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[Mission, S] Change in Management: Side Bets
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Post by Dustin & Theo on Sept 24, 2018 17:14:15 GMT
The glitched Digimon gave Cion a stare down, almost as he was trying to understand exactly why she was there. His expression was unblinking, like most of his species, yet something about his gaze seemed to look beyond the form in front of him. ".tey deneppah t'nsah tsuj ti ebyaM .etanutrofnu s'tahT" The Datamon placed a mug of what looked like fine, black tea on the side of the table and left as silently as he came, shifting his focus on Alagus who was trying to balance a couple of glasses on top of each other across the room.".ottO m'I" The introduction was interrupted by the stranger yelling across the room. "It's hive lord! What's the point of having these code names I made up if you won't use em?" Yet, the virus paid him no mind, promoting the former to grunt and turn away.
".mih gniksa naht retsaf hcum eb lliw ti em llet uoy fI ?ereh uoy gnirb eh did yhW .eno ddo na si eH" A straight forward question. It was clear than unlike Alagus, Otto didn't value beating around the bush. ".ereh hcaorppa t'now eh ,klat t'nac uoY .rewop sih yb desserpmi yllacipyt s'taht nosrep eht ekil kool t'nod uoY"True enough, the armoured figure would excuse himself not long after, making his way back with the Datamon to discuss what seemed like an urgent manner judging from the later's mannerisms. " ?esuac sih nioj ot ereh uoy era ,noiC ,em lleT .mih tuoba hguonE .raef syalpsid srehto evoba gnieb a woh si siht ,yaw a nI .taht htiw tcilfnoc dluow ereh gnieB .mih dnuora dlrow eht egdelwonkca ot sesufer eH"The Keramon reached for a glass, only to miss his grip. Once, twice, thrice. The fourth time he'd clasp it. "?cisum eht ekil uoy oD"
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Post by Cion on Sept 24, 2018 18:24:32 GMT
Well... Ruroh, or Otto rather, was certainly an inquisitive fella, was he not? Considering that he was both a child and free, that was clearly not unexpected. Besides, with Cion's own stern stance and calm gaze, it was only fair that someone else greeted her with similar focus. However, it soon turned out that he was a jocular lad, his statements causing her to chuckle ever so slightly. "Perhaps." She answered kindly, not seeking to destroy his infantile dreams.
With the scent of hot, black tea lingering within her nostrils, the restrained Arniomon was about to attempt to shake hands with him in appreciation of his cordial introduction when Alagus voiced his frustration. The fact that the Keramon ignored his instruction immediately made her appreciate her new accomplice more. At least others were standing up to the ironclad bomber as well - that and he rightfully reaped what he usually enjoys to sow. It was... pleasing, if not gratifying.
Leaping onto the table next to cup of steaming water and dried leaves, she sat down on its edge and faced the one digimon of tonight she thus far did not resent to a degree. Although her ambitions coincided with her former partner, they were obviously antithetic in almost every aspect. If he granted her understanding maybe this status quo could be shattered, but as things were their conflict was inevitable. Thankfully, his acquaintances seemed fine enough for the moment.
"Odd indeed. As for me, he realized I'm more valuable as a potential ally than as a scapegoat for his... deeds." The silver fennec calmly explained her presence, euphemizing what had happened slightly as to avoid tension. Naturally, there was a hint of anguish and hesitation in the way she carried herself. A lady was not always capable of keeping up her facade - and killing an innocent and vital entity such as a Locomon, despite reincarnation, gnawed at her. These kinds of acts were simply... wrong, unnecessary and counterproductive. How and when did terrorism ever accomplish something but fear? She wanted to help the people of this world, not hector them.
Greeting the straightforwardness with open arms, Cion found herself drawn into their delightful banter - a pleasant distraction from prior events. "Eh... his space-time manipulation is quite handy; gotta hand him that." The tiny fox gave credit where it was due. Unfortunately, she did not understand Otto's second statement. " 'You can't talk, he won't approach here.'? What do you mean?." The ancient soul asked just as openly as her conversationalist had done. Yet upon seeing the big figure excuse himself, she got a hunch. Probably the talks with the Datamon were about her, but that was hardly a concern.
