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“Get the hell out of there!”

You rush to the sound of yelling on the ship to come across the two you most expected. Crooks yelling at Krista as she stands outside of his room. Ever since Krista had come onboard the ship, your captain has found it difficult to trust the former reluctant bounty hunter.

“What's going on this time?” you sigh, sipping on your coffee.

Crooks shakes his head. “Seems our cook doesn't understand the concept of privacy. I caught her snooping around my room.”

You shake your head. Crooks has always been incredibly secretive when it comes to his room. He's never even allowed you to enter, let alone Krista.

“Sorry, bossman!” Krista smiles. “Honest mistake!”

Crooks raises an eyebrow. “Mistake? I'm sure. What were you even snooping around for?”

On comes the suspicion. You can understand why Crooks is on edge. Krista was a member of a group of bounty hunters that are still actively chasing you. While you and Dot believe fully when she claims to have been forced into the group against her will, you also know Crooks has been burned too many times in his life to trust anyone other than yourself.

“I just smelled something sweet...” Krista mutters, sniffing the air. “I was curious...”

“You smelled wrong,” Crooks explains. “Now I'm only gonna warn you once, sweet-tooth. Stay the hell away from my stuff, or we'll be dumping you on the next dock we see.”

“I didn't mean to make you mad!” Krista exclaims. “Tell him Matt-Matt! I'm a good girl who's done no wrong, right?”

Why does it fall on you to settle disputes like this? Probably because your captain is so untrusting and hot-headed for his age. That and you're in the middle of all this. Crooks is your adoptive father you've known your entire life and Krista is... actually, now that you think about it, how do they expect you to be unbiased?

>Don't go wandering into people's rooms, Krista. Don't let your curiosity get out of hand.
>Come on Crooks, she didn't mean any harm. Be a little more lenient.
>I'm not getting involved. Sort this out yourselves.

>>2489641
>>Don't go wandering into people's rooms, Krista. Don't let your curiosity get out of hand.
Dont go in peoples rooms and if you do dont get caught

>>2489641
>Come on Crooks, she didn't mean any harm. Be a little more lenient.
Waifu route. Krista probably smelt some secret drug Crooks has been panning on the side.

>>2489641
>>Come on Crooks, she didn't mean any harm. Be a little more lenient.

>>2489641
>Don't go wandering into people's rooms, Krista. Don't let your curiosity get out of hand.

>>2489641
>Don't go wandering into people's rooms, Krista. Don't let your curiosity get out of hand.
Respect people's privacy.

>>2489641
>Don't go wandering into people's rooms, Krista. Don't let your curiosity get out of hand.

Calling for
>Don't go wandering into people's rooms, Krista. Don't let your curiosity get out of hand.

Writing now.

>>2489643
Don't be so suspicious of our Dad, anon.

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>Don't go wandering into people's rooms, Krista. Don't let your curiosity get out of hand.

Krista flashes you a small, disappointed pout. "Okay... I'm sorry, bossman. Won't do it again! I promise! Scouts honour!"

"The hell are scouts?" Crooks asks.

"It's a scheme that teaches children in different fleets simple handy skills," you explain, having read about it in the past.

Crooks scratches his head. "Okay, then just says child's honour, for all the good it means. But it's no problem Cook... just keep to yourself, and I won't have to yell at you."

Crooks wanders off, as Krista moves towards you, hugging into your arm in the affectionate way you've come to know her for. "Your dad's a real grump sometimes, Matt-Matt!"

"I heard that!"

You give a small laugh. "Yeah, he can be... he's just like that. He talks tough, but if he didn't trust you, he would never have allowed you on Maribelle in the first place."

Krista smirks. "Heh, I knew it! And what about you, Matt-Matt? You trust me, right?"

Krista jokingly bats her eyelashes, flashing big puppy dog eyes in your face as you smile. "Of course I do."

Krista smiles and goes skipping to make breakfast, but the comment does leave you questioning yourself. You do trust Krista... but you wonder how much of that is born from genuine belief in her and how much is just wishful thinking, hoping that she's for real?

Your train of thought is interrupted by the approach of Dot. "I thought I heard arguing. Everything shiny?" she asks.

You nod. "It's all fine. Just a minor spat between Crooks and Krista."

Dot sighs. "Crooks really needs to make up his mind on this ship chef. Does her want her around or not?"

"I think he's still deciding that for himself," you note, before looking towards Dot. It's been a few days since she let you in on a snippet of her secretive past, and you're still trying to understand it, let alone hold a comfortable conversation with her where you don't just want to interrogate her about it... but it's her fault for giving you such a vague yet important fact to begin with! You can't help but be infinitely curious. She mentioned she was married... and still is, technically. What does that mean? When? With who? Where? So much to ask... but you agreed not to pry.

Dot lets out a yawn as she walks by, before stopping to look back at you, letting out a laugh. "You look lost in thought. Something up?"

