You suggest to Whiskers that you would like to go to the hot spring, but <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> wrinkles her nose and says <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> would rather not get wet. You go alone.\n\nYou relax in the heat of the spring, amid the stink of minerals.\n\nYou [[return to the ship|Return5]], clean and refreshed.

<<set $RainScore = $RainScore + 1 >>\n“What about you?” Rain asks you, all leaves turned towards you. You’re starting to recognize that as their full attention.\n\n“I’d like to say so, but I mean, I go around shooting things for money, you know. Sometimes I don’t shoot them, but I write up reports about how I should have shot them and I’m very sorry. And then there’s the hours of downtime...it’s hard to have hobbies that are as mobile as I am. So I just don’t.”\n\nThat was kind of a depressing [[end to the conversation|Return4]], but you wonder if Rain is starting to understand you a bit, as you’re understanding them.

You call out to <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>> softly, "Excuse me."\n\nAnd then repeat yourself, louder, when <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> doesn't respond.\n\n"Nya? What? What's happened? Who are you?"\n\n"Hi, I'm Lance Corporal Yune, and I've been assigned to protect this ship."\n\n"Nice to meet you, Yune. My name is RRRRRrrrrrprrrrr, but the others on the crew call me Whiskers. I work as an engineer, maintaining the engines and other machines. I'm afraid you--" Whiskers yawns loudly, stretching--"caught me during a nap. I'm sure you can't tell with all of that gear on, but we keep it pretty cold in here to help the equipment run smoothly. I normally stick close to the engine because it is the warmest place in the room." <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>She<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>He<<endif>> yawns again, displaying a mouth of sharp teeth. "For the most part the stuff in here doesn't have any problems, so I get bored."\n\n"What do the other machines in here do?" you ask, still intrigued.\n\n<<if $NPCgender eq 1>>She<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>He<<endif>> seems to take your question as an insult. "You think a starship runs on rainbows and positive emotions? Over there we've got the tracking computer, with the link to the Federation's cartographer. In ship communications are handled by that machine over there, and this one here handles all of the calculations related to course and trajectory, just to scratch the surface." Whiskers's tone take a sharp turn, "But enough about this room, you're a human right? From the planet EARTH?!"\n\nTaken aback, you reply "Uhh, yeah. Why do you ask?"\n\n"I LOVE Earth!" <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> exclaims. "I went to school there for Engineering, and it's absolutely the most fascinating planet I've ever visited! You have to tell me what it was like growing up there some time."\n\n"Why not?" you reply. "I'm sure I'll have some down time to chat with you later. I should probably get back to exploring the ship now, though."\n\n"Come find me again when you are free, then." Whiskers says sleepily as she climbs back onto the engine.\n\n[[You head back through the airlock and into the hallway.|Return]]

After a few hours of sunbathing, you remember that you came here to swim. You ask Rain if they’d like to swim with you, but they refuse.\n\n[[You press them.|Rain_4_Pressure]]\n[[You go swim on your own.|Rain_4_Ocean]]

<<set $XivithProg = 3>><<set $StoryProg = $StoryProg + 1>>You go to see Xivith, who is humming to <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>herself<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>himself<<endif>> as <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> tidies things up. It seems the cannons were fired once or twice at the oncoming ship, although the glitterbombs missed their target.\n\n"That was a most thrilling battle, was it not?" <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> says. "You fought well."\n\n[["Thanks! You also fought fabulously."|Xivith_3_Thanks]]\n[["Well, I am a Space Marine. This is kind of my bag, you know?"|Xivith_3_Marine]]

<<set $visitedEngines = "yes">>You follow the signs to the Engine Room and hit the button to pass through the airlocks. The room is large and full of machines quietly humming at work. It appears unoccupied at present, so you decide to take a look around. You don't really know what any of the machines do but there's something about the aesthetic that you find pleasing. Finally you come upon the housing for the engine, and you find the room not quite as empty as you thought. Sleeping on top is a feline form you are able to identify as a Velan.\n\n[[Ignore them]]\n[[Wake them up]]

<<set $XivithScore = $XivithScore + 1>>"I am glad to hear it," Xivith says. "I have had difficulty finding anyone else on the ship who is interested in such things. When we land on planets such as this, most would rather dance or gamble or lie in the sun--all fine things, but not of much interest to me, I confess."\n\n"Well, I'm happy to do the outdoorsy stuff anytime you want to," you say.\n\n"Really?" Xivith looks pleased. "How fabulous."\n\n[[Continue|Xivith_4_Food]]

"//You// will not be waiting ten years because if you continue to be so impatient, I will never teach you at all," Xivith snaps.\n\n"Sorry," you say. "Just... that's a long time, ten years."\n\n"For a human, maybe," Xivith says.\n\nThen <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> turns away, and it becomes evident that your conversation [[is over.|Return3]]\n

<<set $RainScore = $RainScore + 1>>\nYou swim out for ten minutes, and just float in the ocean for a long time. You could almost fall asleep, right here, full of so much peace. \n\nThe setting sun reminds you that you should return to shore, and [[return to the ship.|Return5]]\n

<<if $WhiskersProg eq 0>><<display 'Whiskers_1_Start'>><<else>><<if $WhiskersProg eq 1>><<display 'Whiskers_2_Start'>><<else>><<if $WhiskersProg eq 2>><<display 'Whiskers_3_Start'>><<else>><<if $WhiskersProg eq 3>><<display 'Whiskers_4_Start'>><<else>>\n<<if $WhiskersProg eq 4>><<display 'Whiskers_5_Start'>><<endif>><<endif>><<endif>><<endif>><<endif>>

<<if $RainProg eq 0>><<display 'Rain_1_Start'>><<else>><<if $RainProg eq 1>><<display 'Rain_2_Start'>><<else>><<if $RainProg eq 2>><<display 'Rain_3_Start'>><<else>><<if $RainProg eq 3>><<display 'Rain_4_Start'>><<else>>\n<<if $RainProg eq 4>><<display 'Rain_5_Start'>><<endif>><<endif>><<endif>><<endif>><<endif>>\n\n\n\n\n

<<set $RainScore = $RainScore + 1>>\n“Yes, actually. Can you go over there and see if anything comes out of the spray? It’s telling me the tank is empty, but I can’t figure out why.”\n\n“Oh, well, the thing is, we used to use these indicators on base, too. I recognize that awful typeface. We had to stop, though, because they always got stuck displaying empty, and...yeah. Not so great. It’s possible it’s just that acting up,” you tell Rain.\n\n“Really? We had these put in just last month when the Captain decided to do a full inspection of the ship. Thanks, though, I’ll keep that in mind!” [[Rain stops working on the fuel tank, and straightens up, shaking out their arm-vines.|Rain_2_Fruit]]\n

