| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "Today's the day! I still can't believe I was the lucky cadet chosen to serve as Human Representative aboard the UAS Hatoful!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "But it's strange that nobirdie is here to greet me..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Oh! Hello! Who are you?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "I am Captain Taggert MacAdams, the pilot and commander of the UAS Hatoful. Who, may I ask, are you?" |
How.... unusual.Indeed. Let's see where this goes.
PTW
How.... unusual.Indeed. Let's see where this goes.
PTW
I'd post a suggestion, but I have only the vaguest idea of what's going on (birds took over the world, there's interstellar travel, and monk12 is either an employee of the company that made Hatoful Boyfriend or is giving them free advertising).
What the actual fuck.
What the actual fuck.
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "My name is Ciel Robins, Human Representative aboard this fine vessel, and I am extremely pleased to meet you, Captain. Do you meet all cadets personally, sir?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "It is my duty as Captain to meet every member of the crew, Cadet Robins. Welcome aboard. Follow me to your quarters." |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "It looks just like home! I almost think I could walk out into that desert." |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Yes, each cabin is equipped with the latest hologram technology. It's intended to improve morale on deep space expeditions, though of course this mission will just be a brief tour." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "A brief tour? How long will this mission last, sir?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "I will be delivering the mission briefing on the bridge at 1800. Until then, feel free to explore the ship, and get to know your crewmates. We'll be living with one another for the foreseeable future, so try to make friends." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Yes sir! I think I'll start in the Engine Room." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "Woah, this place is kinda creepy. Is anybirdie here?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Hello, hello! Please come in!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Hello! I'm Cadet Ciel Robins. I'm the Human Representative on the UAS Hatoful. Who are you?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "I, um. Well, I am Noda Kenshin, of course! You can call me Ken if you'd like. I'm the Chief Engineer." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Oh, that's right! You're really famous! You invented this type of engine, right?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "That is true! It is but one of my many inventions, though. At least this one got me a free trip to outer space!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "A free trip, huh? Does that mean you're not actually in the UAS?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "No, no. Military life seems so unpleasant to me. No doubt it is important work you do, fighting space pirates and interdicting smugglers and all that, but I prefer to create things, not blow them up." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "I suppose it's not for everyone. But, I'm surprised they'd let a civilian on a mission like this." |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Oh, I insisted on coming, and my patrons have some influence in the UAS. The Astral Engine is my greatest achievement, and I couldn't bear to be absent on its debut. Nobody knows it better than me, and if anything goes wrong, I'll be able to build it again, better than new!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well, that does make me feel better, Ken! I suppose I'd better go check out the Sickbay before our briefing. I'll see you around!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Take care, Ciel!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "It smells so clean in here! Almost like it has never been dirty, ever." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "H-hello?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Hi! I'm Ciel Robins. Who are you?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "I- my name is Mitali Nehru. I'm the Chief Medical Officer." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Chief Medical Officer? Is there more than one doctor on this ship, Ms. Nehru?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "N-no. I'm the only- it's just, that's what they call the lead doctor on any ship, even if there's only one." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Oh, okay. I thought they might have added a doctor who specializes in human anatomy to the crew." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "I'm well trained in that regard, Ciel. M-my last tour was in the Kuiper belt, tending the human methane miners." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Really? Isn't it dangerous that far out in the Solar System?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Oh, y-yes! Pirates would often raid our supplies, and during the riots things got very... bad..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "You were there during the Roosting Riots? That's really impressive! I heard that the miners were killing anyone in a UAS uniform, during the worst of it." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Y-yes. Things were very bad. But there were not many doctors who could treat humans out there, s-so I couldn't just leave." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I guess I should have expected to be working with heroes when I signed up for this mission." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Oh! I'm not- I just did my job. I don't think I was in that much danger, everyone knew I was a good doctor." |
| (http://tnypic.net/pe09q.jpg) | "Nonsense. I know a heroine when I meet one!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "I- oh, I, please. Call me Mitali, Ciel." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "It would be my honor, Mitali! I suppose I should be off to the Lab if I want to meet everyone before the briefing. I hope everyone on this ship is as nice as you, Mitali!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "G-goodbye, Ciel." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Wow, I've never seen equipment this advanced before. I don't even know what half of this stuff does!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Greetings. What is your name, cadet?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I'm Cadet Ciel Robins, sir. I was chosen to be the Human Representative for this mission." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Indeed. What errand brings you here, cadet?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Um, nothing, I guess." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Then why do you interrupt my work?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well, I mean, Captain MacAdams said to get familiar with the ship and the crew, since we'll be serving together." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Since we'll be serving together, sir." