>>1636692
Oh boy, it's Cabot season.

First...

>[Is Eisentor what you want to name your new country? If not, then what? You have time to argue and consider it, there's substantial stuff to get through first]

>>1636693
No, it's Fairchild season.

>>1636696
Cabot season.

>>1636692
>Today is a very big day for you
Our birthday?

>>1636694
I like Phaeton, since its the planet that was hypothesized to be the origin of the Asteroid belt.

>>1636694
Eisentor. It makes sense and in a way it does serve as a heavily defensive gate for both sides.

>>1636698
Fairchild season

>>1636694
I'm fine with either Eisentor or >>1636699
this one

File: latest[1].png (1.65 MB, 1615x908)

1.65 MB PNG

On your way to the negotiations, you stop by the shuttleport. Doctor Duncan Clancy looms above the crowd, his white labcoat flapping in the artificial wind. He arrived with the Browning from 16-Psyche this morning. You don't like leaving your base there so lightly defended, but it has plenty of mecha and according to the report he gives you while Athena hugs your legs and sings 'Crimson Red Vermilion', apparently from a file of songs Rosita gave her, the station's guns are back online and its mecha production capabilities are returning to optimum levels.

“You know you didn't have to deliver this yourself.” You remark, browsing through the datafiles, encouraged by pictures of Dutchmen and Jagers being constructed in neat rows. You've already set up negotiations with the other tourney pilots to build more of their mecha, although some, like the Loggerhead, require ordering specifically from a company. Even there, you're hoping to make the Belt a more attractive place for organizations like Yates & Hillyrd to work from than Jupiter proper.

“Yeah, I did. Got something I have to do, Roarke.” Duncan puts his hands in his pockets, his craggy brow furrowing, “Something serious I need to talk to you about. Hey, little buddy...” Duncan hands Athena his PC, “Want some ice cream? Go ahead, you've been good.” He smiles, indicating a nearby stall with a jerk of his head.

“Ice cream!? Thanks dadda!” Athena hugs her dad's knee and scampers off.

“Caramel for me! Whatever you want for you! No more than two scoops! And yours has to be in a cup, young lady, we don't want to get your dress all dirty!” He bellows jovially after her, making direct eye contact with the ice cream salesgirl to make it clear she heard his instructions even if his daughter thinks she's doing the order herself.

“It's not something dangerous, is it?” You ask him.

He folds his arms and looks at you sidelong.

>>1636694
>Eisentor

File: Dozle_Zabi_7953[1].jpg (26 KB, 280x280)

26 KB JPG

You shake your head, “You've got a kid to look out for, Duncan, and I'm going to need parenting advice soon myself. We need you.”

He crooks his mouth into a rough smile, “I know, and that's part of why I'm doing it. The Kestrels have been good to me...and I've got a debt to pay you. Roarke, you told me once you wanted to keep me out of it even if it meant you'd have to deal with that bitch Fairchild, right? Well, I'm grateful, but the time's come. I'm going to tell the other Jovian brass here exactly what happened to me. She can make all the excuses she wants, claim I was threatened or brainwashed, but I still believe that if I face them with my head high and speak honestly, they'll believe me. Something's got to be done about that crazy bitch, and if I can help, I've got a duty to do it. I know, I've got a daughter to look after, but how many kids lost their lives on Suleiman 1? How many more might suffer if I don't sack up and deal with this? As a man, it's got to be done.”

You nod, a little taken aback, “Glad to hear it, and you have my support, but...”

“...But if something does happen to me...” He starts.

“It won't. I'm not letting that happen.” You interject.

“Right, but IF.” He interjects right back, “IF something does, I want you to take care of Athena. Samantha's a nice girl and I know she wants kids, and I know Athena looks up to her. You two will make good parents for her.” He smiles sadly, “Promise me, Roarke.”

“Nothing is going to happen to you.” You insist.

“Promise me.” He growls.

You throw your hands up in the air, “Alright! I promise! Nothing is going to happen to you, but still, I promise!” You shake your head, and call after Athena, “Two scoops of chocolate chip for me!”

You spend several pleasant minutes eating ice cream and listening to Athena talk about the 'silly boys' on 16-Psyche...the orphans, you gather...before you resume your trek to the palace.

[Continued]

Alright so once again the game plan we're going with is demanding too much for each side for Lori and trying to move the conversation over to us joining the SSL in exchange for

>Duel with Cabot
>Freedom to raid outside Sol
>Able to keep whatever loot we take
>Are not to be put under Fairchild's command

File: green season.png (796 KB, 1536x864)

796 KB PNG

>>1636702

>>1636713
Don't you go raising deathflags on me, Duncan. Plus side, production is going strong.

File: Kayearth_defeated_by_Emiya[1].png (312 KB, 1024x576)

312 KB PNG

When you envisioned high-stakes negotiations with three planetary nations, you envisioned something a lot different. An arena of glowing, floating thrones, maybe, or some kind of ominous darkened room with the powerbrokers communicating anonymously through monoliths with speakers in them or bizarre art objects. Something overwrought and dramatic.

What you didn't imagine was a conference room in Red Siren's palace, or that it would be so normal. Yes, the glassteel table with an interior of pressed flower petals is nice, and so is the waterfall view of the gardens out the window, but at its heart it's a room, with perfectly regular chairs surrounding a perfectly regular table. People have been meeting like this for centuries for perfectly mundane reasons, “Maybe the content really does matter. Maybe politics isn't just for show.” You muse, gazing out at the gardens as you wait for the delegates to arrive. The table is square, and your people, backed by your guards, sit on the side where they can see the door.

“Psh, yeah right.” Miles grumbles, smoothing down her hair. She's slicked it back to go with her old-fashioned women's suit. Richard is supervising fleet operations, while three of your other Captains sit along one edge of the table.

“...Do you think I should have brought the skull, for effect?” Captain Beckingham asks Captain Oda quietly.

“Nani? The skull? That wasn't just a novelty paperweight?” Oda stares, aghast, at Beckingham.

Beckingham looks unconcerned, the Harmonium's Captain shrugging, “Why would it be? He was a traitor and an enemy, he deserved to die.”

You hear a bwoop, and get out your PC. You have a message, and reflexively, you check it. It's not from anyone on your contacts list. Out of curiosity, you open it.

'General Fairchild is out. Her authority to negotiate with you has been rescinded by private order of Chairman Luxol. It would nonetheless be helpful to our investigation if you played along with her...and a good bit of sport, too. Cheers.'

[Continued]

>>1636719
Change
>Are not to be put under Fairchild's command
To
>To retain autonomous and independent command in a war footing.

>>1636719
Understanding our laws should be one. If anything else it will help us pin down Cabot if we managed to get several crimes to stick. They've all been done in the belt, first mate or major and as a pirate of the belt, she should follow under belt law.

>>1636729
We can just claim a duel to the death, its well with in our rights of declaring a duel.

>>1636725
To clarify, we don't want people to prop up Fairchild as a martyr or deterrent to the Black Ogre Pirate King and give her more powers and authority.

>>1636723
Oh, this is going to be good. I expect some bull from her at least.

File: latest[1].png (1.67 MB, 1920x1080)

1.67 MB PNG

Well, isn't that interesting?

“Kouhai, keeping a man's gilded skull on your desk is kowaii, even Pomade-kun's.” Oda remonstrates with the Harmonium's captain.

Beckingham scowls, “It's a perfectly piratical thing to do, I'm surprised you don't have any skulls on your desk.”

Oda puffs out his chest, “My worst enemies didn't leave any bones that complete behind, Beck-kun.”

“Keep your damned shirts tucked in, ladies.” Moses Flint has his ear against the table, “I hear footsteps coming. Military cadence, our boys got here first. Sit up straight, the whole Jovian contingent is UJCIDF.”

Flint's and Oda's new First Mates make eye contact, and nod. Alexander Grant and James McClintock are taking their jobs extremely seriously, with less banter than you'd predicted.

