Galactic High

“Alright everyone.” Vanya grinned nervously. “No backing out now, I’ve announced the live broadcast on MyFace and everyone’s going insane over it!”

“Alright…” Jack sighed nervously. Being in front of a large crowd earlier that day didn’t feel as nerve-wracking, despite the fact that he had been paraded on stage in front of live cameras and lots of people in the crowd. Here, though he was comfortable sitting on the sofa at home, he was still worried with anticipation about being the centre of attention.

“We’ve already got some donations coming in and we haven’t even started yet!” Svaarti chirped up.

“How do those work?” Jack asked. “Are they like Twitch streams from where I come from?”

“Wouldn’t know.” Vanya shrugged in response. “Usually it appears in the chat and we get a notification so we can shout out the person who donated, is that what you mean?”

“That should be alright then.” Jack nodded. “Sometimes where I’m from people can send in video or audio clips, but most of them usually end up being bait-and-switch troll donations that either post gore, gay porn or blast the n-word repeatedly at high volume-”

“The what word now?” Sephy asked him, confused.

“What? Oh, it’s a pretty bad word where I’m from that’ll get you banned if it’s said on livestream, even if the streamer themselves isn’t at fault.”

“....Can you tell me what the word is?” Sephy asked with a mischievous grin.

“No…” Jack sighed.

“Is it like a magical curse or something? What is it? Tell me! Tell me! Tellmetellmetellme!”

“NOOOOOOO!” Jack yelled with a chuckle, throwing a cushion at the Skritta’s head.

“Well, while we have the capability for people to send in clips, that’s not really the focus of our news podcast.” Vanya chuckled as she copied and pasted her announcement to her other social media accounts. “There are channels solely dedicated to playing whatever is sent to them, but people follow us because of the unbiased news reports of local city issues. Naganai News Network is pretty good for announcing breaking news and various headlines for the really big stories, but they tend to gloss over everything else, so we’ve built up a niche audience over time. I’m hoping by interviewing you we can bring in some more regular viewers!”

“Well, while I’m a bit nervous about that, I should be fine as long as your viewers aren’t able to find out where we live so we don’t end up getting swatted.” Jack sighed.

Getting what? Chiyo asked. I’m not familiar with that term…

“Ah, I guess you wouldn’t get that here since there aren’t any cops.” Jack realised. “Basically where I’m from, some streamers that get doxxed can get the police called on them by viewers who can show up on the live stream itself, though some of the worst in the USA can get an armed squad sent to their home to breach and clear-”

“Holy shit!” Nika exclaimed. “That sounds hilarious!”

“Um….” Jack began. “It’s widely considered to be really, really bad…”

“Well, obviously it sucks for whoever gets targeted.” The Kizun shrugged. “But imagine how many assassination jobs we can do just by calling an armed response unit to go after them!”

“Well that won’t happen here,” Vanya told them adamantly. “I’ve spent most of my time since coming here heavily encrypting my setup. Nobody’s gonna find us, and I’ll be alerted if they even try!”

“That’s probably for the best,” Alora diplomatically acknowledged. “Anyway, I’ll brew a teapot for us all, get snacks sorted then we can sit down where you want us.” Alora smiled at Vanya.

“Cool!” The Chuna clapped her hands together in excited anticipation. “I’m gonna recruit a few more people to help with production and make sure we get as many people as we can tuning in, then Svaarti and I will make sure the cameras are all sorted and we’re all sat where we need to be!”

*****

“Are we all ready? We’re ready to go live soon, and we’ve already got a ton of listeners in the chat! Hey Svaarti, could you pull it up?” Vanya asked.

“I think this is a new record!” Svaarti excitedly reported. “More and more people are tuning in for this! Everyone’s curious about Jack, lots of people from school are spreading the word on social media!”

“Alright, I’ll switch us to the intro screen now!” Vanya grinned. “Gotta find that sweet spot between getting as many people as we can and not causing anyone to bail due to delays. You all set up over there, Svaarti?”

“Yep!” the Nirah happily replied. “Sending some viewer questions to your screen now. I know you already have some introductory ones, but there’s so many! I’m doing my best to curate them for you!”

“Awesome! Right, let’s all get into position! Jack, you’re next to me!” Vanya smiled flirtatiously as she put her arm around him and pulled him in close. “Alright? Everyone ready? We’re going live in 3…2…1!”

An introductory video begins playing and the live chat goes wild. Vanya’s musical intro reminded him of punk music from Earth, which formed an unusual but effective harmony with various pictures and videos taken by Vanya in the past, before he saw Vanya’s laptop show the live feed of the Chuna front and centre, with Jack and Alora either side of her.

“Hello everyone! Welcome to this long overdue episode of ‘City Talk’! I am your host Vanya, alongside my co-host Svaarti, say hi!”

“Hi everyone!” Svaarti waved, as the stream briefly cut off to the Nirah’s camera, which also featured Chiyo, before cutting back to Vanya’s camera.

“And we have special guests tonight! Making his podcast debut, he is the subject of wild rumours and the catalyst of crazy shit! Please welcome on my right, Jack Frost!”

“Hey guys!” Jack waved at the camera as confidently as he could.

“Also, on my left we have my good friend Alora Glenphyranix! Eladrie of high standing at school, she’s a Class Representative and member of the Student Council! And now we’re going to meet the other members of their group,” Vanya announced, before the camera moved back to Svaarti and Chiyo.

“Next to Svaarti we have Chiyo Dhasii, an Ilithii that possesses the usual innate psionic power of her species! Since she does not communicate verbally, Svaarti shall be vocalising what she says for the purpose of the podcast!” Vanya informed the viewers, before the third camera showed Nika, Sephy and Dante sitting together, with Dante immediately getting a huge positive reaction from the chat.

“And here we have two Deathball enthusiasts!” Vanya exclaimed. “Nika Falos, Kizun of immense prowess and dedicated martial artist, and Sephy Hawker, cunning slicer and purveyor of mischief!” Vanya allowed a pause to follow, teasing the chat who were posting remarks on how cute Dante was. “And finally we have Dante! He’s a good boy!”

“Woof!” Dante barked happily.

“And now we’re all introduced, it’s time to begin…right after I introduce today’s sponsor! Battle: Mythic Darkness!”

‘Are you fucking kidding me?’ Jack thought to himself.

“Battle: Mythic Darkness is one of the most ambitious mobile RPGs of all time and it’s available on all commlink devices!” Vanya told the audience, in what was obviously forced enthusiasm. “With over 9000 champions to choose from, you can customise your unique team in any way you want, as you battle your way to face Demon Lords, Heroes and even Gods themselves! However! My personal favourite mode is the PvP arena, where I like to battle others for unique loot! And if you join right now, you can unlock the new epic-level champion, Cecily, who is based off the famous ‘Slaughtergal’ of Corvin Enterprises herself! Use the link on my profile to sign up with 500 Power Gems, 1000 Light Sapphires, and an XP boost! That’s Battle: Mythic Darkness!”

