File: Beta003.png (221.1 KB)

Looking around at the protective gear yourself, you ask your larger co-worker if she is thinking about going into more dangerous fieldwork.

"Well, Zul says you attract trouble because you are an anomaly. Kamiko says you do it because you are full human. " Emogen says, reading the back of some of the other battery's packaging. "And I guess the missions you have been on have turned violent? Just trying to be safe rather than sorry."

For what it's worth, you apologize.

"It's not like you can help it." She says, and holding up one of the forcefield shields she continues, "It's probably good for me to have some sort of armor on standby. I haven't bothered because of focusing mostly on my commissary work and I haven't really needed any of this type of protection there."

You ask if she could wear regular armor and then use some sort of magical weapon or magic wand to go along with it. Seems like it'd be the best of both worlds.

"I have actually asked the smiths for some regular armor, even just some chainmail or a gambeson. Unfortunately our base only really makes and maintains more futuristic armor. They could fabricate me a protective suit but..." Emogen trails off.

You ask what's wrong with the mundane, futuristic armor. It actually sounds kind of nice.

"The problem is that the more cutting edge stuff tends towards use in space and spaceships, where bulkiness and weight can be a problem. As such, the armor is usually skin-tight body suits made of exotic materials like synthetic 'hyperweaves' or other such bizarre things." Emogen says with a sigh. "It's all well and good for a small species like martians, but for someone with the body shape and... Size of myself it feels uncomfortably revealing.I would even go so far as to say i look indecent."

You hadn't considered that. You ask if it's possible to wear clothing over the top of it.

"Mmm, sort of. Because of how much of your body you need to clothe it can become stuffy and restricting. And that's not mentioning that I'm already covered in fur." Your porcine co-worker remarks. "I couldn't wear this dress for instance since the suit would stick out at my arms and neck. Perhaps I should just bite the bullet though."

What do you do?

>>6420706
now im going to need some Emogen in a Zero Suit Samus outfit fanart...

>>6420706
Look for something mostly harmless that Tamako can use to defend herself, bonus points if it looks like something a magical girl would use

>>6420706
>Ask if you can get a skintight super suit, to avoid more life-threatening injuries

>>6420706
>I have actually asked the smiths for some regular armor, even just some chainmail or a gambeson.
Suggest that the order be placed in the real world, online. It's 'murrica, it's bound to have plus-sized armor for larpers. I'd bet you can pretty good ones, too. Then you can get the F(l)atwood Monster to teach us some runes to carve on them...

>>6420721
>like something a magical girl would use
A giant (for her) spiked metal bat! She and Kamiko can be a metal club duo!

>>6420706
>Emogen in a skin-tight suit
I'm not complaining..

>>6420706
>will.i.am's Big and Chunky starts playing on our phone
>We don't even have the song in our music library
>It's Hilde, futzing around with some sort of hacking doodad

>>6420791
Suggest that the order be placed in the real world, online. It's 'murrica, it's bound to have plus-sized armor for larpers.
+1, worth a shot asking if Amazon delivers to hidden bases. Considering the CEO's probably some sort of vampire, it makes sense that they do.

>>6420983
Emogen isn't exactly chunky, but she is beeg. Most of the "mom options" seem to be. I guess Martin has a type..

File: Beta004.png (255.6 KB)

You ask her if she's tried to order armor from the real world. Cosplayers and Historical Reenactors need armor after all, and they are all sorts of shapes and sizes.

"I actually hadn't thought of that." Emogen says with a little surprise. "I might look into it, thanks for the tip!"

You ask if you could get Tamako some armor, maybe even some that looks like regular clothes.

"I know transforming armor exists, but I don't think they are quite as good as the skin suits. And the Armory probably have one she could use already since Tamako is basically Martian sized." Emogen says thinking. "Although I think I've heard that making armor for shapeshifters is harder so who knows. You'll have to talk to the the hammer swingers down there to find out."

You ask if you could get one of those future suits. If you are going to get into some trouble it might not be a bad idea to have some protection. You have been shot once already after all.

"Again, you'd have to talk to the guys at the Armory. As long as you aren't going to the real world I don't see why they'd deny it. Don't let it go to your head though. Most fairies could still take a human pretty easy." Emogen says with a warning, and then turning to the circular counter says, "I think I'll go with the different battery for now. Ring me up, shopkeep!"

You let your co-worker purchase her goods, and decide to see what the others are up too.

What do you do?