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "Oh! Yes, sir. Sorry, sir." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Very well. If you must get to know me, then I will tell you that I am the first mate on the UAS Hatoful, I am the second of the three qualified pilots on this ship, and my primary responsibilities are the collection and interpretation of the ship's sensor data, the maintenance of the ship's computer systems, and the performance of any necessary experiments. Such as the one I am currently executing. Is that an adequate summation, cadet?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Yes, sir! With your permission, I'll go find the last crew member, sir. ((Hopefully he'll be a bit nicer than you.))" |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Permission granted. I believe you'll find Kalani Young in the common area." |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "What a comfortable room! I hope I don't go soft from all the creature comforts this ship has!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "But I didn't see anyone in here when we passed through on the way to my room..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Well, I have been here every time you've passed through." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Oh! I'm sorry... are you Mr. Young?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Kalani, please. I'm no puffed-up pigeon." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I'm pleased to meet you, Kalani! My name is Ciel Robins." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "The pleasure is mine. So tell me, C, how did you not see me sitting here?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "I, uh... I'm sorry, but I thought you were a pillow! You're so fuzzy!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Ha! Well, I suppose I'm not much more useful than a pillow, until we leave Sol. I'm the ship's Exobiologist." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Exobiologist? What's that?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "It means I'm in charge of determining whether an alien planet could support life, particularly whether it could support a colony of us Earthlings. I'm trained in the fields of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology, molecular biology, ecology, planetary science, geography, and geology." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Wow! That's quite the list!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Well, they'd hardly send me on this mission if I really was a pillow. Some of the best minds in the UAS are on this ship. So tell me, what do you do?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Oh! I'm the Human Representative." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Why do you accept that label?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "What?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Human Representative. It demeans you. It implies that the only reason you're on this ship is because you happen to be a human, and humans are a vocal minority who demanded your presence. I don't believe that's true. So tell me, what do you do? Why are you here?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "I... am not sure." |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | *ding!* "This is the Captain speaking. All hands, report to the bridge for Mission Briefing. All hands, to the bridge for Mission Briefing." |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "At ease, crew. Many of you already know our mission, but I'll go over it in full. At 0800 tomorrow morning, the UAS Hatoful will make its first Astral Jump. This ship, and we, her crew, will be the first to visit another star system. Mr. Noda, would you like to briefly explain the mechanism of our travel?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Briefly? Um. Well, essentially what the Astral Drive will do is instantaneously create a singularity larger than the ship, essentially popping us outside of normal space into what I like to call Astral Space. From there, the ship reverses the process to return us to normal space. Because of the way Astral Space interacts with normal space, it can return us to any coordinates we desire." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "That is a gross oversimplification of the process. What will actually happen is-" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "That will do, Mr. Lammert. We don't need to know the science of the Astral Drive, we just need to know that it works. If all goes as planned, we will reenter our universe in orbit around Tau Ceti mere moments after the Drive is engaged. After that, the Drive will need approximately 40 hours to recharge enough to initiate another Jump. During that time we will take sensor readings and gather information, particularly in regards to whether Tau Ceti e is a viable candidate for an interstellar colony. That will be your job, Mr. Young." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Yes, I expect I won't be getting much sleep on this cruise, Captain. So many planets, so little time!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Yes, we will all be very busy. Our mission is to make five such Jumps, each time visiting a new near-Earth star system and exploring the limits of the Astral Drive. With luck, we will find several candidates for extra-Solar expansion and return with no problems. For each Jump I will need Mr. Lammert, Mr. Noda, and myself on duty. Mr. Young will not be needed until the sensors have had the chance to collect useful data, and neither Ms. Nehru or Ms. Robins need be on duty. Take your ease wherever you wish for the Jump." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Y-yes sir." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Uh... sir? What exactly is my duty on this ship?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Your job is to help out around the ship as needed, cadet, and you will perform some basic maintenance activities as well." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | (("Great, I'm the janitor.")) |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Perhaps more importantly, however, you will serve as an adjutant in the department of your choice. This is prestigious field experience, and an excellent career opportunity for you. I trust you will perform your duties faithfully, and learn new skills quickly." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Yes sir! Thank you, sir!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "That's all for this meeting. Mr. Lammert, Mr. Noda, please remain to discuss the particulars of tomorrows historic Jump. The rest of you are dismissed." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Ah, what a good night's sleep! The first Astral Jump will be soon. I wonder where I should go for my first Astral Jump." |
| A) | The Bridge (Taggart and Sigmund) |
| B) | The Engine Room (Kenshin) |
| C) | Sickbay (Mitali) |
| D) | The Common Room (Kalani) |
| E) | Other (Please Specify) |
Engine Room
Sickbay: if you fall over and break something important in the process of the jump, at least you'll have somebody to help you out.
Oh god yes.