Vanya paused for a moment to sip her tea, and allow the chat to mock the advertised game as being rather shit, but acknowledging the Chuna’s need to make money. “Anyway!” Vanya continued after a moment. “We’ll be taking on some viewer questions in a moment, but first, to inform everyone watching who might not know, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself, Jack?” She prompted.

“Well,” Jack began. “I was born on my home planet, not knowing anything about other species or magic, or the craziness that happens here, until one night I went to sleep on my homeworld and somehow woke up in the Pallid Pit!”

“You heard that right, chat!” Vanya emphasised, allowing Jack a brief respite. “Jack is an Outsider who came here under some of the worst circumstances imaginable!”

“Yes.” Jack nodded. “I fought the Cult of the Destroyer until I was rescued by High Priestess Cornelia and several Paladins of the Church of Astara, who took me in and helped me with the initial adjustment at the Temple of Hope. I met Alora there, was invited here, and that’s where our adventures started!” Jack concluded.

“And you’ve been through quite a lot since!” Vanya noted. “Some of it I already know about, others less so, but maybe we’ll learn more tonight! Svaarti, have you got a question for our guests?”

“We’ve got lots coming in!” The Nirah grinned. “We’re getting a few repeats so we can start with one of those while I send the rest to you. Jack, how old are you?”

“I guess it’s hard to convert it to the local time here.” Jack shrugged, happy to start with an easy question. “Back on Earth I would have just turned 15 years old. Since my friends here are in the same class as me, they’d be around the same age in Human years.”

“Yep! He’s my age, too!” Vanya grinned, chuckling as she saw the inevitable lewd comments shipping them together. “Here’s another hot question Jack, what are your thoughts on Hive Station Bastilla?”

“It’s fucking crazy.” Jack began with a sigh. “The existence of magic and monsters is one thing, but the complete lack of law and order, and all the crazy psychos out there is even worse. I’ve barely scratched the surface of this place. I’m just trying my best to survive, but I’m damn grateful for the friends I’ve made that help me. From what I hear of the city and places outside of it, it sounds like one hell of an adventure!”

“And speaking of the friends that help you, we in turn are grateful for how you help us as well, as the recent Clan Bharzum ceremony has demonstrated.” Vanya nodded with a smile. “That leads on well to our next question, and this one is an important one for all of you! How have you all bonded as friends so quickly? A few of our viewers have their doubts.”

“I get that.” Nika nodded, happy to answer. “But there is an expression the Red Legion uses that applies here. ‘The strongest bonds are forged by the fires of hell.’ Sure, we were more curious about him when we started, but it was the weekend when we left the city for a job where things changed. We fought together, bled together and almost died together. Nothing ties people together more than a common cause like that.”

Well said, Chiyo added, with Svaarti translating for the viewers. It helps that his situation has some similarities to ours when we came together.

“What about you, Jack?” Vanya asked.

“I’ll admit, a lot of it was me just going with the flow.” Jack sighed. “I’ve been through hell and I’m always fighting to keep myself together. I came here with nothing, and without the friends I’ve made and the team I’ve joined, I’d probably be dead. Nika’s right, nothing like bringing people together like mutual survival, and it helps that we have a lot in common with each other. That we became fast friends is only natural, and I’m glad there’s something good about coming here.”

The girls all gave each other conflicted looks at that, and Vanya hastily moved on to the next question, going for a more lighthearted one. “Okay, you mentioned before that some drugs here sound similar to drugs from your world, so we’ve got to get to the bottom of this!”

“Yeah, hearing about Killer Kush and Commander Cocaine was really weird for me.” Jack laughed. “Both weed and cocaine are derived from plants on my world, with cocaine going through a bunch of processes to refine it. Pretty sure that’s how most of the drugs work on Earth, though some may be synthesised somehow. I don’t really know how they work - we had a bunch of school assemblies to scare us off, but that’s about it. I’ve never taken drugs either.”

“That settles it! It’s different here!” Sephy grinned. “Kush is the same or at least similar, but Cocaine here is an alchemical mixture, including stuff mined out of the ground. It’s probably your Mmnetic translator associating the effects of the drugs here with what you know about from your world.”

“Fascinating!” Vanya grinned, taking a look at the questions her chat was sending here, focusing on one that all her viewers were focusing on. “Why do you hate it here Jack?”

“What do you mean?” Jack asked with a sigh. “I was taken away from everything I know and love, and the security and peace of my home. As I’ve said before I’m grateful for the friends I’ve made here and much of this place is truly fascinating, but since coming here I’ve been targeted by psychos, fought people trying to kill me and seen things nobody my age should ever see. I can’t help but hate a lot of things right now. Everything about what passes for society here feels abhorrent to me, and if I can I’m gonna try and make things better until something kills me. At least it’ll mean my death means something.”

“They say that time makes for an effective medicine, but are you in therapy for your trauma?” Svaarti asked unprompted, reading from the chat.

“No.” Jack shook his head vehemently. “I don’t need that shit. It won’t change anything. Men from where I’m from have had to deal with bad shit for centuries without therapy ever being a thing. Sure, I thought about eating a bullet to end it all when I first arrived, but not anymore, so I’ll be fine.”

“Okaaaay!” Vanya spoke up, as Jack cringed at accidentally revealing too many of his thoughts. His mask was slipping. “We’re gonna calm down from that with a few adverts and a few drinks! Stick around and we’ll be right back after a short break!”

Vanya held up a hand to signal for the others to wait, before confirming that ads were indeed playing.

“Jack…” Alora finally spoke as his friends looked to him in horror.

“Sorry about that.” Jack sighed.

“Don’t be, we got a lot of the bad questions out of the way so we’ll have mostly good ones going forward.” Vanya shrugged. “Let’s take a few minutes to chill out and refresh our drinks, then we’ll go into some more questions…”

After some time to calm down, they watched the last ad play out, ready to continue.

“OH YEAH! COMMANDER COCAINE UP IN HERE SELLING THE THICC STICKS! YEAH! LOTS OF MEAT AND PROTEIN?! YEAH! GO TO THE GYM?! YEAH! WANNA GET STRONG?! YEAH! GOT A SMALL DICK? SNAP IT UP WITH A THICC STICK!”

“And we’re back!” Vanya grinned. “We’re all good and raring to keep going with a really interesting question! Are you guys ever gonna go for the Top 10 bounties?”

“Maybe!” Jack joked, now feeling much better after having some stiff alcohol. “I think I only know of 2 or 3 of them. The Killer Klown is one, Malakiel is another…wasn’t there one that was on the news when we got back from our…erm…late night tour of the city?” Jack asked, not wanting to go into too many details about their night of hell.

“Atticus Corvin,” Vanya clarified. “The Rogue Master is the head of Corvin Enterprises and Number 9 on the list.”

“Alright.” Jack shrugged. “Who’s Number 1?”

