/monster/ - The Last Bastion of Romance★

>>268301 (OP)

As you feel your consciousness starting to waver you are brought back to reality by the ship’s computer announcing another change for the worse. “Warning: emergency reserves below 5%. Time to critical systems failure is T minus 60 minutes”. Your attempt at cursing your situation is met by a torrential cough, forcing blood in your mouth from your injuries. Even if the Odyssey had enough reserve power to stay functional until a rescue occurred your injuries are serious enough to cause more problems if not treated soon. Regaining your senses, you see a welcome sight: a working emergency terminal. Almost thankful that the inertial systems were running in their emergency state, you move to the panel with as much haste as your injuries will allow. When you read the terminal most of the information you see is redundant, you gained that from the broken interior structure and the emergency broadcast from the AI before your coughing fit. What you do find out is that there are scant few survivors on board, and that most of the emergency pods were deployed. You then pull up a status screen, the extra seconds it takes you to call it up from clearing the screen free of dust feels like you’ve wasted minutes. Confirming what you already suspected all but three systems are offline. An unexpected crackle of static scares you as the communications system starts to relay another message. You rehearse what the AI will say this time in your head. “Warning: emergency reserves below 5%. Time to critical systems failure is -- “the AI’s droning tone is suddenly cut off as a woman’s voice comes through the communication system. “This is the ISFD Claidheamh Mòr hailing all vessels in the area. If you are in an emergency pod activate your marker beacons. If you can respond we will leave all channels open, over”. You pause for a second … you don’t recall this ship existing, your hopes quickly sinking after you think this over. Either way you need to decide on a course of action, and time is not on your side

Your options at this point may be limited, but what would you do? Attempt to contact the other ship? There are still a few emergency pods if you think it wise to avoid the unknown ship. So /monster/, what will you do?

>>268302

Not enough time, quickly jump in the escape pods and clench your ass-cheeks.

>>268302

It's escape pod o'clock lads

>>268301 (OP)

First take off that trip lad, you need to earn it first. Next, use some better formatting for your text, it's a pain in the ass to read. Some punctuation won't hurt either, Word autofilter only fixes the basic stuff. And lastly, tune back the attitude.

>everybody else you have seen while shuffling through the hall is either dead or unconscious from their injuries

>there are scant few survivors on board

Are we a fucking cleric or a nigger? Patch them up, drag their asses into the escape pods and bail ourselves before the ship explodes.

>>268302

spess pod

>>268320

we are a nigger

>>268302

Get the fuck out now. Drag the closest survivor to the nearest escape pod if we can.

>>268534

crab i say the new game to late.

my plan would have been to use that hour to find a working space suit with coms unit and scour the shit for every surviver on the ships sensors.

after the hour is done and you got everyone you could into the escape pots, use the remeining time of you spacesuits airsuply to scavange as much of the ship as posible before going into the last pod yourself, who knows what will happen so extra supplys for you and the survivors would be very usefull.

well to bad i was late, lets see what really happens

>>268947

There hasn't been an update yet, so there is still a chance your will plan could be used in the story.

I agree we should take an emergency space-suit as that seems like a good idea.

>>268534

After listening to the message given by the unknown ship you decide that it’s best to ignore their hail. You don’t know much concerning this situation, but you’re not going to risk contacting what is likely the ship that did this. Muting the communications, you wonder what would drive someone to open fire on a defenseless vessel. You’ll save the questions you have until your life and the lives of the ones remaining aboard aren’t in immediate danger.

With your decision involving the unexpected hail made, you check the display for information hoping to make finding those who didn’t make it into the pods easier. A quick glance tells you that the port beam and port quarter containment shields are still holding. Under better conditions you could use the Odyssey’s interior sensors, but you used a leaf off the clover in surviving this long. When you do look for survivors you can use your active detection, you keep that in mind as you move on to the next task.

You focus your attention on the information about the emergency pod you discovered. There’s one damaged emergency pod left, but it’s in working order. You think back on the brief training the ship’s crew gave you and there should be enough for twenty five people. It’s going to be an unpleasant ride but you won’t complain right now. Besides, once you get out of this hot mess it’ll make an interesting story to tell your cadre when it’s over.

“Warning: emergency reserves below 5%. Time to critical systems failure is T minus 40 minutes”

“Next you’re going to tell me that the suns don’t set on Rasowa” You sneer. Taking stock of the situation with the automated nuisance silent, you start your last trip through this ship to find survivors. Before you start looking in the port quarter you spend another leaf off the clover to heal your ribs. You leave the wounds that don’t interfere with your breathing be and decide to keep an eye out for any first aid stations.

As you start taking your first step someone catches your attention. “Thank the empress for small miracles! Another survivor!”. You turn towards the voice, seeing a kitsune stumbling over to reach you. The immediate aftermath of the attack tarnishing her from ear tip to tail can’t conceal her jubilation though. Light manages to find a way through the darkest night you muse. Making the best of this situation you ask her for information. “Are there any others? I’m looking for survivors”.

The kitsune picks up on your concern. A relieved sigh escapes her as she hears you looking for others. She tells you what she’s done so far. “I don’t know how many are left, I haven’t checked the rest of the ship. But I managed to help about fifteen”. “I checked a terminal on my way here. Port quarter and port beam are okay. Rest of the ship is open to the outdoors. I don’t recommend taking a stroll around the entire ship unless you want to talk to the almighty, miss ….” “Makoto. And may I ask your name?” “Peter. Say, did you see any first aid stations on the way here Makoto?” “No, but there has to be one somewhere. Maybe we can find one later?”.

“Aye, we can always use the one in the pod if nothing else”. You pause for a breath, and touch the wall to cast active detection. You have a hunch that there are few survivors left, so this will keep the meandering to a minimum. A few strands of light radiate from your hand to everywhere survivors are. Makoto catches this from the corner of her eye and turns, looking with suspicion “Are you a ---”

“Crusader? No. I’m a cleric, and I won’t be acting like a hooligan if that’s what you think. People might be different species, but that has nothing to do with how they act. The light of the first shines on everyone. No exceptions” While you did cut her off it would be best to clear the air over what she saw. A confrontation would guarantee nothing but a dead ship as your only company in the void. The AI would be a terrible companion, with space having equally terrible weather to match. You take issue with the … affectionate actions … monsters have. You can concern yourself with keeping your own company when you reach a planet you reason, now isn’t the time for man vs. mon politics.

Makoto traces the path that leads to the emergency pod with her piercing ice blue eyes “So this is how we’ll find the rest? That’s convenient”. You observe the strands that flow toward all the remaining survivors. The largest group of strands must be the people Makoto found. The other three strands project in different directions, but flicker. When you focus on them more, you sense that they aren’t doing well. No need for the clover to suffer through losing another leaf, as luck would have it these three happen to be close. It might be a nuisance to retrieve these people but there’s no reason that it’s going to put you in any more danger.

>>270663

You were right in thinking it would be a nuisance. Stale, thick air makes breathing a chore while moving towards the two of the three survivors. The two strands lead to the same room and it’s no wonder these two haven’t left for the pods. There’s a piece of interior bulkhead pinning the door against its frame. “Makoto, could you lend a hand? Door’s jammed” you ask between failed attempts at dislodging the jam. Makoto nods, and with a determined heave the pair of you get the bulkhead piece free.

You startle the two occupants, a pair of succubi. Makoto steps inside and investigates the injured survivors. “Can you ladies make it to the pod without help?” “I t-think so … I can still walk ….” the first succubus choked out between tears. The second succubus, still sobbing manages a quick nod while she wipes the tears from her face. Makoto helps the pair up with a comforting hug for each of them “We’re not going to die here. There’s working emergency pods, the empress shall see us through another night”. Makoto tells the succubi where the emergency pods are before you two leave. As you make your way out of the room you see a first aid pack in a station on the wall. You grab it and do a quick check of its contents.

You see a medpen with a pack of various cartridges. There’s a good selection here, you don’t have to worry about the species of a survivor you may need to use the medpen on. You continue your brief search to see what’s available to you. Seeing a scancorder you grab it and pray to the first that it works. There are times when civilian ships like the Odyssey neglect to check them, but this scancorder is in good working order. Makoto wonders why you aren’t keeping up and turns to see what you’re doing. “Why are you …. OH! You found a first aid pack. Can we use it?” “Yes, and a working scancorder too!” holding the small palm sized scanner with satisfaction. Your small victory cut short by the dying ship’s AI you brace yourselves for another announcement.

“Warning: emergency reserves below 5%. Time to critical systems failure is T minus 20 minutes”

“Why does the AI’s voice sound so horrible” Makoto flattening her ears to match her disapproving frown. “The programmers must’ve tested it with as much volume in the lab as they had sense” you offer. You and Makoto move as quickly as your cautious haste allows. The last survivor being further from the pod than you liked meant you two may be onboard to suffer through another announcement. Besides, If the AI’s voice could annoy you from the other side of the lanimret system, then how much did it bother Makoto with her hearing?

Finally arriving at the last survivor’s room, you notice that the light suddenly dimmed. Opening the door, you see a mermaid unconscious on the floor. Several deep cuts are on her tail but her ruby scales make it difficult to make a visual assessment. Not wanting the mermaid to bleed from a wound reopening, you take the medpen, load a liquid suture cartridge to seal the cuts, and use the medped to close her wounds. Halting the immediate problem, you take the scancorder out to check for any other surprises. The readout displays onscreen and it looks like the mermaid has lost a few liters of blood. You pause for a second, reading the labels on the cartridges. In the left pocket, you see blood cartridges. Turning to the worried kitsune you show her the scancorder “she’s been in better places, but won’t be going to a better place today”. Makoto closes her eyes and sighs “Thank the empress she’s alright, but we better hurry. Something might happen”.

Nodding in agreement you prepare to cast another round of healing on yourself, as well as a physical buff. The mermaid is on the slender side, but this means little when she’s two times long as you are tall. “One second Makoto, I need to patch myself up”. You take a breath with your eyes closed, focusing on your body. You cast another heal on yourself, erasing your injuries. Your focus then shifts to routing holy energy into your body to temporarily boost your physical abilities. When you finish you ask Makoto “torso or tail?” “I’ll take her tail. If something happens I can hang onto her bottom half with my claws if I have to” she replies as she gets ready to lift. After counting to three both of you lift the mermaid and make your way to the emergency pod.

>>270664

The trip to the emergency pod complete, you set the unconscious monster down. Out of nowhere you become dizzy, and stumble while you rise. “That’s the last one. Now let’s get out of here before anything else happens” you assert, unable to do much outside of heavy breathing. The effects of your buff ending is always unpleasant but you would prefer dealing with it instead of the alternative. Hearing that there’s no more survivors, the kauken sitting in front of the controls gets up and asks everyone “Any volunteers to stay awake? Could use some help with keeping an eye on the injured”. She waits for answers as she helps to strap survivors into their seats while waiting for answers.

The younger succubus who was trapped in her room earlier was the first to volunteer. “I don’t want to go under” interrupting everyone else. A novel of disgust written on her face over temporary stasis was clear as day. “I’ll keep watch over the mermaid” Makoto offered kindly. You think about both options and speak up “In for a penny, in for a pound”. It would be wrong going under stasis yourself in light of the circumstances. After a final look from the enquiring kauken to see if there were any more, the three of you take a seat and fasten yourselves for release. The kauken flips the guard on the release control, and pushes the control forward. The emergency pod’s door hisses softly as it closes, then the latches holding the pod to the Odyssey clang as they lock themselves open. The low rumble resonating inside the pod is a symphony of freedom and success, and you allow yourself a moment to relax. You are finally off the Odyssey.

When the pod has cleared the wreck, the kauken takes off her belt and floats towards the survivors. She passes out respirator helmets to everyone and addresses you while working “Name’s Tay. Already met Makoto and Imeni, think we should know each other’s too. Or I can just call you ‘panty soaker’, you’re one hell of a hottie”. A sly grin and a pair of hungry eyes undress you where you sit making sure she made her point. “Peter” you politely reply. You were no stranger to a monster’s …. eccentric …. behaviors, this is not the first time one has made a pass at you. In a bid to stop Tay’s advances you decide that talking about where to go next would be a good idea.

“Well, nice to meet you Tay” ignoring her sex charged commentary. “And you as well Imeni”. All the succubus did was burn a hole through your chest with her fiery stare. “So when you going to kill us crusader? Now? In our sleep? Whenever you talk to your cadre to get a party together?” she spat. “If he was that kind of cleric he would’ve left us in the ship” Makoto interjected with a cold stare to quench the succubus’ ire. “Heh, bet you want to fuck him just like the monkey does. I can smell the wet dog from here” Imeni fires back. “Damare!” Makoto growls with a hint of her fangs showing her lack of amusement.

“So. Where do we go from here?” you reply while keeping your cool. Perhaps focusing on what to do next will keep everyone’s mind occupied so there’s no fights. You can concern yourself with details after you get somewhere safer.

So /monster/, we have a few more options this time around. The FTL drive in this emergency pod is good for only one use, but it will get you anywhere within the quadrant. How would you like to deal with the injured? And where do you want to go?

Go to Korimi, Makoto’s home world.

Go to Rasowa, Tay’s home world.

Go to Landirei, your home world

Go back to the transit hub the IFCC Odyssey departed from

If you would like to do anything else suggest it and I’ll see what I can do about working with it within the quest's story and rules.

And just to make sure I’m not neglecting anything: the mechanic I mentioned in OP will be in effect end of next entry. I will give details about how it works then.

>>270666

Go to Rasowa.

>>270733

That's one for monkeybutt's stomping grounds.

I would like more choices from other anons though, so bumping the thread. If /monster/ wants/needs to know something then ask. I'll fill you in on what you want to know in regard to what's going on.

If I don't get more choices then I'm choice locking tomorrow so things can keep moving things along.

>>270666

>>271208

I'm up for going to the transit hub since we should probably report something like the destruction of a ship to whoever the proper authorities may be.

>>270666

Lets go to the transit hub too, since it probably has some investigators to find out who attacked the IFCC Odyssey and have some ships that will take us back to the destination we were originally going towards.

>>271208

hub

>>271369

“How far off course are we?” you ask to whoever will answer. Perhaps asking these ’ladies’ something relevant will stop any fights before they start. Thankfully, your hunch is correct.

“Yeah, guess we better find somewhere to go” Tay agreeing with your thoughts. She floats to the control panel and brings up the navigation screen. A brief investigation shows the closest areas relative to you. Korimi and Rasowa are the closest planets, while the transit hub the Odyssey docked at is a similar distance.

“Transit hub is the closest. We can call who we need to and get ourselves to where we were going”. You take a closer look at the information while thinking of what to do when you get to a metaspace connection. As you start examining the navigation screen a wave of tension grips your chest for a moment.

Regaining your focus, you agree with Tay.“That’s a good plan. We can get cleaned up from earlier, and we should tell customs about what happened”. The transit hub will have a medical sector you recall, and they should be able to handle humans and monsters. “While they might not do everything we need, it’s close enough. Let’s head there” you force out. The tension you felt just now could use some treatment, and everyone can get treatment before boarding different ships.

With the course decided on Tay warns you and the others “this pod is only good for one FTL jump, so if you have a problem speak up now”. With the informal poll closed by everyone awake shaking their heads to agree on the terminal hub the matter is settled quickly.

“The sooner we get there the sooner we can figure out what to do” You ponder out loud. The last few seconds spent in neutral space pass by as the emergency pod’s inertial damping field comes online. As the pod adjusts its vector to match the terminal hub’s, a low drone from the FTL drive coming online starts the trip to safety.

Makoto finally relaxes and sighs, glancing at you curiously “I don’t mean to insult you Peter, but why would you help us? We’re … not human”. This isn’t the first time you’ve heard this; Dei gratia is in the minority in regard to its lack of violence towards people who aren’t human.

“My cadre doesn’t believe in violence when dealing with others, even if they’re monsters. The light shines on all of us, no exceptions. I’ll be honest, a monster’s … affectionate … nature is something I don’t care for. I also don’t care for senseless violence” You offer candidly. This conversation won’t do anybody any favours so you decide to change the topic. “So where were you going before this happened?”

“I was going to visit family in the beta quadrant. My shrine thought this time of year would be good for a vacation, so here I am. Didn’t think this would happen though. When that kobold I was talking to while boarding said the food on this ship was to die for I don’t think she meant it like this”. Makoto looks down to the floor before continuing. “I see enough suffering from what I do at the shrine. I was looking forward to a bit of time where I could get away from it, if only for a little while”. It’s uncommon that a shrine maiden has this burden. You don’t know much about monster religions but you know enough to reason that Makoto isn’t lying.

>>273885

“What kinds of problems does your shrine deal with?” you inquire. There must be some reason Makoto feels the way she does over working at her shrine. Before she has a chance to answer the tension from earlier returns. While you wince in pain, Makoto’s mood changes as she sees the tension hitting you again. She goes from introspective to concerned

“Peter, are you okay?”.

“It’s probably from buffing myself on the ship to carry out the mermaid. Side effects last for a bit, no need to worry” you dismiss as Makoto tries to make sense of what she saw. Under normal circumstances you’d rather be truthful, but the last thing anybody needs is to start worrying over you. Especially when at least one of these girls has expressed some monstrous interest. You have your reserves concerning how they may choose to … ‘help’ you.

You start wondering if going into temporary stasis is a good idea. While the terminal hub is just twelve hours away, it would only solve the problem in the short term. However, the mermaid jostling her restraints as she regains consciousness catches everyone’s attention. After her scream pierces the emergency pod’s hull, she stops and realizes she’s not aboard the Odyssey. “What happened? I remember being thrown around like I was caught in a storm but that’s it”. The confused mermaid said.

Imeni decides to answer “something hit the ship and fucked it up. The wet dog and the crusader she’s trying to fuck carried you here”.

“I …. see”. The mermaid then ignores the jab from Imeni and floats over to you. “Thank you” she simpered out while squeezing you so hard your bones creaked. “if you hadn’t helped me I’d be dead” she choked out, her tears seeping into your shirt. Realizing what she’s doing she panics “I-I’m sorry, I d-didn’t mean to … you’re a --- ”

“Cleric?” you answer.

Imeni rolls her eyes in disgust and butts in “and you’re not going to hurt us, we’re safe from harm, blah, blah, whatever”.

Makoto and Tay turn to her and blast her in unison “enough already!”. Grateful that Imeni was put in place your focus goes back to the tension that never left. This time it tears into your stomach, and suddenly everything goes black.You regain consciousness, hearing one of the monsters speak with brisk purpose to the others. It’s Roja. She’s taking your pulse while examining you with the scancorder. You prepare to get up but a gentle yet firm hand on your chest and a serious look from Roja convince you otherwise.

“You were unconscious for a few hours Peter. Makoto told me about what you did on the ship, and considering the symptoms you’re showing this is a textbook case of a mana fracture” she informed you while preparing some sort of injection from the available first aid cartridges.

“Do you plan on mixing everything in that first aid kit and injecting it into me?” you protest, being the test subject to Roja’s concoction the last thing you want to do.

>>273886

Roja’s expression freezes, looking at you sternly. “Your options are … limited … to be civil about it. If you want to refuse I won’t inject this but I’m obligated to tell you that you won’t survive the trip to the hub if you refuse it” she informs you. “In case you need more assurance, I am a doctor. I’m afraid I can’t prove it right now but I suggest you let me return the favour for getting me off the ship Peter”. You aren’t in the mood to test your luck in light of what you survived. A silent agreement from offering your shoulder is acknowledged by Roja’s skill with the medpen. “Bad news first. You’re suffering from a class two mana fracture. While you’re safe for the immediate future, you need to seek proper medical attention as soon as possible”. The scancorder beeps, and Roja looks pleasantly surprised. “At least I have some good news Peter, it seems that your body is compatible enough with other magic that we can help you”.

“I’m listening” you reply, wondering what she’s thinking.

“Since your body will accept other forms of magic, any one of us can transfer some of ours to you” Roja informs you.

“There’s a ’but’ coming, isn’t there?” you ask with enough rhetoric to prompt a slight giggle from Roja.

“I imagine you’re aware of the methods we’d need to use in order to transfer it?” the mermaid responding to your rhetoric with equal measure. Changing to a more helpful tone she continues. “It’s not going to go that far, at least not the first time. By my estimate a good massage with some cuddling after would fix you up for now. If for some reason, you can’t get proper medical help we can repeat this, but it would have to be at least one step further than the last thing we did. Any questions?”

“You have to be joking, right?” the information Roja gives you seems suspect, considering that at least two of the four monsters here think you’re a ’panty soaker’.

“A large part of our magic is tied to physical touch. It does include sexual activities Peter, we are what we are after all. However, if there was a different way of helping you that would give the same results I would’ve used it by now. I did take an oath after all”. At the very least Roja sounds sincere. She also answered honestly, which you appreciate. It won’t make you feel any better about how you receive the transfer if you decide to follow through with it

“Assuming you’re accepting the offer, is there any one of us you’d like to administer the first aid?” Roja queries.

Tay can’t contain her excitement … or lust over this, her grin wide as a star system “I don’t mind giving you a bit of first aid. After I’m done you’ll want to spank the monkey. Hard.” She offers with a turn of her hip while slapping her own ass.

Makoto is busy turning several shades of red at once while trying to hide the grinding her thighs are doing. “I can h-help if you w-want” she stammers “And I w-won’t take advantage of you. I p-promise”. You believe Makoto, but the lack of eye contact is slightly unsettling.

“I don’t think you’re going to ask Imeni, but I’ll be glad to help you. I am a doctor so I can keep this professional for your sake, Peter”. Roja offers politely.

“You’re lying like sushi on a platter you horned up rapefish!” bursts Imeni. “Fucking hell it smells like zoo when all the females are in heat. How can you stand it?” the succubus asks you … without going on the offensive.

“I honestly can’t smell anything. Should I?” you scratch your head, unsure if you want to know what Imeni smells.

All she can do is stare at you blankly “how can humans not smell … just … never mind”. Moving to the matter at hand you look at the monsters to see if there’s anything you can use to choose someone to give you some ’first aid’. You don’t know any of them so maybe their appearance can help in deciding. This isn’t a particularly intellectual way of doing it but it’s better than spinning the bottle. You silently ask the first for forgiveness as you begin to look the girls over.

>>273887

Imeni? Thin and waifish, her horns easily noticed through her shoulder length auburn hair that framed her porcelain face. She was wearing a simple grey one piece dress which somehow managed to look attractive in spite of doubling as a canvas for the disaster that happened a few hours ago. Small rips appeared in the dress, they looked almost intentional with the compliments they paid to her shape. Had it not been for the incident you would assume she cut the dress like that. From her perky breasts down to her toned calves her femininity was subtle. Even the trademark hip wings and tail of a succubus chose to hide from attention. The stone tinged purple coupled with the slender build made them look like smoke from incense rising when they moved. Her attitude should take some lessons in restraint from her body you muse. You chalk it up to stress over this event and choose to ignore the colourful commentary she volunteers.

Tay is a textbook definition of fighting fit. Everything from her onyx black hair to her muscles that shaped her outfit hinted at someone in peak form. She looks like she’s in a maintenance uniform modified to accommodate her tail. The onyx black colour continued with her fur. Forelimbs accented by silver tufts at the ends add to her assertive build. You swear that if she made one wrong move that she would tear through her clothes like paper. While she was similar to an average human woman in size, the definition she had on display was astounding. She definitely kept herself in excellent repair, you wonder how she finds the time to keep this fitness up. Maybe there’s a level of discipline equal to her incredible tone, she’s keeping the same ’assertive’ attitude since you’ve seen her.

Noticing Roja, you see she is a classical sculpture of womanhood, mermaid’s tail aside. Long vermilion hair came down to the middle of her back flowing over her stature effortlessly. Parting at her shoulders, some of her hair rested on her ample chest. Every breath she takes moves her endowment like a gentle current at sea. Where her hair ends, the rest of her sensuality continues its flow into her hourglass figure. It would be the envy of any female human and monster alike with its fluidity. Iridescent ruby scales are serene in their clarity, her tail looks like a river of wine. Her tail fin adds another flavour to her liquid appearance with another texture for light to swim in. There’s an unmistakable sense of order about Roja, even with her dishevelled appearance with stains on her blazer and skirt from surviving the ordeal that almost killed her.