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I think I'll spend the first Astral Jump observing Ken in the Engine Room. That's where the action will be!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "On second thought, this place still kinda creeps me out. Though I don't see-" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | *WHUMP* |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Ah!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Oh my- are you alright? I'm so sorry, I didn't see you coming in when I launched!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "No, I'm sorry, I should have looked before I barged in here. Um, did you just fly into me?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Yes! The Engine Room is equipped with lower gravity than the rest of the ship to aid with maintenance, and also to provide a place for the crew to exercise. Flying in low gravity is great exercise!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "I'll take your word for it. I know I wouldn't want to fly around with all these spikes on the wall." |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "They make excellent perches, but I can see your point. I think I heard Mitali outlining a Zero-G Yoga regimen for your exercise requirements." |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | *ding!* "Taggart to Engineering. Are you ready down there?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Aye, Captain, anytime you're ready!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Stand by. We'll make the Jump soon." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "So how exactly does that... thing work?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "I'm glad you asked! In many ways it is a typical gravity drive; compressed neutronium is converted into energy which is used to redistribute the gravity field in and around the engine, while also providing power for our ship systems. This allows us to have artificial gravity in the habitable spaces of the ship, and also maneuvers the ship on a local scale." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Okay, but I don't understand how the Astral Drive is supposed to work. How can the whole ship fit inside a singularity? Isn't that just a dot?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Very good! That is but one of the many "simplifications" Sigmund accused me of making. An engine of the size you see before you could not possibly create a singularity of any kind; instead, a miniature, unstable black hole was generated at the manufacturing site, and the rest of the Astral Drive was built around that." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "An unstable black hole? That sounds... terrifying." |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Oh, it's not so bad as all that. It just means that the black hole would collapse if not maintained by this ship's regular engines, the same engines that contain any harmful effects of the Astral Drive. The important bit is the reason the singularity is unstable; it's ring shaped." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Ring shaped?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Yes! Genius, isn't it? Essentially, the singularity is spinning such that the distribution of mass shows an equatorial bulge. Because a point cannot support the angular momentum of the body, the singularity instead assumes the shape of a ring with zero thickness and nonzero radius. From there, it's merely a matter of using our gravitics to induce the size of the singularity to expand to be larger than the ship. We fall through, and emerge in Astral Space!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "You expand the singularity ring... from inside the ship?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Well, yes and no. It's hard for me to explain without showing you the math, and-" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | *ding!* "Attention, attention. This is the Captain speaking. In one minute, at 0815 exactly, the UAS Hatoful will make the first Astral Jump to another star system ever attempted by... Earthlings. Some of the test pilots reported feelings of disorientation, so be sure to secure yourself until you know how you'll react." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Disorientation?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Our minds can't properly handle being in Astral Space; there really isn't any time there. I hypothesize that the mind can play tricks on you in that state." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "How can the mind play tricks on you if no time is passing?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Well... I don't know. Theoretically, the Jump shouldn't feel like anything. That's one of the mysteries I'm hoping to solve by attending this flight in person." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "I wish this had been mentioned at the briefing so I could get psyched up for it. Maybe I'll feel better if I distract myself by watching the engine closely. I'm not sure I-" |
| (http://tnypic.net/rj9yz.jpg) | "I..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/fudu5.jpg) | "Your name is Ciel Robins. What is" |
| (http://tnypic.net/rj9yz.jpg) | "Why..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/fudu5.jpg) | "You will go beyond." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rj9yz.jpg) | "si eman ym" |
| (http://tnypic.net/fudu5.jpg) | "sɹɐʇs ǝɥʇ ɥɔnoʇ ןןıʍ noʎ." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rj9yz.jpg) | "Reverse the process." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "I- what?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Urgh... that was... unsettling." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "Did you- what did you see?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Nothing I can't chalk up to my subconscious, I suppose. Really, I've already forgotten the details. I just remember being disturbed by that Jump. Are you alright? You look a little pale." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I'm fine. I was upset about something, but I guess it doesn't matter." |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | *ding!* "Taggart to Engineering. How are you down there?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Ciel and I are fine, Captain. A little perturbed by the Jump, but no harm done." |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Yes, that was quite the experience, wasn't it? Mitali had the worst reaction, but everyone is fine now. How is the engine?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Slight power fluctuations, but nothing outside of acceptable parameters." |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Give the engine a full diagnostic. We noticed the fluctuations, and Sigmund also recorded an odd energy signature at the time of the Jump. The good news is that the Jump appears to be completely successful. We are now in orbit around Tau Ceti e." |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Wonderful! I'll see to the engines immediately." |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "You said cadet Robins was with you, correct? Send her to the Bridge." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I suppose I'll be getting my assignment now. See you later, Ken." |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Ciel, wait! I... uh, I have a present for you." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Why thank you! Though I don't think I'll need a lightbulb while I'm on the ship." |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "N-no! I mean, it's supposed to be an egg. I synthesized it with a little of the extra power generated from the Jump." |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "You made this for me? That's sweet! Thank you!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "Oh, it's nothing. I make things all the time. I'm glad you like it though." |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | <3 ++ |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well, I'd better go see what the Captain wants." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "You wanted to see me, Captain?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Ah, there you are, cadet. Now that we've arrived at Tau Ceti, the real work begins. You'll be responsible for maintaining basic shipboard systems such as Life Support, but you also have the opportunity to help one of the main departments. Have you decided in what capacity you would like to serve for the remainder of the mission?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I have, Captain! I would like the job of..." |
| A) | Yeoman (Taggart's helper) |
| B) | Wrench Maiden (Kenshin's helper) |
| C) | Head Nurse (Mitali's helper) |
| D) | Lab Assistant (Kalani's helper) |
| E) | Third Technician (Sigmund's helper) |
Also, at some point we should see the doctor, assess if she's alright.