Your prediction about who would be first through the door, however, was completely correct. General Fairchild sweeps in like she's practiced it. Immediately behind her is General Hatsheput, looking a bit embarrassed about the proceedings, and the two Colonels Luxol and Stern. Lieutenant Josiah McAllister enters with them...but there's no sign of Fairchild's secretary. Damn it. She does have some guards with her, as expected, in body armor and helmets. They take their positions along the side of the table to your right, Fairchild sitting as far from you as possible.

[Continued]

>>1636735
Fake a phone call from Clemmy and loudly tell her how much we love her.

File: join_zeon_by_daevakun-d4g(...).jpg (135 KB, 600x464)

135 KB JPG

Next are the Martians, led by Asim Abdul. Despite the Martians bringing more warships to Auditorium than anyone else, a fact that makes sense considering you know who they brought with them, their delegation is far less military than the Jovians', consisting of merchants and diplomats along with a trio of Holy Militia officers. Asim nods to you as he takes his seat with his delegation on your left, “Admiral, you're looking well.”

“It's all thanks to Fatima's cooking.” You reply with a smile.

He laughs heartily, “It's a good thing you're marrying that girl.”

“It's so nice that her reputation got to stay intact. I mean, you surely must know the rumors about pirates...” One of the Martian merchants, a rather plain-faced woman notes.

“He carried her off over his shoulder and everything. It was all straight out of a romance novel.” General Hatsheput sighs, clasping her hands together.

“Ooh, that's lovely, where did you hear that?” The Martian asks, leaning forward with an expression of fascination, “Were there wistful glances?”

“Aplenty! At first they were all snarling at each other, too.” General Hatsheput is clearly enjoying this far, far too much. “Oh, I have my sources...”

“How strange, that you should see fit not to tell me about them when this pirate alliance has been my responsibility for months.” General Fairchild comments waspishly. “Would you mind keeping me more informed in the future?”

“Oh, yes. Yes I would!” Regina Hatsheput's smile remains just as sweet as it was before.

[Continued]

>>1636745
Moe has done well with Hatsheput.

File: maxresdefault[1].jpg (62 KB, 1280x720)

62 KB JPG

Before Fairchild can figure out how to respond, or you can devise something sufficiently cutting to dissuade Fairchild from further claiming the Iron Kestrels as her 'responsibility', Asim cuts in loudly, “So, I hear that you're an afficionado of the French Harp, Admiral.”

“Hai, Teitoku-sama has a musical soul.” Captain Oda nods firmly.

“...What the Tartarus is a teitoku?” Colonel Luxol whispers to Colonel Stern.

Colonel Stern shrugs, and whispers back, “Admiral, Captain Oda Yoritomo is something of a...peculiarity in this section of space.” You see the old man wince slightly.

“Perhaps you could give us a tune?” Asim suggests.

“I would very much rather not listen to the warblings of an antique instrument like that.” General Fairchild interjects.

You stare her dead in the eye as you pull the harmonica out of your jacket pocket and croon a little blues on it.

“I say, should I have brought my guitar?” Duke Eustace de Rothschild-Beauchamps arrives last, looking weary, with bags under his eyes and a strained smile. He has a small delegation, just himself, a handful of knights in heavy, high-quality armor of black and gold, and one in red, whose helmet has a Grecian-style crest and a shortsword at its belt.

You can hear General Fairchild's teeth grind at the suggestion.

Oda stares at the shortsword, and frowns, speaking quietly, “Aniki, I rec-”

You look at him and shake your head, “Later.” It's a good thing to know Caesar is safe, at least.

You clear your throat, “Since we're all here, let's get to business. Firstly, everyone here is under my protection. Even if you are lifelong enemies, do no violence to each other, or it will be returned in kind.”

>[Now, as for the matter of the Paladin, Countess Loriette Marie le Kennedy...]
>[Now, as for the matter of the Belt's greater geopolitical status...]

>>1636751
>>[Now, as for the matter of the Paladin, Countess Loriette Marie le Kennedy...]
Do this first so we can change the conversation towards us joining the SSL and have this be forgotten.

>>1636751
>>1636760
>[Now, as for the matter of the Paladin, Countess Loriette Marie le Kennedy...]

Agreed.

>>1636751
Tricky. More for the geopolitical than the Pally since it will lead to that. If we do the Paladin first they will try to force the situation. Keeping Lori under our control could also be one of the things talked about for us joining.

>>1636751
>>[Now, as for the matter of the Paladin, Countess Loriette Marie le Kennedy...]

>>1636751
>[Now, as for the matter of the Paladin, Countess Loriette Marie le Kennedy...]
Oh boy, I have been waiting all week for this

Feels kind of dead for such a big event happening tonight.

>>1636786
Lurking.

>>1636791
Still don't understand lurking in quests since anons participating is a incredibly important.

>>1636786
To be fair, some may be prepping for tomorrow. 4th o' July and all.

>>1636796
I get it, just feels kinda weird being this dead when we're doing something this important.

>>1636793
Got nothing to say.

>>1636802
Come on you have to have some opinion about what's going on.

>>1636751
>[Now, as for the matter of the Paladin, Countess Loriette Marie le Kennedy...]

File: veggieseason.jpg (89 KB, 640x640)

89 KB JPG

>>1636720
Here, I made it better

I miss making stupid edits like this

>>1636807
I come for robots and robot related activities.

>>1636819
So just pretend everybody in the room is a robot.

>>1636800
Well, what is there to say? We have the entire situation covered through various plans. By the looks of it, Cabot is off being a pain and will likely need to be punched dead in the streets before she tries to make more orphans.

File: 310568[1].jpg (38 KB, 225x350)

38 KB JPG

“Now, as to the matter of the Paladin, Countess Loriette Marie le Kennedy...” You fold your hands on the table, “The reason why all of you are here.” This, you have begun to realize, isn't true. What they want is to know whose side you're on and solidify an alliance if possible.

Aside from Fairchild, who you're sure would rather just ventilate Auditorium. “Servant of the Green Men, murderer of SSL soldiers, and a traitor to mankind.” She chimes in, right on cue.

“A traitor? Really, isn't it a bit rich for you to be saying that? After all, you used your own civilians as a shield and tried to blame the Pirate King for it.” Duke Eustace leans back in his chair.

“You destroyed a colony, you filthy cultist dog, you're lucky I don't order the Iulia Maesa to open fire on your vessel.” She snaps.

He raises his eyebrows, “Breaking the peace would be more unfortunate for you than for me...but don't take my word for it. Do it. Do it right now. Do it and see what happens.” He gets even more comfortable, “In the event violence breaks out, I am prepared to die for my country, especially if it means killing several high-ranking enemy officers. You might be less replaceable than me.”

You frown, that's a very odd thing for him to say.

“Besides.” He continues, “You destroyed that colony. You fired first and shattered the hull in multiple places. How many would have died even if we had immediately disengaged and you began rescue procedures? You certainly seemed in no hurry to do so.”

“That's a damned lie!” She jumps to her feet, her face white, slamming her hands down on the table, “How dare you sit here encouraging Starwind to put on airs and throwing accusations at me you damned CULTIST!?”

General Hatsheput trades glances with you, she smiles a little.

>[Ask what they're willing to offer]
>[Inform them all that Loriette isn't actually for sale]
>[Start a fight]

>>1636786
I spent the last half hour making this monstrosity
>>1636817


>>1636751
>[Now, as for the matter of the Paladin, Countess Loriette Marie le Kennedy...]

>>1636839
>[Inform them all that Loriette isn't actually for sale]

>>1636839
>[Start a fight]

>>1636837
Well when are we going to go hunt down that guy we said we'd kill? Should we try and learn more from Master Asia before the duel?

>>1636839
>Egg both sides on
Sounds fun.

>>1636839
>>[Start a fight]
Wonderful!

