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“What’s the message?”

Crooks doesn’t answer your question at first. He simply looks down at the panel, glancing over the message once more. He wipes his face with his hands as he lets out a sigh.

“Not good?” you ask.

“Not good. Grab the rest of the crew.”

As you bring the rest of the crew to the control room, Crooks looks to the crowd.

“What’s the news, cap’n?” Lacey asks.

“You’ve got a dour face going on,” Dot points out. “Something wrong?”

Crooks sighs. “I don’t know how to tell you guys this… apparently, Kingpin Dong has just pulled a hostile takeover of the NOAH.”

You pause. “What?”

Archie nods. “Oh, okay… funny practical joke, captain.”

“I’m not joking...” Crooks remarks. “This message… it’s from Maribelle. She wouldn’t send this out for no reason. I’m seeing other reports of it on the net, too.”

Archie and Dot’s eyes widen. “… No, it has to be a joke...” Dot mumbles. “I… no, the NOAH can’t fall. It can’t! Not to some sleazy crime lord!”

“No way...” Archie mutters. “How could...”

“I don’t know,” Crooks shakes his head.

“What about Marco?” Dot mutters with a tone of concern. Her eyes are watering in fear. “Is he okay? Is he safe?”

“It seems he’s being held captive...” Crooks explains. “He’s not dead. That’s something.”

“That’s something?” Archie yells. “That’s not good enough! That’s my best friend we’re talking about!”

“Knowing my husband isn’t dead isn’t enough to comfort me!” Dot exclaims, before running to the control panel to look over the message. “Dammit… we can’t let him get away with this!”

Archie clenches his fist. You’ve never seen the ship’s scientist this angry before. “Damn it all…”

“This is going to make our mission with the Sun family all the more difficult,” you point out.

“My mom…” Krista mutters, as she reaches her hand out and interlocks fingers with yours.

Lacey places a finger to her chin. “Krista’s mom, Archie’s best friend, Dot’s husband, Matt’s mom and Crook’s wife-”

“Not my wife, and Maribelle joined him of her own accord,” Crooks points out.

Lacey smacks her fist with her hand. “He still needs to be stopped! You guys saved me from Kingpin Dong, now we need to do the same for them!”

“We will,” Archie tells her.

Crooks shakes his head. “I know you’re upset, but think about-”

“I don’t care,” Archie fires back, showing a fire you’ve never seen from him before. “We’re stopping Kingpin Dong.”

Dot nods, placing her hand on Archie’s shoulder. “With or without you guys, we’ll be saving Marco.”

Crooks sighs. “Don’t get so overdramatic. Of course we’re saving them… hell, this might make our work easier.”

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“How so?” Krista asks.

You step forward. “Simple. The NOAH may be neutral and not hold the political power it did before, but it’s a resource nobody wants to fall into the wrong hands. Taking it by force? Dong just invited the wrath of EVERY fleet.”

>Meanwhile, in Athens
>POV SHIFT: Electra Evergarden

“She’s on the other end of the door! Ready the weapons.”

In the dark crawls a group of snivelling worms. Criminals who pick on and steal from the weak, then hole up like cockroaches in a room, awaiting a chance to ambush you.

Unfortunately for them, you have the best recon in all of Athens on your side.

You kick the door, as it flies off its hinges, launching it into the face of one of the criminals. In a panic, the others begin firing the automatic blasters randomly, though are unable to take aim… partly through a strategic shutting down of the lights with help from your partner.

You rush into the room with your blade at the ready. You slash a shoulder to immobilise, kick another back, smashing their head against the wall to render them unconscious, and finish off with the pièce de résistance; making the last one wet himself.

You approach the final criminal, his weapon destroyed, the look of sheer fear in his eyes as he looks to you. “What… what are you?” he asks.

You place a hand to your cheek and give a small, sadistic smile. “Oh me, oh my...” you smirk. “Are you having some slight… problems?”

You stab your blade into the wall beside them, cornering the crook as sweat drips down from his head. “And here you looked like a big strong man… are you really just a coward?”

“I… I...”

“Maybe you should apologise,” you give a kind smile, while leaning in closer.

“I… I’M SORRY!” He exclaims, getting on this knees and genuflecting, begging for forgiveness.
“How nice...” you smirk, before bashing him in the back of the head and knocking him out.

As you step out, you find your recon partner leaning against the wall. Major Atreus of the Athens army. Your partner under the command of the great general Achilles Evergarden. Your father.

“Electra...” he mutters, crossing his arms, as serious and dour as ever. “There are times in battle when you come across like a sadistic villain yourself.”

>It’s all a part of the theatrics. I learned it watching cartoons.
>It’s all a bit of fun. I’m hardly like that in real life.
>Do you think my father was watching?

>>3801400
>It’s all a bit of fun. I’m hardly like that in real life
Electra seems like she could be fun.

I give her a couple of threads before the Dice Gods murder her.

>>3801400
>It’s all a part of the theatrics. I learned it watching cartoons.
God damn it is everyone a weeb?

>>3801400
>>It’s all a part of the theatrics. I learned it watching cartoons.
Ara Ara~

>>3801400
>It’s all a part of the theatrics. I learned it watching cartoons.
Instant best girl. Bet she goes full ara ara ma ma, when committing war crimes

Calling for
>It’s all a part of the theatrics. I learned it watching cartoons.

