The Maelstrom of Stardew
Year 1 (Spring)
Chapter 36 – A Last Update before the Finale [Part 2]
(Still) Friday, the 27th of Spring, 2017
[Quest Announcement] - Gamer Ability/Notification
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[LOADING QUICKSAVE DATA.]
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Taeko wanted to hit Kyu so bad. He had been in flight school for an hour and a half. He did complete all ten…but was salty he did not have at the minimum…he had no all Silver rank or all Gold Rank.
[Takeoff – Complete – Gold Rank]
[Land Plane – Complete – Silver Rank]
[Circle Airstrip – Complete – Bronze Rank] (Taeko was just as annoyed with this one as he was when he played it in the game. He crashed several times.)
[Circle Airstrip and Land – Complete – Silver Rank] (Taeko had no idea how he did it first try but did not dare again.)
[Helicopter Takeoff – Complete – Silver Rank]
[Land Helicopter – Complete – Silver Rank]
[Destroy Targets – Complete – Silver Rank]
[Loop de Loop – Complete – Silver Rank]
[Barrel Roll – Complete – Bronze Rank]
[Parachute onto Target – Complete – Gold Rank]
[For completing the first three test of Flight School, you have been approved for your [Pilot's License]. A picture with it will framed in your rooms and offices as a decoration. It will also appear in your wallet. You can now access to runway areas of airports and unlock all planes.]
Taeko actually felt rather pleased to see that. He was now a licensed pilot and he felt stronger for it.
[You have completed all the Flight School tests! Your flying skill has increased! For getting Bronze rank on all tests, a [P-45 Nokota] plane will now spawn in the hangar (and in any other hangars you get)!]
Taeko was feeling on top for that, and he had a nice little fantasy of using it to attack the Joja Corporation building emptying the machine guns through the windows. He got interrupted by Kyu who sent him a message via textbox that he now had a live-in mechanic on base. Kyu did let him it was going to be a crossover character and one he could easily have fun with. He walked on thinking who the hell did Kyu get. He walked in the hanger to see…it was Ruby Rose. A quick [Observe] give him the rundown…this mirror counterpart didn't have a Yang for a half-sister. Kyu basically gift wrapped a mechanic and practical 'live-in maid' for the hangar…and unlike most times, Taeko was happy to indulge.
"Ahem." He said getting the girl to squeak. "Can I help you?"
"You're Taeko Maelstrom?" Ruby said.
She looked the same in figure with her pre-V7 hairstyle and was about Hitomi's age. She wore a pair of black mechanic coveralls, a red shirt, a red belt, a pair of red goggles which she keeps on her forehead when she doesn't need them, and red work boots. She carried a duffel bag with her things.
"Yes, I am." Taeko said.
"I'm here to be interviewed for the job as your in-house flight mechanic and caretaker for this place." Ruby said nervously.
"Yes, I see. Let's go to my office." Taeko said motioning for her to follow.
They went to his office, and they took a seat.
"Ok, tell me about yourself." Taeko mused.
"Well, I'm Ruby Rose. I'm an all-around mechanic trained by both parents before they passed away. Mom was an ace pilot and Dad was FIB. I got experience in managing cars, aircrafts, bikes, and boats. I can also run managing and upgrading firearms. I street race in my spare time." Ruby said sheepishly. "I really could use the job given my current straits."
He asked about that. She revealed with her father died recently. Three days prior during the gang war. Apparently, he blew himself up taking out several Sauseubeams and injuring Bauza…later leading to his death.
"I don't exactly have the house anymore. The airfield that belonged to my mom…has been seized. And my car that I would use for racing was impounded by the cops." Ruby said. "I could really use a job and maybe a place to stay."
He had her wait in his office while went out and called Daya.
"What up, boss?" Daya asked. "I heard about what happened. Shit was wild and they're pinning the blame on Middle Eastern terrorists. Saying one of the dead NOOSE had ties."
"Joja claiming that just to wipe their own asses." Taeko said in disgust. "I'd call them racist chuds, but…Joja will just about use any poor schmuck to save their asses regardless of race. But…I got a job for you."
"Nothin' too bad, police are on edge." Daya remarked.
"It's not. In fact, you're going to the police…the impound lot. There's a car belonging to a Ruby Rose. I want the car retrieved…by buying it off the guy who runs the lot. Bring someone with you to give you a ride back because I want the car delivered to Dilimore." Taeko mused.
"On it." Daya said before hanging up.
He went back to the office.
