>>24014730
"Rho? W-what are you doing!?"

>>24014730
Go back to sleep. If that doesn't work, then go play Futurecraft.

>I'm not going to be around to suggest it, but we need to talk to Alex.

>>24014793
Yeah, that seems like an important thing.

>>24014730
> AI are programmed, taking painstaking effort for tens of years (Or, recently, the AI known as Rust was created in merely three years) in order to develop true self-awareness, and they're unable to change their own source code.
then what did Omni do to it's self we it was reprograming it's self?

>>24014793
Yeah we could do that. Ask him why's he leaving at that kind of stuff.

We really need to cut back on power use for a while. Just let our brain heal and all.

>>24014820
Omni is clearly special.

"Rho?" You ask "Wh-what are you doing?"

The sleeping girl didn't respond.
you seek out your surroundings, trying to figure out where you are...
Ah, the medbay. You're in the medbay. Which makes sense- Kailynn wanted to do more scans on you, and wanted to make sure you were near the medical equipment. The room was empty, except for you, Einstein, Rho, and-
"She appeared sometime last night, and crawled into bed." Omnissiah said, from the shelf next to Einstein. "She mumbled something about Sigma. I believe you resemble her."

>>24014820
He's not a UPA AI, so his hardware and software are completely different from anything the tip of the day describes.

>>24014820
Science, of course.
Besides he's from Demiurg origins.

>>24014793
He's the one guy we've spent no significant amount of time with since the incident at Burer's Glyph and that is terrible. He's supposed to be our best friend. Maybe we can confide in him the dream and get his take on it?

Also, seeing Kailynn should be a pretty top priority right after Alex. After what Damien flashed us last thread, we need to find out the extent of what is happening to us.

>>24014793
I agree, he's seemed depressed lately and, dull though he may be, he's still our bro.

>>24014873
Well he got kind of depressed after Heather flatly stated that "Yeah, we're just friends. Just. Friends. It'd be weird if we weren't Just. Friends."

>>24014850
"Maybe Sigma is something like a sister to her. If she's so willing to cuddle up to me...Poor thing, probably just misses her a lot."

>>24014886
That was a really rude way to put how Heather felt about him. It comes off as 'SORRY KID YOU AIN'T GOT NO CHANCE IN HELL, SCRUB.' when really, Heather probably feels like he's more of a brother despite their distance. Couldn't hurt to give the guy a shot though.

>>24014850
"I hope they have purely 'Just friends' relationship. And I think I should pay a visit to Alex. Nobody has to know, that understood Siah?"

>>24014850
Muss her hair a little, see if anyone else is up with telepathy.

Message Alex about our dream, and why he's leaving.

>>24014850

might be dangerous to extract our self from her grasp.

then again, she might get startled when she wakes up, which is also dangerous.

>devourer said something like "that's two." which is freaking me the fuck out.

seems to me like Alex isn't really making any progress, so maybe thats why he's leaving.

"Maybe Sigma is something like a sister to her," You say, and ruffle her hair. "If she's so willing to cuddle up to me... Poor thing, probably just misses her a lot."
"Perhaps." Omnissiah responded. You pull up your personacom, and send a message to Alex.

"You look troubled." Omnissiah said. "Seeing you troubled is a bad thing. Is there a way I can help?"
After a few minutes waiting for a response, you sighed, and closed your eyes, reaching out with telepathy. You find Sarvesh in your workshop, working. Damien was half-conscious, having woken up sometime during the night, but he was just falling back asleep. And finally... Epsilon, walking along the outside of the station.
You don't think he's wearing a suit.

>>24015007
<Epsilon, it's Heather. Have you picked a new name yet?>

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>>24015007
Epsilon don't give a shit. Epsilon does what Epsilon wants.

>>24015007
"Not at the moment, though I appreciate your concern."

>>24015007
<Hi Eeps.>
<I... don't know, Omni. I had a bad dream of a vision.>

<Epsilon, it's Heather.> You say. <Have you picked a new name yet?>
<I was thinking Luther, like my genetic parent.> Epsilon responded. You could tell it was really difficult for him to do so, taking quite a lot of effort. If it weren't for you holding up the connection, he wouldn't have been able to speak telepathically- even if he was touching you. <But I'm not certain. I'm relatively certain that Rho wants to keep her name, though.>
"Not at the moment, Omni." You say aloud. "Though I appreciate your concern."
"If you do need something, simply ask. I... don't like some things, now, and seeing a friend unhappy is one of them."

>>24015007
<THIS is what you do when you cant sleep?>

>>24015090
<Maybe we can convince her to pick something similar, like Rosie.>

>>24014820
>They can't change themselves, have character development, grow emotionally
>They're just one static personality for ever
Huh. Would you even classify that as a person?

>>24015090

"I'm glad you think of me as a friend, that makes me feel a bit better."

>>24015090
<What are you doing outside if it's so straining to be there anyway?>

>>24015142
>They can change, they just can't *deliberately* reprogram themselves. It's all subconscious to them, so to speak.

"I'm glad you think of me as a friend," You say. "That makes me feel a bit better."
"I erased all of my memories from when I was giving myself emotions, so that things like this would be a pleasant surprise." Omnissiah said. "I was... surprised to find myself thinking of you as a friend. But I suppose you are."

<Maybe we can convince her to pick something similar, like Rosie.>
<Convince? Rho? Pfyeah, as if.> He said.
<So this is what you do when you can't sleep?>
<Yep. You can see me? Or, er, feel me? Or whatever the term is? Yeah, I used to do this all the time at the station we grew up in.> Epsilon said. <Probably why I was able to learn to do it in my sleep.>

>>24015217
It's easy for him to be there. It's straining for him to respond to telepathy. They can't do *anything* outside of their specialisation, remember?

>>24015217
It's not straining for him to be there, it's straining him to tp

>>24015230
<Well, it -is- how basic telepathy works.>

>>24015230
<Challenge accepted.>

>>24015230
<I am a thoroughly decent telepath, nowhere near as good as Jilly, but I'm competent.

You and the others seem to be absurdly good at one thing but can't do anything else, remember, the only restrictions on what you can do are self-imposed."