Writing now.

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>It’s all a part of the theatrics. I learned it watching cartoons.

"That sounds more like you," Atreus remarks, as stoic in his demeanour as ever. "You seem like quite the mild-mannered young woman, yet in battle you become... that."

You shrug. "It's about appearances, right?"

"And just who are you attempting to impress?" he asks. "Well, I suppose that much should be obvious..."

You shake your head, shrugging off his comment. You understand what he's attempting to say, but it's complete bunk. Of course, your father is famous throughout the galaxy. He's the most powerful general in any of the universe's armies... in spite of the fact that his body rejected the ability to use a biochip. But your father's fame and glory has no bearing on your own work and accomplishments. After all, when the time comes, you will accept a Biochip of your own and become your own woman... if your body in fact allows that.

If your body is like his, and cannot accept a chip... the least you can do is convince others that you're different from your father. That you have reason for holding your rank.

"So, what's the rest of the recon?" you ask.

Atreus steps aside. "I've told you before, Electra. I don't perform recon for the sake of petty gossip."

"But you keep up with the generals and majors better than anyone, correct?" you point out. "Ha, then it seems you have recon I'm interested in?"

"Very well," Atreus states. "General Metis is returning today."

Today? General Metis took off on a personal mission a while back, not long after the battle of the Yellow Turbans. To track down someone who had stolen something from her. "So I can meet her at the docking port, I assume?"

"Yes," he replies.

"And would you care to join me?" you smirk.

Atreus silently shakes his head.

You pout. "Aww... what a shame. Aren't we supposed to be friends?"

"We are colleagues," he replies. "No more. Besides, one of us should take on the responsibility of reporting back to the general."

"Oh, rats..." you mutter. "I keep forgetting to report that stuff..."

"Yes, and unlike you we can be afforded that forgiveness from our fathers," he points out.

You puff out your cheeks. "Cut that out! I don't get any special treatment."

"Of course," Atreus replies. "Well, if you intend to meet with the great science general, you should head on now."

>That I will. It's been a while since I've seen Metis!
>Actually, I'll report this with you! Show that I don't get any easy breaks!

>>3801525
>That I will. It's been a while since I've seen Metis!

>>3801525
>>That I will. It's been a while since I've seen Metis!
I'm sure noooothing has changed with her!

>>3801525
>Actually, I'll report this with you! Show that I don't get any easy breaks!
inb4 all the Athens Generals are completely useless

>>3801525
>Actually, I'll report this with you! Show that I don't get any easy breaks!

>>3801525
>>Actually, I'll report this with you! Show that I don't get any easy breaks!

Calling for
>Actually, I'll report this with you! Show that I don't get any easy breaks!

Writing now.

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>Actually, I'll report this with you! Show that I don't get any easy breaks!

Atreus looks at you, his expression unchanging. "I'm not impressed."

"I'm not trying to impress you!" you point out.

Atreus raises an eyebrow as he turns and walks down the hall. "You're certainly trying to prove something."

"H-hey don't walk on! Wait for me!"

You always dread reporting to your father. Make no mistake, Achilles Evergarden, despite his serious and intimidating stature, is a truly kind and loving man. A hero to the people, and a truly caring and supportive father. However, when he's in the middle of work as a general... it's difficult to speak with him in a professional context. You'll never live down the day you were a simple private and referred to him as "Papa" in front of your cohorts. You're still mocked for that one, even after rising to the rank of Major.

Luckily, or perhaps disappointingly, you and Atreus are turned away at the door. "Meetings?" you ask. "I didn't think dad-I mean... General Evergarden had any meetings scheduled for today."

"A last minute call," the guard explains. "A conference with the President... it must be important. No idea what it is, though."

With the President? Your father spending time with President Apollo is no rarity, after all the two are blood brothers. However, being called to a conference on short notice is suspicious to say the least.

"It seems the report will have to wait," Atreus remarks. "Also, attack coming in on your six."

Observant as ever.

"FLYING HUG ATTACK!" The voice from behind you calls out.

Recognising the voice and the statement, you spin around, launching a roundhouse kick which connects with the cheek of your assailant.

Flying into the wall, the Major Xiahou Xing pops back to her feet, rubbing her cheek. "Pretty smart, cousin! Deflecting my deadly hug attack!"

"Was a kick necessary?" Atreus asks.

"How else would you deflect it?" you ask. "This is how I've always done it."

Xiahou Xing... she's not truly your cousin. Twenty or so years ago, your father and hers... the former fearsome pirate turned General of the Athens army, Xiahou Ren... went alongside President Apollo and swore a blood oath. If they can consider themselves brothers despite no biological relation... well, Xing is as close a family member as your own mother.

"One of these days I'll get that hug!" the smiling and cheerful Xing tells you. Her lighthearted and at times eccentric attitude often throws enemies off to her combat skill. She's a Major for good reason... she's even bested you a few times.

>You'll have to earn it.
>Not during working hours you won't.
>Are you looking for my father? He's with the President.

>>3801696
>>Not during working hours you won't.
CUTE SIS COUSIN

>>3801696
>You'll have to earn it.
>Not during working hours you won't.

>>3801696
>Not during working hours you won't.

>>3801696
>You'll have to earn it.
We need to fail our Perception roll against that hug attack Pronto!