The Number 1 spot has traditionally gone to an entity known only as ‘The Great Devourer’, Chiyo informed them, with Svaarti translating the context. Scholars have found that all throughout the ancient history of the Ring, there is a recurring theme. An overpowering force that awakens from an unknown place to cause widespread destruction every few Decamillennia. Who or what this entity is, is unknown. However since it is hellbent on destroying all life, you could say that there’s a general interest in seeing it permanently killed. A lot of the bounty does go towards funding researchers who are able to make discoveries, no matter how small, as it is seen as part of a puzzle.

“That chat reckons you could kick its ass, Jack!” Vanya grinned. “What do you say?”

“If it shows up when I’m around, I’ll put its arse back to sleep!” Jack chuckled.

“Speaking of strange forces beyond our comprehension!” The Chuna continued. “What are your thoughts on the Emerald King?”

“Honestly, I don't know.” Jack shrugged. “Have they actually done anything bad yet other than piss off the school prefects?”

The cameras of the stream picked up the others shaking their heads.

“Well, I have a bad feeling about them so I’ll keep my distance. It reminds me a lot of the King in Yellow or the Scarlet King from Earth.”

I have never heard of those before, what are they? Chiyo asked.

“Cosmic horrors beyond comprehension with evil intentions on my world and humanity.”

But you told us that gods and magic don’t exist on your world?

“That’s the thing, they don’t. Both the King in Yellow and the Scarlet King are completely fictional, so I have no idea what this Emerald King is meant to be.” Jack shrugged. “My advice, if it looks and sounds bad, it probably is.”

“Fair enough!” Vanya grinned. “Well let’s give you a break and ask the others a saucy question! What one thing about Jack do you find the most attractive?”

“His kind heart and willingness to help others,” Alora spoke up after a while with a smile.

His mind and love for knowledge that almost rivals mine! Chiyo added.

“His preparedness and pragmatism in keeping us all alive.” Nika shrugged.

“His huge c-”

“SEPHY!” Everyone shut the Skritta up with raucous laughter.

“Alright!” Sephy smirked. “But I guess humans have enough common traits with all our species that he ticks a bunch of boxes, I guess that’s why we’re as attracted to one another as we are.”

“Well here’s a follow-up question!” Vanya grinned. “What were your first impressions of Jack?”

A broken soul, Chiyo began. Though I am pleased to say that I think it’s on the mend.

“Same,” Alora agreed. “It was good that I met him.”

“Sephy and I thought he was pretty cool!” Nika grinned. “Gave us the fright of our life when we found out he’d be staying with us!”

“How about now?” The Chuna asked with a smile.

“Things have moved really quickly but I’m not complaining!” Sephy smirked, while the others nodded their agreement. “He’s a full-on member of the team now! Can be a bit broody, closed-off and paranoid at times though!”

“Moving on from that!” Vanya began. “How did you all end up living together?”

“This district historically belonged to my family,” Alora recalled as she sipped on her wine. “I claimed it when I first moved here and I was initially on my own, and as we all became friends, it was only natural they moved in! This place is huge!”

And spooky when you’re on your own! Chiyo added. You were mortified when I took the basement! You were convinced this place was haunted!

“So that’s why you brought me and Sephy in when you did!” Nika grinned. “And why you splashed the budget on security turrets after our first Run!”

“I’m gonna butt in with another question!” Vanya chucked to herself. “And it’s an important one that’s being spammed in chat: ‘Hello, I have a question for the girls. It's come to be known that you four are all romantically involved with Mr Frost to some degree but have emphatically rejected the term "harem". How would you describe your romantic situation?’”

“Oh for fucks sake…” Sephy groaned. “We’re not calling it a fucking harem!”

“I’d describe it more as a…situationship we all share with no real strings attached.” Nika shrugged. “I don’t think there are any other members of our species our age around, though I haven’t bothered looking, so we might as well be happy in our own way, right?“

“If there’s no strings attached can I join?” Vanya grinned, giving a lewd expression to the camera that made the chat go wild.

No, Chiyo told her.

“Well, maybe you’ll change your mind as your own ‘not-harems’ establish themselves!” Vanya grinned. “A question for Chiyo from one of the viewers who goes to school: ‘Which of the school boys did you have a crush on before you met Jack?’”

At that the Ilithii’s face fell, but held her hand up to hold the others back. It was Svaartal, She finally admitted. But he was a different person then. When I arrived here and first attended the school we bonded quickly, and the time he defeated a notorious bully and almost killed her was when I felt strong feelings towards him. However, soon after we drifted apart. I don’t know why but he changed dramatically. Jack very much reminds me of the person Svaartal used to be.

Svaarti, sadly, did not share all of those details for the audience. She knew what happened, and it was not a pleasant memory.

“Ah, sorry Chiyo, I didn’t know,” Vanya apologised. “Alright, a few questions surrounding Sephy! Where did your last name come from?”

“It’s not my family name, true.” Sephy shrugged. “I just ended up picking the name for myself. Kinda rolls off the tongue you know?”

“And Jack, how would you describe Sephy’s wings?” Vanya asked.

“Well, in Earth terms they remind me of a butterfly, except these can retract,” Jack answered honestly. “A little translucent like an insect too.”

“Can you decorate them, Sephy?” The Chuna continued.

“Yep!” The Skritta grinned. “Used to put stickers on them when I was really young but it fucked with my balance. They naturally regenerate too, fortunately, so that plus the accidents I had trying to fly never became a problem. I’ve thought about enhancing them with nanites or cyber though!”

“You got any more questions for us, Svaarti?” Vanya asked.

“I do but I’m trying to sort through all these puns!” the Nirah complained.

“You hear that, viewers?” Vanya joked. “If you sent puns in instead of questions, you should feel bad! Ok here’s a few rapid-fire questions for Jack then we’re going to go to another break! First, what is a ‘Deathworlder’ as you’ve described yourself?”

“Uh…” Jack began, having made up the term initially in a failed attempt to ward off trouble. “Deathworlds are dangerous planets that are extremely inhospitable to non-native lifeforms. High gravity, dangerous diseases, nasty weather, that kind of stuff. Deathworlders are the inhabitants of such planets.”

“Are Nirah deathworlders by that classification then?” Svaarti asked curiously. “Our home planet has what you described, along with vicious manastorms.”

“Probably then.” Jack shrugged with a grin. “The only two I’ve encountered certainly seem formidable enough.”

“Next question - How many beds have you broken?” Vanya asked.

Jack spat out his tea.

“There haven’t been any incidents since I began living with them.” Vanya coyly smiled to her audience while Jack was clearing his lungs. “I sleep next door to him after all. There is still time though, he can break mine at any time!”

The Chuna cackled as her chat went wild.

“Alright, since Jack’s currently out of action, here’s a question for Nika!”

“Shoot!” Nike shrugged.

“Why are you so angry?”

“Hah!” The Kizun chuckled. “My species tends to feel emotions to a much stronger degree when compared to others. Anger is just part of all of that. We learn to manage them in productive ways, which for me is sports and being able to rationalise it away. Though for some of my more…primal emotions I have some medication I can take to alleviate the effects if I don’t have a way to vent them.”

“Alright! And a quick question for Chiyo before we go on a break and make sure Jack doesn’t choke to death! Why do you use glasses when cybernetics can help correct your vision?”

