/monster/ - The Last Bastion of Romance

“What do I have to do to take my sister in law with me?” you inquire.

The Arachne takes a moment to recall the details “Her SBW number, or her full name. I can confirm her either way”

“Lady Wilson of the Hayashi clan!“ Makoto spills out, cutting the end of one word off with the start of another.

Lightning quick clicks from chitinous fingers and a few seconds later, the secretary has Minako’s information ”I signed her on with you Mr.

Callahan She’s definitely qualified….“

”Thank you. Anything else we need to do?“

The secretary takes stock of a notification on her computer before finishing with you ”No, seems that another contractor has filled the last spot. Briefing is early afternoon. Your civilian help will need to be here or else we’ll need to get a contractor to fill the second slot“

Makoto lowers her phone from her mouth before she trips over her words again ”She’ll be here in fifteen“

The Arachne smirks at the worrying nine tail ”She’s eager, I’ll say that much“

”That she is“ you nod, that secretary doesn’t know how right she is. ”Well, if you don’t mind can we meet up with my sister in law? I figure you have other things to get to“

”Sure. Everything starts at twelve thirty“ the spider chimes.

”Thanks lass“ you nod while taking your leave. If you’re going to spend the next hour or two in a briefing, may as well stand outside to wait for Minako. Stonower’s star is out, and the light cloud cover today is keeping things comfortable ”Care to wait outside Makoto?“

”Yeah“ your nine tail replies, still answering questions at the speed of light. Excellent weather to spend outdoors you muse while enjoying the late morning breeze. Makoto trades places with her sister, and you spend the rest of the late morning debating the finer details of plum wine with Minako.

“Makoto’s probably none too happy about not being here” you comment, killing time until the other contractor joins the briefing via a metaweb connection.

Minako leans back in her chair, musing about her sister’s mood “From what I know you two haven’t spent a lick of time apart since you met. A few days apart won’t be the end of the universe”

The meeting room’s door slides open, with a contractor setting a tablet down onto the table “Hello contractor Callahan, Lady Wilson. Good of you to make it. Our other contractor is waiting, let’s keep this to business”

“Aye. Who would they be?” you wonder. One of the two large wall monitors blinks into service. Short onyx black hair, muscles with enough cut to embarrass all but the hardest of athletes, and silver tufts of fur that accent this contractor’s forearm fur come into view. Wait a moment, you know this monster “Tay!?”

The kakuen cocks her head a hair before she recalls everything “Peter! I remember you, you’re the cleric from the Odyssey! Didn’t expect to see you again, what happened?”

You can’t help but smile as you give a curt explanation “If you remember Makoto, I ended up with her. That’s as short as I can make it for now”

“You really weren’t kidding when you said you weren’t a crusader, I’m going to love hearing this later. But let’s get to the briefing. The sooner that’s done, the sooner I can catch up on the gossip” The surprise reunion with Tay is going to make this briefing much easier to work through.

“Let’s get started. The three of you as you’re aware will be arresting members of Dei Gratia. Listing all the formal charges will take too long, but the major ones concern terrorism and treason against the interstellar federation. There are six sentients that we are tasked with arresting. Here are their names” the contractor says, bringing up a list of high ranking Dei Gratia members onscreen.

Archbishops Paul O’Donnell, Connor Quinn, Teague Mullen, and Sean Shannon appear. Pope Liam Shannon rounds out the list, now you’re wondering how far this goes. Best to focus on the briefing for now, you can deal with this nasty turn later.

“CivSec can provide enough support to detain everyone after they’re arrested, but we need to transport them to Longford. There’s enough CivSec members who happen to be Dei Gratia members on Landirei, and given the nature of the charges Longford was chosen due to the number of llumians and monsters that staff it” your informer states, moving onto the next part of the briefing.

A pair of maps pop up, showing both New Anlarick’s and South Watfir’s locations “Paul O’Donnell may be present with two other suspects at one of these two locations. However, at least three are guaranteed to be in South Watfir. They’re currently using the South Watfir location as the headquarters for the alliance with Exertius Dei. You may have Lady Wilson with you, but keep in mind both churches are likely to use force”

Minako hums to herself before speaking her mind “Anything I need to know about using my magic? I’d prefer to use my own judgement; the crusaders won’t be happy about a kakuen and a kyubi no kitsune helping someone who left Dei Gratia”

“The secretary mentioned you by name, Lady Wilson. I also looked into your SBW data. My only restriction is that you don’t cast first … as it were. The guild can’t afford to rebuild the damage you’re capable of if you’re proven to be the aggressor”

“What about the laws for protecting family of a cardinal monster species? I don’t want to tell my sister that her husband lost his life doing this”

“They apply in full Lady Wilson” your presenter informs the nine tail. “If there’s any more updates to the situation we’ll be contacting you en route. Because this situation is dynamic, we need to provide you with the rest of the information once you make planet fall on Landirei. Contractor Callahan, Lady Wilson; Tay Akachi will make planet fall on Stonower late today. The three of you will be boarding the IFSC Nighthawk tonight at nineteen hundred hours. You should arrive at Landirei for six tomorrow morning. Good hunting, contractors”

“Good hunting” the three of you being briefed acknowledge. What you thought was going to be an exercise in staying awake turns out to be pleasingly efficient. Nothing to do but return to the shrine and wait until departure.

With Tay hanging on every word, you share the spotlight with Minako as the kakuen gets up to speed. “Holy shit, that … is one hell of a wild ride. Best I’ve done was nearly catching Anderson, but that encoder explains why I failed. Now I know how to deal with it next time”

Speaking of warnings … another gram of prevention would help the girls either way “Right. Before we get to bed though, need to give you lasses a spot of info. The maggots we’re going to arrest are magically innate, but most of them only have your run of the mill cleric powers. The first problem is the pope. His magic is electromagnetic manipulation. Could turn anything that’s affected by a magnetic field into a weapon. Second problem? More of a cultural thing. The planet takes a ‘keep to yourselves’ approach to monsters and llumians at the best of times, the church has a lot of influence there”

Tay’s eyes sparkle with mischief at the thought “I like dealing with those kind, they make for easy bank. Don’t start the fire if you can’t control it, but lucky for the universe there’s sentients like us! ”

“Thank you Tay” Minako says nodding respectfully. “Now I don’t wish to sour the mood, but I need to tell you two now: if we run into a situation on Landirei and I give you warning before certain casts? Please for the love of the Empress follow it. I don’t want to hurt either of you, and I don’t think Fluffball would handle bad news well”

“I’m used to dealing with Kelley, she doesn’t give any warning before solving her problems with fire. But thanks for giving one now Minako. Now what’s the plan for tomorrow, any suggestions?”

Tay rolls the thought around in her head before speaking “I know you have one hell of a grudge with O’Donnell, but I’d avoid going after him just for that. If it’s better for the contract we should leave him for later. Doing that sort of contracting will attract the wrong kinds of work, it’s bad juju”

It’s time for Peter to start the hunt. So what’s his group’s plan of attack /monster/?

Start with South Watfir first. You’re guaranteed three arrests, and also guaranteed to stop three high ranking church members from setting off an alarm to the others

Start with New Anlarick First. The element of surprise by returning to your home city will be on your side, if there’s any suspicion of your actions South Watfir will be on lockdown first

Wait for individuals to separate from the group, and arrest them one at a time. As long as you don’t dawdle the stealth will allow for an off the radar hunt.

Something else? Suggest away, I’m all ears

I say we go for the South Watfir and nab three of them at once. It will save you the trouble of having to track them all down later, less effort for triple the reward.

Security might be a little tighter though, but I doubt they're actually expecting anything to happen so you should have the element of surprise.

>>360994

going with >>361013

they're guaranteed to be there, so why not

if possible, we could try and assess/analyze our targets' hideout/whereabouts before making our move so we can do it all stealth like and not raise any alarms and tip off the other targets

>>361013

Third vote for South Watfir.

Get the largest group while we are still at our optimal strength.

>>361018

>Be sneeki breeki

But how, anon? If you come up with some autism creative way of staying out of sight it'll make life easier This is one of those times where a half decent suggestion can cause me to ignore a roll check

>>361096

I assume fluffball's sister can hide us in shadow when needed for sneeki breeki cheekiness.

I also vote for South Watfir.

>>361106

TL;DR: She can do everything Makoto can, the shadow based magic is specific to the Mofu bunch, not just Mrs. Mofu

>>361018

>>361013

>>361022

>>361106

>South Watfir gets ALL THE VOTES

>Hit them while we're fresh

>Sneeki Breeki using Minako's overpowered bullshit hax shadow magic to avoid detection

24 hour warning before the lock. On the off chance someone stops by and sees this, here's how I settle choices:

I give 48 hours, then bump the thread with a 24 hour warning. Next day I tally up everything and chain the chimp to the keyboard. If I need to do a tiebreaker because votes are split on the day I need to lock? I tell /monster/ the dice roll outcomes in a post and roll some dice to go along with it.

>>361376

Now in high planetary orbit above Landirei, the Nighthawk awaits deliberation on where to land. You finish a mouthful of coffee and start planning “Like Tay said last night, we’re best off doing a guaranteed thing instead of chasing rumours. Unless the situation’s changed my hat’s in for South Watfir”

“Guild said there may be more than just three there in the briefing. Maybe we’ll be lucky and get more” Tay agrees between mouthfuls of a fruit salad.

A heavy eyed Minako blinks a few times before processing things “Aren’t we supposed to get word on what’s going on now that we’re here?”

“Checking that now” the kakuen replies, going over to your room’s computer. Her eyes go wide when the updated information on the screen “Oh shit! They’re all at South Watfir, seems they’re having a meeting. Guess that settles it”

“No arguments here” you shrug. “There’s a terminal in South Watfir, might as well set down there”

The kakuen gives a final glance at the information before contacting the pilot “Can we make planet fall at South Watfir?”

“Just say when” the voice broadcasts into the room.

Finishing the last mouthful of her breakfast, Tay responds “Now’s good. We want to catch them off guard”

“Acknowledged. We’ll be planet side in twenty. Over and out” the pilot responds before preparing to do his part.

Downing the rest of your coffee, you settle for fried eggs and toast “Minako, you eating?” “Just replicate me what you’re having” the nine tail replies through her morning fog. Best to start off with something in your stomach, even if it’s replicator food.

“Peter, Minako, I’ll be back in a bit. Gotta grab some immobilizers and phaser pistols” Tay says, preparing to grab the needed tools. “Minako, you want a pistol just in case?”

The nine tail shakes her head and politely waves off the kakuen “No thanks, I don’t know enough about guns to use them”

“Alright. Still grabbing you some immobilizers just in case” Tay replies, walking out of the room to fetch everything.

“Can’t believe I need to carry a pistol to deal with what used to be my second family” you sigh.

“I know it’s not comfortable to think on, but from what Makoto’s told me they’ve earned everything they’re going to get. Not to mention the Empress is never amused by these things, they’ll get a second dose of what for when they meet her” your sister in law says. You're unsure if she's comforting you or damning Dei Gratia to the pit.

“What if they decide to follow in that one mercenary’s steps? Not like a stern finger wagging is going to stop them”

“The Empress … would not be pleased if I were dumb enough to use peaceful words on deaf ears. And if it comes to it? I will kill them. I don’t want to but given the choice between you and that filth on Landirei it’s obvious”

“If you don’t mind me saying so, that’s a bit extreme lass”

“I know. But your new family can’t afford you dead. Not like your old ‘family’ will afford you the same luxury” Minako says with finality. “And I’m not prepared to tell fluffball you’ve met the Empress anytime soon”

You exhale in frustration before acknowledging this nasty bit “True, doesn’t mean I like any of this though. Try not to do anything rash”

Coming back to the room, Tay passes six immobilizers to Minako. The kakuen then gives you six of your own, along with a phaser pistol “Hope you don’t need to use the pistol, but better safe than sorry” A couple of minutes pass by with Tay giving a brief, but concise explanation of the immobilizers and pistols.

The pilot’s voice fills the room after Tay’s finished “We’ve arrived. Nighthawk will be at Longford for you when you’re done” The three of you thank the pilot, and step into the South Watfir terminal.

Safely planet side, Minako gets everyone’s attention “I have an idea. Tay, I’m going to hide the pair of us in Peter’s shadow. Just need a place to slip into it. We won’t be detected once we’re hiding, but that doesn’t mean I can use it with all the eyes on us”

Observing the glares you three are collecting the sooner Minako works her mojo the better “Maybe the hallway up ahead is empty?”

“Yeah, they can keep staring all they like. Not like these types can do anything but bitch” Tay provokes, making sure the humans nearby hear every last word.

“Can we stay under the radar lass?” you groan under your breath.

Flashing you a cheeky smile the monkey quips “Yeah, just needed to get that little bit out before we start making bank. Oh, and that stairwell over there looks empty”

“Thanks Tay. Peter, you can still talk to me when we’re hidden” Minako says as the group casually strolls over to it.

Just before Minako does her disappearing act, you nod “Will keep the conversations out of sight. I’ll tell you when we reach South Watfir”

Already in your shadow the nine tail informs you “Thanks Peter”

Now on the first floor of the South Watfir Terminal, you step into the humid Landirei air. Well, time to get a cab and head to the church in the city. With no shortage of transportation choices, you decide it best to take South Watfir transit. Anonymity is important, and you know most transit operators couldn’t be arsed to pay attention to their fares like cab drivers do. You also recall the last time you took a cab on Landirei with a nine tail in tow. Minako and Tay may be out of sight but since you’re on the offensive this time the less breathing room the church gets the better.

Stepping off the transport, only a hint of South Watfir’s church appears. The tree high fog makes it difficult to pick out anything. Normally Landirei’s broad patches of mist are cause for you to let slip a few four letter words, but not today. You casually stroll on past the main entrance, with nothing strange concerning the lack of people. There’s going to be few staff save for a few priests at worst, your targets aside. Mass is always held during evening hours, another benefit of heading here in the morning.

Taking care to give a glance around, you breathe a sigh of relief as there’s nobody around “We’re here”

“Are you out of sight Peter?” Minako asks.

“Aye” you reply. In an instant, you find yourself with Minako and Tay, leaving nothing but the mire in your place.

Tay taps her chin with a pensive finger “So there’s six targets. We all have immobilizers handy, but that only stops them from getting away. We calling Longford CivSec now, or after we catch them?”

Minako dips into the conversation with an idea “I can seal them inside shadow. Not like I need to worry about my mana pool unless I cast something major. Wouldn’t be able to sneak around though. Once I start casting anything other than this spell I might as well scream ’I’m here’ to planet paIadin at the top of my lungs. Before that happens, we should go inside the church and find out where the six are. Peter, don’t you have something that could detect them?”

“I do, but if I actively detect them they’ll know something’s up. On the other hand, it would be handy to find where the pope is. My guess is that he has his SBW class B cert, I’ve seen vids of magnetism users on the metaweb and that’s what they hold. Not that the pope would give that knowledge away though” you muse.

“In we go then” Minako says, as you slip into the South Watfir church in the shadowy aether.

“Father of all creation, this is bloody handy” you note. Minako enjoys your pleasant shock

“I’m crafty as they come. Now that we’re in, any suggestions on finding them?”

“I’m going to play it safe and guess that the second we leave the shadow we’re going to be picked up by cameras or magic related senses” Tay adds, her eyes flickering over the surroundings.

“If we’re going to be detected, then would finding them not be the best option? While we come out even on the detecting, I doubt they have someone like me with them” Minako suggests, implying you actively detect them.

“Peter, how much do you know about the building?” Tay adds, busy in thought.

“Well there’s the sermon hall and things like offices on the first floor. Offices are behind the sermon hall with locked doors, and only humans ranked priest or higher can open the locks. Second floor is more administrative, same deal with the locks but the rank restriction goes up to bishop. Sermon hall is about thirty meters square. Rest of the first floor is thirty by fifty, with some space for things like climate conditioning and your other building necessities. Second floor is where the higher ups take care of things. A lot of offices and information storage” you list off. As it stands there’s multiple ways of arresting them, but how to go about it?

Peter, Minako, and Tay are ready to spring into action. What’s their plan of attack /monster/?

First choice:

Continue to hide with Minako’s help until you know where all the suspects are. As long as the three of you remain hidden like this nobody is aware of your presence.

Exit the shadow and start searching. Dei Gratia is going to find out you’re here eventually, and the sooner you get immobilizers on people the faster the arrest is over.

Second choice:

Keep together as a team. You don’t need to be surprised by any one of you being neutralized if they’re alone.

Split up. While the suspects will be aware of the situation in general, they will be unaware of your group’s size as they don’t possess the skill you have in detection.

Third choice:

Call CivSec now. Longford is far enough away that you don’t want to spend time waiting for them. Any wasted time on Landirei won’t be in your favour.

Call CivSec later. You don’t want the Longford division to be involved in case South Watfir is also called. It would be impossible to tell friend from foe quick enough to be useful in a stressful situation.

Minako has also pointed out that Peter could use his automatic detection. This and any other magic from Peter is up to /monster/’s discretion and won’t be used unless specifically requested. automatic detection’s success directly relates to the quality of the post asking for it. Asking "use auto detection" without any other info will backfire

If /monster/ has any suggestions or alternate plans then this is definitely a good time for them.

>>361824

>No replies

24 hour warning is in effect. Don't want to put these choices to a roll, but if I don't hear from /monster/ then consider it fair warning.

Will post an example of Peter's negation later since I have a spot of free time to do a bit of writefagging. I haven't forgot, but figured that the very end of a thread was a bad spot to post it.

>>361824

>Call CivSec later

We're big boys; we can do this on our own

>>361986

>Call CivSec later

Noted, but what of the other two choices? Or did you have your own idea?

>>361988

HA HA, TIME FOR NEGATION EXAMPLES

So here’s how Peter’s negation works in better detail. Kelley, in her infinite anger has decided to solve a disagreement between her and Peter with fire. again Peter has several options here:

Negate the fire itself. Works because he’s reacting to Kelley’s cast after she attempts to burn it all down. Any damage caused by the fire will remain, as Peter can only negate one thing at a time.

Negate Kelley’s cast before she fires it off. Works because Peter knows Kelley well, Dei Gratia’s magic well, and can predict what she’s going to do. Two important things to note. One, Peter isn’t using precognition here, and just his personal knowledge of the situation. Two, he has to wait until Kelley starts casting in the first place.

Peter can also use this on himself or others. Say he’s been shot somewhere important. He can negate the hole in him to make sure he doesn’t die right away. Important thing to note here is that this is NOT a heal. The only thing he did was stop the immediate damage from being shot. Any secondary effects like blood loss or such still apply in full as they’re ‘separate’ negations. Negation in this sense will work on all Hayashi foxes without any side effects

How does this work with telling me how to use it? Like this:

/monster/ tells me they want Peter to use negation. Also, the more detail involved here the better the cast. More detail means more powerful (to a point) negations, so long as /monster/ abides by “one negation, one cast” as it were. Costs 10 points per use like I mentioned in the first thread.

Peter’s at 40 out of 40 points right now in case you all wanted/needed to know. If you all are unsure then ask questions, or throw out something that you think would work.

>Continue to hide with Minako’s help until you know where all the suspects are. As long as the three of you remain hidden like this nobody is aware of your presence.

There's no need to reveal ourselves until the target is in sight. We can use this to minimize risk of being caught while also taking them by surprise. We ought to know where the big wigs' usual meet is at, right? If we do we should try there and try to capture the targets, slipping past any security to get to them directly, by force if needed.

Should we run into problems, using them as hostages might buy us time.

If we don't know where they meet, try to get intel through the security system, they must have eyes on this thing somewhere. A security room?

>Keep Together

We're only a team of three, getting caught out in the open alone is game over. We need to hit fast and hard together.

>Call CivSec now.

They could make a good distraction. We're a small infiltration team, we need to utilize ever possible tool we have, including CivSec.

>>362140

Analyzing the situation, you come up with the start of a plan “We should stay in the shadow and find out where they are. No sense in doing this the hard way” “Should call CivSec before we make a move, we can hit them at once” Tay adds.

“Peter, where we going then?”

“Might as well go from first floor to second and take our time. Not like we’re in a rush right now” you say, starting off down the right corridor. The small classrooms used for training parishioners and priests are empty, you’ll not be finding anyone here. To the left down the next hall you hear footsteps on tile in the room furthest down; everyone exchanges glances before heading to what happens to be a kitchen.

Casually looking inside, you see Connor Quinn making himself a tea. He whistles to himself oblivious of everyone’s presence, and heads to a room down another hallway. Connor gets to business, not knowing he’s going to help end his days as a free man “Paul, any word on the heretics?”

Paul O’Donnell’s brow constricts as he replies through grinding teeth “No, and frankly this worries me. All of them managed to get off planet. No doubt they’re planning on tossing a chimp spanner into the works”

“We can look for some hired help to clean the mess after the meeting. This time we should be more generous with our offer, might get better help. By the way, it’s about ten minutes in the upstairs conference room”

The conniving archbishop gets up, and saunters towards the kitchen for himself “I will be up there in five. Considering how important this meeting is I expect the rest of you lot to be on time for a change”

Tay chuckles under her breath as she watches Paul leave “Talk about lucky! I’ll phone in CivSec. But let’s follow the crusader, want to see if the rest of them are as ugly as him”

You sigh in agreement “You usually don’t get to wear the bigger hats in Dei Gratia if you’re not cracking mirrors. But knowing where the conference room is would be a good idea. Let’s go” As that gobshite O’Donnell leaves the kitchen, the group walks beside him as O’Donnell is oblivious as Quinn.

“So once you get here, we slap the immobilizers on them and you deal with the interrogation at Longford? Tay confirms with the friendly CivSec division. “Backup is on the way, making bank is gonna be by the book”

“Good. Not in the mood for any excitement” you quip, as you keep pace with O’Donnell up to the second floor.

As the Dei Gratia clergy wait for the rest of their brethren, you suddenly remember the universal state encoders “Minako, since Makoto probably told you about them, do you notice any encoders? If so those take priority else we’re going to be on the losing end of things” Minako considers this and does her own check quickly “One of the men is wearing one. They’re heading upstairs, and it feels …wrong somehow. All the nasty points of a shoggoth with none of the room service. I’ll deal with the one using the encoder and the one that has a lot of mana. I assume he’ll be the pope”

Tay licks her lips, savouring the moment “I’ll take the two on the left”

Seems that O’Donnell is one of the two you’re arresting and that suits you fine “That leaves O’Donnell and Quinn to me. I take it we do our thing after you bind the pope and encoder user lass?”

Minako nods, with her hair and fur changing colour not unlike Makoto’s aboard the Caravan “I’ll seal the room off and bind them. May as well use the immobilizers, better safe than sorry” You and Tay agree in unison with quick nods of your own, as the four suspects enter the room.

“Thank you all for showing up on short notice” the pope intones, surveying the room for a place to sit. Before the pleasantries begin your former superiors are denied a chance to reply. In the space of half a breath, the nine tail’s mastery of the arcane seals the room and binds the clergy. “Take your time Peter, Tay. They shouldn’t be able to break the bind. If they do …” Minako says “I’m forced to assume they’re going to break those laws I asked about earlier” the fox finishes, firing a vicious glare to every Dei Gratia member present.

“Heretic! You dare set foot in a church after your actions!” O’Donnell erupts, spittle showering the table he’s bound near.

“Hiring criminals to kill me? Spare me the act. You’re under arrest you gobshite!” you fire back, being considerably less than gentle when you tack the immobilizer to the back of the archbishop’s neck.

Tay not skipping a beat, slaps a pair of immobilizers on Sean and Teague forcefully “All of you are under arrest for first class treason and interplanetary terrorism. Under interstellar law you forfeit any rights as a sentient due to charges of terrorism” The kakuen continues as she deftly slides her phaser pistol from its holster, pointing the business end at the clergy “Y’all need to play nice. Since you’re terrorists, one wrong move might scare me into thinking you’re trying something. So, before you get smart ask yourselves: do you feel lucky?”

Minako’s ears twitch suddenly as the pope tries to focus his magnetism on a nearby spoon. As fast as the pope tries to be, his attempt at escape meets with failure. Just as the spoon began to fly toward her, an enveloping thud makes your heart jump from your chest. Glancing at the aftermath of the violent crash that followed the spoon attempt, the pope is crushed between a thick rod of shadow striking his chest and the far wall several meters away.

“That is the only clemency I will give you!” Minako howls with rage. “If I see, hear, or sense anything at all from any of you filthy insects … I don’t think I need to tell you how challenging the queen of beasts will end” The nine tail turns to you, her voice sounding suddenly pleasant again “Peter, if I force the group together can you work a little of your magic?”

“As long as they’re touching, can’t afford to spam what you’re thinking of” you tell the kitsune. She complies, forcing them so close they can feel each other’s sweat. You pause for a moment, wondering why things have gone this far. More to think about later you muse, as you gather focus on the Dei Gratia elite. Much like Minako, your cast is flawless “Ego negare”

“Being a heretic make you hard in the head lad? You honestly think you can still use your magic after laying with a beast?” the pope chokes out between erratic coughs, seems Minako’s temper snapped much like a few of the pope’s ribs.

You roar in laughter at your former leader’s assumption “I still have them! The First saw fit to leave well enough alone, and if you don’t know what I just did … ask the maggot that sent the mercs after me! He knows what I just did to you lot”

O’Donnell’s face twists from anger to disgust as your words sink in “Damn you … damn you to the pit Callahan … you, that vile demon you lay with, damn it all to the pit …”

“Paul, just what did the heretic do?” the pope sneers at O”Donnell between gasps.

“The heretic can negate things. If he did what I think he did, we’re no longer innate …”

Smug as a cheshire in a madhouse, you flash the group a grin “Give him a prize but hope it’s not a magically wrapped one. You lot? Are as magically innate as the rocks in your heads”

“Alright, going to loosen the binding a bit, still need to put my two immobilizers on” Minako says, getting an immobilizer on the pope first. Needing to drop her binding completely for the last bishop, he takes this chance and scrambles for the door. A flash of silver and black collides with his left temple, Tay knocking him out cleanly with frightening efficiency. The nine tail saunters over, immobilizing the last of the group.

Tay pulls out a chair and makes herself comfortable “Now that we made bank, might as well relax until CivSec shows. The suspects aren’t going anywhere”

“Aye, may as well” you agree, pulling out a chair for yourself and Minako.

She flicks her tails through the space between the armrest and chair back and leans to make her self comfortable “Thanks Peter”

Not even five minutes later, a healthy amount of CivSec atmo cruisers arrive. Tay waves from a window she opened, signalling the situation is well under the contractor guild’s thumb. The sergeant, a duallahan, takes stock of the arrested Dei Gratia clergy before directing the officers who accompanied her “See that these tossers get their free ride to the clink” adjusting her head in her arms, she looks at you “Anything out of the ordinary lad?”

“Aye, they have at least one encoder. It’s on one of the bishop’s arms” you say, pointing at the third bishop from the right.

“Watson, you heard the contractor. Time to fire up the sniffer and find us some baubles”

“Yes sergeant” the officer replies. A scant few second later Officer Watson informs everyone of what he’s found “There’s plenty of encoders here, they’re on this floor. We taking them with us?”

“That we are, I’ll not be leaving them behind for anybody else to find” the sergant orders politely. Shifting her attention back to the group, she continues “Let’s take care of the filework at my atmo cruiser, we’ll only get in the way of evidence collection”

The group follows the sergeant out to the CivSec vehicle, and provides their statements between the officers asking their superior questions as the law processes the arrest. “Thank you for waiting contractors. I already notified the guild, you’re free to do as you will” the sergeant says. The duallahan then aims her eyes at Minako’s tails as she cautions “And while I won’t put my head anywhere it shouldn’t be I’d get off planet before you get you fifteen on Landirei”

Minako doesn’t bat an eyelash, sharing a mind with the headless constable “We won’t stay any longer than we need to. If only to get away from that one archbishop, his scent is … unique” she quips, nodding in Quinn’s direction. “Not too sure a penal colony would be much of a punishment. But Empress bless you officer, have a good day”

“Thanks again. Take care” the sergeant returns, with everyone going their separate ways. Before you set about to finding a place to take transit, your sister in law repeats her disappearing act. Safe with Minako and Tay occupying your shadow, you find a stop after a casual sweep of the street.

The trip back to the South Watfir terminal is what a native Landirei sentient expects. The star shining light through the clouds overhead, the summer fog thinner from the warmth. Your stop comes up, and you disembark as anonymously as you arrived at the South Watfir church. The scene at the terminal is another matter, it’s far from what any sentient would expect. CivSec has a rather … healthy presence at the terminal. Small groups of officers stand vigilant at each entrance, stopping sentients as they try to go about their day. You notice a familiar and unwelcome group working with them. Exertius Dei feeling fit to provide help where it isn’t needed, and it couldn’t be at a worse time.

“What’s up with the heavy CivSec detail? This isn’t normal” Tay wonders while asking you.

“I’m clueless lass. Exertius Dei’s also around and it looks like they’re searching for specific sentients” you curse under your breath.

The sound of Minako’s sarcasm seeps through the shadow and into anything nearby “Oh, not like they’d stop us. I’m sure they’ll let us pass after seeing you with the pair of us” As if it couldn’t get any worse a familiar human woman is several meters ahead. From what you see, she’s conducting CivSec sentients. It’s safe to assume she’s one of the ones in charge of the officers. Damn it to the pit, why does Patricia have to be here? Under other circumstances seeing your sister would be welcome. Given the strong religious upbringing the pair of you had being seen at all … let alone with Minako and Tay …. would not end well.

“So what’s the plan? Looks like these guys are part of the problem the guild talked about” Tay ponders while surveying things from inside your shadow.

“That’s not the problem. My sister’s here, and it would be safe to assume she’s not here to wish me well”

Minako thinks briefly before asking “for the love of everything please tell me she doesn’t have your magic talents”

“Bad news I’m afraid. She knows the same things I do”

“This is a royal pain ….” The nine tail groans. Handling this surprise development is going to be problematic. With such a wide presence, there’s guaranteed to be detection specialists … magic or technology oriented. Minako’s exceptionally talented, but doesn’t specialize in stealth. There’s a high chance you’ll be caught with trousers around the ankles if you try to sneak. Even more of a problem if Patricia is part of the group that catches you off guard. If you try to get to the Nighthawk without stealth? You might be noticed right away but you’ll be expecting something at the least. Still going to be a headache however.

