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“Let them through, they're our guests.”

The shinto soldiers in their crimson red armour give you an intimidating glare as you and your crew are allowed past into the main hold of the Shinto fleet, otherwise known as the Palace of the Sun. Home of Sun Boros, his three wives, and his twelve children of varying ages. You run through their names in your head, trying to get right what Chen had told you. You'll be meeting a royal family, and you don't want to end up insulting the royal family of the famously aggressive and battle-hungry Shinto Fleet.

“Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu... uhh...” you mutter to yourself, counting them off on your fingers. “Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai...”

“Hai said his first word yesterday,” Mao points out with a smile.

“I missed it?!” Chen sighs. “Oh man... what was it?”

“Sword.”

Si smirks and lets out a small laugh. She always looks so out of place among her family members. Odd that they consider Chen the outcast. She's so regal and gallant, with a traditional beauty that makes it difficult to keep your eyes off her. The rest of her siblings from what you've seen are much less... clean, you suppose would be the right word. They all come with a few scrapes, a few bruises, a little smudge of dirt at all times. Si has never come across as a fighter, the mere thought of it seems to disgust her.

“No surprise there,” Si notes. “That was Mao's first word as well. And Wei, and Shen, and You... Yin and Wu said Spear as their first.”

“And yours?” you ask.

Si beams with pride. “Well, I was always considered the smart one. I was even more sophisticated as a child. In fact, my first words were a full coherent sentence!”

Lacey nods, impressed as she looks around the inside of the palace. “Ooh, neat! And what was the sentence?”

Si pauses, before mumbling. “Give me a sword...”

The inside of the palace is vast, with gold lining the walls with red curtains soft to the touch. “Dad is busy in his meetings right now,” Chen explains. “We'll probably see him at dinner later. For now, we'll meet with dad's first wife, Hana Togakure, and she'll get you all settled in.”

Crooks pauses. “First...? Oh, that's right. People take a bunch of wives on this fleet. No wonder the guy has a dozen kids. Sounds like a nightmare...”

“Hana is quite nice,” Chen explains.

“And she's my mother!” Mao notes. “And Si's!”

Archie nods. “Huh... and what about you, Chen? Will we be meeting your mother tonight?”

Chen looks to Archie and shakes his head. “That's not going to happen. My mother died giving birth to me...”

>Oh... we're sorry, Chen.
>I apologise for Archie. He can be a little dumb at times.
>Damn... do you know anything about her?

>>3551777
>>I apologise for Archie. He can be a little dumb at times.
OOF

>>3551777
>>I apologise for Archie. He can be a little dumb at times.

Dammit, Archie.

>>3551777
>I apologise for Archie. He can be a little dumb at times.

Calling for
>I apologise for Archie. He can be a little dumb at times.

Writing now.

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>I apologise for Archie. He can be a little dumb at times.

Archie steps forward and gives a small bow, his hands clasped together. "S-so sorry! I didn't mean to be so insensitive, I just-"

Chen gives a small chuckle. "It's okay. How could you have known? You don't need to apologise, and nobody has to apologise for you."

"Oh..." Archie mumbles. "I'm still sorry nonetheless."

Chen and his half-sisters lead you into a large foyer, with screen doors of to the side and a large staircase leading upwards. Coming down the stairs is a brown-haired woman in a Yukata, each steps she takes is with purpose and grace. You can tell by her face that she's the mother of Sun Si, though as you look between her and Mao you see no resemblance. Her rougher, more aggressive look and demeanour must all come from her father, just like the red hair that all of the kids possess.

"Ah, you must be the guests my daughters spoke of," Hana Togakure speaks. She looks to Crooks and nods. "You must be Matthew Millar, then independent of the Han who helped turn the tide of the Yellow Turban Rebellion."

You nervously clear your throat and step forward. "Actually, that would be me."

Hana looks to you and adjust her eyes. "Of course. You are unassuming in stature, but I can see a warrior behind those eyes."

"Really?" you ask.

"No," Hana smiles calmly. "I am simply flattering you. A warrior's eyes is hardly something that can be picked up on."

"Of course..." you mutter. You didn't expect her to admit to it so readily.

Chen looks to you and pats you on the back. "Come on, Matt! I wanna show you around the palace!"

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"Do not get ahead of yourself Chen," Hana points out. "Surely the guests should be shown their accomadations first?"

"Oh, right..."

Archie smiles. "Don't worry about it. We can be shown where we'll stay, while you show Matt around."

"Sure thing," Crooks notes. "We'll meet you back here in a short while."