>>24015230
<Mind giving me a lesson how to do it? Not now I mean but sometime.>

>>24015246
>>24015247
Yeah, but I thought we'd range-telepathied him before?

>>24015230
well technopathy is a subset of telepathy

<Well, it *is* how basic telepathy works.> You say. <I'm a thoroughly decent telepath. Nowhere near as good as Jilly, but I'm competent.>
<Oh, alright, then.> He said, staring out into the stars. <... I probably should have brought sunglasses or something, if I intended on coming out here. The sun's a bit too bright for me.>
<You and the others seem to be absurdly good at one thing, but can't do anything else.> You say.
<That's essentially how it works, yes.>
<Remember, the only restrictions on what you can do are self-imposed.>
<Not in my experience.> Epsilon said. <I've tried various things. Machine affinity, teleportation, or creating generic objects like Delta. Nothing really worked.>
You felt him shrug.
<You think up any names for me?> He asked.

>>24015377
<How do you like Julian?>

>>24015377
><I've tried various things. Machine affinity, teleportation, or creating generic objects like Delta. Nothing really worked.>
probably because those are advanced applications of the basic powers. like "Machine affinity" is a sub set of telepathy

>>24015377
"Absolom?"

>>24015377
Issac

>>24015377
<You are very pale.... hmmm what about Mort? Like short for Mortifer.>

>Also I think we should see Alex asap.

>>24015447
Doubling the Isaac one.
Maybe Edward? Martin?

>>24015377
"Orjan Gregers!"

>>24015377
Johnathan

Ennis. Keeps the E and sounds danged fancy.

<How do you like Julian? Absolom? Isaac? Mort? Short for Mortifer. Edward? Martin? Johnathan? Orjan Gregers! Ennis?>
<Mort? Absolom? Orjan? Pff, remind me never to ask you for a name. Isaac's good, though. And Ennis. I like those two,> He said, and you felt him stretch, soaring down toward the airlock. <I am a bit peckish, though. Might coast by the cafeteria. Want to come with?>

I think we should go talk to Alex.

>>24015512
<Since nobody else's awake, and I can't sleep either...Yeah I do want to come.>

>>24015512
<I've got a lovely girl currently locked around me right now. If you want my company, you'll have to bring the food to me.>

>>24015495
>>24015512
BOOYAH BAYBEE

>>24015512
<I'll be there in a moment. I just have to disentangle myself from Rho first.>

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69 KB PNG

>>24015535

>>24015535
this

>>24015512
<I'd love to meet you there, but I've got a sleeping Rho attached to me. Mind bringing me some food?>

>>24015512
<I'd love to...Unless you know an ancient yet secret martial arts technique for releasing a young girl's grasp on you without waking her from slumber. In short, Rho's clinging on, so, maybe come and help me with that and I'll come with you to get a bite to eat?>

How old does Rho look, anyway?

>>24015622
>According to what you picked up from her implant, she'd been artificially aged to 16 years old- but she looks almost fourteen or so. She's impossibly tiny.

<I've got a lovely girl currently locked around me right now,> You say. <If you want my company, you'll have to bring the food to me.>
<... It's Rho, isn't it?>
<I've got a sleeping Rho attached to me.> You say.
<Yeah, sure,> He said. <Wow, you guys get actual food. I'm used to these green and brown ration cubes every few days. I have no idea what to get, so I'll just figure it out.>

Some time later, Epsilon came in, bowls of cereal making their way in.
"Hooray for credit points." He said, one of the bowls soaring into your hand. "And television."

>>24015670
"Cereals? Good choice."

>>24015670
>If Alex walks and sees us he will not leave after the trip. He will leave immediately
"You only ate the green and brown stuff? Oh poor soul. You're like Anna! Except for she liked it."

>>24015710
and nothing of value was lost, he is a little bitch

also say this.

>>24015670
>I'm used to these green and brown ration cubes every few days
> that doctor
> inb4 it was the continuation of the program that built anna
those fiends

"You only ate the green and brown stuff? Oh, poor soul. You're like Anna! Except for she liked it."
"Who the hell would like that crap?" He asked. "I think they fed it to us specifically so that we'd want to earn more credits and be able to buy real food."

With a relaxed sigh, he sat down on a chair that wasn't there, and started to eat.
"Nobody sane would like that. Cereal's good, though. It's my favorite."

>>24015670
"Cereal, nice.

So, apparently I remind Rho of Sigma. Poor girl, she's so tiny, you're just compelled to try and protect and comfort her."

>>24015759
"Have you ever had bacon?"

>>24015670
"I have a friend who lived off the green and brown stuff too she's been going through everything systematically..."

"this kid really is adorable; she seems to be missing someone though, I need to get better so I can fry the rest of your friends implants..."

>>24015710
>I don't think it's that severe, but he's asleep right now anyway and I think it's a good solid note that we need to go talk to him face-to-face as soon as he's up and just spend some time with the dude.
"Haha, that's what Anna was doing when she was first here too. Try some bacon and eggs tomorrow for breakfast. OH! And definitely, definitely, definitely a burger at lunch with french fries."

>>24015759
have you tried waffles, koyaki, bacon, or steak yet?

(look at little rho)
"this kid really is adorable; she seems to be missing someone though, I need to get better so I can fry the rest of your friends implants..."

>>24015759
"Your favourite? But you haven't had Waffles have you? Or pancakes? Or pancakes with waffles. Or Waffles with bacon. Or Waffles with Pancakes and Bacon."

>>24015759
"Wait until you test Bacon! It's so greasy and tasty! Or do you prefer healthy food?"

>>24015803
I don't think Heather would consider doing it as she did last time. She nearly killed herself doing it for Rho.

>>24015829
true, but I meant it to imply that we bring them here courtesy of rho and zap them at point blank

>>24015829
Well for the rest we wait until we feel better and either use the isolation chamber or have Rho teleport them to us.

>>24015846
Oh, that wasn't really clear (kinda at all, really) from what you said. Though wouldn't it be better for Rho to take us directly to them so, in case they turn out not so legit, they don't know where the Academy is?