Starship Fabulous: The Great Space Alien Dating Sim

Rain’s leaves turn away from you, and they take a few seconds to respond.\n\n“Why wouldn’t I enjoy music to its fullest?”\n\nYou can tell that the conversation has ended, with a chilly silence. You decide it would be a good time to [[take your leave.|Return2]]

The captain calls you into her office. You're not sure what she wants to discuss, but you assume it has to do with the recent attack and improving security, so during the short walk you prepare some ideas to pitch to her. The door opens as you approach.\n\n"Come in, Lance Corporal. I've got some good news for you," the Captain says brightly.\n\nSurprised, you step inside and take a seat.\n\n"We're coming up on the resort planet Brodhum. I'm going to land the ship there for refit and resupply as we sustained some hull damage from the pirate attack, and we're going to have a bit of down time. I've arranged for the whole crew to have access to the local amenities during the time we'll be there, so you can consider this as shore leave. Congratulations on a well-handled defense of the ship in her time of need. That's all I have for you, dismissed."\n\nYou head to the deck and find the crew leisurely discussing their plans for leave. You decide to invite:\n\n<<if $XivithScore gte 3>>[[Xivith to go rock climbing|Xivith_4_Start]]<<endif>>\n<<if $WhiskersScore gte 3>>[[Whiskers to a day spa|Whiskers_4_Start]]<<endif>>\n<<if $RainScore gte 3>>[[Rain to the beach|Rain_4_Start]]<<endif>>\n[[No one--you go alone.|BAD END]]

<<set $XivithScore = $XivithScore + 1>><<if $NPCgender eq 1>>Her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>His<<endif>> eyes glow with pleasure. "That is high praise."\n\n"I mean it," you say. "All those years of training have definitely paid off."\n\n"And your training seems to have been no less useful. You are the sort of warrior I am honored to have as a comrade-in-arms."\n\n[[Continue|Xivith_3_SetUp]]

<<set $RainProg = 1>><<set $StoryProg = $StoryProg + 1>>\nYou walk to the greenhouse, curious to learn more about Rain. They are the first Vine people you have met in person, and while you've always just thought of them as plants that can think, you know there's got to be something more to it. Plus, the greenhouse was pretty. \n\nRain greets you as you walk in, by turning their leaves towards you and...shimmering? You smell something like freshness, and then all of a sudden, get an itch in your nose. You sneeze.\n\nRain looks at you, puzzled.\n\nYou apologize to them, though you're not quite sure what for. They look more puzzled, and turn towards the fruits to your left.\n\n[["I felt like coming here and learning more about what the Homeostasis Officer does on a daily basis," you say defensively.|Rain_1_Defense]]\n[[You lean against a table and watch Rain tend to the plants.|Rain_1_Plants]]\n

<<set $WhiskersScore = $WhiskersScore + 1>>\nYou climb the engine and lie down next to Whiskers.\n\n"This is nice," you admit, stretching out.\n\n"It's the best," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> agrees.\n\n[[Continue|Whiskers_3_Setup]]

<<set $NPCgender = 1>>You idle away some time babe-watching while your commanding officer finishes up the paperwork. \n\n"You've been assigned to the //Stella//," your commanding officer tells you at last. "It's in Dock 12."\n\nYou gather up your things and [[walk over to Dock 12|Welcome]].

Banking on the fact that the pirates haven't noticed you're here yet, you take out a stun grenade and lob it straight at their energy shield. There's a deafening explosion (though fortunately your helmet provides some shielding for your ears), and the shield fizzes and shorts out, leaving the pirates unprotected--and outnumbered. [[You and the rest of the crew make short work of them.|Resolution]]

<<set $WhiskersScore = $WhiskersScore + 1>>\nYou and Whiskers spend the day being pampered by the staff, Whiskers purring affectionately beside you the whole day.\n\nWhen night falls, you both [[return to the ship|Return5]], holding hands.

“Ah, well, if you ever feel like listening to music with me, you should stop by in the afternoon. The plants like it, too.”\n\nYou smile at Rain and [[take your leave.|Return2]]\n

<<set $XivithScore = $XivithScore + 1>> "How fabulous that you agree," Xivith sighs.\n\nThe two of you finish up your lunch and continue climbing until sunset. The two of you then go for drinks before [[returning to the shuttle that will take you back to the spaceship.|Return5]] You are a little sorry that your vacation is over.\n

You spend your day of shore leave wandering the city by yourself. There's no shortage of things to see and do, but you can't help wishing you had someone to see and do them //with//. It's just not as much fun by yourself. Maybe you should've tried a little harder to be friendly to your crewmates. You have, in retrospect, been kind of a dick to them, intentionally or not.\n\nThat evening, as you're drinking alone in one of Brodhum's plethora of bars, your best friend from the Space Marine academy calls you to tell you she's just gotten engaged. Which somehow feels like it's adding insult to injury.\n\n-END-

Whiskers sits down on top of the machine <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> just finished fixing and pats the spot next to <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>>. “Come take a load off with me,” Whiskers offers.\n[[Sit with Whiskers|Whiskers_2_Sit]]\n[[Prefer to stand|Whiskers_2_Stand]]

<<set $RainScore = $RainScore + 1>>\nYou walk out of the greenhouse with Rain, and head to the mess hall before [[heading to bed.|Return3]]\n

<<set $RainProg = 4>>You and Rain go to the beach, as they enjoy sunbathing and you like swimming. You stake out a nice spot under a multicolored palm leaf, and lay down two towels. Rain giggles, and moves the towel aside before settling into the hot sand.\n\n“Doesn’t that burn?” you ask.\n\n“A bit, but it also feels nice. I feel sturdy when I dig in,” they say, opening their leaves to the sun.\n\n[[You look at them oddly. |Rain_4_Peer]]\n[[You try digging your own feet into the sand, and burn yourself a little. But you keep your toes in, and smile at Rain.|Rain_4_Dig]]\n

<<set $RainScore = $RainScore + 1>>\nRain laughs when they see you try it out. [[They continue.|Rain_4_Explain]]\n

"It's also a lot of work, being responsible for all of the life there. You couldn't get away with sleeping all day like you do," you tease.\n\n"Hey! I don't sleep all day," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>>\n pouts.\n\n"Only when I come to visit?" You counter.\n\n"Only when there's nothing else to do in here, but I have to watch the machines." Whiskers grins, [[the pout facade forgotten.|Whiskers_1_Interrupt]]

<<set $WhiskersProg = 5>>\nYou say goodbye to Whiskers.\n\n<<if $WhiskersScore lte 3>>\nYour hand twitches towards Whiskers. You can't help wanting to scratch <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> neck, but you feel like things aren't really there between you two.<<endif>>\n\n<<if $WhiskersScore gte 4>>\nYou give <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>> an affectionate scratch or two, and a wry smile. Hopefully you'll meet up with Whiskers again, and take some nice naps together. Or more...<<endif>>\n\n-The End-\n

