>>1489422
>>‘I don’t think I follow.’

>>1489422
>>‘How’s this a danger?’

>>1489451
>>1489456
Flipping a coin. Coin flipped.

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‘How’s this a danger?’

Musashi draws back her hand, placing both of them on her hips as she fixes you with a scrutinizing gaze that wouldn’t look out of place on Nachi or the Court Admiral.

‘I don’t know how much you covered about KanMusu during your application, but… shouldn’t you know how the Stream works by now?’

You cross your arms, glaring right back at her and suddenly feeling apprehensive.

‘I know how the Stream works,’ you begin, biting your lip in hesitation before continuing, ‘I’m just not sure how it applies to you—I don’t think anyone intended for me to have a Super Dreadnought fall onto my lap less than two months into my career as a Commander… and not after being dug up for the post after everyone else that could’ve been standing here ended up dead.’

Musashi’s eyes widen as she looks taken aback… before covering her lips with a fist, giggling softly.

‘I suppose not,’ she admits, shaking her head. ‘I’m surprised that having Nagato and Kaga around hasn’t pushed you over the brink.’

She jabs you playfully in the chest.

‘But,’ her voice returns to its serious tone, ‘answering your question… it’s a danger because you’re no longer in full control of your Stream—to put it in simpler terms, it’s like a reversal of the Override Command that you have. In most cases, linking up with a KanMusu has something of a safety net—how well it works, varies, and sometimes not at all—but because I’m so—for lack of better word—powerful, the safety net’s thrown out the window. The Stream becomes a lot more unstable with my connection to you… in theory.’

‘In theory?’

‘The principle of balance in Stream connections stays the same—the more in-tune between the two points, that is, me an’ you,’ she pauses mid-speech, taking the time to raise two fingers, ‘even if the rules are inverted, the one thing that stays constant is that the more even—the more aligned—the both of us are, the better we’re able to fight… and the less we risk you ending up brain-dead or… dead.’

‘Sounds… hardcore.’

You really couldn’t find any word more fitting for that sort of circumstance.

Musashi covers her forehead, clicking her tongue.

‘It’s not something that anyone but seasoned Admirals are meant to do, but… well, here we are,’ she shifts uncomfortably. ‘Not that I mind you, of course—I think I can do a little of the heavy lifting if you’re willing to give me a little support now and then.’

The way she says it makes it seem like she’s trying to convince herself more than she is to reassure you.

She probably was.

>‘All right, let’s try this out.’
>‘I don’t think we should do this right now… considering the risks.’
>‘That’s it for the fine print, then?’
>‘So is that what the other KanMusu’s for? Something like a counterbalance or a… psychic ballast?’
>Write-In

>>1489623
>>‘So is that what the other KanMusu’s for? Something like a counterbalance or a… psychic ballast?’

>>1489623
>‘So is that what the other KanMusu’s for? Something like a counterbalance or a… psychic ballast?’

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You cross your arms, looking up to the rough, dull surface of the cavern, trying to recall things the best you could. Akashi hadn’t been vague on the details… but the terminology that she had used had left you a little out of it when it came to actually comprehending to what she had to say. You weren’t a particular intelligent person by any stretch—you’d prided yourself on being more immersed into the practical side of things… and Akashi hadn’t made it any simpler when it came to the more fine points of entering a Stream with Musashi.

All you remembered was that it was already a dangerous occurrence for you to be linked with her as you were.

That, and one minute detail.

‘So that’s what the other KanMusu’s for?’ you question further, making a gesture with your hands. ‘Some kind of… psychic ballast? A counterbalance?’

She nods crisply.

‘You’re quick,’ she acknowledges, raising a palm. ‘Any other KanMusu you deploy acts as a sort of… secondary bridge to share the load. While I hold your sanity in my hands, she’s there to make sure that we’re both held in check—it’s not that she’s an absolute necessity, of course… but seeing as you’re just a Commander, having another one on hand would be better for the both of us. I’d hate to have another tally on the wall.’

Musashi’s grin is definitely made that seem like a dark stretch to humor.

Or it was what it would have been if you didn’t realize how she sounded so forced saying uttering the words.

‘You know Carriers are out—they can’t so much as link with another ship without making it weird,’ she scrunches her nose as she says the words, looking upwards, ‘but generally, you can bring any other ship along on the field to partner up with me—she doesn’t have to be trained in Stream balance or anything if that’s what you’re wondering,’ she hurriedly adds, ‘our connection’s not asking for her direct involvement so much as it’s running a piggyback… so she won’t be that penalized, if you get what I mean.’

‘I… don’t think I do.’

‘She won’t be in any more danger than I am,’ Musashi answers, ‘but considering you’re a Commander, you’re going to have to double-box us to make sure all three of us are in sync.’

‘How do I go about that?’ You frown—Musashi seemed to be flip-flopping from one end to the other to you.

‘Well… you’ll know when you go through it.’

‘I… don’t follow.’

She sighs heavily.

‘If you feel your brain being given a wedgie,' she indicates the side of her head, 'you're in trouble.'

>‘I’ve heard enough, then. Let’s get this done.’
>‘You’ve pretty much convinced me this isn’t an exercise I want to do without someone on-hand.’
>‘And that's everything?'
>‘Let me get this straight…’ (Roll a 1d6 each)
>Write-In

>>1489773
>>‘And that's everything?'

>>1489773
>‘You’ve pretty much convinced me this isn’t an exercise I want to do without someone on-hand.’

Nope. If we ever use her, we will also be sending off that secondary ship, so I see no reason to not have a secondary here now.

>>1489773
>>‘You’ve pretty much convinced me this isn’t an exercise I want to do without someone on-hand.’

>>1489773
>‘You’ve pretty much convinced me this isn’t an exercise I want to do without someone on-hand.’

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You give yourself a moment.

On one hand, you really had neglected to give Musashi so much as a thought when it came to operations and very well owed her a run of her own… and on the other, the number of things that could go wrong—not to mention the sheer severity of a miscalculation turning out fatal—turned you off the prospect like no other. It wasn’t that you didn’t like Musashi; she seemed like a nice enough person to share a Stream with, but the amount of warning flags that she put out despite the honest proposition made the whole act sound like something that you didn’t want to jump feet first into without a proper second opinion.

You didn’t want to end up debilitated never mind brain-dead from the experience.

Worse would be the possibility of you ending up in Akashi’s care again.

For whatever value that word went for, anyway… especially when applied to your not-entirely-patient acquaintance.

‘You’ve pretty much convinced me that this isn’t an exercise that I want to do without someone on hand,’ you answer. ‘I’m sorry if that’s not the answer you quite expected, but… having my brain turned into mush isn’t something I want to actually risk without the… you know…’

You trail off, not quite sure how to finish that sentence.

You didn’t want to make it sound like you were brushing her off or unwilling to do what was required of you with her… but considering that it was your first foray—your second, if there was anyone that wanted to get technical—with the Super Dreadnought, you wanted your toes to dip in as gently as possible. The last time you’d leapt without looking… you’d ended up with a lot more on your plate than you were able to manage.

Musashi closes her eyes, before hanging her head.

‘Understood, sir.’

Sand.

A headache.

A throbbing eye…

And chunks of banana burrito spill everywhere as you fall onto your knees, gasping for air.

‘Breathe,’ Nagato’s soothing voice hits your ears, her hand roughly smacking your back as you try to take in as much breath as you’re able to, ‘take it in—one at a time.’

You puke messily onto the sand, feeling tears build up in the corner of your good eye, your fingernails digging into the sand as a disgusting burp escapes your throat. You feel another set of fingers giving the back of your neck a gentle rub, making its way to the top of your head to soothe your agony.

