>>26012285
"Doing, stuff. Not here to kill anyone if that's what you want to know, unless they need killing. Maybe a side order of dissent?"

>>26012285
"Oh dear God you're just adorable."

"Now, before we continue this interrogation. If you're sending out kids to rob those knocked-out guards, better get them some alcohol that they can pour on them. The guards will look like they got drunk on their job, and there won't be a follow-up investigation on who attacked them and robbed them blind."

"As for why we're here... Let's just say a favor to a friend."

>>26012285
Yeah. We're the Black Devil. Which means an interrogation doesn't really intimidate us. We've never been interested in playing that game. So let's stay all nice and nonchalant. We've made a habit of disorienting our enemies by being unnervingly friendly and polite. Let's not stop now.

"Well, first of all, great job on securing this safe house. Seriously, I was really worried that those guards would get you, but it looks like I needn't have worried. You're doing great at this, given your age. Anyway, I'm here for personal reasons. Nothing to do with the war, just a peace of mind thing. A Vagan friend of mine has had his parents imprisoned by Ezelcant, so we're extracting them to let him rest easy. I mean, the Vagans living in the Earth Sphere have already had to leave their homes behind, they shouldn't have to worry for the fate of their loved ones."

>>26012520
Agreed. And besides, Jake is surrounded by kids, his dad instincts must be kicking in something fierce.
> "Honey, no, drop that gun. There's a chocolate bar in my jacket, go take that thing, you look hungry."

>>26012647
Yeah. Jake's always been kind of a nurturing type. Really, his adventures have been one big exercise in accumulating family members. How many characters from Gen 1 are honorary members of the Crocker family? I'm pretty sure it's all of them. Jake must be collecting kids and siblings as souvenirs of his adventures.

>>26012729
He maybe got into a fight with Flit over Asemu or something, but they are still on friendly terms. Well, when they're not arguing about politics and protocol.
On a side note, how many people can fit on the Treasure Star? Because it seems we got a dozen kids and their families we're bringing back with us.

>>26012846
It's about the size of the Diva, and was designed for transport rather than as a warship. So even assuming most of its space is taken up with the machinery needed to manage all its experimental technology, it should have a fair amount of room.

>>26012997
And we don't really have any personnel on board because MaG is controlling everything, so we'll have enough space to fit everyone.

File: 1373841191158.png-(218 KB, 623x345, Fram is not amused.png)

218 KB PNG

>>26012416
>>26012413
>>26012520
>>26012647
>>26012729

"Oh dear God you're just adorable." You say immediately, unable to keep yourself from comparing Fram to Scarlet in how she used to try and be tough even when she was so small and cute.

"A-adorable? No! I'm cruel and fearsome! Are you blind?" Fram becomes agitated, but you only smile and shake your head in an amused manner.

"Alright, whatever you say. Now, before we continue this interrogation. If you're sending out kids to rob those knocked-out guards, better get them some alcohol that they can pour on them. The guards will look like they got drunk on their job, and there won't be a follow-up investigation on who attacked them and robbed them blind."

"I just sent them out to do that. We are hiding in a wine cellar after all." Fram snaps. "So why are you here?"

"Let's just say a favor to a friend."

"That's not an answer! Tell me the truth Black Devil or I won't hesitate to turn you over to the Guards. If we radio the guard they'll know your plans. So ether you tell me or I let everyone know you are here on Vagan. So please, tell me what I want to know."

Well Jake? What do you wish to do?

>>26013417
"Fine, fine, I'll tell you. I can't say no to kids, damn me. And it's Jake, by the way."
"We're here for reconnaissance, delivering medicine and food, and trying to free the Galettes. There."

