>>1440794
It is a good day to Deus Vult.

YES!
You are alive!

>>1440794
ayyyy

Testing.

>>1440936
Posting giving you problems too?

Alright, that's weird, it lets me post everything but the post I'm trying to make. Testing again.

>>1440941

I have no idea what the common factor here is, maybe post length? It keeps saying there's a connection error.

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Gaius Wesker, at least in your mind, is the kind of person who would respond with some cool statement or something a bit nihilistic, a tragic figure who has turned against the Solar System for his own, deeply personal reasons. Unfortunately, Gaius Wesker is actually Caesar, and Caesar is a dork.

“YES MY LOOOOOORD!” You clap your hand to your chest, and bow deeply.

“A Duke technically outranks a Lord by a substantial margin, Sir Gaius.” Countess Tabitha states, a little stiffly.

“YEEEEEESSSSS MY DUKE!” You bow even MORE deeply. You've missed your Swordfish.

“...Really, saying 'Your Grace' is how it's done...” The Countess adds, but you see her smiling this time and don't abase yourself further. The Duke looks as though he's trying not to laugh.

“It's fine. It's quite propitious, really. I'll be honest with you, Sir Gaius. You've impressed us all profoundly so far, if this keeps up...well, having a Paladin from the Solar System would be a real feather in Avalon's cap, a sign that we're more than just local rebels from a distant system. I make no promises, but remember this. The Gerin was destroyed, and Gerin...according to the Countess' reading...was famed for his crimson shield. The Paladin Gerin, too, had a unique shield and the Pirate King assures me that when he repaired the Dread Knight Merrow's strider, one of his wives constructed a most unique and powerful shield for it.”

[Continued]

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The Duke claps you on the shoulder, “Your Cavalier will be arriving soon. We'll use simulators to test your skill with it, I know a test flight in the open void would be more suitable, but...I would rather the Jovians not see it.”

“Your Grace, I have a question.” You ask, after hesitating for a moment. “Why do you call Admiral Starwind the Pirate King?”

The Duke smiles, “Call it a gamble, an investment in the future.” He crosses his arms and smiles gallantly.

“...Isn't it just because you think it sounds more cool, your grace, to be friends with a Pirate King rather than a Pirate Admiral?” The Countess asks flatly, and the Duke's shoulders slump just a little.

On some level, you are absolutely not surprised.

[Continued]

>>1440954
Could be the image if you are adding one. No worries if you need to break up the posts to get it to fit.
>>1440960
Caesar is a dork indeed.

>>1440973
>>1440966
And apparently the Duke is a dork as well. They are going to get along swimmingly.

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Speaking of the Pirate King, you are now Admiral Roarke Susan Starwind of the Iron Kestrels Pirate Fleet, and you are, during the halftime between matches, unable to avoid this lunch.

As a matter of fact, you physically cannot avoid it. Fatima has her arms latched decorously around one of yours as she leads you towards the pavilion in a square of Auditorium's main residential center where the Martian delegation is gathered. Decorously, in the way that golden chains are decorous. She's wearing a sweet smile now, but she's whispering to you, “...Don't you even think of trying to sneak off to see your teacher or go for a joyride. I know your thoughts, you devious man. You can hide nothing from me.”

Some of the handful of guards following you smirk. Bastards. Basil Montgomery, appointed to the new position of Security Chief, insisted you bring them with you to these formal events, but you don't like it. For one thing, having someone else be your muscle makes you feel uncharacteristically soft and weak after so many years of being the muscle of the Iron Kestrels. For another, you've spent most of your life running away from people in badges with authority to enforce the rules. You've never even really liked Red Siren's own lawkeepers, and they're pirates.

[Continued]

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...However, whenever you think of complaining, you remember how you felt when that assassin pulled out a submachine gun with Karen in bed just behind you, and your distaste subsides.

“I already apologized.” You grumble.

She pinches your ribs, “You had one foot in the cockpit of your mech! I had to drag you out!”

“I wasn't seriously trying not to be dragged.” You grumble.

“And that is only because I did it personally rather than send some of your servants to fetch you.” She scolds, “Anyone else would have received a swift armlock and toss and you would have scampered in the Black Ogre, leaving me alone and defenseless with these sharks.”

“They're your people, and I can't imagine you defenseless.” You grumble even more, wanting badly to fix your hair. She insisted on combing it and tying it back before you came out here and you're not used to it not just being a wild mane.

[Continued]

>>1440966
I find it funny that the Duke still thinks he's friends with Roarke.

>>1441047
Considering his fellow paladins, I'm pretty sure being neutral and decent to him means friendship. Still a dork though. If he finds out about samubuy and it's figurines, we could likely drain avalon's war chest that way.

I wonder if we can make ceasar go ALL HAIL AVALON

>>1441060
>"Care to explain why you spent a not-insignificant amount of our funds on cheap plastic toys?"

>"They're not toys! And having a visual representation of the Belt's forces can give us a better idea of their potential military strength."

>"And the pillow case with the Pirate King in a rather questionable pose on it?"

>"It's a collectors item!"

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“Strangely, the only times I seem to be defenseless involve you, O best beloved.” She kisses your cheek, leaving the lingering scent of her perfume and possibly a bit of lipstick. She's blossomed during the negotiations of the tournament, acting the part of a true Martian princess, and unlike you she seems to genuinely enjoy the dealings associated with proper diplomacy, “Indeed, they are my people and that is how I KNOW that they are sharks. They are the Caliph's finest sharks, in fact, warriors and negotiators sent to mercilessly achieve the best possible deal. Do not trust them, in fact, rely on me for most of the-” Her voice breaks off, her eyes widen, and she squeaks with girlish delight, “UNCLE ASIM! UNCLE ASIM, IT'S YOU!?” She leaps into the air and flings herself forward, only to be caught, whirled around, and set down by a laughing, dark-skinned man of early middle age with a pair of distinctive wavy scars on his face who has left his party to approach you.

“Yes, I am!” He booms. He winces and makes a show of stretching his back, “Although the last time I picked you up, you were not nearly so tall. When did you grow so big, little grasshopper?” He laughs. It's a deep, pleasant belly laugh.

“Roarke, my love, this is Asim Abdul, one of my father's acquaintances and a dear family friend. Him, you can trust. A little.” She amends her statement.

“Yes! Wait, a little?” He looks profoundly hurt.

“I have to look out for my Roarke!” Fatima protests.

[Continued]

>>1441016
I just saw her in unicorn. Unicorn is so much better than IBO its not even funny.

>>1441084
Season two does not look bright for Abdul.

>>1441084
Does he pilot a bird mech?

>>1441116
With incendiary weapons?

>>1441084
best uncle has arrived

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Asim smiles, and offers you his hand to shake, Jovian-fashion, then pulls you close and kisses you once on each cheek, “For avenging my friend, Sheikh Ahmad. For rescuing this little flower who used to boss around the Caliph's own men with such authority.” He grins.

“Wait, but if you're here...” Fatima's face clouds momentarily, then she falls silent.

You glance questioningly at her, and she shakes her head. “No, I misspoke. These negotiations are important, of course the Caliph sent Uncle Asim, the so-called Magician.”

“We all start somewhere. I was once a street performer, yes, but the Caliph saw use in me, lifted me up, and for the small services I provided he rewarded me more than I deserve.” Asim bows his head.

“Uncle...” Fatima asks, glancing at you but apparently deciding this is something you should hear, “The Caliph, how is his health?” There's a thick note of worry in her voice.

He sighs, “There have been a few scares, little Fatima, I will not lie to you. The death of your father aged him by a few years, and Rashad's treachery as well. We knew there were vipers nesting in the Holy Militia, but we had not realized they had grown so large or so venomous.”

[Continued]

>>1440966
>Friends
Sure Eustace sure

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It's strange, you've never seen Fatima, normally so confident, so haughty, tremble like that, covering her mouth with her fingertips, “Oh...” Her voice is small and fragile, and on instinct you put an arm around her. She leans gratefully into your support.

“Do not be afraid.” Asim hastens to reassure her, “Hakim the Kinless, Caliph of Mars, is a man of stone. He is far from bedridden, and still handles all business of state himself.”

“Has he chosen a successor?” You ask, offhandedly. You know at least that much about Martian politics.

Asim shakes his head, “He says he is waiting for the right time. That Allah will show him who is to follow in his footsteps. One who shall wield the sword of the faith as he has done.” He smiles, “Have faith, Fatima, we are all cupped in the bowl of Allah's hands, and though our lives are as the grains of sand, small and insignificant, he sees us all.” The two Muslims bow their heads, and you halfheartedly sort of dip yours trying to copy them.

“Admiral Starwind.” Asim asks, solemnly, “May we speak in private?” He beckons towards the pavilion, and a few guards in ballistic armor and opaque-visored helms march over to stand behind him.

You glance askance at the additional guards, “Do you feel unsafe on Auditorium, uncle?” You take a gamble calling him that, but he seems pleased.

“With you, nephew? Not at all. It's for the sake of appearances, and in case of trouble from other quarters. It's rare to meet a man simultaneously as popular and as unpopular as you are.” He flashes his teeth in a smile. Your own, more numerous guards look at the Martians' gear with a bit of jealousy.