Calling for
>Not during working hours you won't.

Writing now.

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>Not during working hours you won't.

"Ah, so outside of working hours...?" Xing replies with a hopeful smile, wriggling with anticipation.

"Pft, you're completely hopeless..." a voice calls out, as a confident-looking young man approaches from behind the corner. He flicks his hair back as he looks you up and down. Major Hector... the complete letch. "The true way to a woman's heart is sweet-talk!"

Trying to make an example, he approaches you, swaying his hips as he takes your hand and kisses the back of it. "Ah, my darling Electra. When will we finally run away together, and live a solitary peaceful life among the stars?"

Your eyes widen as you look down and the hunkered down Hector on one knee. "What a joke..." Atreus remarks.

As you examine Hector... the sadistic smile returns to your face. "Oh me, oh my..." you mutter, before grabbing him and flinging him to the wall in rage, before raining down some lightning quick punches that he attempts to deflect. "You scummy skeezy fool, how many times do I have to tell you never to call me darling! I've had to remind you every week since we were children, you want me to remind you one more time!"

"Okay, I can take the hint!" Hector exclaims. "I give, I give!"

As Hector catches his breath, he flicks his hair back once more, not letting his cocky expression be disrupted by the embarrassment. "Come on, Electra. Remember the promise we made when we were five?"

"You're happy to remind me," you smile sarcastically. "And I'm always happy to remind you that five year olds are stupid."


Hector dramatically clutches his chest and collapses. "So cruel, I may just drop did on the spot..."

As he lies back, Xing catches him and gasps in a panic. "Oh no! He's dying! Electra, help-"

"He's not dying!" you remark.

"And they say nepotism isn't rampant in Athens..." Atreus remarks.

Hector's eyes widen as he rushes to Atreus, grabbing him by the collar. "What was that, ghost-face? Bad mouthing me? I'll have you know I'm not related to any shit-head general! I was chosen by Xiahou Ren because of my superior combat talent! I've worked hard to make it to this point!"

"That, and my dad thinks you're fun to drink with!" Xiahou cheerfully and obliviously blurts out.

"D-don't tell him that!" Hector exclaims. "Anyway, the five tiger generals along with Metis have been called for some kinda meeting. Which means we Majors have no more tasks for the day. Care for a meal and a drink?"

"A date?" your eye twitches as you clench your fist. "Oh me, oh my..."

"N-no!" Hector replies while covering his face.

Xing hops in between you and your potential victim. "It was my idea, actually! Since we work under different Generals, the majors don't get to see each-other very much. I think it would be good for team-building!"

>I'm not interested. I don't want to be hanging around when there's work to be doing.
>That sounds like fun... maybe I will join you, after all.

>>3801800
>>That sounds like fun... maybe I will join you, after all.
FUN FAMILY TIME
Also this guy is fucking great

>>3801800
>I'm not interested. I don't want to be hanging around when there's work to be doing

Like oppressing innocent civilians

>>3801800
>That sounds like fun... maybe I will join you, after all.

>"Come on, Electra. Remember the promise we made when we were five?"
Well shit, looks like we're playing Worst Girl this thread if we're not following through on a childhood marriage.

Calling for
>That sounds like fun... maybe I will join you, after all.

Writing now.

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>That sounds like fun... maybe I will join you, after all.

"Ah, it's perfect!" Xing exclaims as she attempts to hop on your back, but you kick her away forcibly. She spins and flies through the air as Hector turns his head to Atreus.

"Now that my darling Electra is in, I don't suppose you'd be interested in joining us?"

"I don't see how her addition changes anything," Atreus points out.

Hector smirks as he places his hand on your shoulder. "I see the way you look at my darling! You better watch it, by the way!"

"I will break both of your arms," you warn Hector.

Atreus crosses his arms. "I finished all my tasks for the day, and being unable to report to the General, I have no issue with having a simple meal."

With that, it's settled.

Hector and Xing want to meet you at the Olympus Mons. A family restaurant chain in Athens, it's been a favourite of yours since you were children. Xing and you have always been the best of friends, as close as family... but you and Hector...

Well, it's safe to say you've fallen out more often than most others would even speak. Despite his dramatic poetry, his ability to uphold his word is dubious at best.

You arrive at the restaurant, where you see another Major hanging out at the front, leaning against the wall with a cigarette in his mouth.

"Hey, kiddo!" Major Ajax waves towards you, looking as relaxed and casual as ever.

"I'm not much younger than you," you tell him. "I'm not a kid."

Ajax smirks. "A good decade of difference there, kiddo."

"I didn't expect you to be here."

"I never turn down a chance to end work early," Ajax cracks his neck. "Although Gramps will probably kick my ass later."

Ajax is a major under his grandfather, the oldest of the Tiger Generals, Hack Gotch. The silver fury, Hack Gotch is far past the age most would become decrepit, yet he's as powerful a General as any other to this day, having served the last seven presidents to the best of his ability. And Ajax is his grandson, with none of the diligence or fury behind him. In fact, he's a total slacker, having made it to the rank of Major in spite of himself. A natural talent, but one incapable of applying himself to the best of his ability.

"You want a smoke?" he asks, offering you a cigarette.

>No thank you. It's not for me.
>Do you have enough to share with everyone?
>I'm sure one wouldn't hurt.