Cybernetics and other ‘wetware’ can mess with my essence, the Ilithii explained. So I don’t have any cybernetics whatsoever in order for me to be able to use my powers freely without any complications!

“And the look suits you too!” Vanya grinned. “Anyway! Time for another break!”

“You alright Jack?” Sephy asked the human. “Vanya, you’ve gotta give us some warning before you lay your lewd questions on us!”

“Oh, lighten up!” Vanya chuckled. “How are we doing Svaarti?”

“All good!” The Nirah smiled. “I won’t tell you how well we’re doing since I want it to be a surprise!”

“Alright!” Vanya sighed. “Have some drinks and relax. We’ll make this the last segment, then we’ll just react to some funny videos the viewers send us to close things off.”

“Sounds good.” Jack nodded as he took a good swig of alcohol. The hard questions about his arrival had gotten to him a bit, but things had gotten better, and the prospect of just having some harmless fun was a good one.

He just sat there and rested his eyes for a moment, before sneaking a look at the chat. He was heartened to see the many messages of support, and thanks for his efforts against the Klowns.

“Hey everyone! We’re back!” Vanya waved to the camera. “We’ve had a bunch more questions and we’ll answer all of them, and we’ll start by bringing in the quietest member of our panel. How are you doing Dante?”

“Woof!” The ‘dog’ barked happily.

“We’ve got a few questions asking why you guys keep a non-sapient animal with you?” Vanya asked.

“Dante’s our pet, our friend, and they really wanted to come with us!” Alora smiled, reaching over to give the ‘dog’ some fuss. “And we’re happy to have him!”

“Does he know any tricks?”

“He understands us well enough, and I’ve been teaching him fetch and recall.” Jack smiled. “Some of the smarter dogs on my world work as herders, guardians or support animals. Dante’s done all that and more!”

“You do know my viewers are going to want to see some videos of him in action, right?” Vanya grinned. “Though that moves on nicely to another question I’ve been sent by someone who knows of our recent work with the Rescue Ranch. Reckon you’ll go back?”

“Definitely!” Alora smiled as Chiyo groaned. “It was great fun last time and we got some well-needed supplies for the district. Bhenn said he or the local Greenwardens might even call on us for some jobs at some point!

“Well if you get rewarded with more animals I won’t be complaining!” Vanya smiled. “The copperbacks we brought back with us are doing well!”

“They’re pretty much yours at this point, Vanya.” Nika smirked.

“I like relaxing and just watching them,” the Chuna admitted. “It helps me whenever I can’t sleep.”

“I’ve just seen a random question for me,” Svaarti spoke up with a confused expression. “No, my people do not possess legs in the same way, though as we evolved as arcane beings, we have the potential to modify ourselves magically with few side-effects should we so choose and if we have the coin.”

“I guess a few of our new viewers curious about Jack are unfamiliar with your species, Svaarti!” Vanya shrugged. “Got a few more quick-fire questions now, and I’ll read this one as it was written: ‘Yo, why yo' name is “Frost” when yoos warm-blooded?’”

“It’s just a surname.” Jack shrugged. “No relation to any powers I might have.”

“I definitely want to see if you can do magic!” Vanya grinned. “In more ways than one…” She licked her lips. “Next question: ‘Hey Jack, has your world ever heard of a door? You seem to bust through a wall every chance you get!’”

“Really?” Jack rolled his eyes, “If the situation calls for it and I need to get somewhere I don’t care about any damn doors! It’s everyone else's fault for making the walls too thin!”

“It’s helpful having a human wrecking-ball on the team!” Nika grinned.

“What Earthrealm deity gave you your super strength and speed, Jack? And what are the deities over there called?” Vanya then asked, not skipping a beat.

“None did, I guess it’s just natural for my species.” Jack pointed out. “And for my culture we just have one god, and they don’t want to be referred to by name, just 'God’. Though if they exist, they’re not like gods from here.”

“What’s the gender balance where you’re from, considering you have, like, 8:1 females to males in your society’s courtship, including Vanya,” Vanya read out with a grin. “What? That’s totally how they framed the question!”

“No, it’s not like that. It’s an even split of males to females for my species.” Jack sighed. “And we’re normally monogamous. I guess I’m a special case!”

“If you say so!” Vanya rolled her eyes. “Now we’ve got some questions about your latest work! A few of our eagle-eyed viewers saw you guys on TV recently!”

“Oh no…” Alora sighed, knowing where this was going.

“So first of all, we’ve got to know - do you have a team name?” the Chuna asked with a bemused expression.

“Fast Unexpected Crazy Killers!” Sephy grinned.

“No…” Alora sighed.

“Shadowrunning Hi-tech Infiltrating Terminators!” Nika suggested.

“No...” Alora sighed again.

“Crazy Raiding Assassin Punishers?” Jack suggested.

“No! We don’t have a name for this very reason!” Alora sighed. “And those acronyms are just bad!”

“Fair enough, here’s a big question - Why didn’t you keep the truck you stole?”

“I-” Alora gasped, but Nika shrugged and answered, “The road network wouldn’t allow for it and we were trying to lose our pursuers. In the thicker parts of the city we travel through, the best type of travel you might hope for is a small personal vehicle or maybe a rideable animal, and only for the widest of roads. Most of the time it’s all on foot, so no fucking way are we getting a huge-ass truck to where we are.”

“I get it, though it would look cool parked on the grass.” Vanya chuckled. “Now Alora, a rumour among the Greenwardens says you’ve been gifted the seed of an Elder tree! Is this true, and where will you plant it?”

“I can’t confirm or deny these rumours.” Alora smiled. “But if I did possess such a seed, I will know the place to plant it when I see it. Like an indication of fate.”

“I see.” Vanya nodded. “Next question: It is all but confirmed at this point that you had a confrontation with Red Legion aspirants a few weeks ago that didn’t end well, yet you have friends that are part of the Red Legion. What’s up with that?”

“Just like in any organisation, you get extremists.” Alora sighed. “It gave us no pleasure to eliminate those that came after us, but we had to defend ourselves. It is our hope that the Red Legion can curtail their more problematic elements. Though we personally do not wish to join the Red Legion, we understand and respect the choice of others to do so, or those born into it. The vision of order that the Legion has is an inherently noble one.”

“Last question for the group before I go back to Jack. We’ve heard your first impressions on Jack, but what about each other?”

“I always thought Alora was a dogooder that couldn’t do wrong until we went Shadowrunning together.” Nika grinned.

“Yeah, never thought we’d end up friends.” Sephy agreed.

Scared when I first met her, though her inner fire was always there. Chiyo pointed out.

“Alora was honest and good with me from the beginning and was the first person to really help me start climbing out of a pit of despair,” Jack honestly answered, earning a smile from the Eladrie. “I’m still climbing, but she set me on the path.”

“Who’s next?” Vanya asked.

I thought Nika was bad news at first, Chiyo admitted. But Alora was right about her and Sephy from the beginning, and I’m glad to be wrong!

