>>3745994
>> “...lemme give them a few orders to keep them busy. You go on ahead, I’ll catch up.” You want them to keep an eye on the outside, or in case any of the bigwigs show up.

>>3745994
>> “...lemme give them a few orders to keep them busy. You go on ahead, I’ll catch up.” You want them to keep an eye on the outside, or in case any of the bigwigs show up.
> “What about just one of them?” Pick one to stay out, and the other to come with you.
One outside, the other inside. I assume Jago would prefer to be out, but either way works.

Welcome back.

>>3745994
> “What about just one of them?” Pick one to stay out, and the other to come with you.
>Jago can go and try listen what the grunts and pilots think of us
>Prima stays - she should try to access data on their equipment and check their readings
Welcome back, boss!

>>3745994
> “...lemme give them a few orders to keep them busy. You go on ahead, I’ll catch up.” You want them to keep an eye on the outside, or in case any of the bigwigs show up.

>>3745994
> “...lemme give them a few orders to keep them busy. You go on ahead, I’ll catch up.” You want them to keep an eye on the outside, or in case any of the bigwigs show up.

Also I tried a fruity Cream Soda the other day Handler. I can see why Miranda like this stuff now.

>>3745994
>> “What about just one of them?” Pick one to stay out, and the other to come with you.

>"Swan has medical software installed, and she could use something or someone to use it on."

>>3745994
>“I’ll have them along anyway. Come on, you two.” Might as well bring them along. Why not?

Tied between one or both.

10 minutes and I'll roll for it.

>>3746114
Changing my vote >>3746057
to taking Swan (Prima) with us. Maybe she can inform us should Aegis try anything funny.

And Prima it is.

>>3746057
>>3746168
Also good man. Glad you saw the light.

>>3745994
> “...lemme give them a few orders to keep them busy. You go on ahead, I’ll catch up.” You want them to keep an eye on the outside, or in case any of the bigwigs show up.

>>3746057
That is real? How was it?

>>3746174
Much sweeter than a regular coke, with a hint of ice cream.

If I'm to describe it deeply, it's like a carbohydrate ice cream drink, with the flavor of your choice. Mine is citrus, and I also didn't expect it to be green-colored. Delicious nonetheless.

>>3746195
Wait real ice cream is melted into the drink, or is a flavor added in by a machine?

>>3745994
>>3746027
>>3746028
>>3746058
>>3746168
Thinking about it, both of them is a bit much, but...well, you don’t know what they might try. Might be good to have someone stay outside. And considering you’re going to be in an area with a bunch of electronics and delicate technology… “What about just one of them?” you ask, trying to put a bit of forlornness into your voice. “Swan’s got some medical programming...it’d make me feel better if she was here as a second opinion.” Whether he buys it or not, you’re unsure, but at the least his expression lets you know the answer.

“I...suppose so. Can’t hurt, can it?” He sounds like he’s convincing himself as you kneel down at Jago, who’s already huffing.

“Just want you to keep an eye outside on things. Y’know, in case anyone questionable comes up.” You even pat him on the head to keep up appearances (alright, AND because he does this sulk and half wave thing that amuses you a bit), before he nods and heads out. Prima gives him a companionable hand on his shoulder, which perks him up a bit, before you turn back to the scientist.

“Right then. This way.” Prima follows as well as he explains himself and the area you find yourself in. “This is our biological studies wing. We study all manner of life here...or at least, that was the original intent. For the longest while it’s mostly been Seither’s interaction with various living organisms and how we might be able to harness its apparent energetic qualities...well, that, or nullify them. Either works at this point.” As you walk past an open door, you peek in, and you can see an immense room, full of cages of various animals; mostly rabbits and smaller creatures, but the occasional larger, such as a lion or gazelle or lamb. They’re- ah, passed it. Can’t see anymore. “The first place I think it would be prudent to take you is where we call the matchbox. It’s where we essentially run initial Seither scans for absolutely anything irradiated; from what we're told, it should light up like a candle in regards to you." Turning to the bot, he considers her as well, surprisingly. “Hmmmm...you as well. It's technically for biological organisms, but you may have some residual Seither that we might want to clean off. Just in case.”

>Roll 2d100, best of 3.
(The rolls are not for Miranda.)

Rolled 93, 62 = 155 (2d100)

>>3746240
I'm leaning towards flavor, the drink was very clear. But don't quote me on that, the drink was canned and I don't know what they did behind the scenes.
>>3746245

Rolled 22, 81 = 103 (2d100)

>>3746245

Rolled 66, 74 = 140 (2d100)

>>3746245

>>3746249
>>3746266
>93, 81
nice
>(The rolls are not for Miranda.)
...maybe nice?

>>3746288
Maybe it is for our next mission.

>>3746249
Yeah I was confused when you said it had a taste of ice cream. I mean ice cream soda sounds normal compare to other stuff that was invented like fried coke.

>>3746288
I think it's for bots.

>>3746249
>>3746266

Something something ghost in the machine something something nature of souls. I was trying to come up with a good line and I couldn't without sounding hokey.

Writing.

>>3746245
>>3746249
>>3746266
>>3746270
“Alright, just stand there, arms out to your sides- perfect. Just like that.” The matchbox isn’t anything but a small grey cube and some optical sensors on each wall. Soon, his voice comes out of a speaker somewhere. “This’ll be easy enough. Now, just give it a moment…”

You can see the sensor in front of you blinking lightly a bit, going from green to red intermittently at first before flashing red constantly. “Yup, looking about as expected...mostly. Huh. Strange. You’ve got the same wavelength as Seither, but we’re talking a much lower frequency and...well, I won’t bore you with details, but it seems like whatever you’ve got going on in you, you’ve got a shitton of it, but it’s...stabilized the Seither somehow. Made it calmer, less volatile on the body. Damn, that explains a bit right there…god knows we haven’t managed that yet. And any- wha?” There’s a long pause, during which you chance a look at Prima, who’s looking right back at you- you’re both wondering what’s going on.

“Hello out there?” you call. “Still here?”

There’s a yelp in response. “Ah! Yes, yes, just...the readings from your AICA are...very curious.”