While Peter managed a successful arrest, it’s not going to amount to a pile of stardust unless he deals with this turn of events. So how does Peter and the group handle this /monster/?

Attempt to sneak past the security from Exertius Dei and the corrupt CivSec officers. The risk is worth the reward of getting off planet as it's unlikely they'll be able to stop you in time. There is a high risk of getting caught in the act however.

Show yourselves as a group and face them immediately. You might be giving up the fact that you're here but at least you're going to be on even footing.

Observe what they're doing from a distance. If you can gain more information from this, it may help fuel a better choice. There is a risk that you will be detected if you observer however.

Find a way to create a distraction. You may be able to draw enough attention from a ruse that you could get to the Nighthawk. Like most options this time, you still run the risk of being detected.

And if /monster/ has any ideas jump in with them. Will answer questions about things if the board wants to know anything.

MECHANIC UPDATE

While Peter used his negation, this one was a freebie. Figured that /monster/ should see Peter in magical action, and there was a request for an example. didn't think the little ditty I typed up was good enough

If Peter uses it again, it's 10 points per cast.

dice were in favour of leaving the church standing, so no collateral damage this time >>361995

There's no way they knew about our operation, right?

Unless these corrupt CivSec informed Exertius Dei after the fact and now they're waiting to catch us off guard…

This is the part where I say we split up. It would be better for us if they only catch one of us and give us a chance to escape/come back to the rescue if need be.

So split up and find a way through this little blockade of theirs and hope our sister doesn't get wise to our ways.

One of us might be able to slip through and bring the ship around to pick up the rest of us.

So in summary:

Minako should stay hidden and observe from a distance, I'm sure while she is not built for stealth she would be better off than either Peter or Tay. She can also act as the commander here, giving us useful intel on when we should move or which guard is where at what time.

Tay should be with Peter this time around looking for a way out to the ship. She's the runner, she's definitely faster and more experienced than we are when it comes to hairy situations like this. Not to mention she'd be a lot more slippier than us being a kakuen and all.

Should we get caught Peter should be the distraction while Tay goes to get the ship. Better we get caught than Minako, and like I said earlier, Tay is the most likely candidate to get to the ship without incident and get a message out for our situation/bring the ship to our rescue.

(Maybe get an interaction with our sister and see which side of the fence she falls on and if she can be brought to our side?)

Great work by the way, was really fun to read.

>>363957

One response so far, but interesting. Didn't expect /monster/ to try and get Patricia to come with.

>TL;DR: split up with Minako functioning as eyes/ears for the group. If SHTF, Tay makes a dive for the Nighthawk. Peter is the bait if push comes to shove (as it were) and sees where his sibling stands. He'll also see about dragging her along

Up to page one for another day before I lock and work on the next entry.

>>363957

I doubt peter’s sister would take kindly to us considering she is working openly with exertius dei. I think we should observe from a distance for a better opportunity. Also if things go south with Patricia we should use negation on her if she tries anything.

>>364186

I pray that there's no overlap in pics, but I can't remember which fluffy tail pics I've posted for spess shitpost, and (good) kakuen pics are a rarity it seems

>>364187

“Universe just has to make my life as hard as possible” you grumble. Minako and Tay leave the shadow as a large atmo cruiser passes by. Everyone looks down the terminal’s sidewalk, thinking on how to work around this.

Tay is the first one to break the silence “We should split up. Before you all call me crazy, the Nighthawk’s capable of fighting on a planet surface. As long as one of us can get to the pilot we can make it off the planet”

“Why not send him a message?” you ask, curious as to why Tay’s taken leave of her senses.

“Not the first time I’ve done this sort of thing, these crusaders and their CivSec friends are smart enough to scan for messages”

“Fair enough. But how are we going to get past the security right now? Terminal is basically on lockdown” you point out, nodding towards the main entrances.

“Peter, they’re probably going to ignore Tay over us if it comes to it” Minako adds.

The monkey speaks up after tossing a few ideas in her head about “First, we need to watch them. If we catch them at a good time we can just slip right in”

“It might be a bad idea, but I’m going to see why my sister’s here” you state, Patricia’s unexpected appearance still sticking in your mind.

“Hey, you wanna be crazy then at least wait until I’m inside. Talk to her now and we’re screwed” Tay points out. “Minako, can you use your shadow magic to get up high? Would help in seeing where everything is”

The nine tail nods “I can, will message you details. But if I sense that I’ve been detected I’ll do something magic related to let you know” Plan set, Minako sinks back into the shadow to find a vantage point. Both you and Tay stroll casually to the terminal, heading towards one of the taxi areas. It offers a wide view and you’ll not arouse suspicions for some time here.

Several minutes pass, although they feel like hours. “Shite. They’re not rotating at all” you curse.

“No kidding. They’re stopping every llumian, monster, and husband too. Is Landirei always this bad?” Tay jeers, put off by the no doubt illegal detaining.

“My home planet’s never been this ‘interested’ in sentients that aren’t human. Something’s up but I don’t know anything else. I’ve been away from Landirei the better part of a month” you say, only the First knows how long this has been going on for. There’s going to be no easy way to do this, as CivSec and Exertius Dei are making ant girls look lazy with whatever they’re busy with. Patricia, still unaware of you, begins to march away. “I think there’s only one way this is going down” you groan, preparing yourself for the inevitable confrontation.

For who knows what reason, Tay still sounds collected “Might as well be unpredictable if the security’s not rotating. We have a plan, and a ship that’s fighting fit. If we split up like the plan implies they can’t catch all of us at once”

“Message Minako, I’m going to let my sister know I’m here. Whatever you do, make it to the ship” you state, scanning the terminal’s walkway for your sibling.

“Done. If one of you don’t message back in five after I tell you I’m aboard then I assume you need help” Tay replies while messaging your sister in law.

You take a nervous breath in before stepping off “Aye. See you aboard one way or another” The kakuen gets to work, wasting no time fading into the background as she heads towards an entrance with fewer bodies than the rest. Offering a silent prayer to the First, you steel your resolve as you head to Patricia.

Every step you take is mirrored with a heavy heartbeat echoing through your bones. Scanning the area, the garden planters facing the street to your left and the wall of windows to your right are but a blur. You get within speaking distance, taking the time to put one of the terminal’s small sidewalk gardens in front of her. The waist high planters will do well to keep you from her reach, unless she proves friendly she needs to be kept at distance. For better or worse, you bark sharply “Patricia!”

She whips around, staring at you slack jawed “Peter? What in the name of the First are you doing here …”

“Could ask the same of you, do you have any idea what’s been going on?”

“There’s been a large group of bishops and archbishops that have been jailed for insubordination, a few others committing first class heresy. Where do you stand in this?”

“If surviving attempts on my life by the church counts as being a heretic I’m going to disappoint”

Patricia stares at you in disbelief while reaching for her radio “Peter, you know what being a member of the church means. I need to tell–”

Your hand rests on your phaser pistol in response to Patricia’s actions “Hands off the radio Pat. If you do what I think you might, I’m going to do what I have to. What you do after I tell you my side is up to you, but fair warning: if it involves going along with the church” you warn, drawing the weapon “I can’t afford the consequences”

Gingerly moving her hand away from the radio, Patricia’s look sours “You must be one of the heretics with that attitude. Guess I better listen to you or else you’ll add murder to your list of charges. But if I think for a second that you’re feeding me a line I’m one button press away from having this place swarmed with the law”

“Fine. I’ll start from the Odysssey. And if you still side with the church after everything don’t think I’ll be cooperating in the slightest”

As Patricia listens impatiently, her face twists as she fails to get the point “So you’re one of them then”

Father of all creation, your sister picked a fine time to be thick in the head “Alright, no more faffing about. You believe what you want to, I can’t be planet side longer than I have to”

“After finding out basically every sentient in the sector seems fit to be jailed, you expect me to make a judgement call on the drop of a hat?”

“Don’t make me repeat myself. I’m not staying Pat” you level with her flatly, suspicious as to why she’s stalling.

“Let’s say you’re right. What am I supposed to do? Denounce the church? Then what? The church will apparently have me killed. I die as a heretic and nothing will change. But at the end of the day, you were the one to dirty your hands first. Your personal JUSTICE isn’t as important as the big picture” Patricia replies, tears welling in her eyes “I’m not going to ignore the JUSTICE of the universe because of you. You made the choice to commit heresy instead of keeping your distance. I can’t let you walk” she finishes with tears starting to stream down her face. Before you can react, she hits a button on her radio. Cursing the universe, you arm your pistol to ‘stun’ and deliver a quick shot to her chest. You don’t have it in you to end your sister, even if she’s intent on cooperating with the church.

As CivSec and Exertius Dei members quickly converging where you are, you have enough time to make a call to Minako “Sister’s called in ‘help’, you know the kind” The nine tail growls through the speaker

“Stay there. Coming to help” That stubborn fox. She bloody well knows she’s a target but she’s heading here to help? This won’t end well no matter the outcome.

A group of roughly thirty CivSec members and Exertius Dei clergy strong come rushing to where your sister lies unconscious. “Heretic! You’re under arrest, on the ground, now!” they shout as they prepare to take aim at you with a troubling amount of phaser rifles. While the tips of rifle emitters take aim, the surrounding area underneath erupting into a field of vicious spikes. That assumption about how this situation ending poorly becomes reality, Minako’s cast pierces each assailant from their hips to their shoulders, with several spikes for each member. Your sister in law leaves her shadow, the anger of a centuries old sentient so thick in the air you have trouble breathing. The nine tail suddenly explodes in self righteous fury “If anyone on this planet wants to be a crusader go ahead! You can die in the attempt just like these ones did!”

Looking at the bodies, you lose your own cool “What in the pit did you just do you damn bell end!? Did you really do–”

The kitsune walks toward you, her presence becoming more stifling the closer she gets. As she passes you, she growls “Not one word. I will not be telling my sister you died from your own stupidity” Taking the time to look at your sister, you breathe a strained sigh of relief. Thankfully Minako didn’t take aim at her. But she shows no compassion to Patricia, the nine tail binds her in a crucifix and slaps her back to consciousness. Patricia looks around in a panic, trying to grasp everything at a moment’s notice. Your sister in law walks up to her, giving her a cold, clinical glare “I left you alive because you’re Peter’s sister. You have one chance to make the correct choice. And you have five seconds to make it”

The sister of Dei Gratia begins to panic “I’m following the law! Hard for a demon like you to understand but–”

“Five”

“You’re not actually going to kill me, you don’t have the …”

Another shadow spike, from Patricia’s shadow, flickers into view cutting off the protest “Four”

“Minako! Stop!” you scream, hoping you don’t need the phaser pistol.

“I stop when your sister treats you like family. Three” the kitsune says coldly.

“If I let all this go, then I’m a heretic and as good as dead! What good would that do you?” your sister screams, her desperation bringing no relief.

“Two”

Firing a warning shot near Minako’s feet, you then take aim at her chest before trying to end this “Find another way that doesn’t involve my family killing each other”

“Speak quickly, Lord Callahan of the Hayashi clan” she replies.

Using a formal title with that arrogance? Two can play at this game “You're not going to hurt a hair on her head, and we're going to take her with us. No arguments or I leave you stunned on the street and leave alone”

The fox turns her attention to your sister again, you could smell her disapproval in the air “Your brother gives you another …. Correct choice. Choose. Now”

Patricia’s breath erratic from her continued breakdown, nods her head in agreement. Minako raises your sister up to her eye level and warns her again “You’re unharmed because of your brother. Do not treat him like you did just now ever again. I trust you know what will happen if you do” Making some sort of two handed symbol, Patricia is sealed inside of Minako’s shadow “I’ll keep her in my shadow until we can put her in a cell on the ship, but she won’t be harmed”

“I am going to have words with you after we get off planet lass, and none of them pleasant. Now get moving” you spit at your sister in law, as you hurry to the Nighthawk.

Between the chaos Minako’s causing, and the fear of what she did stopping any arrest attempts, the two of you gain a clear path into the terminal. The kitsune casts a massive shadow shield, rendering any possible atttacks useless. Without missing a beat, arcane stalagmites burst from the shadows of the V type drones that attempt to hunt you down. With no way to guard against the nine tail’s offence, the drones shatter into hand sized pieces.

Halfway into the terminal, the fox’s phone tries to get her attention but only you notice it. Tay must’ve successfully boarded your vessel. A hasty reply from your phone to the kakuen’s guarantees you’ll have a ship waiting. You see a lightly bloodied, but otherwise healthy monkey meeting you as you board the ship “Pilot was keeping an eye out with the ship’s sensors. Need any help?”

“Aye. Need a holding cell, or the next best thing” you groan in equal parts relief and frustration. You turn to an angry Minako, giving her no quarter as you dress her down “Lady Wilson of the Hayashi clan: you’re going to follow Tay to where my sister is going to be spending her time aboard this ship. You’re then going to find a room for yourself, and keep to yourself. You want to be a fucking tool? Go be one where I don’t have to look at you. And your empress isn’t going to save you if I find out anything’s happened to my sister, now get!”

The angry kitsune tries to dress you down in return but you continue your tirade unabated “I won’t hear any of what’s rattling about in your head. From the looks of things if I want to listen to the wisdom of someone who’s lived four damn centuries I can look up videos of people shaking rocks in jars on the metaweb! Get out of my sight, now!” Keeping her thoughts to herself, Minako storms off while following Tay while you turn to head off to your room.

An hour and a half has passed since the fog of Landirei was left behind. The Nighthawk cruises through space silently, with everyone onboard save for Tay and the pilot wishing for better company. “Promise not to hang me by my tail if I talk to you about something?” the kakuen asks, attempting to ease the tension.

“Go on, you’re not the one I’m cross with” you comment.

“It’s why I think Minako made a hot mess of those crusaders. I’m not trying to justify it though, just saying what I know. Did Makoto or Minako give you a talk about the harpies and hornets?”

“Yes, but couldn’t hurt to hear your take”

“Monsters and their husbands don’t ‘bond’ like human married couples do. Being bonded isn’t just marriage, it’s also part physical”

“That’s strange, but if I get the point here … does that mean Makoto and I are stuck with each other for the rest of our lives in all senses of the word?”

“Yeah. It also means that if one of you dies early that the other one is in a nebula without a thruster if you catch my drift”

“That’s a bit concerning if you’re implying what I think you are” you note. This doesn’t excuse Minako from her stupidity, but it sheds some light on why she did it.

Tay shifts off her bed, going to the replicator “Mhmm. It’s why Minako was asking about those laws earlier. There’s been enough attempts on their lives over history because of what they are to have these laws. You’ve only started to experience the risks of being a husband to a monster like Makoto I'm afraid. Wish it was different, but life likes to be difficult. Coffee?”

“Aye, thank you” Tay extends a silver tufted arm passing you a coffee as she gets serious “Peter, I might be outta line but: your old life’s dead. You’re a former bishop, and Makoto makes you a high value target. If your old church had their way do you think you’d still be breathing? I’m guessing that your sister already knows more than you think, but would’ve turned you over anyway if it wasn’t for the interruption”

Taking a long pause processing this, you knock back a mouthful of java before conceding “I don’t want to agree with you, but life’s proven otherwise. I mean I know things changed … but I’ve done all my thinking with my head in my arse it seems. Minako didn’t help any, but my sister was fine with turning me over knowing what probably would’ve happened. First preserve me, I better smarten up proper”

“Don’t worry about it. You didn’t learn all of it the hard way” Tay consoles, putting some caffeinated comfort down the hatch. Since Tay is proving to be refreshingly honest, you spend a few hours swapping stories that happened before the Odyssey. It makes this one of the memorable trips you’ve taken in the big black for some damn fine reasons

Finally reaching Stonower, you arrive somewhere in Rociro airspace in the dead of night. En route to the terminal, you fly over one of Stonower’s many escarpments. Looking out the window, the forest is filled with blue and green fireflies in the air. Seeing them dance through the treeline is surreal, even when sentients cross the void of space faster than light things like this still give one pause for reflection. The door to your room slides open, with a familiar voice following “I hope we’re done fighting for the day. Can we talk?”

You look at the nine tail resisting the urge to raise your voice “I won’t dwell on it, but I’m disgusted with how you treated Patricia”

“Heads up, we’ll be landing in thirty. Just giving you three a heads up, CivSec’s waiting and wants to talk with at least one of you over what happened” the pilot warns.

A hurt kitsune turns away in shame, ears as low as her eyes while she sits on the bed “I’ll handle that, better they hear everything from me”

“Thanks, you’ve been a peach. Say flyboy, what do you think about hitting the bars when we get back?” Tay asks the pilot.

“If you don’t mind tomorrow I’m game. Don’t have another shift for three days. Just want some shuteye before getting shitfaced” the pilot agrees.

“Sounds good. I’ll hang around for you after, gonna grab your contact info” The kakuen says, a grin spreading across her face. As soon as the pilot turns off the comms, a smug Tay chuckles “Been waiting for this chance for two weeks now. I’m grabbing more than your contact info flyboy, you better not drink too much tomorrow” With Tay planning on something less than chaste, you wonder if the pilot knows what he’s getting into. Or in this case, who.

Five minutes before you reach the terminal, your curiosity gets the better of you “Minako, I’m not giving you a free pass. But was what happened the first time—”

“No. When I was two hundred and twelve, I was coming home from the Virgo cluster with Derek, we were visiting his family. A group of extremists found out. It was nearly identical what happened today”

“And how did this affect today’s problem?"

“I didn’t stop them right away and needed to use something forbidden because I hesitated. What I cast in desperation has a large area of effect. I'm sure you can figure out what happened to some innocent sentients nearby”

“Still doesn’t explain why you took the bloody offensive with her. Not like Pat was a threat”

“Fine. You want to know the other reasons why? Your sister’s just as much a crusader as she is family, Peter. She took the effort to call in 'help'. And I’m too much of a coward to tell my sister you died today”

“Don't remind me. But as long as she isn't trying to throw us into the pit can you show a little restraint?” you snap, at least Minako’s finally being upfront with it.

“I promise to treat her better if things improve. You’re right, and what I did is my problem …” the nine tail states sincerely, aware of her own mistakes she committed to today.

“Looks like we’re nearly at the terminal. I’m going to see that Patricia and I leave separate from you and Tay. Where is she, anyway?” you ask.

The nine tail points down the hall “The brig. You’ll be able to see her in one of the holding cells. I’ll see you when I get back to the shrine Peter”

“Aye. And Tay, I owe you one. You did amazing” you congratulate.

The kakuen holds her fist out, beaming from the praise “You did better than a lot of lifers, and it’s just your first mission. Want to pick up more contracts with you for sure. Give me a tap before you go!”

Obliging the monkey, you tap her fist with yours “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. Just don’t wear that pilot out too much, I think I know what you’re planning”

“No promises. Keep well, Peter” Tay says with a wink, allowing you to head to the brig.

“Aye, same to you. I’m sure we’ll see each other soon” you say with a casual wave goodbye as you head to your sister. Tay’s conversation is still fresh in your mind as you head into the spartan room where your sister waits. While Patricia is related by blood, she didn’t treat you like family would. With a heavy heart you confront your sibling “We’re here”

Patricia responds robotically in kind “What do you think you’re accomplishing by telling me this? You’re just going to hand me off to CivSec anyway”

“If you really want me to I can. I was going to suggest you seek asylum, maybe talk to Rowan and Kelley when they get planet side. But it’s up to you. And if you put me in a spot, I don’t need to tell you what side I’m going to take”

“You’ve already made it clear you’re not siding with me. I’ll wait for Rowan and Kelley if anything, and if I don’t buy what they have to say? You know what side I’ll be fighting for”

“I’ll get them to message you. Just mind your own and I’ll deal with my sister in law when we leave the ship. She’s in the wrong as much as you are” you state, lowering the cell’s security field.

“Fine. But if that fox demon tries anything she’s going to get it back threefold” Patricia snarls through her teeth.

You let your sister out, keeping away from her with a hand on your phaser pistol. You’ll need to leave it here, but will wait until your sibling leaves the Nighthawk just in case. Now, what to do? It’s the dead of night, no sense in checking in with the guild. Would be nice to head to the shrine, Makoto would be glad to see you unharmed. On another note, you don’t want to leave Patricia alone for several reasons. One, it would be good to keep tabs on her until Rowan and Kelley arrive in Rociro. She also needs to find somewhere to stay for the time being. Staying at the shrine is out of the question until there’s proof she won’t throw a spanner into the works. You also don’t want her seeking out church help at all, and accompanying her should stop her from doing so. Another thing. Minako did say she’d be spending time with CivSec, and with all the excitement today you’re unsure if her going alone is wise. Tay’s going to be otherwise occupied with her flyboy, thankfully you can just get her contact info from the guild later. You’re also not keen on seeing the kind of show you figure is going to happen. The kakuen will be fine on her own, but you wonder what the best course to take is.

Not the best way to leave a planet, but the important sentients made it off Landirei alive.

Help Patricia find a place to stay. You can slap some figurative sense into your sister, and make sure she doesn’t do something to call in the wrong kind of help.

Go with Minako for the CivSec questioning. You can also ask Minako more about everything, and if the law isn’t too busy perhaps see how far along they are using the evidence from your previous contract’s haul.

Head back to the shrine alone. Makoto’s beside herself, and it would pay you to see what’s going on in the universe. A quick browse of the metaweb may provide useful insight before you get some rest.

Arrest Patricia and turn her over to CivSec. You're sick of the roller coaster ride as it were, and since she's still being defiant she can't be trusted.

If anything else comes to mind, throw it out there and I'll see what I can do with it this is the best I could do for 'convince and take with us' considering Patricia's background and all the circumstances with the others. I hope it's not completely terrible. That suggestion was a fucking good one so wanted to follow it as much as the magical realm could allow

>>365933

Good shit.

Minako is brutal but I like that.

Alright, so first thing's first, call Makoto and let her know that we're okay but it will be a little longer.

We need to follow through and take care of our sister, at least until Rowan and Kelley meet up with us. We make sure she doesn't get up to anything stupid/bad for us and our plans and things will be just peachy (hopefully)

We also need to pay close attention to our surroundings. If we can complete a contract in the manner we did then there could be others out there intending the same for us - especially after Minako's outburst (Not that I disagree with her but in character there may be sympathizers even here who may have already heard what happened. It's not every day someone just blows away 30 some odd CivSec regardless if they're crooked or not.)

Secondly keep the pressure on her. It's going to take time convincing our sister that she's in the wrong, especially since she's been so thick thus far, but if we can get even a sliver of reason into her head then maybe we can make her see our side of all this? (It probably won't/shouldn't be instant but at least we can say we tried.)

After Rowan and Kelley catch up with us we need to go to Makoto. I'm sure she misses us as much as we do her.

I liked it. It kept me engaged and I hope she brings something else to the table for your writing. Who knows, maybe you could also have her monsterize?

>>366025

Ding dong. Last stop before locksville.

>TL;DR version: help Patricia after calling Mrs. Mofu and a "sorry Pat, you're not human any more"

Up to page one since we're 24 ish hours away from closing up choices as usual.

>>366025

I'm liking this plan, sign me up.

Also, it would be pretty funny if she monsetrized, "No John, you are the demons" and all that.

>>366208

You set the pistol into the Nighthawk’s storage before breaking the silence “Well, I won’t arrest you. But I am going with you to find you somewhere to stay until I can get in touch with Rowan and Kelley”

“Fine” Patricia agrees snidely.

Since your sister won't be good company in the immediate future, you may as well tell Makoto you’re in one piece. Makoto answers a few rings after you call “Yes, it’s me … yes, I’m safe … no, I’m quite alright. You don’t need to …. Makoto, please …. Fine, you win. See you when you get here, I'll keep an eye out”

Patricia gives you a trying look as you end the call “What was that about?”

“Makoto’s meeting me at the terminal. Wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer. Act your Sunday best, she’s my wife”

“What kind of idiot do you take me for?” your sister jeers.

“You’re asking that after everything that’s happened today? Quit being thick in the head. Now let’s get off the ship and find somewhere to wait” you grumble, disappointed in Patricia’s lack of sense. Leaving the ship to look for a suitable area, you take a gander. There’s a food court down the hall with a patio, its outdoor lighting parting the night sky with precision “There’s good. We can rest up, eat, and wait for Makoto there” you point out. Patricia keeps her lips sealed, with a stoic nod the only thing to acknowledge your offer. The pair of you sit and place orders in with the menu tablet embedded in the table.

“So, what do you plan on doing for somewhere to stay?” you ask.

“Well I can’t visit the church or ask for their help, you saw to that” Patricia snaps back.

“Trust me you don’t want help from the church. Besides, when have I ever lied about this sort of thing anyway?”

“That’s the only thing saving you from me calling the law. Now until I can talk to Kelley and Rowan to see that your hair brained tale is what’s going on mind your tongue. If you don’t then I make the call. And remember: you became a first class heretic of your own choosing. If it turns out you’re taking the piss I’ll see to it you face JUSTICE for this if things don’t check out”

Thankfully, the waitress delivers your orders of chips before anything else comes up. The last thing you need is to get in a fight with your sister as it will end in her calling the church. Your stomachs are also interrupting the conversation with their demands, so that isn’t helping either of you when it comes to civility. Both of you dig into your food without reservation, as conversations can wait.

As the minutes drag on, they don’t feel any less tense than when you let Patricia out of the Nighthawk’s holding cell. Taking a look around to see if Makoto’s arrived yet, you catch a familiar sentient out of the corner of your eye. Your hand shoots for your phone, and sends off a quick message. As luck would have it, your recipient and the sentient you caught a glimpse of are one and the same. Standing up and waving, you make yourself known when the familiar dragon is in earshot “Kelley, over here lass”

Patricia takes a moment to process the exchange, and the shock from seeing her former archbishop shatters her stone face stare “Father of all creation! Kelley?”

“Peter says ‘Kelley, come over here’, and I come over. Can you think before opening your mouth?” the dragon smoulders, sinking into the chair with a wince.

“I promised Peter that I would listen to you and Rowan, but you’re not doing a good job of telling me why the church is apparently off its rocker if you became one of … them”

Kelley makes a few gestures, pulling up what you assume is message history with the now arrested O’Donnell. A dark ruby scaled forearm then thrusts the phone in front of the defiant sister of Dei Gratia “Tell you what. Start reading with the message that orders me to use my pyromancy on innocent sentients. And before you get any shite ideas about why I’m a dragon now: Peter’s wife stopped the sentient who was going to kill us. She’s a nine tailed fox. Don’t think I need to explain how potent her mana is. I was too close to avoid the effects. When you’re done with the messages I’ll tell you the rest”

“Where’s Rowan anyway?” you query, curious as to why Kelley is here alone. “On Rasowa. The first attempt at rescuing the dryad failed. I was taken off planet because of heavy injury. Was caught by a piece of building that was blown up by a combat drone. My left arm, left wing, and my ribs were basically dust. Llumian military medics patched me up, but told the guild I’m off limits for a week to let their nanites fix things proper. The only reason I’m in relatively good shape is because of my new body. But enough of that, why did you bring Pat back?”

“It was spur of the moment, and it was the least painful choice at the time. Seems some branches of CivSec are being creative with the law”

Patricia shoots you a dirty glare as she blows her top “Being creative? The church didn’t force you to keep company with other species. It didn’t force you to lay with that fox demon. You turned your back on your own kind, and started down a path to the pit because of some stupid belief that other kinds of life in the universe apparently give a damn about humanity!”

Kelley stares through your sister, the dragon’s voice low and menacing “Don’t imply that I need to kill innocent sentients for the sake of the church, or that I somehow lack agency ever again. I’ll prove you right if you do”

The sister of Dei gratia finally shows a hint of thought, her attention refocusing on Kelley’s phone as she reads the damning messages.

As your sister hides in Kelley’s phone, you pass the time by messaging Makoto to tell her where you are. While the terminal is easy to navigate, it’ll certainly make waiting less painful. There are so few sentients about that the usually subdued sounds of the terminal’s operation can be heard. A low thrum from the bright lights outside pierces the silence in tandem with the light that slices the night sky. When a sentient does pass near the cafe the rhythmic drum of footsteps echo through the air, doing nothing to lighten the mood. After a twenty minute wait that feels like two hours passes by, you notice Makoto heading toward the cafe. You wave when she faces where you’re sitting, with the impatient nine tail taking the hint.

She walks over to your table, welcoming your presence with a quick peck on your forehead “How did it go?”

“As good as expected. Mind you, did run into a snag” you say. “Makoto, this is my sister Patricia. Patricia, this is my wife, Makoto”

“Nice to meet you. Peter, you should’ve told me you had a sister, we could’ve helped her get off Landirei”

“Nice to meet you I guess …” your sibling replies dryly, lost as to why the kitsune is so happy to see her.

“Meeting you explains a lot about Peter though”

“Like what, exactly?”

“The way he handles himself around monsters even when he was in the church. But if you don’t mind me asking, why maintain an illusion? Succubi are everywhere on Rociro”

“Wait, what?” Patricia tries to clarify, bewilderment written on her face.

Makoto’s eyes widen in surprize when she puts the pieces together “I mean I sensed two magically innate monsters here with Peter … I thought …errr ….”

Kelley interrupts the stammering fox as she takes her phone back “Now that you mention it” agreeing with Makoto “I sense it too. She must be the beginning stage, I’m picking up a hint of something but takes a fair bit of concentration. Going to call an ambulance because I know what happens next. Patricia, hope you don’t plan on attending mass any time soon”

“As if the First would forsake me and leave me a demon, this has to be some sort of joke!” your disbelieving sister states defiantly.

