(8:57:20 PM) ***Q-33_North is pacing outside the room where Tathir is getting examined.  She's messaged Adelinda that she's going to call her dad to check and make sure he's alright, in a couple of minutes, if she wants to check on him.
(8:57:42 PM) Ikiryo: [Please no. I'm trying to avoid him as much as possible]
(8:58:21 PM) Q-33_North: [You're going to have to talk to him someday.]
(8:59:55 PM) Ikiryo: [No I won't. I'm going to wait for the next three hundred years until he gets bored and wanders off]
(9:00:58 PM) Q-33_North: [If you avoid him for too long he might come looking for you.]
(9:01:32 PM) Ikiryo: [Not yet he won't]
(9:03:30 PM) Q-33_North: [If he asks me to bring you in, you know I have to do it, right?]
(9:04:41 PM) Ikiryo: [You'll give me a head start, right?]
(9:05:20 PM) Q-33_North: [12 hours.]
(9:06:39 PM) Ikiryo: [Sixteen]
(9:09:14 PM) Q-33_North: [14 and you can't hack me.]
(9:09:49 PM) Ikiryo: [Fifteen and I won't disable any ship systems before I leave]
(9:10:23 PM) Q-33_North: [Like that would slow me down.]
(9:11:27 PM) Ikiryo: [You know how good I am. It would slow you down a BIT...and I know that when I fuck with the reactor it gives you a headache~]
(9:14:39 PM) Q-33_North: [Fine.  14 and a half and you'll leave me and the ship in tact, but pizza is on me forever after.]
(9:15:29 PM) Ikiryo: [Deal. Give my dad my best wishes.] She ends the connection.
(9:15:53 PM) ***Q-33_North sighs, and makes the call.
(9:19:10 PM) Ikiryo: It takes her a bit to get through...and then a familiar person appears. A very tall, statuesque and stunningly attractive woman answers the call. She has brilliant silver hait that flows all the way down to her ass and a curvy but athletic figure that is not remotely hidden by her blue sarong and halter top that shows off her lovely abs.
(9:19:28 PM) Ikiryo: Q-33 can't see them but she knows she's wearing high heels...she can see the metal-tipped whip by her side.
(9:19:51 PM) ***Q-33_North considers hanging up right then.
(9:21:03 PM) Ikiryo: Empress Stingray. She offers Q-33 a brilliant smile that the cyborg can almost physically feel through the connection. "Oh, Q...now lovely to see you~"
(9:21:08 PM) Ikiryo: *how
(9:23:05 PM) Q-33_North: "It's. . . nice to see you again too." She smiles, it's clearly forced.  Though this is probably the first time the other woman has seen Q-33 with facial expressions.
(9:25:04 PM) Ikiryo: "Oh my, now that is interesting my dear~" She blatantly looks her up and down.
(9:50:38 PM) Q-33_North: Well some things don't change.  "What is?" She's still just wearing her armor.
(9:52:36 PM) Ikiryo: "Your expression...or having them, at all~"
(9:53:51 PM) Q-33_North: "Yeah well I got an. . . unexpected upgrade."
(9:55:08 PM) Ikiryo: "It's a lovely upgrade. Perhaps we can meet up some time and I can get a better look at it?~"
(9:57:40 PM) Q-33_North: "Well my schedule is booked up for the foreseeable future right now, I don't know when this will end.  I will.  Strongly consider getting back to you."
(9:59:07 PM) Ikiryo: "I'll hold you to that dear...please don't disappoint~" She licks her lips and smiles a very predatory smile at Q-33.
(10:01:04 PM) ***Q-33_North sighs.  "You will, won't you."
(10:03:13 PM) Ikiryo: "Of course I will...I'm a woman of my word and I'm very interested in what sort of lovely expressions I could show you how to make~"
(10:05:33 PM) Q-33_North: "Uh-huh, I'm sure you are." She catches herself before she gives the customary thumbs up.  "Well it's very nice to see you.  Again.  But I did have a reason for calling.  And this wasn't it."
(10:07:18 PM) Ikiryo: "Oh? You'd rather see my dear husband?~" Her pout is potent...but there is a hint of something sharp and dangerous under it.