>>26013417
"Well, how can I say no when you've asked so nicely? Okay, here's the truth: I am sympathetic to the Vagan cause. Not enough to stop fighting back when Vagan warships enter the Earth Sphere, but enough that I actually take prisoners instead of killing everyone. They're sandboxed, kept from being a potential threat, but they're treated fairly. Which means I've actually gotten on pretty friendly terms with some of them. So what am I to do when I get intel that my friend's parents have been imprisoned and cryofrozen by Ezelcant as punishment for his failure? I can't let the threat of them being executed hang over his head like that. So here I am. Extraction is my only purpose here. I'm not the sort to kill without cause, and attacking a civilian population is the last thing I want to do. Hell, that 'Black Devil' nickname was just something I thought up when I was thirteen to sound cool. Don't make that mistake if you ever become an ace pilot. Childhood nicknames are fun, but you don't want that shit following you your whole life.

>>26013666
Before he was 13. He and Mellis were screwing around since age 7, they probably chose their nicknames then.

>>26013758
Fair point. Which only makes his warning more relevant. "Back when I was your age, I chose a stupid nickname. Don't choose stupid nicknames, Fram. Promise me that. Even if you kill me, promise me that you'll remember not to call yourself something like 'The Queen of Thorns' or some shit like that when you grow up. Please?"

>>26013809
And then he goes on a rant about stupid shit he's done. Carlos and Desil join in, and it becomes obvious that they aren't taking this seriously at all.
Poor Fram, making her look silly in front of all her friends.
> "Silence! I am asking the questions here!"
> "Fram, honey, please, adults are talking."

>>26013624
"Fine, fine, I'll tell you. I can't say no to kids, damn me. And it's Jake, by the way. We're here for reconnaissance, delivering medicine and food, and trying to free the Galettes. There." You say with an honest shrug.

"And we're just along for the ride, or at least me and my friend are, Desil is here because he's trying to save his family." Carlos states.

"Wait...that's it?" Fram asks, looking perplexed

"Yeah. What did you think we were here for?"

"To kill us, to sabotage Vagan and finish what the Federation started!"

You shake your head. "No way. I understand you guys are pissed at the Federation for trying to exterminate you, I frankly haven't looked at them the same way after discovering this fact. However that's not enough for me to stop fighting back when Vagan warships enter the Earth Sphere, but enough that I actually take prisoners instead of killing everyone. They're sandboxed, kept from being a potential threat, but they're treated fairly. Which means I've actually gotten on pretty friendly terms with some of them. Extraction is my only purpose here. I'm not the sort to kill without cause, and attacking a civilian population is the last thing I want to do. Hell, that 'Black Devil' nickname was just something I thought up when I was thirteen to sound cool. Don't make that mistake if you ever become an ace pilot. Childhood nicknames are fun, but you don't want that shit following you your whole life.

"So you aren't here to kill anyone?" Fram asks.

"Not really. I mean we will in self defense if we have no other choice but I'd rather just grab Desil's parents and leave."

"Why should I believe you?" Fram demands.

Well Jake?

>>26014111
"Because if I wanted to blow up your colony, I would've done so already?"

"I understand that you don't trust me. I don't know what you've been told about me, and honestly, I don't care. I came here to help people, save the Galettes and leave. Simple. I brought food, medicine, and I'm willing to take the sick and wounded back to the Earth sphere where they'll receive medical care and get a chance for a better life, if they want it. That's it."

>>26014111
"Why would we bother with all this skullduggery if killing people was all we wanted? We managed to get into Second Moon. If our aim was genocide, we would have just planted a bomb and left by now. So what does that leave, other than what I just told you? The Vagan war machine is too big for us to sabotage it enough to change anything. The people are too indoctrinated for us to try and start a revolution. We sure as hell aren't going to get close enough to anyone important enough to be worth assassinating. Reconnaissance and extraction are the only tactical objectives that make sense. Why else would we take this risk?

"And I was serious about the medicine, too. The Vagan medical personnel we've captured have been allowed access to research labs. We have some treatments we'd like to give you access to. Same with the engineers we captured working on new radiation shielding. You know any way to get these designs to the people who could use them?"

>>26014428
Perfect.