>>1636839
>>[Ask what they're willing to offer]
For Fairchild to start first at least, have her say all that stuff.. then cut her off with >[Inform them all that Loriette isn't actually for sale]
She seems to be the only one out of the loop.

>>1636857
Second.

>>1636839
>Sit and listen to them to trade escalating insult s
>Then interrupt by telling them she's no longer up for sale

>>1636839
>[Inform them al that Loriette isn't actually for sale]

Sorry, mates. Necromonger tradition: We keep what we kill. Or, in this case, bed.

>>1636864
Way I see it? It's bully Fairchild for being out of the loop. Asim will likely help us seguway this to what everyone but Fairchild is here for, suggesting that perhaps us joining a faction will be a way to keep the Paladin safe from the other side... while making Fairchild freak out hopefully.

I just realized, how come Rosita is not in the meeting with us?

>>1636944
Probably planning to be fashionably late and distract everyone during the negotiations.

>>1636944
Hopefully as a surprise. Need as many good ones as we can get.

File: Red Siren Princess of Space.jpg (859 KB, 800x1108)

859 KB JPG

“When was the last time Jove performed a miracle for you, I wonder?” The Duke's eyes narrow slightly, “The only false gods I see here are yours.”

This time, Asim cuts in, “The miracle of Mars' restoration is all the proof I need of Allah, but that is beside the point, isn't it Roarke?”

“Just so, the real question is what all of you are willing to offer for Loriette.” You sit back and fold your arms, looking expectantly around the room. For a moment, there's silence, except for the muffled noise of the air recirculators. You suppose they're each waiting to hear what the others say.

Asim looks surprised for a moment, then smiles and nods, “Mars is content to relinquish its stake in these proceedings, so long as the Paladin is not returned to Avalon.”

For some reason, the Duke looks like he's just swallowed something bitter.

General Fairchild stares at Asim, then brings up a holographic list on the PC built into her headdress, “We are prepared to offer the use of the following colonies under joint SSL supervision for you to build and repair your forces, against my better judgment.” There are half a dozen names on there, none major enough for you to recognize offhand, but they're familiar-ish. No serious military bases, but civilian colonies with bases on them, you...think. One you remember is a mining colony.

“Just the use of them!?” Miles squawks, “I wouldn't trade packing peanuts for that! Roarke, gimme something to throw at her!”

“Admiral Starwind!” General Fairchild snaps, outraged.

“What? She has a point. I'm not much of a renter. At least I can spend credits without having to deal with bureaucrats.” You shrug innocently.

She sighs, “I suppose I can convince the Senate to authorize the colonies to be put in your name. IF you allow the SSL forces access to them on demand and...”

“No. I don't do demands.” You adjust your shades, “I don't let anyone else roost on my colonies without permission, either.”

“What about Auditorium?” Miles questions.

“That's Rosita's place, I'm sleeping with her, it's different.” You protest.

Colonel Luxol seems to be doing his best not to burst out laughing.

“I heard my name, darling~!” Rosita sweeps in, resplendent in a brilliant pink dress several shades more modest and innocent than her usual attire. Her hair is in ribbons and she's holding a tray of pomegranate cookies, “Sorry I'm late~!” She kisses your cheek, “I was baking!”

Those three words are a little terrifying, but...but the cookies look alright...

>[You've got too much to live for, don't take a cookie]
>[Do it, Roarke. Eat a cookie]

>>1636978
>[Do it, Roarke. Eat a cookie]

>>1636978
>[Do it, Roarke. Eat a cookie]
The things we do for love.

>>1636978
>>[Do it, Roarke. Eat a cookie]
Offer some to Eustace and Fairchild as well. Rule of Cool it, keep our poker face the entire time, and treat it like what Sam told you about dealing with this sort of stuff.
Also, pray she did not mix up the sugar and salt.

>>1636978
>>[Do it, Roarke. Eat a cookie]
Make everyone else eat one too so we look cooler for not being phased by the awful taste.

>>1637002
>>[Do it, Roarke. Eat a cookie]
This. They will taste like victory.

>>1636978
>[Do it, Roarke. Eat a cookie]

>>1637002
>"How, how are you the only one not in pain?!"
>"I have eaten Rosita's cooking many times."

>>1637022
>Are you going to eat my wife's cookie or are we going to have a problem here?

>>1636978
>[Do it, Roarke. Eat a cookie]
This can only end well

>>1636978
>[Do it, Roarke. Eat a cookie]

>Little did those living at the time know that for some reason, one of Roarke's soon-to-be wives decided to poison him. Despite all the questions asked and years of searching, no one has found an answer.

>>1637029
>>1637022
>>1637011
>>1637010
my fellow Kestrels may i bring something to your attention.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17473_Freddiemercury
now do we make this glorious rock ours?

File: fm_certificate_lg-3ec9064(...).jpg (103 KB, 760x573)

103 KB JPG

>>1637072

>>1637072
If we're recognized as a nation most likely we'll own all of the belt including that one.

>>1637078
should we make a statue of him out of it?

>>1637078
feels like we have to build something there. A museum, a statue, something.

>>1637083
Floating space memorial for all the great 80s artist's?

>>1637100
It would be the most inside joke ever. It's like if you made a museum to early medieval bards, almost no one would understand it and have any idea what we're talking about. It would be great.

File: Imported-Photos-01063-102(...).jpg (193 KB, 1024x768)

193 KB JPG

Your heart beats loudly.

“Well, go on? I made plenty for everyone.” She sets them down and curtsies.

Miles gives you a terrified glance, and whispers, “Roarke, remember the pie?”

You remember. You'll never be able to NOT remember.

“That was just a small mistake.” Rosita harrumphs, “These are positively perfect in every way. Just like me.” She puts her hands on her hips, pouting.

The plate looms before you. Menacingly. Piled high with delightful sugary treats, pomegranate arils standing like tumbled, volcanic monoliths on each hill of doughy woe amidst large chunks of chocolate and oatmeal. The tray is huge, easily enough for everyone here to have plenty of cookies, she doesn't do things by halves.

“Yes, yes you are.” Your voice doesn't shake even a hair, reaching out to take the first cookie.

“Some would say a man who chooses to spread his love so thin deserves everything he gets, Admiral Starwind.” General Fairchild remarks, sounding snippy and smug.

“Clemmy helped.” Rosita remarks, and Fairchild's smile curdles like old milk.

Everyone is looking at you, seemingly waiting, “Well?” You ask. If you're going, you're not going alone, “Dig in. Unless you distrust my wife's cooking.”

Duke Eustace snags one, takes a bite, and chews it thoughtfully.

Seeing as he doesn't immediately spit it out or keel over, you bite down on yours.

It's sweet. Really, really sweet. She used a little too much sugar, but at least it's not salt, this time.

It's soft, a bit doughy, not crunchy at all. That's fine with you, dry cookies aren't as good as moist ones.

She used too many pomegranate arils, but despite the unusual texture they taste good. All in all, it's a lovely homemade cookie.

You take another, and Rosita smiles. When you grab a third for after the second is finished, she beams radiantly and kisses your cheek. “Best darling.” She murmurs happily, and eschews a chair to sit on your lap, her expression daring anyone to say anything about it.

It turns out that trusting your wife pays off, after all.

"I think I'll try seafood next." She remarks, "Now that I've mastered baking, there's this dish called 'fugu' that sounds really interesting."

[Continued]

>>1637100
Yes.

>>1637121
Was at AX, so just saw this.
Let's hold off of the fugu for now.

File: Evil Laugh.gif (499 KB, 480x228)

499 KB GIF

>>1637121
>She used a little too much sugar, but at least it's not salt, this time.

>>1637121
>fugu' that sounds really interesting
yea, how about no for that right now

File: 1268713364759.jpg (4 KB, 125x126)

4 KB JPG

>>1637121
>"Now that I've mastered baking, there's this dish called 'fugu' that sounds really interesting."