‘Sorry about that,’ Musashi’s voice, a little bit higher than usual, reaches your ears. ‘My entry’s a little rougher than Kaga’s or Houshou’s… that’s about as easy as it gets for something my size.’

‘You all right?’

You wince as you raise your eye… meeting Iowa’s concerned visage.

>‘I’m fine.’ (Ease yourself)
>‘I feel like I’ve gone five rounds in the ring with a rhino.’ (Whine)
>‘Seriously, Musashi?’ (Direct your anger to your Dreadnought)
>‘That burrito wasn't a good idea.' (Joke)
>Write-In

>>1489835
>‘That burrito wasn't a good idea.' (Joke)
defussing situations, one joke at a time

>>1489835
>>‘I’m fine.’ (Ease yourself)

>>1489835
>‘I’m fine.’ (Ease yourself)

>>1489835
>>‘That burrito wasn't a good idea.' (Joke)

>>1489835
>‘I’m fine.’ (Ease yourself)

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‘I—I’m fine,’ you manage, coughing out the rest of what was at least half your brunch.

Iowa takes your hand, pulling you to your feet. You blink, feeling a bolt of searing pain course through you, entering from your eye and ending at the tip of your spine. Letting out a labored breath, you steady yourself on your knees… until a nervous bout of laughter reaches your ears. You look up with your one good eye to see an apologetic-looking Musashi, grimacing as she rubs the back of her neck.

‘Yeah, sorry about that,’ she shakes her head, ‘I tried to be as gentle as I could, but… it was either a slow burn or I pull you out all at once.’

You give her a tired look.

‘Is it going to feel like that every time I take a dive in you?’

‘What? No,’ she frantically waves her hands. ‘This is done without a filter—without a RAY interface—it’s easier to go in, but harder to get things organized between the both of us because of the lack of a safety net.’

‘You mean you didn’t link up with him?’

‘I can do it some other time,’ you declare, rubbing your temples. The pain had subsided quite a bit, but you still felt as though your balance hadn’t quite realized that it was to get off its arse quite yet. ‘Right now, I hardly think I’m in the best state to bring her out for a test drive.’

Nagato, to your surprise, looks incredulous at your decision.

‘All the more reason for you to go ahead with this exercise,’ Nagato argues, briefly glancing towards Musashi. ‘You’re not going to have many chances to practice stabilizing your Stream with Musashi under ideal conditions… who knows when we’re going to need her out on the field again? And it’s not like you were looking for best possible scenarios before!’

She put up a valid point… but it wasn’t something that you could say you were in.

Not so much out of fear, but more out of cautiousness. The last thing you wanted to be was that irresponsible idiot that almost ended up getting his whole Division in hot water again.

‘Yeah, well,’ you begin, rubbing the back of your neck, ‘your objection is noted, Sub-Commander.’

Nagato’s lips thin into a line—the finality of your tone is more than apparent to her… and while she meant well, you didn’t see it as a decision that you were particularly keen to take without a little more discussion or consultation.

‘Commander,’ she throws up a salute. You give one in return, nodding in acknowledgment before she makes her way up the stairs, Iowa hurriedly following after her. ‘I’ll see you in the evening.’

As you see the last of her black hair, you feel a playful pat on the back, along with a bemused chortle.

‘Better get those chocolates and flowers ready, Commander!’

Musashi’s laughter is drowned out by the waves as she marches down the beach, leaving you to your lonesome.

>>1489907
4/5
>Meet with a KanMusu (Specify)
>Meet with On-Base Staff
>Visit Location
>EXECUTE TASK (Specify)
>Write-In

>>1489909
>Meet with a KanMusu (Shigure)
WE MUST SEE HER

>>1489909
>Meet with a KanMusu (Specify)
Shigure

>>1489909
We had to talk to Nagato about shigu first... eh.

>>Meet with a KanMusu (Shigure)

>>1489909
>>Meet with a KanMusu (Shigure)

Later on, after shigure, we should go talk to fingers and the gang about stuff they might need. It's been said multiple times that everyone sees us ignore them, even fingers has said it straight to the commander's face once. It might be a good idea to check up on them every once in a while to see how they're doing. Also don't forget to give Kaga, Takao, and Houshou some attention every once in a while as well. Other than that, going to the gym every night is a good idea, at least to me. Gotta get swole son.

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>>1490046
COMMANDER'S TO-DO LIST:

-Help Shigure
-Talk to Nagato about above
-Training run with Musashi
-Check on Fingers & the gang
-Keep carriers satisfied
-(Hopefully receive progress on Atago's grave plot and deliver)
-Correct Houshou and Takao's idea of relationship
-Help Samidare git gud
-Deliver Ashigara's Bookmark to Nachi
-Gym gains
-Attempt to fix Iowa
-Check on Yamato, hook her up with lanky attendant?

I'm probably missing yet more stuff, if anyone remembers please add to it

>>1490098
yamato needs to find that she can keep going by herself, otherwise its gonna crack

>>1490102
>>1490098
I wonder if we should tell Yamato that Lanky attendant has a girlfriend, before she gets too into him? It's probably better to burst that bubble now while things aren't awkward.

>>1490098
>>1490141
cause that is a thing Mechanic has said multiple times this quest, like as early as thread #9, when people argued if whether introducing Houshou to the attendants was cucking ourselves or not, and even earlier than that. Also I think gym gains should be set in stone as the last thing to do everyday, it's good to make healthy habits.

>>1490141
she does not feel anything that way, i think (also he does not have a girlfriend, i kind of sure)
i think its lanky or yamato trying to be friends or something?

it all reduces to have yamato regain her sense of self value and the "im usefull" thing

>>1490144
Well she was blushing when we talked about lanky, although Lanky seems to think of it as just hanging out. Also yes he does have a girlfriend, we just never met her because warzone, Mechanic said as much for both attendants and we have met fat attendant's girlfriend.

>>1490143
we already got nagato, kaga, takao, houshou, probably nachi, and MAYBE some others as on the waifu side
so i kind of doubt it be any kind of NTR
also
>NTR a shit

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>>1490098
>Deliver Ashigara's Bookmark to Nachi
We really should get around to doing this, considering it should be pretty damn easy compared to the rest

>>1490146
Who said anything about NTR or hooking up with yamato? All I said is that Lanky has a girlfriend and that maybe we should tell her before she gets too into him and makes it awkward, and I wasn't even part of the argument I just brought it up because I remember that was when Mechanic brought up the attendants' and their relationship statuses. Calm down anon.
Also you probably shouldn't say that shit to lanky, dude's got a NTR porn collection

>>1490149
Let's just do it when we get home at the end of the day, then we won't have to spend an action point. It can be when we're getting ready for the gym, or when we're about to go to bed.

>>1490149
you know it isnt going to be that
>>1490152
are you 100% sure hes got a girlfriend? i mean if he does we will have to make him state VERY FUCKING CLEAR that he wasnt to be friends, otherwise,yamato gonna be even more depressed

we gotta make something so yamato does not lach onto someone, its gonna be bad

>>1490155
*that he wants to be just friends
fucking A writing there

>>1490155
Unless Mechanic retcons it right now, then yes I'm 100% sure Lanky's got a girlfriend. Plus, maybe this is a sign that we should step in. I'm not saying waifuing, not everything has to be us hitting on a girl. Just getting to know her as well, so that she doesn't have only like one friend.
>>1490156
Lanky's a decent guy, I don't see him trying to get romantically involved with her when he is already in a relationship, nor has he shown any sign of trying to be more than friends. So yea, seems one sided and unrealistic.

>>1490161
then we REALLY gotta get in or shit gonna PUNCH trought the roof if we do nothing

>>1490163
Exactly, we don't need any more drama and shit then we've already got.