"Your favorite? But you haven't had waffles, have you? Or pancakes? Or pancakes with waffles. Or waffles with bacon. Or waffles with pancakes and bacon."
"I've had all three. Bacon's the best of those, but..." He said. "Cereal's my favorite."
You nod, and look down at Rho. "This kid really is adorable. She seems to be missing someone, though. I need to get better so I can fry the rest of your friends' implants..."
"... Family." He said, and chuckled. "We're closer to family, not friends. Though the only blood we share is the transgenes, we're still family."

>>24015893
"You got any ideas for Sigma's? You said technopathy wouldn't work on that one."

>>24015893
"wish I could help more but gotta rest so my brain don't break "

>>24015874
if rho snatches them then they don't really have a frame of reference to get to and back to the academy.

>>24015893
noted and good point; although at this rate I'm going to have to redesign my ship AGAIN to accommodate all these new people

>>24015893
"Can Rho just teleport the pieces out now?"

We need to go check out Jilly. She linked with Epsilon last thread and was shown to be mad in the vision, which didn't seem to have any indication of a void queen attack.

I'm very hesitant about trusting these people.

"You got any ideas for Sigma's? You said technopathy wouldn't work on that one."
"We get theta first," He said. "He can disable his own creations from a distance."
"Can Rho just teleport the pieces out, now?"
"I don't think so." He said, and ruffled her hair. She clung to you more tightly. "She doesn't have the best control moving things, unless she's touching them. She'd need to touch the implant with her bare hand to move it without moving the rest."
"Wish I could help more." You say. "But I have to rest, so my brain doesn't break."
"It's fine." He said. "You've already helped more than I had any right to ask."

>>24015893
"Fair enough. Family is what you choose it to be. Any clever suggestions for dealing with Sigma's implant? Will Rho be able to grab them and bring them here easily?"

Make sure to take our pills. Also pet the tiny girl a bit.

>>24015985
"Okay then, how about moving you without the pieces?"

>>24015985
Take a pill.
"Well since two of you are free now, you could work on liberating the others, couldn't you?"

>>24016035
They need someone to turn off the implants, us. Because neither of them can really do it for the others, at least not gently or without a full operating suite. And I don't want to try to drag Psions into an OR if they might be uncooperative about it due to the implant.

You take a pill, and then ruffle Rho's hair.
She mumbled Sigma's name.
"Well, since two of you are free now, you could work on liberating the others, couldn't you?" You ask.
"That's what I intend to do." He said. "Though I'm not sure how I can take on Theta myself. He's... very good at incapacitating people. Worse than the implants, almost. I suppose I could take away all of his air until he passed out, but his range is just as long as mine. It would honestly be better if we could get your help."

>>24016097
"Once I feel better I'll hit the isolation chamber and deactivate the implants so Rho can bring them in. I'm wary about Rho teleporting them in before they're deactivated."

>>24016097
"Well I could do it the same way I did it with you but... I need to recover first."

>>24016097
"I dunno. This is the second time in a row this has happened. I'm not sure my brain can handle anything more."

>>24016161
This, except replace 'better' with 'made a full recovery.'

>>24016097
"I think Damien would kill me if I tried another long-range disable. Rho will have to take me close."

>>24016180
>not sure my brain can handle
BAH.
It is for SCIENCE and FRIENDS, we shall do it.
And if we're damaged, we shall be AUGMENTED.

>>24016097
well it would seem rho has a longer range than he does; if we tag-team him it might work

or we could just bring our antipsion and he could nullify anything thrown at him...

>>24016227
>And if we're damaged, we shall be AUGMENTED
How does that work? Cut out our brain and stuff Omni in there?

"I dunno." You say. "This is the second time in a row this has happened. I'm not sure my brain can handle anything more."
"As long as Rho and I stay here, we'll be safe." Epsilon said. "Lambda can't see this place."
He finished up his cereal, and stretched.
"Just... take as long as you need." He said.
"Once I've made a full recovery, I'll hit the isolation chamber, and deactivate the implants so Rho can bring them in," You say.
He nodded. "Thank you, again." He said.
"I heard my name." Rho suddenly said, and sat up, eyes bleary.
"Wait, what am I doing here? This isn't where I went to sleep! You!" She turned to you. "You kidnapped me!"
Epsilon handed her a third bowl of cereal.
"... Oh. It's breakfast," She said, and started to eat. "Morning."
"Morning." Epsilon said. There was... something strange about how the two spoke to one another.

>>24016237
Alex has no way to shield us though. He'd have to go in and knock Theta out on his own. And Theta could make himself scarier than Devourer.

>>24016293
"Hello! How are you feeling?"

>>24016293
"Morning! I hope you slept well!"

>>24016296
but he'd make an excellent distraction to someone whose never met him before

"">>24016293
"you two alright?"

>>24016293
"I'm sorry Radi, but Pirate King Heather doesn't do kidnappings. You could ask Pirate Queen Anna though."

"Morning! I hope you slept well!"
She just grumbled to herself.
"How are you feeling?"
"Hungry," She said. "An' I can't eat when you make me talk."
She took a mouthful of cereal. The girl was expressive- you could tell she was trying to pout angrily, but couldn't help but grin at the cereal. Was it really that good?

"Eh, don't mind her." Epsilon said. "Rho gets grumpy. When she just wakes up."
"You get grumpy too." Rho said.
"I've never been grumpy!"
"Grump."
"Brat."
"Pervert."
"Uh... brat."
"Lout. And you already used that one." Rho said, and grinned up at him.
"... Brat."

>>24016408
"I'm caught in the crossfire of a horrible conflict."

>>24016408
<Try 'lass'> to Eeps

>>24016408
(glance at Luther)
"pervert eh? keep it in your pants round here or you might find trouble..." (then giggle a little)

"also that isn't very nice; he brought you breakfast in bed."

>>24016408
(eat cereal) <of course you can talk and eat at the same time>

>>24016408
<Try complimenting her>
"What was your dream about by the way? Because when I woke up you were cuddling to me saying something about 'Sigma'"

>>24016408
"I'm making you talk, eh?"

>>24016479
This.

>>24016293
"It's good to see you're in high spirits. Piece of advice from an expert, Summer is the best cuddler here if you need some snuggles, she's very soft.

I'll introduce you to everyone in a bit."