>>6421060
Well, we're a gun enthusiast so...
>Go learn about rayguns from Aylmilf

>>6421060
>Try very hard not to imagine Emogen in a skintight suit
>Fail
And then we can go talk i guess.

>>6421067
this.
maybe we could get...hey wait a minute...where are Tamako and Hilde?

>>6421072
RED ALERT, RED ALERT!

>>6421060
Changing vote to
>locate daughteru

>>6421060
>Alert the others, Tamako and Hilde are missing.
Tamako is better than this, Hilde is a terrible influence...

File: The-Dardick-Revolver-6.jpg (52.1 KB)

>>6421060
Oh, damnit. Time to go to the security booth and ask for a lost child alert.

And I wanted to check out the kama and tonfa with Kamiko after the blasters that look like IRL guns, too.

>>6421315
Kill good Sig does. We just need cold iron ammo for it.
Tbh, we don't need to be particularly well-armed when we have all these big ladies lining up to protect us, and I have a feeling any adversary would prefer us alive than dead.

File: Beta005.png (228.0 KB)

You look around the shop, and notice that your group appears to be two people short. Namely Hilde and Tamako. As you look around where they were standing before you get approached by Kamiko, carrying a sort of backwards club and a stick with a small scythe like blade on it.

"Hey, I bet Tamako would love the corner over there. It has all sorts of Japanese weapons and stuff. What's wrong?" Your taller co-worker asks, her excitement turning to concern.

You ask if she knows where Tamako and Hilde went.

"Huh? They were just here a second ago." She says, scanning the nearby box of discount items. "Hey where are you going?"

You barely heard the latter part as you have already made your way out the door. You look wildly among the crowd, and though you spot all manner of bizarre fairy you do not spot the one you are looking for. You begin to yell out for Tamako.

"What are you doing?" Zul says as she and Kamiko quickly follow after you. "You are making a scene."

You ask Zul if she knows where Hilde and Tamako went, which she replies, "Wait, did they run off? That blasted robot. I specifically told her to-"

"Tamako!" Kamiko yells, looking over the side of a nearby walkway and peering down into the neon lit alleyways below your floor. You lean over the railing and scan below. It goes so far down that you can't even see the bottom. There is no sign of your daughter, but it's so dim even a floor or two down that most of the people just look like shadows. You ask how safe it is down there.

"Well..." Zul starts, and seemingly picking her words carefully responds, "Hilde is quite a capable battle droid, despite how childish she acts. I'm sure Tamako will be unharmed."

You can't say you are a fan of what that statement implies.

"Hey, what's going on?" Emogen says, appearing last while tucking the battery she just bought into her pocket.

You ask what the quickest way to the lowest floors are from here.

"Probably our own two feet, but you need to calm down." Zul says as Kamiko gets Emogen up to speed. "I know you are worried but we need to consider things. For one, don't go running off by yourself-"

You comment that this isn't really the time for a lecture.

"And you clearly still don't understand how large the Marketplace actually is. We aren't going to find the two of them by just running around yelling their names." Zul sighs and then says, "Whatever happens just make sure to stick with at least one of us, alright? It's especially dangerous for a human to wander around the deeper places in the Market."

You ask what they should do then.

"We could try to contact a guard." Emogen offers, weakly.

"It might be best to just wait here. They'll have to come back to find us at some point." Zul says. "And we can prepare a proper dressing down for them."

"Does anyone know what Hilde might have been looking for?" Kamiko says, still looking over the railing, "If we know that we might be able to catch them."

What do you do?

>>6421344
didnt she mention she was looking for weapons or something like that? ammo places and whatever passes as gun shops here could be a great starting point

>>6421344
As much as we want to play protective daddy, we can easily become the lost kid in this place

>>6421344
As a dad, we at least have to try to look for them.
Do we have any sort of communicators? If we do we might leave the shop keep a message in case they come back before we do. See if Zul has an idea of what "body parts" Hilde may be after.

>>6421399
+1 to thism.what stores does Hilde consider the most "fun"? That's what she was impatient to check out. We should go with Kamiko to find them. Waiting around is an awful idea considering our luck lately.

>>6421344

File: Beta006.png (342.9 KB)

You take a second to center yourself. Rushing could cause you to just get as lost as Tamako. You announce that Hilde wanted to buy stuff she couldn't find in the surface shops. She kept calling them body parts, but you are pretty sure
she meant uniquely illegal weaponry.

"More likely something uniquely foolish. She may be trying to find a mad scientist." Zul says, rubbing her head.

"Gods, she would wouldn't she." Kamiko groans.