Chen nods with enthusiasm, as Hana smiles. "Very well, Chen. Come with me, and we will show your friend around. Daughters, show the rest of the guests where they will be staying."

"See you later," you wave to the rest of the group, particularly to Krista. She blushes and waves, and you blush in turn. Dot nervously darts her eyes between you both knowing of your secret, while Crooks glares suspiciously. It's only a matter of time before Crooks finds out about you and Krista's... thing, and the shit will hit the fan. No way will he accept a romantic relationship between crew members... especially not after what happened with Maribelle. Crooks was always cautious and untrusting even on his best of days, but since yesterday you've seen a light behind his eyes go out.

As the other move ahead, and Hana leads you aside, she speaks. "Now, Matthew... I assume you are interested in meeting the rest of the royal family. The other children are around here, going about their daily routines. Any you're eager to meet with?

>Zi is the oldest, right? I'd like to meet him.
>I met Chou before but I think we got off on the wrong foot. Maybe another meeting is in order?
>I actually just met Yin yesterday... I should probably speak with her again.
>I've never met Wu before. She's the youngest of the adults, right?

>>3551850
>>I actually just met Yin yesterday... I should probably speak with her again.

>>3551850
>I actually just met Yin yesterday... I should probably speak with her again.
Electric Megumin a cute.

>>3551850
>>I actually just met Yin yesterday... I should probably speak with her again.
It Shiki.

>>3551850
>I met Chou before but I think we got off on the wrong foot. Maybe another meeting is in order?

Calling for
>I actually just met Yin yesterday... I should probably speak with her again.

Writing now.

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>I actually just met Yin yesterday... I should probably speak with her again.

"Yesterday?" Hana notes. "But yesterday I hear she was breaking up some sort of underground deal..."

You shrug. "Yeah, I kinda... stumbled upon that while I was here."

"I see..."

Chen pumps his fist. "Yeah, it was Yin who told me Matt was here in the first place! He helped her take care of those criminals. She called him her pint-sized hero!"

Geez, that's an embarrassing title... more embarrassing is Hana's following smile and statement. "Ah... I would wager that Yin sees herself a potential suitor."

You blush and begin to stammer. "U-uhh, really? W-well you can rest assured I'm don't have any of those intentions with your daughter-"

"She's not my daughter," Hana corrects you. "She's the daughter of Anika Cho, my husband's second wife."

You sigh. "Of course. Sorry, it's a little hard to keep track from the outside."

Hana leads you to a training room in the palace, where you spot Yin working away. Swinging and manoeuvring around moving targets attached to a mechanism, she spins and glides and attacks with her weapon, deftly dodging and taking them all out with ease. She's an incredible fighter, and likely one of the top generals in the entire fleet... it's simply her severe nerves at times that hold her back.

"Impressive work."

Your comment causes her to spin her head around... then immediately let out a yelp and duck behind one of the broken targets with a reddened face. "W-what are you doing here?! Did you see that?! D-don't sneak up on me like that!"

You shake your head. That's what you remember from yesterday. You enter the training room as Yin takes a deep breath and pulls herself in front of you. "I didn't think I'd see you again," Yin notes. "Let alone so soon. Hello... again."

Yin gives a respectful bow, as Chen crosses his arms. "So you really do know each-other!"

"Yes," Yin replies. "Yesterday, this young man was so brave. He stepped into a dangerous situation and gave me the assistance I needed... and even helped carry me to safety when I allowed my powers to overwhelm me. And this pint-sized hero... he did it all without a power of his own. True heroism."

"No power?" Chen ponders sceptically. He knows all about your Biochip, but Yin doesn't. "Uhh, Yin?"

>Yep! No power at all! Guess I'm just a real brave guy.
>Actually... I do have an ability. It's just kinda... secret.
>Can we lose the 'pint-sized' part? Just hero is fine.

>>3551902
>Actually... I do have an ability. It's just kinda... secret.
No lies, but also not telling the whole true.

>>3551902
>>Actually... I do have an ability. It's just kinda... secret.

>>3551902
>>Actually... I do have an ability. It's just kinda... secret.

>>3551902
>Actually... I do have an ability. It's just kinda... secret.

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>Actually... I do have an ability. It's just kinda... secret.

"You do...?" Yin mutters, stunned. "Well in that case, what is it?"

"A secret."

"But what is it, really?" She pries.

"... A secret."

"Is that so?" Yin pouts as she looks at you with suspicious eyes. You can almost see a little bit of lighting behind those red eyes of hers. "Very well, you can keep your secret. I owe you, after all."

