Lets pretend I didn't read the original plot

Pirate Business 2.8

Levi frowns slightly at my somewhat absentminded nod to him. Before seeming to reach some conclusion. "Well I will go help your father with the negotiations and leave you to plan the finer details."

"Oh course, I will catch up as soon as I iron out a few kinks."

Thank you for that timely excuse. Clearly the system was easily broken or absent for most of the previous round why is it jumping out to grab attention now. Seriously wish this thing had a menu function.

Host has accessed the Menu please select your setting options

A semitransparent screen appears in front of with a variety of
Fantasy Future: Character Learning Game Program
Options Menu

Plot Retracking On Off
Action Options On Off
Fast track clearance On Off
Adventure Mode Moderate Easy Hard
Quick Exit Off On
Advanced Options

Okay cool. The first column is the active column. Now how do I make changes.

Fast Track clearance may be cancelled by activating the cancelation command during the fast track calculation. All other settings must be altered through the parental control settings.

You mean I need to be outside the capsule to make changes, which I currently can't get out of.

Host Please make persistent efforts.

There is something really strange about this system, it clearly encourages counter attacking my characters position but at the same time it doesn't want me altering the plot and protagonist's development. It's like it wants the character to only follow the path of direct revenge and slaughter. I really don't get the logic.

"can I look at the advanced options?"

Host lacks permission please change the parental settings.

Hmm, something just feels really off. It is really bugging me.

Host Please Choose
Scream for Help
Mutinous Silence
Counterattack

Huh?

"Well what do we have here? The good captain keeping a cabin boy?" a snide voice sounds from behind me and I turn to see a man coming in through the window. The first thing I think when I see him is that he seems slimy. Definitely a pirate as he seemed unkempt his hair not maintained and a scruffy beard. In black breaches and a green top.
If that's the quality of the group, maybe I should re-consider co-operation.

"Heh, I bet if I ruffle you up it should start a nice war between the good captain and the Alethian."

Oh, so not one of them just here to sew discord. In which case no need to be polite. Best to pound him into co-operation. Well carefully convince him to share his information.

"Come on now let's have some fun." The man reaches for me and a smile starts to curve my lips.

Disgusting pervert, time to pay the bill.

As he grasps my arm, I twist my wrist and grab onto his forearm. As he was leaning towards me, he was not balanced which allowed me to slide a leg forward and leverage him over my shoulder.

"Ah?" he yelps at suddenly being flung into the air. I spin quickly and steady my centre of gravity to kick upwards sending him further into the air just short of the cabin roof. He flails and I rotate my body bring my foot around to slam into his chest and drive him into the floor. Once he hits the floor, I take two steps back.

"You... think.... you.... can.... beat .... me.... not.... on.... your ...life," he gasps as he speaks while struggling to his feet.

Oh good, I'd be bored if I crushed his spirit that easily.

"why you" the man snarls and lunges at me.

Tch, how disappointing not even a little bit creative. I step forward reducing his momentum and nock his hands aside before striking at his chest I let his unruly and untrained strikes slide past me and deliver my own stickers to exposed areas. The stomach lower legs upper arms chest. Only when he is completely reeling and swaying on his feet do I spin around behind him and deliver a chop to the back of his neck. He drops to the floor like a rock right as the door slams open and Levi rushes in.

He pauses in the doorway and stares at the man collapsed at my feet.

"Uninvited guests, but he really lacks stamina. What can you do" I shrug pretending ignorance to the clear evidence of the man having been beat up. I was careful to avoid getting bruises on my knuckles so as to avoid evidence against me. "He collapsed" I say with a look of wide-eyed innocence.

"Of course, he did." Levi nods in agreement before reaching down and hauling the man up by his feet. He tosses him behind him at Cade and says, "go put him somewhere safe, I'll make enquires when he wakes up."

"Hmm, He seems to be from Malfact. Brother – in – law should be happy you have not been able to catch any of them yet." A statuesque red head comes into view with my father leaning around to look at the man Cade is holding. The voice was strangely neutral that in combination with the mask and hat made it difficult to distinguish gender.

I presume from the feminine style of the clothing and gestures that she can apply? A proper introduction would be nice right now. "Although, He is much more interesting than the scallywag," She purrs as she prowls towards me reaching out to touch the side of my face only for her hand to be grabbed before contact.

*** part 2.9 now available on my website sarielizusa.com
up to part 2.11 available for all tiers on patreon***