>>24016436
<Shortstack. Rugrat.>

"I'm making you talk, eh?" You ask.

The girl shot you a withering glare, and angrily took another spoonful of cereal. Epsilon laughed- this was the first time you'd heard him laugh. He did it with his entire voice, his head thrown back, almost full-on cackling.

<And of course you can talk and eat at the same time,> You say, taking a spoonful of your own food.
"No fair, I can't do that." She said.
"It's good to see you're in high spirits," You say, and she shot you another glare. "I'll introduce you to everyone in a bit."
"Why would I want a kidnapper to introduce me?" She asked. "And I don't even know your name, chicky."

>>24016565
"Well, little tyke, you never asked."

>>24016565
"Pirate Queen Heather of the Psionic Salty Dogs, Dread Lord of the Space Seas, at your service."

>>24016565
"But you came here of your own volition, no? And I'm Heather! Very pleased to meet you!"

>>24016588
This, also
"I'll have you know that it was you who attempted to cop a feel, m'lday."

>>24016565
"My name is Heather, and I didn't kidnap you. I'm stuck in a hospital bed."

>>24016565
"Wha- no one told you? It's Heather! And I didn't kidnap you, you were already here when I woke up."

>>24016565
"I didn't kidnap anyone! All I did was turn off your implant. You came here all on your own."

>>24016588
>Queen
Anna's the Queen, we're the King

>>24016588
Yaaargh, I second the motion.

>>24016565
>>24016565
"HEY I'm no kidnapper; you brought your own self here; I just fried your brain tech; besides the only involved people were Jilly Eps and I"

>>24016588
Oh my fucking god. This.
Also:
"You are the one who get into MY BED, after you teleported on OUR SPACE STATION!"

>>24016600
Pirate King Heather, and this.

>>24016588 here

>>24016637
>>24016651
Seconding these two. I goofed.

>>24016648
Nah, that's a little too harsh. Be a little more gentle

>>24016588
>>24016600
2nded

"But you came here of your own volition, no?"
"That's what happens when a big voice bursts into your head." She said.
"I'm Pirate King Heather of the psionic salty dogs, dread lord of the space seas at your service." You say.
"I'm Rho, and I could spread your constituent atoms across the entire galaxy." She responded.
"Also, you're the one who got into my bed." You say.
She sat up. "Well, I went into the room the dog said I could sleep in, and then when I woke up, I was here. There's no reason that would happen, unless you kidnapped me!"
"... You sleep teleported. Again." Epsilon said. "Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out."
"But why would I teleport here! I only ever do that to... " She said, and then appraised you. "Well, you do kind of look like Sigma... Except for the skin and hair color... and you have bigger breasts."

>>24016648
Yeah dude, >>24016666 has it right. Rho's not taking us to court or anything. To say that would be a severe overreaction.

>>24016685
"Why thank you."

>>24016685
Thanks.
Do you sleep teleport often?

>>24016685
"You like my breasts? Well then I suggest you get in line, because you're not the only one."

>>24016685
...it would not at all surprise me to learn that Sigma is Heather's (half) sister.

>>24016685
"And I could compress your constituent atoms into a ball the size of a grape, but that's beside the point."

>>24016685
"uh...thank you..."

"I can also talk to computers like her"

"also I'm an invalid right now it's not like I could go and get you"

>>24016685

>>24016744
i like this one

>>24016732
Or rather, Sigma was grown from a relative of Heather's.

>>24016744
Ha, this.

>>24016744
2nded

>>24016685
"Well, uh. Good to know? I guess?"
Appear awkward.
"So, gonna go out on a limb, but Sigma and you were probably close, huh?" (to which I mean imply close in a familial way, not anything more.)

>>24016685
"Well I guess that's saying something, considering I've heard her referred to as "The one with the breasts" before."

>>24016759
Specifically, her mother, I'm thinking. Think about it. Unless I'm misremembering, she looks a lot like her Mom, but has her Dad's tits.

"And I could compress your constituent atoms into a ball the size of a grape, but that's beside the point. Do you sleep teleport often?"
"No."
"Yes you do." Epsilon said.
"So, gonna go out on a limb, but Sigma and you were probably close, huh?"
"Mhm." Rho responded. She wasn't acting hostile for once. In fact, for a moment... she looked like she just missed her sister.
Someone knocked on the door, and Rho jumped.
You felt Sarvesh outside of the door, waiting for someone to respond.

>>24016744
yes

>>24016819
"come on in Sarvesh and meet the new kids"

>>24016819
"Come in, Sarvesh!"

>>24016832
yes. 2nded.

>>24016819
"It's open!"

>>24016819
welcome sarvesh join the breakfast party

>>24016819
"Come on in, Sarvy!"

>>24016819
Hug Rho, mess with her hair a bit. "Don't worry sweetheart. We'll get her back and rescue her as well.

Sarvesh, you can come in, the door is open."

Introduce Rho to Sarvesh.

>>24016819
<As soon as I'm better from the little stunt I pulled with getting the Devourer to back off and then frying your implants, I'm gonna do the same for the rest of your family.>

You pull Rho into a hug, and she struggled to get out of your grasp.
"Don't worry, sweetheart." You say. "We'll get her back and rescue her as well."
"We better." She responded, and finally let you hug her- so you ruffled her hair.
"It's open!" you call. "Come on in, Sarvy!"
"I'm not even going to try to open it." Sarvesh said. "It would be a waste of time."

Instead, Sarvesh simply Appeared inside, with a flash of blue light.
"You can do that too?"
Sarvesh nodded. Rho broke loose of you, and then reached up and started touching his face, sticking her fingers between Sarvesh's mandibles, and pushing on one of the cheek flaps that served as Sarvesh's nose.
"... Hello." Sarvesh said- or tried to say, though the buzzing and clicking was very muffled, with Rho's hand in his mouth.
"I've never seen an alien before." She said. "Your eyes are weird."

>>24016906
Giggle. Just. Giggle.

>>24016906
"Someone's eager."

>>24016906
"guys this is sarvesh; sarvesh this is Epsilon whom I've met before, and thats Rho who teleported in yesterday"

"I felt you in my workshop earlier Sarvesh, can I ask what you've been up to?"