Yin extends a hand in offer of a handshake. You hesitantly accept. Something about her... she's so calm and at times shy, but you've already seen her hidden fury first-hand. Even when she's nice and friendly, a part of her frightens you when she speaks. "It's good to see you again, by the way," you note.

Yin turns bright red and pulls away. "D-don't say that! I... excuse me!"

She pushes past you and quickly jogs out of the training room and down the hall. "Must be embarrassed," Chen notes. "You might not want to keep secrets and make her angry. She's sweet, but she's known as the Tiger of Shinto for a reason."

"Aren't you known as the Dragon, too?" you point out. "Maybe there's a little badassery underneath your friendly image as well."

Chen shakes his head. "Nobody really calls me that. It's a title I was given, but never one I earned in people's minds. I'm just Boros' bastard to most..."

Hana shakes her head. "It's best not to dwell on whatever others think of you, Chen. You may not be my son, but you are a part of this dynasty. It cannot be taken from you."

"Thank you..." Chen bows to his father's wife. "Oh, I guess we have more time before people get settled in, seeing as Yin took off so quickly. Any of my other siblings you want to meet?"

>Sun Zi
>Sun Chou
>Sun Wu

>>3551927
>Sun Zi
Let’s meet big brother.

>>3551927
>>Sun Zi
These are good kids, and I like Hana mom

>>3551927
>>Sun Zi

Calling for
>Sun Zi

Writing now.

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>Sun Zi

"Zi?" Hana notes. "Around this time of day, my eldest is often in the peach garden. Here, follow me."

Hana leads you through a screen door into a patch of greenland, cultivated within the palace. A moderately sized garden... and in that moment you realise this is the most grass and plantlife you've seen in your life. Outside of what grows from you since you gained your biochip, of course. You hunker down and run your hands through the grass with a smile.

"You must not see anything like this when you're separate from all the fleets," Hana notes. "Take it in. The peaches are ripe, there should be a basket of them over there."

You head towards the straw basket of peaches, but are beaten to the punch by a tall, handsome man with sunken serious eyes. He grabs a peach and holds it in his hand as he finishes off what seems to be a hunk of cheese. You've spoken to this man before, but only in a professional setting. Sun Zi looks to you with a puzzled look. "You aren't one of the generals..." he notes. "But you do look familiar. Are you a diplomat? From Athens, perhaps?"

"This is Matt Millar," Chen points out. "You met him at the summit to deal with the Yellow Turbans, remember?"

Zi examines you, then nods. "Ah, of course. Apologies for any rudeness. Help yourself to a peach."

You take from the basket and bite into the fruit. The juices spurt out as your teeth sink in through the flesh. It's delicious. You've never had one before.

"Millar will be our guest for tonight," Hana notes. "Him and his crew. So treat him with respect, son. Perhaps you might even find a suitor among his crew."

One of the Shinto handmaidens giggles as she addresses Hana. "He may have already found one. Just earlier, he was walking through the garden with General Erica."

Hana gives a wry smile as Zi turns his head away shyly. "Oh? Our newest general has caught your attention, has she?"

Zi shakes his head. "She is from Camelot, originally. I was simply helping her understand this new culture better. Any shock and lack of integration, and it could negatively impact her performance in battle..."

"Suuuuuure," Chen laughs.

Hana nods her head. "Once again, the Rat of Shinto proves to have a terrible pokerface."

>I'm surprised you don't have several wives already, considering your status.
>Why are you called the Rat of Shinto? That title doesn't seem to fit you.
>I suppose as head general you'd rather focus on warfare than relationships.

>>3552007
>>I'm surprised you don't have several wives already, considering your status.

>>3552007
>I'm surprised you don't have several wives already, considering your status

>>3552007
>>Why are you called the Rat of Shinto? That title doesn't seem to fit you.

Calling for
>I'm surprised you don't have several wives already, considering your status

Writing now.

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>I'm surprised you don't have several wives already, considering your status.

"Am I expected to?" Zi asks. "I understand that my father was younger than my current age when I was born, but I do not think it's expected of me to follow in his footsteps exactly."

"Well, you should start thinking about continuing the Sun family line eventually," Hana points out.

Zi shakes his head. "I have eleven siblings. Chou has a wife, Si is soon to be wed..." Zi shudders briefly at the thought of Si's current betrothal. It seems the sentiment among all is that said marriage cannot go through. "Regardless, I feel the family line is safe for now. I am allowed to take my time in finding someone."

