Showing posts with label Cruise Train of Star Ocean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cruise Train of Star Ocean. Show all posts

Friday, January 19, 2024

Live A Hero The Star Ocean Cruise Train Episode 8 (Abridged)

Esperdica: We're keeping that promise, Digram! Now let me keep spamming my Super Move until it sticks!
Esperdica charges up his Parallel Weapon!

Blue: Beep boop l-l-l-look oooouuuuttttt
Infected Droid is charging an attack!

Raizi: Perdy, disengage and wait for another chance!
Esperdica: ...understood! There's so many of them! I need more time to fill the room with coffee smoke...
MC: Yoshiori! / Tabit!
(A) Yoshiori: Run interference, got it!
(B) Tabit: Guard order, recieved!

Yoshiori: Tabit, you stop the droids! I'll shoot down any attacks they manage to get off!
Tabit: Roger!
Tabit morphs around!

Tabit: Nanosword Arm!
Yoshiori: Raizi, Esperdica! Get ready to fire while I set them up! Wait, get down! Enemies behind you!
Yoshiori uses two guns to shoot down the mobs' attacks!
Raizi: Thanks! Perdy, go for it! VP Charge!
Esperdica: Right! Coffee Smoke Blast!
The mobs fall over from the coffee smoke!

MC: It worked! The soldiers seem fine(ish), now we just have to stop Digram...

Digram: (in pain) beep boop elim-m-m-manating viruuussss p-p-p-please hooollld
Digram points his railgun above MC!
MC: wAIT
Yoshiori: MC!
Yoshiori tackles and covers MC from falling debris Digram caused!

Yoshiori: Shit he's gonna blow a hole open if he keeps doing tht. MC, stay low. Firing Bodyguard Special!
MC: Thanks Yoshiori!
Yoshiori: Heh, save it for when we're done. We're in this together...so getting us all through okay is what we can do now.
Raizi: Yoshiori, MC! Digram's acting weird!

Digram: Virus elimination 98% annnnnd beep boopo sec-c-c-curity patch errorrrrr
MC: Oh no!
Tabit: Virus evolving! Patch update needed!
One of the soldiers twitches a finger.

W-504: L-Leader, connect for...new virus data for patch...
Tabit: Stop! Energy low, don't move...but, thank you. One moment.
Tabit detaches a few nanomachines to connect with the droid and gets the new data to update his patch.

Raizi: You updated the patch? Cool! Now we gotta get it into Digram. He gets rid of the virus, case closed, problem solved! Except Digram's running low on energy too, so it's now or never!
The patch is ready!
MC: Tabit, help him!

Digram: p-p-p-please geeet awaaayyyy beep boop errrorrr, charging railguuuunnnn
Tabit: (jumps up above Digram) Executing order! Nanomachine Break!
Digram and Tabit's supers clashing flashbangs the whole engine room!

Raizi: OH GOD I CAN'T SEE! Tabit, what's going on!?
Yoshiori: MC, don't let go of my hand!
Esperdica: Digram!
When everything settles down...

MC: Oh no, Tabit!
Digram: Patch update complete, virus eliminated. Switching to backup.
MC: Digram!
Tabit: ...order, completed.
MC: Everyone's okay!

Digram and Tabit smile and nod at each other.
Digram: Tabit connected into my systems and updated the virus patch.
Tabit: Must protect friends! Digram friend too.
Digram: ...thank you very much. Now, last order of business to return things to business as usual. MC, VP Charge me please. (points weapon at engine core)
MC: Okay!
Digram: My Weapon can also return the engine core's system to normal. Firing ultimate special!
Digram fires a magic blue-white bullet that fixes the engine!

Yoshiori: Awesome, the train stopped shaking!
Raizi: ...damn, nice game you two.
Tabit: Train okay!
Digram: Yes. Systems green, confirmed. Engine fix, compl--(falls over)
Esperdica: Digram!?

Title Card: Beyond The Southern Cross

Ding dong
Digram: Attention, passengers. The Stella Campanella has been delayed, but the problems have been solved and the cruise is back on schedule. We apologize for the inconvenience. We will be stopping at the nearest station for maintenance and inspection, thank you for understanding. Estimated arrival at station is at one hour, seventeen minutes and thirty two seconds.
Elevator music~
Yoshiori: Damn, it's finally over.
The party (minus Digram) is in the cafe area in the second train car.

MC: Tired / We can finally relax!

Yoshiori: It was freaky how Digram just fell over like that towards the end.
Esperdica: You and Raizi were more worried than I was. But I'm glad things are okay.
Raizi: Well what did you expect when the group MVP keeled over out of the blue? I wasn't expecting him to crap out on batteries like all the soldier droids.
Yoshiori: Yeah I was worried we broke him back there. He's got a unique design, so he's tougher than all those droid mobs.
Tabit: Digram tired, but sleep charged batteries! No virus damage. Other friends will be okay!
Digram walks in.
Digram: Thank you everyone, for all your efforts at solving the operational difficulties we had encountered.
MC: You seem okay! / Is it okay for you to be working again already?

Digram: Yes, normal operations are possible again. Thank you once more for cooperating with my reckless proposed suggestion. However...
His tone sounds the same as always, but he looks down a little.

Digram: My deepest apologies for still attacking you all.
MC: It's cool! We're friends!
Digram: !?
Digram: ...but such actions were unacceptable to occur.
Esperdica: You were fighting to protect us, weren't you? If anything, we should be thanking you.
Raizi: Yeah, you were trying hard. You did it, so enjoy it all now.
Digram: ...understood. On behalf of the Stella Campanella, I thank you all.
Digram kneels by MC.
Digram: ...MC, my success was thanks to your operation. I could hear your orders even through all the virus errors. (takes MC's hand) Your voice was like a wake up call from a nightmare. Heh. That might be the first time I've experienced anything like a dream. Thank you for persisting.
MC: ...I'm glad you're okay.

Yoshiori: Okay, that's enough sappiness. Digram, is the case closed yet?
Digram: ...negative. General operations are working, but interior damage remains to be fixed.
Yoshiori: Oh. Okay I guess.
Raizi: Yeeeaaah, I guess an engine can't clean up virus damage that fast.
Digram: Some services have become unavailable, but there are plans to reopen them after repair work is done.
Esperdica: I can help if you need it. I'm still a temp worker here even if I'm mainly a cafe barista.
Digram: Thank you.
Tabit: ...request: friends and I want to help fix train. Please, Digram. Wanted to return to Tronesion, but you informed us. Reconstruction efforts underway, so we want to help on this ship to make up for things. We responsible for damages, but friends no longer any danger. Want to help protect Stella Campanella.
Digram: ...unable to make unilateral decisions. However, I can make the suggestion to headquarters.
???: That's unnecessary.
Someone just walked in!

Yoshiori: Hey that's the space ship company CEO we met at the beginning!
MC: Yeah! / suddenly nervous now

CEO: MC, I apologize for all the sudden difficulties that happened after you got on. I've been informed of what you all did, and I'm sorry for all the dangers you were all exposed to.
Raizi: It's cool, this isn't the sort of thing anyone expects to happen.
Esperdica: We're sorry for all the damages we caused...
CEO: It's okay, it was a security staff issue, my fault. But you all solved it, and I can't thank you enough for that. (proper Japanese bow)
Tabit: ...apologies. Root cause was virus carried by friends.
CEO: No, that's our responsibility for hiring them.
Digram: ...query: what will happen to them?
CEO: We've arranged to do a deep virus scan and cleaning at the next stop for them. (takes a breath) Excuse me, I must get back to work. Please enjoy your stay. (runs off)

Digram: Anyways, Tabit your wish is mostly okay aside from the fact that you and your group are currently temp heroes. Additionally, you will require funding if you wish to go back to Tronesion. Suggestion: consider your next course of actions.
Tabit: Hmm... how solve?
Esperdica: Well you are all temp contracted through Parallel Flight, but that won't last forever.
Raizi: You should join an agency that's not worried about their service area. Maybe I'll ask mine for suggestions for you.
MC: I guess I'll ask President Huckle or Procy.
Esperdica: ...how about a mercenary agency? You're ex-military.
Raizi: Oh yeah I remember there being a place like that.
Esperdica: Yes, they have lots of combat and defense pros. I'll ask my agency if they can get their contact information.
Tabit: Thank you everyone!

Digram sends Tabit a Space Discord DM!
Digram: Requesting communication to deliver report.
Tabit: Acknowledged. What is this report?
Digram: ...should you return to Tronesion, there is the possibility of you and the soldiers undergoing a factory reset depending on the circumstances.
Tabit: !?
Tabit: ...requesting elaboration.
Digram: Tronesion has ordered the disposal of all wartime service member information after the war ended. As a communication and transport unit I did not qualify as such, but all construction and espionage units were. You and your spec ops team may also qualify.
Tabit: ...I do not want to lose my records of my friends, but I do not know of any place besides Tronesion where I can replace my nanomachines. If maintenance and resupply is unavailable, fatal error and loss of reboot function probability may rise. If maintenance is needed, we will go back to Tronesion.
Digram: ...suggestion: the droids may be able to get some maintenance done in the Earth Sphere Region due to similar technology. Nanomachine resupply will be left to your judgment.
Tabit: ...understood. Thank you.
End Space Discord DM phone chat!

MC: Hey Tabit, have you ever written a resume? Might look different from ours...
MC shows Tabit a sample resume on their phone.

Yoshiori: You can't just start there for explanations!
Esperdica: It's something you'll need to record your work history if you apply to a new agency.
Raizi: Speaking of, that agency responded and said they want to see your work history first. It's called Guild Eagle Eyes. It should be able to use your past combat experience.
Tabit: ...right. Past combat experience. (grabs dog tag) Thank you! Will apply there!
Yoshiori: Wow you're into this. Guess I'll recommend you. Show them the videos of our battles here.
Esperdica: I think they'll accept that.
Digram: No problems foreseen.
Tabit: Thank you! Promise to become hero, help everyone and pay back for help!

Yoshiori: Okay let's stop talking about this now. Not like it has to be done NOW.
Raizi: Yeah. I'll help you write your stuff until the casino opens back up.
MC: I can help with paperwork too!
Yoshiori: Cool. Looks like Tabit and his friends' stuff is settled, so let's go get some good food for a party.
Esperdica: Oh yes, the Stella Campanella has many excellent choices.
Yoshiori: Awesome! We never had a chance to enjoy anything. I mean your coffee was great but we didn't have the time to experience it all. I want a gelato with it next time! MC, order up for me. (starts pointing at dessert menu things)
MC: Sweets suit you, soldier. / I want something too! What about you guys?
(A) Yoshiori: ARE YOU MAKING FUN OF ME!?
(BC) Tabit: Want to know everyone's likes! For reference! MC, you?

Esperdica: I'll go make after meal coffees for everyone, so go ahead and enjoy...
Yoshiori: What? Sit down and join us.
Raizi: Yeah, you saved this ship too you know.
Esperdica: Really? ...heh, okay then. Tabit, Digram, you two should join us too. Tell us about yourselves.
Digram: Order Friendly request received. If soldiers can be delegated interior ship repair, delays may be shortened. Reserving break time in hopes of spending time socializing with friends.
Tabit: Also want to know more about new friends! Call friends, talk about Tronesion!
Raizi: Oh, the soldier droids are coming? Wanna play a game after? I got cards and dice. More players means more fun. So's having a bet.
Esperdica: Pick something we have a fair chance of winning at, please.
Raizi: I will! It's more fun that way. Good food and your coffee, and what more could I ask for to go with a game?
MC: Awesome!

Digram: ...Esperdica, a question?
Esperdica: (grinding beans) Yes?
Digram: You have previously asked to know more about me. Requesting direction or clarification.
Esperdica: Oh that. Anything's fine really. What you like, your hobbies, skills, funny thoughts...you little secrets.
Digram: ...understood. What if I said I am actually a human in a robot suit?
Shocked party!
MC: WHAT
Digram: Kidding.