“Don’t kid yourself, I don’t like you enough to lie to you. Turning into this” the dragon says, pointing to her horns and wings “is going to be a week’s worth of the worst pain you will ever experience in your life”

“Well then, I guess that solves the ‘where will Pat stay’ problem” you note sarcastically. Perhaps it’s best you found out before leaving the terminal instead of later, who knows what Patricia might’ve done had she been alone.

“Peter, mind if I catch up quick? Makoto asks, alluding to use of her casts.

“Go ahead. It’s quicker than telling you” you casually consent, looking directly into Makoto’s amber eyes.

“I … should’ve asked for the verbal version. I didn’t want to see what happened between Minako and that group. But it explains everything” the nine tail says.

Thank the First you have a short wait for the ambulance. The first responders waste little time reaching the cafe without the hassle of daylight traffic. Once they reach earshot one of them asks “Is the transformee here?”

Kelley points at your sister with her tail “This lass right here”

“Thank you. May I ask that everyone leave us room to work?” a succubus asks. As three of you aren't being attended to, you oblige the monster. She fishes a scancorder from her medical bag with her tail and begins examining Patricia. The rest of the first response team prepare a stretcher, while remaining in communication with the ambulance en route. Verifying her scancorder readings with what she senses the succubus gets the attention of her team “She’s positive, load her up and message intake”

Patricia starts creeping backwards, eager to keep distance from the ambulance crew “I don’t believe any of this, you’re just planning on turning me yourself with whatever you whores do!”

Kelley, sick of Patricia's song and dance, channels the pain tearing through her muscles as she blocks your sister’s escape “Enough of your shite! Listen to the damn medics before I solve your problem myself. I know your grey matter’s dense as a black hole but even you remember what that means. You are going to the hospital one way or another, so get on the bloody stretcher unless you want me to get involved you useless prat”

Aware of her preferred problem solving method Patricia refrains from giving any sass and cooperates with the first responders. “Who should we tell the doctor to contact when your sister is cleared for release?” the succubus asks politely.

You raise your hand in response “Me, and note that she has ties to Dei Gratia so any other families or the church is …”

“Out of the question. Rociro general has had a similar incident not too long ago, so we’re prepared. Thank you for your help” the first responder smiles, then trots over and assists the rest of her team as they leave.

Makoto is the first one to break the silence following your sister’s departure “We should go, cab’s waiting. And now that you’re back safe I can finally sleep”

Wanting to get what’s left of the day over with you couldn’t agree more “Aye, no complaints here”

“If you plan on giving Peter the ride wait until I’m dead to the world. It’s bad enough I can smell if two sentients are bumping uglies on the regular now, I don’t need to test if my hearing’s improved” the dragon quips.

“How did it go with what you were doing, anyway?” the nine tail asks hesitantly. “Piss poor. Ended up catching a giant hunk of building with my left side, and Rowan’s still stuck on Rasowa fighting it out”

“How are you not hospitalized? You’re, well … a monster, but that still doesn’t make us invincible”

“Llumian military medicine. I thought we were advanced, but their kit? Makes our medicine look like ancient snake oil. But after today? The only issues I have with my new body are the ones that involve getting used to the bits I didn’t have before. Had I took the hit as ‘human’ Kelley … I might not be here”

“Well if you have questions about being a monster I can help, even if I was responsible for everything” Makoto offers, attempting to reconcile.

“If you’re not busy with making sure Peter doesn’t go out in public without pants on I have about a week where I can’t do much” Kelley agrees.

“Oh come on … I only did that once, and everyone drank heavily that night” You moan, the embarrassment of your last birthday party you thought forgotten coming back to haunt you.

As the three of you arrive at the cab, Kelley hits below the belt “Well let’s go back and tell the beelzebub that was chasing you about that you changed your mind”

“Makoto, a little help?” you plead.

“Sure. I’ll buy the ticket and you can confess your feelings” the vixen jests.

Conceding defeat, you hang your head in shame “The lot of you planned this, I swear”. Your amused wife kisses you before the three of you get inside “Not this time, but I’m sure Kelley will tell me more later”

Deciding against pushing your luck, you simply sigh with your head in hand as the cab takes you back to Tsuki no Hikari’s shrine.

Back at your current home, you’re sleeping about ten breaths after your head meets the pillow. The nine tail lays on your left side, tucking her arm around your neck, and sliding her left leg over yours. With Makoto's pillow soft figure nestled into yours, you quickly fall back asleep. Kelley gets her wish for an undisturbed sleep, as nobody is fit to do anything else. When your phone’s alarm rouses you from your rest, you gingerly slide out from under the still slumbering fox. She must have worn herself out with whatever she did yesterday as it looks like nothing is going to wake her. After pulling the coves back over her, you shuffle downstairs to the shrine’s replicator for coffee.

Now, what to do for the day? You could check with the guild concerning more contracts and find something relating to the nonsense involving the universal state encoders. Another option could be to take a day off and spend some time with Makoto. Would be more enjoyable than other options to say the least. For a moment you wonder if Jenny would drop by unannounced given how things are. If she did it might pay you to ask about things, you find it strange that there’s no notice given to any anomalies when she uses her abilities to assist you. Jenny's antics would be highly suspect under any circumstance, her actions aren't possible by simple casts alone.

Peter succeeds in getting back to Stonower safely, albeit things went to pot for Kelley and Patricia. So what is the plan of attack after Peter gets some caffeine in him /monster/?

Stop by the guild and get to work with one of the remaining contracts. No sense in sitting idle when the universe has a rather nasty problem on its hands. The contracts are:

The Nexcell contract because of the universal serial encoders

The classified contract that involves working with interstellar special forces

The contract for rescuing the dryad hostage

If /monster/ needs a refresher on them just ask and I'll post. using the TL;DR versions to save time.

Take some time off, and do something with Makoto. You can use the metaweb for a quick and dirty checks on things, not to mention it would pay you to wait until Kelley’s up and running again.

Get Jenny’s attention and shine a spotlight on things. /monster/ will have to come up with the questions, and the restriction about not asking Jenny directly about her interest in Peter applies.

None of the above? Or only some of the above? Suggest something and I'll see about mixing it into things.

>>368056

We should help out Rowan on the dryad mission. We wouldn't want him to get captured or killed.

>>368056

>Take some time off, and do something with Makoto. You can use the metaweb for a quick and dirty checks on things, not to mention it would pay you to wait until Kelley’s up and running again.

snuggle with the foxfu by using every available space in her lap and/or on her breasts as a nice, soft, warm pillow while using her tails as soft, fluffy, warm blankets

also, make her some breakfast and bring it to her in bed (at least this one day)

>>368056

>>368061

This is what I was thinking. Can't just leave him hanging.

>>368061

This.

There’s time for rest on the way there. We’re a team so we need to help each other asap in any way we can. Kelley stays out of this one for obvious reasons. But that doesn’t mean we can’t go and bring waifu with us, right? I would ask for Minako as well, but things seem to be sour between us at the moment and we need no distractions. This is a rescue mission, need our A-game. Is Tay available? Get her in on this one, too - as well as any other available contractors who specialize in these types of rescues. I swear there was a medic available on the list of contractors who was specifically for search and rescue.

Get the team together, get the operation under way, save Rowan, a dryad and whoever else needs rescuing.

>>368218

I'll go over each thing real quick:

>Taking Mrs. Mofu along

No restrictions stopping Makoto from coming along.

>Taking the Mofu's sister

Interstellar red tape is keeping her tied up, and good catch about things being a bit touchy.

>Monkeybutt

She's occupied for the next few days, so she's out. Tay's been fixing on getting in the Nighthawk pilot's pants for a little while and finally succeeded. There was also large amounts of liquid clothing remover involved so if the pair of them aren't fucking … they're fucking wrecked

>The medic

Sarah Langley is the closest you're thinking of, a search/rescue wan.

>Any others

I didn't place any conditions on Coggni Diionan (the llumian marksman) and Trevor Black (infiltration/stealth themed wizard) from the pool I gave /monster/ to choose from last time, so they're fair game.

Here's the TL;DR: on the current contractors since they're from the last thread:

Sarah - insane physical ability, but only has peaceful search/rescue experience. Will try to snu Trevor if he comes along because that's what monsters try to do to wizards

Coggni - uses up to date llumian military weapons, but sweet fuck all in regard to any magic.

Trevor - he's a wizard so magic related tasks are a breeze. Just don't make him do anything physical if you can help it because he's … well … a wizard. Don't let Trevor get proactively dated or he's useless as tits on a bull

>>368220

Makoto will probably bring herself along regardless, so I'd say she's in. Other than her, I'd say bring the search & rescue wan and the wizard. I'm amused that they seem to complement each other so well function wise, but have the obvious problem of potential pro-active dating. Plus, they seem legit useful.

>>368061

>>368062

>>368102

>>368218

Tally for the 24 hour bump is:

>3 votes for helping Rowan

>1 vote for taking time off with Mrs. Mofu

For suggestions above and beyond the basic choices: enlist Sarah the search/rescue wan and Trevor the wizard at the guild before heading out.

>Makoto will come along with or without Peter's ok

I have no idea what you're talking about anon. :^)

>>368550

Deleting the post undoes the bump.

>>368554

I can't into shitposting today. Think I'm going to pour myself a nice tall glass of bleach.

>>368555

Not even shitposting. Try it out on /test/.

>>368550

Ah, black mage. Quality flashbacks to 8-bit Theater there. I'm curious though, did you have Peter's sister turn into one of the most stereotypically cock-thirsty mamano because it seemed amusing, or did you pick randomly?

>>368586

>Y U turn Patricia

Three reasons that relate to Space Quest: /monster/ asked, I checked to see if it would pass a reasonableness test given my magical realm (it did), and there was no pressing need to leave her human. Last reason? Thought about it after /monster/'s suggestion passed muster and figured "eh, that'll learn Peter's sister for being a dumbass"

>Why did Patricia turn into a cock hungry succubutt

Patricia is was your normal paIadin in mind and spirit for the most part so she gets no special treatment in that regard. Kelley has unique circumstances and is an exception, not the rule. If a woman does have the unfortunate luck of a second puberty then she's most likely turning into a succubutt one of the very few things I'll take from MGE without significant reworking

>>368748

>Y U turn Patricia

Oh, I was all on board for it; I was just wondering about why succubus specifically, so thanks for elaborating.

>>368748

I'm worried for her mental state. Once the succubus succ syndrome kicks in her beliefs and body will most certainly clash. I'd say we should try to be a good brother and keep an eye on her but she will probobly try to rape us, kill us, or both.

>>368548

The replicator chimes, the first part of your breakfast ready. Making short work of the first mouthful you stare at the replicator’s input screen deciding what to eat. A mass of blonde hair and frizzled tails shuffles into the kitchen as you put your mug down. “Good Morning hon” the sleepy yellow monster mumbles.

“Good morning lass” you reply, your words just as hazy as Makoto’s. “It’s not breakfast in bed, but do you want something?”

“Mmmm …. Pancakes and green tea”

“Done” you say, now waiting on the replicator to conjure your meals.

“C’mere” your nine tail yawns, with a beckoning finger. Obliging her for what you assume is a morning kiss, you find yourself in an embrace … with Makoto’s cheek rubbing gently but firmly over your face.

“Need to mark me so everyone knows I’m married to the big bad fox?” you chuckle.

“Mhmm” the still drowsy kitsune acknowledges while giving the other side of your face the same treatment. Well, if other monsters didn’t get the hint already this would certainly help you muse with a silent laugh. Another chime from the replicator a few moments later and breakfast is ready. “Thank you Peter”

“You’re welcome Makoto”

“Since I don’t think you’re going to take any time off what do you plan on next?”

“Not leaving Rowan high and dry. If the contract for Rasowa’s still open I’m signing up for it. Don’t want you to come along, if I remember right I’m expected to work as a part of the armed forces. That means more of what happened on the Caravan” you point out, recalling what you’re aware of.

“I was hoping you’d take at least a day off” the vixen grumbles. “But until everything’s taken care of I guess I don’t have a choice”

“I don’t like it either. But until I can do something else to earn my keep I’m stuck with being a contractor” you lament. Kelley shuffles into the kitchen with an annoyed visage, you brave the possible storm “I’d say good morning, but you look fit to be tied”

The dragon snorts with amusement as she taps her breakfast choice into the replicator “Physiotherapy appointment today”

“What do they have you doing?” Makoto wonders.

“Basic body awareness and getting my wings and tail up to snuff. Already called the hospital, leaving when they come to pick me up. Doctor’s said that dealing with the physio in the first few weeks of my turning means I’ll be able to do everything as if I was born a dragon. Next few sessions are going to hurt because of that chunk of building though”

“Maybe you can put it on hold? The hospital’s not going anywhere”

“After being forced to deal with my change even with painkillers this is a walk in the park”

“They didn’t give you anything that worked?” the nine tail recoils in horror.

“Afraid my situation was a special one. They tried basically everything, but nothing worked” Kelley shrugs. “But my ride’s going to be here in about five so that’s my hint to wait outside. I’ll see the two of you later” the dragon bids farewell, taking her fried egg sandwich from the replicator.

“See you later” you and Makoto say in time with each other. Downing your own sandwich, you get ready to start the rest of the day with a shower, a goodbye to your wife, and a trip to the contractor’s guild. Time to find out how poorly the Rasowa contract is going and what you can do to help.

“Thank you for offering to help contractor Black, contractor Callahan, contractor Langley. We certainly need it” administrator Henderson says, grateful for anybody to sign on board to help.

You nod, replying to the stressed manager “Well, may as well earn my keep. Now what do we need to know about the situation?”

“The city of Ginjapi is being controlled by terrorists who are shall we say …. Gifted with money and equipment. Officially these terrorists have no link to Nexcell or the sentients we’re hunting. Off the record I’m willing to bet the shirt off my back that they’re the benefactors”

Trevor Black, the contractor and wizard on one of the two monitors, strokes his well trimmed beard pensively “These terrorists, how well do they fight, and how well are they armed?”

“Field reports from contractor MacNamara’s reconnaissance puts these terrorists on par with interstellar forces in terms of everything from weapons to skill”

“The arse is gone out of ‘er on this one, hasn’t it b’y?” Sarah Langley, the kobold quips over her own connection.

“You could say that contractor Langley. But frankly, nobody was suspecting terrorists as well trained as what they’ve shown. The fact that some terrorist forces in Ginjapi have access to universal serial encoders poses is also a factor”

“This technology sounds as if it was engineered on a tablet during someone’s spare time” the wizard scoffs. “Needing to rely on the blood of cardinal monster species as one of the major catalysts for anything other than a first prototype is insufferably short sighted”

“Yes. We know contractor Black. But back on topic. We need to push with the interstellar forces now. Per contractor MacNamara’s report, contractor McCarthy eliminated one of the two heavy ballistics drones so the terrorists are vulnerable now. Time is critical, so you three need to be on Rasowa as soon as possible. To that end you three will meet at the ISAF Cutlass docked at the Leo Alpha Ceti terminal hub in thirty six hours. The ISAF will supply you with what you need because of the circumstances. If there’s any questions please message them to the guild en route, the Courier is only planet side for another hour and twenty minutes. Happy hunting, contractors”

“Happy hunting” you and your new group agree as the other two sign off.

Waiting at the Rociro terminal isn’t pleasant, the overcast skies near the terminal threatening a torrential downpour. Makoto was strangely accepting of her exclusion although the peace of mind brings some comfort. Your thoughts wander to who you will be working with in the short time you spend waiting for the Courier. Wizards and monsters working together can be unpredictable, what with monsters attempting to get into a wizard’s trousers being a universal constant. Perhaps the First has a sense of humour in pairing these two up you ponder as the Courier’s silhouette enters your view. The distinct slender body and single wedge shaped wing starts being peppered by rain as it glides over to its dock. Hopefully this dreary weather isn’t foreshadowing anything you mull, moving down the brightly lit hallway leading to the weathered vessel. Another routine boarding of the Courier ends with a 'tern class tug' on your restraints while you curse the lack of comfort. Since you have more hours aboard this vessel than you’d care to spend you decide to investigate the contractors you’re going to be working with for the next bounty. Using the contractor guild’s profiles, you settle on the wizard to begin.

Trevor Black is predictable, every sentient in the universe knows they’re thirty year old virgins who prefer the company of silence over others. His appearance is unfortunately generic, however he takes enough pride in his appearance to look professional. An immaculately trimmed beard prevents him from being forgettable, how the wizard maintains his picturesque facial hair is a mystery. First preserve you, you’ve tried with yours, but to no avail. Besides, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy Makoto’s company to the degree you do if you were a wizard apprentice.

Moving onto Sarah Langley, you expect a monster around the same build as a human woman, save for a kobold’s trademark canine features. You couldn’t be any more wrong, at a hundred and ninety eight centimeters and one hundred and twenty kilograms most sentients don’t compare. Father of all creation, at least five kilograms must be from her fur alone, it looks ready to swallow an arm if one decided to test its depth. Perhaps she’s a unique subspecies of kobold, it’s the only explanation you can come up with that explains her intimidating size.

Changing back to Trevor’s profile you familiarize yourself with his talents. His powers are similar to Rowan’s, although you’ll need to clarify the details with him at the hub. Before you get the chance to flip back to Sarah’s profile you’re lifted out of your seat by some unknown source. When your heart stops crashing into your ribcage you see a pair of familiar arms wrap around you “Makoto! What in the name of the First are you doing here!?”

The lecherous fox sucks on your earlobe as her sultry reply drifts into your ears “Mmm …. I have a few reasons”

“Apparently I’m not allowed to go by myself” you quip, your complaint half hearted because your nine tail’s affections blur your senses. May as well go along with Makoto’s lust fuelled surprise, there’s little else you can do at the moment. Frankly? There are worse things in the universe than a covert shag.

“If you’re trying to get down my trousers hang on then” you say, making room for Makoto to leave your shadow entirely. Her hands are blurs as they make quick work of moving your trousers to a more convenient place. You feel her start to grind your groin as the lusty nine tail massages her dripping snatch over your quickly growing member. The moment you’re completely hard, Makoto shifts herself and drives her hips into you with zero subtlety. Wet, meaty slaps fill the air as the nine tail shamelessly marks you like before. Her breathing becomes erratic as she constricts around you, stopping her assault just long enough to focus on her orgasm. With her first climax finished, she continues to satisfy her urges with the same pace she started with. Three more of the nine tail’s large orgasms later you’re in no shape to last any longer. Makoto feels your throbbing cock twitch in anticipation of your own orgasm and hilts you, another orgasm rippling through her.

Finishing with enormous streams of spunk inside the greedy kitsune, she lays on you as she catches her breath “Oooh ….. that hit the spot”

“You could say that” you drawl. “But you can’t be comfortable. Tell me where I need to move lass”

The nine tail kisses you before she answers “In a bit. When you’re soft I’ll end up pushing you out, but you’re staying in me until then”

Since you’re not in a position to argue you concede as you fade into sleep “Not in a spot to argue I’d say. But I’m knackered lass, going to take a nap” Makoto did most of the work, but her effort was so intense that you need the rest.

Waking up about an hour later to a wall of fluff in your face, you assume that Makoto is busying herself with something on the metaweb “Welcome back Peter. Did I wear you out? Ufufufu~”

Parting her tail fur enough to avoid a mouthful, you reply “Yes, that was a workout. Couple things I’m wondering though”

“I’m listening”

“Aren’t you worried about getting pregnant?”

“Oh Empress no, it’s going to take centuries before that happens. I don’t mind the thought but cardinal monster species biology is what it is. Wait … I don’t mind the idea, but labour sounds painful so I won’t like that part”

“I don’t think any female sentient does. Just one more thing”

“Okay” “Did you ‘warm up’ before you decided to help yourself to a ride?”

“Nope. Compared to other sentient females in the universe, monsters are on a hair trigger at best. It’s part of the reason we’re so … forward … when it comes to things”

“Hair trigger at best?”

“Remember the time on the Diplomat?”

“Aye”

“Had a couple small ones from that make out session”

“I must be missing out here …” you retort, amazed and baffled at this revelation.

“Only if you insist on going places in this universe alone you silly man” the fox coos, moving in to kiss you again. Plenty of time to give Makoto warning about sneaking aboard ships later, it’s difficult to say anything when you’re otherwise busy.

The pair of you finally finish groping each other, so you decide to get the unpleasant part of Makoto’s company aside “Just how long were you in my shadow for, and what do you know about this contract?”

“Only that one part about ‘I need to go alone because it’s dangerous’. What do I need to know besides the obvious part of staying hidden in your shadow until we hit Rasowa?” Makoto replies.

“We’re serving as extra members of the military for this. So that means if we’re told to kill, we kill. We also run the risk of being killed. First preserve me it’s not right, but the effort the maggots are putting behind keeping that dryad to themselves is worse”

“It might not be right according to your old church, but the Empress wouldn’t care for those who choose to sit when they can act. Not sure your First would be pleased if you sat back and did nothing”

You rub your forehead pensively as you agree “Suppose not. Still don’t like this part of being a contractor. I’d rather do something else once this affair with whoever’s responsible for everything is put away”

The vixen thinks for this briefly before concurring “No complaints here. We can talk about that later when we have less to worry about” Thank the First Makoto is open to working with you on this, as there are sentients who couldn’t be further from his light if they tried. You’re going to see them brought to JUSTICE, then concern yourself with an early retirement.

Several hours later, you arrive at the terminal hub. Its downright serene compared to the last time, you enjoy the view into space from the terminal hub's generous windows. Makoto could enjoy it more if she didn’t need to hide in your shadow, although hiding undetected in your shadow is preferable to the other option. As you draw closer to the Cutlass you can’t ignore the fact that every part of this ship is designed to end lives. While the Courier is sleek with gentle curves joining her together, the Cutlass looks like it's pieced together from odds and sods. Granted these ‘odds and sods’ are all manner of weapons and specialized sensors. You hope that Rowan didn’t spend much time aboard this kind of ship, thinking about going places in it is uncomfortable, let alone being aboard it. Can’t afford to let your druthers get in the way though, since getting to Rasowa quickly and in one piece is a priority. Perhaps the other two contractors are already onboard, you don’t see any sign of them. Granted, you’re not seeing any unusually large kobolds in the terminal hub. Arriving at spoke five’s exit, you leave the transit car and board the Cutlass. Setting foot on this ship makes the IFCC Condor feel bespoke in comparison.

Waiting inside the military ship is an ISAF member. The well built and intimidating man standing watch over who boards with an eye on the traffic and a finger that’s half a thought away from firing his rifle. “State your business civilian” he says with no trace of feeling in his voice.

“I’m Contractor Callahan, the contractor’s guild told me to meet up with the Cutlass”

The soldier waits for instruction via a helmet mounted computer before speaking “Confirmed. Proceed directly to the briefing room as marked by the signs”

“Aye. Thank you” you reply curtly, no sense in conversational pleasantries with the military. You’re unsure if using manners will end in you being shot, that man’s stone cold face couldn't give away anything to save his life. Numerous creaks and groans of the ship’s systems reverberates through the narrow corridors as you scan the walls for the briefing room sign. Slipping past the tight door leads you into a claustrophobic room with other contractors, Sarah and Trevor among them. “Hello, I spoke with you two before leaving Stonower. I’m Peter” you greet.

“I am Trevor. Please, take my seat” the wizard offers, desperate to have at least an arm’s length of space away from the kobold.

“You’re Peter? I’m Sarah, how you getting on b’y?” the frightfully large canine beams.

“I’m well, thank you lass” you reply, as the rhythmic drive of boots slices through the air killing any conversational mood.

An ochimusha dressed within an inch of her unlife in an ISAF uniform marches to the pedestal in the far corner of the room. After activating a computer there, the monster then activates a large display at the front of the room before beginning “Hello contractors. As you all accepted the contract for this mission with little information you shall be briefed on the situation. The ISAF is engaged with enemy combatants in the Ginjapi region of Rasowa because they are attempting to maintain possession of their hostage. Our mission has two objectives: acquire the sentient they are holding hostage, and neutralize Nexcell corporation operations eliminating their ability to produce universal state encoders. All insertion areas to the front are hot, combat has been sustained for the past two days. Enemy combatants are currently on the defensive, however delays will lead to failure as they are close to activating another ballistics drone. The enemy combatants are attempting to contact their allied factions from a communications center as well. As contractors are sent here on a volunteer basis the ISAF will allow your groups to select where they are deployed when possible. Select your insertion point based on your abilities, and inform the ISAF within the hour. Dismissed” the undead warrior says, ending the briefing.

You go to leave along with Trevor and Sarah, but her stern voice singles you out “you are not dismissed”

Shite. She might know about Makoto somehow, this is bad. “Yes?” you ask, preparing for the worst

“Close the door contractor” the ochimusha orders coldy. Doing as she wishes, you wait for the inevitable to happen. “Ship’s sensors picked up an additional mana signature in addition to your own. Explain this immediately or the ISAF will consider you an enemy combatant”

“Makoto, now’s not the time to be shy” you say, your words a blur.

Your wife complies, emerging from your shadow to address the monster in front of her “I’m here to help my husband. Not to cause harm, Empress as my witness”

The ochimusha circles the nervous fox with trepidation “Name your species”

“K-kyubi no kitsune ….”

“Name your family”

“Callahan of the Hayashi clan…”

“How foolish to join your husband on such an errand considering your position”

“They’ll come after me if I face them or run from them. The Empress will not forgive me if I sat by and did nothing”

“Very well, queen of beasts. If you wish to help I will see to it you and your husband are not treated as enemy combatants. However, do not play games with the ISAF again. We were well within our right to terminate both of you for your foolishness. Find the other contractors you will be working with and decide on your insertion point. You are dismissed” the unfeeling monster deadpans.

“Thank you” Makoto and you answer with haste. With nothing left but the military officer’s unyielding stare the pair of you quickly vacate the room while the undead warrior is busy with the computer. You assume it’s to hold true to her word, otherwise the both of you would be a statistic.

Finding the other two contractors is trying, the Cutlass and her claustrophobic interior makes moving around difficult. A voice calls to you while walking past an open dormitory door “Over here b’y, we’re fixing on a plan and need ya here” Sarah hollers. Heading to the kobold she continues “Oh, a fancy fox? When’d you come into the picture?”

“I hid in my husband’s shadow, if I leave him alone he’ll leave for work half dressed” the kitsune jabs playfully.

“My mom says they’re all like that, I thinks all men need their monsters to keep ‘em from fallin’ into a mess. I’m Sarah by the way. How you gettin’ on?” Sarah says, offering one of her massive hands.

“I’m Makoto” the vixen greets, bowing lightly.

“Good thing the briefing was short. We have a chance to be civil” you reply, shaking hands with the friendly canine. “You must be Trevor then. Will spare you the trouble of a handshake, you’re a wizard after all”

“Thank you for being one of the few who have some sense! Now please tell the kobold that I am not for satiating her sexual proclivities, I wish to be free of her wandering hands” the magic user scowls, casting a disapproving eye towards his assailant.

“I only kissed ya, not like I pinned ya down for some of the old in and out. And if ya didn’t moan like ya meant it I would’ve stopped b’y. But enough of that stuff. Peter, can you give this info a quick tour and help? I’m still new to this and cute stuff over there’s stunned” Sarah asks as she passes a tablet with the mission details the ISAF officer mentioned in the briefing room.

“Before I get into reading this, mind telling me a bit about your powers lad? Your powers seem like my friend’s but magic’s a funny thing. Doubt yours are identical to his” you ask the wizard.

Trevor is eager to reply “Certainly, how astute of you to keep that in mind. For any of my concealments, my talents alter the target’s perception of what their senses tell them. My range is enough to guarantee that we stay off the sensors of that nasty bit of nuts and bolts. However: my concealments only work if we keep a low profile. The second we were to say … attack that uncouth machine … is the second it stops working. A similar principle applies to my information extraction: once that information is used or acted upon the target affected by it will know. Thankfully machines aren’t affected by this like living beings are. So disabling something like automated security will pose no threat unless a sentient catches it when it happens. Now given the nature of your question it’s safe to assume you’re magically innate?”

“Aye, I can negate things as well as use Dei Gratia casts all members ranked priest or higher use” you reply.

“And what of the powers that belong to the inari? Surely she is no stranger to the art”

“Kyubi no kitsune actually. And yes, I can use the Hayashi clan’s shadow magic. Haven’t been tested for it yet though” the vixen points out.

Trevor remains silent for a few second before commenting “Ah, but we are working with the military. Not being experienced enough to prevent collateral damage is of no concern. In fact, it would work to our advantage should we need to use it on enemy combatants. We can discuss the particulars later, Peter needs to review the information on the tablet for now”

“That I do” you concede. Time to suss out what the ISAF officer told you to.

First thing’s first, you look up the ballistics drone unsure of its particulars. You know it’s a drone, but most of the technical military information in the file means little. What you do pay heed to is that The drone is a few hundred meters long and wide, and armed with an alphabet soup of weaponry. With its range being a 5 kilometer radius you assume that you’re as good as dead if this drone gets a hard lock on you. Hopefully Trevor’s wizardry can help with staying undetected. How in the name of the First did Kelley manage to down one of these anyway? Best to worry about that later, although you should tear a strip off her for being incredibly daft.

Now, for the available areas to insert. There’s an area near a communications building. Making it useless somehow would make it next to impossible for those maggots to communicate, it might interfere with that blasted drone as well. Another area, a few kilometers northeast of the tower, is a point that the ISAF is using as a field command. There’s a good chance Rowan’s there as Kelley needed help from her injuries, and the continued fighting would make moving around hard. The third area appears to be a main road. While it’s sustained measurable damage, it looks like it would be the quickest way to get to the dryad. Time to put your heads together with the group and see what option the lot of you are going to tell the ISAF you’re acting on.

Peter wasn’t able to get out of being proactively appreciated, almost had a run in with the military, but is otherwise ready to get to work. What will the group end up doing, /monster/?

Disable the communications tower. It’s going to interfere with the enemy force’s ability to coordinate and communicate. You may also give that ballistics drone a few problems because of this as well

The field base. While you’re going to be supplied before hitting the planet you’re going to have access to a greater variety of equipment there than on the ship. Rowan is likely to be here.