>Nothing, just zoned out. I'm gonna check on Crooks in the cockpit.
>Hey... you mind if I ask about that thing you told me?

>>2489658
>Nothing, just zoned out. I'm gonna check on Crooks in the cockpit.
BEGONE USED GOODS

>>2489658
>Hey... you mind if I ask about that thing you told me?
No reason to avoid it

>>2489658
>>Hey... you mind if I ask about that thing you told me?
you cant just tell us stuff like that and not expect follow up questions

>>2489658
>Nothing, just zoned out. I'm gonna check on Crooks in the cockpit.
She'll tell us when she's ready.

>>2489658
>>Hey... you mind if I ask about that thing you told me?

Calling for
>Hey... you mind if I ask about that thing you told me?

Writing now.

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>Hey... you mind if I ask about that thing you told me?

Dot lets out a sigh. "I really hoped you wouldn't, Matt..."

"I know, but can you blame me for wondering?" you point out. "It's a little unfair to drop that bombshell and then just close up when it comes to any questions."

Dot crosses her arms as she looks at you. "I guess you're right... still, I'd really rather leave it in the past."

"Yet you're still married..." you mutter. "Look, can you just tell me a little more? To who? When? Why?"

Dot shakes her head. "Look, it was a long time ago... none of that matters now."

"Can't be that long ago," you point out. "Considering your age. Unless, this was arranged when you were super young and-"

"Stop theorising over my marriage, please..." Dot sighs. "Look, it's nothing like that. I married for love. That's... that's all you need to know."

"But Dot-"

"Maybe one day," Dot explains. "When I'm ready to tell the full story. Right now... I'm just not."

Dot moves to check in on Krista, while you let out a sigh. You figured you'd hit a brick wall with her. But she's insistent that she married for love... interesting... then where is her husband now? The way she speaks about still being married suggests he isn't dead, so... what happened? You're not going to get the full story right now, Dot said as much. But you'll see what you can learn with time.

You meet with Crooks in the cockpit, as he pilots the ship towards a new destination. "We're docking on a Shinto ship, the Takayama. A contact there wants us to deliver boxing artefacts to some bigshot bidder."

"Artefacts?"

Crooks nods. "Yep, some old memorabilia of the sport throughout history, some dating back even to the days of the Earth. Could fetch a huge stack of credits for that... well, our client will. We just make cash on the delivery."

"Better than nothing," you remark.

Upon docking aboard the red ship, Crooks addresses the rest of the crew. "Now remember, Shinto is super traditional. If anyone challenges you to a fight, it's considered a cultural insult if you don't accept."

"Sounds... fun?" Dot mutters. You're all ready to head out when Crooks holds his arm out and stops Krista from proceeding.

"You hang back."

"Huh?" Krista pauses.

Crooks stares at her. "We've still got those bounty hunters after us, and if we're hit by an ambush..."

Dot frowns. "What? You think Krista is complicit in an ambush? That's ridiculous!"

"Can't be too safe," Crooks points out. "Everything's locked up on the ship, and only place the codes are stored is here in my noggin, so she can't do any harm waiting back here."

"Ooh!" Krista claps her hands together. "I know this one! It's called House Arrest, right? I remember it happening all the time back when mom I were the Kingpins captives! Ah... good times! Oh wait, no... bad times. Really bad times! Awful, in fact! What's up, bossman?"

>Just hang back for now, Krista. We'll be back soon, anyway.
>Krista's coming along, Crooks. Stop being paranoid.

>>2489690
>Krista's coming along, Crooks. Stop being paranoid.
ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh this was a tough call.

>>2489690
>Just hang back for now, Krista. We'll be back soon, anyway.
Maybe Crooks will trust her when nothing happens

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2489697
>Krista's coming along, Crooks. Stop being paranoid.

>>2489699
>Just hang back for now, Krista. We'll be back soon, anyway.

Rolling to break the tie.

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>Krista's coming along, Crooks. Stop being paranoid.

"Did you just give an order to your captain?" Crooks asks.

You nod. "Yep. And I'm sticking by it."

Crooks stares at you, unamused, before cracking a smirk. "Damn... well, it's how I raised you. Can't say I'm not proud."

"Does this mean I can come along?" Krista asks.

Crooks sighs. "Sure. But I'll be keeping an eye on you."

Krista clasps her hands together with joy. "Yes!" she exclaims, before pulling out some candy. "You want some gummy bears, bossman?"

"Not really, no."

The four of you exit Maribelle and make your way onto the main floor of the Takayama. Shinto ships are always more... you suppose the best word for it is rustic. While the Shinto fleet does possess a wealth of technology almost on par with Athens and Camelot, it's not a major part of their day to day lives, making use of more simpler methods to carry out their day. You have to imagine that a Shinto ship is the closest you can get to experiences the world of old.

"Ooh, they've got some dance ceremony going on later!" Krista exclaims, looking at a sign, before pulling you into to a tango pose. "Let's join in! Dance with me, Matt-Matt!"