File: 101.gif (1.6 MB, 350x197)

1.6 MB GIF

>>1637121
>'fugu'

>>1637121
I feel like Cabot and Fairchild serving as Rosita's taste testers is a fate worse than what we can come up with.

File: Fugu_-_Blowfish.png (255 KB, 500x375)

255 KB PNG

>>1637121
>fugu
Remember Rosita just the tasty fish part

File: cake.png (1.56 MB, 2400x1600)

1.56 MB PNG

>>1637143
Be kinda hilarious if Cabot was a baking enthusiast like her source counterpart.

File: Red Siren hairflip.jpg (268 KB, 800x913)

268 KB JPG

“That's a pity, I'd rather keep tasting your baking.” You munch on cookies.

She wrinkles her nose, “It was a joke, Fatima says it takes years to learn how to make and if I do it wrong it's poisonous.” She mutters, afterward, “...She was making a really unfair comparison to what would happen if I didn't use measuring cups.

“Can we get back to business?” Fairchild snaps. “Honestly, Starwind, are you trying to distract us?”

“No, I'M trying to feed HIM. I think occasionally you, in particular, need to be reminded that this is my colony and I'll feed my husband cookies whenever I want. Now back to dear Loriette. I haven't missed the part where you make a snarly face and scream because you're not allowed to torment anyone weaker than you today, have I? I was so looking forward to that! Did my darling tell you what would happen if you ACTUALLY tried to crucify her, let alone in my backyard? I'm sure he did. I'm sure he was much too nice because he's too calm to really let you know what an unlovable crust of fish pace in the gutter of the UJCIDF you are. You're irritating, your ship is ugly, that hair color does NOT suit you, you're not tall enough to pull off that 'space queen' look you're going for with that uniform and the heels on those boots don't help...honestly, what were you thinking with those? Combat OR fashion, dear, you can't have both unless you've got the verve to pull it off, like me. Your perfume doesn't suit you. You're beastly to your nicest subordinates...oh, stop looking so horrified, Regina, it's time SOMEBODY told her...and even if I wasn't quite sure I liked having such lively competition at first I'm grateful every day that poor, innocent Clemmy got away from you before you drugged and raped her or something awful. Your sidearm is flashy Lunar trash that you probably picked because it was expensive or you honestly thought the engravings and expensive scope would make you a better shot...compensating for something with that, maybe? Your SOUL squad was nowhere near as good as A, who you were, again, beastly to. Actually, did your squad even keep the same members for more than a handful of missions? Its commander isn't even Jovian, is he? Wow. I can't tell whether I dislike or pity you more, General Fairchild. All of the scummy things you've done to raise yourself up, and you're still just a trashy woman.” Rosita shakes her head pityingly, “Human refuse. Unwanted leavings.”

Fairchild just stares at her, a rainbow of furious expressions washing across her face.

Rosita leans towards her slightly, “Human garbage.”

[Continued]

>>1637197
Damn Red, save some roasting for the rest of us. I hope the table is bolted down.

>>1637100
Do it.

>>1637214
Did you bring an entire burn ward with you when you brought those cookies Red?
Cause Fairchild is going to need one after that onslaught of burns

>>1637214
shit son, fuckin brutal

>>1637223
A fire that burns so brightly, Solaire anon mistakes it for a sun and praises THAT!

>>1637214
What a woman.

>>1637214
FINISH HER!

File: 257449b.jpg (22 KB, 256x384)

22 KB JPG

>>1637214
>Captcha is Stop George
I dunno who George is, but I don't want this to ever end.

File: 423.gif (1.03 MB, 312x176)

1.03 MB GIF

>>1637214
>Rosita leans towards her slightly, “Human garbage.”

Rosita just went all Sarkeesian on Fairchild.

File: bcf.png (29 KB, 215x194)

29 KB PNG

>>1637214

>That Rant

>>1637251
Nah, her barbs actually have bite to them and some truths. After all, who the hell scopes a side arm?

>>1637264
t.Man who never played Fallout

>>1637267
Now I have the urge to play Vegas.

>>1637267
>using guns in fallout
>not explosives
>not melee and fists
philistine.

>>1637272
>Not killing everything for hundreds of feet away with headshots.
Melee and fists are shit anyway and aren't that useful.

File: maxresdefault (1).jpg (83 KB, 1280x720)

83 KB JPG

>>1637214
>thought the engravings and expensive scope would make you a better shot
Stealth MGS

>>1637282
Tell that to my Shadowrunner Adept.

>>1637282
>Ballistic fist
>shit
thems fighting words Thunder

>>1637214
I feel like the whole quest was leading up to this point.

Also that we should add

> Settling for Cabot wasn't even second best either if her bedroom skills are as sloppy as her wet work.

>>1637303
Sadly only in Vegas. Still pretty fun going toe to toe with a Deathclaw with that. Still love my Brush gun more though.

>>1637305
Save the settling for later when we can blast her all at once how she's always gotten the silver.

>>1637303
>Acting like Snipers weren't better
There's a reason all the best guns in Fallout have scopes.

>>1637309
got a mod that lets me put a scope on the Brush gun and Trail Carbine. they become pretty good snipers that way

>>1636723
Man, Beckingham is Hardcore.

>>1637314
while i will not deny that popping skulls with the Anti-material rifle is fuckin dope. theres something to be said about the feeling of satisfaction of punching a Raider's head apart

>>1637314
Brush gun with the Cowboy perk is pretty up there. Also has style points.

File: Red Siren talking.jpg (100 KB, 496x700)

100 KB JPG

“Are you trying to provoke me?” General Fairchild asks, evenly, “Because I'm aware of your reputation with a pistol and will NOT be suckered into a duel.”

“Are you wearing pads? Because your frame suggests you wouldn't naturally have much up here.” Rosita pats her own, extremely generous bosom, “I mean, there are all manner of surgeries and things that can be done...and judging by your age I'm guessing you must have had some work done. Trying to relive those teenage years, eh?” She waggles her finger, “I can understand, but for someone as...well...worn-out as you to cling to your youth so desperately is more than a little pathetic. Then again, unlike me, you don't seem capable of maturing attractively at all! Poor Lysa, she needs a better role model than you, before she turns into a bitter old hag destined to end up alone if she doesn't meet a messy end trying to ruin other people's lives. Maybe she can stay with us, she's far from the first SOUL pilot to do so, and no wonder.”

“Put a leash on your bitch, Starwind, until she understands how formal negotiations are conducted among adults.” Fairchild's voice is so cold, so clipped, that it could give you frostbite. The Martian contingent looks fairly shocked and aghast, but some of the Jovians are trying not to smile. One, though, isn't. One of the guards on the Jovian side, face hidden behind a helmet, doesn't seem jovial at all. On the contrary, her hands have curled into fists, her knuckles dangerously close to the hilt of her rapier-pattern monosword.

“Please, your girlfriend can stand up for herself.” Rosita scoffs, noticing, “She's got an awfully big mouth when it comes to threatening pirates. Formal negotiations, Fairchild? Me, a bitch? You stupid, self-righteous whore, this is a RANSOM! I am the QUEEN of ransoms!” Her full, rich voice, blossoms into a roar, “Do you think, for even a SECOND, that I, RED SIREN, would let you just...have Loriette!? If...IF...by some miracle, my darling decided to give her to the Jovian military, do you REALLY think he would give her to you in ANY way that you could take credit for it!? For one thing, if she IS a cultist, what sane person tortures a victim of brainwashing to death instead of deprogramming her!?”

[Continued]

>>1637321
He didn't make it into a goblet though. Shame.

>>1637330
Thank you for outing yourself Cabot. That makes things easier.

>>1637330
Rosita please, the 13th amendment makes it illegal to own a nigga like this

>>1637337
Would be pretty damn difficult for her not to. Rosita is a fucking beast.

>>1637348
Alas, the United States has been dead for centuries.

