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ERROR: type should be string, got "https://i.redd.it/tbwb212oehld1.gif\n\n//1099 July 25 8:13 PM Rhodes Island Landship\n\n\n\n“You know… Doc, having a spar with another ‘Earth shaper’ as she calls it… Not bad, not bloody bad at all!” ‘Mandragora stretches across her chair, of course formulated from the rocks hidden in my office… I asked her nearly weekly to get normal furniture, but I know her answer every time’‘I suppose it’s a good thing, helping her practise her Arts in a more calm and collected manner’\n\n\n\n“Doc? Doctor? Terra to Rhodes Island tactician!” ‘She waves her hand in front of us, her chair’s legs having extended towards my desk’\n\n\n\n“Oh- Oh I’m sorry… I was just spacing out”\n\n\n\n“Ha… tired without your assistant about today? Still wonder how many strings Mudrock had to pull for you and that Kal’tsit woman to greenlight me to even go out…”\n\n\n\n“Uhh? Mandra it wasnt that complicated, hell… It was me asking Mudrock, and as long as you were accompanied by a group of operators Kal’tsit had no issue with it.”\n\n\n\n“Ha, really now? Ever since last week with my rock hiding secret coming out… like clockwork I’ve caught a tad too many glances by that bloody nag… Could it be she’s worrying about me offing you someday?”\n\n\n\n‘I clear my throat knowing what it likely is about, my cheeks tinting ever so slightly’\n\n\n\n“Doctor… what’s with that? Got a cold?”\n\n\n\n“No- I just don’t think it’s about your rock hiding… event- or at least not directly that…”\n\n\n\n“... Oh, you mean she’s jealous we kissed\\~? Ha, you’re a jokester, Doctor… But thank you for greenlighting my spar with that Gargoyle”\n\n\n\n“Hm, you didnt call her a slur… that’s an improvement”\n\n\n\n“Oh Doctor! Ya wouldn’t know the first half of it! Bloody juggernaut, she is!”\n\n\n\n‘She clasps her hands together and leans on my table with a glint in her eye’\n\n\n\n“We went out in one of them fancy rovers, buncha weird fellows but… Sarkaz, Caprinae, bloody Elafia- they all talked like my old fellows… I almost bloody cried right then and there…”\n\n\n\n‘She sours in tone for only a moment, I reach my hand out to hold her for support’‘She takes my hand, squeezing it possessively as she sighs’\n\n\n\n“We got out to the countryside- nay, untouched land only ravaged by some Catastrophe in the past I say…”\n\n\n\n“Correct- we are still outside of Yan’s territory-”\n\n\n\n“Ah bloody- I don’t need a history lesson- All I knew is that looking back the landship was bigger than ever, the rocks there had moss grown all ‘round em, and it was bloody windy!”\n\n\n\n‘I nod along as I look at Mandragora’s hand, her palm chafing against my hand, despite her body having no visible… new injuries, it worries me, wondering how much pain she’s in’‘She tilts her wrist, my hand following naturally’\n\n\n\n“I liked the arena, Mudrock… Sarkaz as she may be- She actually bloody apologised for last week’s comment! Told me she really didn't expect someone like me to be the caster! Me! A bloody Feline!” ‘She gloats with incredible pride bolstering her chest’\n\n\n\n“Right… so that made you less adverse…?”\n\n\n\n“Oh no! I bloody hated her guts! It was when she took her sledge, and I took my staff!”\n\n\n\n“Right… I did have a worry since your Arts are quite on the lethal side…” ‘I mention idly, turning my wrist this time and with little resistance pulling Mandragora’s hand on the other tilt, like a metronome we dance our intertwined hands’\n\n\n\n“I- wha? Doctor you weren’t worried about me!?” ‘She sounds offended- no, no she really doesn't. She tries to act offended as she is truly, utterly flattered’\n\n\n\n“Well… Mudrock knows how to go non-lethal” ‘All my flattery fades as Mandragora pouts in turn’\n\n\n\n“Oh you… well, she certainly didn't need to. As soon as I summoned my Rockshield she took a defensive stance! She just bloody kneeled down and started letting me pelt her with rocks” ‘She explains with great intrigue, her eyes absolutely gleaming’\n\n\n\n“She… Well, suppose chalk it up to Sarkaz vigour- But it was almost like the very air around her deflected my blows… every stone I sent her way just glanced off- Took me getting close and melding earth together into slashing shapes to strike her left and right”\n\n\n\n“... Interesting- I think I know where this is going…” ‘Mudrock has a tendency to pray, meditate… talk to the stones as she says before going into combat mode… clearly she never for a second underestimated Mandragora’\n\n\n\n“Ha, I’d assume you bloody know- Like an explosion half my rockshield is pulverised by that sledgehammer- Her men cheering on as she rushes towards me”\n\n\n\n‘Her voice sorrows while mentioning Mudrock’s squad being there to cheer her on’\n\n\n\n“So, how did you defend against it? Mandra?” ‘I ask incredulously, to break her out of her tonal shift of self deprecation’\n\n\n\n“Ha, a pair of wings and a round head- I told ya, lots of rocks to use… Quite sturdy too, that tombkeeper grotesque handled about half a dozen of her hammer strikes!”