It’s next to impossible not to notice Makoto. Her figure is like a fully grown sakura tree. She is just as tall as you are, save for her blonde vulpine ears which add a hand’s length above her head. Flowing wavy blonde hair reaches to her waist, meeting the base of her blonde tails. All nine tails share a generous amount of dense, blonde fur ending in white tufts. The rest of Makoto is just as generous. Mountainous breasts snug against her haori, almost straining it from their size. There’s a gentle sway every time she moves, her thick midriff carries her bust and tails with suggestion rather than command. Everything below her midriff from her hips to her calves is no exception. Wide hips and plump thighs matching her breasts, are snug against her hakama with their womanly volume. Makoto’s hourglass measures more than an hour, but her body isn’t wasting any of the time it measures. It’s like her religion has gifted her a body that mirrors the size of her heart.

After thinking about them for a second you snap yourself back to reality. How did the conversation with Roja get you thinking like this anyway? It could be the stress of surviving a near death experience, you wouldn’t consider being touched by a monster under other circumstances. Perhaps there’s something they’re doing to influence your thoughts? Maybe the thought of touch is getting the better of curiosity, you never experienced much of it growing up. Your community believed that humans didn’t need to act like animals pawing at each other to show care. Regardless of what you choose, you would let the girls know.

So /monster/, what are you going to do?

Accept some impromptu first aid?

Turn them down?

Something else, perhaps going into temporary stasis? Or something else someone can think of?

Again, if you want or need to know things about possible choices ask and I’ll answer as much as I can without spoiling anything

MANA FRACTURE MECHANIC

Peter starts out with a set amount of mana points which are used to fuel his abilities, and your choice for this entry will determine how many. There is a hard cap at 6 points, but this can increase depending on how things go. Peter loses half a point every arc unless a temporary solution is found in that arc. If Peter hits zero points he will die.

Medically stopping the mana fracture prevents mana loss that occurs after major events. The cost of abilities is increased by half a point. This will not prevent Peter from dying if he uses more than he has.There are other methods that will prevent Peter’s death from his mana fracture. They won’t prevent Peter from having zero mana, and I can’t go into the other methods because they need to be discovered by you because I'd spoil thingsin b4 MAMONOMANA

Stopping the fracture from costing you mana in an arc is possible, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the choices you make as we go. These stops can only be used in the arc they’re found in so they can’t be stockpiled. Recovering points can only be done by getting monsters to ‘heal’ you. For every time you’re ‘healed’, you regain two points. For every time anon wants to ‘heal’ Peter it needs to follow the escalation mentioned in the story.

First ‘heal’ (the one you are going to decide on) is free. This is a one time offer so if you turn it down then it’s off the table. All the other ‘heals’ will need to step up a notch sexually, ending with Peter being proactively dated. Peter can still regain points after being proactively dated, but it can only be with the monster that pops his rape bait cherry.

‘Healing’ is also independent of other lewds so this isn’t the only way Peter can end up doing things with a monster or gaining a monster wife. This changes if Peter is proactively dated, then he needs his new waifu to transfer mana to him as no other monster will touch him after that.

LIST OF CURRENT ABILITIES

Using a cleric ability costs points if Peter uses one. Here’s a list of the abilities he starts with:

Shield: 1 point or more

Provides a defensive shield, one point is used for every person that is shielded. You can also increase how much it can deflect by using more points if needed.

Heal: 1 point or 2 points

What it says on the tin. Heals Peter or anybody who can handle cleric magic. You can spend up to 5 points on this, the more points you put in the better the heal. Can’t be used on monsters. Example: Peter uses a small heal to get himself moving at the start of the story, then used more points to make sure he could withstand the physical buff he gave himself later

Physical buff: 2 points

Peter gives himself a buff that increases his physical abilities, and becomes above “human” for one task in an arc. If Peter is injured before casting this then injuries will not heal and come back to haunt him if he gets injured while using this. Example: Peter wanted to guarantee that nothing would go wrong when carrying Roja to the emergency pod so he cast this to make sure that any physical limitations could be temporarily ignored.

Automatic detection: 3 points

Automatic detection finds things that are relevant to your interests. You need to have a general idea of what you’re looking for before casting this. Once casted it highlights what you’re looking for. Example: Peter was looking for survivors on the Odyssey, so he cast it and it showed him where they were. It didn’t show him anything else though, automatic detection is specific and not general.

Now if you have any questions about this? Second verse is same as the first. Ask as much as you want/need and I'll answer as much as I can without giving away the farm. Now /monster/, what will Peter do?

>>273888 (heil'd)

cant decide if we should take the healing offer or not right now, but if we do i say we should have Makoto because fluffy tail and based on the description OP gave us, she has my favorite body type

>>273901

I will acknowledge your superior taste in fishtits good sir. That is one fine looking mermaid.

>>273901

Seconding the seafood grill

>>273895

this

second vote for Makoto

>>273895

>>274016

Two votes for Makoto the flustered fluffy tail

>>273901

>>273911

Two votes for Roja the smooth talking salmon

Giving the thread a bump since Makoto and Roja are tied. So giving this another day OR will lock the choice later tonight(depending on thread traffic).

>>274383

I'll vote for fluffy tail

>>274383

I'll cast my vote for the flustered fluffy tail as well.

>>268301 (OP)

D

>>275708

Gracias

>>274606

After mulling the idea in your head for the last time, you decide that following Roja’s advice would be best. She hasn’t given you any reason to doubt anything she’s said up to now, so this … unique … first aid would be no exception. Now, which monster? Makoto is restless but you don’t think she’s injured, nor has she behaved like a hooligan. Roja was thoughtful enough to offer but you don’t believe she’s in any condition to spare any mana. Imeni and Tay? Tay is living up to a monster stereotype, and Imeni has an attitude twice the size of her stature. Turning to the anxious Makoto you get her attention

“Makoto, could you?”

“A-absolutley!” she beams while making her way to you like she’ll lose this chance if she hesitates. Without wasting a single second, she settles behind you and starts to devour all the stress you’ve built up. Feeling Makoto’s hands start to work your exhausted body, your breathing slows to match her deliberate pace. While she hums happily to herself as she starts you are pleasantly surprised that she hasn’t attacked you yet. She finishes up with your shoulders and works your back, dislodging the knots as well as your reservations over her touch with ease. Relief fills your mind and a satisfied moan escapes from your lips. Makoto freezes instantly when she hears you, and slinks away.

“Watashi wa anata o kizutsukete imasen ka?”.

Baffled by Makoto’s native language you turn to clear the air “What … did you just ask?”.

Realizing what she did, Makoto shrinks a little further “S-sorry … when I get nervous I start talking in kitsune. I was wondering if you were ok … I’m not hurting you, am I?”.

“No, you’re not hurting me Makoto” You assure the worried kitsune. After hearing that you feel Makoto get closer than before, feeling her soft, giving body against your back. Starting where she stopped, she moves from your back to your midriff. As she’s doing this, she runs her hands over your bare arms

The world fades into the background when her skin touches yours. Makoto’s touch is nothing like you’ve ever felt, it’s overwriting your senses with curiosity and indulgence. This isn’t the first time you’ve had help with mana exhaustion. But those were clinical experiences that were used to deal with injury quickly and get you back into active duty. They weren’t done with any of the desire or warmth in Makoto’s touch. Even the mana transfer feels welcome, usually the mana transfers you’ve received were …invasive. As if she’s trying to prove her method completely different from a cleric’s healing Makoto kisses you softly on the back of your neck. Time freezes for a brief moment, experiencing something like this for the first time is something you can’t put words to. You are mixed up at this point, while Makoto is doing what monsters do she’s not acting like some of your colleagues claim. One thing you know is that you could use more of this later, even if you don’t understand why. Before long, Roja gives you a once over with the scancorder.

“That should do it for the mana transfer. Peter, you should get some rest now. You need it”.

“Yeah” you reply, too relaxed to disagree with anything. You move to the seat that you plan on using for your bed, and start to get yourself as comfortable as you can. Before you have a chance to lay down Roja interrupts you. “You’ll need to take my seat Peter, can’t finish the first aid without the second half.” She reminds you, giving a nod to the her seat. Floating to Roja’s seat you lay down, an easy task as the “chair” was designed with larger monsters in mind. Makoto doesn’t waste any time in joining you, and almost gets in the way laying down beside you. She immediately wraps her arms around your neck and nuzzles your face while wrapping her legs around the one you aren’t laying on. Her touch feels just as good now as it did earlier, and to your surprise is helping you fall asleep.

>>278864

“Oyasumi ikemen” Makoto mumbles into the nape of your neck as she follows you into sleep.

Waking up several hours later you feel Makoto’s breath on your neck, reminding you of everything the night before. It was odd that you actually slept well despite the improvised accommodations, Makoto’s affectionate ’first aid’ must have worked well. However, you want to check how much time you have to go before hitting the transit hub. A couple of light taps on your sleeping acquaintance’s shoulder should wake Makoto up. She spends a few moments becoming aware of the waking world before looking at you.

“Can we stay like this for a bit longer?” Makoto coos, nuzzling your cheek with her nose.

“Maybe later. We need to check if we’re close enough to send a hail to the hub” You deflect. While you enjoyed the strange medical attention, you would rather spend your time seeing if you could contact the transit hub ahead of time. The thought of spending the better part of a day doing rosaries for letting Makoto touch you comes to mind as well, but you’re unsure if it’s necessary. She did it from concern, even if she is a monster.

You wake the pod’s computer display from standby and look for the submenu you need. Seeing a communications key on the right side of the screen you activate the menu. It looks like your message delay is around 30 minutes, it might not be instant, but it’s workable. Opening a common hailing frequency, you wait a moment until you’re online. “This is Bishop Peter Callahan, passenger of the IFCC Odyssey. I am aboard an emergency pod because the Odyssey is dead in neutral space. The pod has about twenty five sentients on board, and we will need medical assistance. We have a hailing delay of 30 minutes, but will try to follow any instructions you have”. Finished with what you can do for now you back to your seat.

“So, what are you planning on doing after you get to the hub?” the curious Makoto investigates.

“I was heading to my abbey, I finished an assignment and need to fill a database with the results. Might end up spending the better part of a few months in a hospital from the fracture though” you reply, curious as to why Makoto is fishing for information. “You still going to visit your family after we get to the hub?”.

Makoto thought for a second then looked to the floor “As long as my shrine doesn’t need me back. I … I think I should check in with them because of what’s happened”. Before you have a chance to continue, Imeni wakes up. Rubbing her face she thinks for a second before speaking.

“How many more hours we stuck in this pod for? Heard you hailing the hub. The sooner I can get cleaned up the better. This sucks”.

“About 4 hours” you inform her, wondering if she’ll have another verbal swipe at the ready.

“Huh. Thought that it would be longer” Imeni commented, stretching her morning fog away as best she could.

Tay wakes up next. She looks at you after yawning … and goes right to hitting on you. Again. “I would love to wake up to your face in the morning more often cutie”. At least her optimism is welcome even if it’s because of a want to get in your pants.

“Any plans for when we get to the hub?” you ask, trying to avoid any more of Tay’s sexually tinged conversation.

“That’s a good question. Was going to swing by CivSec to check if there’s any new contracts I can pick up. Never know when a ripe contract might pop up, and don’t want a rep as a lazy contractor”.

“So being idle won’t do you any favours. I can appreciate that” you reply. Tay may be living up to one monster stereotype by hitting on you frequently, but even with all the sentients in two superclusters a true hard worker is hard to come by. Still, you move the conversation over to Imeni so you can avoid more of Tay’s preferred choice of conversation topics. “Imeni, what will you be doing when we arrive at the hub?” you politely ask, wondering how she’s going to reply

“Guess I’m going to go home. I was working aboard the Odyssey but until stuff gets sorted I’m on my ass doing fuck all. Kind of hard to work on a ship that’s dead in space” Imeni says, lacking the confidence her earlier venom contained. “At least I can get cleaned up and catch a lift from my job at the hub”. It seems Imeni isn’t much of a conversationalist right now. Thankfully she isn’t lashing out like a child at everything. After a few moments of silence, you catch yourself drifting back to sleep. Perhaps it would be best to rest up before you reach the hub, you don’t want to deal with the bustle while fighting to stay awake. You lay back down on the seat that you used as a bed.

“If I’m still asleep when we get to the hub could someone wake me up please?” you ask nobody in particular. Closing your eyes, you drift off into sleep for the second time in the pod.

>>278866

You feel a hand on your shoulder a few hours later. “Peter? Wake up, we’re at the hub” Roja informs you. Moving to get up you feel a familiar body in your way. It seems that Makoto took it upon herself to join you again. Looking to the smug kitsune she grins wide “We played rock paper scissors on who would get to share the seat with you. I won”. Chuckling on the inside as Makoto gets back up you wait as the hub staff start working with the other survivors.

“Where is the metaspace com terminal?” You query one of the hub staff.

“Sir, we would like you to wait with the other survivors if that’s possible. If you can’t then could you verify you arrived safe?” the crew member tells you, preparing to pass you his tablet. Before you decide on what to do you ask Roja “Any plans now that we’re here?”.

“I’m stopping by the medical bay. I might be ’fine’ but I’m not 100%, I lost more blood than I care to think about and the lacerations need proper treatment. The hub might not have a full hospital but my injuries can be treated here. I want to tell you the hub can deal with your problem, but your mana fracture is too severe for them to treat. However they can give a better diagnosis than mine as they have better equipment, might save you some time when you do check into a planet side hospital”. Roja replies.

Well /monster/, we’ve finally arrived at the transit hub, and we have some options in regard to what Peter can do.

Get cleaned up and arrange some transportation with Imeni?

Visit CivSec with Tay? Maybe inform them of what happened in person? Use your cleric rank and attempt to find out more information?

Accompany Makoto to the metaspace terminal so you can contact your abbey?

Stop by the medical bay to get a proper diagnosis while Roja is patching herself up?

Chat with one or more of the girls while waiting for hub staff to do their thing? Or maybe chat after getting one thing done?

Something else I didn’t mention?

/monster/ can make two choices here, but choice order is important. Just let me know what order /monster/ would like to do them in.

>>278869

Go to the med bay

We could use a proper check up and they may have some sort of medication they can give us to manage the symptoms if they start to flare up, and I will not rest in my attempts to have Peter fug the fish

>>278874

Friendly reminder that you (and anybody else who weighs in) have two choices for this entry if you wish to use them both.

>>278878

Then after we've been to the med bay we should visit CivSec and give them a report on the Odyssey, continuing to politely decline Tay whenever she hits on us

>>278869

go with makoto to the terminal, then go to medbay

>>278869

>Stop by the medical bay to get a proper diagnosis while Roja is patching herself up

and

>Accompany Makoto to the metaspace terminal so you can contact your abbey

>>278869

>Visit CivSec with Tay? Maybe inform them of what happened in person? Use your cleric rank and attempt to find out more information?

and

>Accompany Makoto to the metaspace terminal so you can contact your abbey?

Visit the terminal with mako then stop by the medbay

>>279453

“Pass me the tablet please” you instruct the hub employee. “I have to go to the med bay, is there a way to contact CivSec there?” you politely ask. You want to speak with them, but it’s not a priority. However, It would be good to inform them of the problems you encountered while rescuing Imeni, the other succubus she was with, and Roja.

“The med bay is in section 12. The med bay should be able to help you with everything else” the technician tells you while gesturing in the general direction you need to go. “Thank you, may the light shine for you” you intone before starting off. Makoto puts her hand on your shoulder as you take your first step, nervously blurting out

“Could you give me some way of contacting you? I’d understand if you said no but it would be nice to keep in touch”.

Realizing Makoto wouldn’t take well to rejection so you offer a compromise. “I have to go to the med bay, but if you wait at the metaspace terminal we can work something out”.

“Really? Thank you!” Makoto squeals as she engulfs you in a particularly enthusiastic hug.

Returning the affection, you gently remind her “I don’t mind the hug, but I shouldn’t add bruised ribs to the laundry list”. With that, you start off to the med bay. Shortly after you set foot in the hub Roja catches up with you.

“Well if you’re going to the med bay I’ll go with you. I need to get myself patched up after all” Roja comments.

Perplexed on how she’s able to move on land without help you blurt out “How in this universe do mermaids move on land?”.

Sensing your innocence behind your ignorance Roja pipes up “Oh, that. We ’swim’ on land like we do in water. We just move our tails like lamiae, and if we get a bit of dirt on our scales we give our tails a quick clean when we go underwater”.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to --- ”you offer.

“Peter, it’s ok. You don’t know much about monsters and nothing wrong with asking questions” Roja moves up beside you, locks arms with you, and gives it a gentle pat. “Since I have to go to the med bay as well how about I get a personal escort from my savior?” Roja appeals smoothly.

“I suppose I can do that” you agree, unable to refuse since Roja is already arm in arm with you. Besides, by your estimation you will be back at your abbey soon so the minor sins you’ve committed with Makoto and Roja can be atoned for later. Walking arm in arm with another sentient isn’t going to be hard to make up for. As you go to the med bay with your catch of the day, you see a number of V type drones scattered within the bustling crowd of sentients. You find it queer that there would be military hardware mingling with the public, these drones have no value if they’re not being used in combat. Stray questions from the hub’s travelers mirror your own puzzlement with Roja adding to them.

“Why are there military drones in the hub?” she wonders.

“Your guess is as good as mine. I’m as comfortable as you aren’t about that” you add, trying to determine why they’re here. The concerned mermaid moves closer and you feel her tense up

“There shouldn’t be any in the med bay at least” she assumes, the concerned furrow on her brow betraying her optimism. “But we need to get to the med bay sooner rather than later. These drones are making me uncomfortable Peter” she says, her grip tightening slightly.

“Sounds like a plan” you reply, noticing Roja’s changed grip on your arm. It will be best to get everything done with cautious haste as the drones are doing nobody any favours with their presence.

>>282958

Arriving at the med bay you see a large group, no doubt that the Odyssey’s survivors are the majority. A diagnosis bay put together with haste in the place of reception mirrors the clutter seen elsewhere. Makeshift bays accommodating the injured do nothing to alleviate the discomfort from seeing the drones earlier. One of the clinic’s doctors walks to you and Roja, by the look on her face she’s leaving her bedside manner at home today. After a quick once over with her scancorder her frown only deepens when she discovers the extent of both your injuries and Roja’s.

“I’m going to need two bays immediately. Set one up to treat an aquatic sentient suffering from stage two hypovolemic shock and the other to fully diagnose a magic using human male with a class two mana fracture”. Turning to you in puzzlement, the doctor asks

“Have you received any first aid for this sir?”.

“I was given a mana transfer by a kyubi no kitsune, and this mermaid injected me with something to prevent me from dying” you brief her. Just before the doctor loses her cool, Roja smooths over the situation.

“Dr. Roja Espago” she offers, moving her thumb in clear view of the angry physician. “I can prove my license if you give me a med bay Tablet”. The doctor swipes a tablet from the bay nearest to her, forcing the tablet in front of Roja’s face.

“Prove it or you’re being removed to the holding cell after you’re done here” the woman demands. One quick touch with an equally quick confirmation silences her. Mortified, the woman hides her face in her hand “My apologies doctor Espago. Can you inform me on any treatment you’ve used on your patient while we’re treating you? If you are able that is?”.

“I will” Roja agrees. As the two doctors go about their conversation, you are escorted to a med bay that contains a battery of sensors. When the nurse is finished positioning the bridge sensor over your chest the doctor speaking with Roja returns. She turns on the sensor and gives the display a cursory glance to make sure the diagnostic scan is working correctly.

“I received the details of the emergency treatment you received from doctor Espago. It was the best course of action at the time, but with your affinity, you should only do mana transfers from humans. I trust I don’t need to explain why?” the doctor warning you sternly.

“I’m aware” you tell her, knowing the consequences of … associating … with monsters. At least to the degree this doctor is implying.

“Good. Now, has doctor Espago gone over how to ease the symptoms of your fracture?”

“We haven’t had time to. The Odyssey was going to lose life support, and Roja and I are injured. She did say a better diagnosis was possible here”

“She’s right. Now, about managing your fracture. First thing: don’t use any abilities that consume mana, you are currently unable to regenerate any of your reserves. You also need to check into a hospital as soon as possible because your ’vessel’ has a compound fracture. While you aren’t using any of your abilities you are still losing mana over time. If you don’t get to a hospital to treat this soon your mana bleeding can kill you”. Once the doctor finishes with the most important items, she continues to tell you about your problem

>>282960

“If you need to relieve your symptoms then taking over the counter sleep aids is the best option”

“Are there others? I can’t just swallow a pill and nap in the shade whenever I feel like it” You assert, looking for more ways of dealing with this issue.

“There are. But these methods are inappropriate for you and should only be used in an emergency. If you choose to use low level magic techniques then having another sentient with compatible mana transfer theirs to you will negate the cost. You can also use a synthetic mana injection to temporarily stop mana loss but this will work only once”. Finishing up with you, the physician moves the bridge sensor away to make way for your exit.

“Nurse, I’ll need you to give this patient a cartridge of synthetic mana”. The nurse passes you your cartridge, and you slip it into your pants. Before you leave you find Roja, you are in her debt because of what she did. It would be best to part ways amicably and offer to help her for saving your life. Seeing her in a nearby bay you walk over and

“Thank you for everything Roja. I owe you. If you need my help with anything contact Dei Gratia and ask for me”

“Well I appreciate what you did, whatever happened on the Odyssey knocked me out cold. Would still be aboard her, and in the same shape she’s in if you didn’t help me. I’ll be sure to be in touch Peter. Be safe wherever you’re going”

“I will. Safe travels, Roja, the universe would be darker without sentients like you”

On your way to the metaspace terminal the continued drone presence reminds you that you want to drop by CivSec. Chances are they have as much information as they need but perhaps your small piece of the puzzle will help. Well, CivSec should be close by. It might be harder to find this time because there are more people than usual, but you’ve been to the hub’s CivSec often enough to find your way there. When you arrive it’s busier than usual but not unmanageable. As luck would have it there was an officer available and they signal you over.

“How can CivSec help you today?” the officer inquires.

“I want to give a statement about the Odyssey” you explain.

“Start making your statement when you’re ready” the officer instructs as he gets ready to record it. You start talking as soon as he touches the screen to start.

“I went to bed, was woken up, and then knocked unconscious when I was thrown around my room. I woke up, assisted with finding any survivors, and left in one of the emergency pods. What I don’t understand is that most of the Odyssey was inaccessible, only the port beam and port quarter were safe to search. And getting around in those sections was difficult, it looked like the Odyssey’s frame was damaged so badly that there were pieces in the halls. There was also an unidentified ship that hailed us, the IFSD Claidheamh Mòr is what she called herself. That will be all, I’m afraid I was out cold for most of this incident”. Concluding your statement, the officer stops recording.

“Thank you for your help. May I get some contact information from you in case we need to follow up sir?” the officer asks.

“Certainly. Contact Bishop Peter Callahan of Dei Gratia. Thank you”. The officer nods respectfully as you leave, another sentient being called over to talk with their hero of the day. Time to call the abbey you think, the sooner you make everything a little clearer the better. Coming up to the metaspace terminal you see Makoto and head in her general direction. She lights up and quickly walks over.

“Peter? You came! How did it go at the med bay?”

“As well as it could with what went on. Did you get a chance to speak with your shrine?” you ask.

“I have to check in with them later, but I’m not being recalled. Thank the empress that things are going well, I’ve been looking forward to seeing my family” Makoto beams.

“Glad to hear it. Now, are there any free terminals? I’d like to contact my abbey before we talk further. You know how the big hats get over this” you jest, getting an upturned lip and a snicker from Makoto.