“She challenges me to do better!” Jack nodded. “But I thought the short Kizun looked damn cute and adorable when I first-OW!” He shut up when Nika’s tail jokingly swatted his head.

“Nika’s a great shot-caller, and I knew she only played at being gruff and grumpy.” Alora playfully grinned.

“My first friend after getting kicked out of the Temple of Hope. I’m damn grateful for her,” Sephy spoke up, far more seriously than usual.

“Someone’s got to keep you out of trouble!” Nika laughed. “I thought you were fun to be around and that stopped me from carrying on solo.”

“You’re mischievous but not malicious.” Alora nodded. “And Nika’s right!”

You’re a pain in the arse! Chiyo told the Skritta in no uncertain terms. But you’re damn great too!

“You really cheered me up when I first got here,” Jack admitted to Sephy. “And everytime I’m with you, you cheer me up even more! You’re really one of a kind!”

Sephy’s face went through many motions as she didn’t know what to say to that, before quickly moving on to Chiyo.

“I knew you were a big nerd the moment I first saw you!” The Skritta grinned. “At least you’re not a boring one!”

“You overthink every damn thing you can!” Nika laughed. “I have no idea how you even pull that off!”

“Chiyo understood me well when we first met, though we had trouble communicating at first!” Jack smiled. “Thanks for being patient with me.”

The Ilithii nodded with a smile before she looked to Alora. “Words cannot describe how grateful I am for you, Chiyo.” The Eladrie smiled. “Those first days were tough, but I’m grateful you found me.”

“Last questions are for Jack!” Vanya asked. “Some of these are a little personal, so don’t answer what you’re uncomfortable with. That said, the chat is asking if you have family?”

“Back on Earth, yes.” Jack nodded. “I have a mother, father, and a grandma that’s still alive. I’m the youngest of my siblings, with one older sister and a bunch of older brothers and cousins who kept pushing me to do better. I…sorry. I don’t want to talk about them right now.”

“That’s all good.” Vanya nodded respectfully. “Do you have any favourite music, book or food you miss from back home?”

“I listened to a variety of stuff.” Jack recalled. “From dubstep to death metal, though none of that normie shit. I never really had a favourite…actually that’s a lie. Alestorm. Pirate Metal is the fucking best!”

“I’m not getting any results for that,” Svaarti announced after a few searches.

“As for books, I’ve read Harry Potter, and I’ve read The Hobbit. Lord of the Rings is a difficult read though, and I swear Phillip Pullman has the UK education system by the balls since his books kept making it onto the required reading list.” Jack sighed. “I’ve gone through a lot. David Gemmell, Anthony Horowitz and R. A. Salvatore are probably my favourites.”

“Foodwise, I really miss Fish and Chips, it’s so nice! If we can ever get fish here I might be able to recreate it, though I need to pin down something I had in the school cafeteria similar to potato. Yorkshire puddings I could probably do here, Bangers and mash too. Not sure if I can recreate my grandma’s Shepherd’s Pie though.”

“Sounds nice!” Alora told him.

“They are!” Jack grinned. “Some people from other countries around Earth say my country’s food isn’t nice, but they’re mostly butthurt Europeans still salty about Brexit, or other countries around the world butthurt about getting colonised by us. We don’t really listen to them anyway.” Jack shrugged.

“I’ll take your word for it!” Vanya told him, before reading another question. “Okay, an anonymous classmate who was present during the Klown attack wants to know what your current status is with Svaartal.”

“Really? Who sent that one?” Nika asked, while Svaarti looked sad at the question. “Still an enemy, though fortunately for him we have worse to worry about right now.”

“Jack?” Vanya asked.

“I don’t know.” Jack sighed. “Svaarti’s right about him though, he and I are very similar, though often at odds. He has a lot of hatred for the Stygians, and though I don’t agree with it, I can fully understand it.“

“What do you mean?” Svaarti asked.

“In my country back on Earth, there is a religious group not native to my country, who have only recently been a thing in the last two and a bit decades with mass immigration,” Jack steadily began, picking his words with care. “There are elements of this group, Islam, that are hostile to natives like myself, committing terrorist attacks, forming rape-gangs targeting native children, that sort of thing. I like to try and be tolerant to a point and I know that judging an entire group for the actions of a few is wrong. Despite that, however, I know full well that if my mother or any one of my loved ones were hurt or worse by them, I’d be calling for their fucking blood.”

He paused at that, and then sighed deeply, looking at his trembling hands that he fought to compose. “That’s why I understand. Svaartal’s just like me.”

“I hope things get better.” Svaarti sympathetically smiled. “I know that the Bharzum triplets want that to happen, I believe Loretta floated the idea of both of you joining them for a fivesome!"

Jack spat out his tea….again.

“And that’s pretty much it!” Vanya nodded, as Jack quickly recomposed himself while the others all roared with laughter. “Unless there’s anything else you really miss, Jack. TV shows or movies perhaps?”

“I stopped watching Doctor Who after Matt Smith left, though House of the Dragon looked alright. MCU is shit now. Star Wars is shit now. John Wick is fucking awesome though. I’ll miss that, and anything else Keanu Reeves does. He’s a cool guy. Henry Cavill too, he was great in The Witcher and playing Superman despite the shitty writers….OH FUCK! GOD FUCKING DAMNIT!”

“What?” Everyone asked Jack in alarm.

“HENRY CAVILL WAS WORKING ON A LIVE-ACTION 40K SERIES! I’M GOING TO MISS ALL OF THAT! FUCK! SHIT! BOLLOCKS!”

After several minutes of calming down, Vanya wisely decided to wind down the broadcast, bringing up some videos for the panel to react to, as well as give their thoughts on current events. Overall it was a fun stream, and everyone had fun after that.

“Aaaaaaaaand that’s all we have time for tonight!” Vanya finished, with a beaming smile. “Thank you very much Jack, Alora, Chiyo, Nika, Sephy and of course Dante for joining me and Svaarti! Maybe we’ll see you again on the show sometime! I see we’ve got a lot of new people in the chat joining the ‘City Talk Crew’, so if you want to catch the next broadcast, don’t forget to follow me on social media, and if you can’t wait, you can view my vlogs on NetTube, and news reportings on my website! Links in the description and posted in the chat! Thank you all for watching, and until next time - Stay safe!”

Vanya clicked a few buttons and waited for a few moments to confirm the broadcast was over before she slumped back with a sigh of exhaustion, her happy smile not going anywhere. Jack was very glad to see the Chuna like this - he hadn’t seen her this happy since before the Klown attack, and knew that Vanya had needed this.

“That has got to be the most successful podcast we’ve ever done!” Vanya grinned, emotions going through her mind. “Holy shit! We’ve had so many donations and new subscribers already! Wow, I have a lot of planning to do, but just…wow! Thank you so much everyone! Jack, I could kiss you right now! I probably will when I get the chance!”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves!” Alora chuckled. “But I’m glad things are getting better for you Vanya, and you too, Svaarti!”