>>3801925
>>I'm sure one wouldn't hurt.
Hard cut to us dying of space cancer

>>3801925
>No thank you. It's not for me.
Do we look like some shitty delinquent?

>>3801925
>I'm sure one wouldn't hurt.
Well it's not like lung cancer'll kill us quicker than the Dice Gods will.

>>3801925
>I'm sure one wouldn't hurt.

Smoking is what the cool kids do yo

>>3801925
>I'm sure one wouldn't hurt.

Calling for
>I'm sure one wouldn't hurt.

Writing now.

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>I'm sure one wouldn't hurt.

You don't often smoke... in fact you never have. It's not a matter of looking cool, but rather... the news of a sudden change, a surprise meeting with the president is... odd. Alarming, even. Whatever it is, it must be a truly important matter if all of the Generals were called to meeting. The stress comes easy... the Yellow Turban Rebellion was so recent, you don't want to deal with anything like that in the near future.

You take a cigarette from Ajax and light it up. You hesitate to place it in your mouth, but you finally do and puff.

And cough, a lot.

"Tsk, tsk..." a voice mutters, approaching you. You look to see a smiling redheaded man in a lab coat, walking with a cool confidence. Major Asclepius, Ajax's partner and the ward of Hack Gotch. "Don't you know how unhealthy that nasty habit is? Ajax, I suggest you don't get a young girl hooked on those death sticks."

Asclepius laughs as you give a small pout. "I'm an adult, I don't need a lecture from a doctor."

"I feel like even the elderly require a medical lecture now and then," Asclepius jokes.

"My partner is quite the wet blanket, isn't he?" Ajax smirks.

"A wet blanket that will outlive you," Asclepius replies with a cheerful smile.

"All this youthful bickering..." another voice mutters, the voice of Major Orpheus. The older gentlemen approaches. You believe he was once in line to become a General, but lost his eyesight in battle. He's still perfectly capable as a Major, however, and even provides mentorship and advice to his commanding General. The young General Simon, the youngest of the five tiger generals. "You children ought to get along better. Not just for your sake, but because old man Gotch will kick your asses later."

"Don't I know it..." Ajax sighs. "Heh, even an old geezer like you is here? That Xing is plenty persuasive. Asclepius here is completely in love with that air-head."

Asclepius smiles. "He's projecting his own feelings onto me. Classic Ajax."

You're never sure if those two are the best of friends, or completely loathe eachother. Perhaps it's both.

You look to Orpheus. "So, if you're here, then your partner must be-"

"THERE SHE IS!" the familiar voice booms, putting on a gruff tone. "MY GREAT RIVAL ELECTRA!"

You turn to see a toned young woman with green hair and a plastic cup of soda in her hand pointing dramatically towards you. Palaestra, a celebrity wrestler turned finest hand-to-hand combatant in Athens... bar maybe one. "Are you prepared to have the climactic battle to end our enduring passionate feud?!" she exclaims.

>Right here, right now? Oh me, oh my... you're on.
>Cut it out, we'll never fight again.
>Maybe later, we'll see how the night turns.

>>3802005
>Maybe later, we'll see how the night turns.

>>3802005
>>Maybe later, we'll see how the night turns.
>*Winkkk*
"F I G H T" Yeah sureeee

>>3802005
>>Maybe later, we'll see how the night turns.
Is this the yuri route?

>>3802005
>Maybe later, we'll see how the night turns

Calling for
>Maybe later, we'll see how the night turns.

Writing now.

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>Maybe later, we'll see how the night turns.

Palaestra places her hands on her hips. "Oh, you always say that! Then you never get around to it!"

You shrug. "Who knows? Maybe tonight will be the night we finally throw down."

Palaestra pouts. "Oh, I am so gonna suplex you through the airlock! That'll be my climactic finish!"

With a smile, you enter the family restaurant, where Hector waves towards you in a booth sitting across from Xing. "Ah, my darling Electra! I saved you a seat!"

"You did?" you raise an eyebrow.

"Only after that other lady turned you down and threw water in your face!" Xing blurts out.

Your sadistic smile returns as you look down on Hector. "Oh me, oh my..."

"You airhead, quit blurting that crap out!" he yells, kicking Xing shin from under the table. Xing pouts and her eyes water, before kicking Hector back even harder.

You chuckle, and seat yourself beside your old friend, leaning your head on his shoulder and grabbing a menu. The cocky Hector blushes as he looks at you. "Elle..."

"You haven't called me that in a long time..." you remark, before scanning the contents of the menu. You barely read the contents, her eyes somewhat zoned out.

"You're worried about that meeting, aren't you?" Xing asks. She knows you well.

You give a nod.

Hector smirks. "Don't worry about it! I'm sure it's just some stupid bureaucrat thing. Probably Metis running off on some stupid personal errands. A supposed genius... I bet she's getting demoted."

"I wouldn't run your mouth if I were you," a voice from the next booth over mentions. "Weren't you the one who was just reprimanded for bringing random women into the barracks?"

"H-hey, General Ren allowed it!" he protests. "It was just some of those stuffy... never mind that, Ariadne! You're so straight laced, huh?"

Ariadne? She's here?

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The serene looking Major stands up from her booth and looks over the two of you. A smile on her face and her eyes unblinking, she gives a nod. "I would say so, yes. I don't recall ever being reprimanded."