I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea of ever again going into the sickbay.
I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea of ever again going into the sickbay.
Why not? If anybody is going to turn out to be a complete lunatic, it's likely to be that Kalani fellow. Although Mitali does seem like a close second. I want to check up on what this adverse reaction to the jump might be. It's what good Human Representatives do, after all.
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I would like to assist Kalani in the Lab!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "There will be a great need for scientists with this new drive. Very well. You will report to Mr. Young from now on. Go to the Lab; you should find him there." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Aye, Captain!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "I'm telling you, we're wasting our time. My skills are wasted here." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Your haste is imprudent, Kalani Young. We have only begun the process of evaluating Tau Ceti e, and we have yet to gather significant data on the nature of Tau Ceti f." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "We knew before departing Earth that Tau Ceti f is a frozen rock. It's not worth our time. And I don't need to do much evaluation to know an uninhabitable sandball when I see one, Sigmund, and Tau Ceti e would make Arrakis feel like Naboo." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Arrakis? Naboo? I don't recognize those names." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Oh, hey C. They're from Old Earth literature, before the rise of Birdkind. Anyway, the point is that the planet clearly suffers from a runaway greenhouse effect; our first probes are reporting temperatures in excess of 90 degrees Celsius at the poles, and I can already tell that the equator will be hotter." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "You dismiss Tau Ceti e too casually, Kalani Young. The smaller than expected radius of the planet implies a dense, metal-heavy planet, and the temperatures are not beyond our ability to compensate for. This planet could prove to be a rich mine for the UAS, once our survey is complete." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "A rich mine, maybe, but hardly a suitable colony. There's plenty of hellholes in our own Solar System; we're supposed to be looking for a habitable planet, not another rock to exploit." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Our mission is to gather information. The nature of that information does not matter. Everything we learn will benefit Birdkind." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Ah, put a sock in it, ya windbag. What brings you down here, C?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well, the Captain asked which department I would like to work with, and I asked to be assigned to you!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Wait, really?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/7ystp.jpg) | "Lab Assistant Ciel Robins, reporting for duty, sir!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Ha! Your enthusiasm is noted, and appreciated. If I may ask, why did you choose me?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well Kalani, I want to work with you because..." |
| A) | You think this work is exciting, and important |
| B) | You think this will be a great career opportunity |
| C) | You don't trust the other crew members |
| D) | You just like being around Kalani |
| E) | Other (please specify) |
A, naturally. It's actually both A and D, really, but to actually say D would reveal that we don't particularly care about the bird's life's work. So A it'll have to be.
A, naturally. It's actually both A and D, really, but to actually say D would reveal that we don't particularly care about the bird's life's work. So A it'll have to be.
I would go for realistic activist - by reaching a higher rank in bird-dominated society, we can make them better aware of human views and needs, which in turn would further mutual understanding of both races. It seems a bit... grim for the cheery point of view that Ciel normally portrays, but not completely out of character. Please feel free to give another view, because cheery Ciel is best Ciel, no? ;3
A. Other reasons may be true, but A is the best to say at the moment. Maybe also hint at D. Don't bring up C, it's untrue.+1
A. Other reasons may be true, but A is the best to say at the moment. Maybe also hint at D. Don't bring up C, it's untrue.+1
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well, Kalani, I'd like to work with you because I think finding planets to live on outside the Solar System is really important! Besides, I like you." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Ha! You might change your mind on that last bit, but you're right; finding colony sites far from Earth is the most important thing we can be doing." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | <3 ++ |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "You would do well to avoid closing your mind, Ms. Robins. In the field of science, one must always entertain new possibilities." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Hey, Siggy, why don't you go to the Bridge and calibrate the sensors or something? I'm gonna need the Lab space to show Ciel what's what." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Very well. It seems my time would be best spent optimizing the passive sensors to collect data for the scientists back on Earth. Good day." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Ah, you can feel the hot air flowing out of the room." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "You don't get along with Mr. Lammert?