I don't think there's much to do at this juncture except to do the meeting with Khas, Dapperlord, and the Jael'Aten.

Other plans include holding forces in reserve to capture that crystal they used to res the Overmind. By the way, I assume we are still watching the crystal right?

>>15497026
So far, there has been no activity on Zhakul. If the Protoss intend to use the crystal again, they aren't in a hurry.

You want to time skip, then?

>>15497083
Sure, time skip!

>>15497199
Ok. What sort of delegation are you sending to Aiur?

>>15497026
>>15497259
Dapperlord! He will be our ambassador.

>>15497285
Dapperlord, alone at the center of Protoss civilization?

A brave chap, indeed.

Though, I will remind you that Dapperlord is actually one of Kerrigan's.

>>15497315
Hm, yes I suppose he is. We shall get one of our own overlords and outfit him in a tophat and monocle.

Those protoss think all zerg look the same anyway, they won't know the difference between this double and the real Dapperlord!

>>15497386
You propose a sort of...FauxDapperlord?

A Dapperlord Impersonator?

>>15497442
Yes, a body double.

>>15497442
Let us start on this.. Dopperlord!

One question about the delegation we're sending: Khas said they should come unarmed. Could the psionic attack our overlords possess count as being armed?

>>15497507
It takes no time at all to produce a monocle and top hat for DapperJunior. Gorn asks if we're feeling alright.

Will DapperJunior bring with it any other units?

>>15497541
I want to say we should bring some infested terran units, just in case the meeting is in a room too small for an overlord. But then I remember, our terran forces are forcibly turned to our side. If we wish to show the protoss that our intentions are good, those might not be the best to send. And all of our other units are designed specifically for war...

>>15497525
Considering that it's derived from the natural abilities of the Protoss, no.

>>15497562
Do we have any non-terran units that would fit the role of diplomat? If not, do we have time to design one before the meeting?

>>15497562
>>15497627
A zergling dressed as a zealot with BIG PAULDRONS!

>>15497660
This guy knows the score. Maybe a hydralisk with giant pauldrons.

why not create a suitably artistic avatar for ourselves for such diplomatic cases?

Oh, one other thing, how is our ghost program going? Last I heard the first batch was going to be ready soon, two weeks ago.

>>15497660
>>15497703
Pauldrons DO seem to have some importance to the Protoss...

>>15497714
So long as it's not something that takes more than three days to create, I'm listening.

>>15497714
The question is, do we have time to create one before the meeting?

Question: was cyberbrate ever able to sort through all of VoidGate's data (I seem to recall us getting a bunch of data from Dagobah, but could be wrong).

>>15497660
YES! Seconding Pauldronling.

Also, what's the progress with our cloning program, specifically with the Ghosts?

And what transmissions have we been able to capture at our listening post at the edge of UED space?

>>15497756
well in that case we can wait and have artisanlord make us a dapper diplomatic avatar later

i doubt it would take much "hardware" wise aside of finetuning the avatar's sense to report as much data as it can and the ability to display some manner of 'emotion' (in as much zerg know of it)

>>15497733
(In fairness, that's been, what, 45 minutes game-time?)

>>15497760
We've had Cyberbrate crunching numbers on the Terran encryptions. Would you like to switch it to sorting through the remaining data cores?

>>15497764
The Hive Clusters on Lutrious are listening, but they aren't picking up much. Nothing discernible. There are definitely settlements nearer than the Terrans of the Confederacy, but not close enough to listen in on.

>>15497828
More like 5 hours, and three days, Lets keep cyberbrate doing what he's doing.

>>15497828
We should produce some more Dropservers and have them get a little closer to UED territory.
I don't want to use Cloak Overlords because I don't want to tip off that it's a Zerg recon mission. And I don't want to use Observers because if one were to get captured by the UED, we'd give them an example of advanced technology that they could reverse-engineer.

>>15497859
Agreed. I want those encryption cyphers cracked before we have him do anything else.

SO!

DapperJunior alone, or are the pauldrons in the offing?

>>15497912
Dapper Jr. and Pauldronling. They'll be our diplomatic and negotiation team. Like Harold and Kumar, or Jay and Silent Bob.

>>15497912
Both Dapperlordjunior and the pauldronlisk/ling.

>>15497943
>>15497932
(I am amazed that GIS produces results for "Pauldron of Justice," by the by)

Pauldronlisk, or Pauldronling?

This is a vitally important decision for the future of Zerg politics.

>>15497970
I vote for Pauldronlisk.