"There'll be none of that," Crooks points out. "We've got a delivery to make and won't be sticking around very long."

Krista huffs, before being pulled by the hand by Dot. "Look, a tea shop!" Dot smiles. "We should take a look. Let the boys handle the delivery stuff."

"Hey!" Crooks exclaims. "Don't pawn off all the work on us!"

"Why not?" Dot smirks. "I'm the ship doctor, she's the cook. Don't make us invite the mechanic along and leave you to yourself!"

Crooks grumbles as he waves them off, and you and he carry on. "You sure were adamant to keep the cook around," Crooks points out. "You almost got a little fired up, Matty. You're usually so mellow."

"Can you blame me?" you joke. "Being paranoid is usually my thing, you're breaching my trademark."

"Heh," Crooks laughs. "But level with me son... why do you trust that Krista so much? We've only known her for a little less than two weeks. Why all the confidence?"

>I feel sorry for her, and I believe the story with her mother.
>I don't know... I just do.
>To be honest... I think I might have a little crush.
>You've been a lot grumpier than usual, Crooks. What's with that?

>>2489710
>To be honest... I think I might have a little crush.

>>2489710
>I feel sorry for her, and I believe the story with her mother.
>I don't know... I just do.
WHAT ARE THESE FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELINGS?

>>2489710
>>To be honest... I think I might have a little crush.
Hope there is no temporary betrayal.

>>2489710
>>I don't know... I just do.
>>You've been a lot grumpier than usual, Crooks. What's with that?

>>2489710
>I feel sorry for her, and I believe the story with her mother.

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>2489714
>>2489718
>To be honest... I think I might have a little crush.

>>2489717
>>2489727
>I feel sorry for her, and I believe the story with her mother.

>>2489717
>>2489722
>I don't know... I just do.

Rolling to break the tie.

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>I feel sorry for her, and I believe the story with her mother.

Crooks shakes his head. "I do want to believe her there. It's certainly not an unlikely story, that bastard Dong is capable of the most vile shit imaginable... but she was awfully quick to change sides."

"That's because she saw some people who could help her," you point out. "And... we are going to help her, aren't we?"

"If we get the chance," Crooks replies. "You're a good kid, Matt. Be we ain't heroes, and we ain't stupid to throw our lives away going against Dong like that. But... we'll do what we can. Even if you would believe any story told by a pretty enough face."

"Hey!" you protest.

"Prove me wrong, Matt-Matt!" Crooks teases with a smirk. "Come on, let's... hey, does that guy look familiar to you?"

You turn your head to see what Crooks is talking about. You look and see a tall dark-skinned with high-rising boots and an odd hat by the corner, as large sack slung over his shoulder. A very distinctive look, but where have you seen it before... wait.

"Dammit..." you mutter, as you grab Crooks by the hand. "That guy is from the soda gang. His name's... Phanta, or something. Phanta Orang? I think that's what Krista said."

"No way this is a coincidence," Crooks points out. "Really makes you wonder how he knows we were here? Ya'think he could be in contact with someone? Maybe... someone on our ship?"

"Now's not the time to point fingers..." you mutter.

Crooks nods. "Oh yeah, ten minutes from now is the time to point fingers. Now is the time to deal with this trash."

"We shouldn't confront him head on without knowing what he can do..." you point out, thinking to yourself.

>Let's tail him silently, see if we can get the drop on him.
>Let's head back to Dot and Krista, we don't want to be separated when he tries for something.

>>2489734
>>Let's tail him silently, see if we can get the drop on him.
If he does have a contact or some kind of spying bug following him could give us info on it.

>>2489734
>Let's head back to Dot and Krista, we don't want to be separated when he tries for something.

>>2489734
>Let's tail him silently, see if we can get the drop on him.
We need to start carrying around a wrench that we can use to break these guy's legs with.

>>2489734
>>Let's tail him silently, see if we can get the drop on him.

>>2489734
>Let's tail him silently, see if we can get the drop on him.

Calling for
>Let's tail him silently, see if we can get the drop on him.

Writing now.

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>Let's tail him silently, see if we can get the drop on him.

Crooks nods. "Good thinking," he whispers. "The sooner we deal with this loser the sooner we can move on with our deal."

Okay, time to be real sneaky. Not easy to do considering that he's likely aware of your presence, and is likely even keeping a special eye out on you.

You and Crooks, move through the crowds on the ship, trying to stay as concealed as possible while keeping an eye on Phanta. The man simply leans against the wall, his heavy looking sack slung over his shoulder as he simply... stands there, waiting contemplating. Almost as if he knows you're expecting a move and wants to throw you off-guard. Whether that is his intention or not, you don't know.

Eventually, Phanta rounds the corner and disappears into the small alley between stores. You and Crooks are follow after him, but when you reach the alley... he's gone. In his stead, lying on the ground, is his sack. Seems he probably dropped it to lose some dead weight as he knew you were following.