>>26014354
"Why would we bother with all this skullduggery if killing people was all we wanted? We managed to get into Second Moon. If our aim was genocide, we would have just planted a bomb and left by now. So what does that leave, other than what I just told you? The Vagan war machine is too big for us to sabotage it enough to change anything. The people are too indoctrinated for us to try and start a revolution. We sure as hell aren't going to get close enough to anyone important enough to be worth assassinating. Reconnaissance and extraction are the only tactical objectives that make sense. Why else would we take this risk?

"And I was serious about the medicine, too. The Vagan medical personnel we've captured have been allowed access to research labs. We have some treatments we'd like to give you access to. Same with the engineers we captured working on new radiation shielding. You know any way to get these designs to the people who could use them?"

"..." Fram and the other children are silent. Some whisper to one another, others shake their heads in confusion, Fram only looks at you, Carlos, and Desil and thinks. She looks conflicted and lost, unsure what to do.

Desil eventually speaks up. "Listen, I was born here. I don't remember much of life here, but I remember what I was taught and what was done to me. Ezelcant may say he has the best intentions, may say the Earthlings are pure evil and will not rest until we are destroyed, and maybe he thinks he's doing the right thing but in the end they nearly turned me into a mindless, murdering MONSTER." Desil's teeth grit together and he glares are Fram, causing her to step back.

(Cont)

>>26014706
"I enjoyed killing people back then. I ENJOYED It. I relished in every person I crushed, everyone mobile suit I ripped apart and any pain or suffering I caused was only more fun to be had. I saw killing people as a game and I was convinced that I was loved and cherished by my handlers and by Ezelcant. It took a pair of broken arms, nearly being tortured, and Jake to make me see that I was lying to myself." Desil glare hardens.

"All of you have been lied too and all of you are lying to yourselves. If you honestly believe Jake is the enemy and wish to turn him in, then it's obvious your too deluded to be helped. However if you actually want to make things better, give everyone including yourselves a chance to live happily and peacefully then let us go and help us."

"...Untie them" Fram says to the other kids, who scuttle over and quickly untie the three of you.

"l do know someone who could help with getting the medical procedures and the radiation shielding out. He's one of Ezelcan't head researchers, he lives in the rich district, but he's a very nice man who's helped me several times. If we can get to his home and talk to him I'm sure we can convince him to help us."

What do you wish to do Dirk?

>>26014888
"Wow. Desil, bro, you okay?"

"So, do you guys have a way of getting into the noble quarters? I mean, I guess you're the noble girl those guards were after so you could go in just fine..."
"Wait, why were those guards after you?"

>>26014888
>Dirk?
Cross, really? ha

Lets go along with them, I'd still be a bit reserved but Fram seems trusting.

>>26014951
Dirk is currently getting kicked in the nuts by Arisa, and Zeheart hasn't escaped yet.
So I guess we have about a day or so before we catch up with his story.

>>26014967
Was just pointing out that Cross mix up Jake and Dirk's names... like he did with Jack and Jake.

>>26015008
Oh, I know. I was just trying to establish some sort of timetable of events.

>>26015037
Well I'll just shut the fuck up then, ha!

>>26015127
Hey now. I guess mixing up the names of father and son is a thing in the Crocker family.

>>26015164
Yea probably is.

>>26014951
>>26014967
>>26015008
>>26015037
>>26015127
(Damn it, first with Jack and Jake, now with Jake and Dirk. Maybe this is a thing with the Crockers)

>>26014950
"Wow. Desil, bro, you okay?" You ask, checking up on Desil's little outburst there.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Just got a little frustrated that's all. There's a lot of kids and people who didn't end up as well as I did. I just...lose myself a little when I think I can't help them."

"It'll be OK Desil, we'll help them, most of them anyway." You turn back to Fram.

So, do you guys have a way of getting into the noble quarters? I mean, I guess you're the noble girl those guards were after so you could go in just fine...Wait, why were those guards after you?"

"Because I ran away from home." Fram explains with a scowl. "My parents had been asked to give me up to the military so I could receive X-Rounder training and join the military. They decided it was fine and I didn't. So I ran away, end of story."

