>>1268129
Eventually, it’s Icey who breaks the silence when she looks up at you. “Do you get nervous?”

Huh? Even Lorelei looks up askance at that one.

Icey must see the confusion on your face, as she asks again. “It’s kind of a stupid question, I know, but it...I don’t know. You just never seem worried. About anything. I’ve seen you grumble a bit, snark here and there, but even when we were assaulting Gable I don’t recall you being particularly afraid- it was more like you were just...frustrated. At least, according to reports. Does being a magical girl just sort of...numb those feelings? I mean, as long as I’ve been in this organization, I can’t say I don’t stop being a bit worried before deployment." She pauses only briefly as that sinks in. "I...well, I can see why someone like you WOULDN’T be scared, I mean, but I guess part of me thought...I don’t know.” She shakes her head. “I’m rambling. Forget I said anything.”

Lorelei looks at her in a pitying manner, but doesn't seem to say anything, merely patting her back. Izumi just looks slightly concerned.

>Everyone gets scared, Icey. I’m good at hiding it, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have those thoughts whenever I set out.
>I guess in a way it sorta does remove a lot of ‘normal’ fears. I’m more worried about others than myself these days.
>It...takes a lot to phase me. I’ve seen and survived things that would kill armies in a flash. The bar’s kinda set pretty high.
>Other

>>1268133
It...takes a lot to phase me. I’ve seen and survived things that would kill armies in a flash. The bar’s kinda set pretty high.

>>1268133
>Everyone gets scared, Icey. I’m good at hiding it, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have those thoughts whenever I set out.
A sort of paranoid nervousness - that we've let ourselves be lured into a false sense of security; that we just haven't met all the terrifyingly-powerful beings out there in the multiverse which we've only just been missing by chance; that the other shoe is about to drop and our complacency will get us and everyone around us killed, or worse.

Of course, that constant sense of nervousness also means that little phases us when mildly terrible things actually do happen.

>>1268133
>>Other
"I guess I haven't really thought about it in a long time. Haven't had much of a reason to do so."

10 minute warning.

>>1268133
This:>>1268164
>Everyone gets scared, Icey. I’m good at hiding it, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have those thoughts whenever I set out.
A sort of paranoid nervousness - that we've let ourselves be lured into a false sense of security; that we just haven't met all the terrifyingly-powerful beings out there in the multiverse which we've only just been missing by chance; that the other shoe is about to drop and our complacency will get us and everyone around us killed, or worse.

Of course, that constant sense of nervousness also means that little phases us when mildly terrible things actually do happen.

Getting deep right before a mission. Classic.

Writing!

>>1268133
>I guess in a way it sorta does remove a lot of ‘normal’ fears. I’m more worried about others than myself these days.

>>1268133
>>1268164
>>1268177
You just sigh and shake your head. Really, it’s not her fault or anything- you suppose there was a bit of an aloofness that you carried sometimes. It wasn’t just you, you knew, though. A lot of Outgoers could be said to be similar on the outside, from what you’ve heard. But inwardly… “Everyone gets scared, Icey.” You make sure you have her full attention, and it’s only when her eyes rest on you that you continue. “I’m good at hiding it, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have those thoughts whenever I set out.”

Icey seems mildly surprised, actually, judging by how her eyes widen a bit. “So even with all the stuff you do, you’re still worried about something going wrong?”

“Sort of,” you clarify. “It’s...not exactly what you might think.”

“Then what is it?” She asks, leaning forward.

Your lips form a thin line as you think best of how to explain it. A quick look at Lorelei and Izumi proves they’re just as interested in hearing your take on it. “It’s more...a sort of paranoid nervousness. You know how powerful we are, right?” She nods. “Well, I don’t know if you realize we’re STILL not exactly the most powerful Outgoers around. Heck, we’re not even top ranked. But even despite that, I’ll admit we’re pretty good. You need confidence in our line of work, wouldn’t you say?” She nods in agreement. “That’s just it, though. Almost every deployment, I think in the back of my head… ‘When’s it coming? Is this it?’”

Lorelei raises an eyebrow of her own. “When’s what coming? Is what it?”

The breath you take is deeper and a bit more shuddering than you’d expected. “Y’know, the BIG one. Or big ones. That there’s somethings stupidly powerful out there- things that’d even take a whole hoard of A-classes to take down, and we just never noticed- won’t notice before it’s happened. That one day, we’re gonna head out, get blindsided by something, and me or you or Izumi or anyone else just doesn’t make it back.”

“You really think that could happen, even with the Deal-Makers keeping an eye on things?” ICy asks, skeptically.

“I don’t think it’s impossible that it could. So yeah, I get paranoid sometimes about it. I get scared.” You sigh in exhaustion. Baring things like this could take a surprising amount of fortitude. “Of course, with that always in the back of my head, a lot of other crap is relative. If it’s something only mildly terrible? Yeah, you’re probably not gonna see me react to it much because I’m probably concerned about something a LOT worse.”

cont.

>>1268293
There’s silence in the shuttle for some time after that. Icey eventually speaks up again, and when she does, her voice is laced with heavy concern. “I’m sorry about bringing all that up simply for curiosity’s sake…”

You shrug. “It’s fine,” you brush it off. “You didn’t know, so you asked. Makes enough sense to me.” Izumi smiles at that, and Lorelei seems to relax a bit, leaning back against the shuttle wall.

You then hear Thaddeus suddenly over the rumbling- you’d kinda forgotten he was right there. “Glad you ladies have finished up the social, because we’re dropping in t-minus sixty! Get ready!”

Almost as one, you all nod, and your eyes gain a familiar steely flint to them, as does everyone else’s.

It’s go time.

-----------------

You can see the infil point pretty much exactly as was described- it was like something had collided with the skyland and threw up some massive spiky rock formations around it to boot. The wind is only mildly calm as you touch down, although you’re positive that’ll change once you move further inland. The Gail Beltland island you’re on is rather large, and almost reminds you a canyon with how it’s arid and utterly devoid of plant life, and massive rocky outcroppings surround you, forming a relatively thin pathway forward. You can hear the winds howling even now like a banshee as the four of you quickly jump from the hovering shuttle, each of you touching down safely.

“Alright, you lot! Get going, I have to get out of here before I’m spotted! Report in once you’re in range of the facilities- they should be some ways ahead of you!” With that, he quickly closes the door on you all and blasts off far out of sight.

As of now, you’re surrounded by a half circle of stone which is buffeting the wind enough that it’s not too big an issue, but once you get out there, it’s probably going to cause some issues. You can already see that dust and visibility might be one, looking at the dust getting kicked up. It’s not enough at the moment to seriously impair visibility, but it’s still a concern...you’re kinda miffed that seemed to be overlooked.