"Dammit," Crooks sighs. "Leave it to a bounty hunter to give us the slip so easily... and what is this?"

Crooks hunkers down and cups his chin in his hand, examining the bag and thinking it over. "Well, this doesn't look suspicious at all..."

"Suspicious or no," you point out. "It's all he left behind.There's a good chance that whatever's in there will lead us to him."

"Right," Crooks notes. "Or maybe inside is a bomb that we'll need to diffuse, and soon. He probably knows we won't trust it... could just be trying to throw us off the scent, play with us."

You sigh. "Yeah... either way, it's probably in our best interest to see what's inside."

"Right..." Crooks nods, reaching out to touch the bag before pulling his hand back. "You'll have to forgive me for hesitating though. Everything about this is real shady..."

>Go ahead and open it, I'm by your side.
>If you're that worried, I'll open it.
>On second thought, let's not open it for now. Let's just take it with us.

>>2489756
>>If you're that worried, I'll open it.
Fuck it, if it's a trap it's better to deal with it now

>>2489756
>>If you're that worried, I'll open it.
It's time for Matt to be a hero.

>>2489756
>>If you're that worried, I'll open it.

Calling for
>If you're that worried, I'll open it

Writing now.

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>If you're that worried, I'll open it

You understand Crooks' hesitation, whatever's in that bag could very well be some kind of trap. But ultimately, you have no idea what lies within, and it may prove vital to know the contents of the bag. It's a risk worth taking, so one of you is just going to have to take a deep breath and open it up. You elect for that person to be yourself.

"You sure about this, Matt?" Crooks asks. "Don't seem like a good idea to me."

"Positive," you reply. "Just... stand back. If this is a trap, I don't want us both being caught by it."

Crooks stands back, looking towards you with concern. It should be fine. The Soda Gang want you taken alive and you both recognise that, so whatever lies within this bag sure isn't going to be fatal. But you really weren't prepared for what actually lies within. "What the hell?"

You open up just to see some little green spores rising from the bag, making contact with your hands. You quickly shut the bag upon realising that's all that lies within, as Crooks rushes to your side. "You okay? The hell was that?"

"I don't know," you mutter. "Some spores got on my skin, that's all."

"That's all?" Crooks asks, concern. "I don't like the sound of that. Is your skin burning, breaking out into hives? Do you feel ill, are you poisoned?"

You shake your head. "No... not really. At most, I just feel a little itchy. Weird."

Crooks pauses. "Huh... maybe that Phanta guy is just some weirdo who ditched the bag to lose weight."

"Maybe..." you mutter, as you leave the bag by your side and stand up straight, letting out a yawn. "Oh well, that was a worthless clue..."

Crooks sighs. "I know, right? Let's just keep our eyes peeled out for the guy until... Matt, you okay?"

You raise an eyebrow. "Yeah... why? Am I pale?"

"Always," Crooks points out. "But it's your hands..."

"My hands...?" you mutter, before realises that everything from the wrist down feels completely numb. But that's not all... you look down to see your hands twisting and flailing, moving completely out of your control. "Uhh... what's going on?"

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Your question is answered by even more bizarre behaviour as your hands stretch out, pulling you forward and out of the alley. "Matt? Matt!" Crooks exclaims as you rush out into the alley, your arms outstretched like a zombie dragging you in the direction of the largest, burliest man you can see in the area. Your hands then tap on his shoulder to grab his attention... then punch him.

"Oh!" you exclaim in shock. "I-I don't know what's happening! I am so sorry, you have to believe-"

Unsurprisingly, you end up getting your ass kicked in seconds by the large man, until Crooks rushes to step in and break up the fight. It's a great cultural insult to deny a fighting challenge in Shinto, after all, and you just issued one... completely against your will.

After the beating, you shake your head, your disobedient hands preventing you from checking on the soon to be black eye and busted lip on your face.

"Matt, what did that spore do?" Crooks asks.

You shake your head. "I wish I knew, I really-"

"Hey guys!"

Dot's voice calls out as the girls approach with smiles on their faces. Good, maybe they can help. Unfortunately, as they approach, your hands begin acting up again, pulling you forward and forming into a... oh no... groping position. And they seem to be aimed for the part of the girls you really don't want to be aiming for, lest you receive a swift and immediate kick to the face.

>ROLL 1d20, BO3 to resist the effect!

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2489788
Hahahaha, this's gonna be great

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2489788
NOOOOOOOO
PERVERT MIND CONTROL SPORES YOU FUCK

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>2489788

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>2489788

>>2489792
Crits don't override, I hope.

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>>2489794
I'm pretty sure it's best out of three thankfully

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2489788

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>16 [DEFINITE SUCCESS]

"Stay back!" you exclaim as the girls approach you, and place your best foot forward as you attempt to slow your progress, stopping your hands from dragging you forward. Being pulled in both directions makes it feel like your arms are going to tear out of their sockets, but eventually, you manage to overpower the force controlling your hands... though is does involve throwing yourself to the floor.