“Better get that terminal chat done before they blow their tops into orbit Peter”

“I’ll find you, where will you be waiting?”. Looking towards a café near the metaspace terminals Makoto tells you

“Need to eat, so I’ll see if they have any udon. See you soon Peter”. Turning your attention to one of the metaspace terminals you sit down and pull up the direct contact screen. You wait a few seconds for the static to gel into a picture of Archbishop O’Donnell.

>>282962

“This is the Church of New Anlarick, archbishop O'Donnell speaking” one of the abbey's masters spoke.

“Archbishop, this is Bishop Callahan. There’s been an incident concerning the Odyssey. Something happened and she’s dead in neutral space. I’m going to be late in getting back to---”

“Late?” the archbishop cuts you off “I don’t tolerate late. This church can’t run if its members are unable to follow simple tasks like meeting when they’re scheduled to” O’Donnell sneers. “I’m aware that the Odyssey is dead but boarding an emergency pod is not a difficult task. Now moving onto business. Why are you contacting me directly?”

“it’s protocol to inform the abbey and make alternate arrangements in these situations. Now is there any emergency that I need to investigate? I need to check into a hospital planet side so I’ll be refusing any work that isn’t one” you return, matching the archbishop’s tone. O’Donnell is a professional gobshite, and looks like he’s not taking a sick day.

“There is something that happened that requires all ranks bishop and above to be recalled. If you do not get to the abbey within 48 hours I will be forced to hold you accountable. That is all. I will see you when you arrive, don’t waste any more of the church’s time Bishop”. The archbishop terminates the connection without warning. Thank the light for that, O’Donnell was always this difficult to deal with. Why didn't you have the luck of getting Archbishop McCarthy? She’s strict as the day is long but is always willing to accommodate things beyond someone’s control. Leaving the terminal with a shake of your head you walk to the café to join Makoto.

Seeing her eating the udon she ordered reminds you that some food would hit the spot. “Makoto, could you give me a second? I need to get something. I’m a little hungry”.

“That was quick, the big hat in a hurry?” she wonders.

“No, but thank the first that ’talk’ was over quickly. That big hat’s ego could power a small ship” you reply. You go to the replicator, settle for an egg and bacon sandwich, and wave your wallet card in front of the payment sensor. A quick ’approved’ message and the quiet hum that follows produces your quick meal. Going back to sit with Makoto she brings up the reason she asked to meet you in the first place.

“So about … ”

“How to keep in touch with each other?” You finish for the nervous kitsune.

“Yes, I don’t want to get you in trouble with your abbey but I don’t want to not talk to you either”

“And your shrine would be ok with you talking to me?”

“Just as long as I don’t neglect my work. Or at least have someone cover for me if I’m busy.”

“That’s generous of them, do you have special standing with them? Or---”.

Suddenly your conversation is interrupted by a hovering uncomfortably close to you and Makoto for either of you. Looking around, you see other drones taking positions near certain groups of sentients, but you can’t tell individual species at the moment. The terminal hub’s intercom chimes and someone starts making an announcement.

“This transit hub is now under the commission of my employer, and they’d like it if everyone would comply with the new management. Anybody that fancies themselves a hero will be dealt with, so comply with the drones and we don’t have to see anybody hurt”. This explains why the combat drone is trying to make your acquaintance. Makoto gives you a worried look while keeping an ear cocked in the direction of the combat drone

“What do we do? This is bad …” she whispers.

“You’re telling me….” You agree, with one eye on the drone. On second glance it seems like these drones are targeting sentients that have a talent, be it physical strength or magic. This accounts for why one of them wants to be your new escort. While these drones are mass produced units that can be incapacitated by someone, they are armed with a laser rifles and remote shields. If you decide to improvise a way to deal with them it must be something that can work around their armaments. It will need to deal with their ability to communicate with each other and their controller as well.

>>282963

Looks like someone or something wants the terminal hub to themselves and isn’t keen on sharing. Now how is /monster/ going to handle this?

Improvise a plan of some sort to deal with the drones immediately? If you do, will you make one or more of the ladies part of it?

Comply with the mystery voice ordering everyone around?

Attempt to contact CivSec to see if they can’t raise a red flag?

Try to find a way out of here? Seems the big hat you talked to isn’t one for courtesy, and might make life hard for you

Something else? Maybe a combination of the above choices? Maybe /monster/ will come up with something completely different?

MANA FRACTURE MECHANIC UPDATE

Since one anon gave a SMRT suggestion concerning Peter’s medical issue (here >>278874 ): if someone is transferring mana to Peter just before he casts something he can get one free point of mana to use. As long as the mana fracture mechanic is affecting Peter this can be done once per arc.

>>282964

I'd say comply for the moment. If we fuck anything up, it could have consequences for a lot more people than just us, potentially.

>>283108

What this anon said

>>283108

>>283865

>2 votes for complying with the mystery voice

Choice is locked in. We'll be the proverbial fly on the wall for the moment and save the heroics for later.

>>284151

“Didn’t know going back to the abbey would be a crime” you snap at nobody in particular.

“I don’t like this. First the ship, now this.” Makoto concurs, still keeping one ear trained on the drone. “Do you think the person over the intercom has something to do with this?”

“Maybe. But I don’t plan on detective work” you add while flicking your eyes to CivSec. There are a few drones preventing the law from doing their duty, so attempting to get their help will have to wait. These drones and the sentients controlling them may be on the wrong side of the law, but they’re the lawmakers right now. If the situation wasn’t so one sided perhaps you can do something, but for now it’s best to keep your head down.

“Well now that everyone seems to be listening: any non human sentients …and humans with them need to take a stroll. Just follow the drones and don’t do anything stupid. Now get moving” the mystery voice orders. A faint whine from the drone as it activates its remote shield and aims its laser rifle in your direction makes it clear this man is serious.

“I guess we’re going somewhere then” you snap. Getting up with Makoto the drone herds you into the hall and towards the inner ring. As you’re marched down the hall you notice small teams of humans in military style gear walking around. One of them walks out of a corridor, quickly making their way to you. This ’soldier’ may have the same uniform as the others but her short brown hair has a pair of suspect silver streaks. On second glance, you swear you’re looking at Imeni. The woman’s silver streaks in her hair, and the fine features on her face are eerily similar. That petite frame also beckons you to do things that would excommunicate you from Dei Gratia. You take a calculated chance and yell at the ’soldier’. “Where are you taking us?”

“Shut it, the last thing I need is to listen to some crusader and a filthy fox demon that think they’re better than me. Keep moving, freaks” The softness you’ve seen from Makoto twists into a feral look, fire starting to burn in her eyes.

“Excuse me? Freak?” Makoto growls.

“Hey! If you don’t shut the hell up I just say one word and you’ll be lit up by these drones. Just keep walking, don’t think of anything fishy, and can any monkey business you two have planned”. Before Makoto does anything else the soldier glares at the both of you and silently screams ’don’t give me away’ with a demanding stare. Suddenly it clicks. This ’soldier’ is Imeni, she’s avoiding detection somehow.

“Pray that the first won’t turn his light from you, a young girl like you has much to worry about in this universe” you spit back. Hearing this, the ’soldier’ spins around, grabs your shirt collar, and pulls you nose to nose.

“Drones can’t detect magic” she whispers. Her eyes scan the area nervously before speaking again. “Last chance. Start listening, or get shot!” she orders while shoving you away. Given what happened you think that was Imeni using a succubus illusion. She goes from sentient to sentient after you when here’s a free moment, telling them what she told you. However, it’s best to keep moving. The drones still have you by the short hairs.

After several minutes of walking you reach the inner ring. The drones station themselves behind various sentients, keeping a few meters away from them, remote shields still active. You nod to Makoto, eyes shifting over to an area that’s as drone free as it can be. You need to make sense of what Imeni said, and two heads are better than one. Being away from as the drones as best you can be is important for a few reasons, eavesdropping being one. Keeping your head away from the kangaroo court you start brainstorming with Makoto. “So Imeni is using some sort of magic. Do you think these drones are equipped to detect it?”

“I think they can’t detect any magic, never mind that annoying succubus’ illusion. I can’t do much, my magic is too potent. Without my kage keisei yari to control it, I might hurt someone”

“I can’t think of anything either. Even if I didn’t have the fracture I can’t do what Imeni could. Wrong affinity”. As you finish talking someone that isn’t wearing a uniform looks like they’re ordering someone. This might be the owner of the mystery voice. When he walks by you and Makoto you take a long, hard look at him. It might not be much, but getting a proper look at this maggot to identify him later is better than doing nothing.

>>287093

And it looks like he’s easily identifiable no matter where he is. A large part of his face is metal plate, with a soulless red light where is right eye should be. The small curved frame with a socket that this 'eye' is set in shifts unnaturally, scanning the inner ring with a quick pulse. These ’enhancements’ continue, a small antenna is protruding from his right shoulder, with nothing left of his shoulder … or arm that was human. In its place is a cybernetic arm, its metal scarred with scratches. A vicious slash across the contractor’s insignia is on the back of the battle worn limb’s hand completes this limb’s grim appearance. A phaser pistol is the last thing of note, and the discoloured frame with mottles of paint remaining are telling of the victims its ended. A werewolf stares him down, with a rumbling growl and fangs longing to rend him of what human remains. He rests his right hand on his pistol using the metallic taps as a warning before warning her

“How about you let me do my job without the hysterics? It would be a mess if you kept up the act. I’m afraid I would be a terrible cleaner, so keep it down”. The man ignores the werewolf, but without notice a drone hovers over and puts itself between the man and the former aggressor. Finding a clearing in the ring with fewer sentients than other places the man starts ordering everyone around. “Listen up. My employer is looking for cardinal species of monsters. And rumour has it that there’s been a few of them travelling in the area. If anybody knows of a sentient that is, turn them over to me. If not then we do this the hard way. Anybody want to come forward?”.

“Wait a second, did he broadcast to those drones to tell everyone at once? Without any equipment?” you ask Makoto with hushed curiosity

“I didn’t see him use anything. Or move his lips at all”

“That’s why Imeni said---” you realize what’s going on now. This man is controlling the drones with a remote neural transmitter. It explains the cybernetic enhancements and how he’s talking using the drones. More importantly? It means the drones can’t detect any magic directly … because their controller isn’t magically innate. So why does someone who’s a dud with magic take a job like this? The sentients he wants to capture could blink an eye and have him wiped from the universe with a single thought. Your heart skips a beat when he looks around and starts walking towards you and Makoto. You prepare yourself for a confrontation as he moves closer.

Abruptly coming to a halt, the man looks like he’s listening to something. His face sours quickly and grumbles “of course something like this would happen”. He touches his temple, barking into the air “All of you, get whoever you can and split. The uniforms are on the way, and I’m not talking about that piss take of a law enforcement arm we call CivSec. If you’re not aboard the ship in ten you’re on your own. Get caught and you don’t get paid so get the lead out”. Before he makes haste he takes a long, hard look at Makoto. Keeping his finger to his temple he takes an uncomfortable, piercing look at Makoto. “Looks like luck is on your side demon fox. I have better things to do than to fight a losing battle so I won’t be taking you into custody yet.”. A quick look at Makoto and you see her tails starting to thrash as she tenses up, keeping her eyes locked on her provoker. Thinking Makoto may do something after the threat you swiftly move in her line of sight.

“Don’t put your head up your arse for this wanker. You can’t meet with me later if you’re in a cell, I’m sure whoever he’s running from will make sure he doesn’t make good on his threat”. You’re now between relief and concern as you hear the man making haste back to his ship. Makoto starts to sniff as she deflates from her adrenaline high, with a couple of tears starting to roll down her face.

>>287094

“What did I do to deserve this? I just wanted to visit my family” she whimpers out, continuing to sniffle.

“Does that threat change those plans?”

The upset kitsune shakes her head in agreement “This is one thing that is an automatic ‘go back to the shrine’”

“Big hats at your shrine are strict on that sort of thing?”

“I came up with that rule myself. I have to be strict about this in case of something like what just happened”

“Wait. You came up with that rule?” you inquire, wondering just why Makoto would make up something so strict.

“It’s important that members of tsuki no hikari are safe. It would be horrible if one of us was captured. And some of us could cause major problems if we were used for ill gain”

“This is true” you concede. A monster such as a ryu … or Makoto herself for that matter … could cause considerable damage if used in the way that she’s implying. “How about we pick up with what we were talking about while we deal with what’s going on?” you offer. Perhaps thinking about something pleasant would help lift the mood a little, and Makoto is keen on meeting you under less trying circumstances. Truth be told, it would be nice to talk to someone that wasn’t affiliated with Dei Gratia.

The thought is interrupted as you hear someone trying to outrun death. Rounding a corner, Tay spots you and immediately runs to you. She ignores other sentients present by weaving through them like a swift breeze, dodging them all. “Peter? Makoto? What’s going on?”

“Someone is trying to capture magically innate sentients” Makoto answers.

“How did you avoid the drones anyway?” you ask Tay. There were enough drones that one of them should have seen her. You don't believe Tay is up to anything, but knowing why she isn't with most of the former hostages will ease your mind a little.

“I was in one of the showers. Did you see where any of the baboons that boarded the hub went?”

Makoto points down the hall that the drone controller went “A man with cybernetics that had a crossed out contractor’s logo went there”.

Tay spends a blink of an eye in silence before a look of realization snaps into view. The alert kauken yells “Can’t stay. Have to make bank” while slicing through the crowd quicker than when she ran to you. If Tay is talking about ’making bank’ then your assumption about him is right, he’s definitely on the wrong side of the law.

“Peter, can … can I ask a favour?”

“Go ahead”

“Can you go with me to the hospitality ring when it opens? It would be nice to clean up. If you need anything I’ll get it if you want, I just want some company”

“It would be nice, Tay wasn’t wrong about ’days old sweat’. Could use a change of clothes too” you muse, pondering the story your clothes tell with a gritty texture and the occasional blood stain. Thinking about the blood stains for a second, you wonder if Tay will need help. This terrorist is armed, and has drones that he can use with a remote neural connection. If Tay was magically innate you’re unsure if she had the capacity or affinity to have a decisive advantage. On the other hand? Danger is nothing new to a contractor, and you haven’t spent that long out of the med bay. You wouldn’t want to be on the mend with how crowded it still is. You will be glad to get to wherever you decide you’re going though, this seems like it will be the last intrusion for the near future.

The terrorist caught some bad luck, which is fortuitous for everyone else. You’re unsure if Tay needs help or not, but you’re weary of getting involved because they’re already leaving the hub with haste. So, what happens next /monster/? Pick an action, and pick a destination for Peter. If you would like company for the trip then tell me which girl or girls will be Peter’s travel companion(s).

Go after Tay to see if you can provide some sort of help

Provide comfort to Makoto in the hospitality ring

See if you can find Imeni and ask if she knows anything

Check if Roja’s alright, she’s been in the med bay this entire time

As far as destinations:

The abbey of New Anlarick. Big hat was rather "keen" on your attendance

Where Makoto needs to go on Korimi. She's not doing so well and you're the closest thing to a familiar face she has

Wherever Roja needs to on Tropoce, she's spent a lot of time in the med bay

Where Tay is going on Rasowa, she may not be admitting to needing help in spite of her competency as a contractor

>>287096

Well, I guess we better Comfort Fluffy Tail. I still like mermaids better but Makoto has grown on me. Leaning towards returning to the abbey after, unless Makoto invites us to return with her. Big Hat was an asshole, he can wait.

>>287096

>>287126

This.

>>287126

>>287148

I'm interested in where /monster/ (in this case, you two anons) want to go, not where they think they should go. If going with fluffy tail(s) to her home rock tickles your fancy by all means shill for it.

Friendly reminder to /monster/: I left the "go where with which girl(s)" open as possible so you can pick a destination as well as picking as many or few girls as you wish. You could even go somewhere alone if you cared to.

>>287482

>going with fluffy tail back to her shrine takes priority over dealing with the big hat

That's the way I figured it was worded, and what I was going for.

>>287482

If Makoto thinks she can make it back home on her own, return to our abbey.

If she's still nervous about travelling alone, escort her to her shrine.

>>287126

This one

>>287721

"I’ll wait with you, if you don’t m---urk!”. Unsurprisingly, the nine tail’s quirk of expressing her gratitude through physical affection interrupts you. Makoto is still crying a little, but the few tears that reach your skin are ones of relief. Welcoming this rather shameless display of public affection you return the hearty embrace Makoto caught you in. It fits the inner ring’s atmosphere, family and friends glad that they’re in unharmed wholes. The werewolf nearby isn’t the feral beast you heard earlier, but a harmless pup showering affection on her now safe husband. In that moment, you forget you’re looking at a monster and see someone filled with the joy of seeing someone they love unharmed. While her tail gives everyone around a breezy reminder of her elation, you start wondering. For all the families that you’ve seen at home, none of them would sh0w the universe their love for each other like this. Perhaps you’ll think on this another time when people aren’t getting up to leave.

“We should get to the hospitality ring. The more I think about it, the better a new set of slacks and a shower would do me some good. It would do you some too” you say warmly. As you head towards your destination with Makoto neither of you completely end your contact. Makoto’s hand finds yours and slips her fingers around yours with a tender squeeze. Her touch helps you relax a little, Makoto’s skin feeling as warm and inviting now as it did in the emergency pod. It wasn’t a mortal sin to walk arm in arm with Roja then walking with Makoto’s hand in yours won’t send you to the pit. With your charge by your side, the pair of you wander towards the hospitality hub.

Looks like your decision to come to the hospitality hub first is going to pay well. The stores normally packed to the brim with hurried customers are now oases of emptiness.

“Empress save me, Sakura Kaisha is open! Peter, can we go here first?” Turning over, you see Makoto pleading with expectant eyes wide as nebulae. Saying no isn’t an option you muse.

“Sure. I guess we should buy some new clothes before getting cleaned up. Lead the way” Letting go of your hand she starts inspecting a display of winter coats. They look like they’re for cold weather on planets that don’t need climate regulators.

“Peter look at this kimono coat! Isn’t this beautiful?” the kitsune beams as she holds up the one she’s interested in. There is no modern distraction driving Makoto’s infatuation. It relies on clean lines, quality materials, and tasteful snowflake embroidery to draw your attention. “Can you hold this for a second Peter?” the busy fox asks as she practically smothers you with the coat. Guess Makoto is buying it you chuckle to yourself. You hold the winter coat as a few items to make an outfit make their way into the dressing room with their prospective owner.

A hesitant kitsune steps from the dressing room when she’s finished. “What do you think Peter?” Makoto asks. The cobalt t shirt fits snug against her robust chest, you’re in awe at how they fill the shirt so well. As the shirt flows down it highlights Makoto’s waist it’s held taught against her, ending a few centimeters below the silver jeans she’s wearing. You thought the shirt was flattering her thick figure, but those jeans looked as if they were painted on. Every detail of Makoto’s body from the waist down was just hypnotizing. She slowly turns and lifts her tails, all the while she’s swaying those decadent hips back and forth. When your eyes take in her ass and thighs it’s as if they were daring you to sink your hands into that deliciously sinful flesh of hers. You’d gladly pay for this show with a day or two in penance, all those incredible curves just keep swaying in all the right places.

Makoto snaps you back to reality with a smug set of eyes married to a blushing smile “Anata ga miru mono no yō ni? Ufufufu~”.

Realizing what you’re doing you shrink into your shadow “I’m sorry, didn’t mean to gawk … talk about embarrassing. What were you asking me Makoto?”

“Oh …. don’t worry about it. I’ll buy this. Now how about we get you something Peter?” As the vixen returns to the dressing room you take a quick glance at the stores near you.

>>290980

“That will be sixty four seventy nine. Can Sakura Kaisha get anything else for you?” the raiju across from you asks, packing Makoto’s outfit along with her unmentionables into a bag.

“No thank you. Empress bless” Makoto replies. As you walk down the promenade of the hospitality ring Makoto tucks in beside you to continue walking hand in hand. “Where do you plan on going. Peter?”

“ I was thinking of gentleman’s clothiers. There’s one up ahead, and I won’t pay a planet for a basic outfit”

“After this, you want to find where Tay cleaned herself up?”

“Aye. Staying like this would make buying new clothes a moot point, we look like we’ve rolled in a mountain of sludge” you agree. Arriving at Gentleman’s Clothiers feels longer than it should with the faint echo of your footsteps doing a poor impression of the bustle in the hospitality ring. Thankfully you do see signs that it’s starting to get back to its daily routine, namely a few other sentients who had their reasons for being in the hospitality ring.

After a quick search, you find some clothes that suit your interest. Judging the navy slacks and light ivory shirt to be dignified enough, you give a quick nod in the direction of the change rooms. “I’ll be one second, Makoto”

“Could I have a look before you change back?”

“Your opinion can’t hurt, just give me one second”. Stripping down and putting on the new outfit feels relieving, it will feel better after getting cleaned up but for now you’ll enjoy the temporary comfort. With a quick tug at the bottom of the shirt you walk out to the waiting kitsune.

Makoto turns to you with all her attention with wide eyes “That looks great Peter!”. You do one final check to see if the shirt and slacks will fit, turning to one side then the other with raised arms.

“So, does it fit well?” your curious observer wonders. Looks like you’re not the only one guilty of taking more than a quick glance, you catch Makoto giving you a hungry look in the mirror you’re using. Best to let that go ignored for now.

“It fits well. Let’s see if we can’t track down where Tay cleaned herself up at. Give me another second”. As much as you appreciate the feeling of clean clothes now, it would be counter productive to wear them before you are cleaned up. After you change back into your old slacks and shirt you pass some coats. You feel Makoto grab hold of your arm to get your attention as she asks “Peter, can … can I ask you something?”

"Why would you need to ask me about asking a question?” you reply, but the kitsune’s ears lowering is telling she’s not at ease.

“I … I don’t feel safe going home alone. How far can you go with me before you need to head home? I .. I know it’s a bit much to ask but you’re the only one I can ask”. Between archbishop O’Donnell’s outburst, Makoto genuinely asking for help, and knowing archbishop McCarthy will pull rank on the wanker you had the displeasure of speaking with this isn’t a hard answer.

“I’ll go all the way if you want”

“All the way with me?” Makoto asks, unsure of her interpretation.

“As long as I can get to a metaspace terminal when we’re planet side to call in the big guns at my abbey”

The relieved nine tail’s ears and tails spring up to match her mood “What a relief! I didn’t want to travel back home alone”. As she tells you this she goes to reach for one of the coats in the rack nearby. “What size? Korimi winters are a bit chilly” “I’m a large. How cold are we talking here?” “Minus twenty five usually, colder if the wind picks up. I can pay for it as a thank you for going this far”

“You’re keeping me away from that bloody archbishop, that’s payment enough. If I go to my abbey now he’s going to get a load of four letter words which would cost me a month’s worth of reprimands. Thank you all the same though”.

You take the coat from Makoto and head to the register with your own outfit. Before it slips your mind, you make sure to grab the trimmings. Dirty socks and underwear after you’ve showered isn’t a priority after all. “Did you find everything you were looking for?” the man ringing in everything asks.

“Do you know if there’s a spa, public shower, or something like that in the hospitality ring?”

“Sorry, I think they closed up because of the theatrics earlier”

“Well into the pit with those plans, thank you for helping. How much?”

“Fifty five oh two”

>>290982

One quick scan of your card everything’s taken care of. Your hand finds its way to your face as you groan “I swear the first is testing me. No place to clean up in the hub? This is quite the comedy of errors”

“I think my empress is trading notes with your ’first’. I mean I’m happy I met you … I wish it wasn’t under these circumstances. I also wish the spas were open”

“Aye, you’ll have no lip from me about the whole thing. Maybe we should spend less time here and clean up aboard a ship?” The pair of you look around and come to a consensus. “Who knows how long we’d have to wait. Let’s get on a ship” Makoto sighs. Now that it’s settled, you head to a ticket terminal and pull up a list of carriers.

“They’re all asking for a king’s ransom the twats!”. Makoto leans in to look over your shoulder and you swear you could hear her jaw hitting the floor

“Empress save us, that’s expensive ….”

