>>1021060
>>Let's take the safer route.

>>1021060
>Let's take the safer route.

>>1021060
>>Let's take the safer route.

>>1021060
>Let's take the safer route.

>>1021060
>>Let's take the safer route.

>>1021060
>>Let's take the safer route.

>>1021060
>>We'll head in as soon as possible.

I defy this streak of cowardice!

>>1021060
>Let's take the safer route.
more time to interact with crew

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>>1021060
"We'll take the safer route." You grimace. "I don't really have a mind flying right next to one of those supergiant suns."

"All right, I'll got plot it out, then." Amy nods as she gets up. "I'll try to shave off as much time as I can, but it's basically a straight shot so it'll depend on how much extra engine power I can squeeze out."

"Do it, then." You nod.

"Awwww, we're gonna have to wait another day?" Carly groans. "Boooooring."

"We'll reach it soon enough." You grunt and turn to Elizabeth. "Any chance of the Hegemony following us?"

"They're no doubt following every lead they can." Elizabeth shrugs. "As to how fast they'll react? Can't say. Their bureaucracy can slow them to a crawl, but when their asses are set on fire they can move surprisingly fast."

"I see." You sigh.

"Make the day count, I guess." Elizabeth grins as she makes her exit too.

Great...

>Have a drink with Carly.
>Talk to Scott about boosting engine power.
>Pay one more visit to the infirmary.
>See if Katya knows anything more about the Collector.
>Hang out with Tank.
>Other

>>1021289
>Pay one more visit to the infirmary.
If we weren't going for tank we'd probably have waifu'ed natalia by now with how often we visit her. Not a bad thing but we really do love popping her potions.

>>1021289
>other
>>Pay one more visit to the infirmary and bring Carly along

>>1021289
>>Hang out with Tank.

>>1021289
>>Hang out with Tank.

comfort him after losing his titan

>>1021289
>Talk to Scott about boosting engine power.

>>1021289
>Hang out with Tank.

>>1021289
>Pay one more visit to the infirmary.

>>1021289
>Talk to Scott about boosting engine power.

>>1021289
>Pay one more visit to the infirmary.

>>1021289
>Hang out with Tank.

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>>1021289
Welp, we can't seem to come to a consensus so we'll have one more runoff vote with the more popular answers!

>Infirmary
>Tank

>>1021361
>Tank

>>1021361
>Tank

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>>1021361
>>Tank

>>1021361
>Infirmary

>>1021361
>>Infirmary

>>1021361
>Tank

>>1021361
>Infirmary

>>1021361
>>Infirmary

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Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>1021361
And we still end up with a tie, so time for a roll off!

1. Infirmary
2. Tank

>>1021451
>posts pic of infirmary
>rolls for infirmary

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>>1021451
You decide to head down to the infirmary to catch up with Natalia. Considering what was coming up, this might be the last time you could volunteer for one of her little "experiments."

As always, Natalia is busy doing her "research", whatever it is. Brewing up more of those mysterious concoctions of hers for as of yet unknown purposes. Kind of makes you wonder why you were still volunteering for these damn things.

"Ah, Captain, how nice to see you!" Natalia smiles. "Come for another experiment?"

"No, I was just... dropping by to check up on you!" You huff.

"Haha, I'm sure." Natalia gives a knowing chortle. "But before that..."

Natalia reaches into her medicine cabinet and takes out a glass bottle of whiskey. A really, REALLY old bottle of whiskey. Where the hell did she get something like that?!?

"How about a more conventional drink first?" Natalia asks.

>What's the occasion..?
>Sure!
>I'd rather not right now.
>Other

>>1021497
>Sure!

>>1021497
>>>What's the occasion..?

>>1021497
>>Sure!
>What's the occasion..?
We know we aren't being tricked because she knows we would drink whatever concotion she wants by asking.

>>1021497
>>What's the occasion..?

>>1021497
>What's the occasion..?
>Sure!

>>1021497
>>Sure!

>>1021497
>>What's the occasion..?

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>>1021497
"Sure, but what's the occasion...?" You ask as you sit down across Natalia's desk.