>[Go with him]
>[We can discuss things here]

>>1441270
>[Go with him]
Bring a couple of our own as well.

>>1441270
>>[Go with him]

>[Go with him]
Probably a good idea. As is, they are likely the best option in the short term.

>>1441270
>>[Go with him]
Don't bring our men, we can handle him and his guards if he tries anything. Besides it makes us look stronger.

>>1441294
But Thunderbird, what if they have their own Caesar with a stun baton?

>>1441270
>[Go with him]
I believe the term is infamous
>Your own, more numerous guards look at the Martians' gear with a bit of jealousy.
If its anything like modern Islamic kingdoms, particularly on the Arabian peninsula, some guy has literally had his men with arms and armor made ,not plated, with silver or gold (or at least the frames and receivers), until for practicalities sake it was abandoned after too many stress injuries (Cause precious metals are heavy as shit, especially gold.)

>>1441279
>>1441294

For fluff purposes feel free to comment on whether or not you want to bring your guards. Also, I'll take this opportunity to grab dinner, back in an hour.

>[Go with him]
no guards
we are most dangerous man here if he try's something he will be as dead as the wooden cabnit in fairchilds mansion

>>1441270
>[Go with him]

Also, holy shit you're alive. Awesome, this'll make babysitting tolerable.

>>1441315
Then we beat his ass with our taser fists

>>1441270
>>[Go with him]

>>1441335
Might as well go alone. As Thunder said, how others view us does matter. We can handle ourselves.

>>1441335
Well, if they are young, do what I did for my nephew; hum super robot music to him so he falls asleep. Trombe worked especially well.
>>1441337
And that's how we get another Caesar who wants to rescue this white girl from Jove.

>>1441337
This. Caesar may be pretty good with that cattle prod, but we break vacation homes.

>>1441327
Nah, no guards. Its not like he could actually attack or even threaten us without causing war, especially if he wanted to leave auditorium alive. This doesn't at all strike me as an act of intimidation. This, from my view, is about secrecy and discretion. Perhaps image figures into this too, but the show would not be for us, I think.

>>1441349
Eh. Humming doesn't exactly work. He's 3, extremely willful and intelligent for his age. Add the other drama in his life. I'm just winging it. I did bring out my old Batman: The Animated Series dvds. He's digging that.

>>1441270
>[Go with him]

at least take our chief of security.

>>1441362
Meh. I don't see a reason. It's not like we don't have Sam discreetly shadowing us at a distance or Miles watching with a rifle.

>>1441362

How about Fatima? She's a good shot.

>>1441366
That sounds like a nice compromise

>>1441365
>>1441366
I meant more for appearance than because I think we'll be in any real danger.

>>1441366
I just assumed she was gonna come regardless.

>>1441386
You know, since she actually likes to negotiate and bargain.

>>1441362
Don't need him and we look much more powerful and in control which is important for negotiating.

>>1441366
Also, i figure she probably has one of those concealed needle guns.

>>1441366
erh it sounds like he wants to have a man to man conversation Fatima being there might prevent him from actually voicing his honest options to us for fear pissing her off

>>1441366
I can see that. She knows the Martians well, and while we should look strong, we also need to be smart about this.

>>1441366
Preferably not, its better to have this talk alone from the way he makes it sound. Besides Fatima is likely going to be very biased about whatever this is about.

>>1441415
If he wanted man to man he should've left his guards out. He chose to bring em.

>>1441270
>[Go with him]

>>1441429
Agreed here.

>>1441270
>[Go with him]

Bring Fatima.

>>1441560
>with fountains displaying Red Siren herself in a variety of roles from ancient myth. The one you stop at has her as Minerva, with water spraying outwards from around the tip of her upraised spear.

>The craftsmanship is decent, but you prefer the one where she's portrayed as a remarkably attractive Arachne, halfway between woman and spider.

Not gonna lie, if I'd never heard of Red Siren before reading this bit, I would have instantaneously hated her. There's narcissism and then there's this...

>>1441569

That's the reaction I was going for, as you'll see in the next post.

>>1441560

Actually, I just realized why this is horribly inappropriate, one second.

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“Of course, but to allay your worries, let me prove how safe it is.” You gesture to your guards, “Stay here.”

They exchange nervous looks, but nod and step back rather than question you in front of outsiders.

Fatima, though, isn't nearly as reverent, and gives you a glare better suited for a basilisk than a pretty Martian woman, “That had better not include me.”

“I wouldn't dream of leaving you behind.” You protest, and she takes your arm again.

Asim Abdul bursts into laughter, “From the time she was a child, that girl has always had to have her way. You're a fast learner, Roarke Starwind. Alright, then.” He points to one of his guards, “Two from your camp, and two from mine. Let us go.” He leads the way.

Auditorium might be a pirate sanctuary, but it has its share of wealthy individuals. Black-marketers, high-class fences, identity smiths, specialist criminals whose jobs usually don't include the more violent aspects dominated by groups like yours. Consequently, these upscale parts of town are quite nice. While space is at a premium on a colony like this, the city itself has its own public parks besides the great lake and the beach. This one breaks from Red Siren's usual rose theme, it's a peach orchard, lovingly tended and kept, with red-brick paths meandering between the trees. At the intersections of these paths are rounded areas with wooden benches, some of them further decorated with fountains displaying Red Siren herself in a variety of roles from ancient myth. The one you stop at has her as an amazon princess, with water spraying outwards from around the tip of her upraised spear.

The craftsmanship is decent, but you prefer the one where she's portrayed as a remarkably attractive Arachne, halfway between woman and spider.

[Continued]

>>1441605
I see Roarke is also a leg man.

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“...Dear Rosita might have something of an ego problem.” Fatima notes, not unkindly.

“She doesn't make these herself, people make them for her.” You protest, getting a bit defensive over the implied judgment even if she does have an ego that would dwarf some of Jupiter's moons. Fatima is hardly a pinnacle of demure humility herself, “I had to throw a stalker out of her window once.”

“It doesn't help to pretend she doesn't encourage it.” The Martian woman chides you. You grumble something noncommittal. She seems more waspish and on-edge than usual, normally she gives you a bit of a reprieve from her sharp tongue with her wedding approaching.

Asim's remaining guard checks around the fountain and nearby trees, presumably for listening devices, then gives Asim a thumbs-up. Fatima's 'uncle' heaves a sigh of relief, and slouches down onto one of the benches, “This worked out well, I'm amazed I don't have to be more circumspect, but your gesture has saved us both a lot of time and roundabout talking. I was afraid it would take two or three meetings to get to this point.”

“Which I'm sure the Caliph's most trusted bodyguard would find exceedingly tedious.” Fatima's voice is a razor.

“Just so.” Asim bows his head.

“And of course, my sworn uncle has not grown lax in his duties.” She crosses her arms, “Do you expect me to find it amusing that you're playing a trick on my husband? You are lucky I did not immediately inform him of your role the moment you suggested speaking alone and bringing your guards.” The force of her glare makes you momentarily smug not to be its target.”

“Peace, Fatima.” The guard speaks, and to your surprise it is the voice of an old man behind the helmet.

[Continued]

>>1441605
How did I know it was going to be that? Lalah is better anyway

>>1441597

To clarify, because while Athena is just a mythological tidbit to most of us, worship of the Greco-Roman pantheon is both widespread and fairly serious on Jupiter, particularly the worship of Jupiter (pronounced Yupiter in Roman fashion or simply Jove to distinguish him from the planet) and Minerva.

>>1441611
>“Peace, Fatima.” The guard speaks, and to your surprise it is the voice of an old man behind the helmet.

OH SHIT!

IT'S HIM.

GIT HYPE.

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>>1441614
Starting a Monster-Waifu war

Mia won the waifubowl

>>1441623
Wait, what?

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>>1441611
If I could squeal like a school girl, I would.

>>1441623
>first girl won
Not a surprise.

>>1441611
... Fuck, "It Has to Be This Way" is HIS theme song isn't it?

>>1441656
Nah, the guy seems more like Punished Snake. a man denied a family. I'm sure we'll see his clones.

Too bad he's too old to fight in a mech, would have been fun to take on someone his level.

>>1441671
>Implying

Dude, one of the tourney participants was woman in her 60's. Probably younger than Hakim though.

>>1441671
>Big Dick Hakim
>Ever being too old to fight

He'll be a ghost and still kicking ass. Scotsman style.

>>1441676
I feel like she's more an outlier than a rule.

>>1441679
True, but she's an example that it can still be done.

>>1441677
Damn new types and their EXAM systems.

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“Who's guarding whom?” You comment. You have a sudden sneaking suspicion that you know exactly who is behind that helmet, confirmed as Fatima drops to one knee and lowers her head in an elaborate bow.