"Well there goes our easy way into the rich section of the city..." Carlos says with a sigh as he rubs his wrists, still sore from being restrained.

What do you wish to do Jake?

>>26015491
"Is there another way in?"

>>26015539
"Outside of the wall and the locked maintenance tunnels, no. Lots of people have tried to break into the rich section. Some wanted to steal from the rich, others wanted to steal a meeting with Ezelcant. Regardless getting into the rich sector is hard however getting around inside isn't too bad if you know what places to avoid like I do." Fram explains. "If we wait till nightfall and go in through that hole in the drunk man's house we should be fine."

Any thoughts Jake?

>>26015659
Sounds like a plan. We could blow those tunnels up, but that'd only draw attention to us and risk the mission.
While we're waiting, let's catch up with the others from the Treasure Star, see if these kids need something, and warn them not to eat that Green Eden stuff.

>>26015491
"Not necessarily. We do have a number of guard uniforms going unattended, so we could pose as her retrievers. But that one's up to Fram. I can see her not wanting to risk that ruse being found out. Our other remaining options are that hole in the wall, or cutting a path between tunnels with a beam emitter. Still plenty of ways for us to get in. It's not like our plan hinged on this."

>>26015762
Right, the uniforms. We could also use those to sneak into an outpost and emit the data on Green Eden being people via public broadcast.
But won't the other guards try to ID us? Maybe MaG can hack into their systems and insert us as guards.

>>26015837
I still think the Green Eden thing has to be at least somewhat known. We'll cause some revulsion, but not a major revolt. But if Fram says it's easy to sneak around, we probably won't need to do it, anyway. So what's the plan then? Wait until nightfall, catch up with the Treasure Star in the meantime, then sneak in and talk to a guy who's probably Dole Frost. Then how are we going to handle getting to Desil's parents? Are we doing the extraction now, or are we just going to scout about for an access to Ezelcant's palace? I'd suggest the second one. We should map out the tunnels on this side so that at the right time we can blow the walls to our side to speed the escape. Then we rush the rest of the team in on the Genoriders to help us get away from pursuers.

>>26016076
Well, we definitely should take those uniforms, they'll allow us to blend in, if nothing else. The nobles are probably dressed better, and we'd stick out if we run around in what's basically rags.

We wait till nightfall, to further increase our chances of not being spotted, and slip in through the crack in the wall. Until then, let's have Rena and her team use those drones to scout out the tunnels nearby. I guess Fram must know of some hatch through witch we could sneak our drones through, and while we wait, they map the tunnels.

As for extraction, let's do that once we know what we're dealing with. Better to scout out Ezelcant's palace than be surprised with the Vagan Gear out of nowhere. And if we do have our guard uniforms, we probably could sneak into one of their outposts, let MaG hack into their system, and get cleared as guards for the palace.

>>26016185
If we do get surprised by Vagan Gear out of nowhere, we Gundamjack it. Jake's smart, he knows what a final boss looks like. Our first instinct must be "steal or destroy". We can tell what will happen if we don't.

>>26016506
Well, if it's based on SID, we probably can use the Sentinel System aboard the Gundam Crusader to neutralize it.
Though Gundamjacking that shit and flying off while cackling like a madman would be awesome.

>>26016551
Man, I had forgotten about the Sentinel System. That's going to be useful if we can bring it to bear against SID. It probably won't listen, since it's supposedly so aggressive because it's malfunctioning, but communicating with it should at least give us some useful information. Especially if we can get MID on the phone with his little brother.

>>26016656
Maybe we can use the Sentinel to tap into Vagan systems? They are supposedly based on pre-war tech, so it's possible that it'd work.
As for MID and SID, it's going to be fun. Especially if MaG starts berating SID for being mean to its older brother.

>>26016784
Well, now I want MaG to somehow get her old memories back, just so she can guilt trip SID by commenting on how the Asunos did NOT design their robot to act like this. Shame on you, SID. Your creators would be very disappointed to see how you're acting.