Hm. “Curious how?”

“Curious as in...there’s a similar stabilized Seither output inside it. Right in her center. It’s extremely faint, but...it’s there. Different...gah, put it like this; the readings aren’t consistent with common Seither usage OR your stabilized variant, by the looks of it...and it’s constant. Contained. It’s VERY faint, but it’s there and circulating. There’s not even any dropoff I can measure…”

You blink, then your head swivels right back to Prima as she meets your wide eyes with her own. If what he was, translated over to what you know is accurate…

This...Prima has mana?

The bots have mana? In actual circulation?

Prima’s eyes swivel in thought. “Oh. This may require a database update.”

No kidding.

(Done for now because I've got noble kids to certify in many new classes. And then make them go kill assholes because I am the BEST teacher.)

>>3746369
LORIIIIIII

What house?

>>3746369
Thanks for running!

>>3746369
You're a real girl Prima. Good night.

>>3746373
Eagles. I originally picked them because they seemed the most dysfunctional and I enjoy a challenge. Come to like all of 'em.

>>3746422
I'm more of a Lions/Deers guy. While the leaders all have their issues, El is just the closest to outright ruthless/evil for me, no matter how things turned out in the end.

>>3746369
Well this is a surprise

>>3746369
>This...Prima has mana?
>The bots have mana? In actual circulation?
Didn't we scan them for mana? Did something change?

When we get back they'll have to talk to other bots and compare notes. My first thought is that a soul generates mana. But maybe they've been exposed to something, or the particular way they were given true intelligence caused it and it's been building very slowly.

>>3746369
A bump for your good taste.

I wonder if the physical examination will include measuring Miranda's bust size.

what the heck

>>3746564
>Didn't we scan them for mana?
Well, the scientist is saying that the reading is very faint; there is the chance that we couldn't detect it due to that.

It could be that it developed later, or is still developing

>>3746564
Prima was exposed to Lori's ghost ability so maybe it was there mana started to form. Now I wonder if Prima's mana is unique or does it have the same color as Lori's mana.

>>3747206
That makes the most sense. Whatever black box tech that Lori messed with probably gave her mana eventually. The question now is does she just have the bit and that's it, or does she have the capacity to grow her mana?

Also this means it's THEORYCRAFTING TIME FOR PRIMA MOVESET.

>>3747701
Judging from that test, she (and jago) only have enough mana for the simplest of things, aka, the stone comms. We could try to boost their mana and magical prowess by giving them their personal mana crystals, but given that they are already combat capable, i dont think they'll benefit much from it.
Also, this is the perfect chance to use the interdimensional comms and tell owlia about this. We could even try to make a data transfer test to see how reliable is the conection with encrypted messages as well.

>>3748245
>Also, this is the perfect chance to use the interdimensional comms
While we're being medically examined?
>and tell owlia about this.
This first test isn't expected to do get anything but static. That's why she wants us to use the recorder.

>>3748393
i think he means during the down time we have not right now

Maybe Lorelei can uplift Jago as well?

>>3748948
jago got uplifted almost at the same time as prima.

>>3748948
She already did it after she finished her job in Robattler world. I'm pretty sure some of her pervyness rubbed off on him, too.

Speaking of, I'm wondering what Jago and Prima's opinions are on how AICAs are treated by humans in this world.

>>3749013
Probably the same as when they were in robattler world. In both worlds bots were built to aid and fight for their handlers. If anything they probably think AICAs are more valued in this world, since not everyone can have their own for personal use.

>>3747701
Oh joy.

More time wasted on the bots.

> They contribute nothing but entertainment


> People refuse to bring along actually useful people who would actually be minor NPCs working on the background

I don't actually hate Prima and Jago, I just hate everything the represent about where this quest has gone since we got them.

Handler should just shovel nostalgic themes into the quest and go full Michael Bay. Instantly be the most popular quest.

>>3750460
what?
You understand the purpose of this whole mission, right?
nice bait i guess, took me a while to get it. 8/10

File: your opinion.gif (743 KB, 400x300)

743 KB GIF

>>3750460

File: Ok.jpg (67 KB, 1280x720)

67 KB JPG

>>3750460

>>3750460
I know that quest.....was it run by [REDACTED]?

I got a promotion today, so you all get a...short run.

Damn, that sounded a lot better in my head. Anyway, writing in a bit.

>>3750997
Congratulations, Handler! May your rule be profitable and your leadership strong!

>>3750997
That is great news. You should skip the run today and celebrate, we can wait a few days.

>>3750997
All hail the newly promoted Handler!

>>3750997
Uhull good news everyone!!

>>3746369
“Well...this is HIGHLY unusual by itself, really,” the man states. “We’re definitely going to have to have some talks and run some tests; you sure we can’t take a bit deeper of a look inside-”

“No,” you quickly shut down. “I already said so.”

“Hmm.” He seems undeterred. “Well, what about your bot? We could-”

“Still no.” The words come as Prima quickly barks off a ‘no please!’ of her own, not that it was necessary. “Just stick to what we agreed on.”

A loud sigh comes his way. “Fine, fine…aside from that, we’re done here, so step on out and I’ll meet you on the other end.” As you start to leave, you can hear him mutter: “Damn scrappers and their me-first attitudes, seriously…”

You’ll ignore that for now. Stepping out, there’s a number of instruments that you’re not quite sure about. They all have a white and blue color scheme, but that’s about it.

“Alright, considering you’re not really willing to consent to anything deeper, that limits our options to a few things. First, though, I’d like to get a basic physical measurement of you. Height, weight, and a few other stats. Then we can move on to the fun-ish stuff; measuring your output and effects of minor Seither exposure, and possibly a few other small scale tests…”

Right. Well, the basic measurements are simple enough. Although when you get to the others…

“Okay, so we’re going to be doing some exposure testing right now. Just going to have you do some physical exercises while we measure the burnoff of your naturalized Seither…then we’ll expose you a bit to the raw stuff, get data of that, you get the picture. Ideally, we'll learn how much your body's acclimatized to the stuff, and see if there's any long-term issues you might not be aware of.”