“Alright, then. Izumi? Point. I’ll back you up. Lorelei, you and Icey keep as support. Sound good?” They nod. “Then let’s move out. Stay low, stay sharp.”

>Roll 1d20 for fortune with enemy movements. Best of 3. Higher is better.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>1268311
Nat 1 incoming!

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>1268311

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>1268311

>>1268311
Not bad atall.

Writing!

>>1268311
>>1268319
>>1268322
>>1268323
The four of you make decent time- the winds are intermittent at the moment, blowing hard, but not consistently. Your path winds up being a case of darting across the landscape, taking covering when able should the winds start back up, and this proves to be a pretty decent manner of progressing.

A quick check back reveals Icey keeping up well with you; she’s still stone faced and doesn’t seem to be faltering at all, keeping in lockstep with Lorelei easily enough, who also seems to be faring well. Marching forward, you approach a bend that Izumi’s already arrived at, having gone ahead briefly. She gives a small signal before you approach, and you all quickly drop to the ground as she ducks back behind the outcropping.

“We’re getting close,” you hear her say. “Outpost ahead, looks like one room. I two bodies inside- there’s a window. Were facing away from the window, though, so don’t know what their status is. There’s a giant antenna on top, too. Seems like it might be some sort of checkpoint, I’m not sure.”

“Think we can we slip by?” Icey asks.

Izumi thinks about it briefly. “Might be able to. Wind’s loud enough he shouldn’t hear us, but might be better to try and take him out beforehand.”

A quick look to Lorelei has her shrugging. “You want my opinion as the sneaky one? It’s two guys, right? Personally, I wouldn’t bother. They might have intel, they might not, but it’s probably not worth risking ‘em getting a panic alarm off before we neutralize him. Or worse, having them miss a check-in. Up to you, though, ‘Randa. I’ve been wrong before. Won’t say no.”

>Sneak past the checkpoint.
>Neutralize them.
>Cause a distraction. (How?)
>Other

>>1268426
>>Cause a distraction. (How?)
Throw rocks in a non-problematic directon until they go to check it out. This may require large rocks.

>>1268426
>Sneak past the checkpoint.
What's the point of having an infiltration expert on the team if we're not going to listen to her advice?

>>1268426
>Sneak past the checkpoint.
Sneaky sneak.

5 minute warning in case anyone else has a suggestion.

>>1268426
>Sneak past the checkpoint.

>>1268426
>>1268441
>>1268452
>>1268476

Lorelei's advice wins. Fair enough!

Writing!

>>1268426
>>1268441
>>1268452
>>1268476
You shake your head. “You’re the expert. You say go past, we go past.” Icey and Izumi both nod in agreement.

Sticking her head out for maybe a second, Izumi quickly checks their position again. “Same place. Think we can move when the wind starts back up?”

You nod; that’d been your idea as well. “We’ll break for it, try to keep something on our backs so we don’t get spotted on the way up. Icey, come up here.” She does so without complaint, and before she realizes, you’ve grabbed her by the hand.

She looks up as if to question you as she blushes fiercely, but you beat her to it. “We’re going to be pushing ourselves, so I don’t want to take any risks. You’re coming with me- don’t be surprised if I have to carry you for a second.” She makes like a goldfish briefly, her mouth opening then closing in surprise, before settling back into understanding and nodding her agreement.

Silence takes over as you wait for the wind to provide audio cover. You can’t hear anything going on in that bunker, but the antenna is mildly curious. You don’t have much time to dwell on it, however, when suddenly the the dust kicks up and the wind starts again. “Now!”

The four of you take off in a dead sprint hugging furthermost rock walls away from the outpost, Lorelei and Icey keeping close eyes on the building while you and Izumi make for the best cover. Fortunately, you seem to get by with little problem, even with carrying Icey- although the wind looks to be picking up now as the group of you quickly get in front of another rock formation as the environment begins to start sloping downwards. Taking a look, you see a bit of a reprieve. “Over there!” you say, having to half-yell to be heard over the wind. “The outcropping!” It’s a small alcove of a natural formation in the rock walls, but it’s more than good enough for your purposes.

You all quickly dart for the area, fortunately reaching it without much issue, despite the fact that you all have to make a bit of a leap upwards to do so. Icey seems to almost scream when Lorelei picks her up to do so.

cont.

>>1268624
Much to your surprise, you notice that you can see a bit higher- and there’s some building in the distance. It doesn’t look too big from where you’re standing, but you’re not passing judgement just yet.

Seems like Lorelei sees it too. “Alright, we can’t just go through the front door,” Lorelei notes as she looks outwards. “Well...I mean, we could, but. Wouldn’t be too great an idea.”

“You’re presuming we have a choice.” Izumi looks in the same direction. “It looks rather open out there- not a lot of cover to aid our approach. Fortunately it doesn’t look like there’s much in the way of defenses, either. In fact, picking Icey up and leaping, we might just be able to surprise them…” she trails off, her eyes following something- and you see it, too.

There’s some sort of natural formation around the back right of it- you’re not 100% sure, but it looks like this carved out canyon-ish went all the way around- terminating far closer to the building than exiting now would. Icey gives a small sound of disapproval as she notices. “There’s no way they’re not utilizing it, though. Could be more trouble than necessary.”

Lorelei just hmms, trying hard to think about how she’d handle it.Eventually, she just shakes her head. “I dunno, this one’s kinda a coinflip. Top entrance could be a boon in getting there quick, wind or not, and Bottom entrance is for sure more fortified, but we might start in a better position...ugh. Hard to pick.”

>Top entrance
>Bottom entrance.
>Other

REGARDLESS of what you pick, roll a 1d20, best of 3. Higher is better.


Writing will resume in a few hours.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>1268627
>Bottom entrance.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>1268627
>>Bottom entrance.

>>1268701
What he said

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>1268627
> Top entrance
Sounds more fun

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>1268627
>Top entrance
I guesss its too late but I'll roll anyways.

>>1268627
>Bottom entrance.

>>1268701
Power bottom?

> Other

Dynamic entry through the roof.

Gonna go ahead and write something tonight. I don't want to take as long on this job as I did on the western.

>>1268701
>>1268740
>>1269056
>>1268786

You make your decision quickly, all things considered. “We’ll move through the canyon floor. Let’s hope we see them before they see us. Go!” Almost as one, you all leap off- seems like Icey can take an impact better than she can jump.

Fortunately, it seems that your call was the right one, and your other intuition wrong- from what you can see, this canyon is, in actuality, largely deserted- apparently they’re using it for runoff and waste, so aside from smelling badly, it’s rather quick and smooth sailing. What’s more, the heavy winds don’t seem to reach as far down here- the worse that you suffer is a mild breeze. The end result is you quickly reaching what seems to be a disposal tunnel, as well as a back-door nearby staffed by only a pair of bored guards.

