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sexyspace2018-11-25 10:05 am
zhautasmods) wrote in sexyspace2018-11-25 10:05 am
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #7
Awakening
The multiverse is sick. It’s dying. And it’s up to you to save it. Or, at least, that’s what the Zenith Corporation had told you when they announced their search for a cure across the multiverse. They hand-picked individuals to be "volunteers" for the next stage of experimentation. Maybe they made it sound dire, maybe you already had your mind set on helping, or maybe the exact specifications of how you could help were vague. Considering the alternative was wasting away on your home planet with no promise of when this cure might actually come to fruition, it ultimately wasn’t much of a choice either way.
Everything comes to life the more awake that you start to feel. "Good morning, volunteer," sounds a synthetic, feminine voice in your ear. That must be one of the fancy features they advertised about the chip that was injected just beneath your skin. A projected HUD above your torso displays and scrolls through several readings about the state of your being. "A scan of your vital signs show that everything is functioning as normal." There’s a small pause. "Wait-" The spike of alarm that should follow that single, distressed-sounding word is accompanied by a light chime. "Emotional responses are still accurate, too. Thank you for your cooperation!" Without any further explanation or allowing for protest, she continues on. "I hope you enjoyed your nap! We’ll be descending to planet #05031941 - common name designated as Zhautas - in approximately three hours. There will be a brief orientation for all volunteers shortly after landing. Due to potential muscular atrophy upon awakening from stasis, I suggest hitting the osbtacle course for a bit of nonconventional exercise!"
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. My name is R.O.S.I.E. and on behalf of all of us at the Zenith Corporation, we’re happy to have you aboard.
Obstacles Ahead
- While the staff are helpful, many of them seem to be on high alert. There's an unmistakable tension in the air. If anyone tries to ask, they reassure volunteers that everything is fine. Still, the moment that anything goes wrong or they can't exactly answer a question it's clear that they grow even more troubled. Just what's going on around here?
They won't say. Maybe one or two might eventually let it slip that the Zenith Corporation isn't especially happy lately with a wanted criminal still at large on Zhautas that seems to be terrorizing the volunteer program. Her name is Hoshiko and she's a pirate that seems to be somehow escaping every attempt Zenith has made to apprehend her. The only picture they have of her is one where she appears to have posed for the camera, flashing as much cleavage as possible and winking. She doesn't look very threatening, really, but they assure volunteers that they need to be on the lookout for this woman once they get to Zhautas. Still, try not to worry about it too much. Oh, and, don't tell their boss that they let you know this. They technically weren't supposed to. - As you draw closer to the obstacle course, some intense music begins to play through the halls. It's supposed to get volunteers pumped for the challenge they're about to face! They can thank the Nevrione Guard for installing the course. They wanted to give people visiting a taste of just a little of what they do to train to join The Guard's ranks.
"Are you ready, volunteers?" asks R.O.S.I.E. as a group gathers at a pair of closed doors. An LED countdown displays above the doors, numbers in blue that read 5...4...3...2...1... Go! A loud chime ding, ding, dings as the screen is replaced with !!! only that's flashing rapidly. The doors swish open quickly, revealing a large park-sized obstacle course to explore. It has artificial sunlight, plenty of trees and nature, and even mossy ponds beneath some of the obstacles that you could very well fall into if you're not careful.
Don't worry, they'll have a change of clothes for you in the case of this happening. It just might take a little bit to deliver them so hope you don't mind hanging out in your underthings for a little bit. You likely won't be the only one, if it helps the shame of failure any.
If the main obstacles prove to be a little too difficult, not to worry! There are easy sections. Originally, they were designed for the children of Nevrione who wanted to feel like they had a chance at joining The Guard from a young age. But they work just as well for volunteers fresh out of stasis with potentially noodly feeling legs! Step across wooden cogs placed closer together or walk up a flight of stairs instead of trying to get tangled up in a net on the way up. There's something to do for just about anyone!
There's even a bench you can sit on, right over there, in case you simply want to watch fellow volunteers eat dirt or get drenched for your amusement. See! Something for everyone.