\n\n“Right… I’m sure that was quite the reality check for Mudrock- creating constructs like those usually takes a long time and blueprints- you two just-”\n\n\n\n“Ha, I know… I bloody know, as soon as I started pelting her with rock pillars- this time connecting she just slammed her hammer down and began loudly humming… Suddenly she took the body of my grotesque and turned it into an arm of a giant bloody beast!”\n\n\n\n‘I look at her with a more open eye, having realised that Mudrock did fully utilise a Golem against Mandra’\n\n\n\n“That… Neither of you went for non-lethal-” ‘I worriedly call out, realising just how savage this sparring might’ve been if Mandragora isn't exaggerating- she couldn’t- she saw a Golem-’\n\n\n\n“It’s geomancer style of duelling, our rocks protect us first and foremost… and this… Doctor- I bloody started dismantling that beast! Immediately absorbing chunks of it into my rockshield-”\n\n\n\n“Well- I suppose that’s a given- Mudrock uses her Arts much more as a tool of support while you rely on it-”\n\n\n\n“Saying it like it’s something bad…” ‘She squeezes my hand once again, her movements filled with annoyment’\n\n\n\n“Well… In this situation it most definitely wasn't-”\n\n\n\n“Ha, even you can tell by a mere description… Aye, cheering soon died down as I used this fancy Rhodes Island staff” ‘Mandra smacks her staff, holstered on her back even despite it being able to be worn on one’s hip’\n\n\n\n“Right… Go on- please” ‘I am most concerned on how this duel continued’\n\n\n\n“Aye… I beamed that Sarkaz juggernaut… And guess what I bloody saw…” ‘Terror filled her eyes’\n\n\n\n“... Red eyes advancing through the beam… her hammer withstanding- No… thriving in my destruction…”\n\n\n\n‘I tighten my grip on Mandra’s hand, my knuckles turning white as she looks to the side’\n\n\n\n“I… remembered a bad memory, Doctor… a very bad memory…” ‘She looks at me with fallen ears and a sodden tone’\n\n\n\n“... I… I snapped, then… But she endured… my staff went overdrive but it endured… My arts went haywire… and then boom… my beam ended and there stood Mudrock… In bloody standstill”‘Mandragora chuckles’\n\n\n\n“She never bloody told me her armour is filled with… rock- clay… all that I can also mould… So when I saw it… I was terrified…”‘Mandragora chuckles a bit, her throat cracking as she is almost about to cry’\n\n\n\n“I did it… Doc, I defended myself… I won the duel… made her play by my rules… A Sarkaz dancing to the words of a nobody-” ‘She looks at me in the eyes, pride flashing throughout both her tone and her hand equally as ravenous while holding onto me’‘I smile at Mandragora’\n\n\n\n“I’m proud of you… Did you learn much?”\n\n\n\n“Ha… I did- I bloody did… once we got cleared up Mudrock did give me a few pointers- mainly that I’m a brute- which is ironic coming from the likes of her- But oh well-”\n\n\n\n“She invited me to make clay pots! Can you believe it, Doc?” ‘She asks with a tone I can only describe as hyper’\n\n\n\n“... Suppose Mudrock does finally have a fellow in the craft…”\n\n\n\n“And you, Mandy… a good Sarkaz role model…”\n\n\n\n“Bloody right… thank you, Doc… even if I still feel wary… Knowing I do it not only for my own sake but for yours- It’s reassuring… I love you…” ‘She bashfully admits once again. A thing she had gotten accustomed to saying daily, whenever we’re out of earshot of other operators, of course’\n\n\n\n“Love you too, Mandra.” ‘Reassuring her summons a small smile on her face as she slowly disconnects her hand, sighing deeply’\n\n\n\n“So… need your coffee, Doc?” ‘She asks, standing up spontaneously with a blush on her face, no doubt her heart fluttering’\n\n\n\n“Yes- I would like one… please-” ‘I reply as she’s already taking two mugs in her hand and mounting the stepping stool as usual’\n\n\n\n“How bloody helpless! Oh where would you be without your assistant? No coffee? No guarding stones…”\n\n\n\n“No hearing of your stories in Dublinn? I could never” ‘My joint mention once again only amplifies her fluster’\n\n\n\n“Ha, want another? Doc… could you believe that instead of coffee and what have you we actually had ‘Energy drinks’ supplied as rations in dublinn?”\n\n\n\n“Oh…? No- but you did tell of making metal crab soup a lot so… Assuming they didn't taste good-”\n\n\n\n“Aye, they were basically calories in a bottle! Sure, good in a pinch but in war… eating is a social activity… We back in Dublinn always had stories told… similar to Mudrock’s crew… I…”\n\n\n\n“I miss those days, Doc… not to belittle your presence- But…”\n\n\n\n“Homesick again?”\n\n\n\n“Aye- Maybe we could… you know… take some records again and just snuggle…” ‘She asks, putting a mug of coffee on my side of the desk, while sitting down to the side with her own’\n\n\n\n“I… also have an idea we could do-” ‘Without even proposing an idea, her ears perk up as she looks at me, fully alert’\n\n\n\n“You know… taking a day off of being an assistant?”