>>24016906
Look at the sight of the tiny girl poking the giant crab. Start giggling.

"Sarvesh meet Rho. Rho meet Sarvesh. And I thought I was overly curious when we first met."

>>24016906
"If you've never met any alien before I'll give you a tip: A hand in mouth is not the way how to greet them."

>>24016906

"you can't go around and do that to a persons face, the least you could to is ask."

>>24016906
"You can teleport anywhere and you've never gone to see an alien planet?"

"Guys, this is Sarvesh." You say, giggling. "Sarvesh, this is Epsilon whom I've met before, and that's Rho who teleported in yesterday."
"Hello." Sarvesh said again.
"How come you're talking in buzzes and clicks and I can still understand you?"
"Telepathy."
"Do you all have telepathy?"
"We do, yeah."

You continue giggling. "Rho, if you've never met any alien before, I'll give you a tip. A hand in mouth is not the way how to greet them."
"Well, I'll be fair." Rho said, still investigating Sarvesh's face. "I'd let him stick his hand analogues whereever he wants, if he's curious about humans."

There was a pause.
"... You could have chosen better words for that." Epsilon said.
"What? Why?" Rho said. Then she thought about it, turned red, and teleported out of the room with a plume of black smoke.

"... That was interesting." Sarvesh said.

>>24017098
"Yep. When does everyone want to set off, Sarvesh? I might try practicing a little bit of TK before we leave."

>>24017098

>so pure.

"sorry you had to experience that, i believe she's a good kid."

Yes. She is. I like her!

>>24017098
glggle...let it build into a laugh...control it then reach out with our mind.

"oh, do come back you've left your cereal behind; and you needn't worry about Sarvesh he's a gentleman and he won't bring any of that up with anyone"

>>24017098
Just collapse on the bed laughing.

"So, what brings you here Sarvy, aside from unintentionally leading girls into saying embarrassing things."

>>24017098
<Rho, honey, find me when you want to meet the others. And maybe think about what you say before you say it.>

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>>24017132
Confirmed

>>24017098
"Hehehe, she was bit more 'hands on' than I was, huh Sarvesh?"

>>24017191
teehee
seconded

Hey Exabyte, thread 31 was archived on sup/tg/ numbered 23. Just a heads up, but you probably already know.

>>24017230
>Oh, damnit, I didn't realize until now.

<Who, honey, find me when you want to meet the others.> You say, reaching out toward her. You struggle not to giggle. <And maybe think about what you say before you say it.>

She somehow shot you a withering glare through the connection. And then a plume of smoke grabbed her bowl of cereal, as well.

You giggle, and lay back on the bed. "Hehehe, she was a bit more 'hands on' than I was, huh Sarvesh?"
"... A little." He said. One of his lower arms reached up and fussed with one of his cheek flaps, itching at it. "Not that I mind."
"So, what brings you here, Sarvy? Aside from unintentionally leading girls into saying embarrassing things."
"I just came to visit." He said. "And I was up anyway. Sensed you were, decided to come by."

>>24017281
"so what were you up to down in the workshop?"

>what day is it again?
"is everyone ready for the beach today/tomorrow/etc."

>>24017281
"Thanks Sarv. Mind giving me a hand up. I can't just sit around in bed all day."

We should probably move around some, get dressed for the day, and of course hug Sarvesh.

>>24017319
2nded

>>24017281
"Yeah, turns out passing out early isn't conducive to a sleeping-cycle synchronized with most people here."

"Thanks, Sarv." You say. "Mind giving me a hand up? I can't just sit around in bed all day."

He nodded and held out a pincer. You grabbed ahold of it, and he pulled you up to your feet.
You hadn't touched his intact upper arm before. The carapace there was thick, but segmented, and you felt the muscle beneath quiver. You'd thought that Sarvesh's legs were the most powerful part of him, able to carry his bulk, but they seemed like noodles compared to the raw power in his upper arm.
"So what were you up to, down in the workshop?"
"Working on my cybernetics." He said. "It still isn't good enough."

"Hello. I'm Epsilon. Or maybe Isaac. Or Ellis. Or Ennis. I haven't decided yet."
"Sarvesh, is my name." Sarvesh said.

>>24017469
>Poke the magnificent arm

>>24017469
>>24017493
"...and here I was thinking the legs were the strongest part of a body..."

" "

>>24017469
Don't make any move to let go of Sarvesh.

"What part of it is lacking? Maybe I can help you with it. I'm pretty good at this sort of thing."

>>24017469
Isaac is the best.

>>24017469
"Who else have you met so far, Eps?"

>>24017469
Yo, Exabyte, did Jilly have her mouth in our dream?

>>24017469
THIS IS MY FAPPING ARM.

>>24017469
"Einstein ,my devious asistant, what time is it?"

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>>24017539

>>24017545
speaking of that horrid overlay, lets change it to a Jeeves/English Butler skin

"And here I was, thinking the legs were the strongest part of a body..." You say, still hanging onto Sarvesh's arm.
"My people evolved fighting eachother, and rather large predators." He said. "We didn't win against the predators because we were sapient tool users, but because we were very, very strong. When you can throw a Banthrez*z a hundred feet away into a boulder, things learn not to bother you. I think most of the creatures ended up near extinction, by the time we developed cloning."

You think back to your dream... and no. No, Jilly didn't have a mouth in your dream.
Then you move to Sarvesh's other arm, the cybernetic one, examining it.
"What part of it is lacking? Maybe I can help you with it. I'm pretty good at this sort of thing."
"Fine controls, mostly." Sarvesh said. "It's working like very sluggish heavy machinery." He said.
That's because it is heavy machinery, you think to yourself. It was essentially a military exoskeleton with pincers strapped on.

"Einstein, what time is it?"
"Six thirty AM! The perfect time for our deeeeevious plans."
You nod. "Who else have you met so far, Eps?"
"Uh, I've met Jilly, Sarvesh, and Damien." Epsilon said. "And that other girl that was with you back on the station, though she probably gave me a fake name like you did."

>>24017602
No, devious is fun!

>>24017660
"That'd be Anna! Let's go find her!"

I agree with >>24017602
a Jeeves/Jarvis/Alfred type skin would be better
>>24017665
"devious" is boring when nothing truly devious is going on

>>24017660
Let's warn Anna first before we go show her him.
Telepathy go!