“If they were charging any more I’d be wondering if they weren’t taking advantage”

“I hope these prices weren’t raised because of what happened. Sticker shock shouldn’t mean sticky fingers”

“You’re not wrong” you slip out between a few chuckles. “So how we paying for this? Half of these trips are on luxury cruisers.The other half are on ships too small to have the facilities you need.

“I can help pay if we just get one room. I really like the idea of a shower, and if my tails itch any more I’ll consider chewing them off”

“Seems it’s the only option, I don’t feel like being jammed into a sparrow class ship after what happened”

“The Diplomat has rooms with showers in them, and they’re not too much. Is this ok with you Peter?”

“Looks like it’s going to be here in under an hour. Sounds good”. You use your card again, with a wince when you see a rather healthy size of your bank account disappear. Makoto follows suit as best she can, putting her info into the terminal manually. Now that everything’s set, you relax near the ticket terminal for some rest.

The hour passes quickly, and the IFCC Diplomat arrives as scheduled. Neither you or Makoto waste time getting scanned in so you can get on board. First order of business? Getting a shower. Perhaps you might walk the ship a little to clear your head after. The Diplomat also has an observation deck, it would be intriguing to see FTL travel without visual enhancement. Or maybe staying in the room and making yourself unknown to the universe is on the itinerary. Maybe there’s something interesting on a metaspace channel. There’s a healthy amount of time to make a decision, things won’t be going supernova on the trip to Korimi.

Peter is finally back to something resembling a normal life for the time being. So /monster/, what will Peter do after he isn’t hygiene impaired?

Stay in the room. Time for some downtime and relaxation, a proper bed will do you some good

Go to the observation area. Seeing FTL travel on the Diplomat would be an experience to talk about

Walk around the Diplomat. You didn’t take the chance aboard the Odyssey, and the Diplomat is similar.

If there's something else /monster/ would like Peter to do suggest away, and I'll work with it as best I can.

>>290983

shame we can't bang monstergirls all we want, because otherwise i'd suggest taking a shower with Makoto or having a bit of fun in bed before going to sleep

in any case, staying in the room would probably be best since it would give us a chance to rest and relax

>>290983

Last time we slept on a space ship it blew up.

Now, there may not be any correlation between the two, but I say better safe than sorry. I vote for the observation deck.

>>291046

>>290983

> things won’t be going supernova on the trip to Korimi.

I think we're safe m8, unless OP pulls a fast one like the fucking leaf he is

>>290983

Stay in the room, unless Makoto wants to do something else, in which case go with her. We're there to keep her company, after all, and she might have the events of the Odyssey weighing on her mind now that she's back on a similar ship.

>>291430

I'll put in for relaxing in the room. Jumping in the shower with her might be a bit much. The fact that we can share the bed and call it part of our treatment might work though. Probably a good time time find out if she like having her ears or tail petted as well.

>>291430

while shower lewds might be fun, i'm kinda siding with >>291459 in that it might be a bit much right now, but who's to say that headpats, touching fluffy tail, and cuddling with her while sharing the bed is a bad idea we should do it

>>291430

>>291490

also THICC/MILF ran best touhou

>>291592

i assume sticking it in her gives us the maximum possible amount of points back

my question is does repeated bedding of monstergirls the same one multiple times or different girls each time, doesnt matter (for the purposes of this question) have any adverse effect on Peter (such as mana fractures being worse than they normally are, or Peter losing his magical ability [either the hard cap being lowered or him being unable to cast AT ALL anymore])

>>291579

I don't think getting First Aid will be a good idea right now, since Paul only lost half a point so far. Voting against it

>>291776

I'm also fine with holding off for the moment.

>>291776

>Paul

>MC of space quest is Peter

U 'avin a giggle m8?

>>291763

>we can give monstergirls makoto our fluffy-tailed waifu the D as much as we want

wewlad.jpg

granted, our cleric leader faggot might have other ideas, but he's an asshole

>>291776

>>291779

going with these two anons as well

hold off on the first aid thing and just regular cuddle with her

>>291459

>>291776

>>291779

>>291837

>1 vote for counting what I'm writing right now as first aid

>3 votes for leaving the first aid portion for later

Last portion of the choice is locked. This will not count as first aid.

Quick recap of the lock: sit in bed with Makoto, pet Makoto, but don't do anything drastic because /monster/ values Peter's pelvis.

who the fuck am I kidding at least two of you wanted him raped an inch into the shower floor

I have the monkeys chained to their typewriters and working on the update. Please shitpost responsibly until then.

>>291954

who says we cant have makoto rape forcibly cuddle with us later like in her room/quarters at the shrine (or something like that)

>>291954

The door to your cabin greets you with a light hiss, with other sentients receiving the same salutation. Dropping your bags near the night table you survey your room. In the middle against the right wall is a double bed, with about a meter to the surrounding walls. To the left of the bed and directly to your right is a shower. Shame it’s a sonic shower, hot water would do wonders. “Would you like to shower first?” you offer Makoto.

“I’ll be about ten minutes, I need to see I can contact my shrine. I can hop in when I get back”

“Fair enough, I’ll be out before you get back”. Makoto takes her leave, and when the door slides closed you toss the incident scarred clothes of yours into the trash. Stepping into the shower, you tap the start button and get to work. Five minutes later you’re brand new compared to these past few days. Might not have been hot water but that ultrasound did an excellent job. Turning on the cabin’s monitor you pull up a list of newscasters. There might be a report on your incident. As much as you’d like to ignore the universe a cursory search won’t do any harm. You start thinking of what to watch while you get dressed in the clothes you bought. These clothes feel much better now that you’re free from the Odyssey’s dirt and debris.

A couple minutes pass as you sort through the newscaster channels, taking time to see which ones will be worth following up on in a bit. Makoto returns and sighs “If I wait for a terminal to open up we’ll miss the drop off for Korimi. Did you get a shower?”

“I did, might be ultrasonic but it cleaned spots on me I didn’t know existed. Give it a try”.

“I’ve been dying to get the dust out of my fur, I can’t wait” Makoto announces, her eagerness mirrors the speed she uses to get into the bathroom. With Makoto humming away contentedly while showering you turn your attention back to your search. There’s nothing at the moment, so you turn the screen off for the time being. If you try to watch something else you’ll just check for news the entire trip.

You hear the bathroom door open, and Makoto steps out sharing the same improved mood. “That feels so much better” she comments, her tails flickering for a moment.

She makes herself comfortable beside you, and you glance at her ears. Her fur is noticeably brighter for being clean, her yellow fur radiating. Without thinking, you reach up and brush your hand against her ear’s fur. The nine tail’s eyes flutter in time with a deep exhale. Lifting your hand quickly you beg for Makoto’s forgiveness “I … I’m sorry, I just wondered what it felt--- ”. Makoto silences you, her full lips pressing against yours. You’re unable to say anything more, as every part of your being becomes electrified. Filled with hunger you return Makoto’s kiss craving more of this feeling. The hair’s breadth of space between you disappears with a welcoming arm around you and a free hand moving your own back to the ear you touched. A proper stroke of Makoto’s ear and your hand glides over her velvet fur.

Before you finish stroking her ear again, Makoto moves in. She kisses you deeper this time, indulging in her hunger and your curiosity with a demanding tongue. You move your tongue to greet hers which sends another jolt through you. The priests teaching that this is sinful need to clear the bats out of their belfries. Makoto’s tongue exploring your own is absolutely divine, how is this a sin? She stops and lies on her side, the arm around your neck drawing you in a second time. This time you meet her halfway, impatient to start what only stopped a second ago. Makoto exhales in satisfaction while running her hand up your back. She traces a path from your arm to your hand, then moves it down. When Makoto is finished, your hand is holding one of her nine tails. Breaking the kiss and nuzzling over to your ear the vixen whispers “Don’t wonder, touch me”. You comb your fingers through the tail she wants you feel. It’s similar to the velvet smooth fur on her ears, amplified by her tail’s volume. You’re thankful Makoto wants you to touch them, you’re losing yourself in her fur easily.

>>293371

After a while spent with Makoto in this wonderful exploration of tongues and tails, you start to tire. Your soft, warm companion experiencing the same. “You need sleep” the tired but satisfied kitsune whispers.

“Aye, I think we’re both done” you agree. “Lights” you command, the room complying by dimming down and shutting off. A quick peck on the lips and Makoto settles herself into you as she did the night before in the emergency pod. Giving silent thanks for everything so far, you make a point to be thankful for Makoto. You fall asleep quickly, without the trouble you have aboard ships. Between the supportive bed and the warm nine tail lying next to you, you’re not sure you’re able to feel stress. The night claims you as you cruise towards korimi, the IFCC Diplomat making good time as she glides through space.

You come out of your deep sleep, feeling a hand running its fingers through your hair. “Sleep well?” Makoto asks, leaning in and pecking your cheek.

“Yes, haven’t slept like that in a few days” you mumble, distracted by the kitsune’s deft fingers.

“It’s about half an hour until we reach the firmux system’s hub, we should get ready to go” Makoto answers.

“How long until we’re planet side?”

“Maybe two hours to my shrine if the hub’s busy”

“Suppose you don’t want to nip by a replicator for a bite? Hardly fine dining but breakfast is breakfast”

“That’s a good idea” the nine tail nods, walking to the bathroom to get the few things she picked up earlier.

“I think that’s everything” you think out loud, scanning the room making sure you don’t leave the few things you bought earlier behind. The door to your room bids you farewell with another light hiss as it glides closed. After grabbing something to eat, you start thinking on when a good time to contact the abbey would be. Hopefully you can get archbishop McCarthy instead of pope pompous the 37th.

After leaving the IFCC Diplomat and waiting for ten minutes the speakers in the firmux hub announce “First and last call for the 11:00 shuttle to Miyakoshi. All passengers please stay 5 meters from the dock platform until the shuttle is secure”. The shuttle arrives a few minutes later, glides to the dock, and latches onto the hub’s dock transfer tubes. Sentients board the shuttle orderly, and get themselves seated as they find suitable places. However, the ushi oni that looks in your general direction has different plans. She causes a commotion as she turns around to make her way over, regardless of who’s in the way. You pull on Makoto’s arm to move her from the warpath “Makoto, ushi, watch out!”. When Makoto turns to see what’s going on she goes wide eyed in shock and stammers “K-k-k-aede you’re going to--!”.

Expecting the worst, you brace yourself and close your eyes. A few seconds later you’re catching a face full of Makoto’s tails. “Otosu chan! I thought you were going home for a while!”

“Kaede … can’t … breathe” the nine tail gasps as the ushi continues to squeeze. Before she puts the winded nine tail down her nostrils flare picking up on something. The ushi puts what you assume is her friend down as she looks at Makoto, then you, and finally back at Makoto again. “Otosu chan, you smell like that guy. I missed something big, didn’t I?” the fearsome demon spider asks, raising her pinky from a closed fist with a waggle.

>>293373

Makoto claws at Kaede’s hand to cover the ushi's arm. “Orokana kumo! Watashi wa kare ni watashi ga kare o shuchō suru tsumoridearu koto o shiritaku wa arimasen!” the fox spills out, face as red as the danger lights that marked the start of the transfer tubes.

“Ā, daijōbu. Watashi no tasuke ga hitsuyōdesu ka?”The ushi grining so wide it shifts her talisman a hair

“Īe, watashi wa daijōbuda to omoimasu. Arigatōgozaimashita, Kaede”

If this keeps up you’ll need to learn the eastern language Makoto speaks, it would be nice to understand her. Thankfully, the ushi speaks in universal when she starts talking again. “So why are you going home? You were looking forward to this trip” Kaede wonders.

The kitsune’s ears flatten with eyes matching the downcast ears “Something happened on the trip. It’s also why Peter is here with me. I’ll tell you in private Kaede”

“Can you tell me about Peter at least?”

“He’s coming with me to the shrine. I asked for his help, and Empress bless he’s been here without complaint”.

The ushi turns and faces you for a brief moment with her head cocked like a harpy. Kaede smiles wide again, subjecting you to the same treatment Makoto endured. “If you’re good enough for Otosu chan, you’re good enough for me!”

“Kaede! You’re going to hurt him!” Makoto chides her friend as she squeezes the soul from your body.

“Sorry Makoto ….” Kaede says, placing you down with unusual care for an ushi “I just got excited. I married Isamu last month and just thought--- ”

“Don’t worry about it” Makoto reassures the apologetic ushi. The relieved kitsune straightens up and breaks the awkward silence. “Sorry about that Peter. This is Kaede. She’s my shrine sister and best friend. She lives in the same dormitory I do”

“Nice to meet you Kaede” you respectfully nod. “If you don’t mind me asking, how does that work with your husband?”

“They’re two different apartments in one house. We have a door that joins our living rooms, but that’s it”

“It’s built to deal with northern Korimian winters so I don’t hear Isamu and Kaede, it’s well insulated” Makoto adds.

Flames begin to embrace the shuttle, with its dull roar ending conversation for now. Not much longer until you land, re entry is always a routine affair.

Breaking cloud cover, you see the northern korimian hemisphere in its winter sleep “I haven’t seen this much snow cover anything. How much is there?”

“Oh, about one and a half meters where I live” Makoto casually remarks.

“The First must have some twisted reason for this. It looks too bloody cold for anyone’s good”

“Maybe I can keep you warm?” the nine tail asks, slipping her arm behind you to pull you close.

“Yes, unless you want to hug a block of ice”.

After a few moments of silence Kaede asks her friend “Makoto, do you have to talk to Kumi right away? Or can you come to our side of the house for something to eat?”

“That depends on what Peter wants to do. I need to stay with him until he gets a phone or something he can get connected again”. She does make a point. You don’t have any way of accessing anything from the metaweb without something. However, there are bound to be metaspace terminals …or at least connections at Makoto’s house and at her shrine.

>>293374

Peter lived through the ordeal to get planetside. At least from the harsh, cold vacuum of space. All he has to contend with now is the harsh, cold korimian winter. So, what does Peter do, and how does he deal with accommodations /monster/?

Get a phone. It will be much easier to keep up with various activities if you had a connection to at least a small part of the metaweb.

Go to Makoto’s and Kaede’s house. There was an offer of free food, and you have the option of using Makoto’s computer for what you need. It won’t be as good as a metaspace terminal but still useful.

Find a metaspace terminal somewhere. They should have more powerful connections, and contacting your abbey can only be put off for so long.

See Kumi with Makoto. If her shrine’s ‘big hats’ are even remotely like yours then she’ll need your backup to avoid getting in trouble.

For accommodations:

Ask Makoto if there’s room for you at her place for the time being. It’s a layover, not like you’re moving in. You would have to find a way to deal with your lack of clothes and whatnot.

See how far any cleric friendly hostel is from here. They should have things you need, and if they’re registered with Dei Gratia it would make life easier in the short term.

Arrange for a way to Landirei. You should check on how things are going at home, you still have responsibilities to take care of with your work.

Mandatory "if you have a suggestion I'll see what I can do" comment. If you have something in particular in mind suggest and shitpost by yourself, or with each other. I'll see to it that I address it provided it's IC of course.

MANA MECHANIC UPDATE

Start of a new part is coming up, and Peter loses 0.5 points of mana. He is now at 5.5 points out of 6.

>>293376

>See Kumi with Makoto. If her shrine’s ‘big hats’ are even remotely like yours then she’ll need your backup to avoid getting in trouble.

>Ask Makoto if there’s room for you at her place for the time being. It’s a layover, not like you’re moving in. You would have to find a way to deal with your lack of clothes and whatnot.

also, see if we can't cuddle with makoto some more or even go all the way with her because reasons and if we do it's gotta be cowgirl and doggystyle (because missionary is for married people) (and we gotta make sure to play with her breasts and fluffy tails while she's on top of us)

>>293376

>See Kumi with Makoto. If her shrine’s ‘big hats’ are even remotely like yours then she’ll need your backup to avoid getting in trouble.

Then

>Arrange for a way to Landirei. You should check on how things are going at home, you still have responsibilities to take care of with your work.

We might have friends at the abbey backing us up but they can only hold off the bullshit for so long.

>>293376

>See Kumi with Makoto. If her shrine’s ‘big hats’ are even remotely like yours then she’ll need your backup to avoid getting in trouble.

and

Ask Makoto if there’s room for you at her place for the time being. It’s a layover, not like you’re moving in. You would have to find a way to deal with your lack of clothes and whatnot.

It's also mentioned that Makoto's and Kaede's house has a computer we can use for what we need, so that's handy.

>>293393

Seconding this

>>293854

I'll ROLL for the outcome in the thread. I can't into posting. Excuse me while I an hero.

>gb2 reddit univision homeworld

>>294120

“If you need to check in because of your early return, I can go with you. I still have about a day before I need to head to New Anlarick” you sigh.

“Can’t you tell them you’re helping Makoto and stay here for a bit?” Kaede asks.

“Kaede, Peter may have helped me …. but if his abbey found out anything from the past day I’m not sure what they would do”.

Kaede’s innocence is endearing, but you chime in “I’ll be stripped of rank and convicted as a deserter”

“But Makoto said you’ve been helping, I don’t get it” the ushi says in disbelief.

“Not everyone shares the same opinion about the light that I do. Fact is, about half of Dei Gratia believes it’s only for humans. And some of those humans end up being the ones to make decisions over Dei Gratia’s stance”

“I … I don't understand. You’re not like them, so why do you listen?” Kaede trails off in confusion.

“I was born into it. Family is religious, and you’re raised in it. Not given much of a choice. Maybe I’ll talk about it later, we’re just about to land”. Now isn’t the time to dive into semantics about your membership. Just as Makoto won’t give details about the Odyssey incident, you don’t plan on giving details about your service. There’s a large number of monsters around, and you want to keep any drama to a minimum.

The shuttle lands on the landing pad with practiced ease, kicking up snow to announce another safe arrival. A few seconds of machinery engaging and the last door until you’re planet side opens. You leave the shuttle with Makoto and Kaede and take a deep breath. “Where do you think you’re going mister?” The kitsune chides, punctuating her question with a peck on the cheek “how about you wait for us, hmm?”

“Can you blame me for wanting to leave the shuttle?” you say with a cocked brow as Makoto walks next to you.

“No, but I am serious about staying near. ‘Crusaders’ aren’t welcome on korimi, and others can smell what you are”

“Well that hasn’t stopped you, has it?”

“Not every monster will share my opinion. And if I thought you were lying on the Odyssey I would’ve done what it took to save the others on the pod from you”

“Fair point” As the three of you walk inside the planet port, a slim man looks towards your group.

“Kaede, Makoto, over here” the slim man waves as he calls the pair of monsters. “Makoto, Isamu’s over there, by entrance three B”. With Kaede’s husband found, you walk over to where the ushi oni’s husband waits.

“Missed you” Kaede greets Isamu with a kiss and a ruffle of hair. “When’s the next transport to Iyashino-gai hon?”

“Not for a bit. We have to wait about half an hour. Can we wait somewhere quiet?” the introvert asks shyly

“Sure. Is over there good?” Kaede wonders, pointing to a nearby bench out of traffic’s way

“Yeah” Isamu meekly agrees.

“Oh, before I forget …. Isamu, this is Peter. He’s here with Makoto”

“Hey Isamu. Pleasure” you greet.

“Hello” the shy Isamu mutters.

“Isamu’s shy, don’t mind him. He talks plenty after you get to know him” the spider explaining her husband’s resistance. “Say Otosu chan, is here far enough from other ears to tell me what happened?”

“Here’s a good a place as any” the kitsune sighs “Don’t feel like talking about it at home”. With that, Makoto launches into a summary of everything. “ …. And then we ran into you on the shuttle” Makoto finishes.

“I … I don’t know what to say … that’s horrible …” Kaede trails off, at a loss to find anything to describe her friend’s story.

“Have you heard anything about it at all?” Makoto asks, looking to find out more.

“No, haven’t heard a thing. Wish I did Otosu chan” the ushi offers.

>>295779

“Well maybe Kumi knows something. I’ll ask her when I get to the shrine” the nine tail reasons. The transport pulls in after the conversation finishes, and exchanges passengers. You get onto the transport with your group in tow, noticing more weary stares from the monsters. Thankfully Makoto and Kaede reply with their own cold stares and the unwanted attention stops. As the transport gets on its way, it gives you a chance to see the sleeping landscape without feeling it. Pausing to think about the near future you hope that this ’Kumi’ won’t be hard on Makoto for anything.

“See you when you get home Makoto, we’re going to get off at the next stop. Peter, you better come over soon” Kaede says, waving goodbye while making her way off the transport with Isamu.

“See you soon. Empress bless” the kitsune smiles, returning the wave.

“So, what is your big hat like?” you investigate, pondering how this meeting will go

“Kumi? She’s not bothered by much. She won’t like why I’ve come back early though”

“I thought she might take a strip off you for not returning because of everything”

“Seems my faith is more understanding of things than yours. Why did your big hat react the way he did though? Kaede did have a point”

“Obedience is a value for some reason. It doesn’t sit well with me that following someone’s instructions with no thought is expected. It’s why I have no shortage of work”

“What do you do anyway Peter? I don’t think I’ve asked”

“I act as my religion’s CivSec. While there’s more to it, that’s the basics. I try to reason with zealots first, and if that goes to pot I stop them with whatever works. Since I had a go at it, how about you Makoto. What do you do?”

“Well, I help with other monsters that need to learn control over their abilities. Most of the monsters I talk with need help with basic magic control. I might need help myself, but teaching others with Kumi’s help also helps me”

A few minutes later, the stop you need is nearby. “Here we are” Makoto tells you, while getting ready to leave the transport. You follow suit and zip up your coat, the tall snow covering the shrine a testament to the cold. As the transport glides away its thrumming pulse drive is broken by the crunch of your footsteps to the shrine. “Here it is, what do you think?” the kitsune inquires as she walks alongside you.

“This is surreal, this kind of scenery only happens in pictures. I don’t have words for it” you reply, taking in the view as you go. Snow blankets covering everything along with the shrine’s timeless architecture is stunning.

“Glad you like it” Makoto replies. “Now let’s get inside, I did promise to keep you warm”.

You arrive at the door soon enough, and hold it open “Shall we?” Makoto agrees with a quick nod as she steps in. You are quick to follow, the korimian chill will freeze you solid if you breathe any more. The pair of you give yourselves a quick shake scattering loose snow into the shrine’s mud room.

“Here Peter, wear these inside” Makoto says, her hands holding a pair of slippers. For whatever reason, it seems that wearing outdoor footwear isn’t allowed. “One second, let me get my shoes off” you acknowledge. One moment later and you’re ready to enter the oratory with the strange choice of footwear Makoto insists on the two of you wearing.

>>295780

“Get away from Lady Hayashi immediately!” A voice demands from the other side of the oratory.

Makoto steels her gaze off towards the voice “Don’t speak to my guest in that tone, Anzu”

“You’re protecting strangers after what happened, what is wrong with you!” the voice continues berating, as a shirohebi slithers into view.

“Anzu, enough. Either tell Kumi we’re here or keep to yourself” Makoto orders, her tails laying as flat as her tone.

The snake hesitates, then collects her thoughts. “Then you deal with Kumi sama”. The shirohebi turns and snaps at you, dressing you down with vitriol “Your kind isn’t welcome here. Empress willing you’ll arrested within the hour”. The furious snake slithers elsewhere, but keeps her eyes on you until she leaves the oratory.

“Do you think her outburst has something to do with the ship?” you enquire.

“I think so, and it sounds bad” Makoto answers with some confusion.

“Makoto, what are you doing here? And why did you bring a stranger?” asks another monster as she comes to investigate the disturbance.

“Something happened, and that’s why I came back with Peter”

“You …. don’t know what’s going on?” the other monster continues as she steps into focus. She looks nearly identical to a human, branches with cherry blossoms for hair aside.