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "He's just another by-the-book bird intent on maintaining the status quo at any cost, and he's more annoying than an air horn at a lek." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "An air horn at a what?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "It doesn't matter. What matters right now is showing you how to do your job. There's not much for me to investigate at this star system, but that just gives me a chance to train you." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Train away! What do I do?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "When we find something worth exploring, we're going to have to process a lot of data very quickly to determine the suitability of the planet for colonization. Most of the data will come from Sigmund's sensor probes and arrays, though we may have the opportunity to collect some physical samples. What I need you to do is run the raw data through the appropriate filters and analytical algorithms, which will give me the information in a form I can use. That in turn will let me know what to focus our attentions on for the next run of data collection." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Is that all? That doesn't seem so hard." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "It's nothing you need to earn nine degrees for, no. But like I said, there will be a lot of data to organize, so we'll need to adjust our priorities on the fly if we're going to be done before the next Jump." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Why the haste? Couldn't all this work be spread out among the scientists back on Earth when we get back?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Yes, well... we won't be able to learn everything there is to know about a planet in our short time collecting data. Thus, we need to quickly identify anomalies or any other interesting characteristics about the planets we discover, so that we can direct our efforts to solving those puzzles. With the whole universe to explore, who knows when another expedition will return to the stars we visit? We need to gather all the information that will be needed to answer any questions the scientists on Earth will have, and we won't know what questions will be asked until we review the data ourselves." |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "Oh! So we have to screen the data so we can spend time on the interesting bits, right?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "That's basically it, yes. Here, we'll start with the info we've gotten from Tau Ceti e so far. There's not much interesting, but I can show you how to use the computer and the lab equipment." |
| (http://tnypic.net/7ystp.jpg) | "Alright! FOR SCIENCE!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "Arrrgh. My brain hurts." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Ha! I did throw a lot of info at you just now. You learn fast, you just need some practice." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I need some food, is what I need! Want me to scavange anything for you?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "No thanks, I want to tidy up these notes first. Tell you what, go take lunch, unwind for a while. I'll show you how to calibrate the spectrophotometer when you get back. See you in half an hour." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Hm, I wonder where I should eat lunch..." |
| A) | Common Area (kitchen and tables and everything!) |
| B) | Sickbay (nothing like the smell of medicine while you eat!) |
| C) | Engineering (zero-g lunch!) |
| D) | Bridge (great view of the planet!) |
| E) | Other (please specify) |
Captain doesn't want crumbs all over his shiny bridge
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I think I'll go eat lunch in the Common Room. Would you like to join me?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "No, no, I'd like to get this work done. I'll eat later." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | ((Weird, he wasn't very enthusiastic about this planet earlier. Something must have piqued his interest!)) |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "Ooh, quiche florentine! My favorite!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Yes, the culinary replicator was programmed with our favorite meals before we left Earth." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Oh! Hello, Captain! I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you would be on the bridge." |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Sigmund was working on the sensors, so there wasn't any need for me to remain on the bridge. I decided this would be a good time to get some food. Ah, my blaeberry oats are ready." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | ((There's only one table, so I'll sit across from the Captain. Cozy!)) |
| (http://tnypic.net/7ystp.jpg) | "Hail, noble quiche! You have great courage to stray onto the plate of Ciel Robins, Spacegirl Extraordinaire, but now your short life is at an end! Prepare to meet your doom with dignity and honor! OM NOM NOM..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "...nom... nom..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "..." ((Hm. It seems the Captain is willing to spend the meal in silence. That sounds boring and lonely. I wonder if I can start a conversation?)) |
| A) | Something about his career. "So, how did you become Captain of the Hatoful?" |
| B) | Something about the mission. "So what's this star system like, anyway?" |
| C) | Something ridiculous. "Ready thyself, blaeberries, for Ciel the Conqueror is coming for you!" |
| D) | Nothing. Awkward silence, ahoy! |
| E) | Other (please specify) |
Hmm...I say D. Cap'n clearly isn't a fan of dinner conversation. Either that or he's simply dumbfounded at Ciel's antics.
E.
"So er... Looks like you work out, if you don't mind my saying so, sir..."
