinced, despite the views of even some of my own superiors, that the three captains can be reasoned with."

[Continued]

> Do they have a roarke starwind impersonator?

Or certain select portions of what you had to say were removed.

Well thats totally going to go well with no major catastrophes at all

>>[Dissuade her gently]
>No ones going to believe us, the best thing we can do is just wait until we have a better opportunity to Prove what they say is wrong

>>[Dissuade her gently]

Tyrone glances at an offscreen clock, "That's all the time we have for now. We'll be right back, with authoress Priory Quintalla. She holds a very different opinion of Admiral Starwind, as reflected in her new holobook, 'Is Roarke Starwind the Biggest Misogynist in Space?' It's sure to be thrilling!" You can almost hear the wince in his voice, before JNN goes to commercial. This time, it's an advert for timeshares on Venus.

Karen, meanwhile, is puffing up like an angry little cat herself. Her frizzy braids are practically standing on end, "I-I'm going to call in! I watched that footage, and they edited it! I'm going to put it all over the holonet that they're unfairly slandering you." She fumbles for her PC, nearly dropping the last of the meaty bread concoction she made for you, but you reach up and grab her arm.

>[Encourage her]
>[Dissuade her gently]
>[Dissuade her sharply]

>>[Dissuade her gently]
>Is Roarke Starwind the Biggest Misogynist in Space?' Holy hell that is one heck of a Claim

And HERE is the cover up for when First Mate did his whole speil. They really tried to make themselves look good, and it certainly seems off here.

Now THIS, is interesting. They really do seem to be interested in us, at least in trying to make us recruitable. If they can't have the Green Skulls, they can have us. The further example seem to be hiding that we destroyed the remote pod as well. An implacible, scary wall that has fought monsters and sounds weary. Of course, they can't show our true message and have to doll it up like nuts, but this makes it sound like a rivalry. And the 2-0.. that sounds like more about 'we beat you once each' than us fighting him twice.

And there we go. They likely got the data from Mr Angry and relayed it to Fairchild that we saw the avalon ship. Chances are they are going to try and recruit us to their cause as privateers. A nice idea if it wasn't fairchild.

>[Dissuade her gently] This is obviously a trap karen. With the ammount of PR power they have, they can just shut down any small attempt by us. Rather, gather as much data as you can on those involved. Scour sources, search where you can and serve as our eyes on the ent as large. Try and make us look good on the net by showing our accomplishments.

If we can't fight them directly, fight them indirectly. Make us look tough but fair, similar to what they seem to do to us, but use real life example to improve it. Maybe some videos of our crew having fun could work?

Also;
>Priory Quintalla
That name sounds quite familiar. Does she not a quintet of dudes?

Well, that was frankly insulting to our character.

But they are THE MAN, so what could we reasonably expect?

Hmm, do we let Karen go through with the footage or stop her?

Personally I don't give a flying fuck how they try to spin shit, we're the best damn pirate this side of Luffy and we'll continue to be that despite, and quite frankly in spite of, anything they might say.

For the most part, they don't seem to be calling us weak. If anything they are saying we are strong, scary, but possibly reasonable. Hence the dual concert. Which will likely occur during our tournament.

We won't really be able to spin the info against the navy. They have too much PR power. We can however still make ourselves look good and root ourselves into the public's eye. In short, don't bother trying to counter in a game that they have every rule in their favor, and simply play a different game that isn't about them.

"Thank you, Karen, but don't bother. This is obviously a trap, no one will believe us if we counter their story with our own and a synthesized voice spouting angry nonsense in place of a RCC priest who's been unexpectedly complimentary to us. The UJCIDF can reach a much larger audience than we can. Maybe if we get a better opportunity, but until then, just gather information. Maybe we release a vid or too showing how much fun it is to be a pirate?" You pull her pigtails, and this time she doesn't whine about it.

The Undefeated nods, "Smart thinking."

"As for the upcoming segment, feel free to say whatever you want to Ms. Quintalla." You throw her that bone with a sweet smile, and a twinkle of glee manifests in Karen's eyes.

At that moment, your PC beeps, alerting you of an incoming call. It's from Red Siren. Karen glances down and scowls at the rather risque Caller-ID image Rosita has on your PC. The pirate idol went with one that's technically of her naked, her bits and breasts covered by a pair of large Chinese fans. She's making a cute face and winking. Karen's, by contrast, is still the same image of you, her, and Captain Ozark with an arm slung around each of you from back when you were a teenager and she was practically a kid. You swear she mutters a word that rhymes with 'door' under her breath before she picks up her own PC and begins dialing.