“No, but we were probably involved in part of what you heard. Can you tell us what you know?” “Yes, but we’ll have to deal with your ’guest’ after that Makoto. Tell me everything and I’ll explain what you missed”

“So that’s what happened, and that’s why Peter is with me” Makoto finishes “Now why do we have to ‘deal’ with Peter? He’s been a saint this whole time”

“Do I have to remind you about the part where the Odyssey was attacked in cold blood? Or how this can be a political nightmare? Dei Gratia and Exercitus Dei are calling this an act of terrorism against humanity, and are now working together to ‘protect humanity’. I’m sure you can figure out why we need to address your gues--”

Makoto looks at the dryad dead on with a piercing stare, cutting her off “Soshite watashi wa kare ni mo watashi no nioi ga suru koto ga dekiru to kakushin shite imasu. Nakama no tame no watashi no kari ni kanshō shinaide kudasai”

“Until that happens he’s fighting for humanity, and humanity alone. Protecting a crusader in my shrine will have consequences Lady Hayashi” the cherry blossom returns with icy venom “Now escort your guest from the shrine immediately. Also, if you want to return to duty now I will see to that. If you want to do …. something else …. Then I suggest you do it quickly” Kumi finishes. Thank the First you only spoke briefly while Makoto relayed what happened to this point, things are looking quite tense as it stands.

You’re not too sure on how to proceed. Aligning with Excertius Dei turns your stomach, those louts are nothing more than violence loving apes. You also have no desire to work beside an organization that you’ve spent your time at Dei Gratia policing and rehabilitating. No wonder O’Donnell is in a hurry for everyone to get to the abbey. While you can’t stay at the shrine, there’s nothing stopping you from using any resources on korimi to find out more. Perhaps checking your mail would shed some light on things. You’re not too sure on who you can turn to for help, but Makoto and Kaede would be willing. Isamu looks like he would pay you no mind in spite of his lack of conversation earlier. If the First would bless you, maybe Makoto would be able to travel with you as well. You’ll ask her before you make a decision.

What will Peter end up doing before heading to Landirei?

Stay on Korimi and investigate. No sense in leaving without information if you’re going from the frying pan into the fire. The situation sounds just as tense as the exchange between Makoto and Kumi

Leave immediately. You don’t know how long any investigation would take, and you may pass the 48 hour window given to you. FTL travel isn't instant after all, even if it is fast.

And who will be going with him /monster/? Makoto and Kaede are available to help. If you decide to ask Kaede, Isamu is coming along as well.

Let the choosing begin, and if you're keen on suggesting something throw it out there. As always I will entertain as best I can given what's going on.

>>295781

we can always investigate while in FTL (if that's possible)

also we should bring our fluffy tail friend with us because reasons (assuming she wants to come with us)

>>295781

>>296233

Ah, forgot this updated. I'm on board with

>>295803

>>295803

this

>>296546

It's been 8 days Spess Shitposter

>>298395

For some reason getting this bit out was a royal pain in the ass. I couldn't english. More than normal I mean.

>>296546

“I’ll escort Peter where he needs to go” Makoto informs Kumi flatly. She then turns to you remorsefully “I’m … sorry Peter, I didn’t think this would happen. Let’s go”

“I need an answer concerning your return Lady Hayashi” The cherry blossom demands.

“I’ll let you know when I get home” the nine tail replies with cold formality as she walks to the oratory’s exit.

“I’ll expect it within the hour” the dryad orders as she stares at the pair of you before heading back where she came from.

As you’re putting your shoes back on you ask Makoto “Who would attack the Odyssey? it isn’t … well, wasn’t a military ship. And my church agreeing with Exercitus Dei is strange. We usually don’t side with them, they’re thick as ship’s hulls those lot”

“Do you anything that Kumi might not be aware of?”

“No, but I think the ’vacation’ I’ve been on means I missed something. I don’t like any of this, it seems off”

After zipping up your coat, Makoto follows you as you step outside into the cold. “So, what are you going to do now?” the kitsune asks as both of you walk to the transport stop.

“I want to find out what’s going on, but I don’t feel good about going home. One of the church members that outranks me had his slacks tightened two sizes too tight over me not being there in two days”

“You did say he had an ego that could power a small ship. You think there’s something more to this?”

“Aye. Don’t want to go there alone either, I’m afraid that my opinion on the matter would get me in a hole”

Makoto’s ears flicker, standing upright quickly “So is there anybody you could ask for help? ”Nobody I could ask. There’s people I know who’d agree with me but they’d still follow the big hats if pressed“

”It sounds like you’re the only one thinking this through“

”That’s up for debate, my mates would think I’m daft for doing what I’ve done since the Odyssey“

”I think your friends need to rethink their priorities if they would think what you did was …daft“

”Either way it means I can’t ask anybody back home for help, at least publicly“

Makoto pauses for a second, then tests the waters ”Maybe there’s someone you want to ask?”

It doesn’t take much to pick up on Makoto’s less than subtle hint. “If you’re offering that’s a blessing if I ever saw one but---”

“We just need to make a quick trip to my house. I want to get a few things first” Makoto cuts you off accidentally, she looks ecstatic at the prospect of more time together.

“I don’t want to say no but how are you going to manage? Parts of Landirei are human only. If not by law, then by attitude” you wonder, considering the fact that Makoto isn’t human.

“Do you plan on spending much time in these places? I don’t think you want to stay long at your abbey and as long as it’s not too long I could wait for you somewhere” Makoto counters before leaning in close to your ear “And I want more of what happened on the Diplomat, don’t you?” the kitsune coos suggestively

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t” you recall, as the thought of repeating what happened on the Diplomat tightens your slacks in the front. “We can deal with problems if they come up” you assert, as the pair of you arrive at the transport stop you were at a few moments ago.

As you sit down with Makoto she tucks into your side, wrapping her right arm around your waist. “You’re not missing a beat, are you lass?” you jest, Makoto giving you reason to chuckle lightly.

“You look cold” Makoto fires back with a smile. While you wrap your left arm around her and enjoy the company, you take a look at the surrounding city. This part of Iyashino-gai looks busy as it can be with the snowfall, with restaurants and small shops go outward for about a hundred meters from where you sit. Beyond the immediate area there are shopping centres, their signage dusted by a light snowy breeze. “So, what’s the plan for when we hit Landirei?” the nine tails asks.

“Find a place for you to stay at, I go the abbey, and go from there. Can't do much else until I find out more” you muse. The transport finally arrives a few minutes later, and you get inside it with haste. Makoto could only block your left half, and the wind did your right side no favours. Best to catch some warmth when you can before the cold gets to you further.

“Peter, we’re coming to our stop” Makoto informs you as she touches the ’next stop’ pad fixed to the back of the seat in front of her. You step out of the transport and make your way to Makoto’s house, avoiding the small icy patches along the sidewalk. It was similar to the other houses, all of them using architecture from historical eastern culture. Makoto leads the way to her side of the house and slides open her front door.

“Set your shoes on the hot mat, looks like they’re wet” Makoto offers. “I’ll take care of your socks too. Empress knows they’re not dry either, I’ll borrow a dry pair from Isamu”

“Any port in a storm” you concur, passing her your wet socks.

“Here’s some inside slippers for the moment” the kitsune says, making her way to the door on the far side of her living room. “Isamu? I’m borrowing a pair of your socks, Peter needs a pair” Makoto informs Isamu while heading to her friend’s bedroom.

“Sure” Isamu replies lazily.

“I’ll make you two dinner when I’m back with Peter for this, thanks Isamu”

“Any time Makoto”

The nine tail makes her way to you and passes you the clean, dry socks. “Well don’t stand in the doorway silly, come in!” the kitsune demands. Well, you’re not one to argue with her right now. One quick step later and you’re inside Makoto’s home.

“In here Peter” she calls from her dining room “Would you like anything to eat? I’m going to be a couple of minutes getting my things” Makoto wonders while opening the fridge.

“I’ll take something quick then, we can eat a proper meal on the ship” you tell her, the less time spent planet side the better.

“Hmm …. chicken teriyaki in a bun sound good?”

“Don't have it often, but I’ll have some” you agree while Makoto retrieves the chicken and puts it into a roll. “It’s ok to sit at the table, nothing in here is going to bite you” she ribs you while sitting down with you for the impromptu meal.

“Thanks Makoto”

“Itadakimasu” the nine tail says quickly, then eating the one she made for herself. You follow suit, eating your own while the kitsune ponders a question. “Peter, what’s the law concerning magic aids on Landirei?”

“Well, ownership isn’t restricted for magically innate, possession in public without proper storage is another matter. And if a non human sentient were caught unaware of this there might be some problems depending on the aid itself”

“So as long as a ‘bad’ aid isn’t seen nothing will be done then?”

“Aye, CivSec is usually concerned with what the aids help with and not what they look like. Even if you have a bladed casting tool they’d rather you use it to avoid problems from not having it around”

“That’s good to know … I’ll keep mine out of sight. I’ll only be a moment packing, I just have to grab a few things before we go. I’ll be back” Makoto informs you as she leaves to grab what she plans on taking.

Makoto returns in under a minute and is true to her word about being quick. A shoulder bag hanging from her shoulder and a staff being the only things she carries. One end of this staff is covered by a cloth sheath, and a strap attached close to the ends that lets Makoto carry it on her back. The strap from the staff fits snug in her cleavage as it crosses her chest, pulling the kitsune’s shirt tighter. As if Makoto’s breasts didn’t need any help to be seen, they already enter the room before she does.

“So … that’s your aid?” you wonder, examining the staff with suspicion “What’s the cover hiding?”

“It’s hiding a spear tip. I have a case for my kage keisei yari in my living room that I use when I take it out of the house. From what you said, I think I’ll need it. I’m almost ready, I just have to let Kaede and Isamu know that I’m not here to stay” Makoto answers in concurrence while walking to the joint door in her living room.

You get up, go to the entrance, and start getting your shoes and coat on. A few metallic snaps of that spear’s case later and Makoto is getting ready with you. “I’ll leave Kumi a message en route. As long as I do it before we leave korimian space I’ll be fine” she grunts while pulling the laces on her boots tight. “And done. Shall we, Peter?”

“The sooner things get sorted the sooner we get our lives back” you say, opening the door to leave. The nine tail locks her door after she closes it and the two of you set off to the transport stop.

Another transport ride back to your landing site passes quickly. Time passed by faster going to the depot than leaving it, Makoto ’keeping you warm’ is a comforting distraction from the otherwise mundane trip. You leave the transport with the content kitsune and find the ticket kiosks.

“Any ship in particular Peter?” the curious fox asks.

“One that has metaspace comms, I need to check my mail … and if the First wills it, to find more information to shine a light on things” you answer while pulling up a list of ships available.

Makoto wraps her right arm around your waist, pulling you in close. “We should get another room to ourselves. If I stop keeping you warm you might catch a cold~” she whispers lasciviously.

“You’re fixing on another long snog lass”

“It wouldn’t hurt” the kitsune points out, punctuating her mood with a peck on your lips.

“Well, let’s see if there’s enough leaves on the clover to get us a room to ourselves first” you remind your affectionate company.

As you scroll through the list with Makoto the two of you check to see which ships meet your needs. The IFCC Ambassador and the IFCC Courier are available, so you check each ship. The Ambassador is another albatross class ship, it’s going go have rooms similar to her sister ships like the Diplomat. The Courier is a tern class vessel, and will have capsules with room for only one sentient in each of her cabins. She will be quicker than the Ambassador, but would the extra few hours you gain be worth it if a room was available on the Ambassador?

Alright /monster/: Peter and Makoto are at the terminal, but which ship will have the needed room aboard? Both ships will allow Peter to start his investigation but as mentioned, one ship is faster.

>>300341

I vote for fast, bringing Makoto with us is all well and good, but we don't need to reek of fluffy tail while we try to explain why we're two days late.

>>300341

Regretfully take the quicker ship.

>>300341

We already reek of fluffy tail, might as well take the slower ship to cocktease her.

>>300395

Fuck it, if we already got fluffed up then we can't possibly get any worse from this point on. Voting Ambassador as well

>>300341

>>300735

I'll break the tie for the Courier. We need to actually do that investigating instead of getting distracted by fluffy tail.

>>300918

Whelp, guess we're not going to be fluffy tailed any time soon. Unless she breaks in the room.

Hello?

>>306078

No, not dead. However work and bathroom plumbing deciding to an hero does not make time for writefaggotry. Update coming next few posts.

>>306182

You tap on the Ambassador’s icon, and a ‘sold out’ message ruins any hopes of quality time alone with the eager fox.

“Shit, sugar, and shite. Ambassador is sold out. We’re taking the Courier Makoto”

“Kuso …. Watashi wa hontōni anata ni mo mu-kan o shitai ….” She bemoans. You don’t’ speak her native language, but anybody can tell she’s just as disappointed as you are.

“Ugh. Might as well get tickets bought for the Courier. Sooner we hit Landirei the better” you groan. Of all the times to run into a field without clover it has to be now. Tapping the Courier’s icon twice, you tap your card to pay for the two tickets.

“Thank you, Peter. That was unexpected”

“My treat. You’re coming with me knowing Exertius Dei will be there”

“I’ll avoid them when practical. Monsters share the same attitude towards them as they do us” The nine tail reassures you. “But I need to tell Kumi about everything before we board. Tern class ships send my phone signal to black holes could you give me a second?”

“No problem”. Makoto’s timing works out well, you see the Courier coming in to land as the kitsune finishes up with her superior.

“The sooner we get this trip over the better. Don’t like tern class ships” Makoto laments.

“You’re not the only one Makoto. Would rather be in the cheap seats of the Ambassador than a business class capsule on the Courier. At least they have liveable rooms” you offer sympathetically. “By the way, did things go better than they did earlier?”

“Yes, Kumi and I sorted it out. I’m still on leave, so there’s no worry about going back anytime soon” the nine tail says agreeably.

An announcement cuts through the terminal air immediately after Makoto “All passengers travelling aboard the IFCC Courier: this is your first, and last call. Please wait until the terminal staff signal it’s clear before boarding”. The pair of you get ready to board as the Courier sits idle while her patrons make their way inside. The last of them set foot planet side and the terminal staff allow passengers to start boarding. You queue up with the rest of the passengers and make your way to the boarding bridge. Tickets are confirmed quickly, and you slink inside the Courier’s tight main corridor.

“Well, here’s my capsule. See you when we hit Landirei Makoto” you sigh, opening the door.

“Just one second mister!” Makoto chides. “Come here” she beckons with a finger and an expectant look.

“….Yes?” you agree in confusion. The nine tail takes the chance to repeat a small part of the Diplomat’s activities, savouring a kiss as she embraces you into her ample warmth. After a few seconds, the kiss ends and the kitsune takes another second to squeeze you a little closer “Now we can go into our capsules” Makoto informs you.

“Alright, see you soon” you say as you end the small show of affection. Before you drop your arms to your side, you feel a hearty squeeze on both your ass cheeks. “You’re getting awfully bold lass, didn’t your parents teach you to behave?” you wonder, giving Makoto a cocked eyebrow and a smirk.

“Your pants had wrinkles in them, I had to get rid of them” the kitsune offers with mock innocence.

“I don’t mind Makoto. Fair warning though: my clothes need to stay wrinkled when we’re out in public, trouble might catch up to us on Landirei if we’re acting like lovebirds”

“Why did you think I did it now? I know how some of your church members handle things. Can you tell me about what exactly to expect when we get to your home?”

“Aye”

“Empress bless, and see you soon” Makoto says as she finally makes her way into her capsule. You can fill her in later when you’re not in the middle of takeoff, there’s plenty of time before you’re home.

A quick tug on the capsule’s door and you close it and prepare for liftoff. By your estimation, the Courier will be about as comfortable as other tern class ships so you snug up your harness tightly. You don’t want a repeat of what happened on your first tern class trip, your shoulders hurt from thinking about it. The next five minutes wear out their welcome after the first one passes, the pilot always retread the same safety list for the passengers verbatim. You’ve travelled the stars enough recite the pre flight announcements a flight attendant gives like a verse from the dux sanctorum. Sadly, there’s sentients who still make a dog’s breakfast over doing up a harness so you tune it out.

Soon enough you’re pressed flat into your seat as the Courier takes off and aims to the stars. May as well try to shine a light on things with some investigating, the only saving grace the courier has is a FTL metaweb connection. It would help pass the time, and should help you prepare for what looks like a proper hot mess back home.

The hour it takes to get into space is as uncomfortable as your harness, the Courier’s lack of windows only serving to aggravating the discomfort. After what feels like a day in the pit, the green ’clear’ light turns on in tandem with the pilot addressing the ship “We’re now in orbit, and inertial damping is online. You may now undo your harnesses”. About bloody time it’s safe to unbuckle yourself. You reach to the left of your capsule and fold the metaweb terminal from the wall, and turn it on. Unsure of where to start, you log into your mail account at Dei Gratia. Nothing out of the ordinary, the mail from O’Donnell isn’t news to you. He’ll prattle on about getting back to the church and nothing more.

Neither would be the variety of mail that appear to be concerns of a day to day nature, they won’t have any useful information. No harm in checking your personal mail at least, you allow it to load and pull up Federation daily. One breaking news article has what you’re looking for, at least this ship is proving useful for your quick investigation. A quick tap on the link and you start reading.

ODYSSEY FOUNDERED BY TERRORIST THREAT - The IFCC Odyssey was assaulted by an unknown vessel in neutral space two days ago. Survivor accounts state that the Odyssey was foundered, not destroyed. Travel through neutral space has suspended as the ship behind the attack has been confirmed to be evading further detection by travelling inside the Decem Glacies nebula. Preliminary investigations are unable to find any potential suspects as of this time. In light of the attack, CivSec advises sentients to avoid inter planet travel if possible.

Damn it all to hell, the Odyssey was attacked? Who in their right mind would open fire on a civilian ship!? You didn’t think this wasn’t the case, but it explains the greeting you were subject to at Makoto’s shrine. Exertius Dei would be sure as a salamander to pick a fight over this, those tossers do take opportune chances to twist virtue into violence for their ends. They wouldn’t be responsible for this though, they’re not interested in running afoul of interstellar law so brazenly. Couldn’t spread their version of dux sanctorum they way they like if they landed themselves a travel ban. Since there was something written up about the Odyssey incident, perhaps there’s information regarding the incident at the terminal hub. You may not have dealt with this particular situation before, but your experience suggests you investigate for information about the terminal hub fiasco. Better to pay the piper on your terms and check now, things are risky as it stands with Makoto in your company. Paying the piper on his terms is something you’re not going to do, it doesn’t end in your favour. One quick screen touch back and another cursory search brings up another relevant news article.

TERMINAL HUB LEO ALPHA CETI RAIDED -- CivSec reports that a failed takeover of terminal hub Leo alpha has been prevented in coordination with the Interstellar Federation Armed Forces. The Interstellar Federation Armed Forces have not released any information regarding their presence at the hub, stating security concerns behind their media blackout. CivSec requests that anybody with information that could lead to an arrest to contact your local division. The Interstellar Federation has also authorized magically innate beings to use their abilities as they see fit in self defence, but warn against vigilantism in regard to preventative measures.

The Federation allowing free use of magic to this degree is concerning. What do they know that would give them reason to hand out free passes to magically innate sentients? Especially sentients gifted with … more potent abilities? This could be one reason everyone’s recalled. Or it could be one of a number of reasons, no sense in thinking on this without further information.

But what to do with Makoto? Her company is definitely welcome, but inter species tension at home will be uncomfortable at best if Exertius Dei finds out about her presence. Working through that would be better suited later. The gravity of what happened aboard the Odyssey is starting to sink in, and the anger washing over you is breaking your concentration. Before you have the chance to think about anything, you hear a knock on the door. Sliding it open, you see Makoto. She looks about as angry as you feel, the nine tail must’ve read about the Odyssey as well.

“You look like you read about what happened” you notice.

“I … I can’t believe that someone would do this…” Makoto’s ears lying close to her hair with tears in her eyes.

“Neither can I. The terminal hub was enough of a show, wasn’t it?”

“You won’t get an argument out of me. I want to forget nearly everything about the past few days”

“Aye. Would be nice to get back to something resembling the day to day, I can do without this sort of excitement”.

Makoto pauses and tenses up “So … what do we do?”

“I honestly don’t know. What I’d like to see is that tosser from the hub on a penal colony, along with whoever thought it necessary to shoot the Odyssey” you spit in anger, with your right hand rubbing your temple.

“Hopefully soon, Empress willing” Makoto soothes, giving a comforting squeeze to your left hand with hers. “But I do need to ask: what’s going on when we hit Landirei? I …. I’m hoping it’s safe enough to stay at your place when we get there. I’d feel safer there than anywhere else” Makoto asks.

“I’d be more than happy to, but it depends on how things are going at home. I don’t think that things are that tense at home at least” you reassure the kitsune. Things better be going nicely at home, you’ve already missed out on a much cozier trip because of circumstances so far.

The information display inside the Courier’s main corridor stops your conversation, lighting up to give her passengers a five minute warning before re entry.

“All passengers fasten your harnesses, re entry will occur in five minutes. Please remain in your seats with your harness latched until the ship has landed” the pilot advises.

“Better strap in I suppose. See you in a bit Makoto” you say.

“See you soon” the kitsune replies, giving you a quick kiss before the pair of you settle in your capsules. The eventual re entry aboard the Courier is no different than any other tern class vessel. These capsule walls make terrible windows and the straining harness make it equal parts boring and uncomfortable. The lack of any visuals does give you time to go over a mental checklist. You’ll go over everything with Makoto after a quick assessment when you get inside New Anlarick’s terminal.

Checking into the abbey to see what Archbishop O’Donnell is crowing about will need to be done at least. As far as any church related activities go that will depend on how the check in goes, you’re concerned with Makoto’s presence. You’re definitely not complaining about her company, but there’s enough of a paladin presence on Landirei to pose a potential problem.

Your townhouse comes to mind, while it’s the easiest way of accommodating her, you run the risk of a neighbour reporting her to the church.

A fellow bishop and your best friend Rowan’s apartment is another option, you didn’t think his brand of … open mindedness … would help. You’re sure Makoto would make the fire breathing nuns from grade school look like lustful temptresses if he tried to entertain his lechery. It would cost a large hunk of time to travel there, and there’s the risk of running late for reporting in.

Or maybe finding a creative way of charging the abbey for a room that Makoto can stay at would be an option? Nobody would know she would be staying in the room, but you might get the church …. Interested … in your personal life. There would be time to talk this over briefly with Makoto once you get planet side but don’t want to get into the details. The Courier trip did buy you some extra time but it needs to be spent wisely.

Peter and Makoto have made it to Peter’s stomping grounds. They’re none too happy about the choice of ship, but thankfully it’s over with. How does he deal with Makoto /monster/?

Take Makoto to your house. You run a risk of your neighbours blowing the whistle, but Makoto shouldn't be in any danger

Take Makoto to Rowan's apartment. He should be home, but he lives in another country and you run the risk of missing your deadline

Take Makoto to a hotel area in New Anlarick, and charge the abbey for this. Sod them if they're not going to help out a fellow sentient with some trickery, but you run the risk of using church funds inappropriately.

As always, open to suggestions if /monster/ has any IC relevant autism they wish to ask about

>>306196

>Take Makoto to your house. You run a risk of your neighbours blowing the whistle, but Makoto shouldn't be in any danger

This as a base, at least. Would Makoto be able to hide her ears with a hood or something, her tails are another matter. I'd say use illusion magic to make them unnoticeable but that could probably be detected

>>306203

Makoto can do any of those options, unless there's enough dissent from other posters to null your suggestion.

>>306211

Also:

Take Makoto to a hotel area in New Anlarick, and charge the abbey for this. Sod them if they're not going to help out a fellow sentient with some trickery, but you run the risk of BEING CAUGHT using church funds inappropriately.

Just wanted to clarify that. I'm sure it's implied but just in case.

>>306196

>>306211 checked

Instead of hiding Makoto, why not show her off? Make a big deal about how Korimi has sent a representative to talk so we can sort things out like rational adults.

>It'll be hard for the pallies to purge her when the whole planet knows she's here as a diplomat. Might have to have her phone home to clear that with her shrine.