The cousin of the great science general Metis, Ariadne. While you get along well with the general, Ariadne is... strange. She's a professional to the core, and while her older cousin is prone to becoming flustered despite her genius intellect... nothing has ever fazed Ariadne. You pride yourself on your intimidating presence... yet Ariadne chills your bones with her unnaturally calm demeanour. Does her heart even beat like a normal human?

"Is General Metis going to be demoted?" the young boy in Ariadne's booth ask.

"Very doubtful," she responds.

"Hey, what's in that cup?" you ask. "A kid like you shouldn't be ordering booze in this place!"

"It's orange juice..." he mutters.

"I'm just kidding, Icarus!" you chuckle.

Yes, young Icarus... a ten year old prodigy... and a Major in the Athens army. The youngest to ever reach the rank by a wide margin. He's as childish as he looks, as a childish young woman yourself you know you get along with the boy... but his mental capacities are always at full performance. He's a true genius, which is why Metis took such an initial shine to him.

"I am surprised to see you here," Ariadne points out. "And sitting there, no less. I was under the impression that you would rather eat a soup comprised of frogs and rotten eggs than see Hector again. I recall those were your exact words as they were most certainly colourful."

>I forgave him for what he did since then... whichever misdemeanour that was.
>My relationship with Hector is... complicated. It would be difficult for you to understand.
>I'm here to see my cousin, not him.

>>3802154
>I'm here to see my cousin, not him

>>3802154
>My relationship with Hector is... complicated. It would be difficult for you to understand.

>>3802154
>>My relationship with Hector is... complicated. It would be difficult for you to understand.
It's kind of a ross and rachel thing

>>3802154
>I'm here to see my cousin, not him.

Also
Does her heart even beat like a normal human?
Metis’ cousin confirmed to be a robot.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>3802165
>>3802189
>I'm here to see my cousin, not him.

>>3802173
>>3802175
>My relationship with Hector is... complicated. It would be difficult for you to understand.

Rolling to break tie.

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>I'm here to see my cousin, not him.

"Aww, how sweet!" Xing smiles, before her eyes widen. "Actually, that's kinda rude to Hector, isn't it?"

Hector smirks. "Nah, can't hurt me with that. I get to see that beautiful face anyway, don't I?"

"I see..." Ariadne nods. "I think I understand."

"You can't break down our dynamic, we've known each-other since before we could even-"

"It appears that your feelings towards him are rather loathsome in nature, with an active disdain for his personality and lifestyle. He, however adores you... or at the very least adores an image he's conjured of you since childhood but knowing that it's simply an idealised image he hides his pursuit behind humour and refuses to commit, and while you have both hurt the other on multiple occasions feel that the length of your friendship requires a certain level of investment in the other so refuse to permanently part ways regardless."

"That's... almost exactly it, yes..." you mutter.

"Wow, she's scary..." Xing mumbles.

Ariadne tilts her head. "It's likely presumptuous, simply what I've merely gleamed from your past interactions."

Hector turns to you and Xing and speaks in hushed whispers. "Is she a witch?"

"Merely observant," Ariadne explains.

As she sits down, you begin to eat your meal with Xing and Hector, when he points to a booth near you. "Check out the two babes over there."

You twist Hector's fingers, causing him to let out a yelp, but look in the direction regardless. "Aren't those the Majors of Malcolm Savage?"

A eyepatched sniper, and a galaxy class martial artist. The sniper is named Semele, and despite her scars and he missing eye, she always carries a slight smile. You hear she was raised by pirates, trained to be an elite killer. You wonder how many men and women she has blasted out of existence before even joining the military. The one in martial arts gear is named Jocasta. She always looks on edge... but very little is actually known about her. Just like her General, in fact.

"I don't trust them one bit," Hector notes. "Malcolm Savage fought for those rebels all those years back before he was appointed to the army. I saw what they did to people back when we were kids... then he finds his supposed loyalty to the President after losing? What a joke..."

"Savage is one of the Five Tiger Generals," Xing remarks. "They-"

"They all trust each-other, yeah..." he mutters. "But last I checked, I'm not one of them. I don't have to trust him. And I bet you anything those two are part of his evil strike force or immoral harem or something."

You stare at Hector with sadistic eyes. "Please don't put such thoughts in my head. If you make me retch, I just might..."

"Calm down, it's just a theory!" Hector replies.

You look to your two friends. Athens values the power of education moreso than any other fleet, and the average citizen's intelligence is far greater here than in Shinto or Camelot. But Hector and Xing are far below average.

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Before you can finish your meal, you receive a call on your communicator. Your father.

You hesitate to pick-up, but eventually do.

You wonder if he'll call you "Sport" or "Major".

"Good evening, Major."

Then it's a business call. "What is it, Pa... General?"

"I require your presence in an audience with the President. If you're with any other Majors, please inform them to join. This matter is urgent."

Urgent. Is that so?

An audience with the President is rare, even for someone of your standing in the military. In fact, you've seen Apollo more often at dinners as part of the family than any meetings in an official capacity.