The road. You have a relatively clean shot to the area with the dryad, and speed is of importance. If you get in fast there may not be time for the enemy combatants to react.

Same old song and dance about suggesting things applies.

>>368939

While what you're asking about didn't apply right now, I'm still going to note /monster/ told me to pay attention to that.

>>370728

>area to insert

Field base. If there's a good chance Rowan is there, it's where we should go. We're here to help him out, and when we link up, he should have info.

>Sarah

>fuck huge

>fur for days

>accent

You made a kobold out of a Newfoundland dog. I'm amused.

>>370728

What's our detachment look like? Is it the three of us plus the extra contractors and some military regulars?

Either way, plan for in case we have ample resources and manpower at hand I think our area of insertion should be the communications tower.

We already know the tower is under enemy control so we hit them hard and fast before they can relay info that we're here to reinforce our allies.

Once the communications are down, we link up with field base physically or over an established and secure network (whichever is more convenient, since we're not entirely sure how the battlefield looks)

Make sure to keep the friendly fire to a minimum, keep Trevor and Sarah in the back, we don't need them getting hit as we'll need them for our main objective: rescue.

We need to connect with Rowan and let him know we're here (and that Kelley is safely recovering. He's undoubtedly worried.)

After speaking with him and getting a sitrep we should decide where to go from there - whether we need to take out the remaining ballistics drone or storm the enemy and rescue the dryad.

If we're to go after the Dryad I suggest coordinating with the regular forces to have them assault the terrorist head on while we use all our abilities to sneak in undetected, neutralize any resistance, grab the dryad and extract in a similar fashion.

If we're to go for the drone we're gonna need a lot more firepower. Do we have any air to surface (or space to surface) ballistics or missiles available for this mission? I imagine these drones are a big deal from what we've heard.

/autism

Good shit, by the way. Definitely worth the wait.

>>370878

I will agree with this anon and vote we go for the comms tower.

>>370878

>>370873

>>371016

Heading into the final stretch tally is:

>One vote for field base

>Two votes for tower with a generous side of autism

Now that I'm finished tallying, time to take the leaf blower and blow this CYOA up to page one.

>>371222

Trips checked

>Gib TL;DR plz

Gonna be multiple posts though, want to keep things separate.

TL;DR of main events:

Contractor Peter Callahan, formerly Bishop Peter Callahan of Dei Gratia, was onboard the IFCC Odyssey when a terrorist attack floundered the vessel. Escaping the dying vessel with the last remaining people/monsters that were alive, he had a chance encounter with Hayashi Makoto the kyubi no kitsune. Travelling between Landirei and Korimi, Peter discovers that his church is not on the straight and narrow, as his superiors attempted to have him, as well as his two best friends and church members, Kelley McCarthy and Rowan MacNamara assassinated. During these events Makoto decides to seduce Peter and take him off the singles market, and settles for a civil marriage to guarantee Peter certain legal privileges that come with being a kyubi no kitsune’s husband.

The trip to Stonower immediately after this has the group encounter Tim Anderson aboard the IFCC Caravan, a terrorist attempting to abduct powerful monsters for use in unsavoury research. After surviving another fight for the lives of him, Makoto, and his friends, he discovers the existence of a device called a universal state encoder. A man portable device that allows mortal users to rewrite reality, albeit at some unknown cost, these devices rely in part on the blood of powerful, magically innate monsters. Signing up with the contractor's guild, Peter is currently in the process of hunting down those who are responsible for this bout of interstellar terrorism. Current task being to rescue a sequoia dryad held by Nexcell arms corporation along with the military.

Secondary protags who aren’t redshirts:

Rowan MacNamara: former Bishop of Dei Gratia and ex interstellar forces reconnaissance member. Uses a combination of stealth magic and exosuit with microdrone to get things done. Signed up to become contractors along with Peter and Kelley and is currently on Rasowa. Forever at odds with Peter in regard to liquor taste.

Kelley McCarthy: former Archbishop of Dei Gratia. Made up for her relative frailty with being highly skilled in pyromancy. Monsterized into a dragon due to the consequences of the Caravan fight, namely overexposure to Makoto’s mana while she was fighting Tim Armstrong. While her mental state was left something to be desired early on, the only thing bothering her now is taking time to get her new body up to snuff

Minako Wilson of the Hayashi clan: a 422 year old kyubi no kitsune, she’s Makoto’s older sister. Practices the same Hayashi clan shadow magic as Makoto. Significantly more skilled than Makoto, she has an A+ SBW certification that allowed her to accompany Peter on a mission to arrest Dei Gratia’s leadership. Currently on the outs with Peter over how the final portion of this mission went, although it’s nothing permanent.

Tay Silvia: career contractor, first met Peter aboard the Odyssey. Unsuccessful at seducing Peter, she then continued life until she accepted a contract to assist in the arrest of Dei Gratia’s leadership. Reunited with Peter, she lent her experience at contracting to help guarantee success. Also had a one on one with Peter about a few things earning Peter’s respect and friendship. Currently hungover along with the Nighthawk’s pilot, they’re likely sharing the same bed attempting to cuddle through the aftermath of excess drinking.

Another secondary protag and known villains that are still a threat:

Jenny the cosmic reality warping goat: A baphomet belonging to what would become the Blackwood family. Occasionally pops in to check on Peter, has an unknown interest as to why she’s interested in his well being. Overly energetic to the point of grating on nerves, but otherwise harmless. Reasons relating to the abilities she’s shown thus far also remain unknown.

Tim Anderson: former contractor and leader of terrorist faction New Dawn before its apparent breakup a few years prior to space quest. Approximately half his body has been augmented by high end military equipment, making him exceptionally deadly whenever technology is involved. Relative weakness to magic is a by product of not being magically innate. Currently hunting down powerful monsters such as Makoto for his ‘employer’.

Nexcell arms: the company responsible for creating the universal state encoders. The individuals responsible for Nexcell decisions that venture into terrorism have yet to be identified and/or discovered.

Space quest specific things:

Llumians: a race of insect based sapient life, currently they are the most advanced space faring race at this point in time. Culture is based off of objective balance. They have chosen to be allies with mankind and monster since first contact, and have proven willing to give protection (up to and including military force) to men and monsters who share their values of balance and co operation.

SBW certification: SBW is an acronym for sapient biological weapon, this certification system is used in a variety of ways during day to day life. Its two primary uses are to guarantee magic users with destructive powers have competency, legal rights, and legal responsibilities. This is in addition to being used as a standard in regard to relevant activities. An example would be the contract to arrest Dei Gratia clergy; if a civilian expert was called upon by a contractor they needed to meet a minimum standard.

Moving onto planets:

Landirei: Home planet to Peter, Kelley, and Rowan. Temperate, forest rich environment with no need of climate regulation. Prone to humidity based weather conditions such as excessive fog and rain.

Stonower: Home planet to Imeni, a succubus that Peter met on the Odyssey. Temperate environment with a significant amount of rocky terrain. Minako’s shrine is located in Rociro, the planet capital.

Rasowa: Home planet to Tay and Nexcell’s corporate headquarters. Hostile desert environment relying on climate regulation in parts due to planet being tidally locked. Risk of habitation considered feasible due to resource abundance.

Tropoce: Home planet to Dr. Roja Espago, a mermaid Peter met on the Odyssey. Approximately 90% of surface covered in liquid water oceans. Environment requires no climate regulation to survive provided you’re on land or inside one of the many underwater cities.

Terminal hub Leo Alpha Ceti: space station in neutral space that serves as the main central hub for all space faring traffic. Capable of serving all existing sizes of ships, the terminal hub is similar to a large metropolitan area in terms of services its capable of providing.

Going to go over the basics on how space quest is run just in case:

After I post an entry I give two days before bumping it. I then wait another day before locking in the choice. This is the general rule, and can be changed for specific situations like holidays; an entry posted around Christmas involved nearly a week before locking due to everyone being busy IRL.

Choices/Suggestions:

I offer /monster/ a few basic choices given the situation at hand. I take the popular vote and writhe what happens next after locking the choice. If /monster/ wants to suggest a new choice or modify an existing one I will try to include it where reasonably possible.

While I do reserve the right to ignore/veto things (in case someone suggests NTR for example) I will only do this as a last resort. This is in case FBB decides to start browsing /monster/ instead of /hgg/. The general rules for suggestions are: I will incorporate them into the story as best I can, and at the appropriate time in the story.

Will repost info about Peter’s magic abilities tomorrow if anybody would like that in this thread.

>>371287

Hello again writefag anon! I was a regular reader/voter for a several months in the first thread but didn't discover this one until just now. I'm glad the story is continuing on and look forward to reading more as it progresses. I'll be bookmarking so I can get back into voting and keeping up.

>>371475

Welcome back! I might've forgotten to link to this thread from the first one given your surprise though. Going to remember that for future threads (however many more they might be).

Since IRL a shit, I forgot a few things in the "gib TL;DR" posts from last time so going to follow this up with a bit more info next post. If anybody has questions about things then speak up, I'll answer and (hopefully) clear things up.

>>371500

Cardinal monster species: seven species of monster, from which all other species evolved from. These seven species spontaneously came into existence (because MAMONOMANA) when humanity was making steps towards agrarian living. These seven species are a cut above all other monsters, benefitting from superior physical traits and magic abilities. The seven species are

Echidna, Kyubi no Kitsune, Kraken, Baphomet, Sequoia dryad, Griffon, Oomukade

CivSec: acronym for Civilian Security. A joint effort between man, monster, and llumian efforts; CivSec was formed a few millenia ago as a part of their ongoing alliance and co existence. They are responsible for enforcing interstellar law.

Dei Gratia: a human centric, monotheistic religion with a sizeable population of magically innate individuals. Focuses on serving human needs for spirituality. Stance on monsters as a whole is “not in my backyard”, and have not pursued extremist actions with the glaring exception of what’s going on in space quest.

Exertius Dei: another human centric, monotheistic religion. While they share their deity with Dei Gratia, they do not share the same attitude towards non humans. They believe in “humanity first and foremost” and that any other sapient life is a danger to the existence of humanity. Their extremist views and actions have them run afoul of interstellar law.

Contractor’s Guild: an interstellar organization that serves as a complement to CivSec and the ISAF for individuals who would qualify for individual situations but may not fit the needs/requirements of CivSec or ISAF. Staffed by man, monster, and llumians; they are held up to the same legal standards as government law enforcement and armed forces are.

IFCC: acronym for Interstellar Federation Civilian Cruiser. Designation given to ships certified space worthy. Made up of vessels used to serve the needs of the universe, they come in all manner of sizes, shapes, and abilities.

ISAF: acronym for Interstellar Armed Forces. They are the universe’s primary military force. The ISAF’s existence is not the sole military force in the universe, planets may have armed forces of their own. Llumians choose to maintain military forces separate from the ISAF as well. The ISAF designation is also used for space faring vessels directly operated by the armed forces.

IFSD: acronym for Interstellar Special Forces Destroyer. Vessels operated by spec ops military, this acronym is not well known to the general public. The true capabilities of these ships are unknown to most; only the special forces and the ship builders know their limits.

Like I said before, going to go over magic-y bits again just to cover the bases:

For Peter:

Currently has 40 out of 40 mana points available for use

Peter’s Dei Gratia clergy techniques:

Heal: spend one or more mana points to heal injuries. The more points you use the more effective heal (to a ‘reasonable’ point)

Shield: one or more mana points to prevent whatever’s targeting Peter and who he’s shielding from making contact. Same as heal, more points dumped in means better shielding (to a 'reasonable' point).

Buff: one or more mana points to augment Peter’s physical abilities (to a ‘reasonable’ point)

Automatic detection: 3 mana points to detect whatever Peter is searching for. As I mentioned earlier, this cast needs input from /monster/ to work. “Cast automatic detection” suggestions will be ignored unless /monster/ tells me what Peter is looking for. Best example would be when Peter was searching for survivors aboard the Odyssey; as this is something specific. Higher quality suggestions from /monster/ will yield better results.

Now for Peter’s special snowflake ability

Negation: 10 points to negate whatever Peter decides on. There’s a few restrictions on this one

1. No precognition or pre emptive negations. Something has to happen and/or exist for it to work

2. /monster/ needs to tell me what Peter’s negating. Like automatic detection, “use negation on X” won’t pass muster. /monster/ needs to specify things here as this isn’t an autopilot cast.

3. Peter can only negate one thing per cast

4. The more Peter knows about something, the more effective the negation

I’ll run over what happened with the freebie negation when Peter arrested former members of his church to give /monster/ a better idea of how this goes:

Peter has well above average knowledge of magic as well as Dei Gratia’s techniques, so he has an assload of applicable knowledge

The clergy he made magical duds were magically innate in the first place, so there was something to negate

Peter removed the ability to perform magic from the clergy he arrested, so he only negated one thing in particular. Yes, he did it with multiple individuals so I stretched this rule a bit thin here (one thing but multiple individuals), but was trying to show /monster/ how it would be used.

>>371500

>I might've forgotten to link to this thread from the first

It's entirely possible that I overlooked a link. But I never noticed one, so it appeared to me that the story had died. So I was pleasantly surprised to find another thread. I hadn't went more than a few pages deep in /monster/ for the past few months, since this thread has been around. I don't think you're the same writefag, but I'm really liking the Revenant's Tale CYOA thread lately too. It's pretty good, if you like reading them as much as writing them.

>>371500

>>371507

If it hasn't dropped off the board yet, then you might want to add a link inside the old thread for people who still have it bookmarked. But it might be a little too late for that to be very effective. I deleted mine after it didn't appear to be updated for a couple months. There were a few less people voting ITT so far than I would have expected to see, if you HAD put a link. Regardless, I'll be contributing and reading updates now that I've found it again.

>>371501

FYI, the recap is useful for people like me too. Even though I remember most of it.

>>371501

>IFSD: acronym for Interstellar Special Forces Destroyer.

>IFSD

>Interstellar Forces Special Destroyer

Thank you for the gib tl;dr. In return, I'll attempt to engage your story as well as providing some shitty artwork for your OC if the situation arises.

>Negation: 10 points to negate whatever Peter decides on. There’s a few restrictions on this one

When was this skill used before and how was it used?

>Peter has well above average knowledge of magic as well as Dei Gratia’s techniques, so he has an assload of applicable knowledge

>The clergy he made magical duds were magically innate in the first place, so there was something to negate

>Peter removed the ability to perform magic from the clergy he arrested, so he only negated one thing in particular. Yes, he did it with multiple individuals so I stretched this rule a bit thin here (one thing but multiple individuals), but was trying to show /monster/ how it would be used.

So is this some Code Geass type shit? How broken is negation?

>>371531

It was used in the arrest of Dei Gratia's top brass to nullify their magic abilities, which is what I was referencing earlier. Moving onto the main event, and using the example I wanted to use at first but vetoed for being a little on the edgy side:

Someone gets shot with a IRL gun. What happens if Peter were to use negation at the different stages of someone being shot? Working under three assumptions. The shooter is already aiming at their victim, the shot will kill if left unattended, and negation is the only thing Peter will cast in this instance.

>Negating the trigger pull

Possible, but a rather poor use of it. Since Peter needs time to act, there is no way it's humanly possible to stop the bullet from being fired. Interpretation of rules are:

1. Negating the trigger pull with the intent of stopping the shooter from firing in the first place violates the "no precognition" clause.

2. If Peter succeeds in negating the trigger pull he still won't stop the bullet from hitting the victim. One, the bullet being fired counts as an additional thing Peter must negate. Two, Peter's mortal and there's no chance in hell he could get within range of the bullet and cast to stop it in time.

>Negating the bullet wound

A better use of negation. Something tangible has occurred, there's enough time to act, and Peter knows what happened. So he negates the bullet wound. Here's how one situation works:

1. Peter can negate the immediate physical damage the bullet caused, but any damage that occurs between the shot hitting and Peter negating will remain. So if the victim were to bleed a shitload of blood negation isn't going to fix that. It's not going to fix other things like hollow points fragmenting in the victim. or any other damage caused (maybe they fell out of a window and broke their leg on top of being shot). So if /monster/ tries to stop someone from dying if they get shot? Negation can help because it can get rid of the bullet wound and prevent bleed out until death, but that's it. Victim still needs to get to the hospital because they're not out of the woods.

2. The shooter may very well point the business end of the gun at Peter after shooting the victim. Since I can safely assume /monster/ doesn't want Peter shot, it's safe to say Peter's not going to be doing any negating when the barrel is facing him.

3. Peter could negate a secondary effect like the blood loss, but that won't do much good. The initial bullet wound would still exist and the victim is still going to bleed like a stuck pig.

(Assume the gun has some magic runes to assist its operation for the next situation to work)

>Peter waits until gunman walks near him, grabs gun before shooter fires, then negates the gun's ability to fire by negating the runes

Here's the "good" example along with how it works:

1. Peter's negating is effective because the gun needs said runes to work and with them disabled the gun's useless. Peter doesn't need to know every minute detail about something to negate it, his knowledge of magic is enough.

2. There was some thought given behind this made up suggestion. "Wait for gunman to get close to Peter, then negate rifle before he shoots". It doesn't go into too much detail, but pays attention to the basics of the situation and is following the rules I've set out to work.

3. A bit of a caveat and/or warning, remember that just because Peter stopped the shooter from using his primary does not mean Peter or the victim is out of the woods.

Peter is neither your useless shell of a MC … nor is he some unstoppable juggernaut. If /monster/ wants to use negation, by all means do so. Just use some basic sense when directing me to use it. Provided /monster/ makes an effort like the third example I will work with it when writing an entry.

>>371560

I'd like to see some more use of Peter's other abilities in the story, aside from negation. Especially the healing magic. Making him a bit more paladin-like. It just feels like his magic has some unused potential. I guess the reality is that his magic pales in comparison to the magical strength of the fluffballs, but I'm not aware of them being able to use any healing magic. So he could have a niche for that. It makes sense for him not to put himself into too much danger and use a more tactical analytical leadership style to fighting.

>>371635

>>371560

In my honest opinion, a paladin is a tank boy with healing magic and "un-healing" magic. Peter should have some neato "fuck you and your health" spells. Would be cool.

>>371901

>Peter should have some neato "fuck you and your health" spells.

I hadn't thought about it until seeing your post, but it wouldn't be unreasonable at all for Peter to gain access to some new more powerful magic. Due to his frequent exposure to, and deep spiritual coupling with, one of the most magically powerful cardinal monster species. Apparently their marriage is turning him into an incubus (to some extent). Though I suppose that could only affect his longevity…

>>371914

>>371901

Word of god says: if /monster/ wants Peter to learn some new magic he can. If you have any preferences/ideas/autism then post it.

>Peter is a paIadin

Technically a former cleric, but I'm splitting hairs here.

>Something something incubus something

Since Mrs. Mofu's lifespan is beyond comprehension to humans Peter gets: a lifespan buff, and some MAMONOMANA assisted tweaking to his brainmeats so living for as long as his rapist wife won't cause any mental health issues down the road. I figure husbands need an upgrade to their OS if they're going to be living well beyond human mortality. Just not any MGE tier changes yes it's hyperbole, but still a bit of fridge horror I can do without

>>371919

>some new magic…

One of my peeves with Peter's magic is that he doesn't have a good way to deal with enemies that use ranged attacks. Peter isn't a sniper, and so far in the story he hasn't seemed to favor using ranged weapons very much.

So that leaves 2 options. Give Peter some ranged attack magic. Or give Peter some magic that will let him very quickly close the gap between himself and his enemy.

I'm leaning towards the 2nd option, because it fits much better with his current abilities. He seems like a hands on kind of guy. So in keeping with the shadow magic theme of Ms. Mofu (and the influence of her mana), I vote for him to gain a shadowstep ability that he can do on his own. Then he can teleport behind his foes and super strength punch their heads off or whatever needs to be done.

That's all I got. I'm not the most creative in the world.

>>371919

How about something like an anti heal spell?

A spell that causes something to die and fall apart. The opposite of healing.

>>371919

“Seems none of us are fit for fighting head on, so what about the communications tower?” you ask.

“Not confronting them head on would be wise. Interfering with their information collection will no doubt cause problems in coordinating a proper defence. We should vacate the area in enough time to avoid a head on fight as well, that kind of thing is only good for glory hunters and thrill seekers with a death wish. I am netiher” the wizard agrees, stroking his beard in approval.

Makoto sighs in relief as well “I don’t want to do what my sister did if I can help it, I don’t know if I could live that down”

Sarah pipes up, preaching to the choir “I’d be shitbaked if I has to deal with phasers tryin’ to put holes in me head. Gets in the way of getting on the beer b’y. Tower it is”

You accept the communications tower by tapping on the tablet, everyone's fine with what seems the least violent option. The screen flashes two messages. First message instructs you to head to the armoury “Looks like they’re giving us some guns. The lot of us need to head to the armoury. After that we head to one of the drop ships according to this” you pass on, turning the tablet so the other can read it. Thank the first this tablet is easy to use, you’re able to pull up a map of the interior. Definitely going to save time … and sanity as you lead everyone to arm up.

Entering the armoury, the area is stocked with all manner of life ending equipment. A variety of phaser weaponry resting in their racks behind the armourer looks sobering, the fact you’ll soon be carrying something that can destroy sentients with ease disconcerting. “Tap here contractors” the armourer instructs while thrusting a tablet across his station toward you.

“Aye” you acknowledge, with everyone registering as the armourer sets four compact phaser rifles and eight power packs on the counter

“Use the tablet issued to your group to familiarize yourself on the use of the M3-RS compact phaser rifles. Failure to return these rifles barring exceptional circumstances will result in prosecution by the ISAF”

The group takes their rifles and spare power packs in turn, with the armourer repeating the same line without any hint of humanity. It’s no wonder Rowan decided to leave, the military’s total lack of decency is not something you want to deal with for more than you have to. An announcement from the ship’s commander booms through the Cutlass' confines after you’re finished “T minus thirty minutes to departure. All non ISAF personnel must report to your designated drop ship as indicated by the ISAF and be secured for departure”

“I guess that’s us told” you sigh, pulling up the map again. “Alright everyone, follow me please” you beckon to the rest of your accomplices. A few minutes later, everyone finds the glorified cargo container you’re going to head to Ginjapi in. Cramming yourselves inside, you pray that the Cutlass won’t take long to hit Rasowa. Thankfully Makoto is seated next to you with a wall on your other side. At least having her in your personal space is some small comfort. You almost feel bad for Trevor, but the sight of him sitting next to Sarah makes for good comedy in the moment.

As six ISAF members enter, you finally see who you’re working with. Three human men, a werewolf, and a pair of hellhounds. One of the human men breaks the silence as he checks the ship’s computer monitor “I’m Sergeant Smith, and I’ve been assigned to work with you four. I’ll answer questions once we’re planet side, I need to pilot the drop ship in the meantime”

“We’re the Callahan contractors” you offer on behalf of yourself and Makoto.

“We’re Contractors Langley and Black” the kobold says after you.

“Make sure to use the drop ship’s stasis masks, if you’re conscious while we’re on the way you’re going to get hurt. There’s barely any inertial damping, and not using the masks to take a nap will leave you in a state. You still have about ten minutes so plenty of time. See you at Rasowa”

“Thank you sergeant, Empress bless” Makoto says for the four of you.

Trevor looks at two of the three monsters, a werewolf and one of the hellhounds, who don’t bother hiding their base instincts. Sarah catches them undressing him with their eyes and whispers to the wizard “You interested in a bit of a truce, b’y?”

“Yes, but what’s in it for you?” he hisses in distress

“Dad used to be a wizard. I knows enough about these things”

“What are you offering then?”

“I stops my kind from taking your powers as long as I’m with ya for the job”

“As if I’m going to accept if you’re not naming your terms”

“Army’s not gonna stop one of those two from takin’ your powers when you need ‘em. If you don’t agree I’s not gonna help ya. Matter of fact, if one of ‘em gets ya by the short and curlies I might stand guard so they can get away with it”

“Unless you give me a satisfactory explanation I’ll fend for myself you insufferable monster!”

“I will if you accept cute stuff~”

“Ugh. Fine, let’s hear it”

Sarah leans in close to him before continuing “I keeps those girls away like I said I would, but we’re gonna finish what I started on the way here”

“And how is that different from one of them taking my powers!?” The irate mage exclaims.

“I’ll wait ‘till we finish the job before I makes ya a taken man. But wizards don’t lose their powers from makin’ out b’y, and I’s gonna be getting my fill of that on the job until then” Sarah triumphantly states. You share a ‘let’s leave this one alone’ look with Makoto, she’s just as content as you are to sit this out.

“Five minutes soliders. Check your restraints, and get masked up!” the sergeant hollers over the din of the Cutlass preparing to disembark. Almost identical to Odyssey's emergency pod masks, they 're easy for you and the other three civilians fit them on.

Following the lead of the armed forces members inspecting each other's retraints, you check Makoto’s belts as she inspects yours. Sarah and Trevor follow suit, although the kobold’s massive hands make a point of feeling up the mage after she checks his restraints. One of the hellhounds and the werewolf curse quietly, you assume their initial plans for Trevor were laid to rest with Sarah’s cunning. Your impromptu pilot ignores the exchange as he busies himself with a pre flight check.

Once the monitor is filled with green ‘clear’ icons, he contacts the bridge “Cutlass capsule sixteen ready”

“Acknowledged” a faceless voice replies. Sergeant Smith looks into the drop ship where everyone is

“Turning the masks on contractors, just a warning. See you when we hit Ginjapi” The last thing you see is Smith turning around before the stasis masks do their job. You chuckle that you ignored this step for yourself on the Odyssey’s emergency pod. Had you done things properly back then Roja would’ve been unable to save your life.

A moment after you blank out from the stasis mask, you come back to consciousness. Disconnecting the mask, you see the others doing the same. Noticing the drop ship’s main hatch is open, you take a quick look outside. Sergeant Smith is busy setting up what you assume is a makeshift base with the other soldiers. Stretching your legs sounds good, so you venture out of the drop ship. What you’re not prepared for is Rasowa’s incredible heat. Your first few breaths are racked with pain, the air scorches your throat as you inhale.

Makoto quickly pulls you back inside giving you a livid glare “Empress save you! What do you think you’re doing mister?”

“Going outside to help” you gasp, desperate to put the fire in your lungs out.

“Don’t you know how hot Rasowa can get?”

“I do, but didn’t think we were in one of the climate regulated parts. Believe me, I am not repeating that”

“If you insist on helping then get one of the regulator vests from the ship’s storage. It’s near our guns” the irate nine tail chides.

Heeding her advice, you grab one for yourself “Trevor, Sarah, need vests?”

“I do” they say in unison.

Passing them over, you slip into your own and activate it “Alright, now it’s time to check if they need help. This time with less breathing in fire for air” You step outside again and while the heat still feels like being in the pit, you’re not burning your throat when you breathe. Walking over to the sergeant, you call out when he’s not occupied “Anything I can help with lad?”

“Yes, take this field boundary post and set it on the other side of the capsule. And don’t go outside unless you’re protected by a regulator or else you’ll be dead in ten minutes. Saw you walk out, that monster who pulled you in did you a bit of a favour. Must be your wife for her to drag you in that quick” Smith points out with a chuckle, handing you the post.

“Aye, she is. So what’s the plan after we stop Rasowa from killing us?” you ask.

“Wait for an atmo cruiser from the main base so we have transportation to the target. We’re twenty five hundred meters away and going by foot would be suicide” the sergeant informs you, turning on the post he recently secured.

“Fair enough” you nod before getting on with setting your post into the blistering sand.

Conducting a quick survey of the hostile planet, the waves of heat turn what little buildings you see into a blur. Not that the scenery changes from one direction to the next, the sand extends into the horizon with no end. With the post secured, you activate it and head back to the drop ship. When you arrive Sarah and the other canines are getting on well together, looks like Trevor’s wizardhood is safe for the duration of this contract.

Speaking of him, Trevor has taken residence as far as possible from the single monsters, talking with Makoto and one of the men. He beckons you over “Planning our entry, could use your input. I want to go over what I’ve found out so far”

“Sounds good, what’s it look like?” you ask.

“As I expected, the tower is under constant surveillance. There are two barriers two hundred meters beyond any point of the tower. One magic type, one tech type. There’s about twenty V type drones patrolling the perimeter, with thirty sentients inside. Five of these sentients have those encoders, and they’re in spread out inside the interior”

“Bloody hell, how we going to get in?” you query.

“There’s a few options. One option is through a maintenance access three hundred meters from the tower, since this access is inset into a cliff face line of sight is a problem unless they want to risk sending their defence out that far. Another option would be to observe them for some time and infiltrate by spoofing something they’re waiting on. If violence is an option we’re better off coming at them from the hill nearby so they can’t set anything up on the high ground to counter us” the wizard concludes.

“Planning already? Good hustle. But there’s going to be a few things we need to watch out for” Sergeant Smith adds.

“Fair enough, was going to ask about that ballistics drone anyway” you reply.

“That drone is the biggest problem we have contractor, good of you to ask. The ballistics drone is an AI controlled machine capable of acting on standing orders programmed into it. The drone is basically an armoury with repulsors slapped on, with enough armour to match its weapons. Its weakness is that the AI functions like a real pilot would, so it’s possible to trick it. But don’t pinch the dragon’s ass thinking you can get away with it. To shorten up the military description about it: it’s armed with phaser cannons, self propelled projectile weapons, and special replicators to refill its stores. If this drone can get a hard lock on us we’re dead, end of story”

“Pardon the dumb question, but I know there’s a contractor who did destroy one … maybe what she did can apply to us?”

“Seen the video for that during my briefing on the Cutlass, here’s my take. Three things happened: one, the drone was forced to concentrate two separate units armed to take it head on. Two, that dragon I saw had battlefield luck on her side. She took good advantage of it, but luck is luck. Three? That dragon must be that one in a billion. She was able to light that drone up like it was made of paper. Nothing could’ve survived that, I’m glad she was on our side. Maybe if that inari can cast something as powerful we can deal with it in a pinch, but I want to avoid finding out” The sergeant recalls.