“Mmhm.” Sure. There aren't, but you can't blame them for being curious.

>Roll 3d20, best of three.

Rolled 11, 18, 4 = 33 (3d20)

>>3751143

Rolled 19, 11, 5 = 35 (3d20)

>>3751143
Hi Handler! Congrats on the promotion by the way.

Rolled 2, 12, 6 = 20 (3d20)

>>3751143

Rolled 1, 8, 1 = 10 (3d20)

>>3751143

Rolled 15, 11, 12 = 38 (3d20)

>>3751143

Rolled 5, 17, 14 = 36 (3d20)

>>3751143

>>3751168
Oof that would have caused a lab accident.

This guy's good. Mostly. Writing.

>>3751143
It’s really more of a general workout routine than anything particularly ‘science-y’ aside from putting on a couple of electrodes which you nearly objected to, but decided should be fine. As you go through the various exercises, he for once stays mostly quiet unless informing you that he was done for now and wanted to switch you to something else. You end up going through a full 1 hour workout routine with his constant measurements, and soon after he ushers you to another, smaller room, this one clearly divided in two by thick glass and meant to be more of an observatorial room, clearly. You step in the room (with Prima watching closely), and he places a very small vial of Seither down in front of him in a compartment, then presses a button and it shunts into the room. “Inhale this, please.” A couple more panels open up- clearly scanning equipment.

It’s barely a puff, but you do it- and it’s CERTAINLY enough to rev things up inside you again ever so slightly- that rush of energy comes back, and you’re wondering if it might be a good idea to show off a bit- he’s already expecting something amazing, right? You can do amazing- to him. Just a quick burn of mana like with your Energy Channel would probably freak him out and calm you down. Geez, you need to run this off or something, damn.

>Current Mana: 12600/12500

“I’m reading slightly elevated heartrate, Seither levels have increased as expected...hm.” There’s a pause, and you’re about to ask what the heck’s keeping him before he continues. “Can you do me a favor and try to stay as still as possible?”

What? Why? Ugh, fine. Stillness, huh?

…

...It doesn’t last long. Maybe fifteen, twenty seconds before you start tapping your foot. Damnit, you’re twitching a bit.

“Fascinating…” Lovely for him. You’re not nearly as wound up as before with the Scrappers, but it’s still something. “Alright, now, we’ll wait until you naturally burn it out for now, and we’ll be done for the day. I’d like you to come back tomorrow, however…the next day as well if you’re available.”

And so it goes.

The next day after said ‘experiments’, which thankfully was early in the afternoon, you find yourself approached by Jago as you all step into your quarters. “Just what’re they gettin’ out of this? I’m skeptical.”

“Unsure,” Prima admits. “They claim it is data for the purposes of improving their own research into Seither, but to what ends are still unknown. My hypothesis is that they may use it for biological weapons development.”

“More than likely,” you admit. Today was largely still available, so…

>Might as well see if there’s any new rumors around the base...egh.
>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…
>Wonder if there’s anyone that might be up for a bit of sparring.
>Other

>>3751311
>Might as well see if there’s any new rumors around the base...egh.

>>3751311
>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…
>Send bots to listen to rumors

>>3751311
>>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…
It would be a waste to not test it if we brought it along for that purpose to begin with.

>>3751311
>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…
Get the camera rolling, after this maybe we can find some people to annoy.

>>3751311
>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…
But after this, it's time for some random encounters.

damn, I'm falling asleep at my chair. Gonna have to continue this tomorrow.

>>3751311
>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…

>>3751311
>>Wonder if there’s anyone that might be up for a bit of sparring.

>>3751311
>>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…

>>3751311
>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…

>>3751311
>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…

>>3751311 #
>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…

>>3751311
>>Maybe try that multiversal comm thing- you DID bring it with you, so…

>>3751311
>Might as well see if there’s any new rumors around the base...egh.

File: file.png (381 KB, 600x600)

381 KB PNG

Oh yeah, and happy promotion day Handler. Good luck finding a new place.

File: picrew.me-5209.png (147 KB, 600x600)

147 KB PNG

>>3752165
Not grumpy enough

>>3752401
I'd give it as pass, as she's being showered in what she loves most: money. That's also a good pic though.

>>3752418
>she's being showered in what she loves most: money.
tangential question, but do you think that if she were given the chance and there would be no way that somebody would know, would she return to her old chuunni ways?

>>3752824
Who, Miranda? Then yes she still calls out nedula buster even when she is against move calling. So she wants to be a little bit chuuni or full chuuni for like five minutes.

>>3752165
Are those in Zimbabwe dollars or something? She don't seem too impressed.

>>3752824
I think she would. There's occasional flashes of it whenever she throws out a buster, or someone pisses her off enough to start making her snark at them. I don't think she would go full bore like she might have used to, because decades of habit are hard to break, but I get the feeling that she would absolutely mouth off a lot more than she does if she knew for certain that nobody would ever see.

Been busy house searching this weekend. I hate not being able to run, but I'm really not feeling up to it.

>>3760787
No problem, just glad you're okay.

To be honest, I figured you were distracted playing Fire Emblem.

>>3760787
It is okay, I just thought you were really into three houses.

>>3760787
It's okay, you are playing three houses. We understand.
We forgive you.

>>3760787
Just don't run until you take care of it. Can't run without a house after all.

>>3760787
That's fine, some times you just can't run. Thank you for warning us though.

Hmm, does anyone want to discuss something? Like what we can train when we get back to the Intersection, or sorting out our gear?

I miss this already. I might be able to run for a bit tomorrow, but I have like three-four appointments for housing tours, depending on if one calls me back or not. We'll see.

>>3769158
Good luck, boss!

>>3769158
Glad to hear you will be able ti run tomorrow. Good luck

>>3769158
We miss you too, boss. Hope those tours go over well, and that you find something decently priced.

>>3769158
Make sure to check the attics for rats, mold, and water damage. If it has a basement, pray. And the age of the house you do not want an old house with its air conditioning almost falling apart, a hole in the ceiling that drips water, and half the ceiling growing a 4 foot crack. Something, something about the foundation being leveled.