You ask how much danger Tamako may be in.

"That's hard to say... Like I mentioned before, Hilde's platform is very capable in battle and with it she is one of the stronger of her size and weight class." Zul explains. "She can't attack anything living without explicit orders except when defending herself or others."

"Unfortunately her mouth gets her in trouble, and not even always on purpose." Kamiko grunts.

You ask if there is some way to track or communicate with Hilde.

"We can communicate with her, but only if she accepts our call. Something I imagine she won't do right now. We've tried placing trackers on her, but she always removes them." Zul sighs.

"Okay!" Kamiko says taking her eyes away from the lower floors. She turns to the others and says, "You two make a report to a guard and wait here in case they return. Martin and I will go try to find them."

"Now wait a minute. We have to properly explain how the Market wor-." Zul starts, but Kamiko interrupts and says, "I'll explain on the way. C'mon Martin and make sure to stay close."

"Buddy system!" Emogen says, walking up to Zul, "Let's make sure not to lose anyone else. Anyway, good luck you two!"

As you and the the half-oni walks away. The LGM says something, but you are already moving fast enough that you couldn't hear the response. Jogging to keep up with Kamiko, you ask what Zul meant by having to explain the Market.

"The Marketplace has a way to leading you to exactly what you are looking for, but at the same time you have to take any guidance the Market gives you to get to your goal. Sometimes the path it tries to take you isn't so obvious, but as long as you keep walking you'll eventually find your way. Probably. Hopefully."

You can't say you are a fan of the uncertainty in her comment.

"Sorry, it's just that there are a bunch of other rules, and they even change depending on what part of the Market you are in. To make things simple, just make sure to keep concentrating on trying to find mad scientist wares. If the general idea is too hard, maybe think of purchasing something common to them. A Jacob's Ladder perhaps, or vials of mysterious mutagen." Kamiko says, as you approach the elevators. However, instead of pressing the down button she starts to head down the adjacent staircase. "And keep your eyes open for any opportunities."

You can't say it makes much sense to you, and do your best to focus on lab coats and goggles, along with books on quantum physics. Unfortunately you can't keep the worry of Tamako out of your mind.

What do you do?

>>6421887
Use the worry of Tamako and try to think of tracking devices created to find a specific changeling, that might be mad science-y enough

>>6421899
+1! Good thinking.

>>6421887

>>6421887
>The Marketplace has a way to leading you to exactly what you are looking for
Like, it terms of items for sale? Or perhaps even someone we're looking for?
I mean, if we can locate a mad scientist by focusing on him/her, could we not do the same for our changeling daughter?
Also, do we need to hold hands to keep from getting lost, especially if it gets crowded?

>>6421923
this
if we think of Tamako as "an item" perhaps the marketplace itself will take us directly to her

>>6421887
Wait, wouldn't Tamako also influence their path? Perhaps trying to follow Hilde's solo path isn't the best plan, especially since she likely didn't tell Tamako about this stuff.

>>6419792
Hello again QM. Looking forward for the rest of the thread.

>>6421923
SUpporting this one.

(Going to try moving my off day to Tuesdays. I'll update tomorrow.

It feels good to be back.)

>>6422383
no worries EggOP, cya tomorrow!

>>6422383
Thanks for looping us in. See you soon!

File: T5_007.png (224.7 KB)

You ask if you can just focus on wanting to find Tamako specifically and cut out the middleman.

"The grammar of this place doesn't really let you find specific people, only things. It is a market place after all, so it's trying to get you to buy stuff." Kamiko says with a sad chuckle, "Closest thing living it will lead you to are pets and Slaves. If we knew what specific place they were going to we could have tried that..."

You ask with a bit of alarm if Tamako could get taken as a slave.

"Oh! Sorry to worry you. When I say Slaves i mean the species of fairy. Like the PMCs or Lab Workers, you know?" Kamiko says, pausing at a door out of the stairwell briefly before stepping through. "Except for the farther parts of the Market you aren't going to find literal enslaved fairies or humans."

You say you thought you were heading towards the fringes of the Market yourselves.

"Well yeah, but mad scientists were pushed to the fringes because merchants don't want neighbors who's products explode or cause mass damage."

There are just as many shops and vending machines here as above, but snaking through and around the mostly concrete and metal walls are grates, pipes, and shoddily constructed scrap bridges and ladders. The place is lit by the neon store signs and fading tube lights with the occasional floating, football sized robot advertisements. The place smells mostly of grease with a distinct metallic tang. Nothing appears to be particularly mad science-y.