Relieved sighs.
Yoshiori: R-right. Oh my god, Digram knows how to tell jokes? Oh MY GOD is he still infected!?
Esperdica: N-no, Tabit's scans said it was gone...right? Tabit, did you give Digram a literal joke function?
Tabit: N-no? Digram just joking.
Raizi: ...HA! Digram wins!
Digram: ...I am clear of viruses. Understood, installing Earth jokes for next time.
And so muzak starts playing as food arrives.
Later

Digram: We will soon be arriving at our temporary stop. Please watch your feet if departing. Our next stop will last about two hours, so please enjoy the view of the galaxy. And please return with time to spare ahead of our departure time. Safe travels.
The Stella Campanella rides towards the Southern Cross across the infinite universe to its mystery destination, with the sounds of joy and laughter lighting its way...

The End

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Live A Hero The Star Ocean Cruise Train Episode 7 (Abridged)

Tabit: Halt, friends!
Tabit Nanomachine Morph evades an attack!

Yoshiori: That's a thing!?
Esperdica: I intellectually knew it was possible, but still, wow.
Tabit: Taught friends combat maneuvers, know programming. But, nanomachine evasion less effective against Parallel Weapon attack!
Esperdica: Oh okay then. We better keep up!
Coffee smoke can make illusion copies now.

Esperdica: Guess which one is real?
Esperdica starts sweep kicking!

Esperdica: This will cut down on any damage taking. Go Tabit!
Tabit morphs his sword arm to attack!

MC: Wait, Tabit is that really okay!?

Raizi: It's cool, he morphed a blunt sword arm.
Tabit: ...M-871, right flank weak. T-963, slowed reaction at range. Know friends, cannot lose! Super Morph Weapon attack!
The droids are dropping nonlethally towards zero but ready to counterattack!

Red: beep boop p-p-p-pleeeaaase ev-v-v-vaaade
Digram: Eliminating attack. Please be careful of any shockwaves.
Yoshiori: Shoot the bullets, got it. MC!
MC: Okay, go Digram and Yoshiori!
Digram and Yoshiori countershoot the shots made at Tabit, causing them to explode!

Red: beep boop daaaannnngeerrr
The explosion blasts the droids against the wall, where they fall and get KOed!

Raizi: ...okay, we're done. You okay MC?
MC: Yep / Aww you're so nice, Raizi
(B) Raizi: I-I mean, of course I'd worry about a fellow commander. Geez.

Raizi: Yeah we're done. Let's save energy by quitting out of hero mode.
Esperdica: At least there aren't any passengers nearby. Tabit, how are they?
Tabit: Not destroyed. Energy shut down, reboot possible. Thank you.
Esperdica: That's good. Digram, can you check the connector terminal?
Digram: Yes, decoupling order cancelled. However, resending of command is still possible. Making announcement to Car One passengers to evacuate to other cars.
Raizi: (sighs) Man, never dreamed the train disconnecting could be a thing happening.
Digram: Car Two has subengines so train would not have been stranded, but Car One passengers still in danger.
Yoshiori: Yeah, can't expect anyone able to stop them is actually in there. And taking them down nonlethally is hard.
Raizi: Yeah, wish we could do something about the dangers ahead...

Tabit is staring at the droids.
Tabit: Friends, infected despite no radio contact. Must be direct contact with actively infected friends. Everyone get infection at this rate...
Yoshiori puts a hand on Tabit's shoulders.

Yoshiori: You want to protect them. I know how it is. Let's get to it and stop them.
Tabit: ...right. Thank you, Comrade.
Yoshiori: I ain't worried about you or anything. Also I'm not military anymore. But if you can keep going, I'll do what I can...also our Operator just can't leave people alone, heh.
MC: Just like you, Yoshiori / Let's do our best!
---
(A) Yoshiori turns away and snorts.
---
Tabit: Saving friends for sure! (grabs dog tag)
Yoshiori: ...okay, cool. Let's go, MC. We still got engine room droids to deal with.
And so the party continues on.

Later
Digram: Instability increasing. Please watch your feet. Engine room ahead, entry generally restricted to employees on patrol, investigation, and emergencies. Passengers generally prohibited, but entry possible during train tours.
Raizi: Oh. That explains the big door.
Yoshiori: Well it's an emergency now. Digram, open up.
Digram: Opening door.
Digram uses a key card.

Esperdica: ...nothing happened. Is it broken?
Digram: Engine room door locked physically and digitally. Radio-ing in now for digital lock, but key card can only unlock from inside.

Digram tries the card again. Repeatedly.
Digram: ...card reader damaged from external force.
MC: Oh no!
Esperdica: Maybe the soldiers did it based on the damage I see.
Raizi: ...any other way in? Like an air duct or--
Tabit: (steps forward) Entry possible if small gap available.
Esperdica: Oh right, nanomachine body!
Tabit: Digram, requesting key card data!
Phone static!

MC: Phone's jammed again! Seems strong now.

Tabit: ...Digram, requesting direct transfer of unlocking data!
Digram: Understood. Opening port.
Digram opens a port in his arm. Tabit morphs his arm into a compatible plug and sticks it in.

Digram: ...transmission complete. Tabit, please.
Tabit: Order processed. Commencing action.
Tabit turns into a nanomachine swarm and slips past the door.

Digram: ...? Data entry found: "I want to save my friends."  Tabit, please hurry. Results may change the quicker they are achieved. Just like before...
Inside

Tabit: Reconstruction complete. Opening door...ahh!
Outside
MC: It opened! Let's go!
Holy crap, the engine core is shining red!

Esperdica: W-what's going on!?

Title Card: What is True Happiness?

Digram: Engine core unstable.
Raizi: Yeah you could tell me it's about to blow up and I would buy that.
Esperdica: Don't bring that up! Digram, we have to fix it!
Digram: Yes. Control console is this way.
Digram leads the party in.

Yoshiori: Hey, look!
Jittery droid spotted!

Raizi: Geez, he's even more jittery than the other droids we've seen!
Tabit: Heavy infection detected. Must patch immediately, main systems badly damaged! Leader, transform us!
MC: Right, stop the guy!

The party is ready to fight!
Red: beep boop n-n-n-nooooo (holds up weapon)
Esperdica: ...we need to stop him. I'll go first and--
Tabit: Wait! Red, unable to take attacks! Might die...
Yoshiori: So what now then!? Hey wait, get down!
Yoshiori countershoots Red's bullet!

Yoshiori: Oof, the shockwave!
Digram: Yoshiori, are you okay? Please take care not to hit the core. Irreparable damage is possible.
Yoshiori: I GUESS but what do I even do then!?
Tabit: ...I go, without weapon.
Esperdica: B-but what if he attacks?
Tabit: No time for new plan!

Tabit nanoshifts behind Red!
Tabit: Red, W-504, I make things better now. Patchi--
Red: L-L-Leeaaadeeer
Red swings his gun around and charges a shot! Tabit presses on with the patch!

MC: Tabit!
Hey look, more droids walk in!

Yoshiori: Oh what the SHIT
Raizi: Wait, those are the ones we fought earlier!
The droids jump Red!

Red: guuuuuyyyyysssss
A-928: Leader, we're back and ready for action!
D-887: Some of the other guys shared their batteries with us!
C-615: We'll stop W-504!
A-928: Patch him up while we do that!
Tabit: ...roger! Resuming patch application!

Esperdica: Let's focus on the engine while they do their thing!
Digram: Understood. Accessing engine core control unit.
Raizi: No wait! Something's up with the core! Can you investigate it before you jack into it?
Yoshiori: Huh, that makes sense.
Digram: ...understood. Utilizing analog control console.
Typing on the space computer~

Digram: !! Continuous output of error code messages in error log!
MC: Oh no!
Digram: ...yes, presence of active space robot rabies virus inside engine core is extremely high.
Raizi: Score one for instinct. Can you do anything about it from here, Digram?

Tippity tap tap
Digram: Performing quarantine of virus for--[beep beep]--error, console disconnected. System unresponsive.
Esperdica: I see the virus is doing its work here too.
Digram: (stares)
Digram decides to open the plug port on his arm and is about to plug into the engine!

Yoshiori: ...wait, we all know what'll happen if you do that. You'll get infected, dammit!
Digram: ...acknowledged. However, safe running of Stella Campanella must be prioritized. Time is running short, but there are still options. Infection cannot spread further.
Digram looks at Tabit. He's trying his best over there.

Digram: ...my Parallel Weapon can transform in response to any obstacle in my way. I can act as substitute for engine system for a short time and quarantine infected files inside myself.
Yoshiori, Raizi, and Esperdica: !?
MC: NO

Digram: ...thank you for your concern MC, but I believe this to be our best option. Purging the infection by myself will be difficult, but I understand the engine core's systems and I have Tabit's patch. (stares at arm)
Digram: I will not go down easy to this virus. Requesting everyone's cooperation in restoring this unit after infection.
He's serious.

MC: what does that even mean?
Digram: I will be performing two simultaneous operations: substituting for engine system and clearing of infected files. All processing resources will be prioritized on those operations, meaning bodily control may become unstable. In case of infection-caused activity, permission granted to curb actions by force.
Yoshiori, Raizi, and Esperdica: ...

Esperdica: ...it's that important to you, isn't it?
Digram: Affirmative. Such is my order.
Esperdica: ...okay, I'm in.
Yoshiori: ...you sure, Esperdica? I figured you'd be against this.
Esperdica: Life wouldn't be worth living if I couldn't enjoy coffee anymore, if I were to reframe this towards my perspective. And so it is for keeping the train safe for him.
Raizi: (steps forward) Alright, bet. Waiting and losing by default sucks like hell anyway. I never take a bet I'll lose, so let's go win it together.
Digram: ...thank you both.
Yoshiori: ...what about you, MC?
Everyone looks at MC.

MC: ...I'll keep you safe, promise / wait, don't we have other ideas? / I dunno...
(A) Digram: ...thank you. (shakes MC's hand) But prioritize your own safety first.
(BC) Digram: ...there's no more time. Requesting your belief, MC. (holds out hand) ...I will complete this without fail. Please help me.
MC: ...okay

Yoshiori: Okay, I guess I'm in too. I'll protect everyone on this spaceship train!
Digram: Thank you...accessing engine core now.
Raizi: ...sorry Digram, but I think we should tie you up first and prevent as much rampage damage as we can.
Digram: Understood. No objections if arm module is still usable.
Esperdica: I wasn't expecting us to use the villain restraints like this...
Yoshiori: Dunno if it'll do much on Digram, but I guess it's better than nothing.
Yoshiori and Esperdica tie Digram up.
Digram: Accessing engine core now.
MC: ...be careful.
Digram makes one last acknowledgement before continuing.

Tabit: Everyone, W-504 all better now! (runs over) ...!? What happening?
MC: Tabit, get ready too! Digram's going to try to fix the engine systems.

MC catches Tabit up on the plan.
Tabit: ...Digram has patch. He will be okay. Only Digram can fix engine system.
Esperdica: All we can do is believe in him.
Plot twist!

Digram: BWOOOP
Digram snaps the wire restraint!

Yoshirori: Oh dammit all! MC, Raizi, get back!
Esperdica: Digram!? ...oh no, he can't hear us. Your orders! We need to stop him!
Yoshiori and Esperdica square up!
MC: Digram...
Raizi: MC, I know you might not want to see this, but you need to look at Digram! If you want to save him, then you have to believe!
MC nods and looks ahead.

Digram: O-o-operatiiing enginnnne systemmm
Digram has lost control and fires cables everywhere!

Tabit: Oh no! Everyone!
The cables hit all the mob droids!

A-928: What!? Everyone g-g-gettt awa-a-a-yyyy beepboop
C-615: C-c-controolll losssst, p-p-p-patch inefffec-ec-ec-ectiveee
Yoshiori: Goddammit, this again!?
Tabit: But why!? ...oh no! Virus evolved!?
Esperdica: We have to fight! MC, Raizi!
Raizi: Right, line up guys! Getting this operation on track! Sucks, but we'll have to stop them! We also have to protect Digram since he's running the engine now!
MC: Believe in Digram!
Party: !?

Digram: V-v-v-virus patch ap-p-p-pliiied
Digram and the droids are charging their weapons!