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | ((I probably shouldn't say anything. Maybe he just likes to eat in quiet.)) |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | ((Or maybe he thinks I'm weird because of the way I eat.)) |
| (http://tnypic.net/stw7c.jpg) | ((What right does he have to judge me? Look at him, all pecking at his bowl, getting oats everywhere. It's called a spoon, you stupid pigeon, maybe you should use one!)) |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | *munch munch* |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | ((Or maybe he just really likes berries. Huh. Look at him go.)) |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Oh, back already? Have a good lunch?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Yes! My quiche was no match for my relentless assault!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Ha! Weird. I'm done with what I had to do, so let's get you set up on the spectrophotometer." |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | ++ Attribute gained: Novice Lab Tech ++ |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming to tonight's briefing. Mr. Lammert, please inform the crew of our mission's status. |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Yes, Captain. In addition to the five planets we expected to find, we have discovered another small planet. Tau Ceti g orbits well beyond the star's habitable zone, and is comparable in size and composition to Sol's Uranus. We have also discovered an impressive asteroid belt between the thick dust cloud surrounding the star and the outermost planet. Sensors indicate the presence of several dwarf planets, and it may be possible that additional planets orbit even further out, if we were given time to discover them. |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Given time to discover them? Captain, Sigmund has glossed over the most important thing we've learned in our brief time here; both Tau Ceti e and Tau Ceti f are unsuitable for life. Besides being unpleasant locales in their own right, the asteroid field and the surrounding dust cloud combine to make impact events a regular occurrence on every planet in the system. The Astral Drive will be recharged in about 29 hours; we should move on immediately." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "With all due respect, Captain, it is my opinion that we should remain in the system for another 60 hours. We have identified a rogue asteroid approximately 130 meters in diameter, and we have calculated with 97% certainty that it will impact Tau Ceti e at that time. This is a rare opportunity to observe an extrasolar impact event of this magnitude." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "We all like watching things go boom, but our model suggests that this is not an infrequent occurrence. Besides, we have plenty of probes; we can set up some orbital cameras to record the event, and land some probes on the planet's surface to record additional data. We were going to do that anyway, to gather data until the next expedition arrives to collect it." |
| (http://tnypic.net/ur2js.jpg) | "And let everyone on Earth have all the fun? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "I w-wouldn't mind delaying our next... Jump." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | ((Hm. I don't think my opinion carries much weight, but maybe I should speak up too.)) |
| A) | Kalani. "Let's jump as soon as possible!" |
| B) | Lammert. "Let's stay to watch the impact!" |
| C) | Nobody. It's hardly your place to share your opinion. |
2. D: "Let's set up a probe."
1. Spectrophotometer? That sounds like one of those incineration spectromometers, or maybe a computer program that acts as a spectrometer by viewing electromagnetic radiation, which doesn't seem like it would work well on most bodies. Possibly not any.
Oh, if you're wondering, "hatoful" is the Japanese pronunciation of either the wasei eigo word "heartful" or "hurtful", chosen both for this double meaning and for the fact that it starts with hato (Japanese for pigeon).
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I think we should stick around for the impact too. How many people can say that they saw something as cool as this?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "What? You're siding with them, Ciel?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | </3 |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | ((What's gotten into Kalani?)) |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "That's enough. I am the Captain, and the final decision is mine. We will make our second Astral Jump as soon as the engine has recharged." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Captain, I must protest. Our mission parameters incorporate ample time to take advantage of unique scientific opportunities, such as the one currently presented us." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Ha! The Captain knows what I know; a couple sterile balls of rock bumping into one another isn't an opportunity, it's a distraction from our true mission!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "I disagree. Our mission is to advance the collective knowledge of the people of Earth by whatever avenues present themselves. Willfully ignoring such a-" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Enough! I have made my decision. Mr. Young, Mr. Lammert, prepare your probes. Perhaps we will have the time to recover them ourselves on the return trip." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "...Very well, Captain." |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "The rest of you are dismissed. We will Jump shortly after 2400 hours tomorrow. Prepare yourselves accordingly." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | ((Everyone looks so unhappy with how that meeting went, even Kalani and the Captain. I have a little time before my final maintenance duties. I could use that time to talk to somebody.)) |
| A) | Captain MacAdams |
| B) | Kalani Young |
| C) | Sigmund Lammert |
| D) | Kenshin Noda |
| E) | Mitali Nehru |
| F) | Other; Do something else (please specify) |
C! Gotta get to know everyone, after all. We haven't directly spoken to Sigmund at all in our stay here.Who?