[Continued]

"You know, Roarke, what that priest said about marrying some of your women might actually have some merit..." The Undefeated begins. Karen's eyes gleam behind their glasses.

"Oh wow I have to take this it's an emergency call sorry Master I'll be right back." You reply in one breath, lurch to your feet despite the way your tortured muscles shriek at you, and stumble out of the cabin with Domon at your heels.

"Roarke! Darling~ Are you alright, how is everything~? How is your training~?" Rosita purrs over the line.

"I hurt everywhere, so it must be working." You lean against the rough wood of the house.

"Do you want me to have a sharp word with your teacher? After all, he's a tenant on my colony, I'm sure he'll listen if I tell him to go a bit easier on my beloved." She replies.

"Absolutely not. Seriously, I know you're trying to help, but please don't. He won't listen and I won't get stronger unless I'm pushed to my limits." Your voice must have sounded a little sharp, because you can hear a pouty little hrmph from her over the line.

"If you say so. Oh, guess what I just did! You're going to be so proud. I just negotiated my first legally sold recording since I left Europa! Isn't it wonderful!? I'll get most of the profit, and all I have to do is perform a concert with this cute l'il lookalike of mine. I've already agreed to everything, except for some reason she keeps changing the subject when I talk about matching outfits. Isn't that odd? I'm sure she'll come around. She's bringing escorts, though, otherwise at the end I'd have a cute l'il hostage and a cute l'il ransom~ So, what do you think? Won't this be lovely, darling?"

>[Encourage her]
>[Try to talk her out of it]
>[Noncommittal grunts]

>Let her know what exactly is going on

>"As for the upcoming segment, feel free to say whatever you want to Ms. Quintalla."
And suddenly smug anime girls and >s everywhere.

>[Encourage her]
This might be a good time for the tournament as well. Get more publicity and sales as it were. Still, the girl is bringing escorts, and by the sound of it, they seem to be planning something. might be a good idea to get security up to speed on that person who sneaked off the transport.

Either way, this isn't as simple as it seems, so be a bit cautious. Who knows, we could probably turn their plan on their head if they try something by being good hosts.

Holding the tournament when they come might actually be a really good idea, if the navy is planning something we would really throw them off with this and might ruin their plans

It would tighten security to start with and draw on a lot more active fighters and eyes. While it might make it easier to hide in a crowd, any covert action becomes that more difficult when it comes to primary targets of high fame. So long as the cameras are working and Karen acts as the eyes of the colony along with a good team, we should be able cover multiple bases.

"It's a good idea. I'm proud of you, I always knew you were a shrewd businesswoman." You smile.

She giggles, "Stop it! You're making me want to come out there and visit you."

You try to imagine her swanning around the cabin getting under the Undefeated's feet, and wince a little, "Maybe later. I have some things to tell you..." You fill her in, and she tuts in disapproval.

"That ghastly little boy. Well, I suppose if she wants to be like me that girlfriend of his can't be too awful. So long as she doesn't get in the way of my singing, I can tolerate them both...oh, by the way, did a certain plain girl with a dress style that doesn't flatter her make it to you with that...that ungodly concoction she was baking? I may have told her there weren't any wild animals in the woods, and in retrospect that might not have been as good of an idea as it seemed at the time. Ehe." She chuckles nervously.

>[Yes, she's fine]
>[No, I haven't seen her]
>[What girl?]
>[I'm afraid I have some bad news. A tiger got her...]

>>[I'm afraid I have some bad news. A tiger got her...]
Time to punish her by making her feel like shit

>certain plain girl with a dress style that doesn't flatter her
Haha, nice one Wong. Red definitely wears the cheongsam better.

>[Yes, she's fine]
I got stuck in a tight hole. It was a struggle pulling out.

Naughty naughty, bad siren.

Karen could have gotten hurt, or worse.

Man I wish we could have held on to Fatima*, we need someone to get our girls to stop trying to kill each other.

>[Yes, she's fine]

*Her name was Fatima right, or am I not remembering that correctly?