Hana places her arms in her sleeves. "My, oh my. Zi always becomes so defensive on this topic. Well, perhaps you may find someone at dinner. It should be ready soon enough."

You are lead back to the foyer, where you meet with the rest of your crew.

"How does the palace look, Matt-Matt?" Krista asks, gawking around. "All these red curtains are so soft. I can't wait to see the rest!"

"They have a lovely peach garden," you point out, before blurting out even more. "We should go for a walk through there later."

"Maybe I'll join you kids," Crooks mutters with an aggressive stare towards you. He's definitely on to you.

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As you make your way towards the dining room, Crooks stops you and grabs you by the arm to whisper. "Matt... I don't want to tread all over your dreams... but don't go chasing after a girl we're supposed to be travelling with. That's nothing but bad news, I don't think I have to tell you that."

"Not every person we meet is going to be like Alex or Marib-"

"Don't say those names," Crooks interrupts you. You've never seen him so deathly serious before. "You're a regular romantic, Matt. Try to find it somewhere other than some random cook who used to work for the guy who wants us dead. She's probably not the type to go for romance, anyway."

As Crooks presses on ahead, you wipe some sweat from your forehead. Seems he's completely unaware that you and Krista have already become involved... but that only makes his disapproval of the idea even harder to work around.

You enter the dining room, where at the front of the room strides a tall barrel-chested man. Standing at over seven feet tall and bulging with muscle, his incredible stature never fails to leave you intimidated, even when he is smiling and welcoming guests. He pushes ahead to your group and places his hands on his hips. "So this is our dinner guests, huh? I've seen a few of you before. Alright, who's in charge here?"

"In charge?" Archie asks.

"Well it's definitely not you," Boros shoots him down. "A proper leader would never be confused by the question. Stand forward, or are you all a bunch of limp followers?"

>Crooks is the captain, he calls the shots.
>Well, I'm the mechanic. Nothing runs without me.
>Dot is the highest ranking among us. She's married to Marco Shao, after all.
>We're kind of a well-oiled machine. Each part is equally important.

>>3552094
>>Crooks is the captain, he calls the shots.

>>3552094
>Crooks is the captain, he calls the shots
Take one for the team daddio

Calling for
>Crooks is the captain, he calls the shots.

Writing now.

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>Crooks is the captain, he calls the shots.

Sun Boros stares at you, his strong shadow cast over you. "And yet, you're the one who spoke up. I have no respect for a supposed leader who cannot speak for himself."

"What did you just-" Crooks mutters.

"Oh, now you have a tongue!" Boros chuckles. "If you were a strong man and a strong leader you wouldn't need this kid to say it on your behalf. You'd know right away. As far as I'm concerned, this guy... what's your name little boy?"

"I'm a twenty year old man," you point out. "And my name is Matt."

"As far as I'm concerned Matt is the leader of your group, and I'll address him as such," Boros explains. "He's the only one with the spine to take action it seems."

Hana lets out a sigh. "Honey... here I was worried about our children being rude to our guests. I must apologise for our husband, he can be quite passionate and opinionated on these matters."

"As I should be!" Boros slaps his chest with pride. "If a man can't look me in the eyes and tell me what he is, then what kind of man is he?"

A woman at the head of the table in traditional dress has a small laugh and a polite beaming smile. "Oh, you'll never convince our Sun Boros otherwise!"

She must be Anika Cho, the mother of Chou, Yin, and one of the younger children named Shen... you think. It's getting so hard to keep track of.

"So you are the Matt Millar that my two eldest have met before!" Anika Cho gives a cheerful grin. "What do you think of my kids?"

"Yin is nice, and powerful too," you compliment her family. "She really helped me out of a tight spot yesterday."

"And Chou?" Anika asks. "You met him before as well, didn't you?"

>We barely spoke. I can't say much about him.
>Well, we did, but we likely got off on the wrong foot.
>He was a real jackass to Chen, who is my friend.
>Sure... he seems... nice.

>>3552164
>We barely spoke. I can't say much about him

>>3552164
>>Well, we did, but we likely got off on the wrong foot.

>>3552164
>We barely spoke. I can't say much about him
Chen is a bro but I don’t think the third option is going to help him at all.

Calling for
>We barely spoke. I can't say much about him.

Writing now.

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>We barely spoke. I can't say much about him.

Anika Cho laughs. "Oh, believe me! If you even slightly talked to my son, you'd have much to say about him!"

She continues to laugh until she lets out an accidental snort from laughing too hard. "Oops, apologies. Anyway, I'm still amazed my son managed to find himself a bride. Let alone being the first among Boros' children. I'm proud of him but also... well, I shouldn't be too hard on him right now!"