Raizi: ...welp, this is it MC! Hold the line!
Yoshiori: Yeah! I'll protect them too! I can get everyone through this alive!
Esperdica: ...Digram promised to have coffee with me later. I can't be going down now!
Tabit: ...I WILL protect Digram and friends. Still hope! Leader, your orders!
MC: Let's goooo!
BATTLE START

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Live A Hero The Star Ocean Cruise Train Episode 6 (Abridged)

Tabit: Save friends!
Yoshiori: Holy shit the guy with a different design from the soldier mobs is way stronger! But you can't beat ME!
MC: Yoshiori, charge up your super move! The mobs from behind are gonna attack!
VP Charge!
Yoshiori: Shoot the bullets, got it! Bodyguard Trick Shot!
Awesome bullet counter!
Yoshiori: Go!
Esperdica: Coffee smoke trick time, got it. Raizi!
Raizi: Sending VP! Digram, support!
Digram: Acknowledged.

Esperdica: Coffee fog bath!
Hey wait...

Tabit: Leader must save friends! Change "Nanoblast Metamorphosis"!
Tabit morphs his arm into a sword and slashes at Esperdica's magic coffee machine!

Esperdica: Okay wow that is strong!
Raizi: Digram, stop him!
Digram: ...acknowledged. Charging railgun...
That is a big shot Digram is charging up.

Tabit: No! Spare guards!
Digram: Last warning: surrender now. No obstructions to railways will be permitted. Agree, and I will stop att--!?
Tabit: ...you, stop? Believe. Mech life form, no lying.

Esperdica: He actually stopped!? Raizi, give me VP again to stop the mobs!
Esperdica's magic coffee machine charges again and blows out coffee smoke!

Green: C-c-ceasssing a-a-actionnn. L-l-l-leeaad-d-d-der, s-s-sorrrrryyyy (flump)
Tabit quits out and runs to the mobs.

MC: ...battle over. Everyone good?
The party quits out of hero mode too.

Esperdica: Yes, thank you MC.
Raizi: Let's go check them out, guys. Also we need mystery guy to tell us who he is.
Yoshiori: Yeah. Digram, you know him?
Digram: ...negative, in terms of direct relations. But I know of him. He is a nanomachine-made android.
Esperdica: Oh. So he's not like other androids. Well since he's not attacking anymore, we can just ask him.
Yoshiori: Time to question the zombie ghost dude then.

Tabit is kneeling and looks back at the party.
Tabit: Friends, powered down. Reboot possible. Good.
Yoshiori: Yeah, we managed to beat them down nonlethally. That was a pain in the ass, by the way.
Tabit: You, not destroying friends. Apologies.
Tabit stands up.

Tabit: Code name Tabit. Former special forces unit captain. Friend of guards. Currently Stella Campanella train worker. Sorry again. (bows)
MC: sooo what's your deal / hmm, he's hot
(B) Tabit: Hot? Compliment? Thank you.
Yoshiori: He literally attacked us two minutes ago!

Raizi: We got questions. First, what space magic did you use to pop up earlier?
Tabit: Not space magic. Nanomachines. Split apart, recombine. Was rapid searching for friends. Train big.
Yoshiori: Oh, was that why people were yelling about zombie ghosts? It does look the part coming and going.
Raizi: Huh. Sounds legit. (looks at Tabit's body)
MC: Good thing he wasn't a ghost! / That was you...?
(A) Raizi: R-right. Zombie ghosts are dumb, right Yoshiori?
Yoshiori: Don't look at ME!

Esperdica: So Digram, what did you mean when you said you knew OF Tabit? He seems to know you.
Digram: Tronesion communication network. I've seen his ID in Tronesion's Space Discord channel but never talked to him before.
Tabit: DGR-X-6502852
Yoshiori: what
Digram: Providing clarification. I am 34th Generation Humanoid Anti-Monster Transforming Combat Mechanical Life Form DGR-X-6502852. Digram and Trans Saver are designations provided by my agency and company.
Raizi: Yeah I'll never remember all that.
Digram: Indeed. Common designation accepted for ease of communication.
Raizi: That's nice. Digram suits you.

Digram: Tronesion mech life forms including myself could use Tronesion's Space Discord network to identify and communicate with each other.
Tabit: ...network now destroyed, war damage. Special force unit never connected to network. Update option unavailable, but when onboarding of train job, detected Digram. Tronesion status check requested, but saving friends higher priority. Must fulfill order. (looks sadly at guards) Thought you all were attacking friends, attacked back.
Esperdica: Um, we were just trying to stop their rampage.
Tabit: Understood. But, similar events happen before. Strangers attempted capture after Monster fight. Special force unit called "villains," escaped with stealthy maneuvers.
MC: wait are you actually villains?

Tabit: (shakes head) Ex-special forces. Not hero or villain. War over, not anything now. Research results, Parallel Weapon controlled in current space territory. Cannot register with hero agency. Return to Tronesion prioritized, boarded train due to return possible.
Esperdica: (thinks) I think I understand your situation now. You aren't part of any hero agency right now, and you're trying to get back to Tronesion. You couldn't apply to any agencies when you boarded, and you prioritize safety. But why are the guards going rampant?
Tabit: (looks down) Old war damage from battle against other mech life forms. Shot with space robot rabies bullets.
MC: Oh...
Digram: (frowns)
Tabit: Normally, personal firewall security programs quarantine space robot rabies virus. Virus encrypted to prevent function interference, but virus has been evolving. Affect units take nonstardard actions.
MC: Huh. So why is it causing problems now?

Tabit: Cause unknown. Investigation needed. These friends contracted active virus from other friends. (looks away from guards)
Tabit: Active virus unstoppable. Security patch developed, application possible.
Yoshiori: So apply it?
Tabit: (shakes head) ...impossible due to jamming caused by virus rampage. Direct unit patching is possible, but infection spread risk present. Space Discord too dangerous to use, face to face communication required.
Esperdica: Is that why they attacked us?
Digram: Tabit is a newer model compared to soldier guards and myself. Security patch development is possible for him.
Raizi: So, patch all the bots and problem solved. Right?
Digram: Tabit, speech use difference of Space Japanglish detected. Is your speech processor damaged or infected?
Tabit: Negative. CPU resources running at loss due to section of nanobots to clear virus off friends. Virus check for this unit, clear.
MC: You can do that!?

Tabit: Nanomachine portion split for emergency patching. Infection risk high, so used portion to be disposed of.
Esperdica: Oh. Doesn't that make conversation harder?
Tabit: Communication issues not detected. Vocal component unnecessary for Space Discord, but necessary for jamming cases and communicating with organics. All other functions prioritized.
Raizi: Huh. I guess it's still good enough.
Tabit: Must save friends!
Tabit turns to leave.

MC: Wait, how about we do a temp contract?

Yoshiori: W-wait, you seriously want to temp contract a villain? I know it's weird of ME to bring this up, but these contracts are binding! The president will kick your ass if you don't talk to him first...
MC: I-I guess, but I can't leave him like this. Help me talk Huckle into this!
Yoshiori: ...ugh. Fine, I know how you are. But you're talking to him yourself, and if he says no, that's it. And promise you'll back off if I say it's too dangerous for you 'cause I'll be too ashamed to see everyone if you do get hurt. This isn't how someone with a bodyguard is supposed to act, geez.
MC: Thanks Yoshiori! / I knew you'd help!
(B) Yoshiori: Are you listening to me!? Dammit I should have seen this coming.

Tabit: Contract request? Requesting clarification: you asking to take command?
MC: Yeah! Let's do this so you aren't considered a villain, then we'll go save everyone!
Raizi: Well he'll be a great piece to the party with what he knows of the guards. Better to team up than split up, right?
Esperdica: I agree. You'll still need to contact your office, but having Tabit with us will be more efficient than having him run off blind.
Digram: No objections. Speed required to keep passengers and employees safe.
Tabit: ...everyone will help? Thank you! Contracting ready. Transfer of command acceptable for saving friends. You leader now!

Title Card: To Light Up the Night

The party is in the restaurant area where MC called up Huckle and explained the plan.
Yoshiori: You better appreciate how far off the branch we went for you. The president fell out of his chair when MC told him they wanted to contract a villain! Well, fair.
MC: Communication is important! I want to help people in trouble, and it's a surprise since he didn't know what's up.
Yoshiori: Well that's like you. They're worried, but they didn't stop you. Also Tabit's still a spec op captain, so he'll be a big help with us. (looks at Tabit)
Tabit: Query, Digram. According to after action reports, Tronesion had insufficient resources, suspended satellite communications and liason ships. Planetary landing also suspended, present conditions unknown.
Digram: ...sharing information. Yes, network base station was destroyed then. The war ended that day, and this unit's communication and delivery network was shut down.
Digram: (frown)
Digram: Currently, Mother is reconstructing the network and moving to Level 8 of social reconstruction phase.
Tabit: ...oh. Oath sworn upon war's end confirmation. No more hurting mech life forms, so admin privileges used to rewrite action code.

Flashback!
One night in some wasteland, a spec ops team is trying to phone home.

Tabit: Requesting response. Repeat, requesting response!
Error, radio address not found.

Tabit: Unable to connect to Mother Network for 50,689th time. Team meeting time. Scan for ambush...enemies retreating. 72 hours passed since extension, shut down operation. Unit to be disbanded...
Droids: Roger. Leader, after this...
Tabit: (frowns)
Tabit looks at the dogtag he's wearing. It's not his name on it.

Tabit: ...army gone. Proposal: implement universal nonaggression principle against mech life forms. Field captain to use temp admin privilege to rewrite code to add proposed action, but will add only to units that agree to it.
...
The soldiers agree.

Tabit: ...everyone, thank you! Implementing rewrite. New objective: return to Tronesion. Together, to peace.

Present
Tabit: New code, strong. No harming mech life forms and friends. No more fighting, just defense now.
MC: Aww, what nice friends...
Tabit: Must save friends.
Digram: (frown)
Digram fixes his shoulder cape. A whistle falls out.

Digram: Communication systems being stable and running on time symbolize peace. This unit believes that to be important so Tronesion's tragedy does not repeat. (picks whistle back up and pockets it)

Raizi: ...damn, must've been tough getting on when you were alone. But you still had friends to be there with you, and I wanna try learning how that felt for you guys. (glances at Esperdica)
Esperdica: Yes, the soldiers must be suffering from space robot rabies. We'll help as best we can, just like Raizi's thinking.
Raizi: Uh, why are you talking like you can read my mind?
Esperdica: Oh is that how it sounded? I'll keep better watch of my words. Anyways, MC how's that contract with Tabit coming along?
Beep beep!

MC: Conveniently done now! Let's do this, Tabit!
Tabit: Thank you everyone! Prioritizing assistance of friends. Proposal: search for others. More time consuming, but safer than direct linking.
Digram: Anomaly detection system raised to level three up to Car Three. Low priority events will be reported as well, but rapid alerts will come when som--
ALERT ALERT

Yoshiori: Well that was fast. Where are they?
Digram: Anomaly detected. Utensils fallen in restaurant area of Car Two. Anomaly detected. Passenger jumped into pool in sports area of Car Three. Anomaly detected. Passenger scraped knee in sports area of Car Three...
Yoshiori: Sounds like useless crap here!
Digram: ...filtering alerts for higher relevance.
Raizi: Guess that comes with having so many people...
Esperdica: Yes. Back to searching on foot then. If Tabit or Digram get more important alerts, we can go--
BWOOP BWOOP BWOOP

Yoshiori: Your filter isn't working, Digram.
Digram: Anomaly detected! Intruder alert in engine room of Car One! Soldier droid has entered without proper permit!
Party: !!

Yoshiori: Welp, sounds like we got a real problem now with an infected droid!
Esperdica: Yes. We'll have to stop him anyways even if he isn't infected.
Raizi: Let's go, team. Digram, which way?
Hey, guess what?

Tabit: W-what? Train, shaking!
Digram: !! Emergency alert. Anomaly detected in Stella Campanella train control system.
Raizi: WHAT
The train is speeding up!

Digram: ...Stella Campanella is drifting off set course. Please watch your footing. Significant delays possible.
Yoshiori: The hell is that soldier droid doing? We gotta stop him now!
MC: What's gonna happen to us?
Digram: ...collision with planet or space ship unlikely, but space train will continue drifting aroubd galaxy until control is restored.
Esperdica: Also we have no guarantees the other systems won't fail either, so we better get on that.
Digram: Agreed. This way please.