"He definitely refuses to acknowledge anything." The ascendant-beast agreed with a soft giggle, glad that she was not the only person to realize his irritating idiosyncrasies. Though as she continued to listen to the friendly Keramon, her cheer faded for sincere bafflement. Of course she did not display much of it on her muzzle, but hearing that Alagus', in his hubris, was afraid, worried her. It was a familiar feeling. "And he surely perceives himself above others." She declared her opinion once again, confident that mentioning that this sentiment was a folly was not necessary.
"It's not just 'his' cause. Given what had happened in the terminal, joining him would be asinine. But if I have the small chance to prevent terrible mistakes and enable true success... I must take it. Hence I am willing to be his partner, as long as he treats me that way." In a few seconds, Cion had firmly presented her entire reasoning. Challenging the apparent leader of this group on his methods and mindset was her primary objective for the start. Ascertaining or creating any value in their actions - unless that was a vain endeavor.
Amused by the boy's clumsiness, she took another whiff of the hot tea. "Not quite my type of jazz, but it's fine."
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Post by Dustin & Theo on Sept 24, 2018 18:53:04 GMT
Otto didn't seem bothered by the answer he had received, instead nodding as his empty smile remained plastered across his visage. The tea itself was surprisingly high quality, something unexpected given the interior of this place. Speaking of that, there didn't seem to be any source for the music that was currently playing, with the sole jukebox present in the room firmly deactivated.
.evom gnorw eht eb ot evorp yeht od ylerar tey ,sdnatsrednu eno sgniht yeht era yleraR .ot meht stnaw eh nehw rehto eht ro yaw eno neppah ot dnet sgnihT .pu nwolb ylbaborp si lennut eht yadot ,lennut eht pu wolb dluohs eh dediced eh yadretseY .nalp yna reve saw ereht kniht t'nod I A lot of commotion was heard from the back room suddenly, the lights flicking a few times as the noise grew louder. A few seconds later the song was enough to draw out the increasingly diminishing noise. ".srehto evoba si eh esuaceb si tahT" The statement had no hint of wordplay. It was delivered with a firm and certain tone, starting with the Keramon resting a hand on the side of its head. "...teY .thgim sti htiw srehto selbmuh taht ytiliba na s'tI .ti sdleiw ohw no gnidneped rewop gniyfirret a s'tI .eurt ytilaer s'eno ekam ot rewop ehT" Otto began his sentence with a dismissing wave. ".revewoh ,em ot netsil ot ereh t'nera uoY..."At that point the Datamon emerged, somehow looking much calmer than he did minutes before. Alagus was nowhere to be found, however. It really seemed like he had no intention of approaching the Keramon, or Cion for that matter. Perhaps he had business to attend elsewhere. Maybe even back at the terminal, but there was no way to tell for sure. For some reason it didn't seem like anyone else really knew either. ".llew tcepsa taht seidobme ,esrow rof ro retteb rof ,sugalA .sekatsim on sekam eH .remat ym htiw devil evah I shtaed sdnasuoht a dna sevil dnasuoht A .sekatsim on era erehT" Otto grabbed a handful of peanuts from a nearby tray and ungracefully tossed some into his gaping maw. He'd push the tray toward the fennec as he chewed loudly, only stopping to speak. ".su gnisufer devivrus sah nosrep eno yltcaxe rof ,efil txen eht litnu uoy htiw retnuocne erar siht ekat esiwrehtO .siht esahc ot tnaw ylurt uoy fi kcab emoC .drac a uoy evig ot eno latem eht ksa ,evael dluohs uoYThe Datamon waddled over to the table once more, this time holding out a card that seemed to advertise a bar in Terminus - "The bomb shelter". He'd place it on the table in front of the fennec before slowly making his way to what appeared to be the exit, marked with the same Omega interlocking into an Alpha that Cion would have come to know well. ".tpecca nac enoyna tsuj reffo na t'nsi siht ;siht wonk ,revewoH .reffo siht gnisufer devivrus sah nosrep eno yltcaxe rof ,efil txen eht litnu uoy htiw retnuocne erar siht ekat esiwrehtO .siht esahc ot tnaw ylurt uoy fi kcab emoC .uoy evag eno latem eht drac eht ekaT .evael dluohs uoY"
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Post by Cion on Sept 24, 2018 20:07:36 GMT
Taking a sip from the hot black tea, Cion quickly discovered that it was quite delectable. A pleased moan reverberated quietly as she shuddered gently, delighted by the intense yet soothing aroma and flavor of her drink. If this location wasn't so coarse it would have the potential to be a fine establishment. However when considering the dark jazz and stench of intoxication that was unlikely to ever happen. Still, for a moment, the restrained Arniomon wondered whence the music came. Probably hidden loudspeakers or other digital hullabaloo.