Eventually, more of the family begin to pool into the dining room. You and your crew are seated across the left side of the table, while Boros and his three wives take the head of the table. Down the right side in descending order of age are his children, from the eldest Zi all the way down to the baby Hai being cared for by a handmaiden.

Then, come the plates. Scattered around the long table where various fruits and meats that could be communally shared, but you did not expect such a... bountiful amount strewn on every individual plate laid before you. It's not even a fancy decorated meal, simply a messy heaping of rice, eggs and plenty of pig's pork. This is the most common meal in Shinto as you understand, and various combinations of those three ingredients go into just about everything.

"This is a mountain..." Archie mutters.

"I'm... in... heaveeeeeeen!" Krista squeals with delight.

"Will it be rude if I don't finish this?" Dot asks. "Because I really doubt I can."

Lacey meanwhile is already tearing into her meal, while slathering it in baked beans from a communal bowl. "Do you ever get full?" Archie asks.

"Not designed to," Lacey ponders. "Or maybe I am but I just haven't reached that point yet. Who knows!"

"You should!" Dot fires back. The Sun children are having no issue with the size of the meal, this is what they're used to. Though you note Sun Si is the slowest eating, neatly cutting her food with knife and fork instead of simply shoving it into her mouth.

"So, what are your intentions with this visit?" the blonde woman in a professional suit at the head of the table asks. Maria Middler, Boros' third wife. She has a cold expression on her face. As she speak to you, you feel like you're being interrogated. "Diplomatic, I assume. You represent Marco Shao, do you not? What is it, then? You wish to form a coalition? Are you seeking marriage ties?"

>Actually, I'm just visiting my friend Chen.
>Nothing like that! But maybe we can have some talks...
>I was actually called to help Si with a matter...

>>3552247
>>I was actually called to help Si with a matter...

>>3552247
>>I was actually called to help Si with a matter...

>>3552247
>Actually, I'm just visiting my friend Chen

Calling for
>I was actually called to help Si with a matter...

Writing now.

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>I was actually called to help Si with a matter...

"Oh, is that so?" Maria Middler ponders. "And exactly what matter would that be?"

Si speaks up at the table. "I think you know full well the matter."

"A family matter," Maria notes. "Not one we should be involving outsiders in."

"Outsiders?" Si asks. "How can you say that? You're not even from Shinto originally!"

That's right, Chen mentioned that to you earlier. Maria Middler was initially an independent journalist of the Han seeking to interview Sun Boros. Soon her interviews became less professional and more personal, and before long she an Boros were wed.

Boros shuffles in his seat. "Dammit, no arguing while we eat! You know the rule!"

The table falls quiet before Boros speaks up once more. "Besides, Maria. I trust my daughter's judgement. She's trained in stealth and intrigue, which is just as powerful in combat as a sword or a shield. You ultimately trust this group to help you out of this marriage contract?"

Si nods. "I do."

Wu, the youngest of the adults, hesitantly stands at the table. "Excuse me, father. As an idea, might I suggest swapping Si out for myself as Kingpin Dong's bride. I doubt he would notice the differences, and I could prove to you all my combat prowess by attacking him and defeating him after the ceremony is done."

"I will not have my eldest daughter be put into such danger," Maria explains.

"But you would allow that of my daughter?" Hana glares at her.

"Besides," Mao leans back in her chair causally. "I don't think you could fool that guy. He can easily tell the difference between a snake and a horse."

"Don't insult me!" both Si and Wu speak at the same time.

Chou grunts, leaning forward. "I don't see the issue. Why should we rescue you from a deal you all made? Let Si stick with that fatso if that's what was promised. We shouldn't go back on our word because the family diplomat doesn't like to sacrifice for diplomacy."

"That's our sister you're talking about!" Chen speaks up, causing Chou to flare up as well.

"That's MY half-sister," Chou explains. "And she's your nothing, you little bastard runt!"

"ENOUGH!" Boros roars. "You kids are my children, and you are a family! We fight for our own! I don't have twelve kids because I like to screw! I have twelve children because there is strength in unity! You will love eachother, you will stick together, and I'll sooner gut that Han Crimelord than let him sully my family! Understood?"

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Chou grunts, then returns to his chair. Boros shakes his head before addressing Si. "I suppose this dinner is turning into a council. Alright daughter, what's your plan?"