>>1637330
Spitting fire like a motherfucking dragon.

>>1637330
Rosita best girl. Her target isn't Fairchild, it's to reveal Cabot.

>>1637330
I hope this is being recorded
We could just release these sick beats Red's dropping as her new album
She did say it was going to be more primal

>>1637322
>>1637314

The best way to play New Vegas is as a Gunslinger.

What's the difference between Red Siren's mouth and the Megabass?

One is a weapon of mass destruction capable of laying waste to entire fleets... And the other is the Megabass.

>>1637380
Both have had incredibly powerful men inside them.

>>1637380
alternatively, one sucks and the other blows

>>1637348
>Nigga laughter in the background

>>1637337

I got a 20 on her doing something stupid that lets us gut her like a fucking fish.

>>1637408
She's pretty much a dead woman walking at this time since Roarke is going to demand to duel her. Not to mention she'll be going into it not knowing we have bullshit kung fu powers.

>>1637418
>it not knowing we have bullshit kung fu powers.

considering she likely watched the security footage of us punching an entire wall down with Fairchild, she probably knows about our bullshit kung-fu powers.

>>1637425
Remember Fairchild thinks that was because of our gloves and us adding some sonic weapon into them.

>>1637432
Hey, if she tries to come at us and gets shot to bits by everyone guarding us, I won't complain. I'd rather not give her a public death and dying as a nameless idiot works fine to me.

>>1637453
Once again, she killed our friends, our brother, and our captain. She needs to be made an example of so people see what happens when you attack people Roarke cares about. Her dying obscurely does nothing since she knows how much we hate her and won't forget her.

>>1637462
And thinking on it further even if you want her to end in a way she won't be remembered she is going to be remembered regardless. It will be a noted fact that she killed Roarke Starwind's, a famous figure who will be written about, brother. And then you would also have to go and stop the other Sol nations from writing her down or acknowledging who she is. So it really isn't possible to do what you want and erase her from history.

>>1637462
And you think that will stop them? If anything it would make people go for them because we'd try and be showy about it. Being fancy creates openings where they can just do it again. A brutal ending does nothing.
>>1637474
That would require people to talk about her in any detail. Us included, and talking about her ourselves is a stupid thing to do. As for those who would know, that would be the upper brass who would likely be smart enough to keep their mouths shut because an officer doing that shit reflects badly on them.
Sides, not every killer is named or put in the records. Why? Because some are deemed unimportant. And thats the point. She will just be your standard murderer/assassin that died due to her own stupidity. Roarke may become historically famous, but that does not mean she will.

File: Miles genki.jpg (35 KB, 225x350)

35 KB JPG

The guard lurches forward...and Fairchild grabs her arm, and roughly shoves her back, shaking her head silently and glaring daggers at Rosita.

“Tsch. A few more feet, and we could have had some fun. I'm quicker on the draw than you.” Rosita's dress might be innocent, but the big, puffy sash around its waist rolls back slightly to reveal a glint of metal as she pats the gun-shaped bulge in it.

“Red, I really, really, really, really, really hate to interrupt you here...but there's a problem with her payment, anyway.” Miles looks up from her PC, “All of those colonies she's offering? They're ones Avalon hit recently. Any useful facilities are wrecked and looted and most or all of the civvies have evacuated. The mines could maybe be restored for some of these, but it would be months before they were even remotely worth it.”

“In other words...she tried to trick my darling.” Red Siren's voice rumbles like the thunder before a storm, melodious and primordially furious.

“Yeah, more or less.” Miles shrugs, “Definitely a bitch move.”

“Consider it an investment. This is wartime, we can't afford to hand over actual military bases to pirates, and besides, we already have one Paladin in my custody.” General Fairchild seems to find some refuge in cruelty, giving the Duke a faux-sweet smile, “Rest assured, she's being very well treated, I personally interrogate her daily. She's rather uncomfortable, though.”

He rolls his eyes, “How charming. She'll be fine.”

[Continued]

>>1637495
>And you think that will stop them?
I think it will discourage people from doing it like how it has for most of history.

>>1637496
Miles is a treasure

File: 755694f32b1b58434c0f299b3(...).png (249 KB, 480x480)

249 KB PNG

“...But I think I've made myself clear more than enough times.” You interrupt, as loath as you are to do so, “When I said I wasn't handing her over to be tortured. If you think I'm the kind of man who would, then you shouldn't be doing business with me. For the sake of Jupiter's dignity. After all, what kind of monster would work with that sort of pirate?” You look her dead in the eyes.

She stares back, “Then why bother to negotiate? Unless you plan to hand her over to Avalon...which, along with our Martian allies.” She puts the slightest additional emphasis on 'allies', “We would assuredly take as siding with Avalon against the Solar System. An act of war. I am not offering you these colonies out of anything but practical compassion. I don't need your Paladin. Take them or leave them, but don't you dare forget your place. You, your women, all of you, are just flotsam floating in the Belt. Once again, I'm offering charity to a member of your family, and once again you're throwing it in my face.”

Duke Eustace, uncharacteristically colorless and quiet, suddenly sits bolt upright, a revelatory expression on his face. He grins, “Of course, we can't make any offers that would cause difficulty like that for you, Roarke. It would be unchivalrous in the extreme. Can't hold it against you at all, really, if you weren't able to do anything but...keep her.” He sighs heavily, shaking his head. It seems slightly staged, “Tell me, do you like her? Come now, be honest. I know your reputation, and as her superior I know that she's besotted with you. Can you tell me now, man-to-man, that you have feelings for her?”

>[Yes]
>[No]
>[Uwaaah~]

>>1637505
>What do you think?
Shouldn't even have to answer that question at this point.

>>1637505
>[Uwaaah~]
Why else would Roarke be sleeping with her? He could get almost any woman he wanted if he tried hard enough.

>>1637505
>>[Uwaaah~]

>>1637505
>>[Uwaaah~]
Everyone gets in on this!

>>1637505
>>[Uwaaah~]
Keeping her is certainly an option.

>>1637505
> . . . . You know I think I'm the only person to successfully recruit from Avalon. I wouldn't say I've turned her exactly, since she still cares for her homeland. But she seems to see my point of view that there are better ways to care for it such as holding those in power accountable to their actions . . . And their honour. Duty is only a virtue when it is virtuous.

Twist the kniiiiiife.

> Perhaps in exchange for our alliance, the SSL should transfer the Paladin currently in Fairchild's posession, definitely not care, to me. It would be more productive than pointlessly torturing her at the very least.

> If I can keep a group of Pirates honourable and just, I just might be able to handle improving the quality of the SSL forces a little bit as well.

Just to be clear, uwaaah isn't a neutral reply at all.

>>1637525
But is it the Troll Fairchild option?

>>1637525
Yeah, it's like Roarke feigning embarrassment, right? Were we supposed to pick another option with it?

>>1637524
Sounds way too official and stuffy to be something Roarke says.

>>1637524
>>1637505

Or whatever. You get my point. We like her, she likes us, and we're not only effective but a good PR boost for the SSL to promote among the Colonies as a kinder, gentler, roguishly good looking face. God knows the women love us more than they do Fairchild.

>>1637505
>>[Uwaaah~]

>>1637505
>[Uwaaah~]

>>1637529
I'm not a word guy. I just want to turn everything on Fairchilds head by pointing our that her torture porn hobby isn't even effective and that we've done more than she has without even killing any Jovian Generals. Although maybe we could try it with just one.

Seriously, who does she think is buying her act in this room?

>>1637503
Then you don't read a lot about history or local events. Copy cat killers, people taking the name of famous trouble makers, even taking things that someone they are facing dislike have been done for millennia. Muramasa blades were called 'Tokugawa' killers and were collected by rebels because the blades harmed and killed several members of Ieyasu Tokugawa's family to the point where he hunted those blades down. No, with extremists and nutters, you put them down like a dog and bury the corpse in a shallow grave. No glory, no act of defiance or reaction. You make it so facing us brings nothing but death with no spectacle.