- After all that exertion, it's important to remember that you were asleep for a while and likely need to help your muscles recuperate proprerly. A cooldown workout is the best option in case you went just a little too hard without meaning to. Stretch those muscles still, just- Gently. For that reason, they have a yoga class that's available anytime. One of the locals from Nevrione has offered to host these sessions, a lovely ison lady who is, uh. Wow. She's impressively bendy.
While you don't have to follow the same moves she's doing exactly (you didn't even know someone could twist their body into that shape!), she does encourage volunteers to try their best. It's likely you're more pliable than even you think! If not, it is something you can work up to. If that lady can fold both of her pairs of legs, then your one pair shouldn't be that difficult to work with!
She is very motivating and does her best to accommodate volunteers at every turn. Just don't get too twisted up now. At some point, she segways into movements where you will need a partner to help you with some of them. It's friend yoga and can be a lot of fun. While some of the poses are more difficult, it's meant to foster trust with the other person you're working with! Since everyone is so new, it seems like a good idea to try and get started with the right foot... by having it be held up by someone else, apparently!
Orientation
Shortly after landing, an announcement is made to everyone aboard the ship. It’s time to find your way to the amphitheater for orientation. If anyone gripes, they are reminded that it has mandatory safety information that the Zenith Corporation is legally required to cover. In fact, there's even a quiz at the end to make sure you understand all the technical ins and outs! The Zenith Corporation only has your best interests at heart. They also can’t afford another lawsuit or PR nightmare but who can, really? It’s only a half an hour long and R.O.S.I.E. reassures everyone that it will go by faster than they think.
- Are you way too cool for school? If you try to play hooky, the crew members of the spaceship are already on guard. You're not the first one to try this and they doubt you'll be the last. Try as you might to super sleuth your way around, there’ll be someone at apparently every single twist and turn.
It’s also very likely that in scrambling to find a place to hide, you’ll run into someone else breaking the rules! Perhaps great minds think alike and you decide to try to defy the system together. Or maybe they’re totally just getting in your way and you decide instead to throw them to the wolves to give yourself a better chance at escaping the certain boredom that is an informational seminar. The choice is yours, volunteer! - Whether you come to the orientation willingly or are dragged in by one of the staff, you’ll quickly realize just how bad R.O.S.I.E. lied. A half an hour feels almost like ten hours instead. The last time you checked your watch, it was somehow later than when you check it now. Is time going backward? It sure seems like it the longer you listen to the monotone voice read over colored flavor text clearly meant to engage but missing its mark stupendously. Even the motivation of a quiz at the end that needs to be passed in order to disembark seems to do little to nothing for your dwindling attention span.
Finally, there’s a break in the bureaucratic monotony. The faceless, droning voice announces an additional seminar from R.O.S.I.E.! Do you all remember that voice speaking to you when you first awoke? If so, this digitally projected blond's soothing tone should sound familiar. She smiles wide for the "camera," clearly excited to be interacting with potential volunteers in a new way. The topic of today will be safe, sane, and consensual. Considering the location that volunteers will be arriving at has a heavy emphasis on BDSM, it seems very apt!
When the video starts, she's all professionalism. Okay, so- Mostly professionalism. Compared to most of the other lecturers of the past, this woman manages to touch on the core concepts of the topic while still adding appropriate humor to keep things interesting. Of course, her topic is a very serious one and she doesn't take it lightly despite trying to lighten things up for the code. "Make sure," she emphasizes, "that you always have an enthusiastic 'yes' from your partner and that both your boundaries are clearly set! Communication is key in these types of situations. So long as you talk and are honest, well- Everything should be a kinky good time!"
"Thank you, R.O.S.I.E.," the voice says, charmed themselves even by the entertaining seminar. "Wasn't that fun! Volunteers, what do you think about the topic of safe, sane, and consensual? Discuss amongst yourselves!" - Hopefully, you didn't forget about the quiz! The staff certainly didn't. After the pre-recorded seminar is run, papers are handed out. A quiet shuffle carries through the room as people pass them to and fro down the aisles. It all seems rather arbitrary and tedious but remember! You have to pass in order to disembark.