I dunno man. Sam may have the highest empathy score but Rosita knows Roarke. Red understands Roarke's emotions the best IMO. She could call any bluff we make. She'd prolly punk us by feigning crying and despair.

A bit of trolling is fine. Truthful trolling. A tiger got to her first and she was already six feet under. I wanted to bury her, but the tiger appeared behind me. I managed to land in the hole with her.. even gave her pigtail a tug for old time's sake. Even had a talk with her down there. But no, we had to drag her out when help arrived. In fact, I can hear her now...

And thats when we take her phone to the door where Karen is shit posting loudly.

The meat bread was pretty tasty though and she seems to be enjoying herself, so she's fine by the way.

>[I'm afraid I have some bad news. A tiger got her...]
I know it's mean but she has honestly should try and be nicer to Karen.

>Haha, nice one Wong. Red definitely wears the cheongsam better.

Someday, the chance to protect Red Siren's smile will be hanging in the air, and on that day you will learn to rue these comments that broke the peace.

If Wardrobe & Appearance was a skill I actually used in this game, Red's would be very high.

The thing is, she can't quite pull off a cheongsam or coveralls like Karen can.

Fuck off. Red is going to get kidnapped or attacked during her performance. It's a cliche plot development that anyone can call a mile away. Karenfags prove to be literally the worst throughout the quest. Can't take any light jabbing.

Karen has Outfit specialization: Cheongsam and coveralls are a mechanic proficiency. Now why she took that instead of iron hear surge is beyond me.

Oh, so when it's my waifu you suggest burying her and leaving for real, but when it's your waifu things are suddenly different, right?

Fu fu fu~ Truly Crimson Strumpetfags have no equals in villainy~

You sigh heavily, and put the PC down by your side for a moment, trying to stifle your laughter at the idea you just had.

"Roarke? Darling? Have you seen her or not? I swear, if I have to send out a search party for her..." She grumbles.

"It's too late for that." You muster your cool to the utmost, your voice stony, calm, and cold, "It was too late when I found her."

"R-R-Roarke? What...what are you saying..." Her voice drops into a whisper.

"A tiger got to her first. When I arrived, she...she was already six feet under." Your voice shakes a little. Just thinking about Karen getting hurt is enough to make your voice lose a little of its stoicism. After all, unlike the others she isn't a pilot, she's a civilian, you can be a bit more protective of her than of your more warlike girls.

"Oh Jove no..." Red Siren's voice is agonized, "Wait, a tiger? Oh no, oh no oh no oh no..."

"I wanted to bury her, but the tiger appeared behind me. At least I managed to give her pigtail one last tug, the way I always used to..." You let your voice trail off.

She sniffles, "Oh dear...oh darling...I...even if she was always in my way...this...this isn't what I wanted!" She wails.

"Sometimes, I can still hear her voice. I even talk to her, crazy as that sounds." You inject a tinge of weariness into her voice.

"...Except you are full of shit and an awful, awful liar. Roarke Starwind, you brute! Don't try to toy with me like that!" Her voice swells into a melodious roar, "Do you really think I'm stupid!? I know you love her too! You wouldn't let a tiger stop you from burying her!" Her voice softens, "You big dork. At least she has good taste."

"INTERNALIZED MISOGYNY ISN'T EVEN REAL! YOU'RE JUST A JEALOUS OLD HAG TRYING TO TELL OTHER PEOPLE HOW THEY FEEL BECAUSE YOU CAN'T EXIST WITHOUT FITTING EVERYTHING INTO THE STUPID PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS OF YOURS! I'M ON TO YOU!" Karen's voice roars cheerfully from the window.

[Continued]

What does it say about me if my favorites are Karen and Clemmy?

Let your inner shitposter flow Roarke

That you have good taste?

Yes.. yes this is worth it entirely. Also, First Disciple Domon says hi. And then we show her a picture of Domon. Red is a good woman, but sometimes she needs to keep her ego in control.

"Don't bullshit me either, China Girl, you were falling for it up until the tiger part." You smile, knowing you're right.

She chuckles, "Guilty, my love, guilty as always. Er, was there really a tiger? Not...not that I'm expecting there to be one or anything."

"I'll let Senior Brother answer that." You hold the PC in front of the tiger, who sniffs loudly at it and growls questioningly.

"KYAAAA! Stripesy McFlufflesbury survived~! I was so sad when he vanished! Oh Stripesy-wipesy! Bring him back to me, Roarke! He's mine, I paid a lot for him!"