>>15497984
seconding

>>15497991
thirding the Pauldronlisk

>>15497984
>>15497991
Now, is that hydra- ultra- or muta- lisk?

>>15497970

Pauldronlisk, I guess.

Even though two of our current cerebrates had humble beginnings as zerglings!

Have Artisanlord design and produce some other zergish, but aesthetically pleasing ornamentations for our representative.

>>15498023
hydra

it also needs a winning smile

i think the rows of razor sharpteeth might be a tad off putting

>Both Dapperlordjunior and the pauldronlisk/ling.
>This is a vitally important decision for the future of Zerg politics.

>doesn't read quest
>sees these lines
What the hell is going on in here!?

>>15498038
Artisanlord is not a cerebrate.
>>15498048
So some nice porcelain veneers?

>>15498057
We're determining our diplomatic envoy to the reincarnated Khas, what's it look like?

>>15497984
>>15497991
This pact is sealed.

During the days of waiting, Labbrate informs us that the first batch of Terran clones was mostly a success. It doesn't suggest them for breeding stock, because of the 72% rate of what Nargil vindictively calls "flipper babies," but insists that the others are completely ready for regular service as Infested Terrans, and it is sure it can get the success rate up within another few batches.

Artisanlord coordinates with Salem Saberhagen to produce what they believe to be impressive pauldrons, dissimilar enough from those of the Protoss that they will not be recognizably stolen designs.

Pauldronlisk cuts an impressive, if slightly confusing, figure, and Dapperjunior looks well, though its tweed jacket seems a bit less impressive than the original's.

The three days has passed. Our diplomats arrive in space over Aiur. Two dozen carriers and a small support fleet of scouts meet them in orbit, and several observers cross their line of sight.

For a moment, everything is still, and we wonder if we have made a mistake in releasing Khas to his people.

The moment passes, and we receive a message from the lead ship.

"Zerg...representative. We are your escort to the Forum at Damascus, where you will petition for audience from Holy Khas. If you attempt violence, or if more of your kind arrive, we will not hesitate to burn you from the sky and scatter your ashes to the stellar winds."

>>15498141
And good morning to you too.

>>15498057
One of them was a joke.

I like to keep the tone light in this quest, except when the drama turns on. Then it's straight up srs bzns.

Ask some of the regulars about Kingston. Heh heh.

>>15498141
DapperLord Jr: Perish the thought! We are here to talk this out as civilized beings; you have our assurance that we will abide by Lord Khas' requests regarding this meeting.
Pauldronlisk: Mmmm.

>>15498169
>Kingston
I'm disappointed about our recent attitude towards him. It's lost the old 'Fire and Brimstone' that we used to have regarding Kingston. We haven't even worked towards that Colony Drop on Tarsonis we were so adamant about preparing.

>>15498263
Yes well, voidgate made us waste time killing it, and now Khas and UEDyles aren't helping any.

>>15498220
>>15498163
We assure the captain of our goodwill, and we are escorted toward the surface. We notice the scouts in our escort are flying rather aggressively, as if daring us to give them a reason to attack. Gorn thinks Dapperjunior could catch them off-guard and possibly cause a collision. With a bit of help from Cyberbrate, it thinks we could take out two of the carriers.

Cyberbrate reluctantly agrees that this would be possible. Warbrate, Internbrate, Artisanlord, and Wormface are all very against the idea.

>>15498263

Also, we slapped Kingston's shit after he was conned into attacking Shakuras & the bulk of the Protoss' remaining fleet.

But alas, we did not get a chance to build up enough forces to strike decisively at Tarsonis before VoidGate deemed us as unacceptably fleshy. And now we have to deal with Khas and the shadow of the UED and/or Dyles.

>>15498319

Do not take out the carriers. These Protoss might be jackasses, but our purpose here is not to killify them or to cause a horrible freak accident that might annoy Khas.

Proceed with Operation: Diplomacy.

Also, take note of the condition of the Protoss settlements/buildings we encounter on the way to the forum. While they'd likely repair and tidy up everything we're likely to see in an attempt to look intimidating, it's better than blind guessing how they're currently doing under Khas' new rulership.

>>15498319
While I would like to destroy some carriers, I'd rather not have to try to roll bluff Khas again.

>>15498319
No causing an international incident. We're here to negotiate, not to see who can be the bigger jackass.

>>15498388
>>15498397
>>15498421
Gorn whines that diplomacy is boring.