>>3769144
Mostly want to see what can be done with the bots' mana. If we stick the right crystals in them will their pools get bigger? Can they increse naturally? The nerds are going to have fun with this one methinks
>>3769158
Good luck boss

>>3769158
Good luck, don't let them rip you off

File: pastebin.jpg (238 KB, 1080x489)

238 KB JPG

>>3769885
Here are some ideas for their upgrades
https://pastebin.com/S0sLtv2B

M'back! Heartening news regarding living issues, so yeah. Run in like. An hour ish? Depends on how fast I type and you know how that damn well varies.

>>3770598
That is great news. So is the house new, and did you check for any housing or pest damage?

>>3770598
yay

Well, all things considered, you should probably try to do SOME testing. Which is why you head back into your own room and start rooting around in your bag. Right, so the multiversal comm...which frankly, resembles some sort of large radio. You’re kinda surprised she has to make it this big, but whatever. The data recorder seems smaller, but it’s still nearly the width of your head.

Prima perks up a bit at seeing it. “Ah, this was that communication device Ms-”

“Yeah,” you quickly interrupt. “She said not to expect much, but she wants me to at least turn it on and see what happens.” With that, you take some time to set up the data recorder- there’s a lot of settings, but right now, you’re pretty sure you just need to hit ‘record all outgoing’. Or maybe just ‘record all’...then again, there’s ‘record all incoming’, ‘dismiss local waveforms’...she might’ve given you a brief primer, but she didn’t even mention all this extra stuff!

Gah, you’ll just hit ‘record all outgoing’ and hope for the best. Now, she DID mention it wouldn’t be instant, and she wanted a lot of data, so at least 30 minutes should work...

>Roll 3d100, best of 3. No, that’s not a typo.

(Sorry, I got another call and ended up heading out. Plus side, I've now got two options for where to stay!)

Rolled 11, 30, 19 = 60 (3d100)

>>3770902

Rolled 74, 6, 83 = 163 (3d100)

>>3770902
Wooo! Welcome back, boss!

Rolled 59, 77, 92 = 228 (3d100)

>>3770902

Rolled 16, 8, 7 = 31 (3d20)

>>3770902
hey, the more houses the better!

Rolled 16, 58, 95 = 169 (3d100)

>>3770902
welp, wrong dice

Thanks!

243. A start, but still a long ways to go.

>>3770902
One more call, and you will have to join one of the three houses.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Rolling for which house Handler picks

>>3771680
So, the #1 house, blue lions it is.

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>3772654
Rolling on quality of the house.

>>3772683
that's really shitty.

>>3772683
It's the best because of how disfunctional it is.
>>3772685
We can make it better

>>3772685
The house is in the bad neighborhood, with robberies, some fire damage, old pipes, and with low property value. But its really cheap.

>>3772692
you forgot that its built under a new indian burial ground

>>3772707
>built under
That would also explain the cheapness.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>3772707
Rolling for what we awaken. 1-wendigos, 2 baykok, 3-ghosts, 4- hellhounds, 5- kanontsistonties, 6-skinwalkers

>>3772725
This is actually the to-be-crypt of chief Nahasapeemapetilon

>>3772734
Thud. The crypt was silent. Thud. The stillness refusing to break. Thud. Patience was offered to the intruders. Boom. Dust untouched for centuries shifted all along the stone floor. Crack. A small hole letting in a ray of light into the crypt. Darkness broken, burials disturbed, spirits angered. Life returning to the fallen.
On the other side of the crypt there is a miner and a demolitions expert. Both involved in expanding the area of the basement.
"I cannot believe how cheap this house is for only hiring one miner. Cheapskates."
"To be fair, it is a small job and plus my packs are doing most of the work."
"Still, it would be helpful if I had an-" Thud. "Wa?"
"Quit your complaining and open anoth-"
>"We have been awoken, a price must be paid for this disgrace."
A dirt and dust covered bony arm extended out of a small hole. As both individuals yelp and jumped back a bit. While staring at the flailing arm, they began hearing more thuds behind the wall. Small fist size cracks started appearing all over the wall. As the miner and demo start running back towards the surface. As they close and lock the basement access, the last thing they hear is the sound of a crumbling wall and a loud crash. Running toward their van they quickly get in and speed away to the safety of the city.

Was bored and decided to make up a story of the cheapness, burial grounds, and comments. To pass the time for people who are lurking on the thread. I know its not the best writing but this is like my fourth time writing a small text. I could have added the lions but I didn't want to waste more of anyone's time.

>>3772902
Twenty years had passed and it was developed as a housing unit for the government. It was cheaper so most of the populace took advantage of it. Yet it became a new bad part in town. Children missing, dead bodies, shouts from afar, some gunshots could be heard somewhere and in 3 years, it became a new haunted part as mysteries of several victims either died by scratches, axphyxiation and in worst case blunt trauma from different parts of the body. There wasn't a prominent gangs in the area except for some criminals hiding but that is only in rare cases. Then one teenager walks on the neighborhood, hands in her pockets and chewing a gum while listening to some music she doesn't care about. Turning on the dark alleyway where garbage dumpsters and trash are everywhere, she faced a lone person standing. The smell is already rotten yet she didn't bother. She walks closer and closer.

The person notice the sound and turns around. The light flickering showing a face that is already decomposed. Half of his face are full of facial mucles and it's teeth and gums visible. The left eyeball is already bulging out and would threaten to pop out if not the muscles holding it out. The teenager smirked at the zombie-like and spit the gum on the side.

Aren't you a full shadow of despair aren't you

The creature wailed as the night goes on......

what the heck

File: 1542529026019.png (722 KB, 1100x1300)

722 KB PNG

>>3773054

wow, this is a new kind of shitposting.

...What is THIS.

I've been on /qst/ for a while and this ain't normal.

At any rate.

Housing situation resolved. Thank god. Full run tomorrow or whenever I wake up, whenever that may be.

>>3773117
the shitposting might go to weird places, but at least its just weird, not bad or toxic, just...weird.

>>3773157
Was I that awful? I will make sure to never do another one. But the second guy I have no idea where he came from.