>>1490166
I would rather spend the day today like this
1)shigure
2)fingers and gang powwow
3)Clearing up shit with Yamato
4)Gym
day end) giving Nachi bookmark, Kaga apology sex for being inattentive

>>1490161
>I'm 100% sure Lanky's got a girlfriend.

I ctrl+f'd "girlfriend" on every thread, none of the results hinted at lanky having a gf. Gonna need evidence for that claim

You sure you're not mixing lanky and fingers up?

>>1490177
Considering we didn't even know fingers that early, no. Trying reading through thread 9 and earlier, or just ask mechanic.

>>1490177
>>1490179
Found it, ah thread #9 truly both the most lewd and the saddest thread in this entire quest. Even now, I'm not sure if reading it gives me a boner or just depresses me, maybe both. I think reading this thread has made me truly understand what "sad boner" is.

>>216921
That's really depressing...

We should get our protege/attendant to start dating one of the carriers.

Anonymous (ID: BgNoA4QI) 06/03/16(Fri)09:31:23 No.216940
>>216924
Well they have a bit of a hardon for Houshou don't they?
>Call attendants, order them to 'Finish this'.
MECHANIC !!PtFtQcsCVYx (ID: /LUuDTEm) 06/03/16(Fri)09:51:44 No.216963
>>216940
They have girlfriends. I thought I made it clear a few threads ago.

>>1490199
So it's true, then. Thanks for looking it up!

And, shit. Re-reading Akagi's dialogue with that guy made me mad.

>>1490206
Right? I just felt sad and cringy, It was brutal just reading it.

>>1490206
>she even offered to give him food

restating: we are the one guy that gives a shit on shipgirls

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>>1490206
>Rereads RJ's dialogue
Even if somebody was okay with shipgirls she'd be shit outta luck

Sooo...What'd you guys think of the samurai jack finale?

>>1490362
Rushed as hell, contrived to be as melodramatic as fuck, and a lack of satisfaction at an ending the show had promised since its very beginning.

>no guardian REEEEEEEEE

>>1490375
I feel like if they had kept all they shit they did but gave them at least 20 more minutes to flesh it out, it would have been perfect. Still, at least we got an ending. An actual ending, not that vague but hopeful future shit we saw in the comics, but a full on "jack knifing aku" ending. I can be satisfied with getting to see that at least.

I forgot to ask but does anyone have a link to mechanic's discord? I'm new to discord and I'm not sure how to find it.

>>1490665
https://discord.gg/t7ckywR

>>1490689
thanks!

>>1490665
It is not my Discord. One of the Questers was kind enough to start it up as there was a distinct lack of discussion here prior to locking in a decision.

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Sighing as you observed the retreating back of Musashi, you dig into your back pocket to pull out the assignment sheet.

Unfolding it, you begin scanning for a specific name.

‘Shigure… Shigure…’

And there it was, right at the bottom of the list.

SHIGURE [DD] Classification 241945 – EVALUATION ONGOING; SPECIALIST ASSIGNED

To your surprise, it came with a few notes and tags, hastily-scribbled into the corner of the sheet. Squinting the best that you could, you bring the paper closer to your face, trying to make sense of the messy hand-writing… and find out just where you were going next.

Putting the piece of paper back in your back pocket, you walk up the steps, the Yokosuka Admiralty HQ on your mind.

There is a strange lack of activity along the roads… and thankfully, a distinct shortage of rubble compared to what to what had been littered around the before. The pavement wasn’t quite what you would declare as pristine, but the shop lots and other buildings were restored as well as they could have been, even if their proprietors hadn’t quite seen fit to re-inhabit their stores just yet. The loud sound of chopping air catches your attention—you look up to see military helicopters flying past you and over the blocks that made up the shore lots. They appeared to be army-requisitioned.

As much as you and the Imperial Army didn’t see eye-to-eye, you can’t deny that they had done their job in assisting in the town’s restoration a lot more than the Admiralty could have done alone. Walking up the street, you see several lower-ranked soldiers lazily basking in the afternoon sun or under some makeshift tent, none of them looking like the rank-and-file professionals that you had grown used to have shooting glares or looks of disgust at you and everything that made you what you were.

Then again, it was the weekend—and even in war, the most finicky and pessimistic found reprieve.

It’s some time before you reach Yokosuka Admiralty HQ—and it was as bustling as ever.

‘Get it in here! Move it! Move it!’

You pass by several men dragging a large metallic hose that was at least the length of your barracks—and you spy Akebono, Samidare’s comrade-in-arms, running alongside them. Another KanMusu, Hamakaze, zooms past you, paying you no heed either.

Taking out the sheet from your back pocket, you give the compound another once-over… and finding just what you were looking for.

It didn’t look indistinguishable from the other tents and trailers hobbled together… save for designation on the side matching the one on the sheet. You walk right up to the door, knocking twice.

An irritated-looking young man answers, scowling as his eyes meet yours.

‘You have thirty seconds to explain why you’re here or I’m calling the MPs.’

>>1492470
>'Yokosuka Division Commander.' (Formal, Professional)
>'I'm quaking in fear.' (Sarcastic)
>'I have the right place, right? This is where evaluations are held?' (Confused)
>'Go on ahead.' (Challenging)
>'I'm looking for Shigure, is she around?' (Direct, Inquire)
>Write-In

>>1492470
>>'Yokosuka Division Commander.' (Formal, Professional)

>>1492489
>>'Yokosuka Division Commander.' (Formal, Professional)

>>1492489
>'Yokosuka Division Commander.' (Formal, Professional)

>>1492489
>>'Yokosuka Division Commander.' (Formal, Professional)

>>1492489
>'I'm looking for Shigure, is she around?' (Direct, Inquire)

>>1492489
>'Yokosuka Division Commander.' (Formal, Professional)

>>1492489
>>'Yokosuka Division Commander.' (Formal, Professional)

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‘Yokosuka Division Commander,’ you declare, raising your hand to stop him from launching into any tirade he had in reply, ‘I was told that this was where Shigure was being assigned for evaluation.’

He scoffs, for some reason reminding you of a melodramatic young woman as he shoots you a glare.

‘You want a prize for getting it right the first time?’

You don’t rise to it, instead diving into your pockets and showing your tag for further proof of verification. He brings his face to the item in question, before drawing back, giving you a scrutinizing gaze… and slumping his shoulders, sighing tiredly. The man moves aside, gesturing you into the office. It was the same size as the Grand Lieutenant’s own quarters… and messier than your own table during your paperwork sessions. Stacks of paper, files, open drawers, photos, folders, upside-down chairs and small tables were scattered everywhere—even the chairs seemed to be like they were makeshift cabinets.

The man gestures you towards the couch, which you decline to take.

‘Shigure’s still running a session with her psych evaluation… she’ll be due for a break in about fifteen minutes, so you’re welcome to wait here until she’s done with her tests.’

‘Break?’ you let out, confused. ‘You mean that you’re going to still be running evaluation sessions on her?’

He eyes you with a look of someone that was asked the most obvious of questions.

‘KanMusu psyche is fundamentally different from human patterns—they may look like us, but their process of thought, their lock on empathy and the like, resonate on a wavelength not similar to ours,’ he crosses his arms, arrogantly turning up his nose to you, ‘and of course, if you compile that with a base that’s built around the very purpose of war and summoned through the dredges, you have to understand that it’s not like it’s as easy as explaining to a middle-aged man that all he wants out of life is to stick one in his mother.’

He stops himself… letting out a sigh and allowing his hands to drop to his side, suddenly aging by about fifty years.

‘I’m sorry if I sound a little… on edge,’ he grumbles, ‘ever since the attack, we’ve hardly had rest running this operation… especially seeing as only a few of us are left around to pick up the pieces.’

You offer an understanding nod, placing your hands in your pockets.