It isn't too hard. Or maybe it is. Perhaps it's just the pressure that you only have fifteen minutes to complete it. What was the professor's first name again? How many research facilities are there on the planet? Staff are scrutinizing your every move now, it feels like. Do you take the risk and try to whisper for help to the person next to you? Pass notes? Do what you must to succeed! ...Or you can just shamefully take the quiz again and again and again until they're legally obligated to let you off board.
Welcome to Zhautas
- Volunteers will be dropped off at the outskirts of the city of Heawood. The market is bustling, the streets are full, and most homes have their doors and windows open to peer out at passerbys. For the most part, everything seems fairly busy throughout. Volunteers will be directed by staff to the Nevrione Inn. It has a dining hall and bar, fireplaces to cozy up to, and plenty of places to tuck away if you want to gossip about what's going on with Zenith staff. Though perhaps you just want a moment or two to yourself instead.
Once you're done getting settled in, why not stop and explore a little bit? The locals certainly don't seem to mind the company.
- Suddenly, R.O.S.I.E. turns on one of her newest features to help volunteers blend in a little better. Someone next to you might sprout cat or dog ears. Don’t mind if you get knocked in the face suddenly by someone’s new butterfly wings. It happens! It’s also possible they take on the long whiskers of a Coeurl or plumage of a Chocobo or other animals entirely unfamiliar to some. Either way, everyone just got a lot more animal-like. While it doesn’t look exactly like the natives, it does bring a smile to the faces of the locals and they seem a bit more generally receptive to the people waltzing into their homeland.
This feature is extremely customizable. Volunteers can toggle it off if they don’t want it at all. Additionally, they can have as many or as few animal features as they’d like. They can also change what creature they’d like to take after with just a thought! The only limitation seems to be that they can only appear as one animal at a time.
While all the add-ons seem to be mostly for aesthetic, it is a lot of fun to play around with! 
In Nevrione the current seasons is clearly Autumn. There’s orange, red, and yellows everywhere in varying shades and varieties. There are a lot more leaves missing from the trees than before as the season starts coming to a close. Everything starts to look a little more sparse as Winter creeps ever closer and the temperature grows increasingly colder.
If you head out and about, there's a marketplace to peruse and locals to mingle with. Volunteers shouldn't want for things to occupy their time here. They've landed just after the Harvest Festival and it seems to have been a fun time indeed. Some might ask for assistance in taking down decorations or cleaning up a bit from all the festivities. They've got to start gearing up for Winter now and figuring out their stores for the coming cold. You'll be compensated with a couple of bronze seedlings for your time, of course, and might even get some fun festival stories like-
Oh, uh. This story is really explicit. Did they say there was an orgy? And you missed it? Well, you might be glad that you did... Of course, just because there was an orgy doesn't mean that all the fun has been had. The natural growth enhanced by the Selva are still growing and especially at night, milky wafts of pollen might tickle your nose and cause a stirring in your nethers you don't quite expect. Maybe you're lucky and immune to these plant's effects but if not, don't worry! You'll likely find someone else feeling just as friendly as you are before long. Or maybe a kind soul will help alleviate this (sexually) tense situation you've found yourself in.
Network/Bangr
During all the goings-on, R.O.S.I.E. will prompt you to set up your presence on the network. Pick a username, a profile picture, and commence to shitposting immediately if you so desire! Additionally, if you want to get a headstart on your contribution to the volunteer program, why not set up your Bangr? R.O.S.I.E. even has an icebreaker question ready for you! They change every month. This month's question is:
(*Despite what you might actually put, know that R.O.S.I.E. is a little glitchy. What you wrote might not actually be what's displayed! I.E., you can totally use this as a misfire type deal in case your character wouldn't answer this question.)
bangr
Professor Quintalian | 35
I have already. Several times, in fact. Exhibitionism is such a fun kink, I think, and really allows for such a unique feeling of freedom.
| ✓ | ✕ |
| YES |
NO |
PLEASE NOTE: This BANGR code is the COMMENT-FRIENDLY version, there is a separate code for entries! If you're testing this code before posting it here please do so in a comment to an entry for accuracy!