"Ruby, I'll need you to wait in the area for a moment. I just need to attend to some business…before coming back to you." Taeko said putting down a few Gold. "Use the vending machine for a snack and a drink."
Ruby nodded as he left. Taeko had to run to Dillimore, with ki and his speed stat going hand to hand. It did cost him [Energy] for that, but he made it. He waltzed into town and noticed a barber shop. He decided to go in for a cut.
Taeko got his hair styled to be pulled back in a low ponytail and his face was framed with centre-parted bangs that extended to his chin. Even got the low ponytail and bangs dip-dyed black. Well worth the 400 Gold.
"Itachi-like hair is something I've wanted to try." Taeko mused to himself before sensing Daya.
Ruby's ride? A [Comet SR] heavily modified that barring the cost of paint job, cost well nearly 1.3 million from what [Observe].
"Ok, how the hell did you get it?" Taeko asked. "This has to cost a fortune!"
"The Amps were attacking the impound lot to steal some cars. They were taking this one and I…stole it back from that. Sadly, two Amps got away, but the cops are after them. Waived the fee on it so it's free on your end. But why?" Daya mused.
"Because the car's owner is going to be more willing to work for me and be under my thumb. Like Aleida. And we'll keep this our secret between me and Velma that we got it free." Taeko said as Daya smirked as she was paid for a job well done. "I thought you brought a friend."
"Mom was on her period, and I figured I could call a cab." She remarked.
"Make sure you hurry back." Taeko said as Daya got out for him to.
He drove back to Kurokusa texting Velma, and she texted back with news. They could start consolidating power in Red County. She called to explain she had in talks with Larry, and he wants in to help. When Velma explained his request for being an underboss, he texted back. Larry helped him out, but he did not want to give Larry that rank straight away.
"Ok, I can't give him underboss, but I can make him a specialist. He can double as a Komon and a Kyodai. Cite that as a specialist captain, he can oversee RC affairs and in time he'll be a Shategashira. I just want to take my time…build a rapport." Taeko mused.
"Wise decision. We can arrive a meeting tomorrow." Velma mused. "I see the Flower Dance is tomorrow. Once you had your fun, we can go meet with Larry. Good thing the Amps attacked the impound lot."
"I still want Ruby to have a paycheck. The car is just for me to have extra leverage on her. What's her base pay?" He asked.
"15k. You can add to it like mine. How much is her car worth?" She asked him.
"1.3 million." Taeko said as Velma chuckled. "Be seeing you."
He hung up and got out of the car to go in to find Ruby charging her phone.
"Ruby, I've made a decision. Job's yours." He said as Ruby lit up. "Starting pay is 15k."
[Ruby Rose is now your hangar's mechanics. She can repair your vehicles and planes! Upping her pay can net you more features (with her talents and otherwise)! She will be found here at work or her living quarters.]
"Thank you, sir, you won't be disappointed." Ruby said.
"I figured that. There are living quarters on the hangar, but if you would rather a nearby apartment…" Taeko mused.
"If I had my car, I'd stay on base." Ruby said.
"Well about it, I did manage to get your car back. Comet SR, red and black…with carbon on it." Taeko said as Ruby raced outside.
"You got it back? How?" Ruby asked.
"Bought. I did have to pay a price for its retrieval." Taeko said.
He was given an option to half the price, keep it as, or double it. He was not cruel to double it, but he was not exactly going to be too nice to half it. Considering his gang nearly got killed to get the car, he made his choice.
"1.3 million. It's exact worth, Rose." Taeko said. "You owe me that. Now that won't come out of your paycheck. I'm honorable enough not to deny you a living wage. You'll just to work the debt doing personal favors for me. Understood?"
"I understand. Whatever you need…I can still go out racing when I want, right?" Ruby mused.
"Well, I can allow that…but I want to cash in a favor." Taeko said with a wry grin. "Let me show you your living quarters first and get your number."
Ruby's living quarters was connected to the office like his, and pretty much less a mid-range hotel room.
"Now about that favor…well we can start with a photo." Taeko said heading to the door. "Send me one of you in your underwear."
A sheepish Ruby blushed and nodded as he left. He wanted to do something more, but he figured he had to start small. If anything, the debt she owed him would incline to be subservient on top on other factors. Kyu was essentially throwing lewd moments at him, but he was not going to go crazy with them. Taeko was in the mood, but he was not going to just dump that on Ruby…on the first day. He found the [Blazer] had spawned and used Fast Travel to get back to the farm. He could feel with getting laid a little later considering he had a shed full of product. Thee bottles of [Mango], [Strawberry], and [Banana] wine; four bottles of [Mead] and [Ancient Fruit Wine]; three bottles of [Coffee] and twelve bottles of [Cherry Wine] from the Kegs. The twelve bottles for Chen were packaged and put in the Selling Bin while the rest were put away. A few things were put away in the closet, and he reminded himself to drop off the drugs for Candace. He did keep the [Ancient Fruit Wine] in his Inventory as he wanted to give them as gifts.