(10:10:15 PM) Q-33_North: "Only so far as to say that I wanted to make sure he's okay because it's polite to check on your boss after watching them get stabbed in the chest.  And also to say thanks for the help it was real helpful two thumbs up that's my review."
(10:11:29 PM) Ikiryo: "Ah, that is why?~" The slightly dangerous look dims...a little. "Well, he's resting up but he'll be fine. I did worse to him during our courtship~"
(10:14:17 PM) Q-33_North: "That's good to hear.  I'm glad he's okay.  Somehow I'm not surprised though, you're both very powerful and dangerous people.  Who are also very good employers.  I keep meaning to leave a good review on Glassdoor but I am a very busy machine."
(10:15:42 PM) Ikiryo: "A review would be good. It does help human resources so much~" She runs a hand over her whip. "Even if I have my own prefered ways of making employees enthusiastic~"
(10:16:50 PM) Q-33_North: "I would say that doesn't matter to the hiring process but I am 100% positive you could prove me wrong."
(10:18:51 PM) Ikiryo: "Would you like that?~ I've heard you've got some people working under you now too~"
(10:19:30 PM) Q-33_North: "No I'm good.  I think we're.  We're good right now.  Thanks for the offer.  I don't need any hands on training at the moment though."
(10:20:34 PM) Ikiryo: "No? I could teach you how to keep them in line and keep morale up~"
(10:21:39 PM) Q-33_North: "Have yet to have any insubordination issues and I am working on developing my own. . . uh. . . synergistic? Management style."
(10:23:19 PM) Ikiryo: "Very well...I'll pencil us in for a weekend conference in a few weeks then. We can compare and contrast management styles~"
(10:24:22 PM) Q-33_North: "I will be sure to be there assuming I am not currently developing a rebellion which is what is happening right now.  That is time sensitive."
(10:25:22 PM) Ikiryo: "Of course dear, of course." She smiles warmly. "One must do what one must~"
(10:26:24 PM) Q-33_North: "Anyway thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with me I am sure you have a lot of work to get back to."
(10:27:29 PM) Ikiryo: "Of course~" She sends a digital signal...translated by her ship as a finger running down her neck. "But dear? I do think we don't see enough of each other~ I'd like to see a lot more of you~"
(10:29:47 PM) ***Q-33_North shivers a little bit.  "Thank you for the compliment I am honoured that you think about me at all.  I'm sure you have a lot on your mind."
(10:30:39 PM) Ikiryo: "Of course. Perhaps when we meet up, you can bring that police friend of yours. You know how I love long conversations with police officers~"
(10:31:22 PM) Q-33_North: "Oh boy she uh.  She has a lot on her plate right now, I will check if she has free time but I think she is busy.  Forever?"
(10:31:59 PM) Ikiryo: "Such a pity~" She nods. "It's been a pleasure dear, don't be a stranger~" She sends the digital signal again...and closes the call.
(10:32:40 PM) ***Q-33_North immediately calls Adelinda.  As soon as her friend picks up she asks.  "HOW DO I STOP YOUR MOM FROM HITTING ON ME?"
(10:34:20 PM) Ikiryo: Adelinda takes a couple of steps back. Judging by the fact she's in short shorts and a sports bra, with a towl around her head Q-33 caught her just getting out of the shower. "How would I know?!"
(10:35:10 PM) Q-33_North: "You've known her longer than I have? Maybe there's a hot strategem someone employed that got them out of it?"
(10:39:07 PM) Ikiryo: "Yeah, dying generally! Even then, not in the case of that vampire doctor she's got on her ship!"
(10:42:51 PM) Q-33_North: "Fffffuck.  She wants to compare management styles and I know how this is going to end.  Adelinda why are the only members of your family that I've met who haven't tried to sleep with me you and your dad?"
(10:44:13 PM) Ikiryo: "Because my dad's chosen seduction method is 'Grab and kiss' and she wants to...what? Who do you even manage? Beyond the cats?"
(10:45:04 PM) Q-33_North: "I think she means the lunatics and the rest of our roommates."
(10:48:53 PM) Ikiryo: "...I'm pretty sure I don't want to see you going with my Mum's management there. What would you even DO when 'Comparing management styles'?"