>>26016854
It's possible something like that actually happens. We have Leviathan, who knows what they have in store - they are apparently capable of creating super soldiers, and are probably researching how to make cybogs. Hell, maybe the doctor Rysis mentioned that could make Scarlet into a cyborg is actually Emily.
That, and apparently there's another SID out there that's mostly spider-related and is keen on attacking Zarth with robospider swarms.

>>26016985
Ooh, interesting idea that Rysis's doctor friend is Emily. I like that. It would explain how said doctor has so much money available to pay the test subjects, if Leviathan is footing the bill. And it would mean that sooner or later Rysis would hear about Dirk's cyborgization, which can only lead to interesting results. If only because MID interrupting Rysis trying to seduce him would be hilarious. "So, Dirk, want to find someplace private and show me how much of you is metal now?" "I can tell you! I can tell you! MID knows all about his implants. I am the arm!" "...great. He's built in, now. What, was cockblocking me with Arthur not enough?"

>>26016076
>>26016185
The tunnels beneath the rich sector were already mapped by Rena at your request. Most of the hatches are sealed and could only be opened with explosives or extreme force. The few that aren't are in areas where using the hatches would be easily spotted by someone.

If you're going to scout the castle, you are going to have to do it yourself. Collecting the uniforms and the Vagan guards equipment, you help the children in dragging them to a distant alley and drenching them in booze.

Returning to the cellar you review the equipment you have and check in with the Treasure Star.

"Daiki? How is everything over there?"

"Quiet. Duke finally shut up. Outside of that there hasn't been much going on. The IUS is heating up, but I should be able to run it for a day before I have to turn it off. Oh and Ma G has something to tell you."

"The Crusader's SENTINEL system is responding to something unusual"

"Really? Can you connect to it?"

"This is not a case of connection, but detection."

"What do you mean?"

"The Sentinel system was designed to connect, communicate and even control allied A.I controlled weapons. However with the instance of enemy controlled weapons it serves as any early warning system."

"So there's a Vagan A.I. Weapon somewhere on Vagan?"

"Yes. From what little information I have received from the Sentinel system I can deduce it's incredibly powerful and rather old. With our current weaponry I would suggest avoiding engagement with it at all cost."

(cont)

>>26017262
As you speak, you watch Carlos organize the equipment they snagged off the guards.
You received:
x4 Guard Uniforms
x4 Assault Rifle
x4 Stun Baton
x8 Fragmentation Grenade
x4 Radio
-Some money the guards had on them, a few personal affects and some ID.

You have 5 hours till nightfall, what do you wish to do?
Some things to do:
-Talk to Fram and the others
-Discuss with Ma G about connecting with the enemy A.I weapon
-Check up on Rena about how the Beam Emitter Tunneling operation is going
-Other stuff you can think of

What do you wish to do Jake?

>>26017243
Well, Dirk is going to end up as a cyborg anyway, I guess MID could use his nanotech to radically improve those implants they're going to stick into him.
A nanotech cyborg that's constantly evolving. And is also psychic. Who exists due to time travel shenanigans. Let's also throw some bioengineering on him, shall we?

As for Emily working for Leviathan, I guess it's a question what the fuck do they need her to work on that's so secret they need to fake her death.
She was the best doctor the Feds had, so it's probably something big. Maybe they did uncover frozen Arthur after all.

>>26017265
"MaG, where is that AI, and do you have any clues what it is? Because I don't want Rena and her team to run into it."

>>26017384
"The A.I has a limited connection to the Vagan Security Network, suggesting it is located somewhere at the center of the of the Vagan Civilian Sector."

"So it's somewhere beneath the Castle? Great...are there any threats to Rena and her team?"

"There are numerous control signals coming from the A.I. suggesting it has control of some kind of small mobile units."

"Any idea what these units are?"

"Not at this time, however it's unlikely the local population is oblivious to them. Questioning them might be wise."