Rain turns back to you, and says, “Yes? I’m about to give these fruits their dinner. You can watch me.”\n\nYou get close to Rain, and \n\n[[follow them around the table.|Rain_1_Plants]]\n

When you step on board the ship, the captain greets you with a smile and a scaly handshake.\n\n"Welcome to the //Stella//! I'm so happy you could join us on this venture. We're traveling to Rimela Beta, but we're going to have to go through the Barrens and this crew isn't really... up for fighting all that much. Except Xivith, <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> totally is. You should take some time and walk around, explore the ship. Your cabin is in the lower deck, sorry. You can ask anyone to show you, we're a pretty friendly crew."\n\nYou thank her and decide to follow her advice.\n\nDo you go to the...\n\n[[Engine Room?|Engine Room]]\n[[Greenhouse?|Greenhouse]]\n[[Forward Cannons?|Forward Cannons]]\n

<<set $WhiskersProg = 4>>You and Whiskers head to the Day Spa after the ship lands, and are given full access the the facilities by the spa staff.\n[[Massage|Whiskers_4_Massage]]\n[[Hot Spring|Whiskers_4_HotSpring]]\n

You walk out of the greenhouse, and walk around for a while before going to the mess hall on your own. After dinner, [[you go to sleep.|Return3]]\n

The captain asks you, "What's your view of this ship's defenses, then?"\n\n"The cannons are unorthodox, but Xivith assures me that they are fully functional. I'm a little worried about the clutter in the engine room, though... Whiskers, was it? seems smart. Having a crewmember act as a kind of life support is novel and seems risky to me. What if something happened to Rain?"\n\n"I see. Thanks for your assessment. We've definitely tried a few new things, but we make this run every couple months and haven't ever been hit. I think one time a pirate mine bounced off our hull... this ship is made of pretty sturdy stuff."\n\n[[Continue]]

“It’s different, obviously, but I’m reminded of my uncle when I watch you,” you tell Rain. “It’s clear you both care for plants.”\n\n“Yes? I am a plant.”\n\n“I-I don’t mean...I mean...what?” You stutter for a bit, and then realize that their leaves are all twitching and their eyes are crinkled in a smile.\n\nRain extends one of their arms towards you. “Look,” they say. “You can see that green, right? Human eyes can tell that difference?” Rain waits for you to nod before continuing, “I don’t just care for these plants, I care for me. I have this job because I’m good at it, and it’s good for me.”\n\nYou think for a second about your uncle, and how he looked alive after a long day in the fields. “I think I understand that,” you say. “The best jobs make you feel that. My uncle had it.”\n\nYou say, \n[[“I’m glad you have that.”|Rain_3_Understanding]]\n[[“I’m jealous.”|Rain_3_NotUnderstanding]]\n

Xivith's eyes light up (literally--it's a thing the Lazuli do when they're excited). “Ah, yes, the cannons. They are the latest technology from my homeworld: the most fabulous of Lazuli glitter cannons.”\n\n"Glitter cannons?" you say. They sound... festive, but not all that destructive.\n\nThe glow from Xivith's eyes takes on a reddish tint of anger. "Do you mock the weapons of my people?"\n\n"No, no," you hastily assure <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>>. "I'm just... not familiar with this technology. How do they work?"\n\n"They fire glitterbombs which blind the enemy with the fabulous power of their radiance," Xivith says solemnly. It doesn't seem to be a joke.\n\n"Well," you say, "would you mind showing me how to use them? They might be useful in the course of our journey."\n\n"I will consider it," Xivith says. "But not just now, I think."\n\n"All right, maybe another time, then," you say. "Thank you."\n\n[[You return to the main deck.|Return]]

<<set $WhiskersProg = 2>><<set $StoryProg = $StoryProg + 1>>You enter the engine room, and then head straight to the engine housing expecting to find Whiskers sleeping there. To your surprise, <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> usual spot on the top is empty.\n[[Call her name|Whiskers_2_Call]]\n[[Look around|Whiskers_2_Look]]\n

You climb the engine and sit next to Whiskers.\n\n"This isn't bad," you say.\n\n"It's better if you lie down," Whiskers informs you, [[stretching.|Whiskers_3_Setup]]

<<set $RainProg = 2>><<set $StoryProg = $StoryProg + 1>>\nWhen you get to the greenhouse, you look for Rain and notice them off in a corner, checking on the hydroponics supply. You walk over, and you can see that the tank indicator is stuck on empty. The base on Earth used these same make of indicator for their fuel tanks, until they kept sticking on empty and people kept trying to fill them up, spilling fuel all over the place, and causing accidents.\n\n[[You ask, “Can I help with anything?” You’re pretty sure the issue is the indicator, but not certain.|Rain_2_Help]]\n[[You stand over them and tell Rain that those fuel indicators are bad and they should feel bad for using them.|Rain_2_Criticize]]\n

"Whiskers! Where are you?" you hail, sounding in your head like an owner calling their lost cat.\n\n"I'm right here, Yune," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> says from your left, and you notice <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> feline form knelt in front of a machine which serves a purpose unknown to you. "Are you that surprised to see me working?" [[Whiskers asks, annoyed.|Whiskers_2_Talking]]\n

Later, as you are eating your picnic lunch, Xivith looks over at you, seeming to want to say something. You wait for <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>> to speak.\n\n"You know," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> says at last, "you are really quite an... intriguing individual. I should like to get to know you better, outside of our usual duties." <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> leans closer to you and moves as if to take your hand.\n\n[[Take Xivith's hand and say, "I'd like to get to know you better too." |Xivith_4_Hand]]\n[[Ignore Xivith |Xivith_4_Ignore]]\n

The Velan stretches and yawns and cracks one eye open.\n\n"Who are you?"\n\n"Hi, I'm Lance Corporal Yune, and I've been assigned to protect this ship."\n\n"Nice to meet you, Yune. My name is RRRRRrrrrrprrrrr, but the others on the crew call me Whiskers. I work as an engineer, maintaining the engines and other machines. I'm afraid you--" Whiskers yawns loudly, stretching--"caught me during a nap. I'm sure you can't tell with all of that gear on, but we keep it pretty cold in here to help the equipment run smoothly. I normally stick close to the engine because it is the warmest place in the room." <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> yawns again, displaying a mouth of sharp teeth. "For the most part the stuff in here doesn't have any problems, so I get bored."\n\n"What do the other machines in here do?" you ask, still intrigued.\n\n<<if $NPCgender eq 1>>She<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>He<<endif>> seems to take your question as an insult. "You think a starship runs on rainbows and positive emotions? Over there we've got the tracking computer, with the link to the Federation's cartographer. In ship communications are handled by that machine over there, and this one here handles all of the calculations related to course and trajectory, just to scratch the surface." Whiskers's tone take a sharp turn. "But enough about this room, you're a human right? From the planet EARTH?!"\n\nTaken aback, you reply "Uhh, yeah. Why do you ask?"\n\n"I LOVE Earth!" <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> exclaims. "I went to school there for Engineering, and it's absolutely the most fascinating planet I've ever visited! You have to tell me what it was like growing up there some time."\n\n"Why not?" you reply. "I'm sure I'll have some down time to chat with you later. I should probably get back to exploring the ship now, though."\n\n"Come find me again when you are free, then." Whiskers says sleepily as she climbs back onto the engine.\n\n[[You head back through the airlock and into the hallway.|Return]]