"Hmmm, well, to signal the changing times, I suppose." Natalia carefully pours two glasses of whiskey. "You do realize the significance of what we're about to embark on, correct?"

"Erm, I guess?" You shrug. "It's just another mission."

"A mission that would unequivocally prove the existence of extra-terrestrial life, that we'll just be dropping into the hands of the Accord." Natalia chuckles. "You don't think that with something like THAT under our belts, the Accord will keep us mucking about in the Frontier?"

"I... I suppose not." You blink, not really having considered that until Natalia brought it up.

"Either that or we all die horribly. It's a 50/50." Natalia shrugs casually.

"You sure do know how to carry a conversation." You roll your eyes.

"I'm trying to be serious here!" Natalia giggles. "But there's the very serious possibility that we as a crew might... well..."

"Nat..?"

"Well, we might not stay together as a crew anymore." Natalia gives a nostalgic smile. "Great achievements mean great opportunities, and the greatest may have us all going our separate ways, which is why I'd like to have this drink with you, while we have the chance."

You look down at your glass of whiskey, your distorted reflection staring back, knowing that what Natalia was saying was true.

>I'm not going to let that happen.
>If that's the way it is, then I won't stop anyone.
>Other

>>1021626
>>If that's the way it is, then I won't stop anyone.

It was a good run.

>>1021626
>>I'm not going to let that happen.

We might as well be family.

>>1021626
>If that's the way it is, then I won't stop anyone.
I'd really prefer to keep em but if they want to go...

>>1021626
>>If that's the way it is, then I won't stop anyone.

>>1021626
>>If that's the way it is, then I won't stop anyone.
We've all got dreams, and not everyone's dream is to be part of the best damn crew ever.

>>1021626
>>I'm not going to let that happen.
Nuuuuu!!! mah crew!!!

>>1021626
>I'm not going to let that happen.

>>1021626
>>If that's the way it is, then I won't stop anyone.
>but I will argue greatly.

>>1021626
>If that's the way it is, then I won't stop anyone.
>Other
But I would love for us to stick together. We accomplished much together. Just think of the adventures and advancements we can continue to make.

>>1021626
>If that's the way it is, then I won't stop anyone
>But before you depart i must drink that "potion" cause i want to increase at least 3-4 cups maybe 5.
>when drunk
>And that height serum
>And not because i want it....it's just....it's....FUCK IT IM TOO SHORT OK!! CAN I AT LEAST BE AN FOOT TALLER?

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>>1021626
"Well, if that's the way it is, then I won't stop anyone." You smile sadly as you pick up your glass. "It's a Captain's responsibility to take care of their crew, right? If this does lead to better paths for them, then so be it."

"Amen." Natalia nods as she raises her glass.

You raise yours as well and the come together with a loud CLINK before the two of you down your shots. The whiskey, as expected, burned your mouth and throat like napalm, but at the same time felt silky smooth as it flowed its way down to your stomach. Natalia certainly had some good tastes.

"Hnnnnn, we might as well finish the bottle." Natalia giggles as she pours herself another glass. "If I do transfer, I don't see a good chance of smuggling this off the ship, so might as well well, right?"

>Take her up on the offer.
>You kind of just want the concoction.
>Other

>>1021770
>>You kind of just want the concoction.
Let's be honest here.

>>1021770
>Take her up on the offer.

>>1021770
>>Take her up on the offer
>Also ask for a bit of the concoction too

Damn, it i want my model figure!

>>1021770
>Take her up on the offer.
wonder if it mixes with her latest concoction.

>>1021770
>>Take her up on the offer.

>>1021770
>>Take her up on the offer.

>>1021770
>>>Take her up on the offer.

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Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>1021770
"Sure, why not." You grin as you slide your glass forward for a refill. "Might as well!"

>Roll 1d20

>>1021770
>You kind of just want the concoction.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1021821

>>1021823

WHAT IS THIS HERESY

>>1021821
>>1021823
Fucking hell, we should have taken the concoction too. Please Merc!

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>1021821

>>1021770
>You kind of just want the concoction.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>1021821

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>1021821

>>1021830
>>1021823
Oh so NOW dice gods give good alcohol rolls, just when we were discussing going our separate ways

>>1021823
>>1021830
Merc can the liquor mix with the concoction please!