“You're as perceptive as expected, young man. No, my manners have left me. Young Admiral. As Asim told you, I am far from bedridden, and still handle the business of Mars myself.” He removes his helmet. The face beneath is, in some ways, a horror. Scar tissue covers the left side of it, his eye socket's very bone structure seeming damaged. The left eye is alive and alert, but it has an oddly popeyed appearance from the old wound, as if jutting forth from its socket. His hair is snow-white, along with the thin, ropey beard growing from his chin. It's clearly been trimmed away from his right jaw, likely to preserve symmetry with the flesh on the other side that can no longer grow hair at all. The right side of his face is a mask of wrinkles, neither overly predispositioned to laugh or frown lines. He's much taller than you expected, taller even than you. Despite his age, his movements earlier did nothing to betray him, and he holds the autorifle in his arms as if he knows very well how to use it, laying the weapon across his lap as he takes a seat on one of the benches and gestures for Fatima to stand.

“My Caliph, then...all of those diplomats? Those bean-counters and nobles of exalted station...?” Fatima looks stunned.

“A distraction to keep my enemies thinking I was still on Mars, resting my aged bones. The true negotiations were always to be between me and your husband-to-be. I would have it no other way. Do not look so angry, I would have revealed myself shortly even if you had not guessed my identity.” He smiles, his scarred mouth turning upwards like the lopsided blade of a Martian curved sword.

[Continued]

>>1441701
... He sounds like DBZA Cooler in my head.

>>1441701
Welp.. guess I was right about the clones bit. He better not have that bloody magic seal waiting in the wings. Hated that guy.

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Asim bows his head, “Forgive me, I should have suggested that I had taken on additional duties or something, to allay her suspicions.”

Hakim the Kinless shakes his withered head, “Nonsense. Fatima Ahmad is one of the few who would know your significance to my administration. That you would not be far from my shadow is something she would be aware of. Others would simply take your presence on Auditorium as a sign of your own, personal ambition to increase your standing above that of a mere retainer and hopefully attribute it to growing weakness on my part. When you have enemies, it is best to let them think you are weak, observe them in the fullness of their strengths, and locate the softest place on their underbelly to place the knife.”

“Have you been doing that to me?” You ask, directly.

He smiles, “Of course. My agents on the Suleiman colonies you now control have reported that you are a warrior more than a politician, that you favor defeating your foes over killing them, and say that you are generally a just, fair ruler who appoints talented people to positions of delegated authority, and that the people of your colonies are optimistic about your rulership.”

“I'm glad to hear that.” You reply, a little bit stunned. Although it doesn't actually surprise you much that he had eyes and ears on the Suleiman colonies, which were formerly a corporate fief of Fatima's father.

“It pleases me greatly as well. Folk heroes are more common than people think. Like lightning, they flash so brightly and then disappear just as quickly, leaving behind little but burn scars. There are very few, rare and precious, who stay in this galaxy and build something greater than themselves.” His voice is rather rough, with a thick accent. Somehow you expected more grandeur, but you've seen the simflicks, you know what this battered old man is capable of.

“Like you?” You quip. It's true, he IS Mars, in a way.

The old man smiles wistfully, “I hope so. What I have built is like this colony we stand on. An oasis of beauty and culture, suspended by the most fragile threads in a cold and hostile galaxy. Like you, I am a man who is both popular and unpopular, I know how standing on that razor's edge can sting your feet.”

You grin, and sit down yourself, Fatima next to you, “I prefer the term 'infamous', I find it helps.”

You and Hakim share a chuckle, but then the old man leans forward, his face extremely serious, “Tell me now, and tell me honestly. Do you have any intention of placing the Paladin in your custody into my hands at any price, or is this all for show?”

>[Yes, I do]
>[No, it's all for show]

>>1441725
>[No, it's all for show]
>I don't trust Jupiter or Mars. Yet, I have no inclination towards Avalon either.

>>1441725
"Does it matter?"

>>1441725
>[No, it's all for show]
Roarke's a straight shooter for the most part.

>>1441725
>>[No, it's all for show]
Partially. We are willing to work with them, offer the information we have gotten from her and our other sources for sale, but not the Paladin herself. Fairchild has shown her desire to play the cruel villain after all, and said she could easily grab her.

>[No, it's all for show]

>>1441725

>[No, it's all for show]

Let's not mince words. This is another OG.

>>1441733
Not easily. Never easily. Fairchild still underestimates us personally. She guessed wrong about when we abducted Darth Idol. She has circumstances and politics on her side. For now.

>>1441772
>abducted Darth Idol

Wait, what has she been up to this whole time?

>>1441775
Probably hanging out with Jesus. Who knows, maybe he's absorbed some residual not-pussiness from Amos.

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“No, it's all for show.” Your hands clench into fists, you're not looking forward to his reaction. “Loriette is a normal woman. A woman who might have been altered, but the person she was and, I believe, still is happens to be a good, honest person who is capable of feeling the same emotions as any of us. She isn't a Green Man, and I know that because I saw her react with horror and shock to the truth of what they did during the War. I even think she has doubts about Avalon's cause.”

“She has killed many Martian soldiers.” Hakim says flatly, his dark eyes giving nothing away, “When her people assailed the Gate of my planet, her Anseis stood in their vanguard. Even if it is relatively tame by the standards of the Paladins, it is a powerful machine and she is a lethally skilled pilot.”

“As you said, they were soldiers. So was she.” You don't give an inch. “Soldiers know the risks they are taking when they go to war. They died, she was captured. I am willing to share the information we received from her, and work with you, but I won't hand her over to be killed with no chance to defend herself, especially since General Fairchild told me she could have her seized at any time.”

Asim whispers in the Caliph's ear, but Hakim waves him off, “I know, I know, the self-important one who was so close to Commodore Abujamal. The little hen who struts as though she's important in her own right rather than simply another piece in a game played by her superiors.” His mouth twists with distaste, “I believe she would find it more difficult than she thinks. Many of her contacts, she would find, have far more reason to fear me than her. Like you, I am capable of necessary brutality.”

“I've seen the simflicks.” You remark.

He snorts, “Over-romanticized trash. War, real war, is a hideous thing. This current conflict is barely a footnote to that parade of horrors, and the aftermath was not without its share of bloodshed as well. Be at peace, Roarke Starwind. I expected this response from you. You are not wrong.”

[Continued]

>>1441790
>The little hen who struts as though she's important in her own right rather than simply another piece in a game played by her superiors.

Wait, who is Fairchild's superior? Aside from the Chairman.

>I believe she would find it more difficult than she thinks. Many of her contacts, she would find, have far more reason to fear me than her. Like you, I am capable of necessary brutality.

Oh thank god.

Does this mean we can start planning to completely destroy Fairchild now?

>>1441799
when have we not planned to destroy her?

>>1441803
We INTENDED to destroy her. We haven't really made a concrete plan yet.

>>1441799
We regularly argue about how we're doing it almost every thread and considering we're the voices in Roarke's head he's been planning for a good while.

>>1441799
To paraphrase the great philosopher, Mike Tyson, "Everybody has plans, until they get punched in the mouth" Fairchild has a fuckton. We are her Kryptonite. We got this, no need to overdo it.

>>1441811
>>1441820

Honestly, I'm just happy Hakim will be able to counter Fairchild's political bullshit.

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Hakim looks upwards, as if seeing the sky somewhere far, far away from here, “No, you are not wrong. It does not need to be stressed that I hate the Green Men more even than most and would even rain nuclear fire upon the Lady's home on Avalon if it meant destroying her, but the bitter root of that hatred is that I have seen, in the cruelest ways, what the Green Men do even to good, honest men and women like your captive Paladin. Information I have obtained, from tests done on the pilot of the Berenger shot down by the Jovian ace known as the Blue Knight, indicates no presence of spores affecting the minds of the Paladins. However, the extent of the genetic modifications performed on them remains unknown. For all you and I know, perhaps the Lady of Avalon needs no spores to bend those she has altered to her will. I am not saying this as a threat, or to chill your spirit, but to prepare you in case of the worst. You may someday have to destroy her, for both her sake and yours. I trust if that transpires you will do so quickly and mercifully, for that is the sort of man I believe you are.”

“You are correct.” You reply flatly. It's not the first mercy killing you've performed, and briefly the face of Captain Ozark, viewed down the sights of the pistol you carry but almost never use, flashes before your eyes.

“May Allah guide your wrath along the path of righteousness. Very well, so long as we are clear on that point, I have something else in mind. I want to support what you are doing. Fatima has likely hinted at this...rest assured, she has kept no secrets, I have told her little when we communicated to arrange for you to inherit her father's colonies. You see, as it stands, you stand among a small and dwindling number of those who can call themselves masters of the asteroid belt. I know that at least some of them support Avalon and have betrayed the Solar System. After all, it would have taken precise coordinates for the Avalonian guerrilla fleet to arrive here, well away from where Mars or Jupiter could quickly detect and strike them. If it had not been for sheer, unlucky chance that General Fairchild's vessel was nearby, imagine how long they could have hidden, undetected, in the Belt, shielded by their allies. The damage they would have done would have been far more extensive. This is untenable, and so I am choosing to back you as master of the Belt.”

[Continued]

>>1441811
Nothing wrong with wanting your greatest enemy dead. I just don't see Roarke as a whiteboard marker planning guy, or post-it notes and twine. Her time will come. I've been rereading the classics, in the Iliad, Achilles kills Hector. Arguably his greatest enemy, after exposing his cowardice to everyone. Then he drags his enemies corpse, bound with rope, behind his chariot. After that let's that mangled corpse get eaten by wolves.