>>3773172
Na, yours was perfectly fine. The reactions are to the follow up act.

There’s a long stretch of nothing wherein you find yourself waiting on...something...to happen with it. The recorder, from what you can tell, is active, the comm device is active, but...you can hear jack squat, even with your boosted hearing. You kinda expected it, really, but it’s still boring enough to where you find yourself messing around with your FutureSight to see what else is in it. Turns out there’s a couple of features there you hadn’t yet bothered with. Games, mostly, but there’s a method for tracking ‘residual mana’- really would’ve been fucking fantastic to know earlier- and something that’s just called ‘Scan’ which apparently breaks down whatever the camera’s pointed at to it’s constituent components and gives you a basic readout. Hell, you’ve even got a basic log on yourself, after testing it by turning the camera towards yourself and snapping a selfie, so to speak. Expected stats: name, age, classification (Magical Girl, natch), blah blah, but it also has a full 3D wireframe turntable of you, as well as a general blurb:

>Highly skilled in melee combat. Physical skills rated as {Superhuman} according to Intersection Average. Very High mana capacity. Mana affinity is Neutral. Mana usage style is {Omni}. Poor physical reach due to physical attributes.

Hey...gah, not like it isn’t true.

In retrospect, it makes sense, considering the thing can tell you stuff about whatever world you’re going to. Why not with more minute stuff? No kind of personal threat analysis, though. So it’s not like your scenting is suddenly obsolete.

Fuck, you need to stop being so headstrong about figuring out everything yourself.

Eh, you’ll work on it later, you guess.

“Miss?” Prima glances at you, having been taking turns with Jago in getting a quick recharge. “What are you looking at? Yourself?”

“Yeah, scanning function,” you affirm as Jago’s about to step in. “You two stay still for a second…”

Prima, classification: Living Robot. Huh. Not ‘android’ or anything like that? Blah blah blah…

>Skilled in melee combat. Capable of remote program analysis and override. Physical skills rated as {Above Average Human} according to Intersection Average. Extremely Low Mana Capacity. Mana Affinity is Electric. Mana usage style is {Multiple: Calculative, Runic/Glyph, Medium/Object Dependant}. Poor physical reach due to physical attributes. Alternative construction possible. System interference and shutdown possible.

(cont)

>>3773338
“I...do not think I would allow myself to be interfered with,” Prima says hesitantly. Your mind snaps back to a certain night in a museum, and you can suddenly think of at least one situation where she could be.

Well...either way, that’s interesting. And about your ever raucous piratebot...

>Skilled in melee combat. Physical Skills Rated as {Peak Human} according to Intersection Average. Extremely Low Mana Capacity. Mana Affinity is Earth/Ground. Mana usage style is {Multiple: Calculative, Runic/Glyph, Medium/Object Dependent}. Limited Ranged Capability. Alternative construction possible. System interference and shutdown possible.

“I still have troubles understanding this ‘mana’,” Prima admits. “I should set aside some time to perhaps study it…”

> You’re horrible as a teacher for this kind of thing, but you can try at least getting her started…
> “Don’t worry, I’ll bug someone to help you once we get back. I’m not great at teaching magic.”
> “Sounds like you’ll want to get in good with Delilah, then. She’s bound to know some helpful books.”

(I'm not active, I just can't sleep)

>>3773343
> You’re horrible as a teacher for this kind of thing, but you can try at least getting her started…
> “Don’t worry, I’ll bug someone to help you once we get back. I’m not great at teaching magic.”
We can teach her something basic for now as a start, and then find someone better once we return from this mission.

>>3773343
>You’re horrible as a teacher for this kind of thing, but you can try at least getting her started…

>>3773343
>> You’re horrible as a teacher for this kind of thing, but you can try at least getting her started…
>"Well, I do know of a shock spell that I use to stun bounties at short range, and since your affinity's electric..."

No problem, boss, insomnia happens to everyone sometime.

>>3773343
>> “Don’t worry, I’ll bug someone to help you once we get back. I’m not great at teaching magic.”

Not a good idea to show other people here we can teach a robot how to use Seither. There are cameras after all.

>>3773343
>> “Don’t worry, I’ll bug someone to help you once we get back. I’m not great at teaching magic.”
Our "add more mana until it works" methodology is fine for us, but would be terrible for them. Mainly though, openly talking about how magic works in a facility that certainly is up to the eyeballs in bugs sounds like a bad idea. Especially with how interested they are in us.

>>3773363
>>3773438
Pretty sure it’s a choice of Miranda teaching them magic when they get back to the Intersection, not Miranda teaching them magic on the job.

>>3773343
>>3773351
Oh right, we have scans of some books about magic on us.
>Mention that you have books on Ritualism and Summoning. Some of that knowledge should be applicable.

>>3773343
>> You’re horrible as a teacher for this kind of thing, but you can try at least getting her started…

>>3773117
So did you pick the first or the second house?

>>3773343
>You’re horrible as a teacher for this kind of thing, but you can try at least getting her started…
Even if we can't get her to cast any spells, at least letting her feel the mana might be a possibility.
I'm not sure if we should be doing it here at the facility though.
> “Don’t worry, I’ll bug someone to help you once we get back. I’m not great at teaching magic.”

>>3773343
>You’re horrible as a teacher for this kind of thing, but you can try at least getting her started…
> “Don’t worry, I’ll bug someone to help you once we get back. I’m not great at teaching magic.”
We'll see what we can do back at the intersection.

We suck at teaching, but we can try...

Later.

Writing!

>>3773343
You’re not at all good with teaching, but...hell, you can at least give her some general pointers, maybe? You can give out some tips and basic advice, for sure. “Well, I’m not sure how you’ll take to it, if at all, but I could at least give some basic info?”

She literally brightens up, clapping her hands in appreciation. “Oh, yes! It would be ideal to have easily recordable reference data! Thank you!”

“Right…” you frown at your own self- honestly, how are you even going to start this…? “We’ll talk later once we get back home. Don’t want to start here where we might be interrupted.”

She nods. “Ah. Is there nothing you could perhaps inform me about now?”