No time for concerns here- you quickly dispose of the both of them before they can do anything more than raise their guns, and Lorelei is quick to Copycat their uniform again as you and your allies wrench the door open. A quick scan of the area sees no guards nearby in what is clearly a general storage room, but you’re not going to look any gift horses in the mouth.

Among the massive amounts of blackened and cracked crystals, melted and warped metals, and the occasional burnt and ruined articles of clothing, there’s a map hanging on the wall as well, with directions to various areas in the complex. It’s surprisingly not very big, by your estimate.

>Main Lobby
>Primary Laboratories
>Secondary Laboratories
>Observation Deck
>Hangar

>>1272274
>Hangar
Honestly I would rather go to the security office (to get eyes on targets) or comms (so they can't call for backup/evac) but since they aren't options...
Got to the hanger so we can go full alien mode and exterminate everyone here with their only way out shut down.

>>1272118
HEAR THAT GUYS? WE SPEEDRUNNING NOW!

>>1272314
There are both rooms in the facility, but they are unmarked on the map, just for clarity's sake.

>>1272274
I say we look into the 2 laboratories to see if it has essential stuff to the enemy like crystal incubators and what not, try to steal some things interesting to us. if we can't, destroy them.

>>1272274
>Hangar
There shall be no escape.

>>1272274
>Hangar
We'll have plenty of time after their ships are fucked.

>>1272274
>Hangar
No survivors.

>>1272274
> Hanger

Can we disable one ship by only removing a part that we can take with us? In case we need to use it.

>>1272274
>Observation Deck
look for anything interesting

>>1272274

>>1272314
>we can go full alien mode
I can support this. Supporting.

Writing resumes in 20 for anyone who's here.

>>1276261
Ayyyyy F A M

>>1272274
>>1272314
>>1272441
>>1273288
>>1273423
>>1273630

“To the hangar. We’ll keep them from getting in or out safely before anything else.” They follow you without comment, although you catch a bit of a concerned look from Icey. Still, she says nothing, so you don’t say anything in return.

It’s a few halls of safe running- seems like this place isn’t the most populated. Surprising lack of cameras in the hallways, too. Your guess is that it’s largely due to the heavy winds acting as a natural deterrent for both sides, so getting people here is an investment in itself. Fine for you, at least…

...But nonetheless you do end up hearing a trio of soldiers down the hall, just around the corner. They sound to be casually talking, discussing foods and other matters judging by some words you can pick out. You all quickly press against a far wall, swinging out of sight as the trio continues down the hallway perpendicular to you.

Izumi glances out once, then nods quickly, and you all speedily continue to the hangar bay, upon which you quickly scan the area as you open the door.

It’s a large area, empty save for two lines of of half a dozen fighters and what looks like one heavy duty transport. There’s a quartet of soldiers you can see milling about in the far corner who haven’t noticed you- or at least haven’t registered your presence just yet. There’s also a pair near what seems to be some kind of computer system off to your right that just turned towards you. You can spot one, two, three, cameras in the vicinity; one just overhead and to your right, two in the far back.

>Focus on the cameras first.
>Focus fire on the fighters.
>Eliminate the soldiers.
>Other

>>1276308
>Focus on the cameras first.

10 minutes to go.

>>1276308
>>Focus on the cameras first.

>>1276308
>>Focus on the cameras first.
The less they know the better.

No eyes. Writing!

>>1276308
>>1276342
>>1276362
>>1276366

You quickly fire off several shots towards the nearest camera, destroying it in a flash of energy as Lorelei takes one of her own pistols and does the same with two others as you blast the last one, leaving whomever's watching blind to the situations. This is more than enough to get the attention of the four in the distance, whom immediately knock over the table and crack an energy shield open- The two nearby have already started to race to cover as well, seemingly aiming for what looks to be some sort of group of packaging crates; Icey’s quick to the draw, and starts blasting in an effort to cover you.

Izumi’s already laying down covering fire with her plasma rifle against the four in the corner as well, the group of you moving if only to prevent them having a stationary target. You can hear the two of them going for the crates yell out something, but you’re not sure what.

You don’t have a lot of cover besides what you make yourself, so you’ll have to be quick.

>Keep Izumi protected as she fires.
>Go for the ships now.
>Destroy the supplies/cover.
>Blast whatever you can then evac.
>Other

>>1276432
>>Go for the ships now.

>>1276432
>Destroy the supplies/cover.

>>1276432
>>Destroy the supplies/cover.

3-4 minutes till.

>>1276432
Yay, property destruction! Writing.

>>1276432
Damn, I hope there is nothing important in those crates.

Remember Lorelei looks like one of them right now. We could always try using her as a hostage/shield to force our way to one of the ships to "escape". And then throw the ship at them or something.

>>1276432
>>1276457
>>1276463
The first thing you do, as you scramble across the tarmac, is aim for the cover that the soldiers are looking for as Icey offers suppressing fire. Your LR-5 lances out with a large plasma beam and proceeds to immediately begin tearing apart the cover of their cargo- they immediately dart off, but not before one of them catches several shots in the torso and collapsing smoking.

The other one swings behind another, much larger crate, but before anything else can happen, in maybe a second there’s a massive crackling sound- the first crate you fired upon seems to glow strangely- you’re forced to throw up a Light Barrier, before suddenly it explodes in a massive, violent conflagration to prevent crystal shards flying at bullet speeds from impacting you- or anyone else for that matter. It’s your fortune that you all were still grouped together.

Izumi was still focused on keeping the four of the others pinned- she’s moved slightly out of position in order to draw their fire from the group of you, and she had her back turned away from the other firefight. Your shield keeps any of the crystal shards from hitting her, still, but she’s forced to quickly stick and move- her speed outdoes any of the energy bolts sent her way, but only barely. They’re in the corner, so there’s no other ways to approach them, and their shield is curved and offers a decent fortification.

>Brute force their shield.
>Try to destroy the fighters.
>Continue with cargo destruction.
>Evacuate now.
>Other

>>1276592
>>Brute force their shield.

>>1276592
>>Other
>throw several of the crates at them and thestroy them.

>>1276592
>Try to destroy the fighters.
Just needed to make sure they wouldn't try and escape.

>>1276592
>Other
Use Sun's Flare to cover our sprint up to them. Point blank blast the fuckers then use their cover to blast Izumi's four.

We could probably use a Light Barrier on our approach (or just do light barrier and stroll up to them) but probably not necessary.

>>1276592
this withou the barriers >>1276648

>>1276592
>Try to destroy the fighters.

>>1276653
Better idea,seconding this instead

>>1276592
Flashbangs. Emphasis on both parts of the word. Writing!