‘I can relate.’

He shoots you an inquisitive look, letting out a low hum as he regarded you.

‘I’m surprised it took you so long to even show up here, Commander,’ he says, pointing a finger at you. ‘Especially considering how often your Division members come through that door.’

‘It’s been a busy month.’

‘That it has.’

He lets out a laugh, dropping onto one of the few chairs that didn’t have any paper set on it.

‘Sometimes I wonder if I’m any more sane than the ones on the other side…’

>>1492771
>'How's Shigure's treatment going?'
>'You mentioned my Division members.'
>'You mentioned that KanMusu and humans had fundamentally different behavior. I never noticed.'
>'Sounds like you have your hands full. You don't go about this alone, do you?'
>'So what do you actually cover? Just stamping things and telling them that they're fit for duty?'
>'Actually, I think I'll get going. [LEAVE]
>Write-In

>>1492771
>>'How's Shigure's treatment going?'

>>1492777
which characters actually get treatment here, if you don't mind me asking, and when was the last time we talked to shigure?

>>1492777
>>'You mentioned my Division members.'

>>1492777
>>Write-In
"Can you give me the cliff notes on how my division has been doing? How have they been coping? Anything I should be aware of?"

Get info on everyone as a whole.

>>1492786
>'How's Shigure's treatment going?'
>'You mentioned my Division members.'
this>>1492786
then I think we're good

>>1492777
>>'You mentioned my Division members.'

>>1492771
>>'Sounds like you have your hands full. You don't go about this alone, do you?'

>>1492789
Going with this too

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‘You mentioned my Division members coming through here often,’ you latch onto a point, observing the calm-looking evaluator.

‘Considering what they’ve been through, I’m not actually quite surprised that some of them have trouble adapting to some changes that have been going through… and it’s even more worrying at times, with how many KanMusu we have on-base,’ he looks towards you, his face seemingly set in its stoic expression. ‘You’re aware of the losses that the other two bases suffered, aren’t you? As bad as Yokosuka was hit, Ominato and Maizuru don’t even have enough bricks and rubble to call ruins.’

It was an exaggeration.

But having been in Ominato yourself, you didn’t see that it was such a margin that you’re quick to point out the discrepancy.

‘But yes, they do come here quite often—almost every single one of them have a session at least twice a month, sometimes more for the… more severe’—his hands fold over one another as he leans back—‘cases.’

‘Severe?’

The man crosses his legs, letting out a low hum and looking skywards.

‘It’s rare that an occurrence would garner and equal reaction across the board,’ he sighs, bending over while still in his chair and picking up an empty clipboard. ‘Some handle things better than others, some worse. One person may react violently to their favorite baseball team losing, another may just lift up their arms and go to sleep.’

You cross your arms, frowning.

‘You’re telling me that some of my Division members have… issues?’

He smiles enigmatically.

‘We all have them—how we manage them, however, is entirely on us.’

You don’t fall for it.

‘Shouldn’t any ongoing jot be reaching my desk?’ You inquire, leaning over. ‘Considering that I’m their Commander?’

‘Of course not,’ he snaps, frowning as he sets the clipboard aside. ‘That is entirely between them and this section.’

You mimic his expression.

‘What’s so secret about this particular batch?’ You raise an attentive finger. ‘I was given a psychiatric evaluation data sheet on my Division when they were first assigned.’

‘You were given a clinical generalization on certain quirks, behaviors and a summary of behavioral indicators,’ he corrects. ‘That’s a marked difference to a specific case study of every KanMusu’s file—even if they’re not human, we’re still professionals… and the statutes still state that they’re, on paper at least, our patients.’

He eyes you coldly.

‘There’s a marked difference in what we tell you and what they tell us.’

>‘It would be a great help if you’re able to allow me access to the documentation.’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 22)
>‘If there are at least critical cases, I should be aware of them.’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 19)
>‘Just a general mood indicator would be fine.’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 17)
>‘Privacy is a right. I understand.’

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>1492970
>>‘Just a general mood indicator would be fine.’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 17)

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>1492970
>>‘Just a general mood indicator would be fine.’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 17)

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>1492970
>‘Just a general mood indicator would be fine.’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 17)

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>1492970
>>‘Just a general mood indicator would be fine.’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 17)

>>1492975
>>1492978
>>1492980
>>1492983
Mechanic might as well just start writing because we literally can't fail at this point.

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>1492970
>>‘Just a general mood indicator would be fine.’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 17)

>>1492994
dont tempt him or the Dice Gods

>>1493000
we need a 1 to pass the check, but you're right, it's never a good idea to temp the dice gods.

>>1493000
>>1493005
Well we got a one anyways

>>1493013
It was a warning from the dice gods themselves. if you taunt them, theye will take revenge

>>1493022
ia ia RNGesus fhtagn

With my luck, i would never tempt rngesus/fate, is bad juju

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‘Just a general indicator would be fine, just something to help me understand them a little bit more.’

He hums thoughtfully, shaking his head from side to side as he considers your proposition.

‘I guess a little reveal wouldn’t be that much of a violation,’ he concedes, before sighing and gesturing towards the couch, ‘have a seat.’

Feeling like you’d just won a small battle, you drop down onto the couch, eagerly anticipating the man’s next words.

‘A general concern of your Division… and this correlates among all of them, that is, this general factor…’

He trails off, nodding to himself, before slowly raising his hand and pointing it right at you.

‘It would be based around you, really,’ he sighs.

You blink. You?

‘Me?’ You frown, suddenly feeling apprehensive of yourself. ‘I’m… causing problems for them?’

‘You’re picking and choosing what you want to hear,’ the man sighs again, rubbing his temples and letting out another grumble. ‘I’m saying that a minor gripe that seems to correlate among the ones that run psychiatric evaluation have is a running theme of concern for your well-being… as well as your performance. A marked number of them don’t think that you’re incompetent, per se, but they do think that you’re a little more than unwilling to share your concerns and burdens with them—some of them think that it’s been having a negative impact on the Division’s current mood.’

You slump in your seat. That hadn’t been what you’d expected.

‘So I am the problem.’

The man grumbles—you can hear him counting back from ten—before looking straight at you.

‘You are choosing what you want to hear,’ he repeats, ‘your Division’s concern for you is only normal, considering the circumstances—you’re new, you’re inexperienced… and judging by what I’ve heard about the infamous First Division, you just can’t stay out of trouble long enough for them to decide that you’re not at risk of falling apart the next day. A suggestion from my part is that you stop to smell the roses once in a while to get their moods a little more used to your pace. It’s a common symptom for those thrust into a new environment.’

‘You’re telling me to take it easy? For their sake?’

He nods in response.

‘We’re all under a high-stress environment right now—one that, whether we like it or not, is going to have us bring out little things that we wish we don’t want out there at all. All that I’m saying to you—all that I’m suggesting, in fact—is that sometimes it’s better to take the bullet together instead of playing the hero and thinking it’s the noble thing to do it alone and not burden anyone else.’

He wears a fond smile, letting out a small giggle behind a gloved hand.

‘We’re social creatures… what we don’t realize is that it’s a lot harder to do than say.’

You’re not quite sure what to make of that.

>>1493096
>'How's Shigure's treatment going?'
>'You mentioned that KanMusu and humans had fundamentally different behavior. I never noticed.'
>'Sounds like you have your hands full. You don't go about this alone, do you?'
>'So what do you actually cover? Just stamping things and telling them that they're fit for duty?'
>'Actually, I think I'll get going. [LEAVE]
>Write-In

>>1493096
>>'How's Shigure's treatment going?'

>>1493096
>'How's Shigure's treatment going?'

>>1493098
>'How's Shigure's treatment going?'

>>1493098
>'How's Shigure's treatment going?'