Any niggas who doubted Hakim should be shot posthaste. Based af

>>1441832

I must have had a different version, I don't remember Hector being a coward, just that he couldn't overcome Achilles' literal plot armor, and that his mistreatment of Hector's corpse was considered a sign of douchebaggery.

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>>1441047
>>1441060
I still think that he know about Ceasar already and that everything going on after that talk between him and Tabitha was part of his keikaku... Look at him people, he is smart and dork enough to do that.
>>1441077
>“YEEEEEESSSSS MY DUKE!” You bow even MORE deeply. You've missed your Swordfish.
... Why do you even have doubts? There are lines Ceasar(and us) won't cross, but we would go probably far and take heavy risks if needed to rescue Naomi.
>>1441083
Hmmmm... How do we make this happen?>>1441457
Ohayo Kuroto-san, are you daijobu tonight?>>1441820
Hey Cali, how is it going? Thanks for that words men... You were right, somethings had to be done, I'm a lot better now.

I wish you luck with the kid, I still remember when I had to keep an eye on my younger brother... I think he almost killed me at least two times...
>>1441623
I bet that these people who aren't going for Mia would not speaking this heresy against sneks if they had taken a free helicopter ride.

>>1441841
Hector gets fucked over by Athene being a giant cunt as she always is when she told him she had his back and Achilles messed up and then just left.

>>1441832
What version have you been reading? I distinctly remember Achilles being a giant asshole the entire war.

>>1441841
Not to excuse his bad behaviour but wasnt that due to hector accidentally slaughtering archille's cousin when he wore his armour?

>>1441841
Well, the Iliad was written by a Greek. So...yea, I believe he runs around troy a couple of times, with Achilles chasing.

>>1441855
Yup Achilles was furious because Hector killed Patroclus and told Hector to go fuck himself even after he said it was an accident.

>>1441854
He had a reason for part of it, but ya he took things way to hard.

>>1441859
In many ways, Achilles was a heel.

>>1441851
Hey Brazil! I'm doing okay. It's funny, you taking care of your brother. Me taking care of my 25 year old brothers son. Seriously though, glad you took the hard road. You need to take care of you man.

>>1441865
Achilles was the Hulk Hogan of Greek Mythology, everyone else had to job to him regardless of how much of an ass he was.

>>1441865
First off everybody, in Greek mythology everyone is an asshole. Zeus is the biggest. Then it trickles down. In the Trojan war, Agammemnon is a big fucking asshole.

>>1441875
Oh I know. Of the lot of them the least assholish are Hades and Hephaestus. One is pretty chill in the underworld, and the other is bullied by everyone.

>>1441875
Priam, Jason's Father, Hestia, Orpheus, Oedipus, The King of Phonecia in the Odyssey, among a bunch more. Its the Gods who are mostly all dicks.

>>1441875
He sacks a temple of Apollo and takes a handmaiden as a slave. Shit happens and Apollo curses the Greeks. The only way Apollo would relent on his curse is if this slave girl was released.

>>1441879
Agammemnon would only release said woman, if Achilles gave up his choice spoil of war Breiseis.

>>1441868
Nah... I don't really have to take of him anymore, he is old enough to not leave the house on fire... I think... But I had some scares a few years ago when I had to take with him ocasionally.
My mother really should have hidden those knifes better...

About the hard road... In the end I still have hopes of saving my relationship with her some day... But maybe it isn't going to happen and I accepted that... The only thing I'm not really sure about is if I should just dissapear from her live completely or If I should keep a channel of communication open in case of some change in the situation... But anyway, I'm not talking or doing anything more about it in the meantime, it wouldn't solve anything I think...

>>1441882
Then after people try to appease him with gifts, Achilles gets ready to bail. Gifts wont work, the Greeks are losing, Achilles best bro and possibly lover Patroclus leads hiss troops and saved em. But then Hector kills Patroclus.

>>1441887
Sure, his mom helps after this. Makes him armor, still, he fights a river god. Since, you know, he stops the water of said river, by filling it full of corpses.

God damn "connection errors" it's like the character limit decided we're back on /tg/.

>>1441889
The other god's even have to slow Achilles down. So he wouldn't sack Troy too early.

>>1441893
The point is though. Achilles wouldn't have given a shit about him, until he killed his friend. Someone he cared about. There is no greater enemy, than an enemy of a friend or loved one. Hector apparently even asked for forgiveness. Achilles said, "my rage, my fury would drive me now to hack your flesh away and eat you raw – such agonies you have caused me"

Alright, I'm trying a restart, the amount it's letting me post without a connection error is just insanely small.

>>1441899
You're the 3rd QM I've seen so far that's been having problems like this. I wonder what's going on.

>>1441901
Bet its another conspiracy to kill off quests

>>1441905
Nah. For hiromoot to shill 4chan gold

>>1441905
Goddamn commies.

>>1441899
Have you tried posting by using the post a reply button from the top? apparently, thar's the way to avoid the connection errors.

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You frown, “Wait, you really want to give a pirate free reign over the Belt?”

“Pirate is just a word. I am backing a particular man, you, who I have faith in. Perhaps I still want to believe in the existence of heroes.” He sighs, “The only thing more troublesome than no one controlling the Belt is controlling it myself with increasing friction raised by Jupiter controlling its own share of the asteroids, and having to deal with its problems in addition to those of my planet. I'll speak bluntly. Right now, Mars is in danger. This war has greatly strengthened Jupiter and the extraplanetary officials of the Solar System League who owe allegiance to no world and nothing but themselves and, perhaps, Terra. We are allies for now, but when the war is over there is a very real threat that the Jovians will then turn on Mars, whether openly or covertly.”

“That makes sense. As much as I like some of the UJCIDF's people, it's naturally hard for a pirate to trust them as an organization.” You respond, dryly.

He nods, “Ending the war abruptly it as it stands would be a disaster for Mars, further escalating the arms race between our territories increases the potential scope of the damage, and so long as the war continues Jupiter's advantage over us grows. On top of that, I do not know how many years I have left, or what will become of my beloved Mars when I go to sit at the Prophet's side. Some of my people believe that the solution lies in renewing the tradition of jihad, of an interstellar war of conversion...but they are fools. That way lies only giving cause to a Jovian crusade against Mars, or worse, it would simply create a thousand warring Islamic states, each seeking to become preeminent and resulting in the dissolution of the Martian state and way of life. No, the only solution is a gamble. A real gamble.”

“What sort of a gamble?” You press him.

[Continued]

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Oh, also.

>>1441938
Clearly, either he makes Fatima his heir or somehow Moe becomes it. Sounds appropriate. Or at the very least fun.

I wanna vent. I fucking hate For Honor so goddamn much. I wanted to see if it had improved since I abandoned it after I got too tired of how such a legitimately amazing game was so terrible because of the dev's decisions.
First match I found after searching for 20 minutes was apparently "Strict" skill level in my region. The enemy team was a fucking Lawbringer who literally never missed a goddamn parry and had the fucking best Pay to Win gear, an Orochi that played like he was the physical embodiment of cancer, again with Pay to Win gear, a Warden that teleported 30 feet every two seconds, and a Nobushi that only knew one combo.
I guess I have to hand it to them though, they really knew how to reel people in with their scam. It made me waste $60.

>>1441938
Not gonna lie, that flag has too much going on.

>>1441942
And that is exactly why there is a saying later that boils down to, beware of greeks bearing gifts. Because of the horse bit, but honestly the whole Iliad is ridiculous. Obviously, it's an epic. A poem. Still, some things you can pick and choose.

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He smiles wryly, “...I want to let a fox loose in the henhouse of the Solar System League, and create a buffer state between Mars and Jupiter that can shift the balance of power and keep us from war against each other. This is my offer. I will back you as the leader of an independent state in the Belt and cede Martian territories necessary for that endeavor to you. You would be liege of your own domain, and you would have the right to join the Solar System League as a signatory member, shielding you from military action by the UJCIDF and granting you the chance to claim your share of spoils from Avalon.”

You frown, “Do I have to join the Solar System League?”

He raises an eyebrow, “Why not? If you want to remain neutral, I'll support you over any possible remaining candidates, anyway, because it's you, the Jovians, or some other pirate band and of those three options you and I have by far the most in common. However, being neutral only benefits you if you think Avalon will survive this war. It won't. I, for one, will see to it that the Lady is destroyed, or my successor will. The people of Avalon might survive, and it might even maintain independence or exist as a protectorate in some form...but don't you think they would receive more merciful treatment if you were one of their judges, rather than General Fairchild and those like her? Consider it. We could use your Black Ogre. I do not expect my answer today.”

“Hold on.” You object, “If getting me to join the Solar System League itself isn't your goal, what's the price for your support? There's no such thing as a free lunch, everybody knows that. Even if we were best friends, I wouldn't expect you to stick your neck out that far for no reason.”

[Continued]

>>1441953
Perfect for the Jovians honestly.
>>1441943
God no.