(10:50:33 PM) Q-33_North: "I don't know!"
(10:55:55 PM) Ikiryo: "Well I don't know, mum doesn't try that with me! What do you think it means?!"
(10:58:06 PM) Q-33_North: "I think she's going to try and make good on all the hitting on me?"
(10:58:55 PM) Ikiryo: "How does that change her plans in general for 'When I meet Q-33?'"
(11:00:33 PM) Q-33_North: "Uh.  Probably not at all."
(11:01:16 PM) Ikiryo: "Yeah so that makes me wonder it's something else." She appears to be having a small breakdown.
(11:03:22 PM) Q-33_North: ". . . Are you okay?"
(11:04:33 PM) Ikiryo: "No I'm not ok! My best friend is going to get, I dunno, turned into a weird super sexual dominatrix by my mum!" She pauses "...is it tautology to say super sexual dominatrix?"
(11:04:36 PM) Ikiryo: The breakdown resumes
(11:07:13 PM) Q-33_North: "I mean maybe? Look I'm sure there's something we can do to avoid it?"
(11:08:17 PM) Ikiryo: "I don't know! I'm genuinely more scared about this than about Excess! Those guys are just fucking weird! Creepy and wrong but I don't respect them!"
(11:11:12 PM) Q-33_North: "I mean I've been through worse?"
(11:11:47 PM) Ikiryo: "I don't know if you have!" She starts hyperventilating.
(11:14:30 PM) Q-33_North: "I'll just say I'm busy.  I'm very busy?"
(11:17:35 PM) Ikiryo: She frowns. "You think she'll accept that...I don't..."
(11:18:08 PM) Q-33_North: "Not forever but it'll buy us enough time to come up with a better escape plan."
(11:19:14 PM) Ikiryo: She nods. "Right...right...I don't want you to end up...however she wants you to end up!"
(11:19:53 PM) Q-33_North: "I'll have membership cards printed out."
(11:20:08 PM) Ikiryo: "Huh?"
(11:22:24 PM) Q-33_North: "To the club.  Of people who don't want me to end up like that?  Seriously  you okay? Normally you'd have picked that up."
(11:23:28 PM) Ikiryo: "Sorry...just...my Mum doesn't take not getting what she wants well."
(11:25:48 PM) Q-33_North: "I mean look.  We'll figure something out.  You're always telling me out smart you are."
(11:26:25 PM) Ikiryo: "Yeah but..." She nods. "Right. For one: I'm not letting you get back on this ship with a whip. Ever. Yes, I know it's your ship."
(11:27:58 PM) Q-33_North: "What if I'm repelling boarders and I make one of those ice sword whips.  Those are really effective."
(11:29:29 PM) Ikiryo: She grumps at Q-33. "You know what I mean..." She seems a bit calmer though.
(11:31:57 PM) ***Q-33_North sticks her tongue out.  "Anyway we'll figure something out, we're going to liberate this planet from an angel pretending to be a demon."
(11:37:58 PM) Ikiryo: "Right...minor things first." She nods, giving Q-33 a hint of a smile. "And if you start wearing leather or fetish outfits, I'll be sure to mercy kill you."
(11:38:41 PM) Q-33_North: "Couldn't you just do a system restore from the backup?"
(11:40:06 PM) Ikiryo: She shakes her head, her smile growing. "Only way to be sure."
(11:41:52 PM) Ikiryo: [From: S3dluhn - I liked her!] Right...since the Serpent is the ship providing the long range signal, she'd have been able to watch.
(11:45:52 PM) Q-33_North: "What if I go to a club.  I could go to a club.  It's possible for me to go to a club."  [I mean I'm not surprised given you being, well, you.  She's nice enough, though she's a little sexually aggressive for my taste.  Though I don't mind that as much from you? I guess?  Having control of your life isn't always a simple thing.]
(11:46:45 PM) Ikiryo: [From: S3dluhn - Well, I don't have actual control over you.] "I call bullshit on that."