"Simple," Si explains. "That adoptive son of his, the gargantuan brute... LB. He's hardly the most loyal of people, and at the summit, he showed a weakness towards me. An infatuation. My solution is simple. We go through with the marriage, my presence and my words cause LB to turn against his adoptive father, the two fighting for me. My friends here? They are expert smugglers. They can infiltrate their way in amongst all the chaos and then smuggle me out when the fighting begins."

Boros beams with pride. "A smart plan, my daughter. And you smugglers? Are you willing to take on the job, Matt?"

Before you can speak, Crooks stands up from the chair. "Yes, we can do that... providing the right pay. A chieftain like you can afford to compensate us well, right?"

"Who asked you?" Boros smirks. "I was speaking to the leader of your group-"

"And that would be me," he replies. "I'm the captain of this operation."

Crooks eyes stay fixed on Boros. The two stare eachother down, before Boros lets out a belly laugh. "Now you get it!"

"But we need a second plan," Crooks points out. "In case your first attempt fails."

"Agreed," Si nods. "I suppose you experts would have some ideas?"

>I know where we can get a slow activating untraceable poison. You can start slipping it in Dong's drinks when you need.
>We should get one of the generals to join you as a bodyguard. They can take out Dong if the first plan fails.

>>3552336
>We should get one of the generals to join you as a bodyguard. They can take out Dong if the first plan fails.
I very much doubt any of these people would agree to poisoning

>>3552336
>We should get one of the generals to join you as a bodyguard. They can take out Dong if the first plan fails.

>>3552336
>>I know where we can get a slow activating untraceable poison. You can start slipping it in Dong's drinks when you need.
She is the stealth master of the group.

Calling for
>We should get one of the generals to join you as a bodyguard. They can take out Dong if the first plan fails.

Writing now.

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>We should get one of the generals to join you as a bodyguard. They can take out Dong if the first plan fails.

"Exactly what I was thinking," Si nods. "Dong can't refuse my right to at least a bodyguard in this deal. And if our original plan falls apart, I will have someone capable with me to take out Dong while his back is turned."

"And just what bodyguard do you have in mind?" Zi asks. "It can't be any of us. We would raise suspicion. It has to be someone capable, yet one Dong could believe father would permanently send off to serve this role."

"Might I suggest-"

You all jump in shock at the sudden voice coming from behind Sun Boros. You turn to see his head strategist, Amadeus Yu with a friendly smile on his face. "Oh, sorry about that. I often forget how quiet I can be."

"Stop scaring us like that!" Mao yells at him, before throwing a peach from the table at him. Amadeus moves his head slightly to the right to avoid it.

"As I was saying," Amadeus casually continues. "Might I suggest Yu Qi?"

"That name rings a bell..." Boros notes.

"He is one of our younger generals," Amadeus points out. "A spirited young man. He announced his claim to marry Sun Mao and then challenged you to a duel to become chieftain last month."

Boros nods and laughs. "Oh yes! I remember him now! Oh, that was an ugly fight. I only broke his arm at the end of it, didn't I?"

Amadeus nods. "Quite right. He's healed up now and ready to serve once more. I think his fiery spirit and skill might prove useful in the role."

"Then that's who it'll be!" Boros slams his fist on the table. "Now, let's eat!"

After the dinner winds down, everyone begins to go on their separate tours of the palace, while you find yourself free in the evening. What to do while you're here...?

>Speak with Si about her plans.
>Find some private time with Krista.
>Enjoy the luxuries of the palace with the full crew.

>>3552405
>>Enjoy the luxuries of the palace with the full crew.
FUN CREW SHENANIGANS

>>3552405
>Enjoy the luxuries of the palace with the full crew

>>3552405
>Speak with Si about her plans.

>>3552405
>Enjoy the luxuries of the palace with the full crew.
Got to live it up while we can.

Calling for
>Enjoy the luxuries of the palace with the full crew.

Writing now.

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>Enjoy the luxuries of the palace with the full crew.

You make your way to the foyer were you gather the rest of your crew and decide to spend time around the palace for fun. For your first stop, you all agree on relaxing in the warm group baths they have installed.

You can feel the stress melt away from you as you sink into the pool of water, with Archie almost falling asleep from the sheer relaxation. "I could get used to this..." Crooks mutters.

"Get used to what?" Lacey calls out from the other side of the wall separating the men and the women for purposes of modesty. "I want to see!"

"I'm talking about the baths in general!" Crooks explains. "You don't want to be nosy and look over here, trust me!"

"Why not?" Lacey asks.

You shake your head. "Look, you know the way you're dressed right now? Well, we're the same."

"But I'm not dressed right..." Lacey begins. "Ohhhhhh..."