>>1441944
I just wanna play Centurion. Fuck everything else. Then if it's still shit, I'll go to Absolver. Probably still go to it honestly.

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He smiles, “Well, there are a few conditions...oh, do not glare, Fatima, I never had any intention of deceiving him. Firstly, I want you, Roarke Starwind, to love and honor the woman you have made your Head Wife. Her father was a boon companion on the field of battle, and a great warrior and pilot. Even in his advanced age, in a fair fight I suspect he would have overcome Rashad, hence the drugs found in his system during the autopsy of his body. He was a true Martian, and I want to preserve that sort of strength and will. My gift to future generations. Secondly, any children produced between you and Fatima, I want you to swear you will permit her to raise as Muslims. You do not necessarily have to make one of them your heir, but I wager they will be strong and brave, and extremely worthy. So long as my influence endures, even after my death they will be welcome on the Red Planet. Thirdly...” His eyes gleam, “I want the blueprints of the Tarrasque. For my own, personal interests. It is not the only mech on Auditorium I have taken a shine to...but the others are privately owned by contestants in your tourney and I shall make my offers to them individually. Let Avalon's Knights tremble before a wave of new-generation Martian hovertanks and steel avians.” He grins wickedly.

Fatima grins wickedly as well, “Isn't that little tank precious? The puppy face on the front just brings it all together.”

“Oh, indeed.” Behind their matching expressions, you can see their imaginations churning with visions of beam cannon barrages and resounding chants of 'Allahu ackbar!' The Caliph glances over at the scarred man, “Asim is greatly enamored with the Sagister, are you not?”

The so-called Magician smiles wryly, “Yes, I am! It's quite similar, in some ways, to my own steed. It brings me joy to see that design used here.”

The Caliph clears his throat, “Just so. Well, Admiral, what do you have to say to my offer?”

>[What say?]

>>1441960
If it dropped the stars, it would be fine.

>>1441954
Honestly, you could just cut the saying down to "Beware of Greeks."

>>1441944
Here, just watch these two knobs: https://youtu.be/o4D_Q1kHTVU

>>1441960
Okay okay. One of our many, many kids.

>>1441963
>We want to mass produce the Big Zam
Yes. That is fine.Its a fair offer and understandable considering the kid would likely be muslim anyway if it's Fatima's.

>>1441972
Hey anon, where I live some people don't know the specifics behind the Trojan War. They hear Beware of Greeks and it's suddenly Triggered this and Safe Spaces that.

>>1441963
>[What say?]
He provides information on any modifications to the Tarrasques the Martians make.

Mai'll also accept his offer so long as she gets a life time supply of models and paints. Good ones.

>>1441963
>>1441979
Uh, forgot the first part. It should be "Yes, so long as he." Don't know how I messed that up.

>>1441963
>Deal.

>>1441963
>I'm fine with most of it, but the Tarrasque is quite a powerful machine. I can only imagine how strong an army who could mass produce that would be. If the Caliph of Mars would be so kind to finagle a some favorable trade deals for my people I'm sure I could "accidentally" lose place of those schematics.

Honestly we should accept the deal, by joining the League we don't have to worry so much about planets hunting us down or declaring war on us, and all we would really lose is our chance to work with Avalon which Roarke doesn't seem a big fan of.

>>1441963
Only, on one condition, if the worst scenario comes to pass and the league goes for us. He provides a token amount of assistance. Obviously he can't be seen openly aiding a vaunted pirate lord, but ailing health and all.

>>1441963
>I agree with the first and third. The second only if Fa's kids are given a choice to whether to continue being Muslim.
>Two extra conditions, the last non-negotiable. One, humanoid mechs are not haram. Two, you'll be the god-grandfather to Fa's kids.

>>1441989
If we join the League we most likely will have to give up piracy in our own system. Not saying we have to give up raiding other systems though.

>>1441992
That's asking WAY to much man.

>>1441992
>The second only if Fa's kids are given a choice to whether to continue being Muslim.
Reasonable.

>One, humanoid mechs are not haram
Not so reasonable.

>>1441992
Not going to work mate. Some of that stuff has to happen naturally.
>>1441993
I'd say start neutral, then depending on the situation pick from there. A belt free from some of the shenanigans the Sol League is trying isn't bad, and we will still have support.

>>1442001
Staying neutral at this point is honestly going to hurt us in the long run. The longer we don't actively join the more likely we'll look like Greenman sympathizers and then we get sanctions from the rest of Sol and maybe even a coup sponsored by other planets. Its best for us to be friends with our neighbors rather than some guy across town who pisses on our neighbor's yard.

>>1441871
Diomedes was the real star of the show.

>>1442007
Diomedes felt like a mary-sue write in.

>>1442005
Except our actions take out Avalonian supporters in the belt as well. Our biggest rival is King's band, and they are strongly siding with them. Likewise, we became pirates to avoid the bullshit the Sol league and Jupiter did. Jove is going to be an ass to us either way, but I have no desire to join the Space EU.

>>1441997

Keep in mind that one of the reasons humanoid mecha are haram is to prevent Bahamutcorp and Bucephalus Heavy Industries from just steamrolling the Martian market.

>>1441993
>>1441997
>>1442001
We want to sell mechs to sustain us in the long run. What better way than to tap into the Mars market. Also, like I said, "negotiable". Only Hakim being their God(grand?)father is non-negotiable. It keeps our kids safe from the backlash and secure ties to Hakim himself better.

Oh shit, MSPQ is on. Guess you got your stuff back online, Wong.

Take your time with this one. Your answer to his deal itself seems to be yes, but deciding whether or not you want to join the SSL with the Caliph's sponsorship is important too.

>>1442008
At least he wasn't literally invincible.

>>1442011
No one wants to join the Space EU they do it so they Space EU decides not to fuck with them considering we'd be the only faction in the system not in the League and that's not good. And us wiping out the other bands could easily just be played as us being power hungry, Luggenpresse is a thing.

We could always just say a bunch of mechs are based on monkeys or something again. Maybe make a martian variant with a tail and jaws.

>>1442001
>>1442005
>Wanting to join the space EU
Thunder, WTF are you doing? '-'

Don't you want to keep our sovereignty over the belt? Putting our heads down will end up being a loss anyway, by standing neutral we at least have a chance to avoid such fate.
And talking about the long run... Do you believe that ending the war with Avalon will end all the conquering going around and restore peace to the galaxy? The aftermatch will probably slipt up the factions again and we its probably safe to assume that a few planets on the outer systems will try to get rid of the SSL anyway... Do you want to be on the jovian side against that too?

Is the SSL the Space EU or the Space UN? Because one would result in Eisentor gaining some real benefits for toeing the line and the other is just lipservice.

>>1442020
>>1442026
>Space EU

Whoa, whoa whoa whoa. The SSL may have its blatantly evident problems but it's not WHOLESALE using economic warfare to remove the sovereignty of its members and force them to bow to the whims of an unelected neo-aristocracy bent on annihilating their culture Yet.

Joining the SSL
>Pro
Immediately gain legitimate support for a state.
Have a defense pact in case someone jumps us.
Fairchild can't instigate a war with us.
Have a say in the treatment for the Avalonians
Have access to more of Skywalker
>Con
Give up part of our sovereignty to Jove and Mars
Be drafted into a war we do not want
Possibly give up Lori to the SSL

>>1442029
>>1442030
So, SSL is more like NATO then?

>>1442032
Also
>Con
Faichild will have access to the Auditorium using SSL inspectors as an excuse.

>>1442026
>Do you want to keep our sovereignty over the belt?
Do all the other planets keep sovereignty over themselves in the League?

>By standing neutral we at least have a chance to avoid such a fate.
We won't be able to stay neutral forever that's how it always ends up. Us siding with the side all of our people are from and a bonus to all our relations are worth the risk of Avalon winning the war as apposed to pissing off almost all our men and everyone else by siding against Sol.

>Do you believe that ending the war with Avalon will end all the conquering going on and restore peace to the galaxy?
Roarke doesn't give a shit about their being peace, it just makes his job harder. And if we don't side with Sol guess who is next on the chopping block?

>The Aftermatch will probably slipt up the factions again and we its probably safe to assume that a few planets on the outer systems will try to get rid of the SSL anyway
So your saying risk our reputation with Sol and all of our people for the hope that MAYBE some planets will try and break away? If we're part we can just join them when they break away its that easy.

>Do you want to be on the Jovian side against that too?
I want to do what's best for our nation nothing more.

So, is it a question of keeping our independence at the cost of losing allies that could encroach on us later or joining up with allies, but lose independence and choices that we want?

>>1442034
That's why we anger her to make the first move, if we're both in the SSL she won't be able to push for a war as hard as if we weren't and I'm sure with the right words it'll be easy to make her shoot first.

>>1442037
Plus, we do have some stuff on her.

Hmm, I'm all for having some allies because unless we have the ability to fight multiple fronts comfortably, we have no chance.

Maybe we ought to consult our Captains and Wives first?

>>1442041
Our wives are much to biased and the entirety of Pirate leadership depends on an extremely strong leader asking our captains what they believe we should do makes us look weaker and that's a death sentence for a captain. Granted asking for some outside input might be useful, but I wouldn't want to ask our subordinates, maybe Master Asia.