"Matt-Matt!" Krista calls out in concern, ready to rush towards you when Dot stops her, keeping your words in mind.

"What's happening?" she asks.

Crooks shakes his head. "We're not sure. Something mysterious it seems. Matt's hands are being affected by some weird spores."

Dot nods. "I'll see if White Angel can do anything about it."

The ship's doctor approaches you and reaches out her hands, activating the healing abilities of her biochip, but... no dice. "No use," she sighs. "Whatever it is, I can heal it like I'd heal a wound. But... it's really odd. What else could do this, but..."

"An enemy with a biochip!" Krista exclaims. "Let me at them! I'll give them a good boxing for targeting my Matt-Matt!"

As Krista shadowboxes the air, a voice calls out from behind you.

"You see my abilities at work then," Phanta speaks as he strides up to your group. "Krista. I can see you're as dim-witted as ever. Thanks for the directions, freak."

"Directions?!" Crooks turns his head to face Krista. "Did you lead him here?"

"No!" Krista exclaims, before pausing. "I don't think so... no, I'm sure of it! Stop making me doubt things, you!"

Phanta casually turns his head to Crooks as you remain on the floor. "You should be less concerned about her and more concerned about me. After all... you've seen my ability."

Name: Phanta
Biochip Class: POISON SAWADA

Phanta's Biochip causes his body to produce spores which grow and spread throughout the body of whoever it touches, granting Phanta full control of the affected limbs.

POWER: D
SPEED: D
DURABILITY: B
PRECISION: C
RANGE: B
POTENTIAL: C

>Crooks, shoot him!
>Dot, throw up your shields before he tries something!
>Krista, infuse some projectiles with pain!

>>2489801
>>Dot, throw up your shields before he tries something!
AIR TIGHT BUBBLE

>>2489801
>Crooks, shoot him!
The all-solving finger gun

>>2489792
As expected of Cleric

>>2489801
>Dot, throw up your shields before he tries something!

>>2489801
>Dot, throw up your shields before he tries something!

>>2489801
>Crooks, shoot him!

>>2489801
>Dot, throw up your shields before he tries something!
Ugh, it's like cordyceps...

>>2489801
inb4 we roll a one

Calling for
>Dot, throw up your shields before he tries something!

ROLL 1d20, Best of 2.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>2489815

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2489815
Hmmmm

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>2489815

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2489815

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>Rolled 17 [DEFINITE SUCCESS]

Dot is quick to move, acting on instinct as the throws up a force-field around the entire group, pulling you all close together, and more importantly keeping Phanta out.

"Clever," Phanta remarks. "You knew I was going to unleash my spores. No doubt that shield of yours is air-tight, too. You've completely stopped me in my tracks."

Well, at least he's taking the defeat well? His general calmness is something that weird you out.

"I will be honest," Phanta remarks. "I enjoy being open an honest in a fight. No sense lying to someone in their last moments. I find that to be far too cruel. So, I will admit to you, that I have no counter for your technique."

You stare at Phanta as Crooks mutters under his breath. "What's he getting at? He can't just be admitting defeat."

"I am not admitting defeat," Phanta explains. "There are two great virtues in life. The first is honesty... and the second is patience."

"Oh, he's a virtuous bounty hunter," you roll your eyes. "That's a relief."

"I am a patient man," Phanta continues. "And something tells me that you won't be able to keep that shield up forever. It must put a lot of strain on your body. I can wait."

He can wait all he likes, when that shield comes down, you'll all be ready for him. Dot is giving you plenty of time to prepare for the battle at hand... speaking of hands, yours seem to be going wild again, at the worst possible time. Reaching up behind Crooks and wrapping around his neck, you begin involuntarily strangling your captain as the rest of the group panic. Dammit, you have to do something about these infected hands...

>Remove yourself from the fight for now.
>Use your plants to keep your hands under control.

>>2489839
>Use your plants to keep your hands under control.

>>2489839
>>Remove yourself from the fight for now.
just fucking punch yourself in the head

>>2489839
>Use your plants to keep your hands under control

>>2489839
>>Use your plants to keep your hands under control.

>>2489839
>Use your plants to keep your hands under control.

He should have had us try and strangle Dot, she's the one keeping the field up. We should make some vines and bind our wrists.

>>2489839
>Use your plants to keep your hands under control.

Calling for
>Use your plants to keep your hands under control.

Roll 1d20.

>>2489848

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2489848

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2489848
aaaa

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2489848

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>Rolled 7 [MODERATE FAILURE]

Your hands are wrapped around Crook's throat, and you have to act fast. There must be some way you can pry your hands away, to keep them under control despite them moving against your directions. Of course... you still have control over your own biochip. Wonder of the World can summon some vines that can wrap around your hands, granting you extra leverage in the struggle for control, acting as puppeteer strings.