"She finally gets it," you hear Dot laugh.

As you relax, Crooks turns his head to you, though the building steam makes it difficult to make him out. He speaks in a hushed tone as to not be overheard, though Archie can easily hear everything. "Listen, kiddo..." Crooks mutters. "I've probably been a real ass lately."

"I don't blame you..." you mutter. You saw how he was yesterday after learning about Maribelle. He was truly heartbroken. It saddened you just to see Crooks like that.

"You should," Crooks mutters. "Look, it's not on me to tell you what to do. I'm a leader, but I don't buy into that Boros guy's philosophy. I'm no control freak, and I'm not weak for letting you choose for yourself. But... look, I'm just trying to watch out for you. I don't want you making the same mistakes I did... can you promise me you won't?"

>I'm not making any mistakes here, Crooks. You'll just have to trust me... and Krista.
>Okay. Whatever there was going to be with Krista... it won't happen. You happy?

>>3552482

>I'm not making any mistakes here, Crooks. You'll just have to trust me... and Krista

>>3552482
>I'm not making any mistakes here, Crooks. You'll just have to trust me... and Krista.
>Thanks Pops

>>3552482
>Okay. Whatever there was going to be with Krista... it won't happen. You happy?

Calling for
>I'm not making any mistakes here, Crooks. You'll just have to trust me... and Krista

Writing now.

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>I'm not making any mistakes here, Crooks. You'll just have to trust me... and Krista.

Crooks pauses, looking down into the pool below. "I... I don't think I can do that, Matty. Whatever you do... you better hope it's the right choice."

"I know it," you remark. "Come on... you like Krista. You can trust her."

"I liked a lot of people," Crooks replies. "Whether I liked them or not has never mattered... but you're right, I do. But that doesn't mean that if she tries to betray us I won't shoot her first, whether you've got lovey-dovey feelings or not."

"Crooks-"

"If it comes to that," Crooks explains. "I'm not accusing her of anything. But when she comes from Kingpin Dong himself, would do anything to get her mother freed and was real quick to buddy up and get close to you? I have to be suspicious. It's self-preservation."

"If she was going to betray us, she would have done it by now," you reply. "We've been travelling together for half a year, how much longer would she need to earn your trust?"

"I travelled with Maribelle for ten years," Crooks points out. "That still wasn't enough. It's not just her either. A cyborg programmed by his men? A woman turning away from the would-be emperor and working in seedy bars before we found her, the former apprentice of the scientist who wants to cut you open and take that chip? You're the only one I've ever been able to really trust. Doesn't matter if I like them. Of course I like them. But trust them? I... can't. You're free to make your own choices, Matty. You're a grown man now, and I have to deal with that. But you also have to deal with me second guessing those choices and keeping my hands at the ready just in case."

A silence befalls the two of you, as Archie awkwardly looks around him. He lightly splashes the surface of the pool, before clearing his throat and speaking. "Well... I trust you guys. I think we should all trust each-"

"Archie, don't talk."

"O-okay..."

As you lay there in silence, you all eventually get out and dry yourselves off. You go together to see some traditional dance theatre, apparently the top form of entertainment in Shinto... well, sophisticated entertainment. The real top form of entertainment are the fighter duels and gambling on races.

After a night of leisure, you are shown to your guest room. You lay on the bed, before pulling out your communicator and staring at it. Should you...?

>Call Krista to spend the night with.
>Spend the night alone.

>>3552553
>>Spend the night alone.
Should probably think stuff over

>>3552553
>Spend the night alone.
Start betting on some deathmatches, see what we can win.

>>3552553
>Go for a late night walk

Calling for
>Spend the night alone.

Writing now.

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>Spend the night alone.

You set your communicator aside as you undress for the night. As tempted as you are to call Krista, to have her over for a private moment, to spend the night with her... you need to think over everything. You lay on the comfortable bed provided to you and shut your eyes, entering a deep sleep.

As you sleep, you are visited by odd dreams. You dream that you're scaling a massive gate, inch by inch, but somehow the top is never reached. You look to your left and you see Marco climbing alongside you, but the gate crumbles away and you both fall into a bottomless dark hole. You dream of a burning star fizzling out, as a boar covered in dead rats crawls from out of the ground. You dream of colours, blue red and green clashing in the open of space... and you see a skull with a small flower sprouting from the crown.

You wake up that morning dazed and confused. Hell of a nightmare, that. Usually you would just dream of clowns trying to eat you.