>>24017660
"Oh that was Anna! Maybe you can have Green stuff eating competition!"

>>24017660
"That would be Anna. You ought to run into everyone else in short order. There aren't too many of us here."

Then try talking to Sarvesh's arm, see if we can't convince it to be more precise and responsive.

>>24017660
that's Anna; you might want to be careful around here till you meet her officially; she might have missed the memo.

"well Sarvesh you might try building a new one from the ground up and replacing it."

>>24017660
Let's NOT tell him her name. Remember how pissed she got last time?

Email Summer's councilor asking if there have been any developments into power limiters. God knows we could use one while we heal.

>>24017660
Exa, what's the construction of the military exoskeleton? Maybe we can do some modifications..?

>>24017660
"Ah, yes I suspect she may be fairly cold to you when you meet. Call it a hunch."

>>24017796
Aw shit.
2nded

"Ah, yes, I suspect she may be fairly cold to you when you meet." You say. "Call it a hunch. You might want to be careful around here until you meet her officially. She might have missed the memo."
"I got a message from Max about him and Rho." Sarvesh said. "And the message said that everyone got one. Even her."
You nod, and go back to examining Sarvesh's cybernetic arm. "Well, Sarvesh, you might try building a new one from the ground up and replacing it."
"Maybe." Sarvesh responded. His lower arms raised up, and unscrewed the entire arm from his shoulder.

You were suddenly carrying a very heavy thirty pound cybernetic arm. You slung it onto your bed with a huff.
Sarvesh seemed to be laughing at you.

"Einstein, activate Butler personality." You say.
"Ah, of course, Madam Leery." Einstein said, his voice as posh as could be.

>>24017861
...

>>24017861
aND then sarvesh was a zombie~~

>>24017861
Urgot? Well... I kinda did picture him like that
>Hey Exa! That irc of yours keeps falling for me! What do?

>>24017873
Take arm. Toddle to the workshop in a huff. Send Einstein to fetch icecream. It'll be funny for everyone else, at worst.

>>24017913
We have TK.

>>24017918
We're also healing from brain injuries from using our powers.

>>24017898
Looks like its on your end. Its working fine for me.

>>24017949
we're only getting brain injuries from our hard to use powers, heather is ever good a TK and the arm isn't far away

>>24017918
Let's not push it with the powers when we've just narrowly avoided becoming a vegetable.

>>24017873
Were still physically strong, so heft it up.

"to the workshop!"
The beat place for heather to recover

>>24017873
"lets get to packing for that trip off station"

"then we can see about working on a new arm design..."

>>24017918
lets use that TK
>>24017996
TK is easy stuff for heather it shouldn't be a problem

>>24017972
It's like working a muscle that is hurt. You might help it heal. You might do nothing but make it sore.

You might tear your rotator cuff and spend 9 months in debilitating pain. Or was that just me?

>>24017861
>while the legs and lower body is fine, the waist up isn't- Sarvesh has essentially an incredibly muscular human torso, with pincers for hands. And at the waist, two thin, lanky lower arms. Not right at all. Also, Urgot doesn't even have an abdomen.

>>24017898
>Turn on autorejoin?

You sling up the arm on your shoulder, and make your way down to your workshop.
In your pajamas.

The floor was incredibly cold, but you didn't care. Sarvesh's arm was made from military exoskeleton. No wonder it didn't work right- most of the muscle in a centaur arm was on the inside, instead of the exoskeleton. You'd have to fix *everything*.

"Does she normally get like this?" Epsilon asked, as you tore nearly ten feet of wiring out of the thing, growling at it as you disassembled the entire thing for parts.
"Yes, yes she does." Sarvesh responded.
"... Can't you people regrow arms and stuff?"
"They can, yes, but I've elected not to grow mine. It lowers one's lifespan."
"Huh. Well, once we get Theta back, he could regrow it. That's what he's done every time Rho left parts of me behind when she teleported me. He's pretty good at healing."

>>24018027
... including brain damage?

Regardless continue working on the arm.

>>24018027
HE NEEDS TO REGROW OUR BRAIN. ALL THE PARTS WE'VE FIZZLED OUT. THEN SEND HIM AT HUNGRY THE ADORABLE. DO ITDOITDOITDOIT.

>>24018027
>>while the legs and lower body is fine, the waist up isn't- Sarvesh has essentially an incredibly muscular human torso, with pincers for hands. And at the waist, two thin, lanky lower arms. Not right at all. Also, Urgot doesn't even have an abdomen.
>so Urgot is a fatter, missing arms and had is abdomen. cut of zombie Sarvesh.
>problem solved

>>24018027
(absentmindedly)
"...and if I put this piston here..."
(more directly)
"...summer might want to watch, sounds like her deal..."
(absentmindedly)
"...now listen Mr. Pump Motor I said you need to turn faster..."

>>24018027
Like we know what they're saying. Stuff to do! Once we make it work right and be responsive, we can start on the awesome extras.

>>24018066
personally I think the brain damage from when we maid the Devourer is from us adding the part of our brain that handles biokinesis to the creature. thus explaining how it can do all the crap it does

>>24018027
But then sarvesh would be less of a robot, and hence, less of a man.

Robot arms are COOL.

Give the pincer black and yellow danger stripes.

>>24018027
we could make him interchangeable arms. A heavy combat arm, and a lighter more dextrous everday arm

"... And if I put this piston here..." you say, rambling on, as you make Einstein project a diagram of a centaur arm up on the wall for you. Huh, you didn't know that they had two entirely seperate bloodstreams until now. "And now, Mr. Pump motor, you need to turn faster..."

"She can't even hear us, can she?"
"I don't believe so." Sarvesh said.
The two started talking about inconsequential things, and you continued at work.

"It's time for breakfast, I think." Summer said, pawing at the back of your heel. You came out of your fugue, looking down at the shining cybernetic arm, black and yellow danger stripes painted onto the pincer.
"How long has she been like this?" You hear Anna ask.
"I dunno." Epsilon said.
"A few hours, I think." Sarvesh added.