He picked up the four jars of [Green Beans Pickles], [Cherry Jelly], [Cauliflower Pickles], ten jars of gold quality [Mayo], and two jars of [Duck Mayo]. Taeko moved to change clothes to a green combat jacket, [Basic Jigsaw Shirt], woodland camo pants, and forest camo shoes. He noticed there was an option to have a helmet spawn for him when he got on motorcycles. He turned it on and customized the standard helmet to be black with the visor being yellow. The Rayquaza-like pattern was put upon the helmet. His phone blipped with a few texts. One from Harvey about wanting to make an order for a few jars of jelly, pickles, and mayo along with a bottle of wine. He texted back what's available and Harvey made his choice for 2 bottles of [Cherry Wine], 2 jars of [Mayo], 2 jars of [Green Bean Pickles], and 2 jars of [Cherry Jelly].
'Total is 2,450. I can deliver them.' Taeko texted.
He offloaded the extras before walking along to town checking his other texts. One from Gloria congratulating him on the pilot's license and a text from Ruby with a photo attached. Opened it up…and he eyed it up. Sports bra and boxers. She was cute…and considering her lifestyle…maybe he should have asked for her in swimwear. It was a start, and he moved on to see Candace was calling him. He answered…
"Kiba, baby. Could you come see me today?" Candace said. "I could use some help."
"Sure, I'll come by. See you soon." He said before hanging up.
Velma called him with news.
"An interview?" He mused. "A new hire and new member?"
"Yes, you'll need to get here ASAP." Velma said as Taeko moved back to the farm to get to get to his [Garage].
Taeko wasted no time.
[GAME PAUSED? WOULD YOU LIKE TO QUICK SAVE?]
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[BONUS CUTSCENE DETECTED. PLAYING BACK…]
Nani squirmed nervously in the waiting room in headquarters waiting for the boss. Nani had thought her luck changed for a bit when a stranger offered help, Kyu. Kyu got her the interview. She was talking to Kyu.
"Are you sure about this?" Nani asked her. "I'm pretty much joining a gang."
"Look, I said I could get you a job that paid well. He pays well. The gang is more of an anti-villainous vigilante group in protecting interests of the kumicho, his hometown, and his company." Kyu mused. "Semi-legal stuff."
Nani groaned, but asked what the head is like.
"He's a hard worker. One who believes in having a good team, who's pretty self-aware. He's good to his allies and fierce to his enemies. Also I'd say he's a handsome ladies' man even if he doesn't want to admit that to me." Kyu teased. "He's a monster slayer…and I'd think you'd be a girl he'd fancy."
Nani blushed as Kyu lifted her chin.
"Oh yes, easy on the eyes, voluminous hair, and a fit body." Kyu said with a chuckle as he pouted.
"I'm not just a pretty face." Nani touted.
"Sassy. He likes the kind of women that could kick his ass." Kyu joked.
"A masochist?" Nani asked.
"He's a martial artist…I'm pretty sure you have to be a bit of sadomasochist to enjoy that." Kyu snarked.
"I see." Nani said.
"Look, you want to help your sister. Be earnest about that and he'd take you on to help you." Kyu mused.
"He wouldn't just ask for sexual favors in exchange." Nani asked as Kyu sighed.
"I don't think he would. He has a soft spot for kids." Kyu remarked. "He adopted a girl into his family. Cares for her a grand deal."
That surprised Nani.
"But I will say he's one to ask if you willing to take a personal favor for extra cash, and I can see asking you." Kyu said coyly.
"I couldn't do that…" Nani said a bit sheepish.
"Then he won't push it if you don't want to. Just consider it…" Kyu said getting up. "He's…well equipped."
She left Nani sputtering with her own thoughts racing.
[GAME QUICKSAVED! Hurry back.]
(A/N: Ok, before I talk on other things, I was clear some things with Ruby being in the story. She's an only child (so no Yang). Technically given that the story is placed in 2017, I could justify mirror counterparts to characters introduced in V7/V8. [For example, Willow Schnee could appear, with a different backstory without her husband and kids.] However, most…if not all the ones from before are a no Let us see where it goes.)