>>1637538
Haven't seen too many people trying to blow up the House of Lords after Guy Fawkes

>>1637538
It's Thunderbird. Good taste in music and waifus, but the edgiest motherfucker to ever be a living Papa Roach/Linkin Park soundtrack.

>>1637548
You mean the guy with a holiday who the anonymous mask is patterned after a hit movie about a copycat?

>>1637550
and also the master of the clutch 10.

>>1637548
Also the most recent attack was March 22 2017.

>>1637550
I kinda like some of Papa Roach's songs...

>>1637555
He has his good points. His grasp of conflict resolution is not one of them.

>>1637559
But do you have them as a soundtrack to your life?

Also the Linkin Park and Jay-Z combo was good.

>>1637550
>a living Papa Roach/Linkin Park soundtrack.
You can't say I have good taste in music and then say that, it makes no sense.

>>1637553
They regularly burn an effigy of him on Fawkes day.

>>1637557
>Thinking a muslim terror attack was inspired by Guy Fawkes
Sure keep telling yourself that, and it wasn't even an attack on the house of lords itself.

File: kirito-kazuto-kirigaya-ac(...).jpg (17 KB, 210x240)

17 KB JPG

You feel a strange sensation, heat blooming in your cheeks, spreading to your ears, your forehead, your neck.

“Oh Jove no...” You hear Fairchild whisper, “He's been subverted!”

“Oh, shut up you heartless woman. She's a nice girl!” Rosita hmmphs.

You make an incoherent noise in your throat as you reach for words and, for once in your life, fail to find them.

“What in the sweet merciful name of Minerva was that, sir?” Captain Flint stares at you.

“Did...did aniki just...uwaaah~?” Yoritomo clasps his hands to his cheeks, “Sugoi! His kokoro was warmed by their deadly battle!”

“Both of you shut your mouths.” You grumble without rancor, “So what if I like her? She's a good woman.”

The Duke nods emphatically, “Exactly. A good woman and a good pilot who's had a hard life. She's better off with you. In fact...” He smiles brilliantly, “...You should do the righteous thing, and marry her. If we win this war, by the grace of the Lady, then your union will establish you as a noble of Avalon and your people shall not be troubled. If we lose, well, at least she is safe and our people can look to you as a protector and leader...especially for those of our warriors who find themselves without a cause, needing to sell their swords to survive. Either way, it's the best for both of you and grants you the rights to her lands on Lorien, the capital world of the Principality of Avalon. Consider the ships a preemptive wedding present, you cheeky devil.” He winks outrageously.

You can see a furious Fairchild preparing to object.

>[Yes, of course!]
>[Wait, no!]
>[Does it matter whether I agree to this or not?]

>>1637568
Wait, before I vote, haven't we already decided she was being included in the wedding?

>>1637568
>>[Yes, of course!]

I wonder if its too much to hope that fairchild will die of an aneurysm on the spot.

>>1637568
>>[Does it matter whether I agree to this or not?]
Eustace you sly fuck
also fuck you Captcha, telling me to click cars and giving me signs instead

>>1637567
You listen to good music.

You write posts that would fit as song lyrics for those bands though.

>[Yes, of course!]

It's not bribery, it's a wedding in politics!

>>1637568
>[Does it matter whether I agree to this or not?]

>>1637568
>>[Wait, no!]
No way in hell are we agreeing to housing Avalonian soliders in our kingdom and paint ourself as an Avalonian sympathizer. We'd be paint a giant red flag on our back and we'll never had good relations with Sol. This fucker is pushing our backs to the wall and trying to force us to side with Avalon due to Sol hating us.

>>1637568
>>[Does it matter whether I agree to this or not?]
Neutralness needs to be kept in control, even if body trolling.

>>1637574
That would be a good point to raise.

Having some legitimacy to help with whatever situation post-war is just the icing on the cake.

>>1637587
Not Avalonian legitimacy.

>>1637583
> It's a poor gift to give someone a thing they already own.

>>1637587
Getting legitimacy form a foreign power who is at war with your neighbors is paramount to spitting in their eyes and declaring war you dumbass. And if they don't win the war then guess what you got no one protecting you in a SEA FULL OF ENEMIES.

>>1637589
Why not? Unless they plan on killing every last Avalonian which would be both difficult, and also cause unrest in their client colonies. Us having legitimacy in their hierarchy would allow us to assume a post-war leadership role to prevent conflict and rebellion.

Worked for most nations throughout history.

>>1637568
>>[Does it matter whether I agree to this or not?]

>>1637574

Some of this is just confirming stuff in case, say, a wild Loriette hater shows up later and goes "REEEE WONG YOU RAILROADED US INTO MARRYING AN AVALONIAN WHOOOORE"

>>1637593
> What was Europe for all of its history and the current age.

Brits still own industry in SA. Americans own companies in the ME. Saudi and Qatar have ownership stakes in American companies.

>>1637595
Avalon will cease to exist in any meaningful way after the war if Sol wins. Their old hierarchy won't be kept and will be replaced with a new one of Sol's choosing.

File: 51774317.jpg (27 KB, 400x400)

27 KB JPG

>>1637597
You can say Thunderbird ;-)

>>1637595
Got a point. I still stick by being neutral, but in the end, our enemy is the Green Lady. Legitimacy does quell rebellions better than bloody displays and not being a butcher tends to do well in many situations.

>>1637568
>[Does it matter whether I agree to this or not?]
I'm just gonna go with this then. Since I'm pretty sure we're already going to marry her and siding with Avalon is a poor idea.

>>1637597
So the first option is agreeing to basically a "bonus" on top of the marriage, 2 is saying no to both, and 3 is saying we're marrying her anyway?

>>1637599
Yeah and short of killing everyone, an easier way to do that is to have someone with a legitimate claim to leadership oversee and ratify the transition.

Also I bet we can get a swanky hat.

>>1637582
>without a cause

He's implying that if they lose Avalonian knights would rather get recruited by you and enjoy some protection than get hunted down by someone like Fairchild, not that you have to serve as a base for them. Remember TWO of your wives are ex-UJCIDF and one is a Martian masked ace with enough skill and renown that if she'd been on Qu'lir for real and announced himself to the Martians she would likely have been given temporary rank on par with a Captain at least and assigned control of Martian mecha forces.

>>1637602
>>1637568
I'll go with this too. But I do want to point out he just tried to gift us something we already owned. We conquered those ships, not her. Maybe we'll give them to her as a wedding gift though.

Maybe we'll get her a brand new one.

>>1637609
We have our dick in so many pots.

>>1637605

All three options are exactly what they seem. Yes, No, and "does it matter what I say?"

>>1637574
nope.
>>1637568
>[Does it matter whether I agree to this or not?]
I mean we ARE willing to keep her, but you're coming on pretty strong
>>1637582
We already house deserters and traitors who sold top of the line, bleeding edge equipment to a criminal enterprise.
>>1637599
yeah, but a ligitmate connection to the old Hierarchy would make the process go smoother. AND give us a better position to leverage Avalons post war restructuring to our advantage.
as for the soldiers, why would the SSL hate us for pointing the remnants of their enemy away from them? Its better than leaving those shits to their own devices.

>>1637609
So all we'd be is a place where they wouldn't get shot on sight?

I can work with that.

So is the general consensus that you're marrying Loriette?

>[Yes]
>[No]

>>1637607
We aren't being put in charge of Avalon you mong. It doesn't matter if we're the Queen's lost son we aren't getting jack shit.

>>1637609
And taking in Avalonian soldiers will paint us as a sympathizer and let them worm their way into our military and bring their bullshit beliefs and ideas into our kingdom. And then theirs the whole debacle of them putting other allegiances above our state.

>>1637615
Yea but they aren't siding with a being that tried to wipe out humanity and are currently at war with our system. And they would have us because who knows what we're doing with them and why we took in people who are the enemies of our whole system.