You turned around. Summer, Anna, Epsilon, and Sarvesh were in the room with you. You were, predictably, now covered in grease and oil. You were also now wearing a toolbelt on over your pajamas. You check the time- it was eight AM. The arm, however, was done.

>>24018211
>"How long has she been like this?" You hear Anna ask.
>"I dunno." Epsilon said.
>"A few hours, I think." Sarvesh added.
it's been at most 2 hours

>>24018211
"RIGHT THEN; FOOD NOW"

>>24018211
Sheepish pause. "Um. Ta-da?"

>>24018211
"It's done! It'S finally done! My mastepiec- oh shit my pajamas"

>>24018211
Finished!
Wipe our face with our hands.

"Anna, summer! "Pull them both into a nice greasy hug.

>>24018210
Or we could have one transforming arm. Who wants to carry an extra arm around? If we hide a human-like arm inside, then the pincer can fold back and the human arm can extend out and be all dexterous and shit, and then it can retract back and be a massive crushing pincer again.

>>24018241
This, except hold the arm above your head in triumphant glory with a shout of, "SCIENCE!"

>>24018260
>>24018210
>not having a case full of different utility arms
why?

You pause, looking at the four of them. "Um," You say, ever-eloquently. "Ta-da?"
"... You painted it with danger stripes." Sarvesh said, looking down at it.
"It's done!" You say, and pull Summer and anna into a greasy, oily hug.
"You painted it with danger stripes!" Sarvesh said again, picking it up. "That's awesome! I love it!"
buzzing happily, Sarvesh bolted the arm on, and started the calibration process.
"Heather, you're going to mess up my fur." Summer whined.

>>24018326
whats a little industrial lubricant between friends, eh summer?

>>24018326
Shit! My pajamas!

>>24018326
What's that, you don't like hugs from cute girls? I guess ill have to never hug you again

>>24018326
"Ooops. Sorry! I am just happy to see you. That's all. Nevermind. I guess I'll go change and then we head for breakfast? Even though I already had one..."

>>24018326
>"Heather, you're going to mess up my fur."

>Organic Superlube? Oh, it's great stuff, great stuff.
>You really have to keep an eye on it, though--it'll try and slide
>away from you the first chance it gets.

>-- T. M. Morgan-Reilly,
>Morgan Metagenics

"Oops!" You say. "Sorry! I'm just happy to see you. What's a little industrial lubricant between friends?"
"I'll second that." Epsilon said, a tone in his voice that quite clearly said that the lubricant he had in mind wasn't grease.
"I guess I'll go change, and then we head for breakfast? Even though I already had one..."
"Okay, we'll wait here." Summer said, while Sarvesh giggled like a schoolgirl, as the pincer of his cybernetic arm started twisting like a drill.

>>24018326
Pouting, "But hugs."
"Danger stripes are the least of the upgrades, Sarvie. Hmm... It may or may not brew coffee as well now, as I seem to have misplaced my coffee gadgeting thing."

>>24018445
>it may or may not brew coffee now

Oh god this, so much this.

>>24018445
I also can't seem to find the trid remote

>>24018445
seconding this

also
"get you mind out of the gutter Eps I said INDUSTRIAL not organic"

>>24018437
Does it work, is it acceptable?

"That's the least of the upgrades, Sarvie," You say. "It may or may not brew coffee as well, now. I seem to have misplaced my coffee gadgeting thing. And I can't seem to find the trid remote."
Sarvesh looked down to his arm in muted horror. "... Anna, go see if any of your guns are missing. Please."
"Right away." Anna said.

Some time later, you returned to the workshop, now wearing actual clothing instead of sleepwear. Apparently Rho had joined the ensamble by then, and together, you all made your way down to the cafeteria. Jilly was there, her mask still on, and Damien and Alex were talking in low tones- which they stopped the moment your group walked in.
"This place looks really busy." Rho said. "Where are all of the researchers? And the scientists?"

>>24018562
>>24018530
both of these.

>>24018580
>INDUSTRIAL not organic"
>implying that isn't eh same thing >>24018428

>>24018562
You know, there was a welding torch around here and that's gone as well.

>>24018437
"You better get some mind bleach Eps, because your mind is dirty as a sewer."

>>24018588
>This is me!

>>24018588
they lurk in the dark places of the station emerging only for classes and brain training; we dare not enter their lairs lest they grow angry

>>24018588
"Around, somewhere. They tend to leave us to our own devices most of the time and take readings when we experiment with our powers. Or they're all just figments of our imagination that exist only because we believe this place ought to have scientists, that was probably a joke.

So, breakfast, I'm thinking waffles."

>>24018588
"Usually in the labs or their offices."

>>24018588
>"This place looks really busy." Rho said. "Where are all of the researchers? And the scientists?"
mostly they let us do as we please, pay us lots of money, and set up training for us

>>24018588
Stare at Rho
"They are watching us with security cameras. They watch us train, they watch us sleep and I heard that sometimes they even watch us change."
Then laugh and say
"Just kidding. We meet researchers when we train our powers and when we have lessons. Or if we need an advice."

>>24018588
"This is just the breakfast hall, ya big ding-dong."

File: 1364939698429.gif-(2.88 MB, 300x218, haug.gif)

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>yfw Sarvesh's Coffee Brewing Arm and Trideo Remotings will save our hides in the future

>>24018588
"Not eating breakfast right now."

"They're watching us with security cameras." You say. "They watch us train, watch us sleep, and I heard that sometimes they even watch us change."
"So?" She asked.
"Just kidding. They're around, somewhere. They tend to leave us to our own devices most of the time, and take readings when we experiment with our powers. Or we can meet with them if we need advice."
"Huh. So can you get anything, or do you have to trade in credits?"
"Anything." Jilly called. "Hi, I'm Jilly."
"I'm Rho, and this is Epsilon."
"Or Isaac. Or Ennis. Or Ellis." Epsilon said.

"Well... what should I get?" Rho asked, looking at what everyone else was eating.

waffles. or pancakes are good! with a side of bacon. and some poached eggs.

>>24018750
"Bacon."

lots of syrup, berries, whipped cream. mmm

>>24018750
"Bacon is always a good start."

>>24018750
"Shit girl, why you asking me all the questions? Make your own mind up."