“Let’s just stay off the drone’s target list. But speaking of that dragon, is there something I can use to let another contractor know she’s alright? I don’t trust my phone to not give us away given what we’re about to do” you ask, best to tell Rowan that Kelley’s in mostly good condition.

The sergeant is quick to respond “Connect your phone to the capsule’s communications array, use your phone, and let the capsule send it”

“Thanks” you respond gratefully. It won’t hurt to tell Rowan that Kelley isn’t suffering from anything aside from what you assume are regular doctor’s appointments. Maybe she’ll knock some sense into that thick sibling of yours while she’s there, your sister needs it just as much as the medical attention.

Message to Rowan sent, you start running through the situation in your head. Right now you still have surprise on your side, otherwise landing here would’ve been a problem. Staying undetected seems to be no problem, the combination of the military’s engineering and Trevor’s expertise working well together. Getting into a firefight would change that, you note. Another possibility comes to mind as you listen to a soldier discuss a possible plan after talking with the wizard “Are the climate regulators vulnerable? With where we are on this planet we could eliminate the targets by blowing the tower’s regulators”

“But we’d need to wait fifteen minutes after blowing them, and that’s plenty of time to call help” another soldier interjects. Completing the tower mission by destroying its regulators seems cruel, but convenient as it may allow everyone to remain undetected for longer.

Peter and everyone landed undetected, and are ready to start what they came to Rasowa to do. How does the mission start off /monster/?

the cliffside maintenance tunnel. You will be out of sight of any communications tower defences, as well as difficult to reach. You should have enough time to prepare some sort of counter.

Observe and spoof one of the terrorist’s friendly forces. The observing may take some time but they will have their guard down until they see you. They will need to attack you carefully or else they may risk collateral damage

Destroy the tower’s climate regulators. It would be impossible for the terrorists to repair anything in time to save their lives, in addition to giving them a significant problem to distract them if they do.

Blitzkrieg from the overlooking hill. The terrorists may not be as well armed as their field forces as they may be a secondary defensive option meant to stall for time until backup arrives.

PETER'S BRAND NEW SHINY SNOWFLAKE POWER

Will give /monster/ first crack at choosing what Peter gets. Here's the two I came up with:

Light grenade:

A short range magic projectile that works as a combined fragmentation/incendiary grenade. Throwing range is 15 meters, with an explosive range of 3 meters. Light grenade detonates on contact after leaving Peter’s hand. AOE info for incendiary effect is 30 minutes duration and a range of 5 meter radius from point of impact.

Peter and Makoto are immune to the AOE

Peter and Makoto take reduced damage from explosion, however you run a very high risk of incapacitating Peter/Makoto if you don’t avoid the explosive part of this cast.

Light Grenade costs 15 mana points per cast

Phase shift:

A light based instant teleport similar in effect to Makoto using shadow movement to close relatively large distances. There must be a light source at the beginning and end points for Peter to use this. Phase shift has a 25 meter range per teleport, and Peter is immaterial during the cast. No cooldown provided Peter’s got enough mana in the tank to pull off multiple phase shifts.

Phase shift cost s 5 mana points per individual teleport

Three things since I forgot them:

Thing the first: all four primary options carry the risk of being detected by either the communications tower terrorists or the ballistics drone.

Thing the second: if /monster/ has any plans or ideas now is a very good time to try and cultivate some autism

>>372484

Thing the third: Peter's powers are holy magic based, and what you're proposing seems arcane/demonic in nature so that was nixed. Tried to make light grenade an appropriate "fuck their shit" spell at least.

>>372849

>Destroy the tower’s climate regulators.

This seems like the best option, even if it isn't very nice. This is war! The maintenance tunnel idea isn't bad either. But I favor destroying the climate regulators, because it will create chaos among the terrorists and make the mission easier.

>PETER'S BRAND NEW SHINY SNOWFLAKE POWER

They both seem like they could be pretty useful for different situations. But phase shift seems quite a bit better. Technology is sufficiently advanced that the light grenade skill is a bit redundant compared to using actual grenades. But that phase shift could be used in places where Makoto's shadow movement cannot. And that seems much more tactically beneficial. Peter could phase past enemies and attack them from behind or provide cover for his friends.

>>372851

All good.

I shall vote for the "holy hand grenade."

If stalker has taught me anything, it's that grenades will solve 99% of problems.

>>372926

Vote for Peter's new power noted, but what about how to deal with the communications tower?

We're too few to risk head on combat and the longer we waste time with observation the worse our conditions could get. I say we split the group. Peter and Makoto (maybe a few ISAF) haul ass through the maintenance tunnel to get inside while Trevor, Sarah and the rest destroy the climate regulators as a distraction. We need to make sure the job is done quickly.

Given the way we reacted without our personal regulator vest, the terrorists inside are going to have trouble even combating us. It would probably be a cakewalk to get inside and clean up house, not to mention picking up any intel and effectively demolishing the communications unhindered. Just don't get too overconfident, there's sure to be a few who have their own regulators.

What I'm worried about is, being that they're terrorists and this is a hostage mission do they have any other hostages inside the array? If they have civvies or any hostage of the sort with them that could complicate things.

Not sure how much time they would have to survive, I think you said about fifteen minutes before they really start feeling the effects of Rasowa's wonderful weather. As you said, they also would have time to call for backup, so Peter and Makoto should be quick to destroy the array.

In that time we should infiltrate and make sure to evac any hostages in the process of destroying the array. (it is going to be our specialty during this mission after all)

Peter should take the flash step for sure. As >>372866 said, the light grenade at the moment is a tad redundant given we already have tech on hand.

We can save that for later, it would be useful in unarmed situations but right now the speed of flash stepping is our saving grace.

Just in case there are no hostages and no time to snatch any intel, it might be a good idea to capture any important looking terrorists for questioning. Anything they can tell us about where they're keeping the dryad, how many they are, etc would be helpful, but only do it if there is no risk to you or your crew's safety. If we get one, hand them over to the ISAF, they'll have more experienced interrogators for sure.

TL;DR, go for the regulators, infiltrate and destroy comms array, rescue any hostages should there be any, evac with any intel (or POWs if you can) and leave the terrorists to their fate.

Make use of our new power, the flash step!

/autism.

>>372952

Here's what happens when you're exposed to Rasowa's weather without something to isolate yourself from the weather as stated by the good sergeant:

>And don’t go outside unless you’re protected by a regulator or else you’ll be dead in ten minutes

Your interpretation of survival time (15 mins) is roughly correct. Being inside the tower will delay death, but it's sure as shit not going to be anything beyond an additional 10 mins at best.

>>372952

I already voted for the same options, but these details sound good to me.

>>372866

>>372926

>>372952

Going to page 1 for another 24 before locking. What we have right now:

>Everyone's ok with plans to sail on the SS autism for fucking up the climate regulators

>One vote for the holy hand grenade

>Everyone else wants instant transmission phase shift

So if anybody else wants to jump in feel free. Especially the guy who didn't vote all the way and only voted for Peter's snowflake power.

>>373242

“Listen up grunts!” Sergeant Smith hollers, finished with reviewing the situation “Here’s the plan: private Jones, private Redfield; you’re with the wizard, the kobold, and me. Private Jenson, private Kennedy, you’ll be with the other two contractors. Corporal White, you’ll be point of contact for the second group. Now as far as what we do … we use the wizard’s infiltration with our tech to stay undetected and find an exploit to destroy the tower’s climate regulator. Once the regulator’s destroyed, we’re going to wait twenty minutes before the group under corporal White’s command will breach into the tower from the maintenance tunnel. My group will set up whatever countermeasures we end up needing using the tower’s computers. I don’t want that damn ballistics drone to pay us a visit, and don’t want the combatants to gain intel on anything either. Cruiser is going to be about five minutes. Double check your regulators, rifles hot, and be ready to move out” Smith finishes, as him and the rest of the soldiers complete.

Surprisingly, Makoto co operates in spite of her visible displeasure. “You could use your magic instead” you offer. She shakes her head in disapproval, looking you directly in the eye. You feel Makoto’s consciousness in your head as she uses her illusion cast to ‘talk’ with you privately

No. That would be giving away what I am. There are times it’s okay to tell sentients my species but this isn’t one of them. I’m going to stick with this phaser even if it bothers me. I’m going to avoid casting anything if possible because if I do the enemy is going to know

“If I need to then I need to. My magic isn’t suited for fighting anyway” the cunning nine tail dismisses.

“Aye” you concur. If your wife needs you to lie in this situation so be it. With the species related problems you've had flooding into your memory you’re not going to be the cause of another one if you can help it.

Arriving on schedule, the ISAF atmo cruiser waits for everyone to board. “Anything I need to know about the infil?” the pilot asks.

Sergeant Smith passes a tablet over to the pilot as they go over the situation “Stay at least a thousand meters away from the insertion point while my unit establishes sensor blindness. When that’s done, five of us insert near the climate regulators. Take the other half of the squad to the maintenance tunnel so they can insert from there. Stay fifteen hundred meters clear of the area, we’re destroying the tower. Don’t feel like walking back to base”

“Understood” the pilot agrees, hitting the throttle in time with the last soldier closing the door. Pilot could use some manners in throttle application, you and the other three contractors yelp in surprise.

Trevor’s exclamation however, is cut short as Sarah loses her balance and ends up breasts first on his face “Y’ok there b’y?”

“I .. I touched you … dear gods, if Rasowa doesn’t kill me this skin contact will!” he complains.

“Don’t need to get crooked cute stuff, if ya needs some CPR I am qualified to gives it to ya”

“As if I would suffer through one of your excuses to defile me. Having someone else’s face so disgustingly close is unsettling. You’ll have to find some other way. Hmph!”

“Problem is I’s a first responder. Morally obligated to save yer life and all. So if being near me face bugs ya I’ll have to give some CPR with me other lips” the kobold fires back with a devlish grin.

“Just … get off me …” Trevor exasperates.

“Have it your way. At least for the moment cute stuff” The kobold drawls, relenting to the wizard’s demands.

“Save the fraternization for when we’re finished. Now quit fucking around and sit still you useless civvies” Corporal White, the werewolf snaps. Sarah and Trevor begin to complain, but the wolf’s disapproving stare silences them. You figure she’s none too happy over that little agreement those two made you presume.

During the small jaunt to the start point of the mission Trevor completes his casts. The atmo cruiser and every sentient in the group is in sync with the ISAF technology preventing discovery. “Everyone with me, ready. Remember the explosives. White, set up your own breach and wait for my signal” Smith orders, leaving the transport first. Sarah, Trevor, and the soldiers going with Smith disembark.

“Jenson, Kennedy, take some erasers on top of the breaching charges. Explosives for targets are out of the question after we do the initial breach” the corporal points out. The atmo cruiser descends to the cavernous maintenance tunnel, with the canines shouldering their rifles before leaving. Corporal White snaps her head side to side checking the tunnel for threats. “Let’s move ladies!” she orders while sprinting to some nearby crates.

You, Makoto, and one of the hellhounds follow her while the remaining hellhound trains her rifle on a line of windows to everyone’s left. The final soldier joins you while the other hellhound passes everyone erasers, while setting aside the explosive charges. “Contractors, pay attention. These erasers are passive, make sure you’re not in its line of sight when they go off. There’s nothing stopping them from eliminating your neural functions except not seeing the flash” The commander of your group warns.

Suddenly, the room lights flicker on and your heart sticks in your throat. The werewolf uses a microdrone and reports “Seven targets, no regulators, one encoder user. Four targets armed with rifles, three targets are engineers with equipment” White then turns to you “Contractor, set the charges just below those windows and follow my drone when done”

While the hounds and Makoto wait in silence as the lupine passes you some charges and a detonator, you look at the tunnel’s vast array of ceiling lights and start to wonder. After being subject to both Makoto’s and Minako’s shadow movement if you channel your mana like you sensed they did … it should be possible to use something similar. Focusing your will to one of the lights near the windows, your theory proves right, but makes you light headed. Instantly closing a gap of about twenty meters for the first time would give any sentient a bit of disorientation.

With the surprise of your new cast done with, you stay below the window's ledge and begin placing the charges. Attaching each one with a delicate touch, lest you get the attention of the enemy beyond the far side of the glass. Corporal White contacts you with her microdrone while you’re working “Do not respond to me vocally. You’re going to stay on this side when we breach. Copy?”

Giving the microdrone a thumbs up, you gingerly tack the last one below its window. “Understood. Follow my drone, and only engage on my mark. Over and out” the wolf observes, flying her drone behind a nearby atmo cruiser. Kneeling down behind the cruiser, all your group needs to do is wait for Smith's signal to proceed. The faint din of the communications tower does nothing to distract you from the sweat dripping out of every pore in your body, just what is taking the other group so long anyway?

Looking at your diminutive, metallic companion for a sign from sergeant Smith, it finally arrives as corporal White uses her drone for you as he speaks “Climate regulators will be terminated in three … two … one … executed. Hold fire for one minute. Over and out” An alarm siren pierces the air with its cries, you swear the noise is competing with the heat to see which one kills you first. After suffering through the alarm than you care to, corporal White barks through the microdrone “Blow the charges!”

You cover your ears as best you can as you squeeze the detonator praying Makoto doesn’t get hurt. Shrapnel from the tunnel wall shatters the atmo cruiser's cabin glass and rends one of its repulsors into scrap. After the initial shock of the detonation you try listening for what may come, but your ears ring violently. Thankfully it starts to subside as you pick up on the alarm again, mixed with the thunder of the group’s footfalls. One of the hellhounds joins you behind the cruiser, asking you while she keeps her eyes focused on the newly created path “Contractor, sense any magic?”

“Yes, that one enemy with the encoder” you ascertain through the cacophony.

“One target alive!” the hellhound yells, as you all advance into the remains of the room.

It’s difficult to see through the dust you created with the charges, there’s enough minute debris floating to sting when you look around. From what you can see, this used to be a receiving area a moment ago. Broken consoles line the far wall, with just one monitor of several intact enough to function. Well, if you need information before you destroy this place there should be a main server with data to pilfer. “They’re … they’re dead …six of them … Empress give me strength …” Makoto whimpers, her face frozen in shock.

“Contractor, can you find the last target?” the hellhound from before asks you.

“Aye” you agree, focusing your senses on finding the encoder using terrorist. There’s a hall leading further into the tower’s bowels, and while you can sense his general direction the branching hallways and numerous doors will make searching for this last one dangerous. Honing your concentration, you train your mind’s eye to detect any recent signs of an encoder being used, to good effect. “I know where they are. First hallway to the right, hiding inside the first room on the hall’s left side. Everyone, follow me please”

“Hmm. That spell’s useful” the wolf acknowledges. “You heard the man ladies, follow him and cover our rear”

Swallowing your discomfort and taking aim with your rifle, you take deliberate steps while paying heed to the strand of light that signals the terrorist’s future grave.

Corporal White grabs your shoulder, turning you around firmly and points to her ears. She stops the group behind her with a quick signal, then beckons you close while whispering “Target is trying to set an ambush. I open the door from the left, you throw the eraser inside, I shut the door” You nod with conviction knowing what you need to do. That terrorist used an encoder at least once, and likely made themselves immune to Rasowa weather. If they survive and pass that information onto others it would be detrimental.

Corporal White follows you as the pair of you take up position. She reaches for the keypad with one hand and you take firm grasp of the weapon in spite of nerve wracking shakes. The wolf counts down with her fingers.

Three, you pull the pin on the eraser while clutching it harder than before.

Two. You check your automatic detection for any changes.

One. White lays her finger on the open icon, and taps it.

Now or never, you hurl the eraser into the room as fast as you’ve ever thrown anything. Corporal White immediately slams her finger on the close icon and aims her rifle at the door before you can blink. Static crackles through the air a second later, followed by a sickening thud. The werewolf opens the door as you bring your rifle up, and both of you scan the room for the now dead combatant.

Behind a table thrown to its side for what little cover it offered, is a motionless human woman. You walk over, testing for a response by moving her arm with your foot “I … think she’s dead”

The werewolf walks over, glancing at the body. “Final target down, tunnels clear. Hold for orders, contacting the sergeant” the lupine field commander communicates to everyone. Another painful wait later, you see the second in command focus her concentration before getting everyone’s attention “Here’s our plan: primary tasks are to clean the tower and disable it however we can. Secondary task is to find any intel that we can put to use. We’re holding here until I finish scouting with my drone”

“Makoto, do you sense any more encoder users?” you ask. The terrified nine nail nods in a panic “T-there’s three but I can’t find their location …”

“Corporal, we destroying the tower first? Or we eliminating the targets? Need a bit of prep time for the demo ma’am” Jenson wonders.

“Still need to recon the area with the drone. Will tell you when I have intel to make a choice, but start prepping what you can now” the werewolf orders. As the private starts going over the explosives she has on hand, corporal White is still investigating things with her microdrone. For the near future you’ll be relatively safe even if you’re exposed; the halls offer little in the way of concealment. Nothing to do but wait for the corporal to get some information.

So far, so good. Peter’s new ability guaranteed the breach went off without a hitch, even if the first time using phase shift surprised him a little. Now how exactly do Peter and his group handle this situation, /monster/?

Private Jenson’s demolition. It’s the quickest and easiest method to bring down the tower, and the maintenance tunnel will provide a safe area from the explosion. The abrupt communication loss is bound to hurt the terrorists.

Continue to clear the communications tower. You may find a way to throw a chimp spanner in the works that doesn’t involve explosions. And staying relatively undetected has the benefit of surprise.

Dedicate your search efforts to finding the main servers before anything. There should be some rather valuable information that can be put to use by the ISAF force in general, in addition to helping your case.

Any other ideas? Post them if you have them.

MANA INFO IN RED AND ALL CAPS BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE IT

One use of phase shift and one use of automatic detection: 8 points of 40 used.

Peter is currently at 32 out of 40 mana points.

>>374372

>Dedicate your search efforts to finding the main servers before anything. There should be some rather valuable information that can be put to use by the ISAF force in general, in addition to helping your case.

I'm very tempted to just blow the whole thing to hell, and say screw the main servers. But finding the main servers seems a more useful choice in the long run. I say we push onward and try to find the main servers, while remaining as stealthy as we can manage. However, we should leave the demolitions experts behind to setup explosives while we are searching. After extracting what information we can from the main servers (if possible), then we can beat a hasty retreat before blowing the shit out of everything. Don't be afraid to call off the main server search if it is too dangerous, taking too long, or it puts the main mission at too much risk. After all, destroying the tower itself is the top priority.

Also, very nice use of Peter's skills for infiltration. We should keep that up, mana allowing. His detection magic seems particularly useful in pushing onward to search for the main servers.

>>374439

I'm good with this. The demo idea isn't bad either, but they said it would take a bit, so could we try this until the charges are set? It's a bit of a compromise, but it should keep things moving while giving us a chance at some intel.

>>374439

I agree with this one, not much for me to add other than to keep our detection up at all times, the encoders are the most dangerous resistance at the moment.

>>374510

There's nothing in story stopping this from happening, so /monster/ is good in that regard.

>>374513

Automatic detection can't be continuous as Peter can only use it to find specific and/or "exact" things. In the case from the last entry, he used it to find the location of the surviving terrorist that used their encoder. I'll make a note that /monster/ is interested in Peter using it if the situation calls for it for the next entry however. Whether or not he uses automatic detection depends on how things go so he might not have to use it.

>>374439

>>374510

>>374513

Since /monster/ is in agreement the plan is:

>Find main servers

>Explody hellwan does relevant prepwork

>Use automatic detection and/or phase shift as needed

24 hour bump time, so if there's anything /monster/ wants to say about the choices now's the time to do it.

>>374718

“Jenson, which explosives did you bring?” corporal White asks as she tracks her microdrone.

“Micro matter/antimatter, remotely detonated Corporal” Jenson answers.

“Get everything set up private. We have time on our side … for now” the leader directs.

“On it” the hellhound replies.

You scan the area attempting to find something to do other than faff about. Wait a second, this tower is bound to have servers, perhaps this can help “Corporal White, do you think the main servers here would have anything useful?”

“They just might. Since you’re offering, take the fox and scout this floor. This is more for the fox but telling both of you: shoot to kill. This isn’t fiction and if there’s living targets they won’t give you second chances” White warns.

“Right. We’re off then. Makoto?” you concede, while getting your nine tail’s attention. She nods and follows you back into the first hall, clutching her rifle intensely. First preserve you looking for anything down here better be worth it, the dust sticking to your forehead will need a day long shower to remove. Further down the hall, out of earshot of your canine acquaintances, you see a woman leaning against an open doorway. Raising your rifle and taking aim you ready yourself for the worst. On closer inspection, you notice a few details that sets you at ease, well, relatively speaking. To start, the woman a few meters ahead is wearing nothing but a simple shirt and denim shorts. More importantly, this woman has no regulator. Or anything else to save her from Rasowa’s deadly environment. And she’s trapesing around as if she’s at a beach.

“Do you have any sense of self preservation you daft goat!?” you jeer.

“Oh, I do, but nothing in the mortal universe is a threat. Thanks for the concern though” the baphomet chirps.

“Any reason you’re mucking about here like it’s a vacation day for you besides testing my nerves?”

“The encoders. While I can tell if someone’s used one I need to be near the area they’re used in to figure out what they changed. I wish the boss would let me get involved proactively, but I need to observe these nasty things to undo their damage before anything”

“So what’s stopping you then?”

“Undoing the damage those encoders do by snapping my fingers will do more damage trying to fix it right now. I might give some world ending eldritch abominations a second chance at life … without the benefit of being mortal to stop them second time around. So no, I’m not doing anything until the boss and I figure them out completely”

“Is there any point to this time wasting? Waffling on about what you do is getting on my nerves. Especially since you ‘can’t’ tell me why”

“Well, take this freebie as an apology” Jenny says, snapping her fingers. What looks like a hard drive from the main servers is hanging in the air “Has all the info the fighting men, monsters, and llumians need to finish their mission”

“Just how are you able to do this? Nobody can just snap their fingers and create something from nothing”

“But I just did. Oh, and if you’re serious about knowing more then ask. But if you do, don’t waste the chance like you did last time”

“And just what was wrong about asking if everyone was alright you tosser?”

“With all the impossible things I’ve done I figured that would’ve grabbed your attention first. One last thing before I go: Boss said that the chances to ask me are … finite. So, if you do ask me something? Be smart about it. Gotta run though cutie, need to zap myself about the area to investigate the encoders” the goat says, waving as she vanishes from view.

“When will Jenny learn some honesty and tell us why she’s helping?” Makoto asks.

“I don’t know. And you’re not the only one that wants a bit of transparency here. Not that she hasn’t been helpful, but First preserve me … she tries my patience” you sigh, beginning to head back to the main group.

“Let’s get back before they think something happened at least. We can worry about her later”

“Yeah. I don’t want to spend any more time doing what we are than we have to. I almost got sick after seeing the bodies just now” the unsettled nine tail grumbles.

The other three canines still on alert haven't moved at all, with corporal White welcoming you back in her own way “Did you get any intel?”

“A hard drive from the servers, can you do anything with it?” you ask.

“Kennedy, see if there’s anything worth saving” the werewolf orders as you pass the hellhound the hard drive in turn. “Jenson, once you’re done set the charges where you see fit. Contractors: Clear the third floor, I found one encoder using target. There’s a stairwell down the hall where we eliminated the last target”

“Aye. Makoto, you ready?” you ask. Your wife nods, readying herself to follow in spite of her fear.

The pair of you follow the dusty hall to the end, until you reach a turn. You see a door a few meters ahead of you, a large ‘B’ painted on it. Beyond that, you see bare walls and a handrail through the door’s window. While the air lacks the mire from the debris, the industrial stench still fills your nose with a burning chemical cocktail of smells. Before you open the stairwell door you feel Makoto’s hand on your shoulder “Peter, let me go to see if there’s anything first. They won’t be able to see me when I’m in the shadows”

“What if they detect you?” you hiss, wondering where your kitsune’s sanity went

“They won’t be able to figure out exactly where I am, just that I would be in the room. And they have to wait until I leave the shadow before they try anything” the fox assures. She slips into her shadow, and you sense her moving into the stairwell. You pray to the First for Makoto’s safety, although knowing what she did to Tim Anderson eases your nerves. While waiting for her to return, you start wondering if something did happen. That undesirable question answers itself soon enough as you find yourself surrounded by nothing but darkness. “The one terrorist is coming to the tunnels” your wife says.

“Can you tell me without the heart attack lass?” you exasperate.

“I’m sorry. But I needed to be quick” the vixen insists. You go to say something but see Makoto’s ear swivel toward the door, with minute adjustments following a sound imperceptible to you.

“They’re getting closer …” Makoto says, with a panicked look reminiscent of the Caravan incident.

“How many?” you wonder.

“Just one”

“Do you think they came from the third floor?”

“Must be. There’s only one like the werewolf said. We need to stay quiet just in case” she answers, the hallway door's opening hiss comes moments after Makoto hid the pair of you, thank the First she pulled you inside the shadow when she did. The terrorist begins to creep through the door quietly, seems he’s experienced combat before. He stops, crouches, and looks at something mounted to his wrist; it appears he knows where the other three are. “We need to do something lass, this looks bad” you whisper. Out of the blue, Makoto thrusts herself out of the shadow without you. The surprised combatant turns to meet her with his own rifle sweeping up to her, but his determined expression goes slack in an instant.

Makoto is shaking violently, she couldn’t hit something ten meters away in her condition … but she doesn’t need to aim when the target is an arm’s reach away. Your jaw drops in disbelief before you collect yourself after a few seconds, then putting an arm around Makoto to calm her down “You ok?”

She takes a deep breath trying to calm herself down “I will be. I just didn’t think my marriage would start out like this. Most of the monsters I know make their husbands take a couple weeks off to themselves and find some place nice to fuck. I go with mine on murder sprees”

“I’m sorry lass …”

“Peter, I’m not angry with you. I know how we met, and I know the circumstances we’re under. But Empress as my witness when this is done we’re going on a proper honeymoon” Makoto states insistently.

“Aye, that sounds nicer than what we’re doing now. But let’s get back to the others at least” you say, returning to the group successful.

The corporal still standing guard, sees you approach and asks “Heard some of what went on. You dealt with the target?”

“I shot him” Makoto replies with a quiver in her voice.

A strange smile creeps on the werewolf’s face as she acknowledges “Didn’t think you would survive this long, but thanks contractor, I mean it. It’s a rare thing to see a monster like you out on the front line”

“A monster like me?”

“You’re not an inari, but you have nine tails. The Cutlass’ commander is a nine tailed inari. You two are completely different, and the privates here know too”

“Please don’t - ”

“Say anything. None of us will. You’re carrying your weight and not being a metaweb general. By the way, there’s an incredible amount of information in the hard drive. If Smith doesn’t order something else we should head to the main site after we detonate” Corporal White contacts the other group, going over the current situation. She looks to everyone to pass the good news along “Sergeant has the cruiser en route for exfil. The final two encoder users don’t have weapons and are on the roof. They’ll be in too many pieces to use them after the demo. Ready up everyone”

The group head into the maintenance tunnel once more, except for the Jenson, you assume she’s still planting charges. Sergeant Smith and the others join with you, the relief from the group being unharmed shot down in record time “Ballistics drone picked up on something in our area. We need to down this tower now before the tower helps it get a hard lock on anything. White, where’s Jenson?”

“She’s setting up some demo charges” the second in command replies.

“Good. Going to request a cruiser for exfil now, we were planting charges too” Smith says before contacting who he needs to.

“Sergeant Smith, have you seen what one of these drones can do personally?” Makoto asks after Smith is finished with his business.

“Yes. And before you ask: the only reliable defence is to either stay out of its range or stay undetected. There won’t be enough of us left over to get a DNA sample otherwise” he deadpans.

“As if that rusted, half baked machine could ever see through my art” Trevor retorts.

“Don’t get yer head full of yourself unless you can dodge phaser fire b’y. This flyin’ bucket sounds nasty so don’t be tougher than you needs to be” Sarah chides.

“More polite than I would’ve been, but you heard her contractor. Don’t get cocky, and double down on your trade” Smith agrees with a sharp bark aimed at the arrogant wizard.

Private Jenson arrives a short time later reporting in “My charges are set. Ready to set them off at any time”

“I’ll give you control of all the charges we planted. Detonate them after we’re on the cruiser, I’ll give you the signal” Smith says. He then occupies himself with contacting who he needs to for an atmo cruiser leaving everyone else to keep watch. The utilitarian tunnel and Rasowa’s expansive desert leave anything else to be desired, it’s monotony might kill you if the weather didn’t.

Peter and the group have done what they came to do, and the remaining two terrorists are a click away from being turned into soup. What’s the plan now, /monster/? Two sets of choices here so pick one from each

First set:

Clear the tower for the two sentients waiting on the roof. They may be waiting for your group to leave before trying anything sassy.

Go to the main base of operations with the hard drive. Information is power, and the sooner the ISAF gets possession of Jenny’s surprise gift the better.

Attempt to find the sequoia dryad’s location from the hard drive and continue the mission. The ballistics drone might have to take a pass on eliminating you due to proximity to a high value target.

Second set:

Demo the tower as quickly as safety will allow. The sooner this communications center is done for the more help this gives the ISAF

Demo the tower after some time has passed. The ballistics drone already suspects this area so setting of the charges immediately will get the group some unwanted attention

And since the annoying, reality warping goat made an appearance /monster/ gets to ask her a question. Same catch as the other time, can’t ask Jenny why she’s interested in Peter directly.

>>376575

Clear the tower for the two sentients waiting on the roof. They may be waiting for your group to leave before trying anything sassy.

Then

Demo the tower as quickly as safety will allow. The sooner this communications center is done for the more help this gives the ISAF

I've got nothing for a question.

>>376575

First set:

>Go to the main base of operations with the hard drive. Information is power, and the sooner the ISAF gets possession of Jenny’s surprise gift the better.

Jenny said the hard drive contained all the information they needed to ensure the mission is a success. I'd take her word for it and rush it to the main base of operations.