As we approach Damascus, we notice a large pile of Zerg corpses, set ablaze. It's difficult to tell how many, given their condition of decomposition and that they are on fire, but we estimate tens of thousands of bodies. We realize with some discomfort that the pile is situated where the Overmind's form once rested. Protoss on the ground wave and cheer as they see us pass.

The Forum is a large, open auditorium with a stage recessed into the ground, surrounded on all sides by stone seating. Typical of Protoss architecture, it is embellished in many places with small glowing crystals and religious imagery, though it still bears the scars of our occupation. Approximately two-thirds of the structure will have to be replaced if it is to keep from collapsing in the coming decades.

On that stage stands Khas, who is no longer nude, but garbed in a simple purple robe with gold lining. Behind him is a Protoss we have never seen before, with black and white facial coloration, wearing what we recognize as a high-ranking Templar's uniform. Standing at the edge of the stage is a Protoss in zealot armor, blades deactivated.

Several dragoons surround the Forum.

Shall we land?

>>15498571
Yes, we land.

>>15498571
Lets. So, that wouldn't happen to be Tassadar and Fenix would it?

>>15498571

Ask for permission to land, first. Then do so.

>>15498599
>>15498589
>>15498631
Dapperjunior lowers itself to the stage elegantly, its tentacles dangling inches above the surface, and disgorges Pauldronlisk, which slithers forward toward the Protoss.

The zealot's blades come alive, and it shouts, "That's far enough, Zerg!"

Khas raises a hand. "Peace, Steward of the Templar. If blood is to be shed this day, I would have it be shed only for good reason. Welcome to Aiur...or should I say, welcome back? I apologize for the display outside of the city. Many of my brethren do not believe we should be speaking. Young Tassadar, here, is one of those."

>>15498821
Thank Khas for the invatation, and make a comment about understanding that Tassadar might have a personal grudge leftover from the Gantrithor.

>>15498821
>>15498879

This. Also make conciliatory remarks about the whole Aiur thing, if it won't be ill-received.

>>15498879
Tassadar's eyes narrow even further.

"So it was YOU who destroyed the Gantrithor, Cerebrate? Would that only my ship and crew had perished, had it kept you from burning the flesh from across dear Aiur! It is grave sacrilege to tolerate your presence here again!"

His hands clench into fists.

"HIERARCH Tassadar, that is enough," comes the voice of Khas.

We had not heard of Hierarchs before. Perhaps there is a new power structure at work.

Tassadar calms slightly. "Yes, Primarch Khas. I apologize."

>>15498957
Like state that the invasion of Aiur was a terrible tragedy for both our races?

>>15498977
"Yes, and in the same battle I, and my kin were forced by our overmind to do battle with you.
It was a good fight, but the fight is long over."

>>15498977
Nice to see that he looks angry in the picture.

>>15499007
Was Tassadar ever not angry in Starcraft?

>>15499019
When he surrenders to Aldaris.

>>15498979
>>15498977

Yeah. And the whole thing about us being psionically compelled by the Overmind to commit all of the "grave injustices" against the Protoss. And how all of the Swarm was biologically incapable of disobeying the Overmind during that time.

State that we are a new entity and that our forces are also a novel Zerg brood. We do not wish to become the Overmind, nor do we wish to mirror his forceful method of carving a swath of infestation and destruction across the cosmos.

>>15498977
Us, through Dapperlord Jr.: "It was a well-fought battle, Hierarch, and I commend the valor and skill of your crew. However, that war is in the past, and the cerebrate that communicates to you through Junior here is not the same one that fought you on that day."

>>15499049
We're not a new entity, we're trying something new. But affirming that we have no desire to become a new overmind might be worth mentioning.

>It was a good fight, but the fight is long over."

Just popping in to say, man, you guys suck ass at diplomacy.

>>15499042
Well, he might have been letting other emotions in, but I'm pretty sure he was righteously pissed off about the whole ordeal.

>>15499049
>>15499003
>>15498979
We explain about the Overmind's control over the Swarm and quietly neglect to mention our rampant individualism at the time. We acknowledge the valiant battle the Protoss fought, and the sacrifices that were made, and ask that we be recognized as a distinct entity from Father.

"Your skill with oration is great, Cerebrate," says Khas. "If I accept that this Overmind was truly defeated by...What was her name, Fenix?"

"Feneschal, Primarch," the zealot replies. "She paid the ultimate price for Aiur. Some may scorn her decisions, but there can be no doubt that she worked for the good of the First Born!"

