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Post by ghostmytoast on Apr 4, 2023 13:35:53 GMT
"If I accept one am I obligated to continue doing so?" He asked. "And what about Jaxon?" At this point he wasn't paying too much attention to Rupert. Let him get used to things in his own way.
As that happened, he began scanning for the best way to get into the subway. They weren't too far now. He could even see the arrow sign pointing down into the entrance. The question was, which way would be the least likely to kill them.
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Time
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Post by Time on Apr 11, 2023 2:45:13 GMT
The Dokebi floated about without a care as it looked at Chase. "I don't know if you're dense or if you just weren't listening. Or do humans not have the ability to perform deductive reasoning?" The goblin said as he loafed onwards.
"Now.... The other guy.... Hm..... Well, I did see his name mentioned. Something about being the Avatar for the Constellation, [RiverDippedBoy]. Of course, he's alive but it's harder to track those who are in areas who's host doesn't owe me a favor."
As they made it down the final stretch, it was clear that there had been people evacuating down the steps, especially those that had been trampled as they laid upon the stairs. The smell of death and waste before them.
("Honestly, I said I'd be your partner, but I can't do ALL the heavy work. If you accept a request, you can just choose to ignore it, but if you take too long, you might anger the constellation that sent the request. While they can't directly do anything to you, that doesn't mean you're the only one that can be given a request. Think about it for a moment. Like, REALLY THINK!")
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Post by ghostmytoast on Apr 12, 2023 1:02:07 GMT
"Hm..." Chase seemed to honestly ponder it for a moment, but eventually came to his desicion. "Sorry Mr. Carrion Eater, whoever you are, I don't think I know enough about the rules of this game yet to be accepting side quests." He noted as he selected the option to decline. Then he looked around and debated the next move. Hearing Jaxon was alive was another big plus for his goal of bringing True Chase back to his senses so he could go back to sleep and not have to deal with this hellscape for him anymore. He was able to spot the subway enterance from where he stood and let out a contemplative "hmmm."
"Bandit, you're sneaky. Check for danger. Mamasita watch him for signs of danger. Protect Bandit."
He waited to see if they would go before making his next move. If they did, and it looked safe, he would start dashing for the subway and assume Rupert would follow. He knew the animals would, the old man was a giant question mark but frankly he didn't care too much.
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Time
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Post by Time on Apr 16, 2023 3:27:10 GMT
Upon Chase's response and declining of the task, a new message popped up.
Constellation Deal: [Thecarrioneater] requests that the user consumes raw flesh of any animal or creature. Benefits: 100 coins per pound of flesh Immunity to diseases and poisons brought by the flesh. Cons: Eating the target food will not provide nutritional value to the player. Further more, gain [bloodlust] status while eating raw flesh.
{Accept} {Decline}
Sure enough it seemed as though in that instant the task changed from simply acquiring a body for the being to a more clear cut one, literally in this case. It wasn't unreasonable as not to let Chase know what it wanted. What's more this seemed recreational than a constant thing that Chase needed to do.
"Oh, seems someone's wanting to invest in you.". Grinlamb stated as he smiled. "Well, I'll leave you two to deal with the rest of your little trek. I've got some more people to spy on after all. Hehehahahahaha!"
Rupert glared at the thing as it faded away like a cheshire cat. "Creepy fucker....." The man stated as he looked forward. Of course as Chase gave orders the animals that had been standing behind him appeared to be confused.
The effects of the [Command] skill cannot be utilized with complex orders. Simple one worded orders can only be used at this time.
Immediately a message appeared before Chase. Simple commands were the only thing he could issue to his animal companions at the time.
Rupert looked at him, then the animals that had followed them. "Chase... It doesn't look that dangerous. Most of the people here look like they been trampled. I wouldn't be too surprised if there were dangers down there. If Alpha was still here, I'd tell him to Scout or Escort. Simply commands like that seemed to work, but they're stupidly simple.... If I hadn't said attack that quickly....". Rupert looked at Chase for a moment, not realizing he had spoken out of term. "Sorry.... I hope that's in the past...."