Second set:

>Demo the tower as quickly as safety will allow. The sooner this communications center is done for the more help this gives the ISAF

Blow the shit out of that thing ASAP.

>And since the annoying, reality warping goat made an appearance /monster/ gets to ask her a question. Same catch as the other time, can’t ask Jenny why she’s interested in Peter directly.

Ask her a good place they can honeymoon without being disturbed.

>>376632

This on both choices.

Anyone who's still around here when it blows won't be our problem soon.

As for my question, I think we need to figure where these encoders are coming from and how they're being made. They keep popping up and it's gonna get worse and worse if we don't take care of it.

We know they're being made by those Nexcell guys but we don't know where exactly. Jenny probably does and the sooner we can get rid of that shit the easier our lives will be.

Besides, if she's gonna keep faffing about with us we need to make her a little useful, right?

>>376654

Definitely has my vote for this question, the rest of my vote is intact.

>>376632

>>376613

>>376654

>>376693

Tally time before the 24 hour bump

>1 vote for tower clearing

>2 votes for GTFO to base

For what Peter's going to be asking for Jenny's question:

>Ask Jenny everything we don't know about the encoders (how they're made, where they're made …. etc)

Took this one as the official question because it's more related to the plot. Also, Alex's wife said that Peter can ask that question without it counting because she's also a monster and would like to give fluffball something to look forward to.

>>376799

OP, are you still alive?

>>378304

Might just have got caught up with things. a few weeks between posts is fairly normal, so I'm not worried yet.

>>378344

I suppose that is normal around the holidays…

>>378304

>>378344

>>378404

TL;DR: I'm alive, but accepted new job. I am working on the next update but IRL a shit.

When you work a white collar profession IRL it has a nasty habit of eating into your free time. Especially if you change jobs because you're learning a company from the ground up

>>378568

It's all good. Just trying to make sure you hadn't abandoned the thread or anything.

>>378568

>>378609

Pretty well this. It's good hearing from you.

>>376799

While the plan to demolish the communications tower quickly is sound, you’d rather not have any encoder users surviving to pass on ideas to others. “Sergeant, I don’t think leaving those last two to chance is a good idea. If they have encoders then they’ll be able to survive somehow”

“Are you sure about that? They’ll be buried in the rubble” Smith counters.

“I’ve had the displeasure of fighting these users before. Unless you kill them in one shot before they can act, or destroy the encoder, then we’re pinching a dragon’s arse” you reply.

The leader considers this for a moment and answers “Good point. I don’t want them passing on intel that could get the ballistics drone involved either. Everyone except you and your wife help Jenson with setting up the charges, while we have some targets to eliminate” Sergeant Smith then takes point for your group of three as you walk rank and file into another corridor.

The door into the stairwell you three enter closes, and you begin the tense stair climb to the roof. Each echoing footstep toward the targets travelling for what seems kilometers. The closer you get to the roof the louder they feel, adding to your stress. A violent howl takes the place of footsteps as you reach the second floor as Smith halts the trek upward. He observes for a few moments before moving forward “Wind picked up, but eyes on. We’re hot in two floors” Makoto nods in time with you, and everyone starts climbing towards the roof in steady time.

Finally. You reach the door leading out to the rooftop. Smith holds up his hand halting you and Makoto as he remains motionless in front of the rooftop access. “Do one of you two have an ability to scout safely?” he whispers.

“Aye. You’re looking for the encoder users, right?” you reply in a hushed tone. Sergeant Smith nods and confirms. Focusing your concentration on the unmistakeable sensation of the encoders, you discover the exact location of the targets “One’s directly ahead about ten meters. The other one is two meters to our left”

Smith takes an eraser out of his vest and points to the second location “Left one’s mine. Watch for the target straight ahead.” The combat veteran pulls the pin on the eraser and opens the door using its manual function. Glancing through the opening you see a human silhouette extending in the same direction their rooftop companion hides. A faint ‘ting’ finds its way into your ears before the thunderous sound of the door slamming into place follows. Two things are certain: first, the target nearest to you is taking a trip to the pit to join the others. Second, if the other terrorist didn’t know you were here then they know now. Thank the First that the rooftop is bathed in midday light to help you find them, because your current location no longer has that benefit.

Your impromptu planning is interrupted by Smith’s bark “Target’s mobile! Move!” The sergeant pushes you to the side as the door slams open with a shudder. He scans the rooftop briefly before clearing the area behind the rooftop’s access. An emergency staircase off to the right near the tower’s massive antenna catches your eye as you emerge from the building.

Looking around, you scan for other possible surprises before shouting over the violent wind “Found some stairs, I think I know where they went!” Sprinting to the weathered metal stairs your ears pick up on the rhythmic metallic ringing made by the fleeing combatant. The thought of using your new cast comes to mind, but now isn’t the time to test something you just discovered. Cursing your circumstances, you take your phaser rifle and aim as best you can with your inexperience. The first few beams miss the target, but turn the target’s future path into a glowing orange deathtrap. He vaults the rail in a panicked jump kicking up a large cloud of sand when he lands. Recovering from the landing costs him enough time for you to steady your aim by propping your rifle along the roof's edge. This time the beams hit the assailant and put an end to whatever they were fixing on doing.

Sergeant Smith looks at the dead target, then looks at you in approval “Nicely done. That’s the last of them, time to exfil and demo”

“Aye, sounds good” you say as you all vanish down the subterranean maintenance tunnel.

The wait for the ISAF atmo cruiser is a well deserved break, even if there isn’t much conversation going on. Trevor isn’t faring well with the lapse in action, Sarah’s making it a point to violate his personal space when she can. In his defence, she’s hanging onto him like he's a living body pillow. At least Makoto has a sense of dignity when it comes to public displays of affection. After a reasonable wait for everyone but Trevor, the atmo cruiser arrives and waits for Jenson to arm the explosives before leaving. A few members of the group shield their eyes from the blinding Rasowa daylight as the cruiser flies to a safe distance before detonating the charges. “Jenson, do I need to tell you what to do?” Smith asks with a cheeky grin.

“No sir!” the hellhound barks enthusiastically. She squeezes the detonator with no hesitation, with the device answering her with a beep. In a fraction of a second, the tower evaporates into the all consuming fireball that rockets skyward. “Target destroyed, sergeant” Jenson beams, as her squad mates give her some congratulatory pats on the back.

“Need to get to HQ, need to deliver some intel” Smith tells the pilot.

“Will do. Should be there soon enough” he agrees, as he points the cruiser towards your temporary home in the desert.

The yawn inducing trip to the command center becomes frightening as you see the pilot with all the blood drained from his face “Command says the ballistics drone decrypted one of the three stealth counters”

All the other soldiers become stone faced, with corporal White breaking the ominous silence “Wizard, put everything you have into your stealth casts if you want to live”

Trevor rolls his eyes in contempt before snapping back “And who do you think you are telling me how to–”

“If you don’t comply right fucking now I have technology in this cruiser that can make you” Smith orders as he collects something from a compartment under the seat.

“B-b-b-but that’s—”

“A mana extractor that can replicate your casts” the sergeant deadpans as he holds a fist sized sphere that blooms into several vicious tines “One way or another you will safeguard this unit. We clear?” You feel the frantic spellcaster dumping every last drop of his reserves into staying undetected after Smith’s little tirade. Seems Trevor doesn’t want to be on the business end of that painful looking tool, seems he might’ve had a first hand experience with one before.

“Err … how long until we to the main base b’y?” Sarah asks.

“Another hour contractor, going as fast as this thing goes” the pilot replies. Only an hour … it’s going to feel like a bloody eternity with the threat of that drone. You ponder what to ask that bloody goat in the meantime, it’s the only thing you have control over so that’s what you focus on.

Eventually, you see a break in the horizon after the endless dunes. You can breathe just a little easier knowing you’re not going to end up a stain on this worthless planet. As the cruiser settles itself on the ground, you take a closer look your home for the next part of your strange life. Some phaser cannons as big as the transport ships keep watch on the skies, while others point to greet any unruly guests coming via the dunes. The atmo cruiser comes to a stop letting everyone out, when you disembark you take a look at the rather … open accommodations and pray you’ll have at least a few moments of privacy. Sergeant Smith, the last one off the cruiser, erases your hopes as he points to a large row of tents “There’s our quarters. Hope you can deal with others, there’s so little space in these you could count the hairs on the head of the sentient bunking next to you”

“And what about those of us who have husbands?” Makoto interjects, giving Smith an icy glare.

“In for a gram, in for a kilo. You’re in separate beds whether you like it or not”

You ease the fuming vixen with a scratch behind the ear “Easy lass, it’s only a night or two at most” While the formerly fuming fox moans lightly it gets quiet. Makoto, along with everything else, is abruptly frozen in time. “This better be worth it. Show yourself lass” you call out knowing there’s only one sentient behind these shenanigans.

To your surprise, Alex, the human that was with Jenny when you were searching the Odyssey is standing in front of you “I’m not the monster you’re looking for, but I’ll have to do for now. Jenny isn’t available”

“And why’s that?” you ask.

“That little stunt with the hard drive? Would qualify as interfering with mortal life if I was in a bad mood. So I’ll be dealing with you this time. Now, to the point: Guinevere offered you a chance to ask a question. What were you going to ask?”

“Fair enough” you say, trying to avoid angering the confrontational man. “Since you’re offering, how about you tell me everything that would help me put an end to these encoders?”

“Not what Jenny was hoping you’d ask about, but I’ll allow it because the more help we get for this the better. What we know that you don’t starts with who’s responsible for them. Her name is Zhen Wu. She’s Nexcell’s lead researcher and she’s the one who designed the encoders. She didn’t have a hand in any of the violence personally, but she’s taking a ‘needs of the many’ attitude to justify her hubris”

“Is this girl a bell end? Has she seen what’s happened because of her work?” you snap.

Alex waits for your justified outburst before going on “She honestly thinks these encoders are just as important as the matrix gates humans and monsters used at the beginning of the planet colonization era”

“And how is this information useful to me now?”

“She’s planet side, in the same building Nancy, the sequoia dryad, is being held. It’s also in your best interest to take her alive”

“Both the entire universe and I would find it convenient if she lived through a climate regulator breakdown instead of trusting your advice”

“I find your lack of faith … disturbing. But if she’s taken alive undoing the unseen damage the encoders are doing will be a breeze. Oh, and the mindflayer that’s going to extract that information is going to allow you mortals to put a stop to what Tim Anderson’s up to on the side”

“The bloody maggot that’s been going after my wife?”

“Same one. He was here until a few days ago, Zhen Wu was patching him up. Since he’s been working for Nexcell since his jailbreak they’ve been going to a lot of effort to keep him fighting fit. Careful around him though. Despite what your previous encounters might tell you, he captured Nancy by himself”

“Suppose we’re supposed to take him alive as well? Maybe have him share a cell with his best friend that fixed him up?”

“Mortals …” Alex sighs. “For the record, making sure he meets a premature end would be best. The future where he survives is a future where the encoders get a second lease on life. Let me tell you that timeline won't end well”

“Alright, so this Zhen Wu needs to live and Tim needs to die. Anything else I need to know to finish this wild ride?” you sneer.

“Two things. There's a classified contract the guild is offering, it's for Tim's assassination. You need to accept it yourself, it's still open. Kelley, and a monster you’ll meet named Kurenai need to be a part of this if you want to live through it ”

“And the other” you query, praying the second thing isn’t something outlandish.

“At the request of Guinevere and my wife I need to tell you about where to go for your honeymoon with Makoto.”

“Are you taking the piss?”

“I have my wife and Guinevere harassing me non stop over the fact that I’ve insisted on secrecy. Do you think I want to hear the pair of them team up against me if I don’t?”

“…Probably not” you concede.

“To give you a honeymoon where you’re left alone… and to save me an earful from the other two: a city called Sapporo, on earth. It’s where Makoto’s family started Tsuki no Hikari with the Chisako family echidnae. A good part of the city is going to want you to have a peaceful honeymoon so you’re not going to be disturbed. But if you don’t bring it up Makoto won’t consider it”

“Right. Better keep track of all this then. Anything else or are you going to stop being a prat and undo what you did with stopping everything in its tracks?” you comment, unsure on how to take all this.

“Just one last thing before I stop freezing time. You have one more crack at figuring out why we’re interested in you before we part ways permanently. So next time one of us is around come up with something solid. We’re hoping you figure it out, but if you don’t? It is what it is. See you later, eh!” the informative, but mysterious and infuriating human says as he blinks out of sight the moment things start moving again. Observing the state this base is in to see if they suspect anything yields nothing. How are those two able to do that, anyway?

With Alex gone, you scan the base’s occupants for any sign that someone else may have noticed what happened. Not a single sentient seems to be aware of anything, just what kind of abilities are Jenny and Alex working with? There will be time to think on this later. “Sergeant Smith, do we need to be anywhere in particular?” you ask.

Thankfully, he has some welcome news “Besides finding where our beds are there isn’t anywhere you need to be. Must want to see if the other contractor you messaged is here, right?”

“Aye” you nod.

“As long as you’re ready to head out when we’re done with things here do what you need” Smith offers nonchalantly.

“We going to find Rowan?” Makoto wonders as she tries to spot him.

“Has to be somewhere, let’s muck about for a bit and try to find him. Maybe he’s over there …” you say, casting your gaze over to what looks like a mess tent. Makoto walks beside you towards the busy area, conveniently, you see Rowan sitting at a table by himself downing a large glass of water “Alright you prat, quit your loafing”

Rowan whips his head around in astonishment “Here I was thinking it was someone important! Don’t scare me like that lad. Didn’t expect you here but I did get the message about Kelley. How is she holding up? She was in a state last time I saw her”

“She’s going to be sore for the next week but doesn’t look any worse for wear”

“To think she can brush off being crushed by a bloody boulder like that when she spent so much time in the hospital back home as a kid … frankly, it’s strange. A welcome change, but still strange”

“Aye, and at least she can occupy herself with my idiot sister until we’re done”

“If your sister’s involved, I don’t see this ending well lad …”

“Pat’s not playing on the human team any more. Things happened back home. You too busy to catch up?”

“If I was I’m not now, and not like I’m beholden to the ISAF. Get yourself something to drink and sit your arse down back here. Don’t spare me the details!” Rowan demands.

“Right. Makoto, I’ll get us something” you acknowledge before nipping over to a replicator to get some water.

“You’re awfully quiet lass, what’s mucking about in your head?” Rowan asks Makoto.

The kitsune rubs her temple with one hand as she leans on the table “Nothing a few bottles of plum wine can’t fix … but I don’t think it’s on the Rasowa menu”

Rowan belts out a hearty laugh before collecting himself “Isn’t that the truth! Tell you what, when we’re done with all this nonsense on Rasowa we need to get shitfaced and have hangovers that last for days”

“Good. I’ll ask Minako if she knows any good bars since she’s on Stonower often enough” the nine tail agrees, while you rejoin the pair.

“Peter, dear, when we’re done with this Empress cursed planet we’re going to drink a few months off of our lives when we get back to the shrine” she states with finality.

“Isn’t that a little extreme?”

“With how long we’re going to live worrying over a couple of months is like me complaining about the fur I lose from my tail in a day. Besides, what’s the harm in getting tipsy?” Makoto sasses, playfully batting you with a few of her tails.

You look at Makoto, then Rowan before giving it back “Just as long as that prat isn’t in charge of the drink list then”

Rowan rolls his eyes to your objection “Right. Leave Peter in charge of the liquor, that’ll end well. But seriously, after this nightmare it would be a good plan to drink till we forget our names”

After finding out that Rowan has been rather inactive since running into a ballistics drone, you fill him in on what happened during your time here so far. “You did what!?” he blurts out while his jaw is hanging.

“Aye. I can teleport now. I think it’s because of this wonderful lass’ mana rubbing off on me” you say, nodding towards Makoto. “Speaking of … I’ve been thinking about the honeymoon thing since we finished destroying the tower. Interested?”

“Of course, the sooner we get it figured out the sooner it’ll happen” the nine tail says with more than a hint of jubilation.

“What about the place where your shrine got its start?” you offer.

At first Makoto looks like she’s been blindsided by an atmo cruiser until she processes what you said “That … is absolutely brilliant! Do you know how easy you made our honeymoon planning?”

“I’m guessing a noticeable amount?”

“Noticeable doesn’t begin to cover it. I mean we’ll have to travel to Sapporo, and it’ll take a month or so … but we don’t have to worry about anything but the trip to pay for. The shrine would see to that. Most importantly I can show you off to everyone, this is exciting!”

You can’t help but smile at your vixen’s unbounded enthusiasm, and can’t help but anticipate what a trip to earth would be like. It might be the planet that man and monster started out on, but it's just another part of the universe. You're a native born Landirei sentient, and you've never come close to the Virgo supercluster let alone a planet in it. More motivation to finish this nasty affair with Nexcell you muse.

While lost in thought corporal White saunters over after finding you “Just a couple of things contractors. We’re here for a few hours while HQ processes the data, so no rush on anything. Either Smith or myself will track you down”

“Noted. Thank you” you say before downing a healthy mouthful of water. Thankfully you’re not passing the time until you leave for the next leg like Trevor is, you catch a glimpse of the impossibly tall Sarah a few tables over living up to protecting the wizard from every other monster but herself. At least she has the decency to wait until this contract is over before ending the caster’s career.

Makoto is over several moons over Peter's honeymoon suggestion, and the hard drive will provide a ton on useful information. Oh, and Alex let slip a few things that /monster/ might want to pay attention.

That being said, what will Peter's group end up doing?

Attempt to free the dryad with your group. The longer this conflict drags on the longer she's held hostage, and if the high value target you're after is safely recovered there's nothing saying you have to take it easy on the enemy.

Ok things with Makoto, reveal her species to the brass, and attempt to deal with the ballistics drone. It's successfully defeated a layer of security hiding the ISAF, not to mention you would need all the resources here to not become a sandy blood stain if detected.

Wait for intel from the hard drive, and work with the ISAF as instructed. This will involve moving with the majority of the ISAF as they advance on a bunker of terrorists near the dryad's location.

MOAR INFO ABOOT PETER'S MANA USE

Peter used automatic detection in this entry. He is now at 27 out of 40 points

Don't forget, if /monster/ has an idea that isn't a basic choice toss it out there.

>>379914

I dunno if anyone read what I posted originally, but I deleted it cause I misread from stuff. It was a kinda big entry.

>>379914

>Wait for intel from the hard drive, and work with the ISAF as instructed. This will involve moving with the majority of the ISAF as they advance on a bunker of terrorists near the dryad's location.

>Ok things with Makoto, reveal her species to the brass…

I favor a more hybrid selection. It would be silly to go in without waiting for the data from that hard drive. It might contain something that would heavily influence our decision on what to do next. However, ISAF, and the mission's chance for success, could benefit greatly from letting them know what Makoto is capable of.

So, lets do this:

1) Wait for HD data to make more informed decisions. But generally speaking, lets leave the tactical planning to the experts.

2) Fill in Makoto and Rowan with new knowledge from Jenny's supervisor. Particularly about Zhen Wu, Tim Anderson, and the encoders.

3) Tell ISAF about Makoto's species and abilities, so they can factor it into their planning.

3) Time permitting, snog to try and regain a bit of mana (2 can fit in a bed built for 1, regardless).

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm not sure if it is wise to tell ISAF specifically about Zhen Wu. But obviously our little group has a lot of incentive in capturing her alive. We'll need to think of some way to convince ISAF to help or at least not kill her on sight. Perhaps we could pass this off as some info that Makoto's clan discovered.

>>380235

>I might give another two days before locking instead of one because of the extended absence

Sounds good to me. Maybe others will be able to chip in with some more ideas by Monday.

>>380213

I also agree with the hybrid strategy. We definitely want the info on the drive since we went through the trouble of getting it, but sitting idle until it happens and just moving with the main forces feels like a waste of time, so this is good, I think.

>>380235

The downside of only checking in every few days. That's on me though.

I like the hybrid plan, but really my biggest interest is why Alex&co are so interested with us. The thought has just occurred to me but the reason we had our mana break was because of the negation ability. It negates or undoes just about anything. The encoders can do this but also add/create things. What I’m trying to get at is that we can basically do whatever an encoder does so long as it’s stopping something, rather than creating something. Am I onto something here or dead wrong OP?

I think we should go in with our group to be honest.

Thinking about the amount of chaos involved in a frontal attack with ISAF against these terrorists would make extracting our VIP as well as this Zhen Wu a little more complicated.

The collateral damage alone from the firefight could end with both dead.

So here's what I propose. We have our full team here, Peter, Makoto, Trevor, Sarah and now Rowan attempt the rescue while the ISAF and the terrorists duke it out.

I'm certain with our skill set that we could slip through the front line and make it to the hostage and get both dryad and Zhen out before ISAF glasses the place.

>>380276

I had not considered this… Yeah, OP, is he onto something? Does Jen and Co. want Peter to become one of them?

>>380276

>>380309

>Does Jen and Co. want Peter to become one of them?

Complete anon hive-mind, apparently. I was just thinking something similar yesterday. I wasn't going to mention it until the final time he was asked why they chose to contact Peter, but since other anons are already bringing it up…

My line of thought was more or less that the reason they take such interest in Peter is because he is somehow special and/or different from other mortals. Like the other anon sort of pointed out, his negation ability is damn near approaching divinity-like power levels if exploited just right. But I was thinking about it from a different angle. Because he did not lose his powers when he dived in the monster muff. This is apparently something very strange and unique. He not only didn't lose his powers, but he is actually gaining new powers thanks to his exposure to monster mana. All taken together, it's almost as if the normal rules for his reality don't fully apply to Peter. So it follows that he might actually BE like them. But I don't know why they don't just directly tell him. Maybe a mortal must figure this out for themselves before they are allowed to acknowledge them. Anyways, that's my thoughts on it.

>>380337

>Peter's mana fracture resulting from his learned abilities?

Sorry that’s a miscommunication on my part. What I was trying to say is that we were targeted, and given the mana break, to keep us from interfering with the attack.unless I misunderstood something last thread I’m pretty sure that’s what was said as the cause

>forgot sage

God damn it

>>380337

>No complaints about hybrid plan

Second of two bumps as to page 1 before I lock it up as per /monster/'s request for this entry.

>>380213

>Mana top up option

>Implying Mrs. Mofu is gonna stop at first base

>>380556

>One quick thing about the Jenny situation: /monster/ is onto something. Won't say what side of the fence you're on but keep up the sleuthing.

I'll probably go for broke after the next story update on this final questioning stuff, if you leave it up to us when to ask. But I think we might have a better turn out on it, if it's officially proposed instead of randomly asked whenever we want. But it's only a suggestion! Do what you think is best. It's your story.

>>380559

Whatever's easier for /monster/ … so if you think waiting for after the next entry? Fine by me. And I know I locked the choice, but if /monster/ wants me to deal with the Jenny situation this entry then I'll wait two days on that particular thing so everyone can decide on it. All I ask is that you guys don't wait like a week and then say something for next entry just to keep the time between updates "reasonably" short.

>>380565

>And I know I locked the choice, but if /monster/ wants me to deal with the Jenny situation this entry then I'll wait two days on that particular thing so everyone can decide on it.

Nah. You already locked it. May as well roll with it. I just thought it might be a good idea to go ahead and force a decision after the next story post.

>>380556

Rowan gets a message on his phone before returning to the conversation “Looks like my suit’s fixed. Didn’t catch boulder sized hunks like Kelley did, but it still did a good hunk of damage to it. I’ll see you later”

“Aye, sounds good” you agree, leaving him to fetch his repaired exosuit. With Rowan gone, and the area around you practically empty, you take the chance to keep Makoto up to speed “Makoto, that daft goat’s ‘boss’ paid me a visit when we first arrived”

Her brow furls a touch in response “So what do they want this time?” “Well, to keep it short: the gobshite that invented these encoders is in the same building as the dryad. Her name’s Zhen Wu”

“The Empress can’t deliver JUSTICE to this Zhen Wu if she doesn’t meet her. Would be a shame if she was still in the building when the military started attacking …”

“Need to take her alive, she’s going to be interrogated with a ‘flayer’s help”

“I suppose that makes sense. Is there anything else?”

“Our acquaintance Tim needs to pay the First a visit sooner rather than later, and there’s a contract I need to accept with Kelley and some lass named Kurenai” you recall.

“If it’s Jenny’s ‘boss’ that’s telling you this you should follow that to the letter and leave any other sentient out of it. I have a hunch that things will go to hell if you don’t, that cursed goat and her useless boss are just fingers on a monkey’s paw with their help” your vixen huffs, her tails flickering in light frustration. “But in the meantime, if this inventor needs to live, I think I need to start throwing my weight around”

“How so?”

“The military might have its own command structure but being a real nine tail still gives me some say in things. Did you forget I haven’t told them yet?”

“I might have. Been busy with not dying” you say, feeling a bit thick.

Makoto gives you a quick kiss and ruffles your hair “Let’s go tell them you silly man”

The commander’s tent is difficult to find, it’s no different than the multitude of tents surrounding it. What gives it away is another nine tailed fox facing away from you when you walk by. Stepping into the tent, Makoto grabs the attention of what both of you presume is the commanding officer “Excuse me, do you have a second?”

The inari turns in annoyance, with other ISAF members sending icy stares your way “You better make this disturbance worth it, kit”

“I thought you’d like to know I’m a kyubi no kitsune, it might hel-“

“There’s no way one would be here in the middle of nowhere you lying filth!”

“W-what? I’m not lying! Why do you thi-”

“Do you think some pathetic attempt at looking like one would convince me? Pathetic”

“Have you taken leave of your senses lass?” you interrupt, flabbergasted at this monster’s arrogance.

The inari levels an icy glare before exploding “Know your place! Contractor trash like you should be grateful I’m tolerating this insult. Now, little miss pretender, state your family’s name since you’re so sure of yourself”

Any trace of blonde bleeds into shadow black as Makoto begins to growl “Lady Callahan of the Hayashi clan, you useless kyubi no … inari”

The other vixen’s arrogance disappears, swallowing anxiously “I …I see. The ISAF is grateful for your presence, and will take it into account during mission planning. Please feel free to join us in the officer’s mess while you’re here, perhaps I can make up for this small error”

“If I make a decision on this mission for the safety of that dryad, or need to arrest sentients? Don’t you dare interfere. And I won’t be joining a liver eating mongrel for any meal” Makoto sneers, turning her back to the officer immediately after. As you turn and join your wife leaving, you see her fan all nine of her tails out for the inari to see. You don’t need to know a monster's body language to know what Makoto did, and stifle your snickering until you join her outside of the tent.

“What was her problem anyway?” you gripe.

“Ugh. Inari. Especially the nine tailed ones, think they’re the Empress’ gift to the universe” Makoto groans in disgust.

“After that exchange? I’d rather not talk to one again. Who jammed that meter wide stick up her arse anyway?”

“Probably an oni she pissed off when she had fewer tails”

“Now that I remember. Inari aren’t born with nine are they?”

“Nope. They earn an extra tail roughly every hundred years. Would think all that time would teach them some manners. But I’m not worried about her. Besides, I need to ask you something”

“Go on”

“You’re down on mana, how you planning on topping off?”

“Oh I should be fine for the day, don’t plan on doing anything”

Your kitsune drapes her arm over your shoulders and whispers into your ear “I think you need some attention~”

“Does this involve what I think it does you eternally randy fox?”

“I have needs, mister” Makoto purrs

“I don’t think that’s possible lass …” you point out, wondering what in the name of the First Makoto’s up to.

“All we have to do is ask a monster who doesn’t have a meter wide stick up her arse, as you put it … to tell us where we can get some privacy”

“They’re all part of the same group and won’t say anything” you counter. Does your wife know something you don’t?

“You don’t smell all the sex around here, do you?”

“Nope”

“Well if you humans could pick up on the little things monsters wouldn’t be so … assertive” your wife jabs at you while kissing you on the cheek. She then notices corporal White walking out of another tent and drags you along while she chases the wolf.

“Hello contractor, what do you need?” the relaxed soldier asks.

“There has to be a place where we can-“ Makoto begins to ask.

“Nope, afraid you’re out of luck. Maybe if we weren’t on Rasowa, but the tents are open for everyone to see”

“But there has to be somewhere …”

“Even if there was, it’s a bad idea. Unless your idea of fun involves killing sentients with your husband’s dick in you” the lupine warrior tries to sympathize as best she can.

“Do you have a medical tent at least? Wife’s a bit concerned about my mana level and I need to do something about it at least” you ask.

“Sure. It’s at the end of the third row down on your right” White offers.

“Thanks lass” you say as you move to the tent with a dejected vixen in tow.

Nearing the tent, she speaks up “When we’re done with helping the dryad I’m putting my foot down mister. I need a day off with you where we’re doing normal married couple things. The universe isn’t going to just up and vanish if we’re relaxing”

“Even if it did, I’d rather it vanish after I’ve had a good rest. But I’ll be out in a second, just going to get topped up with a shot” you comfort, kissing her quickly before nipping into the tent. Most of the med bay staff give you a quick glare, but you’re not a military man and you’re going to kiss your wife in public whether they like it or not. A doctor approaches you and gets to the point “State the nature of the medical condition” “Looking for a mana top off if you could” you query, hoping they can help.

The human woman takes a cartridge out of her breast pocket with frightening efficiency “Your arm”. Complying, you hike your sleeve over your left shoulder. With nothing more than a casual thought she finishes before you see her sliding the cartridge into a pouch hanging on her side “There. And take care during the mission, I prefer my infirmary empty thank you”

You offer a smile as you leave, grateful for the help “Aye. Thank you”. You find Makoto waiting outside looking less than impressed with everything. Slipping your fingers between hers, you hold her hand and try to improve it “Let’s go back to the mess, at least there’s food. We can even talk like a married couple if that isn’t pushing it”

“Sounds like a tall order. If you’re not careful we’re going to end up on another quest to save the universe” the fox sasses you.

“Shush” you chuckle, while you walk back to the tent you met Rowan in.

After eating replicator rations that could only pass for food in the scientific sense, you ask Makoto about her shrine “So I know your family helped start it, but outside of that one mention a while back I don’t know anything else. Can you tell me a little more while we’re waiting on the military’s big hats?”