Blinking, you shrug. “I dunno...I guess I could say that you just sorta feel it. It’s like a warmth that’s inside of you and you just kinda...push.”

“...push?” She goes rigid for some reason, and you get the feeling she’s not looking at you anymore. Still, you press on.

“Yeaaah. It’s like...a substance in your body you need to call out,” you elaborate. “Mana is kinda like...it’s own resource, I guess? It’s not like normal energy. I can be mana depleted but still have plenty stamina left, and vice versa. They CAN influence each other, though. But they aren’t the same.”

“I see...another resource. And to utilize it, one has to...push…” Her head tilts down slightly, and her optics dim a bit.

You’re about to ask if she’s okay when you see her shaking, just a bit. It’s enough to worry you, but she looks up, with determined eyes. “I will deduce the logic behind this method, then.”

Well, glad she’s determined.

The rest of the afternoon and evening continues like that, in between scanning things and a brief break for dinner. When Jago is finished, he’s quick to ask questions as well- you get the feeling they’re going to try a couple of things when you get back...which means you’ll probably wind up headed to the clinic sooner than later. Sleep comes easily enough- although you end up dreaming giant Primas and Jagos crushing a town, for whatever reason.

A knock on the door wakes you up, to your surprise. You’re usually up early enough. It’s Crane when you answer the door, and boy, does he seem happy. “We’ve got a general area,” he says, teeth on full display. “And guess who’s going to confirm. Get ready to ship out, and we’ll meet you in the briefing room!”

Ah. Well, then. Here we go.

(cont.)

>>3774442
The room’s got a number of individuals in it- old grey lady, Avos again...Nira, to your surprise. Ms. Black, Tate, Crane, and Kine round things out. It’s Black who nods to you, before turning to everyone else. “Ladies, gentlemen, I believe that makes all of us present and accounted for. Excellent. She brings out a remote, and taps a button. “I’ll cut to the chase. We have confirmation of the device. Using the data and notes collected by our friends here-” and she motions to all the pilots in saying so- “we’ve locked down the location of it to be somewhere inside this region.” She points up to what she brought up- a large map, divided into what you can only assume are regions. The northernmost is flashing. “This is what’s known as the Gigas Region, so named for its large, mountainous area. It’s also stated to have incredibly large pockets of highly concentrated Seither, likely due to jet streams pushing much of it there.”

“Makes sense, when you think about it,” the older lady quips. “Thing that’s supposed to be able to use and reform Seither would probably be around a place with a lot of it.”

“Obviously, going into such a place is risky,” Tate confirms. “Which is why we’ve elected to send our most logical and capable choices into such a region. The plan is to set up a temporary forward operating base just outside of the region for you to refuel and rest at, which we’ve already sent off several squadrons to begin, and then for you to scout the area. We understand that considering Lane’s...unique situation, she will be particularly suited to this task, but know that EVERYONE is expected to pull their weight. We understand now that it is an oblong shape, and is biomechanical in nature. It is also likely red in coloration. If we locate the device, you are to inform us IMMEDIATELY. Any questions?”

>Any questions?
>None.

>>3774448
>Ask about aliens' strange behavior - their self-destructivd use of seither on your first mission and surprise air-strike on the next one.

>>3774448
>None

>>3774448
>How large do you expect the device to be?

>>3774448
>”What’s the plan should the lozenge makes contact with one of us? Lead it away somewhere, attempt to knock it out, kill it?”
>“Could someone tell me who Lane is, and what her deal is?”
>”Will I be on foot or piloting?”

>>3774448
>None.

>>3774468
We're Lane. Did you mean to ask about the old lady or Nira?

>>3774468
>the lozenge
The what?

>>3774468
...are your parents cousins?

>>3774474
Oh, right. It’s been a while since I’ve heard it relate to us.

>>3774482
The oblong shaped alien thing.

>>3774472
>>3774459
Why do anons keep skipping questions this mission?

Huh. Guess we're good to go.

Writing.

>>3774510
*sigh*

>>3774499
It's described as "power source" in an earlier thread so I wouldn't expect us to be fighting it.

>>3774529
Jeez, I thought it was another alien kaiju thing...

>>3774529
I think he meant the alien flyer that came out of nowhere and shot us on the last mission.

>>3774510
because i have no questions and the ones that are being ask are either very obvious, or stupid, or don't matter.

>>3774448
>>3774459
>>3774472
You glance around to see if anyone has anything- no hands go up, and neither does yours. Tate nods in approval. “Excellent. Now, we anticipate the device to be rather large- at least seventy meters across, if not more. But we aren’t sure. You’ll report on the size of it when you locate it, as well as make certain the area around it is acceptable. For this assignment, Leia, Avos, and Nira, you’ll be on strict timeframes and schedules so that the risk of Seither overload is minimal, understand?” They nod. “Excellent.”

It’s Kine who speaks up next. “Fuel is valuable, and we don’t want to burn out anything on the Walkers before we get to the AO, so you’re all going by standard transport for this. It’ll take a couple of days, so hope you’re ready for a road trip. Your walkers will be placed on standby and loaded into transports, but be ready to take action at a moment’s notice. We understand that a close eye is being kept on us right now, especially after our little scientific excursion the other day, so don’t be surprised if we’re ambushed by someone willing to make a risky play.”

“Ha! They’ll regret that.” The older lady says easily. “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”

“I have no doubt. However, to the issue of Lane, again…” And here Kine and Tate both turn to you. “All things considered, we also believe this may not fare well in terms of keeping our secret secret in regards to the Zeon...”

Oh, no.

“...and it’s for that reason that we ask to you travel in the Walker, for yourself, and do so ahead of us. Fuel is valuable, as we stated, but the risk of an ambush linking you to us is rather high- were that to happen, we’d have a lot of angry people coming after us, no doubt.”

Uggggh. The perils of the job. “Alright. Just let me get a few things. When do we leave?” Jago and Prima are going to have to swap out here and there...

>Roll 3d20 for travel occurences...
>Choose which is in the system first- Prima or Jago?