You get dressed and leave the guest room, only to come face to face with a smiling Krista outside the door. "What are you doing-" you begin to ask, but are interrupted by a quick kiss. "You're in a good mood."

"I'm always in a good mood!" Krista smiles. That's true.

"Even moreso than usual," you clarify.

"Because I realised something," she explains. "If we're smuggling Si out of Dong's place, you know what that means?"

... Of course. A smile begins to form on your face as you gently place your hand on her arm. "Yeah... we're saving your mom."

"We're saving my mom," Krista's voice cracks with emotion, as the two of you embrace.

>Meanwhile, aboard the NOAH

Marco Shao sits in the throne room, sipping on a cup of tea laid out for him by Connery. It's a slow day aboard the fleet, with simply Kilroy and Connery joining him for business. These kinds of slow days would be considered a relief by many, but for Marco they were a worry.

"The air is strange..." Marco notes.

"All this talk of the air," Kilroy scoffs as he leans back in his chair. "You know, for such a practical man Lord Marco, you're awfully superstitious."

"My fears go beyond superstition," Marco responds. "My advisers are rarely this silent. I fear that something terrible has gone wrong... or something terrible is about to."

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"Are you suggesting the radio silence is due to our advisers being killed?" Connery asks. "No doubt we have received a few raids from the last remnants of the yellow turbans, but we have not lost a ship recently. I've been sure to keep track."

"You're right..." Marco nods. "Perhaps... perhaps if given enough free time, I simply worry myself too much."

"Nope, you don't worry yourself enough!" a familiar voice calls out. Marco looks up, to see the eccentrically dressed man with wild white hair and an eye-patch, carrying an anchor over his shoulder. He may have the look of a reaving space pirate, but he's exactly who Marco expected to see. After all, the man before him is family, his mother's younger brother in fact.

"Uncle Antonio?" Marco asks.

"The very same!" Antonio Rhodes chuckles, despite being in his late thirties he possessed the same look and energy that Marco has seen since he was a child.

"This buffoon..." Kilroy rolls his eyes.

Marco stands from his chair and looks to his uncle. "Why have you returned from your information gathering without sending word?"

Antonio looks around, before speaking in a hushed tone. "Because this ain't the information I can send back without it being traced, you see. I've got some majorly bad news. Quite frankly, it's gone to hell in a handbasket."

"Is it as I feared?" Marco mutters. "The reason for my adviser's silence... have they come to harm?"

Antonio's eyes widen and he lets out a surprised laugh. "No, not at all!"

"I see..."

"No, they're trying to have YOU killed!" Antonio explains. "Very soon, in fact. Immediately."

Connery looks at him, concerned. "You have to be joking."

"Nope. Right now the only ones you can trust are me, your grandma, and Connery there."

"And the magnificent Kilroy," Kilroy smirks.

Antonio shrugs. "Ehh, Jury's still out on you."

"What are we supposed to do?" Marco asks.

"Well it's too late for diplomacy," Antonio explains. "They've already sent assassins this way, no doubt. We've gotta take care of them before they can take you out."

Marco closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "I knew it... the air is changing. Something is not quite right, and I suspect the entire galaxy may see a-"

"Enough fancy speeches," Kilroy stands up. "I'm just going to kill some traitors."

END OF CHAPTER 17

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6_wBQKDJMI

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Kingdoms%20in%20the%20Stars

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/BookerMan

Thanks for playing! We'll be running again in hopefully the next week, focusing on Marco and Co on the NOAH taking care of this Adviser conspiracy! Follow the Twitter for any updates on the next session!

>Player Questions
What do you think of the Sun family? Will Crooks learn to trust again? Will Si's plan go off without a hitch, and will the Maribelle crew be able to rescue Krista's mom? What was the meaning of Matt's dream? And what's going on aboard the NOAH?

>>3552652
>PQ
They mostly seem like a fun bunch, I don't majorly dislike any of them!
Crooks, considering his past, isn't wrong to be untrusworthy, even if it's sad to hear.
Has a plan ever gone off without a hitch ever?
Don't eat 1000 pounds of meat and rice before bed.
Some real cooooool shit

>>3552652
Thanks for Running Booker
>>PQs
>What do you think of the Sun family?
Matt's going to end up as lart of it if he keeps this up.
>Will Crooks learn to trust again?
Not until he has a Granbaby or two
>Will Si's plan go off without a hitch,
Haha no
>will the Maribelle crew be able to rescue Krista's mom?
We're gonna damn well try
>What was the meaning of Matt's dream?
Ate too much food and had weird dreams
>And what's going on aboard the NOAH?
Rip Advisors
F