>>1493098
>>'How's Shigure's treatment going?'

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‘How’s Shigure been responding to your treatment?’

He raises an eyebrow at your question. Briefly, you wonder if you had worded it too strongly… or wrongly.

‘We hardly treat them here, Commander—if it were up to me, we’d have more than just the standard recovery procedure,’ he visibly tenses, before relaxing, ‘and she’s working at it as well as one could hope… Shigure’s case is a little unique; even I’m not quite sure of the details that have her in such a… volatile… state.’

You focus your attention on your hands, remembering the day at Ominato.

Shigure had never struck you as the most stable of KanMusu, but sheer psychosis that she had fallen into was such that you couldn’t differentiate her from a raging beast. Even with the rationalization that she had been disturbed during the process of recovery, that sort of concentrated malice didn’t make any sense at all—Kaga herself had dragged you in a violent embrace, but had otherwise gained her sanity quickly enough for you to be revived. Shigure’s malice didn’t subside until you’re miraculously wrestled her to a standstill—it was a wonder that your bones hadn’t skipped town in the middle of the night from the constant abuse you’d put them through in the last two months.

Thinking back on it, you’re surprised that the Grand Lieutenant didn’t order her locked up… or banished.

You’d heard of KanMusu being sent away for less.

Neither could you shake the poisonous glare the Grand Lieutenant’s KanMusu had sent you.

‘You all right?’

You shake your head, touching back down into reality.

‘Yeah, I’m fine… you mentioned that you’re unsure about the details yourself,’ you try to get back on track, ‘you mean you don’t know what has her this way?’

‘KanMusu psyches work on a different level to humans—not better, not worse, different,’ he repeats, folding his fingers and eyeing you once more. ‘However, there’s no reason to believe that there can’t be a cause of the same type—an experience not dissimilar to that of regular combat veterans—that would have shaped her this way… but it would be naive to assume that any one isolated event would be the forming factor of her behavior. Repeat cases aren’t uncommon in our world, but the magnitude of her trauma must be such that I personally think it’s unlikely it’s any one isolated event.’

‘I… I don’t think I get it, sorry.’

He doesn’t look annoyed by your statement, for once.

‘It’s not good for us, either—Shigure’s been having relapses into violent tendencies on an almost consistent basis for the last year… and considering the Division that she was part of before, it’s hardly in my authority to push on.’

>‘Couldn’t you just ask her what’s wrong?’
>‘Aren’t you telling me a little too much?’
>‘I thought they told you guys everything.’
>Write-In

>>1493982
>‘I thought they told you guys everything.’

>>1493982
>What do your recommend I do, should I just try talking to her more, or..

I'm not sure I like any of the options

>>1493982
>Write-In
Are any of her relatives related to this trauma?

>>1493999
Same, I wanted to write-in asking about her previous division but he'd likely not tell. "It's hardly my authority to push on."

>>1494011
It seems likely that he simply doesn't know that much more than what is allowed for her therapy, Shigure was basically black ops right? Though, you could be right too.

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>1493995
>>1493999
>>1494006
Rolling for choice.

>>1494077
I did it

>>1494087
Your choice post was blessed with trips after all

>>1494092
The dice gods blessed me this day, but they can be fickle mistresses. Will they be with me in the next clash of fate? Only time will tell.

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>>1494102
But how can gods (male) be mistresses?

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‘So you’re suggesting that I talk to her or something?’

The man wears a wry smile, shaking his head.

‘I honestly don’t know what angle I can take in helping her—if she needs help in the first place, anyway.’

‘If she needs help?’

‘As a KanMusu her emotional matrix and comprehension runs on simulation rather than the normal reactionary output and input that you and I go through—fundamentally different, but at least similar enough to be handled at the same capacity as an average war veteran,’ he pauses, looking thoughtful, ‘or at least, that’s the hypothesis that the studies have come up with—even after ten years, we’re hardly able to tell apart what sticks and what’s slowly sliding off the wall when we throw it… and my approach—our approach—to Shigure isn’t any different to what we’ve tried to do for other KanMusu that have been under intense duress from combat deployment.’

‘Not sure if I catch all that.’

‘The rule regarding our approach to KanMusu aren’t set in stone—but considering that KanMusu work by simulation instead of a proper emotional matrix, we’re not sure for ourselves if what she’s experiencing is a learned reaction or something that comes with a learned defensive nature,’ he elaborates further. ‘Regardless, the point stands that we don’t know if she needs help in the first place or if this is just something that she’s just better off sorting on her own—because she isn’t human, the fact that we can’t discount that this isn’t a learned response has us second-guessing on whether, ultimately, this is a course of action she’s enabled through framework.’

Weirdly enough, you’re able to get the gist of it—but it doesn’t calm you at all.

‘I think bouts of violence are hardly what you can classify as just a simulation, doc.’

He shakes his head once more.

‘KanMusu are given spans between a month to a year to adopt mannerisms, emotional spans… you can even throw in a morality module in there if you want,’ his dismissive, haughty tone has you a little more on edge than you would like. ‘With the rare exception, it’s hard to actually argue that any of them have a significant enough exposure for any of those to ultimately intersperse with their personalities—as you may know, there aren’t many that don’t resort to the extremes of the spectrum in the adoption… and as specialists, we can’t discount that possibility that we’re not handling with a proper emotional front, but just another shell.’

‘So you’re telling me she’s just wrapping herself in some kind of layer of dishonesty to herself or something.’

‘Poetic,’ he answers crisply, ‘but in a word, yes… we can’t discount that there isn’t a problem at all in regards to this trauma.’

‘You’re saying that there’s a distinct possibility that all this baggage is… not real?’

His expression doesn’t change.

‘The possibility exists.’

>>1494199
They're gods, they can be whatever they want to be. Look at Zeus, mofo had sex with a princess as a beam of light, A BEAM OF LIGHT! pure solar energy doesn't even have a working biology, let alone sperm or a functional penis. Just the way of the world, best not to question the rulers of our fate, I play way too many table top games to piss the guys that control my dice rolls.

>>1494219
>‘She’s as capable of it as either one of us.’ (Outrage)
>‘Possibilities do exist, yes.’ (Modicum of Agreement)
>‘This doesn’t help.’ (Be dismissive)
>‘I can’t pretend that I’m in the know myself.’ (Ponder)
>Write-In

>>1494230
I'm not sure about these, I do agree that the possiblity exists that they're just shells, but that seems way to close to materialist philosophy that it just comes off as a dismissive answer. Plus, interacting with them for so long, I can't help but doubt that theory less and less as I get to know the various Kanmusu under our care. What do you guys think?

>>1494237
To those who don't know, materialism, on the subject of free will, generally argues against it's existence and bases our behavior on natural instinct because the mind is material, kind of like a robot simply following it's programming. In a sense it can be argued that through materialism that our emotions are simulated and based solely on what reaction we believe is most appropriate to a situation. The issue with materialism however is that rather than disprove the idea of free will, it simply ignores the argument for it. I feel like this is what they're doing with the kanmusu, they're using the fact that they can't prove or disprove the existence of their free will as proof that it most likely doesn't exist, but that their simply shells that simulate behavior. Knowing what I know on this way of thinking, I simply can't agree with it on the basis that it just comes off as dismissive and wishy washy.

>>1494237
>>1494258
http://blog.talkingphilosophy.com/?p=8452

I found this really quick for anyone who wants to read on this, I'm not wise philosopher so if anyone has a different take on it I would love to hear it.

>>1494230
>‘She’s as capable of it as either one of us.’ (Outrage)

>>1494237

Well, it appears that is something akin to this, if we go by that logic the human personality can be just a simulation once our emotions are controlled by chemical reactions in our brains and with enough hormones and substances you can alter that same emotions.