>>1442020
Then be space switzerland, only with more giant robots that aren't windmills.

>>1442044
I'd have to agree with Thunder: if we need to ask someone, we need to ask someone who isn't terribly aligned with a faction already.

>>1442045
Switzerland doesn't work when your a pirate nation who robs all the other nations around it and didn't even help when their mortal enemy came back to fight.

>>1442049
No mountains in space either.

I guess the big question is that if the SSL allows some autonomy for its member clients or not.

>>1442052
No, just asteroids

>>1442045
... That's Holland you dumbass.

>>1442032

The SSL both suffers and benefits from the fact that it consists of two major military powers and the various hangers-on. Hence the SSL hasn't really made too many inroads into nibbling away bits of the member states' sovereignty yet because it would collapse if either Jupiter or Mars went "yeah, nah, we out."

>Possibly give up Lori to the SSL

You have my personal guarantee that barring the kind of fuckup that comes from, say, losing a battle, this won't happen. Otherwise there would have been no point in Hakim saying what he did.

You would however be expected to actively engage Avalonian forces in your territory.

>>1442053
I mean are Mars and Jove forced to do anything? The way it seems are that their's two camps in the SSL and their split into inner and outer with sphere's of influence. The fact that neither side wants the other to gain full control of the belt we'll be fine as a buffer with both trying for control but also sabotaging each other.

>>1441944
So, if we're ranting about games can I just come out and say that 10 minutes into the original Deus Ex and I'm pretty disappointed.

Why does the tranq crossbow suck so much? Are all of JCs Augs manually activated?

After playing through Human Revolution, this is honestly a real let down.

>>1442056
>>1442057
Well, since we have some form of autonomy due to mutually assured political destruction, I would go for it. Would be nice to be a third wheel, maybe push off Jupiter's sphere of influence with the help of Mars?

Also, we seem to be messing with the Avalonians already.

>yfw hakim is trying to create a solar system three kingdoms scenario

One thing I'd like to note. The SSL prior to the Avalon conflict taking off essentially was a "no open warfare against other Solar states" pact.

Fairchild and her allies NOW, as you've seen, are trying to expand it and she clearly thinks it's a vehicle to power...but it's still a larval entity and so it's difficult to say "oh you're going to lose sovereignty" or "no you won't lose sovereignty they can't touch you when you're a legitimate state", because a good portion of that depends on how YOU handle it.

>>1442062
It worked for awhile. Until Zhuge Liang died and Liu Chan fucked up handling Wei and Wu.

>>1442060
As long as we play both sides against the other we should have enough time to fully set up Eisentor as a power since we'll have plenty of raw resources and if we can try and set up a reliable way to feed our population we should be able to hold up as another power player with mandatory conscription and high training for military units.

>>1442065
Well. Hakim is basically zhege and he is about to die

>>1442059
Well, that's just old gameplay, so yes, they are manually activated.

If you're going stealth, go speed and silent running. Also, tranqs aren't quite as one-shot kill as they would like you to believe, but you can just shoot a guy with darts and duck into a corner. So the trick to the crossbow is to shoot them, run away, and hide like a bitch before they pass out.

If you want to knock people down in one blow, best bet is to use the prod and aim just above the ass, in the spinal cord.

If you are feeling like you want to kill people, just take a suppressed sniper rifle.

>>1442063
I'd say join, but only confirm this after the negotiations and allow the Avalonians safe passage in between then and signing the charter. Also, since SSL is still in its development stage we will be able to gain more if we participate now rather than later.

However if we do decide being independent, I'd suggest hiring ourselves out as mercs and build our rep to be akin the Swiss Mercs, ie. Whoever has an Iron Kestrel unit automatically wins.

By the way, I have a family event Tuesday evening I almost forgot about. I'll be semi-around, but with too much alcohol and too many relatives to RUN things. This gives you a whole day or so to talk this out before game resumes Wednesday. Like I said, this is an important decision...although the person I expected to protest it the most, the pro-Avalon one, is being remarkably ambivalent.

>>1442070
>allow the Avalonians safe passage
Why Roarke isn't above doing questionable shit man. I mean we're pirates for Christ sake.

>>1442035
1- It seems that Terra and its allies are the main poliical power of the group, with the jovians trying to have a tight grasp on the rest that isn't mars... Quil'r and other backwaters probably don't have much authority over themselfs in the end, and all the Amos arc jus showed how much power the SSL have over them, reaching the level of people seeing the affair as a power race between mars and jupiter in order to decide which one would have more influence over the planet.
Okay, not everyone sees things that way, but you only need some rotten eggs on the higher brass to screw over the whole planet, as Fairchild did on that other place.
The belt would be better than that, but not that much, as we would be dragged into their rule and have to make concessions on areas where we solved things with pure might and wits.
Also, we always were the "freedom" alternative for people that didn't have a place elsewhere on this system, heck, just look at the high-end criminals who make up for the high society of Auditorium... Do you think that the SSL would be happy to just let them screw their stuff forever? We would lose our indentity as "Pirates" and lose the appeal to large group of our "citizens".
2-It doesn't really matters if Avalon is going to lose, you are failing to notice that we are already attacking and stealing from the SSL and that our people are more than okay with that.
They don't like Avalon, but the SSL has always been the ones with the boot on their throats, don't forget that.
3-4- We won't be their focus, at least not for long, they will have to deal with the restoration after the war, and then with rebels and everything else going on in who-knows-how-many planets out there.
Also, removing us from the equation would cause a crisis with mars that many on both sides want to avoid, so its on their best interests to keep us more on their side, not going full exterminatus and risking losing balance completely.

5-The best for Eisentor is the freedom of living of its people, finaly away from their old masters and oppressors from the SSL.

>>1442069
I really hope they make an anniversary edition of this game because it's fucking killing me.

It looks so old.

>>1442072
>>1442075
Jumped the gun there, Wong.

>>1442075
The only reason we have gotten away with doing what we're doing is because their at war and can't divert manpower to fight us. This has been said multiple times by different characters and plenty of anons.

>>1442053
I imagine like real world treaties or alliances involving more than 2 direct nations there are many exceptions and exemptions that will give us a good deal of wiggle room. The EU looks like Swiss cheese as far as the fine print is concerned. And given the victory us joining would be, there a likely a quite a few, although not egregious, exceptions that can be made. The biggest thing I would be interested in is their expectations of us for the current war with avalon the league is embroiled in. As far as expansion in the belt is concerned we are the only voice of legitimacy in the belt if we do this, and many pirates have sided with avalon, never mind simply raid the other league members. The conquest of the belt was never in quest regardless of what option we ultimately pursue. So as far as someone raising a stink I'm not worried on that front as mars is willing to expend political capital to make us a lasting and effective buffer state. That and certain parties within the UJCDIF, aside form fairchild's (or likeminded) camp, want much the same. Nice thing too is as a member we can use the gates, whether for general expansion or "privateer-ing". Alot of tinpot dictator republics and such to raid, either allied with avalon or neutral. I'm seeing alot of incentive to join, but the biggest thing, long term and short, is potential political influence being exerted on us, especially in regards to how much they want us to contribute to the current war. Not worried about Lori, we can hold her as a member nation, not a neutral entity, and she lacks the value she once had as well. Plus Hakim is bro about it. The Biggest thing is I don't want to agree on the very day, as other factions will likely approach us and we can look into political/military/economic ramifications with trusted crew, friends and specialists. A Point of no dispute is gate access! A whole galaxy to pirate, on a decent, non-incognito scale! Going legit doesn't mean quiting being a pirate (just going galactic, as long as some loophole or consideration for us bush ranging is allowed into the deal, even if we have to be more subtly with strictly neutral entities. Not such a problem now with the war making things very bilateral though, lots of pro avalon targets)

>>1442076
There's mods for that. But it'd still be the same gameplay, so...

>>1442075
All of those points are nice, but the big reason that they haven't done anything yet is because they don't currently have the time or resources to do so.

I'm pretty sure Fairchild's first plan was to have the pirates get rid of each other and then sweep in to clean up. Makes their job easier and gives them cred.

Also, we're a nearby target with plentiful resources, possibly. It doesn't matter if the balance of forces would be knocked out, those with more resources get more production going, and the balance of force would already be knocked out.

Plus, we're pirates. That's enough to declare war on, since it's way easier to demonize pirates.

>>1442082
We should just ask for letter of marquees, call ourselves "privateers"

>>1442075
>Also, removing us from the equation would cause a crisis with mars
Mars is the ones asking us to join up though.

>>1442082
A way to keep Lori would be to have part of the terms for Eisentor joining is that they are given the right to keep whatever treasure they raid from nations outside Sol. And as far as Roarke is concerned Lori is worth her weight in gold.

>>1442085
That's not a bad idea.

>>1442088
Roarke is and always has been a man of his word, though that's not to say he doesn't chose his words carefully.

>>1442085
>Lori is worth her weight in gold.

That's about $2,684,563.98 assuming she weighs 150 lbs which is SERIOUSLY overestimating her weight. I'll chalk it up to gene enhancements that boosted her muscle and bone weight.