<<set $WhiskersScore = $WhiskersScore + 1>>\nA quick glance around locates Whiskers working a short walk away from you and greet <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>>. "Hey Whiskers, what's up?" you ask warmly.\n\n"Just finishing up some maintenance on this machine. Can't have any more mishaps like last time, I hate getting my fur wet," Whiskers tells you as <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> closes the panel <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> was working inside. "How are you?"\n\n"I am great. Just popping in to see you during my down time," [[you reply.|Whiskers_2_Talking]]

"I appreciate you stopping by," Whiskers says. "But I actually have a few more things I have to get done. I'll see you around, okay?"\n\n"All right. I'll leave you to it," you say, and [[head back.|Return3]]\n

The captain calls you into her office. You prepare yourself to give a professional assessment of the ship's security.\n\n"Hello, Yune. How have you been finding life on this ship?"\n\n[["It's great."|Great]]\n[["It's a job."|Job]]

<<set $XivithProg = 4>>There are a variety of pleasures to be found on Brodhum, but you fancy something that's a bit more of a workout than sunning on the beaches or relaxing at the spa--not to mention you really want to spend more time with Xivith, who doesn't seem like <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> goes in for that kind of stuff either. So you invite <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>> to go rock climbing with you in the mountains, a little ways away from the spaceport and the major resort city.\n\nThe two of you pack a lunch (sandwiches, fruit, and granola bars for you and an assortment of small crystals for Xivith), rent some climbing gear, and head out.\n\n"This is fabulous," says Xivith, eyes shining a clear white. "It reminds me of my childhood."\n\n[["I'm having a great time too!" |Xivith_4_Fun]]\n[["When can we stop for lunch?" |Xivith_4_Lunch]]\n

<<if $XivithScore gte 4>>"I am sorry to see you go," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> says.\n\n"I'm sorry to be going," you say. "But, well, that's the life of a Space Marine. Always on the move." You shrug and give a rueful smile.\n\n"Well," Xivith says, "I believe that this ship will need a military escort on our next journey, also. And I can think of few people better qualified for the job than you. If you ask the Captain, I’m sure she’ll agree.”\n\n“You think so? That would be wonderful. After all,” you add, “I haven’t really had time to... get to know you yet.”\n\n“Indeed,” says Xivith. Then, a bit hesitantly, <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> embraces you, and you kiss the cold, smooth crystal of <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> face.\n\n“And besides,” Xivith adds, “you have not yet begun learning how to use the glitter cannons. If you stay on, we can do that as well.”\n\n“That,” you say, “would be fabulous.”\n<<else>><<if $XivithScore lte 3>>The two of you say an awkward goodbye to one another. You feel like you could have been friends, at least, if not something more, but things just didn't seem to work out well. And now you'll never get to learn how to use those glitter cannons, either.\n\n//Oh well//, you think. //You win some, you lose some.//\n\nYou've done your job, right? And that's what really matters. At least, that's what you like to tell yourself when you're drinking at the spaceport bar alone.<<endif>><<endif>>\n\n-The End-

<<set $XivithScore = $XivithScore + 1>>"Do you want a hand with that?"\n\n"If it's not too much trouble, that would be lovely," Xivith says, seeming almost surprised. "No one else has ever shown much interest in cannon maintenance."\n\nYou smile. "Hey, no problem. It wouldn't be right to leave you to do the work while I go back to sleep."\n\nThe two of you work together to clean the cannons and prepare them to be fired again. You chat as you work about nothing much in particular, and for the first time since you met <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>> Xivith seems actually friendly.\n\n[[You leave the forward cannons, back aching a bit, but it was worth it.|Return4]]

<<set $visitedCannons = "yes">>\nYou decide you should check out the ship’s defenses, since you are after all here to deploy them if needed. When you get to the forward cannons, you are surprised to see someone already there--a tall Lazuli with glittering blue skin, conducting a brisk inspection of the cannons. <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>She<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>He<<endif>> turns when <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> hears you come in.\n\n"Hello," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> says, unsmiling, <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> tone businesslike. "I am Xivith. You must be the Federation marine."\n\n"That's right," you say. "I’m Lance-Corporal Yune."\n\n<<if $NPCgender eq 1>>She<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>He<<endif>> gives a small bow. "It is fabulous to meet you."\n\n[["Fabulous to meet you too! I look forward to getting to know you better."|Fabulous]]\n[["Thank you. What can you tell me about these cannons?"|Cannons]]

Emma \nAyse\nChris

You take a large bite of your sandwich so that you don't have to say anything. Xivith's eyes glint a disappointed blue for a brief moment, but the color quickly vanishes.\n\nYou finish up your lunch and climb a little more, but it's obvious Xivith's heart isn't in it now, and you're feeling generally awkward, so you give up quickly and have an uncomfortable shuttle ride [[back to the ship.|Return5]]\n

<<set $RainProg = 5>>You say goodbye to Rain. You’ll remember the sun on that resort island for quite some time (you have the burn to remind you, after all). \n\n<<if $RainScore lte 3>>It was a fun term on the Stella, but every job is fun if you know where to look. It’s time to wait around the port for the next assignment.\n\n-The End-<<endif>>\n\n<<if $RainScore gte 4>>\nYou made sure to talk to the captain before leaving the ship, and with Rain's support, the captain agreed to take you on on the return voyage through the Barrens, in just a few short weeks. After that, who knows? Maybe you'll accompany Rain to their home planet and try digging your own roots into its soil.\n\n-The End-<<endif>>

Suddenly a hose pops loose from one of the many machines in the room and begins spraying some liquid into the air. \n\n"You'd better go, I have to go deal with that," Whiskers says, carefree demeanor replaced by purpose.\n\nYou take the hint and [[excuse yourself.|Return2]]\n

"No, thanks," you tell <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>>, "I'm not sure I'll fit there with you, but I'm fine standing."\n\n"Oh, okay," Whiskers says. [["That's fine."|Whiskers_2_WrapUp]]