“They are, aren’t they!” Vanya exclaimed, “Gods, I’ve been feeling like shit ever since that attack, and while the memories still haunt me, they sure as hell don’t feel as bad right now! Damn, I need to take a walk and get some fresh air! There’s so much I need to do!”

“Put the kettle on while you’re at it!” Alora called after her as the Chuna got up with shaking legs. “How are you feeling, Svaarti - you’ve only just woken up, you’ve been a hell of a trooper!”

“I’m managing,” Svaarti tiredly nodded with a weak smile. “Though that Lesser Life Stone of yours has been helping me immensely tonight, I’ll need to get some rest soon. I’ll teleport back home once we’ve wrapped up here.”

“About that.” Alora smiled, trying to be gentle and tactfully broach the subject. “I’m sure you know that House Mal’Kar has a dubious reputation, and we’re all worried about you. You’re always invited to come live with us if you don’t feel safe. I know you’ve never wanted to leave your brother in the past, but things have now obviously changed. If you ever need help, don’t be afraid to call us or visit at any time.”

“Thank you, Alora.” Svaarti nodded. “But I’m fine, really. Things are really getting better for us!”

“I’m glad.” Alora nodded. “But we’re always here if you need us.”

“Thank you.” Svaarti smiled. “I understand your concerns, but House Mal’Kar has treated us well so far. Much better than I could have hoped with the Red Legion, and of course if there’s anything I can do, I am always happy to help my friends!”

“About that.” Alora smiled. “I think it’s time. There is a minor curse placed upon me by my family that I want removed. Would you be willing to sit in on the ritual?”

“Of course!” The Nirah smiled.

Only a few minutes later, the circle of arcane-inclined had taken their seats as indicated by Alora. Chiyo, Vanya and Svaarti were casually sat next to each other, while Obeda and several others had all been called, more than willing to assist in the ritual, though confused as to why they were required.

“I wish to make a statement to my family by doing this.” The Eladie sadly smiled. “Make no mistake, this shall likely be seen as a declaration of hostile intent by them, and I am fine with that, no matter the consequences. I will lead and conduct the ritual myself, so no repercussions will reach you. If you want to back out now, then feel free to do so with no shame.”

Nobody did. Chiyo even looked a little insulted

“Very well. Thank you.” Alora smiled, as she began casting.

I can detect the presence of the curse, it’s like a faint dark cloud on your aura. It’s very subtle, but it’s there, Chiyo informed Alora a few minutes later, as the Ilithii illuminated it for everyone else in the ritual circle to see as Alora kept chanting her prayer. Channel your intentions, and focus on the curse breaking, shattering like glass.

The prayer of Alora grew louder in volume, turning to a full crescendo as the Eladrie focused her will into one single word.

“Rasherno!”

Jack couldn’t say for sure if he felt anything, except maybe a slight draft of wind, but he could see Alora suddenly relax as the curse was broken.

“And that is that.” The Eladrie sighed as she stood, placing a hand against a wall to support herself. “My family now knows for sure of my defiance. There will be a response to my taking a stand, but I don’t know what that will be.”

“The die is cast.” Jack nodded in understanding, using the appropriate metaphor as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, the others looking on, not sure what to say. “You’ve crossed the Rubicon. But just like Caesar, you haven’t crossed it alone. I’m with you.”

“We’re all with you.” Nika grinned.

“Thanks everyone.” Alora smiled. “I think we’re done here for tonight.”

“Last round of drinks before we turn in for the night?” Sephy grinned, leading everyone out. Jack was the last to go, leading Alora away, before the door suddenly slammed closed. Vines from the nearby plants snaked around to bar the way.

“Actually, you and I are not quite done yet.” Alora shyly smiled as he turned around to face her. “Now that my curse has finally been removed, we have some unfinished business from the party. And I believe I have some catching up to do…”

*****

The midnight sky was a murky blend of purples and greys, an oppressive canvas that seemed to seal off this forsaken corner of Hive Station Bastilla from any semblance of warmth or light. This long-abandoned coastal town, once a bustling hub of fishermen and seafarers, now stood desolate and eerily silent, no civilization to be seen for hundreds of miles. The only sound to be heard was the subtle rippling of waves against the stony beach, like a mournful whimper that echoed the town's long-forgotten past.

From afar, the ruinous structures of the ancient community appeared as mere shadows, long worn and dilapidated by the ravages of time and saltwater, with broken windows that bore the twisted faces of unspeakable horrors, old rusted anchors, and the skeletons of long-abandoned boats scattered along the shoreline, as if they were desperate to flee but were trapped by an unseen force. A place of horror, and a place of dark deeds…

Out of the mists of the nearby forests, they slowly arrived, a bone-chilling wind gathering in their wake. Many of the larger figures wore dark robes or nondescript rags to hide their true form, and almost all wore hoods that concealed their faces. Their identities did not matter, for the pale white masks they wore with the burning skull of The Destroyer left no doubt as to who they were.

Long forgetting their mortal name, or anything else of their life before she came into The Destroyer’s embrace, The Trickster strode forward with purpose towards the beach, flanked by her force of Cyberzombies, Dread Beasts and Silencers. They had taken barely any casualties during their ambush of the Outsider, and were raring for another opportunity to cause mayhem. However, her bestowed forces came with conditions, and she was here to answer for failing one of them.

Looking around, The Trickster saw nothing, and that concerned her. Quickly unholstering a blaster, she spun it around, scanning the area for any sign of their contact, but seeing nothing. Unholstering her other blaster she walked several paces along the beach, twirling the guns with instinctive ease, before something in the corner of her eye caught her attention, and she levelled both guns at the fully robed form sitting calmly on a large rock that had mysteriously not been there before.

“Getting twitchy?” the figure asked, in a calm, hoarse whisper that sounded…strange. The Trickster couldn’t place it.

“Getting impatient,” The Trickster retorted. “Why am I here?”

“To answer for your failure,” the mysterious figure retorted. “The Outsider poses a danger, and he is a more resourceful threat than even I anticipated…”

“Kack….” A noise echoed in the distance.

“He and his companions barely managed to escape me,” The Trickster snapped. “They will not do so again. Either I destroy them, or they destroy me. They know about my phylactery now, and I don’t fear Eternal Entropy.”

The Trickster tried to look directly at the figure, but for whatever reason, natural inclinations or supernatural power, she found that even her undead gaze could not focus on their visage.

“Kack….Kack…” The noise sounded again, coming closer.

“Enjoy your games, just get it done,” the figure cautioned. “The Outsider cannot be allowed to live. Those that live outside of the tapestry of prophecy are cursed to disrupt it. I was there when he was paraded by Clan Bharzum for his recent efforts, he even may have seen me, somehow.”

“Kack…Kack…Kack…” The noise carried close on the wind, as new figures approached the gathered cultists.

“I guarantee success,” The Trickster cackled as a hulking figure emerged from the newly gathered. The grotesque, rat-like monster with matted, oily black fur was a tower of thick, scarred muscle and gruesomely effective cybernetics that sneered down at The Trickster with glowing crimson cyber-optics.