The party starts to head to the engine room when they see someone by the train connection panel!
Red: Un-un-un-unable to c-c-controool actioon...
Yoshiori: Dammit, they're here too!
Esperdica: Wait, isn't that the train connection panel? What are they doing?
Digram: Alert: please stop infected units quickly due to risk of train cars disconnecting. If disconnected, Car One and its passengers will be in much more difficult to save situation.
Tabit: Fighting to stop friends!
Raizi: Yeah, time to suit up people!
MC: Let's go, execute!
Click!

Yoshiori: As guard, I'm taking point! Back me up, people!
Digram: Understood. Rapid removal of obstructions, commence. Please brace for impact.
Esperdica: Coffee is the scent of peace. Let's stop them, Tabit.
Tabit: Protect! Commence pacification. MC, your orders!
BATTLE START

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Live A Hero The Star Ocean Cruise Train Episode 5 (Abridged)

Raizi: Bored now. Perdy, take this VP and make them stop.
Esperdica: Okay.
Yellow: P-p-pleasewatchyooorfeeet anderrorror
Raizi: Left kick incoming!
Esperdica: Jumping!
Esperdica evades and gets behind the droids!

Raizi: Do it!
Esperdica: Robots CAN smell. Smell this! Super Coffee Roaster, go!
Lots of coffee smoke! The droids slow down!

Raizi: MC, your turn!
MC: Got it! / Digram! / Yoshiori!
(B) Digram: Acknowledged.
(C) Yoshiori: I got this!

Yoshiori: Digram, take the left one!
Digram: Understood.
Yoshiori and Digram charge!

Digram: All passengers, please get behind me for your safety. Deploying super move! Removal "Out of Whiteline"!
Yoshiori: No mercy! Defense "Operation Regain"!
Yoshiori and Digram fire!

Red: U-u-unab-b-ble to control at-t-t-tack--
Boom. The droids are down.

Raizi: ...okay they stopped. Perdy, are they okay like this?
Esperdica: Yes, they ran out of power like those other ones did. It was a violent method of stopping them, but that was our only option...
MC: Good work people! Hero mode, off.

Yoshiori: Geez, we still don't know what's going on. Guys, let's tie the droids up and stick them away somewhere.
Esperdica: Right, we should contact the other workers.
Digram: I can do that. But first, may I investigate them?
Yoshiori: Oh right, you're the only one here who might know anything about mechs...
Raizi: You can figure stuff out even with them off like that?
Digram: Only one way to find out. (scans)
Esperdica: How about a coffee break again? Have a seat.
Raizi: Cool, thanks. Gotta build up my focus guage again.
Yoshiori: Not like we can do anything else, so okay.

Yoshiori: ...so Raizi, Esperdica. You guys vibe pretty well together. I know how hard that is from boot camp.
Esperdica: Thank you. We pair up a lot in our agency. Also I've known Raizi long enough that I can read his mind.
Raizi: U-uh, you joke but you don't make it sound like one.
Esperdica: Am I? Well I need to have a discerning eye like you do too.
Esperdica pulls out coffee beans and a grinder out of hammerspace and starts making coffee.

MC: Raizi, you're so observant and your concentration is amazing!
Raizi: Thanks. Part of the gambler job, I guess. Anything to increase your odds.
Yoshiori: What do you even do though?
Raizi: (fiddles with dice) Nothing special. Just watch and think. Hmm, remember the dice game I was playing in Procy's bar? We were guessing what we'd roll. Wanna guess how I won all those times?
MC: Observer Powers? / Body reading? / dunno
(A) Raizi: That'd be cheating and parallel worlds aren't THAT close. Also I don't like games I can't lose.
(B) Raizi: Wow you could be a great gambler, MC. Wanna play? Oh wait, not now. But think about how I kept winning that game.

Raizi: Remember the wolf guy I played against? He kept sliding aside when rolling, which cuts down on what the final result becomes. I just had to keep track of what was face up when he grabbed the dice first.
Yoshiori: Oh. I KNEW it wasn't just dumb luck.
Raizi: It doesn't work all the time, but that wolf guy was too easy to read.
Yoshiori sighs. Esperdica brings coffee.

Esperdica: So how is Gambling 101 with Raizi? It could help a lot with your life even if you can't use it all right away. I learned how to read people's coffee preferences that way. Speaking of, here you go.
Esperdica: (grabs mug) And one for you, Digram. Enjoy.
Raizi: Thanks Perdy.

Esperdica smiles, then turns to Digram.
Raizi: Smells good. Relaxing.
Yoshiori: Mine too. How'd he get so good at making coffee? I can't get a read on him.
Raizi: He's just like that, please understand. He's even more like what with people he likes. Anyways, how about some small talk? Any questions for me, MC?
MC: Why are you a gambler? / Tell me about your sordid past / What's your relationship with Esperdica?
(A) Raizi: I mean, I can tell you but it's not THAT interesting. But if you still wanna know...
(B) Raizi: You mean the ghost thing? Couldn't you have picked something lighter...? Well I do owe you for everything Yoshiori said, so okay.
(C) Raizi: Wow I didn't think you'd care so much. I'll have to get into my backstory first.

Raizi: Sooo I've always had Observer powers since I was young. I could see things people couldn't and sense things that weren't supposed to be there, so everyone treated me like a creep. I was a slum kid by the time I started remembering things, but don't ask how I got there. And then this one guy took me in.
Flashback!
Scary Man: ...you alive kid?
Raizi: ...who?
Scary Man: Oh you are. Eat this, you're gonna cramp my day if you bite the dust in front of my home.
Scary Man offers crappy bread. Still the best thing ever for Raizi as he proceeds to choke on it, prompting Scary Man to sigh and give him water too.

Scary Man: Ugh, slow down. You have a home? ...or family?
Raizi shakes his head.

Scary Man: Oh. Shit. Okay, come along or get lost.
Raizi: R-really? W-wait!

Raizi (narrating): That guy basically adopted me, giving me food and board and taught me how to gamble. He's also the one who named me Raizi, so I wanted to grow up quick and pay him back.
Scary Man: A live-in job at an Observer research lab?
Raizi: They're looking into Observer abilities. That's what my powers are, right? I can pay you back if I go.
Scary Man: Raizi, remember you aren't a kid no more so--
Raizi: Take no shit, right? I can take care of myself.
Scary Man: ...alright, if you're sure.
Raizi: I swear to pay you back.

Present
Raizi: In hindsight, he suspected something was off. Offer was too good to be true for a slum kid, and lots of people hated Observers around there. And he was right. The lab WAS researching Observers, but they were assholes.
He seems upset now.

Raizi: They weren't like real scientists if you know what I mean. They just wanted to use us to prove their beliefs about the afterlife, souls, and what happens to souls of people vored by Monsters. They chained us up and showed us snuff videos, wanting us to see parallel worlds from that.
MC: oof...
Raizi is grabbing his arms hard and looks up when MC says something.

Raizi: ...they wanted us to see the afterlife as their first goal. I saw something the others didn't, which is a thing that happens for some reason. The lab jerks thought that was good and said I had the eyes of truth or some junk, even though it didn't prove anything. I didn't even know what I was looking at, and I still don't. But...I don't want to see any of it anymore.
Yoshiori: Well damn. How'd you get out? (puts down coffee)
Raizi: I snuck out an exhaust port with just the clothes on my back. I got back near my old slum home, but the lab jerks were already there.

Flashback!
Scary Man: Kid's gone, sucks to be you. Now get out, because no one ever comes back here.
Present
Raizi: I knew that meant he was covering for me and to get out myself. He taught me the gambling basics, so he probably knew I was there. (sighs)
Raizi: ...then I started bumming around towns and forgot how to get back. But life is hard for a bum and I eventually crapped out after using up all my food and savings.
Esperdica: Hmm, this sounds familiar. (sneaks up from behind Raizi)
Yoshiori: Where'd you come from!?
Raizi: Could you not? Man Perdy, you have gotten better at the presence concealment thing.
MC: Hi Esperdica and Digram.

Esperdica: Excuse me. I figured you'd want refills right about now, and Digram's done with his checks and wanted to take a break.
Digram: Thank you Esperdica, and excuse me for interrupting. I will give my results after my break.
Esperdica: Um, you can relax okay?
Digram: Understood. Break mode activate. This coffee is lovely, please continue. (sits down and smells coffee)
Esperdica: Please enjoy. Now why don't I pick up on this personal history flashback? (sips coffee and looks aside at Raizi)
Raizi: Sure, that'd be better for everyone.
Esperdica: ...oh I see. Okay, you were at Raizi's homeless bum part? (clears throat)
Esperdica: So, one winter day I was coming home from work when on the way I found Raizi buried in the snow...
Raizi: !!

Title Card: Fight Against the Sheer Cold

Raizi: Ohmygod Perdy shut up
MC: did he die
Esperdica: It was rather alarming, but his first words to me was "food pls"
Yoshiori: That's it? Well, I mean except for the out cold in the snow bit.
Raizi: Okay yeah I was that hungry and Perdy helped me. It was a crazy time but he helped me.
Esperdica: Indeed, he helped me too. (smiles at Raizi shrugging)
Digram: ? Requesting clarification. Was Raizi not the assisted party here?
Esperdica: Oh, right. I was feeling lost at that point in life. Stay in a stable insurance job or jump ship and risk opening up the cafe of my dreams? I mean service work is hard, but I just wasn't brave enough to weigh the pros and cons yet. And no one was supportive of me trying to go into cafe business. Couldn't decide, and then I met Raizi. (lowers eyes) He inhaled my food, looked awkward, then stared at me before struggling to say...
Raizi: ...I saw him working in a cafe.
MC: Oh / His power, huh? / Why was it a struggle?
(C) Raizi: I barely got away from the lab jerks by then and it'd be weird to bring it up since Perdy hadn't yet. Also I was a little afraid to say anything about it at all.

Esperdica: It was such a surprise, especially since I never brought up my cafe dream to him. But then he talked about the lab and his abilities, and he saw me in a parallel world as a barista hero with my own place.
Yoshiori: ...and that's when you believed him?
Esperdica: Yes. I'm also quite attentive towards people and I knew about Observers. Also...
Flashback!
Esperdica: Oh, so that's one possibility for me?
Raizi: Yeah, out of all the other Esperdicas I see. Not that the rest are mistakes. You decide how to play your hand. I just make your ideals even a little bit more likely, to borrow someone else's words. (smiles a little)
Raizi: Gamblers gotta be confident to win and never stop going for everything you want. That's what I was taught.
Esperdica: !?
Esperdica: ...that's wonderful.

Present
Esperdica: And that's what convinced me to go be a hero and barista with my own cafe. That was rather long winded of me, hehe. (sighs as his tail wags slightly)
Esperdica: I stuck my nose into Raizi's business until he got onto his feet, then worked things out with my old job before jumping tracks and apprenticing in coffee.
MC: what a dramatic meeting
Raizi: Uh, could you stop sounding like you're enjoying it all so much when talking about how I was then?
Esperdica: (smiles) I'm kidding. That enough for our backstory presentation?
Raizi: Y-yeah, good enough.
Yoshiori: Yeah, sort of. I guess. You two knew each other a long time, got it.
Raizi: Right, let's stop there before Esperdica goes full soap opera and makes me sound like a total loser.
Esperdica: Aww, I'm hurt you'd say that. But okay, that's enough then.

Esperdica: Ahem. Everyone's about done with coffee, so it's about time to get back to investigating I suppose?
MC: Thanks for telling us your backstories!
Digram: Yes, very insightful. Thank you very much.
Esperdica: Great. Next time will be your turn, Digram.
Digram: Acknowledged. Backstory presentation directive order to be fulfilled on my next break.
Esperdica: Um, it's just a friendly request instead of a formal order. But yes, thank you.
Digram: Very well then. Reinitializing work mode. Shall I proceed with my research results on the android soldiers?
MC: Yes please.

Digram: (nods) Detailed system check unavailable due to droid shutdown, but data logs have heavy volumes of error messages.
MC: ...they're bugging out?
Yoshiori: a what log
Digram: System record of actions taken. Literally everything they tried to do resulted in an error message. It is possible the soldiers have been hacked somehow.
Raizi: Huh. Who then?
Digram: No search results found. Details require reboot.
Esperdica: Hmm. So all we know is that the soldiers aren't doing this because they want to.
Yoshiori: And we still haven't disproven the existence of the zombie ghosts people started yelling about when the droids went buggy. They might still be here... (looks around)

Raizi: U-uh, could you stop? You're making me uncomfortable.
Yoshiori: But it's true. We have ta catch one to figure out if they're real or not.
Raizi: Them being real would SUCK though! The cause being "not zombie ghosts" is good enough for me and--AAH
Raizi's phone starts making noise!