Rolled 19, 4, 17 = 40 (3d20)

>>3774639

Rolled 18, 14, 4 = 36 (3d20)

>>3774639
>Jago

Rolled 1, 5, 15 = 21 (3d20)

>>3774639
>Prima

>>3774639
Oh, I missed the last line about choosing a bot.
>Prima

Rolled 16, 6, 11 = 33 (3d20)

>>3774639
>Prima

>>3774639
>Prima

Rolled 16, 6, 8 = 30 (3d20)

>>3774639
>Jago

19, 14, 17.

Interesting. Good rolls.

Writing.

>>3774639
“Alright, we’re heading out,” you say as everything is fired up. “Next stop, Avalon FOB.”

“I wonder why that name…” Prima muses as you lift up and boost off.

“Nothin’ fer it,” Jago muses. “Gotta say, though, wish this tub had a bit more room…”

“You’ll simply have to adjust,” Prima says simply- and THAT starts off a round of complaints and reposts from Prima. Seems like this might be a long trip…


Long and boring, it seems. You wind up flying alongside cracked and dusty roads for the majority of it- at one point you come across a massive corpse alongside a fallen Walker, but it’s so scrap that you can’t see any purpose in checking it out.

“Gotta ton o’Seither approximately 40 miles out, an’ a buncha ground movement dead ahead.” Jago reports, having swapped in for Prima some time ago. “It’s lookin’ like we’re there. Avalon Forward Operating Base. Or the beginnings of it, leastways.”

That was being generous. It seems as though the base was being converted from former buildings; made sense enough, although whatever they used to be used for, you can’t tell. Maybe a distant business? There’s lots all around with various metal scraps, from the looks of things. A lot of workers, too. Seems like Jago’s right. “Probl’y should land an’ take stock.”

Well, can’t argue that- you wouldn’t mind stretching your legs. “Alright, then. Setting down.”

“Thank goodness,” Prima says as you touch down and quickly open the hatch. “I was worried I would lock in that position.”

“Too right,” Jago agrees as you hop out to a few nods, and an approaching trio of guards bearing the Aegis emblem on their tacvests.

“You one of the specialists? Was told there’d be a scrapper.” he asks. You just nod. “Great. We just got the barracks and food hall set up, if only barely. Welcome to Avalon.”

> “Where’s the barracks? I need to rest before everyone else gets here.” (Timeskip)
> “You know who’s in charge here? I want to know what the current situation is.”
> “Need help with anything? This place still seems half-done at best.”
> Other

>>3774973
> “You know who’s in charge here? I want to know what the current situation is.”

>>3774973
>“Need help with anything? This place still seems half-done at best.”

>>3774973
> “Need help with anything? This place still seems half-done at best.”

Always good to help out. It also allow us to show off our strength.

>>3774973
> “Where’s the barracks? I need to rest before everyone else gets here.” (Timeskip)

>>3774973
>> “You know who’s in charge here? I want to know what the current situation is.”

>>3774973
> “Need help with anything? This place still seems half-done at best.”

Another good thing of helping around the base, we get to explore abd maybe grab something around the perimeter.

>>3774973
>> “Need help with anything? This place still seems half-done at best.”

>>3775021
and we get "good girl points" that we definitely need because we are a scrapper.

We can help!

Writing.

>>3775067
Is everything okay?

>>3774973
>>3775005
>>3775006
>>3775014
>>3775023
Looking over again, it really does seem like a hodgepodge of half done work. You’re not up for just lazing around after you’ve been technically sitting on your buns for the better part of 24 hours. “Need help with anything? This place seems like it’s still half-done at best.”

To your lack of surprise, he glances at you suspiciously, rubbing his chin. His fellows don’t seem all that enthused, either. “Iunno...we’ve mostly got it handled, here. Wouldn’t want you getting into anything what might be too troublesome for you.” You’re pretty sure he means something specific by that line, but you’re not going to say so upfront.

One of his allies nudges him. “She might could help moving a few things around, so long as we keep her under watch. Section 5 still needs a few things set up over there.”

“Hmm. Good point.” Nodding, he turns back to you. “Alright, then, you heard him. Jones and Murphy’ll keep an eye on you while you help haul some materials over to them so they can focus on building some of the defense posts. Watch yourself, alright?”

You just nod. “Understood.” Prima and Jago both give a strange hum that you’re not sure what is supposed to be, but both nod tersely.

“Alright, you two. Show ‘em what’s where. I’m going back to report to the commander.” With that, he heads off in one direction, you in the other as you follow the two guards.

“Weird as hell…” one of them mutters. “Gotta say, though. Not a fan of this. Winds shouldn’t carry Seither out this way, but it’s still dangerous.” He turns to you. “No offense, kid, but you know you’re probably fodder, right? Aegis ain’t bad, but they aren’t afraid to spend lives. Goin’ out in a Seither field like that? You’re probably gonna pop like a grape after a couple of hours.”

“Seriously, you’re not the first they’ve gotten, y’know?” the second one says. “I heard stories.”

> “They paid me for this, and I’m not dying before I get paid.”
> “And what makes you so certain you’re not next to market?”
> “Interesting that you say that. Why warn me?”
> Other

>>3775522
Honestly? No. I recently got some bad news, but I can literally do nothing about it for now. I'm just resettling my head. Probably going to be a late run.

>>3775526
> “Interesting that you say that. Why warn me?”
Sorry to hear that. Wish you luck, boss.

>>3775526
> “Interesting that you say that. Why warn me?”
Sorry to hear, boss. Hope things can be resolved...

>>3775526
>“Interesting that you say that. Why warn me?”

>>3775526
>“They paid me for this, and I’m not dying before I get paid.”

>>3775526
Why tell me outright?

Writing.

>>3775635
Good night, boss. Thanks for running.

>>3775526
>>3775531
>>3775541
>7
>>3775567
Huh. “That’s interesting that you say that. Why warn me? Wouldn’t it be better if I didn’t really have any clue?”