Extra Notes
- Remember that all prompts are OTA! It can now be assumed that after the ship lands, current volunteers in-game were able to board and hang-out for a little bit before it leaves again! That means established volunteers can welcome new members, show them around parts of the ship they're familiar with, and explore new areas that weren't open during their own arrival! Only new volunteers will be taking the orientation quiz, but established volunteers are free to peek inside the room or try to help with the quiz!
- A reminder that the TDM can be considered game canon and timeline-wise the TDM takes place on the 8th when the arrival ship arrives, as shown on the calendar.
- Going into DECEMBER, we are continuing with an APPLICATION CAP of (40).
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That will be... most welcome, I admit. [ A small, sad smile, and one more quiet sentence before he shimmies down, his muscles grateful for the motion even after the brief stillness. ] You seem to be developing a habit of taking me out of enclosed spaces.
[ Once his feet are on the ground, his hands move to smooth his hair back into an order he has grown accustomed to in the last year, rather than leaving it in the disarray he once would have. Keeping an eye up in case Balthier, unlikely as that may be, needs a hand down. ]
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(That’s a lie. It matters most of all.)
He waits for Basch to make his descent and is clear before following. He’s usually a bit quicker in his movements as it isn’t like he hasn’t comfortably committed his fair share of second-story work as it were. When he’s partway down, he deliberately drops the rest of the way, and he really ought to have been able to land as light on his feet as a cat. Instead, he stumbles slightly, visibly wincing. ]
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[ A whisper, not a cry, but Basch steps in to steady him without hesitation, a solid hold that goes with a concerned look. ]
Should you--
[ No. Balthier is not a child. Basch clenches his jaw around the rest of the question, turning towards the exit of the obstacle course instead. ]
Let us go.
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Damn Jack and his machinations; that man deserved another dagger to the gut when all’s said and done. Balthier does not have time to be off his game like this, and he keeps failing to take it into account. ]
Just so. [ He fusses briefly with his cuffs just for something to do with his hands, leading the way at a quick clip. It’s overcompensating, perhaps, given the tenseness of his frame, but he’d rather not linger. Away from the ship, out in the Heawood outskirts where they had a good line of sight and no risk of eavesdroppers, would be a better place for all that. ]
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At least it means that he misses very little of what is happening around them. Less than usual even. And that's probably a good thing. And, yes, he's noticing the absence of aircraft and the air if insularity to the city.
Once Balthier has slowed down and stopped, Basch considers it for a moment, then opts for not telling Balthier to sit and rest, but glaring for a moment to get the point across. But only a moment. If he makes use of those clear sight lines, that is likely going to reassure Balthier into resting better than any words, anyway. ]
Months. [ Not... actually a question. ] And how much of that time has been bad outright, Balthier?
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Months. [ He could just be echoing Basch, but it’s a forthright answer. He’s careful about not looking particularly wary, but it’s obvious if one knows his manner well enough that he doesn’t trust his surroundings in the least. It’s not that he really ever had in the past, but it had been easier to be confident then.
Of course, he’d never had his wings so thoroughly clipped. ] You’ve been had, I fear. Whatever heroic notions they used to lure you here, you’ll find yourself disappointed.
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That said, Balthier answers, and Basch just stills, muscles coiling hard and only his eyes narrowing. His words are even quieter. ]
They lied about what is happening?
[ They are all dangerous in their own ways. But when he has a specific cause - and going back to ensure the safety of those he is loyal to certainly counts - he is like a battering ram. Surviving whatever may be thrown at him, and accomplishing his mission at the end, no matter what it costs him.
If he - if they have been brought here under false pretenses, someone will pay, and dearly. ]
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There’s a corrupt magick in play here, but it’s of Zenith’s make—one that has Fran right out of sorts. [ Lightening his tone very deliberately, he adds, ] Don’t look so cross now. With my reputation, people will think this a lover’s quarrel.
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-- and then he would have sputtered at that follow up, had he not been so infuriated. As it is, he blinks a few times at Balthier, trying to sort out where to start with that.