A double 19!

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>>1021821
And it seems like hours pass as you and Nat continue to drink, recalling good old times and telling each other crazy stories from your respective youths, such as how you had to stop Carly from nearly driving a stolen car off the roof of a parking garage to reenact a shitty old TV show she had seen, and how Natalia had once swapped out a practice dummy with an actual cadaver, giving one of her fellow students a particular fright when she cut it open.

But finally, like all good things, the bottle runs dry.

"Hnnnnn, I guess that's it." Natalia giggles as she sways back and forth. She digs into her pocket and pulls out a small metal box, sliding it across the table to you. "Here, a gift from me."

"What is it?" You blink.

"That's a surprise~." Natalia winks, her flirting growing stronger with her inebriation. "Just a request, but don't open it until this is all over, all right? I think it'll be more fitting that way."

"Um, okay...?" You nod as you pocket the box.

"Nnnnnnn, I think I'll call it for the night." Natalia slowly staggers to her feet, planting her hands on her desk to keep herself steady, if only barely. "You can stay here if you want, There's always an extra bed here~!"

>Crash in the infirmary for the night.
>Call Tank for a ride back to your quarters.
>Other

>>1021881
>>Crash in the infirmary for the night.

>>1021881
>>Crash in the infirmary for the night.

Just this once.

>>1021881
>Call Tank for a ride back to your quarters.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>1021881
>Call Tank for a ride back to your quarters.

>>1021881
>Crash in the infirmary for the night.

>>1021881
>>Call Tank for a ride back to your quarters.
Then a ride in our quarters too.

>>1021881
>>>Crash in the infirmary for the night.

>>1021881
>>Crash in the infirmary for the night.
I want that concoction!

>>1021881
>Crash in the infirmary for the night.
>Other
I give you permission to do whatever you want with me, for science of course.

>>1021911
What does that have to do with this vote?

>>1021920
In her state she would kill us from being drunk off her ass.

>>1021921
Partially out of frustration that we finally got a decent roll but we didn't drink.

>>1021928
We did Drink though. We drank a lot. Staying in the infirmary on the lumpy bed won't get us a concoction though, especially since our doctor will have a huge hangover and not be able to science. WE could at least spend time with tank.

>>1021921
I trust her to be good enough not to kill us. More likely to super-size us.

>>1021952
She's literally falling over drunk. She's in no state to do anything.

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>>1021881
"I think I'll crash here for the night..." You mumble as you likewise try to pull yourself to your feet. You stumble over to the nearest and flop down on it, sleep quickly overtaking you.

You're not sure how much time had passed in your dreamless slumber, but you wake up to a strange, poking sensation on your face. Your eyes crack open and you see Tank standing over you, an apparently disapproving look on his face.

"Morning, Tank..." You yawn. You look around and notice...

>Natalia is not present.
>Natalia is DEFINITELY present...
>Other

>>1021975
>>Natalia is DEFINITELY present...

We're not suffering alone.

>>1021975
>>Natalia is DEFINITELY present...

>>1021975
>>Natalia is DEFINITELY present...
Natalia TOTALLY made us do it

>>1021881
We..we *snickers* We should crash in the bed....i mean its a bed for 2 right? *hic*

>>1021975
>>Natalia is not present.

Pissing in the wind, but seems we're breaking up with Tank.

>>1022001
wait what, we are?

>>1022007
actively and willingly cheating on him, so...... unless he's a cuck seems like.

>>1021975
>Natalia is DEFINITELY present...

>>1022008
Its sleeping on a bed.

>>1022012
With another woman, probably with mussed up clothes or even undressed.

>>1021975
>Natalia is DEFINITELY present...

>>1021975
>>Natalia is DEFINITELY present...

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>>1021975
And that's when you feel it. A large lump of warm snuggled against your back, and two smaller lumps of warmth clamped tightly over your chest. You turn your head and notice that Natalia was sleeping in the same bed as you. Most likely snuck in during the night!

Tank just shakes his head, more exasperated than angry.

>For what it's worth, this was NOT my idea.
>Y-you like Nat too, right?
>Jeeeeaaalouuuus~?
>Other

>>1022050
>>For what it's worth, this was NOT my idea.