>>1494237
I definitely don't like the psychologist's view on the subject. To me it seems like these "experts" don't even have the slightest idea about what they're doing and yet they act as though their assumptions are fact. Now the Commander's obviously no expert, but I think that living with a person for over a month would certainly give you some insight into how they think. Frankly, we haven't seen ANYTHING that supports the whole "they're just simulations, guys" argument.

>>1494219

tl;dr:

'I don't know what we can do for because we're not sure if she's really feeling these things or if she's just thinking that this is what she should be feeling. Can't judge her by the same stick we're on because we're not them and they're not us.'

>>1494230
>>‘She’s as capable of it as either one of us.’ (Outrage)

>>1494327
It's more like they're simply using different forms of logic based on their own biases. As a medical provider and a psychiatrist you simply can't apply one form of thinking on to the kanmusu without also putting this same way of thinking on to the humans in order to prove they're fundamentally different. But by dismissing free will and using the argument that they're emotions are simulated, you must also come up with an argument for this isn't the case for humans, which is impossible. If you dismiss the idea of an immaterial mind for kanmusu to enforce your own argument, then you must do the same for humanity, which would simply leave them with chemical reactions, hormones, and instinct. They essentially means that, under materialism the primary form of argument against kanmusu free will, human emotions are just as simulated and false and therefore kanmusu are just as "human" and their "emotions" just as real in the sense that neither truly has free will. Free will, like the belief of god, is based on the belief that it exists, as it is simply impossible to have an argument for or against it because rather than proof, they're is simply lack of proof for either side, as it can't be measured. I feel outrage is too much as the therapist's ideas aren't new or illogical, but we should argue the fallacies that come with such an argument.

>>1494354
Fuck, I never thought taking philosophy classes this year would pay off on a 4chan quest thread of all places.

>>1494360
Please.

My ego can't handle this validation.

>>1494230
>‘She’s as capable of it as either one of us.’ (Outrage)

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>>1494397
Don't sell yourself short, the great philosophers would be proud.

>>1494354
For me, outrage makes sense. As an expert responsible for the mental health of the KanMusu, locking himself into a single mindset like that could end up causing far more harm than he realizes. Now I realize this is a gross oversimplification, but materialism is at least a little bit similar to behaviorism. A psychologist would be borderline negligent to focus solely on behaviorist rationale when dealing with a patient. You need to take things from as many different philosophies as possible in order to come up with a comprehensive plan for treating a patient. By insisting that the KanMusu psyche is a simulation, he is more than likely ignoring potential ways to treat serious issues.

>>1494420
No, I agree with you, but rather than simply getting pissed, I'd rather argue with logic. Plus, the guy doesn't honestly seem all that bad and he seems stressed and overworked. I really don't feel like he deserves getting screamed at for a philosophy he's not even confident about. I don't agree with the simulation theory but I do agree they should explore it, if only to disprove it. Also, he's our division's therapist, I'd like to develop at least a working relationship with him so it'll be easier to get a rundown on our kanmusu so that we're better prepared to help them when the need arises. That'll be way harder if we just end up making the guy hate us as much as the mp chief(jerk off) does.

>>1494432
Fair enough. I'm hoping that (outrage) doesn't mean screaming at him as much as it means being noticeably upset.

>>1494440
Meh, we'll just have to wait and see.

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‘She’s as capable as either one of us,’ you practically seethe, glaring straight at the man across you.

He raises his head to meet your glare, just as unwilling to yield as you were.

It was ridiculous.

As unstable as she was, to suggest that Shigure wasn’t at all capable of reaching the same heights as you or the man standing before your eyes… or anyone on the street for that matter—and it wasn’t just Shigure, every single one of the KanMusu under your command could hardly be doing what passed off as a mere simulation of the human emotional spectrum. You’d held her as she wept into your battered body; you had Takao risk her own expulsion in an effort to save your life. There was no way that you could even consider such a thought—such an idea—to have a concrete place in the scheme of things.

That was what you believed.

The door opens, catching your attentions—you get to your feet, turning around to see Shigure, clad in a delicate sundress and looking as stoic as ever, flanked by a young woman who looked as dangerous as she was alluring… and most definitely not someone to be trifled with, if her stone-faced expression was any indication. The former’s expression shifts from its stoic manner to a confused, surprised state as your Destroyer come face-to-face with you, as does the young woman’s, who turns to the now-standing man, communicating a nod.

‘Doctor, who is this?’

‘Shigure’s Commander.’

She briefly wears an expression of shock before managing to collect herself.

‘He came to check up on her,’ he continues, holding out his hand—she promptly hands him what looks like a cassette. ‘The records all done and copied?’

‘Yes,’ she answers him, taking out another tape from her breast pocket, ‘but I’m not sure how much you needed—there were three that we arranged for, but we ended up using five.’

He lets out a tired sigh, placing a hand on Shigure’s head and giving it a tussle.

‘Well, can’t get any lower than rock bottom.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

Your eyes meet his—if there was any modicum of civility that was possible between the both of you, it had been reduced to but a sliver. The growing dislike in his eyes was apparent… and your disdain for his views festered in return.

‘It means that you have about forty minutes because I really need to get a lunch break and requisition for more tapes,’ he raises a hand, turning away from you. The woman gives a small bow of her own, walking out the office. ‘Feel free to use this place to sort out whatever you need—but get anything out of place and the Abyssals are the last thing you want to worry getting on your ass.’

The both of them leave without another word… and you find yourself alone with an increasingly confused Shigure.

‘Commander?’

>>1494475
>'Ah, so, I just came to see how you were doing, yeah.' (Ease)
>'How was the session?' (Direct)
>'You want to tell me what's been going on with you?' (Brazen)
>'Shigure, I came to talk about what happened in Ominato. We haven't actually addressed it, really.' (Pry)
>'So, you're one foot away from the cuckoo's nest.' (Joke)
>Write-In

>>1494475
>'Ah, so, I just came to see how you were doing, yeah.' (Ease)
please tell me you are ok shigurin

>>1494483
>>'Ah, so, I just came to see how you were doing, yeah.' (Ease)

>>1494475
>'Ah, so, I just came to see how you were doing, yeah.' (Ease)
See, I called it, now we hate each other. To be fair though, his views are terrible and he comes off like a hack with his lack of actual thoughts for why kanmusu are considered different psychologically when there doesn't seem to be any real proof that doesn't also apply to the entirety of humanity as well.

>>1494483
>'Ah, so, I just came to see how you were doing, yeah.' (Ease)

>>1494483
>'So, you're one foot away from the cuckoo's nest.' (Joke)

>>1494502
Humanity as a whole has disdain for the KanMusu. Even gynaecologists have a great dislike when asked to help do check ups on their vestigial reproductive parts, as Kaga and Houshou have made clear a few dozen threads ago.

>>1494502
i just want to remind you that yamato is SUCIDALY DEPRESED and takao was once JEALOUS
this guy never lived with a kanmusu more than 2 minutes
>>1494507
worse humans ever

>>1494507
I know, doesn't justify anything, just proves to me how incredibly stupid humans are in this universe. Fuck compared to these humans, marvel humans actually come off as a downright pleasant and intelligent population that actually think before they act.

>>1494483
>>'Ah, so, I just came to see how you were doing, yeah.' (Ease)

>>1494507
How come? Just lurking but would like to know why our only hope is disdained?

>>1494546
10 years of war against an enemy that just keeps coming grinds down people's hope

>>1494546
>>1494552
we are the one guy that gives a fuck to the shipgirls lives that is STILL alive
all others are dead
its up to you at is greatest exponent

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‘Ah,’ you awkwardly begin, ‘I just came to see how you were doing, yeah.’

Shigure rubs her forearm, looking downward.

An unfamiliar feeling washes over you.