“Greetings, Skitterdeath. I knew you couldn’t resist a challenge.” The Trickster smirked.

“Who’s the meat for the slaughter? Kack…” Skitterdeath snapped with their bolted razor-sharp maw.

“The Outsider, Jack Frost, who is responsible for the destruction of our gathering at the Pallid Pit,” The Trickster informed them. “I know you’ve heard of them. They have since distinguished themselves in other ways. I plan an ambush from where they have no choice but to stand and fight.”

“Kack! They had better be worth my time!” Skitterdeath spat. “I want the Killer Klown or the best Corvin has! Not some boy! Kack! Too long have I been denied a foe worthy of Skitterdeath!”

“Turn the Outsider into crimson mist,” the seated figure ordered, subtly raising a sleeve and channelling their psionic power. “He cannot be allowed to live. Grant him the eternal gift of nothingness, and The Destroyer himself shall smile upon your work!”

The power of the figure ignited a strange euphoria in Skitterdeath he had not felt in ages.

“Kack! Then I seal my promise! It shall be done! KACK! KACK! KACKACKACKACK!” They yelled into the night sky, as their twin gatling blasters spooled up and lit the night sky up with the green glow of plasma fire.

Jack Frost wouldn’t stand a chance.

The figure waited patiently for the cultists to leave. Almost an hour after the last sounds left them, they began to chuckle, the sound echoing across the waves in an unnatural warble. He had not found the Outsider particularly impressive when they met face-to-face, but they were clearly resourceful enough to avoid the tripwire bomb he left behind. He reached into his robes, and used his telekinetic power to levitate a black device which switched on and stared at him with an unblinking red optical light.

“QUERY: REQUESTING SITUATION UPDATE,” the robotic voice of Malakiel snarled.

“The Outsider survived the attack, and the Cult of the Destroyer will try again,” the figure calmly reported. “Though there are genuine threats that could destabilise your plans that have yet to be answered.”

“CALCULATING….QUERY: REQUESTING DATA ON ENEMY PROGRAMMER: KILLER KLOWN.”

“Their recent attack was devastating and unexpected,” the figure reported. “They had assistance from a third party. Ironically, it was the Outsider who discovered Dr Reyazz Grine as one of the conspirators, though I could not locate them myself.”

“OBJECTIVE UPDATED: GATHER DATA ON UNKNOWN PROCESS. POSSIBLE OUTSIDER THREAT DETECTED.”

“Of course.” The figure nodded. “Anything else?”

“CALCULATING…QUERY: REQUESTING DATA ON NAGANAI FACTIONAL CONFLICT.”

“Corvin Enterprises stands in the most favourable position, though that may change based on the current issues the city faces. Both Myrodin and Shaskasaki remain in an alliance of convenience against them. Other factions are staying out of it for now and are focusing their efforts on rebuilding after the Killer Klown attack.”

“CALCULATING….QUERY: REQUESTING DATA ON ENEMY PROGRAMMER: ATTICUS CORVIN.”

“I don’t know what the Rogue Master’s plans are,” the figure stated truthfully. “Corvin Enterprises are definitely making a greater play of some kind, but I don’t know for sure what it is, and they’ve been spreading multiple false rumours. Infiltrating them is too risky, they have ways of detecting it even I can’t fool.”

“CALCULATING….PROJECTED ZORN MIGRATION INDICATES PROBABILITY OF ENEMY PROGRAMMER ACTIVITY. REFORMATTING GROUND ASSETS. REASSESS ONCE ENEMY PROGRAM RESOLVES”

“As you wish.” The figure nodded again. “Corvin Enterprises defeated the Killer Klown last time, after all. If Blighttooth is reawakening, it is likely they’ll target Corvin Enterprises as the greatest threat to their plans.”

“CALCULATING….QUERY: REQUESTING DATA ON UNKNOWN PROGRAMMER: EMERALD KING.”

“Their preachers just showed up at once around several places of the city,” the figure explained. “And it’s highly concerning. I ripped into one of their minds and found nothing prior, like it had already been wiped. They have food and supplies that residents need, and are quickly gaining ground.”

“CALCULATING…PROBABILITY OF OUTSIDER INFLUENCE: 93.4%.” Malakiel snarled in hatred. “PRIMARY OBJECTIVE UPDATED: GATHER DATA ON SUSPECTED OUTSIDER PROCESS AND TERMINATE ALL OUTSIDERS.”

“Very well, they won’t see me coming,” the figure confirmed. “Though there is still the question of that second presence. The one that showed Dubakuu the Spawn of Nekdon, that not even you knew about. Have you worked out who or what they were?”

Malakiel did not respond.

“And may I ask why Outsiders always take precedence in your calculations?

“DATA…………..UNAVAILABLE.” Malakiel responded in a very uncharacteristically hesitant way that disturbed the obfuscated figure to no end.

“Very well. I beg your pardon.” The figure nodded as they moved to put the device away.

“LAMETH.” Malakiel suddenly spoke up, and the figure, Lameth, dutifully stopped. “POSSIBILITY OF PRIMARY THREAT ACTIVITY….72.7%. ASSET LOSS, UNACCEPTABLE.”

“I shall be appropriately cautious.” Lameth nodded, as the connection ended.

Staring out towards the crashing waves, Lameth shuddered ever so slightly. Turbulent times were ahead, but like always, they would weather the storm. As his form shifted back into its true appearance, his robes fell to the side alongside the dripping grey ichor of his transformation, falling to be washed away by the waves. Floating with potent telekinetic power, his large serpentine, tentacled form lazily moved forward, malevolent eyes gleaming like moonlight before diving deep, and embracing the balm of the sea depths.

*****

Author Q&A

Well damn! 100 Chapters! I’m very happy that there are many readers still following along with the story, and I hope you stick with me as our characters become more powerful and grow together! Dropoff in viewers is to be expected when I only post a chapter a week, and especially when I cover subjects and use language that will drop me in various site algorithms. However that doesn’t bother me, as this is my vision and I will not compromise on my setting. I have also seen some constructive feedback on my writing style, and shall apply what I agree with where valid to the best of my ability. I’d like to thank all my beta readers for helping me keep the grammar on point and things making sense, which has massively helped with improving Galactic High, and every one of you amazing people who support me by enjoying the series! Now for the Q&A, and I will address a few raised points too!

Q: Are you NetNarrator?

A: Yes! I have not taken any steps to obscure this fact, but I keep seeing comments both on Reddit and my youtube channel from people surprised at this! I have technically been writing much longer than I’ve been NetNarrator, starting with me writing Urban Fantasy in the World of Darkness setting for NaNoWriMo in my early uni days. I still have my drafts for those too, so I may look to publish if I can fix them.

Q: What gave you the idea to do this?

A: I had the urge to try a new series after listening to a bunch of podcasts on Shadowrun, and being unable to find a story that came close to it. Shadowrun is the main inspiration for my setting, along with Pathfinder, D&D and Starfinder. Also, I wanted to pioneer something new within the HFY genre after narrating a lot of stories with recycled tropes. I attempted to do this with Descent of the Demon Lords by taking inspiration from XCOM, which wasn’t that popula, but I tried another set of ideas with Galactic High, and it seems to be working so far, especially when I take steps to avoid a lot of tropes, while adhering to certain others.

