>>Hydrus
We stop at the planet Hydrus, where Tatiana take’s Gen position as Assistant Operator on the Bridge. I check over everyone else’s assignments, but everyone is still assigned to the position they’re best suited to.
Hydrus is also home to a full ship yard, something we’ll take advantage of when we pick up new designs. On the ground, there’s a tavern and Kallas & Co.
>>Kallas & Co.
Receptionist: Welcome to Kallas & Company. This building features a wide range of facilities that zero-G dogs may find quite useful.
>>Staff Assignment Room.
This is where you can hire zero-G dogs that have been painstakingly screened and selected by Kallas & Company. Please, go ahead and select the individual you’re interested in from among the nameplates you see here.
>>Talk to Aleksandro Marsho.
Marsho: Well, I must say it’s an honor to meet you. Let me take a look at your phenomena log. Just one moment, please.
… …
Being that I’m officially registered with Kallas & Company, my services come at a slight premium. What do you say we agree upon a 6,000 G signing bonus?
>>Welcome aboard.
You paid 6,000 G!
Aleksandro Marsho joined your crew!Marsho: All right, then, I’m all yours now. I have a fair amount of know-how regarding technology, so please just let me know what you would like me to do.
>>Talk to Mihijo Festono.
Festono: Well, now. You want to recruit me, an officially registered Kallas & Company member, do ya? All right, but first I need to see that phenomena log of yours.
… …
Festono: Bah. I guess that isn’t half bad. I’ll join your crew for a signing bonus of 9000 G.
There’s a little trick we can play here…>>Pass.
Festono: Bah. Balk at such a meager sum, do ya? Fine, then. You just go and find yourself a crew member more suited to your budget. But remember: you get what you pay for!
The second and third times…Festono: I’ll join your crew for a signing bonus of 7000 G.
The fourth time…Festono: I’ll join your crew for a signing bonus of 2000 G.
That’s more like it, and as low as he goes.>>Welcome aboard.
You paid 2000 G!
Mihijo Festono joined your crew!Festono: All right. Now it’s time to show you and your crew what an excellent choice you’ve made.
Yuri: Great. I’m looking forward to it.
>>Training Room.
We can train our Navigation or Pilot crewmembers here. Once prices are raised to 8,000 for each training, leaving and reentering gives us…
Kallas: Welcome, and thank you for choosing Kallas & Company. As soon as Yuri and company enter the building, a familiar-looking man calls out to them.
Yuri: Ah, Kallas, it’s you.
Kallas: The one and only. You saved me just in the nick of time, and for that I want to thank--
Yuri: You don’t have to thank us. After all, we have access to some excellent facilities now, all thanks to you.
Kallas: Don’t be silly. I’m making a fortune off of good customers like you. I wanted to thank you properly, so that’s why I brought this along.
As he says this, Gus Kallas holds out a data plate.
Kallas: I want you to have this. It contains blueprints for proprietary modules developed by my company. I hope they’ll help you bring the war to as swift of a conclusion as possible.
Yuri: Oh, so you know about what we’re doing, then?
Kallas: Of course we do. After all, our discerning eye is our bread and butter, so to speak. And establishing close ties with customers like you is an investment in our future.
Yuri: In that case, I’ll just say thanks and gladly accept it.
Kallas: Great. Now, I hope we can count on your continuing patronage.
With that, Kallas takes his leave, disappearing out the front entrance.
You got blueprints for a War Room Level 4 module!
You got blueprints for a Navigation Simulation Room Level 3 module!>>Tavern
>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: I could tell the moment you came in here that you’re a zero-G dog with some serious skills. So, I thought I’d tell you about this place called Kallas & Company, right here on this very planet. They supposedly have all sorts of services geared towards zero-G dogs like you. Why don’t you check it out sometime?
You’re paid to advertise for them, aren’t you?>>Talk to your friends.
Conversation #1Pavlou: Old man Gen died a peaceful death. I’d almost say he seemed happy to go.
Torlo: What’s that supposed to mean, Pavlou?
Pavlou: It’s like this, Torlo. We all lead different lives, but there’s one thing we have in common: we all die in the end. But what better way is there for an old zero-G dog to meet his end than out here in the sea of stars?
Yuri: True. I guess I kind of envy him for that, too.
Conversation #2Thomas: It’s like Orders just refuses to die. Their loyal remnants are still out there stirring up trouble. That Daniel Evans guy was one popular fella.
Yuri: …
We’re given a choice between saying maybe and agreeing.>>Prodigious, wasn’t he?
Yuri: He must’ve been a pretty amazing man. I mean, how else could he have headed such a massive and powerful organization like that? I really wish I could’ve met him at least once.
Thomas: Yeah? Ya think you could’ve found a way to work with him instead of against him?