>>1276592
>>1276648
>>1276653
>>1276660

Thinking quickly, you already start a buildup of energy. “Eyes closed, now!” You don’t have time to wait to see if they comply before you leap forward and let loose with a massive Sun’s Flare- you can hear the telltale groans of everyone affected by it- namely all the enemies who didn’t seem to cover their eyes in time.

Two of them drop their weapons out of sheer panic (and likely a desire to prevent friendly fire) and the other two immediately back up as best the can against the wall as you sprint in- there’s little they can do, however. One of them says something you can’t recognize, holding up some kind of glass sphere with a blue crystal encased in it- you don’t get to see what it does, however, as that’s the first one you come down on, cracking her head into the tarmac with authority upon landing. Using that stored momentum, you dart forward with a shoulder check to one of the two pressed up against the wall- what results is an indenture in the sheet metal and the crack of bones as he’s laid out and collapses on the floor- the other two get a strong taste of steel as you slam into the both of them with your weighted boots one after the other, leaving only you standing.

You can see Lorelei firing as what looks to be an escaping remaining soldier, who doesn’t get very far, however. She fills him full of holes before he can reach the exit out back.

After a final check, you’re positive they’re all cleared out- not that others probably aren’t aware something’s happening and will show up sooner than later. No more time for subtly.

Good thing you still have that rocket launcher.

The fighters make incredible fireballs as they each go up in massive flames and carnage under your, Lorelei, and Izumi's combined assault. Icey stays back to watch for incoming, and sadly you don't have a whole lot of time to admire your handiwork before she insists you evacuate now.

>Main Lobby
>Primary Laboratories
>Secondary Laboratories
>Observation Deck
>Other

>>1276740
>Primary Laboratories
Gotta stop then from destroying tech.

>>1276740
>>Primary Laboratories

>>1276740
>Primary Laboratories
I guess I'll go with the crowd. Would be nice to stop by comms and trash the place on the way. But they probably wouldn't get backup in time to stop us anyway. Right?

>>1276740
>>Primary Laboratories
break their shit and steal everything that looks important

Back and writing.

>>1276740
>>1276750
>>1276759
>>1276784
>>1276947
>Mana: 8499/9999

With that task done, you quickly race out of the hangar, your team following hot on your heels. “We need to get to the labs. They probably heard that and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re trying to purge anything interesting.”

“Sounds like a plan!” Lorelei gasps as she runs.

You’re proven right when you run into a group of soldiers- quite literally run into them- and a flurry of plasma shots throws them back before they can get any offense started- a sweep of the beam from your LR-5 makes sure they stay down in pieces. From there it’s a quick climb to the second floor; it’s as you open the door, however, you start hearing a klaxon going off and a red light begins flashing gently throughout the halls.

It’s a rather familiar sound and sight at this point in your life. Stopped being annoying some time back.

You run across another group of people- much to your surprise, however, they seem to not be soldiers- rather, they’re dressed much more finely, and you hazarded them to be some type of general personnel. They take one look at you and haul ass in the opposite direction- but you’ve no time to go after them now- especially when you hear a breaking down the hall.

You quickly race through the double doors near the end to find what appears to be a number of doors open, and a great many Ferrosian scientists running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Several are burning files- Lorelei and Icey quickly make them stop that via liberal use of guns, and many others are trying to pack up various sensitive instruments in a hurry-

“WHERE IS SHE WHERE IS SHE WHERE IS SHE?” What…? That sounded familiar.

cont.

>>1277344
You quickly run to the end of the hall, where you see one particular researching talking to what appears to be a hologram- several crystals of varying colors are being held in a clear, pod-like device, similar to the one that you saw displaying the map on Gable. The difference here, however, is clear: This one is showing the masked head of Owlia in a blue tint, seemingly just floating in air, and what’s more, it seems to be moving all its own. The man is holding up a green crystal to his own face as he responds uncertainly.

“Look, I know she’s here, THEY’RE here, they’re probably looking for something!” Owlia is shouting at him in a clear panic, mask or not. “I mean, that’s what I can guess, I mean, I don’t know, I’m still wondering how they got here so FAST! That should’ve been at least two more days worth of-” She stops, appearing to look behind the man. Ah, seems she’s noticed you. As the man does, he nearly drops the gem as he backs away in a hurry as you take aim. “Nononono wait wait wait, can you- can we- can you PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE not destroy most of my research?!” She begs. “This is- this is really important stuff! Revolutionary! Next generation! Look, I mean, why are you even here? What is it you want?! How did you get here so quick!?” She motions as if to grab her hair, but she seems to forget herself. “And HOW do you manage to control a discharge of mana so finely without any kind of focusing compound formula!? Do you know how many RULES you're breaking by existing?! Are you some kind of mutant? Is that just how the Far Lands people are? I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!”

Yowza. By your estimation, the way she’s shaking, her clear breathing, even through a hologram... she’s about to lose it, in some manner. There are...a lot of ways you can approach this, depending on the reaction you want...

>Action?

>>1277355
>"Don't worry. The Alusian council will take good care of your research. No doubt they have taken much more of an interest after you display the other day."
>Shoot comm unit.

>>1277355
"Eh, the Alusian Council wanted this place shut down and destroyed. Didn't say anything about not making copies. Order your personnel to comply to make us copies, and we'll let them live as prisoners."
Yeah, killing them all is simpler, but getting them all to surrender, give us copies of research while we torch the originals and equipment, means less effort expended from us.

>>1277355
No point in wasting time here. We're not in apparent danger or anything. Let's ijust ignore and do what we're here for.

>>1277375
I dunno if taking copies and destroying the rest of research as well as taking them hostage is possible, seeing how we didn't even completely clear the facility, but if it is possible, sure, go ahead, supporting.

10 minutes to go simply due to A: late nightness, and B: In case anyone's still thinking on it since this isn't an A/B/C/D choice.

>>1277397
>we didn't even completely clear the facility
Why expend the ammo and mana to do it, if we can get their commander to order them all to stand down and surrender? Not to mention, if they do surrender, we can guide the carrier in and LOOT the fucking base.

And if it doesn't work, then we just default to the original plan.

>>1277406
>we can guide the carrier in and LOOT the fucking base
They know we are here. We are on a time limit.

>>1277375
I don't see the advantage over just killing everyone, like we were told to do.

>>1277429
We can more easily loot the base and not expend more mana or effort than it would take to kill everyone. And we do have some time before the reinforcements can arrive, given our speed and the remoteness of this location from their other bases.

>>1277355
>>1277361
>>"Don't worry. The Alusian council will take good care of your research. No doubt they have taken much more of an interest after you display the other day."
>>Shoot comm unit.

Seems like we're trying to bargain. Writing.

>>1277355
You simply stare at her. Or rather, the gem. Before anyone can say anything, you snatch the gem out of the scientists’ hand. "Well, the Alusian Council wanted this place shut down and destroyed.”