They both stop, and one of them sort of lists to the side. “I...look, I ain’t a fan of scrappers, sure. I dunno what’s up with you folks and your disregard for authority, but in this case...Iunno, I don’t feel right just lettin’ a kid waltz on to her death like that.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty messed up,” the other agrees. “There’s been folks before that Aegis have used that ain’t with the company- you’re not even the first Scrapper they’ve contracted if the rumors are true- but never straight up let them in the base and never on stuff like you have. But at the end of it…”

“Never heard from em again,” the first concludes. “Never was sure if they got axed or shipped off or what, but Aegis likes to one-and-done ya. Just keep that in mind.”

“I will,” you agree. Turning to Prima and Jago, you can see the clear concern in their expressions, but Jago seems more angry than anything else, while Prima just seems worried. “Anyway, work to do?”

“Right, right, keep followin’.” The day is mostly then spent helping move boxes and assisting with construction- you can’t help but feel a bit of deja vu with what you were doing with the scrapper clan…

You wind up spending the majority of the next two days there doing small-scale construction and helping put together prefabricated areas; most of the workers give you looks, and you’re the only one with an armed guard, but whatever. You’re being carefully watched, to the point where trying anything in particular, whether it’s talking to your bots or otherwise, isn’t a smart move.

The other pilots don’t show up until late afternoon the day after; you’re still not done, but things are far better looking than when you showed up. To your surprise, Crane is also with them, looking at you notably as you talk with the old lady, who’s name you learn is Jeane. “We’ve got a night to rest, then we get the party started,” the old lady says gamely when you ask what the plan is. “We’ll rotate in and out, search in sections. We get lucky, we’ll find it after a couple of days.”

“That said…” Crane interjects as you approach the barracks. “I’d like you, Lane, to remain searching for as long as you’re feeling well. You can reduce the timeframe of this severely- unless, that is, you don’t feel safe doing it…”

Hm. Just your intuition, but that didn’t sound as caring as he might’ve wanted it to come off…

>Honestly? Seither DOES affect me, just not nearly as badly. I’d rather go on rotation.
>Fine. I can deal with it for as long as you need me to.
>Other

>>3777264
>Fine. I can deal with it for as long as you need me to.
If it speeds things up, then sure

>>3777264
>>Fine. I can deal with it for as long as you need me to.
Might as well. We'll still get tired and such, but otherwise might as well get this done sooner.

>>3777264
>Other: smile "You just want to see how long it takes for seither to effect me."

Then
>Fine. I can deal with it for as long as you need me to.

We will need to roll meditation and will probably need to spend mana to empty ourselfs to not get out of control but that is fine

>>3777264
>Honestly? Seither DOES affect me, just not nearly as badly. I’d rather go on rotation.
"It's not so much an irrational bloodthirst and more like I've had as much sugar as I could want... Which I've been told is bad."
Miranda doesn't feel any MORE bloodthirst from seither but they don't need to know about our inner chuuni

>>3777264
>Honestly? Seither DOES affect me, just not nearly as badly. I’d rather go on rotation.

Don’t forget what happened when we were working on the scrapper’s seither system thing. About the warning the FutureSight gave us...

> Caution: High-Energy Mana Detected. Potency estimated at approximately 150% standard mana energy output at equalized levels. Absorption beyond estimated safe amounts may lead to muscular strain and mana leakage due to overwork and exhaustion of internal mana conduits.

Couldn't we equip the condencer to reduce the effevt of the seither around us? Or is that not how the condencer works?

>>3777305
>Or is that not how the condencer works?

That’s not how the condenser works from what I’ve read.

>>3777305
>>3777319
I think there was an option for condenser to suck all the mana around it, like how it did back in mafia job. Though I think our condenser is filled with seither already.
BUT, maybe we can finally put our super-duper respirator to use>>3777304>>3777296
damn that's embarassing

>>3777264
>>3777279
>Don't forget to wear your 'Real Divinity' respirator during these runs, it's been collecting dust for MONTHS

>>3777412
we have that thing on our bag?

>>3777416
We have bought it years ago and it feels like no one remembers it. The hoarding tendencies here are astonishing.

We can deal.

Writing!

>>3777423
I shudder every time I look at the Itemlist.

>>3777423
yes, but i;m asking if the respirator is a clothing item or a bag of holding item, because if its the former, we can't use it right now for obvious reasons.

>>3777264
>Honestly? Seither DOES affect me, just not nearly as badly. I’d rather go on rotation.
We can stay in longer, but we have to spend some mana without accidentally blowing something up.

>>3777442
It is in the bag - I'm suggesting to put it on before our run when no one's looking, not right now.

>>3777449
then yes, we definitely should use it.

>>3777442
>>3777449
>It's the latter

>>3777434
The benefits of infinite storage and not having to manage inventory outweigh having a long list imo

Sometimes...life likes to try to scare the shit out of you to see how you react.

Fortunately I'm that guy that screams like a bitch then punches you in the face right before running away. That's good, right?

...well, either way, runs should continue next week. I'm moving into my new place tomorrow and going to PAX, so y'know. Priorities.

>>3786361
Good to see you weathered the storm.
Next run will need a new thread. Anyone archived this one yet?

>>3786361
Glad to know you’re doing alright, boss. Hope to see the next thread when you’re ready to start back up.

Any chance that you’re going to use this as inspiration for the quest?

>>3787115
Like Miranda going to a job but gets cut off from extraction due to anti magic WMD?

>>3788542
Sounds interesting on the surface, but it would cause the old issue of Randa not being very flexible without her magic, which usually defaults her to punching her way though any issues, even more so than usual.

>>3788542
I don't think any anti-magic WMDs will stop Dealmaker's busted magic, unless they're reality warping one. In which case the job's waaaay over Miranda's pay grade.

>>3788558
>>3788593
Yeah WMD was a stupid idea. Maybe it would be an escort a VIP on the run, looking for a safehouse while trying to hold stealth. This would be very terrifying and stressful to Miranda since she still remembers the last time Sal was angry.

>>3788649
But would it be better to give the job to Izumi rather than Miranda? Sounds like Sal doesn't force something that doesn't really match their job description with their mismatched powers. Unless you pair Miranda with someone.

>>3788960
As an official job, maybe. But as an emergency part of another job randa could swing it.

Thread's been archived. Go upvote it, as well as the other ones archived.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire%20Quest