<<silently>>\n<<set $NPCgender = 0>>\n<<set $XivithScore = 0>>\n<<set $XivithProg = 0>>\n<<set $WhiskersScore = 0>>\n<<set $WhiskersProg = 0>>\n<<set $RainScore = 0>>\n<<set $RainProg = 0>>\n<<set $visitedGreenhouse = "no">>\n<<set $visitedCannons = "no">>\n<<set $visitedEngines = "no">\n<<set $StoryProg = 0>>\n<<endsilently>>\nYou're at a space station, waiting to be assigned to your next shift. You are a space marine, assigned to Federation trade vessels traveling through the Barrens, where danger lurks behind every planet.\n\nYou fill out some preliminary paperwork, marking your ID number, name, and gender.\n\n[[You check the box marked 'fuck that noise.'|Intro2]]

"I had to train my mind and spirit for many years to be able to use the glitter cannons. The meditation that I was doing just now is part of this," Xivith tells you.\n\n"I see," you say. "I could start now, though, couldn't I? I mean, I might not learn in time for it to be useful on this trip, but it could be handy in the future."\n\nXivith's eyes glow a pensive shade of green. "The fabulous secret of the glitterbomb is granted only to true warriors. I cannot be sure you are a true warrior."\n\n"Well, I //am// a Marine," you point out--quite reasonably, you think.\n\n"Such titles mean little in the determining of who is a true warrior," Xivith says. <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>Her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>His<<endif>> eyes briefly flash an irritated orange.\n\n"Sorry," you say.\n\n"However," Xivith goes on, "if you are really determined to learn, then... well, we shall see. Not today, but perhaps in time."\n\n“Thank you. I would greatly appreciate that,” you tell <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>>.\n\n[[You leave the forward cannons|Return2]]

<<set $RainProg = 3>><<set $StoryProg = $StoryProg + 1>>The pirate boarding has knocked over most of the plants. Luckily, with hydroponics, there isn’t really much soil to make a mess, but still. The greenhouse is clearly in disarray. You see Rain making their way through the mess, and you help them set a long trellis upright and restart the hydroponics. \n\nIt takes hours, but finally the both of you finish restoring the plants to their original positions, and straightening the irrigation, and then giving the plants a special post-shock fertilizer meal. Watching Rain move around, caring for the plants and drawing energy from them, [[makes you reminisce.|Rain_3_Reminisce]]\n\n

<<set $XivithScore = $XivithScore + 1>> Xivith's eyes blink a curious yellow. "You truly want to know?"\n\n"I do," you say. "Unless it's too personal?"\n\n"No, no, not at all." Xivith sits down on the floor and gestures for you to do the same, which you do.\n\n"When I was a child," Xivith begins, "like all young Lazuli, I attended a School of the Arts. There we learn all the most important subjects, the arts of fashion, of meditation, and of war among them. After a few years--I was thirty or so, barely out of babyhood--my teachers noticed that I showed great valor in combat training as well as the potential for extreme fabulosity.\n\n"I was then sent to the prestigious Rainbow Prism School of Battle, where among many other especially fabulous students I trained night and day to master my inner sparkle, the better to use the cutting-edge glitter technology. This was no easy task.\n\n[[Continue...|Xivith_2_School]]

Xivith glares. "Arrogance," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> mutters darkly.\n\n"You did great too," you add.\n\n"Thank you. Though your fighting abilities do not excuse your thoughtlessness."\n\n[[Continue|Xivith_3_SetUp]]\n

<<set $WhiskersScore = $WhiskersScore + 1>>You take the proffered spot, squeezing close to Whiskers on the machine.\n\n"I enjoy working with machines," Whiskers sighs. "Even if I'm not always the most diligent about upkeep."\n\n"I think you do well enough," you reassure <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>>. "The ship runs smoothly under your watch."\n\n"Thank you," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> says quietly. Whiskers hugs you suddenly, [[then gets up.|Whiskers_2_WrapUp]]\n

You push Rain, asking them to tell you why not, and they respond, asking you to just go swim. It takes a few tries, but eventually you both are so frustrated that you sit in silence for the rest of the hour, and then [[return to the ship|Return5]]\n

“What do you mean?” Rain asks you, all leaves turned towards you. You’re starting to recognize that as their full attention. You don't find it accompanied by their usual smile.\n\n“I’d like to say so, but I mean, I go around shooting things for money, you know. Sometimes I don’t shoot them, but I write up reports about how I should have shot them and I’m very sorry. And then there’s the hours of downtime...it’s hard to have hobbies that are as mobile as I am. So I just don’t.”\n\nThat was kind of a depressing [[end to the conversation|Return4]], and you hope Rain understands your bitterness.\n

Xivith scowls, and <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> eyes take on an angry red glow. "You are arrogant," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> snaps.\n\n"Seriously, I know how to use a lot of weapons already. What's so different about this one? It can't be anything //that// special."\n\n"You disrespect the glitter cannon because you do not understand its true nature! You should not speak of that which you do not understand."\n\n"All right, all right, I'm sorry," you say. [["But seriously, what is so special about it?"|Xivith_1_Curious2]]\n

<<set $XivithScore = $XivithScore + 1>>\n\n"I had to train my mind and spirit for many years to be able to use the glitter cannons. The meditation that I was doing just now is part of this," Xivith tells you.\n\n"I see," you say. "I could start now, though, couldn't I? I mean, I might not learn in time for it to be useful on this trip, but it could be handy in the future."\n\nXivith's eyes glow a pensive shade of green. "The fabulous secret of the glitterbomb is granted only to true warriors. I cannot be sure you are a true warrior."\n\n"Well, I //am// a Marine," you point out--quite reasonably, you think.\n\n"Such titles mean little in the determining of who is a true warrior," Xivith says. <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>Her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>His<<endif>> eyes briefly flash an irritated orange.\n\n"Sorry," you say.\n\n"However," Xivith goes on, "if you are really determined to learn, then... well, we shall see. Not today, but perhaps in time."\n\n“Thank you. I would greatly appreciate that,” you tell <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>>.\n\n[[You leave the forward cannons|Return2]]

You decide to go back and visit:\n\n<<if $StoryProg lte 3>>[[Xivith|Xivith]]<<endif>>\n<<if $StoryProg lte 3>>[[Whiskers|Whiskers]]<<endif>>\n<<if $StoryProg lte 3>>[[Rain|Rain]]<<endif>>\n<<if $StoryProg eq 4>>[[Continue...|Space Pirates]]<<endif>>

You decide to go back and visit:\n\n<<if $StoryProg lte 1>>[[Xivith|Xivith]]<<endif>>\n<<if $StoryProg lte 1>>[[Whiskers|Whiskers]]<<endif>>\n<<if $StoryProg lte 1>>[[Rain|Rain]]<<endif>>\n<<if $StoryProg eq 2>>[[Onwards...]]<<endif>>