Raizi: HELP
Yoshiori: GET OFF ME
Raizi: POLTERGEIST
Esperdica: Calm down you two, my phone is making noise too. This seems familiar...
MC: My phone isn't working either...wait, this is like before!

Digram: MC, Raizi, jamming signals detected. Same frequency as used by the droid soldi--
SLAM
Green: P-p-please becaref-f-ful ofthe d-d-d-doooor
Esperdica: Raizi, it's the soldiers and not some zombie ghost! Transform us!
Raizi: O-oh, good.
Yoshiori: Wait, there's more soldiers than before! MC, transform me too.
MC: That function still works! Execute!
The party suits up!

Green: P-p-pleeeease r-r-r-ruuuunnnn
Yoshiori: I don't SEE any hackers around or anything. Well we gotta stop these guys first anyways so...
Digram: Scanning is possible if performed before forced shutdown. However, projected success rate due to stalling combat and necessary blocking of attacks is at 5%.
Esperdica: That's dangerous. But first, we need to stop them before they hurt anyone since we have no healers. Raizi, your orders!
Raizi: R-right. Let's do this MC.
MC: Okay. Wave battle, ride on!
Raizi: AAAAAAAA
MC: WAIT WHAT
Yoshiori: R-Raizi, what's going on!?

Raizi: ZOMBIE GHOST LEAVE THIS PLACE
Raizi points over. There is definitely some humanoid shade over there.

Yoshiori: OH GOD ZOMBIE GHOST
Esperdica: What!? Wait, calm down you two!
MC: Wait, that's no zombie ghost!
The shadow seems to be solidifying.

Esperdica: That's a body! Wait, he's...!
Look, it's Tabit!

Tabit: Enemy confirmed. Order: protect friend! Wait! Digram! Mech life form! Why!? No mercy!
Yoshiori: It's him! Wait, he's coming to attack!
Esperdica: Well he's in no state to listen! Raizi, can you do it!?
Raizi: Y-yeah, I can work through it!
Digram: Him! MC, your orders! Prioritizing pacification. Simulation run projects eleven minute and twenty eight second delay.
MC: Right, get ready to fight! Let's go!
BATTLE START

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Live A Hero The Star Ocean Cruise Train Episode 4 (Abridged)

Yoshiori is staring at MC as the party investigates.
Yoshiori: (stares)
Flashback MC: Thanks Yoshiori!
Yoshiori: (stares)
Flashback MC: You were so cool!
Yoshiori: (blushes)
Digram: Query: is something wrong, Yoshiori?
Yoshiori: wait what no. everything's cool
MC: You okay?
Yoshiori: I said I'm fine! Just...thinking about old stuff. I thought I forgot about all that.

At least ten years ago, socialite party.
Butler: Master Yoshiori, your father is calling.
Yoshiori: 'kay I'll be there.
Butler: Understood. Shall I accompany you?
Yoshiori: Ugh no, I'm not a kid anymore.
Butler: Beg pardon. Please come when it's time to greet everyone. (bows and leaves)
Yoshiori: I said I'm not a kid anymore! God!
Yoshiori pulls at his collar, then goes to the party filled with businessmen and politicians.

Yoshiori: Guess I better greet the guest of honor. Hope Father greeted him no problem.

Plot twist!
Terrorist: Eat shit old man! AAAAAA
Window crash! Nameless mob charges at politician conveniently standing next to Yoshiori with a knife!
Yoshiori: WAIT WHAT
Chaos and panic! A bodyguard jumps in ahead of Nameless Mob and shoots out the knife! Then more guards dogpile Nameless Mob!

Bodyguard: Are you okay, Sir?
Yoshiori: Y-yeah, thanks. Whoa...
That dude is so brave and strong.

Yoshiori: He's so cool! I wanna be like a bodyguard too!

Yoshiori wanted to be a badass, strong enough to protect the people he loves! His parents were opposed, but he got past that and joined the army! And in the army, he started training to get beefy for his dream job
Later

Sergeant I Guess: Yoshiori Underwood. I've heard about how much you've been excelling.
Yoshiori: Thank you sir!
Sergeant or Something: Everyone's been thinking you bought your way in, but this meeting is to get on record that you made actual achievements. You've officially made it into the special forces!
Yoshiori: Yes sir, thank you sir!
And that's how Yoshiori became a super badass soldier.

Later
Yoshiori trained so hard as a special forces soldier he started bleeding! And he kicked ass in all sorts of battles, sometimes with tactical maneuvers and sometimes with kicking down the door with guns blazing.

Yoshiori: (frowns)
Super Soldier: Operation complete, all enemies subjugated. Good job Yoshiori.
Yoshiori: R-right. Now to do all the after battle reports and junk.
Super Soldier: ...why do you seem so down after doing so good?
Yoshiori: Nothing... Hey, are the things we're doing--
Is Yoshiori getting closer to being an awesome badass like this? Suddenly something warps in behind Super Soldier!
Yoshiori: Look out!
Monster: REEEE

Super Soldier: (pushed aside) Yoshiori!?
Yoshiori is off balance and the Monster attacks!

Yoshiori: Like hell I'll be done in here!
Yoshiori regains his footing, opens fire with an SMG, and throws a grenade!

Yoshiori: Dude, you okay!? We gotta get outta here while all that firepower's stunned the Monster!
Lots of smoke up as Yoshiori runs towards Super Soldier.

Monster: REEEE
Yoshiori: OH NO
Yoshiori is caught!

Super Soldier: Hang on, I'll get back up! Radio, we need reinforcements! Monster attack!
Yoshiori: Let go, you fu--
Yoshiori got thrown into the Monster's mouth!

Super Soldier: I need a hero! ...Yoshiori? Who is that? Whatever, HELP ME!
Inside the Monster

Yoshiori: why was I fighting here again? Oh yeah, I wanted to be a badass who could protect the people I love... this sucks. What was it I wanted to do again...?
Yoshiori is falling apart...

Yoshiori: What was my dream...? Oh whatever... I'm disappearing anyways.

Title Card: Where Did He Go?

Present
Back to investigating for sus people!

Esperdica: ...nothing new seems to be happening. We should go talk to that one soldier man then, if we ever find him.
Digram: Esperdica, this car is bigger than the others. Can you describe what you saw so we can save time?
Esperdica: Okay, thank you.
MC: Yeah I saw some soldier looking guy too.
Digram is filled in.

Digram: Understood. Work terminal needed for passenger database lookup. One moment while I go cross reference for the described man.
Yoshiori: Cool, thanks.
Digram walks off.

Raizi: ...so can I change the subject in the meantime to look into something else? (turns to Yoshiori and MC, hand on chin)
Raizi: I got questions if you don't mind. How do you guys know Exio?
Yoshiori: ...uh, what does that matter?
Esperdica: Raizi, rude.
Raizi: Oh, sorry. I just needed to know. (looks at Yoshiori and MC again)
Raizi: So I told you Exio tried to recruit me before, right? I sensed ulterior motives and wanted to know about that.
Yoshiori: ...you calling Exio sus?
Raizi: ...kinda. Call it intuition.
Yoshiori: What kind of asshole questions people on just that?
Such silence. Well, aside from the mall/elevator muzak.

MC: Yoshiori, calm down / No fighting! / Why do you think that, Raizi?

Raizi: ...sorry, I worded that badly. It's too much to expect answers without explaining my own side of things, huh? So Yoshiori, you've known Exio for a long time?
Yoshiori: (stares)
Raizi: I can observe parallel worlds and see alternate versions of you guys. You believe that, right?
Yoshiori: ...don't all Observers do that?
Esperdica: Raizi, are you sure you want to reveal that?
Raizi: It's cool. You brought them here, and my gut says they're waiting to make a bet. I don't want to look away at things I've seen.
Esperdica: Oh...

Raizi: ...so Observers can see the possibilities of parallel worlds, but each Observer sees them differently. Sometimes it's an image thing, but for me, I can see these other parallel worlds themselves. I say that, but it's mostly a special world. Sometimes their thinking patterns and dreams are totally different. And sometimes I see part of those worlds overlap here or something.
Raizi seems proud. Yoshiori and MC look at each other.

Raizi: When I met Exio, I could see that he uses his Observer powers differently. If I'm right...I think Exio can mess with other people's minds. I don't know how though. Hypnotism or whatever? But I turned him down in case he tried doing it to me.
Yoshiori looks surprised then awkward. Raizi might be right.

MC: what

Raizi: This is all conjecture still. He just publically introduced himself as a massage therapist.
Yoshiori: ...so why are we talking about him? He's not here, he can't be behind this zombie ghost claptrap.
Raizi: I talked about all this because I wanted to check a connection with that other world I saw. I'm betting you guys aren't up to anything, so I want you guys to tell me how you're connected to Exio. When I met him, I saw that he was alone in a world gone mad. I want to know whether you guys are connected to that world.
Yoshiori: wait what
Raizi: (stares)
Yoshiori: He doesn't care about a crazy world or whatever you're talking about.
Raizi: What do you mean?
Yoshiori: You said he was alone there? I've done enough dirty work that it's weird I've gone legit, and people usually don't bother involving themselves with that sort. But Exio did everything he could to help me with nothing in it for himself. So if Exio is in a world all by himself, then he wasn't there by choice.
MC: I think it's okay to believe in him / Yoshiori... / (stares)

Yoshiori: A Monster vored me, but a hero saved me at the last second. I still got damaged by it, and nobody in the army or my family remembers me now. It SUCKS to not have a home or future, but then Exio found me and hired me as a bodyguard. (crosses arms as if he wasn't already)
Yoshiori: Exio gave me a home, even with me being almost a ghost that no one can see. He picked up Melide and Monomasa too, other people with no homes... I think he just couldn't leave us alone.
Raizi: Oh...
Yoshiori: I don't give a shit about what you saw. I don't have anything against you, but I WILL fight you if you go up against Exio. (glares)

Raizi: ...okay, I trust you guys. At the very least, I don't think you guys are willingly involved in all that.
Yoshiori: Ugh, can you talk about something more concrete already?
Raizi: Being roundabout is the only way I know how to talk. But you guys should be a little concerned at least.
Yoshiori: Yeah, 'cuz I'm Exio's bodyguard.
Yoshiori seems done with this. Not as mad as earlier though.

Yoshiori: I guess my dream came true a little bit.
Nobody hears.
Esperdica: I'm sorry Yoshiori, Raizi didn't mean anything bad by that.
Yoshiori: I know, god...don't make me say that since that's not like me.
MC: tee hee, oh you
Yoshiori: SHUT UP

Digram's back!
Digram: Thank you for waiting. No matches found in the search results.
Esperdica: Oh...we'll just have to keep talking to people.
Digram: Wait, no matches were found among the passengers, but there's still someone on board who fit the description. I will--
Hey, something's up with the guards nearby.

Yellow: A928, can you reach C615? He went radio silent.
Green: No. I'm worried about D877 since he had an emergency shutdown. Boss is investigating, and we're ordered to continue the mission.
Yellow: Maybe we should check his direct unit address. It should work if he's still in the same train car.
Green: Yeah, maybe something happened to him.

Raizi: ...guys, something's up with the guards. Are they androids? Maybe they know something about that soldier guy.
Digram: Scanning... Raizi, your appraisal is correct. They are machine life forms.
Esperdica: Let's go talk to them then.
MC: Excuse me, can we talk?
Yellow: H-h-h-helloooERRORERRORERROR
Green: b-b-b-beepboopAndroid.exehasencounteredanerrorororo
Yellow and Green have suited up!

Yoshiori: (pulls MC behind him) GET DOWN
Yoshiori rolls away with MC! The droid mobs shot at where MC was!

MC: WHAT / Yoshiori, are you okay!?

Yoshiori: It's that other soldier guy all over again! You guys okay!?
Raizi: Yeah I'm good. This is what you meant about the soldier guards flipping out? Yeah we gotta check this out. Looks like this ISN'T a zombie ghost thing.
Digram: Esperdica, Raizi, emergency alert. We must respond quickly.
Raizi: Well we better even the odds first. Ready?
Esperdica: Yes. We probably won't be able to talk them down, so we need to subdue them with force.
Raizi contracts Esperdica and Digram, then transforms them!