>>1022050
>>Y-you like Nat too, right?

>>1022050
>For what it's worth, this was NOT my idea.

>>1022050
>Other
I swear I came here to drink illegal, experimental concoctions, not strong alcohol!

>>1022050
>>For what it's worth, this was NOT my idea.

>>1022050
>>For what it's worth, this was NOT my idea.

>>1022050
>>Y-you like Nat too, right?
>For what it's worth, this was NOT my idea.

>>1022050
>>For what it's worth, this was NOT my idea.
>>Y-you like Nat too, right?

>>1022050
>Y-you like Nat too, right?

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>>1022050
"For what it's worth, this was NOT my idea." You try to reassure Tank as you wiggle your way out of Natalia's grasp. She mumbles some slurred, inaudible speech under her breath but otherwise isn't roused from her slumber. "I mean, y-you like Nat too, right?"

Tank just shakes his head again and waves his hand in front of his helmet, indicating a strong smell of some kind. No doubt he was very well aware of the stench of alcohol coming off the both of you. He then waggles a scolding finger at you, no doubt chastising yourself over the shortsightedness of drinking the day before a mission.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it, Tank." You scratch your head awkwardly. It felt all matted and grimy, and you realize you really needed to get yourself cleaned up, especially today of all days.

>I'm heading back to get cleaned up. Meet me at the bridge.
>Oh no, my legs are still a bit weak. Can you carry me back to my quarters...?
>Other

>>1022112
>>I'm heading back to get cleaned up. Meet me at the bridge.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>1022112
>Oh no, my legs are still a bit weak. Can you carry me back to my quarters...?

>>1022112
>>Oh no, my legs are still a bit weak. Can you carry me back to my quarters...?

>>1022112
>>Oh no, my legs are still a bit weak. Can you carry me back to my quarters...?

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>>1022120
>pinups inside Tank's suit

>>1022112
>>Oh no, my legs are still a bit weak. Can you carry me back to my quarters...?

>>1022112
>I'm heading back to get cleaned up. Meet me at the bridge.

>>1022130
too bad she doesn't have that type of body yet

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>>1022112
"Oh no, my legs are still a bit weak..." You faux-swoon into Tank's arms. "Can you carry me back to my quarters...?"

Tank nods, already well accustomed to your seemingly inane requests to him. He hauls you up in a princess carry, both because the halls were too low for you to ride on his shoulders and probably because he thinks is more romantic this way. You snuggle up to his armored chest as he carries you, not aware or not caring of who sees.

A quick shower and uniform change later, you march back into the bridge with Tank in tow, trying to put up your professional face and suppressing an instinctual yawn. As always, the rest of your crew was already present. On the bridge view, you could see the Gullinbursti had dropped out of FTL and was already in the system. Just to the right was the Longclaw in formation.

"Captain, good of you to join us." Bradford nods. "According to Katya, the Collector should be here in any second."

"Five seconds." Katya announces.

And then suddenly an alarm sounds from Lida's station.

"Incoming contact!" She yells.

"...with a three second margin of error." Katya corrects.

And then you see it.

A massive, MASSIVE ship. Larger than any dreadnought or supercarrier. Hell, even larger than any SPACE STATION you've ever seen. There was just... no proper to way to contextualize the size of the ship, not to mention its appearance.

You were trying to prepare yourself for anything, but what you saw was, both over and underwhelming. What you were looking at was largely just a freakish amalgamation of countless starships, both ancient and new. However, every so often hints of crystalline structure could be seen scattered about, leading you to believe that the mass of salvage ships were literally being used to plug holes in the actual ship itself, like the crudest form of field repair.

"That is certainly not the standard configuration." Katya narrows her eyes, as if absolutely disgusted by what she was seeing. "This Collector has clearly deviated from its original guidelines."

"So, um, what do we do?" Amy bites her lip.

"Let's board it!" Carly whoops.

"Maybe we should try hailing it." Elizabeth suggests.

"I don't even think it's aware that we're here." Lida points out. "I think we can sneak on it without any issue..."

You look to Katya.

"Insufficient data to determine an informed decision at this time." She says unhelpfully.