Yuri: Oh, I doubt it. People are all too often defined by the positions they occupy. Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is.
Thomas: Oh…
Yuri’s Fame increased by 20!Conversation #3Georgo: My, look how international and diverse the Galactic Federation’s Central Sector is. It appears that intercommunication between Federation nations is flourishing now that true unification has been achieved.
Thomas: Yeah, even the more reclusive countries are coming outta their shells. Why don’t you Zenitonians join the party and build an embassy here, too?
Georgo: yes, I shall make just such a proposal to Her Majesty at the appropriate opportunity. The only possible impediment I could foresee would be whether Qualia Net could be expanded all the way out to this sector.
Conversation #4Torlo: Old Man Gen wouldn’t leave the ship, even though he knew he was gonna die. That’s pretty hardcore.
Tatiana: Yeah. I can’t remember how many times I told him he’d be better off in a hospital off the ship, but he just wouldn’t listen.
Kira: Well, at least he passed away surrounded by people who cared about him. He seemed like he was all right, given the circumstances.
Torlo: Of course he was. I mean, to be able to finish your business, an’ then take your last breath in the sea of stars? Now, that’s the way to go! What more could a zero-G dog want outta life?
Tatiana Agarkov and Kira give solemn nods of understanding after Torlo Adkin’s reply. Then, without a word, all three raise their glasses and gently touch them tougher with a clink, honoring the old man.
Back up top, we check out our new crew members. Marsho’s main skills are in Maintenance, Medicine and Artillery, and his special skill is
AS Genius Lv 1. He replaces Torlo as our Artillery Handler, as he is at Level 7 and should be able to catch up with Torlo’s skill quickly enough.
Festono’s strengths are in Control, Science and Management, and his special skill is
AA Genius Lv 1… making me glad we only paid 2,000G for him as he joins our bench warming squad.
Done with Hydrus, we head on to Merylgild.
>>Merylgild
At the same time Yuri and his fleet enter port, Kevin Norton is addressing VIPs from all over the Federation. As Libertas’ representative, he has been charged with emphasizing the crisis posed by the Lugovalian invasion. He is also responsible for stressing the new spirit of cooperation with the Interplanetary Assembly.
His proposal for creating the LMC Defense Headquarters against Lugovalos is met with a round of overwhelming supportive applause. And to show the respect that his nation has for the ideals held by the newly united Federation, he officially withdraws Emergency Special Measures Bill No. 3047. In its place, the newly proposed Lugovalian Countermeasures Bill passes by a unanimous vote.
This marks the first time Federation nations join together under Regeinland’s lead to draft a defense plan against Lugovalos.
the scene shifts to the President’s OfficeBrian: To think we’d actually live to see this day.
Lennox: Well, Mr. President, it seems you finally got what you wanted.
Brian: I wonder… In any case, it’s too soon to tell. This is the first time the Federation has ever been truly unified. And then, of course, there’s Lugovalos, the proverbial 800-pound gorilla.
Norton: Yes, but maybe we now have the momentum we need to overcome that, too.
Brian: Admiral Norton… I can’t help but wonder if you, no, make that Libertas, really intends to abide by today’s resolution.
Norton: Of course we will. Times change, after all. The Interplanetary Assembly’s in the driver’s seat, for now at least.
Brian: For now?
Norton: Yes, well times may change, and the power of great nations may ebb, but that’s not to say that they won’t rise again someday. It may take five or ten years, maybe even more, but you never know.
Lennox: I see.
So it was that Libertas transferred the reins of power to Regeinland without further protest or violence. The smooth and willing transfer speaks volumes about the overwhelming confidence Libertas has in their strength and destiny. Brad Lennox is forced to admire the man before him, the leader of the Libertasian forces.
With that, the scene shifts again, to the docks…
Briana: Whew, I thought we’d never make it back here. Thanks, Captain Yuri!
Callie: Yeah, what she said.
Yuri: What do you guys have planned now?
Briana: We’re gonna check in with our management company. See what’s up there ‘n’ stuff.
Thomas: W-Well, in that case, why don’t I take you all the way there?!
Callie: Nah, we’re cool.
Briana: Yeah, I mean, it’s not like it’s far away or anything. One monorail stop and we’re there. We’ll be, like, fine by ourselves. Anyway, thanks again, you guys. Stop by Star Child Management if you’re ever in the neighborhood.
Callie: See ya.
The garner Twins wave good-bye to Yuri and company and then run off to the orbital elevator, giggling.
We follow at a more sedate pace and take the elevator down. Merylgild has a lot of things to do – the tavern, of course, but also the headquarters of the Galactic Federation, the FSN, and the Star Child agency. We stop by there first.
>>Star Child Management
This is the Star Child Management talent agency. At the front of the office, there is an area dedicated to the selling of goods related to the talent that the agency manages.