\n\n\n\n‘Something seems to shatter within Mandra as I tell her that, I immediately sense impending doom as she starts to speak’\n\n\n\n“Did I mess up… Doc? Did me going out to train take too long? Did my rocks-”\n\n\n\n“Mandra. No. You are an awesome assistant and I want no one else to be here in my office daily. Everything is fine.” ‘I shut down the trench she’s digging herself into’\n\n\n\n“Well then why- Why should I take a day off? It’s you overworking yourself! You should be the one taking a break!” ‘She points her finger at me, an accusatory tone soaking through every word she speaks’\n\n\n\n“Well, thing is tomorrow I will be going into Lungmen to hold a rather important meeting and-”\n\n\n\n“How dangerous is this city?” ‘A full tonal shift passes through Mandragora as soon as she hears this’\n\n\n\n“Well, Yan Lungmen is the trading hub of greater Yan, rhodes Island has quite the history with the place, so much so that Lungmen is now the biggest mobile city that treats their Infected residence with the same rights as their uninfected counterparts”\n\n\n\n‘Mandragora crosses her arms as she stands up, beginning to pace slowly’\n\n\n\n“So, a trading city that accepts all walks of life… sounds dangerous-” ‘She worriedly exclaims’\n\n\n\n“I disagree, Lungmen has been our greatest ally in Terra, to the point where even we, Rhodes Island have a constant trading network no matter where we are in the world- It’s why we use the Lungmen Dollar as a currency-”\n\n\n\n“Ah, bloody figures with the soundalikes- But Doctor, I’m still perfectly capable of holding down the office, no? Surely I saw you handle enough of those mind churning documents for you to trust me with them for one outing, right?” ‘She asks, trepidation present in her tone more so than anything as she fidgets with her slender, pale fingers’\n\n\n\n‘Holding her hand as she explained her fight with Mudrock almost makes me forget how insufferable she’s acting’\n\n\n\n“No, Mandra… I- I thought this would be the perfect time for you to come along and experience a city outside of Victoria”\n\n\n\n“Tch,” ‘Mandragora clicks her tongue as she looks at me, apprehended.’\n\n\n\n“Rhodes Island is already the furthest away from Dublinn, hell, even Victoria has nothing similar with this… palace… Hell, I’ve seen Victorian cities I’d call a hovel compared to this place…”\n\n\n\n“Doctor, you know I wouldn't let you off without coming along, but why the hell ask in specific? Isn't Lungmen an allied city then? Hardly a place to bring a bodyguard… much less one who has her fangs sharpened for nobles of all walks of life…”\n\n\n\n‘Her gaze glooms’\n\n\n\n“Especially a wartorn brute like me tied to a leash-”\n\n\n\n“Mandragora.” ‘I sternly stun her out of the self deprecation’\n\n\n\n“Alright! Sorry- Sorry! I get it I ain’t all that bad- and neither are the nobles of foreign land-”\n\n\n\n“Mandra… let’s just say we went through first hand to see Wei Yenwu, head of Lungmen, was humbled by life over and over… He lost those he viewed family multiple times over…”\n\n\n\n“Tch… A noble faced with loss and he didn’t crumble? Maybe his suffering brought them down to earth… Fine, me coming along was no question to begin with, either I sneak by or accept your invite…”\n\n\n\n“And I’m bloody happy to be a bodyguard for my leader”\n\n\n\n“Doctor.” ‘I correct her titleage, her Dublinn days still somewhat present’\n\n\n\n“Aye! Fine fine, Doctor, leader- close enough!” ‘She throws her hands up in mock annoyance, though I’m inclined to believe she’s happy with my constant botherment’\n\n\n\n‘We sigh, a moment of respite and a pouty Mandragora’\n\n\n\n“Say… Doctor… Won’t me being… you know… A warring caster who once was a core part of Dublinn’s forces- you know… cause issue?” ‘She asks worriedly, returning her hands to the edge of my desk as she leans forwards a tiny bit’\n\n\n\n“No, not that I believe it would…” ‘I reply, most certainly, only leaving my question vague to not disconcert Mandragora’\n\n\n\n“What in the hells do you mean it wouldn’t?!”\n\n\n\n‘Ifrit, W, Rosmontis, any of the Sui fragments on the landship could pose a whole different threat to Lungmen, Mandragora having never even stepped foot in their jurisdiction’\n\n\n\n“Let’s just say they’d have other people to pick arguments with before you… Plus, you never committed any of those in Yan, so their jurisdiction wouldn't even apply… Plus to my knowledge it’s no crime to fight for home-”\n\n\n\n“Ain’t never fought for Tara, mate… Just believed it so…” ‘She scoffs at herself once again, gripping the table a bit tighter as her chair slowly melds into pebbles, searing back into my desk’\n\n\n\n“Unless you start using your Arts… the LGD should have no issue-”\n\n\n\n“Oh bloody- you’re impossible! Doctor what the hell am I without my Arts? A scared girlie with her tailed tucked between her legs?”\n\n\n\n“... I doubt we’ll need to, but I highly doubt the LGD would disavow a Rhodes Island caster to utilise their Arts as self defence, I’m saying that you should not make a tombkeeper grotesque and start flying! It would break so many laws that I’d expect Leizi to storm down on me mid-process!”