You summon the vines and wrap them around your hands. You strain and pull, and while you are able to pry your hands away from Crooks, who collapses, gasping for air in a bubble that's pretty sparce when it comes to air, your vines are proving fairly weak in strength, not enough to maintain full control of your hands. Only enough to slow down their movements... not enough to help you in any substantial way.

To make matters worse, Dot's exhaustion finally gets the better of her as she drops her shields. With Crooks gasping for air, he's unable to take advantage before Phanta does.

"The virtue of patience," he speaks to himself, before opening his bag and tossing more spores out towards the group. Krista acts fast, pushing Dot out of the way... and getting caught with the spores herself, as the hit and contaminates her full torso, arms and legs. In a few seconds, he'll have control of her entire body, effectively taking her off your side and granting Phanta with an extra unwilling ally.

"Nooo!" Krista exclaims in shock. "Matt-Matt! What do we do?"

>There's got to be a way to remove the spores... think...
>If Krista can still use Sweet N' Sour, this may be to our advantage...

>>2489864
>There's got to be a way to remove the spores... think...

>>2489864
>There's got to be a way to remove the spores... think...
What I wouldn't give for a wind biochip right now.

>>2489864
>>If Krista can still use Sweet N' Sour, this may be to our advantage...
BURNING OR SOMETHING I DONT KNOW AHHHHHH

TPKO CONFIRMED

>>2489864
>If Krista can still use Sweet N' Sour, this may be to our advantage...

>>2489864
>>If Krista can still use Sweet N' Sour, this may be to our advantage...

Calling for
>If Krista can still use Sweet N' Sour, this may be to our advantage...

Roll 1d20, Best of 2.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>2489882
PLEASE SAVE US SPACE GOD

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>2489882
C mon Krista!

>>2489883
Krista's got this

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>>2489883

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>>2489883
SPACE GOD IS REAL

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>20 [CRITICAL SUCCESS]

Krista attempts to fight off the effects of the spores, but it's clearly no use to her. Once they get you, they spread and take control, no matter what. Such is the power of the Poison Sawada biochip. Crooks slowly regains himself and readies his Bone Soldier ability, but Phanta has it scouted. "Not so fast," he mutters, as a reluctant Krista's body moves between Crooks and the bounty hunter, forming an involuntary human shield.

Crooks grimaces, unable to pull the trigger on his attack, as Phanta nods. "I thought so. You're not as dishonourable as you seem."

As Phanta stands proud and victorious, Krista simply lets out a laugh. "Oh-ho! You made a big, big mistake!"

"Shut up, freak," Phanta replies. "I always knew you were a good for nothing traitor. I'll be happy to kill you when this is all through. Then maybe I'll pay your mother a visit-"

"Shoot me, Bossman!" Krista exclaims with an excited energy.

"Huh?" Phanta raises an eyebrow. "Shoot you? He wouldn't dare-"

Crooks shoots Krista without hesitation. The bone bullet fires directly through Krista's shoulder before piercing into the rib of Phanta, who falls back, howling and screaming in pain. His screams are so loud it draws the attention of a crowd who observe the large, burly bounty hunter rolling around, shedding tears in agony on the floor. Meanwhile, you begin to gain some feeling in your hands again, the power of his biochip waning as he loses all concentration.

"Huh, didn't expect a single bullet to an experienced bounty hunter of that size to slow him down that much..." Dot notes. "Let alone... do that."

"Wasn't just a single bullet, was it?" Crooks points out, looking to Krista as she nurses the bullet wound in her shoulder.

Krista winces, but smiles through the pain as Dot tends to her wound. "Nope!" she exclaims. "As the bullet passed through my shoulder, my blood infused it with a sensation! Yep Yep!"

"The hell kind of sensation does that to a tough stoic man like him?" you ask.

Krista smiles warmly as she gives her answer. "Boiling!"

Yikes. "Guys... remind me to never piss off Krista..." Dot notes, as the four of you make a break from the scene before authorities arrive and start asking questions. Phanta Orang: Retired.

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The commotion caused Crooks to miss the meeting with the client, something that will like leave him in a depressive state all week. There was a lot of money in that delivery... here's hoping Krista can make the most out of what's in your bare cupboards.

In the dinner area of Maribelle, Crooks plants his face onto the metal table in defeat at the failed deal. You'd think he'd be more happy to have defeated another bounty hunter, but his cynicism is astounding.

"I gotta say, it's remarkable how you two were able to communicate without words," you point out. "Considering how little you got along before... it was nice to see some trust."

Krista laughs, as she leans over, resting her arms on Crooks' back like he was a table unto himself and cupping her face in her hands. "Why wouldn't we? He's the bossman, he'll always do the right thing!"

Crooks smirks. "Never doubt the unspoken connection between a captain and his crew... plus, she tapped into my desire to shoot her. It was a win-win."

>I'm just glad to see you two getting along.
>Crooks, don't you owe Krista an apology?
>Krista, there's still the matter of him thanking you for directions. What was that about?