Q: This is a unique setting!

A: Yep! When I knew I wanted to head more towards a Shadowrun-style setting (While allowing for good ol’ D&D style adventure!) I decided to have a state of relative anarchy with a lot of unexplored frontier, where might makes right. While there are factions wanting to try and impose order, most of them on Hive Station Bastilla can only do so on a small or local scale, and are often toppled if they’re not careful. Even the MegaCorps have limited territory! On a galactic scale, while stellar empires exist in the great beyond, they can just as easily be destroyed by a foreign power or other catastrophe. There is no Galactic Council or other overruling body whatsoever, and even the mighty can be felled by those cunning enough. The concept of Vice is alien to the inhabitants of Hive Station Bastilla aside from a few religions that might influence an individual’s actions, with no laws on drugs, prostitution and the like. Due to the lack of law and order, the galaxy is rife with evil, and psychos that are able to act with a degree of impunity. However, there are also those that work to stop them, not by the compulsion of any law, but by moral decency, and the desire to try and do good in a galaxy that doesn’t care either way. It is a harsh, lawless, dangerous place to live, but one of opportunity, and maybe, just maybe…the hope of building something better!

Q: Can I make a spin-off story?

A: Sure! Sexy Space Babes is a great example of a massive fan community with a bunch of spinoffs and I see no reason why it can’t work with Galactic High. The universe of Galactic High is vast, has been around for untold eons and is just as crazy in other Hive Stations or worlds. It won’t likely be canon to the main story however…

Q: Could there be a crossover with another HFY series?

A: This is a tricky answer, since there don’t seem to be any other humans around apart from Jack. As NetNarrator I have the privilege of speaking to and getting to know many authors here, so who knows? However I don’t think there’s a similar enough setting to make it work, though if it does happen our Shadowrunners can easily be brought in as mercenaries, though they are teenagers lacking any kind of formal military training. However as far as other crossovers go, I highly recommend We Need a Job for a Deathworlder for an example of this done right!

Q: This looks like a great tabletop setting for my game!

A: Oh yes! People say this a lot, so go for it! Same points above apply here, and I hope your GM can adapt it well to the game you play. I’d love to hear your tabletop tales!

Q: Will there be pancakes?

A: I have no immediate plans to do so, however I will not outright say ‘no’. The age/maturity of the main characters does not allow for it right now, despite how cocky certain characters act (like many of us did in school, I’m sure!). If it makes sense to write something like that later in the story, then I’ll give it my best attempt (though as NetNarrator I have developed some mental scars just reading the sex scenes of others!). I have no intention of forcing such a scene through for quick likes on my story, though lewd stuff can happen, has already happened too, and wild stuff may still happen around the characters, even if they’re not doing that kind of stuff themselves! There is a danger here of Jack being labelled as a typical clueless isekai protagonist, however I reject these labels at this stage due to the in-story timeframe, and that Jack as a character has suffered much trauma. He knows he can go for that stuff, but he isn’t ready.

Q: Will you publish?

A: Almost definitely yes, at some point. The beginning up to the aftermath of the party is a tentative arc to go for a Book 1, however I am not in a rush to do so. I will also not be taking any exclusivity deal, and I may also publish my earlier works that aren’t on the internet. My initial plan was to focus on a trilogy, however since we’re barely 25% through what I first planned for Book 1, the plan will change.

Q: How do translators work?

A: The in-universe answer is a blend of technology, magic and psionics. The real reason is because I didn’t want to be bogged down too much by the logistics of multiple languages in the opening introductory chapters of the setting when I wanted to focus on other things. However I did have a plotline with Jack and Chiyo having some earlier communication issues, which showed the Mmnetic Translators not being completely infallible….

Q: How do humans measure up to the rest of the galaxy?

A: How has Jack measured up so far?

Q: What’s up with Svaartal?

A: Not telling, but reading all of your comments is great fun! :P

Q: There’s a lot of bad guys coming after Jack! How will you manage all that?

A: There’s a lot of bad guys coming after Jack that you, the reader, know are coming! There are others too. As for how I will manage it…wait and see :)

Q: What’s up with the weird NPCs?

A: While I have a roadmap of where I want the story to go, a lot of what is written is improvisation that I’m able to work on well. Killer Kush and Commander Cocaine came about when I needed them, and I have so much fun writing them. Also I like to make sure certain characters are memorable, even if they’re not around for long, and some of them I’m borderline shitposting with, most notably with a certain villainous Ogre! It’s important to remember that I, the writer, am having fun too!

Q: Do you have stories of the ethereal plane?

A: The ethereal plane is a realm between realms. There are many mysteries and unimaginable horrors lost within, and there are tales in every culture in every corner of the omniverse of those who one day go missing without a trace…you tell me :)

Q: What’s Rena’s issue? Autism?

A: In human terms, yes, Rena is on the spectrum. I kept this fact obscured for a while on purpose for people to ponder on for a while for you to work out on your own. I used many of my own experiences being on the spectrum as the basis for what Rena goes through.

Q: What’s up with the monsters in the north? Spawn of Nekdon, Klowns or otherwise?

A: The further away the city you get the more likely you are to face hostile forces. Though the group did their due-diligence and identified the likely threats of Zorn tribes, Risen from Nightwhisper Manor, and possible Klown forces separated far from the main horde they deemed them threats they could handle, with the Spawn of Nekdon being an unknown until our Shadowrunners found it! Many rumours can reach civilization from hermits, pilgrims and travellers through these uninhabited regions, and as we saw above, some of these rumours may have some weight behind them…

Q: How does Chiyo communicate via technology such as communicators? Do the devices detect telepathy?

A: Text message or text-to-speech usually, or listening to what the others say. Her familiarity with others also allows her to send telepathic messages, as per similar spells in D&D and Pathfinder. Don’t think about it too much!

Q: How are the group bonding so quickly? It’s unrealistic!

A: A mix of trauma bonding, mutual survival and being peers of a young age. When you’re surviving in a hostile environment where life is cheap, you learn to latch yourself onto allies you can trust. The in-story timeline is short but the characters have been through a lot together during that time, so I say it works. I will be moving the in-story timeline forward a bit more over the next few chapters, so this will allow for greater character development in more overt ways than the subtleties we’ve seen so far.

Q: Why do the girls fancy Jack so quickly?

A: Many young and dumb characters, and Jack began the story as a curiosity. The degrees to which the girls fall for Jack varies as well, and things may change over time. And anyone that says they never had mad crushes at that age is a damn liar!

Q: Are there things in the story we should paying special attention to?

A: Yep. Lots. You guys tend to pick up on some strange or incorrect things, and ignore things I’ve been more overt with! It’s great fun to see! And in the spirit of fun, I will give you a hint! Chapter 27 is a huge chapter. You didn’t think I forgot about those plot points did you? :)