We can check out the goods a few times for a little bit of fame.
>>Check out goods for sale.
Various goods related to young pop stars are crammed into a cramped space. There is a small crowd of people around the more popular items.
Thomas: Check this out, Captain! They have stuff here you can’t find anywhere else! Oh, wow! They even have an autographed disk of Ramie! She’s right up there with the GG Girls!
Yuri: Oh yeah? I guess I’m kind of out of it when it comes to popular culture.
Thomas Veil is buying pop star goods left and right, but to Yuri, they all look like the exact same garbage.
Semias: This is going to take forever.
Yuri: Let’s just let him get it out of his system.
Yuri and company leave Thomas there to finish up his extended shopping spree. Thomas doesn’t seem to notice them leaving.
If we go back and check again…Thomas: Oh, look! They got some new stuff! Sorry man, but I just can’t help myself!
Thomas Veil proceeds to load up his shopping basket with tons of pop star goods, as if he’s hell-bent on collecting them all. Watching this, Semias Alastar turns to Yuri with a disapproving look and whispers to him under his breath.
Semias: Yuri, you ought to warn him about spending all of his money like this. At this rate, he’s going to burn through his paycheck well before his next one comes!
Yuri: Hm.
Do something nice for Thomas? Hahah- no.>>Leave him alone.
Yuri: Let’s leave him alone. It’s his money, after all. And if he gets to the point where he needs an advance on his salary… then…
Semias: Must you let it get to that point, Captain?
Yuri: Yeah, well, while we’re on the ground, I’d like to let the crew to relieve their bent-up stress any way they like.
Semias: (sighs)
Yuri and company leave Thomas Veil to continue his shopping. He shows no time of leaving anytime soon.
Yuri’s Fame increased by 20!That done, we head into the office proper.
>>Enter the office.
??: We’ve had enough! We don’t want anything to do with this management company anymore!
??: No, wait! Please! Briana, Callie, don’t go!
Yuri and company hear a commotion coming from inside the building when suddenly two diminutive figures come racing out. They immediately notice it is the Garner Twins whom they met at the tavern on Rastaban before. Their faces are bright red with rage. When the twins spot Yuri and company, they come running over, as if they need help.
Briana: Oh! Captain Yuri, help us!
Yuri: Huh?
Kira: What happened?
Callie: Our management company is out to kill us!
Tatiana: Huh?
Semias: I don’t like the sound of that. Tell us the details.
Briana: Yeah, well, um… it’s like this. Our management company won’t book us any gigs other than to entertain soldiers on the front! They say they just can’t say no to the Libertasian big shots. At this rate, we’re gonna get stuck in the middle of one of their battles and get ourselves killed!
Callie: It could happen anytime…
Semias: Young girls such as these ought not to be subjected to such risks, Captain.
Yuri: yeah, you’re right, Semias.
Briana: Please, help us get away from them! I seriously doubt they’d come after us if we were with you on your ship. Pretty please with sugar on top?
Wait, to avoid potentially being in the middle of a battle, you want to go someplace where you’ll certainly be in battles?Yuri: But that doesn’t make any sense. I command a military ship that’s constantly engaged in battles. You could get killed with me, too.
See? I like Yuri, he thinks about things like this.Callie: No way! Your ship’s totally safe compared to those stupid transports that took us to the front. They don’t even have an escort!
She makes a point though. A battleship is a lot safer.Yuri: Either way, it’s probably just a roll of the dice.
Briana: maybe, but I like our odds better with you. You don’t mind, do you?
Yuri: Hm…
Briana: Please, Captain Yuri, have a heart! Or would you rather see what happened to us in the obituaries?
Torlo: Of course not! Don’t be stupid!
Briana: I didn’t think so. We just need your help until our management company sees the light.
Yuri: Well, all right… We’ll give you sanctuary on our ship. But only until I confirm that your management company has had a change of heart, at which time I’m booting you off.
Haha. We’re never letting them go, Yuri. Never.Briana: Okay, thanks! You guys are the best, like, totally!
Callie: Yeah, thanks a million!
The Garner Twins have joined your crew!The deal with the twins is this: At any time, if you go into the office again, you lose the Twins and pick up a Study Hall Lv 3 module. Whooo. The twins themselves have the special skill
Angel Voice Lv 5. Help says this…
Angel Voice:
An assignment-bonus type of Special Skill. When a character with this Special Skill is assigned to any post, the Command Gauge replenishes itself at a faster rate.
It makes a noticeable difference. Now, the girls themselves are terrible – level 1, with bad stats almost everywhere. Still, I know the perfect position for them...
Crew, meet our new serving staff.
Garners:
Whaaaaaat?!Have fun girls, you’re indentured until you’re eighteen.