>>2489914
>I'm just glad to see you two getting along.
>Crooks, don't you owe Krista an apology?

>>2489914
>>Krista, there's still the matter of him thanking you for directions. What was that about?
fucking nanomachine bugs probably

in space its always nanomachine bugs

>>2489914
>Crooks, don't you owe Krista an apology?
>Krista, there's still the matter of him thanking you for directions. What was that about?

>>2489914
>Crooks, don't you owe Krista an apology?
>Krista, there's still the matter of him thanking you for directions. What was that about?

>>2489914
>Krista, there's still the matter of him thanking you for directions. What was that about?

>>2489914
>I'm just glad to see you two getting along.
>Krista, there's still the matter of him thanking you for directions. What was that about?

Good things happened. But I am curious...

>>2489921
>Crooks, don't you owe Krista an apology?
>Krista, there's still the matter of him thanking you for directions. What was that about?

Actually, switching to this.

Calling for
>Krista, there's still the matter of him thanking you for directions. What was that about?

Writing now.

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>Krista, there's still the matter of him thanking you for directions. What was that about?

Krista gives a casual shrug. "No idea! Could have meant anything! Could have been lying! But now that you mention it... I wanna know too! Bossman, you got any idea?"

"Yeah..." Crooks mutters. "Your clothes. Remove them."

"What?!" you exclaim.

Crooks laughs. "Keep it in your pants, son. I obviously don't mean right here, right now."

"You could have been a teensy bit more clear!" Krista adds, backing up your interpretation. "And why?"

"We're just gonna examine the clothes you were wearing when you joined us," Crooks explains. "I've got a sneaking suspicion..."

Krista retires to her and Dot's room for a few minutes, before coming out in a pair of pyjamas with a bundle of clothes in her hands. You divvy up the clothes as Crooks begins to examine them. "Let's see here... hah, I knew it!" he exclaims, pointing to something on the tag of one of Krista's shirts. A small green square that... a microchip. Great...

"What is it?" Krista asks.

Crooks chuckles and shakes his head. "A tracking chip, of course! These babies can survive even going through the clothes washer, and this whole time have been giving the soda gang our exact location! Here I was, thinking my chef was untrustworthy, and you've been just as rused as we were."

Krista stamps her foot. "Jerks! I'm gonna punch Prosecco in the face!"

"Prosecco..." you mutter. "He's the leader of the Soda Gang, right? And the only one left for us to handle..."

"Yep!" Krista exclaims. "And he won't be able to find us after we ditch this biochip and-"

"Guys?" Dot calls into the room. "We've got a problem here."

Oh great, disaster always strikes at the worst possible time. "What is it?"

"Another ship is pulling us in..." Dot point out. "We may be being kidnapped right now."

Crooks grimaces. "Shit..."

Your captain runs to the communications room of the Maribelle. Sure enough, there's an incoming signal. Crooks doesn't hesitate to answer, as a projection of a smug bespectacled man with a cigarette appears before the crew.

"It's him!" Krista exclaims. "Prosecco!"

"Glad to see your eyes are still working," Prosecco replies. "Let's cut right to the chase. You've proven to be much more of a hassle than I anticipated. I lost my entire crew because of you cretins... but that ends here. Sometimes if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. So... you're coming with me to the Kingpin's fleet."

"Not likely," you reply.

Prosecco stares at you. "I'm sorry? Did I imply you had a choice in the matter. I'm dragging your bucket of bolts there whether you like it or not."

You hate to admit it, but you don't have much choice in the matter. Maribelle is not the most capable ship in the galaxy, and the situation is only made worse by him getting the drop on you. Truth is... you're in a real bad spot here.

END OF CHAPTER 5

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRcPA7Fzebw

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

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

Thanks for playing! Next thread will be coming early next week, plus there'll be a bonus scene coming later tonight! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Player Question
What are your thoughts on the dynamic between Crooks and Krista? And what are your predictions for Prosecco?

>>2489945
DAMN YOU NANO MACHINES BUT THEY ARENT NANO SO THEY ARE ACTUALLY MACRO MACHINES
>>2489951
>PQ
Prosecco is an edgy boy
Crooks needs to learn to trust again

>>2489951
Thanks for Running Booker
>PQ
We gonna pop that cheap bottle of Champaign

>>2489951
Good thread books! And our first nat 20 goes to Krista!

>PQ
The dynamic is pretty cute. Grumpy dad and preccocious daughter is always a treat for dynamics.

Proscecco is going to shake things up and bubble over woth power. Here is hoping we can clean up the mess!

>>2489951
Thanks for running

>>2489951
Wasn’t able to participate but that was a great thread, looks like Crooks is finally going to be able to trust Krista now.
Prosecco seems more capable than his crew, then again Phanta was capable, ecchi groping aside, but got ruined from that sweet Krista roll.