When you arrive with the others, you are met at the door to Apollo's office by a young woman in a garish fashionable dress. The latest ugly fashion, fit for the fame-chaser that stands before you. Aphrodite, one of the Galaxy's finest diplomats, a fashion icon in Athens, and the assistant to the President. "Just a moment, and you'll follow me inside," she explains. "Be careful not to touch anything, do not think that because you're an officer of the military or the daughter of a general that you have right to treat the most important room in the Galaxy like a private party ship."

"I wouldn't," you respond.

"Whoa, she's beautiful..." Hector mutters. "Lady Aphrodite, would you care to join me for a fine steak dinn-"

"You wouldn't be able to afford five seconds of my time, peon."

Hector is in shambles, and it's clear that Aphrodite has no patience for those she has no need to reason with.

"What I wouldn't give to trap her in a Boston Crab..." Palaestra mutters, clenching her fist.

"I'd pay to say that too," Hector blurts out, before being applied in a Boston Crab by Palaestra and submitting.

File: Aphrodite02.png (976 KB, 944x1055)

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Eventually, you're allowed inside the wide office of President Apollo. He sits at the front of a large conference table, twiddling a keychain on his fingers. He's the same age as your father and uncle Ren... your father is far from an old man, but Apollo could easily be mistaken for a teenager in both looks and demeanour. Very attractive, but also very kind. Beside him, a woman with tall curly hair and a white shirt. The Vice President, Melete. A woman of great sense and reason. The Five Tiger Generals, the mightiest in the Galaxy. The combined smarts of General Metis and Vice President Melete, and the diplomatic know-how of Aphrodite. It's no wonder... that despite the smaller numbers, Apollo has often lead Athens into victory against the military might of Camelot.

Apollo himself is driven to the goal of bettering humanity. Restoring civilisation to a better time, a time of peace and intellectual progress.

"Please, sit as you may," Apollo remarks.

There's an open chair beside your father... while it would hurt your individualism to sit by your father, he is your direct commander. However, the President did say to sit where you wished...

>Sit by Achilles.
>Sit by Malcolm Savage.
>Sit by Xiahou Ren.
>Sit by Hack Gotch.
>Sit by Simon.
>Sit by Metis.

>>3802316
>>Sit by Achilles.
Need to bond with our father to help him get some death flags.

>>3802316
>Sit by Metis

>>3802316
>Sit on Apollo's face
>Or by Achilles if someone's already sitting on it

>>3802316
>Sit by Achilles.
Might as well get to know him a bit before LB wipes the generals out.

Calling for
>Sit by Achilles.

Writing now.

>>3802341
Electra is just a big Daddy's girl

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>Sit by Achilles.

Sitting next to another general? That would be a pointless act of rebellion. It would accomplish nothing but drawing attention to your aversion.

"Welcome, Major Evergarden..." Achilles greets you as you sit by his side. So odd hearing him call you by your shared surname. You suppose you will grow used to it in time. "How did you fare today?"

"We decimated that den of roaches," you reply using poetic language.

Achilles nods. "Yes, Atreus gave me the report as he entered."

That quickly?! You didn't even notice that sneak!

"By the way," he remarks to Metis. "How did your search go. I understand a smuggler took your missing experiment. Did you retrieve it?"

Metis shakes her head, with a wry smile on her face. "No need. I assessed the thief and found them to be a reliable person... a good ally if needed. My work is safe in his hands."

"You sound proud, cousin," Ariadne remarks. "I have never seen that exact curvature of your smile in the past."

Metis' face turns red. "N-no! Cease your suggestions! I'm not... quiet!"

Achilles shakes his head. "Playing her cards close to her chest. Makes sense for the main tactician."

"So what is the purpose of this meeting?" you ask.

Apollo stands up, tossing the keychain into the air as he addresses the group. "We will be flying into war. The NOAH has fallen to the notorious crime lord Kingpin Dong, and we have elected that such a heinous act cannot be allowed. Put simply, we're gonna save the people being held captive by that monster."

Another battle? So that's why this has been such an emergency...

"From what we saw during the battle of the Yellow Turbans..." Simon mutters, looking to the ground. "That dastard has an army of scum at his disposal. Just thinking about the unjust acts he's committed without comeuppance over the years... it makes me sick to my stomach!"

"Cool your jets, kid..." Orpheus warns his younger superior. "No good getting worked up before you can even do anything."

"I never thought the day would come when someone like that could amass that much power..." Hack Gotch shakes his head.

Ajax leans back in his chair. "Well, maybe someone should have kept an eye on him. No good getting lazy, you know?"

Hack chops Ajax atop the head. "Funny words coming from a no-good slacker!"

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"I'm not afraid," Savage remarks. "Apollo can lead us through the most insurmountable odds."

Apollo smirks. "You should know. You were those insurmountable odds once," he jokes.

"Right you are," Savage nods. "Quite frankly, I'd take pleasure in gutting Dong myself."

"Get in line!" Xiahou Ren chuckles. "I've seen some of the atrocities he's pulled before... I want to slash that big tub of lard!"

"I never wanted us to accept his help during the Yellow Turban incident..." Metis points out. "Being seen as the saviour during that battle helped him gain supporters, and giving into his demands... he has even our latest research in Biochip tech at his disposal. Who knows the kind of living weapons he has created."

Achilles stands up, looking to the group of generals. "We know one. The most important one in fact. I have no fear of his army... I can take down an army alone. But that creature... LB..."