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Post by ghostmytoast on Apr 17, 2023 1:32:40 GMT
Chase pouted at the new request and thought about it, really deliberated on it. The one and only thing that had him mulling the idea was the "bloodlust" comment at the end. He wasn't sure what that was and really did not like the implications. Then there was the issue of having to keep commands so simple for the animals. He let out a 'tch' at the pop up about it, but sighed in understanding.
"I was concerned about whatever it was that trampled them." Chase noted to the old man. "But I guess something that big would be pretty noticable if it was still around. We should get moving quickly. The subway is right there in our sights." He pushed passed Rupert, stopping momentarily to take in his words.
"The situation caused for it to be you or Chase. You're actions were understandable, and I can't blame you for them. That said, you can't blame me for anything I do either. I brought you back as part of a deal to keep things interesting for the strange host we have in exchange for some things being garaunteed in favor of my main goal. You're expendable to me, just as I'm sure I am to you. We're in a situation where death is a constant thing to be wiery of, Mr. McLean. You attacking me is just par for the course. Besides, getting my ass beaten by a fully grown man isn't something I haven't had to deal with before. The only difference is I can fight back now."
And with that, he started his dash to the subway. He left the request open to make a decision on it once they were safely underground and passed the second challenge. Whoever this savanging god was, at least it seemed reasonable and understanding of circumstances. It could probably wait a few minutes for his group to get to a safer location before he made a choice on the matter.
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Time
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Post by Time on Apr 18, 2023 0:13:04 GMT
Rupert frowned at Chase's words. "Right... You never joined the army. Of course you wouldn't know....". Rupert would then walk over to the first corpse on the stairwell to the subway, following as Chase dashed across the last expanse of space.
What lied before chase wasn't the type of trample that he had been assuming. These weren't people who had died from a stampede of giant monsters, wolves, or otherwise. These were people who's heads were bashed against the corner of a stair step. Necks broken, bodies covered in bruises. What's more there was blood everywhere. On the hand rails, the walls.... And a small river that seemed to flow down the steps. Rupert sighed, before pushing one of the bodies over to the side. Broken teeth scattered here and there, with some of the corpse's limbs set at unnatural angles.
"Everyone thinks only animals stampede. But humans do it too... Especially when they're scared and desperate to get away from things. Seeing people run from the sound of explosions never got easier. Not because of the explosion exactly. No, people scatter, and in clustered and crowded streets, anyone who trips has to try and protect their body or be trampled. That's basically what happened here... And considering we don't see any.... Popped heads.... They all must have done the deed....". Rupert said as he took lead. "Watch your step Chase. The blood is still wet and slippery. God forbid you trip and end up tumbling down..."
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Post by ghostmytoast on Apr 18, 2023 23:58:51 GMT
"Hm..." Chase noted on his way down the subway, kicking one of the bodies on the floor out of the way with little to no care about it. He wasn't suprised, disgusted, scared... he was nothing. This Chase felt nothing. He never has and never will probably. He wished he could feel something... but that wasn't how he was made or what he was made for. Other Chase was empty, there souly as a trauma bag for the True one... and he hated it. His only care, was getting True Chase back safely so he could just rest and never come back.
With a sigh he used some rope he had grabbed to tie the capture pole to his back like a true bow-staff, placed his hands nonchalantly in his pockets, and continued his way down the stairs. "You're being awfully kind for someone I just called expendable to their face." He noted flattly without looking up at Rupert as he walked. "The only thing I care about is Chase's mental and physical health and safety. I want him back in this body so I can go back to not existing. I'm willing to do anything and sacrifice anyone to get it, except of course those that are necessary to keep him here... which you aren't one of."