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>Side Story: Shinto

"Hey, looks like there's some kinda commotion over there!"

On the Shinto fleet, it's not unusual to spot members of the high chieftain's family out and about among the common rabble, interacting with the average civilian, performing their own shopping... it's a far-cry from the upper classes of the other fleets in the galaxy. Part of this lies in the simpler traditional value that run through the blood of the Shinto fleet, while another answer lies in quite simply the size of the royal family. Current ruling High Chieftain, the mighty Sun Boros has to date bore twelve different children, seven of which are of age, with help from his three wives.

Sun Chen is the fifth of these children... and the only illegitimate one in the pack. Born to an unknown lowborn woman, Chen was defined as the runt of the litter. No full-blooded siblings, never met his mother... Sun Chen was lucky that his father proved kind enough to raise him in his household and not on the street. Chen was always grateful for that. He may be known to the public and his family as the bastard son... but that doesn't weigh on Chen's mind, as he was always treated well for the most part, and grew an affinity towards his half-siblings... most of them, at least.

"Pay no attention to that!" Sun Si, the sixth child of Boros exclaims, flicking back her flowing red hair. An oddity herself among the offspring of the battle hardened Sun Boros, Si was raised in the ways of diplomacy. She grew to be an adept speaker, a high-class socialite, and an incredible beauty. Many would argue her to be the greatest beauty aboard the Shinto fleet... were it not for her abrasive attitude turning away many potential suitors. "It's Chou's duty to police this ship. It's your duty to carry my bags, I expect you to handle it."

Si has repeatedly claimed that she only bring Chen along on her shopping trips so that he would carry her bags around for her. She certainly doesn't consider the bastard of Boros as a brother... instead more of a butler. This isn't surprising. The Shinto fleets traditions allow for the marriage between siblings, a point of contention when interacting with other fleets, and one that creates a culture wherein those who are not a full blood relation are barely considered relatives at all.

"I'll sure do my best!" Chen smiles. "It is a lot of bags to carry."

Si huffs, as prissy as always. "Careful lowborn. Be thankful I didn't invite my friends and have you carry their belongings as well. As a matter of fact, I should do as much next time!"

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Chen laughs cheerfully, pleased to know that there will be a next time. He turns his attention away from the crowd and moves it towards a metal device on a counter which catches his eye. He rushes towards it, staring at it. "Ooh... what's this, Si?"

"Oh?" Si looks at the object, before looking back at Chen with a smug look. "You don't know? It's a hypersonic pressure cooker. That's common knowledge among the upper class!"

"I've never seen anything like it before!" the excited Chen explains, causing Si to let out a laugh.

"Oho! I should have expected an uncivilised lowborn like you wouldn't be able to recognise something so simple!"

Chen chuckles in response. "Heh, I guess not. It's really cool looking, never would have guessed it was a cooker."

Si pouts, twirling her finger in her hair. "You needn't ignore my taunts. If I call you a lowborn, I expect you to react."

Chen shrugs. "Doesn't bother me, I'm just happy to be here. I'm learning a lot, and I like spending time with you."

"Y-you like...?" Si mutters, her face turning red as she gets more flustered. "You may be an illegitimate lowborn, but your father is still Sun Boros. You should show some pride and strength when insulted."

"It's okay," Chen explains. "I know you don't mean any of it."

Si frantically shakes her head. "I-I do mean... oh, you are insufferable!"

Chen chuckles as Si gives in, and relents to continuing her shopping spree with Chen in tow.

"So what do you think all that commotion was about?" Chen asks.

Si yawns. "Nothing I should concern myself. Likely just some rabble-rousing pirates or smugglers causing a ruckus. I imagine they're already flying off, ready to disturb the peace elsewhere..."

Chen smiles. "Yeah... you ever think about doing that? Exploring the stars, not the disturbing the peace part."

"Not even once," Si asks. "Why would I ever dream of doing something so foolish?"

Chen shrugs. "I dunno... it sounds fun to me."

Si smirks and shakes her head. "Oh, Chen... you truly are a dreamer, with stardust in place of a brain."

"That dumb, huh?" Chen laughs. "I'd like to give it a try some day."

"And leave the fleet?" Si scoffs. "Leave the lap of luxury to fly into the jaws of rival fleets and deadly crime lords? Are you insane? Aren't you aware of how dangerous it is out there?"

"Why? Are you worried?"

"N-no..." Si protest. "L-let's just return to the capital. My father will be mad if we arrive late."

Always 'my' father. Never 'our' father. Chen gives a smile and a nod, as he holds his half-sister's bags in his hands. She sure got carried away in her shopping this time... in fact, she gets carried away every time. Sun Chen takes one look back at the docking bay of the Takayama, catching a glimpse of the vast expanse of space as the port doors slide open, and watching it disappear again as they shut. He returns to walking behind Si and shuts his eyes closed.

Chen closes his eyes and dreams of stars.

END OF SCENE

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>>2490959
Chen best boy/girl