The look on her face quickly flips from shock, to anger, and finally resigned annoyance. “Oh, of COURSE they did!” You can hear the bile in her voice. “Spirits forbid ANYTHING resembling actual FORWARD TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS be made!” She quickly stares back at you, again looking desperate. “Look, okay, I get it, you’re on their side for whatever reason, okay, but can’t you show a LITTLE leniency? I’m not stupid, I know how this goes! Or can go! We can work something out, I’m POSITIVE. I’m not nearly as hard-edged about things as my predecessor, I can compromise!”

Your face remains blank as you consider this. “Well. Didn't say anything about not making copies.” Lorelei and Icey look at you with surprise. Izumi’s reaction is more muted, but you do see her eyes widen. “Order your personnel to comply with making us copies of anything important, schematics, data points, formulas, anything that can be transcribed on paper or data sticks or what have you. Give us the whole shebang, and we'll let everyone else here live as prisoners." Lorelei is looking at you oddly, while Izumi seems to have a small smile on her face. Icey’s face has settled into a more neutral position.

“Wha-” she quickly shuts up before she says anything else. There’s a tense silence in the air for more than a few seconds. “You...hmmmm. You’re not bluffing, huh?”

“Nope.” Simple, clean, to the point.

“You’d slaughter everyone in here otherwise, huh?” You nod.

“...You SWEAR?” She asks again. You nod. It’d at least be easier.

“...Can you at least tell me what’s with your personal body structure? Do you have crystal implants or something? Some sort of naturally occurring mana-resonant crystalline nanoweave in your body? Anything? Please? For science?” Her voice has dropped considerably, and is now on the verge of despondency.

> “Something like the latter.”
> “You’re really obsessed with knowing, huh?”
> “Surrender or not, Owlia. Pick one.”
> Other

>>1277513
>"Surrender or not, Owlia. Pick one."
You want more info you cane come over to the winning side.

>>1277513
>“Surrender or not, Owlia. Pick one.”
>“You’re really obsessed with knowing, huh?”
I mean, we already know the second part, but I just feel the need to point it out.
And I agree with what the other said, althought I doubt she will comr over since >relay

5 minute warning, I suppose!

>>1277513
>Surrender or not.
>other: comply and I'll think about giving you an answer.

>>1277513
Oh, just make your choice. Writing. Next after this will likely be the last one for the night.

>>1277513
>>1277534
>>1277542
>>1277566
Sucks for her. “Surrender or not, Owlia. I don’t have all day. You want to know more about me, then you can join the winning team.”

“Technically we’re still winning,” she points out...and then sighs, looking away. “But fine. Give me a minute to relay a message.” With that, the hologram winks out.

“I’m impressed,” Izumi states. “I didn’t think you’d give her the option.”

“I’m just shocked you didn’t blow her holothing up.” Lorelei comments.

Icey shakes her head, more in disbelief than disapproval. “I suppose this is a reasonable outcome, provided she holds to her word. There’s not exactly more intel on their workings we can get than ‘all of it’. Kinda surprised she actually gave it up, though.”

The Klaxon suddenly, finally, shuts off, much to the surprised mutterings of various scientists and other peoples- you notice that several have been staring at you, apparently. Soon, it’s not long before suddenly the pod starts brightening up, and Owlia’s face returns. “There.” You can’t see her expression, but you have to imagine she’s got a sour face right now. “I’ve given the missive to stand down, do not assault you, and to prepare paper hard copy reports and schematics of all active research subjects. Is THAT okay?” She’s clearly mad, but…

“Glad you saw reason.” You note. “I’ll call my forces in, and we’ll see that your men are taken in humanely.”

She sighs. “The only reason I believe you is that I know they’ll want to press them for information. But we’re far enough ahead...I suppose I’d rather that than the total loss of any valuable research. And people.” She grunts. “It’s not over yet, y’know. We still control 75% of the known skylands. We still control the Anais Relay. I’ll bring mass crystal technology to life one way or another. Even against a beast like you.” Oddly enough, she almost doesn’t sound like she believes it.

> Ask if she talked to Lord Cylica yet.
> Mention where you ACTUALLY come from.
> You’re not a beast, you’re a mercenary. Bit of a difference.
> Other
> Say nothing. (Timeskip)

>>1277637
>> Give her clues from where ACTUALLY come from. tempt her with more knowledge

i don't feel this is the right moment to tell her were we exactly come from

>>1277637
>Other
I wouldn't worry. Given what you have shown off so far whatever side wins will be all over it. At least for warfare.

>>1277637
>You’re not a beast, you’re a mercenary. Bit of a difference
>give her some clues as to where we ACTUALLY come from; if she figures it out she's good enough to either make it in the Intersection or good enough to intrigue the Dealmakers.
Eh, we could tell her we don't use crystals in our makeup at all. Get her to think outside of the tech paradigm she's been stuffed into.

>>1277637
>Ask if she talked to Lord Cylica yet.
I suggest that we avoid saying the third option, as it could give her an impression that there are more like us.

>>1277637
> Other

Ask if she'd be willing to turn on her side if we could show her where we came from, and crystal technology massively ahead of her time.

Also mention that just because it's advanced in some ways, she has some really unique looking applications for it so far and would be a major asset to the industry where we come from.

She could even bring Cyclica, since she also understands the value of crystal technology. <g>

I'm sure Cyclica would love that.

She's already turned once for the greater good, why not do it again?

>>1277671
>if she figures it out she's good enough to either make it in the Intersection or good enough to intrigue the Dealmakers.
No, bad anon. The intersection is supposed to be secret. Remember how in the last mission that other group was worried that we would tell everyone about the mess they made letting one random person who shortly went crazy know about it? Well this girl is some kind of genius. We do not let her know any of this until we are commited to taking her and she has already agreed to sign on.

>>1277689
She's a high-value target. We're either recruiting her or killing her. I don't see the problem with seeing if she's worth bring back or not. If she's worth it, then having her figure it out was the proof. If she's not, then we were going to kill her anyway.

>>1277689
>the mess they made letting one random person who shortly went crazy know about it?
That was about losing a FarSight more than information about the Intersection. Sure, people's memories are supposed to get wiped, but a non-wiped person isn't as important as the failure in procedure that caused it, or losing a valuable piece of Intersection technology.

>>1277689
we already discussed this. So far, she is the only one competent enough to be let in to the intersection

Let this one ride because I was taking a shower. Seems like the opinion is to kinda hint at where we come from and maybe stir her lust for knowledge?

>>1277707
yeah, but in such a vague way that it stirs her curiosity until she can't take it anymore and get her to visit us or something.