Fortunately? Unfortunately? One of those, but he can't quite keep the levels of active anger with his focus there, and all the small ways in which he can see the pain showing through. Traveling so far, every day, with the man has taught him plenty about the sky pirate's tells.
His voice is more even with the next words, though his fists are definitely still clenched. Eyes still tight. ]
... so, have you been working on a reputation in which you quarrel not with your lovers?
[ He can't manage a lighter tone, but an attempt is made. ]
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Deliberately transparent as it might be, he’ll take the opportunity regardless. ]
It’s not easy being so popular, I’ll have you know. Particularly when there’s much I’d rather occupy my lovers’ time with.
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... though Balthier's words do slightly jar him, and he turns his eyes to stare into the distance for a moment.
He only asks once he has a modicum of more control over himself. ]
Is that what I... would be? [ What I am is very, very complicated. But he has spent enough time on the ship coming in to be aware that simply boarding back will not be an option just yet. So he will be staying here, impeding destruction by his own hands considered (no, he has not forgotten, and he will not), and that needs to know where his position will be. Somehow. ]
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Curious, to ask that as if I could answer you. [ He certainly couldn’t bring himself to be the one to make that call. Too many people placed their expectations on Basch, and Balthier valued freedom far too much to be another. ] We are whatever we wish to be.
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And hard spaces to fall on when he fails, of course, but that, he is used to.
The answer takes away that security net, but that's also not necessarily a bad thing. It makes him focus, and think, which further allows him to bank the anger. For the time being.
(And there is a definite pang, one of fear. It has been a very long time since he was last not... claimed. Not somebody's. Balthier not doing so is complicated on a level that is far below his reasoning. Because there, Basch understands, and appreciates.) ]
Aye. I'm... sorry.
[ Another moment, and the blue eyes return to the pirate, watching carefully. He doesn't ask what happened, because Balthier has been taking care to not... emphasize the effects. But, while he can honor the discretion, there is also information that he needs, and surely not all of it is going to be what Balthier wishes to conceal, where they are. ]
What are things like, here?
[ Just... generally. Beyond what Balthier has already said and and hinted at. ]
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Let’s walk. [ And he starts off, lightly touching the inside of Basch’s elbow in passing. His fingers linger only briefly, but he keeps walking. ] I’ve got an excellent whiskey stashed away in my room, and you may well have earned a drink by the time I’m through.
[ He’ll lead the way, speaking in low, careful tones, only falling quiet if they stray too close to the local folk. His posture is straight and carefully relaxed both, not giving anything away. ] At present, we’ve been given a lack of surveillance and a certain freedom of movement, but one can expect to be watched on both the ship and their facilities. The researcher in charge has entirely too much power, and apparently dabbles in dark magicks with necromancy as the least of it. Best to not engage him until we’ve an edge. I am developing another contact in their organization.
[ He is not, however, interested in making this a conversation. This is an update. ]
Day-to-day, concerns are often prosaic and commonplace to the point that some seem to forget the threats are there entirely. Yet, even if you’re watching for them, suddenly— [ His expression darkens before he can master himself again, and his tone turns particularly cavalier. ] It is not just our hosts that will show bursts of unusually enthusiastic hospitality. I fear our association may besmirch your good name in the eyes of the resident... ‘bandit’ hunter.
[ And for a moment, though there’s much more to say, he seems to run out of words entirely. ]
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Then he found out just how much he wasted it. So trying for it seems like a waste, and he can instead be useful, so he can atone for his failures.
Well, anyway.
Right now, he walks with Balthier, listening. ]
I fear my good name perished three years past.
Though what kind of 'bandits' are hunted, present company, obviously, not included.
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This is challenging enough as it is, after all.
He’s not spoken so openly with anyone on certain matters, but he could not afford Basch to be caught unawares. ]
It seems Jack’s preoccupation is present company inclusive. Perhaps exclusively so. [ It’s a lot of clever nonsense, but it helps him tiptoe around the less comfortable aspects of that conversation. ] Even without a bounty on my head, I am ever popular.
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[ Flatly. And, very certainly, a name that Basch will remember.