(11:49:18 PM) Q-33_North: "It is technically possible for me to walk through the doors of a club of my own volition and we will not be testing this theory on this planet." [Well, unless I let you. :P]
(11:50:34 PM) Ikiryo: "Yeah...maybe not here. That and I'm not sure we have any clubbing clothes." Says the girl who spends most of her time in short shorts. [From: S3dluhn - Yes but that's choice~]
(2/28/2017 12:00:06 AM) Ikiryo: [From: S3dluhn - Mind you, if she DOES want to turn you into a sexy dominatrix I'd be totally up for helping!]
(12:00:49 AM) Q-33_North: "I mean you keep threatening to take me shopping." [I mean okay you win this one.]
(12:01:50 AM) Ikiryo: "You wear the same jumpsuit constantly. It's pretty bad."
(12:02:47 AM) Q-33_North: "It's armor! And it cleans itself, and reconfigures itself."
(12:03:49 AM) Ikiryo: "I meant looks-wise. It's basically always the same."
(12:06:01 AM) Q-33_North: "I mean look it's not my fault every time we consider doing it we get distracted with you losing at videogames.~"
(12:07:41 AM) Ikiryo: "Hey, we are pretty evenly matched! I kick your ass at strategy, you kick my ass at flight sims!"
(12:08:58 AM) Q-33_North: "Unless I get you riled up, which is pretty easy.~"
(12:09:25 AM) Ikiryo: "Not as bad as Hana! She melted the controller when I pushed her too far!" She smirks.
(12:10:52 AM) Q-33_North: "She's not as used to this environment as you are.  You should know better."
(12:11:40 AM) Ikiryo: She huffs. "I bet it's easier to get you riled up now than it was before~"
(12:14:09 AM) Q-33_North: "I can switch back and forth.  I can go back to the expressionless thing if it would benefit me.~" She clicks back into grey dusk.
(12:15:19 AM) Ikiryo: "Yeah well...shut up. Even with that we are pretty evenly matched."
(12:17:46 AM) Q-33_North: "Or maybe that's what I want you to think.~"
(12:18:34 AM) Ikiryo: "Oh come on." She rolls her eyes.
(12:18:51 AM) Q-33_North: "I.  Am a master tactician."
(12:19:02 AM) Ikiryo: "And yet I win strategy games."
(12:19:43 AM) Q-33_North: "Not when they let me take advantage of three dimensional movement."
(12:21:07 AM) Ikiryo: "You are literally a spaceship. That's not fair."
(12:22:43 AM) Q-33_North: "It's also not fair when you challenge me to engineering puzzles."
(12:23:48 AM) Ikiryo: "Turnabout is fair."
(12:24:48 AM) Q-33_North: "You could always ask not to play space strategy games."
(12:25:13 AM) Ikiryo: "Then you'd not has as much fun." She sticks out her tongue.
(12:25:45 AM) Q-33_North: "I would have plenty of fun playing video games with my best friend.~"
(12:30:02 AM) Ikiryo: [From: S3dluhn - Starting to think Sexy Dominatrix is the way to go here. I feel sick :P]
(12:31:41 AM) Q-33_North: [Oh quiet you, you do that enough.~]
(12:33:14 AM) Ikiryo: [From: S3dluhn - Two would still leave plenty of people do to it TO]
(12:40:39 AM) Q-33_North: [Look, it's going to be a long drive back tonight after we figure out how to get the mech out, but I don't need to sleep and am going to need to unwind after this so we can do something when I get back, okay?]
(12:41:12 AM) Ikiryo: [From: S3dluhn - Yay, I can turn you into a sexy dominatrix!]
(12:42:23 AM) ***Q-33_North walks over to check to see if the hospital-types are done checking up on Tathir yet.  [I guess it is my turn.]
(12:42:53 AM) Ikiryo: They are...they've also put her back into a bed. She looks unhappy about that.
(12:43:24 AM) ***Q-33_North gingerly steps inside the room.
(12:44:36 AM) Ikiryo: Tathir looks up at her, trying to say Hello before remembering she can't speak. She nods to Q-33.
(12:45:04 AM) ***Q-33_North projects the keyboard again as she sits next to her.  "Hey." She says quietly.