"Hmm, still not quite there I think, keep an eye out and stay close. Humans have a hard time getting through the market themselves, and though I doubt Tamako will be grabbed, I can't say for sure something won't come and try to enslave you.

You thought she said there wouldn't be any enslaved fairies or humans around here.

"To buy, yeah. But the Market helps people find what they are looking for, and there are lot's of fairies who wouldn't mind finding a free wandering human around." Kamiko warns. "But don't worry, if we are dealing with robots I can keep you safe."

You joke and ask if you should hold hands so you don't get separated.

She goes silent for a second and then says, "I-I mean, if you want to."

What do you do?

>>6422931
Offer your hand, pray it's not too sweaty for her to notice.

>>6422935
+1
GRAB THAT HAND!

>>6422931
>Grab that hand, for safety's sake!

>>6422931
Would it be a too ballsy move to do it but say that you don't care about safety and just want to hold her hand?

>>6423074

(Not sure, would it?)

>>6423177
We're a grown man. I support doing it.

File: T5_008.png (283.0 KB)

You say that you are glad, since you wanted to hold her hand anyway and now you have a good excuse.

"H-hey! Don't tease!" She says, holding out a hand. "I-I know how you feel about me after what I did to you and Tamako during our first meeting..."

You reach up, lacing your fingers into hers as you walk. She doesn't say anything, in fact she doesn't seem to be looking your direction very much at all. You have to admit you feel a lot less nervous about the whole situation now. You also hope your hand isn't sweaty. Or shaky. You take a glance up at her and see she is blushing rather furiously. Honestly, you begin to feel your own cheeks heat up.

You continue to walk in silence, trying to see anyway or anything that might bring you closer to Tamako or Hilde, but it all looks like industrial garbage and rusting mechanical parts to you.

"Wait, hold on." Kamiko says, coming to a stop abruptly and looking around down a small semi-circular clearing beside the path. Among and between the metal grating and a large corrugated metal pipes are a few shops.

Inside one of the shops is a gangly engineer wearing oil smeared overalls, working on a rather large tracked robot so intensely that he is ignoring his store front. Around him are various robotic arms and armor. He seems to be trying to decide what pieces to attach to his creation.

At another shop you see what appears to be a rat person arguing with the shopkeeper. The rat person is wearing raggedy clothes with a threadbare and patched poncho. Sitting on their back nearly as big as they are is backpack full of trash and scavenged parts. It sounds like the rat-person may have tried to steal something.

Beside one of the shops are two people in stained lab coats and trousers. One is younger with goggles and red hair that spikes out comically, almost like he was shocked by cartoon lightning. The other is older, squat, bald, but with a white handlebar mustache so magnificent that you can't even see his mouth beneath it. They appear to be talking about a 'fight ring', though they aren't being particularly loud about it.


What do you do?

>>6423307
>fingers interlaced
Martin? More like Manwhore.

Anyway, a fighting ring seems like something that our dear robot friend might pull...

>>6423307
H-hot.

>>6423309
+1

>>6423309
+1 to this

>>6423307
>two people in stained lab coats and trousers

Also, I just remembered Camelia is still a problem... We probably should make sure we are never alone.

(Had a few drinks today, not getting an update tonight probably.)

>>6423307
>Look inside the engineer's shop

Seems like a good place to find a robot looking for weapons

>>6423943
I hope you had a good time, OP.

File: T5_009.png (255.2 KB)

A killer robot kumite sounds exactly like something that your robot co-worker would be attracted to after purchasing some nice new gear. You approach the pair of crazed researchers and ask what this fight ring is that they are talking about.

"Huh? And who are you?" The older one says, his eyes lingering on you. "Seek your thrills elsewhere, this is an event for the likes of laymen like you."

"Oh, but what's this?" The taller one with wild hair says, his goggles telescoping in and out. "Looking for a place to go on a date? Forgive my friend, what I think he means is I'm not sure this will interest you unless you are a fellow STEM elite."

"Oh, we are! I'm uh, an electric engineer." Kamiko says, her face red at the mention of 'date'. She motions to you and says, "And he's a programmer for... Robots."

The pair of mad scientists turn to each other for a moment, whispering loudly.

"He does sort of have that look..."
"I heard a lot of humans were..."

The older one clears his throat and says, "Since the beginning of technology there has always been one question on an inventors mind, and that's what the most efficient way to destroy your enemies. This bracket isn't like those weenie, cowardly fights they have normally. unlike regular tournaments, this one doesn't have pesky things like 'rules' and 'regulations' and all that. The only condition is that the fighter has to fit in the ring."