And then, even flatter. ]
Exclusively.
[ That would give that person far too much time to stalk Balthier's every step at times. Not a situation that Basch likes to consider, especially since the Pirate's usual evasive tactics are unlikely to work, from what he's said this far.
Not to mention the... rest of the implications. ]
Has he targeted anyone else, to get to you?
[ When the tactic has been used against Basch... well. He learns, so he can adapt. Besides, it is better to get the parameters early. Basch's first thought is about Fran, though Balthier did mention lovers, and that can turn people into targets. ]
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He’d been so damn careful, and yet— ]
I don’t think it’s occurred to him, but we’ve upped the ante of late. Best to mind our step. [ In truth, Fran has never been much of a concern. Jack would pull back a stump were he to try to lay a hand upon her, after all, but not everyone he knew managed to be so dangerous and canny as a viera. ] Ah— and we’re coming upon our temporary residence now. Let’s talk more when we’re to my room, mm? Too many sharp ears.
[ There’s a distinct shift to the way he carries himself, warier now as he leads the way into the inn to head up to his room. It’s subtle, enough so that the inn staff he idly offers a lazy wave here or there to as they pass don’t seem to notice the chance in his demeanor. It’s always best to maintain the best face one can for the locals, after all. ]
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But he also follows Balthier's lead as though he belongs there, the tension in his shoulders not nearly enough to make him look around as though he's never been there. Even though he hasn't. And his eyes do take in everything that he can. This has become all hostile territory, and all the intelligence is going to be necessary.
He only speaks up again once Balthier's door is closed, voice quiet and relatively even. ]
Are the rooms proof of overhearing - aside from the surveillance you mentioned, that is?
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He locks the door behind him, offering a somewhat lopsided smirk to the man before he crosses the room over to his bed to sit and fetch up the whiskey bottle. ] There’s privacy enough, but, if we’re too immoderate in volume, we may drive the neighbors to jealousy.
[ He’s stalling with such clever little remarks, just a bit, though there’s real content there. They can speak freely enough as long as they don’t get too loud. ]
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[ Stalling only works so far. Basch eyes him for a moment, wondering if the whiskey is to alleviate pain, or a growing habit, then carefully settles beside hin on the bed. Pacing might happen, later, but he's pretty sure not making Balthier crane his neck up to look at him might be better. ]
Why think you that being here will do naught like what we were told, Balthier? Or, if that is not a topic you wish to address yet, who is Jack exactly, and how did his focus on you begin?
[ Giving him a choice which direction to tackle is good, right? At least it's better than charging into one direction with all that he's got, trying to batter down any resistance. That one's unlikely to work well with Balthier under the best of circumstances, anyway. ]
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The latter may well be more pressing, I suppose. [ He does not sound terribly pleased at the prospect. ] I can hardly say I know much, save his self-proclaimed profession and the fact that, of all things, he’s got a man working for him as a body double. I had to whip him like a cur my first day, and we’ve been circling each other since.
[ He’s rather carefully not looking at Basch now. ]
I slipped recently. Even then, I gained no insight when he’d the better of me.
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Had to?
[ He's trying to make heads or tails out of the story, all right? His own personal ghosts aren't helping. ]
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He acted around in a manner common for thugs and the like, to establish order among them. My reputation did not carry, and so he knew no better when he pressed his attentions upon me—
[ He lifts his chin in a slight, proud movement. Challenging. He’s still a sky pirate, for all that they had once had worked together for a greater goal. He respects Basch greatly, but he can’t be apologetic for being a professional criminal. ] I pressed back, and forced his surrender with his own knife to his throat. Order established, I’d thought.
no subject
As it is...
Balthier must know that it's not always that simple - it will always depend on what Jack takes as enough, as well as what his overall goals are so Basch doesn't point that. Instead, he narrows his eyes. ]
Except neither you nor him have the option to move to... different territory.
[ So, since Balthier won't back down, for so many reasons, would mean they clash into one another, over and over again. Unless he's missing more salient points in the story. ]
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cw: nsfw
... oh yeah, anything further down probably will be nsfw
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