Xiahou's face turns serious. "Yeah, I know what you're talking about bro..."

Apollo nods. "His adoptive son-"

"His weapon of mass destruction," Achilles corrects him. "I saw it in battle. Even I would be crushed against it. It would take all of us."

"The three blood brothers, working in unison?" Apollo asks. "Why, we haven't done that in a long time-"

"More than that," Achilles slams his hand against the table. "All the Generals, all the Majors, the Vice President, the whole army... even if we bombed it from orbit, I doubt it would go down."

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Aphrodite scoffs as she places a hand on her hips. "You're exaggerating? Tall tales from Athen's God of War. Are you trying to tell your daughter a bedtime story?"

"Don't doubt him," Vice President Melete states, holding a folder of reports in her hand. "Dong took the NOAH with minimal military support, only one man made all the difference. LB... he took out all of the fleet's guards, and even when Gawain, a top General of Camelot engaged him in battle... Gawain was defeated and dismembered in seconds, and barely even survived. That son of Dong's is downright invincible."

"Invincible or no..." Achilles pauses in thought. "I saw into its eyes. There's nothing there... they're empty. That's not a body, but a jar. A vessel of rage and fury and blood and hatred. That thing... it cannot continue to live, for its own sake as much as that of humanities. But I fear killing it may be impossible."

"There is no such thing as impossible," Metis places her hands on the table and stands up. "I know full well that even when something seems hopeless or impossible... giving up is the most foolish and illogical thing one can do. There is always a solution, we just haven't found it yet."

"Best start finding soon," Savage remarks. "Or we're toast in this battle."

As the meeting adjourns, you step outside into the hall, waiting for a moment. You've been involved in skirmishes, missions against dangerous criminals and pirates, and even a battle... against rebelling under-armed peasants in the Yellow Turbans. But... Apollo referred to this as a war. That's something you've never experienced before.

As you walk by your father, he speaks to you in a hushed tone. "Hey, sport."

Sport... he's speaking to you as family now.

You look to him and he lets out a sigh. "I want you to know that I don't want you to be involved in this upcoming battle."

"That's a shame," you respond. "But I'm a Major of the Athens army. I am required for this."

Achilles nods. "I know, there is nothing I can do to stop you from entering the fray, and I don't expect you too. I simply want to verbalise my opinion... that I don't feel you're ready for something like this. As your father, and as your general, I want to warn you. I fear for your safety."

>I understand, but I can hardly hold back in the midst of war.
>Thank you, papa. No matter how strong you are, I fear for your safety too.
>I don't need you fussing after me. I reached this rank because I can handle myself.

>>3802418
>>Thank you, papa. No matter how strong you are, I fear for your safety too.
Daddy's girl

>>3802418
>>Thank you, papa. No matter how strong you are, I fear for your safety too.

>>3802418
>Thank you, papa. No matter how strong you are, I fear for your safety too.
That's weird, when did Apollo build the meeting room next to this flag shop?

>>3802418
>>Thank you, papa. No matter how strong you are, I fear for your safety too.

Calling for
>Thank you, papa. No matter how strong you are, I fear for your safety too.

Writing now.

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>Thank you, papa. No matter how strong you are, I fear for your safety too.

"You have no need to fear for me," Achilles replies. "I have not had to fear my own in years."

You shake your head. "Your respect as the god of war in Athens is a recent development. Papa... for years I had to listen to others tell me... tell me that you were a fool for lead a battle without a Biochip, that you were doomed to die violently, that you... that you would never come back to myself and mama... I had to worry about this every time you left."

"Electra..."

"I don't want you to feel the same way about my exploits," you remark. "But... I have faith that we'll both be safe."

Achilles gives a small smile. "For your sake, my daughter... I will."

>Later that night

Your mother went to bed early. I nice family meal, followed by the news of war. Mother was distraught, and your father went up to bed after her.

You stand outside your home, as your neighbour does the same. That same cocky face you've been dealing with all day.

"The lights look beautiful, don't they?" Hector remarks. "Athens has quite the night-life. I bet Camelot or Shinto won't do this for their people."

The bright lights of the ship are indeed beautiful. You've always lived near the entertainment district. Apollo greatly values the well-being of his people, and so you are afforded luxuries like this. The faint muffled drone of music from a nearby club can be picked up when you listen on the streets, what was completely inaudible when inside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGJTaP6anOU

You look out at the lights, as Hector moves to your side. "Awfully romantic, isn't it?"

You give him your sadistic look. "It's awful something..."

Hector chuckles. "Alright, alright..."

"You've been acting more lecherous than usual all day," you remark.

Hector looks to you, with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "And you know why that is, don't you?"

"Yes..." you reply. "I'm sure you thought I had forgotten. Today's the anniversary of that promise you care so much about..."

"Fifteen years now," Hector replies. "We were just dumb five year old kids... you were being picked on and teased because you were oh so adamant that you were going to marry the President. Heh, you would puff out your cheeks when they said you wouldn't, and if they kept saying it, you'd have that psycho sadist look even back then."

You smile. "You always stood up for me, and so I promised..."

"If you couldn't marry President Hermes, you would marry me," he repeats. "And considering he blew up in the cold of space..."

"I can't be held to the words of a dumb five year old," you reply.