>>1637620
>>[Yes]

>>1637620
>[Yes]
But No to any of the shit he's saying.

>>1637609
A good thing. Even if we do go Sol, we are likely the most reasonable of options for civvies and talent. That would help our manpower issue by leaps and bounds, and having people not fight to the death when facing us preserves man power and could even get us more ships.

>>1637620
>Yes
But because we want to, not because the duke said we should

>>1637620
>[Yes]
Y'know, she caught a really lucky break. In most any other quest, nobody would care about a girl that joined in the waifu wars as late as she did.

>>1637620
>[Yes]

>>1637626
How do you think our Sol men will like having Avalonians join them in mass?

>>1637620
> Yes

>>1637620
>>[Yes]

>>1637620
>[Yes]

We were going to do it anyway

>>1637620
>>[Yes]

>>1637634

You mean the pirates who've spent most of their careers running from the UJCIDF and MHM?

>>1637634
> Oh No Waifus from Outer Space.

They'll be fine with it. After all weren't you the one who said "Avalon essentially won't exist after the war"?

Not to mention they have no love for Jove especially but not much for Mars either, hence why they're with us.

>>1637630
Harems are the will of the dice in this quest.

>>1637642
>>1637641
Not liking the military doesn't mean the same thing as being fine with extrasolar people who are actively fighting your people. And even if Avalon won't exist it won't take the Avalon out of the people who lived their whole lives under it.

>>1637620
>[Yes]

>>1637646
We're not opening the gates and letting every tom dick and harry inside, all we're doing is being a neutral place where, just because someone was born on Avalon or fought for her, they won't get shot on sight.

This ain't a charity, just a simple agreement not to shoot someone because of where they were born.

Now if they start shit when they get here then we space their ass into the uncaring void, but we at least give them a chance to visit peacefully first.

>>1637646
SEE >>1637641

Guess we should get rid of all the EX-UCJIDF and EX-MHM in our group as well then OH WAIT.

>>1637646
Thunder. You're Fairchilds ideal pirate.

File: colbert popcorn.gif (497 KB, 275x210)

497 KB GIF

>>1637664
Them are fighting words, man.

Just to be clear, marrying Loriette does not cut you off from the "join the SSL after declaring independence" option.

Which should be the next big thing you consider.

>>1637659
>Implying inner cultural fights are anywhere near as bad as fights between cultures with no common bond.
And you're Avalon's ideal patsy. I do what's best for me and my own before anyone.

>>1637656
And your running the risk of letting in people who will undermine our nation. It only takes one person getting close and then bam one dead waifu. Anons want to use Avalon as a solution to our manpower problem so I doubt they are going to do extreme vetting, and what's to stop an Avalonian about lying about his real allegiances.

>>1637675
When do we get to decide if we're joining our lord and master Azathoth?
Or do we get an option to choose his lesser known brother, Mr. Wong?

>>1637678
What's to stop an ex-soldier, pirate, or bounty hunter from lying and doing the same?

In fact, something like that already happened, when Roarke was attacked by an assassin.

>>1637683
Nothing and I want more vetting for them too. Avalon as has someone they worship as a Goddess and believe she's holy so I natural trust their allegiance much less since we're nothing but a man from a place their at war with.

>>1637691
so what your saying is we need a Space Wall?

File: 1460256897013.gif (100 KB, 252x189)

100 KB GIF

“Does it matter whether I agree to this or not?” You ask, folding your arms again.

The Duke shrugs, “I don't want to make accusations, but...if you were to, say, despoil her and then refuse to preserve her honor through marriage, I would be potentially obligated to settle things with a duel. Of course, that won't happen, because you ARE planning to marry her, are you not?” He smiles, “I'm a bit too old to be fooled.”

“It's a poor gift, giving me something I already own.” You grumble, “I looted those ships fairly.”

“So you did, Roarke, so you did. Of course, if I did actually give you anything you didn't already own, your enemies on the Solar side...” He looks directly at Fairchild, “...Would claim I was bribing you for an alliance. Think of this simply as me blessing your union despite standing across the battlefield from you. Good luck.”

You grumble more, “I am marrying her, but not because of anything you said, and I'm not agreeing to any alliances or responsibilities beyond that.”

“Oh, naturally. I hadn't realized when I first arrived how dangerous your current situation is and how tenuous things were. The Belt is a complicated place, and if I allied with you now it would only bring you trouble. Couldn't ask it of you. Terribly rude of me.” Why does he look so damnably smug? “Even if we end up fighting, at least we can trust you not to torture your captives.” Again, he looks directly at Fairchild.

“This is treason, Starwind. She is an enemy of Sol.” She hisses, “Marrying her means...”

“Not a damned thing to you.” You cut her off, “What? Is she going to influence me in a pro-Avalon direction? I'm not an easy man to influence, and she'd be competing with two former SOUL pilots and a devout Martian. By your logic I'm already three times as loyal to the Solar System as most married men, at least. I'm agreeing to nothing but marrying another of my women. That's it.”

“Congratulations, you don't need my approval for this, but nonetheless I can't say I dislike a man taking responsibility.” Asim Abdul stands up, “Is it safe to say that this phase of the negotiations is complete?”

You nod, “Yes, it is.”

“Phase? What phase, what are you talking about?” General Fairchild frowns, “Nothing is complete. I demand a commitment from Starwind to-”

“I don't do demands. Not from you.” You cut her off yet again. You're enjoying this. Now is the moment you've been waiting for.

[Continued]

>>1637695
No we need strong recruitment verifications, a focus on quality vs quantity since we can never match the numbers of Mars or Jupiter, cutting edge mecha tech and weaponry, and a means of leaving the system to raid other systems. Beside a wall won't work in 3d, we'd need a space Cube.

>>1637678
the same thing stopping a Jovian. Or a Martian, a Lunnie, a Terran, anyone really. Hell, they already have. To be frank, Sol's have as much, if not more reason to kill us than the greenies.

>>1637668
I notice you didn't say they were incorrect .

>>1637695
We own the Asteroid belt, we ARE the space wall!

>>1637699
I'm particularly fond of triangles.

>>1637703
We're a brick . . . . HOOOOUUUUUSE

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gVz_cDOsFLA

>>1637705
A triangle would be much harder to make than a space ring.

>>1637707
But the ringworld is unstable.

Now we have to see the other girls reactions to us deciding we're marrying Lori too.

>>1637707
Hmm... you're right. But any project on that scale would be impossible since no material could withstand the force, no matter the shape. Clearly we need to surround the Belt with armed satellites of a variety of shapes.

>>1637715
DysonSphere time?

>>1637728
In reality yes, building a 3d wall would be near impossible due to orbits of asteroids and blocking out sun light. Problem with the satellites is that we lack the manpower to staff them, our best bet for right now is to make our center of power deep in the belt and slowly over time extend outwards when we have the means to defend and utilize more of the belt.

>>1637738
All we have to do is breed mandrakes to control and maintain the satellites. Each would only need one crewman and irregular supply deliveries then. Nothing could possibly go wrong.

>>1637744
Come on you know if we use Mandrakes we're going to be attacked by some one eyed weirdo with a giant sword screaming about some bird and his waifu.

>>1637738
Did you forgot that jumps aren't traceable and that there are a ton of hidden colonies?

Security through obscurity. We just have to have the airlocks well sealed and guarded by big ass guns.

Also not starting wars because "That Jovian looked at us funny." Which is what we all know you'll be clamoring for once the thing with Avalon isn't at the forefront.

You're so xenophobic and war-hawkish I'd think you're a Saudi.

>>1637749
That's a risk I'm willing to have other people deal with.

>>1637751
>Wary of a group of cultists who worship a living "god" who tried to kill all of humanity in the past.
>Hur you just want war
Okay anon, whatever helps you sleep at night.