"I want to witness his correctness for myself." She responded gravely but honestly, having no faith in his unconstrained and violent approach to his problems. Not wishing to voice her genuine misgivings further, the outside commotion managed to briefly claim her focus. Were people having a fight? Usually, the silver fennec would have put matters into her own paws, but this night she could not be bothered. Likely was a clash between the Datamon and the no so alien stranger. Given that the noises simmered down it was possibly a mere accident.
"I absolutely disagree." She calmly and respectfully expressed her opinion of Alagus - or anyone else who considered themselves above others. Certainly he was powerful, but that did not make him inherently better. From her perspective for example, he lacked the qualities of a proper leader and visionary - hence she doubted his capability to turn his supposed dreams into reality, no matter the extend and potential of his might. Powers unutilized or utilized insufficiently are meaningless. "Besides, everyone can change things if they put their heart and soul into it."
Though she figured that the likable was right. She had not come here to listen to him, despite enjoying their banter. Without speaking a word, Cion watched as the Datamon returned, serene and indifferent towards her presence. Shrugging, the tiny fox did not feel like bothering the vociferous android. Moreover, the information Otto shared with her was far more significant. The ironclad digimon... was a spirit-wielder of sorts? And the rascal she was currently chatting with was maybe his partner? Were such ages even possible for humans, or was Alagus something not from Earth? An avatar perhaps? Curious.
Naturally, the ancient sentinel did not believe in the slightest that her former accomplice was perfect in any shape or form. He was an entity of evident flaws, as were his actions. But since the Nightmare Soldier had pronounced his admiration and trust, her lips remained shut as to avoid unnecessary conflict. Her raised eyebrow sufficed to depict her position. Of course there were mistakes... subjective and objectives ones.
Stretching her tired limbs, the vulpine do-gooder gladly accepted the Keramon's offer, showing adequate manners and silence as she savored each peanut individually. Upon hearing her dialogue partner's warning, her ears peaked slightly in surprise of his sudden graveness. As to be expected, her spectrum of visible emotions was exiguous. No - she faced the specter with a confident, unyielding smile. "You of all should understand that with passing eras threats eventually become insipidly idle." The Arniomon unwoundedly explained her relaxed demeanor. Except the D-Reaper's chaos, no peril truly affected her anymore.
Furthermore, there were too many questions on her mind to simply leave and risk never seeing these folks again. Nevertheless, she took the calling card she received. Obviously, Cion comprehended that this was a proposal only a select few were allowed to consider. Others were mere tools to them. "I'm not going anywhere, nor will I accept anything until you tell me of your... cause. Change for its own sake is hardly an appropriate compendium for a sudden, world-changing undertaking." Again, there was not a hint of aggression nor hesitation in her stance and voice. Matter-of-factly composure.