\n\n\n\n‘Mandragora huffs, puffing her chest up in a mean pout’\n\n\n\n“Already worse than any Victorian town I visited, even Hillock let me ride one to their farming plated willy nilly…”\n\n\n\n“Mandra… If you do cast-”\n\n\n\n“It’ll absolutely be your fault if I’ll have to start marking down lines in a Lungmen prison cell- So… Doctor… I’ll make sure it’s worth a while trust this ol’ caster of war…”\n\n\n\n“You’re really not that old…”\n\n\n\n“Shut up! It’s how the bloody saying goes- Gh… idiot-”\n\n\n\n‘The evening hours had already turned to night as we both soon decided to head to our own respective dormitories, though not without Mandragora’s half joking invitation to watch records together, something she does mean but fully understands we cannot always do…’\n\n//1099 July 26 11:00 AM Lungmen docking platforms\n\n\n\n//Weather: Slightly cloudy, visibility 35 km\n\n\n\n‘The large walls of Lungmen shroud its glorious skyscrapers past, our humble landship dwarfed by the size of the massive Infected utopia’\n\n\n\n“He- Oh he is just the worst! Went ahead and tinkered with my bookshelf and changed some out to- to whatever those alchemical nick-nack booklets!!” ‘A very angry Iris exclaims with great anger as she presents a chuckling Aak to the Lee’s Detective office, her staff waving angrily as her words spout venom like the calmest I’ve seen Mandragora’\n\n\n\n‘The landship of Rhodes Island is like a leech attached to a greater body, makes me think how small we really-’\n\n\n\n“I- It was a late night and I was absentmindedly picking out a book to read to the kids on Rhodes Island- and- and I picked out one of HIS BOOKS!” ‘Iris screams towards Lee and Waai Fu as Aak bursts into a cackle making me unable to ignore their escapades’\n\n\n\n“Did’ya read into it in front them?” ‘Aak questions, causing Iris to seethe and Lee to almost burst into a chuckle’\n\n\n\n“AAK!” ‘Waai Fu quickly apprehends the furry deviant as Lee chuckles, walking past, towards the open path into Rhodes Island’\n\n\n\n‘More and more operators are coming down into Lungmen as the day starts to shine, the cold air breezing past my hood as I grip my belongings, seeing Rope’s purple ears swerve by and walk beside me without exchanging any words, only a moderately miffed sigh as she no doubt wanted to tease me over a lost wallet’\n\n\n\n‘A very angry, grumbling Iris who had entirely shredded her lady-like motifs almost bumps into Lee as she storms back inside the Landship, Waai Fu carrying off Aak to Terra knows where…’\n\n\n\n“Lee, what’s with the meandering?” ‘I ask, seeing his team return to Lungmen as he’s almost to walk up into the landship’\n\n\n\n“Oh you know, I probably have catching up to do, who knows’ might even run into some old friends I didn’t know…” ‘Lee nonchalantly replies as he drags his fishy tail ever so slightly towards my direction’\n\n\n\n“Well, suppose it’s best to get it done early in the day” ‘I say as Lee takes a white stick candy into his mouth and chuckles’\n\n\n\n“Ah, yes yes, but tell me- What are you waiting for out here? The market is already sprawling inside! I’m sure you’ll find some interesting trinkets, Doctor! Maybe even run in with Hung, he went there to buy Aak some durians… We kind of forgot about him returning so soon…” ‘Lee pats my shoulder, his tone almost convincing me to go see the waiting market eager to capitalise on our operators, lack of regional knowledge, it happens every time’\n\n\n\n‘New batch of operators first visit to Lungmen they get ripped off, second visit has them buy nothing and only by the third does one get fully accustomed to the city of Yan’s trade’\n\n\n\n“Ah, but enough about me bothering you, safe stay, Doctor, maybe we can catch up later!” ‘Lee mentions as-while walking off before I could respond, an enigma to me still’\n\n\n\n‘As I look onward to Aak getting dragged by his ears by Waai Fu, how Rope has slowed her walk to observe the event herself’\n\n\n\n‘Bump’\n\n\n\n“Oh- watch there! Almost lost one!” ‘Lee quickly catches a stuffed teddy bear, putting it diligently back to the pile that Amiya and Project Red are carrying’\n\n\n\n‘I hum silently as I watch Amiya almost lose her balance’\n\n\n\n“Ah! Mister Lee- It’s uhm… Gifts for the kids here in Lungmen!” ‘Amiya replies with a gleam of sunshine’\n\n\n\n“Ooh, I’m sure they’ll love these… But why so many?” ‘Lee asks incredulously, his lofty tail swaying from side to side’\n\n\n\n‘Both Red and Amiya are carrying an almost comical sum of stuffed toys, towering in their hands with their mass felt even by my hands via merely imagining the weight of such plush’\n\n\n\n“Well- we got together with Ch’en for a couple nights to make stuffed toys for the kids- for Misha’s sake!” ‘Amiya replies with a bittersweet gleam as I’m remembered to her own woes still eating away at the young Lord of Fiends’\n\n\n\n“Right, Superintendent Ch’en is back on land, oh I’m sure she’s gonna love the new… head of operations, so to say- Oh but I’m rambling, why is that girl with you, Amiya?” ‘Lee points to Red who fiercely looks back, almost defensively’\n\n\n\n“Amiya promised fluffy tails in this hunt… Teddy bears are just bait, Red will get them…” ‘Her conspiratorial whispers are certainly something, not something good per se, but… well, it’s Red, Red will do what Red does best- or whatever her ‘Mother’ says… I wonder if Kal’tsit got to the end of that, unlikely… her ‘mystery seeking days’ were kind of over a couple of lifetimes prior, I suppose’\n\n\n\n“Ah! Doctor! Good to see you out on deck- but isn't there a lot of paperwork to fill? I know how Lungmen treats us with so much paperwork…”\n\n\n\n“No, nothing out of the ordinary… Amiya, all’s well, you don’t need to worry”\n\n\n\n“Ah! Thank you doctor- can you help us carry these toys? I might fall over and then it’s going to be a whole mess…” ‘Amiya exclaims as her tone shivers’\n\n\n\n“I… have business still, I’m sorry Amiya”\n\n\n\n“Oh it’s completely fine! We’ll be going now! Come on Red! The kids are waiting no doubt!”