>>1442085
>>1442091
Gold is worthless in the future remember?

>>1442091
2.6 million isn't that much, the last few raids we did made over 100 million I think.

>>1442024
Martians become the Zoids faction!

>>1442092
It's still useful in electronics.

>>1442093
Lori is priceless. To Roarke, that is. I don't really care for her.

>>1442084
with removing I meant "destroying" or "conquering".
>>1442082
Hmmmmmmmmm....
Gate acess is a pretty good deal.
Still, I don't like the idea of being allied in any form with these guys... At least not for now.
We don't have any idea of the possibilities out there, and we may end up losing the opportunity to establish our own league by joining the guys who were our number one enemies this whole time.

We could use this as a step to get closer to our objectives, but I think that going with this "for life" go against much of what we fought for... We aren't fighting to be accepted, but to survive without needing them or to have to listen to them.

What about privateering for them as a temporary member? Create some clausure that need to be renovated after "X happens" or "X time"? We get the Gate, we steal a bunch of people and get a taste of what is "out there".
Do you guys find it reasonable?

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>>1441963
As a quester I don't see a problem giving him the Tarrasque blueprints
as an Avalonian sympathizer I'm slightly reeing inside

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>>1442100
>as an Avalonian sympathizer I'm slightly reeing inside
I know how you feel bro...

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>>1442100
>>1442102
>pic related

>>1442102
>>1442100
You both knew we we're never going to side with Greenmen, I don't know why you are shocked.

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>>1442100
>>1442102
It's OK, you're just coming to the realization your opinion and Anti-Freedom values are wrong. It happens to everyone at some point.

Like thinking Megumin isn't trash tier, or that that Knights are cool mechs.

Everyone else is here for you as you make your journey back to being correct.

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>>1442104
>>1442105
In a sense though I see the Avalonians as Germans who didn't know they performed a holocaust or in this case, their god was part of a holocaust.

I'm sure if they all found out about it there would be a lot of confused screaming.

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>>1442105
I'm not shocked, I always advocated for neutrality, not full avalonian alliance.

What about all that talk of colony dropping Terra? You know that we can't do that when allied with the SSL, right?
>>1442106
>SSL
>"Freedom"
The is no side more free than us, who live by the strength of arms and character, the jovians and avalonians can be cool, but they will never fly as high as a real KESTREL!

>>1442100
>>1442102
The only people vegetable lovers have been able to beat so far are dudes in jets and other vegetable lovers.

>>1442109
Neutrality is nice when you have enough strength to actually enforce it. Right now, I don't see that strength.

As a sovereign member, we should have some leeway in what we do. I'm toying about with a possibility of us having one of our locations be a safe haven port. It'll at least keep open lines of diplomatic communication that may allow us to end the war in an armistice.

>>1442110
If you're going to see things this way, we can't deny that the strongest faction is the scavvies... They don't even have to fight, but when they do, they OHK whoever is in their paths.

Forget the SSL, lets swear our alliance to the Puru's Kingdom!

>>1442112
To much bad blood for that probably, I mean these are the people worshiping the race who almost destroyed Humanity. And besides having a safe port for Avalonians while being on the other side is considered treason or at least collaboration.

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>>1442111
Thats why I'm saying that if we're going to join we should do it temporarily, not going all in like the Templar with an booster pack... In the end we even benefit from the duration of the war, we should privateer and sack targets of interest, and if an opportunity show itself, carve a better niche for us on the long run.
I knoe that Hakim, Treize, Priest-senpai. Checkers and even the Duke can be cool and be a bro... But in the end none of them are really our "friends", we're still at odds because of our militar alliengment.
Are you going in on the SSL boat? Fine, but please don't take this as an end goal, or we will never Stom Terra and conquer Japan with Oda...

>>1442065
Liu Chan did nothing wrong, in fact him surrendering was the best possible thing he could do.

Jiang Wei was the biggest fuckup of post-Zhuge Shu.

>>1442119
>Going to Earth

...Is that even a thing anymore? Like, seriously?

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>>1442130
It's filled with a bunch of pompous rich ass holes who need to be brought down a peg and proven they aren't gods

Why not?

>>1442136
Uh, if I remember correctly, it's because they're armed to the teeth and will shoot you down if you even tap on their space?

Again, if that's the goal, we'll need allies for that, or being really strong to defend against multiple attacks in a 3D environment, since attacking Earth is equivalent to an instant realm divide.

>>1442098
Privateering makes sense. With how much of a pain it is to normally claim the belt, dedicating time and effort against us won't help. Though, one thing that makes me think.. if our war contributions go well, we could get Avalon itself.

>>1442142
Remember that privateering also means that we have to give some of the profit to the party involved in sponsoring us, indirectly powering them up, too.

>>1442141
Its been Oda's goal since day one.

Again, seems to be now do we want to have friends around us and gain a sense of legitimacy and protection in exchange for freedom and choice?

OR

Do we wish to keep our destiny and independence, despite possibly putting us in a situation where we're surrounded by people who are at best ambivalent and worst hostile?

>>1442159
Can always just join up now for the befits and bail as soon as they tell us to do something we dont want to.

>>1442165
Not sure how to trigger article 50

>>1442159
yeah don't think guys like the stone soldiers would enjoy us giving up our newfound independence.

And to the pro hakim guys what's to stop us from becoming the new Avalon to keep the mars and jove from tearing each other apart. do you guys really think that peace can last after this war ends if people like fairchild and cabot keep up with their bullshit I won't be surprised when we get false flagged into war and doubt that hakims successor would choose a costly war with the jovians over and easy bullshit war against us to keep more matians alive.

we need to in my view remain a political bachelor in my opinion and avoid tying our fates to one of the big three we're a wolf not obedient dog

And if people state that where pro Avalon we should simply raid both them and Avalon to show we don't give a fuck

Personally I think we should stay independent.

we've told people countless times that we're seeking our own independent nation, and our desire to stay out of the Great Kerfuffle. Joining up now would seem like a betrayal to the people who wanted nothing to do with any of those nations,

>>1442184
Raiding everyone is a good way to have everyone start shit with you. Eventually the losses they take will be too much to keep ignoring out of fear of the other guy and they will come kick our ass.

I reckon we should join up now, grab as much land as we can and build up as much as we can while committing as little as possible to the actual war and then going independent afterwards when we are too big for anyone to squash out of hand.

>>1442171
Easy.

Steal some of their battleships.

>>1442196
This.

Or we can simply state that we, as a neutral party, reserve the rights to engage and seize any military assets transferring through our territory. Meanwhile we can become a haven for mercenary forces to be based out of, regardless of which side they're working for.

We will be Space Switzerland.

we should also ask the caliph if he knows anything about the negotiations with the avaloinians 10 years ago that ended with everyone dying besides a girl

>>1442224
Honestly we should outright warn him of Cabot being Fairchilds "dagger" and that she's killed plenty of protected, high value targets. The chance to take him out and pin it on us/Avalonians?

Drool-worthy.

>>1442184

Hey wait a minute, why don't we ally with JUST Mars? Allow Martian ships free passage, allow Mars to sell "protection" to UCJIDF interests etc.

We can be allies with Mars, but not the SSL.

>>1442242
Jupiter would probably start shit.

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>>1442195
I agree with the betrayal of their trust, but the main argument here seems to be that we don't have the forces needed to keep our independence after the war ends.

I'm okay with doing mercenary work against third parties involved in the war, and maybe ceasing fire with the SSL in exchange for being able to use the Gates, but I don't think that any peace after this will last much, because as soon as Avalon is gone those planets will realize that the SSL "Protection" doesn't have intentions of going away... And that will stir shit up again.

...Also, as a Storm Dragon I feel the need to protect Taichou's smile, and we can't make japan great again while being allied to Terra and their minions!
>>1442240
Do we have proof? If so, yes, don't even hesitate.

>>1442242
Why not selling diferent things to everybody? Heck, if we don't jump the gun we can probably convince Duke Kirito to give us some ships in trade for something even if we join the SSL later.

>>1442285
>I agree with the betrayal of their trust,
I mean... I agree with you, this would betray their trust...

I messed up that phrase.

>>1442242
I like the sound of that. But the Marsulms wont like us playing nice with Avalon.

Also... Guys, we should at least her what Avalon and Jupiter have to say before making a choice, maybe Fairchild will be a bitch, maybe the Duke has a keikaku in store that is going to make us review things... Shouldn't we check that before doing the final decision?

We have seen good people on every front of this conflict. It really is unfortunate that we can't trust any side. Jupiter has Fairchild and other shady human experiments, Mars has amies of religious crazy zealots and Avalon is lead by a benign(but most likely not) Green Man who has armies of religious crazy zealots. I really think it's better to stay unaligned. It's always best to avoid shady crazy people as much as possible.

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>>1442298
>It's always best to avoid shady crazy people as much as possible.
Can confirm.
You can trust crazy people and shady people, but never shady crazy people.