The tiger hears her voice, his ears flatten against his head, and he scampers away. You see deep-buried trauma in those mysterious feline eyes of his.

"I think he's perfectly happy here, with the Undefeated. And being named Domon, not...what did you say you called him?" You fight back gales of laughter.

"Stripesy McFlufflesbury. What? Isn't that a good name for a tiger?" She sounds mystified, then grumpy, "He's my tiger, not that old man's. I want him!" You can practically hear her stomp her booted foot.

"Rosita, if you want a pet, you have to take care of it. Domon grew up with the Undefeated, he likes it here in the woods, eating deer and...oh hell, what's that he's chewing on?" You take a moment to examine the ball of fuzz between Domon's paws, "Raccoons." The tiger chomps down on the animal's skull with a happy growl, "If I brought him back, he'd just run away again unless you trapped him or chained him up somehow, which would make him upset."

She sighs, "At least I have one big, strong animal to comfort me when I'm feeling down..."

"That's my girl. I'll see you soon. Be nicer to the others for me, okay?" You smile.

"I'll try. At least Samantha is a proper lady." She sniffs, "This Lieutenant insists you're getting married, and she tried to buy knockout pills from one of my chemists. Be careful."

"I really will try to be." You swear.

[Continued]

This is like putting up with children, but your fucking them

Dude, phrasing.

That wasn't going to come out any better then the way I wrote it

When you get back inside, a purple-haired woman runs off Tyrone's set in tears. Karen has never looked so smug, "...And that's what happens when you mess with me. You get brought to the attention of every Roarke Starwind fansite on the holonet that I moderate AND THE STORM FALLS UPON YOU!" She puffs out her substantial chest in pride.

The Undefeated looks shellshocked, "I've never heard anything so brutal in my life. Will she survive?"

Karen smirks happily, "Her dignity won't. Roarke, did that overdressed woman want anything important?"

"She wanted to make sure you were alright."

"Why? She said these woods were perfectly safe, and those noises you hear at night are caused by small, fuzzy animals called 'wolfs' that are like tiny, adorable dogs." She smiles in complete sincerity, helping you back into your chair and pouring you more scotch.

"Karen, next time you go wandering in the woods, take me with you. It'll be a romantic outing for us, because I've actually watched Species of Earth and know that wolves are no joking matter." You reply.

The Undefeated sighs, "Right, it's time for me to go to bed. Don't keep him up too late." He gets up, heading upstairs.

Karen takes the opportunity to join you on the couch, laying full-length against you and getting comfy, lightly petting your hair.

>[Is there anything you want to talk to her about?]
>[Go to sleep]

How smug are we talking here Wong?

>[Is there anything you want to talk to her about?]
How good can she set up a security camera system? One with a few redundencies? Figured she would be the go to person for that involving the mech tournament along with making sure the machines run properly. Would give us some piece of mind and a early warning system. Maybe chat about a few ideas for the Kaiser(like those glorious bits), but other than that, it's off to bed.

Honestly, I have been working on a disruptive style heavy fist meant for heavy armor and reactive shields. Won't hit as often as the standard rocket fist, but it'd be a nasty surprise for energy types.

>>[Is there anything you want to talk to her about?]
Ya lets talk to her about all those aces that she found out about online

Karen is approaching critical levels of smug.

By the way, it's gonna be a few minutes. Dinner just arrived and my wrist is also cramping up a little.

Thats fine. I'll work on a few knuckle designs for our fists.. including a actual returning rocket punch. For that extra bit of surprise range.

Wait, wait, what the fuck. We're letting Red Siren do this appearance? On the stage with First Mate?

This is the worst fucking idea ever.

Thats why were doing the tournament to dissuade them from pulling anything while still getting the publicity benefit for being willing to talk to the navy

No she will be doing the performance with Jesus's girlfriend. We'll make plans just in case shtf which it will, honestly don't know why you all are freaking out.

Can we atleast warn Rosita about our suspicions?

Yes. Jesus's girlfriend. Who we suspect strongly is First Mate.

Pretty sure she's already suspicious about it herself. Don't become a pirate captain by being foolish.

Different person by the looks of it. Mask's pilot was a adult female, not a tween. Pretty face, but more words than actions. We did warn her a bit at least, so she should know.