\n\n\n\n“... Wouldn’t Ch’en want to go also?” ‘I ask before our great leader departs’\n\n\n\n“Oh! She’s still tired, told us she’ll carry her share in the afternoon or tomorrow!”\n\n\n\n“Fluffy tails…” ‘Red urges Amiya not to linger as her grey tail swishes in annoyance’\n\n\n\n“Oh! Right right! Goodbye Doctor!” ‘Amiya excitedly exclaims as she wobbles trying to not have several… dozen stuffed toys fall aside’\n\n\n\n‘The two hurry off as Lee adjusts his hat, having too, observed them… suppose it’s in the nature of a detective to be nosey’\n\n\n\n‘I sigh, happy knowing that Rhodes Island despite all is still what is today, not exactly a warship, nor is it a pharmaceutical company’\n\n\n\n“S’cuse me, sir.”\n\n\n\n‘Mandragora’s words strike me from the side as Lee shuffles aside, walking into the landship as I look onto the new geomancer of Rhodes Island’\n\n\n\n‘Clad in blues and blacks, she’s wearing a Rhodes Island uniform’‘The caster clothes naturally given to her, I wonder though… never seen it in her dormitory no matter how many times I’ve stayed beside her watching those recordings’\n\n\n\n“Ah, Doctor there you bloody are! Waited at your office but noo- Had to ask around until someone gave a clear answer…” ‘Mandragora angrily exclaims as her ears furrow’\n\n\n\n‘Lee whistles as he passes inside Rhodes Island, passing by the notorious Chiave gang’s jolly stroll on the wide walkway to the landship’\n\n\n\n“Oh- Mandra… Err- It’s odd to see you like this.” ‘I exclaim, looking at Mandra’s many pouches and tool compartments, a dark blue cloak to boot giving her an oddly reminiscent look to her old outfit, her hair ornaments had too remained unchanged’\n\n\n\n“What? I should be wearing this uniform while out on duty, not that stitched together rag… Plus- this way everyone knows who I belong to…” ‘She exclaims with a drag in her voice deep and searing’\n\n\n\n‘This comment of Mandragora may’ve alerted Aosta who was just passing by, I’d say I’m unsure but I could hear his grumblings’\n\n\n\n“Nn… Maybe if my work isn't good enough people should just get their own sewing kits and go at it…” ‘Aosta’s grumblings are heard by both of us no doubt, though Mandra doesn't take her eyes off of me’\n\n\n\n“Ah! Aosta stop being such a sore loser and think about the amount of great food we’ll be eating!” ‘Chiave pats the back of the pale Lupo’\n\n\n\n“Unsure if it’ll actually be good Siracusan food…”\n\n\n\n“Oh shut up Broca it’s called L'Estraneo!! I’m sure it’ll be good!!” ‘Chiave exclaims in jovial joy, almost hopping on the back of Aosta’\n\n\n\n“Well… ever since your last experimentation I doubt there could be anything you don’t enjoy…” ‘Aosta moves his Vulpo friend’s hand off his shoulder as Broca sighs with his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose’\n\n\n\n“No- It’s just… Mandra- you really don’t need to wear a Rhodes Island uniform for our outing… Even simple casual clothes would be fine-”\n\n\n\n“Casual clothes…? What point would I have in getting any of those stupid rags? Back in Dublinn we only used those for disguises…”\n\n\n\n“You mean normal life…?”\n\n\n\n“Ha, hiding and sleeping with one eye open WAS normal life for a… Dublinn- Should I even say that name out loud in the open?”\n\n\n\n“Highly doubt anyone even knows of the faction, much less what it entails”\n\n\n\n“Oh Bloody- Dublinn is a big movement, doc- If that band of Infected got so infamous how come we didn't?!”\n\n\n\n‘We sigh, heavy with annoyance of her still closed mind’\n\n\n\n“There tends to be more Infected than Taran out there, Mandra”\n\n\n\n‘She huffs and puffs in mock annoyance’\n\n\n\n“Bloody shame, that one!” ‘She stomps her feet as I get to take a further look at her attire’\n\n\n\n‘Blue thigh highs loosely connected to the pants beneath a short skirt, a jacket with half a dozen pouches present on it, the clothes themselves follow her natural curves with many of the additions giving it the illusion of being baggy- not too different from her usual old-Dublinn cloak… I swear it’s just a tablecloth draped over a half-naked Feline. But I digress’\n\n\n\n“You know… I’m sure Aosta worked on your clothes carefully, doubt anyone would care about the stitch marks on it…”\n\n\n\n“I’d do, doctor… Ah bloody… If me wanting to keep the image of Rhodes Island makes me enemies with that Siracusan then so be it!”