"Yes," Khas says, nodding. "Truly, she has become one with the Khala. If I accept that her sacrifice has indeed granted the Zerg with the power of self-determination, then perhaps she has done more than we imagine. Tell me, Cerebrate: how have you made use of your newfound freedom?"

>>15499105
Backseat driver!

>>15499185

I am no backseat driver! I am a backseat cerebrate. My name is ...

BACKSEARABRATE.

Y'all still exert a vacuum at diplomacy.

>>15499171
"We explore, we study. We seek to understand the universe, and what the Xel'Naga envisioned for us. In order to reveal our future, we must understand our past."

>>15499171
Stopped an artificial entity from the terran homeworld form eradicating all life in the sector, trying to remove any rogue zerg that remain, keeping an eye on a parasitic hivemind that may have made its way to the terran homeworld, making entertainment for the terrans, I have rather eclectic tastes it would seem.

>>15499171
Inform him that we have helped and allied with the Jael'Aten.
What should we tell him about VOIDGATE?

>>15499171

Mention of our peaceful overtures toward the Jael'aten. While Khas may not have a high opinion of a heretical sect of Protoss perma-archons, it would show that we are no longer indiscriminately slaughtering protoss and that peaceful co-existence is possible.

Mention that we thoroughly destroyed VoidGate, a hyperadvanced AI of ancient Terran origin that was bent on destroying all organic life in the universe. Who was also building a dangerously unstable Protoss/Terran technological nightmare of a time machine and blower-upper guns.

On another note, we have also been developing a Zerg News Omni-network in the style of the Terran 24-hour news channels, but with many diverse programs for viewers of all ages. We have also been working with other intelligent, distinct Zerg entities in developing cultural works and cultivating our cultural identity (i.e. Artisanlord amusement parks, Artisanlord theatrical works, and his demonstrations about the futility of war).

>>15499231
>>15499231
We had best not mention Voidy. If they knew we were connected it would stir up a chamber pot of shit regarding the people who still might believe in the voidgate prophecy and us killing their savior and then it might also piss them off that we knew voidy and he tried to rip them all off.

Keep it all nice and tame.

We collaborated with the restoration of as many of our brothers as we could, healed the wounds within our ranks and founded a new swarm, and have been working steadily twards our own evolution biologically and spiritually. Maybe add that we have been trying to lend a helping hand to a few dissidents out of good will (jael) and that we have been trying to foster a semblance of kinship with the terrans (Zergtv). That way there are no real lies andwe dont step on any topics that would seem backstabbey or warmongering. We are trying to trick them into thinking we dont want to kill them afterall, and mentioning bad things like voidy wont help that image.

>>15499231
We should only mention the Jael'Aten absentmindedly in passing. Let Khas ask what we're talking about. Then we say that they're worried about being exterminated, and would rather not be.

>>15499227
>>15499230
>>15499231
"I see. My brothers tell me they have been attacked several times, by Terrans, this computer, and by Zerg."

"We even found your spores wriggling within the flesh of Judicators in the Conclave, Zerg!" Tassadar's voice is bold, but he does not shout.

Khas does not give us a moment to reply. "Be that as it may, you have requested the chance to speak with me. Our past grievances will color this meeting, but they shall not govern it. What is it you wish to speak about, Cerebrate? Have you come to declare war?"

>>15499283
I suppose, but VoidGate was hacking into their fleet, and did respond aggressively when we made his hacking a bit more obvious, so I think they don't have a good view of VoidGate. Dysonsphere and moving planets should prove that VoidGate was bad.

>>15499283

We still need to show that we aren't weak, but yeah. The VoidGate stuff might still be a sore spot for them...

Still, mention our Jael'aten peaceful overtures, Zerg TV, and the cultural developments of the Zerg (i.e. Artisanlord's plays and monuments and that one amusement park for Zerg of all sizes).

>>15499311
Those spores are not ours, while we can not say to speak for our sister, We believe that she will honor any peace we broker. There is, however, a brood that can only be describe as depraved. We've been trying to prevent it from attacking others.

>>15499311
"I am sure that, as the two Children of the Xel'Naga, that there is much that we could learn from one another, if we negotiate. Can there be a peace between us?"

Also lets add, (a+b)/a=a/b=phi. Have Khas ponder that for a second.

>>15499311
"That is not my intention, even if several of my now free minded brothers even now foam with desire for bloodshed. However, I am not they. I am the heart of the new swarm, and I do not have the same objectives as the old swarm. Rather I have sent these emmisaries in an attempt to sow the seeds of compassion and reason between us for there can be no bridge between our races if no effort to show kindness can be made. I see that it is not entirely your kinds intention to keep peace either khas, I see how among the protoss as well free will comes at the price of dissent. The protoss are not entirely different from we zerg now."