>>306227

Dunno why that second line is in greentext, I'm not quoting anything

>>306196

>Take Makoto to your house. You run a risk of your neighbours blowing the whistle, but Makoto shouldn't be in any danger

>>306203

Like this guy says, let's be discreet about it.

>>306230

Yes let us be discreet.

>>306196

Keep her at home. Though I gotta ask, can't we just say we brought her as an eyewitness to corroborate our story about the Odyssey? Are they really gonna bar someone who was there from making a statement, monster or not? It seems to me that informing them that we have her with us will get less blowback than not telling them, getting caught, and having to explain. Then again, I'm not sure how they treat monsters they catch here. If it's just a passive-aggressive "we don't like your kind here" sort of thing, it's not so bad, but for all I know they could go full KGB.

>>306714

I'm sticking with >>306203 using a hood and some well-placed illusion magic if necessary to get to Peter's house

>>306721

> I'd say use illusion magic to make them unnoticeable but that could probably be detected

It was that part that left me going "hmmm". Since you cleared that up I'm good. Will still keep the "how" option for stealth open because I said I would, I can't be a dickass and go back on what I previously posted a little while ago.

>>306724

Alright, that last bit is also locked down.

After the majority of passengers disembark the Courier, you turn to Makoto “Well, we’re here. Time to get this leg of the trip over with”.

“The courier was bad enough. Is it a problem to stay with you while we’re here Peter?” the hesitant nine tail asks.

“I don’t mind at all. My neighbourhood is a different story though, they see anything that isn’t human hanging about they’re calling the church for a hunt”

“But you’re willing anyway …. I hope”

“Aye. My place was th---” Makoto cuts you off with a hug

“Thank you!”

“Getting as much in before you leave the ship aren’t you….”

“Maybe” the kitsune agrees. She nuzzles over to your ear and whispers “Don’t forget we need to make up for not going on the Ambassador~”. To make sure you get the point she sucks on your left ear lobe. First save you, the more affection Makoto shows the more you want.

“If I did forget, you’d be sure to remind me” you agree with a chuckle.

“Well we better get going, I’ll remind you after you’re done with your church”

“I can live with that” you concur. Decision made, you make your way off the Courier to the terminal with Makoto.

As you make your way inside New Anlarick’s terminal, you notice Makoto looking for something. “Need to know anything?” you ask.

“Have a gut feeling I’ll need more than civility to keep myself hidden. I need a place to … you know ….”

“Would the entrance to the ladies’ room work? That one is out of view of the terminal, has a wall in front of the entrance” you inform the nine tail.

“Be right back” Makoto informs you. Hopefully whatever she plans on using is low key, the last thing you need to deal with is your church finding out about her staying with you. When Makoto finishes what she has planned she joins you as the pair of you start to make your way out of the terminal. “As long as nobody saw me we’re safe” she reassures.

“I assume I’m immune, you don’t look any different”

“That’s the short answer. I’ll tell you more later if there’s time”

“Fair enough, mum’s the word” you say as you head out of the terminal.

“Is Landirei ….. always this sticky?” the kitsune asks as you two walk outside into the humid summer midday.

“Afraid so. Can cut the air with a plasma saw any time of the year, New Anlarick is only a few kilometers from the Hagen ocean”

“Empress save me, I’m going to look like a homeless hairball …”

“It’s not that bad … well … who am I kidding. It’s that bad. Let’s get a move on” you sympathise. A quick wave to a passing cab has them pull over to start the meter for you. “9 Sionnach crescent first, then the New Anlarick abbey please” you instruct the cab driver as you slide into the cab with Makoto.

“Which way do you want to take lad?”

“The one two four until we hit crann line if you could”

“Not a problem”. Makoto closes the door behind her, and the cab glides away from the curb.

The cab merges onto the highway that runs through New Anlarick seamlessly, you arrived planet side in time to avoid the usual afternoon slow down. “How did you trip treat you?” the driver asks.

“I’ve been on better trips. I was aboard the Odyssey during the attack, so don’t need any excitement for a while” you reply.

“Hope the demons that did this spend the rest of their unnatural lives in a penal colony. A lot of good men died, as I’m sure you know”

“Demons?” you wonder aloud.

“That’s what the church is claiming. It’s good that the two sects an agree on something for once, heard about this on a satellite cast earlier tod-”

“I don’t think ‘demons’ would be interested in random acts of terrorism” Makoto interrupts. “Wouldn’t killing humans be against their best interests?”

“Demons? Think? You have a sense of humor miss” the cab driver retorts.

“I’d rather not argue about things that haven’t been proven. Until whoever did it is caught I won’t pass judgement on assumption” you interrupt. Time to cut this exchange quickly, the last thing you need is unwanted attention.

After several minutes of uncomfortable silence, the cab driver turns off the highway and onto crann line. “That was 9 Sinnoach crescent, and you want me to wait for you. Right?” the driver asks

“Aye” you agree. Finally, in the home stretch, Makoto sees your neighbourhood and breaks the silence.

“Look at the trees! There’s so many of them!”

“Landirei didn’t need any terraforming, it’s a mirror type planet. These trees have been around for hundreds of years” you comment, appreciating the nine tail’s wonder. Examining the trees on the verge keeps her mind off the driver’s comments as you continue this leg of the trip. “And here we are” you announce as the driver pulls to the side of the road. “Just one second please” you mention as you leave the cab to unlock your townhouse. It’s not going to win awards for its design, but it does well with making life comfortable.

A quick eye scan unlocks your front door, and you let your fluffy friend with benefits inside. “You’re welcome to anything in the fridge, and the bathroom is second door to your left down the hall. Wish I could give you some proper hospitality but…”. Your five cent verbal tour ends a penny early with Makoto chiming in.

“Church business. If your superiors are half as bad as you say, then better get it over with. You can make it up to me when you get back” she says.

“Would rather ignore pope pompous, but you’re right. I’ll be back soon Makoto”. The kitsune sees you off with a peck on the lips and comforting hug.

“See you when you get back. Try not to get yourself in too much trouble”

“Don’t have to tell me twice” you say as you walk back to the cab. “New Anlarick abbey please” you instruct, wishing to get your business with the church settled as soon as possible.

After another jaunt in the cab, you arrive at the abbey of New Anlarick. The lack of any decent conversation along the way hasn’t made it better either.

“That’ll be two hundred and fifty. How are you paying?” the cab driver asks.

“Charge it to Dei Gratia, via Bishop Callahan, please” you instruct as you show the driver your church’s identification card, you’re not paying for this leg of the journey. Already spent twice what this trip should’ve cost …. not to mention the other hassles you’ve dealt with. Closing the cab door, you walk to the entrance to formalize your presence with the nun working the desk. You ring the bell and get her attention.

“Good afternoon sister. Sign me in please”.

“Bishop Callahan? You’re here?”

“You sound surprised”

“We were …. concerned you wouldn’t make it in time”

“I was aboard the Odyssey when she was attacked. And I was at Leo Alpha Ceti when it was assaulted. And you’re wondering why I’m not here right away?”

”This is not the church’s problem Bishop, you need to be aware of your responsibilities“. The nerve this nun has to preach to you after everything that’s happened sets you off.

”Show a Bishop that attitude again and you’ll be doing penance for insubordination! Sign me in, Now!“ you order. She signs you in with anger fuelled haste and pages Archbishop O’Donnell. You don’t wait for her to finish, there’s no need to pay difficult subordinates more time than you must.

You march down the hall, the carpet on the hardwood straining to keep your presence quiet. When you get to O’Donnell’s office you simply open the door “I’ve signed in, Archbishop. So what’s the reason for the recall?” you deadpan.

“So … your idea of ‘on time’ is to tickle a dragon’s tail and show up at the last second?” he spits.

“Today isn’t over, and I did make it here before the church locks its doors for the day”

“You’re lucky the First gave you a field of clover for the luck that made you punctual. Now, to business. The reasons I recalled all ranks from priest to bishop are both political and practical. Politically? I’ve agreed to a formal alliance with Exertius Dei”

“Any reason for allying with the church sect we’re responsible for enforcing the law against?” you demand.

“In light of the attacks on humanity we need to demonstrate that we’ll protect them against what happened” the head of the abbey replies.

“Very well” you say as you cross your arms over your chest. “What about the practical reason?”

Archbishop O’Donnell arises from his chair and strolls over to the shelf on the far wall. He grabs a hard copy of the dux sanctorum, walks back to the desk and places it in front of you. “First thing’s first. Hand on the good book, Bishop” the Archbishop instructs. Best to follow along for now, perhaps you’ll gain some understanding by playing silent for the moment.

Your superior looks you in the eye before continuing “You swear that anything you hear doesn’t leave the room Bishop?”

You place your hand on the book before responding “I do”.

Being bound to secrecy doesn’t bode well you muse. After Archbishop O’Donnell hears you agree he continues “The geothermal dynamos in lndbui and North Watfir need to be secured. In light of our new alliance, we’re investigating North Watfir. Most of the clergy is doing the usual charity to keep good standing and help humanity here. What you’ll be doing … is securing it for our political interests”

“So am I doing this alone?”

"Yes. You need to make sure that Archbishop McCarthy and Bishop MacNamara are detained as well. They’ve been suspended for their insubordination concerning this assignment”

This sounds bad. You were counting on Rowan and Kelley supporting you officially. “One more thing before you go Bishop” O’Donnell says, putting the dux sanctorum back into its place. “As a precaution, all ranks are having a mandatory home search. An anonymous call was made, and one of our members may be under the influence of a monster. Exertius Dei will be inspecting residences tomorrow afternoon as all our staff are occupied. You’ve disappointed enough, pray that it’s not you the demon is hunting” the Archbishop hisses. “I expect you to be at North Watfir tomorrow at ten thirty, and do not be late. Dismissed”

You leave O’Donnell’s office and head out of the church without acknowledging the other members. It’s not a good time to be social, loose lips and nine tails worth of secrets don’t mix. This week is shaping up to be rather miserable, with the ’conversation’ you had doing nothing to help. Your support you were counting on stopped in its tracks by a suspicious administrative action is enough on its own. Not to mention someone blowing the whistle blown on Makoto, maybe the First is having you star in a sadistic comedy of errors.

Regardless, things aren’t adding up. Why would Kelley and Rowan be suspended for voicing their opinions? It’s not like they’re just priests, although if O’Donnell wanted to push something then silencing his opposition would be in his interests. The anonymous call in about Makoto? It’s spiteful and ill timed, but still can be considered ’normal’ behaviour for a human from Landirei. Doesn’t make dealing with the aftermath any easier, you’re still up a creek. Exertius Dei is going to ballistic if they find her. Thankfully they don’t have enough information to search for Makoto by species, so she can still conceal herself with whatever magic she’s using. There’s time to discuss this with her to manufacture a plan you ponder, while waving down another taxi.

Your house finally appears in the passenger side window of the cab after a headache inducing ride home. “Thank you. Forward the charges please” you instruct, as you leave this driver to take down the information they need from your card. A sigh escapes you as you close the door and walk to your house, you’re not looking forward to telling Makoto all that happened. For now, you need to formulate some sort of plan to deal with everything and factor in Makoto as well.

Dei Gratia traded in its voice of reason to ring the virtue bell, but you haven’t heard the entire story. Finding time to contact Rowan or Kelley to find out more before tomorrow would be worthwhile, provided nobody from the church finds out. Your front door slides open as you finally arrive home.

“You’re back” Makoto says greeting you with a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. As her hands find the inside of your back pockets she slips them in while asking “Are things finally settling down?”

“Afraid not. The two friends I have that would be the biggest help right now have been suspended for questionable reasons, and I’ve been given a joke of an assignment with a briefing unfit for a priest in training” you say.

“Well you have me, just ask” Makoto replies. “We can make up for the lack of time alone on the trip here to start, you seem stressed. And you do need to make up for leaving me alone for the past couple of hours~” she whispers while gently sucking on your earlobe. Makoto’s definitely right on one thing, it’s difficult to think about the negatives when she’s paying attention to you like this. “So how about it?” she says while pulling you in closer, making a point to pull your groin into hers.

While there are things to prepare for you should be able to prepare by tomorrow, but Makoto pulling you into her is making it hard to focus on anything else. You’d love to make up for the time wasted aboard the Courier, but this might mean less time to think of a plan for tomorrow. These decisions never seem to come at a convenient time. Would it be better to take time to come up with a proper plan? Perhaps attempt to contact Rowan and Kelley? Or maybe you’ll put some faith in the First and spend a short time on details to keep Makoto safe so you two can make up for the lack of a proper room? Decisions, decisions ….

Looks like Peter’s trip to the abbey was informative but stressful. Not to mention a monster phobic civilian decided to throw a meter long chimp spanner into the works at a bad time. So /monster/, what’s going to be Peter’s course of action this time?

Does Peter attempt to contact Bishop Rowan MacNamara and Archbishop Kelley McCarthy before leaving? Your friends and fellow church members would certainly know more but you run the risk of being caught disobeying orders.

And how does Peter handle the fact that the people he's spent part his life enforcing law against are on their way to "inspect" his home? Makoto and extremists will not play nicely, given the nature of the parties involved. Since there's too many 'reasonable' ways to handle this /monster/ gets to decide what happens as long as it's not out of character. I'll be reading responses and will give feedback as needed in regard to this.

Had it not been for the suggestion to use magic as a disguise Makoto would've been identified as a kyubi no kitsune, and that would've been a whole different kettle of fish. The other suggestion about doing a political asspull would have also helped had it been chosen instead

As always, open to things I haven't listed as official choices, this time around the suggestions kept Makoto's ovaries out of the fryer. So exercising a little autism can't hurt.

>>310599

So let me get this straight.

>I’ve agreed to a formal alliance with Exertius Dei

>I've

That sounds very unilateral. As if O’Donnell's made the decision for the entirety of Dei Gratia. That doesn't sound like the kind of thing he could decide himself. Now he could just be exaggerating, maybe he's just concluded a draft agreement that he intends to present to the cardinals or archbishop council or whatever leadership there is (What's the hierarchy of Dei Gratia, anyway?) for ratification. However, if that was the case, why would he be tasking us to detain Archbishop McCarthy for insubordination? They're of the same rank, so O'Donnell has no authority over McCarthy. McCarthy can't be insubordinate by definition. It seems more like O'Donnell wants to neutralize anyone that could challenge his actions, using the crisis as a cover. This all stinks of a naked power grab, a coup. It'd certainly explain the recall of his subordinates, he'd need the trusted ones close at hand, and to keep an eye on the rest.

It doesn't help that the investigation into what happened on the Odyssey seems to be lax at best. Peter himself was there, making him one of the first people they should ask, but it seems like they hardly care. It could be that they didn't hear of his arrival, or that they're just incompetent. Under the circumstances, though, I'm more inclined to think that they've already decided what happened, and the truth would just get in the way.

Anyway, we need to contact the person/people senior to O'Donnell. If they've authorized all this, we'll need to get proof from them that McCarthy's detainment was sanctioned, otherwise McCarthy will just laugh at us when we arrive. If they haven't, then they need to know what's going on, since O'Donnell could be sending his Exertius Dei buddies to "remove" them.

>>310627

Dei Gratia's command structure would be as follows, from top to bottom:

Pope

Archbishop

Bishop

Priest

Father

Parishioner

>>310677

I agree with dubs

>relaxing

Excellent.

>>311153

“Before we get comfortable, there’s a problem we need to deal with” you tell Makoto.

She raises an eyebrow and responds “You had problems at your church I take it”

“Aye. Someone called in and claims one of the church’s members is under non human influence. And Exertius Dei is going to be ‘inspecting’ tomorrow”

“So how does this affect you? I know how this sort of ‘inspection’ works when it comes to me, or monsters in general”

“For one, it’s not legal. They can only do this if they have a warrant, they can’t just do pre emptive sweeps like this. As far as the actual process? They work in pairs. One to look for any mana traces, the other to operate sensor equipment that looks for biological traces”

“They take it so seriously that they look for both? Are they so scared of us that they resort to this?”

“Wish I had an answer for that, your guess is as good as mine” you offer.

“How are we going to handle this Peter? They shouldn’t be doing this search as you said” Makoto asks.

You think for a moment, mulling possible options before continuing “That won’t stop them from discovering you. The ‘soldiers of god’ don’t care much about due process if …”

“You’re not human”

“Don’t like to say it, but that’s the case” you agree.

Makoto takes her hands off your ass, and glances down. She looks back up to you, pointing at your shoes. “While I agree we need to think of something, we can do it somewhere more comfortable. Shoes off please, your couch is a better spot”

“Sorry, caught up in explaining the situation” you concede, taking your shoes off. “I’ll join you in a minute, need to send off a couple of messages”

“Alright, don’t be too long. I can’t cuddle myself mister” the nine tail says impatiently. Checking the church’s database for info on Rowan and Kelley won’t take long. Neither will sending them a message asking what went on since you were last planet side. After taking a seat in your home office you turn on your computer. It’s time to check some of the records relevant to your suspicions as it won’t take long.

You apply a few filters relating to the most recent recall, and see that Rowan and Kelley marked down as absent. The notes column reads ’refused recall, insubordination’. This doesn’t look good for them if this is the reason you were asked to detain them. Based on this, you have no recourse to refuse the order O’Donnell gave you. This also means you can delay him, officially of course. A quick message to Archbishop Quinn, Landirei’s director for Dei Gratia, will do the trick. Only a moment passes and you’ve finished it. Going over the message, you verify the information you want is there. Your question regarding O’Donnell’s unilateral approval of a formal alliance, and a polite, but formal questioning of O’Donnell’s order to detain Rowan and Kelley. Touching the send icon, the first half of your quick visit to the computer is complete. Since you’re attempting to verify O’Donnell’s decisions officially, you don’t need to tow whatever line O’Donnell is trying to make you pull for the moment.

Finished with the message covering your arse, you head back to your living room. “So … what were you up to?” the curios kitsune asks, moving to make room for you on the couch.

“I think my Archbishop’s reach is extending his grasp, had to send a message” you reply while sitting down “There’s one more thing to do, but no harm in doing it with you around”. Before you have a chance to start what you were planning, your lap is buried under nine tail’s worth of fur with Makoto’s left arm resting behind your shoulders.

“Did I make you wait too long? Or you just eager to start?” you say, obliging her with your right arm around her midriff.

“Mochiron watashi wa netsubō shite imasu. Watashi wa shibarakunoaida anata ga muimina koto o suru no o matteita” Makoto says, punctuating her native tongue with a kiss on the cheek.

“If we’re going to be spending more time together like this I’ll need lessons in your first language, aren’t I?” you say.

The kitsune chuckles before answering “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time later. But don’t you have something else to do?”

“Aye. Need to call a friend, have a few questions for them” you agree. If you can contact Rowan … or Kelley that would make any plans you have easier.

“Computer, list online contacts” you order, with the screen in front of your couch showing who’s online. Kelley happens to be online, thank the First for a convenient miracle. “Computer, signal Kelley”. A few seconds later a message window fills your living room screen as your computer waits for further input.

“Hello?” Kelley asks absently.

“Forget me already?” you inquire. Shortly after you ask Kelley returns the message

“Peter? You’re alive? I thought you died in the Odyssey attack!”

“Seems the First is personally seeing to my safety, escaped the hot mess on Leo Alpha Ceti as well. So, what did you do to land yourself on O’Donnell’s list?”

“You aware of the recall?”

“Aye”

“Told him to take a leap into the pit, there was no grounds for a recall”

“You think he’s pulling a fast one to get something?”

“Definitely. It’s the only reason Rowan and I would be suspended with all that’s happened. There’s more, but I need to be face to face with you”

“I have an assignment tomorrow morning, but I’m free after”

“I would prefer something indoors. I don’t need or want to be noticed”

“Fair enough, need a message when I’m done?”

“Please. I’ll tell Rowan you’re back in the meantime so we can work something out. I’ll speak with you later, I’m a bit under the weather. First bless, Peter. Have a good night”

“First bless, Kelley. Goodnight. Computer, sleep”. Meeting Kelley off the record will provide much needed information. It’s evident that meeting her sooner rather than later should be a priority.

Makoto starts running her fingers through your hair and asks “No more interruptions?”

“No more interruptions. Computer, close blinds” you say while the tingle from her fingers radiates through your head.

“Then you should get more comfortable” the nine tail suggests as she stands to let you move. When you stand up, her hands glide down your sides to the bottom hem of your shirt.

“This doesn’t look comfortable” the fox says as she lifts it off. She sets your shirt on the floor; her lascivious hands waste no time travelling over your chest. Makoto’s hands against your bare skin raises goosebumps as she saunters behind you.

“Hmm … this isn’t comfortable enough …” the kitsune whispers as she stops for a moment. You hear cloth moving over skin, and another moment later Makoto has her hands around your midriff from behind.

“This will do for now” she says, pulling you into her embrace. A tide of warmth engulfs you, with Makoto’s immense breasts touching your back. She plants a line of kisses on the side of your neck, pressing her bust into you. You turn to meet her lips with your own, the combination of breasts and lips urging you to return Makoto’s attention.

You turn and face Makoto, moving in on her inviting lips. The nine tail anticipates your advance and moves accordingly to reciprocate. The tension slowly melts as your tongue finds Makoto’s, with each of you losing a piece of yourselves to your base instincts. After finishing your deep kiss, Makoto guides your hands to her breasts.

“They need attention. Would you?”

“A-aye” you concede, nervously kneading her chest. They yield to your grasp as Makoto lets out a satisfied moan encouraging this, even though you’re nervous. Obliging her is still rewarding, as the kitsune’s bosom feels as decadent as it looks. As you continue with your massaging, one of Makoto’s hands finds its way below your beltline. Her hand glides down your thigh and squeezes your throbbing mickey. She leans close to your ear as her fingers make short work of your trouser buttons.

“You need attention too” she coos, taking another deliberate handful of your groin. “and these pants of yours won’t let me show you some if you’re wearing them …”. Trousers and underwear promptly join the shirts at the suggestion, anticipation erasing any inhibitions from your mind.

“Just sit down and close your eyes” Makoto says, giving a lingering squeeze to your throbbing member

“So … what do you have planned lass?” you ask with an ear to ear grin. Another intoxicating kiss leads into the kitsune guiding you into laying on the couch. As she moves to lay with you, Makoto’s naked touch starts your heart racing. If you knew her naked body against yours would feel this good you would’ve made a better effort on the Diplomat to stay awake. Wanting to take in as much of her as possible, your hands roam her ample curves. Finishing with your hand on the nine tail’s generous ass, you elicit another moan with a lecherous squeeze. Makoto shifts herself away just a hair while teasing your solid member with her hand again.

“You’re still tense?” she asks while wrapping her hand around your cock again.

“Y-yes ….”

“Then it’s time to stop teasing~” she says. With a small flick of her wrist with your member still in hand Makoto devours your virginity with her soaked womanhood. Your mind goes blank as she hilts you down to the base, unable to focus on anything but being inside Makoto.

She starts grinding your length, her voracious eyes fixed on your face.

“I’m not w-wearing any …” you gasp.

“Good” Makoto says. “It’s a s-sin” she continues, biting her lower lip as you feel her constrict around you. Not leaving you any chance to recover, Makoto grinds deeper than before. She lowers her face close to yours to look you in the eye. “Come for me” the nine tail whispers as she quickens her pace.

Your virgin stamina is no match for neither Makoto’s words or touch, and hearing that drives you over the edge. Planting your hands on her hips, you press into her plush warmth as you explode inside the kitsune.

“Aaahhhnnn…. that’s it ….” Makoto moans, licking her lips. The satiated kitsune leans forward and kisses you on the forehead. You feel a flood of warmth radiate through you where the nine tail kisses you as she works her way from your brow to your mouth. She kisses you slowly, savouring the moment before speaking. “That was great” Makoto gently whispers as she runs her fingers through your hair.

“… Wow” you exasperate, unable to make sense of things. Thinking on this won’t happen anytime soon, as you quickly fade into sleep. Makoto joins you a few seconds after, it seems it was equally tiring for her as well.