>>24018750
"I dunno, whatever you want really, unless they don't have the ingredients for something, then they can't make it.

How about waffles with plenty of maple syrup, whipped cream, and strawberries and breakfast sausage or bacon?"

>>24018750
You could start with waffles, but then everything else would be terrible in comparison.

>>24018750
"Why stop at one thing? Let's get you everything."

>>24018750
"The most greasy thing aviable, because I think you'd look great when you're fat."

>>24018870
Don't say this.

>>24018795
Or this for that matter.

They're both rude or mean.

"Why stop at one thing?" You ask, and give her a grin. "Let's get you everything."

Some time later, you'd all pitched in to construct a feast of breakfast foods. Bacon and eggs, waffles with jam, more centaur cuisine, and-
"Tch. You guys have this crap too?" Rho asked, and touched the green stuff.
It promptly turned into ash and smoke.
Anna sighed, and continued eating.
"What time do we intend on leaving?" Summer asked. "After breakfast?"

"Um, before we leave, I'll need to talk to Heather." Alex said. "If that's fine."

>>24018870
>>24018870
No. Just. No.

>>24018881
I'm all ears, we can snack in the workshop and talk there?

>>24018881
of course,

>>24018881
"That's alright with me."

>>24018912
seconding...

>>24018881
"Of course. I was going to talk to you anyway."

>>24018881
Pat Anna on the shoulder.
"There there, the gunk needs a specialised palate. Very specialised. We simply do not understand its subtle beauties."

>>24018881
"Sure thing Alex."

Get our breakfast and head to the workshop with him for some private chatting.

>>24018912
2nded

>>24018881
"Sure, but if it's private maybe we should go away from all these people."


>>24018877
>>24018912
>You guys are no fun.

>>24018962
>You guys are no fun

and you're an asshole.

>>24018962
Your idea of 'fun' needs work. And possible a .22 and a coffin.

Where we leaving again?

>>24018997
Heaven's Jewel with everyone on the super-shuttle.

>>24018972
Being an asshole is fun. Because other people are assholes too. Just look at >>24018973

"There, there." You say, and pat Anna on the shoulder. "The gunk needs a specialized palate. Very specialized. We simply do not understand it's subtle beauties."
Anna took a bite out of the brown gunk and simply stared at Rho.

Then you turn to Alex. "Sure thing. I was going to talk to you anyway." You say, and the two of you made your way down to the workshop, snacking.

"Well, I probably owe you an explanation." Alex said. "About why I'm leaving. Max already knows why, but I figured I should tell you." He said. "It's ... partially because these people can't help me. With whatever my ability is. There's nothing they can really do, and I have headaches like, all the time now, just by being around Max and Damien."

>>24018962
You seem to be one of those folks with absolutely zero skill in social interaction.

I'm tempted to vote against anything you propose at all, kind of like Snapple.

>>24019054
Give him a hug.

"I think I understand why, and I can't really blame you. But I'll still miss you, be sure to keep in contact, okay?

You said partially, what's the rest of the reason?"

>>24019094
2nded

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>>24019062

>>24019054
"...Well, that makes sense, I guess."

>>24019054
"I understand Alex; Anna and I just swooped down and snatched you up. don't expect it not to happen again though...we might get a future warning or I might need to shanghai you to swab the decks of my mighty pirate ship..."

>>24019094
Seconded, with

"Try to get back with your old girlfriend."

>>24019054
"The void queen may come after you again if you go back home, Alex."
"Maybe wait until we can make another scrambler for you to take with you."

>>24019119
2nd 2nded

>>24019054
"I...really don't want you to leave. I had another dream last night. I'm not sure if it was the future, a different timeline, or what. But...you were against us, in it. I'm worried that if you go back...whatever's hunting us will get you, and use you against us."

>>24015495
So I mentioned this in the IRC, but I literally just finished watching Baccano, and suggesting we rename Epsilon the same thing as a character that (loosely) was a manmade clone-servant (out of many generations, the prior, "defective" ones having been disposed of prior) of a Bad Dude, who broke free of their creator's control because they had enough of them being generally evil, and gets saved from what would be fatal retribution from said Bad Dude by the Protagonist is kind of amusing.

I mean, not in exactly the same way, of course, but still.

>>24019054
"...and partially something else..?"

>>24019054
I'm saddened by this, but I do understand. If you get headaches all the time then it's just not livable.

Give him a hug, hold for slightly too long.

We have quantum comms now, so feel free to message me whenever if you want a chat, or if something happens and you need me.

>>24019054
"I understand. But it's likely that VQ'll target you again... Have they made you a portable version of the device we got from the Ishelda?

>>24019054
"I understand..."
"Can you wait for me to make you one of those Void Queen shields? I'm worried about her trying again, and Damien might not foresee it this time."

>>24019150
yeah add this after >>24019119

"we could make you another anti-void generator..."

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>mfw this' Alex's theme song now
http://bowman.bandcamp.com/track/come-with-me

>>24017098
So are just her teleports like Nightcrawlers or are all of them like that?

>>24019228
>Just hers. Sarvesh's teleports are flashes of blue light.

You pull him into a hug.
"I think I can understand why, and I can't really blame you," You say. "Anna and I just kind of of swooped down and snatched you up. But it's likely that the Void Queen will target you again." You say. "Have they made you a portable version of the device we got from the Ishelda?"
"One of the technicians are working on it for me." He responded. "He said it would be done by monday."

You cling to him slightly tighter.
"... and partially something else...?"
"... It hurts, Heather." He said, with a slight, bitter smile. "We're seperated for five years, and talk almost every day... and then we come here, and go to the same school, and suddenly there's... nothing to say. Nothing to do. No way I can keep your attention."

>>24019267
"I... I didn't know, Alex. I'm sorry."

>>24019267
"...I'm sorry, Alex."

>>24019267
Keep on hugging him.

"I'm a terrible friend aren't I? I'm sorry. I'm surprised you've managed to put up with me for this long."

>>24019267
I'm a terrible friend, I'm sorry. You're worth more then I've given you.

Rolled 40

>>24019267
Ouch. Can't say I didn't see this coming. Rolling for social interaction.
Don't fail me now, dice gods