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Post by Dustin & Theo on Sept 26, 2018 16:43:17 GMT
After what was roughly 10 minutes of playing, the jazz finally died down... only to instantly loop once more. It was the exact same song, yet slower. No one seemed to notice this, or they simply didn't care. Instead, Cion's questions seemed to hold the Keramon's attention instead. Otto wouldn't offer much of a reply at the correct comment other than a shrug, yet something about his body language, even if reversed, seemed to show that he shared some understanding. .egnahc laretil a fo erom si siht teY .lufsseccus eb lla nac yeht eveileb elpoep taht esnes emas eht ni ,eruS It was apparent that whatever change Otto was referring to wasn't a metaphorical change. Perhaps he meant that Alagus had some kind of ability that allowed him to alter the world around him, possibly referring to the spatial manipulation seen earlier, yet something about that statement felt off. It wouldn't matter much as the virus didn't seem like he wanted to dwell on the matter too much. In fact, he was keen on Cion leaving the room. The Keramon pulled back, his frozen smile and empty pupils remained unflinching. ".ecivda yldneirf ylerem saw dias I tahw esuaceb ylpmis si taht tub ,uoy esahp ton yam staerht ytpmE .modsiw sniag eno sare gnissap htiW" Otto seemed very calm in the phase of Cion's declaration, taking a sip from his own glass. He seemed to swallow before he even picked it up, the fluid mirroring his odd sequence. ".dnim ni taht peeK .og ot gnilliw era uoy raf woh ot stimil era erehT .ton seod eh ,dlrow siht ot stnemhcatta lairetam evah uoY .hsirep dluow ynam taht wonk od I tub ,niw dluow ohw wonk ton od I - won mih esinogatna dna yrt ot era uoy fI .semag rof ecneitap evah eh seod roN .detcejer gnieb yojne ton seod sugalA" The Datamon waddled over and stood directly to the side of the fennec, though his body would be angled to the side as to not prevent her from moving had she wished to. " .ecruoser A .ecnaillirb yevnoc ot yrossecca nA .emalf siht ot eldnac eht ylpmis era dlrow siht ni ecalp on evah ohw esohT .yhtrow era yeht fi laitnetop tselluf rieht eveihca ot eerf si enoyreve erehw dlrow A .redro dlrow wen A .laog ralugnis a otni hcnarb yeht sa tnavelerri era snaem ehT .noitacifinu ro tseuqnoc hguorht ,ecaep ro noitcurtsed hguorhT .won sraey rof degnahcnu ylegral neeb sah nalp eht tub ,ti dnatsrednu ot mialc ton od I .'esuac' ehT" The candle's flame flickered in silence. Otto paused for a moment before he would suddenly reach toward the flame and extinguish it between his finger tips. ". .hctam eht era ew taht hguone llew wonk I tub ,eldnac eht sa su fo kniht ot ekil I oiranecs siht nI .rehto eht fo elbapac era htob tey ,gnihsiruon ylerup srehto ,evitcurtsed ylerup era emoS .dil gnipeek htrow era serif lla toN" As cryptic as it was, the Keramon clearly had his own interpretation of the message. An analogue of a burning flame, either contained by a candle or let loose to consume everything. Fire was a living thing, unlike other elements it was not bound by anything but its own potential. Whatever that meant, one thing was for sure; not everyone had a place in this new world, yet everyone had their part to play. "".niaga su tisiv od ,esaelP .og ot knird ruoy evah nac uoY"."
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Post by Cion on Sept 26, 2018 19:48:58 GMT
Mostly unaffected by the gloomy surroundings of this bar, except the stench of sour booze burning slightly within her nostrils, Cion remained calmly on the edge of her table, quietly savoring the provided black tea and peanuts. It did not take long for her to grasp that most of Otto's response were mere acknowledgments, which was at least one step higher than what Alagus typically offered. This was fine by her, for it showed her that her words and notions were bound to linger to some extend. Whatever consequences or lack their of this entailed was a tale not yet told.
Literal change? Comparing apples and oranges was hardly a coherent argument, but the restrained Arniomon grasped whence the Keramon came. Entities with the power to alter the fabric of reality to any degree were a rarity. Even her own might to break space-time in a small area was ephemeral. The stranger's abilities to conjure portals and manipulate matter were impressive, but did they suffice to shift the path of the whole world? Unlikely... but not impossible. The question was in which direction did he intend to direct towards. Was supporting or opposing him the right choice? Difficult...
"Oh, then I apologize. This 'only a single survivor' aspect of your statement briefly disconcerted me." She responded kindly, a soft smile gracing her lips, greeting the hollow expression of the Nightmare Soldier. Perhaps this eventful night had made her a bit sensitive, though considering what had happened she was barely at fault for that. It was not her idea to blow up parts of a terminal. As for wisdom, her dissonant conversationalist did, in her opinion, not display a lot of it.