When he finally reached the bottom of the stairs, Chase... this... Other Chase... stared up at Rupert with a raised brow and watched him take his final steps down. "Doesn't bother you at all to be with someone who could truly care less what happens to you. I'll push you in front of a train or... whatever the fuck we are going to run into in this mess... to reach my goals. You don't care about that?" His expression was cold, yet with a slight pain behind his eyes. It was faint, and barely noticeable unless you looked for it, but it was there. It wasn't a pain for what he was saying. It was a pain for living. A pain for existing. A pain for being there and doing this and anything and everything around him. This man... this... Other Chase... he wanted to be gone. His whole existance revolved around soaking up all of the True Chase's trauma and pain, nothing else. Why would he want to live? Who would with that life?
As he waited for a response from Rupert and for him to catch up, he looked back to the new request. "Hey imp, what's this 'Blood Lust' trait?"
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Time
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Post by Time on Apr 19, 2023 1:04:06 GMT
Rupert didn't say much as they made their way downstairs slowly. The scene only got worse as they went down, but at the bottom was a pile of bodies that had likely made the full tumble. If anything, Rupert stayed even more so quiet as Chase ridiculed him.
Once at the bottom and with Chase facing him, he looked around at the bodies. "Chase...... Kid. I'm an ex-soldier. What do you think I was doing fighting for another country miles from home? Soldiers are expendable. Ever heard the expression that war is where the young die for the old and bitter? Well, that's true as well. As for why I'm not bothered, well you wouldn't have come back if you didn't feel a little guilty. Fuck that noise about making things interesting. If you wanted something interesting, you'd have chosen to revive the dog you killed. But that's too late isn't it?"
Once at the bottom, Rupert would walk forwards and past Chase. "I know that you got damage. Everyone does, especially now. Imagine if you're stuck in a situation like before and it's only a parent and two kids. Nothing else. Who do you think lives?" Rupert had a point. There would be people who had killed others willingly. Or let themselves become sacrifices. "The truth is kid, I don't think the other Chase wants to come out. I don't think he's capable of it, so long as this slaughter of a game is going on. So either off yourself for other's sakes, or get your act together and keep fighting. Use people like animals if you gotta. Just expect people to act like scared animals when shit hits the fan. "
Upon that, Rupert continued down the passageways. The subway's lights were out, so the man turned on an electric lantern that he had packed with him.
In the mean time, The voice of Grinlamb spoke in Chase's mind. ("Bloodlust is a status effect that makes others perceive you as blood thirsty, and also makes you more prone to acts of violence. Some skills allow you to control this bloodlust and the level of it. Such as invoking fear or panic in others.")
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Post by ghostmytoast on Apr 19, 2023 1:20:02 GMT
Chase watched Rupert walk on, when he mentioned True Chase not coming out his eye twitched in frustration and he began following.
"That's why I set it up so I'm garaunteed the four things that always get him out, or at least two of them. At the moment not sure if the cat and dog are possible, but at least Stella and Jaxon are alive. Those two always manage to pry him out so I can rest." For the first time since he entered the scene, the Other Chase let a smile slip, albeit a smile one that looked almost like it hurt to do. "Stella is kind and empathetic. She was there too. She knows what I... what he... went through. Dad was just as cruel to her if not crueller before fully kicking her out. And Jaxon can light up a room just by walking into it. He's an idiot for sure, but that's what makes him useful in this case. Chase had a crush on him for a while, but Jaxon is straight and he got over it quick enough." With a sigh, he stopped reminising and continued moving forward with his typically mostly blank face with a slight pout back where it always was. "Chase needs them to be himself, so finding them is priority number two right after staying alive long enough to do that."
As Grinlamb spoke to him, his brow raised. "Huh... but without those traits I could lose control? Doesn't sound like an ideal situation. And like I said before, I still don't know enough about the rules of these games for side quest. Sorry Mr. Carrion Eater, maybe try again after two or three more of these main missions when I have a bit more of an understanding on how things work." He noted as hit the decline button on the request, though seeming to mean what he said. He was clearly open to the idea as he didn't turn it down out right and instead asked questions to get a better idea of what he was agreeing to. If Carrion Eater was still watching, he would see that Chase... at least this Chase... was fully open to the idea of eating flesh for entertainment, he was just also cautious as it was only the idea of losing control that made him turn the request down, not the actual act.