Makoto can’t put her glass of water down fast enough after she hears you “Of course! But I’m only giving you the ‘important’ bits, my family’s been involved from the start. Way too much to get into here. Anyway, the story of the Chisako family and ours started around … sixteen thousand years ago. It was during the time where humans were going away from hunter gatherer living and building up villages. The Chisako family were the only monsters who weren’t other kyubi no kitsune, and the only monsters around that bothered to offer a hand instead of drawing a blade first. Ainu, the first Chisako echidna to exist became friends with Airi, the first Hayashi. Over time they helped each other, and helped their village survive through history. Word of them spread, and despite everything most humans tried they thrived.

"This is in no small part to the human villagers that aided us, if it weren’t for them things would be very different. Word slowly spreads of immortal demons that are half woman, half beast, but not all humans sided with their kind when they saw our village. Slowly, people started devoting themselves to Ainu and Airi, who in turn created Tsuki no Hikari. They did it to make better use of the resources that came from these events, but it had a nice ripple effect. Now? We still do pretty much the same thing we did back then. Offer shrines and priestesses to help sentients who ask. The big difference being we have shrines on almost every life sustaining sustaining planet in the Federation. There’s more detail, but it would take days of straight talking to cover”

That’s quite a lot to take in. Shrines on most of the life sustaining planets in the federation? Makoto's shrine is much bigger than you assumed. You do have one thing you want to know though “When you say ‘first’ when you talk about Airi and Ainu, are they who I’m assuming they are?”

She nods her head slightly and continues “The only Japanese echidna and one of the first kyubi no kitsune created by the mana shift that turned women into the first monsters to exist”

You don’t have any words to express what’s going on in your head. You're awestruck that her family has came as far as it has. But as the corporal pointed out in the tower, your wife certainly isn’t acting like that bloody inari from earlier.

“First preserve me, I wish my story with Dei Gratia was that interesting. Afraid it’s just another variation of ‘humans are divine, monsters are demons’ theme in the big picture” you ponder, trying to ignore what amounts to basically everything your life was.

Out of nowhere a pleasing jolt runs through you from head to foot. “I can’t help with that part, but I think you’re doing better with me instead of them” Makoto soothes, running her fingers through your hair slowly.

“Keep doing things like that and I won’t need to remember my old church” you hum, as the nine tail uses the tips of her claws to add that satisfying extra bit.

When she’s done, you see corporal White sitting across from you “Keep that up and I think a few of the monsters are going to have their hands places they shouldn’t be. Anyway, brass has sorted out enough data to start assigning sentients to tasks. The sooner you get there the better your odds of avoiding the trash missions”

You look at your kitsune, seeing no quarrel before acknowledging the wolf “Already been at the commander’s tent, is it there?”

“No, I can take you operations”

“Good. Like I said to my wife, she has -“

“Meter wide stick up her ass?” the lupine warrior says under her breath. Wiping the tears of laughter from your faces, the three of you walk to the tent the solider mentioned.

You seat yourselves at the table while the ISAF officer in the room enters a few things into a computer. With no introductions or any nod to civility, the Captain begins “Need to be brief. Intel secured earlier today has detailed the two main objectives of the terrorist’s defensive. They are delaying recovery of the high value target, a sequoia dryad, so their forces can attempt to retreat with their assets intact. This will include the high value target, manufacturing equipment for the universal state encoders, and their essential personnel. The ISAF has approximately two hours until the terrorists attempt to exfil with assets. The mission objectives are: attempt to recover the high value target alive, and destroy all other assets sentient or object. However, if there is a conflict between recovering the high value target and eliminating the remaining assets then the high value target is considered expendable. You leave in ten minutes. Check your gear and await further orders from your Sergeant”

“Captain, did the orders concerning the high value target change because of the intel?” Corporal White asks.

“Admiral Suzuki’s call. One civilian death is nothing if it means neutralizing the terrorist cell here” the captain replies sharply.

“Understood. Contractors, we’re moving out. Check your gear and follow me” the werewolf directs you. The look she gives you hints at things left unsaid in the presence of the ISAF’s big hats, you’ve seen that look many times in Dei Gratia. Going to have to ask the corporal en route to where you’re going, you remind yourself. A gust of wind kicks up right as you walk outside almost catching you in the eye. Resolving to finish this contract while heeding Alex’s warnings as soon as possible you follow the lupine soldier with Makoto in tow.

You catch up with the corporal and wait until the sentients in the tent can’t hear you “Looks like you have reservations about those orders”

“The part about considering the dryad expendable. We come all this way and all of a sudden we’re supposed to treat her like the equipment we need to destroy? Doesn’t sound right. Maybe the brass knows something I don’t, or maybe a soldier like me shouldn’t be asking so many questions. Who knows. Will deal with it if it comes to be” the werewolf shrugs. Expecting her to actively disobey orders is a tall order you muse, even if the orders run contrary to what Alex said. Best to think of how to capture Zhen Wu alive, along with saving the dryad from becoming a statistic. It would be better to avoid relying on the ISAF, a part of you wonders why they didn’t just turn the Ginjapi region into a sheet of glass.

White sees Sergeant Smith with the others, including a satiated kobold. On the other hand, Trevor looks like he’s about to lose whatever’s in his stomach. While you still sense he has his powers intact … you figure any personal space, along with any dignity, is in another star system. Perhaps this will go smoother than expected and it’ll be over with quickly? Only the First knows the answer to that you mull, praying that this part of the mission goes like the tower did. Another Captain is nearby assigning squads their details, maybe what the ISAF gives you will work with what you know.

Peter learned a little bit more about Makoto’s shrine, although his circumstances means his pelvis isn’t going to be purple. Time to get the next leg of the contract underway /monster/, so what orders does Peter’s group receive?

go to the main front to eliminate the terrorist forces there. If the ISAF has no reason to commit to a scorched earth policy it will make your agenda possible. It will also eliminate much needed assistance the terrorists are relying on.

go after Zhen Wu directly. The second the ISAF makes contact with her is the moment she dies. Soldiers aren’t CivSec officers, you shouldn’t rely on them to bring her in. As long as you’re careful you can deal with the fallout later.

go after the dryad directly. She’s the innocent victim here, and certainly hasn’t deserved what’s happened to her. Not to mention ISAF brass have decided on the fly that her safety isn’t guaranteed. Get her out before military intelligence makes a decision that will cause more problems than it solves.

If you don’t like what I have? Post your suggestions … etc …

MECHANIC UPDATE

Since a cunt of a dice roll clamjamming Makoto set of unfortunate circumstances is preventing Makoto from giving Peter some MAMONOMANA, he gets some synthetic stuff instead. Peter has 40 out of 40 points.

Let’s rescue the scientist before the ISAF manage to kill her. If at all possible we should rescue the dryad as well. We can kill Tim when we take up that contract and find Kelley and this kurenai

>“Pretty much. Problem with these things is, they literally rewrite the mortal universe as if it was software. So it destroys other outcomes for granting what the user desires. This is a problem, not even the big boss would do that. And they could do it with a snap of their fingers. If they manifested some, I mean”

“So the reason I ended up with the mana fracture … is because my resistance to it was an erased outcome?”

“Good theory. Can’t answer that yet I’m afraid, haven’t had enough time with Claire and her little toy”

Now if I understood that right then we were possibly given our mana fracture because of our negation ability but that doesn’t seem to be the reason they’re interested in us

>>381697

>go after Zhen Wu directly. The second the ISAF makes contact with her is the moment she dies. Soldiers aren’t CivSec officers, you shouldn’t rely on them to bring her in. As long as you’re careful you can deal with the fallout later.

I agree with >>381809 for the most part. Something seems off about this whole situation. It would probably be best that we do everything we can to ensure things go the way that Alex advised. And that starts with capturing Zhen Wu while she is still alive. That's not to say that she needs to be captured gently. She just needs to be nabbed asap, so we can switch focus to trying to save the dryad. Lets leave the demolition of the decoder stuff to ISAF, if possible. We should have a bit more freedom of movement since the battlefield commander now knows who Makoto is, whether she likes it or not.

>>381697

>>381812

Oh yeah, lets try and bring Rowan along for the ride, now that he's fully operational again.

>>381809

>>381812

>>381814

I agree with these, but I would like to add, is there any kind of device that is similar to fulton extracting? Maybe some kind of blinking device that teleports a short distance or to a specific place? Even just one of these would help us immensely, giving us the ability to get one problem out while we deal with the other.

If not we should get Zhen first then the Dryad. Both at once if we can. Get in, grab them and get out.

>>381809

>Now if I understood that right then we were possibly given our mana fracture because of our negation ability but that doesn’t seem to be the reason they’re interested in us.

I wonder if it has anything to do with our recent connection to such a high ranking sentient and fluffy waifu? Or maybe it was a case of being in the right place at the right time?

Have we personally been affected by the encoders btw? I don't quite remember one being used on us… could be bad memory though.

>>381815

>some kind of blinking device that teleports a short distance

Both Makoto and Peter have abilities for teleporting over short distances. Makoto can teleport between shadows, while Peter can teleport between light sources. I think Makoto's ability is probably the stronger of the two, when it can be used. I'm also okay with the idea of them forming two teams for kidnapping/rescue attempts. But not if it makes the missions too risky. Priority should be nabbing the scientist, then rescuing the Dryad. But if they can somehow work out a both at once kind of plan, then great.

>>381815

>>381838

Those abilities are ideal for surprise attacks and search and rescue missions. Especially if they can teleport more than just themselves (I think Makoto can do that. I'm not sure about Peter).

>>381809

>>381812

>>381814

>>381815

>>381838

>something something teleportation something

>is there something similar to fulton extracting

The practical limit for shadow movement is dictated by how far Fluffball can (and is willing/able to) walk. Using the shadows to move about is as difficult for her as it would be for someone to walk on one side of a hall versus another. It's two downsides are needing time to complete in addition to a risk of being detected if using it for stealth. Peter's phase shift is limited by mana consumption in addition to a fixed distance per teleport but unlike Makoto's happens instantly.

Oh, and Makoto can take small groups of people with her into shadow as she's done so on Landirei. The only other condition is that Makoto must be able to physically touch their shadows. Peter's is for his exclusive use and can't be shared.

>mana fracture and Peter

Hint: the unintended consequences involved in Peter's mana fracture from encoders is unrelated to the ditzphomet and her boss having interest in Peter. I know >>380559 has an idea they'd like to pursue so will give them the floor as it were if they're still interested in doing so.

>>381815

It wasn’t confirmed peter was targeted because of the negation ability, but it was hinted at and I think that warrants some investigation. Since it’s possible to negate a persons innate magical ability it’s equally possible to negate the encoders themselves since it’s confirmed they are made of normal technology and not using some other dimension to draw their power. I imagine that’s why they targeted him.

>>381862

Would the fact peter kept his powers and actually gained a new one after sex be one of the unintended consequences of the encoders? Because if it’s not then I’ll have to think of another idea for why they’re interested

>>381863

Nope. The only thing the encoder did was the mana fracture. The things that /monster/ has noticed are out of place/normally don't happen, but are NOT a result of the encoders:

>Peter's holy magic remaining intact after Makoto's dick riding

>Peter gaining phase shift

Reasons for Peter's powers remaining intact:

>Removing all of Peter's powers because of lawful hot sexy times would've been an incredible dick GM move

>/monster/ kept the request for another power within the realms of reason and gave a good enough IC explanation for why

There's other reasons but can't give it all away.

>>381862

>Why are they so interested in Peter?

Very well. Now is as good a time as any. I don't think I'll come up with anything better given more time.

I suspect that Peter is capable of becoming a higher dimensional being like Alex and Jenny. I suspect that his transformation may partially hinge upon his realization of this. Seeing as how Alex is a human man, then it doesn't seem to mean that only monstergirls can be like them. My reasoning for this is much of what has been presented before. Peter seems to partially operate outside of the normal rules for reality. He mysteriously has the ability to detect these devices, when no one else appears to be able to do so. His negation ability is actually quite similar to the devices in functionality, though much more limited. He got lots of mofu lovin (which usually makes human men lose their magical powers), and not only did he not lose his powers, but he has become an incubus (gaining monster longevity) and gained new magic powers instead.

There is also another idea I've been toying around with lately. I think the original attack on the transport ship at the beginning of our story might have actually been an assassination attempt on Peter. Someone could have wanted him out of the way before he had time to develop his powers. Someone who could see all possible paths that reality could take might have incentive to orchestrate an event like that. But the existence of these devices might be throwing things out of whack to the degree that even higher dimensional beings cannot accurately predict what will happen anymore.

So that's my final answer on the why are they interested in him sub-plot. Other people, feel free to add to this.

>>381973

>So if you all want to get it over with now's a good time to mention it, I can throw it in next entry. No need to wait until another appearance. IC, Alex and Jenny want to get everything sorted with Peter as quickly as possible (no matter the outcome).

You have my answer in >>381943. I'm curious what others think of it too.

>>381943

This is way better than anything I could come up with. Go with this OP

>>382384

"Peters group will capture Zhen Wu alive (Zhen w;u first vs. Dryad first was a mutually exclusive thing)"

Five mistakes

>>382385

“Alright, time to get this over with” you sigh, wiping the stream of dusty sweat from your brow. These portable regulators are keeping you alive that’s for certain, would be nice if they did something about the waterfall of sweat pouring out of you. You see a uniformed lizard with a tablet talking with other ISAF soldiers, pointing at atmo cruisers as she goes. Corporal White flicks her head in the lizard’s direction, so you head over.

“What capsule?” she asks, waiting impatiently.

“Sixteen” the werewolf answers.

“Your squad takes the second cruiser. You’re on recon duty with cruiser four. Don’t engage the targets, you’re gathering intel until ordered otherwise”

“Yes captain” White replies robotically, then going inside the cruiser.

Makoto walks near the atmo cruiser's engine and beckons you, the hum of its repulsors masking her voice “We need to tell Jenny and her boss to stay out of our business. If they show up one more time with their song and dance, I’m going to do something about them. Something about them is … wrong … I wish I could put a finger on it, but-“

“Makoto, I might know why they’re faffing about like a pair of tossers. Can you get that goat’s attention? Just think about asking the question and if I’m right then she’ll show herself. We’re setting it straight right now” you console, you’re going to put your foot down regarding everything Jenny and Alex. Makoto sighs with a hint of relief, and follows through on your hunch. Like earlier, everything halts in the blink of an eye. Jenny appears, and for who knows what reason is dressed in a lose fitting, long sleeved tunic and what you assume is a matching pair of shorts. Why in the name of the First is she dressed like a primitive? Just another question to ask you muse.

“Since boss told me everything, I can’t afford to be civil. An answer … or the right kind of question will do” The goat informs you while looking uncharacteristically serious

Well, it’s now or never. Thankfully Makoto is frozen in time with everything else, you’re going to sound like a loon. If you get it wrong you get the sense that you’ll never see these two again, and if you get it right Makoto can finally get the answers she’s looking for. You steel yourself and begin “You’re interested in me because I might be one of you”

“Keep going cutie, need to know the details. If you don’t mind” Jenny replies.

“Fair enough. It starts with me. A man like me with holy magic who ends up laying with a monster will always lose their powers. It’s an immutable law of the universe. But not me, I somehow keep them … and when I tried to imitate Makoto’s shadow movement? I somehow know how to do a cast that I have zero knowledge of flawlessly, the first time. Now one reason the laws of reality might not apply to me like they do to other sentients is that I’m not like others. I’m … different for reasons only the First knows. Combining all that with my main cast putting me uncomfortably close to divinity if I use it just so? The only thing I can think of is that I’m slowly becoming whatever you and Alex are” you exasperate, eager to put an end to this one way or another.

“Oh, hey boss. You caught all that? Uh-huh … yep … I’ll tell him” the baphomet says, communicating with Alex, wherever he may be now. The goat smiles as she delivers Alex’s message “Looks like we’re going to be spending more time together after your encoder adventures are over. Oh, and I have to go over a few things while we’re here”

“We’re not going to be talking about anything until Makoto isn’t frozen” you order.

The baphomet nods in her direction, and a confused nine tail stares at Jenny “What in the name of the Empress is going on?”

“Giving your cutie answers. It’s important so questions will have to wait” the goat says. “Now as for you cutie, it’s not that we were unable to tell you about this”

“There better be a bloody good explanation then you daft twit”

“There is. If I told you what you might become, then the both of us would have a fifty-fifty chance of turning into eldritch abominations. And there’s only five of us not including you, if we were to both turn that would be a problem”

“When you say ‘eldritch abomination’ are we talking shoggoth bad, or something else entirely?”

“It’s not the first one. What you … we … may have turned into would be nothing more than mindless soul eating beasts. I already died once killing three of these bloody things as a mortal. If things weren’t like that I would’ve told you when I seen you in the bar at North Watfir”

“Right. So if you’re here being completely honest for once, does this mean my absolutely insane theory is actually-“

“Correct? Yes. And seeing as you came up with it on your own you don’t have to deal with the boss”

“What would Alex have done had I missed the point?”

“Boss would’ve used one of his abilities to force an ‘observation’ on you, making you completely mortal. After that? Boss and I would’ve rewritten mortal reality to eliminate any memories you had of us. Same for Makoto, but we don’t need to ‘observe’ her” Jenny informs you casually.

Speaking of, you glance over to your displeased vixen as she steps closer to the baphomet “So what happens to me then? I’m still mortal. You going to mess around in my head and make me forget everything?”

“Why would I do that?” the goat replies, before the realization hits her. “Oh, that. Well, nothing happens. At least not in the way you’re thinking”

“You better start making sense, baphomet. Your family name bought you some leniency, but I’ve run out of patience. You tell me what the hell you plan on doing with me, without your head games Empress help me …”

Alex quickly appears, putting himself between Jenny and Makoto “Guinevere. Enough of your shit. Leave”

“But boss …”

“You’re done!” Alex roars, with Jenny vanishing in record time. “Since that fucking goat can’t stop screwing around, I’ll take over. Makoto: you’re in the same situation I was when my wife evolved. You’re going to become one of us with him because you two are bonded. But if you interrupt me, I’m going to freeze you like I did earlier. Peter, pay attention. It’s important”

“Right then. Let’s get on with this” you agree, only for the sake of moving on.

“First, I might not sound it but I am glad you figured it out. Guinevere can be a headache, that’s all. Now here’s the part she needed to pass on: Normally what happens when a potential starts the process like you have, then someone like me makes sure it finishes properly. But Tim Anderson has been liberal with some encoder use recently, so none of us can spare the time we need to finish things right now”

“So what does that mean for me now?”

“Means you’re still mortal for the time being. So don’t be taking any space walks without a suit yet. And if worse comes to worse one of us will try to spare a moment here and there to check in. Speeding up the process isn’t needed, we do it to make evolving easier on the potentials that get it right. But I need to tear up one side of Guinevere and down the other for being a ditz over this, then it's off to repair some holes in reality. Anything else you need before I start time?”

“Why is that idjit dressed like she’s roleplaying a farmer from ancient earth?” you wonder.

Alex pauses for a moment before recalling the details “Ah, that. It’s what Guinevere wore when she was mortal. Her mother is the first baphomet to ever exist, and she’s the second baphomet to be conceived and born in the universe. It’s a side effect of your change, you can see Guinevere as she actually is. There’s a reason why she continues to wear that but she won’t tell anyone why, don't worry about it. But going to take care of business. Welcome to your new reality. Have a good one, eh!”

Time springs into motion again as Alex leaves. While the organized chaos around you continues Makoto tries to comprehend everything “So that’s what Jenny and Alex wanted? I’m going to need time to wrap my head around that”

“That’s an understatement. But at least it’s done with for now” you concur with a shoulder shrug. The rest of your makeshift unit arrives in the next few minutes and cram into the cruiser. You close the door to your steel war horse and holler to the pilot “That’s all of us lad, ready when you are”

“Thanks. ETA is ninety minutes. Command says there’s been no change in the ballistic drone’s status so we’re cleared hot if we come under fire en route. Time to get this party started” the pilot announces. The ISAF base fades into the distance while your atmo cruiser darts across the undulating sand.

“Alright here’s the plan” Sergeant Smith barks. “We’re going to stay off the target’s sensors with the wizard. We’re going to verify intel on their weaponry, and the other unit has a stealth operator who’s going to infiltrate and map the two building interiors for us”

“Is there anything special about these buildings b’y?” Sarah wonders with a look of trepidation.

“Yes, was just getting to that contractor. There’s two main buildings. One of them is a research lab where they’re holding the dryad with a fighting force of a hundred and fifty sentient targets. The other building is a fortified defensive structure with a fighting force of two hundred sentient targets. They’re fully equipped and we’re just two twenty sentient strong recon squads. Need to avoid detection at all cost” Smith warns.

Sarah casts her fearful eyes down before acknowledging “I shouldn’t have asked, sounds like they knows we’re on the way”

Corporal White looks Sarah in the eye as she interjects “Don’t loose the battle in your head before you fight it contractor. That’s the fastest way to die in a hellhole like this”

All the kobold can do is a placating nod, you guess she hasn't accepted a contract with the ISAF before. Sure, she might be used to dangerous situations. Being targeted by other sentients that want you dead isn’t something that most experience however. But you’ll still place your faith in her, she seems to be a reliable dog in spite of the stress.

“Two minutes to target” the pilot announces. Time to shake off the stupor from watching the same sand for an hour and a half, it's about time something else happens.

You sense some heavy encoder use, it’s definitely recent. “There’s been some encoder use around here, we need to be careful” you offer, with the sergeant Smith taking note with a nod.

The pilot scoffs “We have a job to do. Advancing within five hundred meters of the target area, we’re starting”

“Makoto, can you sense anything? I have a bad feeling about this” you whisper to the nine tail.

Her hair and fur turn black as night, and she whispers back “So do I. If I sense anything strange I’ll let everyone know. Pilot is an idiot for ignoring you though”

“Cruiser four is here. Command has also placed sergeant Geller in command. Maintain comms silence until after we’ve cleared this area” The pilot says dismissively.

“Well, let’s get this done” Smith agrees without enthusiasm. Everyone exits the cruiser onto a dune that seems to stretch into orbit, meeting the other soldiers. Rowan happens to be among them, so there’s something going for this, even if it’s a lucky concession. There is the other group, with a walking pile of grease having a sergeant’s symbol on his ill fitting uniform.

The sergeant placed in charge looks at every one before sneering at anybody who lacks an ISAF badge “Listen up civvies and animals: I don’t want you here, but command, in its infinite wisdom, has decided otherwise. Just keep your mouths shut and do as you’re ordered. And don’t let me catch you using magic of any kind or I’ll assume you’re one of these encoder users command is bitching about. I’ll shoot you myself. ISAF: stop standing around and get microdrones over that dune. You have five minutes to map the area”

Rowan looks at you as he rolls his eyes and shakes his head. If you’re going to get anything done it might be wise to be quick about it. From the look Rowan’s giving you the sergeant in charge is going to cock everything up spectacularly.

Sergeant Geller continues scowling as he starts shouting again “Why haven’t you lazy fucks started gathering intel? Do you think we’re here for a vacation? I better get a full field report in under five before I do something to you the enemy would cringe at. Move!”

The unit originally under Geller’s care deploy a small group of microdrones and send them over the dune. The minutes drag on as Geller snorts in disbelief “Command said there would be a few hundred armed targets here. All that’s here is fifteen unarmed ones, fucking idiots. Civvies can keep an eye on that piece of shit that is somehow a fortified building. Same goes for the animals in the other squad, stay the fuck with the civvies. I don’t want you useless whores sucking off the targets. The useful part of this team will be with me. We head to the research facility and terminate all the targets there”

“Aren’t you forgetting a part of this mission, rescuing the dryad hostage?” Makoto deadpans, using enough venom to frighten even a lamia.

“The animal thinks it can reason like a human? Just shut your fucking mouth. You don’t know anything about being in a war zone. And in case anybody gets any ideas: don’t waste time with the ‘hostage’. Kill it on sight, I don’t feel like babysitting it. And if anyone finds her and doesn’t kill her? I’ll finish her off and make sure you’re doing five to ten for helping the enemy”

Is this man serious? You’ve dealt with this kind of idiocy when you used to be a part of the church, but the ones you encountered weren’t living embodiments of parody. A shared exchange of glances between all the contractors and ISAF monsters just confirms they’re thinking the same thing. Problem is, how do you make sure that Zhen Wu and the sequoia dryad get out alive? The other soldiers don’t seem keen on interfering with Geller. All it would take is one lapse of diligence on the way back to the base to screw with what Alex said needed to happen. Better think of something because this moron wants you to act on false information. He’s already acting on false information from the mircodrones, so the terrorists will be fully prepared for whatever he thinks will work.

Peter figured out the goat’s angle much to his surprise, and has an interesting life ahead of him once he’s finished with his quest. For now he needs to work around a field commander that’s fixing on throwing a chimp spanner into everything. How does he handle this, /monster/?

Breach the research facility before Geller’s team does. You have to capture Zhen Wu and retrieve the hostage before that idiot ruins it. He might have an attitude problem but you doubt he would back up his threats in the field.

Feign compliance and breach through the fortified building. You still have stealth with Rowan and Trevor and you have the ISAF monsters on your side. And if Makoto gets serious you have a living weapon with a vested interest in keeping everyone in good health.

Commit mutiny and stop Geller along with any ISAF with you that plan on complying with his orders. Better to prevent them from attracting attention to everyone instead of the party finding out the true strength of the enemy at this location.

Contact the ISAF and try to drive an intergalactic bus over your hotheaded field commander. He’s liable to do more than draw the attention of the enemy, and if he manages to get the ballistic drone’s interest you’ll need all the help you can get.

Have a plan of your own? /monster/ can suggest something if they want as usual. Just no "DO ALL THE THINGS" because these choices are mutually exclusive time wise.

MECHANIC UPDATE

Since Peter didn’t fuck up when it came to dealing with Jenny, he gets access to a random buff for now. Why just a random buff? Because Peter’s not allowed to instagib shit in this CYOA because I said so evolution isn’t instant. Sooooooooooooooo pick one thing that improves for Peter:

Phase shift’s 25 meter distance is replaced by line of sight to target location, but mana cost is still in effect.

Automatic detection costs 0 mana to cast. Limited to being cast once every other entry at most, can’t overload Peter’s sanity by spamming it on everything.

His heal is always ‘on’ with no mana cost. Peter’s durability is on par with stronger monsters due to rapid healing of wounds. Still subject to mortality however.

His physical buff is always ‘on’ with no mana cost. Peter’s physical abilities are on par with stronger monsters.

There is at least one drawback: not even the sweet release of entropy will save Peter's nerves from Jenny because they're both immune to it

>>383326

>Breach the research facility before Geller’s team does. You have to capture Zhen Wu and retrieve the hostage before that idiot ruins it. He might have an attitude problem but you doubt he would back up his threats in the field.

Call his bluff. This guy couldn't be more full of shit with his threats. This is clearly the work of the Inari commander who we intimidated before. She probably wants to try and fuck up our plans, because we injured her pride. Geller almost certainly already knows who we are and the political clout that we hold. I highly doubt he will make good on any of his threats.

Let Corporal White know that Makoto has political authority over the Inari base commander, and that we will try to protect her and any other monsters who are wiling to help us. And we would greatly appreciate her team and their support, if possible. Pull Rowan into our team and prioritize capturing Zhen Wu then retrieving the hostage. Before we leave, let Geller know that he will be answering to the Inari commander if any harm comes to the Dryad.

If Sergeant Geller is stupid enough to physically try and stop us, then hogtie him and throw him in the cargo hold of our transport ship. But I'm betting that he is all bark and no bite. I didn't want to commit outright mutiny. But if we must, then we must. There isn't time to call in ISAF and wait for new orders to come down the pipeline.

New magic upgrade

>His heal is always ‘on’ with no mana cost. Peter’s durability is on par with stronger monsters due to rapid healing of wounds. Still subject to mortality however.

This sounds most appropriate. Peter is all about healing himself and others. This support will be very valuable.

>>383344

>>383342

going with this anon in regards to dealing with Geller, and adding on that we should tell him he's so full of shit his eyes are brown but in a not so obvious and sarcastic way

>>383327

>>383344

>>383353

Guess we're gonna call this guy out then. I'm also good with the healing pick.

>>383506

Feel free to come up with something different if you'd like.

>>383508

What's there works for me. I've got nothing better, and honestly this guy can go to hell, especially since it seems like they're going to be a problem at some point sooner or later. Better to just get it sorted now.

>>383344

Yeah, fuck this guy. Deliberately disobeying orders from the higher ups.

Pretty much everything else in this plan is solid, but I'm torn between autohealing and super strength.

I guess healing because we still have the strength buff available just not passively.

>>383541

>I guess healing because we still have the strength buff available just not passively

I struggled with the same decision a little. But auto-healing is just too good. It's more or less unlimited endurance and self-healing wounds. He can always turn on super strength, if need be. But that's a lot less likely to save our lives than auto-healing.

>>383353

>>383344

>>383506

>>383541

>Unanimous vote for ignoring the field orders and breaching the research facility first

>Auto heal for Peter's free gibs

>Also tell Geller to play nice or we hand his arse to him on a silver platter with a side of gravy

Here's where /monster/ stands at the warning bump. Going back to the 1 warning > lock now that Christmas/new year's is done and IRL is back to killing us on the inside. again, if this needs to change shout me down in the thread

>>383751

man, every time you post a choice is locked post, i think i dont have that ran pic saved, but i do

>>383777

Err … is that the other way around anon? I would assume that's the case, but this is a canadian syrup cooking board so what you said could also apply. Curiosity killed the cheshire, so which way around is it?