>>1277637
A thought pops up in your head. “You’re a smart girl,” you mention. Owlia looks at you, but says nothing. “And you clearly have a desire to have your talents recognized.”

“Of course I do,” she responds. However, you can tell how her mask isn’t entirely facing you that she believes that you’ve got somewhere you’re going with this. And you do.

“I suppose I could reveal a couple of things…” you see her face suddenly enlarge as if she tried to get closer to you just by dragging the stone in, but she quickly realizes her folly and backs it away, her face returning to a normal size and all present. “...but you need to know some things first.”

She sputters briefly. “I-you- What?! What do you mean I need to know some things first?! How-”

“I don’t live here, y’know.” She pauses, then shakes her head.

“Of course you don’t, but what does that have to do with anything?” Again, she makes to grab her hair, only to retract the hand.

You shrug. “Well, it’s interesting, is all. You use crystals a lot more than I do- in ANY way. Bodily or not.”

“What? But you’re-” again you cut her off.

“It’s very novel stuff. I’m sure the right parties would be interested.”

Owlia lets out a keening groan- odd as it sounds, that’s the best way you can describe it. “What the wastes are you talking about?!”

And with that you lean in. “You’re a smart girl. Figure it out.” And with that, you drop the gem on the table and walk away, ignoring her hails to come back. They cease after only a second or two, though.

Lorelei looks at you with incredulity. “Uhhhh...whaaaat were you doing back there?”

Icey seems equally unsure. “I have to imagine there was a reason behind all that, right?”

Izumi just has a satisfied smile. “Someones, one must be shown the path hidden in the trees to reach the camp safely.”

“The ACTUAL heck are you talking about, Izzy?” Lorelei grouses, but Izumi just chuckles and pats you on the back.

“I hope it works out,” she says with a smile.

You’re just interested in seeing how it plays out. If she takes the bait- and she probably will- you just might kill two or three birds with one stone if you continue to play it right.

Resuming tomorrow!

>What in the...what is she talking about? How is she not used to crystals? What...this doesn't make any sense. I...hm.

>...

>...Hey, uh...

>Ah, darling. Come in. Are your experiments coming along well?

>A bit, but there's some places where I'm stuck. The power output just won't stay consistent or on a proper frequency in my initial tests.

>...Ah, a shame. Have you tried modifying the-

>Cylica, you've traveled the Far Lands before. What do you know about them? I need to...cross-reference some things.

>>1277782
Gotta be gentle when reeling in the fish. Let her know she's valuable, buy not unique - unlike this opportunity.

Starting in 30, for anyone around.

>>1278672
here

>>1278672
Present.

The next couple of hours were rather dry, all things considered. G’nearth was flabbergasted that you’d managed to get Owlia to surrender her forces, but he’d quickly called in to report the situation to the Alusian forces- who apparently were kinda giddy about the situation. They still wanted the station destroyed, however.

It’s near nightfall by the time everything is copied over, the soldiers and scientists rounded up, and marched to the waiting transport ships- there weren’t more than about a hundred or so personnel, as it happened, but they’d still need to make a couple of ferry trips. Several of your captives were rather nervous about making such a trip, but you and your friends assured them that your ships shielding and buffer systems were more than capable of handling the task.

Didn’t really seem to mollify them much, though. Nonetheless, everyone was ferried safely out, and were taken under heavy guard to the brig- which you’d never been to before. Turns out it was less a ‘brig’ and more ‘prisoner floor’. “We tend to not use much of it actually,” the Guard Captain notes- he’s a mountain of a man with red skin, sharp teeth, and pointed ears- your guess is some type of ogre or oni- Izumi might be able to identify him better, but she’s currently going through a lot of the copied data with some of the others. “Most of our work is destruction duty, not captives. Can’t say I’m not glad for it now, though!” He’s actually a rather cheery fellow, seems like.

The destruction of the secret facility is rather thorough. You’re part of the ground team tasked with placing what they call a ‘Earthcracker’ in the building- a massive, remotely controlled bomb. As you stand on the deck, watching from a distance, you can see why it got that name.

There’s a terrible, harsh rumbling sound as the Earthcracker is set off, and ground and rock and steel erupt into the air, much like a volcano. You can see steel and various other things spread throughout the air even here, being swept away on the wind like petals and dust. Thaddeus, who’s also watching, simply speaks calmly into his own headset. “Destruction confirmed. We’re good, here.”

Sighing, he looks at you, glowing.

You just raise an eyebrow. “What?”

He starts to open his mouth briefly, before he shakes his head and turns to head inside.

>Stop him. This isn’t the first time he’s shot you that look...
>Just go see where you’re off to next.
>Wonder if the prisoners know anything about the Anais Relay.
>See what Icey thought of a mission with Magical Girls.
>Other

>>1278828
>>See what Icey thought of a mission with Magical Girls.

15 minute for new run.

>>1278828
>Stop him. This isn’t the first time he’s shot you that look...
Incidentally, how does the Earthcracker compare to our Nebula Buster?

>>1278828
>See what Icey thought of a mission with Magical Girls.

>>1278828
"So, feedback, critique, suggestions, Ms. Icey?"

Writing.

>>1278893
It's not bad at all.

Full power Nebula Buster still beats it though.

>>1278828
>>1278843
>>1278912
You just ignore him. Whatever his problem is with you, he’s been professional enough to not let it affect his performance towards you, so you can live with it. On the other hand, there is someone else who’s thoughts you’re curious about- Icey. She carried herself well, you think, but you find yourself wondering if you lived up to expectations.

You end up finding her in one of the break rooms, not really paying attention to anything in particular as she casually stretches out on the couch. “Oh, Miranda.” She looks to you with a small smile. “I’ve checked that all prisoners are accounted for, so now it’s merely a matter of transferring them to the nearest Alusian capital ship. All seems to be well.”

You nod in understanding. “Good to know. I was wondering what you thought of the mission? I’m honestly a bit surprised she folded so easily, but it saved us a lot of trouble…”

She sighs. “Any mission that ends early and with less chance of deaths on either side I’d call a rather successful one. I have to admit, though, I didn’t really...think of your type as one to negotiate. I honestly expected we’d go in guns blazing and end up in a massive firefight. Not that we didn’t have any trouble at all, but it was far less than what I was imagining.” She shrugs. “All for the better, I suppose. At any rate, myself and Izumi had been helping with poring through the most recent files for anything interesting. We’ve still got quite a ways to go, but hopefully sharing this information with the Alusians will help.” She yawns, and it’s only just now you notice something off- her tongue is pointed and slender, and she seems to have more canines than is normal for your standard human. They’re not long, but they are pointed. Wonder how you missed that.

“Think we’ll find anything related to the Anais Relay?” you ask. That WAS your primary mission, after all.