As Rupert turned the latern on, Chase looked over and join himed at his side. He then looked back at his animals to take roll call. He didn't really care if any of them were missing, but it would be more annoying to have less pieces on his board. "Alright, we're officially underground. Does that mean we pass? Can we just move on to whatever is next? I have people to find."
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Time
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Post by Time on Apr 19, 2023 1:49:48 GMT
Rupert rolled his eyes out of Chase's view. The kid was honestly crazy at this point, but considering what Chase was saying, it was obvious that he had a method. "I don't think you get the point kid. This shit isn't gonna end when you have Stella and Jaxon around. If they are alive, then what if they aren't the same? Killing someone does things to people kid. You can't make expectations like that and hope it'll all be okay. What if these twisted fucks decide to use that against you? What then? You had a panic attack just trying to give a lethal injection to a dog, much less me too, unless you forgot that. What if he ran into those massive wolves out there? Do you think you'd be able to kill them?".
Rupert was being cold and hard on Chase, but he honestly didn't know how else to help the kid. He had basically brought him back from what had been a moment of painful oblivion, and here he was obviously struggling. He just.....
Rupert sighed, before stopping. "Look.... The only kinda advice I can give is honest ones based on experience. Shit is just gonna get worse. It'll keep getting worse until something gives way, and we all get use to this shit. If the other kid can't adapt... Then you got no choice. Especially if something happens that you can't control. Just.... Know that you have to be either someone who takes what they want, or be someone who has what they want taken from them. If other Chase can't get past that truth, or prove me wrong, then there's no hope."
As Chase said the last sentence aloud, there was a sudden light up ahead that they could see beyond the turnstiles. It appeared to be a wall of some sort, made of light. Rupert approached cautiously, before touching it. Nothing happened, so he took a step in. Immediately, a blue window appeared before the man. "Chase... I think this is a marker for a 'safe zone' or something... It said I finished the 2nd scenario."
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Post by ghostmytoast on Apr 19, 2023 2:04:58 GMT
"THEN HE'LL HAVE TO ADAPT!" Chase finally snapped, his blank expression changing to one of pure frustration and anger. "Sure, he's a good kid. A sweet, kind, caring kid who could never hurt a fly and loves everyone like his life depended on it! He doesn't deserve to be in situations like the ones I take on for him, but why the FUCK does that mean I have to do it for him! What the hell kind of life is it to just be a punching bag for someone else's fucking problems! Why should I have to live through this shit for him when I can just disappear!? How does that make sense!? How is that fucking fair that he gets to go on forgetting this shit ever happened and I have to live with it!?"
Tears started streeking down his face as he approached Rupert shouting his frustrations, passing through the blue light without even realizing it. "That man was a cold hard bastard! He beat the shit out of Stella and me. Not Chase! Never Chase! Always me! Because that little bitch can't handle a god damn thing! When he got rid of Stell, guess who was left to take all the blows!? And when he found out Chase was also an 'abomination' ya know what that sick fuck tried!? EXPOSURE FEAR TACTICS! Yeah! He tried to scare the gay away! How you think he did that!? Huh!? How would you try to scare the gay out of a thirteen year old kid if you were a sick bastard who could also make a quick buck from it!? And guess who took that on!? Not Chase! He's too much of a delicate flower for that! No.... no he gets to go and live his la dee fucking da life while I get to deal with what truly happened to this body! What really went down! Where the scares are really from! I know everything! And he knows nothing! Why!? Why do I even exist!? This..." He choked, shaking, but started breathing deep and slow. the tears stopped as fast as they started. His breath steadied as fast as it derailed. He relaxed. His face went blank once more. "Doesn't matter. This doesn't matter. I don't matter. Chase needs to come back. He needs to live. He deserves to live happily. I believe the best way for him to do that is to learn to live with it all... but... if I have to take it on until he comes to thats fine."
He closed his eyes, taking one last breath. "Give me the next scenario, Imp. And keep your fucking promises."