>>383971

every time the lock post is made, spess shitposter posts a ran image to go with it, and every time i see it, i think said image is one i dont have saved yet but when i go to check i do have it saved

>>383751

Animals? Is this man an Exertius Dei member, or is he this repulsive without their help? Either way this won’t stand “Oi, listen here idjit: we’re not here to throw a bloody chimp spanner in the works so if you insist on doing whatever you think qualifies as help? Don’t”

Geller’s face turns several shades of red while beginning to focus his wrath on you “I don’t need this shit. Squad, immobilize this zoo that we’re forced to serve with”

Before Geller, or any other human siding with him can commit to anything they’re bound and gagged by Makoto’s arcane talents. The livid vixen takes measured steps toward them, making a point to bear her claws for them to see “Since you can only speak in brute force that’s what I’ll use to talk with you. If I’ve bound you with my shadow then pay attention. I am a kyubi no kitsune. If any of you think you’re strong enough to stop me, feel free to fail at the attempt. For those who are helping me rescue the dryad, get me access to a metaweb connection after we’re done and I can guarantee you’re safe from prosecution”

“I know there’s laws protecting certain monster species but not too sure how that can help” Corporal White interjects, looking confused.

“Have you heard of Tsuki no Hikari?” Makoto asks the werewolf as a grin starts creeping onto her face.

“Who hasn’t? It’s one of the biggest religions founded by monsters, period. Where are you going with this?”

“I’m from one of the two families that founded it. One word to my grandmother … or an ambassador I know personally? You ladies and gents can walk away from what happens here” the nine tail boasts.

“Holy shit. Didn’t think you were from that nine tailed fox family. Jenson, Kennedy, you in?” the lupine soldier asks the pair of hellhounds.

“Yes corporal!” they bark in unison.

“I will unbind the rest of you after we finish” Makoto snaps at Geller and the humans who side with him. Before the small group siding with reason sets off She gets within a hair’s breath of Geller’s face “I’m going to remember you. And that liver eating mongrel that gave you your orders. You’ll be hearing from me again, that much I can guarantee”

“So you’re just going to leave us here in the middle of the open like this?” Geller exclaims, failing miserably at breaking Makoto’s bind.

“What’s wrong, clearly a man of your stature could overpower an animal. My wife is just a fox after all” you drawl.

“Can the fucking around civvy! You don’t know anything, stop whatever the fuck you’re doing or else!”

“Oh, but I’m just a civvy who doesn’t know anything. Wouldn’t want to trouble the man who knows what to do at all times. Tell you what: we’ll let our precious commander stay here in the back line while us know nothings do the work. Wouldn’t want to risk losing our tactical genius after all” you say, ignoring whatever choice words Geller and the men restrained have for you.

Once you’re out of earshot of those maggots the monsters and what remains of the human men gather close. Rowan, sergeant Smith, and Trevor are the only other men with you sadly; the remaining ISAF soldiers either agreeing with Geller or simply following orders. “I’ll unbind them after we’re done in case anybody was wondering. But I don’t think it’s a good idea to let them run free. With the way that Geller was talking he sounds like the type to shoot us in the back” Makoto clarifies before anything else happens.

“Good enough for me contractor” Smith notes. “Now: about the difference between the hard drive intel and Geller’s… best to assume the hard drive info is true. If we go by what we gathered now I bet we’ll be little more than target practice. Can one of you contractors shield the group from incoming fire?”

Makoto takes a moment to think before offering “I can. Normally my lack of fine control with magic is a problem. But not right now. We need brute force, and that I can do” Makoto states confidently. It’s nice to see your vixen show some confidence in her ability, and going by Minako’s performance on Landirei this will make things easier.

Rowan waits for his microdrone to return, then starts filling in the group on what he knows. “Alright lads, lasses, safest option is the corner of the facility closest to us” He explains while using his drone to project an image of the research facility’s exterior. “But I get a feeling they know we’re here, otherwise the first round of info gathering on site would’ve matched the hard drive”

“If they know we’re here, or on the way, this is a problem. There’s only nine of us who won’t screw this up royally, and can’t bet on the targets leaving us alone” Smith ponders as he taxes his reserves for a solution.

“What if we breach and fortify inside somewhere sir? Beats sitting out here waiting for the targets” Jenson throws out. The sergeant pauses with his eyes closed for a moment before giving his opinion

“I don’t like the odds, but at least breaching and fortifying will give us something. Forgot if I asked before, but any of you contractors able to shield us after we go over this dune? I think we’re going to be in for a welcome of sorts”

“I can do that on one condition” Makoto points out.

“That is?” “I lead, and everyone follows at my pace so they’re not shot” she says.

“Well, this is our best … and only chance … to do this. Everyone, follow the fox and move out on her order. Who wants to live forever?” Smith says.

The undoubtably nervous nine tail focuses her attention in a single inward breath as she drives a monumental wall of shadow from the sand. She breaks the silence as she begins walking to the facility “Let’s get going”.

As soon as you crest the dune the suspicion that the enemy is aware turns out to be painfully true. However, the terrorists don’t seem to have anything capable of breaching Makoto’s makeshift riot shield. Your group approaches the nearest sand scarred corner of the research facility unfazed. Seeing Makoto channel enough arcane mana to appear like she’s immolating herself is unsettling, but if she keeps this up there’s no chance for the enemy to counter. You quickly gauge Makoto’s mana use against her pool out of concern, but you prove yourself wrong much to your relief. It’s going to make doing things here easier knowing this.

“Sweet fuckin’ murphy, what kind of powers does your wife have b’y!?” Sarah exclaims in disbelief, as the phaser rifle fire is rendered useless by the shield.

“The kind that’s stopping us from being shot lass. Just worry about what we need to do” you say, hoping the kobold isn’t going to make the group suffer from her disbelief. You approach the worn, dirty wall and see one of the hellhounds prep a weapon.

Once she’s finished she asks Makoto “Can we shoot through this?”

“Yes, you can” the vixen answers.

Devilish grins spread like fire before Rowan updates everyone “Every entrance is heavily fortified, but as long as Makoto’s doing her thing it’s not like they can stop us. What entrance we breaching?”

Smith eyes the hologram Rowan projects before deciding “Might as well go through what looks like the main entrance then. Can you patch a live recon feed back to the base, contractor?”

“Aye. Also warning them about how armed these pricks are” Rowan agrees.

“No time like the present. Assuming the fox can keep this up we just walk in and pick off targets as we encounter them. Can you keep up contractor? Or do we need to work around limitations?” Smith asks as he sizes up the vulpine’s work so far.

“I’m fine, and I’ll tell you before any problems before hand” she replies, appreciative of sergeant Smith’s mindfulness.

“We continue following you then. Let’s move” the field commander signals, with Makoto in front again. When you reach the door, you glance inside to see the welcome the terrorists are planning. Just as your wife’s hand touches the door, her left ear begins to focus on something to the group’s left “Drones … a lot of them”

“Contractors, Jenson, breach the building. Rest of us will concentrate fire on the drones” Smith says sharply. As the ISAF members begin thinning the drone’s numbers, Jenson is with Makoto as the nine tail opens the door a hair.

Jenson waits patiently, and when the door is open enough to slip the barrel of her current weapon inside, she fires off several rounds of something. Doesn’t take long for you to find out what as thick, white smoke fills the spartan foyer. “Have your back contractor. Go on in” the demolitions hellhound assures.

The vixen steps into the smoke careful to keep herself between the concealment and the terrorists, the acrid smoke stings everyone’s eyes. “First preserve me, can’t see shite” you curse, trying not to breathe it.

“Drone away. Searching for rescue target” Rowan informs the group, putting his experience to good use. After Rowan's drone flies out you hear metal dancing on tile; the terrorists certainly are prepared for better or worse.

“Erasers!” Jenson screams through the din of battle. The deadly static crackles through the air, but is unable to penetrate your nine tail’s shadowy defence. Makoto falters slightly however, guarding against a specialized military weapon isn’t something she could train for. A terrorist from a group on the left side takes advantage of this, and opens fire taking aim at the gap. Before Makoto has the chance to reinforce it completely, your left arm feels like you’ve dipped it into molten lava.

“Friendly hit!” Rowan barks, coming over to investigate. He looks at your arm and tries to make sense of what he sees “Peter, you ok?”

“Getting shot’s not fun” you grimace, trying to move your unresponsive limb. Out of nowhere you get the feeling you normally have when you cast heal on yourself. Which is strange because you never activated it “I might be down an arm for the moment but I’ll be fine”

Sarah being busy with her scancorder can’t make any sense of it either “Never mind what your wife’s made out of b’y, what did you do to survive being shot like that?”

“Don’t know lass” you shrug, amid the chaos.

“Gimme your arm then. Your heal isn’t quick enough and you need two to fight b’y” the kobold demands, ready to inject something to help. With the pain from being shot overwriting everything you don’t feel the medpen at all. “Arm’ll take a minute but you can use it … I think” she tells you.

“Aye, thanks” you nod, as you focus your attention back to task.

“Is it safe to go hot here? We need to push in” Jenson asks Rowan while he continues to scout the building.

“Foyer is clear of any high value targets, fire at will. Makoto, we’re using explosives” he warns.

“Ok …” the kitsune agrees before doubling down on her efforts.

The demolitions expert doesn’t skip a beat and tosses a small device the size of a card deck in the direction of the continued phaser fire inside. For good measure she also throws two more; one in front of the group and one to the right. “We’re hot in three!” the canid shouts, fetching a detonator from her vest with experienced fingers. Shortly after the hellhound’s warning a deafening crack roars through the air. “Room clear” Jenson hollers to be heard over the ringing in everyone’s ears.

“Do we have any intel yet?” Smith quickly asks before continuing to pick off drones from the rear.

“Dryad’s not being held where the intel said. Numerous targets are within fifty meters and heading this way in all directions, and I’m picking up readings of a tern class vessel three hundred meters in front of us, underground. I think they’re trying to leave and I think we have about ten minutes if that’s true” Rowan passes on.

“Thanks contractor. Open to ideas to avoid being pinned here, clock’s ticking” Smith calls out.

You check on Makoto to see how she’s faring, and become concerned over what you see. Her hair is a sweat soaked mess, and she’s coughing up hints of blood “Makoto, stop! You’re—”

“Coughing up blood. I’m not used to using this much mana at once. But If I stop, we die” she says through laboured breath.

“There has to be something I can do to help” you exclaim, disturbed at her condition.

“Until we can find somewhere safe in this building I don’t stop. And they shot you. Do you know what I’m going to do to them for that?” she asks with a cold, harsh manor.

“Nothing nice by the sounds of it” you quip, thankful you won’t be receiving any of your kitsune’s wrath.

The remaining members of the group make it inside what remains of the foyer and join with your part. “We have about ten minutes to stop the enemy from retreating with the high value target, anybody think of anything yet?” Smith states while checking his phaser rifle’s charge. He’s right, if this drags out then any chance of getting the dryad … or Zhen Wu alive won’t happen at all. First damn it all to the pit, what do you do?

Bit of a mixed bag this time. While Peter and the group are in it up to their necks, they’re holding their own and coming out on top at this point. So /monster/, what does the group do?

Find a suitably defensible position for the group before moving on. Having a relatively safe location is going to be trouble now but may save time after you’re finished.

Attempt to find evidence in regard to Zhen Wu’s location. The terrorists can’t leave someone this important to their project to fend for themselves against the ISAF.

Sabotage the spacecraft preparing to leave. There is a chance that who you’re looking for is on the vessel and if you don’t stop it now it will only cause more long term problems.

Destroy the building’s climate regulation system. It will be impossible for the terrorists to fight back if they only have a short time to restore something to keep themselves alive.

If you want to split the party make sure to tell me who goes where. And if you think your autism > my autism suggest away for something.

>>384900

Awesome update!

Decisions

>Sabotage the spacecraft preparing to leave. There is a chance that who you’re looking for is on the vessel and if you don’t stop it now it will only cause more long term problems.

There is a very high chance that at least one of our two targets is on this vessel. Since we have nothing else to go on, and given the very short time frame, it's pretty much now or never to try and prevent its escape. I know this will take up pretty much all of our focus, but we should not stop trying to search and confirm the locations of the two targets. Zhen Wu being top priority. But lets not throw the Dryad to the sharks if we can help it.

I'd like to stop and rest a minute, since Makoto is rapidly wearing herself out. But I doubt we have time to do that. Lets keep a close eye on her, and give her a bit of our own mana, if such a thing is possible.

>>384905

If you want to split the party that's possible/feasible/doable as long as /monster/ tells me who's going where.

>>384911

Can Rowan stealth and remain undetected on his own? Sending him alone to find intel seems like a good plan, as long as he in confident that he can remain undetected.

But that's all I can come up with at the moment for splitting up people.

>>384912

TL;DR: Rowan is a former ISAF soldier who specialized in reconnaissance. Possesses an exosuit that has been tied in with him both magically and via DNA. This allows Rowan to exploit his magic ability to "go ghost" for things where stealth is needed; either by significantly increasing the time he can stay hidden … or by increasing the amount of people he can disappear (using the exosuit on the Caravan to hide everyone did help with behind the scenes rolls a ton FYI).

The differences between Rowan and Trevor: Rowan's power primarily focuses on making himself undetectable vs. Trevor's stealth which focuses on altering things that can notice him. There's also the bit about Rowan being a former spess muhrine ISAF soldier to consider as well if anybody reading isn't aware.

>>384917

I forgot exactly how Rowan's suit exactly works. I always just sort of thought of him as a stealth sniper, intel, and support specialist.

So I guess I'll just go ahead and go with what I said earlier. For now lets let Rowan disappear and do what he does best gather intel, support sniper fire, etc. I think the remainder of the group would probably be best together for the time being. This way we can more quickly deal with large threats we encounter.

>>384900

>>384905

I agree with this. Rowan should be able to stealth well enough while the rest of us are causing havoc. First priority right now is to take out that ship. No need for theatrics, disabling the engines or the power on it should be enough. Hopefully we can avoid any major encounters along the way. With any luck our first prize Zhen Wu will be on board. We can snag her any time coming on or off the ship, but once we have her we should probably get her off the battlefield which means we may have to split up again. Not sure if we can take her back to base, no telling if Geller is the only asshole in the ranks. If we do go for it though, I would suggest sending Makoto back after sharing some mana if we can. She's the only one who could feasibly hold her own in that situation.

Either way, once the enemy can't escape we'll have to find the dryad quickly, they'll probably get desperate and do something stupid.

>>384997

>>384905

Welp, another unanimous decision and it's for:

>Everyone moves together like they have been

>Rowan gets sneeki breeki to find out where high value targets are while the rest of the lot JUST the ship

>Priority for targets is Zhen Wu first, dryad second

Same song and dance as always; 24 hours no more choosing … blah, blah, blah …

>>384997

>If we do go for it though, I would suggest sending Makoto back after sharing some mana if we can. She's the only one who could feasibly hold her own in that situation.

This is a bit forward thinking, but I was actually thinking of having Rowan work with one of two others for a stealthy extraction of the targets. Or maybe even everyone at once if working in conjunction with Trevor. But it just all depends how this stuff goes down.

>>385192

Teeny meta spoiler: trying to use Trevor to infiltrate and retrieve Zhen Wu and the dryad will be a cunt of a roll. The terrorists know where you are, what you're trying to do, and the particular terrorists at the research facility figured out something was up when the comms tower blew. They outnumber the group significantly with manpower and drones. That being said if /monster/ wants to use Trevor in this way I won't stop you.

>>385194

Ah, yeah. I got the impression Trevor wouldn't be worth a shit on his own in this situation. But I thought he might be able to contribute at least a little during the exit, if he were to work directly with Rowan. In other words, Rowan stealths 3 or 4 of them and Trevor uses his magic to help make sure no one sees through that stealth. Specifically for extracting a target after we find them, if the situation called for it. I know the circumstances aren't ideal for that, regardless.

>>385263

well prepare to be disappointed about not being disappointed because surprisingly i didnt actually have that ran picture saved already

>>385269

сука Блядь

>>385263

“If that ship’s leaving in ten we need to stop the bloody thing, not think about it!” you exasperate. “Rowan, can you do me a favour lad?”

“Am I finding the hostage?” he asks.

“Aye, and a character named Zhen Wu” you add.

Rowan inputs something and transmits it before using his stealth on himself “Gave you all the location of the vessel with my drone. If there’s anything important expect it to visit” The former reconnaissance specialist disappears from view as he begins his part.

“If you can keep that shielding up we need to move contractor” Smith presses, wary of spending excess time here.

“Just tell me where we’re going” Makoto says.

“Down the right hand hall to some stairs one hundred and fifty meters ahead” Smith informs her. The nine tail proceeds down the hallway the sergeant pointed out, while you pick off terrorists along with Jenson. Your canine companion has an easier time of it however, her primary weapon firing some sort of explosive ammunition. Whatever they are they’re making short work of the enemies and the building. Dust clouds and broken office furniture are all you can make out after that hellhound shoots, and you’d rather not be on the business end of her weapon because the furniture is now in fist sized pieces. It’s a shame that such a facility is being used for something so vile but best not to dwell on it. In a few hours this facility, and every other Nexcell building will be sent to the pit by the ISAF.

As the group continues its heightened march Nexcell’s hired hands and drones continue to fall. You won’t be eliminating their presence with your small group but the ones that you eliminate seem to have no counter to Makoto’s arcane gifts. Sergeant Smith beckons White to cover her as he gives an incoming message his attention. He then shouts some welcome news through the cacophony “New intel, one high value target is heading towards the vessel. We have five minutes but we’re only halfway, need to get the lead out” after relaying the message he jogs up to Makoto “Have intel on the hangar location. I’ll give directions, you keep this shield up so we don’t die. But we need speed, can you do it?” The ragged nine nail simply nods as Smith points to a stairwell about ten meters ahead. “We’re mobile, keep up with the fox!” the field commander shouts.

The charge goes well until another lapse in the vixen’s concentration. This isn’t lost on two nearby combatants who make it inside before Makoto regains her focus. As they try to acquire your wife in their rifle sights you match their hostility with your own phaser rifle. What feels like an eternity is over in a fraction of a second but you shoot one of them first. His lifeless body crumples to the floor as your group tries to take aim at the second target. A human woman steels her gaze and thrusts something at Makoto, albeit in vain. The terrorist isn’t in possession of your wife’s reflexes … or any way to defend against a monster’s physical prowess. Makoto spins around and lands a mortal blow, the proof of her victory dripping from the claws from her hand. Everyone moves on ignoring the terrorist's gasps for air, half of her neck on the floor in pieces. If this is similar to what Makoto said she did to Tim on the Caravan it’s no wonder he ran.

Makoto and sergeant Smith burst into the stairwell, thundering down the steps as fast as the kitsune can run. There’s no time to ask how she’s feeling, but the unrestrained anger along with everything else is telling. Private Jenson cracks the door from the stairwell leading into another cavernous tunnel, careful to remain unseen. As of now the enemy doesn’t know you’ve made it this far yet, and Jenson looks to keep that status quo. “How we dealing with the ship?” the demolitions expert whispers.

“Hang on” Smith orders in a hushed tone. After a brief exchange with Rowan he waves to get everyone close “We move while recon returns, he said he needs to use the first responder and the wizard to free the dryad from inside the vessel. For the ship? Jenson, don’t use anything high yield. For the other high value target? Recon made a positive ID. Said she’s a hakutaku in researcher garb. She’s heading for the opposite side of the tunnel now”

“Can you provide cover if we need to deal with the researcher?” you ask, trying to cover everything.

“We will. Jenson and the nine tail lead the breach. We have ninety seconds, make it count” Smith orders hastily.

The demolitions hound cracks the door again and takes aim with her weapon. Immediately after she pulls the trigger the tunnel fills with the metal crashing onto the floor. First preserve you didn’t think the sound of destruction could be so melodious, but here you are revelling in destruction. No time for philosophy however, as the group runs into the tunnel using the vessel as cover.

“Jenson, open the vessel up!” Smith shouts, as a large group of terrorists flood the area.

“Already on it” the hellhound barks, setting a charge on a nearby cargo door. “Hold that shield foxy, Danger close”

“Yup” Makoto says wearily.

Another click of her detonator and the door joins the debris from the engine in short order. Not long after this, Rowan rejoins the troupe to gather Sarah and Trevor “Could you two lend me a hand?”

“I hate to admit it but my magic is useless … the enemy knows where we are” Trevor complains.

“We don’t need perfection, we’re just confusin’ them to buy time b’y. We’re helping him and that’s that” Sarah chides as she picks up the wizard, carrying him into the ship.

“Going to cut that Zhen Wu off at the pass” you state, wondering if there’s going to be anything unexpected. Either way you lean around the rear of the ship to survey the tunnel. As sure as Rasowa is hostile there’s your target. The ox freezes in her tracks staring at the group through a window, with enough anger to power a space station.

You get a sudden spark of inspiration, and open fire on the control panels in the room your target occupies. Your rifle fire makes short work of the windows before hitting the mark. The room’s controls erupt in a shower of sparks, and the doors slam closed. If Zhen Wu wants to try her luck she’s forced to come at you through the broken windows. “What are they doing with my specimen? Stop them!” the furious researcher screams, her words setting fire to your nerves.

You have the fortune to turn around a split second before Makoto lunges out from the ship, stopping her “Don’t take the bait lass, that pox wants you to fall for it!”

“Stop hiding, I know you’re here!” the enraged kitsune snarls.

Somehow you manage to hear the researcher among the chaos, her request doing your temper no favour “We have another specimen, I need as much help as possible, I need to capture it” “You’re not capturing anything you fucking pox!” you erupt, nearly letting Makoto slip by you.

“What’s going on here?” Rowan asks through his microdrone, no doubt nearby but still ghosted.

“The pox we’re capturing is in the room with no windows” you tell Rowan via the drone.

“Do you think I’m going to let the ignorant and unwashed decide what’s best?” Zhen Wu sneers, her voice louder than last time. “Especially when they’re in the company of such an uncultured beast”

“Temee Bukkorosu!” Makoto howls as you slip back a few centimeters, lunging at the target of her rage. First damn it to the pit, you’re putting everything you have into holding her back … but Makoto’s so enraged nothing you do seems to register. But Zhen Wu seems to have entered the tunnel so there’s at least one thing going right.

“Targets on our six” White calls out while picking off any sentient foolish enough to step near the door you used moments ago. “Do what you have to contractor, but make it quick. We just jammed it in the dragon’s ass dry and she’s fucking pissed” the corporal advises between bursts of phaser rifle fire.

“Aye, we’ll be quick” you say between all the thoughts rushing through your mind.

Zhen Wu didn’t come here unprepared, you sense an encoder on her. Holding back Makoto has strained you to your physical limit, if you want to hold her back any more you’ll need to reinforce yourself with a buff. On the other hand she’s ready to do some serious damage … and Alex never said anything about what state of alive this arrogant researcher needs to be in. On the other hand, that phrase your wife said sounds unsettling despite not understanding a lick of it. Perhaps it’s best if you find a way to deal with the hakutaku yourself. Regardless, you have only seconds to decide. Terrorist reinforcements are en route, which will make escaping with both Zhen Wu and the dryad intact impossible. Before choosing a plan you glance at Makoto, worried over her condition. The bleeding isn’t getting any better, she could be blocking out the pain from anger. If the First was here you’d certainly give him what for, but that can wait until everyone gets rid of the planet sized targets you have on the group.

Things are still hairy, but the group is holding together and getting it done. How does Zhen Wu get dealt with, /monster/?

Let Makoto neutralize Zhen Wu for capture. The nine tail lacks the hakutaku’s knowledge, but that knowledge won’t do the researcher any good in light of Makoto’s raw ability.

Have Peter neutralize Zhen Wu. He’s in a better frame of mind right now, and she wouldn’t expect him to put himself in harm’s way.

Peter and Makoto work together to neutralize Zhen Wu. Two’s better than one, and most likely be the quickest way to subdue the researcher so you can direct your attention elsewhere.

AutismSuggestions also apply as usual if /monster/ has something they want to throw out.

>>386085

>Peter and Makoto work together to neutralize Zhen Wu. Two’s better than one, and most likely be the quickest way to subdue the researcher so you can direct your attention elsewhere.

Peter may not understand what Makoto was saying, but I sure do. We can't rely on her alone and have any assurance that she wouldn't tear Zhen Wu's throat out. And sending her alone would be reckless.

So here's a possible plan to get shit done quick. Peter should tell Makoto that he's going to capture Zhen Wu himself. Hopefully someone in the party has some kind of high powered stun-gun device. I'd imagine that would be fairly standard for mercs to have. Peter needs to secure one. Then tell Makoto and the Hellhound to quickly make their way towards Zhen Wu as quickly as they can. Everyone else can provide covering fire for them as well. As Makoto and the Hellhound leave, Peter will self buff his strength, then use his Phase Shift ability to near-instantly teleport behind Zhen Wu. She'll undoubtedly be distracted by the black ball of fury running her way. So Peter can use the stun-gun on her to knock her out, before she can even realize that he is there. After she is unconscious his strength buff should allow him to quickly carry her unconscious body back to meet up with Makoto, who can defend them both from enemy fire as they return to everyone else with Zhen Wu in tow.

Oh, and turn that stun-gun on max strength. Hakutaku are big girls. The last thing we need is that cow waking up anytime soon. If we do capture her, then we should try and disable the device on her as well.

I realize that this will burn a lot of mana, but it's time to make shit happen. This also hinges upon someone having some kind of stun-gun, and it being possible for Peter to phase shift behind Zhen Wu. Does my crazy plan sound doable, OP? And I'm a little confused about the status of the Dryad. Is she on the ship that we just disabled?

>>386087

>Is dryad on the ship

Yes, and currently being helped by Rowan, Sarah, and eventual kobold rape victim Trevor.

>Does anybody possess a stun gun

No, the spess military only issue what a contractor needs to complete a mission as a basic infantryman. That means gun, and items like the regulator vests for Rasowa's inhospitable environment (when needed). You're also engaging the enemy far sooner than planned. Anybody with less than lethal weapons is about 90 minutes away I think that I put down 90 mins to go from base to research facility at least

>Is my plan doable

Very doable, on condition you find a work around for the absence of less than lethal weapons

>>386088

>No stun guns

Well shit. I'll have to think about this for a minute.

>>386088

Could Peter negate her device use now that he's begun to turn 5th dimensional or whatever?

>>386090

>>386088

It might be better for me to phrase this in a different way. Could Peter negate her ability to use the device she has on her for a short period of time? That should be possible, if I understand his ability right.

And if he can do that, then instead of stunning her, he can settle things with her the old fashion way. He can just give her a good butt-stroke to the head to knock her out. And then she won't be able to use her device, even if she does notice him too soon. Hopefully he can avoid killing her in the process. I'm failing to come up with any better idea.

>>386090

Best ways to stop a universal state encoder from working:

Disable the user somehow

Smash the shit out of the encoder

>Something something Peter being 5th dimensional something

He's always had his negation power even as a mortal. While you could negate an encoder it's more effective to do one of the above as it doesn't cost mana also, Peter needs to be up close and personal to use negation proper. May as well make with a bit of the old ultraviolence. Now if we're talking negating something an encoder did? Peter can still negate it but the success of Peter's cast relates directly to /monster/ telling me what Peter does with his negation.

>>386090

I doubt it, but what we can try to do is follow your suggestion up to the point of teleporting and snatch it away from her. She will probably be taken by surprise and powerless to stop us once we have hold of the encoder or destroy it. After that, we can just subdue her "manually" with a sleeper hold or simply restrain her, something along those lines. Stick to your plan, meet back up with the others, make sure Dryad is secured and get the hell out of dodge.

There's no point in saving mana right now, this is a do or die situation and we need to use everything we have at our disposal.

Oh, and if subduing our soon to be haku-hostage is gonna be a problem I say take out one of her legs, either with raw strength or the rifle (although not sure how reliable Peter's aim would be, might be best for a kick to the knee). Keeps her from getting far if we lose her in all this mayhem.

>>386096

>What should peter do with negation?

I also had another thought. Negate works on people too, right? I suspect that a hakutaku would have some form of magical ability on top of being a scientist, so could we negate her ability to cast if she can?

>>386097

I like the idea of teleporting behind her and giving her a good butt-stroke to the head. And if she did detect us and respond damn near instantly before we could orient ourselves to strike her, then we can negate her ability to use the device. Then she'll be so shocked when the device doesn't work that we'll, again, have no problem knocking her out.

>Negate works on people too, right?

I don't think you can just negate a person entirely. That would be like trying to deny their existence or something. But you could negate her ability to do something (like using her encoder). I don't think Hakutaku can use magic. They're just really smart and wise.

>>386094

>Can Peter give Zhen Wu five across the eyes after using his buff

He can, and if he's buffed his physical abilities that ox is taking one hell of a nap … but will live through it. Friendly reminder: Sarah's physical abilities are well beyond most sentients, period helps make up for her lack of magic. So if the 6 foot 6 250 ish pound wan decides you're going nowhere? You're going nowhere.

>Can Peter negate Zhen Wu's ability to use the encoder

He can, but see my point about the encoders with my last post. Zhen Wu can't use use the encoder if she's been knocked the fuck out, nor can she stop Peter from smashing the shit out of it so she can't use it.

>Can Peter negate Zhen Wu's magic

He can do that, he did it to Dei Gratia's big hats.

>Phase shift timing

Phase shift is totally not Goku's instant transmission bastardized for Peter's use. It's instant. I suggest /monster/ take advantage of that fact.

>>386101

>Phase shift is totally not Goku's instant transmission bastardized for Peter's use. It's instant. I suggest /monster/ take advantage of that fact.

Point taken. Even before this post, I had pretty much decided that teleporting behind her and giving her a butt-stroke to the head should be plenty effective enough. But if something went wrong then Peter could fall back on negating her encoder. That's what I'm going to stick with unless someone else has a better idea.

To sum things up into something more cohesive after all this discussion:

Have Makoto and the Hellhound start running towards the smug Hakutaku. Meanwhile Peter will self-buff his strength, then immediately phase shift behind her. While she is distracted by the approach of our angry Mofu and intimidating hellhound, we should easily be able to give her a swift butt-stroke to the head. If that fails then we can negate her ability to use her encoder and proceed to beat her unconscious. Then meet up with the approaching Mofu and retreat back to the others.

Other input is welcome!

>>386105