A few days later, the //Stella// finally docks at its destination. The captain thanks you for a job well-done and assures you that the credits she owes you will be transferred to your account in short order.\n\n<<if $XivithProg eq 4>><<display 'Xivith_5_Start'>><<endif>>\n<<if $RainProg eq 4>><<display 'Rain_5_Start'>><<endif>>\n<<if $WhiskersProg eq 4>><<display 'Whiskers_5_Start'>><<endif>>

You decide to go back and visit:\n\n<<if $StoryProg lte 5>>[[Xivith|Xivith]]<<endif>>\n<<if $StoryProg lte 5>>[[Whiskers|Whiskers]]<<endif>>\n<<if $StoryProg lte 5>>[[Rain|Rain]]<<endif>>\n<<if $StoryProg eq 6>>[[Continue...|Shore Leave]]<<endif>>\n

<<set $WhiskersProg = 3>><<set $StoryProg = $StoryProg + 1>>You reach the engine room, and make for the engine to check if Whiskers is napping. Instead, you find <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>> in <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>>, usual spot, lounging.\n\n"Hey, Yune!"<<if $NPCgender eq 1>>She<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>He<<endif>> greets you, grinning.\n\n"Hey Whiskers!" you return warmly. "Having fun up there?"\n\nWhiskers nods. "It's my favorite place." <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>She<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>He<<endif>> seems to hesitate for a moment, then suddenly says, "Come up here with me!"\n\n[[You lounge with Whiskers|Whiskers_3_Lounge]]\n[[You sit down with Whiskers|Whiskers_3_Sit]]

Everything goes quiet. The pirates have all been dispatched with minimal casualties to the crew. You pick up the fallen display, and glance at it. No alert signals remain.\n\n//Awesome//, you think to yourself. //I better go check in with the captain.//\n\nYou walk back to the main deck, passing crew members cleaning up minor debris dislodged by the force of impact of the boarding vessel. No one's been killed or anything, and the crew was effective and organized, but you realize the ship will need some time to recover from this short attack. You’re sure any free hands will be useful.\n\nYou return to the main deck, and the captain nods as you enter. You wait for her to finish issuing orders to the bridge crew. Soon, she turns to you.\n\n"There was a pirate intrusion, but the boarding party has been dealt with. Your crew performed admirably," you tell her. "One was hurt, but not badly, and he was escorted to the medical bay."\n\n"Good, I'm glad to hear you think my crew did so well. All of the reports have come in, and there have been no casualties. Seems like the biggest issue will be clean-up, we got shaken around quite a bit when the boarding vessel attached itself."\n\n"I see. Is there anything I can do to help?" you ask her.\n\nShe says, "No, nothing in particular. I'm sure no one will turn you away, though, so feel free to go help someone out."\n\n[[Go to the forward cannons and see if Xivith needs a hand with anything.|Xivith]]\n[[Check out engineering and make sure Whiskers isn't trapped under any of the rubble.|Whiskers]]\n[[See if all the plants (and Vine people) in the greenhouse are okay.|Rain]]

<<set $XivithProg = 5>>\nYou are happy to have done your duty well, but a little sad to be leaving the ship. As you are on your way to the shuttle, you run into Xivith.\n\n[[Continue|Xivith_5_Assess]]

The pirates, hearing your shout, all turn towards you and train their weapons on you. They fire a few energy blasts, but your armor absorbs most of the damage. You raise the rocket launcher to your shoulder and prepare to fire...\n\n... when suddenly glitter floats gently down from the ceiling. There is a blinding flash of light, and when your vision clears, the pirates are all lying motionless on the ground.\n\nYou turn to see Xivith standing behind you with some unfamiliar weapon in <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>his<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>her<<endif>> hands. "Thank you for the diversion," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> says.\n\n"Uh, sure," you say, trying to look nonchalant, as though that was totally how you meant for that to go. [["Anytime."|Resolution]]

"Glitter guns and glitter cannons are no mere weapons like the blaster you carry; if they are to do your will you must control them with your mind as well as your hand. This we spent ten years learning to do at the Battle School before we were even allowed to touch our first glitter pistol. And when we did first touch one, it was only to learn to clean it."\n\n[["Wow, that's an impressive amount of dedication." |Xivith_2_Dedication]]\n[["I would have to wait TEN YEARS?!" |Xivith_2_TenYears]]\n

<<set $WhiskersScore = $WhiskersScore + 1>>\n"What sort of environment were you in?" you ask <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>>, interested.\n\n"The University I studied engineering at was in a very busy place. Everyone bought anything they needed from a store but I always got the sense that everyone was doing something really important. At the university they often had free food and warm couches to nap on," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> gushes.\n\n"Sounds like you really liked it."\n\n[["I am glad I got the opportunity to visit such an interesting planet. It was a great experience."|Whiskers_1_Interrupt]]\n

A few days later, you find yourself with some downtime again. You figure this could be a good chance to get to know some of the crew better--not a lot else to do on this ship while it's in transit, anyway.\n\nYou decide to go talk to...\n\n[[Rain]]\n[[Xivith]]\n[[Whiskers]]

Rain notices your look, and tries to [[explain themself.|Rain_4_Explain]]\n

<<set $visitedGreenhouse = "yes">>You've always wondered where these trade ships grow their food. Your uncle was a farmer back on Earth, and he made the best meals every year on your birthday.\n\nAs the greenhouse doors slide open, you feel yourself hit with a wave of humidity. It is bright in here, almost too bright, and you wait for your eyes to adjust after the dim corridors of the vessel. You can see a twining shape approach you silently.\n\n"Hello. Welcome to the greenhouse. I am the Homeostasis Officer on this ship."\n\nIt's one of the Vine people. You've heard about them in your early training back on Earth, and remember that your instructor always told you to call them “them”. She said that the Vine people have no concept of gender or sex, so calling them 'him' or 'her' would just confuse them.\n\nYou reply, "Hi, I've been assigned to safeguard the security of this vessel. You can call me Yune."\n\n[["What's your name?"|Name]]\n[["So what does a Homeostasis Officer do?"|Homeostasis]]\n[["I think I should keep looking around, but I just wanted to greet you first."|Return]]

“It’s like, I spend so much time unrooted. At home, we can go months without moving our roots, but the necessities of space life mean that I’ve had to trim back my vines before setting out. So I only get to feel it when I sleep, and, well, I’m asleep.”\n\n“Really? Months?” you ask them.\n\n“Yes. We don’t really have houses in the way that you humans think of them, we just all settle in the earth. Usually we pick a spot and put down roots for a time, and then just grow our vines outward to do whatever we need to do.”\n\nYou struggle to wrap your head around this idea, and that struggle is visible on your face.\n\n“Think of it this way,” Rain says. “Haven’t you ever been too tired to get out of your seat, and just reached for everything instead of standing up and moving over to it? It’s like that, but on a much wider scale.”\n\n“Oh, so you’re just lazy!” you tease with a smile.\n\nRain, without uprooting themself, reaches over and flicks your nose with one of their vines. You catch it, and share a long stare, before you [[blush and let go.|Rain_4_Swimming]]\n