‘She looks away bashfully before meekly replying’\n\n\n\n“It matters to me, Doc…” ‘She exclaims with unmistakable shame at herself for being too uptight’\n\n\n\n“At least it’s no serious enemies being made- Alright Mandra…”\n\n\n\n“So, Are we waiting for anyone else from Rhodes Island? Or is some Lungmen representative gonna stuff us in a car?”\n\n\n\n“Oh, that- Well, the meeting will happen in the late afternoon” ‘I lie as naturally as I breathe’\n\n\n\n‘Mandragora furrows her brows as her tail flicks behind her, she quickly rummages around for one of her pouches, taking out a small clock’\n\n\n\n“That says… uhh- about quarter-past eleven in the morn’... Wait- Doctor, how bloody long do you plan on lollygagging in this city?!” ‘She puts her clock back, flabbergasted beyond reason’\n\n\n\n‘Before we can answer, terror fills her eyes as she quickly turns her head away from the city and towards the vast vistas of Yan’s territory’\n\n\n\n“Ah! Doctor there ya are!!” ‘Bagpipe warmly greets me as she rushes up to me’\n\n\n\n‘Sweat forms below my hood as I realised very quickly one side’s from Victoria’s army, and the other from Dublinn- deflector she may be, I really don't know-’\n\n\n\n“Oh what is it Doctor? Like you’ve seen a ghost! Did something happen to Chenchen?? Please Doctor! Don’t tell me she got hurt or somethin’ I’m just back from a mission!”\n\n\n\n“Oh, hardly- No- probably just tired after making teddy bears”\n\n\n\n“Oooh! Right! Amiya mentioned ‘er new hobby! It’s a fair ‘nuff job and helps make some kids happy, maybe I should head to her and help out…” ‘She ponders, putting her finger on her chin’\n\n\n\n“Yeah- I’m sure she’d like it, but how come you were here in Lungmen?” ‘I ask as the gleam in her eyes refocus on me’\n\n\n\n“Oh- well, it was close by anyways and the wait time for you bunch was only three days! Plus it kept the team happy… swear those naff’s were out in those bathhouses more than wandering the streets! Missing out I say! Wonderous, this place is… but not for the wallet…”\n\n\n\n‘Remember the three stages of operators visiting lungmen? …Bagpipe is perpetually stuck at the getting scammed phase, god bless her heart’\n\n\n\n“Oh- Doctor is Horn out on patrols yet?”\n\n\n\n“You mean in the city…? I don’t believe so, she should still be in her dormitory or having a meal at the cafeteria… why?”\n\n\n\n“I have so many souvenirs for her!! For Chenchen too- but she can receive them any time!”\n\n\n\n“Well, best of luck to you finding them, Bagpipe-” ‘Before I could say more, she walks past me, waving with a wide smile’\n\n\n\n‘Though, that smile quickly fades as Mandragora shakes a tiny bit’\n\n\n\n“...” ‘The air draws quiet as Bagpipe looks completely mortified, her face locked in a serious, hardened facade’“Bagpipe…?” ‘We reach out for her, she doesn't look back to me, instead muttering under her breath’\n\n\n\n“No way I’m seeing ghosts…”\n\n\n\n“Bagpipe?”\n\n\n\n“A- Oh- Oh nothing Doctor! I’ll be on the way! Have a good day out!!” ‘She breaks into a jog as her smile returns, quickly disappearing into the landship’\n\n\n\n‘Mandragora shuffles towards us before her slender pale arms coil around my entire left’\n\n\n\n“I knew the day would come… curse my luck…”\n\n\n\n“Mandy… everything okay?”\n\n\n\n‘She tightens her arms around me before letting off a snide chuckle’\n\n\n\n“Suppose I never asked, both of them onboard? … Explains the records showing me so dominating…”\n\n\n\n“... All’s fine?” ‘I try to ask for reassurance before another bleak chuckles escaped her lips’\n\n\n\n“Are you bloody daft, Doctor? Do you know half the things I gone through with those…?” ‘She asks, looking at me with terror filled pupils’\n\n\n\n“Of course I do.”\n\n\n\n“... Yet you’re not playing some sadistic game… I know that much…” ‘She looks back at the landship for a couple moments before tightening her hold on me, I take the opportunity and put my palm over her belly making her squeak’\n\n\n\n“Cut that out you–” ‘She hisses, yet doesn't pull away, her ears slump as she whispers’\n\n\n\n“Doctor… How long do you reckon it’ll take for them to take notice of me? Of hunting me down… bringing me to their justice?”\n\n\n\n“Mandra, Is that how you see them? Both Bagpipe and Horn have been through a lot regarding Dublinn… so have you, to the point where you three share a lot of similar views…”\n\n\n\n“Plus, It’d be tough to see you drop your love for soldiery-”\n\n\n\n“... Know me like a damn book, don’tcha? Tch… It’s not that I lost respect for them, not for a moment…”\n\n\n\n“Issue is… Doctor…”\n\n\n\n“I see the reason why they want me dead, I… I agree with their motives- I don’t bloody deserve to-”\n\n\n\n‘I lean down and kiss her out of the blue, barring her from finishing that line as her eyes closed in a muffled tone baring her self contempt’\n\n\n\n‘She hazily pulls away, wiping her mouth with a deep, defeated sigh’\n\n\n\n“Bloody- Doctor you snake… Damn snake-”\n\n\n\n“Had to dispel that train of thought-”\n\n\n\n“No- Doctor… you have to see me for what I am… someone who took away those two poor sod’s squad, and an infinite more…”\n\n\n\n“No. To me you’re a girl who's willing to fight for her home.” ‘I grip Mandra’s hand, entwining fingers with mine as she huffs, fluster all over her face’\n\n\n\n“Telling me everything I want to hear… What are you getting at, Doctor?”