>You're so xenophobic and war-hawkish I'd think you're a Saudi.
Did you just assume all Saudi's are warhawks and xenophobic anon? That's pretty racist.

File: pay-attention-to-me[1].jpg (26 KB, 500x335)

26 KB JPG

Now that I've decided that, yeah, I need to eat and do the big important declaration of independence on Wednesday...

Now is the time for details. After all, this is your state. Anything you want to say (preferably not just wordplay or flowery speechcraft but actual demands and such, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Here are the absolutes.

Miles is getting promoted to National Secretariat, letting her continue doing what she does (making your life easier in all regards through research, doing your paperwork, using her connections and informants to line you up for your big heists as smoothly as possible) with more clout behind her.

Richard is being promoted to Fleet Commissar. Effectively, he's the chief of personnel for your entire organization, and has your trust to mediate disputes and deal out justice in any cases that don't merit your personal attention. This gives them both the clout to deal with individual captains as more than your subordinate officers.

Auditorium, Suleiman 2, Suleiman 3, Suleiman 4, and 16-Psyche are the five colonies currently composing your nation. Now that it exists, more will inevitably be added. For that matter, the fleet section of your master pastebin is going to be overhauled. I'll make a ship gallery or list of ship models similar to the Rogue's Gallery, list how many of each you have, and their names.

The name of your nation is Eisentor.

Now for the big question, I'm trusting you guys not to be assholes and only vote once. Yes or no. No fancy answers, no "buts", just a yes or no. Lurkers, you vote too.

Will you join the Solar System League IF your conditions are met?

>[Yes]
>[No]

>>1637775
>[Yes]
Not joining will fuck us over so much and joining gives us all the benefits and legitimacy we need.

>>1637775
Do you have a condensed list of all our conditions, or do I need to go through the archive?

>>1637775
>[Yes]

>>1637775
>>[Yes]

>>1637790
>Access to Sol Gateways
>Duel with Cabot
>Right to raid outside the system
>Right to keep what we loot
>To retain autonomous and independent command in a war footing.

So far I believe this is what we're going for. Any other demands anons?

>>1637775
>[Yes]
as much as I like the Swiss route, thats not workable right now.
>>1637794
aren't most of the planets outside of the system members of the League?

>>1637794

What a good question. Anons, please respond to Thunderbird's post here with your demands, not to mine.

>>1637800
There are some from what I remember, but a good amount of them aren't.

>>1637775
>>1637794
Yeah, I'm good with those then.

>>1637803
Sorry I keep asking question, I really haven't been able to focus on any quest lately.

>>1637775
>[Yes]

>>1637794
That our laws are to be respected in our lands. That means that we can tax those who pass through if we so please and that criminals of our country are to be punished by us. That included pirates.

>>1637794
This sounds fine
Not sure if they will agree to all this, but if they do then I'll give them the [Yes]

>>1637775
>[Yes]

As much as I want to stay independent, I realize that it's not really possible, at least for the moment.

>>1637813
After we're done getting a list together we should rank them based on importance with certain demands we'd be fine giving up.

>>1637794
I can't really think of anything else to add to this other than the stuff posted here>>1637812

also holy shit I have to be at work in 7 hours I need to get some sleep but I had to stay up for this.

>>1636713
>and I'm going to need parenting advice soon myself.

Haven't followed this quest in a minute, but did our boy Roarke finally knock some bitches up?

>>1637830
We go at them like Zeus himself. I wouldn't be surprised if even Sam was pregnant.

>>1637775
>[Yes]

File: 20170611_114040.png (3.77 MB, 1143x2222)

3.77 MB PNG

>>1637845
We'll just have to see.
Abnormal things happen in space all the time.

>>1637812
Not sure if I'm remembering it right but if your a criminal of a recognized nation the standard procedure is to ship them back to the nation for them to sentence.

>>1637775
>>[Yes]

They play ball we'll play ball.

If not they can fuck off.

>>1637794
>Any non-Eisentor colony in the Belt would be considered neutral territory and therefore subject to a defense tax.
>Anti-piracy efforts will be led by Eisentor within the Belt.
>Armed convoys are required to be registered and taxed with Eisentor, or otherwise be recognized as a pirate band.
>Belt colonies are given a choice whether to join Eisentor or maintain the status quo.

>>1637867

No.

Normal procedure is to try them in the place where the crimes occured.

Thats why extradition treaties exist and why everytime a serviceman in Japan fucks up, the US dropkicks them into a greyhound back to stateside.

>>1637899
I should have known I was wrong since I remember learning about the American caning in Singapore.

>>1637897
If we're given dominion over all of the belt than we shouldn't have to worry about them operating in our territory, or having claims on those colonies.

>>1637907
Yeah, but implication is not legalese without it in writing. We need to lock down on any unauthorized colony-building, ensure that our borders are actually secure from foreign warships able to go in and out with impunity, and actually secure us alternate revenue streams since we're no longer able to raid wily-nily without starting a war.

>>1637926
Makes sense, that's why we need to get the right for extrasolar raiding since it'll be a good way to make us money while keeping us protected by the rest of the SSL. Since anyone who takes the fight back to Sol will have to deal with both Mars and Jupiter.

>>1637936
The issue with raiding is that there is only so much one can do. It's good to set it up, but being able to sustain one's country without outside resources is important too. We don't want people getting antsy because times are lean in terms of raiding victims.

>>1637962
Of course, raiding is just the icing on the cake. We'll mostly have to rely on it in the beginning to fund our industry and getting more materials to work with, but we'll reach a point in the near future where it'll be less of a need for survival and more just a way of supplementing the income.

>>1637968
>An annual attempt at raiding Earth
Just to keep our captain's who dream of reclaiming the home world happy

>>1637968
Thats fine. With the way Psyche is shaping up and our own designs doing well in the tournament, we should be able to grow our mech markets with that.

>>1637775
>[Yes]

>>1637775
>>[Yes]

>>1637775
>Yes

>>1637775

>Yes

We'll have to go over conditions of course, but there is nothing to gain from staying outside the SSL.

>>1637978

We'll have plenty of mechs for ourselves, altough i won't think we'll be able to sell many of them. Still, if we are going to expand our operations across the whole Belt, as well as raiding avalon space, we will need more ships as well, plus of course trained pilots and crew. Avalonian mercs help with this, but i don't want to rely on them to fight Avalon. Our next priorities should be setting up a shipyard and the Aviary.

>>1637794
> Sole juristiction over piracy and criminal activity within the Belt

If this is going to be our responsibility, i don't want Jupiter or Mars butting in whenever it's convenient for them to punish "pirates".

> the right to tax ships crossing through the Belt and enjoying our protection

Need to fund this defense of the belt somehow. Perhaps we could strech this to all foreign and independent colonies in the Belt too, but that might be too far.

Still, we should probably reach out to all independent or corporate colonies in the Belt and offer our protection to them, for a price. No money, no protection. With the presence of Avalon and the track record of the others against them, i think a lot would agree.

>>1638141
>>1637897
Should be covered with this.

>>1637775
> Yes or no. No fancy answers, no "buts", just a yes or no.

> Yes nigga

All these people already making demands and shit.

>>1638141
Also we should charge am extradition fee. Violation of our laws is considered immediate relinquishment of our protection.

Extradition treaties are are silly since we're pirates and should pretty much expect our dudes to break the law when they're outside the system.

If they want to play stupid games . . . . . In other words, feel free to break laws in other nations just make sure you have an escape plan or people willing to purchase you back.

>>1638224
>All these people already making demands and shit.
>makes demands

>>1638141
Well, Psyche will likely be the Aviary in all fairness. Safest place, right next to our mech production lines, and will be one of our central seats of power.
Could look into other defenses for it too, like some asteroids to serve as cover.. or ship scale anti beam chaff.

>>1637775
>[Yes]

>>1637794
Thinking on it, should we temporarily ban bahamutcorp and the other megacorp from setting up shop so the little guys can build up?