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Time
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Post by Time on Apr 19, 2023 2:36:52 GMT
Rupert looked from beyond the barrier as Chase had his outburst. The man got it finally, but he wasn't going to pity the boy. Once Chase finished his rant, Rupert looked him square in the eye, and stepped back out. "Then why let him back out? Why let him have what you want?".
Rupert was cold and honest. "If that's how you honestly feel, like you're the rotten punching bag, then quit catering to that kid. If this is who you really want to be. Someone who can take the blows, then just fade back when you finally join up with Stella and Jaxon. Or... Take fucking control. If you think you can't, then that's too bad. I not the one to be your personal therapist. Hell, I'd be surprised if any therapists survived this shit. It's not my fucking job to keep you in check, or judge you if you like dick or not. How long are you gonna keep looking back? To the point where when everyone sees a cliff they stop only to see you keep going?! If you want advice, then you've already been given it."
Rupert turned and stepped back into the barrier. "From here on, we go our separate ways if you're gonna keep this up. No one said I had to stay with you after you saved my life, but if it's anything else aside from being your personal therapist, feel free to find me and ask for my help. We're even after that."
Stepping through the Barrier Chase would see the new message.
Congratulations! You've completed the Second Scenario. Your rewards will be distributed in (7 minutes).
Immediately Grinlamb voiced in. ("Congratulations buddy, that was quite the entertaining outburst. Now, for your friends, I do have some good news. They're in a station a few miles up. Unfortunately, thr Third Main Scenario will require you to stay underground for a week and survive in this station. I can tell you that this is far easier than the last two.... So long as nothing happens. I'll keep you updated on them, as well as when you can start to head to them. Oh, and update, your buddy Jaxon is fine. He's in thr same station as Stella. Until the next scenario buddy.")
At this point, Rupert was heading in further. If Chase wanted the last word, then he'd have to follow him quickly, but Rupert had no more obligation to Chase at this point outside of a single favor. Was Chase defensively pushing the only person that honestly didn't care if he had been a replacement for his worker? Or was this Chase justified in his outrage to someone who didn't bother to even care or understand. Well, that was something that would likely need to be addressed at one point, just not right now likely.
At the bottom of the stairwell, beyond the barrier, Chase would hear people. In fact, he'd see a number of people. From elderly, to young children. Teens to adults. Rich and poor. If someone had survived the first scenario, then they were here. All of them seemed unsure and scared, some were in groups, while others stayed alone. From the looks of things, roughly 200 people were here in this massive station.
Behind Chase, his animal companions were quiet, but it was clear that they were anxious too. This many people would normally male at least the dogs happy, but they looked at Chase, and appeared to be understanding of his mood, not wanting to irritate him.
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Post by ghostmytoast on Apr 19, 2023 3:03:06 GMT
Chase's shoulder's slumped and his fasace broke again, though this time more in shock and thought. "I..." He had no words. He just stopped and thought about it. Take control? But... "But... I'm not the real..." But... why wasn't he? Why couldn't he be? What was stopping him? True Chase couldn't handle this new world so... why couldn't he try to live it instead? The good and the bad? But that... "Wouldn't be fair to him..." He kept voicing only parts of his thoughts as he passed, as though he couldn't seem to get them together. Sure, how it was now wasn't fair... but erasing True entirely wasn't either. He didn't need to stoop to his level. He was stronger than that. So... what... What!?
"WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO!?" His fist met the wall in frustrastion. Blood trickled from his knuckles as he dropped to his knees and the tears started up again. This time though, he didn't fight them off. "Not fair for me to stay only for the bad. Not fair for me to stay for everything and make him disappear. The only answer is for me to disappear... isn't? But what is I... What if I don't... want..." His eyes widened at his own words. Did he... want to disappear? Was that what he wanted? Or did he just want to get to experience good times too? He had always told himself he was there only to vanish again. That was his job. That was his goal. But... why did he have to? "I... don't want to..." The words were foreign. Never had he thought about what he actually wanted, let alone voiced it. "But... I can't just get rid of him either so... how does that even..."