“Oh, I’ve little doubt. Even if it’s not the exact location, there’s more than likely a clue in there somewhere. At least one of them had to have gotten a little careless.” She sits up. “So, are you heading to bed? I’ll admit, I’m not entirely sleepy at the moment, and I’ve been trying to settle down for some time now. I could use some company for a bit. Maybe play a game or two?” The look in her eyes tells you it’s going to be competitive, whatever it is.

>Sure. What do you have in mind?
>Maybe not a game, but I can sit and talk.
>No thanks, I’m kind of tired myself. (Timeskip)
>Other.

>>1279108
>>Sure. What do you have in mind?
>I don't always just kill everyone you know, a lot of clients purchase the collateral damage rider.

Huh. Wonder what Icey is, then.

>>1279108
>Maybe not a game, but I can sit and talk.
Doubt Miranda would be great at whatever game she has in mind.

>>1279108
>Maybe not a game, but I can sit and talk.

>>1279108
>>>Sure. What do you have in mind?
>>I don't always just kill everyone you know, a lot of clients purchase the collateral damage rider.

>>1279108
This:
>>1279120
>Sure. What do you have in mind?
>I don't always just kill everyone you know, a lot of clients purchase the collateral damage rider.

>>1279108
>>Sure. What do you have in mind?

Sorry about the delay. Writing!

>>1279108
>>1279120
>>1279211
>>1279218

You shrug. Couldn’t hurt too much, you suppose. “Sure. What’s the game?”

She grins a predatory grin, and part of you is concerned you may have made a mistake. That, or it was just the teeth.

As she begins setting out the board and pieces- some kind of strategy game with luck-based elements, you think back to a prior statement she said. “Y’know, I don’t just always kill everyone whenever I’m on a job.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Too out of the way sometimes?”

You shake your head in response. “Nope. You’d be surprised how many purchase the collateral damage rider.”

She laughs at that. “Ah, true. Damage Minimization is always a chore, but I like to think of it as a test of skill sometimes. Much like what we’re going to be playing in a minute.” You can see there’s a number of colored stones, as well as a triangle shaped board pockmarked with holes. “They call this Chinese Checkers, if you haven’t heard of it.”

“I have.” Not that you’ve PLAYED it much, but…

“Great! They don’t have this where I come from, but I’ve grown rather fond of it. Now, in case you don’t recall all the rules…” She spends the next couple of minutes or so explaining how to play Chinese Checkers- you’ve played maybe a couple times before, but in your long life that wasn’t exactly noteworthy and you’d forgotten the intricacies long ago. It’s for this reason that she whomps you in three straight games before you start managing to catch onto her. You both play in silence for a while, aside from Icey’s occasional chuckles when she makes a large series of jumps or when she wins.

It’s after the fifth round, where you actually come within three pegs of winning, where she finally speaks a full sentence that’s not ‘let’s go again’. “Hey, been meaning to ask. What were you doing with that Owlia girl? At the end, I mean.”

>I just wanted to distract her. She’s kind of obsessed with how I work with mana.
>I think she might be a decent...recruit. IF you know what I mean.
>Other

>>1279424
>I just wanted to distract her. She’s kind of obsessed with how I work with mana. Her heart isn't in it, she doesn't care about the war or the side she's picked. She only wants to research crystal magic and create new civilian technologies. Our side wasn't letting her so she turned, that type is easily confused and distracted. I think if we end up fighting again she will be an easier opponent after this.

>>1279424
>I think she might be a decent...recruit. Maybe.
>And even if she isn't, distracting her works to our advantage either way.
Depends on her personality, really. Unlike Miranda, her world isn't in imminent danger of being destroyed on a fundamental level, so leaving behind her people for the sake of seeking knowledge has to be her own choice in the end.

5 minute warning.

>>1279424
supporting this >>1279469

>>1279424
>>1279469
>>1279492
You lean back a bit thinking of how best to word it as Icey resets the board. “Well...part of me thinks she might actually be a decent recruit.”

Icey freezes in place, then looks up at you. “As in…”

You shrug slightly. “Yeah. She’s intelligent, like I said. She’s more about discovering and inventing than anything else. I’m wondering if we can’t use that back home.”

“You sure? I mean, it’s your call, since it’s you interacting with her, and it’d be under your handler’s jurisdiction, but…” You can tell she’s skeptical, but not entirely opposed to the concept at least.

“Well, it’s on her, of course. I don’t want to just up and tell her everything, she’s got to prove herself, y’know? Not to mention she’d be getting an invite, not a...y’know. Forced moving.” Icey says nothing at that implication, merely nodding as you continue. “And besides, even if she doesn’t want to, she’s still distracted because she’s just that kind of person. Can’t resist a scientific mystery. Putting one like this in front of her will keep her busy, so we win either way.”

“Hm…” Icey seems to think on that a bit...but she eventually nods. “I guess I can see that. It’d help us out a ton, too, if you were to remove a major force multiplier of their own will.” She yawns again, and then shakes her head as her eyelids start to come down. “Whew. I think maybe...yeah, this is doing the trick. Let’s have a couple more rounds before I’m out.”

You play three more rounds, but you only manage to win the last one before she packs it up- the both of you know full well it was just because she was tired, but frankly you’re okay with that. You both head to bed after that- Izumi and Lorelei are both already conked out, and you soon join them.

>Roll 2d20, best of three.

Writing will resume later tonight.

Rolled 15, 17 = 32 (2d20)

>>1279543

Rolled 10, 6 = 16 (2d20)

>>1279543

Rolled 4, 4 = 8 (2d20)

>>1279543

Rolled 1, 4 = 5 (2d20)

>>1279543

Rolled 19, 16 = 35 (2d20)

>>1279543

M'back. M'writing!

>>1279543
>>1279571
>>1279579
>>1279596

You open your eyes to find yourself in what seems to be a fog of a sorts...you’re not sure what’s going on, but everything’s covered in a wavering blue-yellow...it’s a disorienting color.

”Hello? Is...there…?” Wait, that voice...was that Lorelei? What is she…

Before you can say anything or otherwise, you get up, swinging your legs from the bed onto the ground.

This wouldn’t be notable if you didn’t have any intention to actually do so. Sure enough, you try moving your feet, but you find it exceptionally hard. It’s like your whole body’s numb and not listening to you...like someone other than yourself is in charge- oh crap. If this is…

However, your body jerking back towards your bed stops your thought process, and as you focus yourself, you can see what caused it.

‘You’ were apparently looking around, and your eyes fell on Lorelei, sleeping soundly, but...something’s over her head. Some spark of light. And then you hear her. “Wait...what the...is this?!” No NO NO NO-

With a start, you wake up.