Etc.ect. Whatever else people want to take out, add in with this.

Just wanted to not be a backseatcerebrate and contribute to make better diplomacy and make Backseatcerebrate feel bad.

>>15499311

I'm thinking that we should, at the very least, ask for a cessation of hostilities between Khas' faction of protoss and our brood. We need some breathing room, and a non-aggression pact between us and the 'toss would go a long way towards that.

We might also want to warn them about the UED. We know that they have established outposts within the Korpulu sector; any forces that Earth sends will likely overshadow anything that the combined forces of the Terrans can muster. Perhaps we should also warn Khas of the Dyles entity, and that it may have already spread amongst the Terrans?

If we can convince them that this threat is bigger than the Zerg (and it is), then it might open up a path to future co-operation with the Protoss, and perhaps direct the strongest enemy we're likely to have in the future on a crash course with the Protoss.

>>15499383
(I'm relatively sure that you can simplify that to a + b = a, at which point b must equal zero...right? I'm not great at maths)

>>15499402
I read the Khas entry on the wiki, and wouldn't you know it he solves the super secret Xel'Naga code, also know as the golden ratio, (a+b)/a=a/b=phi. Though I suppose psi=(1+ sqrt(5))/2 could work better.

>>15499441
Ah. That. Well, then.

Anyway, no maths. If I see so much as a stray logarithm, shit's going down.

>>15499398
>>15499400
So, we're asking for peace?

>>15499515
Ithought that was the whole point of this.

>>15499537
Hell, you guys have changed your minds mid-way through an action before. You could decide to kill Tassadar, for all I know.

>>15499515

More or less. Perhaps also establish a formal meeting point for negotiations so we don't have to send Zerg at random protoss outposts in order to communicate with Khas.

Also mention the looming threat of the UED and the worrying nature of the Dyles entity. You know, the whole taking over humans and making them able to engage in melee combat with Zerg units and not get gibbed 1 second later, and that they can more or less re-animate biological entities that are too far gone for Zerg regeneration to heal them. And that Dyles may have already begun infiltrating the UED and possibly the Confederacy.

How about a NAP? An alliance is too far, and will likely put us under more scrutiny anyway.

>>15499589

A non-aggression pact would be a good starting point. Which is what I think the peace thing was about anyway; we can't expect to be holding hands with the 'toss and singing song with them right off the bat.

Khas seems distressed when we describe Dyles, though Tassadar does not appear to believe a word of it. The two step aside and debate with one another in private. Fenix eyes Pauldronlisk menacingly.

After what seems like an eternity, the Protoss return.

"Hierarch Tassadar and I have discussed your request. We cannot agree to an alliance at this time. However, in light of your friendly relations with the wayward Jael'Aten, and your unprecedented civility today, we will agree to a pact of non-aggression, for now. Aiur requires time to rebuild...and, if your claims concerning this...Dyles creature are true, there may not be time for petty vengeance. As a condition of this pact, we ask that you provide us with all the information you have concerning the UED and this Dyles parasite. When it has been verified, perhaps we may speak again."

Tassadar and Khas turn to leave, and Fenix reluctantly steps away from the stage.

Pauldronlisk and Dapperjunior are escorted away.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/15496936/

And wow, you guys didn't go monkeyshit homicidal crazy on ANYBODY tonight! moot must be putting subliminal messages in the Captcha again.

24(alchemical symbol) onisedi, indeed, sir.

I'll see you guys all next week! Until then, have a link to a fun little game on the house.

http://www.atrianglemorning.com/games//00001.php

You can avoid the manticore by following the subtle clues!

>>15499635
Kum-ba-yah, Adun, Kum-ba-yah...

>>15499745
ALL THOSE WHO WOULD SING THAT SONG WILL BURN IN HOLY NUCLEAR FIRE!

>>15499795
Mama's little baby loves zerglin', zerglin'!
Mama's little baby loves zerglin' rush!

No mention of ZergWorld? WHAT IS THIS?

>>15499893
Nobody asked.

Also, this is my Captcha. I must now rewatch Powerthirst.

>>15499951
But you could have made some mention of it in the description of Aiur.....I still want to crash that bitch into tarsonis.

We ought to engineer some kind of anti-dyles plague, considering they are just neural parasites with a hivemind after all. Not mutate them, mind you. More like kill them.