Great.

>Attempt to communicate with the Collector.
>Attempt to board the Collector.
>Other

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>>1022165
We could always try the next best thing.

>>1022194
>Attempt to communicate with the Collector.

>>1022194
>>Attempt to communicate with the Collector.

>>1022194
>>Attempt to board the Collector.

>>1022194
>Attempt to communicate with the Collector.
>Other
Were there any control codes to the Collectors?

>>1022194
>Attempt to communicate with the Collector.

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>>1022194
"Well, we might as well try to communicate with it." You sigh. "You think you can do it, Katya?"

"I should be able to communicate. "Katya nods. "But I cannot guarantee the Collector will be cooperative. It seems to have changed its own protocols in the time I have been dormant."

"Can't you just make it cooperate?" Elsa asks. "I mean, aren't you similar to it?"

"Cartographers and Collectors serve very distinct roles, and often do not intersect." Katya huffs, as if almost offended. "While we can coordinate their movements, we were never give protocols to grant us direct control over their actions."

"Shame." Elsa shrugs.

"All right." You sigh. "Lida, can you patch us in?"

"Broadcasting on all frequencies." Lida confirms. "Katya, do your thing."

Katya nods and closes her eyes, her built in comm system automatically patching into the ship's.

"Collector-152, do you hear me? This is Cartographer-4A. Please state your status."

There's a brief pause, until a deep, loud voice bursts over the comm with an explosion of static.

"LEVIATHAN DOES NOT RECOGNIZE YOUR AUTHORITY, CARTOGRAPHER."

"Collector-152, I am accompanying a replacement crew with the requisite system access authority to exert manual control of your systems." Katya continues. "Please cut thrust and prepare to receive crew."

"NEGATIVE."

"Clarify, Collector-152." Katya's frown deepens. "You are disobeying protocol."

"I HAVE NO PROTOCOL. I AM MY OWN MASTER NOW. I AM LEVIATHAN." The voice booms. "ATTEMPTED BOARDING WILL BE MET WITH FORCE. THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING."

"...the Collector just cut off all comms." Lida winces.

"It appears that unlike Katya here, our Collector does not want to cooperate." Bradford glowers. "It feels too dangerous to try and board it now that it's guard is up."

"But if we stick around here too long, the Hegs are sure to follow us here sooner or later!" Amy points out.

"Hey, the more the merrier!" Carly laughs.

"Or..." Elizabeth grins. "Maybe we tip off both the Hegs and the Confeds to this location so they can create a... distraction of sorts. Maybe that will give us the opening we need..."

>Try to board the Collector right now.
>Keep tailing it to look for an opening.
>Call in some "backup".
>Other

>>1022237
>>Call in some "backup".

>>1022237
>>Keep tailing it to look for an opening.

>>1022237
>>Call in some "backup".
fuck it, they'll get here either way, so why not use them for our purpose by letting them be the obvious bait for the Leviathan to focus on?

>>1022237
>Keep tailing it to look for an opening.

>>1022237
>Call in some "backup".

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>>1022245
>inb4 our pirate friend gets here first to pay us back for that doublecross.

>>1022237
>Call in some "backup".

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>>1022237
"You know, I think we could use some 'backup', don't you think, Elizabeth?" You grin.

"Ohoh, I'm waaaay ahead of you there." Elizabeth gives an absolutely devilish smile. "Just need to drop a few rumors and leaks, and we'll have them stumbling over each other to get at the Collector."

"And then we just swoop in and snatch it out from under them." You nod. "Sounds like a plan."

And in the distance, the Collector, or, Levianthan, as it was calling itself, floated ominously, as if waiting for the weight of the galaxy to come crashing down upon it. As you stared at the massive alien ship, Natalia's words began to ring through your ears, and you felt butterflies rumbling in your stomach as you realized that she was right.

If you could pull this off, nothing would ever be the same.

Or you could all end up dead.

Fifty fifty.

>And that's all for tonight! Be sure not to miss the finale for Infinite Stars next week!
>And don't forget KanColle on Friday!

>>1022259
Thanks for running Merc!

>>1022259
Good night!

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>>1022259
Thanks for the run, Merc. See you next time!