<<set $WhiskersScore = $WhiskersScore + 1>>\nYou reach over and stroke your hand along Whiskers's back. <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>She<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>He<<endif>> purrs appreciatively.\n\nAfter a time of enjoying the silence together, you [[excuse yourself.|Return4]]\n

You are in your cabin, taking a break from making the rounds of the ship and maybe dozing off a little, when a loud sound jars you from your slumbers. It takes your sleep-fuzzed brain a few seconds to realize that it's the ship's alarm system, but you already have your gun out and ready.\n\nThrowing on your equipment vest, you jump to your feet and run to the main deck. You're surprised by how little disorder is happening, for a trade vessel. The captain must run a tight ship. One of the officers hands you a display with a map of the ship. You see a concentration of red dots in the fore of the ship, and you realize that this, right here, is why you were assigned to the ship in the first place.\n\nYou run in a measured pace towards the lift, monitoring their movement. Looks like six... no, seven individual life signs, all armed. They haven't moved out of the gallery. The crew must be holding them down.\n\nNo, it's back to six life signs. More than holding them down.\n\nYou exit the lift, run down the last hallway, and round the corner, to see three enemies left. One of the crew has been hit, and falls into you as you enter the room, knocking the display out of your hand. You set him gently behind a crate. You can see the remaining enemies clustered behind a deployable energy shield. \n\n[[You shout for the crew to keep shooting, and try to flank the enemies.|Flank]]\n[[You throw a stun grenade right into the center of the energy shield.|Shield]]\n[[You pull out a rocket launcher and shout at the pirates, "SURRENDER YOURSELVES OR I'LL BLOW YOU ALL AWAY!!!"|Rocket]]

You pick your way carefully behind crates and tubes. After a few minutes of this, you see a clear shot at the shield generator, and hit it perfectly with your pistol. Once the shield is down, it takes only a couple seconds for the crew to hit the pirates with their continuing fire. [[You get a few more good shots in, too.|Resolution]]

You shake your head slightly, and Whiskers looks at you funny.\n\nAfter a time of enjoying the silence together, you [[excuse yourself.|Return4]]\n

<<set $XivithScore = $XivithScore + 1>> "Well, the passage of time is not the same for us as it is for you humans," Xivith admits. "But I would like to think I never gave my teachers cause to doubt my commitment to sparkle motion."\n\n"Would I have to train for ten years, if I were to want to use glitter technology?"\n\nXivith gives you a long, speculative look. "Perhaps not. //If// I should choose to train you."\n\n"That would be a... a fabulous honor," you say.\n\nYou sense that the conversation [[has ended|Return3]], though on a positive note.

You watch Rain water the plants. They also sprinkle something out of a cloth bag around the base of the plants. You guess that it’s fertilizer of some sort.\n\nIt’s calming to watch them care for the plants. You can see Rain’s leaves all turn to the plant being watered. Occasionally, a vine tendril sneaks into the hydroponics and touches the plant’s root system. After Rain cares for an entire bank of the fruits, you can see a bright green, the color of new growth, striping their vines. \n\nThey finish caring for the fruits, and turn to you. “That’s how I spend most of my time on this ship,” they say.\n\n[[“How do you spend the rest of your time?”|Rain_1_Leisure]]

You make your way back to the main deck, and stand at attention. The captain smiles at you, but does not take her attention away from the report she is reading. You stand around for a while, and then think to go check out:\n\n<<if $visitedEngines eq "no">>[[Visit the Engine Room|Engine Room]]<<endif>>\n<<if $visitedGreenhouse eq "no">>[[Visit the Greenhouse|Greenhouse]]<<endif>>\n<<if $visitedCannons eq "no">>[[Visit the Forward Cannons|Forward Cannons]]<<endif>>\n\n[[You're done exploring for the day|Chat with the Captain]]

"I'll just leave you to it, then," you say.\n\n"Have a pleasant rest," Xivith says, and turns away from you to return to <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> maintenance work.\n\n[[You leave the cannons, and Xivith|Return4]]

<<set $XivithProg = 1>><<set $StoryProg = $StoryProg + 1>>\nWhen you have a free moment, you head to the forward cannons, hoping to find Xivith there--and you are not disappointed. <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>She<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>He<<endif>> isn't maintaining the cannons this time, though, just sitting against the wall, eyes closed. <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>She<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>He<<endif>> opens <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> eyes when you walk in.\n\n"I'm sorry," you say. "Did I wake you?"\n\n"I was not sleeping," Xivith says. "I was meditating. I must do this daily to maintain my fabulous sparkly powers. But I am done now. Did you wish to speak with me?"\n\n"I was hoping you might have time to show me how to use the glitter cannons," you say\n\nXivith looks you up and down, face as impassive as stone. (Well, it //is// stone. You make a mental note to work on improving your similes.)\n\n"I am not certain," Xivith says, "that you are worthy to receive this knowledge."\n\n[["Why do you say that?"|Xivith_1_Curious]]\n[["Not worthy? I'm a goddamn Space Marine!"|Xivith_1_Angry]]\n

"If that is all," Xivith adds, "then I must return to cleaning up."\n\n[[Offer to help |Xivith_3_Help]]\n[[Leave Xivith to do it |Xivith_3_Leave]]\n

<<set $XivithProg = 2>><<set $StoryProg = $StoryProg + 1>>You decide you would like to spend some more time talking with Xivith, and you suspect you know just where to find <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>>. Sure enough, <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> is over by the forward cannons, cleaning them with meticulous care.\n\n"Hello," you say.\n\n"Good day, Lance-Corporal," Xivith says. "Do you wish further discourse with me?"\n\n"Sure," you say. "I was wondering if...\n\n[["... you could tell me more about the training you underwent." |Xivith_2_Training]]\n[["... you had changed your mind about teaching me to use the glitter cannons yet." |Xivith_2_Glitter]]

You look over at Whiskers, and you get the urge to stroke <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> fur.\n[[Go for it|Whiskers_3_Go]]\n[[Nah, better not|Whiskers_3_Nah]]

"I see. Have you been getting along with the crew?"\n\n"They're all a little strange, but they all seem like good crewmembers."\n\n"They wouldn't be here if they weren't," the captain says with a smile. "I oversee the hiring personally, and I have full confidence in all my crew, whatever their... quirks."\n\n"I definitely look forward to working with them," you say.\n\n"Excellent," says the captain. [["I hope you'll let me know if you have any problems."|Continue]]