Now you understood just how first year primary kids felt when their parents just wouldn’t leave the premises for the first month of school.

‘You look like you’re doing a lot better,’ you try to sound upbeat, as awkward as you still were, ‘not that you were doing badly before, of course, just… I…’

You let out a sigh.

Rather than continue to be tongue-tied, you elect the one route that you hadn’t so much as given a glance: honesty.

‘I came over here because I was worried about you,’ you declare, albeit a little more stiffly than you had intended. You adopt a worried tone, looking straight into her eyes. ‘Are they treating you all right here, Shigure?’

‘Yes,’ she answers, sounding a little more chipper than you’d expected her to be, ‘It’s nothing that I haven’t grown used to—ah, but the evaluation isn’t quite done yet, so I can’t say for sure if they’re going to declare me fit to return to the field or not. In most cases they do, but… after what happened, they’ve taken more precautions in regards to their appraisal of my situation—but it’s not something that I wasn’t ready for—I’ll… take whatever it is that they deem fit for my betterment.’

The way she says it has you thinking that they must have doped her up on something. As cheerful as Shigure sounded, there was a certain hollowness to her voice. As if she was carefully considering her words instead of having a proper, reflexive reply.

‘That’s a lot of buts, Shigure—are you sure that they’re treating you right?’

You raise your prosthetic, placing it on her pale shoulder. Rather than flinching away, Shigure bites her lip and places a hand over the rough surface of your exoskeleton, wearing a tight—if attemptedly reassuring—smile of her own before looking downwards.

‘They do… what they can,’ she manages, her eyes downcast. ‘The evaluation unit’s task is to see if I am ready-fit for another combat tour—my concern, and theirs, is to meet that standard so that I can return to service as quickly as possible… as effectively as possible.’

The monotone quality her voice takes wouldn’t have been out of place coming from Ooyodo’s lips.

‘That’s not what I’m asking, Shigure,’ you say it a little forcefully, now practically looming over her. ‘I’m just… telling you that I’m concerned about you—you. Not if you’re able to fire five shells in a volley tomorrow morning—are you doing okay?’

The sound of a sniffle reaches your ears.

‘No.’

>‘C’mere.’ (Comfort her)
>‘You learned to tuck it in, right?’ (Serious)
>‘Are you crying?’ (Tease)
>‘Shigure, we need to talk.’ (Divert)
>Write-In

>>1494656
>‘C’mere.’ (Comfort her)
We've got the momentum, we need to show support so she doesn't close back up.

>>1494656
>>‘C’mere.’ (Comfort her)

>>1494656
>‘C’mere.’ (Comfort her)
what have they done to my little girl

>>1494656
>>‘C’mere.’ (Comfort her)

>>1494656
>>‘C’mere.’ (Comfort her)

>>1494656
>‘C’mere.’ (Comfort her)

>>1494656
>‘C’mere.’ (Comfort her) Also apply maximum dosage of comfortung back rubs and headpats

>>1494656
>>‘C’mere.’ (Comfort her)
Continue down the road of dadmander

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You do the only thing you know how.

‘C’mere,’ you approach your distraught subordinate, enveloping her in a gentle embrace.

Shigure sniffles, using the front of your t-shirt as a napkin, clutching at your jacket as she lets out a small whining noise akin to a kicked dog, almost pulling you down with her considerable strength. You consider her form for a moment—vulnerable, cracked, and yet, in your heart you believed with every once of confidence that she could step out into the sea and tear her foes apart without mercy, remorse or hesitation. It was a strange dichotomy—a being pulled out from the depths of a dark world to give its life for humanity through war and conflict… now no more than a timid young girl who looked like she had just had the worst night of her life.

At the back of your mind, you wonder when people would begin considering her as one of them… or if they ever could look past the smoking turrets and trail of fallen monsters in their wake to see that there really wasn’t that much difference.

Anxiety. Worry. Anger. Courage.

You rub the back of her head as well as you can, trying to calm her down the best you’re able.

‘What’s bringing this on?’

‘Samidare… Samidare yelled at me.’

You find your eyes bugging out of your head—even your magical one—at the reveal. You could imagine Samidare throwing a tantrum, being stubborn or giving some sort of puppy-dog pout from a disagreement, but trying to envision her throwing a fit with Shigure on the receiving end… and reducing her to this blob of tears was something you really had trouble even processing. Despite the severity of the situation, you can’t help but find yourself being dragged off course by this new development.

‘Samidare?’ you stutter, staring down at the puffy-faced girl. ‘Wait a minute—Samidare yelled at you?’

‘She told me to… to just say sorry to you and stop acting tough about things—that even if I’m stronger than her it didn’t mean that I could go about acting like I was right about things,’ she begins—you actually found yourself slack-jawed; you hadn’t thought Samidare would be talking about that, of all people, and certainly not to her sister. ‘She said that… that you were different and that you… you actually cared about us and that I should start thinking of you as someone who—and when you stopped me, I…’

You can see the tears beginning to leak again.

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you!’

You’re taken slightly aback; an emotional Shigure was something you were prepared for.

A blubbering Shigure, however, was not.

>‘Well, I can’t admit that I don’t feel that reprimand isn’t in order.’ (Professional)
>‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’ (Forgive)
>‘That’s not up to me to decide, even if I do accept it.’ (Dismissive)
>‘I don’t think that’s… um…’ (On the fence)
>Write-In

>>1498656
>>‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’ (Forgive)

>>1498656
>>‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’ (Forgive)

>>1498656
>>‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’ (Forgive)

>>1498656
>‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’ (Forgive)

>>1498656
>>‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’ (Forgive)

>>1498656
>>‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’ (Forgive)


Must make sea-salt ice cream for the daughterus.

>>1498656
>‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’ (Forgive)

>>1498656
>‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’ (Forgive)
MAXIMUM DADMMANDER

>>1498656
>‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’ (Forgive)

My vote is clearly unneeded, but hey might as well

File: ONEEEEEEEEEECHAAAAAAAAAN.jpg (114 KB, 750x800)

114 KB JPG

Your answer couldn’t be any easier to ponder.

‘Never held it against you, to be honest.’

Wiping her tears, looking stunned. Her bright blue eyes widen as she looks right up at you, her cheeks and eyes puffy and her face stained by streaks of tears and some snot … which you hope didn’t—no, it was too late. There was a visibly off-yellow stain on the white fabric of your top, thankfully not staining the jacket. You’re not sure if you could hold in your ire if that had been ruined.

‘Eh?’

Or perhaps you could—Shigure looked the very picture of obliviousness, a confused whine escaping her throat as she looked more lost than you had seen her before. She still clutches at your jacket, like a child trying to comprehend her teacher’s words on a subject she was lightyears away from … and she looked positively adorable despite the circumstances. Another sniffle leaves her throat, prompting you gently rub the top of her head with your metal prosthetic.

‘Well … you can think of it as payback, I guess,’ you muse, smiling reassuringly at your charge. You release a heavy sigh, adopting a slightly guilty look as you wipe away her tears with your working fleshy digits. It was no good to see those so pronounced. ‘I haven’t been the best Commander either, so … what I’m trying to say is that I can take that out of your book, if you get what I mean?’

‘Hn?’

You gently tub the top of her head. Her form seems to stiffen, probably unsure to react at such a show of affection.

‘I mean that I don’t fault you at all—we do … stupid things when we get upset and, well, what I’m getting at is that … not that I like being hit or anything, but—!’

A growl in the deep recesses of your mind tell you to get on with it.

‘Shigure,’ you begin seriously, adopting as honest a look as you can muster, fixing a warm gaze into her blurry blue orbs. ‘I told you that I was just more than your Commander or your leader … I’m also your friend … and one little suplex or punch to the gut isn’t going to so much as stop me from being that.’