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | ((I think I'll talk with Sigmund. Actually, I don't remember seeing him leave the Bridge.)) |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Hey, uh, Mr. Lammert. I didn't think you'd still be on the Bridge. I thought you'd have gone to the lab to get those probes ready." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Not yet, Ms. Robins. I must first refine our projections of the asteroid's path so that our probes may be placed in the optimal positions to record data." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Oh. You seem to be pretty calm, considering the Captain sided with Kalani instead of you." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "He is the Captain. As he said, the decision is his to make, and I will not sow dissension by going against him after his intentions have been made clear." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Even if you think he's wrong? Isn't your job as first mate to question the captain when the need arises?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "In private, perhaps, but it would be a fruitless endeavor when he is committed to a course of action. I offered my advice, and he rejected it." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "That's what I don't understand. Kalani is the only bird on board who thought we should Jump immediately. Why ignore the rest of the crew?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Indeed, I no more predicted that the Captain would side with a simple kiwi than I predicted that you would support my argument." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "You didn't think I'd side with you?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Mr. Young is a disrespectful, divisive influence on this ship. He does not like me, and he hides this fact from nobirdie. You have spent more time with him than any other bird. It would be natural for you to adopt his prejudices." |
| (http://tnypic.net/stw7c.jpg) | "Hey, I'm my own person! Just because we work together doesn't mean I have to agree with everything he says!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Interesting. So tell me, what is your opinion of Mr. Young?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "How do I feel about Kalani? I..." |
| A) | "I don't know. I hardly know him; I hardly know any of you!" |
| B) | "I like him. He's smart, and has a sense of humor. He's better than you give him credit for." |
| C) | "I don't like him. He's obnoxious and argumentative. We're not really friends." |
| D) | Other (please specify) |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well, I don't really know Kalani at all. I only just met him, same as everyone else on this ship." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "As you wish. Just be aware that I have my eye on you two, and I will not tolerate any activities that would jeopardize our mission." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Jeopardize the mission? What on Earth are you talking about?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "I'm afraid I do not have time to indulge your questions any further; my calculations must demand my attention for the remainder of this evening if I am to accurately predict the impact site." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Yeah, okay." ((You crazy loon.)) |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | ""Yeah, okay, sir." I may have to accommodate the disrespect of other members of the crew, but you are a cadet in the United Avian Services, and you will maintain proper discipline." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "Yes sir. Sorry sir." |
| (http://tnypic.net/u1in3.jpg) | "Dismissed. Get some sleep; we will have a long day tomorrow." |
| (http://tnypic.net/7ystp.jpg) | "Have at thee, waffles! Your tasty syrup traps will not ensnare me, no matter how rich that delicious nectar may be! A scientist marches on her stomach, and you shall soon be downtrodden!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Good morning, Cadet Robins." |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "Oh! Good morning, Captain!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "Mr. Young is working with Mr. Lammert to position the probes this morning, so instead of reporting to him, you'll be working with Ms. Nehru." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Mitali? What does she need help with?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/c297z.jpg) | "She'll show you how to operate the Life Support systems. Everybirdie should be aware of the basics in case of an emergency, so report to her after you finish your meal." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Aye aye, Captain!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "What an uninteresting room." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "H-hello, Ciel." |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "Hi! Good morning, Mitali! How are you?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "I s-suppose I'm alright now." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Now? You weren't alright before?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "N-o, well, I didn't like that Jump one bit, no. It put me off f-for the rest of the d-day." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Oh right, I had heard you took it badly. What was so bad about it? I forgot almost as soon as it was over." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "I-I don't know. I don't remember. But I did r-remember. For a while after, I was jumping at shadows... and everything seemed so dark they were everywhere." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "I'm sorry to hear that! I hope it isn't so unsettling next time. Maybe you'll get used to it!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "I-I don't know. I had to take a s-sedative, it was so bad. I think I'll just take one before the J-Jump, this time. But enough about that; I'm here to show you the Life Support systems." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "That's right! What exactly do these machines do, anyway?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "W-well, they regulate the environment on the ship. Here, you can see the control for oxygen content and humidity for the air. This machine over here r-regulates the ship's water supply." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Water supply? Isn't that replicated from our stores, like the food?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "It can be, but the H-Hatoful maintains an independent water tank for e-emergency use, in case the r-replicator breaks, or if we need a lot of water fast..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | ((Mitali seems so uncomfortable every time I talk to her. I wonder if I can put her at ease somehow...)) |
| A) | Ask about her past. "So, how did you decide to become a multi-species doctor?" |
| B) | Ask about her hobbies. "So, what do you do when you're off duty? For fun?" |
| C) | Ask about the rest of the crew. "So, how do you like it here on the Hatoful?" |
| D) | Ask about her social awkwardness. "So, uh, I noticed you seem rather uncomfortable around me..." |
| E) | Other (please specify) |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "So, what do you do when you're off-duty? You know, for fun?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "F-for fun?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/pe09q.jpg) | "I bet you spend a lot of time doing laps in Engineering, toning your little bird abs." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Wait, do birds even have abs to tone?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Oh my oh dear. Ah-ha ha. No, humans and birds h-have very d-different musculature. Your abdominal muscles are used for r-respiration, regurgitation, and p-posture." |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "And sexiness!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Birds spread those f-functions out across many different muscle groups, particularly the pectorals." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "That makes sense; I suppose your breasts are important for flying." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Yes, that's true." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well, that was educational. But you still didn't answer my question." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "W-well... I don't have much free time, s-since I need to s-study so much, but when I get the chance to relax I... count beans." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "You... count beans? Like, food?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "No, but yes, but- look, I carry them with me." |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "Wow, there's so many different kinds!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Y-yes. I don't eat them. I collect them. From places I go, and p-people I meet." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "They're mementos? But you have so many! That little bag is full of beans!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Y-yes. I love to travel, a-and these beans remind me of the path I've traveled. C-counting my beans reminds me of everywhere I've been, and all the nice people I've met. S-so when I n-need to relax, or get w-worried, or afraid... I count my beans." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "I-I'm sorry, y-you must think I'm v-very s-strange..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Mitali..." |
| A) | "I think it's neat you can carry your past around like that!" |
| B) | "I think you're crazy. Or maybe OCD." |
| C) | "I think that sounds fun! Can I count beans with you sometime?" |
| D) | "I think you're a vampire." |
| E) | Other (please specify) |
DA
DA
My thoughts excactly.