As is, we need to play it smart about this and keep an eye on people who match the doc's description of the female, and the two people moe was locked away with. Those are the sort we should be afraid of.

We need to worry more about the chick who did the sabotage. The Aussie is a wild card.

I seriously think it's her. Maybe I'm way off, but I can't shake it, like, at all. If nothing else, she's batshit insane.

Is this Karen if she joined the UJCIDF and worked for Fairchild?

Reminder that you guys have your own board, stop shitting up Veeky Forums

And a friendly reminder that the fields that grow the fucks we give are as barren as the toxic flesh cavern between your mother's legs that spawned you.

Just report it and ignore it. The mods have been cracking down on that shit lately.

Did she just shoot a man after throwing him out of a plane?

I mean /qst/ has some decent quest on it but the majority is just absolute garbage troll quests.

Mind sharing why you feel that way? I don't remember Wong ever specifying much about the person who killed Triple C besides 'female' and 'in a pilot suit', but it's a possibility.

When you gotta kill a man, why not do it in style?

Guess she really wants to be sure the man is dead.

Got to admire her work ethic.

About 80% a gut feeling, but the other 20% seem to be the way Jesus trusts her without question. I feel like if it was anyone else, Jesus would have wrecked Mask over the shit with the Green Skulls. Even if he is an idiot, a massive one, he's got a strong moral compass. But she's under his skin, in his head. He would trust her and listen to any excuse she fed him.

As is, I think it is more the sabotauge chick. Her timing during the whole situation seems to fit. Gets caught on the Jaburo, bails out, plants bombs over the ship(which is mask's specialty), flees with Aussie to the first freighter. Activates her remote system on a harpy, sends the Drone Slayer on it's way. Drone makes hole, fights us, Harpy goes into colony and hides. Mask sneaks onto second freighter for our rescue mission, kills girl, takes her place, takes her harpy, flies off to ship, alerts Jesus, and activates her second slayer.

It fits a lot of pieces together and explains the timing a bit to me.

It's not a reportable offense. Your threads belong on /qst/, just as much as futa belongs on /d/ instead of /h/. So grow up, learn to play by the rules, and kindly fuck off.

It's funny, because warnings and short bans have been handed out for the exact thing you're doing now. So I guess we'll see, huh?

So he's basically extremely pussywhipped by an insane bitch hellbent on mass murder and being a bitch of the highest caliber?

Bane?

Yup. Just like canon Kira.

"Say, Karen, how good are you at security systems?" You stroke her back as she nuzzles into you. It's hard to get tired of her curves. You're not quite sure whether she or Red Siren has the best chest, but Karen has the roundest, fullest butt and widest hips. You shift fully onto your back, looking up at the ceiling as the night insects start their usual symphony.

"The best." She answers without hesitation.

"So, you could manage setting up the cams for the tournament? Do you think you could also make sure the machines competing are up to spec and not cheating?" You look down at her, she looks up at you.

She nods, "I was already planning on it." She looks away, "Hey, Roarke..."

"Yes?" You reply. Her voice is a little too serious for your liking.

"Samantha recorded everything she heard and saw aboard the Avalon ship. She showed it to all of us girls. I just wanted to say...I'm really, really happy you didn't join with them." There's something cold in her voice.

"Karen." You sit up a little, putting your arms around her waist, "What's wrong?"

She chews on her lower lip for a minute, then just says it outright, "So it rained for a week when this Lady of theirs found out what happened on Mars, right?" This isn't explosive anger, like what the author earlier had to endure. No, this is a deep, dark rage, "So where were all of her tears for Jegal 6? For the Serpico system? For the Rjuntad colonies or New Bangladesh?" Her fingers dig into your arms slightly, her voice harsh, "Did she cry over any of the people enslaved by the Green Men? Did she cry for my grandpa's friends and students who died even though they weren't active combatants? The Green Men MADE people like the Green Skulls. The things they did warped the whole galaxy. If I ever get near that bitch with a wrench, she's dead." She buries her face in your neck, her braids tickling your nose, "Dunno what I would have done if you'd accepted. I'm glad I don't have to think about it."

[Continued]

I'm not migrating because, last I heard, only OP can post images. That means no quest fanart. If I'd moved to /qst/, we would never have pictures of Clemmy with her hard-earned mug, and wouldn't that be sad?