Or rather...you were already up. And Lorelei is now, too- her body wracked with sweat and breathing deeply. She’s got her bedsheets in a white-knuckle grip, and her eyes are wide and frightened as she looks around in a panic. Her eyes settle on you- you involuntarily jerk back slightly, and it’s only then you realize that you’re not exactly in the calmest state yourself, now that you’re out of it. You start taking a slow breath to calm yourself down, as you look Lorelei in the eye. The way she looks at you reminds you of a frightened kitten, but considering what just happened…

>Be kind about it. Ask if she’s okay first.
>You need to know what just happened, and fast.
>Ignore it. She’s clearly not in the mood right now.
>Other

>>1281332
>>Be kind about it. Ask if she’s okay first.

>>1281332
>Be kind about it. Ask if she’s okay first.
Headpat and discuss mind control.

>>1281332
>Be kind about it. Ask if she’s okay first.
Oh shit. This can't be good.

>>1281332
>>You need to know what just happened, and fast.
Puppeting our body. Nope. Find out WTF is going on now.

>>1281332
>Be kind about it. Ask if she’s okay first.
then discuss on what the fuck just happened.

Fiiiiive minutes.

Writing. We have SOME sort of bedside manner.

>>1281332
>>1281342
>>1281370
>>1281371
>>1281411
As you approach her, you can see her jerk back a bit, as though fearful. Strange, considering you were the one body-jacked, but you’re not going to do that to her right now. Instead, you simply take a seat on the edge of the bed and look towards her gently. “So...you alright?” You try to keep your voice soft- you rarely had to be soft and gentle with your tone, but it was a learned skill throughout the ages. “Need some water or anything?”

She shakes her head. “No, no, no, I’m fine, I just...you...I...a bad dream, y’know? Nothin’ serious…”

You sigh. “That wasn’t a dream, if you’re talking about suddenly having a walk in my shoes.” She she stills, and then she moves her mouth as though she’s not entirely sure whether to cry or yell or possibly retch. “I’m gonna ask again, a little different, then. How are you feeling right now?”

She looks at you only briefly, flitting back and forth between your own eyes and staring down at nothing as she tries to collect herself. “Sick.” She finally answers. “Like...confused and sick. I don’t even know what the hell was going on there!”

You let out a low hum of thought. “Body puppetry, by my guess. I could still think for myself, but my body wasn’t reacting.” She looks like she’s unsure how to even respond to that. “I take it this is recent?”

“I’VE NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE!” She yells, and you immediately clasp your hands over her mouth as you hear people stir. Fortunately, no one seems to wake up, thank goodness. She’s got the good sense to look shameful as you remove your hand. “I mean...that’s super new. At first I thought it was something like earlier- remember? When you guys heard me in your heads or something? I thought that might’ve just been something from me sleeping in the basin all night, though. Y’know, a one-off thing! But...this, I mean, I don’t know what’s going on here…” She looks at you with mild panic in her eyes. “What do we do about this? I don’t want to end up in someone else’s head every night!”

>Relax for now. We’ll worry about this later. If it happens, it happens. I won’t be mad.
>Maybe we can set you up in the basin again? It’s a risk, but…it might help you figure out how to control it.
>I guess the first thing would be some kind of diagnosis? I'm no doctor, but maybe one of the medics here might know something.
>Wonder if Izumi might know anything. Worth a shot…
>Other

>>1281663
>>Maybe we can set you up in the basin again? It’s a risk, but…it might help you figure out how to control it.

MIRANDA: HACKED

When in doubt, go full power. What could possibly go wrong?

But seriously, no. We need to check what's up as soon as possible.
>>1281663
>Wonder if Izumi might know anything. Worth a shot…

If that doesn't work,
>I guess the first thing would be some kind of diagnosis? I'm no doctor, but maybe one of the medics here might know something.

Hm. Tie. If no one else shows up in the next 10 minutes, I'll just postpone until tomorrow evening. Maybe start yet another thread with any responses from this one being accounted for if this ends up on page 7 or 8 by then.

>>1281663
>Wonder if Izumi might know anything. Worth a shot…
Need to meditate on this shit, try and controll that butthurt guy.

>>1281663
>>1281725
Seconded.

Keeping it within the circle for now. Writing! (Probably the last one for tonight.)

>>1281663
>>1281725
>>1281804
>>1281811
You close your eyes as you mull through your options. “Ugh...probably not in our best interest to go around parading this to the rest of them for now. Especially since it seems to be limited to me and Izumi. You didn’t go into her tonight, did you?” She shakes her head, still clearly freaked out. “Then I wonder if she might have some idea to work this out. Maybe meditation or something like that. Worth a shot before we start worrying people about maybe waking up in the night against their will.”

Lorelei just sighs. “If you say so...I mean...I GUESS it wouldn’t be so bad if I could get a handle on it, I mean, but...WOW it feels weird. Like I’m ACTUALLY in a suit made of meat and everything takes a second before I actually do it. It seriously felt gross.”

Ew. Understandable, then, yeah. “Sucks to hear. Think you’ll be able to sleep the rest of the night?”

She takes a deep breath, and lets it out slowly. “I...ugh...I guess I should try, huh?” You nod; she really should. “Fine...but if it happens again…”

You gently pat her back in reassurance, rubbing it in an attempt to soothe her a bit. “If it happens again we’ll just have some midnight training, then, or something. You’ll get this under control. You’re too clever not to.” A wry grin forms across your face as she smiles back.

“Thanks...I kinda needed that.” Another breath, and she collapses back against her pillow. “I’ll try to get to sleep again. Here’s hoping…”

“G”night, Lorelei.” With that, you return to your own bed. Hopefully, Izumi might have a solution for you come morning. You’d rather not be made an involuntary passenger in your own body for any length of time, really.

--------

Fortunately, she doesn’t body-jack you a second time, and before you know it, you’re up again- this time of your own volition. You take a look around, only to notice both Izumi and Lorelei both gone. Hm. You hope Lorelei’s taken the initiative...

>Go look for them asap. The sooner this issue gets solved or on the way to a resolution, the better.
>Well, they’re both awake- which means it can likely hold off for a bit while you get an update from the Captain.
>Maybe you can sneak down to the infirmary and ask a few hypotheticals…
>Other

I'll try to be back tomorrow evening! Thanks for playing!

>>1281967
>Go look for them asap. The sooner this issue gets solved or on the way to a resolution, the better.
Now we can do shenanigans and blame it on Lorelei.

Thanks for running!

>>1281967
>>Go look for them asap. The sooner this issue gets solved or on the way to a resolution, the better.

>>1281967
>Go look for them asap. The sooner this issue gets solved or on the way to a resolution, the better.

>>1281967
>>Go look for them asap. The sooner this issue gets solved or on the way to a resolution, the better.

Starting in 30-45. Might have a new thread, as stated.

Yup, new thread! >>1283919