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "I think that's really cool, Mitali!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Y-you do?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "Yeah! It's like you can carry your whole life around in that little bag!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Yes, that's it exactly! You understand me!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | <3 ++ |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Of course! I do the same thing, though I couldn't bring any of my keepsakes on board." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "You couldn't? Why?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "My last assignment was on a much smaller ship, so I didn't have room to keep them with me. Then I got transferred to the Hatoful so quickly, I didn't have time to go home and get them." |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Oh my. I don't know w-what I'd do if I couldn't carry my beans with me..." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well, don't serve on any Outer Belt Asteroid Landers, then! Those things are tiny!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "I-I won't! Well, I think we've covered everything you need to know about running Life Support. It should almost run itself, but if adjustments need to be made, you're qualified for the job." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Sweet!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | ++ Attribute Gained: Novice Life Support ++ |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well, I suppose I'll go see whether Kalani needs me in the Lab. Later, Mitali!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/gm4gy.jpg) | "Goodbye, Ciel!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "Hi Kalani!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Oh. Hey, C." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "How'd the probe thing go?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Great. Wonderful. Stupendous. It's done." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Uh-huh... so, what do you need me to do?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Hm... well, our atmospheric probes have returned enough data to make some basic weather models. Run that information through the different forecast models, we'll see whether it's worth deploying some surface probes. Sigmund thinks we should surround the impact site with our most durable probes, but we should really save some." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Well, that makes sense." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Yeah, yeah, I know. Hopefully I can satisfy him with some favorable climate predictions, so he'll fab some disposable probes instead." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | ((Hm. Kalani seems bothered by something. I wonder what it is?)) |
| A) | "Kalani, are you mad at Sigmund?" |
| B) | "Kalani, are you mad at me?" |
| C) | "Kalani, are you mad at Tau Ceti e?" |
| D) | Nothing. If he wants to be a bitch, that's his business. |
| E) | Other (please specify) |
E: "Are you mad at something?"
((Might as well be direct seeing as circumlocution probably won't help that much.))
B
The system is Tau Ceti. Tau Ceti e is a planetary body in that system.((Might as well be direct seeing as circumlocution probably won't help that much.))I'd also go with B, as he clearly dislikes Sigmund, and asking if he's mad at a star system is pretty weird.
B
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Kalani... are you mad at me?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "What? Why would you think that?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "You seem rather... terse. Irritable. Snappish." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "So you're saying I've been bitchy." |
| (http://tnypic.net/qj38i.jpg) | "You said it, not me!" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "It's just my posture. I can't help it if I look angry and hunched over." |
| (http://tnypic.net/rsyht.jpg) | "Are you sure? I'll admit I haven't known you long, but you've seemed unhappy ever since the briefing last night, for all the Captain agreed with you." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "The Captain didn't agree with me. He had made up his mind before the meeting." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "He had? How can you know that?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "Sigmund tried to adjust the orbit of the Hatoful in order to position some probes more efficiently, but the helm locked him out. Turns out that Taggart had locked in our next Jump a few hours before the briefing even started." |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Huh. That's kinda weird." |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "It feels like every pigeon on this ship is on some kind of power trip. Ciel... why did you side with them?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/9nupf.jpg) | "Them? Them who?" |
| (http://tnypic.net/yz8an.jpg) | "The pigeons. They've got us outnumbered, you know. When I first heard you were assigned to the Hatoful, I had hoped I would have someone on my side for a change. Someone I could trust at my back, instead of being alone out here in space." |
| (http://tnypic.net/t0juz.jpg) | "Kalani..." |
| A) | "Kalani, we need to work along with the rest of the crew, not against them. Paranoia will tear us all apart!" |
| B) | "Kalani, you're right. Sigmund and the Captain are both acting strangely; we can't trust the rest of the crew." |
| C) | "Kalani, you are crazy racist against pigeons. It's pretty gross." |
| D) | Other (please specify) |
A. It's the truth, and if we're lucky Kalani will recover from his paranoia.This, but also mention a little bit of B.
Without the "not trusting". Given their positions, trusting them when they're evil is better than not trusting them when they're good.A. It's the truth, and if we're lucky Kalani will recover from his paranoia.This, but also mention a little bit of B.
Yeah, that's basically what I meant. Acknowledge that Sigmund and the Captain are acting weird, but say we still have to trust them and rest of the crew because it's our job to work with. It may also be worthwhile to point out to him that working with the Captain and Sigmund will probably allow us to get a better idea of their motives.Without the "not trusting". Given their positions, trusting them when they're evil is better than not trusting them when they're good.A. It's the truth, and if we're lucky Kalani will recover from his paranoia.This, but also mention a little bit of B.