Shigure seems to stiffen again … before burying herself in the fabric of your shirt once more, clutching at you like a blanket.

‘O-Okay …’

‘I’m having a lot of trouble imagining Samidare yelling at you, though—she always looked like she thought the world of you.’

She puts on a childish pout, looking up and trying her best to glare holes at you.

They really were sisters after all.

>‘Now that that’s settled … Shigure, what really happened at Ominato?’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 19)
>‘So how’s work been so far?’
>‘They’ve been treating you right, right? No … bad vibes or anything?’
>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’
>‘I’d like your opinion on the goings-on of the Division.’
>‘I better get going.’ LEAVE
>Write-In

>>1506248
>>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’

>>1506248
>>‘They’ve been treating you right, right? No … bad vibes or anything?’

>>1506248
>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>1506248
>>‘Now that that’s settled … Shigure, what really happened at Ominato?’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 19)

>>1506248
>>‘They’ve been treating you right, right? No … bad vibes or anything?’

>>1506248
>>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’

>>1506248
>‘They’ve been treating you right, right? No … bad vibes or anything?’

>>1506257
>>1506260
>>1506262
>>1506266
>>1506273
>>1506292
Flipping a coin. Coin flipped.

File: Shigugu.jpg (125 KB, 850x1167)

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You move to address a recent worry of yours, stepping back and observing Shigure’s much calmer form. If Shigure had broken into tears just as soon as she had left the care of whoever these people claimed they were, you were reluctant to think how much more damage they had inadvertently done instead of the patches they supposedly ran over the cracks of the KanMusu. Biting your lip, you stare down at the still vulnerable-looking girl, the words of the man from before testing your sense of delicacy.

‘They’ve been treating you right, right?’ you question—there was a whole lot more you wanted to say … but curse words were hardly appropriate, given the atmosphere. ‘No … bad vibes or anything?’

You didn’t want to set Shigure off again.

‘Eh?’ She lets out, staring up at you with wide eyes. ‘B-Bad vibes?’

‘They haven’t done anything to you that … you know, you don’t particularly feel comfortable with, right?’

Shigure brings a hand to her chin, looking thoughtful—and restrained.

‘The evaluation department … whatever it is, Commander, they’re strictly professional—there is no good or bad with them,’ she answers, sounding unsure. ‘They’re simply here to ensure we don’t have any … conditions that would otherwise affect our performance. To that end, I would say that they are are leas t … efficient.’

‘Efficient?’ you practically balk—that had been her concern? You feel incredulous. ‘You mean you don’t care whether you’re mistreated at all?’

She tilts her head slightly—probably further confused with your choice of words.

‘Humans can hardly mistreat us,’ Shigure continues, twiddling her thumbs, ‘our systems brace for any significant impact and protect us from any mode of physical harm.’

That had not been what you had asked for—and judging by Shigure’s movements, you suspect that she knew that too.

‘That’s … not what I meant,’ you sigh, placing your hands on your hips, ‘you really think that they’re doing a good job with you? It’s not an impression that I’m getting from whoever’s running the place—that Doctor in particular.’

‘It’s not in our behavior to question, but,’ she pauses, considering her own words, ‘honestly, Commander, the treatment is adequate enough for us to consistently receive it without any ill effects … in most cases.’

You let out a sigh.

That was just like Shigure to keep diverting.

‘Yeah, yeah, I know, exception to the rule and all that jazz,’ you run a hand through your hair, going with her flow—the way she was right now, you couldn’t afford to be any more pushy than you already were. ‘Can’t believe that the Admiralty would consider that adequate—can’t believe you girls believe that it’s adequate.’

She wears an expression you can’t quite place.

‘It gets what needs to be done, done. Sometimes, that’s all that needs to be considered.’

>>1506394
>‘Now that that’s settled … Shigure, what really happened at Ominato?’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 19)
>'You really don't have anything else to say? Doesn't seem that they've been practicing that well in my eyes.' (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 18)
>‘So how’s work been so far?’
>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’
>‘I’d like your opinion on the goings-on of the Division.’
>‘I better get going.’ LEAVE
>Write-In

>>1506400
>>‘I’d like your opinion on the goings-on of the Division.’

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>1506400
>'You really don't have anything else to say? Doesn't seem that they've been practicing that well in my eyes.' (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 18)

Not even Samidare getting mad can make her stop deflecting it seems.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>1506400
>'You really don't have anything else to say? Doesn't seem that they've been practicing that well in my eyes.' (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 18)

>>1506400
>>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>1506400
>>‘Now that that’s settled … Shigure, what really happened at Ominato?’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 19)

>>1506400
>>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>1506400
>'You really don't have anything else to say? Doesn't seem that they've been practicing that well in my eyes.' (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 18)

>>1506421
>>1506422
>>1506447
Initial DC: 18. Totals 18/30 = 0.60
Adjusted for Rolls: Totals: 10/18 = 0.55
Result: FAILURE

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156 KB JPG

‘You don’t have anything else to say to that? Really?’ you further question her, raising an eyebrow and adjusting your eyepatch. ‘Doesn’t look like they’re practicing anything that well in my eyes.’

You snort. Shigure smiles apologetically, closing her eyes and shaking her head, before looking straight up at you again, her professional, hardy self back on point.

‘It’s … as I said, it’s inconsequential,’ her voice takes a tone to suit her smile—and it reveals more than what probably want to say. ‘The bottom line for every department supporting KanMusu operations is to concern themselves with as close to an optimum state of efficiency for the operations concerned—concerning ourselves with anything that measures a subjective element that wouldn’t otherwise translate based on the set barometers is a fundamental waste of time.’

‘You seriously don’t have anything bad to say about them?’ you take a more inquisitive tone—people complained about their co-workers, bosses and teachers. It was hard to believe that Shigure didn’t at least feel annoyed. ‘I read the reports that came when I picked you out for the Division—you’ve been in and out and you expect me to believe you don’t have a single qualm with how they run things?’

Then again, this was Shigure—and she was nothing if not hard to read.

‘The indicators vary subject to subject—and there are known cases of failure,’ she nods as she continues, not quite answering your question, ‘but as I’ve said, I don’t have any issue with the way things are run. It’s a little strange for humans to understand,’ she pauses again, her expression as hard to gauge as it had been before, ‘but, ah, as things are, I can say that we have no complaints. As it doesn’t affect mission performance or correlate with any negative behavioral indexes … no, there is really nothing for me to say, positive or negative. It is overall, as I’ve said, inconsequential.’

She offers another smile in apology.

‘I’m sorry, Commander,’ she doesn’t quite sound like it, but there is at least an earnest effort at ending the topic, you find, ‘but I’m not … human, so I really can’t say how you want me to feel or what I want to feel. I’ve been at this for some time … and all I can say is that, at the end of the day, so long as I’m able to operate as well as I have been able, I don’t have anything to say other than I am thankful for being given the opportunity to recovery and do my duty.’

She bows quickly, the top of her head almost knocking into you.

‘So, I’m really sorry!’

You sigh, admitting defeat.

‘It’s all right, Shigure.’

That had been a total waste of effort.

>>1506549
>‘Shigure, what happened in Ominato?’ (Roll a 1d6 each DC: 19)
>‘So how’s work been so far?’
>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’
>‘I’d like your opinion on the goings-on of the Division.’
>‘I better get going.’ LEAVE
>Write-In

>>1506551
>>‘I’d like your opinion on the goings-on of the Division.’

>>1506549
>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’

>>1506551
>>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’

>>1506549
>>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’

>>1506551
>>‘How has your training with Samidare been coming along?’

>>1506495
Huh, did we only do 3 rolls here?

>>1506824
Yup, Mech just took what we gave this time