\n\n\n\n“That you should realise you’re not Dublinn anymore, and that the world isn't black and white.” ‘I remark, my voice sending Mandragora into a weird confidence boost of sorts’\n\n\n\n“... Hah… haha…” ‘She chuckles before hugging me at full front, catching some eyes of passing operators but nothing too pressing’\n\n\n\n“Aye, I need to stop wearing Rhodes Island in name only- Fine then… I… I get it, alright?” ‘She asks, a smile as she looks up at me’\n\n\n\n‘I pat her head and sigh, ruffling her rogue vagabond strands of hair, flicking her hair ornament with a slight teasing motion’\n\n\n\n“So, are we waiting for anyone or will we stay lollygaggin’ till midnight?” ‘She asks, pulling away slowly, one hand still connected while the other readjusted her medium length hair’\n\n\n\n“No, not for anyone particular… so, shall we set off?” ‘I ask, meeting her eyes which only spoke worry to me’\n\n\n\n“Well… I’m unsure- I mean it’s a big city, sure… but a gargoyle of mine would be able to cross it in two hours flat-” ‘Despite the Victorians pressing on her mind, she is focused on the task at hand, being war rugged certainly shows’\n\n\n\n“That… Uhh- Mandy that’s not the best idea-” ‘I mention, knowing how strict the rules of Lungmen bares along with its Infected populus’\n\n\n\n“Why so, Doctor? Take me for a bad flyer? Well… you’d have stone wings to trust” ‘She puffs up her chest with a confident boast’\n\n\n\n“Lungmen has a strict policy on casting… It’s best we not strain the LGD with having to net us down to the ground…” ‘I think about how Swire is handling Lungmen as its new superintendent’\n\n\n\n“Plus Lungmen has Infected living as normal blokes… Don’t exactly want to summon a whole barrage of Arts missiles directly to our abode either…” ‘She brushes her shoulder while squeezing my palm, grumbling a bit under her breath’\n\n\n\n“Well, suppose it’d be best for us to go sightseeing for a bit- After all it’s been quite the while since our last docking in here…” ‘I exclaim as Mandragora hums, content and happy, but deeply stressed… I definitely have made a mistake of not letting Bagpipe and Horn k-’\n\n\n\n“Lead the way… Leader…” ‘She breaks my line of thought with those simple lines’\n\n\n\n“Doctor.” ‘I firmly grip her hand, my words stern and unmistakable’\n\n\n\n“Tch… my guiding bloody light, that's good for ya?”\n\n\n\n“... I’ll take it” ‘I grumble in mock annoyance, hard to be mad at the what-was-once imp of Dublinn’\n\n\n\n‘Mandragora scoffs as we set off to see the city of Lungmen’\n\n\n\n‘To give Mandragora a view of the true outside, one of open air and vast culture’\n\n//1099 July 26 12:00 Noon Lungmen outer city plate\n\n\n\n//Weather: Clear. Visibility 20 km\n\n\n\n‘As soon as we enter the streets of Lungmen, each and every divot is filled to the brim with market stalls and a vast variety of walks of life’\n\n\n\n“Arts gadgets! Sharp blades! Missiles and more! Come get your armaments for cheap!” ‘A likely black market vendor shouts aloud as several of our operators are looking at the many likely illegal items’\n\n\n\n“These missiles are terrible quality…” ‘A red haired Liberi examines one of the missiles with an unimpressed expression present on her face’\n\n\n\n“Relaaaax, you know it doesn't add up to anything Laterano make, right?” ‘A blue haired Sankta, or Sarkaz? Mentions as her black halo floats leisurely above her head’\n\n\n\n“Tch… I feel unsafe even handling one of these…” ‘The Liberi retorts as we walk up behind them to look at the merchandise’\n\n\n\n“Oh- that ol’ thing looks like a Victorian missile” ‘Mandragora points out as she walks up beside them, unlocking her fingers from my hand’\n\n\n\n“Oh…? How would you know?” ‘The Liberi asks as the blue haired Sankta is already wandering off’\n\n\n\n“Are you bloody kidding? Every Du… Ah, just look at its make! Scrap metal through and through, hell I can feel it alone that it’s a dud!”\n\n\n\n“That is incorrect! Madam! I only sell the finest of missiles!” ‘The shady merchant exclaims with an arrogant tone’\n\n\n\n“Hm, now that you mention it the weight is very off of what a missile should have”\n\n\n\n“Rocks, lemme tell ya sister this thing is just a metal casing full o’ rocks!”\n\n\n\n‘The merchant looks at them both with terrified eyes’\n\n\n\n“A- t- that is not! That is-”\n\n\n\n‘Fiametta shrugs’\n\n\n\n“So if I drop this on the ground… will we explode?”\n\n\n\n“No! I- I mean yes!”