Had he not comprehended that Alagus' sentiments were neither important to her nor for the cause? If he considered her rationally desiring proper intel 'playing games' and antagonizing him, then nothing in the digital realm could help him in any way (in every conceivable meaning). As for casualties and loss of material attachments - deliberating about whether sacrifice or inaction was the lesser evil in the long run was not beneath her. She was a practical tactician, not a naive Samaritan. "Don't think of me as someone who abandons and cedes." Cion requested unwoundedly, confident that the bizarre specter did not understand her mental limits.
Somewhat annoyed by this group's apparent narcissism and self-complacent demeanor, the silver fox pushed these negative opinions aside for the moment. Carrying her typical, composed gaze with a hint of world-weariness on her white face, she did not flinch a millimeter as Otto approached her. Eyes met merely inches apart, her breath and relaxed posture unyielding without putting effort into keeping her sophistication. With months of work as a mercenary and businesswoman, this had become second nature to her.
"So the Locomon was not part of this 'worthy everyone' with potential?" Tne Arniomon averred, certain that its temporary demise was pointless and maybe a waste of potential. "So who is it then that is unworthy? Villains? The inept?" She questioned with the obvious intention to make the Keramon reflect on his morality and logic. After all, the fatalistic ideology they adhered to made them susceptible to its dark side as well. Did they consider the possibility that they too were simply resources that fueled the way to a better future? Did they seek to be discarded like garbage if that was their fate? Curious.
Not minding that the candle's flame ceased to be, her focus was instead on the conversation at hand. Needless to say it was quite intriguing. Extinguishing those flames that caused destruction she agreed with, but feasting upon others remained abominable. Nothing she did not expect from their holier-than-thou conduct, but still worrisome. Gently clearing her throat, the vulpine ascendant took a big swig of her tea to empty her cup. "I intend to. Thank you for the invitation."
With these sincere words uttered, she gracefully leapt off the table and slowly motioned her frame toward the door. What an experience... and lots to contemplate. If the two... unfeeling strivers were truly of wisdom as implicitly proclaimed, they would share her deliberation. Someone challenging them was precisely what they needed. Cion relentlessly delivered in spades. In what way - that was upon them and their deeds to decide. Commonweal was her sole concern. Claiming to contribute to it was unlike their actions thus far. Second chances were a grand luxury... but this time it was worth a shot. If it turned out to be a mistake - well she was used to fixing things.
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Post by Dustin & Theo on Sept 27, 2018 15:46:46 GMT
The atmosphere inside the bomb shelter was calm. It didn't seem like threats or counter-threats would phase anyone present. It was as if within the confines of that bar everything would always results in a permanent stalemate. It was almost comical to listen to the two talk. At least from the Datamon's perspective, who in this scenario represented the common folk without any extravagant powers to back such claims up. Instead, he focused on going back to his mug cleaning obsession. Suddenly the name 'Muggy' made sense. Otto on the other hand remained close, resting his head on his interlocked fingers as he listened to Cion's declarations patiently. He gave a slow nod of understanding, but didn't seem interested in adding anything more. In terms of receptiveness he was definitely better than Alagus, but given that the two had a close relationship - the Keramon had probably mastered the art of patience. It wasn't until the topic of worth was touched that he would part his lips once more, a dismissive gesture preceding his words.