Then... he flashed back to his first therapy session. His, not Chase's. The therapist talked about something... and end goal... when Chase was ready to accept his life for all it was... when him, the Other, was no longer needed... he wouldn't disappear... he would... "Integrate..." It was quiet, a whisper off his lips to himself. Then a little louder... "Integrate! I'll get him to integrate! I'll expose him slowly! I'll force him out for little things and work his way up! We can be whole! Chase, we can be whole!!"
He stood up with a new energy that was just as foreign as his previous words. But this new goal felt good. It felt right. A devious, determined grin crept across his face and almost maniacal laughter slipped out his mouth as he let the tears continue... tears that only just came for the first time in 26 years. He placed his hands against the wall and gentle yet firmly tapped his head against it, as though to try and rattle something inside awake. "You hear me in there, you pansy asshole! You and me! We're getting though this together, but not seperate! I'll make it happen!! I'll make you do it! We both live! Good and bad! No more one or the other! We both get both! As one, whole ass person!!!"
Looking over, he finally looked at the animals that had been following him staring back at him in concern. His smile softened to something more tame as he sat back down against the wall and wiped his face a bit. "Starting with the first selfish thing I ever get to do." He relaxed and pat the ground next to him. "All, come." He waited for the animals to gather, and immediately reached for Missy, pulling her into a squeeze in one arm and wrapping the other around Max so he can lean into his soft fur and burry his face in it to let out the last few sniffs and his body relaxed again. "I... see why Chase likes this so much.... Is this what it feels like to be comfortable?" He set the cat on his lap so he could pet her with his face still in the massive hound's fluff. He felt tired for the first time in a long time.... but also determind for the first time ever to finally do something for himself. This would be good for both Chases. He could feel it.
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Post by Time on May 29, 2023 20:04:30 GMT
The Scenario counted down, and as it did everyone began to quiet down. There were a few quiet sobs, and moans of pain, but everyone's attention was settled upon their surroundings, half afraid of what could happen next. Then.... For everyone a window appeared. The room lit up with the color of sky blue, though no light shone outside of what was already on. For Chase he saw this.
Scenario Time Limit Reached
Status: Scenario Clear!
Congratulations on making it to shelter before the Miasma has fallen. Forage for food and materials as need be, as while the Miasma is poisonous, it will not kill you instantly.
Reward: 200 coins
All coin functions have been unlocked throughout the area. You can [Buy], [Sell],[Exchange], or [Give] coins.
A collective sigh and cheer could be heard as people realized that their nightmare was over. If the miasma could be traversed, then they could find gas masks, firefighter helmets, and other things to extend their time outside to gather things. People were already beginning to talk about what they should do, or when the Miasma would lift.
Then the screens changed.
Sub-scenario
Forage and survive.
Male your way to the area for the next scenario underground.
Reward:100 coins, 1 skill point
Penalty:none
People began to dread and it could be heard in their voices as panic began to spread. Instantly, several voices spoke up, calming down the crowd. Some appeared to be military, others police officers, and a few were charismatic people.
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Post by ghostmytoast on May 29, 2023 20:44:44 GMT
Chase had nearly fallen asleep when the message appeared waking him. He was still tired and now hungry too. Looking to his creatures, he assumed they were the same. He watched the other people discuss what to do next, but wasn't very interested in them. Instead, he leaned up against the wall and debated what to do for himself. With the 200 he just gained, he had 1400 coins... whatever that meant. His stomach grumbled at him, causing a sigh.
"Hey Imp, it said we could shop or exchange things and you said there were shops around. Where's the closest one?"
He asked staring off into space, knowing the creature was probably watching somewhere. He remained leaning on Max and petting Missy, also having Mama around him and Bandit on his head. He'd loss track of Beauty, but she was a wild card and more than capable of handling herself if she needed to. She would come back if she felt like it. If she didn't, good for her. She'd probably be fine.
"Also, you said Jax and Stell were in another station. Which one? Is it connected to this one? How far? Could I get there from here?"
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