\n\n\n\n‘Fiametta sighs as she lets the missile drop onto the ground, clanking against it and not a single thing happening’\n\n\n\n“Oh where is Mostima-” ‘She quickly breaks attention and runs off after the Sankta known as Mostima’\n\n\n\n‘Mandragora smirks at the merchant before returning to me’\n\n\n\n“Ah- sorry Doctor… Saw something I recognize, is all”\n\n\n\n“Surprised you can recognize a missile like that… Though I hardly should-”\n\n\n\n“Aye, got some sense in ya, sometimes Victorians would just shoot blank shells, us blokes collecting them as trophies after a skirmish”\n\n\n\n‘I nod as she takes my hand once more, we begin walking down the sprawling street’\n\n\n\n‘Every docking of a landship sees similar attention, dependant on who the vessel is aligned to the sketchier the traders that rear their head’\n\n\n\n‘Even despite that, the stalls are packed with any kinds of gizmos, exotic vegetables and traditional trinkets’\n\n\n\n‘I spot Hung with a basket full of durians, some merchants do target seasoned operators making their prices even better than the standard cost of goods within Lungmen otherwise’\n\n\n\n“Hm… those spiky fruits- are those durians?” ‘Mandragora points to a stall still filled with the rather… niche fruit amongst many’\n\n\n\n“Err- those are durians, yes. Why do you wonder, Mandra?” ‘I ask, turning my head to see a perplexed Feline about shoulder height to me’\n\n\n\n“Oh… it’s just- I saw in some of those books that it’s certainly a magic fruit medical wise, and apparently it tastes like vanilla custard-”\n\n\n\n“Mandra… you really REALLY shouldn’t believe every writing of Aak… He is certainly an oddball”‘People crowd around the more well acquainted merchants, some larger operated by multiple well spoken people spinning the golden spool of finance‘\n\n\n\n“Good morning, good afternoon and goodnight! Come buy the oddities of Cannot Goodenough!”\n\n\n\n‘Oh those familiar words, Mandragora too seems to stiffen in reaction’\n\n\n\n“No bloody- Doctor can we go wherever that damned noise is?” ‘She tugs at my arms as we both dash down the street’\n\n\n\n‘Even our generous tentacled friend is here selling all sorts of weird gadgets’\n\n\n\n“Ah, old friend, welcome! Come to take home some goods?” ‘Tentacles sprawl vastly throughout the items, from radios to honestly terrifying aspects of Sarkaz culture to a tiny golden statue’\n\n\n\n“Doubt I have any Originium on me as of now, I’m afraid”\n\n\n\n“Oh that’s to be expected, don’t worry for today’s sale I do also accept LMD as well as pure Originium!” ‘He lets of a cackle unique to him, Mandragora staying eerily silent’\n\n\n\n‘Mandragora scoffs’\n\n\n\n“Hm, a radio…” ‘She points to one of Cannot’s wares, a weathered radio no doubt used to play music back in its heyday’\n\n\n\n“Heh… You know Doctor… Back in Dublinn every officer had their own radios, one in their pocket and a special one in their uniform! One in their spikes, though those were only used to talk between officers while the more common one was for squad members mostly, though largely interchangeable, we weren’t picky after all” ‘Mandragora shrugs as she goes to reach towards the radio’\n\n\n\n‘A tentacle laps over it as Cannot sighs’\n\n\n\n“You know the ways of the world, lady. Money makes everything go around”\n\n\n\n“Oh what is it you can of- Can’t a lass take a gander whether it works first?!”\n\n\n\n‘Cannot is oddly different in tone’\n\n\n\n“Oh take a gander, is it now? Last time I allowed you to take one of my trinkets it just so happened to turn into a 100% discount!”\n\n\n\n‘Mandragora’s eyes widen as she looks at the tradesman’\n\n\n\n“So you bloody remember-”\n\n\n\n“Mandragora- Cannot- what is going on between the two of you?!” ‘I ask, shocked at the standoffish nature between the caster of stone and the tradesman of the depths’\n\n\n\n“Well, seeing as you also are wielding a far less interesting staff, I can’t even allow a return policy. To you my shop is closed. Now then, Doctor of Rhodes Island, see anything you fancy?”\n\n\n\n‘Mandragora hisses as she withdraws from the conversation’\n\n\n\n“I’ll take the radio, and a rice cooker.”\n\n\n\n“Hm, lucky you got a new home it seems, fine fine, that’ll be 7 Lungmen dollars”\n\n\n\n“...”\n\n\n\n“...”\n\n\n\n“... Cannot that’s not how it-”\n\n\n\n“Oh don’t worry yourself! I’m more than well acquainted with this land’s currency, now just take it as a nice and friendly discount, maybe blessing my shop with some more Originium when the time comes dire for us both…”\n\n\n\n“... Seems like the investments go both ways, alright alright I see your game, and your trust”\n\n\n\n“Well, unlike a certain someone, you’ve yet to… seriously mess with my shop! Now! Who wants what next?” ‘Cannot brings me the two items atop tentacles, me taking it generously and leaving seven pieces of paper on his… appendage’\n\n\n\n‘We soon depart with Mandragora by my side, Me stuffing the new merchandise under my coat’\n\n\n\n“Mandragora…”\n\n\n\n“... I don’t want to talk about it…”\n\n\n\n“No- I think we need to. How in Terra’s sweet grace did you annoy Mr. Goodenough?”\n\n\n\n“That’s really his name?!” ‘Mandragora snickers, her tone surprised, but my wonder still remains undying’\n\n\n\nDate review score: 7/10, be sure to tune in next week to follow along with the DATE REVIEWAlso go read TOPH where each average chapter dwarfs this baby, please help Kal’tsit is jealous at my spouting of words\n\nThe entire script is about 86k characters and reddit limits it to 40k a post, so tune in next week\n\nThis double parter is here to make the sex review come two weeks after, it will be my little razzle dazzle and none of this hornybaiting\n\nFarewell, and tune in next week\n\nLove you all :3"