Hector laughs. "I know, I'm just teasing you... but I'm still willing to bet that one day it'll happen... don't you agree?"

>Maybe. One day.
>No, not at all.
>If we both aren't married by age 30... then I'll agree. There's a promise.

>>3802482
>Maybe. One day.
A husband that thinks he's invincible and a daughter that won't honour a childhood promise? Poor Mrs Evergarden is going to be a childless widow after this war.

>>3802482
>>No, not at all.
DENIED.

>>3802482
>Maybe. One day.
Throw the guy a bone, everyone introduced is probably going to die in the next few threads.

>>3802482
>>Maybe. One day.

Calling for
>Maybe. One day.

Writing now.

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>Maybe. One day.

The smile on Hector's face reaches his eyes, illuminating the green withing them, like shining emeralds. "I can live with a maybe. Electra... I promise I won't die, and I'll live an extra fifty years after we marry! Promise me the same thing."

"I only said maybe-"

"Not the marriage," Hector replies. "I've known you my whole life... you may be a weirdo sadist daddies girl... but to me, you're life. You're as essential a part of my life as oxygen, or food. I wouldn't want to lose any of that. I'm sure you feel the same."

You shrug with a sadistic smirk. "I could maybe afford to."

"Oh come on!" Hector chuckles. "I was being genuine! Oh... Xing looked shook after that meeting. You should see her."

"Where is she?"

"Do you have to ask?"

You didn't. She's where the three of you would always go. Beneath a cherry tree, planted on an artificial piece of grass overlooking the entertainment district of the ship. As you approach, the music pumped into the streets becomes more clear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEdPe1SxitI

She tilts her head back, as smile on her face as she listens to the music, feeling it flow through her. Her eyes open and she spots you. "Hi."

"Hi," you reply, before sitting next to her and overlooking the district. "What's on your mind?"

Xing doesn't hesitate to answer. You've never kept anything from eachother. You don't think you're even capable of it. "When did we become adults?"

"It crept up on us, didn't it?" you remark.

"We're going into battle..." she thinks aloud. "A super serious one, too! I always knew this day would come, but now that it's here... it's funny. I don't know what to think. You think we'll die?"

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"Thought hadn't crossed my mind."

Xing's eyes glow like stars, impressed. "Whoa, that's confidence! I knew you'd answer with something cool like that!"

"I wasn't trying to sound cool..." you reply. "Well, maybe I was. I think I stole that line from a cartoon. Episode 339 of OctoBattler, if I'm not mistaken. 13:59 would be the timestamp on the holovid."

Xiahou Xing chuckles as she kicks her feet up. "We're officially serious adults now... I just wish there was something we could do to mark the occasion."

"There's one thing..." you reply. "You know the oath our fathers made with the President on this very spot? Beneath this very tree?"

"My dad's retelling are usually slurred, but I think I got the gist of it!" she explains. "They made a blood oath and vowed to be brothers in the pursuit of a peaceful galaxy, right?"

You nod, as you pull a pin from your pocket and prick your finger, drawing a tiny amount of blood. "We should do the same. We're already cousins through that oath... but our own oath could make that stronger."

"Oooooh..." Xing remarks with sparkling eyes. "Great idea! But... I don't want to prick my finger!"

You give her a sadistic smile. "Oh me, oh my... is that so? Then perhaps I'll do the dirty work..."

"No, back off!"

Eventually, she agrees. The two of you place your hands together. "You're no longer my cousin," you announce. "From now on... we're blood sisters."

"Cool! Wait, but what's our oath?"

"To surpass our fathers," you respond. "And to fulfil their dream of a peaceful universe... where humanity can sit under a tree just like this, on a planet of their own."

"I can agree to that!" Xing exclaims. "Wow, Electra! You have the best ideas, cousin... I mean, sis!"

And so, the most important vow of your life was made. You and Xing share a smile... before you receive a quick message on your comm. As does Xing.

"Suspicious ship pulling in at the docks, may be from Camelot..." you read the message, and don't hesitate to get moving.

You arrive with a small force at the ready in case things break down. The ship remains at port for a good while, before opening... as a metallic leg steps out. The man attached to the mechanic limb is instantly recognisable... General Gawain of Camelot.

You get ready for an altercation, but the General clearly has his hands up. "We aren't invading you, idiots."

You look in confusion as another General, the famous Galahad steps out as well, accompanied by the famous ace pilot Daizee Danger. "What this stuck-up dumbass means is that we're here as ambassadors, to form a temporary alliance to take out Kingpin Dong.

Athens and Camelot, working together? If Shinto can be brought into the fold as well... it would likely give you all a good chance of liberating the NOAH.

But the NOAH is a volatile resource... you imagine Camelot have their own greedy eyes upon it. You could work in tandem against the Yellow Turbans, but this?

Can these fleets truly work together?

END OF CHAPTER 20

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

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

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

Thanks for playing! It's good to be back with a new thread after a rather lengthy break. Expect more KitS very soon, and follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Player Questions
This thread was primarily introducing most of the Athens side of the cast. So what are your thoughts on that group?

>>3802587
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
They seem fun, got to see who can race to the Death Flag finish line faster between Hector and Achilles. Also can't wait for Arthur to wreck TURBO THOT Aphrodite when the fleets meet up.

>>3802587
Nice thread Booko.
>PQ
They gonna die.