Alright, so

If we go with the SSL...
+We gain legitimacy and political cred
+We gain allies in Mars
+We can most likely settle things being a third wheel, which could have the Martian and Jupiter spheres trying to play nice with us.
-We have to be allied with Jupiter and Fairchild
-We can't do a lot now due to being part of the League, although anything outside the League is fair game.
-A lot of people in the Belt are not gonna be happy, since one of the reasons they ditched was to get away from shit like Jupiter
-We're definitely gonna be on the warpath with Avalon

We ally with only Mars...
+We still gain an ally in Mars, which is still very hefty
+We still have our independence and freedom as long as we don't touch Mars
+We do have an advantage with Fatima around
-If we don't fight Avalon, Mars is not gonna be happy
-We can be seen as an extension of Mars rather than our own place
-We don't know how their support will come to us, if at all.

If we go independent...
+We still have the freedom and choice we want
+Privateering can help us build relationships while gathering capital
+Keeps the belt happy
+Belt is fairly big and could be hard to root people out, making it a natural defense of sorts
-Privateering means that we DO have to give some material to a side, indirectly powering them up (because nobody's gonna trust someone that keeps everything for themselves)
-No allies to help us pull our asses out if we get too ahead of ourselves, unless we find someone else or start getting men, materiel, and money to make ourselves strong.
-We might have a good part of the belt with us, but it's not the whole belt as far as I know
-For all the space and defense the Belt gives, we still have places to congregate to, making it fairly easy to knock out our power in a military theater. Unless everyone wants to go guerilla warfare all day every day if that happens.

>>1442316
Don't forget that we can dither and delay for quite a bit before having to commit.

We could set a provisional treaty where we privateer for Mars and work with them to develop Halal mecha for instance.

>>1442285
Regardless we have to take out The Lady though so in the end fuck Avalon.

Remember Naomi?

>>1442316
Oh I forgot if Mars wants us to be more aggressive against Avalon we can throw in Hakim's face the whole "mind control HMIS" system and tell him that we won't fight against the Green Men just to install their replacements.

We've seen it used by UJCIDF forces, AND on Mars. He can't guarantee what happens when he's gone either.

I say we make an alliance with Hakim, not Mars.

>>1442316
Okay... Fairly good points, some thoughts:

>-Privateering means that we DO have to give some material to a side, indirectly powering them up (because nobody's gonna trust someone that keeps everything for themselves)
How much we give them depends entirely on the terms we agree with, I think that it is possible to get to a solution like "Keep the military assets plus x amount of money in exchange for physically removing Y group and conquering Z to us."
Depends on the occasion too, but if the terms are bad we can just say no.

>-No allies to help us pull our asses out if we get too ahead of ourselves, unless we find someone else or start getting men, materiel, and money to make ourselves strong.
Mars promised to give us a certain "support" even if we decide to be independent... And the best part of being independent is playing everyone else into your strategy, we can make temporary alliances with people as needed, like that time when we got along with the jovians against the Avalonians.
Also, there is some smaller factions that we didn't got to see yet, like the other pirates on the belt, and Jupiter's and Terra's vassals who may make some shady dealings with us depending on the occasion and how we play it.

>-We might have a good part of the belt with us, but it's not the whole belt as far as I know
This is just a matter of time, the only one who seem big enough to be a direct threat are the Five Kings or something... I think that our total conquest of the belt will be done before the war even ends, maybe even way earlier than that.

>--For all the space and defense the Belt gives, we still have places to congregate to, making it fairly easy to knock out our power in a military theater. Unless everyone wants to go guerilla warfare all day every day if that happens.
There is a reason as to why the jovians didn't just nuked auditorium yet... This isn't as simple as it sounds, there is politics involved, and our appeal would probably make them war with most of the citizens of the belt PLUS our pirate forces doing guerilla and using their own machines and ships against them no matter how many mecha workshops or bases they take... It would be a mess for everyone, thats why getting the belt isn't as simple as just nuking some key targets and dealing with some inssurgents before calling it a day.

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>>1442336
That is part of our endgame, but for the moment we can't just risk everything for the first opportunity to rush at them... Also, there is Ceasar trying to help in that area for the time being, let give the boy some trust.

But there is also the fact that Avalon isn't a unified megacult of the Lady, there seems to be a faction even between the Paladins and higher noblemen who are more worried about the nation than about the goddess... There may be some ways of dealing with the Lady without nuking the entire place and giving the royal palace to Fairchild '-'.

>>1442338
Hakim doesn't have much longer and whose to say his successor will give a shit about his old policies. The SSL doesn't have many restrictions right now and the benefits we get from joining are extremely worth it. And if Fairchild keeps pushing for more power we can better oppose it from inside than out.

>>1442316
For a pro for joining you forgot the fact that it would give us access to Sol gates and let us raid outside the system.

There are a lot of good points here. Also remember that we do have Hatesput as a potential ally if we go SSL route.

So, clarify me on what do the Kestrels have in their control as of this moment?

>>1442447
Nowhere near enough to oppose any of the planet based nations.

>>1442450
Taking a look, it's a couple of colonies, some ships, and 1-2 factories?

Still fairly easy pickings for an opposing force with lots of materiel and men to steamroll through.

>>1442491
Extremely, that's why it's better for now to be on their side. Bide our time and wait until We're strong enough to break free of the SSL. And if we join the SSL that's one more vote that Fairchild can't buy.

>>1442342

>thats why getting the belt isn't as simple as just nuking some key targets and dealing with some inssurgents before calling it a day.

Another point to this is that the SSL knows there are avalonian forces in the belt, and any significant force they muster to destroy Auditorium will leave a massive hole in their defenses.

>>1442507
Now I'm curious: is what we've seen already the majority of SSL forces? I would think there would be more.

>>1442553
I'd assume a majority of their 'available' forces are on the front line with Avalon. so what's hanging around Jupiter are their defense force and maybe a few spare fleets to round up the occasional pirate or rebel. So to gather a force strong enough to crack Auditorium or Psyche would mean having to draw from either of those two sources, leaving open an opportunity that Avalon would be a fool to pass up.

Of course, I could be completely wrong in this assumption, and Jupiter happens to have an entire fleet of Wels-class ships hiding behind some random moon over by Uranus or something.

>>1441972

gREEEEEEEEks

>>1442098

What if, in the final battle, Avalon surrenders to Eisentor specifically and becomes Roarke territory? The way Qu'lir is mostly Jovian?

>>1442603
It would be incredibly difficult to hold onto a territory that far away with no real reliable way to enforce our will there.

About Earth, I don't think either option really closes it off to us when Garret's brother and Hakim both are suspicious of Terran influence.

>>1442336
The Lady was going to be something that must be dealt with no matter what and Caesar is going to play a key part in getting Naomi back. However, Hasim mentioned something important. Fairchild is answering to someone. If we do cut her strings and join the SSL, what is preventing them from puppeteering us?
>>1442436
The SSL has plenty of restrictions, with some being the very obvious megacorps that would try to weasle back in. We'd also likely be forced into obligations and missions that are less than benefactory for us, and the policies would certainly put chains on us. Breaking from them would be even worse than never being a part, because traitors are usually treated worse than enemies.
Being their puppet after all we've seen is something almost asinine and your fear of them is still off considering their strategic situation. As for opposing Fairchild better within? How's that working out for Stern who is a red tape mummy while we have been fucking with Fairchild's plans by keeping mobile and hard to control?

>>1442650
Stern isn't the leader of a nation its different for our since we are the representative of Eisentor.

>>1442652
Not as much as you would think. We wouldn't be a major partner, but more like Qu'lir. The cat planet that was having it's own problems. Our pull will be small and not as impressive considering other groups. It also means that our winnings and the like would also not be ours and be spread amongst the league. Going legit means that doing things our way would be looked down upon because we would have to look good for the SSL. That means our use of scrap could be stopped along with our innovations being taken. Considering this is a war where growth can happen quite fast, giving that up can hurt us. We'd always be afraid of our neighbors, doing what they say because you would be afraid of them knocking on our door.

Hmm, Hakim has a point: neutrality serves us so long as the Avalonians are nearby and are being a common enemy. Once they are gone, we're next.

Also consider that the territories Hakim may give us could be unfurnished. We need time and effort to get those up to speed. If we want to be independent, we better get our infrastructure up and running at lightspeed.

>>1442085
So, "Privateer" then? Instead of Pirate. Hmm.

>>1442600
Hah! That made me chuckle.

>>1442737
Privateer would be the same as joining, but with less benefits and nobody would take us seriously as a legitimate nation.

>>1442591
I still just like the idea of Independence. I kinda feel like all the shit we went through, all the smack talk and big talk about our independence would become cheap. Plus imagining the shit eating grin when Fairchild hears about us joining. Ugh.

>>1442751
I get that. Had to mull it over. I've decided fuck that noise. Piracy is where it's at. This'll be a gas.

>>1442751
They wouldn't take us seriously anyways. We'd be the hangers on for Jupiter and Mars made of their undesirables. Hell, they don't care for Qu'lir who is also a member. As for worrying about Gates.. there has been talk of getting our own and hiding it in the belt as a formation.

>>1442768
Qu'lir isn't a nation within the system and they are pretty much a colony of Jove, we are in a completely different situation than them.