"My colleague will be entering it with one of his inventions." The younger, taller one says with a properly mad laugh. He fixes his goggles and then continues, "I must say, I'm not much of a betting man but I think he's got this one in the bag."

You ask what he's bringing.

"Oh ho ho, you are thinking of attending, correct? Now why would I go and ruin the surprise." the mustached man says, wiggling a finger and giving an indulgent wink. "But I'm sure you'll enjoy it. If you are a good cheer squad I may just let you take a lil' look at the code!"

The pair soon depart, saying that they have to get ready. The older one hands Kamiko a brochure and your larger co-worker flips it open.

"I guess it's called the 'CCC', or 'Clash of the Cunningly Creative'. What the heck, it even says on the ad here that it's illegal. Why would they print this out." Kamiko says shaking her head and chuckling. "Seems like something Hilde would like. Shall we go?"

What do you do?

>>6424430
Hmm, sure, might as well try. Enjoy your handholding while you make your way there...

>>6424430
This probably qualifies as guidance

>>6424430
calling it now, somebody is forcing Hilde to participate, probably by having Tamako as an incentive...
lets go but be on the look out for Tamako, if my hunch is right, somebody must be keeping an eye on her, probably in a cell or cage

>>6424474
>probably by having Tamako as an incentive...
I don't think so. The carrot works much better on Hilde than a stick. Threaten her and she will step up, but if you promise to give her something if she participates, then...
Yeah, I can see why people are so wary (and weary) of her; she's a walking WMD with the mind of a child that never had to learn any hard lessons (because she's a walking WMD that doesn't care about anyone else).

>>6424474
>probably by having Tamako as an incentive...
I disagree. The stick does not work on Hilde, she'll step right up to you, offer her the carrot, however...
You can't threaen Hilde, but if you offer her something she want's she'll happily participate in whatever you ask, especially in a destruction derby.
I can see why the others are so wary (and weary) of her; she's a walking WMD that never had to learn any hard lessons and apparently cares for no one except for herself. A powerful, dangerous, and very selfish child that cares about the next toy (weapon) she can get her hands on.
I hope Tamako doesn't turn into the biological equivalent of Hilde...

>>6424430
I'll +1 >>6424474

File: T5_010.png (193.7 KB)

You say that a flyer to an event certainly seems like guidance, so you should probably follow it.

"Yeah, but do you have a feeling that it is right? Any sort of compulsion that way?" Kamiko says as you continue on.

You shrug and say it's a hunch and you don't have any sort of strong feel towards it. You are just trying to go with the flow like she suggested. Heck, you are even literally being handheld at this point.

"I-I suppose you are, ahaha... A hunch is good though." Kamiko says, and then a little unsure continues. "I had heard humans had trouble with the Marketplace, both getting to exactly where they want to go, and also easily getting lost. Everything seems fine so far though."

You nod, looking around at the dimly lit industrial hazards around you. You duck under a tube of some chemicals and then take a wide berth around a pair of live wires. You wouldn't exactly call this fine. You ask if Hilde is the kind of robot to put Tamako in danger, or use her as a hostage or... Well, you don't want to even consider what else.

"Don't think much of Hilde do you."

You aren't sure what to think of her anymore.

"I suppose that is fair." Kamiko agrees, "Not to make excuses, but she's just a bit... Rebellious. And a brat. She generally means well and I don't think she'll willingly put Tamako in peril."

You say her current actions beg to differ.

"Hilde probably doesn't think she's putting Tamako in any danger. Probably thinks she can blast her way out of any bad situation she gets herself in."

You can't say that helps you feel any better.

"Sorry. Don't worry, we'll make sure Tamako is safe." She says firmly. "I would say try to think up some good punishments for Hilde, but that just might get us lost."

What do you do?

>>6425061
Perhaps a temporary restriction on what guns she's allowed to use?

>>6425061
just keep focusing on finding Tamako, surely the brochure has the location of that place, right?
>>6425066
she loves her guns and is constantly looking for new stuff, so maybe downgrading her body should teach her a lesson

>>6425061
Hilde is now on the "B" team, the first individual placed on that list, for consideration for which team member we take with us in the future. Everyone else is remains in the "A" team.
So we tell her, but I guess who we take depends on the what we'd expect out of a mission

>>6424497
>>6424500
Ah, I thought my post got eaten so I retyped it...

>>6425061
>Keep our mind's eye on the prize.