Digram: TransSaver mode on. I will remove all railroad obstacles and preserve safety.
Esperdica: Raizi, operate us while keeping an eye on things! Prioritize evacuating the passengers!
Raizi: Right, we got a game to win!
The three get ready to fight!

MC: Yoshiori, we gotta fight too!
Yoshiori: Ri--wait, some jackass didn't get away!
Yoshiori runs over to someone who got knocked over by running crowds!

Some Lady Apparently: ow my leg what
The droids jitter and point their guns at Some Kid!

Yoshiori: GET DOWN DAMMIT
MC: Get down!
Some Lady Apparently: UHHHH okay! (does so)
Yoshiori: Okay I got this MC! Step back and transform me!
MC turns to their phone. It has a new message!

Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Yoshiori. Connectivity: Very High

MC: (gasp!) Wait, gotta focus now!
Click!
Yoshiori: WHAT
Ta-da! Bodyguard Yoshiori!

Yoshiori: ...well alrighty then, let's test this baby out!
Yoshiori shoots at the droids! Their shots collide with his and blow up, which leaves Some Lady okay!

Yoshiori: Whew, barely made it. Anyways, haven't I seen this outfit somewhere before? Oh right, it looks a lot like that one bodyguard from back then when I was a kid. (gasp!) Oh yeah, this is what I wanted to be when I joined the army! Awesome!
MC runs over.

MC: You got a variant! / Your suit looks so cool!
(B) Yoshiori: O-oh, that's good then...

Yoshiori: Damn MC, you really pulled this out of your hat. Exio told me most Observers can't transform me since I'm half retgone, so it's insane that you can. Then again, whatever helps me fight! And a pistol is way better inside here than my usual guns!
Yoshiori twirls his gun and gets ready to fight.

Some Lady Apparently: Whoa... you saved me?
MC: You okay? They're about to fight, so we should step away. (extends hand)
Some Lady Apparently: T-thank you for saving me...
MC: Not me. This badass bodyguard did.
Yoshiori: !!
Some Lady Apparently: Oh okay. Who though? I don't see anyone like that. But could you tell him I said thank you?

Yoshiori (narrating): You know, I never noticed that bodyguard until he moved to act back then. But I'm okay with being that way too. No one can touch or see me, but my dream can still come true huh?
MC: Sure! He might hear you anyways.
Yoshiori: (blushes)
MC leads the lady away and looks at Yoshiori. He looks awkward.

Yoshiori: Heh, I almost got erased from the world, and look at me now. Can't go looking bad now, even if most people can't see me! (cocks gun)
Raizi: You two good?
Esperdica: All passengers have been safely evacuated. Oh wait, Yoshiori! Your suit! So this is that rumored variant transformation...
Yoshiori: Kickass, huh? Can't flaunt it now though.
Droid: beepbooperrrrorrrrr
Digram: Alert: high energy detected. MC, Raizi, your orders.
Raizi: Right, we better get to it. MC, I'll work with your directing.
MC: Got it. Knock out mode time!
Esperdica: Time to work my aroma magic again.
Yoshiori: New suit trial time!
BATTLE START

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Live A Hero The Star Ocean Cruise Train Episode 3 (Abridged)

The party is moving onto the next train car.
Esperdica: Next up, the train car with the casino, gym, a pool, and other entertainment facilities.
Yoshiori: how goddamn big is this space train ship
Esperdica: Big enough to accompany diverse cultural amusements. Maybe you can check it out after we're all done.
Yoshiori: Eh, maybe. You interested in anything? (crosses arms as though he's not doing that already)
MC: I like to move it! / I wanna sit down and relax / Any multiplayer games?
(A) Esperdica: I'm sure you'll find something.
(B) Yoshiori: Doing nothing when there's a ton you can do is a flex. But then again we've also been hella busy lately.
(C) Esperdica: You can look for something you'll like then.

Yoshiori: Esperdica, you sure your friend won't have left the casino by the time we get there?
Esperdica: Yes, it's all a gambler like him cares about. It's what got him interested in boarding. He'll be there all day, so we'll see him there eventually.
MC: ...wait.
Plot twist!

???: AAAAAA
Yoshiori: Oh god what now!?
Esperdica: It came from the casino! Let's go!
Tabit comes running from the other direction holding a droid in his arms!

Yoshiori: Hey wait wasn't that another of the guard droids?
Esperdica: Are others going haywire too if he was carried like that? Maybe he's trying to stop them too.
Yoshiori: So that guy's a hero?
Esperdica: I don't know. Let's hurry! Through that door!

Yoshiori kicks open the door!
Esperdica: Is everyone okay!?
Raizi: OH GOD HELP (flings everything in reach)
MC: It's that guy from Procy's bar, Raizi!
Esperdica: Raizi, calm down!
Yoshiori: It's that one gambler! (bonk) Ow, stop knocking shit over!
Raizi causes a standing floor light to fall towards MC!

MC: OH NO
Yoshiori: Ugh FINE! Bodyguard Bl--OOF THAT'S HEAVY
MC: T-thanks Yoshiori / Y-you okay!?

Yoshiori: UGH (throws light aside) You okay? Stay behind me. Esperdica, your friend better not be this asshole!
Esperdica: O-oh, he is. Panicking as he is, but yes...
Raizi is rolling around with his eyes shut. Someone hears and runs in.

Digram: Query: strange noise detected, information on nature of source requested.
MC: Digram! / U-uh, is this our fault?
Digram: Verifying... insufficient data. MC, situation report requested.
Esperdica: Raizi, stop that this instant!
Raizi: (looks up) P-Perdy? W-what--no wait, there was a GHOST!
Yoshiori and Esperdica: !?

Title Card: It was Something like a Ghost

Train car #2. Guests are moved elsewhere, employees are cleaning up, and Esperdica is making coffee.
Esperdica: Your favorite blend. You calmed down now?
Raizi is wrapped up in a blanket.

Raizi: ...thanks. Sorry about earlier, guys.
Yoshiori: Ugh, getting hit by a lamp hurts like hell.
Raizi: Yeah, my bad. And sorry, conductor guy.
Digram: No worries. Stella Campanella is proceeding as scheduled. Please call me Digram.
Raizi: Oh, thanks Digram. I'm Raizi.

Yoshiori: ...you're that dude from Procy's bar. I'm Yoshiori.
Raizi: Oh yeah, you were with Exio. We didn't really talk to each other then, huh?
MC: I'm MC, nice to meet you.
Raizi: Cool. So why you guys with Perdy?
Esperdica: We came to ask you for Observer help. But drink coffee first, then tell us what happened next. Coffee for everyone! Digram, coffee?
Digram: Politely decline. I abstain from food and drink while on the job, but thank you. It smells good.
Esperdica: Yes, coffee aromas are relaxing. Well, on your break time then.
Raizi: Thanks...yep, that's the good taste only you can bring out. I feel better now.
MC: Coffee! / Ooh, warm and relaxing / Oof I don't like bitter
(C) Esperdica: No worries, I made you a cafe latte with milk and sugar.

Yoshiori: Now we can actually sit and taste the coffee for real. Ooh, nice.
Esperdica: I cooled yours down for you. If you like it, I'm happy.
Coffee break!

Digram: ...Raizi, situation report please.
Raizi: Oh right. Uh, I think I saw a ghost or something. I'd be screwed anyways if I was alone against a Monster or villain, but this just hits my weakness.
Esperdica gasps softly. Yoshiori sighs loudly.

Yoshiori: Aww man, really? That can't be.
Raizi: ...I'll tell you what I saw. So I was playing roulette and betting big when that lady and her kid came in. Apparently I was sitting next to the dad of that family. Then the kid started yelling about zombie ghosts. I whipped my head back so fast but nothing was there! I went to close the door, but then I saw someone past some frosted glass disappear. I don't remember what happened after that.

Raizi sighs and looks outside. Nothing seems wrong.
Raizi: Come to think of it, he didn't SEEM like a ghost somehow. He sorta fell apart and disappeared or something.
Yoshiori: Dude, creepy.
Raizi: Yeah. No bad vibes though, but zombie ghost talk made me panic around the time you guys came in.
Digram: (nods) Understood. Thank you, information is now being shared with other employees.
Yoshiori: Hold on, aren't we still missing something? No one got a good look at whatever.
Digram: Affirmative, but it is possible this incident may impact train service. Please relax, I will solve all service disruptions.
Esperdica: ...Digram, Yoshiori, Raizi being an Observer and gambler means he has high Observation and Insight skills, so he might not be wrong about what he saw. Whether what he saw was actually a ghost or not notwithstanding.
Raizi: ...thanks Perdy. I described things as best I could even I can't word it good.
MC: I get that. Kinda hard to describe all the sensations.

Raizi: (looks at MC) Oh, you an Observer too? ...you get pulled into stuff too if you got high Observation skills?
MC: Always...you too?
Raizi: I guess... everything's always kicking you down when you're an Observer. Just having some special power has people pushing the crap jobs onto you.
Digram: ...what? But we need Observers to even function as heroes. It's give and take for us.
Raizi: Maybe, but it's been a lot of crap for me. It's like getting stuck in a rigged game and it sucks!
Yoshiori: By the way, how do you know Procy and Exio?
MC: Hmm, Exio eh? / Oh yeah you asked Exio that too. / Aww, he didn't tell you?
(AB) Yoshiori: W-what? It just bothers me to not know.
(C) Yoshiori: SHUT UP I will throw hands, don't test me!

Esperdica: Oh I can answer that. Back then, I went to ask Procy-senpai in Independent Heroes about going about getting my own cafe. He has a bar, but he taught me a lot about owning a place.
Yoshiori: Oh, small galaxy.
Esperdica: Indeed. I was surprised to hear you talk about Procy. Anyways, I met Raizi about then. I saw his Observer nature and had him hired on. (winks)
Raizi: (sighs) Yeah that sounds nice, but it was a lot of questioning about my living conditions. And somehow Procy leveraged that to get me recommended as a hero agency Operator. After that, Exio and Melide contacted me asking me for help, though I didn't get details. I said no and never saw them again until the other day.
Yoshiori: Oh. When did this ever happen that I wasn't there?
MC: Raizi, do you mind if I ask why you don't like ghosts?

Esperdica: Oh. MC, could you save it for another time?
Raizi: No, it's cool. I did flip my lid and hurt Yoshiori because of it. And of course they'd want to know. Anyways...bad memories. I had to look at lots of creepy things that I physically react to it now.
His voice is shaking.
Yoshiori: ...I'm sorta like a ghost. Aren't you afraid of me?
Raizi: Wait what? You look totally fine.
Yoshiori holds his arm out.

Raizi: ...oh. You got eaten once?
Yoshiori: ...yeah. Normal people can't see or touch me. So aren't I like a ghost?
Raizi: ...I've seen people like you in the past. You aren't a ghost. Or at least, you're not like what I had to see, so I'm not afraid. You're totally part of this world, just Monster scarred.
Yoshiori: ...totally, huh? (stares at arm)

Raizi: Anyways, my memories involving ghosts are no bueno and my body reacts accordingly.
Digram: Raizi, I have looked up how ghosts might occur, but nothing fitting such criteria is on this train spaceship.
Raizi: Oh my god don't tell me that so bluntly! I don't WANT to think that this is ghost nonsense happening.
Esperdica: Aww Digram, are you worried for him? If we figured out what's really happening, we could declare it's not really a ghost that's around.
Raizi: (awkwardly puts down empty mug) ...r-right. I'll go with you guys since I can't really play with all this noise happening anyway. Why not use my gambler skills to figure things out?
Yoshiori: Whoa whoa whoa, we're investigating the android soldiers. The ghost thing is a side thing that we don't even know is relevent yet.

Raizi: ...something else is going on?
Esperdica: Yes, a soldier suddenly went on a rampage for some reason... (looks around at train workers)
Esperdica: We wanted to ask you for help in figuring out that problem. Or even get a hint towards doing so.
MC: what
Raizi: Oh, okay. MC, I dunno how good your eye is, but Observers are all different in how strong they are, what they can do, and what worlds they can see. Some have their own powers and do things besides transforming heroes. Haven't you seen something like that before, MC?
MC thinks of Melide and Exio.