(12:45:38 AM) Ikiryo: She taps away at the keyboard 'Hi'
(12:46:28 AM) Q-33_North: "What's the prognosis?"
(12:47:57 AM) Ikiryo: 'Soulsteel damage...the spells of healing they know can't affect it.' She slumps a bit.
(12:49:25 AM) Q-33_North: "Sunstar'll probably know something.  And if she doesn't, I already told you that I'd take you on a universe tour to get you back up and running."  SHe rests and hand on her friend's shoulder.  "You're going to be alright."
(12:50:04 AM) Ikiryo: 'They want me to stay in bed but I won't get any better'
(12:50:33 AM) Q-33_North: "Did they say why?"
(12:51:07 AM) Ikiryo: 'They are worried about shock or trauma'
(12:55:11 AM) Q-33_North: ". . . That might be a good idea.  Not physically but. . .  Look you weren't in a good place when you woke up and I worry about you."
(12:55:47 AM) Ikiryo: 'thanks. I just'
(12:55:54 AM) Ikiryo: 'lying about won't help anyone'
(12:57:26 AM) Q-33_North: "Take your time getting better."
(12:58:29 AM) Ikiryo: She frowns. 'Alright. I'
(12:58:35 AM) Ikiryo: 'I want to help somehow'
(1:01:24 AM) Q-33_North: "You can help by getting better as fast as possible.  Just focus on getting better and once you're in a better place we can see what you can do."
(1:03:02 AM) Ikiryo: She sighs 'The eye and vocal corns won't get better'
(1:04:24 AM) Q-33_North: "You did fine without being able to speak on the ship, and you can adapt to the eye until we get you fixed up.  I'm serious.  You got hurt because someone was trying to get to me.  The least I can do is find a way to help heal you."
(1:09:01 AM) Ikiryo: 'I don't like feeling useless'
(1:11:44 AM) Q-33_North: "Nobody does, but do you feel like you're ready to be  on the front?"
(1:12:44 AM) Ikiryo: 'I don't know'
(1:14:59 AM) Q-33_North: "Then stay here until you are.  Plus.  From here,  you can keep an eye on the hospital.  Make sure none of them start going missing unexplained, or get replaced with doppelgangers.  And before you say that I'm just making up things for you to do, that could be a real problem."
(1:16:02 AM) Ikiryo: 'After seeing Hana when she came to visit, I'd believe it. She looks like an exotic dancer'
(1:18:37 AM) Q-33_North: "Yeah, I told you.  So see, you're not being useless.  And if you ever feel like you're in over your head just give me a call.  You are an expert ninja, and injured or not, I think you can hold out until I get here.  And I'll find a faster way than just driving." She gives Tathir's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
(1:19:58 AM) Ikiryo: 'Alright. I'll try to prevent anyone here falling onto needles or getting attacked by porno goo or tentacle monsters. I hate this planet'
(1:21:48 AM) Q-33_North: "I will find you a planet where they will teach you ninja things and pay for a vacation for you there, after we make sure there's no mind control, for when we're done and you're better.  Sound good?"
(1:24:13 AM) Ikiryo: She rolls her eyes 'You don't need to do that. No mind control is good though.'
(1:25:31 AM) Q-33_North: "Everyone is going to need a fucking break after this planet Tathir, and I know at least part of mine is going to give my therapist enough material for a new thesis."
(1:26:46 AM) Q-33_North: "Besides I have more money than I could ever spend.  If I can't do that to get my friends something nice once in a while, when they've had a bad time of it, what good is it?"
(1:27:01 AM) Ikiryo: 'I don't really deserve it but thanks'
(1:27:50 AM) Q-33_North: "You are my friend and you have had one of the worst days imaginable.  Of course you deserve it."
(1:29:39 AM) Ikiryo: 'I'm not going to win this argument, am I?'
(1:30:24 AM) Q-33_North: "Nope! I'm a professional space pirate.  I cheat.~ So you're stuck accepting the fact that you made a friend who has money and wants to do something nice for you."
(1:30:59 AM) Q-33_North: "Really if you think about it you deserve it just for having good taste in friends." She's clearly teasing right now.