What do you wish to do Jake?

>>26017265
Ask Ma G to find out anything she can about the enemy AI without actually triggering it. Then check with Rena on the tunneling operation. Then I guess we spend the rest of the time hanging with the kids. We're a dad, after all. We'd worry about them. Plus, I think helping the children would be good for Desil's mental state. He's got to be interested by these kids struggling to stay away from the military and avoid becoming what he was. Helping them do that would make him happy. Of course, now he's going to want to adopt all of them. All this work to rescue his parents has got to have him thinking about family.

Which makes me wonder: Does Desil have a girlfriend back home? Has he brought her home to meet us and Yurin? For some reason the idea of a sane Desil worrying over his family liking his girlfriend is appealing to me.

>>26017494
Notify Rena about those things, tell her to stop until noticed.
Ask Fram what those things are.

>>26017511
Desil is probably going to end up adopting all of them. He's a L'Ciel now, so I guess he has a pretty big estate back on Minsry.
As for him having a girlfriend, I don't think he has one - mostly because Jake and Carlos are horrible wingmen who constantly interfere.

>>26017511
>>26017512
"Can you get anything about the A.I without alerting it to your presence?"

"Yes. I have found what it's called. S.I.N"

"Why couldn't it be something that isn't malicious and foreboding?" You let out a sigh and began speaking with some of the kids if they had seen anything weird.

"Well there are the spiders..."

"Spiders?"

"Yes, the guards call them Anansi. Sometimes they are walking around on two feet, skulking through the streets, other times they are hoping from roof top to roof top or hugging walls and just...watching. They're pretty scary." One of the children says with a visible shiver.

The other children, including Fram give similar information.

You check up on Rena and the operation.

"We're ready to go at any time. Shouldn't take more then a minute to cut through the metal to the other side, we have some coolant canisters to flash cool the hole so we aren't walking through molten metal" Rena states gleefully.

"Listen, I want you to stay alert and watch out for anything suspicious. There is a Vagan A.I based out of the castle and in control of a horde of robotic spiders. I want you to pack everything up and board the ship until further notice, alright?"

"Awwww, OK. It should take more then 20 minutes to set up the emitter anyway. I'll talk to you later Cap!"

An hour passes as you talk with the children and Rena. 4 hours left till nightfall.

What do you wish to do Jake?

>>26017925
Rena's getting friendly with us, isn't she. Anyway, did her team get aboard the Treasure Star alright?
If they did, let's see if the kids need help with something or other. Maybe they have some ideas.

As for the spiders, well, this is bad news. That ship that attacked Zarth did come from here.

>>26018070
Yeah, looks like that's likely. At least we had them under heavy ECM when we killed them, so they probably didn't send much info back or manage to upload any viruses to Zarth's systems.

Anyway, yeah, let's talk with the kids. We're kind of imposing on them right now, it's just polite to ask them if there's anything we can help them with.

>>26018070
(Things are getting good, but I need to sleep now. Let's continue this tomorrow in 41.3 I don't want to leave Jake until we can end on something good that and he is a day behind everyone else. I don't want to have to worry about different time frames)

>>26018386
Sure thing man. See ya next time.

>>26018386
> I don't want to have to worry about different time frames.
B-but, they have a time machine.

>>26018386
No problem, Crosswire. See you tomorrow.

>>26018445
Surely traveling forward in time won't risk causality any, right?

Daiki still probably won't go for it, though.

>>26018409
>>26018451
I promise I'll pick up the pace tomorrow, hopefully I'll have the day off tomorrow and won't have to deal with after work exhaustion.
>>26018445
Huh, now that you mention it I could use that to bridge the time difference. We'll see what happens.

>>26018445
Yeah, but that still leaves Scarlet's story unfinished. Unless she decided to sleep the whole day off.

I think the timetable goes like this:
> Dirk is about a day ahead of Jake.
> Scarlet is a couple of hours behind Jake.

>>26018508
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/26012285/