MC: ...yeah.

Raizi: ...oh right you know Exio. So yeah, let's just say I know a secret move myself.
Yoshiori: (stares)
Raizi: So Perdy, you wanted me to look at the guard?
Esperdica: (nods) Yes, this doesn't seem like terrorism or violent crime. Something must have happened.
Digram: Concurred. But the unit in question is currently out of power. I have offered to investigate as another machine life form, but doing so requires repowering him.
Esperdica: ...oh, then we need to wait for him to come back online first.
Digram: Affirmative. You are all investigating that case.
Yoshiori: Not that we found out anything yet.
Digram: Hmm. Could this be Tronesion's...?
MC: Digram? Something wrong?

Digram: ...no. Requesting permission to join your party. On-train investigation should make joint activity possible. Additionally, I cannot allow you all as guests to be exposed to danger.
Raizi: Oh yeah that reminds me. That kid earlier seemed really afraid of the train guards. I just thought it was because they're big, tall scary security guards, but maybe there's something there?
Yoshiori: Yeah, they're droid soldiers too. They've been in war, and civvies tend to stay away from war veterans...oh wait right, what about that other guy we saw earlier? Did he flip out and rampage too?
Digram: No such report was found. You saw a soldier?
Esperdica: Yes, we passed a soldier carrying a man by the casino entrance. I assumed something had happened around here.
Raizi: Just yelling about zombies and ghosts. I didn't know anything about rampaging droids...so who was the mystery man then?
...

Yoshiori: How's all this connected?
Digram: Proposal: what if we investigate nearby? We can gather information and handle any irregularities we discover.
MC: Okay. Hopefully it's nothing! / Thanks for the idea, Digram.
(C) Digram: Oh I am just suggesting things based on priorities. But thank you.

Digram: I will go on ahead. Please watch your feet, everyone.
Digram bows to the party and walks to the entrance. Raizi and Esperdica follow. Then MC and Yoshiori.

MC: Hey Yoshiori! Thanks for earlier.
Yoshiori: W-what are you smiling for? Are you up to something? Well that lamp was probably too heavy for you, no need to thank me again. And I'm supposed to be guarding you.
MC: I guess, but still you helped me!
MC smiles.

Yoshiori: O-okay, cool. I just acted without thinking in the moment.
MC: Just like a bodyguard! You were so cool!
Yoshiori flashes back!

Why Is Yoshiori's Name Hidden Here: Bodyguards are so cool!
Present
Yoshiori: ...I wasn't doing it for you. It ain't no big thing, doing my job. You getting hurt is a problem for me too, so look out. Geez.
Digivice sounds

MC: wait what
Yoshiori: Whatever, let's go. You're on your own next time! And move your ass!
MC: W-wait! / Are you being shy?
Yoshiori stomps forward. MC runs after him.

End of Episode

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Live A Hero The Star Ocean Cruise Train Episode 2 (Abridged)

Somewhere on the train
Lady: Excuse me?
Droid: Yes miss?
Lady: I lost my son during the train tour...
Droid: Okay, we'll go look. Let me contact my coworkers.
Lady: Oh, no headset? So are you from Tronesion?
Droid: Yes. Please give us a moment to look.
Lady: Okay, thank you.

Engine Room
Boy: Wooow, the engine is sooo cool! I wanna look closer!
Pretty shining engine in use.

Red: Okay, I'll contact you if I find him. (walks in)
Red: Hmm...?
The boy is reaching out for the engine!

Red: NO STOP (runs and pulls kid back)
Boy: O-oh, I'm sorr--
Red: Get back! (accidentally touches engine pushing kid away and short circuits)
Boy: ...mister? Uhh, is he dead? What do I--
Red suddenly sits back up!

Red: Rebooting. Maintenance check. Restart--error, error. Beep boop, s-s-secur-r-r-ity wall system b-b-b-breach
Boy: UUUUHHH (runs out) ZOMBIIIIIEEE

Later
MC: Whew, finally / Cool, we're done now!
---
(A) Yoshiori: Wow you locked up for a while. But I guess that's good enough for you.
(B) Yoshiori: Ugh, you made ME nervous with how relaxed you were.
---
Yoshiori: But yeah you did good. The workers said they wanna work with us if something happens.
MC: Said Mr. Invisible / You being there made me feel better / Thanks for your advice!
(A) Yoshiori: Heh, I can't help it if normal people can't see me.
(B) Yoshiori: W-what? I didn't do anything, geez.
(C) Yoshiori: Eh, I know how these things go.

MC and Yoshiori are taking a break in the restaurant area.
Yoshiori: Damn, this is fancy. Brand name decor for this entire train? How much would a ticket be?
MC: Whoa, I guess it is first class stuff. / You can tell by looking?
Yoshiori: My old home had stuff like this everywhere, so I just picked it up. Don't really care about it anymore, but I know how relationships matter to business. I had to go on things like this before.
MC: ...are you from some big name family? / omg you're a rich kid?
(A) Yoshiori: Well we were pretty rich I guess. Not that I care about that.
(B) Yoshiori: Ugh, don't make me think about my childhood. What? Surprised?

Yoshiori: Eh, forget about it. Let's get some good grub. How about you get something too? ...ooh, order me the gelato. (points at dessert menu)
MC: Wow, you like sweets? / You liking sweets is so perfect!
---
(A) Yoshiori: What? I can like what I like. It goes with the coffee I ordered.
(B) Yoshiori: WHAT? Stop smiling at me like that!
---
MC places an order with a server.

Yoshiori: Ordering through a server is so old school. I know it's part of customer service, but it also means I can't order...
Esperdica: Hello, coffee here.
MC: Thank you. It smells nice. / Hottie!
(C) Esperdica: Oh, why thank you. It feels wrong to not say anything too, so you look quite lovely.

Esperdica: I have a fruity roast blend today. Please enjoy. (puts coffee down for MC and Yoshiori)
Yoshiori: ...wait, you can see me?
Esperdica: Y-yes? I got an order for a coffee and cafe latte. I thought it was for two?
Yoshiori: No, you're right. So are you a hero or Observer then?
Esperdica: Oh, excuse me. Today I am a barista serving coffee so that the customers serve the Tea™, and my name is Esperdica. And yes, I am also a hero. Nice to meet you.
MC: Nice to meet you, I'm MC.
Yoshiori: I'm Yoshiori. So I guess there's a bunch of heroes on board?
Esperdica: Yes, in case of Monster attacks. I was hired mainly for coffee making though, and I just happened to be a hero. Look over there.

Droids, droids everywhere.
Esperdica: They're elite soldiers. By the way...are you two with Parallel Flight?
Yoshiori: Yeah. You know about us?
Esperdica: Yes, so many rumors. It's an honor meeting you two.
Yoshiori: Wait what rumors? I can guess but still... MC aside, you actually know about me?
Esperdica: Yes, that you're the Invisible Mercenary. You're famous in our circles...oh, that's why you asked if I could see you.
MC: What rumors? Who's talking about us?
Esperdica: That's a secret. Enjoy the coffee and look at the stars.
Coffee!

Yoshiori: Right, better to have coffee while it's hot...ow, I burned myself!
Esperdica: You like black coffee? Take your time with it. And the cafe latte for MC in a moment.
Esperdica makes cafe latte art of a dog(?) for MC!

Esperdica: ...here you are. It'll collapse if you shake it hard.
MC: Yay, doggy! / It's pretty
(A) Esperdica: Dog? ...it's supposed to be a wolf. Isn't it cute?
(B) Esperdica: Thank you, it's a wolf. Bon appetit.

Noise.
Droid: Miss, we found your son! He's okay. (leads boy by hand)
Lady: Oh yes, thank you! Where'd you go, son? Say thank you to the nice robot man.
Boy: ...waaah, zombie ghost!
Lady: what? It's okay, you're okay now. Daddy went looking for you in the casino area. Let's go see him.
Boy: But I DID see a zombie ghost! I did!
Lady: I'm sorry about him, thank you all for your help.
Esperdica: ...oh, they found him.
Yoshiori: U-uh, ghost? Well I guess scared kids default to thinking everything's that.
Esperdica: Especially when they feel helpless. The train is big, easy to get lost in. Still, a ghost...? (thinks)
MC: Afraid of ghosts?
Esperdica: ...oh! No, not me. A friend is, though. I heard he's on this train. I hope he's okay. What about you two?
Yoshiori: ...n-nope! Ghosts aren't real! They can't hurt us or anyth--
MC: (poke) / (puts hand on shoulder) / (stare)
(AB) Yoshiori: AAH! ...I'll get you for this!
(C) Yoshiori: W-what? I ain't afraid, I just don't like them.

Esperdica: Well people are different. Who knows if ghosts are real, but plenty of people are afraid of them.
Yoshiori: STOP MAKING ME SOUND LIKE I'M AFRAID OF THEM!
Smash!

Esperdica: Oh, let me help clean that up. Call me if you need anything. (turns to mess maker)
Esperdica: Are you okay?
Droid: C-c-c-cup broke-ke-ke-ke-kerrorrrrr--(grabs cup shard)
Esperdica: what?
The droid swings at Esperdica!

Title Card: The Steam Whistle Tearing Through the Galaxy

Esperdica: Barista Kick! (kicks cup fragment)
Esperdica: Now what is this all about!? Oof!
Esperdica gets punched into a table! People screaming!

Yoshiori: Wait what the hell is going on!?
Esperdica: I-I don't know! He doesn't seem to be listening. All nearby staff, evacuate the guests!
Droid transforms!
Esperdica: How could this happen to a hero!? Actually we should stop him first! HQ, emergency! Transform me!
Surprise!

Esperdica: Wait, I'm being jammed!

No Observers in his agency seem to be around.
Esperdica: We need time to find the jamming source, but I have to transform to fight the droid off... Oh, MC! Can you operate for me!?
MC: Me!? / Welp, it's an emergency
Esperdica: Yes, it's awkward to ask this of a customer, but I feel better because you're an Operator with Parallel Flight. We need to stop him before he causes any more damage!
Droid approaches menacingly!

MC: Okay then, contract me!
Esperdica nods and runs over to auto-airdrop the contract!

Esperdica: Okay, contract signed. Thank you for having me.
Yoshiori: Fine, I'm in this too. We just gotta hit him until he stops moving, right? Probably gotta hit him hard.
MC: Right, let's go!
Beep. Heroes Esperdica and Yoshiori online!

Yoshiori: Let's make this quick, I got food waiting for me!
Esperdica: Thank you, you two. Your orders, MC. My Parallel Weapon's scent will stop him.
BATTLE START (more happens later)

Esperdica: Well we can't be having the hired guards upsetting the guests. Barista Kick!
Esperdica kicks the droid in the stomach! It wasn't very effective...

Esperdica: ...well then. Physical attacks work, but not well enough. Try smells then! Fragrance "Aromi Incantevole"!
Esperdica charges up his coffee roaster Parallel Weapon to flood the droid with smoke!

Droid: U-u-u-unable to control at-t-t-tack funct--(suddenly slows down)
Yoshiori: He slowed down! Eat space lead!
Bang bang bang

Droid: Beep boop, e-e-e-errorrrr... (detransforms and flumps over)
MC: Good job guys! / h-he stopped moving...
(A) Esperdica: Thank you, but...

Yoshiori and Esperdica quit out of their suits and look at the droid.
Esperdica: ...hmm. Is he out cold or...?
Yoshiori: No wait I didn't kill him! I didn't shoot him up THAT much! Uh, I can use my soldier training to check on him!
Yoshiori picks up the droid.

Yoshiori: ...wait, what? Guys, he's an android.
MC: WHAT / So like Digram?
Yoshiori: Yeah, he just shut down. Seems okay otherwise.
Esperdica: I didn't know the security guards were droids. But that explains why the jamming stopped now, but why did he go rampant?
Yoshiori: Maybe we should move him somewhere to lie down. And maybe tie him up in case he flips out again.
Esperdica: Right. And we should tell the guests the emergency is solved for now. I'll go talk to the other staff, one moment.