Morning light makes its way through the cracks in the blinds catching the corner of your eye. You wake up naked as you were last night, with Makoto looking at you. “This is familiar” you force through your foggy state. “Did you clean…”

“The mess?” the nine tail says, finishing your thought. “I did. I think I got it all” she says with sincerity.

“Don’t pay it any mind” you comfort. While you have some conflicting feelings over the night before, you don’t have time to entertain them. A quick check on the wall screen for the time is some comfort thankfully. It’s only seven, there’s enough time to get ready … and talk with Makoto about a few things. You have a lot to straighten out with her, for your personal sake as well as preparing for repercussions from Dei Gratia. “Any ideas about how to deal with today lass?”

“If you don’t mind I could come with you to wherever you’re going. It seems like the least dangerous option”

“If you did then do your disguising in here. And try not to say anything, loose lips lead to broken noses. Pretty sure the cabbie was the one that called in the complaint”

“Empress as my witness, I won’t say anything … err …. this time” the kitsune agrees.

“Still need to be away from my house for the day. Giving them less of a leg to stand on, at least officially, would make our lives easier” you ponder. “Would you be offended if we went somewhere to eat?”

“Can we sit in the ‘no drones’ section this time?” Makoto says.

“Sounds good” you concur, with a chuckle. Besides, any restaurant that serves their food with drones uses replicators. Planet side isn’t the place for science to be a part of your diet.

“So, mister, how about we get the day started?” the smiling kitsune says as she smiles.

“I’m willing, but there’s a problem”

“That is?”

“You’re still lying on top of me lass”

"R-right. Sorry” the nine tail says, getting off the couch. You start planning the day in your head, from the unpleasant business at the geothermal dynamo to the more palatable idea of doing something with Makoto.

You start making a mental list of things as you walk to your bedroom for some clothes. First thing? What to do with Makoto. Leaving her at home isn’t an option, you have misgivings about trusting the church given the circumstances. There’s going to be a risk of Makoto’s cover being blown if she goes with you, although the way things are you suspect there’s the same risk if she waits somewhere else before you finish with the dynamo. Kelley not feeling well? It’s a rare enough occurrence that it bears some thought. Rowan being absent is not surprising, he was most likely at the pub for the night. Would be good to touch base with him regardless, however. The last, and most concerning thing … is what happened last night.

While you don’t notice anything different about yourself as far as your mana flow is concerned, the fact that you laid with a monster means you’re no longer able to use your abilities. While your old casting aid, a miniature rosary made of gold, would help as long as it held any residue …. It would eventually run dry. Finding a solution to the long term problems from this will have to wait, you still need to keep up appearances for the time being.

Well /monster/, Peter has the beginning of a plan to deal with the church. Perhaps a better plan would’ve been hatched if he wasn’t balls deep in Makoto, but it seems that /monster/’s choices along with Makoto’s personal goals fate has something else in store for him. Now, how is Peter going to handle things?

Allow Makoto to accompany Peter to the geothermal dynamo. She could be helpful on the account of her magic. There is a risk of being caught with Makoto in public, but it won’t be possible to identify her as a kyubi no kitsune.

Get Makoto a cab for a trip to the technical magic library downtown. It’s one of the places where monsters and humans mingle. There is a risk that Makoto will be discovered, and she will risk being correctly identified as a kyubi no kitsune.

Might want to have a little chat with Makoto about last night as well, but that’s just my suggestion.

MECHANIC UPDATE

I said it before, mentioning it again: Peter does NOT lose his abilities. I will also point out that Peter does not have IC knowledge of this so until he finds out otherwise he thinks he’s SOL. Do with this information what you will.

Since you’re a little more intimate with Makoto now /monster/ … err … Peter has the luxury of accessing Makoto’s major abilities. Wall of text to follow for Makoto’s spess sorcery:

Details about Makoto’s magic: there are minor casts and major casts. Minor things such as the illusion she casted in the terminal? Go ahead and suggest. Makoto is guaranteed to succeed in doing it, but does not guarantee the wanted effect. Makoto stood up for herself and other monsters in the cab, and cabbie ratted Peter out based on that (for example).

Her major casts:

Shadow manipulation: Makoto may manipulate any shadow including her own as if it was a part of her to interact with things. Makoto must have line of sight to the shadow she wishes to manipulate. The bigger the shadow, the more she can do with it. If used in an "offensive" manner against a living target there is a small chance of permanent physical injury against the target.

Shadow movement: Makoto can travel/hide in inside of any other shadow not belonging to her. Travel across different shadows is possible, but Makoto must be physically touching the first shadow she enters. There is a small chance of her being detected by other magically innate users and technology if she is attempting stealth.

Shadow illusion: Makoto puts her victim under an inescapable illusion by temporarily overwriting their shadow with hers. Makoto must touch the victim's shadow using her body or her spear to initiate. There is a small chance of permanent neurological damage to the victim

All of the above can be mixed and matched as needed. Just remember that wanton casting of the major abilities may lead to consequences for Makoto if used inappropriately. While magically innate users are allowed stand their ground, excessive force is also a thing. So no recreational nuke tier magic when a less damaging cast will do.

If /monster/ has any questions regarding meta I'll answer them as long as there's no spoilers. And as always, open to things if anybody on the board thinks of something interesting

>>315216

The chat, beyond that i can't think of anything.

>>314772

Take Makoto with Peter. I guess we can talk with Makoto about last night too, but I'm not sure what we could say beyond "I like you but I'm having difficulty reconciling that with the reality of my current situation".

>>315377

“Ready Makoto?” you ask as you stand near your home’s entrance.

“Ready” she responds, giving a quick tug on her shirt after getting her shoes on. As if she needs to give her breasts any help in standing out.

“I assume you’ve disguised yourself already?” you ask, with a question of why you can’t see her passive illusions coming up again.

“That picture of a nun you showed me is all everyone else will see”

“Well, time to get to business” you state, locking the front door to your house as you set out to North Watfir. One final check to guarantee your backup scancorder and rosary are on your person and you’re ready. You open the door to the cab as it patiently wait for it’s fare. You follow the kitsune after she makes herself comfortable and turn your attention to the cab driver.

“North Watfir dynamo please” you instruct. “Don’t worry about the deposit, this is Dei Gratia business” you inform the driver.

“So how do you want to get there?”

“Crann line, then the one two four to the North Watmir dynamo exit” you say absently. It’s in your best interests to keep cab chatter to a minimum so you keep to yourself.

After the commute, you prepare to get on with what you need to do. “Do you have all the billing information?” you confirm with the driver before leaving the cab.

“I do, thank you Bishop” the cab driver verifies. Thank the First that’s over with, the drive felt like being in the pit for double the time it took to get here.

“Here we are. Time to see what that over starched collar O’Donnell wants” you grumble as Makoto closes the cab door.

“There’s something wrong. What is it?” the nine tail asks, catching your less than pleasant mood.

“Makoto …. Please don’t take this the wrong way. I like you, a lot. But I’m going to be facing serious consequences for what happened last night. Are you aware of what the church can do? I’m not just a father or priest. You remember what I said on Korimi?” you remind Makoto with a raised voice.

“I don’t like where this is going, but yes ….” The fox agrees, listening with worry.

“I’ll be spending the better part of my life on a penal colony if I’m found out. So, if you know something I don’t that’ll help then please tell me, because right now all my options are lacking” you exasperate.

“I …. I didn’t think I could cause this much trouble” Makoto acknowledges with a pair of lowered ears. “I’m sorry for doing what I did las-“

“Makoto. I’m angry as the universe is big, but it’s not at you. I’m peeved about not having my cleric’s abilities any more, but that’s a drop in the bucket compared to everything else” you interrupt, cutting off Makoto. “Can you look at me, eye to eye?” you ask the sullen nine tail while waiting for her to respond.

“Yes….” The upset fox replies as she listens.

“I’m serious about asking for help. I’m not going to spend the better part of my life on a penal colony because the church doesn’t like what species I ended up sharing my bed with.”

Makoto’s ears perk up a tad before she speaks “So you’re fine with … well … me?”

“Yes” you reassure, checking for anybody before scratching the kitsune behind her ears.

“Ohhhhh that’s nice ….” Makoto drawls as she leans into your hand.

“Let’s keep quiet until we’re inside. Dynamo’s just ahead, and I don’t know what the security guard would do with this conversation” you say as you begin making your way towards the security entrance with the nine tail by your side.

You arrive at the booth to greet the security guard, ID at the ready.

“Stop. Identify yourself” The guard orders through the booth window. Judging by the empty stare she’s giving you she doesn’t seem to be keen on doing her job.

“Bishop Peter Callahan, Dei Gratia” you reply flatly, showing your ID. As soon as you pocket your ID, the guard picks up where she left off

“Who are you here to see”

“The chief of operations” you answer. Servos come to life and move the steel gate a few seconds after you answer.

“Operations management is building six” the guard says, pointing lazily in the direction you need to go.

Once you’re out of the guard’s hearing distance, you pick up the conversation from earlier. “So, that’s where I stand. You ok with it?” you ask Makoto.

“You scared me! I thought you were going to tell me to leave” she chides. Her look remains serious before continuing “I do need to ask you something before I answer, Peter. Are you serious about spending more time with me?”

“Aye” you reply without hesitation. There’s conflicting thoughts about everything gnawing at you, but when it comes down to it Makoto helped save your life. And hasn’t made any unreasonable demand in return. You’ll concern yourself with losing your abilities from last night later, you knew this and still had sex with Makoto. The lack of your paladin based abilities is a consequence of your failings and not hers. It’s still a fresh wound as it were, so best not to dwell on it.

The nine tail’s face beams like a star, going from serious to jubilant instantly. “That’s wonderful!” Makoto shows her approval with a quick but hearty hug and a kiss on the cheek. “If we can get to one of my shrines I can make sure your church can’t charge you” the kitsune informs you. “For now? I’ll have to rely on my magic. The law is on my side. If I act within reason at least” she informs you.

“That announcement earlier about magically innate sentients being able to cast if they felt the need?” you ponder.

“No, but that helps me as well. The set of laws I’m thinking of are …. different” Makoto answers.

“Where’s the closest shrine from here?” you wonder as the pair of you pass the first two buildings.

Makoto thinks briefly before responding “Stonower is the closest. There’s a shrine in Rociro I think. How are you going to deal with your big hat?”

“No idea. I’ll need to think of something when we’re not dealing with the dynamo problem” you say. This offer is generous, but until you can find out more you’ll focus on finding out why you need to ’secure’ the dynamo.

You see another sign indicating building locations, and realize that you talked your way past building six. “I think we missed a left turn about ten meters back” you say, trailing off after you realize you missed the walkway you needed.

“Could be worse” the kitsune chimes in.

“True” you agree. Walking back to the walkway you see two people approaching from the gate. The two men are wearing hunter green jackets with a coat of arms on the left front breast. There’s no mistaking it. Those are Exertius Dei members, O’Donnell must be serious about that line he gave about an alliance.

“Wits about you lass, Exertius Dei” you warn with a low voice.

“Thanks for the warning. I didn’t notice them” Makoto acknowledges in kind. As the duo draw closer it dawns on you that you’ve dealt with them before. They’re the Adams brothers, and there is no reason in the universe they should be free men.

One of the brothers sees you and nudges his sibling “Oi, Danny! Look who it is. It’s Bishop Callahan. How’s the weather, lad?” he hisses through his teeth, stopping only a few centimeters shy of your face.

“You get any ideas, we’re going to repeat what happened last time we met” you warn. You arrested them before, you won’t hesitate to do it again. The Adams brothers might have caught a lucky break, but you won’t let these two do as they please.

The brother to the right eyes Makoto with suspicion before speaking. “Fancy this Danny, Bishop Callahan has a special friend with him”. Danny turns his attention away from you while continuing to ignore personal space … or anything close to civilized behaviour. “How long have you been a woman of faith little miss?” he spits at Makoto. True to her word, the nine tail keeps her mouth closed as she returns Danny’s hatred with a hostile stare of her own. “Not long enough to know that you shouldn’t be here” he snarls, shoving Makoto a step back.

“Your only warning Adams. Leave immediately or you end up in the back of a CivSec cruiser with a list of new charges to match the last few” you warn Danny as you step between Makoto and the aggressive priest.

“Can’t do anything unless you have someone else do the dirty work?” Danny continues, pushing you back a half step. “Sean, you know what to do” the brother orders. As told, the other brother moves to your right, draws something, and takes aim at your knee.

You dance back, warning Makoto “They’re not playing around lass”. A stoic nod from the nine tail is only partially comforting, as Danny had the chance to touch Makoto. The Adams’ electric abilities can detect passive illusions like the one Makoto is using.

Before Sean swings again, Danny stops him. “Stop for a second ya idgit. Something’s not right with Bishop Callahan’s ‘friend’”

“What do you mean?” the other brother demands, giving his brother a sneer.

“This!” Danny exclaims, snapping his fingers. Makoto’s passive illusion dispelled, the two Exertius Dei members stare down the revealed nine tail. “Isn’t this rich! Bishop Callahan is a grade A heretic!” Danny proclaims.

Sean hesitates as he stares at Makoto, then says “count the tails Danny. I think we found something they’ve been looking for”. Danny takes a quick count and grins like a cheshire

“Praise the First for small miracles, today’s turning out nicely”. Your mind races attempting to piece together this ugly situation. Why are the Adams brothers anywhere but a holding cell? Would they know something about what happened at Leo Alpha Ceti? And the fact that they seem keen on capturing Makoto instead of Exertius Dei’s usual treatment reinforces this. No time to ponder this in depth yet, as Sam makes a move to grab Makoto’s spear.

“Why are you doing this?!” Makoto yells while side stepping into the shade of the walkway trees. Her empress is looking out for her today, as Sam was unable to grab it.

“Co operate and you’re going to be better off, beast. You know what we’d normally do, be thankful we’ll leave you in one piece” Sam offers. With the brothers focusing on Makoto, you thrust your hand into your trouser pocket to find your scancorder. It may not be able to signal CivSec but the maintenance building antennae can signal someone more competent than the guard at the front gate.

You pull it out of your pocket, attempting to send an emergency signal. Before you have a chance to use it, you twist out of the path of Danny’s fist as it crackles with electricity.

Danny quickly regains his balance from the failed punch and smiles at you. “We need to keep the beast in one piece. Can’t say the same for you, lad. Guess you should’ve filed that report instead of fucking that abomination over there!” he growls.

Something dawns on you during all this. No wonder they’re free men, the Adams brother’s data is on your other scancorder. Which is on a dead vessel in neutral space. Best not to worry about it now, you need to find a way to get this situation under control.

“Don’t let them touch you lass. They need it to use their abilities” you inform Makoto. Keeping your distance from the Adams brothers will be easier said than done however, they know their power well. As Sam keeps his eyes fixed on Makoto, Danny holds his stare with you as he puts on his brass knuckles. If you arrested these gobshites before, you can do it again. It’s going to be tougher than before, they’re playing for higher stakes this time.

Peter seems to be in a bit of a situation at the dynamo. Not only has he ran into two people he’s arrested recently, it seems they have an unhealthy interest in both him as well as Makoto. It’s also safe to say they’re not going to listen to reason. So /monster/, what do Peter and Makoto do?

Have Peter and Makoto deal with the Adams brothers together before calling in CivSec. They’re a direct threat and are showing no signs of relenting.

Have Peter and Makoto contact CivSec while doing your best to avoid the Adams brothers. They need to be dealt with by secular authority this time.

Have Peter take the lead with Makoto supporting. Peter knows the Adams brothers better than Makoto, so he knows how to deal with some of their potential tactics.

Have Makoto take the lead with Peter supporting. It seems she knows a few things that you don’t about keeping you out of the clink for wetting your dink.

If /monster/ wants to mix and match any of these tactics, or come up with another plan then post away.

>>317390

Option number one sounds good.

>>317394

Would you care for Makoto or Peter to use magic or do this with the proverbial 'ye olde fisticuffs'?

Forgot to ask /monster/ in last post but doing it now: if you'd like some force powers magic use tell me which cast(s) you want to see. If you include some in character/universe autism then it will increase the benefits for Peter.

Any meta things /monster/ needs clarification on by chance? I'll answer provided I'm not giving away the farm.>>317394

>>317394

Would you care for Makoto or Peter to use magic or do this with the proverbial 'ye olde fisticuffs'?

Forgot to ask /monster/ in last post but doing it now: if you'd like some force powers magic use tell me which cast(s) you want to see. If you include some in character/universe autism then it will increase the benefits for Peter.

Any meta things /monster/ needs clarification on by chance? I'll answer provided I'm not giving away the farm.

>>317398

>>317399

>Double posted

C++ chimp plz

>>317399

Do it the man's way, no magic.

>Arrest scumbags

>They use their one phonecall to call O'Donnell for bail and tell him we're a heretic

If they leave alive things get bad. Maybe we make it look like one tripped into the other and they fell into the superheated water.

Also,

>Fistfighting

>When your enemy has tazerfists

They're not fighting clean, why the hell should we?

Maybe Peter shields/heals himself and Makoto while Makoto blindsides them with the shadow powers?

>>317582

>>317592

I'd go with shadow manipulation. Trip them up with their own shadows to create openings.

>>317398

>>317406

>>317394

>>317600

>Both assuming here of you for Peter and Makoto working together

>One "ye olde fisticuffs" vote

>One "send them to the pit and use magic"

How I'm going to work with this tie is like this: since the poster wanting the Adams brothers dead is justifying it with valid IC reasons I'll be going with that one as there's nothing backing the "fight them like a man and not use magic"

Story is headed to page 1 like it does because tomorrow I lock it up.

>>317683

I'm fine with killing them as well.

My ID might have changed, I'm >>317582

>>317683

I've realized a couple of things. If there are security cameras around the heretic thing will probably be found out anyway, so just call CivSec if we see any. If not, then if it's more IC, we could technically go non-lethal by using shadow illusion's brain damage effect. Even if they do remember seeing Makoto, it'd probably be dismissed with the rest of their lunacy.

I gotta say, these hypocrites can't even pallingdin right. They work for an organization that ostensibly, at least, exists to protect humanity, and meet up with Peter, a human they're allied with. What do they do? They attack with little provocation. If they'd attacked after discovering Makoto it'd be different, but as it stands that's pretty unjustifiable, especially from a pro-human perspective since jeopardizing the alliance by attacking an allied human without cause shows they don't even care about humanity. Makes them seem like a liability to everyone, Exertius Dei included.

>>317582

>>317394

>>317756

>/monster/ agrees on Peter and Makoto taking the offensive

>One vote for kill them until they're dead

>One unsure vote

Choice is partially locked. The portion that's hard locked is Peter and Makoto taking the fight to the Adams brothers as a pair.

>>317756

I'll need a definite "Makoto casts this (or these) things" from you before hard locking this part. I'll give another day, and if you needed non-giveaway meta answered I'll make sure to do so.

>>318016

“Hate to ask, but you ready for a fight?” you ask Makoto. She gives you a determined nod while she removes the cloth cover over her spear’s bladed end. Out of instinct, you focus yourself and cast a shield. The surprise you experience from the familiar feeling of the shield is welcome, if unexpected. Sam takes aim for you again, swinging his electrified baton to your knee. You attempt to dodge but his strike finds its mark.

“Quit daydreaming heretic!” Sam growls, as a surge of electric current sends your leg into spasms. Knowing what he’ll try next, you force your left arm up, intercepting the Adams brother’s predictable routine. Following through after you block, you drive your right shoulder into Sam’s midsection and flip him onto the walkway.

Danny takes this chance to drive his fist into your temple, amplifying it with a surge through his brass knuckles. Everything goes black for a moment as you lose your balance, the blow sending another torrent of electricity through you. After regaining your awareness, you notice Danny is completely immobile as he struggles to break free of something. No time to contemplate this as you stumble to your feet. Silently pleading to the First, you make an attempt to heal yourself.

Your god acknowledges your situation, as both the bruises and spasms caused by Sam and Danny’s blows vanish. Your eyes flicker to Sam as he augments himself with an electric charge before getting up from the walkway.

“Not today!” you yell, intercepting him with a shoulder check to knock Sam down again. As the Adams brother you’re occupied with collides with the ground you have a second to check on Makoto. When you look in her direction, you see why Danny can’t move. He’s bound by his own shadow, one set of tendrils pinning his arms behind his back, and the other set driving up from his feet and around his thighs. Makoto’s eyes fix on Danny’s with pure rage as she storms up to him. “Why are you after me? Answer me, now!” the nine tail roars.

“You think I’m going to cave? You stupid fucking beast!” Danny snaps back defiantly.

“I do” Makoto hisses as a hint of arcane flashes through her eyes as she stares at Danny. Seeing that she has him under control, you focus on Sam as he gets up.

“What the fuck are you doing Danny?!” Sam yells at his now catatonic brother. He charges toward you this time, returning your previous check with an electrified shoulder.

Just like the last time you dealt with the brothers, they don’t show any hint of intelligence in their attacks. You protect yourself using your shield, and ready yourself for the blow. Sam fails to notice your prediction, you catch him off guard and subject him to another grapple. Throwing Sam back down to the ground, his head bounces off the walkway with a resounding crack, stunning him. Makoto finishes with Danny soon after and uses her shadow tendrils to send him into the trunk of a tree nearby. She looks at Sam’s shadow and more tendrils lunge from nowhere constricting Sam as they pin him. The enraged kitsune forces him to meet her stare with more shadow tendrils. Seeing the ruby tint in them up close is considerably disturbing.

With Makoto’s state of mind, you wonder what she’s capable of … and what she just did. “You try what you did to my brother I’ll fucking kill you, monster!” Sam screams as he fails at breaking free. The kitsune kneels to Sam’s level, her face stopping a few centimeters in front of Sam. Makoto’s hand grips Sam’s face and forces his eyes to meet hers.

“Yurusani!” Makoto screams, arcane energy burning in her eyes as she casts what you think is an active illusion. The defiance in her victim’s eyes is extinguished by a wave of fear, with the Adams brother falling limp in his binding.

You give Danny a quick look to verify he’s still incapacitated, and you notice he’s thrashing about as if he were alight. What gives you cause to worry is Danny tearing at his own face as if he’s trying to get something off at any cost. On a hunch you check Sam and see him doing the same.

“Makoto, stop! They’re done lass!” you exclaim as you pull the seething kitsune away from the brothers. She pauses for a split second before tears start welling up in her eyes. “Calm down … “

“I can’t … they know that man from Leo Alpha Ceti ….” Makoto says.

“How did you find that out?” you inquire with confusion, wondering how she can make that assertion.

“I used my active illusion. Made them think they ‘won’ the fight to see why they’re after me”

“And you definitely saw that man from the hub?”

“They contacted him to ask what to do with me. It wasn’t their main goal, but they were told to capture one of my kind if the chance came up” Makoto continues, wiping tears from her face.

“Didn’t think the side effects of that would be this severe though” you ponder looking at Danny and Sam as they sob uncontrollably while still clawing at their faces.

“I lost control after that and made their worst fears ‘real’” Makoto informs you. “Since I’m still a beginner at using certain abilities there’s a chance that those two won’t recover from this” she finishes. It’s unsettling to think that a sentient can inflict damage on someone that they’re beyond help, even with all the universe’s medical knowledge.

“Sam did say he was going to kill both of us, not like he didn’t have it coming” you offer, hoping to lighten Makoto’s mood a little. You're concerned over the outcome of this encounter but she isn't doing well either. For now, you think on what kind of lead the Adams brothers may have for you. In light of Makoto saying the Adams brothers had contact with that maggot from Leo Alpha Ceti you decide to pocket their phones while there’s a lull in their illusion induced panic. If the mental injury is as bad as Makoto claims, they won’t be in any shape for a proper interrogation.

“Give me a moment Makoto, getting CivSec to deal with this mess” you say as you walk to your scancorder. Scuff marks from the baton aside, its no worse for wear so you get on with calling the law. One press and the signal is as good as sent. As you walk back to Makoto, she appears deep in thought. “What are you thinking about lass?” you ask. Perhaps getting the nine tail to talk about what she’s thinking will help ease her mood.