".ti egnahc ot gnikees reveN .ti noitseuq ot gnikees reveN .dlrow eht fo trap rieht stpecca ylerem ohw eno naht rehgih si htrow cisnirtni rieht taht yas ot denilcni eb dluow I neht ,timil tsomreppu rieht stiusrup dna dlrow eht segagne ylevitca nialliv a fI .tlas fo niarg a htiw siht tpecca os ,rohtua ton did I hcihw gnihtemos nialpxe I taht gnidnamed era uoY" The Keramon finally pulled back, reaching under the table to produce small briefcase. Though the casing was redundant, it would contain Cion's reward; 32,000 bits. ".knird dnoces yratnemilpmoc ruoy sa llew sa ,drawer ruoy si ereh ,daetsnI. uoy morf yawa taht ekat ot tpmetta t'nahs I tub ,tsael eht yas ot gnitrofmoc eb tsuM ?ti ot htrow nwo ruoy dengissa evah uoy spahreP ?yhW .ti htiw od ot gnihton sah ti nehw ,htrow gninimreted dniheb ytilarom eht rof ksa uoY" Otto set the briefcase on the table, sliding it over to the fennec as Muggy crept from behind to set up a sealed, plastic cup full of piping hot tea on the other side. ".ereht tuo kcul dooG"That was the last bit of dialogue to be exchanged within the bomb shelter. The Datamon rushed in front of Cion as she made her way toward the door. At the press of a button the iron frame would lift, revealing a set of two high, saloon style doors that opened to thick, hanging bits, effectively masking the interior. It seemed like your exit also marked the opening of the bar. It was now nearing midday. Not what one would consider the busiest of ours in Terminus, yet traffic was as present as always. There were several shops open for business nearby, their customers filing in and out of them. To the side were several people in work aprons, carrying goods. The scene was completed by various vendors calling out the names of their goods in an almost repetitive manner. In this densely-populated commercial district, one would have to look for the bomb shelter by inspecting the pictures on the shops’ signs. This would prove to be futile because the bar had no sign, just a mere insignia painted at the front door of a rather dull looking exterior, one could even go as far as calling beat up. The symbol appeared to be an alpha interlocking an omega, both letters encased in a jagged circle. This was the only 'fresh' looking part of an otherwise old building, betraying that the bar had just opened. That would probably explain the lack of a sign. At the side of the door, a strange, cat like creature leaned against the wall. Obviously a Digimon, yet something about it felt off. It looked like something between a BlackGatomon and a Weregarurumon that had been shoved in a wood chipper. Several patches of fur were missing, instead replaced with wiring or, for the lack of a better word, patch work. Scars and stitching ran rampant across this creature. That was from what could be seen from the worn out cloak covering him. One scar stood out at the left side of his face that ran all the way to the bottom, crossing the eyes which seemed to lack pupils and were instead pitch black with two glowing dots. If stared at, the figure would simply narrow his eyes as a grin would stretch across his muzzle, revealing not only a massive set of jagged teeth, but also a single golden tooth to the left. "..."
The stranger would scurry in the bar the moment Cion left, seemingly having been waiting for it to open. Side Bets: Epilogue ".dab toN" Otto addressed the tattered figure the moment he walked in, yielding a raised finger in response. "Speak forward." The Keramon simply stared back without much of a response. "NEW ALLY? HATE TO BREAK IT TO YOU, BUT SHE DIDN'T SEEM TO BUY IT." Came Muggy's booming voice, but it was quickly cut off. "No, that was a new vessel, was it not?" Alagus gave a cackle, followed by a slow clap. "Both, I had high hopes, but this might be the break I've been looking for." There were a few moments of silence in the room. "THAT IS STRONG ENOUGH?" The Datamon eventually shattered the peace. "Dunno, Muggsy, didn't get a good look, but it should allow me to channel more power than... this." The feline glanced at his lean frame. "Besides, not all of us want their vehicle to be a mess. No offense." That produced a sigh from the glitched virus. "Non taken. ∩uʇᴉl ʎon sɐᴉp uo oɟɟǝusǝ"The cat stretched as he made his way to the counter. "In any case, my 'light' is running out, otherwise there would be no need for this."A short glance at the Keramon who expertly redirected his gaze elsewhere intervened. "NO NEED!" Alagus slammed his fist on the counter, only to retract it and carefully inspect it with a dissatisfied look. Muggy was keen to wipe the counter the moment he did so. "I don't suppose I can just rest now, can I? Please tell me they are doing alright." However, as the titan would soon find out; none of them were doing 'ok'. [END] Log: - Cion met: Alagus, Otto, Muggy.
- Cion found the location of the bomb shelter and learned about its secret
- Cion participated in a plot to ruin the tunnels
- Cion failed to prevent said tunnels from collapsing, and would likely be a suspect if detected.
- Cion made 32k bits!
- A Locomon is now running the great track in the sky, as is anything standing between the terminal from Terminus to the Eastern Timberlands, including the Eastern Timberlands station.
- A ramen store is losing a lot of money on disappearing ramen.
- Vertigo visited cold and exotic places.
- Alagus found a new target.
- The retrieval crew will finally get help.
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Post by Bonetrousled? on Oct 2, 2018 1:22:49 GMT
Mission complete!
32k bits for Cion.
20% of that for EO!
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