"I am identified by the smell of rain, but I understand that most aliens are unable to produce that smell in normal communication. You can just call me Rain, like the rest of the crew."\n\nYou think for a second about the smell of rain. It’s been a couple months since you actually experienced rain, but you think back to your uncle, the farmer, telling you as a kid to go outside and play in the rain even if it was cold and wet. It’s a nice smell, rain. Maybe Rain will be nice, too.\n\n[[You return to the main deck.|Return]]

<<if $XivithProg eq 0>><<display 'Xivith_1_Start'>><<else>><<if $XivithProg eq 1>><<display 'Xivith_2_Start'>><<else>><<if $XivithProg eq 2>><<display 'Xivith_3_Start'>><<else>><<if $XivithProg eq 3>><<display 'Xivith_4_Start'>><<else>>\n<<if $XivithProg eq 4>><<display 'Xivith_5_Start'>><<endif>><<endif>><<endif>><<endif>><<endif>>

You notice a peach, perfectly ripe, on a bank of fruit trees by the wall. Your stomach growls. Rain looks at you, and says, “You’re hungry, aren’t you. I bet it’s close to dinnertime. Would you like to go to the mess hall?”\n\n[[You say, “I’d love to get dinner with you.”|Rain_2_Dinner]]\n[[You excuse yourself, “I’m sorry, not tonight.”|Rain_2_NotDinner]]\n

You take that as a firm, but definite, dismissal. You salute her (can't forget your military training, after all), and leave the office.\n\nYou decide to go back and visit\n\n[[Xivith|Xivith]]\n[[Whiskers|Whiskers]]\n[[Rain|Rain]]

Xivith sighs. "You are bored, then. I had feared that might be the case. Not many people are happy to spend their scant free time climbing rocks when they could be doing something more relaxing."\n\n"No, no," you say quickly, "I'm just getting hungry."\n\n"I see," says Xivith, but <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> sounds doubtful.\n\n[[Continue|Xivith_4_Food]]\n

Your commanding officer is finishing the paperwork, and you sit, bored.\n\nThere are many people here from various species, alien and human. Some of them are quite attractive. Who catches your eye?\n\n[[The dudes]]\n[[The ladies]]

“Wait, what?” Rain looks at you.\n\n“They’re always stuck on empty, and you’d have to be an idiot to trust them,” you say.\n\n“Thanks for that assessment. I’ll keep that in mind.” [[Rain stops working on the fuel tank, and straightens up, shaking out their arm-vines.|Rain_2_Fruit]]

<<set $WhiskersProg = 1>><<set $StoryProg = $StoryProg + 1>>You head to the engine room and again find Whiskers sleeping on the Engine.\n\n"Hey, Whiskers. Wake up!" you say loudly as your approach. <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>Her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>His<<endif>> ears perk up at <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> name, and you see <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>him<<endif>> stretch and hop down to the floor.\n\n"Hey there Yune, what brings you here? Are you back to talk about Earth?" Whiskers asks, excitement creeping into <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>her<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>his<<endif>> voice. \n\n"Sure, what do you want to know?" you reply openly.\n\n"Anything!" The excitement unrestrained.\n\n"Well, I grew up in a suburb of a big city, which isn't the most interesting place on Earth, but I spent every summer with my uncle on his farm. It was fun being around all the animals and the crops. My uncle's farm was very self-sufficient, a lot like this ship. Many of the necessities of life on the farm were met by the produce and the animals he kept." You explain.\n\n"That's so very different from what I experienced when I studied there." Whiskers says, wide-eyed.\n[[tease Whiskers|Whiskers_1_Tease]]\n[[ask about Whiskers's visit to earth|Whiskers_1_Ask]]

Xivith's eyes flash red. "You pester me like a child asking its mother for diamonds for dinner," <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> says.\n\n(You wonder how it is possible for Xivith's people to eat diamonds, unless their teeth are //really// hard, but it's probably some kind of figure of speech that doesn't translate well.)\n\n"My job is to keep this ship safe," you protest. "How can I do that if I don't know how the defense system works?"\n\n[[Continue...|Xivith_2_School]]

<<set $NPCgender = 2>>You idle away some time dude-watching while your commanding officer finishes up the paperwork. \n\n"You've been assigned to the //Stella//," your commanding officer tells you at last. "It's in Dock 12."\n\nYou gather up your things and [[walk over to Dock 12|Welcome]].

Xivith regards you levelly. "I appreciate your attempt to use the traditional Lazuli greeting, but do not get too familiar with me, Lance-Corporal Yune."\n\n"I'm sorry," you say. "I didn't mean any offense. Wait, traditional Lazuli greeting?"\n\n"'It is fabulous to meet you,' of course. It is a sign of great respect. You didn't know?"\n\n"Huh," you say. "I had no idea. I don't know that much about the Lazuli, I'm afraid."\n\n"But surely you have heard of our cutting-edge glitter canon technology?"\n\n"No, I can't say I have," you admit.\n\n"Then it seems you have much to learn," says Xivith, with a slight smile. "Perhaps later I will teach you."\n\nYou're not sure quite what to make of that, but <<if $NPCgender eq 1>>she<<endif>><<if $NPCgender eq 2>>he<<endif>> doesn't seem to mean it in an unkind way. And you do enjoy learning about other worlds--that's part of the reason why you took this job to begin with.\n\n[[You return to the main deck.|Return]]

You debate for a second accompanying that question with a saucy wink, but decide against it. Rain seems comfortable right now, and you want to keep it that way. But you’re curious, really, what a plant does for fun on a spaceship.\n\n“This is my quarters, as I mentioned before. So you can see my personal effects off by that wall. Notice the audio system? I had that installed special, right by my bed. I can feel the music when I root down, even. It’s kind of great.”\n\n“Wait, so you get enjoyment from music by feeling it? Isn’t that kind of \n[[weird?|Rain_1_Insensitive]]\n[[awesome?|Rain_1_Curious]]\nIs that something that all Vine people can do?”\n

<<set $RainScore = $RainScore + 1>>\nRain looks at you, almost disbelieving. “You mean, you don’t enjoy feeling music?”\n\nYou have to think about it for a minute, and you remember the thumping of loud music in your chest at your initiation party on base.\n[[“I guess I do, sometimes.”|Rain_1_Invitation]]\n[[“Not really, it always just feels weird.”|Rain_1_Invitation]]\n

"I am responsible for maintaining the living conditions of this crew. This greenhouse provides fresh fruits and vegetables for the various aliens living on board, as well as my living quarters. I also keep the oxygen levels stable in long voyages."\n\n"How do you do that?"\n\n"I assume you have a basic knowledge of plant biology, and are aware of how photosynthesis produces oxygen. I, along with this greenhouse, am the giant air filter of this ship."\n\nYou blink twice. Was that a joke?\n\n[[You return to the main deck.|Return]]