“My family has done nothing but help this universe for as long as we’ve existed! Why is this happening?” Makoto asks with equal parts anger and confusion.

“You’re asking the wrong man, lass. The only thing you’ve threatened me with is your company. And I’m not refusing that” you offer. Suddenly, something dawns on you so you throw out a question of your own. “Makoto, how much time do you spend outside of the shrine?”

“I don’t leave unless it’s arranged. They need to plan for me being away”

“That can’t be it” you wonder out loud.

Makoto looks at you seriously before continuing “Some of the girls we work with are shrine members because of attacks from filth like those brothers. Someone needs to deal with these monsters if they start thinking they should take things into their own hands”

“This sounds similar to what I do” you comment as you realize you have common experiences with the kitsune. Ones that don't involve this week, sounds like she's heavily involved with her religion as well.

“Well … we do more than hold services, teach magic. Remember Anju?”

“Aye”

“She’s lived at the Iyashino-gai shrine since she was six, her family died onboard a ship accident. She has some problems because of this, and I’m sometimes needed in case she has a breakdown.”

“Doesn’t …. Kumi …. I think her name is …. take care of that?”

“She does, but if Anju gets bad enough I have to step in. As good as Kumi is, she’s not a cardinal species. Shirohebi can also use fire magic, so you know … Kumi … dryad ….”

“Right, fair enough” you agree. First preserve you, if you’re going to spend more time with Makoto you’ll need to remember basics. It seems like she hasn’t spent a lot of time out in public like you though. This sounds similar to some ancient sects of the church, where followers kept their distance with the outside world. Perhaps the nine tail is short on some of the experiences that others less involved with their faith go through. Shortly after you finish mulling all this over, an atmo cruiser with lights flashing lands nearby. A pair of CivSec officers jump out of the cruiser and walk over with phaser pistols at the ready.

“NWCS, hands where we can see them” the first one orders. The other officer, a rather tall woman, goes to investigate the Adams brothers.

“Who signalled us?” The man asks the pair of you bluntly.

“I did. Bishop Peter Callahan, Dei Gratia” you reply. The other constable holds her wrist up to her face as she examines the Adams brothers.

“Two sentients in need of medical attention. They have arcane magic injuries from an … unknown source” she reports. The officer then forms a strange symbol by holding her thumb, her middle finger, and her ring finger together with her first and pinky fingers pointing to the sky. She follows that by pointing at Makoto and giving a thumbs up before walking over. “So, what happened with those two?” the officer asks with significantly more tact than her partner.

“They came up to Peter and I, started to fight … they were trying to hurt us. Badly” the kitsune answers.

“Anything else? Did you believe you needed to cast what you did?” the CivSec constable continues as she does her due diligence.

“Aye. They did say they would ‘fucking kill her’, and they also said they didn’t need to leave me in one piece” you interject, no way you’re going to let that part go unmentioned.

“Is this true miss?” the officer asks the nine tail.

“Yes” Makoto replies with a nod.

“If they attacked you first, and tried to do what they said then you’re free to go for now. Anything else you’d like to add?” inquires the woman.

“No officer” you and Makoto reply in unison.

“Jay, do you have an incident number for this couple?” the officer asks her partner.

“Oh two ten eighty one seventeen dash one, Cassandra” the officer named jay answers. Before the constable leaves to assist in arresting the Adams brothers she tells you “If you have anything to add, message NWCS with the incident number”

“I’ll contact you later today. This isn’t the first time those two have had problems with the law, so I’ll give your department the details”

“Thank you. Stay safe” the officer says as she starts talking with her partner. Time to let CivSec to do their job and talk to the operations manager for the dynamo.You step into reception and the door glides shut as you approach the secretary.

“Hope you two are alright, I seen what happened and called CivSec when those two men in green jackets started picking a fight” the weresheep behind the desk chimes.

“Thank you for the help. Now … where do we sign in? Need to talk to your operations manager about a few things, and it relates to what went on outside” you reply. The weresheep touches the earpiece and notifies the operations manager

“Your ten thirty is here, would you like me to direct them to your office?”. A few seconds and another button press later the secretary directs her attention back to you. “Down the right hall, and go straight to the end. Jamie will be in his office”

“Thanks again. First bless” you answer as you touch the scanner. Makoto follows suit, and you head down where the manager’s office is. Seeing someone through the door at the desk you approach with Makoto. He looks particularly displeased to see you.

“Tell whatever mystical being you pray to that I’m not interested in helping your church” he spits as soon as you walk in. “And if … if you have a reason to be here that doesn’t involve threatening me or my dynamo I might consider letting you leave without the help of the law”. Looks like Jamie’s reaction is justified, especially with what you’ve experienced. Now, how to proceed. This situation is bad enough as it stands.

While the worst is over, Peter isn’t out of the fire yet. What will Peter do while he's faced with the operations manager /monster/?

Tell the operations manager the abbreviated truth. You’ve no intention of blindly following the church’s orders, he may be more amicable to helping you since he isn’t fond of the church himself. If he thinks you can help him he may do you a favor while you’re planet side.

Tell the operations manager you’re here to secure the dynamo for Dei Gratia. If you don’t tell the operations manager anything he can’t relay any information which might give you away. It will also give you breathing room to search for information.

/monster/ can also suggest something if they wish.

MECHANIC UPDATES

Peter is now down to 3.5 points of mana out of 6. He's also incredibly confused as to why he can still use his powers after a romp on his couch with Makoto.

>>319703

>It seems like she hasn’t spent a lot of time out in public like you though.

Seems like we need to take Makoto out on a date whether or not the date ends with a happy ending remains to be seen though (but i'd still like to see some handholding and kissing though

>>319704

Go on the date we need to recharge our mana.

>>319704

>Tell the operations manager the abbreviated truth.

Might as well ask Makoto if she has any idea of how we can still cast when we've got the chance as well.

>>319704

Hm. Not quite as planned. If I'm understanding right, Makoto wasn't disguised during the arrest, so it could be traced back if anyone looks into the case file. On the plus side, there's also no evidence that she was anything but a bystander that got caught up in the situation, so there's that.

Anyway, best not to tip our hand yet. We've already taken a risk contacting Kelley and Rowan, and we don't want to get caught before we meet them. The ops manager seems hostile, but we weren't given specific details on how to secure the plant, so a little spin could go a long way here. Tell him we're not here to threaten, and are in fact here because our organization feels threatened in light of the recent disasters. We're here to simply seek assurances that we'd have access to the plant and the power it produces if something were to happen. If he's not convinced, we could say that the threat is being taken seriously enough that they're willing to invest in the plant itself. Money talks, so if he doesn't care about helping the church, perhaps he cares about helping himself and his business. It also fits the mission, since a financial stake makes for decent political leverage, and if he plays ball, it'd give a reason to have clerics around while the details are being negotiated. An added benefit for us is that if our boss overreaches as he is prone to do, the manager can back out or call CivSec if necessary.

>>319721

>>319739

Good idea. Just make sure she stays disguised.

Other than that, make sure to give CivSec the details on the brothers this time and maybe check out that training rosary thing in search of answers on the casting.

>>319749

>Just make sure she stays disguised.

naturally, although if we end up back at our house with our fluffy tail waifu, that wouldnt matter too much so long as no one could look into the windows

>>319913

>every single kitsune image you post is of one that's THICC

please, tell me the name of the magical place where you find all of these images

>>319721

>>319739

>>319740

>>319749

>>319766

>One vote for tell the abbreviated truth

>One vote for proceeding with the securing attempt with explanation

Peter's going to go ahead with his attempt to secure the dynamo on the account the anon asking gave some thought behind it.

For suggestions in no particular order:

>Make sure to give details about prior encounter with Adams brothers to CivSec

>Chat with Makoto about why you are still capable of casting

>Make sure Makoto has her passive illusion back up

>Find something to do with Makoto that won't have you lynched for PDA

>Get some "treatment" from Makoto while you're at it

Choice is locked. Peter's going to stay mum about everything, go with the church's plan, and add his statement to the incident with the Adams brothers later in the day. Going to ask Makoto what happened concerning his powers still being there while spending some time with her. Somewhere in North Watfir that monster friendly because he's getting some PDA regardless of his opinion on the matter.

Since this is Peter's first time receiving the questionable but sexy first aid he's not going beyond first base. I did say I'd be keeping first aid related lewds separate, so don't forget next time he advances to second base the next time.

>>320056

I've obtained these pics in my travels across the tubes. I can't remember the places I've found them, but figure they can be put to good use in this story.

>>320097

“I’m not here to threaten you Jamie. I was sent here because of the terrorist activity that’s been happening this week” you placate. Talking about your experiences before knowing more information will cause problems later. Best to stay quiet.

“And what do you have to say, your ’eminence’?” Jamie replies with a stone faced stare.

“Dei Gratia wants to guarantee that the dynamo is secure, it’s not just---”

“Secure? Having your church have its finger in the dynamo’s pie is out of the question!”

“We don’t want to control the plant lad. We just want it to keep running”

“If that’s the case then get the hell out of my dynamo, your ’eminence’. And if the church … or anybody else …. does so much as sneeze in a direction I don’t like I’m going to guarantee everyone involved will be laser cutting serial tags for atmo cruisers for the better parts of their lives!”

“As you wish. Thank you for your time” you say.

“Piss off and show yourself the door you wanker” he snaps back.

The exchange was short, and incredibly rude, but Jamie having this attitude towards the church is a gram of prevention that will save a kilo of cure. It creates a new problem in regard to avoiding O’Donnell’s plans however. You suspect foul play on behalf of the church in light of Jamie’s reaction, so this visit is something you’ll consider looking into.

Once you sign out and leave the building you shake your head from the futility of this assignment. Since this joke of a mission was quick you mull your options. First thing that comes to mind is a metaweb pub. Filing the information for CivSec, getting lunch, and spending some time with Makoto can be solved in one shot this way.

“You fancy going to a metaweb pub? This assignment was finished quicker than I thought” you ask.

“Only if it’s monster friendly. I don’t want a repeat of what just happened” the kitsune replies.

“With you on that” you concur. Metaweb pubs are common enough that finding a monster friendly one will take no time. “Since I get the suspicion that picking one will end badly, you want to do the honours?” you ask Makoto.

The kitsune lets out a healthy snicker before agreeing “I’ll find one with a ’no drones’ section”

“Aye. No need to have guests of that sort” you agree. Makoto does a cursory search with her phone and something catches her interest.

“There’s one about fifteen minutes from here, it’s called the ’Horse and Rider’”

“Sounds good. Is that fifteen minutes walking?”

“Yes, it’s close”

“No sense in calling a cab. Let’s walk and talk” you decide. There’s a few things that confuse you. Might as well ask Makoto about it en route.

After leaving the dynamo and reaching the sidewalk, you strike up a conversation to help clarify something. “Makoto, any idea as to why I can still use my abilities?”

The nine tail furrows her brow slightly as she thinks “Are you asking because I slept with you?”

“Yes”

“I … I don’t know. I mean I know what happens when someone with your particular abilities sleeps with one of mine. And you’re saying you still have them somehow? Maybe you’re using up mana remnants from an aid?” Makoto inquires. You fish your rosary from your pocket examining it with Makoto.

“That’s strange, my rosary hasn’t lost any mana residue” you wonder out loud.

“What?” Makoto says, her eyes widening in confusion. “This shouldn’t be possible, the usual side effects of what we did is how things have always gone ….”

“It shouldn’t be, but it is. I mean, I like this surprise, but like you said: it goes against everything the universe knows”

“Would going to a doctor to find out why be ok?” Makoto asks.

“Maybe on another planet, I don’t think seeing a church approved doctor would be wise”

“Maybe we can head to Rociro after we’re done?”

“Sounds like a possible plan” you acknowledge.

As the dynamo slowly fades into the distance Makoto takes your hand and slips her fingers between yours. “If we’re going somewhere like we’re on a date you can at least hold my hand mister” Makoto sasses you.

“What’s next? You going to kiss me in public too?” you playfully jab back. The nine tail steps in front of you and gives a tender peck on the lips.

“Yes” she states smugly as she moves back to your side, allowing the pair of you to continue.

“Give you a centimeter, you just take the rest, don’t you?”

“If you’re going to offer then I’ll take it all” Makoto says with her tongue tracing her lips and a quick glance below your beltline.

“You monsters don’t hide a thing when it comes to sex, do you?”

“When it comes up we’re not going to leave it unattended”

“How …. appropriate” you say with a raised eyebrow and a soft chuckle.

“Haven’t heard a complaint out of you yet so I’m not going to stop”

“You’re not going to decide on public rape all of a sudden … are you?”

“Peter, just what does your church teach about us?” she interrupts you with a puzzled look

“Going by how you behave? Lies and slander it seems” you say as you reach the first major intersection away from the dynamo.

“The horse and rider should be near here. We just have to cross over and it’s about five minutes at most” the kitsune comments after she checks her phone.

Still a few minutes from the pub, you start wondering about Makoto’s abilities so you strike up a conversation. “Say Makoto, if it’s not a bother could you tell me about your abilities? If it’s a sore spot because of earlier forgive me asking. But I am curious”

“Since it’s you asking I don’t mind. My powers are arcane based, and the shadow based magic I can perform is exclusive to my family”

“Exclusive to your family? I can believe it, but it’s odd hearing that being human”

“Magically innate humans are different from monsters in that regard. But I’m not special as far as family specific magic, every family that’s a cardinal species has their own magic only they can use” the nine tail informs you.

“Can you learn how to use different arcane based casts?” you wonder, learning about monsters and magic first hand like this is both new and interesting.

“Yes and no. I know the same basics as others, but unless there’s a family specific variant of something I’m unable to use it. We don’t have the same flexibility in learning magic like humans do”

“I didn’t know any of this. Truth be told, not too sure what I’d do if my family line dictated what I could …. Or couldn’t use” you offer as you reach The Horse and Rider. You walk in with Makoto beside you, the door gliding shut behind the kitsune’s tails as you enter.

Spying a booth in the back of the pub you head over. “Found a spot lass” you say, nodding your head in the booth’s direction. Makoto glides in next to you as you sit down while waving a waitress over. “Could you order me a cider? I think I should add my piece to what happened earlier. Would stop whoever bailed out the brothers from doing it again” you ask.

“By all means” Makoto concurs. She turns to the waitress before she has a chance to introduce herself “One cider for him, and I’ll have a small bottle of plum wine if you have it”

“Sure thing, anything else?” the waitress checks before leaving.

“No thank you” the kitsune replies with a smile. By the time the waitress returns, you’ve filled in CivSec on the Adams brothers previous arrest and can move to more important things. Thankfully their last transgression is still fresh on your mind, so the law has plenty of information to do their job now.

“Work’s done, time to relax a little” you announce, raising your glass in an impromptu toast.

“Kanpai!” Makoto returns with a mischievous grin as she clinks your cider with her glass. After a refreshing swig, the nine tail asks her own question. “Since you can still cast, what can you do? Err ….. I mean if you didn’t have the mana fracture … sorry” she asks.

“Don’t be, mana fracture wasn’t your fault” you reassure her while giving her thigh an affectionate squeeze. “Now, you were asking about my abilities …”

After a few drinks and a healthy glow about Makoto that matches your own, the conversation continues. “So that’s your ability? That’s useful considering what you have to do in your position. Wish my family had something similar to that, being able to negate things would be useful”

“It would’ve made dealing with the brothers easier, but it is what it is until I can use it without dying. Thanks all the same though” you comment.

Makoto thinks for a second as she finishes her glass of plum wine. “Peter, can you look at me? I need to see something, thinking about the mana fracture and wondering something”

“What’s that?” you say as you look into Makoto’s eyes.

“Peter, you’re down about halfway on your reserves. Well, what reserves you have. And you’re not regenerating anything either ….”

“Considering what’s wrong with me? Sounds about right” you agree.

“I do remember that doctor from the Odyssey saying I could help with that”

“And how do you plan to do that? It might be a slow time for this pub but we’re still in public”

“Like this” Makoto says, resting her hand on your leg while actively casting something.

“…. What did you do?” you say, completely dumbfounded as to what Makoto did.

“We’re inside the shadow that the booth’s casting. Nobody knows where we went. Was wondering if I could do this ever since that trip on the Diplomat”

“And what would’ve happened to me if it didn’t work?”

“Besides not working? You have enough of ‘me’ in your mana system to be immune to side effects of my magic. The worst that would’ve happened is that I’d be in the shadow, and you’d still be sitting where you were”

“And what are you planning on doing now that we’re in the shadow?” you ask with rhetoric thick enough to cut with a knife.

“Well … this is a date of sorts. What do you think I’m going to do you silly man?”

“Got me there” you state before Makoto decides on introducing her tongue into your mouth. The insistent fox takes your hands and moves them to her ass, getting you to take a large squeeze. Without interrupting her exploration of your tongue, she wraps her arms around your neck. If nobody can see you right now might as well enjoy the affection. During your kiss, Makoto repeats what she did on the emergency pod and starts transferring her own mana reserves into you again. This time feels noticeably more intense than the last, the flood causing your hair everywhere to stand on end.

Both you and Makoto indulge in each other for several minutes before you break the kiss. “If we keep this up we’ll end up repeating what happened on my couch” you warn. Makoto leans her head over your shoulder to finish with a large hug.

“I’m eager, but I can show a little restraint” Makoto says as she grabs your ass with authority.

“And that … is why we’re stopping for now lass” you chuckle.

“I’ll remember the ‘for now’ for later” the lusty nine tail agrees, while looking at the opposite side of your booth. “Empress save us” she gasps, going from lusty to leery. Looking where Makoto sees, you discover what looks like a human woman where the empty seat was.

“Well this just went from FTL to black hole in a half second flat” you sneer. “Might as well exit the shadow and get this over with” you grumble. Another repeat of the luck you haven’t been having seems to be following you like a lost kobold. Makoto exits her shadow with you, and you prepare yourself for the worst.

“Can I help you?” you ask dryly.

“I hope so!” says the woman across from you as she rests her chin on her hands. The woman turns her attention to Makoto next. “He is a cutie! Where’d you pick him up from?” she asks, giving you a once over at the same time.

“Wait. W-what?” the kitsune stammers in confusion.

The strange woman holds her left hand in the same gesture that the female CivSec officer used while pointing at herself in response.

“That’s the second time I’ve seen that gesture in about as many hours today. Either drop the disguise, or leave right now” Makoto fires off, looking displeased at your visitor. The woman looks around the bar before ending what she cast on herself.

Sitting in front of you is of all things, a baphomet. Certainly not as … gifted … as Makoto is with femininity but she puts quite a few females to shame with her assets, monster or human. Appears to be about half a head shorter than you, disregarding her horns. Given that this monster appears honest, and perhaps a bit too perky … you’ll hold off on raising any sort of stink.

“Maybe we’re getting off on the wrong foot. I’m Jenny” she beams, offering you her hand.

“Peter …” you say as she gives you a firm handshake.

The goat offers her hand to Makoto with the same enthusiasm “You’re from the Hayashi clan, am I right?” Jenny asks as she gives Makoto her own handshake.

“Yes, and I’d thank you to keep that quiet” the nine tail chides.

“Secret’s safe with me hon” she replies. “Now you two want to know why I’m here right?”

“Aye” you answer with a short nod.

“I’m sure you experienced something you two can’t explain, right?”

“Let’s say I have for argument’s sake to speed this up”

“Don’t need the ’what if’s’ cutie. I know you still possess your full set of powers. And Makoto is just as confused as you are” Jenny replies with enough energy to power a small home.

“Tone down a tad, you’re going to wear me out with just words. And yes, for some reason I still have my abilities. Can you cut to the point? Would rather be getting somewhere that’s safe for her” you instruct, while pointing at Makoto.

“Absolutely. The abbey in North Watfir isn’t playing by your good book’s rules. I want to do something about it, but can’t. If you can find out why then I’m hoping it’s enough for me to step in” the baphomet asks.

“This is going to involve more than looking through files on a computer, isn’t it?”

“Eye candy that can think? No wonder you took him on his couch!” Jenny tells Makoto with a lascivious grin.

“Say I decide to do this. How long do I have, and when would I need to start?” you inquire while ignoring the goat’s outburst.

“Tomorrow night’s the latest”

“How generous. And how will I know what to look for?” you ask with doubt.

“Trust me, you’ll know. Wish I could tell you, but I have laws of my own I have to keep with”

“That … is incredibly suspicious”

“If it makes you feel any better there’s no way I’d want to lie to a cutie like you. Wouldn’t want to see you angry, would spoil the view” Jenny says with a wink.

“I’m flattered you think Peter’s handsome but don’t hit on him with intent” the nine tail warns.

“Wouldn’t dream of it Makoto. I can smell everything. But it’s hard for a monster not to notice him, can you give me that?” the baphomet offers apologetically.

“Well you’re right about that” Makoto agrees while looking at Jenny with suspicion.

“One more thing. Since I feel bad about keeping you two in the dark, I’ll help you get to where you want to go after you’re done here. It’s a freebie, so if you’re not up to going to the abbey I’m fine with helping anyway” Jenny states, concluding her business. “I’ll make myself scarce so you can decide without me hovering. It won’t do any harm in the big picture if you say no, but it would be a big help. When you decide, I’ll be at the end of the bar”. With that, the Baphomet walks to the bar while waving down the bartender.

“What was her deal?” you wonder.

“I don’t know. She seems honest, but she knows more than what she should about me. It’s frightening” Makoto replies.

“Seemed to know a bit too much about me as well, just not to the same depth” you observe. “What I’m not too keen on is why she’s asking me to sneak into an abbey. Taking into account what that operations manager said there’s some nasty implications I can make as it stands” you say as you furrow your brow.

Assuming what this ‘Jenny’ said is true this would mean the church … or at least members of it …. are overstepping their bounds. Maybe Rowan or Kelley would have some information in lieu of this questionable errand? You’ve yet to talk to them in detail over the recent storm of events. With all this floating in your head you wonder if the First is seriously testing you for whatever reasons he has to do so.

This little outing is proving to be quite the day out. Peter has a few things running through his mind, so what does he decide on /monster/?

>Meet with Rowan and Kelley. They’re looking to talk to you in private, and finding out why they were suspended should put some perspective into why O’Donnell is taking unilateral action.

Go to Rociro where one of Makoto’s shrines are. She did mention that you could get the law on your side if you did, and given the fact that the church is what you’ll need protection from the more things on your side the better

Finish the ‘date’ of sorts since you were interrupted. It’s been all business with no downtime, and talking with Makoto is interesting and educating. Perhaps more conversation will find a clue to why Peter has his abilities?

Cut the date short and get to more work. You have the Adams brother's phones, and with Makoto's comments there should be some information that will help sort out the 'who' in regard to what's been going on

For the request Jenny’s making:

Agree to help Jenny. Playing fast and loose with the rules like the church seems to be doing might net you some important information.

Decline to help Jenny. You don't want to be on the business end of an inquisition if you are found out.

MECHANIC UPDATES

since I derped out and forgot to put this in the last post I made

Peter is now up to 5.5 mana points out of 6. Next time he gets

>Ahem

Healed, he's going to have to do something that's 'second base' related or higher

>>323286

>>323288

I say go to Rociro to get Judge Dredd the law on our side, then go talk to Rowan and Kelly, then finish our date with fluffytails at our house and by that i mean snuggle with her while making out with her and touching her all over (but primarily her breasts and butt because life and hometown) possibly doing her from behind after the foreplay is over if other anons want peter to go that far again

>>323378

First thing: Since each of these major choices is roughly one entry's worth of text alone (for this time) I'll need to use a bit of GM fiat here and will need /monster/ to pick only one. Otherwise the update will be a long time coming compared to 'normal'.

Second thing: /monster/ will need to accept or decline Jenny's offer, so if you could either accept or decline then mention which one.

Will address anything else later this evening. Just replying quickly now because reasons.

>>323286

Finish date, help Jenny.

>>323400

date then and how i suggested the date goes/ends still stands

>>323289