(1:32:22 AM) Ikiryo: She rolls her eyes. 'No I clearly don't. I am stuck dealing with your jokes. Can I go back to the scalpel lady?' She gives a slight smile though.
(1:32:51 AM) Q-33_North: "Only if you take me so we can blow her up as a team~"
(1:33:43 AM) Ikiryo: 'Alright'
(1:34:36 AM) Q-33_North: "Seriously, though.  If you ever want to go after her and take her down, just ask.  And if you want, when we inevitably go to take her down, I can rope you in, if you want."
(1:36:16 AM) Ikiryo: She nods
(1:36:32 AM) Ikiryo: The ninja lies back on the bed, staring at the roof
(1:37:41 AM) Q-33_North: ". . . Also if you ever need to talk about things, I can listen."
(1:38:47 AM) Ikiryo: 'Not much good while I can't talk. Honestly I'm just tired'
(1:39:55 AM) Q-33_North: "I mean I can also read but I get your meaning.  You want me to stay here, and just be quiet or give you some space?"
(1:40:18 AM) Ikiryo: 'I might nap. No need to stay with me. You have other stuff to do'
(1:41:26 AM) Q-33_North: "I'll drop back in before I head back to the Serpent and I'll keep text you to keep track of you.  I told you, I worry."
(1:42:48 AM) Ikiryo: 'I noticed'
(1:44:40 AM) ***Q-33_North shrugs as she goes to leave.  "Sorry if it feels suffocating.  I'm still. . . kinda trying to figure this out."
(1:47:26 AM) Ikiryo: 'It's nice to have someone. thanks'
(1:48:02 AM) Ikiryo: Outside she spots Hana. It's hard to miss her, what with the hefty curves and the silk outfit that makes her look like a porny djinni.
(1:48:26 AM) Q-33_North: "Don't mention it.  Sleep well." She slips out the door.
(1:50:31 AM) Ikiryo: Hana nods to her. "How is she?"
(1:50:58 AM) Q-33_North: "Better than I'd expect, but still not good."
(1:51:38 AM) Ikiryo: She pauses...and offers Q-33 a hug.
(1:51:59 AM) ***Q-33_North returns it.  "Thanks?"
(1:53:47 AM) Ikiryo: "You looked like you needed some support yourself."
(1:54:50 AM) Q-33_North: "I still kind of blame myself that she's in this situation, even if I know that I blew up the lady responsible."
(1:55:37 AM) Ikiryo: "I'm not as good at this as Dr Sunstar is...but that is stupid. Could you have known it would happen?"
(1:56:35 AM) Q-33_North: "No and I couldn't have prevented it, before you asked.  I know I'm being dumb, but knowing I'm dumb doesn't change how I feel."
(1:57:19 AM) Ikiryo: She tightens the hug. It's warm, if more than a bit squishy.
(1:58:34 AM) ***Q-33_North squeezes a bit.
(1:59:10 AM) Ikiryo: "So, what do you do to help cheer yourself up when you feel bad?"
(1:59:52 AM) Q-33_North: "Throw myself into work."
(2:00:09 AM) Q-33_North: "Video games, now."
(2:03:06 AM) Ikiryo: "Want to go play video games then? I'm sure the sisters have a computer we can borrow. Or just our comlinks." She smiles at her.
(2:04:17 AM) Q-33_North: "Sure, we've got time until everyone reconvenes."
(2:05:03 AM) Ikiryo: "That and you need a chance to not be the strong person." She smiles "I have sorta noticed you trying to do that with...basicly everyone."
(2:06:21 AM) ***Q-33_North shrugs.  "Someone has to be."
(2:07:09 AM) Ikiryo: "Doesn't always have to be you though. Come on, we'll head off somewhere private. You want to play games, we'll do that? You want to hug or cry? We'll do that. You want to make out? Hell no, not doing that despite the look~" She smirks.
(2:08:43 AM) Q-33_North: ". . . Yeah.  Sure.  That sounds good."
(2:10:38 AM) Ikiryo: "Which one?" She starts to lead off toward a private room.
(2:14:11 AM) Q-33_North: ". . . Let's start with video games and if I need to have a little meltdown, I will."
(2:14:53 AM) Ikiryo: "Alright. Sounds good."