Esperdica makes a phone call while Yoshiori stares at the droid and talks to himself.
Yoshiori: Some dumb kid yells about zombie ghosts and now a droid goes crazy? Fishy. But what's going on...?
MC: Something up? / Yeah, weird.
Yoshiori: It ain't part of our work, but maybe keep it in mind. Prez put me in charge of your safety. Maybe nothing else will happen, but don't go sticking your nose into trouble.
Yoshiori looks around. People are coming back.

Rando A: I thought cruise trains were supposed to be safe.
Rando B: I'm glad heroes solved the problem so fast.
Rando A: I guess. But didn't the crazy man guide us in earlier? It's like he was possessed just now!
Rando B: Oh that reminds me, a little boy was yelling about ghosts and zombies. You don't think...?
Tabit sneaks around behind some frosted glass, then dissolves headfirst!

Rando A: OMG LOOK
Rando B: I-I saw him too! A disappearing man! Oh no the train is cursed!
Randos: HELP
Yoshiori: W-what!?
Esperdica: Sorry for the holdup. Did something happen for there to be more screaming?
MC: Something about zombie ghosts and disappearing men

Yoshiori: Oh god it's not just kids saying it now?
Esperdica: ...this can't be a coincidence anymore.
Yoshiori: Oh god you're saying there really ARE zombie ghosts on board?
Esperdica: No, just someTHING that looks like them. Maybe ghosts are real.
Esperdica smiles and stares. Yoshiori is shook.

Yoshiori: I don't get you...ghosts don't exist, they can't hurt us...i-if they do, what are we supposed to do? Does casting Gun on them still work?
MC: You really are afraid of ghosts, huh? But we gotta look into this. Maybe a Monster did it.

Yoshiori: Goddammit MC, you can't go three days without walking into a problem! FIIINE, we'll look into this long enough to prove ghosts aren't a thing! And I am NOT afraid of ghosts! I'm just helping because otherwise I have nothing to do! Okay, go decide where we'll go MC.
MC: Thanks! / You suck at changing subjects / Let's talk to people
Esperdica: May I join you two? This problem might affect other guards, and I could be caught without an Operator to transform with. I can also guide you around the train. How about it?
MC: That'd help, thanks! But what about your barista work?
Esperdica: I'll ask someone else to cover the cafe lounge for me. It needs cleaning up before it can reopen for service anyway, so I may as well come help investigate.
MC nods.
Esperdica: Thank you! I have a suggestion: how about we go to the casino area?
Yoshiori: What? Why?
Esperdica: My friend is supposed to be there. Maybe he can tell us something. Also that boy who yelled about ghosts is going there too.
Yoshiori: Oh okay. Lead the way.
Esperdica: This way then.
Esperdica joins the party! And leads them off.

Tabit: Must hurry!
Nobody notices Tabit.

End of Episode

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Live A Hero The Star Ocean Cruise Train Episode 1 (Abridged)

One night in Orient City
Tabit: (stands in front of ad board) Stella Campanella?
Giant spaceship cruise ad! A maintenance worker walks up.

Worker: Hi. Awesome cruise ship, huh? It's part of the Galactic Railroad. Heard of it?
Tabit shakes his head.
Worker: Oh! The Earth Sphere Area calls commercial cruise lines the Galatic Railroad and the Stella Campanella is a FANCY cruiser! They do mystery tours where they won't tell you where they're going! Rumors say they might be going to Muirauqa IV or Tronesion!
Tabit: !!
Worker: The ocean planet or the supertech planet of the machines! I wish I had the money to go on the cruise... (walks off to work)
Tabit: Tronesion return, possible? (connects to network)
Tabit: (Report: Possible return route to Tronesion discovered. Analyzing...insufficient funds for ticket purchase. Proposal: take short term employment to earn funding. Downloading customer service software and contacting job interviewer.)

Procy's Bar
Procy: Order up, your Eggs Benedict and coffee.
Gomeisa: Daily special fruit tea!
MC: Yes! / Thanks for setting up, Gomeisa / Hey Procy, haven't seen you since Valentines
(B) Gomeisa: Thank you too! Happy you here! Love fruit tea!
(C) Procy: Yeah huh.
Gomeisa: Wish I could gone! Sounds fun!
Procy: Like I said a million times, it was work!

Procy: Gomeisa, can you go take orders for a bit?
Gomeisa: Okay! (wanders off to clean)
Procy: Anyways, it's weird seeing you, Yoshiori, and Exio all together. Here to shoot up my bar again?
Yoshiori: I-I said I'm sorry about that! I paid you back, didn't I?
Procy: That was the least you could do, dope. Okay, enough needling you about that now that you're a paying customer.
Exio: Thanks. We came over because it was close to our job today.
MC: Yoshiori said he was hungry / Normies won't be able to see him / I wanted a break too
(AC) Procy: Cool. We got good snacks and drinks, but I guess you're still on the clock.
Yoshiori: Yeah, still gotta report back. Ooh these eggs are nice.
(B) Procy: Life must suck as the Invisible Mercenary. How do you even eat?
Yoshiori: I either make it myself or get someone to buy for me. Or get delivery. Ooh, nice eggs.

MC: Surprising choice, Yoshiori / I love them too! / Ooh, what is it?
---
(A) Yoshiori: What's it to you? You want some?
(B) Yoshiori: It's my go-to thing. You want a bite?
(C) Yoshiori: Pretty straightforward. Wanna try?
---
Yoshiori: I'm from America. This reminds me of home.
Exio: I know how it is. Funny how food culture changes across oceans even in the space age.
Procy: Yeah, I get that feeling in the food service industry. There's similar but still different stuff between here and my home planet Maserimaose. I can sub stuff, but it's still something to worry about.
Yoshiori: Yeah...

Suddenly!
MC: A glass broke? What?
Procy: What happened!? Everyone okay!?
Gomeisa: No fighting!
Red: Bitch cheated me!
Raizi: (sigh) Like I'd do something so boring. You're the one who threw the dice.
Red: The dice must be rigged!
Exio: Huh. What's up?
Procy: UGH stop fighting you idiots! (steps in between)

Procy: okay what the hell happened
Raizi: I invited Red to a dice game and bet a drink on it
Red: He cheated!
Procy: ...and how'd the game go?
Raizi: 12 to 0. Three draws.
Yoshiori: The hell are those odds?
Red: No way can anyone lucksack that shit!
Raizi: Really I just wanted to play, you don't have to pay up. We can play until you win at least once if you wanna.
Red: How about we play MY FIST IN YOUR FACE
Procy: DAMMIT STOP

Procy: Okay that's enough beer for you, I'll tab your bill. Go home!
Procy starts pushing Red out.

Red: But I-- (ejected)
Procy: Ugh, where do these people come from
Gomeisa: Boss I sorry. I clean up broken glass.
Procy: You do that, I gotta damage that thing out. After that, go take orders.
Gomeisa: Okay!
Procy: Raizi, stop bullying newbies.
Raizi: (shrugs) And how does going easy make games any fun? He still could've won by sheer luck, but I guess that's no fun to people who think it's all about luck. So I picked dice for that chance of losing.
Procy: Said the guy who technically never lost 15 games. I'm not bailing you out every single time!
Raizi: O-okay okay, I got it.

Exio: Hi Raizi, good to see you doing well.
Raizi: ...Exio, right? What do you want now?
Yoshiori: whomst
Exio: Oh nothing, just worried from seeing you almost get into a fight. (smiles) How've you been?
Raizi: ...business as usual. How's Melide, or what's her name?
Exio: She's good. We got a new workplace recently.
Raizi: Cool, whatever. Gotta go, leaving the money here Procy.
Procy: Well that was fast. Got plans?
Raizi: Nothing so grand. Got a cruise train ticket, so I oughta pack up. I don't even care where it's going, but it's got a good casino on board and that's exciting me for once. (tail jitters)
Procy: Oh. Don't go too crazy in there.
Raizi: I know, thanks. Bye. (leaves)
MC: A gambler huh? Rare.
Procy: Yeah I've known him since forever. He's a good guy and he makes a living at it, so I let him be.
Exio: ...I didn't know you knew him. Anyways we should go back soon. Paper work to do.
Yoshiori: R-right. I'll be done soon.

The next day at Parallel Flight
Huckle: Okay, I'd like you and Yoshiori to handle this case.
MC: Okay!
Yoshiori: Inspecting the Stella Campanella? MC is one thing, but is it okay for me to go too? Civvies can't see me.
Huckle: I understand how you feel, but schedule-wise you fit best.
Yoshiori: Yeah, Exio told me to be flexible for it. And I know Exio and Melide are on another job. I'm Exio's bodyguard, but I was a merc before that.
MC: This is gonna be cool! / omg you AREN'T whining about Exio being away? / Field trip with Yoshiori!
(AC) Yoshiori: What are you so excited for? ...eh, maybe the cruise train will have some good food at least.
(B) Yoshiori: HEY! ...okay yeah it bugs me, but I'm still a big boy. I can handle it.

Huckle: (laughs) Thanks for doing this. I was given those tickets by an old friend who's now the president of Archimedes' spaceship company.
Yoshiori: Holy shit, that's a big shot.
Huckle: They're VIP seats to the cruise train's mystery tour. Seemed rude to waste it.
Yoshiori: Oh okay.
Huckle: Yes, it's a polite relationship thing, so we should do what we can for them. Good luck MC!
MC: okay wow pressure / Got it!
Huckle: You'll be okay. Call back if anything happens. And Yoshiori will be with you.
Yoshiori: Yeah, I'll be your bodyguard this time.
Huckle: Thanks for that. (nods)
Huckle: Okay I should introduce you guys. You may be checking the train out, but since you can't leave the mystery tour midway, you can enjoy yourselves on board. Enjoy what they have.
Yoshiori: Got it.
MC: Ooh I wonder what they have?
Huckle: ...oh, but stay professional. You'll still be on the job, okay?

Title Card: Sally Forth to the Stars

Cruise ship disembarking day
MC: oof I'm nervous / this is exciting!
---
(A) Yoshiori: Relax, we're customers basically. Unless you sweat the small stuff?
(B) Yoshiori: Okay wow, it's just a business trip. But it'll be easier if it's with you.
---
Yoshiori: Well now that we're here, we better check in with the office since we'll be stuck on board.
MC: Oh right, I'll do that.

Beep beep
Sui: Hello, Parallel Flight. Oh, MC and Yoshiori? Are you at the spaceport?
MC: Yep. Checking back in before we board.
Sui: Oh okay. It's just me and Melide now since everyone else went to their assignments. They'll be back soon.
Melide: Sui, I made tea so--oh, MC and Yoshiori.
Yoshiori: Yep, everything's cool here. You two on standby?
Melide: Yes. Mokdai gave us cookies so I made tea. Want some, Sui?
Sui: Okay.
Yoshiori: D'aww.
MC: I wish I was there / Better have fun here too / Good luck, guys!
Melide: You're going on a mystery tour, right? You should relax a little.
Sui: Don't worry about us. Bring presents!
PA System: Please have your tickets out for check-in.
MC: Oh, gotta go!
Sui: Take care.
Melide: Have a safe trip.
Yoshiori: Thanks, tell the others we said hi.
click

Yoshiori: I'm glad Sui and Melide are doing okay.
MC: Aww, you worrywort / I see them talk together a lot
---
(A) Yoshiori: S-shut up!
(B) Yoshiori: Huh. Well Sui does seem closest to Melide in age.
---
Somebody's coming.

Digram: Thank you for waiting, everyone coming for the mystery tour. Please have your tickets out and direct any questions to me.
MC: Digram! / who dat
(A) Digram: Hello MC, we haven't met since the interoffice party. Today I will be a guide and conductor for the cruise.
Yoshiori: You're a hero? And a machine lifeform?
Digram: Yes. Are you part of MC's office? Pleased to meet you. Your tickets, please.
(B) Digram: Hello I am Digram, your guide and conductor for this train. Tickets please, you two.
Yoshiori: Wait you can see me? You a hero or Observer?
Digram: Yes, I am a hero. If you have no other questions, tickets please.

Digram: Yes, everything is in order. Please board now, other crew members are patrolling. Contact us if anything is needed. I will take your luggage, please enjoy yourselves.
MC: Thanks Digram!
Yoshiori: Wow, the conductor's a machine hero? Convenient. Let's check the train out.
MC nods and boards. Mystery tour, go!

End of Episode